Prayers for Paris

It is with a heavy heart I write this post.  I've been thinking about what I wanted to say for a few days.  I like my blog to be about happy things, about creativity and the fun I have with my guys.  But I also want to record events that touch me, and so I'm going to write about Paris, and my reaction to the horror that has happened there.

Many of you know my husband was in the military and he was stationed in Germany when the events of September 11, 2001 happened.  Someone called me (it was the middle of the day there) and told me the US was under attack.  I turned on my TV in time to see the second tower hit.  I couldn't not watch, just as I couldn't not watch when they showed pictures of the chaos in Paris. My thoughts immediately went to how I felt that day, the fear and uncertainty, wondering how people could do something so horrendous in the name of "god".  I don't understand it, I will never understand it.  But I do know that the only thing I can do at times like this is pray to God and ask Him to help the people of France, to guide the leaders in what they must do next, to relieve suffering both physically and mentally, and to fill me with compassion for those affected by this tragedy.  Not just the victims and their families, but also for those who committed these violent acts.  I do not hate Muslims, nor terrorists, nor anyone else who doesn't share the beliefs I hold dear, but I don't condone what they have done either.  We are called to love them, and so I shall with God's help.  And so to the people of France I send my heartfelt condolences, and offer fervent prayers for your safety, for healing, and for hope and peace.

November Gifted Gorgeousness...

Wow...time is flying by so fast I sincerely can't keep up with it all.  I haven't stitched much this month, I've been away in Northern NY staying with my Mom for a few weeks, made a mad dash home to Maryland for a week, and will be headed back soon.  Mom has been having issues with her leg and will be having surgery soon but there is a lot to do to get her house ready for this, making pathways a little wider to accommodate a wheel chair and things like that.  So...little time for stitching...breathing is about all I can handle at the moment!  LOL

So....what do I have for the Gifted Gorgeousness SAL this month?  Hm...well I stitched a few things for others, and had something stitched for me.  If you want to know what this SAL is all about, you can find information about it here.

If you want to see what others have posted this month, you can see their posts here.

I did partake in a Needle book exchange and my partner finally received hers, so I can show you both of ours here.  Here is what I stitched for her...

And this is what I received.  I was truly spoiled, and feel awful that I didn't include more in her package.  Sorry Denise, you got the short end of the stick (I was making a mad dash to get hers in the mail before I left for my Mom's house and didn't really have time to think about what I should include).  I really love my Needle book, and will be putting it to good use, I can assure you!  Thank you so much!!  (I forgot to include the little tin that came with it...and Denise must know I'm a box-a-holic...haha.)

Sorry, Mouse, I'm going to post the pictures of what I'm sending you for your quilt.  I stitched this little mouse to put in a shaker pin cushion.  It didn't fit...even though it was stitched on 36 count over two, it was just a tad too big, and since I promised I would stitch a square for your birthday quilt, hopefully this will work.  

I also stitched this for your quilt...even though it's not your favorite flowers, or a purple butterfly, I thought it would make a pretty addition to your quilt.  I hope you like it...and it's in the mail, so should get to you soon!  Happy Early Birthday!!  

I didn't get to stitch on my November picture so not even the beginning of a hint of anything on that.  I'm feeling really bad, my OCD about finishing things on time is kicking in.  Well...I still have a couple of weeks, but given my recent track record, I don't think I'll get it done.  I'll let you know on my next update.  But...who knows when that will be?  Hopefully I'll be back in time for the next gifted gorgeousness.

This will be the first year I didn't participate in the Christmas ornament exchange since I joined the group.  I'm a little bummed about that.  I always enjoy getting something new to hang on the tree.  But though I have a few ornaments stitched (and here is one I finished in NY...this really was all I had time to stitch there!!) they aren't finished into ornaments.  Oh well, there's always next year!!  

Off to pack my bags...I'll be headed north in the next few days (I had planned to leave tomorrow, but headaches are preventing me from getting myself packed...please let the weather stay clear for another 3 weeks....I'm a snow weenie and haven't had practice in quite a few years...I'm not ready to brave the great white north just yet!!)