Reflections: Preparing a Place
Dear Reader,
I had a special visitor!
But my story began before the visit.
A few weeks ago, my husband took me to what he calls his "secret" hiking trail. We wandered through a quiet neighborhood before stepping onto winding boardwalks beneath towering pine trees.
But before we ever reached the woods, something else caught my eye.
The neighborhood's landscapes overflowed with brightly colored flowers, unusually decorative and overabundant. And before long, I understood why…
The gardens were an invitation.
A tiny hummingbird danced from blossom to blossom, never lingering long, yet never seeming hurried. I was fascinated by his flitting, wanting to stop and watch this sweet moment for as long as possible.
As I watched, I wondered, "Do hummingbirds ever visit our home?"
Our backyard is peaceful, with beautiful trees. But flowers? Not many, and certainly not the lovely selection provided here.
The very next day, morning to be precise, I glanced out my window...
A tiny hummingbird hovered just outside the glass for a few wonderful moments before disappearing into the trees.
There was my answer…They Do!
That afternoon, I ordered a feeder and downloaded a recipe for homemade nectar.
I wanted to prepare a place where this tiny visitor would always be welcomed.
Since then, I've thought about how often our lives work the same way.
We can't hurry friendships. We can't force healing. We can't chase every beautiful thing we'd like to hold onto.
But we can prepare a place where kindness is abundant, grace is freely offered, and weary hearts feel safe enough to linger.
Whether around a sewing table, over a cup of coffee, beside a quiet pond, or beneath the gentle hum of tiny wings...
I hope my life quietly says, "You're welcome here.”
A Quiet Stitch
Preparing a Place Before You Begin
Just as a hummingbird is drawn to a place that's been thoughtfully prepared, quilting becomes more enjoyable when we prepare our workspace before we begin. A few quiet minutes of preparation can transform an entire sewing session.
Quiet Tip: Before sitting down to sew, take a moment to prepare your creative space. Fill a fresh bobbin, insert a new needle if it's time, gather the tools you'll need, press your fabrics, and place a small container nearby for thread clippings and scraps.
Beginning with an organized workspace allows your creativity to flow with fewer interruptions and a little more joy.
Sometimes the most productive part of quilting happens before the first stitch is ever sewn.
Around the Studio
The hummingbirds are not the only ones creating a little excitement around here. The studio is buzzing with anticipation for the holidays!
I am busy cutting and packaging kits for my On Dasher, On Dancer Table Runner. This sweet little project makes a wonderful handmade gift for someone special on your list. Raw-edge appliqué helps it come together quickly, while the love stitched into it will be cherished for many years.
Purchase your kit and create one for your loved ones.
Coming This Month
Cozy Fall Quilt
Come create your own Cozy Fall Quilt with us. Just imagine it finished and ready for those first cooler evenings, draped across your favorite chair and waiting for a good book and a cup of something warm.
When the holidays arrive, you will have a beautiful handmade touch of fall welcoming family and friends into your home.
Come prepare a cozy place for fall with us!
October Block Party: Hearthstone
You will not want to miss our October Block Party as we create Hearthstone, the newest block in the Heirloom Collection.
At the heart of every home is a place where warmth, comfort, and treasured memories gather. This sweet 8-inch finished block was designed to celebrate that special place.
Join us around the quilting table and add Hearthstone to your growing Heirloom Collection.
A Blessing
May your home be a place where kindness is freely given, creativity is joyfully shared, and every guest feels warmly welcomed.
May you find delight in preparing spaces that invite others to slow down, rest awhile, and simply enjoy being together.
Before you go, I would love to hear from you.
What are you preparing a place for this season?
A friendship, a creative dream, a family gathering, or perhaps a little more quiet in your own life?
Leave me a note in the comments.
Your stories are part of what makes this Quiet Life community so special.
Until next month,
Connie
Make your own Hummingbird nectar
1.
Mix one part white sugar and four parts water in a clean pot or jug
2.
Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Always let the mixture cool completely to room temperature before adding it to a feeder
3.
Pour the cooled nectar into your feeder. Store any extra sugar water in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
Love the new page set up!! I feel very at home reading your entry's!! See you soon!!!