Breaking ground and covering ground

Spring is marching full on finally here in Montana (even though it did snow almost an entire day just last week...but that has not stopped the bulbs from pushing, the trees from waking and the birds from singing their Spring songs each morning.

I've been trying to take advantage of the softer (wet) ground to work at a few new flower beds I'm digging in this year...gratefully accepting other garden's split-orphans and dreaming of the world I hope to create in our new 'gated' community where the deer are no longer invited.  (they are still honored guest outside the fenced area mind you...but now my garden beds will look a little less like man small prison camps...and for this, I rejoice!

I've also been hitting the pavement, the trails, and the 'alongside the roads' as well, trying to get myself ready for Bloomsday again this year.  I did the race last year for the first time and had a blast, so why not go at it again this year?  I first wanted to shave 15 minutes off of my time from last year...but honestly, my goal has shifted...I now just want to show up....run...have a good time and not pressure myself into an end achievment...other than crossing the finish line.  I was starting to be a bit too hardline with myself and discouraged with my training and my lack of speed.  Frankly, I think there is enough pressure in life, and I decided I didn't want to add to it.  The simple fact that I'm running a 12k for the FUN of it, should be reward enough don't you think?!  And I'm happy to say that I went out the day for distance and made it 9 miles...I'm pretty dang proud of that.  So what if I could have been passed by small children learn to walk or grannies with walkers...I was still standing at the end of 9 miles...for this, I am grateful (and yes, a little bit proud).

I've also been busy at work, work and work...a quilt on show at the library, one of the featured artists in a textile show in Polson as well as hanging a bunch of new work at the gallery in Kalispell.  I also taught a thread art class at the quilt shop the other day--what a fun bunch of students and great work too!! (see above)  and now I've been trying out a new technique for translating some of my photos into applique pieces....here are few photos of works in progress....

 

 Hope you are all well and enjoying your own Spring projects!  I'd love to hear from you!