- Day 1 (December 12th) : From Cross Stitch collection: Christmas Carol - a Victorian Village with carolers! 104H x 192w - must d/l by 2 P.M. December 15th (not sure which time zone so don't wait!) From Cross Stitcher Magazine: Reindeer Cushion - all of Santa's reindeer including Rudolf by Kate Mawdsley; individual designs suitable for smaller projects - d/l by the 15th
- Day 4 (December 15th) - Seasons Tweetings - 4 card/ornie designs and 3 gift tags
- Day 9 (December 20th) - lovely dove ornament charts to download
- Day 12 (December 23rd) - download two floral Thank You cards to stitch
Monday, January 26, 2015
Pre-Christmas Freebies Still posted
From Cross Stitcher Magazine and Cross Stitch Collection, the free charts (that were posted "only for 24 hours") can still be reached through the following links:
Thursday, January 15, 2015
TWISTED THREADS by Lea Wait
For those who have taken a look at my "Reading List Page, you'll see
that the ONLY comment was made by author, Lea Wait, in August, 2013 about her upcoming
cozy mystery "stitching series." I had read all her Antique Print cozy mysteries to date and posted them to my Reading List, but how she ran across it, I haven't a clue. I was surprised and delighted that she had. As for the new stitching series, I've been waiting ever since.
Twisted Threads, was released on January 6th. In honor of its release there have been a few give-aways. I was amazed and delighted to learn that I won a copy! Wow!!!. Can't wait to receive and read it! Thank you Lea Wait and Dru Ann. I'm sure it will be an intricate plot involving a needlepoint piece written by an author who is very skilled in crafting plots, characters and descriptions. I'll recommend it having yet to even read it!
Shadows on a Maine Christmas, released last September, is a continuation of her Antique Print mystery series, which includes fascinating details about various antique prints - many of which are woven into the story line. Each chapter begins with a comment and/or picture about an antique print, many of which are incorporated into the storyline. The information is authentic and fascinating- Lea Wait is an antique print dealer in real life. For example: Shadows of a Down East Summer is multi-period, the story interwoven with a summer spent on the Maine coast and the prints/paintings by Winslow Homer.
Read about Lea, her background and her books for children and adults on her website!}
Not a cozy mystery fan? Didn't realize I was/would be either until the last few years. Seeing as how I read The Complete Sherlock Homes the summer between 6th and 7th grade, and all of the Mrs. Pollifax novels, starting with one in a Readers Digest Condensed Books volume at about the same age, makes you wonder why not, doesn't it? Give Lea's books a read. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked as well.
I highly recommend Lea's books for adults and children to all those cozy mystery readers. Actually I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good read!
BTW, my neice, Denise Belinda McDonald, who has had several e-books published/released, is starting to write cozy mysteries. She's sent me a copy of the one she is currently shopping. It's my next "read!" Stay tuned.
Twisted Threads, was released on January 6th. In honor of its release there have been a few give-aways. I was amazed and delighted to learn that I won a copy! Wow!!!. Can't wait to receive and read it! Thank you Lea Wait and Dru Ann. I'm sure it will be an intricate plot involving a needlepoint piece written by an author who is very skilled in crafting plots, characters and descriptions. I'll recommend it having yet to even read it!
Shadows on a Maine Christmas, released last September, is a continuation of her Antique Print mystery series, which includes fascinating details about various antique prints - many of which are woven into the story line. Each chapter begins with a comment and/or picture about an antique print, many of which are incorporated into the storyline. The information is authentic and fascinating- Lea Wait is an antique print dealer in real life. For example: Shadows of a Down East Summer is multi-period, the story interwoven with a summer spent on the Maine coast and the prints/paintings by Winslow Homer.
Read about Lea, her background and her books for children and adults on her website!}
Not a cozy mystery fan? Didn't realize I was/would be either until the last few years. Seeing as how I read The Complete Sherlock Homes the summer between 6th and 7th grade, and all of the Mrs. Pollifax novels, starting with one in a Readers Digest Condensed Books volume at about the same age, makes you wonder why not, doesn't it? Give Lea's books a read. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked as well.
I highly recommend Lea's books for adults and children to all those cozy mystery readers. Actually I recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good read!
BTW, my neice, Denise Belinda McDonald, who has had several e-books published/released, is starting to write cozy mysteries. She's sent me a copy of the one she is currently shopping. It's my next "read!" Stay tuned.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
A New Freebie Every Friday
Happiness is Cross Stitching - New in 2015 - Monthly Cross Stitch Mini-Cats, other Mini-Cat and cross stitch freebies, gift tags and other items to print. Check out this interesting site.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Hope all had a wonderful Christmas and holiday!
Saturday - long choir practice ...
Well, I'll be ... Oscar, the stray Russian blue but with orange eyes, or perhaps a French Chartreux? Big solid (color and build) blue grey tomcat with a tiny mew. He just walked over the dresser and on to my desk! That's a surprise! He's now laying atop by dresser! He comes and goes at will, but only once before has he ever stuck his head into my office! Nice, calm cat who hisses at the strangest times - more like he's announcing himself rather or making sure I'm following than as a warning. Suspect he wants me to feed him canned food. I'm hoping he'll dispatch a couple of mice or rats that I haven't been able to trap. I set them. They manage to set them off without succumbing. With the possibility of unintended exposure I don't want to set out poison and risk making him sick!
Ok, back to Saturday. 3-hour choir practice. Received some goodies - I couldn't eat but that's okay. I left them at my DD's on Christmas. It was my birthday, so I stopped by Kroger and got Banquet Fried Chicken dinner (I rarely eat fried chicken, but I'd forgotten to thaw the chicken thighs in my freezer), but more importantly - coffee ice cream - my nemesis. The phone was ringing when I walked in the door, followed by a series of Happy Birthday phone calls one right after the other, including one from my Dad. First time I've talked with him since September. My cell phone, having taken a fatal swim in Henna's water bowl, meant I haven't had long distance for several weeks. The ice cream was only partially melted by the time I finally found where I'd set it when I walked inside then talked on the phone. Sunday the Cantata at church. We have an 8-member choir, if everyone is there - and they were for a change. Went very well. One of the tenors set an old cassette recorder behind the guys and recorded it then handed us each a CD on Christmas Eve. Sunday the cantata. Christmas Eve: scripture/hymns/and communion Service at 5. We have 2 other congregations currently "nesting" in our facilities, and we took the earliest of the services. Was home by 6:20.
As her gift to the family, my daughter made an absolutely delicious gourmet Christmas dinner (she loves to cook) with standing rib roast cut in almost 1" slices! Roasted potatoes with herbs, roasted brussels sprouts via Ina Garten. Haricot vert. Wilted spinach with some sort of funky Italian cheese melted in them. Pear slices covered with another cheese with "provence herbe" wrapped in thick bacon. For desert a 3-1/2" tall, thick slice of NY cheesecake. And this was served AFTER all those appetizers. My sister gave me a Kroger gift card (VERY MUCH appreciated). I gave DD her annual art or destination calendar - something I've been doing since she was in elementary school. This theme was photos from Italy.
Last Christmas all I got was a small Kroger's gift card. This year: my BFF decided to send $$ to pay for the 32" TV I'd bought but was going to have to return since other unexpected expenses hit. Whoa! She sent cash inserted in a card rather than a check I probably would not have cashed. I decided wiser to keep the cash than return it via regular US mail. Besides, she was so excited because the idea came to do that rather than send me something tangible. (TV is still in the box following delivery after Cyber Monday - still need to figure out a place to put it - living room or bedroom. It's replacing either the 13" or 24" TV, both of which are at least 15 years old.) Received a check from Dad. AND my daughter added me to their Sprint Family Plan and gave me a Samsung Galaxy S3, which had replaced with an S5. The drawback is that I don't have wi-fi at home and would need to get some sort of bundle which includes it. I was sort of hoping the neighbor's wi-fi might bleed over, but no. At home I'm limited to talk/text. Which is just fine. I'm REALLY liking a device with a keyboard!
No plans for New Year's. Traditionally I sleep through it. :D
Can't believe Oscar has lain on the dresser the time it took to write this, but is now on the move. Guess I'd better feed him.
Saturday - long choir practice ...
Well, I'll be ... Oscar, the stray Russian blue but with orange eyes, or perhaps a French Chartreux? Big solid (color and build) blue grey tomcat with a tiny mew. He just walked over the dresser and on to my desk! That's a surprise! He's now laying atop by dresser! He comes and goes at will, but only once before has he ever stuck his head into my office! Nice, calm cat who hisses at the strangest times - more like he's announcing himself rather or making sure I'm following than as a warning. Suspect he wants me to feed him canned food. I'm hoping he'll dispatch a couple of mice or rats that I haven't been able to trap. I set them. They manage to set them off without succumbing. With the possibility of unintended exposure I don't want to set out poison and risk making him sick!
Ok, back to Saturday. 3-hour choir practice. Received some goodies - I couldn't eat but that's okay. I left them at my DD's on Christmas. It was my birthday, so I stopped by Kroger and got Banquet Fried Chicken dinner (I rarely eat fried chicken, but I'd forgotten to thaw the chicken thighs in my freezer), but more importantly - coffee ice cream - my nemesis. The phone was ringing when I walked in the door, followed by a series of Happy Birthday phone calls one right after the other, including one from my Dad. First time I've talked with him since September. My cell phone, having taken a fatal swim in Henna's water bowl, meant I haven't had long distance for several weeks. The ice cream was only partially melted by the time I finally found where I'd set it when I walked inside then talked on the phone. Sunday the Cantata at church. We have an 8-member choir, if everyone is there - and they were for a change. Went very well. One of the tenors set an old cassette recorder behind the guys and recorded it then handed us each a CD on Christmas Eve. Sunday the cantata. Christmas Eve: scripture/hymns/and communion Service at 5. We have 2 other congregations currently "nesting" in our facilities, and we took the earliest of the services. Was home by 6:20.
As her gift to the family, my daughter made an absolutely delicious gourmet Christmas dinner (she loves to cook) with standing rib roast cut in almost 1" slices! Roasted potatoes with herbs, roasted brussels sprouts via Ina Garten. Haricot vert. Wilted spinach with some sort of funky Italian cheese melted in them. Pear slices covered with another cheese with "provence herbe" wrapped in thick bacon. For desert a 3-1/2" tall, thick slice of NY cheesecake. And this was served AFTER all those appetizers. My sister gave me a Kroger gift card (VERY MUCH appreciated). I gave DD her annual art or destination calendar - something I've been doing since she was in elementary school. This theme was photos from Italy.
Last Christmas all I got was a small Kroger's gift card. This year: my BFF decided to send $$ to pay for the 32" TV I'd bought but was going to have to return since other unexpected expenses hit. Whoa! She sent cash inserted in a card rather than a check I probably would not have cashed. I decided wiser to keep the cash than return it via regular US mail. Besides, she was so excited because the idea came to do that rather than send me something tangible. (TV is still in the box following delivery after Cyber Monday - still need to figure out a place to put it - living room or bedroom. It's replacing either the 13" or 24" TV, both of which are at least 15 years old.) Received a check from Dad. AND my daughter added me to their Sprint Family Plan and gave me a Samsung Galaxy S3, which had replaced with an S5. The drawback is that I don't have wi-fi at home and would need to get some sort of bundle which includes it. I was sort of hoping the neighbor's wi-fi might bleed over, but no. At home I'm limited to talk/text. Which is just fine. I'm REALLY liking a device with a keyboard!
No plans for New Year's. Traditionally I sleep through it. :D
Can't believe Oscar has lain on the dresser the time it took to write this, but is now on the move. Guess I'd better feed him.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Christmas Hoop Freebie
From Coats and Cross Stitcher Magazine And check out the other Weekend Freebies and links listed!
Friday, December 12, 2014
12 Days of Christmas and Other Freebies
Twelve Days of Christmas: Hope you've enjoyed these freebies and drawings from these companies!
From Cross Stitch Collection and Cross Stitcher Magazine. In conjunction with each other, a New surprise every day and only available for 24 hours - until 2pm the next day. You'll want to visit every day between now and Christmas! [Except for Day 1the freebies and give-aways have been the same.]
Be sure to visit the "Free" sections of the above for other Christmas and a variety of freebies and links. Example:
From Cross Stitch Collection and Cross Stitcher Magazine. In conjunction with each other, a New surprise every day and only available for 24 hours - until 2pm the next day. You'll want to visit every day between now and Christmas! [Except for Day 1the freebies and give-aways have been the same.]
- Day 1 (December 12th) : From Cross Stitch collection: Christmas Carol - a Victorian Village with carolers! 104H x 192w - must d/l by 2 P.M. December 15th (not sure which time zone so don't wait!) From Cross Stitcher Magazine: Reindeer Cushion - all of Santa's reindeer including Rudolf by Kate Mawdsley; individual designs suitable for smaller projects - d/l by the 15th
- Day 2 (December 13th) - sign up today to win an Embeliss bracelet kit. Second place is button covers. Sign ups end 1pm December 14th
- Day 3 (December 14th) - enter contest for Ultimate Christmas Cross Stitch Collection
- Day 4 (December 15th) - Seasons Tweetings - 4 card/ornie designs and 3 gift tags
- Day 5 (December 16th) - enter 24-hour contest for a fabric voucher from Willow Fabrics
- Day 6 (December 17th) - sign up for chance at one of 20 copies of Storyland Cross Stitch from What Delilah Did
- Day 7 (December 18th) - Enter for Mr. & Mrs. Tooting Skating kits to give away
- Day 8 (December 19th) - register for Joan Elliot book book and fabric giveaway
- Day 9 (December 20th) - lovely dove ornament charts to download
- Day 10 (December 21st) - register for one of 10 give-away copies of The Ultimate Alphabets Cross Stitch Collection
- Day 11 (December 22nd) - sign up to win a colorful cross stitch shoulder bag
- Day 12 (December 23rd) - download two floral Thank You cards to stitch
Be sure to visit the "Free" sections of the above for other Christmas and a variety of freebies and links. Example:
- DMC Freebie: Christmas Robin - you may have to sign up to get access, but they have some really nice freebies
- Cute, Kitchy Christmas Animal smalls with cardmounts to print out (to be honest - that takes a lot of expensive colored printer ink - I'd more likely use a small print Christmas paper design, cut it to wrap around or paste on to a suitable sized backing of 64 pound printer paper and/or or stick one in one of those blank folding cards - but each stitcher her own); Small, quick to stitch.
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