So Frustrating!!

Forgive my rant, but I am so frustrated with people who aren't taking this Covid-19 virus pandemic serious!  Running here and there, to stores with their whole family, to unnecessary appointments -- like a chiropractor, when the person is out doing things that show obviously they are not having that much back trouble, to Walmart for an 'outing' with their kids.....it should be now obvious to everyone that this thing spreads when the infected have no symptoms. I just read about a choir in Washington that held practice, when there were people dying in another town an hour a way.  A little over a week later, 45 of the 60 attending choir members were infected, three hospitalized, and one died.  They were all given hand sanitizer as they entered, stayed away from each other, no hugging nor close contact.  They said no one was coughing or sneezing.  But somehow somebody had it on their hands and spread it.

I just keep thinking how would I feel if I inadvertently spread this to someone who got seriously ill or died?  People -- quit thinking of yourself only!

Sorry (not sorry) for the rant....

Have any of you done the take out food?  I've read how to handle the food containers and that it should be pretty safe.  We have only gotten sandwiches once and a pizza once.  We are going to a place today to pick up some ribs.  Hot food is better, just to be safe.  My husband is one who is not doing so well during the 'safer at home' suggestion, as our governor has announced, not required, I might add :(  so I need to get him out for a drive.  He is one who doesn't seem to be taking this as serious as I think he should.....

Ok, on a happier note....our sweet neighbor hung up a bird house for us.  The birds found it immediately...someone told me these are tree swallows.

So pretty!

And I've run out of elastic, again, so after making over 70 masks, I'm done for a while.  I'm still getting requests but am directing people to a youtube video https://youtu.be/9tBg0Os5FWQ put out by Deaconess Hospital in Indiana on how to make them.  I'm also directing them to ETSY where there are multiple vendors selling homemade masks for as little as $4 each.

I also started something this week to help me be productive while at home - a weekly to-do list.  Lists help me so much.  On my list yesterday was to do our census, create a new 2020 budget, and run, amongst other things.  I was able to check those three off - win!

A Little Painting

I finished with making masks, at least for now.  I made 62, I think.  Worked outside yesterday power washing the outdoor furniture and did a little weed eating outside today.  Such beautiful days we've had lately.  It's hard to believe so many are struggling in other places in the world, where here, if the TV wasn't on, we'd never know anything was wrong.

I can't help but get frustrated seeing so many people going here and there.  I ran yesterday at the track and at times there were what looked like multiple kids being together, not staying the 6' apart like they should. Saw a car load of kids driving. The hubby was going to go by Lowe's to get something if it wasn't crowded and he thought he could get in and out without being close to anyone.  Nope.  He said the parking lot of full and there were people everywhere.  Definitely not practicing social distancing.

Yesterday when I went to the track to run, I hid a couple of "wash your hands" rocks.  I belong to the Roane County Tn Rocks club and the Rock Around America rock club.  Both paint rocks to spread encouragement and kindness, and hide them for people to find.  They can keep them or re-hide.  We just ask that you post on facebook to the appropriate club.  These are my two I hid.  And yes, I sanitized them before hiding them. We all need to be reminded to wash our hands often, but someone also might want a reminder of this time in history, when this virus caused economic disaster, and death.  I have no doubt this time in history will be written about for years.

On a lighter note, I have a friend who is helping to raise six of her grandchildren and providing a home for her oldest grandson, his wife, and their new baby.  She works full time and is no spring chicken at 68 years old.  She has now been allowed to work from home. She has a great sense of humor and I must share the text I got from her today; names have been changed to protect their identities - :)  I had asked her how it was going at their house.....

Struggled while working and maneuvering kids.. "Mimi come wipe my butt..( a constant declaration ) I’m hungry.. what time is lunch? .. so and so hit me.. can I watch Peppa pig?? .. Hadley pooped.. I smell it.".....I may write a book😷

There will be many books written about this time in our history.  I hope she really does write one.  I think it would be a best seller in the comic relief category.

I worked on a few painted things the last couple of days.  I am obsessed with water.  So I tried a new one yesterday....

 Hubs said I needed to make it look more like water so I used a watery white and a slight hand to try to make the background have just a touch of white. Not sure that really did what I desired.  Below is how it looked first.  I also changed up the fish colors, several times. I like these colors and the 'clear' water, but the shadow on one isn't right.   The next is when I thought the colors needed to be darker, but still the background is clear.

So, as you can see I added the white in the background and lightened up the fish colors.  To be honest, I think I like the first one better,  Once that white is on, you can't get it off, unless you paint the whole rock or sand the whole rock.  I think I shouldn't listen to my in house critic, and just paint the way I see it.

 Another simple water puddle and drop....

 Then today I tried to actually paint on a small canvas.  Not sure I am finished.  I think the blue bonnets maybe should be a bit bigger, and maybe have more greenery. I love that I can start something, lay it down for a while, then go back and change it up or improve it.  It's all about learning through doing, I think.

I did get some good news yesterday.  A quilt I submitted for a magazine last year is finally going to be published.  The design is based on a barn quilt I commissioned a friend to make for me several years ago.  It is supposed to be in the November/December 2020 issue of Love of Quilting.  

Maybe in my next post I will actually have some quilt making to show.

More Masks

This makes 50. I'm tired, but I can't imagine how tired the doctors and nurses are working beyond their normal shifts in such dire situations. I pray the Lord sustains them, encourages them, and protects them. Let's all be praying for not only our own loved ones who may be in danger with this pandemic but also for the unbelievers that they will come to the Lord before their time is up. Most of us will live through this, and probably most without ever getting the virus, but some will get it and some will die.

These last ones are for some dialysis nurses in two centers in my area.  If you want to help call your local doctors offices, EMTs, dialysis centers, nursing homes.  They may be so happy to get some protection if they don't have any masks.

Let's pray for each other.

Let's Do Our Part

So what are you doing while you are home practicing social distancing?

I'm really proud of the makers in our quilting community.  So many are making masks.  Our church quilting group is making some for the Children's hospital in Knoxville.  They said they could always use more.  I made several for those in my community.  Here are some of the reasons people you know may need to be wearing a mask when they have to get out:

 - heart condition, obesity, diabetes

- elderly and frail (some still have to get out to doctor's appointments such as chemo, iron injections, etc.)

 - X Ray technician who has no masks (already been exposed to the virus)

- Pregnant doctor who works in the X Ray department (again, they have no masks)

- Recent surgery (may have to get out for doctor appointments)

- Those with compromised immune systems

- Those who care for the elderly

This is just to name a few.  These masks are hospital approved but there is no guarantee they will keep you safe like the N95 masks they typically use in hospitals.  But if you have nothing, this is better than that.  I used a really simple pattern put out by Deaconess Hospital in Indiana.  

I used some elastic headbands for some...

 Then a friend donated some elastic for me to use.

 Once I ran out of elastic I started making simple fabric ties for the masks.  These seem to provide for a better fit.  

If you want to get in on it, look up the pattern mentioned above or google Facemasks.  There are plenty of patterns out there.  Let's do our part to help protect those in our communities who need protecting, and those out there courageously battling this virus.

At home....

What am I doing while I am practicing social distancing??  Did a little piecing today on a new scrap quilt pattern I came up with.  This one will definitely take a while, cutting all these little pieces.

And I've done a few more rocks.  This little mouse looks rather evil.

I think there is another artist in the family.  My 6 year old granddaughter drew this picture of our cat, Jesse.  He's an orange tabby and only has one eye.  I think she did a great job.

If you are a regular reader I'd appreciate your prayers for my son and his family in Cambridge, England.  We facetimed today and they seem to be doing fine, but are struggling to find some of the things they need in the stores. This is a scary time for all of us, but when your most loved family members are so far away, it's hard not to worry.  This is a time when our faith must be foremost in our minds and actions.  God tells us not to fear.  He is still in control, and I believe there will be some good that will come out of all of this panic and illness. Peace to you.

Social Distancing

What are you doing during this stressful time?  We are still working at our site, but I decided not to work today.  Did a few of my normal activities -- running, crafting, cooking....

The track was a great place to practice social distancing

Slow but still a good run.....

Here is a rock I painted today....

And one I painted a couple of days ago for a little guy...

And I made my traditional St. Patrick's Day cup cakes.  Put some in the freezer as I promised the grandkids, so they would get one when they visit.

Learn as you go

Tonight I learned that if you mess up with the acrylic paint or a paint pen on a raw, unsealed rock, you can use an emory board to get the paint off. Did that several times on this rock.

I'm obsessed with these water droplets.

I worked a little more on the hub's bass.

Made this little one today too, but really struggled with the tiny lines.  The paint pens didn't work well and I'm not sure why.

Water droplet improvement

This shows you can get better with practice.....compare it to yesterday's post. I learned some new things today as I watched the video clip on how to do this.

 I also found this picture and thought it would be a cute one to hide.  I used micro paint pens on it.  Found they work pretty good on a painted rock, but not on a bare rock.  Also, you have to spray seal them.  The brush on varnish made them bleed.  Learn something every time!

And tonight's rock....

I thought about making this all day.....although when I started I couldn't find the little video clip I had seen this morning that showed how to make the illusion of water.  This was my second time trying the water droplets.  Sure enough, after I had this one done as best I could, and sealed, I found the video.

So, I will be doing another goldfish in water tomorrow.  If my next one is much better, I'll keep it, and hide this one to make someone smile!

More hobbies than time....

I gave up my hobby of paddle boarding last summer. It was getting a little difficult to put the board on top of the car and get it strapped down by myself.  I'm not getting any younger. So...the way I see it, this new painting hobby can take the place of paddle boarding.  :)

I did two more tonight after work.  What I love about this is -- I am learning something with each one I do, and it only takes me between 1-2 hours usually to make one.  That is a fast product!

Waldo will get hid later this week.  

And this little vintage RV will probably get hid later on.

I can definitely see the need for some micron paint pens.  It is really hard to get a thin line with even the tiniest paint brush.

Monday I worked on a better fish for the husband.  Something that looks more like a bass ---I don't think I'm finished with him yet.  He looks awfully green.  I may try to put some silver, or gold in to give him some shiny scales.

This is the biggest one I've done.  He is about 12" long.  I'm really drawn to the ones I've seen of animals, water droplets, or a lot of shadows with a 3D effect.  I plan to make lots of the whimsical ones to hide in the local rock club, but can't wait to tackle an animal or something 3D.

I may have mentioned before.  I am not talented enough to come up with these designs on my own.  There is soooo many beautiful ones on Instagram, #paintedrocks, and Pinterest.  My only talent is that I'm decent at copying.  

Enjoy!

More Rock Painting

I did another rock today.  The hubs went fishing and as he walked out the door he said, "Paint me a rock with a fish on it!"  So I did. It's supposed to be a large mouth bass.  Inspiration from Pinterest.

I also worked some on the bee and leaf....my little bee's wings still aren't just right.....

Then I tried another one.  Not happy with it yet. Probably work on it some more too.  Hoping after I put it up for a while, then think about it, and look at the inspiration more I can improve.

Definitely don't like the gray background.  My original intent was to do a dot rock, on a black background but that turned out much harder than it looks. So then went with the gray for the clover. I think it would look better on a natural color rock. Gotta work on that ladybug too.

So fun!

And today was a special day for my DIL (the one on the left).  She completed her second Cambridge Half Marathon and got a PR by 4 minutes!  Yay Katie!

Painting

I did something last night that I've wanted to do for a long time.  Our church's Women Enrichment Group hosted a painting party.  I signed up, along with about 25 other women.  We had a young lady teach us how to make a fairly simple painting. Here is her painting that we used to mimic or create our own version.

It seemed to be a lot more detailed than most of the ones I've seen used at other painting parties.  I'm glad though, I really like it.

Here is my version...

I enjoyed it so much I made a trip to Hobby Lobby today for some paints.  I bought a collection a few years ago when I tried some rock painting but most were dried up.  When I did it before, I didn't know about Pinterest and all the inspiration available.  Today I found a picture there and tried to recreate it.  I'd give credit for the photo but I could not find the originator.  I may still work on my version some.  My yellow isn't as vibrant.  Top is my inspiration.  Isn't it beautiful?  Bottom is my version.  Not too bad for a newbie.

So much fun!

My DIL is running the Saucony Cambridge Half Marathon tomorrow in Cambridge, England, where they live.  I'm excited for her.  I was supposed to go and run with her but cancelled a few weeks ago.  I wasn't ready for the half and I had visited in December. I'm sure I will be seeing them later this summer.  But today, I did 8 miles in her honor!  Two miles inside, then 6 down at the track.

Indoor runs are always slow and easy.  I take no walk breaks on those.  Outdoor runs I do 90/30, or 90 seconds of running to 30 seconds of walking.  Great for preventing injuries especially for someone my age, 61.  A 12 minute mile is really good for me.

I did another rock this evening......
Inspiration....and I think the photo is one of RockArtAttack's creations on Etsy.  Awesome artist. Check them out.  They do amazing work.

And then here is mine.  Love trying to do the shading.  Figured out though, I need some smaller brushes or some very fine pointed paint pens.

I knew I would love to do this.  I think I can get better if I keep at it.

It has been a good day.