Sunday, January 2, 2011

Update–Part II

I kinda knew I was in a funk but I also know that I was trying to talk myself out of it until the visit from Jody the contractor last Friday.  Maybe it’s a sign of age or perhaps the immensity of this move that finally got to me but I knew something was not right when I just couldn’t bring myself to start anything.  I am a very take-charge person and the word ‘procrastinate’ has never been a part of my vocabulary and when it reared it’s ugly head in CAPITAL letters over the past four weeks, I was having a hard time dealing with it.

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No more!!! 

After meeting with Jody, he set our minds and hearts at ease by understanding not only what we would like to have him do in our house but he also took the time to explain how, when and where he would accomplish our ideas and in the most economical and efficient way.  We had set a budget for this initial work and the price he quoted us came in lower than we anticipated which will allow us to have him paint almost the entire house as well.  I know I am on cloud nine and I think Mr. Painted Quilt is too…even though he would never admit it.  *wink*  Jody has two other jobs to finish and then he and his wife are going on vacation for a week but he assured us that he would start on ours no later than the middle of February and if things went according to plan, he could very possibly be finished by then.  Woo hoo!  The light at the proverbial end of the tunnel is shining a little bit brighter these days! 

So, after finding out this good news, I happily unpacked a few more of my studio boxes and rearranged some furniture.  I still cannot locate the box containing all my different threads and flosses so even though I’ve come up with some new FFF (First Friday Freebie) designs, I haven’t been able to make the samples.  Now I can kick myself for not labeling the boxes more thoroughly when I initially packed them.   *sigh*

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On Friday I received two wonderful parcels that I’d like to share with you.  The first one is from Mai who lives in Holland and we met as swap partners over a year ago and have kept in touch ever since.  She also knows that I LOVE pincushions and here’s what she sent me…my very own Christmas pudding…with no calories!  Thank you so much, Mai!

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Friday must have been my lucky day because in addition to the wonderful news from our contractor and Mai’s gift, I also received this nine patch pincushion from Julie.  Not only have Julie and I done a personal swap but she just recently hosted a nine patch swap which I also participated in.

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Thanks, Julie.  I love it!  My pincushion collection is growing by leaps and bounds!

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And slowly but surely, my hooked rug is coming along.  I’ve unhooked and rehooked many areas that I wasn’t happy with so my progress has been slow.  But I love doing it as I knew I would.

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It’s 38F degrees and raining here in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia and my life is full of sunshine once again.

Kaaren ♥

41 comments:

Annette said...

I love how your rug hooking project is coming along. Just being able to sit and work on it helps calm your nerves a little I'm sure. So glad you me Jody and can finally see the light at the end of your big adventure.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

You have turned the corner Kaaren and found the sunshine! Keep up the good attitude as I know remodel/painting while you live in a house can be difficult. Maybe spend a lot of time at the rug shop.

Mrs. B said...

Kaaren, I'm so glad things are looking up for you. Having just completed a move myself, I can certainly understand the feelings you have been having. I can't remember a time I've been so exhausted. It must be the fact that I'm getting older. I still have boxes to unpack, but the majority of them have been put in the basement for now. Looking forward to seeing the projects you post. Loved your two new pincushions.

Darlene said...

You're getting there, Kaaren! The light at the end of tunnel is shiny and bright but definitely NOT a fast moving train.

(Hugs)

jayne@~an eye for threads~ said...

The sun is always out somewhere. I am happy that you are feeling the sunshine once again. Could you pass some of that "take-charge"-a-too-a-tive back here to me. I think Distractable is my middle name...
Be always in stitches

Sandi said...

Kaaren you've had so much going on in your life I can't imagine not having procrastination rearing it's head.

But the sun has come out and that always makes things better.

I hope you find your box of floss soon, your studio is already coming together so nicely I'm sure you will find it today.

Your rug is coming along nicely.

Sunny wishes from the sunny cold west coast where it is hovering around freezing the past few days.

Carol said...

What a good feeling to have a plan for your new house. Can't wait to see pictures after the remodeling is done. Have a nice day.

By Hoki Quilts said...

It is so good to have you back to being your old self. Although you were typing 'upbeat' words underneathe there were a few 'ho hum' bits that just didn't sound like you.
I'm sure those threads will appear before too long and you will be back in control ; ))
hugs
Miche'le

WoolenSails said...

Sometimes we have so much going on, that we get overwhelmed, I do that myself. Glad everything worked out well and you will be able to get things organized better. I think your new rug will be perfect for your new home.

Debbie

Cindy said...

Good news on your home. Atleast you now know "the plan" and that alone can mean for less frustration and more anticipation.

Bloggers - simpley wonderful, caring individuals.

Susannah said...

No wonder you were feeling different. MOVING is one of the major stresses in our lives. I am glad some plans are laid...that will make you feel very hopeful and before you know it.....all will be settled and you will be so happy. Love the rug you are doing. My, that is going to be so nice.

Susannah

julieQ said...

OH, good news on the contractor!! I am so glad for you, that takes a little pressur off. Glad your pincushion got there!

Marge said...

I am so happy for you Kaaren. The storm has passed and only good things in the future. It sounds like Jody is a gift and you will benefit from him.
Marge

Linda said...

Yes look on the bright side. Your house will be all painted and the closets will get in. I know when we moved its an ajustment. We lived in our last home for 20 yrs. We also had a painter come in prior to us moving in and paint the whole house. What a blessing that was. Your rug is coming along nicely.

Heckety said...

Looks like you are getting sorted anyhow. As long as there is progress its good, its exciting though as well as tedious, in a sort of way!

Lori said...

What great news and I'm sure it was a pick-me-up!! How nice to know the house will get the work done fairly quickly and under budget!!

I love how you are coming along on your rug.

Marie said...

I am so happy that you're back to your old self. You went through a lot of stress in a short period of time. Good to have you back.

Hugs - Marie

Red Heads said...

I am happy for you that you now have a "path" with you carpenter & are on the same page with him. I live in Plymouth, Nova Scotia & I am pleased you have found a friendly place to HOOK. But then again all us Maritimers are friendly. Take care & take a big breath of our N. S. air. Blessings to you & yours. Dianne mauvetwo@gmail.com

Quiltgal said...

Oh Kaaren I am glad that your blue funk is gone. Perhaps it was just that the move takes so much out of you and when it is finally over, it is hard to imagine what you have to look forward too. Your renovations are just the ticket. Hope you keep smiling. Love your Hooking project.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Oh, I'm so happy for you. A good report makes the bones fat!

Pieced Pastimes said...

Glad to hear that you found a trustworthy contractor.I am sure that is a huge burden that's been lifted from you shoulders. Your gifts are lovely and your hooked rug is coming out wonderful. Wishing you a Happy New Year.

Karen said...

so glad to here the funk is moving on...your contractor sounds like a gem, and I just know you are happy to feel as if there is progress to be made so life can resume a more peaceful existence. Hang in there!
You will be completely settled by spring and all will be right with the world (I just know it).

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

hey--you have been too hard on yourself--moving is a BIG job and can the stuffing out of anyone at anyage!!! Love the rug you are working on!!
hugs,Di

Cathi said...

You just made an enormous move - that's enough to throw anyone into a bit of a tailspin! Now that you've got a plan, I bet you feel a lot better and find that floss before you know it! :-)
Happy New Year!

Sandy said...

So glad you have found someone to really help you make this your home! I love your sewing area with the dormer storage space. Take care, chin up and Happy New Year!

Shari said...

It's great to hear you sounding so good! It's been a big change and of course you will feel it emotionally. Now you can plan a little more and settle a little more... love how your rug is coming along!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

You have gone through a lot of chnages over the last months, that would put anyone in a "funk". I am so glad the sun is starting to shine for you, hang in there all your dreams are coming true.

Anonymous said...

Kaaren love, I'm happy for you - you - it is now forward. Best wishes from me.

Allie said...

So, so glad you found a good contractor and that he's set your mind at ease. And I hope you find your threads soon, lol - I'm helping a friend move right now, and her way of packing is to dump drawers right into the box without checking to see what's in them. Things are taking a LOT longer than they're supposed to and she can't sew at all. We have no clue where her stuff is.

Love your new pincushions, what lovely friends!!! Your rug looks wonderful too, learning that is on my list - enjoy! At least you'll get a lot done on it while your threads are in hiding!

Micki said...

Love your gifts! I am glad that you are upbeat now Kaaren. It sounds great what you are doing with the house.
All the best,
Micki

Creando con graciela said...

tU BLOG ES UNA BELLEZA, AMIGA TE VISITO DESDE UN LUGAR MUY LEJOS, DESDE SALTA, ARGENTINA hice muchos kilomteros para admirar tus bellezas , desde ahora te sigo para acortar distancia por medio de mi visita y para dejarte mi comentario. Feliz año 2011, un abrazo GRACIELA

Janet said...

So glad you are feeling more positive - it is hard to be a dynamo as you begin to age - you need to schedule time to sit back and recharge your bstteries. Hope that floss shows up - I think it has gone on vacation with two vintage quilt kits I've been looking through my inventory for - hehe!!
Best wishes for a happy and productive new year and may your renovation be smooth and peaceful!
Janet up the road in Hall's Harbour

Maggey and Jim said...

Glad you are getting some help. I love the old world Santas and things are looking so nice.. know it will take time but it will be worth it..
Hugs,
Maggey

Candace said...

I am just amazed at how similar everything is for you as it was for us, Kaaren! I can't begin to tell you how much better I felt when we finally decided to hire a painter! I think my brain is much younger than my body anymore! I can't wait to see how your rooms turn out - and to be able to design your own closets - pure delight! Wonderful gifts you've received - and I love how your rug is coming along!
Cheers!

Janet said...

Well it's all looking up at your place, how wonderful for you and Mr PQ. Love the gifts cause you can't have too many pincushions.
The rug is growing, glad you love doing it so much.

antique quilter said...

Love the rug hooking project, looks wonderful.
I am happy for you things are looking up in your new home and you found the right contractor.
Can I ask how did you chose this town for your retirement home?
Kathie

SueB said...

Kaaren, It sounds like everything is just coming together. I hope the work goes smooth for you. Your house is beautiful and cant wait to see it with you just living in it and no boxes. It will be finished in no time.

Gmama Jane said...

I can't wait to watch the progress on your "new" old home. It looks like such a classic built home with so much character. I can't imagine just picking up and moving to Nova Scotia!! I think I would love it because I love snow. Blessings to you for 2011, lots of energy, creative juices flowing, and more love & togetherness with Mr. Painted Quilt.
Blessings
Gmama Jane

ShabbySheep said...

Hi, Just found your blog and Love it! I'm a rug hooker and sell hand dyed wool on Etsy. Stop by and see me!
Sheri

quilterfaye said...

Happy to here things are moving ahead for you. We moved to Nova Scotia from Ontario 15 years ago. Love it!just have to remember the pace of everything is much slower here. glad you found a gem in Jody.
Hugs,Faye

Rosa Robichaud said...

Kaaren... just wanted to tell you that I ADORE your cute rug!!!!

And, I'm sharing my latest blog post with you:

http://robich.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-wool-sorter-of-sorts.html

I wondered if your group of hookers had ever seen one of these, before. *s*

Rosa