Snail's Trail

Last autumn I made 17 blocks using the Benartex Bittersweet line by Nancy Halvorsen. Twelve blocks came from the 2011 Patchwork Party using Marti Michell’s L template set. The 5 extra blocks were also made with these templates, using scraps from the first 12. (You can see all of them by scrolling back through this blog to mid-October.) The 12 shops involved with last year’s Patchwork Party each offered a different setting for the finished blocks. I liked them, but the kits were a bit out of my price range. And with an overseas move coming up, I was reluctant to order. Without a definite plan for these lovely blocks, I’ve been waiting for inspiration to strike. Sunday I was rummaging through the scraps and a solution hit me. I only need a yard of the background fabric to make 18 Snail’s Trails to alternate with the blocks I have. Yesterday I found the background fabric on sale at half price. I wish all my problems were this easy to solve.

Paper Crane

Origami is the traditional art of folding paper which traces its roots to 17^th century Japan. The goal of true origami is to transform a flat sheet of paper into a completed sculpture without the use of scissors or glue. The paper crane is probably the best known example of origami. Supposedly there is an ancient Japanese legend that promises the granting of a wish to anyone who folds a thousand paper cranes. I’ve been making paper cranes for at least thirty years now. I usually make them out of my sacrament meeting program on Sunday mornings; not because I’m bored with the meeting, but because I find it difficult to sit with idle hands. If I made one crane every week during that entire time, I’ve passed the one thousand mark several years back. Clearly I should have been keeping track.

9-Patch Sawtooth Star

I live within walking distance of one of Utah’s best quilt shops. This is a mixed blessing. It’s great that the walk there is so pleasant. Much of the way is lined with shade trees, and my dog doesn’t mind napping outside the store while I explore inside. (He knows there will always be a treat for him from the dog food store nearby.) When I run out of a particular color of thread, or my last rotary blade goes dull, it’s much more fun to grab the leash and trot out the door than to get in my car and deal with traffic. The downside is I’ve yet to set foot inside this shop without hearing bolts of new and beautiful fabric calling to me. This week it was Joanna Figueroa’s California Girl by Moda. The line is full of peaches, yellows, creams and tans reminiscent of sunny billboards and produce crates from the 1930’s. How could I resist?

Uroko (Scales)

Seven Foods to Kick-Start Your Metabolism:

1.       Grapefruit can lower your insulin level. We like broiled grapefruit halves with a little cinnamon and Splenda.

2.       Broccoli is high in calcium (which helps with weight loss) and vitamin C (which helps you absorb the calcium). Serve it fresh or lightly steamed.

3.       Apples and pears are high in fiber. They're a good snack when you’re craving something sweet.

4.       Low-fat yogurt with active cultures can keep your digestive track running smoothly. It’s easy to find in the store, but more fun and economical to make at home.

5.       Boneless, skinless turkey breast is high in protein and low in fat; something you can be thankful for all year.

6.       Oatmeal is a good source of fat-soluble fiber, especially if you skip the instant variety and go with rolled oats instead.

7.       The capsaicin in chili peppers helps you burn calories faster, quiets cravings and increases your sense of well-being.

Double Star Chain

While we lived in the UK we had fresh vegetables delivered to our door once a week. With each delivery came recipes to help us use our produce. These came in very handy, especially since we were unfamiliar with several of the things that arrived on our doorstep. We were pleased to find a similar service available in our US neighborhood. Here is one of the recipes that came last month:

Spicy Grilled Corn

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup butter
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cumin
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
Juice from 1 lime
1 tablespoon hot sauce (We like Cholula.)
4 ears fresh corn, husks removed

Lightly oil and heat outdoor grill. Warm (but don't simmer) butter and garlic. Stir in sugar, salt, cumin, pepper, lime juice and hot sauce. Place corn on hot grill and brush with seasoned butter. Turn and brush until corn is done, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tsunagi Kokonotsu Me (Linked Nine Squares)

Stephen R. Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, passed away on Monday. In his honor I'm posting the lessons I'm trying to learn from him:

1.      Be proactive. Take responsibility for your choices and the consequences that follow.

2.      Begin with the end in mind. Imagine the ideal characteristics for each of your various roles and relationships in life. Create a mission statement.

3.      Put first things first. Prioritize, plan, and execute your week's tasks based on importance rather than urgency.

4.      Think win-win. Genuinely strive for mutually beneficial solutions in your relationships.

5.      Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Practice empathetic listening. This creates an atmosphere of caring, respect, and positive problem solving.

6.       Synergize. Combine the strengths of people through positive teamwork, so as to achieve goals no one person could have done alone.

7.      Sharpen the saw. (My personal favorite) Lead a balanced life. Engage in activities that will lead to physical, mental and spiritual renewal.

Ichimatsu Yotsu Me (Four Checked Squares)

Maybe I should stop reading the news. I’d probably be a lot happier if I could talk my paper carrier into delivering the section with the New York Times crossword puzzle, and just leaving out the rest of the paper. I wish he’d done it yesterday. I might have been spared reading about a two-year-old who accidentally shot himself while visiting his grandpa’s house. I can distance myself a bit from the other sad and scary stories, but this one hits close to home. My grandson will be two in September. He plays at my house several times a week. I’d like to claim that he’s never out of my sight while he’s here. But if you’ve ever known a toddler, you know that’s impossible. I try to comfort myself with the thought that he could never, ever get his hands on a gun here. But there are a number of other ways he could hurt himself. Ways I haven’t thought of yet. I just hope I think of them before he does.