WOW........

I'm horrible at updates. There just isn't that much interesting stuff going on around here.

Today is the first day of school - my daughter gave me a hug and said 'today is my last first day of school', but she was happy and eager to go so I count my blessings. She's taking AP classes - a 3 hour biology (1 hr is lab), english, anatomy, statistics and oral comm. It's a tough schedule but she's excited. She only needs the oral comm and english to graduate.

We enjoyed a hot uneventful summer. Mostly just enjoying the teens and hanging out close to home.

Our weather has changed drastically over the last few days. We are about 15 degrees cooler than we were a week ago. So the evenings are pretty nice and we've started walking again. I think it's one of the best things I do for myself. Just making the time to walk, getting out of the house for fresh (humid) air - it just makes me feel better.

On the stitching front I'll have a nice new WIP of Morning Rose in the next few days. And this time, she'll have a face YAY!

My new resolution is to post an update at least once a week. Thanks for visiting with me and have a wonderful week.

Beautiful spring....

it's finally here. My flowers are growing and some are just starting to bloom. Give them another month of miracle grow and sunshine and they'll be spectacular. I'm slowly but surely getting the beds in shape for summer.

Also have to show off a beautiful gift I received. Made by Capella - it's Temari, absolutely stunning. She weaves and wraps the perle cotton threads where they look like strips of ribbon (it's a beautiful craft) with beautiful bead strings to match turquoise and lavendar and clear pink - with purple tear drops on the end. It sort of reminds me of my current stitching obsessions, Chatelaine's Taj Mahal. Check out the thumbnails to the right for an update picture.

Tomorrow is our official SAL start for Circus of Circles (Ink Circles). Here's my floss toss, HDFibers Dragon Tears silks with Silkweaver 32ct Belfast Linen in Purple Fog. I'll try for a better picture next update.

happy stitching everyone - and enjoy this gorgeous spring

Mira SAL

starts today - YAY. Stitching Queen Mermaid 1x2 on 32ct Mediterranean Linen and she looks gorgeous already. Sooz is a hard taskmaster so I better get a little more stitched before I post a picture.

happy stitching everyone......

Easter weekend........

I stitched on Morning Rose as my BAP-SAL pick for the Easter weekend. There's a updated thumbnail picture on the right sidebar. She has gorgeous wings but they are confetti hell to stitch....but worth the effort. I also received my new Ink Circles charts, the 20th Anniversary one and Second Chances (the purple sampler). YAY..... I also stitched a little freebie from Debbie Draper Designs, Spring Flowers for a flat-fold class that's this weekend. I'll post a picture once we get them finished out.

Have a great week everyone.....

Back from vacation

okay, this is one of those long, long winded things - sort of like being invited over for dinner, then having to sit through the slideshow from vacation....

We spent our spring break vacation at the Grand Canyon. We stayed 2 nights in Santa Fe, NM then 2 nights in Tusayan, AZ which is just 2 miles from the gate at the Grand Canyon. It's a 17.5 hour trip from our home and can you believe it - I didn't get any stitching in at all? We did so much chatting and looking at visitors guides and seeing what everyone wanted to do (ie: where to shop) - it was just a wonderful trip.

If you ever visit Santa Fe, I highly recommend http://www.innofthegovernors.com/ they are right in the middle of the tourist/shopping/visitors plaza. This is a picture from our room.....The staff was the friendliest and most relaxed of any hotel I have ever stayed in. We had a kiva fireplace in our room with shuttered windows that opened out on the plaza square. We had spanish sangria and listened to the bag pipes play on St. Paddy's Day.

Okay, one more picture this is of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, Mather's Point. It has to be seen and felt - it can not be explained. Just go, if you ever have the opportunity, just go and share the experience with your loved ones.

Okay, I promise to have new WIP's for my next update within the next few days.

tada.....

I sent this to Sean on Friday. He's trying very hard to quit smoking so I sent him some Dinky Dyes silks and some gum. That should keep him busy for a day and his mind otherwise occupied..... aren't those just the cutest little ladybugs?

I am so blessed with beautiful cyber-friends. I received a huge package in the mail from B - 10 charts and 5 hand-dyed fabbies in my favorite pastel colors, dark blue and light blue and purples..... I'm still overwhelmed with her generosity.

I'm still waiting for my SMF Fairy Morn fabric to start my Taj Mahal. Again, I'll say it should be here tomorrow. I've been stitching on Morning Rose the last few days and seem to be getting no where fast. All I can think about is starting Taj... then I have a couple of mailart pieces to do quick like then Circus of Circles to start in a SAL and a BFG SAL in June/July.

I neglected my garden last year so I'm looking forward to digging in the dirt and getting it ready for planting. Talked to Cindy last night and we are planning on spending a couple of days a week (it's a fun way for us to get girl time together) starting in May picking blueberries and canning them; picking strawberries and freezing them; making jams to can then starting on the vegetables once they come out of the garden. Then towards the middle of summer the freestone peaches will be ready to pick and we'll start on those. Canned blueberries and peaches make the best pies. You just pour the syrup off and pat them dry and prepare as you would with fresh fruit.

happy stitching.....

RR....Happy Stitching......

I finally finished the first block on my HAED RR piece and it's ready for the journey around the world and back. I wanted to get this block done so that all the wonderful ladies ^thank you^ who will be stitching on this can see the most important part of the piece. It's a fantabulous fun stitch.

This is my fragmented chart of Verdure by Linda Ravenscroft as charted by HAED. I realized if I chose it from my stash for the RR that I would never stitch the whole chart; so, the really large blocks will be done by me once it returns home. I'll let the stitchers do as much, or as little, as they like in the block of their choice - then I'll finish it all off. I decided since this would be the only stitched piece I would have that I had to have a whole wing - hence the border on the right, then I needed the little raindrop on the leaf at the left to balance it out, then I said to my self I have to have those little white flowers too and her whole headdress.....so it grew. I can't wait to see the updates as each friend adds to this........

This evening I've been working on a mailart piece for a special friend. he's quit smoking so I'm sending him a care package - floss for stitching and gum to chew. That ought to keep his hands busy......

I've been really good to myself too. The weather is starting to warm up so along with my haircut yesterday I had a french pedicure today. Nothing like having pretty toes ^with little yellow flowers^ to look at!

Nothing much going on.......

just the same old same ole. I'm not very good at journaling but I'm making an effort to update more frequently.

Family is healthy and happy; stitching is going well; the sun has been shining most days and it hasn't been too terribly cold. We've been trying to walk every afternoon - Gracie gets so excited. She has a big yard to run in but she loves getting to walk with us - go figure.

I've taken my new year pampering to heart and my skin hasn't looked this good in a long time. I think part of it's all the water and milk I've been drinking. I'm letting my hair grow out a little so I can get a nice clean cut into an angular bob - just above shoulder level a little longer in the front than the back.

On the Melanie front, she won't be a senior until next year but we've been talking and making college plans already about the University of Arkansas (in Fayetteville). It's only a 45 minute drive from home so YAY for me. Most of the kids she pals with will be going there so she's getting excited and nervous at the same time. I'm so excited for her but nervous too - it's like sending them to school for the first time - all over again.

This is my piece for a HAED RR..... it's Verdure by Linda Ravenscroft. I tell you this is so much fun to work on. The colors and shading are just stunning. Practically every color is some shade of green. The next mailing date is March 5 so I've been working on this exclusively, trying to finish this block before the send off. I hope each of the ladies in the group enjoy this piece as much as I have and it makes them each want to stitch their own version.

I have a couple of mailart pieces in mind but can't start them until the RR gets sent on its way. I have several others charts waiting in the wings to be started - there just aren't enough hours in the day.

Happy stitching my friends - stay warm and well

A little pampering never hurt anyone.....

My pledge to myself for personal growth this year is to pamper and treat myself better. Nothing makes you feel more feminine and special than a little pampering. Nothing drastic, it's in the little things. Like taking the time to use (everyday) the fluffy good smelling lotions I buy; (don't laugh here) actually shaving my legs more often than once a week, it's winter but still; going to lunch with friends and socializing; keeping my eyebrows tweezed into shape (amazing how this lifts my spirits); wearing perfume even on the days I'm just puttering around the house; burning candles while I stitch just for the joy of it......I'm sure I'll find some other ways too.

We women always put the people in our lives ahead of ourselves, so this year be good to yourselves too........your loved ones will appreciate it.

Currently stitching on Truth Storykeep

Be Safe......

Have a wonderful New Years Eve celebration and be safe. We are staying in, but having friends over. 4 adults and 6 teenagers - we'll eat mexican food, watch movies, play card games, snack too much, etc. I'll try to get a nice picture of everyone.

I'm so excited - I've been looking forward to my Jan 1 new start for MONTHS. I'm starting Snow Princess & The Polar Bear by Ruth Sanderson (as charted by HAED, of course).

A new beginning.......2007

After serious and cautious consideration – your Contract of Friendship has been renewed for 2007. This includes a desire to acknowledge the joy in life - it's there, but sometimes we just don't see it for what it is. For each and every one of you…... I promise to be here for you during 2007 to support you through the ups and downs when things are heaped upon you. Remember, I’m only an email away when you need a shoulder to keep you from perpetrating evil upon others (this is mainly for J/M/A/E). I promise to listen without criticism when you need to whine – as I tend to do a lot of this. I solemly swear to hold your hand and walk with you when you can no longer see the blessings in your life......and, of course, you know I'll be happy to help point them out to you throughout the year.

More pointing the finger later.................now get to stitching and let's see some pictures.

What kind of car are you?

I'm a Mercedes SLK!

You appreciate the finer things in life. You have a split personality - wild or conservative, depending on your mood. Wherever you go, you like to travel first class. Luxury, style, and fun - who could ask for more?

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

That was fun - here is the breakdown on models:

Ferrari 360: 386669 (10%)
Lamborghini Murcielago: 273654 (7%)
Mazda Miata: 251968 (6%)
Honda S2000: 97281 (2%)
Dodge Viper: 219569 (5%)
Chevrolet Corvette: 1090694 (27%)
Porsche 911: 599180 (15%)
Mazda RX-8: 246627 (6%)
Porsche Boxster: 57989 (1%)
Audi TT: 90630 (2%)
Mercedes SLK: 173949 (4%)
Ford Mustang: 359814 (9%)
Lotus Elise: 103301 (3%)
Nissan 350Z: 104457 (3%)

Post-Thanksgiving, recovery

Lazy sunday.....getting everyone ready for work and school tomorrow. We were so busy we didn't get our Christmas Tree put up so maybe today I can coax Mel into helping - she'll be mad if I put it up without her. My plan this year is to only put up the tree, I'm not doing the whole house decorating thing. I'm tired just thinking about having to take it all down and store it again......maybe I'll get in the mood once our weather turns cold. We've been running about 15 degrees above normal here but next week that's supposed to change. Yea....

Do any of you stitch Christmas ornaments? I guess I need to buy a new stitching magazine cause for some reason I'm intimidated about trying to make one. Not the stitching part, but the put-it-together part. Dumb huh?

Then, theres the tree skirt that we've been working on for about 6 years now. Melanie and I get it out between Thanksgiving and Christmas to work on it. She asks every year, when are we going to finish this? It's a fun project for us to work on together while watching tv - its one of those felt pieces where you cut the shapes out, layer, stuff and sew it on with beads and sequins. She cuts pieces for me and picks out the floss and sequins, etc. My plan is that it's for her first Christmas away from home....guess we better get it out and start working on it.

Happy stitching ladies.......

Wonderful Saturday...

It's been a great day, and the football has been pretty good too! I love watching college ball - it's one of the reasons why Fall is my favorite time of the year. Plus, I get a triple play - I get to watch and spend time with my hubby and stitch too....so there.

I've been working on some special gifts so I can't show you what I've been stitching on just yet - but soon. Well, probably not soon. They aren't Christmas presents, they are just because presents, so I will probably hold on to them until after Christmas. So, pictures soonish...

I've seen so many new kinds of cross-stitch charts - like the celtic intertwining hearts and knots stuff - the single color stuff. And I like it. Kim's new start of her Stitchin'spiration chart has me salivating......I can't wait to see WIPs you hear?

Have a wonderful weekend ladies and happy stitching.....

Freebie from Chatelaine Designs

I spent most of my stitching time today on the Christmas Mandala (a free chart) from Chatelaine Designs. I don't like working with the braids so I used Petite Treasure Braid for the gold, BF032 in place of the silver braid in the tree and a #4 braid I had thats black with a strand of copper blended in for the outline of the pots. I can't wait to add the beads - of course, I picked different colors than it calls for so you'll just have to come back to see what they are!

I'm so glad Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We are staying home this year and I've just been estatic about it. Melanie is going to help me cook (along with my MIL) and my Mom and stepdad will be here for dinner.....it's my favorite holiday of the year.

Things have been going good and everyone's been very happy at my house - makes me wonder what's in store down the road. I'm always waiting for 'the other shoe to drop'. It's the Mom in me I suppose, when they're being sweet I worry.

Have a wonderful evening everyone and happy stitching.....

I'm pleased to present the following for your entertainment.

I posted this on a stitching BB and thought what-the-heck, you could use a good laugh too.

Here's a recap of my morning along with my favorite pet-peeve:

I got all my cleaning and errands and hair (root touch-ups) done (looks good too!)....then I got BONNIE MAIL!!!! (a beautiful mailart pouch) I posted on that thread about fuming this morning and I wasn't going to share my petty pet-peeve but those of you who have been around me for a while remember my WORST PET-PEEVE.

People who walk their dogs on my front yard. Now, if you live anywhere in the vicinity of this neighborhood you have YOUR OWN YARD. Why do you feel the need to put a leash on your dog, walk all the way down to the end of this deserted, dead-end street and let your dog do his business in my yard. Walk him around your yard and let him do his business.

Seriously - I know it's absolutely not a major thing but it's just a little quirk that really irritates me. I don't walk my dog in other peoples yard? Why do idiots actually think this is okay neighborly etiquette?

Anyway - I got up this morning. Had coffee with Melanie and sent her off to school. Poured a second cup and went into the office to visit with my hubby and, you guessed it - visit my BB. I walk through the entry way, happen to glance out the little side window by the front door and see something on my walkway - it's beveled glass and kind of hard to actually tell what it is. So, I open the door, in my flaming orange nightgown (t-shirt style comes to just above my knees) and wild hair (gray roots and all sticking straight up) with my coffee cup in hand and there is a man - no more than 15 feet away. He has walked ALL THE WAY UP OUR DRIVEWAY, FOLLOWED THE SIDEWALK BETWEEN MY FLOWER BEDS, AND IS STANDING ON MY WALKWAY WITH A LEASH WHILE HIS DOG POOPS IN MY YARD

I hope your all laughing good now - I was so stunned I just dropped my jaw and closed the door. I told my husband and said you know how much I hate this and went on and on about how inconsiderate these people are and how it's my yard and my kids play in it. My husband (he's not real bright this morning and hasn't had his first cup of coffee) says - Melanie's grown up and doesn't roll around in the front yard and play anymore so what do you care?

Hubby says he probably didn't want to get his feet wet by walking onto the yard so he stayed on the sidewalk. Hubby has a sincere death wish - why would he even think to side with that idiot and try to take up for him? He and his dog shouldn't be in my yard at all.

I think I'll have to watch and see where he lives and one morning surprise him by returning all of his poop and laying it at his front door.

Anyway - hubby is forgiven and I'm not fuming any more...it's kind of funny and I'm kind of embarrassed about my whole reaction ^maybe a little^.....

Significant life struggles

I made some new friends tonight and I've spent the last few hours thinking about the significant struggles that some people are faced with. I don't just mean health issues but significant life altering struggles. Like the old adage 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger' I believe that these struggles don't just make us stronger their true gift to us is that they reveal our true character and uncover our darkest fears of humanity. It makes me wonder about my own soul - Am I as attentive to people and their needs as I could be, or should be? Would I love my child as much if it was a struggle to have her near me or to provide for her basic needs? Have a left an invisible marker that someone will connect with years from now when they have a significant life altering struggle in their lives? Will I have helped them recognize and value their humanity? I think of my daughter and all the kids that have spent significant time in our home - my daughter has gone to school with the same kids her whole life and our home is second home to 3 other girls. I hope by my interactions with them, I've planted 'markers' for them to discover as they grow - like I have for my own child.

It's late and I'm rambling but it's a provocative thought process....nite all

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Rather late in the month, but October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (in the US)

My friends and I go once every 2 years (Val, Debbie & I) for mammograms. Val works at the hospital so she gets the clinic to schedule us together and we go on a Friday and then have a girls lunch together! We just made our appointments today so I want to remind everyone how important it is to go have a mammogram. As it is NBCA Month the clinics may have special pricing or even free screening if you don't have health insurance. It's certainly worth a call to find out - if not, most clinics have a special time during the year where your first mammogram is free or greatly reduced.

Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, Friends - our female circle never ends.

I got new pretties today.....

Found some of the over-dyed Mini-Twist Eterna Silks. I bought Cabernet www.eternasilk.com/images/skeins/cabernet.jpg Christmas Bouquet www.eternasilk.com/images/skeins/christmasbouquet.jpg Autumn Sonata www.eternasilk.com/images/skeins/autumnsonata.jpg & Charcoal www.eternasilk.com/images/skeins/Charcoal.jpg I can't wait to try them out - they feel absolutely incredible. You know how little ones finger their baby blankets? Well - it's sort of like that. I think I may have to have one of each color.



I learned how to use the scan feature of our printer. Here I am 23 years ago in my wedding dress. My sister and I went to 'The Old Mill' (it's on the National Register of Historic Sites) and shot an entire roll of black & white film. The scene in Gone with the Wind where she is sitting/leaning into the wood seat was filmed there. There's a pond with several bridges and seats of petrified wood.

Oh I'm so in love with this wonderful fall weather. Finally, the air has a bite to it - nice and cool. I've been stitching away on Morning Rose - on that pesky cream background. Actually it's a blend of 5 cream shades. I'm also starting to get frustrated - a happy frustrated - but there all the same. I have so many charts all ready to be started and there just aren't enough hours in the day to stitch. I don't want to hurry and finish my current projects because I really enjoy them. Ah well, I'll just keep drooling over them and waffling between which one to start next!

Hope everyone has a wonderful stitching day.