Hi everyone! I hope you are having a good week so far. We had an interesting weekend, the hot water heater refused to heat water so for 2 days, the DH and I went "pioneer", heating water on the stove and washing up using my hugh canning pot. I really hated washing my hair this way cause I felt I didn't get all the shampoo out of it. It wasn't fun and I have to tell you that I will never take my instantaneous hot water for granted ever again. We were bracing ourselves for a hugh bill but fortunately, the only thing wrong with the heater was a plugged nozzle. That was the good news.
The bad news is that we owe MEGABUCKS on our taxes this year. Oh my, I went into shock when the CPA's receptionist pulled out the bill...we've never had a tax bill this big before. :(
Anyway, this is not why I am posting.
First of all, I've got 102 followers! Oh my! That calls for a celebration! So, I will be picking another name on March 20th for my Sick of Winter GiveAway. And maybe, I'll pick another! So, pass the word.
Nextly (thanks Jan, I love that word) I am loving the Flippin' Crazy Challenge. So far, I've finished 2 WIPs and I am well on my way to finishing a 3rd. I've finished Snow Fairy and Her Sampler. Now, I am over 3/4 of the way done with Merrily Beams, Alphabets. I stitched a good chunk of it over the weekend. So thanks for the brilliant idea, Jayne!
I just want to take a minute and thank everyone who comes by Joanie's World. You will never know how much your visits make me smile. I can always count on you to lift my spirits and share my ups and downs. Thanks again!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Snowman Giveaway
Kathy posted pics of the Snowman Giveaway...so I snagged them from her blog.
I sent her a ton of things...yeah, I got carried away with the snowmen....but I love them so I wanted to spread the joy... :-) Go check out her blog to see...I so enjoyed painting the snowman and stitching the little pillow.
So...gear up for the I'm Sick of Wintert Giveaway...it's gonna be good...
I sent her a ton of things...yeah, I got carried away with the snowmen....but I love them so I wanted to spread the joy... :-) Go check out her blog to see...I so enjoyed painting the snowman and stitching the little pillow.
So...gear up for the I'm Sick of Wintert Giveaway...it's gonna be good...
Saturday, February 19, 2011
I Have a Few Pictures
but because I am brain-dead, I accidently deleted all the pics of the give-away that Kathy won. Just suffice it to say that she was quite happy with the contents of my give-away and I hope she'll post a picture of what she received. Damn. I was hoping to whet your appetite for the "I AM SICK OF WINTER" give-away. I'll post at tease for the Sick of Winter giveaway, I'm just starting to stitch something totally adorable!
Anyway, by some miracle, the blurry pics of Her Sampler survived the Great Picture Purge. Here they are:
These pictures were taken 2 weeks ago and now, the sampler is almost done. I only have the acorn on the lower right side to stitch and then, STRIKE UP THE BAND for a happy dance. Can you hear the orchestra tuning up and the angels warming up their voices to sing the Halleluia Chorus? And finishing this sampler will be #2 of my 2011 Wip Bust. I finished Snow Fairy too.
Now it'll be on to another WIP, BOAF's Friendship Sampler and Merrily Beams, Alphabets. Friendship Sampler has just the top border finished but I really screwed up the colors because I misread the color chart and I hate the coverage with the Charcoal WDW floss. But I'm not frogging it out because at that point, I'd just have to start over. I will frog out the Charcoal and sub in a GAST color that's very close to the Charcoal thread. I think I can manage that but to rip out all that Tropical Blue border to replace it with Cornflower, NO THANK YOU!
I have to tell you that I've been in a funk recently too. I hate February, It's the longest month of the year for me because by this time, I am very tired of the cold and snow. We had a bit of a thaw here in Upstate NY this week. Spring-like temps and SUN!! I was very encouraged to see Daffodil shoots coming up in my garden. That's encouraging. Today, we are under a wind advisory, it's snowing and cold again!
In other news...
My kids are in Japan and I believe settling in nicely. Mike will be very busy the next couple of weeks spinning up to speed on his job supporting Search and Rescue. There are a number of training exercises comng up and then....he deploys to Afghanistan this Summer. I know that's what he signed up to do but I can't help but be worried and scared for him. I guess he's just not playing War but is in one.
I am also struggling with a few health issues (I am at that age, high cholesterol, high BP and pre-diabetes) and some other personal things and I am very thankful for my stitching because it calms my mind and I don't think about the things that bother me when I have a needle in my hand. And, I am trying to be positive, focusing on my many, many blessings. That alone lifts my spirits, as do all of you who come by my blog. I am so grateful for the internet and the stitching community. But if you would and are so inclined, keep me in prayer.
So, I am off to start my Saturday. My coffee is finished, the load of laundry is done and needs to go into the dryer and the vacuum is calling my name. Have a great weekend! And thanks for stopping. Come back soon!
Anyway, by some miracle, the blurry pics of Her Sampler survived the Great Picture Purge. Here they are:
These pictures were taken 2 weeks ago and now, the sampler is almost done. I only have the acorn on the lower right side to stitch and then, STRIKE UP THE BAND for a happy dance. Can you hear the orchestra tuning up and the angels warming up their voices to sing the Halleluia Chorus? And finishing this sampler will be #2 of my 2011 Wip Bust. I finished Snow Fairy too.
Now it'll be on to another WIP, BOAF's Friendship Sampler and Merrily Beams, Alphabets. Friendship Sampler has just the top border finished but I really screwed up the colors because I misread the color chart and I hate the coverage with the Charcoal WDW floss. But I'm not frogging it out because at that point, I'd just have to start over. I will frog out the Charcoal and sub in a GAST color that's very close to the Charcoal thread. I think I can manage that but to rip out all that Tropical Blue border to replace it with Cornflower, NO THANK YOU!
I have to tell you that I've been in a funk recently too. I hate February, It's the longest month of the year for me because by this time, I am very tired of the cold and snow. We had a bit of a thaw here in Upstate NY this week. Spring-like temps and SUN!! I was very encouraged to see Daffodil shoots coming up in my garden. That's encouraging. Today, we are under a wind advisory, it's snowing and cold again!
In other news...
My kids are in Japan and I believe settling in nicely. Mike will be very busy the next couple of weeks spinning up to speed on his job supporting Search and Rescue. There are a number of training exercises comng up and then....he deploys to Afghanistan this Summer. I know that's what he signed up to do but I can't help but be worried and scared for him. I guess he's just not playing War but is in one.
I am also struggling with a few health issues (I am at that age, high cholesterol, high BP and pre-diabetes) and some other personal things and I am very thankful for my stitching because it calms my mind and I don't think about the things that bother me when I have a needle in my hand. And, I am trying to be positive, focusing on my many, many blessings. That alone lifts my spirits, as do all of you who come by my blog. I am so grateful for the internet and the stitching community. But if you would and are so inclined, keep me in prayer.
So, I am off to start my Saturday. My coffee is finished, the load of laundry is done and needs to go into the dryer and the vacuum is calling my name. Have a great weekend! And thanks for stopping. Come back soon!
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
I'M TIRED OF WINTER GIVEAWAY!!!!!
I AM SICK OF WINTER!!!!!
Ok, who's with me on this! Are you sick of Winter yet? I KNOW I am! So in order to drive away the WInter doldrums and to offset the intense desire for retail therapy, I've decided to hold another GIVE-AWAY!
This Give-away will be a celebration of Spring. So, if you are game and are sick of Winter, come join the fun. Rest assured the give-away will be packed with goodies sure to drive Ol' Man Winter away!
All are welcome if you want to play along but once again, it would be nice if you were a follower but it's not required. Please leave a message on this post ONLY stating how tired you are of Ol' Man Winter and I'll draw the lucky winner on the first day of Spring, March 20th.
Come play!
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Good Snowy Tuesday!
Hi Everyone!
I hope you are staying warm and snug this blustery Winter's Day! We have been fortunate up till now with snow but this storm marching across the US will hit us with a vengeance this afternoon and into tomorrow. We are supposed to get at least a foot of snow and then brutally cold temperatures.
I have been under the weather, over the weekend I contracted that nasty stomach bug that's flying around. Just suffice it to say that upchucking pizza in the middle of the night isn't one of the most pleasant experiences and one that I don't want to repeat for the rest of my life. I despise throwing up with all I'm worth so this episode was doubly icky. After that, it was ginger ale and crackers for the rest of the weekend. Food doesn't have the greatest appeal right now and do not even show me a picture of pizza. Blech.
Because I was sick on the weekend, I stayed home on Monday just to be sure that I wasn't going to spread my illness to unsuspecting co-workers (who, I am sure, are very grateful). Mainly, I was sore and weak and the sick day afforded me a chance for uninterupted stitching and movie watching. I stitched ALL DAY! Oh, it was heavenly! I worked on Her Sampler by CHS and I am happy to say I am 1/2 way done with it. I love, love, love the sampler and I am working on it feverishly because I want to get it framed right away! I have a 60% off framing coupon from Michaels that's good until mid-February. I'd love to frame Her Sampler and Lucy Minton this go round. Both are smallish samplers so I am hoping to get away with less than a fortune to frame them. Got to love the Michael's coupons. Usually, when I have Michaels frame anything for me, I take my piece in and order the frame and all the accompaning hardware, spacers, frame, glass etc. . I have the foam core cut to size for me and I take it home and stretch the piece myself. When the frame comes in, I take my stretched piece back to them for assembly. That way, I know it's done correctly. The store people look at me like I'm nuts and there's one gentleman in particular who thinks I am a royal pain but who cares? I get what I want and I am very happy with the results.
On the movie front, I downloaded RED. OMGosh, I about split a gut! It was very funny and I adored the entire cast. And I watched Secretariat. We saw it in the theater when it first came out. Each time I watch it, I get goosebumps. I adore that movie!
I do have a dilemna though, I want to stitch Valentine's things too. But it will take time away from Her Sampler! Oh, what's a stitcher to do?! I've been very good about stitching WIPs and not starting anything new. I am proud of myself. So far, I've worked on Her Sampler, Alphabets and BOAF's, Friendship Sampler.
I feel a little guilty about not working exclusively on the Friendship Sampler becasue there's another stitcher anxiously awaiting the pattern. I am seriously considering frogging out the Charcoal thread because it is so thin and the coverage is sparse. Has anyone noticed that the quality of Weeks Dye Works thread has deteriorated? I have thread from a few years ago that's plump and doesn't tangle. With the newer thread I've purchased, I find that I battle coverage and tangling constantly. My favorite overdyed thread is Cresent Colors and Gentle Arts Sampler Thread. I have a good supply of GAST and I do not need another collection of thread so I am resisting the temptation to purchase a lot of the Crescent Color floss. It is tempting, though!
And speaking of favorites, I have a new favorite linen. You know that I love Lambswool linen. It's got a very warm hue and I adore just about anything that I stitch on it. But it is a light tone. And I've been looking for a linen in a warm brown that is a bit darker. I've found it! Country Mocha Belfast! It is warm and no matter what thread color I stitch on it, the fibers seem to glow on the fabric. It is a "full bodied" linen too that feels terrific in "hand". The only drawback is that I've only found it in 32 count. But that's ok, 32 count fabric is very acceptable to me as a mid-range linen count. Her Sampler is stitched on a Vintage piece of Country Mocha. The shading is so subtle. I am in love. I bought a hugh piece of Country Mocha to stitch Blackbird Designs, Anniversaries of the Heart. I just need to pull all the thread to see how they look on the linen. I bet the fibers will look smashing. (Not too worry, I won't be starting this anytime soon but I AM prepared!).
Anyway, stitchy pictures will have to wait until the sun is out and I am home. Usually, I am at work when the sun shines. The weekends have been drab and overcast. So pictures are lacking. Please just be patient and there will be a very picture heavy post in the near future (crossing my fingers!) And thanks for hanging in there with me, friends! I really thought I'd lose followers since I haven't posted in a while. That means a lot to me cause I cherish everyone who visits. :-) I hope to "see" you soon!
I hope you are staying warm and snug this blustery Winter's Day! We have been fortunate up till now with snow but this storm marching across the US will hit us with a vengeance this afternoon and into tomorrow. We are supposed to get at least a foot of snow and then brutally cold temperatures.
I have been under the weather, over the weekend I contracted that nasty stomach bug that's flying around. Just suffice it to say that upchucking pizza in the middle of the night isn't one of the most pleasant experiences and one that I don't want to repeat for the rest of my life. I despise throwing up with all I'm worth so this episode was doubly icky. After that, it was ginger ale and crackers for the rest of the weekend. Food doesn't have the greatest appeal right now and do not even show me a picture of pizza. Blech.
Because I was sick on the weekend, I stayed home on Monday just to be sure that I wasn't going to spread my illness to unsuspecting co-workers (who, I am sure, are very grateful). Mainly, I was sore and weak and the sick day afforded me a chance for uninterupted stitching and movie watching. I stitched ALL DAY! Oh, it was heavenly! I worked on Her Sampler by CHS and I am happy to say I am 1/2 way done with it. I love, love, love the sampler and I am working on it feverishly because I want to get it framed right away! I have a 60% off framing coupon from Michaels that's good until mid-February. I'd love to frame Her Sampler and Lucy Minton this go round. Both are smallish samplers so I am hoping to get away with less than a fortune to frame them. Got to love the Michael's coupons. Usually, when I have Michaels frame anything for me, I take my piece in and order the frame and all the accompaning hardware, spacers, frame, glass etc. . I have the foam core cut to size for me and I take it home and stretch the piece myself. When the frame comes in, I take my stretched piece back to them for assembly. That way, I know it's done correctly. The store people look at me like I'm nuts and there's one gentleman in particular who thinks I am a royal pain but who cares? I get what I want and I am very happy with the results.
On the movie front, I downloaded RED. OMGosh, I about split a gut! It was very funny and I adored the entire cast. And I watched Secretariat. We saw it in the theater when it first came out. Each time I watch it, I get goosebumps. I adore that movie!
I do have a dilemna though, I want to stitch Valentine's things too. But it will take time away from Her Sampler! Oh, what's a stitcher to do?! I've been very good about stitching WIPs and not starting anything new. I am proud of myself. So far, I've worked on Her Sampler, Alphabets and BOAF's, Friendship Sampler.
I feel a little guilty about not working exclusively on the Friendship Sampler becasue there's another stitcher anxiously awaiting the pattern. I am seriously considering frogging out the Charcoal thread because it is so thin and the coverage is sparse. Has anyone noticed that the quality of Weeks Dye Works thread has deteriorated? I have thread from a few years ago that's plump and doesn't tangle. With the newer thread I've purchased, I find that I battle coverage and tangling constantly. My favorite overdyed thread is Cresent Colors and Gentle Arts Sampler Thread. I have a good supply of GAST and I do not need another collection of thread so I am resisting the temptation to purchase a lot of the Crescent Color floss. It is tempting, though!
And speaking of favorites, I have a new favorite linen. You know that I love Lambswool linen. It's got a very warm hue and I adore just about anything that I stitch on it. But it is a light tone. And I've been looking for a linen in a warm brown that is a bit darker. I've found it! Country Mocha Belfast! It is warm and no matter what thread color I stitch on it, the fibers seem to glow on the fabric. It is a "full bodied" linen too that feels terrific in "hand". The only drawback is that I've only found it in 32 count. But that's ok, 32 count fabric is very acceptable to me as a mid-range linen count. Her Sampler is stitched on a Vintage piece of Country Mocha. The shading is so subtle. I am in love. I bought a hugh piece of Country Mocha to stitch Blackbird Designs, Anniversaries of the Heart. I just need to pull all the thread to see how they look on the linen. I bet the fibers will look smashing. (Not too worry, I won't be starting this anytime soon but I AM prepared!).
Anyway, stitchy pictures will have to wait until the sun is out and I am home. Usually, I am at work when the sun shines. The weekends have been drab and overcast. So pictures are lacking. Please just be patient and there will be a very picture heavy post in the near future (crossing my fingers!) And thanks for hanging in there with me, friends! I really thought I'd lose followers since I haven't posted in a while. That means a lot to me cause I cherish everyone who visits. :-) I hope to "see" you soon!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday, January 09, 2011
The Crazies!
Well, I am crazy, you all know that. I did sign up for 2 challenges but on top of that (with good intentions, of course) life just got plain crazy here! Therefore, even though I 've tried to keep up with the challenges, life has stepped in with it's own challenges. So I haven't had a spare minute to snap one pic of all my cross stitch madness. Sigh. I really wanted to share pics with you.
For the Flippin' Crazy Challenge, I finished one WIP (YAY for me!). I finished Miss Snow Fairy on Friday night. She's too CUTE!
I worked on Her Sampler but ended up frogging every stitch. :( because I certainly cannot count after 10 PM.
I worked on Alphabets and finished a couple more letters. She's 1/2 way done!
And I worked on BOAF's Friendship Sampler but I'm not feeling the love with my threads so I may restart.
Honestly, this challenge has lit a fire under me to finish some nice Wips. Kudos to Jayne for her brilliant idea!
I haven't done as well on the 15 day Challenge. I did start LHN's, All Is Calm on 35 count Lambswool linen but that's it. I got most of the roof on one of the houses stitched using one strand of DMC but HATED the coverage. (Has anyone but me noticed that DMC is very thin now? I had a skein of older DMC (like 15 years old) and the fibers were much more plump than the skein I just purchased. Plus there's thickness variation within the newer skein too.) I love how it's coming out now that went to 2 threads over 35 count.
And there are 2 big crazy things going on in my life right now.
1. The upcoming work week will be CRAZY because we are hosting our registrar for certifcation to 3(!) standards. There will be 4 auditors over 5 days. 12 hour days. CRAZY busy!
2. Mike is getting ready to fly away next Saturday. He is going to Tindale AFB in Florida for F-15 fighter training for a month. Then in mid-February both Jenna and he leave for Kadena AFB in Okinawa. After Saturday, I will not see him for at least a year. Jenna will join him in Dallas in February and then together they will go on to Japan. I am not sure how I feel about it. Of course, I am SO proud of him. And I know it is an adventure of a lifetime. But the Mom in me...well, she is happy that he's got strong wings but sad just the same to see him spread those wings and fly into his life.
So you see...it's CRAZY here!
Pics to follow soon, probably next weekend sometime. We are going out of town Friday into Saturday so with fingers crossed, maybe the weather will cooperate Saturday afternoon or Sunday and I will be able to get a pic or 3 of my progress. The weather sucks and there's no light right now.
For the Flippin' Crazy Challenge, I finished one WIP (YAY for me!). I finished Miss Snow Fairy on Friday night. She's too CUTE!
I worked on Her Sampler but ended up frogging every stitch. :( because I certainly cannot count after 10 PM.
I worked on Alphabets and finished a couple more letters. She's 1/2 way done!
And I worked on BOAF's Friendship Sampler but I'm not feeling the love with my threads so I may restart.
Honestly, this challenge has lit a fire under me to finish some nice Wips. Kudos to Jayne for her brilliant idea!
I haven't done as well on the 15 day Challenge. I did start LHN's, All Is Calm on 35 count Lambswool linen but that's it. I got most of the roof on one of the houses stitched using one strand of DMC but HATED the coverage. (Has anyone but me noticed that DMC is very thin now? I had a skein of older DMC (like 15 years old) and the fibers were much more plump than the skein I just purchased. Plus there's thickness variation within the newer skein too.) I love how it's coming out now that went to 2 threads over 35 count.
And there are 2 big crazy things going on in my life right now.
1. The upcoming work week will be CRAZY because we are hosting our registrar for certifcation to 3(!) standards. There will be 4 auditors over 5 days. 12 hour days. CRAZY busy!
2. Mike is getting ready to fly away next Saturday. He is going to Tindale AFB in Florida for F-15 fighter training for a month. Then in mid-February both Jenna and he leave for Kadena AFB in Okinawa. After Saturday, I will not see him for at least a year. Jenna will join him in Dallas in February and then together they will go on to Japan. I am not sure how I feel about it. Of course, I am SO proud of him. And I know it is an adventure of a lifetime. But the Mom in me...well, she is happy that he's got strong wings but sad just the same to see him spread those wings and fly into his life.
So you see...it's CRAZY here!
Pics to follow soon, probably next weekend sometime. We are going out of town Friday into Saturday so with fingers crossed, maybe the weather will cooperate Saturday afternoon or Sunday and I will be able to get a pic or 3 of my progress. The weather sucks and there's no light right now.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
January 1st
I didn't start anything today but I did pick which ornaments I am going to start for the 15 Day Challenge. I will kit them up this week and begin stitching them in between Wip busting with the Flippin' Crazy January Challenge.
I decided to stitch the following as my 1st 3 ornaments for the 15 Day Challenge:
I am 95% finished with her. I thought she would be done before the New Year but we've had company. Mike and Jenna are here and we've entertained their friends for the last 3 days. What a great time we had! It was like when Mike was in High School and all his buddies would come here on Friday night for all night video games. They would play video games all night and that's just what they did for the last 2 nights. We toasted the New Year to Dick Clark's Rocking New Year's Eve and then off to bed we went.
I am sorry that my vacation is just about over and then it's back to work. It's been a great 2 weeks off but once I go back to work, it's going to be insane! I am sure that after I am there 15 minutes, I won't feel like I've been off at all. Oh fun, fun!
So, tomorrow, I'll post my progress on Miss Snow Fairy. She's cute! I made a change to her and I've stitched her on a larger count fabric to make her into a pillow. Eventually. HA HA. I bought a really cute piece of flannel to border and back her. I hope that once my craft room is picked up I'll feel like sewing. I worked on that chore today a bit, it's slowly coming back together.
Anyway, the dogs have been a trial, our shepherd, Daisy, is ok with Mike's dog, Sophie, but there have been a few growls and 2 minor altercations that put me on edge so whenever the dogs get close to each other I kinda freak out. The David is a little peeved at me right now so it's hasn't been a great start to 2011 between us.
Well, I think that's enough of my blathering...I bid you all a fond good night! Thanks for coming by!
I decided to stitch the following as my 1st 3 ornaments for the 15 Day Challenge:
Little House Needlework
Red House in Winter
Little House Needlework
All Is Calm
Homespun Elegance
Festive Redbird
As part of the Flippin' Crazy Challenge, I stitched on With Thy Needle and Thread's, Miss Snow Fairy.
I am 95% finished with her. I thought she would be done before the New Year but we've had company. Mike and Jenna are here and we've entertained their friends for the last 3 days. What a great time we had! It was like when Mike was in High School and all his buddies would come here on Friday night for all night video games. They would play video games all night and that's just what they did for the last 2 nights. We toasted the New Year to Dick Clark's Rocking New Year's Eve and then off to bed we went.
I am sorry that my vacation is just about over and then it's back to work. It's been a great 2 weeks off but once I go back to work, it's going to be insane! I am sure that after I am there 15 minutes, I won't feel like I've been off at all. Oh fun, fun!
So, tomorrow, I'll post my progress on Miss Snow Fairy. She's cute! I made a change to her and I've stitched her on a larger count fabric to make her into a pillow. Eventually. HA HA. I bought a really cute piece of flannel to border and back her. I hope that once my craft room is picked up I'll feel like sewing. I worked on that chore today a bit, it's slowly coming back together.
Anyway, the dogs have been a trial, our shepherd, Daisy, is ok with Mike's dog, Sophie, but there have been a few growls and 2 minor altercations that put me on edge so whenever the dogs get close to each other I kinda freak out. The David is a little peeved at me right now so it's hasn't been a great start to 2011 between us.
Well, I think that's enough of my blathering...I bid you all a fond good night! Thanks for coming by!
Winner, Winner! Chicken Dinner!
Ok...here's the big announcement!
This was done so scientifically that I even amaze myself. HA HA.
All the names were put into a hat.
Shaken, not stirred.
A lucky name was drawn.
And the winner is...
.
.
.
.
.
.
KATHY! (Kathy's Stitching and other comments)
Surprise!!!!
See, coming late to the party wasn't such a bad idea!
Please send me your address, and I will get your goodies out by the end of the week. I still have a house full of company and I won't make it to the post office until I get back to work.
Thanks to everyone who played in the snow with me. I promise to have another give away soon. I sorta enjoy this...
This was done so scientifically that I even amaze myself. HA HA.
All the names were put into a hat.
Shaken, not stirred.
A lucky name was drawn.
And the winner is...
.
.
.
.
.
.
KATHY! (Kathy's Stitching and other comments)
Surprise!!!!
See, coming late to the party wasn't such a bad idea!
Please send me your address, and I will get your goodies out by the end of the week. I still have a house full of company and I won't make it to the post office until I get back to work.
Thanks to everyone who played in the snow with me. I promise to have another give away soon. I sorta enjoy this...
Friday, December 31, 2010
Reflections
My year was fair to mid-land. Some good things happened, the house finally got finished.
Mike and Jenna spent the year in Texas.
And I kept my job.
Stitching wise, I finished a few things but started many more:
So, here's to new beginnings and learning from the past. Onto 2011!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Breathe
Oh after 9 long months, my kids are here! I feel that I can breathe again. They are here. I am very happy.
Sophie, Mike & Jenna
They are my greatest joy and this is the best Christmas present that I received :-) .
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas to all my blogger friends! Thank you so much for your friendship, inspiration and love! I cherish each and everyone of you that drop by to visit Joanie's World.
May you have a wonderful Christmas filled with laughter, friends, family and great food. I hope that Santa's good to you and that you take a moment to reflect on God's gift to us. Blesssings to all of you in 2011!!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The GIVE-AWAY
Ok, I've made a decision about the give-away. Today is the first day of Winter and it's the day that I put out my snowmen. I've got quite a collection and each year I add a few more. So in celebration of the longest day of the year, I am holding my give-away. IT'S A SURPRISE (cuz I don't have a camera to take pics...LOL!!).
Just a few hints...
There's cross stitch charts, fabric and fibers, a painted thing or 2 and it's going to be all wrapped up in something very pretty.
If you want to play...please leave me a comment on this post only. Make sure you have your email address or a way to contact you if you are the weiner!!!
You do not need to be a follower, although it would be nice if you joined the party. You just have to like Winter.
I'll draw the winner's name on January 1st.
Hope you'll play...
Just a few hints...
There's cross stitch charts, fabric and fibers, a painted thing or 2 and it's going to be all wrapped up in something very pretty.
If you want to play...please leave me a comment on this post only. Make sure you have your email address or a way to contact you if you are the weiner!!!
You do not need to be a follower, although it would be nice if you joined the party. You just have to like Winter.
I'll draw the winner's name on January 1st.
Hope you'll play...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Christmas Time is Near
Hi Everyone! I hope all of you are ready for Santa Claus. I'm just about ready to go, the presents still need to be wrapped and I have some baking to do but the good thing is that I am on VACATION!!!! OMGosh, 2 WHOLE WEEKS OFF from the madness of my job (which I dearly love but am completely burned out. I am crispy).
What do you think I'll be doing with my time? Well, I have some household things that need attending to desperately and of course there's the baking and present wrapping. I have a list that could wrap around the earth a few times. If I get a 10th of it done, I'll be a happy camper.
First of all there's the general housecleaning, not too big of a job and it's necessary. I want to clean out a few closets and I really want to organize my craft room. It's claustrophobic because I have stuff literally hanging from the ceiling. It needs a good clean and scrub. I want to go through some old magazines, put things away and generally make it a nice place to work again. When I let it go, it becomes a catch-all room and all the creativity gets lost. I don't want to be there and work.
The other big job is the basementdungeon. The TV show, Hoarders, would have a field day down there. You take a chance with your life to go down there, you may never return to the light of day! We have things that we trucked from our old house that we lived in for 11 years (we've been in this house for 21 years) so I have stuff from 30 years ago that hasn't seen the light of day and I figure if we haven't opened those boxes by now, it's a safe bet that we won't miss the stuff when it's gone. There's construction stuff from when the house was built, craft goodies, holiday decorations, Mike's things and the flotsam and jetsam of 21 years of living here. Well, you get the idea. It's time to purge. I want the house to vomit it out to the landfill. A clean slate for 2011 and I hope to break that law of nature that says Nature abhors a vacuum and avoid filling it back up. Wish me luck!
But I really want to finish some cross stitch things this week. I spent most of my time painting snowmen this weekend and had absolutely NO needle time in over a week. I have a few ornaments that need to be put together and a pillow I want to finish. And I want to stitch. And stitch some more.
Next week, Mike and Jenna will be here!!! I am so looking forward to seeing them! They will be home for a few days. Mike will be leaving for Florida mid-January for additional training, Jenna will be with her parents while he is there and they will leave for Japan in mid-February. I am glad because originally they were to leave for Japan on January 6th. Now Jenna will get a chance to say a proper good-bye to her parents and friends. They won't feel like they are getting ripped out of their lives here and dropped into Okinawa. They now get to ease into Japan.
I promised you my list of Wips that I pledge to bust in 2011 during the Flipin' Crazy January Challenge. So here it is...in no particular order:
I also joined the Crazy January 2011 Challenge to stitch Christmas ornaments and I joined the All Year Long Christmas Stitch-a-long just to stitch Christmas things. That SAL is really no pressure and I'll post the ornaments I finish there. I wish someone would start an All Year Long Halloween Stitch-a-long. Now that would be sweet!
The DH is in Texas to attend Mike's graduation from Mil Intel School and to help the kids drive their cars back to NY. He won't be back until late Christmas Eve. The camera is with him and I won't be able to post pics until he gets home. So be patient. I know I promised a give-away but unless you want it to be a TOTAL surprise you'll have to wait until next week for that post with pictures.
Anyway...sorry for the long post and thanks so much for visiting my corner of the world! I love it when you come by! I'll post something later in the week....for Christmas...
What do you think I'll be doing with my time? Well, I have some household things that need attending to desperately and of course there's the baking and present wrapping. I have a list that could wrap around the earth a few times. If I get a 10th of it done, I'll be a happy camper.
First of all there's the general housecleaning, not too big of a job and it's necessary. I want to clean out a few closets and I really want to organize my craft room. It's claustrophobic because I have stuff literally hanging from the ceiling. It needs a good clean and scrub. I want to go through some old magazines, put things away and generally make it a nice place to work again. When I let it go, it becomes a catch-all room and all the creativity gets lost. I don't want to be there and work.
The other big job is the basement
But I really want to finish some cross stitch things this week. I spent most of my time painting snowmen this weekend and had absolutely NO needle time in over a week. I have a few ornaments that need to be put together and a pillow I want to finish. And I want to stitch. And stitch some more.
Next week, Mike and Jenna will be here!!! I am so looking forward to seeing them! They will be home for a few days. Mike will be leaving for Florida mid-January for additional training, Jenna will be with her parents while he is there and they will leave for Japan in mid-February. I am glad because originally they were to leave for Japan on January 6th. Now Jenna will get a chance to say a proper good-bye to her parents and friends. They won't feel like they are getting ripped out of their lives here and dropped into Okinawa. They now get to ease into Japan.
I promised you my list of Wips that I pledge to bust in 2011 during the Flipin' Crazy January Challenge. So here it is...in no particular order:
- Alphabets - Merrily Beams
- Snow Day - With Thy Needle and Thread
- Christmas Double Flips - Lizzie*Kate
- Her Sampler - Carriagehouse Samplings
- Sweeping Snowflakes - With Thy Needle and Thread
- Friendship Sampler - BOAF
- Eye on the Sparrow - Silver Creek Samplers
- Quaker Medallion Sampler - SANQ Winter 2000
- Ellen Birdseye - The Good Huswife
- Remember Me - Mary Garry
- Thankful Wheeler - The Good Huswife
- Time and Season Sampler - Moira Blackburn
- Maria Chivers - Samplers Remembered
- This is the Day - Hands to Work
- True Virtue Sampler (Janie Applebaum) JCS magazine
I also joined the Crazy January 2011 Challenge to stitch Christmas ornaments and I joined the All Year Long Christmas Stitch-a-long just to stitch Christmas things. That SAL is really no pressure and I'll post the ornaments I finish there. I wish someone would start an All Year Long Halloween Stitch-a-long. Now that would be sweet!
The DH is in Texas to attend Mike's graduation from Mil Intel School and to help the kids drive their cars back to NY. He won't be back until late Christmas Eve. The camera is with him and I won't be able to post pics until he gets home. So be patient. I know I promised a give-away but unless you want it to be a TOTAL surprise you'll have to wait until next week for that post with pictures.
Anyway...sorry for the long post and thanks so much for visiting my corner of the world! I love it when you come by! I'll post something later in the week....for Christmas...
Saturday, December 04, 2010
There is a Method to my Madness
I am certifiably insane. I decided to join the Crazy January Challenge. But! There's a method to this madness. I am ONY stitching ornaments and small pieces throughout the year for my christmas tree and as bowl fillers. You know, the cazy idea I had this year to stitch seasonal items and display them? Well, I think this is going to keep me focused on doing just that!
And I've chosen my 15 WIPs for Jayne's challenge. That challenge will be the more difficult one because most of my WIPs are only 1/2 completed. I guess the bloom fades about 1/2 way into the project. I was so surprised when I pulled them out and realized that just about all of them are at the 1/2 way point. LOL! Anyway, I'll post all of my lists later this weekend. I'm on my way to a cookie exchange. T'is the Season!
And I've chosen my 15 WIPs for Jayne's challenge. That challenge will be the more difficult one because most of my WIPs are only 1/2 completed. I guess the bloom fades about 1/2 way into the project. I was so surprised when I pulled them out and realized that just about all of them are at the 1/2 way point. LOL! Anyway, I'll post all of my lists later this weekend. I'm on my way to a cookie exchange. T'is the Season!
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Hi There
I hope all my US friends had a great Thanksgiving! And to all my out of country buddies, I hope you had a nice weekend. I made it a l-o-n-g weekend out of it, I took vacation 1/2 day vacation on Tuesday, a full day of vacation on Wednesday and Friday was shutdown. I thought I'd get a lot of stitching done but that didn't happen. I worked on Miss Snow Fairy and my Lizzie Kate Christmas snip-its. But what I spent most of the weekend on was our bedroom. The David decided he wanted to remove the acoustic ceiling, sand and repaint it. That led to repainting the entire room and steam cleaning the carpet. My knees still aren't happy from getting up and down the ladder a bojillion times. We painted the room a lovely caramel color called Cracker Bitz. I thought I'd get a pic of the room for you but there hasn't been any sun in my chunk o'world since LAST week. It's rained and rained and continues to rain here. But, the bedroom looks spectacular and it's stayed clutter free for 4 whole days!! A RECORD!!! LOL!
Tonight I am very tired and somewhat down. There is so much to do to get ready for Mike and Jenna when they come home for Christmas (crossing my fingers). I haven't done any decorating yet. I usually wait until mid-December to put up the tree but I think this year I'm going to put it up next weekend. I think I'll do some decorating on the weekend, the table decorations and window garlands. Probably, I'll start on Sunday cause I'm going to a Cookie Exchange on Saturday (I'm making 8 dozen peanut butter blossom cookies on Friday night).
Have you heard about the Crazy January Challenge where you start a new project everyday for the first 15 days in January and then working on them throughout the year until they are done? It's like a 1/2 month Guilt-free January. I've decided instead of starting 15 new pieces (which is truly crazy and got me in the WIP mess that I'm currently in), I'm going to chose 15 WIPs and work on them until they are finished. I'm joining this blog Up 4 a Challenge . Jayne from An Eye for Threads at Henley's Landing is hosting it. I'll post my 15 and then let the challenge begin. Want to join me?
Oh, I've decided that I will have my Give-Away on December 21st. It's a Frosty Friend Giveaway, filled with Snowmen...a painted Frosty Friend, some Frosty Stash, fabric and a chart or 3....stay tuned for the details. I'm going to keep it simple....so watch for the post announcing it on the 15th!
Anyway...I'm going to go off and try to stitch. Sorry no pics. Maybe when the sun returns soon, I hope.
Tonight I am very tired and somewhat down. There is so much to do to get ready for Mike and Jenna when they come home for Christmas (crossing my fingers). I haven't done any decorating yet. I usually wait until mid-December to put up the tree but I think this year I'm going to put it up next weekend. I think I'll do some decorating on the weekend, the table decorations and window garlands. Probably, I'll start on Sunday cause I'm going to a Cookie Exchange on Saturday (I'm making 8 dozen peanut butter blossom cookies on Friday night).
Have you heard about the Crazy January Challenge where you start a new project everyday for the first 15 days in January and then working on them throughout the year until they are done? It's like a 1/2 month Guilt-free January. I've decided instead of starting 15 new pieces (which is truly crazy and got me in the WIP mess that I'm currently in), I'm going to chose 15 WIPs and work on them until they are finished. I'm joining this blog Up 4 a Challenge . Jayne from An Eye for Threads at Henley's Landing is hosting it. I'll post my 15 and then let the challenge begin. Want to join me?
Oh, I've decided that I will have my Give-Away on December 21st. It's a Frosty Friend Giveaway, filled with Snowmen...a painted Frosty Friend, some Frosty Stash, fabric and a chart or 3....stay tuned for the details. I'm going to keep it simple....so watch for the post announcing it on the 15th!
Anyway...I'm going to go off and try to stitch. Sorry no pics. Maybe when the sun returns soon, I hope.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
I wish you a wonderful time with family and friends. Share laughter, love and stories. Smile a lot and eat LOTS of pie!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Just to Prove I DO Stitch!
Picture time!!! I just wanted you to know that, yes, I DO stitch. I don't finish much but yes, the needle and I are close friends.
Finished but not framed:
Finished but not framed:
Lucy Minton
The City Stitcher
32ct Raw Belfast Linen
DMC
Halloween pieces that I wanted to make into small pillows. Didn't happen, obviously. I love to stitch, fear finishing. Go figure.
The Prairie Schooler
Mary Gary's Sewing Cabin
35ct Lambswool Linen
DMC
At least these made it to their intended finish and were proudly displayed at Halloween.Mary Gary's Sewing Cabin
35ct Lambswool Linen
DMC
The Prairie Schooler
Sweeping Cobwebs
35ct Lambswool Linen
DMC
Broom Hilda
Wtih Thy Needle & Thread
35ct Lambswool Linen
DMC
Liberty
The Trilogy
32ct Linen
Overdyed Thread
And I'm working on these With Thy Needle and Thread Patterns:
Snow Day
With Thy Needle & Thread
35ct Confederate Grey Linen
DMC
Snow Fairy
With Thy Needle & Thread
28ct Mushroom Lugana
DMC
He's a Flake
30ct Straw Linen
Weeks Dye Works Cotton Thread
Can you tell I love snowmen?
I started the Christmas flip its 2 Christmas' ago. I put it up but picked it back up yesterday. I am not fond of Weeks Dye Works thread so I think that's why it got sent to the "Land of the Misfit Stitching". I'm enjoying it now though....
I started the Christmas flip its 2 Christmas' ago. I put it up but picked it back up yesterday. I am not fond of Weeks Dye Works thread so I think that's why it got sent to the "Land of the Misfit Stitching". I'm enjoying it now though....
Christmas Double Flips
Lizzie Kate
32c Lambswool Linen
32c Lambswool Linen
Weeks Dye Works Cotton Thread
Another design destined for pillow finishing....eventually.
Plum Pudding Designs
32ct Unknown Linen
DMC
When I had grand ideas to have a basket full of Patriotic pillows, I stitched these:
Let Freedom Ring
Lizzie Kate Snippet
32ct Lambswool Linen
Weeks Dye Works & GAST overdyed thread
The Sampler Girl
32ct Lambswool Linen
Weeks Dye Works Linen
Lastly, I participated in a Halloween Exchange with All Season's Ornaments. Dawn made me the cutest treat bag from a Lizzie Kate Halloween design. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!
A-nn-n-d...there's the stash haul...no, not all at once but over the course of a month or so....gluttonous I know, but just the same I'm happy.
So there ya have it sports fans! The last few months stitching! I hope you liked what I have to show you. Thanks for visiting!!! Love when you stop by, truly I do!
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Good Sunday Morning!
Today when I woke up, I was blinded by a bright shiney thing streaming in through the window of our bedroom. What could it be? Was it SUNSHINE??? Sun???!!! Isn't that the big bright thing in the sky that is very scarce in my part of good ol' Upstate NY? Why, yes, yes it is! Mr. Sol decided to pay a visit. He's not been around for the last 2 weeks and honestly, I am thrilled he is here. Now, maybe I'll get some pics of my stitching to show you instead of just talking about it or not talking at all because there's no stitchy pics to accompany my musing.
I will not be able to show you my All Season's Exchange ornanment because of Mr. Sun's absence. If Daisy posts it on the blog, I'll snag it and post it. I also actually finished something, I made 2 pincushions for Halloween, one of this pattern from With Thy Needle:
and one of that marching witch with the broom from this one too.
Currently, I've been stitching on 2 new pieces and I've picked up a WIP that got put away last year. I can't stop myself from starting new things. The WIP is Miss Snow Fairy:
So now that I've bored you with my pieces, hopefully later, I'll get pics of the finishes. I want to say thanks for hanging with me and a big THANK YOU to my newest followers.
I've got my plans made for my giveaway. I've decided to go with a Winter's theme. Since I'm a bona fide snowman freak, those frosty fellows are going to be front and center. Stay tuned!
Have a blessed and wonderful Sunday. And if the sun's shining where you are, ENJOY IT!!!
I will not be able to show you my All Season's Exchange ornanment because of Mr. Sun's absence. If Daisy posts it on the blog, I'll snag it and post it. I also actually finished something, I made 2 pincushions for Halloween, one of this pattern from With Thy Needle:
and one of that marching witch with the broom from this one too.
Currently, I've been stitching on 2 new pieces and I've picked up a WIP that got put away last year. I can't stop myself from starting new things. The WIP is Miss Snow Fairy:
And the new piece is With Thy Needles, Sweeping Snowflakes:
I love the broom idea but I want a bowl of snowmen this year.
And the other new piece is an oop Birds of a Feather sampler, Friendship Sampler:
Melissa from Words in Bloom offered it as a round robin piece to stitch so it's my turn. I've got the top few rows of the border stitched. Not enough to show you. I had the Barn Owl fabric to stitch it on and I'm using the recommended thread.
So now that I've bored you with my pieces, hopefully later, I'll get pics of the finishes. I want to say thanks for hanging with me and a big THANK YOU to my newest followers.
I've got my plans made for my giveaway. I've decided to go with a Winter's theme. Since I'm a bona fide snowman freak, those frosty fellows are going to be front and center. Stay tuned!
Have a blessed and wonderful Sunday. And if the sun's shining where you are, ENJOY IT!!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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