Stitch from Stash

This has been another great month for my wallet.  Not a cent spent on anything stitching related.   That's not to say that I don't have a few things here and there on my "wish list" but no spending!

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon

Stitch from Stash -July

I'm happy to say that after being a stash-piggy in June, I behaved myself in July and didn't spend a penny!     :)

I kind of feel like it was too easy not to spend XS money in July because we've been so busy with family visits and just the general busy, busy, busy that summer brings.  It's more fun to spend time outside than inside.

I've been trying to stitch on the wolf every chance I get to put thread to fabric.  It's coming along nicely.  I'll post an update soon.  I haven't had any time to work to work on my "Cookies-Dark Side" project that I 'm making for my son's "man cave" in his new home.

I'm glad my XS budget is back on track and that I have the stitch from stash group to keep me on target.   It's helped me to distinguish between wants and needs.

Have safe fun in the sun!   :)

Hugs and Grace
Sharon

White Fang*...(aka Wolf Update) & My Mid-life Stitching Crisis

 

   (*thanks to MiiStitch for suggesting "White Fang")    :)

This is the latest and greatest wolf up-date.  I am enjoying watching the wolf and his buddies come to life.  This is from a kit (and generally, I'm not much of a kit kind-of-girl).  I'm learning all over again why I'm not a kit fan.  One of the floss colors used with the "sky" in this design is a VERY, VERY, VERY pale blue.  (Did I mention how pale the blue was?)  So pale, in fact...that it is hardly even noticeable in the design.  I didn't notice how un-noticeable it was until I stepped away to look at it.  In hindsight,  I wish I would've picked up on this sooner.  I would've subbed my own choice of a pale blue thread that would've been seen, but subtle.  I still love the project and look forward to stitching it every chance I get.   I have one page completely finished at this point and a good start on the other pages.  There's still much stitching to go until I finish, but I'm plugging along and happy with it.    :)

So, I've hit what I call my "mid-life crisis" stitching-wise.  (And thank you to my "precious" husband for pointing out that I'm only of a "mid-life" age if I intend on living 100+ years.  He thinks I'm just a wee bit past "mid-life")  *Bless his heart*...those of you in the south know that *bless his heart* has multiple meanings....LOL.

Anyway,  I have found that with age comes wrinkles, flabby arms (when the heck did those set in???)
and reading glasses.  For me, it also has changed a lot of my tastes in what I choose to stitch.  I find that these days, I'm enjoying crawling out of my stitching "comfort zone" and trying new things.
I seem drawn to bigger projects (think samplers) and anything with a Quaker theme.  I've found Rosewood Manner, Blackbird Designs, Chatelaines and the Scarlet Thread to be appealing to me now.  I still find Country Cottage, Little House, Lizzie Kate and a couple other "new to me" designers  to be fun and delightful, (and I will stitch them with joy for my "on the go" projects, But for some reason, my taste is changing.  I'm even determined to tackle a HAED project someday.  Once the wolf is finished and my "Dark Side...Cookies" project for another son is finished, I'm going to see where this new direction in stitching takes me.   (Oh and I intend to work on these flabby arms too!)  

Have your tastes in stitching projects changed as you've, ahem... "aged?"    :)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Stitch From Stash - June

This will be a quickie post, we have family in town visiting and I. Want to be fully immersed in the fun!  I knew it would happen - I'd fall off the stash wagon sooner or later.  I made it 6 months without spending a single penny but this month, I found temptation that I couldn't resist.  I was hoping to have a  picture of my goodies to share with you, but I 'm still waiting on my order to arrive.
here's my report:

Moira Blackburn - Three Things Sampler.                 $ 8.00 Including Shipping
18 ct fabric for sampler                                                 10.00.    ".             "
Rosewood Manor - - Quakers and Quilts.                     18.00.    ".            "
(This also includes the Valdani Threads needed for the design).  
I think I found a steal of a deal on this one!

So, all together I spent,     $36.   This month was a bonus month for Stitch From Stash, so I had a little extra breathing room.    I spent $25 of my monthly allotment, plus another $11 for my bonus month money.   I can honestly say that I'm happy that I spent a little this month.  Having new stash to fondle can solve almost any woe.  Am I right?   LOL

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon
(Posting this from my IPad... For some reason, IPad is not liking Blogger today.).   Please excuse any wonky typos.
Stitch From Stash

Stitch from Stash - May

Another month with no money spent on anything cross-stitch related.  5 Months with not a penny spent!!!   :)   I've been so focused on stitching the Wolf and my on-the-go project, I just haven't felt the "need" (lol) or desire to buy anything......yet.  I know my time is coming.  It will be fun to see what finally tempts me to go 'off the wagon'.     :)

Hugs and Grace,

*Sharon

Rainbow Bridge...

Our Sweet Little Love

2004-2014

We had to let our little sweetie go to the Rainbow Bridge today. She has been struggling with congestive heart failure and lung and kidney issues.  We've tried all sorts of medicines...knowing that when it was her time to go, she'd let us know.  Sadly, late yesterday, she did indeed show us that she needed to be able to breathe easy and spin and play and eat and enjoy life.  She was no longer able to do those things on this side of the bridge...so today, she went on ahead of us.

We are so fortunate that our county's humane society has a "Rainbow Bridge Chapel" where you can bring your fur baby's for their last few minutes on earth.  It was so beautiful...stained glass windows and soft furniture to sit on to hold your sweet ones when they pass.  We had all the time we needed with her and were treated with overwhelming kindness.  Previous to this, we had taken our pets to our vet when their time came.  I always hated those metal tables.  This was so different and I am so grateful to all the donors who created such a special, special place for those of us who love our animals, oh so much.

We made the decision to have her cremated and Ian picked a lovely box for her remains.  Our hearts are broken...and the tears flow freely.  I wouldn't trade the pain though...pain comes from wonderful memories and lots of unconditional love and trust.  Our little love was a rescue and when we first got her, she would sit in her crate and shiver with fear.  After a few days, she'd venture out a bit at a time...and then she made the leap of faith to trust us...and she learned how to rule our roost!  :)

I miss you so much, my little stitching buddy.  I purposely stitched a few of your hairs into Ian's wolf project... You'll be in our hearts and have our love...forever.

Hugs and Grace,

Sharon

I should have tried this years ago!

So, whoo-hoo, it's almost the end of April and I still haven't spent a single cent on anything needlework related.  I'm participating in the "Stitch from Stash"challenge this year and so far, so good!
For heaven's sake, I haven't even been spending any of the monthly allowed allotment! 
I have been really focused on finishing my wolf wip and on my "Sheep Virtue" as my take-along.
I can honestly say that I have immensely enjoyed seeing all the goodies that ya'all are stitching on and that I love being "enabled", but this challenge has shown me that I don't "need" to own/or stitch every wonderful project that I see.  It's okay that I can just love your projects from afar!
 I will say that I have some pretty groovy "wanna buys" on my list for my "reward" of finishing the wolf, so stay tuned.  I figure I'll have the wolf done in about 77 years or somewhere thereabouts, so the new stash will be coming...eventually.!   :)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

The better to see you with, my dear...

I must definitely be making some progress. My wolf has TWO, count 'em, TWO eyes now!  :)
It was always a little quirky to be working on this design while he had only one eye.  LOL
I had some definitely needed stitchy time over the week-end and I tried to put it to good use.  I still have a long way to go before this will be finished, (I'm hoping by Christmas????) but forward progress is forward progress and whenever I get the chance to make some x's, I'm a happy camper.

Just in case you forgot, this is what the finish line will (hopefully!) look like for this project.

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

"Hugga"'s Memories

I sure hope you want to see pictures of my little J-Luv, because I've got LOTS of them!
First, let me explain "Hugga".  When Jackson was born and I was officially a "Grandma" - due to blended families, I was one of three of Jackson's grandma's.  So as not to confuse the little tyke, I decided that I wanted him to call me "Gigi".  All was well, until Jackson's recent visit.
We tried and tried to get J-Luv to call me "Gigi".  Nope...didn't happen.  Then, we tried and tried to get him to call me "grandma".  Nope...didn't happen.  J-Luv decided that I was "Hugga".  Every time he wanted to be with me, he would always say "Hugga".  I LOVE giving and receiving hugs, so "Hugga" works well for me.  I'm pretty sure that one day,  he'll call me "Gigi"...but if I always remain his "Hugga", I'll be a happy camper!  On the other hand, Grandpa was immediately "Bampa".  We had a WONDERFUL two weeks being hands-on Hugga and Bampa!

The "King" of the Castle

(Okay, so this is the little guy in front of Cinderella's Castle at Disney, but he was definitely the king of OUR castle!)     :)

My beautiful little beach boy! He LOVED playing in the world's largest sandbox!

He loved trying out new parks!

(and though he didn't say it, I'm pretty sure he enjoyed being "hugga's" little "fashionista"- who says boys don't like to rock plaid?!)  LOL

 Oh, how he loved the parks!  :)

Checking out fishing poles w/ Bampa

Bampa and Hugga "might" have endulged him w/ a little slide of his own.

:)

He was so stinkin' cute w/ Pluto and Minnie.  He LOVED visiting them!

Every cute lil Disney Visitor needs their own "ears"

Mimicking Snow White...I swear, this wasn't staged!  :)

Okay, okay...enough pictures for one blog post.  Don't worry, I have LOTS more that I'll be sharing in the days/weeks/months/years to come.  Suffice it to say that J-luv had Bampa and Hugga wrapped tightly around his heart.  We feel so blessed that we had the time to spoil enjoy him so much.  He won't ever remember our visit together, but we'll NEVER forget it!!!!

Hugs and Grace,

Sharon

No stitching, No stash

I'm very happy to say that this month I didn't spend a single cent on stash.  Now, if you would ask me if I had spent "more than a single cent" on my little baby-love Jackson,  I would be a hot mess.  Lol.
Because of  our wonderful visit, I've had neither time for stitching nor stashing.  I have lots and Lots and LOTS of pictures to post soon.  Now that my favorite little family is back at their home safe and sound, I have a bit more time to stitch.  I'll have an up-date pic on that as well.  In addition, our own not-so-little guy received some Whoo-hoo news in regards to being admitted to his college of choice AND in receiving a scholarship to said college.  It's been a wonderful month around here - one to remember and treasure forever!!!

Hugs,
Sharon

Grandma Paws

I am just one big 'ole giddy Grandma this week!!!  The little guy pictured above is coming to spend a week with his "GiGi"!  His mama and daddy (my son) are going on a cruise (to celebrate surviving the little guys' first year) so Grandma and Grandpa and the not-so-little Uncle are going to be watching this cutie while they're away.

I swear, I feel like I have hours and minutes counted until I get "mama paws" on my son and his wife and "grandma paws" on my little J-bug.  It's been a while since we've had a little one around here, so we're hoping we remember the basics.  (we already have the head-over-heels love for Jackson part down pat!)

We have some fun adventures planned for Jackson and have built in lots of time for running and chasing.  I wouldn't mind some cuddle & snuggle time, but I'm not sure this busy little just-turned-one is going to go along with that.  :)

No matter what, I am just so thankful to have this time with all my sweeties.  The fun starts Thursday...I just have to be really patient for a few more days (hours and minutes!)   :)

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon

The confused people who work at Visa.

Yup, two months and the poor folks who work at Visa are probably beginning to think they might need to send a nice fruit basket to my house because my "charging" habits have slowed dramatically.

I've safely made it through another month w/o spending a Penney on anything stitching-related.
This challenge has encouraged me to get real with what I have on hand vs what I still love.
I've done a lot of sorting and labeling...It's a joy to finally be so organized.

I have to admit to being tempted by some of the goodies that I've seen from the latest market...we'll see how long the resolve can hold.  In the meantime, I'm still plugging away on ye olde BAP wolf design for our son.  I'll try to post an up-date pic this weekend.   :)

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon

Stitching from Stash - January

I made it through the first month without spending a Penney! I'm participating in the Epic Stash Project.    It was a wee bit hard, but really wanting to finish the wolf for Ian has kept me motivated to stitch what I already have.  I think by next month, I'll probably fall off the wagon just a wee bit, as my needle supply is quickly dwindling...
So far, so good!  If I keep up at this pace, Visa is sure to call to see if I'm still among the living because there haven't been any $ charges made to xs stores.  Lol

Month one down:  ELEVEN to go - ACK!!!!!      LOL

Hugs and grace,
Sharon

Kidney Stones & Kidney Infections - Ugh...

Jus' Sayin'..........

Hugs and Grace,

Sharon

It's Turkey Time!!

It's turkey time AND happy dancing time!!!  :)   I finished this  just under the wire for Thanksgiving 2013.  Of course, it's not framed this year, but stick a fork in me, 'cause I'm done!  The design called for a colorful border along the top and a couple of extra leaves, but my hubby (who is also my favorite framer with "fringe benefits") says that he really likes it the way it is.  Who am I to argue??   :)

I have absolutely loved stitching this piece.  The colors just wowed me!  I can't wait to see it hanging next year.

Now I'm off to decide what will be next to jump into my stitching basket.  I have a few fun contenders - I'll just have to see what tickles my nose and warms my toes.  (Although I think hubby would say that NOTHING warms my toes.  He's always complaining of my cold feet when we snuggle. LOL)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

(Design:  Thanksgiving Comes Again by Prairie Schooler)  I just LOVE  Prairie Schooler!!)

Not quite turkey time

I'm getting closer to finishing this Thanksgiving piece, but the pop-up thermometer hasn't quite popped on the butterball just yet.  I still have a few leaves here and there, the border and a lot of ground fill to cover until this design is ready for it's close-up.  :)    With all the things that are happening around here (the health issues of our not-so-little guy) and (the health/financial/care issues of my mom), this piece may or may not be finished in time for it's "appropriate" holiday.  And you know what?  I'm okay with that.  Stitching is a journey - a marathon at times, a sprint at others and on occasion, a "plod-along".  Whether I display this design this year or have to wait until next year, I'll find happiness seeing it in it's "proper place" of honor in our home.   I must be getting more chill in my old age because I am  finding peace on my journey and FINALLY trying not to sweat the small stuff.  (I'm definitely a "type a" personality, so this is a HUGE deal for me!)    :)  My stitching is a passion - something I do that brings joy to my fingers and joy to my heart. I don't want to miss the joy of the moment by stitching on an "imposed only by me" deadline.  Wow - does this mean I'm finding "grace" for myself???????    Yeehaw and Wa-hoo!!!  I'm still shooting for a Thanksgiving 2013 finish, but if not, remind me to show you my Thanksgiving 2014 finish!!!    :)

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon
(Thanksgiving Comes Again - Prairie Schooler)

The Race is On!

I am REALLY loving this piece - "Thanksgiving" by Prairie Schooler.  I also would REALLLLLY like to have it finished by Thanksgiving!  (I know; such a radical concept!)

So I am making today a curl up in my corner and stitch day.  :)

Here's hoping FORWARD progress will be made!

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

Hello Again....

Yes, there's been some stitching and yes, there's been some Florida fun going on...however, most of our time lately, unfortunately, has been spent here:

                                         
                                            (Nemours Children's Hospital - Orlando)

Ian has been having some health issues again.  The poor kid is manufacturing way too many red blood cells (as opposed to his chronically anemic mother, who can't seem to manufacture enough red blood cells).  Yes, I promise, we ARE related!!!  If we could just combine our issues, we'd have one PERFECT person!  LOL  We've spent so much time at this hospital, we know our way around backwards, forwards and every other way.  I have to say that if you have to experience a child who is ill, this is a great place to be.  We've been treated with respect and kindness by everyone from housekeeping to surgeons. We're hoping that our visits here will become less and less frequent and that the answers will bring relief not stress.  Please pray with us?

While visiting Nemours, I have to say, we've had a lot of fun playing with the dancing fountains (hey, you're never too old to have fun pressing a button and making water jump!!!!) and enjoying some of the nice artwork.  I love cardinals, so I just had to take a pic of this little mama, who hangs out in the Nemours outdoor area.

 I have lots more pictures to post of some happy adventures we've had lately (that DON'T involve hospitals!!!) and I'll be back to share them with you soon!

In the meantime, I just have to share one of my favorite "personal works of art" that hasn't involved stitching.... what's  a trip to the beach if I can't write my wonderful grandbaby's name in the sand and surround it with shells?  :)

 My little cutey-cute-cute is getting bigger everyday and Gigi couldn't be any more in love if I tried!!!

Hugs and Grace,
*Sharon

What I did on my summer vacation....

Warning - Picture heavy!

Remember back in the "good old days" when you always had to write the silly paper detailing what you did on summer vacation?  Wouldn't it have been MUCH more fun just to load up the paper with pictures?
Well, that's my goal for this post.   :)  This will be a multi-day post.  We didn't do everything in one day, so I'm not going to try and share all the pictures on one day!

First, there was some of this....

I'm one of those who "like" Star Wars, but I don't necessarily "love" Star Wars.  However, I am married to one of those people who fall into the second category.  My hubby LOVES Star Wars.  So, since Star Wars Weekends at Disney fell right during his birthday, we made the pilgrimage to the land where EVERYTHING is Star Wars!!!!  Now again, keeping in mind that I'm  not the one who is the "super-fan", I, of course, was the one singled out by the storm trooper during the show!  I am such a noodle-head...the storm trooper was talking to me during the show and I just assumed he was talking to the person behind me, so I'm snapping photo's like crazy and then realize that it's me he's talking to and that I should best pay attention to avoid any further humiliation. (Why he couldn't have spoken to the hubby-fan right next to me, I have no idea...but my embarrassment did allow me to grab a pretty nifty pic!!)    :)

Star Wars week-ends is held in the "Hollywood Studios" park.  There are lots of fun things to do there besides Star Wars....

Aerosmith's Rockin' Roller Coaster.  (I don't know any of the people who "photo-bombed" my pic)  It's Disney - it happens a lot!  LOL

Tower of Terror (Due to my knee, I can't ride that one)...but I've heard good things....

The Pixar Studios Area -

This area includes the Toy Story Midway Ride, (one of my favorite rides - we love trying to beat each others' scores!) and in close proximity, the Muppets Adventure.

This guy is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!!!!!   :)    (Heaven help me if he ever sees this blog post!!!)  LOL

Another ride at Hollywood Studios that I like is the "Great Movie Ride".  I love going back in time and seeing how the film industry has changed over the years.  It has a nice mix of the "golden oldies" and the more current movies of today.  I'm not sure the "littles" would be enthralled, but the adults I know seem to enjoy it.  The outside of the ride is decorated to mimic Graumans Chinese Theater.  Footprints/Handprints of the stars, the "grand" red-carpet entrance and even a statue or two for "authenticity".

 And of course, just like any Disney Park, there's always going to be plenty of this guy!!!

Another really fun thing we did at Hollywood Studios was to take a free "Art of Animation" Class.  I am SO NOT artistically gifted....I seriously cannot draw a circle with a compass nor a straight line with a ruler, but....I did walk out of the class with a pretty rad-lookin' drawing of Dopey (one of my favorite Dwarves!)
The class literally takes you step-by-step in a fun, up-beat, positive way.  I recommend it for older kids and adults.   :)

(Being honest, Hollywood Studios isn't my favorite Disney park (I'm an EPCOT kinda gal!) but there is a lot to be found here for all different tastes....and there is no other place in the world like the Osbourne Family Christmas lights display in December that is put on in this park each year!!!  Awe-Mazing!!)

And that my friends, is how we started our summer vacation!  Lots more pics to come....  :)

There's been a wee bit of stitching too - I'll share that in another post.

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon

I've Missed You!!!

Oh dear friends, I've missed you and I've missed blogging!  It feels like every time I have had five free minutes to blog, something has always come up.  Such a busy summer....most of it wonderful:  loved ones who came for a nice long visit, tennis and a tournament for Ian, and BEACH time.Then, there's some not so fun stuff as well;  continually working to make sure my mom has the best possible care available and an unexpected, painful stay in the hospital for kidney stones, infection and anemia.

I think I finally have the ship righted and ready to sail again!  :)

I haven't had much time to stitch, but hopefully by tomorrow, I'll have a small progress pic to share.  I'm working on Prairie Schoolers "Thanksgiving".

I also have lots of pictures to share from the "vacation" we took to different parts of Florida while our guests were here.  be warned, boring vacation pictures coming soon!   :)

I also (of course!) have a couple of new pictures of my cutie, cute-cute grandson to show as well!

I'm so glad my groove is back!  I really have missed being part of the bloggy world.     :)

Hugs and Grace,
Sharon