Wednesday, January 4, 2023

I've Been Thinking

 About a lot of things but mostly my knees.

Last May I started a walking program and eating a healthier diet. By June I was regularly power walking an hour a day minimum and losing weight.

Good quality walking shoes make all the difference:


By Thanksgiving I had lost 58 pounds, had gotten rid of lots of old, baggy clothes, and enjoyed shopping in my closet for new clothes, some still with tags, I had bought a few years back for "someday". 

Cookie season hit and though I kept up the long daily walks about 10 pounds crept back on. Just before Christmas we had a super cold spell hit, with temperatures in the single digits, too cold for ME to walk outdoors. 

So, I took 5 days off. When temps were above 40 I hit the road again. I was a little stiff and a little slower but still did the hour at my usual pace. The next day we were in the upper 60's, perfect winter weather. Off I go, at my usual "GO" speed. No problems at all. Felt fine. After I got home and sat for a while, I couldn't get up. And it was all downhill from there. 

Little sleep that night, worst pain I ever had, ever, all day the next day. I got an appointment to see an orthopedic doctor--tomorrow. I had to postpone the Facebook LIVE broadcast I was supposed to do that Friday at noon--I was just too pitiful to be seen. And Fuzzy Brain from no sleep and bad pain.

The GOOD news is each day I have improved, moving from awful pain, to tolerable pain, to sore, to stiff. I'll probably feel fine by the appointment, but I'll be at that appointment. Both knees were replaced, the left 15 years ago, the right 10 years ago. Hopefully, x-rays will show they are still fine. And all I did was sprain/strain the knees after not walking for 5 days then going full-tilt power walk.

I guess I'm not as young as I used to be.

So all this time spent resting, reading, relaxing and recovering, has me deciding to slow down a little bit.  I still want to travel to teach some, but not as much. Teaching on a cruise in March is something I am really looking forward to and hope to do annually. Hopefully, I will have good news to share in a couple months about some new opportunities for later this year. And there is an amazing job coming my way in 2024 I will be able to talk about this Spring.

Local classes have been very lightly attended in the past few years. Some of that is Covid, some is people expecting to learn for free on YouTube, some is "I can take her class another time". There will be a lot fewer local classes after this season. I wrote about current classes here: Local Classes Starting in January

My work for The Quilt Show continues as we work on the current Block of the Month quilt. I reach hundreds, if not thousands, that way. 

There is a trip planned for May 2023 I am calling my "TEXAS TOUR". So far, I will be in Huntsville, Tx May 1-2, The Woodlands May 3-4, and Lufkin May 8. I am hoping to add another stop or two before or after those dates, perhaps in Conroe or LaGrange or Austin or Round Rock. One airfare split between all guilds/stores will lower that cost for each organization. Then we can plan the logistics of getting me from "here" to "there". I used this source to find contacts--any help from my Texas friends will be much appreciated:

I love to work as a Quilt Show Judge so will seriously consider those jobs. Small shows with one judge, or large shows with several, I enjoy that aspect of the Quilt Industry a lot.

Local guilds can hire me, there are several near me that will allow us all to sleep in our own bed after a great all-day workshop. Or at the very least, don't involve an airplane ride.

ZOOMing is not my jam. I don't plan to do any more lectures that way. And I don't want to teach classes that way. I much prefer to be able to see up close what each student needs to get the most out of my class. I want to share what I know in the best way for each student.

I also expect to write this Blog weekly rather than twice a week. There aren't many comments though I know more than 2200 hundred follow me now. One good blog full of content should be better than two a week without a lot of content. Most people don't know about the many TUTORIALS here. The tab at the top takes you to them. 

Now I will have more time to make some of the many quilts that still need to be made. To use some of the stash that still needs to be whittled down. There will probably be an annual "BIRTHDAY SALE", purging that stash more and more each year.

The Design wall stays full now, think how much more productive I can be: 



Tops need quilting. Grandkids need loving, Husband needs attention. Knees need taking care of. I realize I have plenty to keep me busy if I stay home more.

So, if your group wants me to come, now is the time to ask. And if you are in Texas, I am coming your way THIS YEAR and would love to see you and your group while I am there.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

46 comments:


  1. Oh, Barbara! What an ordeal. It sounds like your word for 2023 is PRIORITIZE and you have got a handle on it! Good luck my friend.

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  2. Barbara, you tired me out just reading your blog and that is slowing down! I hope your pain keeps easing and you get back to gentler power walking. I see in your picture you have a Martha Washington sewing table. I hope it is full of special things.
    Mary

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    1. The Martha Washington table came out of my parents attic in the house I grew up in, built in 1900. It belonged to "Aunt Maude". It is such a great little size and I love the connection to sewists of the past.

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  3. Hi Barbara, you know last year I learned to say NO. It has been one of the best years of my life. I had no idea I was wearing myself out. What I learned...I'm more tired than I know and it's ok to prioritize and do less. I want to encourage you to just say no and that is OK. We want to ge healthy for our grandkids! Hugs to you, Rachel

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  4. My sister lives in Sherman TX and I've passed your Texas Trip towns & dates to her to pass around in her area. Not sure if it'll be helpful but it's worth a shot. Sounds like you've got your priorities in order. I'll look forward to your weekly posts!

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  5. Glad you are realizing what you need to do to take care of you! I need to go look at the local quilt class list and see what I can take. Still grateful for what I have learned from you over the years, but I seriously need to get busy! Unfortunately the cold weather brought us a couple of broken pipes and a flooded house.

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    1. I am so sorry, what a pain to have to deal with. All the great students I have spent time with the years are a big part of my joyful journey, you included!

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  6. Thank you for telling us. I noticed that you had lost weight (you look fabulous at any weight), and hoped that the loss was on purpose. I love your blog, and your work.

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    1. Thanks, Anne. I am good at losing weight, I've had years of practice. The real important part now is keeping it off.

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  7. I am so glad I had the opportunity to take a class from you last spring at VCQ. Enjoy life and prioritize your passion.

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    1. I love to teach and being back at VCQ as Faculty was a bucket list gig for me. Loved having you in class.

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  8. I look forward to reading your blog. I have learned a lot from you over the years. I totally understand that posting weekly is the way to go as you look after yourself and get on with life. As a retiree I think it is natural to want to slow down and good for you for keep up with the power walking. I need to follow your example.

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    1. Thank you. I am eager to get back out there walking again.

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  9. Barbara, in regards to comments: I can only comment on your blog when I'm using a windows device! If I'm on my pad or phone (both iOS) the comments go to black hole. I wonder if that happens to others?

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    1. Probably. I can only comment as Anonymous on my Iphone but can be me on my Ipad--too techy for me to figure out.

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  10. The quilts I’ve made (or started) in your classes are some of my favorites. You are a great teacher!

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    1. Thanks, Lynn. I will keep coming up with great quilts to make. And teach if there is interest.

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  11. Thanks so much for all you do! I've really enjoyed working on my Garden Party Down Under quilt. I appreciate your tips and they have added to the pleasure in making the blocks. My Sit and Stitch friends always enjoy my next installment of the quilt for Show and Tell. So, of course, I hope you keep working with The Quilt Show, helping us make beautiful quilts!
    I also hope you take time for YOU!

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  12. First - I am glad to hear you are on the mend and your knees are feeling better. Also I am happy that your more-than-noticeable weight loss is result of hard work and effort. You look terrific, healthy and happy. Please know that you inspire! As your work 2023 and beyond may be different than what it has been, you have your priorities in the right place. Again, you inspire. And whatever the "new" job possibility may be, I anticipate you will continue to inspire.

    I look forward to reading your well-written blog posts and thoughtful perspectives. While I don't often comment - its usually because I read on my iphone. (For this comment, I am on a mac book and signed into Google.)

    I feel fortunate to have been a student in one of your workshops and more than appreciate your efforts to shepherd TQS BOM participants from start to finish.

    Best of luck in all you choose to do!

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    1. Thank you, Terri. When students like you start out the day as strangers and end the day as real friends it's a great day! One of the main reasons I love to teach.

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  13. Good for you! Taking care of ourselves should always be our priority.

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  14. I am happy to hear that your knees are alright and sorry you had such a scare and so much discomfort. You will enjoy more time at home in that lovely studio. Make the most of the trips ahead, safe travels, Barbara.

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  15. First, congrats on the weight loss, Barbara! I started 2022 determined to lose some weight. I went down 25 pounds and even kept it off through our cruise--with endless food options. But since coming home 10 pounds have crept back on. I am trying to get a grip, but we have no sidewalks out here and when winter comes it is harder to walk along the road with 2-way traffic. When I go in a grocery store I loop through all the aisles once or twice, even if I only need a couple of items, just trying to get in more steps.
    I hope your knees are okay, and I think you are wise to be more intentional with your teaching schedule! And I am really glad I got to meet you last year! :)

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    1. Loved meeting you "for real" too! So glad we made that happen.

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  16. So sorry to hear of your pain. Hope you continue to improve. Enjoy your blog and all the helpful info you provide for The Quilt Show. Thank you so very much! Happy New Year!

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  17. Good for you for taking the time to decide what is important to YOU! I so appreciate your hard work on the TQS BOMs. I did 2022 and not quite ready to jump into another one, but I plan to follow along each month anyway. Maybe I'll do a bit here and there. Good luck with slowing down and enjoying the quilting!

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    1. You will enjoy the videos--Sarah has great tips for hand applique.

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  18. Went to doctor with knee pain in October quickly found I had dangerous high blood pressure that has been resolved with medication. Knee pain has mostly stopped. But I still need options to find a good solution for the knees. Would love to lose that amount of weight

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    1. Losing isn't nearly as hard as keeping it off. I am anxious to get back to my walking routine. And my BP is really good.

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  19. I hope and pray you have a complete recovery. And I look forward to see what you accomplish next
    I am most thankful that I was able to have you teach me my first quilt class. You are a gifted teacher and I love your passion for quilting and teaching. . Again I feel privileged to be a student of yours
    Sandie Twitty

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  20. Very sorry about your knees - getting old is not for the weak! Ask me how i know :D Here is to continued improvement for you! I thoroughly enjoy your blog and find that all the helpful info you provide for The Quilt Show is invaluable. Thank you ever so very much! Happy New Year!

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  21. Prayers for healing! I have certainly noticed your weight loss, you look great! Hopefully you can get back to that routine or modified routine. I have learned so much from you and so happy you shared the above. Look forward to continued learning from you via various platforms. Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you. It seems my old replacements don't have a lifetime guarantee so I have to go a bit slower to keep them working. I am feeling much better. Thanks for your kind words.

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  22. The walking is a wonderful way to keep the brain sharp, happy moods releasing those endorphines, and the plus of losing weight. I have been a daily walker since 1985, the first back surgery (3 to follow in 2000-2003). I just keep doing it. I walk a power walk for 30 minutes doing 1.5 miles. At my age, 78, I am in good shape, but could stand to lose about 10 pounds. I am sorry to hear that your body stoved up on you. I track my walk on my Apple Watch and goal is to do at least 10,000 steps a day. We stay active each day in our Play Studio. I make quilts, and have joined Alexander this year. I wish that all works out for you at the Doc’s office and enjoy the Texas trip - I live in Texas but not in the areas you are visiting. Have a great week-end.

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  23. Regarding your blog, which I follow constantly, Sue Garman did hers monthly which I really enjoyed. It was chock full of quilting, shows, what she was working on, etc. But as the years go by, it might be something for you to consider.

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    1. Sue spent hours each month on that blog--I watched her do it during a week we spent together. I plan to stick to weekly for now.

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