Merry Christmas from me and Jack

Merry Christmas one and all! Hope everyone is getting lots of stitching done, because I'm SO NOT right now, lol.

Feel Like Giving?

You may have heard about the 4 murdered police officers in Washington state this past Sunday. If you are in a giving mood, please consider the Lakewood Police Independent Guild. Every penny you might want to donate goes directly to the families.

I would not normally post a message such as this, but as the wife of a police officer, I feel I should. Many people want to do something but don't know what. These families could use our help now. So, if during this season of giving, you feel the desire to donate to a good cause, click on the above link and take a look.

Many thanks.

I have lots of catching up to do and a few of you to email back---Lorraine, I have not forgotten you! Hopefully I can do that in the coming days. I have been extremely busy. I hope everyone is stitching up great things.

A Peek in the Cauldron and A Must Do

Well, let's just jump right into Christmas, shall we? Nevermind that pesky Halloween post just one down, OK? :p

I need to stitch this for myself this winter season. I finished the Red Snowman earlier this year and just love it-no I haven't framed it!

So, I may do that, or some other wintry sweet piece. Doesn't have to be Christmas per se. Speaking of that, I have a sneak peek of something I'm working on now and I have no idea if it'll be done soon or not! My work has kept me so so busy that I haven't had time to stitch hardly at all. I may need to shop around for a stitcher, as I have several other designs ready to go, but when they'll see the light of day I don't know.

So there it be, so to speak. I have lots of little visions, lots of designing in my head and lots of things in progress on the computer as well. Very little stitching. Anyone want to point me in the direction of how to win a lottery? That would free up a boatload of time, I tell you! I watched a great show on how lottery winners screw up their lives (not all of course!). Is it bad to say it made me feel a bit better? You truly must have your act together regardless of how much you have or do not have. That's the simple lesson. Stay away from credit, save your hard earned money and you can enjoy your "wealth" at any stage of the game! (but I still wanna win the lotto dangit.)

Sorry for the rambling. We're in the midst of paying off bills and I tend to wax philosophic about it, lol. Anyways, I need to go spend some time in blogland visiting all my buddies. I've picked up a few more followers---THANKS GUYS!--- and need to add them to my blogroll and check out their blogs if they have them. Boy, blogging really shows you that the world is full of the neatest and most interesting people. Get lots of stitching in this weekend and maybe some holiday decorating if you can--I hope to put a few stitches in and show something more than a pitiful peek next week! Ha! Till then,

Have a Magical Halloween !

I'd like to go fishing
for a star
and send it to you
wherever you are

To wrap you once more
in the spells of the night
and fill all your senses
with awe and delight

To make you a pirate
or perhaps a queen
To experience the magic
of Halloween

To capture again
the mystery and surprise
As can only be seen
Through a small child's eyes

-Nancy Hughes

I hope everyone enjoys a magical holiday. Remember all your loved ones, and especially those absent from this world.....

Lancaster Update and Stash

Better late than never! Lancaster was pretty fun. It rained. It was really relaxing and the Marriott in Lancaster is just gorgeous. It rained. I'm used to Hershey Lodge though and was disappointed there weren't more places to eat in the hotel (or a fireplace!). It rained. But being there with my mom and sis was great. It rained. We shall not speak about the spilled water incident however....oh, and did I mention it RAINED??!! Not for an afternoon, not for a couple days either. It was freezing cold and rained the entire time, lol. I had been all set to take capris and flippy flops until the last minute. Brrrrr! Made for cozy sleeping however! And I was just so thankful to have that uninterrupted time with my two main gals. Talking, laughing, eating, shopping. Yeah, doesn't get much better, does it?

Seems I see fewer and fewer vendors at these shows over the years. Anyone remember the Spirit of Cross Stitch gigs? Whoa, now, those shows were incredible. My feet hurt from walking so much and my eyes were blurry from all the goodness to see, but I guess with the internet, there's not such a need to spend the money and go show stuff off. I managed to get some things I didn't have yet though! That's the Shepherd's Bush green snowman in the back.


Now, you can't tell, but amidst all the pretty fiber is a green piece of linen, appropriately named, Kermit. This is for my Fanci That Frankie! It looks washed out here, but is really a pretty, Halloweeny green.

I also managed to get stitching on one of my new designs. Not quite sure what to name it just yet, but it'll come to me. Perhaps I'll have a sneak peek next post. Please don't hold me to that. I am so thankful I have the kind of job I do, working from home, but I really have to be vigilant about stitching and organizing my time. Otherwise, it falls by the wayside, I get tired, and .... oh, wait, I'm preaching to the chior!!! You guys know what I mean. Thanks to all you wonderful people for stopping in to see my stash. Gonna try to get caught up on blogs now! Hope your week is filled with wonderful Halloween Holiday preparations, baking, having fun, carving, and costuming--as well as stitching! See you later this week! Till then,

Mucho Halloween-O !

I am heading to Lancaster, PA this week for the Cross Stitch Show and I am so looking forward to some relaxing, no working, and spending some nice time with my mom and sis. So I don't really have anything new to show right now, but wanted to share some other stuff you might enjoy seeing.

Can't remember if I've ever shown my little Halloween quilt here, but here goes, in all it's humble little gory, er, glory. I made it a couple years ago:


I also wanted to show off my wall words that I got from Michael's. I love these things-they're peel and stick!

No, I don't care what the neighbors think.


The time I have for leisure web surfing and fun is WAY less now than it was a couple months ago, lol. Somehow, work just makes fun go POOF, doesn't it? Well, I will update after I get back from the show and hopefully I'll have some fun stash to show. I'm on the hunt for a lime green piece of linen for a Fanci-That! pattern......till next time,

Spooky Hollow and Etsy

I put a few charts up in my new Etsy Shop for those that may want them. Thank you for the kind words and encouragements. I appreciate it more than you know! Hopefully I'll be having another design out in a few weeks time.

Meanwhile, I have made a tiny bit of progress on my Spooky Hollow piece. This is so fun and don't you love that little pumpkin?


We've started (LATE!) our Halloween decorating. Some new lights that the dear hubby just had to have:

Work has been keeping me SO darn busy. But I can't complain. I was very lucky to be awarded my contract again and that will keep me until at least March. Then summer time is free until I start up again in the fall. Life is pretty OK sometimes. Until next time,

Bubblings From The Cauldron!

Yep, I've been cooking something up. A bit of news I'm kind of excited about-nervous *and* excited about to be more precise. I'm doing a bit of designing now! Well it's actually been a little while, but due to some discombobulation, I'm just now getting around to launching the first one out the door. So, be gentle with me, it's my first rodeo, lol. I had fun putting together all my charts and they were shipped this past Monday. The first design is called (what else?) Witchy Brew.

Now, I'm not the fastest stitcher, as you all know. So, in that spirit, I plan on making fun, whimsical things that won't take you months to stitch. You can ask your local needlework shop to order this and future designs for you. I also plan on soon having a website where you can either download a .PDF or order a chart direct from me. I'll keep you posted on that subject! Until then, just shoot me an email!

Thanks ALL OF YOU for your responses to the floss issue. I have tried all those great methods except Vonna's. Great one by the way. I need to practice that one, which is going down with the needle point, and coming back up with the needle head. That way the floss doesn't twist. Genius! I tried it a few times, but my hands didn't want to do what my brain told them to! I'll keep at it though. I'm a railroader also. But you know how you're going about your merry way, just enjoying life and putting stitches in---then a few days later, you see all the twists and turns that you didn't realize were happening before? UGH! I think I just need to stop obsessing over stitches. And as I say that, I have to admit I took out Halloween Fairy yesterday, and thought about starting her ALL OVER again because I'm not satisfied with some of the stitches, lol!!

Thanks to all my family, and a few good friends, who have encouraged me and never let me give up on myself. I love you and I don't know where I'd be without you guys. And thanks to everyone who reads these ramblings and keeps coming back. You're great and awesome all around. Thank you. Until next time,

*sorry if this post showed up in your feed again! I had to correct the date!*

Non-Stitchy Movie Post!

I'm stitching on my witch, but HAD to share this. If you love vamps, scary movies with a bit of humor, and general freakishness,then you MUST put this on the calendar. October 23, 2009! Great trailer!



This looks SO good. We'll be there the first day I'm sure!

On the stitchy front, I need to be busier! Work is taking alot of my time, but I'll have something to show you in the next couple of days! Take care and happy stitching! I hope you enjoyed the trailer!

Please Remember

...and watch. I will.

The Blood of Heroes

Spooky Hollow Progress

I've been steady working on her. Funny how cross stitch gets done when you actually do it, isn't it?

This sure is a fun project to work on, but check back with me when I start that border, OK? :p Actually, I think the border on this will go pretty quickly. I've also learned to use my beloved Thread Heaven , even on DMC. Half of her skirt was without it, and half was with it and I much more enjoyed the half that I used it on! If someone can tell me how to make floss lay perfectly flat, I'd really appreciate it. Because I've tried for 20+ years now, and haven't mastered that one. I do try however!

Till next time (which will probably be tomorrow!),

New Spooky Start and Progress Too!

Woohoo! I got my mojo back, baby (said in my best Austin Powers voice)!! I started a new project promptly after my last post and have a couple pics. Here is the supplies and fabby for Spooky Hollow by With Thy Needle & Thread:

And my progress thus far:

You know I couldn't leave this witch with a pink face! She called out to me to stitch her true soul, which was green--green with envy, the spirit of Halloween, and lots of other sweet and sour things. I don't have a name for her yet, but she'll reveal it to me before I'm done, of that I'm sure. The model for this design was stitched over one, but no way could I leave her that small. She is "full sized" so I can always see her in all her glory. She also won't stand for sitting in the pile of finished works when she's done. She's going to have to go straight to the framer! Thanks for looking and for all your comments!

Prairie Schooler Finish!

Whew. <--- Notice that enthusiasm? Yeah, the whole month has been like that. The past two days have seen me stitching furiously on my Prairie Schooler Garden Fairy, so that I could finally update my blog, and I've been successful in my endeavor! Here's my little finish for the month. This was a series of 4 fairies, and I've now completed them all-I'm really happy about that. I know Aida seems old school, but I did the first one on it (waaaaaaay back in '95), so I kept it consistent.

Prairie Schooler/Garden Fairy
Fiber: DMC
Fabric: 14 ct. Oatmeal Aida

I'm really excited about Halloween coming up. There's a certain healing of my spirit that comes with Fall. I don't know why, but it's always been that way for me. Lots of time just spent in wonderment at the changing season, the colors it brings, and cycle of it all. It's kind of like my New Year, you know? It's when I take stock of things--usually deciding I've not done enough with my life, lol--and begin to make changes for myself.

I picked up this today:

Now, say what you will about Martha, but I love this woman. She's brave. She has guts and gusto. And she throws one helluva Halloween party! My idol. This issue is luscious, honestly. I subscribe to Living, but I *treat* myself to this issue every single year.

Have a productive week and I'll be back VERY soon with a new start. Oh, not those pesky WIP's either. Something Halloweeny to be sure! :-p

At a Snail's Pace

As you can see, I've not been burning up the stitching world, nor is my needle smokin'. I don't know what's going on with me. Just a little slump I guess!

Here's a couple digi scrap pages I did of a few beach pics.


And someone asked for a closeup of this pattern from the last post. It's Diane Arthur's Seashell Silhouette by Imaginating. This will most likely be a Christmas present for someone!

Well, that's it for me. I'll do my best to catch up with everyone's blogs. Thank you so much for all the comments and well wishes. It makes my day to read them and I want to return the favor. Take care all, and I wish you a productive and FABU stitchy week! Send me some "get out of your funk and do something with yourself" vibes if you can......... :p 'Till next time,

Back from OC!

We got back Saturday and I was in the ER on Sunday, lol. If anyone knows me, they know I have a habit of getting sick in the summer, usually requiring a hospital stay-heck, maybe even surgery-but thankfully not this year. I had a kidney infection, but that's not the worst. The worst was the Levaquin (POISON I tell you) that I only took two pills of and was sicker than I've ever been in my life! Stay away from that stuff. My doc gave me something else and I'll probably have to have something done about the kidney stones.

Progress on my Praire Fairie:

I got pretty much done and it was so awesome to sit and stitch with this view:

Had to buy some stash while there. Lots purchased at Sea Needles, some at the Spinning Wheel and some at the Salty Yarn. And yes, you better behave in there or you might wind up on the Salty Yarn Blog and you do not want that! So I have my charts, stand in line and pay--then LEAVE, lol.

This was a wonderful vacation and gosh how I treasure those memories. Waking up to the sound of the surf and seagulls is awesome. And when you are boating and the dolphins come so close, it's some kind of magic I swear. We look forward all year to that one week, and we'd love to "retire" to the beach someday. Gives us something to shoot for anyway! Maybe I'll do some digi scrapping pages of the beach and post 'em here--I took SO many pics this time and need to get them in an album. Well, I don't *need* to, but would like to. :)

I have so much to catch up on with all your blogs, and I'll be doing that the next couple days I promise. Thanks to everyone who reads and is remotely interested in my ramblings. Next time I'll have hopefully finished my Fairie and gotten that first line of specialty stitches on Goblin done. I really don't want to give up on that one, but I'm tiring of silk thread, believe it or not.

Have a great stitchy week everyone!

Pre-Beach Posting !

We're finishing up the packing and heading out tomorrow morning-early. I've chosen this for my beach stitching since it's relaxing and simple and small. I can't believe I had to run to JoAnn's and get a few floss colors I was missing:

This is the last in the series of four I have to do, and I just love these! I did the first one waaaaay back in 1995! I had to put Goblin away for a bit--had a hard time starting that first row of specialty stitching. I don't know if it's my eyes, or my counting skills, lol, or perhaps a bit of both. I'll try to get that done soon, but I just can't mess with it now. Maybe not later either-just a warning! I don't know why my summer has seemed so hectic thus far. I feel a bit out of control, like nothing is as organized as I need it to be. Maybe summer part 2 will be a little more laid back with more time for stitching and other fun things. We'll see!

I just can't wait to get to the beach. The ocean makes me feel revitalized, energized, and relaxed all at the same time. Walking on the boardwalk with the warm wind blowing around me as we just walk and decide what to do next...nothing beats it. Not having to worry with what time it is, doctor appointments, grocery shopping, etc. ( generic web photo below!)

We've always wanted to move to the shore someday. I spoke to a woman in a Fenwick restaurant one time. She worked as a court transcriptionist and waitressed part time as well. She had children too. I told her how people always tell me, "Oh, you'd get so used to the beach, you wouldn't enjoy it anymore than where you live right now." She said to me, "that's bull---it's every bit as fun as you think it would be!" With that, she told me how fabulous the schools were and how much she loved it there. Every single year, we entertain that fantasy of moving to the beach. It really gives me the incentive to work hard and continue to pay off our debt and not incur any more. You never know what dreams you can make come true for yourself. I'd have to move my mom and sister with me of course! I just love looking at all the homes and thinking "Well, they did it--so can we!".

I've neglected the old google reader for quite some time, and I need to post to all your beautiful blogs. I also need to email some tin album instructions to someone-I have not forgotten! When I get back I can't wait to see what you all have been up to! Take care and enjoy your week. I'll be back soon with some stash updates I'm sure and hopefully a suntan!