This and That....

 Ahhhh, so much to do in so little time... I've been busy, but you knew that didn't you, by my absence here?! I haven't been in blogland much the last few days, but I have been busy. Laura is home on her spring break, and Mark is home from his big trip. (And for those of you who were doubtful, yes I did take my machine to Bangor and I quilted for 3+ hours while waiting at the hotel for Mark's flight to get in. The quilt is now done, and I promise a photo tomorrow if the weather co-operates for an outdoor photo shoot...) By the way, Mark has now finished his trip blog, if you were following and care to read the last few posts here.
I've also done another small "variation" piece (table center) for my new class this Saturday. Photo of it still to come, as well. I've been busy trying to get notes done, samples made, etc.etc. in preparation for this new class. Only a teacher would understand how much time and effort goes into putting a class together. 
Of course other "stuff" is happening too, it's always a busy week when Laura is home- haircuts, shopping, appointments, juggling 2 cars and 4 drivers, etc. etc. We had her birthday cake tonight at supper, as she will be back at school for her upcoming birthday. Looks like a trip to the Mall is on the agenda for this evening.. birthday shopping. She's trying to slowly build up a "work" wardrobe for her internship in May/June. We scored a sweet blazer this afternoon at  Changes, a local "thrift" type shop - brand new, from Le Chateau, for $10.00. And that's not the best part-it was on the 80% off rack- so we paid $2.00!! Can you believe it?!! It fits her perfectly and it's a nice neutral color so she'll get lots of mileage out of it. Woohooo!
FYI, I have added a "Subscribe by email" button to my sidebar- you will see it at the top on the right. I understand there are changes coming for Followers - well actually I don't understand it at all.. but I guess on March 1, the whole "followers" thing can disappear, depending on "who" your blog is with.. I think I am safe, but have been advised to add this option so others can "follow" in this way as well... So there it is!
Thought I'd leave you with this nice little "story".. I have received it several times now by email..and I don't often pass on jokes and stories here, but I do like this one, and it has a good message. So if it's new to you, enjoy. If you've heard it before, well, it's always good to be reminded of the message at the end...

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water..
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.' The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?'
'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'

For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

So, to all of my (cracked pot) friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

Peace, 
Linda

'Tis my faith that every flower enjoys the air it breathes!" ~ William Wordsworth