---

Yes, it’s been hot, but not like some parts of the country (or world, for that matter), so I can’t complain too much, and for all who are suffering under extreme weather conditions, you have my sympathy and wishes for a speedy return to normalcy.

At least the nights cool down in the high desert so close to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and we get views like this…

One day, I will again have updates from the writer’s chair, but cross stitching is still holding me together through a rough and strange couple of years, so sharing my bright beauties is the best way to spread a little joy. You might find it somewhat quirky that I put so much effort into cataloging my stitchy progress with Canva, but these graphic-packed blogs are for me as much as they are for anyone. I love having this cozy space to visit snapshots of life’s happenings in the midst of living new adventures or undergoing challenges. I do hope you find something here to enjoy as well.

But first…

Bookish things

Since books and crafting bring me so much peace and joy, I have an interview scheduled for October that features both.

You won’t want to miss August’s guest, either. Jacci Turner is a wonderful writer of YA fiction, teacher of the craft, and an active member of the Sierra Arts Literary Community, right in my own neighborhood. I really enjoyed her class on character development at the Virginia City Writing Retreat this May.

Mini Adventure with the New Hip

The highlight this month was very personal, and I’ll leave most of it to reside in my memories, but I do want to share some of it here because I finally experienced an Airbnb (I do need to get out more) after a mini road trip where I drove for the first time with my new hip, installed only a few short weeks ago. The event turned out to be one of those truly special times with my sisters that make lasting memories.

The California landscape is beautiful and diverse. You’ve got your mountains and rolling hills beautiful, your coastal beautiful, your Victorian city beautiful (San Francisco is in the topmost beautiful cities in the world), and lots and lots of cozy pioneer town beautiful. Grass Valley/Nevada City falls into the last category. That’s where I stayed with my stepsister in an adorable 1930’s cottage that turned out to be comfortable, affordable, and well-equipped. The enclosed back porch even provided a vintage game room. I’ll share a few photos in case you’re ever in the vicinity and want a great place to stay. Look for the pet friendly, adorable Quartz Cottage.

The vintage Pachinko machine actually works, and it was fun! Brought back memories from my 70s childhood because for some reason, they caught on as a toy in a lot of American households–maybe as a lark to annoy parents with all that clanging noise. See the history of Pachinko, if you’re curious.

Okay, now for the…

Stitchy Updates

Thank you for sharing some bright spots with me.