"Random Thoughts"

Some of my stitching friends have seen my Drawn Thread piece, "Random Thoughts", of which I posted a photo on my June 6th blog post.  I just learned that in the July 8th, 2010 Traditional Stitches Newsletter they announced that they are having a "July Stitch Along" for anyone who would like to stitch "Random Thoughts".  It is totally on your own, but you can connect online with other stitchers who will also be stitching this really fabulous piece.  I had an absolutely wonderful time stitching it!  It was such fun stitching every new little element of it.  I just could not put it down until it was finished.

You can subscribe to the Traditional Stitches Newsletter if you go to their website at http://www.traditionalstitches.com, or email janice@traditionalstitches.com. 

"Hands to Work ...Hearts to God"

At long last,  I finished my sewing accessories to Blue Ribbon Designs, "Beauty in Simplicity", which was the  New England Stitcher's Retreat May project this year.  Since I was down with a bad cold and a fractured toe last week, I was pretty much off my feet, needing to rest, so it was a good opportunity to get some stitching done when I was up to it.  It feels good to have finished these little stitching accessories, since I have always shied away from small items, for fear of complicated finishing.  Belinda Karls-Nace's finishing photographs and instructions are so meticulous that it was not difficult or a bit scary at all to finish off any of them.  I feel so proud of myself :).

So here are my needlebook, pinkeep and scissor fob!  I designed the back of the needlebook a little bit different from Belinda's finished piece, but it seemed to suit my personality more this way.  Let me know what you think too!  I love the theme of "Hands to Work...Hearts to God" because it speaks to my heart about the scriptures that tell us to  "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)  I pray that all the works of my hands will reflect my love for God in all that I do and all that I create in my life.

 May others be blessed by all the works of your hands as a true reflection of your hearts deepest thoughts  and love of God in all that you do and in every way that your life touches the lives of others.

Sweet Land of Liberty!

"Our Country Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty
Of Thee I Sing!"

How blessed we are in America, that we can still sing of the incredible freedoms and liberties that we, as Americans, still enjoy in this beautiful country, home of nation of free people.  We are blessed by a nation, so rich in its' heritage of men and women who sacrificed so much, fighting in many wars, both here and abroad, to preserve our precious way of life here in the United States.

Today, July 4th, may we celebrate our Declaration of Independence, signed 343 years ago by our founding fathers, declaring  our independence from Great Britain, and establishing our country as a free nation of men and women, to live, under God, with liberty, freedom and justice for all people!

I was inspired to pull out an "Americana" needleroll pattern, from my Shepherd's Bush stash.

It has been a really hot day here in Massachusetts, reaching 93 degrees in Boston, where the Boston Pops is getting ready to start up the 4th of July celebration at the historic "Hatshell" with a great celebration of music right now.  We have stayed indoors most of the day where it is cool.  I baked a rhubarb crisp for us all to enjoy tonight while we enjoy watching the festivities together at home.  Yum...can't wait to taste it.  It is an old recipe from Bruce's mother, and she was an incredible cook.....mmmmm. wonder if my attempt to recreate it will be a good one.  We'll see...

God Bless You...wherever you may be spending this 4th of July, and God Bless America!