Saturday, February 06, 2010

Long Overdue Update!

Christmas came and went, children came and went, I went and came back and stitched a little in between. The last 6 weeks have been a storm of emotions, happiness and sadness, full house and empty nest. Today is quiet and I have time to update here.


I had a wonderful experience a couple days ago on the 2nd anniversary of a good friend's death. One birthday, she had given me a small pitcher from England and I began finding them when I traveled and shopped. One from Mexico, another from Poland, you get the idea. Then I stopped finding them even though I purposely would search for them. The 2nd anniversary date, I was in Nevada with a friend and we came upon a clearance rack at a store and the small white pitcher pictured above was on sale for $1. When I looked at it closer, what I thought were little stars on the belly of the pitcher turned out to be X's, as in cross stitch X's and important in my mind since needlework is a love we shared. It wasn't until I bought the pitcher that I realized it was the 2nd anniversary of her death. I've changed and learned through the years and something I would have considered a coincidence years ago, is no longer a coincidence in my mind. Rest in Peace Anne, I miss you.



I received this Engish Cottage Sampler by Chessie and Me for my birthday last year and immediately started working on it. I was so tired of only stitching my own designs and made relatively good progress until Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday seasons began. I just pulled it out again today and think I'll continue stitching it ASAP, the colors are gorgeous.




As mentioned above, I was visiting a good friend near Lake Tahoe and what was supposed to be a week long trip turned into a month due to various factors including a snowstorm. She taught me how to force bulbs so yesterday I planted four Paperwhite bulbs and can't wait for the roots to start growing around the marbles in the bowl.

It turned out to be an excellent idea to stay a month as I feel much better emotionally and physically than I did after Christmas when it got quiet around here again, my kids went back to college and I was sick with pneumonia. Now I feel ready to tackle new projects and get my life back on track. My intuitive daughter told me the other day that we are going through the same problem at the moment. How is that? She said she has had to find a new identity at college as her old identity from high school is gone. She is no longer the Japanese speaking, viola playing, black belt girl. Well, yes, the Japanese is still there as that is her major but she is one of many now and the viola is stored in our hall closet and her black belt is languishing until she finds a group that she feels comfortable working out with. As for me, I've devoted over 20 years of my life to raising kids and suddenly they are gone so I'm rummaging around in my mind, shuffling through ideas and trying to forge a new identity beyond motherhood. I'm still a work in progress.



And now to the good part, this is Nick on Christmas Eve. We were so happy to have him home from Thanksgiving until right after the New Year. He's funny, gentle and artistic and we couldn't ask for a more unique, creative son.




My daughter, Maggie, brought home her boyfriend Noel from college. He stayed with us a week until we put him back on the plane to Seattle Christmas afternoon. Maggie stayed on another week until she too had to return to college. We loved finally meeting Noel, he was all we imagined and hope to get to know him even better in the future and maybe stay in one place for a bit. We hit all the local attractions plus spent 2 nights in Mexico, not to mention Christmas. It was a whirlwind but a fun ride nonetheless. BTW, that's our oldest cat Snowflake in the photo, looking appropriately catlike and cranky.

I'm stitching an ornament for the 2010 JCS Christmas issue plus one for their preview Christmas issue. I'll get back to work now.

12 comments:

Patti said...

Oh my gosh, your story about the pitcher gave me goose bumps.

Love the Chessie & Me sampler. I've always wondered if designers ever stitch patterns from other designers. I guess they do!

Margaret said...

I think you're right about the pitcher -- what a wonderful story.

I just had to say that our daughters Have similar tastes. My daughter has left her viola behind since she's been off to college as well. And she's currently taking Japanese in college as part of her major! Is that a coincidence or what?

Take care of yourself -- hope you're feeling back to normal. My nest isn't quite empty yet -- I have a couple more years yet with my last child.

Pauline said...

What a lovely, interesting post. Thanks for sharing the happy and sad parts of your life. It sounds like your vacation was just what you needed to get your mojo back - and pneumonia? my goodness, you really needed a break!

Catherine said...

What a story about the pitchers! They are lovely and what fond memories you have.

Sounds like your vacation was just what you needed!

Deborah said...

LOL, love the mojo comment, I think that's exactly the right word.
Margaret, how interesting that we have similar daughters! What is her major?

mainely stitching said...

Wow, that's a wonderful story about the pitcher. The universe moves in mysterious ways.

KsMaryLou said...

How wonderful you were able to stay so long with your friend and get to feeling better. It's good to see you back.

joann in tx said...

its great to see updated pictures of your kids! they have turned into very nice looking young adults! i love the picture of maggie holding snowflake, esp. his back paws! :)

interesting about the pitcher. i like your collection the the quilt you have them displayed in front of.

glad your back and sounds like the week long plus trip was just what you needed! :)

Dancing With Pussycats said...

It's great to have you posting again! Nice to have you back. Very glad you had such wonderful holidays with family.

I wondered if you'll be making 7 Virtues/Sins available as you were considering back in November? I'd love to purchase and stitch it.

Deborah said...

I still haven't sent my hard drive in so 7 Sins/7 Virtues is still on the back burner for the moment. Glad to know I was missed ;-)

Teri said...

I enjoyed reading about the pitcher; the one you came across was most certainly a gift from above.

Kathy A. said...

Great post Deborah. Nice to catch up on you and yours. Empty nesting is indeed a challenge but I am confident you will find your place again. Redefining ourselves is good for the soul!

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