Good-bye July

July whizzed by is all I can say:) 

This includes having a little turn 2... ALREADY!

We had really hot days and then some unseasonably lovely crisp mornings when I could open all the windows.

Here is what else my July included 

along with lots of stitches and sunsets:)

 

We have deer that come through occasionally and 

this year we have a few babies!

I was able to catch an awesome sunset one night at a 

brewery while listening to some music...

Shout out to Deusterbecks in Wisconsin.

Of course, some backyard stitching on the latest commission 

because being out there makes my mind settle!

And then we have the vegetable that keeps on giving...

Hello, Lambs Quarters, you humble little weed!

I was able to get 5 patterns into the Etsy shop 

for immediate downloads. 

This seems to be the way of the world 

now and it is great to not have to 

store so many printed ones. 

Come look for Gratitude, A Stitch in Time, 

Blueberry Blooms, and Can You Hear the Bells. 

Lastly, I posted Mod Poinsettia.

I am SO EXCITED about not just 

this pattern but the other 10 sitting

in the computer using this technique.

For now, this pattern is available and 

the new 3-hour class too, so tell your

guild program chairs I am booking 

for 2027.

July was the big 250th celebration too.

It was my first time getting to watch the littles'

faces as they watched BIG fireworks...So cute!

See you in August because there's plenty ahead worth sharing.

Obviously, I couldn't put a whole month's worth of posts here so I hope you will take a peek at my 

IG or FB feeds for the other stuff.

Believing in what you're making 

even when it's slow, matters.

Thank you for being here! 

Keep Stitching~

FIREWORKS:

Do you get a vision of brightness and awe and a feeling of exhiliration?

In my adult years I have heard people say that fear holds you back. My whole life has been ruled by fear but I didn't think I was fearful of good things....how could you be?

Every now and again in my life a song comes on the radio that overwhelms me with emotion and I don't always recognize why at first. The last time I remember going through this was about 9-10 years ago when the Dixie Chicks redid "Landslide" (originally by Fleetwood Mac). I listened to it and cried. I was not very happy where we were, my daughters were entering teen/pre-teen which scared me for reasons I won't name here, and I didn't like where I was in my life. The lyrics touched me because I was stuck, afraid to move forward- because,
"I've been afraid of changing 'Cause I've built my life around you" I had put everything of myself into my girls and trying to build my fantasy family and marriage. I had it and yet I knew I wanted more and then felt selfish for wanting more.

The other day I heard the song, "Firework" by Katy Perry-what a fun catchy beat (and you can dance to it:). The next time I listened to the words and they hit me like a ton of bricks.....they are bubble gum pop but still spoke to me:

Maybe your reason why all the doors are closed

So you could open one that leads you to your perfect road.

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow

And when it's time, you'll know.

You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine

Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause baby you're a firework

Come on, show 'em what you're worth

Make 'em go "oh oh oh"

As you shoot across the sky-y-y.

Baby you're a firework

Come on, let your colors burst

Make 'em go "oh oh oh"

You're gonna leave them all in "awe awe awe".

Lately I have been feeling like I am meant to do something amazing and exciting with my life and in my career. While choking back the tears I realized that I am afraid of moving forward because that might mean losing what I have and love; my comfortable quiet existence with the love of my life. He is very supportive and proud of me and what if succeeding means being with him so much less that I lose my balance? I don't do well out of balance. I feel safe and secure right now but also unfulfilled....so aren't I already out of balance?

My word for 2011 is Transition and expanding my heart and my mind's boundaries for myself will fall into this word's definition for me. I would challenge all my reader's to do the same and take one step beyond your secure zone and take a chance.

My monthly horoscope had this to say:
Keep in Mind this Month Playing it safe will only prolong your insecurity. Bold action, however, burns away fear in the excitement of new undertakings.

I joined a Haiku group for this year to expand my writing/creative skills. Our first challenge word is "Beginnings" and my haiku is:

Beginnings bring fear
Beginnings bring excitement
JUMP NOW, Feel Breath Live