Hello

Hello! Happy New Year!

Christmas was slow for us, I got a bad cold and couldn't really taste anything, but made the effort to cook the breakfast, opened presents, and prepared lightly dinner for everyone. Although, I was mostly blowing my nose and caught, caught, caught and felt my body weighted over a ton, but the cold is over now ( thank goodness).  S loved her gifts that she found under the tree. Just like every year, she would get up extra early in the morning and still excited about opening gifts. I secretly hope when she moves on in her adulthood she would still be home for the Christmas and watch same Christmas movies over and over.

I actually couldn't wait for December, 31st to come sooner, I thought that I would stay till midnight, just like everyone else, cheering for the new decade, but the truth is I was asleep by 11:30 p.m.  I knew the phone was buzzing with all the Happy New Year texts, but I couldn't open my eyes or even made the effort to reach out to the phone. I was out, completely, from the cold, busy at work, and the new neighbor noises. That was probably the best snooze for the longest time! But yet, I was up by 6 a.m. The body alarm was set; even I tried to go back to the cozy and warm bed.
Oh.. but here we are into a new decade.

So, the staycation started for me! I have had all the things plan out that I like to work on.  The tree has been put away, I carefully stored away the ornaments. I love friends who sent their handmade ornaments and cards in the mail every year. I appreciated them not forgetting about me, since I have been busy in life and hardly able to do much.  I miss the old days when S and I crafted in our little dinning table and she would make extra ornaments for selling during the holiday time. I miss Julie who got the tree for us in October 2007 and gifted us ornaments every year. It was a memory lane drive for me.

While the washer was running in the kitchen, I started cutting more penny square for the quilt.  The quilt is slow slow slow in process.  I plan on finish all the nine patch blocks before adding them together, so the colors can be balance as a whole. This is going to be a big quilt, a queen size.  I love the colors, cream background and contrast with floral prints, only. It is an intentional idea. I knew that in the past I used to use much modern vibrate colors. But for this quilt, the mix-match backgrounds with nice floral prints that I have been saved for years just seem special to me; time to let these prints shine!

I am feeling so rest with the self-time, the most needed self time. I used to be home alone a lot, but things just have changed. After four years of city life; I have semi-adapted the lifestyle, but the inner me, is so not! I have not been to a real fabric store for a long time! The store that with lots quilts hang on the walls, ladies that walking in the store with handful of fabric bolts, fat quarters and they are talking in quilting languages. Oh, I hope my quilting language still fluent since it has been awhile!

On my last trip oversea, I bought some Hakka floral prints. My dear friend Erin has always talked about these prints. So when we met last time, we spent all day in Taipei, DiHua District.  I got some prints and though making them into drawstring bags for her would be nice. Erin and I met when we were 16, she has always though that she was a year older than me, then years later, maybe after college. We found out that we were 4 months part. I was born in the Fall, so I was held a year back before entering elementary school; yes, so not fair! Because I was always the older kid in the class at the time.  I will put these drawstring bags in the mail for her, so just in time for her lunar new year travel.

When all the sewing bits and bobs are happening in the studio. The kitchen stove was busy, too. I made another big pot of chicken broth and chicken pot pie last night. I always love to saved up the roasted chicken from bone to skin. These are the best ingredients for the homemade chicken soup.  A dozen of the Blueberry Lemon Muffins for the Saturday morning can't go wrong!  Tomorrow I plan on making a pound cake, so we have some breakfast for the next few days.

For this year, I feel the need for staying authentic and original. I would like to make time for myself, so I could be more fulfilled. I would like to go back where I was before cook and prepare fresh food for the family, so we can dine out less ( Life gets out of control when it is busy). I would also hope that things calm down a bit more as we are settled in more now. These are simple goals, but somewhat the it gets challenge to enforce these in life.  I stay positively about the challenges and changes and I cried when there is frustrations, but after all it is all going to work out!

Meanwhile, for the last two days off, I shall use most of it! Sewing, cooking and a bit of movie watching before Monday arrives!

Wish you the best new year!

xxc

Slow Patchwork

Time has slipped through my fingers since I was last here. I have tried to write an update post in my mind many times, but then when I have a few minutes to sit down all I want is to read and be slice. Today I made my mind to stay home; tidy up the living room, water plants, mop the floor, laundry , iron all the work shirts, and wipe out the dust in the studio and more bits and bobs that have been accumulated.

After coming back from visiting papa who slipped down and broke his backbone the end of the last year. I took another few weeks off from job hunting. The job hunting started in early January, I sent out lots resumes and waited to hear something and of course, nothing was heard. The ongoing searching jobs and submitting resumes taken up lots of energy and time. There were time, that I took time off to sew and write and to give myself a break from the process (thank you for being here). There were time, I had though maybe the phone is not working, so I would text a friend and just to check if the phone is actually work ( and it is working). The job searching process is long and it drains out confidence and brings anxiety.  I knew it wouldn't be easy since I live in a competitive city even job opportunities are widely open.  I keep on trying and keep optimistic about it!

Nothing was heard in February! So that made the month of February very long and gray! I wish it was pink allover, but it was not! I actually was depressed and started have more doubts in myself and of course that inner self conversation began all unhealthy and questionable. I was blessed! Have friends started calling and checking on me and see where I am at with things! Then beginning of March, I took time off from the job search and focus on sewing and positive self-dialog.  It felt pretty encouraging with all the work that I could have done in the studio without distraction and brights me up.

Around mid March, I started getting phone calls and emails for interviews (what????) I know,  they just came all together around the same time. I had numbers of phone interviews and in person interviews. I have had rejections follow up, but more opportunities came along! I felt dizzy after all the roller coster rides.   Right after the last posting, I was invited for a second interview and spent time to prepare for it. I knew I have a good chance and needed to take extra mile on this opportunity. I didn't think the second interview went that well! You know, you just kind of know how it went after met with the directors! But then I received the offering phone call two days later and was hired! It just happened!  So,  I have been working and training last three weeks full-time and yes it takes time to feel myself again! I am just tired and too anxious!

My body is exhausted after getting off the bus from work as I have been getting up at 6a.m.. When I came home, all I want is sit and read a page or two of the book. Make myself a cup of tea. Around 6p.m. put on the apron and start prepare supper and semi-tidy up the space. I tried to reground myself a bit and getting things organized, but mentally I am just not there! I knew it is going to get better and improve as the time goes!

I haven't step in to the studio for three long weeks and totally miss the sewing time and everything. I am thinking I still remember how to sew and cut fabrics, but it requires time to pickup that productive sewing mojo.

Today has been a productive day at home for a long time; cross out to-do lists and getting organized!  The shoulders are feeling lighter as I check off the promises list as well. This is the behind blog life that I am working with and finally feeling comfortable to share with you.

As the weather gets warmer and daylight gets longer, I am hoping to maybe sit and sew a bit in the studio before prepping the supper and I just knew it takes routine and self effort for that, too!

Stay turn!

and Thank you for staying around...

xxc

Smitten all things

I dropped two thank you letters in the post office's mailbox this morning. It was a short and fresh walk for me. Did you know the flower buds in neighbors' yard are coming up? The blooming season is here because S' allergy has started; that poor kid! She has been remembering her allergy spray before she heads out in the morning. After dropped the mail, unlike walking back home. I walked to the coffee shop that's just right around the corner and ordered a cup of coffee for myself, what a treat!  Then I waited for the pedestrian signal turns green then crossed the street; sipping the coffee in my hand (all at the same time) and watched the traffic that fast pass on the other side.

It is rarely that people say hello on the streets around here. Everyone seems take their steps as quick as they can; catch the bus, catch the last two seconds of traffic light to pass the street; walking with full hands of grocery bags. As I was sipping through the coffee and passing by a gas station that is renovating now; a gentleman looked at me in eyes and said to me, good morning, just one coffee? I said yeah, just one this time! next time I will bring two! He said, have a great day! I replied take care now! Then another gentleman walked toward me and I said Good morning and he replied, a good day to you! When I got home I realized that I was smiling all the way home! Gosh that does make me feel good for the simple courtesy in life.

So, I decided to make a cross body bag this week for myself, it has been awhile! I have been thinking a smaller version of cross body bag that I can put the planner, the wallet, and a small coin pouch when I am on a quick grocery and errand runs. I knew the bag needs to be simple, so I can access it easily and it needs to be light enough to carry, sometimes carrying bags of grocery home can be a heavy duty job for me these days. I added on the adjustable straps this time, which is really benefits; it allows me to carry as a cross body bag or over my shoulder as shoulder tote.  I added the the Travel Outbound Bag inside for organizing all the bits and bobs that I am taking with.  It is just perfect for what I need! I will do the test drive tomorrow and see how I like it and what needs to be improve.

After the ceiling leak, I've been looking for a floor lamp replacement and have my eye on this as a replacement, but in reality the space we have is not allow to set a tripod style floor lamp. So it has been add on to "save for later" cart for now. As much as I know that I'll never buy it, but it is just nice to have it "save" in the cart and think of someday that we might be able to have it around. I'll be heading out tomorrow to the hardware store to pick one that's similar to what we had before and it would be nice that I can turn few more pages before bedtime again.

One of most exciting news for the week is the quarter inch mark wooden labels have arrived (hundred cheers)! It has been years that I have trouble to decide on labeling the patchwork pouches that I created. I have listed out many ideas for the labels, but just haven't found the one.  I am so pleased with these maple wooden tags that engraved with the name and they smell so wood- good! I am in process adding them on to the penny square pouches and others as well.  The wooden tags correspond so well with the patchwork piece and it just adds special touch to it.

I am also smitten by the hundreds of penny squares and in the process of turning them into mini patchwork pieces. Lots seam open pressing time ahead of me, but will be labor of love work to be happening here! In between time, I have pick up S' 13th birthday quilt making. It has been sitting around for last two years. I am actually behind all the birthday quilt making since last birthday quilt.  I have had hard time to push through this quilt for some reason and now I am ready to push through the process and hope to have it ready before the sweet sixteen arrives.

The weather forecast is showing more cloudy days ahead of us next few days and possible rain, too. Julie texted me this morning that the lake we used to go swimming in Iowa is thawing this week. I don't look forward to the summer since the apartment gets up to 90 degree inside and it gets real humid in the city, but hey more ice cream! I can't say no, right!

xxc

patchwork stitches

What comes in mind for sewing after a long break? It would be the small and tiny patchwork stitches. I can't think of a better way to get my hands back to the needles and threads.  My dear friend Carol has been sending me her scraps each time when she forwards the mail to me. It always is a treat and a surprise to find little scraps pieces that she tucked inside the envelope. I found myself so tickled by  these scraps. It feels so good to turn these scraps into something cute and sweet.

A few weeks back, in an early morning, I found out that the ceiling above the studio was leaking! and the water was overall the sewing table, cutting mats, and floor. It was something that I didn't see would be coming (screaming). ! I had to called the landlord to come fix and that went a bit drama for two weeks. Thank goodness, they finally decided to take down the partial of the ceiling and patch with a clean board. Before they arrived, I jumped right in the studio, move all fabrics, sewing supplies, books, handmade gifts and boxes out to the living room. I loss a floor lamp and a floor mat from the leaking issue and a design board that I had placed on the table.

While waiting for repair ( two weeks), we stayed in the living room and that felt quiet content for some reason, We joked that we would just need a studio for the future place, since everything fits, but it was cold to stay in the living room and the noise coming from near by highway was difficult at night time to fell asleep. Soon after the ceiling paint was dry and I cleaned every corner till dust free (yay). Then I take the time to move everything back in. I had refold all the fabrics ( got to love this job) and trying to fit them back to where they were before. I have realized that there are so many fabrics that I have forgot about.  It was a real good visit with fabrics! They tell me, come sew with us more! :)  and Yes, I was totally wiped out by the end of the day!

Has it been a long winter for you and me? I don't mind the winter, but it has been feeling a gray winter for this year. I've spend the night time knitting and finished one side of the leg warmer and still need to finish the other side, but I've ran out of the yarn! I am feeling stuck, what should I do? I though of going to the yarn store and match the yarn out or take the knitting stitches apart. I still can't make the call. Maybe I should wait till the spring arrives and hop on the bus to the yarn store.

While I am writing, the sunlight from the studio window is getting dimmer. I particularly love this time of the day where I can see the apartments near by me have lights turn on. People are home from their hard working day, I am sure they are making conversations and preparing their dinners. Just what I am going for next, preparing dinner and getting the apartment light up!

The daylight saving is coming this weekend! I'll miss that extra hour sleep, but for sure, I can't wait for more daylight during the day!

xxc

Home

After my last trip, I am ready to settle in a little bit longer and catching up "things". I guess just a lot of sewing and promises that I made, but never be able to fulfill. and no more time changes and jet lag . So here I go...

Between now and then...

My S graduated from middle school and is a busy freshman in high school now. She is busy because she said so! Moving to N.Y. was a big culture shock for her and much more. It was a handful 3 years and she is coming her way around this place and everything nicely! She is almost as tall as I am and talks real fast if she wants to and just like every typical teens these days!  She continues out seeking her own path as we talk over the table and there is no need rush for any firm plan, and just take one step a day.

It would be so ideal that time can pause or slow down a little. I am not so ready for my girl to take her big step in a few years. It will be oddly without the chatterbox around for sure. S and I have took a trip back to Iowa last summer. It was a much needed trip that we both so look forward to. We drove around the city and to small towns; went to our favorite bakery. We met our friends for coffee and soaking up as much as possible. Yes, to the sweet corns and pork chop and the homemade meals that we were spoiled to. Nothing like blue sky, corn fileds, donut holes and friendship all at once!

As I prepared for my last oversea trip, there were a lot in my mind that felt brain jam! I don't even know if brain jam makes sense to you! It was alike a pile of list to check off, but have no idea where to start. And yes! I was able to pull everything together the very last minutes. I was baking in the morning before the flight took off at 10p.m.  Nothing like some special handmade gifts! All the gifts were much loved and well received!  I was able to double up the cookie recipe and put them in the jars for S. I told her, before these cookies are gone, I should be able to come home to fill them up again.

Home sweet home! I have finally really throughly understand what it real means!  It was nearly midnight, but when I exit out the airport lobby gate, I saw my girl waving hard at me and that is my home! When I got back to the apartment and saw the cookie jars had few cookies left  and I started the Christmas baking right away. mom, you are  the best! 

That took a good 6 weeks for turning around the jet lag this time. Partly being sick in the cold winter days and partly I was just exhausted. Home is the same; laundry, making meals, tidy up space, dress in cozy flannel pjs for days, a bit hand sewing and listening to my chatter box at 3:25p.m. when the door knob turns. Hey, mom did you know..... (and tea is ready,snacks on the table and I get to visit with the teen before she calls it off).  And all quiet again till the dinner time, I've pick up a few knitting stitches here and there...

Thank you for all the heart warming welcome come back messages! I can't believe that you all are staying around and checking in. It is amazing how this space have reach out so many of you and have been so supportive in this journey.

With all that... I am really miss the little space of mine here!


xxc