Hostessing a Swap

I've decided to hostess a swap. I've participated in group activities for over a year now, and have always left the 'work' up to someone else. I guess it's high time that I do my part. LOL. Besides, this theme really appealed to me and I wanted to do it! Luckily, there have been a lot of takers. So, I'm thinking it was a good idea after all.

Okay, well what is it????? It's a Season to Season Swap for Fall. And I guess, technically it's not a swap. Because you get your own block back. Never the less, that's what I calling it. Sign-ups are open (to group members) until August 10th. Then when I have a final list of everyone joining in, I will post their first names, last initial, and links to their blogs, 360's, flickr, etc., for those of you who want to feast on some really lovely eye candy.


This is my block. I was going to wait a little longer to piece it but with so many members going gang-busters on their blocks, I felt like a slacker. LOL.



The group is CQN. The objective is to piece an 8" square (finished) block in "Fall" colors/theme. Whatever "Fall" is to the block maker.

The block maker will embellish approximately 1/2 of the block, any where, any way she wants. Then it comes to me. I do a blind draw, assign a swap partner and then send the block to that member who will add her magic to the remaining 1/2 of the block. When I get those completed blocks back, I return them to their original owners. The time frame for this swap is 3 months.

And you're probably one jump ahead of me here because, the next Season to Season Swap will be....Winter! It will be nice at the end of a year to have added my touches to 4 blocks for someone else, to have 4 of my own in return, to have strengthened friendships, and hopefully to have learned a few new techiques along the way.

Well, I guess I better start looking for trims, and lace, and buttons, and stuff. Happy Needling!

Two Down...

Today was a fairly productive day. I managed to get a second cell phone pouch block stitched and embellished. I wasn't sure I would like working with the darker colors but it's turned out to be okay.

Also and it's not on here because I didn't want to take another photo. But I added a small gold butterfly charm to it. I just couldn't help myself!


Well, it's about time to clean up the studio and get ready to go out. DH and I are going to Joe's BBQ for dinner. We will do our usual: PIG OUT on beef ribs, slaw, potato salad and ranch beans. Then bring all of the bones home for Fritz and Bella.

Don't worry, they are beef ribs so there's no splinter issues. I've already learned that lesson by paying for rhinoplasty for a furbaby a few years back.

In the mean time....Happy Needling!

Karen K Birthday Heart

Karen K is our August birthday girl on the CQforNewbies (CQN) group's Sharing Our Hearts (SOH) swap. Gosh, what a mouth full of acronyms. WOW. I might have to go send a text message now. LOL.

Anyway, Karen's heart will be in the mail and on its way to our hostess Linda in the next few day. I hope Karen likes it. Her choice of theme is Victorian. And apparently, this is my version of Victorian.


No matter how many of these pieces I do, I am always surprised at the difference in the Before and After photos. I find the transformation fascinating. Anyway, (and excuse the poor photo) this is a close up of the center motif/siggie. She seemed to me to be so elegant, confident, and 'timeless'. She just seemed like the perfect choice for this block.



Well, back at it!

Feeling Pretty Special

Yes, it's the little things in life that give us the most pleasure. Or least it should be. And it's the little things in my life that have me wearing a big grin lately. I do have to give credit to my cyber friends, though for pointing it out to me. Because it seems that I'm busy being Captain Oblivious and have missed it all. LOL.

First of all, I was just tickled to find out that my cell phone pouch was featured in the Reader's Showcase in the current issue of CQMagOnline.

I took a chance and sent in some photos. Thinking, "what can it hurt?" And low and behold, there they are. It was Lori who brought it to my attention. And as she put it....I've been published! Boy, I'm glad that pressure is off me now. LOL.

Then I find while browsing the other articles that Pat Winter was in deed able to get my comfort doll submitted with her article,
Comfort Doll Project: Worldwide Open Invitation.

There have been so many lovely dolls donated for this great cause. You can view more of these works of art and love at the Flickr site as well as Pat's blog. BTW, if you've been thinking about joining in, there's still time!

And finally, while I'm checking email this morning I get congratulated by Sharon for being the current "Cover Girl" on CQforNewbies (CQN). Thanks also go out to Lesa for choosing one of my Egyptian Theme Swap blocks.

Thanks for taking the time to join me in this little celebration~

Angel Dolls for Ava Grace

Sherrie at SympleTymes has posted a 'heads up' for an action that Humble Arts will be hosting just after Labor Day.

The proceeds will go to help pay for the medical expenses for Ava Grace. A darling little girl who was born with Pfeiffer Syndrome.

Sherrie's post asks for readers to help pass the word along.

Piecing Hearts Again

I spent part of the last two days piecing hearts. Most of them will be available for swapping with the Chains of Hearts (COH) group. It's been months since I've been active in this group. I guess I just finally decided that I wanted to get reacquainted and start swapping hearts again. The trick has become trying to keep up with all of the commitments that I've made. I keep thinking that it will slow down but the minute it does, I jump into another one. What can I say? It's fun!



Well, got to sew. I'm still trying to make a dent in my cell phone pouches. So, until next time...Happy Needling!

The Woman

When God created woman he was working late on the 6th day.
An angel came by and said, “Why spend so mush time on that one?”
And the lord answered, “Have you seen all the specification I have to meet to shape her?”











“She must be washable, but not made of plastic, have more than 200 moving parts which all must be replaceable and she must function on all kinds of food, she must be able to embrace several kids at the same time, give a hug that can heal anything from a bruised knee to a broken heart and she must do all this with only two hands.”

The angel was impressed. “Just two hands....impossible!" "Is this the standard model?" “Too much work for one day...wait until tomorrow and then complete her.”

“I will not,” said the Lord. “I am so close to competing this creation, which will be the favorite of my heart.” “She cures herself when sick and she can work 18 hours a day.”













The angel came nearer and touched the woman. “But you have made her so soft, Lord.”

“She is soft,” said the Lord, “But I have also made her strong. You can’t imagine what she can endure and overcome.”

“Can she think?” the angel asked.

The Lord answered, “Not only can she think, she can reason and negotiate.”

The angel touched the woman’s cheek...“Lord, it seems this creation is leaking! You have put too many burdens on her.”

“She is not leaking...it’s a tear” the Lord corrected the angel.

“What’s it for?” asked the angel.












And the Lord said, “Tears are her way of expressing grief, her doubts, her love, her loneliness, her suffering and her pride.”

This made a big impression on the angel; “Lord, you are a genius. You thought of everything. The woman is indeed marvelous!”

Indeed she is! Woman has strengths that amazes man. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when feeling like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cries when she is happy and laughs when she is afraid.














She fights for what she believes in. Stands up against injustice. She doesn’t take “no” for an answer, when she can see a better solution. She gives herself so her family can thrive. She takes her friend to the doctor is she is afraid. Her love is unconditional.

She cries when her kids are victorious. She is happy when her friends do well. She is glad when she hears of a birth or a wedding.

Her heart is broken when a next of kin or friend dies. But she finds the strength to get on with life. She knows that a kiss and a hug can heal a broken heart.













There is only one thing wrong with her...She forgets what she is worth!



This story was sent to me in a River Songs card from my dad.

Thank you, Dad. It means a lot to me. I love you.

A Calgon Kind of Day

Today turned out to be exactly that...A Calgon kind of day. Which for me, means a lazy day. Nothing urgent or pressing. This is where I was just a little while ago. And yes, it was as relaxing as it looks. Water warm but not hot, jets turned on low, a good book, and lots of quiet. It's the kind of 'me' time that is too seldom enjoyed.





Yesterday we celebrated our 8th anniversary. And it was a lovely day. Weather, company, adventures. We took the day off from the gym, slept late, read the paper and had our coffee on the back patio. Later in the day we ended up at the mall where we found these two wonderful little baubles. They are both a mix of yellow, white, and rose gold. I was so happy to find exactly what I was looking for. And DH was glad that we found them quickly! LOL. And before we knew it we were on our way to have a cocktail or two before dinner.



We stopped into TGI Friday's for happy hour and had the best Long Island Ice Tea I have ever had. We opted for Italian food for dinner which took us to Corelli's. We usually ask for the Wine Room but alas, it's only open on the weekend. They did however find us a very nice little corner booth.

We ordered our favorite wine, Ruffino Chianti (1999) and bruschetta for our appetizer. And as always, dinner was just scrumptious. We both had minestrone soup and caesar salad to start. Their minestrone is to die for! And as we also usually do, we each ordered something different for our main course. It's always so much fun to sample what 'the other guy' orders. LOL. Anyway, I had the shrimp tortellini, and DH had the grilled mahi-mahi.

The dinner conversation was both fun and interesting, and best of all ADULT conversation. Before we knew it, it was late and we were stuffed. No matter, though. There was no way we were leaving without dessert. We opted for one tiramisu and one walnut butter cream cake and 2 cappuccinos.

Needless to say that the gym was an absolute necessity this morning. For all of those calories we'll need to work our butts off for the next month (or more). I'm sure it will be worth every grunt and groan! LOL.



We didn't just goof off all day yesterday, though. DH managed to mow the lawns, and I managed to finish working on Nancy's Fairy Tale RR Block. The trim pieces were already on the block but I did the seam treatments, and embellishments shown. And no, I didn't stitch that darling little mouse. I wish I could remember who did.





The block is now packaged up and ready to send off to her in the morning. My 2
blocks are still out there somewhere and I'm really looking forward to having them home soon.



Well, we've had our daily rain storm, including a power outage, the dogs have gotten soaked and dirty playing in the beds, and dinner is in the oven. It must be time to settle down for the night. I've got some stitching to finish up and a movie to watch. So, until next time. Thanks for joining me.

Anniversary #8

.
My DH rarely reads my blog but I wanted to post this just in case he decided to pop in. Our 8th anniversary is on Monday (the 16th).

You have allowed me to grow as a person,
You have shown me my value as a woman,
You have helped me be a better parent,
You have taught me the rewards of patience and understanding,
You have calmed my fears and brightened my days.

I cherish my time with you,
I enjoy your company,
I love that you make me laugh,
I so look forward to my future with you,
I thank you, and
I love you!

Happy Anniversary, G

Friday the 13th - Blog Day

Okay, I hadn't planned on blogging until tomorrow but I just couldn't resist since it's Friday the 13th. So here goes...





Potato Plant update: Well, it's been about 7 weeks since we started our potato plant experiment. And we've had a bit of a time keeping the bugs off of it but it's still growing, it's been repotted, it's looking healthy and it just might give a small potato at some point in time.







The Back Garden: Despite all of the rain that we had for almost 2 weeks, a total of over 8 inches in just one week, I think our foliage is looking pretty good. I swear trying to grow anything here is a lesson in futility. If it doesn't drown or get beaten up by pouring, pelting rains, and wind doesn't rip it out of the ground, and the heat and humidity doesn't burn it out, and if the bugs don't eat it all, and if the fungus doesn't cause it to rot...then you just might have a garden.

Today, as I was looking out at my back corner beds, I feel very grateful that the plants have (so far) survived and seem to be thriving. And wouldn't you know, all 6 Hibiscus are between blooms. Geeeezzzzz!!!!!







Empty-Nesting it 'til August: DH and I were pretty much lost with our DS for the first few days. It's seems so odd for the house to be so quiet, without the usual hustle and bustle, and 'schedule' for meals, curfews, etc. Now, we're looking at it as a temporary new found freedom. And although we miss him terribly, the break for us might be just as good as the break for him.

So, we've gone out to eat a few times, we've played scrabble and cribbage, we've rented movies and stayed up late (oh no!), we've slept in late a few days, and we've even taken our totally leash-impaired furbabies for walks.

We even went shopping the other day. It's true! Grocery store, book store, "THE MALL" (oh yeah, it really happened). And to mark the occasion, I just had to have these really, totally cool, go great with my cell phone pouch sandals. Don't you just love them? I DO, I DO, I DO!!!!

They are a black satiny top with rhinestones, beads, fancy fabrics, embroidery, with this awesome lime green trim around the front and toe and gold rope trim toward the back. They have a very soft leather lining and sole. And they are soooo comfortable with a squishy sort of wedgey bottom.



Oh, what did DH get? Socks of course. But no socks for me. All I need is my nail polish and sandals. LOL.

Today, we went together for hair cuts. I got mine thinned out a little more, and he got his ears majorly lowered. LOL. Then he went to buy fertilizer and I went to Sally's and bought more nail polish and a really RED (flame)dye for my hair. I'm dying it this weekend and I'll post a new photo on my profile at the first of the week. It's just time for a change.



And finally (tying in with change), I've been going to the gym with DH since DS left. We've gone 5 out of 6 days. I'm so pathetically out of shape, 25 pounds over weight, and I removed exercise from my vocabulary a decade ago. Needless to say, I'm getting the butt whooping of my life! We ride our bikes 4 miles round trip, including crossing an over-pass each way (that part really sucks), we work out at 8 different weight machines, then come home shower and collapse. Now, doesn't that sound like fun? On a serious note, I feel better. I really do. I plan to keep at it.







Visitors & Comments: I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge all of you who have taken the time to visit my blog, read my posts, and leave your comments. It is very much appreciated. I really do my best to try and respond to each one personally. If I have missed anyone, please know that it is purely accidental. I am very flattered that you would take the time out of your day and share it with me.

So with that said, HAVE A HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13th, and a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Do You Know About IBC?

I received this video clip from my DSIL recently. I was shocked as I'm sure most of you will be too.

IBC is an acronym for Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Mammograms WILL NOT detect it. It often appears as a rash or bug bite.

Please take the time to watch the video and alert every woman that you can.

Click here to watch the original news cast on IBC.

Comfort Doll

As some of you are aware Pat Winter at Gatherings has posed a challenge of sorts. She's calling it the Comfort Doll Project and the goal is to create and donate a 'Comfort Doll' which will ultimately find its way to a woman in need. Specifically, women who have suffered abuse.

Anyway, on June 23, 2007 she posted this Open request for all, "Giving with your heart, made from your hands" and as you might imagine, the idea spread like wild-fire. And within just a few days, dolls started arriving at her door. Click here for the mailing address.

It makes my heart swell to know that so many people have and will take the time to contribute and to become part of such a wonderful 'cause' as this. It's no surprise that Jo has offered to help out and to spread the word. To see more of Jo's dolls just click on the side bar labels under "spirit dolls." She's done some very fun and creative work so far. Jo has also set up a Flickr site where dolls can be displayed and viewed.

Allie's doll is here. Linda's here. Click here to find a number of links which Pat has provided for free patterns. The pattern that I used for my doll came from Rhonda at Kivett-Studio. This particular pattern is called Butterfly Goddess. The finished doll is 7", which is larger than the requested size but it didn't shrink up like I expected it to. I have to assume that it will still be accepted.



The face is baked clay, painted and sealed with a glitter glue. I added the head-dress portion so that I would have something to attach it with. Then I decorated it with beads to cover the anchor threads.



I really enjoyed making this doll. Not only because it will go to someone in need but also because I have longed to make a doll for quite some time now.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and maybe even to consider making your own Comfort Doll.

Happy Needling!

Almost Done...amended

Well, today was productive too. I'm just about finished embellishing the first cell phone pouch block. I chose this one to start with because it was sort of an ugly duckling. But look how pretty it is now. I like when that happens. LOL.

Of course there are a few things that I'm not totally happy with, like the spider web and I guess the spider too. I don't know if I'll learn from my mistakes or rip it out. Probably the former. It's one of those things that works one day and doesn't the next. Oh well, now is not the time for a critique!



Thanks for all of the comments about the spider web and spider. I guess it's staying. Besides, I hate to rip out stitches.

I probably won't get too much stitching done tomorrow as my DS leaves for a 6 week summer trip. Tonight we're taking him for sushi. YUM, YUM! I guess I better go get cleaned up.

So, until next time....
Happy Needling!

Being Productive

I guess it's about time. LOL. I spent part of yesterday piecing blocks. I'm planning on making a few cell phone pouches for my Etsy.






Today, I'm hoping to get some seam treatments done. And hopefully, before I know it, they'll be ready to sew up.

Well, got to get after it. I'll post my progress as I get there.

Happy Needling!