endings and beginnings

In Aztec traditions the passing of the old year and the coming of the new were two very different sets of days, nemontemi and qahuitlehua. Nemontemi were considered very unlucky, dangerous days. Dark spirits were thought to wander the land. People largely stayed indoors, kept to themselves, and kept quiet to avoid attracting the attention of these spirits.

I decided to follow their tradition and mostly stayed indoors except when I was taking Frosty Girl for a walk.  Then I was safe because my guard dog would protect me from any danger. And I stitched, and stitched and I have a finish!

Tomorrow I'm starting the Super Duper Challenge so stay tuned for more stitchy stuff.

Have a happy New Year everyone!
Evalina

The Bathroom Monologues: Christmas Dinner Prayer 2014

Merry Christmas everyone!I hope you will enjoy this prayer as much as I do:

The Bathroom Monologues: Christmas Dinner Prayer 2014: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless us for our good intentions, which always outstrip our good works. Tod...


So long my friends,

Evalina

Signs and symbols

Just three more posts and we are coming to the end of Reverb14 hosted by Kat McNally. Today's prompt is all about signs and symbols

Today, I invite you to consider: what sorts of signs and symbols have recurred for you in 2014? Think: repeating colours, shapes, people, sayings, music, images, ideas. Where could they possibly be leading you?

I CAN NOT think of any... I rarely dream due to sleepless nights, and really nothing unusual is repeating... Well, no there is something. At the end of July I was flying from Toronto to Whitehorse with a little layover in Victoria. Since I had couple of hours to kill I went with friends for lunch. They chose a lovely restaurant by the ocean and then it happened... It was a lovely sunny day, I took a deep breath and the smell of the ocean reminded me of home. The feeling was so strong and did not want to go away. Next day I tell Freddy about that feeling and then things start falling in place. Mom needed a warmer climate, the real estate prices were right and so on. In September we came to Vancouver Island just to have a look, three days later we made an offer and a month later we were on the road moving. As of today I'm still recovering from that move, keep unpacking and organizing not paying much attention to any signs. But (there is always a but) next year I'm starting a journal where I'll be recording all my dreams (if there will be any), hunches etc. But wait, I do not have to wait for January 1st to start this project. There is absolutely nothing stopping me from starting today.

Whatsoever thou resolvest to do, do it quickly. Defer not till the evening what the morning may accomplish. — Unto Thee I Grant.

I think this is a beautiful quote - maybe I should stitch it... Yeah, I think I will design a sampler.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Soul nourishement

Another great prompt that I would love to share with you

What nourishes your soul? How would you like to incorporate more of this into your life in 2015?

I do not have to think about the answer - Mozart and stitching! Both of them are very powerful force, I do not think I could survive without them. It doesn't matter if I'm up or down, sad or happy Mozart and stitching are giving me wings to expend my imagination, change the atmosphere and the mood. I think if I played Presto or Come, Sweet May every morning my day will always have a good start.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Wonder

Oh my, I have been quiet for almost a week! Kat got me going with her very curious prompt from Tracy. Tracy writes:

Like many folks, I picture myself as a modern day Wonder Woman, trying to use my superpowers, to do lists and pure force to get what I want. In 2014, I found that my effort wasn’t often tied to my desired outcomes -- except when it was.

In 2015, is there something you’d like to try harder at because you believe it would make all the difference? 

Conversely, what is something you could stop trying so hard at that might actually help you manifest what you’d like?

Yeah, definitely I want to try harder to find more time for me and love myself a little more. It just hit me that I have nobody to take care of me if I become ill. It's funny, my whole life I always was taking care of somebody and now I CAN NOT think of one person that I can depend on. And I'm not getting any younger - I better try harder to take care of my well being for a change.

And what I will stop trying? I will stop being harsh on myself, after all it is me that I 'm talking about.

As for my stitching - I have a finish!

And I am a winner of the Kelmscott Seventh Day of Christmas Giveaway. Seven must be my lucky number! Oh, they have the cutest little scissors and needle minders. I love them all.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Generosity

I absolutely love today's prompt in Reverb14 that came from writer and artist Kira Elliot. It's so perfect, just in time for holidays.

Kira writes:

(...) there is a difference between generosity and giving. Generosity is free of obligations; it opens the heart, and creates warmth and connection between the giver and receiver. (...) Look back at the last year and consider: how did generosity open your heart? How can you cultivate generosity in the coming year?

 I like to think of myself as generous, compassionate and loving person. Countless times I went out of my way to help someone without thinking of a reward or expecting one. Last year I'd open my door to my MIL who was diagnosed with Alzheimer. She lived on her own, coping with the disease,  depressed by the symptoms, lonely and abandoned in some way. Since Mom lived  over three thousand miles away we were not aware of the situation until things got more obvious. Some day I will write a book - her story is a very disturbing one where her younger son is responsible for her depression, frustration and loneliness. It seems like he cares only about preserving his inheritance (and get most of it) not Mom's well being. But that's a story for another time. Now Mom lives with us and, believe it or not, her health has improved! And do not get me wrong - I'm not an angel, I do have moments when I 'explode', when I get angry and discouraged, but those moments do not last long and I'm working on my 'moments of uncontrolled behavior'.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Shades of Gray, connections, show your self and biting back

As you enter into the new year, what would you like to do/make/have/be more often? How will you bear witness and celebrate the tiny milestones? How will you respond on the occasions when your intentions do not come to pass?

Today's prompt is very intriguing, shades of gray - I DO NOT like gray, I love black and white. I do not have time for gray, I do not like head games, I just want to know: right or left, good or bad, black or white. Now, as I'm typing these words, I see that I'm missing a whole rainbow of colours...

In the 2015 I would love to be more calm, talk less and listen more, stitch more and spend more time on my spiritual study. I would love to finish more projects, improve my writing skills and start to write a memoir (Why not? It would be awesome to read it when I'm very old and my memory starts fading). I think I should have all my goals and point by point a 'road map' how to accomplish them written down, then I will know when I achieve a little milestone. And if something doesn't go the way I intended - so be it, I will find another way...

connections

The hectic pace of our lives can make it difficult to remain connected to the things and the people that matter the most to us. We get wrapped up in our work or our busyness and connection falls by the wayside. 

How have you created and/or sustained connections in your life this year?

 Connections are very important part of my life and I'm trying to be active. You know, if I do not write to somebody - nobody will write to me, if I do not call anyone - no one will call me, if I do not visit blogs - other bloggers will not visit mine.

 


show your self(ie)

There was a time when I loved to be photographed, now I'm the one who hides behind the camera...




biting back

if the gloves were off, how you really would have liked to have dealt with them?

Wow, have you watched 'Kill Bill' with Uma Thurman? Well, I wish I could bite back the way The Bride did. Unfortunately I do not bite back and I do not 'get even' either. I stitch. With each new unpleasantness I have a new project going. I'm starting new projects not only when I'm in trouble or unhappy. Each time I have something to think about it, something to resolve or plan - my hands are getting busy with stitching. Here is progress on my newest piece:

 

So long my friends,

Evalina

What is the sound of your own voice?

This prompt is easy - I love my voice (most of the time) even though I can't sing. I love reading aloud, telling stories and just plainly talking. I like hiring my voice, it always clams me. Sometimes, when I'm angry and frustrated I scream and even then has same soothing effect. Most people like my voice - in my whole life just two of them have complained (but on the other hand they are the ones who drove me crazy). I am a very independent and strong woman, my voice reflects that.

All that reflecting makes me thinking and of course I had to have a new stitchy start...

I'm stitching this piece on the lovely fabric from Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe with their floss of course.

So long my friends,
Evalina

...

All right, today's prompt is giving me a little trouble..

We are all lightning rods, conduits for that which the Universe wants born into this world. What energies did you channel this year?

I do not get it. Even if I agree that I'm some kind of a wire that transmits energies - where do I suppose to look for them? Inside or outside? Sometimes I'm around a person that burst with happiness and enthusiasm and it is contagious - makes me feel good. Sometimes is opposite - the persons burst with happiness and enthusiasm and it irritates me.   So what I'm channeling? Come on guys, help me with this subject. Until then I will put on some 'Thinking of Love' perfume from Mary Kay and play 'Good Vibrations'.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Loving now

 It’s all too easy to put off loving where we are until everything is perfect. What can you love about where you are now?
I've try that - it doesn't work. Life isn't perfect and never will be (that's my own opinion). My dreams are far, far away from today's reality. What happen if they never come true? Should I be miserable in the meantime? Some time ago I decided that no mater what I'll be a positive person loving the moment I'm in right now. Yesterday is a history and tomorrow may never happen so I love today and I love now. What do I love? You all know that I love stitching but I also love rainbows, my DH and my family, my dog and my mother in law, neighbours - when I think about it actually I love everything except root-beer, liquorice and bok choy.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Release

What unfinished projects from 2014 are you willing to release now? (Regret not required.)


I'm not a quitter! If I started a project I will finish it sooner or later. Sometimes much later...  I wanted to loose thirty pounds or so, I lost three - I can let it go for now and start all over next year. There, that's a release. I was very angry and disappointed back in June -  now I can let these feelings go away forever. If we are talking about my stitching projects - that's a different story - I'm not willing to let them go but I will finish them and release them as 'finishes'. You know, just like an author releases his new book or a musician his new album. Let's see what I can release this year...

A while ago (well, a long while ago in January 2011) I started a 'Love' ornament. This is where I left if off

and this how it looks now. I stitched like there will be no tomorrow and I'm almost done! Just one more evening (or maybe two)

 Same goes for Jingle, I'm almost done. So after all, it looks like I can have both pieces finished for Christmas.

Do you have anything to release this year? Please share with me.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Welcome December

Finally it is here - last month of the year... Like usual this time of the year,  it is time to reflect (hopefully learn from our mistakes) and plan for the future. My big goal is to improve my English and writing skills. I use to be a pretty good writer in Polish - now I have a trouble to put a few sentences together. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely do not have a problem with business communication but I would love to write with more creativity. And since practice makes everything perfect I will write more. Have you read 'On writing' by Stephen King? He said that you must write about 2000 words every day if you seriously want to be better in writing. I'm not crazy about his books but I admire his style. Now, let's go back to reflections. This morning I was browsing Blogland and Deborah posted an invitation to reflective writing challenge hosted by Kat - a writer whose mission it is to 'soothe weary souls' (this sounds so lovely). She is in Australia, I'm in the Pacific time zone, so she is like a day ahead of me. Regardless my posts being a day behind, I've decided to play along. Before I get to today's topic I want to share with you the most beautiful sunset captured on the last day of November right from my deck:

With that beautiful sky in mind I'm back to today's consideration: what can you say right now with certainty?


Ha! That's easy - I love to stitch! I am so certain about it. I have been doing this for over twenty years and love every minute of it. Many other things seamed real and certain in the past but after time went by it turned out somewhat different... You know what I mean...

So long my friends,
Evalina

It's my lucky day today!

I woke up this morning with an awful headache feeling miserable so I decided to do some housework, walk the dog and finally I turned on the computer... and... I do not feel any aches or pains any more, I feel like a WINNER! Look what I have won:

Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: We have winners today!: We have a winner today for the 1840 floss collection! EvalinaMaria! And....because we had 200 entries I added another winner as promised! ...

a whole floss collection!!! Thank you so much Santa Nancy. I'm working on your Jingle today and thinking of you ♥


So long my friends,

Evalina

Last day to enter

It is a last day to enter Nancy's Christmas giveaway. Don't miss it!

Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: 25 Days of Christmas $100 Gift Certificate give-aw...: On Christmas Day Santa Nancy is giving away a $100 gift certificate! One lucky winner will have a nice present and be able to go shopping!...

Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: 25 Days of Christmas, Gift Certificate give-away, ...

If you did not enter this lovely draw yet, you still have time! Don't forget to say that I've sent you ♥
Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: 25 Days of Christmas, Gift Certificate give-away, ...: On the 24th day of Christmas Santa Nancy will be giving away a $25 gift certificate.......or you can choose the surprise package! You will...

Drumroll please (I'm dancing)!

A second finish this month! This time I went even further and I framed my little piece. I did it all by my self and this is my first ever attempt to framing. I think I should decorate the frame a bit...

I did not worked on Jingle but I took the piece off the scroll frame and put on the q-snaps, now I can see the whole thing and work on finishing. It just needs some snowflakes, some bells, etc.

And of course I was forking on another design from Nancy 'Forget me Not', here is the progress:

Nancy from Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe is having a huge giveaways in December. Pop in to her site to enter the draws. Since draws are not starting until December you can catch up and enter for every day. If you are new to her blog just mention that I've sent you there. Have fun!

So Long my friends,
Evalina

Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: 25 Days of Christmas Gift Certificate give-away and stitching with Linda

Yesterday was my day of stitching with Linda in Debbie's memory. I did not stitch my Thankful Quaker, instead I was working on the Jingle.

And look what Nancy has in the store for you today:
Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe: 25 Days of Christmas Gift Certificate give-away, e...: On the 12th day of Christmas Santa Nancy will be giving away a $25 gift certificate for you to choose items from my Ebay store. Charts, fl...


So long my friends,
Evalina

still Friday

I did not forget about posting my progress from yesterday. I was very busy because I had to replace my windshield... So I called around to get the best price and it happen to be the SpeedyGlass got my business. The closest shop was in Nanaimo (just an hour away from Port Alberni). So, me and Frosty jumped in the car and we went for an awesome ride. She even made some friends there

Here is my progress on Jingle as ya enter jingle as ye go by Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe.

Did you know that Nancy today was taking entries for a fabric draw? I'm wondering what she will offer tomorrow... I have never try her fabric before so today I splurge on her favorite 32ct linen in Antique Champagne - we'll see how I will like it. You know, in January/February I'm doing the Super Duper challenge with Linda and I will need tons of fabric - there will be 59 new starts...

Oh, and tomorrow is already Saturday and on Saturdays I'm stitching with Linda in Debbie's memory. I'm working on Thankful Quaker. If you have a minute - check in by the end of the day to see my progress.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Thursday

Trouble with moving is not only packing/unpacking. There is a whole lot of paperwork like getting new driver licence, registering the car, getting new insurance and so on. I have a pretty new car but I still have to have a provincial inspection. So that's what I was doing today - I took my car for the inspection. While guys were looking at the car me and Frosty went to discover some new trails. Gosh, I love BC!
For ten years I was looking on black spruce and poplars, now I can finally enjoy some serious trees. look on this one

It was such a pleasure to see beautiful ferns and walk on the leaves..

And I have more stitchy progress to show you. As promised I was working on 'Jingle (...) by Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. I love this piece and I think ... I could be done with it by Monday (you should see me smiling)

So long my friends,
Evalina

bears and some stitching

I've lived on the north for ten years, I have seen many bears but they never bothered me. I'm in Port Alberni just three weeks and we are having an 'issue' with bears. Just look at our fence

Do you see how is leaning towards walkway? Well, the neighbour said that's from bears claiming over. It was kind of hard to believe but I found an evidence

I guess we will have to replace that fence some day... make something taller and stronger... any ideas? I kind of like this one, looks so cool but I'm not sure how it will work with bears...

And on the stitchy site - I work yesterday on 'Forget Me Not' by Nancy , here is the progress:

The picture doesn't show all the beauty. The fabric isn't gray, it's a beautiful light blue 28 ct 'Forget me not' Jobelan and the floss is gorgeous 'Ocean Waves' by Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. I hope some day I will be able to capture right colours. Today I'll work on my Jingle, I'm kind of in a Christmas mood (I have no idea why, maybe Nancy's Christmas Spirit is contiguous?)

So long my friends,
Evalina

November eleventh

It is a gorgeous day in Port Alberni, sky is blue, sun is shining and I was able to catch morning fog over the Alberni fiord

Yep, that's the view from my window! I liked the north but now I feel like I'm in heaven... Stay tuned for more photos.

Do you know that today Poland celebrates Independence Day? Wikipedia has great info on that day so  I do not have to write the story, here is the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Independence_Day.

And, as promised, here is the progress on my Jingle:

Since today is a Remembrance Day I thought I will work on Forget me Not by Nancy Turner. (Do not forget to check her blog and enter for the draw!) Here it is where I am today:

and of course, comeback tomorrow to see my progress.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Santa Nancy

Many of you know Nancy from Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe and many of you admire her generosity (me too of course!). Every year she has many giveaways around Christmas time and this year is no different. This month she has draw entries every day! I decided to have even more fun with her 'stuff'. I decided to stitch her designs or using her floss every day this month. For today I chose Jingle as Ye Enter Jingle as Je go. I started this piece last year and for no reason I did not even look at it this year... here is where I'm now (not a very good picture but it's late in the evening and the light isn't the best)

check in tomorrow to see my progress.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Drumroll, please...

The Halloween House is done, done, done!!! I've started this project Friday, January 13, 2012. There were a few horror moments and the stitching was extremely slow, but I'm done with it. I do not usually have to wash pieces when I finish stitching - but of course this wasn't a case with Halloween House. So it went for a little soaking

and now it looks like 'new'

So long my friends,
Evalina

WIPocalypse!

I can see light at the end of the tunnel! A long, long time ago I've started SAL with many other lovely stitchers, we were stitching Halloween House. I think everybody is done with their project a while ago - mine is still dragging...

After I finished Spooky Welcome I grabbed my HH and went on stitching. I wanted so bad to have finish during this WIPocalypse and I almost made it

See? I just have to finish the border, a little bit to the right and a little bit down on the right. Then it will be all done! Then I can say goodby to Halloween stuff for a while, at least to the end of the year.

This month’s topic is:  What are your favorite and least favorite materials to use in your stitching?

Well, let me tell you - I love stitching on linen. A long time ago I did not like it - it was to soft, counting was difficult but now I feel same about aida - it's to stiff, the wholes are to big... it's funny how my taste has changed. I love stitching with silk floss but I do not mind stitching with other brands except the Glow in the Dark - do not like that one at all. Oh, and I love my Q-snaps! And I think that will be all...

So long my friends,
Evalina

Halloween exchange

Today I received a lovely package - what a way to start a new week!

 There was a beautiful ornament, card and a chart! I love absolutely everything - thank you Michele.

And here is a close up of the kitty, I hope you can see the bead work on the ornament... (all kitties have green eyes and little red noses).

When I signed up for the exchange I had no idea I'll be moving so soon and it took a while for Canada Post to forward these goodies to my new address. Even though Halloween have passed I love the package a lot and will leave for a while on the display.

If you would like to see what others sent, click here:

So long my friends,
Evalina

I can't believe it...

The unpacking is slow going - I guess I'm still recovering after the trip. I was so tired that I really needed some stitching therapy. Friday evening I grabbed the needle and the 'Spooky Welcome' - tonight I do a happy dance

I finished all the stitching and, who knows, maybe I can really finish it just in time for Halloween.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Goodbye north!

After ten years of living on the frozen north we are finally back to a warmer climate. This time our destination was Vancouver Island. The packing took forever, I had no idea that we will be able to fill a 26' truck... It was filled to the ceiling! The closing date on our house was October 15 and a day before we had appointment with the lawyer so we decided to come to the Island on the October 13th. Well, we did not leave Yukon till late October 11th...

According to google maps the whole trip should take approximately 35 hours but the truck was driving slower than expected and it took over 40 hours of driving.

From the start we were behind 11 hours... There was no time for site seeing during the trip or anything - we had to catch ferry on the 13th. We did not sleep much during the trip and I was so sick and tired of following that U-haul truck for over 1600 miles...

Mom spotted a lovely place for a lunch

 

and after all we did catch ferry to the Island right on time. I was a little disappointed because of  lack of turkey sandwiches  (at least!) on the ferry, burger with french fries had to do for Thanksgiving supper.

To make a long story short, everything else went as planned. I am so tired and have tons of unpacking to do but we are all happy to be here. The house is lovely with a gorgeous ocean view, Frosty has a new neighbourhood to discover and new rules to learn. I'm hoping for a stitchy night soon.

So long my friends,

Evalina

Surprise Blog Hop

Jo is celebrating a milestone: she reached 500 followers! Congratulations dear Jo!!! To make it more fun she is hosting a Surprise Blog Hop. So I'm hoping over to Catherine of I Love to Stitch and what a wonderful surprise! She does all kinds of stitches - she quilts, she makes lovely bracelets and her stitching is absolutely beautiful. I encourage you to visit her blog - in no time I became a follower.

In my stash I have a lovely design 'Honest, kind and good' that I'm planning to start stitching in January during Super Duper challenge in Debbie's memory hosted by Linda.

I think Catherine would like that chart too.

So long my friends,
Evalina

Stitching marathon

Some time ago, well... a long time ago me and Mel use to have on weekends stitching marathons. We were just stitching long hours and keep in touch by email. Same happened last weekend! I was working on the Spooky Welcome and I've made a nice progress:

 

And since September is almost over it's time for Stitch from Stash update. I did stitch from stash only, I have a new start Thankful Quaker and of course I was working on Spooky Welcome. Here is my new start:

 

I spent more money that the budget allows but I needed some more stash for the 2015 Super Duper Crazy Challenge hosted by Linda in Debbie's memory.  I guess there will be no more spending to the end of the year.

So long my friends,
Evalina

International Hermit and Stitch Weekend - September

I've missed it completely... I have a good excuse though - I was on the trip! I saw goats on the roof

and the gorgeous sunset while on the ferry ride (that's me but you have to use a lot of imagination)

and my MIL enjoyed oysters for the first time (she will be 83 in October)

I did a little stitching before we went on the trip, here is my progress on the Spooky Welcome

So long my friends,
Evalina

Super Moon, Super WIPocalypse

Finally I was able to see the super moon. Last 2 months I had no luck, it rained and I could see nothing. Tonight is perfectly clear sky. I went to the lake, on the east the moon was rising and on the west the sun was setting. I even spotted a beaver!

 rising moon

 Frosty Girl and rising moon

 fireweed in moonlight

 sunset

beaver working night shift

Here is my progress on Spooky Welcome:

And, as promised earlier (or maybe the promise I made on Linda's blog) last Saturday I pulled out neglected Halloween House and stitched in Debbie's memory. Long time ago we started this as a SAL.... this is where I left it off:

 and now (I stitched some of the border)

During my typing it got dark outside and the moon shines beautifully

 

 So long my friends,

Evalina