by Cheryl | Oct 1, 2015 | Life in General
We found a leak in the wall of my sewing room. I was hoping it was something we could just ignore and it would go away. You know, fix itself. But, I guess that’s not how it works. At least that’s what the repair guy said. Turns out the wall’s been leaking for awhile. Long enough to rot wood in the exterior wall, studs, and pieces of woods with names I can’t recall. Sigh. Having corners of your sewing room hidden by shelves of fabric is not a good idea when your roof decides it wants fill your wall with water. Who knew a roof could be so devious? Ok. So, I have to confess. This leak has caused me to have to face my, ahem, condition? I hoard all things sewing. Fabric mostly. But also thread. And ribbon. And notions. And buttons. And zippers. And tons and tons of stuff. It all became crystal clear when I had to clear EVERYTHING out of my sewing room. My hubster was shocked at how well I pack. Well, that’s not how he put it. I think it shows how well I pack…er, yeh. What the hubster really was surprised about was how much came out of that room. It was like the magician pulling stuff out of that bottomless black hat. Until every spare space in our master bedroom was filled. And then all the space in the front room. And under couches. And in all the empty spaces in the living room. And that was just all the “spare” stuff. Stuff I didn’t need to work on my Christmas stockings. I set...
by Cheryl | Mar 10, 2015 | Life in General
I’m back in my sewing room! I took some time off for a couple of family visits and birthdays. My brother and I visited my mom in Hawaii to celebrated her 80th birthday with her. I thought I’d share a few pictures from our trip. On the way over, I found this ad for a ramen burger in the airline magazine. I didn’t get a chance to try it. But, I’m going to try to find it the next time I go to Hawaii. It just sounds so . . . different. I’ll reserve judgment until after I get a chance to actually taste it. We took a short hike. When I’m 80 years old, I hope I’m in as great shape as my mom is! The hike was short, but not easy. We ended up having to navigate through some pretty uneven ground with mud and branches to climb over. We found lots of natural vegetation, including a very zen bamboo forest. Here’s a photo of a stream we crossed over. The birds we heard along the way, and the lush growth of plants made me wonder if this was what Hawaii was like way back when. It was so...
by Cheryl | Jan 27, 2015 | Life in General
Our amazing Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl this year! I love how the Hawks inspire people. There seems to be a common bond we all share right now. I know I am less hesitant to talk to strangers when we’re both wearing Hawks’ colors. I see people excited about a common goal, a shared experience. Even the media is showing more positive videos and stories about good deeds done at—and since—the NFC Championship game. And I have to wonder. Why can’t it always be like this? Wouldn’t it be nice if we were always this way? And then I have to wonder some more… Maybe it can. Maybe it starts with ME! Me, making a decision to be friendlier. Me, deciding to perceive others as friendly and not as strangers. Me, reaching beyond my comfort zone to connect with the people around me, instead of averting eyes and rushing through my day. Hmm. Seahawks, you do inspire me to be a better...
by Cheryl | Mar 16, 2014 | Life in General
I don’t know about y’all, but I’m slow to adjust to change. I’m not against change, it just takes me a little longer than some to make that turn. On that note, I’m making changes to this business I’ve named Patchberries. But, I’m taking it slow. It’s less stressful for me that way! (Yes, I’m an introvert.) I am working to figure out a way to merge my two passions together into this business. My first passion is for sewing, but an even bigger passion for me is my heart for children. It’s funny. Because, if you knew me in college, you’d never guess that I could be so passionate about children. Becoming a mother awakened a part of me I didn’t know existed. All of a sudden, I wanted to protect all children in the world from harm. Now that I’m older and wiser, I realize that probably is a little out of my range. But, I still want to make a positive difference in that arena. My youngest child is heading to college this fall, and I figured this was a great time to stretch my own horizons. So, I signed up for a few online business courses to help me learn how to do that. (My daughter was VERY relieved to learn that didn’t mean I’d be going to school with her!) I’ll be posting here as I journey through this new adventure. So, stay tuned my friends! This soon-to-be-empty-nester is back in school and learning new skills. Thanks for your patience! Cheryl...
