Evolving Sweetie

Quilting Class #1

Are there things that you've always wanted to try? For me that's quilting. I've been fascinated by fiber arts and quilts for at least a decade now. But rationalized starting away with a handful of excuses... don't you have enough hobbies, it's expensive, time consuming, another collection of materials - a space sucking STASH, lengthy projects etc. 

But my spirit wouldn't keep bubbling up the desire and interest in quilting if I wasn't meant to explore it. Love the tradition and idea of making something that will wrap another in love and warmth. The colors, textures and combinations. And funny, my inspirational or creative ideas alway seem to be seen in patchwork.

Exercised my Martha Stewart genes (as my sister loves to tease me) to know that I could probably figure it out on my own given a little time, but hands-on instruction speeds up my understanding and lowers the frustration quotient. So in the effort to eradicate the "someday I'll do/become" disease from my life, I signed up for a beginner quilt-making class at the Quilting Loft this month. Adored the teacher's sentiment that this is suppose to be FUN. And that unless mistakes are so glaringly obvious that you'd notice it galloping by on a horse to let it be. Enjoy the over-all beauty and relax judgement. Wow, if I can incorporate those lessons in my life this class would be worth every penny even if I never sewed a stitch.

Our project is a sampler quilt to learn some basic piecing techniques and a few traditional block - houses, log cabin, pin-wheel and basic stars. Last week's class was to get an overview of the craft, pick out fabrics and learn to rotary-cut. Challenged myself to alter the color pallet and subtle patterning a bit from the sample. Love a hint of whimsy in my art projects and absolutely fell for three prints and choose two subtler ones for balance. Almost let myself be talked out of my favorite one (the light blue with hand-drawn flowers) as a fellow student didn't think it quite worked. But my teacher and the quilt shop clerk loved my combination. First lesson learned was to trust my instinct and eye.

 

POSTCARDS from my first quilt - the raw materials

Class project - sampler quilt

 

My favorite one

Color pallet for project.

Lovely surprise I found on the green one - perfect name for a beginner.

 

 

Take a Hike - Little Si

A few weekends ago I went on my first hike with the Mountaineers to Little Si. An emotional roller-coaster of a day. Specialized in beating myself up over my weight and how much more difficult it made the hills. Hate feeling like I am letting other people down or impacting their enjoyment because I am slower paced. Really messed with my head this time.

In truth - I did make it up to the summit. And completed the hike without injury (unless you count the ego bruises). That's 1200+ feet of elevation gain and 5 miles thank you! And I was fine when the elevation gain was at a more gradual pace. Our hike leader had me lead a good portion on the way down. Going from last in the pack to first - YIKES! But most in the group agreed it was a good pace to decent. My real regret is that I let my brow beating cheat me out of more enjoyment of being outdoors and not pausing to taking a few pics along the way. There were some gorgeous flowers and a breath-taking view of the forest in the mist that I can't share with you now. 

Later in the summer I'd like to do this hike again to assess how far I've come. 

So the lessons learned from this outing:

• Enjoy the moment knowing you are doing your best. 
• Coming back safely is the goal.
• Take a few photos during the journey. 
• And know that with each step you're getting healthier and closer to having your outside match the your spirit inside. 

 

POSTCARDS from the summit of Little Si

 

 

 

Running 2011 hike tally:

Hikes = 1

Highest Elevation Gain = 1200 ft

Highest Point = 1576 ft

Miles = 5

 

 

Ghosts of Boyfriends Past

An unexpected side-effect of my upcoming hiking adventures is the resurrection of memories from my "T" years, early Seattle times. Vivid and various moments popping into my consciousness from our 2+ year relationship. T was the one who taught me lessons about hiking and outdoor etiquette. And it's T's voice echoing through my head as I step further into this adventure. Disturbing, especially since I'm so accustomed to that being Chuck's territory. Instead of feeling like a betrayal, it's a welcome reminder of who I was prior to my lifetime with Chuck. Shining a little acceptance that love will exist again, it'll just be a different chapter.

From this distance I can see with gratitude the gifts and lessons I've taken forward from each of my loves.

My early years in-love were mired in a masochistic quartet of unrequited love. We are not talking the John Hughes worship from afar, the poor gent doesn't know your name type of devotion. Each of my loves were friends who cared deeply for me. Dare-say even loved me. Just not in the way I wanted them to.  

And then as I moved cross country the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. No emotional attachment without nooky, leading too often into friends with benefits scenarios. Chemistry ruled the day. Yet when acted upon too quickly Chemistry stale-mates the progress of the relationship. Which left me accepting the only commitment my partners were willing to give me instead of cutting bait and finding what I truly needed. T marks the end of the line on that journey. 

So as I step forward into unscripted new chapters, I acknowledge with love and gratitude what I learned from each of my loves that didn't make the final cut. Lessons I carry with me to this day. 

• From my high-school years, D ~ thank you for the lesson of learning which team your object of desire plays for and the best/only outcome is to cherish that friendship. 

• L ~ thank you for humor and grace. And the valuable lesson that someone you love needs to be supportive and happy for you when you reach out for your dreams. Always look on the Bright Side of Life. 

• F ~ the hard lesson from you was that even when actions speak louder than words, the words we choose govern how we will proceed and what we believe. My college years would have been so much more free and filled with love if I just believed you when you said you didn't love me in that way. Doubted my instincts for many years afterwards. Experienced enough now to realize that both my gut intuition and your conflicting words can be right, it's not an either or scenario. There is human spirit and choice in all we do. Thank you for having me as "babe" for our shared time. And for the smile that still crosses my face when I think of the essence of you.

• M #1 ~ Thank you for finally getting the lesson through to me to not fall for someone who isn't falling back. Two years was a long time to wait to realize that our chemistry was incompatible. Wish you well on your journey.

• And my fabulous friend D ~ for the knowledge that my choices were at fault, not my spirit or womanhood. If you allow it love will naturally blossom as fully as it is meant to be. D, you are one of my most cherished and loved friends. Honored to witness for over 20 years the life and lovely family that you've created. And I'm most thankful that time and distance disappear completely on those too rare occasions when we get to connect. Miss you.

• C.A. ~ the secret knowledge that sometimes the Chemistry is just that good. Boy-toys and late night booty calls are great fun and definitely have an expiration date.  

• And now we are back to T ~ my greatest lesson from you is to never again settle for being someone's Plan B. You showed me the day-to-day workings and joys of partnership. As my best friend says you were my practice one. I wouldn't have been ready for Chuck without you coming along first. And your gift of the love of hiking and wanderlust on Saturday afternoons are helping pave the road back to myself at heart. They are important bricks on my path into a beautiful future. Merci beaucoup. Peace be with you. 

With love and thanks to each of you ~ I close the chapters of my boyfriends past. Open to dream of the next chapter's beginning. 

 

Luminaries

It's Tulip Festival time in the PNW! Yesterday, I spent the day tripping through the flowers with my friend Julie. Blissfully, my inner shutterbug played the beautiful day away.

What captured my imagination most was the interplay with the sun and the blooms. Viewed from the right angles they absolutely glowed. Like little souls. As I am gravitating more towards lightness, these images were my favorites of the day.

Enjoy a few moments of walking in sunshine. 

 

POSTCARDS from the 2011 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

Gearing Up for Hiking Season

After many years of wistfulness, I summoned up the courage to join "The Mountaineers". A PNW institution.  For those not from around these parts, it's an outdoor adventure club that sponsors activities such as hiking, climbing, sailing, scrambling, snow-shoeing to name a few and a bunch of social activities for its members. A great organization and plenty of opportunity to learn new sports and skills. 

Did I mention that they are right across the street from me? The funny thing is that they were head quartered right down the street from my apt in my "single" years. Figured it was kismet since the HQ is following me throughout the city.

Signed up for a course called "Basic Wilderness Travel" or BWT for the summer. My goal is to expand upon my hiking knowledge and have a steady commitment and group of people to get out into nature with. Watch out - I'm going to learn to wield a map and compass. Some first aid basics in the wild will be imparted. And a few other surprises along the way. Excited to learn, meet new people and get outside and explore! 

Part of the code of the Mountaineers is that everyone is equipped with The Ten Essentials. Always be prepared for changes in weather, injuries or the unexpected overnight stay due to unsafe traveling conditions. Carry what you will need to keep you safe enough to be able to walk out in the morning should the situation arise.

At this stage of my adventure, this means adding a lot more gear and obtaining a significantly larger pack. Thank god for Value Village to get some additional basic layering clothes. Belated thank you for all those gift certificates I've been squirreling away for a rainy day. They've turned into shoes, better exercise bras and a lovely assortment of wool socks. Exciting stuff I tell you.

There were two expensive items that I knew I'd really need going into the course. Hiking Boots - it was a sad discovery last year to find I outgrew them. Many miles were traveled on those boots and they fit like a glove - NO BLISTERS! Not looking forward to breaking in a new pair.  And while I was not a slouch in the carrying extra water and food department, the previously mentioned a new pack is a absolute necessity. REI to the rescue. Took some of the sting out of the new pack with my members sale coupon and last year's dividend. Yahoo!

Now I just have to acquire a motley assortment of waterproof matches, firestarter, first-aid kit, head-lamp, compass and a variety of maps. And locate where I placed Chuck's knife and my leatherman. 

Lookout trails, I'm coming to get you this season.

 

 

Staring at the Sea - Part 3

Final post from Seabrook. Fiddled with the camera in manual mode most of the weekend. Playing and learning. Looking for patterns and light.

This series of photos are images in which patterns and reflections captured my attention. 

 

POSTCARDS from a lost weekend at on the Beach