Friday, June 27, 2008

Projects

When you go the extra mile,
you are seldom delayed by a traffic jam. ~ Zig Ziglar


The deadline is fast approaching for the Par-tay with Attitude! Summer Blog Party contest, but there's still time to enter. The rules are simple: write a post on your blog about why and how attitude makes a difference when you're working to live a healthy lifestyle. Link your post back to my blog, and you're entered: it's that easy!

My favorite entry will win a quilted table-topper I'm creating out of the fun fabrics pictured above. Talk about a bright reminder to eat your fruits and veggies every day! The last day to enter is Monday, June 30th, so put on your thinking caps and and answer one question: does attitude really change everything?

* * * * *

As you can see by the photo above, I've just started on the table runner project. I've been busy the last two weeks working on an altogether different kind of endeavor. This is what my back yard looked like for a few days...

No, I haven't gone into the hardware business! I've been creating awards to thank my fellow Master Gardener volunteers.

Last night was our annual Volunteer Recognition dinner. I was approached by the organization's volunteer coordinator to think up and create some fun awards - light-hearted things that would still make note of each person's valuable contribution to the program. She and I sat down and did some brainstorming over her list of people she wanted to recognize. There were about two dozen awards in all. The spray-painted items above turned into the following:

The Golden Trowel Award, for service above and beyond.


The Sterling Communicator Award, for the people who handle all our internal email.


The Golden Nozzle Award, for a couple of folks who faithfully water the gardens at the farm where the Master Gardener program is based.


We shared a yummy dinner in the big red barn, did a little organizational business, then heard a fascinating talk about the revival of Victory Gardens around the country (given the high price of fuel, which is driving the cost of food sky-high, their resurgence makes perfect sense, doesn't it?) We then handed out the awards. I think everyone was pleased: it's always good to be recognized for going the extra mile. And I was thanked with a gift of darling tote bag. That was a nice surprise!

I have to be honest, though: I'm glad that project is behind me. Now I can go back to what I love doing most: quilting!


Until next time...

19 comments:

Brightcetera said...

Who wouldn't love to get one of those awards? What a wonderful group you're involved with, Pattie.

Take One Stripper Pole said...

Well you are certainly nice to do all of that for the group! They are so cute. I love doing things for my students too ... but I am lazy and just go to a trophy store. :)

Becky said...

Oh- Such clever awards!! What a great job :) I bet they were a big hit. The table runner is shaping up to be really cute, too!

Diana Swallow said...

Love the awards! The table runner is going to be fabulous...someone is going to be VERY lucky!

JC said...

Your fabric looks yummie. I've never met a quilter before. I must admit I'm intrigued by quilting. It looks so, what is the word, it isn't coming to me, well, hard. It looks hard to me. I love the awards. Very creative. Great site. Have a wonderful weekend.

Manuela said...

Well, maybe not a big idiot but a little one. I am taking a break from the search and am starting to believe it's gone to recycle land accidentally.

I love the awards you created and will have to look for some sort of garden club in my area. Tomorrow I'm going to a lavender farm and will post about it.

I keep meaning to enter your contest too 'cause I would love that colourful runner. Monday, huh?

jillytacy said...

Pattie,
The table runner looks great and I love the gardening awards! What a fabulous and creative idea!
Speaking of awards, check my blog later. I have an award for you!

Lora said...

I have been attempting to write for your contest! Really I have! But I've been so darn busy geting ready for a big double birthday bash at our house tomorrow night for my sister & her hubby who both turn 40 (yep...my much younger sister...) And I have a job interview Monday morning & just found out I have to present a lesson to a bunch of middle schoolers (and pare it down to 30 minutes - hard with art) so I've been pressed for time. I will really, REALLY try to write one on monday and get it in by midnight! Oh..did I mention Sunday is my birthday? Can you believe I've been so busy I just remembered that as I was writing this comment!

Needled Mom said...

What great ideas for the gardener awards. I'll bet they will love them.

Trying to catch up a bit since I have an internet connection tonight so I was reading some of your previous posts.

Love that store in Arroyo Grande!!!! Hubby enjoys the LONG walks while I look around. :)

Glad that you'll have some more time now to work on quilting projects. It can be so addicting.

See ya soon.

Deborah said...

The table runner is beautiful.

What ingenious awards. Going to show my friend when he gets here because he is a Master Gardener too. I'm sure he will love them as I do.

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

Brilliant ideas on the awards!

jovaliquilts said...

Love those fruit fabrics!! Really cute, perfect for a table runner.

Manuela said...

Visit my blog for an award that you earned :)

I'll try to get that essay out before midnight--promises, promises!

Nicole said...

I love the awards! How creative of you! :o)

I have been very uninspired about writing lately. I actually have two big blog entries I need to do, but I don't want to do them. I don't know why. *shrugs* Anyway, that's why I haven't entered your contest--just not much in the mood to write. I love that you're doing it, though! :o)

RunningNan said...

The table runner is awesome!

I love the awards... what a wonderful thing!

Ready Maid said...

Okay, Cutie. It's 5:30 p.m. here, but I'm going to write my post now. Hope it's not too late.

P.S. I love the gardening awards, too!

Manuela said...

I DID IT DEAR PATTIE!

Ready Maid said...

Okay, add my "attitude post" to the pile. I'm finally done.

Lora said...

well...I missed the deadline. I've been sooo busy - no time to come up for air let alone write my post for you. (notice my blog has been deserted the past week too?)

Kudos to the lucky winner - it's beautiful! And I love those gardening prizes!!