New kit/pattern are almost ready to release! This one has been on my mind for a long time, and I’m so glad it’s finally almost finished!

I finished this small art quilt recently and I’m totally smitten with how it looks on the wall.

Reading:

This Must Be The Place by Maggie O’Farrell ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I am working on becoming a Maggie O’Farrell Completist because I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read by her. This book was good, but it’s no Hamnet. The main character is not admirable and while he does undergo some growth throughout the book I felt like it was rushed at the end. The other characters are delightful. Overall I’m glad I read it.

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskins ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A powerful historical fiction story set in two timelines: modern day and during the Bosnian War. It features a strong female character out to find justice for her murdered family and friends. Not my typical genre, but I did enjoy learning more about a conflict that happened during my lifetime but which I knew very little about.

On YouTube:

This slow stitch book has been such a joy to work on! And I’m excited about what’s next in this series. Stay tuned!

In the Shop

poppies kit

poppies pdf pattern

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Around Here

• Gardening season is just getting started. My winter-sown seedlings are growing in their makeshift greenhouses (aka plastic storage bins) and I’m eager to get things in the ground.

• Jason and I chaos gardened some sunflower seeds on a whim one evening this week. And by that I mean: I found a sunflower seed mix in the drawer of my potting bench, ran to find my husband and invited him to fling the seeds willy-nilly with me along a tiny section of our yard next to the driveway. Who knows what will happen? But I’m all for adding a bit more whimsy into our days.

• I started a Literary Society for my 9 year old daughter who is a big reader and an even bigger introvert. We had three of her little friends over and they each talked about a book they’ve read recently (this approach is MUCH easier/more forgiving than a traditional book club for both the members and the hosts!). Each girl spoke for 1-2 minutes about their book, we had snacks and a craft project and then they played for a while. It was easy and fun and perfect for my sweet little introvert. I can’t wait for next month!

• We’re currently on our 9th annual birthday weekend trip, celebrating my husband and his twin brother’s birthday at beautiful Bear Lake (seen above). This trip is always one of the highlights of our year.

Reading:

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This will definitely be on my favorites of the year list! A non-magical Cinderella retelling from the step-mother’s perspective. I loved it SO much. The idea that we didn’t get the whole story of the virtuous Cinderella and her “evil” step-mom and step-sisters was so intriguing to me, and this book did not disappoint in the least. I was enthralled all the way through. I loved the flawed, scrappy female characters and their loyalty to one another. I loved the character development and the growth we see for each of them. The writing is phenomenal. You’ll be seeing this new release everywhere and for good reason.

Fishing for the Little Pike by by Juhani Karila ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was…weird? …interesting? I’m not really sure what to think of it yet. It’s a little bit Norse mythology, a little bit modern magical realism. It’s a little melancholy and a little strange. I keep thinking about it, and that means something to me. It’s not clearly defined in my mind, but I think it may be just right for some readers.

On YouTube:

In the Shop

butterfly PDF pattern

butterfly hand embroidery kit

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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What Women Hold:

As women we hold countless things, physically, mentally, and emotionally. We carry schedules and routines, hopes and dreams. We bear grief, fear, anxiety, and the heavy weight of expectation. And we hold so much joy.

We hold our loved ones close. Our arms embrace the grieving. We clasp our hands together in prayer, in anger, in delight. We carry meals, gifts, responsibilities, and invisible labor. Our lives are a tangle of joy and struggle. Our hands are full. Our minds are full. Our hearts are full.

This piece illustrates what it feels like to be a modern woman. All of our roles are overlapping, blending into each other, crowded into too little time and too little energy. It represents the beauty and the burden of that ever-present fullness. It highlights the intertwining of tenderness and strength, of exhaustion and bliss, of resilience and courage that each woman holds.

Available for purchase here.

What’s in my slow stitch project bag:

Reading:

Middlemarch by George Eliot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I read this gigantic classic slowly, averaging 5-10 pages a day, so it took me a while to get through the full 900+pages. I remember telling my husband that around page 700 I finally felt like I was fully invested. I ended up LOVING the book despite it having a slow start (pretty typical for classics). The characters and their imperfections, the poor choices and societal expectations, the satire and happy endings. I can’t wait to watch the BBC miniseries!

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The entire literary world is talking about this series, and for good reason. It’s sweet and fun with surprising depth. A little silly, full of heart. I was live-texting my best friend as we read these pretty much at the same time over the last couple of months. Just the escapism I’ve needed, but now I’m really bummed to have to wait for book 9.

On YouTube:

In the Shop

evergreen tree kit

evergreen tree pdf pattern

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Around here:

• This week was packed with two short trips: Las Vegas for a soccer tournament (we won!) and Salt Lake City for a Brandi Carlile concert (yes, it was life changing and incredible and I will never be the same).

• My BFF and I attended a local Ladies Archery Night last night to earn a merit badge for Proper Mountain Woman Club and it was an absolute blast. I’m not saying we’re going to become professional archers now, but I’m not not saying that either.

• We also had a proper tea party with friends this week: tea, treats, poetry, crafts, Victorian games and Victorian Puzzle Purses. A delightful way to spend the afternoon

• Snowshoed a gorgeous trail with Jason and not another soul in sight. It was perfect.

Reading:

Gather by Kenneth M Cadow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved this coming of age story of hardship and good people willing to step in to help someone in need. I immediately handed it to my husband and he loved it as well.

The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This stunning middle grade novel is a heartfelt story of grief and found family. It’s full of delightful and quirky details and characters you’ll adore. My 9 year old loves it and my 21 year old is reading in now and also loving it. This would make a great read aloud!

On YouTube:

In the Shop

snowflake grid kit

snowflake grid pdf pattern

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Around here:

• Find me at Millcreek Common and the Utah Art Market (Feb 4-14)

• We hosted a Crafternoon last week. It’s not often that I make things just to make them. Often my projects are work related. But on I collaged the sweetest little tin to hold candy in my purse, like a proper quirky middle-aged lady. It’s bringing me such joy.

• We took a moonlit snowshoe (which actually turned out to just be a hike due to lack of new snow/the trail already being packed down). Delight.

Reading:

Life and Death and Giants by Ron Rindo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this book from start to finish! It feels a little bigger than life (pun intended). It full of sacrifice and heart. Redemption and second chances. It’s a fantastic work that I immediately added to my husband’s TBR so we can discuss it. Highly recommended!

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I will be thinking about this book for the rest of my life. I loved the infusion of art and caring for others that weaves throughout this story. It’s just what our world needs more of. A beautiful story well told. I was literally SOBBING at the end.

On YouTube:

In the Shop

great love embroidery kit

great love pdf pattern

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Around here:

• Prepping for upcoming shows! Find me at Millcreek Common (going on now!) and the Utah Art Market (Feb 4-14)

• My husband and I took a weekend away with friends and did some planning sessions in between walks, restaurants, an art museum, movies and mah jongg games. I’m feeling so motivated and excited for what we’ve got coming up!

• Proper Mountain Woman Club is giving me such joy lately. I joined for the first time this session and will absolutely be doing it again. Think merit badges for grown ladies. A little adventure, a little mischief, a lot of motivation. So much fun!

Reading:

Above the Fire by Michael O’Donnell ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you enjoyed Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, this will most likely be a good fit for you. It has a similar vibe without being identical. This is perfect winter time reading. It was so close to being 5 stars for me. So well written, just slightly unnerving, characters you want to root for. I loved it.

Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It’s a delightful story about a middle-aged woman who leaves her teaching job to seek out a rare beetle in a distant land. It’s a little slapstick in places, but full of heart. Absolutely worth pick up!

On YouTube:

In the Shop

snowflake stick and stitch

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Happy new year! I’m sending of a quick note in between so much family time and a little planning our year/couples getaway with our dear friends. I can’t quite remember what day it is, and I’m a little worried we won’t remember how to be real people when work/homeschool begins again on Monday.

Today I have a very quick list of my favorite books from 2025. I didn’t include descriptions or reviews, because I just don’t have the capacity for that this week. Hopefully this list still adds to your TBR in a meaningful way!

I’d love to hear from you, especially if you have book recommendations for me! Reply to this newsletter and it will come directly to me.

This is Happiness by Niall Williams

Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith by Sarah Bessey

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett

The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

We Were the Lucky Ones Georgia Hunter

How to Walk into a Room by Emily P Freeman

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

On YouTube:

I am THRILLED to be starting a new weekly series on YouTube. I have been dreaming of this for a long time and because I didn’t quite know what direction I wanted to take it, I was afraid of starting. But I didn’t want to let another year go by without trying to create this series. So, here we go! Slow Stitch along with me every Friday this year. I’m so excited to have finally begun!

Here’s to more love and joy in this fresh new year and to making time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

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I’ve got some new pieces at The Logan Gallery (shown above). They’ve been such a joy to work with! If you’re in Northern Utah, I highly recommend stopping in for an event or just to walk around the gallery. They have such a great selection of artists!

On YouTube:

Reading:

This is Happiness by Niall Williams

I adored this book and immediately passed it on to my husband who loved it just as much. Set in a tiny Irish village that is in the process of installing electricity in homes, decades after most of the world. It’s a quietly delightful story of coming of age, quirky characters, family and second chances.

Field Notes from the Wilderness by Sarah Bessey

If (like me) you find yourself in a faith transition, Sarah Bessey is your wise older sister who has walked this path before and is ready to walk it again with you (us). Her understanding and encouragement shine through the difficult topics addressed in this book. I highlighted and shared so many quotes with loved ones on a similar journey and we all felt seen.

If you haven’t personally experienced a faith transition, I would still recommend reading this book to help you better understand your loved ones who have.

Watching: The new Knives Out movie was awesome! It’s probably my favorite of the series.

Dabbling in: Trying to finish my English Paper Piecing cushion cover. It’s so close! Hopefully I’ll finish this week!

In the House/Yard: I’ve been having a good old fashioned Before Christmas organization in all the nooks and crannies around here. It feels so good to send things we’re not longer using on their way!

In the Shop

Together Hand Embroidery Kit

Together Hand Embroidery PDF Pattern

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

Just a quick note from me today. I’ve been up to my eyeballs in creative work that I love. We’ve had weeks of semi-hectic preparation for three art shows in one week, which is more than I’ve ever done at one time.

Thank you for supporting artists like me at this time of year. I think often of how 9 year old Heidi would be delighted to see the work I get to do as a grownup. I don’t take that for granted!

If you’re in Northern Utah, come see my work this week at:

Utah Art Market: Millcreek UT

Simple Treasures: Farmington, UT

Craft Lake City: Ogden, UT (I’ll be here in person! I’d love to meet you!)

On YouTube:

Reading

Ruthless Vows (#2 in the Letters of Enchantment Duology) by Rebecca Ross

I needed something light and enjoyable after finishing The Correspondent last week. Ruthless Vows fit the bill exactly! I loved being back in this slightly magical world full of bravery, love, friendship and good conquering evil. Start with the first book, obviously, but reading the whole series is definitely worth your time!

Awake by Jen Hatmaker

This is the heartbreaking and uplifting memoir of the end of Jen’s marriage and the beginning of a new chapter in her life. I was gutted and inspired in turns reading her story. I love how she tied in her spiritual journey as well.

In the Shop

I’ve restocked the wildly popular Christmas Ornaments hand embroidery kits!

Christmas Ornaments Kit

Christmas Ornaments PDF pattern

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Reading

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is perhaps going to be my favorite book of the entire year. It’s gorgeous and deep, heartbreaking and real. If you only have time to read one more book this year, please allow me to lovingly place this one in your hands. If our taste overlaps at all, I think you’ll love it.

It seems unfair to place any book next to The Correspondent. But I also recently read and enjoyed The Situation Room by George Stephanopolous. This was a fascinating look back through the last several Presidents of the United States and how they each used the Situation Room in the White House during various crises. Really, really interesting!

On Instagram

In the Shop:

Autumn Stick and Stitch

PDF Pattern Only

A brand new Stick and Stitch collection! Available as a PDF for you to print yourself or on water soluble paper that will be mailed to you. These cute little autumn motifs are sized to fit in 2 or 3” hoops and make a darling addition to cloth napkins, clothes, table runners or as hanging ornaments. Leaves, pumpkins and mushrooms galore!

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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This was my “mobile studio” last weekend. I worked in a park after driving a van full of jumprope athletes (including my 11 year old son) to a workshop 3 hours away.

On YouTube:

In My Art Journal:

Reading

I read Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge this week and could not put it down. It was not at all what I was expecting (I went in completely blind). And while there were a couple of implausible things that made me roll my eyes a little bit, I did really enjoy it!

The Long and Faraway Gone by Lou Berney was a gripping book featuring two overlapping mysteries. I had different theories all through the book and I was completely wrong. Not in a tricky way that a lot of thrillers seem to have, but in a smart way that made sense.

In the Shop

I’ve added several autumn-inspired framed felt + embroidery pieces to my shop at a big discount! These pieces are all ready to hang and display for your fall festivities. Handmade felt + frames handmade by my cute husband.

The sale mostly focuses on my felt autumn leaves collection, but I also included a few fabric collage pieces. Check them out here.

FRAMED PIECES SALE

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Around Here:

• A quilt finish! I loved working with this limited color palate. I hand quilted and hand stitched the binding, which are my favorite parts of quilt-making.

• A new embroidery kit/pattern is in the works. I find it hard to believe that I don’t have any Jane Austen quotes in the shop yet, but it’s true. I’ll be rectifying that oversight very soon!

• We got a kitten! His name is Smudge and he is beautiful and perfect and we all adore him, which if you know me in real life is an absolute shocker. I’ve not been much of an animal person up to this point.

• Christmas Market prep is in full swing. I’m excited about this year’s ornament designs. They’re different than anything I’ve done before. (Sneak peek above: blue patchwork)

• I’m getting so close to finishing my current large abstract felt piece. It’s been a very enjoyable project, involving lots of playing with color and texture.

On YouTube:

In My Art Journal:

Reading

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

This is sci-fi at its finest, in my opinion. The technology is approachable, the characters are well developed and interesting. I loved it, I think… I’m actually in need of a deep discussion of this book. Have you read it and do you want to talk to me about it?

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Young Readers Edition by William Kamkwamba

I read this aloud to my 16-, 11- and 9-year old kiddos for our homeschool study. I read the other version previously and would highly recommend it. We loved this glimpse into William Kamkwamba’s genius and determination. I cried several times as I read aloud (which is nothing new). After we finished the book, we watched William’s first TED Talk, which he talks about in the book. This sparked such a great discussion about his bravery and the way he inspired each of us. We watched the movie today for our weekly Documentary Friday tradition.

In the Shop

Dear Old World Kit

Dear Old World PDF PATTERN

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

I had an idea for a quilt I want to make after my current one is finished (just two sides of the binding left to stitch!) and found myself up to my elbows in dye baths yesterday getting the fabric ready.

I’m using mostly scraps of fabric leftover from my embroidery kits and a bit that I salvaged from a bin of old tablecloths and sheets that my neighbor was getting rid of. I’m really looking forward to this project! It will likely take a while, but that’s exactly why I love hand stitching.

The fabrics (a small selection shown above) have been washed and dried and I’m in the process of pressing them this afternoon. The color palate is exactly what I was hoping for and I’m delighted with the outcome.

On YouTube:

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Short and sweet book reviews of all the books I read in September.

My morning reading/stitching/exercise routine.

Reading

Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews

This was a really interesting look at the history of women writers/walkers. As an avid walker/hiker myself I love to think about the link between creativity and movement, especially in nature. Some chapters did drag a little slowly for me, but overall this was really interesting.

The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

This was a difficult read, but I loved it. (The Kindle version is on a huge sale right now!) Major plot points include: adoption, pregnancy loss, childhood trauma. It feels weird to say I loved a book that includes those topics, especially if you know our history of infertility, foster care, adoption and loss. I felt like the characters were so well drawn and interesting and I loved getting to know them.

Here’s to making time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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I spent last weekend at a Reading Retreat in beautiful Albuquerque, NM. It was hosted by my online friend turned book club host turned real life friend and was a highlight of my whole year. Ten book club members from across the country gathered together for 4 days of bookish fun and connection.

We had plenty of time for reading, of course, but we also got to tour Albuquerque, hike a little, talk a lot (about books and everything else), and make in real life connections. It was exactly as wonderful as it sounds!

Check out how Mindy plans the retreat here.

One of our projects was painting favorite book covers. I’m so happy with how mine turned out. Such fun!

Reading

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood was an absolute delight. I loved this sweet story of found family and redemption. It was the perfect airplane read and I immediately handed it to my husband who also loved it.

The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex fits a favorite niche of mine. Character-driven, slightly creepy, a touch supernatural, but not so scary I can’t sleep at night. I could not put this down! Its a great option for your fall/spooky reading.

Watching:

We’re feeling so very grateful for a new season of Great British Bake Off around here. It’s the joy I need more of in my life.

Listening:

The delight of our newly-turned nine year old. She’s getting a kitten for her birthday (which is today), which surprised all of us. I guess that’s a benefit of being the youngest child. These never-will-we-ever-be-pet-owners parents have softened. She’s over the moon and I think the rest of us will be in love shortly.

Dabbling in:

In full-on preparation mode for Utah Art Market. If you’re in or near Salt Lake City, come check it out the first two weeks of October!

In the House/Yard:

Tomatoes! Mums! Sunflowers!

In the Shop

AUTUMN GRID KIT

This fun kit is perfect for any autumn fan! Stitched in gorgeous colors, it’s full of pumpkins, acorns, leaves and mushrooms. It’s a perfect way to practice new stitches and turns out so beautiful when it’s finished.

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

—Heidi

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Projects in Progress

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Reading

The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison

I loved this story of a long marriage. While the protagonists made some choices I didn’t love, I did appreciate the honest look into one couple’s love story and the reasons they stayed together over the years. Beautiful and heartwarming!

The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi

Oof. This is a DIFFICULT read. I didn’t know going into it that it’s the story of the barn where Emmett Till was killed and I almost put it down once I realized what it was. As the mother of a beautiful Black boy, this story is my literal worst nightmare. I frequently found myself in tears throughout this book. It is dense with information but also a powerful pleading against racism and injustice.

Watching:

My husband and I have binged the first two seasons of The Diplomat over the last couple of weeks. It’s been a fun ride and a little bit of escapism during a stressful time.

Listening:

We got to see The Wailin’ Jennys in concert last night and it was a dream come true. Absolute perfection. If you have a chance, listen to their version of Wildflowers. It’s stunning and I listened to it on repeat during a difficult parenting season a few years ago.

Dabbling in:

Morning Stitches. I’ve been setting aside 20-30 minutes each morning to work on a hand stitching project and it’s been delightful.

In the House/Yard:

Tomatoes are in full force and I’m having tomato sandwiches every day for lunch for the foreseeable future.

In the Shop

poppies embroidery kit

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

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We went to Great Basin National Park and the adults hiked Wheeler Peak (elevation 13,064 ft) it was incredibly intense and absolutely worth it.

We came home feeling inspired to tackle more intense peaks in our area. I can’t wait for the next big hike!

Reading:

We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter is a beautiful true story of hope and family during WWII. I kept finding more work to do around the house so I could keep listening. It’s heartbreaking and poignant and I loved it.

Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey I am a huge fan of this author and have loved all of her books. This one did not disappoint. It’s a tiny bit magical, a little bit creepy. Rooted in place and so enjoyable to read. I immediately passed it on to my husband and he enjoyed it as well.

In My Art Journal:

In the Shop:

Octobers Kit

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

My shop

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While we were walking and talking recently I was telling him about a huge mess the kids had made that day in the throes of a creative project I can’t even remember now. I said, “I have a pretty high tolerance for creative messes, but this was beyond even that.”

I’ve been thinking about that phrase since. A high tolerance for creative messes. We are a family of creative people. We’ve each got any number of overlapping creative projects going at once. For example, I’m currently taking a breather from restocking embroidery kits for my shop and my two younger kids (ages 8 and 11) are upstairs creating a grocery store out of cardboard to use for their stuffies. I peeked my head into the room they’re in and it’s adorable. They’ve gathered supplies from the recycling bin and have made grocery store shelves and a refrigerator section and even tiny grocery baskets. That room is also absolutely covered in cardboard pieces, hot glue and who knows what else.

They’ll be required to clean up the mess before they move onto their next endeavors, of course (and I try to hold myself to that rule as well). But the actual making of the mess without stressing about the clean-up phase is a gift I like to give them, and myself, and the other members of our family.

I love a tidy home, and work hard to bring things back to a comfortable, clean baseline each evening. But I firmly believe freedom to explore, play and make a mess is integral to creativity, not just for our children but for ourselves as well.

Here’s your nudge to make a little bit of a mess this weekend!

On YouTube:

READING

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt

This sweet coming of age story kept me company while I sewed last weekend. It was an absolute delight, despite the sad bits (and they are very sad: death of parents, etc.). Gary D. Schmidt is always a hit for me and this book may now be at the top of my list of favorites.

West with the Night by Beryl Markham

Delightfully surprised by her writing style. Some problematic/outdated ideas and content due to the time and place (colonization, hunting elephants, etc). I do wish more emphasis had been placed on her flying career vs horse racing, but still loved the book overall.

IN THE SHOP

I’m in the process of restocking this Felt Autumn Leaves kit. Should I set aside one for you?

Felt Autumn Leaves Kit

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

My shop

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We’re officially back to homeschool this week, and still trying to soaking up the last of the really warm summer days while they last. We spent a day at the lake with friends and we’re fully enjoying all of the tomatoes and peppers fresh from the garden.

I have been very slowly adding to my scrap yarn knitting project for years and just this week I decided to shift my plan and make a cushion cover instead of a blanket. I’ll share more soon, but I’m excited to be really close to a finish with that project all of a sudden. (I’ll share a video on youtube in the next few weeks)

I’m also deeply into a Top Secret Birthday Surprise quilting project (sneak peek above) and I’ve been challenging myself to fill up an older art journal before I move onto a new one. It’s been a delightful way to fill 10-15 minutes each morning. I really do set a timer; I find that helps me get started as well as not get to caught up in what I’m doing.

What I’ve been reading:

Just this morning I finished The Names by Florence Knapp. I absolutely loved the structure of this book. It’s really unusual and so well done. It’s a tough read, for sure (horrifying domestic violence specifically). But it is also beautiful and hopeful and engrossing.

Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green was fascinating and eye-opening for me. Such a powerful history of the disease, as well as a deep look at the toll it has taken on the world and the systemic causes for why it is still running rampant across the globe.

What have you been reading lately?

In the Shop:

Aspen Embroidery Kit

Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

My shop

YouTube

This week was all about getting my feet under me again after a week away with family. We had such a marvelous time: swimming in various locations, lots of cousin time for the kids, lots of games and chatting for the adults. I read 4 books and got only slightly sunburned.

Now I’m realizing that the homeschool year is quickly approaching and I have not spent much time planning or prepping. I’ll focus on that next week. (Would you be interested in knowing what curriculum, etc. we’ll be using?)

One of my main goals for our vacations this summer was to let go of any expectations of getting official work done. I didn’t bring along any of my current work projects or art pieces in progress.

I brought my little english paper piecing set-up and made quite a lot of progress basting hexagons. I also took a simple art journal that ended up being a fun collaborative project with my nieces one afternoon. It stretched all down the dining table and we each worked on a little section with acrylic paint markers. (Stay tuned, I’ll show you more in a future video).

READING:

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall. This book has been on my radar all summer. Lots of people are talking about it, and I can see why! It was beautifully written and such a heartbreaker of a story. I was disappointed by a trope I hoped wouldn’t happen, but then did (if you’ve read this, I’d love to talk to you about it!) and I have lots of thoughts/pushback on the outcome for a certain character. This is all very vague, in order to avoid spoilers. Overall I enjoyed this book. I read it in less than 24 hours. It was perfect for a vacation read, but I do have strong opinions about a couple of things.

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell. This was another perfect vacation read. A slow burn romance with characters I loved. Romance is not my typical genre, but this a was fun and light but still contained substance.

LISTENING:

My 16 year old son and I have been enjoying the Animal podcast while we drive places. We haven’t listened to all of the episodes, but the first two have been delightful.

WATCHING:

I just finished reading Wonder by RJ Palacio aloud to my two younger kids (ages 8 and 11) and we’re looking forward to watching the movie this evening for our weekly pizza and a movie night.

IN THE SHOP: I don’t want to alarm you, but now would be a great time to grab this Halloween Blackwork project if you’d like to have it done in time for October.

Here’s to making time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

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A while ago @thelazygenius talked about creating our own Sparkle Lists, which inspired my husband and myself to sit down together for a brainstorming session for a date night. We created our individual lists and a combined Sparkle List.

We enjoyed this thought process so much and have referred back to it often on stressful or emotional days when we need a reset.

I even gave a mini presentation on this topic at our family reunion last summer and created a printable to go along with it. I’m sharing that free printable with you today!

But first thing’s first:

What is a Sparkle List?

A list of specific activities/hobbies/things that bring you joy.

A great resource to have on hand when you’re feeling low or overwhelmed.

Can (generally) be accomplished in a short amount of time.

Here's the list full of extremely specific things that make me happy.✨

• set a timer and read

• blooper videos/ voice actors

• Jimmy Fallon music games

• going to the mountains

• favorite songs playlist

• Great British Bake Off /The Repair Shop

• lift weights

• walk/hike with a friend

• audiobook + walk/art

• homemade cookies

• fresh flowers from our yard

• This video has a permanent spot on my Sparkle List. It’s very silly, but I could watch it every single day for a little pick-me-up.

On my version of the Sparkle List, I’ve divided the list into different time categories based on how long each item takes to accomplish. Here are a few ideas to help you create your own list:

Five Minutes or Less

• favorite snack

• song you love

• short video

• text a friend

• make a list

Thirty Minutes or Less

• exercise

• read

• go outside

• call someone you love

• short TV show

• work in the garden

• play a game

• journal

• paint/draw

• craft

2+ Hours

• Adventure!

• movie

• binge a show

• activity with friends

• work on a creative project

Now it’s your turn!

Having a physical list is more effective than just a mental list, so write down your ideas. (I’ve included a free printable below so you can do just that!)

Brainstorm ideas for your Sparkle List!

Add to it as you think of new things.

Share with loved ones so they can help you remember to do the things that help you feel more like yourself on a regular basis.

When you are sad or overwhelmed chose something from the list to help you get back on track.

Tips for Designing your Sparkle List:

• Be specific (not just a TV show you love, but a specific episode)

• What activities make you feel more like yourself?

• No shame allowed! This is not high brow or what you think “should” be on the list. You’re not trying to impress anyone, this is about what genuinely brings you joy.

FREE Sparkle List printable

I decided my list needed a permanent spot in my journal so I can refer back to it when I need ideas. Here’s a video of me creating my list:

I hope this is a helpful exercise for you! I’d love to hear what you add to your list!

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In My Art Journal:

Around Here

Reading:

Lightfall by Tim Probert

This middle grade graphic novel is STUNNING. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. The story is full of adventure and sweet friendships. Both my 8 year old voracious reader daughter and I loved it.

Wretched Waterpark by Kiersten White

I listened to this with my 8 and 11 year old and we could not get enough. It is funny and just a little dark (think Series of Unfortunate Events). Absolutely delightful. We’re already on to book two!

Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

This book came along at just the right time for me. It’s full of short, manageable, bite-size shifts in perspective to help us reframe how we think about work/life/interruptions, etc.

Watching:

We’ve been watching The Tour de France: Unchained lately. I love sports documentaries and this is a stellar example of that genre.

In the House/Yard:

Flowers everywhere! Cosmos are just starting to bloom, the hollyhocks have taken on a life of their own. My blackberry lilies are at their peak. I bought a few perennials on extreme clearance last week and they are doing surprisingly well in the mid-July heat.

In the Shop:

INTO THE FOREST KIT

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Here’s to making the time for the things we love to do!

Heidi

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