OneThing #34 - Blog about Guilt

I've been meaning to make this post for a while, so I finally made it my "OneThing" for this week . . . and am just combining it with my OneThing update . . . 

I grew up in a pretty traditional family with lots of blame, shame, and guilt. There were lots of good things, too! But that feeling of GUILT has lurked in my brain for too many decades. I'm not talking about guilt for something bad I did or something good I neglected to do . . . I'm just talking about feeling guilt that something unintended occurred. As I started jotting these things on my To-Do list, I already felt a little better. It's time to let these things GO, because they just don't matter. And I can't go back into the past and do things differently.

A long, long time ago, Minneapolis hosted the National Middle School Association meeting. (I can't find the year easily because the organization is now called AMLE - American Middle Level Educators?) It was probably the late 90s or early 2000s. Since I lived locally, I helped with information. This was before Google was a thing. I drew a map with 494 / 694 / 394 / 94 to "explain" to someone trying to navigate the Twin Cities. Only I was wrong! I realized it later and felt HORRIBLE. I had wanted to be helpful and instead steered them wrong. I sincerely hope that person found a good map to use instead of listening to my confusing explanation or my bad drawing. Why didn't I just say, "I'm not really sure."?

I'm really good at "beating myself up" over things like this. Good intentions . . . paving the road to hell? Another time (similar time period), I posted on Craigslist for giving away a dog kennel. A person who worked with rescue animals asked some clarifying questions. I assured them that it was available, in my driveway, etc. and they drove out to Jordan. I didn't get the change to talk to them. After they did NOT take it, I picked it up and realized that instead of a full wire kennel, it was just the caging part to separate the front of the vehicle from the back. I felt awful! They had taken a long road trip to score a kennel to help with animal rescue and I had wasted their time. 

Another time, I saw a Shop Vac for sale on Craigslist for $5. I wanted one for the lake, since we used the big one at home enough to warrant a second one. I brought my five dollars and chatted with the young woman selling it. It was a smaller shop vac, but in excellent shape. At that point in time, I didn't really know how much they cost brand new. She said her husband / boyfriend was deployed and she was getting rid of things sitting around. As I drove away thinking what a great deal I got, it dawned on me that he might not know she sold his shop vac for $5. Should I go back and return it? What was the right thing to do? Inertia won and I kept it. But I do pray for both of them whenever I use it up at the lake and hope they are well.

One of the things that I love about being a follower of Jesus is the power of Scripture in my life. The verse that comes to mind is Romans 8:1. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." God's grace, mercy, and love have transformed my life! I don't ever want to go back to the guilt-tripping, martyrdom, blame and shame that I grew up with. 

Since I love photos, I grabbed this screen shot of those dreaded roads. I got it off Reddit, but it's basically just a map of the Twin Cities roads.

 

 

OneThing #33 - Submit Info to VA for Lou

This one is a "partial" success . . . and I don't want to share personal info online. Suffice it to say, this is still at the top of my to-do list, but I cannot do it alone. I have made progress and progress is better than not doing anything!

I will fill this entry with an old thing I did.

There was a display case at New Prague Middle School that had not changed for a long time (think years). It was dusty, faded, and mostly empty (see first pic). A teacher who had been there previously had put derby cars and race results in the case back when kids had tech ed classes.

 

I had brainstormed a list of ideas during 2023-24 with students while subbing in an eighth grade language arts class, but the kids didn't seem very interested in actually making anything happen. I shared my ideas with the assistant principal who said he would talk with the student council.

 

When I started subbing the following school year, I was discouraged to see that nothing had changed. I talked with the new industrial tech / shop teacher (whose classroom was nearby) to see what he wanted. He was fine with me doing whatever with it. Again, I brainstormed some ideas and decided to go with something that could just stay up for a while (since the case is clearly NOT attended to). 

 

I came up with this (see pics two and three) and it was the day before conferences! Several teachers passed by me in the hall as they left work that day. I stayed until 4:30 finishing it . . . can you see why I don't have a full time job any more? I'm not good at just leaving well enough alone. This was back in February 2025.

The tech ed teacher provided most of the objects in the case - cribbage boards, derby cars, etc.  I printed out technology-related and woodworking-related quotations and comics.

OneThing #32 - June Summary

It has been a good month! Busier than I anticipated, but filled with blessings.

The blogging about these things has happened. In a way, they feel undone . . . at least the passport, the quilt journal, and the guest room . . . but is anything ever "done" until life is over? 

The Scripture for June was Colossians 2:6-7. This was one of our unit verses back when I taught Missionettes. I tried to remember the actions I used to teach it to the girls . . . I definitely need to work on my Bible verse memorization again!

 

On Saturday afternoon (6.28.2025), my sister Ann came out so Louie could provide her with some tech support. We spent time in my studio and it felt great to get some stuff done! One of the little things I did was take a panel that our other sister had given me and cut out some square autumn / Thanksgiving messages. I had three small quilt hoops (I don't like quilt hoops, but people give them to me) and I have three nails in my entryway wall. Now the sayings are ready to go in my "Autumn" decoration box! I put the rest of the panel into my "Novelty" fabric bin. It felt so incredibly good to clear up some of my studio work space!

OneThing #31 - Prepare the Guest Room

No pictures . . . I only think of doing "before and after" pics when I'm at the after . . . 

I have been slightly unmotivated this week. After the quilt show, I had dumped a lot of things in my hallway and sewing room. Expecting guests this weekend, I wanted to at least get the guest bedroom ready for them!

My grandsons had been the last people to use the room, so the sheets were still fresh (they sleep close to or on the floor). But I had some of my seasonal decor on the bed that needed to be put in its proper place. I had to set the time on the clock / alarm / CD player (the boys are allowed to play with the buttons . . . )

I removed the two extra dining chairs that I've been storing in there, then vacuumed the floor. 

I had intended to do more deep cleaning in the bathroom, kitchen, etc. but it didn't happen. It's a good thing our friends love us just as we are! (Their home is fabulous, of course. But their kindness is better than a clean house.)

Since I do love pictures, I'll post one from February 18, 2025. I sewed another crib sheet for my grandson's little bed (which is in the guest room!). 

 

I've saved a few "little things" to include if my OneThing doesn't pan out. ;-) 

 

This fabric made me so happy. Again, I don't think my grandson cares but I love it!

OneThing #30 - Update Quilt Journal

I'm blogging this one a day late - no surprise! Louise and I drove up to St. Cloud last Tuesday. I brought my quilt book with me but didn't get it out until Thursday or Friday. A few other quilters were really interested in my little scrapbook-y thing. (Someone had given me this hardcover diary for 1999 and I didn't use it that year) so when I started quilting in 2004, I used it for my "journal." It's very, very scrappy.

I went through it and put post-it notes in places where something was missing (mostly photographs). Then I tucked it away for a few days. Saturday and take-down of the show was quite busy. (I got over 24k steps in that day . . . ) and yesterday after church we went to my brother's house to deliver a mower and do some yard work (not a fabulous choice in 95 degree heat, but it's done!).

So today (Monday), I'm sitting down to print out some photos and add some info to my quilt book. It's not fancy, but it is fun to look through and remember. 

 

I find that I'm taking much too long to do this, so I'll just say I've made progress but have a lot left to do! Honestly, even having the post-it notes for what I need where is helpful. I'll work on it again another day! I was able to remove just three post-it notes, but I've made progress. (Sometimes you just need to focus on moving forward.)

 

This is what a "before" page looks like . . . and then an "after" of the right side. I generally like writing and do a fair amount of that. I'm less good about grabbing swatches of fabric and printing out photos. My printer has some issues, so even the ones I do print out are not great.

 

It's nice to have this, though. Inside the front few pages is a list of where the quilt show has been each year, which committee I was on when I served, and the quilts I've completed. I want to do more sewing!

 

 

OneThing #29 - Send in Passport Renewal

I can't believe how I've dragged my feet on this!

First I had it on my to-do list last year at this time. My first ever passport expired July 17, 2024 . . . and I didn't renew on time. Then I was worried - what would I have to do if I let it expire?!?!

When I went to get my driver's license in April 2025, I asked. The gal gave me the form. I filled it out, went to Walgreen's and got my passport photos, . . . and it sat. What next? It isn't rocket science, but I was concerned about doing something wrong. Louie encouraged me to get my passport and not wait.

So I asked one day at the post office if I needed to make an appointment. I need to learn the lady's name, but she is wonderful! (I love the USPS and especially the Jordan office!) So today I brought my folder with my filled out application, my new passport photos, my expired passport, and my checkbook. 

So easy! A check for $130 to the U.S. Department of State. A check to USPS for $10.10 for the mailing envelope. Bing bang boom! My week's OneThing is done early! 

My secondary thing is to get ready for the quilt show. Next week will be almost all St. Cloud and Minnesota Quilters. Woohoo!

Because I love photos . . . but doesn't mine look like a booking mug? They tell you NOT to smile . . .

OneThing #28 - Donate to Emma Norton

So this was interesting. I am tuned in to "Emma Norton Residence" because my mother-in-law donated to them. But I actually had been hanging on to a newsletter from Sharing and Caring Hands. I had circled the part where they asked for sheets and pots and pans for people who were trying to get established in their own place. I had some bedding set aside . . . 

When I was heading in to St. Paul, I thought I could stop at Emma Norton. I looked at the newsletter I'd been holding on to and saw that it was from Sharing and Caring Hands in Minneapolis. I called to make sure. Yep, I've donated there before. In fact, I've never been to Emma Norton! So I dropped off the items I had set aside. I'm not sure when I got on their mailing list, but I'll probably continue to get their newsletters. 

Ironically, a flyer came the next day for The Dwelling Place (Columbia Heights). I know why I get their newsletters. I went to one of their events when a former co-worker invited me. They do excellent work helping abused women and children find safe housing. All three of these entities do great work! I just can't financially support all of them . . . Prayer is key. God, what do YOU want of me?

I thought about using my spending money to buy a set of brand new pots and pans to donate. But there is so much need and I'm trying to be more prudent with my spending. I'll keep praying and listening for God's leading.

Since I love photos, I'll add one of a blanket I got along with the camo comforter I donated: