Rotation, rotation, rotation!

I know I've said it before, but I am serious this time. I am going to stick with it. I have too many projects that I want to finish, and they will never see me again if I don't get strict about my stitching. So I've taken my top 5 WIPs and assigned them a monthly spot. I've even typed it all out on my computer calendar, so I can't forget what I am to be working on, and when. I have a slot for these WIPs:

*Mirabilia (Feather Fairy, although I should finish The Kiss) gets week one, including the first weekend of the month for the SAL.
*Helene Tran (Beautiful Hats) get 5 days of the next week
*Elrond (Dracolair's Dawn Awakening) gets the second weekend of the month for the SAL
*HAED (Holiday Splendor) gets the next week or two, if it is a long month (this is my focus piece)
*L&L (World Peace Angel) gets the last week

This changes a little depending on the month, but my calendar keeps track of everything and makes sure everything gets their turn. Hopefully I will finish up some of those that are in danger of becoming a UFO!

Sadly, I must put Holiday Splendor away until April. She's looking so great, and it's hard to part with her for two weeks! Here is my progress for March (click for details):



The good thing about putting her away is that I get to start a new project! Stay tuned for updates :)

Garden Fever

We moved into the house that we painstakingly constructed ourselves a year and 3 months ago. We chose and analyzed a house plan, chose and hired contractors, chose and installed tile, lighting, fixtures, cabinets, etc. The one part we neglected was the yard. We installed a lawn and a few small trees, but that was about the extent of it. Being a botanist, I love plants. Trees, shrubs, flowers - especially flowers. I want a beautiful yard full of flowers! Finally, this spring, I will get my wish. I have had the landscape design drawn up on a piece of scrap paper for months. I have been researching and choosing plants. We will have a dry creekbed for drainage, complete with a small bridge that will cross our new sidewalk, an element that we have so far been missing. A fountain will grace the front door, which has up until now, been practiacally invisible. Visitors always enter through the garage because there is no entry. Well, no more! My yard will be the envy of the neighborhood. I am only waiting on the weather to warm up just enough so that we can tolerate being out there. Will it ever be warm again??

Wishing for Warmth

I have been sick this week. Not with a cold, or anything similar. I have a stomach issue that is yet undiagnosed by modern medicine. Unfortunately, the pain has rendered me to the sofa for the past few days. Caring for Alex this week has been challenging to say the least, but for now, the sun is shining outside, my girls are at school, and my son is asleep. I am all alone for the moment.

Strangely enough, I have felt alone all week. I suppose it's because I haven't been able to get up and do my usual domestic duties, play with the kids, go to the grocery store. But instead of being the one who cannot spend the time that I want with my family, I have felt like they are the ones avoiding me. I understand that they want to give me space to get well, but...

This is silly. I have no reason to feel neglected, as I am blessed with the best family in the world. I am very lucky to be part of something so wonderful!

I long for warmer weather. As I mentioned before, the sun is shining, but it is still very cold. I am one of those people who needs the sun's warmth on their skin. I am happiest when I am outside, enveloped in the rays of the sun, like a blanket wrapped around me. I am destined to be barefoot, with sunscreen and sunglasses as my ever-present accessories. The beach is calling me.