Counting Bits of Joy

Blog, stitch, finish work?  I have no idea where to start. My world is spinning with change.  Trying to keep up and not knowing where to start.  Turning the page of the calendar was an eye-opener for sure.  2018. . .really?  Where did 2017 go, not to mention the last 3 years?! Life is what you make it and I'm going for love, joy and kindness.  Hopefully, that will include saying hello on occasion to my blog friends. How about you?  What are your plans for 2018?

And counting the days, or should I say the months since I have posted.  I think of it often and do so enjoy seeing your posts.  Where does the time go? Life is becoming a new normal here and all is well.  I am, however, surprised that I even remember how to start a post.   Finely Finished  is now a full time job--not my favorite word.  Finish work is a passion for me (not a job) and I'm fortunate to have clients' that allow me to spend time in the studio and "create" using their finely stitched pieces.  And how fun to have someone say "do your magic"!   Strawberries seem to be a favorite to stitch these days.  With so many lovely designs, I can see why.  Erica Michaels' Quaker Strawberry  has passed through the studio in many color ways. Tell me. . .are you counting stitches or days?   Thank you for stopping by, looking forward to hearing from you.

Cooler nights.  It must be Fall!  My favorite time of year. For me, it's an even better time to enjoy the outdoors and garden. I tend to decorate a bit indoors and out with the change of seasons.  Although this year, my heart didn't seem to be in it.  Rather do nothing, I'm "changing things up" and having fun doing so. And then there's  Finely Finished , keeping me busy with clients' lovely stitching.        Apparently, I need to post more often.  Blogger isn't allowing me to add additional photos.  I'll be back soon.  In the mean time. . . What is your favorite season?

S till blogging?  Or have you gone to Instagram, Facebook and the many other social media sites?  Have we become so busy there's no time to blog, let alone read blogs?  I'm certainly guilty of not posting.  I want to and think of it often.  But do I?  No.  Am I that busy?  No, at least not every day of the week.  And last time I looked, there were still seven days in a week. This summer I was on the beach of Gulf Shores, AL.  Great friends, great food and relaxing time to say the least. Another concert to see Sir Paul.   Of course, there was time with these two.  One now a senior and one in eighth grade. A little time in the garden. And then there's Finely Finished .  Finishing the needlework of fellow stitchers has not only become a passion, but a blessing too. That's where I've been, now tell me. . . Where will I find you?

"A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend"---as described in the dictionary.  Yet, today it seems we describe so many things by the word love.  Love that food, book, photo, you name it, we love it.  Hopefully, that does not take away from the personal human connections. For me, I love so many things...family, friends, cross stitching, finish work, gardening, my home.  Monday coffee. . . Wine. . . These two. . . Finishing your stitching. . . There's more to be sure, and at the top of the list would be life! Tell me what do you love?

Again!  You, my friends and clients, with all of your lovely stitching passing through my studio, have inspired me to pick up needle and thread. Thank you for that and a sincere thank you to all that entrusted me with finishing their work.  The plan is...finish in the morning and stitch for myself in the evening.  Please remind me of that if you see no stitching here on occasion. Yes, you're seeing correctly...this piece "Eleanor Rigby" by Blackbird Designs was started in 2014 and just today finished.  I hope never to take that long again.  Threads get lost, patterns misplaced and just pure chaos arises. What are you stitching in 2016?