Counting Bits of Joy

Have been passions of mine as far back as I can remember.  Starting with embroidering pillow cases under the shade trees.  Yes,  I was quite young and there was no air conditioning.  From there, high school economics introduced me to sewing machines.   It was so exciting to purchase my very own Singer for $88.  That purchase came with additional sewing lessons as well as the responsibility of making monthly payments.   Then came counted cross stitch...wish I could remember how that interest evolved.  I'm not even certain how finishing for others came about?  Never the less, the good fortune of having clients throughout the country, has brought hours of pleasure here.  Thank you all for entrusting me with your lovely stitching. With Christmas behin d us, I will be sharing some of the finishing b y  Finely Finished .   So many were Christmas gifts and were to be kept secret until after gifting.  Sewing "needfuls" seemed to be popular with many stitchers.

Many of us attend the mandatory Christmas programs, pageants and plays.   Who doesn't love seeing their child in one?  We all tend to go a little silly when "our" child has a part and often have stories that remain with us through out the years. I remember once my daughter was completely left out until the last minute.  The teachers asked her if she would want to be an angel and her reply was---"Well I am one, so yes!"  And some of the outfits I dressed my son in--the most garish plaid slacks ever.  What was I thinking? And before you know it, you're attending programs that your grands are in.  I'll never forget when the youngest was 3 and Papa walks to the stage for photos and she very loudly says, "Hi Papa!"--what a treat that was. This year the thought came to me there won't be many more to attend.  This little lady is now in junior high.  Of course every song sung, I could hear her voice. If you have not seen the stage

"It Takes no more time to see the good side of life than to see the bad."   This I know to be true.  Actually, I've always tried to see the good, but now I try to live and believe it!  Looking back on the past  few years change raised it's ugly head, leaving me with two choices--continue to live a life of good or bad.  I choose good. The loss of my husband was tragic, yet I have a heart full of good memories.  Life goes on and he would want that for me.  Old friends have fallen away, new have arrived.  Things, and i do mean things, break; they can be repaired or replaced.  Nights are long and lonely at times; read a book, listen to music, dance in the moonlight.  One need not look far to see and do good.   Since I've been away from blogging for some time, let me share a few photos of the good. Grandgirls Roadtrips with Friends Gardening So much good. . . How about you, do you think about the "good"

New and old this year.   Beginning with the grand, once again, spending the night on Thanksgiving to help fluff the tree.  Who knew, at 17, this would still be our tradition?  Not being ready to go back to the "normal" tree, we chose a white one.  She assures me it will be "magnificent" once complete.  Does it matter?  No, having her continue the tradition is what counts. And for the new, a friend and myself took advantage of shop small business Saturday.  A wonderful little shop named "The Purple Turnip"--new to me.  What's not to love about the name and the beauty of an old building?! Chatting over a glass of wine, we decided this new tradition would definitely be one to continue! Do you continue old traditions, start new ones, or both?