Time to Share

~~Updated~~

So many of you kind folks have commented and asked 'How'd you do it' that I thought I'd tell the plan that has worked for me. Of course we all know that my plan won't work for everyone; you have to find your own that works for you. But if any little tip can help someone else, then that's what sharing is all about; right?

Here's a link to a note in April when things were getting started, and another in June. Since then, I've really just been keeping on. The typical day is breakfast - still cereal and skim milk, some coffee and Diet Mt. Dew along, then dinner. No, I don't eat lunch. I sit on my behind all day in front of this computer, as I told DS the other day, it's a waste of calories to eat lunch when I'm not working in the fields or doing ANY physical activities. I know many people can't do that with blood sugar issues and such, but it works for me. Back to dinner - usually chicken or fish with some veggies. A piece of fruit or pretzels after dinner is a sometimes snack, but do try not to eat after dinner.

It has almost been a year since I seriously decided I HAD to lose some weight. I think it was October of 2006 when I realized it was possible, and that it was most certainly time to do something! As I've stated before, you name a diet, fad or otherwise, and I've probably tried it. So, as I near my goal of losing 50 pounds (about four to go - and they may be the slowest), I decided it's time to show you the changes. This first picture was taken in April 2006, I think.

This was this morning, August 20, 2007. I'm not skinny, by any means, but don't intend to be.

Many of you have commented on the ticker across the title of my blog, and I thank you for the support. I also thank the Stash for Pounds yahoo group members, and especially Susan for their continued support - and for contributing to the Stash box I won for losing the most in the first six months!

It's been a long road, and I'm not quitting, just thought it was time to let you know how it's going!

RAOK

I got a lovely D.Morgan card yesterday with a baggie of goodies from Pat Winter. Is she telepathic as well as magically talented? I've been trying my hand at printing images to use on CQ projects, and there were several beautiful ones included. There were also the sweetest, tiny leaf charms, and some of her beautifully dyed silk ribbon. If you've ever gotten a package from Pat, you know the lovely scent each has that makes it even more special.

Thank you so much, Pat, for sharing these with me, but especially for being the generous, sharing, loving woman that you are!!

The Half-Blood Prince - *****

I finished Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and it was great. I had planned to go back to The Dark Tower, but now I've got to finish this series. The last one... I've heard it is VERY good, and I'm ready to know what happens. If you haven't read any of these books, you may think they're elementary. They are, somewhat, but I believe as the years have gone on, Harry and the gang have grown up, and so has the level of reading.

CQ Hearts

I went into the sewing room last night, and the next time I looked up it was 11:30. I was having a good time making hearts. Haven't done any stitching yet, but they're ready when I am.

Stash Enhancement

Over the last week or so, I've been really busy working longer than usual hours, and haven't had a lot of time for answering list group messages or blogging. Trying to do a little catch up today...

Found a package of 30 ink jet printing silk sheets at a very reasonable price!




Also got a couple of women images' CDs from Ephemeraplus to use for those silk sheets.



Some new threads I got in the mail from eBay

"Original: China Quality: 100% Silk with intense sheen Length: 20m per shein,20 skeins,about 400m.Colors:Rainbow of color." Chinese Art Online.


As you can see from the scan, these are a finer silk than I typically use, but they're very pretty, light, and cover well with two strands. You can see a little of the thread in use on my Fall Swap block.



"Silk Embroidery Floss Thread
10 skeins of pure silk floss. Rainbow of colors, no duplcate.This beautiful thread is similar to Soie Platte with intense sheen. 23m per skein, not the 5m or 8m small skein you buy in the store."
Little Cheribs Online.
I haven't tried these yet, but they appear to be even a little finer than the previous.






I also got a couple more skeins of the cotton from YarnPlayer on Etsy.com
"Hand dyed size 50 6-cord cotton crochet thread with color variation from red,pink,peach,yellow,light yellow-green,and bright green. I am calling this batch "Rhubarb Crisp". The base thread is DMC Cordonnet Special. I used Procion MX dyes to hand paint it. This is a lovely thread for tatting or other lace work."

Egyptian Blocks - Received

On the CQ for Newbies list, JK hosted an Egyptian Themed Swap. These are the ones I recieved.

Deborah H

I can see that you love turquoise - as the block I got made by you is mostly that in background fabrics, and it is lovely! The appliqued images across the block are very nicely done, and the center embroidered queen is beautifully done. Your stitching is very pretty and so neat and even. Very nice!

Sharon R

What a well done block. The stitching is so nice. Love the scene with Moses in his basket floating across the river. A nicely done ankh and a gold metallic Eye of Horus or Eye of Ra. Very nice, indeed. The metallic looks multi colored in the scan, but it is gold.

Thank you both very much for participating in this fun swap!

And thank you, JK for hosting this for us!!

Nice Matters

I am so honored that Ati nominated my blog for the Nice Matters award. Ati is one of my online friends - we drool over each others Crazy Quilt work, swap blocks and things, and are generally lovers of crafts. She seems to me to be the most calm and gentle lady, always has a kind word to say, and she truly leaves you with a good feeling. She is definitely deserving of this Nice Matters award. This friendship award was started by Bella Enchanted, so if you'd like to learn more about her thoughts, you can read more here. This is one of my favorite memes since it focuses on others - isn't that nice for a change? One of the suggestions was to list seven of my own Nice Matters nominations:

Gerry,

A real sweetheart of a woman. She snuggles right up and warms your heart - near or far.

Susan,

What a really nice woman she is. She is thoughtful, helpful, and generous to almost a fault.

Lesa,

A CQforNewbies listmom, who has talent, creativity, and the knack for inspiring others.

Candi,

A more recent friend who wouldn't let me slip away from the list where we met without keeping kind, sweet words coming my way.

Lillian,

Don't get to see much of this genuine lady anymore, but she is humble, kind, and a true woman of many talents - many of which have nothing to do with the needle.

Debbie,

Another online friend who is quieter now, but she is so inspiring with her lovely work. When she says, Gotta Sew, you know it means business!

Carole,

One of the lovliest ladies you'll ever want to meet. I speak of Carole Samples, of the "Treasury of Crazy Quilt Stitches' fame. No, I've not met her face to face, but her messages are so sweet, and her work is fabulous!! No, Carole doesn't have a blog, nor a web site, but do a Google search and learn lots more about her and the wonderful talent she shares!

August Heat

It's been a busy time at work, but I have a minute and want to share our local weather predictions with y'all. Too bad this display didn't include the humidity... but it's running about 50%. Oh, and that breeze... it feels like sauna air. Thus it's not so bad to be working, you see - better in than out. Of course, I'd rather be home stitching, but the mortgage must be paid!