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!

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)

giveaway reminders

A gentle reminder that Paulette's one-year Typepad blogaversary is today. She will announce the name/winner on Monday, July 20 so get over there and enter your name.

Jolene is having a great giveaway as well and will be announcing the name/winner on Monday, July 20 so jump over there too before the day is out. These both end today ~ don't miss out!

I will post some stitchy progress photos later on. It's quite cloudy today so I'm hoping the pictures I do take aren't washed out. Speaking of washed, today I've been doing some linen laundry. Not "our" linen, but sheets and towels linen. :D Talk soon!

plum street samplers

Plum Street Samplers is having a spectacular blog giveaway to celebrate Paulette's 1-year blogaversary. Go check out the details! It's sooooooooooo worth it. Good luck everyone.

a little bird whispered in my ear...give away

Go to Carol's blog because she's having a fob give-away that's unique and with a "twist." ;-) I did!

Have fun!

winnings received

[I wanted to post this Wednesday night, but our Internet was down.]

Wednesday evening I received a box from UPS and was tremendously excited. I had won a blog giveaway from Suzann right before Christmas. I've taken a couple pictures because I couldn't possibly riddle off every single item in my surprise package. ALL the items were a complete surprise because the contents of the giveaway was unknown. My mouth dropped to the floor at all the thread. Just see for yourself!!!

I'm telling you...I've never in my life received such a surprise before. Thank you so much, Suzann, for such a wonderful surprise package! You are so generous! I can't imagine the amount of your own stash considering the amount of goodies I received! WOW! It totally made my evening!