April Take It Further Challenge

Today's postcard

The theme for April's Take It Further Challenge is "How do you feel about change?" In giving the challenge, Sharon mentioned that in our personal lives, change is sometimes regarded as more of an issue than a positive state, for example, midlife changes are sometimes referred to as midlife crises. In the corporate world, however, professional development time is sometimes given to managing change. Remember "Who Moved My Cheese?"

I can picture making a quilt about change, but making one about how I feel about change is harder. I'm still thinking, and it's the 10th already. One thing is sure - I need to do my taxes before I start on that quilt.

Design Wall

Today's postcard

Last fall I was figuring out how to do a design wall. After a couple of trips to Lowe's, I decided on a piece of peg board for the base, 4 feet by 4 feet. It was sturdier than foam insulation board and I decided I'd watch for a sale on flannel to cover it.

I never saw white flannel, and I wasn't really happy with that idea because it wouldn't quite cover the board and there would be sewing involved. I know, I sew every day, what's one seam, but that was my thinking, plus I was thinking that I'd need to use some batting for padding.

Finally this weekend I hit on the easiest solution ever, using white fleece. It comes in 60" widths, is nice and cushy, and there's always lots at Hancock's. I turned the extra to the back and clipped the edges with clothespins. Maybe there will be those cute little clips after my next trip to the dollar store.


I'm happy. I have a board that can be moved from place to place if I rearrange, was inexpensive, and pieces of fabric stick like they should. You'll no longer see pieces of brown pegboard behind my pictures. Hooray all around.

Aaron's Turn

Today's postcard

Pictures for the past few days have been all about Nora. Here are a couple of Aaron pictures, too, taken at the Yellow Park. Nora was highly suspicious of grass during her first year, but Aaron doesn't seem to share that. He was perfectly content to sit and admire it, sometimes tug at it a little.

Aaron with Aunt Tina. That isn't product in his hair, it's sunscreen.

Yellow Park

Today's postcard

Nora calls the schoolyard park in her neighborhood the yellow park. This was a fabulous spring day, so Aunt Tina and I took her and Aaron there. Note to family: look at that happy face and those straight feet.

Family First Saturday - Totally Textiles

Today's postcard

This was Family First Saturday at the Cincinnati Art Museum and the theme was Totally Textiles. Nora and I went, on one of the first really pretty spring days. (Pretty hair courtesy of Aunt Tina.)

One of the art projects was weaving - the yellow yarn was already attached to a cardboard tray. Nora said she'd never woven before but she picked up how to do it right away. Maybe it's a kid thing.

Then there was string painting, with a piece of sticky cardboard and pretty strings and pieces of paper and fabric to put on top.

The folks at the museum do a wonderful job of having the art projects well thought out and ready to go. The strings were even cut in short lengths.

There was a stop at Graeter's on the way home because, as Nora reminded me, it's been a long time since we've been here. She was loving her strawberry chip ice cream, but, healthy eater that she is, she decided she liked my raspberry sorbet more.

As we were heading for her neighborhood, Nora said, "I'm not ready to go home yet." On we went to the mall and we spent a very long time at the play area and a short time riding the escalator at Kohl's. She can tell you that K-O-H-L-S spells Kohl's. Driving out of the mall she saw the store from the outside and said, "Oh, no, I wanted to go to that Kohl's.

Then on to Bob Evans where she predictably ate her order of broccoli and a smiley fry or two.

I am so blessed to have this little grandgirl.

Back To The Shape Again

Last night in Bellevue I looked in the window of a frame shop and noticed a striking circular painting. I've been thinking about that circle ever since.

The good thing is that we can audition this. Which one? Sarah and Steph, you're both in Asheville. Vote, please. Anyone else?

Rainy First Friday

Today's postcard - the last of the heart exercises

I'm still wet from walking around in Bellevue for First Friday - there was a nice crowd despite the rain.

This little tea room always looks so welcoming and charming. I can picture taking Nora here when she's a little older. Grandma Janice, want to come?

Here are a couple of lit-up store windows with cool stuff.

The jewelry store wasn't open, but I like the way it looks in the rain.