Sew Many Thoughts

2010-03-11T13:31:00.003-05:00

I have started another blog, Dearest Darling. It contains letters my father wrote to my mother during WWII. I hope one day to have pictures of them on the blog as well. I hope you will enjoy reading the letters.

I have been stitching and knitting. This weekend I will be working in the basement. I am trying to get ready for a yard sale. I can't believe all the "stuff" that has accumulated over the years.

I took two tests to work for the Census Bureau. I passed both, but haven't heard anything about a job. I pray they call me.

Take care
Teresa

Just a Note

2010-02-03T14:47:00.002-05:00

I did not mean to be away for so long. It is hard for me to keep track of time. I am either working, at the library, or home, usually stitching. I started a part-time job at Michael's Craft Store back in November. I mainly do office work and price changes. I enjoy both the job and the people I work with. Now that I am comfortable with this job, I am looking for a second part-time job. It is hard to find something full-time.

My life is so different without Mom. Whenever I went out, I would call her on my way back home. I miss those calls. I miss making her waffles. She is in my every thought. It is hard to believe she died six months ago. Some days it feels like yesterday and then there are times that it all feels like a dream and I want to wake up.

A few weeks ago, I started making changes in the house, moving things around. I am discovering things I didn't know Mom had. I never went through her things, I almost feel like I need to get her permission. I found some letters my dad had written her during World War II. I am going to go through them and possibly put them on a blog.

I am at the library and I need to get home. I will try to post more often. I miss all of you and hope you and your families are well.

Take care

Teresa

Happy Thanksgiving Early!

2009-11-17T13:34:00.004-05:00

I am sorry I have been away for so long. I am doing well, at least trying. I am still going to the library to use their computers. My computer cannot be fixed.

I started a part time job. Once I feel comfortable with it, I will be looking for a second job.

It is difficult to get use to living without Mom. I want to thank all of you who sent her birthday cards when I gave her the "Birthday Card Party." She talked about that for a long time. I am saving all the cards and gifts that were sent to her. It was really special to me too!

I have been doing some stitching. One day, when I can, I will post pictures.

I don't know when I will be coming to the library again, so I am taking the time now to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Take care
Teresa

2009-08-04T11:24:00.003-04:00

Thank you for all of your comments. I miss Mom so much, but am so grateful to the Lord that she is no longer in agony.

The following is a letter I wrote to her after she died. God gave me strength to read it at her graveside service.

Dear Mom,

The past three months have been both torture and a blessing. We both endured our own suffering but yet today, we have both survived. You have now made your home in heaven with our Father and I remain to serve the Lord in whatever way he chooses.

Mom, I am so grateful the the Lord for putting us together. I did my best to fulfill the promises I made to you and in doing so I fulfilled the commandment of the Lord to honor you. The hardest part was allowing others to care for you, not out of selfishness, but because I wanted to give back to you everything you had given me. You allowed me to come home from my former life. You gave me unconditional love. I now have the knowledge of how you could be so loving to me when others turned me away. It was because of your love for the Lord and that the Holy Spirit resided in you.

It breaks my heart to no longer hear your voice, but with the silence I know you are at peace. When the silence is broken, it will be my own voice thanking God for the life we shared, for the valuable lessons you taught me, and for giving you to me as my mother.

Mom, you have not been taken from me because you will always and forever be in my heart. My comfort is knowing you live with the One who created you and one day, when God chooses the hour and the minute, I will join you! I will always and forever treasure my memories of you as my mother. It hurts so much to not have you with me, but I am fill with joy when I say you Mom are now my precious sister in Christ who now lives in heaven!

May you all have a blessed day!
Much love,
Teresa

2009-08-01T11:36:00.002-04:00

In loving memory of my mom,

Hazel Alean

Born on February 28, 1926

Entered the Kingdom of Heaven July 29, 2009

2009-07-06T09:39:00.003-04:00

Mom has been in the hospital this time for a month. The stroke occurred on April 23. Two months to the day of having the stroke, she had a heart attack. I was holding her hand when she told me of pain between her shoulder blades. I am glad she was not alone. Test later confirmed what I thought was happening at the time. There is heart damage, but she is not a candidate for cardiac cath due to her physical state. We are now taking life day by day and at moments minute by minute.

Take care
Teresa

2009-06-22T17:58:00.003-04:00

Mom is still going through a difficult time. She has been in the hospital this time for two weeks. I sent her to a rehab twenty miles from our home after having her home for four days. She needed around the clock care from a nursing staff. The occupational therapist recommended this place and the care seemed to be good. However, she was only there a few days. They called me and said they needed to send her to the hospital. She had a fever and we later found out infection in the decubitus ulcer. None of which was the fault of the more recent rehab. Once she is released from the hospital, I hope this rehab will take her back. As of now, she is fighting gout and body pain from being in bed for two months.

If this isn't enough, I was involved in a car accident on June 15. I was in the left turn lane, waiting to turn at the hospital, when I was rear ended and shoved into the car in front of me. The woman behind me had been hit by a truck and shoved into me. I am sore but seem to be doing fine for now. I ended up going to the hospital by ambulance because of the pain in my back. They took x-rays and nothing is broken. My car just has scratches on the bumper. I was told that the bumper of the vehicle behind me went under my car. I took by car to the shop today and everything underneath looks fine.

I hope you all are doing fine. I miss blogging, but I have gotten some reading done and some stitching. My computer is still being worked on. I have been late in getting a disc to the man working on it. I was finally able to mail it today.

Take care and thanks so much for all of your prayers.

Teresa

2009-05-18T11:34:00.002-04:00

Mom is going through a very difficult time. Yesterday she was taken from rehab back to the hospital. She has acute renal failure, dehydration and pneumonia. Also, all the good bacteria in the intestines is gone and having to be replaced. Anyone who is cleaning her has to wear protective gear to prevent them from becoming infected. I have been told her condition can be reversed. I pray they are right. She will not be returning to rehab, I will bring her home.

I think of the goals I had for her, getting her home and taking care of her. Still, I can only think in the present day. I feel selfish in expressing how tired I am when Mom is doing everything she can to hang on. When I ask her what she wants me to pray for, she says she wants to be well. When I left her today, after staying the night, she seemed to be resting. During the night she called my name and let me know she was in agony. She received pain meds which seemed to help. I thank the LORD that she is now in a hospital where I trust the care she will receive.

I went to the rehab center today and spoke to the administrator and the nurse supervisor about my views on their facility. I told the truth as to what I saw with my mom and other patients. I don't know If it helped them, but I do know that it helped me. I spoke on behalf of the patients who are not capable of participating in their own care. It seems like everything today is disposable, including people. It amazes me what blind spots people have unless it involves their loved ones.

When I first went to "tour" the rehab, I met a woman in admissions who had only worked there for a few weeks. I had a chance to talk with her today "off the record." I told her she was too nice to work there and to please look for another job. She cried, I think because of her tender heart, and told me she needed her job. I told her I would pray to God that He find her a better job and for her to start looking for work elsewhere. I could tell on her face that she is already burnt out.

I have to go now, I have other business to attend to. Thanks for stopping by and I will let Mom know of your encouraging words.

Take care
Teresa

2009-05-12T18:55:00.002-04:00

Mom has been in rehab for a week. The result of the stroke is a left side neglect. Her mind ignores the left side, so she doesn't have use of her left side, arm or leg. At this time she cannot swallow food. I pray that soon she will at least be able to swallow soft foods. It is difficult to tell her she cannot have water when she asks for it. A feeding tube has been surgically placed in her stomach, she pulled out the first one that went through the nose to the stomach. She has to be turned in the bed and after being in bed eighteen days, she has skin sheering on her backsides.

Her mind is excellent, it is her body that has her trapped. I am learning how to turn her in bed and use a lift to put her into a wheelchair. I didn't finish nursing school, but I am now getting an education in physical and occupational therapy. Speech therapy will be next. I will end up with a degree, if not from college, from rehab and home health.

I am in the process of moving the furniture in our home to accommodate our new living arrangements. The living room will become her new bedroom, her bedroom will become my den. Our living room is the largest room in the house and I will be able to fit a hospital bed and other equipment more easily. When the physical therapist suggested using her bedroom as a den, I thought it was cruel, but to be honest she may never use that room again. It breaks my heart to admit that, it hurts worse to say it out loud. She said to use my bedroom to sleep and the den to try to relax.

I don't know if Mom has a sense of time. I tell her the month, date and day when I visit. I haven't told her how long she will be in rehab. One of her doctors told me to stay in the present day and don't think about tomorrow. There are simply times when I can only get through the day minute by minute.

My computer is being worked on. I hope to have it back by the time WE go home. I have gotten some stitching done when Mom sleeps. I am currently working on Christmas ornaments for my church. Mostly, I pray. If anyone reading this believes in the power of prayer, please include us on your prayer list.

I know that God is with Mom and me on this journey. I hope by writing about it, others will gain a better understanding of what it is like to be the victim of a stroke and what it is like to be their. caregiver. If anyone has been through this before and has suggestions for me, please leave a comment.

Always remember that LOVE is powerful.

Teresa

Update on Mom

2009-05-05T13:53:00.002-04:00

My mother has been moved from the hospital to a rehab center. It is estimated that she will be there four to six weeks and then I will be able to bring her home. I CAN'T WAIT!!! I promise to write more later.

A friend of my niece has my computer tower, in hopes of fixing it. If he does, I will be able to update more often from home.

I will let Mom know about your comments.

Thanks so much!
Love to you all!

Teresa

2009-04-25T15:20:00.002-04:00

This post is difficult to write because what has happened occurred 48 hours ago and I have not had much sleep. Mom is in the hospital because she had a major stroke which has made swallowing difficult and made the weakness in her left side worse. She knows who I am and all family members who have visited. With a stroke changes seem to happen every few hours. I will not be alone in any decisions, her brothers and sister and even their children, my cousins, will have a voice. Mom understands when I explain things to her, I have to break it down and sometimes repeat myself, but she does know what is going on.

I fully believe in the power of prayer and the healing the LORD can provide. I ask that you keep Mom, me, and my family in your prayers. I will give updates about her condition when I have access to a computer.

Blessings to you all
Teresa

2009-04-07T15:16:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter to all my readers.

I miss blogging and hope to return before the end of the year.

Take care and have a lovely Easter.

Blessings to you all.

Teresa

I'll Be Away

2009-03-18T13:42:00.003-04:00

I am really sad to say I'll be away awhile. My computer is not working and instead of causing more damage, I will not be using it. I know it will be a long time until it is working. I plan to go to the library to check my emails and add a note to my blog. I'll still be stitching and studying for my exam. I think I'll actually get more studying done by not having my computer. LOL

Do write to me, I will answer emails when I can. I'll miss blog reading everyday, it is great entertainment. I'll keep a list of my stitching projects so I can take pictures later and post them one day.

Take care,
Teresa

My Gift for Tammie

2009-03-14T09:06:00.004-04:00

The final gift is in the hands of Tammie in the U.K. I stitched lilac morning glories for her. Lilac is a favorite color of hers and morning glories are a favorite of mine. The pattern is from the Prairie Schooler, A Prairie Garden II. Tammie says it it "gorgeous," I am so glad she is happy with it. For the handle on this piece, I used two different satin ribbons. One is fused onto the other.

When I started stitching, sewing, and knitting 30+ years ago, I had no idea that my needlework would end up in the Netherlands, the U.K. and across the U.S. My stitching is such a part of who I am, I am so grateful that I could share it with others. I wrote to Tammie that I miss all the pieces I made and want to stitch them for my home. I even found the perfect color yarn for a scarf for myself! LOL

Many thanks to all who read my blog and to those who take the time to comment.

Today, I am grateful to God for my mom, the gift of stitching, friends nearby and from around the world!

Many blessings to you and the ones you love.

Teresa

Carla's Gift

2009-03-11T06:48:00.004-04:00

Carla's gift was great fun to make. Part of this design is a Lizzie*Kate freebie, Liberty, that can be found here. I added "Sweet Land of", a fourth star and a blue stripe at the bottom of the design. Since red, white, and blue are Carla's favorite colors and the Fourth of July a favorite holiday, I thought this design would be perfect for her.

In her email I received yesterday, Carla wrote that her father was a Marine for 10 years, her husband had been in the Navy and was now a police officer. Many thanks to Carla's husband and dad for being two of the vast number of men and women who keep us free and in a Sweet Land of Liberty!

Carla wrote that she loved her gift and I can honestly say, it was a pleasure to make!

Mary Ann's Gift

2009-03-10T08:24:00.004-04:00

I received an email yesterday from Mary Ann letting me know her gift had arrived.

Mary Ann's favorite color is red, so I decided to do a piece of red work for her. I didn't find out until after she got her gift that she enjoys feeding and watching birds! She was really excited to receive her gift!

The chart for this design can be found on this page. The entire piece is stitched with DMC 321 on 16 count white fabric.

Mary Ann does loads of stitching for others. Please visit her blog, I am sure you will discover that she is a very special stitcher. She is well deserving of having someone stitch for her for a change!

Enjoy your gift Mary Ann and know it came from my heart!

What A Difference A Week Makes!

2009-03-10T08:01:00.006-04:00

On Sunday, March 1, it started snowing and continued through the middle of the afternoon on Monday, March 2. The temperature was around 5 degrees. We had somewhere around ten inches of snow!

This past weekend, the temperature was in the eighties!

My Gift to Janet

2009-03-09T19:29:00.007-04:00

After signing up for Monique's PIF, it was my turn to make gifts for those who signed up with me! I have already sent out two gifts and the first of the remaining four received her gift today.

I emailed Janet in NJ to find out some information about her, likes and dislikes, favorite colors, etc. She collects items that are good luck charms. As soon as I read that she likes four leaf clovers and ladybugs, I knew that would be what I wanted to stitch!

I so enjoyed making this hanging pillow. It can be hung on a door knob, bed post, etc. The four leaf clover pattern is from DMC and can be found here. When you join the DMC club, the chart can be found under flowers. I did change the colors. I used brighter greens for the clovers and changed the bow from pinks to reds. To add more good luck, I sewed on seven ladybug buttons. The buttons were all red with black dots. I used a permanent marker and colored the heads black. I like them much better now! Check out the ric rac, those ladybugs really get around!!

I received an email from Janet this afternoon. She is so happy with her gift and it was great fun to make!

The other three gifts should arrive at their destinations this week. As soon as they do, I will post pictures.

Take care

Monique's Gift to Me

2009-03-09T19:20:00.003-04:00

Monique sent me this beautiful project pouch as a PIF gift. It means so much to me because she designed, stitched and sewed the entire pouch herself! She is so talented! Thank you Monique, I will treasure this lovely gift.

A PIF Note

2009-03-07T12:14:00.004-05:00

Last year I signed up for a PIF on Monique's blog. I decided to make gifts for all six who commented. Two gifts have already been mailed and received. I mailed the remaining four today! I can hardly wait for them to receive their gifts. I took pictures and will share them soon.

I am now waiting for the batteries for my camera to recharge so I can take pictures of the lovely gift Monique sent me. If you go to her blog you can see it now, I still want pictures of it on my blog! She made me a beautiful project pouch and I really needed it!! I was thinking of making something similar for myself to keep my supplies together and then it arrived in the mail! Thanks Monique!!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. We are having spring weather in Virginia and it is well deserved after the snow we had at the beginning of the week. I will share pictures on the next post.

Take care
Teresa

A Special Gift for Fred

2009-02-11T10:36:00.008-05:00

Last year, I made my Uncle Fred a wall hanging for his birthday. It can be seen here. He called last month to let me know about a special Christmas present he received from his wife, Hazel. Yesterday, he and his wife came for a visit and he brought his special gift, here it is...

Hazel took the wall hanging and had it framed! While at the framers, she remembered that she hadn't signed it. I am so glad she thought about that! What a wonderful selection for the frame and mat color. My uncle is so pleased. I am so happy the wall hanging means so much to them. What a great reminder of a wonderful day with friends and family!

Heidi's PIF Gift Has Arrived

2009-02-05T07:27:00.009-05:00

Yesterday, I received a lovely email from Heidi. The PIF gift I sent had arrived. Now, here are the pictures of her gift. I knitted Heidi a scarf from Lion Brand Homespun Yarn. I so enjoy knitting with this yarn because it is so incredibly soft. The knitting is very plain, it is the color and texture of the yarn that I think is so special. The color I used is called Quartz.

The colors remind me of gemstones...

amethyst

blue topaz and turquoise,

coral and rose quartz.

I enjoy knitting these scarfs so much, I have another one on my needles! :)

I hope your day is filled with joy!

Teresa

Silently during the night...

2009-02-03T16:53:00.002-05:00

Joy's Sisters

2009-02-03T09:45:00.004-05:00

I had written about a Prayer Party for my friend's sister-in-law, Joy. Go here to the last full paragraph. Joy brought the quilted banner to church Sunday night so I could get a picture of it. She was even able to add more signatures from women who were not able to be at the party. I am so glad I could share a photo of it with you.

Teresa

Heidi's PIF Gift

2009-01-31T13:34:00.004-05:00

Heidi's PIF gift was mailed today! The woman at the post office said it should take seven to ten days to arrive. I will post pictures when Heidi receives her present.

Please remember to keep Heidi, her family and her doctors in your thoughts and prayers. She is going through some medical problems with her thyroid. I know we all wish her well.

When you have time, visit her blogs. She has two, NeedleNecessities and CelebrateTheSeasons. You will discover she is a gracious blogger and kind friend with an abundance of creativity. I know you will come to appreciate her as much as I do!

A Stitch and a Prayer

2009-01-26T14:43:00.006-05:00

I purchased the chart Rose of Sharon Quilt Sampler by The Design Connection last summer and started stitching it the last week in August 2008. I did change some of the thread colors because some shades were too close in color and I couldn't tell the difference.

I am stitching on 16 count fabric. The stitch count is 200 x 200. I had put it away for awhile to work on the PIF gifts I am making. I have brought it back out to have something different to stitch on.

This past Saturday, Jan. 24, a Prayer Party was given for a woman at my church who has cancer. She had a prior surgery for ovarian cancer and now has two small spots in her lungs. Please say a prayer for her, she has six weeks of chemo starting today. My friend Christi and her friend, Debbie, organized the party and it was held in Debbie's home. It is Christi's sister-in-law for whom the party was given. There were 25+ women in attendance. We sang, prayed, made a prayer chain and presented gifts. She was given a prayer shawl and we were given a lesson on its meaning. I made a quilted banner, similar in style to this one. In place of Birthday Memories, I stitched "Sisters in Christ." The fabric colors I used were gold, lavender, and butterflies printed on a pink background. I went to take a picture and found out the batteries needed to be recharged for my camera! We left a large area in the middle for her to sign her name, our names surrounded hers. I told her it represented her being surrounded with our love and prayers. She knew we were getting together to do something for her, but she didn't know exactly what was going on until she arrived. It was a day of blessings for us all.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

Interview Me

2009-01-18T05:20:00.004-05:00

I was reading Lee's blog and read her answers to the "interview" she gave Anna and decided to play along.

These are the questions Lee sent me and my answers:

1. When you were growing up, what one meal do you remember as being your favorite?
Actually there are two meals I really enjoyed growing up. I really enjoyed grilled steaks. My mom would always have salad and baked potatoes. I went for the salad and not the potato. They usually grilled when my brother or sisters where coming to visit during the weekend. The other meal I enjoyed was when my parents would take me to S & W Cafeteria in Richmond, VA. It is no longer there and I miss it. My dad would get roast beef, my mom would get green beans and spoon bread, and I would ALWAYS get popcorn shrimp, french fries, cole slaw and ice tea with lemon. The whole experience being with my parents and eating there was wonderful. It was the last place we ate together the day before my dad died. Please don't be sad that I put that in, I had forgotten that until now. I am glad I was reminded. We really enjoyed each other that day.

2. Today, what is your IDEAL meal?
I enjoy any meal that comes with good company, but I love to eat out, so an IDEAL meal is one I don't cook. One of my favorite places is Cracker Barrel and another is Blackstone Herb Cottage.

3. When you were growing up, what ONE thing did your parents always remind you of, when it came to meal time? My mom would say when dinner was on the table and don't eat what you don't like. She never made us try anything we didn't think we would like or make us eat something she felt was good for us if we didn't like it.

4. Is there anything that you "specialize" in cooking that people ask for? My niece would ask for fudge and homemade Chex Mix at Christmas. When I worked at a grocery store, I made a cheesecake for some someone's birthday. After that, I would get requests from the assistant store manager to make another and I did! There would be about eight of us that would dig in! LOL

5. Are there any weird "food rules" you have? Feel free to list as many as you like.
I can't watch the TV show where this man eats strange foods from other countries. I watched it once and got sick! I don't think I could enjoy a meal if someone was eating something out of the ordinary.

The Rules:
1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address if I don't already have it, please.)
2. I will respond by e-mailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Thanks for stopping by!

Teresa

What's New with Me

2009-01-03T00:39:00.003-05:00

I guess you have wondered what happened to me. I have been stitching the PIFs that were promised. I love the stitching I have done, but can't show it right now. There are two more to stitch and to decide on finishes for four of them.

I started attending the local Church of the Nazarene three months ago. I wasn't raised in church, but have always believed in Jesus Christ. I have been studying the Bible more and learning more about myself and the direction God wants me to take my life. I know my purpose for now is to take care of my mom. I wouldn't have it any other way.

I have a new friend in my life that I met at church, her name is Christi and she is a stitcher. We are around the same age, she is married with grown children. They are a very sweet family. She had recently decided to get back into stitching when we met. The problem is that when we get together we talk more than we stitch. LOL

In December we had some family visitors. My cousin brought her husband, daughter and three week old grandson. There is nothing like a baby to put things in perspective. My niece came the end of the month and brought her son, he is now 5 1/2 months. He looks just like her when she was a baby. I love his laugh and toothless grin.

On Christmas eve, I received a summons for jury duty from the county I live in. I have to report to the court January 9, 2009. When our names are drawn, we serve for two months. It is possible that I will not be a juror or I could be on a couple of juries. In the booklet the court sends, it states to bring a book or needlework to occupy your time when you are not needed. I am so glad I can bring my stitching. It is like bringing a security blanket. LOL

I slept through midnight and woke on New Year's Day with a cold and sore throat, as of now, I just have a cold. I am glad the sore throat is gone. I had just said to someone recently that I hadn't been sick in years. LOL No matter what, Mom and I watched the Pasadena Rose Parade. It was lovely.

I am not completely caught up in blogging. I have received two awards that I need to say thanks for and pass on. I hope the two ladies that awarded them won't be upset with me! I also have pictures of needlework and a sweet baby I need to share.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Take care

Teresa

2009

2009-01-01T02:48:00.002-05:00

Greetings to All

2008-12-24T17:32:00.002-05:00

Thank you to all who have left comments this year and to those who have been concerned because I haven't been posting. My mom and I are doing fine. I have made some changes in my life and have made some new friends which has kept me busy. I will explain in another post.

Please understand, I have not forgotten you, I have been keeping up with blog reading and commenting when I can. I have been stitching and will share pictures soon. To my great relief, I am becoming better organized! I did have to put off sending my PIF gifts out until Jan. or Feb. I sent emails out and all the ladies understood and I am so glad. I need some practice on finishing and don't want to ruin what I have stitched as gifts, so I will practice on other pieces.

I have plans this evening and need to go. Thank you for stopping by and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas.

Your blogging friend,
Teresa

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T19:39:00.001-05:00

Gobble Gobble Winner

2008-11-17T08:34:00.005-05:00

The winner of the turkey dishcloth is Erica. I hope she has as much fun using it as I had making it. If for some reason Erica doesn't get back to me, I will hold another drawing.

Have a great week!

Teresa

Edit: Erica has already responded. She is thrilled she won!

Gobble Gobble Giveaway

2008-11-10T12:30:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, is fast approaching. To celebrate, I am giving away a knitted turkey dishcloth I made. I think turkey lovers and vegetarians alike would get a giggle out of this. If you would like to participate, please leave a comment by midnight Sunday the 16th of November. I will draw a name on Monday the 17th and announce the winner.

Good luck!

Teresa

PIF Gift Sent

2008-10-25T10:00:00.005-04:00

Back in July, http://sewmanythoughts.blogspot.com/2008/06/gift-giveaway.html , I signed up for Monique's PIF http://mymarkdesigns.wordpress.com/ . Because everyone was so busy at the time, I decided not to obligate anyone to continue the PIF, I would just send gifts out. I sent out my first gift in September to Linda, http://somewhereintyme.blogspot.com/ . I sent her a knitted scarf. It is made from Lion Brand Homespun yarn and the color is cotton candy. I have heard from Linda and she was happy with her gift. I love to knit, but don't wear scarfs. I decided long ago to knit and then find a home for what I made. I am glad Linda wrote that she liked pink. This scarf is a favorite of mine and I knew I would eventually send it to the perfect person. I am so happy it went to Linda!!

I am currently working on two more gifts to send. I will have to check the responses to the post, but I think I have two or three more gifts to send out after that. One day I will be organized however, I don't think it will be today! LOL

Have a great weekend!

Teresa

A New Use For Charts

2008-10-20T19:33:00.007-04:00

I think some of the most beautiful charts I have seen are from the blog Tantes zolder found here http://myauntsattic.web-log.nl/myauntsattic/ . The designs are so simple, just a basic cross stitch and select your own color thread. I have printed a few charts knowing I probably will not get all of them stitched in my lifetime. I started to think of other ways to use charts.

Butterflies and flowers,
they are simply to pretty to just put away, so...

I purchased an inexpensive picture frame for $2.00 at Wal-Mart

and now look what I have!

For some different looks, I may consider using different frames and using mats. I hope this gives you a knew perspective on charts!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by!

Teresa

Kreativ Blogger Award

2008-10-07T07:13:00.005-04:00

On July 21, 2008, Nancy, @ http://knittingpathsoflife.blogspot.com/ gave me this award. This award had made it around the blogging community, so I gave it some time before I decided to pass it on again.

I am passing this award along to only one person, to Nancy. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She stitches, knits and blogs. Nancy has shared her family and travels with us. The most important thing is she has done all of this with a wonderful sense of humor. At times, she has laughed at herself and didn't mind if we laughed with her.

It is nice to know someone appreciates my blogging efforts. I started blogging, not to show my needlework, but to reconnect with people. I have not written about this, but I was diagnosed as an adult with anxiety and depression, it had been ongoing since the age of 5. Some people travel through life with carry on luggage, my baggage is a complete set with matching accessories! LOL I had written that I am beginning to feel like my old self, but deleted that statement. The truth is I can't be my old self because she doesn't exist any longer. My wants and needs in life have changed and my purpose for living has been redefined. I am doing my best to put the past in the past and take from it only what I feel has given me strength and wisdom. I know I will make mistakes, but maybe now I can keep them to a minimum. I think what is most important to remember is that I am a work in progress!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post.

Take care of yourself

Teresa

Congratulations to...

2008-09-18T10:46:00.003-04:00

Linda http://somewhereintyme.blogspot.com/ , she will receive the book The Hard Way by Julie Luongo. Once she has read it, she will then have her own giveaway and send the book to the next reader. If you would like to get your own copy instead of waiting for the next giveaway, you can go to http://www.amazon.com/Hard-Way-Julie-Luongo/dp/0765316676/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221749817&sr=1-2 .

Linda, I will email you when the book is on it's way.

Teresa

Edit: Just to let you know, I did enjoy the book. I think we all know someone who is a part of Lucy. Her life is definitely an adventure, her heart is in the right place, and we need to send her hugs! Lucy could be your best friend, the girl next door, your daughter or sister. I think in the end, she will be a part of every woman.

The Hard Way

2008-09-12T15:10:00.007-04:00

The Hard Way is the title of a book by Julie Luongo. Julie is a friend of our blogging friend Jennifer http://sweetpeastitching.blogspot.com/ . Jennifer received an early edition of this book, promising to pass it around our blogging community. To find out more about the author and the book you can go to http://thehardway.wordpress.com/ . Carolien http://caroliensstitches.blogspot.com/ received the book from Jennifer and I received the book from Carolien. It is now time for me to pass it on to another blogger. Please leave a comment on this post by midnight Wednesday the 17th of September. I will draw a name on Thursday the 18th.

Carolien is such a thoughtful friend. She sent some wonderful goodies along with the book. I received licorice and coffee candies and a bookmark with a picture of wooden shoes. She also sent this beautiful postcard.

I am so excited that I had a chance to read The Hard Way . It isn't everyday that we have the opportunity to share is someones adventure. Julie is on her way as an author, Jennifer shares in her friend's joy, and we (those who have a chance to read and then pass this book along) are allowed a brief ride on their journey. Jennifer, you are a good friend. Julie, I wish you much success!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Teresa

Uncle Santa's New Shirt

2008-08-26T03:19:00.006-04:00

Uncle Santa brought me this McCall's pattern, M4862,

this white material,

and I made this shirt!

My uncle wanted a victorian looking Santa shirt. I agreed to make it for him and you know how I procrastinate! He called this past Thursday and I said I would have it ready Monday. I am not going to tell you how long I have had this pattern and material. LOL!! He was not upset. He told me he worked better when he had a deadline too! He was thrilled when he saw his new shirt and kept saying "I love this shirt." It was perfect fit too! When looking at the pattern, the shirt I made is on the bottom right. I have not made a garment in about 10+ years and had never made button holes. Everything was a success!! He also needed a Santa sack, so I told him to bring the fabric to me and stay at the house while I made it so he could take it home with him. That is also completed.

Now, I need to get back to working in the yard, stitching, and making some clothes for myself. The yard is looking much better, but we need rain. There was some yesterday and more is called for, I hope it pours. As for stitching, I bought two new charts and found a free one on the internet. They are all fairly large projects (for me) and I am really looking forward to starting something new. I have patterns for my clothes, I bought them months ago. Mom has tons of fabric, so I will be using what is here. I need tops to wear outside that are cool and not binding for yard work and everyday at home. Once I see how they look and fit, I think I will buy some new fabrics to have more of a modern look. I also have a quilting project I want to start.

Thank you to all my readers for taking the time to stop by for a visit!

Blogiversary Win

2008-08-22T17:33:00.007-04:00

Tina celebrated her first blogiversary last month by having a giveaway. I am so excited I won. Her blog, Stitching In Texas ( http://stitchingintexas.blogspot.com/ ), is lovely. Please stop by and visit. She also has a green thumb.

Included in this wonderful package was a needle card by Mary Engelbreit, my favorite artist. How did Tina know?! Tina made the pin cushion and thread winder! She did a great job on both.

She also included this beautiful pair of red scissors, paired with a lovely fob, notice the stork scissors charm, and I know I will get a lot of use out of the marking pins. Thanks to Tina, I am ready to start stitching again!

Thanks for stopping by,

Happy Birthday To Me

2008-08-07T08:24:00.004-04:00

The beginning...

I was born 48 years ago today in Richmond, VA. I was the record breaker. There were 17 boys in the nursery and finally here I was, the only girl. The nursing staff told Mom everyone was coming around to see the baby girl. My mom's room at the hospital was a converted sun room and her roommate for her stay was the dietitian's daughter. She said they had plenty of good food while she was there. My dad brought my Mom yellow mums, it was the only time he would give her flowers during their entire marriage. I always have a special feeling when I see yellow mums. The nurse brought me to Mom and didn't come back to get me, so she checked me out, wrapped me up and snuggled with me all night. My sister said she wanted to name me "Teresa" because she knew a girl with that name and thought it was pretty. I was actually going to be named Cynthia or Melvin, if a boy. I truly like the name I was given. My middle name, Naomi, was my great-grandmother's name and I am the only one in our family with any part of her name. Now, do you have a special story surrounding your birth?

My birthday gift from Mom is a lawn mower and weed trimmer!! LOL It was actually something I have wanted for months and the timing of the purchase happened to come around my birthday. That is why I haven't been posting, I am trying to clean up our yard. I decided to take over the yard again because it was looking shabby and I don't mean shabby chic!! After I was seen in the yard working, some of the neighbors asked what happened to our yard man. He had in the past or still was working for them. I inquired how much they paid and when they told me, my heart was broken and my mom was so disappointed. We were paying him twice what others were paying for the same size yard and he wasn't doing anything extra. I have trees and briers growing in all my shrubs. I had to take pictures of the yard ( Mom can't get outside) to show Mom what was not being done. She is heartbroken because she thought this man was her friend and now she feels he took advantage of her.

I know this was meant to be a stitching blog, but I might show pictures of the yard, before and after. Would you even be interested in seeing our yard? It feels good to be cutting grass again. I have made some changes that Mom is really pleased with. It is a good way to get rid of stress!! LOL

I apologize to Tina ( http://stitchingintexas.blogspot.com/ ) for not blogging about the lovely blogiversary gift I won from her. I want to share it with you (I need to take pictures)because she sent things I needed and wanted, plus something from one of my favorite artist. (How did she know?!) Thank you Tina, your blog is a delight! Go and visit her, I am sure you will be glad you did. Maybe I can pick up some gardening tips from her. LOL

Have a wonderful day and celebrate my birthday, go eat cake!! LOL

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

2008-07-21T19:39:00.008-04:00

I found this little guy or gal in the backyard

as I was cutting the grass.

Welcome to the World

2008-07-17T15:53:00.006-04:00

Roger Wade (first and middle name)

July 17, 2008

8 lbs. 6 oz.

20 & 1/4 inches

Proud Parents: Julie (my niece) and Wayne
Great-aunt: Teresa

Quilter's Stash Winner

2008-07-09T18:25:00.009-04:00

On April 8th, Heidi drew my name for a quilter's stash giveaway. I don't have a lot of supplies for quilting and was thrilled to win. It is a treat to see Heidi's quilts. The fabrics and patterns she uses are beautiful. I knew whatever she would send me would be lovely.

I received this wonderful package a couple of weeks ago. I emailed a thank you note to her as soon as it arrived. I apologize for not posting sooner.

Enclosed was this postcard of Vincent van Gogh's Montmartre, Moulin de la Galette (1886). On the back, a sweet note from Heidi.

Next is this wonderful fall quilt pattern called Fall Frolic. When I saw the picture of the finished quilt and fabric the first thing that came to mind was Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday! Heidi wrote in her note that autumn is her favorite season and she wanted to share it with me. She couldn't have sent anything better! :)

Aren't those pumpkins just the cutest?

I am looking forward to using these beautiful fabrics.

Heidi really has an eye for combining colors. Lucky me!

Thank you Heidi for this gift. I am so glad you wanted to share autumn with me. When it comes to Thanksgiving you are someone I am thankful for.

Thank you to those who are reading the special post.

Teresa

Baby Blanket for a Baby Boy

2008-07-08T18:50:00.005-04:00

Let me introduce you to my niece, Julie. She is expecting a baby boy in two weeks, possibly sooner! I made the knitted baby blanket she has draped over her. I took it to her today and told her I wanted to take a picture before I left. She draped herself and said take the picture! We had lunch together and talked. I think she will make a great mom.

Julie was the most precious baby and little girl. We were so close when she was young. She was the daughter I wished for, but never had. You know how it is when they start growing up and need you less. Now that she is having a child of her own, I think we will grow close again. I hope so!

Knitting the baby blanket has really kept me busy! It took a little over two weeks to complete. I stopped stitching during that time. Now, I have a sewing project and stitching to get back to.

Tomorrow, I will be posting about a lovely quilting package I received as a giveaway. I will not tell you about it today as it needs a special post of its own.

Have a good evening

Teresa

Question

2008-07-07T11:57:00.002-04:00

What do you take into consideration when mailing a package? Do you gift wrap the items you send? Do you put certain items in storage bags and then pack them? Do you mail candy or chocolates throughout the year or just in cooler months? Please give me your expert advise.

Thanks so much

Teresa

Independence Day

2008-07-04T08:23:00.004-04:00

Our independence comes with a price. Thank you to those who have served and those who are presently serving this country in order to obtain and preserve our freedom.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Thank You Giveaway Winner

2008-06-23T18:44:00.006-04:00

I recently won a giveaway. Mary Ann had a thank you giveaway at the end of May, to thank the readers of her blog. The prize was eight skeins of satin floss from DMC. Charts were included in the box. I plan on stitching the butterflies.

Thank you Mary Ann, this is even more special coming from you. I think you set a wonderful example for other stitchers.

Have a good evening,

Teresa

Gift Giveaway Part 2

2008-06-20T03:45:00.004-04:00

In the previous post, I had six comments for my gift giveaway. Instead of picking three people to send gifts to, I will be sending gifts to all six. I am not completely sure at the moment what those gifts will be, but I do have some things in mind!

Have a nice weekend :)

Teresa

Gift Giveaway

2008-06-11T18:19:00.003-04:00

I had signed up on Monique's blog, inside number twenty, to participate in a PIF. Everyone seems so busy with exchanges and summer activities. So, instead of continuing the PIF, I would like to find three people to make gifts for. If you would like to sign up for the PIF you can, but you don't have to, just let me know in your comment.

I hope I get at least three people to sign up for a gift. If there are more, I will draw names next Wednesday, a week from today. Gifts will be sent out before the end of the year.

Thanks for stopping by
Teresa

Another Birthday, Another Wall Hanging

2008-06-07T10:19:00.005-04:00

Sometime in the past year, there was a movie about Santa's brother Fred Claus. I LOL when they started advertising this movie, because my Uncle Santa has a brother named Fred, FOR REAL. His 80th birthday was yesterday, but he is giving himself a party today!

I made Uncle Fred a wall hanging like his brother's.

I made a few changes so they are not exactly alike.

I put a solid navy border on this one,

instead of having plaid squares

in the corners and I did a bit of mixing of fabrics.

This one is Santa's. He really enjoyed receiving it.

I also gave him a bag of double stuff Oreo cookies, his favorite!

Now, that is a gift you can sink your teeth into!

Have a lovely weekend and try to stay cool.

The temperature here is suppose to reach 100 today.

Take care

And the winner is...

2008-05-31T11:29:00.007-04:00

We started out with ten names for the Keepsake Calendar giveaway.
Now to pick that special one.
The winner is...
from Quilt or Stitch? How about both?. Congratulations Heather!

Thanks to all who entered.

Uncle Santa's Birthday Present

2008-05-24T20:17:00.011-04:00

Uncle Santa (Darrell) had his 70th birthday yesterday. His daughter gave him a surprise birthday party today. I wasn't sure I could attend, but things worked out and I decided to go. Now, what to do for a present!?
I had recently been going through some old cross stitch magazines and came across a wall hanging the guests could sign. I first stitched "Birthday Memories" on a piece of 14 count aida. I cut it to the size I wanted. I then took a piece of fabric that was printed to look like quilt squares and cut it apart. The solid borders I used as borders around the cross stitch and the piece of muslin cloth that is used as the signature cloth. I also used pieces of muslin in the border so guests could sign those also.

This picture shows the cross stitch piece with borders.

Here, I have added the quilted patchwork border.

The piece is completed with backing, loops and a few signatures.

We have the same "country" doctor. He was invited to the party, but could not attend. I went to his office Friday and he signed a block to wish "Santa" Happy Birthday. I thought that was so sweet of him to take the time to sign the wall hanging. My mom signed a block too. She did not feel like traveling so, she stayed home.

We have a local quilting shop where I bought an additional piece of fabric. I explained to the woman what I was making and told her if I could, I would stop by with the finished piece if I had time. I went by this morning. She was so excited to see what I made, she took a picture of me holding the finished wall hanging so she could share the idea with others.

While at the party my Uncle Fred invited me to his birthday party on June 7. I am going to make another wall hanging for him. This gift really does make for good "Birthday Memories" and it is a joy to make.

Just a reminder, I am having a giveaway. If you would like to enter, please go to the previous post and leave a comment.

I hope everyone has a good weekend!

Take care

Teresa

My 50th Post & First Giveaway!

2008-05-21T07:23:00.006-04:00

This is my 50th post and I am having my first giveaway!! This is the Keepsake Calendar from 1991. It contains a total of 16 cross stitch charts, thread lists, and instructions. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on this post by Friday at midnight on May 30. The drawing will be Saturday May 31.

Cover
January -- Home Sweet Home

February -- A Mother's Heart

March -- Spring Floral Trio

April -- Flower-Patch Bunnies
May -- Teatime Shelf
June -- Fishing Pals July -- Bless This Land
August -- Bears At Play

September -- Country School Yard

October -- New World

November -- Thanksgiving Memories

December -- Father Christmas

My mom will be drawing the name of the winner. Good Luck!

Back Home Together

2008-05-09T20:52:00.004-04:00

Mom is back home with me. We are both glad this adventure is over and we never want to live apart. It is lonely without the other one around. We arrived home around 8:15 PM. Uncle "Santa" was waiting to help get her into the house.

Thanks for the good thoughts and comments. She will be resting this weekend and I will be sewing and stitching.

To all the moms, Happy Mother's Day. I felt blessed to be able to bring mine home today!

With much love
Teresa

Keep us in your thoughts...

2008-05-08T10:54:00.002-04:00

Mom was admitted to the hospital during the night. She is having some test done today. Please keep her in your thoughts. I called to check on her and she was having a test done. I will be going back to the hospital this afternoon.

She did not want me to call an ambulance, so instead I called my uncle (Santa). The hospital she goes to and the one that has her medical records is in the city and they would have taken her to a local community hospital instead. My uncle drove more than 200 miles during the night. He came to the house, took us both to the hospital, brought me home and then drove himself home.

Uncle Santa is so good to my mom. He is so patient with her. He took care of their mother until her death. He will turn 70 this month. One of the nurses was so excited to go home after her shift and tell her daughter that she saw Santa! My uncle had a picture of himself dressed as Santa and gave it to the nurse. The little girls birthday is Saturday and he wrote Happy Birthday and signed it "Santa."

Thanks for your friendships.
Teresa

Stitching and Sewing

2008-04-24T18:13:00.001-04:00

I skipped ahead a few months on the Bride's Tree SAL and stitched the ornament for July. I was concerned about finding the right chart containing a fish pattern. When I found the chart, I decided I didn't want to wait until July to stitch the ornament. However, I will wait until July to show you. I think it is my favorite so far.

Mom and I had a visit from Uncle Santa yesterday. We had talked previously about me making some clothes for him that are Santa related. He showed up with fabric and patterns. While he was here, I cut out most of a shirt. I cut the rest out this morning. I got out Mom's sewing machine and worked with the tension to get it right. I will start sewing this evening.

I received a comment about my mom's birthday card party from a woman in the USMC. If by chance you are reading this post, please send me an email at sewmanythoughts@hotmail.com I would like to send your grandfather a card.

Thanks for stopping by, I'll try to have pictures next time.
Teresa

Bride's Tree SAL, March and April

2008-04-17T13:22:00.005-04:00

I must admit I did get behind in stitching for the Bride's Tree SAL. I think I have caught up! The ornament for March was a flower or flower basket. I decided to do something a bit different. I stitched violets in a Mason jar.

This design is from Kitchen Accents by Vicki Neil Getchell, 1981, Needleworks, Inc. It was to have a glass jar lid stitched to one side, but I like the design better with just the jar. This piece is stitched on 18 count aida with DMC threads.

Next, is the design for April. This rabbit ornament is a combination of two designs. For the rabbit, I used a free chart from Bent Creek called Hare Lines, a link can be found on the Bride's Tree blog under April designs. I did make a few changes to the chart.

For the border, I used a design from It's The Thought That Counts by Designs by Gloria and Pat. I did a few alterations to that chart as well. This piece is stitched on 18 count white aida with DMC number 931. Even though the design is very plain, I think it is pretty and delicate.

Next month's design is a bird or bird's nest. I have the chart ready but, I don't have all the thread. I will probably start it in the next few days and just stitch with what I have on hand. I will also be hitting the books to study for my medical coding credentials. I hope to take the exam before the fall. It is a major exam and I only want to take it once! Someone in my family has been very gracious and I don't have to worry about the payment for the exam.

My mom says "hello" to everyone.

Take care and have a wonderful weekend.

An Award From a Friend

2008-04-15T04:49:00.003-04:00

Only a few months ago we were strangers, now our words bind us together. With our words we share many of the same thoughts. I may never board a plane and meet you in person, but yet you have touched my life while in the comfort of my home. It isn't the number of posts or emails we share, it is the content of the message that is important. Normally at this time I would name other bloggers I would want to share this award with, but this time I want to keep this one to myself, at least for awhile. I apologize if this seems selfish, I would rather think of it as being sentimental. Thank you Carolien.

Carolien passed this award on to me on April 6, 2008. I am sorry that I did not post a "thank you" sooner, but Carolien and I both understand that life doesn't stand still, there are things that must come before blogging. But, when we find the time, that very special moment to call our own, we reach out to those who are strangers no more.

Please feel free to copy this award and pass it on to someone special in your life. I know they will appreciate it and you will feel good for having sent it.

Christmas Ornament SAL

2008-03-26T20:02:00.003-04:00

Caroling Penguin

Book: Penguins On Parade

Katrina Designs

Katrina and Brenda Butler 1978

Stitched on 14 count aida, DMC threads

I have gotten behind in my stitching. I stitched this penguin for the Christmas Ornament SAL. I missed stitching in February. I am hoping I can stitch two in an upcoming month. I am currently stitching on the March ornament for the Bride's Tree SAL. With my fingers crossed, it will be finished by the end of the month.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Take care

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T14:07:00.000-04:00

Bride's Tree February Ornament

2008-03-16T14:53:00.006-04:00

This is my February ornament for the Bride's Tree SAL. I showed a picture of it in a previous post before the backstitching and this is the after. This design is Forget-Me-Not Heart from Cross Quick Magazine, Feb/Mar issue 1990. It is stitched on 18 count aida with DMC threads. I am really pleased with how it turned out. I have picked out the pattern for the March ornament and will probably start stitching it tonight. The theme is a basket of flowers. I am stitching a bouquet.

I want to practice finishing before I actually work on the Bride's Tree ornaments. I have some pieces from years ago that I can use. I won't be upset if they don't look perfect, but practice makes perfect.

Just to let you know, my mom is doing well. She has a doctor's appointment this week for a check-up. I take her every few months for blood work, she has hypothyroidism and has had mini strokes in the past. I have to keep up with her meds, plus I always have questions for her doctor. She is doing fine.

Take care

Another Birthday Card!

2008-03-08T15:11:00.006-05:00

Mom was so excited to receive another birthday card this week. Isn't this card the sweetest?! It is from Michelle at http://imalittletpott.blogspot.com/ (I'm A Little Teapot). All the decorations are made of lightweight metal. She also include the cutest bear ornament. He is bringing birthday balloons. I found a special place to hang him so Mom could see him everyday. Thanks so much Michelle!!

My uncle (Santa) came to visit last Sunday. He had a great time reading Mom's cards. She had left them out on the table because she had a feeling he would come to visit and she was so anxious for him to see them. I wish you could have seen his face when I explained that my blogging friends had sent them. He thought is was so sweet and kind. He treated us to take out from Long John Silvers. He had his computer with him, so I showed him my blog and some of your blogs too! He was really impressed with us!

I am currently stitching my Bride's Tree ornament for February. This ornament is to represent "True Love." The design is called Forget-Me-Not Heart. It is from an old issue of Cross Quick magazine. I want to have the color blue in each of my ornaments. This worked out great, it has shades of blue and the forget-me-not's meaning is true love. The fabric I used is actually white but it didn't show up well in this picture, but the color of the flowers is pretty close. Now I am doing the tedious part, backstitching.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Mom's Birthday Card Party and a Gift for Me Too!

2008-02-29T18:08:00.025-05:00

Let me introduce you to my mom, Alean. She was born February 24, 1926. This is a picture of her when she was 18. This year she turned 82 and has said this was the best birthday ever!

In a previous post, I asked if any bloggers would be interested in sending Mom a card to help her celebrate her birthday. Right away I started getting comments and emails. Look at the cards she received! She was so excited on her birthday. She couldn't hardly believe that this many people would send her cards. The real exciting part was when we started opening them. I would tell her who they were from and help read them. She was so amazed that cards came from bloggers in Europe! I am so happy for her!!

Here's Mom with all of her cards!
Next are pictures of her cards and gifts.

Linda at http://somewhereintyme.blogspot.com/ also included a lovely handkerchief.

Kathyann and the girls (Ceri, Meghan & Bethany) at http://megsmumsmuffins.blogspot.com/ made cards and also sent the cutest Birthday Girl pin.

Sandy from Tennessee doesn't have a blog, but she enjoys reading them. She sent a card with beautiful tulips. Carolien at http://caroliensstitches.blogspot.com/ sent a spring bouquet. Bee made a lovely card and used feathers from her guinea hens. Years ago we lived on a farm and also had guinea hens. This brought back memories for Mom. Bee has two blogs http://www.beehavenacres.blogspot.com/ and http://www.sewonandsewfourth.blogspot.com/ .

Starting on top, left to right, there is a sweet card from Katrina at http://theneedlespromise.blogspot.com/ .

The next card with the cake and candles is from Monique at http://mymarkdesigns.wordpress.com/ .

Charlene from http://needleinhand.blogspot.com/ sent Birthday Blessings.

Vonna at http://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/ had no way of knowing that hummingbirds are Mom's favorite. What a surprise!

BJ from http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/ and

Priscilla at http://priscillascottage.blogspot.com/.

sent email greetings.

Mom's sister was thinking of her on her special day.
I gave her the card on the right knowing she would look forward to spring. She wanted glazed doughnuts instead of a cake. I bought them the day of her birthday so they would be fresh. Needless to say they are now all gone!

Terry, our neighbor, brought her a card, sunflower seeds to plant and gladiolus bulbs.

Two of her brothers called this week. She always enjoys hearing from them.

I also received a surprise in the mail. Back in November I won Monique's blogiversary prize. Her blog is inside number twenty at http://mymarkdesigns.wordpress.com/ . She wrote that she would design something just for me.

I was so excited to receive this package.

I received a lovely card, beautiful Gentle Arts thread, and a thread holder she designed just for me!! I had emailed Monique and asked her if she would make a tutorial on variegated thread. She emailed me back and let me know she had one in the works. I was so excited. I have wanted to use these threads and wasn't sure where to start. When I saw the colors she sent, I could not believe my eyes. The project I want to do with variegated thread is a poinsettia and the thread she sent are exactly what I needed. I was so surprised! How did she know?!

Now, look at what she designed for me!

I love the design of my thread holder. She has designed my name in what I think looks like an art deco style. She is right, Teresa does have pretty threads, the ones she sent!! I really love the color combination of pink and black. Thank you so much Monique! Hugs to you! This has really been a great surprise. I waited to open it until my mom's birthday. That way, we both had something special to open.

I am sending out hugs to everyone of you who sent cards and emails. My mom said "Teresa, I don't know how you did this, but this has been my best birthday." I was listening to her phone conversation with one of her brothers. She was telling him all about her cards and where and who they were from. It was so cute!

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Take care

Tag, You're It

2008-02-20T11:09:00.010-05:00

I have been tagged by Charlene to name 7 weird or random facts about myself.

First, The Rules
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post The Rules on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

Second, 7 Weird or random facts about me
1. I am diabetic.
2. I was married once for 9 1/2 months.
3. I always felt like I was adopted. My mom says I am not. I need to explain. I didn't fit in well with my siblings.
4. I procrastinate. I have a book on procrastination and have never read it!!
5. I don't mind having a shot or my blood drawn, but I cannot stand to have someone stick my finger.
6. I love paper of any kind. (books, notebook, folders, notepads, wrapping, etc.) I also have a thing for pens and pencils. One year for Christmas when I was 6 or 7, all my presents were some type of paper.
7. My favorite stuffed toy was a black and white monkey named Jocko. Most of his fur has been rubbed off from me holding him. I still have him.

Third, Tag 7 people
Carolyn
Kathyann
Sandy
Allisonmarie
Mary Ann
Carol R
Barb

If you do participate, come back to my blog and leave a comment. I look forward to reading your posts.

Carolien Makes My Day

2008-02-18T06:26:00.006-05:00

I was actually given this award on January 21, 2008 by Carolien. Please accept my apology Carolien, I missed reading the post and did not know I had received it. Do visit her blog, she writes of her life in the Netherlands, her 3 daughters and her sewing. She has a wonderful kindness that is expressed in her writing. If you visit after reading this, I am sure you will feel that spring is right around the corner. As you can see, Carolien makes my day. Thank you for the award Carolien, it is so sweet of you to think of me.

I am now passing this award on to the bloggers who are sending cards to my mom for her birthday (see previous post) and that includes Carolien! All of you have made my year!

It does not take a lot to make someone feel appreciated. Buy or make a simple card this week and surprise someone. Thank them for the decorations they put up during the holidays, tell them how much you enjoy the flowers in their yard, or tell them how kind they are to your pets. You can and will make a difference in their heart.

Thank you again Carolien for being so kind.

My Mom's Birthday

2008-02-15T10:25:00.018-05:00

My mom will be 82 on February 28th. She doesn't want a party or to go out. It is difficult for her to leave the house. Would any of you be interested in sending her a birthday card? Together we can give her a card party! I know she would enjoy receiving them. If you would like to participate please send me an email at sewmanythoughts@hotmail.com and I will send you the mailing address.

Thanks so much

So far I have had 12 e-mails from bloggers who are sending cards. I am so excited about this. Thank you for being part of her birthday! I will post pictures of her special day!

2008-02-14T06:58:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Stitching and a Cat on the Roof

2008-02-10T19:16:00.001-05:00

Over the past few days I have been stitching on Lizzie Kate's February Flip iT blocks with charms. Only mine is actually blocks without charms, I bought it on ebay used. LOL! I love stitching with shades of pink.

Another Lizzie Kate design I am working on is JOY. This is a free design that Jennifer found for the Christmas Ornament SAL. I have done the stitching and now need to put a back on it. The design has a stitched star above the "y" but I liked the border so much I continued with it.

A few weeks ago, I came home to this cat on the roof. I am sure it was chased up there by my cat, Little Girl. The only way it could have gotten up there was to climb a bush in front of the house. It was doing a great deal of meowing...

and pacing back and forth. I went to the deck on the back of the house. By the time I got there, the cat was on the back side of the roof. It was so nervous. The cat would try to jump, but it was too scared and would just crouch and shake. I moved the table closer so he/she could jump on it. I even brought out some dry cat food hoping that would bring it down. Finally the cat jumped, landing on the railing. It immediately came to me and rubbed his head on my hand as if to thank me for being there. I have seen him since. He greeted me at my car last week and my cat screamed at it. It did sound more like a scream then a meow or a growl. The cat ran off, only to return later to make himself at home on the front porch!

I haven't heard anything about the job I applied for last week. Maybe no news is good news. Like I said before, if it is offered to me it was meant to be, if not, something better will come along. I have to learn to have faith, patience and the understanding that "NO" is sometimes an answer to prayers.

Lost Links

2008-02-08T07:33:00.000-05:00

If you look at my sidebar, you will notice I am rebuilding my links. I was using another site to store the links and they were all lost. I am now doing everything through Blogger. If you notice that your link is missing but had been there before please leave a comment and let me know. I am trying to remember all that I had listed. I am currently visiting other blogs and checking out there lists to see what is familiar and even discovering some new blogs. LOL!!

Take care

A Busy Week

2008-02-07T20:07:00.000-05:00

This week has been really busy for me. My mom wanted me to check to see if she was still registered to vote. She is still registered. It is so difficult for her to get around. She has to use a wheelchair. I found she was eligible to vote using an absentee ballot. I took care of all the paperwork and she has already voted in our primary which is next Tuesday. She was so happy.

I am still looking for a job. I picked up an application on Tuesday and returned it today. It is a job in retail. The general manager said the retail manager would want to talk to me, but she wasn't there. I figured if she calls it was meant to be, if she doesn't on to the next application. I actually studied to be a medical coder. I received my certificate of studies from a community college in Virginia in May of 2007. In order to work I have to be certified. The exam is around $400. I will be saving and studying.

I also did our grocery shopping for the month. I am tired but glad to have gotten so much done. The cold items have been put away and I will do the rest tomorrow. For now I think I will stitch awhile.

The next time I post there will be pictures. I am looking forward to that!!

Take care everyone!

Thank you

2008-02-01T19:34:00.001-05:00

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. This time has been especially difficult for the aunts and uncles in the family, my mother included. They had a brother, an uncle I never met, that was killed on a motorcycle when he was 24 years old. This past week brought back painful memories for them.

The brother of my cousin was released from the hospital the next morning. (see previous post) He was at the service and holding up well. They were very concerned about him because of a heart condition.

I hope all of you are well and able to be with your families.

Have a nice weekend.
Teresa

Away for a few days

2008-01-27T16:55:00.000-05:00

I will be away for a few days because of a death in the family. One of my cousins was killed in an A.T.V. accident, he was in his early fifties. He leaves behind a wife, a twin sister, many other brothers and sisters and family members. One of his brothers had to be hospitalized because of the shock.

Please take care of each other.

Teresa

Words to Live By

2008-01-25T12:13:00.000-05:00

I have a bracelet of hearts linked together. Engraved on each heart, front and back, is a word that reflects what I want to have in my life. I bought it already engraved and wouldn't change a single word. Engraved is Love, Laughter, Trust, Strength, Patience, Happiness, Passion, Hope, Integrity, Prosperity, Courage, Balance, Faith, and Health.

A few days ago I started making plans to stitch these words and make the designs into little pillows. I made my list of words and thread colors. Then to my surprise, Nancy passed an integrity award on to me. (see previous post) When I wrote to thank her, I told her our thoughts must have crossed.

There is a saying "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me." This is not true, words are powerful and I have lived, in the past, in a situation where the words did hurt. Words cause scars, they are not seen, but they are certainly felt. So now, when I receive a compliment or words of encouragement, it is gift, just as if I had been handed a wrapped present.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend full of wonderful words.

Take care of each other
Teresa

A Day of Discovery

2008-01-22T18:42:00.001-05:00

I went out today to get my hair cut, earlier today my hair was shoulder length. I wasn't looking for a new style, I just wanted to get rid of years of hair color. There was about an inch and a half of roots so I decided I could live with short hair, it grows, and I wanted to see the real me. My hair is now the shortest it has ever been and the color is salt sprinkled with pepper on the top and gradually goes to pepper sprinkled with salt at the neckline. I really like it.

When I got home I had a new comment on my blog. Nancy from Knitting Paths of Life let me know she was giving me an award.

Thank you Nancy! This is the first time I have seen the Bloggers with Integrity award and am so honored that you would pass this on to me. What I hope I have finally discovered in life, is to simply be true to myself. I am passing this award on to Willzmom and Monique, two women I admire and who are Bloggers with Integrity.

Teresa

Bride's Tree SAL

2008-01-18T12:29:00.000-05:00

My stitching recently has been for the Bride's Tree SAL. We are stitching our choice of a house, which represents shelter or protection. This pattern is in the 2003 issue of BH&G Cross Stitch Christmas. It is actually part of a sampler called Peace on Earth. I made some color changes and added a reverse image of the tree to the left side. If you look closely, you can see snow on the branches of the trees and three rows of snow under the house. I use DMC Pearlescent Effects in white for the snow. Please note that the smoke is now coming out of the chimneys!

I love the idea of the Bride's Tree ornaments, but I wanted to add the tradition of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. So this is what I came up with:

Something Old -- the tradition of the Bride's Tree ornaments.

Something New -- the fabric is the new

Something Borrowed -- borrow can mean to take something and make it one's own, so I borrowed patterns and made some changes in color and design to make it my own

Something Blue -- in each design I will include the color blue (DMC 930, 931, and/or 932)

I think that I will stitch the back of the ornament with the word "Shelter" , the date, and my initials. I do have a question. How and where do you "sign" your work? Do you stitch your initials or full name? Do you use numbers or letters for the month? Where do you stitch them? I have been trying to make up my mind about this and decided I would like some help.

I am looking forward to Saturday, they are calling for flurries. I love to see snow. We had flurries earlier in the week. There was ground cover but in a few hours it was gone. If it snows I will try to get pictures. I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

I Have Been Tagged

2008-01-12T13:44:00.001-05:00

I have been tagged by Carolien. Maybe you will learn something about me you didn't know.

4 Jobs I have had
Dollar General (small variety discount store) -- cashier and stock
Hallmark store -- cashier and stock
Grocery store -- cashier
Grocery store -- pricing specialist -- I took care of shelf tags, signs, and made changes in the
computer

4 Movies I watch over and over
Bridget Jones's Diary
Under the Tuscan Sun
Any Harry Potter movie
Movies on Lifetime Movie Network

4 Places I have lived -- I have only lived in Virginia, but in several different areas.
Chesterfield
Farmville
Crewe
Gloucester (when I was married)

4 TV shows I watch
Grey's Anatomy
Gilmore Girls -- in reruns
Lost
Jeopardy

4 Places I have been -- I have never traveled outside of the US.
California
North Carolina
Georgia
Florida

4 People who email me regularly
There is only one and that is Sharron, my cousin.

4 Favorite things to eat
Lindt chocolate truffles -- white, milk or dark
Oranges -- love them!!
Utz Crab potato chips -- potato chips with bay seasoning
Chicken sandwich with extra dill pickle from Chick-fil-A

4 Places I would rather be
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Disney world
Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah, Georgia
Anywhere fishing!!!

4 Things I look forward to this year
The birth of my niece's baby in July
Finding a really great job
Getting rid of all the "stuff" I don't really need
Stitching and blogging, they go hand in hand!!

4 People to tag
This is the hard part, so please help me. If you are reading this consider yourself tagged. If you do participate, leave a comment so I can come visit your blog and find out more about you!!

I really enjoyed doing this. Thanks Carolien for tagging me.

Have a great weekend
Teresa

Time Flies

2008-01-11T18:15:00.000-05:00

I am sorry I have not posted sooner. The days have gone so fast and I am not the greatest at keeping up with life in general!! I have been looking for a job with no luck. I know the right job for me is out there, I just need to find it. Please keep me in your thoughts.

I am still working on Holiday Pineapple. Most of the holly and berries have been added. It's not much more I need to stitch, some on the pineapple. I stopped for awhile to make the biscornu ornament for the Christmas Ornament SAL and I have put it away again to stitch on my January Bride's Tree SAL ornament.

Stitching with yellow thread always makes me feel happy. What I especially like about this house is the roof design. I had to change one of the colors so the pattern could be seen. My mom LOL about the smoke and no chimneys! I need to do some landscaping to the yard! LOL! I plan to add a tree on each side, steps, and a foundation. And of course the chimneys!

For any of you who have not joined a stitch-a-long, do consider joining. It is a wonderful way to meet new people, plus you are stitching something for yourself or you can give it as a gift. What I like about SAL is I know I am going to stitch a particular item and I do it within a certain amount of time. It really keeps me on track. I feel I get more stitched for myself. I have two posted on my sidebar under Special Links.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Teresa

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T00:25:00.001-05:00

I look forward to a new year. I think of a new year as a blank page, it comes ready to be written on and has no mistakes. The past few months have been a blessing for me. I have met many wonderful bloggers who have accepted me into their community and now I can say it is our community. You have embraced me with your kindness and caring. All of you have made me feel better about myself.

Each of us are different in our own way, but we bond because of what we have in common. It is not just our stitching, decorating or families that have drawn us together. It is our need to reach out to others. It is our unselfish nature. It is in caring for others that we are blessed with the kindness of strangers who have become friends.

It does not matter what country we come from, we all have the same basic wants and needs. We want to be loved, respected, embraced and needed. We may say it in a different language, but the meaning is the same.

For myself, I hope this year brings renewed hope and strength to look straight ahead into the future and not turn my head to look at the past. For all of us, I hope our needs in life are met and that we realize what we receive beyond our needs are gifts.

Best wishes to us all for a loving and peaceful new year.
Teresa

Christmas Biscornu Ornament

2007-12-27T19:46:00.000-05:00

I joined the Christmas Ornament SAL a few weeks ago. This past weekend was the designated weekend to stitch. I know I can stitch and post anytime, but this gives me a chance to be more disciplined when it comes to ornaments. This is a Prairie Schooler design with a few changes of my own. I took a small design from the front to make a coordinating back. I am really excited with how it turned out. It is one thing to picture it in your mind, but to have it turn out just right is really special.

I already know what I will stitch next, but I am leaving it as a surprise. I am looking forward to using different finishes, but I know the biscornu will be a favorite.

Who taught you to cross stitch and who did you teach?

2007-12-26T05:35:00.000-05:00

When I was a child, probably around 4 or 5 years of age, my mom gave me sewing cards. Do you remember these? They were cardboard pictures with holes in them and you would lace the thread through the holes. I googled "sewing cards" and they still make them. These cards were my first sewing experience.

Many years later, when I was in my late teens, the young teenager from across the street came over one day with material, thread and a chart and wanted me to help her get started on a project. I read the instructions on how to stitch and we learned together. The piece she was stitching was an old railroad station that use to be in our town. She was stitching it for her parents anniversary. It meant a lot to her because her dad was an engineer. After that I was hooked on stitching. Later, I taught my cousin Sharron how to stitch. I don't think she has put needle and thread down since. She has created many beautiful pieces for herself and her children.

From what I recall, it didn't take long for us to learn the basics of cross stitching, but I know for myself it has given me many hours of pleasure.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-23T19:16:00.001-05:00

I will honor Christmas in my heart,

and try to keep it all year.

Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol

Christmas Hoopla

2007-12-19T17:24:00.002-05:00

I am warning you now this is long and there are no pictures. LOL!! I have been tagged by Michelle, at I'm A Little Teapot, to tell you 12 Christmas related things about myself.

1. No matter how many times I have seen Rudolph, the Red- Nosed Reindeer, and I have it on tape, I have to watch it every year. My mom watches it too. We love the part when Clarice tells Rudolf he is cute. When he says "I'm cute", we repeat it. LOL!! And...How the Grinch Stole Christmas

2. For a couple of years CVS Pharmacies had stuffed toys that were the Rudolph characters. I own them all. My sister gave me some for Christmas and I bought some for myself.

3. I love It's a Wonderful Life. I always cry. It makes me realize that even on my worst days I am valued.

4. I live in a very small town. The downtown business area is two blocks. On the first Thursday in December we have a Christmas parade complete with prizes for the best band, best float, etc.

5. In 1977 and 1988 my sister gave birth to her daughters in December and that was the best present we could have received.

6. My niece, born in 1977, called recently to tell us (mom and me) that she is pregnant and due in July. That is my Christmas present.

7. My first "new" bike was given to me by my dad one Christmas. It was blue and had a light on the front, but the light didn't work. My dad called the man he bought it from and he opened his store on Christmas day to give my dad replacement parts. How nice of him!!!

8. My mom loves dolls. So, I got dolls from her. She gave me Mattel's Baby First Step, Dancerina and Tippy Toes, different years of course. I still have all of them in their original clothes. I played with them, but took good care of them too.

9. I love all lights, any color, blinking or not.

10. I love the smell of Christmas candles, wax tarts and holiday potpourri. Pine, balsam, cedar, orange peel, cinnamon, I could go on and on.

11. I really enjoy Benson's Fruit Cake and only this brand. It is moist and comes pre-sliced. The Lions Club in my area sells them at Christmas. Some of the area businesses let the members bring cakes in to sell.

12. There has never been a Christmas carol that has touched me more than O HOLY NIGHT. It is my favorite. I also enjoy Burl Ives singing Silver and Gold and Holly Jolly Christmas. I had a high school teacher, a lovely woman that taught algebra. She was taking a trip and traveling by plane. When she arrived for her flight, she was seated next to Burl Ives. She said he was very much a gentleman and a great conversationalist!

Now, I get to tag two people. I am going to tag Lynda at Hedgerow Hollow and Chris at Chris's Stitching and Strumming.

This was fun and I could have added more. Now, I am off to stitch!!

Happy Holidays

Teresa

Mom and Santa

2007-12-12T20:15:00.001-05:00

This is a very special post for me to write. I would like to introduce you to my mom and my uncle. My mom is 80 years old, in this picture, and the lovely Santa is her younger brother. This picture is from last year. He is Santa at Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, Virginia. Years ago he was a Santa in Norfolk, Virginia. He has been the Santa for Short Pump since it opened a few years ago. We haven't gone to see him this year, my mom doesn't like to travel much anymore. His personality is the same either way. I have been with him when children would talk to him while he was buying groceries. At first, they will stare and then he will ask them if they are keeping their rooms clean. It is such a joy to watch. So even when he is in regular clothes the children still see him as Santa.

One memory he shares with us is of a little girl brought to the mall by her grandmother. He asked her what she wanted for Christmas. She told him her mother had died and she wanted Santa to bring her back. He explained to her that there are some things Santa does not have control over. He did his best to give her comfort and hold back his own tears. After she left he said he told the helpers he would need a break so he could compose himself for the other children. Out of all the malls this grandmother could have taken her to, I am glad she found the one with my uncle. He is a believer of Christ and I feel the words that came to him that special day came from a higher power. We are so blessed to have him in our family and I am grateful that I could share him with you.

Merry Christmas

More on Holiday Pineapple

2007-12-11T17:10:00.000-05:00

I have been busy this past week. I decided to post a picture of Holiday Pineapple, wrinkles and all. This is the only piece I am stitching on at the moment and am happy with the way it is turning out. I am really looking forward to adding more holly leaves. Maybe that is what I will work on tonight.

I painted part of the basement wall. It had been a shade of mint green and I have been painting it white. It looks so nice and clean. I also moved my sewing machine cabinet/table downstairs. I am looking forward to sewing again, but didn't think I could stand to look at that green wall.

I have not decorated for the holidays. I did manage to bring out a small collection of snowmen. I don't know if I will do more than that. We will see. I have really enjoyed reading the blogs of those in other countries. Learning of different holiday traditions and seeing pictures of decorations from abroad has been a joy. Maybe if I give up reading blogs, just for a few days, I could get more decorating done!! LOL!

Take care
Teresa

P.S. I enjoy blogging so much, I wouldn't want to give it up, not even for a day! Bloggers make the best friends!!!

Changes

2007-12-02T08:09:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for Teresa's blog, you have come to the right place. I have needed to make some changes and the appearance of my blog seemed like a good place to begin. My thought was to start with something small and build on it. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work. LOL!! Leave a comment and let me know what you think about the "new" blog.

Take care
Teresa

Monique's Blogiversary

2007-11-30T19:17:00.000-05:00

Monique, at inside number twenty, is having her second blogiversary. She had a giveaway and I am excited to say I won!! She is not only stitching my surprise but is designing it also. :) Thanks Monique!!

Progress is slow, but steady, on Holiday Pineapple. I will have pictures the next time I post.

Take care and have a great weekend!
Teresa

Holiday Pineapple

2007-11-26T16:29:00.000-05:00

I have been stitching, but didn't want to show this piece until it started taking shape. This is Holiday Pineapple from Cross Quick magazine Oct/Nov 1989. I have the pineapple to complete as well as a holly garland beneath it. I think I will finish this piece using a wisteria vine wreath. My mom planted wisteria years ago and it has taken over a hickory tree. At one time I made wreaths out of the vines. I should start making them again, there are plenty of vines in the backyard.

Take care

Teresa

Five Letters Make a Difference

2007-11-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

I don't know where this quote originated, but I think it is one of the most wonderful I have ever come across.

"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."

I am going to do my best to add that "little extra" to my day and see what happens! :)

Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T10:24:00.001-05:00

I am taking this time to thank you for having visited my blog over the past few months. I always enjoy your comments. My stitching is not fast and the pictures are not many, but they are shared from the heart.

It is amazing what one can learn from reading blogs. I have learned different finishes for my stitching and what new charts and designers are out there. What I have really paid attention to are the bloggers themselves and what they are actually saying. One young mother is taking care of their three young children while her husband is working out-of-state to provide for his family. A woman in Texas has her first grandchild, a sweet baby girl. In a northern Pacific state, a young mom of two adores her husband and children. In Pennsylvania, a woman, who stitches by a lake, lost her father recently. There is a young woman who has wanted so much to have a baby. She has been through IVF and is now pregnant. She shares her news on her mom's blog. There is a delightful woman in California that has a daughter and husband. Even though she dressed as a witch for Halloween she was still as cute as can be. And you can't leave out the lady from South Carolina that has a thing for beehives, but is taking time away from blogging to spend time with her husband that had been working a tiring schedule. Just last night I read about a woman's husband that lost a friend from work, leaving behind a wife and daughter. And I must mention the woman who lives in the Netherlands and loves shawls. As you know, there are countless others.

I read your words and share you joys and sorrows. You are in my thoughts and my heart throughout the day. I always look forward to visiting your blogs. Everyday I learn something new. The lesson can be stitching, family life, cooking, and what it is like outside of my own backyard. All of us through this medium have touched the lives of people we may never meet. The lesson learned is that words and pictures shared are a gift. We have encouraged, congratulated and consoled each other and for this, I give thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving
Teresa

Back to Stitching

2007-11-16T00:03:00.000-05:00

I had put my stitching down for awhile to complete some knitting projects. I wasn't satisfied with the PS piece I was working on, so I felt it was better to work on something else. Finally I got back to it in the past few days. Some of the thread colors were light and blending with the blue fabric. I decided to backstitch the bee wings and yellow flowers. Now I am happy with it.

I will be looking at stitching blogs to get an idea of finishes. I know the exact place I will put it when finished and I can't wait to show you. Now it is time to decide on the next project.

Take care
Teresa

Lots of Knitting

2007-11-06T17:47:00.000-05:00

I have been working hard at completing some knitting projects. I had finished this scarf and just needed to weave the ends in. It is made with Homespun yarn by Lion Brand Yarn. The pattern is a basic garter stitch. It works up fast and is incredibly soft. The color is similar to bubblegum.

Also, I just completed this baby afghan. It is knitted with a baby weight yarn in pink and lavender. I have worked on this off and on for about 3 months.

Here is a closeup of it folded. It is the same afghan, for some reason the pictures are not true to the actual colors.

I knitted another dishcloth with the remainder of the yellow cotton yarn that I used for the butterfly.

This next dishcloth makes me LOL!! I knitted this one just in time for Thanksgiving!!

I am currently working on another turkey. I am constantly thinking of my next project. The knitting needles are definitely busy. Soon I will put my attention to new cross stitch projects, quilt blocks and sewing some clothes.

On a past post I mentioned my doll, Mary Ann, that I had when I was a child. I was asked if I still have her. Yes, she is still with me, as well as a favorite stuffed monkey. I had a teddy bear too, but the monkey was my favorite. He even traveled with me on vacation. I am still searching the basement for other treasures.

Take care and I hope everyone has good week.

Teresa

Memories

2007-10-29T06:29:00.001-04:00

I haven't been sleeping well for a long time. It is funny that when you are up during the night and not able to sleep thoughts from your past creep into your mind. It is early morning and I was thinking about toys I use to play with. I had a doll named Mary Ann and she meant a great deal to me. One Christmas my mom asked if I wanted a new doll and I told her no because Mary Ann would be jealous. :) I was only 4 or 5, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

Another favorite toy or should I say fashion accessory was my Duncan Hines cake box purse. My mom would save the cake boxes for me. She would cut the top of box off to make it even around the top. I would then take a broken necklace and pin it to the sides of the box with safety pins to make the shoulder strap. I could fit quite a lot in my purse.

My dad (he died when I was 15) was a carpenter. When I was very young he made me a cupboard for my toy dishes. It was a wooden box with shelves that sat on the floor. It was about 2 feet high, just the right size for a small child. He even put tea hooks in so I cound hang my tea cups. When he was done I took a magic marker and drew on the top. It was now a cupboard/stove. I had drawn circles for burners, which seemed practical to me. I could store my dishes as well as cook.

Some memories are made to be written down. This morning they make me cry, but by this evening they will make me laugh. One doll, a wooden box, and a cake box purse are some of the most delightful memories of my childhood. It is the simple things that make us happy.

Until my next post, take care.
Teresa

Deep Fried Cupcake Anniversary

2007-10-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

Andrea from Deep Fried Cupcake (listed on my blog reading) had an Blog Anniversary. To celebrate she had a drawing for really cute Halloween ornaments. Three names were drawn and mine was first, so I was allowed to pick first. I knew the black cat was the one for me. It is so special to have something she made. Thank you Andrea!! :))

It was Andrea's husband that drew my name, so a BIG thank you to him! I am sending you good wishes for many more anniversaries.

In a previous post I have pictures of my cats on a quilt. Heidi from NeedleNecessities (listed on my blog reading) asked if I made the quilt. No I didn't make it, but I am currently working on some quilt blocks. I will post pictures in the future.

Thank you to everyone that has visited. To those who have left comments, it is wonderful to hear from you. I do visit every one's blog, even if I don't leave a comment. I will soon be adding more names to my blog reading list. I get so much enjoyment out of blogging. Thank you all for being in my life.

Take care
Teresa

Stitching and Knitting

2007-10-14T13:28:00.000-04:00

I have been stitching and knitting this week. I came across some blogs on knitting dishcloths. One pattern caught my eye, it was a yellow butterfly. It was stitched with 4 ply worsted weight cotton using size 7 needles. I used size 8 needles to get the right gauge for my knitting. The cloth is about 9 1/2 inches square. I like how it turned out, and yes, I will use it for washing dishes!

I finished the stitching on this Waxing Moon design

and

started this design from Prairie Schooler.

This was a freebie from Wichelt Imports, Inc. from about 10 years ago.

I am stitching it on blue fiddlers cloth also from 10 years ago!

Take care and have a great week! :)

Just A Note

2007-10-11T10:45:00.002-04:00

This brief note is to let you know I am still alive. I have been stitching and knitting. I can't give proof of that because the batteries in my camera are dead. I did by new ones that can be recharged, so I should have pictures for my next post.

The days here are finally beginning to cool down and the leaves are starting to fall. I have opened a window in my bedroom so Babe (my white cat) can enjoy the breeze. Every now and then, he will see something interesting and make a chattering noise. I can't let him outside because he will climb a tree and not come down. I have had to go up three times in a bucket truck to get him down. It is not easy to find someone with a truck to help get a cat out of a tree and I do not care to be that high off the ground. I know I should have learned my lesson by the second time this happened, but my heart broke when he was at the front door begging to get outside.

Thanks for all the comments. I appreciate the company. Take care. :)

My Cats and Stitching

2007-10-02T20:34:00.000-04:00

I would like to introduce you to my cats. Little Girl is the short haired black cat and she is 8 years old. Babe is a long haired white and he is 5 years old. I took separate pictures so one would not be smacking the other. They get along about 90% of the time. Tonight I was concerned about the other 10%. I love them both so much. I don't have children so for me they are the next best thing.

I am currently stitching this freebie from Waxing Moon, I hope to finish it tonight. Of course I am constantly thinking of what to stitch next, more than likely another pumpkin.

Thank you for your comments and encouragement, both are appreciated.
Take care

Learning To Add Pictures

2007-09-30T16:55:00.000-04:00

YEAH!!! :) I learned how to get the pictures from the camera into the computer and then on my blog. Instructions are a wonderful thing.

A squirrel got into the bird feeder earlier this summer and all the sunflower seeds ended up on the sidewalk and flower bed. It is the first time we have ever had sunflowers in the yard and to think, we didn't have to sow the seeds. I didn't take pictures when they bloomed, but I did save the seed to have for next year.

TGIF

2007-09-28T15:34:00.000-04:00

A weekend means the start of a new week. I could use a new week.

I have heard no news on the job. She said she would call in a couple of days to let me know. I think she is not calling because I didn't get it. While I was in the store I went to take a step with my right foot and had awful pain. I went to the doctor and found out I have a second degree sprain. I should be better in two weeks.

The good news is I have been stitching a freebie from Waxing Moon. It is an autumn design with a blackbird sitting on a pumpkin. This weekend I will be learning how to post pictures, so I can really share my stitching. When I started stitching, almost 30 years ago, I rarely stitched on linen. Now I see it everywhere and it is beautiful. I mainly use aida, because that is all I own. Most of my books are ones that were printed in the 1970's and 80's. My taste in charts have changed and I know I will start a new collection. Thanks to the stitchers in the blog world I have discovered new designers. I am not the fastest stitcher, but I hope having a blog will keep me motivated.

Take care
Teresa

A Full Day

2007-09-23T20:33:00.001-04:00

I was so excited to see two comments on my first post. Thank you so much! :)

I had a job interview today at a craft store. WOW! They are open on Sunday and I didn't mind going in today. I am not sure what my chances are for getting the job, I'll have to wait and see.

My cousin lives near the store so I went to visit her. We talked cross stitch for four hours. She went through her stash of charts and sent me home with many of them. Thanks Sharron. :)

Everyone take care.
Teresa