I will obviously be adding and/or deleting as I either get something, find something else I want, or change my mind.
Cross Stitch Kits
Janlynn:
Mickey Sketch
Lanarte (Spring 2009):
Ballet Silhouette 1-4
Cross Stitch Patterns
Bent Creek:
Photobooth Snowmen
Passione Ricamo:
Little Christmas Angels
The Fairy Queen
A Christmas Spirit
Nora Corbett Designs:
All of the Christmas Couriers
Santa's Sleigh
Teresa Wentzler:
Needle Guardian
Miniature Autumn Sampler
Miniature Winter Sampler
Knotwork Bookmarks I and II
Castles by the Sea
Delightful Dragon Scissor Fob
Medieval Miniature
Celestial Sun
Sun Dragon
Tropical Dream
Margaret Sherry Collection:
Calendar Cats All Together
Moo Moo Moo
Snowman
Bee My Friend
Just Nan:
Floral 15 with embellishments
Cat's Whiskers Design Studio:
Victorian Memories Chaise Lounge
Garden Chair
HeartBreak House:
Watercolor Tulips
Watercolor Pansies
Watercolor Daffodils
Amy Bruecken Designs:
Say Anything Alphabet
ASN:
Cross Stitch for Photo Frames
Barbara Ann Richter:
A Treasure of Jewish Cross Stitch
Medieval Nativity (Treasures in Needlework 1.4 1992)
Medieval Manuscript I (CCCC Jan/Feb 1990)
Medieval Manuscript II (CCCC Sept/Oct 1991)
Patterns from New Stitches Magazine:
Henry VIII
Catherine of Aragon
Anne Boleyn
Jane Seymour
Anne of Cleves
Katherine Howard
Elizabeth I
Mary Queen of Scots
Rovaris:
R-29
R-19
Punchneedle
Red Barn Collections:
Snowman Sampler
Beading
Any and all Delica beads!
Calligraphy
From johnnealbooks.com:
Century turned pen holder
Copperplate Nib Sampler
Copperplate practice pad
Century Oblique Holder
Spenserian practice pad
Learning to Write Spenserian Script
Elizabeth I: Her Life in Letters
Stamps
Stamps Happen:
Camelot Alphabet
Celtic Alphabet
Camelot Borders
Celtic Knot Borders
Penny Black:
Angel Cat
12.27.2007
I was thinking...
about making a stitching/crafting/calligraphy/beading/etc wishlist. Not that I'm going to be buying much stash for a while, as I have everything I need to finish my stitching goals for the year (with the occasional need for random floss for ornaments).
But everyone else seems to have a wishlist, and I would love to sit and stare and daydream over the yummy goodies on my list. I WILL make an attempt to be frugal, but...I have OCD and have a tendency to overcompensate when I'm depressed.
The positive side of making a wishlist is that when someone asks me what I want, I can direct them to the wishlist...um...YEAH!
Hopefully, I can just LOOK at the stuff I want, and buy once in a while as a treat for finishing a goal. Or, it could go the other way...
...and I'll end up with MORE stuff I don't really need...sheesh!
But everyone else seems to have a wishlist, and I would love to sit and stare and daydream over the yummy goodies on my list. I WILL make an attempt to be frugal, but...I have OCD and have a tendency to overcompensate when I'm depressed.
The positive side of making a wishlist is that when someone asks me what I want, I can direct them to the wishlist...um...YEAH!
Hopefully, I can just LOOK at the stuff I want, and buy once in a while as a treat for finishing a goal. Or, it could go the other way...
...and I'll end up with MORE stuff I don't really need...sheesh!
12.26.2007
I hope everyone...
had a safe and happy Christmas yesterday! My girls didn't get much this year, but they were thrilled with what they did get. Aislin is only 4, but Alyssa is so understanding and mature when it comes to knowing that Mommy can't afford much right now.
I have been fighting a migraine all night. After all the presents were opened yesterday, we were sitting and watching a movie Alyssa got, and a migraine hit me so suddenly that I thought I was having a stroke. For those of you who get migraines, it was the type that no type or amount of medication makes it go away, and if you even blink your head throbs. I hate it when my head throbs with my pulse. It makes me want to put a gun to my head, it was that bad.
I still have it, though it's not throbbing. If I sit still and not move too much then it's ok. Although my neck hurts from having to sleep sitting up.
I decided to make resolutions for the new year, which is odd because I NEVER make resolutions. I have tried to make resolutions before, like quit smoking or lose weight or finish a project. I know my limitations, and I know that I will never follow through with them. I always had good intentions, but well...I'm a procrastinator. And let's face it, when the kids are in bed, I'm a lazy ass. Plus I get bored with my projects and always have a desire to start something new. But this year I'm going to try to make time.
So these are my resolutions for 2008:
Stitching Related
1. Finish Guardian, which is my longest running TW wip.
2. Finish Desiderata, which I just started.
3. Finish my neice's birth sampler by her 1st birthday in May.
4. Stitch 1 ornament a month.
5. Join the local EGA and go to the meetings/stitch ins. There's a chapter right here in town! I need a night or two a month to myself.
Work Related
1. Teach at least 1 class a term with UOP online.
2. Pick up at least 1 more freelance editing job.
3. Get my beading and calligraphy businesses up and going. My brother-in-law really needs to send me the logo that he designed for my beading business. I have a logo and business card designs for the calligraphy, I just need a brochure to go to the local stationary stores. The websites also need to be designed. Obviously, right now this won't be a full-time thing, but one day I hope that I won't have to work full time, and I can just freelance and have my businesses.
Personal
1. Continue in my dance class. I'm having a blast in there and I can feel my muscles getting stronger.
2. Join a gym. There's 1 here in town that's only $10 a month. I think I can afford that. I was also told that a good exercise regime consists of a mixture of cardio (dance) and muscle training (weights).
3. Lose 20 pounds. It seems I can't write that without laughing for some reason!
4. Pay off 2 credit cards.
5. Save at least $5000 by the end of the year (not including what I get back in taxes).
6. Probably the most important of all: Have at least 2 Alyssa-only dates a month. She feels resentful sometimes that Aislin takes up so much of my time. So even if it means that Alyssa and I go to the movies, or out to dinner, or to her favorite store, or whatever, I'm going to make time for just us two.
I think that's it. It seems like a really tall order when I read back over it, and I think I may have to adjust it in places as the year progresses. There's only so much I can do when I work full time, and freelance, and have kids to take care of. I wonder if I'm asking too much of myself?
I guess we'll find out at the end of 2008.
I have been fighting a migraine all night. After all the presents were opened yesterday, we were sitting and watching a movie Alyssa got, and a migraine hit me so suddenly that I thought I was having a stroke. For those of you who get migraines, it was the type that no type or amount of medication makes it go away, and if you even blink your head throbs. I hate it when my head throbs with my pulse. It makes me want to put a gun to my head, it was that bad.
I still have it, though it's not throbbing. If I sit still and not move too much then it's ok. Although my neck hurts from having to sleep sitting up.
I decided to make resolutions for the new year, which is odd because I NEVER make resolutions. I have tried to make resolutions before, like quit smoking or lose weight or finish a project. I know my limitations, and I know that I will never follow through with them. I always had good intentions, but well...I'm a procrastinator. And let's face it, when the kids are in bed, I'm a lazy ass. Plus I get bored with my projects and always have a desire to start something new. But this year I'm going to try to make time.
So these are my resolutions for 2008:
Stitching Related
1. Finish Guardian, which is my longest running TW wip.
2. Finish Desiderata, which I just started.
3. Finish my neice's birth sampler by her 1st birthday in May.
4. Stitch 1 ornament a month.
5. Join the local EGA and go to the meetings/stitch ins. There's a chapter right here in town! I need a night or two a month to myself.
Work Related
1. Teach at least 1 class a term with UOP online.
2. Pick up at least 1 more freelance editing job.
3. Get my beading and calligraphy businesses up and going. My brother-in-law really needs to send me the logo that he designed for my beading business. I have a logo and business card designs for the calligraphy, I just need a brochure to go to the local stationary stores. The websites also need to be designed. Obviously, right now this won't be a full-time thing, but one day I hope that I won't have to work full time, and I can just freelance and have my businesses.
Personal
1. Continue in my dance class. I'm having a blast in there and I can feel my muscles getting stronger.
2. Join a gym. There's 1 here in town that's only $10 a month. I think I can afford that. I was also told that a good exercise regime consists of a mixture of cardio (dance) and muscle training (weights).
3. Lose 20 pounds. It seems I can't write that without laughing for some reason!
4. Pay off 2 credit cards.
5. Save at least $5000 by the end of the year (not including what I get back in taxes).
6. Probably the most important of all: Have at least 2 Alyssa-only dates a month. She feels resentful sometimes that Aislin takes up so much of my time. So even if it means that Alyssa and I go to the movies, or out to dinner, or to her favorite store, or whatever, I'm going to make time for just us two.
I think that's it. It seems like a really tall order when I read back over it, and I think I may have to adjust it in places as the year progresses. There's only so much I can do when I work full time, and freelance, and have kids to take care of. I wonder if I'm asking too much of myself?
I guess we'll find out at the end of 2008.
12.23.2007
We saw Santa...
and Alyssa actually sat on his lap. She refused for the last couple of years, but I told her I would probably be asking her to when she's an old lady.
I think the picture turned out really nice and cute:
So anyway, I finally finished my mom and sister's ivy bowl snowmen, after...2...3(?) years. They take forever to do, just because of the painting. Plus, you have to sew a couple of seams on the little hat. And since I'm so great at sewing, I put it off as long as possible.
I feel a little down today. I love Christmas, but I always get depressed around the holidays for some reason. I should be excited because my kids are excited. It's hard to explain I guess, but I get mad at myself because there is no reason at all why I should be depressed.
My parents went to visit my sister and her family for Christmas. My brother in law's parents moved back from Indiana, and this is my neice's first Christmas, so I don't blame my sister for wanting all of the baby's family near. Plus, my parents are going to drive down and visit my grandmother, as she is in the hospital riddled with cancer. My dad wanted to see her one last time. I wish I could have gone to say goodbye.
I think my problem lies with my mother. We were talking, and she said that my sister wants to have all the grandparents there for the baby's first Christmas. No problem. The issue is that my mother then said, "Can you blame her?" First of all, my mother missed Alyssa's first Christmas AND her first birthday (they are only 2 weeks apart) because mom was in Saudi Arabia at the time. Not her fault by any means.
Then she missed Aislin's first birthday because she went gambling in Vegas with her friend, and refused to come back one day earlier for the party. Aislin's other grandmother is Jehovah Witness and doesn't celebrate birthdays, so Aislin didn't have a grandma at her first birthday party.
What kills is that my mother's response was that it was Aislin's first birthday and it wasn't a big deal for her to miss it because Aislin would never remember it. So why is it different with my sister's baby? Shouldn't it be the same that Annika wouldn't remember her first Christmas, so what does it matter?
Now don't get me wrong. My parents have not seen their youngest grandchild since she was born in May, and they HAD to go visit my grandmother. I'm happy that they will get to see everyone. I'm just tired of my mother having different ideas for me and my sister. She doesn't even notice that she says these things. She's constantly on my ass about things, but would never dare talk to my sister the way she talks to me.
I'm sure that's most of my depression problem right now. I feel selfish and stupid and immature, but I think after 30 years of my mother doing that has gotten to me.
I know parents aren't perfect and I don't expect them to be...
...but they shouldn't expect their kids to be perfect either.
I think the picture turned out really nice and cute:
So anyway, I finally finished my mom and sister's ivy bowl snowmen, after...2...3(?) years. They take forever to do, just because of the painting. Plus, you have to sew a couple of seams on the little hat. And since I'm so great at sewing, I put it off as long as possible.
I feel a little down today. I love Christmas, but I always get depressed around the holidays for some reason. I should be excited because my kids are excited. It's hard to explain I guess, but I get mad at myself because there is no reason at all why I should be depressed.
My parents went to visit my sister and her family for Christmas. My brother in law's parents moved back from Indiana, and this is my neice's first Christmas, so I don't blame my sister for wanting all of the baby's family near. Plus, my parents are going to drive down and visit my grandmother, as she is in the hospital riddled with cancer. My dad wanted to see her one last time. I wish I could have gone to say goodbye.
I think my problem lies with my mother. We were talking, and she said that my sister wants to have all the grandparents there for the baby's first Christmas. No problem. The issue is that my mother then said, "Can you blame her?" First of all, my mother missed Alyssa's first Christmas AND her first birthday (they are only 2 weeks apart) because mom was in Saudi Arabia at the time. Not her fault by any means.
Then she missed Aislin's first birthday because she went gambling in Vegas with her friend, and refused to come back one day earlier for the party. Aislin's other grandmother is Jehovah Witness and doesn't celebrate birthdays, so Aislin didn't have a grandma at her first birthday party.
What kills is that my mother's response was that it was Aislin's first birthday and it wasn't a big deal for her to miss it because Aislin would never remember it. So why is it different with my sister's baby? Shouldn't it be the same that Annika wouldn't remember her first Christmas, so what does it matter?
Now don't get me wrong. My parents have not seen their youngest grandchild since she was born in May, and they HAD to go visit my grandmother. I'm happy that they will get to see everyone. I'm just tired of my mother having different ideas for me and my sister. She doesn't even notice that she says these things. She's constantly on my ass about things, but would never dare talk to my sister the way she talks to me.
I'm sure that's most of my depression problem right now. I feel selfish and stupid and immature, but I think after 30 years of my mother doing that has gotten to me.
I know parents aren't perfect and I don't expect them to be...
...but they shouldn't expect their kids to be perfect either.
12.14.2007
They're ornamentified!...
meaning they actually look like ornaments now.
Thanks to Sweet Pea for providing me with a link to make braided cord, that actually *looks* like braided cord...and even a blind monkey can do it! Which is great, considering that I was definitely questioning my IQ!
Anyway, first is my dear sister's ornament. As I said in a previous post, it's Teresa Wentzler's Intermediate Whitework Ornament stitched in DMC Color Variations. I did a snazzy fringe-y type thing around it. It actually turned out pretty, even though my stitching skills are really non-existent, and there are some places where I look at this ornament and gag. But my family knows how bad I sew, and they overlook it.
But doesn't the braid look awesome? Yes, I really do have to pat myself on the back, as my first present of the Christmas season is discovering that I can make something that's up to par with what a blind monkey can do!
Next is my darling little neice's ornament. Once again, my lack of sewing skills really came into play on this one. I can barely sew a straight line, and I had to sew an oval! EGAD! It was a total nightmare. It's a good thing no one can see the side where it was hand stitched together after being stuffed!
And yes, I made the cord and tassel myself! I'm not as happy with the cord on this one, but I think it's because of the #4 braid...it didn't want to play nice with the rest of the thread.
So now, I'm going to finish my brother-in-law's and Aislin's dance teacher's ornaments. It's a good thing that my parents are going to visit my sister for Christmas, because I can finish their ornaments for when they get back. So many ornaments...
...so little time!
Thanks to Sweet Pea for providing me with a link to make braided cord, that actually *looks* like braided cord...and even a blind monkey can do it! Which is great, considering that I was definitely questioning my IQ!
Anyway, first is my dear sister's ornament. As I said in a previous post, it's Teresa Wentzler's Intermediate Whitework Ornament stitched in DMC Color Variations. I did a snazzy fringe-y type thing around it. It actually turned out pretty, even though my stitching skills are really non-existent, and there are some places where I look at this ornament and gag. But my family knows how bad I sew, and they overlook it.
But doesn't the braid look awesome? Yes, I really do have to pat myself on the back, as my first present of the Christmas season is discovering that I can make something that's up to par with what a blind monkey can do!
Next is my darling little neice's ornament. Once again, my lack of sewing skills really came into play on this one. I can barely sew a straight line, and I had to sew an oval! EGAD! It was a total nightmare. It's a good thing no one can see the side where it was hand stitched together after being stuffed!
And yes, I made the cord and tassel myself! I'm not as happy with the cord on this one, but I think it's because of the #4 braid...it didn't want to play nice with the rest of the thread.
So now, I'm going to finish my brother-in-law's and Aislin's dance teacher's ornaments. It's a good thing that my parents are going to visit my sister for Christmas, because I can finish their ornaments for when they get back. So many ornaments...
...so little time!
12.12.2007
What is up...
with this crazy weather? Last week it was in the 20s. This week it's in the 70s. Tomorrow we are supposed to get a cold front to come through. But this is definitely NOT Christmas weather!
I finished my sister's ornament and have gotten about 3/4 done on her hubby's. I don't really feel like posting a picture right now. But I'm going to actually finish sister's and my neice's ornaments into actual ornaments sometime today (I hope).
Not much going on other than that. What an exciting life I lead...
...NOT!
I finished my sister's ornament and have gotten about 3/4 done on her hubby's. I don't really feel like posting a picture right now. But I'm going to actually finish sister's and my neice's ornaments into actual ornaments sometime today (I hope).
Not much going on other than that. What an exciting life I lead...
...NOT!
12.05.2007
Can you hear...
my sighs of frustration? I'm trying to put together my neice's ornament. I bought some fusible webbing to put on the reverse of the front of the ornament to keep the single stitches of braid from coming through the front. Ok so far.
Then, I thought I would be smart and make my own cord and tassel. It's cheaper than buying them, and I can use the threads that are in the ornament. I see other ornaments all the time where the stitcher has made her (or his) own braid and tassel. Genius, right?
Wrong.
It seems that I can't even make the cord. It's a "simple" twisted braid that apparently only people with IQs over 200 can do. I can't get the dang thing to stop twisting up on itself.
I did manage to make a little tassel, but it looks...stupid...I think my little one can do better.
In between working on this stuff, all the while swearing up a storm (I'm so glad no one is home), my Dad's dog decides that today is his day to be really sick. I've been cleaning up runny poop all morning. I finally got out the carpet shampooer and threw the dogs outside. They can stay there.
Anyway, if anyone knows of a source called "Braid and cord making for dummies," would you please pass it along? Meanwhile...
...I need a nap!
Then, I thought I would be smart and make my own cord and tassel. It's cheaper than buying them, and I can use the threads that are in the ornament. I see other ornaments all the time where the stitcher has made her (or his) own braid and tassel. Genius, right?
Wrong.
It seems that I can't even make the cord. It's a "simple" twisted braid that apparently only people with IQs over 200 can do. I can't get the dang thing to stop twisting up on itself.
I did manage to make a little tassel, but it looks...stupid...I think my little one can do better.
In between working on this stuff, all the while swearing up a storm (I'm so glad no one is home), my Dad's dog decides that today is his day to be really sick. I've been cleaning up runny poop all morning. I finally got out the carpet shampooer and threw the dogs outside. They can stay there.
Anyway, if anyone knows of a source called "Braid and cord making for dummies," would you please pass it along? Meanwhile...
...I need a nap!
12.03.2007
I'm happy dancing...
because I actually FINISHED an ornament. Meaning stitched, beaded, put together, and ready to hang on the tree!
It's Christmas Cardinal by Mill Hill.
I think the stitching slump is over, and I'm back into it full-speed ahead! I know this will probably sound silly, but I think I stitched this ornament as a...I don't know...memorial...to my Shadow kitty. I had no desire to do much of anything the last year since she died. I just realized how funny it is...
...to have a bird as a memorial to a cat!
It's Christmas Cardinal by Mill Hill.
I think the stitching slump is over, and I'm back into it full-speed ahead! I know this will probably sound silly, but I think I stitched this ornament as a...I don't know...memorial...to my Shadow kitty. I had no desire to do much of anything the last year since she died. I just realized how funny it is...
...to have a bird as a memorial to a cat!
11.29.2007
I finished stitching...
my neice's first Christmas ornament, but I have to figure out how I want to put it together. I found some instructions on how to make twisted cord and tassels, but I'm not sure if I want to make a pillow or flat type of ornament. I suppose I'll get a picture up when it's completely finished.
I am working on the first of TW's ornaments for Christmas presents. I started with my sister's, and it's really pretty. The thread that I talked about in a previous post is really nice thread with a good color change. It's subtle but not, if that makes any sense. Anyway, DSis's is in blues and purples. I hope I get them all done before Christmas! I think I have about 7 to do (8 if I do one for myself!).
I was going to answer this week's SBQ on this post, but it's a fairly complicated topic dealing with death (which I don't deal well with at all). So I need to do a great deal of thinking about it, and if I come up with something worth posting, I will.
I have also been on the hunt for an urn plate for my Shadow's urn. I have probably until after the new year to find something because the pottery maker who is designing it is busy with orders for Christmas. But none of the plates that I've seen seem to suit me or do justice to what Shadow meant to me. I would like to have something etched, like a picture of me and Shadow, or just of Shadow herself. But everything I see is so...business-like...and dull. I don't know. Maybe I'm just too picky. If anyone has any ideas please let me know!
Oh, and because I am so dense sometimes I didn't think that designers would take designs off of their sites. So I went through my WIP links and updated them.
Sheesh!
I am working on the first of TW's ornaments for Christmas presents. I started with my sister's, and it's really pretty. The thread that I talked about in a previous post is really nice thread with a good color change. It's subtle but not, if that makes any sense. Anyway, DSis's is in blues and purples. I hope I get them all done before Christmas! I think I have about 7 to do (8 if I do one for myself!).
I was going to answer this week's SBQ on this post, but it's a fairly complicated topic dealing with death (which I don't deal well with at all). So I need to do a great deal of thinking about it, and if I come up with something worth posting, I will.
I have also been on the hunt for an urn plate for my Shadow's urn. I have probably until after the new year to find something because the pottery maker who is designing it is busy with orders for Christmas. But none of the plates that I've seen seem to suit me or do justice to what Shadow meant to me. I would like to have something etched, like a picture of me and Shadow, or just of Shadow herself. But everything I see is so...business-like...and dull. I don't know. Maybe I'm just too picky. If anyone has any ideas please let me know!
Oh, and because I am so dense sometimes I didn't think that designers would take designs off of their sites. So I went through my WIP links and updated them.
Sheesh!
11.24.2007
I seriously do NOT know...
what is wrong with me. I feel like I can't even follow a pattern anymore.
I put Desiderata away for a bit so I can get some ornaments done. I am doing a baby's first Christmas ornament for my sister's baby, and there's a simple rhodes stitch done in an oval shape. Of course it doesn't line up when I get all the way around. I'm getting seriously concerned about my brain...I don't think I'm processing things the way I should. Either that, or I just can't concentrate because there's so much going on. I'll go with the latter.
I have several ornaments planned for my family. I think I'm going to do TW's Intermediate Whitework Ornament for everyone in different colors of DMC's Color Variations. Instead of just sewing printed fabric to the back like I usually do, I'm going to put the person's name and the year on the back. I hope they look ok, and if I can get started, that would be even better!
The SBQ for October 10th is very interesting:
What for you means to achieve mastery as a stitcher?
Mastery as a stitcher means that a person can do all the stitch types equally well, without having to refer to a diagram for every step. The stitches are neither too tight nor too loose, and they all have the same tension. It also means that a person finishes projects, not necessarily fast finishes, but finishes just the same. Finishing also means framing, making into ornaments or bellpulls, etc. There is a completed, finished product to display, not something that is languishing in drawer or closet. I only know a few people who I would consider master stitchers. Unfortunately...
...I'm not one of them.
I put Desiderata away for a bit so I can get some ornaments done. I am doing a baby's first Christmas ornament for my sister's baby, and there's a simple rhodes stitch done in an oval shape. Of course it doesn't line up when I get all the way around. I'm getting seriously concerned about my brain...I don't think I'm processing things the way I should. Either that, or I just can't concentrate because there's so much going on. I'll go with the latter.
I have several ornaments planned for my family. I think I'm going to do TW's Intermediate Whitework Ornament for everyone in different colors of DMC's Color Variations. Instead of just sewing printed fabric to the back like I usually do, I'm going to put the person's name and the year on the back. I hope they look ok, and if I can get started, that would be even better!
The SBQ for October 10th is very interesting:
What for you means to achieve mastery as a stitcher?
Mastery as a stitcher means that a person can do all the stitch types equally well, without having to refer to a diagram for every step. The stitches are neither too tight nor too loose, and they all have the same tension. It also means that a person finishes projects, not necessarily fast finishes, but finishes just the same. Finishing also means framing, making into ornaments or bellpulls, etc. There is a completed, finished product to display, not something that is languishing in drawer or closet. I only know a few people who I would consider master stitchers. Unfortunately...
...I'm not one of them.
11.16.2007
I finally started...
Desiderata Sampler after drooling over it for a few years. I'm doing it in DMC except for the Waterlilies and Wildflowers it calls for. Of course, after not stitching for a while, I messed up on the very first stitch in the border around the illuminated G. I did the first rice stitch over 5 threads horizontally instead of 4. At least it was an easy fix, because I hadn't gone all the way around the box yet. But still, what a pain!
I also got a Mill Hill ornament kit. Actually, it's a pin kit, but I make them into ornaments. I love their little beaded kits! It's a Christmas cardinal and has fuzzy stuff to go around the outside. So cute! I'll definitely post a picture when I'm finished...
...that is IF I finish!
I also got a Mill Hill ornament kit. Actually, it's a pin kit, but I make them into ornaments. I love their little beaded kits! It's a Christmas cardinal and has fuzzy stuff to go around the outside. So cute! I'll definitely post a picture when I'm finished...
...that is IF I finish!
11.13.2007
And now, the SBQ...
for November 8. I hope to be finding time to catch up on the two years I missed *grin*
When you have to frog out stitches, do you reuse that thread or do you start over with a new strand?
This is an easy one. Unless it is 24 carat gold thread (which it usually isn't) I would prefer to just cut out all the offending stitches and start over. Obviously, the thread is no longer useable, so I just start over with what might have been left over on the length I was stitching with. I have found that in my old age of 37, I have no patience to try to save the thread.
When you have to frog out stitches, do you reuse that thread or do you start over with a new strand?
This is an easy one. Unless it is 24 carat gold thread (which it usually isn't) I would prefer to just cut out all the offending stitches and start over. Obviously, the thread is no longer useable, so I just start over with what might have been left over on the length I was stitching with. I have found that in my old age of 37, I have no patience to try to save the thread.
It's been two years...
and I've finally gotten back into stitching and working on my blog. I had a very difficult year. My beloved Shadow died at 16 and I went into a severe depression. It has been over a year now, and I still can't get the hole in my heart to fill up. They say that time heals all wounds, but I feel like I will still feel empty for the remainder of my life.
I haven't been stitching at all. I just haven't had the motivation to even pick up a needle. But I did get the JCS ornament issue for this year, and I think there are a few projects in there that caught my eye. I also started Desiderata, which is something I've been trying to get kitted up for a few years. I have started the rice stitch around the illuminated G, and it was very cathartic to put even a few stitches in.
On the home front, it seems that my baby might have ringworm. Apparently, one of the parents at Aislin's preschool didn't think it was worth telling the teachers that her child was being treated for it. So it cost me 200 dollars for the doctor visit and the medication. So thanks a whole hell of a lot lady...
...I hope your hair falls out.
I haven't been stitching at all. I just haven't had the motivation to even pick up a needle. But I did get the JCS ornament issue for this year, and I think there are a few projects in there that caught my eye. I also started Desiderata, which is something I've been trying to get kitted up for a few years. I have started the rice stitch around the illuminated G, and it was very cathartic to put even a few stitches in.
On the home front, it seems that my baby might have ringworm. Apparently, one of the parents at Aislin's preschool didn't think it was worth telling the teachers that her child was being treated for it. So it cost me 200 dollars for the doctor visit and the medication. So thanks a whole hell of a lot lady...
...I hope your hair falls out.
9.19.2005
People, please stop talking...
before it becomes TMI.
TMI. Too. Much. Information.
Yes, I said it. And I'll say it again. TMI!
I don't care to hear about your bodily functions/sex routines/strange things you find in new places/gross labor stories.
I don't care to hear about what infections you've had and where.
And I certainly don't care to hear about your daily bathroom habits. When and how often you go, what it sounds like, or what it looks like is none of my business. And I don't care to hear about what other people feel is necessary to share with you either.
You know who you are.
Is nothing sacred anymore? Have you become so desensitized to everything that you are willing to share everything and anything with anyone who will sit next to you for 30 seconds? Do you not see the look of horror plastered on my face, or the fact that I am experiencing an entire body shudder from the visual images running through my head? Is my green, puckered face not enough to tell you that enough is enough?
Being a family member or a friend does not mean that I am open to hearing everything you feel a need to share. If you really want to be a friend...
...keep it to yourself!
TMI. Too. Much. Information.
Yes, I said it. And I'll say it again. TMI!
I don't care to hear about your bodily functions/sex routines/strange things you find in new places/gross labor stories.
I don't care to hear about what infections you've had and where.
And I certainly don't care to hear about your daily bathroom habits. When and how often you go, what it sounds like, or what it looks like is none of my business. And I don't care to hear about what other people feel is necessary to share with you either.
You know who you are.
Is nothing sacred anymore? Have you become so desensitized to everything that you are willing to share everything and anything with anyone who will sit next to you for 30 seconds? Do you not see the look of horror plastered on my face, or the fact that I am experiencing an entire body shudder from the visual images running through my head? Is my green, puckered face not enough to tell you that enough is enough?
Being a family member or a friend does not mean that I am open to hearing everything you feel a need to share. If you really want to be a friend...
...keep it to yourself!
9.12.2005
With everything that's going on...
I just can't keep up!
Of course it doesn't help that we have all been sick. Really sick. Sick enough that Justin's mother had to come and help out for a couple of days. Especially me and Aislin. We have spent the last two weekends in bed, coughing and basically dying. We had to take Aislin to the hospital this weekend too, as she was running a fever of 102 degrees.
I started back to school full time also. Even though my classes aren't as demanding as I feared, it still takes some time to study and keep up with everything. I'm still teaching two classes in addition to school and kids and house and husband. I'm pretty tired.
I guess I should update about the county fair last month. I placed first with TW's Knotwork Bookmark, Crossed Wing's Cardinal, Paw Printing's Queen Anne's Lace, Christmas Ornament 2004, and the Whiskey Creek Ink box that I made for my mother. I placed second with Just Nan's Winter Blues, TW's Jeanne Love's Angel, a beaded ornament, and a purple and silver bracelet. Not bad for my first fair! And I finally have some things framed that I can hang around my house!
I did manage to finish another project for my mother. It's called "Marilyn's Garden" (see sidebar under recently finished) and it will be her Christmas present this year. Yep, her name's Marilyn.
I hope to finish a few more WIP's because, frankly, I'm sick of looking at them. It really does feel good to finish things that have been sitting around yelling at me. I try to give them all some attention, but having so many projects going really limits the time I can spend on each one. Maybe I should pull them all out and put them in order as to the time it will take to finish each one. Then I'll start with the ones closest to being finished. Then again, not many stitching goals I put together come to fruition.
Finally, I need to catch up on SBQOTW. That's one thing that I really need to keep up with. Anyway, here goes...
For September 7th: Which way do you stitch (/// and then \\\ or \\\ and then ///)? Can you (or if you haven’t done it before, do you think you could) change the way that you stitch temporarily if it is asked of you?
I learned to stitch from my mother when I was 13, and have always stitched /// then \\\. It's as natural to me as driving or breathing. I don't think I would have any problems switching, it would just take some thinking and conscious effort on my part to keep it going. Otherwise, I would probably switch back to the way I naturally stitch.
For August 31st: What do you use to hold your fabric while you stitch? A hoop, a Q-Snap, a scroll frame, something else, or do you stitch in hand? Have you always used just the one thing or have you tried one or more of the others? Which do you like best? Why?
I started stitching with a hoop, and used that method for years. Until I discovered scroll frames. I always hated to rings and the squished stitches that the hoops left, and it takes a lot of time to iron them out. Most times they don't come all the way out. But scroll frames leaves a lot more stitching area exposed, and I can move from one section to another pretty easily. Plus the stitches stay put and there is relatively little ironing to do on a finished piece. I still use a hoop on smaller things, like ornaments though. I guess old habits are hard to break.
For August 24th: What’s the largest project you’ve ever done? What’s the smallest?
The largest project I've done is my sister and brother-in-law's Wedding Sampler by TW. It took a year of constant stitching and, even though it's 8" x 10", it's a huge project for me.
The smallest project I've ever done was a little saying "Cross stitcher at work, Do not disturb." It was done over 1 with just backstitching and it's so tiny that I'm going to make it into an ornament. I hope to make it bigger one day, to hang on my craft room door.
For August 18th: How often do you wash your fabric for each project? Do you wait until the very end until to wash it or do you wash it more than once?
Honestly, I don't normally wash my fabric. Not even finished pieces. Since most of the floss is cotton, I'm worried it will shrink or bleed. I did wash a bunch of older pieces in the washer on delicate, and they turned out fine. They were so dirty from sitting around for so many years that they really needed it. But otherwise, no I don't wash them because I'm very careful to keep my hands clean and handle the piece carefully.
I guess that's it for today. Aislin is crying in her bed. Poor baby is still not feeling well.
She needs her Mommy. But then...
...who doesn't?
Of course it doesn't help that we have all been sick. Really sick. Sick enough that Justin's mother had to come and help out for a couple of days. Especially me and Aislin. We have spent the last two weekends in bed, coughing and basically dying. We had to take Aislin to the hospital this weekend too, as she was running a fever of 102 degrees.
I started back to school full time also. Even though my classes aren't as demanding as I feared, it still takes some time to study and keep up with everything. I'm still teaching two classes in addition to school and kids and house and husband. I'm pretty tired.
I guess I should update about the county fair last month. I placed first with TW's Knotwork Bookmark, Crossed Wing's Cardinal, Paw Printing's Queen Anne's Lace, Christmas Ornament 2004, and the Whiskey Creek Ink box that I made for my mother. I placed second with Just Nan's Winter Blues, TW's Jeanne Love's Angel, a beaded ornament, and a purple and silver bracelet. Not bad for my first fair! And I finally have some things framed that I can hang around my house!
I did manage to finish another project for my mother. It's called "Marilyn's Garden" (see sidebar under recently finished) and it will be her Christmas present this year. Yep, her name's Marilyn.
I hope to finish a few more WIP's because, frankly, I'm sick of looking at them. It really does feel good to finish things that have been sitting around yelling at me. I try to give them all some attention, but having so many projects going really limits the time I can spend on each one. Maybe I should pull them all out and put them in order as to the time it will take to finish each one. Then I'll start with the ones closest to being finished. Then again, not many stitching goals I put together come to fruition.
Finally, I need to catch up on SBQOTW. That's one thing that I really need to keep up with. Anyway, here goes...
For September 7th: Which way do you stitch (/// and then \\\ or \\\ and then ///)? Can you (or if you haven’t done it before, do you think you could) change the way that you stitch temporarily if it is asked of you?
I learned to stitch from my mother when I was 13, and have always stitched /// then \\\. It's as natural to me as driving or breathing. I don't think I would have any problems switching, it would just take some thinking and conscious effort on my part to keep it going. Otherwise, I would probably switch back to the way I naturally stitch.
For August 31st: What do you use to hold your fabric while you stitch? A hoop, a Q-Snap, a scroll frame, something else, or do you stitch in hand? Have you always used just the one thing or have you tried one or more of the others? Which do you like best? Why?
I started stitching with a hoop, and used that method for years. Until I discovered scroll frames. I always hated to rings and the squished stitches that the hoops left, and it takes a lot of time to iron them out. Most times they don't come all the way out. But scroll frames leaves a lot more stitching area exposed, and I can move from one section to another pretty easily. Plus the stitches stay put and there is relatively little ironing to do on a finished piece. I still use a hoop on smaller things, like ornaments though. I guess old habits are hard to break.
For August 24th: What’s the largest project you’ve ever done? What’s the smallest?
The largest project I've done is my sister and brother-in-law's Wedding Sampler by TW. It took a year of constant stitching and, even though it's 8" x 10", it's a huge project for me.
The smallest project I've ever done was a little saying "Cross stitcher at work, Do not disturb." It was done over 1 with just backstitching and it's so tiny that I'm going to make it into an ornament. I hope to make it bigger one day, to hang on my craft room door.
For August 18th: How often do you wash your fabric for each project? Do you wait until the very end until to wash it or do you wash it more than once?
Honestly, I don't normally wash my fabric. Not even finished pieces. Since most of the floss is cotton, I'm worried it will shrink or bleed. I did wash a bunch of older pieces in the washer on delicate, and they turned out fine. They were so dirty from sitting around for so many years that they really needed it. But otherwise, no I don't wash them because I'm very careful to keep my hands clean and handle the piece carefully.
I guess that's it for today. Aislin is crying in her bed. Poor baby is still not feeling well.
She needs her Mommy. But then...
...who doesn't?
8.22.2005
It was a big PITA...
to switch around two girls' rooms!
I'm soooo exhausted! I have places that hurt that I didn't even know I had.
On August 11th, Alyssa asked Justin and I if she could switch rooms with Aislin. When we bought our house in April 2004, Alyssa got the smaller room because it had a bigger closet. She had a ton of Barbie stuff and horses and things that wouldn't fit in the other room's closet. Now that she has *outgrown* those things, she doesn't need the closet room.
I convinced Justin that it would be easy. Aislin only has a few pieces of furniture, so it would be no big deal.
I. Was. Wrong. There, I said it. I was wrong.
We started on August 13th, sure we would get everything done that weekend. We had every intention of doing something with the walls eventually, as we have laminated sheetrock. The most hideous laminated sheetrock. So I so naively tell Justin that I want to paint the rooms before Alyssa can hang anything. Both rooms have wall shelves, and I figured why not do it now? So after four days, two painful coats of primer, two even more painful coats of paint, and a lot of touch ups where the tape pulled off paint, the first room looked great. Even if I did feel like I could sleep for a week from walking up and down the ladder for four days. Did I forget to mention that both room's ceilings start at eight feet and slope to ten?
Setback number one: the builders forgot to put baseboard in the girls' rooms. Not a surprise because we have had nothing but problems with this house from day one. So Justin said he wants to trim the rooms. I say ok, but no more laminated crap like the trim all over the house. I want real trim. Four more days and four coats of paint and the trim is installed. It looks fabulous! Justin installed that stuff like an expert! Although he did have a bit of trouble holding the nails. Missing thumb you know.
Next we need to reinstall the shelve sets, but of course we have to buy another set because Aislin only had one set while Alyssa had two. Setback number two: does Lowe's have the three-foot shelves we used before in stock? Nooooooo! Because that would be too easy. We had to get six foot shelves and cut them down. Shelves are now installed on either side of the window. Looking good!
All of Aislin's furniture moves easily, except the crib, which has to be taken apart. No big deal.
Most of Alyssa's furniture moves easily. We had to take the bed apart, detach the hutches from her desk and dresser, and take her computer apart. No problem. Move bed into room...setback number three: headboard hits the wall as I'm attaching it to the bed frame. Yep, you guessed it. The latex paint peeled off the laminate like a big sticker. I swore. A lot. Good thing I had a styrofoam bowl of paint in the kitchen.
Setback number four: As Alyssa and I were moving her bookcase, I ran it over my foot and broke my toe.
Since Alyssa is changing her room theme from purple flowers to green frogs, we spent some time online looking for new bedding and accessories. We found things she liked quickly. Then I thought it would be cute to install matching switchplates and outlet covers. Setback number five: we don't have standard covers. They are of a snap-in type, and the only ones available are the ones that screw in.
But being the genius that I am, the girls and I went to Hancock fabrics and found a bright pink fabric with little green frogs all over it. I wrapped the fabric around the cover, cut out the center and hot glued it all down. Then I put three coats of Mod Podge over the fabric to give it that *laminated* look. Even though the MP darkened the pink to a more pinky-orange, Alyssa loves it and thinks I'm the coolest Mom ever!
Everything else went pretty smooth, and I even got two bags of trash out of Alyssa's room! Can that girl collect some junk! And Aislin is now sleeping in her own bed after sleeping between Justin and I--mostly sideways--for eight days.
So as of noon yesterday, the girls have brand new rooms. But I didn't bother painting Aislin's room yet.
Would you?
I'm soooo exhausted! I have places that hurt that I didn't even know I had.
On August 11th, Alyssa asked Justin and I if she could switch rooms with Aislin. When we bought our house in April 2004, Alyssa got the smaller room because it had a bigger closet. She had a ton of Barbie stuff and horses and things that wouldn't fit in the other room's closet. Now that she has *outgrown* those things, she doesn't need the closet room.
I convinced Justin that it would be easy. Aislin only has a few pieces of furniture, so it would be no big deal.
I. Was. Wrong. There, I said it. I was wrong.
We started on August 13th, sure we would get everything done that weekend. We had every intention of doing something with the walls eventually, as we have laminated sheetrock. The most hideous laminated sheetrock. So I so naively tell Justin that I want to paint the rooms before Alyssa can hang anything. Both rooms have wall shelves, and I figured why not do it now? So after four days, two painful coats of primer, two even more painful coats of paint, and a lot of touch ups where the tape pulled off paint, the first room looked great. Even if I did feel like I could sleep for a week from walking up and down the ladder for four days. Did I forget to mention that both room's ceilings start at eight feet and slope to ten?
Setback number one: the builders forgot to put baseboard in the girls' rooms. Not a surprise because we have had nothing but problems with this house from day one. So Justin said he wants to trim the rooms. I say ok, but no more laminated crap like the trim all over the house. I want real trim. Four more days and four coats of paint and the trim is installed. It looks fabulous! Justin installed that stuff like an expert! Although he did have a bit of trouble holding the nails. Missing thumb you know.
Next we need to reinstall the shelve sets, but of course we have to buy another set because Aislin only had one set while Alyssa had two. Setback number two: does Lowe's have the three-foot shelves we used before in stock? Nooooooo! Because that would be too easy. We had to get six foot shelves and cut them down. Shelves are now installed on either side of the window. Looking good!
All of Aislin's furniture moves easily, except the crib, which has to be taken apart. No big deal.
Most of Alyssa's furniture moves easily. We had to take the bed apart, detach the hutches from her desk and dresser, and take her computer apart. No problem. Move bed into room...setback number three: headboard hits the wall as I'm attaching it to the bed frame. Yep, you guessed it. The latex paint peeled off the laminate like a big sticker. I swore. A lot. Good thing I had a styrofoam bowl of paint in the kitchen.
Setback number four: As Alyssa and I were moving her bookcase, I ran it over my foot and broke my toe.
Since Alyssa is changing her room theme from purple flowers to green frogs, we spent some time online looking for new bedding and accessories. We found things she liked quickly. Then I thought it would be cute to install matching switchplates and outlet covers. Setback number five: we don't have standard covers. They are of a snap-in type, and the only ones available are the ones that screw in.
But being the genius that I am, the girls and I went to Hancock fabrics and found a bright pink fabric with little green frogs all over it. I wrapped the fabric around the cover, cut out the center and hot glued it all down. Then I put three coats of Mod Podge over the fabric to give it that *laminated* look. Even though the MP darkened the pink to a more pinky-orange, Alyssa loves it and thinks I'm the coolest Mom ever!
Everything else went pretty smooth, and I even got two bags of trash out of Alyssa's room! Can that girl collect some junk! And Aislin is now sleeping in her own bed after sleeping between Justin and I--mostly sideways--for eight days.
So as of noon yesterday, the girls have brand new rooms. But I didn't bother painting Aislin's room yet.
Would you?
8.06.2005
We just got back...
from getting new pictures!
These are for Aislin's 2nd birthday. Alyssa is 11 and I'll be getting a portrait of her in her ballet recital costume soon. The rest of the pictures are in my Webshots album in the sidebar.
Aren't they such pretty girls? Yes, I'm a very proud Mama. But Daddy was walking around like a peacock. I said we would get a few pictures because we don't really have a lot of money right now.
$204.00 later...
These are for Aislin's 2nd birthday. Alyssa is 11 and I'll be getting a portrait of her in her ballet recital costume soon. The rest of the pictures are in my Webshots album in the sidebar.
Aren't they such pretty girls? Yes, I'm a very proud Mama. But Daddy was walking around like a peacock. I said we would get a few pictures because we don't really have a lot of money right now.
$204.00 later...
8.05.2005
I'm past due...
on the SBQOTW.
I really do have the best intentions on keeping up with this on a weekly basis. After all, this blog is supposed to be about stitching. But as my mother says, "I've slept since then."
August 3rd: Have you hand-dyed your own fabric? Why or why not? Would you like to try to do so?
No I have never dyed my own fabric. I would love to, and am envious of those stitchers I know who have tried this. C even dyed some with koolaid! It turned out lovely!
I think I'm worried about the mess. Or the fact that I'm such a perfectionist that I will hate every piece. Or something.
July 27th: What is your most unique/interesting stitching quirk? (This could be something concerning the way you stitch, how you organize your stash, etc.)
I don't know that it's interesting, but it is a quirk. I'm obsessive about how my stitches lay. They have to lay side-by-side, not twisted, and all the stitches have to be the same height. Meaning that if I look at my stitching from the side, there better not be any stitches sticking up higher or sitting lower than the others.
I even have several tools to help in this endeavor. I can't remember the name, but I have a stitch *tucker*. It is like a big needle that can be pushed down into the holes of the fabric and it *tucks* stitches toward the back. How's that for obsessive?
July 20th: Have you ever done a color conversion? If so, what did you think about your results and would you do it again? If not, would you like to try someday?
Yes I have done a conversion. I did TW's Knotwork Bookmark, which she designed with color conversions in mind. I was very happy with it, and used my absolute favorite colors. I'm going to enter it in the county fair this month.
Absolutely yes I would do it again! TW also has a dragon that calls for conversions, and I have looked at some colors for him also. The only problem I have is taking so long to find the *right* colors. But there is such a sense of pride when the colors I choose actually work!
I have framed my first piece for the fair this year. It's my first fair, so I am very excited and completely nervous. Since my sister Heather is so stingy and won't let me enter her gorgeous wedding sampler that will probably win a blue ribbon (I love you Sissy!) I had to find some other pieces. But I think I've picked some nice things to enter.
1. TW's Knotwork Bookmark. Not actually finished into a bookmark yet. I'm just waiting on the vinyl sleeve and tassel. I was thinking dark brown to match the brown in the border.
2. An ornament. I just have to put on the hanger.
3. Winter Blues by Just Nan under samplers. Needs to be framed but I will probably do that today.
4. TW's Jeanne Love's Angel. The first thing I framed myself!
5. Main Street Box. This was a recent finish for my mother, but she generously allowed me to enter it in the fair. It will be under perforated paper. It can be seen under recent finishes in the sidebar.
All the details for these pieces can be found in my webshots albums. Look under "My favorite links" in the sidebar.
Other things I'm thinking about include a piece of jewlery that I made, a silk gauze piece, a beaded ornament, and a beaded egg.
I'll post more pictures as I finish things. I'm so excited though, and I'm going to be selfish once again...
...and hope I win something!
I really do have the best intentions on keeping up with this on a weekly basis. After all, this blog is supposed to be about stitching. But as my mother says, "I've slept since then."
August 3rd: Have you hand-dyed your own fabric? Why or why not? Would you like to try to do so?
No I have never dyed my own fabric. I would love to, and am envious of those stitchers I know who have tried this. C even dyed some with koolaid! It turned out lovely!
I think I'm worried about the mess. Or the fact that I'm such a perfectionist that I will hate every piece. Or something.
July 27th: What is your most unique/interesting stitching quirk? (This could be something concerning the way you stitch, how you organize your stash, etc.)
I don't know that it's interesting, but it is a quirk. I'm obsessive about how my stitches lay. They have to lay side-by-side, not twisted, and all the stitches have to be the same height. Meaning that if I look at my stitching from the side, there better not be any stitches sticking up higher or sitting lower than the others.
I even have several tools to help in this endeavor. I can't remember the name, but I have a stitch *tucker*. It is like a big needle that can be pushed down into the holes of the fabric and it *tucks* stitches toward the back. How's that for obsessive?
July 20th: Have you ever done a color conversion? If so, what did you think about your results and would you do it again? If not, would you like to try someday?
Yes I have done a conversion. I did TW's Knotwork Bookmark, which she designed with color conversions in mind. I was very happy with it, and used my absolute favorite colors. I'm going to enter it in the county fair this month.
Absolutely yes I would do it again! TW also has a dragon that calls for conversions, and I have looked at some colors for him also. The only problem I have is taking so long to find the *right* colors. But there is such a sense of pride when the colors I choose actually work!
I have framed my first piece for the fair this year. It's my first fair, so I am very excited and completely nervous. Since my sister Heather is so stingy and won't let me enter her gorgeous wedding sampler that will probably win a blue ribbon (I love you Sissy!) I had to find some other pieces. But I think I've picked some nice things to enter.
1. TW's Knotwork Bookmark. Not actually finished into a bookmark yet. I'm just waiting on the vinyl sleeve and tassel. I was thinking dark brown to match the brown in the border.
2. An ornament. I just have to put on the hanger.
3. Winter Blues by Just Nan under samplers. Needs to be framed but I will probably do that today.
4. TW's Jeanne Love's Angel. The first thing I framed myself!
5. Main Street Box. This was a recent finish for my mother, but she generously allowed me to enter it in the fair. It will be under perforated paper. It can be seen under recent finishes in the sidebar.
All the details for these pieces can be found in my webshots albums. Look under "My favorite links" in the sidebar.
Other things I'm thinking about include a piece of jewlery that I made, a silk gauze piece, a beaded ornament, and a beaded egg.
I'll post more pictures as I finish things. I'm so excited though, and I'm going to be selfish once again...
...and hope I win something!
8.04.2005
Today is the day...
that my parents are moving to North Carolina.
It's a long, hard, 2-day drive from New Mexico. I understand completely why they are moving. My mother has never liked the Southwest. She was raised in places like Washington state, California, and Alaska, and she was born in North Carolina, so it has been very hard on her here. She was stationed in this state twice while in the military, and she retired in this town in 2001. But she wants to be near her deceased father's family and get a teaching job out there.
I feel so alone. I am very used to moving. We moved every 2-3 years when I was growing up. That's the life of a military brat. But the older I get, the more I want to settle down. I want to have a "home." I've never had a place I could call home because I wasn't ever from anywhere.
And the older I get the more I want to be closer to my parents. I have seen them every day for the last 5 years. Now I won't see them but once or twice a year.
I feel very selfish. I feel like a big baby. But I still feel very lonely, even with Justin and my girls.
I will be busy this fall, with school and work and family. Will that make the time pass by faster?
Maybe Christmas will come early this year.
It's a long, hard, 2-day drive from New Mexico. I understand completely why they are moving. My mother has never liked the Southwest. She was raised in places like Washington state, California, and Alaska, and she was born in North Carolina, so it has been very hard on her here. She was stationed in this state twice while in the military, and she retired in this town in 2001. But she wants to be near her deceased father's family and get a teaching job out there.
I feel so alone. I am very used to moving. We moved every 2-3 years when I was growing up. That's the life of a military brat. But the older I get, the more I want to settle down. I want to have a "home." I've never had a place I could call home because I wasn't ever from anywhere.
And the older I get the more I want to be closer to my parents. I have seen them every day for the last 5 years. Now I won't see them but once or twice a year.
I feel very selfish. I feel like a big baby. But I still feel very lonely, even with Justin and my girls.
I will be busy this fall, with school and work and family. Will that make the time pass by faster?
Maybe Christmas will come early this year.
7.29.2005
Where does the time run off to...
when you don't do much during the day?
I mean that in the most sincere way, in that it seems that the days pass by faster this summer when I'm not working, than during the school year when I teach. It's unbelievable, because I'm even getting up earlier in the morning than usual. Then I blink, and the day is over.
I think I'm focused on this aspect even more than usual because my baby, Aislin, turned 2 years old this last Saturday. Plus she got her first haircut. She screamed the whole time. I really need to post pictures. But her turning 2 is impossible, because it hasn't even been enough time to forget the labor pains. She just can't be 2! Can't be! And Alyssa can't be 11 1/2 and going into 6th grade! And she has boobs! My little Peanut is as tall as me and has boobs. *sigh*
Why? Why are they allowed to grow up? I guess I took it for granted that they would always be babies and need me and be able to snuggle on my lap. Selfish, yes, but see previous posts. I think I'm wallowing in misery because I got out their baby books to reminisce and to update Aislin's and the changes just got the best of me.
On the plus side, Justin's thumb is looking great! After just 2 months after amputating it, it is almost fully healed. There is some concern with the nail, as a little bitty sliver of it is trying to grow, which is gross, and the doctor will decide in 3 months what to do with it. But it doesn't hurt as much as it did, and he's now getting weird phantom pains in it. I just feel bad for him when he tries to do something that requires a thumb...
...and he forgets it's not there!
I mean that in the most sincere way, in that it seems that the days pass by faster this summer when I'm not working, than during the school year when I teach. It's unbelievable, because I'm even getting up earlier in the morning than usual. Then I blink, and the day is over.
I think I'm focused on this aspect even more than usual because my baby, Aislin, turned 2 years old this last Saturday. Plus she got her first haircut. She screamed the whole time. I really need to post pictures. But her turning 2 is impossible, because it hasn't even been enough time to forget the labor pains. She just can't be 2! Can't be! And Alyssa can't be 11 1/2 and going into 6th grade! And she has boobs! My little Peanut is as tall as me and has boobs. *sigh*
Why? Why are they allowed to grow up? I guess I took it for granted that they would always be babies and need me and be able to snuggle on my lap. Selfish, yes, but see previous posts. I think I'm wallowing in misery because I got out their baby books to reminisce and to update Aislin's and the changes just got the best of me.
On the plus side, Justin's thumb is looking great! After just 2 months after amputating it, it is almost fully healed. There is some concern with the nail, as a little bitty sliver of it is trying to grow, which is gross, and the doctor will decide in 3 months what to do with it. But it doesn't hurt as much as it did, and he's now getting weird phantom pains in it. I just feel bad for him when he tries to do something that requires a thumb...
...and he forgets it's not there!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)