be free

Sunday, May 8, 2011

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



Saturday, April 30, 2011

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.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

A WRINKLED HEART




"wrinkled heart"

Before you speak,
Think and be smart.
It’s hard to fix
A wrinkled heart.



Here I sit, pondering about "the wrinkled heart".  It makes one think....but in a good and positive way.  Hmmm......

Anyway, here is a snapshot of my "wrinkled heart", aka, Truly Thine by Blackbird Designs.  I have changed a few of the colors here and there, but when she is all stitched up she will become a beautiful "cushion of love" to store some crimson pins. Also, a quaint little strawberry emery will adorn the heart to keep those needles sharp!

Stay tuned.....I will post again when she is stuffed and unwrinkled!  LOL

Wishing you a sunny, funny kind of day.

Smiles......





Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter Wishes



***April***

How can the day be dreary,
How can the heart be sad;
How can the soul be weary
When all the winds are glad ~
When every bud is leaping
Triumphant from its bed;
When March is spent and sleeping
And Summer is just ahead?

There's joy among the flowers,
There's glee upon the hills;
There's laughter in the showers
 That swell the leaping rills.
 There's gladness in the hedges
Where happy songsters wed,
Exchanging lovely pledges
With Summer just ahead.

There's joy in every cluster
Of reeds upon the slope;
Each morning puts new luster
Upon the shield of hope.
Why should a heart beat sadly,
An eye look out with dread,
When all the woods ring gladly
And Summer's just ahead.


Blessed Easter greetings to you and yours.
May your heart be light
And full of Joy.
Peace.

~ Jolene





Thursday, April 21, 2011

Adam and Eve Freebie

((((EDITED)))) This is a photo of the pattern I didn't stitch it.


Hi all you Adam and Eve lovers.  I found this fun little reproduction freebie at In the Company of Friends.  Click on the link if you would like to print this pattern.  Also, they have some other fun stuff to peruse.  Go check it out, you won't be sorry!

Smiles....

Thursday, April 14, 2011

BETSY

Hello!  Do you remember a while back I was looking for this sweet pattern, "Betsy", by Sheepish Designs?  Well, a dear blogging friend, Joan, let me borrow her pattern.


This is such a fun design, love the patriotic colors and sweet birds. This photo was taken in the sunshine, but the linen looks more like the color in the first photo.


I have been trying my hardest to work on a few WIP's so I can get them off to be framed. 



Sorry about the photos, I have tried several times to get them to look presentable but nothing seems to be cooperating at the moment.  This peacock is my favorite motif on this design.  I am drawn to any design that has a peacock on it, such a magnificent bird and I enjoy stitching them, too.  I will close for now, just wanted to post a quick update but I want to get back to my stitching before American Idol comes on.  Is anyone following this show this season?  There is a lot of talent this year and I love Jennifer as a judge and that Steven Tyler, well, he's just B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!  Catch my drift?
Until next time, thanks for visiting my blog and I will be back with more!

Monday, April 11, 2011

FRIENDSHIP

Progress update on BOAF, Friendship Sampler, April 11, 2011:




How can you put a Price Tag on a good friend
when they are made of pure gold? Is it even possible?

What is the value of a new suit?...$500.00
What is the value of a Rolex Watch..$2,000.00
What is the value of a College Education?...$50,000.00
Value of a New Home...$200,000.00


What is the value of a Friend?

Friends who listen,
Friends who care,
Friends who love you for who you are,
Friends will last a lifetime!

I would have to say......Priceless.......

In a nutshell, I am proud to say I have many, many friends, several of whom I have never met in person before but I value each and every one of YOU!