This'n That

Not much new today--I shipped out my Spot RR, finished an ornie for Cathy's JN RR, and I've nearly got the green wrap done on Autumn Faery Spirit. I'll finish that up tonight and rotate away from it :( It's such a gorgeous piece!

Tory is back in school, and catching up again. I dropped all sorts of stuff at the nurses office--inhaler, nebulizer stuff, aerochamber, instructions etc. We have a great nurse!!

Well here's my Spot RR. I didn't do much but the border, which is from Indigo Rose's Catherine Agnes. I'll fill the specialty stuff in when I get it back! The purple varigated is SNC Wild Violets,the green overdye is Dinky Dyes silk Rainforest. It's 4-sided, but I couldn't get a great picture of the whole thing, at least not that you could *see* it. I greatly enlarged the border as charted, since it was just 100x100.

Baby, it's cold outside!

Well we're in the middle of this deep chill, with more to come apparently! Not a good time for Tory to be struggling with her asthma again. She's home from school again--yesterday and today. Dr. put her back on prednisone and zithromax, and did a strep swab--the rapid test was negative. We're stepping up nebulizer treatments again, and I've got to take some stuff to the school in case she has problems there. Though nighttime seems to be her worst time!

I've been stitching, and I've got my Spot RR ready to go out, and I've finally figured out a layout for my Mirabilia RR. I need to get a HUGE piece of fabric for it though, 28x35 at the least. That's one massive piece of fabric!! I have planned to do the top part of Mirabilia's Rose Celebration, and then there are 8 sections around her for the other RR members. Hopefully I can get the fabric soon, so I can have it ready for the April 2nd maildate.

My other love right now in stitching is Passione Ricamo's Autumn Faery Spirit. The colors are absolutely stunning! I'm stitching her on SMF's Snickerdoodles, which is perfect. I've found it VERY hard to put her down, but I forced myself! I may up my goal time on her to 10 hours though, she's so pretty!

Hopefully everyone is warm!

adding some pictures for update on the Autumn Faery Spirit WIP and my kitty!

February Stitching Goals

I got out of the habit of setting goals lately, and I can tell! So here's the ones for February:

1: Finish Shop Models!!!! Both of them.
2: Ship out Spot RR on time
3: Stitch JN RR
4: Stitch 5 hours on Autumn Faery Spirit.
5: Stitch 2 ornaments
6: Start laying out Mira RR

Tagged!!

Well I said I wasn't going to do this, but I've got some time on my hands so what the heck. I was tagged by Jamie to list 6 weird things about myself. Huh.. I have to narrow it down to six--this should be interesting!

1: I am totally territorial about my kitchen--to the point that I have to leave the house sometimes if someone else is cooking.
2: If a food doesn't appeal to (or smells icky) my sense of smell, there's no way I can swallow it. Period.
3: I have zero interest in watching black & white movies, or most old movies.
4: I won't burn candles if my house is messy
5: I eat mayo on almost everything, including hot dogs.
6: I am obsessive about the order of my bookshelves. I group by author, genre and perhaps size. But I NEVER mix genres on the same shelf. This is a source of slight stress in my life at the moment, as DH just adores a hodge podge. No sorting, period *shudders*

Okay I'm sure there are TONS more, but that's all I'm admitting to!! Consider yourself tagged if you want to do this!

Brrrrrr

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their supportive comments! It really helped a lot :) We have met with the principal/teacher/counselor multiple times each year. They are all pretty clear on the understanding of what we will and won't tolerate, to the point we've even brought up the bully law in NH. We could file charges, if this gets out of hand again. We've also had DD in therapy for a while--she's 6-9 months younger than her entire 4th grade class, but she's also far advanced academically. She just has issues with the social aspects, thus the therapy.

In other news, I do believe winter has finally arrived with a vengence. I hate cold. I hate ice, snow, icy wind and the grayishness of the sky. Yeah I know, I moved here because I fell in love with a man, not the weather that's for sure. I could happily hibernate, every year. Unfortunately lol I can't do that if my family is to eat!

I got some more done on the border of my Spot RR sampler that is due to go out Monday. I may not have the spots I wanted to throw in there done, but I'm confidant the border will be done! Now I have to start planning my Mirabilia RR--what type of look do I want... it's something I need to ponder :) I missed the first Ornament SAL this month of Jan due to being busy. I'll try to do two in Feb!

On the Girl Scout cookie front, DD sold 355 boxes! She's 145 boxes shy of her goal of 500, but she'll get a few more credits with the booth sales. Of those 355, she alone sold 101 boxes to send to the US Troops!! I'm so proud of her!! Also, it's not too late--if you want to order cookies or donate to the troops, we can still take 'catch up' orders, with money due in early March :)

Peace...

Oddity...

As some of you know who I talk to in real time, my daughter has been having an issue with a little girl at school. They've been at loggerheads since 2nd grade. They just cannot get along, as much as they both desperately seem to want to. A couple of months ago, we went to the school and basically demanded they do something about the issue, as the other little girl had gotten quite nasty, following DD around wherever she went. She would say things about DD to others, and be really snarky to her face. But to everyone else this little girl is sweet as pie. I met with DD's teacher last night inbetween DI and chorus, and she let me know that this other little girl has been coming into their room again, just 'wanting to know how ___ is doing". *sighs* Call me cynical but I have zero faith this child has good intentions.

I do not understand, if you dislike someone so intensely to have said the things this little girl said to mine, WHY would you follow her around everywhere?? WHY would you insist on making sure she knows that you're there? I mean, if my child has been as mean as this little girl says she's been (which it has been proven she *hasn't* by the principal and teachers alike) why would this little girl want to constantly 'be' there? My husband says it's about control and power. I'm not sure I agree, but he has a point. This other little girl has the control, because my daughter doesn't go near her, doesn't play in the same area at recess, and won't sit near her at lunch. It's taken a lot of abuse and nastiness for DD to finally let go, but she did. Now that this bully (and that's what she is!) isn't getting a direct response, she seems to have resorted to *presence*. This logically makes my DD nervous about doing something to get into trouble, and the bully wins, she has the power and the control. It makes me wonder about what kind of person this little girl might grow up to be. I know she's got homelife issues, and I could be sympathetic if it wasn't my kid she picked out. Seems the recent events ramped up after DD announced she was being adopted and getting a new Daddy. Maybe, maybe that's part of it.

All I know is I feel helpless, I'm angry and I'm aching for my child who just wants to be left alone by this little girl. And who wants to be able to make other friends without being scared this little bully is going to show up and say mean things, or just stand there to intimidate her. It's not fair, but there's not much I can do. Except pray for this little girl, her family and her future. I know God watches over my DD, I just wish I could protect her from all these little hurts. I can't and that's what irritates me :(

Hug the kids in your life--they never get enough hugs!

Slump!

I have hit a stitching slump. I hate these. It could be due to several factors. I have strep apparently (just got the call from the dr's office). It could be because I'm typically cold since we're fighting with our thermostat and furnace. The thermostat is winning and won't kick on the furnace until some odd hour like 4am. Repair call for that is in the works lol. It could be because I'm dealing with an ongoing discipline regime for my daughter who made some really bad choices last week--choices that had the unthinkable happened, I wouldn't have known she was missing since she wasn't where she was supposed to be. Thank God for His protection. But this is all just... life. I don't think this is what is causing it. Blah. lol.

I stare at my stitching. Longingly. But the motivation to move the frame in front of me is just not there.

So if you find my stitching desire, out there wandering lost and alone, could you send it home? I'd appreciate it!

Peace!

A-MAZING game..

Okay fair readers, this is my last football post. Well there'll be more than football at the end, so have patience ;) The first thing I want to say is Congrats to the Indianapolis Colts and their patient fans. What an incredible game! I am sad that my team lost, of course--but I think that was one of the most amazing games I've seen all year. It literally came down to the last few seconds, and that is what good sports and great football is all about. Those teams left it all out there on the field and Peyton Manning finally rose up and said "enough! this is MY time" and it is. Honestly if they had been playing anyone *but* the Patriots I would have been cheering my heart out for Tony Dungy and the Colts. I'd rather lose to a great team who, while they made mistakes too, dug in and perservered. I was also so very happy to see the dignity with which the Patriots lost, and how genuinely they congratulated the Colts. It was almost as if everyone decided, after the final whistle, to acknowledge the great rivalry and history these two teams have. Patriots can't always be the winners, and they conducted themselves with dignity and decorum. I've read a lot of things lately that talk about how most of the nation hates the Patriots, and how we've become the Yankees of the NFL. I have to say I'm not sure I agree, and I am not sure how I feel about that. I do think that after a while, people just *expect* great teams to do more and get more irritated when they fail. This season was up and down for us, with lots of mistakes and controversy to start it. The Patriots stand poised to have several key players retire, and are in negotiations with others who deserve market salaries (not that anyone "earns" being paid millions, but I digress). I'm not sure what next season holds, but for now I am looking forward to the SuperBowl and Draft Day. Because after that is the interminable wait that only includes basketball, hockey and baseball. *blech*

I did not pick up a needle all week--It's been just... blah. I did head up to ABC Stitch with my good friend Jamie on Thursday. I taught her to stitch a few months ago and she has been finally totally assimilated! She's even joined some SAL's and I just sit back and giggle. We did a late Christmas exchange with her since we hadn't seen her since Thanksgiving--she gave me a Bruschi T-shirt!! I was all decked out last night for the game in pink Patriots socks, the Bruschi shirt and my Patriots Santa hat! LOL Nooo, no pictures! She also gave me Elizabeth I with Helen Mirren, which I adore and watch over and over since I DVR'd it. Now I have it on DVD and couldn't be more pleased!

More happening today, but I can't post about it yet.. don't want to jinx it! :)

Peace

What a heart-stopping game!

(Warning: Football post!)

Not for me (heavens no!) but the hearts of the San Diego Chargers and their fans. As a die-hard NE Patriots fan, let me start by saying--Holy Crap!! I was resigned to watching my Pats put up a decent fight but ultimately end up losing the game. San Diego has dominated all year, they had the best record in the league, led in offensive points scored and also in least amount of points allowed. So to my Pats family here, there would have been little shame in fighting the good fight, but losing to the Chargers. We had a depleted (again) secondary, Junior Seau hurt, my man Tedy Bruschi is aging and just a hair less sharp than he used to be, and a big playmaker Rodney Harrison taken out in the last game (sure it was a legal hit, but it was definately dirty and it certainly torqued off the Pats). We have a struggling (yet nerveless apparently) Tom Brady, who most expect to announce he's had shoulder surgery the day after the Pats season ends and a receiving corps that well, isn't all that gelled yet. All of this facing the Chargers who had the NFL MVP--quite deservedly--and the "best" defensive player in Merriman. My opinions of Merriman I'll keep to myself, however I think he got shut down *quite* effectively. Overwhelming odds, you say? Absolutely. However--everyone (myself included) underestimated the danger in the Brady/Bellichek playoffs. I certainly didn't expect a win. I was ready to let it all go, and cheer for whoever played the Colts to win and win big.

They did it again! The formidable and dangerous combination of talent and apparently raw determination succeeded where it should have failed! In retrospect, I imagine the Chargers wish they hadn't been so confidant they were already talking smack about their SuperBowl parades, scouting the OTHER teams that they could be facing. They had already won, in their eyes. Even before a single ball was snapped, ex-Chargers Reche Caldwell was being 'consoled' by his old teammates. And then, it was gametime.

It was a nailbiter for Patriots fans, to be sure. Brady threw for 3 interceptions, and the defense bailed him out again. He also ended up throwing for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns. But that's what a "team" is for, right? Jabar Gaffney (in October we all went WHO?) had 10 catches for more than 100 yards. Reche Caldwell (Chargers basically told him to 'move on' at the end of last season) had an incredible game and a touchdown versus his old team. Our rookie kicker might have finally put the ghost of Adam Vinateri to rest--at least until next week when the quite familiar match-up of Colts-Patriots takes place.

The Chargers are apparently upset by how the Patriots celebrated. That paragon of NFL-rule obeying, clean playing, utterly always respectful Shawne Merriman claimed it was upsetting because the NE Patriots have already won 3 Superbowls. Huh? Well clearly that disallows all big-game celebrations. While I disagree with LaDanian Tomlinson, at least I respect LT and think he is a gentleman--and give far more weight to his comments than I do to a drug... well let's just say I don't think Shawne Merriman deserves much in the way of respect.

So, next week it's the Colts-and the Brady vs Manning thread has already started on Football Outsiders. Those people are crazy lol! I'm looking forward to next week's game, and no I won't make any predictions. Can we win? Sure--will we? I have NO idea! LOL

Blah days...

January is always a 'blah' month for me--not ever sure exactly why. This Jan seems to be no exception, and with the weather not having a clue what it is doing or how it's behaving--sheesh! I mean I love 70 degree weather, but not in January!! Seems that today and yesterday the weather remembered this is New England, and our wind chill temp right now is 8 degrees. While I don't like it--brrrrr-it is *normal* LOL!

I tend to combat my blahs with new starts, etc. So last night I picked up our mail and in it was the Dragon Blood floss from Vikki Clayton for Mary Queen of Scots by Papillion Creations. I was stunned that I could find no one has this as a WIP? No pictures, etc. Sooo I've decided I'll have to post lots of pictures! It's quite the large piece-16.5"x25" on Belfast-so it'll take me for*ever* lol! I also plan to do her complimentary chart The Three Emblems, which is the companion piece, as a biscornu in the same floss.

Passione Ricamo did it again! There's new designs I LOVE Love LOVE! My Lady of the Snow and Make a Wish (Little Wishes Line). I already have a few of this designer, but I can see these being added to my wishlist! I've started Enchanted Faery and Autumn Faery Spirit as part of my January starts... her faeries are getting more and more stunning!

Well I think that's about it for today--hope you and yours are well!!

Peace

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!!

Yes it's once again that time of year. My daughter is selling GS cookies (she's been a scout since 1st grade!) and she's earning to go to 2 weeks of riding camp this summer. The troop is also earning to take the girls to NYC at zero cost to parents!!

A lot of people say they don't want to *eat* the cookies--well the girls have another option! They are sending boxes to the US troops serving in Iraq. Anyone can just buy x-number of boxes, and then they will send those boxes to the soldiers serving over there. They've done this for a few years now, and it always goes over big with the soldiers!!

Email me if you're interested!

There are days...

when I wonder just how I get (or will get!) it all done! LOL Today is housecleaning day for me, and as much I despise cleaning, I love when my house is all put together! I'm not sure I'll get to the tree today, or if we'll leave it up until after Epiphany. But I've been slacking these last few days, and boy does it show!! Luckily my laundry is nearly all finished so that won't take up too much of my time today!

If I get my work done, I will be sitting down to stitch this afternoon--working on a few littles lately, so we'll see how that goes!

Maybe post later, we'll see!

Peace..

Happy 2007!!

I hope everyone had a safe, happy and peace-filled New Year! In our house it was quiet--we've never been much for NYE celebrations. Tried to let Tory stay up this year (she's almost 10) but she conked out around 20 minutes to 11. DH was doing his Soduku puzzle book, and I was stitching when we paused to kiss the new year into being. Pretty typical for us!! LOL I'll be happy if that's what our 'year' holds, since that is what we were doing when it ticked over.

This Christmas season/New Year marks somewhat of a landmark for Dh and I as well. We have been officially 'together' for 5 years. Not too much when you think about it, but I am grateful and happier than I have ever been in my life. We seem to be able to work through whatever is tossed our way, and I thank God everyday for the strength He gives us and the blessing of love that was granted to us.

Stitching in 2006 recap coming soon! I did manage to start 3 of the 8 planned starts this month for Guilt Free January. I think nearly all of them are large starts, so there won't be many finishes yet, but I have been a good stitcher all year long! I started Royal Holiday and Mermaids of the Deep Blue Sea by Mirabilia, and Enchanted Faery from Passione Ricamo. The faery is one I've been aching to start for a long long time, and I know I'm going to LOVE her!! Other planned starts include Mary Queen of Scots by Papillion Creations, Shiraz Sampler by Dinky Dyes and the Halloween Limited Ed Faery by Mirabilia.

Peace

The Christmas Report :)

Typically we are on a 3 year rotation of traveling--one year to Ohio, one year to PA, one year home. This year was our 'at home' year. Which is very cool because then I get to decorate--usually. With as sick as we all were right before Christmas, and everything I did for Thanksgiving, I was tired and not into the 'spirit'. Also with getting the new DVR, we couldn't cover the top of the TV to put my village out--so I was bummed. However we put up the tree, and I started getting little things to put out--a few Santas, some snowmen. I got a great deal on a wreath--just gorgeous! So I spent all one Sunday wrapping it all, sending out boxes, putting stuff under the tree and we went to our typical 2-3 church services.

God and all our loved ones were so good to us this year! With blended families, the kids get gifts from a LOT of people--their Christmas is always really good. This year I got a lot of thoughtful gifts! My MIL sent me an Ergo Floorstand--I was speechless!! I am so blessed with my in-laws! She also sent us towels, and I got Forrest Gump-one of my all time fav movies! She does so much for us the whole year through that we are always so grateful for! My SIL sent two gorgeous beaded blown-glass ornaments ( I think I'm going to hang them in my kitchen year round!) and a wonderful bath set. My daughter gave me a #1 Mom pin that moved me to tears, and my son bought me a book I didn't even think he'd remember I was reading the series of! My husband got me a new digital camera, season 1 of Grey's Anatomy, 3 other DVD's, Celtic Woman-Christmas CD, a set of gorgeous purple pens, several stitching packets of stuff I'd picked out, and he cooked for me!! We still have some exchanging to do with family friends, but this has been a stunning Christmas for me!!

Here's hoping everyone else has had a great holiday season and that 2007 holds all the bright promise of blessings and peace!

BIG Finish!!

Now typically I'm not an advocate of staying up all night, especially when you have not just one child home on break, but two of them. Actually is twas the prescence of the second (older) child that allowed me to make that choice! When 1 am came and my DH had to go to bed since he had work this morning, I was headed into the home stretch of the beading on Stargazer. This hasn't been a simple prospect since I've changed all the beads, and then ran out of one and the replacement tubes weren't a match! Yes it's been an adventure! So when he saw where I was, he said "Why don't you just stay up and try to finish?" There are many reasons I love my husband dearly, but his canny understanding of "Finishing Frenzy" was tops of the list last night! So I cued up the next "History of Britain" DVD from the set DH got from his mom for Christmas (more on gifties tomorrow!!)and settled in to bead. Well as is per usual, it never takes the "short" time I think it will, and at 6:30 this morning I finished.

Without further delay, here is my biggest finish this year, my first Mira finish in 3 years and my pride and joy as of now!:



I also had help with the picture again! Smudgers is my trouble kitty! But according to my husband, Smudgers can nearly get away with anything because he's my favorite. I won't admit to favorites!! *winks*

Obligation stitching almost done!

I finished framing 3 pieces this weekend--I mounted and laced them, but used store-assembled frames! All of these are for my sister-in-law.



I also finished off 3 ornaments for my obligations--I used biscornu seam finishing for these, and am thrilled with how they look. I also made my own cording for the first time!


Now to get everything boxed up and shipped!! I'll be glad for the holiday to GET here!

The tale of the cramped fingers...

or, if you prefer--Beading and crocheting within hours of each other do not usually make for pain-free fingers!

Of course some of this is compounded by the fact that I did something to my lower back. It's excruciatingly painful to actually stand, sit or lay down. Once I get *into* most positions I'm alright, except for a dull constant ache. The act of moving however has me nearly in tears--if it doesn't ease up with the things I'm doing to try and help it soon, I will call a dr.

So I got the beads for Mirabilia's Stargazer this week--am converting them to Delicas because I can't stand to work with Mill Hills anymore, really. After I ordered them however, I realized the one bead was more of a tonal color to work with the original fabric (at least in my opinion) so I had to change my thinking on that. I go for more muted and not so stark contrasts so my conversion isn't all that 'true' to the mill hill colors called for. It also made me realize that y'all haven't seen the finished "stitching" picture! So here we go!

Finished Stitching!

Two days of beading!


of course it is nearly *impossible* to get a true picture of this gorgeous fabric or the true shimmer of the beads! The fabric is Sugar Maple Fabric's Summer Twilight on Belfast! The fabric type does make a difference.

I'm torn on what to be working on as I have SO MANY obligation finishes to get done. *sigh* I just want to bead! LOL

Y'all take care!

Wow--this month is going fast!

December is my favorite time of year! But I have some November catching up to do! I've had a few requests to see some of the stuff I did for our Thanksgiving--the placemats and napkins are being washed, so I don't have those right now. But-- here's the napkin rings:
I used glass and swarovski crystal beads along with some silver beads. The base was memory wire *grrrrrr* I was pleased with how they came out!
Here is the candlescape I made--I painted the pots with a stone finish, and assembled the dish with rocks. Wasn't much to it, but DH loves it!

I also have had a Christmas gift HD! The person this is for doesn't read here, so I can show off my "bobble" stitch scarf! It's done with Lion Brand Homespun yarn and is so warm and cozy!

Finally, a few pictures of my furbabies--well just two of them. Simba is the orange kitty, and there's a reason we call him a "big puddle o'kitty love". Smudgers is the black&white trouble cat!


Y'all take care!

Well we made it!

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I've got so much to be thankful for! Besides my husband, children, cats and home... all of our apparent decent health these days--I'm also grateful that the holiday is *over*! :) I've been working most of November to get ready to host my in-laws for the first time ever for a holiday meal. I was thrilled (and filled with trepidation!).

I actually finished the 8 napkin rings I designed and beaded! I truly learned how to use my sewing machine, and gained a LOT of confidence while sewing 8 napkins, 9 placemats, one center mat, and a tablecloth to fit an 8 foot long table. And I got them all complete *before* my MIL and SIL arrived on Tuesday! I did well with the cooking--making the best turkey I think I've ever done! And it was pretty! :) The house was clean, the kids behaved and my family was all together in our house for three glorious days!

Back to normal now :) DD is back in school, and today some developements in areas of life that will affect things such as her last name happened. Things that I worry about their effect on her, but in the long run are the absolute best things that can happen for all of us. Her biological father is going to sign off on DH adopting her. He's had zero contact with her for more than 6 months, He hasn't paid support, nor has he attempted to see her in the 7 years since we left. My DH on the other hand couldn't love her more or be more her father if he *were* genetically responsible. It will take some time to get all the paperwork filed, and we have to decided whether or not we're using an attorney but, by spring... it should be done.

Stitching wise, there should soon be a picture of Stargazer, and well that's about it since I spent a ton of time measuring, cutting and sewing on my machine. I've also started Christmas scarves with my crocheting!

Take care of yourselves!

What a November!

Well, after 10 days of Zithromax, breathing treatments 4 times a day, lots of sleep, lots more coughing, 4 doctor's visits and 7 official missed days of school--the alien girl child is finally well enough to go back to school. While she's eager to do so, she's not so eager to do the work that she's missed. We've been doing that the last couple days because she's well enough to do so. Yeah--it's been fun.

I am exhausted on a general level, and grateful that it wasn't and hasn't been worse. We'll go back to the doctor on Friday, and he'll do another chest x-ray to make sure the nasty areas are disappearing. It is with a heartfelt thank you to God that this is all drawing closed, since as a lifelong asthmatic, she could have been SO much worse.

Stitching has fallen by the wayside these last two weeks in favor of crocheting a blanket for my Gramma for Christmas. I'm really enjoying this pattern, and am using Home Spun by Lion Brand in the Regency color. It's thick and warm and soft. I really think Gramma will love it.

I have a million things to do to get ready for DH's family coming next Tues. I've painted pots for a candlescape for the table, hung pictures, decluttered some small areas, but there is SO MUCH to go--including all the sewing. I'm making the tablecloth, the napkins, the placemats, and curtains for my kitchen. *snorts* Also on tap is beaded napkin rings (those are semi-plotted, just need to start assembling), shopping for the food and a deep-level, like wall scrubbing.. cleaning of the entire house. Having DD sick these last two weeks has skewed my schedule, but what gets done, gets done. The rest will have to be okay!!

I did manage to stitch Stargazer's face on this weekend, but I dont' want to post an update picture until I have the ribbons done. I spent about 35 mins finding a different backstitch color as the color she called for was WAY too dark on my fabric, at least.

Coming soon--my 'letter' from Annette's Blog!