Happy Birthday, America!...

 

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote...

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote

You know how I dislike cutting out the pieces for new projects, right? I usually cut one day and sew the next. Yesterday was different. I cut and completed the tote for my sister in a few hours, and man, was I chuffed when it was finished.

So, here's the tote I made for her. She wanted it to be highly patriotic, so I combined navy and red cork, eagles and flags on the exterior pocket, and "America" and flags on the interior.

I sent photos to her when it was finished, and she whooped she was so tickled. She'll be in town today, but I'll likely see her in the morning when she comes out (with Grace!!!) to pick it up. She's excited to get her tote, and I'm equally excited to meet Grace (her new Corgi). I'll be sure to have Bella and Carly crated so no one bullies the puppy.

Yes. I'm still doing laundry. It's wonderful to have a second (and first) story clothes chute to the basement, but it can be a shock to see what's accumulated when you go into the basement. I'm going to keep after it until its all done and put away...and the basement it back to normal. 

I want to make curtains for the basement windows, too, so once the laundry is finished, I'll probably get after that project. I want something that will let the light in, but won't allow views into the basement from outside. I'll probably just choose a white cotton muslin. No frills. Just something practical and simple.

That won't happen until next week for sure. In the meantime, I'll work on my needlework in between loads of laundry. I work tonight, and then I'm off until Tuesday. I'm sure I'll accomplish something between now and then! 

Happy Weekend!

Independence Day...

Web image

Today marks the 239th Birthday of our great nation.  

In our home, we'll celebrate everything that makes this country great. We'll contemplate all of the events that have brought the United States to this point in our history. We'll pray for our nation and all the struggles and challenges we have yet to face.

Today is a day for counting blessings, thanking all those who went before us, as well as those who currently serve America. They all fought for the freedom we enjoy today.

Today we'll watch parades and fireworks displays. There will be picnics (with red,white and blue cake!) and swimming, and games with children all over our country. Today we'll take time to remember, give thanks...and play.

From our family to yours...

Happy Independence Day!

God Bless America.

Memorial Day 2014...

Web image

 

The Problem With Pinterest...

I love looking around on Pinterest. There are so many wonderful things to see. But 

there's a problem with Pinterest. If you "graze" around there, too, you probably already 

know what I'm about to tell you. Pictures don't always link back to the original source.

This gorgeous patriotic quilt is just such an example. I am smitten with this quilt.

I love everything about it...the colors, the theme, the applique' work. Everything!

And after going back as far as I was able through Pinterest, I then "Googled",

"Binged" and "Yahooed" in an attempt to learn more about it. Do you think I

was successful? GAAAHHH! No such luck. That's where all of you come in.

All I was able to discern from my attempts was that this quilt was created by 

a very talented woman named Teresa Wade. I'd sure love it if any of you were

able to help me find out more about this quilt. Who designed it (was it Teresa)?

Does she have a blog or pattern company? How can I find out more about her?

If you know anything at all about this quilt, or are able to find out more, please

email me through the button on my right sidebar. I can't tell you how grateful I'll be.

Oh, and one more thing...If I am the original pinner of something I see on the web,

I always add the url for the original in my description. I think it would be a great

idea if everyone who pinned something did the same thing. It's not only great for

helping others find the original source, but it's the polite thing to do, too. 

Credit where credit is due, after all.
Thanks.

UPDATE 04/26/13:  I've got the best blog friends in the world!!!
I received two replies to my inquiry. I just knew you'd be able to help me out!
The information is as follows: This pattern is called "Patriotic Rose", by Janet Miller
of The City Stitcher. © 2002 It's available through The Quilters Warehouse.
Thank you to friends, Carolyn L. and Ruth for pointing me in the right direction.
(I've already ordered my copy and updated my pin to include the new information.)
I'm sending HUGE hugs of gratitude to each of you! 

ANOTHER UPDATE: Thanks also to Danice who sent a message about a way to
track pins to their original post. She informed me that Graphics Fairy has a tutorial.
You can click here for more information. I know I'll get a chance to try it again soon!

Tuesdays With Tag - Remembering 9/11...

 Tag is taking the day off today so that we can all honor those

who were lost on that sad and shocking day in our history.

"Through blurred eyes we find the strength and courage to soar beyond the

 moment. We look to the future knowing we can never forget the past.

God Bless America."

We Will Never Forget

Tag will be back next week.

Simply The Best...

Lalate News Photo

I had plans for a different post today, but I've been enveloped with the spirit of the Olympics. I watched the performances of so many talented athletes last night, but found myself cheering for the performance of the all-time greatest Olympian.

AP Photo

Michael Phelps, along with his three teammates, he swam into Olympic history as they swam into the recordbooks. In an uncharacteristic anchor position, he took the team home to victory. Along with teammates Ryan Lochte, Conor Dwyer and Ricky Berens, he captured his 19th medal (this one gold) in the 4x200 meter relay.

As if that event alone weren't enough excitement for one evening, there was also the competition for #1 in group gymnastics. (This event actually took place before the relay, but I decided that Michael's achievement should get top billing. Writer's prerogative. No apologies.)

Getty Images Photo

The collective effort of five young women, dubbed the Fab Five, defeated the Russian women in gymnastics. Jordyn Weiber set aside her personal disappointment at missing the competition for individual performances to help carry her team to Olympic gold.  Team members (left to right) are Jordyn Weiber, Gabriel (Gabby) Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Alexandra Raisman and Kyla Ross.

Alexandra only needed a score slightly above 10 for the team to defeat the Russian women, and she nailed her routine to bring in over 14. The crowd erupted in the North Greenwich Arena when the rankings were announced.

None of these gymnasts are old enough to remember Michael Phelps first medal ceremony, yet, in the words of Bob Costas, they will all remember that they competed for the same Team America the day that they joined him in the record books.

It's reaffirming to know that we still unashamedly celebrate achievement and excellence in America. Go Team USA!

We Will Never Forget...

The World Trade Center circa 1999 AP photo
Taken before September 11, 2001. The day that changed everything.
I remember exactly where I was when it happened. Everyone does.
None of us will ever forget. We shouldn't. We can't. We won't.
Take a moment today to reflect and
know that we are truly blessed to live in this great country.
God Bless America

Remembering Independence Day...

This year, I will take time to again thank our founding fathers for the foresight they had in crafting our Declaration of Independence. No matter how much our country swings left or right, the framers of the Declaration gave us a document that would set limits on elected officials who travel to Washington to represent us.

Those founding fathers risked their lives in service to our country two hundred and thirty three years ago, and subsequent generations have sent their young men and women to war to defend the liberties that make our country so great. We need to remember our country is great because of our people and not our politicians. Our people always remember that we are a great nation founded on great principles. Our people always ultimately do the right thing.

My father enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. This is his service photograph from 1952. He first met my mother while posted in Great Britain.

After graduation from high school in 1975, my brother enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Persian Gulf on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Nimitz. I remember more than a few anxious hours while he was away.

Our family was lucky to have our loved ones return home. Not all families are so fortunate.

This Independence Day, enjoy the picnics and fireworks, but take time to remember the men and women who bravely serve our country every day around the world. Please offer prayers to our God asking for healing for the families who have lost loved ones in the most ultimate sacrifice.

Next time you see a service man or woman, stop to thank them for their efforts and sacrifices that allow us to speak our minds freely, sleep soundly in our beds at night, and live without fear in the best country in the world. No matter how you look at American politics these days...the United States is the most magnificent country in the world.

God Bless America

For a little Independence Day fun, click on the Blue Angels photo on the right to see the Muppets (one of our favorites) with a July 4th musical performance for you!
The first photograph is a Sarasota Herald-Tribune image of a 25' tall statue called "Unconditional Surrender". It is the work of sculptor Seward Johnson and stands on the bay front in Sarasota, FL. It's a pretty incredible sight to drive around the harbor and come "face to face" with this huge kissing couple. Many of us hope that it will remain there for the enjoyment of all.
The last photograph was taken at the Charlotte County Air Show this spring. I took this image of the Blue Angels during their performance that weekend.