Well, since December 24 I have been feeling really sick…not the stomach bug kind, but the low-grade, chills and sweats, sore throat, headache but no fever type of sick. The type you experience with no energy or interest in doing anything….although I did handle the holidays quite well, I believe. I was tested for flu and did not have it…but no comfort there. I still felt lousy and was told it was viral…advised to treat the symptoms with ibuprofen, lots of fluids, and rest. Finally a few days ago I gave in and stopped trying to actually accomplish something. I spent a couple of days just resting and reading. And I found myself reading (and to my chagrin, liking) a Danielle Steel novel….On Friday, January 4, I went to see my nurse practitioner and was diagnosed with a sinus infection, and given antibiotics…so that by today, I almost feel normal again.
One task I was able to do with little effort was organize photographs to be scanned onto DVDs….(I have been trying to de-clutter as much as possible)….so I now have a pile of over 600 photos ready to send out to be scanned. I did this sitting on my bed while listening to music.
Then, last night I sat at my sewing machine and started to make a new landscape. After ‘auditioning’ several types and colors of fabrics, I chose my design and started sewing. By 9 PM, however, I was not happy with the results. My stitches were too large, the fabric had wrinkled in places, and it was much too lumpy. I tried ironing it, re-stitching some sections, and finally, I gave up. I realized this project was one that I was not going to finish. It was going to be filed as a ‘mistake’. Here are two photos of it:

You may not be able to see the lumps, but you can see that the stitches are too large and too noticeable.

Also, I try to avoid ‘points’ on the hills and mountains, and this blue hill has a huge point at the top….and for some reason I could not get my fingers to work to fix it.
So, as I went to bed I was feeling like a failure. Not an artist, not a quilter, not even a decent sewer. I also did not like my attempts to insert text into the landscapes….so this baby has been put away, for good!
This morning I woke up feeling better….ready to try, try again….and I had a success today. (photo will be posted when framed).
So, lesson learned: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Mistakes happen. Move on. Let go. Don’t give up!
I’m so sorry you were sick on your vacation…or anytime for that matter. I didn’t realize you could send your photos out to be scanned quickly. Would that be to a Kinko’s type place? The assortment of projects you work on impresses me. You seemed to have many varied talents.
Hi Jan,
With regard to the photos, I bought a bunch of Groupons for a place called PhotoBin….they provide the mailing packages, and then return the photos with a DVD. I haven’t tried them yet, but will let you know!
As for many varied talents, I don’t know…I just like to try new things. Maybe I am a Jack-of-all-trades, Master of none!