It's been a while...

I know I haven't updated in a while (for me that is) but it's been a little overwhelming here lately.  I'm not looking for sympathy, and I dearly love my friends and family, but for goodness sakes, give me a break!!!  I was going great guns with my stitching, but that all came to a screeching halt last week.  

My British friend and I usually exchange a combination of Birthday and Christmas gifts once a year.  This past year was so chaotic that we never got to exchange gifts until after the first of the year.  So...we decided to exchange in July from now own.  Ok, so I picked out a few things to send, then started stitching.  Since they are surprises, I've not posted pictures but then it looks like I'm not stitching...haha.  Anyway, I'm going to show a few snippets, nothing to show exactly all of what I'm stitching, just because I wanted to write something...haha.  Here are snippets of a few of the things I'm sending...

and this one is fully stitched...I'm throwing it in just for fun!  

Yesterday a former coworker and I got together as she had something she was selling and brought it to me.  We went to the thrift store afterward as she was looking for some lamps.  Never one to turn down a bargain...I began searching for things I can use for finishing.  I found a few things.  First off was this clock.  I have already removed the clockworks because I plan to use this as a frame eventually.  Despite what looks like damage, it is meant to look vintage.  Not sure I like the color, but I can always paint it.  

I also found all these frames of different sizes.  

And can you believe this poor needlework was just tossed aside...yes I had to rescue it.  I may use the frame for something else and make this needlepoint into an ornament instead.  (Not a fan of the purple mat).  

I found this lovely little jewelry box so I'm going to stitch something for the top and use it for myself.  I know it has a few "dings" but I think I have a pen that will cover them up...besides I like a little character.   

And I found these lovely little plates.  

All of this for $30.00!!  I haven't shown pictures of the Soed Idee Quaker SAL so here is where I am at the moment.  Part 12 has been published, but I've only finished part 11.  I'm hoping to get to that before the next part is published.  Wish me luck!  

Seems lately there has been a lot of craziness, late requests, running around and changed plans.  I'm a planner, so when things come at me out of the blue, I can only take rolling with the punches for so long.  Whew, had to get that off my chest.  My dearly loved husband has seen what it's doing to me, and has decided I need some time away, so he has organized a trip soon.  Whew...but here goes the "planning me" in action.  So much to do before we go...lol.  We spent all day Saturday making plans and reservations, no turning back now!  I'm excited to be going, and fortunately there is time to get my act together, but I know I'll be super busy until we are in the car ready to go.  I'll be near one of my favorite stitching shops, so there are lists to be made, and projects to organize and kit.  Is it time to go yet?  LOL!!  At least now I have something to look forward to instead of a mountain of things on my TO DO list.  So...if you don't hear from me for a while...don't panic.  I'll be back eventually...haha.  I'll try to take pictures, but I plan on just living in the moment.  Until then...Happy Stitching!