Monday, June 2, 2014

Being Grateful...

Every night as I lie in bed I count off at least 5 things that happened that day for which I am thankful. As silly as it sounds - lately I have realized I am thankful for being grateful. After looking at the pictures for this post - I see how lucky I have been.

Maybe you won't get what I see in this post and that's okay. I know. So, are you ready for some pictures?

This year I have forgone the hanging flowers and opted for the always longed for Boston Ferns. And my flowers have a purpose this year. We are having a 6th of July porch party and I want the porch bathed in red, white, and blue. So, I got red, white, and purple (gotta go with what's available) flowers.



Yesterday morning I read the paper out here enjoying every minute. This morning it feels muggy after the showers of last night.

I do have stitching pics to show! Unbelievable, I know! There has been a decision lately that I will try to stitch after Rob heads for bed. No more computers after 9:30p. Oh, there have been a few slips, but I find myself itching to get in that chair and stitch.

Here's my finished Ink Circle piece from earlier this spring. It still isn't ironed - please forgive.

Ink Circles - Fleur de Lys
Peoria Purple WDW linen
and a silk floss 
Too lazy this morning to run and find out the color of floss. Bad blogger!

But, I do have progress to show on my 272 Words! I've been taking it easy on this because I know MJ isn't finding many minutes to stitch with her busy schedule. And my deadline for finishing this is in November. There's a 3 day stitching retreat between now and then that I have great plans for. 

Before ~ 

And now ~ 


And my lighthouse is showing progress too! 

Before ~ 


And now ~ 


Looking at these pictures together make me realize how many more hours I have to go and how many hours I have spent on this. I used to track the minutes...I even have a note book. Better get that back out. Last I saw I had logged over 300 hours on it. 

Logan had a friend over the other day and he shows off the library, stitching, and genealogy rooms. When he got to my stitching - the girl touched the lighthouse and said it looked like a painting. 

Today finds me getting groceries and making macaroni salad for the genealogy picnic tonight. You have warned me how obsessive genealogy can be. I am now a member of one round table and two county societies. Tomorrow finds me in Columbus hoping to find an adoption record. (Fat chance, but I must try) Then I will have 2 of 3 First Families buttoned up. The last family, the Little's, may be difficult to prove. Last week, I managed to head to 3 genealogy libraries. And I found another book about my ancestors. Oh, goody, more family! lol

Time to get moving - Hope your day is as brilliant as you are!
Denise

11 comments:

Vicki said...

Denise - great progress on your stitching projects. Your son's friend is right, the lighthouse looks like a photo. I really like the Ink Circles finish. The colors are so delicate; it's lovely. I used to have Boston Ferns when I lived in Kansas, unfortunately, there's no way I'd try them here in Phoenix! haha

Robin in Virginia said...

Your WIPs look mighty good! I love your porch area. What an inviting place you have created!

Robin in Virginia

Poppypatchwork said...

Your porch is looking great, can't wait to see the colours. Lovely stitching.

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Love, love your porch - and the ferns. Had them on my porch long ago, but too much direct sun and bird nests to make them enjoyable. Great stitching progress. Enjoy!

Barb said...

All the stitching looks lovely!! Your porch will be the perfect spot for your party. It looks like a wonderful place to rest and party!

Vickie said...

So nice to get updated with you!

Linda said...

I'm so envious of your porch Denise. Pretty finish and nice progress on the other pieces.

Linda

Beth said...

What a lovely porch! I hope you take time to sit out there and read or stitch or nap! Love your ink circle design too.

Marilyn said...

Your porch looks so inviting.
Wow, the Lighthouse piece is intense.
Great progress.
Marilyn

Robin said...

Nice update. Your porch looks perfect. A great place to have a cup of coffee and stitch. Hard to get that balance between computer time, stitching time,etc. Love, love love the last thing you do at night. I am definitely starting this. We all need to slow down and remind ourselves how lockup we are.

Maggee said...

Great going on your finish! I look forward to seeing your final touch! The WIPs have progress...it's all we can ask of ourselves! And yes, you WERE warned about genealogy! I used to be in lots of online groups, since my lines are not from my area where I am. But put everything on hold and haven't gone back...Maybe some day soon. Hugs!