Ya'll are My Happy Place!

Thank you for the encouragement and the dishcloth patterns. I appreciate the so  much more than you know and so glad to connect here in the blog with happy folks. I can't say that for all chat rooms.......I will digress.
I woke up this morning and I have tried to ignore a very painful right hand injury but I think I'm going to get it checked out today.
2 nights ago I was trying to open a very hard jar and felt something pop in my right hand and deep burning pain. A knot is now there. I can't hardly type. I think I may have ruptured a tendon in the top of my hand.
It certainly slowed down any knitting last night.
I have to take meds to just lift dishes now. So I think if it's worse by day 3, its time to get it looked at.
I hate going to doctors. I put it off as long as I can.

But I just wanted to let you all know how thankful for the network of stitchers and readers that put a smile on my face every day. YOU ROCK!

This little "dear" seen right outside the house. I love living in the country.

You know if God will take care of his creatures, he will take care of us.

His creation, both nature, animals, mountains, and streams are beautiful.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.~~~~~~~~~~~~Philippians 4.8

Have a great day of rest this Sunday!

November: The Remembrance of Thankfulness in a Daily Way

Yup, November blew in like a flash. Time is going by fast. So fast!

Just a short note here to thank each and every one of you. I enjoy your comments and your personal emails. They lift my day more than you will ever know.

Thanksgiving, of course, is this month and to me is a reminder of what sometimes I take for granted.

It's a day to celebrate the day that symbolizes ALL days of the year for we are all blessed with something if we only think for yet a brief moment.

I'm determined to get the DV sampler finished in design and then framed. I will show a pic later of my slow progress. My next plan ( which could change---tehehe) is a few smalls in between a Christmas ornie. I've decided this year that I will focus more on the Downton Abbey sampler I designed during the holidays in hopes for the January new season. I'm SO ready, are you?

With chronic degenerative joint disease, I have good days and bad. I wouldn't really call them bad but just less than normal for movement and aching. Today, even though a bright sunny day, I ached all over so bad when getting out of bed. One goal for the New year is to take better care of myself through diet and exercise and stress management. Yeah, yeah, I know-----we all set out to promise on the New Year's but I'm serious. I've gotten away from yoga and I can tell so much. 

It makes a difference in the creative flow process when we are well rested and not under so much stress.

We all have stress, some of us are just not as good at managing it as others (sometimes me). I hope to be better at it again.

So I'm starting my gratitude list for Thanksgiving and each day this month will add one:

Gratitude affects and makes ATTITUDE!

I'm thankful for:

1)Abbie, my forever fur baby friend who has been there and will to the end.

2)Mr. Darcy, my best friend

Stay tuned for daily adds. Everyone is different and they are in no order of significance, just random thought.

I love to read, and if you have followed this blog, you know how I LOVE my kindle. I add at least 5 books, mostly free from Pixel of Ink from FB to my Kindle to read at another time.
There is another freebie site for kindle books but you have to grab them that day or the next they go back to regular price. It's called Inspired Reads and it's all Christian books.

I grabbed this freebie Daily Deposits for the Soul and each day I read one at lunch. It really realigns my thoughts which fluctuate daily, unfortunately. This first little chapter to read was about gratitude. It's something I'm challenged with when faced with fiercely disturbing circumstances; however, it's something we all do at some time in our life. It discussed meditation of which I'm a firm believer in the benefits for our body and mind. I just read an article that meditation alone reduces our stress hormone, cortisol, by 50%. That, my friend, is a huge benefit.

The challenge the author is explaining is to think ONLY on the things that are pure, admirable, or praiseworthy. Now isn't that a big thing in this world today? 

Unfortunately, in focusing only on those things, we have to turn away from things, even people who bring us down or constantly send out negativity, jealousy, or hurtful words.
This I learned is the hardest as we are taught to love all people. And we can still love all other people, forgive them but set our boundaries not to be in their presence of negativity. This has really been a hard but important fact throughout this year as I have been presented with alot of the negative but it's true that if we focus on positive in some way, we are much better for ourselves and others.

I'm only human, so I have to remind myself of this daily. This book really is a daily life send with good thoughts to interplay into my life during all times.

"In Everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:18

I give thanks for you. I find that blogging is not always done to some people's taste and they come and go for whatever reason, yet, I still find that there is always a positive and usually it comes through emails from loving friends who do enjoy reading. I want to thank those who have taken their time to comment and read what's going on at the homestead and all those who enjoy stitching and nest-making as much as I do!

This book, Daily Deposits for the Soul really helps me so I thought I would share.
 In the beginning of the preface the author references www.48days.com for Dan Miller, author of 48 Days to the Work You Love.
The author of this book, Daily Deposits for the Soul is Henry Matlock. Just passin' it on to any who love to read something positive each day.

Hope your Friday keeps on being the best!
Jennifer

A Great Source for Free Samplers

Good morning, dear readers! I've had a couple of questions about things and I wanted to answer plus share a new recipe with you I tried last night after dinner that was AWESOME!


The Quaker freebie that I am working on is called Doing Right is Never Wrong and this freebie can be found at Nancy's blog along with all her other beautiful freebies, Liberty House Primitives and Needlework. I wish I could stitch all her freebies as they are so pretty.
I can't repost the freebie itself but will give you the link. Nancy is a great lady, a Christian woman, and a very talented one that has the best freebies you'll find online. She also has a GREAT EBAY shop, Liberty House Primitives and Needlework in which you can find many designers samplers for less than what they put on their own sites or at other places. In this economy, we all have to try to find the least expensive and Nancy will do that, as well as package it beautifully with more freebies in her mail package.
I haven't actually ordered from her EBAY store in a while but you will not be dissapointed with her at all. Her shipping is very fair.

The link is:   http://libertyneedlework.blogspot.com/

She has an album of 80 pics of freebies on the right hand side of her blog. Enjoy!! The one I am working on is Doing Right is Never Wrong, quaker and I'm using the recommended DMC in 3750 antique blue in a monochromatic flow. I'm sure you could use several colors to make it look differently.

Nancy also designs usually her freebies in color graphing and in black and white which is awesome to have the pick of the two for gentle eyes!
You can tell Nancy is a very good-hearted soul by reading her blog notes and seeing what inspires her designing.

Another question I get is when will I sell my designs? This is something that right now I'm not set up to do but plan to in the near future.I know the time will come.  I have many freebies on the site now and it's my way of paying it forward to others. Currently I'm working on a Downton Abbey piece, and others. I enjoy designing in the early morning hours when it's quiet and my mind is fresh.

I wanted to share with you on this Sunday a dessert today!  A friend brought us some apples, fresh small, soft and delicious, country apples. I used them for baking.

The recipe is on my FB page but I will put it here as well. I cooked it for the first time from a cookbook out of a local church Sautee-Nacoochee that I got very soon after homesteading here in North Ga.

 

Apple Delight

 

Butter a casserole pan (small)
slice very thinly~~~ 5 baking apples
place all the slices on one layer at the bottom
sprinkle 1 tsp of cinnamon and 1/2 tsp of nutmeg on the apple slices
preheat oven to 350
...

in a separate bowl, mix 1 egg, beaten, 1 cup of sugar and 1 stick of melted butter
then on the side, cut 4 slices of bread into 4 pieces each slice
layer the little breads on top of the spices and apples
then pour the egg, butter and sugar mixture on top of all the casserole and bake 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees

 

Serve with ice cream or whipping cream or alone as a great Fall dessert.

 

Thank you for all your comments and letters of encouragement. I love you all!

 

Jennifer

Freedom Fall Giveaway Ends tonight

Sunday morning, early before sunrise, I was making eggs and toast. Yup. Abbie was eagerly awaiting her treat and I hurried to make coffee and something to fill my growling stomach.

It's a cloudy-looking morning and some showers are coming, according to the weatherman. I love quiet days when reading and stitching, or watching a good movie are in store.

Yesterday I found the Season 2 Downton Abbey episodes on Amazon Video. I missed the entire Season 2, so episode one helped me get back on track and have quite a few to go. But that's one good thing about the Internet, is the ability to replay episodes missed.

 

On Sunday night, it's a tradition I usually cook up something sweet. It's a close tie between sugar cookies and apple cobbler tonight. I think Mr. Darcy will decide. He likes both :)

 

Remember the Freedom Fall Giveaway, which includes a beautiful sampler anf 2 pair of Kelmscott new Storklettes in blue and primitive, is ending at midnight tonight!!

Tomorrow night I will use the random number generator to pick a lucky someone.

If you missed it, put your comments here.

 

With whatever fills your Sunday, I hope it is blessed and peaceful.

 

Remember 14 weeks until Christmas!!!! Can you believe that?

I'm heading right now to get the Christmas cross stitch magazine that came out this month!

 

 

Let the holiday stitching begin!

 

Still Tweaking

Yeppers, I can't find the comments section on each post. If anyone knows how to do this on this format of Google, please help!!!!!  I'm sure it's somewhere. I appreciate all feedback on how it's appearing as I work on this! Thanks so much for letting me know. I may go to another format. Please don't hesitate to let me know how it works for you.

 

Tootaloo,

Jennifer

 

( Pencil drawing by my daughter Meghan years ago)

I Learn something new everyday and today felt so honored!!

To my surprise, my latest freebie is in a great blog for cross stitchers and lovers of all crafts. A Christmas Heart designed recently was presented as today's posting at Craft Gossip.

Thanks to all readers and lovers of Feathers in the Nest. I do thank you from the bottom of my Christmas heart ;)

http://cross-stitch.craftgossip.com/

Browsing through this blog has tons of information and great charts. A wonderful treasure found today, another blessing to count. If you are looking for a great blog to add for tons of info on crafting, this one is excellent.

 Hope you are starting the week off to a great start. Weather man says we may get a few snow flakes tomorrow in the North Georgia mountains! Snow. Just the word stirs excitement for me. ;)

Stay safe and warm,

Jennifer

From the Heart to those who journey with me

First, I want to thank each and every one of you for prayers as of late. I honestly have been in a whirlwind of major changes, some placed in my hands that I never, ever would have guessed that I would have to go through. Only through God's plan for my life, did these things become revealed to me and He has and will protect me and see me through according to His will. Seems like Spring and Summer went by in a flash, yet in slow motion at the same time as I tried to deal with quite some revelations and deceptions that were very deeply  hurtful; however, overall, I think that the One above, knows exactly when and how to present the truths we need to know, the ones we have prayed for, in HIS time, not ours.

I couldn't answer all the emails that came my way but I do want you to know that you mean the world to me. Through blogging, I have developed so many stitcher friends and realized that writing is indeed a part of me that I can't let go. Of course, through all the trauma this Summer, I didn't have very much time to sit and stitch and didn't even have my stitching mojo at all. There were times that I was afraid for my life; however, the stitching and designing are coming back, as I know needlework is a part of me.

It's just in my fiber.

I miss the networking, the friendships, the laughter, the sharing of our love for stitching.

I can't expand on a public domain of the details of what I"ve been through of late and it's really unimportant because the fact remains that because of the destruction of one individual's choices in life and it's effects on those around him, I will not let that control who I am and what my friends are and enjoy. Therefore, I will slowly be coming back to blogging.

I do not see that I need to make it private at this time as I have met so many people globally who also love needlework that I wouldn't want to restrict it's use due to one person's decision to control.

The most important thing right now is rest, getting back into the stitching world with those who choose to journey with me, and write. Miss Abbie sends lots of hugs and love too. She has been the sweetest, kindest animal I've ever owned (and believe me, in this life time I have had several!!!).

 I have irregular use of the computer right now but due to so many, SO many that wrote me to continue with the blog, and reconsideration, I have decided to begin a fresh new beginning. I had to reflect at the reasons why I would have to choose not to write about stitching and other delights that I so hold in my heart as treasures and have for years.

What a better time that Fall.

Fall has always been, and probably will always be, my favorite time of year. I relate to it as new beginnings, I guess, as August and September roll around for new school starts. Just like fresh, new pencils and paper, it's a time of reevaluation for a new year. This year in particular is a restart on many other things as well. I embrace the opportunity even though through challenges I thought I could never handle, to learn many life lessons.

I can even see some of the Dogwoods leaves starting to tinge a shade or two, and as I sit on my back porch looking through the beautiful mountains of North Georgia, I realize it will not be long before nature makes her show of Autumn color palettes.

As I'm still going through quite an ordeal on the homefront and with irregular use of the internet temporarily, I may not blog daily, but I hope to get back into Feathers in the Nest blogging, sooner rather than later.

Thank you again. There's one thing about hardships: it shows us really who our friends are. It also challenges our fiber to stretch to spaces we didn't even think we could before.

This pic taken 3 years ago in the peak of Fall. I have lost almost 10 lbs since this last 6 months and I so hope to get my health back and overcome the challenges that each day is bringing and I strongly believe that I can, I have, and I will with the help of the One above. I'm praying and hoping that He gives me direction and courage to face the things I have been forced to face in order to live a life free of deception and lies. I'm embracing the opportunity to self-reflect in my own life as in hindsight is truly 20/20 and that the truth shall truly set me free.

Till later and to all those journeying with me,

Jennifer

Something Sweet for Sunday

I got the sweetest email from Jenny L. on Tuesday. So touching and encouraging that I wanted to share with you her pics she shared of some of my designs.

I love both of them. The pillow is precious and finished in such a soft beautiful pink gingham with covered buttons too!!!

 

And then we both share a pink bunny the same!  Yes, I told her I've had mine for years and years in my daughter's room. Don't you love the way she finished this little pillowkeep? The lace adds such a precious touch.

Her email and pics meant so much to me. She is definitely one sweet lady.

The email couldn't have come at a better time. It really touched my heart.

And when I saw it, read it, I felt alot of peace.

Thank you for writing Jenny!  ;)

Sunday mornings are a good opportunity to start the week brand new!

They are the most reflective time of the week for me whether at home on my back porch or in a church service. Early this morning I finished reading a book that I loaded in my Kindle called

What About Now? Reminders for Being in the Moment by Gina Lake

I started this book months ago and it's a good daily read. Each section, about 2 pages, suggests and explains about practical living. I really like the book as it was great to pick up each day at lunch and read a little section to think about. Lots of positive thoughts.

At the end of the book on the Kindle, this morning, the last page directs readers to her website. I glanced over it and immediately thought to share it with you on this Sunday morning in May.

http://www.radicalhappiness.com/

She has a blog, a website, pages for online classes for spiritual growth, meditations, how to quiet the mind, and the list of her books which are encouraging and positive.

http://www.radicalhappiness.com/free

and here are some free excerpts from her books. After reading the first book, I may just have to load up my Kindle with a couple more as she really is so refreshing to read.

Till later,

Jennifer

Thank you Robin!

For another blog award! 
I'm so thankful to all and I don't think I can list just 8 or 12 to hand this too because I think all followers of this blog deserve it!

You are my inspiration!

Thank you again Robin at Crafting with the Stitch Witch for thinking of me and first on the list too! ;)

If you haven't checked out Robin's blog, pop over there because she has a great stitching blog here

Received Inspirational Blog Award tonight

My first blog award!!!!!!!

I received this award from the Crazy Purple Mama blog.  Thank you so much!
I am told this award is for bloggers who inspire others with positivity and creativity. The rules for accepting the award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.


2. Pass the award to 12 bloggers.


3. Link the nominees within your post.


4. Let them know they received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

So here are the twelve who inspire me.  It's really hard to choose because I could name all of you as the 100 that I follow are all inspiring to my life!!! Some I would like to nominate don't accept blog rewards so the choice is hard but here goes:

 

1~The Sampler Girl Blog--Tanya

 

2~Carolina Stitcher-Faye

 

3~Primitive Betty's--Betty

 

4~The Olive Cottege--Suzanne

 

5~The Twist Family--Beth

 

6~The Cranberry Chronicle--Heidi

 

7~Exemplars from the Heart--Vilma

 

9~Dip Diddley Designs--Jolene

 

10~The Thread Gatherer--Deb

11~ Words and Blooms--Melissa

12~~ Needleprint blog

 

There are many many others I could list so I hope you understand that really all of you readers are just as important and inspiring to me.

 

I truly love writing and sharing my joys. Thanks again for this award and I will leave you with an inpsirational verse I like to read and try to apply (sometimes hard):

 

"When we act as gardeners of meaning, we actively select the values that will serve as our guides, planting them in our hearts, so they may influence our decision-making process every day. As we do this, we begin to define ourselves as individuals and establish that we have Real value......."

 

From The Velveteen Principles for Women book in discussing the childrens' classic, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Hope this isn't too late but.........

First, I have reconsidered going to a private blog and staying public as is. I have had hundreds of personal emails, hundreds I tell you, of folks that have been the most kind and loving gave me names for invites and expressed concerns and I reconsidered at this time because mainly, several pointed out that my blog couldn't be read in the Google Reader and that's how I and everybody usually reads daily, unless you just favorite it to your computer.....but anyway, right now, I am staying the way it is. Hope no one gets offended by my war talk and opinions on stitching and relationships and the like.
If I could figure out how to still be on Google Reader and not have to go through so much to get there, then I could change it. Otherwise, I do thank the hundreds of people who have written me and I'm so sorry for the confusion it created.
Please bear with me. Right now it's tough going without the details, and I think I would probably best not change anything major right now. Wait till the storm rides........

Secondly, it's late, but the winner of the Valentines giveaway, is JULES!
Yep, congratulations, Jules you will be getting a very nice pair of sterling silver Claddaugh Irish earrings which just arrived in the mail yesterday from Ireland. I was kinda wondering as I've never ordered from there if the quality would be good and they are perfect, polished, with French wires and on the back is the SS.925 symbol.
The name of the place is TRK Claddagh House, Bailybrit-Galway, Ireland.

Katie Scarlet would be proud herself! I seriously may have to order me a pair too one day. I love these.

Can't you hear Scarlet say, "Oh Rhett, you devil you!"

And of course the BAP (I won't put what this stands for but learned in this giveaway from somebody what it means) LOL. It's big, it's detailed, it's soooooooo Rhett and Scarlet in one of the moments of showing his chivalry and her pleasant little determination to keep her integrity after the war and make her dress from draperies. Remember that scene. Oh I do........Oh how I love Rhett because he never hurt her, he always loved her no matter what....well except at the end and if you pick up the movie, Scarlett, it finishes the story in a great way.

Hope you enjoy Jules! Please send me your mailing address and I will mail them out this week.

Here's the status of my Love Garden.
Burning Love is the loser. It has one tiny tiny bud if you look with a magnifier. That's typical.

Strawberries are doing ok, or at least better than the Burning Love plant.

And the most abundant plant right now at our house is Forget-me-nots! They are blasting out of this container and I will have to move them to a bigger home so they will marry more and have more babies for the Spring.......LOL

Third, just want to tell you that you are the best stitching friends anyone could ever have and I love you all dearly. Thanks for putting up with me and my wishy-washiness, panickiness (is that word), melancholy, free spirit.

I made this little pillow in 1981, almost 30 years ago! WOOO I'm getting old! And it still sits by me in my stitching chair.

Back to the day. I worked on cleaning a bedroom out and it's getting there. I didn't realize how many dust bunnies could propagate under furniture. I may be taking some Benadryl just to clean up today. But it's always fun at the things I find while I'm stooping under the bed and in the closets, things I thought I lost, some things I never missed in the first place......so donation time. I got one closet finished last night about 1am. I'm off today so hope to completely finish this room.

Have a great day!

Jennifer

P. S. This morning while arranging the music Playlist which you may or may not like ??? I have several songs that are political and if you are in a good mood to get spirit for USA, listen to the Taliban Song number 2 first then scroll down to the number 14........ It's not one I put on first to hear but if you are into American spirit right now while we are kicking some......well, listen to this and Brandon, if you get this where you are, listen, you'll like it! love mama.