weekend wrap-up

~saw the movie Battle: Los Angeles --- Jose saw this with my mom and they said it was good; entertaining to be exact. I thought I should see it too so I did. I agree with their assessment. I enjoyed it. Very entertaining and I even cried at times.

~bought more orchids --- 2 miniatures and 2 standard sized; all Phalaenopsis. And an additional orchid called a Cattleya that I get to grow myself. This will be my first attempt and I’m more than thrilled.

(this is what my Cattleya could very well look like once grown and with blooms)

~took 2 Little House Needleworks projects to my LNS to be framed --- 

I can’t wait to get them back! I bought a few other odds and ends, as well, to help facilitate in some self-finishing of smalls I have. I put together a round pin cushion that I haven’t photographed yet. I found a round wooden support (whatever you want to call it) at my LNS. I have a finished piece from 2005 (gulp!), just a dainty piece, that my mother saved, when my late-pooch Chloe got hold of it years ago and did everything to it except tear it to shreds. The thread bled and it was a mess, but mom worked on it (remember this, mom?). I’ll show you later what has come of it now; six embarrassing years later.

~started a tiny freebie given by The Sampler Girl some time ago called “Downton Abbey.” The show aired on PPS Masterpiece Classic in January 2011 and I really liked it. I love how Tanya can hone in on her ability to capture a moment and turn it around with a design to share with all of us, no matter how big or small. I truly admire this designer for her simplicity and commitment to a dream. Tanya’s not pretentious and I like that a lot. Besides, she’s just a damn good person straight from the heart.

~allergies started to kick in, but the older I get the more relief I’m finding.

That’s my weekend wrap-up. It was cold, wet, sometimes rainy and cloudy, the entire weekend. Spring has sprung, but I’m ready for the warm-up. Not the teasing warm-up we had last week when we hit 80 degrees for a couple days and then flew back down into the 50s with 30s as our overnight lows.

I forgot to mention in my coming back post (LIVE LOVE LAUGH) that for Christmas 2010 I bought myself a Kindle – yay!!! I’m official…Talk soon!

PS – Thank you EVERYONE who has welcomed me back with open arms and who commented on such. You are dear to me, all of you, even if you didn’t comment…;-)

i dyed last night

I actually did. I dyed some fabric last night. Not much; just a 16x16 of 32 ct. Antique White linen piece.

I used Rit dye in Taupe and actually dipped, baked, and ironed twice over. I’m happy with the results. There are a few ‘smalls’ I’d like to stitch on this. If you can believe it I ironed the fabric twice. Not sure what the deal is.

Jose and I just returned from seeing the movie Paranormal Activity. Whoa! What an interesting movie that was. It was extremely creepy and very entertaining. Even had its funny moments where we laughed out loud. I found out that both the actors were only paid $500 for their part. That's insane!

The Sampler Girl is having a classic one-day sale today. Five Dollars on everything except for select items, but mostly everything is $5.00. Go check it out and place your order.

Well, gotta run and pick up Mr. Cameron from school. I bet he's crying every time that door opens, the bell rings, and it isn't his mama yet. :( Poor thing. So pathetic. Talk soon!

such a hodgepodge

It was a very pleasant morning. Walked an hour. Ran errands. Picked up some needed supplies and had a super-duper lunch with Mom and our dear friend Sally. The day remained pleasant throughout so I picked Cameron up from school a little early, bought him some McDonald’s fries, and headed home. When I arrived I had goodies waiting for me.

I bought one of The Sampler Girl’s Jane Austen trinkets. I’m attaching it to a necklace. I got a head start on Christmas and bought JOY, an ornament that comes with a festive design to stitch. I also bought the chart Busy Nothings. I really, really love this little needle cushion. Lastly, I received a sweet freebie chart along with my order – can’t ask for anything more. A great little package to end my day, but that’s not all.

You are never going to believe what else arrived in the mail today!!! Ladies, you will die…and be insanely jealous. Feast your eyes upon this…

Look who the card is from. Ugh-ah! Love, Edward ;-) Okay, I know…I wish. We all wish, right? My mom is a riot, I swear. Mom sent me a Halloween card and the boys their very own card (not from Edward though). They all play music too. The Edward card plays a song from the first soundtrack album which I love. All I can say is that I died when I opened this. I died twice more when the music played. I died three times after that when I saw who signed the blasted thing. LOL I immediately called my mom laughing in hysterics. She’s a hoot! I love you, Mom!!! You know how to make a daughter’s day bright and her heart laugh and sing. ((Hugs))

Okay. I made the decision to frog the mistake I made. I just couldn’t bear leaving it. However, it wasn’t as bad as I first thought and obviously so b/c I was able to re-stitch what was wrong and I added the year and my initials to the piece all in one night. I’m glad it’s finished. Now I can make it into something out of the star fabric I bought. Yay! More on that later.

Now for the freak show…

Chia Head is literally a freak of nature. No pun intended I swear! I can’t tell what’s wrong with this thing, or what isn't. Chia has a receding hairline for starters. He was born in a kiln obviously. Look at that massive hole in his head. And the grass is so straggly that I’m afraid of getting too close. It might reach out and grab me like Robbie's braces in the movie Poltergeist. Remember that scene in the bathroom when he’s brushing his teeth and checking out his braces??? The wires from his braces become long and straggly and begin to cocoon him in the corner of the bathroom, directly from his mouth. OMG!!! Chia’s hair is like hundreds of tentacles waiting to leach onto something (ME ‘cuz no one else is taking care of it). There is absolutely no uniform to them. I can’t wait for this thing to die.

I’ve shown you a photo before of the bridge and the moon with blue skies, but these are more photos (taken with my cell phone) this morning of my trek across the bridge, down the embankment, under the bridge, and back around to the other side underneath. Did that make any sense? Did I say bridge too much? LOL It’s just a magnificent place. It then trails for miles along the river. So peaceful and calm. In the distance (may need to click to enlarge) you can see the General Jackson docked at Opry Mills. Anyway, this is where I walk every day, most days. At times there have been deer a mere 20 yards away – that’s pretty close.

Tomorrow Jose and I are going to the movies for lunch. We’re seeing Paranormal Activity. I know, I know. Creepy!!! But we love this kind of stuff. I’m going to begin my DMC storage transformation tomorrow – can’t wait. I went to Dollar General today and found clear shoe box containers for a buck each. Woo-Hoo! Onto the next…Talk soon!

an afternoon with jane

I told myself I wasn’t going to do this before I read the book, but after six-plus months I couldn’t help myself any longer and I succumbed to the temptation. I watched "Sense and Sensibility" with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman. I cried. I laughed. I sighed. I held my breath. I even clapped.

I haven’t really enjoyed a film like I enjoyed this one. I’m ashamed I waited this long to capture the essence of what Jane Austen was saying. What a storyteller. I realize this is only an adaption of her novel, but I will definitely read the novel sooner rather than later. The period in which her novel is wrought, I can’t help but feel a tad bit jealous that I wasn’t born another time. The clothing. The emotion. The cottage – oh the cottage! What I wouldn’t give to live there. The still of the sisters and mother working on their needlework was peaceful. I was so moved and felt connected. At one point I was on the edge of my seat trying to soak in the scenery and house décor. The wallpaper. The tapestry. The furniture.

I was sincerely captivated by the sisters and envied their relationship. Each actress did a marvelous job at convincing me of their disposition and I loved them all. I hated the dreadful sister-in-law, and so much that I’ve even forgotten her name. But my absolute favorite character is the Colonel. Such a lonely, quiet sufferer who truly, without a doubt, loved Marianne with his entire core, and that made him sexy. I knew there was more to him than meets the eye and when he sent Marianne the piano I knew their fate. Now that is love and I cried.

While enjoying the film I worked on On Travel with Jane Austen by The Sampler Girl. I am using the called-for threads with the exception of changing three to the alternative DMC colors. I made changes to some cross stitches themselves. Instead of the cross stitch I changed it to the satin stitch, but still used the colors for that symbol; just a different stitch. I did this with the triangle-like band (above "Sunday"). I love how it's turning out. Other than this, we're as good as gold. Oh, and I'm using 32 ct Parchment instead of what the model is done on.

Stitching on this piece makes me happy and I’m calm. Stitching in general is therapeutic, but when I work on On Travel I can’t help but feel at peace and at ease. I think of nothing else and I cherish that sensation; for lately I’ve been high strung. But for now this is the only design I stitch on and I’m okay with that. Even though I’m a multi-tasker and like having more than one thing going on, my other projects can wait. Besides, they’re not going anywhere ~ they have no legs. :o)

Talk soon!

must-see

Today, Jose and I had a mother/son outing. We don't get to spend a lot of time together without Cameron and dh. Mom was kind enough to babysit Cameron while Jose and I saw one of the most thrilling movies I've seen in a really long time. This movie has been given 4 stars and rightfully so. It contains every aspect a movie should have.

I'm so glad me and Jose went and saw this one together. It was intense, suspenseful, sad, thrilling, powerful, and the overall story was terrific. I recommend this movie even if you weren't a fan.

Click on the photo and click ENTER SITE.

stitching, movies, reading = favorite things

This is such a sweet stitch (frog attack forgotten). I have since started the border and I’m waiting to start the second flower…again. I may start on her blouse next which is done in Old Blue Jeans by CC. It will be so cute and fresh. I’ve been invited to participate by adding photos to this blog so I will be posting there soon.

I am on disc 3 of Whiteout by Ken Follett. The drama began as soon as it started and it continues to grab my attention. I especially like the Scottish accent of the reader because that connects me to the characters. The story does take place in Europe so the accent helps capture the environment. The man nearly drowning was a little hair raising and some of the language used gives a chuckle. It's all good though.

Since Jose has been out for the summer we’ve been watching a lot of movies together. We’ve seen all these movies hundreds of times before, but we’re huge fans so it never gets old or boring watching the same things over and over together. We’ve decided to watch movies that extend the trilogy, more like a series. So far we’ve watched all the Alien movies. We just got done watching all six Star Wars (I always cry at #3) and next on the agenda are the Superman movies. Awhile back it took us a month to watch all ten seasons of Friends, but we had a fabulous time together. We laughed soooo much! Next week me and my son have a movie date. Mom is going to babysit Cameron during the day so we can have an afternoon mother/son date. We’re going to see the new Star Trek movie. Can’t wait!

Talk soon!

movie preview ~ must see

You have to see this!!! Can we say E*D*W*A*R*D???

so many things…so little time

I have many things to talk about and it's been awhile, so first things first...

Twilight review…I read the book and have finally witnessed the movie. First, I did enjoy the movie. Let’s not forget that; however, I was disappointed a little. It was missing something. Maybe it was the director. I felt the movie missed so many topics that the book hit on that I felt were important to the story line. I felt the movie to be choppy and too “piecey”. It jumped from one scene to the next without the fade of that particular scene having a conclusion. For example, the girls are at school discussing prom and driving into Port Angeles to buy prom dresses. Bella wants to go and all of a sudden they are there trying on dresses. Less than 2 minutes later we see a book being handed to her and now she’s being barraged by strange men; Edward appears. It just happened all too quickly for me. I felt like the movie was sped through.

I understand that “Hollywood” has to take a hundreds plus page book and mash it down to 90 minutes and maintain substance, but other movies have fared better with WAY more complexity in the story, such as The Pelican Brief, The Firm, The Da Vinci Code (just to name a few) that had a tremendous amount of conspiracy and twists and turns, and those directors managed to keep the content. I feel Twilight lost this. Twilight was such a success with words that it didn’t stand a chance at losing its audience on the silver screen. People were going to almost automatically like it no matter how bad or good it was. There was a bias.

The only thing from this movie that remained faithful to the book was Bella and Edward. I think the two actors playing Edward and Bella were perfect for the part. What I wouldn’t kill to be Bella, really! The amount of intensity and passion these two share. The anticipation of “taking” each other, but having to endure such restraint, especially when Edward softly commands her to be still, don’t move…OMG!!! He had me there. A line like that floors me. What a turn on that scene was. I would have made him take a bite. Heehee

I hear that New Moon is also being made into a movie and that it’s getting a different director. I’m glad if that’s true. Maybe the next movie will be right on topic. I am glad I saw the movie. I own it and plan on watching it over and over and over again to get my Edward fix. There is enough of him to go around ladies. :o)

"My heart belongs to my husband, but neck belongs to Edward." Anonymous

Saturday…I went to moonlight stitching with mom at our LNS and it was really fun. We enjoyed ourselves tremendously. My mom saw an old friend, Katie, from the original sit ‘n stitch evenings from years ago so that was a treat for mom. Melissa joined the party as well and brought along her two table runners. Go to her blog and check them out ~ so beautiful!

Crafting area…I am making great progress in my creative-domain! This is where I do everything - rotary cutting, piecing, sewing, ironing, sorting, organizing, and looking for projects, etc. You name it; I do it there, except for stitch. I either stitch in the living room with my Ott-Lite or in bed.

I finally alphabetized my single charts into magazine holders and they have been relocated on the new lower shelf. I like this a lot better. This isn’t all the charts I own though. I have scissor fob kits and singles, smalls, etc. These are just in other places in my area. Since I’m still not done repositioning everything I can’t show photos just yet, but I will in do time. I am happy with how things are turning out.

Groupies…I recently joined another Yahoo! group. (The photo is clickable.)

I started contributing to the Blackbird Designs blogspot so go and check out that little place. I’ve always been familiar and an admirer to BBD, but just until recently have I become addicted (hence BBD addict sidebar photo) to the designs. In my very humble opinion I feel the designs have changed over the years and I really like the new look. I don’t know if it was intentional or even noticeable on their part, but I really am enjoying the new look of all their designs. I see a new design and have this aching feeling that I have to have it. What about you?!

Finishings…For the last few days I’ve been busy finishing up a couple projects. I have cleared another current rotation project – Stacy Nash’s Hallows Eve Sampler Pillow.

Design: Hallows Eve Sampler Pillow
Designer: Stacy Nash Primitives
28 ct Autumn Fields (front/back)
DMC 301, 310, 612, 730, 838

This took way too long! Granted, every Friday wasn’t a good stitching day; therefore, no stitching was to be had, but it is done…finally! I loosely stuffed it with Poly-fil. I didn’t want it to be stiffly stuffed with fluff (I’m a poet and didn’t know it). I added my own touches by attaching a black key to the front and added my initials in a ‘hallows eve’ kinda way, along with stitching one of the keys 1 over 1. I didn’t coffee stain or use walnut crystals because the Autumn Fields is over-dyed. I didn’t free hand cross stitches either. I like how it all turned out.

I’ve mentioned a couple times about making a punchneedle case for my new Cameo needles. I already have a needle case for my Russian punchneedles with a needle punch design atop the clear plastic container. It’s an Erica Michaels design I received when I took her punchneedle class years ago. The container houses my Russian needles perfectly; threaders and all.

The dilemma was I didn’t want any ole’ plastic container case for my Cameo. I wanted something a wee bit nicer. Besides, the threading needles are much longer than the Russian threaders, so I was going to need something more substantial in width ~ at least 7” wide. Since most of the designs I punch are folk art and/or primitive, I thought it only appropriate to use my Civil War fabrics. I am extremely fulfilled with this accomplishment! No pattern. No design. I just went with the flow and my result was perfect for me.

Design: Pig and Chicken
Designer: Hooked On Rugs
Thread: WDW
Fabric: beige weaver’s cloth

I added several little touches after my brainstorming of the needle case. I free hand stitched my initials on the wool inside. I added two buttons; one for decoration and one to hold the case closed. I used walnut crystals to stain a piece of hem binding that came from my grandmother’s stash of lace and hemming pieces. I used the blanket stitch to attach the wool. I used interfacing and a 1/2” thick piece of batting between the main fabrics; both to give stability, and it worked! I used Mod Podge to affix the pig and chicken to the top/front of the case. I’m really happy! In fact, I did a little dance last night!

Oldies…I wanted to share the very first needle case I ever stitched and finished by myself.

The design is from Olde Colonial I picked up from CATS back in 2004-2005. Since I was a ‘virgin’ at this kind of thing I didn’t notice until after I assembled it that I’m off by one stitch on the “5” of 2005 ~ I went too far. I was really upset at the time, but now it doesn’t bother me so much. It’s funny to look at it, but it’s also a reminder at how far I’ve come and where I started. I love my little scissor and needle case. I wouldn’t change a thing. :o)

Cameron speaks…FINALLY!!! Cameron is saying ONE word. He is saying “Mama” with intention. And when I answer him, ‘yes,’ he has the most excited grin. He knows he’s speaking and I’m so proud of him. It sounds so sweet to finally hear. I’ve been waiting a long time to hear his little voice utter sweet little words like ‘mama.’ It’s music to my ears.

On a very different note, Cameron is throwing things…ALL things. It’s a difficult phase to address. I’ve sought out some mommy advice from Tanya and she’s been very helpful. Jose went through this very same thing, but not to this extent. Cameron throws the tray from the highchair which can really hurt someone. It also makes for a very loud crash. Even though this phase isn’t funny, the other night we were eating dinner and had smoked salmon dip as an appetizer. We’re happily enjoying our meal, and as if God wanted to throw something down from heaven, a pacifier came and landed in the dip. SPLAT!!! It made quite the interesting indentation in the dip. We had a very difficult time controlling our laughter. It was surprising to say the least.

Cameron has been enjoying the outside. He cries if we don’t let him out and I believe he thinks he’s Pink Panther, or either Mr. Bean, but he’s making attempts to find a way outside without assistance. We have to be very conscientious about locking doors around here. We were at my FIL’s a few weeks ago and he has a doggy door. I know I don’t need to tell the story, but guess where we found Cameron? Yep! Heading out the dog door. We locked that up real quick bc my FIL has a 2-3 foot deep pond. Very scary place!

Other…Not that anyone cares, but it is part of my ‘makeup’, I am waiting to receive my gun carry permit in the mail. I completed the application process, had my photo taken, background check done, and was fingerprinted. We’ve purchased the gun I’ll carry, which is compact called a Glock 19. I’m not excited per se, just waiting around for yet another HUGE responsibility to maintain.

Jose…Jose returned to school today from spring break. I’m a little relieved bc Cameron can get back into his normal routine. Not that I had him off of it with Jose around, but it gave me a challenge that’s for sure. I’m not relieved bc I’ll have to leave here around 2:30 everyday to pick him up. Not that I don’t mind picking up my son, it’s just that I don’t feel well today and going out in this sunlight makes me feel ill. I was going to take Cameron to the park today, but I feel too bad so it’ll have to be another day. It’s in the 70’s today so that’s a bummer.

DH…I’m going to end this post on a silly note. I’m sure most of us can agree that men are much different than women – much different doesn’t even begin to explain the difference, does it?! The other day I walked into the kitchen and this is what waited for me.

Why do men do this kind of thing? My DH can take apart cars and put them back together. He can do plumbing and electrical work. He works on computers and can fix any mechanical toy or machine (he’s educated for this). He’s a sharp-shooter. And can solve just about any problem even though he has no training in most fields. He can just do these things. HOWEVER, he cannot load a dishwasher to exhaust all usable space and he cannot open a waffle box. What is up with this???!!! I’m going to quote Anne Hesch in the movie Seven Days, Six Nights when she speaks to Harrison Ford and asks after they’ve crashed onto a deserted island:

Anne: Aren’t you one of those guys???
Harrison: What guys?
Anne: You know…one of those guys you give a tooth pick and a shovel to and they build you a shopping mall???!!!

That is my DH, but not with a waffle box. Ugh!!! And as if that wasn’t enough, what’s wrong with this picture?

I must have wakened in another house. Who keeps motor oil on the counter around food??? Please! If anyone knows, I’d like to hear about it. I’d like to know I’m not alone here. Have a wonderful Monday and a fantastic week!