Bunnies, Beaches, Blankets – Who Has Time for Boredom!

I feel like I’ve been hiding under a rock – but actually I have been busier than usual, especially with the Covid-19 mess. 

While most people are adjusting to working from home, it seems that my workload of working from home increased. Bear with me….

Prior to the “stay at home” recommendations I already had a full schedule of deadline quilts, preparing for local classes, as well as making arrangements for upcoming traveling events. Not to mention all the paperwork that goes along with closing out a year for one as a self-employed proprietor. Oh, and then there is a new pattern that was to be introduced at Spring Market which needs to be written and ready to go to press. Exciting stuff! Just lots of it!

As we know, those classes and events have been postponed, with everyone eager for the “all clear” to reschedule and pick up where we left off. I dearly miss teaching.

Sew you’d think that would give me more free time, time to join in all the fun of finishing up UFO’s, participating in quilt alongs, making face masks…ya’think? Not so over here. Not meaning to complain but I’d already bitten off more than I could chew with other behind the scenes things, both personal and professional. I was feeling overwhelmed with the added burden of making meals at home vs eating out or rationing my toilet paper cuz each time I did venture out there was none to be found.

Okay – stop right there – TMI – So far, since I’ve been monitoring my usage beginning 3/13, I’ve only used 6 rolls to date so don’t feel sorry for me or rush out to mail me TP as I do have a six pack…but I digress…

Any who. As with most of you the added stress of not being able to see extended family or attend a worship service (thank goodness for today’s technology!) or for me going out to eat to break the normal cabin fever of working from home….well…let’s just say I had a few meltdowns. Just being honest. I’m sure many of you can relate – it’s uncertain times in which we live, and it takes its toll. 

But I’m over it and moving forward. I am pleased to announce that my deadline projects were in the mail a full 10 days before they are due to arrive – hoping to have allowed enough time for the over-taxed postal/shipping system to get them there on time.  Update ~ just received an email that two of the three have arrived and are checked in for Fall Catalog photography!! 

It was a strange feeling, having this multi-project checked off the to-do list, I can only describe it as coming down from an adrenaline rush – which oddly enough left me very emotional as in tearful – not fearful, but tearful. Just being transparent here. I began focusing on the things I was missing – like seeing our extended family, (my mom’s birthday is tomorrow and we are more than 75 miles apart so no drive by to wave from the car) as well as recognizing the importance of other people in my life (like my hairdresser and nail tech!)  I sorta felt displaced not knowing what I needed to tackle next (it’s not like there is a lack of things to do that’s for sure).

With all the choices I took a little time to do something “just for me” …. Well, for me and Reagan, our almost one-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter. You see, Easter is coming!

This time last year I made Reagan’s Easter basket and this year I wanted to do an Easter bunny stuffed toy for her to love on…. I’ve had the pattern from Funky Friends since before she was born! Time to pull out the Island Batik stash and get sewing.

What a joy to do something that wasn’t on the to do list! I enjoyed making the Baby Bunny sew much that I made one for me too! Plans are to hug mine while hopefully Reagan is hugging hers when we next get to FaceTime – hoping that she will associate the bunny with her Oma.

As if that wasn’t enough, I decided that I needed to quilt something just for me too – Sunday after online worship my little wall hanging “choose joy” was put on the longarm and within a few hours it’s quilted and waiting on binding! Little did I know at the beginning of the year when I made this to encourage myself how much I’d be needing this daily reminder! Sew eager to finish it and hang in the bedroom where it’s the first thing I see upon rising.

Ah, but I’ve saved the best for last! Remember my last post where I pulled out the candle to glam up a bowl of potato soup? Well, not to be outdone, my sweet husband had an idea of his own. He knew I’ve been having a bit of cabin fever and was trying to think of something fun to do at home… Yep – when you ask for a change of scenery during “stay at home” recommendations here’s what you get!

He moved the couch and brought in our beach tent and beach chairs! And the perfect movie to go along with our instant tropical paradise ~ An Elvis movie Blue Hawaii!   We may or may not have had little umbrella drinks. Gives new meaning to stay-cation doesn’t it!

It’s the beginning of a new week. Back to the never ending to do list – going to be a little more mindful of throwing in a little fun every now and then to try to keep the sanity…. not sure I can top the beach-night movie, but I do know I’m going to do my best of choosing joy over despair. As my dad used to say, it’s okay to have a pity party every now and then, just don’t invite too many friends and don’t let it last too long. 

On to the next adventure! I don’t know about you, but I’ve got lots to keep me busy ~ stay strong my friends. Find things to do that will make you forget the tearful fearful side of reality as much as you can. Sorrow is a part of life just remember to balance it with the other emotions.

PS – I hope you have been keeping up with the Designer’s Quilt Candy Virtual Trunk Show – I’m scheduled for Friday, April 10th on my Facebook page – 2 PM CST which I hope I can remember is 3 PM my local EST!!!

Thanks for letting me let my hair down and be honest! (except I really don’t want you to see my roots or how long my bangs are getting!).  Until we can meet again – #staycalmandquilton

This is Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler

A sneak peek from the back of one of my secret sewing Island Batik Fall Market 2020 projects!
Minus the palm trees (grin)

2 thoughts on “Bunnies, Beaches, Blankets – Who Has Time for Boredom!

  1. Brenda @ Songbird Designs says:

    Love the cute bunnies,Karen! Thanks for this post. We definitely need to have a little fun during our stay-cation!

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