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A little blog about my big loves; family, friends, stitching and yep, chocolate!

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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Guess Who's Posting?

Dear friends!

     It has been a very long time since I've felt like writing anything for this blog.  Why?  Oh, you know... life.  It has been a kind of hard couple of years (yes, years!) and try as I might to sound cheerful and upbeat, it just wasn't working anymore so rather than post about the blahs, I chose not to post, at all.  I have been on Instagram and Facebook because they don't take as much time or thought.  You don't have to write a lot, just quickly post a picture or a note and you're done.  Blogging, to me, is more personal and requires some time and organization that I wasn't willing to devote time to.  Blogging is more personal.  I've missed it.  More importantly, I've missed YOU!!!  If you're still a follower, thank you!!!  With that, there will be no more.

              No more wallowing.  No more excessive worrying.  No more waiting.  No more pity parties!
It's time to blog!  


First things first.  I'm excited to tell you that my son Tyler is at boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina.  He will become a Marine when he completes his training  This has been a long time dream for Tyler and he didn't get to boot camp without overcoming some serious obstacles.  A bad lapse of judgement on his part before his senior year in high school almost kept him out of the service altogether and he had to fight hard to earn the priveledge.  As it is, he will be a reservist when he's done and will continue his schooling, too.  Boot camp, for the Marines, is a 13 week process that is in no way easy - major understatement!  Other than letters, there is no communication for those 13 weeks.  Well, other than a 30 second, scripted phone call the night they arrive at the island that ends with "thank you for your support", then click, it's over.  Unfortunately for Tyler, he busted his wrist the 2nd week of training and had to be in a medical platoon for five weeks.  This time does not count towards the 13 weeks of training :-( but he is back at it now and is doing well.  He missed Thanksgiving, will miss Christmas and New Years Years and his birthday but he will graduate from boot camp on February 14, 2014 (2/14/2014) which is prettty cool.  I'm very proud of how he fought back to get this opportunity and the letters I've received from him are priceless!!  I can't wait to see him in the U.S. Marine uniform in February!

I am also thrilled to have my son Matt home for the holidays, as well.  He is doing great and has grown his hair quite long.  When long enough, he will donate it.  He is lucky and has gorgeous hair with pretty curls so it will make someone a beautiful wig, I'm sure.



 I have been hitting estate sales now and then and have had some glorious finds!  Finding a treasure is a sure way to boost your spirits, if only for a little while.  This is one of my favorites - it's a surveyors tri-pod which I picked up for $5 and am now using it as the base for a Santos doll.  I had the doll bust but not a cage for it.  When I saw this, I knew it'd be perfect and it is!  What do you think?

Vintage tri-pod turned santos doll cage.
Beautiful, Santos Doll.

Because I can't get this video to move, it's a bit out of place but it's kind of humorous and shows one of my finishes for this year.   I did get it off and fixed..... 

Some of my other estate sale finds since last we met:

Little boxes...
Drawers and boxes make great hiding places!

Glorious, old buttons!

Beautiful, big buttons.

Sweet button card.



Beautiful Bluebird button card


Vintage, German linens 
Vintage, German pin cushion.
Felt dolls from the 1920's?

 I made this little Maggie bunny over the summer.   The pattern is from rosylittlethings.typepad.com  I just love her!


I guess I'll leave you with some stitching photos.... why not!?  You may have seen these if you're on Facebook or Instagram.  If you have, my apologies for the repeats!

Snooty Stitchers Society
Snooty Parrots SAL for 2014
designs by Barbara Ana

Plum Street Samplers, Mary's Sampler II

Plum Street Samplers Favorite Fonts Sampler
With thy Needle and Thread's Forget Me Not Sampler
I guess that's enough for today, right?  Don't want to totally overload you or your computer.  I have missed you all and am feeling a lot better so am sure I'll be a better blogger!   I have tried to keep up with your posts but I see today that I have a LOT of catching up to do.

I wish you all lots of love and happiness for Christmas and I hope your blessings are abundant in the coming year.

xoxo
Peace,
Terri

50 comments:

Prims By The Water said...

Oh so good to have you back Terri. I was thinking about you just the other day. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas. You have some fine young fellas to be proud of. My dad was a Marine. Take care, and love that Santos doll on the surveyors stand..too cool! Janice

Myra said...

I have missed you Terri! You must be very proud of your son. All of your stitching is so pretty. Merry Christmas!

Robin in Virginia said...

I was thrilled to see your post tonight, Terri! I was just thinking about you the other day! Good for Tyler in overcoming those challenges.

Enjoy your holidays!

Robin in Virginia

Jackie's Stitches said...

Glad to see you posting again! I love Instagram too for the same reasons you cited. Blogging has it's place though.

Sarah Beth said...

I'm so glad you are back k shortly after following your blog you took that hiatus. So glad you'll be posting again

Glenna said...

Oh, Terri, I've missed you, but now that I'm more active on FB, I've seen more of you anyway! I have also had a few bad years (really, really bad years that seem to go on and on), so I know exactly what you mean...

Your sons are gorgeous. Love all the photos, but my very favorite finds are the huge glittery buttons. Are you still running? (You look like you are! I've taken it up and am hoping to do Richmond.)

Jan said...

So glad you are back to blogging, Terri! You might even inspire me to post on mine...it sure needs my attention!

I love your finishes and all of your special vintage treasures! Had a laugh over your glued project...so happy to hear it is off now and fixed. Ha!

Tyler and Matt look so well, and I know that your love and pride in them knows no end.

Very Merry Christmas, dear one!

Lucy May said...

I'm so glad your back in action! I was really worried that you were not going to blog anymore. You do such nice post and I've missed them!

KAREN said...

Missed you! Absolutely love the Santos and tripod. Proud of both sons. Enjoy your holidays. hugs from Colorado

Barb said...

So glad you are back Terri! I laughed out loud at your video. That looks just like something I would do. Love all your finishes and finds. Most of all, thank your son for what he is doing. His story sounds much like my son's story. He ended up in the Army as a Blackhawk pilot. Your other son is quite handsome and it will be good to have him for Christmas!

Gabi said...

Great to read a blog post from you. Wishing you and your loved ones à blessed Christmas

Keeper of the Crowes said...

So good to have you back, Terri. I've missed reading your blog. You have such a good eye for finding beautiful treasures. Best of luck to your son and please extend my sincere appreciation for his service.

BrendaS said...

Nice to see a post from you! Glad your children are doing well. I'm sure you will be glad when your son comes home. Great estate finds and of course I always love your stitching. Can't wait until jan 1st to start Snooty Parrots.

Have Merry Christmas!

Margaret said...

So good to see a post from you. I love your Santos doll and the surveyor's tripod for it! Perfect! Love seeing all your finds and your stitching. Good for Tyler on the Marines -- good luck to him. Matt's hair is so long! Going to make a wonderful wig! Here's to a much happier 2014 for you and yours. Merry Christmas!

Giovanna said...

Great to see you post - missed you! You have some great finishes there, well done. Also on the sale finds. I'm sorry you've been through a difficult patch, and really glad that you're better now - look forward to reading you again regularly. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Vickie said...

Yay! So happy to be caught up with you. You must be so proud of both your sons. God bless you and your family this Christmas Terri.

Sherry said...

Great to see you posting again, Terri! I look forward to more from you. You have some very handsome sons. You must be proud. Love your finishes.

Andrea said...

So good to read a post from you. You must be very proud of both your sons. Lovely stitching finishes.
I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

TinaTx said...

Good to see you post. I understand what it is like to not feel like blogging. I've had a couple of hard years and not posted much.
Good for your son for sticking to his dream. It's hard on mom when their dream takes them away from home. My youngest is chasing his dream in New York - we got to see him last month for the first time in two years and I can tell ya, there's nothing like that first hug after a long time apart.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Catherine said...

So nice to see your post of up! Yes, it has been a rough couple of years for many....this year was harder for me, and like you, I am looking forward and feeling better about things...
You must be so proud of your sons! I admire anyone who joins the military and what a fabulous thing your other son is doing to donate his hair!
Love seeing all of your goodies ~ that doll is fabulous!

Katrina said...

Terri, I totally get it!!!! I feel the same way about blogging versus IG and Facebook. It's very nice to see a post from you. Glad your sons are doing well and woohoo for Tyler!!! Love all your finds, the bust on the tripod is gorgeous and sweet finishes too. Looking forward to snooty parrots too.

Bhooma said...

Great to see your post, Terri. Happy holidays!!

Ann said...

SO happy to see you back and to get the updates!

Rita said...

I'm so glad to see you blogging again. Merry Christmas!

Melissa said...

Good to see you posting, Terri! Good to hear as well that your boys are well and things are 'settling' down so to speak! You look too young to have boys that age! ;-)

Always great to see your lovely stitching and your estate sale finds - you are the queen for sure!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Hazel said...

Lovely to see you Terri. I have been away from blogs too and miss it terrily. I just can't get my head around photos since webshots changed over. It all takes too long to post. xx

Mayté Bermúdez-García said...

Wow, welcome back!! I'm so glad to see you are posting again.

Happy holidays and Merry Christmas :)

marly said...

Very nice post - congrats on raising two great boys. I have no idea how to find people on Facebook and IG is ??? to me!!! So I'm glad to see you are still posting.

P.J. said...

Wishing you much joy and happiness! Thinking of your Tyler good luck to him! What a giving young man to offer this generous gift of his hair; very cool!! Ok now you are making me drool; what terrific finds! I think the tri-pod idea is amazing. Hope to see more of your creative ideas again in the future....you do inspire! Merry, Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Mouse said...

ooooooooooooo helloo .. lovely to hear from you and yes I had seen your finishes :)
great news re DS and love the others hair too ... and wow nice finds... love the boxes :)
and all that gorgeous stitching to boot too :)
hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very merry stitchy new year :) love mouse xxxxx

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

My brother was a Marine, he did his boot camp at Camp Pendleton. I can still remember my Mom crying for weeks. But he graduated and went on to a 8 year career in the Marines and then on from that successful in the public arena. Your Tyler will do good :) Keep your chin up!
Love all your treasures and all of your stitching! :)

Rachel said...

I'm sorry things were sad for you. It's so lovely to see you posting again.

As always, your stitching looks fabulous! You made some great finds, thanks for sharing pictures. I love that little button card, and the linen!

Anonymous said...

How lovely to see you posting! :) And congratulations to both of your sons. LOVE your stitching and market finds.

Alice said...

Glad you are feeling better about life. The blahs are so soul destroying. It's nice to see you back!

Charlene ♥ NC said...

It is great to see your post, Teri. Love the doll and all your treasures. Our stitching tastes are so similar. Both boys are very handsome. My DS was Army - did Basic at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, then went to Defensive Language School in Monterey, CA (the Presidio). The first visit after graduation is very special. So glad you're feeling better, and look forward to seeing more. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Brigitte said...

Oh, what a nice surprise to see your post in my reader. It was great to read your news and to see your pictures again.

You can be very proud of your sons. Lovely pictures.

OH my, such beautiful finds, all these old buttons still attached to their cardboards. And I alo loved seeing all your stitching and it was the first time for me because I'm not on FB nor on Instagram. Great projects!

Have a wonderful Christmas with your family.

Carol said...

How nice to find a new post from you, Terri--I've missed you! Thought you had abandoned the blogging world for Instagram and Facebook like so many others... I'm on neither so I can't keep up with those who no longer blog.

I'm sorry to hear you've had a tough couple of years, but so glad to read that things are on the upswing. Your son must have wanted to be a Marine badly to fight so hard for it--good for him. And what a great thing for Matt to grow and donate his hair... You are such a cute, tiny little thing next to him :)

Loved seeing your beautiful works--so glad your stitching has brought you comfort through the ups and downs of this year. Mine sure has--2014 has been one heck of a hard year for me, but the support of blogging friends and my stitching therapy have done so much to get me through the tough times.

Wishing you every happiness at Christmas and in the new year!

Nan ~ Threadwork Primitives said...

What a wonderful post Terri. I enjoyed getting to see and hear about your sons. Love your Guild piece and all your new finds. I have an addiction to mop buttons....so swoon:) And as always, your stitched pieces are beautiful. Missed seeing your posts, so hurry back. Merry Christmas! ~Nan

Karen said...

Hope you have a very merry Christmas. Good luck to your son too... spent 10 years working in Beaufort and had the opportunity to meet several of the military families. Not an easy task.....

happy stitching....

Chris said...

Wonderful update Terri!
So nice to see what you have been stitching and collecting. All wonderful.
Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and a wonderful(not hard) 2014.
Hugs!

Nana said...

You´re back an I´m here... from Germany... just like your linnen ;-)

Nana

Annie said...

Nice to see one of your lovely posts again. Good stitching and good collecting. Hope your son does well in boot camp. Glad he has the chance to do it. Have a great holiday and new year ahead!

Cathy Lloyd said...

Oh for reals!!! Sometimes life is just 'meh'...I hear ya...

Love your little video of your darling stitch...all glued to the countertop!

Congrats on your dear Tyler..sometimes lapses in judgement are just the thing to get us going in the right direction! What handsome sons you have!

Love you Terri! Have a very Merry Christmas! Hugs, hugs, and more hugs!

Karoline said...

Great to hear from you again :) You've had some lovely finishes and sale finds.

Good luck to both your boys in their endeavors.

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I hope your Christmas was merry today. My hope for you is a brighter New Year. I enjoyed our visits this year. I'll look forward to seeing you again soon. {{hugs}}

Tammy said...

Nice post! I'm not on Instagram, but maybe someday. Both your sons seem like awesome human beings! Congratulations mom for having wonderful kids! Beautiful projects and I hope you have a wonderful New Year! (I feel you on the blogging-it can be tough!)

Sherry :o) said...

So glad to see your post! Sherry :o)

Kathy said...

Terri, it's so good to see you posting again on your Blog. It's one of my favorites!! Seems like we have a lot in common when it comes to our taste in stitching. And, that leads me to a question on The Snooty Parrtos SAL. Is this only for people who are on Facebook? I would love to be included, but, don't however, belong to Facebook. Seems like I read you are kinda heading it up. Loved seeing the pic of you and your son and I wish him all the very best in the Marine Corp. At, least he picked the best service to be in, in my opinion!! Smart young man. Hope you have a very Happy, Healthy and Stitchy New Year!!
Kathy

Anne said...

I've spied you on Instagram and facebook and it's great for quickly posting a photo and what not. I agree with you about blogging; it takes time and is much more personal. Sometimes though, it takes a back seat when life becomes overwhelming. Who wonderful that your son will be a Marine! Good for him that he kept on with his dream and fought for it! Happy New years Terri!

Robin said...

Congrats on your son. Good for him and for his parents and a big thank you from all the grateful Americans he serves for. Nice catch up post. Great flea market finds. Nice stitching pieces.