Preparing for a new year

I'm trying to think about the New Year. You know, the same kind of thing many of you are doing: considering resolutions, wishes, dreams, goals, personal improvement. Have read Gabrielle's post, which led to Melody's post. The secret does seem to be self-discipline (and how MANY hours have I wasted today?)

What I have accomplished today: thought and made notes about journal quilts for JQC2006, washed a load of clothes (may be today's only household chore), finished quilting latest piece and considered making hanging sleeve, debated over embellishments for said quilt, and decided to begin organizing my life to a more efficient, disciplined version.

Have made a tentative schedule that includes returning to Tai Chi after the New Year (soon, Yes!); devoting limited time to some activities that I've neglected lately; devoting large, regular blocks of time to creative activities that I love - both quilting and non-quilting; parceling out some of that creative time to learning new techniques...

Two important points from Melody's list are 1) figuring out the steps needed to arrive at certain goals (I'm usually so vague about what I want to do and how to go about it) and 2) finding a starting time that I can stick to every day. My overall goals are different from Melody's, and I have no false hopes of earning money with my skills, so my working day doesn't need to be as long and can be more flexible. Nevertheless, working at what you enjoy is necessary for improvement, and I really do want to improve.

Grrrrr!

Now, in addition to slow, I can't comment on some blogs. Let's see: my pictures won't post; my email is a problem; can post to some blogs, but not others; some things load fairly quickly, but others take so long I could wash dishes, dust, vacuum, and iron a load of clothes while waiting. I wouldn't, of course, but that is not the point, is it?

Fee added some stuff a few days ago and the problem may well be connected to that. Or it could be the repairs I've attempted have caused more problems. Frustrated? Oh, yes.

I'm blowin' this joint and going to pick up my prescription, deposit a check, get some thread, visit the library, and stop by Good Eats (while their name is accurate, I wish they'd been more innovative) for some of their Basil Tomato soup. Shame on me for the catty remark about their name - who cares what they call themselves ? Their food is delicious! I've never liked tomato soup, but theirs is like spoonfuls of heaven, and with a slice of their homemade crusty bread in the center, both beautiful and nourishing.

Katrina Art

Yesterday, I received a letter and package from Susie. :) The package contained a mixed media piece from Katrina debris and had this message on the back:


Filtered Gradoux
Octavia St.
N.O.
LA.
Post Katrina
2005

Since I still can't upload pictures, #!!.*!##!^*, maybe posting a link will work. May as well try it, huh? Here it is.

Coincidentally, Susie called as I was attempting to post the picture (which still hasn't happened) and we had a long catch up conversation. She and Bobby are still working on their poor house, but are optimistic and have great plans. They are, according to her, "within walking distance of normalcy" - places with power and phone service, etc.

Artspace

Last year some local artists opened a gallery downtown called Artspace; there is a large area downstairs for display and sales and a more formal gallery area upstairs. In the basement there is an area for children to attend "art camps" and work with watercolor and resists, clay, drawing, etc. I finally stopped by one day and enjoyed wandering around looking at the work of various local artists. I mentioned it to my niece Megan, a graphic arts student, and told her that she might find it interesting. Last night, she called and wanted to know if I'd go with her. Hmmm...not a difficult decision.

So we went today- took it all in, discussed the various works (she is particularly attracted to mixed media), and admired the vision of the artists and their supporters and the old building itself with its polished wood floors and large windows. We went down to the basement, too, and checked out the kids in Art Camp - a good thing for kids and parents. Then we went next door to Hardaman's Art Supply store and examined the contents in detail. Hardaman's has been a Shreveport business for over 100 years, and I think, an art supply store for over 50 years. It is NOT a new and efficiently run space; clutter is everywhere and some items look as if they have been there for at least 50 years, but it is a real art supply store with everything from easels to batik wax to huge canvases, frames, etc. Megan bought a portfolio and a fixative for charcoal before we discovered we were both starving and went for lunch.

After Megan dropped me off, I worked on a piece I started yesterday. Now, my shoulders are pretty tight, so a break may be in order - with chocolate cake and milk.

I'm having trouble with blogger and can't post pictures; actually, my entire system is back to molasses again. Curses.

Christmas Day

Erin called Christmas morning. Although she is having a wonderful time and Mila has charmed (and is charmed by) her French and Italian relatives, this is the first Christmas in 31 years that our oldest daughter has not been home for Christmas, add to that the loss of her grandmother, and the conversation was part joy, part tears. Mila fell in love with her Italian (second cousins?) on another visit and played with "the kids" the entire time. Erin better have lots of pictures to share when they get back.

Chris and Amelia came for a late lunch at our house. It was a simpler lunch this year, and much smaller, but it went really smoothly and Fee and I really enjoyed the simplicity.



Then to Marty and Robin's for the last of the family gatherings. My Dad, Steve & Teresa & kids joined them for lunch and gift exchange. Since we had lunch at our house, we arrived late in the afternoon, but managed to get pics of Morgan (Cody's girl friend) & Cody, Morgan & Megan, and Katie, Marty, and Megan (in the hat that was part of her Christmas present from us).

Robin showed us her new "massive great big" camera and some of her photographs. She is really a talented photographer, and I'd love to have copies of some of the pictures she's taken of the kids and those of "the land" (some property Dad owns in the country). I'm more than a little embarrassed to see my photos, after seeing all of hers. Mine are images; hers are ART.

This Christmas has been both sad and joyful, a renewal of family ties, a period of recounting memories for ourselves and for our children. There have been days when I didn't want to do anything or even think about anything, Christmas related or otherwise, but thanks to a family support system, we have all emerged slightly stronger and more thoughtful than we would have imagined.

More Christmas Eve

Chico, Chris, and Rebecca. Chico and Rebecca just got married. I put the camera down before Kyle and Rachel, KK and Jonathan, and little Chris got there. Then Fee and I came home before the rest of Chris and Amelia's friends arrived.


Maggie and Matthew were entranced by the big screen tv.

Christmas Eve and Family

On Christmas Eve, we gathered at Amelia's again. Fee used his super-fantastic fish fryer (with 3, count'em 3 baskets) to fry up a mess of cat fish, shrimp, oysters, and fries. All the men had to admire the fish fryer; the rest of us admired the fish. It was a really nice gathering - although I had to use Fix-a-Flat on the way over (Thanks to the man at the gas station who kindly pointed out that my back right tire was nearly flat), and I couldn't seem to wash the smell off my hands so everything I ate had a slight "petroleum product" odor.


Me, before leaving the house, trying the reflection photo.

I looked at the clock wrong, duh, and was ready nearly an hour early so I was playing around with the camera. Actually, it was a good thing that I ended up leaving early - since I encountered the tire problem and had to figure out how to use the Fix-a-Flat stuff which required a step by step walk through on the cell phone with Fee.

Above, Robin, my sister-in-law and nephew Cody of previously mentioned football fame.

My Dad, sister-in-law Teresa, and brother Steve, winning girl's basketball coach. His girls have won state an unprecedented number of times.

Le Chef, enjoying a little of his labors.

Cousins: Katie, Megan, and Amelia.

Katie & Megan belong to Marty & Robin - along with Cody. Amelia belongs to Le Chef and me.

Aren't these beautiful girls? Are we slightly besotted with our children? Yes and yes.

I'm tired and will have to continue with this epic saga tomorrow...

Rosemary, eucalyptus, button hooks

After getting out a few Santas yesterday, I decided to cut a bunch of rosemary and
eucalyptus and make some Christmassy arrangements. Rosemary is such a wonderful
plant and has such a pungent fragrance; it feels and smells like Christmas to me.

Then, after a look around, I decided that the clutter that has been accumulating must go,
so I did the Flylady 27 thing fling (well, actually, probably 127 thing fling). Dusted,
vacuumed, emptied dishwasher, washed and folded clothes, changed sheets, etc.
Used old red & white quilt and green & white quilt (in tatters) that I bought years
ago at fleamarkets years ago to cover tables. Love the Christmas look of these old
quilts; they really brighten things up. I regret not having my tree (covered with my
beloved button hooks) to gaze at, but simply too much trouble, and the rosemary,
santas, and quilts give me comfort and Christmas cheer.





















This is about half of the collection of button hooks that I hang
with little organdy bows on the tree each year, but many are
so similar-either advertising hooks or hooks that were part
of a set (brush, comb, nail file, etc.) Silver, silver plate, bone, ivory, celluloid, wood...all sizes for shoes to collar buttons or buttons for baby clothes and shoes.



The smaller hooks are some of my favorites - in this picture
with the quarters to give an idea of size. The smallest is 2"
and the largest with the pink flowers is 5" and was purchased
on our honeymoon for $8. For some reason, last year I didn't wrap them separately and now, I will have to spend the time cleaning, de-rusting, and polishing. Bleah!

I'm having trouble with this post. Lost some of it and sometimes the pictures don't show.
???

Miscellaneous maunderings

I'm going through manic and depressive stages. This will be my first Christmas without Mother, and I find myself grieving and feeling sorry for myself. Then I think of my Dad; they were married for 59 years!

I just couldn't get the tree out or do decorations. Dreary, but can't face putting them up and taking them down. Still, I got out some of Fee's Santas out because I love them so much.
He carved them all about 20 years ago. These are only a few from one box and there is another big box that I can't get to.



Missing Erin, who will not be back until January. Hope they are taking lots of pictures of Miss Mila and her cousin, Ella. This will be a special Christmas for Mila - she is old enough to appreciate things more this year, she has her adoring "other grandparents" who are seeing her for only the second time, and she has her cousin who is not much older to play with.

Fee will be home today, and we will celebrate yesterday's birthday tonight. He is a winter solstice baby, and I missed him yesterday.

I've been practicing shopping therapy and have ordered some fabric from equilter and some books from Amazon that will come after Christmas to help keep me busy.

Today, the plan was to get up and out early to finish with the last of the shopping, errands, etc. Here I still sit with my tea, playing on the computer, delaying.

Only two days left...

Erin's apron, which sort of matches Mila's. I finished and meant to give it to her when they were here last week, but forgot.

Erin called from France to wish her Dad "Happy Birthday," and said she was having a wonderful time and that Mila is answering her "other grandparents" in French. Fee called me from Natchez tonight to tell me. He will be home tomorrow.

I'm almost finished with my shopping, thanks to gifts of money and gift certificates (finding the right gifts is sometimes just too difficult). Only a few more things to take care of - will hopefully be able to get that all done tomorrow.



Matthew (31/2) draws whales - a lot. I had a copy of one and transferred it to this apron. Then I found the little tools and put the ribbon on to hold some of them. I also found a little tool box at Walmart to hold the rest of the tools. They are so neat! The little saw has a red light and makes a sawing sound, and the little drill has different bits, a light, noise, and really screws the plastic screws in and out! I've had so much fun with them.

Tallow and Sky

I took this picture of a tallow tree last week; if you click on it and enlarge it, you can see the lovely little tallow balls- so white against the blue sky. Although tallow trees are trash trees and reproduce at an unbelievable rate, they are beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn, and then after losing the leaves, they are still lovely with just the white balls.




"When someone you love, dies, it's as if they leave you with half shares of your life together. The person you were in their eyes dies with them" (173-74). This quote is from Guppies for Tea by Marika Cobbold and quoted in The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble. I can't think of a truer way to express the sense of loss experienced when a loved one dies.

I received my quilt from the quilt swap, but I'm just now getting around to acknowledging it on my blog. I sent my thanks to Rhonda, but wanted to show all of you "Alice's Restaurant" - which I adore and which cheers me up each time I glance at it!




I'm eager to sort through some of my ideas for Deb Spincic's
Journal Quilts Challenge 2006. I've been reading some of the posts and feel that it will be an excellent way for me to get back into things. Don't know if a theme for a series of quilts or whether experimenting with new techniques will be the way to go. I love themed works, but don't know if I can find one to commit to for 6-12 quilts.

Can it truly be just a few days until Christmas? How did that happen? I'm not ready!

Grace Home and Mila pics

We transferred Mother to Grace Home yesterday, a warm and comfortable place with only 16 rooms, and a much better ratio of care with two RNs and plenty of aids, techs, assistants. Operated by Christus Schumpert, the hospital is right across the street. She will be kept comfortable, but will no longer have all of the tedious, interruptive, and often painful procedures that have been going on daily in the hospital.

I'm taking a little extra time before going up this morning, to do a few things that need to be done around the house. Erin and her family are coming a little early; they had planned to come next week for an early Christmas with us before going to France to see Eric's parents, who have not seen Mila since she was about 4 months old. Circumstances have moved that time table up a little, and they are coming today. Below are some pics of Miss Mila last Christmas. This year's Christmas will be in with her other grandparents and her cousin, Ella.
She has changed so much since last Christmas - talking, talking, talking.
I can't wait to see the pictures of Mila and Ella on Christmas morning and make the comparisons!


My creative side has shut down for awhile. Have not had the time or energy to get anything started - except for Maggie's self-portrait - and I do miss it. The blog ring, however, has been my substitute this last 6 weeks or so. Whenever, I'm home, I try to catch up with as many blogs as possible and live vicariously through the creations of others. It is surprisingly therapeutic to read and comment on the progress or thoughts of others. Don't have to go anywhere; can sit in my pajamas and surf around in the virtual world before I leave in the morning and when I get home. I can stay cocooned and still keep up with the work and discussions many of you are involved in.

I see why Mother looked forward to my blog entries when she was able to get to her computer. It was a way of getting out without exerting the energy. She would check on your blogs, too, sometimes - although she never left comments, even here. Sometimes the computer can eat up your time and can be a good excuse for not doing something you should, but it also provides a window on world that can be comforting, entertaining, and enlightening without requiring any kind of response. That is pretty cool, I think.

Comments on Comments

On the issue of feedback/critique (discussed in Saturday's post about Valeri's entry )

1. Gabrielle made an important observation about how much we learn from the critique of other's work - for many reasons, but as she says because we have less invested in it. Oh, so true! Much easier to apply the critique of an "anonymous" work to our own than to have our own dissected... :\
2. DebR brings up that sometimes we just want affirmation and "Their quilt, their rules." Yep, sometimes just completing a piece is enough of an accomplishment for me.
3. Good point from Helen Suzanne about analyzing our own work - we all know that there are things that could have been improved upon, but taking the time to examine it critically is an important learning experience.
4. As Omega mentioned, our relationship with the individual who is doing the critque is important; the better we know each other, the better able we are to communicate (and know when to keep quiet) on both sides of the fence. There are individuals whose work I like, but that I have no desire to emulate; there are individuals who are particularly skilled in cerain areas so that when they make a comment, we are inclined to pay close attention.
5. Karoda addresses the idea of specificity - general comment or admiration vs "a directed response to a specific question" and that some familiarity with that person's work can be important in regard to knowing "where they are trying to go" with the piece. Omega indicates this with her comment about the relationship with the individual.
6. Terry's response to Val's post echos much of the above and adds some specific questions that would be useful.

In addition, most of have a question about "liking" or "disliking" and feel that it is essential to encourage as well as offer direction. Also mentioned in various places: the accuracy of the photo in revealing the work (questionable), the fact that many people are actually looking for encouragement rather than a critique, and the fact that our goals are not all the same. Success translates differently for each of us: some want to break into shows, some want to teach at a certain level, some want to sell their work, some are making gifts for people they love, some are doing what they do because they so enjoy the process. To take it further, each item we create may have a different goal.

Surprise!

Got home from the hospital about 12:00 last night and couldn't sleep, so didn't go to bed until after 1:00. Up this morning and back to hospital; if all goes well, Mother will go home tomorrow. Got home this after about 1:00 and have been frantically cleaning and washing, drying, folding; bagging leaves; dusting, etc. Time for a break and posting of Friday night's photos.

Chris's Surprise Birthday was Friday night, and he was well and truly surprised. He thought he was the only one with secret surprises, but while he was planning everything for Amelia's birthday and popping the question, Amelia had been planning his surprise party for months. All of the friends knew about both events and managed to keep the secrets beautifully.

Here is Amelia (poor, sick, allergy-ridden thing) sporting the ring. I didn't get a very good picture, but it is a gorgeous thing.


Little Chris and Rachel worked all day helping Amelia get ready and still managed to look beautiful!








Schontz guides Big Chris in- although the room was completely dark, the flash shows the stunned look on Chris' face. It was a great party, and I have more pictures on the other blog, but Amelia would never have managed without the help of Rachel, Kyle, Little Chris, and several of Chris's friends.



Although Chris's real birthday is tomorrow, celebrating birthdays and engagement on Thursday and Friday nights made for a Red Letter Weekend.









I'm going to think about the responses to Val's post and the various comments thereon and add them to yesterday's post.

Oh, and Sylvia emailed me to say she received the quilt! Relief!

Pondering Val's post..

Val posted an entry on "Feedback vs Criticism" (Sat. Dec. 3) that interests me.

She says, "But we then got to thinking about asking for other people's opinions to firm up one's own thoughts about work in progress."

This kind of interplay of genuine support and ideas is quite important; however, Val also notes that sometimes what we get is false praise. Hmmmm.

Aren't most of us bothered by this? Not that I want anyone to tell me they don't like it, unless I specifically ask. Even then, I'd rather have suggestions (assuming it is still a work in progress and not a finished piece). What would you do? Do you think ___ should be ____?

The following bit was what I commented on Val's blog:

"I think everyone has these thoughts. Sometimes we want help; sometimes we don't. When I asked for help on "Asian Blues," I got what I was looking for. I did not want to know if people liked it or not (I didn't like it), but could it be saved, and if so, what might help...

Most of the comments affirmed my own thoughts, but some ideas offered me a fresh perspective. Both were useful because sometimes I'm uncertain and need a more experienced nudge and sometimes my thinking becomes circumscribed and refuses to admit new ways of looking at things."

The topic was so good, I had too much to say and wanted to think about it some more.

My personal feeling is that if you don't like it in general, and you haven't been asked for constructive criticism, do your best to avoid much comment. If you have to say something, there must be something you like and can point out. If you have been asked for suggestions, then the "what if..." or "have you thought about..." approach should put helpful options out there.

Sometimes I have opinions about a piece that I'm looking at (love the color combination, the way a design element makes sense to me, a technique that is effective) and sometimes, I just don't. Don't know why the piece doesn't appeal and may be just too lazy to try to reason it through if it doesn't jump out at me. Also, I'm extremely inexperienced in both art and quilting so if the impact isn't positive, I may not know why.

When I reached the point of total frustration with "Asian Blues" (I wanted to use those fabrics) and asked for suggestions, the responses motivated me to keep working, completely change the design but keep some of the elements, and eventually complete a piece that is special to me because of what I learned. One thing learned was not to let myself get locked in to a concept.

Val says, " Yet as a teacher I have to give feedback on students work and it has to be painfully honest. I always try to make it constructive criticism and not just a bald statement of fact. Good critiques can be instant learning curves and provide the impetus for a big step forward. Sugary or no comment at all just keeps one in the cosy warmth of the place you are at. "

Teachers have an obligation to challenge and guide through constructive criticism. Val's statement about "Sugary or no comment" is not an acceptable option for a teacher whose job it is to help students improve and does so by applying her knowledge and experience. A sugary comment/no comment response is a cheat to the student.

What if, however, the relationship is not student/teacher? How far do you think people should go in commenting on the work of another? And should you refrain from giving even constructive criticism unless asked?

If you decide to discuss this on your own blog, and I hope you will, please leave a comment so we can visit.

Still grinning and name change

I'm still grinnin' from last night, yall! Will see the ring today and congratulate them in person.

There are so many Jens and Jennys now - when I was young, I was usually the only one. Named after my grandmothers: Jenny Corry McDowell and Kitty Claire Vincent Sledge, my name is Jenny Claire McDowell Mullen. When my husband set up our first email account, he set mine up as "jenclair@" so I've changed my "signature" to jenclair.

Before Mila was born, I dreamed that she was about four or five, and we were walking somewhere holding hands, when she looked up at me and called me Jenny Claire. Erin decided that was a good name for grandmother, so Mila calls me JennyClaire. I like it. My father is the only other person who calls me Jenny Claire.

Finished Erin's apron this morning. Making some progress again.

Waiting... and an addition

Fee and I are waiting to hear from Amelia. Today is her birthday, and more important, Chris is going to ask her to marry him tonight. He is taking her to The Village (mmmmm!) for dinner and is supposed to ask her when they get home. We expect a hysterical phone call soon.

OK! It's done! Rachel, Kyle, and little Chris went in, tied the ring to Lady Carolina Belle, lit the candles, waited until right before they came in, then got out of the house and waited. Amelia really had no idea. At first, all she was concerned about was how Lady Carolina Belle got out and into the living room. Then, in spite of all the candles, she was concerned about what LCB had around her neck. Then she thought it was a joke. Big Chris managed to truly surprise her. Ha, ha, ha, - Fee and I are almost as excited as Amelia.

Forgot to mention, when we were leaving after the Halloween party last month, Chris walked us to the car and told us he wanted to marry our daughter. We went home that night grinning from ear to ear!

Mac at 6:00 in the morning

Mac must have his blanket whether it is summer or winter, but last night it was cold, and he nestled in pretty well! I believe he is thinking: "What the hey?! You go outside, it is way too early for me to brave the cold! Whatever were you thinking?"

He always nestles into his blanket unless I'm sitting and reading, then he cuddles up next to me. He gets frustrated when I'm sewing or cleaning or whatever keeps me from the recliner, so we have several blanket stations where he can make his nest if I'm on the computer or sewing.

Finished Maggie's self-portrait. This will be part of her Christmas present. Have a line drawing of Matthew's that I plan to do next. Love having the handwork to keep me busy when I can't get to my machine, so although Matthew's won't take long, I want to get it transferred to fabric as soon as possible.