Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Happy Holidays!

It seems that I have been taking an unintentional blogcation this month. I did take a blogcation at this time last year but wasn't planning to this year; however, life has changed my plans. The good news is that my shoulder is healed enough that I have been cleared for strength training. But along with that comes a set of more exercises in addition to the ones I'm doing to get my range-of-motion back. Who knew that I'd get more quilting done when my arm was still in a sling than now that I'm less confined? I sure didn't. But these exercises are the key to getting back (eventually) to all the things I love to do most. 

While I'm spending most of my discretionary time becoming a full-time fitness enthusiast (not!) instead of quilting, I have been doing some other things this month. I've decided to share them on Instagram with the theme of "Why I'm Not Quilting This Month." That will keep me in the habit of posting at least a little bit and will remind me that even though I'm not quilting, I'm becoming more active again. And that is definitely something to celebrate. You can see what I've been up to by clicking on the Instagram link on the right sidebar.

I do have one thing to share right now. 

I've been wanting a little Fisher Price sewing machine set ever since I saw one on Val's Quilting Studio blog. I've always kept my eye out for one when antiquing (although those adorable toys are pretty hard to find in antique stores), and from time to time I look online. I mentioned to my daughter awhile back that I was looking for one. It turns out she had already found one. She was going to give it to me at Christmas, but she gave it to me early this month instead--for HER birthday. Isn't that sweet?! It now has an honored place on my shelf with my other sewing trinkets. 

I'll leave you with some shots of a few of the ornaments I've made over the years. The wonky butterfly is a special memory. I made it 36 years ago the day I was in labor with my daughter. (No crazy clean-the-house nesting for me. It was all about getting the Christmas decorating done and feeding my creative soul.) I'm making some other ornaments right now, but I can't share them until after Christmas. 



So, here's wishing you Happy Holidays! I'll be back next year with (hopefully) more regular posts. In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying yourself whether sewing or prepping for holiday fun--or both.

I'm linking up this week with Freemotion by the River for Linky Tuesday. 

9 comments:

Tish Stemple said...

That was an incredibly sweet present from your daughter! It made me giggle she gave it to you on her birthday, but I think that's well deserved...you did all the work that day :) Glad to hear you are on the mend. I hope this phase of the process passes quickly and you are back to doing everything you love very soon.

Linda said...

What a sweet gift from your daughter! Now I want one too!
Love your Why I'm Not Quilting This Month Theme. Praying the best for your shoulder. :)

Val's Quilting Studio said...

I'm sooooooo jealous!!!! I want your little FP sewing lady! LOL!! I've missed blogging with ya...but am sooo glad you are are getting better. Merry Merry Christmas friend!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

PS: I want the little dog too! I must go look online now. :) :)

Sandra Walker said...

Who knew that Fisher Price items (well maybe just certain ones) are sought after? I gave all my girls' toys to Goodwill when we did the BIG move 4.5 years ago. I don't believe there was a sewing machine one in there. Love that butterfly ornament and WHEN you created it--!! Sad (bc of little sewing) but glad (bc of getting back to 100%) for you with your ongoing shoulder healing. Reminds me to be ever so grateful for my eyes, my fingers, my mind...etc etc, you know? Have a wonderful Christmas with all your family--the grandkids will be so much fun this year!

Louise said...

Those exercises are really important, so you're doing the right thing by concentrating on them. I didn't realize you were on Instagram, so I just started following you.

The Fisher Price sewing lady cracked me up! Such retro colors...a yellow sewing machine set into an aqua table! Given your shoulder situation, I'll try not to read too much symbolism into the fact that she has no arms :)

Bernie Kringel said...

I was so happy to see this post in my email this morning! I have been thinking of you lately, wondering what the heck has kept you away from the blog.
The Fisher-Price set is incredible. I love those toys and wish I would have kept a few of them from when my boys were tiny. They had so many (the garage, the zoo, the farm set etc.) I don't remember any sets with the sewing machine tho. Love it.
Also love seeing your ornaments. I made one this year (from a kit I purchased in Maine. ) I think I will share it on the next post. Merry Christmast Janine.

Kaja said...

I'm happy to hear your shoulder has improved so much - you've clearly done the right thing by concentrating on your recovery. I absolutely love your little sewing lady and how fantastic that your daughter had already found one for you.

Lara B. said...

Aww... your daughter is a sweetie pie for sure Janine!
I'm so glad you have the drive to work toward being totally healed and functional again. It has been quite the saga for you. I hope you can sew as much as you like very soon.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!