Friday, March 1, 2013

Exercising, Genealogy, Organizing and Stashing

It hit me spring is just around the corner and I am sooo out of shape.  As a result I have also added a few pounds this winter.  It is time to re-activate!  I've been sitting and stitching all winter so I decided I better at least do a few exercise each day.  I'm planning to do Ragbrai (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) this year and since this is a 400-500 mile ride in a week I need to get in shape for it...soon!  The last time I did the entire week was five years (and a few pounds) ago.  Time to set goals!


I've also joined Ancestry.com and re-started work on genealogy.  I find it so fascinating.  Ancestry.com has allowed me to find so much more than I ever could without it.  I think my CQJP 2012 got me started working on this again.  


On my other blog I had shared these bead/findings storage pieces at Michael's I found just before Christmas, so when I can sneak away to my studio I have been sorting beads - one of my favorite things to do.  I just purchased five more.  I really like how well they stack and how easy it is to find what I am looking for.  Of course I still have my pretty jars with beads that won't fit into these smaller containers, but at least I don't have jars with only a couple of beads in them now.


Speaking of beads, I forgot to share these beauties on my last post.  I found these (and a ton more items I didn't buy) at my favorite shop, Florilegium, near Kansas City, Missouri.  I bought 3 of the heart shaped crystal beads and 10 of the polished stone beads.  I'm not sure what I will do with them yet.  I put pins into the holes so you could see the direction of the holes.


Finally, here are a couple of UFOs I want to work on sometime, hopefully this summer.  They are calling for some new looks.

I think the teapot is going to get a coat of paint, probably white, and maybe roses painted on it and/or some lace.


I'm not sure what I will do with this small travel case, but I love the size and shape.  I had been storing strands of beads in it (go figure~lol).  Any fun ideas you have seen or would like to share?


This small ice cream parlour set is one I designed for the catalog company I worked at.  I also did a smaller (miniature) version which has a much nicer finish.  I think this would look awesome in distressed white and with the look of  mosaics on the table top or painted roses.  What do you think?


Now...to fit this all in along with my other projects already in process and things I want to learn to do.  Work is definitely getting in my way!  I think all of us with a passion and drive to create are in this same situation and will never stop creating.  At least I hope I don't.

11 comments:

Magpie's Mumblings said...

At the first quick glance I actually thought that was you down on the floor exercising and I had a moment of amazement as to how you were able to contort your body like that!! Hmmm - good thing I refocused my glasses and read it properly! Ancestry is on my to-do list too, but not until I finish working on 'the book'...it's not worth paying for it and then not have time to actually use it.

Suztats said...

Sounds like you're going to be pretty busy. I'll be watching.

Jillayne said...

Yes, work definitely cuts into one's day!
Your post title sounded like my life right now - I've just gotten back to my yoga these past three weeks and am already feeling the benefits. It's such a toss up some days.... walk, embroider, yoga embroider....

my Heritage Happens said...

Time to do everything...never enough time! Thanks for sharing your wishes of the near future, enjoyed your post!

margaret said...

feel worn out just reading about your cycle challenge, it must be over 30 years since I rode a bike!
My brother and a cousin did our ancestor trace on Dad`s side and we go all the way back to Richard 3rd, he is now working on Mum`s side of the family all very interesting and he has put it on the internet for us to look at with a password to stop intruders!!.
The small case is very interesting but sorry no ideas flowing form me for that or the little table and chairs, my imagination is not very good.

Lorraine said...

The other comments have given me a real chuckle. Must admit, the first photo when it appeared on my reading list certainly caught my eye - what on earth is that! Unfortunately my body no longer moves like this!!! I have however decided I need to start yoga so this is on the "to do" list. Am off to check out the bead storage etc.

Cyra said...

I would collapse in a heap on the floor too if I picked up a set of dumbbells.
Lovely post Connie, lots of creative things happening in your part of the world.
I'm a member on Ancestry too, a paid member for 6 yrs but now on the free one as I haven't enough time this year to do more.
Love the teapot and travel case projects. The case would make a great "on-the-go" project holder. For those moments when you are rushing out of the door and need to take along some hand stitching or sketching/drawing stuff. Decoupage the outside with relevant papers, and keep the box full up and by your front door ready to pick up at a moments notice.
I have a QSK by my front door for exactly that purpose.
QSK = Quilters Survival Kit.

scarlett clay said...

Wow, you are a busy bee these days, Connie! Those crystal hearts are so pretty!

Anita said...

400-500 miles in a week ,wow! good luck!
your bead storage piece is lovely Connie!

Judy S. said...

You're going to be one busy gal, Connie! Don't think I could ever bike that far, but it sounds like it might be fun. I like genealogy, too; it's so interesting!

Anonymous said...

The laces you dyed are lovely. I love the photo where you were talking about genealogy. I love ancestry.com! I'm there every single Sunday afternoon and evening, and if I don't set a timer or alarm, I'm likely to be there half the night, too! Another good site where I've found a lot of collections is family.search.org.