Happy Independence Day!

Time to sit back and enjoy some fireworks from the weekend; and how cool is it that they were in front of the moon like that.  Way cool!!

The Star-Spangled Banner

O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

 What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?

 Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

 Wishing you and your family an amazing (and safe) Independence Day!!

Crewel Flower Power Pillow

It all started in March when my Mom (in love) put a crewel kit in my hands and said she would show me how to embroider/crewel.  At that point I never thought it would be a craft I find so totally enjoyable.  Where the journey started.
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When we last left off I showed you the rainbow border I arranged and let you in that I had started sewing it.  Yup, I'm a rebel to the core... the border is supposed to be brown all around, but I had so much left over color that I couldn't help myself!

Here I am stitching away.

AND....

Voila!!!  Presto ... magico....

Here is the design all stitched up into a pillow!!

It's dainty. Adorable. Colorful!

To say I just 'like' it is an understatement.  It amazing!!  And to think I've been working on and off with this project for nearly eight months... it's really a labor of love.  And so relaxing to sit and stitch!

The kit came with enough of the white material to make a full pillow... but that wouldn't be the rebel way.  I dug through my stash and found this bigger than life zig-zag print that I was saving for just the right thing. 

So happy with how it pops with some of the same colors!!

And here are some of my favorites.  Although, I have to admit that my favorites change by the day.

And I think this project is a perfect candidate for Stitched in Color's Celebrate Color celebration!!

Fall makes me cherish all the amazing colors that dominate the scenery before at last everything rests for the winter here in NY.  The flowers are taking their last bow.  The mums are plentiful.  And the trees join in to bring down the house with one final number!

What flowers most remind you of the fall season?

I'm linking up with these fun parties!!  See you there!

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY >

Happy Unbirthday to YOU!!

Even though I am one of those crazy Leo's that celebrates the whole month... today is the actual day that I turn another year wiser (giggles).  Mr. Happy has lots in store to celebrate.  There have been lots of puppy kisses to start the day. 

And, I couldn't have come up with a better video to share, featuring the talented Augie and Ti (BIG thank you to Joan for sharing it with me!! xoxo).  After all, I bet today is your Unbirthday, isn't it?? 

It is?  Well, by golly a very merry 

happy unbirthday to you.. and you... and you!!!

Yes, I am feeling very loved today!!  Thank you so much for everything you do and for sharing these moments with me!  Hugs and Smooches!!

Happy Birthday Mr. Happy!!!

Happy Birthday to the sweetest man...

...who can make me anything, who always knows how to make me smile, who wanted a second pup, who never says yes first, who encourages my sewing, and gives me design ideas, who wants me to be happy with all his heart, who gives me a beautiful relaxing house, who hangs me hammocks, or helps me fence my veggie garden, who builds me shelves and later hangs them, who works really hard, who laughs really freely, who doesn't mind getting dirty, who can make a great date of stacking wood, who I love with all my heart!

I really can't imagine life any other way.  Wishing you a happy birthday and many many more to come!

We are a bit consumed with celebrating and vacation at the moment, but I should be back near the end of the week with a Sammy, sewing, and garden update!

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

Happy Birthday Mr. Happy!

Celebrating the birthday of my best and closest friend = happiness!

Mr. Happy is having his birthday today (well actually it's his birthday month!)

Darlin'... I want to wish you happy moments, laughter, and tons of hugs and kisses! You are the most special person in my life and I am so lucky to be sharing this path with you! You make me smile and laugh so much -- important ingredients for an awesome friendship and marriage!

It's also doubly special today since this marks the 2nd year since we brought Katie home and into our lives. Katie and I wish you the best birthday ever and many many more fun ones to come!