Counting Bits of Joy

Have been passions of mine as far back as I can remember.  Starting with embroidering pillow cases under the shade trees.  Yes,  I was quite young and there was no air conditioning.  From there, high school economics introduced me to sewing machines.   It was so exciting to purchase my very own Singer for $88.  That purchase came with additional sewing lessons as well as the responsibility of making monthly payments.   Then came counted cross stitch...wish I could remember how that interest evolved.  I'm not even certain how finishing for others came about?  Never the less, the good fortune of having clients throughout the country, has brought hours of pleasure here.  Thank you all for entrusting me with your lovely stitching. With Christmas behin d us, I will be sharing some of the finishing b y  Finely Finished .   So many were Christmas gifts and were to be kept secret until after gifting.  Sewing "needfuls" ...

Many of us attend the mandatory Christmas programs, pageants and plays.   Who doesn't love seeing their child in one?  We all tend to go a little silly when "our" child has a part and often have stories that remain with us through out the years. I remember once my daughter was completely left out until the last minute.  The teachers asked her if she would want to be an angel and her reply was---"Well I am one, so yes!"  And some of the outfits I dressed my son in--the most garish plaid slacks ever.  What was I thinking? And before you know it, you're attending programs that your grands are in.  I'll never forget when the youngest was 3 and Papa walks to the stage for photos and she very loudly says, "Hi Papa!"--what a treat that was. This year the thought came to me there won't be many more to attend.  This little lady is now in junior high.  Of course every song sung, I could hear her voice. If you have not se...

"It Takes no more time to see the good side of life than to see the bad."   This I know to be true.  Actually, I've always tried to see the good, but now I try to live and believe it!  Looking back on the past  few years change raised it's ugly head, leaving me with two choices--continue to live a life of good or bad.  I choose good. The loss of my husband was tragic, yet I have a heart full of good memories.  Life goes on and he would want that for me.  Old friends have fallen away, new have arrived.  Things, and i do mean things, break; they can be repaired or replaced.  Nights are long and lonely at times; read a book, listen to music, dance in the moonlight.  One need not look far to see and do good.   Since I've been away from blogging for some time, let me share a few photos of the good. Grandgirls Roadtrips with Friends Gardening So much good. . . How about you, do...

New and old this year.   Beginning with the grand, once again, spending the night on Thanksgiving to help fluff the tree.  Who knew, at 17, this would still be our tradition?  Not being ready to go back to the "normal" tree, we chose a white one.  She assures me it will be "magnificent" once complete.  Does it matter?  No, having her continue the tradition is what counts. And for the new, a friend and myself took advantage of shop small business Saturday.  A wonderful little shop named "The Purple Turnip"--new to me.  What's not to love about the name and the beauty of an old building?! Chatting over a glass of wine, we decided this new tradition would definitely be one to continue! Do you continue old traditions, start new ones, or both?

Peaceful and grateful today.   My son turned 47 at 4:23 am today.  How is it he is older than me?  I sure don't feel old enough to have a child of that age.  Well, perhaps, my body feels it after working in the gardens for 2 hours. With the tragic world events happening more and more often, one needs to remember to pray for peace and be grateful for all they have.  Even, carving out this new life, there is so much good and choosing to be appreciative warms my heart.   Guess I'm feeling melancholy, yet peace, grace and kindness--on my mind. What word are you "feeling" today?

Change is inevitable, this I know to be true.  A little less than a year ago, I spoke of the change in my life.  And since then, there has been much.  Sadly, my husband died (Don't be afraid to use that word.) on July 7 of this year.  A tragic fall ended our struggle with dementia.  Life will never be the same; however, I am happy to have had over 32 years with a kind, loving man.  I owe it to his legacy to continue the kindness he shared with many and live life to the fullest.  He did and would want me to go out and live. On the advice of a good friend, I hope to get back into blogging.  I hope to share my life as a caregiver, grandmother, stitcher and finisher.   Finely Finished  is growing along with the grands, one of which is driving.   Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram, along with other social media, seem to have taken over blogging for many.  Let's slow down and share. Opening myself here, I welcome any comment...

Days, months and years? Just yesterday this little gal was in the arms of her parents and a new joy in all of our lives.  How did she turn 12 today? We are all proud of our families, as we should be.  Yet, this little gal has captured much more of my attention.  As her sister is in high school, I have the pleasure of spending more alone time with her.  I'm amazed at her quick wit, creativeness and intelligence...so very proud of her. With a smile in my heart and a great big giggle, I will add she is a lot like me! Happy Birthday...love you to the moon! 

Was said to mean laughing  so hard it's painful.  Not certain if that's still true today,  however February has been filled with stitching and finishing with a little pain thrown in.  A busy month with barely enough days to complete everything before Nashville market. Perhaps the painful part, would be the times a needle pricked my fingers.  I so need to learn to use that thimble again!  Thimbles just seem so cumbersome and slow me down. There's no time to slow down!  Just yesterday, my sister asked if I ever took the time to work on my own projects.  Yes, I do...doesn't a small piece count? Finely Finished   has been keeping me in stitches this month. Hope to take more time next month to get back into blogging on a regular basis.  This silly post is not letting me go back and add design information on each picture?!  So much to relearn!   Before I hit that publish button,  I'd like ...

To my "stuff" or at least that's what the oldest grand accuses me of.  While she is a very smart young lady, she is a 16 year old and can't possibly understand the value of stuff.  And besides, I prefer the word treasures. Many years have gone into finding, saving and using my treasures.  The real coup is in finding bargains, and yes, I have been known to dive into a dumpster!  It's amazing to me what others discard.  On occasion it hits me, I have too much stuff (I mean too many treasures) and decide to purge.  And what happens?  It had a purpose all along. For example an old frame.  It had been in the basement forever until one day a sampler fit into it perfectly.   And yesterday, a thought hit me...maybe I could use it for another one of my favorite pieces.   Yes!  This is why I'm "attached to my stuff"...it fit perfectly! How about you, are you attached to your stuff?

in my heart and try to keep it all the year."  Wonderful thought for every year. This quote has so many possibilities and I suppose could be interpreted in many ways.  As for myself and the Jewel, we are on the lookout all year for each other's Christmas gifts.  And as the year comes to an end, usually there's a theme. As this is the best part of Christmas for myself, I sadly forget about taking pictures.  Trust me, the tray and contents, along with the box, were brimming with wonderfulness!  And yes, I still have my flip flops on.  If you believe in Christmas,  you can believe you're on a beach. Here's a bit of my thought process...something she taught me.  Finding mementos on outings throughout the year.  Some right under each other's noses.  Every little piece tells a story. Books with somewhat of a theme. More than gifts, friendships, or relationships of any kind,...

Am I in need of therapy?  While cleaning my studio, I peeked into the basket of "starts"...little did I know there were so many! Don't get me wrong, I'm not feeling any guilt.  After all, "keeps me out of the bars and off the streets" to quote a family member.  There really isn't a lot of money involved here...just a lot of stitching.  Stitching, gardening, reading and now finish work are passions.  Just need to nurture the passions. The goal this year is to work on clients' finish work during the day and stitch during the evening. First 2015  "Finely Finished" finishes shipped. Seriously, what are your passions?

All away saddens me a little this year.  2014 was a true year of change and I'm certain 2015 will be also.  Perhaps, the key to any change is acceptance and finding joy in the little things.  Better yet, searching out and doing what makes you happy! Not all Christmas will be packed...it is still winter after all.  I kind of "slide" from one holiday into another.   As this piece is usually out of doors, it was so much fun to repurpose it for indoors. This photo will be on my computer screen, reminding me that there is always good in change! Packing away and remembering the good in 2015.  How about you?