Monday, February 13, 2017

Adjusting the Machine

I have been on the road for the better part of two months.  Living in three homes in Seattle within three weeks over the holidays, then ten days at home to unpack, do laundry and repack for a trek to WI and MN, staying in two different homes and caring for my daughter after her knee replacement.  That is why my blog has been sparse for awhile.  The sewing machine stayed home, abandoned and solitary, but we loved spending time with our family.

We arrived home safely, but were very tired.  Unpacking took time, clearing away the suitcases took more time.  The chaos was mentally stressful, and I couldn't even get near my piano.  We live in a tiny cabin in the mountains so clutter can accumulate quickly.  I was so tired I didn't even want to sew.  Whatttt?  Did I really say that?  First, I had to re-establish my routine, but I also knew that if I sat down to sew, I would probably make mistakes and have to rip.  As I recovered and began to settle into the old pattern I finally decided, "It is time.  Get busy and work on that quilt," and I did.  Oh joy, I do love to sew!  I feel so good after a session of wielding needle and thread.  I only made one mistake and that was because I had forgotten about a thread color change so had to rip a tiny bit.  Not too bad.  I was afraid it would take awhile to get back in the swing of FMQ, but it didn't.  It is part of me now.

Another thing that plays into quilting is maintaining mental and physical well-being.  I am getting back into my exercise routine.  This takes more time than the FMQ because I live at 7500 ft elevation and the altitude must be taken into consideration.  I no longer experience altitude sickness after spending time in low country, but a little fatigue is apparent at first on my walks, so Dixie and I are working back up to our 2-3 miles a day.  Exercise keeps us physically fit, slows aging, tones the muscles, and provides quiet time to breathe the fresh, mountain air, and do some free motion, creative thinking.  It adjusts our bodies' machinery so it can do its best work.

Dixie on a winter walk.
How we both feel after exercise - happy, happy! 
Sew a happy seam this week.  I wish you time to adjust your inner machine.

7 comments:

  1. Your pup is so cute! I'm glad to hear that you had good time with family and are now able to get back into the swing of things.

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  2. Love the Pooch!! Glad you are back.
    Happy Valentine's Day.
    xx, Carol

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  3. Sounds like you have had a really busy couple of months. I must say I'm not sure I wouldn't have packed my little Featherweight and a project or two in my car to come with me! Glad you are back and getting in the swing of things.

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  4. You are so right! That personal machine needs maintenance too. I like how you use your walking time for creative free motion thinking. :) I do the same thing.

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  5. Dixie is so cute with a snow blush! Thanks for sharing on Midweek Makers

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  6. What caught my eye was your stating the need to wait to begin sewing until you had recovered from your time away. Like you, I have learned not to rush back, but ease back. It is worth the slow re-entry.

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  7. Dixie looks happy to have his hiking buddy home! Such personality in that face :-)

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