Happy Valentine's Day!

Looking  back to my childhood,  I recall the anticipation of Valentine's Day..... a time when we all exchanged mostly handmade Valentines, made from lace paper doilies and red cut out paper hearts.

 I remember schoolday Valentine parties,  complete with candy hearts and some special pink, red and white cupcakes or cookies, and exchanging Valentines with my classmates.  All of it was special...the intrigue of receiving one or two unsigned Valentines!


Well, I didn't finish "Deepest Love" in time for Valentine's Day, but, but it  is coming along nicely.

I'm trying to decide whether to finish it as a banner with some nice colored borders, or whether to have it framed.  Framing is so expensive, and I am not an expert finisher when it comes to doing my own framing.   Hmmm....

This lovely scissors set and keeper were made by one of my stitching friends, Shirley, from a Wednesday morning stitching group that I attend at my LNS.  It is stitched over one!  I especially love the little twisted cording and beautiful little mother of pearl buttons attached to the scissors.  So special!

 Our 10 month old granddaughter, Ella is wearing her pretty little velour "hearts" top to celebrate Valentine's Day.  We are babysitting for her tonight so that our daughter and her husband can go out to celebrate Valentine's Day.  It is always such a joy to have Ella come to visit Grandma and Grandpa!

Wishing you a Valentine Basket full of hearts of love, that your heart may filled to overflowing with the greatest gift of all....LOVE!

A Little Stitching Progress...

If your days are anything like mine, at the end of the day, you probably ask yourself, "where on earth did this day go?"  Every day I imagine myself having some nice quiet time to peacefully stitch on my latest project, but somehow other things seem to take over, and before I know it, it is time to make supper and my husband is home!
Last night, I did manage a few hours, albeit late, to make some progress on my latest stitching piece, called "Deepest Love" by Turquoise Graphics & Designs.  I chose some Vikki Clayton-Dyer Hand-Dyed Silks (only three overdyed silks needed), for this project.  I'm not sure what I think of the way this piece is turning out, but will see when it is finished.  Hmmm.  Here is a sneek peek at progress so far.

On another note, I want to be sure to tell all of my readers about the very special 300th Follower Giveaway for Cranberry Samplings.  Deborah has a very special giveaway of fantastic needlework stash for a very lucky recipient!  Maybe it could be you!  I would love to win too!  Check out her blog on my sidebar, for more details.

Our little poodle, Meggie just came up to me with her "blankie" stuck on her back.  She was sleeping in her bed, and I think she is trying to tell me that she needs to go out for a walk...hint, hint, Mum!

Those sweet brown eyes look so sad, as if to say, "are you going to take the hint, Mum?"  Well, all for now!  Must take Meggie for her walk!

Crossing in Stitches & Friendship With You!

Sharing Thoughts and Stitches With You

Brrr....Brrr...Brrr... it is really cold in New England, and it is only February 6th, but thankfully, the predicted heavy snow last night was more of an icy rain, that is melting this morning.  The sun is out and it is 37 degrees, but my bones are still so cold. 

While the snow fell again this week, it was the perfect opportunity to work on some of my stitching projects, of course!    Using a February banner pattern that I have had in my stash for quite some time, I decided to embellish it a little differently with some flowers and hearts.

I love my latest LHN piece, "Exodus 20:16", which I also finished this week.  The colours are so rich and I am really pleased with the way it turned out.  The verse is one of my favorites..."Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor".  If we can keep this one in our hearts every day, it would make the world a better place in which to live. 

Just to give you an idea of what our record snow falls look like, here are a few pictures around our neighborhood.

The snow plows are having a difficult time trying to figure where to put all the snow, and lately, in the evenings, they have been coming into our neighborhood with dump trucks and plows and taking away some of it.  There is just no place to put it and the roads are dangerously narrow! 

This is a view of all the snow that fell on the roof on our second story!  Many of our neighbors have had major roof leakage, and have had to call roofers to come and remove the snow.  Earlier this week we too had to have some snow removed from the roof in back of our house because we had water leaking on our living room ceiling.  We just need some sunny days to melt it!

Where ever you live, I hope that this finds you well and cozy, and that you are able to take some special moments for yourself, and time for some stitching of course!

Crossing in Stitches & Friendship With You!

Snow, Snow, Snow!

Snow, Snow, Snow!  This is a perfect picture of what our little village center looks like here in Massachusetts, after another record snowstorm this week.  The main floor windows of our condo are now three quarters blocked by drifts of snow!  We have huge ice cycles hanging down from the roof too. 

As one neighbor said to me recently, "if you live in New England, you have to love snow.  Otherwise you had better consider moving to a much warmer climate!" 

So, today I will just cozy up with my favorite cup of tea and some of the oatmeal raisin cookies I baked, and settle down with my stitching.  Oh Joy!

When I was looking in my treasures of needlework accessories, I found this lovely felted pincushion that had belonged to my mother in law, (now deceased), but isn't it lovely?  I can't bear to think of sticking any pins into it though, because it has a few worn places on the sides, which can't be seen in this picture, but I want to preserve it because it is very special.

Just to share some exciting news, Congratulations to Belefonte Notes, celebrating it's "Two Year Blogovesary" with a special giveaway too!  Check out their blog site, listed on my sidebar, to read more details about the giveaway.  Who doesn't love a needlework giveaway too?

May this day bring you moments of happiness amidst the busyness of your day, and may our paths cross again very soon.  Thank you for visiting and for all of your wonderful messages too!

Crossing in Stitches & Friendship!

Touching Life With You...

Each day I wonder what the day will bring, but then I ask myself what will I bring to this new day?
For it is in seeking to do for others, that we can make a difference in someone else's life.
It is in giving that we we may reap the greatest joy, when we see a smile on another's face.
When my life comes to a close, and my loved ones recount my story, I hope that they will be able to say, that I loved much, shared much, gave much and that my faith in God made a difference in the lives of those whose lives touched mine.
"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you".
(James 4:8)
These are my thoughts for the day, and I welcome you to share yours with me.
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On to what my "needle" has been stitching on these cold snowy days!  I have made some more progress on my LHN "Exodus 20-16".  I have changed some of the colors though, to get the desired effect that I want, but oh these are just some of my favorite colours!

                                                               
                                                                         A few more close-ups .

Other exciting news.....Bruce and I attended the "Grand Celebration" opening of Bush Mountain Stitchery's new shop, in Ware, MA, which relocated from PA.  We were so excited to visit this wonderful new needlework shop.  We had met owners, MaeAnn and Gary Bush at Stitching Jubilee in PA two years ago, so we were thrilled to learn that they were moving up to MA. Their new shop is just marvelous!  It is truly a "Candy Store" for stitchers!  Vicki Clayton-Dyer, of Hand-Dyed Fibers, was there with her beautiful assortment of silks too!

MaeAnn & Gary Bush
Vikki Clayton-Dyer with husband Bob (Hand-Dyed Fibers)

Here is a peek of some of the stash that I brought home with me.

I hope that you are finding plenty of stitching projects to keep you busy, warm and cozy on these cold winter days!  For all of you who visit my stitching blog, thank you!  I really love reading all of your nice comments. 

Until next time, Crossing in Stitches & Friendship With You!

Random Thoughts On a Cold Winter Day

"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of a reward, safe in the knowledge that one day, someone might do the same for you."
( Princess Diana)

For, it is in the doing for others that we reap our greatest rewards in life.  To see the smile on the face of another because we have lent a hand up, or given a few words of random kindess, can change a life.  We must never underestimate what a few moments of caring and sharing can mean to another human being, in need of, who will never be able to repay you, but because you will have made a difference in someone's life, just for doing a random act of kindness that day.

All too soon, those special moments with those we love are fleeting memories, but memories to cherish for a lifetime.  This past weekend, we visited with my parents, who live a few hours from here, but with whom we have not been able to visit for a while, due to snowstorms and viruses.   Our little granddaughter, Ella, and daughter, Carra were able to accompany us for a day of great fun together. My sister, Nancy, and my nephew, Brendan, also surprised us with a visit! 



Great Grandma with Baby Ella



Ella, Wearing Her "Princess Hat" Plays "Patty-Cake"

Meggie played "Princess" too in  her new "Princess Doggie Coat"!  She thinks she is  "Tres Elegante", don't you think?  A wonderful woman, we met at a craft fair, who specializes in making custom pet attiire, recently created this special coat for our pampered little pooch, who really hates going out in the cold.  

Although Meggie was very cooperative, allowing herself to be dressed in this fussy little coat, she isn't too sure about whether or not she is excited about wearing it! 

This snazzy little outfit even comes with "leg warmers", which are to arrive in the mail any day.  Now, that should be interesting......!  We'll see how Meggie likes wearing them too!~

I hope that you have enjoyed reading my "random thoughts" for today, and seeing some of the newest photos of some of the special people in our lives, including  precious little pooch too!

Crossing in Stitches & Friendship With You Once Again!

Blessed With Contentment

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are...no more, no less.  That is the moment when you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."
(Matthew 5:5 (MSG)

Contentment within ourselves is sometimes difficult to achieve.  The world tells us that we must compare ourselves to others and strive to achieve to the highest heights of our capabilities.  For me, I have learned, through some difficult life lessons, that it is in the simple things of life, and in joy and love of family, friends, and my Lord, that I can find the truest contentment.

When it snows, I am always truly content and peaceful, and love being able to cozy up for some peaceful moments with my stitching, a nice pot of hot tea and some of my favorite movies.  Two days ago, I got my wish for lots of snow!  It even piled drifts up past our lower floor windows!

So, while it snowed, I was snug as a bug in a rug, happily stitching on my latest LHN project,
"Exodus 20:16".  I love the rich colours in this piece, various overdyed Crescent Colours fibers in rusts, golds, and greens...some of my favorite colours!  Here is a sample of my progress so far.

So, where ever you might be, I hope that you can find some peaceful time for yourself, perhaps with a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate, and your favorite stitching project!  Thank you so much for visiting my stitching blog.  It means a lot to share with you, and I love all of your nice comments!

Crossing in Stitches & Friendship With You.....One Stitch at a Time!

Friendship and Some Time for Tea!

"Yes, we must ever be friends;
And of all who offer you friendship,
Let me be ever the first, the truest, the nearest and dearest."
(Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

One of my most favorite of all pasttimes, is the happiness of sharing a nice pot of tea, and some baked goodies, with one or two special friends.  We share the stories of the day, sometimes full of joy and laughter, and sometimes of grief and sorrow.  But when we part, each of us has experienced the lifting of spirits, and the cherished joy of true and treasured friendship.

Yesterday, I was in a baking mood, and made some cranberry bread and corn muffins, ready for a special friend to drop by for a "pot of tea".  Naughty, naughty, but oh so yummy!

Some Special Thoughts and Stitching

                       Some Special Thoughts for 2011

This lovely verse of prose was sent to me in a recent email, and it touched and warmed my heart, and so I wanted to share it with you.

"There comes a point in your life when you realize who matters, who never did, who won't anymore, and who always will.
So don't worry about people from your past. 
There is a reason why they didn't make it to your future." 

The most special people in your life are those who are meant to be in it, for they are the truest and most noble of all people. (Kathy)

A New Year always gives me a new outlook and feeling of a time of renewal. All things are past away in the last year, amidst some beautiful memories, to be cherished in my heart.  Now is the time for starting things anew. 

Over New Year's weekend, I started the Country Cottage Needleworks "Winter Wonderland Series".  It is cute and stitches up quickly, but I came down with the stomach virus last Sunday morning, so had to set my project aside for a few days of recovery.

Last night I made a little more progress, but discovered that the kit didn't have enough of the blue silk to complete the ribbon on top of the box, so had to contact Crescent Colours and they were kind enough to say they will send me another piece to complete the design.  How nice!

Already, I am planning my next needlework project.  It is a very special project from LHN called "Exodus 20:16", which Bruce gave to me for Christmas, along with the Vintage 28 count Light Examplar linen (Lakeside Linens) and beautiful fibers to go with it. I just love the rich colours and can't wait to start it!!

Meggie, our "pampered pooch" decided last night that she was cold and perched herself on top of a pillow with Bruce's Red Sox fleece blanket.  She looked so funny....like the "Princess & the Pea" , sitting like a little princess atop the blanket and pillow!

For today, I leave you with these thoughts:  Keep a song in your heart and a dance in your spirit!

Reflections

 Meggie is totally enjoying her new pet bed, complete with a hand crocheted blankie, made for her by our daughter-in-law, Alyssa.  Meggie is a spoiled little pooch, but we love her to pieces.

As we prepare to watch 2010 come to a close, we pray that as we move ahead into the new year of 2011, that these words will remain with us.  "For You, Lord, have made me glad...;I will triumph in the works of your hands.  (Psalm 92.4) and also "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear!" (Hebrews:13:5-6).  

This is my final finished piece for 2010, which I have decided to name,  "CELEBRATIONS 2010".  (From Just Cross Stitch Ornament 2010 Issue)

In reflecting over the past year, as I have always told my children, it is in looking back at the road we've travelled, that we can best see where we've been, and how God has directed our paths.  Somehow, when we are living in the moment it is often difficult to understand why things happen as they do, why certain trials and tribulations have to happen amidst joyful circumstances too.  But, for me, it is in trusting the wise and loving ways of God, that I know He is always watching over me and my loved ones, and He always has our best interests in His hands.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Blessed New Year!

"Keep Christmas With You All Through The Year....."

 

The words of a Christmas song are floating in my mind right now.  The lyrics go something like this....
"Keep Christmas With You All Through The Year.  When Christmas is over, give a little cheer....These precious moments, keep them close to you....Yes, keep Christmas with you all through the year."  If only we could keep the treasured spirit of Christmas in our hearts always every day of the year.

My Christmas ornaments and door hanger gifts were finished on December 23rd!  At least they were ready for wrapping before Christmas Eve!  I can remember, growing up, that my mother was always finishing a sewing project until late on Christmas Eve.  I have done this too, but this year, I promised myself to try and finish just a bit earlier.  Here are my finished pieces.

It was a beautiful and memorable Christmas this year.  We were blessed to spend it with our children, their spouses, our two precious little grandchildren, Emery, (11 months), and Ella, (almost 9 months), and Ella's grandparents, who came all the way from Virginia too!  What a joy it was to watch the wide eyed looks of excitement in the babies' eyes, as everyone opened presents, with the paper and bows flying everywhere.   Of course, Emery and Ella most enjoyed the pretty paper and glittering bows, especially the "gold" bows too!

The peaceful beauty of Christmas is now a memory, here yesterday and now it is hard to believe that, it is now just a treasured memory, until next year.  So many preparations.... so much joy, love, peace and faith abounds in this treasured celebration of our Lord's birth.    It always fills me with a little sadness when Christmas Day ends, because I love the meaning of it so much, and I want so much for our hearts to remember the reason for Christmas every day.

Love and Blessings to All of You.  Thank you, to everyone, for visiting my blog and sending me such nice little notes. I love all of them and look forward to sharing more with you in the months ahead!