Counting Bits of Joy

Spring, Stitching and Everything! The "deer tray" is now filled with favorite little Spring treasures and continues to brighten a spot next to the stitching chair. Our Kwanzan cherry tree is at it's best and the blossoms have endured the elements far better this year. A basket of stitching was found among Easter decorations...look closely at the lining. A small table topper stitched when I was very young, a reminder, I've always enjoyed having a needle in hand. Funny though, I thought today's little girls were the only ones to like purple! May your Easter be filled with Happiness, Peace and Love.

How many pages some patterns have. For over two years I have wanted to stitch Elizabeth Savilles . About this time last year, I actually thought I would. What's the hangup you ask? Over 12 pages of pattern! I've never been one to like charts that were not all on one page...I want to see it at a glance. Call me crazy...page after page is just too daunting. After seeing Laurie's lovely finish of this sampler, I contacted her and asked her how she tackled the pattern. She doesn't seem to have a problem with "multiple page" charts and suggested I try making mine into one page. While setting on the patio in the breeze, I did just that. I don't know which was crazier...piecing together the pages outdoors or the size of the end result?! Then today while visiting with a fellow stitcher , I discover she doesn't mind stitching from multiple pages either. How crazy is that? Thanks to all of you who encouraged me to "forge" ahead on my erro...

May not always be of monetary value and usually does come to each of us. Whether we recognize it as such is up to our interpretation. The Nelson Atkins Museum is only a few minutes away and thanks to a dear friend, I have had the good fortune to attend opening exhibits... Such as the Clare Toomey "Forever Cup" No, I was not "deeded" a cup but enthusiastically shared the good fortune of a deserving friend. A little music by Casey James...a former American Idol contestant Monet's "Water Lilies" ...one of only two of Monet's triptychs in the United States. No words could convey the pleasure of this experience...absolutely, breath taking. Something as simple as a note left by the grandgirl who not only delights in gardening but leaving notes around for those she loves...that's good fortune. What do you consider good fortune?

Forget it? Still cannot add that word "frog" to my vocabulary, which after reading various blogs, is what so many of you do...spend time "frogging" when off a stitch or two. I don't know, is it really necessary? Always having been one to "compensate" (now that's a word), I question to continue on with some of my projects or just rip out. In picking up some of these older pieces from the basket, I realize how they landed there...wrong threads, off a stitch or two...just mistakes too numerous to mention. I was unable to find all the required threads for Primitivebettys' "1836 Spring Tyme" sampler and asked for her advice. She assured me it was fine to use any threads I had on hand. Wonder if I should have asked about the error in placement? And then there's "Ann Carter" by The Scarlet Letter . ...I hate to think how many years she's been in that basket! Lost silk thread, way off on row after row, from alphabe...

And even this lone crocus is glad to say so! There may be a lot of yard clean up, however after a long hard winter, what could be better than to hear... It's Spring! May your days be filled with warmth and joy!

Going on, well...beyond her years. This little girl isn't so little any more, and at eight, I'm hoping to know her 20 years from now. She is definitely one step ahead of everyone! Fun, smart and full of adventure...seriously, 2 guns with 24 darts!? Is that a twinkle of mischief in her eye? She too loves the beach...what a fun cake her mother made. Little boxes to hide treasures are a favorite. And did I mention...she too loves to be silly and when asked, "Where did you come up with that?", she answers..."From you"? Oh, how she's loved to the moon!