Counting Bits of Joy

And not all of it wonderful...the stitching, that is. What was I thinking, why did I frame this Birds of a Feather piece? Another perfect little project that would have been just right for a small bowl?! I did not like stitching the Prairie Schooler heart on 18 count davos so I stitched the Cricket angel on 18 count aida? What was I thinking?! Remember this frame from winter and spring stitching? Sheepish Designs "Eagle" was a perfect fit even though the eagle flew off center....what was he thinking?! There must have been a little more thinking going on here...Blackbird Designs "Patriotic Bouquet" from Souvenirs of Summer is a favorite that reminds me of good stitching time spent with a friend. As this piece...another Birds of a Feather...was started at the beginning of the Iraq War, I know what I was thinking!! Although, did any of us think, to date, there is still no end? Let us all think Peace today...and every day.

It is, you know! I can remember a time when we celebrated America every day. It was a time to respect God, Home and Country. How proud I was to stand tall and recite the Pledge of Allegiance! We were taught to understand and appreciate our Country--our people, our resources, our ideals. We did not take for granted our democracy and how it works. In today's world, we celebrate Flag Day...well, some of us...the Fourth of July and the arrival of Summer Fun. Stars and stripes are every where and many once again display the American Flag. Opening the front door every morning and seeing my Flag I'm reminded how much I love it and the Country it represents. Could that be why I'm drawn to cross stitch with a Flag theme? "July's Celebration" from Blackbird Designs Fine Collection is a favorite among a collection of family flags. Flags are even nice with redware..." Summer Pinkeeps" by Notforgotten Farms. The next two pieces are very early Cricket Collection...

is my motto these days. Taking time off from teaching this summer has afforded me the time to enjoy each day. Who would have thought that even the mundane tasks of laundry, cleaning and organizing...I question this...would be as pleasurable as family, friends, gardening and stitching? Did I say stitching? Well, my heart is there...just haven't found that perfect project! I've had the good fortune to renew an old friendship and to quote her..."My daily goal is to make each day a pleasant memory". If you think about it, what a simple act to obtain much pleasure. May your days be simple and pleasurable!