The World Surrounding Me

Like so many other people, I’ve gotten into Pinterest recently. Quite a few of my recent recipes, quilts, and decor projects have been inspired by photos I’ve seen on the site. You can learn what Pinterest is here. I like it, but there’s an annoyance or two. One big annoyance for me is people who [...]

If you, like me, have a blue & white color scheme on your Christmas tree and want some gift-tags to match, download this free printable PDF. Here’s a small preview of the front of the tags: Print just page 1 if you want single-sided tags, which could be used for other crafty purposes. Print both [...]

I’ve been working through my massive to-do list around the house. It had everything on it from “change light bulb in bedroom ceiling fan” to “landscape the backyard.” After reaching the milestone of having more work done than left to do (grand total will be about 135 hours of work), I’m taking a few days [...]

My cast is off, and I’m finally back to my sewing room. Here are some things I’ve finished over the past few days: Chevron table runner. Custom design, but it’s so basic I imagine it’s been made before. Made from leftovers from another charm-square project. Almost all are Sandy Gervais fabrics. Small doll-quilt or table-topper [...]

This pink Sock Monster is named already – Geof. Why Geof? Well, we were watching Ace of Cakes last night when I finished him, and despite looking for a better name (that might go with his punk/prep look) Geof just seemed right. (it was either that or Duff, and he just didn’t look like a [...]

Look what I did today! Inspired by a coworker on twitter, who suggested bacon-wrapped Peeps, I wrapped an innocent Orange Marshmallow Peep with a third of a slice of bacon and put it in the oven. The 2nd photo shows it after about 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven. I though they were actually [...]

My friend Lisa works with the silent auction for Gateway’s women’s retreat each year. Last year, I made a few sock monsters and other goodies for the cause, which goes to pay for scholarships for those who can’t afford the retreat. This year, after I volunteered to help, Lisa suggested I make a few small [...]

This week, Matt and I are working on our rockets for the annual Pi Rho fest. (see posts about past years) Pi Rho Fest is put on by our friend Sally’s family & friends. It is held on or near “Pi Day” (3.14) and features model rockets, good food, amazing fireworks, and a big bonfire. [...]

I had a hard time being productive a few days last week, so I made myself a few goals for today: I’d post something thoughtful on my sabbatical blog. DONE! I’d finish a sewing project. DONE! I’d make a big batch of some kind of food to put into the freezer. SIMMERING! I’d make some [...]

Yeah, another sock monster photo. Sorry. Maybe I’ll post some real content here one of these days! (I’ve put up quite a lot of real content on my sabbatical blog this week, though. Check that out for posts about a conference I went to, including posts on innovation, leading in uncertain times, church growth, meaning [...]