Quest46 – Update #5

Posted on May 27, 2015 by gracieed

It’s been six months since my Quest46 started.  {If you’re new to my blog, Quest46 is a group of 46 goals I gave myself for the next 365 days (or 273 as of today).  You can read about it here.}

Observations after six months:

  • I’m at the halfway point!  Where did the time go????
  • When you ACTUALLY work on projects, they get done!
  • Giving myself permission to change things up is okay.
  • Opportunities come into our lives for reasons.  And crafting opportunities are glittery gifts from angels.  You just can’t say no. 😉
  • Using my blog series to accomplish some of my Quest46 goals is working out quite well.

I’ve written the entire list along with current progress.

1. Memorize Psalm 91.  Continuing to memorize.  I have the first ten verses under my belt.  I need to be more consistent with this.  I read the verse every day, but I don’t take concerted time every day to memorize.  I need to step up my game here.
2. Lose the rest of my weight and increase my fitness.  I’ve stalled in my weight loss, but am still exercising by walking the dogs and doing strength and stretching exercises.  I had a setback with my foot issue and thankfully I didn’t gain any weight during that time.  I’ve started counting calories just to make sure I’m doing everything I can to lose the weight.  It’s a constant battle.
3. Find and implement new ways to honor Mike daily.  I’ve been working at finding ways to make his life a little easier.
4. Make albums for each dog.   Have the albums and the pictures all sorted.  It was a challenge decided which ones to use.  Now I need to finish these babies.
5. Crochet a Ripple Blanket.  I’m making really good progress and hope to be done by June 10th.  I had the date wrong so I have an extra couple of weeks.  Yea!!  It’s a gift.
6. Plant a vegetable garden.  Spring has passed and I think I’m going to plant an herb container garden this year and work on a vegetable garden next year.  We’ve still got the pavers to finish and I’m not sure I’ll get them done in time to have a vegetable garden.
7. Journal 52.  Plodding along with this.  I’ll have a blog post in the next month with my pages.
8. Read 24 new books.  Have read 12 books so far.    The God Ask (done), Manage Your Day to Day (done), Handmade Market Place, Lore of Running, Outlander #1, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Yarn to Go, Jock of the Bushveld, Dear Mr. Knightly, How to be the Leader of the Pack, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals, Lady Susan, The Scent of Water: Grace for Every Kind of Broken, White Fang, Unbroken (done), Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, Platform, The Go-Getter, The Artist’s Way, Yes Please (done), Scary Close (done), Aunt Dimity’s Death (done), Platform (done), Death of a Snob (done), Death of a Perfect Wife (done), Death of an Outsider (done), The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry (done), Undone (done),
9. Make a scarf for Margaret.  Here’s the pattern, still working away. I’m not entirely sure when it will be done, but it will be before November 24, 2015.
10. Make birthday cards for family and friends.  Finished November, December and January, February, March, April and May.  Working on June and July.
11. Send two “thinking of you gifts” every month.  Gift #1 done, Gift #2 done, Gifts #3-11 done.
12. Complete 6 online classes.  Still need to do this.  First one scheduled for June 1, 2015.
13. Start a 5 year – daily, one-line journal.  Started, love it, still doing it.
14. Learn how to make paper.  Probably during the summer.
15. Make Christmas stockings.  This is one of those Christmas one’s that will be for next year.  Don’t worry, the doggies will still get plenty of treats ;-).
16. Learn 12 new recipes.  #1 complete.  Pumpkin Pie (low carb)  #2 complete.  Creme Brulee (low carb)  #3 complete.  Broccoli, Ham, Mozzarella Egg Bake
17. Learn how to weave.  I learned very basic weaving this month and loved it.
18. Record 12 card making video tutorials.  Start this in the summer.  Dabbling with the idea of making this a series.  Just dabbling.
19. Make a smaller soap box and make different scented soaps every month.  Made a soap box out of cardboard and made my first batch of the year.  Lavender Rose. Yummmmm…
20. Paint Kitchen Cabinets.  Looking to do this in June, 2015.
21. Learn how to dye with natural ingredients.  Waiting for fall.
22. Work 52 items off “My Todo’s” Board on Pinterest. Completed 66.  #1 I made paper beads using old books, bead cores and Utee Ultra Thick Embossing Resin.  #2   I made dog collars for a friend’s dog.  #3  Homemade Soft Scrub Cleaner #4  Made Valentine heart wreath with dyed coffee filters.  #5   Made homemade mosquito repellent.  Smelled good, but didn’t work.  #6   Made dog chew toys.  These were super popular.  In my {Make Madness} blog series, I checked off 31 items. In my {DIY From Scratch} blog series, I checked off 29 items.
23. Make mini-albums of dogs for Christmas presents.  I’ve changed my mind again.  I’m back to the mini-album idea and doing it for next year.
24. Make Mike a Dr. Who Quilt.  Have cut the panels, downloaded the patterns and found my embroidery hoops.  Next up, embroidery!
25. Start a fairy garden.  Going to wait for fall.  Started a Pinterest board to curate ideas.
26. Paint patio furniture.  Scheduled for July, 2015.
27. Plant a cutting garden.  SI’ve decided to put this off until Spring, 2016.  Have been taking care of an Aloe plant my neighbor gave me, but aren’t going to have the time this go round.
28. Make dog biscuit gift bags for Christmas.  This was going to be a Valentine gift, but that didn’t happen.  I’m switching back to Christmas 2015 because I found some cute containers when I was organizing my craft room. Still don’t think the dogs will mind.
29. Complete all the achievements of the 7 Minute Workout.  Started this and loving it.
30. Beat my time in the Urban Cow Half Marathon.  This is definitely going to have to wait until I get my foot sorted out.  I now know that I have bone spurs on my ankle and arthritis in one of the joints.  Not the time to start running.  I’m continuing with my walking and other exercises, but my running dreams will have to wait.
31. Finish Central Park Hoodie.  Found the project, but I’m waiting until I’m done with Margaret’s scarf and the Ripple Blanket to start this.
32. Read through the Bible. 1 chapter per day.  Started this on January 1, 2015. Up to Numbers 29.
33. Make birds for wall tree.  The first birds will appear on the Valentine’s tree.  Post to come.  The birds have arrived!!!  18 of them.  Check them out.
34. Declutter and decorate Master Bedroom.  Started decluttering using the method found in the book “The life-changing magic of tidying up” by Marie Kondo.
35. Make Cloth Art Journal.  Scheduled for the summer.
36. Learn to knit socks.  Found the pattern and the class.  Will wait until Central Park Hoodie is finished (31).
37. Work on Project Life every week.  Trying to carve out Sunday afternoons for this and not being very successful.  I’m already a month behind, but I’ve been keeping track of journaling throughout the week.
38. Transcribe Da’s tapes.  Started listening to them, but need to carve out focused time to take notes.  In the meantime, my mom wanted them transferred to cd’s and she’s been listening to them and taking notes.  Hhmmmm…
39. Make dog beds. Came up with a better plan for my Etsy shop.  They’re now a ‘Made To Order’ item so now I’m prepping the material, but waiting for the order before I make the beds.  This new system is saving me time and potentially supplies. Donated a bed to a pet rescue for an auction.
40. Pray for my nieces and nephews.  Everyday.  I’m really enjoying this.
41. Add a new item every month to Etsy shop to build variety and inventory.  This area is woefully lacking.  I have great intentions, but seem to run out of time.  Need to flip my priorities.
42. Put together a team for the local SPCA Doggie Dash in June.  Not going to happen this year. 
43. Photo-a-day using the Collect App.  Love this app.  Here’s December, 2014, January, February, March and April 2015.

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February 2015

 

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April in Photos

44. Read Pride and Prejudice.  Will begin this in the new year.
45. Knit 1 square per week for Knit-a-square. I have 12 finished.  Should have 24 finished.  Got some knittin’ to do.
46. Be a better blogger and blog-reader. Post consistently. Comment regularly.  Work on this everyday.  Really pleased with my {31 Days of Cards} Series, my {Make Madness} Series, my {DIY From Scratch} Series and my {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} Series.

Until next time,
Grace

 

 

Ellie Mindy

 

We’re halfway done?  Where has the time gone?

 

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Day 22 – Wellington the Kiwi – {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}

Posted on May 26, 2015 by gracieed

Welcome to the {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} blog series.  Every day during the month of May, I’ll be posting a bird craft or bird-related item on my blog as well as placing that object on my wall tree.  I can’t wait until the end of the month when my tree will be alive with a collection of chirpy chums.

Day 22 Wellington the Kiwi2Wellington joined us today.  Wellington is a Kiwi and because they’re flightless birds, Charlie picked him up in his seaplane.  Wellington is from New Zealand where he worked as a grip on the set of Lord of the Rings.  Wellie, as he’s fondly known, loved working on these movies mostly because he got to meet all the actors and occasionally work as an extra.  You know the scene where the Orcs attack Helms Deep?  Wellie was in that.   While on the set, he managed to get his picture with each actor along with Day 22 Wellington the Kiwitheir autograph and can’t wait to show all the other birds.

On the plane ride over, he and Charlie because fast friends and Charlie said he’d teach him how to fly if he was interested.  Now that he’s retired from the movie business, he thinks he’ll give that a try.

Day 22 Wellington on Wall TreeDouglas and Olivia are really excited to meet Wellie, because like them, he’s nocturnal and now they’ll have someone else to chat with during the night.

I found this pattern and crocheted Wellington using cream, yellow and black yarn.

 

 

 

Here’s a view of the tree so far.

Day 22 Wall Tree

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow,

Grace

 

 

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Wellie was in Lord of the Rings?  Did he meet Arwen?  She’s my favorite.

 

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Paws || Walk On – 5.17 – 5.30

Posted on May 24, 2015 by gracieed

Every now and then when I’m walking dogs, I will just stop, ask them to sit for about 30 seconds and then I will say “walk on”. That is there cue to start walking again. I do this for a couple of reasons: 1. They’re super focused when they’re on the walk and I like to know I can get their attention any time I need it. 2. It’s good to continue to incorporate training into their daily routines. Just as we need to continue to refine our skills, so must dogs.

This always reminds me how important it is for me to pause and reflect on the past week and then think about the next one as I “walk on”.

Paws | Week of 5.17-5.23

• still watching West Wing again (for the 3rd time).  Yes, it’s that good.
• finished watching Daredevil on Netflix.  Gory in parts, but a very good story.
• Skyped and knit with a friend in San Diego.
• watched a friend’s dog for a few days.
Mindy Lily• finished reading Aunt Dimity’s Death by Nancy Atherton.
• saw Avengers: Age of Ultron.  Really enjoyed it.
• continued the May photo-a-day challenge.
• helped to count the church offering.
• had lunch with my mom and mom-in-law.
• knit with friends at Starbucks.
• finished a baby quilt for a friend.Baby Quilt
• didn’t doodle at all this week with the a 100 day project.   I have a lot of catching up to do.
• walked the dogs.  Decided to keep track of our walks on a calendar.  So far for 2015: 118 out of 145.
Day 17 Starburst3• continued blog series {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
• continued with the Ripple Crochet Blanket for a wedding gift.
01155186f43602eca1bd1bb0336efa46e2dce65c7d_00001• still working on Margaret’s scarf.

 

Walk On | Week of 5.24-5.30

• call my grandpa in England. (I missed him last week)
• continue with the Photo-a-day challenge for May.
• continue to work on Margaret’s scarf.
• help to count the church’s offering.
• start prepping for Mike’s Dr. Who Quilt.
• continue with blog series {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
• continue to make the Ripple Crochet Blanket for a wedding gift.
• continue to organize my craft room.  I work on this all the time.  It’s taking so long because I’ve re-organizing sections and trying to make things more efficient.  One day it will be done.
• Skype and knit with a friend.
• work on Quest46.

My favorite quote from the week:  “Don’t let Yesterday use up too much of Today.”   Will Rogers

Have a wonderful week,
Grace

 

 

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Thanks for all the walks Mom.

Posted in Accountability, Bird is the Word, Books, Crochet, DeCluttering, Dogs, Goals, Homemade, Knitting, Organization, Pinterest, Quest46, TV & Movies, Yarn | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

{Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} will return on Tuesday

Posted on May 23, 2015 by gracieed

{Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} blog series will return on Tuesday, May 26th.

Here in the United States, it’s Memorial Day weekend and in honor of that day, Woody, Ellie and Mindy wanted to show their appreciation.

WEM Memorial DayIf you’re visiting my blog for the first time, here’s a run down of this month’s series.

Every day (sort of) during the month of May, I’ll be posting a bird craft or bird-related item on my blog as well as placing that object on my wall tree.  I can’t wait until the end of the month when my tree will be alive with a collection of chirpy chums.

Here’s a view of the tree as of this posting.

Day 19 Wall Tree

 

The related posts can be seen here:

Day 19 – Flossie the Flamingo {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 18 – Reginald the Robin {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 17 – Starburst {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 16 – Henley the Bald Eagle {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 15 – Butterfly Inn {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 11 – Norville the Baby Parrot {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 10 – Oswald the Penguin {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 9 – Flora the Paisley Jay Bird {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 7 – Blue the Bird {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 6 – Penelope the Bird {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 5 – Charlie the Canary {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 4 – Three Chicks {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 3 – ‘Home Tweet Home’ Birdhouse {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 2 – Pom Pom Birds {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}
Day 1 – Crocheted Owls {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow,

Grace

 

 

ME Memorial Day

 

 

Mom also bought us headbands with sparkly stars….  We think we look more dignified with these ties.

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Saturday Snippets | May 23, 2015

Posted on May 23, 2015 by gracieed

Welcome to Saturday Snippets.  This is where I share links and odd bits of info from the past week.

1.  Wow. Wow. Wow.

2.  I can never get enough stories like this.

3.  This is a brilliant idea.

4.  Just finished this book.  A must read.

5.  This looks like an intriguing read.

Well that’s all the Snippets I have for today.  Have a wonderful rest of your day,

Grace

 

 

Mindy

 

 

Just enjoying a Saturday nap.  You should try it – it’s the best.

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Day 19 – Flossie the Flamingo – {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}

Posted on May 22, 2015 by gracieed

Welcome to the {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} blog series.  Every day during the month of May, I’ll be posting a bird craft or bird-related item on my blog as well as placing that object on my wall tree.  I can’t wait until the end of the month when my tree will be alive with a collection of chirpy chums.

Day 19 Flossie the FlamingoFlossie the Flamingo arrived today after a long flight from Florida.  The Three Chicks started doting on her right away, finding her a comfy place on the tree and filling her full of lemon meringue pie.  While she appreciated all the pampering she found it a little strange because she had spent her life taking care of others as a waitress at Bob’s diner in the Florida Keys.

The diner was open 24 hours and Flossie always worked the night shift.  After a few years, she plucked up the courage to ask Bob if she could start making Key Lime pies for the customers.  When he didn’t object, she poured her heart and soul into making the best Key Lime pDay 19 Flossieie in the world.  It wasn’t long before people started pouring into Bob’s just to get a slice of Flossie’s pie.  During her shifts she always made sure the coffee was hot and the pies were fresh.

Henrietta is excited to try Flossie’s recipe and Flossie is ready to try a new flavor of pie.  I think these two are going to be fast friends.

Day 19 Flossie on the Wall TreeI found this pattern and crocheted Flossie using pink, black and white yarn.

 

 

Here’s a view of the tree so far.

Day 19 Wall Tree

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow,

Grace

 

 

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More pie???  I love pie.

 

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Day 18 – Reginald the Robin – {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}

Posted on May 21, 2015 by gracieed

Welcome to the {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} blog series.  Every day during the month of May, I’ll be posting a bird craft or bird-related item on my blog as well as placing that object on my wall tree.  I can’t wait until the end of the month when my tree will be alive with a collection of chirpy chums.

Day 18 Reginald the RobinReginald the Robin flew onto the tree today.  And I have to say, he is a dapper little chap.  Reginald is from London where he worked as a train conductor at Euston Station.  He loved meeting all the different people traveling to places like Glasgow, Bath and Liverpool.  Children were his favorite because they seemed to enjoy riding the train the most.  He would chat with them as he punched their tickets and delighted in their excitement.

Reginald was very punctual, an essential characteristic for his job, and always set his watch 5 minutes early so he was never late.  He always marveled at passengers who had to run to catch his train at the last minute and wondered about recommending his method for punctuality.  In the end he just smiled, welcomed them aboard and said, “Tickets, please”. Day 18 Reginald on Wall Tree

I found this pattern and crocheted Reginald using red and brown yarn.

Here’s a view of the tree so far.

Day 18 Wall Tree

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow,

Grace

 

 

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I hope Reginald doesn’t expect us to keep a schedule.  I don’t do well with being on time.

 

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Day 17 – Starburst – {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}

Posted on May 20, 2015 by gracieed

Welcome to the {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} blog series.  Every day during the month of May, I’ll be posting a bird craft or bird-related item on my blog as well as placing that object on my wall tree.  I can’t wait until the end of the month when my tree will be alive with a collection of chirpy chums.

Day 17 Starburst3Starburst came to visit today.  While he isn’t a particular species of bird, he makes up for that with his vibrant colors.  He always stands out in a crowd which came in really Day 17 Starbursthandy in his career as a traffic cop.  In New York, he was in charge of one of the busiest intersections in the city making sure the cars passed through in an orderly fashion and the people didn’t jaywalk.  He was the only officer that didn’t need to wear reflective clothing – for obvious reasons.

Day 17 Starburst on Wall Tree2He was one of the friendliest traffic cops by taking the time to wave to pedestrians, having his picture taken with tourists and calling AAA for stranded motorists.  This above and beyond kindness caught the attention of the mayor and over the course of his career, Starburst received many awards.  We are honored to have such a distinguished bird joining us on our tree.

I found this pattern and crocheted Starburst using yellow, orange, pink and blue yarn.

Here’s a view of the tree so far.

Day 17 Wall Tree

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow,

Grace

 

 

Minday

 

Just hearing about Starburst makes me want to be a better dog than I already am.  Maybe I could share my yogurt spoon with Woody?  Hhmmmm….  Maybe there’s another way to be a better dog….

 

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Day 16 – Henley the Bald Eagle – {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}

Posted on May 19, 2015 by gracieed

Welcome to the {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} blog series.  Every day during the month of May, I’ll be posting a bird craft or bird-related item on my blog as well as placing that object on my wall tree.  I can’t wait until the end of the month when my tree will be alive with a collection of chirpy chums.

Day 16 Henley the Eagle4Say hello to Henley.

Henley, a bald eagle, is joining us on the tree for his retirement.  He served for 75 years as a forest ranger in the Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska.  He was especially proud of how he was able to take care of the area from the air and from his nest perched way up high.  He had considered selling insurance in his younger years (better pay), but discovered being a forest ranger fit his personality to a tee.

He’s been a loner most of his life, but now that he’s retired, he’s looking forward to making a small group of friends. He knows he can put people off because he looks so stern, but, inside, he’s really a big softy.  In his spare time he likes to fish and play pinochle and hopes that his recreational skills will help people to befriend him.

Day 16 Henley the Eagle2Naturally, he took the top spot on the tree (old habits die hard), but he’s hoping his skills will come in useful in this new phase of life.  I know Flora is feeling less lonely now that Henley has come to stay.  It think she’s a bit smitten with his intense stare and rugged good looks.

I found this pattern and crocheted Henley using brown, white, yellow and black yarn.

Here’s a view of the tree so far.

Day 16 Henley the Eagle on the wall tree

 

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow,

Grace

 

 

Woody Chair

 

Hey Henley’s cool!  I feel safer already now that he’s watching over us.

 

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Day 15 – Butterfly Inn – {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word}

Posted on May 18, 2015 by gracieed

Welcome to the {Bird, Bird, Bird is the Word} blog series.  Every day during the month of May, I’ll be posting a bird craft or bird-related item on my blog as well as placing that object on my wall tree.  I can’t wait until the end of the month when my tree will be alive with a collection of chirpy chums.Day 3 Home Tweet Home on Wall Tree2

So far, 13 birds have landed on our tree.  We have one bird house “Home Tweet Home”, but that is not sufficient anymore, so I added another one so everyone can spread their wings. (pun intended)

 

Day 15 Bird HouseDay 15 Bird House on Wall TreeButterfly Inn is a two-door bird house with a yellow roof, striped exterior and beautiful yellow butterfly on the peak of the roof.  I first painted the house white, then covered it with patterned paper.  Don’t look too closely at my joins.  I would have been a lousy wallpaper-er.  I finished up the house by painting the roof and base bright yellow and attached a yellow butterfly with a tiny pink button.

Day 15 Bird House on Wall Tree2Pete, Polly and Charlie are super excited that Butterfly Inn is so close to them on the tree.  They’re happy to have such an easy commute and now this provides more space at “Home Tweet Home”.  With the exception of Douglas and Olivia the owls, the rest of the birds spend their days on the branches. At night, though, they like to have a place to close their eyes.

I’ll probably be adding a couple more bird houses before I’m done, but for now everyone’s happy.

Here’s a view of the tree so far.

Day 15 Wall Tree

 

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you tomorrow,

Grace

 

 

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 I’m glad the birds have extra space to sleep.  Maybe we should get a bigger bed so we can have extra space to sleep?

 

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