I'm So Done!

Done with a selection of cross-stitch items, that is!  I finished up "Pride & Glory" by Threadwork Primitives.  A little late for 4th of July, but at least I'm moving out of my funk and getting things done.  I also finished some Christmas ornaments in anticipation of a craft fair I've been invited to on  22/23  September.  My neighbor Kelly is opening up her farm and extensive gardens to local crafters/ knitters/ gardeners/bakers, etc. to sell their wares.  Her lovely wooded area will be filled with tables to display and sell our items.  More then likely we will be doing a lot of bartering/trading amongst ourselves.

Selection of Prairie Schoolers

Also on the "done" list are these three terrariums.  I plan on selling them at the September Craft Fair also.

I've found the most interesting succulent plants at Lowe's and Home Depot.  Of course they are labeled simply as "succulent plant" so I don't know the proper names of these oddies.

Done with the first test competition of the new gymnastics season.  We are still months away from official competitions but a few of my girls attended a camp this week to work on their skills.  I was invited to judge their mock meet on the final day of "Olympic Week".  Here I am with Lily, Abby, Ellie and Jen.

On the stitching pile now (yes I am creating a pile again) is Prairie Schooler's "Fall Fields:.  I just love these colors.  I love everything about Autumn.  By that time of year things have calmed down on the travel/anxiety front and gymnastics is in full swing.

In regards to finding peaceful things, this little guy found me instead.  He actually found the neighbors down the street, Roy and Sharee, but of course every cat I encounter instantly becomes MINE.  Two years ago they were found by lovely Blackie.  Now Blackie has a new friend, Deuce (as in black cat number two).  The two seem to get along pretty well and Deuce loves the numerous dogs at Roy and Sharee's house.  Blackie, well not so much!

Blackie (on the deck) and Deuce having a snack together

And here he is, the epitome of relaxation, kitty Coal.  He seeks out my lap even on the hottest day.  There have certainly been some hot ones lately.  I don't mind it though.  The excessive heat keeps the cats close to home, usually just lounging on the patio in the shade.

I, on the other hand, will be close to the TV for the next two weeks.  Dolly Jillian and I are all geared up for the Olympics.  Here she is sporting her London 2012 commemorative leotard.  My Etsy shop is going crazy with sales of dolly leotards this week.  I love it!  Of course the earnings are turned over almost instantly into more crafty stash.

Thank you for the kind comments and encouraging words.  As I find a more even keel I hope to post more often and share more accomplishments rather then griping all the time.

Seeking Peaceful Things...........

When did this happen to me?  When did I become that compulsive computer person who checks my e-mail, my Etsy shop stats, Facebook and Pinterest and then ignores my blog and those of my friends?  When did I become that 500 characters or less blurp writer?  When could all that goes on in my head be summed up in a one sentence status update?  When did my annual vacation become an obligation!?
I need to find a peaceful place.  Once again it's that time of year where looming before me is that trip to New Jersey to visit my parents.  It always brings on the flood of anxiety about "abandoning" my cats for a week.  Left to their own devices all day while Joe is at work.  Left to the hazzards of this street.  My compulsion has gotten to the frantic point of even trying to ignore them as much as possible all day to train them to be on their own.  Are there no boundries to my manic behavior?  When did the thought of going to my beloved childhood home to see my family become an event that brings me to tears every time  I think of leaving here?  Tell me it's the Change of Life"  Tell me it's something that has a diagnosis, a pill to take,  a magic button to press to cure it!
During more lucid moments my head is filled with ideas and inspiration to stitch and craft.  But nothing actually gets done.  Hours pass; days pass and I'm in the same state of "nothingness".
I need to find a peaceful place.  I need to find the energy to exercise again; to swim, to ride my bicycle.  I need to pick up a needle and thread or needles and yarn and create something.  I need to enjoy the Olympics.  I wait those four years for those all-consuming two weeks and this year I just can't muster the excitement of years past.
Even after much thought and planning on what to write I find my own words disjointed and rambling.  I sit and stare at the screen for long moments.  What is my next move, my next word.