A Pieced Project, or Coaches Are Effective

Some things are just easier and more enjoyable when there's someone standing by and cheering me on.

Like push-ups.

And childbirth.

Back in 2002, I was burned out on quilting. It was stressful for me because it's just not one of my strengths. I had joined a quilting circle (Did blogs exist then?) with ladies who really knew their stuff, and I couldn't hang!

I stuck around long enough to do a few swaps, and as a result, I have a few quilts' worth of blocks to (some day) put together.

At times, I take them all out just to admire the work and reminisce. Then they go right back into their ziploc bags for future consideration.

Since "meeting" people like Amy and Penny and countless others - and ever since I participated in the very fun scrap swap - I'm inspired anew.

But alas!

I still sort of stink at quilting.

The Houston Quilt Show and my friend who took me there have served as fresh inspiration.

Still, I'm a child of the generation that helped usher in the age of instant gratification; hence another excuse to not make quilts.

They take time.

I like to make "stuff" and "things" that don't take very long.

So, Amy's recent (brilliant, fun, perfect) idea to make a mini pieced project for Sew & Tell was right on time for me!

(And she even stood by and cheered me on! Bless her!) 

Equally on time was this tutorial (I really like her style).

"Mind the Gap!" I love this fabric. I used it for the back of one of the pot holders. The London Underground is one of the most crowded situations I've ever experienced; but it was fun! This project reflects my frequent tendency to make major blunders in my sewing. In this case, I forgot to add the second layer of insul-brite; so I'll be hanging with the seam ripper today.

Caelyn was impressed that the recipe on this fabric can actually be read. I may try it, just for fun.

By the way, if you're needing more inspiration, Sew Mama Sew is doing an entire month of daily ideas for making Christmas gifts, etc.

OK. Gotta go. 

I can't wait to see what everyone else did for Sew & Tell...

Weekend Wrap-Up

Craig and I recently had our bikes serviced so that we might begin to explore the territory around our neighborhood. I was so excited when he sent me a text on his way from work on Friday, telling me to "get changed" for a bike ride.

I hadn't ridden for a while, so I'll just say that after a moderate ride, I was hoping that my weekend wouldn't involve much sitting.

The soreness didn't last long, thankfully. I enjoyed "breaking in" my new seat.

We had a marvelous evening ride, complete with some bird spotting. My camera is broken, so I'm having to use my phone for now. (Please forgive the quality.) Sadly, I didn't get any bird photos.

At one point, we came upon a flock of water birds that flew up and circled overhead, leaving me motionless in awe. 

It was magnificent!

Just as they began to take flight, Sara Groves's rendition of "Breath of Heaven" began to play in my earphones.

The piano intro was the perfect segue to what seemed like a choreographed dance in praise to our Creator.

It brought tears to my eyes.

I felt a little like this guy.

Suddenly I realized that Craig hadn't stopped with me. 

It took some effort to catch up with him.

At this point, we realized that we were approaching a private residence, so we turned around and headed back.

Although I was thrilled to move to the Houston area, I was afraid that I might never see anything green. To my great joy, I learned of this place, and our family headed into the city for their get-acquainted-with-the-outdoors event.

We enjoyed a birds-of-prey demo, which was the biggest highlight for all of us.

Craig couldn't wait to see a falcon, since he's wanted one for several years. This one is rather young and still in training for doing demos; but we enjoyed every minute!

We got to see this hawk "hunt" for the "prey" on this leather lure. What a treat to get a close-up view. It was literally right beside us.

This is probably cheating, but our boys were glad to see an airsoft booth at the event. I'm sure they meant this for younger children, but Craig Grayson & Graham couldn't resist the challenge of target practice. Graham walked away with the record for the most targets hit in the least amount of time.

Craig Grayson did well, too; but he couldn't keep up with his younger brother.

He's always a good sport, though.

Gabriela wanted a turn, too. She did well, considering that she hadn't shot before.

There were many other exhibits, including this wildlife center that had a few reptiles on display. We miss our ball python, "Kaa", which we gave away when we left Alabama.

The Hunter's Education booth was a favorite of the guys. They're anxious to get "legal" in the state of Texas.

Craig was intrigued by this gentleman's tales of hunting in South Africa.

I'm still amazed at the idea of electric cars. This booth was advertising "charging stations", two of which are already available in the city.

Snow cones in the shade

On Sunday, we were privileged to join our friend, Leo, in watching his son's team play (and beat) the Texans here at Reliant Stadium.

With my puny iPhone camera, I managed to at least show proof of Stefan talking with his uncle/coach, Steve Wisniewski, before the game.

Football fans really are a rowdy lot. My ears were ringing long after we returned home.

We had loads of fun, though.

We were especially grateful for the stadium's roof, as it rained quite a bit yesterday.

After the game, I ended up taking off my shoes, which were irritating my feet. We had a long walk in the "cold" rain to where Craig had parked, but I felt like a kid splashing barefoot through the puddles and dodging rocks.

A shower never felt better.

Penn's Woods

William Penn got a good deal in that payoff.

Pennsylvania. Is. Beautiful!

And may I just say that toll roads are worth every penny?

It was refreshing to escape the noise and activity of suburbia on Saturday and travel to nearby Ohiopyle for a day hike with friends.

(Of course, apparently it was motorcycle day at the park, which made up for the anticipated lack of noise. But I digress)

The drive, alone, was spectacular. There is so much splendor to behold in this gorgeous state (when the snow FINALLY melts and the trees again don their spring garb).

Along the way we witnessed a multi-mile yard sale along an historic route, a real toll house, and even a wagon train with a police escort. 

Years ago, I didn't always take seriously the warning offered by older women that "they grow so quickly", as I couldn't then imagine a time when the children would no longer be small. This photo is very telling. Graham, 13, looks more like a young adult to me here. He's now wearing his dad's shoe size, and even borrows some of his shirts.

The dogs drew so much attention on our outing. We heard "ooh"s and "aahh"s at every turn.

Hiking right after a LOT of rain is quite messy. I opted against wearing my Five Finger shoes, and I'm certainly glad. Instead, I wore my Chaco water sandals, which were perfect for the many mud puddles we traversed, but really hard on my pedicure.

I love my silly girls!

Foiled by the elusive snake with a contingency plan

I never thought it would happen, but I've fallen. Hard.

Penelope had no shortage of willing volunteers to give her tiny legs a break from our trek.
"If you can't run with the big dogs, stay... in the sling."

At one point, we watched as a kayaker struggled to no avail against this current. I wonder if he ever got through...

If you don't do anything else this week, make this recipe. And then jealously guard it from those around you.

Jon's a big, tough football type with a big heart to match.
As we've waffled between names for Penelope, he's used "Chuck" as a placeholder.
Here, he's spending a little bonding moment with her as we rest by the water.

It was nice to get away for a few hours. Ever since we were in Moçambique, I've longed to go hiking. This was our first time on the trail since returning to the States last summer.

I'm thankful for the opportunity to get out and enjoy part of God's wondrous works.