FRIDAY STIR FRY - Break Is Over

https://www.morguefile.com

No, unfortunately it wasn't that kind of break. I wish it was. Doesn't that look wonderful? My break was neither fun or glamorous. 

First of all, I took a writing break. I don't know why. It wasn't planned. I lost my muse or my inspiration, or my desire. I think it had something to do with my work in progress which has been in progress for several years now. And it's not progressing. I think I stopped caring. I started doubting I would ever finish it or any other book. 

Secondly, I haven't felt well. In fact, I ended up in the hospital for five days. And, everyone knows that is not a fun vacation. And now I'm coping with medication and doctor visits and it sucks. But, this has also made me realize there is no promise of tomorrow. I need to follow my dream today. Nobody is going to write that book for me. And I will never be a best selling author with just one book out there.

Third - my writing groups have gotten on my last nerve - which is not a good sign. Demands on my time, disagreements and less than inspiring speakers have killed my desire to go to the meetings. I used to love these groups and wouldn't dream of missing them. Now, I'm not sure they are worth my time.   

Or, maybe, it was just the winter blues. Cold weather and lack of sunshine puts me in a fowl mood. Now that Spring is here, I'm feeling the need to write again. Starting with this blog. No more slacking off. I am a writer. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Creative Process

I made this. 

And yes, it's hand quilted. Every ... last ... stitch. It took four months and I have the calloused fingers to prove it. It is for my grandson Clark. 

My grandmother quilted. She would make at least two a year. It was more for protection against the cold Ozark winters instead of a show piece. That's not to say she wasn't proud of her handy work. I remember as a child, spending summers on my grandparent's farm and attending quilting bees with her. There were usually up to ten other women, all sitting around a square frame, stitching, gossiping, and exchanging recipes. At noon we would share a pot luck lunch. The younger children would then be put down for a nap. The older ones, including myself, could be found under the quilt frame playing with our dolls or trucks. When the quilt was finished it was given to a needy family with no thought of compensation. It's just what they did.

When she died, I inherited her frames. My ex mother-n-law quilted and so I would join her many afternoons next to grandma's quilting frame while we watched our soap operas. She embroidered tops for each grandchild. We quilted them and they received them on their wedding day. My son treasures his. So, it was just natural that I would make a quilt for his first born.

People were surprised I could do this. "You write and quilt?" 

"Yes, and work, and scrapbook." 

It makes you realize that not everybody has the 'creative' gene.

Let me know in the comments what you like to create.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Been Too Long

https://www.morguefile.com

Wow, I haven't posted anything in a month. Not a good start to the new year. Sorry if I've disappointed any of my many fans. ;-)

I don't make resolutions, but I am hoping to accomplish some things this year. Just making it through another winter is one. I really hate winter. I'm not a cold weather person. I don't think snow is pretty. I've actually feared winter ever since we had a horrific ice storm in 2007. I was out of power for 2 weeks and had to scramble to find places to stay. Not fun. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Well, maybe one.

I want to make writing a top priority this year. Not just something I do when I have the time, Because, really, when is there ever enough time? And the older I get, the more I realize time is slipping away at an alarming rate of speed. It's like I can hear the seconds, minutes, and hours tick off. The hourglass is getting low Dorothy and the monkeys are waiting to tear you apart limb by limb.

Damn monkeys.