The World Surrounding Me

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 [...]

I made another sock monster today. We named this one “Herbert.” (They all get names; Matt usually helps me with that part.) Herbert is a working-man (see, he’s wearing overalls). He is a technician at the local nuclear power plant. One day, about five years ago, an unfortunate accident permanently affected poor Herbert. He used [...]

Just a few random things I’ve been appreciating over the past few days: Brother’s All-natural freeze dried fruit. Available at Costco. No sugar added, just real fruit that’s been freeze-dried. The apples are a bit sweeter than I’d really like, but they are tasty. Pears & the combo pack of bananas & apples are better. [...]

My friend Lisa is working with our church’s women’s retreat again this year. Lisa works with the silent auction part, which raises funds for scholarships for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend. She asked me last night if I might contribute a few Sock Monsters to the auction. We looked thru my back-stock [...]

Yesterday & today (before I head out to California tomorrow for the Catalyst West conference), I squeezed in some time sewing. I made two bags.* The bag to the left is one I created myself, roughly based on a super cute bag that Steve & Sara gave me for Christmas. I’d been using that other [...]

I think this is the first sewing project I’ve made for myself that I may not be embarrassed to take out of the house! It’s a bag – fully lined with a zipper. Pattern is from Simplicity (#2685 – on sale for $.99 at JoAnn today) Fabric is from Amy Butler – purchased in Kerrville, [...]

Cupcake-themed art at Etsy. I love this one – zombies chasing after a cupcake. (initially found via notmartha.org) “Fresh Vintage” quilt patterns from Fig Tree & Co. I haven’t tried them yet, but the graphic design calls me. Thimble Blossoms patterns. This looks like the perfect baby quilt (if only I had time to do [...]

I woke up this morning and said to myself: “You need to accomplish something creative today.” I have quilts-in-progress all over our guest room, but none was speaking to me. So, inspired by my aunt Colleen (who gave me a cool purse that has been receiving compliments all week), I made myself this: It’s a [...]