I'm Back!

Hello, dear stitching friends! It's hard to believe that a month has passed since my last post. My summer has flown by and has been busy for what seems to have been every minute. Of my 4 dear children, 3 are safely off to college, including my youngest son. Like many of you in the same boat, I have driven from one end of the state to the other, painted, shopped, packed, loved, encouraged, sorted, lifted, climbed, added my own two cents, battled the heat of 3 (yes 3) third floor dorm rooms, hugged, held, cried, and prayed for their safety, well being and happiness. May God bless them all in their new endeavors. What a bittersweet time this is for me and my husband (oh, how we miss them) but we know that they are happy and doing well. Our oldest son who graduated from college last year, is living at home. He just received a job promotion so that joy along with his daily presence balances my melancholy with the other 3 away. So..when is Fall break??? I'm probably the only one in this family at this point that's even thinking about THAT.

Last night was the first I have stitched in weeks and although it isn't finished yet, here she is!....all 3 inches of her. The original pattern called for 30 ct over 2 for a finished size of 5 1/2 inches. I chose to stitch on a 32 ct piece of PTP Relic that I had and I think it sets all of the colors off beautifully. My camera didn't get a good pic of the color as it is darker than what is shown. Hopefully, the "finished product" will show the true colors. Another few days and it will be DONE. I like the smaller size as I can put her almost anywhere and she isn't overwhelming. It's a quick stitch if you keep at it....but....I had other things on my agenda!

My DH bought this bouquet for me today....he's good with things like that and is very thoughtful and kind. The lighter ones are alstromeria, a form of lily. They're my favorite flower and last forever if you keep them cut in fresh water. The flowers are a mix of Fall mums and darker shades. They really brightened an otherwise dreary and unpredictable weather day. Sunny one minute, pouring the next and the humidity is wicked. This summer was surely one for the books for all of us. We've had more 90+days than ever....let's hope for a cooler Fall, my favorite time of year (next to Christmas!)

Have any of you tried knotwork? This is the first piece that I did last year by Teresa Layman and I fell in love with it! Despite what you've heard about colonial and french knots, they are easy and go by quickly. Most important is how forgiving it is. When the piece is finished, it's hard to imagine that it's all knots! Her designs are beautiful and now are adapted for cross stitch, too. This little guy will be out on display soon for Fall. Speaking of squirrels, we have lots of them in our yard and last year...in my basement (long story) We live in a stone house but they found a way in through my dryer vent. It was a true family affair in the basement as we had squirrel babies! They were warm and cozy but their stay was short. Ah, my heart broke seeing the little ones but I'm happy to say that they were all humanely trapped and set free and the window rescreened. They still come close to the house though...looking for their spa!

I have enjoyed following your blogs and appreciate your kind comments and emails over the past weeks. You are all so talented with your stitching and finishing. Truly, inspirations and wonderful stitching buddies...Thank You!

May you be blessed with all that is good this week and have time for some relaxing stitching and doing the things that make you happy!

To all of you parents, guardians, and extended families sending your children off to school (whatever the age), the military, or venturing out on their own, my thoughts and prayers are with you :)

*HUGS AND STITCHES*
Mary