A different June

June 2020

This will be a different June. The June of my youth was a time to rest, shift gears to summer, to do something different. The June of my adult years has been a time to shift a bit, engineer a bit of family vacation, shift gears to summer, and clear up after another year of school activities. This June will be a different June.

I’ve been clearing up. I’ve shifted gears already. I’ve been doing things differently. I keep hanging on to what I can: walks by the Bay, exploring organs and organ literature, tatting new designs. Will it be enough?

I think that’s my take-away from June 2020. Enough is different this year. Staying healthy is enough. The rest is Glory.

Geometric in life

wrapping paper pattern

box pattern

I observe patterns in life. It’s what I do; as a musician, tatter, weaver, Mom, homeowner.

I found these on wrapping paper and Kleenex boxes. They inspire.

I’ve been working on the bookmark. I had an “aha” that really helps. This pattern has beads added at joins. That means they are loose until you need them on the picot as you join. I wanted the beads to be random, but not pool in color splotches. How to keep track of them? I loaded them on a length of sewing thread as I was loading the rest of the beads onto the shuttle threads. Here's a good explanation of the technique:  http://www.georgiaseitz.com/classes/beads.html 

So far, so good. I can use the sewing thread to pop the bead onto the picot when it’s time to fumble with the crochet hook, paperclip, and shuttles. Did I mention that the beads are too close to the size tatting thread I have to needle the thread with glue? That means I would have to get creative with thinner thread to put the bead on the picot anyway. I’m going to take time today to put the beads onto a length of beading thread. That will make things go faster as I can coax the waxed thread back through the bead easier than the sewing thread. I’ll have enough done for pictures next week.

But first, I’m off to figure out why the tree leaves are shriveling and dropping all over the floor by the tatting chair…

a new desk

During our move, I made a big commitment to myself to stay organized and not let clutter get in the way of my work. I’ve had a bit of success with that. One area I wasn’t doing so well in was the desk/computer area. 

I tried a laptop, but couldn’t keep the piles from taking over all available surfaces….including the closed computer! I tried a table for a desk, but couldn’t manage any writing surface for those notes and such I like to make sitting at the computer. Besides, sitting at just any old surface in any old position wasn’t treating my arms and hands well at all.

So, I searched for a desk, and found this:

The desktop computer fits inside; along with a second monitor. It fits on a wall just nicely so it will be the only thing in that part of the room. There’s 2 pull out shelves for note taking. When I’m done for the day, I clear the surface(s), roll the top down and I’m not at work!

It looks nice while I’m sitting at the loom. It’s around the corner from the organ, piano, tatting and music storage. I can’t let piles begin, so I’m doing better about putting things away. Now to train the cats and other humans how to live with the new desk!

Day 7 TIAS 2014

I thought this was going to be a boat, but now, I’m not so sure…..

TIAS 2014 Day 7

Maybe it’s because I’m wishing for rain. I know, I know, many of you are tired of too much snow. But, we’ve already lost one tree, 2 roses, and several shrubs. I’d like some rain, please.

And……

boxes

If you have ever helped someone downsize, you know what our house looks like right now. I think we’re down to 30 boxes……..And now it’s our turn to sort. (Which I am abysmal at!!!!!)

……volunteering

For the last 5 years, I have been reacquainting myself with all things tatting. And learning so much more! I love it!!! My newest adventure has been to take over the blog Anita started. She has provided a venue for folks to post pictures of the patterns discussed in the On Line Tatting classes. I now step up to the plate. I have a lot to learn. I know I will gain a huge amount of experience. I only hope I continue to support those learning to tat as much as Georgia, Cynthia, Anita, Sue, Gina, Mimi, Ann and all the rest have. Gulp!!

In the meantime I still plan to tat……in my copious spare time.

Transitions, family, and my newest adventure.

I was watching a bit of a Nature show on TV the other day. Several ducklings, just 2 days old, were leaving the nest in a tree trunk to join their mother on a small lake. Great entertainment. And a bit close to real life right now.
My son has touched down for a few moments as he transitions to college life from military life. We are marveling at how capable he is in his independence. We’re trying not to meddle, just support with a question or two and lots of listening. I’ve even shared a few stories of my transition time from teen to adult life.
The roughest part of it for me has been keeping some semblance of calm for my two very neurotic cats. They are just not good hosts to my son’s cat. Fortunately, they are all used to being indoors and in small places. Mostly, the females just hiss and spit and swipe without contact. So, there has been no fur flying. Yet….. Could be interesting at Christmas…….

organizing and such

Whew! How does one stay so busy?????

Ok, dreaming up large projects often has something to do with how busy I am. This blog is one of those large projects. And it’s still a work in progress. I would like to add a gallery and several other…..widgets….(I think that’s what I’m thinking of).

Another large project is getting my possessions thinned out and organized enough I’m not stepping over boxes to get to stuff. Never fear, I don’t consider that interesting enough for blog material. Occasionally I repurpose items left behind by the kids as they grow into other interests. One item is a storage system my daughter bought with gift cards and used for beads, toys, robot parts, and other small items. After a scrubbing up, it’s holding my small spools of thread quite nicely. I need to do something about all the paper that has piled up though……

Today I’ll finish a few more snowflakes. When it’s all done, I’ll post a picture. Hopefully, they will entice more to sign up for classes at the store. Off to tat.

long term projects

I’ve been toiling away on long term projects this week. Both for the tatting files and the home files. Whew! I need a break. So, today I’m catching up on other things. I can’t reveal much about the projects for tatting, but I will say one is for the store classes, another for the Idea Centers at the store, and finally a commission for a friend. She asked for something based on the Saint-Saens Organ Symphony. I’ve had fun analyzing the movements using organ. I think I’ll focus on the last movement. More as that developes.