To Keep the Heart Unwrinkled....

"To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly cheerful, reverent, that is to triumph over old age." Amos Bronson Alcott

Well, yes, that's my motto for 2008. I'm finding the hopeful bird.... And, as you can see above, I received this very hopeful and wonder-filled gift of St. Reathams, by Long Dog, from my friend Patty Lessell....whom I call Queenie, as a Christmas present. I've kitted it, and changed around the primary color a couple of times, but decided upon "In the Burgandy" by Silk'NColor, it's #074...Thread Gatherer. I think I was in the "Berries" before, but I like the deeper reds of this one. I'm working the hounds in the darkest red in DMC, the alphabet in the variagated red, and then adding the copper and red metallics along the way. That's the story!! Queenie is stitching along with me. She's kitting up with Caron's "African Sunset." Got to be beautiful!

My latest update on "Cirque..." I really wish you could see the sparkles! RATS!! I've used a combination of silver and the light green on the lower left-hand wheel, and a combination of gold thread and the darker green vari. on the mid-section smaller wheels. It's coming together slowly... I just can't get enough of this piece. We were at Martha's Steamy Sunday Stitching group this past Sunday, and her "Cirque.." is awesome. We are saying how much fun and how addictive it is to stitch. If some of you out there are thinking you don't want to take it on...think again!!! I was looking at the Gallery at Ink Circles today. The different interpretations are amazing.

This is just a teaser, actually. My little tiny start on Lynsey's piece in my HAED RR group is right there in the center section! LOL I'm stitching "Autumn Splendor," by Jessica Galbreth, pictured below in full. I had the most fun stitching this section, 1 over 1. Just look at the gorgeous colors, and at Jan's completed face! Remember my tiny "Storykeeper" that I was stitching for Jan's piece earlier this year? I'm loving this RR, and can't wait to get mine back this Spring or Summer.

Finally, I have the most unbelieveably wonderful, hopeful little bird to share with you. It came out of the blue. Truly unexpected, and that is the best kind of blessing! It's the most kindly and caring bird.... For some reason dear Giulia Manfredini read my blog over the holidays and was touched by what I wrote about the joys and sadnesses of Christmas. So, she and I have been writing back and forth and have become friends. Today I received the most wonderful package! See for yourself! I'm so amazed and grateful. Giulia is the designer of GPAntichi, and the gorgeous "Mary Queen of Scots" casket of stitching tools that I can't wait to start stitching. I just love her designs!! But, she's also the most open and lovely woman. My heart is really joyful and humbled tonight.

My last entry is about my DD, Jessica. She showed me today the ultrasound pictures of the tiniest little person you'd ever want to see! It has a darling tiny profile, fingers and toes and arms and legs...it's perfect in every way! It has its life as a blessing from God. And, it has it's life as a gift of thanksgiving to each of you who prayed for Jessica on her journey, too! I just want to take a moment here to thank you so much and to share this small verse with you.

Psalm 39:13-16 "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together ..Your eyes saw my unformed body."

:) Hugs and love, Deb