The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains | Jan/Feb 2023 Issue

What’s Inside?

• Winter Bucket List - Page 4

• Tips on Creating New Year’s Resolutions & Keeping Them - Page 5

• Cowgirl Poet - Page 5

• A Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 6

• Diamond Dot ART - Page 7

• Kid Craft Corner (NEW) - Page 7

• Scrapbooking Arts Feature - Page 8/9

• Robin’s Nest DIY - Page 10

• The Fishing Trailer - Page 11

• Countryberries - Page 11

• I Choose Joy - Page 12

• Mystery Quilt - Page 13

• Spot the Difference - Page 15

Hello Winter!

Editor’s Notes

Making Memories to Treasure in the New Year

As a kid I got into scrapbooking as one of my first true love for crafts. I would make hand-stamped cards and give them to family and friends. I loved it so much I would make tons, and put them in my wagon, and then go door to door selling them to the ladies on my street. I loved the layering, embellishments and different components you could make with rubber stamps and paper. It morphed into my love for graphic design and working on this very paper.

Whether you are working on a photo album, building a greeting card or digitally creating your holiday cards, you are participating in the art of scrapbooking. We do a lot of things creatively that don’t necessarily have a direct purpose. For instance, painting a canvas doesn’t usually have to have a direct purpose other than hanging on someone’s wall and bringing joy to their home. But, scrapbooking has a practical and direct purpose. We take our photos and memories that we treasure and put them into keepsakes we can refer back to and hand down to another generation to treasure.

One of my favorite things to do is to look through old photos. Most of them are in albums or boxes. My grandma gave us a binder when she and my grandpa celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. It was full of stories, dates and photos of their childhood, love story and family. What a treasure that book is, and that is exactly the point. To make your photos and stories into an archive for younger generations to know you better and to remember fondly.

So, whether you are into digital, hand-stamped or any other form. It is truly a great thing to take your memories and make them into keepsakes to treasure. As we roll into another year, maybe making memories is on your resolution list? Maybe treasuring them and honoring them in a special way can be a resolution too?

Wishing you a new year full of great memories and photo books a plenty! Thank you for being a Country Register reader!

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains including North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, & Northern Idaho Kelsey (Snyder) Ruzicka, Publisher

Produced by Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC PO BOX 2015 • Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181 Office www.countryregister.com/nrgp www.moxiemarketingmw.com

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* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950

* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950*

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CANADA

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First Issue Of the Year!

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains

January/February • Volume 13 Issue 1

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is published every two months. Copyright 2023.

Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. The Country Register is a registered business trade name. Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC produces The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains.

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Index: See page 14 for advertiser’s index by name and by community as well as upcoming events.

Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the March/April 2023 issue are due February 7, 2023.

Winter Bucket List

under tender and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and half and half. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well combined and spinach is tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.”

— Vesta M. Kelly

Tips on Creating New Years Resolutions and Keeping Them

By Elle Hoover

Do you find yourself year after year struggling to keep up with your goals from the year before? New Year’s resolutions have come to have a negative connotation and can leave us feeling less than fantastic if they aren’t met. Here are some tips and tricks to keeping your New Year’s resolution this coming season.

1. Make them realistic: Creating a goal that is unrealistic can result in unnecessary stress. Outline the resources needed for this goal and adjust expectations accordingly.

2. Set check-in dates: By creating check-ins this allows you to hold yourself accountable. Whether this be weekly, monthly, or quarterly this will help to track your progress and keep the goal front of mind.

3. Make it fun: When thinking of how you will achieve your goal add in fun rewards or surprises! Utilizing things such as a decorative calendar, incentivizing yourself with your favorite meal, or creating a group message/challenge with friends and family can add that much needed pick me up to keeping on track.

4. Be flexible!: Not all goals need hard and fast rules. Tracking your progress can help to give you an accurate forecast of how quickly you are reaching milestones. If finishing your goal seems to be getting farther and farther away you may just need to tweak it! “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

Edison

5. Don’t fret: Didn’t meet your goals during the year? Don’t be afraid to go round two the following year. We are constantly growing and what wasn’t meant to be may come to us when we least expect it.

Cowgirl Poet, Quilter, Entertainer

Yvonne Hollenbeck

Vintage Quilt

She’s tattered, worn and faded, you can tell she’s pretty old. Years ago she was a beauty, for that’s what I’ve been told. She holds a lot of memories of happy days before, but also scores of sadness from sickness, death and more. So try to treat her gently and give her special care, for all too soon, just like the quilt, this too will be our fare.

Order Yvonne’s new book, “A Stitch in Rhyme” at www.yvonnehollenbeck.com just $15 + $3.50 postage.

© Yvonne Hollenbeck; 2022

Yvonne Hollenbeck, from Clearfield, SD, performs her original poetry throughout the United States, captivating audiences in her wake. She is one of the most published cowgirl poets in the West and is not only a popular banquet and civic entertainer, but also co-writes songs with many western entertainers. Yvonne also pens a weekly column in the “Farmer-Rancher Exchange” and writes articles about life in rural America in various publications throughout the West. For more information, visit https://www.yvonnehollenbeck.com

Happy 2023!

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A Cup of Tea with Lydia: What Makes a Tea Party?

“What makes a tea party?” I mused while mixing up a batch of shortbread to serve a friend. If you serve tea, does that make any gathering a tea party? Or do you need to use teapots and delicate teacups? Or does it require special foods served from a three-tiered plate stand? Or is a tea party simply a party with tea?

Seasoned tea lovers offered a wide range of answers. Here are the top 10. Which ones match your thoughts?

_____1. “The most you’ll get from me is plunking a teabag into a mug.”

_____2. “If you want to call it a tea party, it’s a tea party.”

_____3. “At least two people, tea, at least one fancy cookie—shortbread is fine; attractive cups, and at least one other thing such as a nice tablecloth or napkins.”

_____4. “I think a party has to be somewhat fancy. Otherwise, it’s simply two people having tea.”

_____5. “Any time can become a tea party even with only one kind of tea and whatever little goodies you have on hand (even store-bought cookies and peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches cut into triangles). An atmosphere of friendship and time to connect and relax makes it a tea party for me.”

_____6. “You need tea, guests, and LEISURELY TIME to enjoy the tea and guests. The rest is all optional fluff. Time is essential.”

_____7. “The key ingredients are sharing tea with a friend and taking time to relax and enjoy talking together. It can be simple and spontaneous or planned and elaborate.”

_____8. “A tea party takes loving hearts, an assortment of teas, a goodie or two, and a true desire to know the answer when you ask, ‘What have you been doing lately?’”

“A tea party is a frame of mind. It’s about loving and sharing.”

“A few niceties send the message, ‘You are special, and I treasure this time with you.’”

These responses ranged from fancy with frills to just dropping a teabag into hot water. But they all needed companionship, conversation, and time.

Teas may have different names: Light Tea (tea and scones, which sometimes includes a light lunch). Or High Tea (lunch or dinner with meats and cheeses). Or Afternoon Tea (dainty sandwiches, scones, and desserts). But it doesn’t matter what we call our par-TEAS. Mainly, my desire is to bless, not impress, my guests. If I have time, I enjoy preparing a fancy teatime to share with a guest or two. But I’m also content to simply sip Republic of Tea’s Mango Ceylon tea and nibble Walker’s shortbread with a friend. When appropriate, I also enjoy praying together.

Thank you, God, for the sweetness of friends and the warmth of your love. Bless our teatimes with relaxed sharing and the joy and comfort of your presence. In your name. Amen.

It’s a new year with new opportuni-TEAs. So, pick your style, and let’s have a tea party! I’ve included a homemade shortbread recipe to try.

Lydia E. Harris is a tea enthusiast, grandmother of five, and author of In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Recipes Together and Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting. Her books are available at Amazon.

From Lydia’s Recipe File: Two-for-One Shortbread Cookies

By Lydia Harris

Use the same buttery dough to make Basic Shortbread and Fancy Shortbread.

Basic Shortbread Fingers

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)

3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar

2 cups flour

1 tsp. vanilla flavoring

Coarse sparkling sugar crystals to sprinkle on top

Directions for the Shortbread Base:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line two 8-inch square pans with parchment paper. Let the paper stick up about an inch around the edges to lift out the shortbread when baked.

2. Cream together the butter and sugar. Mix in vanilla.

3. Add flour, one cup at a time. Mix thoroughly.

4. Divide the dough in half.

5. Evenly spread half the shortbread dough into each pan.

6. For Basic Shortbread, sprinkle coarse sugar on top and pat it down.

7. Bake for 20 minutes, until light brown.

8. Remove from oven. Cut into shortbread fingers, about 1 inch by 2 inches. Prick each finger with a fork.

9. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Watch closely. The shortbread should be light brown and firm when done.

10. Carefully lift the parchment paper and shortbread from the pan onto a cooling rack.

11. When cool, place the shortbread pieces in a covered container. Makes about 16 pieces.

See fancy shortbread on our Facebook!

What is Diamond Dot Art

By Robin Snyder

Diamond dot painting is all the craze right now! Some of you may ask what the heck is it??

Well, it is a unique form of “painting” which uses very small plastic “dots” that you apply to a canvased picture that has a sticky surface. It is relatively simple to do as the instructions are usually pretty clear (depends on the kit). Although you can find tips on the internet to help you be more successful with your picture. It reminds me of painting by numbers or embroidery.

It is another art form for crafters and hobbyist, although it has some great side benefits. It increases fine motor skills, so it is great for kids. Just make sure you get a kit that is geared for the right age group. It is also great for seniors that need to keep their fine motor skills. People with arthritis or neuro muscular issues can benefit from this craft.

Then of course there is the artistic aspect of it. I think that appeals to all age groups. I know my eight-year-old granddaughter loves doing it. In today’s busy world, finding ways to be creative are essential to our mental health. I know I would be lost without my creative outlet!

Kid Craft Corner | Scrapbooking for Beginers

By Kelsey Ruzicka

If we want to see our beloved hobby art forms continue from generation to generation, it is important for us to share it with little ones now. We want to encourage and educate the next generation of crafters so that these beloved art forms continue on in our culture.

This column is devoted to helping kids learn more about a highlighted hobby art form, and get their hands on one too!

Scrapbooking is a great craft art form for all ages. Because all ages can participate in the story of the memory and the layers of the art form. A great way to begin is with an accordian book. This is a fun way to document and play with layers for all ages. It can be as basic or sophisticated depending on the age of the child.

Accordian Books!

My Scrapbook

By Robin Snyder

I have had several scrapbooks throughout my life. Some I have completed and some I have not. What was I trying to accomplish with these books? For the most part I wanted to record or preserve an event or occasion, such as being a girl state representative, graduating from college, my wedding, or the birth of my daughters (which really came in the form of a baby book).

That is what scrapbooking was really invented to do, record details of our lives. This form of recording is actually very old. You could say it goes back to ancient times when people drew on rocks or other objects as timelines of their cultures. It seems to me to be part of human nature to record our history.

Paper made recording details of our ancestors lives easier and saw the first developments leading to the modern-day scrapbook. These first books were but blank pages that people could write on or place notes or scraps of things that were important or needed to be kept. These books were called commonplace books. Many used them as a notebook of things that interested them, what in today’s time we may call a bullet journal.

The printing press and publication of information changed the world. It allowed the development of the commonplace book to be used to organize all the information that was being read and seen. People used it to write down what they considered important, from quotes of scholars to bible verses, to recipes. It was not a personal diary of people’s thoughts and feelings but a collection of “scraps” of information. Some of the first scrapbooks were the family Bible. People would place records of births, marriages, and deaths in the Bible pages. Later, some Bibles were even printed with blank pages to record these events. With the increase in the printed material available to the public, people began to keep post cards, recipes, and advertisements and place them in bound blank page books. These scraps of memorabilia created the first “scrapbooks”. The word “scrapbook” was officially used in the 1800’s as a noun. In 1872, Mark Twain invented and patented the first scrapbook for retail sale. A bound book with adhesive on the pages. All you had to do was wet the glue slightly and adhere your item. He was thought to have made quite a bit of money on these.

The photograph was the next thing that revolutionized the scrapbook. It wasn’t until the invention of the Brownie camera, in 1900, that photos began to be popular in scrapbooks. Photos went from being time consuming to take to being able to “snap” a picture in one moment. That is where the Brownie camera made it’s mark in taking “snapshots” of everyday life. People were now adding snapshots to their scrapbooks and soon a lot of scrapbooks were almost all photos.

In the 1980’s, scrapbooking took a commercial turn. You could now buy a variety of scrapbooks and a variety of stickers and embellishments for your book. There were magazines being published on how to start your scrapbook, stores were cropping up with all the supplies you could possibly want. You could attend scrapbook parties which were very popular in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.

Photography has once again changed the course of scrapbooking. Digital photos are so readily available that getting photos to your scrapbook is easier than ever. With so many adaptations to pictures these days with filters, editing, and stylized images that it has now become a unique art form. Many create their own books with their own art and memorabilia in them to reflect their lives for their families

While the types and techniques for scrapbooks have changed, what has not changed is the desire we have to record our history. How we do that is up to the individual but almost all of us have our own “scrapbook “of our life. I would encourage you to share with your children and family your life through a scrapbook and to teach your children how to record their own.

ScrapbookingArts

Your Guide to Digital Scrapbooking

By Elle Hoover

With much of our world being available at the touch of a button, gone are the days of home videos and polaroids. Digital scrapbooking is an excellent way to bridge the gap between sharing life’s rare moments and today’s new technology.

Since this is a growing craze there are unlimited resources on everyone’s favorite place for knowledge, the internet! Something you may want to consider prior to searching the web is what type of format works best for you? Are you looking for something physical to give to a family member? Digital to print may be your way to go!

There are a number of sites and softwares that allow you to upload pictures, graphics, and fonts and then print. Once you have printed your project you are free to add all the glitter and decals you can imagine. How about a collage where you can constantly add photos to share? The Frametime App allows you to share a link and actively upload pictures from your camera roll. Keeping loved ones in the loop and sparking joy.

No matter your format or desired level of intricacy, digital scrapbooking can create a wide range of possibilities for gifts, sharing memories, or making presentations. Take to Google and see what project may be right for you!

Guided Journaling Galore

By Kelsey Ruzicka

Journaling is not a new concept. It is has been around for thousands of years as a way to document life. It has provided men and women of all statuses, professions and ages with a tool for various reasons, and has survived many ages of civilization.

Journaling from its core is designed to sort out emotions, write down thoughts, docu ment a moment or even put ideas together and innovate. Today we often see it as a vintage tool or art form. Due to the age of computers and digital components, most of us have transitioned any sort of writing to a computer. But pen, ink and a notebook still thrive and are making a surge.

Journaling does more than just help you record your memories or find self-expression. It’s good for your health. Journaling is a incredible stress management tool, a good-foryou habit that lessens impact of physical stressors on your health. Those who journal boast improved immune system functioning (it strengthens immune cells!) as well as lessened symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Expressive writing has been shown to improve liver and lung function and combat certain diseases; it has even been reported to help the wounded heal faster. Journaling helps keep your brain in tip-top shape. Not only does it boost memory and comprehension, it also increases working memory capacity. A unique social and behavior outcome of journaling is this: it can improve your mood and give you a greater sense of overall emotional well-being and happiness. Journaling evokes mindfulness and helps writers remain present while keeping perspective. Journaling can help in the management of personal adversity and change, and emphasize important patterns and growth in life.

Guided journaling is becoming a popular hobby to take on. Instead of writing about whatever comes to mind, a guided journal typically includes entries with a prompt or prompts to write about a particular aspect of your life, such as health, spirituality, mental wellness, or even documenting a trip. Guided journaling is often less intimidating than a blank sheet of paper and your own thoughts for those that don’t consider themselves an author. The prompts can make it quick and easy to make journaling a routine.

There’s a reason guided journals are so big right now: they get your creative juices flowing, offer thought-provoking prompts, and feature inspirational quotes to keep you motivated. Whether you’re looking for an in-depth gratitude journal or want a lightly guided notebook to aid you in goal-setting, there are seemingly endless options.

Here are a few types of guided journals we have found.

5 minute journals. A small sentence is all that that is needed each day for this journals. The journal offers a prompt, and the writer only needs 5 minutes to think of and write it down. Lots of these types of journals have you map this routine over the course of a year or 5 to compile a collection of thought for reflection later.

Self care journals that guide you through daily meditation, health tracking like water intake and exercise, acts of kindness and more. Some are based on a prompt a day like gratitude, kindness or business related. Some journals are for planning your daily tasks and events. More of a planner, but with much more added in. These can be general or even niche into a mom planner or college oriented one.

Other forms of journals are dot journals. These are journals that have the writer be an active participant in the design and look of the journal. Some include calligraphy, sketching, stickers, embellishments and more.

If all else fails, there are tons of beautiful plain lined and unlined notebooks ready for whatever you want to write down. It is truly an art form that has lived through the ages and continues to find its place in our culture and craft environment.

Adult Coloring

By Robin Snyder

Adult coloring is one of my favorite pastimes. Some people see absolutely no benefit to this activity! Well, that is simply not true! As some one who is creative, I see a ton of benefit to coloring. For one thing, it clears your mind of a lot of nonsense and lets you focus on one thing. As a multi-tasker I seem to have several things always running through my head at any given time. Coloring makes me concentrate on one thing. It helps clear away the silly stuff that can bog you down. I can be more creative if I have better focus.

Coloring for a short period before you go to bed is beneficial for better sleep, so much better than watching TV or your electronic device, which does NOT induce good sleep. It again clears away all the thoughts of the day and can be used for meditation of positive things. I also color when my husband wants to watch a game on TV that I am really not interested in!

Then there is the art of it. If you paint, you will know what I’m talking about. I tend to get carried away with the colors and shading and perspective, but that is just me. There are a lot of very beautiful coloring books out there these days, and a lot of different colors to use, such as markers, colored pencils, and gel pens. You don’t have to be a good artist or even a poor one to color a great picture! So color away your blues and be happy!!

Winter in the upper Midwest is in full swing at the beginning of 2023. I will be the first to admit that winter is not my favorite season! However, I am going to make the best of it with a little winter décor. So here is a cute winter star to brighten your winter season!

You will Need: Step One

Step Two

You will need 5 paint-stir sticks, a dark colored paint ( I picked dark brown) and white paint, paint brushes (2), hot glue gun and glue, ribbon, wire cutters, floral stems, twine, and floral wire (oops not pictured).

Now it’s time to form the star. I started with the piece that runs straight across. I kept the ends with the curves on the top and the straight ends underneath.

Hot glue the sticks together at the ends.

Step THREE

I then wired on some of the floral stems. Some up and some down.

Next it is time to make a bow (which I’m not the best at) but I just tied one bow and added two extra loops and wired it together.

I then wrapped twine around the ends to make it look like they are tied but I really glued them on.

Step Four

Paint the five sticks with a dark color paint (I chose a dark brown). Use a dry brush so you don’t have everything covered.

After the dark color has dried, paint the white on with a dry brush also.

Then wire it onto the star and trim the ends. Very cute winter décor!!

The Fishing Trailer

By Kerri Habben Bosman

I find being at the beach in winter gently affirming. The busy tourist season is past for now. Many of the people there are enjoying their solitude just like I am. The fishing pier is closed for the winter, and the beach is an endless expanse, empty save for the solitude seekers and the dog walkers. The late afternoon light dwindles softly into evening. There is a dormancy to it, which is what I value most about winter. It gives me extra time to appreciate the gift of each new day.

In May of 2021, my husband, Wayne, and I purchased a second home on the North Carolina coast about three hours from our home in Chapel Hill, NC. At the time, Wayne’s daughter and her family lived about three miles from the new house. We loved that they were close by but also knew that could change. The Marines moved them to California this past June. However, within that first year, we packed in many wonderful family visits. Often all 18 of us were together, from the nearest to those living farthest away.

In April last year, we welcomed Wayne’s mom, his sister, and his brother-in-law. For four days we treasured being together, from the youngest at age 4 to the oldest at 101. Experiencing our vibrant family clustered around the table gave us the chance to soak in all the joy. From my chosen space in the kitchen, I thrive on cooking for those I love, while still fully immersed in the delightful chaos that a big family creates. Food and beverages quietly arriving at the right time somehow makes everything flow.

When we bought the house, these special times are exactly what we’d hoped for. We knew we wanted a home close to the beach, and to have a gathering place for family and friends. With everyone having varying schedules and responsibilities, often someone comes on the spur of the moment. So the house is always ready for the next visit. And so are we.

Wayne calls the house “The Fishing Trailer,” which causes his grown children to shake their heads. This isn’t actually a misnomer; it is a double-wide trailer on a permanent foundation, and he does love to fish. I understand the reverse psychology as well. If someone visualizes an old trailer with the barest of essentials, they’ll be pleasantly surprised when they discover a comfortable 1500 square foot home.

Wayne had worked as an auto mechanic for nearly 49 years and knew that he would retire soon. He’d need a place to set up the tools he’d amassed over the years. So the large garage that was on the property was ideal. It, too, has become a destination with music, a dartboard, and an extra refrigerator. Soon it will also hold a 1965 Rambler Convertible that Wayne is restoring.

All the furnishings were included with the house, and we were pleased with the taste of the previous owners. We brought in a few things to make it our own, and it meshes well. In the living room is a roll-top desk. It is my own special place in what is the quiet room. This room has evolved into an escape room. When the love gets too loud or boisterous in the rest of the house, it becomes a soothing sanctuary for one-on-one conversation, reading, or napping.

Because we go back and forth so often, we’ve developed a routine for closing up The Fishing Trailer. Before we move a single thing, we breathe in the essence of the ones who used the rooms. While looking under beds for forgotten socks, fixing a little boy’s toy box, and refreshing linens, we can’t help but savor every individual moment. Making memories. Till next time.

Kerri Habben Bosman is a writer in Chapel Hill, NC.

Countryberries Designs Love My Mittens

This pattern is free for you to use. Please give the artist credit. Not for commercial use.

Enlarge this pattern to your desired size. Paint on wood or canvas. You can also applique in wool or cotton and embroider the details. You can do punchneedle or rug hooking techniques too. Whatever craft you choose, have fun!

Designed by Kathy Graham

Please note: Due to last year’s fire, our shop is closed for the winter. Order from our website and follow Countryberries on our website or on Facebook.

Countryberries LLC

Whimsies and necessaries for your country home and garden

330 North Road Deerfield, NH 03037 603-463-7615 www.countryberries.com Like us on Facebook

I Choose Joy

By Deb Heatherly

For many, the new year is a time of resolutions and starting new things. Many contemplate adding an exercise schedule and a change of diet to their lifestyle, while others, pledge to take a class to learn something new. The annual flip of the calendar seems to be a great motivator for making adjustments to daily habits and routine.

This year, instead of making the normal promises, I have decided to go in another direction. While it may seem strange to many, my only resolution for the new year is to take more time to reflect on the blessings all around me. As 2023 unfolds, I want to see and enjoy the little things that I miss in my hurry from day to day. In a nutshell, I plan to look for joy in simple day to day activities and happenings and I’m pretty sure I jumpstarted that plan today.

After lunch, as I tarried over a cup of coffee, little Max, my special needs kitty who has hypoplasia, decided that he wanted to sit on my lap. Max is normally a daddy’s boy, and while he might seek me out occasionally, to be chosen by him today was special. I would normally have held him for a few minutes and then redirected his attention so that I could go back to work. Today, however, I chose to enjoy the moment. Instead of focusing on deadlines and the long ‘to do’ list that sat on my desk, I made this quiet time with him a priority. I relished in his attention and this moment shared between us. The purr I felt radiating through his little body was a mood elevator that I did not even realize I needed, and while this was nothing earth-shattering, the time of bonding with him was a precious light in my day.

Later in the afternoon, as I took a few minutes to get up from my computer and stretch, I glanced out the kitchen window just in time to see a tiny bird enjoying the water in the birdbath with such abandoned that I laughed out loud. I called to my husband to come and watch and for several minutes we both stood and relished in the happiness this tiny creature got from simply playing in the water. Over and over it dunked its head and flapped its wings. I know I was smiling from ear to ear, again finding joy in this brief moment in time. Yes, there was still work to be done before my day was complete but giving myself this moment was priceless. The happy endorphins that I felt seemed to permeate my very being and carried me effortlessly through the rest of the day.

Maybe it’s the fact that I am getting older, but this year the turning of the calendar and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” feels different. While I still look forward to the new year and the directions in which it may lead, instead of hurrying through it, I plan to take a few detours. It’s great to be productive—and there are many ideas and designs in my head—but instead of running a marathon this year, I have promised myself to stop and take in the glorious moments that I know will unfold all around me. I plan to laugh more, be more observant and find joy when I least expect it. Maybe I’ve finally grown up or maybe it’s a return to childhood. Whichever it is, I like this mindset and plan to cherish every second. Watch out, joy, here I come!

Deb Heatherly is the designer for Creative Grids® Tools plus the author of six popular pattern books. Visit her website at www.Debscatsnquilt.com to keep updated on Deb’s speaking engagements, what’s happening in the Deb’s Cats N Quilts Design Studio and to shop online for her latest tools and books. Follow Deb on Facebook and/or to join her online group “Grid Girls” at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770429649800457/. Quilt Shop Owners Only are invited to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/273593657256524/. You can contact her at: Debscatsnquilts@aol.com for more information on how to set up a lecture, demo or workshop for your Quilt Shop or Guild, or call the studio at 828-524-9578.

Sheep Day at Black Hills Stock Show,

Monday, January 30, 2023

Ida Marie Snorteland, Districts 1 and 2 Make it with Wool Director, will be at the Black Hills Stock Show with information about the National Make It with Wool Contest. The SD District 1 & 2 contest which will be held September 21 during the Newell Ram Sale, followed by the State contest on September 23, 2023 at the Holiday Inn in Rapid City. Dates for other District contests will be posted on the SD SheepGrowers website at: www.sdsheepgrowers.org.

Come to the Black Hills Stock Show on Sheep Day and learn about the variety of wool fabrics, including flannel, crepe, Melton and so many more. Beautiful garments made from wool fabric will also be on display.

Demonstrations on the use of specialty tailoring tools will be on-going at the MIWW booth:

DRESSMAKER/TAILOR

Think of the pressing ham as a curved ironing board. Use to build shape into darts, princess seams, set-in sleeves, or any other curved areas.

SEAM ROLL

The seam roll allows you to press seams open without pressing the impression of the seam allowance onto the right side of the fabric. It's also great inside sleeves and pant legs.

These tools make pressing faster AND easier! That means more fun sewing with better results! Thanks to the Treadle Yard Goods.

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Twisted Star Mystery Quilt - 2023

Designed by Ann Jones, Nevada, MO

If you have any questions contact Erica at Nine Patch Quilt & Fabrics, Nevada, MO ericaskouby@gmail.com or 417-667-7100. Miss one of the parts? Check www.countryregister.com

This time around we are going to focus on a little quilt. This is designed as a baby quilt, and finishes at 48” Square. Add a border if you want it a bit bigger for a lap quilt.

Fabric Requirements:

Fabric A - dark - 1 ½ yards

Fabric B - light - 1 yard

Fabric C - medium light - ½ yard

Fabric D - medium - ¼ yard

Fabric E- light tone on tone - 1 yard (sashing)

Fabric F - light tone on tone - ¼ yard (sashing)

PART 1 of 3:

Making Block 1: This is a basic Friendship star - you will be making 16 blocks For EACH BLOCK Cut:

Two 2 ½” squares of Fabric A (Total of 32 needed for 16 blocks)

Four 2 ½” squares of Fabric B (Total of 64 needed)

Three 3” squares of Fabric A (Total of 32 needed)

Two 3” squares of Fabric B (Total of 48 needed)

Two 2 ½ X 4 ½” rectangles of Fabric C (Total of 32 needed)

One 3” square of Fabric D (Total of 16 needed)

For ONE block:

On the wrong side of two the 3” Fabric A squares and two of the 3” Fabric B squares mark a diagonal line. Place these right sides together and sew a 1/4” seam on either side of the diagonal line. Cut on the diagonal line. Press each half square triangle towards the dark. You will have 4 of A/B half square triangles. Repeat using one 3” square of Fabric A and one 3” square of Fabric D to make 2 of A/D half square triangles. Square these up to 2 ½”.

Win a $25 Gift Certificate!

The Country Register of the Northern Rockies & Great Plains is giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to be used at YOUR FAVORITE SHOP!

Just fill out this form and send it to:

January/February 2023

The Country Register

P.O. Box 2015 Belle Fourche, SD 57717

OR visit www.moxiemarketingmw.com, click on The Country Register to sign up online

Name

Phone

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Address City State ____________ Zip

Favorite Shop Advertised

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Entries received by the next issue, with all questions answered will qualify for the drawing. One gift certificate is given away each issue.

Spot the Answers:Difference

1. Snowflakes are in different positions

2. 3 pinecones versus 2

3. Circle pinecone is now white

4. Pretty grass placed in the nest

Spot the Difference

Winter wonder can be found everywhere if we look for it. Winter in the midwest can be long, surround yourself with simple joys both in the form of sparkly home decore and wonderful friends and family. It makes the winter blues fade away. Can you find the 4 differences in the photo?

Find the answers to this spot the difference on page 14 (No peaking!).

Happy Valentine’s Day - Spread the Love!

VALENTINE GIFTS FROM THE HEART

1. Surprise love notes

2. Candy Bouquet

3. Baking a heart shape cake or brownies

4. Create a Valentines Crossword Puzzle

5. Heartfelt Breakfast in bed

6. A winter picnics

7. Pinterest board of all your favorite picture memories

8. Post a heartfelt post on the internet

9. Find their favorite flowers and add a sweet note

10. Make a romantic dinner together

VALENTINE JOKES!

“What did the paper clip say to the magnet?” “I find you very attractive.”

“What did one volcano say to the other?” “I lava you.”

What did one light bulb say to the other on Valentine’s Day? I love you a whole watt.

What kind of flowers should you not give on Valentines Day? Cauliflowers

Who always has a date on Valentines Day? The Calendar