Feeling like a slug ...

... waiting for the other shoe to fall ...

It seems like the entire blogging world is reviewing their years, reminiscing on their most successful blog posts, and setting goals for 2016, while I sit here, moving as slowly as a slug, trying to be motivated, but kinda numb instead.

My mother-in-law, whom we lovingly refer to as the Queen Mother, has been declining in the last few weeks and we have finally enlisted the aid of Alive Hospice to help us through this time. Known for her stubborn determination (a/k/a Eveready Bunny), she could hang on for quite a bit longer, but we can finally see what the future holds for her. Our goal is to keep her comfortable, free from pain.

And while I'm not directly related, nor the primary caregiver, I feel helpless, not knowing what to do. Can I cook with gas while she's on oxygen ... what hair care products can  we use ... what does that cough mean ... silly stuff we take for granted under ordinary circumstances.

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However, it IS January 1, a new year extends in front of me, and so today I intentionally turned to quilting for both comfort and motivation.  I actually have two new projects in the works!

First is a class sample to accompany a proposal for Fall Quilt Camp at Cedar Lakes 2016.  I am working up a class from blogger Jan Ochterbeck's book Cut and Shuffle Quilts.

She presents such a fun concept of starting with a simple framed block, the Block Mama, and then cutting it into 9 pieces which can be turned and shuffled and repositioned into several new and exciting block designs.

Positivity in progress, using the Plus Block

Second, I have decided to not only participate in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge 2016, hosted by Angela at SoScrappy, but I will be doing her column-quilt-along in addition to other random scrap blocks in the color of the month. I have an ulterior motive in doing the column quilt-along as it will become a class sample for another Quilt Camp proposal on strippy quilts.

My friend Diana invited the S'mores to a house party at her new home and studio when her husband decided to go hunting this weekend. Oh, what trouble we can get into! I spent a good portion of today cutting up my blue scraps, the January color for RSC2016. I just went for the day since I will be cooking breakfast for the homeless Saturday morning, but I plan to go back and get another project cut for an upcoming retreat.

Maybe the mojo is coming back ...

I do have a few goals in mind for the year which I will share in future posts.

My wish for all ...

A Joyous New Year