Looking back and going forward

You know as I live my life from day to day it is hard to see all that I have gotten done; especially after a three week period during which I didn't turn on my sewing machine much. As a consequence I wasn't feeling very productive creatively speaking. To add to that; a few days ago when I finished the last of the books I checked out of the Library I began bad mouthing myself and thinking I was frittering my time away. But I quickly put an end to that way of thinking. I love to read. I love getting lost in the pages and doing anything that brings you joy is not a waste of time.

I decided to blog this morning after I finished reading Melody Johnson's blog this morning and saw all the quilt works she had completed as she took stock of her accomplishments in 2010 and I decided to take stock of myself to see what I had really done too. All in all I am quite pleased.
I can't say I have finished any knitting projects that I have started this year, mainly because it is hard to think of knit scarves and wool sock in Florida and one only needs so few sweaters that making one isn't worth the time spent. Excuses, Excuses!!!
But on the quilt making front, I had set a goal for myself beginning in 09 right after I moved to Florida and that was to get better at dye painting in a more realistic style. That goal morphed into working with water color pigments; a medium that I like very much working with, especially when I use silk broadcloth.
My life, hopes , dreams and goals are basically about my quilting and to that end I have taught some classes here in the Orlando area as well as outside of the state last year, Virginia and Connecticut. I am helping do the floor/quilt layout for the bi-annual quilt show put on by my local quilt guild. Yes, I regressed, but it was a good way to meet like minded people. Also I was a jurist for a SAQA Exhibit that will hang in the New England Quilt Museum early this year.
I've had both family and friends come to visit. One staying longer than I had imagined he would. But hey, he takes the trash out without being told to. Knows how to cook for himself and how to run the washer and dryer. What more can you ask of a 6' 3" male person.
Dipping my toes back into the quilt show pool, I was rewarded with two blue ribbons and of course the checks that went with them. I have sold several pieces of my work too beginning with one being sold while 13 of my pieces were on exhibit in Ann Arbor, MI last Feb-Mar. The two birds quilts, quite different for me were created for a exhibit in Henderson, KY. I am waiting to hear if the piece I entered in AQS/Lancaster has been accepted and I met the deadline for getting my entry off for AQS/Paducah.
I can not tell you the number of books I've read or listened to this year or the names of all the movies I've seen but there have been a LOT!!!
While a sore throat that began right after Thanksgiving and the resulting lingering cough seems to be finally abating
I can say gratefully that I have been well and hardy this past year.
So here's to 2011.... May it hold 365 days that bring you joy and peace and all ones you fill creatively.