A Visit from the Green Grinch Himself

"Summer's Souvenir"

by Blackbird Designs

30 ct Dye Pot linen

GAST

Sunday my furry cuddle bug, Jibby, and I snuggled most of the afternoon watching old black and white movies from the 50's and I started a new project.  It was a great way to spend an afternoon after I washed sweaters and did some general cleaning.  This is yet another "patriotic" stitch that I have been wanting to do, so I was happy to pull everything I needed for it from my overwhelming stash of "to-do's".  But, like I said, no pressure here, I am going to enjoy the journey.  Well, I did until this little fellow showed up......

Yup, I know some of you have been unfortunate to receive a visit by Mr Frog himself, too.  As you see that purple border, well it was suppose to be separated into two lines not one big bulky one....ugh!!!!!!  I wish the tooth fairy or Peter Cottontail showed up instead, but I guess it was my turn for the grinch of frogs to visit me. At least I caught my mistake before it became a monsterous disaster and had most of it done.  I need to rip out the star, too. 

Onto other things, here is a not so perfect photo of an old quilt I happened along on a visit to one of my favorite thrift stores. A steal of a deal for only $6.99.  You can't even buy a yard of fabric for that today.  I love the red baskets and this was a treasure find for me.  It had never been washed by the looks of it.  Not that it was dirty because it wasn't but it wasn't puckered as cotton tends to do once it is washed.  So as soon as I got it home I threw it into the washer and here it is.  Love it!!! Pretty and simple.

Here is my favorite son, or young man, Brayden.  He is my near perfect boy, he is awesome at everything he does.  He amazes me everyday.  He gets straight A's in all of his classes, and they aren't easy classes.  Which makes me glad he is getting some college credit for his hard work. 

Here are a few samples of his artwork.  He loves being crafty, too, just not with needle and thread!  Maybe someday.......one never knows!

Siberian Tiger

Leopard

Not sure who this is, but most likely an athlete, he absolutely loves the game of basketball and he is a go getter at this sport, too.

Hope you are staying warm and healthy.  Until next time......


Smiles,


Jolene

2012

Blackbird Designs

"Union Forever"

designed by Maggie Bonanomi

In 2012, I have decided to concentrate on this:

"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it."  So, I am going to enjoy my stitching time and not make it a "job" but a "hobby"; something that relaxes me and calms me from the daily stesses of everyday life.  I am not pushing the limits on how many projects I have to do and finish in 2012.   I just want to enjoy the feel of the fibers, threads and textures along with the beautiful flavors as I stitch with my needle.  Simple, and doable with "no strings attached".

So, with this in mind, I started something new for the new year, something that would sing to my heart when the skies are bleak and gray.  Something simple, yet subtle and delivers a punch......so I turned to our nations colors, the red, white and blue.  I am "focusing" on patriotism this month and the brave hearts that give us these freedoms, the freedoms that are not free, but come with a high price.  Sometimes that price is life.

May I introduce you to my first finish for 2012.

Smiles....

Jolene

TURKEY TALK

Yesterday I was "talkin' turkey" and this is what it looks like so far as of last night. This is a pattern by Need'l Love called "Primitive Gobbler", that I bought a few years back and I found that turkey just a jabberin' and screaching for me to rescue him from my stash.....so I did! Now, if I am lucky enough I will have all the punching done this evening. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Also, I have been working on "Fancey Blackett" by Pineberry Lane. Oh, how..I..LOVE..her! This is where I left off on it a week ago.

Fancey Blackett

by PineBerry Lane

Vintage Light Exemplar, 35 ct 

DMC thread

And last I have been making hundreds, and really I mean 100's of yo-yo's for a quilt. I took a snap of what a few of them are looking like.

I am enjoying the beauty of the fall flowers, here is a pretty photo of some black-eyed Susan's I took just as some of them were starting to die off.

Today I let my son drive his car to school for his very first time.  I haven't received any phone calls yet for any mishaps, but I am keeping my fingers crossed.......soooo scary!

"I know the year is dying,

Soon the summer will be dead.

I can trace it in the flying

Of the black crows overhead;

I can hear it in the rustle

Of the dead leaves as I pass,

And the south wind's plaintive sighing

Through the dry and withered grass.

Ah, 'tis then I love to wander,

Wander idly and alone,

Listening to the solemn music

Of sweet nature's undertone;

Wrapped in thoughts I cannot utter,

Dreams my tongue cannot express,

Dreams that match the autumn's sadness

In their longing tenderness."

- Mortimer Crane Brown, Autumn Dreams

Humor

Fall Giveaway at ORP

Check out this adorable fall decoration that is being offered as a giveaway on Old Road Primitives blog. If you want to join in on the fun click on the link and.....you only have until September 15th.  Hurry along now, don't be late!

AS PROMISED......

A Friend is one that that helps you bridge the gaps

Between Loneliness and Fellowship,

Frustration and Confidence,
Despair and Hope,

Setbacks and Success.

Love yourself, but love others more.

Side by side or miles apart,

Friendship doesn't count miles,

It's measured by the heart.

A friend is one who knows you as you are,

Understands where you've been,

Accepts who you've become.

And still gently invites you to grow.

Good friends are like stars,

You can't always see them,

But you know they're always there.

 

This was truly a fun stitch and finish.  The colors were so fun to work with, I had a hard time giving this one away.  But......I made this as a gift to give my sweet friend Loraine for part of her 40th Birthday.  She is such an inspiring, cheerful, bursting with energy kind of girl.  She is an amazing stitcher, quilter, decorator, gardener, Mom and friend.  I am so glad I can call her "my friend".

P.S.  Happy "late night" Mother's Day to all you awesome mothers!  I hope you were all treated like Queens and received lots of pampering!  You are all worth it.

May you always find a reason to smile.....

Jolene

Strawberries, Blossoms......& Chocolate!

I'm getting closer.......yippee!!!!

Since I have been stitching strawberries and seeing pink. I decided tonight I would make a frozen treat for the guys for dessert.  This recipe is a big hit at our home.  It is light, fluffy and refreshing. 

I hope you will try it, it takes about 5 minutes, yes, that's only 5 minutes to make!!!  Can't go wrong with that now can ya?  The recipe calls for chocolate syrup drizzled over the top, but sometimes I like to add a little bit of sliced strawberries on top, also.  Makes for a perfect finishing touch, not to mention taste. 
Raspberry Lemonade Pie Recipe

Strawberry Lemonade Pie

• 1/3 cup sweetened strawberry lemonade drink mix (like CountryTime)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 chocolate crumb crust (9 inches)
• Chocolate syrup, optional

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine drink mix and water. Add ice cream; beat on low speed for 2 minutes or until blended. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into crust.
• Freeze for 4 hours or until firm. Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving. Serve with chocolate syrup if desired. Yield: 8 servings.