I built more Frank Lloyd Wright houses

Our wonderful country life has quieted down–but just enough to sit still without feeling guilty and sitting we have been enjoying! Richard made a bed swing for the patio right after we added it, and I made three cushions: one for each side and one for the bottom. We take naps on it occasionally, but it’s gotten too hot or too wet or too something weather-wise. However, there is a sweet spot of time when it isn’t too hot or too wet or too something. It’s in the late afternoon when the temps become bearable and the mosquitoes are doing whatever mosquitoes do when they are not tormenting people. When they come buzzing, though, everyone heads for the cool safety of the house!

I’ve continued to work on the sequel to my novel, This World So Fierce. The second one is titled A World Alone and, while it’s about the foster family from the original book, it is mainly about a small boy who is separated from his mother.

The birds are happy as can be around here. We encourage them to procreate. Maybe a little too much. A barn swallow chose a cozy corner of our mud porch to build her nest. When I realized it, she had already laid an egg, so I gave her the corner. Oh heavens! They are messy! They are much advanced since Will took their picture. Hopefully, they will fledge soon and Richard will clean the wall. I don’t know that I have the stomach for it.

The garden is also keeping us busy. In fact, Richard picked a bucket of veggies yesterday and prepped them for cooking. This afternoon I’ll cook all of it in one pot: snap beans, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. We call it “vegetable medley” and freeze it. Because I add sausage, one serving provides meat and vegetables. We generally have it with rice, but I’ve added cooked noodles and broth for soup. Well worth the bit of work we are putting into it now, especially when neither of us wants to cook.

I managed to finish my second row of house blocks. These are 12.5″ blocks. Well, they are supposed to be anyway. Of the 12 blocks here, I think one–yes, 1!–is actually the correct size. I’ve tried using pattern pieces, foundation paper piecing, and the Frankstein method. I couldn’t tell you which method worked the one time. So, what am I to do? you ask. Improv it from beginning to end. I’m making three-inch tree blocks to add between the houses to compensate for the narrow widths, and I’ll add “grass below the houses to compensate for the narrow height. It’s going to be fine, I tell my friends. The only problem is that I’m the person designing the blocks and writing the pattern.

They seem skeptical every month, but many are participating and have decided they will do whatever is necessary to get another BOM behind them. I’ve reminded them that THEY asked for a BOM! Surely, they have learned that I am not a great designer. I can tell you how to improv all day long, and I do it often, but I cannot tell you how to make your traditional blocks come together. I am not that precise and I don’t want to fret and rip and cry over a quilt. That is not my kind of fun. Anyway, I’ve been using EQ8 and that’s helping because I can draft what I want and EQ8 will do all the mathing!

Wait. I just figured out what might be the problem! Seriously, while writing the last paragraph! I’ve been using 12″ for my dimensions, but I need 12.5″. I looked it up, EQ does that work automatically, but it’s not working. What if I add that 1/2″ anyway? Even if the block is too big, I can trim it down and straighten the edges at the same time. Brilliant idea. I’ll let you know how it goes. I need to make one or two blocks before Monday, so I can test my theory.

I’m going to close now, so I can play with this new plan. Wish me luck. My wish for you is that you have found a summer (or whatever season you’re in) rhythm that gives you time to sit on a swing or your favorite chair and quiet yourself. Do a bit of slow stitching, or reading, or another calming activity. Just don’t forget to exercise…it’s just as important to your wellbeing.