05 May, 2014

Being Present

It must be said, I cannot do it all.

Writing books and articles, quilting, patterns, and teaching. Mothering, being a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend. Cooking and cleaning. Being here. I cannot do it all. Something, somewhere, always falls to the side in a heap of lack of time or enthusiasm. 

Thankfully I have kids who don't see the mess that I do, who beg to go out for steak even when I do want to cook, and who patiently model for me. Thankfully I have a babysitter willing to put in extra hours and friends who will pour me tea when they see my shoulders hovering somewhere over my ears. And family who send texts and understand why I haven't called. And dear readers here who send notes because I haven't blogged in weeks.

The last few weeks have been a blur of a photo shoot for the latest book, then finishing all the details for that book. There were family visits and trips to the ER, movie nights and snuggles, afternoons enjoying the sun then evenings watching the snow. I had to work and sneak in living my life. Laundry optional.

But the manuscript is in, the photo shoot done, the bathrooms cleaned, and some brisket in the oven. So I can sew for fun again and laugh with the kids over bad knock knock jokes. I can sit down with my husband at the end of the day instead of burrowing into the studio. I can catch up with the world.








Speaking of the photo shoot for the book...

Kate Inglis came out to shoot this book as well. It is an insane collaboration that I am proud to be a part of. She shot A Month of Sundays too. We hit the ground and five days later it feels like we surface into regular light and reality. And along the way we shoot. Well, she shoots the things I tell her too and she translates my obscure thoughts into gorgeous images, capturing the light and the quilts in a way I didn't imagine. In between we eat and drive and talk and fall into dreams.

Now she is home, celebrating her own book, Flight of the Griffons. The universe may explode from her creative powers. 

And I am home, here. Quietly being who I am.

                                                

16 comments:

Betz White said...

Woo hoo!!!!! Congratulations! I just finished the author review of my manuscript last week, the book is finally ready to go to print. Yay for both of us!

Rossie said...

Hooray for powering through! You did it!

Lynn said...

We knew you could do it. It does get crazy doesn't it? I'm in that "I'm almost finished I can see the light but can't stop" place myself. Sigh. I have my big project turned in before Quilt Market. Then I can regroup and rest before the author review. Whew. It's a whirlwind. You are an inspiration!

Sewing In CT said...

Welcome back. Saw that you were busy but am dying to see what else you scored from your fabric request.
Also saw ER visits - I hope all are fine...

elle said...

You are looking good, Cheryl!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back :-)

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Coming back to yourself is a very weird feeliing isn't it ?~! And yet, hen we have been where you've hung that's what ending it feels like to me. Glad to see you haven't been struck down by any sick bugs, hope ER visits were minimal and easily repaired.

Can't wait for the book, Cheryl.

liz said...

Thanks for the update Cheryl! Great to have you back!You sure had a lot piled up at once.

I, too, hope the ER trips were not for anything too serious, and am looking forward to seeing your donated fabrics for your Alturas project. Hoping my two envelopes arrived from Cali.

liz said...

I forgot... when will your book be available?

Jennifer said...

glad you're back! and ok! I don't have a month of sundays yet, but it's on my list. I know i'll want the new book, too.

ChristaQuilts said...

Such fabulousness! I can't wait to see it all in print :-)

Unknown said...

Glad your'e back. Glad you're ok - apart from the ER thing! Congratulations!

Jess @ Elven Garden Quilts said...

This post really resonated with me (juggling family, teaching, deadlines etc) and I don't do a quarter of what you do, so major props to you for doing it all. I'm so looking forward to the new book! Enjoy your relaxation time, it sounds very well deserved.

Riel Nason said...

Congrats on getting it all in. I know the feeling -- such a relief when you can finally relax! When is this new book coming out?

Kelsey said...

I love that you're always a normal woman trying to juggle a hundred balls like the rest of us, and that sometimes laundry doesn't always get done :) it's refreshing to read blog posts about real life. Glad to hear some of the craziness is slowing down a bit for you now.

house on hill road said...

yay! and congrats! writing books is like a marathon...you have to pace yourself, put one foot in front of the other until the end is in sight. enjoy your family and fun sewing.