A Special Giveaway...Check This Out!

Silver Threads Golden Needle (Blogspot.com) has some fabulous giveaways to celebrate a very  "special" birthday! Isn't this a gorgeous scissor fob?

                      Aren't these just beautiful?  

Special Milestones...

This past weekend, Bruce and I attended what he prefers to call  his"MILESTONE" high school class reunion!  He says that he can't believe that so many years have passed since he graduated from high school, but it was a lot of fun for him.

Bruce @ Class Reunion Party

 One of the fun things that they did was to pass out to every former student, a nametag for another classmate with their picture on it, and the goal was for each person to try and find the correct person whose name and picture were on the nametag!  What a riot it was watching everyone trying to find each other.  There was only one man who looked fairly like he did in high school, and that was a man that Bruce said had lost a lot of weight, and looked to be in great shape.  He was an incredible dancer too. 

We had a really nice time.  It was my first time out in public since my surgery, and it was a bit of a challenge learning how to communicate with people, who could not hear my new "whispering voice", so I had to write notes to talk.  It was kind of strange for me, since I have always loved to talk. For Bruce, who has always been the more "silent" partner, he is learning that he now has to be the talker for both of us,but we he had a wonderful time with everyone.

One of Bruce's former classmates, a very successful contractor, generously donated a sum of money for the celebration, and we were treated to a beautiful dinner, complete with a gift bag containing a bottle of wine, a class CD and a baseball hat monogrammed with Bruce's High School name and class insignia.  Really nice!

 As some of  the people spoke, Bruce commented that their personalities had not changed a bit, even if they did look a little older.  He said that the class president was just the same and that the class clown was no different from the way he acted in high school.  It made me think back to my own high school years too, thinking to myself that, for many of us, we probably still feel like we're just as young inside, even though the mirror may tell us a different story!!  So, I guess that the lesson to be learned is that we must always hold to the goal of striving to be just as "Young At Heart" as possible, in spite the birthdays that tell us we are growing older!

A Stitch Here and There...

There is nothing more refreshing and soothing than when I pick up my needle to take a few stitches on my current "work in progress", which happens to be the "Quaker Faith" sampler by Cynthia Bradford, of "Little by Little".  Here is a "birds' eye view" of my latest progress.

 My attention is drawn to these "autumn" colors, especially as the long days of summer officially ended yesterday, and now that we have started to notice that some of our trees are beginning to show their early changes of color.  The days are getting a little shorter, and the evening hours seem to come upon us a little earlier every night.  My favorite color palette has always been those among the "autumn" hues.  From early childhood, I was always drawn to shades of gold, olive, brown, orange, teal.  My mother used to shudder when I would choose those colors, but I love them!

Yesterday I saw my throat surgeon and received a good report that everything is healing well...still a little way to go, but that is ok.  The "not so good news" is that I will never recover any "normal" voice again, and that it my new voice is only a "whisper".  At least I am blessed with that, and for it I am grateful.  My husband can now truly say that he doesn't have to worry that his wife will ever yell at him again!  Not that I have ever really yelled at him....he is a pretty wonderful guy and we have a very special relationship...another great blessing!

This happy grandma had the inexplicable joy of getting in some more hugs from our baby granddaughter, Ella this week, who is more beautiful everytime I see her.  She will be 6 months old on September 29th.  These little ones grow when we aren't looking!

Well, I am off to do a little stitching and enjoy a new Netflix series, called "Lark Rise to Candleford", made in 2008.  The story takes place in late 19th century England, and was a BBC series.  It kind of reminds me of Masterpiece Theatre's "Cranford" which aired several episodes this year and in 2009.  I am drawn to this type of Victorian drama...similar to Jane Austen stories. 

Some Terrific Giveaways!

Today I discovered two new blogs that I want to tell you about, "Lacey Lemondrops' Sunroom" and "Raspberries and Rose Petals".   They are really special and I know that you will love visiting them.

Raspberries and Rose Petals has a very special giveaway of a gorgeous, lacey box with pearls and roses and all kinds of sweet adornments!  The giveaway ends on Sept. 22nd, so visit soon!

Also, Brynwood Needleworks has a wonderful giveaway too for the 500th post....two wonderful lap quilts will be among the giveaways.

Hey,  am I a silly girl, or what, telling you about these fabulous giveaways....guess that I am minimizing my own chances of winning one of those neat giveaways, but I don't like to be "stingey".  Afterall, I believe in sharing with all of my friends, and you are one of them!

We Are Surrounded by God's Love...

 On Friday, this past week, a very dear friend and her husband came to visit with me and brought some delicious homemade soup, fresh rolls and a delicious lime pie.  What a wonderful treat their visit was, true balm for the spirit to have them here!  After lunch, my friend, Ellen showed me the gorgeous wedding quilt that she had just given to her daughter for her bridal shower.  Here are some photos of it.

Today, as I read my daily devotional, I was reminded that "Thus far, the Lord has helped me" (1 Samuel 7:12), that in everything, He has been so faithful and good to me and to my family, especially as we have traveled this newly unchartered territory of my recent surgery, healing and how it now will impact our lives.

We take so many things in life for granted, when things are rolling smoothly along.  Having a healthy body, with good vision, hearing and an ability to communicate by just opening up your mouth and having a conversation, or singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs, are just things I never even gave a thought.  Now, it is different because I have no voice, except for a little whisper.  I am still an intelligent, alert woman, but now I have to think about how different it will be out in the real world, if nobody can hear me unless they lean in closely to hear what I am saying.  For a "Chatty Kathy" like I've always been known in the past, this is a really big adjustment for me.  Well, I am just going to have to make some new adjustments and write messages or maybe even learn to "Sign"!

This past week I have felt God speaking to me every day with messages about what He wants to share with me about this new chapter of my life.  A few days ago, he gave me this message from Matthew 5:5:  "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less.  That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought".  For most of us, we long to be something more than what we were created to be, comparing ourselves to other women whom we think are prettier, or smarter, or more talented that ourselves. 

I am learning to count my blessings, and to be content with myself in whatever state I am, for I am alive and  getting better each day, and I have a loving and devoted husband, loving children and their spouses, two precious grandchildren, and caring and kind friends and family.  What more could I possibly desire? 

One of my very favorite hymns , "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", best expresses the blessings of my heart today.

                   "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
                    Tune my heart to sing Thy Grace
                    Streams of mercy, never ceasing
                     Call for songs of loudest praise!"

Some thoughts on a quiet day...

Today my mind is thinking back over the events of the past two weeks, since my throat surgery, and now recovery period.  It has been a big adjustment for me not to have a "real voice" any more.  I can only whisper, but am not supposed to be even doing that for a few more weeks.  Then, only time will tell if I will ever have a real voice again....probably not, but that is ok, because at least I have oxygen in my lungs and can breathe the beautiful clean fresh air.  Praise be to God, for He is such a marvelous healer and the very best Physician of all!

This morning, as I read my daily devotional, from Matthew 10, I read about the two sparrows sold for a copper coin, "and not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will."  It reminded me that the eyes of our Lord are everywhere, and that nothing that happens in our lives escapes His attention.  I know that He has been with me every step of the way, through my surgery, and now through what will be in the coming days of adjustments in my life.

My little grandchildren, Emery (7 months) and Ella (5 months) don't know how to speak yet, and so I am learning to "sign" language to them, and they just love it.  It brings tears to my eyes because I have found a new way to communicate with them without having to vocalize!   This is just too wonderful for words!

"But Joy Cometh In The Morning...."

 
"For His anger endureth but a moment, in His favour is life:  weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."  (Psalm 30:5)

God Bless America Forever More!

                                                               

Who can ever forget the events of nine years ago, when our nation suffered the most infamous attack on American soil by the terrorists of September 11th, 2001, at the World Trade Centers in New York City?

Every American can recall exactly what they were doing when they heard the most incredible events of that morning.  I remember that I was home with our oldest son, who was not feeling well that morning. He was in the family room, perched in front of the television, when he suddenly called out to me, Hey Mom, come here and see what just happened!  A big airplane just flew straight into a tall building in New York City!"  We both stood there, mouths gaping open in shock, listening to the newscasters trying to tell us what had just been witnessed.  Then, as we were still listening and watching, we saw the second plane fly into the 2nd World Trade Building!  What on earth was happening, we wondered? 

Then, bit by bit, the news began to filter into every American home that day, as we feared the worst for our nation, and learned about the incredible losses of lives that day..  Who could ever believe what had taken place on that fateful day?

We wept and prayed for the loss of thousands of lives and for the families impacted by the terrible events of this horrific act of violence against our nation, who lost loved ones that day.  Their lives would never be the same again, and neither would any of ours here in this great country. 


(Needlework by Blackbird Designs)

                                                     

More Photos from Our Vacation

Oh, how vacations revitalize and soothe the tired souls, rest for the weary and food for the spirit.  Yes, those are exactly the feelings we experienced, getting away from our everyday routines at home, and it was just what the "doctors ordered" before my throat surgery last week.  So, now that I am peacefully resting at home, today is the first day that I have some energy to share more photos of our wonderful trip to Pennsylvania.

Here are a few photos of our day trip into Intercourse, Pennsylvania, and I thought that you might enjoy reading about "How the Village of Intercourse Got It's Name"! 

        We stopped at an old country store, where this description of "The Cross Keys Tavern", now called "The Lunch Basket" at the country store, was posted.  The farmlands just across the street from the store were just so peaceful and beautiful. 

Just as I was taking this picture, an Amish woman with her horse and buggy, was preparing to pull out onto the road in front of me, and I couldn't resist taking this photo, because she was turning away.  I would not have wanted to offend her  by taking a photo, if she had been looking at me.  Such a peaceful wonderful country town...  We much prefer the areas away from the touristy areas as much as possible.

After lunch we went a little further down the road and visited "A Showcase of Quilts" at the People's Place Quilt Museum, in Intercourse, Pa.

These are just a few of photos of some of my favorite quilts.

"Crazy Quilt"

                                                              Sections of  the Crazy Quilt

"A Green Sampler Quilt"

"Patchwork Appliqued Tulip Garden Quilt"

Closeup View of Appliqued Tulip

    

"White On White Quilt"

Border of "White On White" Quilt

"Purple Posies"

"Postage Stamp Colorsplash"

Closeup View of Center of "Postage Stamp Colorsplash"

Aren't these some of the most beautiful quilts?  I think that my favorite one was the Crazy Quilts.  I am just so enthralled with all of the luscious colors, velvets and embroidery throughout these gorgeous types of quilts.

Must go and rest for a while now, and then fix some lunch.  Hope that this day finds you well, with some sunshine in your life, some peaceful moments just for yourself, and perhaps some time for a stitch or two!

                            

Some Special Memories...

Bruce and I returned last weekend from a wonderful trip to Pennsylvania, with our best friends, to visit our son, Kevin, wife, Gwen and our little 7 month old grandson, Emerson, who is just the happiest, most contented little boy in the world!

Grandma Kathy Playing "So Big" With Emerson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandpa Bruce With Happy Boy Emerson!

 

 

We also managed to find time to enjoy some wonderful daytrips.  Our son, Kevin, and Emerson took us to see the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pa. 

These very moving sculptures are entitled, "A Moment of Mercy" was at the Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pa..  It depicted a very solemn 90 minutes at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Va. in Dec. 1862, when a 19 year old sargent, turned "Good Samaritan", when he could no longer stand listening to the cries of the wounded soldiers on the battlefield.  For 90 minutes, all firing stopped  and all was very quiet, on both Confederate and Union sides of the battle, as this brave young man carried water to the wounded soldiers.

 Martha & Kathy With President Abraham Lincoln 

 

 

 

 

 

                                   We also enjoyed visiting the Amish farmlands.

                           .

An Amish woman waiting to enter the road from a roadside market.

Miniature Quilt Exhibit at Quilt Museum in Intercourse, Pa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Miniture Amish Quilt & Sewing Accessories

 

 

Another day, we visited Valley Forge in King of Prussia, Pa.  We learned that the land on which Valley Forge stands, was originally a land grant, owned by William Penn, who gifted his eldest daughter, Letitia, with the 600 acres of land, for her wedding present.  This is all very interesting to me, as I am a direct descendent of William Penn on my mother's side of the family.  My grandmother's name was Margaret Penn, and my youngest brother is named William Penn.  In my parents' home, stands the 300 year old Penn spinning wheel, owned originally by James Penn.

Soldier's Cabins at Valley Forge

 

 

Inside of a Soldier's Cabin at Valley Forge

George Washington's Home at Valley Forge

A Room inside of George Washington's Home

 

 

Kitchen inside George Washington's Valley Forge Home

Beautiful Garden Outside of the Valley Forge Museum

 There are more beautiful photos of our trip to come, including some of the beautiful quilts we saw in a Quilt Museum in Intercourse, Pa. 

Wishing all of my dear friends a blessed and beautiful day today wherever you may find yourself, and hopefully you will find some quiet moments just for yourself to do something special...like perhaps finding time to take a few stitches in one of your favorite needlework projects. 

Some Exciting Stitching Giveaways!

Be sure to check out these wonderful stitching blogs who are offering some great "giveaways":

"I'll Cross That Leg When I Get There" ( There is also an interesting April 2011 retreat mentioned here.)

"Stitching Devotee" (Maggee)

"Peaceful Threads" (Fiona)

Have Fun!

Peaceful Pursuits...

This past weekend, my husband, Bruce and I spent a lovely, lazy weekend together at home.  We are both avid stitchers.  Bruce is an avid stitcher of Hardanger.  Here is one of his recently finished pieces.  Pretty amazing, wouldn't you say?!

Sometimes, I am overwhelmed by his talent, which I think far surpasses anything that I stitch.  He is so kind though, and says to me, "Oh honey, you stitch beautiful needlework too.  It's just that we each have different interests in what we like to stitch.  What a sweetheart!  He definitely wins the "Blue Ribbons", dont' you agree?

Last weekend, I decided to start something easy to stitch.  I just wasn't in the mood to do anything complicated, so I decided to stitch a pretty little piece called "Cottage Pinkeep Sampler", by Midsummer Night Designs.  I changed a few of the fiber colors here and there, substituted some Weeks Dried Thyme for the trees and flower stems, but I it has been fun and relaxing to stitch. There is just one more row of little pinkeep designs and then a sweet green border with little flowers that goes all around the pinkeeps.  Fun!

We are leaving on a vacation trip to Pennsylvania this coming Saturday, August 14th, with another couple, who are our best friends.  We will be spending a few days with our son, Kevin, his wife, Gwen, and our 6 month old grandson, Emery.  Then we will be off to explore interesting areas, like Gettysburg, the Amish towns, and then on to King of Prussia at the end of the week, to visit the gorgeous botanical gardens of Longwood Gardens, located near Kennet Square.  You could spend a whole day there.  Longwood Gardens was developed by the Dupont family, where their historical home is also located.  We always visited these beautiful acres of gardens when Kevin attended Messiah College.  It was always our very special treat to go there.

So, of course, I am thinking of a new stitching project to take along, just in case I have a few quiet hours, when we are all sitting and relaxing.  Bruce gave me a wonderful design, complete with linen and fibers for my birthday called "Quaker Faith" by Little by Little".  I have already prepared the linen, fray checked the edges, and am about to baste it onto my roller bars to be attached to my mini-doodler frame. 

One word of caution if you would like to stitch this design, the pattern calls for an R&R Reproductions Dark Expresso 35 count linen, which is a wonderful color, but I unfortunately discovered that it is not colorfast!  There was a little mark on the linen that looked like a pencil mark, and I tried to gently dab at it with a a little drop of water on a cloth, and the color RAN!  I was so upset!  Fortunately for me, it ran within the 3 inch margins of the piece where I will not be stitching!  Some lessons are learned the hard way, but now at least I will be more cautious and test the overdyed linens in the future first!  Thank goodness that I didn't try to wash the linen first!

Hope that you find some quiet, peaceful moments to stitch sometime this week, hopefully in a cool place.  These summer days have been filled with lots of sun, and pretty humid weather lately, but now and then, we have enjoyed some cooler evenings, thank goodness!