Life With Jules, and other stuff

I managed to pick up my Christmas Design SAL piece and do a little bit of stitching on it. Here is a before: and after: I also gave the wrist band thingy for my camera to my sister so she would quit dropping hers back in June while we were on our trip. Soooo, I made myself a new one using some yarn and a crochet hook. Mind you, I am not much for crochet and only know the very basic single stitch, et voila: We have been having typical summer tropical storm weather here in central Florida and I have been trying to capture some of the more impressive sunsets. Here are some pics of Wednesday evening’s sunset: I took the pictures through my bedroom window and the screen kept coming into focus so the last couple are a bit blurry, set on the "sunset" setting, but you get the idea! Finally , I have been trying without much luck to get some of that Chicken Noodle soup from Subway. It seems they only ever have Broccoli and Cheese anymore so I made my own. Here are a c...

One of our fellow bloggers has a weekly giveaway and I wanted to post a link to it here as well as in my sidebar. Follow this link to enter kerrykatiecakes' giveaway and/or become a follower if you haven't already!!! 

I found a great website called The Frugal Stitcher this afternoon! Many of you probably already know about it as you have many more years working the craft than I do. Well, while browsing their site I came across a new-to-me designer: Imaginating. Specifically, Silly Snobs the Cat! Now, I am a cat lover as you all know and these designs are just sooooo adorable!! I can’t wait to have a full time job again so I can start purchasing and stitching up these cute little kitties. :D And speaking of kitties, my Sandy is graciously modeling my finished July 4th:    I finished this into a small pillow and will probably keep it on her cat perch/house/annoyance for the time being. Believe it or not, this animal loves to use a pillow when she sleeps, LOL!! And don't ya just love her smile! ;D I am also looking for any cross stitch patterns featuring “Animal” from the Muppets. That’s how I happened across the above mentioned website. Now it’s time to get back to the thesis...

From front to back (L-R): Great Grandpa Michael, Kaelynn, Great Great Grandma Fannie, Grandma Lisa, Daddy James (JT) Same: Great Grandma Susan, Kaelynn, Great Great Grandma  Peggy, Grandma Lisa, Daddy James (JT) The entire family celebrating Kaelynn's 2nd birthday!

I found this really interesting article and since most of us are pet owners I thought I would share with you all. Please click here to read up on which pet is cheaper to own: Cat vs. Dog!!! Well, I can finally say I have another finish happy-dance! I have to give thanks again to Paulette’s daughter for this cute little design she made recently. I present to you, July 4th: Stitched on 28ct Opulescent White Cashel Linen DMC Threads: 902, 820, Ecru Design by Breanna (Paulette's daughter) To be finished as a pillow with red fabric shown in picture I think I may stitch it again, but change the flag to the French flag and the wording to say “le 14eme juillet” in honor of my French ancestry and my best friend! Of course, the colors and the stars will remain within the design because those are what really make it cute, LOL. ;D I will be updating my Postcards page soon with some that I recently received. I did remove the counter off my side-bar as I am trying to wean out those that ...

Today I received a parcel from Olga . It was my winnings from her recent giveaway.  Here are a couple of pictures of what was inside: I absolutely love the items she made for me! Thank you so very much Olga!!! In stitchy news… I have done a wee bit of stitching the past week or so. With that said, I have TUSAL update finally! Here is a picture of my ort container: If you wish to join in the TUSAL fun, click here and follow the sign-up rules. I have seen some people already using their discarded floss in various little stitching projects that are simply gorgeous! I am still leaning toward making ornaments (clear glass/acrylic ball-type with orts inside) for my future Christmas trees. But after seeing some of the other projects, I may use the longer bits on smalls as well. Until next time…

Here are a couple of progress pics on the July 4th design I am currently stitching: This was how far I had gotten as of mid-week last week. This is where it stands as of last night. It’s going much slower than I thought it would, but I am enjoying it nonetheless. Thank you for the adorable freebie Paulette ’s daughter Breanna! I am contemplating making it into a small pillow. In other news… I recently found out that I am officially published. One chapter of my thesis was chosen for publication in an academic journal. I did not submit for publication purposes. It just so happens that my thesis prof is also the editor of this journal and asked if he could include it in this year’s publication (it’s only published once per year). Of course I said yes!!! Here is the link to the Virginia Review of Asian Studies journal in which my Chapter 1 is published. It is the first article on the House of Wisdom.