Hello friends,
I know it has been awfully long since I posted.  I have had a busy few months.  In August/September I got a diagnosis of DCIS.  (Ductal carcinoma insitu.)  Stage 0 breast cancer.  I kinda went numb for a bit.  Going through seeing a surgeon, having a biopsy and a lumpectomy.  My days were full.  After my surgery I started radiation therapy.  Driving a hour round trip every weekday.  It only lasted for about a month.  The doctor said it would take a couple of months to recoup from that.  Well, I don't have time for that. LOL  I start going to school to get my RN.  My first day is tomorrow and I am excited and scared at the same time.  There probably will not be much time for stitching but that's okay.  I have had a goal to get my RN for a while.  The cancer was just a small bump in the road.  Another lifes adventure starts tomorrow.
Here's happiness to all that read this.

Update with pictures

I know it has been a long time, but I have been busy.  These area a couple of my finishes.  The second one I had professionally framed.  I am not so sure about this first one.  I probably have that one framed also.  The first one is a La D Da from Laurie M.  My first attempt at using silk floss.  I think it turned out pretty good.  I am not sure the color of the fabric but it is a Weeks Dye linen.  It was the recommended one.

 This finished work is called "Bunny and Co.  It is a design of Brenda Gs.  I used all the recommened floss and fabric.  I got all the stuff a while back when I was in Tulsa at a retreat.  The retreat was held by Cindy of Stitch Works.  She does an awesome job.  She was my first and let me tell you it will not be the last.

 This is one of my WIPs.  Lizzie Kate ...Flip Its Green.  There will be two more boxes with "green" inspirations.  Like the one above I have used all the recommended floss WDW and CC, and fabric.

I have also been reading and listening to audio books.  Some murder mystery, fantasy, and revanmped fairy tales.
I am in a holding pattern for school.  Been put on the "wait" list.   Do not like that part, but cannot do nuttin about it.  Enjoying the beautiful days here.  Temps have gone into the 40s at night here.  Great sleepin weather.  I think I need a road trip to see the fall colors.

I think that's enough for now.
Smiles,
Brenda

What are you stitching?

This is the kit that Linda (Lizzie Kate) brought for us to stitch.

This is the needle book that Laurie (La D Da) brought for us to stitch.  Actually, we stitched on a piece of wool with waste canvas and then we stuck it to a already made pocket to slip the needle book inside. (right)  Never thought I would stitch with waste canvas again.

The piece that I won in one of many drawings.  Jan, host of the retreat, stitched it and it was the theme of the retreat.  It is sitting on a self in my kitchen.

I was lucky enough and Linda signed my piece. So nice of her.

This is an updated pic of my snowmen.

I have been busy over the last weeks.  I had an absolutely awesome time at the Retreat in Syracuse.  I met Linda of Lizzie Kate and Laurie of La D Da. I cannot forget to mention my new stitching buddy, Margie.  We hit it off immediately.  It was such a relaxing and exhilarating weekend in a long time.  Both of those ladies are very down to earth and someone you can relate to and they become your friend in the small amount of time you are with them.  Heard stories about the stitching biz.  How one designer started and the other taught us how to make this amazing needle book.  There were drawings all weekend long leading up to the big one to see who would get the stitched piece by Jan.  Store owner and host.  I usually never win at drawings.  I won 2 of the 12 extra drawings.  Wow.  Guess I am going back next year. 

Laurie and I.

Linda

Some of the "goodies".

I have also been reading away.  In the last couple of months I have read "11/22/63' by Stephen King, the newest trilogy from Tami Hoag, "Deeper than the Dead", "Secrets to the Grave", and "Down the Darkest Road".  I love Jodi Pioult.  Almost finished "House Rules".  All of them great reads.
School front --  Passed one test but have to take another one.  Working on the checking off the skills list.  Not sure if I will start in August or January.  Either one will be good.
Family -- Boys are doing well.
Happy Stitching Everyone

Update on 6 Fat Men

  I am really enjoying stitching this.  Hope everyone has a good week.

Happy Febuary

Finally an update.   Lots of stuff has been going on with me and sometimes I just cannot get the umph to ge online to tell ya about it.  Many decisions have been made.  I am not doing school through the College Network anymore.  I will be going back to Blackhawk Technical College and get my RN.  Chemistry really kicked my butt.  Being teacher and student with that class was not fun at all.  I am very excited about this.  I do not have a confirmed yes that I will be going in the fall but I have both fingers and toes crossed so that hopefully I will get in during the fall semester.  If not then spring.  I will be "testing out of " my mental health/community nursing class.  So all I will have the first semester will be clinicals and one lecture class.  I will have to check off on 3 of the 5 skills they  have given me to make sure my technique is acceptable.  I am very confident that I will be able to pass those two requirements in an appropriate time frame.
I have been stitching.  I joined a couple of exchanges and I will post those pics as soon as the people recieve them.  I am very excited, I will be going to Syracuse, New York for a stitching retreat when the designer/owner  for Lizzie Kate and La D Da will be there.

This is a picture from my partner in the Seasonal Exchange.  I love it.  It is sitting on my book case in the living room.

This is how far I have gotten on my "6 Fat Men" from Lizzie Kate.

Reading has been a passion also.  Either reading or listening to a book.  In October I sprained my ankle bone.  First crutches, then working in a wheel chair at work.  I am finally done with Physical therapy.  It seemed like my ankle was going to hurt forever.  It is much much better now.  My boys are doing very well.  One started back to school and he is staying in school.  Yeaaah.   My other son is happy working at his job and enjoys the group home where he lives.  Life is not too bad right now.  Just to get back in the swing of blogging again.

Memorial Day Celebration

I would like to thank all the service men and women who gave their life to secure our freedom.  Also the men and women who have and are currently part of our Armed Forces. 

Stitchin Update.

This is what I have been working on.  It is from Leisure Arts. I am using the recommend DMC colors. It is part of my WIP Challenge pieces.  Feels good to be doing these WIPs. I may get this done this week.  Maybe after this one is finished I will let myself start a new one. I have also started reading Breaking Dawn.  The last installment of the Twilight series.  I have had a productive weekend.  Got my mower fixed.  Mowed probably 1/4 of yard then ran out of gas.  Good excuse to stop and do some stitching or reading.  hehe.  I am going to get a small saw, work gloves, a gas container, and some dirt.  I am ready to work outside now.  I think I will move some of my perennials around.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.