Still working on Pictures

Just thought I would do a little blogging this morning. Still working on getting pictures loaded onto my laptop. Yea, I know, I need to get this figured out, but, can't seem to find the time. (that's a joke) So, what's keeping me from learning how to download pictures. I hate all things tech. I am NOT a computer geek, and, don't ever want to be one.

It cracks me up when someone says to me, just text me. I don't do texting!!! I don't have a smart phone, not smart enough for all those apps. Could care less if my GO phone ever rings. Yes, I have a GO phone. I do the pay as you go plan. Get this, I put in $100.00, if I put money in before the $100.00 expires, it rolls over and is good for 365 days. Most people I know, pay that per month, not me. I have had this phone for several years, I do renew before my mins expire in order to get the roll over mins., and, I just checked my balance, I have $165.00. So, that means, I have $65.00 from last year and just added $100.00 for the next 365 days.  I'll be honest, when my phone rings, I just about jump out of my skin. I'm really goosey!!!

On to quilting. I've been doing a lot of cutting fabric, re-organizing fabric, (don't tell anyone, but, I've also been ordering fabric on line), and a lot of sewing. My design wall is filling up fast. In fact, I'm running out of room on it, and, will either need to make a bigger one, or, finish the one's I have started. I betting on making a larger one.

UFQ's.  Unfinished quilts. I like this better than UFO's. In the process of re-organizing my fabric, I did come across a few unfinished quilts. OK, a LOT of UFQ's. All the tops are finished, I just need to my butt in gear and quilt them. I wonder if a couple of 5 Hour Energy drinks might help???
If you have any tricks that gets you up and quilting, please, let me know. I would love to hear what you do to get in the mood to quilt. It's not that I don't like to do the quilting, because I do. I love my Flynn Frame, which is what I use to machine all my quilts, just getting them loaded and getting started is my problem. So, I can use your help and your tricks.

The other thing that's been taking some of my time, is, watching three little Eagles grow. Oklahoma Parks has a live cams setup in two locations so you can watch the Eagles and their young. I have to say, I'm hooked. If you have never watched Eagles, you should, it's amazing. I've watched them hatch, feed and grow over the past couple of weeks. Here's the link if you would like to check it out. http://www.suttoncenter.org/pages/live_eagle_camera If you can't get it to come up for you on IE, use google chrome. You will be amazed. You can also move down the page and read comments, down a little further, and read facts about this years little ones. Hope you check it out, you will love it.

Guess I better get off here and see what kind of trouble I can get into today.
You guys enjoy your day, leave me a message, and, I try to those pics loaded.

Getting back into the swing of things.

It's been a while since I blogged and sewn anything for that matter. Well, I'm here to tell you I'm back to both. I don't know got into me, but, I've been sewing, sewing, sewing. (don't tell anyone,but, I'm loving it).
I was able to demonstrate improv quilting to our guild last week, so, needless to say, I had to get some examples ready. Now have the start of 4 more quilts. It was really fun sharing one of my favorite ways to quilt. I did notice some deer in the headlights looks from the traditional quilters in the group. I could just hear them thinking to themselves, "What the heck is this stuff? What, no pattern!!! This just looks like a big mess!!! Oh my, that color is just too bright and wild for me!!! I do have to say, I did get a kick out it. Nothing like shocking a few people ever now and then. (I seem to do this on a daily basis.)
I have some pics, but, I don't know how to download them to my new laptop, so, when I figure it out, I will share.
One other thing I'm looking forward to is, I get to teach a workshop on paper piecing in April. Can't wait. Better get busy and make some demo blocks and brush up on my PP skills. (again, pics will follow).
Oh, yea, I'm also taking part in a block swap with Tulsa Modern Quilt Guild. We are making 10 blocks each month and then swap them to come up a one of a kind quilt. Just finished up 6 of them yesterday, 4 to go.
Oh, yea, one more thing. Our guild is doing a pizza box quilt for the next 8 months, and, YES, I'm going that one too!
WOW, I've gone from 0 to full throttle in 60 seconds.
Life is good. Sewing is fun. Sharing is great!!!!

(I'll try the pics later, keep finger crossed I can figure it out)

Winning..........Winning..........Winning

It's hard to believe it was 11 years ago this month I was told I had Cancer.

Seems so long ago, yet, like yesterday. Talk about turning your world upside down, inside out and back again. They (the Doctors) put me through the ringer and pushed my body and soul to the limit. Being cut from stem to stern, 3 times, radiation, once, chemo 3 times and can't tell you how many CT's, MRI's, PET scans I've had. I've been poked, prodded and scoped for a life time over the past 11 years. But, I made it, don't know how, chances were not in my favor, that's for sure. Guess the big "C" just didn't know who it was messing with. I found out just how strong and stubborned I could be. I WON!! Winning!!!! (little Charlie Sheen humor). I WON again 8 years ago when the Cancer came back. Winning!!! And, I WON, yet again, 5 years ago, when they found the bladder Cancer. Winning!!!! (got to love Charlie).
So, according to all the Medical texts and all the Cancer info out there, after 5 years, and, NO sign of the ugly little "C" (@#%$), you are considered......
CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!
Let's have a party!!!!!!!
Thanks to all the prayers, good wishes, great friends, and, an amazing family, I'm still here.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

Another year is just about over and in the record books.

Saying farewell to an old friend, 2011. Memories burned

into my brain, some good, some not so good. But each one

amazing, and, each one makes me who I am. 

A brand new beginning just around the corner.

So, Goodbye 2011!!!

Cheers to 2012.

Here's to a new year full of surprises.

A year full of Love.

A year sharing with Family and Friends.

A year filled with Fun and Laughter.

A year of nothing but Good Health.

A year Learning, Doing, and, Sharing.

A year of New Adventures.

 New Places to Explore.

New Quilts.

Lots of New Fabric.

Posting more on my Blog.

Good Food.

You get the picture!!!!

My wish to each of you:

May God Bless you, your family and

may he keep you safe and well for 2012.

Here comes 2012, ready or not!!!

Where have I been??

Now that's a good question, and, thanks for checking on me.
It's been one whale of a rollercoaster ride these past couple of months.
Lets see if I can fill you in a bit.
No, I haven't dropped off the edge of the earth, even though a couple of
times I wish I could. All is OK, or, will be OK, here in Skiatook, OK.
Sadley, I haven't been quilting too much, but, I am sure hoping that is going
to change really quick. (It can't get much slower, or, there will be NO quilting
and I sure don't want that!!)
I've had a couple of little health scares, but, ALL IS GREAT, thank goodness. That
slowed me down a bit, and it's been hard getting back into the swing of things.
Like I said, that should change soon. Our car club wants me to do a couple of
t-shirt quilts for an auction in December, this should get me motivated!!!
Since I last blogged, I am now the Pres of our Owasso Quilting Guild, don't tell
anyone, but, I'm really have fun doing it. Our board has come up with some really
great and fun things for our members and I can't wait to get them started. It's
a good thing!!!!
The other major thing we have delt with, and, still dealing with, is the death of hubby's
Mom. It was pretty much of a shock and a pretty big blow to his family. She had been
in and out of the Hospital since April, but, never could figure out what was wrong.
When they did, it was pretty much too late. David and his brother are working on
getting the house and car ready to sale and trying to make sure all the paperwork
is in order and the bills are paid. Have to tell you, this has not be a fun time for David,
but, he's doing good and taking care of business.
So, now you know what's been going on around here, (the short and sweet version),
life is trying to get back to normal, but, since that's one thing I have never been,
(normal), it might take me longer than most. lol
Again, thanks so much for checking in on my world, it means a great deal to me
that I have such great friends, and, quilting buddies.
I promise you, I will try to post more often and get to sewing so I have something
to post about.

FINISHED (almost)

Just have a couple more blocks to go here! FINISHED QUILT TOP.........YEAH!!!!!

View from the floor.
Finished top on design wall.
Too Cool!!!!!

So, now WHAT???

I still have to add the boarder and get it quilted

before I can really celebrate.

Doing the happy dance.

You got a love Maxine

I found this and just had to pass it on.

It says it ALL.

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read, quilt, or play on the computer until 4A.M., then sleep till noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60's, 70's, and 80's, and if at the same time, I wish to weep over lost loves, I will do so.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, dive into the waves with abandon, (if I choose to), despite the pitying glances from the younger jet set.
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But, there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved on, or when you see a child suffer, or, even when your beloved pet dies? But, broken hearts are what give us strength, understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn gray, to have my youthful laughs be forever itched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer to your question, I like getting older. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but, while I am here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.
I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

Day 3 Progress Report

Well, nothing to report on the quilt. Bummer
Today, I did nothing but CLEAN!!!
Ok, I did manage to put (ALL) my new fabric on
mini bolts and get them hidden before
Hubby got home!!!

I sure hope your day was a lot more fun than mine.

Tomorrow

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing.

Row Three..Completed

Row three completed.

Row four started.

Progress

I've been a little unmotivated, (OK, a LOT), here lately. But, that's
about to change!!!!! I have so many UFQ's (unfinished quilts) around
here, it's about to drive me wild. Not that that has slowed me down on
adding to my stash, can't seem to pass up a GREAT sale and
some really GREAT fabric.

LQS had another sale this weekend, prices starting at $1.99 a yard.
I came home with a couple a new fabrics and a few new trinkets.

I love FABRIC!!!!!!

So, for the rest of this month (we will see just how long this lasts)
I am going to post pictures of any and all progress I make getting
my stach of UFQ's completed.

The other reason I am doing this, is, so you guys can give me
a hard time if I don't get anything done each day.
I am counting on your comments to keep me motivated.
(I need all the help in the world to get me moving)

Progress May 16
I have the second row sewn.
I've cleaned up my sewing area.
Set up my new sewing table.
I'll have pics of that later.

Here's the finial design for Prozac
(I'm not tearing it apart again, this is it)

Where have I been?????

Well, that's a good question. I'm still here and I'm
STILL working on the Prozac quilt.
YES, you read correct!!!
Not really sure why this quilt is giving me such fits, but, it is.
Things happens when you don't have a
pattern, and, you have no idea what you're doing.
But, hey, that's the way I do things.
I love surprises!!

So far, I have sewn it together 6 times and,
I have ripped it apart, 6 times!
I have gone through enough thread and time, to make
a world of quilts. Here are a couple of my rip outs.

This one looks good, but, just not wild enough.
This one was wild enough, but, still not there yet.

A little too traditional.

I'm now about 1/2 of the way finished with version 7,
and, I'm really liking this one. Sorry, no picture of
my progress on my LAST and FINAL version.
(I don't want to jinks it)

Other than a lot of rip and tear, things around
here are going pretty good. Wow, this is the
first time the rip and tear is with fabric and
not one of the rooms in the house.
(that makes Hubby a happy Hubby)

Thanks, you guys, for contacting me and letting me
know it's past time for me to update my blog.
It's alway nice to know you're missed once in a while.

p.s. don't forget to leave a comment, I love reading them.

Progress Report on Prozac Quilt.

Well, this is what I played with this weekend.

I'm liking the strips in between the blocks.

All the half square triangle's and additional flowers.

For those that aren't sure what I'm talking about, it's the

little blocks in between the big blocks that fill the gaps

and covers the white on the design board.

Got it?????????? lol

Still have a lot more strips to make and 5 more blocks to make, (I think),

then on to putting it all together.

I still don't know how I'm going to do it, but, I'm sure I'll have fun trying.

So, what do you think?????

Looking more and more like a jig saw puzzle or

one of those puzzles you have to fill in the blanks.

I love it!!!!

Where have I been?????

As you can tell, I'm not really good at sitting down and posting.

Guess I have a lot to catch up from my last post.

I noticed it was Feb. 7Th, shame on me!

Check out my new toy!

Comic Book Boards. Yes, Comic Book Boards!

I'm sure you are asking yourself, what does Comic

Book Boards have to do with Quilting???

A LOT!!!

They are perfect for mini fabric bolts.

You get 100 boards per package for $9.95.

I got mine from the Comic Store at 71st and Mingo,

(In Tulsa), but, I'm sure there other locations.

This is what part of my stash looks like now!
(just getting started)

Don't you just love how organized it looks?

I do!!!

This is in the office area.

David said it looked like I was starting a fabric shop.

We won't tell him about my private stash I have

hidden in my closet, Will We!!!!

Keep in mind, I'm not finished YET.
As a matter of fact, David found a large tote full

of fabric (I forgot I had) while he was cleaning the garage.
This is in my hall closet. Overflow. lol
Now on to my project updates.
This is what I have finished so far on my Prozac quilt.
Still not sure how I am going to sew it together, but,
I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve.
(just hope they work)

A couple of weeks ago, I took a Fabric Art class from

an amazing Fabric Artist, Candace (sorry I forgot her last name)

that spoke at the Tulsa Guild. She is a great teacher, she has

amazing ideas and she thinks outside the box. My kind a lady!

We were told to bring fabric, a LOT of fabric, and a picture of

our inspiration. I picked Poppies. Not just any Poppies,

my Mom's Poppies!

My Niece painted a picture for me a couple of Christmas's

ago of Mom's Poppies (forgot to take a pic, I'll add it later)

called, Doris and Bill.

This is my interruption in fabric.

First step, cut a bunch of fabric.
Then, arrange them on muslin,
then, pin water soluble sulky on top.
Last step, go to town sewing all over it.

When you finish the sewing, soak it to remove

the sulky, dry it, and stretch it on canvas.

Step one and two.

Sewing finished.

Before it goes onto the canvas.

Finished and hanging on the wall.

Got to say, this ain't bad for someone who can't

even draw a stick person. Like I said, she was a

Great teacher!!!!!

Hope you enjoyed my catch up posting.

Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you.

Quilting on Prozac

Remember these????

I thought a log cabin design with the flower in the middle would be pretty cool.

So, that's what I did, a simple log cabin block, so I thought!

This is what happens when you sew on Prozac!!!!!!

I read the warning on the bottle, Prozac bottle, and it said,

"do not operate heavy equipment".

Never thought my sewing machine was heavy equipment, I mean, I can pick it up.

I think I will stick to drinking wine while sewing from now on. lol

disclaimer: no fabric was harmed during sewing

operator (me) was not on Prozac, just crazy sewing.

Things you do when it Snows, and, Snows.....

Well, it's been a week now that we have had snow (a LOT of snow) on the ground.

Bad news, more snow, anywhere from 4 to 10 inches tomorrow and Wednesday!
(don't you love the gap they are giving?)

Don't know how your town/city takes care of snow removal, but, here in Oklahoma, Tulsa to be exeact, we are not prepared for this much snow. Our roads are bad!!! David had to get an MRI Saturday, so, I taged along to get out of the house. The main Highway's were in good shape, but, all the others, not so great! All I could think about was, this is not good for someone that had to get to a hospital having a baby. Not only would it take you a while, but, a short drive on the major bumpy roads, that baby didn't stand a chance making it there.

I did find out, as of Friday, 3 babies were born in cars on the way to the Hospital.

Now, that's a story to tell your Grandkids.

But, there is good news, or at least for me! Since we, David and I, were in Tulsa anyway, on Saturday, thought I would have me run my by The Quilt Sampler. They just happen to be having a Super Bowl Fabric Sale. Everything in the shop was 25% off, everything! They also had FQ's (fat quarters) $1.00 each if you purchased 10 or more (not a problem) and there clearance fabric was $2.99 a yard (again, not a problem, lol) So, since David was going to busy with his MRI and I would have just sat there, I let him leave me at the Quilt Shop.

Don't you like it that I LET him leave me?

Wow, two + hours stuck in a Quilt Shop, what was I do? What would you do?

I did what any fabric collector would do, I had a BLAST!!!!

The ladies at the shop (most I knew from our guild) were getting a kick out of me, guess I looked liked a kid running wild in the toy isle. I found a few, 10, FQ's, that looked good, they off to the clearance section. Low and behold, Amy Butler's Love fabric in the clearance $2.99 a yard. Before I got excited, I had to make sure I was seeing right, so, I asked, and Yes, it was correct. Don't know if any of you purchase Amy's fabric, but, $2.99 a yard is un heard of. So, I started loading up my cart, yeap, cart, they found me my own cart to use. lol Then on my second pass, I called my Sister-in-law and niece, who loves Amy's fabric, to see how much they wanted. Check, add more to the cart. Then I found some batiks, Tina Givens, Michael Miller, free sprit and, well face it, I found it all!

I ended up with close to 60 yards of fabric, Accuquilt cutting pad, and a new book.

So, all I have to say now is:

Let it Snow!!!!

This is my haul

The small bag is my Niece's and Sister-in-laws fabric

This is the one yard pileTwo yard pile

Three yard pile, mostley Amy Butler
Hey, a girls got a do, what a girls got a do!!!!

Sneak Peak and Snow

I'm having way too much fun!!!

Here's a little sneak peak at what I'm playing with now.

Can you guess what it is????

I am sure hoping someone guesses, because, I don't know

what I'm doing!!!!

But, I'm having a lot fun playing and can't wait

to see what and how it turns out.

The Blizzard of 2011
in Skiatook, Ok

This out our front door, needless to say
we aren't going anywhere to soon!
Just to give you an idea how deep it is,
there are bushes under there, somewhere!!
About a 2 1/2 to 3 foot snow drifts. FUN!!
This is the view out the back.
Isn't that pretty???
Note the snow up to the benches just
beyond the tree. They look like they are
level with the ground. NOT.

This will give you a better sense of the snow.
Check out the snow drift. It's up to the door handle!!
Guess we won't be getting into there for a while.

These next pictures crack me up.
Josie, our youngest Rat Terrier LOVES the snow.
She gets out there and just has a blast. I didn't get a
picture of her playing in it, but, a couple of times
she disappeared and all you could see was her tail.
Here she is looking out the front window like a
little kid begging to go out.

Well, that's it for now. I will try to get more

pictures of both my new project and of the

dogs playing in the snow later.

Thanks for checking out my blog and please,

leave me your comments. I love to hear from you.

p.s. if you leave a comment and want me to respond,

leave me a way to that.

See ya!

I'm Flattered

Special message for Stacy and Brooke...

OK, this message is for Stacy and Brooke who left me comments

about the quilts I did for Ashley (Under the Sycamore), my niece.

You did find Aunt Sandy (ME), and, thanks so much for your

comments and requests regarding my quilts.

I am flattered and excited others

enjoy my quilts as much as I do.

I tried to get back in touch with the two of you, BUT, I don't

have your email addresses, so, no response.

Sorry.

I would love to chat with you regarding your requests,

all I need is a way to contract you.

So, if you (Stacy and Brooke) leave another comment here,

with your email address, I will make sure it does

not get published. It will for my eyes only.

Again, thanks so much for checking out my blog,

(nothing like Ashley's), but, it's fun.

Sandy aka Aunt Sandy

Passing it on....................

My blog got an award!!!!!

(I am doing the Happy Dance)

My friend, Darlene, over at Sew Much Beauty, passed

the Stylish Blog Award to me.

Too cool. Thanks Darlene.

Make sure you go and check out her blog and

some of her amazing quilts.

So, what's the Stylish Blog Award all about, well, let me tell you.
There are two rules that comes with the award:

1. You have to pass the award on to 8 of your favorite blogs.
2. You have to share 8 things about yourself that others
might, or, might not know about you.

So, here goes.
1. I asked my husband to marry me on our second date.
(6 months later we were married, that was 16 years ago.)
2. I am the youngest of three children.
(they saved the best for last.)
3. I love to tear down walls and rebuild them.
(which you can tell by my postings)
4. I am a licenced Cosmetologist.
(you wouldn't know this by my hair)
5. I am a certified Floral Arranger.
(the wilder the design the better)
6. I sold Real Estate.
(another licence)
7. I do upholstery.
8. My nickname from my Nieces, Crazy Aunt Sandy.
(I know that's not a surprise to anyone that knows me)

Now, for my 8 of my favorite blogs:
1. Melody at Fibermania
2. Vesuviusmana at My Patchwork Life
3. Wanda at Exuberant Color
4. Karrie at Freckled Whimsy
5. Terry at Studio 24-7
6. Carl at 3 Dog Design Inc
7. Vivian at Whistle Stop Quilts
8. Rosy at Everything Rosy

Well, there you have it for today. I really, really hope you
take the time to check out each one of my picks for
the Stylish Blog Award.

I know a lot of you read blogs, but, never leave or
post a comment (I am guilty too), so, if you would
please take a moment, leave a comment. I would
love to hear from you.
Thanks for checking out my blog and here's
hoping you have a great and blessed day.

Hembree Christmas part 2

Make sure you read the post after this one, it's part 1.

Then this post will make sense.

Wow, two posts in one day, that's a record for me.

Anyway, these are a couple more pictures that my Niece Ashley

emailed me today of our Christmas Dinner 2010.

I must admit, this combo of red's look pretty good.

I planned it that way. NOT

Not sure if you can read the date on the plate, Christmas 2001.
This is David's Christmas plate he picked out on one of our flea

market outings. But, for some reason this year,

my Brother got to the plate before David.

Ok, check out this picture and find the present one of my

Grand Nephew's left on the table. Can you find it????

Look just past the ham. Two cars, a yellow one and a red one.

Is that too cute, or, what?

Christmas at the Hembree's, Part 1

Thought I would share a little bit of our family Christmas Dinner for 2010.

Christmas Dinner was at our house this year, so, that means,

family, food and a lot of CLEANING!

It cracks me up, we spend days cleaning the house,

putting things away, (should have been put away a long time ago),

cook ALL DAY, set down to eat, (30 mins tops),

then clean again for several DAYS!

But don't you LOVE it???? I DO!!!!

I will be the first to admit, I love cooking, I love to set a

fancy table, I love getting the GOOD out,

but, most of all, I love having my family around!

This year I wanted to do something different with my table

and place settings, so, where do you go for ideas?

Yep, the Internet!

I did some surfing, hung 10 (fingers on the keyboard)

and found just the right solution, instructions for

fancy napkin folding.

This is what I did with my linen napkins.

Is this the coolest thing you ever seen????

A Napkin SHIRT!!!!

My table before we added the food. Don't think you can tell,

but, every place setting has a different plate design, flatware

pattern and different chargers.

Dare to be different, dare to be original!

This is my Brother carving the Turkey, Carol, his wife,

making the gravy and if you look really close, you can see

my better side (my back side) on the right.

Talk about a mess, my poor kitchen. Wouldn't have it

any other way, this is a Good Thing!

Had to get a pic of the Pheasant Bowl with Lesley's
Cranberry Compote.

BEST buttermilk cornbread stuffing in the world!
Yum, yum!

Ashley's green bean casserole.

What was left of the Smoked Ham.

Lesley's Baked Sweet Potato's.

Well, that's our Christmas Dinner 2010.

We had a great time, ate way too much and had

way too much fun.

While the grownup's (some of us) were in the Kitchen

slaving over the hot stove, the kids were in the living

room playing Wii.

Oh, to be a kid again.

Wait, I am a kid!!!

OK, not a real kid, but, after dinner the BIG kids had

their turn on the Wii. Not sure which group, the little

kids, or the BIG kids, had more fun.

Well, I'm off to see what kind of trouble I can get into.

So, here's hoping you and your family had as much

fun as ours did and

may 2011 be the best year yet.