i spy blue sky
Hello to you! It’s Sunday morning and the sun is teasing us. After yet another week of rain, I can see some blue sky if I look in one direction and big dark clouds in another. I suspect that may be as good as it gets today so I’m grateful there’s not actually water falling from the sky.
I was disappointed this week that two events I had been looking forward to were cancelled – one because of covid and another because of the appalling weather. I feel sympathy for event organisers. After spending so much time and energy arranging great guest speakers and venues, they are forced to make difficult decisions about cancellations. My disappointment is surely a lot smaller than theirs.
I discovered a new garden magazine this week – In Her Garden. If you like lingering over gorgeous garden photos and reading about women and their gardens, you will love this. I wrote about In Her Garden here.
I have many favourite newsletters and Ellie Beck’s is one of them. I often find gems of wisdom there, like this:
“I often remind myself that I can do anything, but I don't have to do everything. Leaving things on the table and carrying only what I can easily hold is enough.”
It’s true, isn’t it? I’ve often grappled with the thought that just because I can do something, it doesn’t mean I should.
Ellie is a textile artist, writer, creative coach and explorer of self. She graciously took part in my Three Questions series on my website, where she shared insights into her creativity. You can read my interview here.
I’d love to feature more creative people in that series, especially those who write, garden or work with textiles. Interested? Send me a message and tell me why!
I’m finally sewing the binding to this quilt. It was made from a pattern by Brigitte Giblin, which she offered for free during all those tedious lockdowns we endured. I finished hand piecing mine last year and it was beautifully quilted by Therese Aiken from Love That Fabric. I have just the wall to display it in our living room.
Those of us in Australia have probably been eyeing off photos of spring-flowering bulbs. We need to get them in the ground this month but if you are tempted by daffodils and narcissus, download this guide first. Floret Flower Farm in Skagit Valley in USA, has produced a wonderful free illustrated guide to their favourite daffodils and narcissus. Such a generous offering!
I read two so-so books this week and started another that didn’t entice me past the fourth chapter. It’s such a let-down when that happens but I guess I’m not the ideal audience for every novel. Luckily, I have a few (hopefully) good books lined up to enjoy now.
Have a lovely week.
This weekly newsletter is written by me, Erica Spinks, so I can share stories about books, gardens and quilts with you.
Thank you Erica, I read your blog from isolation and it cheered me that some people actually think of others and not only themselves. I appreciate your thoughts