Choosing entertainment

All the movie talk these days is about a movie called Hunger Games. I don't have a clue what it is about but from what I have heard from others I don't have any desire to watch it. I think my entertainment choices color my mood and affect my attitude. Much like being around a "negative attitude" person for hours on end after awhile it affects my mood. Choosing entertainment alternatives can lift your spirits and give you extra energy. Try getting away from passive entertainment altogether and create your own fun. Instead of watching TV or playing computer games, read a good book, get together with friends or go for a walk in nature! Not only will you be simplifying your life but nourishing your spirit.

Sketch and a Camera

I can NOT draw and there are things I would love to hook if only I could draw them. I think it took me a day to draw Owyn for the rug. I found some software..........FREE..........and I can turn a photo into a sketch, print it out, enlarge to the size I want and hook a rug! I am so excited. I want to hook our barn and maybe I'll try our 1948 Curtis Wright trailer. It's raining this morning. Good day to stay in and hook!

Owyn, The Corgi Rug

3 feet x 3 1/2 feet.....one big rug! AND he was hooked with all wide cuts, 3/4 inch cuts or alittle bigger! The rug is so soft. Like stepping on really nice carpeting which is going to feel good next winter, upstairs in our unheated bedroom on wood floors. The colors are not showing up well on my PC but Owyn's coloring is just like he is, kind of an orange and then there are lots of muted reds, greens, plum, brown in the background. For all you rug hookers, if you have never hooked a wide cut you really should try it! I hand tore all my strips and it was fun hooking. Owyn is going to love laying on this rug.

Gatherings on the Blue

Left to right: Jayne (instuctor), Jan (hostess), Judy (hostess)

I just got home after spending 3 fabulous days at a teaching workshop in Milford, NE. (west of Lincoln). The setting was a country home and the instructor, Jayne Hester of NY, was wonderful. Enjoying the company of others can energize and encourage you. It is always exciting to see what others are working on and the sharing of ideas and techniques is priceless. Those relationships are more important to me than any outward accomplishment will ever be. I have come to realize that when I am relaxed and calm my energy is well focused, I can think clearly (for the most part!) and the creative juices flow. Watching and listening to Jayne color plan rugs was very rewarding and I love her style. Judy and Jan were such gracious hostessess that one did not want to leave. Food and lodging were wonderful and some great recipes were shared. I stayed up hooking way past my normal bedtime hours and last night I "crashed"! I"ll post my rug later. I was able to hook it during the workshop but now will bind and block it. The two girls are hosting a rug hookin in Lincoln in just a couple weeks and I plan on attending. Always some great vendors and lots of wonderful rugs to enjoy. I'm thankful when I can take in workshops and hook ins as I am pretty isolated from other hookers in my area. Can't wait to plan a new rug and use some of the things I learned. Make time to enjoy the company of others. Sit back. Relax.