Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

I am sorry for being absent from the blog for a while, but my fingers have been busy:

• knitting scarves (for everyone but me),
• baking cookies and cakes,
• homecooking (including a stash of favorite soups in the freezer),
• class parties,
• Cotillion ball,
• decluttering and cleaning,
• and doing a little Christmas bargain shopping.

 I have not stopped long enough to take a picture or blog about of any of it.

(I am hoping to take a snap of some of my scarves before the go to their new homes.)

I have tried to take some time to check up on some of my favorite blogs recently to catch up on everyone's

stitching, crafting and cooking, but was overwhelmed by the sheer number of wonderful postings. 

I will have to do a lot of catching up after the new year.

I will be back to stitching (and blogging) again in the new year.

 

Happy Thanks Giving

I re-read Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation two weeks ago.  Reading this proclamation gives a different perspective on our celebration of this day.  We are scaling back our feast, including more giving of our time, talent and treasures to our community and focusing on our many blessings.

I wish you all a wonderful day of thanks giving

(with a little turkey and cranberries on the side).

Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation

The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled with blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.  To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.  In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.  Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.  Population had steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battlefield; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.  They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.  It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People.  I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.  And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

-- Abraham Lincoln

In addition to being floored by the sentiments expressed by Lincoln in this proclamation, I am truly awed by Lincoln's use of the English language. When (and why) did we loose the ability to speak so eloquently?

Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name; make kown among the peoples his deeds!
Psalm 105:1

Therefore, we who are receiving the unshakeable kingdom should have gratitude, with which we should offer worship pleasing to God in reverence and awe.

Hebrews 12:28

. . . and say on that day:
Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
Sing praise to the Lord; for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throught all the earth.
Isaiah 12:4 - 5

I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you . . .
Philippians 1:3

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, your wonders of old I will remember.
I will recite all your works; your exploits I will tell.
Your way, O God, is holy; what god is as great as our God?
You alone are the God who did wonders; among the peoples you revealed your might.
With your arm you redeemed your people.
Psalm 77:12 - 16


I thank you, Lord, with all my hear; before the gods to you I sing. 
I bow low toward your holy temple; I praise your name for your fidelity and love. 
For you have exalted over all your name and your promise.
Psalm 138: 1-2

Those who offer praise as a sacrifice (of thanksgiving ) honor me;
to the obedient I will show the salvation of God.
Psalm 50:23So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6 -7

Media Monday #3

In my DVD player:

 

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster - The Complete Collection

Owd Bob

Island of Grace

Playing for Time

MUST SEE!!

WARNING -
Graphic depictions of life Auschwitz

On my book shelf:

Thanksgiving:  A Time to Remember - Rainey

 

 In my CD player

One, Two Buckle My Shoe - Christie (Audiobook)

Jeremy Camp - We Cry Out

Life is Good! (Photo Heavy)

Sampler by Rebecca Scott, dated November 1, 1790:

Two things, the needle and the book we find,

help to accomplish all the female kind.

The shineing needle draws the fine spun thread

bedecks the person and adorns the head.

Since neatness gives the charms that all commend

The needle is the female choiest friend."

Well,  my needle is my "choiest" friend this week.  I have not had much time to stitch, but the small momemts I have struggled to find have been precious indeed.  I have not had much time to read lately, but I have several books on the nightstand just waiting for me to make time for them. 

The weather this week could not be better for stitching and reading.  We have switched from higher than normal temps to lower than normal temps.  We had near freezing temps for a short time during the last two nights.  I hope to crank up the oven this week to do some baking.

Well my birthday present from my DH and DS has arrived, they are both so wonderful, I am very blessed to have two such wonderful and thoughtful guys.

New linen (1/8 yard each)

28 count Country French in Cappuccino

28 count Country French in Antique Gold
32 count Belfast Linen in Putty
32 count 100% Linen in Tumbleweed



Buttermilk, Cidermill Brown,
Crystal Lake, Liberty,
Old Hickory, Onyx, Rhubarb,
Schoolhouse Red, Wrought Iron,



Avocado, Blueberry, Cherry Wine,
Cranberry, Dark Chocolate,
Gold Leaf, Mulberry, Nutmeg,
Oatmeal, Peacock,
Pink Azalea, Tarnished Gold,
Tropical Ocean



    New threads from The Gentle Art

from the Simply Shaker and Sampler Threads collections.

New charts

A Baby A Manger (c) 2010

by Cherry Wood Design Studios

and

Love One Another  (c) 2009

by Little House Needleworks

And best of all . . .

In addition to these lovely stitching items, DS wrote a booklet "What I Love About You" -- I will treasure this always and will keep it close at hand during those potentially troubling teen years.

My guys are wonderful!

And while he was at it,

DH added these for our upcoming anniversary.



Bean Sprout, Desert Mesquite,
Magnolia Blossom,
Manor Red, Ribbon Red





Aztec Red, Bark, Bullfrog,
Collards, Dolphin, Dried Sage,
Juniper, Liberty, Straw



More threads from

Crescent Colors

and

Weeks Dye Works

A New Chart
Annie Ellsworth Sampler (c) 2009
by Beehive Needleworks

I also was able to purchase the two JBW charts I was looking for - THANKS to Michelle for finding them for me.

It was a beautiful Sunday here in the Deep South, we attended Mass, enjoyed our local Veteran's Parade and then took my mother out for lunch on the lake.  Hope you like these pics of our day.

Lunch at
Rip's on the Lake, calamari, fried crab fingers, seafood platters, grilled shrimp salad and a great view.

A great breezy day for sailing along the longest (25 miles) bridge in the world and the pelicans are enjoying the cool weather, too.

And to top it off, the Saints won against Carolina.

Hope you had a great weekend, too!

Vote

UPDATED- (NO LONGER) Desperately seeking two JBW designs . . .

11/04/10 UPDATE - My search is over, thanks Michelle!  Additional thanks to the commenters and e-mailers who took up the search!


I have tried to purchase the following two designs from my local LNS and from an online retailer and neither could get them for me.  Does anyone have these patterns in their stash that might want to sell, loan or trade?

JBW Designs - Christmas Tree Sampler
JBW Designs - Reindeer Sampler

Of Generations Past

I received the "Fall Baking" chart from Joanne Thayer of Of Generations Past.  I was one of the door prize winners (Amy - This one was my favorite, too).    

(photo from Of Generations Past website)

I can't wait to start stitching it (and then use it as a baking to-do list!) Maybe I can share my recipes (and the maple muffin recipe from Joanne) on the blog as I complete each line.

I also have a couple of unique finishing ideas for this one.

Our second cool front did not last very long (we only used the heater for one night and then put the a/c back on the next afternoon).  Looks like this one will last a little longer.  Maybe I can throw open all the windows, play and Christmas CD and catch up on my ornament stitching.  I have 3 LHN ornies (Pear Tree, Under the Tree, and Peppermint Twist) kitted up and ready to stitch and about a dozen ornies I would like to stitch for gifts. 

DH and DS used  my "need to get" thread and fabric list and my chart wish list to buy me a little something for my birthday, so I will be anxiously checking the mail box this week to see what they chose.

It's (Finally) Fall Y'all!!

We usually do not get much fall color here, but this year it is so dry and hot that the few trees that do change colors have gone from green to a spotted sickly yellow and directly to crunchy brown.

But, after many consecutive days of record high temperatures, we are finally getting a little (very little) rain and we welcomed a cool front this morning -- it was 49 degrees on the way to school!  I am also looking forward to the extra morning hour I will gain next week when we "fall" back for Daylight Savings Time.  And all just in time for my birthday - cool weather and an extra hour in the morning, what could be better birthday present!?!

Well . . . .

maybe a little

Stash Enhancement . . .

Homespun Elegance "Holiest of Nights" and "Shabby Chic Christmas"

 

JBW Designs "French Country - Snow Globe" and "French Country - Love"

 

Brightneedle "Can You Spy?"

Stitching Update . . .

Things have been rather busy on the bayou and it is cutting into my stitching time, but I have been carrying LHN's the Gingerbread Trio with me and stitching whenever I have have a little time. 

"Gingerbread Trio"

Little House Needleworks

Stiched over 2 on

using the recommended threads

(love that Spinach green)

At least I am sure to be finished by Christmas.  I am trying to decide between a frame and a pillow finish -- anyone have a different finishing suggestion?

I finished another LHN ornament, I am hoping to finish two more LHN ornaments for our tree this year, but I also have some gift ornaments I want need to start stitching and the gifts come first.

Picture coming soon

"Merry Skater"

Little House Needleworks

stitched over 2 threads  on Summer Khaki

using the recommended threads

Other stuff . . .

I have added several new charts to my destash blog for sale or trade, take a look and see if there is anything you like.

Have you been "Boo'd" yet?  We were "Boo'ed" this week and a secret friend left a large pumpkin, a jar of candy corn and a pack of Wendy's Frosty coupons on our porch.  In return you have to "Boo" two friends, so we made a midnight raid . . . okay, it was actually 7:30p, but it was dark . . .  on two unsuspecting friends and delivered some home-baked cookies, candy and a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese with pumpkin-shaped macaroni.  Since we were expecting rain that evening, we had to ring the bell and run so they would not find their soaked goodies in the morning.  We will be driving by to see if they posted their "I've been "Boo'd" signs in the window.  DS had so much fun, we are going to do something similar for Christmas so he is writing a little poem to let you know you have been "Kringle'd".

Here is the poem for being "Boo'd" (this poem was from a Hallmark set that came with the poem, an "I've Been Boo'd ghost and a cute little gift bag, I think they have another set at Wal-Mart this year from another company with a different poem) . . .

You’ve been Boo’d!

This sweet surprise is called a “boo”!

You’ll never know exactly who

Brought you treats and then ran off unseen

To brighten up your Halloween!

It’s twice the good luck if you go

and “boo” two other folks you know!

Pack up a ghost sign, treats and gifts,

And add a poem just like this.

Pick out a house and sneak up close.

(Make sure its windows have no ghost

that tells you clearly “We’ve been Boo’d!”

It’s best to visit someplace new.)

Knock fast on someone’s door – then run!

Make sure you’re never seen! It’s fun!

And once they get your gifts and food . . .

They’ll know for sure that

They’ve been Boo’d!

If you like this idea, but don't like the idea of ghosts, you can deliver a fall pumpkin with a sign that says "You've been punk'd!" and you can still do it in November for Thanksgiving.  Maybe leave a bag off Thanksgiving Blessing Mix from Organized Christmas.

And you could use this little verse:

Being a Christian . . . is like being a pumpkin.

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes off all the dirt.

Then, He scoops out all the yucky stuff,

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed.

Then, He carves you a new smiling face and

puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

The Online Needlework Show is still open to view.  I inserted a few links to some of my favorites, a few of the designers were new to me so I will have to add them to my designer's to watch list.

From Crabapple Hill Studios:  Embroiderer's Blessing, Vintage Candy Cane Snowman, Love and Joy and Winter Wishes

From Wild Heart Designs Phebe Edwards, 1818

From Half-Moon Handwerks When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks (you have to see all of them!)

From Jeanette Douglas Designs Owl Love You Forever

Of Generations Past

From My Big Toe Designs - Cheaper than Therapy (too cute and so true!), Cast All Your Cares, Building Blocks, and Be Not Forgetful

From Nouveau Encore Designs - Occupation Tree - Teacher and Sports Tree (Football) - Saints

Praiseworthy Stitches - Freedom Park and Bee Keepers Cottage (from Down the Lane series) and Do Ye Good

From With My Needle - A Child's Prayer, Family Record, Family Ties and Kind and True

Have a great weekend!

I Won!

I won one of the five door prizes from Joanne at Of Generations Past.  She has some lovely designs.  I have already chosen my design (I will share my choice when I receive the chart), but which one would you choose?

Have you seen these???

I spent a little time surfing the WWW for new (to me anyway) charts and found these lovely items and thought I would share the links with you (and add them to my wish list) . . .

Acorn House Designs Elf-in-the-Box - this is way cuter than Elf on the Shelf

Anna Lee Designs - Teaching is a Work of Heart - a great teacher gift

From Cherry Wood Design Studios -

A Pumpkin Tree (there is also a Jack-o-Lantern version on the same chart) and Baby in a Manger

Giveaway at Dixie Samplar Designs

http://www.dixiesamplardesigns.com/2010/10/spooktacular-halloween-giveaway-2010.html

The giveaway includes charts from Bent Creek, Little House Needleworks, Lizzie Kate and other wonderful designers.

Media Monday #2

In Royal Blood, the latest in the Royal Spyness series, Lady Georgian Rannoch  is representing the British royals at a wedding in Transylvania.  Georgie, penniless and thirty-fourth in line to the throne, finds herself in a castle in the middle of nowhere with a bride with blood running down her chin, a poisoned guest, and herself betrothed to the loathsome brother of the bride.  Just like Catherine Morland of Northanger Abbey, Georgie's imagination begins to run away with her.

The early life of Pope John Paul II, from his days as a student during the Nazi invasion of Poland, his early years as a priest during the Communist occupation of Poland, until his selection as Pope.

The fifth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series finds Percy and the other heros in the midst of a battle with Kronos.  The Olympians have left Olympus to fit the titan Typhon, who almost defeated them the last time he was let loose.  Posiedan is fighting an underwater battle against more of Kronos' monsters and Hades is staying out of the war.   Can Percy and the other heros defend Manhattan and Olympus from Kronos and his army of titans and monsters?