For those of you who follow both my blogs, please excuse me but I will have the same message on both blogs.
Most of you know I am working on a project for American Cancer Society. We are stitching Christmas ornaments for a tree that will be raffled off and the money given to American Cancer Society.
My friend Mary and I were talking last night. I have been focused on getting enough ornaments for the tree. But I forgot one very important part of the tree: THE TOPPER!
I am thinking an angel would look great on top.
So here is my question to you: Do you know of a pattern for an angel to go on the top of the tree? Do you have any ideas on how I can make one? I would hate to have a store bought angel on top of this beautifully hand stitched decorated tree.
Any suggestions would be welcome! You can leave me a msg. here or an e-mail at dwooleybooger@yahoo.com
So put your thinking caps on and help me! Thanks.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
No Easter Eggs, but lots of flowers
I want to wish each of you a Happy Easter. My grandkids are not here, so I have no Easter eggs or baskets to show. But I do have lots of flowers.
First, can anyone tell me what this flower is? The past several weeks I have noticed what I thought was a weed taking over our arboretum. It looked like a weed. Then this week these beautiful red flowers popped out of them. They are gorgeous!
I love spring and this spring has proven to be one of the most beautiful. Even the cacti are blooming!
Now I have a confession to make. My dad loved flowers. We have many, many videos of flowers from him. And even when we went to Disney World, we didn't have video of Mickey or Goofy. Nope. We had video of all the beautiful flowers there. I didn't understand it at the time.
But now, I see a little of my dad peeking through. I have come to LOVE flowers. And I LOVE taking pictures of them and boring people with my pictures of flowers.
I even had my DH out in the rain today, picking out a beautiful pink rosebush for me for our yard. He loves me and he loves gardening. I just love looking at the garden and telling him where things should go.
Speaking of rosebushes, here are some red and pink roses I saw at the arboretum today:
Here is a pink rose, very full:
And a pink bud:
And now, how about a full pink rose and a bud, together!
I just love spring! And Easter is the best part of spring!
Now later, when I post about my allergies, remind me of all of these flowers! Achoo!
Have a happy, hoppy Easter!
First, can anyone tell me what this flower is? The past several weeks I have noticed what I thought was a weed taking over our arboretum. It looked like a weed. Then this week these beautiful red flowers popped out of them. They are gorgeous!
I love spring and this spring has proven to be one of the most beautiful. Even the cacti are blooming!
Now I have a confession to make. My dad loved flowers. We have many, many videos of flowers from him. And even when we went to Disney World, we didn't have video of Mickey or Goofy. Nope. We had video of all the beautiful flowers there. I didn't understand it at the time.
But now, I see a little of my dad peeking through. I have come to LOVE flowers. And I LOVE taking pictures of them and boring people with my pictures of flowers.
I even had my DH out in the rain today, picking out a beautiful pink rosebush for me for our yard. He loves me and he loves gardening. I just love looking at the garden and telling him where things should go.
Speaking of rosebushes, here are some red and pink roses I saw at the arboretum today:
Here is a pink rose, very full:
And a pink bud:
And now, how about a full pink rose and a bud, together!
I just love spring! And Easter is the best part of spring!
Now later, when I post about my allergies, remind me of all of these flowers! Achoo!
Have a happy, hoppy Easter!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Panic attack/hissy fit over
Ok, I am in a better frame of mind today. I think part of the reason I was so frustrated is that I am so freakin' (excuse my language) tired.
My iron level is still really low and all I want to do is sleep. And I am sleeping well at night. But after working all day or even yesterday doing 5 loads of laundry just exhausts me.
James and I have been eating much better and trying to take better care of ourselves. We are eliminating "white" foods, white potatoes, white pasta, white rice. We have switched to brown rice and sweet potatoes when we have them. We have wheat pasta and even wheat, low fat biscuits when I make breakfast on Sunday morning. We have added oats to our diet, oatmeal for breakfast and adding oats in things like turkey meatloaf (made with white meat turkey). While I am not a big bread eater, James eats sandwiches while he is on the road. They are just more convenient to carry when he goes out. He has switched to a 35 calorie bread. I am proud of him.
We have started growing our own vegetables. So far, the lettuce, tarragon, mint (oh my do we have mint), sage and parsley are the only thing that we have been able to harvest. So we supplement with plenty of fresh veggies to make salads with.
I know it is going to take a long time to turn us around, but it is time. I have two grandsons that love me as well as a daughter and son in law that love me also. And I have a mom that is dependent upon me to take care of her. Not to mention, my husband is my life & my love and he needs me.
But mostly I have gotten to a point with my health that I HAVE to take better care of me. My health issues are such that I have to eat better and exercise more to feel better. It won't make me well, but it will make me feel better.
I want to thank all those who left me messages. It is strange. Having people I consider to be friends that I have never met. When I was a teenager I had a pen pal in another state. I never met this person, but for two years we were extremely close (then we found BOYS and drifted apart). Having friends online is like having many, many pen pals! I delight in reading everyone's blogs and messages on my Yahoo groups. I love and applaud for you when things are going well or you finish a piece of needlework! And I have cried many many tears for those of you who have lost friends and families or who have been hurt by others. You are my friends away from home. Thank you for reading this blog and thank you for being here for me.
My iron level is still really low and all I want to do is sleep. And I am sleeping well at night. But after working all day or even yesterday doing 5 loads of laundry just exhausts me.
James and I have been eating much better and trying to take better care of ourselves. We are eliminating "white" foods, white potatoes, white pasta, white rice. We have switched to brown rice and sweet potatoes when we have them. We have wheat pasta and even wheat, low fat biscuits when I make breakfast on Sunday morning. We have added oats to our diet, oatmeal for breakfast and adding oats in things like turkey meatloaf (made with white meat turkey). While I am not a big bread eater, James eats sandwiches while he is on the road. They are just more convenient to carry when he goes out. He has switched to a 35 calorie bread. I am proud of him.
We have started growing our own vegetables. So far, the lettuce, tarragon, mint (oh my do we have mint), sage and parsley are the only thing that we have been able to harvest. So we supplement with plenty of fresh veggies to make salads with.
I know it is going to take a long time to turn us around, but it is time. I have two grandsons that love me as well as a daughter and son in law that love me also. And I have a mom that is dependent upon me to take care of her. Not to mention, my husband is my life & my love and he needs me.
But mostly I have gotten to a point with my health that I HAVE to take better care of me. My health issues are such that I have to eat better and exercise more to feel better. It won't make me well, but it will make me feel better.
I want to thank all those who left me messages. It is strange. Having people I consider to be friends that I have never met. When I was a teenager I had a pen pal in another state. I never met this person, but for two years we were extremely close (then we found BOYS and drifted apart). Having friends online is like having many, many pen pals! I delight in reading everyone's blogs and messages on my Yahoo groups. I love and applaud for you when things are going well or you finish a piece of needlework! And I have cried many many tears for those of you who have lost friends and families or who have been hurt by others. You are my friends away from home. Thank you for reading this blog and thank you for being here for me.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Allow me to vent
Lately all of my stitching or at least the biggest portion of it has been to support my Stitching for a Cure project (if you don't know what this is, please check out my other blog, http://stitchingforacure.blogspot.com)
It seems to have taken over my life to a certain extent. I am passionate about this project, but I do spend a great deal of time worrying that I either won't have enough ornaments to make the tree "sellable" or we won't be able to sell enough tickets for the tree to get what I want to get for the American Cancer Society.
The latter of the two I haven't spent quite so much time obsessing over as I have the first one.
We have a little over 29 weeks (nearly 30 weeks) before this project has to be done. My goal is 200 ornaments. Right now we have 30. If I stitch an ornament a week, that will give us 60. But that is 140 ornaments short of the goal.
I realize that November is still a long way away (29 week, 6 days, 1 hour and 45 minutes) and I also realize I have many people who have promised ornaments and who are working on the ornaments.
But it is truly keeping me up at night. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Is this just a pipe dream of mine? Am I asking too much of my friends, many of whom I have never met in person or even spoken to on the phone?
Am I driving my friends here and everywhere crazy with this obsession? Everyone at work knows about the project and sees every ornament I make. I am using every PR resource I have to help sell this tree.
I will keep on stitching and if we have to do a smaller tree and bring in less money than I hoped for, I will have to live with that.
But I really hope and pray we can pull this off.
I started this project because I wanted to make a difference. God gave me a talent, the talent of stitching. I would like to use that talent to help people. It is a one year commitment. I started in November 2008 and by the end of November 2009, it will be over.
Everyday, I hear about or see or meet someone with cancer. And I get so frustrated. I feel, even though I work in a field where we help cancer patients everyday, so helpless to be able to make a REAL difference. Last year at Relay For Life, I made myself a promise. The promise was that in 2009 this would be my year that I would stand up and try to help.
I guess I need to just stay focused on what I am doing and let everything fall into place. I do know that God's hand is upon this project. I need to let him guide me through it.
Thanks for listening. Thanks for being my friend.
Donna
It seems to have taken over my life to a certain extent. I am passionate about this project, but I do spend a great deal of time worrying that I either won't have enough ornaments to make the tree "sellable" or we won't be able to sell enough tickets for the tree to get what I want to get for the American Cancer Society.
The latter of the two I haven't spent quite so much time obsessing over as I have the first one.
We have a little over 29 weeks (nearly 30 weeks) before this project has to be done. My goal is 200 ornaments. Right now we have 30. If I stitch an ornament a week, that will give us 60. But that is 140 ornaments short of the goal.
I realize that November is still a long way away (29 week, 6 days, 1 hour and 45 minutes) and I also realize I have many people who have promised ornaments and who are working on the ornaments.
But it is truly keeping me up at night. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? Is this just a pipe dream of mine? Am I asking too much of my friends, many of whom I have never met in person or even spoken to on the phone?
Am I driving my friends here and everywhere crazy with this obsession? Everyone at work knows about the project and sees every ornament I make. I am using every PR resource I have to help sell this tree.
I will keep on stitching and if we have to do a smaller tree and bring in less money than I hoped for, I will have to live with that.
But I really hope and pray we can pull this off.
I started this project because I wanted to make a difference. God gave me a talent, the talent of stitching. I would like to use that talent to help people. It is a one year commitment. I started in November 2008 and by the end of November 2009, it will be over.
Everyday, I hear about or see or meet someone with cancer. And I get so frustrated. I feel, even though I work in a field where we help cancer patients everyday, so helpless to be able to make a REAL difference. Last year at Relay For Life, I made myself a promise. The promise was that in 2009 this would be my year that I would stand up and try to help.
I guess I need to just stay focused on what I am doing and let everything fall into place. I do know that God's hand is upon this project. I need to let him guide me through it.
Thanks for listening. Thanks for being my friend.
Donna
Sunday, March 29, 2009
My weekend
Well, I didn't get much stitching done this weekend. I had a brief trip to the ER this week and had to stay off my feet some this weekend.
Our donor center is doing a promotion for the next two weeks called "What's in your egg?". Every donor can chose an egg and see what is in it. Chi-Fil-A generously donated coupons for free food (sandwiches, breakfast stuff, nuggets, kid's meals). And we have some movie passes and Baylor Baseball tickets.
My job was to stuff the eggs for the promotion. Here is what a basket of eggs look like:
Here is what 240 eggs look like:
Some of the eggs have "popped" open to reveal the coupons. The clerical assistant at the donor center will have to tape them closed.
I don't ever want to see another plastic Easter egg again. Until next year.
Our donor center is doing a promotion for the next two weeks called "What's in your egg?". Every donor can chose an egg and see what is in it. Chi-Fil-A generously donated coupons for free food (sandwiches, breakfast stuff, nuggets, kid's meals). And we have some movie passes and Baylor Baseball tickets.
My job was to stuff the eggs for the promotion. Here is what a basket of eggs look like:
Here is what 240 eggs look like:
Some of the eggs have "popped" open to reveal the coupons. The clerical assistant at the donor center will have to tape them closed.
I don't ever want to see another plastic Easter egg again. Until next year.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Finally some stitching
Well, my vacation is over. And I have a cold or severe allergies to prove it. This inside girl spent most of the week outside in the most pollenated time of the year. Enjoying all those lilacs, bluebonnets, red bud trees, etc. has made me have a cough and lose my voice (my husband is delighted at the latter).
But I did do some stitching while I was on vacation. Actually a lot of stitching. I finished my Big Girl Panties by Lizzie Kate. Here is a pic:
Don't you love my cha-cha trim?
I have spent most of my time stitching ornaments for my Stitching For A Cure project. I have done more stitching since starting this project than I have done in years. But I was at the point of either burning out or becoming so obsessed with the project that by the time November came I wouldn't care if the tree sold or not.
So I decided to take time out and stitch something I really wanted to stitch. This pattern I fought over on E-Bay to get because I didn't get it before it sold out. And I couldn't wait to start it when I got it. But I got misdirected and had slacked off on it. It feels really good to have it finished.
Now I have a confession to make. Mary, get ready to get the cattle prod out. I have decided to let one of my EGA members finish the biscornu for me. I have stitched most of the top of it and she will stitch the bottom part and put it together.
Before you cast judgement on me, let me explain. I know I can do this. I have the skills to do it. But I simply don't want to. It was taking all the joy out of stitching for me. I don't know why. I suspect it is because I "had to" do it for the class and Lord knows I hate to "have to" do anything. NO ONE forced me into the project. I did it to myself.
I had gotten to the point that I would do anything rather than stitch on the biscornu. So my friend Lenna stepped in and took the project and will do a fine job for me.
Don't be surprised though if you see a biscornu in the near future on this blog or my Stitching For A Cure blog that has been stitched by me. I think once I take the pressure off of myself, I will probably do one for the fun of it.
Ok Mary, I am ready...
But I did do some stitching while I was on vacation. Actually a lot of stitching. I finished my Big Girl Panties by Lizzie Kate. Here is a pic:
Don't you love my cha-cha trim?
I have spent most of my time stitching ornaments for my Stitching For A Cure project. I have done more stitching since starting this project than I have done in years. But I was at the point of either burning out or becoming so obsessed with the project that by the time November came I wouldn't care if the tree sold or not.
So I decided to take time out and stitch something I really wanted to stitch. This pattern I fought over on E-Bay to get because I didn't get it before it sold out. And I couldn't wait to start it when I got it. But I got misdirected and had slacked off on it. It feels really good to have it finished.
Now I have a confession to make. Mary, get ready to get the cattle prod out. I have decided to let one of my EGA members finish the biscornu for me. I have stitched most of the top of it and she will stitch the bottom part and put it together.
Before you cast judgement on me, let me explain. I know I can do this. I have the skills to do it. But I simply don't want to. It was taking all the joy out of stitching for me. I don't know why. I suspect it is because I "had to" do it for the class and Lord knows I hate to "have to" do anything. NO ONE forced me into the project. I did it to myself.
I had gotten to the point that I would do anything rather than stitch on the biscornu. So my friend Lenna stepped in and took the project and will do a fine job for me.
Don't be surprised though if you see a biscornu in the near future on this blog or my Stitching For A Cure blog that has been stitched by me. I think once I take the pressure off of myself, I will probably do one for the fun of it.
Ok Mary, I am ready...
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
My past two days
My grandsons and daughter are visiting. Yesterday was a park day with flowers and kites. Even I helped fly a kite. Here are some pics from yesterday.
Today my husband, daughter and grandsons went to a special mall about 2 hours from our house. It was my grandson Craig's 5th birthday. Quite the trip but worth it. We went to the Rainforest Cafe. The boys were amazed at everything. This mall had a special Thomas the Tank Engine store and playground with a real Thomas train. Since Craig LOVES Thomas, this seemed like the perfect place to go. We played there for several hours.
Plans have been made to go back for my grandson Trent's 7th birthday. We want to do the Rainforest again, but he wants to go to the indoor skateboarding park and the Lunar Golf, which is like putt putt played in the dark with blacklights. Looked like way too much fun for today.
I have gotten a little stitching done this week. I will show a post of that later this week. As you can tell, I am really enjoying myself.
Today my husband, daughter and grandsons went to a special mall about 2 hours from our house. It was my grandson Craig's 5th birthday. Quite the trip but worth it. We went to the Rainforest Cafe. The boys were amazed at everything. This mall had a special Thomas the Tank Engine store and playground with a real Thomas train. Since Craig LOVES Thomas, this seemed like the perfect place to go. We played there for several hours.
Plans have been made to go back for my grandson Trent's 7th birthday. We want to do the Rainforest again, but he wants to go to the indoor skateboarding park and the Lunar Golf, which is like putt putt played in the dark with blacklights. Looked like way too much fun for today.
I have gotten a little stitching done this week. I will show a post of that later this week. As you can tell, I am really enjoying myself.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
We have a winner!
My grandson Trent thought and thought and picked number 44 for my drawing. Debbie Jo was the 44th person to respond to my offer for 5 Carrie's Threads!
So, Debbie Jo, if you will e-mail me at dwooleybooger@yahoo.com in the next 7 days and give me your mailing addy I will send you 5 of these luscious threads!. If I don't hear from Debbie Jo in the next 7 days, I will pick another winner.
Thanks for all of your comments. I had more participation in this drawing than any others I have had.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Look what the mailman brought
I ordered 27 premium, thicker threads from Carrie's Threads last Thursday and today they came in. What can I say? These are so pretty, so different, so wild! They are just slightly thinner than WIldFlower thread by Caron.
I can't wait to stitch with them. I am sure I will use some for my Stitching For A Cure ornaments, but I may just have to make something fantabulous (like my new word?) with them!
Don't you just want to hold them, stitch with them? Well, leave me a msg. on this post and I will draw a name next Saturday and send the lucky winner 5 of them (my choice of colors). After all, a girl just has to share with her friends!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
My beautiful day (or rather days)
I love redbud trees. They just make me smile. Unfortunately they are only red (or really fushia) for a little while and then they turn green just like other trees. But for a time at the end of February until mid-March I just love spotting these beautiful trees.
Today, my DH took me to breakfast and then out for a drive. We saw several really pretty redbud trees while we were out.
We passed by this funky little place called the Style Station. It is an old gas station that sells vintage clothes.
This picture is of the mannequin they have dressed and sitting on the tailgate of an old car. From the highway it looks real.
Here is a picture of a cow that just caught my eye. It looks like he has a mask on his face.
My DH and I picked out some new herbs for my garden and some vegetable seeds. He planted everything for me. I will show pictures later as they grow.
Yesterday I drove to a small town where my EGA was having their annual retreat. My mom's health prevented me from staying overnight, but I did go for the day. I helped some members with their floss tag rings that we are finishing up at the next meeting with the EGA.
I showed them the biscornu's that Mary gave me for examples. It helped for them to see the actual end product. They thought they were very beautiful.
And I ACTUALLY stitched some on my biscornu! Put away the cattle prod Mary!
I will leave you with this picture of the remaining daffodils at the Arboretum. I took this picture on my way to the retreat. They are dying out and so it will be another year before I see them again. So enjoy the bright sunshiny color while you can.
All in all a great weekend!
Monday, February 23, 2009
25 things about me (you probably wish you didn't know!)
Erynne of http://be-stitched.blogspot.com (which by the way you should definitely check out!) had a list of 25 things about her and she encouraged us to do the same list with stuff about me.
So, if you are extremely bored and would like to know a little more about me, here we go!
1. I am the oldest of 2 girls.
2. I waited until I was 44 years old before I got married for the first time. It was a wedding, white dress with 4 foot train, the whole thing!
3. Even though I wasn't married, I am the mother of a daughter now 26 and the grandmother of 2 boys.
4. I left home at 17 (my choice) went to Florida with a friend for a year and had a wild time. But I came home (thank goodness I had parents who let me!)
5. My dad was the greatest man I ever knew (except my husband). He passed away 13 years ago and I miss him.
6. My mom had a stroke when I was 10. She has been completely paralyzed on her right side since she was 30 and her speech is at best difficult to understand.
7. Dad never left Mom or us until he died. He took us everywhere, from sea to shining sea.
8. I wanted to be a nurse, but didn't finish nursing school.
9. I was the princess of sneaking out when I was a teenager. I kept clothes in the garage. I would sneak out and wait about 5 minutes on the back porch swing. If they heard me and came out, I said I couldn't sleep. If not, I would change in the garage and I was GONE!
10. I picked a very bad guy to fall in love with when I was 15. He just about destroyed my life. He was mean and abusive. I stayed with him off and on until I was 25. I cared nothing about finding anyone else for years until my DH came along and swept me off my feet. My DH is a hunk of burning love and I don't ever want to be without him!
11. I have worked in blood banking in almost every position available for the past 19 years. I love being able to help people.
12. I am very bossy. It helped me when I was a single parent.
13. Even though I am grossly overweight, I still love me. I hate the fact the fact my knees hurt and I am out of breath at the slightest bit of exercise. But if it wasn't for health problems, I would have no problem looking like I do. I am beautiful and my DH thinks I am a supermodel. (Seriously, I know I must lose weight for health reasons)
14. I have lots of people who love me. It is wonderful to go through life being loved.
15. I hated school and dropped out and got a GED at 17. Sometimes I wish I had the wonderful high school experience that some had, but I didn't. Still I have had great life experiences.
16. I had the meanest grandmother in Waco (where I live). My mom's mom was the meanest grandma and then she died and my dad's mom took over her throne. Seriously, she turned me into APS three times in the last 3 years of her life even though no one else would take care of her but me. She once told my uncle that if abortions were legal when she got pregnant with him, he wouldn't have been here. MEAN! MEAN! MEAN!
17. My hair has been every shade from blond to gray to red (even Ronald McDonald red) to dark brown. I mean EVERY shade. Once it turned orange with streaks.
18. I started driving at age 15. I had my first small accident 2 days after I got my license.
19. My favorite tree is the redbud. I just about lose my mind when the first signs of the redbud tree come to life and almost cry when they all turn green.
20. My favorite flower is a toss up between daffodils and blue bonnets. The daffodils bud out first here and I get so excited, but then when the blue bonnets come along, my whole family gets tired of me saying "Oh look, blue bonnets!" everywhere we go.
21. My mom lives with my husband and I. She is in a wheelchair and her health is getting worse day by day, but I do love having her here. Even though it is a strain, she is such a cutie. That is when she isn't cussing me! LOL!
22. My favorite color for years was purple. Then one day I woke up and didn't like purple anymore. Now my favorite color is green. Particularly the green apple shade. But I don't eat green apples. Too sour!
23. My boss walked me down the aisle when I got married.
24. I love birthdays! But I don't think I am going to like being 50. Don't know why, just don't think I will like it.
25. I love to talk, but this has wore me out.
There! 25 things about me. So, what are 25 things about yourself? Put it on your blog and let me know and I will read it!
So, if you are extremely bored and would like to know a little more about me, here we go!
1. I am the oldest of 2 girls.
2. I waited until I was 44 years old before I got married for the first time. It was a wedding, white dress with 4 foot train, the whole thing!
3. Even though I wasn't married, I am the mother of a daughter now 26 and the grandmother of 2 boys.
4. I left home at 17 (my choice) went to Florida with a friend for a year and had a wild time. But I came home (thank goodness I had parents who let me!)
5. My dad was the greatest man I ever knew (except my husband). He passed away 13 years ago and I miss him.
6. My mom had a stroke when I was 10. She has been completely paralyzed on her right side since she was 30 and her speech is at best difficult to understand.
7. Dad never left Mom or us until he died. He took us everywhere, from sea to shining sea.
8. I wanted to be a nurse, but didn't finish nursing school.
9. I was the princess of sneaking out when I was a teenager. I kept clothes in the garage. I would sneak out and wait about 5 minutes on the back porch swing. If they heard me and came out, I said I couldn't sleep. If not, I would change in the garage and I was GONE!
10. I picked a very bad guy to fall in love with when I was 15. He just about destroyed my life. He was mean and abusive. I stayed with him off and on until I was 25. I cared nothing about finding anyone else for years until my DH came along and swept me off my feet. My DH is a hunk of burning love and I don't ever want to be without him!
11. I have worked in blood banking in almost every position available for the past 19 years. I love being able to help people.
12. I am very bossy. It helped me when I was a single parent.
13. Even though I am grossly overweight, I still love me. I hate the fact the fact my knees hurt and I am out of breath at the slightest bit of exercise. But if it wasn't for health problems, I would have no problem looking like I do. I am beautiful and my DH thinks I am a supermodel. (Seriously, I know I must lose weight for health reasons)
14. I have lots of people who love me. It is wonderful to go through life being loved.
15. I hated school and dropped out and got a GED at 17. Sometimes I wish I had the wonderful high school experience that some had, but I didn't. Still I have had great life experiences.
16. I had the meanest grandmother in Waco (where I live). My mom's mom was the meanest grandma and then she died and my dad's mom took over her throne. Seriously, she turned me into APS three times in the last 3 years of her life even though no one else would take care of her but me. She once told my uncle that if abortions were legal when she got pregnant with him, he wouldn't have been here. MEAN! MEAN! MEAN!
17. My hair has been every shade from blond to gray to red (even Ronald McDonald red) to dark brown. I mean EVERY shade. Once it turned orange with streaks.
18. I started driving at age 15. I had my first small accident 2 days after I got my license.
19. My favorite tree is the redbud. I just about lose my mind when the first signs of the redbud tree come to life and almost cry when they all turn green.
20. My favorite flower is a toss up between daffodils and blue bonnets. The daffodils bud out first here and I get so excited, but then when the blue bonnets come along, my whole family gets tired of me saying "Oh look, blue bonnets!" everywhere we go.
21. My mom lives with my husband and I. She is in a wheelchair and her health is getting worse day by day, but I do love having her here. Even though it is a strain, she is such a cutie. That is when she isn't cussing me! LOL!
22. My favorite color for years was purple. Then one day I woke up and didn't like purple anymore. Now my favorite color is green. Particularly the green apple shade. But I don't eat green apples. Too sour!
23. My boss walked me down the aisle when I got married.
24. I love birthdays! But I don't think I am going to like being 50. Don't know why, just don't think I will like it.
25. I love to talk, but this has wore me out.
There! 25 things about me. So, what are 25 things about yourself? Put it on your blog and let me know and I will read it!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
An e-mail from a new friend
Today I received this comment in an e-mail from someone who has been reading my blogs. Her name is Phyllis and I appreciate her taking an interest. Here are her comments:
"I wanted to comment on the biscornu. Last March a friend asked me to research and stitch a biscornu so I could present a program in finishing a biscornu to the Sampler group (satellite group of our EGA chapter). I didn't even know what one was! Thus began my "lurking" since she started me off with some sites as examples, etc. I presented my program, and people have enjoyed making biscornus. My advice: Stitch around the design in perle cotton. It makes it much easier to whip stitch, and it doesn't seem to get caught in the needle as you stitch. I may be jumping the gun because you may be doing a fabulously fancy edging that I did not undertake.
There are many sites with freebies, and many sites for finishing. I have attached a list of finishing sites that may help. I know that you can do this because your stitching it beautiful, and I can tell that you are talented. Keep on stitching and wow your group with your program. I wish you all the best."
Tonight at my EGA meeting I found many friends who have been reading my blogs. And I realized that all my complaining about this biscornu was silly. I can do this and I want to do this. I want to share this technique with those who have taught ME so much.
The stitching you see today is a direct result of the years of experience of my friends in the Texas Star EGA group. Yes, I have also learned a great deal from all of my blogging and my Yahoo groups, but my EGA helped me to get my "grounding".
It was there that I first learned about things like scroll frames and and centering my stitching on my fabric. ALL my specialty stitches I learned from them. There is such a wealth of knowledge in this group. And I have benefited greatly from it.
So now, it is my turn to offer them something.
P.S. Thank you Phyllis for saying my stitching is beautiful and that I am talented. Couldn't have done it without a little help from my friends and that now includes you!
"I wanted to comment on the biscornu. Last March a friend asked me to research and stitch a biscornu so I could present a program in finishing a biscornu to the Sampler group (satellite group of our EGA chapter). I didn't even know what one was! Thus began my "lurking" since she started me off with some sites as examples, etc. I presented my program, and people have enjoyed making biscornus. My advice: Stitch around the design in perle cotton. It makes it much easier to whip stitch, and it doesn't seem to get caught in the needle as you stitch. I may be jumping the gun because you may be doing a fabulously fancy edging that I did not undertake.
There are many sites with freebies, and many sites for finishing. I have attached a list of finishing sites that may help. I know that you can do this because your stitching it beautiful, and I can tell that you are talented. Keep on stitching and wow your group with your program. I wish you all the best."
Tonight at my EGA meeting I found many friends who have been reading my blogs. And I realized that all my complaining about this biscornu was silly. I can do this and I want to do this. I want to share this technique with those who have taught ME so much.
The stitching you see today is a direct result of the years of experience of my friends in the Texas Star EGA group. Yes, I have also learned a great deal from all of my blogging and my Yahoo groups, but my EGA helped me to get my "grounding".
It was there that I first learned about things like scroll frames and and centering my stitching on my fabric. ALL my specialty stitches I learned from them. There is such a wealth of knowledge in this group. And I have benefited greatly from it.
So now, it is my turn to offer them something.
P.S. Thank you Phyllis for saying my stitching is beautiful and that I am talented. Couldn't have done it without a little help from my friends and that now includes you!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Progress on the biscornu
As I have said before, I don't know why I dread working on this project. I haven't even gotten to the point where I am attaching two pieces to make the biscornu. Right now it is just regular cross stitching with some specialty stitches.
Maybe it is because the color changes every two or three stitches. Maybe it is because I think I ordered the wrong color fabric and I don't like the way the colors look with the fabric. And maybe it is because for the first time in a long time I am working with DMC and the texture of the thread seems different.
But in any event, here is my progress. I'm scared of Mary in my Cross Stitch Addiction Yahoo group (wink, wink). She threatened last week to get out a cattle prod. My DH even told me today after we got the groceries, when I headed to the computer, that I had better plant my rearend in the chair and stitch on it or else someone was going to get me.
So, here it is. I have a little more specialty stitching to do and have to attach a few beads. Then I have to do the back piece and put it together. I think I should have it all done by end of March. I want to show it at the April meeting (third Thursday in April). I have to kit up all the supplies for it and pass it out in May and then I will show how to put it together in June. SO good news is I am ahead of the game.
Put down the cattle prod Mary. I have been good this weekend. LOL
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day to all!
My dear husband. What can I say about him? Perhaps that I love him so much. That he brings so much joy to me I can't even tell you. That he is the man I waited all my life for, the love of my life, my hunk of burning love.
Valentine's Day never meant much too me until James came along. It was a time I helped my dd sign cards for her class, made cookies for a party and generally thought it was just another day.
But now, Valentine's Day is a day of love, a day to remember why I married my husband. This year he bought me two cards, a stuffed dog that sings Hot Stuff and a box of candy.
But more than that, each day he brings a smile to my face. He takes such good care of me (and my disabled mom). He is my knight in shining armor.
I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. I know I did.
My dear husband. What can I say about him? Perhaps that I love him so much. That he brings so much joy to me I can't even tell you. That he is the man I waited all my life for, the love of my life, my hunk of burning love.
Valentine's Day never meant much too me until James came along. It was a time I helped my dd sign cards for her class, made cookies for a party and generally thought it was just another day.
But now, Valentine's Day is a day of love, a day to remember why I married my husband. This year he bought me two cards, a stuffed dog that sings Hot Stuff and a box of candy.
But more than that, each day he brings a smile to my face. He takes such good care of me (and my disabled mom). He is my knight in shining armor.
I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. I know I did.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I won! I won!
I won one of the 900+ drawings for One World, One Heart. You can see it at
http://moonsilk-stitches.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart-giveaway.html
Marjorie, the blogger, does such beautiful work and it is a stitched butterfly pin and a stumpwork kit. WOW!
Can you believe it?
Thanks so much Marjorie!
http://moonsilk-stitches.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart-giveaway.html
Marjorie, the blogger, does such beautiful work and it is a stitched butterfly pin and a stumpwork kit. WOW!
Can you believe it?
Thanks so much Marjorie!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
I started the biscornu
Ok, I have started the biscornu. I had put a few stitches in it yesterday, but didn't like it so I put it aside. I think it is because I am working with DMC and I have been working with GAST and WildFlowers so much that the difference was throwing me off. I am still not happy with my stitches, but I have made progress.
Mary in my Yahoo group CSA accused me of procrastinating. And I am an expert at that. But since I had asked for her (and the entire group's) help, I decided this was not the time to procrastinate. So off I went.
Thank you Mary for that little push!
I also finished stitching another ornament for my stitching for a cure project and started another. You can see the pics for that on my other blog, http://stitchingforacure.blogspot.com
Tomorrow, I am going to only work on the biscornu. Wish me luck!
Friday, February 6, 2009
More daffodils
Since the daffodil I posted was such a hit, I have decided to put some more pics on this blog for those of you poor souls that are surrounded by snow, snow and more snow. Maybe it will brighten your day.
The above pic is the same patch that had the first little one I posted the other day. These are all the blooms that have opened since this past Tuesday.
This picture is of one of the other blooms that have popped open since I was at the arboretum on Tuesday. But alas, I still have no picture of any of the well known roadrunners that live there. We know of at least 5 of them, all with different personalities. Maybe I will catch one of them on film this weekend.
I will leave you with this last pic of some of the other blooms that meet you as you leave the arboretum. I hope these sunshine colored blooms will warm you up!
And if you would like to see a pic of my latest stitching, you can see that on my other blog, http://stitchingforacure.blogspot.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
New starts
I just love to start something new. Don't you? I mean, I pick out the fabric, decide what I am going to stitch on it (yes I really do pick my fabric first then what I am stitching), and then I prepare the fabric, put it on my scroll frame, pull my threads and find my center of the fabric.
Sometimes I put the first couple of stitches in. Sometimes I just sit back and admire what I am about to do.
Today in the mail I got some fabric from Silkweavers. I had forgot I ordered it and that was just 2 days ago. But it was a 9x13 piece of pink, hand dyed fabric, 28 ct. Jobelin. And something called Snowstorm, kind of a whitish, grayish fabric with opalescent threads through it, 28 ct. Jobelin. Then I had a piece of fabric called Abracadabra which is a purple dyed fabric. But it was 20 ct. I never use 20 count so either I thought is was 28 ct. or my brain decided it didn't care.
Just yesterday I got a piece of pink dyed fabric called Pink Raspberry, which is a bright pink. I was pondering using it on one of my Stitching for a cure ornaments (most likely still will). But then I received the lighter pink and decided that is what I want to work on.
Never mind the biscornu I am supposed to be stitching for my CSA Yahoo group (and the one I am going to teach in May even though I have never done it!). I just can't seem to get into that one project.
So instead I got ready to start something new. And I even have ideas on how to finish it. I think I am going to make it into a flat fold ornament. It will be a diamond shape. And I think I am going use my crop-a-dile and put an eyelet in the bottom corner and hang a small locket from there. That way if someone wants to put a picture of a loved one with cancer on the ornament, they can.
But first, I must settle down and actually stitch.
Sometimes I put the first couple of stitches in. Sometimes I just sit back and admire what I am about to do.
Today in the mail I got some fabric from Silkweavers. I had forgot I ordered it and that was just 2 days ago. But it was a 9x13 piece of pink, hand dyed fabric, 28 ct. Jobelin. And something called Snowstorm, kind of a whitish, grayish fabric with opalescent threads through it, 28 ct. Jobelin. Then I had a piece of fabric called Abracadabra which is a purple dyed fabric. But it was 20 ct. I never use 20 count so either I thought is was 28 ct. or my brain decided it didn't care.
Just yesterday I got a piece of pink dyed fabric called Pink Raspberry, which is a bright pink. I was pondering using it on one of my Stitching for a cure ornaments (most likely still will). But then I received the lighter pink and decided that is what I want to work on.
Never mind the biscornu I am supposed to be stitching for my CSA Yahoo group (and the one I am going to teach in May even though I have never done it!). I just can't seem to get into that one project.
So instead I got ready to start something new. And I even have ideas on how to finish it. I think I am going to make it into a flat fold ornament. It will be a diamond shape. And I think I am going use my crop-a-dile and put an eyelet in the bottom corner and hang a small locket from there. That way if someone wants to put a picture of a loved one with cancer on the ornament, they can.
But first, I must settle down and actually stitch.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Boy has this been a good day!
My dh James and I celebrated my birthday today. James is off on Tuesdays, so I took off today also. Now on yesterday he gave me a beautiful digital frame and a rolling cart to hold all my "stuff".
Today we started the day by going to my favorite restaurant, Luigi's. MMM! The food was so good. Here is a pic of James and I at Luigi's.
Next we went to my favorite LNS, MaryAnn's Needleworks. I went to buy some thread for another one of my stitching for a cure ornaments. I picked out two colors of Wildflowers and MaryAnn gave them to me free for my birthday. Isn't she cool? I have included a pic of her next to her shop.
McGregor is a little town outside of where I live. Luigi's and MaryAnn's are located there. They have the most beautiful murals on their buildings. It is a very old town that has wonderful small shops all over.
We then went to several different stores and such. The final stop was at the Arboretum. I looked and looked for the roadrunners they have there, but alas they must have been in hiding. But I did get a pic of this beautiful daffodil that is blooming there. The weather was wonderful. Mid 70's.
And then, I found that my heart diamond floss holder was featured in the About.com cross stitch photo album. Here is the site:
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/crossstitchphotos/ig/Cross-Stitch-Photo-Album/
All in all, a fantastic day.
Today we started the day by going to my favorite restaurant, Luigi's. MMM! The food was so good. Here is a pic of James and I at Luigi's.
Next we went to my favorite LNS, MaryAnn's Needleworks. I went to buy some thread for another one of my stitching for a cure ornaments. I picked out two colors of Wildflowers and MaryAnn gave them to me free for my birthday. Isn't she cool? I have included a pic of her next to her shop.
McGregor is a little town outside of where I live. Luigi's and MaryAnn's are located there. They have the most beautiful murals on their buildings. It is a very old town that has wonderful small shops all over.
We then went to several different stores and such. The final stop was at the Arboretum. I looked and looked for the roadrunners they have there, but alas they must have been in hiding. But I did get a pic of this beautiful daffodil that is blooming there. The weather was wonderful. Mid 70's.
And then, I found that my heart diamond floss holder was featured in the About.com cross stitch photo album. Here is the site:
http://crossstitch.about.com/od/crossstitchphotos/ig/Cross-Stitch-Photo-Album/
All in all, a fantastic day.
Monday, February 2, 2009
6 more weeks of winter, but we do have a winner!
Unfortunatly Phil saw his shadow and we will have another 6 more weeks of winter.
But it is still my birthday (the national holiday) and so we will celebrate. We drew a name in the birthday giveaway and the winner is Andrea from Deep Fried Cupcake.
She has won her choice of 10 GAST colors. If she will contact me at dwooleybooger@yahoo.com and let me know her color choices and mailing address, I will get them right out to her!
By the way, I purchase all my GAST threads along with some fabrics from a wonderful seller on E-Bay. Her name is Cindy and her site is http://www.bubbacandance.com I have always been very happy with everything I have purchased from her. She allows me to purchase items and then have them sent to other addresses, like how I am sending Andrea's winning threads. Check her out if you get a chance!
Congratulations!
But it is still my birthday (the national holiday) and so we will celebrate. We drew a name in the birthday giveaway and the winner is Andrea from Deep Fried Cupcake.
She has won her choice of 10 GAST colors. If she will contact me at dwooleybooger@yahoo.com and let me know her color choices and mailing address, I will get them right out to her!
By the way, I purchase all my GAST threads along with some fabrics from a wonderful seller on E-Bay. Her name is Cindy and her site is http://www.bubbacandance.com I have always been very happy with everything I have purchased from her. She allows me to purchase items and then have them sent to other addresses, like how I am sending Andrea's winning threads. Check her out if you get a chance!
Congratulations!
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