Reflecting
So. The kids are home and my quiet 3 1/2 days are over. I absolutely loved them. Loved, loved, loved!
For once I managed to have time for me when I really needed time for me and I wallowed in it. I got a fair bit done – two quilt tops finished and the block for EEEEP EPP BEE designed (yay!) and two blocks made up and a sock and a half knitted. I also cleaned the house, edited two papers, did some, but not enough, stuff in the garden, defrosted the freezer and cleaned the AGA, got the laundry situation under control and watched lots and lots of Olympics. It was brill!
I also had time to be quiet and reflect on things that have happened recently, time to remember my friend, time to cry some and time to just be. And it was good.
I didn’t get as much done as I’d hoped, but then faced with a few days we always expect more than we can deliver, don’t we? I think I also somehow had a week in my head, when in reality I only had half of one.
I’ve learned several things this week…
1. I really love it when my house is clean and tidy. It lifts my spirits and I should make more of an effort on a regular basis. Mind you, it makes a big difference when I clean up and it stays cleaned up. My family are a wretchedly untidy lot (I blame their father!).
2. I can actually do this designing stuff. I spent a lot of time pondering what to make for the Sew Euro-bee-an bee which also has to go out this month. I contacted publishers about copyright on patterns (no reply) and then realized that all my thinking had actually given me some really cool ideas – so watch out! The next blocks are already on the drawing board. It’s also really fulfilling to come up with my own ideas rather than just copying something out of a book….but more about that next week.
3. It’s OK to cut all the nicest flowers in the garden and just enjoy them in the house all by myself.
4. I’m very lucky in that I love being at home. I’m never bored and I’m never lonely and I actually think that that’s a very big gift. The whole quilting world out there means that I’m always busy, stimulated and challenged and learning new things.
5. A few days home alone is one of the best vacations a girl can have. And it doesn’t cost anything. Staycations are COOL!
That’s it. I’ll shut up now!
Enjoy your Saturday and cross your fingers and toes for Jess and Mo in the Athletics today!
Helen
August 4th, 2012 at 10:20 am
What beautiful flowers to make your heart sing!
Back home but now looking forward to everyone going back to work so I can have more of that me-time we so need – but first I have to work through a mountain of stuff with my daughter to clear my house again after her removal, and then… š
August 4th, 2012 at 11:04 am
Sounds like you had the week you needed – enjoy the weekend x
August 4th, 2012 at 11:23 am
Glad you had a happy time at home – a bit of Helen time sounds like it has been good for body and soul. I agree that tidying up is not the problem, it’s when you have various people follow you around and untidy it just as quickly that it starts to feel a bit pointless.
Can’t wait to see your new designs – I will be watching this space!
August 4th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
I would say that your 3 1/2 days have been extremely productive – much more so than my whole week.
August 4th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Hi Helen, been so busy lately I’m only just catching up with your last few posts.
Did you watch the 10,000 metres last night with Jo Pavey? …. I love watching the distance races that I’ve raced myself…….but it totally amazes me how fast their times are 30 mins 53 for Jo, I can only do it in 53mins…unbelievable!
Anyway, will definitely be cheering for Mo tonight!
It’s been nice to spend a while reading your recent posts…you are such a productive and self motivated person….you inspire me!
Have a lovely weekend.
Fleur xx
August 4th, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Your blocks turned out way-cool! I can’t imagine me EPP on these, but perhaps it is because hand-sewing is not my FAVE. Those flowers are so beautiful… I don’t hesitate to pick and bring them in when we have them. It brightens an otherwise dull part of my house, and I love the scent of fresh flowers.
You really DID get a lot done in the short while you had… way to go!
August 4th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Blocks are gorgeous! Glad you had some quiet time. I love mine, some days I am the one at the door, saying here’s your hats, what’s your hurry? LOL.
Weird how we deny ourselves these pleasures but would not hesitate to give them to someone huh? What is in our upbringing that makes us think this way??? I think it was all that “you must be selfless” indoctrination. Screw that! Enjoy the flowers, you grew them.
Have a lovely weekend.
August 4th, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Sounds like you had a great time to work through a bunch of things… Now I’m on the edge of my seat watching the athletics!
August 5th, 2012 at 7:30 am
It sounds like your mini staycation was just what you needed.
August 5th, 2012 at 8:14 am
I’ve always loved being on my own for a few days, but it doesn’t happen often now. Gordon’s trip to Sweden didn’t materialise and I have to wait for September! Oh well.
Can’t wait to see the blocks for Sew Euro-bee-an, especially now I know they’ve been designed specially!
August 5th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
I love your reflections Helen. I agree about wanting to be more creative and come up with my own ideas. That is certainly something I want to do more of! Love the flowers by the way!
August 5th, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Jess, Mo and Greg :)))). Glad you enjoyed your time home alone.
August 5th, 2012 at 6:55 pm
Love the fabrics and colors in your quilt block and also your flowers. I. Couldn’t make it if I didn’t have plenty of alone time in which to ponder and do the things I love to do.
August 6th, 2012 at 6:27 am
Those are gorgeous patches and I just happen to love your table runner. I love this sweet post,. š
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