2018 Word of the Year: Wisdom

wisdom

/ˈwɪzdəm/The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement; the quality of being wise.

I’ve thought about this word a lot during the past year, as our family has experienced the losses and additions of loved ones (including pets), as well as new experiences - job changes, successes and disappointments. All of our experiences give us the wisdom we need to live our best lives!

It’s interesting to see and read about how many differing opinions and perceptions there are about absolutely everything that can be pondered in life, and the more I take in, the more I think about the wisdom I’m gaining. Wisdom about life, death, careers, families, homes, traditions, education, politics, and the list goes on. My opinions and beliefs don’t change, but I often think about what experiences someone with differing opinions has had in life that has shaped their wisdom.  Experiences and knowledge, not just opinions, are what give us true wisdom.

Such things I think about!  In any case, as I reflect on 2018, I know I’ve gained more experiences and learned a little more about life - my wisdom is increasing.  I like that word. Wisdom.

Enjoy this one last day of 2018 - and reflect on the wisdom you’ve gained!

Look at this beautiful little bluebird I received from my Secret Santa:

Adorable, no?  And so perfectly tatted.  My gift included the pattern by Kaye Judt - my Santa.  I’m anxious to set aside some time to try this little cutie!  The Secret Santa fun was organized by Lisa at  the Tatting Corner - such fun!  

My gift also included one of the new bobbin organizers - I’ve been looking at these!  A great addition for carrying and organizing bobbins (they are currently all over the place 😬) Will 2019 be the year of organization?  

Happiest of Holidays to all!  

Don’t forget to enjoy the music, the lights and the decorations while nibbling on goodies 😉

Memorial Ornament

I was gifted a pretty Japanese shuttle and some metallic Lizbeth thread when I lost my sweet Ruby. When our Twin Cities Tatters group met yesterday, I decided to work on a snowflake from Jon Yusoff’s snowflake patterns, and was wondering who the heck might want a “purple” snowflake!

As I was finishing the snowflake, I realized I was using the shuttle and thread gifted to me by my friend after losing my sweet sidekick, Ruby.  There was no better use for a purple snowflake than to remember my sweet Ruby!

Ruby loved the snow (which we are not celebrating at the moment!) and this was a perfect way to remember her with every stitch from this wonderful gift! 💜 This will be Ruby’s ornament on our tree  for years to come.

I like the addition of the bead and charm at the bottom - it helps the snowflake to hang straight.  While the Lizbeth metallic makes a nice, sturdy snowflake, the bead and charm just add some flair!  I will be adding similar decor to my other snowflakes - just simple, but a nice addition.

I think I may cut the ribbon tails a little shorter - what do you think?

Snow means ... Christmas?

It’s WAY too early, but in the past couple of days we’ve gotten our first snow of the season, along with those traffic reports of many cars in the ditches, and “watch out for the plows!”  

Colder than usual temperatures, too! It’s so unfair - we never even really had fall, my favorite time of year!  It’s going to be a long winter, I’m afraid.

This can only mean it’s time to get going on more Christmas decorations!  I love the ice drops using  just white thread with red gems and beads - so that is what I’ll be working on along with my snowflakes.

Our TWIN CITIES TATTERS group has also recently become a TATTING CORNER AFFILIATE.  We would love it if you’d use our link at the top left of this page every time you order your tatting supplies, so we can continue to encourage the fine art of tatting!  

It’s October What?

Wow - here we are, more than halfway through October already.  Our weather in Minnesota has been unseasonably COLD!  Our average temps this time of year are about 60 F, and we’ve had 40’s. Brrrr!  There was even a little snow last weekend, but it melted quickly (thank heavens!)

I have been working on the “secret quilt”, so I haven’t been tatting.  I’ve also been working on a weekend duffel for ME!  Unfortunately, I’m at a bit of a standstill until I can re-cut my straps.  I can’t find the hardware required in the pattern, so I’ll have to do a bit of adjusting to the fabric I’ve already cut.  No problem, I just need to have a good block of time to think straight so I don’t make errors that I can’t correct.  Dang it, I hate when patterns need something that I can’t run to Joann’s and get with a coupon!

My sweet sidekick - Ruby - has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  She was 12 years and 3 months old, which is pretty old for a boxer.  She was “losing her legs” and experiencing tipping and tripping, and I was terrified that she would fall down the stairs in our home while I was at work.  We’d been watching the progress all summer, and it started to deteriorate quickly.  My heart is broken and we miss her presence so much!  All the daily routines have changed.

Are you joining in on the Tatting Corner Secret Santa Exchange?  I am!  Email Lisa@tattingcorner.com if you’re interested!  I haven’t participated in an exchange for several years, but it really is fun.  I’m looking forward to doing it again.

Last weekend, I attended a lecture by Kaffe Fassett, well known for vibrant, colorful fabric designs.  I love the Kaffe fabric collection, and can’t wait to get creative with some of his fabric.  So many ideas, so little time - as usual.  The lecture was great - so many good thoughts about where inspiration really comes from.  Everywhere!  Look at the color around you.  I love vibrant color, but my home is rather boring and “safe” with tan painted walls 😬.

What inspires you?