Pretty Posey

I just love Gerbera Daisies. And this one after the rain is one of my favorite flower pictures that I've taken. And what makes it even better is that it is on my back patio. I only wish flowers would last longer.

A Busy Saturday Morning

My day started early. I couldn't sleep and noticed that the sky was kind of pretty.

Then I decided I should take advantage of the beautiful morning and go for a bike ride. I logged 6.5 miles in about 40 minutes. I was home by 7AM. Fixed breakfast. Got ready to go out for the day. It seemed like a good day to go to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek.

The walkway to the tram to the African plains had all the flags of the African countries. I thought it was really cool.

It is so much fun getting so close to the giraffes. They seem so gentle. The zoo is really nice. Lots of room. BUT no lions and tigers.

2009 Already

I can't believe how fast time is going.  It's already the 4th of January.  Seems like 2008 just flew by.  Every year just seems to go faster and faster. 

The other day I was down in my craft area.  I just stood there shaking my head.  I have way too many books and fabric.  So I decided I would sell some of my books on Craig's List.  Well, as I was going through the books trying to pick out the books that I would sell, I couldn't seem to choose any.  What's with that?  Now I know in my head that I will probably never open some of these books again.  They are great books and that is the problem.  How do you get rid of a great book?  So I guess I'll keep the books and just by chance someday I might just use one.

I also decided I had way too much fabric.  No, I'm not going to sell or toss that BUT I have decided to Slash the Stash this year.  I'm off to a good start.  I have cut out 20 blocks for a Turning Twenty quilt.  Now that is 5 yards of fabric and it didn't even make a dent.  Right now I have the blocks laid out on the floor.  Today (no church today...ice) I plan to go down and sew the blocks.  I may even have time to assemble them.  I'm sure I have a piece or two of fabric that will work for a backing. 

I've read JudyL's challenge regarding stash busting and I'm not just sure I'll join that because I know I won't have much to report each week.  When I make postcards, they only use two 4" x 6" pieces.  But I don't usually have to buy new fabric to make them.  Embellishments is another thing.  Anyway, I am going to keep track of fabric usage and maybe I'll report in on her site every once in a while just for some accountability.  I see by her post today that she reports on what she has pulled and cut for the week.  So I think I'll just start out the year by doing that.  It will be interesting to see how much fabric I can use this year.  I need more space. (I have another new hobby this year.)

The new hobby is paper cards.  I have gotten hooked on the Cricut and Cuttlebug machines.  That is just so much fun.  Just what I needed was another hobby.  Why can't I find a hobby that doesn't involve spending money?  At least I was able to find a used Cricut and got my Cuttlebug for a really good price.  With savvy shopping, I have found supplies for up to 66% off.  Here is a site that shows some of the creations made using the two machines.

OK, enough rambling.  I need to get breakfast and get cracking down in the craft room.

I'm praying for a really good and productive 2009.