This is the latest piece that I am working on. I found it interesting that the lamp on the right and left are both the same - Ottlites. But the lamp on the left is older and the lamp on the right is brand new! You certainly can tell in the picture. What you don't see is that the fabrics in the piece sparkle. I cut out the feathers, body and wing pattern free hand...
I didn't have any high loft batting so I used two layers of low loft. The peacock really stands out. And I like the echo pattern quilting done with a silver sparkly thread. I still need to add a black binder and some beadwork for the top of the head of the peacock. Other than that...it's pretty much finished.
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So what did you think about trying out things to help you be mindful? Did anything work? If it did, why? And if it didn't why not? If sewing and painting aren't your thing right now, would you like to try just plain doodling? There is a technique called ZenDoodle which is basically what I do and you can find all sorts of ideas on the web...just google it.
And if doodling just isn't your thing either, there is one other technique that we are all familiar with that you could try...coloring! There are a ton of adult coloring books out there from places like Dollar Tree to Barnes & Noble. Pick one up and give coloring a try (don't forget the crayons!). It's something that I even do if nothing else seems to calm my mind.
Again, find a way to calm yourself and be mindful of the present, blocking out both past and future anxieties. Spend at least ten minutes at one time, longer if it works, and just be present. Once you feel comfortable thinking about nothing else than the present and what you are doing right now, you will probably find other ways to include this in your daily routine. And we all need a calming break in our daily lives, don't we?
Talk with you tomorrow...