Linen and Lagniappe

Convert!

2010-07-15T09:59:00.002-05:00

Rainforest Crunch by NeedleDelights
Violets by Laura J. Perin
Fierce by Orna Willis
Not sure of the name but by Carole Lake
I guess I have officially converted to needlepoint. My love of cross stitch was never those x's but always the specialty stitches and the play of color. Since I work with color every day, it was a natural fit. These are my latest finishes.

New (to me) Nail Polish Discoveries

2010-05-26T10:24:00.003-05:00

This is a very non-stitchy post but, I have come across some of the most amazing nail products that I want to spread the word about.

I polished my nails Sunday night and today is Wednesday. It is usually about this time that I am removing my polish because of the chips. As of today, I don't have one single chip or scratch in my polish and it is just as shiny as the day I polished my nails.

The first new product is called Bonder by Orly. This is the base coat that I used. It is sort of a gel like product that adheres polish to the nail.
I used two coats of OPI polish. The second new product is the top coat I used which was Seche Vite . Oh my, I have never seen anything like this product. It is truly amazing. By the time I got finished putting this top coat on my nails, they were dry. Not tacky dry but dig around in your purse dry. I have seen reviews on these products where the manicure lasts for 14 or more days. Get. These. Products.

I am in no way affiliated with these companies (except I do sell OPI in my store). They are just great products!

My Forest is Growing

2009-04-29T15:30:00.002-05:00

I am having nightmares that my fabric isn't big enough. I need to recheck it.

Louis Boyd

2009-04-23T23:13:00.003-05:00

A very special man in the hearts of many went to be with the Lord today. Louis Boyd passed away around 3:00 today. Louis meant so much to my Church. At one time he was the youth pastor, then left, then came back and filled many different shoes, eventually taking on the role of Associate Pastor and Senior Adult Minister. Louis touched many lives throughout the world. He led my dad's funeral and was there by my mom's side every step of the way. It was right before my dad died in 2001 that Louis was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. He fought it every step of the way. He is now healed and rejoicing in Heaven!

Dee's EGA RR

2009-04-13T13:54:00.001-05:00

I am glad to be done with this. I did the blue swedish weaving.

Postmaster Elf

2009-04-08T10:22:00.001-05:00

After snagging some Oatmeal thread last night, I was able to finish my elf. I will use this piece for the seminar class on stand ups I am taking in June.

Meet Aurora

2009-03-30T11:09:00.000-05:00

Meet Aurora. This is about 600 stitches. Well, I guess this is her garden, not her.

Wearing o' the Green

2009-03-17T09:50:00.002-05:00

Well, my blog is anyway. This is through page 3. I still have a long way to go. I figure if I do a tree or two a week, I might be done in a few years. I know it is a bad picture but, that's all you get LOL

Fantastic Giveaway Information

2009-03-14T19:29:00.002-05:00

Kim over at Threadhead's Unite Is having a fabulous giveaway. She has some Kelmscott scissors, you know those cute little ones, that I am just really wanting. Go check it out and be sure to enter.

Post for Autumn

2009-03-03T15:12:00.001-06:00

LOL, it seems that some people are so impatient with my posting.
Just kidding, I know it has been a while. I have just been busy. Let's see I think around my last post I was just coming back from Dallas. I was home for a week then mom and I left again for Vegas. It was a good trip. I seemed to get restless toward the end and I just wanted to come home. Hopefully I am home for a while, until May, unless I decide to go somewhere before then.
I have no pictures today but I have been stitching a little. I have been working on a floundering UFO. I am contemplating starting another huge project but don't know if I have the will to do that right now.
Well, I am waiting on a sales rep to come so I can buy some more wallets and purses. You would think we have enough but, I guess there is always room for a few more.
Until next time...

I got it!!!!!!!!

2009-01-26T12:55:00.003-06:00

I received my Mira RR today!!!!!!! I am so happy. It is so pretty. I can't wait to finish it up. It took a long detour getting home but, now I have it in my hot little hands. Thanks to Kathy for keeping tabs on it for me.
Thank you to everyone who stitched on it. Everyone did such a good job. I will be working on it soon.

Happy Happenings!

2009-01-21T07:52:00.002-06:00

I am so excited this morning. I got a phone call from Kathy yesterday afternoon and she had great news for me. My Mira RR has travelled all over the world and has made it back to her in Arizona. I am soooooo happy!!!!!!!!!!! She has it in safe keeping right now and will be remailing it to me in a few days. I was so surprised when she called. Poor thing, she caught me distracted, not thinking of stitching at all.

Mom and I just got back from market on Sunday. We stayed the entire week and spent way too much money. I think we got some new, trendy things though. Things should start arriving this week. Next month we have another market trip to Las Vegas. We haven't ever been to that market. If we don't like it, at least we can go see the sites in town again.

No stitching to report today. Hopefully I can pick that back up in a few days. Mom came home sick so I have been taking care of her In trying to not get sick myself, I have been reading myself to sleep very early every night.
Until next time, happy stiching.

Are you still watching???

2009-01-09T10:35:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures I promised from my last post.

This picture is my finished band on the current rotation of the EGA RR. I adapted a band from the SAL from Papillon Creations. I think my band turned out nicely. I don't too much like the previous band but that is my own personal opinion. Hopefully mine will tie in that one and whatever the future holds for it.

Next up is a little pattern I did by Tournicoton out of the Gift of Stitching magazine. I have always admired this designers patterns. I love the use of color and stitches to show depth and texture. As I was stitching this, I hated it. I think it was because I used 5000 count fabric for it LOL, ok, not really, but it was really small. I didn't enjoy it. Perhaps I will try another pattern in the future and have a better fabric choice.

Lastly is my picture of my Queen of Freedom, home from the hospital. I know this isn't the greatest picture. I never professed to be a photographer, amateur or otherwise. I put it up on my mantle and then decided it was too heavy to take it down to try for a better picture. The mantle was the only place in my house I could find to put this. It is really big. It is about 3 inches from my ceiling. I live in a very small house so big doesn't really fit. Anyway, I love it. I love the mats on it, I love the frame, I love everything about it really. I know you can't see the frame real well but the design is small airy leaves...think fern. I thought they looked museummy (I know that isn't a word), which reminded me of Washington D. C., which reminded me of government, which reminded me of the flag and freedom. LOL, I know, I know.

Anyway, so I have gotten a little accomplished in the new year. Next up is to finish my project for the EGA Seminar, then I am getting my Mira November Fairy back out and work on her.
Happy Stitching, till next time.

Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

2008-12-31T12:01:00.002-06:00

Sorry I have been so long between posts.
What a year it has been. Definitely an interesting one. We had hurricanes and snow!, two things we hardly ever experience to the extent we did.

On the stitching front, not much has gotten accomplished. I got on a reading kick and couldn't ever get back to stitching. I think it started around the time of the hurricane. I don't know, life just got busy. I did participate in a few exchanges. I think I am backing off on exchanges this year. Just never enough time to do my stuff, although, now that Christmas is over, work will slow down some. I finally took my Queen of Freedom to get framed. I brought it to the store, stood it up, and a bead, a treasure really, fell off. Back to the framer it went for surgery. I got it back yesterday. I don't really have a place to put it. It is HUGE. I still have it all wrapped up. I am working on a RR for EGA and several other small bits here and there. I am having startitis but already have so many things started. Oh and my Mira RR got lost this year. It was on its way home with one more block to stitch and it has taken a detour. I have come to the realization that I won't be getting that one back. Too bad, it was really pretty. My mom was going to make a pillow for my bed with it. Oh well.

As for the new year, I am going to try really hard to get back into the stitching groove. I have a whole stack of magazines that I want to start stitching out of. What is the purpose of subscribing if you don't ever stitch out of them? I also have to keep up with the EGA RR. I have lots of UFO's that I need to dig out, some don't have very much left, some have tons left. I need to finish an elf to make into a standup at the EGA seminar in June. I also wanted to do some more ornaments. I did a few this year and ended up giving some away for various functions that I attended. I did keep some though and I still need to ornamentify some.

Keep on the lookout for a picture of Queen of Freedom. I never have the camera in the right place. I look forward to a day off tomorrow. I am going to move some furniture in my spare bedrooms and stitch LOL

Happy New Year, Be safe.

Snow pictures

2008-12-11T10:42:00.004-06:00

Ok, Here are some pictures. Keep in mind these pictures were taken with my cell phone. The first two pictures I was standing in my kitchen looking over my back yard. For the others I was standing under my carport looking across the street. The yellow snow in some of the pictures is not really yellow snow, it is the reflection of my carport light onto the snow. It was just barely getting light outside when I took these. I thought this was when it was the prettiest.

It's Snowing!

2008-12-11T08:01:00.002-06:00

Really. In Baton Rouge.
I woke up around 5am to snow and it has been snowing ever since. Everything is covered in snow. All the schools are out and most of the offices are shut down. Most of the bridges are closed. I am trying to decide whether to go to work or not. The bridge I have to cross is down to one lane but in another hour that might change.
Can you believe I don't have any pictures? My camera is at the store. Of all places. Oh well.

Christmas Ornament Exchange

2008-11-25T15:02:00.002-06:00

I got my HoE Christmas exchange yesterday. I love this ornament. It was on my to do list. Now I don't have to stitch it. I couldn't have done it better myself. Lynn also included some other goodies, a JBW chart, a Shepherd's Bush chart, some thread, some yummy fabrics and some chocolate. I even love the SNOW bag and the card.
Thanks so much Lynn.

It is Almost Christmas!

2008-11-19T18:14:00.001-06:00

Not really, it isn't even Thanksgiving yet. We do have a very short Christmas season this year though.
I have been stitching some ornaments.....well, before I went on strike I did. I have managed to get a few things finished.
This is my most recent exchange I sent off. I think this will be my last one for a while. It is fun to give and receive but, I don't get too much done for myself these days.
This is another ornament I stitched from JCS this year. I took an ornament I got at Hobby Lobby and made this into the center. Not perfect but, kinda cute.

Here is my Christmas tree at the store. Just a plain ole tree. Not too good of a picture because the lights are on and it is dark outside. Plain red balls, nothing spectacular. You would not believe the people that fawn over this tree. The business next door came and looked at it and looked at it. Next thing I knew, their tree looks just like mine. I have had several people tell me they went and got that same red webbing. Amazing, it is just a plain tree, very few ornaments, and the poinsettias came from Dollar Tree. I think it is funny.

I have a light week this week so maybe I can get some stitching done. Until next time......

Happy Birthday, from mom

2008-11-13T17:33:00.004-06:00

The daisies and Bells of Ireland are in memory of my dad.

#40

Catching up

2008-11-07T12:14:00.003-06:00

First up. This is the HoE floss tag exchange I sent to Simone. I thought it turned out really nice. It is a bit wonky and I need to work on the eyelet situation but those are minor details.
My apoligies to my previous post. I didn't give proper credit where it was due. This is my start on November Fairy. I haven't had a chance to work on it any more. I need to recognize Kaye for giving me the pattern last year for my birthday (5 more days), and Autumn for giving me the fabric. Thanks ya'll.
Thirdly, this picture shows what I received for the HoE exchange from Cathy. I really like this exchange.
I may be absent for a while. I have had a major change in my business and have had to make some huge life changing decisions. I am refocusing and concentrating on my business.

It's November!

2008-11-03T14:33:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it is November already. I have been busy busy busy. I have been to Orlando and Dallas since I last wrote. I am mentally preparing for election day tomorrow. I have to work the polls and from what I hear it is going to slam us.

I made a new start last night. I started on Mira November Fairy in honor of my 40th birthday this month. I thought I might like to work on her this month.
I have also finished a ton of ornaments.

Well, off to read over my notes for the election.
Go Vote!

Stitchy Goodness

2008-10-09T10:33:00.003-05:00

I have two finishes to share. The first one is a design by Nora Corbett, Daisy. Now I know she really isn't finished but I have done all that I am going to do on her right now. I can't decide whether to put the wings on these fairies or not. I really don't do fairies and some I think look better without the wings and some look cute with the wings. So hence my dilemma. I think I am going to live with her like this and maybe do a couple more before I decide. I still have to bead her and backstitch her but right now, she is good.
Secondly I have my first ornament from the JCS Ornament issue 2008. My friend got an extra copy and so I bought one from her. There are so many ornaments in there that I like I couldn't decide where to start. I ended up just starting at the beginning of the magazine and will work to the end instead of picking and choosing as I go along. I got this one stitched yesterday.
I had an unexpected day off of work and was able to stay home and stitch all day. The roof people came and reroofed my house yesterday. You never know what you are going to get with roofers but so far, this guy has ended up to be really nice. I met with him Saturday after work and he gave me a great price, then he knocked another chunk off if I let him know within 24 hours. I knew it was a good price because this summer I had actually priced a roof but ended up not having the money for replacement. Good thing I waited, this time I didn't have to pay for it. So anyway, he could replace it yesterday. He wanted to keep his crews working. Most roofing companies around here, and it may be like this all over, have an owner and then they hire mostly Mexican men to do all the work. As it turned out, this guy had men too but he and his sons were on the job all day doing clean up, driving the dump truck, doing my patio cover, and replacing some boards on the patio. I was pretty impressed. The good price helped too.
I get to work by myself today so maybe in between customers I will have time to stitch another ornament or two. It looks like the next ones are pretty small too.
Have a great stitchy weekend. Oh and I do not profess to be a photographer so excuse the ugly pictures.

Definitely a Treat!

2008-10-04T11:41:00.000-05:00

I got THE BEST Halloween exchange from Carol. My package included the best pinkeep. The finishing is superior. I don't know what the pattern is but I love it. Carol also sent some ribbon, some fabric, and a dragonfly scissor fob. It is so petite and I know by reading Carol's blog, she made it herself. Now there was one more thing in my package which I have secretly been lusting after. You see, Carol is one of the people that makes those fantastic floss drops. I now own some. Yes, they are mine all mine. One side of them has a dragonfly just like the scissor fob and the other side has my name on them.
Thank you thank you thank you. I love it all.

Semi-Normal

2008-09-27T11:40:00.004-05:00

Well, things are back to a normalcy around here. We finally got open. We were closed for 2 weeks. That was the longest 2 weeks. I knew I should have been at work, I was a nervous wreck. It was far from relaxing. We finally got a new roof so all that is left at work is getting our new fixtures. I just talked to the adjustor for my house claim today. I think I will come out ok.
I have been doing a little stitching lately. I have done two exchanges. The first picture is of my needleroll exchange. I don't know if the recipient ever got it or not. She never posted that she had sent or received.
The second photo is the package I got from my exchange partner for the needleroll exchange.
The third picture is my halloween exchange. I stitched the little house from Frimousse. It was harder than it looks. Tons of thread changes and it was so little, I had a hard time putting it together.

Making Progress

2008-09-10T09:30:00.003-05:00

My property manager has been super great! As I am typing this, my ceiling is being replaced. By the middle of next week I should be back up and running with a new ceiling, a new roof, and new carpet. My fixtures will take longer to process but, I don't have to have them to sell.
This town is still a mess. The power still isn't on in all places and debris is still everywhere. We are getting there. Everyone is working together to try to get back to "normal" as quick as possible.
Thank goodness Ike looks like it will be going to Texas. It could still turn but usually those hurricane predictors are pretty on target.

More Hurricane Stuff

2008-09-04T21:15:00.002-05:00

I finally saw my property manager today. They got tarps put up over the entire shopping center roof and we should have a real roof by next week. They are going to dry and refloat my ceiling beginning today. I will have to get new carpet and fixtures but I have to get the ceiling in first. I moved out all the Vera so it wouldn't pick up any odor. I am so tired. I think a lot is emotional. After Katrina, I remember thinking that "those people" really are bad off. I sort of disassociated myself from it. Now is the reality. Today, some of the low lying communities started to flood. I think the rivers have just about crested so the water should start going down soon. I know we are on track for recovery. I will have to commend the state and the state government for stepping up to the plate.
One thing I heard over the course of the last few days was "Why do those people live there" The answer was "We love our land". I got to thinking about that and it is really true. I have written before about our state and I still wouldn't live anywhere else. We are community, we love our food, our crops, our river, our gulf, our seafood. We have beautiful old antebellum homes, we love to have fun. It is just different here from anywhere else in the country.
Things are so much better here and ......I think Walmart opens for limited hours tomorrow.

Aaahhhh, Power

2008-09-04T00:16:00.002-05:00

As I write, it is 12:16pm on Wednesday night. I just got my power back on at my house around 30 minutes ago. Before I write anything else, let me just say how very blessed I am. It could have been so much worse.
Let me go back to Monday. We weren't sure what time the hurricane was going to come through. Sunday I picked up my yard and prepared. I was sort of afraid to go to sleep Sunday night. Monday morning I woke up and it was just raining, no problem. I wanted to sleep longer but I also knew I needed to get up and get dressed. I wanted to be dressed in case something happened and I needed to run outside. Around 1 in the afternoon Monday, my power went out. No biggie, just a few hours hahaha. After 1, the winds started to pick up. I was sitting in my den for a while and heard this loud boom. I looked out back and out front but I didn't see anything. I kept seeing my neighbor across the street go to her door. I ran outside only to see that a huge tree had fallen across two of my neighbors houses. That was the picture from my last entry I think. Winds were just a swirling and we were all outside. I came back in, soaked, and went and sat on my bed looking out my bedroom window into the back yard. I heard creaking and watched a tree in my next door neighbors house fall but thankfully just into her backyard. All of the fences in the back fell. Stats: wind of 64MPH for 4 hours with gusts of 91. It was pretty wicked. When things settled down Monday, mom and I went to check on the store. I am not going to expand on that tonight. We just came home and bathed and went to bed. The temp outside wasn't bad on Monday and it was still raining so my house was really pretty cool.
Tuesday morning we got up, still no power. I was really surprised because I can see the power station from my house. We were asked to not be on the road but there were so many people out. I got word Home Depot was opening at noon so I arrived around 11:20. There was a line all the way around the parking lot. My mom's neighbor went with me. He got a generator and I got tarps. They only let 10 people in the store at a time. Oh, HD is in Denham where my store is and we all had power there. I spent most of the day doing that, then Ryans was open to cook some of their food before it spoiled, so I went to get my grandmother and we went there to eat a hot meal. I came home and worked cleaning debris in my yard. We had some curfews to work around. Denhams curfew is 6 and East Baton Rouge's curfew is 8. When it got dark, I again went inside in the dark, took a shower and got in bed. My house was getting hot but not unbearable. It was just so dark. No lights except the fire station by my house has huge generators so I could see that light. At night it was so strange. Pitch black and quiet except for generator motors.
Today, I again got up and went to the shop. I drove around a lot today and took pics. It is so devastated. Again, I have so so much to be thankful for. It could have been so much worse. Very few stores are open because nobody has power. The stores that are open, open very few hours and just let a few people in at a time. We have to buy everything with cash. No credit cards. The highlight of my day was going two exits down the interstate to get a coke with ice.
Tomorrow I am going to try to be open. I still haven't heard from my landlord so I am going to try to get in touch with her again. I will start doing something at the store, not sure what. We will have to pretty much gut it and start from scratch. Again, it could be so much worse. I am pretty tired now. I am keyed up but after working in my yard for two days I am physically exhausted. I still have about half of my back yard to clean and I will be all done. I just need to find someone to put a tarp on my roof where the branch went through. I have lots of pictures for another post.

It's BAD!

2008-09-02T15:58:00.002-05:00

I have no power at home. Am at the store. This is my neighborhood. My store is really bad. I will have to completely redo. More later. Off to find something hot to eat.

Quick Update

2008-08-31T13:55:00.003-05:00

My internet access has been iffy all day so I thought I would go ahead and update. Sorry, no pictures from the empty Walmart. I went today after church, camera in hand...oh gosh, I hear the ice cream truck, anyway, camera in hand and walmart was closed. It was about 10 till 12 so I guess they closed earlier than noon. They weren't supposed to close until tonight. I needed my blood pressure meds. Oh well LOL.
I locked myself out of my house today. I had gone to my back patio to eat my lunch and the sliding door locked after me. I had to call my mom to bring me a spare key (I went to mamaw's across the street to call). She coerced me into helping her clean her yard. Basically I just watched her. Then she came to help me in my yard. All the pots and the bbq are put up.
I have all my food, stuff to drink, and my yard is all picked up. Seems as if I am all set. I am trying to wash dishes, clothes, and clean the bathrooms, then I will shower and dress. I don't know when the power will go off. I may not be in touch before that though. My dsl only works when the wind blows the right way. I am hearing this storm will be one of the worst if it doesn't lose some strength. My house is on the emergency flight path between here and New Orleans. There have been helicoptors flying all day. I guess they are evacuating the critical. I know my church was housing two nursing homes. Anyway, if you are in the storms path, stay safe. If you are not in the storms path, please pray for those who are.

Still waiting......

2008-08-30T07:22:00.006-05:00

Well, here we are on Saturday morning, still waiting. You definitely can feel that everyone here is in a holding pattern, just waiting for the big storm. Nobody is out shopping unless it is to get hurricane supplies. We are all in anticipation of what this storm is going to do. The state and LSU officials moved the game up to 10 am this morning. The contraflow is predicted to start around 6 am Sunday. During contraflow, all lanes of the interstate lead north. I heard this morning that not only are they setting 10, 55, and 59 to contraflow but also 49. Every interstate in the state will be heading north. I just watched the news and Gustav is hovering on the west side of Cuba with wind speeds at 115 mph. This makes this storm a Cat3 and it is still hitting land. When it gets to the gulf, they expect it to be a 4 or 5. There is a chance that the storm will turn but, the weather people see this all the time and they study this stuff, so they know what they are saying. There is and uncertainty about what it will do but all the predictors have it heading this way. This is a map of the state of Louisiana. Last I heard, the storm was set to land 20 miles west of Houma. If you look 20 miles west of Houma, then straight up, you will see Baton Rouge which is where I live. Again, hopefully by landfall, the storm will turn some so the impact wont be as significant.
Well, I am off to work. I am going to still try to go to Walmart this afternoon and take some pictures so you can experience hurricane preparations. It will be insane I am sure.

Mr Gustav

2008-08-27T21:52:00.002-05:00

It looks like soon we will be having a visit from Mr Gustav. Tommorrow is the three year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina so I would say the timing is just about perfect. For those that don't know, I live in south Louisiana about 60 miles (give or take) north of New Orleans. Occassionally, we have hurricanes.

What is a hurricane? A rain and wind event with wind speeds reaching 60+ MPH. I live far enough inland that most of the time when it gets to us, the land has buffered the storm so it is not as bad as it could be. If all goes as predicted, this hurricane is coming full blast at us. Once a storm pushes past Cuba, into the gulf, the water warms it and gives it energy. From there it is a straight shot to the gulf coast.

What happens during a hurricane? Mostly the hurricanes produce driving rain storms with lots of wind. You can sit in your house and hear tree limbs falling all around you (one thing about LA, we do have trees). If the power goes out, it is eerily quiet. Remember, hurricanes rotate so sometimes the wind is stronger and sometimes the rain is stronger, and sometimes there is nothing but quiet. At least it is still warm enough outside that we can grill the food in our freezers if there is no power.

Mom and I went to Walmart tonight and it was so weird. There was NO bread. Not just picked over bread, there was NO bread. There was also NO tuna, oh wait, there was one pack of lemon-blackpepper tuna steak (no thanks, I will eat peanut butter on a spoon because I have no bread), and there was very little water, very few bags of chips. When we went to check out, the check out lines were 12-15 people deep at every register. When a hurricane comes people buy lots and lots of junk food (because it doesn't have to be cooked or refrigerated), lots of water (in case the water gets contaminated) and batteries (for flashlights I guess). I don't buy any of that. I bought a magazine LOL. I guess I will have reading material and read by candlelight, eating my peanut butter. I don't have a real fear of my power going down. I live right across the street from the power station. During Katrina, my power was out for an hour. Unlike an earthquake or most other natural disaster, we know when a hurricane is coming so we can prepare ahead of time.

I just listened to the news and it looks like they are predicting it to not be quite as strong as they thought. All the national guard and police have been activated, in fact, there was a police class getting commissioned Tuesday and they are moving it up to Friday so they can go straight to work.

I am going to try to go to walmart and take pictures of the insanity. It is quite interesting if you have never experienced anything like it before. Until then, happy stitching.

Yet another RR post

2008-08-26T16:18:00.002-05:00

I finally got around to doing my installment of the RR we are doing in my EGA group. This one belongs to Connie. She wanted a garden theme. I was going to do this little swan scene but her rr is only 12 inches long. It would have taken up too much room. I took these rows from 2 different charts by Elizabeth's Designs. I included a photo of her project bag in there. Somebody made it for her. It is sewing themed and the zipper pull is beads with some scissors. So cute.

Another HoE exchange done

2008-08-20T10:27:00.002-05:00

This is the latest exchange....a needleroll. I am pretty positive that the recipient doesn't read my blog so I really wasn't worried about showing it. I did an MDesigns pattern. I really like how it turned out. I thought I would be pushing the deadline on this one but got it finished up faster than I expected to. Now to just get some goodies together and send it overseas, I think it goes...well, I am not sure where it goes. I do know who it goes to though.
This is of course the Lizzie Kate double flipits that everyone else is doing or has done. This was a pretty quick stitch. It took me on average about 2 nights to finish each word and I stayed with it until I finished.
I am getting ready to do a RR section for my EGA RR and then I have commited to doing 2 Mira RR sections for people whose RR's went MIA. I also signed up for 2 more exchanges so I will be busy. One stitch at a time.

Driving Rules for Baton Rouge!

2008-08-14T10:53:00.001-05:00

I think this is so fitting for this town I live in. It is all true.

1. First you must learn to pronounce the city name. It is Batt’n Roodge.

2. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. Baton Rouge has its own version of traffic rules… Hold on…..and pray.

3. All directions start with, “Get on I-10″…which has no beginning and no end. (well, it does, but no one here has ever been to either side)

4. The Chamber of Commerce calls getting through traffic a “scenic drive.”

5. The morning rush hour is from 6:00 to 10:00. The evening rush hour is from 3:00 to 7:00. Friday’s rush hour starts Thursday morning.

6. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will get rear-ended.

7. Hoo Shoo Too Road can only be pronounced by a native.

8. Construction on I-12 is a way of life, and a permanent form of entertainment.

9. All unfamiliar sights are explained by the phrase, “Oh, we are in Denham Springs!”

10. If you actually see someone with their turn signal on, it is probably a factory defect (because you know all turn signals are merely a SUGGESTION, never required!).

11. All old ladies with blue hair in Cadillac’s have the right of way.
12. Lots of streets mysteriously change names as you cross intersections: (Sherwood Forest = Siegen = Burbank) (Old Hammond = Corporate)

(Choctaw = O’neal) (Bluebonnet = Coursey = George O’neal)

13. If asking directions downtown, you keep your window rolled up and write your questions on a piece of paper.

14. A trip across town will take a minimum of an hour.
15. Don’t carry money, jewelry, family, etc. on Plank Road.

16. The wrought iron on windows downtown isn’t ornamental.

17. If you leave one car length for every 10 MPH speed between you and the car in front of you, somebody will cut in.
18. Never stare at the driver of the car with the bumper sticker that says, “Keep honking. I’m reloading.”

19. For directions sake, you must know the difference between the “New” bridge (I-10) & the “Old” bridge (Hwy. 190), as also you should know the difference between the “New” mall (Mall of Louisiana) the “Old” mall (Cortana) and “Mall City” (Bon Marché…now Bon Carre)

And finally,
20. Anyone trying to get within 5 miles of the LSU campus on the day of an LSU Football game either does not live in Baton Rouge or has lost their mind.

GEAUX TIGERS!

Blog Award!

2008-08-01T20:01:00.003-05:00

Sally over at Stitchyangels Treasures nominated me for a blog award. Thank you so much. I don't really know why I was chosen but, it doesn't matter. I am honored just the same. I know I need to be more diligent in updating my blog but I don't always have the time.
The rules are:
1. Put the logo on your blog (check)
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you (check)
3. Nominate at least 7 other people
4. Add links to those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message for your nominees

Everyone that I would nominate for this has already been nominated so I need to think on this for a while.

I almost have a stitchy finish to share. I need to get my current exchange going too. I am working the store by myself for the next week. That could be good and bad. If I am busy I will have no time to stitch but if I am slow maybe I can get some done. If I would put these books down I would have more time. I am stuck on Janet Evanovich. Light, fun reading. I have read almost all of her books over the last week.
Anyway, off to read for the rest of the evening so I can get rested up for tomorrow. My first day by myself but we close early so it won't be too bad.
Until next time........

Socks for Sale

2008-07-31T12:40:00.003-05:00

How cute are these? I ran across these cute socks from this company I order from. I decided maybe some others would like some too. They are oatmeal colored with "Stitching Girl" on them and a little stitcher. If you want some let me know. Leave me a comment on this post or email me. I am selling them for 8.50 each and that includes shipping in the US.

Lookie What I Got!

2008-07-08T16:25:00.000-05:00

I got the most beautiful package yesterday from the other side of the world. Chris sent me a gorgeous hanging pinkeep, some chocolate, buttons, fabric, and trim. I love it all! I am looking forward to using the trims. I can't wait. Thank you so much Chris. You made my day.

LHN Exchange

2008-07-01T15:49:00.002-05:00

My LHN exchange made it to its recipient. Terry got it and loves it. I think it turned out really really good. This was the first time I had ever made this type of finish.

I have a car window update too. My car was originally in the shop on Monday. On Tuesday I called around 3 and they told me my car would be ready at 5:30. My very nice friend came and picked me up and took me to get my car. I waited and waited and finally the service manager came and told me that my car wasn't ready that there was another part they needed and of course they didn't have it in stock. He said I wouldn't have to pay more than what was originally quoted and they were putting me in a rental. On Wednesday my car still wasn't ready. On Thursday, they finally called me. There was good news and bad news. The bad news was that I needed a battery. I still had the original battery in my car so that was not a big deal. The good news was that since I only had 29,000 miles on my car they were goodwill warrantying it and I didn't have to pay for the window. Yippee!

Kathy is going to stitch on my Mira RR in fact, it is on its way to her now if she doesn't already have it. Thank you so much Kathy.

The store bought a new toaster oven and I have 60 days to remove the signage. One sign I covered up so I just have one to go.

Things have been really busy at work. I have been stitching some but not much.
Until next time.....

LHN exchange

2008-06-24T11:57:00.002-05:00

I finished my LHN exchange peice today. It is so cute! I don't want to post it until the recipient gets it. I am going to have a hard time letting this one go. It turned out so much better than I expected.
In other stitchy news, I finished Curly Q Ewe, did I mention that already? I finished Snip for a Queen by Raise the Roof Designs too. I just have to put it together now.
I found out my friend Autumn isn't going to stitch on my Mirabilia RR right now due to some circumstances beyond our control so I have an extra block. If anyone is interested in stitching on it please let me know.

Flooding

2008-06-21T19:52:00.002-05:00

We all should be aware of the flooding in the northern states by now. This is a link to My Mark Designs, Inside Studio Twenty and her part in helping. Link

What a day!

2008-06-20T19:13:00.002-05:00

Today has been horrible.
First of all, I was told I have to take down some outside signage that I have at the shop. That doesn't sound too bad right? Well, the first sign is attached to the brick with some sort of super duper adhesive that we have been told will take the brick off if it is removed. That means I have to repair the brick. The second sign is on the marquee of the shopping center. That one means I have to hire someone to come remove it. $$$$$$

The second thing that happened was that I almost burned our store down today. I was making tacos for lunch and left the shells in the toaster oven too long. When I opened the door to the oven, the shells poofed up in flame. I was yelling for my mom. She went and got the fire extinguisher to put out the flames. For the rest of the afternoon I cleaned up yellow extinguisher powder which was all over everything.

Thirdly, I went to my car after work and my back window was down. I knew I had not rolled my window down. I tried to roll it up and I heard glass shattering all on the inside of my door. I have no idea what happened. Of course it is Friday afternoon and all the glass places are closed until Monday. I guess I get to decorate my car with a plastic bag over the weekend.

All I can think about right now is how much money all this is going to cost me....removal of signs, new toaster oven, new glass in window, oh and I want a stitching frame I just have to decide what I want. I should have gotten one at seminar since the K's Creation people were there. Oh and my cordless phone needs a new battery too.

Oh well, life goes on. Maybe it won't be as bad as I think. I hope you have a fantastic weekend.

I'm Home....

2008-06-17T18:58:00.002-05:00

for a little while. I have been so many places I can't even remember where all I have been. My last trip was to the EGA Regional Seminar in San Antonio Texas. I will have to say that I had a great trip. Before I went, I was really dreading it. I decided on the way there that I was going to change my attitude and enjoy myself. I am so glad I did. I would have missed a lot otherwise. I didn't enjoy my class at all but that was my fault. I misread the technique of the class and it was something I do not enjoy. I did learn Or Nue' which is really cool. My teacher was great, I just didn't like the material. Nobody got mad at each other. Everyone acted like the adults that we should be. We all did things as a group and nobody was left out. I realized that I really do like some of the people that I thought I didn't like. I have a new respect for the EGA organization. Although our group struggles sometimes, the entire organization is really different. Next years seminar is all about finishing. They will have classes on how to do ornaments and standups and some of the teachers are coming to help you finish their peices. I think it will be fun.
My LHN exchange is due next week so I am off to finish that.

Stitching? What's that?

2008-05-06T15:33:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have been so out of touch lately. I have not stitched in what seems like forever. We have been very busy at the store and now we are anticipating Mother's Day and Graduation. Mom and I just got back from our fall preview of Vera Bradley. I really like the new colors. I am not usually a fan of the fall colors but hopefully these will go over well. Then we took a well deserved vacation. I am getting ready to go to Convention for our shop, then EGA seminar in June so I may not be back on a regular routine until summer. I will try to keep updated.

While I Darn SAL

2008-04-16T13:58:00.002-05:00

I finished.....almost. I just have to make the pinkeep and the scissor fob. Oh and put the button and ribbon on. As you can see, I chose to use pink lining instead of the sand it called for. I just didn't think the sand did much for it. I finished this myself except for sewing the lining on the back. Mom did that.

Framing

2008-03-20T10:57:00.002-05:00

I've been Fobbed!

2008-01-29T10:23:00.001-06:00

I got my HOE exchange from Laura yesterday. I love it! Laura stitched a Celtic M for me and the other side has a celtic knot. I love my baby scissors too. I was hoping I would get some new scissors because all of my current ones have fobs. Laura questioned color but, she was right, I do love color of all types. LOL, I am not a wimpy color girl. Thank you so much for allowing participation in this exchange. It was great fun.

Mirabilia RR

2008-01-25T10:58:00.001-06:00

This is what I have been stitching lately. This is for Jen. It is coming along really nicely. My stitching group loved it and suggested that now she do one with just the tails.

I got the Baby!

2008-01-23T17:47:00.000-06:00

Here is my king cake baby! Sorry he is blurry.
Another south Louisiana tradition. During Mardi Gras season the bakeries make king cakes. They are dough with cinnamon and can be filled with cream cheese, cream cheese and fruit, fruit, pecan praline, or chocolate. The tops are decorated with icing and sprinkled with gold, green, and purple sugar to represent the colors of Mardi Gras. Traditionally the cakes have a plastic baby inside somewhere and the person that gets the baby gets to buy the next cake. I guess it is my turn. Ambrosia Bakery is where the one we just had came from. If you click on the picture of the king cake there is a little bit of history. Oh and that Strawberry cake pictured on the front page of their website is divine!

Where's the pictures?

2008-01-22T20:55:00.000-06:00

I really have been stitching! Let's see...so far this month I stitched a scissor fob for an exchange. I sent to Jill. You can see what I sent in her blog because I forgot to take a picture. The other thing I made this year was a door hanger for my friend. I stitched Lizzie Kate's Follow your heart but changed the colors to bright pastels. She got it today...Loved it! I didn't take a picture of that one either. I seem to have an aversion to my camera this month. Last night I stitched on my current rotation of the Mirabilia RR. I am almost done with my mermaid. Maybe I will remember to take a photo before I send that one on.

Now back to crawfish. Crawfish do make an interesting meal if you haven't ever experienced them. When they are in season (spring/summer), some people have crawfish boils which is what the pictures from the last post were from. Imagine something like a barbeque. A group of friends gather, usually at someone's house, and have a boil. You boil crawfish, corn, potatoes, sometimes onions, garlic, mushrooms, I have even heard of putting weinees in there too. When they are done you just spread them on the table and peel and eat away. You don't get much meat from the tails so on average a person eats about 3 to 5 lbs worth. A pound is figured with the entire body of the crawfish. When crawfish are in season the restuarants that serve them do AUCE nights. That usually runs between 16 and 20 dollars a person. It is all about getting fresh crawfish and the way they are seasoned. Usually when I get done eating my fill my lips are numb because they are soooo hot but that is what makes them soooo good. So, No, I haven't had my fill yet because they aren't in season. The seafood market across from my shop (which is what made me want them because I can smell them boiling every day) has them for 3.49 a lb right now. As we get further into the season the crawfish get bigger and the price goes down. During the main part of the season you can usually get them for 1.79/1.99 a lb for boiled and cheaper than that for live (to use for boils). The price usually starts going down after Easter so we don't have long to wait.

Other than that not too much has been going on. I am off to stitch mermaid hair now.

I can't wait.....

2008-01-14T11:18:00.001-06:00

for this! I just thought I would tempt you. It is almost crawfish season. I went to a crawfish boil last summer and these are some pictures I took there.
The table awaiting the final product
The "extras". Where's the corn???
The crawfish soaking
The water is ready.
The crawfish are cooking
YUMMY! Dig in.

I feel like a turtle!

2007-12-28T23:21:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone! I feel like I have had my head buried in my shell for weeks now. LOL, I guess I really have. We had a fantastic Christmas season at the store. Instead of stitching at work, I was busy restocking inventory, wrapping presents, and oh yeah, ringing up sales. I was so consumed but it was a great feeling. God has really blessed us this year. On Dec. 31, we will complete our first Jan-Dec in our new location. What a difference a year makes.
Needless to say, I have not stitched for quite some time. I am currently trying to get the ooomph to work on my scissor fob exchange (due 1-31), my sewing set stitch a long (as of the first I will officially be behind an assignment), and my Mirabilia RR rotation (not sure when this is due but I don't care because it was an entire rotation late to the person before me). Oh and a Christmas gift for a friend that I never had time to do (don't even know what to stitch). I work on little bitty bits at a time, you know I can't stress myself LOL.
The new Vera B ships from the company on January 2 so I am busy at work making sure my current inventory is correct, what a mess it is from Christmas. Then I have to load all of the bags that are coming into my inventory so that when they get here all I have to do is put in my counts and they can go out with no delay. New MN gets here I think in February. I already have a mini market, a trade show, an EGA regional seminar, a MN regional seminar and convention planned for trips next year.
It is shaping up to be a year of travel.
Ok, enough chatter. I hope everyone had a fantastic Merry Christmas.
Be safe and have a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T22:11:00.000-06:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Beatrice, The Baking Elf

2007-12-06T12:40:00.001-06:00

Meet Beatrice! She is by Fanci That, one of the elves. I finished Caleb up into a standup and will do Beatrice too. I already have the fabric that I want in mind. Hobby Lobby has a pink and green harlequin print that I really think will be cute. I stitched her on some of the fabric that I got for my birthday.

I have nothing to stitch right now. Hahaha, not really. My ornament is done, two elves are done, I am caught up on the RR. I pulled the threads today for And a Forest Grew. I will need to serge the edges and then get my threads situated. My friend Theresa gave me a boatload of DMC earlier in the year and I was able to get most of my threads out of that, saving me lots of dollars. There must be 100 threads listed for that pattern. So, Thanks again Theresa!

Lunch is ready so I think while I have a break I am going to eat. Things are starting to pop here at the shop.

Have a good stitching afternoon.

While I Darn

2007-12-04T10:25:00.001-06:00

This is my latest installment on the While I Darn SAL. I am really enjoying stitching this this way. Our "assignment" is very little sections every 15 days. It is definitely manageable. My color key didn't have the symbols for the little girls dress so I just winged it. I don't think it came out too bad.

Weekend Happenings

2007-12-02T22:51:00.000-06:00

Let's see.....Friday mom and I went shopping. I got some new clothes out of the deal. Saturday work, home, watched the game. I know, I really really did. YAY LSU! (For those that don't know, I went to La Tech, not LSU but since I live in Baton Rouge and they are winning, I sorta have to support them right now.) Sunday, went to Church, came home took a nap, just got back from the theatre. Mom and I went to go see CATS tonight. Do you ever wonder about strange things? Tonight as we were leaving the theatre going to the parking garage we passed the back door and the cast parking. They already had all of the trucks engines started and the busses were in place. They were loading some of the props. The audience probably was not even out yet. It made me wonder what it would be like to live like that, travelling from city to city, not knowing where you are. Do they all ride on the same bus? Do they have different busses for different things? I read they have a massage therapist with them so when they want a massage do they go to the massage bus? Where do they eat? I know, wierd. I would never want to live like that but wouldn't it be neat to have the inside scoop.
Tomorrow I get my Christmas present, the plumber is coming to fix my toilet. I did finish my ornament for the EGA party next weekend and mom finished Caleb into a standup for me. Off to bed. The plumber will be here early in the morning.

Diane's RR

2007-11-30T16:44:00.000-06:00

This is my rotation on Diane's Mira RR. It is a cameo of Fairy Idyll. I think she turned out pretty.

A Post of Its Own

2007-11-30T16:41:00.001-06:00

This was my birthday present from Theresa and Daphne. I love it! It is so cute and teeny tiny. Thanks ya'll.

Caleb and other stuff

2007-11-24T10:10:00.001-06:00

So, here is Caleb the Candy Elf. The fabric is what I will use to back him. I am going to try making a stand up. I haven't ever done that before but it can't be that hard.

This has been a crazy few weeks. My birthday was nice. I got another present from my friends Theresa and Daphne that I will try to get a picture of this weekend. It is so cute, I love it.

LSU lost yesterday. That was sad. They have had a really good season. I am not a fan but how they play affects the entire city. This is definitely a football town.

Mom and I got up and went Black Friday shopping yesterday. I can't believe she actually went with me. We just went to Target and were back home by about 6:30. Maybe next year we can go longer. The thing is, we have to be at work for 10 so we can't stay gone too long.

Thanksgiving was OK. Mom and I went to 2 movies. We don't like to stay at home too much. My grandmother has forgotten that she ever made dressing and candied yams so she couldn't help my mom. That was sad. She never taught anyone how to make Thanksgiving so we just had to sorta guess at the recipes. It came out OK. I really need to learn how to do it now that my mom sorta knows how, especially the yams. Yummy! No mashed sweet potato casserole with marshmallows for me, give me candied yams any day.

Last week in town there was an apartment complex that burned down. It affected over 200 people. There is one family that the husband was burned very badly. They are friends of a friend. This is very near and dear to me. You see, you may not know it but, Dec 24 of 1990, my apartment burned to the ground. I was 21 years old, living in my first apartment. I lost everything I owned. My mom and I went shopping for this family the night before Thanksgiving and got some stuff. If anyone wants to help contribute to this family please contact me. I wish I could help them all but unfortunately I can't. We have so much that we had to do something. It just so happened that I was put in touch with one of them.

We were busy at the shop yesterday and as I write this I am hoping for another busy day today. I haven't picked up a needle in a while but hope to today. I am actually in the Christmas mood. That hasn't happened in a few years. I hope to actually put up my tree this year too.
Happy Stitching!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-11-12T08:48:00.000-06:00

Today is my 39th birthday. I don't foresee the day to be very eventful. It is just a regular work day. My mom has not said anything about going to eat dinner or anything. Let's see.....so far my grandmother gave me $10.00, Kaye gave me the Mirabilia November Fairy, and I got the first package of my birthday exchange. Kari sent me LHN's Curly Q Ewe, some fabric, and some sticky notes. Saturday I decided to start one of Fanci That Elves since I now had the fabric for it. I just have his hat to do and I will be done with him. Three people from the birthday exchange have emailed me and told me that I have packages on the way. Today is the observance of Veteran's day so there is no mail. I guess I won't get anything today LOL.

I am off to work now. Have a great day!

Edited to add: Jann just came by for a birthday surprise. She brought me lunch and a cake from Baum's bakery. They even put my name on it! My mom brought me some pink roses and a mini cake and a card. I finished Caleb the Candy Elf but he can't come play until later. Today I want everyone to know it is my birthday LOL

2:39- My brother just called to wish me a HB. Amazing, just amazing. I can't believe he actually called me the day of. Usually he doesn't tell me until closer to Thanksgiving.

I got from Annette: Country Cottage Gingerbread House and Crescent Colors
From Ilona I got some fabric, threads, and needles
Autumn: Friends kit from Sweetheart Tree

More Motorcycles

2007-11-07T20:27:00.000-06:00

Today I saw more motorcycles but these weren't so happy. Saturday night there was a horrible accident in town where 4 senior boys were killed and 2 more were injured. Evidently they had been drinking and were involved in a hit and run accident and they fled the scene, turned their lights off on the truck, then when they went around the corner they hit the ditch. Three were killed instantly and the 4th was killed by the time he got to the hospital. The funerals were today. They were all four held together at a local Church. My store just happens to sit on the same road as the Church and the cemetary and right in the middle of the two. It was a very somber day around town. When the funerals were over there were tons of motorcycles and cars, cars, and more cars. They closed down the road for the procession to the cemetary. Three of the boys were buried there and the other one was buried at a Church a little further down the road. The word is there were more than 1000 people at the funeral. This is a very small town and when something like this happens, it affects everyone. Enough sadness for today!

Excitement in the little town!

2007-11-07T10:37:00.000-06:00

Before I get to that, yes, I am home yet again. I had a really nice trip. I will have to say that Vera Bradley treated us very well. We had a constant supply of food, good food, not skimpy. They produced a special bag for us in one of the new patterns that you can't order, they gave us unlimited access to these cute note pads and some mints they are doing for breast cancer next year. It was so nice to talk to Vera retailers from other parts of the country. Oh and what a surprise, Pat Miller who is one of the founders of the company ate breakfast with my mom and I on Monday morning. I felt really special. The owners mixed and mingled and didn't sit secluded afraid to talk to anyone.

So on to the excitement. For those of you who don't know where I work, it is a little town right outside of Baton Rouge. Not much goes on here but when it does it is a big deal. Yesterday the Vietnam Wall reproduction travelled through on the way to it's next stop. There were supposed to be about 3000 motorcycles but I don't think there were near that many. I took some pictures of the todo. It doesn't look that impressive when looking at the pictures but it really was sorta neat.

I took more pictures but when I posted them you couldn't really see. I can tell what they are. There were some really neat motorcycles. Did I say that already? Anyway, this is a picture of the truck they were escorting.

Ok, off to work now. Have a great day!

WIDSS Parts 2 and 3

2007-11-03T23:58:00.000-05:00

This post is just to serve as a record that I completed parts 2 and 3.
Off to Atlanta tomorrow. Have a great day!

Another One Down!

2007-11-01T22:08:00.001-05:00

I just now finished my current installment of the Mira RR. I chose to stitch Villa Mirabilia. This isn't the best picture but it will do.

I am trying to destress myself some. I finally had to go on blood pressure meds. I have been flirting with high blood pressure for a while now but it finally got me. With heart disease coming at me from both my parents families, I guess it really isn't something I need to play with.

I am off for another trip this weekend. This will be my 3rd weekend trip in 4 weeks. No wonder I am stressed LOL. Mom and I are off to Atlanta to preview the new spring line for Vera Bradley. I have already been studying my book so I am pretty much ready to place my order. It will just be a place to touch and feel the new stuff and I think we get a freebie bag for going. My friend did anyway.

I don't know if I will have time to post again before the weekend but if not, have a great one. I hope to do some stitching. I am starting a new needlepoint project for EGA.

Back from the Beach!

2007-10-28T19:51:00.000-05:00

Oh man, I really didn't want to come home today. Thursday after work some friends and I headed out of reality for a short jaunt to the beach. We stopped on the way for dinner and got there and unloaded by midnight. Friday morning we got up for some quality stitching time. Lunchtime came and we had no food so we had to go out. Well, we got distracted shopping and didn't come home until after supper. We found this great restuarant a short distance from our condo that had the best burgers. There was a marina there and it was so nice to see the charters come in and enjoy the water. When we finally made it back to the condo we had some more stitch time. We finally were all in bed around 2 I guess. Saturday morning we got up and headed for Pensacola for shopping there. We went to Joann's and to Needle Delights. We got home from there around 11, then stitched and looked at our treasures. All I bought was canvas and threads to make my EGA Christmas exchange ornament. This morning we got up and left the condo and came home. I got back to BR around 6. I wish we had more time to just sit but we did OK. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Our condo was right on the beach and we could sit and look at the water all day if we wanted to. We usually kept the screen doors open so we could hear the waves crashing. All in all we had a fantastic weekend.

The Scent of Old Roses

2007-10-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

This is The Scent of Old Roses by Mirabilia. She is done on Picture This Plus Cherub fabric. I did this for the contest on the Mirabilia board. I way underestimated the time it would take me to finish this. I have been working on her since Sept. 1. It took me FOREVER to put all those beads on. I have never done a Mirabilia with so many beads! Anyway, I think she came out pretty.
One more stitching thing to mark off my list. Today I will start my current rotation of the Mirabilia RR. It is due on the 29th of this month. I still have to do my WIDSS and my Mill Hill Picket Fence for Nov, and start this new mystery sampler that I haven't even picked out threads or fabric for. I just might get it all done by the first.
Have a great day!

Squash Queen Contest Winning Prize

2007-10-23T10:06:00.000-05:00

Finally I am following through with a promise! I am so so sorry that it took me so long. As you read in my last post, I am sort of overwhelmed right now. This is my prize from Diane's "Guess the Squash" contest. Look how it was wrapped! How lovely. It is a magnet so it is proudly displayed on my refrigerator. Thank you so much Diane for the time you put into stitching this for me.

Traffic Jam

2007-10-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

I am having a traffic jam in my brain! I have so many things I want to do. There are so many new projects going and new patterns out that I want to start. I promised ya'll a photo of my squash contest win that I still haven't posted. I need to do things like balance the checkbook, etc. I need to do some EGA paperwork, I am the treasurer after all! I got in 16 boxes of Christmas products at the store today, a box of a Vera promo, and an order of Christmas books. All of that has to be priced and put out. Tomorrow night I have to go pick up another order that will have to be priced and put out. Saturday is the Governor's election. I will have to work that which means up at 4:30 and at the polls until 9 pm. I am still stitching away on The Scent of Old Roses. That needs to be and will be finished probably by the end of the weekend. I still have to pick the pattern and stitch my next installment on the Mirabilia RR. I have about a week to do that. I need to do the next assignment in my Spanish SAL by Nov 1st. Ok What else???? I think that is it for right now. Oh I need to pay on my EGA Seminar balance. I think that has to be in by Nov 15. Maybe sooner, I don't know. I am sorta stalled out on The Scent of Old Roses but am pushing through to the finish. Does anyone else ever get like this? I can't focus on anything but finishing this.

There was an interesting question posed as I was blog reading the other day. The question was..Why do you stitch? For the process or the finish? Well I truly truly stitch for both. I love the process of the stitch, I love challenging myself with new stitches and combinations of stitches. I love to see a piece come together. I love to see it forming into something. It is also a great feeling of accomplishment when it is all done and I can stand back and look at what I have created. I think it is amazing some of the things that I can do with a needle and thread (I am not discounting anything that anyone else does). I love the challenge of hard pieces but also love the simplicity of the easy ones too. How about you?

Have a great evening. I am off to stitch some more. Hopefully aoon you will have those pictures that I promised.

Weekend Update

2007-10-14T18:19:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a weekend I have just had. Me and my friend Kaye went to a cross stitching retreat just outside of Mobile, Al. It was so nice to get away from home for a few hours (which is literally how it felt!). We left Friday and arrived there around 4:30. After dinner, the stitching room was opened. It was great to meet up with old friends and meet new people and even connect a few names floating around with faces. On Saturday night there was a stitching fair contest. I had taken my Chatelaine Leporello to enter. Well, guess what??? I won first place. I was given a generous gift certificate to use at the boutique at the retreat. Wow! I was not expecting that. When I got home today I also had another surprise in my mail box. I could not for the life of me figure out this address. When I opened it, I had a surprise from Diane for my winning the squash contest. I will post pictures of that later because I don't have photo access from my camera on this computer. Well, it has been a long, short, jampacked weekend with lots of fun memories to cherish. I am off to rest up for reality tomorrow.

No pictures

2007-10-11T15:21:00.000-05:00

My camera needs a new battery so I have no update pictures. I have managed to do quite a bit on The Scent of Old Roses. I am down to having just her skirt left to do. I still haven't started my current rotation of my round robin. I have until the 29th to do it so I am not real worried.
Everyone have fun this weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having.

Happy Monday!

2007-10-01T11:54:00.001-05:00

These are not the greatest pictures but, this is my Sweetheart Tree Round Robin. It finally made it home. I had to do the pictures in two installments but it is all on one piece of fabric. I think it came out perfect. I had used a picture I found on someone's blog as my inspiration. I wanted something bright and colorful.

I had a wonderful weekend. I didn't do much but it was nice. I worked Saturday then weeded my front flower bed, then just relaxed. Sunday I went to church. I went to a new Sunday School class. It was OK. I used to be in that class but for some reason left. It was good to be back. Sunday after church I picked up the weeds that I had pulled out and then just relaxed for the rest of the day. I did manage to finish my October Mill Hill Picket Fence.

Well, I am off to work some. It is a beautiful day here.

Miss Squash Queen

2007-09-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

Haha! Diane crowned me the Squash Queen last week because I correctly guessed the number of squash she picked from her garden this summer. Actually, she is the Squash Queen. They are gorgeous. It secretly made me want to grow my own garden.

I have been stitching some. I have one more panel to October's Mill Hill Picket Fence. I will be so glad to get those all done. I just have November, December, and February left. I have already done February's once but it was my mom's birthday a few years back so I gave it to her.

I have also been reading lots. I went to the bookstore on Sunday evening and came home with The Glass Castle (read that Sunday night) and Can't Wait to Get to Heaven (read that one Monday and Tuesday nights). I was desperate so I thought I remembered my friend Daphne having Water for Elephants so she loaned that to me today. I am about a fourth of the way through it already. I get so mad at myself because I get involved in these books and I can't get enough. I am tired of romance and mystery so I decided to follow the bestseller list for a while.

I also found out today that my Sunday School class at church dissolved Sunday. No warning, just is no longer. My mom wants to take a leave of absence from teaching her class to come and grow my class. I don't know about that.

Also, on the life front, things have calmed down tremendously. I also started trying to take care of myself a little more and everything together has helped. I have one more huge stressful thing to take care of and that should be over by the end of the year. That one is sort of a constant but I am trying to take baby steps. But, anyway, all the family situation is soooooo much better.

Smokin'!

2007-09-18T10:02:00.001-05:00

This is The Scent of Old Roses by Mirabilia. I wanted to participate in the contest they are having on the Mirabilia board but, didn't want a huge piece to have to rush through. I found this pattern and really liked her so this is the one I chose. I started her last Saturday after I finished QOF. I have done this in a little more than a week. She is stitching up really fast. From the chart, she looks like she would be much bigger than she is.

Happy Birthday to me. Haha, it isn't even close to my birthday yet but my friend Kaye already gave me my present. Since I am a November baby, Kaye bought me the November Topaz Fairy from Mirabilia. Thanks Kaye! Maybe just maybe I will do her next, I don't make any promises though.

Other than stitching, there hasn't been much else going on. Things are finally getting back to normal. We have been really busy at the shop (a very good thing!) and we are getting ready for Christmas. October and November will be very busy months.

She's Done!

2007-09-08T13:01:00.001-05:00

Here she is making her debut. Mirabilia Queen of Freedom. I have no idea what fabric this is stitched on but I think it was a good choice.

Stitchy Pictures

2007-08-30T10:24:00.000-05:00

This picture is of my Mill Hill Picket Fence for September. I am so glad to finally be finishing these. I have the ones for the rest of the year to finish but will hopefully do those as the months come around.
This picture is of my current progress on Queen of Freedom by Mirabilia. I have finished the bottom of her dress except for the beads and the Kreinik. I don't know if I will be able to finish this any time soon or not because I am getting a bad case of startitis, which leads me to my next picture.
My next project is The Scent of Old Roses on Cherub PTP fabric. It was the only fabric I had that I thought would be suitable but I think it will do OK.

The Burial Day

2007-08-22T19:12:00.000-05:00

This will be all about my aunt's burial so....fair warning.

Wow what an interesting day today was. First of all, crazy lady (my cousins "girlfriend") didn't show up. My cousin was dressed in blue jeans and a camo shirt for his mother's burial. We arrived at the funeral home for the family viewing of the body. My aunt looked horrible. I guess it could be attributed to the fact that she was sick, the funeral home didn't put any makeup on her, or maybe the fact that one day she was at the funeral home they didn't have power. I was sorta creeped out and didn't really look at her. I did the same thing at my dad's funeral though he looked really good. Once I looked, I was good to go. The funeral home was just the family although a good friend of my cousins who was to be a pall bearer came with him. We are talking poverty here. I got really sad because I realized that my cousin is left on this earth all by himself. He does have 2 uncles, me and my mom and brother and then his adopted dad and his real dad but, he and his mom were together 24/7. His mom was his life and he was her life. He was just this lost soul. So off to the cemetary. The public was invited there. My aunt didn't want a funeral. This son is mentally ill and she didn't think he would be able to handle it. Well, we pull up and nobody is there and there are 3 little flower arrangements, one from my other brother, one from some other cousins and one from a family friend. There were a few people that trickled in but it was just so sad. How awful to live your life and only have a handful of people to mourn your death. My cousin kept crying and crying but at the end he held it together pretty good. When we finished he put the flowers in the back of his truck and drove off, just like he was riding around town on any normal day. I kept comparing it to my dad's funeral which was a big mistake. First of all my dad's funeral was at the church there were so many people (my dad was a school teacher, owned a business in town, and played the organ at my church). The church was packed that day, my dad looked great, there were tons and tons of plants and flowers, my dad's casket was gorgeous (my aunt's had to be special made she was so big and it ended up being just a flat top square box casket), the flowers were brought home by the funeral home. There were just a lot of differences. I wasn't going to go but in the end, I am glad I did. I would have hated to have regretted not going.

There were some things that happened to that were not related to all that. First of all, at the funeral home, this really nice looking guy came in. Well, he is a first cousin that I never even knew I had. Seems that my uncle was married once before and this is a son that he had that he never claimed. Today was the first day that he had ever introduced him as his son. I just met this guys mother not too long ago when I met his sisters that were also new cousins to me. I know, how can you have cousins that you don't know. Then when we were at the cemetary, my brother said "Gee, who are those people buried there? They have our last name" Me: "Ummm, grandpapa and granny LOL". It has been so long since either one of us have been there that we didn't even know it was our grandparents. It was really funny.

So all in all it was a good day. Right now, I am pretty emotionally spent. I am really glad that everything is over. I have peace that my aunt knew about crazy woman and that is why she called us to get her money. I also found out that crazy woman ran up my cousins credit cards and put him in a financial situation and then skipped town for 2 years, then when my aunt got sick, here she came running back. She (crazy woman) was furious at us for "stealing" the money. I think my aunt knew very well why she came running back and trusted us to take care of everything to protect her son. I know that last Saturday night there was beautiful music when she crossed through Heaven's gates and my daddy was there with open arms to receive her.

Aunt Annie and Lilly

2007-08-21T13:07:00.000-05:00

Introducing Lilly. Isn't she so cute? I think she is so delicate and feminine. This wouldn't be a pattern that I would choose to stitch for myself but I do like how she turned out. This is on Leigh's Round Robin. I have a few more stitches to add to her but basically she is finished.

On the family front, my aunt Annie died Saturday. I think I have mentioned her before. She was my dad's sister. They both died when they were 63. I think that is so strange. I am so glad she is now out of her misery. She did not live a very peaceful life. She has a son that is mentally unstable and there was always bickering and fighting. I am just glad that now that part is all over.

Back to stitching on my Queen of Freedom tomorrow...yippee!
Have a great day!

I interrupt my normally scheduled programming

2007-08-14T10:19:00.000-05:00

to bring you this....This is the WIP of the latest round of the Mirabilia Round Robin. I love the color of this fabric but I don't like the fabric. Anyway, I am almost finished with this fairy. I should be done either tomorrow or Thursday if I can get in some good stitching time. I think she will turn out just fine. I will post a picture when I finish. I am really missing Queen of Freedom and can't wait to get back to her.
Have a great day!

Queen of Freedom

2007-08-07T13:39:00.000-05:00

I finally broke down to post a WIP picture of Queen of Freedom. She is coming along nicely. I think I can probably finish her in a few weeks if I can work in some stitching time.

Have a great day!

Too Busy!

2007-08-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

I need to apologize to all of my friends out in bloggerland. I know it has been a while since I updated. If you don't already know, my dad's sister is dying and I have been given a huge responsibility with her impending death. I am exhausted physically and emotionally. The latest is that she told my cousin that she would be dying today. If God is ready for her she just might. On a funny note, she told me that when she gets to heaven she is going to find my daddy and tell him he left a brat (that would be me) down here on earth.

Carol, Happy Birthday. I am sorry that I missed it.
Karen and Kaye, if I miss yours please forgive me but I hope you have great birthdays too.

I have been stitching some. I am pushing on Queen of Freedom. Strange but, it reminds me of my dad. He died July 1st and the last service he played at the church was the patriotic one the day he died. With all of the death surrounding me right now, that piece reminds me of him, which gives me the comfort I need at this time.

My Mirabilia RR is still missing. The post office did find it but the package was damaged. We are still waiting on word as to whether or not the actual stitched piece was damaged.

I will update on everything when I get a chance.

Ice Cream Sundae

2007-07-12T11:57:00.001-05:00

This is my latest finish. It was a really quick stitch. It is Ice Cream Sundae by Country Cottage. I substituted the light green for a DMC color that I already had. The fabric is mystery fabric. I got it out of my fabric bin. sorry for the wrinkly photo.

2007-07-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

Where is my Needle????
It appears that I have lost my very favorite needle. I went to visit a friend in the hospital the other night and pulled out my stitching while I was there. Evidently my needle flew off of my project. I do remember my fibers getting caught and I guess the needle got pulled out. Why was this needle more special than any other needle? This needle was a $5.00 Mardina needle. It absolutely was my favorite. I had less trouble threading it with its teeny tiny eye than I do a regular needle. If anyone has one they don't want because they don't like it you can sure pass it on to me!

2007-07-07T10:17:00.000-05:00

I can't seem to put a title on this post but just in case it is "Saturday Stuff!"

My week has been pretty hectic.

First of all on Tuesday evening my mom came home. They missed the plane in Houston so had to take a later flight. They finally made it home around 10 ish and we got to the house around 11.

Then on to Wednesday. I stayed in my pajamas forever just laying around the house. I didn't feel like doing anything! I was so tired. In the afternoon me, my friend Jann and her husband went to the movies to see Ratatouille. It was OK. I know it was a Disney movie but seemed more childish than most. Oh gosh, I forgot my friend Theresa went too. How could I forget a friend like that?? Then my mom and I went to eat at the Piccadilly after. I was going to go to my friend Karen's camp after the movie but when we got out it was raining and it was getting late and I had to work the next day.

So on to Thursday. The day was good and bumping along just fine until that evening. I got off a whole 10 minutes early and went home to settle in to a nice evening of stitching when there was a knock at my door. My grandmother had walked over and said that her pacemaker had stopped working. Well, I called my mom and she ended up taking her to the hospital to get it checked out. I was a little worried (more on that later) but knew that if she was in the hospital they could check her out. She turned out OK and everything checked out good. Her blood pressure was a little on the high side but I think she had worked herself up.

The reason why I was worried is because my family has a July curse. Everyone that has died in my family has died in the month of July therefore, I hate to see it coming. That is a shame because it is such a good month.

Friday was a busy day at the store. I love days like that but it wears me out. My friend Kaye was in the hospital for some med testing so Karen and I went to see her Friday night. When I came home I made some cookies but something happened to them. I am not sure if it was the brown sugar, the flour, or the baking soda. They don't seem to taste sweet and the mix was too dry and they crumble. I love to bake but am not very good at knowing what to do to fix the problem.

Today I hope we are busy too. I don't have any plans for the afternoon when I get off. I started Ice Cream Sampler by Country Cottage. I may just go home and stitch....imagine that!

Have a great weekend.

Anyone, Anyone??

2007-07-03T10:15:00.001-05:00

For some time now I have been getting the travel bug. If anyone wants to go anywhere just let me know. I am going to take some time off this fall. Not a long time, maybe just some long weekends.

My mom comes home tonight Yay!! I know she drives me crazy sometimes but she has been gone 2 weeks now and there is lots to catch up on.

I found out my dad's sister has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has now spread to her brain. More on that later when I get more information.

Cinderella, I mean Sleeping Beauty

2007-07-01T21:46:00.000-05:00

She is done!
This is the latest installment of the Mirabilia RR. Did you see that new Mirabilia? I do like her and since I am a November baby I think I will have to get her just because.
Now, what do I work on next or do I want to start something new? No, I don't want to do Queen of Freedom or Lily of the Valley.

Memorable Day

2007-07-01T11:18:00.001-05:00

Today is the anniversary date of my dad's death. It is 6 years now. I am not sad today just reflective.
I just got back from picking up some new luggage that we sell in our store. It was delivered to my rep's house so I went to pick out what I wanted.
My uncle came to visit my grandmother today so I think we are fixing to go to eat lunch somewhere. My mom still isn't back yet.....3 more days. I am glad she is off having fun.

No Pictures

2007-06-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I have been stitching some. I have just one motif before I finish the current installment of the Drawn Thread, Sampler of Stitches, JKL.
My mom took the camera with her on her big adventure. She and a friend are taking an extended vacation cruise/land tour to Alaska. I did also manage to stitch her and her friend some cruise pass pockets to wear around the neck on the ship. They turned out so cute. I will post mom's when she gets home, if it makes it back. LOL
Have a great weekend!

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T12:19:00.000-05:00

Me and Dad 1969.

Dad. Not sure when this was taken but this is exactly what he looked like.
I miss my daddy!

GHI

2007-06-09T10:32:00.001-05:00

Done!

Whole thing so far.

How Cute Is This???

2007-06-07T10:24:00.001-05:00

I was visiting blogs the other day and came across Kim's blog where she was having a contest for one of her QSnap Huggers. Well, I entered and guess what??? I won!!!! Isn't this cute? She even let me pick out my own fabric. I tested it out last night and it was just the neatest thing. If you want one, Kim has an entire album of fabric that you can choose from and she has very reasonable prices. Thanks Kim!

This is my new needle minder from Kelmscot. My friend gave this to me for some things that I had recently helped her with. Wasn't that nice? I love it. I think it is so pretty. I almost hate to use it.

I am also happy to report that my grandmother made it through surgery with flying colors. In fact, she did so well that the doctor let her come home the night of surgery. She is not a very good patient. She will not do what the doctor said. She won't keep on her sling and keeps waving her arm in the air all over the place. Silly Mamaw!

Quick Update

2007-05-31T20:38:00.000-05:00

No stitching news today. Honestly I haven't picked up a needle since I finished the round robin. Oh wait, that isn't true. Last night I did work a bit on the Chinese Plaid needlecase. Remember that?

Just a quick mention that today would have been my parents 49th wedding anniversary. My mom has been on the sad side today.
That was paired with a trip to the dr today for my grandmother. The diagnosis: her pacemaker must be changed immediately. It can not even wait a week. So, early next week will be the procedure. Please keep my family in your prayers. My grandmother turned 88 in March.
My personal life if rather chaotic as I am sure yours is as well. I tend to bottle it all up then explode all at once. While my grandmother is hopefully recuperating, my mom will be getting ready to go to Alaska for 15 days. Some grand cruise/land adventure that she is going on and leaving me here.

2 Down, and I Lost Track

2007-05-29T13:12:00.000-05:00

This is my current rotation of the Mirabilia RR that I am in. I started it right when I got it because I have a tendancy to procrastinate. It really does feel good to be done with it. I stitched the flowers off of the Spring Queen pattern. Deb had chosen a stitcher's choice theme. I think they are really pretty.
Speaking of Mirabilia, I noticed that she has 2 new patterns out today. I like these couture fairies but, if I ever stitch them, I think I will leave off the wings.

I have not gotten any more stitching done. I have been really really sick since coming home from Atlanta. I do fell a little better but need to take it easy for a while. Maybe I will feel like stitching some tonight.

Trip Recap

2007-05-25T21:11:00.000-05:00

Well, I am back. My trip to Atlanta was pretty fun. This will be a pretty boring post for those not interested. I didn't stitch much but did manage to almost finish the current rotation of the Mirabilia RR that I am working on.

Sunday we left BR at around 6 AM. The drive wasn't too bad. We stopped in Montgomery, AL for lunch at the Piccadilly. It was really neat. It was an all you can eat buffet. We arrived in Atlanta around 3:30 Atlanta time. We stayed at the Hyatt in downtown Atlanta. We got our luggage into the room and immediately left to go downstairs to register for Convention. We also had time to buy some souviners. I got 2 t-shirts, the cutest makeup bag, and some luggage tags in the shape of a bottle of nail polish. They would only be neato to me because they all say Merle Norman on them. I later went back and got a pin that is a mirror, lipstick, and something else, I can't remember. I haven't even looked at it since I bought it. Sunday night mom and I went to eat at this place called Fire of Brazil. That was really neat. If you haven't ever been to a Brazillian steak house and you like meat, I would really recommend the experience. Be sure and take lots of money when you go as it is rather pricey.

Monday we got up and just went to 2 meetings, then we went to eat a burger with our friends from D'ville. Monday afternoon we took a nap then had our opening banquet Monday night. The best part about that was the miniature Creme' Brulee's they had for us. I will have to say that MN did good. The band was Andy Child's. It was way too loud for my taste and there was no place to sit down so you had to eat standing up. I didn't last too long there. I pretty much ate and then went back to the room.

Tuesday was our general session meeting day. We met from 8:30 until around 1. We got some good new products. I tried the new eyeliner today and even after I took my makeup off tonight, it was still there. Then we went to DQ for chocolate dipped cones. The afternoon was spent in breakout meetings. Tuesday night we went to Steak and Ale to eat. We got a workout. The restuarant was down this huge hill that we had to walk back up after eating. We walked everywhere downtown around our hotel. We never called for our car or used a taxi.

Wednesday we had breakout sessions again pretty much all day until around 3. We had to get all of our orders in for the rest of the year on new products, fall, and Christmas, and then any promotional items. That was pretty taxing. I made the mistake of looking at the total and nearly had a stroke. Then we took a nap again and went to our entertainment that night. This year it was the Temptations. They were great! They sang and danced for 2 solid hours. They never stopped. One of the members is an original member of the band, Otis Williams maybe. Dinner was our typical banquet food of steak, potatoes and veggies. They usually traditionally have baked alaska for dessert but this year we had a medley of desserts: flan, whipped cream stuff with some choco shavings, a fruit tart and something else I can't name. Our owner died a few years ago and his son who took over the company is slowly making some pretty radical changes.

Thursday we got up at 4 Atlanta time, that's right 3AM BR time. We called the bellman and the car and when we got to the motor lobby our car was there. We left around 4:45. Well, I was so sick. I got sick before we left Atlanta. Mom drove all the way home. We got to BR around 12:30. I went straight to bed. That afternoon I did manage to get my suitcase unpacked. I still haven't washed though and I need to take my formal to the cleaners.
Wednesday I got a call that my friend Jann's dad had passed away. I was too sick to go to the funeral home on Thursday night but was able to make the funeral today. I have felt better today until tonight. I just have a cold but I am miserable. I sorta figured I was getting sick before I left but all the going going got to me I guess.So that is where I have been today. I went to the funeral this morning then back to work. Tomorrow is a blood drive in the shopping center and we are having a sidewalk sale of sorts so it ought to be a busy day. Vera Bradley is also having a national sale on all discontinued stock from June 7-10 so I am getting my mailer ready for that too.
So now I am tired and am headed for bed. Tomorrow will be busy. Thank goodness I get off at 3 and then have a long Memorial day weekend. Yes, we are actually closing. Right! Whatcha want to bet either me or mom or both go open?

On The Road Again!

2007-05-18T16:22:00.000-05:00

My friends had a good laugh the other night that for someone who never goes anywhere, I sure have been travelling a lot this year. Sunday mom and I are off to Atlanta for our annual convention with our business. It will be a packed week, seeing all the new products and placing our orders for the rest of the year.

In stitching news, I have recently acquired some new stash. I was able to get some good deals from Stitching Bits and Bobs. I didn't spend any money though. I had gotten a gift certificate from my secret stitcher.

I have decided to sell my Little House Needleworks Thread Gathering kit. If anyone is interested please let me know.

Everyone have a fantastic week and I will see you when I get back.

One Down, Eight To Go

2007-05-08T12:32:00.000-05:00

I finished Kaye's Mirabilia RR. I think she turned out really cute. I love the face on this one. It is April's Blue Diamond fairy. Kaye chose to do all fairies on her RR. In the middle she is stitching Titania. I still have to sign it but to just have this done is a huge accomplishment. Now I need to start planning the next one so I don't wait until the last minute. The next month will be pretty busy for me with Convention, and business in the store for Mother's Day and graduation.
I have stitching tonight at the LNS so I will have to find something to stitch on there. I may not stay long. My friend Theresa has me on this new diet and eating plan. I am trying to eat at home more and go exercise even when I don't feel like it. I do feel better when I go and I can sleep better too.

Did Big Bird Die Here???

2007-05-07T10:23:00.000-05:00

Hi folks. I have been busy with life and just haven't had anything exciting to post about. This weekend was the ladies tea at my church at which I hosted a table. It was nice but I thought the speaker talked for waaayyy too long. I put some pictures in. The big bird yellow table was mine. I took pictures of some of the tables that I liked and some I didn't like but wanted to give you an idea of the overall idea. Each person can decorate however they want to. I am almost finished with Kaye's Mirabilia RR. I just have to put the beads on it. Maybe I can post that tomorrow.

Hello, You Are Caller Number 10!

2007-04-24T12:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I won a $50.00 gift certificate to Bistro Byronz from the local radio station. I can't wait. I used to go there all the time when they were in a different location. They had the best shrimp and corn soup and homeade potato chips. Yummy!

On the stitching front, I have been working on Kaye's Mira RR. I just have the wings left but need to pick up some Kreinik.
I finally heard from my secret sister. I got a gift certificate from Stitching Bits and Bobs. I think I will wait for the next sale to use it.

I am on my way out of town within the next hour. I will be back Friday so it is just a short trip. Mom and I are going to Memphis for a computer class. Our company is implementing a new POS program and you have to go to class to get the disk.

Have a great week!

Sweet Little Bird

2007-04-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

I started this last night. I think this will be my Monday project. I may end up with a project for every night except knowing myself, if I have to skip a night, I will be aggravated that I didn't get to stitch on chosen project. LOL, We will see how it goes. I have no idea what fabric this is on but it is a real pretty avocadoey (made up word) green. The pattern is Sweet Bird by Midsummer Night Designs.

What's Next?

2007-04-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

I made lots of stitching progress this weekend. These are pictures of two ornaments I finished stitching. The LNS is doing this 13 days of Christmas ornaments from market way back in 1999. These are day 1 and day 3. I am modifying them a bit. On the day 3 I didn't stitch the big number 3. On the day 2 one I think I will be making some changes as well.

This is a picture of Kathy's STRR. I only stitched a few bands at the bottom but, think what I did added to the piece. She is running out of room and there is still one other person to stitch and then she wants to stitch something along the bottom. What you see of the fabric on the bottom is all there is.
This heart was from Shannon's STRR. This was so fun to stitch. It was the first one I took out of the package and said "Oh, how cute!" so I had to stitch it. This STRR has gone really fast. I think I only have one or two left to stitch and I will be done.
I also finished another huge project that I have been working on for a while.
Now, the big dilemma. What do I stitch next? I have only one more STRR and my Mirabilia RR to work on as far as obligation stitching. I have finished all of my other things that have been hanging over my head. I can't decide whether to start something new or whether to work on a UFO. I looked through my stuff last night and nothing is really calling my name. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel sort of. I have been on a major not buying stash spree for a while now and am actually making headway with the stash that I have. Not that I will ever get it all stitched but I can see myself stitching all that I have that I want to stitch in probably the next 1 to 2 years. I know all this is crazy but when I look at my cross stitch stuff I see all the money I have tied up in it and about a year ago decided to do something about it. I can't just collect stash with no intentions of ever stitching it so I went on a mission to get it stitched. Finished, well that is another story.

It is a beautiful day here in south Louisiana. It is as April should be. It is sunshiney and slightly cool.
I have a party to go to tonight. I decided to host a table at the tea at my church next month so tonight is a tea tasting tea for the hostesses. I am also expecting about 10 boxes of Vera Bradley any minute now so that will keep me busy most of the afternoon.
I hope you have a great day!

I've Got Mail!

2007-04-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

These are pictures from my mail yesterday. I got my Spring exchange package from Jen. I LOVE it! It came at a good time. I was getting pretty aggravated that I haven't gotten anything from my secret sister since the beginning of February. This really made up for it. She also included some needles, a candle, and a magnet for parking my needle. It is really cute, a heart with some flowers.
I also got 3 round robins from Dani. They should not take very long to do. One of them is Autumn's so as soon as I finish it, it will go home.

Quaker Garden

2007-03-28T09:59:00.000-05:00

I finished Quaker Garden by Blackbird Designs over the weekend. It is stitched on Garden State Java. I am not really a fan of Blackbird but for some reason this one appealed to me. I think I am going to quit using my iron. When I ironed it, I was using the steam and a big pool of water has now turned into a big water spot on my fabric. Every time I iron something it gets messed up. It will be OK once it is framed, you won't be able to see it at all. I guess I could mist the entire thing, adding more spots to give the fabric a mottled effect.

I was in a rather meloncholy mood last night. My good friends dad died and I had to go to the funeral home. I thought I would be OK but, when I got there, I realized that the visitation was in the same room that my dad was in. I got chills when I was standing in there. I know that is goofy but, that is me. Then since I was already on the upset side, I drove back to the cemetary behind the funeral home to check on my dad's grave. I cried of course. I think I don't ever go because I always get upset. This is the first time I had been in about 5 years and I pass it every day, several times. I didn't stay long because dark was approaching fast and a cemetary at dark is not really somewhere that I long to be.

I went to stitching last night at the LNS. That was nothing great with no new news. I left early to go do my funeral home stint and then met one of the ladies for dinner. At dinner, I ran into one of the girls that owns a children's shop in the shopping center my store is in. She confirmed that they are moving to this end by me but, in between them and me, there will be a donut shop. UGH! Not to mention all the donuts I will be eating, it is going to stink! I really want to email the landlord and encourage them to rent further down the shopping center, away from me.