It is all about balance! I envy persons who have a figured out how to balance all their needs, wants, and obligations. I struggle daily with what I think “I should do”—volunteer with groups that delivery food or meals, deliver flowers to homebound persons, visit an ailing member of my extended family and what “I want to do”--sew an interesting quilt top, read a cozy mystery in the middle of the day, bake a dessert for no particular reason. And then there is the “I need to do”–cook dinner, do laundry, iron shirts, vacuum doggy hair. I know each of these items on my “to do” list is a choice. I have the freedom to pick and choose. But I have seventy-five years of “oughts” in my psyche. My values shape much of what I do and that is probably not going to change. So, every morning, I try to cram as much as I can from each list into my day.
The Christmas season is particularly challenging! I always fool myself thinking there is plenty of time to do all the things from each list, often ending up feeling that missed something. Add to this struggle, gift buying! I want each gift to be meaningful (personal), not wasted (never used) and financially responsible ( don’t overspend). Also there is the “balance” or “equal” factor. My mother made sure the gifts to my brother and me were equal to the penny price-wise. Also, if there was a green strip with red bow package for me, there was a green strip with red bow for my brother. Do you know what this did to my mind? I have wasted a lot of thought striving to continue this practice. But now I try–with in reason–to spend the same on each grandchild. It may not be equal this time, but over the year with birthdays and other milestones, it evens out. The VA family and the WA family are more or less the same.
I believe the gift giving solutions I have embrace apply to my life balance also. I may do more from the “I ought to” list today; tomorrow more from the “I need to”. Over the day or month it balances out. And here is a secret I have learned…be grateful for each task. This past weekend I was dreading an “ought to” task and by simply thinking “I get to” I enjoyed the errand. I will admitted I gave a cheer in the car when I was done! Good luck on finding your balance–there is no “one size” fits all–but there is a satisfying one for each of us.
Three beautiful holiday items were completed in last few weeks.
Vicki completed another winter forest wall hanging. It is 49″ x 54″ and $100. It is machine quilted with a cotton batting. This peaceful winter scene would look good in your home all winter long. SOLD
Barbara’s jolly table runner is striking panel extended with have square triangles and framed with peppermint sashing. It is machine quilted. 11″ x 32″ $40. This panel with the winter and holiday item just make me happy looking at it.
This table runner is made with a charm pack. It measures 19″ x 34″ and is machine quilted. The backing is almost silky but a washable cotton. $40.
🎄 Next week we will announce our 2023 Quilt Sale donations at a luncheon. Stay tuned for that post.
Keep your balance folks! A little play, a little service and a little work!
Quilts, Etc. 