Tonight is going to be THE night to finish Mr. Darcy!

Yes, it's hop here and hop there and definitely a full moon out there.

I'm so excited someone got me a ticket to see Van Halen in Atlanta!!!!!!  EXCITED.

So, you might want to mute the playlist because I listed some of my favorite Van Halen songs and they aren't your average easy listening ones. ;)

But, this is the love week, right?

Speaking of that, I've been so busy that I'm hoping I get Mr. Darcy finished soon.

I did finish his sillouette.

I just need to put A Single Man in......then a key. Then frame!!!

Then he's done.

He will reside on top of my piano for the week.

He kinda likes music anyways. :P

Today was just one of those catch up days.

2 steps forward 1 step back.

I had a serious pout going on today when:

a) I mistakenly went the wrong time to the dentist and the clerk was about as friendly as......well, letter b here:

b) the postal clerk next who complained because I had 3 packages to mail at 4:58pm

c) Thomas coughed up a nice size hairball right there in front of me as if he was proud when I got home

d) I bumped a lady's car door in a parking lot getting out something and she went nuts and overboard while I just stood there and said "Really?"

 but it all balances out with some REALLY good things too.  So all is over and now warming up leftovers of leftovers for dinner, then settling in for working on Mr. Darcy's finale and some other things that are heartwarming..........I digress.

Time to get done and move on to another pretty sampler real soon if I could put my Kindle down for a second.

A Late Wordless Wednesday

Yes, Miss Abbie was pouting tonight because I stayed out late.

took her about 38 minutes to decide to look at me.

She says no staying out late, Mama.

A treat made it all better and now she is my best friend again.

Furbabies.

Whoever said they don't have emotions, don't know my dog.

A Freebie from Notforgotten Farms blog---Cool!

Notforgotten Farms is one of my favorite blogs to read. I love all her things, her creativity and she has a great freebie for any special person in your life for a quick stitch. I've printed it off and hope to stitch it up soon. In  case you haven't seen it click here:

http://farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com/2012/01/token-of-friendship-free-pattern-for.html

It's called A Token of Friendship designed by Lorrie at Notforgotten Farm.

Visit her blog for more primitive designs. She also hooks. (ok, ok, I know that sounds weird) but honestly she is a very talented lady.

I hope your week started off yesterday with lots of love and warmth.

After being out of the swing of things for a while, I've finally gotten back into Yoga and already can feel the difference in the way I feel. I love the stretches and learning new poses. I'm amazed at the flexibility it builds and how much each day to add to this.

Yoga. It does a body good.

Yada. A new word I learned, in Hebrew yesterday in reading. It means "showing love" and a deep close connection with someone. I thought it was cool to learn that.

Yada is dedicating ourselves to a person so we can engage them with our love and affection.

Yada for Valentines month!

My designing mind may work further with that thought today in between a list of chores to get done.

Namaste to Tuesday!

Pictures Tell a Thousand Words and so Do Books

I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her. ~~Notting Hill, 1999

Just a thought-provoking day as I sat on my back porch in the sunny, cool breeze and finished chapter 2 and into chapter 3 of a book that is really good, A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.

 I'm catching up on an online study.

Two primary things struck me in the first chapter

1) Doubt and Hope cannot exist at the same time.

2) There will always be those who judge us, hurt us, turn their heads, lie to us, and shun us even though we are human and not perfect; but there is One who made us, that will never do any of that to us.

3) If we are living/seeing shadows, it's because we are not turned toward the light.

I don't know why I started it really, but in thinking, how ironic, Valentine's month is a good time to read this after-all.

It's about a very good love story which follows us from birth to death.

If you would like to join this study you can click here:

http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/ 

and on facebook as well here:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/AConfidentHeart

If you purchase the book, I recommend the paperback instead of the Kindle as you would probably write in your book to reread later on someday.

I know this has nothing to do with stitching but I just wanted to share as we all are not just compartmentalized into one thing. We really have a variety of areas of life and interests, just as there are different kinds of fiber that hold us all together for a pattern.

Sleep well, friend.

Till later,

Jennifer

Unicoi State Park Lookout

Helen, Ga.

“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” Psalm 71:20 (NIV)

Progress on Mr. Darcy and other sundries

Saturday was a relaxing day. I almost finished Mr. Darcy sampler by the Sampler Girl.

I've picked out a simple black wood frame 5 x 7 for it when finished.

I think it's a great contrast and will be a good addition to my Valentine's collection.

Of course, Valentine's can be and should be every day.

Love.

I also joined an online Bible study with this book which is very comforting and is one that will change your life. It certainly is good for women and confirms that they are special and loved just the way they are, by one man who will always love and protect.

Of course, I was behind in enrolling but catching up. I've gone through chapter 3.

But it 's one that each chapter provokes much reflection and such a relief that no matter what the world thinks, all that matters is what God thinks of our choices. He loved us first. He is the only one that can love us unconditionally.

http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/

This is the site, take a look-see.

My dollar store visit find was this rack which is rustic and oh so prim.

I love it.

I spent some time deep cleaning the kitchen and getting more organized.

All dishes are clean and put away for easy access. For 5 bucks it was well worth it.

My goal is after church to spend time finishing this and framing it.

I've got next to move on to the Coverlet Birds and I can't wait. Beeeeautiful colors.

A cozy home, stitching, a good friend, a good book, and rain on the metal roof to lull me to sleep.

What could I ask for any better than that for today. My pace is slower. My mind is calm. I have someone who is always there with open arms. It's a nice change, a miracle.

Tomorrow is a new day.

Wishing blessings at your home and peace. Peace no matter what life brings you.

You are special.

Till later,

Jennifer

The Groundhog said what?

I read that we have at least 6 more weeks of Winter. I can't believe it because it's been a very WET, mild Winter so far, and I"m not complaining at all. I took a walk early this morning with the Valentine Couple of the Week here who are learning all about "couples issues".

shhhhhh......Thomas thinks he is the father. I can't tell him any different.

And she stands by her man too.

He sits on the porch just watching for any (and there have been many) potential suitors. We have squirrels EVERYWHERE now. He is a man on a mission!

He said, he did it, that's his story and he is sticking to it.

He is very affectionate and she is too.

Too bad Thomas was fixed long ago, as they would have made pretty kitties together.

and although they look out for one another especially at the feeding table,

they are a reminder of what true love is or should be.

Looking in the same direction, honest, and not afraid to show affection for each other.

yep, everything is wet, wet wet. The Sun is out though and I love it.

Everything looked so fresh this morning on my walk.

I just know Spring will be here soon.

And I hope so as I have many plans.

I found one bloomed daffodil and many with bulbs already.

I love daffodils.

so when the ground dries out I can actually get the leaves blown with my new leaf blower but its way too wet right now.

almost there though.

Promises.

Sweet promises and fun times ahead.

Plan on , for the first time since living here, planting some flowers in the back.

It's SO much cleaner now and really looks good. Gotta get everything to dry out though.

I think I have a helper or two this Spring that likes flowers. ;)

And by the time I'm done will be a nice, peaceful creative space for stitching on Spring and Summer evenings, by natural light.

or reading. Speaking of reading, I've been reading this book and it's really good for women.

Flossie Mae said that "right here" is the perfect spot.

a future flower garden.

It's amazing what grace has done for me and for others too.

I have made it a habit, a personal goal, to surround myself with positive things.

It's refreshing.

These rocks are little reminders right now by my fireplace, soon in the Summer to be out in the garden.

I just used an old primitive bowl to hold them in good view for daily reminders of what's important to remember.

I've thought of designing some little tokens like this.

I've got to get my designing hat on soon.

so for those who like little stitch projects, look for this coming soon from Feathers in the Nest.

Because this nest, is full of promise.

just as we all are, if we only look for it.

And given the right conditions of positve surroundings, positive people, and a good attitude,

we will bloom where we are planted.

I'm so thankful this morning after a good walk on a pretty Sunny day to know the promise of Spring to come, and to be able to share this with you, my friend.

I hope your Thursday is full of promise and positive people who inspire you and positive things that touch your creative heart, like mine was this morning.

Love ya,

Jennifer