Counting Bits of Joy

Is it so much easier to start a project than finish?! We talk about stitching...don't we "jewel"? And we put in a stitch here and there...thanks Sharyn. Yet still, boredom sets in and we move on to that new found "got to have". Okay, maybe the word "we" is to ease the guilt I often have when tiring of one piece and moving on to another. Really, I do want to finish these pieces but far too often I find an excuse to move on. Could it be I really want to start this? I have stitched this sweet little sampler by Sheepish Designs several times. This particular one was stitched for me instead! This too is a fun little sampler...I believe it to be a Twisted Threads . And one of my all time favorites by Blackbird Designs found in their "Fine Collections" book. Very Spring like! Does it really matter why? LOL

Me or Mother Nature? One should allow themselves to sleep in on Saturdays even though it's the first day of Spring and there is a great deal of work to be accomplished. You've heard of Spring cleaning right? Once that's out of the way, the gardening begins. Wait...what is that surrounding the daffodils? Snow?! Does She not realize today is the first day of Spring? Or did I sleep so late my days are confused?! Hopefully, the daffodils will make it through this new snow. Everyone is tired of this long winter. Please Mother Nature...wake up!

Number two "grand" girl has a birthday...can she really be seven?! Although she and her big sister are equally wonderful, she is so very different. She is an independent, lovely, creative child. There has been mention she is much like her "grammie" bringing moans and rolling of the eyes from some, but a little smile from me. Of course I'm prejudice, but when telling her I thought she was creative...her reply, "Yes, I know...I'm going to be a designer." Designer? Of what? "Oh, it doesn't matter...there's a lot to be designed." And much to my delight, she's ready for me to help her stitch a sampler. Perhaps, she will design her own sampler one day. Definitely, Papa's "buddy"! Fashion is quite important at seven don't you agree? "Thank you everybody. No, I will keep the money." Did I mention she also likes to have fun with her grammie? Yes, she loves 3D too! Happy Birthday "Ladybug"...love y...

Since returning from vacation, the sofa is once again my friend. Just too tired to stitch, much less anything else. Sure there have been home cooked meals, laundry...gosh is that suitcase unpacked? Oh yes, let's not forget work. There has been bright sunny days this week so I thought a stroll in the garden was in order. With all the snow we've had this winter, the ground is quite wet. Look what's peeking through? Every one and everything is in need of sun! Even with patches of snow, we dream of what's to come. Nice to see "el sol"...for me and my garden.

Is it a number, date, feeling? Is it good or bad? Old or new? Are age and years the same? This little word age has been on my mind a great deal as of late..I cannot believe there have been so many years come and go. Where have they gone? Will they continue to speed by or is there a way to slow them...take them in day by day and breath? I can count, and thankfully remember, much joy and happiness through out these years. Fond memories seem to over power the bad..perhaps that is key. Was this sampler really started over 15 years ago? Remember , a powerful word. In a previous post, I questioned my love of snow over the beach. And even though it rains at the beach... At this age, sunrise on the beach is beautiful! Remember..."They are not long, the days of wine and roses".

The dictionary explains, "strong or passionate affection for a person". Yet through the years, we have used the word to include much more..."a strong predilection, enthusiasm, or liking for anything". I would like to believe our first loves should include God, country and home, as well as our fellow man. Blackbird Designs "February Hearts" from a Fine Collection . Old books found on outings with my true love. Carriage House Samplings "Hearts & Flowers" . He "loves" golf and I the snow. Well maybe sunrise on the beach is right up there with snow. Okay, let's be honest, since I will celebrate Valentine's on the beach, perhaps it is above snow. That decision will be made upon my return. What is your definition of Love?

Come and go and at some point, they become only a number. I have celebrated more birthdays than seem possible. Those that know me know my love of samplers. How fortunate I am to receive not only their gift of friendship but their gifts of stitching. It's difficult to choose which ones to share, each one is beautiful...perhaps I will add more another day. "Remembrance" sampler by Margaret Kohl. This was my very first "sampler gift". Not only was it a sampler, the antique frame was part of the gift! "Chole Lincoln Sampler" by Sheepish Antiques. I personally framed this piece for my friend, only to have it presented to me as a birthday present later. Another wonderful frame included! "Happy Birthday" by Blackbird Designs. I was in absolute shock to think my "jewel" of a friend would stitch such a wonderful piece after knowing me for a very short time! Thank you dear friends for bringing joy and happiness to my birthdays and life...