school week two

Sitting at crossroads, which used to be world cup, which looks the same with a new name, again. So the first week of school went well, it is an adjustment, to say the least to return to school. I am thrilled to be doing something that I really want and in the same respect I can't wait for it to be over so that I can do it. This semester my classes are geared towards lower grades because it is set up sequentially. It all makes sense to be taught this way and what not but I have to say I DO NOT WANT TO TEACH SMALL KIDS!!! The desire is not there and "dumbing" things down to the level they need to be is not an easy thing for me. I knew that comming back would be a change in lifestyle and alter the past two years, where I have gotten used to time off. However I never realized how much of a change it would be. There are more people on campus, I have all new buildings for my classes, parking is horrid, and the work load is not light. Between school and work I will be in overdrive this semester, and for the next two years, I am looking forward to it all but also have some anxious feelings towards it all.
Keeping all this in mind, I have not had as much time to work on my quilt but I have not forgotten it either. I am putting the circles together at the moment, so that at the end I am not overwhelmed. There is a small section shown above, I have about 3/4 of a yard done altogether and I love the way that it looks. The basket of fabric makes me happy, it gives me a sense of hope that I will get through it and make some beautiful things. Hope that the end of summer is bringing good things for everyone and that the start of a new "school year" promises new adventures.

Ohio and everything since.

The above photos are a small glimpse into my recent trip to Ohio, to visit P. It was a great experience full of adventures and relaxation. The photos of the eggs are some of my favorite, they came from the "egg bar" at the Columbus whole foods. I can't get over the fact that 1. there is not a whole foods in Richmond and 2. how cool the egg bar is! I figured that since we were in the midwest there had to be good quilt stores, due to the long winters.... so... P and I went on an A & P adventure, we went to six quilting shops and met some neat quilting women. It was great to talk about something that I am starting to really appreciate more than I ever have, and to see some samples. I have to admit some samples are disappointing but there are some that are amazing in tecnique and aesthetic. Needless to say I came back with a nice stack of fabric for some projects. I am still working on the circle piece, but have some plans for future pieces as well.

As soon as I returned I jumped into the school thing... I am a little nervous, I guess that is to be expected with any new adventure. Class this morning made me feel a bit better about this though, the wheels began to turn and I am seeing it all clearly again... The reasons that I wanted to go back in the first place. To teach, inspire, motivate be surrounded by ART.

the time has come...

I am at the point with this quilt that if I do not start assembling the pieces I will be sorry later. This is a big basket and I told myself that when I filled it I would begin assembling. These circles have really become a great thing for me. In the way that weaving and sewing and embroidery take me away the process of these does the same thing. Latly I have been thinking about "traditionl womens work" and how it correlates with the mental being and how one can keep the clutter in the brain sane if they just keep making and doing. I will more about this at another time, as for now I must run.

ok ok i know i am addicted

So here is an update on the poofs, there were too many to lay all out but here are some layed out and the pile of the others. I am well on my way to being done with the circles and soon I will start putting them together. I have been concentrating on this quilt so I do not have anything too intersting to add here at the moment. I hope that everyone is enjoying summer, the last few weeks before the rush starts and everything kicks into high gear again.

addictions

These are photos I found of some yo-yo quilts I found online that I thought were intersting. I do not know who made them but if you come across your image... I like them!

I am officially addicted to making circlie poofs! I love it the cutting the tracing the sewing the pulling the knots every bit of it. I am close to half way there and if I keep working at this pace it won't be long. Today I looked at a calender and realized that the summer is almost over, soon I will be back in school and things will have to shift a little in my life. Change is good, I have decided.

a silly coinsidence

My sister has been really good about sending me postcards from portugal. I love getting postcards in the mail, almost as much as I love long letters... yes I still use real mail! anyhow, this postcard made me laugh and it made me think of a photo someone took of us on easter durning the egg hunt. I think it was Robbie that took it on my camera. Anyways it must be a portugese thing to have a portrait taken of your behind.
The women in this postcard are from a place in Portugal caled Nazare, it is on the coast and the beach has clean beautiful sand and water and when you look behind you there are amazing pine forests and cliffs. The women on this beach traditionally wear seven skirts, folkloric typical garb, and they help the fisher men that come in with the sardines at the end of the day. Did I mention that 1. they carry everything on HUGE baskets on their heads 2. they wear embroidered aprons over the seven skirts at all times and 3. they still exist in Nazare today. It is a neat place to visit if you are ever in Portugal.

circles are taking over

I have been working and working on the circles, here is an updated photo. Maybe my goal of being done by the end of the summer is actually attainable... as for now I am going to keep on sewing and cutting and making them.