... Random Thoughts on a Gloomy Afternoon ...

I'm trying not to count the number of minutes left until the end of my work day (103, if you're curious)  ... especially since this is a four day weekend for me!  We've had plenty of gloomy weather in Sacramento lately ... which is not helping me get through the monotonous task of pushing a button ... waitingggggggggg ... and then pushing another button ... waitinggggggggg ... that I have ahead of me for the next (now) 96 minutes.

I have big plans tonight to curl up with a good book, a warm blanket (which seems so weird to be saying at the end of MAY), and a couple of snuggly pups -- hubby will be happy to have the big TV to himself to play his latest game (my way of saying thanks for dealing with soggy walls, a parade of construction workers, and multiple hospital trips over the last three weeks).

While I'm waiting to make my escape, I thought I'd share some fun finds with you!  My new favorite (non-crafting-related) blog is THX THX THX: A Thank You Note A Day.  Author, Leah, practices gratitude for things big and small with daily handwritten thank you notes.  When I first stumbled upon her blog, I happily expected a fair amount of snarky humor, but was quickly and pleasant surprised with the genuine way she finds something sincerely worth appreciating every day.  I definitely recommend adding her site to your daily blog roll ... and if you feel up to the challenge ... taking time to genuinely appreciate the little things in your life.

So, here is my exercise in gratitude for today!

So, with my new toy, I've been experiment with quarter-circle blocks and the Old Maid's Puzzle layout, inspired by this Amish Quilt mentioned in this post.

I started out with just a modest table-topper to try and figure out the gist of things.  I was going to wait until I had a finished product to show before blogging about it, but have since been inspired by Rossie's challenge to blog more about the design and quilting process that goes into making projects instead of just blogging about the finished product. So, without further ado ...

I, Shelley, pledge to talk more about my processes, even when I can't quite put them in words or be sure I'm being totally clear.  I'm going to put my thinking and my gut feelings out there.

There.  I did it.  And if you're so inspired, you can too.

Tune in tomorrow for "Autumn Maid's Puzzle" - WIP.

P.S. - A second thank you goes out to the wonderful co-worker who provided us with sugary goodness in the form of CAKE!  It definitely help the next 18 minutes go by quickly.