Hopeful Homemaker

It feels like anxiety and stress levels are running a little high for many of us, and for a myriad of reasons.  Autumn blew in and suddenly today feels like winter, complete with tiny snowflakes swirling in the biting wind.  Darkness settles over the day early, making me want to curl up with a book.  Yet there is much to do; my calendar is full, so many people around me are struggling, and all of us watch the news in concern.  What to do?  I’m leaning into gratitude as a powerful tool for staying positive in tricky times.

I found a lovely printable gratitude tree recently which I intended to use at Thanksgiving.  Today I changed my mind and printed a couple dozen copies.  I think it’s time to use them now, so I’ll be sharing them with family and friends this week.  The tree has 16 banners for writing down the blessings we’re grateful for.  It also says “Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.”  I agree.  For many years I have loved the quote from G.K. Chesterton, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

So today, instead of worrying, here are just a few things filling me with wonder.

The last of my summer dahlias, cut and on the kitchen table.

One lone bells of Ireland plant in my flowerbed.  I’ve tried to grow these for years with no success.  Imagine my surprise and delight when a single seed grew this time!  I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.

The sound of geese honking overhead, causing me to look up as they fly in formation across the pink-tinged sky at sunset.  Against the backdrop of nearby mountains, it’s magical.

Watching one of my children light up with a new-to-them insight, and savoring the smile that comes with it.  Small miracles like these remind me it’s amazing that we can keep learning.

Hot pink streaks on the back of fading flower petals.  It’s the little things!

Cooking dinner for my family with food we grew in the garden, while savoring the colors, smells, and textures of fresh vegetables.

Slow stitching in the evenings, making steady progress on my applique project.

Studying the shapes and forms around me, because they are an endless source of inspiration and beauty.

What does leaning into gratitude look like for you?  Savoring simple joys is, undoubtedly, a healthy practice.  So lean a little more.  Look for the good.  Live in the gain.  Do it emphatically, no matter what’s wrong out in the world.   We’re going to make it!

A few days ago I was looking for a particular Halloween candy at the store when I saw this felt eyeball wreath.  I don’t like Halloween very much, but for some reason it made me smile.  Maybe it was the colors?  Then I went to a children’s activity and someone brought a pan of these adorable Rice Krispie treat monsters.  All these little eyes!  So when I was playing with fabric in my sewing room, I decided to experiment with a little Halloween eyes quilt block.

At least once a month I set aside time to just play with fabric.  Sometimes I’m following up on an idea, while other times I’m reaching for one.  Either way, it’s healthy and also rewarding.  I find inspiration and feel refreshed.  And then I go back to the project with a deadline.  But it sure is fun to play!  So play I did, until I had some long, skinny diamonds.

It wouldn’t be a Halloween eyes quilt block without making it obvious.  Although, it would be fun to play with this shape minus applique.  In this case I chose to add applique to finish the block.

I’m not sure which orientation I prefer.  Both are fun.  My family has been guessing what sort of creature they should belong to.  I have no idea!  What I do have, however, is two sketches in my notebook for different directions this could go.  I love the way creative exploration opens so many doors for future experiments.  And of course, my new journal cover makes cataloging ideas even more fun than usual!

My Halloween eyes theme didn’t end with a quilt block.  I made my favorite Chocolate Zucchini cake for a family party, and lots of little candy eyes found their way onto the cake.  It was a fun way to use our garden’s bounty with a simple nod to Halloween. I appreciate the blessing of small details and simple joys, especially in autumn.  Our world is so beautiful!