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I'm back Upstate where I grew up, here to spend Thanksgiving with my family.

Already been to the local grocery store (and the greatest one, ever, I must admit - if you've been to one, you'll know what I mean.)

The dogs have been at it like they've never been apart. They crack me up!

I have tons of craft projects planned. Oh, how jealous I am of my mom's whole separate craft room!

I may or may not have had cookie cake for breakfast. After cereal, of course!

Wishing you a lovely Thanksgiving (a bit early)!

Life

For those of you who are regular readers of this blog, you already know my current (and unfortunate, if I do say so myself) job situation. While I have an awesome degree from a great school, I have yet to get a full-time job that tests my graduate skill set/knowledge.

Such is life these days, huh?
But. I am healthy. I have a wonderful boyfriend whom I love. I have a sweet dog who makes me laugh. I have family, friends, hobbies, a roof over my head, food on the table, and generally get what I need. I know that these are tough times for so many of us, and we all have different ways of coping.

I try to keep things in perspective. A while back, I stumbled upon this quote and couldn't get it out of my head. Sometimes there are sayings that just stick with us. This one really has become my mantra. So much so that for my first embroidery project (yep, first one!) I made this little wall hanging. The quote is embroidered and then the block is bordered with Hope Valley (one of my all time faves) and simply quilted in the ditch, and bound. I'm going to attach little loops on the back so I can hang it on the wall.


And for those of you who continue to read my blog, even the frustrated, angry, whiny, posts about my troubles, I'm hugging you right now. <3 Thanks.

Unfinished

We all have unfinished projects. You know you do, so don't even pretend that you don't. Are you like me, and need to be working on multiple things at once? This is what leads to the ridiculousness of unfinished projects. Currently, I have 3-4 (I didn't really check) baby quilt tops, 2 finished lap-size quilt tops, as well as the blocks from 2 of my 3 virtual quilting bees. Don't even get me started on my unfinished knitting projects.

It's not that I lose interest, per se, but usually that I don't have supplies (so many quilt tops = no batting and/or backing fabric usually). I wish I could say that I have enough will power to not allow myself to buy any new fabric or start any new projects until all unfinished ones are done. Nope, never gonna happen.

Across the pond

I am lucky enough to have friends all over the world. One place that I have yet to visit, despite knowing someone there, is Scotland. My sweetie met Stephen in college, as they were both recipients of different scholarships related to remembrance and the legacy of the Pan Am 103 bombing. Stephen, a Scot, spent a year in the USA and has kept in touch with my sweetie since his time here! He visited NYC last winter and I hope the next time we get to see him will be on his side of the pond.

Stephen recently became an uncle to a beautiful baby girl named Lauren. He wanted a quilt to give her and fell in love with a top that I had already completed. I was thrilled to be part of such a celebratory occasion, even from thousands of miles away. The quilt features bright colors and fun prints of birds and other animals. Below is a picture of Lauren and Stephen enjoying the quilt! (Thanks, Stephen, for letting me share this adorable pic.)

Sigh of relief

Today was my last day of work for 10 days. My next day back is the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

I'm so happy I could dance - except for the fact that I'm totally exhausted and my feet hurt.

But all is good - I have so much stuff I want to do that I don't even know where to start!

On the agenda:
1. Holiday gifts - both working on homemade and seeking out items to be bought
2. Major job push, now expanding back to DC (more on this later)
3. Baking/cooking/all things food - yay!
4. Restart/start knitting projects
5. Clothes/shoes/bags seasonal sort - time to go through and sell/donate/throw away
6. Movies - Harry Potter is at the top of the list...

I can't believe that a) Thanksgiving is next week, b) There's only a handful of weeks left in 2010 and c) my birthday is less than 2 months away!

What are you up to?

Mid-week musings

1. I go back to my folks' place on Sunday for a whole week of relaxation - I'm already planning what I'm going to cook in their giant (read as normal-sized, I'm just used to my tiny NYC two feet of counter space) kitchen.

2. I'm in search of the perfect tall brown boot. Never one to buy cheap, trendy ones, I'm trying to carefully choose a pair that will last me and can be worn in various settings (weekend, office, current retail job). Here are a few faves:
3. I may or may not have eaten 8 Thin Mints in less than 5 minutes. ;-)

4. Did some applique on my Pillow Talk Swap pillow - pictures coming soon!

Yum

These are my favorites from Tula Pink's new line, Parisville.


Can't wait for payday! ;-)

Progress

I've made some really good progress on my pillow for my partner in the Pillow Talk Swap.


It's not finished yet...keep checking back for more progress, hopefully this week!

Huh?

Why is it that on that days not spent working, time passes crazy fast?!

Uuuuuggghhhh.

Crafting adventures

Woo, it's been a while since I blogged. Sorry about that! Busy, as always. Elections, planning for holidays, new job hours, etc. But all the while I've managed to squeeze in some crafting.

I spent an afternoon a few days ago catching up on my bee blocks...

These are for Susan (Quilting newBEES)

This is for Anita (Fresh Comfort Two)

And these last two are my first paper-pieced blocks! Made for Mary (Bee-Stitched). They were tricky (the second one is definitely filled with flaws) but I had a lot of fun learning this new technique. I've been meaning to try it for quite some time. I'm not sure I'd have the patience to do a whole quilt this way but I definitely like the end result!

A few days ago we were assigned our partners for the Pillow Talk Swap Round 4. I've been playing around with some fabric ideas and patterns. We have about a month to complete our pillows and my partner has great, fun taste. This is going to be a joy to make! Here are some fabrics that I've been playing around with...

I've also been working on my holiday projects (though haven't made nearly as much progress as I would have hoped by this point). They always manage to get done, some how. I've been trying to decide what I want for Hanukkah but can't really seem to make up my mind. My birthday is pretty soon after (in January) so I need to think about that too. In these economic times, I'm trying to think practically so I have a few ideas (but that's for another post).

I'll be heading back to my folks' place for Thanksgiving in about a week and a half. I can't wait! My mom got an AccuQuilt Go! Cutter that I'm excited to try out.

I'm done working until Sunday (when I have a 12-hour day - eek!) and am worried I'm getting a cold so Louie and I are just chilling out for the rest of the day. We're both pretty content to hang out on the couch (especially since Louie loves bogarting the quilt!). It's tea and snuggling for us! And maybe a little sewing, recipe reading (mmm, soup anyone?), job searching, etc.

What are your Turkey Day plans?


Fortune favors the brave. – Virgil

Saturday! And a little soapbox...

Wheeeee! A lovely day off WITH my sweetie. This week was another long 40-hour work week but I was able to start on my regular schedule (ie. had 2 days off to resemble a weekend, yesterday and today) which made a world of difference. It's an absolutely perfect fall day here - crisp temps, warm sunshine, and lovely leaves in bright colors everywhere. Fall is my favorite season!

Today I FINALLY get to do so some sewing. It's been way too long (thanks, new schedule!) so I'm really thrilled to finally get to work on my projects. A friend who lives in Scotland just welcomed a new niece to the family and I made a quilt for her and am shipping it off today (after only a minor incident with printing fabric paper that may or may not have resulted in ruining my laser printer...ugh). I'm also going to tackle some more stippling, basting, and working on holiday presents as Hanukkah is only a month away! No Halloween plans for us - meh, another year!

On a completely non-crafty related note, I wanted to include some personal info here. I definitely am not the type of person who likes to leave their personal life out of their blog but I do like to mostly try to make this blog about crafting. Lately though, I know that hasn't been the case and I appreciate all the kind and supportive words people have offered to me during this difficult transition period in my life. I really want to share with you a little more insight into my professional life and WHY not having a job that uses my master's degree is such a big deal for me. During the summer between my first and second year of graduate school, I was fortunate enough to work as an advocate at a non-profit organization in South Africa that addresses the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)*. I was part of the seminal team, a coalition of NGOs that examined an ad hoc presidential pardon process that appeared to be leaving out victim input. When the TRC addressed the atrocities that occurred during the apartheid regime, a key part of the process was including testimony by victims. Technically, the mandate of the TRC is expired but South Africa continues to try to uphold its legacy by governing with many of its principles. During the later years of President Mbeki's term, a number of special pardon requests were submitted that directly referred to crimes committed during apartheid but were - for one reason or another - not addressed through the TRC. A special parliamentary committee was selected to review these pardon applications and make recommendations to the president. The problem was, the victims were never given a voice during this process. On behalf of the victims and with the greater interest of the whole country in mind, a coalition of respected organizations - including the one I was interning at - came together to make recommendations to include victims when deciding whether or not pardon requests should be granted. Flash forward 2 1/2 years and the advocacy was a success! You can read all about it on the International Center for Transitional Justice's website as well as on the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation's (this was where I worked).

Soo...you can only imagine how incredibly psyched I am, not only that the government listen and favored the victims but that I was fortunate enough to contribute to this victory! This is why getting a job in my field matters to me.

Now, I'll be stepping off my soapbox.

Oops, before I do, don't forget to VOTE THIS TUESDAY!!!

(By the way, the blog header picture is me at the Cape Point, which is right near the Cape of Good Hope, the south-western most point of the African continent. Approximately 40 miles out into the ocean from Cape Point is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.)

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects the freedom of others. ~ Nelson Mandela


*For more info about the TRC, check this out.

Dreaming

This year I plan on making most of my holiday presents. In fact, many are already in the works (I'm such a planning geek). I also really want to try to beef up my Etsy shop. With my new full-time work schedule, that leaves little time (or energy!) for sewing. :-/ Hopefully I'll adjust to it soon and will be able to work in more crafting time.

My fabric stash is pretty full so I'm really trying to not buy any new fabric. I've been doing really good and have only bought little things here and there (little by little I'm collecting all of Little Folks voile). I think that there is one collection I want to get for myself (probably in a big fat quarter stack):
(Read more about Tula Pink's "Parisville" here.)

What collections will you treat yourself to this holiday season?

Musings

- Quilt Market is happening this weekend in Houston, TX and I wish I was going. To all those going, have a great time and take lots of pictures!

- Another 40 work week done. WHOA, tired.

- Fall is in full swing = must make time to take pictures of the trees in the various parks.

- Less than a month 'til I head home to my folks' for Thanksgiving. Squeee!

- Making wish lists for Hanukkah/Christmas and my birthday, not to mention things I'd like to buy myself. :)

- SEEERRRIOUS job search push in full swing. Anyone work at a nonprofit in NYC want to give me a job? Just throwing it out there... :-P

- Need to make a list of soups/stews for slow cooker meals. Mmm, cozy.

- Gotta get my butt in gear on gift quilts - holidays will be here before I know it!

*whimper*

I haven't sewn a stitch in over a week.

My feet are kiiiilllllllling me. Ugh, 8 hours standing up, walking around, running up and down stairs will do that to you.

Haven't gotten to spend much time with my sweetie or Louie.

Feeling cranky.

(I'm sorry - I know that we all have our own problems but I just needed to vent out into the void. Thanks, void.)

Tell me good things that are going on in your life!

phew

I made it through my first 40 hour work week (not first one ever, but first one in a very long time). I can't even describe how tired I am.

Fortunately, there's no better way to end a long week than with the latest issue of InStyle magazine, a slew of DVRed shows, and Zabar's chocolate babka (before dinner, of course).

Happy weekend everyone!

Ok, ok, I'm IN!

Originally, I said that I wasn't going to do the next round of the Pillow Talk Swap. Buuuttt, I had so much fun and got a GREAT pillow last time. I feel like this time as long as I start planning early, I'll be really psyched to do it. I think I was just intimidated last time! But seriously, it's so much fun and I get so inspired by the creativity of others that I can't wait to see who my partner is. Here's my inspiration mosaic for my secret pillow-maker:


Now I'm off to see one of my best friends get married today - yay! I also get to see two of my other really good friends. We all met while studying abroad in London 6 1/2 years ago (eek!) and while we've been all over, we still have an incredible bond. Mazel tov, Amy!

Have a great weekend everyone!


We are friends for life. When we're together, the years fall away. Isn't that what matters? To have someone who can remember you? To have someone who remembers how far you've come? ~ Judy Blume

Distractions

This lovely stack of Anna Maria Horner's new Innocent Crush is calling my name. But I'm busy with lots of other things and since this is reserved for my personal use (ie. a quilt to be made for me to keep!), there's no rush.

But isn't it pretty?!

(FYI: my stack of 1/2 yards, purchased by my amazing mom, was bought here.)

Changes

Things are shaking up around here. While I still have not secured a job that utilizes my master's degree, I've decided to start working full time at my current part time job. It's retail, but I'm fortunate enough to work in a lovely store, with fun and interesting people, and am treated well. Bittersweet overall but this is simply my life. For now.

While my schedule still lends itself to time to craft, this space may be a bit quieter from now on, especially in the next couple of weeks as I get used to 40-hour work weeks. Keep checking back for what I'm up to...


Whatever you are, be a good one. – Abraham Lincoln

Yay Friday

I have officially been released from jury duty - hurrah!

On another note, had yet another first round interview...and didn't make it to the second round, despite a sparkling feedback email. Hmm. Seriously? ::whimper::

Thank goodness it's Friday, the weather is lovely, and my sweetie comes home tonight.

Unfortunately, I only have one weekend day, and then am working all day Sunday. But Saturday night we're going to see this guy (who we've seen live before, and is so much fun!):

Not inspiring...

...jury duty!

I have the utmost respect for our legal system and the importance of juries (uh, DUH, I live with a lawyer!) but the selection process is TEEEEDDDIIIOUUUSSSS. Not to mention a pain in the butt for those of us who don't get compensated by our regular employers.

Sigh. Unfortunately I have to head back tomorrow too as they haven't even gotten to me yet.

Tonight's agenda, filled with fun, comfy things (a little lonely - thank goodness my sweetie gets home tomorrow!):

1. Simple, delicious dinner
2. Warm apple cider (yay fall!)
3. Project Runway (though not that into it this season...does anyone else feel like it's gone downhill since it's been moved to Lifetime?)
4. Quilt doodling/planning/piecing/etc. (really want to make a value quilt...)

Oh! And so excited to see who gets the Nobel Peace Prize! (being handed out tomorrow)

Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. – Albert Einstein