studio help

I had a light bulb moment: I need more room to work. I'm super blessed to have an entire room to call my studio, but, lately, I've been frustrated. I'll have a small window of time to sew and I don't accomplish anything...... because my work space is so full of stuff. Right now, it looks like this:

Not too bad as far as messes go, but see where my cutting mat is? I have to shove things around and pile them on the floor to have enough room to work. I even bought another one of those little fold up tables so I could have an "island" of extra room when I need it. Except there's nowhere to put it without tripping over something. Plain pitiful.

Yesterday I was perusing my Pinterest boards and came across this picture from Kim Klassen's studio. I love her space and it's charm! Then it hit me - see those shelves on the wall? I have ONE shelf - and plenty of room to add another one right below it. Eureka!

Today I took my little self to the DIY store and bought some more brackets and a 12 foot piece of lumber. I'll have to move my magnetic chalk board, and the space over my computer is usually where I hang my storyboards, but sacrifices have to be made if I want to be productive, right? My goal is to reorganize that wall so I have what I need at hand and empty table space in order to spend time playing instead of shoving. 

And seeing as I'm moving things.... I'm thinking about painting. Maybe. We'll see. 

five minute friday: fall

A steady rain is falling outside. 

Leaves rustle as water falls through treetops. I linger longer between the sheets to enjoy its soothing cadence. A soft, moist breeze flows through the open windows, filling the room with the fresh scent of a world washed clean, if only momentarily.  There's something about the combination that makes the day feel slower, tempting me to curl up with a book and play hooky today. 

As if they can hear me, the clouds part and the sun appears in time to expose my plan. My routine commences, but the day continues slower than usual, in a quiet, rainy-day way.

Set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.

quilts for oklahoma

The Oklahoma City MQG is collecting quilts for victims of last week's tornado. Last night the Oklahoma City area, including Moore, was battered by more severe storms and tornado activity.

For those who have quilts you'd like to donate, or the desire to make a quilt specifically for those affected, the OCMQG requests you send your quilts by June 30th. You will find all the details on the Oklahoma City MQG site. 

oklahoma on our hearts

The images coming out of Oklahoma give me itchy feet. Helping others rebuild is where my heart beats strong.

The Hunk and I actually first met back in 2007 on a construction site in Chalmette, Louisiana, where we worked to rebuild a church decimated by Hurricane Katrina. We returned to work on that site the following two years and had the honor of attending the opening service in the sanctuary we helped build. After sweating, crying, hoping, building, laughing and ministering together, we have a forever family in Chalmette and some stories you wouldn't believe.

The hunk did a lot of that brick work, and built the sign out front (left). 

We want to pick up and go when the call comes. Not just once a year, but regularly as the Lord calls. As we embark on an empty nest, I want to be more intentional about ordering our life in a way that makes us even more available to serve.  It's not out of reach, but it will take planning and focus to put feet to our hearts' desire.

Fortunately, there are organizations in place that do just that - organize and plan to make the most from our offerings. If you have an itch to help, but don't know where to begin, Ed Stetzer posted a great intro to getting involved in disaster relief.  His tips hold true for any kind of rebuilding mission.  This is HARD work, y'all, but the most rewarding work we've ever done.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? You can sign up with Samaritan's Purse volunteer network.

Lastly, do not underestimate the act of giving financially. It takes money to rebuild. Lots of money. There is no such thing as a "small" contribution. Here are some wonderful folks who will handle your donations with integrity:
Disaster Relief Oklahoma 
Convoy of Hope
The Salvation Army
Operation Blessing

Rebuilding takes time, and our friends in Oklahoma will be picking up the pieces long after the rest of us have fallen back into our normal routines. Each visit we made to Louisiana revealed how little could change while so much was being accomplished. And they continue to re-build.

If you have a heart to serve in any capacity, can I encourage you to take the next step toward action? I don't want to sit on my couch wishing I could do something. I want to be ready to do something. Will you join me?

five minute friday: song

I love my bedroom and the way the dappled light comes through the window as the sun rises. My side of the bed offers the perfect view of shimmering leaves and dancing light. I especially relish the times of year when open windows bring bird song riding in on soft breezes. This morning was one of those mornings. Isn't it just like God to begin a new day with song filling the air? I like the birds' attitudes... start each day singing your heart out. Then, when life wakes up and starts yanking me around, my song will be the echo in my head that I can't shake. :)

Set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.