At the beginning of January it seemed that all those “real artists” out there were choosing a word for the year. Not to be left out I chose the word concentration. I didn’t share it with everyone but it was out there and I was concentrating. I think I did pretty well getting stuff done and deadlines met. I cut out a few activities that were more distraction than use and then I set off for California…

Blame it on the sunshine and the blue skies, or maybe the mountains and the palm trees but I realized today that there has been a distinct lack of concentration in my life since coming home…

That needs to stop!

So, I got myself out of the shower (isn’t that where all the best thoughts take place?) and prepared for the day. I set to work and typed up the minutes of our Riverwalk Quilters Guild meeting of January 8th, before I set off for Pieceful Heart Fabrics, instead of wasting the half hour I had…

Before Christmas we had been approached by Hilary Decent to tape a segment for a new show called The Ladies Room for NCTV. We finally taped a class/demo making yo-yos this morning. Clover yo-yo makers make the whole process so much simpler and along with eleven ladies we had some fun. I now have a supply of samples including this cute heart made from a Valentine fabric charm pack and mounted on black fabric covered foam core…

There will be some further taping to do, including some time in the studio and then the program will be aired in a few months time.

Since coming home I have sent out the typed minutes to all interested parties and now I am concentrating on my blog…

There have been 9 days since I came home and more than that since I last caught up so what was I doing?

While I was still out West I got some knitting projects finished…

A skirt and a dress for Ruby,and a sweater and a hat for Benjamin.

I also learnt some basic smocking techniques which Sheila made into a very pretty dress for Ruby…

Thank you Sheila for encouraging me to persevere and for all the time you put in to matching the plaid I so thoughtfully chose!!

Since my return I started my 2012 BOM from Sue Spargo… still in progress…

I taught a fusing class at Pieceful Heart…

Marie and Donna “enjoyed the journey”.

I hosted bee at my house…

Here is Jean with a quilt she will be donating to philanthropy at the guild on Tuesday,and Sharon with her first ever quilt. She machine quilted it herself and just needs to finish the binding.

and I did make lots of yo-yos…

but it didn’t feel concentrated.

Now I am concentrating. I will be mindful of my time and efforts. I have my challenge piece to finish (and start) for guild on Tuesday and a Machine Quilting 2 class tomorrow. Better get to it!!