Power Naps!

I think the solution to all mankind's problems is that most of us are cranky from lack of sleep. I'll bet those people in countries which have planned siestas are much nicer to each other. Being a caffeine junky, I tried adding extra cups of coffee or iced tea in the afternoon, but it seems to have no effect on the mid afternoon droop and just makes it difficult to sleep at night.

If I could figure out a way to take a 15 minute to half hour nap about two o'clock in the afternoon, I would feel much better about everything. Of course, there's no room in my 400-square-foot shop to lie down, let alone nap, but I keep trying to figure it out. I am too old to put my head down on the table and rest (shades of grammar school in the 1950's), and not one more piece of furniture or equipment could fit in. I thought about a folding chaise lounge, but even folded up, it would be in the way. I suppose I could keep it in my van, and drag it in and out but that starts to seem ridiculous. I guess it depends on how desparate I am for that fifteen minutes of eyes closed.

I'm aware that if I do this, I will start to get phone calls and customer drop in's during that time. That could be embarassing--but maybe worth it. I am going to give it some serious thought, this afternoon, with my eyes closed--about 2 pm --don't call.

It's time.

Summer is ending and I feel as though I've accomplished nothing. I have many excuses - Joe's illness, my having to drive to Columbus for 3 weeks back and forth and then to Newark for two more, all his doctor appointments, etc. However, it's not really any one's fault but my own. I have had time to do most of the things that were on my to do list at the beginning of summer, but this lethargy just keeps eating away at me. Lots of good things going on now, including Joe's continuing recuperation, so it's time to just get in gear and do things! This pep talk didn't do any good last month, but I am hoping I will take it to heart now. It's time!

Just An Update!

Technology is not always my friend! The Gammil is up and running but the computer is down. The computer is working but the modem died. It's somewhat of a vicious cycle. As of right this moment, everything in my studio is working. It's a little scary wondering what will happen next.

I am currently working hard to quilt my own quilts for the Heart of Ohio Guild show in October as well as the customer quilts that have accumulated while Joe was recuperating. He is doing better but still not driving or back to regular activity. It amazes me how much longer it takes me to get out of the house in the morning just to get everything done before I leave. I literally changed my opening hours from 9:30 to 10 am because I couldn't get here on time. He is working hard on rehab and doing his share when he can.

It's always fun to quilt my own quilts. The first one done is "NQA BOM 2008 with the BFG's"--that stands for the National Quilt Association Block of the Month 2008 with the Bodacious Fabric Goddesses, my quilting friends who meet once a month at the shop. It's very bright and I used a variegated thread and did a simple meander. I found an amazing wild fabric to put on the back with all the bright colors from the quilt itself. When I went on the local shop hop, my goal was to find backings for three of the five quilts I am trying to get done. I found a great black and white print for my black and red mystery, a black with gold for my angel wallhanging, and the wild one for the BOM. For my trip around the world, I already have a varied gray backing, and have a SewBatik red for the 30's quilt sampler. You may have noticed a red and black theme -- it's definitely my colors.

Now to the binding! Every quilt I am doing for the show needs black binding. So I bought several yards of Kona black solid and am making yards of binding. I am hoping to finish them all by hand but the last one may end up getting finished by machine the night before the quilts are due. Hmm, back to work or I will be doing that for sure.