Happy New Year

Happy New Year to my dear stitching friends! I know something looks really strange below... other than the photo being a bit overexposed because I just do not have this photography talent... I loved this little Oakhaven Yahoo Group freebie that came out last year... I started it at some point, got annoyed by the many color changes in the lettering, tucked it away... and just found it a few days ago while tidying up a little bit in my stash room. So, I managed to finish it last night, still in 2012, so I figure it's all good, right?

Happy New Year 2012 Oakhaven Designs 32 ct Silvery Moon Linen, DMC Floss 2012 was a mixed year for me. My NH psychotherapy practice, although is only one day a week, has begun to take off quite well. My MA practice continues to thrive. I am contracted with more health insurance companies than I can count, and as a result, I do get a really nice mix of different types of clients and issues to address. This year has brought more relationship and marriage counseling to my practice than ever before. My CE (continuing education) was off the charts this year. I seem to be addicted to continuing education. I think that points to my innate desire to get my doctorate, but my age and wanting to keep our finances stable as we spiral towards the last decade before retirement age keeps me from doing anything at all with that desire. The time has come to think about retirement planning, not spending $200-$300K on more education. It just cannot be. On the health front, well I still have my tinnitus and my really pain neck, shoulders and back. I have come to the conclusion that the two issues are likely not related. Still without any health insurance here, I do my best to make the most of any appt I do get with any doctor. It is unfortunate that my neck, shoulder and back issues likely come from stitching - as in very poor, curled up, leaning to the left posture when stitching. When I grip my stitching I feel pain for a bit, then it passes. Next day it is awful in my left wrist and hand. Huh. My tinnitus appears to be linked to my deviated septum and bone spur in my left nostril. Really, really need to see my ENT and see what we can do about it, and what that will cost. I have an orthotic for TMJ now, and my headaches are signficantly relieved by this, at times... the little electric shocks under my skin from menopause cause me great confusion re: my TMJ as at times the shocks (hormone decline) sometimes are like a starburst in back of my head or curl up as if from my jaws to the top of my head. That is that on the health front. It is why I do not stitch or blog much any longer. Am on Facebook, though. Nice to see some of you over there. In general, I have to pace myself better in all areas of my life. Hoping for the best for all of you in 2013!!

Homespun Elegance Ornaments

Here is to hoping that all of my Christian friends had a lovely Christmas yesterday... I have a couple more ornaments that I finished up in the last few days..

Blessings To All Ornament Homespun Elegance Free chart Here- scroll down 40 ct Natural Linen, WDW, GAST and DMC Floss

Pomegranate Joy Ornament Homespun Elegance JCS 2012 Christmas Ornament Issue 32 ct R&R Reproductions Creek Bed Brown Linen, DMC, Crescent Colours, WDW Floss

Lots of Christmas Ornaments

I heard a couple of days ago from Jayne (cannot find her blog link now) that she received the ornament I stitched for her for the HoE Stitcher's Choice Christmas Ornament Exchange. I wanted to get it out to her as quickly as possible, so I only took a quick snap of it before I mailed it off to the UK... praying Jayne would take a nice photo and put it in the HoE or her own blog. Unfortunately, she did not... so all I have is my quick snap... sigh...

Christmas Eve Ornament Pickle Barrel Designs JCS 2012 Christmas Ornament Issue 36 ct Flax Linen, WDW Floss

And here is a photo I put up on Facebook today of the four lovelies I have received this month...

I received this beauty from my dear friend Margaret earlier this week. She says it is a Drawn Thread design. I am behind the times, I did not recognize it. Such a beautiful ornament, thank you Margaret... you are a love.

I also received this other beauty from Marie, another really dear friend, this week. Wow, she somehow found a Shepherd's Bush pattern I also was not familiar with. How beautiful are these ornaments, right??

And a much better shot of the sweet Drawn Thread ornament that Katrina sent to me too...

I have here a much better photo now of the beautiful Homespun Elegance ornament that I received from Lillie for the HoE Stitcher's Choice Ornament Exchange :-)

Lovely Ornaments from Lovely Friends

I am so blessed to have these two new lovely ornaments on my tree - both stitched by very, very good stitching pals of mine! I apologize immediately for how very dark these photos are. I only just now had a chance to take the photos, and it is only 45 minutes from sunset here in New England, and it snowed last night and is rather dreary here today.... but here they are:

I received this lovely ornament from my old stiching pal Katrina today. I just love it. Katrina has blessed me with a new Christmas ornament for my tree for more years than I can count. I, of course, also stitch one for her. I always look so forward to what treat she will send each year. This year, a simply stunning Drawn Thread Santa for me! Wish you could see it in better light (maybe on Katrina's blog soon??)... thank you so much Katrina. Another one for me to cherish!

And, a few days ago, another beauty arrived! This one is from Lillie for the HoE Stitcher's Choice Christmas Ornament Exchange. I believe this one is by Homespun Elegance. Equally as stunning as the one from Katrina! Oh, she sent me some goodies too - some trims, tiny other ornaments... in a fit of cleaning, the trims went up to my stash room. Ooops!!! Maybe Lillie will put up a better photo of this on her blog soon too. I love, love, love my two new ornaments, and even more special they are from my friends!

Tiny Stocking Ornament Attempts

OK.... so I attempted to make my first pair of JBW teeny, tiny Christmas stocking ornaments.... geesh, wish cutting out a template was easier for me to do... some of that skill, some don't. Drove myself nuts yesterday.... here are my results...

Chalet with Snowflakes JBW Designs 32 ct White Belfast Linen, DMC 4210

Reindeer JBW Designs 32 ct White Belfast Linen, DMC 4201 Both stitch 1*1 Sigh....

Gift for Katrina

Heard last night that Katrina has received the little Christmas ornament that I stitched up for her... perhaps my longest running stitching/blogging pal, we trade ornaments annually.... even if we do not have much contact during the year. She says this wee one is on her little girl's tree, and I am tickled by that idea!! I am also remarkably surprised at how quickly the postal service got this from NH to New Zealand... a week!

Greetings from New Hampshire Ornament Lindy Jane Designs 40 ct Natural Linen, DMC and WDW Floss