I Need A Little Help

These are some of the hardest words to say for me as well as many people I know.  I don’t always know that I need a little help, I know I am very bad at asking for it and right now I am not sure what that help would look like.

Many of us here like to  think of ourselves as writers, more of us can’t even put our names in that sentence, big sigh, well here goes.  I am trying to write a murder mystery style book and can’t figure out how I want to have someone die.  I want  my main character to be around when they find the body to help solve the murder as an amateur sleuth, but not to be too closely involved.  My setting is current time in a big city.  Should be easy, right.

I guess this is a bigger ask than I originally thought, but if anyone wants to share a crazy idea, I would appreciate it.  I do think I will go back to the board game and see who committed the crime in the library with a candlestick.

Christmas In Chicago

Part of the reason for going to downtown Chicago now is for the temporary Christmas Market.  For those who have never experienced it, it’s a little like being in Germany before Christmas.

A group of carts or caravans are located in a central or shopping location for several weeks before Christmas. Each one has different items for sale. Some have food and drinks.  Other areas may have music playing from a local band.  Some markets have small carnival type rides a merry-go-round or a Ferris wheel for children.

In this area people come to hear the music, to eat the food and maybe to purchase an item or two.  The market in downtown Chicago is set amid the high rises in a pretty open plaza.  It certainly has much of the feel of its European counterpart.  Many of the venders are from Germany and many have German articles for sale.

One of the fun traditions that was used here as well as in Europe is the option of a cup. Some of the vendors offer hot as well as cold drinks and you can purchase  cup along with your drink.  Great for hot chocolate or mulled wine.

This has been a huge success for the city of Chicago and even on a bitter cold day people are here.  For those who work nearby it is a nice change for a lunch break.  Good for the German community here as well as the city.

Turning 70

I never planned on being this old, truly.  Some kids think what it must be like to be 30 or 50 or 70. I was one who just was interested in my next activity, would that be shooting marbles, playing with paper dolls or reading a book.  All were favorites of my childhood.

I am in relatively good health, and I do take a little credit for that, much of it is genetic.  But, in my 20’s seeing my parents in their 50’s and 60’s I could see some of what might happen.  I eliminated salt quite effectively from my diet so I would not have high blood pressure. It messed with my thyroid instead so I now take pills for thyroid and high blood pressure. Ha, the universe has a sense of humor.

Looking forward to this year of adventures has made me very happy.  I am still in some level of control of my life. The separation I have forced on myself by moving away from everyone and everything I knew has given me new time for reflection.  I have lost some dear people in my life in the past few years and know that some are on that brink even now. I can only keep them in my prayers and hope for the very best for them.

I sometimes think the noise of the world gets into our heads and we no longer listen to our own thoughts.  This trip has changed that for me.  I truly have time for reflection and learning.

Quilt Store Happiness

This is from last years Row X Row experience and will be added to my collection.  From right in the heart of downtown Anchorage is this charming shop with AMAZING batik fabric.

So much related to Alaska to add to your stash of fabric…I want some of each!

Fabric like I have not seen with all these Alaskan images.

This is a series of the Matryoshka  dolls on fabric.

Lots of panels with everything you can possibly think of that is Alaska.  Also patterns and die cut shapes.  This shop is participating in the Row X Row this year, so while I may not  collect enough different shop rows to participate, I will go back to find out what this one is here.