Gentle Reminder.....

Tomorrow is the last day to enter the giveaway!  You must comment by Midnight EST to qualify!  Don't forget to pass the information along to your blogging buddies......the more the merrier!

I'm working real hard to try and have something stitched in addition to the goodies that I'm giving away.  However, my finishing skills will determine if the stitched piece actually makes it in the package.  LOL!

Happy Stitching!

Languishing Wips

 I had a quick half hour last night between arriving home and meeting a friend for dinner. So, I took some time to start digging through my stash.  I've decided to take an inventory of my patterns and whether they are fully kitted, partially kitted or not kitted at all.  I'm also going to start some de-stashing as well.  I know that there are quite a few patterns that I will never stitch.  They are just "not me" anymore.  Tastes change......

Anyway, I was going through my first basket and found these old wips.  I can't believe that they never got finished.  They are both from Blackbird Designs.  Now, I love Blackbird Designs, so I can't imagine why I haven't finished them.  The first is a Loose Feathers Pattern called Beneath the Sunlit Sky.......

Isn't it beautiful???  (Yes, I know it is bad need of ironing, but I just found it again!!!!)  Ahhhhhh.......now I know why I never finished it.  See the thread hanging above the house?  There are supposed to be buttonhole stitches in there.  UGH!  I guess I'll have to get on the ball and fix this.  After all, it is dated 2008!

The second design didn't have a name.  It was a class that I took with Barb & Alma back in late 2007.  I think that the design has been released since then and it is in one of their books.

It is a fabulous design and it shouldn't take me too long to finish it.  These two pieces will make great additions to my Blackbird wall.  I guess I'd better get to stitching!

Happy Stitching!

Half the Year Is Over

Ok, not literally, as it is still just the end of April. However, I did put the last stitches into June on Saturday morning before I kept to my word and started with the first Spring Cleaning installment. I tried very hard to finish Friday night, but the sleep monster came calling and I just couldn’t get those stitches into the last flower and bee.

Saturday yielded more donations for Goodwill, a huge bag of trash and another bag of papers that will need to be shredded once I purchase a new shredder. My last one died of overuse! I have to be honest and say that I’m not very nice to my shredders and they don’t usually last very long. This time I will have to look into a heavy duty one that will take a beating.

It wasn’t long before it was time to get ready and meet my BFF for some fellowship and stitching. Neither of us had lunch so we met at Chic-Fil-A before heading over to her house. (Those waffle fries are my favorite!) Once we sat down to stitch, I pulled out my Shores of Hawk Run Hollow so that I could stitch along with my friends at The Attic. I think I made pretty good progress. I was able to finish Block 3 and then I decided to go ahead and start Block 2. (I’m jumping around on my blocks based on how I feel. Order is BORING!!)

I was able to get about halfway around on the inside border of Block 2 before I kicked myself out of BBF’s house. She would have let me stay all night, but I knew that home was calling. I was still in the stitching mood when I got home, so I picked up where I left off and this was the result after calling it a late night.

I found myself still in the stitching groove on Sunday, so I kept with the SoHRH theme. Block three really moves fast and I found myself ignoring my grumbling tummy. Eventually I had to stop and take nourishment. I couldn’t believe how far I was able to get on this block. One more good day like yesterday and I will have it finished.

In the afternoon/evening, I decided to be a good girl again and continue with the cleaning. YUCK! But, now I have a sparkling clean bedroom and bathroom. When I say clean, I really mean it. I even vacuumed the walls! I didn’t know there was so much dust and yuck in that room. Serves me right! Next weekend I will move onto the spare bedroom. That’s where all my stash currently resides. I think that I’m going to do a little de-stashing. Yes, I said it………de-stashing! I have so many baskets full of patterns that I know I will never get to. SABLE is the word for that room! I won’t be getting rid of much compared to what I have, but I will offer up those patterns that I know I won’t stitch either for sale or for trade in the near future. So, be on the lookout for an opportunity to enhance your own stash.

After all the cleaning activity I sat down for an evening with a wonderful Hallmark Movie on CBS. It was called “When Love is not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story”. For those of you who don’t know, Lois Wilson was the co-founder of Al-Anon. Her husband Bill was the co-founder of AA. If you have an alcoholic in your family or count an alcoholic as one of your friends, I encourage you to find an Al-Anon meeting. Do not be ashamed. These people have been through the same situation(s) and they know exactly how you feel.

While watching the movie, I also started a new project. Yes, another new one! After all, I am a serial starter! Can you guess what pattern this is????

Don't forget that my giveaway ends on Friday.  Enter here.  I hope you have a wonderful week! Happy Stitching!

TGIF!

Ahhh……Friday! I can actually say this and mean it for the next seven or eight months until tax season rolls around again. I don't know about you, but I’ve got plenty of things planned for this weekend and stitching is one of them.

I was a bit of a bad girl on Wednesday night and I decided to forgo most of my Spring Cleaning so that I could sit and work on June. I’m definitely over the halfway point now and I hope that tonight will bring the grand finish to the first six months of this series. I’m sure that the next two months will be available soon and I’m looking forward to stitching those models as well.


As for my weekend I’m planning a little bit of everything. Tonight is “date night” with Hubby. I don’t know if we are going out or staying in, but this is giving us time to get back to each other. With everything that has gone on in the last few months, we need to get to know each other once again. Something came between us that shouldn’t have (and no, there was no affair with another person……on either of our parts) and now we are growing and learning from the experience. Recovery, compassion, faith and understanding are hard things to learn and deal with in situations such as this. But, we are taking it “One Day at a Time” and we are making it through. I keep telling my husband that if we can make it through this that we will be so much stronger for it and we will be able to make it through anything that comes our way in the future. I’m putting faith in my higher power to work this out.

Saturday morning will be a cleaning festival at my house. Want to join me? No? That’s okay, I didn’t think you would want to and I completely understand. Truth be told, I don’t want to do it either, but it has to be done. I don’t expect to finish the whole house in the short time I am going to spend, but every little bit helps. I’ll probably spend a good amount of Sunday trying to finish what I don’t get to on Saturday. The operative word in the last sentence is “trying”!

Now, you know stitching will have to come in at some point in the weekend. My BFF and I are going to get together sometime on Saturday to enjoy each other’s (stitching) company. I’m looking forward to lots of talking, laughing and hopefully a little less spending this weekend. It’s not that the two trips to Michael’s Arts and Crafts did me in, but all the other stuff I also ended up buying last weekend. I’m on the wagon for a couple of weeks as far as spending goes!

If I get LHN’s June finished tonight, I’m going to join in on the Saturday SAL with the girls at The Attic over in Mesa, AZ. Hands down this is my favorite Needlework shop! My first visit there was on my honeymoon and it has had a special place in my heart ever since. Anyway, they are working on any of Carriage House’s Hawk Run series. So, in honor of them, I’m going to pull out my Shores of Hawk Run too. Maybe I’ll have some progress to show them next time I’m in their neck of the woods, which should be soon. I can’t wait!

I would love to hear what you are going to work on this weekend! Happy Stitching!

Happy Hump Day!

I can’t believe that it is already Wednesday. Just yesterday I was enjoying my weekend of fun and pampering. But now I’m back in the grind at work. At least it is not as stressed and everyone seems so much happier after a nice long weekend. As a bonus, we are already halfway through the current week and the weekend is that much closer!

I have filled the beginning of my week with a little bit of everything that I have been neglecting these last three and a half months. I’m almost finished with all of my laundry………for the moment anyway. I put the last load of clothes in the dryer before work this morning and the washer is waiting patiently for the dirty sheets that are on my bed. That will be first on the after work “to do” list. I’ve also been spending anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half each evening in my bedroom cleaning everything out. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING! After all, it is time for my annual Spring Cleaning Bash! I already have a bag full of clothes, shoes and costume jewelry all set to be taken to Goodwill. Funny enough, there is still more that I can go through and I’m sure to have a great tax deduction again this year due to my accumulating junk. (I have to say that watching Hoarders on A&E is great motivation for cleaning!)

Fellow stitchers never fear……… I have also been sure to spend time with my current wip. As you know I’m trying to finish up my LHN’s Months of the Year models since they have to be ready for the Columbus show. It is so nice to have the time to sit down in the evenings a stitch a bit. I still don’t have as much time as I used to since I’m still catching up on necessary evils, but I try to get a few needles in each night. I think I’m doing pretty well since I’m still so busy. June is looking fabulous and I think after a few needles tonight I will be over halfway there. I have to say, I really love the Wavy Navy on this fabric. It is fast becoming one of my favorite cotton colors.

In all of this work, I am also taking some time for myself in the evenings. Before I go to bed I spend time with some books and my journal. Even if it is only for a few minutes, this time really makes the difference and it really helps me to end the day on a good note. Of course, if I really get on a roll in my journal and I don’t make it to sleep on time it makes it hard to get up the next morning.

Before I go, I have a little request. My BFF is having a very hard time right now with some health issues. I know many of you believe in the power of prayer (as I do). It would mean so much to me if you would put her in your prayers today.

Happy Stitching!

Wonderful Weekend

This past weekend was a well deserved respite from the stressors of life. I’m so thankful that I was able to finally have some “me” time. (I didn’t even fret about the messy house!)



Friday started off with a bang……literally! The roofers were replacing the roof on my condo and I woke up to several loud bangs. I’m so glad that I had an early appointment at the spa! As for the spa, let me just say that “pamper” was the word of the morning. I started off with a facial, followed by a manicure and a pedicure. The top to the morning was the one hour full body massage. Let me just say that it was an experience……. I’ve had those 15 minute chair massages so I know how good they feel. But, the full body….well…..I’m still not sure what to think about that! 


I followed up the spa with another treat for myself. But first, a little background. I’ve wanted diamond earrings for some time now, but I just haven’t had the money for them. I’m not satisfied with those little teeny ones either and good ones definitely aren’t in the budget, especially since Hubby was out of work for the early months of this year. Now that he is working it doesn’t mean that earrings will be in my near future. We have bills to pay! But, I came up with a fabulous idea since I know I will just have to figure out a way to get them myself. (Lord knows I can’t rely on Hubby right now for that kind of gift!) I had some great jewelry that I don’t wear anymore. No family heirlooms, just pieces that I bought for myself. I thought I would take them over to the pawn shop and see if they would trade. A few minutes of looking around and I found a great pair of princess cut diamond studs set in white gold and some white gold diamond hoops. They were exactly what I was looking for! After a little haggling, I left with less of my old jewelry and two new sets of earrings. Who knew??? I love that pawn shop! I think I’ll be looking for more jewelry there in the future. I still have a few things to bargain with too.


The pawn shop trip was followed up with an ice cream snack at Cold Stone Creamery (Cheesecake flavored ice cream with strawberries and chocolate chips mixed in) and then a trip to Michael’s Arts & Crafts. I tried to get a frame for My Lady’s Quaker but I couldn’t find anything I liked. However, I did get some great things to possibly use with my giveaway. I’m not going to say what I found since there are so many different ideas floating around inside my head based on those finds. After all, I don’t want to spoil the surprise! (Don’t forget to comment on the giveaway post if you want to join in on the fun. I would also appreciate it if you would be so kind as to spread the word about my giveaway as well. The more the merrier!)


After playing around all day I met Hubby and MIL for dinner. To my surprise, Hubby’s Grandfather drove down to take us all out. What you should know is that Grandfather is now 90 years old. He had just played 18 holes of golf with Hubby earlier in the day at a course that was about an hour south of his home. After golf, he drove another hour south to take us out! We had a great dinner at a local pizza/pasta place and then he headed home after that. He didn’t leave us until after 9pm and he had a two hour ride home! He is amazing!!!!!


After a late night out, Saturday morning came mighty early. I awoke to more banging! I guess they didn’t finish up the roof after all. But seriously fellas…….it was my first Saturday to sleep in and I don’t count 8am as sleeping in! So, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for another wonderful day. I spent the day stitching, talking, laughing and shopping with my BFF. Ahhh…….such a grand day! I worked on LHN’s May, but I didn’t get far. Too much talking, laughing and shopping don’t you know!

Sunday was a much quieter end to the weekend. I met a lovely lady for lunch. She is a new friend of mine and I think that she is one of the best things to happen to me in a long time. (Thank you God!) I am looking forward to our new found friendship with one another. I hope to be as big of a help to her as she is to me.

After lunch I headed to Barnes & Noble and the Hallmark store to pick up a few things for myself, for a birthday and for Mother’s Day. Well satisfied with my little shopping trip I headed back home to work on my “numb butt”. I did finally manage to get May finished and I even got a good start on June.

So, as you can see it was a most wonderful weekend for me. This upcoming week will be filled with devilish words……….CLEANING HOUSE!!!!!! However, I’ll be sure to get in a few stitches this week too. I need to hurry and finish up June because I have some great stitching plans in store.


I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. Happy Stitching!

Let’s Celebrate Tax Day and a 100th Post Milestone!

Today is Tax Day and boy am I happy about it!!! That means that my work stress meter will go back to normal after today. For those of you out there that still haven’t filed yet, don’t forget that you can still get an extension of time to file (but not time to pay). The USPS will only be open until 5pm today, so if you want proof that you mailed everything by its deadline, then you will want to get there early. As for me, I’m in the clear for my federal return. I e-filed and I got my measly little (and boy, do I mean little) refund last month. Now I just have to get my state return sent off with that nasty little check before May 1st. I’ve decided to wait another week to send it in so that I can hang onto my money for a few extra days. LOL! (picture borrowed from: http://www.asgoodassold.com/2007/07/19/death-and-taxes/ )

I don’t know about any of my other fellow tax practitioners, but I’m going to celebrate today by taking a nice long three day weekend. Even though I will be spending my time at home, I do have plans to pamper myself with some time at the spa. There will be some time for a true “date night” with hubby so that we can get reacquainted with each other and I will finally be able to get together with friends/family that I haven’t seen in some time. I also plan on getting a good case of “numb butt” this weekend. One thing I refuse to do this weekend is clean house! It has waited this long and another few days won’t make a difference. I’ll deal with that mess next week.

Speaking of “numb butt”, I was able to get some good selfish stitch time on Easter Sunday and I finished My Lady’s Quaker by Jardin Prive. I think she turned out nice. (Yes, I know, I left off the alphabet.  But my piece of fabric wasn't big enough so I compromised.) I found a 60% off framing coupon in my e-mail for Michael’s and I think I’m going to use it to purchase a frame for her. I’ve decided that I’m going to follow Vonna’s tutorial and I’m going to make her my first self-framed project. Wish me luck!

After my Easter finish, I started on some neglected model stitching. (At least the models didn’t have to be finished until after tax season was over.) This past week I’ve been able to finish March and April in the Little House Needleworks/Crescent Colours “Months of the Year” Thread Pack series. I’m currently working on May and June. I hope to have those done this weekend so that I can move onto other projects.

In other news………

Can you believe this is my 100th post? It has been an amazing ride so far and I hope to keep the train moving forward this year. No reverse gear for me, because I’ve had enough of the past and all the grief that the past brings. I’m only looking forward from now on. My new mantras are “One Day at a Time” and “Keep It Simple”.

In keeping it simple, I’m not going to fret over the fact that I have nothing stitched to give away in honor of my 100th post. I’m also not going to worry that I haven’t even gotten everything together for my giveaway. I really wanted to stitch something, but due to circumstances beyond my control (that have nothing to do with the normal stresses of tax season) I haven’t been able to do anything other than model stitching since Easter Sunday and that is even if I’ve been able to stitch at all. So, here’s what I’ve decided to do instead……..I’m going to make my giveaway a SURPRISE! You will have no idea what kind of stitchy stuff to expect. How fun is that?

Only two rules……

#1 ~ You MUST be a follower of this blog in order to win

#2 ~ You will need to comment on this post only

Each comment will have an equal chance of winning (only one comment per person, please). It is not necessary to post this giveaway on your blog or tell others, but the idea behind this blog was to share all of my serial starts. So, if you would be so kind, I would love it if you spread the word! I will keep my giveaway open until April 30th. The winner will be drawn the first week of May. Pretty simple, right?

Good luck to you all!

Happy Stitching!

Moving Right Along

So, what do you think? She is finally moving along! Honestly though, this is the first night that I have really spent with her in over a week. I came home after working almost nine hours....ON A SATURDAY!!!!!.....and sat down to some serenity. As you can see, she is not too farfrom crossing the finish line. For that matter, I'm almost at a finish line. Only 10 more working days until tax season is over for another year.

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to a wonderful Easter Sunday. The weather is supposed to be in the 70's and BEAUTIFUL! I'm going to celebrate by turning off my alarm so that I can sleep in. Once I wake up I'm going to spend a little more time in the land of serenity. I may even sit outside and stitch tomorrow. Of course that is fully dependent on whether I can bring myself to change out of my PJ's. (Now, before you chastise me for not going to church, please remember that I'm Jewish!)

So, before I call it a night I would like to wish you all a Happy Passover and Happy Eaater. May you have a blessed and wonderful Sunday!

Happy Stitching!