Let's play ball!!!

Not to throw anyone into a panic, but there are a couple of things to mention. 

YES—there is a virtual retreat this weekend. I keep forgetting to mention it. The links will be at the end of today's post, much to Zoom's dismay. Posting links in a public place is a no-no in the security world.  

Second -- I'm almost finished reading The Brain At Rest, by Dr. Joseph Jebelli, PhD, and OH MY GOSH!!! Did you know how much exercise can make your brain bigger? And a bigger brain means that if you have a stroke or some other kind of injury, there is more of your brain left, so the damage may not be as bad. I'm sure I made that sound way too easy. Exercise also releases some chemicals that make your brain a happy place - helping to reduce depression, Alzheimers, etc. 

WAIT -- the good news is that you do not need to lift weights or run a marathon. A simple walking routine EVERY DAY can make a huge difference! HUGE!!! So don't be afraid of exercise - there are lots of programs out there that have you sit in a chair and do various routines, so you don't even need to worry about losing your balance. You do not need to work out hard enough to sweat! It's MOVING that is important.

Exercise is huge, and most people figure they are too old for it. Or why start now? But you would be surprised. 

I used to be a gym junkie and would freak out if I missed a day - well, maybe not that bad. But then I got out of it for a bit, and now I'm getting back into it (can you believe I even contemplated going to the gym this morning - ON MY OWN!), but I had some pictures to take. The next time you wonder where my energy comes from, remember energy begets energy. So the more exercise I do, the more energy I have!

And I want my brain to keep functioning as well, so, besides doing the puzzles, sewing, and other things, exercise will help!

When you work freelance, you never know what your day will entail. After discussion with some of my "bosses" yesterday, I'm taking a wee turn, and that works for me. And it gives me a wee bit of breathing room at this point. As for the two classes this week, I basically have one presentation ready to go - I still need to add in a few pictures, and that allows me the entire day to work on the other one. 

WAIT ---- if you do one thing today, it's this. If you are a scroller of Facebook, PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING that you see. If you see something that sounds real, go to a website and fact-check it. While there are some good things on Facebook, I would hope that your friends' posts are real, but everything else? Most are FAKE. They (whoever they are) are feeding you information that you WANT to believe, but if you fact-check it, someone has faked it! 

By the way, does anyone post personally on Facebook anymore? I do from time to time, but not often. 

As for sewing, I did get some sewing done. I can't share any of it at this point in time, but I have made good progress. I managed to make and trim a few more hourglass blocks! 

Hourglass blocks trimmed

I am packing for the upcoming quilt retreat, and I had to dig around on the current projects table to find a few things. Except for one spool of thread, I think I have amassed everything at the bottom of the stairs. 

Packing for quilt retreat

Except Murphy, of course, who is going to stay home. I know—you are thinking that's a lot of stuff to take, and it is. I plan to load it in the car over the weekend as it's all fabric. There are boxes of scraps that need to be sorted and cut. BOXES, but when you only have to chat with others, sort, and cut? You can get through a lot in a day. I also have a couple of tubs of fleece scraps that I'm going to cut. And I'm taking the scraps for my 365-day quilt to see if I can get a few more blocks cut for that. I have a few projects that will require handwork. It's all pretty light, as they're just scraps, and I plan to leave everything in the car and pull out one container at a time. I must remember to pack the car so that it is easy to do. 

I don't plan on taking my sewing machine, but I'm taking a cutting mat and chair risers, so I hope to raise my own sewing space and not bother the others at the cutting table. I find cutting and sorting little pieces extremely therapeutic, and I can't wait. Besides, I'm clearing stuff off the current projects table, so all is good!!!

As for puzzles, I'm making great progress on that as well. 

Getting close to the finish!

YES --- almost finished, and I had some therapy time as I moved all the pieces onto two small design boards before closing up shop last night. I hadn't been successful in finding homes for all the pieces I had pulled, but I'm now at the point where I can grab either board, scour for pieces, and put them in immediately. I gave myself one hour and fifteen minutes last night. It works for me because I also wanted to read. 

I'm hooked on these darn things, which I knew I would be since I've always loved working on puzzles. But never seemed to have the time. Now I have more time! 

Here are the three I got at the thrift store earlier this week. 

Movies!

Animals

Garden

Yes, occasionally a piece or two might be missing, but really, for the price, you can't beat it. Those three cost me about $20, which is less than the cost of one at full price. Some might be of questionable quality, but all the ones I have purchased look great, with great pictures. I shall continue to buy from the thrift store, although I treat myself every once in a while to a brand new one. 

A friend of mine recently acquired a golden retriever puppy (3 months old). I hope she knows what she's in for! 

Lots of morning cuddles and needy time!

MOM - I'm needy!!! 

MOM - I just woke up and need cuddles!!!

And let's not forget about playing ball!!

MOM - Did you say play ball? I thought I heard you say, "Let's play ball!"

MOM -- throw the ball!!! Throw the ball!!!

And of course, I threw the ball, and it rolled out of the bushes and landed on the ice on the pond. Someone was NOT happy. Needless to say, no baseball team is ever going to draft me!!

CRAP - the ball rolled onto the pond!

As the ball rolled toward the edge, Muprhy tried desperately to reach it, but she knew the ice was not thick enough to support her. How the heck do dogs know that? She didn't touch the ice, but knew enough to stay back. 

MOM - the ball needs to be rescued!!!!

And let's not talk about the muddy feet. But you have to love them --- Murphy is adorable, and well, she knows it and milks that for all its worth! She is slowing down some - she's 11, I think, but the moment you put the leash on her, she is like a 3-month-old puppy!!!

If you haven't read Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese, you should. It's about this ragtag group of homeless people who win the lottery. And what happens after that is sad, happy, and everything in between. It's really a story of how one moment in time can change your life and I'm not talking about the lottery win. 

While searching through the crap on the current project tables, I found this charging cord. It would be great for travel - it's long and has multiple tips on it. I should try it out before I take it anywhere. It's unlikely to be fast-charging!

My new charging cord!

Well, that's it for me. Lots to get done today, and I'd better get started!!!

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!!

Virtual Retreat - Saturday, March 21 - starts at 6 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610782501?pwd=7dCrhiL5t8Xa4TVwZPvhL6cOymbcjK.1

Meeting ID: 896 1078 2501
Passcode: 148311

Virtual Retreat - Sunday, March 22 - starts at 3 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89869001291?pwd=h57kT9axwTnd2xtJvuO0z2UOmUo45w.1

Meeting ID: 898 6900 1291
Passcode: 136711

Improvements to physical mobility

I swear Brooke (my personal trainer) is trying to kill me! Her philosophy is, let's just sneak a bit more weight on there when Elaine isn't looking! But all is good, and my mobility continues to improve. I'm not so sure about the tightness in my muscles, but I can only hope! I need to do more stretching at home, but there are definite improvements, so all the hard work is worth it!

I don't want to say that yesterday was a total bust because there was some significant learning involved, some sewing, but not much on the paperwork front. So I need to prioritize that, but my paperwork time was eaten up by a dentist appointment and then a meeting. 

But that's OK -- it'll all work out. 

I managed to sew two bindings to two quilts. All that is left is to topstitch the bindings in place. That's excellent progress, and perhaps I can get those two done later today, although I have many other things that are of higher priority than this. 

The binding attached to two quilts

After looking at the bookcase in the office to find a place for that box of magazines sitting on the floor, I spied this area. 

An empty space in the office

Boxes are hidden within doors! I had a quick peek through the blue box and eliminated some stuff very quickly. Oh my, it gets so much easier the more you toss. 

Then, I was able to move this box from another shelf into that void. Like many other boxes in this place, it is NOT full, which is good news. So, I crammed some stuff in it to help reduce visual clutter! I know—wrong! But in the essence of time, it was all I could do. 

The box is NOT full - yeah!

But look at the amount of dust on that box. It's not one that I go into frequently, so almost all the paper in it could go, but I want to look at it first. That's my quirk, and I'm allowed. I have made so much progress in the last while that my method works. It's just slow and steady, and I'm OK with that. 

A little bit of dust

Now the magazines are sitting on this shelf. YES, they will get dusty, but I frequently go back to them to dig out a pattern for someone, so all is good. And they are much more convenient here than where they were. And YES, I should digitally capture all those patterns so I can eliminate the magazines, and I will at some point. 

The magazines with my patterns are moved!

I pulled some paperwork from the box of magazines that needed to be dealt with. There is no need to keep those contracts; all of them can go. But again, I like my slow and steady method. I sort the GOOS paper (good on one side) for the printer. Some papers are in the shredding pile, and some go in the recycling. That makes me feel good about my actions, so don't ask me to change. And I'm making it happen, so there is no need to change and no rush to make it happen. 

And there's my sweet Murphy who is adjusting to the new placement of her dog bed. She attempted to get in Lexi's bed to check it out and was promptly chased out by her parents! Lexi is still slightly leary of the new bed, but she'll warm up. She just needs time to make adjustments in her life. 

Mom - I like this new spot for my bed! 

And despite the fact that the city's golf courses opened yesterday, we had snow! Not a lot, but enough to make the roads wet. But we can live with wet; I just don't want slippery! 

OK -- so we got cocky on the EXIT GAME Graphic Novel. Puzzles one and two were easy. Puzzle three? Not so much! We may have to bend and look at a clue later today! 

Our gas prices are down significantly because of the elimination of the carbon tax. But you still have to watch your prices. On my way to the gym (before 5 AM), I spied a price of 130.6 a litre on two gas stations across the road from each other. On the way home (6:30 AM), the price had already dropped to 128.6. And yesterday, in the afternoon, I saw it at $1.20. It's absolutely crazy how much it fluctuates in one day! 

On that happy note, I'm out of here. I've got a little bit of catching up to do, and I need to clear this desktop if it kills me. 

Have a super day!!

Ciao!!!

Taking care of our physical and mental health

Brooke (personal trainer) couldn't be at the gym this morning. That presented a BIG dilemma. Do I just say I'll pass this week and perhaps do some stretching at home, or do I get my butt up and go to the gym? 

Well, I went to the gym! While I may have been in great shape and somewhat flexible years ago, that has slowly disappeared. I needed to sit down to put my shoes on; I could barely get myself out of bed. Walking downstairs was becoming troublesome, getting up off the floor - totally unelegant. None of those issues were terrible - I was not at the point where I needed assistance by any means, but one day, and I'm not sure what day that was, I realized that if I continue to let my body slide, I'm going to be very old before my time. 

That did not sit well with me. I want to maintain my independence for as long as I can, and so it's up to me to do something about it. 

Within a very short time, I can easily sit down, stand up with no issues, and put my shoes on while standing (GASP!); stairs (always cautious) are so much easier. Yes - I have problems with my knees, but I swear the issues are more related to muscles than they are tendons and joints. However, I have to be realistic and know that I have a torn meniscus, so that's not fun. 

So, with a little bit of effort on my part, I am recovering my mobility and my flexibility. I am going to conquer old age. OK - so that won't happen, but I'm trying to age gracefully. I must confess that I feel fantastic this morning, and all I did was lift some weights and stretch. OH - then I used the HydraMassage bed. 

Friday morning at the gym, with or without Brooke, needs to become part of my schedule. 

But while I was there, I glanced around. The gym isn't busy at 5:00 AM, but there were people. It's shocking how many people (everyone) carry their phones with them. Some people have their exercise routine on it, and that's OK. But the number of people texting, searching, or whatever they were doing was crazy. I understand life happens, but can you not leave the phone alone? 

Here's my observation. You do a set of weights. You need to wait 30 seconds before you do the second set. OK - there's 30 seconds - let me get on my phone. Seriously? Do people not allow their brains to be "bored" for even 30 seconds? Then we wonder why people are stressed - leave the phones alone! Allow yourself some absolute quiet downtime. 

Everyone is feeling pressured to be in constant contact with their peers. You don't have to - let people sit and wait. I don't get it. 

The number of reels that are popping up is getting obscene - half of them are fake. Maybe that's an exaggeration, but how many car crashes do we need to witness? How many incidents of road rage? It's all too much! I'm trying to stay away from social media just because. I hardly post these days, but I keep an eye on the feeds, mainly to see what's happening with friends and family. 

I confess I'm getting bored of following people renovating their houses, doing crazy things, or making cute dog videos. I watch some of them but don't have the time or mental capacity to "follow" them. 

Having said that about the phone, I finished my ebook (The Plot) yesterday. OH -- what an ending. Now I have to get The Sequel. Justice? Will there be justice? 

An exciting week of presentations, and it's not over yet! I played with one of my cameras and added an extra cable, and now all of them, except the computer, are running off this box. 

My magic box

I only play with those big buttons on the bottom, marked 1, 2, 3,4. The rest? I've no idea what they do. But the entire process is so slick. Cables and wires are everywhere, but no one can see them on the camera, and that's all that counts. I can get close up and personal with every stitch with the various settings, and I swear that the participants are getting a much better show than if they were in person. They would never be able to see the detail like they can on the cameras. 

This month is all about quilting, and if you want to see me in action, let me know or check out a local Canadian Husqvarna Viking or PFAFF dealer to see if they offer any events. 

Speaking of technology, I dug out my WACOM tablet, which I bought a while ago. I have a use for it, so I've plugged it in, and it doesn't seem to be charging. Of course, there are no instructions, so I must go online to find the User's Guide. 

The WACOM tablet

As for the paperwork, I've spent several hours each day trying to get on top of it. Dare I say there is a light at the end of the tunnel? I feel under control. I might even be able to start working on some of the stuff that has gotten shuffled around for longer than it should! 

I'm trying to put notes in my calendar for things I need to remember, my filing system for things that I need for my presentations is super organized and I can quickly find any of the materials I need. No time wasted searching for things. All is good!

One of the three presentations for the weekend is complete! The second one is partially together, while the third will require a lot of work! So, guess what? It's going to be another busy day! But I will forego any paperwork to get those presentations in order this morning, which is technically paperwork! 

All I need now is some time to sew! Then life would be grand! But March is filled with other things, and I'll do what I can! 

Try, if you can, to work some downtime into your calendar! I do - if I don't get my eight hours of sleep, I NEED a nap, so I just take the time and have a nap. It makes me feel better, and I'm ready to go! I always set a timer so I won't sleep for hours and mess up my entire day! That would be bad! 

Stay off your phone! Get bored! Stay bored. Do some squats and just enjoy life for what it is. We only have one chance at this, and I want to enjoy MY life, not the life that someone else wants to share with me or show me (as on social media!). 

Yesterday, the sidewalks were treacherous when I walked the girls. I questioned why I was even out there. When I went to the grocery store in the afternoon (FYI - lots of single bananas, which I bought), they had improved considerably! I think we'll be good this morning!

Here is the next installment of 50 Ways to Keep a Quilter Happy While on Vacation. 22 - 21 - 20 - 19

On that note, I'm out of here!

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!

Be FEARLESS - it'll all work out!

Oh dear - Murphy's bone is rawhide! We've never had issues with her, but I've heard horror stories of other things getting stuck in a dog's gut. Hmm -- what are my options - she only seems to like to chew rawhide. Antlers - suitable for a quick chew, but not lasting. She doesn't like them. 

I don't know what her problem is these days, but she is worse than Velcro. You can't sit down without her there, trying to coerce you to pet her. And one hand is NOT enough - it has to be both! Oh, Murphy - we love you, but there's a limit! So I give her a good cuddle, with petting, and then there has to be a limit - Mom needs to work! 

I occasionally see this at the gym. People grab their stuff from the locker and leave the door open. After chatting with the others at the retreat last week, it appears that people do it in their houses - probably in the kitchen. How can you walk away with a door open? Are people so distracted, in a hurry, or unaware that this is normal behavior? How do they get behind the wheel of a car? 

A locker door was left open

So Mary was back at spin class and took the bike she had refused to sit on on Monday. The other two ladies were not there. What is her problem? She's one of those people who would do something like that to make a point. But you don't know why the other person can only arrive at 6 AM. Well, I took my phone with me to snap a picture (without Mary - I'd likely have my head chewed off if I did that!) of the spin class. That's "my" bike - Number 15. It's in the front row, so I can see the screen easily. 

My spin bike

The screen is just a diversion, with videos of past Olympics, motivational videos, or whatever. It's a good distraction, and I often pedal away without thinking about what I'm doing. I also do a lot of planning. Someone once said that if you can focus on planning or watching TV, you're not working hard enough. But I work hard enough to make a difference - I can crank the equivalent of 28 - 30 km in an hour. That's nothing to sneeze at! 

But I laughed as I stretched after the class and discovered that my shirt was inside out—AGAIN! That's what happens when you get dressed in the dark! 

My shirt is inside out! 

These girls are just the craziest pair. They stand at the door when one is out and the other is in. Then the outside dog comes in, and the other one goes out! I swear Lexi goes out alone and then stands at the door to make Murphy jealous. Murphy goes out when I open the door, and Lexi comes in, so now she's alone in the house. Oh - those girls! They can be pretty challenging sometimes. 

One dog out, one dog in

Murphy thought it was great fun to start barking at the top of her lungs at 4:35 AM because a raccoon was climbing down a tree in the forest. Thankfully, I was already awake! 

But there she is with the bone. I'm not sure where it is at the moment, but hiding seems to be less of an issue. Maybe she has finally realized that Lexi doesn't care about that bone. 

Mom - I need to keep this safe! 

This was the quote from my tea. I think that's how we have to live life. If you know yourself well, you'll come through under pressure! Don't be afraid to do things! Embrace the fear because it'll take over your life if you don't! 

Be fearless!!!

I walked to the mall to get some things at the bulk food store. Just a few days before Valentine's Day, I knew Valentine's candy was out, but Easter eggs? Yep, the Easter eggs were in a bin. 

Easter eggs, anyone? 

As I left the house, I chatted with DH about his books at the library and ensured I had his library card. So, imagine my dismay when I arrived at the bulk food store cash with my purchases and realized I left my credit card at home. I was distracted by his talk of his library card. 

It was Senior's Day, and I had a $5 coupon, so I needed what I bought. After picking up the books, I walked home and returned with the car. I didn't have time to walk back, but I saved $10!!! That's the first time in years that I drove to the mall. 

Our sweet Lexi isn't so sweet. It was her turn to stand guard in the backyard. 

Mom - I'm guarding the house from a predator

She is slow and steady, and I think she had an eye on the poor opossum. There was no way I could go out and grab or entice her into the house, so the possum was on its own. At one point, I saw Lexi charge, and Murphy was going out of her mind because she wanted to be out. I saw no animal when I went out, so I hope it all ended well. 

I presented my Facebook Live at 3 PM. I don't know why those events are slightly more stressful than the Zooms. The audience is much larger, and you look at a camera - not people's pictures. The start is a bit shakey, and I need a facelift! It's all good. If you want to watch - here's the link. 

I need to rejig my setup to use my laptop camera instead of the video camera, and things will be more natural! I must figure out how to make that happen. But here's my setup. 

Facebook Live setup

The minute that was done, I had to move everything back to how I prefer it for Zoom because I had a presentation one hour after I finished the Facebook Live. There's only one other instance where the timing is tight like that. 

I am amazed that I have figured out how to connect all that technology - multiple cameras, microphones, switch boxes, and my phone- so it all shows up on the live stream. But there are two things I'd like to change, and I must note them now and try to find someone to help me. 

While I have loads of work to do, especially for the weekend, I needed a mental break in the afternoon, so I returned to the puzzle. And it looked like this when I left it to do my Facebook Live. 

Good progress on the jigsaw puzzle

However, on my way to bed, I took a detour, and despite the poor lighting, it now looks like this. It is funny how some puzzles go together so randomly, and this one is very linear in that bottom section. And yes - you can see how I scooch all those pieces to bring as close to me as possible. 

The progress of the puzzle before bed

I was up early and started working on the homework assignments for the weekend. I made significant progress, and I'll do what I can, but it's all good. While I had some downtime waiting for the Zoom call to start, I played with the machine embroidery software, and now I have some stitching to do later today! I've got two Zooms again today, but the first one is easy as it's a repeat of last night. The one tonight will require a bit of juggling with the cameras so people can see what I'm doing on the embroidery machine! But - it's all going to work! I'm FEARLESS, and when it doesn't work, you devise Plan B! 

I didn't do anything in the decluttering world, but that's OK. Studio B looks even worse, if that's possible, but it won't get better until some of the samples and supplies get put away. At the moment, I can't do that. So I live with the situation, knowing it's temporary, and I'll put the stuff away as soon as possible. Since it all has a home, I can quickly put it away. 

On that note, it's time to get moving! There is always so much to do and never enough time. 

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!

Creatures of habit

Oh my -- I need to get back to answering your comments. So many great ideas -- thanks for all of them. Maybe I'll get back to a few today. 

Yesterday, I gave two more presentations. This time, our format is 90 minutes, not 60, and that extra 30 minutes is tough. No, it's not tough, but I'm so used to a 60-minute format that it's just a question of getting used to it. Plus, I open my calls 30 minutes in advance, so each call is now 2 hours. No bathroom break, so I have to watch my water consumption! I only managed ONE container yesterday, but it was the complete container, so it was still more than I was drinking before. 

It seems that the cameras need to be in a different position for each presentation, depending on what I'm showcasing. But all is good—I'll make it happen. The more I do, the easier and familiar it will become.

Today, I have a Facebook Live on Introduction to Machine Embroidery. If you want to attend the free event on Facebook, the URL is below. You'll have to copy and paste that one. It starts at 3 PM EST. Be sure to stop by - if you have never done machine embroidery or just bought an embroidery machine - this is the place for you! It will be a good refresher if you have been around for a while. And maybe you just want to come out and support what I do! Everyone is welcome. YES - I'll be answering questions! 

https://www.facebook.com/HusqvarnaVikingUSA/events

I'm off to spin class this morning, and we had bike wars on Monday. We are supposed to sign up for a bike using an app. There is an APP for everything - how did we cope without apps before? Anyway, one very unfriendly lady seems to be switching from bike to bike and is a pain in the neck. She also does NOT want anyone sitting next to her. When someone didn't show up for the bike (#31) she usually takes, she asked to be switched. This was about 3 minutes before the class started. 

Well, the lady registered at bike #31 showed up and had to take another bike. It's not like there is a shortage of bikes in the morning. Four women sit in the same area, but Mary keeps switching bikes. So, after the class, I asked the other three if we could call a truce and always pick the same bike. 

Well, she blew me off for the most ridiculous excuse. Something about her priority was one of the other class attendees, who was merrily chatting to the instructor. WTF? She is so rude! Thankfully, Mary does NOT like to sit in the front row, so I'm good. Life is too short to be so unfriendly and rude - for NO reason other than she was in the wrong. But this woman has never smiled in class or even said hello in MANY years. 

It's all about the dogs this morning. This is our sweet Lexi. Happy as a clam to be outside in the snow. This picture was taken several days ago. 

MOM - I'm a snow dog! 

And when she's inside, she's still sleeping. Is she trying to tell me that it's hot in her kennel? 

Mom - it's way too hot in my kennel!

Meanwhile, Murphy is on guard when she is outside. She watches the perimeter to ensure that no squirrels or rabbits get in. 

Mom - I'm guarding! 

But when she went into a barking frenzy the other day, I went to investigate. She was standing on the bench. I could see something on top, but what the heck was it? 

Mom - I need a boost!

I had suspicions and had to go upstairs to get a good picture. An opossum. Good grief - they are nocturnal, but this guy must have mixed up his day and night!

Help me!! That big dog is scary!

I finally coaxed Murphy into the house with a treat and let the poor possum find his way home. 

The girls are so different, even when eating treats. Lexi likes to go to the mat for treats. 

Moom - I'm neat, I keep my crumbs on the mat

While Miss Murphy will go to the quilt on the floor. 

Mom - eating a treat is intense work!

One dog is soft and ladylike, the other is like a bull in a china shop!

Murphy finally decided to bring that huge bone into the house to chew, and I swear she chewed it all night. And she was totally splayed out on the blanket to eat it. 

Mom - this bone is so good! 

While Murphy is an intelligent dog, she doesn't recognize that Lexi couldn't care two hoots about it and would never ever consider stealing it. Lexi wouldn't even sniff it. Oh, Murphy! Such a bully! 

Mom - this bone is MINE!

And there she is with the bone outside! I must stock up on these; she loves them, and they keep her busy. 

Mom? I'm busy - do you need some guarding? 

I managed to get some work done yesterday. I had cut the binding for that customer quilt and guessed that four strips of the long yardage would be enough, and I was right! 

Just enough binding

So there I was, manhandling that large quilt. The binding went on like a dream. I hope the decorator and the customer are happy. I now need to make two pillow shams, and when I get another fabric, I will have three accent cushions to make. That is much easier and smaller than this. And you need SPACE to support the quilt when putting a binding on! 

LOTS of space is required to support a large quilt

I needed a mental break from being a film producer and teacher, so I spent my break working on the jigsaw puzzle that has been on the table for several weeks. It was a pleasant and welcome diversion, and I might just take a few minutes each day. However, I have so much prep work in the next while, but a mental break is essential. 

Working on the jigsaw puzzle

I also managed to go through two of the boxes in the upstairs hallway. Those boxes must have weighed 70 pounds or more with books and magazines. I found this magazine - good grief - this girl has significant staying power! This was 16 years ago, and she is still going strong. 

She is still going strong after 16 years

I'll share more about the book boxes as I go through them. I threw out some dated magazines - I don't know why those were put in the boxes. The novels will go to the thrift store, and the fashion books and magazines will go to the high school. 

I can get this done! And then I get to pick a new area and start again! I keep saying the next mess won't be as big, but we'll just have to wait. I need to complete everything that is half done before I pull out the next mess, and I'd really like to tackle that desktop in my office. We'll see what happens. 

On that note, I'm off to spin class to see if there are any bike wars this morning.

Have a super day, and hope to see you on Facebook Live this afternoon!!!

Ciao!!!

It's all about BALANCE

I hear you about the paper -- deal with it right away. I try - I really try. But here's what I face. At the retreat, I made a list of things I needed to send to people. The list is half complete. I bought a magazine and wanted to share an article with a colleague - it's still sitting on the desk. I must finish writing some documents - the paper is still on the desk. I must follow up with emails - some of that paper is still on the desk. I got a book from the library to help with one class. Guess what? Yep - it's still on the desk. 

That's my biggest issue - I need to take the time to make phone calls and write emails, but it's a very time-consuming thing, and well - I'll get through it - it's just going to take time. 

Have you ever noticed that life is all about balance? How much time and resources do you have? Then, you must decide how to spend your time, money, or whatever the resource is. 

However, another type of balance is equally important. Today's blog is a bit late because I was at the gym. This was the first morning with the personal trainer, who emailed me last night to see if I could come at 5 a.m. Sure, I can do that. 

While I think I'm in good shape, I'm not! Yes - all the walking and the cycling, with nothing else, has been a naughty thing on my part. I needed to stretch and build ALL my muscles, not just a few. So, it was an eye-opener this morning. I'm not weak - I can use 10-pound barbells for shoulder presses - just! 

But what about the other stuff? Like lunges? Oh boy, we had to modify that one—the knees and legs just didn't want to dip deep! Brooke was very kind and supportive as I went through those motions. 

However, I excel at one thing—balance! I had to stand on one of those half-bouncy balls (a BOSU ball). I was a little shaky the first time, but soon, I could do 30 seconds on either leg with zero movement in my arms! 

Physical balance is critical and can prevent falls, increase longevity, and reduce pain. Some studies indicate that the better your balance, the better your mobility, and hence, the better your longevity in life! Funny - we were just talking about balance at the retreat! If you try doing the balance thing with your eyes closed, it's much more challenging. Since I can easily do 30 seconds with my eyes open, I need to work on 30 seconds with my eyes shut! 

Here's hoping the strength training and stretching will become as good as my balance, and I'll be ready to go!

Once we finished the routine, I got to try the compression legs! The what? Yep, compression legs. They are like very long booties that you put on, and then, like a blood pressure cuff, your legs get compressed. It's the weirdest thing, but sitting there for 15 minutes while your legs are squeezed is pretty cool!

Compression legs

It was a weird feeling, but it was relaxing. Hence, I'm late because of the leg compression routine! 

Yesterday, Muprhy was in her glory, with all the wind and leaves blowing around. Then she found some pine cones, which she tried to convince me were indoor toys. They are NOT! She was not too happy but content to play outside with them. 

MOM - pine cones are for indoors! 

MOM - I'll play outside with them, but it's not as fun!

The birds are still wary of the suet feeders but love getting water from the pond! 

A giant birdbath

There are so many things I want to learn - there is NOT enough time for it all! I made significant progress on the homework to present tomorrow, but today will be busy. There will be no embroidery or quilting going on! It's all about taking pictures, sewing, and taking more photos and loading them into PowePoint. 

I better get going - the girls are getting anxious to get on their walk! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!