Thursday, July 17, 2008

A Few of My Favorite Things


Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love,
the things you are, the things you never want to lose.
~ From the television show The Wonder Years


I was just sitting and sewing a bit, and looked over at my cork board, hanging in the sewing room. It makes me smile every time I look at it.

I love the things pinned on to this board. Much of it rotates depending on what strikes my fancy. I have lots of quotes pinned up, and little mementos of various events. But some things remain constant, including the word "Believe" created in metal and given to me by my cousin Kristi, and two photos of one of my favorite people in the whole world, my ex-brother in law, Chris.

Here are a few close-ups of some things I'd like to share. Click on the images for an even better view...


Don't you just love this little illustration by Mary Engelbreit? It was in the most recent edition of her magazine and I had to cut it out. I love how close these three women appear to be. But I think perhaps what draws me to it most is that little round lady in the front, with the brown curls and big smile, reminds me of me! My goal is to be filled with that much happiness all the time (and a big bouquet of flowers wouldn't hurt, either!)

This is a mini-poster that my dear friend Claudia gave me when my ex and I were going through a painful divorce. I've carried with me and put it somewhere in my home for over 12 years now. The quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, about the strength of a woman, has become one of my favorites. And what a peaceful, calm image.

I have no idea who this little guy is. I saw this photo in Parade Magazine a year or so ago, where it had been entered in a photography contest. It just made me grin! How can you look at that face and not laugh? What a great expression!


Finally, I wanted to share a picture of my sewing machine, which means a great deal to me. Not only does it provide hours of enjoyment through quilting (notice that I'm almost done with the prizes for my contest winners?) but I learn something new every time I use it. But what makes it extra special is that it was my Mom's machine. Yep, it's a 1960 Singer - almost as old as I am! It doesn't do any of the fancy things the new machines do, but it sure is a workhorse.

So that's where I spend a great deal of my leisure time these days. I have good music playing when I sew, and light a softly scented candle. I surround myself with things I love, and items that make me smile. Life is too short to do otherwise!


Until next time...

24 comments:

Manuela said...

I love this post!

The little guy with the bubbles and the 3 ladies are sweet and remind me of just how wonderful our lives can be if we let them :)

Thank you Pattie once again for your special "tude"!

Lora said...

What a nice little get away area! Tabks for sharing!

new*me said...

you have so many cute happy things on your blog........I will be sure to stop back by!

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing Pattie, now I want to go home and clean up my cork board.

Kathy said...

Pattie...I simply adore those three girls and immediately sent a link to the picture to my older daughter! It just makes you smile, doesn't it?

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

What a lovely glimpse of your beautiful world, Pattie! Thanks so much for sharing it!

Midlife Mom said...

I just love your attitude Patti! This post really made me smile, thank you for sharing the things that make you smile!
I have my old Singer sewing machine that Hubby bought for me when we were first married 37 years ago. It doesn't have the fancy stitches like my other machines but it works so well and will sew through anything.

Brightcetera said...

What a wonderful post, Pattie!
Your beautiful spirit is reflected in your beautiful surroundings!
You've made me want to begin my own cork board.
My mom was a seamstress by trade and she still has her old Singer at home. I was born in 1960 and I think it IS older than I am! Still works & she prefers it over her Bernina for some of her sewing.
Unfortunately, I didn't inherit her skills at the machine. sigh.
I would love to make my own quilt..you make it sound so enjoyable.

Brightcetera said...

Hi Pattie, re: birding.
I love it too and I was surprised at how quickly I managed to see 180 species so far with the help of my birding friend. If I didn't have her around, I might have 30 :)
I live in an area known for spring migration (Point Pelee, Rondeau Park) We see alot of birders from around the world here, including of course, California.

Barb said...

What a wonderful post. I too, have a bulletin board in my sewing room with all kinds of things that make me smile. Normally I also light a candle and play music while I sew but with the move, I haven't gotten my sewing room completely back together yet. It feels strange to sew in silence.

Deborah said...

It's hard to pick a favorite of the things on your cork board. Thanks for sharing those with us.

My dream is to have a room like that where I can have my yarn and art supplies out and in easy access. Maybe one of these days, but not here in the cabin.

You are such a wonderfully positive person that it is contagious. I feel better already this morning.

jovaliquilts said...

I've heard so many great things about those old Singer machines! How nice that you have one that's been in teh family.

Kelli said...

Hi Pattie! Your favorite things would be perfect for show and tell! Feel free to add your blog to Mr. Linky! I'm off for a day at the pool. It's the last day of swim lessons and the girls and Benjamin did so well that I'm treating them to a visit at the small water park beside the pool. We just finished packing our lunch and we all smell like sun screen. :0) Talk to you soon!
~Kelli

RunningNan said...

I love this! It's so nice to see where you spend your time!

Deborah said...

Re: Your comment on my blog:

Odd Thomas is a wonderful character and I loved the series. "The Good Guy" is a little like him in that he is a gentle soul. I think you'd like this one it's starting to turn into a little bit of romance.

Kathy said...

I loved the print of the three girls so much that I copied it and it is now the wallpaper on my desktop!

Love Bears All Things said...

I so enjoyed reading this post about all your favorite things and seeing your sewing area.
Mama Bear

Alice Grace said...

Very enjoyable post! Thanks for sharing a little bit of your world.

Chubby Chick said...

I really enjoyed reading your last few posts. There was just something so relaxing about them! It's nice to know that there's more to life than worrying about losing weight. :)

Anonymous said...

I love your Singer 401, I have one also although I must admit I do not use it much. This is my first visit to your blog. Love it!

Karen said...

Thanks for sharing your quilting area. Love the Attitude board. I should do that to the bare wall by my sewing machine. Looks like you're making great progress on your quilting project!

Nicole said...

I love your board! It's excellent. :D

jillytacy said...

I love this post too! I really enjoyed seeing the things that inspire you and make you happy. I need to set up my work area like this! I want to make a sign for myself that says "Progress not perfection." So I can remember everyday that it's about getting a little better not striving to be perfect!

Donna Gotlib said...

I love that you've shared your corkboard. It's such a personal space. Thank you.

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