The Good, the Bad and the Devastating

The Bad

It has been ages since I blogged!  I need like a reminder or something that says "you thought about it but didn't actually do it".

I apologize for the bad blogging habits and will attempt to do better.

Pinky swear

The Good

So the reason for the blog.  

Stitching!!!  

Serenity Prayer is back from the framer.  I am awaiting word on what my brother thinks, I have not seen him since it was finished.

I did a little on Bees Knees (Ink Circles) - I'm turning the corner. (I'm sure there should be some sort of joke here)

I started One hundred years (Lizzie Kate).  This is going to be a gift and has moved along well.

One of my Librarians at work is getting married this summer and I decided that I would surprise her with a stitched piece. I decided on Wedding Row (Bent Creek).  I am at about the half way point - this picture is from the weekend.

I have a new start waiting for when Row is done.  It is Winter tree silhouette by Artecy.com.  Hoping to get that started later this month.

I have also been poking at the stash zone - I got all the drawers installed in the cubes and have been organizing my threads.  

Still lots to do.  

The Devastating

In late March my mother's oldest sister lost her battle with cancer and passed away.  There was a lovely Celebration of Life for her on April the 10th that was a reflection of the kind, wonderful well-loved woman she was.  

It was at this gathering that I saw my Uncle (mom's oldest brother) who passed away last night. It was very sudden, and unexpected. 

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal
Until we meet again

Pewter Dragon Scales

I'm super excited!!

Last week Dani and I dropped Peacock off at the framer's.  We actually didn't spend as long as we have in the past picking a frame. 

They called Thursday night to say that he was ready to be picked up.  So this morning I went and picked him up

The molding is called pewter dragon scales; we didn't notice this until much later but thought it was appropriate for us to have picked.

Shortly he will be going on the wall in my bedroom, I just need to find what I did with the picture hooks.

Guardian on the wall

I must share my most epic Christmas present from the parents.

Like most stitchers I have a pile of finished-unfinished pieces.  Getting them framed and on the wall hasn't really been a priority.  

But for Christmas the parents decided that they would take a piece to the framers.  

This might have also been because mom likes seeing the finished stuff and she really can't when it's in the bin.

Teresa Wentzler's The Guardian is now all framed and on the wall.

A Family Wedding

This post is mostly non-stitchy although I am putting the framed pictures of Corn Mill and Fantasy Wedding Blessing (Dragon Dreams) in.

This past weekend was my cousin's wedding,I took care of her when she was a baby and she more like my neice.

I went home a few days before to help with last minute prep and running around.  Good thing that I did because there was lots to do.

I made the rehearsal bouquet with ribbon from the bridal shower I co-hosted in May.  Of course I realized when I was almost done the purple ones I should have used the sewing machine instead of doing them by hand. 

Rehearsal bouquet

Helped with the centre pieces

 The bride's brother took this for me while the professional took the real thing. Yes,I love the bride enough to actually have my picture taken ;)

The bride, my parents and I

The happy couple

Something old- our grandmother's locket with our grandparents wedding pictures

Fantasy Wedding Blessing framed

Corn Mill framed

Closed up of Corn Mill's frame

 Saturday was a beautiful day and both the bride and groom left on their honeymoon very happy.

Runaway December

December completely ran away from me.  One minute I was putting up Christmas decorations in my office at work on the first, and trying to avoid boring parties and the next it was time to pack to go to the parents for Christmas.

I was busy helping Santa with his shopping and wrapping, and doing ornament finishing and making fobs.

Christmas cards went into the mail, Corn Mill was finished.  

I actually managed to get a lot done.  Just not any blog posts.  

I stitched 2 of the Dragon Dreams 12 Days of Christmas series so I am now half done.

I spent several days with the parents, although my train into town was delayed two hours. What to do at the train station waiting for the train?  Stitch on CdC of course!

 
My light is working again.  There was a new bulb waiting at the parents for me when I arrived.   Replacing the bulb was the second thing done when I got back - after making nice with Shadow.

I'm organized for Stitching row's start tonight, although it will tomorrow morning as I know I won't be able to stay awake.

This week brought sad news: my great-uncle passed away and a friend had bad health news about her husband who has a long battle ahead.  

I hope all had a happy and safe week last week with family and friends and that tonight is fun no matter what you chose to do to ring in the New Year.