New Beginnings

I have had a rough couple of years, not as a victim, I made a lot of choices that did not turn out well, and now I am adjusting and waiting on God to do His part.

Several of my close friends have been sharing words of wisdom with me, and I am confident these words came from God. One in particular, pointed out in Joshua 3 that God told the priests to FIRST get into the river and then God would do his part, so I also need to do my part WHILE praying and then God will do his part. I will be faithful. That is another area I am getting better at.... being faithful to God's will and His desires. That can be scary at times, but I am getting better at it.

I am also working on good daily habits and discipline in my life... need to keep working, saving, sharing and spending wisely, going to school at a balanced pace, so I may be employed in a challenging position for years to come, and I am starting to eat more wisely and exercise daily, so I can be healthy.

Lastly, I am working on my UFO's while building my quilting biz back up. I miss the creativity, want to finish the projects I have in works, even if they are only in the works phase in my mind, and I will need the extra cash to help fund my STOWF- Student Teaching Off Work Fund. So, please, pray that it all goes well, that God will guide me and others to me, and that I remain faithful if God directs me elsewhere, because I can be a little stubborn sometimes.

What are you working on these days?

More to come....

Shannon Nichols Fuscaldo

List revised (less than 24 hours later!)

Ha! I have to revised the list, the pink felted hat no longer goes with a coat I had and so I tinked it out and will use the yarn else where and I found two more UFO's!

Knit and crochet projects:
The Damn Tablecloth
Tan Cable Sweater
Maroon Vintage Vest
Purple Cable Short Jacket
Purple Tank Sweater
Teal Summer Shirt
Rust hand died wrap vest

Yeah!

No stitching on Mondays, so more manana! Tomorrow is Ugly Holiday sweater day at work, but I do not have one, so I may take my first knit sweater, THAT is UGLY! ughghgh. We'll see.

Shannon

Back to me and some lists to finish!

A week or so ago I had realized that part of getting back to the old me is doing the things I used to love to do, even when I do not have much time. Yesterday several of my friends of all ages came by so they could learn some new stitching skills (sewing, knitting, and crocheting) and we could just spend time together. That was the most fun I had in a while, thanks to you gals, you know who you are.

Today I finished two projects that I had recently started, it felt great to finish and I decided that this year I am not going to start any new projects until I finish all the ones already in progress and that I have the materials already purchased. And I need to try and balance the time between my sewing projects and my hand stitching projects, since I have both! I am keeping a list and I will post up dates and photos here of the finished projects. The only new projects I will start are those commissioned for pay.

Knit and crochet projects:
The Damn Tablecloth
Felted Pink Hat
Tan Cable Sweater
Maroon Vintage Vest
Purple Cable Short Jacket
Purple Tank Sweater
(don't think there are more since they are all in cubes in the sewing room)

Quilts:
Jay's
Marc's
Paper Pieced Stars for a friend
Mom's
Brig's
Tee Shirt Quilt for a friend
Blue Irish Chain
30's Retro blocks
Civil War 4 patch
Christmas quilt
(and there may be more after I go through my boxes again....)

So, I will be updating here. Pray for finishes!

Shannon

Recovery means getting

back to who I used to be, I am not sure that is the "official" meaning as found in Webster's but that was how it was described in one of my very wise books.... So that is what I am focusing on, remembering the last time I was truly filled with joy and why. Joy from the Lord, not just happiness of an event or occasion.

I remember the things I loved to do, and why, but have let other things take priority in my life and now is the time to change all that back to what is really important and learn from the experience, so I can try to avoid this happening again.

I love so many things that God has placed in my heart: serving others, especially children, creating things form materials, spending a quiet day/time reading a good book with a cup o' joe, and visiting with loved ones!

This week I made some decisions to create more joy in my life, and do these things more. I am grateful to God for never having left while I was in 'limbo' and He waiting for me to obey.

Shannon

Your core...

You never realize how much you rely on your back- until is it hurt... I twisted or sprained my back last Monday and it still hurts.

I can only sit in one position for less than 30 minutes and I have to get up and stretch or the result will be worse. It hurts when I cough, and since I have some slight congestion still, this is bad....Yesterday I went shipping and the slow walking around the store felt good, at first, but after an hour or so I was in real pain and could not wait to get to the car to sit down!

When this happened before the doctor prescribed meds that made me very tired, I could not work, and so I decided this time to just try and "fix" it myself.... Any ideas on how?

Today I will try to set the time for 30 minutes and juggle between cleaning, school work and rest, so that I can be in different positions and movement and keep the muscles moving and flexible.

Prayers, please, I really hate this since it slows me down! (I think that is God's plan.)

Shannon

Today and this week's memories

Wow! I finally decided to journal more here, so it will really be MyMemoriesQuilted, but will leave the name as is and still post my work here for others to see.

This week was a very scary one for us, with regard to Jay. Too close for comfort, lots of tears, anxiety, and relief for us but sadness for another family. My prayers will be with Matt R and his family for a loooooong time to come.

I made a very BIG decision that really had been made by God long ago, but I was letting my "fear clobber my faith" and now I am committed to obeying God. I will need help with the faith but it does seem to be growing.

Lastly, this week I got a letter from myself, send a year ago at church. I read it through joyous tears that this year is better because I have decided it will be no matter what anyone else does. Thank you, God for giving me the strength and for carrying me when I need You. I am humbled by Your love for me.

Shannon

Lists....

I am a person that is stuck in liking organization but does too much to stay constantly organized. I like lists, blocks of time to do things, materials in their places, preferably grouped well, so I can find what I am looking for easily and other organizational tips and ideas that I have not been using lately. I am a busy person and have not taken the time lately to make a goal and priority list, but that will be the first list I do, then the action lists. I have not accomplished much in life but when I have, it was due to making a proper goal and then the list of activities that would be required to complete that goal. Today, I am going to start working on two lists... one of appropriate goals for now through the next two or three years and one of all the WIP's I have in boxes waiting to be finished... I miss sewing daily and remember a time when I used to sew every morning before I left for work.

I am not sure if daily sewing will be on the activity list, but sorting out the priorities will sure help determine that.

Happy Stitchin'

Shannon

New biz/old biz

So, after much thought (probably too much) and time considerations, I will be starting my sewing and quilt business again, for many reasons. One, I am an entrepreneur at heart and the details of a business help me feel good about my life. Two, there are not many quilters out there that can share their gift as I would like to. And three, The accountant in me says "you need a business to write off expenses BEFORE your earnings!" So. If you have any ideas or tips to share, please do. I will be starting over and it is hard to start over. Like moving a large boulder, once it gets moving it is easier to "push" along...

Happy Stitching,

Shannon

Accountability....

I have read, at several different times in my life and from many sources, that being part of a group and being accountable really helps one to complete a goal or change a habit. Six or seven weeks ago my Dad was very sick and it was a huge wake up call for me and my health. So I have joined a Biggest Loser contest, been walking consistently for weeks, but not really done much more than that. I am going to try being accountable here, and may join a group- if I can find one that meets weekly. If any of you are interested in accountability let me know! I am good at "reminding" but only if one states they want to be reminded. I need to make some realistic goals, pray about them, and find an accountability partner or group. More to come...

Shannon

Going slowly...

Today, and most of the last few days, I have been trying to really slow down, take in each moment, and get some peace. So far, so good... I am starting a new Biggest Loser contest, will post some of the results here, but since it is a private group, I can only post my results. In the months to come there will be more changes in my life, some good, some hard, but I know that I am in charge of hearing what God wants for me and obeying. I know that God will always be with me, I just hope I can feel Him the whole time, going through change alone can be scary.
For the log, 1720.5 and 52 to go.

Happy Stitchin' (or whatever you like) ;-)

Shannon

For today....

I was going to post something for today, but I am Whooped (notice the capital "W"?) and so I am going to partially use this blog to log 1725 and 50.... more on this as time goes by... but, "boys and girls, if you can guess what those two numbers are, Uncle Lar will give you a shiny new dime." ;-p

Me

Long way home....

Well, I know this is not my home, I have not been here to write for quite some time, and I do find that the writing helps me find some daily peace... even if it is ramblings of a madman. In the past year since my last post, allot has happened, but most important of all I am still standing.

I contemplated changing the blog name when I decided I would start to write more regularly, because the blog was initially part of my home based quilting business. And while I do still quilt, and sometimes even for others, I realize that this is also place where I can piece, layer, baste, and quilt together the photos and memory of my life, no matter how silly it gets! So the name stays and I will be back to write more and add photos.

Happy stitching,

Shannon

Today's ramblings...

so, on the way to work today I realized how much I dislike mean spirited people. And I am betting that as things get worse, people will get to be nice or mean, depending upon how they feel. What prompted this was watching one driver in a right lane speed up after a car in left lane put their signal on to change lanes into their lane! for over a mile the first driver had been paced a good 5-8 car lengths from the car in front of him, but as soon as the second driver put their signal on, he sped up to not let them in! Talk about mean! Anyhow I think (and please, do not bother to comment that I am being a PollyAnna- I am not) that as times get worse (or we perceive that they do) we should try to help each other and be nicer, this can make all the difference in one's day. Not just for the other person, but for us too. I was thinking that I had read something about this recently, and I had. From my church's journal guide they gave out the first week in January, the reading was Romans 12:1-16; verses 1 & 2 have always been favorites of mine, because I am hoping to be "all used up" by the time God takes me home; in addition verses 3-8 specifically talk about us each using our gifts to help other. So, let's stick together to "ride out the storm" together!

And to the mean guy on the expressway, you need a hug, here it is ((HUG)).

Smiles to you!

Shannon

Coming back....

I frequently forget that this is here and usually just journal, but have decide to daily post a thought or two, only. As an outlet for all the business in my life, that I choose to have in my life and basically just vent...

See you in the funny pages soon. JK!

For today I am just grateful for work and having jobs to provide for us, the gifts God has given me to out my "eggs in many baskets" and also get to choose what those baskets will be. I feel strapped, like many right now, financially, but encouraged that if I continue to work and be a good steward of my pennies (literally) I will survive these trying times.

I am also EXTREMELY grateful for family and friends, whom have seen me through some of this and continue to pray for me and love me. Thank you.

I am so happy Jay comes home next month, I have missed him terribly!

That's it for now...

Shannon

Coming Home....

We have received the great news that Jay is on his way home for leave! Yipee! And as I was journaling this morning about all the great things going on in life and at my church I had an AHA moment. My church, Community Christian Church, http://www.communitychristian.org/ , is all about helping people find their way back to God, and I am so happy today that my son is coming home, I bet this is only a small portion of the happiness God feels when we go back to Him or turn to Him. Yeah, God! And thank you, for the blessings of sons, family, friends, and homecomings!

Shannon

Forgot How to Cook?!?!?

Hello All! We have received quite a few e-mails and phone calls from Jay and are so happy about that, but at times the news is bad and then we are sadden or even scared. He has posted pictures on a web page and the address is: http://photobucket.com/jayhernandez . Enjoy! On a recent call we made to Jay, Marc made a point of telling Jay I had "forgotten" how to cook, and all we were eating is grilled cheese and canned pastas! Ok, somewhat true... but with my jobs and what not, (in my own defense) there was not allot of time to cook. I recently was able to have my schedule changed at one job so I am home evenings Monday through Thursday, so back to cooking dinner I go! I really did miss that bc I love to cook and feed my family, no matter how large or small. So, back to the kitchen I go bc I think having dinner as a family is very important, don't you?

Happy cooking,

Shannon

Update

Hi all! It seemed like forever since I had been here, and really 2+ months is a long time.... anyhow, I am alive, moved, and working, ALLOT! I will post some letters from Jay here once I get them. We have received a few pictures as well... But I need refresher on posting pics, so that will be tomorrow, maybe....

I am sorry to all my friends that I have not kept up with, I miss you and life is just taking me for the ride right now.

All my best wishes to you all, and of course a big hug! Shannon

Guess what "gives"

When I get really busy- which I have been lately, the computer loses in the priority list. Here is a short note I sent to friends recently, please, forgive the copying and pasting, I promise to write something "original" later:

Hi All! I just wanted to send a quick e-mail bc two of my friends have contacted me in the last couple of weeks and said, "Girl, you need to stay in touch with us ~ we do not know what is going on with you and miss you." So, here goes and later a request.

I am fine, was very ill in December but now I just have a dry throat (weather related) and so I always sound raspy.

Jay leaves for Afghanistan a week from today and we are handling that as best as we can.... I still catch my self welling up with tears when I think about it.

Job is going well; I became the site coordinator at Brady the first week in December and we are slowly making changes to improve the program to better serve the kids. Wayside is having an awareness event in March for people to better learn about the work we do here in all the ministries; I am attaching an invite in case you would like to come, and if you do, please let me know. I most likely will not be in attendance (working on the Saturday one but maybe could attend the one on Thursday), but would like to chat with you about your visit. Or you can visit our website at www.waysidecross.org .

I am working weekends again bc of the move (see below) and will be for 2-3 months until I get enough money for new furniture for my new place.

Marc and I are moving April 1st to a home in Aurora. We are renting the lower half of an old Victorian "doll house" that is 2 apartments and I may consider buying it in the future. Marc is a bit anxious about attending a new high school but he assures me he will be ok. I am really looking forward to this as I will be 1 mile from my office and 1.6 miles from Brady, where I work! Wow, no need to rack up the miles on my new car! We have starting packing boxes and since the furniture is all staying, we only have boxes and some small pieces to move.

I have officially moved to the Montgomery campus, only a few miles from new home and I am attending small group with Kirsten Strand at her house on Monday nights.... but I miss you gals so much, so I have decided to try and come back every other Wednesday, if that is ok? I have a new car, so transport is not a problem. I am just not sure where we are meeting and what we are studying? And bc of a previous promise, I will come on 3/12, if it is ok. Let me know.

That is probably everything "in a nutshell".... Hope to chat with all of you soon.

Thanks, Shannon

Made to Slow Down...

Well, the past month has really been a whirlwind and not all good, but I have hung on to God and this past week was a real eye opener for me! I have been keeping busy to avoid dealing with things, especially my health, and my body finally decided to NOT forgive me and I got sick, very sick. I have been to the ER and am now taking my antibiotics.... and the most important thing I have learned is that I need to slooooooooooown doooooooooown. Way down! So, I guess I will only be doing one thing during the week besides Bible study on Monday nights, and some weeks that will be the only outing during the week, since I am now averaging 10 hour days every day and some longer.

In any case, I am glad the holidays have started and even though I only have Christmas off, I will love it and enjoy every minute of it doing nothing.

Happy Stitchin'

Shannon

Long time no see......

That was a favorite saying of my dad's that I remember from my childhood... and even though we don't "see" each other here, I still feel I have been absent too long. No excuse really, bc that is all those are, excuses. I just have had some life changes and am dealing with them the best I can, lots of decision without allot of choices. Please, pray for peace for me and my family. Also, for my friend and co-worker, Amanda, whose father is having quadruple by pass surgery this week, my friend, Amy, whose life is filled with sorrow for her dog and pending adoption of her future daughter in Kaz, and for your intention, please leave them here. I have recently gone to join a new small group due to work times and location challenges and we are reading/studying/praying along to Bill Hybel's book, Too Busy Not to Pray . It is very good so far and I cannot wait to meet with the group.

Well, that is it for now...

Happy Stitchin'

Shannon