Wednesday, 11 may 2011,
As promised, we will be opening our doors on Saturday, May 14,2011. It's been an long haul and I still feel that there's so much to do. But we can't put if off any longer, not just for your sake, but ours too (you're anxious and we're tired). I hope you can overlook the things that aren't finished and focus on the things that are. In time, it will all come together. It's either open now or put it off for another week. (And we sure don't want that!)
We're so proud of what we've accomplished in such a short time and am looking forward to sharing it with you all. We will be following up with a grand opening in a couple weeks, but for now it's get the doors open and work out the kinks.
Come join us for coffee on Saturday and meet our staff. Doors open at 9:00 am.Hope to see you soon. Denise
Saturday, April 23, 2011
I sat on my little patio last evening cutting up~~fabric, imagine that! Threads, fibers, and slivers were littered around me, most of which I swept out into the grass. As I sat outside this morning savoring my fresh-brewed strong coffee, a bird flew by, swooped down and picked up some slivers of fibers from the grass and flew away. Recycling and repurposing at its finest, most natural. God filled that small feathered creature with instinct to gather bits and pieces for building her nest. And what can we learn from that dear little bird? Many things, one of which is: "Consider the birds of the air..." Thanks be to God.
Happy Easter, peace, joy, and many blessings,
Judy
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The news is: Bluebonnets are blooming, in addition to Winecups, Prairie Flowers, Poppies, and even Dandy Lions...Sorry, I had to include them. Dandy Lions were some of the first flowers my son picked and gave me with his chubby little hands, which seems like just yesterday. So they're Just Dandy Flowers to me.
I heard that the drive through Christoval, down Toe Nail Trail toward Ft. McKavett is just glorious with wildflowers. I spent last weekend at Ft. McKavett, my first official Living History re-enactment, at their Heritage Days. What a joy just to be there and a part of such gracious, knowledgable people.
Wearing beautiful period appropriate clothes and hat, generously loaned to me by Ann Dixon, I was an officer's wife, quilting on a frame and hand piecing. The doors were open to the Officers' Quarters, a fresh Texas breeze provided a most comfortable afternoon of sittin', stitchin', and visitin' with other ladies and guests. On Friday afternoon, one of our hostesses served watercress that she had picked at the spring for our Ladies' Tea. And... it's true what they say about the stars deep in the heart of Texas. It seems that there were layers and layers of twinkly stars in the sky. Hopefully I can attend next year's Star Party, which is being held this weekend.
Pat Shoemake and rug hooking friends are meeting at Sharron Staires's Upstairs Downstairs Bed & Breakfast in Ballinger during Easter weekend. I plan to hop in Woodie and bee-line it over there on that Saturday afternoon to sit and hook with Sharron and Pat, meet new friends, and prepare an article about their Woolgathering for The Wool Street Journal. Picture this: ladies gathered on Sharron's wrap-around porch hooking, ladies lounging in the parlor hooking, ladies laughing and hooking in Sharron's Next Door Studio. I can't wait to get some of my new designs into hooked rugs, pillows, wallhangings, and anything else my little heart desires. We are gathering another group for a retreat, so call and/or email me, and get on a good list. Sharron is a most gracious hostess.
Thank you for hanging in there with me if you have read this far. Blessings~~and don't pick the wildflowers :o)
Judy
Monday, March 21, 2011
What a joy to spend the weekend at Sharron Staires's Upstairs Downstairs Bed and Breakfast in Ballinger! Sittin' and stitchin', laughing at jokes and ourselves, being pampered by Sharron, and luxuriating in the warmth and fellowship of friends is priceless, healthy for the body and soul. Check our her website: www.upstairsdownstairsbandb.com, give her a call: 325 365-9999, get some friends together and retreat at her lovely Victorian home. Her newly remodeled Nextdoor is perfect for quilting, rug hooking, painting, scrapbooking, or anything you and your friends and hearts desire.
I am having cataract surgery on second eye on Tuesday, Dr. appointment early on Wednesday morning. Shop will continue to be open on Tuesday. I hope to return by 11:00 on Wednesday, but call ahead to check, as I may be a little late. Many thanks to Amy K for driving Miss Judy to the surgery center tomorrow, and to Linda T. for covering the shop.
Cloudy with a chance of ??? Are you familiar with the children's book Coudy With a Chance of Meatballs? Today reminds me of that as well as so many wonderful children's books. Can't wait for the grand opening of the new library!!
Blessings,
Judy
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
I have finally found my calling~~there goes a bunny~~well, at least a new passion, and it won't add to my waistline. No, it's not a new flavor of Blue Bell, although I do loooove their Southern Hospitality.
I have always been drawn to the Victorian era for some reason. Through new channels, meeting new people, and asking lots of questions, my new "altered ego" will be quilter of the 1800's.
What a joy to meet new ladies at the School for Victorian Ladies at Ft. Concho last weekend. I learned so much, and am so excited about doing re-enacting. We experienced a delightful lady-like tea party in addition to learning and sharing. I plan to do a mini-class at next year's school on crazy quilting. Guess I could also take on the persona of crazy quilting lady... I found a book on Victorian Patchwork that seals my decision to be a quilty lady of the 1800's, at least for now, until another bunny shows up.
What a joy last evening, also, to visit with the quilters in Brownwood. Donna, also a re-enactor of the 1800's, whom I met last weekend, invited my to share information about Quilts of the Underground Railroad. I showed my unfinished top from the Eleanor Burns book, and then we had an interesting and thought-provoking round table discussion. These ladies were so warm and welcoming. I am looking forward to visiting with them again. I also hope to hand quilt that top, now that I am working toward re-retiring,.
There goes another bunny....
Blessings,
Judy
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
My word~~what a beautiful morning! Here in Historic Oldtown San Angelo, Texas, trees are budding, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the wind was blowing yesterday. Everyone has the same "hair day" when the west Texas wind takes a notion to blow. I am soooo ready to dig in the dirt. Pots are lined up on my patio, new soil is in the bag, and a sprig of Rosemary is waiting her new home in a clay pot. Think I'll even try planting seeds for a salad pot. Looking forward to sorting through my scraps of fabrics, listening to music, sipping tea, and watching new life sprout before my very eyes.
I
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wishing you joy this morning and every morning. I am blessed to have been able to sit on my little patio, enjoying fresh coffee and recalling how much I treasure the time I shared hot coffee with Dad in the morning. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee is one of my earliest memories. Dad always got up at 5:30 AM. Growing up, it was his job to get up early and get a fire going in the fireplace in their little mountain home in Kentucky. The fire had gone out during the night and was the only source of heat in their little house. The next thing was building a fire in the wood cookstove and get the coffee going. Of course the ground coffee was cooked in the water. As I understand, egg shells were added so that the coffee grounds would settle to the bottom of the pot. I always loved the coffee Dad made, as it was good and strong, symbolic of my dad, his character, and his love for me.
Oops~~guess I got a little distracted... But that's ok, especially since I no longer am doing lesson plans, report cards, and conduct slips :o) Back to the joy of listening to the early morning birds and enjoying my coffee. I also returned to writing in my journal. With all the moving and recent activity, in addition to cataract surgery on Tuesday, I have neglected my daily journal writing, as well as my morning Bible reading. Back on track, now, and it's wonderful. I also think about how grateful I am to be surrounded by friends who are caring, helpful, understanding, and supportive. New friends are also being placed in my life who make me laugh, sometimes cry for joy, and bring a sense of fun and adventure into my life. I am truly blessed.
Be sure to check my home page for new shop hours...One exception: Wednesday, March 2, I have an appointment and will open at 1 instead of 11. Thanks for all your patience.
Judy :o)
Monday, February 21, 2011
I fully expected Clark Gable to come down the curved staircase carrying Scarlett O'Hara last weekend, during my stay at Upstaires Downstaires Bed and Breakfast owned by gracious hostess Sharron Staires. I slept like a princess up in a king-size bed beneath luxurious silky sheets and a puffy comforter full of pink cabbage roses. Thought I had gone through the looking glass and woke up in heaven. Began the morning sipping hot tasty Neighbor's coffee, in my pink flanned nightgown while visiting with girlfriends who had already spent a night in "heaven" at Sharron's B & B in Ballinger. They had arrived a day earlier and worked and played on quilts at Sharron's building Next Door. Sausage, scrambled eggs, biscuits, gravy, juice, fresh fruit, butter and jelly....some of the perks of a beautiful at Upstaires Downstaires on real china and matching tablecloth. Then, a hot shower, comfy clothes, and Next Door to sit and stitch while cares melted away. Not sure if we want others to know about out secret "heaven". But it's too good not to share. Check out Sharron's website: www.upstairsbandb.com or call 325 365 9999 to schedule your time in "heaven". Even if you prefer to imagine George Clooney decending the curved staircase, it's well worth checking our Upstairs Downstairs.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Love is...do you remember the daily cartoon in the newspaper? What is love to you? Yesterday was Valentine's Day, a day for remembering those especially close to you. Thank you to dear friends who sent charming emails, cards, shared smiles and hugs.
Love is also savoring the first cup of coffee in the morning while feasting on the beauty of a Texas sunrise, rockin' in my chair, outside, in a cozy flannel nightgown. Love is the God who gave us such beauty and the opportunity to bask in His love.
Perhaps we can celebrate Valentine's Day every day. What's the worst thing that can happen?
Blessings,
Judy
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Do you remember the story of Heidi, the little girl who lived with her Alm Uncle in the mountains in Switzerland? She dressed in layers, wearing all the clothes she owned on her way to his cabin. Well~~today here in Historic Downtown San Angelo, Texas, is a Heidi kind of day. The Polar Express blew into our charming west Texas town last night, with all the flash and thunder of a 4th of July celebration. It's a rhinestone morning, sparkly, white, and I'm ready for my next cupa hot chocolate.
I began the morning with a huge turtleneck sweater, adding a flannel shirt underneath, and a denim loooong sleeved shirt on top of it all. Socks are up to my knees. I'm cozy here in my office. Doubt that others need to come into the shop today. Stay put and warm and safe.
I plan to clear more clutter, organize, take a nap in my pink wingback chair with paws up later in the afternoon. I remember snowdays when I was teaching in Ohio. Toddled around in a flannel nightgown, kept the coffee pot going, leisurely stitched, read, lingering in each moment. Today, I am where I want to be, doing what I want to be doing. Oh, the JOY :o) of a snowday.
Judy
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sittin' & spinnin', listenin' to great music by candlelight, a pot of soup simmering on the stove, and the aroma of cookies baking in the oven. Am I dreaming or what? That is my dream~~one of them. I am also looking forward to gathering with friends here, there, and perhaps yonder to flat out PLAY, as we say it in Texas. It IS all good. Judy
Thursday, January 26, 2011
And just WHERE did January go? Time does fly when you are having fun~~and "maturing". OK, I'm over the sad stage of closing WNC and re-retiring. So many friends are so gracious to stop by and see how I am doing. To quote a very good friend: "I'm just dandy." Some of you have expressed an interest in rug hooking, and I will continue to carry wool and dye in my kitchen, perhaps daily after I really retire. Wouldn't a retreat for (rug) hookers and stitchers be fun at Sharron Staires Upstaires Downstaires B & B in Ballinger be great fun! Check with Sharron, get 7 friends together and we'll meet at her building "Next Door" for som fellowship/womanship fiber fun. :o) The coffee pot is still on...
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Thank you to all who have expressed support during the closing of Wool 'N' Cotton Shop in Oldtown. It saddens me to find this necessary, however, I have reached another fork in my road, and feel confident in my decision. I want to continue working with fibers and friends, but in other ways. I want to learn more about quilt restoration and finishing needlepoint pieces. I am looking forward to researching old quilts and their makers. Thanks to Lynn Dunn, I am also looking forward to baking again, using her Friendship Bread Starter~~this Sunday. Sandra Sims has inspired me to start sprouting~~sprouts that is. Sharron Staires and I will be playing with fabrics and fibers at her building Next Door at her Upstaires Downstaires Bed and Breakfast in Ballinger. So much to do~~so little time. It's a good thing that I am retiring~~again.
**Note: Until we make the last pot of coffee at WNC, each day will feature different items on sale and different sale prices. How can I do this? I'm the boss :o)
Blessings,
Judy
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Retiring~~again. A new journey is ahead. Thank you to all who have supported me and Wool 'N' Cotton Shop. So much joy and creativity has happened here and will continue until the the coffee pot is emptied and cleaned for the last time. Please bring and send friends to help yourselves and me. We will be participating in Art Walk this month, Third Thursday January 20, 5-9. Sit 'n' Stitch Fridays will also continue until our last day here~~and my first day of retirement.
Blessings,
Judy
Monday, January 11, 2011
It seems that I hear so much about this being the year to clear clutter. That certainly speaks to me. How, and why, did I acquire all this stuff?
This is my year to pass it on. Unfortunately, my method involves making a huge mess in an effort to organize. I am a "stacker," thinking that I will remember what is in that stack. Thank goodness people are forgiving when I discover something that I meant to take care of that was buried under layers of stacked stuff. Simply simplify. Two little words that I want to use as a mantra this year. But then something catches my eye, or I want to learn something new, and I get distracted.
If you have any methods for simply simplifying please pass them on...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
And exactly where did the last decade go? Where are we headed in the new one, to begin in just a few days?
I am blessed to have been able to spend a white Christmas with friends and their families, during which time I was inspired to write a list of things that I want to do in the New Year. I prefer to call it my "basket list". Seems a little gentler than bucket.
Near the top of my list is to make my original designs more available in pattern form in the coming year. I also have a book or two stirring around in my head, collaborating with a good friend.
I do love to teach, and want to do more teaching of techniques with fibers during the coming year. I will be teaching one of my designs at Quilt Market in Salt Lake City during Spring Market :o) where I work with and represent Presencia Threads, only the BEST!
This coming year, I not only want to smell the roses and honeysuckle, I want to walk new trails, see more of the beauty of Texas sunrises and sunsets, feel the joy of sharing helping, and savor the taste of ice cream and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
So~~are we thinking about New Year's Resolutions? Please email me and let me know what you plan to do in 2011. I know, we all plan to lose at least 10 pounds...
Wishing you all the very best in 2011,
Judy Moore Lester