Friday, August 7, 2009

Attack of the Frogs......

......flower frogs, that is (although the stitchy ones came by too). I'll get to the stitchy one first. Even though my sister was here and we flew like the wind (including the day she left - Tuesday), I actually had a finish!

Be True
Little House Needleworks

I only started this, what? Four months ago? But it was the perfect piece to pick up while my sister and I were gabbing late into the night. This will be my next framing attempt. I spotted another tutorial on one of the blogs using binder clips. That should help out immensively with the pinning or lacing part.

My sister and I had such a great time! Antique malls, discount malls, flea markets, thrift stores, pet adoption events, art fairs - and so many other things, I can't even remember all of it. I didn't take pictures - she took all of them, and hopefully she'll send them to me soon. Have I mentioned that it's taken me two days to recover? And my car now has an additional 700 miles on it? LOL But we did have the best of time.

Time with my sister is precious. Three years ago we all thought that she was going to die. She had contracted a virus (she's traveled all over the world), and it lodged in her stomach. After two years of horrible fatique, missing out of work, going through a battery of tests and drugs (including opiates), they finally think they've pinpointed what it is (and the name escapes me right now, darned it). She is currently in a remission kind of state and being treated with Chinese herbs. It is a known virus, but very little is known about it and the Chinese herbs seem to be the best treatment. Right now she is in an 18 month weaning process off the opiates she was on and seems so much better than when I saw her last November. Unfortunately, the virus can rear it's ugly head again and attack her heart or brain. We are constantly praying that doesn't happen.

My sister loves flea markets and antique stores because prices are so much cheaper here than where she lives, so she was the perfect enabler for my current addiction. It seems that I've developed an addiction for flower frogs. Now I don't know how I'm going to use all of these, but we all need something to collect, right? The only other things I guess you could say I collect (besides what appears to be a scissor fetish lately) is Barbie Dolls. But this is what I found:



The one on the left is just one that I found in Frankenmuth - it has hearts on the side so I grabbed it. The one on the right is actually circa 1935-1938 and I was so thrilled to find it that I almost fell all over myself! But then I found two more of them - exactly the same at different antique stores. I bought those too (don't tell DH). One is going to my sister as a "just because" (I think she actually got caught up in my frenzy, came to me with a second one and I grabbed it out of her hand, snorting and dancing in the store - not realizing that she could possibly want it), and the third one - well, I'm not sure yet what I'll do with it - maybe fill it up. What I like about the one on the right is that not only can you put scissors in the middle, but along the scalloped edges too.

Then I found a couple clear ones:




And these:



And then this top. Actually I bought a couple of these in different sizes. I found that with good antique store sleuthing, I can find bowls that will fit these for a good price.

I also found these two things for my craft room. I love the victorian hand clip!

And then this for my dining room:


I don't think that it's an antique, but I had been looking for something like this for a while.

Another thing I almost came home with (and it's still up in the air) was this precious thing:

Isn't he adorable? He was at a pet adoption event we went to. I took him out of his cage, he licked my face and snuggled into my neck and did not come out. Wouldn't let anyone else take him either. The kids were thrilled. Unfortunately, you don't take these animals home. You fill out lengthy adoption papers proving that you will be able to take care of the animal. Well, I've done all that and we're waiting. I'm not holding my breathe because he was so adorable that I'm sure many others wanted him. But we'll see. He's a German Shepherd/Lab mix found with his four siblings in a burned out house in Detroit. Not my first choice in a dog - I tend towards smaller ones - but the kids really loved him. And he'll get big enough where I'll be forced to walk him and maybe he'll keep me in shape. I was hoping though that I'd hear something - it's my son's 16th birthday on Sunday and I know he would have been absolutely thrilled if we had gotten him.

Well, that's it for now. DH and the kids are playing putt-putt golf. I'm on the home stretch on SB's Queen Bee and trying to decide what to do next. I don't want to go back to Shores. I've decided that what I'll do next year when Kathy Barrick visits our Guild is take all three of my HoHRH pieces (all in various states of progress), hang a sign over my neck that says "Sufferer of Habitual Startitis" and call it a day. What a slacker I am! LOL So I'm off to find another project to work on.

Hope everyone has a great weekend of stitching and fun, and thank you again for all your comments. (PS. I need to learn to make shorter posts - LOL!)

41 comments:

The Eveningstitcher said...

Deb....your blog is so funny!! Just keep on gabbing! I love your flower frogs...my, my...you are quite the shopper! I used to buy things and hide them from my husband too....so I know where you are coming from! Glad to hear you had a nice visit with your sister, sounds like you both really enjoy each other's company. That virus thing..sounds really weird. Thank heaven she is on the mend. Have a great evening!

Bobbie

CJ in OK ;-) said...

Cute little finish, congrats. So many frogs too. CJ ok;-)

Margaret said...

Wow! Nice finish first of all. That virus of your sister's -- so scary! I hope it never comes back. Glad you two had fun together. You really are into those flower frog thingies, aren't you? lol! I need to get one myself someday. I hope the dog adoption comes through for you. He looks adorable! I think my sister's dog may be the same sort of mix -- at least the part black lab part.

Barbi said...

I must say, I am totally jealous of your flower frog collection!

Anonymous said...

Great flower frogs!!...and a very cute puppy! I hope that you are able to adopted him.
~Cindy~

Kim said...

Love your frog finds! I have too many of the 'flat' ones..sssshhhh...don't tell my husband either....but have never seen them with the bowls! Great finds! So glad to hear you've had quality time with your sister!!

dany said...

Tout est superbe !
Bisous Debbie et belle journée

karenv said...

Glad to hear that you had such a good time with your sister - I hope her health continues to improve!

You really know how to shop, the flower frogs are all wonderful ;)

Good luck with the puppy adoption! When we got both of our cats, we knew they were right because they just snuggled up to us and couldn't stop purring. Hope you get some news very soon.

Laural said...

Great finish! I'm glad you had so much fun and found such great things. I hope the adoption goes through!

Brigitte said...

Sounds very good what you write about your precious time with your sister. I hope she will have recovered from that virus very soon.
I love all your flower frogs, they are beautiful. I still haven't found any of them here but will continue being on the lookout.

Faye said...

Love all the frogs! And, the great stories you share. Faye

Cari said...

I am lovin' your frog finds!! Way to go. Having a sister visit is just the BEST. I love my sisters and we always have such a great time. Thanks for sharing your adventures. And, good luck on getting the puppy. Happy Stitching

Loraine said...

Hi cutie,
So sorry to read about your sister's illness. My that is terrible, but I do hope the virus stays in remission. What a test for her, and all of your family!
I'm really glad you had such a good time, and your finds are wonderful! I may have to start a new collection as well!
I love the finish. I feel just like you, that it's taken 4 months to do the simplest projects. Oh well, it has been a fun summer, right?
Your posts are never too long. They are really entertaining. I wish you would write more! You have quite a gift.
Take Care, and have a great weekend.

Melissa said...

What a great post Deb! Where to start? From the top...

The LHN finish is really cute. I love those flower frogs too. Don't have any but love seeing them on the blogs. The heart one is precious!

Sorry to hear about your sister's past health issues but glad she is on the mend. Chinese herbs can do amazing things even though they may seem 'slow', the effects are there to stay (I think & hope).

I also hope you get that cute puppy too!

Tammy T. said...

Ya see, this is another reason I love visiting other peoples blogs. I'm exhausted, but... I feel like I've been visiting a special and close sibling,(sisters are best) I feel absolutely satisfied with all of my, um... I mean your purchases, what a great shopping adventure, and I got to see adorable animals to boot. All in all, a wonderful and fulfilling time. And I didn't even leave the house. :)
I can't wait for our...I mean "your" next busy spree.
So glad you share.

Deb said...

OMgosh, Deb!! LOL I feel like we've been together on a mad dash to the local stitching shop!! and back!! :] What don't I love about your new stuff??? Sounds like your sister has been through the mill. I'm glad she's well and you two had special times together. You're blessed.

Debs said...

NO, you don't need to learn to make shorter posts--I love reading every word. You have a style to writing that makes me feel like I'm sitting in the room with you, chatting. Great finds, I really must find one of those flower frogs. I've filled up my "herb" rack with hanging scissors and fobs, and have no room left.

I'll keep your sister in my prayers, that she recovers, that the docs find out exactly how to "cure" her, and that you have a long life with your sister. Sisters are precious--I have 4 of them, and wouldn't trade a one. Good luck on the pet adoption, a Lab mix is a good and loyal animal.
hugs
Debs

Tammy said...

LOve all your goodies. Nice to spend some time with your sister and I hope she doesn't have to deal with a recurrence of her virus. Strange! Your finish is great-such beautiful colors in that one.

Kellie said...

Sign me up for the Sufferer of Habitual Startis club. :) I feel your pain. :)

I hope you get to adopt that sweet puppy. So cute!!

Congrats on your Be True finish. I love that one.

Love your found items too... especially those frogs!

Sounds like you and your sister had a fabulous time.

Have a great week!!

Anna van Schurman said...

We had a hand clip like that that we used for the outgoing mail in our apartment building (four units). My neighbor bought it and it was the perfect thing. Hope you find something useful to do with it!

Faye said...

I love those frogs!!! I need to scope out my area shops and see if I can find one....that way I can start a scissor fettish....right?/lol Anyway, I enjoy reading your blog everytime you post. You keep me in stitches!

Pam said...

I hope you get to adopt that adorable dog. He is so cute. You sound like you had such a great visit with your sister and that is so great to hear. I know that the sister relationship can be very special.. I hope her virus stays in remission for a very long time.

Alice said...

LOVE those frogs Debbie!! I can also not have enough when I love something. : ) Not good news about your sister and I do hope her body can cope. I take an immunomudulator called "CANOVA", completly homeopathic, and it has helped me resist most viruses where I used to get ill all the time. Its very effective against the fatigue as well. I am sure you can find it in the USA. Just Google Canova. Aaah, a new family member...maybe? Sounds like a wonderful lil'puppy. Its been one year that I raw feed all my bulldogs and I have NEVER looked back. Oliver will be turning 11 soon and he will go strong until 14easily. Most bulldogs are lucky to make 9 on kibble. He was at the end when I changed him over with my entire kennel and has a new lease on life. Remember, dead food cannot generate life. Kibble is "dead".
Hugs
Alice

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Hey Deb! I've been so swamped lately that I haven't had a minute to stitch at all - some SAL leader I am....
Happy b-day to N. Now begins a whole new adventure ~ are you ready?
Love the frogs! You are the shopper extraordinaire, aren't you? Glad your sis is doing well and got home safely.
Your finish is darling!
TTYS!

Anonymous said...

My, my, my heart missed a beat - I thought you were talking about us French frogs ! But flower frogs are alright, I started collecting them too, the dome ones, I only have five of them but look forward to more...
Seems you had a great time with your sister, get well wishes to her, the virus sounds spooky enough.

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

hey, I'm really there with you with a scissor collection going on! I looked all over antique stores in Pigeon Forge last month on our trip for one of these "frog" scissor holders but couldn't find one. If you ever consider selling the pink one on the right, I would be interested so that I could display my Scissies......
Jennifer

omashee aka Barb said...

Deb, love your blog! I'm a fellow frog fan and have just started collecting. Love you finds! Do hope you'll get the pup. All of my dogs have been rescues and they're so loving. Maybe they just know you've saved them from an awful life.
Hugs,

Angela said...

We;ll done on getting a finish done despite being so busy with your sister.

Sally said...

What a beautiful finish.

I hope your sister makes a full recovery soon.

Unknown said...

Oh, I want some scissor frogs! You know I love antique shops and flea markets but have never seen these things before. They would be perfect in my craft room!

I just love your finished piece - can't wait to see what you do with it.

It sounds like you had such a great time with your sister. And the puppy - oh what a sweet little thing. I hope everything goes thru and you will have a new addition to your family very soon.

Natasha said...

great post Deb! Flower frogs are awesome. My mom use to have a bunch. Don;t know whatever happened to those.You got a great collection started.

I will keep your sister in my thoughts and prayers. Siblings are the best aren't they? I have 2 older brother 43 and 44. And though growing up they picked on me to know end know I love em to death and miss them everyday living so far away.

Take Care and thanks for always stopping by my blog :)
Natasha

Mel said...

Sounds like a great visit with your sister and I love the finish!

Lelia said...

good luck with your dog adoption. What a sweetie : )
Your collection is interesting. What fun

Kajsa said...

I love all the frogs! Now I have to look for some when I do my antiquing trip (when the kids are back in school).

Your finish is so cute!

Jan said...

Debbie, I adore all of those frogs!! Envious cuz I have yet to have ONE! LOL My own fault, I need to just go and shop some! I really like those with the holes on the edges, how unique and pretty are those? My question is this, are you planning on using these for all of your scissors? I mean I know ahhmmm scissor collecting can be a real fetish and we have to have room for them, but that is a lot of frogs! Love them, enjoy!!

Also love that Victorian Hand Clip, how awesome!!!!

Always keeping your sis in prayer, and hoping that you have oodles of years left to spend shopping and visiting!!

Love, love, LOVE your sweet little finish!!

Have a super wonderful rest of the week and weekend!!

Siobhán said...

Deb, wow!! You and your sister are the queens of thrift shopping. Fabulous stuff! I just love the pup--I hope you get him. Fingers crossed. I'll keep your sister in my prayers, too.

Siobhán said...

PS--beautiful finish!

woolwoman said...

Deb - I love your posts - Keep um coming - I'm loving your frogs especially the pink one - looks like depression glass - my mom has an extensive collection of pink depression glass but no frogs :( I'll be having a little consultation with her about that soon. Your little LHN piece is cute - i want to do one of her designs - Oh I have many in my stash but never have taken a stitch on one - I just got Mayflower or Plimoth - not sure what she calls it - want to start that for a friend. Better cut this off - I'm running on too long! Thanks for your kind comments on my blog - they are always welcome! Mel

Anonymous said...

Great finish! I love that chart. I've got my fingers crossed for you with the puppy. Rest assured the little guy will keep you busy! I hope it all works out. Great finds too! WOW!

Quiltsmiles said...

Jan,
Love your finish of to thine own self be true. Very pretty. Sister time is always a great time too.
Jane

florence said...

wouahhhhhhhh your flower frogs are very beautiful !!!
I am french and and i have some flower frogs too
you can se them to my blog
here : http://piketkol.over-blog.com/album-199587.html

and here :
http://piketkol.over-blog.com/album-1635263.html