Fear of getting rid of things

The good news is that the jacket is cut out, and I'm ready to sew it together today. Even better news: both presentations are almost finished, and I really only have to add whatever pictures I get sent by 6 PM tonight. After that, I don't add the pictures. 

I laugh LOUDLY when someone sends me pictures while I'm giving the presentation or just before, expecting them to be in the presentation. I used to run around making that happen. I don't do that anymore. 

I have a personal morning routine and often have multiple classes, so when someone sends me a picture, I could already be on a call or walking the dogs. I try to remind people every month—6 PM the night before —but it takes time to train them! I just ignore the late pictures now. 

As for the weddings? No weddings for years! And then two this year, and BOTH of them wanted the guests to wear a specific color. I am so tempted to just say NO, but I should have said NO months ago, before I even started this jacket. It's kind of late at this point, and I can always use the jacket as a sample, so it won't go to waste. 

Both weddings are family members, and one of the brides is a close family member. There is a color theme. I drew the line when it was suggested that we all buy a dress from the same website (Bridemaid's dresses, no less! I don't think that is going to happen, since I'm not planning to wear a dress. If I were a bridesmaid—I'd be happy to accommodate the bride and wear the color she wants —but as the mother of the bride, or especially a guest, who the heck cares what color I wear? 

Trust me -- I've made it very public that I may end up going in pink bike shorts if the jacket doesn't get done! I think it's absolutely ridiculous and I'm really regretting that I didn't say that sooner. Sigh..............

BUT, on the bright side, I have learned a lot while making that jacket, so I can't totally discount the fact that I'm making it. I was going to make a matching skirt and even bought the fabric. That's when I thought - how cute. That thought has long gone, and I'll be wearing a color NOT normally worn to weddings. That's my protest!!! And if the jacket needs to come off? Guess what? I'll look like I'm going to a funeral, and I don't really care! But we won't tell anyone about my plans! I'm going on a wandering vacation after the wedding, and I don't want to be tied down by luggage. 

Darn—I could have worn a pink scarf—silly me. My brain wasn't thinking. 

I continued to put stuff away yesterday, and this is one of the fabrics I recently purchased. OK—so I did buy a couple of things just because. This was in the half-price sale bin, and while that picture looks very weird, it's because of the neutrality of the print and the color (lime green) that I bought it. 

Lime green fabric

This one was intriguing as it was a fabric made of selvages. I imagine that these are real selvages from over the years. 

Selvage fabric

Can you believe that the repeat was TWO METERS long? OK -- I confess that I bought two meters of it. 

The repeat of the selvage fabric

Then I got some scrappy hourglass blocks sewn, pressed, and trimmed. 

Scrappy hourglass blocks done!

And then they went into the container with all the trimmed ones, as well as some triangles that are waiting to be turned into hourglass blocks. More stuff cleared up in Studio B. 

The container with the scrappy hourglass blocks

This was a table runner (pulled from those bins in the "to be quilted" area) that I quilted for my Facebook Live using the Large Magnetic Hoop. I finished the final hooping of embroidery last week, and it was hanging around, so I trimmed it. 

Trimming the table runner

It's now ready for binding. And I have to tuck the thread ends in, which is a good job to do while on the Virtual Retreat call tomorrow. This was from a class at Ruti's Needlebed back in 2012 or thereabouts. 

The table runner is ready for binding.

I had one more wall hanging that needed to have the binding put on, but it also needed a quilt sleeve. That got made, and I'll attach the binding either later today or tomorrow. It depends on whether I need a break from sewing that jacket. 

The sleeve is on this wall hanging.

We are getting a ton of rain these days. Thankfully, no thunderstorms in the last couple of days, but the rain! 

Guess who got all gussied up yesterday? Miss Murphy, and look how pretty she looks. 

MOM - I HATE going to the groomer

And now you can see her white socks!!! 

Pretty white socks

She did come home very stressed and had leg spasms, which she had never had before. But I lay down with her for a while, and soon she was her own self again. She goes to the groomer every 6 months, but as she gets older, I guess the stress of standing for two hours is becoming too much for her. I will address that with the groomer for next time. Maybe she needs a break. 

She was super excited when she realized that she was going in the car. Ran around like an idiot, and when we got out at the groomer (right beside a vet), the smells were insane. BUT when I opened the door to the groomer? That was another story. She wasn't super excited to go in. They have treats you can buy -- I might have to buy her one once inside to show her this is not a scary place. 

I came across this article about decluttering when I was tidying up the desk. It's easy to believe that getting rid of the stuff isn't really the problem; it's the fear of doing so for various reasons that is the problem.

• What if I need that? 
• I should keep it - just in case!
• Someone gave that to me.
• I'm not sure, so I'll just keep it! 
• What if it's worth something? 

How many of those statements have gone through your mind as you hold something in your hand? It happens to me all the time. But here are a few things that I've learned: 

What if I need that? 

You need to evaluate what you are throwing out. Most information can easily be found on the internet or in your digital files. If it is a physical thing, unless it's something extremely rare, you can always buy it again if you need it. And do you need every scrap of wood or fabric around? You do not! And if you choose to keep it -- then get it organized so it's not clutter. Find a home for it! 

I should keep it - just in case! 

Seriously? Do you really need to be the one to produce every single item that someone (including you) will need for the future? How much room is that taking up in your house? That's like keeping your child's toys so you can pass them along to the grandchildren. It's NOT going to happen. There will be new characters and colors that the grandchildren will want, not the ones from years ago. If someone can use the item now, get rid of it and let someone else use it. Many items become dated, and sadly, our world today doesn't do dated. Now, if that item is special for whatever reason, keep it, but don't keep it just because—make sure you have a specific reason for keeping it. I could never understand the people with massive purses filled with items - just in case!! My shoulders tremble at the thought of carrying that around. 

Someone gave that to me. 

Oh boy—just because some gave you something is no reason to keep it. If you don't like the item, you are finished with it, or it doesn't fit - find a way to exchange it or give it away. There is a very good chance that after one year (or less), they will NOT remember giving you that item. Unless it's something they made or have a family connection to. But a store-bought item? They won't remember. Think back to that memory quilt that I was supposed to make for that woman. When I asked her about it, she didn't even remember it!!! I have a couple of jigsaw puzzles that I was going to keep because of who gave them to me. You know what? When I'm back from my vacation, the current one on the table, which is complete (and related to the vacation), will be packed up and passed along. It's nice, but I will likely never do it again, so there's no reason to keep it. I'll have the memories, and that's all that counts. 

I'm not sure, so I'll just keep it. 

Come on!!! That is NOT an excuse - that is being lazy and not wanting to make the actual decision. Do you want it, need it? If the answer is no -- then just get rid of it!!!

What if it's worth something someday? 

You can easily do some research NOW to see the trend in the value of things. Most old things, especially toys and games, are only worth a lot of money if they are in their original boxes. Which means they were never played with, and therefore don't have memories. Google almost anything, and you can get an idea, but most things? They will not be worth what you think they are. Electronics and other tools? Newer models come out all the time, so if you think you are going to make a ton of money reselling them, think again. I recently sold a Cricut machine. Do you know that you can buy a refurbished one for under $180? So I certainly couldn't sell mine for more than what the market will bear! 

Take each item that you are struggling with and put it in a place of honor in your house - maybe the kitchen counter or the kitchen table. Live with it for a day and visualize what will happen to that item. I think it's easier to get rid of something if you see it every day than if it's hidden in a box, where you can ignore it. Now, it's easy to ask the questions—why am I keeping this, and what will I do with it? 

On that happy note, I'm out of here!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Here is the link for the Virtual Retreat. Remember—there is ONLY a retreat on SATURDAY. There won't be anything on Sunday, as I scramble to pack my few items for my vacation. 

Saturday, April 18 - Starts at 3 PM

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

Meeting ID: 896 1078 2501
Passcode: 148311

A doozy of a puzzle!!!!

Yesterday was a special day, and I almost missed it until I saw someone post about it last night. And someone mentioned it on the blog yesterday. It was Winter Solstice Day. While this means winter has officially arrived, it also means that each day is a little longer. Well, the day isn't longer (don't we wish!), but the sunlight is a little longer. I don't care if the daylight is only a few seconds longer— soon it will be summer! Don't worry -- I like winter, and as long as you dress appropriately, it's not cold outside. 

And thankfully, someone mentioned that Christmas doesn't end on December 25, but instead on January 6. Thank goodness for that, because that Christmas puzzle? It's a doozy!!!

I opened up the blinds, although the light gave off a terrible glare on the puzzle pieces, but no worries - I was really only trying to get the pieces face up on the table, and to sort out the border. This goes MUCH faster when you stand up and use two hands! 

I'm ready to start the puzzle

Then I spread out all the border pieces - it seems like a waste of time to put them in the sorting tray and then replace them on the table. I'm still figuring out the sorting tray thing. 

The border pieces

But see what I mean by weird shapes! These are the BORDER pieces. 

Bizarre shapes

Obviously, I haven't discovered all the border pieces, and I'm not even sure that all of them are in the right spot. Thankfully, this one is only 500 pieces as it's going to be a challenge! But when I need a break, I can zip upstairs and attempt to put in a few pieces! 

The border is almost done

AHA -- I was certain that I had purchased a "recipe" book for cutting things on the digital cutter. 

My "recipe" book for the digital cutter

Each material you cut can have its own two pages, where you can check off the type of mat, blade, etc., you use, and there's a spot for notes. I'll transfer my notes and samples into this book, but I think I'll see if I can get it coil-bound first! Once you start to put some samples in there, it's going to be a challenge with the glued spine. I bought this book from my "favorite" online store, and it was printed at their print shop! I think that's kind of cool, even though I'm not a fan of buying from them. The ability to print on demand is enormous. 

The recipe pages

Now that UFO Club is done for this month, I can share some of the work I've been doing. Wait— I can't do that, since some of them haven't been gifted yet. 

I had a Halloween quilt that I made at a quilt retreat in September. It needed a border added, and the backing and binding had to be made. That is done, and now this is moved to the "to be quilted" pile. 

The quilt top, binding, and backing

I also made the backing and the binding for my Green Tea quilt. That binding was a challenge as I used one piece from the fat quarter bits I had left. So there was a lot of cutting and sewing. But there were enough pieces to make a multicolor (multi-fabric) binding, and this was also moved to the "to be quilted" pile. 

The quilt top, binding, and backing

I completed this journal cover. It had been sitting with the front cover pieced, but that was it. So I finished the embroidery on the front and added a tag with my name. The journal cover was an exercise to learn the new features on the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 3 when it was released several years ago. I was a tad behind, although this is my second one. I know - why make one when you can make two?

The front of my journal cover

Here's the back of the journal cover with some floating stitches. 

The back of the journal cover

Here's the inside. I changed the method for sewing the journal cover. This is my favorite way, and it's super easy to turn inside out, and the inside is completely covered. Here are the instructions for making journal covers my way, and you can decorate them however you like. They make a great personalized gift! There are other blog posts linked to that one (right at the bottom) with different ideas for embellishing journal covers. Oh shoot—I don't see the links. I'll try to remember to post them all tomorrow. 

The inside of the journal cover

I also finished my Halloween ornament. I know -- a wee bit behind, but guess what? It's done and ready for next year! I hand-stitched those buttons on!!!

Halloween ornament

But for the moment, I'm enjoying it along with the heart I hung up the other day! Notice the small green quilt covering the embroidery machine? As I learned yesterday with the digital cutter, it's a good idea to keep covers on all your machines. You would be shocked at how much dust and lint are in the air. And if you don't believe me, take a cup of water, tea, or whatever into your sewing space and leave it to sit for an hour or two. Yep --- you'll find dust and lint on the surface!

My latest ornaments!

Also, as part of my UFO this past month, I had not one, but TWO (why?) of these small denim totes from the Teach The World To Sew day back in September. Good grief! I could have simply sewn the tote bags together, but NO - I wanted to add some interlinings and quilt them. I have a machine - why not use it? And even though the denim was heavy, I like a bag with lots of structure! 

For the first one, I used a triple stitch on the PFAFF creative icon and quilted through the denim and the fusible fleece. I did a 60-degree diagonal line and used the Projection feature to stitch the lines. I marked one line in both directions with white chalk (chalk-o-liner - the ONLY marking tool I will allow in my space!). I fused Decor-Bond to the lining - the red and white polka dot fabric behind the denim, and rather than making fabric handles, the pattern called for webbing, so I got some of that the other day, as I did not have red. 

Denim tote bag number one - ready to sew together

For the second one, I wanted something different to quilt/decorate the outside of the bag. I LOVE my Three-Hole Yarn Foot and use it wherever I can. One of the Fons and Porter Love of Quilting shows that I taped was all about the Three-Hole Yarn Foot. It is such a fantastic accessory. I hadn't had a chance to stitch the lines before the UFO Club, but everything was prepped. I spaced the lines a bit further apart and decided to mark them all with chalk. 

Preparing the second denim tote bag

So yesterday afternoon, with NOTHING to do, I got myself organized and started stitching. Did you know there are built-in stitches on your SVP-branded machines (Husqvarna Viking and PFAFF) that work with the Three-Hole Yarn Foot? Check them out!!!! And I use the START/STOP function, rather than the foot pedal, to stitch these long lines of decorative stitches. Those long seams can be boring (a great time to problem-solve some other issue), and I find it hard to keep a steady pace with the foot pedal. START/STOP is the way to go! 

Using the three-hole yarn foot

And before I knew it, the lines of quilting were done! For this one, I also used fleece, but it wasn't fusible. I didn't stick it in place. The piece isn't large enough to worry about that. I didn't even pin it. Sometimes I iron the two layers, and the friction from heat and steam is sufficient to hold them in place. I also fused Decor Bond to the lining. More on this one another day, as it's directional and that lining was cut in ONE piece - well, according to the instructions. 

The outer part of the second denim tote bag

Here's a close-up of the stitches. That yarn has a wee sparkle, and I used a matching 40-weight thread on top. If you have NEVER used the three-hole yarn foot, then you should get it out! I LOVE it. 

Detail of stitching yarn using the three-hole yarn foot

And now here's my cutting table for today. I've moved the UFO items that I didn't complete this month to the top of the blue bin, so there's more for me to get done this month. But slow and steady, and I must start on January 1, instead of procrastinating until the final week! 

There are a few things to put away this morning, and I might just take that book down to Staples to have them cut the spine off. But I also want to print some photos, so I could do both in the same trip. 

The cutting table is prepped for today

There are THREE new small projects on the table to the right that I want to make, so I need to add those into my schedule! And then, I put the white bin with the projects that need to be done this week. Technically, that is overdue, but I just couldn't handle it before. 

As I move forward into the new year, I'm going to try very hard to keep up with time management. It won't be easy, but I'm learning every day how to manage my time better. And I'm learning NOT to get stuck on the fiddly bits. Just forge ahead, and they will be done!!!

By the way, and this is not to put anyone into a panic, but is anyone interested in me teaching an ONLINE class through Thimbles and Things? I don't want anything significant, but could handle perhaps a one or two-part lecture or technique class. If you have a topic, let me know (elainetheriault@gmail.com), and I'll contemplate it. NOTHING BIG!!!!! 

I also promised the scrap thing - maybe I can do that through Thimbles and Things!!! That might work. 

And on that note, I'm off to spin class!!!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Slow and steady wins the race

FREEDOM!!!

OK -- so I'm not entirely off the hook as I have urgent paperwork to do this morning, but I spent most of yesterday just puttering and doing what I wanted, and it felt glorious! 

I am determined to keep things under control - OK - until the next crisis hits, but if I keep myself organized, those deadlines shouldn't be an issue? Perhaps I'm deluding myself. That's OK - I can live in a dream world. 

But the biggest issue for me is keeping the space clear. Why is that so hard? I seem to need a table, which is a total disaster. I aim to work on this table until nothing is left on it. I must NOT add anything to the table unless it's absolutely necessary. 

My goal is to clear this table

I took everything off the sewing tables (there wasn't much) and the other table, where there were a few projects to be cut, and put everything on ONE table. Everything else is clear. Project by project, I must find a home, complete it, or move it along to the "to be quilted" pile. 

I can only imagine how long this will take me—probably months! But I was working on it yesterday and accomplished a few things, so it's all good. 

I decided I needed to get those bindings on the community project quilts. 

I got one binding on. 

Binding number one

Then I got the second binding on. 

Binding number two

And I finished the third binding this morning. 

Binding number three

Yeah -- that feels great because those three quilts took up a lot of room. They will reside near the "to be quilted" pile on this quilt rack. 

Completed community project quilts

When I have ten done, I'll arrange delivery. This morning, I trimmed one more quilt, and I'll put the binding on it later today. 

I purchased a pair of children's shorts and wanted to dress them up using a decorative stitch. I had already added a stitch but wasn't happy with it, so I ripped the stitching out and redid it with a matching bobbin thread. 

Decorated child's shorts

This is what it looks like, and I'm much happier. I need to do it right the first time so I don't have to backtrack and redo my work, but I'm so happy to putter that I don't care. Adding decorative stitching to anything is so easy, but I think it's best to use a matching bobbin. I don't know why I didn't in the first place. 

The decorative stitches

We got a notification last week that our power will be out for several hours tomorrow morning. So - no paperwork and no sewing. I'm trying to figure out what to do with no electricity. As if that was a problem. I looked around Studio B and decided that these four bags of crap need to be sorted. 

Four bags of scraps to sort

Many years ago, I had this brilliant idea of collecting scraps and making pet mats. It wasn't enough that I had my own scraps, but I also wanted other people's. I do not know where these "brilliant" ideas came from. I ended up with boxes and bags of scraps that consumed a considerable space in my house. The bags and boxes were initially stored under the long arm, then moved to the cold room under the front steps. But I did deal with them, or should I say I dealt with everything but these four bags. 

I have two of them set aside. I'll bring them up tomorrow, put them in the kitchen, and start sorting. I might have to make more bags to put the scraps in for the pet mats, so I might do that today. It would be nice to get rid of these last bags. And then NOTHING will go in that corner—it'll be empty. 

I also decided that I could trim half-square triangles, and I have a small container of them on the ironing board that needs to be pressed and trimmed. 

HSTs that need to be pressed and trimmed

So I pressed a number of them yesterday, and I can bring those up and trim them as well. Yep - with no lights, it will be hard to work downstairs. 

HSTs waiting to be trimmed

That's plenty to trim in one day, so the rest will wait for later. There's no rush. 

I also prepped another project that requires half-square triangles, and that is all cut. I'll sew the HSTs today so I can trim them tomorrow. Again, with all my scraps sorted by color, it was easy to find what I wanted. There was loads of room on the cutting mat, and once I got what I needed, everything returned to its respective home. 

Cutting

While half of the cutting table has always been clear - more or less, the entire table is now clear, which is exciting. 

Another project is ready to sew

Having that space as clean and tidy as it is is perfect for me. I must say that I'm swiffering, vacuuming, and mopping. What is wrong with me? I've become obsessive!!! 

But I'm OK with that. I know it won't stay as neat and tidy as it is, although I hope to get that table top down to nothing. But part of that mess is trying to clean up more odds and ends, so once that is done, there shouldn't be anything huge that goes on that table. 

I know there will be times when I'm inundated with work on multiple projects at once, but for the moment, I'm going to enjoy the moment and the space and try my best to learn some new habits!!

I see we now have scooters for rent in our neighborhood! I told DH he should take one to the train in the morning, but I doubt that will ever happen.

Scooters for rent

I love checking my calendar and seeing NOTHING on it! How fun is that? However, I have loads to do but no time commitments. I'll be quilting today and trying to make a dent in that pile of stuff on that table. Wish me luck! Getting it done will be a slow and steady slog, but I can do it! I feel very motivated and can't wait for the day when I don't have this stupid backlog of almost-finished projects. I've made giant leaps and bounds in correcting that bad habit, and I figure it will take me a little more discipline to kill it!

I've got an excellent audiobook to listen to and Murphy to entertain me, and I'm good to go!!

So --- let me ask you how you are doing? I know this can be one of the most boring things in the world. We all have loads of stuff to clean up, but it's tedious, lengthy, and overwhelming, especially if you're just starting. But I've learned to jump in and do one small thing daily. Learn to say NO to new things, and learn to say YES to get rid of things, and you'll be amazed at how much easier it gets the more you do!!

OH -- I used to come home from any trade show with tons of crap to deal with. Papers, stickers, patterns, fabric, or whatever. I'm happy to report that I brought barely anything home, and it's all gone! I found a home for it all, even if it meant going in the recycling or the garbage. 

On that happy note, I have most of the day to spend on what I want to do once I get that little bit of urgent paperwork dealt with! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!

Firsts

Don't we love to document our "firsts"? The first block of a project? First child? After we get the first out of the way, the rest doesn't really count. I have a couple of firsts to share today.

Wednesday was M's FIRST day at school. Yes - she's off to Vancouver Film School to up her game in the acting world. Sounds like she's having a blast and hopefully learning lots. Good luck M!! Someday we hope to see your name in lights!!! Well technically that's theatre, but you never know where life will take you.

The first day of school at Vancouver Film School

A selfie at school with her name tag

We always took a picture on the first day of school. However, I think we totally forgot one year.

Have a look at this beauty.

M - the first day of kindergarten or thereabouts.  Love that tunic that her thoughtful mother purchased in a size too big so she could grow into it. Beautifully accessorized by those CLUNKY looking shoes and let's not forget the BLANKIE!!!!!!   She looks like a chipmunk with her teeth sticking out - she never had buck teeth - just a goofy grin.

When I was looking on my blog for something else, I found this FIRST-day picture.

The first day of Grade 12

A wee bit short on the length of that dress. Oh well, hopefully, she's outgrown that stage. I doubt it. What I don't see - I can't fret over!!!

Oh my - well she is still cute!!!!


Yesterday was a gorgeous day, but I wasn't able to enjoy a walk as I had to teach a class. It was a rope bowl class. For all of you who know how to sew, don't take that skill for granted. Both students were pretty new to sewing, very little knowledge of their sewing machine and it was a wee bit of a challenge. Let's just say it was a good thing we were using matching threads.

Rope bowls from the class

And here's a suggestion to EVERYONE who sews. Do yourself a favor and buy a SMALL pair of snips. SHARP snips. I know where I can get them and I'm tempted to buy a big pack and have them on hand to sell to people. Drives me crazy when they have a huge pair of scissors to cut threads. Oh - that's the joy of teaching. But I'm very serious about the snips. I think I'll get a bulk pack and have them on hand. They are NOT expensive, but people don't know about them.

I'll show you mine one day - I've posted them a number of times.

Oh - I cheated and found a picture on my blog. Here are the BEST snips in the world.

Best snips in the world

But I did get some work done yesterday.

I started the samples for the Kimberbell Designs - Jingle all the Way quilt. Oh my - it's so incredibly cute. I can't wait to get back at it today. This block needs to be trimmed and tidied up. This is just off the embroidery machine.

Candy cane block

I hope to have the entire quilt together by the first class.

Here's my workstation. A total disaster. No room to put the fabric on the table, so it's on the chair. I'm pretending I'm pressing it each time I sit down!!!

Embroidery workstation with fabric strewn everywhere

 Here's my Misty Pines quilt. That's the one by Patti Carey. I'd like to give Patti a high-five for designing this quilt. Many of the fabrics are very close or have such a mottled appearance - I can only imagine it was a nightmare to make the design and then to write the pattern!!!

Misty Pines quilt

 I'm happy to report that mine is now in four sections. That's very exciting and I can't wait to get those last three seams sewn, make the facing and the backing and then it can go into the "to be quilted" pile and off the UFO list. Maybe today!!!

And I took liberty with no one around at the moment and cleaned off that table that was beside my sewing machine so it allowed me to lay out my entire ender/leader project. It's in stages, but I'm making progress.

Ender/leader project

 Here's the next UFO that needs to be worked on. I'll take pictures and post what needs to be done maybe tomorrow or the next day.

The next UFO to work on

 I can't spend all my time working on those UFOs as I have samples and blog posts and deadline quilts that need to be worked on and it's time to get to work on those. Not in a panic, but I really need to watch the time. I'll be sitting down later today to work out a schedule for the week as to what needs to get done. Actually, I might try for the entire month just to help deal with the deadlines.


So I'm reading this book called Every Note Played by Lisa Genova. Has anyone read it? Oh - it's so sad. It's about a concert pianist who gets afflicted with ALS. It's heartbreaking to see what happens to his body while his mind is totally intact. I wouldn't wish this disease on anyone. And the caregivers? Gosh - they are saints! I'm not sure how I would react in this situation - either as the patient or the caregiver. Stephen Hawking, who had ALS for fifty years, did amazing things with his talented brain. Not everyone is Stephen Hawking!

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova

If you haven't read any of Lisa's books, you should. She wrote "Still Alice" about Alzheimer's and "Left Neglected" about a serious brain injury. "Love Anthony" is about autism and "Inside the O'Brien's" - Huntington's Disease.  I've read them all but "Inside the O'Brien's".

It's a real eye-opener and again, makes you appreciate EVERYTHING. Something as simple as going to the bathroom! Imagine having arms that are totally useless. You can't even use it as a lever - it's a dead weight that you have zero control over that paralyzed body part. That's what happens with ALS - your muscles become paralyzed and slowly you lose all body functions including the ability to breath on your own and to speak. I'm almost finished the book and I know what happens at the end. It's just heartbreaking to read about the family and all their issues on top of this terrible disease. I have a Facebook friend that is diagnosed with ALS and my heart breaks for him and his family. He was an excellent cyclist and so helpful in prepping for my big cross Canada trip. I haven't touched base with him in a while. I'm almost afraid to, but I'm going to send him a note today.

OK - I sent him a note and cried while writing the entire thing!

To leave you on a happy note today, I have another Facebook friend (Heather Chapplain) who is currently at the Golden Globes with her fashions. She started off as a quilter and somehow ended up in the fashion world. Here's a link to the video that explains how she got to the Golden Globes. She's been posting live IG feeds the last couple of days and it's so exciting for her to be there. Hard work!!!!  Awesome job Heather!!!!

On that note, there's going to be lots of action in the studio today and I'd better get started.

Have a super day!!!


Ciao!!!