Thursday, October 17, 2013

Friends and Stitching


Good morning, my friends... and I don't use the word "friends" lightly. It has been a week since we lost our dear Cathey and with each passing day I realize even more what a special and inspiring friend she was over the past four years as well as just how important each of you is in my life.

"It still amazes me after all these years of Blogging 
and being on the computer the kinds of relationships
 you can develop. Here you are connecting with someone 
you've never met or even talked to on the phone 
and an instant friendship blossoms :o)"
                          ~ Pumpkin Patch & Co. ~ September 9, 2011

The previous highlighted sentences weren't written by me, but they could have been--or by any one of you, no doubt. They were written on Cathey's blog back in this post from September 2011 which she wrote to thank me and another blogging friend for some little surprise gifts we had sent her way. It's hard to explain blogging friendships to people who don't blog, isn't it? I think, too many times, these friendships are dismissed by non-bloggers as "not real" because, in most cases, we've never met each other. But, like Cathey, I treasure the blogging friendships I've made and know they are real.

I've spent the past week re-reading parts of Cathey's blog and crying my way through the emails that we exchanged over the past few years. I think every blogging friendship is formed because of something shared--not only the love of stitching, but also a personality trait, a certain sense of humor, similar family backgrounds or beliefs, etc. Cathey was much younger than me--in fact I teased her that she was young enough to be my daughter (well, if I'd had her at age 16!!), but that didn't stop us from becoming fast friends. I, along with all of you, admired her strength and determination to beat the disease that spread so quickly through her. I will miss her every day and think of her each time I see a pumpkin in any form. ((^^)) Rest in peace, my sweet friend...

Stitching brought Cathey comfort as it does for so many of us. Lately, I've only been stitching for friends, but I can finally show you some of the things I've been working on and have sent on to their new homes...

EXCHANGE WITH LYNN: When someone with almost 3000 followers on her Happiness Is Cross Stitching blog asked me to do an exchange with her, I was taken aback! And a bit nervous... I really have a hard time pinning down exactly what to stitch for anyone. Do any of you have that problem? I think I tend to overthink things, but I finally decided on a block from Hillside Samplings' "Seasonal Samplings" chart for Lynn. I stitched this on 32 ct. flax Belfast linen using the suggested DMC colors and finished it into a black box. As you can see, I added the date and Lynn's initials onto the stitching, too. I'm very happy with the way it turned out and Lynn seems to love it, as well.

Exchange gift for Lynn B.

Here's a glimpse of the inside which I lined with this pretty black and white swirly fabric and edged with handmade trim in DMC 3045. The box started off as a simple wooden unfinished piece that I sanded, primed, and painted with three coats of black craft paint. 

Inside of box for Lynn B.

I also stitched this  little scissor fob for Lynn using the freebie that can be found on this page  from Casa Mia (scroll down to near the bottom of the page and you'll see it). I simply used the same DMC colors as in the box finish and added the same border so it would coordinate with the box. 

Scissor fob freebie  for Lynn B.


I thought it would be nice to include a few non-stitched treats, too, so I also included a cute pair of Eiffel Tower scissors, some black and white fabric, and an "L" monogrammed needleminder...

 
And here is a final shot of the whole exchange. The package crossed the Atlantic Ocean and made it's way to Lynn's home in England in a record-breaking SIX days!! Unbelievable...  Lynn's gift to me should be arriving sometime next week--I can hardly wait to see what she created for me...

Exchange gifts sent to Lynn B. ~ October 2013

BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR MYRA:  My friend, Myra, is one of my long-time blogging buddies--one of those faithful friends who always leaves a comment and whose emails certainly brighten my day. She celebrated a most special birthday in September so I wanted to make her day a memorable one and this little piece is what sprang from my needle. It is a tiny over-one piece from the Prairie Schooler "Acorns" (Book No. 65) and features a cute Pilgrim couple preparing for Thanksgiving. I usually stitch Myra something Halloween related, but decided that if she's anything like me, Thanksgiving stitchings aren't quite as plentiful so I went with this one this year.
Birthday gift for Myra

I changed the colors on some of the leaves (they are nowhere near as bright as they appear in the photo above--they're more like the picture below) and had to change the color of her bonnet and his stockings to a pale gray as the suggested white wasn't showing up well enough on the almond colored fabric.  To finish it off into this Thanksgiving pillow I added a few autumnal colored fabrics, some brown ric-rac and a wooden button. Tiny and cute--just the way I like my stitching! Happy Birthday again, dear Myra--may your coming year be filled with happiness...

Finished birthday pillow for Myra

BIRTHDAY GIFT FOR VALERIE: And for my fun, young friend, Valerie in San Francisco, who celebrated her birthday earlier this month, I stitched this Homespun Elegance design called "Majestic Cat" from the September/October 2013 issue of "Just Cross Stitch Magazine." I stitched Mr. Kitty on 40 ct. flax Newcastle with a variety of DMC and overdyed threads. I did change some of the colors and added in the yellow.

"Majestic Cat" by Homespun Elegance

Her gift is finished off into a little pillow that Valerie can set on a shelf or fireplace mantle  when she decorates for Halloween each year. I hope you like him my friend--I had a wonderful time stitching him for you... Happy Birthday and best wishes for a fun-filled year ahead!

 Birthday pillow for Valerie
GIVEAWAY WIN... My friend, Tricia,  recently offered this darling Shepherd's Bush Thanksgiving chart in a recent giveaway. I was the lucky winner and I promised to pass it along when I was done stitching it so watch this space for a future giveaway... Not only did Tricia include the chart and a bit of the WDW Indian Summer thread to finish it off, but she also included the sweetest handmade card. Tricia's cards are perfection--I love them! You can see more of her beautifully creative cards at her Simply Stamping blog. Thank you again, Tricia--I look forward to stitching this one very soon!

Giveaway win from Tricia

And just look at this sweet bouquet of flowers which my oldest son brought me last month. He had to stay at our house for a time while the bathroom in his apartment was being remodeled. What was supposed to be "a few days" turned into almost two weeks so he brought me this lovely arrangement as a "thank you." What did he get for his dad--why a six-pack of a craft beer, of course! I think we raised him right, don't you?! 

Flowers from my oldest son

FINAL THOUGHTS ON FRIENDSHIP: While looking through one of the new psychology books that I recently ordered for my library (Discovering Joye: Uncovering the Treasures Inside Ordinary People, Places, Things, and Ourselves by Jim Stovall), I came upon a chapter on friendship and these words caught my eye:  
  
"Friends are not simply individuals who make
 us feel good or bring us what we want.
 Friends are those people who complete us and
make the road on which we travel not necessarily
 easier, but more significant in lasting ways." 

Thank you, my friends,  for coming into my life and helping to make it more significant and meaningful... in so many ways. Bye for now...

87 comments:

Mii Stitch said...

Hello Carol! An other lovely post from you :) Great exchange goodies, lovely makes for your friends & beautiful flowers from your son!!! You definitely raised him well :) Take care my friend, hugs & xxxx

Valma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Gillie said...

What a gorgeous gift for Lynn, I know what you mean about over thinking when you stitch for someone - I just sent off two pieces with a sigh of relief!

I did not know Cathey as well as some of you but was so sad hen I heard the news. Blogging is a wonderful way of making friends, most of whom we will never meet in person but sometimes we get lucky, lol!

Valma said...

Ho sweetie, I have tears in my eyes reading your words, and my heart is melting.
you expressed in such a beautiful way what I think, and what most of us (if not all) thinks !
Just like you I re read old posts from Cathey, as if I was waiting for an update that will never come.
We are sharing in 'this world / family we created' so many things that go far beyond threads & needles !
Be sure that for me you're part of the 'people who complete (me) and make (my) road ...more significant in lasting ways' !!
(even if you could be my mum =D I prefer seeing you as the big sister I never had =D)
Trying to reduce my sorrow on that very sad day, Annette told me that the best tribute we could do to Cathey was to craft & stitch thinking of her...that's what we did, you did...
this box is amazing, I said it on Lynn's blog ! I perfectly understand while you were nervous =D
Seeing what she does !
But your gifts are a real delight !
The 2 other pieces are so lovely too !
very beautiful Thanksgiving pillow
and of course you well raised your sons =D
big big hugs my sweet friend
xxxxxxxxxxx

Chris said...

What a wonderful post Carol. Like you I have been keeping Cathey and her family close to my heart and in my prayers. The friendships that we have made through blogging are as meaningful and as important as those friends that we see on a regular basis.
What lovely stitches and smalls. I know that they are treasured by the recipients.
The flowers from your son are lovely. I hope that you are having a wonderful October.

cucki said...

hello my dear,
its truly a very sweet post...and i am in tears here and thinking of all my sweet friends so much..
friends are truly our sweet treasure.
very pretty exchange gifts..and lovely flowers from your son..
big hugs x

Vickie said...

Oh Carol! I hesitated to go to that link of Cathey's. I too went back and read some old posts of hers. sigh. I do know with time it will get easier.
Your son is such a good son. =) All three sound wonderful and I hope our three grow up to be good children and responsible adults like yours!
Beautiful gifts you have made Carol.
Hugs to you!

priscilla said...

Love your finishes.. Everything you stitch is so beautifully finished !

What a nice son :)

So sorry about Cathey, So sad..

Christina said...

Dear Carol, I too am struggling to come to terms with Cathey's death. I never met her - in fact I joked with her that I'd never met a 'real-life' Canadian before! - but I really felt like she was one of my friends. I, perhaps naively, didn't realise that her end of life was so near. I, like you, have re-read her posts over and over and I just don't understand the unfairness of it all. I wouldn't wish cancer on anybody, but why does it seem to affect lovely people who have everything to live for? I struggle to understand the World we live in sometimes.
Thank you for putting into words what I have been feeling. xXx

Gabi said...

With tears in my eyes I read your wonderful post about Cathey. I had few emails with her and it was really a pleasure for me to know her via i-net. I really cannot believe that she had to go. When I read the news about her passing away my first thought was: Why her, Lord? You gave her that great gift, her little son, and now You don't let her watch him grow.
Wonderful flowers from your son and beautiful gifts.
Greetings from Germany

Kate said...

Beautiful finishes, Carol, that made lovely gifts. Always a pleasure to read your blog posts.

Ellen said...

A wonderful post, Carol! You express beautifully what we feel about friends, even those we never meet.

Gorgeous gifts, I really love that box!

Beautiful roses from your son!

Hugs,

Syd said...

Your finishes are beautiful! You have been a busy lady. I especially like your blog header. So pretty.

Lisa V said...

Carol, you have such a wonderful way with words, and this post has been beautifully put together and thought out. The blogging community is my saving grace. When I've had a bad day with work or just feel miserable, I know my blogging friends will lift my spirits, and I can escape into the stitching world with friends that make me happy again.
I am soo glad that you are my dear friend Carol. Hugs

Samplers, Silks and Linens said...

Beautiful post, very touching - as always your stitching is immaculate and your finishing just gorgeous, take care - Amanda

Bruna Aguiar Melo said...

Hi!
You have some gorgeous stitching there!
Just lovely!
I can relate to you about the blog friendships. Sometimes, tehy mean even more than a "real" one. We spend much more time on line, talking to those people, sometimes, every single day. You often create an image of them. You relate to them, you identify yourself with them. They are just as real as the other ones!
And they're easy to reach. They are only an e-mail away.
"Blog friendships" are a treasure. And we are the lucky ones who have found them!

Annie said...

Just a beautiful post. Such a lovely tribute to Cathey as well as showing all the blogging community friendship.

Your gifts are incredible. You obviously take them very seriously and do your very best work for those. The box and fob are so well-done! And of course, your signature style shows up perfectly in the PS piece (I've never seen that one..so cute!) and the EEK! cushion.

Robin in Virginia said...

What a wonderful exchange package you created for Lynn as well as the other stitched gifts you shared.

Carol, you created a touching post about Cathey and blogging friendships in general. Lovely flowers from your son!

Robin in Virginia

BrendaS said...

Carol -- What a beautifully written post. I think you put into words what each of us has been thinking the last week.

Your gifts to Lynn and Myra are just wonderful as always. You always make each item you stitch so creative and personal for the people you are stitching them for!

Beautiful flowers from your son and how very thoughtful:)

Take care my friend. I hope you are feeling better.

HUGS to you.

LoriU said...

What a beautiful post Carol! I was a regular reader of Cathey's blog too, and feel so sad about her passing but happy that she is now free from pain!

Your finishes are gorgeous. Your stitches are so perfect (yes I zoomed in on a picture!). I am sure the ladies receiving them just loved the gifts!

That final quote you posted is so true. We have recently met some neighbors who have turned into the best friends and that quote sure fits.

Tricia T said...

What a sweet post, Carol. Your stitching is beautiful and the thought you put into it is even more so. I am blessed to have you as a blogging friend!

Christina said...

What a touching post. A lot of us are still mourning the loss of our dear friend. It is very interesting how our friendships come to be weather it be from blogging or message boards.

Love your exchange gifts. I am always intimidated to do exchanges. I am afraid of the finishing. EEK! I never know what to do and if it will turn out as imagined.

Your gifts are lovely and I'm sure they are appreciated.

You raised your son right. ;D

Lesleyanne said...

Beautiful words Carol. I think you've summed up the feelings of the blogging world. Beautiful exchanges and flowers. Hugs xx

butterfly said...

Beautiful post Carol, your work is so amazing and so inspiring . Such beautiful gifts . Also love your header.
To me friendships is one of the most wonderful gifts of life, I have always been so lucky in my lifetime to have so many friends some are no longer
here , but they are still planted deep inside my heart.
And the last few year's I have made many more inside the blog land and I must say everyone is such a blessing and the kindness and caring is mind blowing.
I am sorry I have been missing alot Carol this virus has knocked me about the last few weeks and I am just fighting my way back to full health. sending you big hugs.

Elizabeth Ann said...

Love your post today...... your pieces are absolutely amazing!

Lianne said...

Hello Carol,

This was a truly lovely post and I couldn't agree with you more.

Your tribute and remembrance for Cathey was also so very heartfelt.

Lianne

The Inspired Stitcher said...

This is such a touching post. I couldn't have said it better or agree more. I cherish my online friendships. We have a truly amazing community here. Love your thoughtful gifts too. The box is simply stunning!

Beth said...

A very thoughtful and eloquent post Carol. I will never understand why young women are so cruelly taken from their children. Your gifts / exchanges are wonderful as always. I am in awe of your 'black box' finish in particular. And now I must stitch the Homespun Elegance chart as I already have the magazine.

Julie said...

A very wonderful and thoughtful post Carol. Blogging brings such happiness to so many ladies, many of whom find themselves spending a lot of time at home through illness or other things and they can connect with the wider world and spread friendship to all.

You've created such a beautiful gift for Lynn. We all overthink when its time for an exchange! Many a time I have stitched a second thing as I was not sure about the first one and then had two to choose from which in fact made the decision even harder.

Beautiful flowers from your son.

Melissa said...

What a lovely post, Carol, to Cathey, to friendship in general! I didn't know Cathey but I felt awful when I heard of her passing.

The exchange you made for Lynn is tremendous! I recognized that Hillside Samplings design!

And the other gifts you made - well, as usual, I am bowled over! That was very thoughtful of your son to remember to thank his parents "properly"! ;-)

Andrea said...

Your words are so true.

Beautiful gifts you have created. I am sure they will be treasured.

A lovely thought from your son.

marly said...

A lovely heartfelt post and emotional tribute to your friend. The stitching as always, glorious in stitch and finish!

LindataxPA said...

Carol....your post was beautiful and brought more tears to my eyes. How lucky we all are to share our love for stitching with each other and to be there to support in times of need. As always, your stitching leaves me in awe. Ladies - I have seen her work in real life and let me tell you that the pictures here don't do justice to Carol's excellence in stitching and finishing. And thanks for the heads-up about the new book in your library.

Kathy L. said...

What a sweet post. Such dear thoughts of your blogging friends especially Cathey.

Love all your finished pieces. As usual a great inspiration to me.

Kathy

Linda said...

Your stitching and finishing is absolutely stunning Carol. What lucky stitchers to have received a stitched gift from you.
I too, have reread some of Cathey's post. It is very sad.

Linda

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

So very well crafted, your post. Eloquently spoken, well written and lovingly read and digested.
Thank YOU Carol for creating such a lovely blog for us all to come to know you and be your friend :)
We are all better individuals for knowing you!
Thank you for being our friend!

Rowyn said...

A lovely post Carol. Cathey's life and friendship seems to have touched all corners of the globe.

Whenever I think about poor Junior growing up without his beloved Mum it makes me so sad.

I met my husband on the internet back in 1999 - so I wholeheartedly agree that real friendships are formed through blogging and emails.

Wow, that's a super box set you made for Lynn and the other gifts are lovely too.

Sending hugs your way.

Mylene said...

A beautiful post, Carol.
WOW! such gorgeous pieces you made for Lynn, i am sure she loves them...oh such treasures.
All other finishes are lovely as always!

Sherry said...

what a beautiful and special post! I feel so close to my blogging and stitching friends online. Your stitching and exchanges are stunning!

Sherry said...

what a beautiful and special post! I feel so close to my blogging and stitching friends online. Your stitching and exchanges are stunning!

Katie said...

Carol,

What a beautiful post, I couldn't agree more. Cathey truly held all of her friends, local or cyber on the same plain. There were days some of us locals suspected she might even like you guys better ;)

When I lost Cathey, I lost one of the few people that get me. Someone that found that you could in fact have deep relationships with people at a comfortable arms length (thank goodness for the internet). I miss her immensely.

Annette said...

Such beautifull words about dear Cathey..
I was only a short 'friend'but a long follower of her..
She was such a gifted and wonderfull blogger friend..
Indeed people from teh outside also look at me strange if I talk about you bloggerss..
But you have never seen themm.. yes..
But My some blogger friends ar emore important then RL friends...
It's easier to share with..
It is a dark hole on blogland without Cathey..
She will be so missed..
It's awesome that ina short time we an get such friends, no matter what age, skin color, or country we life in..
BLOGGER FRIENDS ARE TEH BEST ♥.

You made some awesome gifts!!
i still love your finishing off..your such a gifted crafter..
and also got awesoem things..

I know for sure your haev been rasing yoru sons well...
You only gave them to much love.. now they have a really hard timeoff finding that love in a sweet to be wife...
They need a kick in the ....
You are a to sweet mother..
hihi and my parents are younger then you are..
I'm in the age of your boys.. tell them that.. you have a blogger fiend of there age in Holland with ALREADY a son of 5 years old.. lol...
Hurry up boys.. or all teh pretty fish are out of the pound..
hihi.. sorry my beeing silly..

I will end with a little beautifull qoute

_______________________________

Real friends don't have to speak to or see each other daily to remain in each others heart always....

Myra said...

I still smile every time I see my little pilgrims and turkey in the corner of my eye. :o) Your stitching is so pretty Carol. I may be 50 but I am going to grow up to stitch just like you. :o)
Wow! What an awesome exchange piece you sent to Lynn, she must have been over the moon.
My heart still aches from the loss of Cathey. Someone posted on their blog that "we lost one of our own" and that is exactly how I feel...as if one in our little circle is missing.

Jackie's Stitches said...

Your exchange gift for Lynn is absolutely exquisite. I'm sure she'll treasure it.

I didn't know Cathey. I've seen so many blog posts about her that I feel like I missed knowing a truly special person. My heart goes out to her family and friends.

Sending you a hug...

Margaret said...

What a beautiful, sweet post. I didn't follow Cathey and didn't meet her through blogging, but I've read about her and been so sad about her passing. And you're so right -- blogging friends are special even if we've never met. You say it so well.

I love your finishes! You are so talented and amazing. Just beautiful stuff! Those flowers from your son are gorgeous. He is one smart cookie, knows the way to both his parents' hearts. lol!

Barb said...

Wonderful gifts and exchanges! My DH calls all of you my cloud friends. I like that sweet name!

Friendship Crossing said...

More gorgeous finishes!! Love the box you created ~ I still need to learn how to do that twisted thread thingy that you put inside along the edges.
Pillows are darling as usual and love love love the flowers your son got you ~ how sweet!!

Take care my friend! Always enjoy my visits to your sweet blog!

Tanya

Wanda said...

Dear Carol,

What a beautiful post. I didn't know Cathey but since September 27th I have had the privilege of having glimpses into her life and the great friend she was to many. I cannot even imagine the loss her family and her friends are feeling but I know she was loved by many.

Thank you for sharing the quote on friendship - so very true.

Your stitching is beautiful as always. I never cease to be amazed and impressed by your work. I have never made a box. Your ornaments are too cute!

The postcard is just adorable!

Take good care (and if I ever find my quilt pictures I will send them)
hugs, Wanda

Lillie said...

Lovely gift for Lynn, the whole package is fabulous.

Thank you for sharing your part of the world. It's always a delight to read your post and seeing all your wonderful stitching and finishes you have created.

Have a good weekend :D

Melody said...

Hi Carol! I am trying to catch up on blog reading. I was happy to find your news filled post. All interesting as always.. :) My what beautiful things you made for your exchange! I think you do the nicest finishing work. You are so creative and good with color. How nice of your son to be so thoughtful. The flowers are beautiful. Take care, friend!

Southpaw Stitcher said...

Your stitching gifts are so lovely and beautifully finished! Thanks for being one of my blogging friends!

Belinda said...

What a beautiful post Carol. Unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to get to know Cathey since I only found out about her blog when 'pumpkins for Cathey' was being posted about on my stitching friends blog feeds. I did take a look at her blog though and she definitely was very popular and from what I read a beautiful person. Her son is adorable also. Very sad to hear such news of a fellow stitcher. My thoughts go out to her and her family at this time.

What you have written about blogging friends is so true. I find so much inspiration from my blog friends and friendships do grow. You too are a lovely friend of mine and as you know I think you produce such beautiful stitching. Thank you for inspiring me to one day hopefully create such beautiful ornaments like yourself. I am still yet to give one a go, rather sticking to framed pictures.

Your friends are very lucky to receive such beautiful gifts from you, I am sure they will be treasured.

Anonymous said...

you're absolutely right, these friendships are as dear as they're hard to explain to others.
I started to re-read Cathey's posts from the earliest ones, I guess I cannot let the thought of her go. sometimes I cry and get angry at life for they way she treated her, other times Cathey's words make me smile and remember how strong and special she was.
Maya is working on a free chart in Cathey's memory, I'm sure you'll want to check it out when it's done.
http://thesnowflowerdiaries.blogspot.it/2013/10/wip-pumpkins-for-cathey.html

happy xxx,
chiara

Lynn B said...

Hi Carol,

I too read your post with interest, I did not know Cathey and only recently read her post about her illness and was very sad to read it, her family must be devastated.

Thankyou so much Carol for the beautiful gift you sent to me, I was so thrilled to open such a gorgeous package!

I love all of the lovely stitched gifts you have made for Myra and Valerie and the flowers from your son are beautiful!

Shari said...

you have been so busy, as usual.....your tribute to Cathey was very nice....she will be missed in the blogging world.
everything looks super, like always!

The Knitting Cross Stitcher said...

A heartfelt post Carol,beautifully written and a pleasure to read.
Your stitching for yourfriends is gorgeous.I love your finished box for Lyn B
I am,these days,an irregular blogger and often have weeks where I do not contribute to the blogeshere,but I do like to see all the lovely creative stitching and other crafting being made and reading stitchers' blogs, commenting when I can.
My pleasure at stumbling upon a whole world of craft blogs a few years ago still makes me smile.

Bekca said...

This was a truly lovely post Carol. I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Cathey well, but I know her presence will be missed in the blogging community. I too very much appreciate the friendships and kindness I've been lucky to receive online.
You've made some beautiful gifts recently. I love how you've finished the Majestic Cat design, so darling.
Best wishes.

Scrap said...

lovely gitf !
best wishes

BARBARA said...

You are a treasure, Carol and I too had never met Cathey but she touch my heart with her honest and heartfelt blogging....

passionfruitprincess said...

Lovely finishes Carol. I am sure the ladies love their gifts. Friendship is a wonderful thing and you put it so well in words.
I am sorry for the loss of your friend. You take care.
Ana Paula.

Mary said...

What a gorgeous gift for Lynn, complete with your fine detail! I know that she will treasure it.
The autumn treats for Myra and Valerie are oh, sooo special, too.

Your son is thoughtful to remember you with such lovely flowers. Floral gifts always make me feel special.

You have written a beautiful post in honor of Cathey. May she rest in peace. Her inspiration and strength have bonded and strengthened the ties of our worldwide blogging friendships.

Carol, I am blessed and fortunate to know you and call you my friend.

Cindy's Stitching said...

what a great tribute Carol. Yes, all friends are important. I treasure your friendship. such good stitching friends I found from blogging.

Melanie said...

Carol, what lovely stitching as always. Your words for Cathey and your reflections on friends are very comforting. I have lost a dear friend and work colleague in the last couple of weeks, your post has brought a smile to my face, made me feel warm and comfortable and helped to embrace good memories. Thank you for sharing your stitching and spending your time in the blogging world. Big hugs xx

msmartello said...

Hi Carol,
Great gifts you made. I love your finishing. You know I didn't follow Cathey's blog long. Maybe the last year or so. I didn't really comment I would just read her posts and think this poor woman just has a baby and instead of enjoying every minute with him she has everything else to deal with. I can't help but not think about her now. She was the same age as me and that scares me a little. Makes me realize though that life is short and you shouldn't wait to do things.
Hope you have an enjoyable weekend

Maureen

Pam in IL said...

Thanks for putting into words what I've feeling.

Wonderful stitching!

Sally said...

A beautiful post Carol. Cathey touched so many of us out here in blog land and your post sums it up for so many. Bless you.

I love my blogging friends and would not be without them. I have "met" so many wonderful people.

Gorgeous stitching as always :)

Shirley said...

So sorry for your news, I have lost too many people to this disease so I know how you are feeling. Your stitching is as beautiful as ever.
all the best, Shirley

Anne said...

It was heartbreaking for us all to hear of her passing but I know she is no longer suffering. I think of her and her family a lot and how hard it must be for her husband and son. She really did fight hard until the end and I won't ever forget her. Blogging friendships are very unique but I am glad that I have "met" many wonderful people (like you and Pumpkin) since I started blogging. The friendships mean a lot to me and when I don't post/comment for awhile, I feel something is amiss, and that's my friends I'm missing! Lovely exchange box you made for Lynn. She must love her box!! Great little pillows you made for Myra and Valerie too! As always, perfect finishes :D You have very sweet sons who appreciate their parents, which is quite a blessing. Sending you hugs from BC!! Anne

Jennifer said...

I was so heartbroken about Pumpkin too. I keep thinking about that little boy and it breaks my heart.

And as always, I love your finishes. You have such a great eye for color - I can't stop looking at the one you did for Lynn. It's absolutely stunning!

You done good with those boys. You should be very proud of them. :-)

Karoline said...

Lovely words Carol

Your gifts for everyone are lovely, I particularly like the box.

Gorgeous flowers from your son

Shirlee said...

What a beautiful post my friend! My walk on this earth is certainly better for knowing you. Have a wonderful week!

Jackie said...

A warm and wonderful post my dearest Carol.
I think I overthink gift giving too and the gifts you make and made are always made to perfection.
The flowers your son gave you were perfect too.
Hope you have a wonderful week my dear,
Warmest hugs,
JAckie:)

Giovanna said...

What wonderful pieces for your friends. They really testify to your beautiful soul.

valerie said...

I oftentimes feel closer to my online friends than my real life friends due to the connections we have based on this hobby of ours and I feel and worry just the same. It's so sad to think she was taken from us and this earth so young. Thank you so much for the lovely pillow and package. I'm going to deck out my apartment with Halloween tonight! I'm a little late but better late than not at all. Love the box finish for Lynn and the pillow for Myra! I'm off to write you a little email. *hugs*

Kay said...

Very heartfelt what you said and touching. I am so very sorry to hear about your friend Cathey. It sounds like she had gone through so much and touched so many lives as well.... Beautiful stitching you have done

Tatkis said...

Everything is so beautiful, but Majestic cat is my favourite :)

Hugs,
Tatyana

Melanie said...

It's a great memorial to Cathey.
I've been so sad thinking about her and her poor family. Her strength and humor came through in every email and post of hers that I read and the world is a lot poorer off now that her voice is gone from us. :(

That package did fly to England, didn't it?? Gotta love when that happens. The pieces you did for her are beautiful and I love the colors. (My main bathroom has a black/gold/cranberry theme so I must like them, right?)

The other pieces are fabulous too, of course! Thanksgiving pieces really are rare and I love the wee bitty turkey in that. For all the turkey we eat at the holidays they don't get much love elsewhere, do they? We have flocks of them around my area that come by sometimes and I always like watching them.

Judy said...

Hi Carol. Such a heartfelt post. You are not only gifted with beautiful stitching skills, you also have beautiful writing skills. It is so sad about Cathey. I've read her blog for quite awhile..and admired her for her strength. She touched alot of hearts. What a super exchange with Lynn..impeccable finishing! The gifts for Myra and Valerie equally gorgeous! Beautiful flowers from your son. Have a great autum!
Hugs,
Judy heatland stitcher

dixiesamplar said...

Thank you, Carol, for such a lovely tribute to our dear friend, Cathey! Like you, I was blessed to have been able to get to know her through our blogs and emails, and she truly touched my life. she will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her, especially her sweet little Junior!

What lovely finishes...everyone was sure to love them! And what a sweet bunch of flowers from your son :-)

Always a pleasure to catch up on your blog postings!

Parsley said...

Yes, we've been blessed with great blog connections. Cathey will be missed.

Lovely exchange pieces. I have more ideas for finishing now for the holidays. Just can't post pics yet :)

Meari said...

I love that quote about friends!

What beautiful gifts you made. I'm always in awe of your stitching. It always looks so great. Question on the cording... Do you make it?

Very thoughtful son you have there. Present not only for you, but his Dad, too. :)

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Thanks for sharing your always beautiful stitching and finishing, but most of all your huge heart! You are a dear soul, and I appreciate you so much. Nice touch from the OS - he knows he'll be welcomed back when needed :-)

♥ Nia said...

I never had the chance to hug her but I knew her very well.. all our talks, our emails, we express so much of ourselves.. it's who we are, it doesn't matter if the other person is seeing our face or not, we are there. I was there for Cathey, she was there for me, I had a true friendship with her...
The fact that we live far away makes it even harder to accept reality! Each day I think about her and it's still hard to believe she's not around anymore.. It's so hard to accept that I won't get anymore emails from Cathey, I wish I could hear from her again.. or even go back in time!! I was so far to imagine things would happen so fast.. we never know what tomorrow will bring! We have to take the best of each day!
I will always miss her for sure, she had a place in my heart and will continue to have. A wonderful person, an inspiring friend, I wish she was here!
Most of all, I happy I had the chance to know her, even for a few years, I'm happy she was a part of my life :)

You are another sweet friend that I'm happy to have crossed paths on the blogosphere :) And your stitching is always a delight to my eyes!! =)
hugs to you my friend!!

Magia da InĆŖs said...

¸.•°♪♬♫Āŗ° ·.
Passei para uma visita e conhecer o seu blog que Ć© um encanto.
Seus bordados sĆ£o maravilhosos!!!
Āŗ°✿✿å½”

Bom fim de semana!
Beijinhos do Brasil.
°•.¸♬♫° ·.

Mavi. said...

Carol, I missed this post, was on vacation.
I very much regret the loss of your friend.
Have you prepared a gift for her lovely Lynn will be very happy, because all of your finishes are luxurious, always believe that we will not keep up, but I think those fears are dispelled as we finished the work, there is more to look at and see how nice it was you the whole.
Beautiful flowers of your older child.
A kiss.

Catherine said...

A simply beautiful post, Carol. Perfect for honoring Cathey and the friendships we all have developed through our blogs. Your gifts are beautiful as well. It's always a pleasure to see your finishes!

Nicky said...

This is a beautiful post Carol, sorry to have taken so long to get here to visit! Cathy will be so sadly missed in the blogging and stitching community, there has been such love and beautiful memories shared of her recently, may she rest in peace.
Your stitching is as ever so beautiful, and I am still in awe of your amazing finishing techniques! Happy Halloween to you...