Waiting and Worrying

There is an old saying that goes something like this: What you worry about never happens, so go ahead and worry. That isn't exactly how it goes, but it is close enough. So today I am starting the worrying nice and early.

My morning view.

Every morning, before I my feet hit the floor, I open my eyes and check the view through the colored windows in our bedroom. After many years, I can discern whether it is sunny or cloudy, snowing or raining, or breezy. Breezy. That was what I was looking for this morning.  There was a slight movement of the smaller branches on the maple trees in our yard and I could tell it was a blue sky sunny morning. I was surprised to see the sun because I was ready to face the beginning of what has been forecast to be a harrowing day with high winds that will average at 35 to 45 miles per hour and gusts as high as 75 miles per hour. So, I am sure that I am not the only one checking the movement of the tree limbs this morning, I would venture a guess that everyone else in the whole Western New York region is looking up at the trees around their and their neighbors' houses. Our house was built in 1846, so it is safe to say that it has withstood many storms. I hope today is no exception.

As I prayed about my own safety, I realized I needed to expand my thoughts outside my own four walls. Of course I prayed for my husband. I always do. But then I thought of the first responders who will be out trying to help anyone who needs it. And all the calls won't be just for storm related emergencies. What about the person who falls ill and needs to get to the hospital or the expectant mother who goes into labor and needs to get to the hospital in the midst of all of what is supposed to be an awful weather day? Prayers.

I am sitting in our living room as I write this. I just turned to look out the front windows and instead of a blue sky, I now see a dark threatening sky. It looks like snow clouds, but I know that wind clouds can also be dark. The wind has completely diminished and there is nary a twig swaying. It is eerily still. That tells the wannabe meteorologist in me that the wind has been sucked out of our area and is now somewhere else . . . but will most likely arrive when those clouds cover our village. OK. I have worked myself up into a high state of worry.

I planned some projects to keep me occupied today. The first is to work on a Mardi Gras themed wreath. We don't celebrate it like they do in New Orleans, but I saw some pretty things at the store and before I knew it, they landed in my shopping cart. So, I will be working on that today . . . hopefully under my work lights and not by candlelight.

Some of the supplies I've gathered for my Mardi Gras wreath.

We anticipated the fact that we may lose electric power, so we have lots of food on hand that can be served cold. Just like before a snow storm, we; along with other Western New Yorkers; prepare as if we will be unable to shop for weeks.

It is beginning to thunder. I guess the wannabe meteorologist in me didn't see that coming. It is raining now and very still. I am definitely worried. So, I will close here, get another cup of hot coffee, charge up all our electronic devices and wait . . . and hopefully the winds won't be as strong as they say they will be and everyone will remain safe.

Wherever you are, I hope you and those you love are happy and healthy . . . and safe from the storms that seem to be everywhere. As always your questions and comments are welcome here on my blog or on Facebook. I do read them and always respond. And until we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Emmy

All Dressed Up for Valentine's Day ❤

It's Valentine's Day! I always try to do something special to celebrate it, even if it is just decorating or making a special meal for my husband and me. But, since my main focus for the month of February is deep cleaning every nook and cranny in the house, I haven't been in my studio a lot to create things. I already posted the two Valentine wreaths I made, so today is just a short and sweet...mostly pictorial...post of the transformation of my mini dress form from Christmas to Valentine's Day. ❤

Please click on the photos to enlarge them, if you want a closer look.

Here she is wearing her Christmas ensemble.

The blouse, sash and pin were all removable.
I used rubber bands to draw in the evergreen skirt.

In order to smooth out her evergreen skirt, I wrapped her lower half with batting.

At first, I was going to sew a skirt for her,
but it was easier just to take several yards of tulle and wrap . . . and wrap . . . and wrap her!

I tucked bright pink tulle into her bodice, wrapped her waist in an organza ribbon and tied it in a big bow.
Of course, she needed to wear some pearls, so I made a little choker for her, too.

The big reveal . . . All Dressed Up for Valentine's Day!

Thank you for taking the time from your day to read my post. Your questions and comments are welcome here on my blog or on Facebook. I will read them and respond. I hope you and those you love are happy and healthy; and as always, until we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Emmy

Super Bowl Sunday

As we get closer to the beginning of the Super Bowl, in about 45 minutes, we are still trying to decide if we will watch the game or a movie. We are not fans of either team, so it does not matter to us which team wins or loses. We are fans of a few NFL teams, and one in particular; but none of them made it to the big game. We enjoyed the playoffs, and maybe that is enough. But will we miss something that a large percentage of the population will be watching en masse, if we aren't viewing it at the same time as everyone else? We have the DVR set to record it and figure that we can fast forward through the game and maybe even some of the commercials . . . even though some people say they really only watch for the entertainment at half time and to see the commercials . . . we do enjoy a good football game! If it is a close game, that is all the better. So, we will decide soon and in the meanwhile, I will work on some hand sewing or sorting a box of baubles that I plan to use soon on a special paper craft project.

We had an extreme wintry spell over the past week with temperatures dipping down to -9 degrees and windchills to -25. The National Weather Service officially called it a blizzard, which is a pretty rare occurrence, even for us here in Western New York State. I fought off my nervousness about the cold and snow and whiteouts by hunkering down in my studio. Luckily, I had gone shopping before the storm and instead of buying bread and milk, I stocked up on materials for some new projects, so I made a wreath to keep myself occupied. I have discovered that making wreaths is a very satisfying way to use my creativity and even though I like to  make quilts, they take much longer, so the rewards come sooner when making a wreath!

If you would like a closer view, please click on the photo to enlarge it.

It is February.
That means it is time to make all things Valentine.
I made this wreath during the blizzard we had this past week.
It is approximately 24" across by 7" deep.

During the winter months I find I am inclined to pursuing what were once called the  "domestic arts" . . . sewing, decorating (which includes paper crafting, drawing, painting and mixed media) and even cleaning and cooking. Well, maybe not so much cooking! But I do like to clean in the winter because the brightness from the snow makes the rooms in our old house filled with light and it makes such chores easier. :-) I have jumped on the popular Mrs. Meyers wagon and am waiting for my first order to arrive. I can't believe how excited I am as I anticipate the arrival of cleaning supplies! They are supposed to be delivered this week, so will let you know how I liked them in my next post; and if you have tried them, I'd like to hear from you.

While I have been writing this post, I have been taking little breaks to watch the movie Hush . . . Hush, Sweet Charlotte with my husband. It had been a long time since I Iast saw the movie. It made me think about what people silently suffer through, how they are mistreated and misunderstood and what conclusions people often jump to. The movie is an extreme example, but the story of deceit and manipulation is probably played out more often than we realize. It really is hard for me to believe how badly people can treat one another. I try to see the best in people. I expect it. Sometimes I am disappointed, but there is a lot of good in our world. People are doing good things and that is what I need to remember.

It is halftime now . . . and I have been peeking at the score on my phone. Shhhh . . . don't tell my husband! He just started watching the recorded game . . . from the beginning. So, I will close here so we can watch the game together, see the commercials, the halftime show and then have fun reading fans' reactions tomorrow on social media!

As always, your questions and comments are welcome. You can post them here on my blog or on Facebook. I read them and always respond. So, may the best team win and until we meet again, may the Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand.

Emmy