Summer Bucket List

In order to get the most of my summer - it's time to create my summer bucket list.

1. Get a natural tan - one that people notice.
2. Learn to sew, begin quilt
3. Go to a fair, preferably the State Fair.
4. Go to the Kansas City Farmers Market.
5. See 4th of July Fireworks in Kansas City.

to be continued....

It's Never Too Late

It has been such a long time since I've written in my blog - I've been many places, seen many people, and of course, have done many projects :)  Today is National Scrapbook Day - and today alone I made 12 cards!!!  Plus being Cinco de Mayo - I had to have Chipotle!!

While picking up blogging again, seems like a chore - especially when I have so many photos to upload, I decided I started it, I need to continue.  This reminded me of the quote, "It's never too late to be who you might have been," from the 19th Century Novelist, George Eliot.  I have felt lately, that is a new beginning - Summer is here, the residents are moving out for the summer in less than 6 days, people are graduating, and I've almost finished my 1st academic year at KU.  I've always appreciated my profession, because there are so many chances to start over, and for the year to be new - I'll be spending my summer ticking off my bucket list, and figuring out what inspires me.  Look for the summer bucket list in a new post. 

 

30 some photos later - here are all the projects I've not been posting lately - minus one :)

You Deserve to Be Happy

I am fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people - and even more fortunate to be surrounded by upstanding men who are even better boyfriends and husbands.  The past week I've again see people in bad relationships, and I'm left wondering why people think they deserve less than to be cherished - especially when there are so many great examples out there - who love their partners to pieces.  To each of you, thank you, keep it up - your partners appreciate it - and you remind me to keep expecting nothing less than the best.

I truly believe that it's important to be happy with yourself, and to make your own happiness.  This past week, I've taken a step to become a better person, and even happier - I joined the gym, and got a trainer.  Here's hoping I continue to believe I'm worth it, even the days I'd rather chew through glass.  I leave you with my last few projects - and this quote:

"things fall apart so other things can fall together <3"

Head First

I've decided that I am going to learn how to sew - more specifically, I'm going to learn how to quilt.  It took me a week to be able to buy anything more than fabric - I was paralyzed every time I went into a craft store.  Shopping and Crafting are both in my bones, and have NEVER intimidated me.  It was a feeling I was not used to.  I'm also a person who likes to jump in and do things - so this quilting business was cramping my style - I had to slow down, read, and try to learn what to do.  

 I've still only quickly read what is essential and what I need to do - I am who I am.  This weekend I'm on call, which means I need to stay close to home - so I thought it would be a good project weekend.  Knowing I can't start sewing away a quilt the way I want to (I haven't even tried to use my sewing machine yet) - so I went and bought a pattern for an owl quilt I saw online.  I figured I could at least start cutting the applique's.  These are the beginnings of an owl quilt designed by Amy Bradley (The Hoots Pattern).  I found someone had taken this pattern and made it a little more adult - which is my aspiration.  (Adapted). 

I'm also still enjoying my Unity Stamp Company Stamp of the Week.  Here's my 2nd project with the 2nd stamp of the week.  I have weeks 3 and 4, and hope to show you 4 cards by the end of the weekend.  I'm also hopeful to get to know my sewing machine - by making some 2 sided cloth napkins.  I bought my first 2 yards of fabric today - it's a big step.

 

It is important that students bring a certain ragamuffin, barefoot irreverence to their studies; they are not here to worship what is known, but to question it.  ~Jacob Bronowski

Creating Your Own Beauty

I always say it jokingly - but I collect hobbies.  No matter what, I always seem to pick up something that's artsy, and go with it.  I started making the most basic cards in Grad School, as something to do.  I have taken multiple classes on card making, stamping, techniques, etc.  I've been to Scrapfest 3 times.  

After Grad School, I began taking Wilton Cake Decorating Classes.  I aspire to some day attend the Wilton School and take Sugar Blowing, and other such amazing technique classes.

During October, I learned how to knit, and by did I!  I thinking I'm going to take some classes in the next few months at the Yarn Barn downtown - it's time to start making more than long rectangles!

I've also always wanted to know how to quilt.  Well - I've finally bitten the bullet and purchased a sewing machine!  I had so much fun at the fabric store yesterday - and found out that some of my favorite scrapbooking companies are now making fabric!  I'm excited to buy a giant folding table and create a sewing/crafting table.

I believe I need to choose some cheaper hobbies!  But no matter what, it seems like there's always something for me to create - and to be able to find my own beauty - even if skies are grey.  As Eleanor Rosevelt once said -  “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”  

WHY WON'T IT LET ME FLIP THIS?

Here what Ive been creating the last few weeks.  (all stamps from the Unity Stamp Company )

Laughter

I caught myself laughing last night, and for a minute, stepped out of myself, and realized just how genuine that moment of laughter was.  My soul was shining!  There was a pureness, and an innocence in that moment of laughter - and I found myself incredibly thankful that I had noticed - recognized my joy, and how good it felt.  I want to spend my life living in a series of moments that feel just like that & remembered just what a smile, a laugh, an open heart could do for you!

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.
Jean Houston

Starting Over

Today I am inspired by new chances, starting over, new years, new semesters!  Each year we are blessed with January 1st - which gives us a chance to redo, to do, to achieve, and to overcome - for some of us - to finally BE!  While some look down on the tradition of making resolutions - I look at the custom as a way to stop, evaluate myself, and seek to improve.  Even though not Catholic, I use Lent every year, to stop, evaluate, and then choose things to give up that I'm spending too much time on, too reliant on, or too indulgent in.  Going further, working in the field of Higher Education, I have the Fall Semester & Spring Semester to start over as well!  I often wonder what life is like, without these 'natural' breaks, to examine, explore, and improve. 

I believe in the beauty of my dreams, and today, I am inspired by the fact that in my life, I get to start over at least 3 times a year & I am thankful that I am willing to aspire - to seek, and to attain.