I like to think that making resolutions for the new year is just what I need to start my year off right… but I have found that if I am not totally committed to the action my resolutions become half hearted. I read this quote from James Clear author of Atomic Habits “ You can usually accomplish more by giving something your full attention/effort for a few years rather than giving it a lukewarm effort for 50 years. Pick a priority for this season of your life and do it to the best of your ability” This has really gotten me to think about what have I been doing for the past 50+ years and how long has it taken me to get where I am going? Could I have found a simpler way by devoting my complete attention to it? I have taken pride in being able to multi task well but what have I given up by doing so many things at once. Well, this year. I am doing to devote myself to one thing I keep procrastinating about and see how long it takes me accomplish my goal. I would love to hear about your adventures for the year and how you are going to accomplish them.
Creating a New Quilters Series of Cards
I have been working on a fun Quilting card series. I am friends with many quilters and I have been known to sew a quilt or two in my day. The idea of having just fun designs for a specific group has made me energized. It might not sell but I want to do it because....well I want to do it. Taking these 2 designs out of the 9 I have, I thought I would show you my process. These were done with scraps of paper, ink , glue and a little paint. I want to find something creative to write on the front. So I googled " quilting terms". Do you know that quilters have the best terms? Meeting with my friend Rebecca at the local coffee shop we went over the terms and laughed and laughed at the made up stories we could tell from these terms.. take " jelly roll" and "fat quarters" sounds like someone hasn't been working out. " Long Arm". "Stacked", " Prairie points" and that isn't even counting the names quilters have used to identify some of the designs on quilts " Flying Geese " "Drunkards Path" " Log Cabin". I can tell right now I am in for a lot of fun coming up with something great to put on the fronts of these. But.... I might have to keep the smutty ones to myself.
The Presidents Photographer took my picture!
I was asked to get a professional picture taken and they sent out a John Lill from Seattle.
I enjoy finding out about people so I started asking him about how he got his start in Photography. Senior Class Picture Intern when he was in high school. Enlisted in the Navy, became a photographer in the Navy and became friends with the admiral and the admiral recommended him for his next tour of duty... The white house ! He served 1 1/2 years with Bush and 1 1/2 years with Obama. He was the guy that just hung out with the president day in and out taking around 5,000 pictures a day............. and he is taking my picture!
John has great eye ( you should see the pictures he does of rock stars!) If you ever have a need for some photography... he not only does head shots, but weddings etc. He takes great pictures but has a rich history to talk about. I had a really fun photo session considering i was really dreading it.
4-H Small Business.... something New
Did you ever participate in any of those youth groups? Campfire Girls ? Boy scouts ? 4-H?
Well now 4- H is supporting all us old alumni by letting us participate in their small business products. They are not only supporting the 4-H branded items but helping us get our products out to the public.
I learned so much thru 4-H. Doing many demonstrations and participating in the many public speaking contests, has really helped me thru school and the many jobs I have had in my adult life. I learned so much about the skills it takes for daily living, money management, nutrition, cooking, sewing, photography, animals and art kept me engaged and active during my teenage years. I am a big fan of 4-H and I am so glad that it is alive and going strong. If you have had a great experience as a child please support these types of youth groups.
4-H Mall: http://www.4-hmall.org/Category/greeting-cards.asp