Substance of Living

Have you ever looked at September as an ending?  After all, school starts in many locations in the northern hemisphere, the fall solstice begins on September 21st.  This is right around the time we say goodbye to summer and start seeing changes in the weather or the turning of the leaves.  I think of September as sort of a beginning and ending in the same breath.  Yes, those things I've mentioned do happen but it's also a time for gathering.  We harvest our gardens and prepare them for the next year.  That's my ending.  The beginning is my birthday, which I celebrate the entire month.  This is also when I evaluate or reflect on the year and set my intensions for the next year instead of using January 1st.  It seems that I remain faithful to my goals.  My new year's resolutions used to be quite lofty - workout every day, get organized, stop eating junk food, etc.  By January 2nd I felt like a failure. September is also the ...

  Spells and Spiced Latte: A Coffee Witch Cozy Mystery (Maddie Goodwell Book 1) Book by Jinty James Book 1 of this series had me at coffee.   So glad I took advantage of downloading this free (as of May 28, 2021) book from Amazon.  The title and adorable cat on the cover were sure to entertain me - and it did.  Yes, I am one of those people that chooses their books by the cover. This is a good, clean storyline that includes:  Maddie Goodwell, a witch; Trixie, her Persian cat and "familiar"; Maddie's best friend and business partner, Suzanne Taylor; and coffee. Maddie was seven years old when she found an ancient book titled "Wytchdraft for the Chosen" and learned one spell.  To this day, she is only able to do one spell - the coffee vision spell.  When  Maddie reads Joan's (one of her regular customers) coffee grounds, she sees Joan lying dead in the kitchen.  Within 24 hours the vision comes true compelling Maddie to solve the murder wi...

STOP what you’re doing!   This is a page turner.   In my case, e very excuse was made to listen and I finished in less than three days. Ms. Natalie Barelli’s story was brought to life by the narrator, Emily Rankin.  This is one of those books where the author, storyline, and narrator were in sync to maximize the listening experience. Without giving away the details: Anna Sanchez, our lead character, has the perfect career, perfect marriage, and two perfect children.  Then one of her students dies and her life begins to spiral.  All the while Anna tries to control the situation. Ms. Barelli doesn’t give anything away.  Lots of red herrings.  Ms. Rankin brings us into the story allowing us to feel every emotion, hear the stress, and the see each scene.  Every character had a distinct voice and manner of speaking. This is more than 5 stars.  I will read (listen) more of Natalie Barelli’s books.  In fact, I’m already listening to “Th...

  Name: Nautilus Swimsuit #1503 Paprika Patterns & Tuesday Stitches Pattern Description: “The Nautilus Swimsuit has an elegant twist center front, like the shell of its namesake cephalopod.” – Instructions Introduction, page 3 Cephalopod Available in 3 options, each with a peek-a-boo twist - (View A) is a one-piece suit - (View B and C) are bikini suits There are additional options, such as halter (tie around the neck) and traditional straps (over the shoulder and attach to the back strap). Fully lined, cup insert and side boning options. Pattern Sizing: Women’s sizes – 0 – 30, measurements are in inches and centimeters Multiple cup sizes from AA to DD+ Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Exactly like the front picture. Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, from the print instructions all the way through.   The sewing instructions were easy to follow especially for an intermediate/advanced ...

Pattern Name: Ultraviolet Tee #1703 Paprika Patterns & Tuesday Stitches Pattern Description: 3 Views – View A has a slight high/low shape (front to back respectively) View B has a straight, even hem View C has a curved hem Optional breast pocket Separate pattern and instructions for woven or knit fabrics I sewed View B in a size 4 without any grading and decided not to have a pocket. Designed for a confident beginner (someone who is ready or comfortable working with knits). Pattern Sizing: Sizes 0 – 20 Hip 35” – 64” (89 – 162.5 cm) Cups A – F Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes . Ultraviolet Tee with Presidio Purse Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes,  with clearly written instructions and pictures. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked: Finished measurements are included. Pattern is for knit and woven fabrics. Quick and fun to sew.   Fabric ...

Name: Presidio Purse #1504 Paprika Patterns / Tuesday Stitches – Every Day Dress Up   Pattern Description: This is described as a purse.  For me, it’s more of a classy tote bag. Featuring: A zip top closure keeps the bag's contents secure. An exterior zippered pocket.   Inside this pocket is a smaller one. Fully lined.  The simpler version can be unlined or flat lined (the front, interfacing, and lining are all stitched as one – kind of like a quilt sandwich).  Flatlining will give the look of a lined bag but easier to sew, although the raw edges will be visible like the unlined version. Front of the bag has an inset panel. Finished Measurements: 18” (46cm) wide x 18” (46cm) tall x 6” (15cm) tall   Were the Instructions Easy to Follow? I consider myself an intermediate, adventurous beginner.  The directions and pictures made the construction of this purse enjoyable.  I also watched the videos on Tuesday Stitches . * Wat...