What was I thinking?

I consider myself a “smart” person, one with a bit of common sense. On extremely rare occasions, however, I have slipped up, telling myself, “Oh, just one more.”

Again.

And, again.

Then yet again.

Too much of anything is not good. Change it up. Mix it up.

When friends post on Facebook how they’ve racked up their hands or shoulders or this and that while doing what they love, I’ve commented my suggestion: change it up.

Yes. Continuous repetition will come back and bite you! Sometimes Big Time!

How many have heard the saying:

“Do as I say. Not as I do.”

A couple of days ago I really messed up. I spent HOURS off/on cutting 1.5” fabric strips to make more Scrappy Heart Blocks (I need a total of 20 for a small lap quilt).

A total of 6 are now done - 14 left to do!

What was I thinking?

Oh, yes. I kept telling myself, “Just One More!”

The pressure applied to the ruler, lining up to rotary cut a straight edge, has torn up my left hand, shooting pains up my arm. OTC meds (oral and topical) are not helping this time. This morning I’ve put on my hand brace. Something I should have done when I first felt the pain.

Yesterday I did very little cutting as I had a few items ready just to stitch. I took my time. I managed to finish two placemats, the embroidery work on another, and finished the forth amulet bag.   

And, I changed it up.

 - read a bit of The Lakota Way,

 - colored some on the 2017-2018 day planner I found at Walmart (similar to this one at Amazon)

- simply sat with my hands in my lap while watching television – rather than crocheting on an afghan.

Yet still. This morning I know I will probably stay out of the sewing room all together. I need to keep the door closed. I keep pushing myself. I cannot do that.

I need to practice what I preach!

Beyond Excited

I’m so excited! I’ve never been a “Classroom Mom” before!

Although I know better to be the Mom because life will get in the way and I don’t want to disappoint, but I can ~ and did ~ volunteer to be the “assistant” mom!

This is the second year the “Room Parent Program” has been done for grades K – 5^th at the Marty Indian School in South Dakota. Because it is long distance, actual hugs can’t be given. According to Google Maps from my ranch to there is about 970 miles – one way! Rather it is a snail mail experience, sending goodies and handmade items all wrapped in loving prayers and hugs.

The Facebook group Sew for Kids Volunteers led me to this opportunity of a lifetime. I am humbled to now be the Assistant Classroom Mom for the Second Grade!

Never having a second grader and not knowing what kids are like at that age (and what that “age” might be as it’s been a long time since my nieces were in 2^nd grade!) I put this news out on my Facebook wall, asking for clues! I received some great input! Thanks to all!

My sister reminded me, everything I create can have an educational foundation… like words embroidered on items to reinforce what they are learning…

But what will they be learning in 2^nd grade?

I took my laptop into town and downloaded the Content Standards for South Dakota (like the Texas TEKS). Something within their list caught my eye ~ the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings and Standards.

What a wealth of information! I will re-read several times, to learn more truths about our Native Americans.

I came back home and ordered two books listed within the resources (oh, I wish I could buy them all….)

The Lakota Way: Stories & Lessons for Living by Joseph Marshall III

The Great Race of the Birds and Animals by Paul Goble

From what I’ve read so far, I truly believe everyone, every child in the U.S.A., should read Mr. Marshall’s book, The Lakota Way: Stories & Lessons for Living.

It’s beyond Powerful.