Around Barb's Bend

Unfortunately, Barbara................

2009-11-13T22:20:00.000-08:00

Yep, I'm blogging again today. Just couldn't resist giving this game a try. Hope you enjoy!

Found this game on Annie's blog, and had to give it a try. The way it works is for you to type your first name preceded by the word "unfortunately" into Google and see what you get. Here's some of what I found when I Googled Unfortunately Barbara.....

Unfortunately Barbara got sick of being typecast in horror movies.
Unfortunately Barbara didn't seem to get it.
Unfortunately Barbara was psychologically unstable, ill-bred and despite outward appearances, on opening her mouth, could be counted on to be the rudest, most foul-mouthed, classless person in a room.
Unfortunately Barbara lost her sleeping companion, Spikey, her favorite stuffed dog.
Unfortunately Barbara couldn't have been more wrong.
Unfortunately for Barbara, the marriage proved disastrous.
Unfortunately Barbara is also a talker. Nonstop.
Unfortunately Barbara had a few technical hitches.
Unfortunately Barbara is teaching and writing about Western Civ when she should be writing about politics.
Unfortunately Barbara has left the building.

Now, give it a try for yourself. I'm sure you'll find it somewhat amusing. Bye now!
Barb

Happy Friday the 13th and more!

2009-11-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

Can't believe it's been so long since my last post here. I need to keep up more often (well, like that's gonna happen - NOT). ;-) I have been stitching a little and did finish a piece for Halloween. This is an OakHaven Design called Goodnight Halloween & I stitched it on a piece of 14 ct Sapphire Stitching's Lemon Splash Aida. Isn't he just the cutest? The poor little guy is just tuckered out from all the treating he did. LOL

Now I'm stitching exchange projects, so won't be posting anything about them until they are sent & received. And I just found the cutest 2 charts that I've added to my wish list. They are just too funny, so am going to share pics of them with yall. These charts are by Prairie Moon and are titled The Crypt Club and Merry Christmas. They sure aren't your normal type of designs, but they are just so me. Yep, I have a weird sense of humor. LOL

I had an appointment for my yearly boob smashing exam this morning, but guess I was so anxious to have it done that I went YESTERDAY! Talk about feeling dumb! But they were nice and did the test for me so I wouldn't have to return again today. I made my appointment for next year on the same day as my eye exam, so I shouldn't make this mistake again. (at least I hope not).

For all you fans of Weeks Dye Works threads, I just read that their threads are going to be colorfast. As they produce new batches of colors when they run out, the colorfast production will begin. What a neat idea, so their won't be a problem with washing projects with these overdyed threads in the future.

Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting my blog. I do so appreciate everyone coming and leaving comments. I know I don't leave comments for everyone like I should be doing, but hope yall know how much I enjoy reading your blogs and viewing all the beautiful stitching. It's time for me to get stitching, so I bid yall tu-da-loo!

Barb

Final alphabet square finished

2009-10-24T14:12:00.000-07:00

I've finished the final alphabet square for Q4OC - the letter H. Now I'm working on an OakHaven Designs Goodnight Halloween piece for myself.

Scroll down to the bottom of my blog to find out what color and what flower I am. It also will link you to the sites for you to take your own quizzes and find out what color & flower you are. Hope you enjoy!

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Before I sign off, I want to leave yall with one last thought - GO JIMMIE JOHNSON!!! He's on his way to winning his 4th consecutive Nascar championship and become the 1st driver to every accomplish that. For all you non-Jimmie fans.......eat your heart out! ROFLOL Sorry, just couldn't resist. ;)

Have a nice day everyone!

Barb

Giveawy, Birthday & Stitching Updates

2009-10-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Warning - There are LOTS of pics in this post.

For all you Halloween lovers, here's a Halloween giveaway you'll really want to win. It's at the wonderful blog of Zinia's. She is Russian, but has a translator link on her blog, so you can translate into your language. Check it out. Hearty Craft I so want to win this stunning box she has stitched. I'm sure you'll agree how lovely it is.

I just received my birthday gift from my DD and I'm in heaven. This is a Laurel Burch Feline Family Overnighter Bag and it's HUGE. I'll be using it for my cross stitch and as an overnight bag IF I ever go anywhere overnight. lol Since it's much larger than I thought it would be my wonderful DD told me to pick out another one (purse size) for Christmas. Laurel Burch has so many wonderful cat designs to choose from. You can check them out here Colorful Critters. I think my DD is really happy to see me come up with something I want OTHER than cross stitch stash. lol I never tire of the stash, but I suppose it can get boring for those purchasing gifts for me.

I finally got my pics uploaded on my camera of my birthday (Sept 13th) floss I received from CSE members. I LOVE it all.

Got 2 more charity alphabet squares finished for Q4OC and I'm working on my final one now (letter H).

I have managed to stitch a couple of Halloween things for group exchanges. The first ornament is a SanMan Original (Pumpcats) I made for the CSE group Halloween exchange.

The next ornament I stitched was for a SanManville HalloFall Exchange. It's the San Man Original "Boo To You" and is in a SMO tuck.

Guess I'll sign off now. Thanks for visiting and thanks more for any comments you leave. I love to hear from yall.

Hugs,

Barb

More charity squares completed

2009-10-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

I finished four alphabet squares for Q4OC. These are being donated to Binkies SD.

I'm now stitching some Halloween ornaments for 2 group exchanges I'm in. Won't be able to post pics of them until after they are received by the people they are going to. Not much else to write about for now. Thanks for visiting.

Barb

Stitching finish & TV chatting

2009-09-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

I finished stitching this Vermillion Stitchery October Tabby Angel Cat for Q4OC. I'm happy with the end result, but the quarter stitches were a nightmare on the 14ct aida.

Happy Days that TV shows are airing NEW episodes again. Of course, it will probably be only for a few weeks and then the reruns will return. What ever happened to the good old days of a full season of shows and reruns were only in the summer? Now the actors get paid just as much (& even more) for doing much less work.

I'm happy that Dancing With The Stars is back again. I just love that show. Not sure who I want to win yet. Will have to see more dancing by all the stars. I was so pleasantly surprised with Kelly Osborne's dancing. I think she'll go far in the competition.

Well, that's all for now. Thanks for visiting and for comments you leave. I do truly appreciate ALL your feedback.

Barb

Winner Announced

2009-09-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

I used random.org to pick a winner for my blogversary giveaway and the winner is...... ******************************************************* GoldenAngelsWorks said... Well congrats on your blogversary.Happy Early Birthday to my September birthday buddy!!!!The Santa is adorable.Congrats on winning those adorable charms.You are doing great on your stitching scrap book.Please include me in your giveaway!Thank you for this opportunity to join in on the fun. ******************************************************* CONGRATS TO YOU!!! Please send me (bjcstitching@sbcglobal.net) the email account you want me to have your gift certificate sent to. ******************************************************* It's been a busy day and I'm yawning, so gonna call it a day & go to bed. I'll post tomorrow about all the b-day goodies I received today. ******************************************************* Thank you to everyone for your interest in my blogversary giveaway. I am flattered to see so many people signed up for it. I'm only sorry that I cannot give every one of you a prize. Barb

Giveaway, another ornament, another prize & 1st stitching scrapbook page

2009-09-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting my blogversary giveaway posted here. In August, I celebrated my 4th year of having this blog. Time flies when you're chatting away. lol Anyway, I've been racking my brain trying to come up with something worthy of a giveaway. I've decided to "borrow" a giveaway idea from Barb's Stitches.

I will give a $20 gift certificate from 123 Stitch to the winner. Just post a message here on this post only to be entered into the drawing. I will choose a name from all the entries on Sept 13th (my birthday). EDIT: If you don't have a blog for me to reach you, please leave your email address so I can reach you should you win.

I completed a 4th ornament for Q4OC. This Santa is a Sam Hawkins design from his book "520 Christmas Cross-Stitch Designs."

I received a prize from Christine at SanManville of these wonderful charms.

I finally did begin the first page of my stitching scrapbook. It still needs more embellishments, but I'm happy with my start.

I scanned the pic, so it didn't show the full 12" x 12" page. Once I finish, I'll take a pic with my camera. This SanMan Original piece (a freebie for members only) was what I originally put inside a tuck, but since I goofed and cut it too small so it wouldn't slide around, I decided to use it for my 1st scrapbook page.

That's all for now. Thanks for visiting and good luck to everyone for the blogversary giveaway.

Barb

Stitching, Prize & More

2009-08-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

I've been doing more stitching lately because my computer has been acting up. I'm having another gig of RAM installed next week, so hopefully that will solve the problems I've been having. Anyway, here's pics of the recent stitching finishes I have. I'm doing all of these for Q4OC to be made into ornaments that will be sold at a fundraiser for a shelter for blind cats. The designs are 1-Pressies, 2-Noel and 3-Penguin Offering Gifts. I'm now stitching a Santa and will be doing 2 others after that.

I won another prize from Spooky Time Jingles. I just love this and I'm sure you'll agree with me of how adorable he is. This Uncle Sam sculpture was made by Janell Berryman at Pumpkin Seeds. Be sure to check out her wonderful art.

I saw a You Tube link on Janell's blog that I'd like to share with you. This is the most unique wedding entrance I've ever seen. You Tube Wedding Entrance Enjoy!!!

Thanks for visiting and for any comments. Have a great weekend!

Barb

Stitching & pics of primoriginals received

2009-07-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

Just finished this SanMan Original. It was a free design for only those receiving their newsletter. I stitched this on a piece of aida that I received in an aida grab bag purchase from 123 Stitch. I did some DMC floss color changes so it would match up better to the colors of the tuck. The tuck was made by Elaine in the CSE yahoo group. I'm not sure if I'll leave the design in the tuck since I messed up and didn't leave a large enough border around the design to prevent it from sliding around. I may just put this design in my stitching scrapbook and stitch another piece to put in the tuck.

Now, as promised in an earlier post, here's the pics of the primoriginal gieveaway that I received. I just absolutely love, love, love them all. The earrings are called Girls with Cats & there is a princess, fairy & a normal girl. The print is called Fairies With Red Wings.

Besides the giveaways, I also ordered the 2 kitty miniature sculptures. Believe me, they are just too cute for words. The largest kitty is about the size of a quarter. My cat, Shadow loved the smell of them, so I had to quickly put them out of his reach. LOL

Did yall see the Nascar race on Sunday? Most of the race was kinda boring, but the finish was terrific. Loved seeing Jimmie Johnson race Mark Martin to the finish line & then become the first driver to win back-to-back races at Indy. Also am happy to see Jimmie's clean shaven face again. I personally think he's too good looking to hide his looks behind a beard. ;D

Well, that's all for now. Thanks to yall for visiting & reading my blog. Feel free to leave comments. I really love hearing from yall. Bye now.

Barb

Monday, Monday - (just love that song)

2009-07-20T14:42:00.001-07:00

WOO HOO!!! I finally finished the OakHaven Designs SAL. ******************************************************* I am so excited about some items I received in the mail this past week. These ornaments are just the cutest and I love them. *********************************************** This first picture is Black Cat Splat ornament by:http://www.thepunchinfool.com/ This next cutie is Burglar Cat Ornament by: http://surprisedelightjoy.blogspot.com/ I received my order from Jo-Ann's Fabrics in today's mail. I got a set of 17" x 17" Q-Snaps which should make stitching on Castles in the Air a little easier for me. And I also got this terrific OttLite. I'll use my floor model light when I'm stitching in my recliner and this new folding table light will go by my computer. Sure will make stitching while I'm on yahoo messenger live chats so much easier. ********************************************* And finally, I'm able to share that I was the lucky lucky winner of the primoriginals giveaway. I am so so excited and have sent my choices to Liz and also ordered something extra from her. I just LOVE her artwork. You will have to wait until I receive them to find out what lovely items I am getting. I know that's mean, but pictures of them will be so much nicer than me telling you what I'm getting. Thank you so very much JOKE for telling about it on your blog. Sorry you didn't win though (no, not really - lol). Thanks for visiting, Barb

Friday Update

2009-07-16T21:51:00.001-07:00

Next month will be my 4th blog-versary. Wow, hard to believe I've had this blog for so long. I'm thinking about what type of giveaway I can have for all my many loyal readers. More info will come as soon as I get it all figured out. Another stitching finish is the November square from OakHaven Designs. Only 1 more square to do & I'll have this SAL finished. I'm still working on the Language of a Stitcher SAL - slow going, but I'm getting there.

I'm gradually getting my materials gathered to begin making my stitching scrapbook. I bought a 12" x 12" album, couple packs of designed paper & some stickers. This is gonna be such a fun project and I'll finally be able to enjoy the stitching projects I've had buried in drawers.

Thanks for visiting and yall come back now, ya hear.

Barb

Primoriginals Giveaway

2009-07-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

While browsing blogs today, I found a giveaway listed on Joke's Blog about a giveaway by primoriginals that I just had to share with yall. Be sure to check out her works of art. If I win, it will surely be difficult for me to choose from so many wonderful pieces. Here's a couple of pics to show you some of what I like. Actually, I like ALL of her art, but of course anything to do with cats are favorites of mine.

Did yall see that Nascar finish yesterday? All I can say is WOW!

Gotta admit that I was happy Kyle didn't win since Tony had led so many laps in that race. And Jimmie then came in 2nd (go JJ). You can read all about it at the Nascar web site.

That's all for now. Thanks for stopping by.

Barb

It's Independence Day

2009-07-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day to everyone in the USA!!! I found this awesome slide show to celebrate our country. My Beautiful America Be sure to turn your speakers on low volume. Enjoy!!!

Now for a stitching update. I completed the August & September of the OakHaven Designs monthly SAL.

That's it for today. Hope your holiday has been a pleasant one and thanks for visiting.

Barb

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

For all those celebrating the 4th of July in the US, I hope yall will have a fun & safe holiday this weekend. I will be spending time stitching and trying to catch up on 2 SAL projects that are long overdue in finishing. Also will watch Nascar and participate in a live online group chat.
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I do have a stitching finish to show. I'm thinking of making it into a flatfold, but not quite sure yet. This is an OakHaven Design that was given ONLY to the group members who participated in the last couple weeks live online chats. Sorry to say it is NOT available.

This is gonna be a short post because I need to fix myself something to eat. Thanks for visiting and come back any time. :D

Have a great weekend,

Barb

Saturday Check-In

2009-06-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone. Hope your weekend is going well and you're doing fun things. I just found out I won a door prize from Ginny at Spooky Time Jingles. Isn't this just the cutest Christmas Kitty?

I also received the prize I won at SanManville from Twig. It's the Beaded Rose chart from Just Nan. This is such a lovely design and I plan on using some of the silk threads I have for it. It's a small enough design to practice using silks.

I've been a busy stitcher lately. Since the next part of Castles in the Air has been delayed in being ready, I've been using the time to catch up on my OakHaven Languages of a Stitcher SAL. I've finally gotten through part 8. I haven't washed & ironed it yet, so it's still rather wrinkled.

It's been hot here lately. Yesterday, it got up to 100 degrees and was miserable. I'm staying inside in the cool air conditioning unless I absolutely HAVE to go out. Good excuse to stitch, putz on the computer, nap & watch TV. I don't really need an excuse, but thought it sounded good. LOL Well, that's it for now. Thanks for visiting with me and hope you'll come again. Have a great weekend!!!

Barb

Monday Update

2009-06-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

I finished the 3rd part of Castles in the Air and am ready for the release of part 4 later this month.

Now I'm going to try to catch up on the other SALs I'm doing during this week. And I'm also doing more organizing of my charts. I got some binders and am putting charts in them according to the name of the designer (for designers that I have many charts from). This will be much easier to find charts. Well, this is going to be a short post, so I'll sign off for now. Thanks for visiting.

Barb

Good Morning - even though it's Monday

2009-06-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

I finished my SanMan Original SAL yesterday and am so thrilled with it. Now just to decide how to finish it.

I'm still working on part 3 of my Castles sampler. Am trying to get this part finished before part 4 comes out in approximately 2 weeks.

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Now, did yall see the Nascar race yesterday? WOW, what a finish. Jimmie & Tony sure made it exciting. I was jumping up & down and yelling and yessiree - my driver WON!!!! Go Jimmie!!!!

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I've gotta get my car inspected today. It was actually due in May, but I procrastinated and now I HAVE to do it or risk getting a ticket.

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I'm in the process of trying to figure out yahoo messenger. I really hate new technical things I have to learn. lol I got it downloaded and have my account all set up. Now to get connected with others, so I'll be ready for the online chat this weekend with the OakHaven group. Thank heaven there are nice ladies there willing to help out those of us who are a somewhat dense.

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Have a great week yall and thanks for visiting my blog. I truly love any & all comments you leave and I'll try to get caught up on my blog reading soon.

Barb

Happy Friday Yall

2009-05-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

I finished the 2nd part of the Papillon Creations Castles in the Air SAL and have begun stitching on the 3rd part. I'm trying to catch up before the next part is released in June.

The final part of the SanMan SAL will be released today, so will also be working on that. Then have to get back to the 2 OakHaven Designs SALs so I can finish them up. No rest for the weary. LOL

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This week has brought me some new stash. I received the final 2 charts for the Raise The Roof Crabby sampler. That's going to be so much fun to stitch. My 2 ebay purchases were a Gingher 4" featherweight thread snips and 6 pieces of 14ct aida in tropical colors (blue, green, orange, pink, yellow & lavender). The colors are so vibrant. Will have to take a pic and post it later.

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Gotta run now. Have to go to the post office, drop off my recycling items, & pick up a few groceries. Hope yall have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Barb

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day weekend. I enjoyed watching all the racing (both Nascar & the Indy 500) and stitching. Was thrilled to see Helio win at Indy, but was bummed about all the rain delays in the Nascar racing. Oh well, guess there's nothing anyone can do about changing Mother Nature. ;D I thought it was terrific how Nascar followed President Obama's suggestion to have a moment of silence at 3pm EST. During the Coca Cola 600 race on Monday, Nascar lowered the track flag to half mast, had the drivers line up on pit row, stopped the race, had all the drivers turn off their cars, asked everyone to stand and had a minute of silence. It was an awesome way to show respect for all those in the service (both past & present).

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I finished the next part of the SanMan SAL. I'm having such fun stitching this. I'm still working on my part 2 of the Papillon Castles in the Air SAL. I'll get a pic when I finish this part.

It's time to get back to my stitching now. I truly appreciate yall visiting my blog & hope yall have a great week. Signing off with many Texas sized hugs,

Barb

New Stash, prizes won & SAL update

2009-05-17T23:40:00.000-07:00

I've been really enjoying my stitching time this past week because I finally got a new lamp. Here's a pic of it - the OttLite floor lamp. I went to JoAnns last weekend and they had it on sale for 40% off, so I just couldn't pass up the deal. Thank heaven for the stimulus payment. I did my share to help the economy. Also got some other stash while I was there.

Besides this wonderful new stash, I stopped at Half Price Books and found some cross stitch books. Actually, only 5 of the books in the picture are from there. The other 2 are from the library used book store.

I won a prize from Funk & Weber at the online Needlework Show. I chose the "Anything is Possible" chart. I've also recently won a couple of prizes from SanManville. The topiary kit (won from Janet) comes packaged in a medicine bottle as a prescription for cross stitch fever. It's just so cute and what a unique packaging idea.

I've been working on the May SAL from SanManville. I've got all 3 parts finished. Now I've got to catch up on my other SALs (OakHaven monthly charts, OakHaven "Love Grows," OakHaven "Language of a Stitcher," and Papillon's Castles in the Air). I should be keeping busy and getting lots of time to enjoy using my new lamp.

Thanks for visiting my blog. In case you didn't notice the new pic in the right hand column about Operation Nice, check it out. It's pretty neat & I plan on joining in. Hope some of you will also. I wish all of you a great week!!!

Barb

99 Things

2009-05-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

I saw this here and thought I'd join in on the fun.
Here are the rules: Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band (accordian band as a youngster)

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland (been to Disney World)

8. Climbed a mountain (wasn't very high, but I did it)

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped (never, never, never)

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train (when a youngster)

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked (when a teenager)

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping (no way!!!)

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run (lucky if I could even hit the ball)

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (AWESOME!!!)

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (I am satisfied with what I have now)

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight (have even camped out at the beach)

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted (in New Orleans)

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater (sure do miss them)

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business (sellilng handmade crafts years ago, but it failed)

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies (remember when box of thin mints were only 50 cents)

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason (what a nice gesture this was)

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check :-(

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (my younger 6 siblings destroyed everything)

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar (tasted very salty - yuk)

72. Pieced a quilt (only for a small quilted pillow)

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper (as a youngster & adult)

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (no way, no how!!!)

88. Had chickenpox (when in 6th grade)

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous (Sean Hayes - before he was famous on TV). Worked with his mom & saw him perform in a musical.

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby (2 - son & daughter)

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee (OUCH!!!)

My new BAP

2009-04-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

I've got a stitching update to post. Just finished part 1 of the Papillon Creations SAL "Castles in the Air." It's a 2 year BAP (big a** project) and I'm excited about taking part in it. I'm stitching on 14ct white aida and using the following DMC threads: 702, 703, 907, 552, 554, 893, 744, 718, 155, 603, 722, & Light Effects E130. Additionally, the design calls for DMC 807, 3765, 3766, 610, 3046, 3045, 310, 9072, & White. The white didn't show up too well on the white fabric, so I used DMC variegated 4160. You can find information about this SAL here Prior to stitching on the Castles project, I finished the June square for the OakHaven Designs SAL and now move on to the July. On the non-stitching news, I signed up for Twitter today to help CNN reach a million followers before Ashton Kurtcher does. Not sure about it, but thought I'd give it a try. You can find a link to twitter in the right hand column under my profile - if you're interested or even just curious. Edit: I really didn't care for twitter, so have removed my account there.
That's all for now. Better get some sleep before the morning sunlight comes up. LOL Thanks for visiting my blog and for your comments. I'm behind on the blog reading again, so don't think I've forgotten to check out all your blogs.
In stitches,
Barb

Finished my stitcher's challenge squares

2009-04-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I finished stitching all 6 of my stitcher's challenge squares. I've already posted the first 3 (golfer, garden, windmill) in a previous post, so here's the last three. The first pic is for the dog theme category. It's a design from one of the UK stitching mags (don't know which one at the moment). The second pic is for the cat theme category and the design is a complimentary chart from Purrfect Spots by Nan Baker entitled Casey, Josh & Friends (I added the words to the design). And the third pic is for the Mountain category and it's a Prairie Schooler Log Cabin design.

In June, there will be 6 more categories for the stitcher's challenge. They will be due at the end of 2009. I'm looking forward to seeing what they will be.

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I've got 2 more charity squares I've signed up to stitch - both are angel cats from the 2003 Vermillion Stitchery Angel Cats & Puppies series. I'm planning to stitch the June & October designs.

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And I've signed up for a new SAL from Papillon Creations. This is a BIG project that will take 2 years to finish and is called Castles in the Air. I've got my fabric & floss ready and plan to start on it today while watching the Nascar race.

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I finally tried dying two pieces of 14 ct aida. The first is with Kool-Aide and the second is with Welch's grape juice. I bought some Rit Dye to try out some other colors.

I've been going through all my charts to de-stash and so far have a stack approximately 14 inches high. Many of these are complimentary charts I've collected over the past years which I know I'll never stitch. I plan to give most of them away at the SanManville message board during the month of September (when I'm hosting the monthly twinkle games). Some of the leaflets I will scan & post pics online to trade or PIF.

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That's all for today. Shadow is bugging me to feed him some canned cat food. You'd think the poor cat was starving. LOL He's always got dry food out, but he sure does love the canned stuff I give him every morning. Thanks for visiting and I appreciate all your comments.

Have a beautiful day,

Barb

Happy Friday the 13th!!!

2009-03-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday the 13th and I just realized it's been nearly one month since my last post. I guess it's only appropriate for me to post on this day that I consider lucky for me. I love the number 13, probably because I was born on the 13th of Sept.

In fact, I won something today - a door prize from Spooky Time Jingles. I won a Mr. Carrot ornament made by Marie Patterson. It is so cute, which I'm sure ya'll will agree.

I've also got some stitching updates to post. I finished the May square for the OakHaven Designs SAL and now move on to the June square.

And I finished 3 charity squares for the Q4OC stitcher's challenge. I will be stitching a total of 12 squares (6 the first half of the year & 6 more the second half of the year). Squares are being donated to the seniors group to use in making lap quilts. I did a windmill for the buildings category, a golfer for the sports category, and a garden scene for the gardens category.

I have 3 more squares to stitch for this first part of the challenge - categories of mountains, dog, and cat. Already have my charts chosen for them.

In addition to stitching, I've been doing some stash organizing. I bought a this 7 drawer cart for holding my stash and have it partially filled already. Also picked up another bookshelf to get more organized with my books.

Well, that's it for now. I'm so behind on my blog reading. My google reader has nearly 200 new posts for me to read, so I promise ya'll I'll be getting to ya soon. Sorry for taking so long.

Thanks for visiting my blog and know that I truly do appreciate every comment you leave for me.

Barb