Orphan blocks and Fall musings

 In recent years it seems I have been amassing a large quantity of orphan blocks.  I feel compelled to save these for some great project for the future.  But, in reality, they are just taking up valuable real estate in my already crowded space.  Time to bust that stash of unwanted blocks.  There is such a variety in style, size and colors that they wouldn't go together in one grand piece anyway.  It's a ridiculous notion.  For this year's "Flood the Streets with Art" project, I will be making pieces from all my orphan blocks to be re-homed to those they speak to on the street.  

So far, I've made some mug rugs and book marks.  I will also be making cup cozy's and pot holders with those orphan blocks and scraps from my huge scrap bag.  

Along with these blocks cluttering my space, I find my mind cluttered as well.  This is definitely a blocker of creativity.   In a world of noise, confusion, and deadlines this is what I need... Peace, solace, quiet, deep breathing, and less.  Less of everything.  Less clutter, less "to do's", less mundane everyday chores, less visual and audio noise.  The saying "less is more" applies here.   Once the ideas come to mind and implemented, less may not be more.  More may be just what the piece needs, but for the time being...less is certainly more.  Not necessarily a minimalist by nature, but sometimes it's what's required.  Moving onward...

The Corn Relish was canned in May when corn was coming in, at least in the south, and I opened one the other day.  Deliciousness.  First time I've made it, so was very pleased with the outcome.  By the way, my jars here are a green glass, so that's why the relish looks weird.

It's September already and the fall season is upon us.  My favorite time of year.  Mother nature makes significant changes in our environment with color displays, weather changes (mostly for more favorable temperatures) and the autumn harvest.  Last chance to pick up fresh goodness from the farm stands or go to the U-pick farms.  Should I can other veggies?  Probably, but will do some planning on this for next year.  I've always been curious about Piccalilly  and will research some recipes.  I used to purchase it for myself while in the UK, but being the only one in the family that likes pickle, it's hard to finish an entire jar of it.  

Apples are on my radar at the moment.  A good fresh homemade apple pie is what I'm craving.  It just screams fall flavors to me.  Pumpkin wasn't really a thing while I was young.  Only for carving at Halloween, and we saved the seeds for roasting, but all that yummy pumpkin was thrown out or cooked down for pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving.  These days, I do love a good pumpkin spice latte with real pumpkin, sorry Starbucks it's not you...sorry DD it's certainly NOT you either.  Nope.  Go to a really good café that brews and roasts their own beans, such a difference.  If you're willing to spend that much moolah on a cup of brew, it should be fresh, delicious and favorably memorable.    

Time to sew something wonderful.  Have a beautifully colorful fall season.  :o)