lately

~ I watched the movie Emma (It was so-so.)
~ I watched the movie Pride & Prejudice (It was okay; disappointed in the abrupt ending
with no kissing between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.)
~ I watched the movie Charlie Wilson’s War (It was funny and politically driven of
course, but funny.)
~ I charted my first cross stitch piece
~ I started drawing my second cross stitch design
~ Jose started 7th grade and it was difficult to watch him take the bus
~ Cameron passed his hearing test
~ we all had sushi for dinner and tried a new roll called Florida (yummy!)
~ I began an audio book called Tick Tock by Dean Koontz
~ my dh has been traveling and commuting a distance for work
~ I have made plans to visit with friends and mom this Saturday (yay!!!)
~ we finished getting school supplies
~ my parents’ mailbox was stolen; pole and all
~ I’ve had too many migraines; doc prescribed preventive medicine finally
~ Cameron and I watched a butterfly flutter around our patio
~ we’ve mostly stayed indoors b/c it is bloody hot outside
~ I went to my LNS to pick up some linen
~ I stitched on my JA sampler (what fun and almost done - I'm a poet :o)
~ I really miss my friends

dog dayz of summer r closing & progress elsewhere

Here are some of our last, hot, afternoon, summer dayz…

Don't ask...we don't.

Cameron in the backyard with daddy and the dogs just last weekend. Cameron got such a kick out of the dogs being in the pool with him. The dogs…not so much.

These other lazy-by-the-pool photos were taken by our friend, Dave and his friend Lindsey. We attended Dave’s 10-year old daughter’s birthday and our boys had such a good time. Dave and his daughter Devinee really know how to throw a party.

To end the hot dayz of summer, today marked Jose’s return to school. Today was the beginning of 7th grade. I was a nervous wreck and I’ll tell you why. Ever since Jose was in pre-school/kindergarten we have always driven him to school. We depended on only ourselves to get him there; never having to worry about someone else or anything else to do that job for us. Jose has always attended Montessori and magnet curriculums, therefore, those types of schools do not offer transportation – you have to provide it.

So, for 6-7 years we have driven Jose to and fro. He’s never ridden the cheese wagon (as we call the school bus). Back up several sentences…I was a nervous wreck this morning. Literally pacing around my home waiting to get a glimpse of the passing cheese wagon through the storm door. And before this, watching him walk up our busy road (and I mean busy) to catch the bus for the first time until I could no longer see him. Jose is 12 and for the first time I had that feeling like as if he started school all over again at the age of 5. Why does loving children physically hurt? I’m just glad I made it through this day. And just think, Jose made it through better than I did and he’s the child, but as you can tell Cameron was pretty upset to see big brother go too. :o)

Onto progress…Here’s On Travel with Jane Austen so far. I love the house. It’s just so sweet. I stopped on it for a brief time b/c I wanted to finish-finish some things and I’m glad I got to those. I do feel a little more accomplished, although my mind is starting to wander again. LOL!

Dh is back from out of town today. I am jubilant over some upcoming social outing with my friends Sally and Susan and mom (I love them so). However, right now the boys are screaming for my attention (like they don’t get enough) so I must tend and mend…Talk soon!

candy

Yesterday my parents and their friends went to Lynchburg, Tennessee to tour the Jack Daniels Distillery. They had a blast! Said it was a terrific time to be had and that my mom would love to babysit the kids so dh and I could take the tour. Mom said the history is amazing. My mom brought back some atomic fire bombs (candy) for Jose and me some taffy. I love taffy!!!

Cut box, ugh?

Yum-Yum!!! I've already eaten too many and I just got them this afternoon. Talk soon!

primitive finish

I love primitive finishes because the piece never has to be perfect. It’s afforded the rustic worn and aged appearance. I like things that have hang-ups and mismatched seams. I like getting to use my walnut crystals and the oven. Like Stacy Nash designs. I love, love, love her designs and I will never have too many of them!

Country Sampler Velvet Bag was a sweet and simple stitch. Again the finishing instructions are well put together. I warn you, though, as Stacy does. Watch out for that velvet. It wants to walk around on the fabric so have fun catching that little booger and keeping it still. I had one hell of a time trying to get it straight and aligned with the reproduction fabric. I had to use my seam ripper 3x. I have learned something with this project. I HATE working with velvet and don't plan on implementing it anytime soon on any new projects! The velvet can stay at the stores on the bolts where it belongs, thank-you-very-much.

The velvet is very pretty when worn by ways of taking the tip of scissors and scraping it against the surface. I was nervous about this technique but went for it. It was something new and different. I did stab myself which I bled but not bad. Now I have to insert buy a pair of Putford scissors to hide inside the tiny heart.

What a great project bag this will make for a teeny tiny project on the go or not on the go. Either way it’ll be a nice addition to my other project bags, which come to think of it, I have a small collection going now…my punchneedle pocket, the Traveling Stitcher by LHN and now this. Cool beans!

I have a couple of other projects going on of course. Would we have it any other way??? LOL! I have an Elmo piece I stitched in 1999 for Jose (geez, Jose was 2 then-ah) and never got it framed. Cameron is a huge Elmo fan and so I thought now is as good-a-time as ever to finally get this piece moving. I decided not to frame it and instead I’m going to make it into a pillow b/c Cameron likes to lay around with pillows and blankets and watch none other than Elmo.

This thing was stitched on like 1 ct (I’m exaggerating just a bit) with a million strands of floss. I went to Jo-Ann’s last week and picked out some flannel fabric for the back. It’ll be soft and colorful just like Cameron. :o)

I also just finished a teeny tiny two-day stitchery, but I can’t show it off just yet. In due time…Talk soon!

giveaway winner is...

DRUM ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cut out each entry, folded each piece and put into a felted strawberry bag. My eldest son, Jose, gladly picked the winner.

CONGRATULATIONS GAIL!!! Gail's comment said..."I am a quilter and discovered your site thru Simple Pleasures blog. Congratulations on your accomplishments! Thank you for entering me in your draw. I have never done any handwork other than quilting and would love to give it a try."

Gail, please email me with your mailing address and I'll get the Shepherd's Bush kit on its way to you (my email is in sidebar). Since this will be your first handwork, other than quilting, this couldn't have been a better start for you. Shepherd's Bush gives excellent instructions and diagrams on stitching and the how-tos. I think you will thoroughly enjoy this design.

On a side note, I would like to apologize for not getting to the drawing sooner. Had a couple of set backs the last day or so. I want to also thank each and everyone of YOU for your very thoughtful and encouraging words on my continuing success to remain smoke-free. It means the world to me that you all took the time to say a few kind words. I appreciate it more than you know and it won't be forgotten, so thank you.

Melissa and Sally, I missed going to moonlight stitching. I really wanted to be there more than any other place and I hope to make the next one for sure, but sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do, right!?! Loves and hugs to you.

giveaway...my first

I'm having a giveaway, a rather sudden giveaway. Stupid, really, but on Saturday, August 8 (this year obviously - heehee) I triumphantly reach 3 FULL years successfully smoke-free. These last 3 years have been extremely difficult aside from not smoking, but add the triggers and temptations (and visions of smokers dancing in my head) hasn't made the last few years any easier but I've persevered.

I made a promise years ago for many reasons why I wouldn't smoke and I can honestly and with a healthy heart scream now I'M SMOKE FREE. What a relief! To honor this commitment to myself, my kids, and my family and friends I'm having a quick giveaway.

I'm giving away Shepherd's Bush The Promise. The kit includes: Au Ver A Soie Silk, Thread Gatherer Handpainted silk and ribbon, beads and charms, needles, instruction book (of course), and 32 ct linen Light Sand (9x25 cut).

If you're interested in entering to win this kit, please comment on this post and become a follower. If you're already a follower just comment then. :o) This giveaway is open to the globe. The giveaway closes at 11:59 pm central standard time, August 8th. Sunday, Aug. 9th I will have one of my kids pick a name from a basket and I will make the announcement shortly after that so stay tuned.

Good luck to YOU and congrats to ME for another successful year! Talk soon!

finishing frenzy

The last few days I’ve finish-finished Cast Your Spells by Stacy Nash and Be Still and Know That I Am God by The Sampler Girl.

Cast Your Spells was fun to put together. I enjoy using my sewing machine and hand-sewing techniques any chance I get. I didn’t age this piece because the linen is already raw and frankly I’m happy with it just the way it is. I used crushed corn-type critter bedding for the filling so it has weight.

Just the other day I finished stitching another Stacy Nash called Country Sampler Velvet Bag.

This will turn into a project bag using that beautiful blue floral reproduction fabric. I still need to look over the finishing instructions, but methinks I have all my peacocks in a row.

I finally got around to framing Be Still and Know That I Am God. I stitched this design months and months ago. I hate to brag. Tanya had designed this ditty one night with me in mind (due to my confessions experiencing anxiety and my nature to be a complete worrywart) and I was truly blessed by her care and thoughtfulness. I’ll never forget it.

My intention was to frame it and hang it beside my bed as a daily reminder to take breaths and relax. It’s a perfect verse to start my day and I’m so grateful for Tanya for lending such encouragement. She’s been a dear heart and treasure ever since. On Sunday I sat at my work station, got the frame out that I bought for it months ago, and went to town. I am pleased and happy that it’s complete and now where it belongs. It may not be a perfect frame job but it’s mine. :o)

Dh is out of town on business this week so it is strange he not being here especially at night. Sunday night I watched Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. It’s a delightful movie and one I recommend. Mom came over yesterday to watch the boys while I ventured around town to run errands. I stopped by Kohl’s, my LNS for scissor charms and needles, and then to Joann’s for a few items. I’m making a pillow for Cameron ~ it's going to be fun! It was a good outing. Dreadful hot though!

Talk soon!

sampler lady

TGIF! I’ve a finish to share ~ haven’t had one in awhile... The Sampler Lady by LHN.

I received this design as a token of thanks from my dear friend Sally and now I have this little gem all stitched up. Notice the top corners being a little bare. That’s done on purpose. The design has scissors stitched in a golden tone in both corners, but instead of stitching them I’m going to use small scissor charms. I think it’ll add a nice touch.

Wrapping up July, I have found that I wasn't as productive as I have been in the past. Maybe I'll have better luck in August; although our little Cameron turns 2 at the end of the month and Jose returns to school. He'll be in the 7th grade! It'll be quite a month. WOW! Where does the time go??? lol

Well I’m off to eat dinner with the in-laws. Talk soon!

i won

I had a nice surprise in the mail this afternoon. Well, I knew it was coming to me, but it's always surprising to get sweet gifts (ahem, prizes) in the mail. I entered into a blog giveaway a couple weeks ago over at the Winding Vine Wanderings blog. And can you believe it, I won a prize! I won Patti's handmade tomato pincushion and emery strawberry. I love pincushions and I love strawberries, BUT Patti loves them more. Patti did such a sweet job at presentation. It came wrapped in white tissue paper with a pretty blue ribbon (which I'm keeping, btw), and the card with a strawberry photo on the face page that had the neatest wax sealer. Just so cool, Patti!

Thanks so much Patti for a speedy delivery. I love it and already have it displayed. :o)

at the beach and then...

My BIL and his fiancé flew into Nashville from Calgary this past weekend and Monday we all decided to go to one of our lake’s beaches. It was very warm and extra sunny with puffy white clouds; a perfect day for beach-going. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled about the outing. I don’t own a bathing suit so how much fun can I have? [Note to self: Get bathing suit.]

Anyway, we brought picnic-type lunches, snacks and good company. I actually had a decent time.

This was Cameron’s first time at the beach…well, a man-made, no-where-near-an-ocean kind of beach. :o) Here is Cameron and daddy testing the sand and water.

The boys had fun. Jose made friends with some kids and we didn’t get photos of him ~ he was too busy. Cameron had an absolute blast!!! He had soooo much fun with his Uncle Rob.

In fact, Cameron had the time of his life! He had more fun at the lake than he does in the pool which to me is very surprising. We will definitely be going back.

And then…

I stitched SN’s Cast Your Spells in 2 days. The ticking is for the back of what will be a pincushion. The black wool is to make a heart-shaped swatch to attach to the ticking. This was a fun little break away from my Jane Austen sampler which I’m back at, btw. I’ve also been jumping back and forth from JA to LHN’s The Sampler Lady. I’m 85% done with it, but not enough progress since last time to show right now.

I apologize for taking a week long hiatus from the bloggy-blog world. Since family from Canada is here we’ve been pretty immersed. However, Jose and I did get a chance to see the new Harry Potter movie with my mom Tuesday afternoon. It was really good; a little sad at times, but definitely the darkest Potter movie yet.

I have other things to share, but I’ll include that in another post very, very soon. Let’s just say for starters that I received some very surprising, yet extremely generous gifties from a new and a very sweet, sweet stitchy-gal pal Joanie ~ more on that later though, but must get this out. THANK YOU SO MUCH, JOANIE!!! You are so thoughtful to think of me and for being a fan of my blog. It’s truly appreciated!

I leave you with Cameron and one of his favorite things…

Talk soon!