Off to a good start...

with the first finish of the year! This is for the block swap on my yahoo needlework group. This month's theme is hearts. The design is from The Sweetheart Tree "Kaleidoscope Hearts". Next month's theme is Irish/Celtic. I couldn't find a design that I like for the February theme so I think I will pass.

I started on the Lizzie Kate Calendar yesterday. At C.C. & Co. they didn't have any of the Cashel Light Mocha so I picked a similar color in a 28ct linen. I put a black thread down the center so I can keep all 12 months centered correctly. I had to substitute the Twilight in the January Flip Bit. I used the GAST Limited Edition Twilight which isn't as dark at the WDW Twilight and yet it blends well with the GAST Dunagree which the big "J" in January is stitched with. For the first time in a long time I really enjoyed stitching and spent most of the day yesterday stitching. I am slow stitching but it is steady.

Today I want to stitch some more and I need to get my block mailed out to Mar. It is cold outside and I just want to stay warm.

New Year, New Hope

Gosh, once again I didn't realize that it had been so long since my last post. Life seemed to get in the way. But this year I have goals, not resolutions, I think goals sounds better in some way. Let me list some of my goals, changes in my life and attitude to help me stay positive, which is a goal, and on track to a life that is more enjoyable and productive than the last couple of years have been. I really let my husband and his problems drag me down into a depression. He is only my husband by law and I want to work towards severing this folly of a union.

I want to focus on the big picture, and pray more. I want to avoid judgemental thoughts about others and I want to work at avoiding gossiping. If I learn to focus on others and not myself I can avoid sinking back into the grips of depression. I also want to work on a personal behavior of exaggerating and I know what I mean! I want to work on budgeting my money, saving money and paying bills on time. I would really like to work on having $1000 in a savings account by year's end. I want to force myself to go to work, even when I feel like staying home. I can only call in when deathly ill. I want to start taking walks around the neighborhood with my girls. I want to really begin enjoying the hobbies I have, needlework, sewing, cooking, baking, reading and collecting recipes. I want to enjoy life again, focus on my blessings.

This blog is a letter to myself and I want to remain faithful to myself.

On today's agenda, the thrift shop for priceless treasures, laundry, making my Amish Friendship Bread...the starter is ripe. I want to beat the girls at least a half dozen times today, I am just joshing! I want to work on my Swap Block today. Pic to follow. I will enjoy the day and pray. Love, Me