It's My Birthday

 So it began with a dozen yellow roses -- the most perfect ones I'd ever seen.  Then it continued at the office with another bouquet delivered this afternoon with no name --so I can't say thank you.

 I am blessed to share my birthday with a younger sister of mine; she was born on March 7th when I was 7 years old.  We call each other "Twinling" and I always say I just came out first!  This birthday has been special in a very real, quiet way.  I am 60. There. I've written it "out loud"! It has been a very sobering, not somber or depressing, but sobering number to write.  I realized a number of serious things when thinking about that number, but what it clarified for me was that from now on I'm only going to stitch things I REALLY like.   So went through my stash and pulled out all the things I'd bought on a whim pretty well knowing I'd never stitch them.  Took them to my Monday night stitch group -- where they had a wonderful surprise party -- and handed them out.  And now begins the REAL fun -- starting a couple of new projects I'm really excited about and want to share with you ---
 

 I love all things Scottish Thistle -- this is the first finish and I already know I need to improve that tassel!  But it's hanging on my bedroom door and I love it.

     Next is a skein of Thread Gatherer's Silk n Colors in Willow (or Whisper?!).  The color I've chosen to do my next special project Quaker Christmas II.  As this will hang on my wall year round I wanted  to use a color I could really live with. For the song titles I've yet to choose a coordinating solid green --but that won't stop me from starting this tonight --my birthday gift to me!

 This next one is another fun one by Belinda at Blue Ribbon Designs "Hands to Work Hearts to God" for the top of a Shaker box.  I've had this box for a year and have waited for just the right thing.  The minute I saw this new pattern from Belinda I had to order it.  I have vacation in June and that's when, on my drive to Minnesota to see family, I've penciled in some cross stitch stores so I can stop and buy the materials I need for this.   It's SO perfectly what I was wanting.  Belinda must have been doing a mind probe on me --and that's no small feat!  Many thanks Belinda.

So that's it for the moment.  And as I say often when I post (not-often!)  I read your comments, follow your blogs, and so appreciate being connected with other women who are captivated by this same creative obsession.  Happy stitching all.

may your fingers be flying...Peg