~*It Usually Works Out*~

Well, the New Year is already a month in.

How does that happen so quickly?

I would like to share a quirky little story

about something that happened to me recently.

~For any of those who are feeling stressed

or in doubt about a pressing matter

or uncertain about a decision to be made.~

I know that's a lot, but I do feel that many folks are struggling

with abnormal levels of pressure lately.

I will even name the incident.

The Spud Basket Incident

Shortly before Christmas, I was in a local thrift shop

looking for something particular.

While there, I saw this wonderfully made, nice quality

and very large basket.

It was probably three feet tall and almost as big around.

It was in great condition and the kicker was,

it was marked at $17.

Wowza!

I wasn't there for a basket.

The first thing that comes to mind with a basket of that size,

of course is a laundry basket.

I already have very nice laundry baskets

that I very much appreciate.

I walked away from that basket.

It wasn't something I needed at the time, and I couldn't think of 

an immediate use for it.

(first strike)

Now that basket sorta haunted my mind for a day or two.

It really was remarkable and a great bargain.

I decided to give it to God as the saying goes.

I thought finally what a nice potato basket it would be.

How many spuds could a basket that size hold?

How many spuds do we eat each year?

That seems like a lot of spuds.

Where could I put a basket of spuds that size?

With spuds in mind, I thought if I went back and it was there,

I would get it.

If it wasn't there, then I wasn't meant to have it at this time.

So Monday morning, I went back.

That's when I discovered they were closed on Mondays.

At that point, I counted it as a second strike.

I went back again on Tuesday.

You can probably guess by now, the basket was gone.

(Strike three)

I knew it was fine and accepted that I wasn't meant to have it.

But to be quite honest,

I was pretty deflated.

Yes, I know.

It sounds absolutely ridiculous - it's just a basket after all.

Go ahead and roll your eyes - I understand.

However, the idea of a basket for our spuds still lingered.

I went about preparing for Christmas.

As I was walking in the spare room for some wrapping paper one day,

I saw it.

You might as well roll your eyes again because here it is.

I had a basket.

Wait. . . what?

It's sturdy with a wire frame and well made.

It has handles for moving and is a much more realistic size.

My mom had given me my baby blankets and clothes

and not knowing what to do with them,

I stuffed them in the basket.

I had purchased the basket because it was so sturdy and a good price.

(Yes, I evidently have a weakness for good baskets.)

I dumped those blankets on the spare bed to deal with later

and examined the basket.

It was perfect!

I didn't have time to make a proper liner for it right then 

as we were heading right into Christmas with plenty to do on that front.

But I did get to it shortly thereafter.

I made a liner of a good quality muslin.

I've not yet made a "lid" or cover for the top,

but I have our spuds in their basket and use them as needed.

It's working wonderfully.

Had I caved and bought that giant basket on impulse,

I would have a great big basket with a small amount of spuds in the bottom

or be tripping on it in our little house, or who knows what else.

It was a really good reminder of how 

even if I want something and don't get it - 

something else better is apt to show itself.

See, it's really not about a basket.

I needed the reminder,

because like many others,

I've had stresses weighing on me too.

That silly spud basket lifted a little weight from my shoulders

by knowing I don't have to have everything figured out all the time.

Trusting that it will all work out is often easier said than done.

Whatever giant basket is haunting your mind,

just know something better will present itself

and that it usually works out.

And with that,

I hope, dear friends, you have a splendid day~ 

Simple Traditions

 Good Morning Dear Friends

We have been busy as ever 

as I am sure many are this time of year.

For many in the trades,

 work seems to slow down about now through spring.

That's not happened for us since opening the business.

Though a bit of a break would be nice at times,

it truly is a blessing to have the work.

(This is the one for our friends.)

Every year, we go get our Christmas tree

about a week to week and a half before Christmas.

We put real candles on the tree

so there is no way we could have a month old tree

and not have a fire hazard.

Also, I'm not sure I could handle a tree in the house

for that length of time.

It always feels nice and clean when it all comes down

and is put away for another year.

(A clear beautiful day.)

It has been cloudy and foggy here for the past couple weeks.

When we headed up the mountain to our usual place,

we broke through the clouds and were greeted with

wonderful bright sunshine.

Up on top where we stop and begin hiking,

it was 16*.

The chill felt good along with the prospect of an 

evergreen to liven up our living room.

We found one for us and one for some friends

who have 2 little ones and weren't able to go get one.

Once we find the tree(s) and make it back to the rig,

we have "real" hot chocky waiting for us.

It's a welcome treat after trekking through the snow.

It doesn't take very long walking in the snow

to get the heart rate up.

(Especially if you have short legs like me 😊) 

This year someone had left about a 3' base section of their tree

which I dragged back to use as bows around the house.

It smells so good!

We now have the tree in the house and as decorated

as it's going to get.

(Done)

We don't worry about perfect décor or the perfect shape.

That's not what it's all about.

We have made this journey every year for ages

and don't see an end to it any time soon.

It's these little acts or traditions if you will.

That's part of what makes us reliable.

Our children can depend upon certain things,

and that helps create stability.

For young and old alike,

we like the things we can depend on.

It doesn't have to be anything big or extravagant.

It's often the simple things that mean the most.

(So much help.)

Wishing each of you

a Merry Christmas

and a blessed New Year.

A Little Stitchin' Time

 I've been working in the fun room.

It been a game of sorting and nixing and did I mention sorting?

I began a pinwheel quilt-top last spring.

I had the pinwheels arranged on the floor.

And there they sat. . . 

all summer!

The garden happened, and that was all there was to it.

Then the garden ran late~

Finally, during the past couple weeks,

I've been able to get back to it.

I finished the quilt-top.

I have to finish the quilt I'm quilting now

which is taking forever.

Then I have another one in front of it,

then I can get to this one.

(before the borders)

As I have been stitching,

I have also been trying to go through things 

and do what I like to call "editing."

I have done plenty of good ol' organizing,

and I have a stack of things to go to donation.

In addition to that, I've been trying to think

of projects to "use up" some fabric.

One of the things I've wanted to do for a long time

is make new ironing board covers.

I have two ironing boards - both vintage/antique.

The covers on both were in dire condition.

The larger board, I use for shirts and household ironing.

The smaller board, I like by my quilting 

for pressing blocks and quilt pieces.

I figured I would make a new cover for the smaller one.

So I gathered some fabric and set out to work.

Well, I didn't feel like measuring and thought I could just wing it.

I thought wrong.

Cheater cheater Punkin eater - never pays.

In this case, it was too big so I went ahead 

and put it on the larger board.

It worked fine but then I still had the smaller board to cover.

Back at it but this time I measured like a good girl.

It looks more "wine" colored than it really is.

Both work great and it cleans up the room that much more

having a couple more pieces of fabric out of the stash

and not having ratty looking ironing boards around.

It's funny how something so simple can render a sense of accomplishment and pleasure in using it.

It's nice to move back indoors for the winter.

Our first flakes fell this morning.

Nothing sticking and I still had to go to work,

but enjoyable to see nonetheless.

By February we will be singing a different tune.

But for now~

the first snowfall is cause for celebration.

Keep well and warm dear friends. 

 

It's About Today

 Have any of you noticed how the days are growing shorter?

No?

Well, let me share.

As I type this, it is Halloween.

I suppose it is officially the Holiday Season.

While I very much enjoy the holidays,

each in their turn,

I enjoy each day for what it is.

The made up hoopla prior to each of these 

promoting early and excessive spending

isn't the part I appreciate.

I mentioned in my last post that we keep it

pretty simple as far as gifts go.

Source

There were some wonderful comments.

(Thank you for each of those)

My thinker got stuck on that bit.

I wasn't sure why but seeing the Halloween costumes,

the Thanksgiving paper plates, and the Christmas décor

all being presented for sale at the same time

might have had something to do with it.

Please don't get me wrong.

I like seeing little ones dressed up as puppies

 or superheroes or goblins.

I love the idea of giving thanks for our blessings

as we sit down to a feast with our loved ones.

And I very much appreciate celebrating

the birth of our Savior.

Each of these is really a celebration of the heart.

We can enjoy each day just as much

as the day set on the calendar telling us to do so.

I think everyday last week was

"Look at the jewel-coloured leaves day."

Today is "Blessings falling in drops from Heaven day."

Tomorrow is looking like another of those.

We've not had real rain for quite a while so it's much needed.

It's cool and blustery

so tomorrow might be a "Yummy bowl of hot soup day" also.

I'm not saying all this simply to be a PollyAnna.

It's to be a rebel of sorts.

You already knew I was a rebel though right?

We don't need to be told when or how to celebrate.

We can do our own thing.

I had a friend in college who's family 

went skiing for Easter each year instead of looking for eggs.

They were actually very involved in their church,

so this surprised me, but it's what their family did.

It's the perfect example.

They didn't do what others did or expected.

They were/are a wonderful family and did their own thing.

We can each do that.

Go ahead and celebrate the day you are given

since we aren't guaranteed a tomorrow.

How you celebrate is entirely up to you.

Have a cup of the good coffee or tea.

Allow yourself an extra 10 minutes to read in a favorite book.

Go for a walk around the block.

Or just look out the window and appreciate the beauty.

The celebration can be internal, 

in your heart.

Perspective is a wonderful thing.

Well, being a rebel is sorta fun too.

Happy, Merry, Jolly Today

(and tomorrow too).