Win a Pin

For the past year I have been admiring all the lovely pinkeeps which keep appearing on various sites. I read and re-read Vonna's instructions and still I didn't have the courage to actually make one myself.

After receiving the lovely 'Blessed Be' pinkeep from Harmien I just knew I had to attempt it and make my very first pinkeep for her. As always the stitching was great fun - but then came the hard part - finishing!!! Back to The Twisted Stitcher Tutorials which are fabulous and everyone should check out. But still I didn't feel self-assured enough to attempt it so I emailed the non-suspecting Harmien who gave me some additional practical & moral support and voila - MY FIRST PINKEEP.

'Winter Joy' by the Little by Little Design Co.
from JCS 2006 Christmas Ornaments
stitched 1/2 on 32 ct platinum Lugana with DMC floss

Now that I have my first pinkeep under my belt I want to do something else I have spotted on many blogs - a draw for a bit of personal stitching.

During 2009 I will stitch and finish three Christmas pinkeeps to send out. If you are interested in receiving one let me know in the comments section of this post on or before December 12.

On December 13 I will have three names drawn and will post them that evening. Remember these are for Christmas 2009 - you will receive your pinkeep sometime before December 2009.

Thanksgiving

It's the time of year when we're reminded to give thanks.
Instead of waiting until next year to be reminded,
Let's make every day one of thanksgiving;
After all, each day is a unique gift.
So, give a hug for no reason;
Say I love you, just because;
Share a smile with a stranger;
Take the time to count your blessings;
Don't take anything or anyone for granted;
And end each day with no regrets.
Thank you, my friends and family,
For sharing, caring, laughing and crying with me.
I'm truly blessed to have each and every one of you in my life
And I am thankful you have allowed me
To be a part of yours.
May you and yours have a safe and memorable Thanksgiving.

- Author Unknown -

Welcome back Alison!!!

The Crafty Squirrel

What a wonderful surprise this past week - Alison is back!

You will remember her from her previous blog 'Ali B Creations'. Alison has had a very busy time and hasn't blogged since late last year.

But she's back with a brand new blog (click link under picture). There you will find an update of what she's been up to and new crafty news. Be sure to visit her to welcome her back among us.

WELCOME BACK ALISON!!!

hugs, Margaret

Happiness is ..........

.... attending Annemarie's birthday Sip 'n Stitch

Thank you for a wonderful day Annemarie. It was so special to be part of this wonderful celebration and once again spend a day with an amazing bunch of women. I'm so glad you like your gift. This was actually the very first CCN I ever stitched and it is a piece I framed myself. There are some more of these fun patterns in my stash just waiting to be stitched.

'The Tea Room' Country Cottage Needleworks
stitched 1/1 with DMC on 25 ct evenweave

.... finishing my first three Christmas gifts

from 'Gingham Christmas' by Just Nan
stitched with DMC on guest towel

'Joy, Peace, Love Blocks' from Stoney Creek 'A Christmas to Remember'
stitched with DMC and made into a bookmark

Christmas freebie from Creative World DMC
stitched on guest towel with Gentle Arts 'Mistletoe' which I received from a friend 2007

..... the fact that my next Christmas project is nearly finished

..... having two more Christmas projects planned

..... knowing the Sip 'n Stitch ladies will be here on December 13

This Says It All

'Salon de Paris' Itzchak Tarkay

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.

Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.

Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT.........
Sisters are there,
no matter how much time and how
many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I. When we began this adventure called
womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or
sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.

Pass this on (thank you Juls)
to all the women who help make your life meaningful.
I just did.

Short and very sweet:
There are more than twenty angels in this world.
Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds.
Nine are playing.
And one is reading my blog at this moment.

Send this message to your friends
someone you love will surprise you.

Angel Ornaments