The Voice That Speaks When We Are Quiet

While I was away, I finished a book entitled, "Slowing Down to the Speed of Life."  With all that we have available, I-Phones, I-Pads, laptops, dishwashers, cars that can park themselves, it seems that rather than our lives being simpler, they become more and more complicated. With each new time saving device, more and more of our time seems to be demanded. The book is about creating a simpler, peaceful life from the inside out, and it all begins with how we think, or how we allow ourselves to think.  

When Little Bit died, I was so very heartbroken, and I felt that I could not endure any more pain. My mind began to race with thoughts of, "what if something happens to my husband, what if something happens to my other dog Gracie?" As I sat crying, I heard in my soul, "My grace is sufficient, for today." The portion of that sentence that really struck me was "for today." Today is really all we have. What has passed is no longer, and tomorrow is only something we hope for. Today...this moment is really all we have. Rather than worrying about what may or may not happen, isn't it much more important to focus on and embrace what I truly have at this moment? 

While I was away, I did quiet my life. I turned the radio off in the car, and watched only a minimal amount of television. The quiet was bliss. I did my best to quiet my mind and truly enjoy each experience and be open to seeing all that was around me.

Last Friday, I drove to my hometown, Port Arthur, Texas. Rather than take the main highway into town, I decided to come in through the refineries, basically the back door. I drove by my grandmother's house. It was quite sad as it had fallen in, no longer habitable. The land is worth so little, so I am sure that to tear the house down and remove the debris would cost more than the land is worth. As I sat in my car and looked at the house, I felt sad, but I also thought of the how often that house had offered a safe place to be. When my mother was an infant, her mother was diagnosed with colon cancer and died when my mother was only 15 months old. Before she died, she asked her sister-in-law and best friend if she would raise my mother. She agreed and my mother was brought to live in this house. It was the only home she ever knew, and that woman became the only true grandmother I ever knew. 

From there I made my way to the cemetery to find my great-grandmother's grave, the grandmother of my father.

When my father was born, he was given the name of the doctor who delivered him. Even as a child, I thought that to be so very strange. Why wouldn't you name your first born male child after his father? When I asked his mother this question, she replied that the doctor was a close friend of the family. It still seemed odd to me. 

Soon after my father was born, his father left, never to be heard from again. Before he left, a picture was taken of my father's mother holding him, his father by her side, his parents next to him, and my great-grandparents by their daughter. I often wondered why it was that the paternal grandparents didn't remain a part of my father's life after their son left.

We had a close family friend who had gone to high school with my father's mother. They knew each other enough to speak, but were not friends. Later on this woman married and she and her husband became my mother's Sunday school teachers. Once my mother married my father, the couple became close friends of our family and remained so until both died. Not long before she died, I had the opportunity to visit with her, and it was then that she said, "I have something I need to tell you." She went on to tell me that she could not prove it, but she believed that the doctor who delivered my father was his biological father. With that, everything finally made sense.  

When I arrived at the cemetery, I couldn't find my great-grandparent's grave plots, so I went to the office to get a map. As it turned out, I had been in the right place, but just couldn't seem to find their plots. I As began to walk around, I suddenly tripped over a headstone. When I looked down, I was shocked to see the headstone of the doctor who delivered my father. I later told my husband that I felt that I had been grabbed from the grave. I stood there for quite some time. It look a bit to actually believe that what I was seeing was real. As I stood there, I felt in my soul that what I had been told was true, this was the grave of my biological grandfather. There was some debris on his headstone, but I just couldn't bring myself to bend down and brush it away. 

On the other side of this same section, I found my great-grandparents grave plots. The near by pine tree had shed so many needles and their stones were completely covered. Here I knelt down and brushed them all away. As I sat and reflected, I felt their spirit there with me. I could feel my great-grandmother telling me how proud she was of who I became. It wasn't an audible voice, just the voice you hear deep within. The moment was so sweet. After a bit of time, I knew I had to leave, but I didn't want to leave them behind. It's not that I feel they are really there, I think that it was the moment, the experience that I didn't want to leave behind. 

I went to see a headstone, and I walked away with so much more than I could ever have imagined. It was a very overwhelming, emotional experience, and one I will never forget. 

My Favorite Vacation Momento

One of my favorite things to do whenever I travel is to shop for fabric. I love coming home with a new treasure, and once the piece has been made into something new, I get to wear the memory of my trip.

Believe it or not, antique stores can be a great resource for fabric. There's a little shop in Galveston called Somewhere In Time where I typically find a new treasure...or 2 ;) The shop owner has an eye for vintage fabrics, trims, sewing notions, as well as quilt blocks. 

On this trip, I found this fabulous gold and black piece for $5.00. It's an upholstery remnant. Those of you who have followed the blog for sometime know that I LOVE the Home Dec department. You can find the most interesting pieces, so make it a part of your shopping experience. The black areas of the fabric are chenille like, but I think it will pair beautifully with black velvet. 

Not exciting, but a great bargain, 4 yards of chambray for $8.00. I initially thought of doing a shirt for my husband, and I still may. 

         

But the piece below that I saw while in Galveston has me so inspired, so I may just decide to stretch at least some of the fabric and do a little painting. Hey, at $2.00 a yard, a little creative endeavor is worth it.

A must stop on any trip to Houston is High Fashion Fabrics. On this trip, I had the luxury of spending all the time I wanted as no one was waiting for me. I saw lots of beautiful pieces, but I ended up buying just this piece of metallic knit. Our Haute Couture Club will be viewing the Mainbocher Exhibit at the Chicago History Museum for our annual holiday party. Our workshop chairman wants us to make up the Ginger Jeans from Closet Case Files and wear them to the event. I'm making a pair of black jeans and I wanted to dress them up a bit, so I thought this piece would do the trick. 

I met a friend for lunch on Saturday. Another restaurant that I especially enjoy is called Shade and it's in what was at one time the downtown area of The Heights until it was incorporated into Houston. The area has retained it's charm with antique stores and vintage shops. My friend walked in with a bag, but I assumed she had been shopping. After she sat down, she said that she had been going through her fabric and had decided that there were pieces that she would never use. She went on to tell me that she thought 2 pieces were something I would enjoy, so presents!!!!

The first piece is a gorgeous piece of cobalt blue silk with  copper flowers and vines. 

While I was at High Fashion Fabrics, I took the time to shop around for fabric colors that I would like to line the piece with and I just may do a jacket with a copper lining. If you look below, the centers of the flowers are calling, at least to me ;), for beads, so this may end up being a beading project as well.

The second piece is another piece of silk. 
  

I love the geometric aspect of the embroidery. I have no idea of what I would like to do with this piece, so I think I will let it sit on my dress form and see if it speaks to me. You know, fabric can talk!!! If you have any ideas, I'm up for suggestions too!

Another friend gifted me 2 fabulous pieces of plaid that make my Celtic heart sing! There's enough of the red plaid for a ballgown, but I think I will keep it simple. I'm loving all the plaid pieces that everyone is showing for the fall/winter season. 

This piece has really grown on me. It has a mustard gold back ground with red, black and white in the plaid. This piece may end up not being used in a traditional manner. 

So this picture is looking a little more realistic of what I looked like on my way home!!! If it were, can you imagine the baggage fees?!!!

Have a wonderful day and I hope you get a little time to sew :) 

   

Homeward Bound

As I pack my suitcase this morning, I feel a bit like the poor guy below!!! 

It really isn't all that bad, but I am going home with more than I brought, but isn't that usually the case?!!

I had every intention of checking in here on the blog, but once I arrived, I realized that I just needed a break. I didn't even turn the radio on in the car. The quiet became absolute bliss. 

My trip began with a decadent pedicure. Heaven!

From there, I headed to one of my favorite Galveston, Texas restaurants, EATcetera. The food is fresh and healthy, at least for the most part. I had a wonderful salad, but then topped it off with dessert, an apple tart that was amazing. If by chance you are ever in Galveston, lunch at EATcetera is a must in my book.  

While I was in Galveston, I visited the Galveston Art Center and saw an amazing exhibit. The featured artist is Lydia Bodnar. The two pieces below were especially inspiring. Her shading gives the pieces an incredible 3-dimensional quality.

This is my absolute favorite picture and memory. While out walking one afternoon, I encountered this man and his dog. The glasses belonged to the dog, and rather than his owner carrying the leash, he carried his leash in his mouth. One of the most loving dogs I have ever encountered. Their story was one of true devotion. 

  

I left Galveston on Friday morning and headed to my hometown of Port Arthur. It was quite an emotional visit. When I'm up for it, a story may follow. 

A little over a year ago, I had a headstone placed on my great-grandmother's grave. Her grave had remained unmarked since the day she was buried, and it has always been a source of upset for me. She was a kind and loving woman who deserved better.    

 I initially had a difficult time finding the plot as their graves were covered with pine needles. I brushed the needles away, then sat down and spent a little time reflecting.

When I had the stone made, I wanted it to match my great-grandfather's headstone. He was a Mason, so the Mason symbol was added to his stone. For her I chose a dove, as I felt that it not only represented her kind and gentle soul, but the peace I now feel. 

In my next post, I'll share the fabrics I'm taking home, Two incredible pieces were gifts. I'm such a lucky girl!

My trip was emotional, restful, and all in all, just what I needed.

Now to finish packing!
Happy Monday :)
Rhonda

Happy Tuesday and Sew Along Links

A very Happy Tuesday to everyone who drops by today. I don't think there's a soul in the world who doesn't know that it's election day here in United States. I was out early this morning to vote. Like everyone, I have my views and opinions, but I find it's better to just keep them to myself. But, if you do live here in United States, and you are registered to vote, please cast your vote. Just remember, it's not a right that everyone in this world has. 

I'm off to Texas today for a little rest and relaxation. With all of the events of this past spring, summer, and fall, I'm looking forward to doing a little shopping, eating some good food, and hopefully enjoying a little rest. I almost canceled my trip as I'm having a hard time with leaving my husband and Gracie behind, but I think this trip is just what I need to revive a bit, so I stuck to my decision and in a few hours I'll be off :) 

I am planning to check in, share some of what I'm doing, maybe a few outfits of the day, and possibly a story or two.

I mentioned last week that I had updated my Sew News Sew Along Links page. You can find it HERE, or on the bar at the top of the blog. Over the past 3 years, I've tested a lot of patterns and I've had a lot of fun with giving you just a little something extra with some of the pieces.

The first year we made;

The Amy Butler Beautiful Belle Handbag. 

  
The Clara Dress from Sew Liberated

The Hot Patterns Summer Breeze Top which I turned into a dress.

The Colette Patterns Clover Pant

The I Think Sew Emily Bag

The Sewaholic Robson Trench

In 2015 we made;

The Sew Chic Valentine Slip

The Decades of Style Arches Skirt 

The Dixie DIY Movies In The Park Shorts

Then I was honored to have the Grainline Portside Travel Set that I made grace the cover :)

 The Sewn Square One Jacket and Coat

And finally,

The Studio Kat Cosmo Convertible Bag

We started out 2016 with;

Waffle Patterns Pepernoot Coat 

Then we made the super popular Magic Bias Dress from Fashion In Harmony

The Papercut Pattern Soma Swimsuit

Swoon Patterns Stella Weekender Bag

And currently of course;

Closet Case Files Ginger Jeans

So if at anytime you would like to make up one of the patterns, or take a look at any of the sew alongs, they are all very easy now to find.

Have a wonderful day and I'll check in with you from Texas!
Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration/Bryan K. Osburn

This past Saturday I had the awesome opportunity to reconnect with the incredibly talented Bryan K. Osburn. He was our featured speaker at this month's Haute Couture meeting. 

We both studied at Ray College of Design more years ago than either of us can believe. He has not lost his charm. I came up to reintroduce myself after so many years, and before I could say anything, he asked, "How have you done it? You look exactly the same." So sweet :) 

When I first met Bryan, he was an 18 year old kid that oozed talent. What initially impressed me was his incredible artistic ability. The man could draw and design the most beautiful clothes! When we graduated, he was named Designer of the Year, and with that title, he went on to New York and continued his studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology. From there he has traveled the world and created beautiful clothes for many famous names including Diana Ross. 

He is now back in Chicago, designing incredible pieces that impart an escape to a world of fantasy. I thought that you too might enjoy seeing some of his incredible work.

Bryan brought this gown with him. He loves fabric and mixing unexpected trims that create drama.  

Here's the gown in color.

The following pieces are from the same collection.

We also had the opportunity to see the jacket below. It's gorgeous. Lined in pink. Look closely and you'll see the broach at center front. Bryan loves to comb through resale shops and antique stores for incredible pieces. What so many of us marveled at was how he has the talent to strategically place a piece so that it truly accents the garment rather than over power or take away from the design.

The jacket above shown in progress below.

Incredible drama!

He also brought the gown pictured below with him. I had the opportunity to try on the coat. An amazing piece.

A ruched sleeve in detail.

Love this gown.

He enjoys mixing unexpected fabrics. Love the plaid taffeta with the lace gown!

For a number of years, Bryan worked for many of the top bridal firms in New York, ultimately venturing out on his own. 

During Bryan's talk, he showed how his garments are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. He's a true artist. 

What a wonderful opportunity it was for me to reconnect with Bryan. I hope that you too have enjoyed seeing some of his amazing work. If you would like to see more, you can find his webpage HERE. You can also find him on Facebook, just search for Bryan K. Osburn.

Have a wonderful week!
Rhonda