Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas is Here!

Before we get all wrapped up in Holiday Cheer, Family gatherings and other activities I wanted to take a moment to wish you each a very Merry Christmas!


This year has been especially difficult for me and Christmas was going to be non-existent for me this year--no tree...no gifts...no feast...no anything. Until yesterday. The Christmas holidays are always so busy and difficult for all the families to juggle visits with in-laws, out-laws, and whomever so the Bonham family has always gotten together a few days before Christmas for our annual gathering. And this year was no different. Yesterday was that day for us. My step-daughter, Wilma, both grand children and their families came to my house. We don't get to see each other often so that makes it even more special. I have three wonderful great-grandchildren--Thomas, Jeb and Kaitlin. I was so sad and disappointed that I didn't have any gifts for them except for their annual goody bag of fresh fruits, crackers and a few pieces of Christmas candy. But funds just did not exist this year. One thing I did have was my *princess* crown jewels from the Seaside retreat this year so I knew one little girl would love to play dress-up. So I gave her these and she was thrilled with them.































And with her Lady-in-Waiting (her Mom, Kathy)















At one point Kaitlin performed for me the song that she had sung in her play at pre-school--Happy Birthday, Jesus! And it was wonderful! And I was reminded by a very special little 3 year old girl just what was important. From the mouth of babes...I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and the true meaning of family. Just spending a few hours with my family was all the Christmas I need. I am truly blessed.

So for now may I just wish each of you a wonderful and safe Christmas with those you love and
May the Joy, Peace, Love, and Happiness of this season sustain you throughout the coming year.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

My Stitching Cabinet

A few weeks ago when we had our get together, Vilma wanted to see some of my finished pieces and liked my curio cabinet where I display all of my smalls and boxes. I managed to get a picture of it where
the flash didn't distort it too much. So I thought I would show it to you so you could see just how much I have done so far. I love smalls and boxes and love stitching them. When you click on the photos you can get a better look at it. On the top shelf you will see my Grape threadkeeper, my Friends Across the Sea Necessaire, and my Japanese Octagonal Box with toys. On the second shelf you will see my Mystic Meadow Box and Toys, My Treasures Workstation, The Ultimate Needlebook, Two necessaires done in different color palettes, bookmarks, mail art, and needlebooks. On the third shelf is my Mermaid Treasure Box and Toys, and a candle ring. Vilma was particularly fond of the Mermaid Box with the pin keep, scissors pouch and fob. There are so many beads and sparklies on it and it is finished inside with Dupioni Silk. I just love it, too!









I have a couple of other things that need to go into the cabinet --My Sampler Garden Casket, my Flowers For a Friend Stitching Bag, and my beautiful bourse that Lauren made for me. As soon as I finish My Ladies Cabinet I will be adding it to the collection as well.