On Any Given Day – Page 4 – One Day Wonders with JBK

Phase Two

July 16, 2024July 20, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

Where on earth did all this stuff come from?

Yours truly is the culprit. My accumulation of all things quilt had gotten out of hand. Ranging from long ago vacations and shop hop road trips with the girls. To set the record straight, my husband, Dave, never discouraged my purchases. Is it okay to blame him too, misery does love company you know?

But the purging process must be done-particularly when so little quilting is done anymore. It takes valuable time and sprains the brain dealing with it all. Gadgets are surfacing that I knew I had…somewhere. Several years ago, I was gifted with a sign that hangs in the room, ‘Organized people are just too lazy to look for it!’

We all have the same number of hours in the day—it’s how we use them that is important. Dave is doing good—the quilt room reno continues on. Walls are painted and flooring installed, the bookshelf is next, but construction will take time. I stand sentry at the doorway cheering him on. It’s taking on a new look and I’m loving it!

Getting back to the stuff though. Discarding of a past life is wrenching. Whether it’s baggage in our memory or accumulated stuff, all gets heavier with time. Unintended excess happens and the circumstances out of control can easily turn frustration into hate. If one is not careful, terrible things can happen.

Like an attempted assassination. That is the extreme. Hardship comes in too many disguises to determine what is a product of hate and what is not. Life is difficult to define because our story varies from person to person. How can one shake the history of their life?

Hints of that kind of change do exist. At the risk of being overly simplistic, use what I have been doing in my former quilt room as an example. Dispose of the unnecessary. Pitch the things that are no longer useful.

Surround yourself with people that encourage. Where? Try visiting your local Bible believing church. The place is chock full of people like you, in the process of making life better—not just for themselves but for others too. Collecting friends is of greater value than stuff.

Phase One 1/2

July 9, 2024July 6, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

What have I done?

The cutting table is gone, the mat along with it. They were my identity. Who am I now?

Too late I understand how my husband Dave felt selling his compressor. It was part of his identity. A valuable tool in his remodeling business.

All sold.

Time moves on and things have a way of changing. My cutting table held many a vision of quilts I would make. Most of which never came to be. Like a child standing before a smorgasbord of tempting food, everything looked appetizing. Only my stomach could not hold all that I piled on my food tray.

Likewise, my fabric stash held tantalizing visions of potential quilts—like sugar plums dancing in my head. But my cutting table was unable to make my workmanship satisfactory. Dave liked my work—except he never saw a quality quilt. What did he know? He was just a staunch encourager to my efforts.

At least Dave’s compressor provided a living. Quilting only provided me with a calm frustration.

We see Phase two coming. The quilt room will no longer be just that. The sewing machine remains, but will be accompanied with a massive bookshelf. It’s gonna be great! The walls are painted, soon new flooring will be laid.

It has been a project of mixed feelings. Never have we ripped out a perfectly good wall-to-wall carpet. The most damage it had ever seen was loose threads. Disposing of it was a conundrum. Our best means of removal was to give it away. Done. It blessed the receiver and gave us the space we needed to continue with the transition.

But I had this brainstorm of an idea that you could help me with. We are the proud owners of Dave’s dads high school letter. L. Because the quilt room will be more than that soon, I hope to frame that L and give the room a new name. But it has to begin with L.

Suggestions please.

Phase One

July 2, 2024June 28, 2024 Quilter4 Comments

Today I give you a riddle.

How can a quilt room expand and shrink at the same time?

We are up to our eyeballs in a home renovation. My quilt room is completely gutted. It has ‘expanded’ to whatever free space we have. Living room, writing room and, of all places, the shower. Not to worry, it’s the one that has never been used. We continue our hygiene as always.

The job will get done in phases. Little did I realize, with all the downsizing I’ve done through the years, how much stuff I still have. I refuse to take full responsibility. Many of the quilt shops I have entered bear a sign just inside the door. ‘Your husband called and said to buy whatever you want.’

Ideas come from so many sources, quilt magazines, the guild ladies, the projects and classes quilt shops offer is the problem. To make matters worse—fellow quilters are sooo encouraging. Never do they utter, “Don’t you think you have enough projects going on at home already?”

My turning point came by degrees. As I would sit in the guild meetings, I would realize all I am doing is keeping a seat warm once a month. All kinds of opportunities to become heavily involved were available, I just didn’t. Mostly, because of all the inspirational ideas rattling in head already. One person can only do so much you know.

Then this writing gig came forward in such a way I could hardly refuse—and I did try. It would seem my sewing machine broke down. But I really think it died of loneliness. Anyway, here I sit at the computer pecking away at keys telling stories of everyday events that might give my readers encouragement.

The quilt room is in a transitional season to be shared with an impressive bookcase. Complete with a library ladder. Be still my heart.

The answer to the above riddle is my task of weeding out, disposing, aka, getting rid of excess quilt baggage. Phase one began by throwing out tiny samples of fabric that my Aunt Jane must have saved for years. Any quilter worth her salt knows fabric of any size could be good for something. Wrong. These samples were all variety of fabrics, some dry clean only. Do not try to lay a guilt trip on me, they needed to go.

Usually, my rejects are so undesirable, no one else wants them either. If only my creative granddaughters were here to take some things off my hands! Surely they could find some useful project to make—I mean some of this could be used, right?

Patience 101

June 25, 2024June 22, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

Funny how a new lock on the door can bring a long past conversation to mind.

Me: “I can tell you how to get your fingerprints to disappear. All you have to do is…”

Table leader: “Ladies please, let’s get back to our subject matter!”

My table leader could have been rude to interrupt me—but maybe Bible study was not the best place to divulge that kind of information. I cannot even recall what brought that topic up. At any rate, now my table mates will never know.

The memory came popping up because of the new door lock we purchased. Like most everything in our home, this lock appears to have a mind of its own. Seriously.

The lock is the newest mental gadget against me. It accepts my code and fingerprint—until I try using said fingerprint to unlock the door. No can do.

The kitchen faucet suddenly needs a more competent hand than mine to turn off completely. The hose to the washing machine occasionally decides to leap out of its station and spill out leaving a souvenir puddle. Sometimes my blow dryer refuses to turn off when I push the on/off button. And my computer monitor will shut down at will. I could go on.

Have you noticed the recurring pattern? They are all things I use. My only comfort is that while the lock accepted my husband’s code and fingerprint at first. It now is rethinking the wisdom of letting him in the house too. Misery loves company.

The difference between Dave and I is he determines to master these inconveniences, refusing to allow the culprit-of-the-moment to win. My tendency is more in line with throwing the thing out the window. Anything that does not work as designed is trash to me.

It would be easy to think the world is against you. But these are everyday frustrations that happen to the best of us. Correction: The best of us may have in-house maids that do dishes and laundry. Maybe a daily hairdresser too. Since imagination is going off the deep end, perhaps the best of us have doormen to open and close doors for us as well.

I am an everyday person with none of the above. If you are too, take heart, these minor inconveniences is Jesus giving us opportunity to develop patience.

How are you doing? It’s okay, I understand.

A Story Gripper

June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

Have you ever read something, where the story line grips you and will not let go? This one keeps rewinding—playing over and again in my mind. It is worth sharing and may mean something to you too.

It is one that brings my friend Sally to mind—her life was a contrast to what I read. But more about her in a minute.

The story has two main characters, both men considered to be do-gooders. Cornell, a Roman soldier with high enough authority that he had men under his service. He was a praying man, sensitive to the needs of others—he routinely was a help and encouragement. But never imagined how the future was going to play out.

Having never met this Jesus, Cornell had a thirst to learn more about him. He heard the legendary stories—but wanted more. He had this dream-like vision that he should send his men to get Pete. Bring him back here and listen to what he says.

Pete was a follower of Jesus. Knowing him well enough to go around telling others the message he had for mankind. Pete too, had a dream-like vision. To do something that would have been taboo in the current society. Pete’s vision included a message from Jesus. Essentially saying, “Do it.”

Pete did—the end result was a miracle in the making. Cornell’s whole family made a personal decision, right then and there.

What I did not share with you was the full message Cornell got. Jesus told him he saw how Cornell lived his life, praying for others and selflessly giving to those in need. In certain circles, one could say his life was a blessing.

But about Sally. She knows Jesus too. Like Cornell, she has a sensitive heart. Only Sally does not live exactly like Cornell. She has a comfortable life—and prays, but not so much for others. Wondering why she doesn’t get the answers she would like. Discontent might be a good way to describe her life.

You can read the story yourself—it’s an eye-opener. Check out the Good Book, Acts chapter ten. There is good stuff to dig out of it—ya never know how it could play out in your own life..

Considerations

June 4, 2024June 8, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

Have you ever thought of your home as breeding ground? Or maybe a training center?

I never have before, but am giving it serious consideration now. Over something so mundane these thoughts come to me. My husband, Dave, was cleaning out our window wells. They are the below ground level ‘pits’ for the lack of a better word where the basement egress windows are.

Pulling weeds, disposing of the debris that the wind blows in, he comes upon two little unexpected finds. Babies—a frog and a turtle. We did not get a picture of the frog—it wouldn’t stay in one place long enough to snap one. Bless their little hearts. Any living thing that is small is cute and adorable. Suddenly he is on a rescue mission.

These critters would never survive if he had not pulled them out. No food, no water. It’s a mystery how they got down there, but can assure you it was by accident. Little did we know these little things were hatching there.

It got me thinking of people homes. Where children grow, develop and learn. It’s true you know—home is a breeding ground and training center too. It is the place where language is learned, social graces of what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Home is the launching pad for living a respectable, independent life as a responsible adult.

Wow mom and dad, what an awesome responsibility you have!

Pat yourselves on the back if you are proud of your offspring. It takes time, work, and a truckload of patience. Here is a message of hope for you parents that are still on the ground floor with little people under your feet. If your child seems to make excessive boo-boos, take heart. Our best lessons are learned through error. That goes for adults too—cut yourself some slack along with your child.

My own children are now grown and beyond my teaching them. Some of them are college graduates and could probably teach me a thing of two. Giving it more thought, they do. One of the biggest lessons a parent learns is to respect the no longer child they birthed.

Dave and I are incredibly proud of ours—despite our shortcomings, knowing with Jesus’s help—we did good!

June Finding

May 28, 2024May 26, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

Are you ready for summer? June will soon be upon us. The month conjures upcoming events to mind. Graduations, weddings, vacations, picnics—you can fill in whatever I left out.

The picture you see is a couple vintage Bride’s magazines, circa 1969/1970. I was planning my own wedding—sentiment is the only reason I have them today. Boy, am I glad now!

Coming across them in my never-ending goal of downsizing, I am so thankful to have them. Perusing through the pages, to my surprise, these two drawings presented themselves to me. One depicts my wedding gown before Mom altered it. I recall the day of purchase like it was yesterday.

The other is a picture of my dearly beloved husband-to-be. Have I seen these pictures before? I don’t recall. Did I put them in the magazine for safe keeping? Maybe. Or did Mom insert them in there for me to find at some later date? That I can address. A treasure found fifty-three years later.

OMG. What if I had disposed of the mags without giving a look see? It was fun to reminisce what was trending back in the day. I consider these finds a gift. My mother was a self-taught artist and I am very proud of her. She could have made a name for herself. Instead, she took my father’s name.

Mom grew up in a different era. Women were, for the most part, expected to marry and have children, end of story. We know there were exceptions. Today’s women have more opportunities to offer the world. Yet some of us do as I did, and follow in known footsteps.

Even so, Jesus can present new horizons to contemplate. Never would I have dreamed of being a blogger and author. Feel free to read One Day Wonders, Ordinary Days Becoming Extraordinary and find out what Jesus did in my own life and those near and dear to me.

Can you see yourself doing the unimaginable? If so, what would it be? Do share.

Giving All

May 14, 2024May 13, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

This is a neat story—I wish it were mine. All I can do is pass it on…with a few comments and paraphrases from yours truly.

Peter and John were followers of Jesus, back in the day when he walked this earth. Devoted to their faith, the two men were about to enter into the prayer building. They were stopped short by a crippled guy begging for money.

How many people ask for money today?

Something to note is this man is not labeled a beggar, he was just a cripple in need. He did not look at these men, but feeling their presence and the potential to give what he requested.

Shame can keep one from looking others in the eye.

Peter did the talking—with his attention focused on the cripple, “Look at us. I don’t have money to give, but what I have, I give freely to you. Because of who Jesus is, get yourself up and walk.”

Peter extended his arm, grabbing hold of the man’s right hand, helping him to stand. Elated the no-longer-cripple joined them inside, walking and skipping. It seems details are included that are not necessary. Or are they?

Why was this narrative included? The Good Book, among so many other details, tells us Jesus’ dad was a man of action and has a ‘Mighty right hand.’ It can be found in Psalms 118:16. That makes one wonder, is this cripple going to do mighty things now too, because of his healing?

Why do I even bother to tell you all this? Because daily we are inundated by people with outstretched arms, asking for our money. Our hard-earned money that is difficult to come by these days. A few dollars does not go very far anymore.

Do you have something to offer to those in need? There is more to give than just money. Some donate unused clothes. I know a guy that befriended a principal of a local elementary school, learning of ways the community can be a supportive assistance. He also listens as children strive to become better readers. We can be creative in our giving.

One of the most beneficial ways help is sharing the love of Jesus. The impact made is eternal. If you are a modern-day follower of Jesus, freely share what a difference he can make in life.

The benefit can be twofold, the hearer getting acquainted with a loving Jesus and the teller becoming more bold in faith and sharing. Both are necessary.

Shoulda, Coulda

April 30, 2024April 29, 2024 Quilter2 Comments

I wanted to but didn’t.

The temptation was strong to stay in the parking lot until the driver next to me returned to their car. This sign was in their driver side window. My inclination was to wait until they came out and then tell them, “You’re not chunky.” But then maybe they were.

Besides, I came to the grocery store to do business, not offer sweet platitudes to somebody. The need to accomplish what I came for took over. However, I will confess, the temptation was equally strong not to approach each overweight shopper, “Is it you that has that clever message in your window?”

That could have lead to a bunch of awkward conversations. “No, why do you ask?”

Better to let it go. Another clever sign I’ve seen on cars recently is the “Please be patient, Student Driver.” Maybe they are legit, but I doubt it—so many have been sighted. A dead giveaway is when the sticker is adhered crooked.

Shortly after moving to Kansas, I saw a street sign bearing the words, “Keep moving, merge later!” Confession, the exclamation point is mine, not on the actual sign. But it did strike me funny.

Another one, during the same move was the Touchless Carwash sign. Never had I ever seen raindrops as enormous as what was experienced. A tremendous amount of flooding at the time—highways closed, as well as the carwash. The rain water reached the height of the sign, probably two feet deep. That was touchless alright.

If you look around, you may see a few humorous signs yourself. Some though, are worth being mindful of. “Deaf child at play,” “Smile, you’re on camera,” or our good old speed limit signs. Those are especially helpful when school lets out. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do.