Day 39: Do Not Pass Go...Yet [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Today, I'm grateful for:

• Making it to church since I missed last week because of weather.  It was a great service with a challenging message.
• I opened a Christmas gift I got in the mail yesterday:

Someone on the Marching Southerners Alumni Facebook group posted a picture of this game.
After posting on my Instagram and Facebook feeds about how funny I thought it was
(I didn't think it was real),  Miss Sharon (a friend from back home) found the game at Wal-Mart
and mailed it to me.  I can't wait to have company so we can play.
Just reading the box was a riot.

Day 38: Quilting Retreat Day Three [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

 

Today, I'm grateful for:

We were all tired by the end of the retreat today, but it was worth it.  By the time we
packed up to go home, five quilts has been finished, several were quilted and ready for
binding, and I only have nine squares left on my project (a total of 30 are required).
  It was a great experience and I hope we can do it again this summer.  The leaders are
 discussing going somewhere like Colorado Springs for our next retreat.

I am thankful that these were delivered today.  As many (if not all) of you know, I've
played bass guitar since I was 18 years old.  I haven't played consistently for about five years.
As much as I enjoy playing, it not being needed really bummed me out, so I've let my Dean Flying V sit in the stand for more than a year.  I've resolved that whether any other human being ever hears me
play again, I'm going to rebuild my chops and fill my bucket with the joy of playing consistently and
learning new songs and riffs again.

Day 37: Quilting Retreat Day Two [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

 

 Today, I'm grateful for:

• Today was day two of the quilting retreat.

It's great to know that as we work, we are also ready to help each other successfully complete their work.  We share the work on each quilt as well as sharing needed notions, answers to questions, 
advice, and the occasional rescue from thread snarls, broken needles, and ornery machines.

I usually don't know where my projects end up.  However, I was told where this 
particular piece was going.  After it is tied and the binding is added, the completed quilt
 will go to a young man who recently lost his mother.  I pray that it will not only
bring the needed warmth against the winter temperatures, but also the comfort
of the Holy Spirit as he grieves.

• I'm thankful for some one-on-one time with Diana.  We met at G-Cue for lunch and strolled around Hobby Lobby for a bit.  How in the world I came out of there without a purchase is a mystery; I've got a gift card and everything.
• I'm thankful that though I won't finish my quilt before the end of the retreat, I will have it all cut out and ready to sew by then.  For me, cutting is the hardest part.  All this practice has certainly improved my skills, but no matter how fastidious I am with measuring I still sometimes have to "make it fit."
• I'm thankful for the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  I finished rereading it today.  Although I didn't agree with everything the author said, the contents seemed to set the tone for the upcoming year.  We'll see.

Day 36: Quilting Retreat, Day One [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

 Today, I'm grateful for:

• Today was day one of the three day quilting retreat at Grace Fellowship of Lakewood.  After a few hours of stitching, pressing, cutting, laughing, and eating snacks, we took a break for a show and tell time of the finished (or nearly finished) quilts, a time of prayer over the quilts that are ready to distribute, and since we'd not met since November, a gift exchange time.  Afterwards, we worked for another couple of hours before heading home.

Days 34 & 35: Scraps and Such 01: The Weekly Hodgepodge [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

 

Since there is no formal Hodgepodge this week, I thought I'd answer a few of the questions from previous Hodgepodges in which I had not participated.

From September 5, 2023

It's National Read A Book Day...whatcha' reading? What's a book you want to read? 

First off, every day is National Book Day for me.  

Currently, I'm reading:

• I Dare You by Joyce Meyer
• The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  I'd read it years ago, but since the author is revisiting it on her podcast in 2024, I wanted to refresh myself on the book's contents.
• Selected Sermons of Johnathan Edwards by Johnathan Edwards.
• Put Your Dream to the Test  by John C. Maxwell.

I have a long "to read" list. One book of interest in particular is A Year with C. S. Lewis.  It's a devotional that I found at the thrift store a few months ago.  I've always enjoyed Lewis' writings, so a daily devotional comprised of short excepts from his works was a great find. 

What helps you calm down?

One destructive thing that calms me down is food.  Some constructive means for me to calm down is to listen to music, to pray, to light a candle or load my defuser with water and a good-smelling oil and turn it on.  Being creative also calms me down.  With all of that, you'd think I wouldn't have time to eat.

From November 15, 2023

Taken at the Butterfly 
Pavilion, Westminster,
Colorado

What in nature inspires you and why? 

My main inspirations are flowers and birds.  I try to make them a normal part of my life and my art.  My mother was an avid gardener and I learned from and gleaned my love for the seemingly unending variety of colors and shapes from her.  Miss Sue (my housemate when I lived in Weaver, Alabama) was the impetus for my love of birds.  Hummingbirds were her favorite; cardinals were mine.  Now that it's winter, I have a fond affinity for crows.

What's something you own that makes you feel cozy? 

A throw blanket given to me for Christmas last year.  It's so warm and soft; perfect for curling up on the couch with a cup of tea and a book on a snowy day.

Insert your own random thought here.

Days 34 & 35 

I'm grateful for:

• A friendly cashier at who isn't Southern but loves sweet tea.
• I'm thankful that Walgreens didn't put my prescriptions back on the shelf.  I ordered meds before Christmas, but the snow hit, so I couldn't get there until today.
• For places like the Butterfly Pavilion, the Denver Zoo, and the Botanical Gardens.  I hope in the new year, I can go back to each one.
• Wal-Mart delivery.  There were several items I couldn't ever find in the store, so I ordered them through their website.  I'm also thankful that they take PayPal. 

In case you missed it:  

* My previous Hodgepodge post:  "Cutting My Tea On It" is here.
* My latest First Line Friday post "#15:  Practicing Christian Doctrine" is here.
* My latest Monday Mess Making post on my Auntie's Workshop blog "Quilt in a Day...Well:  Episode 3" is here.

Day 33: Leaving the Grinch's Cave [40 Days of Gratitude]

 Today, I'm grateful for:

• Good weather and clear roads. My friend, Diana, invited me over to have Christmas lunch with her family and some friends from her church.  It was a fun time of eating homemade Tex-Mex, hearing interesting stories, laughing, and playing Uno Flip.  No, it's not the new "no mercy" version, but it was just as fun.
• Jake, one of my adopted God-dogs.  He was as happy to see me as Diana.  

Guess who just finished chasing squirrels in the back yard?

• That Diana and her husband, Randy, have a sense of humor similar to mine.

This was one of the gifts Diana gave her husband. Now that's pretty funny right there...

• My new Grinch pajamas.

Days 31 & 32: A White Christmas Eve [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Days 31 & 32

I'm grateful for:

• 
  Cards on the wreath and gifts under the tree.  I never assume to be thought of at holiday time, so it's aways a fun surprise to receive gifts and cards.
• The wonderful stories I've read nearly Christmas season since I've been in Colorado.  I've already reread A Quiet Little Woman (a collection of Christmas-themed short stories by Louisa May Alcott), and A Christmas Carol by Dickens.  I'm currently in the throws of Shepherd's Abiding by Jan Karon.  I've not tired of these wonderful stories yet.  They seem to boost my hope and faith in the true meaning of Christmas each time I read them.
• A new story that I've added to my Christmas reading list:  The Best Christmas Pageant  Ever by Barbara Robinson.  Miss Joyce mentioned it in the Hodgepodge a couple of weeks ago and I decided to read it.  It's meant as a children's story, but there so much within for adults to learn about avoiding turning Christmas into a seasonal fable that everyone should know.
• Though I'm missing services because of it, a white Christmas Eve.  Yes, I know I'm hardly ever thankful for snow and the inconvenience it brings, but because of a large construction fire across town, we've had several days of smoke, dust, and haze in the air.  The moisture will freshen the air.

 

Day 29 & 30: Sharp Things [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Days 29 & 30

I'm grateful for:

• Coffee and tea.  
• Band-aids...even cheap ones.
• Inexpensive tools from Harbor Freight (not a sponsor).
• Coworkers with a sense of humor.  
• I'm thankful that the ministries and charities I support keep their partners and donors updated on all that is going on.  I get real suspicious when there is no communication.  I ceased supporting one charity because after more than a year of support, I never heard from them, they never updated their website or social media pages, and the e-mail newsletter I signed up for never materialized.  They may be on the up-and-up, but they need a dedicated media/communications person to keep donors updated so they don't feel like their money is going down a hole.
• Paper shredders.  One of my staycation projects is to get my office in order.  My paper shredder is going to be as busy as I am.

Day 26, 27, & 28: Cutting My Tea On It: The Weekly Hodgepodge [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

 

Did you do more talking or more listening yesterday? Was it by choice or by necessity? 

Hopefully I had a balance of both.  The nature of my work requires the ability to balance the two.  Listening and speaking effectively includes phone calls, Zoom meetings and e-mails.  Assumptions and misunderstandings can occur no matter what mode of communication is used.

Are you a tea drinker? Hot, cold, or both? Flavored? What do you like in your tea? Do you make Christmas tea this time of year? What time of day do you like to sip your tea? 

I enjoy both hot and iced tea.  This time of year finds me sipping Earl Grey tea with a little hazelnut creamer after lunch as a pick me up, or in the mornings when I don't want coffee.  I like other flavors, but Earl Grey is my favorite hot tea.  My Southern sensibilities dictate that for me, iced tea is best consumed in the hot summer months.  The brand doesn't matter as long as it's a good mix of orange pekoe and black tea.  Now, with that being said, I'd much rather brew my own instead of buying premade tea.  The premade tea has too much sugar and too little tea flavor.  Yes, I'm Southern, but I don't enjoy tea so sweeet that I can pour it over waffles.

What's an activity you won't try, an event you won't attend, or an athletic challenge you won't take part in not even for 'all the tea in China'? 

Alone?  There are too many to name.  However, if I'm with friends, the list is much shorter.  

What's something most people seem to love but is not 'your cup of tea'? 

This time of year, the big thing is pumpkin spiced drinks.  I don't like pumpkin or pumpkin spice.  People also seem to love licorice, but I don't care for it.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Days 26, 27, & 28.

I am grateful for:

• My permanent dental crown is finished and installed.  I can now eat on both sides of my mouth without issues.  I'm getting one more crown done next year.  Lord willing, that will be my last one.
• A string of sunny days.  Prior to this, we went over a week without sunshine and everybody was getting a little down.
• Evergreen trees.  Even when the landscape is blanketed in snow, the rich greens of the blue spruce, pine, holly, and boxwood bring some happy color to an otherwise dreary winter scene.  Also, the trees being flocked with snow makes me smile--even though I still don't want to go out in it.

  

  Photo taken my first winter in CO.

  
  
• My car and the ability to drive it.
• Another place to find inexpensive craft supplies:  Five Below.  I went there looking for something specific (OK, a couple of things), but after Christmas I want to take my time to see what else they have.
• Grocery pick up.  Because sometimes it's wisest not to navigate the store just before Christmas.
• Zoom.   Although I prefer live interaction with people, it's better than nothing.
• I'm grateful that tomorrow (Thursday) is the Winter Solstice and the days will start getting slightly longer each day.
• Our quilt group's upcoming retreat and fellowship.  The leaders have planned a three day extravaganza of quilting and crafting December 28-30.  My goal for the retreat is to finish the quilt top I'm currently piecing and to cut out the next project.  I'm also hoping to get acquainted with the new-to-me machine that was given to me a couple of months ago.

 

In case you missed it:  

* My previous Hodgepodge post:  "Go Bah Your Own Humbug" is here.
* My latest First Line Friday post "#15:  Practicing Christian Doctrine" is here.
* My latest Monday Mess Making post on my Auntie's Workshop blog "Quilt in a Day...Well:  Episode 3" is here.

 

Days 24 & 25: Party Bus [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Days 23 & 24  

I'm grateful for:

• Traveling party #1: On Saturday, Emily, Molly, Mama King, and I spent a few hours at IKEA.  We had a great time talking and laughing as we shopped for small items we needed or wanted, ate lunch at the cafe, and dreamt of future decorating projects as we viewed the show rooms.
• Traveling party #2:  I didn't make it to the ladies' Christmas tea at Jen's church, so she decided to bring the party to me. This afternoon, we made the ornaments that the group made at the tea.  I'd seen various versions of these ornaments on Pinterest and wanted to try them.  Call me cheap, but I didn't want to end up with a buttload of Scrabble tiles that I couldn't use.  Well, these will be perfect for my ever-growing Grinch theme.
  

• The teaching style of my pastor.   Along with injecting cultural and historical details into certain elements of his sermons, Pastor Gelinas gives the impression that he is learning right along with the congregation.  In other words, not any time have I felt "preached at."  Rather, the messages feel more like a sharing time of what we're all learning and how we're all growing.
• I'm finally getting into the swing of things and can now listen to Christmas music.  I think in my attempts to avoid hearing it before Thanksgiving, I got too used to avoiding it.  On my way to and from church, I enjoyed my "'Tis the Season" playlist on Spotify.
• Carolers.  On Saturday morning there was a group of carolers dressed in Dickensian garb at the King Soopers.  Also, our kids' choir sang carols in the foyer of the church between services today.  So. Much. Fun.
• Being on teaching sabbatical means no extra work on weekends.  I have time for other fun pursuits for a while.
• Jacksonville State University won their bowl game.  This is their first season in Conference USA and normally first year members don't participate in post season bowl games. However, their record was good enough for an exception to be made.  #FearTheBeak

Day 23: Party Favors [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

 

Today, I'm grateful for:

• Gift bags.  The perfect thing for those of us who wrap ugly presents otherwise.
• White elephant gift exchanges done right.  I went to two Christmas parties today.  Both had their  own fun version of the white elephant concept.  They used the method of reading a fun story and having the group pass the presents to the left or right based on certain key words within the story.  When the stories finished, each participant kept the gift in front of them.  No arguments, no muss, no fuss.
• The gifts I received at the parties:  a nice container of hot chocolate and a great set of sturdy stoneware soup bowls. 
• The cool way my annual Christmas jewelry tradition came about.  Each year, I hunt for a new piece of holiday jewelry (usually earrings).  This year, a friend at the party brought new jewelry for us to pick from.  I found this sweet little pair of snowman earrings.

 

Days 20, 21, & 22: Go Bah Your Own Humbug: The Weekly Hodgepodge [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

 

Oxford's Word of the Year for 2023 is 'rizz'. Hmmm...before today had you ever heard the word? Do you know what it means? (Apparently it's short for charisma) Have you ever used the word? If you were in charge of the world, what word would you declare word of the year for 2023?

I have heard the term.  However, I never knew what it meant.  If I were to declare a word for 2023, it would be stop. Stop and think.  Stop and enjoy.  Stop and love.  Stop worrying.  Stop being in such a hurry.  Stop doing anything that is harmful and really live.

What's one word you tend to abbreviate in your writing or speech? (as in rizz for charisma).

Let me first offer a caveat.  I'm referring to informal speech and writing.  I'm not sure if this counts as an abbreviation, but I use the word y'all.  Even in text messages and e-mails I try not to abbreviate or shortcut too much.  I see too many students who don't understand that a class discussion or an academic paper isn't a tweet or a text.  Use your big boy words.

Are you a Hallmark movie watcher this time of year? What's your favorite character from a holiday- themed movie, book, or TV special? 

Hallmark Christmas movies aren't my favorite.  I find them too predictable and they come off as cheesy.  With that being said, if I'm invited to watch those types of movies with friends, I'll enjoy the fun of being with the group even if I don't entirely enjoy the movie.

On the other hand, I enjoy holiday themed movies.  There have been very few iterations of A Christmas Carol that I didn't enjoy.  My favorites are the George C. Scott version from the 70s, the Patrick Stewart version (I wish someone would put his one man show version of the this on video somewhere--I'd love to see it), and the version with the Muppets.  Even the Hallmark (yes, I said Hallmark) interpretation of the story with Susan Lucci as Elizabeth"Ebbie" Scrooge is a keeper.  Bob Cratchit is my favorite character from the story.  He's such a kind soul; no matter how crappy his wages and treatment, he always finds a way to be joyful and generous.

Something you look forward to eating this month? 

 

As long as it's enjoying tine with the people I love, anything's good.

 

What's the most stressful part of the holiday season for you? 

 

"Los Tres Reyes"
by Shannon Maddox, aka "Auntie"

Trying to establish and maintain meaningful traditions that fill my bucket.  So much of the season revolves around community (which it should).  However, a lack of built-in community should not ruin the season and turn it into dark cauldron of lonely depression.  That has been my fight this time around.  For me, the insistence that all has to be said and done by the 25th is too much pressure to which I refuse to succumb.  If I understand it correctly (and even if I don't, I'm going with it), the Christmas season isn't officially over until the Feast of the Epiphany (celebrating the arrival of the magi to worship the King) on January 6th.  So, tell me again why I have to close up shop the evening of the 25th?  I didn't relegate thanksgiving only to the designated day.  Likewise, I will not box in my celebration of the Savior's birth.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Days 20, 21, & 22.

I am grateful for:

• The company that produces International Delight flavored coffee creamers stopped putting sucralose in everything.  Now, I can go back to buying that brand without the fear of getting sick from the fake sugar. 
• Studying the Word with my co-workers.  Our admin group just finished a study called When You Pray.  It's a thoroughly enjoyable study from LifeWay.  If you're into that type of thing, I'd highly recommend it.
• Opportunities to serve students outside of the classroom setting.
• My annual Christmas popcorn tin purchase.  Yes, I wish there was more of a choice in the popcorn (much more butter and cheese popcorn with less--or no--caramel popcorn), but I still enjoy it nonetheless.
• Magnetic pin cushions.  Not knowing how inexpensive they were, I didn't buy one until this week. My hope is that now I won't have to hunt for the pins I inevitably drop on the carpet while I sew.  Several that I couldn't find were discovered by either the vacuum cleaner, or by being stepped on (in shoes, thank the Lord).
• More progress on the campus building project.  It will be nearly a month before I'll be on campus again, so who knows how much progress the crew will make by then.

• My new-to-me "in between" jacket.  My first winter in Colorado made the purchase of a heavy warm coat a necessity--thus my "Morris Day and the Time" leather trench coat I procured from the thrift store.  A couple of years later, I bought a zippered sweater for days that were cool but not frigid. However, it wasn't until now that I have a jacket for the in-between--days too cold for the sweater, but too warm for the trench coat.  This was another blessed thrift store find.

In case you missed it:  

* My previous Hodgepodge post:  "It's Not Easy Being Blue" is here.
* My latest First Line Friday post "#15:  Practicing Christian Doctrine" is here.
* My latest Monday Mess Making post on my Auntie's Workshop blog "Quilt in a Day...Well:  Episode 3" is here.

Day 19: Monday Surprise [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Today, I'm grateful for:

• A good conversation with my sister Ida.
• I only have one more week until my dental appointment.  These temporary measures are for the birds.
• A quiet day at work.
• My friend (and co-worker), Kathy, who sends me a handmade ornament every year.  This year's was a sweet little snowman.
  

• A Savior who is not frustrated by my mistakes, or put off by my display of emotions.  Unlike people, God has never said to me, "You shouldn't feel that way."
• Good podcasts.
  

Days 17 & 18: Deicing [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Today, I'm grateful for:

• Progress on my current quilt project.  I've gotten into a groove and look forward to every opportunity to work on it.
• The fact that sewing machine needles aren't expensive.  I had to change needles a few days ago because I'd accidentally hit a pin--which I rarely do.  Then, turned around and did the SAME THING this weekend.  I'm on my last needle, so off to Wal-Mart I'll go this week.
  
• The quick melting of Friday night's snow so I could get to church on Sunday.
• Seeing some of my friends at church after two week's absence due to weather.
  
• Our kid's choir leading worship on Sunday.
• A pastor who doesn't preach mealy-mouthed sermons
  
• Friendly cashiers who remember me even when it's been a while since I've been in the store.

Day 16: Taking Care of Business [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

  

Today, I'm grateful for:

• Worshiping with my colleagues.
• New team members who are excited to be part of our university.
• Appropriately open honesty by the leadership on my job.
• The kind of friends who I cannot sit with in serious situations.

 

Days 14 & 15 : The Water Key [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

  

Today, I'm grateful for:

• I'm grateful that JoAnn Fabrics doesn't lock their customers out of the bathroom.  Look, I know that businesses around the Denver metro area have problems with drug addicts and the homeless going into their restrooms to either do drugs or wreck the bathroom, but punishing the paying customer is not the way to go.  Some places simply require you to ask for a key, but some (like Michael's) lie about the bathrooms being "out of order" or "in the process of being cleaned" every time I visit their establishment.  In an area where staying hydrated is a must, folks got to have a place to tinkle.  If I have to drive home to go to the bathroom, I'm not driving back.
  
• The laughter of students as I walk across campus. 
  
• The ability to renew library books online.
  

Days 12 & 13: It's Not Easy Being Blue: The Weekly Hodgepodge [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Join the fun! 

Come on over to 

From This Side of the Pond 

for the Hodgepodge link-up!

What's one fun thing on your December calendar? 

The university's administrative assistants (for future reference, the group is called Gatekeepers Ltd.) are having a Christmas brunch and white elephant gift exchange.  I always enjoy white elephant/dirty Santa exchanges.  It's a riot to see what gifts are fought over and how intense the battle is.  I remember a church worship team Christmas party back home that got pretty feisty because most of the group were Alabama fans and there was a University of Alabama ornament in the mix.  We had to establish the rule that after a gift had been stolen three times, it was "frozen" before somebody got hurt.

Sherwin William's Color of the Year for 2024 is Upward, described as 'a hint of silver lining', 'a breezy blissful blue' (see sample here). Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year for 2024 is Blue Nova, where 'violet and blue come together in a sumptuous hue'. (see sample here) Valspar's Color of the Year for 2024 is Renew Blue, a balanced blue with a touch of grayed sea -green' (see sample here). 

Seems like the design world is keen on the color blue for the new year. Do you have a lot of blue in your home decor currently? What shade? Of the three colors listed which one's your favorite? Do you need to paint? How likely is it you'd select one of these shades for your home? Which one? 

Though all of those sample shades were lovely, in my living and dining area I'm using shades of turquoise and teal. Since I do not own my place, it would be cost prohibitive to have the walls painted since I'd have to have them painted white again when I move.  When I am at the place where I own my living quarters, any of the sample colors would made a good color for an accent wall.

Do you struggle with 'the seasonal blues'? What are some things you do to try to beat the blues? 

Unfortunately, I do struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  I chronicle my journey with it here.  I still employ those strategies to keep the dark tendrils of full-blown depression at bay.

Blue jeans...love 'em or no? How many pair do you own? Are you married to a particular brand? 

I like them, especially stretch jeans.  I've only got one pair for now, but would like to get a few pairs with some warm flannel shirts to go with them (so, is that Coloradan, redneck, or a combo?).  I don't care about the brand, so long as they fit well.

In terms of holiday preparation (baking, shopping, wrapping, mailing, meal planning, etc) how far along are you? 1=haven't given it a second thought, 10=nothing left to do but wait 

I am where I am.  I refuse to pressure myself.  I've had a heck of time getting into the Christmas spirit.  Even though I'm on sabbatical from teaching until summer, I have added responsibilities on my full-time job.  I end my days much earlier but just as tired.  I'm just taking it one day and one event at a time.

Insert your own random thought here. 

Days 12 and 13.

I am grateful for:

• People in my life who want to see me do well rather than do everything in their power to make sure I don't.
• The show on YouTube called Colour In Your Life.  It's a show out of Australia that features artists and their unique perspectives and techniques for producing artwork.  I've learned to much just by watching.  I can't wait to start experimenting with the various methods in my own artwork.
• Coupons that give a real discount.
• Friends who finally understand why I don't drive in snow.  #ImStillSouthern
• An honest mechanic who came highly recommended by the ministry I bought my car through.
  
• My trip to the butterfly pavilion earlier this year.  I was looking over the pictures earlier.
• Lunch with a friend.

In case you missed it:  

* My previous Hodgepodge post:  "Time After Time" is here.
* My latest First Line Friday post "#15:  Practicing Christian Doctrine" is here.
* My latest Monday Mess Making post on my Auntie's Workshop blog "Quilt in a Day...Well:  Episode 3" is here.

 

Day 11: Tidings of Comfort and...do what now?! [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Today, I'm grateful for:

Being mad about the right things.  Just a confession up front, my sister Clara and I have some weird conversations--and we know it.  #SisterGoals  The beginning of today's conversation revolved around the fact that I'd run out of grits, the surprise that I could even buy grits in Colorado, and the different ways that we prepare and garnish our grits so that they taste like something other than paste. [Side note: if anyone ever tries to offer you plain and/or instant grits, run!  They are either a Yankee who doesn't know how to make grits, or they are an assassin who's trying to kill you.  What did you do?]  This led us both to wonder if they still made Cream of Wheat (which is nothing like grits).  Neither of us like this "food," so I have no idea why we cared.  I did a web search and not only found out the product still exists, but that they have also joined the ranks of other "woke" companies by removing the famous black chef character from their packaging. 

What the crap?

Ok, when the football team formerly known as the Washington Redskins changed their name, I thought it was stupid.  When Major League Baseball's Cleveland Indians rebranded themselves as the Cleveland Guardians, I thought it was asinine.  As one comedian put it, "Guardians is a stupid name.  It's just a guy you tell 'You're not my real dad!'"  When companies like Land-O-Lakes, Aunt Jemima, and Uncle Ben's Rice decided to prove their love of diversity by removing all the people of color from their packaging, I was incensed.  Is anyone truly offended by this, or is this someone being offended "for" someone because they believe he or she needs an ally, a voice for the voiceless?  That sounds all well and good until you realize that those "voiceless" souls can speak for themselves and never asked for a 3rd party mouthpiece.

Day 10: Cattywampus Cooties [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Today, I'm grateful for:

• #RollTide.  Enough said.
• Wisdom.  I was supposed to spend the day crafting with a friend I haven't seen in months, but her husband came home with flu-like symptoms.  As much as I wanted to see my friend, wisdom said to stay out of the cootie zone.
• I'm thankful that close enough is good enough.  As I've mentioned on my sister blog, I've joined a quilting group and have gotten absolutely hooked on the craft.  Though I've has many successes, the precise nature of quilting is still a bit of a frustration.  I'm working on a new pattern using an unfamiliar technique: snowballing a quilt block.  My first attempt was a bit cattywampus.  However, as I got more comfortable with the steps, I figured out that as long as the end result was squares that were close enough to the same size, I would be fine when the time comes to put them all together.  I'll let you know how it turns out.
  

Day 09: Sticky Situations [40 Days of Gratitude 2023]

Today, I'm grateful for:

• A perk of working from home: lunch time naps.  I don't do this very often, but on those rare days like today when I'm absolutely crashing, I can take a short nap to give myself a little reset so that I can have the energy to finish the day strong.
• Hot glue.  No, unlike duct tape and WD-40, it doesn't fix everything, but it is a good glue to have in my crafting arsenal.
• Aleene's Tacky Glue.  This craft glue handles crafts where hot glue isn't appropriate.  
• E-6000.  It's perfect for projects that require stronger glue than what I've already mentioned.
• And, of course, TGIF!