It's all about BALANCE!

Balance - that's a good word. There's balance in life, as in work-life balance, which I still struggle with occasionally. OK - I struggle with it a lot, but I still get lots of ME time. There's physical balance, and it's hilarious because it seems like such a simple thing, but it's a critical factor in our physical well-being. As I left my doctor's appointment the other day, she said, "You are taking care of yourself, and that is good. Be sure to work on your balance!" Not that balance was an issue in why I went to see her, but just a passing comment. 

That is so true. I work on my physical balance all the time. Every day, when I put on my socks and shoes, I stand on one leg and put the items on my feet. I no longer sit down. A controlled balance on one leg is happiness! I practice my balance at the gym when I do my stretching! I can't believe that I let that go somewhere along the line. What was the matter with me? 

Here's the thing—flexibility, balance, strength—they are all important to our well-being, but they exist subconsciously, and their slow loss is even more subconscious, to the point that we don't even know what's happening until one day—OH! I'm in trouble. 

Balance is one of the most important things you can do to prevent falls. If you trip, guess what helps you stay upright? Balance! It does not require a gym or that you sweat, and takes only a few minutes a day. The next time you brush your teeth, try standing on one leg. You don't have to raise the other leg high, just lift the foot off the floor. You might have to put your foot down - that's OK, but keep at it. Put a note on the mirror, but practice every day. 

Here's the thing -- you should be able to regain your balance skills if they are lost. Start slow and work your way up! 

While I don't really have regrets in my life, there is one thing that is particularly bothersome now, especially today. Today, there is a memorial service for my best friend in the whole world, when we were in high school! Our little gang of five started in Grade Six! She lent me clothes and her car so I could go to my first job interview, which I got! She spooked me out when we were at my house (on the farm), and we both felt like we were being watched, but neither told the other.,until the next morning. I still get goosebumps thinking about that one. 

When I left right after high school, we stayed in touch, but not really. And two years ago, Bernice was diagnosed with inoperable and rare brain cancer. I am now back in touch with the other two girls from our gang of five. Yes - of the gang of five, three remain. It's just so sad. They are just too young to be gone. I moved to Quebec, didn't get home often, couldn't afford a rental car (and was too young to rent one), phone calls were expensive - you get the picture why people drifted apart in those days. 

Here are a couple of pictures of the two of us! Oh my god—check out those glasses. Bernice, Rest in Peace. I wish we could have stayed best friends. You were so wacky! 

Bernice and I in our younger days!

The remaining two live in places I frequent, so I hope to see them later this year. I've been playing catch-up with both via text and many memories. What's crazy is what you remember about each other, or your thoughts. Lori said she always knew I was creative and talked about some sewing project we did in grade nine with Mrs Sealy! I remember lots of stuff I made in grade nine. I wonder which one specifically? 

On a happy note, the massive project I've been working on is done! I stood with trepidation and watched this very large printer work. This printer costs $65,000, so it's not something you'd want to have at home! Let's just say that I got an A+ from the operator, and I was jumping over the moon! It was exactly what I wanted, and I love it when that happens. I'll be sharing that at a later date. Before, this was probably not easily accessible to the general public. I did NOT operate it, but I can get stuff printed on it! 

A massive printer

Then it was back home to work on the next thing. I have FIVE presentations this weekend. If I plan my cards right, this is the LAST weekend like this! I am debating how to arrange my fall schedule. Do I put everything on one weekend, which means a lot of prep before, but leaves three weekends free? Or do I spread it out and have only two weekends free? I need to make that list to see everything happening next year. 

And there's the bloom from the pond. Those lilies are so beautiful! There is only one so far, but I'm sure there will be many more. 

Lilies are in bloom in the pond

And that Murphy dog scared me to death! I know she likes to sleep in the stash room. It's cool and dark and very quiet if there is a storm. I didn't realize she was in there, and I turned the corner and WHOA!!! Murphy - you scared me! Sometimes, she likes to sleep around the corner, so I'm practically upon her when I realize she's there!

MOM - just hanging out! I didn't mean to scare you!

The other thing about life and shows me that I need to very carefully select what I teach going forward is that I had some things to prep for today's sessions, and I wasn't looking forward to it. It wasn't hard and was partially prepped - well, the materials were pulled. I think I'm at the end of my rope for prepping stuff. I want to sew without prepping for a bit, which is why the summer will be amazing! Guess what? I told myself that I owed it to the students who signed up to do it. I completed two of the three mini projects, and they are ADORABLE. I'm so glad I persevered and am constantly learning about myself. But I'm now starting to listen to myself. If I don't do something about things I dislike, there is a problem. 

No worries - I'm already making changes. All is good. After this weekend, two Zooms are left in June, and neither requires much prep. 

I have company coming for a good part of the summer, and that guest room is piled high with quilts—on the bed, the floor, and the nightstand! It looks pretty bad. 

A mess in the guest room

Plus, I need to start packing the samples I'm taking to Quilt Canada next week, and while I'm at it, I might as well sort out what I'm bringing to the Buckhorn Quilt Show in September. Then there is another machine embroidery retreat after that! But all is good—I'm making my lists, so I know what goes where. 

Packing for Quilt Canada

I'm happy that the room looks a bit better, but still a lot of quilts to fold and put away. Now I need to tackle Studio U, which has become a dumping ground for odds and ends of batting, so that may be on the agenda for later today. But I still have two very urgent pieces of computer work that MUST be done by today and I've got to continue to work on my UFO which is due tomorrow. I don't think any tidying is going to happen today. 

I was right!!! There is a new condo building going up near my house—far enough away that the traffic won't affect me, but I pass it in the car sometimes and occasionally walk past it. There is this huge two-story glass room at the front of the building. One day as I drove past, I swear I saw basketball hoops at either end. That can't be right—maybe they are hangers for TVs? 

I keep looking every time I pass, which isn't often, but I still swear I see those nets. Yesterday, I happened upon a video tour of the building. OMG—I was right. That big beautiful glass area is a gym!!!! Well, it's a basketball court with a walking track above. 

Is this practical?

I don't know about you, but this seems like a silly idea. I get the idea of a gym for yoga, stretching, or equipment, but a basketball court? And this room will have sun all day!! Can you imagine trying to play basketball with the sun shining in? I guess it's no worse than an outdoor court, but I don't know—it just seems silly and will be HOT! 

On that note, I'm out of here! There are dogs to walk, and I'm on Zoom most of the day. 

Have a super day! Remember - BALANCE!!! 

Ciao!!!