Thursday's post

This Good News was done by Jan in MD ~ lovely! She didn't put the background around 'Good' and stitched in the coral color rather than the green but hey, that's ok - looks terrific!

Chilly day here. Juicy burgers for dinner. Corn on the cob too. Yum. My Lost in Austen DVD arrived so I'm off to watch it and stitch. Week-end is coming and May too. See you then.

more new

I just updated The Sampler Girl website ~ have a look for some tidbits about May releases!

more and soon

Here's more of On Travel with Jane Austen, another little sneak peek for you! I am in love with this design as it wings me to Austen's world so well. Chart to be released soon.

Rainy day here. That kind of gloomy yet cozy weather that makes you want to stay in bed all morning long. Did that. My work is done for the day and as I listen to the rain drops, I think I'll put in Persuasion DVD and stitch myself back to Bath, England. Meet me there?

oh Danny boy

When I saw his audition, I just felt that Danny Gokey would be the next American Idol. I felt the music in my soul. That is the connection that works for me. They are down to 5 and tonight was a good night for all, I thought. Each did very well. I do get annoyed with Adam Lambert though ~ when he hits that note (you know it if you listen regularly!), it makes me want to cover my ears and run from the room. Honestly. Too much. I don't like how they all rave over him because he would be perfect on Broadway but just not for this level. I prefer to listen to music sung by rough, beautiful voices like Danny's and Kris'. It's tough ~ down to the wire now. We'll see who goes home tomorrow night. I doubt it's Danny. Do you watch AI? Who is your fav?

this & that on tuesday

This morning after taking Ben to school, Zack and I got McDonalds for breakfast and ate in the Target parking lot. I put him in the front passenger seat next to me with a napkin infront of him with his mcgriddle, hashbrown and milk. He was adorable ~ I wished I had the camera because it was too cute. We munched away and then he turned to me and said, 'So, Mama, what doing now?'

We finished eating and then went in Target. I was pleased to find the DVD for Sense and Sensibility for only $5 ~ I have no idea where my copy of this wonderful movie went so had to get it. I ordered Lost in Austen DVD off amazon at someone's recommendation the other day and look forward to seeing it. Had to qualify for amazon free shipping so added a book, Jane Austen Ruined My Life, which looked to be good. I loved reading all the comments from my P&P post recently. I never get tired talking about Jane Austen and glad there are so many stitching Janeites out there!

It's hot. Not much humidity which is nice but still hot. My eyes have been plagued with dryness and itchness because of allergies. Mom gave me some Refresh Liquigel last night and it is amazing how fast this stuff works ~ like miracle eye drops. Works much better and quicker than Visine so I highly recommend it.

Lots of stitching going on just no pictures to show. New Releases coming out in May so I've been trying to finish up stuff. I haven't been stitching anything by The Sampler Girl models so I have a good supply of other patterns to work on this summer. Ah, summer - can't wait for school to be out. Those lazy days of summer are within reach, I can just about touch them. I know Ben longs for summer vacation. He goes to Richmond on a field trip later this week so that will be a nice break in the school week.

Back to work ~ have a great Tuesday. American Idol tonight!!!

sweep!

Red Sox swept the Yankees this weekend and last night's game was the one I got to watch and sure glad I did!!! Jacoby Ellsbury stole home and wowza, what a surprise and thrill to the fans at Fenway and on the couch! It was awesome to see; last time that happened was 15 years ago I think they said. Red Sox are on a 9 game winning streak. Anyone who loves baseball knows there are highs and lows so it's nice when your team is on such a great high at the start of the season because it's a long way to go to October's World Series.

What is it about Pride and Prejudice?

Last night I watched Pride and Prejudice. The Keira Knightly version. While I'm a die hard 'Colin Firth-is-THE-Mr. Darcy is tops on my list' Jane Austen groupie, this newer version of Austen's novel is growing on me more and more after every viewing. When I first saw it, I thought ick, Keira as Lizzie? No! Donald Sutherland as her Father? Double ick and bad fake accent. Could those scenes when Lizzie stares into the mirror get any more boring?

My favorite parts of this movie, and there are now many, remain the rain scenes and the chuckle Lizzie gives when she sees Pemberley for the first time after refusing Mr. Darcy's proposal ~ ah, what a house. The thoughts that would go through her mind. I didn't intend to watch the entire movie but just wanted an Austen fix but you know how that goes. So 2am approached. Such a timeless tale and what an excellent writer Jane Austen was for her era and one to cross the centuries with a story as if written today. I always delight in finding the familiar quotes leap from the screen as if I had the book open with the words flowing into the air just as they were written and you can tell which are verbatim and which are not if you know your Austen.

While Persuasion remains pretty high on the Jane Austen novel list for me, I love all her writings. Such stories of depth and desire ~ such longing and when you say the word, longing, how it feels as it rolls off the tongue is how it is conveyed by Jane to the reader. The very essence of it and there you have it. The siutations these characters find themselves in and how much time goes by in the interim can be frustrating but then all the more are we captivated. How often I deeply wish, as you other Janeites out there do, that she wrote more novels for us. But it wasn't meant to be. We crave her stories all the more and embrace the novels we do have. My husband asked why they have to keep making new versions of the novels. I laugh and try to explain to my own Mr. Darcy that you can never have enough tellings of her works. We have our favorite versions but all the more merrier are we with more to read and more to view of the Austen world.

I designed Pride and Prejudice Sampler in my Jane Austen Inspired designs some time ago and think I need to design another one based on this novel because clearly I can't get enough of these characters!

Now for thoughts on dinner...

soon

On Travel with Jane Austen Sampler will be available soon ~ here's a sneak peek for you! I really love the softness of the colors.



I've removed Fanny and Lucy, a Russian Sampler Pattern from the website as it will be included in The Sampler Girl Companion Booklet Four, available this summer.

Bookclub tonight = girls night out. Beautiful weather weekend coming, enjoy yours!

seen lately

*Zack trying to put on my flip flops
*old coins
*a pollen covered slide...and then someone's pollen covered pants
*a great catch
*tic tacs pulled off the drugstore shelf in a frenzy by little hands
*new clothes
*very wet grass
*coupons that make me smile
*ants - go away
*shadows
*a mother robin
*shifting clouds as if to music
*a drivethru clerk who cannot understand a simple order
*hail plunking on my car
*Ben's remaining bandana anklet from August and still on his ankle!
*spring everywhere
*steaming good food
*a healing ankle
*pages and pages of a really, really good book
*Zack holding as many pinecones (he calls them meatballs!) as possible
*Oswald on Noggin and I'm getting sick of his voice
*the inside of a bakery
*Mama's taxi working overtime
*bouncey balls...in a store...down the aisle..thrown by my kids
*laughter
*Oswald again

wacky weather on wednesday

Zack wore his 'warning I'm two' shirt sweatshirt today which invariably always gets comments. One lady bent down to his level and said 'you have to be the cutest thing on the planet' to which Zack said, 'yeah'. We spent the rainy morning at the church for a kids rummage sale. Then we sat in a parking lot to wait out a hail spell. Headed to Subway for lunch in sunshine and left just after a downpour had come. Got home just as thunder clapped in the distance and now it's sunny. Sounds like the makings of a children's picture book!

Yesterday we went to the school book fair which is always a blast. You can never have enough books ~ as far as I'm concerned. Might stop back in there this evening to see what's left. Speaking of books ~ if you enjoy southern fiction, you must try The Help. It's a new hardback by a debut author and wow, it's amazing. I would have stayed up all last night if I could to keep reading it. The writing is perfect and the characters are so real and the narratives of the chapters ~ well, it's fantastic. I can't wait to get back to it tonight.

Ben to be home soon and then baseball practice tonight. Wonder what the weather will do. Hope your midweek is a good one!

By the Sea, free again

Since I started the new .com website, I've received inquiries about previous free charts that were on my other website. I now only offer one free chart at a time and the previous ones are not available any longer but maybe in the future for purchase as a collection. By the Sea gets the most requests lately, maybe it's the time of year as warmer days approach, therefore I'm posting it here. It is from last summer. To make graph larger, simply right click on chart to copy and paste into your word program and print. Enjoy.

By the Sea FREE CHART
Design by The Sampler Girl, copyright 2008
Verse reads: 'A little sea-bathing would set me up forever.' -Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Stitch Count: 60 X 70
X - Red
W - Blue
O - Gold
/ - Teal

random thoughts

*rain, rain, go away
*a song stuck in my head
*chicken + rice + cashews = dinner
*read this book over the weekend and almost done with this one
*sweet-smelling pink hyacinths are in the kitchen
*munched on a salty treat at Trader Joes this morning
*splashed in puddles and got wet
*went down a bumpy road
*watched raindrops slowly fall down the glass
*good horizons
*Zack fed a scottie dog
*lots of napping going on
*great-grandmother would have been 116 today
*iPod is fully charged, for once
*fill birdfeeders
*need to dust
*don't let random thoughts go to cleaning
*hope Cora feels better
*in the process of making more Ohio Quilt Posey kits
*must wash froggie boots of mud
*a new magazine with pretty cover
*bake this week
*laundry calling me
*that's about it

opening day

This morning was Opening Day for Little League. Gorgeous weather. Great day to be at the field. Before their game this evening I convinced Ben to stand still for a few pictures. The team won 14-10! Ben was the starting pitcher and went 3 innings. He had a triple which was awesome and of course that was when I had put the video camera away!

Zack found much delight in the playground nearby and discovered pinecones which contented him for awhile at the stands. He told me he was "making yummies" with them and the sticks I figured out where the spoons.

Tuckered out. All of us. Eager for a slow Sunday. Enjoy yours!

a re~release

One of my favorites. Virtue Sampler. I designed it in 2001 and just re-released it. All details can be found on my website. The sampler verse of 1823 is such a dear one.

Zack is taking a late nap as we lunched long at Mount Vernon Inn with Nancy and her mother who is visiting from Ohio. What fun! Gorgeous sunny, springtime day here ~ not a raindrop in sight. The door is open with the fresh air wafting in for company. Won't you stop in for some afternoon stitching? I'll see you then.

recipes

I've updated my recipe blog ~ stop in if you're hungry for savory or sweet!

a peek

Kirsten at The Gift of Stitching Magazine gave me permission to post a snippet of my design that will be in her July 2009 issue. I'm thrilled with how it turned out so can share this itty bitty peek:

It's another rainy day here. Zack splashed in nearly every puddle from the car to the grocery store door and then back of course. The clerk said he liked the frog rain boots and wouldn't the world be a happier place if we all had some? I agree. They do put a smile on your face and certainly on every step too. Hope your day is cheerful even if some rain falls into it.

treasures

Over the weekend at The Stone House, I got this souvenir from their gift shop. I have a small grouping of this type handmade pottery so I'm thrilled to have a new one for the collection.

My brother's girlfriend was in Switzerland recently and brought me back a dear pair of Stork scissors. I cherish them and have to make a special scissor fob for them.

Awhile back I ordered these adorable prints off etsy.com. A gal on my Jane Austen stitching group had told me about them and I had to get them, especially for The Sampler Girl one! I need to frame them up and hang near by my desk.

I received gorgeous goodies and such from Kelmscott Designs today. All are beautiful treasures, Paula!

Received an order from Lakeside Linens of 'maple sugar' and 'light examplar' which made this rainy day a brighter one too. My 'butterscotch cookie' linen from Sassy Fabbys is a wonderful shade too.

Zack and I began our day at the library for a puppet show with a 'be healthy' theme. Puppets acted out basics like how you should sneeze into your arm, cover your mouth when you cough, wash your hands when dirty, what happens when you get shots at the Dr, and stuff like that. Zack liked the stickers. He was eager to see the puppets upclose afterwards.

The birds are back!

more rain ... more ducks

Sara in Italy finished Spring Rain into a pencil box! How fun ~ sweet and practical. She stitched it on 40ct linen.

More rain is expected here tomorrow. An inch to be exact. Sure was lovely to have the sunshine yesterday and today, but now little Zack will delight in wearing his froggie rain boots to a puppet show tomorrow.

Easter Sunday

'The first sparrow of Spring!

...The brooks sing carols and glees to the spring.'
~Henry David Thoreau

Easter~versary

Well, that's what we call it. Tomorrow, April 12th is our 13th wedding anniversary and Easter. Extra special day for us. Today we celebrated by going into Georgetown. The rain was going strong when we headed out but eventually ended and now the sun is out. The birds are tweeting and alls right with the world.

We lunched at Old Glory but first stood in a rainy line at Georgetown Cupcake for our sweet desserts. There were about 30 people in line ahead of us and many more joined the queue. This place is famous for its cupcakes and they didn't disappoint. There were gorgeous white hydrangeas outside of the shop which entertained Zack for a short while, until he saw a puddle. Yep, those rain boots were active today! We toured The Old Stone House with its 18th century room decor. Their garden in back was lovely and so green with the rain as drink. We enjoyed meandering there a good while.

We got back around 4 and now all are quiet. My turn to curl up. Have a cozy night.

reading

Wow. I finished The Lace Reader last night and wow. What a story. What an ending!!! If you haven't read it and love pageturners, then read this one. Wow. Here's a link with more info on the book. Afterwards I started Cassandra and Jane (thanks for the loan, Betty!) and already halfway through it.

The rain started sometime during the night and still going strong. I hope for a break it in soon as we are headed into Georgetown. Happy Saturday!

just duckie

Jennifer D. sent in this finish of Spring Rain ~ how cute! I adore the little bunny sitting nearby.

This afternoon I spent way too long looking at frogs, chicks, rabbits, ducks, platypuses, sheep, puppies, bears, & some unidentifiable stuffed animals in colors I just know are not normal for animals. They were all grouped (more like in a big clump) together in a long shelf at Target. I think the Easter aisles grow every year. There are less candy assortments (I still never found the M&Ms) and more items that have either candy stuck to it or a bunny motif somewhere on it to make it Easter-y. I managed to find a normal little bunny with floppy ears for Zack and went to other stores to get bits and pieces of yummies and fun to complete their baskets. I keep it simple but goodness; you really have to search for the simple! Even the baskets they market with this stuff are just ridiculous and extreme, not to mention pricey for what it is. When I was a kid, the Easter Bunny brought me a basket of chocolate and a stuffed animal which was 9 times out of 10, a bunny. Normal colored. No neon one with weirded out eyes or a bag of candy gluegunned to his tail.

Before heading home, I stopped in a favorite store, one from my childhood actually, and bought some penny candy and some for me. Afterall, this bunny did a lot of working this afternoon making her way among other last minute candy-bunny seekers, and with a sprained ankle that won't quit. Off to rest it ~ enjoy your night.

a simple day is always best

You know how I love simple days. We took bread to feed the ducks near the river today. It's quite breezy and still chilly; we only found three ducks. They were glad for the bread. One even flew off and then came back to splash dive into the water; it made us giggle so hard. I love my own little ducks. What blessings they are to me from above; thank you, dear God, for my Ben and my Zack.

sharing

Sara in Italy emailed in her finish of Sarah's Spring Sampler 1765 ~ lovely! Great frame.

This week Staci sent in her Dash Away All ornie which is precious. She is on a holiday-stitching kick! I love the ribbony hanging finish of it.

Lillie shared with me some mail art with one of my older free charts. How sweet!

Jan stitched Oh Mother Dear for her mother and had Vonna put it on a sweatshirt ~ how clever!!

I have a design to be in the July 2009 issue of The Gift of Stitching Magazine. If you don't already subscribe, you better sign up because you don't want to miss out!

the kids meal

Let's face it. It's all about the toy. Sure it's a bargain, the kids meal, but we're paying for the toy. I'm convinced. Through the years we've collected lots of kids meal toys, not only from McDonalds, but mostly. When Ben was about three years old, we scoured every McDonalds location nearby and far away, for Peter Pan boat pieces. You remember that one? Well, it was the best kids meal toy ever. Every week, for about a month, seemed longer, you received a vital part that connected to the other and in the end made an awesome boat with Peter Pan figures. That boat saved us on a trip to MA one year because it entertained Ben for the 10hour trip and back. We still have that wonderful vessel and let me tell you ~ it's a solid toy made to last.

As the years passed on, we have gathered those ridiculous itty bitty video game toys in meals that only those with calculated eye power can view, figures of scary things with parts that don't fit (make it fit, why doesn't it work?), stuffed dogs with big heads (pretty odd), talking animals that don't have visible OFF buttons, and many more. My personal favorite were the Madame Alexander dolls which I confess to buying full price without the kids meal just so I could get the doll!

Ben now refuses kids meals, unless it's free at Moes and he needs a dinner supplement. However, he will complain if he gets a kids cup ~ can you embarrass me more, Mom? Then there's Zack.

Zack adores the happy meal. Zack lives for the kids meal toy. Presently, the strange creature toys of a few weeks ago at McDonalds seem to reside on our Thomas the Train table. I think it's like an amusement park of some kind by now. The trains go through the tunnel ~ up the bridge and BOOOO, four little scary figures with arms straight out at all times greet the trains at this point. Zack calls them 'happy meal' so I think he's a bit confused.

So today our kids meal toy collection grew a bit. We went to Subway after Trader Joes where we got a balloon to ease the line frustration. No, they didn't offer me one. At Subway, Ben opted for the foot long sub while Zack got his usual kids meal. We took it home to eat and I must say, the toy, if you call it that, within is really cool. I think we might have to get another in case we lose this one. See how my mommy brain works? Anyhoo, it's a little red backpack with the Little League logo on it. Zack was puzzled at it on his back ~ couldn't get the thing off and began turning in circles to find it. I had to leave the room to laugh. It was hilarious. So back to the room I went and helped him put toys in the back, put it on his back and repeat a few times. Even Ben assisted him which was too cute. Ah yes, another kids meal toy to add to the lot but this one at least is practical! Of course it isn't safe because of the cording so I guess it is a toy afterall.

When I was a kid, I remember McDonalds plates and glasses. Woo hoo ~ I played with those for hours, I'm sure. What about you? Do you have a kids meal favorite? Is there one I need to know about so we can venture there tomorrow and get?

New Free Chart ~ Spring Rain!

Today has been a springy, rainy one but the sun is trying to push through the clouds. I have a new freebie for you, fittingly named, Spring Rain. If you stitch it up, email me a picture of your finish and I'll show it off here! Enjoy.

Spring Rain FREE CHART by The Sampler Girl 2009
Spring is here! Time to splash in the puddles just like this trio of ducks.

Stitch Count: 45W X 34H
Finished Size on 30ct: 3” X 2.5”
V DMC 3347

/ DMC 926

DMC 3787
X DMC 646

O DMC 783

waiting on Monday

For a break in the rain so we can run to the post office. Ok, so I won't be running. Thank you for the well wishes on my ankle ~ the hobbling continues but the swelling has gone done greatly and I'm able to get around again now. You sure do take things for granted, like walking on both feet. I've sprained my ankles many times through the years and after every incident I remind myself to look down more when I walk ~ let's hope it sticks this time.

I have been in a Jane Austen mood lately (new designs do that to me, hint, hint...) so last night I enjoyed my Masterpiece Theater's DVD version of Persuasion. I think a little Bath, England, restored me wonderfully.

Ok, now to round up my little ducks and head out. Enjoy your Monday!

Friday finish & Tulips gone wild!

While keeping my foot up this week, I've enjoyed some stitching time and finished this design by Pineberry Lane. I love it! It has my grandmother's maiden name initials which is extra sweet and after stitching the date, I realized I should have put her birthdate instead but I'm not ripping it out now!

My kitchen tulips have gone wild. Kinda like my week. Ha!

My Spring Sprain ~ Ben's Spring Break

Just before dinnertime on Tuesday, Zack wanted to play outside. Hand in hand we went out the front door and as when we stepped off the front stoop, I missed and fell on my left ankle. Zack fell forward and thank you Jesus, was fine. He had a bump on his forehead but was right as rain minutes after. Me? Not so good. The swelling has gone down somewhat and today I'm able to hobble around but still can't get very far. DH got some crutches for me yesterday but I must be crutches-challenged because I can't master these sticks. I'm trying. I'm propped up at the computer for a few more minutes and then it's back to the ice.

Ben is on spring break now through Easter. Sure hope this foot mends in time for some egghunting. Rainy day here ~ perfect for my mood. Walk a lot for me this week-end.