Goodbye...

...to my fifties! Hello, sixties! Yes, today, January 16, 2015, I begin my seventh decade of life (my younger brother had that little gem to pass on to me, making age 60 sound even older!).  Although I have dreaded this day, I think the lead-up to it was worse than actually waking up this morning and realizing I'm now 60 years old. What changed my mind? Well, in a visit to my hairdresser last week, I was bemoaning the fact that I would be turning 60 on the 16th. He smiled and asked, "Aren't you happy about that?" I sighed and said that I was honestly dreading it. And he said something that really made me think: "Aren't you happy to be in good health and doing a job you love? Aren't you happy to look like you're not even 50 (I think he may have been angling for a big tip with that one!!)? Aren't you happy to just be?"  He's right! 60 is only a number and I do feel so blessed with generally good health, a job I love, a supportive and loving family, and let's not forget all of you wonderful blogging friends! Yes, I am happy to have reached 60 and still feel much younger--I truly am!

My first birthday--smiling with glee

at my new Raggedy Anne doll being

given to me by my dear Dad!

As is often the case on my birthday, I reminisce about my past and the people, places, and events that have helped shape me into who I am today. Many of you may remember this post from my last birthday recalling some of the great old images that children of the fifties and sixties most remember. I got so many comments about that post, that I thought I would add to it with some new "old" memories today.

DO YOU REMEMBER...

Paper dolls... I still remember how frustrating

it was when the clothes just wouldn't stay on!

Music class in Kindergarten--

I always wanted to play the triangle!

A ballerina jewelry box lined in satin

The Ed Sullivan Show on Sunday nights--

who can forget the little mouse, Topo Gigio, ending

the show with the words, "Eddie, kiss me good night!"

Candy cigarettes--yikes, what were they thinking?

Silly putty--I loved using this stuff to 

reproduce the Sunday comic strips

Paint By Number kits--they made me feel artistic

 when, in real life, I can't even draw a stick figure!

The classic pink Wolverine refrigerator--

loved the food printed inside the door!

Camp Fire Girls--was anyone else one? 

Or were you the more well known Girl Scout?

Duck and cover drills in school--yep, we 

certainly would have been safe from a nuclear

attack as we hid under our desks!

TV dinners--we thought it was a real treat 

on the rare occasions mom let us have these!

Tang--I can still taste that imitation orange flavor.

Gum wrapper necklaces--and back then,

the gum wasn't even sugarless! No wonder

our generation has so many cavities in our teeth!

Ugh--the hideous blue gymsuits. I still 

remember the smell of those
locker rooms after gym class!

Mini-skirts--my mom thought the

 lengths of mine were scandalous :)

"The Mod Squad"--oh, I so wanted to be Peggy Lipton! 

But, I thought Marlo Thomas in "That Girl"

was adorable, too (never understood what 

she saw in Donald, however!).

Anyone else a Bobby Sherman fan? Loved 

his hair--and "Tiger Beat" magazine!

Who else had a bunch of these purple lucite

grapes in their home? My church group made

our own and then we "forced" our parents to buy

them to fund our trips to help in Appalachia!

Tanning with baby oil--crazy, but true! Little

did we know the damage the sun would do

to our skin down the road... 

Peace signs and flower power--I remember 

doodling both on my notebooks during class.

Much lower prices!!! Look--a new Buick for only $2438.88!

Did you enjoy my flashback? I'm sure some of you have no recollections of any of these, do you? You're just too young... I know I'm one of the older cross stitch bloggers, but there are a few others in your 50s and 60s (are any of you in your 70s???) who will recall some of these things, too. Compared to the 21st century, life was lived at a slower pace back when I grew up. I so worry about all the "stuff" that children are exposed to these days--and at such a young age, too. It must be very hard growing up in these uncertain times...

BIRTHDAY GIFTS RECEIVED... Well, enough of my trip down memory lane! I got some lovely birthday gifts from blogging friends which I want to share with you now... A few people have emailed me saying "Your gift is in the mail," too, so I look forward to seeing what the mailman brings me next week!

From my friend, Robin (no blog), in Virginia, I received a lovely package of goodies! She stitched a beautiful blue "Welcome Friends" pillow which I have placed on the shelf of my new corner cupboard in the kitchen. She also included a set of pretty blue and white notecards and 8 cuts of fabric which I know will come in handy for my finishing. Thank you so much, Robin--you really spoiled me!

Birthday gifts from Robin

From dear June, in England, came another package of lovely blue and white note cards and an assortment of pretty fabric, lace, ribbons, and buttons. Thank you so much, June--all of your gifts will be put to good use!

Birthday gifts from June

From my friend, Cindy, in Tennesee, came a striped, zipper pouch stuffed with treats. Cindy stitched the most intricate little flower and inserted it into a necklace for me (which you can see in the lower right corner). It is so delicate and pretty! Along with that she also stitched a birthday card and sent a LHN chart, some Lily of the Valley scented soap, a small frame, and some buttons and ric-rak for my finishing. Such a great group of gifts, Cindy--thank you so much!

Birthday gifts from Cindy

From sweet Christina, in England, came this darling birthday rosette... I certainly smiled when I opened the package because it is just such a fun and unique gift! Christina did an amazing job on it--just look at all those pretty details. I shall be sure to wear it on Sunday when my family is here to celebrate my big day, Christina--thank you so much!

Birthday rosette from Christina

From my friend, Elizabeth (no blog), in Texas came a lovely blue project pouch filled with two cute charts and some delicious chocolate.  You can never have too many project pouches, can you? Or too much chocolate! Or too many charts!! Thank you so very much, Elizabeth, for helping make my 60th birthday so special!

Birthday gifts from Elizabeth

And more thanks... Although not a birthday gift, I do have someone else to thank today and that is my friend, Liz, in Idaho, who recently had a giveaway for some of her cute wool ornament patterns. Just look what I won--isn't it sweet. I so need to get out of my comfort zone and make that cute snowman and reindeer wool pillow one of these days. I wish I had Liz here by my side to give me some lessons! Thank you Liz--and if you're not familiar with her blog, please do pop over and check out her latest creations... You won't be disappointed!

Giveaway win from Liz

GIVEAWAY WINNER...  I have to tell you, I was extremely surprised at just how many of you were interested in the "Christmas Portraits" book that I offered on my last post. I just threw all of the names into a hat (well, really a paper bag!) and the one that came out first was "Pam in Virginia" (no blog). Congratulations, Pam! Please email me with your mailing address and I'll get the book out to you so you can begin stitching one of those great Santas!

Winner of the Christmas Portraits book:

"PAM IN VIRGINIA"

Although I had planned on showing you more ornaments this time, you will have to wait for my next post--this 60-year-old stitcher is just plain tuckered out!! I'll leave you with a series of photos of the deer that visited me on Wednesday... They came up to the house to eat the birdseed that had fallen from the bird feeder. First one, then two, then three, and so on until five had appeared! Don't they show up well on this snowy January landscape?

A young buck looks longingly at the bird feeder.

Then he settles for the birdseed on the snow

"Do you think I can jump and knock the feeder down?"

One last look...

Finally, the quintet ambles off into the woods

 after eating their mid-afternoon snack.

Thank you all for your many kind comments on my previous post. Unfortunately, so many of you are "no-reply" bloggers, I can't thank you personally in an email. Just know that I do read and appreciate each and every comment so very much... And, if you've asked me a question and I haven't answered it, please ask it again, but, this time--leave your email address in your comment so I can answer you. So, it's on to another year and a new decade! What will the sixties hold for me? I can't wait to find out! Bye for now...

Valentine Freebie Finishes

Good morning, my stitching friends! And how is February treating you so far? I know you'll all be envious when I tell you what my husband brought me back from his recent Florida trip. Why, he so generously gifted me with a lovely, lovely... C-O-L-D! Yes, after two years of being cold-free, I've been down for the count for the past five days. Luckily, from what I hear, it is on the mild side as colds have been going this winter, so I really can't complain. In the past 17 years, I have used only one sick day from work so I'm usually quite healthy, thank goodness. I am still hoping that nasty flu doesn't appear on our doorstep, though! Has anyone remained cold or flu-free this winter? It seems like almost every one of you has come down with one or the other!

I needed some bright colors after all the white and gray our winter has brought this season so I've been working on a few cheery little Valentine finishes--and guess what? All of them are freebies! I am always so grateful to the talented cross stitch designers out there who share their creativity with us in the form of freebies, aren't you? It is a wonderful way to introduce us to their larger designs, too.

When I first saw this love-letter carrying little bird, I fell in love with him! He is a freebie designed by the very creative Luli which you can find right here. He is part of a larger design of four birds, but you know me and my love of smalls--I decided to stitch him all by himself. He just looks so sweet flying his Valentine to someone's true love, doesn't he? This design is stitched on 40 ct. pearl gray Newcastle with a variety of overdyeds and is finished with some white satin ruched ribbon and pearly white pins. I slightly changed the bird's body and then added the three little red hearts in the front. Every time I look at him, I just want to say--you are SO cute (well, actually, I do say that!).

 Luli's "Love" freebie

When I showed my husband my little bird carrying the love letter, he asked if it was for him and I was so surprised! I never dreamed that he would want anything stitched by me. But then I thought, well, why not? After all, if I gave him something stitched by me it would be a permanent Valentine rather than just an overly expensive greeting card that would eventually end up stashed in a drawer somewhere. So I set out to find the perfect thing and when I saw this little freebie by Cathy Habermann, I knew it was ideal. It stitched up fairly quickly and so I decided to embellish the finish and make it even more special.

"Love You More" freebie

The red and white fabric is definitely vintage--at least 40+ years old. If you wonder how I know that, it's because this is a scrap of fabric that I had saved from my sewing days in high school. Yes, I had made a top for myself (probably a peasant-style blouse which was very much "in-style" back then or it could have been a halter top--remember those anyone?!) Before you laugh--remember that this was back in the late '60s/early '70s when everything was about hearts and flowers, peace and love. That's what makes this so special;  it was something that was around when I first met my husband at the tender age of 19. I wish you could see (and feel!) the fabric in person because it is covered with red flocked hearts and flowers--so very cute! I jazzed it up with a bit of black fabric, brass heart charm, and black handmade cording. Do you think he will like it?

"Love You More" freebie

I've been asked many times how I come up with the combinations of fabrics and trims that I use in my little pillows... Well, the first step is to pull everything from drawers and cupboards in the colors used in a design and then begin eliminating things. Sometimes a print is too large or too small or the colors just aren't quite right so they are put away. Sometimes an idea I had in mind gets totally put aside when I hold up another fabric or trim and--wow--I know immediately, that that is the way I now want to go.  I found another very quick-to-stitch freebie at the Sub Rosa blog and after looking through my piles of fabrics and trims, I decided that these were the ones I wanted to use...

"True Love" freebie

Rather than stitching the design all in red as was charted, I added some color in the form of green leaves and gray birds. I also changed the four lower hearts to a checkerboard design and eliminated the words "True Love." The next step involves layering and configuring the fabrics differently to get a pleasing look. I just place them alongside my design in different combinations until I find a design that makes me smile. Would you like to see how this one ended up? Well, here it is--a bright, cheery spot of mid-winter color...

"True Love" freebie

So, now I have three quick, new smalls for my bowl of February finishes. None of them took more than a few hours to stitch and then a couple more hours to pull together for a finish.  I've also been working on a larger (for me!) piece which I hope to have finished or my next post.

I want to thank two very thoughtful blogging friends for their recent treats.  From my dear friend, Lois, came these wonderful birthday gifts. I just love the little blue scissor fob she made for me--it is so beautifully stitched and finished. And, of course, the delicious chocolate is already half-eaten. Lois also tucked in a pretty Brightneedle chart called "Something Blue," some flowery buttons, and a lovely calendar from Northern Ireland. Judging from the photos in the calendar, I've just added a new place to my "must-visit" list--the scenery from Northern Ireland looks spectacular! Thank you, Lois, for extending my birthday a bit longer and for your very special gifts and friendship...

Birthday gifts from Lois!

And from my sweet friend, Myra, came this adorable heart-shaped mug mat! I fear that it is much too pretty to use as a mug-mat, Myra, and I may use it as a candle mat in front of my February bowl of smalls. Myra's work is just wonderful and if you haven't visited her blog, run on over--you're in for a treat. Thanks so very much, my friend--your gift came on a day when I wasn't feeling my best and it certainly gave me a nice boost!

Valentine Gift from Myra!

Do you have any special plans for Valentine's Day? I'll be up in New York visiting my parents (my first two true loves!), but this time my dear husband will be making the five-hour drive with me, so that will make it special. (However, I'm still hoping for a nice box of chocolates from him--hint, hint!!). Anyway, I wish you all a happy week ahead--my thoughts are with all of you in the New England area--sure hope your power returns soon and that you can dig out from all of that snow that winter storm Nemo dropped on you.

Before I forget, here is one new honor for my city of Pittsburgh just in time for Valentine's Day... It was recently chosen by Forbes Magazine as one of the 10 Unexpectedly Romantic Cities in the entire world. Yes, the world--not just the United States!! Who knew? The link to the article and the list of the other nine cities is here. Is your city on it, too? Pittsburgh has come a long, long way from its old steel industry days--it has really blossomed as you can see in this photo.

 The city of Pittsburgh

Thanks so much for visiting me this week. Oh, one last thing--I noticed that my last post pushed my follower numbers up to (gulp!!) 1000+!!! Amazing and humbling that so many of you find my little blog interesting enough to read--truly. I think a giveaway is in order, don't you? Give me a few weeks to think of what to offer as I have a very busy two weeks coming up at work. Thank you all again for your wonderful comments, emails, and most of all--thank you for your friendships. Bye for now...

Happy Valentine's Day 

to my dear stitching friends!

A few more ornaments to share...

Warm greetings to you my friends on yet another frigid morning here in western Pennsylvania! The good news is that this cold streak is ending--well, for a few days at least. According to our trusty weathermen, Friday's high will be back down in the teens. Oh well, February will be a short month and then we're into March which means spring is just around the corner (at least that's what I keep telling myself)...

I have a few more ornaments which I sent out for Christmas gifts in December that I wanted to share with you today. It took a while for all of them to arrive. The differences in mail delivery times confound me--I mean I mailed a package to Spain which arrived in a week, but another package sent to England on the very same day took almost three weeks to be delivered!  The important thing is that all of my ornaments have finally made their way to new homes and were well received and for that, I'm ever so grateful...

For my friend, Lois, I stitched an older Prairie Schooler design which I'm sure most of you will recognize. I just love this giant bunny leaping over the little house on a starry winter's night! For this one, I used 40 ct. flax Newcastle and the suggested DMC colors and added some buttons and red jingle bells to the trim for a little accent. I'm sure this bunny is happily nestled in his new home in Northern Ireland. I loved stitching him for you, Lois!

Prairie Schooler Rabbit from "A Prairie Christmas"

 (Book No. 10)

This Little House Needleworks ornament simply called "Joy" was sent to my friend Cindy. The funny thing is, I received the exact same ornament (which I dearly love!) from my friend June for Christmas! I used 40 ct. antique white Newcastle and the suggested DMC threads for it... Also added some Mill Hill beads (#02052) and handmade cording in DMC 3052 to finish it off. I hope this little gift brings you much J-O-Y in the new year, Cindy!

 

Little House Needleworks: "Joy"

I liked this older Prairie Schooler ornament so much that I stitched it for not one, but two friends in December! The partridge wanted a warmer climate so he flew south to live with both Myra in North Carolina and Robin (no blog) in Virginia! This one is from PS "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (Book No. 74) and was stitched on 40 ct. flax Newcastle. I made a few changes in that I stitched another leaf in place of the number "1" that was charted and I changed the lettering to a gold color (DMC 420). Both Myra and Robin seemed very happy with their new "pets" and it was a pleasure to stitch for such sweet friends.

Prairie Schooler Partridge (Book No. 74)

"The Twelve Days of Christmas"

Obviously, I was on a Prairie Schooler kick in December because another one sprang from my needle and headed all the way down to Kentucky and my friend, Shirlee. Shirlee loves snow and reindeer so I thought this would be a fitting choice for her. It is stitched on 40 ct. flax Newcastle with DMC threads. I then used the same green checked gingham that I accented Lois's ornament with and added some rope-like trim and four buttons.  I hope you are reminded of me each year when you hang it on your tree, Shirlee!

Prairie Schooler Deer from "A Prairie Christmas"

Book No. 10

For the second year in a row, my English friend, June, received an ornament stitched by me from Plum Pudding NeedleArt. Last year, I stitched her the little gingerbread boy and this year I made her the snowman from the same booklet called "Candy Cane Wishes." There is one design left in the book--hmmm...I wonder what June will be receiving next year? I stitched it over one on 28 ct. light natural Jobelan using the suggested DMC threads and added a ruched ribbon edging with some gauzy burgundy ribbon. Isn't he cute!

Plum Pudding Needleart snowman

from "Candy Cane Wishes"

To my young friend, Edit, who lives in Spain, went this pretty design from an older Just Cross Stitch magazine (November/December 1997). It is called "Folk Doves" and is designed by Ginger & Spice. I used DMC 115 on 32 ct. white Jobelan and dressed it up with some contrasting fabrics and bit of lace trim. I thought this ornament was fitting for Edit because her year was filled with lots of love--she has a brand new baby! I also stitched a little ornament for her new daughter, but forgot to photograph it before I sent it on its way, so if you'd like to see it, you can go to Edit's post right here.

Ginger & Spice: "Folk Doves"

Next we have an "oldie, but goodie" that is now making it's home with my local stitching buddy, Linda. I've always loved this design called "Winter's Eve" by Country Cottage Needleworks. It is from the 2006 ornament issue of Just Cross Stitch magazine and is stitched on 32 ct. flax Belfast using the suggested threads. I kept the finish quite simple with some handmade white cording and a cluster of jingle bells topping the white satin ribbon on the hanger. I hope this little gift brought a smile to your face, Linda!

Country Cottage Needleworks: "Winter's Eve"

My final ornament went to my friend, Mary, and is one of my favorites. I stitched it for Myra last year--next year, perhaps I'll make one for myself! This is by Plum Pudding NeedleArt and is called "Winter's Song." I think it is one of the prettiest designs out there--just love the sentiment on it and the darling cardinal. I stitched this piece over one on 28 ct. Bay Leaf Jobelan using DMC threads and added a simple handmade cording and green and white gingham bow... Mary seemed quite happy with it and I am so pleased to add to her growing collection of Carol-stitched ornaments!

Plum Pudding NeedleArt: "Winter's Song"

Whew! That was a lot of stitching for one month, wasn't it? Does anyone have a favorite? I know I say this every year, but I really need to start my Christmas gift stitching earlier! I think I'll try to do one each month and squirrel them away for gift-giving in December... I hope each recipient loved her ornament as much as I loved stitching them! I know I treasure the things that were stitched for me at Christmas time...

BIRTHDAY NEWS: Well, first of all--thank you, thank you for all of my wonderful birthday wishes on my last post! You sure know how to make a girl smile!! An Italian blogging friend, Pat, commented that it was also her husband's 58th birthday on January 16th--we are "birthday twins!" It's a small world, isn't it?  I also received two more lovely gifts from two of my oldest and dearest stitching friends which I'd like to share with you...

I'm not sure if any of you heard my cries of joy when I opened Myra's gifts on January 16th, but I'm sure I could be heard well into the next county!! Just look at what she made for me--one of her beautiful stitching wallets... Isn't it gorgeous?! Tucked inside was a package of needles and there are three compartments to hold threads, scissors, and even a small chart or two. I absolutely love it, Myra--and you couldn't have picked prettier blue fabrics for me. But, that's not all she sent; I also received a delightful bar of fragrant soap, two Vera Bradley notepads, some finishing ribbon, and an assortment of chocolates (which are long gone!). Thank you so much, my generous friend--you certainly spoiled me this year!

Birthday gift from Myra!

More birthday gifts from Myra!

And from my long-time friend way up in Canada, dear Cathey (who many of you know as "Pumpkin") came a wonderful gift certificate from my favorite online shop 1-2-3 Stitch. When I opened my email that morning and read of her gift, tears came to my eyes... As many of you know, Cathey has been dealing with some major health issues over the past months and I couldn't believe she remembered me on my birthday with all she has on her plate right now. That just shows what a caring and thoughtful friend I have! She also has the most darling little baby with the cutest dimples I have ever seen.  Thank you so very much, my sweet friend--your gift truly touched me...

 

Birthday gift from Cathey!

RAK received:  What a delightful surprise came from a new blogging friend in England last week. Michelle, from Michelle's Stitch Craft Place blog made this delightful red and white pincushion and sent it to me as a RAK  to thank me for my inspirational finishes on my blog. Wasn't that sweet? I just love it, Michelle, and I have already added it to my basket of pinkeeps stitched by friends around the world. I forgot to take a photo of the back of it, but it had the cutest red and white snowflake pattern and a darling fabric label that Michelle added. She has a photo of the back of it on her blog so go take a look and tell her I said "hello!" Thank you again, Michelle, for the lovely gift and for the beautiful card--I'll treasure them both!

RAK from Michelle!

Well, I actually do have a couple of new finishes to show you, but I think I'll save those for next time. Right now, I can hardly move due to having shoveled my entire driveway (and it is a long driveway!) and two sidewalks this past weekend. You see, my husband has been in sunny southern Florida visiting his parents and brothers for the past week so the shoveling fell on my shoulders (and arms, and back, and hands!). We got about five new inches of snow, but luckily, it was the powdery light stuff so it wasn't too bad. It's just that I used muscles that I normally don't use. I think a nice hot bath might be in order before I head off to work this morning...

Thank you all for visiting me today--I am so happy when I see your comments as they let me know you've dropped by. And a warm welcome to my new followers--I hope you'll visit often! Thanks again for your sweet birthday thoughts--it made turning 58 much easier (well, a bit easier at least!). Bye for now...