The Dream Lives

“If you have a dream, don’t just sit there. Gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality.” 
~ Roopleen

It is alive. And FREE until midnight on February 1. Exclusively on Amazon.

If you read it and like it, please leave a kind review on Amazon. Since it's a new edition the reviews from the old one don't transfer. Thanks a bunch, and enjoy!

Swimming with the Turtles in Akumal Bay, Mexico

It's Wanderlust Wednesday! Today we're talking about swimming with the turtles in Akumal Bay, Mexico.

This week's adventure is a continuation of last week's. Part I can be found here.

When we arrived at Akumal Bay there was a bit of a break in the weather. By the time we got the snorkel life jackets (different ones than the cenotes life jackets), it was getting a bit cloudy again. That should have been a sign to turn back. But we all forged ahead with our fins on to join the turtles. A few turtles were spotted.

And so were ominous storm clouds.

It wasn’t but a few minutes until the downpour started. The seas became very rough and the guide made us get out of the water. Immediately. We had already been soaked all day long so we didn’t even run for cover. We just walked in the pouring rain and howling wind to return our life jackets.

The plan was for us to make our way to a local restaurant for a buffet lunch and some beach time. Walking through the streets to get to the restaurant was like fording rivers. No beach time could be had. The ferry’s departure time had already been re-scheduled for those wanting to do some shopping. Fording more stream-filled streets for some shopping ? Not for me. I decided to stick around the restaurant until it was time to leave. My two knee-replacement and screw-filled shoulders had enough adventure for the day.

The ferry ride back to Cozumel wasn’t nearly as rough. There were a few plastic bags being handed out but not like on the ride over. Thank you again, iron stomach. And thank you to myself for learning how to snorkel. A full day of wet hair and wet shoes and wet towels and wet clothes. Soaked to the bone. Can’t wait for a sunny Cozumel port day so I can try cenotes in the sun!

Motivated Monday - I Can See the End

“Building something that matters is a marathon, not a sprint.” 
~ Dragos Bratasanu

My marathon is halfway over. After about 25 revisions I am finally on the last run-through. 51% of the final edits are complete. I can see the end.

Make Decorative Holders for Pocket Tissue Packs - Sew In Sunday

“A magician may step out without a purse, but he should never step out without a pack of playing cards.” 
~Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words

And a woman never without tissues.

Several years ago I made a tutorial on how to make a pocket tissue holder. Here's that video:

 Now available in my Etsy store as a digital download with the written directions, step-by-step photos, printable templates, and link to the tutorial video. Click to find out more!

I'm been trying to figure out how to add a pocket to the pattern. Need a place for antibacterial cleaner and lip balm! Today I finally decided to work through it. All day. Multiples pieces of fabric cut and recut and sewn and resewn with the seam ripper working overtime. I think (maybe) I have a pattern figured out.

 And a day's worth of chicken scratch. I was so hoping it would be perfect. But alas, I think there is still some work to do.

Update:

Now available in my Etsy store as a digital download with the written directions, step-by-step photos, printable templates, and link to the tutorial video. Click to find out more!

And I have one more pocket tissue for you!

Princess Cruises Seawalk

It's Wanderlust Wednesday! Today we're talking about the Seawalk on Princess Cruises.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of heights,” she said, shimmying along the edge.
“Not heights,” he murmured. “Just falling.” 
― Victoria Schwab, This Savage Song

Just a few years back I used to be afraid of heights. I was even too afraid to step onto a hotel balcony in 2012. But now I'm good. I've been on balconies and suspension bridges and platforms hanging over canyons.

It's difficult to conquer a fear of heights. Some people I know are afraid to get near cruise ship railings for fear of falling. The railings are 48" so unless you really try you won't be falling over the ship. Unfortunately the news makes it sound like falling overboard is easy. Don't worry, it's not.

For everyone who is not fearful of heights, take a look up at this part of the ship hanging over the water.

Now let's walk on that walkway and look down.  It's called a Seawalk on the Royal, Regal, and Majestic Princess. Yep, the ship is at sea and that is the ocean down below.