Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Last days

I have 5 days left working my current job, including today.  There are a lot of "lasts" taking place.  Last weekend was my last work trip - I presented at a conference at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.  It was bittersweet - even though I miss my family when I am gone, I enjoy traveling for work.  I tried to really relish this trip - after lunch the first day, I took a 3-mile walk around the neighborhood.  I was very excited when I saw a shop sign that read "Forget Me Knot".  Doesn't that make you think of thread of yarn or something fiber related?  I rushed over.

OK, a consignment shop of women's clothing, not what I was hoping for, but not a complete loss, either.  They actually had some really neat stuff in there, and I left with a dress and a pair of shoes, but I left behind several things that the me who hadn't just quit her job and decided to start her own business would have snapped up in a heartbeat.  Gotta be more frugal now that my income isn't going to be as stable.  But if you are ever visiting Chicago and like consignment shops, this one was tops, as far as I'm concerned!

On the plane, I got nearly all the hand quilting done in the rainbow chevron baby quilt.  I bet I have less than an hour of quilting left.  I should get it done so I can get it to the baby before she gets too big!  But instead of quilting, I've been painting.  They put a new bathroom floor down in my new shop, and so they pulled out the toilet and sink.  That was the perfect time to paint, right?  So even though I had to do it after work and after karate, I spent the last two evenings first priming and then painting.  Can you say "sore"?  But no more painting until my lease starts on August 1.  At that time, I plan to have lots of help to get the store prettied up in no time.
Here's what I was covering up - I've never painted over wallpaper before, but the landlady encouraged me to try it, rather than take the wallpaper off.  That's why I really had to prime first.  No after photo yet, but I painted the room Sherwood Green, one of the colors that will be on the exterior.
I also stitched up a storm so I could present Adam with his quilt top, made from his mother's shirts, on Father's Day.  It was 11:30 PM when I finished, but it was still Sunday and he was still awake, so that counts, right?  When he realized what the material was, he brought it up to his face to inhale, to see if her scent still lingered there.  The lump that formed in my throat is still there.  I think he likes it.  Now to get it finished!



There's a lot coming down the pipe for me.  As soon as I am finished here on Sunday, we are headed north to spend time with family for 2 weeks.  As soon as I get back, I'll be teaching at the summer art camp.  I have so much prep work to do that it makes my head hurt!  But I'll get it done.  And I'll enjoy doing it.

12 comments:

Auntie Em said...

What a wonderful Father's Day present, and yes, it still counted! You did a wonderful job working with all those stripes.

Very excited for you and your new venture.

Debbie said...

What a lovely memorial to your mother-in-law. I really like the layout. Best of luck with your new business venture.

Lane said...

What an exciting time in your life. Enjoy it. Even enjoy the stressful parts of it. You won't pass this way again, or some such old saying. Lane

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

Evanston IL blast from the past - lived there for 3 months in 1971 neat place

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What a great job you did with your MIL's shirts. I love your husbands reaction. It shows how special it is.

Shay said...

Oh Erin...I got a lump too reading about Adam's present and seeing those pictures. It's simply beautiful.


5 days to your new life !

Lisa C said...

Okay, I have a lump. Glad you saved the best for last!

Wacky Woman said...

Best gift ever!

Wacky Woman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Janet said...

Your life sounds exciting and new these days! Good for you!! Love that shirt quilt.

joe tulips said...

The quilt is fantastic. He must love it!!! So sweet.

Carla said...

What an awesome gift and rememberance to give Adam.
Made me emotional just thinking about it.