Life With Jules, and other stuff

Two posts in 1 day! Wow!!! I saw this on the AOL news scroll when I checked my email and thought I would share it. Hawthorn (May 13 - June 9) A multi-talented person like you has no trouble making friends. That will likely be especially true this St. Patrick's Day if you attend a wild party. Your social circle can expand in exciting ways. Granted, most of your new pals might be extremely unconventional, but that's what you love about them. It's fun being surrounded by people who are eager to try extreme sports, experiment with different artistic techniques and explore radical ideas. This is your big chance to explore uncharted territory. (May 21st) What is your sign? Check it out here ! I’d be curious to see how many Hawthorns read my blog!! Until next time…

(Warning: Picture Heavy) I will start with an update. I have (almost) completed part 5 of the HalloSAL, although I am counting it as complete. I just need to fill in the eyes on the pumpkins and for that I need to buy some petite seed beads. I tried without success to do the french knots. I just don't have the patience for them. Here is an updated picture: Yesterday morning I awoke thinking that I would spend the day working on the Butterfly and Shamrock Wreath . Well, my wee little mind started spinning and I remembered another design that I picked up last year at The Black Sheep Shop in Orlando by DebBee's Designs . It's her Holiday Highlights St. Patrick's Day . So, around 10am I began stitching the design. I worked on it on and off all day and by 9pm here is where I was at: There was a new stitch in this design for me: the herringbone stitch. I think I am fairly comfortable with that one now, lol! This afternoon, I picked it up and finished it. I even finish-finish...

I was so excited to learn that I won the Gone With the Wind giveaway over at Feathers in the Nest. I received my winnings yesterday and am so looking forward to stitching the design. Here are a couple of pictures of my prize (note: the movie was already mine. I just added it to round out the picture.): I tried on the earrings and love them! They are not too heavy. The real test will come when I wear them for more than a few minutes (my ears are very sensitive, but I believe all will be fine since they are sterling silver). Here is a picture of me donning the new earrings: I also took a couple of pictures of my “Celtic” earring collection. I have a pair of shamrocks (that are a bit tarnished), a pair of gold claddagh’s that irritate my ears, and of course the lovely pair from Jennifer. Here is one of those pictures: I can’t resist sharing a picture of my Sandy “modeling” the GWTW design: ...

Well, it's been a fun year posting my cross stitching as I go! I didn't really think I would enjoy this environment as much as I have. I am grateful to those who have decided to follow my blog and look forward to having more followers during the upcoming year. What have I completed this year? Hmmm...I started and completed a few things. Gettysburg is by far the largest cross stitch to date (well, until Astral Lions is complete). I took out an old WIP - Nautical Sampler - and completed it, FINALLY!!! :) There is Frederick and the Lucky pillow wrap, Polska and Nautical Light and the many others I forgot to name here. And of course I can't forget those bibs I made for my baby cousin, Zane! Speaking of Zane, his 1st birthday is coming up in November and I created something special for him. I only have until Nov 6th to complete it (which includes framing) and I will be gone the third week of October, so I really only have 4 weeks. Between Astral Lions and school, I think...

I am a nut about photography and take my camera just about everywhere with me. In addition to my blogging, I submit my photos to a forum on http://photography.about.com/ . The current cycle is on the color "green", so I decided to combine two of my hobbies. Here is my latest quick project (and once I get a pillow, it will be complete). This is a pillow wrap by Pine Mountain Designs that I picked up at The Black Sheep Shop in Orlando. Now for the something old. This is a pattern I began working on around 2005 while on vacation. It is called "Nautical Sampler" by Plaid Bucilla. The artist is Linda Gillum. I set it aside because it was a bit tedious and a lot of detail work. This is what I have so far.