Crossroads of My Mind

Valentine Tuck Pillows

2012-02-12T09:06:00.000-05:00

My Valentine Tuck Pillows

Pine Mountain Designs

Recipe for Love

2012-02-05T15:57:00.000-05:00

Recipe for Love

Fiddlestitch Cottage (2005)

Sweet Heart

2012-02-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

"Sweet Heart"

Heart in Hand

Winter Is For the Birds !!

2012-01-29T10:04:00.002-05:00

Ever found a design on the internet which just pops with color?! This was the case with "Winter Is For the Birds" for me. I love the colors and it has been a blast to stitch, so far.

Somehow, I managed to get the page from an older Leisure Arts mag from a fellow stitcher, and found the perfect fabby for it (25 ct. Bone Lugana). The description mentions Lynn, so it may be a Lynn Waters Busa design.

Stitching "Bug Light"

2012-01-08T16:10:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite spots last summer was the relatively new Bug Light Park in South Portland. I could walk to it from the Betsy Ross House, where Mom now lives. And I did, during Hurricane Irene, which had been reduced to a tropical storm by the time it reached us. These pictures were taken that day. There are high-rise condos near there, looking out over Casco Bay. Maybe that's where I'll retire!

I resolved to stitch up this wonderful landmark. I already owned a kit, which didn't look too exciting. I've started on it and there's A LOT OF WHITE, naturally. I found another and purchased it this fall.

I plan to stitch both of these up and then frame my photographs and my stitching as a collage.

For both of them, I will not stitch the word "Breakwater," because, to me, it'll always be Bug Light.

First Snow !!

2012-01-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

This morning, the 3rd morning of the long weekend, when I was able to SLEEP IN, I woke up to flurries outside my window here in Mason, Ohio. It is NOW officially winter in my world.

Here Comes 2012 !!

2011-12-31T22:33:00.000-05:00

Emmanuel

2011-12-23T23:39:00.014-05:00

"Emmanuel"

Plum Street Samplers 2008

Christmas Pudding Ball

2011-12-17T20:14:00.000-05:00

"Christmas Pudding Ball"
Casey Buonaugurio Designs
2008

A Very Merry Christmas Tree

2011-12-13T20:24:00.010-05:00

"Christmas Wish"
Cross-Eyed Cricket
2008

Ho Ho Ho

2011-12-11T21:22:00.001-05:00

Another Quickie Finish - NOEL !

2011-12-04T10:21:00.001-05:00

He's Skating !!

2011-11-30T22:51:00.001-05:00

Stitched, photographed, and blogged - all from my stitching chair. I love technology!

Happy Thanksgiving !!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.006-05:00

For the McNamaras

2011-11-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Linda, Paul, Kaitlin, Kelsey, Anni, and Audrey, with MUCH LOVE !!

Happy Halloween from the Crypt Club !!

2011-10-31T08:30:00.000-04:00

Prairie Moon's "The Crypt Club"

'Spose they're gonna jump each other's bones tonight?!

May I start you off with a Bloody Mary?

Whew, finished just in time!

Back At the Crypt Club

2011-10-10T20:49:00.000-04:00

Where the heck have I been???
I have been stitching, of course! I’m working on the Oberlin “Chicago” for my friends the McNamaras, but took a Halloween break to get back to Prairie Moon’s “Crypt Club.” Loved working on the dress over the long weekend, down to the bows on her shoes! (Her elbow’s missing cuz she is arm-in-arm with her equally creepy date). Stay tuned!

Remembering

2011-09-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Very Fine Braid on Santa

2011-08-24T10:48:00.003-04:00

Santa and the Black Sky

2011-08-07T10:51:00.000-04:00

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with my Santa! Need to grab some more white Kreinik very fine braid to finish the glittery checkerboard bottom border, and the game tonight will give me plenty of time to stitch. Red Sox/Yankees games always run 3 hours plus.

House #6 is waiting in the wings, but the black sky really makes it. More boring stitching for baseball watching!

Happy 4th !!

2011-07-04T11:01:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend! It is overcast here in SW Ohio, so will probably catch up on the ‘ole DVR and stitch away. I am finally doing the “night” stitches on House #6 and will have a pic soon…

Up On The Roof!

2011-06-27T19:52:00.001-04:00

This weekend, I resolved to make some visible progress on House #6. I am happy to be able to announce that I made it to the roof….AND BEYOND !!

I also participated in a “Stitch and Chat with A Designer” via The Stitchers’ Village. We all picked either “Meow Spoken Here” or “Woof Spoken Here” and stitched and chatted with “Stitchy Kitty” designer Michelle Lutzen, giving her lots of design ideas.

My Needle is Smokin!

2011-06-12T16:52:00.005-04:00

Thanks to some intolerable temps around here and lots of Red Sox to watch on TV, I’ve found quite a bit of time to stitch.

My strong sense of completion is being satiated lately by flippin’ through my extensive freebie collection, and discovering some quickies that just thrill me. Here’s a darling little French number that has been calling my name for several years. I used a scrap piece of 28 ct. grey evenweave and some Gentle Arts Black Crow. I loved every second of stitching this one.

“Black Needles” by Marie Auriau

This next is a La-D-Da freebie that I picked up at Keepsakes a couple of weekends ago. Barb cut me a small piece of 32-ct Belfast Autumn Fields, and I stitched it with DMC Variations #4130. Stitched it up while watching the 25 anniversary concert of Les Mis on PBS. What a production! Fabulous!

“1-2-3” by La-D-Da

These little projects have proven to be nice breaks from “Over the River,” but I am making good progress on it as well. It is nice to see Santa all completed!

Hope your needle is blissfully sailing along as well!!

Yellow House, but more importantly....My Blogger Dashboard is BACK !!

2011-05-25T11:01:00.001-04:00

As many of my Twitter followers know, I have been without access to my Blogger dashboard for what seems like an eternity. Well, I just now checked, like I've been doing constantly, and it's back....so here's a quick post...OMG, I hope it stays....

I am actually on the "second story" of HoHRH's House #6 but this is the latest picture I have.

Thrifty Stitching

2011-05-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

I am still adjusting to having SO MUCH free time, but am certainly getting alot of stitching done. House #6 of HOHRH has been started....

And, in an effort to "stitch from my stash," and thereby save money (no more two paychecks!), I picked up this Christmas design from 2004, all kitted up (who knew?!)

I have also jumped on the flower frog bandwagon, and picked up this beauty on eBay. "Someday," it will be filled with a real collection, right?

House #5 and a Maine mini

2011-04-20T08:11:00.005-04:00

House #5 of Houses of Hawk Run Hollow is now finished, and it's on to House #6. I started the border last night, while watching "The Assassination of Jesse James" (the only Brad Pitt movie I actually think suits him). That's the house with the black background. Oh, well.

My evenings and weekends are now my own, and I have to admit it feels pretty strange. Three and a half years of rushing home from the bus, changing into my jeans, grabbing a bite and a few minutes of Hard Ball, and driving down to the bookstore. Getting home between 9 and 10, staying up too late ('cause you can't just go to bed), and starting all over again at 5 in the morning. What can I say. You do what you have to do, and it sure was fun. Of course, "the plan" called for that job to last a few years longer, but I WAS exhausted ALL THE TIME, and so... things happen for a reason.

I have piles of stitching to do, as well as sewing (on my new-to-me machine) and genealogy, all of which are calling my name.

You should have seen me this morning on the new, longer route, bus, listening to "Cutting for Stone," on my iPod and reading along with it on my Kobo. Pretty sweet!

Of course, with warmer weather on it's way, my thoughts turn to summer plans and Maine, and this little cutie proved a worthy diversion from my BAP* above.

* Big Ass Project

A Finish! Margaret Sherry's Ice-Skating Hedgehog

2011-03-23T16:47:00.001-04:00

Took a day off from the daily grind, and managed to finish up my first ice-skating design. Came out pretty darn cute, I must say!

Another Rotten House

2011-03-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

I have been diligently stitching on House #5. Hey, I'm on the second row !! There are just not enough hours in the day for stitching, sewing, reading, genealogy, and, oh yeah, SLEEP !

Oh well, with the bookstore closing, I see lots more time coming my way !

A House and a Hedgehog

2011-02-01T09:17:00.002-05:00

I finished House #4 of Houses of Hawk Run Hollow over the weekend. It came out very nicely, and I am on to House #5. As mentioned earlier, it is my goal to finish this piece in 2011.

For my "Ice-Skaters Wall" (see prior post), I have started Margaret Sherry's Ice-Skating Hedgehog, and here is my progress so far. Pretty cute! I have found a couple of other ice-skating themed patterns in my stash, so will add these to my project list.

On a related note, I have rescued my old Elna Club sewing machine from oblivion and am trying to decide whether to fix it up to keep or list on Craigslist. It sure brought back memories of hours and hours of sewing clothes for myself and my kids from about 1990 to 1998. Once the cross-stitching bug bit, and other life events intervened, it was folded up and put away. I haven't even used it in the ten years I've lived in this house! Time will tell...happy stitching!

Back at It !!

2011-01-20T15:56:00.003-05:00

Happy 2011 (and good riddance to 2010) !!

As you can see, I am back at HOHRH and am determined to finish it in 2011. I have been working on it pretty steadily and it is really coming along. I love the muted colors...BUT...I miss working with more vibrant colors....so I have come up with a plan.

You know that I am from New England and have very happy childhood memories of playing outside in the wintertime, whether it was sledding (we called it sliding), ice-skating, or just plain building a fort, so...

I have collected several ice-skating themed designs and plan to stitch them up. I then will display them all together on a Ice Skating themed wall through the winter months. They are:

Margaret Sherry's Ice Skating Hedgehog

Jeanette Crews' Skating Goose

PS 2009 Schooler Santa
LHN's Merry Skater and Happy Skater

DMC's 'Seraphina' Mouse Ice Skating

Mary Garry's Ice Skating Party

Primrose Needleworks 2008 JCS ornament

Alisena (Ukrainian) Ice Skating Calf

Not sure which one I'll start with, but am very excited!

P.S. The anniversary sampler has been given to my framer Bonnie. Just know she will do a fabulous job!

Happy Stitching to Me and You!

A Wonderful Find and a Peek (I really HAVE been stitching!)

2010-10-11T15:03:00.000-04:00

Look at the beautiful book I found at the bookstore this past week! It actually never made it to the sales floor, cuz I found it (thanks Amy!) right after it was unpacked in the sort room....It's by DK publishers, who publish such beautifully illustrated books.

The examples of stitches are so large and easy to follow.This is going to be such a great resource for learning new stitches and possibly trying something besides counted cross-stitch (in my old age, ha!)

I just love how life-like the pictures are!

Oh yes, I have been stitching. I'm afraid Crypt Club has taken a back seat to Robyn and Tom's anniversary sampler. Can't give away too much, cuz she reads this, but here's a snippet:

Table is Set

2010-09-13T12:17:00.000-04:00

The table is set, and it's on to the big-haired lady guest. Still haven't tackled the waiter's right arm, as it's mostly 3/4 stitches, and I really need to fully concentrate on that! It doesn't look too promising that this will be finished for this year's Halloween. I have been pretty occupied with my genealogy blog, and also working on a secret anniversary sampler for my sister Robyn and her husband of 25 years Tom.

Am taking an R & R day today. Being on my feet all weekend at the bookstore does take its toll. So looking forward to going home to Maine in mid-October - a much anticipated break!

Two Legs, One Arm

2010-08-07T13:38:00.003-04:00

Look how pretty my friend Vickie's table was during our recent stitchy night. She is so talented, and, lucky kid, is retired, so she can really be creative. We had a blast!

After a delicious dinner of top-your-own baked potatoes, salad, and cupcakes, we sat around and caught up with what everyone was working on. Here's my progress on "Crypt Club":

Four Seasons FINISHED

2010-07-29T08:19:00.001-04:00

My Four Seasons is finished at last. I am very pleased with it - think the colors really pop. Am headed over to Northern Kentucky tonight after work to spend the evening with the stitching gals - a rare night off for me.

Stop by my "just-started" genealogy blog if you have a minute. Since dad's passing, I have been collecting more and more memories and gems from the folks, and have wanted to document everything in one place for a while now.

It was a dark and stormy night...

2010-06-29T09:01:00.007-04:00

There aren't too many nights when I don't shed a tear or two lately, either from missing Dad, or being exhausted, or just being lonely. It was around 2 am, as I was wiping my face with my bedsheets, when my cell went off. I was thinking it must be my alarm, as I fumbled to unplug it from its charger. The voice on the other end was Eric's, saying my name and telling me that she had no injuries, that he had just seen her in the ambulance, and that I should not "freak out."

And yes, thank God, she was fine. Not even a scratch. She didn't realize she'd even hit the utility pole until the trooper mentioned it in the ER, as he cited her for failing to control. It was probably a combination of losing sight of the edge of the road and hydroplaning. No distractions, except for the new Emimen cd playing. One flip, and she was hanging upside down by her seatbelt, reaching for her phone. Coins (saved up for tolls for the NYC trip) were everywhere, all over the road, mixed in with the broken glass in the car - yeah, they'd broken all the windows to get her out.

She'd only made one payment on the car, and you don't want to know what IT looks like. Unscrewed the Maine license plates and left it. No wallet - never found it. Cancelled credit cards, scrounged around for documents to get a OH driver's license, so she could get the loaner at Enterprise. Oh, did I mention I got a ticket (!) picking up her HS transcript at Mason Central School Dept. (wrong way on the one-way - screw Mason cops!). Had a few things on my mind....

And now she's left this morning with Eric, to take him back to Juilliard, and then back to Maine, and hopefully a fresh start. I know I could use one.

Carrying On

2010-06-19T11:56:00.008-04:00

Ok, so I'm listening to "Carry On" by Crosby, Stills, and Nash (remember them?), from the soundtrack to Patch Adams. I had originally obtained this cd off SwapaCd, just for the first track, "Faith of the Heart," by Rod Stewart, a song which ended up being VERY hard to find - why I don't know.

This week I have been learning more about my new Palm Pre, and downloading a TON of apps. I got the phone just a couple of days before Dad died, and spent that drive through the night (listening to a Yankees/Red Sox game on Yankees Network radio stations across New York State - UGH!) just learning the basics of sending texts and receiving calls (Smart Phone 101!) A very stressful time to learn about your new phone.

Well, let me just tell you, this phone is SWEET! It's catalog of apps is nowhere near as extensive as say the iPhone's, but I have found some that will come in quite handy.

Steph is home for a few days. Of course, she is making the rounds of seeing old friends and chilling. She deserves it. She worked extremely hard to earn her degree, and REAL LIFE will catch up to her soon enough.

Nate came down the other night. He is getting a lot of hours, and looked pretty beat. It was good to see him. Hard to believe he will be 26 next month!

I am listening to audio books now (The Given Day, Matterhorn, The Passage, The Road) while I stitch, and have begun the arduous task of backstitching Four Seasons:

I hope this finds you enjoying your summer days. It is extremely hot here in SW Ohio, and that means Yours Truly stays inside. The yard is totally overgrown and full of weeds, but there is simply no time. Life seems to be settling down somewhat, after a Spring of life-changing events to be sure.

I wish you peace, and above all else:

A-Readin' and A-Stitchin'

2010-06-10T14:45:00.004-04:00

Just popping up to say hi to all. I am doing the back-stitching on the Four Season Windowsills below, and will post a pic soon. Daughter is all graduated, and I am off to eastern PA this weekend to nephew Kerry's graduation from high school.

Also, to follow up, I have just made a killing at the library's booksale, on Audiobooks !! Thanks Shelleen for the great suggestion. Got my software all downloaded to get the free (!) e-books from the library as well. Now I'll be able to read and cross-stitch simultaneously - heaven :)

Eyelids Up

2010-04-23T15:11:00.012-04:00

One of my greatest frustrations is finding time to read. But with working two jobs (roughly 60 hours a week), and trying to stitch a little each evening, it's nearly impossible to keep that stick-to-it-iveness that the big thick juicy historical novels I love require. I have recently, however, stumbled upon a couple that just may keep my eyelids in the up position: Dennis Lehane's The Given Day and Karl Marlantes' Matterhorn.

Be forwarned. I have, I suppose, pretty unique reading tastes for a 50-something single gal. No apologies here for loving gritty historical fiction, even gorey, bloody, wartime stuff.

You know Lehane from his many books made into film, Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, and, most recently, Shutter Island. The Given Day has all of promise of being another page turner, one of those two family sagas, set in Boston (my town!) at the end of the first world war. I read the Prologue on the plane back from Maine last week and I'm hooked, a vignette of Babe Ruth witnessing, and then participating in, a Negro League pick-up game. It is a narrative that rings so true with its racial tensions that you feel instantly vulnerable, like another layer has been pulled back.

I also recently read the NYT Book Review piece on Matterhorn, by Karl Marlantes, a novel of the Vietnam War. Apparently 30 years in the making, it is destined to be the classic fictional account of what the Vietnam War was like to fight, with telling parallels to our present quagmire. Let me just say that about a dozen pages into mud, fog, and leaches, and I am totally there.

Husband, Father, Grandfather

2010-04-19T15:35:00.007-04:00

Dad passed away on Easter morning. We are all still filled with sorrow and loss, but feel so fortunate to have the love of family and friends, which is such a comfort. I want to share the words spoken at his service by his only granddaughter, my daughter Stephanie. Reading them cannot convey the poise and grace with which she spoke, but her words, as well as the words of the two pastors, give you a true sense of the man my father was, and always will be, in our hearts.

"Everyone has their own definition of what the ‘perfect man’ should be. To me, what truly makes the perfect father, grandfather, husband, brother, son, etc., is a man who fulfills those roles without asking questions or second guessing himself. That was exactly how my grandfather looked at life. The other day our family sat down with our minister and he asked us questions about grandpa. He asked us if we thought there was anything my grandfather had wished he had done in his lifetime that he never got to. As I sat back and thought about this question, it occurred to me: Richard Seavey lived the dream. I honestly believe he never thought he would get from life what he did and therefore, he left this world with no regrets. I guess you could call it a blessing in disguise, but my grandfather was a bit naïve; a wife and family that loved him dearly was more than he ever could have dreamed of. He woke up every day with a smile on his face and a kiss for my grandmother…it was as simple as that. That’s what my grandfather was: a simple man.

As for me, I never really had a father. Not one that cared enough to stick around to figure out who I really was anyway. I watched my friends’ relationships with their fathers grow as I waited patiently for summer to arrive and I could see my grandfather. I don’t know if he ever knew how much seeing him meant to me. In his arms I was grandpa’s little girl and I felt invincible. On our summer trips to the ocean he would carry me on his shoulders out into the water, and although I couldn’t touch ground anymore, it didn’t matter. With grandpa I knew I was safe.

As I got older and the grandkids followed suit, I realized how special my grandfather was. In high school I brought friends with me on my vacations to Maine, with the added bonus of meeting my crazy grandpa. He would sit at the dinner table and tell and retell and retell again my favorite stories. Although we had heard these stories thousands of times before, sometimes I would sit back in my chair and think, ‘I’m gonna miss this when it’s gone’.

I am lucky enough to say that I know I was, and will always be, loved unconditionally by my grandfather and even though he is gone, I know he’ll always be looking down on me and have a hand on my shoulder. It hurts me to know he won’t be there to see his only granddaughter, grandpa’s little girl, graduate college in May. Although he never went to college, he was incredibly proud of all of my accomplishments and never hesitated to tell me how he felt. Whenever I came to my grandparents’ house for a weekend away from my hectic college life, I would walk in the door and he would immediately start chanting the Maine Stein Song. I have pushed myself to be the best person I could possibly be for the past 22 years of my life and it goes without saying that my grandfather was quite influential in that matter. In May, and for the rest of my life, I will walk with a smile on my face knowing I have made my grandfather proud.

I was asked by my cousins to speak on behalf of the grandchildren today and it’s a hard task to sum up how we all feel in a few words. What I do know is that we are lucky. We are the six luckiest children in the world to have grown up with a man like him to look up to and to share memories with. On a day like today it’s hard to think about anything but what we have lost, but I would like everyone to remember what we gained through this man. We learned values, gained insight, and most importantly, shared laughter with him. All of which can never ever be replaced. I am incredibly happy to know that my cousins, five very special boys and men, will have the memories of my grandfather to turn to when they have their own families. If they take even one attribute of my grandfather with them into their family lives, I’m sure they will be successful husbands, fathers, and grandfathers.

There’s no one in this world that could ever take the place of such a beloved man. Although he was many different things to many different people, and each grandchild loved him in their own special way, throughout his life, I know that being a father and grandfather were the roles that truly completed him.

Grandpa, thanks for being who I needed you to be, sometimes without even realizing it.

On behalf of your six grandchildren, we send our love to you and we want you to know that you will be dearly missed but remain forever in our hearts."

Stephanie Claire Schaffner, April 8th, 2010

Day by Day, Stitch by Stitch

2010-03-23T21:27:00.004-04:00

As you can see, I have finished "Winter." I have actually made fairly good progress on "Spring," but haven't taken a photo yet. This has been an enjoyable project. I love the colors, and am now very pleased that I stuck with the raw linen that came in the kit.

We visited with my dad earlier this month. He is at one of six Maine Veterans Homes, in Scarborough, not very far from the house at all. We met with two case workers there, and the social worker and M.D. at Southern Maine Dialysis. These people are angels on earth.

All of us have every confidence that they know my dad's health and mental issues fully. We are dealing with mid-stage dementia, chronic renal failure due to diabetes, and, now, a large rapidly growing inoperable carcinoma which extends from his lower back muscles to his abdomen. He is in increasing pain, and has, since our return, not been able to complete the four-hour dialysis on a couple of occasions. He is asked every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, is he wants to go, and, if he doesn't, they don't force him. Ultimately, this will decide things.

But we all were able to visit with him, tell him how much we love him, and tell him what a good dad, and grandfather, he is. He still recognizes us, and enjoys seeing everyone, as much as possible. Aside from my brother and his family in Topsham, we are all out of state, so this has been extremely stressful for my mom, and I try to call her every day. They have been married for almost 55 years.

I am planning on going up for Steph's last concert (The UMaine Symphonic Band at Merrill Auditorium in Portland) in mid-April. Of course, we do not know how much longer he will be with us, but we are leaving it in God's hands. As prepared as we think we are, a light will go out in our lives very soon.

Treasure from the World of Stash

2010-02-20T19:47:00.013-05:00

Some of you may remember a 123'er showing off her "seasons" wall in the Friday Finishes a couple of years back. Like alot of others, I fell in love with one in particular, a Dimensions "From the Heart" kit called Four Seasons. I remember a frantic search on eBay, etc., and then made a brief start on it. It remained a WIP for quite a while, until I recently came across it in a pile beside my stitching chair. I need the "mindless" routine of a kit right now, in the midst of dealing with my dad's recently diagnosed cancer. I love the colors in the design and am enjoying settling down with this each evening during the Olympics.

Summer and Fall are done, but for the backstitching:

Here's what the kit looks like, if you want to hunt it down:

Sailors' Knots is FINISHED

2010-01-31T16:17:00.004-05:00

This is where the payoff is, I suppose. When you can't recount how long ago you began a project (I know it was a stitchin' night at Creative Cottage in Madeira - wow, how many years ago THAT must be, since the shop's been closed for a bunch of years...it used to be a monthly treat back then, now just a fond memory, with all but one area shop gone out of business....but I digress). Still, it's never a good idea to try to start a KIT at a stitchin'; just too many distractions, and too much gossip to listen to. So, I'd brought it home barely started (somewhere in the clouds), using the wrong shade of blue I realized later, when I pulled it out of my stash, and took it up again. It's taken two summer trips to Maine, and alot of patience on those sails, but here it is:

Still here....

2010-01-23T09:11:00.005-05:00

Just a quick post to show my progress on Crypt Club (see prior post). It is really a fun stitch, albeit a lot of BLACK and A LOT of 3/4-stitches (which you can see by clicking on the pic) ....

Yesterday, I had the whole day off so it was re-watching almost all of Season 2 of Damages, cuz Season 3 starts tonight, and backstitching on Knots.

And Now for Something Completely Different...

2009-12-30T07:58:00.004-05:00

When I saw this design, I knew I had to stitch it. I really don't need anymore projects, as you know. But I love, love, love it when a designer comes up with something SO UNIQUE.

It's called The Crypt Club by Prairie Moon. I've joined my very first SAL at Stitching Under the Southern Cross, and we are supposed to start on January 1, and finish by Halloween 2010.

My chart and fabby (32 ct. Thunderstorm) have arrived, and I'm gathering up my DMC (the silks would be way, way over my current budget).

So, in between backstitching Sailors' Knots, I'll be stitching up this fine looking bunch!

Tying Up Loose Ends

2009-12-08T08:41:00.006-05:00

I always find the end of the calendar year, even amongst the hectic holiday activities, a good time for reflection, contemplation, and assessment. Certainly 2009 has left me with quite a bit to reflect on and assess!

A son getting established, a daughter looking ahead to graduation, travel from coast to coast, aging parents, a roller-coaster love life, celebrating a new political landscape, and juggling two jobs, all have comprised what seemed like a year of multiple fronts. To be sure, it has been mostly exhausting and occasionally exhilarating.

All things considered, I can say it's been a pretty remarkable year, in that I still have my house, my health, my friends, and my bliss - cross stitching - which, through trial and trouble, has always managed to keep me sane.

Thankful

2009-11-22T17:05:00.010-05:00

While it is easy to complain about this crummy economy, idiotic politicians, rude customers, and poor management, this is the week we should all be counting our blessings, right? Ok, here are mine:

I am thankful that I have.....

A Roof over my head (although I would prefer to downsize)

Food to eat (although hardly any time to cook it)

Two jobs (although I wish I didn’t need the second one to make ends meet)

Great kids who need me (although they sometimes find it hard to admit it)

and, Wonderful Friends (who are ALWAYS there) !!

I'll be taking this to Thanksgiving dinner, along with a bottle of wine, of course:

Pumpkin Swirl Loaf

Here's my progress on Knots. Hope to get some serious stitchin' done over the holiday...

Bookish Ambivalence

2009-11-04T10:43:00.016-05:00

The levy for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County passed this week. Although, generally speaking, I take this as good news, I do have ambivalent feelings about the future of public libraries.

My professional career began over 30 years ago as the Town Librarian in Gorham, Maine, a sweet little bedroom community outside Portland.

I broke new ground in my two years there, by being the first librarian hired from outside the town of Gorham (Mainers have such a phobia about those from "away"!), and by overseeing, along with the Board, the remodeling of the basement into a new children’s room (an even bigger deal!).

I wanted to be a librarian since I was in junior high. It’s in my gut. But, boy, have I seen a lot of changes, both in the profession, and in American society’s view of the role of libraries, especially public ones. By and large, I think libraries and librarians have done a remarkable job of embracing new technologies, but, at the same time, I wonder about the future role of the public library as a repository of knowledge and as a sanctuary for readers.

My current moonlighting job in a retail bookstore has reinforced many of my suspicions. I see parents and students rushing in to buy the next required book, usually at the last minute. I see men and women settling in with a stack of books and magazines, sometimes for a whole morning or afternoon. I even accept returns on books within days of purchase from customers who boldly admit that they’ve read them and so are done with them. And, if we don’t have something a customer wants, I am frequently tempted to suggest they try the library (it beats sending them to our competitor, right?).

So my thoughts are these. Are bookstores now supplanting libraries in the minds of parents, children, old folks, young people, men and women, as the first place they think of when they want/need something to read or a place to read? Will the public library remain only as an archive of knowledge, and a community center for the immobile inner city poor?

I am glad the library levy passed, because, through a reciprocal regional agreement, I have full borrowing privileges at the branch near my Warren County home, and I frequently go to the downtown Main Library on my lunch hour. But, if it had failed, I cannot help but wonder if the Library would see that the writing is on the wall.

A Rich Life

2009-10-25T17:26:00.006-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about getting through difficult times. To say we are all tightening our belts is an understatement. The word prioritize has taken on a whole new meaning. We are learning, for some the hard way, to appreciate what we have, to delay gratification, and to keep "to do" lists and wishlists. We seem to need to "one-up" a co-worker, or friend, with tales of money woes. Yes, misery sure does love company.

But as a student of history, I know that our forbears have been through times like these, have persevered, have discovered their inner strengths, have unearthed hidden talents, and have forged friendships that will last well past these challenging days.

Maybe it's time to re-define what it means to live a rich life, a life filled with friends and family, humor, appreciation, and contemplation. We will have spent a great deal of time kicking ourselves for past errors in judgment, for living only for today and not planning adequately for the future, for keeping up appearances at any cost. Hopefully, we will have also discovered that some of those former priorities feel just a little hollow now, stacked up against what we have come to count on as sure and constant.

I was cashing out a customer today at the bookstore who was buying three or four British cross-stitch magazines, so we got talking. I gave her my opinion that, even though they were expensive, she could be spending money on worse things, like booze and cigarettes. Of course, if I didn't stitch, I told her, I'd probably take up smoking!

Here's my start on the Old Salty Santas. So far, I've found all the DMC colors in my stash.

I'm also progressing on the third sail of Sailors' Knots. This piece sure has taken a lot longer than I ever thought it would. I remember taking the kit to a stitch-in at a local shop several years ago. That shop, like so many, has now gone out of business.

That Ole Black Magic, aka Startitis

2009-10-17T10:16:00.010-04:00

Yes, I fell under the spell again. Came across this great Old Salty Santas chart (in my stash, which is a good thing), and decided I just HAD to kit this up. It's nautical and Christmasy all-in-one. I'm going to stitch it on 14 ct. Misty Taupe Aida (like the model, yeah I'm like that). Aren't they just adorable?!

Found a real treasure on eBay this past week. I had a saved search posted in there for the Oberlin Gettysburg cross-stitch chart, hoping for the one with just the word, like the other state and city ones, but got "BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG," which I think is way cooler, especially for a history buff like myself. It has real significance for me this year, since I walked Pickett's Charge in June.

And, finally, I am making good progress on the largest and last sail. I have mounted it in my stitching stand, and that has made it alot easier to stitch (and easier to photograph, too! )

Memories

2009-10-02T18:20:00.006-04:00

With each October, comes increased Breast Cancer awareness and for me, that means memories, some horrific, some warm and loving. And, as I think about others facing cancer, I am reminded of dear friends who saw me through it and are there to this day. When my friend Marianne heard about my diagnosis 16 years ago, she told her husband she just had to see me in person. So she and Joe came down from Toledo to see me in Montgomery. Here we are in my driveway (me in my wig, overcompensating with way too much make-up!)

The following spring, as I was finishing up with chemo, they came down to Cincinnati again, this time to hear my son Nathaniel sing with the Cincinnati Boychoir during May Festival. Here we are on Fountain Square (I was sure skinny!). And, yes, she is still great at accessorizing with scarves!

Marianne and Joe lost their dear Westie last year. He had been Joe's dog before they got married, and brightened their days from 1991 to 2008. When I saw this design stitched on khaki fabric, I knew I had to stitch this for them. I gave it to Marianne this past week, when she was in town for our librarians' meeting.

Here's to great friends, warm memories, and to Finding a Cure !!

Past and Future

2009-09-20T20:06:00.006-04:00

This week I attended a two-day retirement (ha!) and financial planning seminar, and all I have to say is: “Can I have a do-over??”

The amount of information imparted was like having buckets of water dumped on me. I’ve spent the weekend making to-do lists and reminders. I need to sign up for a Medical Flexible Savings Account, and, when Open Season comes around, sign up for a dental and vision plan. I need to check my fund allocation on my TSP (the govt’s equivalent of a 401(K)), and I need to get some debt paid down. Yikes!

Last Friday was my parents’ 56th wedding anniversary.

I’m a honeymoon baby (Sept. 18th to June 24th) and I’m told my maternal grandmother was really nervous that I would arrive too early. Oh, the morals of the mid-50’s!

Scared Silly is finished, too.

Silly Thoughts

2009-09-06T08:42:00.004-04:00

Happy Labor Day Weekend - the official end of summer. It’s time to put away those white shoes and handbags, and pull out the woolies. I do plan to weed my closet this weekend, tossin’ and donatin’ things I simply haven’t worn.

(Who am I kidding? After this bloggin’ session, I’ll probably just chill till time to go to work!)

Had lunch with Shirley at Rock Bottom this week – delicious salad I must say. She and I shared some dating disaster stories, laughed (and almost cried). It’s amazing how many of us are out there, knowing full-well that this wasn’t in the script, that we were supposed to be almost grammas by now, happy and settled in our marriages and careers, only to wake up one day and realize that we got dealt the other deck.

I’ve been digging into my family tree again. Have been working on it off and on since high school, really. During my last hiatus, the internet has really kicked in. There are some amazing genealogy blogs out there, and I feel totally inspired to start my own. Found some amazing pictures the other evening and need to get them scanned. You may get a peek here someday soon.

On the stitching front, got some more Weeks Carrot so I could finish up my silly pumpkin and, since it’s almost that season, here’s “Scared Silly” so far:

Under Way Again

2009-08-30T09:07:00.005-04:00

I thought it appropriate to post an updated photo of my "Sailor's Knots," on this the week of Ted Kennedy's passing. I did work quite a bit on it while at Mom and Dad's (thankfully I had packed my tabletop Daylite lamp). That one big sail is now all filled in, and I'm working my way up the left side.

I loved watching the scene from Boston yesterday, albeit in the rain. From the military escorts pulling the casket out of the hearse with such precision, to the Roman Catholic ceremony (being a New England Protestant, with emphasis on the "protest," I find all that ceremony fascinating). If anyone needs inspiration to conquer tragedy, look to that family. And, since my lovelife took a nosedive this week, I found it quite therapeutic to watch a funeral.

It is time to look to the future, learn from past mistakes, and move on. Stephanie will begin her senior year at UMaine tomorrow and already has a job offer. Nate is making real progress with his finances and has a new love. The air, even here in land-locked Ohio, has a new crispness to it. This is most definitely my season and I throw open my arms to embrace it. Just need someone to hug me back.

The Game

2009-08-22T09:07:00.007-04:00

Most of you know that I am a HUGE Red Sox fan. Most Mainers are. Somehow, through the grace of God, I managed to be in attendance at Game 6 of the 1975 World Series at Fenway. Seeing as I have now lived in Cincinnati for over 20 years, the irony is inescapable. I’ve been told I’m like Dustin Hoffman in “Rainman” about it: “Game 6, Game 6, Game 6….”.

Needless to say, I was literally beside myself when my daughter called me to say she had purchased two tickets to a game on July 27th. It was totally unexpected and a wonderful surprise. Since she has been at school at UMaine , she has become a huge fan as well, and had never been to Fenway. So, we were going to have a great day in Boston. COULD NOT WAIT !!

We decided to take the Amtrak Downeaster from Portland at around 6 am, which would get us down to North Station by about 8:30 and we would have the whole day ahead of us, until the 7:10 game. It worked out perfectly. We did the Duckboat tour, where even I learned a lot. The tour guide did start calling me “Google” for short though.

Here are a few of the best shots during the tour (the first is us on the early-can you tell?- train to Boston):

After the tour,we took the T to Fenway, immediately signed up for the Fenway Park tour at 1:00, then went to get something to eat. We bought a few souvenirs and soaked up the ecstatic atmosphere all around Fenway and Yawkey Way. We were playing Oakland and were sure to win.

It was a hot day in Beantown and the crowds for Gameday were building already. The tour was wonderful, and included the Budweiser Deck, the Green Monster and many many facts. Since we were members of Red Sox Nation, we got to get into the park extra early for batting practice, which we watched atop the Green Monster. Afterwards, we found our way to our seats, just behind the Pesky Pole. They were great seats and we enjoyed every minute of it, as our own video can attest. And, yes, we won !!

Maine 2009

2009-08-22T08:39:00.006-04:00

Having “lived away” now for most of my adult life, I tend to romanticize about my home state, the people and places that I remember from my childhood, I yearn for the intoxicating sea breezes, the pungent salty air of the harbor, and the scent of the ubiquitous pine. Just to be in New England!

I think somehow I must have passed this on to my daughter in the gene pool, since she chose to go to college there. Since she did not grow up there, I cannot explain it. But, nonetheless, we now share this bond, along with many others, and for that I am grateful. It is hard to explain to anyone who has never been there. They just don’t get it.

This year’s annual visit with the folks was restful, productive, and tons of fun. Although both my mother and dad are struggling with being on the edge of living independently and making some difficult decisions regarding caring for each other, somehow their stubborn Yankee resourcefulness and determination earned them all the more respect from me. It is this pluck that has gotten them this far, and, although it is frustrating at times to see them cling to the past, I know in my heart that I will be the same way someday.

I managed to pack an almost 50 lb. suitcase full of books, stitching, and family tree research to work on, and just about tackled it all. Top that off with a Red Sox game at Fenway, and a wicked good feed of lobster, and you have yourself a perfect 2+ weeks in Maine.

Headin' Downeast

2009-07-22T09:51:00.009-04:00

Taking the time now to let you know I'll be heading home on Saturday morning for a much needed vacation.

I will NOT be thinking about the courthouse or the bookstore for over two weeks. I am taking my laptop with me, and will keep in touch periodically from the Scarborough Public Library or Panera (no internet at the folks'). Will have stitching and books, naturally, and plan to "just plain chill."

I've got my Family Tree Maker 2009 all updated, so will be pumping the folks for information, and have a 2G memory card in my camera, for lots of picture-taking. The biggest day will be Monday, when Stephanie and I go to Boston for the day, including the Red Sox game that night. It will be Steph's first trip to Fenway, and my first since the 1975 World Series Game 6.

Cannot wait!

What I've Been Stitching (When I Couldn't Blog)

2009-07-09T21:02:00.005-04:00

Stop and Stitch the Flowers is finally finished, and I just love it. I have to admit it got a little boring at times, but you know the feeling of nearing the finish and you have such a great sense of "accomplished creativity," right?

Here are my Blueberries all done as well. I have (sort of) set a goal for myself to stitch up all my Mainey/New Englandy designs. Guess I'm feeling especially nostalgic (I leave for Maine on the 25th for two whole weeks!).

In between tackling those pesky "Gotta Finish These" projects, I picked up Scared Silly, since I had the funky fabric and all the fibers already. Even though I need my magnifier, it's been a blast so far.

Time to Catch this Blog Up !!

2009-07-09T20:34:00.012-04:00

When last I wrote, I was headed to Gettysburg, which was awesome. I had never been, and love Civil War history, so this was a super big deal for me.

The conference was on Leadership Lessons from Lincoln, and was for Circuit Librarians and Deputy Circuit Librarians, of which I am one. It was two and a half days of seminars, discussions, break-out groups, and touring.

The highlight of the trip was seeing all my Deputy friends from around the country, most of whom I have known and worked with for over 25 years. Here we all are at our dinner together at O'Rorke's. I'm near the head of the table on the right-hand side. Such a great group. So many laughs and such great memories!

Here's our tour bus and our Guide at the top of Little Round Top.

Here are some more pictures from my great time in Gettysburg:

Hitting the Road

2009-05-31T11:50:00.015-04:00

Here's my progress on Blueberries. But where are the berries, you ask? You'll just have to wait till I get back from my next trip. Will pack this up as my travel piece.

I head to Gettysburg on Monday for a short conference that the Court is sending me to, entitled "Leadership Lessons from Lincoln." I am very excited about it since I have never been there, as well as the chance to see some "old" Court friends. We were supposed to watch the movie "Gettysburg" before attending. No problem for me, because it's one of my favorites. Joshua Chamberlain is one of my heroes, and I love the way Jeff Daniels portrays him in the movie. You can bet I will be taking alot of pictures. After the conference, I am traveling up to Danielsville, Pennsylvania, to visit my sister Robyn and her family. Haven't seen them since they left Maine, so that will be a real treat.

A little of this, a little of that

2009-05-23T11:12:00.006-04:00

Here's my start on the Maine blueberries sign, on 14 ct. Fiddler's, which gives it a real rustic look:

Sorry not pressed yet, but the cross-stitching is done on Flowers, with just the border to do. It is a Fly Stitch, which is a new one on me, but kinda fun to do.

My attempt at a close-up of the border (double-click on it for the best view):

On to Something New

2009-05-11T08:16:00.004-04:00

Hope all you moms had an awesome day yesterday. Mine started with eggs benedict and a bloody mary, thank you very much. Then, my fave thing to do -- start a new project, of course! I purchased the Maine Blueberry design from Patternsonline quite a while ago, originally published in this booklet:

and started it on 14-ct. fiddlers cloth. The colors are quite striking, and will go great in my kitchen.

I have finished "Stop and Smell the Flowers," and am working on the border. Will post a pic soon.

Now off to the coffee pot, since I stayed up with my favorite Red Sox closer last night, but it was worth it!

Glad we don't meet those pesky Rays again until August!

Later, Stitchy Friends.....

My Daughter Played Symphony Hall !!

2009-04-22T09:56:00.004-04:00

The UMaine Symphonic Band performed at Boston's Symphony Hall on April 15th. My daughter, Stephanie, played Bass Clarinet. This was an awesome concert and a wonderful evening was had by all.

In case you're not familiar with what a significant venue this is, here is a video for your edification:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

170 days since October 19th. 55.2 inches of snow in Boston. 34 games in Florida. 1 Opening Day postponement. It's about time!

2009-03-27T10:28:00.005-04:00

We return you now to your regular programming....Anyhoo....off to sunny Mexico to see my sweety, then to good 'ole Boston to see my daughter play with the UMaine Symphonic Band at....wait for it....wait for it .....SYMPHONY HALL !!

'Bout time this old girl got some time off.
Later,
stitchy friends....

Half-way there

2009-03-22T08:13:00.003-04:00

Had to pick up some more Poblamo Pepper (Crescent Colors) for the borders, but I'm making good progress. Day off today, so I'm gonna go play in stash and explore the new Joanns that just opened near me.

Flowers!

2009-03-13T20:56:00.002-04:00

Here's my progress so far on Stop and Stitch the Flowers by Blue Ribbon. It's a fun stitch.

A Summer Place FINISHED

2009-03-01T18:32:00.008-05:00

Here it is !! (Click on pic for better view)

Believe me when I tell you that this picture does NOT do it justice (click on it and you'll get a better view). I am thrilled with this piece. It also confirms how much I love, love, love Cross-Eyed Cricket !

Now it's on to Stop and Stitch the Flowers

Have a Seat!

2009-02-14T10:53:00.005-05:00

These Adirondack chairs were a blast to stitch! Since this picture was taken, I had a stitchy day with the girls and have added the windmill and the flags, so stay tuned for the next update.

I also have to experiment with the color I want to use for the words. I want them to be more prominent than the model picture.

Another Award !

2009-02-13T09:13:00.008-05:00

Nancy has bestowed yet another blog award on me and I am sincerely humbled. The requirements for this one are to name 5 addictions, and to link to 5 other fabulous bloggers, so here goes:

My addictions include, but are not limited to:

1) Cross-Stitch

2) Boston Red Sox

3) Mad Men tv show

4) Scallops

5) Books

***************

And here are 5 stitching bloggers I admire:

Staci

Harmien

Anne

Mary Ann

Kathryn

Second Story!

2009-02-03T20:43:00.003-05:00

This winter weather has afforded me lots of stitchin' time, and I am progressing well on Cross-Eyed Cricket's "A Summer Place."

Being a native Mainer, I am not usually fazed by winter, but Cincinnati and environs simply does not know how handle it (predict it, move it, or drive in it), and it has been frustrating at best. On a day when I just decided to stay home, I got this far:

Here's a view out to my backyard, and a massively awesome icicle hanging off my roof:

Back to the WIP pile....

2009-01-14T11:51:00.013-05:00

Yes, I have been stitching, honest! Sometimes, it's the only thing that keeps me sane. On the day after my last post, my just-turned-21 daughter took a bad fall on the ice. After some worrisome hours and an overnight stay in the hospital, thinking alot about closed head trauma, she is fine and back at UMaine for 2nd semester.

The holidays were low key but good. I finished up a (shhh...it's a secret!) special project for a friend on New Years Eve, and since she reads this blog, I will wait to post a picture, and have dived back into the WIP pile to work on A Summer Place by CEC. It really is a nice diversion during some brutally cold days here in SW Ohio. I also plan to add a playlist at the bottom of my blog template. My guy is way out in Mexicali, Mexico, working on a 3-month project, and boy do I miss him. But, I am looking forward to taking off from both(!) jobs on Inauguration Day, watching all the festivities, and STITCHING AWAY!

The Stockings Were Hung....

2008-12-22T11:11:00.005-05:00

These are Nathaniel's and Stephanie's childhood stockings, stitched many years ago. They are now 24 and 21 respectively. I am taking a much needed break from the courthouse, and working my tail off at Borders. But I love it there and the Christmas rush is just too much fun.

Dug this out of my stash bucket, along with the button pack that I paid way too much for. I have changed a few colors, which is rare for me, and it is coming along very nicely.

I hope all my stitching and blogging friends are having a fun holiday season!

Historic Times

2008-10-18T13:08:00.006-04:00

Took time out to stitch up this little freebie while watching the debate the other night. Yes, there's one for the other party as well. You can find them at The Sampler Girl.

Under Sail - For Now

2008-10-11T14:41:00.002-04:00

Wow, it's been a while! Anyway, here's where I am going to stop for now. These sails are a b***ch!! As the leaves turn and (ugh!) fall, I am going to turn to some holiday stitching. Be back soon (promise!)....going to go shop in my stash....

Who? Me?!

2008-08-21T12:07:00.016-04:00

Stitchers are such a warm supportive group! I have been nominated by stitching blogger Kim for a Kreativ Blogger Award, and am humbly honored.

We learn so much from each others' blogs, and gain valuable insight, inspiration and motivation every day! I feel especially privileged to have made your acquaintance through this blog.

Here, in no particular order, are my 5 nominees:

A Sampler of Stitches

Garden of Stitches

Coastal Stitching

Tangled Threads

Santa Stitches

Thank you, gals, for keeping me in stitches!

Where is my Head?

2008-08-17T08:49:00.013-04:00

After trips to Portland, OR, and to Portland, ME, I am back to stitching and blogging. Throw in a bad case of poison ivy, and a boring budget meeting in Cleveland, and I am ready for summer to end. Never even got the swimsuit out of the drawer!

Oregon was fun, especially the afternoon I spent at Acorns & Threads. Wagon, what wagon?? Just had to get the large check fabric used for Summer Soapbox, and lots more goodies.

Visiting my folks and my daughter, who is staying with them for the summer before returning to UMaine, was very enjoyable and restful. Of course, we had to have our traditional lobster feed:

This is about how far I was on Sailor's Knots before my schedule went haywire:

And here is my progress as of this morning!

On the Rocks

2008-07-04T16:09:00.006-04:00

Today was a day off from the courthouse, so I found myself at Hancock Fabrics and Hobby Lobby taking advantage of holiday sales. Too much fun! As you can see, I have been stranded on the the "rock bound coast" with my summer piece.

Guess what?! Just realized that dark-ish blue in the clouds is the wrong blue (shows- to-go-ya that working off the floss organizer at the stitch-in way back when was not a smart move!) Have now frogged and restitched it, and it looks so much better - DUH!

Stay tuned for the next pic...

North by Northwest

2008-06-17T12:32:00.005-04:00

I got so anxious to get to the compass I "navigated" my way down there!

First Light

2008-06-11T19:58:00.004-04:00

Here's about where I am with "Sailor's Knots." It is really a fun stitch. The shadows in this picture do not do the colors justice. You can see where I had to frog a little (two of the floss colors for the rocks were labeled incorrectly. I had to rely on the kit picture to fix it. Think I'll be staying with this project for a while.

Start-itis Attack!

2008-06-04T17:35:00.005-04:00

Had a real bad case of start-itis the other night, and since I'm shopping in my stash these days, I dove head-first into my kit cabinet, and, lo and behold, came up with this beautiful nautical design:

In case you can't read the fine print, it's call "Sailor's Knots" and was put out by Needle Treasures. I've googled and ebayed it, and can't find any mention or picture of it, so it must be long OOP. I had, in fact, started it at a stitch-in at Creative Cottage many years ago, but, because it's very large, had a hard time holding the q-snap at the table. And, it's on ivory Aida, which I am sticking with. I actually think some designs stitch well on Aida. Do need to get rid of the pesky "color organizer" it came with, and wind or baggie-up the floss, though. Who knows, this could be my summer project...

Time for a Clambake, Right?

2008-05-28T20:14:00.004-04:00

Whoa, can't believe it's been over a month since I have posted here. That's what comes from working 60+ hours a week!! Anywho, here's my finished Oberlin's Clambake. You'll remember I found this gem during our shop hop last summer. Makes my mouth water...

3's About Me

2008-04-23T13:11:00.006-04:00

My good stitching pen pal Jan sent me an email the other day with her list and it got me thinking, so here's a few of mine.

3 things I love about my life:

* my great kids
* my endearing friends
* my wonderful man

3 favorite things to do:

* cross-stitch (naturally!)
* listen to NPR
* watch a good movie

3 favorite foods:

* seafood (esp. lobster, shrimp, and scallops)
* rhubarb pie
* mom's potato salad

3 favorite TV shows:

* House
* Grey's Anatomy
* Bill Moyer's Journal

3 favorite places on earth:

* Maine
* Chicago
* Seattle

3 things I am looking forward to:

* selling my house
* retirement (more time to stitch!)
* travelling more

3 places I'd love to go:

* Scotland
* Greece
* Bahamas

My Christmas Village

2008-04-12T11:03:00.004-04:00

Prairie Schooler's classic Christmas Village is fresh off the Q-Snap. I'm pretty pleased with it.

Snow means HoHRH

2008-03-09T21:52:00.003-04:00

Here in Southwest Ohio, it was a mess of snow. So, it was no problem hunkering down to finish House #3.

Music and Books Cubed !

2008-03-05T19:08:00.004-05:00

Since Stephanie is home for Spring Break this week, I was reminded that I never did post the stand-up I made for her for Christmas. She loved it!

New Prairie Schooler !!

2008-02-29T08:04:00.005-05:00

Just plunked my money down to my eBay seller for "Weather Wise," one of the new Prairie Schooler designs. It has lighthouses, so I just couldn't resist.....

Stitching as Therapy

2008-02-18T08:53:00.005-05:00

Don't you just love that feeling of seeing the end in sight. Stitching has been so therapeutic for me lately. What with the house on the market, prodigal son returning home, and working two jobs, I try to find itsy bitsy times to stitch. It shuts the rest of the world out, if just for a few precious minutes.

This is my favorite house by far.

Christmas Village Update

2008-02-01T13:56:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Vickie and I decided to stitch Prairie Schooler's Christmas Village together. It is so much fun! My fabric is a very pale green linen, which may not show up in this photo. I have decided to do all the cross-stitch, before doing any backstitching. Rounding that SE corner of the border really made me feel like I was close to the finish.

Remember When You First Learned How to Stitch?

2007-12-12T11:58:00.001-05:00

Take time to pass your craft on to a young person.

Christmas Village - Making Progress

2007-11-24T12:38:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. Mine was quiet but nice. Pulled out Prairie Schooler's Christmas Village, and stitched on the trees for a while. I'm using a pale green 32 ct. linen.

It's All in the Hunt!

2007-11-20T12:52:00.000-05:00

One the funnest parts of having this cross-stitch obsession is hunting down patterns that I fall in love with. Recently, I saw a picture of the absolute cutest angel stitched by a stitching blogger for her dear grandmother. I won't snag the pic, but check out her blog (it's a great one!). I have managed to track down the recent issue of the French xs magazine it came from (Point de Croix), but I'll be darned if I can figure out (high school French was a long time ago, people!) how to buy it. Anyway, just on the off-chance one of my readers gets this, here's the one I would love to get my hands on:

What October ??

2007-11-10T09:17:00.001-05:00

I guess blogging has taken a backseat to getting my house ready to sell, including sorting thru boxes and BOXES, painting and cleaning. So I have been a stranger to the stitching blogosphere. Even stitching has been slow, since I am really trying to read more (so far My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen, and now The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards). I did finish this one up though (CCN's Geranium House), stitched on 28 ct. French Vanilla. Found an almost-finished Stoney Creek - Rock of Ages Lighthouse, which I am plugging away on. The rope was fun, but oh that anchor with the filament thread (UGH!).

Finishes Close To My Heart

2007-09-30T14:10:00.001-04:00

Two recent graduates of my "Currently Stitching On" list are posted for your viewing. Music & Books from LHN, is for my daughter, who is a 2nd year student at UMaine. She is an English major/Womens Studies minor, and plays in the UMaine Symphonic Band.

My Prairie Schooler Santa from 1992 was finished this weekend. I have been wanting to stitch him for SO LONG! This was my first time using 18 ct. New Khaki Davos. Gotta watch that tension all the time. Love the lobsta!

Introducing Beth's Designs

2007-09-28T20:56:00.001-04:00

My faithful readers will recall the July shop hop my friend Vickie and I embarked on in July. In my July 23rd post to this space, I mentioned Inn Stitches in Bay Village, Ohio, and it's very talented owner, Beth Gantz. It was so refreshing to meet this young, enthusiastic, and super talented needleworker, who introduced us to the most darling "monthlies" she had designed. Here are the two that I purchased, and have now stitched up. Just love 'em!

Framed Too Late and Too Early

2007-09-23T21:20:00.000-04:00

Back from my framer Bonnie Z.

Will put Sunny Summer by M Designs away until next year.....

and save Christmas in My Heart by Waxing Moon until Christmas decorating time.

Aren't they lovely?

Fantastic Shop in "The Prettiest Village"

2007-08-27T18:11:00.001-04:00

As you drive north on US 1 into Wiscasset, Maine, you see this sign.

And, if you go real slow and bear to the left before the bridge, you will find the Stitcher's Corner.

Owned by Janet Palen, the Stitcher's Corner is the ultimate treasure trove for cross-stitchers and other needleworkers. My mom and dad rode up with me, but left me to browse to my heart's content, and gab away with Janet and Brenda. Framed on the wall were G & P's New England Sampler, C Stitch's Lighthouses of the World, and Cedar Hill's Animal Rhymes. Awe-inspiring, to say the least!

It was a shear delight to visit with the ladies there. The little plastic card got a little ventilation as well. I will definitely be back!!

And here's a tip: If you're looking for New England Sampler, give them a call. I heard that Janet bought all of Ginger's remaining stock, and has convinced her to release more.

Back from God's Country

2007-08-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been back a while, but have been very busy. Back home, we call it being "right out straight." Love those localisms ! Maine was/is absolutely lovely. 30 degrees cooler than stinky SW Ohio. Unbelievable !

Of course, I have to report on a couple of shops I visited during the week. Some of you may get the mail order catalog from Keepsakes Needlearts, in Centre Harbor, NH. I thought I would check it out, since I was so close. Mom and I drove up Rt. 25, through cute little towns like Limington, Cornish, and Kezar Falls, into NH, toward Lake Winnepesaukee (yup, just like the American Express commercial with Ellen DeGeneres, folks.)

After a two hour drive, we arrived at the large Keepsakes establishment. Much to my disappointment, and the relief of my wallet, there was not much cross-stitch there, and what was there was all kits (which I do not need). Their emphasis was clearly quilting and other needle arts. I did manage for find some sea gull fabric (just to give my credit card some air!), which I can use on stand-ups at some point.

We drove on to Meredith, for lunch at Hart's Turkey Farm Restaurant (Thanksgiving Dinner in August - you can't beat that!), and then headed on down the road.

It was a fun day with Mom, but I was so looking forward to the next day, when we were to head down the coast on US 1, to Wiscasset, and the Stitcher's Corner!

Going Down East !!

2007-08-07T10:36:00.001-04:00

Whoopeeeee!!!!

I'm off to Maine for vacation....

See you all when I get back !!

Eight Shops in Two Days !! - CHAPTER 8

2007-07-28T09:12:00.000-04:00

Why is it that you can tell you're near water? No, I'm not talking the Ohio River (ugh!). I'm talking large bodies of water, like the Atlantic, the Pacific, or the Great Lakes. I had that sensation the whole ride to Vermilion, and once we got there, I knew why. Riverbend Stitchery used to be located right in the middle of this delightful lakeside community, but that left Linda with no expansion space, and the shop is now located a little ways back from the lake, on OH 60, behind the Holiday Inn.

Ann was minding the store when we arrived, and she is just a peach. Very attentive and helpful, right down to a hand-drawn map of places to eat.

After finding a few gems in the bargain bins that she kindly brought out from the backroom, we headed downtown. Well, nothing thrilled me more than discovering that Main St. dead-ended AT THE BEACH ! Now, I could live here....

We had a great lunch at the Soda Grill, and then headed back to the shop. And this is where I found my favorite chart of the whole trip! Who knew there was an Oberlin chart called Clambake!

I also admired a stitched model of Kitty Kats' Rocky Shores (#2 in her Birdhouse Row series), and Ann helped me find the seagull and flag buttons that the model stitcher had added. I also picked up Water's Edge By the Sea, Sekas' Watercolor Seashells, as well as a CEC freebie Life is a Beach, with the flip flop buttons for it.

We each got a first-time shopper's discount, and a complimentary tote bag, and we agreed, as we headed south on 60, toward I-71 and home, that Riverbend Stitchery was a wonderful last stop on our marathon shop hop through NE Ohio. We had been in some great shops, and ones that were mediocre at best, but here's a few thoughts (completely random and in no particular order) that we had on the way home:

1. We like a warm, friendly greeting when we walk in a shop.
2. We like to chat, but feel excluded if left out.
3. Fresh NEW models on the wall are a treat.
4. If there's a model on the wall, the pattern should be available for sale.
5. We can't do the math to figure out our fabric, so we assume the cutter does.
6. A business card and/or newsletter on the counter, or included in our bag, is very thoughtful.
7. Recommendations for places to eat in the area make us very happy!

This was a trip we will remember for a long time. Thank you to all my faithful readers who have kept up with my ramblings. And, yes, I have been stitching since we got back, so will have some pics in my next entry.

Eight Shops in Two Days !! - CHAPTER 7

2007-07-23T19:18:00.001-04:00

From Broadview Heights, we headed west and along Lake Erie, toward Bay Village, to a shop called Stitches, Etc. Back in Berlin (remember Berlin?) a customer told us about this shop, and since we had eliminated the Blue Moon in Parma Heights (no longer in business), we were ready to add it to our trek.

Naturally, being a transplanted Mainer, I loved seeing so many nautical designs featured in this shop. OK, Lake Erie is LIKE an ocean, right? I fell in love with a stitched model of Seaside Collection by Ray Davenport, designed by Barbara & Cheryl, and snatched up that leaflet.

While we were looking around, the young owner, Beth Gantz, came in and we introduced ourselves. Seems the shop used to be in Westlake, so this is a relatively new location. Beth's mom was a needlepoint designer, and the acorn has not fallen far from the tree!

She definitely has a creative visual eye, and it was an absolute delight to talk with her. She believes there is a definite unfilled market niche (are you listening designers?) and that is charts for beginners. She herself has begun a monthly square motif series (she's up to July), all kitted up, and they are darling! Could not leave without May (pink potted plants on steps) and June (refreshing glass of lemonade with cut lemons). She's done a great job on her web site,too.

After picking up Lavender Wings' Hitchin' A Ride , we were pointed toward Vermilion, and Riverbend Stitchery, our last shop!

Eight Shops in Two Days !! - CHAPTER 6

2007-07-21T10:17:00.001-04:00

On this, our second day of shop-hopping, we felt refreshed and excited to continue our drive over to Broadview Heights and Crafty Ewe.

We had been to this shop before, five years ago, when we attended Shelly Hronec's Flag Day event at Just Stitching in Strongsville (see Chapter 5). Unfortunately, we found this shop to be somewhat of a disappointment. The same ho-hum reception of two women chewing the fat (not even stitching!) sent us to the bargain bins in the back (to no avail), and I walked out of there with just the Silk 'n Colors Autumn Honey for CEC's Autumn Acorn.

Maybe that was a good thing, especially for my wallet, and we were off to Bay Village, to a shop not originally on our list - Stitches, Etc., and to a delightful visit with an up-and-coming designer!