It’s kind of weird that I’ve been really feeling overwhelmed. But why?
There are so many projects in my head. Several times in the last couple weeks I’ve walked into my studio, and just want to get a dump truck, back it up to the door, and throw all of my stuff in there. Have you ever felt that way? I sure hope I’m not alone.
So I’ve been trying to figure out what is going on. I’ve had some physical issues I’ve had to deal with, but they’ve never got me to this place for this long. The majority of the time I keep busy with my art and the gardening, but this time period it has been hard for me to even write a post. I will admit that I’ve felt this dump-truck moment before, but it usually goes away quickly.
However, I finally figured it out. The deadline for the SAQA Collaborative Quilt project is this month. I was finished with the four quilts, but still had to add the hanging sleeves and the label, and fill out some paperwork on each one. I’ve been procrastinating because I hate to add sleeves, and I also know that these little art pieces of mine will be off to an exhibit soon and won’t be sitting around my studio. But it was time to start finishing them.
I couldn’t believe that as soon as I started working on them – I made last Wednesday my day to spend all day working on them – the overwhelming feeling lifted! I had no idea how much that project was casting a shadow over my life. So now they are done, and I’m ready to deliver them today.
I’d like to show you all four, and where the design came from on each quilt, but I’ll have to wait a bit longer. It’s been such an interesting project.
So now to clean up the studio, and start working on a few other projects I’ve been wanting to get to.
Gardening is always a priority at this time of the year. Although it competes with my art time, I welcome it. There is something soothing about being outside, weeding while listening to the birds sing. If I’ve felt down or grumpy walking out the door, when I come in from a gardening session I am at peace. It’s amazing how it calms me down. I can’t imagine not being able to garden.
I’m almost finished with the shade area, and the asparagus patch will need to be cleaned up once we stop harvesting next week. I did buy a new gadget to help me in the garden. I took it for a test drive the other day and it’s a keeper.
I just started working on my Barbara area the other day. Usually by this time of the year it’s finished. The Astilbe plants (the ones with the white flower spikes) were given to me by my fellow master gardener and good friend Barbara Lechner who moved to Washington State several years ago. I think of her often, but especially when I’m out in the garden.
Speaking of Barbara Lechner, when Barbara and I were co-chairs of the 2012 Master Gardener’s Fall Conference we asked Proven Winners to donate a plant for all of the conference attendees. They let us pick out one, and with Dave’s help we chose Brandywine Viburnum. There were a couple left so we took one, which gave Dave and me a total of three. Here they are now. This is the most beautiful native shrub – outstanding all year long.
To keep me from stealing leaves to print from a neighbor’s Oak Leaf Hydrangea, we bought and planted this cutie last year. I’m amazed how it has grown, and now it’s flowering! Looking forward to playing with her leaves soon.
Lastly is one of my favorite plants in the shade garden. This is a Ligularia dentata Desdemona. I was going to split it this year, but I think I’ll wait until next year. What makes it so striking is that the leaves are dark on the back side. And with this plant, it’s all about the leaves; the flowers aren’t much to write home about.
So that’s what’s going on here. I’m so glad the dump truck didn’t show up!
I’m so glad your mojo is back! I didn’t know you were a Master Gardener, but that explains why your garden is so beautiful. Thanks for the tour.
Lynda, I do know that feeling of being overwhelmed, coupled with creative inertia. I am also finishing up a project (an order for a customer), and hope that will relieve me of some of the overwhelmed feelings. We’re also hiring someone to come finish taking down a greenhouse that just got too hot, and then I hope to have someone come in and do some yard cleanup. Your garden, as usual, is so beautiful and inspiring! I know you and Dave have put a lot of time and effort into it, but the results are worth it!
Enjoy delving into your new projects, and I look forward to seeing pictures in future posts.
Glad you figured it out. The gardens look amazing.
I get the overwhelmed feeling, and happy you got some sense of relief (or fulfillment), at getting going again.
When the weather gots humid I cannot stand being outdoors. Up at 7:30 this morning (before the rain), to weed a little.
You inspire me, and I’m sure many more people, with your talent and kindness! Hugs
Sherrie, Thanks! Yes, I was part of the organization for many years.
Judy, Thanks! Good idea to get outside work. We do that with some larger projects.
Jackie, Thanks!
Dolly, Yeah, it’s time to do real early gardening. Thanks for your kind words. Hugs back at ya!
Dear Lynda yes I have absolutely felt the need for that dump truck! You’re not alone on that one. Gardening definitely helps my soul!! Please continue to wow us with all your artistic adventures. I look forward to your posts. And what beautiful plants.
Pam, Thank you so much for your kind comments. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.
I finally forced myself back into my studio yesterday to tidy and organize after a long period of procrastination.
I had the same thoughts of backing a dumpster truck up and tossing it all!!! Then I stumbled upon your blog and work and it/you are amazing and inspiring! What I relief to read that that I am not the only one feeling overwhelmed.
Maria, I’m so glad I’m not alone! Thank you for your kind words about my work. I just checked out your website, and your work is lovely. I’ve not done a lot of natural dyeing, although have done some. I may need to revisit it. However, right now my goal is to start using up all of this dyed fabric I have before the dump truck shows up!! Again, thanks for stopping by. Come back soon!
I look forward to your blog posts every week. This past weeks post hit home. You weren’t the only one feeling overwhelmed. I finally determined that I was worried about not finishing a gift for my best friend’s 70th birthday. Not only will it be her 70th, but she is now cancer free. Going through treatment during Covid made her life even more scary. I determined that if the annuals didn’t get planted before the heat hit, so be it. I finished Kathy’s gift last night, 2 weeks ahead of time! Today will be out in the garden. Your garden is beautiful. My ligularia has bit the dust. I knew I was taking a risk due to our extremes, but it was so pretty. Your oak leaf hydrangea will surprise you. Mine is about 8′ tall and 4′ wide and I cut it back every spring so it doesn’t outgrow its space. My favorite plant in the fall when its leaves turn mahogany and last most of the winter. Happy gardening!
Jeannie, I’m glad I’m not alone. So glad you finished that gift. You are a good friend! Yes, some things we just have to let go. I didn’t post this week, but I will soon about me letting go of some things I’ve not wanted to. Sorry about your ligularia. Dave knows I love them so much he ordered me another, and I have the perfect spot for it!! Our oak leaf is called Ruby Slipper and it’s suppose to only get 3.5 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. We have another oak leaf in the sun garden that is a bit larger and we do have to keep it pruned back. I wanted this one just for the beautiful leaves!! The one we have doesn’t have the pretty leaves. Anyway, stay cool and thanks for commenting and reading my blog. It means a lot to me.