I'm sitting here watching the snow fall. My husband told me it would only be rain today...somebody somewhere lied....hahaha. I doubt it will stick, so I'm not worried, but I do feel a little betrayed...I thought winter was over...haha. However, I also have reason to celebrate today.
As you must know by now, having been married to a former soldier (he's retired now, but gave 25 years of his life serving in the military, and is still serving the country in his current job), I've learned to appreciate the freedom we share living in this country. I've been stitching patriotic pieces for years now. I've lived in foreign countries, traveled a bit of the world, and after having those experiences, I understand and truly appreciate the lives we live here in the United States. With this piece that I've finally completed, I've been able to show in stitches, how I feel about our country. I made some changes to the wording to celebrate our 250th year. I've added a few eagles, and paid respect to our flag by eliminating the words on the flag depicted in this piece. Just a little bit about this piece called Let Freedom Ring by Lila's Studio...it is stitched on 35 count Classic Homespun one strand of floss over two fabric threads. I really love the color! I used all the recommended flosses to include Calico Kitten (I kitted this pattern when it was released, whew! I know it's hard to find now!). It has 46,378 stitches. It took 71 days of stitching (not consecutive) and 8 months to complete. I started it on July 4th, 2025, and finished it on March 2, 2026. I enjoyed stitching this and now can't wait to get it framed and hung on my wall. I'll post pictures when that happens. As I was stitching I was wondering what this piece will look like in many years down the road? Will it be a cherished heirloom? Will it end up in goodwill? Or heaven forbid, the trash heap one day. I have some things my Mom stitched, a quilt my grandmother made, and they are keepsakes of mine. I hope that this will be too! Let's hope my son and his family appreciate the work these hands have done, and take care of it when I'm gone.
One last thing before I go. This is my blog, mainly a journal of my stitching, but also of things I feel are important. I honestly wasn't prepared to wake up this weekend with the news that Iran had been attacked. I shouldn't have been, the signs were there that something was about to happen. It had to be done, the talks that have been going on for well over a year were not working. Sometimes you need to take action. I'm heartbroken for the families who lost loved ones, and those who have loved ones in harm's way. I've been in that position before, praying they stay safe and dreading opening the door when there is an unexpected knock. I hope you'll join me in praying for our service men and women, for the innocent Iranian people, for those people in neighboring countries who are unfairly being attacked, for the people of Isreal and for the rest of the world's safety as none of us are safe until this regime has been dealt with. And most of all, pray for our leaders who are making difficult decisions, especially President Trump. I truly believe this was not the way he wanted to go to make peace in the Middle East. My heart is heavy. One of the great freedoms we have is that we have the freedom of speech and while sometimes I feel it is misplaced and abused, I respect that it is your right to say what you want. Please be kind with your comments.
