I took a vacation.
Yep. A real vacation.
I had no projects in the works that I could take. Nowhere to plug in a sewing machine, (much less be able to fit it into the rental car we took.) Very limited access to the internet.
And you know what? I enjoyed myself. I sat on the beach; took a ride on a sailboat; enjoyed the company of my husband and two boys; visited with family; swam in the ocean; took a walk on the beach at night; and just took it easy for several days.
Considering that it's been 4 years since we've taken a family vacation and the fact that the "kids" are no longer kids, it may end up being the last "real" vacation for us. Yes, there were a few times when I had to ask myself why I insisted that the kids go with us (who wouldn't when there is a 17 year old involved?) but all in all, I'm grateful that we could do it and that we had such a wonderful time.
Now, I'll let you in on another secret about me.....
I'm terrible when it comes to riding in the car. I can't sleep unless I'm driving (yes, you read that right.) so I always take something to keep me busy and entertained. And since I didn't have any hand work projects to take, I finished something that my mom asked me to do a while ago that I had to get finished.
Yes, my parents are celebrating 50 years of marriage! And If you notice the date, you'll understand why I had to get it finished. I mean, really, mom should know that no matter how much time she gives me to get something done, I'll always wait until the last minute to do it! I made the backgrounds myself and purchased the crinkled paper image. And although I'm pretty much a newbie at this digital scrapbooking type of thing, I had fun making this and was pretty pleased with the way it turned out.
Yay!! You're back!! I've also been doing some scrapbook pages and getting ready for a retreat with my daughter. Looking forward to seeing what you have been working on. Vacation.......now there's a word for ya - lol!!! ...could mean lots of things, but sounds like you had a good time!
Posted by: lovetostitch | August 11, 2010 at 07:16 AM
I'm so happy you were able to take a vacation. We all need them from time to time. We own our own business and we never really get vacations either...ours come by way of business trips. But are those REALLY vacations?
Anyway, looks like you all had great fun and I think it's wonderful that you took your boys:)
I love having my kids with me wherever I go and they are 26 and 24!! LOL
I purchased your new book at Primitive Gatherings when I was there two weekends ago. As always I love it!! Can't wait for the fabrics to come out! I'm stoked:)
Blessings to you and I hope you are all refreshed from your vacation:)
Posted by: Sue | August 11, 2010 at 08:00 AM
I've got a 16 year old son -- they are not the "stop-at-a-quilt-store-on-the-way-there variety of human beings, are they!? But what fun! Mine keeps me young! :-D Your designs (fabric, quilts, scrap book pages!) are so wonderful!
Posted by: Mary Lou Casada | August 11, 2010 at 08:21 AM
Happy #50 Anniversary to your parents come the 18th of next month. In this day and age - your parents represent "stability" and "longevity"....applauding them !!!
And just think what that vacation did for you? Gave you memories - and aren't memories to cherish?
Blessings.
Posted by: Cindy Carlson | August 11, 2010 at 10:55 AM
I need the same thing, a vacation just to have fun.
I usually make up stitcherys, so all I take is the cloth and black thread, nice project for the car too. I hate my husband's driving, so I rather not look, lol.
The invitation is wonderful and congratulations to your parents.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie St.Germain | August 11, 2010 at 09:22 PM
It's good that you were able to rejuvenate and refresh. That's important, too. And it is so nice that the boys went along and also had a good time. It doesn't last much longer. My "kids" are 35 and 32 and the youngest would have been 30, so we don't take long trips together anymore. Everyone has their own schedule, and everyone wants to ride in the front of the car!
Posted by: Leslie Schmidt | August 12, 2010 at 12:08 AM
Hi,
I have been trying to get your last fabric range, then I discover you have released a new one. Can you tell me where I can get Heart and soul in Australia, or anywhere else for that fact. I love your fabric. I bought the new book while in USA a month ago, now I just need the fabric. Thanks Debbie.
Posted by: Debbie | August 15, 2010 at 06:21 AM
We took our last "real" vacation when child #3 graduated from high school 7 years ago for the same reason. And we were right. We haven't been able to get everyone on the same schedule since to be able to go away. You made the right choice!
Posted by: Cathi | August 18, 2010 at 11:51 AM
Debbie-
I recently got an email from a shop called Quilters Harvest in Warracknabeal, Vic. in Australia that has the Heart and Soul fabric. If you can't find it though, send me an email and I will pass along a few of my local shops that might be able to help you get your hands on some.
Posted by: Terri Degenkolb | August 19, 2010 at 12:40 AM