Update and Cross Stitching Days #1

Busy, busy week.

I am over the top relieved at how well Mama is feeling. We have had two doctor visits this week, so that took up two of my days, but I am so happy that she has that skip back in her step. We have one thing to work on now, and that is her eyes. She had cataract surgery two years ago before our lives were turned upside down, and we have simply had to neglect her eyes in light of all the other stuff. We have an appointment in mid August, so hopefully we can get her eyes all better soon.

I have to tell you...I think God has just intervened on her health. Praise Him!

We had a cookout with our church small group this week. We had been taking a break with meeting this summer. It was great to catch up. Trying to get the house in order and the other stuff of life has kept me hopping this week.

I am just trying to start the day slowly this morning.

I have been planning to share my cross stitch history on my little blog. I blog mostly for myself...just love keeping a record of life. 

I have decided for posterity's sake, I am going to do a little history of my cross stitching days. I was going to start at the beginning, but I am headed down a different route to start off this little series.

I have been so inspired by two different blogs that show the many ways to display your stitching, because let's face it after more than 35 years of stitching, I have no other place to put a framed piece of stitching.

One is Carolina Stitcher. Oh my, this little blog is so cute. I am in love. I just wish she had a search box. If you love cross stitching, you have to go take a peek.

I was so inspired by this little vignette by Carolina Stitcher. 

http://carolinastitcher.blogspot.com/2015/07/where-liberty-dwells.html

Isn't this just adorable?!

I am so on this idea!!!

The other blogger is Priscilla's. She has the cutest month things done up in a vignette. I think this could replace my need for monthly decoration. After all, that school teacher in me needs a monthly display. I love her monthly cottages and word play. She also does awesome chalkboards.

http://priscillas2000.blogspot.com/2015/04/chalkboards-chickens-and-cross-stitch.html

Anyway, for my first share, I will be sharing a few of the items I have that are not framed.

One of which is a baby blanket I did for my first born. I worked on it diligently from the moment I found out I was pregnant, and finished the center square right after she was born. We hung it in her room for years. I have had it wrapped up and stored away for years now, as she is 25.

The other thing that I have is pillows. I had more, but I guess along the way, some have hit the discard pile. Not sure how I ever discarded my stitching, but I know I did. These are two that were at my mom's. I could tell she didn't want them anymore as she is really trying to clear out her spaces. I took back these two. I have the perfect place for the doggie, but am looking for a place to rest the rooster.

I always loved this little doggie. Might have something to do with the three Springer Spaniels I have had over the years.

I will try to figure out a day of the week for my sharing of the cross stitching series, but for now, I need to get busy on some housekeeping.

Counting my blessings and my stitchings,

Sandy

What I Wore

I love seeing what others wear, so occasionally I share. With retirement, I don't go out everyday, so mostly it is shorts and t-shirts.

I had a wedding to go to a couple of weekends ago, so I got dressed up.

The dress is from Talbot's last year. It is very comfortable. 

I was also having a good hair day! 

Unfortunately, I had it cut shorter last week. I am not loving it all. I tried that shorter in the back thingie, but it just looks shaggy and MY HAIR has a mind of its own. It is not cooperating AT ALL with the idea of those little pieces being longer in front and curling under.

I am needing it to grow fast, and I have learned my lesson. When you have a good thing going, don't change it!!!

Hoping my hair grows fast,

Sandy

Truck Driving Girl

Ok...blogland, I have been keeping a secret.

Holding out on you.

I am an official truck driving girl.

No, I am not a tomboy. In fact, I am as girly as they come.

I drove a Ford Expedition for years, and I loved it. I would have kept it until it died, but someone pulled out in front of me and that was the end of the Expedition. My daughter and I were so lucky that day. I felt the front hit my knee, and then it just stopped. A bit more and we could have been hurt badly. Well, that was the end of the vehicle as it was totaled. 

We had to make a quick purchase that summer of 2010. Hubby had already been looking at the GMC Acadias, so that is what we went with. They are great cars, but I missed sitting up high and I gotta say I missed the feel of driving a "truck like SUV". The Acadia was much like a car. The newer ones are higher though.

Well, you may remember this picture back in February. My battery died and Hubby discovered that he couldn't change out the battery on its own, because get this....it is behind the passenger seat underneath the floorboard. You have to pull all that up to get to it. I knew his wheels were spinning then. 

In May, I was coming home from my mom's through the Blackwater Forest Area. You will not believe this, but a turkey buzzard swooped down and hit my car. If it had hit any higher, I probably would have wrecked. It dented the door, ruined the handle, and scratched the back door. 

I am not kidding!!! 

It doesn't look that bad from the pictures, but it was going to cost quite a bit to fix. I should have known that Hubby would go shopping for a new vehicle two days later. It was Memorial Day weekend, so sales were running.

I have teased for quite a while that I just wanted a truck. I had priced out Yukons and they are very pricey these days.

I test drove the truck, and I have to tell you ----I loved it. We slept on it. I really wrestled with getting one --- thinking about what others would think. However, I really liked it.

I have hardly told anyone I have a new vehicle. It has been summer, and I just have been busy with Mama. I really haven't seen many people. I know the word will get out soon, so I guess I just have to own the fact that I am a "truck driving woman."

The thing is ---I love it! It gets great gas mileage. Hubby didn't like the running boards I picked to go on it. They are old lady looking, not sporty.

Really, I am very girly!!!

The secret is out!

Sandy

This Week...

Just felt like writing down a few things from the week.
Checking in.

Hubby and I left right after church on Sunday to head to our cabin near Auburn. One of these days I am going to share the cabin on this here blog:) It is our little getaway blessing. It is in a little development on Lake Martin. We did not buy on the lake since we live on the water here and water activities would not be on our agenda for it. Game Day cabin more like it. It is across the street from the lake, but the great thing about it is, that you feel like you are completely in the woods.

So much so, that along with that goes wildlife. Until this Sunday, it had been deer and raccoons. I can live with that.

We went two weeks ago to trim up the outside. It is wooded and not much upkeep other than weed eating and trimming bushes is needed. We have had a lot going on in the past year, so for the first time, it had gotten a bit out of control. Hubby spent the time two weeks ago cutting down some trees that had grown over the drive, and a bit of weed eating right at the door. He didn't have time to trim any bushes. 

We headed out again to do more. Well, I stepped out of the truck to head around the right side of the house to turn on the breaker that controls the hot water heater. Hubby headed to the left side of the house to turn the water on. (There is a reason for doing all of this. I will share later.)

I had taken not more than two steps, thank goodness, when I spied a rattler underneath the bush right next to the steps. I shrieked stepped back and jumped back in the truck. To say that I have a phobia of snakes is an understatement. I have a long story that I really don't want to share:) Hubby jumps back over and opens up his side of the truck and says, "What is wrong?" I just say, "there is a rattle snake!" He then proceeds to get the snake gun out of the back seat. He walks to the front of the truck and proclaims he can't see it -twice. I am like, "Well, go around to the back of the truck and come up my side and you can see it." Oh, and he wanted me to open my window and keep an eye on it. 

ARE YOU KIDDING???!!! I am terrified of them.

Anyway, he did kill it. I wasn't quite the same about going outside again.

We bought some patio furniture for the screened porch. I put that together inside.  

We are getting it ready for football season. WAR EAGLE!

We drove home on Monday evening.

I had a rheumatology appointment on Tuesday in Pensacola, so Mama met me, and we did a little shopping. She had a list.

 

 

Life with RA.

BY THE WAY, Mama is doing incredibly better. I was so upset and thinking she was never going to be right again, when Wednesday makes a week ago, she woke up and said she felt good for the first time in months. I am just going to take that as an answer to prayers.

I usually volunteer at church on Tuesdays, so I had to do that on Wednesday. Yesterday, I had to try and catch up on laundry and cleaning. I have a cleaning schedule that has me do a zone a day. With RA, I find it hard to do a ton on one day. Cleaning schedule has taken a dive this week. I am procrastinating right now.

I stayed up late last night doing a few cloth napkins for my daughter to give as wedding presents. 

I made a new sign for my hallway chalkboard, since it had the words June on it. Hmmm...July is almost over.

Decided not to do seasonal for a bit.

This is the hallway from the garage to the kitchen. EVERYONE goes down this hall. No point in having a front door.

Oh, and I am sharing a new app for my phone called First 5. I can't wait to use it. The premise is to give your first 5 to God. I so wish I could get my son to give time to reading the Word. I do believe there is power in reading His Word. Since this app is girly, I am thinking of texting him a verse every morning.

The app can be read about here.

One more thing to share.

I am back to cross stitching. I am going to share about my love for cross stitching one day.

I will let you know later what I am going to do with this.

Well, that is it for now. I am headed back to my cleaning schedule where I am only on Wednesday:(

Sandy

Reading the Bible Chronologically Part 2

I shared about my reading of the Bible chronologically over the past year and a half in this post. This is the second half of what I learned on this go around of Bible reading. My list is in no particular order, just a random list of things that stuck out to me. I shared #1 and #2  about Kings, Chronicles, and Acts in the Part 1 post.

This is the remainder of my list.

#3 - The stories of the Bible are the most exciting and powerful stories found anywhere in literature. The characters, the plots, etc. are as fresh today as ever. One of the last stories in the chronological readings is Esther. What a story! 

The stories of courage were often part of my public school experience as a child as well as Sunday School. I find it sad that many of today's youth will never hear these stories because of course it is gone from school, but more importantly it is lost at home with the breakdown of our society. So many powerful lessons to be learned, but sadly forgotten today.

#4 - Over and over the Bible weaves the fact that God wants obedience to His ways. He makes it crystal clear. You can see it so VIVIDLY when you read the Bible chronologically. When we obey, life is manageable, when we disobey... well, the challenges are far worse. He commands our loyalty and obedience.

Over and over and over, there are verses that attest to the fact when we "hide Thy Word in our hearts," we have a powerful tool to guide us in our daily walk.

#5 - I will probably continue to read a Proverb a day. Solomon really did give some WISE and practical advice that we need to be reminded of often.

#6 - When reading the Gospels, you can't help, but love how masterful Jesus was at handling situations. I want to be more like Him. Common sense....He was. Radical at times, but always common sense and keeping it simple. I fell in love with the Gospel of John this go around. I have to say I was always a little partial to the Gospel of Matthew, but this time I was so impacted by John.

#7 - Reading the books written by Paul as they fit into the history of Acts was also such a winner for me. Paul was amazing. He lived with abandon. He was sold out to Jesus. He gives clear guidelines for our behaviors in his books.

I don't know ---, but somehow this time around reading books that I have read so...many times had deeper meaning in context of their place in history.

#8 - The final one was Daniel and Revelation. By far, Daniel was my favorite prophet reading, probably because it is peppered with the stories I already mention in #3. However, it was Daniel 12, that made me stop in my tracks and back track. Along with John, this is the book I want to reread and study more. Daniel 12 contains one of my favorite verses. I have read it, quoted it, and written it many times, and shamefully admit that I may not have realized its context.

Daniel 12:2

Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

The first time I heard this verse was at an event I attended while in college at Auburn. Anita Bryant was speaking at an event in nearby Montgomery. I always thought she was so pretty, and by the time I heard her, she had been through a tremendous amount of stuff. The fallout from being the spokesman for Florida orange juice over comments about homosexuality had occurred. She had divorced. She gave a powerful message that night and used that verse. The gist was as long as she remained faithful to God and continued to speak boldly about Him, that even though the world didn't see her as a star, she would shine like one. (Now, mind you I am paraphrasing something I heard over 30 years ago.) The verse stuck with me, and anyone who knows me, knows I love space, so stars shining..oh yea:)

I took this verse to mean, as long as I shared my faith, that was a good thing and I could shine like those stars I love so much.

Now, to reading further in Daniel 12. I know Daniel is supposed to have a lot of prophecy in it that is yet to come, but I must say it was not sticking out to me until, I got to verse 9 and 10. I stopped, reread, and then had to go back to previous chapters to reread in Daniel. 

Daniel is prophesying about end times. He has been terrified by a vision, thrown down, and then picked up to have it explained to him. He is receiving instructions about what he is seeing and told that he is to conceal these words until the end time. The verse that stopped me and got my attention were verses 9 and 10.

9 And he said, "Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time.

10 Many will be purged, purified, and refined; but the wicked will act wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

I think Christians can clearly see that we are seeing many things happen that lead to the coming of Jesus again, but the vast majority of the world just thinks we are nuts for saying things like that. 

In Revelation, John is told he is to record these events. He is not conceal it any longer. There were many similarities in those latter chapters of Daniel to what John says in Revelation.

#9 - The one thing I do know is that anyone who says they have a date on His return....that doesn't add up to what Jesus said. So, I am "no go" on those that try to give a date to His return, but I think we are definitely seeing things take place. Now, as to how long it will be, only God knows and His time could be vastly different. It could be soon though, because I think things are definitely in place and would take place quicker than most of us could even imagine with a rapture of God's people.

#10 - My next goals are to pray for the lost, study Daniel and the Gospel of John. I signed up for a new app with Proverbs 31 Ministries today. It is called First 5. They begin a study of John on July 27th. I am excited about that. I also want to add a goal of memorizing more Scripture. I once did that well, and those verse mean a lot to me. I have many more to add to my defense against Satan.

Well, if you survived reading this... then thanks. I don't typically share my deepest feelings publicly. Those go in a handwritten journal, but I felt led to write down my journey of reading God's word, and I couldn't exactly leave off #8.

I write more for posterity's sake than for an audience, but I love to hear what others think as well.

It was a great experience,

Sandy

Reading the Bible Chronologically Part 1

January 2014, I started a reading plan to read through the Bible. This plan was on an app that had some Old and New Testament readings a day. It also threw in one Psalm and a verse in Proverbs a day. I had made it through Genesis, Exodus, Matthew, and part of Mark. I was beginning Leviticus when I read a blog post on Proverbs 31 Ministries about reading the Bible chronologically. You can read that blog post here.

That blog post changed my direction for the "read all the way through plan."

That sweet little bookmark was made by me in 8th grade Sunday School. I loved the teacher. She was very innovative for her time.

The truth is when you get to Leviticus, you are looking for a way out! That is one tough book to read through. The blog post suggested reading the Bible in chronological order. I ordered a Bible that was laid out that way in the New Living Translation version. I kept my regular version (NASB) close at hand and began to dig my way through the chronological plan. I had to make some adjustments, such as going back to catch up on some things I had missed in the chronological plan. Those were in 1 Chronicles and Job mostly.

The only other thing I did was to keep my readings of the New Testament going along side. I felt I needed the life giving strength of the New Testament readings to guide me through the very difficult times I was going through with my step dad having terminal cancer, so I read the New Testament in chronological order as well alternating days between Old and New Testament daily readings.

This blog post is to share some of the wonderful things about that year Plus of reading. The first big thing is it took me more than a year to read through. I had a ton going on in my life, but the truth is I thing it really takes more than a year for most to read through the Bible. I really want to stress that point. I think so many times we give up on reading through, because we simply can't keep on the plan, so we get frustrated and Quit. This time I decided if it took me two years, that I was going to make it. I gave myself the freedom to do what I could when I could. It made all the difference!!!

I am going to share some of the things I learned this year and a half of reading through the Bible. My list is in no particular order. I am going to break up my points into two posts, because there were many things that I felt were worth sharing.

#1 - I had no idea how much 1 and 2 Kings were similar to 1 and 2 Chronicles. Before anyone judges me, I grew up in the church, and have been striving to live a Christian life since the age of 16. I love the Word, and considered myself a reader of It. And yet, I realized by reading it this past year and a half all the way through that I had so much to learn. I am sure there are many scholars that can explain all of this much better, but I am just going to give a few thoughts on it. After the first 10 chapters of Chronicles, there are many similarities and you will find your readings often go something like this.

This is a May 20 daily reading...
Psalm 83
1 Chronicles 29:23-25
2 Chronicles 1:1
1 Kings 2:13 - 3:4
2 Chronicles 1:2-6
1 Kings 3:5-15
2 Chronicles 1:7-13

                                           

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One example:

1 Kings 3:5-15New Living Translation (NLT)

5 That night the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 6 Solomon replied, “You showed great and faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued to show this great and faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. 7 “Now, O Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. 8 And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! 9 Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 11 So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies— 12 I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 13 And I will also give you what you did not ask for—riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! 14 And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life.”15 Then Solomon woke up and realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and stood before the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, where he sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he invited all his officials to a great banquet.

2 Chronicles 1:7-13New Living Translation (NLT)

7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 8 Solomon replied to God, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! 10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly,[a] for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” 11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— 12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” 13 Then Solomon returned to Jerusalem from the Tabernacle at the place of worship in Gibeon, and he reigned over Israel.

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This is one example of what I am talking about. There are sooooo.... many more. You actually don't finish Kings and Chronicles until the end of your Old Testament readings. You get to see where the prophets fit into the history with this format.

#2 - I also have a much better understanding of Acts in the same way. You will see where to read Galatians and Ephesian, etc in the context of the history of Acts.

I can't wait to share more of the specifics of what I picked up from my reading. 

This little bit of sweetness is kept in my Bible. It was taken when my baby was in 2nd grade in Sunday  School. He is now 23. Where did the time go?

"So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire. And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." --- 

Isaiah 55:11

Stay tuned,

Sandy

Organizing Embroidery Floss

I think I have finally found a solution that I can live with for organizing my embroidery floss. I have a ton of thread, since I once was an avid cross-stitcher. That hobby was put on hold after the kids reached upper elementary and had so many after school activities. I have recently pulled it all back out and am ready to once again do some stitching.

About two years ago, I purchased tubs and Ziploc snack bags to place all my thread in. At that time it seemed like the perfect thing. I placed all the colors in the bags, stuck an orange sticker with the DMC number on the outside and placed all of the bags in number order inside the tubs. I then placed them in the closet of my catch all room which later became my sewing room. 

Moving forward a year and I decided to start an intensive project on Hank, the heron. You can read about the beginning here and the letting go of it for now here.

Once I started on Hank, I realized my little organization project was missing something. The bags lay limp in the box, and it was hard to see them when I pulled something out of the box.

I then thought they needed a little something more to give them some support so as to stand up in the box. Hence, the 3 X 5 index cards. They fit nicely in the snack size bags. I wrote the color number in sharpie on the top center of the card. I had also discovered my orange stickers sometimes got stuck to other bags with the removing and placing back in the tub.

Now, they stand up much nicer and are easier to file away. When, I start a project, I can pull out the few colors that I am going to be working on, use them, and then store back in their respective tubs.

Above the floss tubs, you can see my mother's old smocking pleater. That is on my bucket list. I want to be able to smock by the time I have grandchildren.

The tubs are stored on the shelves of my sewing room. I also have a tub for cross-stitch fabric and pattern books. This is working out much nicer.

Old patterns, fabric, and the Hank project if I decide I am up to it.

The key to success was the addition of the index card.

I have started a new project for now.

As you can see, I can just pull out a few bags at at time, use and then store away. I think it is going to work nicely.

Ready to stitch,
Sandy

Catching Up Part 2

I didn't feel like I finished my catching up with the previous post, so I decided to do a part 2 to finish up with all the goings on around here.

I very rarely watch TV. Just not a TV fan these days. When I was still teaching, I was just too busy to ever settle down long enough to focus on a show. I am also a news freak, a nonfiction kind of girl. The idea of researching stuff on the computer is far more intriguing to me these days.  HOWEVER, when I saw the ad for ABC's new show, The Astronaut's Wives Club, I knew I would be checking in. First all of all, I have said before I am a space nut. I was known for that in all of the school's that I taught in. It has been a obsession for most of my life. 

I absolutely loved the book! 

I am loving the show. 

I have to set reminders everywhere to tune in since I am not a TV watcher. 

I love ALL of the cast.

 Love the sets. 

I just love the show.

Source

Moving on.... Hubby and I spent the quietest 4th ever! Both kids were doing other things. It was kind of lonely. I didn't even make homemade ice cream, which is a tradition, but believe me... we didn't need it. We did watch fireworks though on the island. Nothing like fireworks on the 4th.

I did a major clothes purge. I mean major. I realized I had so many clothes that I just don't wear anymore. My method of keeping my closet in order has always been to turn my hangers around backwards every summer. If it hadn't been worn in a year, there would be proof of that because the hanger would be turned around. Let's face it, if you haven't worn it in a year, you are probably not going to wear it. This time, I dug deeper. Now, that I am not working, I just don't need that many clothes, so I was brutal. That was very freeing, and my closet looks a ton better.

I have also been reading as that is one of my favorite things to do.

Let's see... I have read the following lately.

The Town that Came A-Courtin' by Ronda Rich. I love her books. On of my all time favorite books was by her. This one is a great, light, beach read.

And the Good News Is by Dana Perino. I really liked it as well. Of course, I really love her. I love the behind the scenes look at the White House during her tenure as Press Secretary. She has great advice for young people, and they definitely need the advice.

The Blue Zones Solution by Dan Buettner. It was an interesting read about the longest living people in various places on the planet. I read it mostly to see what they ate, since I am always looking for a solution to the aches and pains of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Lots of veggies!

I am currently reading a children's book by Deborah Wiles. She was one of my favorite authors. I am reading Revolution, the second in a planned trilogy about the 1960's.

AND, YES I AM WAITING PATIENTLY  for the new Harper Lee book to arrive on my doorstep. I preordered the first day I heard about it. To Kill a Mockingbird is on the very top of my list of favorites. 

The time that it was written (pre civil rights) and growing up in the south very near Monroeville, well, let's say I thing Miss Lee is AMAZING. I have already read the first chapter.....Can't wait. I need to get busy this evening and tomorrow, because once I start I am sure nothing else will get done.

Well, I think I am caught up. If you lasted to the end, I hope you have a blessed week.

Sandy

Catching Up

Summer is here. The temperatures are soaring, so I have to water plants twice a day now. 

I am finally settling into retirement life. 

I had to do a reset on my emotions earlier in the summer. I found myself distressed with Mama being so sick, and I think I was still somewhat in that mode of thinking summer had to be a long list of projects to finish in ten weeks. 

I hit the pause button!

I stopped and thanked God that I am able to see about Mama, and decided to take everyday as a gift that I have her, EVEN IF it wasn't what I had planned for us.

I also realized that I don't have to go back to school this fall, so I can enjoy those long summer days and enjoy the beach...Those projects will wait until fall or whenever!!!

So, here are a few things going on here...

We have a wedding to attend today. I gave the lovely bride a shower a couple of months ago. You can read about that here. The thing about this wedding today??? Well, it made Hubby and me behave like adults. Why? IT IS THE HOME SHOW FOR THE BLUE ANGELS. It is a tradition in our family to go by water to the Pensacola Beach show each July. We are going to miss them like so bad today, but, we are so excited about Tommy's wedding. His parents are great friends of ours, and Tommy has been in our youth group when Hubby and I worked in the youth department for many many years. They are such a wonderful young couple.

My mom's farm finally sold. That was a big one for her. It was all too much for her to take care of.   We have been busy still taking care of things...cleaning out a garage, having a yard sale, taking it all one step at a time. I am hoping we can get her sinus infection cleared up soon. She has had two sinus surgeries, but she is still suffering there. I am slowly seeing a light in her though. I am praying we can get all of this cleared up soon. I think that will put a spark back in her.

I have been busy just trying to settle into my routine of keeping a home clean, preparing meals, volunteering at church one day a week, and finding the things that I really love to spend any free time on. One of those has been sewing. I am such a driven, task-oriented person that I can find myself stressed if I am not checking off a list at a break neck pace. Therefore, I had to take a step back and reevaluate. First, I cleaned up all the projects I had lined up and put them in boxes on my sewing room shelves. I will pull them out if I have time and desire to sew. 

The biggie on the reset of slowing down on my checklist was to halt a counted cross-stitch project that I was so sure I would complete. I printed out the pattern on my last day of work. It was by far the most complicated project that I had ever seen, but I wasn't worried because, I was sure I could handle it. At one time in my life, I was a cross stitcher extraordinaire. Anyway, this project was a heron pattern made from an Audobon painting. I have never seen anything like that in my life. The colors were all so near the same, changing on each line after two stitches. I found myself stressed instead of enjoying it. I had restarted three times. Finally, I just asked myself, why was I doing this? I finally decided to pack it up for awhile. I may come back to it later, but for now, I am going to choose something else to stitch. I have been following other stitchers on Instagram and have seen so many cute things that I wanted to try.

It is actually 15 pages put together. I wanted to do it, but I am just not there yet.

Well, I have soooo... much more to say, but I will save some for next week. 

I will be posting some next week. I will never have a schedule, because this is for posterity's sake and a hobby, so if anyone pops in, I am glad to have you visit!!!

Counting my blessings,

Sandy

Second Time Around for the Guest Bedroom

After sharing my guest bedroom, I shared how the pictures told the story. I realized I just wasn't happy with it, and it needed some changes.

I decided to paint the walls first. I felt it needed some contrast. The blue had worked in the daughter's teen years, but wasn't giving me that calmer feeling I was seeking.

I think the new color goes much better with the blue drapes. It gives some much needed contrast.

There were some things that I just had to live with for the time being. The biggest thing was the white bookcases, so that was the reason for changing the paint. I felt that would give me the biggest bang for my buck in making those bookcases appear less as the unintended focal point of the room.

I also pulled a few things off of the bookcases and changed out the baskets. 

I don't want to get rid of the shelving for now. I know that changing them out to something else would be my best bet and make the room much better, but it is just not gonna happen yet.

I added the driftwood and shell to the top instead of the Christmas moose (story behind her).

I also moved some of the pictures around on the walls, namely the one over the bed and my bird picture. That choice really made a big difference to me. 

Getting rid of the red pillows and the colorful baskets on the bookcases were also good choices.

I moved the birds to this side of the room instead of over the bed. I love it here. I might look for some twigs for the vase.

The final piece was the bedspread. Originally my daughter had a very colorful comforter during her teen years that led to the choice of paint color and barrel chair color. Her comforter was done for, so while she was in college I purchased the other paisley comforter. It was at that time that I took down her bright picture above the bed, and then recently took a heaping ton of stuff down from the shelves, dresser, etc.

I moved the landscape to above the bed. I think the colors go well with the bedspread, and the size gives some space between the bookcases.

I liked the comforter, but I must say it wasn't working for me, and...that green chair had no purpose in there anymore. There is no where else to place it in the home. It has sentimental value, so I was toughing it out. I was at Dillard's when I saw the new comforter. I had spied it back in the fall and really liked it. It has a touch of green in the paisley, thus really tying that chair in. 

It was on sale! 

The last one and the right size. 

Who could pass it up?

I am much happier with the look. 

The big changes were: new paint, new bedspread, new baskets on shelves, ditching red pillows, and removing a few items on the shelves.

Future plan: Pass on the bookcases to someone else, and purchase something more grownup to hold the treasures.

That is for now...

Sandy