What have I done......

I have had another migraine but took the new meds since it came back with the old meds and the doc said to try the new ones and in what order to take them...I was just so frustrated the last time I saw him and he listened so we developed a new plan. I am happy to say I am migraine free as I type this post!!!! Still post migraine feeling like I am walking through tissue paper but I took care of me including a nap last night and skipping bowling and then sleeping in and resting today. I did skip Pilates as well but I'm off all next week so I will make it up I promise!!! My niece is getting better but she needs to remain in NY so my California trip is on hold but I plan to keep the time off and rest and stitch myself!!!! Thank you again for all of your prayers and well wishes for her!!! She and her sister are truly my heart!!!!!!

Now on to updates..First is Holly by NC She is done except for the beads and kreiniks!!!! Next is Cinderella Sampler and she now has a pumpkin coach to get around in There is more a new start yes even with a migraine I stitch.....I can't explain it but tend to just go with it... It is Nora's Alphabet which I am doing on PTP Crystal Highland! Next and last is an old WIP that was staring me down so she came out.... Queen of The Fairies by Passione Ricamo I did a little on her on sunday and realized just how much I love her! So she'll be out and stitched in my version of a loose rotation!!!!!

I've seen a lot of the Nashville releases but nothing jumped out at me which is a good thing actually and then I saw this... Quaker Gone Tropic by Michelle Ink. I just sat and stared at it and fell in love with it! I love the whimsy of it!!!! So when my LNS called and told me about the Nashville preview tonight for their "Bird Club" of which I am a member I innocently asked if they had acquired it at Nashville and they did so they are holding one for me.....I wanted to go to the preview but feel I should still be resting! I may go in on monday since I have the week off!!!!!

I am grateful for my niece feeling better and my wonderful husband......

May your needle fly through your fabric.........

As promised......

Well here it is Sunday and I've had a wonderful weekend off! I went to SP yesterday and stitched with the group and then did some errands including getting a portable daylight lamp for the stitching retreat I'm attending next Sunday! I'm really excited since I've always wanted to attend but life somehow got in the way. This year I get to go!!! Today it's laundry and stitching. The perfect day that will end with a cup of Earl Gray tea and more stitching...maybe a new start! Dare I???

But as promised I have pictures....first of the progress on PR's QotF She is taking wonderful shape! The fabric is paler IRL. I am working on the lacy part of her skirt right now......

Next is the Christmas tree that I picked up during the Christmas in July sale at SP. It a kit and as I said earlier it was supposed to be done 1 over 1 and I definitely started it that way but I just knew it would end up in the UFO pile so I restarted it 1 over 2 after some soul searching! Did I mention that it's on 40ct

Oh and the name is "Be Merry and Bright" by the Heart's Content.

I am grateful for quiet stitching weekends...

My sister

I have been thinking about this post all day even whether I should write it....I truly dislike the word should it simply implies regret. I have written before about her but something about her birthday made this post important! And in the end I felt strongly about posting and honoring her memory! Today is her birthday and she has been with the angels for 17 years. It feels like yesterday most of the time, I still see her face in my dreams and can tell you just how she liked her tea and even the fact that she never ever went to bed with dirty dishes in the sink. She was amazing so intuitive. She is the reason I stitch today and am so glad that when she put needle and thread in my hand and said you will do this I did! My brother wrote a truly eloquent post in his blog about her. It brought me to tears for the first time today. She truly was my mirror and for the longest time I didn't know who I was after she died. I'd look in the mirror and just wonder and think what next what do I do?? But today I brought brownies to the stitching group at SP to celebrate her birthday and that felt good! The ladies were all so kind. Today was a good day because I honored her memory! Oh and she had a wicked sense of humor! She wasn't far away today and I thought of her often.

On a stitching note I never did start Pumpkin Spice the other night. By the time I got all the threads sorted and bagged it was just too late. And PR's Queen of the Fairies was calling my name rather loudly! She was feeling neglected and rightfully so! So I am working on her and plan to start Pumpkin Spice tomorrow!

I am grateful to have memories of my sister...........

My Queen.....

I really should be in bed but I have been meaning to post this update since yesterday. I worked a lot on Queen of the Fairies the past two days and I am loving it even all the various shades of beige and ecru! At one point tonight I frogged a whole section because I thought it was the wrong color and it turns out it wasn't....don't you just hate that! But even with the frogging I love it and have decided to make it my focus piece. So here she is in all of her beige glory..... She is being stitched on PTPlus 32ct Fresco with Venus threads. I do love the Venus threads they seem to have a bit more sheen and knot less than DMC. The section I frogged was just above the loose thread and now it's back with even more done! Did I mention that I am working on scroll bars and a lapstand.... I couldn't quite achieve the tension I wanted or loved for some reason. I like my fabric really tight. So last week while at SP stitching group one of the women mentioned "stitch clips" and luckily she had them at the shop! And the difference those clips has made is amazing!! I had heard of them but totally forgot about them. The tension is perfect just the way I like it!!!! This may actually mean no more hoops for me!

Oh and it's less than a week till my brother and niece visit!!! I am so excited and thrilled to be seeing them !!!!! I have the week off and it'll be so fun. We have 2 shows planned and lots of spontaneous stuff. Unfortunately my car is still in the shop...I hear about it tomorrow so maybe just maybe I'll have it back by the weekend!!! Everyone keep your fingers crossed.

I am grateful for my stitching ..........

Just a hello and an SBQ

I've been stitching on PR's Queen of the Fairies and am loving it even with all the white and beige! I just adore the Venus threads! I did order Galatea with the Venus thread pack.....I was bad! I haven't even posted about all the stash I've acquired recently...let's just say Oh my! I also decided to do Bent Creek's "A Red Thread" it seems like it will be fun and the saying is cute.... Here is a picture of Galatea just so you'll know that I couldn't resist her... I just adore her whole form and her face is stunning!! And of course Mirabilia has also been busy! I have the next two couture fairies but then she comes out with November Topaz Fairie.....just how am I supposed to resist I ask you?? Here she is ......... Don't you just love her dress!!!!

And now for this week's SBQ...

Today's SBQ is:Do you consider yourself a "floss miser?"The permalink to this post is: http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/07/one-thousand

I never really thought about it but I would have to say yes...I like to use it till the end and now with the hand dyed floss I am more aware of being "frugal" with my threads! I use the floss-away bags and this helps with "conserving" my threads!

Let me end here and get to stitching a bit...I worked today and didn't sleep well but now have energy after doing a 12 hour shift with 2 more to go....not sure where the energy is coming from but I'll take it!

I am grateful for my friends and the joy in my life........

My CdC

I've been stitching so very much lately! It's been mostly on Cirque des Cercles by Ink Circles and have a picture or two to share! I've also posted to the Cirque des Cercles blog if you'd like to see everyones beautiful progress! I love this design and how everyone is interpreting it with their own colors and fabric choices! Thanks go to Jamie for starting the blog!!!! So here are my progress pics... And a second picture.... I am having so much fun with this piece! It is a joy to work on and is working up so nicely. Oh I almost forgot it is being stitched on 32ct Silvery Moon linen with The Thread Gatherer silk 'n colors in Desert Sunset. When my thread finally arrived it was much less muted than the original....which is why I waited for mine so the dye lots would be all the same! I was a bit hesitant on my way to SP but was thrilled when I saw the threads! I absolutely love the thread it's a wonderful mix of pinks,yellows and golds!!!!! And I do love pink!!!

And before I go I've wanted to post my favorite picture from my wedding album! It took a while to get but my MIL brought the finished product with her....we got married in NY and live in Las Vegas....so it took some time putting the pictures and geting them to the photographer! Here it is...it was taken in the lobby of the hotel and I adore it!!!! I'll end there ....I'm off to stitch. I am going to pick up PR's Queen of the Fairies for a bit. Has anyone seen the new Passione Ricamo Galatea....she is stunning and as explained not a mermaid but a nereid as Italian mythology goes. It's all explained on her website. And yes I've already ordered the chart and Venus thread pak! I have absolutely no will power! I have a very loose rotation going on. Hope everyone has a Happy and SAFE fourth of July!!!!

I am grateful for stitching and the joy it brings me....

Where did the time go??

I don't quite know how I went this long without a post..... I've been meaning to write and between my MIL's visit of 3 weeks and work the time just slipped through my hands! We had a grand visit with my MIL and her boyfriend. We did a lot and saw 3 shows but also relaxed a lot as well. I stitched up a storm and even joked that she was responsible for breaking my slump!!! And I am still stitching. The stitching group I joined at SP is wonderful and inspiring and so much fun!!! A bit of an update on what's happened just this week....I had a minor car accident! I'm fine but was rear-ended on monday afternoon. The person thought I had gone through the turn light and didn't look but just accelerated....... the turn light had turned red and there was too much oncoming traffic to move. It was my very first accident and my first thought was "did he hit me?" My car has quite a bit of damage but is still drive-able. Thankfully hubby was home and he came up to the scene and it all went smoothly and the highway patol didn't take long to arrive. I knew we had to exchange info but after that I was lost.... I went to get an estimate and now am waiting for his insurance to view the car damage. Needless to say I had to reschedule my hair appointment which was overdue but I am fine so I am grateful! So hair is getting done tomorrow. And today I had an EGD and colonoscopy....the prep wasn't fun but it's done. It was done in no time and I was home in less than 3 hours time. No news yet I have to see my doctor in 10 days. I rested when I got home and napped and then stitched......

I have started 3 new projects! I started Queen of the Fairies by Passione Ricamo with the Venus threads on PTPlus 32ct Fresco linen..... And while I was waiting ever so patiently for my threads to come for Cirque des Cercles I started Mdesigns Celtic cross on PTPlus 32ct Crystal Relic with The Thread Gatherer silks "In the Burgandy"..... And today I started CDC!!!! The threads I waited for came out slightly different....The Thread Gatherer silks in "Desert Sunset'. When I went to pick them up I was a bit concerned the original dyelot was muted and the new skeins came out brighter with more pink! I adore them!!!!! I love pink!!! Here's a picture of the fabric and threads since I don't have enough done on the actual CDC..... I also picked out fabric and threads for Fairy Celebration 2 and am going to do FC 1 again in blues!!! When my slump ends it does so with a bang!!! But more on that in another post.....I'm off to get more tea and stitch!!!!

Edited to add: I can't believe I forgot to post on Fairy Day!!! I was working and oh so tired when I came home but I hope everyone enjoyed Fairy Day! I do so love Fairies!!! Hope everyone's day was magical and special!!!!

I am grateful to be safe at home ......

Even busier and an SBQ....

I didn't think it was possible for me to be busier than the other day but I was today!!! The day started with a class at 10am for work but I got paid for it ...way early for me after working 2 days...then it was an errand. Then hubby called to say we needed to be on the other side of town in like 40 minutes! No problem honey but I have Pilates. And we know I don't miss Pilates for anything! So I rearrange my Pilates class. Then pick up hubby drive to the other side of town..we live northwest and had to be in the south west...come back go to Pilates. Wait did you think I was done..... then I did major food shopping! Since dear hubby volunteered us for a BBQ tomorrow afternoon!! I do love him but.......I agreed after all...... So the ribs and chicken are marinating and the potatoes are cooking. It's a small BBQ. I just have to do the potato salad and then I can rest tonight. Maybe I'll throw the potato salad together tomorrow....And the other couple is bringing salad and dessert...since it's for her hubby's bday!!

I have an updated picture of PR's fairy celebration!! I am so loving this piece! Don't you just love her wand!! I plan on doing some beads around the wand to add some sparkle!!! I really should be working on PR's Queen of the Fairies which I did start...maybe tonight!!! So here is the update... and one more..... Sorry about the shadow.... I do believe the second picture is closer to the true color of the hand dyed fabric!!!!

And before I forget I'm behind on an SBQ question...One that I myself submitted! But I must admit I got the idea from Karen . I believe in giving credit where credit is due so thank you Karen for planting the seed of an idea in my thoughts! Here goes....

Today's SBQ was suggested Juls(http://afairyprincessdreams.blogspot.com) and is:If you could only stitch one more piece what would it be and why?The permalink to this post is: http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/05/sbq-last-call/

I've thought long and hard on this question and I repeatedly came up with only one answer amazing for all the stash I have acquired but drumroll please it's Anagram Diffusions Sampler 4 Saisons . And the reason would be is that it is simply in my mind stunning!

I am truly grateful for happiness in my life....

An amazing day and a tag...

Let me say that I had such a wonderful day yesterday! It was my very first day of joining the SP wednesday stitching group that Margaret introduced me to and I can not thank her enough! The ladies are so nice and welcoming and made me feel right at home. I so enjoyed myself and stitched on PR's Fairy Celebration! I did get there a bit late but not the next time. I was going to pick out fabric for PR's Queen of the Fairies with everyone's help but my Venus threads did not arrive in time.... And as fate would have it my Venus threads were in my mailbox when I arrived home! I even joked about it while at the stitching table! They are so beautiful and Laura is so wonderful to have included a gift of a beautiful scissor fob!!!! And in my favorite color! I will treasure it always!!!!! Here are some pictures.... and and I think I am going tomorrow to pick out fabric since I can't wait any longer! I really wanted lots of input but I really want to start her since she has been whispering my name and now she is starting to get louder!!!

And now I've been tagged by Noreen and Karen and Cheryl so it's about time I answered the tag!

8 Random Things

The Rules:1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules.3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names.4. Don't forget to leave them a comment and tell them they're tagged, and to read your blog

So here goes....

1. My nieces are my heart

2. I love drinking tea and can and do nurse a cup for hours at a time

3. I lose all track of time in a card shop or book store.

4. Hubby and I were a blind date.

5. I never wanted a baby....maybe for 3 1/2 seconds.

6.People who don't know me tend to think I'm tough but I'm not.

7. I wanted a small wedding but had a big (170) wedding and it truly was my fantasy wedding come true.

8. I said I'd never get married again but dear hubby changed that!

That was harder than I thought...and now to tag 8 people Brian , Jamie , Lizzy , Kim , Michelle , Mercy ,Wendy , Jules . So there you go consider yourselves tagged!

The last amazing thing that happened yesterday ...well actually two things both at Pilates but first I did the Star position unassisted meaning the instructor not standing by "just in case" It felt so good. My left side is still weaker than my right so that needs work but I did it!!! And my instructor was in NY recently and went to see Wicked on my recommendation and loved it!!! She surprised me with a poster from the show!!!!!! I love it and can't wait to get it framed!!!!! All in all an amazing day!!! And now to the pool and stitching outside!!!

I am grateful for my new friends and stitching group.....

A bit impatient

I got off work 2 hours early today due to low census..... and I went straight to the mailbox! But hubby beat me to it so I dashed home fully expecting to find my Venus threads on the counter but no there was no sign of them.....so now I have to wait till Monday! They were mailed out on 5/5 from Italy.....I'm really not good at waiting as my ever growing stash and empty wish list can attest too!!!! LOL. Oh well I'm sure they will be here on Monday. After all I need them for Wednesday since that is the first time I'll be joining the SP stitching group and I want to pick out her fabric that day as well with lots of help from Margaret and the ladies!!!! I picked up Halloween Santa from Curtis Boehringer and the new mermaid from Mirabilia but only got the fabric for the Santa. Kermit 32ct linen from PTPlus of course! I like the color but then I love lime green! And it's not quite lime as you'll see when I post a picture...it's a small project and a hand printed chart so I have to enlarge it to make a working copy so it will be easier on my eyes. I now seem addicted to small projects but I really can't wait to start PR's Queen of the Fairies!!!!! Well I've eaten already so it's time to feed the dog and stitch since I work tomorrow....

I am grateful for extra time to stitch tonight and not feeling so drained.......