Good Intentions and Hyacinths

 

 

HAPPY FOURTH 0F JULY! 

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful day.

 

I had intended to post this in March but since I am the slowest creature on earth these days and the world is still in crazy mode...I'm just going to say I had good intentions.  I do hope you all are safe and 

celebrating our wonderful country's birthday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wanted to show this cross stitched poem. Once again, something lovely from the flea market. 

Just as my interest in cross stitching has taken hold of me again..I found this stitched piece and couldn't help but post it for you to see.  Beautiful flowers, feeding our souls with another sign of hope and optimism. 

 Next year I will actually plant Hyacinths!

 

🇺🇸 GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! 🇺🇸

 

See you soon♥️

 

 

 

A Very Special Gift from a Very Special Blogger

If you've been a reader of my blog for very long, you will recognize the person in this photo.  If you are new to my blog, then let me tell you who he is.  He is Richard Eaton, my late husband.  On this blog, I nearly always just call him "the old navy man."   ( He gave that name to himself, by the way.)  He passed away three years ago, this November 29th.  I took this photo of him before he became really ill and it is one of my favorites. 

I have had this blog since 2008.  The old navy man encouraged me to start one....and in fact, he gave my little quilting enterprise the name BIRD NEST ON THE GROUND, years ago.  Over the years, I have made FRIENDS with many people who also post on their own blogs, and also people who just like to read what the bloggers are saying and seeing what it is we all do.  Since his death, I have not been very good at posting....but my heart is in the right place...as I intend to always do better, although I know I haven't been as good as my intentions are.  It does appear, though, that I have some blog fans, no matter how good I am at posting.  It's amazing!  I receive a few comments here and there, which I really appreciate.  And, I also receive many email messages.  These lovely people send me messages which I find uplifting, inspiring, funny, thought provoking, helpful and smart.  I do so enjoy hearing from them.

My blog readers sometimes surprise me, which I enjoy.  I also enjoy that many of them do not live in the U.S.  They are a wonderful group and I do love hearing from them.  This time, I have one in particular I'd like to tell you about.  Her name is Lynn and she lives in France.  She contacted me last year to let me know she was making me something.  It would take her quite a while to make it, so would I just know that she was thinking of me as she created this gift from her.  My goodness!  What could she be doing?  This last week, I received a package in the mail from France.  Well, now, who would really expect someone to take a year or so to make you something?  I was so surprised that there at my door was a gift from Lynn!!!    The day before my 72nd birthday!!!  Now, when I say I was shocked when I opened it....I really was....who knew she would be cross stitching a photo of the old navy man...the very one I am showing you now at the beginning of this post.  WHO WOULD DO THAT?

 This is a 7 inch x 9 inch, (approximately) cross stitched version of the old navy man's photo. 

 WHO KNEW?

I can certainly see why it would take so long.  I can see how wonderfully she stitched all those million cross stitches. and the colors are spot on,  but I have to say.....I simply burst into tears when I opened that package.  Lynn doesn't 'really' know me.  I'm sure I'm not deserving of such a gift.

And, seeing THAT face come out of a package from France.  It was a shock.  It won't matter how many ways I think of to thank her....nothing I say could possibly explain my feelings at that moment and every day since.  No amount of gratitude offered her could live up to what she has actually DONE FOR ME.

 

 He was so dear!!!  And this cross stitched version of his photo is magnificent!!!  I LOVE it!  

 

Here are some close-ups of the stitching.  As I told her later in an email....just when you think the world is going to hell in a hand basket, someone out in blogland, steps up and does something so lovely and unexpected, that we just know everything will be ok somehow.  Humanity, once again, has a shining example of a lovely human being who has spent much of her time thinking of others, rather than herself.  I am completely blown away by her thoughtfulness and generosity.  I bet you are too!

Just think of all the stitches!  All that time and energy. 

 With all the other things she has to do in life!!

OH, MY!!!!

 

 I know the old navy man would be so pleased to see this.  He would wonder, as I do, WHY, HOW?

And, he would smile, wishing her all the very best in life...as she represents the best in all of us.

We are grateful for her...in every way.

 

 Here is the card she made and sent along with this wonderful gift.  Once again, I teared up as I read her words.  I didn't photograph the whole message, but thought you would like to read these paragraphs.  She is dear, don't you think?  

 

 Lynn has a blog.  You might want to visit.  So, go there to see what all she does.  You might want to leave a comment.  She deserves lots of them!!!

Visit here:  

happinessiscrossstitching.blogspot.com 

Lynn is also participating in a contest to choose a Cross Stitching Champion in the UK.  You might want to visit that site too, and vote for her.  You don't have to be a citizen of the UK to vote, but you do have to be one to win a prize.  She would love to have a vote from you. (Just type her name, Lynn B.,  in the proper place, then vote for her blog!)

 www.britishcraftawards.com(click here to go vote)

Alright....now you know about blogging friends....they are a treasure.

Lynn,
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR THINKING OF ME AND THE OLD NAVY MAN.  A MILLION THANK YOUS WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH!
YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORK WILL BECOME A FAMILY HEIRLOOM.  I WILL BE SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT FRAME FOR IT AND WILL POST PHOTOS WHEN IT IS ALL DONE.  THE SEARCH BEGINS!!!

As for the rest of my readers....you are dear also.  THANK YOU for brightening my days!

from
BIRD NEST COTTAGE
until next time
❤️❤️❤️

(Next time I will be talking about a collection of vintage Button Cards, a request of Robin, another lovely blog reader!)

❤️SIGH!❤️

A Sampler Collection

 

So, one of the questions I received about my living room post, was to have the "story" of the samplers over my tv told.  I apologize for the quality of these photos....it is difficult for me to photograph things hanging as high as these, so the angles are wrong and the light too.  But, I actually think you will be able to get a somewhat satisfactory look at them.

 

Here is a closer view.

  

This one is on the lower right.  I stitched this from a kit.  Actually, the ones I made were stitched in the 1970's....a long time ago!   This one has a larger stitch count, so took longer to make.  I remember having a great sense of accomplishment after finishing one of these.  This and the other large one are 18" x 24."

 

Here's a closer view.  You should be able to read it.

  

Even closer.  Seems like yesterday.

  

 This one is the same size...and made shortly after we married.  A smaller stitch count, so a shorter stitch time.  I have tried to put these away from time to time, but I find it impossible to do. 

  

Here's a closer view of this particular one.  I still like cross stitch, but rarely do it anymore.  These that I have made were all kits, but I have actually done many smaller pieces counting over threads and I really enjoyed those too,   I need to see if I can find some of those in the storage places in this crazy cottage!

  

On the upper left....a sampler I also made from a kit.  I believe this one is 12" x 14" or 16."

Unfortunately, it's too high for me to measure.  I try to do a lot of my work in the same color combinations...that way it will go anywhere in my house....and so I use my favorite colors: red,green,pink,brown, off-white with an occasional piece made in a totally different combination...just because.

 

 In the center is a small sampler I bought at the flea...beautifully stitched.  I'm sorry it doesn't show as well as it should.  I think this one is about six or eight inches square.  I paid $4.00 for it as I recall.

Bargain!  And, then, there is that heart.  When my daughter hung these samplers on my wall after I moved in, well, I thought they looked just great, but I also had this embroidered heart I wanted to put somewhere.  She had gone home, so the only way I could hang it myself was to climb up on that stereo cabinet  and stretch as far as I could.  Nearly fell off and scared myself, but I did get it there where I wanted it.  (Photo of it to follow.)  Seems I'll do almost anything to hang a heart...and almost anywhere!!!

 

This isn't a sampler, but needlepoint.  In this great old frame.  I found it, of course, in the flea market.  I bought it for two reasons....for that great huge frame and the house in needlepoint.  Seems I also have a love of embroidered houses. Oh, my!

 

 Another sampler purchased from the flea market.  The verse is done in a very pale thread so its nearly impossible to read even close up, but I did love it anyway.

 

 Then bottom center, another purchased from the flea market...it's a bit less refined looking, but caught my eye. 

  

 So, here's a sampler hanging elsewhere in my home.  Actually right inside the door when you come through the garage.  Such a true statement!!!

  

 And, this one...large, another 18" x 24."  A lady down the street passed away and they had a sale at her house...household items, quilts, sewing.  When I saw this sampler, I knew it was going home with me.  It's beautifully made.  They were asking only $10.00 for it.  Even though she wasn't there....I thanked her for it anyway.  It's in my hallway.

 

Wonderful, isn't it?

  

 And finally, here is that red heart hanging up high.

Hope you enjoyed the samplers!

from

Bird Nest Cottage

until next time

♥♥♥

Pretty Linens and Two Funny Sisters

Finally, and at last, I am posting after a long break to visit with my sister.  I thought of you, of course, and am glad to be back with you.  Here we are....two funny sisters!  Well, you already know that is me on the left.  That's my sister, Debbie, on the right.  I have two brothers, but she is my only sister and is ten years younger than I.  I must say, she is taller and smarter, but I may be a tad funnier.  It's up for debate, of course.  You might be asking what in the heck we are doing with these goofy helmets on.  Well, my grandson has a motorcycle.  He challenged us to go for a ride with him.  This is one of those instances where I may NOT be funnier, as I wouldn't ride, but Debbie did.  I did, however, consent to have my photo taken in this helmet.  I think we look really silly and that was ok with me.  She's a great girl!!!

Here we are again.  A little more 'in the pink.'  We had been shopping at the local Emporium and she came home with these pretty dolls.  She has a collection of them and these two went home to Texas with her.  It was nice to spend a few days with her, her husband, and their grandson, eleven year old Daniel.  As you may remember, my grandson is nearing 27 years old and there aren't kids here very often....nice to see one once in a while although this one of hers is about four inches taller than I.  Not so little! They sure grow up fast!

I found some linens...you know how I love to discover these here and there.  That one with all the pink and blue embroidery is a dresser scarf...fine to use as a table runner too.  There are quite a few pieces here....and I love them all.  Nothing in the world as fun to me as finding someone else's handwork to use, enjoy....and appreciate!

I love the oval linen pieces with crochet around the edges and red flowers embroidered on them.  Just lovely....

as are these red rose cross-stitch pieces with just gorgeous lace borders.  There are four of them, but I'm only photographing one. 

Just look at this border.....delicious!!!  Not to mention the cross-stitch roses!  I've no idea what I will do with them, but it's fun to TRY to think of something different to do with them and, meantime, I can just look and touch!!

 Don't you love them too?

Here are the linen pieces with that shell crochet edging.  I don't know why I don't do this shell on a pincushion or something small.  It's so dainty and I just love looking at it.  Love the French Knot flowers.  These, too, are bound to be included in some gorgeous creation as yet undecided on...but definitely on the 'back-burner' so to speak.

 Just beautiful!!!

This gorgeous edging is on a lovely linen handkerchief......I have a collection of them and never tire of finding these here and there at whatever flea market I am in....I even buy ones that are falling apart as I figure there is still a lot to love (and use) in those pieces.

This gorgeous linen piece with the crocheted scallops is actually a very wonderful mantle cloth.  I am anxious to try it on my mantle and if it doesn't suit me there....I'm thinking it's wide enough to use as a valance on a wide window.  I'm thinking it might look really cool over a drapery made of painter's canvas.  Just love using that stuff for various things.  We'll see.

 Aren't these scallops just divine?

There are four little linen cloths...I think would be so sweet as coasters on the dining table.  I'm really not sure what their intended use was.   Very sweet!

Then, there is that monogram!!!!  How divine is this?  I always buy these when I find them for a couple of dollars...and dream of finding the whole alphabet.  Now, there isn't much chance of that happening, but can you share my dream of making a quilt from all of those monograms?  I'm far from finding them all....but keep looking, just the same.

These colored laces began as plain white ones from the fabric store.  I've used Setacolor to paint them.  I don't know that much about doing it, but try every once in a while and these are my latest attempts.  It's fun and I never know what I will get, and that's about as adventurous as I get around here.

No idea what I will use them on...but doing little things like this means I am never bored.  A good  thing.  

You can also use acrylic paint which has been watered down.  Such fun and not a very large investment in time or money.

 Another view of one of the linen pieces....I'm thinking I will embroider something pretty on this one.

 More goodness to see and love, don't you think?

So, there you are!  A peek at me and my sweet sister....and lots of pretty linens to enjoy.  Hope you will come back as in a couple of days I plan on showing you something really special...my latest quilt purchase....stay tuned and have a very lovely weekend, will you?  I'll be having my Father-in-Law over for lunch on Sunday.  He and the old Navy man are the best Dads I know and I bet you feel the same way about yours! I wish you and your Dad a very Happy Father's Day!!!  See you soon, take care out there, pat