Work vs Play

My friend bonnie called me the other day and shared that after looking through the quilts on my blog that her definition of play was very different than mine. There was no judgement in her comment. It was simply an observation. This got me to thinking which I'll admit can at times be a dangerous thing. I often start by looking things up in the dictionary. The definition of play is "occupying or amuse oneself pleasantly with some recreation, game, exercise, etc." While the definition of work is "the application of mental or physical effort to a purpose: a task to be undertaken: the means for earning income." I know which one I would choose.  I'm not sure when I decided that I was going to approach life more playfully. I can tell you that I am happier.

I was out the other day fixing (clearing out leaves and putting the spoons pushed up by the frozen ground) Spoon River (photo) when my neighbor peeked over the fence and said, "That looks like too much work for me." Fixing Spoon River and "working" in my yard never feels like work to me. Yes, it's physical labor and yet, I love it. I even love mowing my lawn. For my husband, mowing the lawn is something that puts him in a foul mood. There is no joy in it for him and nothing I can say to him changes his mind so I mow and we're both happy. Personally I'd rather have the attitude of play with as many things in my life as I can. So what do you consider play and what do you consider work?

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I hate that so much of what I am creating I cannot share because of entry rules. Also my dad had another heart attack. We are waiting to hear what will happen next--more surgery or a pacemaker. He'll be 80 on May 5 and I'm throwing him a party.

I am so impressed with what Kathy Schmidt has done so far with Judy's Fabric Challenge. She used one of my favorite batiks and I love circles so be sure to check it out and leave a comment. She thought she wasn't playing by my rules and I think she is doing just fine. I am much more interested in people pushing themselves out of their comfort zone than anything with these challenges. And yes, I'll host another challenge when this one is completed on May 1 so check back.

Diane Dunder is done! But she is teasing us by not revealing it yet. You can see hints on her blog. Louise Baldel is also done but she doesn't have a blog and is moving so you'll have to wait until the reveal.

Now go play! I am.