I'm Famous!

I haven't done much blogging or much stitching lately as you already know. It has been breaking my heart that I have not had the will to pick up a needle and thread. Then, the day before I left for Nashville I saw the most darling little sampler freebie "Now I Know My ABC's" on the Blackbird Designs blog.  I knew that this was the sampler that would help me gain the strength to start stitching again.

Before I began packing for my Nashville trip I dug deep into my floss and fabric stash and came up with an alternative to the listed threads and fabric.  I grabbed my favorite Dovo's that I use when flying and I put my "kit" into my carry-on bag with the idea that I was going to have this started and finished before I got home. 

Once I arrived at the airport I became a little anxious since I was flying alone.  I'm not a "big traveler" and this was only the third time that I had ever flown by myself.  I calmed myself down by reading and once I got settled with that I decided it was time to pull out my stitching. 

I dug into my kit and pulled out all the necessary starting items.  I threaded my needle with the first color and then I determined my starting point.  I pulled that needle and thread through the fabic and experienced the most wonderful feeling in the world!  It was as if all my worries and stress floated up into space.  I felt free and alive again!  I should have just skipped the book and started with the stitching, but who knew?

Now, my weekend in Nashville was extremely busy, but whenever I had a free second alone I would pick up my sampler and add a stitch or two.  Once I was about halfway through I decided that it was time to show my progress to Barb & Alma (in the Blackbird Designs booth).  I took it to them and told them what an inspiration their designs were to me and how they (as designers) have helped me through the stress of life that I am dealing with right now. (Btw, this was not their design....in fact it was a charting of a sampler that Barb found, but that doesn't matter to me in the least.  Had they not reproduced it, I would never have seen it or started stitching again.)

Next thing I knew it was time to head home.  I continued to stitch on my sampler all the way home, but I did not fulfill my goal of finishing it.  In fact, it took me another few days to get it done due to my work schedule and the issues that I am dealing with.  The good news is that I haven't abandoned my stitching after all.  In fact, once I finished it up I decided to share it with Alma and I attached it to an email so that she could see it.  I was quite excited with the picture since the colors were very true to life on my screen.

Want to see it?  Well, here is the part where "I'm Famous!" comes in........check out Blackbird's Feburary 27th post ! (Scroll all the way to the bottom and mine is the last one.)

Happy Stitching!

Busy Weekend

As you know, things have been very crazy in my life lately. After much contemplation I decided that I needed some time away. Six months ago I had talked to my boss about taking this weekend off even though it is the middle of tax season. First off, I have a WONDERFUL boss. He agreed to let me go. With everything that has been going on I had thought about not going away. But, I'm so very glad that I did.

This weekend I was privleged to assist in the Crescent Colours booth at the TNNA market in Nashville, TN. While I worked my tail off, I also had so much fun. This whole weekend was so theraputic for me. I got to spend time with one of my very best friends that I don't get to see often enough. I got to see friends that I haven't seen in awhile. And I was able to meet new and exciting people and make new friends.

While at market I got to spend time with many wonderful designers that I have come to know persnally over the last few years. I also got to meet many new ones as well, such as Tracy Horner of Ink Circles. We as stitchers are so blessed to have such talent in our group!

I was stuck in the booth most of the weekend. It was crazy busy and the days really flew by. But, when I did get the chance to go out, I had a great time seeing all of the new stuff from everyone. I was lucky enough to be gifted some fabulous charts to add to my stash. I also have a huge mental list of charts that I want to add as well. I guess I'm going to have to contact my favorite shop so that I can scoop up more good stuff during the market celebrations.

So, now it looks like I'm going to have to return to the real world. Work is calling and I will have to make up for the time I spent out of the office. That means longer hours this week to make up for my "play time". Of course, that is in addition to the major hours that I am putting in due to the season.

Oh, by the way, Hubby found a job. He is supposed to start in two weeks. I don't know how this will all play out, but I hope it is exactly what is needed. I appreciate all the kind comments and prayers for Hubby and myself. We aren't out of the woods by any means, but things seem to be moving in a much better directon than they were.

I wish everyone a wonderful week. Happy Stitching!


One last P.S.
I'm still planning to blog, but it will be very sparse for the time being as I need to spend my time in some other areas for a little while longer. Thanks so much for understanding.

Latest Model Picture

I guess you can say no news is good news, right?  I'm still heavily involved with the reason for my 'leave of absence'.  Maybe one day I will be able to look back on this with a less heavy heart than I have a the moment.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you.......

This is the Summer Seascape Series by Country Cottage Needleworks.  I absolutely love working on models for Crescent Colours and I was lucky enough to stitch this one as well.  It is the newest Thread Pack series from CCN and Crescent Colours.  You can get all the information at Nikki's website: http://www.countrycottageneedleworks.com/  Stop by her website and check out her other seasonal series!  If I get a chance, I'll try and post some close up pictures that I took while stitching the model.

Enjoy.....and have a safe and happy weekend!

Temporary Leave of Absence

I just wanted to let you all know that I have not stopped blogging.  However, it looks like I may have to take a temporary leave of absence.  I'm having some personal issues which have been taking over my life in an uncontrollable manner in the last month.  I am desperately trying to gather myself together for the turmoil that I may have to endure.  I feel like I'm on a roller coaster with no brakes.

I will try my best to post with some stitching, but with everything that is happening, stitching has been the furthest from my mind and my hands.

I'm just so thankful for my strong family support system, friend support system and co-worker/boss support system.  And as for you....my internet blogging friends.....I am thankful for you as well.  Even though I may not know you personally, each and everyone of you are still my support as I read your blogs, your comments and emails to me.

I love you all.......

Jennifer

Before I Start My Day

I'm already at work and I really need to get my day started.  But, first, I thought I'd share a few pictures from this past weekend's "Blizzard of 2010" (echo....echo.....echo).......

Here is a shot from our front door early on Saturday morning about 3 hours after the snow started.  Please keep in mind that we hardly ever see snow during the winter and when we do it is just a dusting....mess of ice and slush....trace of an inch or less.

Here we were trying to encourage the dog to go "potty outside".  Needless to say he wasn't a big fan of the snow. I guess I can't blame him.  After all, his "manhood" must have been cold since the snow came up to the bottom of his belly.

Mom........GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!!!

Ok, ok.....I'll try to find a spot to go, but don't look!  I'm embarrassed enough as it is right now!

I tried to take advantage of my "free" Saturday.  (Typically I work on Saturdays this time of year.)  I used most of the weekend, when I wasn't doing a little work from home, to stitch on SoHRH.  I was hoping to have this block finished by the end of January, but now it looks to be a February finish.  Not too much more to go! 

I thought I had a picture on this camera, but alas.....NO PIC!  I'll try to get one tonight........

Happy Stitching!

P.S.  Regarding Hubby.....we are still hanging in there.....please pray he can find a job soon....his current "job" of driving me crazy is not working out.....I don't want to fire him! LOL!

Rough Evening

I had to leave work early today. My Hubby needed me. As I've said before he is having a very rough time with the loss of his job. I've finally gotten it through his head that the loss is not his fault. However, that does not make him feel any better. Nor does it help alleviate any depression.

Yet, he has put me in a bad spot. A delima if you will. You see, he wants to take martial arts lessons. Like the kind of martial arts that you see on Spike TV when they air the UFC. Here's the problem......he currently has a gym membership that he is locked into for about another year. He is paying for this and he rarely, if at all, uses it. Now, if he was using his membership on a regular basis I would not have a problem with this martial arts class. Yet, right now I have a huge problem. HE IS UNEMPLOYED!!!! And I am carrying the full weight of the household. I don't have a problem doing this but what I can't get him to understand is that the money is not there for these lessons. Especially when he doesn't take advantage of something he already has.

I just don't get it! Here I am feeling like a creep for saying no when he is the one who should be feeling like a creep for even thinking of spending money that we don't have. Heck, I've gone on a serious "stash diet" in the last few months and I haven't bought a chart since before he lost his job. Why doesn't he understand that as the song goes "You can't always get what you want"?
I'm trying......trying very hard...... I just can't make him see the logic in it all. I'm supposed to be the emotional one, not the logical one!

I know I usually just talk about happy things and stitching here, but life isn't always sweet. And, this is one of those nasty smelling times. Thank you so much for letting me vent. I appreciate all your kind thoughts, wishes and encouragement.

On Lunch Break

No pictures today, as I don't have my camera in my stitching bag as I normally do.  I took it out to take pictures in the snow and it never made it back to my bag.  After all, you are only missing a bunch of white stuff, some icy slush and the dog trying to find a place to go in the snow! (I promise to post them as soon as I have a chance.)  I also have a more updated picture of SoHRH in there, but that will just have to wait until another day as well.

The forecast is for rain today, so all of our snow should be washed away by tomorrow.  Of course, if the tempertaures get into upper 20's or low 30's tonight it might be a little treacherous on the drive in tomorrow.  And, wouldn't you know it, they are calling for "possible snow" this weekend too. 

We had our time in the snow, wasn't this weekend enough?  As much as I enjoyed my "stitchy weekend", I'm over the snow.  It's my busy time and work and I need to get in the hours.  I can't work all that overtime if I'm stuck at home!

I'm trying to make some up this week by taking a quick 30 minute lunch today.  Let's hope it helps!

Happy Stitching!

P.S.  Where is the spell check on this new version?  I can't find it and would love to have it back!