F is for Focus

Staying focused has always been an issue for me.

I think I'm A-D-D.

That said, I'm trying my darnedest to remain focused on my work.

The newest issue of Quilting Arts arrived yesterday

and, quite frankly, I don't want to look at it 

for fear I'll be sidetracked!

Same goes for the latest SDA journal.

I just can't go there right now.

How about you?

Are you easily sidetracked?

What gets you off track and - better yet -

what gets you back on track again?

Yesterday I screened my tessellating triangles Zentangle

onto the silk that I had previously used the flour paste resist technique on.

Today I've added a layer of resist

and the plan is to do more dyeing on this piece tomorrow, 

after the resist is thoroughly dry.

I'm also experimenting with paper lamination.

I was going to refer you to Jane Dunnewold's 

fabulous book on this technique,

but after going to her store,

I can tell you that the book is out of print.

It's a fabulous resource, so if you can ever find a copy,

snap it up!!

She also has a chapter on paper lamination

in her latest book, Art Cloth,

which you can also find in the store.

It was a cold and rainy day here yesterday

(although we haven't experienced the snow that my 

Pacific Northwest friends are having, thanks be to God!),

so it was a great day to make some vegetable stock.

We recently purchased Mark Bittman's vegetarian cookbook app

for C's ipad.  It has three vegetable stock recipes in it.

I opted for the roasted vegetable plan.

As you can see, it contains lots of colorful goodies:

There are parsnips, leeks, mushrooms, celery, carrots, potatoes -

just to name a few.

The house smelled divine, and the stock is fantastic!

In her day, my Mom grew the most beautiful orchids.

She was very proud of them, and loved to show them off to her friends.

As she aged and grew less able to get around,

I tried to help her with them.

Most of them died - Skilled Care Homes are too dry and hot for orchids.

Our dear friend Bobbie gave Mom the above orchid several years ago,

and I tried with all my might to keep it alive and get it to bloom again,

but to no avail.

I brought Mom's orchids home with me after she died -

and they are both loaded with buds this winter!

YAYYYYYY!!!!

I'd like to think this is either a 'sign' from Mom or

a sign that I can grow orchids too.

However, I believe it just means that our house isn't as hot and dry -

and that I kept them outside this Fall long enough for them to 

get a good chill!

Whatever the reason,

I'm thrilled!!

thanks for checking in,

perhaps leaving a comment

and 

peace