Things I Like Thursdays June 27

Greetings!

This has been a fun week.  I have a new hobby thanks to LeeAnna.  It's watercolor painting.  Very relaxing and creative. Needless to say not much else got done these last few days-heehee.  I must say I finally feel as if I'm retired after 3 years not working! Just mostly playing.  I'm feeling just a tiny bit guilty not getting chores done but that too shall pass.
Without further ado-here are my likes for this week:

1.  Movies watched- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.  A Tom Hanks movie. A young boy finds his father's key after the father died in one of the towers of 9-11. The story is about the boy trying to find out what the key is for.
   Get Low.  A Robert Duvall movie. It's a true tale of an old man planning his funeral to take place while he's alive.  I know this is a bizarre thought but the movie kept my attention.
Both movies were good.

2. Having a blog. Duh. I'm not on Instagram, Twitter, etc.  I don't want to spend all day on social media. I can barely keep this blog going and I don't take it too seriously. It's such a fun way to socialize with you while keeping a journal of my life. Someone once said:"why be an artist if you aren't sharing your work?".  Well, I just feel good creating, whether it be quilting, cooking, or crafty stuff. I am so grateful for followers!  We all need to connect. I so appreciate your comments, ideas, respect and encouragement. I'm happy to share my thoughts on your sites, as well.

3. My new hobby- watercolor painting.  Thanks to Lee Anna, I was sucked into a video at Creations CeeCee. First, I need to explain- I cannot draw and never had "doodled".  Weird, but my analytical side felt doodling was a waste of time.  I know, sad.  I remember doodling on my books at school when I liked a boy. Other than that, no doodling.
Well, CeeCee made watercolor painting look so effortless and doodling just enhanced the art. I had to try it. :

I ran to Michael's and bought just a few items-correct type of paper, brushes and a pastel paint set.
I literally couldn't wait to start when I got home. My brother was gone for the weekend so it was quiet.  I watched CeeCee on You Tube and made 4 small "tulip"  cards:

I put a "chill" station on the radio and spent the afternoon "painting".  And, I doodled a lot. What a delightful day.
Then on Saturday, I looked at Shayda Campbell on You Tube for more tutorials and decided to start a larger painting. I got on Amazon and ordered more paints and Micron pens.

I decided to add stamps so that necessitated a trip to the Scrapbook store down the street. I was told they didn't carry wood stamps.  Huh? I was then educated how times have changed.  "They" use an acrylic block with photopolymer stamps that are stuck to the block then dipped in ink:

I spent some money on these and do not like the process. I'll get the wooden stamps somewhere else.
My fingers could not handle these tiny stamps. Plus, I got ink everywhere cause the block was too big.  I'll save them in case I want to try again in the future.
I then asked for paint brushes and they didn't carry them either! ( I felt old and stupid, but the salesgirl was patient and kind).  "they" use a water filled brush.  That would so not work for me. I actually laughed. She didn't see the humor. Anyway, the store  was lovely so I did see a lot of pretties.
Since my brother was gone a few days, I was able to leave the painting out on the kitchen table for 2 days!  I would walk by and decide to add something else. Loved this process.  I'm very happy with the finished project.
My second Watercolor-Blue Pot:

It's 9 x 12 and I love it.

4. Thomas' new mini apron.  I did have a few minutes to sew this week.  Due to Thomas  only using one hand to eat and sometime spilling liquids, we have been stuffing a towel on top of  his nice shirts for eating.  ("bibs are for babies").  So, I just took some measurements, grabbed some scraps and made him a mini apron (it only goes to the lower waist).

He loves it.  He tricked me by closing his eyes to pretend he was sleeping when I took the picture. Stinker.

Well, that's MY week.  Hope yours was just as fun.  Please join us at LeeAnna's:Not Afraid of Color
for more "likes".

Take care.
mary

Things I like Thursdays Jun -20

Greetings!

We're having a cool spell-105's - so I'm happy it's not 112.  LOL. I  hope you are enjoying the summer and your weather has calmed down.  Life problems still going on around here ( seems like it never stops) but, I've got a few "likes" to share with you for this week.  When I get stressed,  I try  to sew and it works cause I go to La La Land. hee hee.

Here we go:

1.  My new US pillow or as Thomas calls it " the states pillow".

This is a panel  from Connecting Threads so it was super easy to put this pillow cover together.  I only used one of two maps and then made the back with a dark gray.  I love this pillow  but it really came in handy to teach Thomas where all the basketball players are from.  LOL. It's 20 inches square which forced me to go to Joanns for a new pillow.  I usually use 16 inch pillows on my sofa.  It's only 4 inches but you wouldn't believe the difference  when they are all placed on the sofa.

2.  A Tommy Bahama outdoor tablecloth for my son's patio:

It's 54" x 90" !  It was tough maneuvering around the  sewing machine and ironing board cause it was heavier than quilting cotton.  This is the second one I made for him cause the first one I made  last year  got holes in it from a candle. UGH. The fabric was originally $21 per yard at Joann's but luckily, I paid about $8.50 per yard thanks to a sale and coupons. SCORE. My son paid for the fabric and I gifted the work.  There is some light turquoise in the design but for some reason it does not show in the photo.

3.  My Books for Summer reading:



Remarkably, this is a story about 3 women who meet in a grief support group and dropout.  They become good friends and support each other. I like all of the author's books and this did not disappoint. Of course, I was initially sucked in by Marie's references to quilting.




In Nantucket, the maid of honor's body washes ashore on the morning of  wedding day.  I'm reading this now but it really is good so far.



This was a sad but beautifully written mystery of a family of 3 American -Iranian women.  It was quite a picture into their culture. I could not put this book down till I was finished. It was recommended by Jenna Bush Hager's book club on the Today show.

It's been wonderful getting back to reading lately.  I love a good escape.


That's my list for this week.  Hope you can join us at Lee Anna's site for more:Not Afraid of Color

Take care.
mary

Things i like Thursdays June 13

Greetings!

I seem to say this every week- where did the week go?  And, what am I going to post about for our "likes" day? -  here goes:

1.  Flamingo display at Joann's- this is for Lee Anna.

The photo does not do the display justice.  It was so pretty and whimsical. Plus, there were very reasonable prices.

2.  Lura lura-art.com.  If you go there- go to "gallery" then choose "Art Quilt Gallery".  I was blown away by this woman's talent. However, that is not a secure sight so I didn't link any photos.

3.  The city of Peoria library park.  

This is the view at the entrance to the library.  Considering the temp today (112) it's pretty green and peaceful.

4.  My new insulated bag for grocery shopping.

I got it at Joann's for $8 on sale. Much prettier than the ones they sell at the grocery store and advertising their name.  Here in the Peoria area, most of us residents carry a cooler in our trunk (mine is just styrofoam) and insulated bags for grocery shopping.  I try to go before 9AM cause it gets so hot early in the day.  Now I wish I had bought several of these bags. Oh well.

5.  Thomas' birthday cake made by my daughter.  He loves Monster Jam:

She used Chips Ahoy crumbled cookies to make the dirt! She then put a small straw inside the cake to hold the toothpick up and laid the newly purchased truck on top of the  toothpick. . very smart. Thomas was so excited.

WARNING: Out of control photos ahead:

6. Village Glow quilt is done.
Here it is in the middle of binding:

It's 57" x 58". Fun trying to quilt in the ditch.

The pattern for the houses was from Humble Quilts and Diane Knott of Butterfly Threads.  The houses were easily  made from 2.5 inch  scraps.  Sashing is a diagonal red check from Moda Cookie  Exchange in the stash. . And, I added a 4 inch black with tiny flowers border from Joanne Kessler for Concord Fabrics.  This was given to me from the neighbor across the street who was cleaning out sewing storage boxes. I was nervous using an old piece of fabric, but  I washed, dried and pressed the fabric which is perfect.  I used a Bella Solid Gray jelly roll  for the binding. I'm keeping this one.  It's very soft and cuddly.

Here are  some houses:

7.  Golden State Warriors are still in the Championship Finals game!


Well peeps, that's my life this week.  Hope yours is well and you will join us at Lee Anna's post:Not Afraid of Color for more "likes".
Thanks so much for stopping by and I love your comments!

Stay cool.
mary😄

Things I like Thursdays June 6

Greetings!

Oh my goodness-where did this week go?  I am scrambling to come up with a "likes" post  for this week!  I don't have Thomas this week- so I'm trying to get things done but between appointments, headaches and the heat, I'm exhausted.  I had also planned to sew but so far that has not happened.  But, I do have some likes to share with you.  Please join us for more  at Lee Anna's site: Not Afraid of Color.

1. Quilting tile in the hospital bathroom.  After my daughter and I visited my son at the hospital, we were leaving;  when my daughter needed to use the bathroom.  I waited for her at the sinks. Then I noticed the tile border all at eye level.  Quilting type blocks that were just so intricate and pretty. ( Sorry, I forgot to take a photo).  The best part of the experience was when my daughter came out to wash her hands, her mother was staring at the wall about 2 inches from the tile.  She was very concerned.  Hysterical.

2.My  Trees in the Mist painting. 

Probably 20 years ago, I spent some time painting in oils. I had always wanted to try painting but felt I couldn't. One day,  I just bought canvas, oils, brushes etc and started painting.   I really enjoyed it.  This is the only piece I saved when we moved.  It hangs in my bathroom. I didn't really have a space in my home where painting was safe for breathing, so I stopped and  I gave away my supplies.  But, I'm so happy I tried it.  And, kept this piece.

3. Burger King Apple Pie.

Look at those cute little apples! I love apple pie but I don't make pies anymore.  I keep trying the ones at the grocery store and they are not good even at $10 a pie.  The crust is heavy and under -cooked while the few apples are hard as rocks.  But,  McDonalds and Burger King have excellent pie slices. I wonder why.

4. Catching up on blogs for hours.  Many Saturday mornings, I love spending hours just catching up on blogs I enjoy.  It's such a pleasant way to start the day.  Most of them are quilters, but some are great cooks as well. I'm so busy during the week, I seldom take the time to read blogs.  If I missed your blog on your  post day, I apologize. Sometimes, I even post my email replies on Saturday also.
However, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Jo Kramer's husband from lung cancer. She has been posting the daily process of that terrible disease on her blog.   I have been following her blog (Jo's Country Junction) for awhile now as her and her daughter are such talented quilters.

5.  Working with band aids. Isn't that silly?

My latest ailment started a few weeks ago. My fingertip skins are peeling off leaving a very thin layer susceptible to cuts. It appears to be a form of eczema, so I use special lotions to prevent the peeling.  Anyway, it's frustrating and painful.   I wear gloves for washing dishes and band aids most of the day. However, it has taken a lot of patience to wear band aids while sewing.  Handling needles or bobbins is quite the challenge for my fat fingers.  I'm dropping things frequently.  Practice makes perfect.

6.  My favorite President. President Obama receiving a standing ovation at the Toronto vs Golden State basketball game on Sunday.

I miss him, his wife and his administration. The crowd at TORONTO yelled "MVP". Just sayin.

Of course, I'm also happy my favorite basketball  team won and they are tied with Toronto in the series.

That's it for this week.  Have a good day!
mary