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?

Begins and we say goodbye to 2015.  After the last few months, the word "happy" isn't an easy word for me.  Although the happy memories do outweigh the sad.   There are no resolutions for 2016--everyday is a new day and it's up to us to choose happy or sad.  Today my greeting to you is. . .    A Joyful New Year! Is that getting close to happy? 

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 ...