inkstitch

just in time

May you have a peaceful and joyous celebration.

Grateful Sabbath

A quick thank you for just a few of the many things I am enjoying:

:: My sewing machine collection.  My Kenmore 12-stitch beginner machine that I bought when I was 16 is still going strong; my new quilting machine is a dream to use; my serger is a luxury; and the fact that my girls each have their own machine is pure joy.  These things make me very happy.
:: My Everything Room.  There are so many beautiful and inspiring studios and sewing rooms around the blogosphere, and I admire them all, but my not-so-beautiful jack-of-all-trades room, where my computer, the kids' computer, three sewing tables, the quilt frames, the TV, the printers, the scrapbook stuff, the make-do photo studio, the homework station, the books, the legos, my desk, and no small amount of every imaginable creative supply resides, provides constant inspiration and support to all our creative endeavors.  (We'll work on beauty sometime after the bathroom remodel!)
:: My friend Dona. Quite simply, she inspires me.  She is brilliant and beautiful and fun and wise all at the same time.  And that's on a slow day.  Besides, she raises kids that make me want to write fan mail.
:: My new sheets.  They are super soft and yummy and some astronomical thread count that I didn't even know existed until JB brought them home to me. Yes, he surprised me with sheets.  It was just before Julia was born. Jewelry?  Chocolate?  No way, baby, this guy knows how to gift!  ...On a side note, I wish I could spend a lot more time in them.  Sleep is in altogether too short of supply 'round here-- for some of us.

Happy Sunday!

 

Grateful Sabbath

Most, most grateful today for my dad.  He happens to be one of those blessings I thank the Lord for every single day.  He is the finest, most sincere man I could have ever hoped for as a father.  If I am lucky enough to have a few good traits, I credit in large part his example and his integrity.  I would be lucky even to have him as a neighbor, but God gave me him as a Dad.  He is, simply, one of the greatest blessings of my life, by far.  Thank you, Dad.  Happy Birthday.

Grateful Sabbath

Aren't quiet Sundays the nicest thing?  Puttering, reading, cooking, sewing... or doing this little drawing for the kindergarten class.  Yep, I feel grateful for days like this indeed.
A few other things I am grateful for:
:: Ian's drawings.  I have got to scan one of these for a post.  I *love* the stuff he is doing right now!
:: Natalie's singing.  This is our background music -- it never stops.
:: A massive stack of inherited sewing patterns.  (It's on my list to sort them and post some soon.)
:: Art supplies.  Seriously, I love the smell of a new box of Crayolas.  I love playing with art stuff with my kids.  I love that "art stuff" can mean anything from tin foil to rocks.  I love that we have an art museum just down the street. 
:: Jonathan.  How lucky I am that he loves art as much as I do.
I am off to spend time enjoying all the great people I get to live with.  Happy Sunday.

On the table tonight: pot roast and veggies

Grateful Sabbath

It's been a long while since a Grateful Sabbath post (inspired by the Gratitude Friday posts I read here and here), and I missed expressing my gratitude at the baptism of this lovely little girl. She is a true sweetheart and princess, a daughter of God.

With this and many other things, my cup runneth over, and yet I am overwhelmed of late, so counting blessings is certainly in order:
:: My "big kids." They are so sharp and fun and enjoyable.  Ok, they have their teenage moments, no question, but really, I have a great time with them a lot of the time.
:: Pizza, and any other dinner I do not have to cook. Let's not mention nutrition right now, okay?
:: My sisters. This one deserves a LOT more time than I have just now, so I am sure they'll come up again. They are godesses, I tell you. Angels in my life and one giddy mess every now and then as well!
:: My iMac. Seriously, ain't Apple cool?
:: Quilts. Quilting. Quilt stuff. Quilt fabric. And since I'm suffering withdrawals from all of these things currently, quilt thoughts.