Mom, Part IV

There are so many great moms in the world. . . . past and present.  My mom is one of them!  She always put her family ahead of herself and stood by each of us with unconditional love.  Even when my brother and I were teenagers!  To this day, she is there for me in more ways than I can count.  When I was thinking about where to start this last blog post before her actual birthday, I was overwhelmed with the knowledge of what a true blessing she is to those that know her.  

That includes me mom!!

The photo comes from 1965 when we lived in Indiana.

Mom, Part III

Showcasing mom's life with her 80th birthday fast approaching wouldn't be complete if I didn't show you a photo from the day she married my dad in 1951. 

Dad had been in the navy and was anxious to marry mom but his release from service was delayed a number of times.  When they finally said their "I do's", it was a simple ceremony in my grandparents home with just family present.  The war years were so uncertain for them and I know they were more than ready to begin their lives together at that point.  

Mom and dad were able to reach their milestone 50th anniversary before dad passed away.

Mom is enjoying the trip down memory lane on this blog and I know she is enjoying your comments!

Mom, Part II

This is the only photo of mom as a young child.  

She was born during the depression and times were tough at home.  This photo was taken when a traveling photographer came to the house one day and my grandma decided to have pictures taken.  I am so glad she did!  Mom. . . . this is one of my favorites and I know it's one of yours too! 

I love photos of family.  The old photos are especially near and dear as they let us peek into the lives of family before even we ourselves were born!

Mom still loves to read.  In fact I gave her a book the other day that she finished already.  That must mean she isn't doing much stitching.  :)

Mom's Birthday Week!

I'm in a different mode this week. . . . . no stitching or designing. . . . . .just party prep for mom's 80th birthday party on Saturday. I can't spill any secrets here or she'll find out (she reads the blog!). 

Mom. . . . this week is all about you!  

I'm starting off with a photo of you when I was just a baby.  You are as pretty now as you were then. 

 

Everyone else. . . . keep stitching!!

Diane

Father's Day

Any fathers reading my blog?  If there are, I am wishing you a happy Father's Day!  Nikki made her dad a cake today. . . . . . .banana. . . . one of his favorite flavors.  It's one of Nikki's too.  It's so moist it's just falling apart!

My dad has been gone for a while now but I still remember him well.  This photo goes way back and I have no recollections it it myself.  But it's still a favorite of mine and I decided to share it with you.

Hope everyone has a happy week. . . . . stay cool!

Diane

Just a note. . . . . .

Melicent Turner and Pine Tree Inn were shipped to our distributors today.  You will see them in shops close to the week of the 27th or thereabouts.

It's 104 in Tucson today.  Stay cool!

Happy Stitching,

Diane

Summer Silk Seasons Design

My friend Renee finished the Summer Monochromatic Season design and I wanted to share it with you.  She did a beautiful job stitching (she's one of my model stitchers!).  It makes me think blue skies, blueberries, water and cool breezes off the ocean (I wish!).  This could easily be stitched on a whole range of different fabrics to create a completely different look.

Happy Stitching,
Diane

The Hummingbird

 Hummingbirds remind me of my dad.  His birthday would be tomorrow if he were still here.  Ron recently bought a hummingbird feeder and is getting as much joy from the bird as dad did.

I

Tap the pictures to enlarge.  He's a sweet litle guy.

Diane

My Cubby

I have had so many people email about the cubby I bought at Pottery Barn.  They still have it and now ship internationally!!!!   HERE!

Cubby - Pottery Barn Photo from the link above

This is an awesome display for your ornaments or small finishes.

Diane

Gracie and the Arizona heat. . . . . . . .

Had I ever mentioned that Gracie does not like the heat. . . . . . .at all?????  She is the biggest baby in the summer, wanting to spend all of her time indoors except when she is playing in the hose or out for an early morning walk.  Her brother Luke still comes to play and wears her out a few mornings each week.  They eat ice cubes together to keep cool (the remnants you see on the driveway) and then pass out.

What a baby!!!

And here's Luke. . . .  . .just taking a moment to relax after a ruff-and-tumble morning with his sister!

The Melicent Turner Sampler - 1808

I am so excited to finally reveal my first reproduction sampler.  Not only was it the first I ever charted, but it was the first I had ever stitched.  The stitching experience was wonderful but the charting was not so easy!  I quickly learned that young children in this time period do not remove their mistakes and begin again, nor do they count their threads very carefully.  I encountered one and sometimes three linen threads between stitches which created all types of charting difficulties.  In the end it turned out just great and I am really happy with the results.

Supply details will be available on our web site before we ship to our distributors which is in the middle of the month.  

Keep an eye on my web site today under the heading "Newsletters" as I will be posting our first one later in the day.

Happy Stitching,
Diane

"Pine Tree Inn" and more. . . . . . . .

For all of you pine tree lovers, Pine Tree Inn"!  I know how much I love them and I know many of you do too.  Vonna stitched and then finished this very simply.  The twine really suits the nature of the design.  The supply list is posted on the main web site.

This design will be in shops near the end of the month along with the reproduction, Melicent Turner.

News. . . . . very soon I'll begin posting monthly newsletters to the LHN site.  For many of you this will be a repeat of what you read here on the blog but I'll always include a few extras just to keep you interested.  For those of you who aren't regular readers and want everything in one place for quick access, that's the place to look.   Stay tuned. . . . . . . I think you'll enjoy the addition!

Happy Stitching,

Diane