The word of the day is FOCUS

I had a day to myself, which was glorious, even though I didn't accomplish much. That's part of why we need days to ourselves, so if we don't accomplish much -- it's OK! 

I had two Zooms in the morning, and both went very well. One of the projects is down to the wire, with the final reveal next month. I have started sewing my Barn Star Sampler together, and I have three small blocks to assemble, and then I can finish the quilt top. There was one more Zoom in the afternoon for our remedial Jen Kingwell class. In one month, two of those three Zooms will be gone forever! 

It will be a blast to see the different colors that everyone chose and how they come together. The other quilt is the Heartfelt Sampler by a local (to me) designer. Again, the different color choices are so much fun to see. I'm a wee bit behind in sewing those blocks, and perhaps I'll work on that today. 

Yep -- I'm taking today off as well. No long arming, no embroidery, just sewing for me -- IF I get to the sewing machine. Yesterday, I did not. 

I am good at telling others that they need to focus! To pick one project and work on that and nothing else. Hmmm --- I think I need to listen to my own advice. Look at that cutting table. There is ZERO way you could cut on it at the moment. That is NOT good. 

AH -- there's a cutting table under that mess

And look at this mess. In an ideal world, I would start at the front, pick one project, finish it, and move to the next. And now that most of my commitments are ending for this year - at least those in person, which consumes lots of extra time in travel, I might just get to do that. 

Studio B - is a mess

I'll share some more photos tomorrow of my progress. 

I also had a chat with myself on my walk yesterday afternoon. I was 42 KM behind on my Virtual Challenge. Not a big deal, but with 27 days left, it would be tricky to make that happen. This morning, I extended the deadline by seven days! I will still finish by the end of the year, and this is NOT a failure. This is just saying -- let's be realistic. I set a VERY aggressive goal and had a brutal travel schedule over that period. What is better? To achieve the goal on time and kill yourself, or give yourself an extra week and come in smiling? 

I don't even need to answer that question. I should have been more realistic when I set that goal. 

OK -- so remember the junk house in North Bay? We have one in our neighborhood. OK -- it is NOTHING compared to that house. This one is also on a corner, and they recently moved in. OK -- it's probably been a couple of months now. You never know what you'll see on that lawn and their front porch. It's definitely an eyesore, to be sure. 

The start of a JUNK house

Let's hope that it gets cleaned up before winter. And the funny thing? They spent an enormous amount of time bringing plants from somewhere, digging up the front lawn, and planting them, so you think they would be conscious of that mess? 

If people don't know how to live in a house, maybe they shouldn't. That is like my neighbor. The adult boy lives there but does nothing to maintain the outside. No weeding, no lawn cutting, unless we ask. The backyard was a disaster! The parents came home for a bit (they might still be here) and paid someone to clean it up. Well, pay someone to clean it up during the summer! 

Speaking of cleaning up -- do you think I need to invest in some of those cord minders? Heck -- I could make them myself. The mess is still sitting on the kitchen table, and I need to address it today. 

The mess of cords

Speaking of backyards, here is our friend Murphy. Most times, when she sees a squirrel, she freaks out and goes running out the door. This time, she went out slowly and sat down to observe the squirrel. It was like a staring contest to see who would move first. I'm not sure who won; I didn't stick around. 

Murphy having a staring contest with a  squirrel

And the leaves are definitely gone! A few diehard trees hang onto their leaves over winter, but most are now on the ground. There is still beauty in that. I love walking in the woods regardless of the season. 

The leaves are gone

On my walk, I couldn't help myself and stopped at the thrift store. I spotted something that I might make good use of, but it's yellow, and I wonder if it could be dyed? I'll have to think about it and may return on senior day!

But I spotted some adult coloring books, and that got me thinking. I promised some adult coloring books to someone so they could give them to their Dad. Hmm --- who was that? If you want adult coloring books, I have some to share. Oh my --- doesn't the phrase "adult coloring books" conjure up something naughty. I have lovely coloring books but I will only use some of them. 

Coloring books I spotted at the thrift store

I think I might have remembered who I talked to about them. I've sent them a note. Yep -- I was right! 

With this entire "free" week stretching ahead, I'm as relaxed as ever. I have lots to do and loads to have fixed around the house and make appointments, but I'm so calm. I feel amazing!!!!! I must set a schedule or a list of things to do so nothing gets left to the last minute because that will take my relaxed feeling away! 

I'll do that before our UFO clubs this morning. Both presentations, by the way, are set! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!