Work in Progress - I'd like to keep it

Somewhere between the frenzied trend of creating "many trips around the world" quilt blocks and finding ways to use those thousands of 3.5 inch squares I came across a photo of a quilt pattern I do not remember noticing before.  Now after 40 years of sewing and quilting you would think that such a simple concept would have crossed my sewing machine before.  But no.   It caught my eye, and my thought processes and I just had -- that should be HAD (in capital letters) to make this design.

These blocks are so fun and easy to put together but when the blocks are put together they become a bit of a puzzle.  I don't even know the name of this pattern!  It does take a bit of Math to fit the pieces properly, but all the sewing in simple squares and sashing.

There are two different blocks to make in order to create the pattern. (I didn't take a photo of the second block)

After one little false step, which is blame -able on adding and substracting skills, I got everything to fit nicely together to make the quilt top.  Still in progress, and because I plan to make another or maybe two more (which I rarely do, repeat a pattern, that is) I must really be loving the way this design pleases my eyes.

I used all the "kiddy" type squares that I could find in my stash and came up with this completed top.

Now, the dilemna is....  I REALLY like this quilt, but it is meant to be donated to my guilds charitable quilts program.   That means, I am FORCED (yeah, really who needs to be forced to make a quilt?) to make a second one that will be ALL MINE!  (and bigger)

Also, since I have already spent the time figuring out the Math -- I will post a bit of tutorial for those who might like to give this pattern a whirl, and will include the mathematical variations for at least two size, and maybe three block dimensions, so you can make various size quilts...  Check back (or even sign up on my email list so that you get notified when I do that post).

Now, another work in progress that I have has nothing to do with sewing or crochet or crafty stuff...

Each year, near Christmas a small group of my cousins gather for a end of year dinner and talk fest...  For the past three years we have been attempting to keep journals of our daily lives.  This year we gave our journals a theme.  To write about the things we are THANKFUL for.

The cover of the journals (they are all the same) is a bit deceptive, but inside that cover are my writings of things that I am trying to express my thankfulness for.  I do not write in this little book everyday, but as the need arises and when I find something to write down my thankfulness for.  For the month of February I am starting my thoughts with this quote.  (Because sometimes I get critical and abhor that I pick at little things and don't just let these little things float over my head to be forgotten and forgiven)

So my personal thankfulness for this month is...

" Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who help our souls to blossom"  -- Marcel Proust