Who said "empty nest"?

It amazes me how quickly your life can take a turn that you never anticipated!  One day we are talking about an "empty nest", and the next day we have two foster children in our home (ages 15 months and 3 years)!  How does that happen??

I must say that in the last two months our lives have changed considerably!  It is now a frequent occurrence to be wakened by an adorable little boy wanting a bottle anywhere between 2 and 5 in the morning--grinning at you as soon as you arrive to pick him up from the crib, and to be greeted upon our arrival home by squeals and a beautiful little girl running with her arms outspread!  Who could say no??

How, you ask, could this happen so quickly??  I am not really sure!  I only know that we were touched by two little souls that needed a home, and we had the room and the willingness to say "yes".  The rest is a blur!  I would love to say it has been easy, but that would be a lie--small children are not easy--but they do make all the work worthwhile!  One hug or kiss is really all that I need these days to know that life is good!   Caryl :)

Empty Nest...

Hey everyone!  I hope everyone is enjoying getting their kids back to school, or at least on the way!  My youngest daughter started her senior year this year, and my youngest son is a junior!  Only a few more years, and my husband and I will be enjoying the infamous "empty nest".  As both my youngest kiddos are currently working, and playing with their friends, it seems like the empty nest has actually come a little early...  It is great having some alone time with my husband!  And, I must say, the time that the kids are home is much more fun, as we are not always stepping on each others' toes!  So, we are much more happy to spend time together!  For this reason, and a few others, I am really looking forward to my kids achieving their independence.  As with my older children, our relationships have strengthened as they have matured and worked toward their independence!  There can only be great things to come with my youngest two children as well!  Best wishes as you send your children off to school this year!  Treasure the moments you have, but keep in mind that your relationship with them will continue to grow, even after they have flown the coop!

New fabric is soooo much fun!!

OK--I love new fabric!  One of my favorite things about owning my own shop is having those boxes of fabric delivered, and opening the box to see what surprise awaits!  It is like Christmas morning every time!!  Now, I generally know what fabric is on its way, and what it looks like--there are pictures on the store website, and I have seen 12X12 swatches from my sales rep--but it is just not the same until you see it on the bolt... in person...  It is just always so fabulous!  The fabric just seems to take on its own personality once it is invited into its new home...  Can't wait 'till the next box arrives!!

Caryl :)

Fun Quilt

I am working on a small sample quilt using a new idea for pre-cuts from Craftsy.com  For this quilt, I used two matching charm packs.  One pack was cut into four squares, and the other into four triangles (diagonally).  Then, you just sew them back together in a scrappy fashion, alternating the four patches.  Pretty easy.  This quilt is on the design wall, waiting for me to finish.  It should measure about 40X40 once I add the border...  The same concept can be use with layer cakes--you will just end up with a larger version.  The best thing about using a charm pack or layer cake is that you know all the colors were meant to go together, so you end up with a very cohesive "scrappy" quilt, with minimal cutting!  That I like!  Caryl :)

Friends

What would we do without friends!  It seems like when I am feeling down and out, or just in a funk, a friend always comes through to make me smile!  Friends come in all shapes and sizes, but I think the best ones are those that you do not see very often--but can talk to as if you just saw them yesterday.  One of those great friends dropped by the studio today, and it was such fun talking to her.  Business was slow--too HOT in Oklahoma to get out much--so we were able to catch up a bit since the last time I saw her.  Speaking of the weather, we are 20+ days of more than 100 degree weather, generally between 103 and 109--ICK!  It rained last night, but now we are hot AND muggy today.  So, I am sending out a wish for some cooler weather to come our way!  Caryl :)

Taste the Rain!

The picture on our church bulletin today was of a child, similar to this one, playing in the rain.  My 17-year old son was smarting off a bit (really??), and said I would NEVER do that.  I told him next time it rained, I would prove him wrong!  He doesn't believe me... 

Anyway, that made me wonder when we lose that child-like exuberance and carefree love of the world...  When does playing in the rain conjure up images of making a mess, rather than having some great fun getting wet??  What else are we missing out on because it has become a "chore" rather than an experience? 

This week I plan to look for those opportunities to experience life, rather than worry about whether the house is perfectly clean, the dogs will track in leaves, or the drive to work is so long...  Let me know what you discovered during your week, when you stop to taste the rain!

Caryl :)

Welcome to Blue Cabbage Musings

Hello to everyone!  I am excited to begin a new blog with a few more options than my old blog!  As some of you may have noticed, I am not the best at checking in and blogging on a regular basis.  I am hoping this change will set me on the path to regular blogging!!??!!

Last week, I challenged everyone reading my blog to step out of their comfort zone and try a new technique, or embrace one of those fabrics that they were just not so convinced was "beautiful".  I would love to hear from anyone that stepped out and tried something new!  Or anyone that has plans to do so! 

As for me, I finished a quilt top using fabric that I do not love so much.  I must say it turned out very well, and proves that those supporting fabrics really can "make" the quilt!  Here is a picture.  It is not the best as I took it with my phone...  The large square fabric is the one I really do not like!

Well, it was officially 108 degrees in Oklahoma today, and according to the weatherman, the heat will not be subsiding anytime soon.  So, I plan to be indoors experimenting with more quilting and sewing!  I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Caryl :)