february 25 - another crazy week

This seems to be the story of my life...one crazy busy week after another. Last week, my sister and niece came to visit from New Jersey for a long weekend. February is not the best month of the year to come to Oregon, but the weather was absolutely perfect the entire time they were here! We drove over to the Coast one day, and up to Mount Hood another day. They got to spend lots of time with Asher too...which was the real reason they were here! We had a great time.

This week we are interviewing for a new City Manager, and I was volunteered to drive one of the candidates around, so that is what I have been doing for the past two days. I don't live in the city in which I work, so I was very proud of myself that I didn't get him lost! Of course I also got to hear all five candidates' speeches numerous times...I think I could probably give one or two of them myself by now! Hopefully, the Commission will make a decision soon and we will have a new manager before the old one leaves at the end of the month.

And today is my baby's birthday...though I guess she's not a baby anymore...she's 28 with a baby of her own! Happy birthday sweetie!

Even though I have been really tired....I stitched this week! Yea for me! The last time I picked up a needle was Super Bowl Sunday...even my hubby was shocked! I had an ornament to stitch for an exchange that was to be mailed on March 1 so I had a real incentive. I'll get it in the mail today, and will share a picture once the recipient receives it. I also started a new round robin for our Quaker Round Robin group. This time we are stitching "Hunt Sampler" by Homespun Samplar. I only made a tiny start so I didn't take a picture but I will this weekend. It just feels so good to be stitching again!

I also received two wonderful exchanges this past week. The first is from Gabi in Germany. We are in a pin pillow exchange that Becky organized and Gabi stitched me this beautiful biscornu.



The second piece I received was from Jill. I was chosen to be a recipient of a PIF from Jill and she sent me this gorgeous pin pillow...it is the Heart and Home Sampler from Little House Needleworks and the little basket of fruit on the lower corner is all done in beads.



Thank you again to Gabi and Jill for sharing your beautiful stitching with me!

And thanks for visiting!

february 23 - a simple woman's daybook

for today....february 23

outside my window....it is raining
from my kitchen....meatball parm sandwiches...yum
i am thinking....that I need a hot bath
i am wearing....teal
i am reading...."why my third husband will be a dog"
i am looking forward to....the weekend
i am hoping....for a good night's sleep
i am hearing...the sounds of the Olympics

a photo to share....the majesty of Multnomah Falls


Please share your thoughts here.

Thanks for visiting.

february 17 -long time gone

I have not been keeping up with this blog like I should...it is all going along with the stitching funk I have been in...I don't know what's wrong but I just can't seem to get myself going. Anyway, I do have a few things to share...

We (well, actually my DH) decided it was time to get rid of our old carpet. This had to do with two things...the carpet is getting pretty ugly...it's light colored, and with 4 furbabies running around, plus 2 humans...well you get the idea...also, my sister and niece are coming to visit for a few day..tonight actually. My sister has never seen our house (she lives 3000 miles away) and DH loves to make a good impression! So...we had wood floors put in. I must say that I really do love them and I'm glad we did it...I just don't know about the timing!

Before:


and after:


I have also received some fun goodies in the mail over the past few weeks:

this adorable stitched block from Petra...this was for the block SAL with the Stitcher's Timeout group...the colors are so much brighter in person


this wonderful ornament stitched by Carol...


my Valentine's Day sock exchange from Rita....


and this adorable kitty pin cushion from Pauline....

Thanks again to all of you!

So the last time I stitched was on Super Bowl Sunday...I didn't get much done because I was too busy watching the game and cheering on the Saints. But here is my small start on Tea with Jane Austen from The Sampler Girl.


And finally, my very late TUSAL update. Not much added this month...again! I think maybe I'll look for a new container to inspire me!


And finally finally...even thought I only have one sister...and we haven't seen each other in almost 2 years...here is the real reason they are making the trip...my little Thomas the Tank Engine fan..."toot toot"!


Thanks for visiting!

february 16 - a simple woman's daybook

for today...february 16

outside my window...the sun is shining and it is warm
i am thinking...about all the Olympians in Vancouver
i am thankful for...my warm & cozy bed
i am wearing...birkenstocks
i am going...to the state of the city luncheon
i am reading..."the cinderella deal"
i am looking forward to...a visit from my sister and niece this week
one of my favorite things...my towel warmer
a photo to share...the beautiful hanging flower sculpture at the Chinese fair this weekend


Please consider joining us to share your thoughts here.

Thanks for visiting!

feb 9 - simple woman's daybook

for today...february 9

outside my window....there is very dense fog
i am thinking....about our "food for thought" program tomorrow evening
i am thankful for....my husband
i am wearing....red
i am reading...."The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie"
I am hoping....for a quiet and peaceful day
I am hearing....the hum of my little space heater
from the kitchen...a hot cup of peppermint tea
around the house...i am loving our new wood floors
a thought for today...."I drink tea and forget the world's noises"...a Chinese proverb
one of my favorite things...fun socks
a photo to share....


Don't forget to visit and share here.

Thanks for visiting.

february 4 - playing catch-up

January has come and gone and February has arrived and I've barely had time to notice! These past weeks have been crazy busy. Last week our library celebrated its 100th anniversary! The first reading rooms are actually older than that, but it was 100 years ago that the City began supporting a real library with money from the City fund. So we decided to celebrate! We had a birthday party of sorts on Monday and various events throughout the week...music, children's programs, a poetry event. And we gave out some gifts as well...along with a $5 birthday card that patrons can use for fines or rentals we had these goodies:

a pad and pen to remind people of the most important stop on their shopping list...

a magnet sheet filled with lots of words associated with our library and libraries in general...


a 2-sided bookmark listing all of the library's librarians from 1909 to the present (if you look closely you can find my name! This was our yummy cake:


This week has been just one meeting after another. Not my favorite thing to do! And at night we've been busy clearing stuff out of the cabinets in preparation for having new floors put in today. The guys coming will move the furniture but not what's inside...and lord knows I have tons of little "things" everywhere! So I have been pretty pooped all week!

I think it was almost two weeks ago since I actually sat down and stitched anything! I started "The Gilded Cage" from Carriage House Samplings. This is how it looks right now....not much done, but it's a start!




I have high hopes for a stitchy weekend...and since I will be practically glued to my chair once the Olympics start, hopefully there will be more stitches stitched in February than there were in January!

Thanks for visiting!

feb 2 - simple woman's daybook

for today....february 2, 2010

Outside my window....it is still dark
I am thinking....about a very busy day ahead
I am thankful for....my memories
I am wearing....the same thing I was wearing last week
I am creating....little Valentine treats
I am reading....Grave Secrets
I am hoping....for a solution to our library's problems
I am hearing....silence
Around the house...new floors are coming soon
I am remembering....my grandmother
One of my favorite things....Dove milk chocolates
Sharing this photo....our library's 100th birthday celebration cake


Learn more about the daybook here. Thanks for visiting!

january 26 - the simple woman's daybook

For Today...January 26th, 2010

Outside my window...it's cold, but the sun is shining brightly
I am thinking...that that delicious chai latte I had this morning didn't settle very well
I am thankful for...good friends
From the kitchen...linguine with shrimp, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes & garlic for supper
I am wearing...beige and brown
I am creating...Christmas ornaments
I am reading..."Crescent" by Diana Abu-Jaber
I am hoping...to get some rest tonight
I am hearing...a squeaky door
A few plans for the rest of the week ...more library birthday celebrations
One of my favorite things...fresh flowers
A photo to share...


You can read more thoughts and join in here.
Thanks for visiting.

jan 20 - a robin returns to its nest

Yesterday was a wonderful mail day. My Quaker Friendship Round Robin has returned home! Thank you so much to Clare, Deb, Jinger, Sharyn & Marti who all stitched on this for me. It was such fun to see everyone's different color choices for this. Mine was stitched on a pewter jobelan using Carrie's Threads in Black Cherry. I am so pleased with the way it turned out. Thanks again ladies...I am looking forward to our next project!


Thanks for visiting!

jan 19 - the simple woman's daybook

I saw a reference to this on a blog that I read and think it is such a good idea. So often, I don't make time in my day to just sit and reflect...there is always so much going on around me and in my head and I often just feel overwhelmed. Hopefully, this will give me pause at least once a week to stop all the chaos and just be aware of the simple things in my life.

For Today....January 19th, 2010

Outside my window....the sun is trying to peek through and the winds are very gusty
I am thinking...that I forgot to bring my lunch and my tummy is feeling empty
I am thankful for...the little heater that is keeping me toasty warm
On my mind...are all the people of Haiti and the suffering that is going on there
I am wearing...a comfy sweater
I am creating...beautiful stitched pictures in my mind
I am reading...the latest coffeehouse mystery by Cleo Coyle, "Holiday Grind"
I am hearing...the giggles and laughter of the children at storytime
Around the house...my furbabies are sleeping
I am hoping...that our library finds a new home quickly
I am remembering...my dad a lot lately
A few plans for the rest of the week...lots of meetings for sure, lots of stitching time I hope
One of my favorite things...my grandson's smile
A photo to share...


More information about the simple woman's daybook can be found here. Please check it out!

Thanks for visiting!

jan 19 - little by little

It was so nice to have an extra day off this weekend. Time flew by though, as it usually does!

Happily, I was able to get a little stitching done yesterday and finally have my first finish of the year...a small block for the block exchange with the Stitcher's Timeout group. This month's theme is "green", so I stitched this freebie design that I had in my stash. Unfortunately I can't remember where it is from...I know it was from one of the French blogs, but can't remember which one. Maybe someone can help me out? It is stitched on a piece of green evenwweave with Belle Soie silks in "Collard Greens".



My sister called last night and she and my niece are planning a trip out here next month. They will only be here for a long weekend but it will be good to see them both. They live in New Jersey, and we haven't seen each other since my nephew's wedding almost two years ago. Of course, the real reason they are coming is to see the little guy, but who can blame them?



Thanks for visiting!

jan 15 - Totally Useless

The New moon is upon us again, and that means another Totally Useless SAL update. The first for 2010, and frankly, mine is pitiful!


I started out so well on New Year's Day with my stitching, but ever since then I have been in such a slump. The first week I was so tired every day after work that I fell asleep in the chair every night. And this week hasn't been much better.
I have started my block for the STO block exchange. This month's theme is "green"...but I haven't made too much progress. I hope I can finish it in time.
There is lots going on here at the library but I don't want to go into it all right now. Suffice it to say that it is keeping my mind busy and scattering my concentration.
I have been reading though...so that is some bit of escape! And I know that my stitching mojo will return...just hope it is sooner rather than later!
I hope you are all having a wonderful day.
Thanks for visiting!

jan 4 - how to get the 3 columns & more giveaways

To anyone wanting to get the three column template, please visit Kristi's blog and go to the January 3 post. She was kind enough to answer my query...and if I could follow the instructions, anyone can!

While you are there, check out her giveaway...and then you can check out these too:

First up is Julie's:



Next is Karen's:



Have fun!
Thanks for visiting!

jan 3 - thanks and a giveaway

Thanks so much to Kristi for walking me through the process of changing my blog to three columns! I've wanted to do this for so long...


Kristi is also having a wonderful giveaway on her blog, so please stop by and check it out.

No stitching today...I've been playing around on the computer all day...haven't done that in a while! Back to work tomorrow...after 2 short weeks what is it going to be like to actually work a full week again?
Thanks for visiting!

jan 1 - 2009 wrap-up & a new start

When checking through things, I realized that I actually got quite a bit accomplished in 2009...stitching-wise.

There were 2 round robin groups that I participated in...in one groups we all did the same design...Quaker Friendship Sampler...it was such fun seeing how different everyone's looked depending on our color and fabric choices. I haven't received mine back yet, but I will post a picture when I do. The same group will be working on another Quaker design this year. The second group is one that I have stitched with for many robins...there are six of us in the group and we all choose our own designs and go from there. This year I asked everyone to stitch one of the Charles Dicken's mittens from Cross-Eyed Cricket. I am anxious to see those.

I also stitched 2 blocks for exchanges with the Stitcher's Timeout group; four exchanges with the Year-Long Prairie Schooler exchange group and six sets of squares with Fair & Square. There were three ornaments exchanged with the Christmas Ornament Exchange group; tow other ornament exchanges and three I stitched for myself. There was also a bookmark exchange, a floss-tag exchange, a Quaker exchange (I stitched a needlebook for this one) and a "stitcher's room" exchange where we stitched something for our partner to keep in their stitching are...I did a small Shepherd's Bush pillow for this one.

My largest finish for the year was the Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler, but I also completed "Alla Turca" (Pelin Tezer), "Lo How A Rose" (Bright Needle), "Mildred's Garden" (Blackbird Designs), "Ladybug Ladybug" (LHN),"Daisy Sampler" (CCN) and Bent Creek's "I Do" (twice...for two separate wedding gifts),"Peacock Heart" and the little freebie sampler from Blackbird Designs.

On the reading front, I finished at least 43 books...either reading or listening. I've started keeping track on "goodreads" so I can have a more accurate list of what I'm reading in the new year.

I received my last ornament exchange for 2009 from Jennie. I don't know who the designer is but he is a really cute Santa and was a nice addition to my ornie tree.

I also heard that Carol received her ornie for the current round at the Christmas Ornament Exchange group. It is a Workbasket design from one of the JCS ornie issues.

We had a quiet New Year's Eve. We went out for Mexican food and came home and watched some tv. Thursdays are UFO night at Friendly Stitchers so I actually decided to pull one out and stitch. This is Midnight Stitching's "Quaker Winter Slumber". I think I started it in May but put it down for some reason. Anyway, here is what it looked like when I started

and here is how it looked when I fell asleep stitching a couple hours later.


We're such party animals in this house...we were in bed way before midnight!

And finally, at Stitchers Timeout, we have a Jan.1 project SAL. Last year, my project was Beatrix Potter and I managed to finish it before the end of the year (yeah!). This year I started "Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow" in between taking down our Christmas tree and decorations and watching the Oregon Ducks lose the Rose Bowl game. Here is my progress so far:

Sorry for being so wordy...if you made it this far...thanks!

And thanks for visiting!

Dec 31 - Happy New Year!

Well I can't believe another year has flown by! I hope that all my blog readers have a very happy and safe new year's eve and a 2010 that is filled with happiness, health and many blessings...and as much stitching time as you desire!

I haven't decided whether to make too many stitching goals this year...I think my main goal will be to try and stitch every day and to enjoy every stitch I make.

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog and for all your comments. It is always a joy to read them. And thank you too for sharing your blogs with me. I am amazed every day by all your talent and I love reading what you all have to say.

Here's to many more days of sharing and friendship...happy new year!

dec 24 - Merry Christmas!

I just want to wish everyone a very happy Christmas. I hope you are all safe and warm and cozy wherever you are, and that you are able to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Thank you all so much for visiting my blog and for leaving comments when you can. I am very grateful for each and every one of you.

Thanks for visiting!

dec 19 - another wonderful giveaway

Please stop by Micki's blog...she is having a wonderful Irish Christmas Giveaway.

And you can listen to some wonderful Carole King music while you're at it!

thanks for visiting!

dec 19 - only six more days

It's less than a week until Christmas and I am still not really ready. I know that all will be well whether I am ready or not though!

I wanted to share photos of two recent exchanges that I received. The first is a beautiful potholder stitched by Maria for the Year Long Prairie Schooler exchange. I have never received a finish like this and it is just lovely. The design is from one of the "Two by Two" patterns.

These adorable squares arrived today from Milly for Round 16 of Fair & Squares. I love Lizzie Kate designs, and the colors are so vibrant. You would now believe how perfect her backs are as well...how do you do that Milly? Amazing! I love these and might just finish them in a cube for this Christmas.

Thanks again to Maria and Milly...and thanks for visiting!

dec 16 - last TUSAL of 2009

This is the last New Moon of the year which means the last Totally Useless SAL posting of 2009.


It's been fun seeing everyone's cool containers filling up all year. There will be another SAL in 2010 if anyone wants to join up. I have another identical container, so I think I will use that and see if it fills up any faster this time!

Thanks for visiting.

dec 14 - some great giveaways

Here are some great giveaways for you to check out:

Patti is offering this adorable stitched pillow:



And Karyn has this giveaway at her blog:


Please pay a visit to these great blogs today!

Thanks for visiting!

dec 16 - some stuff to share

I'm sorry...I know I have been very bad about blogging these last several weeks. Time just keeps getting away from me. We were on vacation from work last week...stayed home and relaxed, which was very much needed. We put up our Christmas tree and got the house decorated. Did a little bit of shopping and some cards. I still have some stuff to do though. I've decided not to get too stressed out about anything this year. It all seems to work out in the end no matter what anyway!

I did manage to get some stitching done as well. And I have two finishes to share! One is "Alla Turca" by Pelin Tezer.


This was a mystery SAL design with the Stitcher's Heaven yahoo group. I stitched it on a mushroom evenweave using Carrie's "Banana Split" thread. I was very good about keeping up with this one and then almost to the end I ran out of thread! Ugh...don't you hate when that happens? Anyway I got some more but when it came I was busy with other stuff and out this piece aside. But I got it out this week to finish and I love the way it tuned out. The thread color is a mixture of so many of my favorite shades and I really like it.

The second big piece that got finished this week is my "Beatrix Potter Quaker Sampler"!


This was also done along with a SAL group...thanks so much to Hazel for organizing this! I stitched mine on bay rum jobelan using Carrie's thread in "Koala Claw" and the bit of accent color is from The Dye is Cast - "Strawberry Cream". I had hoped to finish this one by the end of the year and am so happy that I did.I don't think I would have finished either piece if I hadn't been spurred on by everyone's encouragement in the SALs. Sorry...the photos don't really show the true colors, but you can get the idea!

Thanks for visiting!

dec 16 - some stuff to share part two

I have been very lucky to have received some wonderful ornaments this season.


This first one was stitched by Julie for an exchange with a yahoo group I am in. It is a reindeer design from The Workbasket. I love Quaker designs and this is one I had actually stitched for someone else but never got around to stitching for myself. I love the little bell she attached around his neck!


The next ornament was sent by Andrea. I was lucky enough to win one of her giveaways this season. This design is from Glory Bee and since I collect snowmen it was a perfect choice!



This ornament has been a really popular one. It is a Prairie Schooler design that was featured in the November issue of The Gift of Stitching. I have seen it stitched on many blogs, and this is another one that I stitched and sent off in an exchange too. I love this design and Carol stitched this for me for the current round at the Christmas Ornament Swap blog. She did a beautiful job stitching this and I love her finishing with the pretty little beads all around.


This last ornament was sent by Jinger as a thank you for a pattern I had sent her some time ago. It is a Lizzie Kate design and is so cute.

Thanks again to you all for these lovely ornaments! I have a small tree filled with stitched ornies and these have all been added and look so festive.

Thanks for visiting!

dec 1 - already????

Like so many others, I am amazed that it is December already. And I sit here with nothing ready for Christmas and no ideas either! Well, maybe one or two ideas but that's it!

Hubby and I spent several hours in the emergency room last night. He was having trouble breathing and had a bit of pressure in his chest. Of course, he just wanted to take a nap! But they did lots of tests and blood work at the hospital and everything checked out fine. He's going to see his regular doctor today and taking a couple of days off. We both think this has plenty to do with stress...he's taking on some things at work that are very stressful and I think he just has to slow down some. He thinks going to the ER was a waste of time, but at our age you can't be too careful!

It looks like my older daughter and her husband are splitting up. They have a very complicated relationship...they are really very good friends, but he is a very unemotional person...never talks or opens up about important things...thinks everything is always "just fine"...and she is totally the opposite...very emotional and sensitive to things...she needs someone who can show their emotions. We'll see what happens...So much for me thinking this coming year was going to be a calm and peaceful one!

On the stitching front, some of my little packages are reaching their new homes.


This is an ornament I stitched for Ruth as part of an exchange on the Friendly Stitchers yahoo group. It is "Winter Greens" by Little House Needleworks, stitched over one on 25ct evenweave with different GAST, Crescent Colours and Carrie's Threads. It's hard to see the lighter green color in the picture but it does show up well in real life! There are a few gold beads on there as well.


This ornament was stitched for Julie for another exchange with our Stitching Buddies group. She loves samplers, so I chose this design by The Workbasket. I think it was from the 2001 or 2002 JCS Ornament issue. It has lots of little cranberry and gold beads as well.


Finally, this is the square I stitched for Milly in Round 16 of the Fair & Square exchange. She loves Little House designs and I was afraid that she might have already stitched this for herself, but she hadn't, so I lucked out! It is the little companion piece to one of the "Dear Diary" designs - Lucy Fairchild. There was also a name square sent, but I don't have a picture of that one!

Well, I'm off to buy some DVDs for the library. Thanks for visiting!

nov 30 - another year older

Yesterday was my birthday...another year gone by so quickly. It was a good year though...lots of changes, both at home and at work. And lots of good times. Hopefully the coming year will be full of good times as well!
I was lucky enough to have 5 days off for the Thanksgiving holiday. My daughter was here from Boston, and we got to spend time with her and her sister and our grandson as well. And I even got a little bit of stitching time in there!


This is an extremely bad scan of my progress on Beatrix Potter this month. My camera did not want to play nice this morning! Anyway, I got three large and two small motifs finished (one of the small ones is hiding to the left). I have 5 more motifs to stitch and then she will be finished.

Thanks for visiting!