Monday, July 6, 2009

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!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

quick post

I apologize for not being up to speed on blogging and posting. I've been in quite the slump for the past couple weeks. Whether that be family matters, money problems, wacky children, computer issues, and the like, I am in a blue-ish slump and hope to remove myself from it soon. It's been hectic and I haven't really felt wise to enter my "happy place." Here! I hope to be back in tip-top shape as soon as I can b/c I'm tired of being tired. I do have stitchy updates and such, but just don't have the muster to share right now. It's just one of those months, ya know. Talk soon!

Friday, July 3, 2009

stitch-tine chapel

I was sent a fantastic news article from a lovely lady named Margie, via the spectacular Sandy, about the Sistine Chapel, and I'm not talking about any ordinary Sistine Chapel. Check it out. It's amazing!

Stitch-tine Chapel article

Thursday, July 2, 2009

anniversary


Four years ago today, dh and I were married at his parents home in historic Franklin, Tennessee. It seems much longer than just four years because so much as happened since that day. I can’t begin to detail all the dramatic and some subtle changes that have occurred, but I believe we’re a stronger couple because of those changes. At least I’d like to think so.

Even though he can sometimes get on my very last nerve with his corky behavior and those never-ending farts (pardon me) I coined “The Orchestra”, I still love him all the same. He’s a man…say no more, and I love that man for heaven’s sake. God Bless him!

[Click on collage to enlarge photo.]

Happy Anniversary, Honey! Here’s to many, many more years together.

Talk soon!


Friday, June 26, 2009

making headway




For the past two days I have worked on Susan’s Sweet Sampler Tin. I finished assembling the needlebook by choosing a complimentary green batik fabric and using a camel-colored felt that I took pinking sheers to. The ribbon is a stash-find from mom and it works perfectly, don’t ya’ think?! I’m also pleased with my ribbon weaving abilities. This will tie to a pair of scissors to insert into a scissor pouch which I’m currently working on and then that will get stitched onto the sampler piece for inside the tin.

I picked up my threads today and aren’t they gorgeous. Finally, I can continue onward with this beautiful sampler to which I have fallen madly in love with.

Yesterday it was blazing hot. I mean unbearably hot. So – I let the boys play in Cameron’s new pool. Jose is a bit too big, but he can cool off and play with Cameron all the same. It works for now. Our little Lucy-Lu (Shih Tzu) was getting in on the action too. The boys were tossing water in her direction and apparently she thought it solid matter so she was taking the dive to catch the water droplets. She was funny.

Keep cool. I hear it’ll be a scorcher tomorrow. Talk soon!


ladybug animated

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

location, location, location

That’s usually what’s important when moving, right??? Well, we’re not moving, but my needle is. LOL





I’ve completed the first verse (missing one motif for now) and have relocated further south on the sampler. I’m patiently waiting for the remainder of my threads to come in the mail. They should be here soon…I hope. I’m thoroughly enjoying this sampler and it’s quickly taking shape.

What else? The weather is hot and humid. It’s difficult to be outside so we’re indoors mostly. Jose is almost done with summer school and I’m relieved. My wedding anniversary is upon us come July ~ four years. Woo-Hoo! Fourth of July is near so dh gets some time off. I miss seeing my friends Sally and Susan. I just love sitting, stitching and conversing. And I wish I lived closer to my mother, like next door close.
I'm all out.

Question for all of you. When selling on Etsy, do ALL items have to be handmade, designed, created, etc? For instance, can fabric and linen be sold?

Talk soon!



Sunday, June 21, 2009

father's day

"Any man can be a Father.
But it takes someone special to be a Daddy."

Me and my grandpa

Jose and Papa (my dad)

Me and my dad

Dh and Jose

Dh the day he became Cameron's daddy

Dh and Cameron

Grandpa and Cameron



Papa and Cameron



Great-Grandpa and Cameron

Dh and Cameron having a still moment in time

Happy Father's Day to ALL our Daddys! I love you!