December in Review

2015 is over, can you believe it? What a year it's been!! 

December held holidays and festivities, new experiences, family and friends, and of course, the beach. Which is all one can hope for for any good month, or year!

1) Our yard is rich with friends. 2) The neighboring block is as well! 3) The Stephen Crane house has some permanent residents. 4) A beach friend takes a meal. 

December was unseasonably warm (although, since it was last year too, we might have to call it normally warm), so we were able to continue explore our new home. We were able to meet a lot of our furry or feathered neighbors.

On one occasion we were able to witness one neighbor eat another. Our new backyard provides endless natural entertainment! 

1) A visit to school. 2) A visit to mail. 3) A visit to Deal Lake. 4) A visitor in our backyard. 

We visited friends and family, some well, some ailing. But we saved lots of time for walking around and enjoying the town. The warm weather meant plenty of beach time. We found some unexpected treasure, such as bird wings and bottle stoppers. 

1) Backyard fog. 2) Boardwalk snow. 3) City bus. 4) Front door brush. 

We got down to work, both with with our day jobs and with quilting and sewing. For me, sewing was a priority. I'd love to keep that up in the new year! We did neat new work, as well. In December, we were able to visit The New School of Monmouth County and helped the students learn ancient games like Mancala and Ahmet. 

Mad Cat Quilts had our first giveaway which was fun and educational. I can't wait to have another... I was also able to update the shop, something I hope to do more of this year. 

1) A giveaway. 2) Front. 3) Back. 4) A winner. 

Having some time and space now and in the new year is so exciting, we are already taking advantage of it by making home made wreaths, trying out science experiments and working on lesson plans and pattern making.

The house is still under construction as far as unpacking but in December we made headway on displaying our many collections.  

1) Pink sky at night... 2) Homemade crystals! 3) A mysterious drive. 3) Lost at sea. 

December went at the perfect pace, new adventures were had, but life outside the city isn't nearly as hectic and grueling. Calm, but productive. January 2016, I hope you're just as calm, but I also have big plans for you. Get ready.  

November in Review

I know I say this every month, but can you believe it's December????

November was amazing. There's no other way to put it. There were ups and downs, sure, challenges, of course. But mostly the month zoomed by in a whir of excited contentment (if there is such a thing). 

The main thing was getting settled in the new house...

1) Collecting collections. 2) Storage solutions. 3) Old routines in new places. 4) My idea of decorating. 

...and getting the cats settled. 

1) Bippi. 2) Tom. 3) Pit. 4) Flounder. 

There was plenty of exploring, seeing family, hanging out with friends. There was also some hospital visits and holiday festivities mixed in the month. 

1) Cape May, New Jersey. 2) Good bye 15th Street, Brooklyn. 3) Hello 3rd Ave, Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Sunset Beach Days. 

Even familiar places can seem new. 

1) Fall takes over Greenwood Cemetery. 2), 3), & 4) So many new sunsets. 

A lot of quilting got done, and I'm feeling good about about my goals. I've been working on new things, but moving has helped me unearth all my old UFOs and get some work on those done, too!

1) Lines. 2) Paws of the helper. 3) Pins. 4) And more pins. 

November was a time of work, but it also felt like a suspension of activity. Sort of like a glorious working holiday. Although I hope December will stay as calm and quiet and productive, I get the feeling things might amp up before the year ends!

October in Review

Another month where I don't get the Month In Review up in a timely fashion. Well, I have a good excuse. 

To say October was busy would be pitching it lightly, indeed. The month was entirely taken up with preparing to move to a different state. Getting the transition ready at work, at our apartment, at our new home, and with the family was intense and exhausting. In the end, all went well, and the movers came at the end of October. 

1) My morning view. 2) Sand toys. 3) Brooklyn says goodbye. 4) New growth. 

We were able to squeeze in visits with friends for dinners and drinks. We tried to eat and drink at as many of our favorite places as we could. We only traveled to our new home, but that was plenty of travel this month. And the weather was beautiful and warm throughout October, so we enjoyed the beach as well as both our new town and our old one. 

So much work was achieved this month!! Quilting was rejuvenated, despite life being so hectic. Watchercats were out in force. But we also had some sad news on the #watchercat front. One of several signs it's time to move on, I suppose. 

1) Not even trying to use that cat tree on 11th Street, South Slope. 2) Being sneaky on 10th Street in South Slope. 3) Notably absent on 6th Ave in South Slope. 4) Still in bloom on 8th Street in Park Slope. 

1 + 4) Out with the Old... 2 + 3) ... in with the New. 

During the end, and most stressful point, of the month, we got a rare treat! We were able to go to the World Series! It was elating but heart breaking at the same time!

The majority of our family felt so-so about the move and didn't arrive at the new house until November. 

1) Bippi enjoys the vantage of stacked boxes. 2) Tom tries to act normal. 4) Pit can't see what all the fuss is about. (PS where's the food?). 4) Flounder helps me pack.  

The anticipation for how busy October would be was totally eclipsed by the excitement (and stress). There's been a lot of work already done this November... let's see what else we can do.  

September in Review

Another month closer to the end of the year, can you believe it?

September was a great month! Maybe not the wild ride I was expecting, but it was certainly a wild ride!

We spent a lot of time Down the Shore at the new house, friends came to visit for the beginning of the month, we visited new places, participated in happy events, and had some quality time with old friends. 

1) Nola #watchercat! 2) An old friend on 8th St. 3) Sneaky, teeny, watcher in Prospect Heights. 4) Keeping an eye on things on 10th Street. 

This is the second year in about the last 20 that I've been in Brooklyn for September and it's always a little strange to me. The weather is amazing; one minute Summer, than the next Snap! Fall. The watcher cats were not as prevolant as I would have thought, though. 

1) Neighbor goose. 2) Alabama style mushrooms. 3) Orange cats are almost everywhere in Park Slope. 4) An impressive Post Office.  

1) Porcelain berries in the backyard. 2) Hilltops in Red Level, AL. 3) Yellow beasts in Asbury Park. Cuties wrapped in Pink. 

We got a lot done in September, but we got to relax a little, too. Some quilting got done, but not as much as would feel healthy. We went on some dinners with friends and it was nice to hear what they've been up to and forget our own adventures for a spell.

In the middle of the month, we traveled down to Alabama for a family wedding. It was lovely to see family and see a new state. We even spent a few days in NOLA after. 

1) The cutest chapel. 2) Staten Island looking majectic. 3) The brightest jelly. 4) Nola looking magical. 

1) Jersey bee. 2) After the storm. 3) Bird on a wire. 4) Brooklyn bee. 

The end of the month it was back to the grind. 

September went fast and although it had it's relaxing moments, it was all about work and it was all about anticipation. There's a lot to get done in October, so let's get started. 

August in Review

Summer is the greatest, don't you think?

1) Brooklyn street balloons never disappoint. 2) My favorite flavor at Blue Marble is now gone. 3) I would live in you forever. 4) Workers working in the Summer sun. 

Well, my blog doesn't think so. This was another stinker month for blog posts. But Fall is almost upon us and that means back to school, and back to work. 

August was great. Packed with work and work and some fun things, too. 

1) A swell in South Slope. 2) A party on Sackett Street. 3) A spider sits in the sky. 4) Rink in Brick. 

Although blogging suffered quilting saw an uptick from July, which still means you would need a microscope to really tell. 

Travel was minimal with one constant destination: Down the Shore. 

1) Prospect Park Zoo busy bee. 2) Peach and white blooms on my commute. 3) Sagging for good vibes. 4) A Home Depot bee hard at work. 

We got to see friends for leisurely living room visits, work related parties, and Summer time beach BBQs. We even managed to squeeze a family visit or two in there. 

Work at work was slow, but steady, and work at home switched gears to packing, painting and preparing -- Big changes are in the works. 

1) I see this fellow all the time now on 6th Ave. 2) Two cats live in this house on 7th Street, but I could only capture one of them. 3) New neighborhood new watcher poodles in Asbury Park, NJ. 4) Boardwalk kitty observes your beach going on the AP strip.

We saw piggies, watchercats, and bees galore this month.

Pit Star looking regal. 

August lead us in some new and exciting directions; now we are getting on board for September's wild ride...  

July in Review

July was certainly bright. And fast, and busy. 
After several years of having this blog, I think I see that Summer months are my slow months here. Good to know, July. 

Blogging in July might have lagged, but only bc life moved by at whirlwind pace. Next year, I plan to take July and August off from blogging altogether. 

We had some big adventures and some big changes, but mostly we just moved along and let Summer take us for a ride. We saw family and friends and went Down The Shore as much as possible. 

We worked hard, trying to stay on task at work and at home. Quilting was minimal, but hopefully will pick up. There are quilts waiting!

Bc July was so busy, and August is almost over, and it's time to move on, I'll let my instagram pics take center stage. 

1) Bright blues in Prospect Heights. 2) A bird with bug in Asbury Park. 3) tent time in Ocean Grove.  4) Watchers and brick in South Slope. 

1) Hip...  2)  Hip...  3) Hooray...  4) ...for Asbury Park!

1) Happy fourth on Olin St. 2) Sneaking a peak in Prospect Heights. 3)Just chilling in South Slope. 4) Copy cat on 7th Ave. 

1) Bippi. 2) Dragon. 3) Beach street cat. 4) Tyger. 

Even when blogging and quilting and taking a moment to breath gets hard, I still post on instagram. 

July was bright, alright, perhaps blinding. I'm just letting August lead me where it wants me to go...

June in Review

The year is half over. Can you believe it? June went by so fast. 
For about half of June I felt like I was saying "hang on, wait up!" and for the rest of it, I felt like I was just hanging on, myself. 
There were certain events happening that I felt like speeding up, but I would never have wanted to skip all the great weather, beautiful days, visits with friends, festivities, and temperate Summer-ness that June had to offer. 

Love note from Brooklyn. 

Although work was a little crazy this month, I tried to take some time for family, friends, travel and projects. 

1) North Side, Asbury Park, on a foggy day. 2) Sitting in the park waiting for music and Fireworks. 3) Lacey evening walks. 4) Grand openings and grey skies. 

In June, I participated in Jersey Collective, an artist take over of their instagram feed. It was a wonderful experience (read my interview here) and I can't wait until my next go in Dec 2016. It meant that we had to spend the better part of a week in NJ and we combined that with Father's Day, and my mom's student's graduation. 

At home, we tried to see friends for concerts in the park and pride among other things. We saw art in the city, and stumbled on it at home, too. 

1) Lazy Summer creatures. 2) Lake side walks. 3) Fun times and fast cars (and action figures, of course). 4) Spotting of a different kind. 

Watcher spotting was at an all time high in June, and a favorite past time for my commute. 

Sewing, on the other hand, was on the downswing, but picked up towards the end of the month. I'm hoping the coming months see more productivity. 

Blogging, too, took a down turn. It's such a time consuming effort! But worth it in the end, so I plan to rally!

1) All perfect symmetry. 2) All wide eyes. 3) All high and mighty. 4) All no nose. 

June certainly wasn't slow, but it was delicious in all it's candy colored Summer glory. Put on your sunglasses, I think July is gonna be bright! 

May in Review

Can you believe we are fast approaching the year's half way point? I barely can. But on the other hand, so much has already happened this year!

May seemed to decided to skip the end of Spring and shoot right into Summer.  We had some rather warm days (to put it mildly) and it has us wondering how hot will Summer really be? As a way to beat the heat, and save the Spring, I tried to see friends and family this month, enjoy cocktails and meals, flower spying and watcher spot as much as possible. 

We traveled Down the Shore, for leisure and for secret projects. We worked, we played and we even saw a hot dog car! 

Quilting was a little slow, as I had more paper work than paper piecing in my life in May. I managed to finish one of my goals for Q2 of the 2015 Finish Along. I have another month to catch up... which I may never do if I keep starting new projects!

I took an unexpected break from blogging at the end of May, but am back on it now, and here's how to find me all over the internets. 

So while Brooklyn bloomed, May sped on. Now June, can't you slow us down?

April in Review

Phew, April went fast! 
This month really felt like Spring to me, with daffodils making their debut and trees flowering like mad all over Brooklyn. We began to take more regular trips Down The Shore in April, which definitely heralds the warmer weather. 

1) Trees blooming in Park Slope... 2) and Kensington. 3) There were a few grey days and April showers. 4) And some spectacular sunsets. 

Work geared up for the family this month, what with warm days and the start of baseball season. But it felt good to get our hands dirty and change up our routine. Although we were worn out from the end of March, when it was still cold, family members fell ill, and we were generally tired and stressed, having the upswing at our day jobs cemented the start and change of Spring. 

1) Giant eggs for Easter. 2) My black metal album cover. 3) High contrast in Prospect Park Zoo... 4) and in Asbury Park. 

The month started off with great focus on our work at home as well. Quilting, blogging, and sewing were all chugging along in the beginning, but petered out a little towards the end of the month. I'm diligently trying to stick to the blog schedule (more on this soon) I have been working on since end of March, and doing well IMHO. I made my Finish Along list for Q2 and got working right away at the beginning of April, but at it's end I have no finishes to show for it. Other goals have been achieved tho! We got back into the house hunt, as well. Which is both invigorating and stressful. 

1) Olin Street, Ocean Grove, NJ. 2) West Cape May, NJ. 3) 8th Street, Park Slope. 4) 8th Ave, Park Slope. 

1) Serious Tavis. 2) Pensive Pallas. 2) Pondering Pit. 4) Bippi and a sun beam.

We were able to travel a few times this month, hitting some of our favorite spots, seeing family (although briefly), and watcher spotting out of town! We were able to walk some towns, some zoos, and some beaches .
At home, we watcher spotted, visited with friends, cat sat, made some food and ate out, went to the zoo, read books in bars, and general enjoyed the heck out of Brooklyn. 

1) I kept calling everything at the zoo "zebras" for some reason. 2) Finally back to beach combing. 3) Classic coffee. 4) Tavis refuses to DJ. 

So, happily and easily,  April budded into a beautiful bloom! It's Spring growth felt like it was propelling us with leafy tendrils into something new. We shot forward thru the month and now we can only wonder what May has in mind for us... 

March in Review

March didn't really come in like a lion or go out like a lamb. It was more of an oxen or buffalo. Something slow and heavy and hearty, plodding along. 

1) Rainbows on the ground. 2) Pizza day. 3) Spring in spirit. 4) More pink. 

March was a pretty good month, but a long one. The weather stayed cold, stayed snowy, and kept our dreams of Spring at bay. We worked a lot, traveled little, but managed to work on some other goals.

1) #flowersforeleni 2) The doorway to my workplace. 3) I'm not the only one who likes it. 4) Pit helping me with sewing. 

It was a good month for sewing. I was able to join in on the comfort quilt being made for Rachel of Stitched in Color. If you're interested in participating, head over to Tales of Cloth and join in. I posted some finishes for On The Windy Side's 2015 Finish Along. Go there to look at all the great finishes for the Q1. I also made some starts this month so hopefully April will be full as well. 

One hint of Spring was out in the windows around town, as there were many more more watchers out this month.  

1) 1st St and 7th Ave. 2) North Park Slope. 3) Underhill in Prospect Heights. 4) South Park Slope.

I was able to see some friends for dinners and coffees. We were able to make some headway spring cleaning, bought some toys, made some food.  And I was able to spend time with my little family. We've had a tough time in the last few days of the Month as one of our furry members has been sick and in hospital. We eagerly await his safe homecoming. 

(EDIT - Tom is home and on the mend!)

1) The sky is starting to look like Springtime. 2) Last magically white snow storm of March. 3) Earlier in the mouth was pretty powdery, too. 4) Bright skies for photo shoots. 

So March was long, and in some ways harsh. But it's plodding steps breaks the ground for Spring's buds and shoots. We hope April will bring green growth and good health. 

February in Review

This year is zipping right along. February is a big month in my world. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, parties,  visits with family, connecting with friends. I try to pack this short month with wonderful and (heart and heat) warming events. 

1) This (black and) white cookie has my name on it. 2) I wanted to take this tub home with us. 3) Frozen bay visits. 4) White tarps, white skies. 

There was a white and snowy theme this Feb. It was cold. But that didn't stop us from exploring the beach, enjoying some down time, eating good foods, and getting some work done. 

Work was surprisingly busy for such a still month. But it moved along in an relatively  uneventful way. 

Work at home was more stop and start. But I am trying to keep my goals in mind and stay focused. I've been trying new things, as well as finishing old projects. 

Towards the end of the month, watcher cats and dogs started reappearing in windows in the city and abroad, birds started chirping in the trees, and the hope of Spring's arrival was on the air.

1) Night watcherdog. 2) Pit is staying bundled for now. 3) Tom, too. 4) Watchercats are rare, elusive and mysterious!

February roared by with Winter's harsh, snowy, breath. I hope March brings more than the whisper of Spring. 

January in Review

It's hard to believe how fast January went. The year is one 12th over already!

There was a lot of hard work this month. But it was straight forward with no major surprises which was a nice change.  It helped the month move along promptly. 

I tried to keep my goals for 2015 in this month. To start, we rang in the new year watching the fireworks in Prospect Park. Our tradition sets a nice start to a new year. We managed to go on our annual museum trip, this year to the Neue Gallerie. It is always refreshing to see art this month! We were amazed by Klimt's work up close. 

1) Watchers have been sparse so far this year. 2) You can't not marvel at this entry way. 3) Since loosing track of my number one #myfavoritetrucksofparkslope, this one has moved into that spot!  4) The long, chilly, line to get in was worth the wait!

We tried to create in January, as well. I sewed quite a bit but started more projects than I finished. I didn't make much progress on my 1Q Finish Along, but I was inspired for new projects. 

We got to spend some time with friends this month. We got to wander around the city. The weather was pretty snowy, and Brooklyn is beautiful in it's Winter clothes.  

1) Little hearts (more coming soon). 2) Winter's garden. 3) Snowy paths around Grand Army Plaza. 4) Coffee with Crimson. 

We were able to escape the city in January, as well. We headed to NJ to see family and found some great good sea glass on the bay. We also headed to our favorite shore town and did some house hunting. Seeing the ocean in winter is pretty wonderful. 
At the end of the month we headed back to Southern NJ to spend a special date.    

1) Interesting people at the library. 2) Mild skies above the ocean. 3) Static kitties in Park Slope. 4) Defeated Daleks looking dejected.  

I was able to set some goals for the upcoming year, and it's been helpful to look at that list and keep on track. January was productive, but all too brief. It was cold, snowy and stark in many ways but highlighted by colorful adventures. 

February is the shortest, darkest, month, has some of my favorite holidays (and I don't mean President's Day), and takes us one more step to Spring. January whooshed by fast and furious, February, what pace will you set?

December in Review

Wow. 2014 is over. 

We spent the last month of the year gearing up to spend time with family: making gifts, cleaning house, getting things done at home and at work. When our family arrived at the end of the month we were ready and happy to take some time off with them, and show them the city we love. 

1) Festive Winter skies. 2) Library scenes. 3) Not your usual nester. 4) Squirrel brunch. 

In the beginning of the month. I tried to stay home, cleaning and quilting and nesting. I managed to finish some things, but I started some new projects, too. The weather was cold for a bit and it was nice to cuddle up at home. 

1) One of our favorite kitties. 2) HST madness. 3) Lovely day Down The Shore. 4) Glass houses in Brooklyn. 

We did manage to get out some, for walks and to visit some of our favorite place in Brooklyn. At home, we collaborated on some xmas gifts, and projects. 

By far, the best part of the month was the end when our family came to visit from Tennessee! I got to take them to some of my favorite spots in Brooklyn. It meant so much to me to be able to show them My Little Town. For xmas we went Down The Shore, to show them our other favorite town, and our home away from home. The weather was amazing, so warm people put their feet in the ocean!  

1) Lights on the houses, lights in the sky. 2) Cold and festive. 3) Welcoming light in. 4) Nighttime, last of the year.   

When family departed we headed back to BK and back to work. We spent the last minutes of the year in our traditional way, watching the sky explode over Prospect Park. 

December was a lovely, temperate month, with mild weather, easy days, and wonderful guests. January has begun cold but not too harsh. 

Over all, 2014 was a great year! Busy and productive filled with new things, learning, and learning experiences. But there was time for rest, contemplation, relaxation, as well. It was a year to reflect on strengths and weakness and what we can improve. But it was also about cherishing what we have and what is good in life. 2014 was a time to get ready for change, to prepare and plan. I hope 2015 sees many of those changes come to life, and is a time for improvements all around. 

For 2015, I have some goals. January, let's get started!

November in Review

I thought November would be a crazy month. Thanksgiving falling in this month, and other holidays nipping at it's heels, signals the high season at work (certainly when you work in a pie shop). Guests visiting, heading out of state to see family, required cooking, the weather turning very cold indeed, all these things, seem to want November to be hectic and stressful. 

But November was a lovely month. A month to work hard, but with plenty of time to relax, as well. Cold weather made my commute a bit tougher, but made my nights more snuggly. Having guests and being guests was easy as could be. Cooking was a easy pleasure not a chore. Even the most insane holiday at work went off without a hitch (everyone got their pies!). 

Partly bc we had a guest coming this month, I was able to clean and work on the house. Something that I always want to do, but that always seems not to get done (and believe me, it's never done....). I was able to care for and move around the plants to better use the Autumn light. I dream of a time when I can devote time to work on my "green thumb".   

1) Down The Shore, the off season is the best. 2)This xmas cactus knows what time of year it is. 3) Pottering about the house. 4) Rare visit to the city. 

In the beginning of the month, we were able to get away to the beach for a few days. We beachcombed, relaxed, and the weather held out. 

Towards the end of the month a dear friend came to town and there were trips to the city, shopping, and so much food! 

With the colder weather this month, quilting was a priority. Many cats and I spent many hours under cover working on several projects. 

I was able to complete a small finish in November, work on a few in progress projects and start something new that I hope to finish soon. 

Watchers were scarce. Staying away from frosty windows, I'm sure. 

1) So many quilting books to distract me at work... 2) My favorite place, in bed, with cats, quilting. 3) My helpers are very helpful. I don't even need interns. 4) SO many solids!!

Thanksgiving was insane at work, but not as insane as I thought it would be. We already have hopes of ramping it up for next year. 

Thanksgiving at home was slow and easy and wonderful. I made deviled eggs, and roasted a ton of veggies. We headed out to my families house and our house guest drove! I was able to quilt on the drive! Lovely. We ate so many wonderful things that my mom prepared, chatted and laughed, and got home at a reasonable hour. Wonderful. 

Overall, I would say November was near perfect. Not thrilling, but not stressful. It was a time to bundle up and settle down as we prepare for Winter's cold grip. I hope December holds us this close, but doesn't squeeze too hard!

October in Review

October wasn't quite the feast for the mind, body, and soul I was hoping for, but it was a pretty good month.

1) Starting the month off in a different place. 2) Eating my favorite foods. 3) Sewing and sitting. 4) Halloweening in Brooklyn. 

The first days, I was away on the last days of my yearly family vacation. We spent a lovely week or so in Cape May, NJ. The weather was amazing. And our first day of Oct was enjoyed as if it were still summer.

Although I want to call my First Friendship Quilt a September finish (the vast majority was completed in Sept), it was technically finished early morning on the 1st of Oct.

The moment I returned there was some chaos at work and the first few weeks flew by. Lots of meetings. Meetings are not my favorite. By the time things settled down it was mid month and discussion of November had already begun.

I was able to enjoy quilting, cooking, eating out, watching a ton of pretty bad (but so good!) TV, and get a lot of work done (both at work, and at home) this month. By Halloween, the weather had gotten brisk. There wasn't much travel this month, but every time the seasons change, Brooklyn does, too. So, it was fun to walk around Autumn Brooklyn and see the sites with new eyes.

1) A watcher waits on 6th Ave. 2) Watcher dog in North Park Slope. 3) Cormorants in Coney Island. 4) Hidden in plain sight on 15th St.

I got to take part in my favorite pastimes; quilting, watcher spotting, cuddling with cats (especially as the temp got cooler), and sea glass hunting. We even went to Coney Island to see what sea glass it had to offer.  

So, overall October was pretty mellow, with it's highs and lows. It wasn't a race, or a slow, relaxing meander. It was more like a light jog with some uphill sections. As we rush to the end of this year, I hope to keep pace, or even slow it down a bit. But sometimes those last moths can feel like a marathon. Let's see how fast November goes.

September in Review

In stark contrast to August's slow lazy, relaxing days, September was a whirlwind of work, visits from friends, stress, vacation, change, seeing family, making plans, and more work. 

For the last 20 years or so, I've been away for Labor Day, returning only after the school year is in full swing. In my experience, school starting up signals the real start to a new year. Back to school means back to work, back to Winter and back to waiting for a new Summer. 

1) Prospect Park Zoo's peacocks have refined tastes. 2) Busy bees in Cape May Point. 3) Watcher Dog hanging out. 4) Watcher cat being sneaky off the 15th Street circle. 

Every other year, I come home after the first week of September and it's Fall already. The weather's cooler, the leaves changing, the hustle and bustle already begun. But this year I got to watch the slow change of hot end-of-Summer days to the mild leaf swirled mornings and chilly dark nights of Autumn. It's an interesting sea change to experience, much more lazy and drawn out than I had expected. 

In the beginning of September, friends visited from out of town and we got to visit some of our favorite places, eat giant pretzels, sew, and go to the beach. We stayed Down The Shore, house hunted, met new cats, enjoyed some September Swims. 

We had some sad news when we found out the our truck was too expensive to repair, and we had to let it go. It's been a long time since I've lived in the city without a car, so part of this month was about getting used be being driven, taking the train, or staying put when we might rather be driving away.

At the end of the month we took a family vacation, so we could relax away from the city a bit. We headed down to Cape May, the site of long past visits and more recent stays. We beachcombed and bird watched, checked out the North American Sea Glass Festival, ate at our favorite restaurants, and visited old haunts, we wandered into Critterfest, light house gazed, read, and talked a lot, before heading back home, back to work, and back to a new month. 

1) Strange times, 2) stranger's cat, 3) strange 'Kat, 4) strange name for a bird (Mango). 

Although fun times and adventure were woven throughout the month, September was mostly about work. It was a month for change, getting serious, and getting down to business. It was stressful. It was hard. 

I think of it as a harvest. The work we put in during this month will reap growth, and plow the way to rewards in the future. To me, that is what September is about. Starting again, working hard, making new, getting ready for real Winter. And waiting for Summer to return. The long wait begins in September.

If September is a last harvest, plowing the fields, tilling the soil, then I hope October is the last feast before Winter. October, I'm setting the table. 

August in Review

This is the first full August I think I've ever spent in Brooklyn. It seems that the gods were smiling on me to make it pretty darn awesome. 

The cafe was fairly calm in August, which is normal for NYC. And it gave me the opportunity to concentrate on life outside of work. Quilting was priority as well as seeing friends and family, beach combing, watcher spotting, and eating well!

I finished a quilt in August which has not be able to happen since February. The quilt had a lot of firsts for me and was a joy to work on. Finishing a quilt is so immensely satisfying. I wish there were some way I could do it more often. Because of my methods, quilts are very labor intensive, and mentally intense, too. It makes it hard to work on quilts and job and life all at the same time.  

I had a happy surprise in August by winning a gorgeous pour over set from Martina Thornhill! I rarely enter giveaways on instagram, bc I try not to reblog or have any content that isn't my own on my feed. Her contest was perfect bc it asked for an original photo (of my morning coffee routine) to accompany her tags. I was so delighted that I won, I started using the set as soon as I got it! 

1) Using my prize, along with my vintage coffee carafe. 2) August didn't disappoint for flora and fauna. 3)A not yet finish. 4) Summer moon over BK. 

We tried to make the most of the end of Summer by going to the beach as much as possible. Pretty much any spare day was spent Down The Shore. We also tried to spend some time visiting family. I got to play cards with my brother and niece, eat clams on the 1/2 shell with my father, and do some antiquing with my mom. 

1) Surprised by Super Moon. 2) Hanging with the locals. 3) Slightly over-cast weekdays are always best. 4) Obsessed with sea glass.  

Thinking back on it now, there isn't that much to tell about August. Except that it was nearly perfect. Work, cat sitting, far away friends visiting, the beach, home with our cats, watcher spotting, good news for the future, calm days, new projects, great food, wonderful weather... Awesome sums it up. 

1) Pit is really concentrating on my next quilt. 2) Patriotic watcher. 3) I found out that the 11th Street cat's name is Tiger. She was less than thrilled that I was taking her picture. 4) Beach cats have it best.  

August was lazy days and temperate nights, but Summer's close signals the start of new adventure. So September, where are we headed?

July In Review

What to say about July... July was wonderful.

I hesitate to say it out loud, I hesitate to utter it, but, this whole summer has been wonderful.  Hot, sure, but not too hot. Busy, yes, but not so busy that I couldn't enjoy myself. 

Although a longer month, July went by so fast. We barely left Brooklyn, heading Down The Shore only a handful of times. But the month felt low key. A good time to catch up via email, or over a cocktail. A few brief family visits were sprinkled throughout. Watchers sightings were scarce but special occasions. 

1) Crabby crab on Sandy Hook in NJ. 2) Sneaky spider in Asbury Park. 3) Daredevil watcher in Park Slope, Brooklyn. 4) Safe and sound at home in South Slope. 

A personal goal was to eat and drink of Summer's bounty as much as possible. Watermelon every night for dinner, corn, tomatoes! My go to Summer cocktail is still the Lime in the Coconut from Lucey's Lounge. 

1) Physics of grapes. 2) Lights in the City. 3) Cotton cloud formations. 4) Geometry of watermelon. 

July was a great time for art and craft, both personal work and inspiration. This month I finally started feeling back on track with quilting! It feels good to get close to finishing some things! I tried some printmaking, with mixed results. Gotta keep practicing.  Art was all around: at work, during a visit to the museum, and walking by natural beauty every day.   

1) The 4th was spent with gingham stitches and sushi dinners. 2) Urban mermaids. 3) Paper-cut seas at the Swoon show. 4) Summer spent under quilts. 

"And we'll remember this when we are old and ancient 
Though the specifics might be vague "

                                       - July, July -The Decemberists

1) Bodega kittens need their rest. 2) Bippi's over Summer. 3) Tom's classic "diver". 4) Beach cats have it best.  

July, your days were long and sweet. Your breezes as fresh and soft as a kitten's snore. Will August share your catlike lightness, or are the dog days on their way?

June in Review

June flew by. July is half way over. I've fallen quite a bit behind, but lazy Summer days will do that. 

1) Prospect Heights neighbor says hello. 2) hand stitching in a very traditional manner (for me). 3) Pit helps me with a commission. 4) Tom contemplates great thoughts. 

I was busy in June. The usual mix of work, work, and work. But work can be so many things!  I worked for my job, I worked for my quilts, I worked to keep my family happy and healthy. June was about maintaining a peaceful balance of all the work that goes into life.

1) The sky and sea captured in a Jellyfish. 2) Nighttime walking. 3) Room with a view (sorta) at the at our favorite beach hotel. 4) Our version of hotel living with beach colors. 

In Brooklyn, the weather was perfect. But Down The Shore, it was better! We took as many beach trips as our schedules allowed. In some ways June was uneventful, as we just ping-ponged between our home and home away from home. But those early sunny Summer days were rejuvenating and much needed after the long and grueling Winter and the hectic startling Spring. 

1) 6th Ave, Between 10th and 11th Streets, a two faced watcher sits. 2) In Ocean Grove, NJ, this watcher might have an ocean view from up there. 3) Lazy Summer days for watchers on 8th St. 4) This watcher is happy to have the windows open in Prospect Heights. 

Watcher spotting was mixed in June, as many windows were over-run by air conditioners, and many kitties lounged in cooler spots. Sometimes we chose to search for seaglass, instead of watchers. But, thankfully,  in every season there are some watchers waiting to be found. 

Hot Summer days are not the most conducive to quilting, but progress was made. I am hopeful that there will be finishes to share soon. 

June was even, balanced, bright and sunny. It was refreshing and inspiring. It was sweet and strong, like Summer should be. July is feels much the same, so far, but it's not over yet. Are we ready to find out how July's story ends?

May in Review

May was a great month. Lots of flowers blooming, lots of hard work, some travel, some visiting family, some great food, some change, and some new projects. 

During the first week of the month we took a trip down to Cape May, NJ. Our hotel was a gift from our friends, the weather was perfect, the timing for a break was just right. It was the first real beach trip of the season and we quickly got used to taking many more. So, May was filled with drives down the shore, and relaxing by the ocean whenever possible. 

1) The Doctor surveys. 2) A new friend Down the Shore. 3) Cape May lighthouse on a perfect day. 4) Back to work in time for a ramen meeting.  

We headed down to NJ to visit family for Mother's Day. We took a trip upstate and visited Storm King Sculpture Park just as the weather was turning hot. We stayed home and visited some of our favorite local haunts. 

1) New tattoo. 2) Greenwood Cemetery butterfly. 3) Library days. 4) The art in ashes. 

May was hectic, bordering on insane at work, but looking back, I remember the calmness, the oncoming of summer and the warmth of things you love. The familiar feeling of getting tattooed, mixed with the excitement of something new and permanent.  Returning to places you haven't seen in years, the anticipation of what will be waiting, and finding them, more or less, just how you remembered leaving them.  

I guess May is always like that. Fresh and new, but pretty much exactly how you left it last year. 

1) Eager Watcher Dog. 2) New work. 3) Pretty stoic in Park Slope. 4) Pretty sneaky on 8th Ave.  

It should tell you something about how the months are going when I say that I started this post 2 weeks ago. It may also tell you something that when I made the photo mosaics, I labeled them all "June".  I have and have had many posts in mind. But no time to post them. My free time is spent sewing, traveling, or sleeping. My non free time are 12 hour work days, putting out fires, walking to and from work. At least the latter allows me Watcher Spotting time. 

May, you came and went like your famous flowers, opening slowly, bursting with life, fading away but replaced by new growth. June, you already have the sweet smell of Summer, like fresh squished mulberrries on the ground. What other sights and sounds and smells await us in you, June?