Monday, June 27, 2011

Wish I Had a Watermelon!



"Wish I had a watermelon! Wish I had a watermelon!" Do those words ring a bell with any of you? Here's why they have special meaning to me...When my sons were little my husband used to cut their hair for them. Multiply three boys times 8 to 10 haircuts per year times who-knows-how-many years and his hair-cutting skills sure saved us a lot of money! He would plop them on top of the bathroom vanity, drape a sheet around their necks, and whip out the scissors and hair-clippers. In the summers they would almost always get a buzz cut--short and cool. When my husband was finished he would then rub his hand around and around their soft, sweet, peach-fuzz like heads and recite those words, "Wish I had a watermelon. Wish I had a watermelon." The boys laughed and giggled each and every time. I never knew where my husband got that line until I Googled it and found out it was from an old episode Our Gang (The Little Rascals)."

So, in honor of our 34th wedding anniversary which is coming up in July, I dedicate my "Watermelon Garden" finish (by Ewe & Eye & Friends) to my dear husband. I changed the sign outside of the watermelon colored house so it has a watermelon on it and added the words: "EST. 1977"--the year we were married. I also added a little crow under the tree and moved the date and my initials to the lower left garden. Should I add another crow or leave it as is? I've been back and forth trying to decide...

I really enjoyed doing this SAL with my blogging friend from South Carolina Nancy. It has been fun to see how each of us "made it our own" by changing bits here and there and substituting different colors. I hope we'll have the chance to do another stitch along some day, Nancy! Mine is stitched on 40 ct. Vintage Light Examplar by Lakeside linens and uses both DMC and Sampler threads. It ended up being just under 5 inches square so I'm hoping to find a ready-made frame for it.

I want to thank Chris at Tot Hill Farm Stitches who passed the "Watermelon Garden" chart along to me in a giveaway. I would like to continue the kindness and pass it along myself so if you'd like to have a chance to win it, please let me know in your comments...


Now for a recap of the third stop in our 12 day European adventure: the Spanish city of Barcelona, the second most populous city in Spain. We had a wonderful (and very cute!) guide named Carlos who led us through the city's most well-known sights. Because of his knowledge and enthusiastic love of his city, I feel like we learned more about Barcelona than any of the other cities we visited.

You can't go anywhere in Barcelona without hearing the name Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí was the Modernista architect responsible for much of Barcelona's most unusual architecture. His works reflect his love of nature and religion.

Gaudí's most famous work is La Sagrada Familia church.
Construction began on it over 100 years ago in 1882 and
isn't expected to be completed for another 15-20 years!

From a distance, the church almost looked like it was made of sand.
But, look closely--hundreds of carved images cover the exterior.

You'll see the depiction of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus.

And here are the carvings of the three wisemen and some angels.

A small portion of the breathtaking interior above the main altar.
I've never seen a church like this, have you?

Gaudí's Park Guell features this magnificent mosaic serpentine bench.

More images of the whimsical Park Guell.

Gaudí's La Pedrera (Casa Mila) was finished
in 1912 for a wealthy couple.

The crazy roof-top terrace of La Pedrera!

More La Pedrera (Casa Mila) images.

I loved all the beautiful flower-laden wrought iron balconies.

Our guide took us through one of the local markets: La Boqueria.

We saw mounds of colorful fruits and vegetables...

...and marveled at the rows of hanging ham legs.
Shaved Jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) made such a tasty appetizer.

Aren't these dried fruits and nuts delectable looking?

Of course, this booth of chocolatey delights was my favorite stop!

La Rambla is a bustling pedestrian street filled with
cafes, flower, souvenir, and bird stalls,
caricaturists, and wild looking spray-painted mimes.

Built between 1329 and 1383 Santa Maria del Mar is a
wonderful example of Catalan Gothic architecture.

The Columbus Monument is located at the spot in Barcelona
where Columbus returned after his first voyage to The Americas.

I hope you're enjoying my photos from our trip...next stop on our journey will be Granada, Spain, home of the spectacular Alhambra!













I was thrilled to hear from Sandra of Homespun Elegance that I had won one of her newest designs in her recent giveaway. Don't you just love that dear sheep pulling his basket of Americana? This is part of her "Delivering" series of which I'm a huge, huge fan...I already own several charts from the series and I'm thrilled to add "Delivering Liberty" to it! Thank you so much, Sandra--I can't wait to begin stitching your gift. And thank you for your lovely hand-painted notecard...It is too pretty to put in the mail--think I'll frame it for my family room. Oh, how I wish I could paint or draw. I suppose that is why I stitch--it makes me feel as if I'm just a teeny bit artistic!

Don't forget...if you'd like to have a chance to win the Ewe & Eye & Friends "Watermelon Garden" chart giveaway, please let me know in your comments and make sure to leave your email address if it isn't connected with your profile. I'll announce the winner in my next blog entry...

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments on my last post... I truly appreciate the time you each take in dropping by to say "hi" every week. I know this is an especially busy season of the year for us all so the fact that you take a moment to leave a comment means even more to me. Have a great week everyone! Bye for now...

65 comments:

Hilda said...

Dear Carol!
I LOVE your stories - and your watermelon story is again very lovely!
And of cours I love your stitching. It is summer pure and I hope for you, that you will find a pretty frame for it.
Of course I would be happy if I would win this nice chart - and so I try ;-)

Your pictures of Barcelona remembered me of my trip to this city some years ago.
Thank you for showing them!

Have a nice day!
Hugs from Austria
Hilda

Unknown said...

You stitching looks wonderful. I think it is perfect just the way it is. I would love to be in for a chance of winning the pattern!

I remember going to see La Sagrada Familia when I was 14 or 15, and I was amazed by it, it looks even more wonderful now, and still not done!

I loved going to Spain to see Gaudi's crazy, yet fantastic, artwork and Dali's as well, but it was far too hot for me!

stormybrew57 said...

How lucky you are to go on such an amazing trip ! I would love to be entered in your watermelon giveaway,

Thank You very much, Beth N. (stormybrew57@aol.com)

natalysneedle said...

Love your Watermelon garden. I am sure your husband will love the sentiment too. I would love to stitch this one. Please enter my name in the draw.

Nicola said...

Love your Watermelon Garden finish, and would love to be entered into your giveaway for the chart please. You were married the same year as I was, my anniversary is in Ovtober though.

I'm really enjoying seeing your holiday photos. Looks like you had a great time.

Joanie said...

Love to be entered into your give-away!

Growing up, watermelon was such a treat! Great memories you've shared with us.

Happy week ahead!

Sweet Sue said...

Lovely post Carol, great pics, tfs. Too funny, I just stitched a wee watermelon slice couple weeks ago. Since you're personalizing this finish I would vote for 2 crows, you and DH.

Deborah said...

Love all the pic's of the Europeon adventure. The Watermelon Garden is a beautiful design and I would love chance to be able to stitch it.

Margaret said...

Your finish is just gorgeous! I'd love to win the chart -- I love EEF! Love your pics of your travels too. That architecture is just amazing and wild! I'm glad you've been sharing with us. Thanks!

staci said...

Love your finish and I LOVE your story about your husband and sons...so sweet :) It's the perfect anniversary gift for your hubby!

Hazel said...

It is a perfect finish and great that you are dedicating it to your husband. Normally I wouldn't alter a chart but I can just imagine another little crow to the other side of that tree for the both of you. Great pics of Spain. I have never been. I would love a chance at the chart so please throw my name in the hat. xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol,
I check your blog each and every day. It is fun to see what you've been up to. Your Watermelon Garden is lovely. I think one crow looks great. Thank you for sharing your story that goes with it. It is so touching. I am loving your trip.

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Carol,

Your watermelon finish looks so cute. I love reading about your adventures too. Someday it would be fun to go see these places in person. Thanks for taking us there in pictures!

Mary said...

I love your Watermelon Garden, Carol. The colors are luscious!
What a lovely sentiment for your husband, too. I would add another bird....it takes a team to make a marriage last for 34 years, CONGRATULATIONS!!! :)

You have fabulous memories of your trip. The pics are gorgeous...thank you for sharing them. Favorites are hard to choose.

Great news about your recent win from Sandra. I'm also a "Delivering" fan. They're fun and cute, aren't they?

Enjoy a good week ahead!
*HUGS*

Anonymous said...

Oh Carol, I would love to have an opportunity to stitch Watermelon Garden! I have admired it from the first time I saw it on your blog. I think your husband is going to love it.
Linda C.

BrendaS said...

Carol --
Love your Watermelon Garden finish and the story about your husband and sons! I'm sure he is going to love it.

Great pictures of Barcelona. I feel like we are reliving this trip with you. Thanks so much for sharing.

Have a great 4th of July weekend.

Mavi. said...

Thank you for sharing fond memories. Heartwarming story of the watermelon.
Beautiful embroidery. I would add another birdie, birdie and bow tie as a couple in love for so many years together. Happy anniversary.
Count me in for the draw.
Beautiful photos of Barcelona.
Warm regards.

Unknown said...

I loved your Watermelon Garden, and especially the story behind it.

I have not been blogging lately, so I have not seen your other posts of your trip - that will change as soon as I finish typing this. Your pictures are fantastic, and I learned so much. I did not know about this fantastic architecture in Barcelona !! Thanks so much for sharing.

Cindy's Stitching said...

all of the pictures are wonderful. the watermelon story is a good one. How funny we remember things like that. As always, love your stories. Please include me in the giveaway.

~*Sharee*~ said...

Please enter me in your watermelon giveaway hun; I LOVE this chart; it turned out so cute. I love your pictures; my SIL is stationed in Germany; I'm saving to go visit them next Christmas. I've been a follower for a while and love your blog hun.

Hugs, Shar
ssharlene0320@yahoo.com

Shelley said...

Congrats on the wonderful finish, the dedication and many happy years of marriage together.

Thank you for sharing all of the beautiful pics from your trip.

Catherine said...

Oh Carol - I just love your finish and how you personalized it! I think since it is for your anniversary that perhaps you should add another crow - one to represent you and one for your husband! And I love the story behind the saying! I'm going to have to google that!

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing trip with us through your pics. If you do something like this again - can I sneak in your suitcase?

Nancy said...

Such beautiful pictures of your trip! What gorgeous colors abound in the markets!

Love your watermelon finish! I have never seen this design and I love it! Love your little story too!

I would love to be entered to be the next one to stitch this chart and to carry on the tradition of passing it along!

Linda said...

Hi Carol, I would love to be entered for a chance to win the Watermelon Garden chart. My husband and 2 mini schnauzers just love watermelon.

Thanks, Linda

Berit said...

All-around wonderful!

No need for another Crow, IMO. :)

Love your trip pictures! I'm familiar of course with Gaudi's famous cathedral, but I didn't know it was STILL under construction; neither had I seen any of his other works. What a treat! :D

What could be better than a "Yellow House" covered in plant-laden wrought iron? :D

Isn't Homespun elegance the best? (I know I say that about more than one designer!) You must not say that you are not artistic; I think many women sell themselves way short in this department. Interest is a strong (and never wrong) indicator of aptitude in this matter. Your stitching and finishing work is beautiful!

So looking forward to your Granada (Alhambra!!) post--I feel like I'm traveling myself this spring just by reading your posts. :D

The Queen Bee said...

You must have been about 12 when you got married..... where does the time go??

Love the Spain pictures. I haven't been to Barcelona but went to Granada. The Alhambra is so cool.

Your finish is so pretty and I loved the story.

Pam

Gabi said...

What a wonderful story about the watermelon. And gorgeous stitching as well.
Congrats with winning a give away.
And ohhh...I love the pictures of Barcelona. Isn't it a gorgeous town?

Theresa said...

Happy Anniversary~~~ This is such a lovely story!!!! I think this Watermelon Garden is perfect for this occasion!! I would love to have a chance in winning the chart. Thank you for the opportunity!!!!

Love your vacation photos!!!!! Thank your for sharing~~~ Congratulations on you win!!!

Mouse said...

ooo love how you have finished the watermelon house :) and congratulations on your win too :) lovely photos as well ... pop me in the draw please you never know your luck in a raffle .lol take care and happy stitching love mouse xxx
www.talesofastitchingmouse.blogspot.com

passionfruitprincess said...

What a sweet story Carol! I love it.
Childhood memories are forever, and with your boys all grown up ... very special.
Your new finish is lovely, as always.
The pictures of your trip are wonderful, thanks for sharing again with us.
Take care, and have a great week.
Ana Paula.

Quiltsmiles said...

I Loved your story about the watermelon and how you personalized this design. Congrats on hte finish and your amazing trip to Barcelona. I hope all in your life goes well, besides wishing you and hubs a very Happy Anniversary in July.

Kind Regards,
Jane

valerie said...

Wow! Congratulations on 34 years of marriage! I think your DH will love the sentiment behind the Watermelon Garden. I love it just how it is!

Thanks for all the wonderful photos of Barcelona. It makes me wnt to get my passport out and ready. Ready for what...I don't know but maybe I can start planning a great adventure for next year!

Congrats on your HE win!

Barbi said...

Wonderful finish! I would love a chance to win it please, so if you would drop my name into your bucket please :) The pictures continue to be stunning! What a gorgeous church and architecture! Didn't you love the markets everywhere? The colors were always amazing...and so much different then the markets here.

Shari said...

as per usual, another wonderful blog post...would you like to write mine for me????
Your watermelon finish is great! And I love the personalizations!! So clever...
thanks for sharing more of your trip with us....such beauty to be seen...

Dani - tkdchick said...

Its a lovely finish Carol! What great memories!!!

Fantastic photos from Europe, I'm so jealous!

pj said...

Carol
I love this watermelon chart. So fun for summer and your blog is so interesting every time I sit down to read a spell. Thanks for sharing so much! I would love to be the recipient of this great chart to stitch this summer.

pjstitcher@mchsi.com

pam in iowa

Ellen said...

Love your personalization on Watermelon Garden, beautiful stitching! Would love a chance to stitch it, thank you.

Barcelona is a great city, thank you for sharing these wonderful photos!

Hugs,

Maggee said...

Love these pictures! The architecture is so very detailed... must have taken a lot of time to build! I look forward to more! Hugs.

Myra said...

I love your watermelon garden finish and the personal changes you made to it. You are so clever. :o) I enjoyed the story of your husband and the boys - so sweet. More wonderful pictures of your trip - I almost feel as if I was there too!

Chris said...

I am so happy with your watermelon garden finish and the way you made this your own. Happy early 34th anniversary :) Your personalization is great.

I am loving traveling with you and your family in Europe!
Have a great week :)

Vinniey said...

Beautiful finish and changes on the "Watermelon Garden". Great idea and change the sign. I think it will look nice if adding another crow on the left side of the tree, so you can have a pair of crow (two crow facing each other), beautiful!

Congratulations on winning the latest chart from Homespun Elegance! Looking forward to see your stitching progress on this.

Wow!!! Stunning architecture of Barcelona! All those buildings are so wonderful and stunning. Thanks for sharing your vacation photos, Carol! The La Sagrada Familia church is so artistic and amazing craft. The interior of the church is so grand as well. Love the fruits store in La Boqueria and those chocolate delights looks delicious.

Have a beautiful week. Happy stitching.

barbara said...

What a beautiful - and I mean that on so many levels - finish!! I just love how you've personalized it and the story about your DH cutting your sons' hair. :D I'll sit out on the giveaway, but I do really love it.

Congratulations on your win from Sandra - I was all excited for you when I read your name in her blog. :D

Parsley said...

What a cute pattern! I'd love a chance at winning that to stitch.

Oh my! Your pics are lovely. Make me want to visit too!

Lainey said...

Another wonderful post Carol. So enjoyed the story behind your beautiful stitchy finish. As an Anniversary piece I would have a couple of old crows on mine...lol.
Your trip just looks amazing such beautiful architecture in Barcelona.
I;m drooling over that sheepie chart, just love the delivering series. Can;t wait to see it all stitched up, happy stitching!

Bekca said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful holiday photos. It looks like you saw and learnt so much.
Great finish too, I love the idea of the dedication. What a sweet memory to recall every time you see this piece. Congrats on winning the giveaway too, can't wait to see what you'll be stitching next. Best wishes.

Valerie said...

What a wonderful family story! Love it! How nice that you captured that story with needle and thread!

Thanks for sharing your European vacation pics...if I can't be there at least I can live vicariously through your lovely pics! Thanks for sharing!

♥ Nia said...

I was reading and I had no idea what those words meant! Now, I think that it was soooo adorable of you to stitch "Watermelon Garden" =) Definitely something special! :)

Barcelona is so pretty.. I hope to visit very soon!! :D Thank you for sharing these amazing photos! Now I want to go there even more hahahaha
We have a different name for those ham legs, for us it's not ham ('fiambre'), it's 'presunto' a tottally different thing hehehhe But, no matter the name, it's delicious! ;)
I'm so glad to see that you had a great time and sooooo close to me! =)

Hugs&smiles to you!!!

Sharon said...

Beautiful finish and gorgeous photo's! Thanks for sharing.

Kathy A. said...

I love the idea behind your Watermelon House. What a wonderful tribute!
Your photos are stunning - visually stunning. Oh, how I wish I was on that trip.
Carol - please email me with your address and I will make you a zipper bag.

KarenV said...

Congratulations to you and your DH on your anniversary Carol, your finish to commemorate the occasion is lovely :)

Great photos of your trip too - I've never been to Spain and Barcelona looks like a fabulous city to visit. Maybe one day :)

mckinney37397 said...

love your finish-would love to win the chart

Rachel S-H said...

The watermelon story is wonderful. I hope you right that down and put it either on the back of the framed piece, or in back!

Lovely photos!

Meari said...

I'm definitely enjoying your vacation photos. Since I couldn't go on vacation, I'm taking one via your pics, lol.

Very neat story to go with your watermelon house. I'd like to be included in your drawing. I didn't know where that saying came from either -- I kept thinking "Just go buy one!" haha

Congrats on your recent win. Can't wait to see it stitched up.

Melanie said...

I would love a shot at winning that chart. It's an adorable design and I love the changes you made to it! I would probably add another crow but only because he is so durn cute I couldn't stop at one, not because it really *needs* it. :)

Lynn said...

Oh Carol, it's wonderful! I love how you've personalized it too!
I think I'd add another crow myself. I always say we're just two old crows! Please enter my name into your chart giveaway and thanks for the opportunity.

I saw on Sandra's blog that you had won the new patriotic stitch. It's adorable, congrats!

Your vacation photos are fantastic. I'm lovin' that chocolate shop too!

Lois said...

What a sweet finish Carol and I'd love to be entered into the giveaway draw! I so enjoyed seeing your pictures from Barcelona. What a wonderful trip you have had with some wonderful memories. Congrats on a lovely win. Enjoy stitching the chart!

Sally said...

Your finish is gorgeous, Carol, and what a lovely story:)

Lovely photos from your trip:)

Congratulations on your win!

Ele said...

Dear Carol,

it's always a great pleasure for me to visit your blog, see your lovely embroideries and to read your stories.

This pattern is so beautiful, maybe I will win?

My son visited Barcelona last year, I was there 25 years ago, he was very impressed by the great buildings and the arts of Gaudi.
Thanks for showing us the pictures

greetings
Gabriele

Anonymous said...

A lovely finish. Well done. Makes it that little bit more special having a story with it.

Pamela said...

I so remember "Wish I had a watermelon"! I love the way you finished/re-designed the chart. Would love to enter for a chance to win!
Thanks for sharing all your vacation photos.
Pam

Phyllis said...

I enjoyed looking at all your pictues...lovely place! I would love to stitch the watermelon design. I absolutely love watermelons. We have already had a few this summer.
gailxs@hotmail.com

marlie said...

Thank you very much for this beautiful travel in Spain... and also for your wonderful stitch "Watermelon garden" !
I would be happy to let you know our project : "Embroidered banners for medieval abbeys Gigny, Baume, Cluny.. " Just look at http://marlie.over-blog.com/.
Hope you have a wonderful day !

marlie said...

dear Carol,

thank you for this wonderful travel in Spain ad for your refreshing Watermelon garden !
I am happy to let you know our project "Embroidered banners for the medieval abbeys of Gigny, Baume, Cluny..." : look at http://marlie.over-blog.com/ .
Have a good day !
marlie

butterfly said...

Dear Carol, You did it again, wonderful stitching, love the photo's and yes please add me to your giveaway ,lots of hugs June

Anonymous said...

I was searching for the meaning behind “ I wish I had a watermelon “ and your sweet story came up! I used to also rub freshly shaven heads and say that when I was a child but never knew WHY! Haha. Thank you!