Rainy Days and Birthdays....

Greetings....

friends and neighbors near, far and everywhere. The calendar told me a couple of weeks ago, on July 5, 2011 that I was indeed celebrating the 20th Anniversary of my 21st birthday. So ... let me explain my title of this blog post. When, I was a little girl I dreaded rainy days. No in fact, I hated them.  Ba humbug!  But I loved my birthday! Gifts, attention, cake....what was there *not* to love? Now, that I'm a big girl....I love rainy days but those birthdays....well except for the cake....sort of stink! I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles, eh?

No matter...

a few lovely ladies decided to make the 20th Anniversary of my 21st birthday special by sending me surprises in the mail and I want to share my loot with all of you too! First off we have a gorgeous (notice the pennies) huswife made by the talented hands of AmySC  . It is absolutely perfect and fits all my on the go stitching needs ...Amy even included those sweet small scissors by Kelmscott:

Dear Marie P sent me this gorgeous Prairie Schooler ornament ~ she too knows me so well...

Marie also threw in a "WooHoo! Happy Birthday" mug...which I must say, every day is now my birthday because this gem fits amazingly in my hand ~ it is heavy yet the finish is so smooth, the handle is large so I can slide my whole hand in there....its simply perfect! And Santa thought he'd play Vanna White and model WooHoo! for you :)

Finally Jan sent me this surprise and it literally made me shout with joy because you see...she sent me her brand spanking new design all kitted up it is called "Penny America" and I actually got to touch the model and drool over it at the Only One Ewe retreat a few short weeks ago. You can read all about Penny America and other designs of Jan's at Tree of Life Samplings  . Jan has also started hand-dyeing some linens and they are wonderful! She also included the sweet Willow Tree Angel who sits in my sewing room overlooking things and keeping watch, whilst I stitch and sew away!

To these ladies....

my deepest most sincere gratitude to you all for your generosity in remembering my birthday, but most especially for your friendship - because where would I be without friends like each one of you? Oh wait I can answer that: No where...that's where. SO a big "Thank you" for being my friends!

Just a few minutes ago...

I slipped the last stitches in a square for Love Quilts  this square is going to a darling little girl named Breanna . She likes Dragonflies and what pattern is more perfect than this one?

"Dragonfly"

Collaboration Thread Pack from: Country Cottage Needleworks and Crescent Colours

Stitched with DMC in Breanna's favorite colors

Stitched on 14 ct. white aida

With this square complete...

I have stitched a total of 9 squares since the beginning of 2011. I haven't signed up for any more squares with stitching deadlines, but I am hopeful to eek maybe one or two more before the end of the year. I'm trying really hard to give back and to be perfectly honest, when I see the quilts all done and the gratitude of the families and children involved....well that is the cherry on top. Giving back....it's a good thing - do I sound like Martha? Anyway...if you're interested in giving back maybe you can click on the Love Quilts link above - the coordinators there are always ready and waiting for more stitchers to help.

That's all folks....

I have a date with someone at the fair - as today is drop off day for the "Open Exhibitors" and I'm taking my two projects to be examined and judged. Fingers crossed people, please!

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God' just like always, why don't you join me?

Hugs and love,