Grow Your Blog

 

Hello!!!

I'm Trina. Welcome to my little spot within the cyber-universe.I know I'm a little early on posting for GYB, but I was a little too excited to wait. 

I have been stitching since I was in the 4th grade... somewhere around 20 years perhaps. It's crazy to think it's been that long. My lovely mother is responsible... she bought some cross stitch ornaments for me to make my 4th grade teachers for Christmas. I picked it up and have been doing it ever since. It's definitely a way for me to relax when I am discombobulated. I can get lost in a pattern and all of my negative thoughts just flow right on out the window. I love it to say the least.

I have two children... 1 girl, Cobi Lynn, and 1 boy, Gage Egan. I will typically refer to them as "the Girl" or "the Boy" on my blog. They are my pride and joy... my greatest accomplishments in life thus far. I am also pet parent to Cricket. My 4-legged child is almost 9 and more mischievous than both of my human children combined.

The title of my blog may give the impression that I rant and rave. Aside from the sometimes off the wall thoughts and ideas, I try to keep it well within the limits of what is expected from a true, transplanted Southern Belle. My, my, my... I think I am suffering from the vapors and am in need of my hand fan and a cold glass of co-cola. Maybe that was a little over dramatic... seeing as it's maybe 20 degrees outsides. Unfortunately, I don't blend into the South very well at all times. I don't drink sweet tea... only un-sweet. And, I don't particularly care for grits... pass the cream of wheat.

Wow... I think I digressed just a little. 

Before I leave you, I wanted to show you the little pillow ornament I made for my dear friend,  Miss Sherry. I was sooo proud of myself for keeping it a secret from her until I had her close her eyes and open her hands this morning. I found the pattern on Stitchy Kitty... and it was free. We like free, don't we?

It's almost too cute!

Well... I'm glad you dropped by! Have a wonderfully, lovely day or evening!

Woo Hoo!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have our first finish for 2014!

My Haunted Hotel is complete. Now, I just need to find a frame and then add it to my Halloween decor stash. I'm so proud of myself. January isn't even over and I have completed something! 

Now I just need to figure out what to work on next.

Don't forget... Today is National Hug Day in the US.
Give someone a hug! Or two, or three!

The dog's name was not B!&#h...

Hiya!!!!

Here I am... rock'n like a hurricane...
Just kidding.

Before I share my stitching progress, I thought I would tell you a little story about a dating misadventure. In all honesty, I actually rather enjoyed it... the one we will call "Blue Panties Guy" on the other hand... maybe he did, maybe he didn't.

A little back ground info: I went on one date with him a couple of years ago. That's all it took for me to realize how much of a nut job he was.... or maybe how much of a nut job I am. He called his lovely little four legged friend Goof. Well, the entire time we were out on our so called date, he kept calling me Goof. I asked him nicely not to do so. I asked him firmly not to do so. He just kept on and on. So.. I looked him square in the eye, told him that if he didn't stop calling me goof we were going to the nearest store, buying him a pair of panties and every time he acted like an @ss he would have to put them on as punishment. What does he do? HE CALLS ME GOOF! So, we drove to WalMart. I led him to the ladies under garment section and made him pick out his own pair. After explaining to him the different cuts and styles he opted for a pair of light blue lace cheekies. Not too shabby.... they were actually rather cute. At least he had good taste in something. After the shopping trip was successfully complete, he kissed me and asked when he could see me again. All I could say was "we'll see."

The very next day... He voluntarily sends me a text with a picture of him wearing the blue panties. OMG!!!! I thought I was going to die! Yup... that was the end of him.

So what do I do? I call my momma, of course!
I told her to sit down and then relayed the events of my so called date. She's laughing hysterically and says you have to tell your Dad! Dad gets on the phone and asks why he's sitting down and mom is in hysterics. I said brace yourself and relayed the information. There's silence. Then he says, "Was the dog'd name B!&#h?!?!" To which I replied as sweetly and innocently as possible, "No, Daddy!" He said, "Well, I guess I really should buy you a riding crop for Christmas!" and busted out laughing.

It was one of the most completely, crazy, nonsensical things I have ever in my life done. So completely fabulous!

Anyhoo....

My 1st new project for this year is Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble. It was designed by Tracy Horner. I found it in the Just CrossStitch Magazine for Halloween.

Tracy actually stitched her's on purple cloth with clack tread. I opted for the opposite.

Then, I have been working on one of my UFOs. I started this last summer and never finished it. My stitching is almost done and then I need to add the bead work.

It is from the Buttons and Beads Autumn Series by Mill Hill. I love that is has glow in the dark thread. So much fun!

I know this post has been rather lengthy so I will close with this.
Today I saved a feathered friend from his/her ultimate demise. The little thing flew into my office building. I found it after shock had set in. It was barely clinging to the top of the office door and it's poor little head was tilted and eyes closed.

I ended up setting it on the ground under a bush for cover because it wasn't strong enough to stay in the tree... I caught it as it fell from the limb I sat it on. I went to check on the poor thing after about an hour. It was gone. I'm hoping the shock wore off and it flew away rather than think one of the campus cats ate it.

Hope all is well with your day!

A Royal Title

I love my Daddy. He is partially responsible for where I get my crazy from. It's not genetic. No, this is more nurture than nature for when he married my mother he gained 3 children. It's true that we had a rough start, but now we can't live without him. Anyways, I asked him for one thing this past Christmas and he provided a royal decree:

Once upon a time in a land far away, a King and his Queen had two lovely daughters. 

This isn't a story of that family.

No, this is a more recent story of a scion of a landed Southern family who through the course of a series of events transitioned into a wealth of experiences and happy times granted to him by, among others, two princesses disguised as slightly odd teenagers. As this Son of the South grew in his "wisehoodedness" (for he was singles out by many of his peers for his "wisehoodedness") he also aged to the point that the slightly odd teenagers developed into slightly anomalous adults. It was during the dark days of maturation as the anomalous adults, sisters by both blood and situations, battled their own battles and defeated their own demons simultaneously transmogrifying into rather peculiar adults. It was when these peculiar adults surveyed the damages inflicted by them in defense of themselves and saw that it was good that they truly became Princesses ordained by the Oracle. Not the wussy princesses of the Brothers Grimm variety, oh no! These two illustrious illustrations of Women of Massive Determination are more analogous to the mode of Warrior Princesses. (It's their Mother's side of the family... genetics... what a book I could write!)

Thus and therefore it is officially decreed by the undersigned (and 'cause Momma said I could) that these two Princesses, respectful of the Laws of Nature and with a tip of the Crown to the slight difference in age and build, receive Tiaras at this special time, signifying the vast importance they have in the heart and eyes of said undersigned Son of the South guy who, again, is noted for his "wisehoodedness".
                Daddy

And there you have it!

On another note... I've been working on my new stitch... it's looking fabulous! Pictures to come soon.

Have a wonderful day!!!!!!

Hello 2014!

I'm happy and sad to see 2013 fall into  a forever sleep. It was definitely a roller coaster ride.

I've learned many things...

My brother is invaluable: he taught me to change the power steering pump, brakes and starter on my SUV. Of course I have always known he is one of the most fabulous people I know.
Patience is still a virtue I am in desperate need of mastering.
I rather enjoy teaching at the higher education level... this coming from me, whom had to give her speeches in communications class standing beside a trash can just in case I had to toss my cookies while talking in front of a group of people.
I am not a floor to be walked on and it's ok to say no.

I have many hopes for 2014...

Complete many of my UFOs for starters... I am like a kid in a candy store... I just can't wait to start new cross stitch projects before I have finished others.
Paint more.
Maybe take the time to get to know more people... I get overwhelmed meeting new people. Many have said that I seem like such an extrovert because I have to travel some for work, and now having taught a semester, but it's because I control my environment. Throw me into unfamiliar territory and I shut down.
I will try harder to let go of past hurts.... it's bringing me down.
Expand my blog with a party hosted by 2 Bags Full. You can join here: http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com/2013/10/grow-your-blog-2014-this-is-official.html

My suggestions to you for 2014:
Enjoy the simple things in life...

That first cup of coffee in the mornings that keep your homicidal side at bay.... remember that prison stripes do not flatter anyone.
Exercise a little extra patience.... some people can't help that they have fallen from the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.
Be spontaneous... spontaneity is the exquisite freedom of the unexpected... embrace it.
Appreciate others... as the Butthole Surfers say: you never know just how you look through other peoples eyes.
And...
Dance barefoot in the rain... once it gets warmer anyways... it's AMAZING!!!

Sugar High

Gotta have it to get by!

It's a yearly tradition for me and Sister. If we don't, we fear a lynching mob... baseball bats and pitch forks. Ok, maybe not really but there would definitely be a protest.

This  years' labor of love lasted almost 14.5 hrs. Why do we do it? We believe that yummy delicious home made goodies hit the invisible special spot in the stomach that triggers an abundance of love, and maybe it's just that we are fat kids who love our sugar high.

Here's the final tally:
4lbs of spiced pecans
2lbs of chocolate covered potato chips
1lb chocolate covered pretzels
1 batch of divinity that unfortunately turned out more like taffy
9 dozen Santa Surprises
9 dozen reindeer feet
8 dozen snicker doodles
6 dozen chocolate dipped peppermint sticks
5 dozen biscochitos
and
2 pumpkin pies

I almost want to sing the list to the 12 Days of Christmas!

 

 

 

In all actuality, our "baking day" is a family fun filled day. We blast the cheesy Christmas music, we let the kids help, and of course I drink a pot of coffee. It's fabulous.

 

 

Here's a few reminders for your Holiday Season:

 

Love your family

Perform a random act of kindness for a stranger... family and friends don't count

Hug your dog

and finally,

DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW!!!

Catching Up

Life is full of surprises. Especially when it comes to fun family dysfunctions.
No, we're not completely dysfunctional. The Parental Unit came down to my neck of the woods before we all hitched up the wagon train for the yearly Thanksgiving get together in Elvis Town. My Sister, Momma and I went to indulge at the Chocolate Therapy Café. Woooow.... that place was AMAZING!
Momma rode with me to Elvis Town and the Little People rode with their Pappy. Pappy somehow became lost along the way... it was great... what's a road trip without a little misdirection?
The week in Elvis Town was not with out it's ups and downs. The ups... my painting is being refurbished... yay!... I was able to wear my ring... only when I'm with G.... It was explained to me that being half tanked is the only way to get through Holidays with family... yes... I was pointed to the wine cabinet... it was great! The downs were pretty down... Momma came to the realization of how serious G's health situation really is. We're still awaiting to see if her treatments are working. If so, we may have more than 2yrs with her... if not... well, let's just say an sort of incident may be the last.
Momma and I had some decompression time in the form of retail therapy... maybe that would be considered a high. I had to ask Momma's forgiveness more than once for saying something off the wall and horrifying the random stranger. No colorful verbiage was not used. I'll give you a for instance: Mom and I went in a package store for a bottle of wine, a gentleman asked if he could help me, I responded with "I don't normally support my Mother's alcoholic delinquency but I am in dire need of getting her drunk, show me to the biggest bottle of whiskey you have, no, I don't want tequila... my mom will start taking her clothes off"... to which I knew I was in trouble because my Mother called out all 4 of my names. I cross my heart... my Mother really is not an alcoholic, the bottle of wine was for 4 adults... that's counting me... I was pretending to be an adult that evening. I know, it was hard to tell.
Another high/low... my service engine light came on. Momma bought the O2 sensor for me. We took my car back to Gunk's and my Li'l Cousin climbed under my car to help me fix it. He had to take it apart because I wasn't strong enough, but I put it back together. Not too shabby.
On the way home, I hit the exit ramp to grab the kids a sandwich from Subway... the Boy had a hankering for his "delicious delicacy", lol. Anyways, there was a traveler and his puppy asking for help at the top of the ramp. I don't help people unless I get the goose bumps, which at first I didn't. My Boy said "Mom, he needs to eat too." Hence the goose bumps. We grabbed him a sandwich and a Gatorade, drove back and he was gone. I had to drive down a ways to turn around and get back on the highway. Lo and behold, when I turned around he had re-appeared! So, I had to cross over the bridge and turn around yet again to pull up next to him on the bridge. I looked my Boy directly in the eye and told him to listen good to my directives: He was instructed to make sure his door was locked, he was remain with his seatbelt securely fastened and he was required to keep his window rolled up some and not all the way down. I received a firm "Yes, mam." What can I say... I'm a single Mom traveling with two children.... safety is paramount, even when helping people. Needless to say, the drop went off  without a hitch, I apologized to the man in case he didn't like ham and cheese and wished him Happy Holidays, to which he said the same with an added "God bless you and your children." The Boy of mine was just happy that the man and his puppy would eat. The Girl was happy they man and his puppy would eat, but happier that the man didn't try to snatch her brother through the car window, LOL. I know, it's really not a laughing matter, but honestly, had he done that I'd have feared for his safety and not my Boy's once I had gotten ahold of him. No one messes with this Mother Bear's cubs.
I think all of my students missed me. This week has been crazy playing catch up and seeing the students who don't think I should be allowed to leave my office for more than a lunch hour. HAHA.
I also came back to find out that I'm going to be a Grand-Plant-Yeti!!!!! My Calypso, an orchid, is sprouting meristem twins!!!!! Don't laugh at me, but I did the happy dance after researching to see what the heck was going on with Calypso. Let me insert the reason why I say Yeti... my nickname growing up was Big Foot. Well, I wanted my future Grandchildren to call me something different that Grams, Grandmother, Granny... those names just aren't me, and I thought that I didn't want them to call me Big Foot either... so Yeti popped in my mind and my Hamster thought "YES!!!!" So, it's stuck. Anyways... look at Calypso:

 I think it's fabulous because I have never had an orchid produce babies before. Don't the babies look a little like Shrek ears? LOL
Anyways... I have now completed 15 ornaments for my Christmas Calendar project! It may not be completely put together this Christmas, but it will be operational!!!

I hope everyone's Holiday Season has started off with a bang.
Be thankful for what you have.
Do a random act of kindness for a random person... someone you don't know... but be safe about it... I'm not the only crazy person out there... and 99% of the others are crazier than me.

Cheerio!