July 4th Escape!
Fourth of July always means the beach and fireworks for my family. And I look forward to the escape from the norm. There is something restorative to breaking your routine, getting out of the rut and trying something new (or at least different). Just the thought of getting to bake in the sun, uninterrupted, for a few days is enough to get me through weeks of 14 hour days, endless stacks of papers to grade, and (of course) bathrooms to clean, clothes to wash and meals to cook (urgh – I think all sewing machines should come equipped with a personal chef – just saying……).
So my bags are packed – several swimsuits, the obligatory sunscreen, shorts, tees and absolutely NO dress clothes. Sneakers (for the morning or evening runs on the marsh) and sandals. Comfort clothes. And….a few projects that need binding. The multitasker in me demands that the car time and lazy afternoons on the front porch can (but it’s the beach, so…they don’t have to) be productive.So a table runner is tucked in the project bag, ready for down time. And I’ve got to make time to visit the island quilt shop- a few batiks will need to come home with me, so that every time I look at them – and eventually stitch them into a project – I’ll think back on my beach time, feeling the sun and sea breeze, and even catch a whiff of the salt air.
The blood pressure drops, breathing slows, and I smile. Because next year I’ll be back, toes in the sand, soaking up all that is the beach. Now if I could just incorporate ocean waves and a few fireworks in the sewing room, life would be perfect. It’s good to have goals. At least I always have quilting!
Tammy Silvers
Outside the Lines Designs
About the Author: Tammy Silvers
I have been quilting since my dear sister-in-law drug me kicking and screaming into a quilt shop to take a class with her 18 years ago. Even though my first quilt was gag-a-rific, I caught the quilting bug and have been quilting away ever since. My best friend and business partner, Julia LaBauve (Outside the Lines Designs) and her "what if we....?" questions continue to spark many a design fire in me.
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