Still Lost in Austen

I just finished reading Sense and Sensibility this afternoon and am looking forward to reading Emma, next.  A couple of years ago, when I first resolved to read all of Jane Austen’s novels, I started on my eReader with free downloads and read three on that device.  Then I happened upon the complete collection (six volumes) in hardback (in unread, nearly pristine condition) on eBay for $25.00!  What a find!  I had to add them to my library.  Although the digital reading devices have their own charm and advantages, I think I may actually prefer holding a real book in my hands, feeling the paper as I turn the pages (downright heretical these days, I quess).  It just takes me back to the joy of reading as a child.  I was wondering what everyone else thinks.

 

Tast 2014: Beaded Herringbone Stitch

I used heavy-duty craft/button thread instead of embroidery cotton in order to fit it through the narrow eye of the needle I used for beading.  I have a difficult time keeping herringbone stitches even - and found it almost impossible with the added challenge of beading.  DH suggested that I should have used my magnifier, but I'm not sure it would have made much of a difference...

TAST (Continued)

Trying to get back in the swing of things a little bit, I thought it was about time to revisit TAST and resume work on my stitch sampler.  I wanted to add a little bling so I did a variation of the chained bar, zigzagging over metallic gold rickrack.  Below that is a row of closed herringbone stitches.  Then comes a row of backstitched herringbone stitches. Next is a twisted lattice band.  Lastly, there is a row of double herringbone stitches.



 

Another Song

I’ve been AWOL from this blog for quite some time and hope to resume posting on a regular basis, soon.  In the meantime, here is another little original song I just uploaded to SoundCloud.  I wanted to make a test using TX16Wx Celtic high whistles.

The photo is of me from “back in the day.”  I’ve been thinking about the past quite a lot, lately…choices made, times when I simply chose not to choose (out of fear or confusion), roads not taken… and I marvel at how I arrived at this place of blessing and peace.  My mom would have laughed and said it was “more luck than management!”  I am married to a man who is altogether lovely from the inside out. He’s “the warmest chord I ever heard” to quote Joni Mitchell.  Long ago, a friend described him as an angel that God had sent to land at my feet.  And just in the nick of time, too…