Thursday, July 29, 2010

Life is Like a Bowl of Chocolates

.....you just never know what you're going to get, do you?  This has been one of those weeks where I've gotten a lot of things, and some of those things were things that make a mom's heart sputter.  I'll get to those in a minute.

First was some framing.  I didn't know what I was going to get with this white frame.  I wanted something that would go in the room where it's intended as it's a very light room, but....

My Quaker House
Blackbird Designs
40 count French Vanilla 

I sat on this piece forever (since July 2008) and didn't know if I wanted to make a needle roll out of it or frame it.  I think I want to take the frame off and paint it and sand it down and have some of the white show through.  What do you think?  Also, the matt is not quite that color - more of a green blue - don't know what is up with the camera!

I started a new project because I was getting a little tired of Adam and Eve's, so I kitted up a few things and started on this:

Susanna Lane
The Scarlett Letter

This is really a lot of fun to stitch.  I couldn't get a closer picture of it because it's fairly wide, but I managed to get that done in the past week.  It's the one of the things that calmed my nerves.

I also got four more of the As Time Goes By quilt finished.  It helps when they're already cut out - just sit and put the pedal to the metal:

Now eight down, four more to go.

Calm nerves are just what I need right now.  It's really been a week - starting off with a visit to my front porch by the men in blue - well actually, one man and women and they were dressed in brown - Oakland Country Sheriff Deputies.  Kind of a scary thing when they come knocking at 12:30 at night.  Well, it wasn't anything too terrible.  Just an incidence of some eggs being thrown at my son's friend's neighbors and my son's car being there and the license given to the police.  Since my son didn't have the common sense to leave the scene of the crime, he's on a few days of grounding.  Now, I've been known to throw a few eggs in my time (it was always a big High School Senior Skip Day thing - rite of passage), so I kind of have to smile.  If that's the worse thing that he gets wrapped up in, I think I'm blessed.  But the grounding should serve as a gentle reminder to tow the line.  Whether he had an egg in his hand or not, throwing at people (if that's exactly what happened) is not a good thing.  He's had Physics - he knows the consequences.

But then two days later, I'm in and out of hospitals with my daughter and then my son.  Possible pneumonia with DD and possible fractured leg with my DS.  You have to love a good time, don't you?  No pneumonia for DD, but possible asthma.  UGH.  And DS - huge collision on the soccer field during his summer gym class.  Diagnosis - badly bruised and sprained ankle and leg - not broken, thank goodness.  Of course, all of this with my son has to happen while I'm sitting in a car dealership across town with my tires and brakes lying on the floor!  That's enough to frazzle a mom's hair.

So to calm my nerves in between all these fun events, I stitched and fiddled around in the craft room, unloading shelves, going through things.  Physical activity is a sure fire way to calm myself down.  And I found another pizza box treasure.  An I Spy Quilt that I started for my kids.  It was part of the reason I saved up to buy an embroidery machine just so I could embroider the words on the side.


Did I ever do that?  Of course not - this is what it looks like:

Two rows put together.  And my favorite blocks so far:

My sister and my son when he was smaller, and for some reason that zebra driving the car cracks me up. 

And, of course, we have to have a block that has something to do with sewing:


I've pulled this quilt out and am going to try to finish it up.  My kids are both older now, but I still think it will make them smile.   Everything is cut out and ready to go, so no excuse not to.

Well, that's all the news that's fit to report this week.  What a week!  Dear sister is coming in tomorrow and I can't wait.  But I've got a ton of things to do before she gets here though and haven't been a very good blog reader this week at all.  I don't know how much time I'm going to have in the next few weeks, but I'll at least look, if I don't comment.

Have a wonderful weekend!! 

  




67 comments:

Andrea said...

OMG, Deb! I bet your heart leapt to your throat when you saw the sheriff at your door! Glad it wasn't anything more serious...that's just a parent's worse nightmare!
And the trips to the hospital...oh dear! Thank goodness it wasn't worse. I can't imagine being stuck at the auto place, unable to get to my kids when they need me!
Whew! You need a margarita! Or two!

Love your framing, that's just perfect! I stitched that a while back, but it's not framed yet. I really love how you did yours...

Here's to a calm weekend ahead!

xoxo

Annie said...

I'm amazed that you could accomplish all the crafting with all those bad things swirling around you!

The BBD piece looks gorgeous in that frame. Love your new Scarlett Letter start too. The I Spy quilt is just too too adorable!

Sending big hugs to help keep you calm!

Teresa S. said...

Not sure about the white frame on My Quaker House-but after reading your entire post, I thought the white isn't so bad after all. :) I'm glad your son was OK-don't police know that a visit in the middle of the night makes a parent think the worst??

Deborah said...

Your BBD finish is really beauitful. The quilt squares are awesome. The colors are really nice. Stay calm.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

That is my worst nightmare - police on the front doorstep. I'm glad it was just over some eggs. Whew! Pneumonia is horrible this summer...we've had loads of cases at the hospital this summer. Thank heaven's your DD doesn't have it. And thank goodness your son doesn't have a broken leg.
I like your picture a lot! I think its perfect :)

valerie said...

The framing is beautiful! And great progress on your start! I never heard of an i-spy quilt before but I like the personalization of the little blocks. How fun!

Sorry to hear about all the hospital drama. That's scary! I'm glad that in the end, everything is ok. :)

Anonymous said...

If police showed up on my doorstep in the middle of the night, I would have either passed out or had a heart attack! This happened to a friend of mine, but the outcome was that she was now a widow with three small children. So sad.

Anyway...I really love the Quaker house piece. I think the frame would look great with a little sanding. And I can't wait to see that quilt finished! What a great project.

Margaret said...

Oh my! You've definitely had a time of it! I'm glad your son's leg isn't broken at least. And asthma! Ugh! The egg thing -- sure hope he toes the line from now on!

I love your Susannah Lane! I really didn't need to see that. lol! Just gorgeous! I love your framing too! And your quilts for that matter. It'll be fun to get that I Spy quilt put together.

Good luck with all the stuff going on.

Annemarie said...

My goodness, your heart must have skipped a couple of beats this last week! Thank goodness you can find stress relief in your stitching and quilting. I love your new Scarlet Letter start! And the I Spy Quilt is just fabulous :o)

BrendaS said...

Love the framed piece! You sure had an exciting week. I've gotten phone calls in the middle of the night and it sure makes your heart skip a beat.

Glad your son didn't break his leg and I hope everything works out with your daughter.

Enjoy the time with your sister! Sounds like you need a good break.

Take care.

BrendaS

Alice said...

A policeman of any sort at the door at that time of night, when you have a child that is out (with a car!) is bone chilling. I feel faint just imagining it. You have had a time of it! Love love love the I Spy quilt. What a great idea! Do it for future grandkids, they will love to play with it.

Littlebit said...

That is the one thing I don't ever want to happen--the sheriff coming to my door at night! Or anytime, for that matter. My goodness, what a week you have had!
On a happy note, your BBD is fantastac, as are those quilt blocks. Beautiful work!

Denise said...

Be truthful - the reason DS is grounded is because of the near heart attack he caused you!

Hopefully, he'll get the message. And then to get hurt to boot. Icing on his cake. DD and asthma, well it is better than pneumonia.

Your stitching looks great as always! And I love the I Spy quilt. If the kids don't enjoy it - the grandkids will.

Smiles - Denise

Missy Ann said...

lol Not smart enough to leave the scene of the crime.

I'm really evil, I'd tell him days laid up at home with a bum leg don't count towards grounding. ;) Glad it isn't too serious & hope your DD gets on the mend soon too.

Jules said...

I am so glad you only had to deal with a little egg-throwing and not something worse. I like Missy Ann's response about the being laid up not counting! Tooooo funny!!!

Hope all gets well soon!

Your newly found unfinished quilt is adorable! I think it will look great when finished...even if it is a few year's later.

Laurie in Iowa said...

You have had a difficult week... I hope things calm down for you. Love the I Spy quilt. You are finding some wonderful projects in those pizza boxes.

Cindy's Stitching said...

I like the framing. The I spy quilt is so nice.

Anonymous said...

I'd freak to see a Sheriff at my door as I have two boys one nearly 21 and the other 16...it would be similiar news as yours I'm sure. Heck, I still remember in my early 20's we had a wonderful group of friends that would get together every weekend...if by chance somebody couldn't make it...there home would likely be tp'd. Boy we had a blast.
Your spy quilt is a MUST finish! It is just adorable!!

Jackie's Stitches said...

What a scare!

Do they really need to investigate throwing eggs at that time of the night?

This is a week I'm sure you do not want to repeat. You did get some lovely stitching out of it though! Love the quilt blocks too.

Karen said...

Hope your week is going better! I like your framed BBD the way it is. Looks like you have been busy...happy stitching.

Rugs and Pugs said...

Deb ~
You always have so many irons in the fire, so to speak. I'd definitely distress the white frame to tone it down a little.
Don't you just love teenage boys? If that's the worst of it, count your blessings.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren

Vinniey said...

Glad to hear your DD doesn't have the scary pneumonia and thank goodness you son didn't break his leg. I hope your DD will getting better. "My Quaker House" looks great with the frame! Susanna Lane is beautiful and love all those cute quilt blocks. :)

Cole said...

When it rains it pours, doesn't it?? Hope things settle down! And your quilt looks like fun too! I don't think you can ever get too old for a good game of I Spy :)

Lainey said...

Oh dear Deb you have had quite a week. Hope your DD's asthma settles down soon.
Quaker house is gorgeous in that frame and great start on Scarlett Letter.
Pretty quilt square and I just love the I spy quilt design. It looks such a fun quilt to put together.

Hazel said...

What a week indeed!!! My haor would be frazzled by now if it were me. Your new wip is gorgeous. I love it. x

KarenV said...

Sorry your week has been stressful, I hope things calm down for you soon.

Love your framed Quaker House finish, the mat sets it off perfectly! Love your new start too - what a pretty sampler! I think I have to go and look that one up now ;)

Sally said...

Your framed Quaker House is gorgeous Deb! Lovely new start too and your quilting is just beautiful.

I hope things ease off for you now. {{{hugs}}}

Nancy said...

Even though we love them more than life itself our kids can make life interesting sometimes, can't they! I hope things calm down for you so that you can enjoy your visit with your sister.

Your projects are just gorgeous! Every single one of them! I think your Quaker sampler looks pretty, but if you don't want the frame quite so white maybe you could rub some antiquing medium on with a cloth. It comes in those little plastic bottles in the same section as the acrylic paints.

Take care!

Brigitte said...

Hmmm, the sheriff`s enquiries and visits at hospitals - that would be enough to make my nerves wreck, lol. You were doing good with keeping yourself busy and calm in your craft room. And the results look so great!

Giovanna said...

Your Quaker House is gorgeous framed like that, and what a beautiful new start! Sorry about the events you've through.

Loraine said...

Hi Deb,
Beautiful BB piece. The frame is very pretty with it! I don't think I ever saw this design (oh no!) I love it!
Love the blocks and the eye spy quilt too. I've always wanted to do one of these.
So sorry to hear about both of your kids! You have had a frazzled nerves week! I hope your DD does not have athsma. That is so hard to deal with!
Time for some relaxations. The egg throwing event...I guess all kids do things like this. It's the way they are at the age. Get them with some friends and their brains turn off! LOL
Have a great week with your sister!

Karoline said...

I'm not surprised you're frazzled just one of those things would be enough never mind all together.

Susanna is lovely, great start and I love the BBD and the quilt blocks

Patricia Lessell said...

I'm surprised you aren't climbing the walls, because I have been. What am I saying!!! I have been climbing the walls with everything that has happened in Chaos Lessell! I love everything you are doing. The one thing I really need to know please is what kind of board do you using for your quilting please? It looks awesome!

I am glad you life seems to have calmed down. Mine has to a degree. Now DH and I have become our younger daughter's slaves as she is out of hospital.

Lots of Love
Patti xxx

Mylene said...

Hi Deb, your framed quaker piece looks gorgeous and you have made a good start on the new project.

Those quilt blocks looks great.

I hope things settles down now for you.

Sherry :o) said...

wow deb, what a week. I agree with you, if that's the only reason the police ever show up, you're doing okay. We did the t.p.thing and got in a little trouble growing up...nothing from my so yet - fingers are crossed! Glad your daughter is well and that son has no breaks! And "start" on the Scarlet Letter piece looks more like progress than start - sweet! I love the "I Spy" quilt and think it will be cool to have for years to come...have fun with your sister - maybe see in you in a couple weeks at K.S. :-)

Linda said...

How on earth did you get all that accompished with such goings on.
You must have just been so suprised with the sherrif at your door. I glad that it wasn't something more serious. I guess you can say that there is never a dull moment.

Jan said...

Well egads, Debbie, you have had a week...a week, that no mother ever wants to have. But so happy to read that things weren't quite as bad as first suspected. Especially with the kids health. And you are right, we all got into mischief as kids...if we didn't then, we sure wanted to. Glad it was harmless.

I love that quilt and I am so for you finishing it!!! I can't wait to see further additions, you go, girl!!

Also love that sampler, now I am going to have to search for it, cuz I don't believe I have seen it yet. Pretty colors for sure!!! Wow!!

You have a great time with your sister, I know that you will..looking forward to hearing all of the stories you will blog about and all of the places that you go!

Stay safe!!

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

Fun framing (I agree about distressing the frame), great quilting (as usual) and scary situations - ugh! Glad the egg incident was nothing overly serious - I'm sure the OC Sherrif's on your doorstep was scary for a minute or two. Sorry to hear about N's leg - a bad sprain is not fun - just glad it wasn't broken. I'm so sorry about DD's asthma - it can be so scary.

Try to relax and have a fun visit with your sister - I'm sure you'll have all kinds of fun things to report!

Katherine said...

Crazy Kids! The frame looks blue too; maybe it was the light outside that day. You seem to have a more eclectic style and the finish just doesn't say that on this frame. Like your sanding idea.

Sue-Anne said...

I would have been panicing seeing the police at my door at that time of night but thankfully it was nothing serious - boys will be boys and at least he got caught out, might make him think before he does anything next time. Little treasures aren't they?

You have had a stressful week with the hospital visits on top of the police and I hope both children are on the mend now.

Your embroidery is beautiful and I love the eye spy quilt.

doris said...

Ugh ... just reading about deputies coming to the door made me feel sick. Brings back hideous memories. I'm so glad it was just eggs. Maybe your son needs some lessons in criminal finesse ... lol.

So sorry about your visits to the hospital. Of course your car was in the shop at just the right moment. Life is amazing.


I agree with you and Terri about the frame.

MyLifesAStitch said...

Giiiiirrrrl.... Oh no this week di'n pull all those shenanigans on you!

Have a drink... have you seen the "ads" for that wine glass that's so big it will hold an entire bottle of wine? I think that'd do it, don't you? ;)

I loove that bbd piece... don't think I've ever seen that pattern before. And yes, I agree that the white on that frame could use some softening. Otherwise it's perfect!

Your pizza boxes hold the best things. :) Love the I spy quilt. That pic of your son with your sis is wonderful. What great memories. And I'm sure your kids will love it, and pass it on to your grandbabies (eventually).

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Anonymous said...
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Unknown said...

is very very good !!
ciao Pat

Lois said...

Goodness, you have been having a time of it Deb! I'm glad DS's leg wasn't broken but I'm guessing it's been pretty painful for him. As for the police arriving at your door?!?!? Oh my!!! I'm glad it wasn't anything more serious.

Hope your daugher is doing okay now. I've got two with asthma, one who had it as a child, seemed to outgrow it and then it came back full force when she was 19!!

Love your newly framed BBD and your new start. Great progress on that!

Love the quilt find in another one of those pizza boxes! Those blocks are cute. I'm with you on the zebra driving the car. That one cracks me up too!!

Carol said...

Hi Deb! I just got back from my vacation at the beach and am trying to catch up on all of my favorite blogs :)

That I Spy quilt is so unique--I love it! And your BBD framed finish looks so joyful--beautiful job :)

Those teen years are trying--especially with boys...My three are now in their 20s, but the youngest still keeps us hopping! I'm so glad it wasn't something more serious :)

Sherry said...

Thank goodness it was nothing more serious than just throwing eggs! Kids will be kids. I'm glad the kids don't have pnuemonia but I hope it isn't asthma either. That can be rough. I love your I spy quilt. I never started one of those. Your new start looks very interesting too.

Alice said...

"My Quacker House" sure is a cutie now that it is finished. I might have to agree that the frame is a tad too perfect. The mounting makes your picture pop out which is good. ; ) What a pretty new project you started. Some fancy stitching right? I am hopeless at fancy stitching. Maybe because I have never tried to do them. I convert them all to crosses when I come accross them. I love all the quilts you make. I admire you for all the crafts you do and you still make time for stitching. I know the feeling when the blue uniforms show up. Usually it is nothing serious and more a case of one's child being at the wrong place at the wrong time but still. Glad your DD and DS are ok but can just imagine your distress in the situation you found yourself. I have been trying to find myself for over a week now and will post about my last weekend in a bit.
Have a great time with your sister.
Alice
xxx

woolwoman said...

OMGoodness - what a week you had ! No wonder you've been at loose ends with projects but it looks like you are flying on that SL piece - I've never seen Susanna before - have to go look it up. Hope you have a good time with your sister. Mel

Berit said...

Love that I Spy--red is the perfect colour for it! :D

On one hand, not being a mother I "can't relate" to this week, but I can also see how those are definitely some harrowing experiences. The police! At your Door! Eek.

That new stitching looks beautiful--somehow the day-glow needle keep really cracked me up. As for the framing, I can see why you say the mat colour is off because it "looks wrong" to my eye--therefore I can't really develop an opinion. I don't think everything HAS to be olde, prim, or distressed, though.

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Heidi said...

Yikes! You need a stitching vacation with no worries. Hope your kids feel better soon! I love your I Spy quilt. We made one for sick kids when my quilt group made some and it was a fun thing to giveaway. This one is going to be really special with your personal choices. Enjoy making it!

Hugs from Holland ~
Heidi

Nancy M said...

I think painting the frame more the color of the material and sanding some away will look great.When you "start" something, you really get loads done on it. Sorry about the hospital trips lately.That does wear you out. We have a friend who is a deputy and when he used to come to the door (when the kids lived at home) we never knew if it was a friendly visit or business!! If that's the worst it gets, you're lucky.

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Susan said...

So sorry to hear about all the things going on with your children! Hope you get to enjoy your visit with your sister. Love the Scarlett Letter sampler and can't wait to see more of it!

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Parsley said...

Great job. I love the stitching!

Stitch By Stitch said...

LOL! I sooooo understand the uniforms at the door! In our house its even worse because that's what my husband does as a career. I'm so glad it wasn't more serious. When we have had those visitations come up, thankfully nothing serious I've told the kids if you want to end up on a milk carton, make me have another visit like that! LOL! One time they even showed up because my daughter failed to use a turn signal and someone called her plate in! LOL! Have a great calmer week!

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Dani - tkdchick said...

What a hair raising week! You definately needed a stress releiver!

I hope the dealership was nice enough to give you a loaner car when your son got hurt! It would be awful to sit there wondering!

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Michelle said...

Oh you poor thing - what a week you had!!! Glad everyone is mostly ok and you found that wonderful I Spy treasure. I collected fabrics to do one of these, but that's as far as I got.