****Recently I found myself speaking with someone in India (or thereabouts) regarding a computer issue. I consider such interactions comparable to a trip to the dentist's, but everything was resolved quickly and smoothly and my contact couldn't have been more helpful. Several times while unraveling my problem, he reassured me..."Janice, not to worry!"
So what have I been up to during my longer-than-expected absence? Oh, lots of this & that. Having some painting done here at the house, trying to make it look more like our place than the previous owners', especially with Molly's wedding coming up in July. She was just here at the end of her US business trip for a solid week of mostly wedding planning ~ meetings with the florist, bakery, reception venue, rehearsal dinner location, hairdresser and bridal shop alteration person in addition to assembling invitations and numerous side trips and shopping excursions. Ten more weeks. Nine really, because I'll have a houseful the week before. That's the countdown that's ticking in my head.
There's been lots of sewing. I'll share some soon. But mostly I've been making lists. Crossing things off lists. Adding things to them. Trying to think of things that I may be forgetting.
Look what arrived yesterday, Gwen Marston's new Liberated Medallion Quilts. Just what I needed last night as I plopped myself in my chair for the evening. It's chock full of wonderful quilts and has prompted so many ideas...probably not what I need, more ideas. Sometimes that's more of a problem than a dry well, isn't it?
Speaking of which, are you on Pinterest...yet? I expect eventually we all will be. I initially resisted but now it's my guilty pleasure. I may have 987 blog posts waiting to be read in Google Reader (have I missed anything important the last few weeks? I'm tempted to wipe the slate clean and start fresh...) but I always have a few minutes to check out what's new on Pinterest, opiate of the creative masses. On the plus side, I'm saving lots on impulsive magazine purchases, getting my visual rush every time I click over, no longer having to favorite all those links on my computer. I'm curious...if you have a Pinterest account, do you have a separate board where you post things you've made? I wish there was an option to keep a board from being shared. Any thoughts?
Oh, before I forget, thanks for the wonderful response to my quilt purchase. I've been so busy the past few weeks that I still haven't given it a good stitch-by-stitch examination. I've definitely gotten the message that many of you would be interested in a pattern. Just as so many of you were interested in a pattern for the sunflower quilt. I'm considering it (them), but it will have to wait until A.W. ~ after the wedding. (Like so many things...)
Sorry, I am just hopping all over the place in this post...kind of like my recent days. Trying to roll with it, but sometimes feeling a bit overwhelmed by the looming date. Those of you who know me know I'm more the crunchy-granola type of low-key mom, not the international event hostess. But a funny thing happened on Wednesday. Within an hour, I was thrown a couple of wedding plan curveballs. My first reaction ~ "Gahhhhh!" But then I heard that charming, reassuring voice in the back of my head..."Janice, not to worry!"
Thanks, Ramesh. Keep whispering in my ear.
Last I heard, they were working on the option of private carts. I don't currently have a board for my own projects, mostly b/c I don't want that sort of thing repinned into infinity! Heading over to follow you now!
Posted by: sally | April 27, 2012 at 02:53 PM
Except....did I miss your Pinterest name?
Posted by: sally | April 27, 2012 at 02:56 PM
I just ordered Gwen's book yesterday! I am anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Posted by: Sarah | April 27, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Don't you just love the book. I am still sitting with every day looking at it and dreaming up of medallions! No not on pinterest yet. Still not sure how I feel about it. Kathie
Posted by: Kathie | April 27, 2012 at 07:10 PM
Oh yes please for that pattern. I loved when I saw it for the first time and each time I go back it is better. So after the wedding if you have time it would be great. Have a lovely time at the wedding and may the rain stay away
Posted by: marg | April 28, 2012 at 05:45 AM
Jan, I so understand the wedding activities. We are at 26 days to go, with lists everywhere, painters, window washers, yard crew, new patio install next week...going with the flow is the best outlook! J
Posted by: Jeanne hughes | April 28, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Janice... not to worry! glad you've been getting lots of visual input. I know what you mean about too much. I've been making lots of quilts in my head, but getting nothing down in fabric. but Pinterest still works as a de-stresser, so I'm gonna keep pinnin' in.
Posted by: Tonya Ricucci | April 28, 2012 at 10:51 AM
Such excitement! That book is great! I have a class with Gwen this summer and a retreat with her in October! I'm so excited. I might wait til the book shows up locally to get it, but I'm looking forward to it. I was on Pinterest and have left it. I have been sucked in by Instagram on my iPhone and find it to be quite an inspiration. Not in the quilty sort of way, but as a general art inspiration. I think I see things differently. Hope the wedding plans come together without too much stress. The last wedding I planned was my own and I doubt I'll have another for a good many years yet. Not to worry, Janice!
Posted by: Kristin | April 28, 2012 at 01:53 PM
I am sure between your daughter & yourself arranging things for the wedding, it will all go smoothly. Do you have a friend that has gone thru planning a wedding? Maybe they could go thru your list and remind you of anything you may not have thought of or give you some ideas? Janice, not to worry.
Posted by: Jenny M | April 28, 2012 at 07:42 PM
Gwen Marston was one of the first quilt authors whose books I bought back in the 80's. So great to see she is still publishing. My sympathies for the wedding crush. We are t-minus 3.5 weeks and counting.
Pinching myself that it's actually happening!
Posted by: Loretta | April 28, 2012 at 08:08 PM
I am on Pinterest. Most of what I pin is technology oriented anymore. It started out one way and now is going another. I also do the library pinterest boards. Obviously geared toward books, events, etc.
You will have a wonderful wedding. As you well know the build up is huge and they are gone in minutes. Get a good photographer.
Posted by: Cindra | April 30, 2012 at 10:29 AM
Who would have ever thought Ramesh would have been so smart? It's good to see you pop in. I heard Pinterest is working on private boards -- I hope so. I don't pin my own stuff (well, I did for my very first pin, just to practice) -- it just seems a little too braggy somehow. Maybe I'll change my mind someday. Have fun with the wedding planning!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | April 30, 2012 at 09:09 PM
I love Pinterest. I resisted for sometime but ever since I started pinning, I never have looked back.
As far as keeping a board for my own stuff. I do have one. It helps me see it all at once. Decide on direction I want to go next. Make necessary changes for my own good.
Have a wonderful time getting ready for Molly's wedding. It is going to be perfect!
Posted by: Sujata Shah | May 02, 2012 at 05:44 PM
I've got too much of an addictive personality, so I definitely stay away from sites like Pinterest and FB. Time suckers for me. I love both these quilts, your Sunflower piece is constantly lurking in the back of my mind, I've revisited your post on it many time! Yeah Ramesh, great adivse to the M.O.B.
Posted by: Sharon | May 02, 2012 at 06:27 PM
I just bought that book too and really enjoy it.
I would love to make that sunflower quilt...I remember when you first posted about it, my jaw dropped!
Posted by: Kelly | May 08, 2012 at 08:16 PM
I am so happy you like Gwen's Medallion book! Anything Gwen Marston writes is wonderful. I have 2 quilts in Liberated Medallions. I just can't get over that. I like Pinterest, but it sure can be a time suck!
Good luck with the wedding!
Posted by: tia | May 11, 2012 at 05:55 PM
Really enjoyed your post - my daughter's wedding was last Saturday and it turned out beautifully! I'm so glad you are enjoying the journey - that's what I tried to do and it worked out great. Such happy memories!
Posted by: Dixie | May 13, 2012 at 10:07 PM
I will try to remind myself not to worry more often!
Thanks for telling us about Ramesh' suggestion.
I hope spring is beautiful where you are - we are having a very nice one in Toronto so far.
Posted by: Lisa in Toronto | May 14, 2012 at 06:59 AM
I am addicted to Pinterest! During the rainy months here - a friend accused me of never leaving the site! It's sunny now - but I still wander over for a visit everyday!
The secret of a great wedding is plan like a madwoman; prepare for a BIG party and then when it starts - the company arrives - simple sit back, relax and enjoy! People will remember how it felt more than if it was perfect in every way!!
But - yes, get a good photographer. Make sure they don't process the shot to B&W before cropping - they hate to go back to color for you if they have to restart from the beginning! Yep, you know how I know this!!
Enjoy and see you Pinterest!
doni @ Oregon coast
www.doniquilts.blogspot.com
Posted by: doni boyd | May 18, 2012 at 06:24 PM