Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Life's Hiccups...

Good morning, my stitching friends! Has it really been six weeks since I last posted? Such a lot has happened since then that I hardly know where to begin... But, since this is primarily a stitching blog, I guess I'll begin with the good stuff--the stitching! In spite of my crazy month in August, I was able to get a bit of stitching done--primarily for family and friends, but I also managed to finish my ornament for the month. 

My dear friend in Northern Ireland, Lois (Of Needles, Pins, & Stitching Things blog ), celebrated her birthday in mid-August. To help make her day even more special, I decided to stitch something  for her so I created this little pillow from a chart by Merrily Beams called "Trifles." I just love everything about this design from the checkerboard roof to the two friends all dressed in blue. I added our first initials so when she sees it she'll always remember our friendship.

Merrily Beams design: "Trifles"

I stitched Lois's gift on 32 ct. antique ivory Belfast linen with a variety of overdyed and DMC threads--I just chose the colors randomly based on whatever I thought looked nice together.  I gave the two friends different colored hair--Lois has the lighter shade and me the darker brown--just like in real life. To finish it off, I backed it with this wonderful blue alphabet sampler fabric and added some handmade blue cording. I was so happy that Lois liked my little gift and I hope the joy she felt on her birthday continues throughout the coming year!

Finished "Trifles" pillow for Lois

My next finish was a gift for my youngest sister who celebrated a very special birthday this month--she turned 50! Ah, to be 50 again--when you're only a year and a few months away from 60, 50 sounds very, very young, indeed!! She recently spent a wonderful few weeks in France with her husband and sons so I thought this Blackbird Designs freebie would be perfect for her. "Souvenir de France" is stitched on 40 ct. pearl gray Newcastle linen with WDW's thread in Gunmetal.

BBD's Souvenir de France freebie

I added her initials in the upper left and moved the motifs underneath so that they were more symmetrical than shown in the original chart. To finish up the pillow, I backed it with the black and white fabric shown and edged it with a ruched gauzy black ribbon. And the smell--perfect for a souvenir of France--I filled it with a combination of dried lavender and ground walnut shells. I hope she enjoys it and will think of her delightful French sojourn (and her big sister) each time she sees it!

Birthday pillow for my sister

My final bit of stitching is a bit of much-needed "comfort stitching" which I stitched at the beach last month. It features two of my favorite things--sunflowers and Prairie Schooler Santas! This PS 1994 Santa is stitched "over one" on 27 ct. clay Linda cloth with the suggested DMC threads. Isn't he jolly with his parcel of sunflowers and those hitchhiking blackbirds? A perfect piece to stitch at the end of summer...

Prairie Schooler 1994 Santa

The finish is quite simple--just some handmade cording in DMC 729 and a backing made of the burgundy checked fabric shown on the right. I always believe that when there is a lot going on in a piece like there is in this one, it is better to keep things simple in your final finish. I was so pleased when my young 24-year-old nephew, who was visiting for the weekend, told me how professional it looked! He has an art background so the compliment meant even more...

 Finished 1994 Prairie Schooler Santa

THANKS TO... my friend, Vickie (at A Stitcher's Story blog), who sent me a sweet prize package for guessing the color of her purse in a contest she had a while ago. I knew Vickie loved pink so I took it a step further and guessed that her purse was fuschia. I was right! Now, the most unusual gift I've ever received in my mailbox arrived in the form of bulbs--yes, you read that right--two iris bulbs! I have to admit, I just about screamed with fright when I first felt the damp newspaper that they were wrapped in. But, upon seeing the bulbs I knew right away they were two of Vickie's brown iris bulbs that she says smell just like chocolate. I had my husband plant them while I was in the hospital (more about that below) and I can hardly wait until next spring to sniff them myself. She also included another first--her first ever needle threader made into the shape of a little angel. I know I'll be putting this to good use, Vickie, as the older I get, the harder it is to thread my needle. I think she did a great job on it and I'm sure she'll be making more of them for friends in the future. Thank you so much, Vickie--little did you know how much I would need an angel on my shoulder watching over me on that very day I received your gifts...

Gifts from Vickie

Life's Hiccups... Are you wondering about the title of today's blog post? Well, we've all had them, right...those little bumps in the road, those curve balls that you didn't see coming and just turn your life upside down for a bit? A month ago today I experienced one of the bigger hiccups in my life when I ended up in the hospital for five days with something I had never even heard of...

My day had progressed in a perfectly ordinary manner--getting my hair cut, doing the grocery shopping, reading, and finally settling down for a quiet evening of stitching since my husband was at a dinner with his former co-workers. Ahh...there is nothing like a bit of stitching to totally relax you, is there? But, that night something went horribly wrong...WHAM! I was instantly hit with nearly unbearable pains in my lower belly which in turn led to vomiting and diarrhea. After a couple hours of this, I was just about ready to call my husband and ask him to come home when he walked in the door. Seeing me in the pain I was in, he suggested we leave for the hospital right then, but I kept thinking it was "just something I ate" so I convinced him to go to bed. Feeling a bit better myself, I retired to bed, only to be awoken at 2:00 in the morning with severe bloody diarrhea (which continued for the next 48 hours--ugh!!). Of course, we immediately rushed to the hospital's emergency room. 

 My "home away from home" for five days

After a plethora of tests (EKG, CT scan, colonoscopy, ultrasound) I was diagnosed with a new to me condition: Ischemic Colitis. Have any of you ever heard of it? To put it simply, the doctor said it is almost like a stroke of the colon--the blood supply is cut off or greatly diminished which causes the symptoms I described above. I don't actually fit into any of the groups of people who normally have an attack of ischemic colits: cocaine users (nope!), long-distance runners (nope!), and people who use a lot of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (nope!). So, what did cause it in my case? Possibly a blood clot which can be a side effect of the medicine I was taking for my osteoporosis, but the doctors couldn't say for sure. Needless to say, I'm no longer taking that particular medication. The idea of a blood clot is so very scary and I'm incredibly grateful it didn't end up traveling to my heart, brain, or lungs. Thankfully, the doctors think this was a one-time attack; it is not a chronic condition or something I, hopefully, will ever have to deal with again...

Five days later, I was released from the hospital, tired and weak, but just so happy to be going home! No more IV lines with fluids and antibiotics flowing into my veins non-stop, no more noisy hospital surroundings, no more bland liquid diet. But, I brought home a certain sense of vulnerability which I have never felt before. I feel like my body really let me down--I work so hard to eat right and exercise, but, obviously that is no guarantee of good health, is it? I am, to be honest with you, struggling a bit to return to "normal." I'll get there--it's just taking longer than I thought it would to get my energy back and to feel like the old me...

 Flowers from my sons 
brightened up my hospital room!

I am so grateful to all of you who wondered where I was and who sent emails and get well cards my way. What a wonderfully supportive blogging/stitching community we have here!! I feel very blessed to be part of it--thank you all so very much for your kind words and support. And to my dear husband and three wonderful sons--I know how scared you all were when I was in the hospital. "Mom" never gets sick, right? I mean I hadn't called off sick from work in 15 years! But, the flowers you sent and your love and encouragement sure made my hospital stay a bit easier. I love you guys so very much...

BEACH TIME... Three days after I was released from the hospital, we traveled to North Carolina's Outer Banks for our annual reunion with my husband's family. There were 21 of us in this giant house in Corolla called "Poseidon." This is the 29th year we have traveled down to the beach for our family get together and I think this was the nicest house ever! With 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms there was plenty of room for all. I simply sat most of the week under a tent on the beach and snoozed and read. I highly recommend two of the books--both really make you think about what you would do if faced with the situations encountered by the books' characters. "Me Before You" by Jojo Moyes and "The Husband's Secret" by Liane Moriarty are both well worth reading!


Our 2013 beach house rental



Can you imagine a better medicine
than relaxing on this beautiful beach?

Do you see the rainbow? 

A gorgeous sunset on our first night...

Even on a cloudy day, the beaches have a certain beauty.

These little crabs were so entertaining. My 9-year-old 
triplet nieces loved feeding them "goldfish crackers."
Two days after we returned home, my middle son had surgery and moved home for a while so we could help him recuperate. And four days after that I drove up to my parents in New York to celebrate my youngest sister's birthday over Labor Day weekend. Whew... I am so glad to finally just relax at home again and to resume my normal routine of work, etc. You all know me--I love a simple life and things just got a bit too crazy in August! Hopefully, things will calm down and I have to say, I'm honestly looking forward to the cozy, quiet days of winter that lie ahead.

I'm so very far behind on blog reading and commenting--just had neither the energy nor the time last month, but I promise, I'll be visiting your blogs very soon. I miss all of you and miss seeing the inspirational creations that you tempt me with each time I stop by... Again, thank you all for your caring words during my illness--they helped more than you can imagine. Thanks for stopping by today--I'll really do my best not to be away so long again! Bye for now...

109 comments:

  1. So glad to see a post , Carol ! Love your finishes .. especially the Prairie Schooler Santa ! He is a beauty !
    That house you stayed in looks amazing !
    Beautiful flowers from your sons.. I bet all your men were worried sick !
    I am glad you are feeling better , hope you are quickly back to normal!
    Can't wait to see more of your beautiful stitching !

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  2. So glad you're finally recovering enough to blog again! A sure sign your health and energy are returning.

    Your stitched gifts are so sweet and thoughtful. Love how you found just the right thing for each. Your PS Santa is definitely a Mac 'n' Cheese comfort stitch.

    That beach house is like a fairy tale vacation spot! What a wonderful place for recuperation and recharging. You took the most beautiful photos (I'm not so keen on the crab, but whatever).

    Hope your son & parents are ok.

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  3. I'm so glad you're finally feeling better! I love your finishes. As always so neat & pretty! :) Take care, hugs.

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  4. Carol, I'm so sorry to. Learn that you haven't been well, but glad to know that you're much better now.

    Love all your stitching! I've got that very PS Santa on the go, have had for some time and one day I might even get it finished! lol

    The beach house looks fantastic! I love the sea, but don't get much chance to see it as we live right in the middle of England. I try to get to it however, when we visit my parents who live very near to the South Coast.

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  5. Carol, I am so sorry! !! I am sure glad that you are doing better. Your stitching and finishing are both so beautiful. I am praying for you!
    Love, Heather

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  6. Even with so much going on, you have managed to create beautiful finishes as usual! I'm so glad you are able to relax now and have some time to yourself. Hope your DS's healing is going well and you are feeling back to normal too. Your whole health scare -- so scary and overwhelming!

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  7. So happy to hear you are feeling better to blog again Carol. Sometimes life really can throw us a curve ball can't it? Happy to hear you were able to enjoy that beautiful beach paradise . Loved the beach pics and pics of your new finishes . I will have to get out all my PS Santa's . 1994 is a special yr as my son was born then . It would be a great one to do . You certainly had a busy social calendar after getting out of the hospital. Take it easy and I hope you continue to feel stronger and better . till the next time .

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  8. That must have been really scary but I'm glad to hear your beginning to feel better.

    Lovely stitching and finishes :)

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  9. Love your finishes! So sorry to read about your bout of ill health but am pleased to know that you've recovered well. Your photos are beautiful. Take care.

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  10. You know I love that Santa with the sunflowers - he has very good taste! Lovely beach pictures & I am so glad you are home and much improved! Thank you for your lovely post, I enjoy each picture and lovely project that you include on it!

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  11. Beautiful stitching and gifts . Lovely pics of your holiday .
    Sorry you've been ill and hope you soon get back to "normal" .xxx

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  12. Oh Carol! What a frightening experience for you...hugs, dear friend, and thank Goodness that you are ok! It's funny how life gives us these lessons about our own mortality, now and then, to remind us the true beauty of just simply being alive.

    Your finishes are gorgeous, as always, and I can imagine that your sister was beyond thrilled with her gorgeous pillow. I love the colors in Lois' gift, you did a great job of choosing, and I can imagine the smile when she opened it! PS Santa is awesome, and I agree, stitchy therapy at it's best...or as I like to call it...comfort stitching.

    Your beach stay looks like it was the best therapy of all, sun, sand and family...what could be better! The pics are gorgeous..

    Sending hugs
    Ma


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  13. I'm so glad you're finally feeling better...
    I truly love your finishes. ...so sweet ..
    Sending you hugs x

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  14. So sorry to hear that you haven't been well...glad to hear that you're feeling better.
    Love your finishes and great choice of backing fabrics for them all. Love, love, love the Souenir de France...that's adorable! I'm sure your sister will treasure it.

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  15. Oh, Carol. Bless your heart! I'm so thankful that you are doing better. It is an interesting thing to be faced with our own vulnerability, isn't it? I think that's a gift, though, so we can re-focus on Who is really in control of our lives. :) Your stitching is just lovely as always, and I love your gifts from Vickie!! What a sweet gift to receive before your hospital stay.

    Take care of yourself! {{HUGS}}

    Tricia

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  16. Such beautiful pictures today. You even managed to make the hospital seem not so scary even though I know it was. I'm glad you are on the mend now, dear friend. Hugs!

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  17. Oh Carol, I am so sorry to hear you went through all that. I was wondering about you just this last week thinking that I'd not seen a blog post from you in awhile and was going to send you an email to see how you were.
    I am glad to hear everything has been sorted out, what a scare for you and your family! And with everything else that's been going on also. Life has a way of throwing you upside down every now and then!

    What beautiful stitching you have been doing though, it's always lovely to see.

    I hope you are resting up and keeping well xx

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  18. It's so good to "see" you again. What an ordeal you've been through; glad to hear you're on the road to recovery from this scary episode!

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  19. Wow! You've certainly had some excitement; I'll bet you'll be glad to be back to normal.

    Beautiful stitching and beach pictures!!

    Stay well!

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  20. Wow! The colitis attack must have been scary! So glad you're feeling better--hope you are 100 percent very soon! The gifts you created are exquisite, and your PS Santa is perfection! What a wonderful beach house your family rented. Glad you had such a relaxing trip!

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  21. Goodness me Carol, what a time you have had, so pleased to hear that you are recovered and feeling more like you. We take our health so much for granted dont we.
    The beach house you stayed in looks like a mansion gosh it is huge. The stitching is delightful as per, and I love the friends one . Take great care and it is so good to see a post from you.

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  22. Oh dear Carol! I hope that you are almost completely back to "normal" now. I hope your son is recovered fully too.
    I am so glad you like your "unusual" gift. ;) Thank you for showing me were your husband planted them.
    What an awesome beach house!! Take care now.♥

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  23. Carol, glad to read that you are feeling better! Your finishes are fabulous and I totally agree with your nephew on the professional looking finishing of each one.

    I enjoyed seeing your beach pictures and glad you were able to go.

    Robin in Virginia

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  24. So good to have you back Carol , I hope you can now have a restful and peaceful Autumn and Winter, your like me
    the simple life is good.
    You will soon get be back to your old self, just take it steady.
    Your stitching is beautiful as always love all your work and the designs you have stitched . Your header looks great .
    Take care sweet friend big hugs.

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  25. So glad you are feeling better! But still...take it easy!!

    The photos of the beach are gorgeous!

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  26. Glad to see your post and that you are feeling better. Take care! The house you were staying looks gorgeous!
    Your Santa finish looks really very professional as well the others.
    Big hugs from Germany

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  27. It's lovely to see your post and all your lovely stitching too!

    Glad that you are on the mend and I bet it was scary. Now that I read it more carefully, it "almost" reminds me of when I had the stomach virus last week!

    A 12-bedroom house?! Wow and on the beach. That looks like a lovely place for an annual family gathering.

    Now I hope you will get a bit of quiet time to rest up. Take care!

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  28. Love all your beautiful stitching and lovely photos of the beach, too.

    So very thankful that you are doing much better. Sending prayers your way that you will never have to go through that ever again.

    Blessings to you always

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  29. Carol -- SO great to see a post from you! I'm glad you are slowly getting back to normal and feeling better.

    Beautiful stitching and finishing as always!

    I hope September is a better month and you have lots of "normal" time!

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  30. Wow, what a time you've had! So glad that the health issues aren't serious although it sounds like it was an ordeal. I can relate to "Mom, never gets sick." (My mom was hospitalized earlier in the year with pneumonia)

    NC looks wonderful!! Loved seeing all the photos.

    Beautiful stitching as always. You do good work, you know!

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  31. It's great to see you back, Carol. I hope that both you and Andrew are well on the road to recovery.

    Your finishes are beautiful (as always) The French piece has a special meaning for me as I stitched it for my son early on in my blog. I know it will be a treasure for your sister on her 50th. The lavender is a unique touch.
    I LOVE the PS Santa. He is the perfect finish for the end of summer.

    I'm so glad that you had a relaxing time in NC. Your pics are lovely...oh, how I want to go back!

    I'm sending you every good wish and hugs for a happy September with healthy days ahead.

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  32. I hope the coming months are relaxing and recuperative! The finishes are as always, professional looking! Your nephew is absolutely correct. Of course my fav is the PS and the gold trim is the perfect color. Take care!

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  33. So glad to hear that you're much recovered! What a tremendous scare that must have been! Like you, I enjoy simple uneventful days. It sounds like you've been super busy since then! Your finishes are just gorgeous as always. Your finishing choices are always superb!

    I read Me Before You this summer too and have the other book on hold at the library. I hope it's a good one too!

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  34. So sorry to hear you have been unwell but very pleased you are on the mend. Your stitching finishes are gorgeous as are your pictures from your beach holiday. I hope life slows down a little bit for you now after your very hectic August.

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  35. Hello, Carol !!!!! I'm glad you are feeling better now !!!
    I have just followed your blog !!!!!! I love your creations !!!! Your photos are
    excellent !!!! I hope that
    you will visit my blog !!!
    Best wishes !!!!
    Niki

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  36. How scary! And you didn't even mention that in your emails today! So glad that it seems to be a one time thing. I'm sure you are too! Your gifts you made are lovely and I'm sure your sister will remember her trip with that cute piece. That house looks amazing! We are renting one in Marathon FL this Feb and has 3 bedrooms and baths. I can't imagine 12! I hope it was truly relaxing for you as having that many people together can have the opposite effect! Take care and enjoy your "normal" routine once again!

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  37. Glad to see a post from you again my friend! I'm so glad you're feeling well! Lovely stitching & finishing, as usual : ) What a lovely home to live in on the beach & what wonderful views! Congratulations on winning Vickie's contest. She is so creative! The angel needle threader is great!

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  38. Hello Carol!

    You really have a non -pleasant experience when having such severe illness.I think I know what You mean feeling vulnerable after staying in hospital.I have had a very bad pneumonia some years ago and had been operated from my knee and bones in my face/yaws because of my atrhritis..

    Take all time you need to rciiver and focus on things that make you happy as stitching :)
    Be blessed !
    Maija from Finland

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  39. So sorry you were ill. Glad to hear your on the mend. Love all the designs you stitched and your finishing of each one is Fantastic.
    The Poseidon house is Gorgeous and great you got to go to the ocean for recouping:) Loved all your photos. You've been thru so much and sending you well wishes.
    love Annette

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  40. Ahhhhhh!!! There you are!
    I took my DD to the Library this weekend and I was thinking of you, "The Librarian". I was wondering how you were keeping and if I did not see a blog post from you, I was considering sending out a search party for you. LOL.
    So glad you are feeling a bit better.
    Hugs darling. Glad to see you out blogging.
    Jackie:)

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  41. That was one heck of a hiccup hun! So glad you are feeling better now .. a trip to the beach is good for the soul isn't it :)

    Love all your finishes! Especially Sunflower Santa!

    Gentle Hugs sweetie

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  42. Oh my dear friend what a time you have had. I am so glad to hear you are feeling better.

    I have that Sunflower Santa stitched up - my son was born in 1994 - I also stitched the Santa from 2007 as well which is when my other son was born and I hang them from their bedroom doors at Christmas.

    Beautiful stitching my friend much love to you xx

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  43. Hi Carol, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been very unwell but pleased to hear you are much better now :)
    Loved your beach photos - looks a gorgeous spot, and of course, all your pretty stitching is just lovely. take care :)

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  44. Glad you are feeling better. Sounded very scary. The stitching looks wonderful. Beautiful little pillows.

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  45. Nice finishes and beautiful beach!!! Fell better!!
    Ezia.

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  46. So pleased to hear you are on the mend again Carol. My very best wishes.
    Mary

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  47. I am so sorry to hear that you were sick Carol but sure glad to hear your doing okay now. Love the pics of your reunion. How fun. Great stitching and finishing as always.

    Linda

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  48. So glad to see you posting and know that you are feeling well now!

    Beautiful and thoughtful gifts, your finishing are always so professional!

    Big hug and take care,

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  49. As usual your work is beautiful. I'm so glad you are doing better and I think time will be your best cure!

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  50. Such beautiful stitching gifts, Carol! Hope you're back to your old self soon.

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  51. Dear Carol,
    I am so happy to see you feeling well enough to post! What a horrific experience for you. It certainly does remind us how quickly things can change and how precious life is.

    Gorgeous stitching and finishing as always. I really do love the PS Santas. I have stitched 12 of them but have not yet stitched the sunflower Santa.

    Your beach house looks like it was gorgeous and it sounds like it was the perfect place to recover. May the Angel continue to watch over you as you regain your strength and energy.
    Warm hugs from Newmarket :)

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  52. Hi Carol, great to see you back to blogland! Wow, that certinally was a month. Sad to hear of the illness and hospital stay. I am sure that was a scary thing. Then onto that beach house.....another wow. Beautiful. Glad you were able to relax there. Love your finishes. I am currently working on that eiffel tower for my sweet coworker who leaves Friday for a couple weeks in France. I have missed you and thrilled to see you back. Hope you are recovered enough to care for your son.

    Hugs, Judy heartland stitcher

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  53. Your stitching and finishing are beautiful as always. I'm so sorry you had such a scary experience. Glad that you are doing better. OMG that house on the beach is just beautiful. What a great way to recoup.

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  54. OH MY GOODNESS!!! How frightening to go through that, and I certainly hope you're feeling better. (And I do have to say it is very much like you to tuck something like that into the middle of a post as a little "oopsie" between two far more pleasant topics. LOL) Hospital stays can certainly take a lot out of you, so I'm sure just being at home has helped tremendously. Fingers crossed that the doctors are right and this is just a one time deal. Scary stuff indeed.

    Now on to more pleasant thing - those GORGEOUS finishes. Your sister must have been absolutely delighted with the French piece, and your nephew is dead on that your finishing is quite professional looking. If a young MAN says that, you can take that to the bank, lady. :-)

    Glad you had a peaceful time in the OBX!

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  55. Glad to see you posting again and hope you'll be back to feeling 100% well again soon.

    Your stitching is lovely. Your beach house with family sounds wonderful!

    HUGS

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  56. Lovely to see a post from you Carol. I'm so glad you are feeling well again after that horrible health scare.
    Your stitched pillows are gorgeous and all have the wow factor. Love them all.
    Enjoyed your vacation pictures too.
    Hugs,
    Margaret

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  57. relax Carol! What a great post with the updates of your life.....LOVE the sunflower piece on the right hand side under the welcome....details please!?!?!?

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  58. Oh Carol - I am so glad to read, that you feel better now after this horrible story.
    I really wish you more calm and relaxing days in September after that "crazy" August.

    I love your finishes. The are so "Carol-like" again!
    The beach house looks so wonderful and I enjoyed your photos of the beach so much. Thanks for sharing!

    Hugs
    Hilda

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  59. Carol, firstly I want to say I knew I hadn't seen a post from you, but just figured that you too were caught up in the hubbub of end of summer flurries. I pray each day for those sick and suffering both known and unknown to me, so I was praying! And I will continue to do so each day for a complete return to health in body, mind and spirit.
    Your stitching and finishing are perfection, just like always. Always a perfect vision each and every piece start to finish.
    You certainly had a busy August, hopefully September will slow down and bring you peace :)

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  60. love the santa finish! glad to hear you are feeling better.denise

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  61. Carol, you have been in my thoughts and prayers. So glad that you are feeling better. Myra also updated me on how you were doing since when we met for lunch we talked about our blog buddies :)
    Your stitching and finishing are so beautiful. I know that Lois and your sister loved the gifts.
    What a lovely gift from Vickie.
    It looks like your trip to the beach was lovely. So glad that you rested.
    Hugs!

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  62. So glad you're feeling better.

    What a beautiful location for R&R.

    Like you, I prefer calm and quiet. Stitching fits so well into that lifestyle.

    Pam

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  63. Hope you continue to feel better and you have lots of "normal" days!
    That's what we all need!
    Lovely stitching! Your nephew is right. That PS Santa looks very professional! Lovely stitching!

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  64. So glad your back Carol! How scary that must have been! Glad your getting back to being your self. Fabulous house on the beach and it is a great way to recover. Whenever I get to the beach I never want to come home. My 9 year daughter and her cousins went out at night to catch the crabs. Those things move fast! They creeped me out! Stitching looks great. I am surprised you got tht much done with everything you had going on.
    Take it easy!
    Maureen

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  65. So glad you are feeling much better and always glad to see you post! Looks like a wonderful trip to the beach! You got some beautiful pictures of it for sure!

    Chat soon,
    Tanya

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  66. Oh Carol, I'm so glad you're doing better. What a bummer! :(

    Your stitching is gorgeous as always and is appreciated by not only those who receive your gifts but by all of us who are inspired by you.

    Sending many hugs!

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  67. What a very scary experience, Carol! Very glad you are feeling better! Funny, when our bodies do something like that, we always feel a little betrayed. You sure had a beautiful setting in which to get your feet under you again. Hope your son is doing well! Gorgeous stitching, and finishing! I love the Santa with the beautiful sunflowers! I hope September is off to a good start for you. :)

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  68. Carol, glad to read your post!
    Your finishes are all beautiful.
    Your beach pictures are beautiful, I am happy that you had a good time there to relax and read.
    Take it easy and rest the more you can, so you can be completely back to normal.
    Have a great week and good stitching!

    Ana Paula

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  69. (Big hug) Carol, it's so good to read you are recovering well.
    Gorgeous stitching, I agree, your finishes always look so professional.
    The vacation location looks stunning.

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  70. I am so glad that you are feeling better and that you had a nice relaxing beach vacation! Your photos are phenomenal. Makes me wish for a beach escape right now. Love your finishes! Lois and your sister received lovely gifts from you!

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  71. So wonderful to see your post with all of your lovely stitches and finishes! We've been in touch, so I am glad to hear you are feeling better ~ I'm continuing to send hugs and prayers your way!

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  72. Oh my goodness, you certainly have been through the mill! I hope you are fully recovered after such an ordeal. I bet the restful time you had at the beach helped :)
    I loved your organisation folders in your last post too. I keep my charts in folders, they stay straight and neat that way :)
    Best wishes.

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  73. Carol, I am so glad you are feeling better. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. I missed seeing your gorgeous stitching and finishing. It sounds like you had a great time with your family at the beach and your guys took great care of you. I am sure you gave them quite a scare.

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  74. I'm so happy to see this post from you to learn that you are progressing. You were on my mind especially earlier this week.

    Your pieces always look professional to me. Love the 50th in France of your sis and that special piece. Hope the celebration was a good time with your family.

    Santa is walking out of summer with his sunflowers - perfect!

    Ah, the coast looks so relaxing and beautiful. I'm so looking forward to October with the stitching PALS.

    Please continue to take it easy. Gaining back strength is sometimes the hardest part, but it will come.

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  75. Six weeks! That is a long time for you. I've missed your posts for sure. :)

    Love the new little finishes. Leave it to PS to make a sunflower Santa. It totally works though. It's adorable. Now they just need to do a daisy one with ladybugs. (Unless they already have? Heh.)

    The beach pictures are stunning. I'm so glad you were able to go and get to soak in the sights and sounds and are starting to get back to normal. (Hope your son is starting to feel better now too after that tricky surgery.)

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  76. Well Carol I'm sorry to hear about your illness but hope you continue to get back to normal and put it behind you. It's a little scary to have something just hit you out of the blue like that! Your schedule sounds like mine is...running hither and yon and it does wear you out.

    Love your newest finishes and glad you are still finding time to stitch in the midst of everything. Take care!

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  77. Oh my goodness. How scary... I am so glad heat that you are now in the road to recovery.

    I love your latest finishes. They are all gorgeous :)
    Lovely gift from Vicki - such a clever needle threader, and chocolate smelling bulbs - wow!! Bet you can't wait for them to flower so you can smell that gorgeous scent :)

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  78. Beautifully stitching and finishes. Loved the yellow cord on Santa.

    What a scary experience you had, I hope your health continue to improve. Hope your beach stay did you good and you had a good rest too. The beach looked so wonderful.
    Take care!

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  79. Woah, Carol! I'd been thinking of you, but was probably too shy to pipe up and inquire--now I wish I had!

    I am REALLY glad you are well again and were able to do things like attending your family trip (It sounds like you got some restorative time on the beach while there).

    The things you have stitched are lovely (as always); as for your nephew complimenting that finish--he doesn't know the half of it!!! Did you show him your amazing ornament collection? Even one year of it should sweep him off his feet. :D

    As for tiredness and lingering stress (I feel that I REALLY understand the unease and etc. you alluded to in feeling that your body "let you down") I hope being home for quiet routine can help dispel that. A couple of months ago I began attending yoga classes with a friend--if only you lived just a bit closer I'd be lobbying you to come along too and see what you think! I know you are very fit with your treadmill; but these sessions are just as much meditation/stress-reducing breathing exercises as actual exercise! It may sound wacky, but if you have a chance please consider checking out some Kundalini-type yoga. (From what I understand, the others are often more of a yoga-themed aerobics class than what I described.)

    :) Berit

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  80. Oh Carol that must have been so scary. So glad they got to the bottom of it and you are now feeling better.

    Beautiful stitching. I love what you made for Lois.

    Lovely photos from your trip.

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  81. I'm so glad to hear you are feeling better now & that you had a good holiday

    You've managed some lovely finishes

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  82. Dear Carol, Wow! What a tale! So glad to hear that are on the mend. I know what you mean about not quite feeling like yourself after being in hospital - I still do not feel quite right 4 1/2 weeks after my surgery. do take care of yourself.
    Also, I must tell you - your stitching and finishing is inspirational - I love all of your pieces. Thank you so much for sharing.

    hugs, Kaye

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  83. So sorry to hear you've been so unwell lately, but hopefully you'll feel back on your feet again properly soon :) Your finishes are all exquisite, as always - I'm sure they were all adored by their new owners :)

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  84. SO glad to see you post again, Carol. But what you write sounds somewhat scary. It must have been a shock to be attacked by such a condition you had even never heard about before. But I'm really happy to read that you are slowly getting back to your normal self.
    YEs, stitching can always help as it's something you can do without spending too much energy and it's something "normal" that helps to feel normal again.
    And your little finishes are so beautiful and so creatively finished. Wonderful!
    Good that you had the chance to spend a relaxing time at the beach. And I hope that you will soon be completely back to normalcy. Just take it easy and relax a lot.

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  85. I've missed you posting and knew there must be something drastic that must of been wrong or you were away on holiday. Guess I was correct on both counts. I'm so pleased you are on the mend, sounds like a terrible time you have had. Sending you lots of hugs. Please do as your husband says next time ... and I hope there isn't a next time.
    Your stitching is just beautiful. The blue fabric is just the most gorgeous colour. I love to look at what you have created, such wonderful pillows and ornaments.
    Take care.

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  86. Very pretty gifts you made for your sister and Lois. Every time I see a sunflower I think of you, just so you know. The sunflowers around here are in full bloom, so I have been sending you a little prayer when I see one! I'm so glad that you are recovering and this maybe a one off thing. Beautiful flowers from your sons. Such good boys! Those photos of the sky are magnificent! So beautiful! Hugs to you!

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  87. I too love the prairie schooler Santana. Glad you are on the mend!

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  88. Wow Carol,what a hiccup! I have been rather absent for a few weeks and for some reason I was not seeing your blog feed when I checked in and thought you were taking a break!!. I have rectified your 'disappearance'. I hope that you are well on the mend and get your strength back very soon.
    Your stitching is lovey, I particularly like your gift to your friend Lois.
    Take care.

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  89. Very scary!! I am so glad you are recovering!!!!

    Lovely projects, as always. I enjoy visiting and getting ideas.

    Stay well and happy my friend.

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  90. Glad to know you feel better, now!
    What a hard month for you!
    Love the little pillows! You're are an artist!
    Hugs and healthy healthy days!!!
    Giovi

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  91. Love all of these pieces, Care. I especially love my "own" piece. I do think of you every time I look over on my bookshelf, in front of my Paris books of course, and see my little Eiffel Tower. Thank you for being such a thoughtful sister and for making my birthday so special. Love you!

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  92. Wonderful stitching :D All your finishes are so professional!!! A delight to admire!

    Glad you are much better now, that was just a bad episode that now belongs to the past ;) All will go great from now on :)

    WOW! That's a beach house?? No wonder 21 people could spend their vacations in there! So big :D So cool!!! Very very stylish house heheheheh
    Good to know you had some fun and relaxing time :)

    Hugs to you my sweet friend!!

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  93. I had been wondering where you have been, it had been a while since your last post. That sounds awful what you went through. I am glad to hear that you are feeling well now. Your stitching is beautiful as always. Love all the beautiful photos from your reunion to NC. Take care of yourself

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  94. Your stitching and finishing are as lovely as ever, Carol.

    Yikes! I've never heard of the condition you described either. So glad to hear that it's a one-time attack and you've recovered. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

    What lovely photos of the beach. That fiery sunset is just stunning! Happy to hear that things are now returning to normal.

    You've been missed.

    Hugs,
    Veronica.

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  95. Carol, me alegro mucho de tu vuelta y de que vayas recuperando fuerzas, que tengas ganas de seguir bordando y transmitirnos con tus blog todo lo que haces.
    Un abrazo muy cariñoso.

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  96. I am behind in reading my blogs too, so didn't know you had this serious episode until tonight. However, you are home now, recovering, and will be back to your usual self before you know it! Of which I am glad! Take care! Hugs!

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  97. Carol, I'm glad your son recovers and you can return to your daily routine. I forgot to mention in my previous comment. That disaster head. The family holiday house looks great.
    A warm hug.

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  98. Such beautiful stitched works and finishes!

    I'm so glad to hear you are fine and enjoyed your vacation!

    Hugs,
    Tatyana

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  99. Mi querida amiga,
    menudo susto, pensé que estabas de vacaciones o simplemente tomándote un tiempo de descanso, como mi salud estaba también regular no tuve tiempo de escribir !

    Me alegro que estés mucho mejor, con ese descanso en la playa, con esas vistas al mar, todo se ha relajado y seguro que estás muy bien, también te hacía falta un descanso así, después de todo el año duro.

    Me alegro mucho por ti, por tus flores,
    y claro,
    por tus trabajos tan bien hechos y perfectos !!

    Un abrazo muy grande que vuela desde el otro lado del océano y llega a tu casa !

    Cuídate por favor,

    disfruta del descanso,

    besos

    ^^

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  100. I'm happy your back.
    You gift for you friend is wonderfull. I love how you finish it off
    And did you sister liked your gift??
    It's wonderfull.
    What a sweet nephew you have.. But he is so right.. it looks very proffesionel.
    What a wonderfull gift you got from Vickie

    I'm happy you almost all better now..
    I hope you will stay that way..
    No more scary things please!!

    Ow My, your trip to the beach looks so wonderfull.
    I LOVE the sky pic's. they are AWESOME.
    What do we have a beautifull sky

    Hope your son is getting better and better, and that sitting is going better also.

    have a great week, and enjoy your stitching.
    Take a lot of rest!!

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  101. Oh Carol, you can't imagine how many prayers I sent up to heaven for your recovery, after that very scary ordeal!

    It is wonderful news that you have recovered, and were able to enjoy your husband's family reunion in NC too. I couldn't believe it, when I read that you went on that trip, right after being discharged from hospital, but so glad that it was so special for all of you.

    Hope that your son is doing well too after his surgery, and moving back home with you.

    Your creative side is still just as wonderful as ever! I love the sweet little pillows that you stitched for Lois and for your sister, and that great PS Santa too!

    Blessings for you!

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  102. Oh, Carol! I am so sorry to read of your illness and hospital stay! I've missed seeing your posts, but have to admit, I've been behind in my blog reading... So glad to read you are on the mend and doing better! Take care, and of course as always, love your stitching finishes.

    Looks like your vacation in NC was a great step towards your recuperation.

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  103. I was wondering what happened to you and am really sorry to hear about those bumps along your "highway". Glad though that you are returning to the Carol we all know and love. Stay well my friend and I hope that all your family is fine too.
    Hugs,
    Jane

    PS: Don't worry about answering any emails at this time. Take time to recover and just breathe.

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  104. So very sorry that I am late in commenting on this post, guess I missed it somehow until now. I do hope you are recovering well and feeling stronger and more energetic each day. Take it easy and be good to yourself!! Relax and do some stitching - that's always "good medicine"....
    Gentle Hugs to you...

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  105. Carol, I am so behind on blog commenting these days. I love the little pillow you made, it is sitting right where I can see it every day and it's a lovely reminder of our friendship. I hope you are fully recovered. I owe you an email and hope to catch up soon!!! Meantime, take care my friend, look after yourself. I know how scary that whole episode was for you.
    xox

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  106. each time your pieces are so beautiful...
    I learn a lot for my pillows finishing coming here =)
    once again great stitchings, fabrics...well done =)
    I'm so late in my blog readings & mails answers :(
    tonight I'm trying to update everything but I think my bed will call me very soon =)
    I sincerely hope that what happened to you end of this summer is now far behind and that you totally recovered
    as well as your son of course
    you know I thought a lot of you ;)
    very happy you could enjoy a good time in this wonderful place, very beautiful pictures again you shared with us
    wish you a great weekend
    big big hugs my sweet friend
    xxxx

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  107. The are so pretty and you are so talented - now I'm jealous.lol

    http://animalcrossstitchpatterns.weebly.com/bear-cross-stitch-patterns.html

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Hello! So glad you dropped in and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate each and every one...I'm happy to try to answer any questions you may have, but please make sure to include your email address so I can get back to you...

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Carol