HOT HOT HOT!!!!!!!!!!!

The above says it all.  The last 2 days have been 38 & 37 degrees and extremely windy.  South Australia is in the grips of it's worst bushfires since 1983 and we've had our fair share as well, though most are now under control.  I do hope things pick up for S.A.  and pray for cooler weather and rain for them.  We've had our best rain in months late this afternoon along with lengthy thunderstorms.  There is still some thunder about now.

OK, this was going to be my CHALLENGE post, but being so hot, didn't do a lot and think I'm tired now.  My challenges are going to be in 2 parts.  One will be to do with my quilting and the other just things in general.

We'll start with the general one.

NUMBER 1
As a child and up until I had my first baby, I read "a lot".  Over the ensuing years with 3 children, a full time job and other commitments, the reading went by the wayside except for a few short spells.  I've quite a few paperbacks that I've bought and not read and hope to catch up slowly, but first are a  couple I intend borrowing from the library as they sound so good.  They are going to put these 3 on hold and let me know when they come in.  (Hope not all at once.)

If I borrow them, I'll feel obliged to read them, whereas when they are here at home, I think I'll get around to it one day.  Another that I'm going to ask about is this one.

Jo recommended this one and I think it sounds very interesting.

NUMBER 2
 I have a box under the quilting machine that reads, "WIP's" also known as work in progress, so that is on my list.  Most of it is sewing related and really needs finishing.  Said box below.

NUMBER 3
I am going to try something new each quarter of this year.  Of course I talked of pyrography on my last post. I also have a needle felting kit, plus a punchneedle that I'd like to try.  Playing with some papercraft type bits is also in there too.  So that's four different things.

QUILTING

NUMBER1
I must finish my foundation paper pieced star quilt which was started in 2008 along with a friend who wanted to learn.  We started and then so many things got in the way and although I've done all my stars, it is not together yet.  I think I may have shown it once a long time ago. Everyone can give me a push on this one.

NUMBER 2
For some years now I've been working on some quilts intending to write a book and this is the year it is going to happen.  Maybe now that I've put it on my blog, I will really get it done.  Wish me luck.

I've other things I would love to get done, but know I need to be realistic.
 
One more thing that is not really a challenge, but something I think we should all try at times and that is to make time for yourself.  Having a hubby who is now retired I don't seem to take the time to just do those silly little things that always gave me pleasure, like tinkling on the piano or doing my Relaxercise exercises.  Even my blogging, flower arranging and photography seem to take a back seat at times, so I'll give myself the time to make these happen.
As I sit writing this, darkness has fallen, it has stopped thundering and raining (which we needed) and a frog has just started croaking, so all is well with the world.

That is my lot for tonight, so I hope I can keep my challenge goals and post about them as they happen.  Take care all and huggles from Susan.