As Dorothy Said.....There's No Place Like Home!

My Friendship RR is home again after starting its journey in Mar. 2009, and I love it, love it! It made it through various bumps in the road and a few delays, but it's home. Already working on finishing up some of these other hearts before it goes back out for some new adventures. The title at the top is what Cindy wrote on my envelope, so I "borrowed" it. :)
The past week or so has been a great mail week - new stash and surprises.

Look what the RAK Fairy sent me! Aren't they beautiful? I love these limited editions from Carrie's Creations.

After seeing these Medieval Ladies from Joan Elliot at Kathy's house, I had to have them. Saw one being stitched on someone's blog last year, but they were only in the magazine then. So I'm wondering exactly how many there are altogether...

Also picked up some older Carriage House charts that were on Etsy....and my PTP FOTM came this week, too.

Queen Mya has come for a visit - see her perched on her throne? But she's so excited...because this is her first SNOW!!!! For those of you that are sick of snow, disregard this bubbling over description of the event. We don't get snow too often here in central NC, so it's a big thing for us. So far, about 5 in. and sleeting most of today. And yes, the city is pretty shut down, but at least it's Saturday.
Montana is loving the visit and snow, as he doesn't remember his first one last year. He goes pure nuts in it outside!



And here's the happy couple after taking the dogs out last night. This time they left early enough to escape driving in the bad weather. The last exciting event is that we ordered DD's wedding dress yesterday and it's soooo beautiful!

And as every good Southern woman knows to do, I've collected the snow (before sleet) to keep for snow cream later today - Yum, yum!

Zentangle!

Zentangle
design by Kirsten Schmitt and Elke Reiss for the Marquoir Yahoo Group
Zentangle was stitched with permission by the designers in the
Marquoir-Gruppe.
Rainbow Gallery's Bravo A56 and Weeks Confetti on 32 ct. white lugana

Yay! I finished Zentangle last night - I do love this design. I'd planned to start the second Zentangle, but I'm debating how. Do I stitch this one in the same color thread and fabric, or change it up? Originally, I'd hoped to stitch them identically and frame them in a double mat. However, the size of the second one is too large. Decisions, decisions. :)


It's actually a beautiful day here. We did have thunder several times yesterday; hmmm, wonder if it will bring snow? Too bad the forecast shows 50 degree weather for the next ten days!

Back in the Stitching Chair

The holiday activity has drawn to a close, leaving me with more stitching time, I hope. I have several projects that I'd really like to stitch, so the goal is to get to it.
The Christmas and New Year season was very good to us, for which I'm thankful, but it's also nice to get back to a normal routine.
Mom's Travel Sampler is my main priority; it's really an easy stitch, just large, and I'm showing some progress....


I'm participating in another RR this year with some friends, so Alphabet Zoo by Blue Ribbon Designs is my choice. I decided this time to use Weeks linen with GA Cherry Wine threads.



Also stitching on several other small items; almost done with Reading by LHN - my Mon. night group stitch...


Hope you all get lots of stitching time is this cold weather. :)

It's a New Year!

One thing I love about the New Year - whether I'm full of resolutions or not, it always feels like it's a chance to start anew. Who knows where the paths of life will lead us? Hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed 2010. Looking forward to seeing what new stitchery is afoot...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Carolyn NC

Merry Christmas!

Whether you celebrate Christmas with your loved ones or mourn the absence of someone dear, these words are for us all.

"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will on his shoulders,
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Is. 9:6

"As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful."

-Sarah Young from Jesus Calling.

It's my devout hope that your Christmas season this year will be blessed beyond measure; any hurt or pain comforted, and that you have His peace.
God bless you all. Merry Christmas!!

Good News at Christmas Time

Yay! Surgeon doesn't want to replace DH's shoulder until all possibilities are exhausted. The first surgeon irrigated the area; some patients get relief with this. Also gave DH some alternatives to try first. He will eventually need the replacement done, but it could buy him a few years. So good news for us! Thanks so much for your prayers, comments, and well wishes. They were all truly appreciated.

In light of the season, I've seen some beautiful decorations, trees, nativities, etc. I thought I'd share a few of my own.

Truly my favorite room at Christmas. I love everything about the tree. Each year it grows to accommodate the increasing mass of ornaments. However, this is the last year for many of these. My children will all be married by next Christmas and I'm giving them most of their ornaments for their own trees. However, I retain the right to a few of them. :)

I crack up every time I see this. I love this plate, but do you notice the incongruity? Doesn't everyone have a machete hanging in their kitchen?? (Gift from DS from HS mission trip)

These candles on the top and the little sparkly church and house below on the right are very special to me. They're from my childhood and before, so I guess in some eyes they would be ancient LOL. My soon-to-be new SIL gave me the Dickens house last year; it has a lacemaker and he knew how much I loved needlework. Think we'll keep him...

And as always, nativities are my passion. I have many in various forms, but I love all of them.

This particular one a dear friend stitched for me years ago. Many hours of hard labor here. We have to be somewhat careful where we put it. Zoe (demon cat) knocked off the little lamb, and Indiana ate him. So we're trying to preserve the rest!

BTW, in case you noticed the threadbare condition (chewed on, I should say) of Montana's "couch", Indiana "made it his own" first. This is our dining room that was originally used as a den. Now it's an extra room that I'll turn back into a dining room when I don't have to worry about said "puppy" chewing it all. Hence the lovely sofa....LOL (See last post)
While not in the pictures here, I have gates in front of some these items to keep Montana away from temptation....

And I leave you with one final picture. "Santa" (my brother) surprised us with a gift under the tree on Christmas Day a couple of years ago. What house is complete without a Harley Santa? Is he ugly or what?!, but DH thinks he's hilarious...sigh.

Hope you all have a wondrous Christmas season!

Unexpected Turn of Events and Stitching Fun

Thank you all so much for the many well wishes, thoughts, and prayers for DH's surgery. Surgeon went in...and took pictures only - too much damage. DH is now a candidate for either partial or total shoulder replacement. This was a shock and DH is pretty bummed about it. So the 14th is D-Day with the doctors to decide what and when.

This past weekend was the Tarheel Stitcher's Christmas gathering. I've visited once before, but I'm mostly new to the group.

Here everyone is oohing and aahing over donations. Since DH was doing well, I went for a few hours and it was a blast. Linda was a most gracious and generous hostess - pretty darn funny, too. She'd received donations from Weeks, Silkweaver, GA Sampler, Victorian Motto, Emli's, Valdani's, Glendon Place, and 123stitch.

Sara, Cylvia, Juanita, Faye.....

Heather, Mariann, and Linda.....

Melanie, Judy, Jan, Lynda.....

Linda, the fearless hostess (yes, there were three Linda's) and Heather...

Sara, from our Friendship RR and me...

Faye and me, whom I'd met earlier at a retreat along with Karen SC - we're all blogging buddies.

Everyone had a great time talking, stitching, and eating; we all came home with some awesome goodies, too...
Victorian Motto sent these super cool threads that were created for the group...

named Blue Devil, Demon Deacon, Wolfpack, and Carolina - love it!
Elizabeth of Elizabeth's Designs gave us a special chart and Sara was the lucky winner of a gift certificate to 123 stitch.

ILCS had a "Sock it to Me" exchange. I was thrilled with mine from Nancy Cricket Tucket. She individually wrapped each item - what fun to open them all!
My Christmas exchange recipient, Carol, has finally received her package from me. I really do wonder about the mail sometimes...

Stitched a pinkeep from 2007 JCS Ornament issue. I used Colonial Knots instead of beads - little did I realize there were more than 200???) Also, sewed a little scissor fob and corded a needle threader, and included some other goodies.
Finished a heart for Marian's Friendship RR. She's stitching it in the original colors. Only two more to go...



Now, take a few moments, relax, pick up your stitching, and enjoy a bit of pleasure during this Christmas season, or take a nap.....

And no, he is NOT supposed to be on the couch in there, but he looks so peaceful, doesn't he? Indiana didn't get on the couch until he was 8 years old. Don't understand it. Wait, DS, what did you say? Mystery solved -when Montana was 5 months old, DH would take a nap here and let Montana get up there with him. Funny the things you find out from your children...BUSTED!! :)

Exchanges

Recently I participated in a lovely Christmas exchange. To say that I was thrilled with Roberta's package is an understatement. It's as if she read my mind and gave me exactly what I wanted. The box was filled with fun tissue with three delightful-looking packages inside. What could they be?


First was a Bavarian Art Wax Christmas ornament. Ornaments are my most favorite Christmas item and I'm always on the lookout for unusual new ones - which is why the tree keeps getting larger and larger...


Next was this beautifully lined Whitman tin set with awesome gold scissors and French needles. Isn't it wonderful?


And lastly, she included a lovely tin filled with German chocolate. Can't get much better than that...


I was really excited with all these lovely goodies. Much appreciation to Roberta!

My exchange has been sent, but not received, so I'll post pictures of that once it reaches its destination.

My DH is scheduled for shoulder surgery tomorrow morning. Recovery is supposed to be a beast, so I'd appreciate any prayers for him. I'm taking my needlework while I wait, so maybe I can get some stitching done.

Everyone take care. :)

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines.....

...It's That Time of Year.

And so it begins - the first hustle and bustle of the holidays and all that comes with it. So often, Thanksgiving comes and goes in a rush as the wild dash for shopping starts after the unbelievable eating sprees (and we love it!)

This year is no exception; in a few days the family will roll in and we'll take off on the obligatory food frenzy and dash through the malls, having a blast. If you had told me a few years ago that I'd venture outside on Black Friday, I'd have asked you what planet you were from. However, it has become a family tradition including my two SIL's, DD's, and nieces. The fun and bonding we share is actually worth it. :)

I don't want to leave out the important part of Thanksgiving, though....giving thanks to God for his faithful provision, as the Pilgrims once did. My prayer is that I will remain thankful for the joy (and sorrow) I've had, regardless of what the future holds. Let me be a better person tomorrow than I am today, in His eyes.


So I invite you to join me and reflect during this Thanksgiving time; maybe to not only give thanks, but to aspire to be....

Kind....to strangers and loved ones alike, especially in this hectic time
Hard-working....let the days not be wasted
Honest.....let our words and dealings be true
Principled...may we be known as straight-shooters
Loving......may we show love to our neighbors as ourselves
Hopeful......that we can start afresh today, let the past be past, and leave it in God's hands
Thankful....for the small miracles in life, along with the big


Do you have someone in your life that was an example to you? I will be forever thankful for my parents, who were all of the above and more. What a legacy to leave behind. I'm also grateful for my faith, family, and friends -seen and unseen.
I count you all as such a blessing - your willingness to bring laughter, tears, smiles, appreciation, and a glimpse of your life into mine and others. Thanks for sharing your time.

Please feel free to share your own story - I'd love to hear about it. God bless you all and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Carolyn

Stitching Time

Started off the week with finishing up some of the Friendship RR's.
First is Simone's....


Second is Ann's....


Then Zentangle pt. 9 was finished....


Worked on Secret Garden 3 - right now it's confetti, confetti, confetti....I'm not so pleased with the coverage, but using two threads over one was just so bulky.


And lastly, Mom's travel sampler is showing some progress...


Hope you all have a great weekend!