I’ve been in kind of a “meh” mood the past week. Nothing seems to be going as it should from quilting projects cut wrong to therapy dog events still in limbo to estimates to repair a leaking master bath shower that are coming in a lot higher than anticipated. I won’t even go into recent events in the news. Makes me want to hole up in my house and not go anywhere. However, I made commitments to certain folks. Sadie & I must appear for those events, but I can opt out of the rest.

At this week’s R.E.A.D. visit with the public library, the librarian’s expression matched mine. I remarked she must not be feeling it either. She agreed. By the time our last reader left 90 minutes later, I was in much better spirits. So were several patrons and library staffers. All due to the simple act of sharing my dog with others.

Thursday morning, we presented a program on therapy dogs as community helpers to a local kindergarten class. Several upper elementary students were waiting in the lobby as Sadie & I stepped off the elevator. Their faces lit up when when they saw us. Everyone had to come say hi. Big Girl was definitely in her element. After the kindergarten class, we found the 2nd grade classroom where many my former Monday enrichment regulars are now learning. It was wonderful to see them again.

Still showing up even when I wasn’t feeling it pulled me out of the funk that was starting to settle in.

I finally figured out where I screwed up on the Aloha Mystery Quilt – and am extremely grateful I had another jelly roll of the same fabric line in my stash. I spent most of Sunday fixing my mistake and getting the different bits color coordinated to make a controlled scrappy version of the Aloha Spirit design. There’s a celebration at the sponsoring quilt shop on October 11th. I plan to be there to share my completed quilt.

Now on to making pillowcase for my guild’s community service program.

You only have one life. Live it to the fullest. Stop trying to meet other people’s expectations at the expense of your own peace. It’s not sustainable. Quit worrying what other people think. The only person you need to answer to is yourself. Did you do your best? Are you happy/satisfied? Did you leave things a little better than you found them today? For me, this is what truly matters.

We’re encouraged to “do our thing” while various well-meaning folks proceed to tell us what they think we should be doing instead. It’s a no-win situation with these people. The best way I’ve found to deal with it is to limit any information shared, maintain a healthy distance and keep on doing my thing.

My retirement “thing” is constantly evolving. Therapy dog work and quilting are still the main activities, but they, too, have changed over the past 3 years. I truly enjoy the read to a dog program that finally got established at Park Street School earlier this year. Sadie definitely thrives on having 1-2 visits per week. Should the school-based READ program suddenly go away (not expecting it to, but things can change on a dime), there are plenty of other visit opportunities available. As next summer’s big quilt show gets closer, my involvement as a committee chair will certainly increase. I’m in the midst of planning those activities now. Rest assured, I’m engaged, learning new things and doing what I love to do.

Mid-August brings a return to therapy dog activities, new private sewing students and classes at the SQTM. I’ve had two referrals about memory quilts in recent weeks. Spent some time today running the numbers to see what services I could offer that make cents for me. 3 sizes: baby, lap or throw. 3 pattern choices: grid, mosaic or stacked columns. 3 FMQ designs: puzzle meander, loopy meander or boxy meander. Binding sewn by machine. Lots of infant items = extra charge. Personalization w/applique or embroidery = extra charge. By concentrating on smaller size quilts that work with my studio space and equipment, I can be competitive and profitable – at least on paper anyway. We’ll see what happens.

Last month, my quilt guild presented a program on quilts from the late 1800’s to the 1950’s. This particular 1930’s quilt spoke to me. Not sure if it’s because of the the green background fabric or the prairie point edging, but I now have an idea on how to possibly enlarge the Vintage Windmill quilt to fit a queen size bed.

Speaking of Vintage Windmill, this quilt required more planning and prep work than most throw size quilts I’ve made. However, constructing the half-hexie units has been much easier due to said planning and prep work. I’m about 2/3 of the way done. The half hexies will be arranged in columns and sewn together to make the top. Once the top’s complete, I’ll decide about adding extra borders to increase the quilt’s overall size. Quilting will be simple: a large double loopy meander is the quilting design I keep coming back to, especially if adding borders.

I’ve been combing through my machine quilting design books to look for new no – mark FMQ designs to add to my everyday repertoire. I’ve got several versions of the loopy meander down (plain, double loops, hearts, stars and flowers). Recently, I tried one of the more angular boxy meanders that had previously given me fits. Teen size flannel blankets made for a special collaboration with the local school district provided the perfect opportunity to practice. Bonus: the Military Gold Glide thread used on my niece’s quilt also blended well with the first one. Now, to do a similar, but larger scale, boxy meander on the other flannel blanket!

Where do you find inspiration for your creative pursuits?