This is my next project - a mystery quilt from last summer. I couldn't find the directions so I came up with this layout. What do you think?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A True Mystery
This is my next project - a mystery quilt from last summer. I couldn't find the directions so I came up with this layout. What do you think?
Festool Man
Demonstrating my Festool TS 55 Plunge Saw using my Festool MFT-3 multifunction table, rail guides and CT-22 vacuum. I will be making a cube shelving unit for Laura's office/craft room. More this weekend.
Bronze Beatle
Discovered him on a walk in my neighborhood - reminded me of Egypt. Very exotic for Kentucky.
Among Friends
Yesterday, we took our son Jimmy to the airport because he went to Alaska for a week before he goes to basic training. Yes, he joined the Army and the only reason I am not TOTALLY depressed about it is that he will be a firefighter, which in itself is a dangerous job, but one in which he will be able to help people.
So we took him to the airport and I helped him check in and everything and I give him hugs and kisses goodbye; yes, he still is affectionate with his mommy and daddy. Then Brad and I start on an adventure to get the lay of the land of Louisville. It was raining which made things even more fun. Our first stop was a quilt store called Among Friends which was bright, cheerful and the staff were friendly. But I was not inspired - I don't think it had anything to do with my experience there - I just was not inspired. It felt like the same old stuff. It could have been that I have been so desperate for a quilt store (first one in 2 months) that I had way too much expectation or maybe it was due to the fact that it's not accessible and I do not want a casual relationship with a quilt store. Who knows.
I did purchase a pattern and talked to Betty about a couple of events and I may try to make it there for one of them, but somehow, I doubt it. I am finding that I am lacking my usual outgoing energy to go out and meet new people and get involved. I think I am looking at this next several months as a roadside rest area rather than making a home here. It's not that I can't handle goodbyes, I seem pretty experienced at it; it's that I don't want to invest the energy to say hello right now. I am not depressed, although I do find myself a bit melancholy at times; it's that I feel like I have too much to do to get ready to move again and I need to conserve my strength and ration my energy for the next place.
Which in a weird way makes sense since the next stop will probably be the last one for a long while and I really want to get that one right. I have to say, I have NEVER ever had this experience before. I have always embraced the experience of moving and have always looked at the adventurousness of a new destination. Just not here yet.
So we took him to the airport and I helped him check in and everything and I give him hugs and kisses goodbye; yes, he still is affectionate with his mommy and daddy. Then Brad and I start on an adventure to get the lay of the land of Louisville. It was raining which made things even more fun. Our first stop was a quilt store called Among Friends which was bright, cheerful and the staff were friendly. But I was not inspired - I don't think it had anything to do with my experience there - I just was not inspired. It felt like the same old stuff. It could have been that I have been so desperate for a quilt store (first one in 2 months) that I had way too much expectation or maybe it was due to the fact that it's not accessible and I do not want a casual relationship with a quilt store. Who knows.
I did purchase a pattern and talked to Betty about a couple of events and I may try to make it there for one of them, but somehow, I doubt it. I am finding that I am lacking my usual outgoing energy to go out and meet new people and get involved. I think I am looking at this next several months as a roadside rest area rather than making a home here. It's not that I can't handle goodbyes, I seem pretty experienced at it; it's that I don't want to invest the energy to say hello right now. I am not depressed, although I do find myself a bit melancholy at times; it's that I feel like I have too much to do to get ready to move again and I need to conserve my strength and ration my energy for the next place.
Which in a weird way makes sense since the next stop will probably be the last one for a long while and I really want to get that one right. I have to say, I have NEVER ever had this experience before. I have always embraced the experience of moving and have always looked at the adventurousness of a new destination. Just not here yet.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Brian's Quilt
Not too shabby chic...just enough for him to get it comfy good. It reminds me of Sailor's Flags on a boat.
He Looks Great in Stripes!
Brian in Minnesota with stripes galore! How does anyone resist those big brown eyes??Sunday, July 6, 2008
Andrea Collins Smith
I met this woman after her death and she has touched me in a way that I was not expecting. She was the mother of six beautiful children and a loving wife. I happened upon her blog from a friend on Twitter and I have been so fascinated by her story.
I invite you all to read her story here: http://punkrockmommy.org/blog/
and see her family here: http://flickr.com/photos/jonolshefski/collections/72157600856172125/
I hope it brings your peace and gratitude.
Love Laura
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Some New Pictures for You
This was in the concourse of the Portland Convention Center. I was fascinated watching it.
Another shot directly below.
Some beautiful flowers in Porland, OR.
They look like cotton candy.
A daffodil on our walk with Minnie and Daisy.
Some cone flowers along the way.
Bridal lace with a wonderful beatle.
I think this is a gladiola - it's been a long time.
Daisy on the porch all tuckered out.
Minnie wondering when we're going again.
Enjoy!
My Townie
Those who know me know that I have working on ways to reduce bulk (junk & waste), streamline my waistline, enhance my world and lessen my carbon footprint. Well, here's my next step. I got a bike so I can run the errands I need without having to drive my truck. We have analyzed the cost of replacing our SUV with a smaller more fuel efficient model and we have decided based on our traveling needs, it is cost prohibitive to replace a perfectly sound, working vehicle (it's not like someone will buy it and take it off the road) with yet another vehicle.
The Art 21 - Purple Poem
Me with my Townie
This is Brad's bike - a road racer
Just another cool shot!
My bell.
We will continue to make sure all maintenance is completed in a timely manner (changing filters, getting oil changes, tune ups and checking tire pressures) and consolidate our driving trips (ones that are necessary to drive distances) in order to reduce our gas consumption.
Okay, one could make the argument that buying a more fuel efficient car would be better for the environment but we are also trying to reduce bills and spending and it would take approximately 10.2 years to see the cost savings in purchasing a new vehicle. We can see more immediate savings by using our bikes and legs to make the short daily trips that make up the bulk of our vehicle usage.
One of the main reasons we decided to live on the installation was to save time, energy and money by living so close to work, shopping, library, and fitness facilities. So many people who work here live anywhere from 5-35 miles away and that takes a toll on the environment. Money was the deciding factor for us as I am not planning to work since we're not going to be here very long. It's cheaper to live closer to where you work and shop and yet so many Americans commute long distances for work.
My daughter's fiance for one commutes approximately 40 miles each way to work so the raise he receives has gotten lost in the increase in fuel expenses. My sister-in-law's hubby commutes almost 60 miles each way a day (he leaves for work at 5am to arrive by 7am) in Washington, DC traffic. She was commuting the same distance for a $14/hour job. It's insane! None of them drives with anyone else. How wasteful.
Brad and I have always tried to live close to his work, mostly to save us money (since I was a stay at home mom) and until I went back to work, we only had one vehichle. We are going back to one vehicle shortly. So what's all of this got to do with my Townie - well here she is!
The Art 21 - Purple Poem She is a 21 speed, commuter bike with a rack and a basket for carrying items like my camera bag, groceries and library books. She's ergonomically designed to be able to sit with both feet flat on the surface of the road and when pedaling the rider (that's me) sits comfortable with the legs forard reducing the stress on the knees. Now the reason I got this bike is below:
Me with my TownieThe picture should at least say a thousand words. - 'nuff said.
This is Brad's bike - a road racerWhy didn't I get one? Look above to "Me and my Townie" - 'nuff said.
Some close ups of the beatiful poem and writing - it's truly inspiring - "is a choice you make from moment to moment" and another "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
"dare to change"
my bike rack - I have a satchel that straps to the back to carry things like more books, a bigger camera, etc.
Possibly the view from whe I may fall of it in the future.
Just another cool shot!
My bell.
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