Autumn Adventure

I had a wonderful whirlwind trip to northern Illinois over the weekend. It was the first time since moving to Kansas that I was able to make a trip up to Lake Summerset to visit my mom and Dan...and this time I took the train. Amtrak runs from Union Station in Kansas City to the tiny town of Mendota, IL, so I thought I would try it out - overall, it was a good experience, minus the four hour delay of my departing train (Amtrak was kind enough to call the day before, so I could adjust my schedule). It was a short visit, but I was able to complete the 22-mile walk around Lake Geneva, WI on Sunday (it was an incredible milestone event for Dan, marking his 50th yearly hike around the lake) and I was able to spend some quality time with my mom. Saturday morning, we had breakfast at Lakeside Inn, which we try to do each time I come for a visit...and Dan had the Alaskan waffle (a waffle topped with strawberries, ice cream and whipped cream), which always makes me smile. Later, we walked my mom's beautiful gardens and talked about her gardening plans for the future...and I even picked a handful of delicious fresh red raspberries (my favorite!). Even with the gardens settling down for winter, butterflies were prevalent and a few colorful blooms still added a pop of color. Dan was kind enough to take me on a tour around the lake, before the boat goes into winter storage this week...and, as always, the dogs came along for the ride...

 

It was difficult to  leave their lakeside paradise on Monday afternoon...it is such a calming and charming place, filled with creative inspiration....and spending time with my mom brings me joy. Monday afternoon, it was time to make the trip back to quaint small town of Mendota, IL where the train would return me to Kansas...it was a great trip!

I took a TON of photos on the lake shore path when we hiked around Lake Geneva and will be back to tell you all about that journey tomorrow...

Back to Basics

Hello friends...oh, how I have missed you! In the many years that I have been blogging, this is by far the longest I have gone without a post...I have been spending some much needed time taking care of me and I thank you for being patient. Things have been challenging for the first quarter of 2017, but I am getting back to basics and have all sorts of fun things to share with you. I have been busy traveling, designing, creating, and trying to find balance. Life has been full of inspiration and creativity the last couple months and I'm back today to start sharing some of my joy - so, let's get caught up!

Let's go all the way back to February this afternoon. Escaping the winter blues and traveling to Florida for a little rest and relaxation has almost become a yearly occurrence, thanks to my mom and her husband Dan. This year my husband was traveling for business, so I made the trip to visit them on my own. It was a glorious week, filled with all sorts of outdoor activities -  my mom and Dan were the BEST hosts and I got to do so many wonderful things (I am blessed)! It was exactly what I needed to replenish my spirit. I was able to spend time at the ocean (Clearwater Beach and Canaveral National Seashore)...visited the Harry P. Leu Gardens (the most incredible 50-acre botanical grounds - I could have spent days there!)...hiked the Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary and walked the Visitor Center Boardwalk at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge...visited  Disney Springs - played mini golf at Fantasia Gardens and indulged in ice cream at Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop...explored Silver Springs State Park and took a scenic St. John's River Cruise...then had an incredible birthday dinner at Jiko (at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge). Yes, it was an incredible trip and gave me some clarity that I desperately needed. As usual, I took a ton of photos for creative inspiration and I thought I would share some favorites with you today...

I hope you enjoyed my photo journal from Florida...and just maybe, some of my photos inspired you too! Look for more posts this week featuring my latest sewing/quilting projects, needlework finishing photos, beautiful birthday gifts, and more travel images from my recent trip to Texas (I told you, I have a lot to share)...

In A Happy Place

Beautiful butterfly spotted on an evening walk...

Hello friends - I've missed you! I was ready to sit down and write this post a few days ago, but the air conditioning in our home stopped working during a heatwave and the temperature in my studio loft was well above 90 degrees...so I really didn't want to use my computer or my sewing machine until it was fixed. I was thrilled to see the repairman yesterday afternoon and it was a quick fix (whew!)...it just took the rest of the day to get the house back to a normal temperature. I am thrilled to return to my studio today - back to business, and functioning without overheating! I have a pile of projects to catch-up on...including an assortment of needlework finishing pieces, a quilted wall hanging, and several custom sewing/quilting projects. I did manage to get some model stitching done the last couple days which was a great thing! The last few weeks have been business as usual - lots of creativity and custom/freelance work, lots of time in the gym, dogs walks, and household/yard projects - I've been in a happy place...keeping busy and focused and finding some personal clarity. Of course, I have been taking some photos along the way....

More custom zippered pouches for a customer...

More custom tool bag/zippered pouches for a customer...

My prize package from the AccuQuilt Quilt Block Contest...lots of goodies!
I also received a Craftsy Class (I chose a "quilt as you go" class) and
an AccuQuilt merchandise credit - which I used today to order some
Studio applique cutting dies (I'll show you which ones when they arrive).

Simba taking over my stitching chair...

Schatzi in the yard...

Schatzi at the park...

I'll be back tomorrow to share my latest magazine piece published in Just CrossStitch magazine...and maybe a photo of my current cross stitch model in progress....I am so excited to share a peek of this new design with you...we'll see how much progress I make tonight...

A Pink Update

It's been a while since I posted a "walking update" and photos from my daily outings, so I thought I would share some of my favorite recent images today. The Komen 3-Day event in Dallas is taking place in 39 days and I have been getting in quite a bit of training...and I have been logging some BIG mileage. I am currently breaking in two fancy new pairs of shoes...and gathering the last of the gear I need for the 60-mile walk this year. I want to thank everyone who as of this post has made a donation to support me and make a difference. Together, (so far) we have raised 47% of my fundraising goal - almost $3,600  for breast cancer research, scientific programs, and community-based breast health and education programs. I am so very grateful for your love, encouragement, and generous support! If you haven't had a chance to make a donation yet, there is still plenty of time...and I would LOVE to reach my goal this year - please check out my fundraising page: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda - every and any amount helps!

...and if you are a needleworker, be sure to check out the details for my 2015 fundraising design titled "Pink Positive" - 100% of the proceeds benefit the Komen 3-Day - you can read all about it here:
http://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2015/09/pink-positive-my-2015-komen-3-day.html
or here: http://blueribbondesigns.com/komen_3day_design.html

"Pink Positive"

So now, take a photo walk with me - I see beautiful things on each and every training walk....