This is the stuff...

Hi folks!  Did you miss me?  Sorry I haven't been around for a day or so...life keeps kicking me in the shins!  

Let's start with the most recent starts...shall we?

I had to work Thursday, stayed later then I thought I would and got a late start on my crazy 19.  I didn't get much stitched, but at least I got a start.  This is "Too Scared" from Aury TM and is part of the Snow Row series.  I love these little quaker snowmen!!  It's stitched on 32 ct. Sea Spring over two using DMC floss.

Today I had a stitch date with my buddy, Sonya.  I haven't really had any quality time with my stitch buddy in months and it was great to have a day to sit and chat and drink tea and catch up on all the news while we stitched.  Today I started the Red House Sampler from The Sampler Company by Brenda Keyes.  It's stitched on 40 ct Newcastle over two using the recommended DMC floss.  I am having a wonderful time stitching on this piece, the fabric feels so good in my hand and it's just a joy to stitch...or maybe it was just because I was stitching with my friend.  Thanks for a great day Sonya, I feel so much better!  *Hugs*

As I said, Sonya and I haven't seen each other in ages, and she had a Christmas gift for me.    This was a model hanging in my LNS and I have admired it many times...I guess the pattern has been discontinued so it was taken off the wall.  I brought it home and have it hanging on my wall.  I don't know who stitched it, but what a lovely job they have done.  I LOVE it, thanks so much, Sonya!!

I got a package in the mail today, courtesy of Ms. Mouse!  We have a little "give and take" going on, and I've been sending her patterns, so she sent me some fabric.  I've been hearing about Sparklies fabric and she sent me some "Gingerbread" to give it a try.  Oh...what a lovely color, and I'm sure the picture doesn't do it justice...I will have to look around for something to stitch on it...thanks so much, Mouse...I can't wait to stitch on it!!

That's it for the stitching news, the rest is more personal, so if you are squeamish you might want to stop reading now.  LOL  I have a little update on the health issues I've been having.  I had a 6 month check up last week and they felt some lumps which led to a sonogram where they thought they saw some fluid accumulation.  That led to an MRI, which turned out that apparently I have some leakage in the reconstruction I had done.  I have been wondering (seriously) if that might be the case, I've experienced some discomfort and redness for some time...and though I had it checked out months ago, they, of course, didn't take me seriously.  I really should learn not to second guess my instincts.  Anyway I will have an appointment with the Plastic Surgeon early  next week, so I'll keep you posted.  From the research I've done my guess is there is more surgery in my future.  *Heavy sigh*  I'll share with you that at first I was pretty discouraged.  I mean, I was finally back to work, and though I've been tired, things were getting back to normal.  I don't know what will happen now, and I don't know how long it will be before I'm back to work.  It's funny though, as I was driving to Sonya's today I was listening to a CD that DH had given me for Christmas.  A song came on called "This is the stuff" by Francesca Battistelli and here are the lyrics...

"This Is The Stuff"

I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please 'cause I can't find my phone

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this the stuff You use

45 in a 35 sirens and fines
While I'm running behind
Whoa ho ho

This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
In the middle of my little mess,
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations
I've got a new appreciation
It's not the end of the world
Whoa ho ho ho

Oooooh This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff
Someone save me
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I'm blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this the stuff You use

Whoa whoa ho ho
This is the stuff You use. 

You can hear the song here.

I can so relate to the line.."In the middle of my little mess, I forget how big I'm blessed" and I think this has become my new anthem!  LOL  I will have my moment of "pity partying" but in the end I'll get over myself and find something to give thanks for and praise the work He's perfecting in me.  Thank you to those who have been praying for me and giving me moral support.  You know who you are, and you mean the world to me!  Love you guys!!  *Hugs*

Tomorrow is DH's birthday and we are expecting a snowstorm tonight.  I'm not sure what we'll be doing so if you don't hear from me, don't worry...I'll be back as soon as the dust settles.  With this news, I'm not sure if I'll continue with the crazy challenge or not, I'll give it some thought over the next couple of days.  I'll let you know soon!  Have a great weekend!