February 21 Hodgepodge

That means it's time for the Hodgepodge with Joyce and friends at From This Side of the Pond.  Head on over, get the questions, and then answer them on your own blog (or in the comments if you don't have a blog).  Then go over to Joyce's to link up!   Here are this week's questions:

1. Where do you go when you need some inspiration?

 Well, it depends on what sort of inspiration I need.  If it's inspiration for daily life, I will go to the Bible.  Daily devotional books of old can be very inspiring, too.  Streams in the Desert is one of my favorites.  I also have a Pinterest board titled Inspirational Thoughts and Words that I will often turn to.

If I need inspiration as to what to put on the week's menus or what to cook for supper or take to the church potluck lunch, I will usually turn to my Gooseberry Patch cookbooks or to back issues of Taste of Home, or sometimes even to my own handwritten cookbooks.

Inspiration for blog posts -- I can find that anywhere.  I seldom need to go looking for ideas.  What I lack when it comes to blogging isn't inspiration -- it's time.

 Inspiration for crafting: I go to my own UFOs, my trunk full of cross stitch and embroidery patterns, my Pinterest boards, a handful of creative and crafty websites -- sometimes even to my own imagination.
 
Inspiration for handmade gifts -- my Pinterest boards or my notebook of saved craft ideas.  Oh yes, and a folder or three of ideas I've saved on my computer desktop.

Inspiration for gifts to buy -- usually my grandkids' Amazon wish lists.

Inspiration for seasonal decorating -- my Pinterest boards and my own imagination.

I guess I'll stop with that.  I do get a lot of inspiration from my Pinterest boards (you can follow me in the sidebar), but I seldom browse or search Pinterest as such.  I'll just go to my own boards where I have tons of ideas pinned.
 

2. What's under your bed?

 You would have to ask that, wouldn't you?
1) Dust.
2) Two underbed storage totes full of gift wrap, one for everyday and one for Christmas.
3) A cardboard box containing a partial book manuscript.
4) A plastic box containing the materials for making decorations out of old Christmas cards.
5) Two plastic boxes full of gift items.
6) A metal underbed storage box containing an antique quilt wrapped in paper.

3. Thursday, February 22nd is National Chili Day, National Margarita Day, and National Cook a Sweet Potato Day. Of the three which would you most like to celebrate? Is that likely?

I would probably most like to celebrate National Chili Day.  I was actually thinking of making chili this week but it would probably be on Friday.  On Thursday, I would be more likely to cook a sweet potato.  Maybe just for myself for lunch, or maybe I'll roast some sweet potatoes as a side dish with supper.  No Margaritas here.

4. What are you 'snowed under' with right now?

Vintage items that need to be sold.

 
5. Tell us three to five things that make you feel balanced?

Sunshine and fresh air; sleep; exercise; quality devotional life; creativity.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 
 Our weather is unseasonably warm today.  If the sun comes out this afternoon, I'm going to go for a walk!