Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year!

This is the same post I make at the end of each year with a few changes here and there to suit the time of my life. It may get old to some but it works for me.

A New Year is right around the corner! A brand new clean calendar! It's up to each one of us what we do with it. Each year I make the same goals with a possible extra or two tossed in for good measure. I prefer to use "goals" instead of "resolutions" because I feel that I am taking already important things in my life and putting my focus on strengthening them.

1. To make an effort to learn something new every day. The joy of knowledge is indeed a blessing no matter what you choose to learn.

2. To make time for myself. It's amazing what 15 minutes sitting on the deck with a hot cup of coffee and watching the birds can do for my soul. A little time each day to refresh my spirit is all it takes.

3. To take time to appreciate each day. Too often we forget to see the beauty around us and take the simple things in life for granted. My continued goal is to look with my eyes but to see with my heart. To simply enjoy life and all that is a part of it.

4. To enjoy my family and friends. I am lucky to have each and every one of them in my life. I have been blessed with so many online friends and each day I am grateful for each one of you! My online stitching and blogging friends are a very important part of my life!

5. Organize and Simplify! Two key words I always yearn to make a part of my everyday routine but often lose focus on. Organize doesn't mean I have to go on a cleaning rampage each day. It just means I need to get my life and things that are a part of my life in some of manageable order so that I feel comfortable instead of constantly overwhelmed. Not putting things off until the last minute can contribute greatly to this cause! Simplify! Just what it means - plain and simple! Stop making a mountain out of a mole hill, do what I can and leave the rest, don't volunteer for more than I feel I can handle or feel will stress me out!

6. To Remember. So many people have come and gone from my life over the recent years and I want to keep their memory alive.

7. To keep my faith alive and strong.

8. The past several years have been horrible for us and have only continued to get worse. Changing things will be hard and will not happen immediately but I am determined to get our lives on track again.

9. To Forgive. Things happen that cause hurt, anger and resentment but often the people who cause these emotions don't care. We are the ones left with bitter feelings that only mount up and make us more and more miserable. I will let the past remain in the past and let go of these feelings so that I can move on with my life.

10. To use kind words and practice patience more often. I will try to live by the good old standard saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

And of course the New Year just wouldn't be complete without a few just plain fun goals!

1. Take more trips. Even day trips can be fun.

2. No pressure. Keep the fun and joy in stitching. This is why I started in the first place! I actually have several special projects planned for this year but will keep them a secret until I start.

3. Work on some WIPs I have been neglectful of. Each stitch on them brings me a little closer to a finish!

4. I also have a lot of freebies, smalls and magazine patterns I have been wanting to stitch.

5. Take more pictures.

Have a safe New Year's Eve! Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, may you have simple days and an uncluttered heart.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Taking a Moment

I was asked about a comment on my last post. If I enjoyed smalls and pillows, why did I stop doing them and only stitching larger framed pieces? Good question and very easy to answer. When my boys were younger, they would use my smalls to throw around the house at each other while playing. The pillows were often used when they would crash on the couch for a quick nap. I always felt like I was trying to rescue my tiny treasures and then I would end up cleaning them over and over again so I decided framing was the safe bet answer and I sort of got into a habit with it. Boys!

I was going to start Favorite Spot Sampler over the weekend but decided to put a few more stitches in Parson Brown by NFF first. He was sitting in my basket and begging for a little attention. I have actually gotten quite a bit done on him in the past several days. I did change several colors just for the sake of my decor. I hope to have him finished by the end of the year then I will pick up Favorite Spot Sampler. I can just see Poor Maidens, Parson Brown and Favorite Spot Sampler in a group together! I'm not sure how I will finish them yet but I can cross that bridge when I come to it! It's been a busy several days with no camera time but I will get a picture of it soon to post!

I knew I would fall behind on my daily blogging but my intentions are good. Thanks for stopping by again. I always enjoy your visits and comments. Until next time, may you have simple days and an uncluttered heart. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Morning After

Thank you to everyone for the sweet and special birthday wishes. I had a very nice day. DH and I had a few left over errands to take care of and then it was time for some birthday fun!





First we went out to lunch for a super sized burger. Then he took me to the LNS and I picked up several items for my stash! The Green Santa and Black Santa by BOAF and Favorite Spot Sampler by PSS. After I saw the Spot Sampler finished off at the LNS, I knew I would have a new start this weekend so I came home and got everything kitted up for it.



I had yet another realization. I love samplers, no doubt and I certainly don't want to give up on them but I also love smalls. I used to do a lot of smalls. I enjoyed stitching them and finishing them off. They are fun, quick and satisfying. I love baskets and bowls filled with wonderful things. I enjoy stitched pillows, too. I have been working on bigger pieces and only framing. Time to spread my wings again and savor it all!

This is Christmas week and I'm sure everyone will be holiday busy! Enjoy yourself and the season! Thanks for stopping by again.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Short and Sweet


Our weather has been really wonky for the month of December. We have gone from freezing temps back up to early Spring like weather. Then it has continued to bounce around.

Today is our errand day. Grocery shopping and more. Since tomorrow is my birthday, I want to get everything finished off today so I can do whatever I want on my day.

I hope everyone has a lovely day. Thank you for stopping by! It's always nice to get a visit from my friends!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Surprises!

Seems that I am posting later than usual today and will probably be so the rest of the week. Finals week for DS so he is using the main computer a lot more than usual.

When I posted yesterday I thought it was going to be just another ho hum day of trying to get these computer programs straightened out again. When DH got up, he asked if I found the package he brought in. Package? What package? After I saw the return address, I tore into the cardboard delight! It was just what I needed! A tin of Edgar's yummy Christmas candy! I don't who was more thrilled - me, DH or our two bottomless pits! Thank you again Edgar! If you have never visited his blog, you must stroll on over and see his beautiful stitching!



While going through some Christmas ornaments, I came across several special ones. The gold Elvis. Tacky in it's own way but it was a joke gift from my Dad one year. I have always loved Elvis and my dad liked to tell a story of when I was about 4 years old. I was so terribly in love with The King back then that when I heard his music, I would run through the house screaming his name then in a fit of exhaustion I would throw myself on the floor and just sob. lol. A little dramatic but hey, I was in love! lol. No picture of it because the camera refused to focus on it properly. I guess Elvis was wiggling his hips too much! lol.

The second ornament was another gift from my dad. It's a Hallmark ornament that looks like a radio. When you press a button, my dad's recorded voice sends us his Christmas greeting. I tried to hear his voice but the batteries were dead. I remember his voice. Strong and vibrant but I wanted to actually hear it again! DH went out and picked up some batteries after I had expressed my dismay. Now I have a part of my dad with me for the holidays again!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and finds their own suprises that will bring a smile!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Looking Back

Sunday, December 10, 1950

Top News Headlines This Week:

Dec 10 - 1st black American awarded Nobel Peace Prize - Ralph J Bunche Dec 10 - Ralph J Bunche (1st black American) presented Nobel Peace Prize Dec 11 - Baseball owners vote 9-7 not to renew Commissioner Chandler's contract Dec 11 - Hindemiths Concerto for clarinet, premieres Dec 12 - 16th Heisman Trophy Award: Vic Janowicz, Ohio State (HB) Dec 12 - Baseball owners vote to drop 4-year old bonus & high school rule

Top Songs for 1950

Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole Goodnight, Irene by Weavers with Gordon Jenkins,
Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy by Red Foley I Can Dream, Can't I? by Andrews Sisters,
The Tennessee Waltz by Patti Page, The Thing by Phil Harris,
The Third Man Theme by Anton Karas (also Guy Lombardo) If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd've Baked a Cake by Eileen Barton, All My Love by Patti Page Harbor Lights by Sammy Kaye

1950 Prices

Bread: $0.14/loaf Harry S. Truman
Milk: $0.82/gal
Eggs: $0.70/doz
Car: $1,750
Gas: $0.27/gal
House: $14,500
Stamp: $0.03/ea
Avg Income: $3,815/yr
Min Wage: $0.75/hr

People born on December 10
1952 - Susan Hallock Dey Illinois, actress (1st Love, Partridge Family, LA Law)
1830 - Emily Dickinson Amherst MA, poet (Collected Poems)
1914 - Dorothy Lamour [Mary Kaumeyer] New Orleans LA, actress (Road to Bali, Greatest Show on Earth)

On TV in 1950
Time for Beany Truth or Consequences The Alan Young Show
The Ed Sullivan Show The Burns and Allen Show

Hot New Toys in 1950
Little People Clue

(taken from www.dmarie.com)

Friday, December 09, 2011

A Christmas Legend

The Story Of The Christmas Robin

The Christmas night was extremely cold and a cold breeze blew constantly into the stable where Mother Mary lay with her infant, Jesus. The fire in the stable, the only source of heat for the baby, was about to go off and all that Mary could do was call the surrounding animals for help. She asked the sleeping ox, lazy donkey, horse and the sheep, but they were either of no use or just refused to help. Suddenly, Mary heard the flapping sound of wings. A robin had heard Mother Mary's cry for help and had flown to the stable to help her out. The robin flapped his wings hard at the dying embers of fire until the fire was rekindled and became bright red. He fanned continuously, flapping hard so that the fire never went out and kept the baby warm. To ensure that the fire stayed alive, the robin used his beak and dropped some dry sticks in the fire. This caused the fire to rise abruptly and it burnt the breast of the bird. Despite the burns that he received, the bird didn't bother and continued fanning so that the infant could be kept warm for long enough to sleep comfortably. Mother Mary heartily thanked the robin for his efforts and tenderly looked at his breast that was now red with the burns and blessing him for his deed of valor and selflessness.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Rethinking the Plan

I have signed up for two more SALs listed on my sidebar. After I looked at the list, I got a little bit jumpy. What have I done? I pulled out the stitching list that I made for 2012 and looked over it. It is a long list but I have to remember that it's just a list. Not a promise written in blood.

I am confident that I have figured out what I will be doing and how I will work the rotations. For now, I feel like it's a good plan.

WIPocalypse 2012 - I will work on The Mother's Tree a week a month until finished then pick up another WIP.

Oldest UFO - I will work on AAFG by Rosewood Manor a week a month until finished.

Elizabeth Hancock - I will work on this piece a week a month until finished.

TUSAL - No problems. No worries. Just a picture once a month.

LHN Ornament - This is more of an incentive to get me working on some of these ornaments I have wanted to do as I can. This is a No Stress SAL so I won't stress out!

These will be my focus pieces for now. As I said before, I know I won't be able to resist the new start bug every so often. I went through my stitching basket, cleaned it out and set up everything I would need when I am ready to begin!

Thank you for stopping by again! Have a wonderful day!

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Bizzare December Holidays

December is . . . . Hi Neighbor Month, National Stress Free Family Holiday Month, Bingo's Birthday Month, and Read A New Book Month





December 1 is . . . . . National Pie Day and Eat A Red Apple Day

December 2 is . . . . . National Fritters Day

December 3 is . . . . . National Roof-Over-Your-Head Day

December 4 is . . . . . Wear Brown Shoes Day

December 5 is . . . . . National Sacher Torte Day

December 6 is . . . . . National Gazpacho Day and Mitten Tree Day

December 7 is . . . . . National Cotton Candy Day

December 8 is . . . . . Take It In The Ear Day

December 9 is . . . . . National Pastry Day

December 10 is . . . . Festival For The Souls Of Dead Whales

December 11 is . . . . National Noodle Ring Day

December 12 is . . . . National Ding-A-Ling Day

December 13 is . . . . Ice Cream and Violins Day

December 14 is . . . . National Bouillabaisse Day

December 15 is . . . . National Lemon Cupcake Day

December 16 is . . . . National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

December 17 is . . . . Underdog Day and National Maple Syrup Day

December 18 is . . . . National Roast Suckling Pig Day

December 19 is . . . . Oatmeal Muffin Day

December 20 is . . . . Games Day

December 21 is . . . . Look At The Bright Side Day, National Flashlight Day,


National French Fried Shrimp Day, and Hamburger Day

December 22 is . . . . National Date-Nut Bread Day

December 23 is . . . . Roots Day

December 24 is . . . . National Egg Nog Day

December 25 is . . . . National Pumpkin Pie Day

December 26 is . . . . National Whiners Day

December 27 is . . . . National Fruitcake Day

December 28 is . . . . Card Playing Day and National Chocolate Day

December 29 is . . . . Pepper Pot Day

December 30 is . . . . Festival Of Enormous Changes At The Last Minute and


National Bicarbonate Of Soda Day

December 31 is . . . . Unlucky Day

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Day 6

DH is already asking me for some Christmas present hints. OMG. Of course I have more than cross stitch charts on my wish list but they do seem to take priority this time of year so I handed him my list. I tried not to go crazy and overwhelm him. There are a few LHN ornament charts and a couple of PSS designs.

Has anyone seen the new LHN Elizabeth Hancock coming out this month? That is must have when it becomes available! I had promised myself I would put no more than 2 big designs on my 2012 list. I already have one and this one will make two!

My side is feeling better each day. I was able to get out of bed this morning without flinching. Just taking it easy, getting a little catch up done around the house and hopefully I can stitch this evening but I keep reminding myself to be careful so I don't have to go through all that again!

Until tomorrow, have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by!

Monday, December 05, 2011

First Monday of the Month

Here it is December 5th and my 5th day blogging in a row. That's a big deal for me! I used to do it but as time went on the posts got fewer and farther between. I realize that some posts are not interesting and just jibber jabber but I am taking baby steps! Don't give up on me! Please! lol.

The holiday season is full of traditions. Some new, some old. Some lost but remembered, some carried on through out the years. We have a few that have survived but I have one just for myself. Each season, I buy myself a new holiday coffee mug. It's an expensive tradition but one that I enjoy. My special mugs go into a separate cabinet. Over the years some have been broken, cracked or the design has worn off after so many washings but I always enjoy looking over them, using them and picking another new mug each year!

After Saturday's post, I realized that I left out two very big holiday favorites! The movie, It's A Wonderful Life! My family could care less about the movie but they all gather around to watch it with it with me mainly because they want to see me cry like a baby at the end and get their annual holiday laugh! Meanies! lol. And the Christmas carol, O Holy Night. Each time I hear it, my heart gets full and I get tears in my eyes.

After my side feels better, I will pull out the camera and take a few pictures to post. Thank you for stopping by again! Your visits and comments always mean so much!

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Sunday, Day 4

While our heat was out and we were using the fireplace I managed to either pull or sprain a muscle in my side. Painful! I used the heating pad every chance I got and I know everyone got tired of listening to my low moans and sudden yelps of pain. I was not able to do anything, even stitching, because any type of movement seemed to set off another pain and scream!

I decided to take the weekend to pamper the wound. No lifting. No stretching. No bending. Or as little as possible. A little hard since I had to go grocery shopping but DH was my helper and went in with me, pushed the heavy cart, got items off the lower and top of shelves, then he and the boys brought the groceries in for me. Of course I had to put them away after we got home but every little bit helps while I am on the mend.

Hopefully, I will be able to pick up my needle again soon and get back to stitching instead of screaming!

Friday, December 02, 2011

Challenges

Heat, heat, glorious heat! We are no longer freezing and I woke up warm and toasty this morning!

I spent a couple of days going through my empty jars for one that could be used for the 2012 TUSAL (link in sidebar). Do I want one with a lid? A lid would be safe. My guys see a jar sitting on the table with Orts, they think it's trash and out it goes while I'm not looking!

I went back and read over the challenge rules I have signed up for and (oops) I was supposed to post some pictures of what I will be working on! So without further delay....

First is AAFG by Rosewood Manor for the Oldest UFO challenge (link in sidebar). Actually I have little bit more than this done but it still has a long way to go! I am half way finished so another half left to be done.



Next up is This is the Day which was from a JCS magazine. I would like to finish it up as I am doing it in memory of my FIL so I will putting his initials and dates on it. He was a man of very strong faith. I am doing the border flowers in green because they look like little pineapples to me. Old eyes? But every home needs a welcoming pineapple so I went for it.



Last but not least is The Mother's Tree (not pictured). I'm sure I have a few more WIPs but these are the ones I will focus on getting finished. There will be new starts without a doubt but I am going to try the size of them down or just not start too many large ones.

Thanks for stopping by again! Have a great day!

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Friends

It's the first of December! And a cold start to the month. What a bad morning to be without heat! DH worked on it on last night and it actually ran but then stopped.

This morning I signed up for NaBloPoMo for the month of December. It sounds like an interesting challenge and one that will get me back blogging on a more regular basis. I don't know how well I will do at every day blogging but I will definitely try! When I first started this blog, I did blog every day or close to it.

This month's theme is Gifts. The first gift that came to mind was my blog and the wonderful community of stitchers that I share it with! You have all added so much joy to my days. You are each so special and bring me smiles, inspiration and a good warm fuzzy feeling! Thank you for being my gift! I couldn't have thought of a better one!

Enjoy the day and I will post again tomorrow! Hopefully.