Samplings from a crazy stitcher

Olympic Progress

2008-08-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

This is my progress on Elizabeth Raysor yesterday while watching the Olympics. (Go Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff!)

This is waht it looked like before I started stitching yesterday afternoon.

It is amazing how much time it takes to stitch little motifs. I do wish I were a speed stitcher, like some of the ladies on the HDF board. I just can't sit still long enough!

Speaking of the Olympics, are you watching? I am mesmerized by the swimming. I guess it is the home town connection. Katie Hoff is from harford county MD, where I live, and Michael Phelps's mom is a principal of a middle school in my county where I supervise Speech pathologists. I have always liked swimming, but this is very cool to watch. Fingers crossed for 8 For Michael!

Quaker Mystery in progress...

2008-08-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest edition of Martina's Quaker mystery. I love stitching this sampler, but I got behind back in May/June and haven't yet caught up.

Stitched on Vintage cream Belfast with a mystery spool of Vikki Clayton silks.
If I catch up to where I am supposed to, this should be a finish the last of August. I am focusing on getting a couple more pages completed today and tomorrow. And then, unfortunately, I am pretty much back to work for the year.

Hopefully this year will be a better year than the last three. I am trying to be optimistic. My CPAP machine is allowing me to focus and think a bit better, so hopefully the coping with stress with be better controlled as well.

Still rather be retired.......

Makes you wonder if all those stories of Batman and Robin are true...

2008-07-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or is that a weird place to fill a water gun....and I won't mention the trigger here.

Not much stitching these past days. DH is home from hospital and still not feeling well. Didn't find anything except some small polyps in his stomach which they are adamant aren't the problem. They are suggesting a intestinal parasite. I guess that is the diagnosis when you don't know what is wrong.

This is on my wish list for stitching.

I'm feeling better!

2008-07-28T11:24:00.001-07:00

Barbie's not as young as she used to be.....and I hope she has "wings" and love handles too!

Just some works in progress....

2008-07-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Just a little WIP stitched while in the hospital..Quaker Row . Vikki Clayton Silks stitched on 36 Ivory linen.

And another: This is a Quaker stitcher's wallet by With my Needle on 32 Platinum with Thread Gatherer Tapestry Green.

DH Is still in hospital and they don't know what is wrong.

Wadda week!

2008-07-26T16:33:00.000-07:00

Back from old Cape Cod and bam! Things started hitting the fan. First we came home to what smelled like a dead body in the mud room. Opened the mud room freezer and phew....obviously the refrigerator had been off for most if not all of the week. Crabmeat, ice cream, chicken, etc all in....well you get the picture. Not pretty. I am thinking that I could work for CSI now.

After that delight, we had the awesome time of trying to get the AC back on. Blew warm air all night. Yes....right in the middle of the heat wave in the Northeast. Made us grumpy and grouchy right from the get go.

Monday am, DH started throwing up as I went back to work. I went back and wham! Got hit there as well. Two more resignations...ugh. Two more openings...ugh. Anybody want a job??

Tuesday, DH is no better, but of course, did he call the dr?? Yes, and he asked for directions too, after he decided he didn't need to hold the remote! Of course, keep in mind that I am trying to wade through the laundry too....like 15 loads of it. Towels, sheets, beach towels....picture the mound next to the washing machine. But, the AC is finally fixed!

Wednesday, DH is worse. I tell him as I leave for work to call the dr. Assuming that certainly he would heed my advice, since I was less than nice about waiting on him hand and foot for the THIRD DAY! 3:30 I call from the beltway asking what the dr. said. Silence on other end. I thought it was the hail storm that was dinging my car and I had a dropped call. But no! He hadn't called again. Well, let's just suffice it to say he had called by the time I arrived home at 6:30. Of course, at 3:30 it is SO very easy to obtain an appointment for that same day, so he is still at home, hurling and making us all miserable.

But at least he had chatted with someone medical, okay so it was the receptionist, but she "represents" medical. Was told if he got worse to call 911. and go to the ER.

Now you need to realize in the 20 years we have been together, he has called me 3 other times to transport him to the hospital. Picture this......DH home in bed after 4-5 days of sick.....Me, I am at work 45-60 minutes away. He calls ME to take him to the ER at a hospital that is 30 minutes north of us. SO....if you are good a math you have just figured out on your own that 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes of travel time will be needed, just so you can have the pleasure of digging out the old insurance card and prompt service. Each time, I say " Hmmmmm, wouldn't it make sense to call the ambulance to take you?" . Response each time, "well I would be embarrassed " or "I don't want to bother them(!)" Each time, I am so dumbfounded by the "maleness" of the comment, I get in the car, prepared for the long drive to the ER.

So imagine this time, when at 8:00 in the evening he looks at me and says, " I think I need to go to the ER." my loving response. I think, "what an idiot" No, I think I said it, but anyway, rather than try and finish a load of laundry or sleep, I decided to shut my very large mouth and go with the flow.

So now, we get to the ER where everyone in York who speaks spanish is there using the ER as their primary health provider, as well as a couple who is screaming obscenties at each other, two babies screaming their heads off, lots of "leg and ankle injuries" and an elderly man who drove himself him (MALE!!!) after he fell and blacked out. You see, the waiting room was full and you can't help but hear everyone's story. So much for HIPPA!

After the couple arguing were hauled off by security after she belted him, one of the little kids stopping screamin momemntarily, the elderly man fell asleep in a wheelchair, we were there in the waiting room watching reruns of "urkel". Remember that horrible, yet oddly funny sitcom from the 90's?? Well, we were forced to watch three episodes before three families left, running screaming from the room. Wait, it gets better....then we had to watch some stupid reality show that was tame to what we were watching in real life. I almost wished I could lapse into a coma myself, but the child behind me wouldn't stop screaming. (We have now been there 3 hours....only stopped momentarily for a small cat nap...then rev ed up for part duex!)

I then look at my husband and I don't say, "do you think you will call the ambulance next time?" or even "do you think you might call the dr. sooner?". I take pride in that. I look at him and ask if he wants to stay or if he wants me to start searching for something sharp to make him start bleeding. Bleeding in the ER gets faster service, I have noticed. It can't be a trickle, but a real "holding a towel to it" type of wound. We would have gotten in then. (Make note to call my friend the actor to get stage blood for next ER visit)

So, as we all sit there hunkering down for a long summer's nap, a trauma comes in via helicopter. Nice. Now I am all about saving lives, but hey! We have been there for three frigging hours and the most entertainment I have it watching my DH hurl in the emisis basin. Oh, okay. We let the trauma go first. But, they owe us.....

So at 1:00 am my DH's name was called. I came out of my stupor long enough to say to him, "hey I think that's you!" and to starting running with the wheelchair towards a nurse who looks like she has just spent the last 24 hours working the ER. I can't believe....we are in the door! I feel like we have won the lottery.

Of course, the history is taken, repetitively, by interns, residents and med students (Yikes...it's JULY !) and DH is now in prone position on the comfy bed in the ER where the lights are at least 400 watt and the noise is at least 90 db. Hmmmm....great place to rest.

Being so excited we were about to be seen by a real dr. who can make real decisions, at 1:30 we were left alone.....apparently to contimplate life. Dr. Came in at 2:18, but hey who's counting....and ordered the CAT scans, blood work and all the other delights soon to entertain my DH. Of course, that depends on the lab workers and all those other worker bees that do all that worker bee stuff that the dr. needs. Finally at 4:30 DH was hauled to radiology and I simply wanted to curl up in the place were his bed had been. I was now getting punchy....and hungry. I hadn't eaten dinner so the 1 ounce of Fritoes from the machine that cost $1.00 was heaven sent. MMMMM good!

I sit down and wait once more for DH to reappear so I can tell him I am out of there, because by this time, one of the students/interns/residents had made it clear that he was staying for a while. I didn't look at my watch, but left the hospital as the sun was starting to peek up over the parking lot.

Yep, we need some healthcare reform, but first, I want to take a nap. Obama or McCain, they are going to need some help. Oy!

Can you say hurl?

2008-07-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

Put the food out of reach, don't eat one thing, grab the draminine and watch this if you dare.
I found this on YouTube this evening doing a bit of research on ocean swells and hurricanes. Think what the passengers on this ferry in the mediterrean were feeling............

Off to Cape Cod!

2008-07-09T16:34:00.000-07:00

Anyone that has gone through depression and managed to pull herself up from the gray area,should be allowed a well deserved vacation, don't you think? Well, because I was in that funk I couldn't think about planning anything new. When the cottage we stay in was offered to us again, I jumped (sluggishly) on it! We had a wonderful time last year, certainly didn't see all we would have liked, so why not? So, off to Wellfleet for a week of relaxation and rest. Really. Wellfleet is almost to the tip of the cape. The white tip is Provincetown, and Wellfleet is in the narrow part south of that. It is very quiet in Wellfleet, so we really felt rejuvenated when we returned. Books, stitching and the best clam chowder I have ever eaten! (Trust me.....I have had a couple of bowls of the stuff!) I am so stoked! Tomorrow is those last minute things and packing. Sheets and towels are in the bag and laundry "almost" finished!

I am meeting a cyber-friend, Marilyn, who I met face to face last year. We so enjoyed our meeting that we are doing it again! She took me to a local needlework store, where I was fascinated with the fiber selection they had! Town Ho Needlecrafts, I believe, is the name of the store. We are going back and seeing what new things I can get myself into!

I will be taking two projects. The Faith Hope and Charity Quaker that was put aside last year when the depression hit. I am also taking a sampler from the Scarlet Letter, Rachel Allen. I haven't gotten too far on it, but it is something different when I get tired of the quakers! I may take another small project to work on in the car.

One day we will be going to Nantucket on the ferry. Last year we went to Martha's Vineyard and enjoyed our day. My goal is to find a Nantucket basket for which I can design my own stitching band.

Those who have stuck with reading this miserable blog, I will be seeing you later!

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's a couple of days late, but that is the story of my life presently.
Visiting my daughter, working irregularly, and the holiday have gummed up my plan. I wanted to stitch all day Friday and Sunday. Didn't happen. But, I did manage a few hours.

Pardon the photography....I was too lazy to iron.
My Quaker Garden, recieving one strand a day. I see progress from the last time, so it's working!

My Deborah Cockin, which is awaiting one over one work with the letters. I can''t do too much of that at one sitting, and I am waiting to pick up my new glasses this week to finish it!

And finally, my quaker mystery, which was neglected for several weeks and now has a bit to catch up on...

And vacation starts this Friday. So much to prepare for prior to leaving....dogs to vets for kennel cough drops, laundry, packing, shopping,.....not much will happen this week on the stitching front!

The week in review....

2008-06-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Not much stitching this week, as life was busy and I was lazy! I visited my DD # 1 in Ocean City MD, where she lives and works as a music teacher. It was nice to get away. I actually slept around 12 hours each day. I must either have needed it or just plain lazy! Geez....Up by 7:30 down by 9:00 am! I am getting as bad as the dogs!
A little beach time, pool time and crab cakes. But not much stitching.....

I worked about an hour on the quaker garden by Blackbird Designs, about an hour on Deborah Cockin, and about an hour on Faith Hope and Charity. after a little more work, I will take a picture or two to let you in on the progress.

Back to work tomorrow. Anyone else hating their job too? I have worked 30 years, and I guess my body is saying, "would you retire already??". I just want to be "done".

A couple of dr. appointments, which were just those pesky things you do after 50. The pulmonologist still hasn't bothered to talk to me about my sleep study, nor do I have the CPAP yet. Obviously, he wants to retire too.

Off to stitch.....TTFN.

ARGH! A vent!

2008-06-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

I hate dr's offices! I have been waiting for my dr. to "read" the sleep study and "recommend" a CPAP for me so I can no longer have sleep apnea. It's hurry up and then wait. I have called last week, was told, "later on in the week. Well I waited patiently, and see, that went by. Now it is a new week and here I sit.
So this morning I call again...and no luck. Left a message. What is it with these people???!!!!

There .....I needed that.

Satisfying Sunday

2008-06-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

Work has consumed my life this past year, but today was officially my first Sunday off. I have to say, it was great. Coffee was taken with toast on the deck at 6 am (Dogs doing their "pee pee" dance)Perfect. Then back to bed for some computer time and darn if I didn't doze off. Again, perfect. Up to do some clean up the kitchen time, vacuuming the pool, and planting flowers. All pretty nice when it was completed. The kitchen looked great for about a minute, but it was clean.
'
Then, I was able to stitch....oh what a wonderful time! I completed a WIP. It is the Quaker Sampler by Threads thru Time. This is an interesting quaker, as it isn't signed at all, nor is it dated. It was found with another sampler done by Caroline Baker, so they are attributing it her.

I also stitched a bit on the Maiden of the Sea, by With My Needle. I had forgotten about it actually until I started going through my stitching basket. So I pulled it out and put in about three strands. But, and I am sure you have done this, I can't find the red thread that I was using for the lighthouse. Sheez....let's hope I can find it...because the half of the lighthouse I have stitched is 1x1! And frogging that....well, it's not pretty.

So I will leave you with some stitching advice. Zip your ziplock baggies, ladies!

Ordinary Me:Q

2008-06-21T00:56:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Me: Q : Quaker of course! I love quaker samplers and have finished the mother of the Quakers, Ann Grimshaw.

I have several more completed over the years, but have many, many in the works, kitted or simply waiting their turn to be kitted and stitch!

Queen Stitch: Another Q??? How's that?? It works for me, as I do love the queen stitch, both stitching it as well as how it looks. I haven't stitched anything recently with them, but I understand a class I took in March with Ellen Chester has its share of them. When I get a couple of these WIPs under control...then I will begin that piece. It is gorgeous!

Stitching updates...

2008-06-21T00:35:00.001-07:00

Seems as though I haven't been chatting about the stitching lately. I really have been working hard on some things.

1. Deborah Cockin: Worked in Vikki Clayton silks, spinach delight on 34 ct. Legacy Oaten Scone (one of my favorite linens) Close to a finish, but the lettering is over one. That will surely slow me down!

2. Quaker Garden by Blackbird Designs: worked in WDW and GAST, which drive me crazy at times. Love the look, hate the knots!
(Picture forthcoming.....it's 3:30 am and pictures aren't the best at this time of day!)

3. Quaker Mystery Martina Dey: I got behind several weeks ago and now find myself about 7 weeks behind. If I finish Deborah Cockin......perhaps I will find the time to play some catch up. Worked on 32 Belfast with a mystery spool of Vikki Clayton silks.

That picture is a bit old, but not a lot of stitching has occurred since.

4. Elizabeth Raysor: Scarlet Letter I started this about three weeks ago and have used it as my carry along piece. I have made decent progress considering that I haven't given it lots of time. Worked on 35 ct Scarlet Letter linen with AVAS.

So there you have it for the week of stitching. A couple close to the finish line and
a couple with a ways to go. It is supposed to rain here Sunday, so perhaps I can sit and stitch and watch House.

Ordinary Me: P

2008-06-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

Politics: Ugh! In reference to work politics, although national politics is wearing me out as well. When working, having to limit what you want to say because the person you are speaking with are friends of the "boss", or some manager or someone that impacts your future. Geesh....am I the only one left in American education that feels it is all bullshit?? I know I am not, but God help you if you speak against the machine. Everyone above me says "whatever is best for the children"....are they kidding???? Ask them about the money spent on their new office furniture, when the old is wonderful and any teacher in a building would feel it was "too good" for them. Ask them about the cell phone they have paid for by the district...ask them. I would love someone who isn't in the system to see what their rationale would be.

And I am not talking about money, necessarily, although that is paramount. I am also talking about the crap they are doing with curriculums, with state testing, with buying new textbooks because "the kids aren't achieving enough"!!! To disagree with these things outloud is political suicide. These people running the systems are not bright either. They are all trying to get ahead, so they agree with the boss at every turn. I pray they aren't so limited to think that what is going on is good!!!!! So why is it I sit in every meeting thinking that things are bullshit....doesn't anyone have common sense any more???

Do you think that ordinary me: R will be RETIREMENT????

Follow up to the sleep study

2008-06-16T12:24:00.001-07:00

Last night was spent at the sleep center, trying to break in a CPAP! I can't tell you enough....RUN to have a sleep study if you snore and are always tired!! I haven't felt this good in about three years. While I didn't sleep long or great, the quality of the sleep was terrific. Obviously, I hadn't been getting the restorative sleep needed to feel like a human being.
I will be getting my own CPAP soon! Scary how excited I am about this!

Spent a bit this morning trying to organize some of my stitching things. I found some things I may put on Ebay, as I truly doubt I will stitch them.

Ordinary Me: O

2008-06-15T10:16:00.000-07:00

Ordinary: That's me. I am just an ordinary 52 year old woman who wants to retire! I live in an ordinary home, have very ordinary tastes and wants and work in a very ordinary job. I have a couple of extra-ordinary things....my family. THey are exceptional. My oldest daughter is extremely talented in music; a soprano that can play or sing just about anything. My youngest daughter is ADHD, born a premie, has learning disabilities and is about one of the most challenging 17 years olds on the planet.
My husband is a great guy. Period. My dad is the most kind and gentle man on the planet. But me....I am ordinary.

Work in progress: Quaker Garden

2008-06-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is my Blackbird Designs Quaker Garden WIP. I am putting one strand a day in this until it is done. Stitched on R&R cappicino (30 ct) with Weeks Dye works and GAST.

Ordinary Me: N

2008-06-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Needlework: I am an avid cross stitcher of samplers, a rug hooker, and a quilter. I can't imagine my life without some form of needlework. It amazes me that people see my work and comment that they could never do it. And I don't understand how they couldn't!

I can't remember a time when I wasn't involved in some sort of needlework, started at the age of seven. My grandmother was hounded by a seven year old to buy her a tea towel and embroidery floss. My mother barely could hem a skirt, while my grandmother crocheted, sewed and did embroidery. She understood my compulsion! I finally beat her down and she bought me my first project at our local "five and dime". Remember the old creaky wooden floors?? Remember those long aisles of assortments of "housedresses" and underwear? The sewing section had material already cut for the ladies coming in to buy "calico" for quilts. The tea towel was finished that summer under my grandmother's house. Showing her the finished product, I was so proud. Little did I know that you were supposed to only use two strands of floss.....and you weren't supposed to use knots! Bless her for not humiliating me and telling me that wasn't a possibility. I still have that tea towel stuffed in the back of my linen closet. I have come quite a long way.

Ordinary Me: M

2008-06-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

Music: It's a very important part of my life. I have a daughter who is a musician and obviously she inherited my love of music. I love to sing and wish I could play an instrument. I have always wanted to play the cello;maybe when I retire I will take lessons.

Music brings joy to all people and it really is the universal language. I have seen very handicapped children respond to music when they can't respond to language. I have seen grown men (and others) cry at the swelling of a movie score. I have seen awkward teenagers relax when music began playing. Everyone relates to music. How sad that educators don't understand that music is the food that feeds the soul and that without it in schools, education is limited.

Someday, the Pentagon will have to have a bake sale to raise money for weapons and all schools will have ample music programs for children.

SUMMER!!!

2008-06-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

Not the season, but school is out! This has truly been the hardest year I have ever spent working. Politics, staff shortages, idiots that make idiotic decisions, unreasonable demands, crazy parents......they all added to make a miserable year. "Only" 8 more years until full retirement, 2 1/2 until early retirement. Hopefully I will be able to hang in there until the money comes in!

On another front, I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I go for a second sleep study Sunday evening where they hook you up with a CPAP. I actually am looking forward to it, as this extreme sleepiness and fatigue (and irritability...and depression??) is really getting in the way of life. Hopefully I will be able to tolerate it and my sleep will be restful.

Stitching...well not a lot has been accomplished these last couple weeks. But now, being off school, I might be able to get some things done. I have been working on Deborah Cockin, which is close to being finished, Quaker Garden, Martina Dey's Quaker Mystery and Elizabeth Raysor. Maybe I will take some pictures later and post the progress.

Off to do some other things....enjoy the day!

Ordinary Me: L

2008-06-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

L: Laughter: One of my traits is my excellent sense of humor. I am always making jokes out of things, which has served me well over the years. (And gotten me into trouble, too!) I actually was told at one point of my life that I should become a radio jockey, since I had such a quick wit. My sense of humor is often dry and sarcastic, which some don't get. And of course, I am a public school employee....a sense of humor is simply a coping mechanism! Laugh on!

Ordinary Me: K

2008-06-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

The Kite Runner: My new favorite book. It is an amazing read. If you haven't read it, please run out and get it. It will be one to re-read over the years.

Ann Grimshaw finish!

2008-06-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Finished her in December and framed in January.

32 ct Navy Bean (because I can't see 40 or 36 ct as well!) and Vikki Clayton Silks (what else??!!) Indigo Ocean. This has to be the most enjoyable stitching I have ever done.

A close up of the frame which is amazing! This picture doesn't do it justice.

Ordinary me: J

2008-06-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

JUNE: That is what being a public school employee is all about. June. And don't forget July. Now that I have 30 years experience, I finally get to have those summers "free". It was always "going to graduate school", working summer school or both. Wow...a summer free! (Not that it is....I still see my private practice kids to make ends meet...especially now that gas is so high.)

It has been a long long winter. Trying to get the depression so that I can function again. Now that it is the end of the road for the school year, perhaps I can really return to normal. I have been stitching....finished Ann Grimshaw and Hannah Beeby along with a couple other small things. I will post picture of all the things later, but will leave you with Hannah Beeby, finished in February. I started January 1 and had planned to finish within the month, but it took me a couple of extra weeks.

Explanations

2007-10-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

of why I am not here recently. Work and depression. I have been attempting to cope as I can and so can't be here. I will certainly make up to all those obligations I have not kept. Promise.
Karen

Ordinary Me : I

2007-09-09T04:09:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Me: I

I: Indiana: I spent four years living in Terre Haute Indiana where I did graduate work, as well as work as a special education teacher. I worked in Clay County School Corporation in a couple of schools, which was interesting. There was no curriculum for me to use, no supervision to speak of and very few if any materials to use. It was an adventure. This was in the late seventies and early 80's. I am certain by now things are very different. I hope
My oldest daughter was born at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, so there were great beginnings there.

Got Tagged...8 Random Things about me....

2007-09-08T09:01:00.000-07:00

1. I have a Master's Degree from Indiana State University in Speech Language Pathology, and Master's Degree in Special Education from the same uni.
2. I used to be a cheerleader....ugh.
3. I stitched my first item at 7...using 6 strands of floss and knots..and I still have the tea towel I stitched.
4. I also quilt and hook rugs. Not the cheesy rug kits with yarn, but the primitive rugs made with wool strips.
5. My grandmother used to be a rug hooker and I have her "stripper" she used.
6. I love zydeco music as well as opera. I only dislike rap and country. Otherwise, music is everything.
7. I live in a pre civil war farmhouse, that has been in my family since 1900. My mother was born in our office and my great aunt was born in our bathroom, before it was my bathroom.
8. When I win the lottery (!) I want to build a post and beam house high on a mountain in New Hampshire.

Some progress on my WIPs

2007-09-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't had time to work on much this week. Here are the things I am working on.

Ordinary Me : H

2007-09-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Me: H
H: Highland School, where I attended as a child is one of those classic school buildings built in the 30's, brick, two story with huge windows. I know you know the type of building I am talking about. Oak flooring that squeaks and shines, large cloakrooms where you hang your coat and put your lunchbox, radiators that hiss and are so hot in winter that you need to open windows, bathrooms so large that the acoustics are heavenly.....I know you know the place. Playground with swings and merry-go-rounds, both "outlawed" from playgrounds for being so dangerous. (or litigious!) What wonderful memories...it's too bad that kids today won't know those joys.

Ordinary Me: G

2007-09-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Me: G
G: Gardens: I do love to garden, love plants, but recently haven't had the time nor energy to pursue it. My wish would be to have all the time needed to take care of the garden without the stress of work getting in the way. Feeling the soil in your hands is just wonderful. Seeing the product of your attention is better.

Ordinary Me : F

2007-09-04T16:10:00.001-07:00

Ordinary Me: F

Fridays : A pretty important day for me. I work in the public schools and by Fridays every one of us is brain dead. Working with very difficult special education students and teachers who ignore slps is very draining work. Love when Friday gets here.
Fair: I am all about fairness. I think my performance as a SLP supervisor could be defined by fair. I try to look at all sides of an issue and bring it to that employee's attention. I have always seen all sides, so I do think that makes me different than most. Remembering a very difficult team with a parent who wanted the world, I was able to negociate a reasonable settlement. After the team, both the SLP and the parent told me it was fair to both of them.

Update on Beatrix Potter

2007-09-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't worked too much on her this week, but did finish up 2 motifs, so I am half-way to my September goal. I really do enjoy this one and have thought just to work on her until she is finished, ignoring all the other WIPs. If only I didn't have to work.

Ordinary Me : E

2007-09-03T04:27:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Me: E

Emotional: Not a good thing, usually. I am the first one to cry at movies, which is embarrassing. I become emotional at work on occasion and have been known to get upset with others!! My family laughs at me, because of the animal movies I cry at...(My Dog Skip....WAAAAHHH!)

Edgartown: on Martha's Vineyard. Where I should live, but not in summer. Why wasn't I born rich....????

Ordinary Me : D

2007-09-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Me: D
Dogs: I adore my dogs, as well as others. I actually wanted to be a vet at one time, but was discouraged by my guidance counselor in high school(she was from the south, this was the early 70s and she talked every girl into nursing or teaching....sigh...)

These are my current pooches....Otis and Emma. My lovies, my dogs.

Ordinary Me : C

2007-09-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

C: Cross stitch
This is one of my hobbies, essentially cross stitching samplers. I don't do "cute" or "country" just samplers.

C: Cape Cod: just one of the places I would rather live than I do.

Ordinary Me: B

2007-08-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

Ordinary Me: B

Bitchy: Can be and often am, bitchy. The older I get the less I care about the little things and I must admit, it shows. I don't have tolerance for "stupidity" from intelligent people. I am a very pragmatic person, and the politics of jobs, life, and society drive me to bitchy.

Ordinary Me : A

2007-08-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

There are several blogs around based on Amy Rosenthal's Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life. Her book begins: "I have not survived against all odds. I have not lived to tell. I have not witnessed the extraordinary."
This is my pathetic story of me and is just a list of ordinary items that make up my very ordinary life.

Ordinary Me: A
A: Apraxia:
Inability to execute a skilled or learned motor act, not related to paralysis or lack of comprehension, caused by a cortical lesion.

It seems as though much of my professional life as a speech language pathologist revolves around this very difficult to mangage disorder. I have become profiencent in my work with children with this disorder and people do seem to call on me to help them. I really do love these kids, as they are quite fascinating. I know that one of my strengths as a person has always been to find a way to do things, whatever it is. I guess that makes me a fairly decent clinician then, as I usually search for an answer to make it work. Apraxia is a confusing disorder, which can be a diagnosis that doesn't always have a great outcome. Somehow, I have always made it work for me.

August progress and September goals...

2007-08-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

1. Complete the Black Swan Quaker Sampler : All but my name and date FINISHED: August 15, 2007
2. 5 motifs on Faith Hope and Charity Sampler : Just two
3. 5 motifs on Ann Grimshaw Three finished, three more started!
4. 6 motifs on Beatrix Potter Finished!!
5. Kit up Village of Hawk Run Hollow and get ready to start in September. Finished!! 8/7/07
6. Finish Sun and Moon Sampler: Looked at it!
7. 10 Hours on Houses of Hawk Run Hallow : Finished!
8. Fair and Square Swap : halfway there
9. 3 Strands A day: Tombstone Angel : Finished!

Okay...and now for September goals:

1. Finish Fair and Square Swap
2. 1 Strand a Day : Sun and Moon Sampler( Obviously a dreaded sampler...)
3. 4 Motifs on Beatrix Potter
4. 5 Motifs on Ann Grimshaw
5. Block one of Village of Hawk Run Hollow
6. Block one of Houses of Hawk Run Hollow
7. 6 Motifs on Faith, Hope and Charity Sampler
8. Finish 2 motifs on AY 1801 Sampler
9. Bind retreat quilt
10. Bind October quilt.

2007-08-25T16:27:00.001-07:00

You Would Be a Pet Dog

You're friendly, loyal, and an all around good sport. People love to be near you.
You are very open with your feelings, and you're quite vocal in expressing them.
You are sincere and kind. You love many people - without any sort of agenda.

Why you would make a great pet: You're content to chill out with your friends

Why you would make a bad pet: You always find yourself getting into trouble

What you would love about being a dog: Running around and playing

What you would hate about being a dog: Being left home alone while everyone else is out having fun

What Kind of Pet Would You Be?

A finish, a WIP and stash!

2007-08-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

TGIF!!!

2007-08-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

This has been one h*ll of a week! My full time job has resumed with great gusto...and I am hating it. I really want to retire, but am about 8 years away to collect full retirement. Since we get no retirement to speak of....49 out of 50th in the United States (Mississippi doesn't have a retirement for teachers...) I really feel I need to stick it out until the full 30 years. This week has tested that "sticking around" plan. I had one therapist quit, one spend several hours on the phone to me because she is stressed out beyond belief...and of course many, many other problems. Working in a different job would be so welcome right about now.....
Any suggestions out there??

And to keep this stitching related here is the latest progress on Ann Grimshaw. I really love this sampler. Love the fabric, love the silk , love the design.

Some pictures of progress

2007-08-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

This is my 3 strands of thread a day project. Amazing what so little can do in a week.

A bit of progress on Ann Grimshaw....

My start on the Village of Hawk Run Hollow.....

And my latest work with my buddy Beatrix Potter....

back to the grind.....

2007-08-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

As I sit here thinking about going back to work tomorrow, I do get depressed. I think that the system I work in is changing rapidly, and not for the best. I work daily to try to improve working conditions for slps, but no one beyond us seems to care. We are in the midst of a nationwide shortage, which my system has ignored so far. We have lots of openings (anyone want a job??) but no one who can do something about it cares enough to get off their duff to even advertise openings...oy!
So the rest of us and the kids just suffer in silence....interesting choice of words for a specialty for communication impairment....
Too much work to be done...not a lot of ummpph to do it.

Hibernation...

2007-08-18T16:47:00.001-07:00

If you don't hear from me in a couple of weeks, the explanation is I am hibernating. Not really, but certainly enforced by the school system I work for. I start back officially Monday (ugh!) and will be very busy for the first 2 weeks. I plan to stitch and work. THat's it for a while. I will re-emerge from the pits around Labor Day! Until then.......

Tah Dah!

2007-08-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

This is the Quaker Black Swan Sampler by Exampler Dames. Glad to get that one finished!

I am so very excited. Yesterday, I was able to purchase the Goode Huswife 1809 Quaker Sampler Chart. I have been trying to find this for about 2 years. I have bid on this on Ebay (and I believe the last one went for $100!), I have pleaded with friends to part with theirs, and bribed a friend to make a copy for me!! (Yeah, I know....but it is out of print like for three years!!! ) Well, I wasn't able to obtain one until yesterday! Now, I haven't seen it yet, nor do I have it in my hot little hands, but at least it is hopeful that I will get it!!

Stash! Again!

2007-08-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Lovely week for stash....I bought some Lakeside Linen from another stitcher off of Vikki Clayton's forum. It arrived Wednesday. Another order from Holland arrived with the Sarah Moon chart. And then yesterday, the silks for the Sarah Moon arrived. The spools are also from Vikki Clayton. I have been stitching alot this summer, and that will change with the beginning of school. Let's hope I continue to make stitching a priority. Quilting will need to occur this fall as well, cutting into the free time that I have.

What a beautiful weekend this has been. No humidity! Love it. Unfortunatly, we had planned a girl scout trip today...to the movies!! We truly anticipated the heat and humidity to be present and seeing Hairspray was the way to keep cool. At least the girls will have fun! They really haven't seen each other all summer as a group.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Ticking off the goals for August

2007-08-11T04:34:00.000-07:00

1. Complete the Black Swan Quaker Sampler : All but my name and date FINISHED: August 15, 2007
2. 5 motifs on Faith Hope and Charity Sampler : Just one
3. 5 motifs on Ann Grimshaw Two as of 8/18/07
4. 6 motifs on Beatrix Potter Finished!!
5. Kit up Village of Hawk Run Hollow and get ready to start in September. Finished!! 8/7/07
6. Finish Sun and Moon Sampler

7. 10 Hours on Houses of Hawk Run Hallow : Finished!
8. Fair and Square Swap : halfway there
9. 3 Strands A day: Tombstone Angel : working

For less than 1/2 way through the month...not bad.

Updated Picture

2007-08-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

Just a little bit of progress last night. This sure is a fun stitch, but I think I will need the motivation of posting progress pictures here, often! Sorry to bore you to tears, but the blog was originally to get/keep me motivated for stitching.

Here is my 3 a day UFO. It is a very old Barrick Samplers project done with DMC (UGH!). I put my 3 strands in today. Shouldn't take long to complete this one.

etc.

2007-08-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

A bit of progress on Beatrix Potter.

A white envelope!

An order!

A win!

Today's mail lady brought some fun for me. She brought me my order of Vikki Clayton silks, Rebecca Ackworth and a Goode Huswife chart from Ebay!!!

Another one of those silly quizzes....

2007-08-08T16:19:00.001-07:00

You Are 9% Jealous

You aren't jealous in the least, and it's a very good thing.
You are content with your own life, and you're proud of who you are.
And you are able to be truly happy when a friend has things go their way.
You're confident, capable, and full of high self esteem. Keep it up!

How Jealous Are You?

Beatrix Potter progress

2007-08-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have had fun so far stitching this sampler. Spent a few hours last night stitching while trying to stay cool.

Speaking of staying cool....is it just me or is TV news simply absurd with this heat?? I have been sitting here listening to them talking about what to do when it is hot...jeez...are people that stupid?? Do they not know when it is hot and they are thirsty that they should drink?? Or stay inside with the air? "Well, golly, I am sweating and it's hot, let's see...should I drink hot coffee??? Make toast???" It is amazing to me that the media thinks the US is so very stupid. THey are taking temperatures of the pavement...let's see....it's hot...does it really matter how hot???

Stash!!

2007-08-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

This is the order of Vikki Clayton silks I received in the mail today. This is for the Houses of Hawk Run Hollow. I have many of the silks, but need to round out my colors. I think I have most of the colors now, not that I going to have time to stitch the thing. I really love the design and wish I could spend an hour each night on just that. But alas, sleep, eating, laundry, work, all those pesky things that get in the way keep me from finding my bliss.

These are the mystery spools sent to me by Vikki. She has "bbo boo " spools that she lets you buy at very reduced prices. They are typically wonderful. She spends many hours trying to get the right "recipe" for a particular color. Right now she is working on batches of overdyed and variagated flosses. So, I reap the benefits. I see lots of quakers in my future with several of these colors. Aren't they great?

I have started my Beatrix Potter a couple of days ago. Here is the progress. (Remember I am a serial starter...)

A timewaster....enjoy!

2007-08-02T05:06:00.000-07:00

This was found at http://sewcreative.blogspot.com/2007/08/one-word.html , a blog of a stitcher that I read occaisionally.

You get to answer with one word. (oh and if you'd leave a comment that you snagged it, that would be great. I love to see where things end up.)

Where is your Cellphone? - purse

Relationship? - married

Your Hair? - brown

Work? - everyday (couldn't use "too much" as it is two words)

Your sister? - none

Your favorite thing? - samplers

Your dream last night? - none

Your favorite drink? - tea

Your dream car? - working

The room you’re in? - living

Your shoes? - Birkenstocks

Your fears? - widowed

What do you want to be in 10 years? - retired

Who did you hang out with this weekend? - husband

What are you not good at? - patience

Muffin? - blueberry

One of your wish list items? - house

Where you grew up? - Maryland

Last thing you did? - stitch

What are you wearing? - pjs

What aren’t you wearing? - bra

Your pet? - lovey

Your computer? - Apple

Your life? - tiring

Your mood? - tired

Missing? - money

What are you thinking about right now? - work

Your car? - corolla

Your kitchen? - homey

Your summer? - humid

Your favorite color? - green

Last time you laughed? - yesterday

Last time you cried? - July

School? - soon

Love? - unconditionally

Quaker Diamond Sampler

2007-08-02T04:44:00.000-07:00

A Finish!! This was done on 32 ct with DMC, which isn't my thread of choice any longer. This is a design by Hillside Samplings. I do love the design. I used DMC 310 and 422, what the pattern called for. Complications arose when I was off on the second row of one over one and the frogging began. It was difficult to motivate myself to get it finished after that.

Goals for July....progress...and August

2007-08-02T04:37:00.001-07:00

Goals for July: Progress

1. Complete the Black Swan Quaker Sampler "almost finished"
2. Complete the Goode Huswife Quaker Marriage Sampler FINISHED!!!
3. Serge linen for HoHRH and VoHRH (yes...I know I have starting stitching both of these....my machine is in the shop and I have been too lazy to get the other one out) FINISHED!!!
4. Finish Hillside Samplings Quaker Alphabet Sampler FINISHED!!!

Not bad!

And now for August goals. A little more ambitious, which may be unrealistic since it is back to school (ugh!)this month.

1. Complete the Black Swan Quaker Sampler
2. 5 motifs on Faith Hope and Charity Sampler
3. 5 motifs on Ann Grimshaw
4. 6 motifs on Beatrix Potter
5. Kit up Village of Hawk Run Hollow and get ready to start in September. Finished!! 8/7/07
6. Finish Sun and Moon Sampler

I think I can accomplish these. Wish me luck!

Ann Grimshaw progress

2007-07-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

I stitched for a couple of hours last evening on Ann Grimshaw. I absolutely LOVE stitching this...it is Vikki Clayton silks Indigo Ocean. It is a great color, that carribean blue to green with a deep tone of teal. The silk just sails through the linen too. It is a very large sampler
and I will be stitching for a while on this one. I am not so great with finishing things, so this will be a test. If I love the fibers, the linen and the design, will that keep me motivated to finish???? Stay tuned.

My fair and Square squares...

2007-07-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

These are from Deb in Florida. Aren't they great?? I FINALLY was able to take a picture of these. DD broke my camera and the other camera finally arrived yesterday!

Deb even sent me a piece of red silk to help with finishing.....THANK YOU!!!!

A finish!!

2007-07-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

This is the Goode Huswife Quaker Marriage Sampler finished on Tuesday. My camera came yesterday, so I am able to take a picture of the finish!

Another one of those silly quizes....

2007-07-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

Since the migraine has stopped me from doing anything productive at all, I leave you with one of the silly quizzy thingys. Enjoy!!

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...
You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings
Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

A gift for all your gal pals......

2007-07-26T15:47:00.001-07:00

Since most of us are in the throes of menopause, it is always nice to bestow gifts to help those just entering it. Found this on a craft website (God, some people actually god paid to come up with this!). Thought in between hot flashes, you might enjoy a laugh.

Migraine today, another menopausal delight. So no stitching, just lots of sleeping today. Tomorrow, just a migraine hangover and maybe some stitching.

One down....

2007-07-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

Finished the Quaker Marriage Sampler by Goode Huswife this morning!!! I did it on 32 ct. Linen. I don't know the color, as it has been around awhile, but it is something tea dyed. I used Inky Depths (Vikki Clayton Silks) and it really looks nice. Will post when that camera arrives.

Goals for July....

2007-07-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

I know, 24 days too late. I have always set my goals this way. Get part way through something, claim it was a goal all the while. Hey, it's worked so far.

My goals that I will insist I set July 1 for stitching are:
1. Complete the Black Swan Quaker Sampler
2. Complete the Goode Huswife Quaker Marriage Sampler FINISHED!!!
3. Serge linen for HoHRH and VoHRH (yes...I know I have starting stitching both of these....my machine is in the shop and I have been too lazy to get the other one out) FINISHED!!!
4. Finish Hillside Samplings Quaker Alphabet Sampler FINISHED!!!
There....I have 7 more days to get them finished. I have all day Friday to myself. It could happen!!!

No pictures "D"D dropped the camera. Ordered another. Hope it works out. I just figured the other one out, kinda. I am pretty much an idiot with certain electronic things, cameras being one. Any and all suggestions would be welcome. Really.

Must go finish watching "House". He is such a dispicable human being, you gotta love him.

Blah...humbug...

2007-07-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

Not much news to report on any front. I have a bad summer cold and feel rotten. Have been stitching halfheartedly, but nothing major to report. When I feel sick, I seem to surf the net a lot...I don't know if the passivity of it all is theuraputic or not, but a lot of my friends do the same. Surf, surf, surf...all mindless stuff. Like you are reading now I guess!!

Stash shopping....oh yes. Did some more. Bought the Villages of Hawk Run Hollow and the linen to start with a SAL on Hand Dyed Fibers. I have to save my pennies to afford the silk. Still working on the Houses...I won't even tell you that I am only on house 1, except that I gridded the whole thing first. Someone will dig all my unfinished samplers out of a box after I am dead and gone and declare me crazy. I plead busy!

Off to read some on Middlesex before I slumber. Taking an Advil PM to snooze tonight to get a good night's sleep!

Karen

A little more quaker progress...

2007-07-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth of 22 motifs in this sampler. I really am enjoying this tremendously. The motifs are quick and all different colors, so those of you who bore easily (me!) can get through one motif without calling it quits!

Got a huge bunch of stash today. Will get the camera out as soon as I can wrestle it from DD #2. I got an order from Needlelove in Singapore and an order from Wyndam Needleworks. Great day. Wish I had time to stitch all the things I have bought over the years.

A little vacation progress.....

2007-07-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

This is the third motif for the Faith Hope and Charity sampler. I am in a stitch a long and we are doing one motif a week. Since I had time, I am actually ahead(!). I am usually the one that can't finish anything and is always behind, so fear not, this won't last. I am almost finished the fourth one as well, so look for that one in the uncoming hours....

Had a great vacation...

Off to Old Cape Cod

2007-07-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

Hope to be checking in while away! Enjoy the pictures!

Tah Dah!

2007-07-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

I am the world's worst photographer, but this is completed. TAH DAH!

2007-07-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

More stash arriving yesterday.....if you can't stitch...buy stash!

Mail call yesterday

2007-06-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

This is a haul from the mail lady yesterday. They are all vikki clayton hand-dyed silks. You can check her out at her web site, hand-dyedfibers.com Her silks are wonderful.

Enjoy!
Karen

Almost completed.....

2007-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

I just need a final push....somebody...shove me!

More progress...

2007-06-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

More progress on my Faith Hope and Charity sampler. Having no TV, kids, internet or phone does make one more productive!!

Thanks for all the lovely compliments on my stitching. Thanks for stopping by and helping to motivate me.

Karen

Serial starter hits again.....

2007-06-23T18:17:00.000-07:00

Why oh why does it feel so good to start something new?? It must be a deep psychological issue for sure.

Thanks to everyone visiting and leaving comments. I appreciate it!

Karen

Off for a couple of days to a little cabin in the woods for peace and solitude. Can you say no TV??

Some finished samplers....

2007-06-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Here are two walls in my home. The first is in my great room. THe second is in my dining room. I have completed all the ones on the great room wall, but there are four in the dining room that are family samplers/needlework that were inherited. You can probably pick them out. They are mainly samplers from the 30's and one is dated 1940( probably inherited that procrastination gene from her.....:- )

Enjoy..
Karen

Some more progress....

2007-06-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

This is the latest progress on my BB Alpha. Sampler. Hopefully I will finish this within the next couple of days.

Another start....

A full week of busy........

2007-06-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been almost a week since I have been here. Last week of school and of course I have been busy, so busy I feel drained. Work takes 125% of you on a good day, so naturally my tank is empty. I plan to relax tomorrow and try to refill my personal tank.

Here is another quizzy thing. I love these stupid things...

You Are a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

You life your life in a free form, artistic style.
You are incredibly creative and at times, quite messy.
Deep down, you are a kid at heart. And you aren't afraid to express it.

Your best friend: The Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Your mortal enemy: The Club Sandwich

What Kind of Sandwich Are You?

2 more baby steps...

2007-06-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Another hour of work...

Great progress considering...

2007-06-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

all I have to do this week and next. Last week of school...four reports to write tomorrow, several IEps,etc...I can't wait until the year is OVER!

off to bed....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Some Progress......and Faith Hope and Charity

2007-06-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have no affilitation with this other than to let others know of this charitable sale. It was announced on another board to which I belong. Enjoy !!

"Martina Dey of Wiehenburg Samplers has graciously designed a quaker sampler for my EGA group, Bay Area Renaissance Stitchers, to be used as a community outreach project for our chapter. She was gracious to donate the chart as was Vikki who donated the silks for the model to be stitched as well as a silk pack to be given as a gift when the chart debuted at the South Central Region's EGA seminar last evening. This project has been weeks in the making and we are really proud of it. The model was stitched on 30ct. Legacy coconut macaroon with Vikki's premium silks. The stitch count is 250w x 250h. The price of the chart is $10 (pdf. file) or $12 if mailed. To purchase the chart, please contact BARSofTEXAS@AOL.com Please send your ordering information to the email addy provided before sending your money. We are receiving payments for charts and don't know where to send them.Thanks!!!!

Here is a photo of the stitched model which was personalized by our model stitcher. "

A bit of Saturday evening progress with my new start! Oh why does it feel so good to start something and then feel so tedious about 10 hours into it??

Yesterday's start...

2007-06-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is an ancient chart from Blackbird Designs called Alphabet Sampler. I have had it kitted for years(!) and wanted to start something new. I obviously have ADHD.

Finally...my camera is working...

2007-06-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

This is the progress so far on the quaker diamond sampler. Now the alphabet is 1 over 1 so progress will slow....

This is my progress on the Scarlett Letter Sun and Moon Sampler. Somebody yell at me to finish the darn thing!! I have very little left to do.

Here is my copy of the Newburyport Sampler. It is my favorite project I have ever completed.

Stitching question of the week...

2007-06-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

This week’s SBQ was suggested by Ish and is:
What has been your most challenging project and why?

I believe it has been the Margaret Gibson Sampler from Scarlett Letter. The stitching is just cross stitch, and 1 over 1, but it is long and repetitive. Not the most stimulating project which is why I haven't finished it after 6 long years of (not) working on it.

That is the condition of mine.....so sad.

Newburyport Sampler

2007-06-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

This one isn't mine, it is a stock photo. I will post mine when I get the cd back from Walmart.
I won the Best in Show at the York (PA) State Fair. I won $25 plus a really nice Pewterex plate.

Nothing new to show...still working on too many WIPs.

A quilt finish!

2007-06-01T15:49:00.001-07:00

This is a small lap quilt I made for my BIL and SIL last year. They were primarily responsible for my MIL's care in her last 2 years as a Alzheimer's patient in a nursing home outside Pittsburgh. We were 5 hours away and coudln't participate in her care as much as we would have liked. Just a thank you, as MeMaw's favorites were gardening and baskets!

Bad, Bad Binge

2007-06-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

That was one of the charts I bought this morning......

And another...

And another....

Help me! I can't stop it!

What I am working on this week...

2007-05-30T03:45:00.000-07:00

This is a stock picture of what I am working on this week. It is the AY 1801 sampler by Historic Stitches. I still haven't solved my camera issue, as you can see, but I will tell you the three motifs on the left side are completed now. That is big progress for this time of year.

I have worked on getting my pattern and fabric ready for a swap I am involved in. We get the names this week, so I will know exactly who I am stitching for. Since many of the people have posted likes and dislikes, I will pick colors and maybe even switch patterns based on that. Can't wait to start!

Have a great day. It is supposed to be beautiful here again today. Tomorrow the humidity will return...ugh.

Three day weekend.....

2007-05-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

You Are 74% Burned Out

You are very burned out.
You need a huge break from your responsibilities, starting as soon as possible.
And you need this time to reevaluate what you really want out of your life.
Because you're working hard and going no where... and that would burn anyone out!

Are You Burned Out?

Update on ....

2007-05-23T13:28:00.001-07:00

Not much stitching this week. Those of you who work in schools understand this time of year. You work like a dog and you drop when you get home. So, the stitching has taken a back seat. I plan to stitch for an hour this evening, so maybe tomorrrow I will report some progress on something!

Wish me luck.

Another (small) finish!

2007-05-20T16:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend I have been stitching away, just not on what I should be stitching to finish! I did hem most of my linen with the sewing machine and did some kitting of projects, but overall, little progress on those huge WIPs. I did, however, finish another of the freebie Quaker tree from workbasket. This is not mine just the finished one their website. Mine is completed in GAST Blueberry. It turned out very nice. Now, I need to concentrate on what in the world I will do with them. I would love to make these stand ups, but it looks complicated, with the balance and all. Any suggestions out there? I would love some advice.

I joined the Fair and Square swap and I also got my fabric and tentative pattern and threads together. We haven't exchanged names yet, but I have my ideas. So far, every who posted will likely be pleased with this pattern. I can't tell much more than that or it will give it away. I am looking forward to it, but I do worry that someone won't like what I stitched.

Back to work tomorrow. Ugh. I really need another job. I am really starting to dread it. It just simply wears me out. I don't know how long I can keep up the pace. Friday night, I went to bed at 7:00 and woke up at 6:00. Tell me I wasn't tired out from the long week. I napped for a hour later as well. Then I slept all night last night. That isn't normal and really does cut into my off work hours. I can't get work around the house completed because of it. I guess I should quit whining and be thankful I have a job.

Off to do another load of laundry and get my things together to watch the sopranos. Wonder who gets whacked tonight.....

Pooches....

2007-05-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Not pouches..pooches. Since I still don't have my cord for my camera, I am posting pictures of my dog children. They are absolutely the best dogs.
Here is Emma, our goldendoodle (yes...daddy was a black poodle....) She is the smartest dog we have ever had, but our last dog was a bassett, so maybe my thinking is skewed. She seemed so very lonely and really craved canine company so we went and found a homeless guy who needed somebody to love him.

And here is her beloved brother Otis, who still is driving us nuts with the potty training. He is a rescue and my DH swears this is the reason he was found at the side of the road! This picture is actually where he was clean! He seems to always look ratty and dirty. We think he is part poodle and maybe lhasa apsa. He has an extreme underbite and it really takes him much longer to eat because of it. Whoever thought a whitish dog was a good idea(me!) was nuts! He is forever filthy around his mouth. He is so low to the ground I have had to shave his tummy and legs short so not to collect burrs. I will say that he is spunky and very fun. We do enjoy them together.

So to make this about stitching, I have joined a swap, which I am certain to enjoy. Lots of nice women who all enjoying stitching. I will keep you posted on my progress there too.

I did have a finish today. The Quaker Tree, the third. It is a free pattern and stitched up quickly. I don't know what I will do with it yet.

Have a great Friday and beyond.

100 things to do in 1001 days....progress

2007-05-13T17:13:00.000-07:00

I guess I really am making some progress on this list. Join me in finishing some of those pesky projects.

Finish Margaret Gibson
Finish Sun and Moon Sampler(Working)
Finish Gettysburg sampler
Finish Child's sampler
Finish name tag FINISHED 3/08
Hem linen pieces. (FINISHED)
Finish scissor fob( FINISHED!)
Finish quaker sampler(Working)
Gather items for quaker sampler (blue/white) (FINISHED!)
Make scissors fob(house)
Stop buying items
Work on quaker needlecase(Working)
make scissor fob (grapes)
Finish West Chester sampler
Finish Forest Sampler (working)
Finish Blackwork Bellpull
Finish York Sampler
Finish Betsy Burrows
Finish Angel Sampler FINISHED 3/08
Finish Forest Folk Art Sampler (Working)
Finish top for shaker box.
Finish AY 1810 Sampler (Working)
Finish Old and the New Sampler
Lose 50 pounds
Stop eating junk during the week.
Exercise at least 2 times a week for a month.
Reduce cholestoral level. (Working) 5/08 137!
Limit computer use at home to one hour daily.
Work on hair. (Working)
Take better care of my skin. (Working)
Finish spools top
Finish Brown and Pink Churn dash (Chocolate Covered Cherries)
Bind Spring retreat quilt
Bind Fall retreat quilt
Bind green quilt (Nightmare on Leprachaun Street)
Bind red and yellow quilt (Colonial Weed)
Bind dark green quilt
Bind scrap quilt
Finish Dad's quilt
Get back for 2007 retreat quilt
Finish 2005 QOL mystery quilt
Finish Hawaiian applique pillow top.
Finish Autumn Nine patch
Finish spring top
finish blue top
Finish 30's reproduction top.
Finish Christmas Lemoyne Star quilt.(Working)
Finish library painting (Working)
paint kitchen trim
paint kitchen cabinets
paint windows in front
paint windows in back
Paint trim in Bathroom
Paint trim in downstairs BR
Stencil in library(wall)
paint windows on porch
paint porch floor
paint porch sides
porch sides
get rock for lane 6/08
stain deck
stain picnic table
replace screen porch
Work on living room floor
work on floor cloth for den
work on kitchen floor
stencil library floor
De-Stress by leaving 2 days open each month for office work(Working)
Do Taxes each month for business
Do Paperwork monthly for clients
Obtain business cards. (FINISHED!)
Send business cards to SLPs and MDs for referral.
Send business cards to Highlands School.
Finish Proper Stitch Sampler
Finish Route 100 Sampler
Finish Scarlet letter Bellpull
Finish Quaker Diamond Sampler FINISHED 8/08
Finish Elizabeth's Garden Sampler
Quaker Star Sampler(Working)
Lose 25 more lbs.
Paint living room
Stencil Kitchen
Bathroom: Wallpaper
Bathroom: Paint
Quaker Autumn Tree (FINISHED!)
Quaker The Third(FINISHED)
Quaker tree (FINISHED)
Obtain Camera Cord to post pix

more to come.....

Happy Momma's Day!

2007-05-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful spring day! I know most would disagree, saying it's too cold, too windy..but not me! I love chilly and breezy, since I am in the middle of hot flashes and personal summers. If fact, this morning, I was asked to close the french doors to the deck, since everyone else was shivering. Since it was mother's day, I admit I did hesitate, but reluctantly thought of the rest of the crew here. Almost perfect!

The dogs gave me a begonia, stating in their card, they would be happy to dig the hole and water it for me. Ha! No oppositional thumbs preclude them from planting it however. My youngest daughter brought home from school a gorgeous daisy arrangement; she is taking floral design and is interested in horticultural studies. It is something I swear, I would pay for easily. She really did a nice job. Oldest daughter called; wished me well and apologized for no gift (she's 23) . She is a music teacher who may not have a job next year and said when she finds out that she does have a job, she will send me flowers! Yea....no job because of a reduction in force, and since she is not tenured yet, she may get whacked. The other music teacher is HORRIBLE, but tenured. Something wrong with this system, but I digress. DH went and got crab cakes for this evening. Yum. Great day!

Stitching...slow at best. I did finish the stitching on a free workbasket quaker autumn tree.
Mine is done with GAST Blueberry, and still on a big piece of linen! I really need to figure out what I want to do with it before I get scissor happy and cut too small.

I worked a bit on my folklore forest last night, but the hot flashes with the humidity were fierce, so I didn't last long. Tonight, as I watch the Sopranos, I will work on it. It really only has a couple of hours and it will be finished. What is it about a project that those last hours are not very enjoyable?? Anyone else have this problem? I love to start but that glow retreats about 5 hours into the project! I guess I have ADD!
Off to work on the second quaker tree that goes with this one. These are so quick even I don't get bored with them!

Hope everyone has a great Momma's day!

Busy week

2007-05-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

This week has been quite busy, so no stitching, quilting or anything fun. It has however been productive. In February, I signed up for the second "leg" of required course for certification for P.R.O.M.P.T., which is a specialized, dynamic type of speech therapy. The third part will be a 4 month project requiring video taping and extreme scrutiny from master clinicians. For three days we discussed jaw stability, lip rounding and the like. It is a wonderful type of therapy and I really believe in it efficacy. I just don't see that many children any more since I became a supervisor. This means I have less time to practice and what is needed is practice. Perhaps I need to advertise for clients for the summer so I can pick up a few more for practice.

My friend, Karen, who lost her husband last Monday had also signed up. Imagine my surprise when she actually attended. I cannot fathom personally sitting in the class for three days as I grieved my husband. She is, in her words, very pragmatic and went ahead and attended. PROMPT is one of those things is that is so different from what you have learned before and really requires a paradigm shift in thinking, so attending while you are thinking straight is challenging. Coming home from the all day classes means that you are essentially brain dead and can't do much else. Karen attended and even seemed to process the information. Hats off to her for her resolve and strength. Please continue to keep her in your prayers, as she has many hurdles to overcome.

Now, back to reality and the job. Too many things to do. A therapist with chronic bipolar issues is once again absent. This means that in my position I find a sub to come in and do her job. Since there is a national crisis and extreme shortage of speech pathologists, this is never possible. I usually end up spending 3 days a week doing her job and trying to keep things afloat. This is absolutely crazy as my job is far more than full time as it is. I have several children to assess this month and since I am the PROMPT trained speech pathologist, I must do the assessment. This morning, all I really want to do, is pull the covers over my head and go back to sleep. The last 2 times I had to do this, my health really suffered and I developed eczema. And of course, all this for all the same money! Only 3 more years and I can retire early! Then it is private practice for me.

New York, New York

2007-05-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Our anniversary was lovely yesterday. We went to NYC for the day and decided that since the weather was so wonderful, we woudn't see a show. Typically we will buy TKTS 1/2 price tickets and then so one destination within the city until the show starts. Yesterday we got on the subway, went to Ground Zero and walked the entire way back to 52 street where we met the bus.

It was a great day. We started the day by winning $50 on a scratch off lottery ticket, which was just plain fun. Typically, we buy scratch offs on New Year's Eve and our anniversary. We won $25 on New Year's and $50 on the anniversary. Great year!

Lunch in Soho, on the street with a Margarita and a salad. I could have stayed there all day, personally. Watched lots of people and simply enjoyed doing nothing! Walked and shopped along canal street, little Italy and up to Greenwich Village. An "Impeach Bush and Cheney " parade was going on and was really quite entertaining. There was a group that was advocating the medicinal use of marijuana, but I didn't see too many people who looked like cancer patients. (wink wink) More like Jerry Garcia than grandma. Entertaining anyway. The flowers and trees in GV were so wonderful.

As the hike continued, we out of shape older folks decided to stop and rest at the dog park near the Flatiron Building. We played with several pooches, as ours were at home with DD. It was a great time, throwing balls to pooches we don't even know.

Ice cream at BR and a little shopping at Macy's, but no stash shopping all day! The City Quilter in Chelsea called my name earlier in the day, but didn't seem so important after just bumming around and doing nothing.

But the best of all, DH and I ended up in the diamond district and guess who bought me a new sapphire and diamond ring! Unbelievable! It is a band (white gold) with 5 diamonds and 5 sapphires. It is beautiful. What a keeper he is!

We were exhausted when we finally hit Friday's for a little nosh before heading home on the bus. Didn't stitch a bit all day but didn't miss it one bit.
Yesterday was good for the soul.

Oh, and since this is a blog to help me get motivated to finish some things, I will work on my quaker sampler tonight during the Sopranos.....so who will be whacked tonight?? Paulie, or is he off the hook??

TTYL

Ramblings..

2007-05-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks Vonna, for your prayers. She will need all the help she can get.

Another crazy day at work. The job just is too much. I am too old. I am too disinterested. Something isn't right, but I still do it. Need to update the resume. Add that to the 101 things to do list.

I just subscribed to the online stitching magazine, The Gift of Stitching. I need some new project ideas (!) Actually the cover of this month's issue caught me, a set of Quaker seasonal samplers.
Aren't they nice? I have no idea if I will be able to stitch them or not, but the lure of the stash was real.

Tonight, DD is coming home to crash for a night, before she goes to meet up with college buddies for a Cinco de Mayo party tomorrow. Get ready, the house will look like a hurricane was here before she gets out of town! Love her, but love her better when she isn't living here! She lives at the beach, but still comes home once in a while, I swear just to aggrevate me. At least she doesn't bring her laundry anymore. She teaches music to middle school kids, but has heard she might get laid off next year. The arts are always the first to go. Just like in Mr. Holland's Opus, pretty soon there won't be anything to read or write about!

Tomorrow, DH and I go to NYC for the day. It is our 18th anniversary. We thought we might try for a show, but because the weather is going to be so nice, we are just going to chill for the day. I think we might start in Tribeca and Greenwich Village and see what we can get into. Hopefully there will be a street fair or something. We love those things. Hopefully I will run into something " textileish". Doesn't it sound like a great day to sit outside a restaurant watching everyone pass by on the street with a Margerita in hand?? Almost as good as stash shopping!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Progress

2007-05-03T23:58:00.000-07:00

I was able to work about 2 hours on my Folklore Forest Wednesday night. I would say around 10 more hours should do it. Unfortunately I got one stitch off on one motif (where it matters!) so I will have a few minutes of reverse stitching too!
Last night I went to the service for my friend's husband. Ironic that every picture they had of him, he was smiling and appearing quite happy. You really don't know what drives a person into that dark place of no return. As he was only 37, the turnout was incredible. Now the real work begins for her; taking care of three young boys by herself and getting on with life. What a sad state he must have been in to take his own life.
No pictures. On the shopping list is purchasing a new cord for the camera, so I can post some of my progress. Don't know where it is, but that is a sure way of finding it. Our "computer library" is being painted and so the scanner isn't hooked up. DH is painting and fixing up the room so it can be his "study". Yea...a flat screen TV with all the bells and whistles.....study isn't exactly the word I would use! I will be making a floorcloth for the room when it becomes a little closer to the finishing stages. And yet another project.

Since it is 3 am, I think I am finally sleepy again. Back to bed...nite!

May Goals

2007-05-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Okay, things are out of hand. I must focus.

1. Finish the darn Sun and Moon Sampler
2. Work 25 hours on Margaret Gibson
3. Finish Folklore Forest.

I have been distracted by the lure of the silkenfuturestitch. It must not get in the way of my goals. Wish me luck....

House night!

2007-05-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

House, MD on tonight! Spoilers at this address : http://realityinsiders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30375

for the rest of the season. Hector the dog, who is apparently the canine version of House, joins House tonight, which ought to give the Dog Whisperer a stroke.

Off to find something to stitch.....

Sad day

2007-04-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

A co-worker's husband killed himself this morning. I am so stunned and so sad. He was 36 years old and left his wife and three young boys. I simply don't understand what can be so bad you leave your loved ones in such a fix. It just doesn't make a bit of sense.

In the non-important side to life, I received some sampler threads and a chart by barrick samplers, a Quaker Alphabet Sampler. I do love it, even though it is an older one. Off to work on something, although my heart isn't in it tonight.

Please pray for my friend Karen. She needs strength to get her through these next months.

Quilting retreat letdown....

2007-04-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

The weekend away from reality was wonderfully therapeutic. The quilting retreat is held in a remote church camp near the Susquehanna River, in PA, Camp Donegal. The birds in the morning wake you up and you can certainly find some alone time, should you need it. All the food is prepared for you and all you need to do, is show up and sew. It was wonderful! A wonderful headache attempted to grab some of the fun away from me on Saturday, but I was still able to sew all day and finish my quilt top by Sunday am. I did more un-sewing than I care to think about, blaming it totally on the headache. But, a finish was accomplished and I feel really great about the quilt. It is very nice. Once again, if I ever find my camera cord, I will be able to post the picture(DD used it last....sigh...) I came home fairly exhausted, as the beds there are constructed bunk beds with a 2 " mattress. And sleep was available, however uncomfortable. I took a bit of a nap on my wonderful mattress when I came home and unpacked. Dirty clothes in washer...I guess it is back to reality.

I did get about 1 hour of stitching in, taking a break from the sewing machine. I worked a bit on Ellen Chester's Quaker Schoolgirl's Needle Necessities. It is starting to take shape. I find that if I work in day light, the stitching is so much easier. Certainly wish I had my 30 year old eyes again.

I have the right side completed of the large case up to the bird. It is really lovely. I want to complete this whole set by October, so I can take it to the next quilting retreat. Quilters look at this stitching thing as fascinating, I discovered. As patient and skilled as quilters are, the finesse of the work of counted thread work somehow eludes them. Interesting...I could no more applique than do a triathlon. I guess that makes me a stitcher first.

Those of you who stitch and quilt......how do you define yourself, a stitcher first, or a quilter?? And why?