Still Around

Hi all - I'm still here, just been really lazy about blogging!!

Here's what is new:

Health: Finally got into the pain management clinic and have had 3 steroid injections (2 caudal epidurals, and the other I can't remember the name, but they went in closer to the surgical site at L5/S1). The first 2 did absolutely nothing for me. The 3rd has given me some relief, but they have also put me on a medication...so I'm not sure which one has been more beneficial?? At least there has been relief! Yay!

Work: Well, I signed my teaching contract. I will now be teaching PreK-8th Grade General Music/Choir AND 5-8th Grade Band. I am thankful that, even though I am completely stressed out about how I, as one person, is going to be able to do all of the above, that I do have a job. Of which, starts in 2 weeks! Okay....who ran off with the summer??

Craftwise: I have been busy in this area!

Do you remember these?

Well, I have had orders for 6 more! I have completed and delivered 4 of them (sorry I forgot to get a picture - oops!)

I have also spent some time at "My Friendly Sewing Circle" which is a new business that has opened up in a community near me. It's a place you can go and sit and sew/crochet/embroider/knit, well you get the idea :)

It does cost $5 a day, or I believe $35 to be a monthly "member", to reserve your seat and help pay for utilities, the rent of the space etc. I get a lot more sewing done there than I do at home. I just can't get motivated at home and I guess driving to, lugging my machine, and paying for my spot, plus the good company of other crafters, is the incentive I need to get me sewing groove on!

They also are hosting a mystery quilt, a block of the month, and several other classes and events. I am doing the block of the month, and the gal that is sponsoring it, asked me if I would sew up all 12 blocks now. She will then give me the sashing and setting kit for free! That's a $54 value.

I better do a nice job, as I found out that the reason she wants it sewn up all now, is that she would like to take a picture of the completed top so she can show it on her online quilt shop to advertise the BOM series.

The goal is to finish the blocks up tomorrow so I can get started on the sashing and setting squares. I'd like to get this done before school starts....hmmm...we'll see!!

I hope to have pictures for you soon!

Take care and thanks for stopping! - Elizabeth

Is there an Ark handy?

It is currently 1:40 a.m., and I can't fall asleep due to the storm that is blowing around outside! (I'm in among all that orange and yellowness (I know, not a real word, but at this time in the morning it is!)

There were reports of tornado's earlier this evening, thankfully they were not around me, but I did talk with my Dad while he was stuck in "the back room of Hardees" waiting for the tornado sirens to go off. Scary! - I am relieved to say that Dad is fine and made it back home safely!!

Otherwise, there is not much to report on my end. I have been, in essence, very lazy!

My house needs cleaning, yard work to be done, and there's lots of craftiness I want/need/should do, but I just haven't found the motivation to do it!

I have managed to get one book read, caught up on missed TV episodes, and have started crocheting the rabbit out of one of the last books I purchased, but other than that - LAZY! I must say, it's been nice, but the summer is all to quickly disappearing on me!

Health wise, I am still in physical therapy, which has helped in strengthening and flexibility, just not so much with the pain. I'm supposed to see a pain management specialist, but am having communication issues with insurance/workman's comp. Joy!

I do have a busy few days coming up. Tomorrow, if the weather cooperates, I plan to go and see my Dad. Thursday is PT and shopping with my Mamma Bear, and Friday and Saturday, I have signed up for a Sit and Sew. Haven't decided what I am going to work on yet. I should use Friday as a "finish" day, and Saturday as a "new" project day. But you know how it is....."the best laid plans".

Well, I should let you all get onto more exciting posts! Thanks for stopping, take care, and I hope you are staying safe and dry! - Elizabeth

I Love Coupons!

Oh, I was NAUGHTY today!

This is what happens when I'm free and have coupons in hand. I don't NEED these books.....but you see, I can rationalize buying them! A dangerous combination if I do say so!

The "Circular Baby Afghans" and the "Easy Japanese Quilt Style" books were purchased at Joann Fabrics with 50% off coupons. The Leisure Arts "Our Best Baby Afghans" was purchased at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon (plus it's replacing a copy that I lost to my basement flooding!) and well, "The Big Book of Animals" was purchased at full price (however less then $10.00!)....but it was just too darn cute to leave!

There's projects in each that I would love to do, and maybe someday I'll actually get to them. But for now, they are fun just to thumb through and dream up fabric/yarn combinations for! Ahhh - picture books for adults :)

Well, since I put in such a hard day of shopping, I feel the need for a nap! Some rain storms passed through earlier today and the air is fresh, clean and cool = good snuggle weather. So, I am going to take advantage of the cool and my cuddly blankets, and dream of all the crafts in my new books!

Take Care and Thanks for Stopping! - Elizabeth

Ah, Freedom!

The 2009-2010 School Year is OVER!

What a year it has been, and I'd be lying through my teeth if I said that I was sorry to see it go!

Instead, I am doing a happy dance and living in denial about the mid-life crises I'm having (pretty sad since I'm only 32)! We'll worry about that another day.....

For now, the happy dance and denial are doin' just fine!

I saw a saying the other day that suits me well at the moment:

"I know that I live in my own little world.

But that's okay; they know me here!"

So, come to my world, get your groove on,

and join me in my happy dance!

Now see, wasn't that fun!

Thanks for stopping by, and take care! - Elizabeth

psst: Just a note to say thank you for ALL OF YOUR SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS this year. You have listened to me moan and groan, and yet none of you said "get over yourself and move on" - but instead I've received numerous verbal hugs, and for that I thank God for you!!

Remembered the Camera!

Here are the pictures of my latest projects.

My curved seams wall hanging:

Still needs a few borders, but I don't think I did too bad considering I traced the template onto the plastic, then the fabric, cut and sewed this much in approx. 4-5 hours.

And

Nima at http://madetotreasure.blogspot.com/ offered this very cute hat pincushion for free and my mother hinted strongly that she wanted one! What we do for our mothers!

Here is my variation, but be sure to go check out Nima's site to sneak a peak at all the other hats out there!

Side View

Top View

Well, that's all for now!

Happy crafting, and thank you all so much for taking the time to leave comments! I visit you all often, but I am TERRIBLE at leaving you comments - just know that you are appreciated and checked in on often :)

Take Care - Elizabeth

Still Around

First and foremost, Happy Memorial Day!

School News: I am still plugging away. The school year is finally wrapping up - 4 more days with kids and then 2 without. Have yet to make a final decision on my future in education, but as it looks as though we may not receive our contracts until mid June/July, I still have time to figure out which direction I should go! Suggestions are welcome :)

Health News: The back is very slowly getting better. My fall really, really, set me back. I was back to my neuro the other day and the PA I saw said that where I should be 7 months out in the stages of recovery from surgery, my fall set me back to more like 3 or 4 months. How Rude!! Anywho, I am to continue physical therapy, and am to see a "Pain Management Specialist" to discuss pain treatment options such as cortisone shots, etc. The good thing is I am getting better - just s...l...o....w...l...y!

Craft News: I do have a couple of projects to share with you, but my camera is currently sitting an hour away on my desk at school, so no new pictures! Guess, you'll just have to wait! I must say though that I am pretty proud of myself! Just got part of a wall hanging done that uses curved seams. My first time "quilting" with curved seams. Wasn't too bad and it reminded me of putting in teddy bear arms/legs!

Not to leave you too disappointed, here are some pictures of quits/sewing projects I have done (and some yet to finish...shhh don't tell)

Using "Kitty Cucumber" fabric - quilt and close up.

And a favorite wall hanging (my dad has absconded!) and a table mat (gave away as a gift!) I have done.

Have a great day, thanks for stopping and take care! - Elizabeth

New Projects....

Mamma Bear and I went on a mini quilt shop hop yesterday, and of course some items HAD to come home with me.

This first one will test my ability to sew curves, but the demo was ultra cute hanging up "sew" I thought I'd give it a try! (I know-terribly punny!).

This next fabric will become a purse...........

......like these other two I have done! I think I like this pattern. If you do too, you can get it here!

5 more weeks of school! "I think I can, I think I can, I think............"

Still undecided.

Am to talk with the Superintendent tomorrow so hopefully that will give me a better indication of what I want to do.

Ah, stress - what life would be like with out it?

As usual, thanks for stopping and take care! - Elizabeth