Several More Books read which I've enjoyed.

I enjoy reading and continue to declutter my bookshelves one. book. at. a. time.  

It truly doesn't matter how fast this endeavor is taking as I am keeping up with the Book Club reads each month besides am able to conquer a few more titles during a month that come onto my radar.   

These are the titles with Authors that I've read (except that first one, notice the PUKE as my notation, could only manage about 50 pages and it wasn't getting any better!  lol) so far in 2023.  Only two came off my bookshelves and were donated to the local library when I was through.  The rest were loans from family, friends or the library and three of the titles were audiobooks.  Not bad getting 9 done since the 1/1/2023 if I do say so myself.

Chinese Art Brush Class Enjoyment

 Last year I participated in a ZOOM class featuring Chinese Brush Art class with a traditional approach.   It was enjoyable and I learned.  

This year another 6 week session was offered, so I jumped on board.  

Week 4 had us redo the lotus which we learned last week and then do a rabbit.  My attempts at those:  

2nd time doing lotus

my first rabbit

Not sure how many of these I'll be sharing with you, however I am enjoying the comradery of the class and learning while still creating.  It's nice to imagine creating art.  That rice paper is so delicate!

Cozy into Winter Stitched

 It's stitched.  Now I need to figure how I'll be FFO (I believe that acronym stands for Finally Finished Object or perhaps Finally finished Off - Either would be pertinent).  

It still needs pressing  and I'll be doing a running stitch around the outside of the design leaving 6 to 10  threads as the boundary.  This makes it easiest for me to square up and know the line to stitch on if I machine sew the finish.  Still debating on whether it's calling to be a pillow/sachet or a small framed piece.  

The design is "Cozy Into Winter" by Jeannette Douglas Designs.  Stitched on 32ct. Wichelt Café Mocha with the called for threads.  

Later.... and enjoy whatever you are doing. 

3 generations on Valentine's Day 2023

Though Hospice has been called in for my Mom's care, Mom is incredible.  She's as sharp as a tack at times, winded then exhausted and needs to take a nap in the next.   I keep letting her know how fantastic and awesome she is.  How nobly and strong, resilient and understanding she's is.  All such bittersweet times.  Yet she's but a shadow of her normal vivacious self.  

While spending a day with her, my daughter managed to stop in and was able to grab a selfie of the three of us so the orientation is backwards.  Would you believe this was the best pic of Mom as she didn't stop with her comments, thus T and I both laughing and Mom's mouth shape is just a tad off.  Now I just wish I could remember what she was saying.  

Myself, My Mom now age 90, fighting stage IV cancer for the past 14 months, and my daughter Thera

Cloth Spool Progress.

 Slowly am getting my mojo back.  Very Content… Progress. 

 The last of the necessary Spool blocks were completed this week.  

All 100 block units are done with 16 pieces each.  Next up, trim units if needed and then preview layout colors. 

Am hoping this center will be completed in February.  My Mom has been in Hospice Care now for 9 + weeks.   Bittersweet times and her Love, dignity, strength and resolve continue to be amazing. 

Creating without cloth

 For seasonal displays I share by the wreaths on the 2 main doors of my home.  Gladly, I have been doing this for decades and several years ago realized that a couple of months were neglected. February was one of them but no more. 

For the family entrance near the driveway I just completed the wreath above.  Makes me smile considering I was married for 48.5 years and loved thoroughly while my spouse was loving anything that came by much to my disgust and his promises of devotion while begging forgiveness.  What's that line?   "Once a Cheat always a Cheat".  So true while looking back at the infidelities he even used my faith to swear his allegiance and loyalty to our marriage when begging for forgiveness.  I trusted and continued to love  in time.   Well no More, I'm done.   

So Single is better as far as I’m concerned rather than being married to a partner that wasn’t truly there with the lies, abuse and disrespect both towards me and his oaths, promises, vows and commitments. 

The second wreath is still in the making but the wire snips that I need to use are still freezing. Thank goodness we aren’t dealing with below zero temps again.  Last Friday I awoke to a -15*F but felt like -35*F with the wind chill factor.   Today is much better though still only in the teens.    Will share that photo once it's completed.  

TTFN,

Jane

Came back 2 days later to share the Front door Wreath finished.
Home is where the Heart is.