My mailman, Shane, had a special package for me this morning. When I opened the box, I found this beautiful cardinal stone from Linda W., a blog reader and good friend. Thank you so much, Linda. I think it looks great on my hearth.
Sophie got a bath this morning. And the house is clean--at least the downstairs is. Linda and Joe, the housecleaners, came today. I wouldn't let them go upstairs. I had got most of the boxes out of the way down here, but the upstairs is still quite a wreck. I think it can just stay that way until after the holidays too.
I can't pack any boxes today because I'm having pretty bad back pain. It was hurting a little after I bathed Soph. Then I took her for a long walk while Linda and Joe were cleaning. Before I got back, it was hurting a lot. And now it's screaming. Just took 800 mgs of ibuprofen and am going to lie down with the heating pad as soon as I finish this post.
I haven't done any stitching since Mr. Blue Monster, but I did cut out and fuse the pieces for my "Happiness Is..." guild challenge quilt. And what do you suppose I chose for the subject of my quilt? My sweet dog, Sophie, of course. Happiness is certainly a good dog with whom to take a walk, or to curl up with on the sofa at night, or to join in a spirited game of "stick." Here's the Sophie block so far.
I used Amy Bradley's pattern, "Fourth of July" for Sophie. I'll hand blanket stitch around the pieces and embroidery the details. Then I plan to add a pieced border to bring the quilt up the size required in the challenge-rules. I haven't decided what design I'll use for the pieced border. Any suggestions?
By the way, I'm taking your suggestions and playing it cool this Christmas. Very little decorating, very little shopping, a bit of baking and cooking and that's it. No cards this year for the first time in many years. Thanks for all your good and caring advice. I know some of you are also dealing with your own loss and grief this year. Let's make a promise to each other to take care of us this Christmas. Then maybe we can do up Christmas right next year. Then again, maybe not.
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On 12/17/2009, Pat said ...
What a cute Sophie! Looking forward to the weekend! You're wise to rest.
On 12/17/2009, Nancy said ...
Well, clean house, clean dog, bad back sounds like that lovely package you received is right. You need to rest a while. I'm glad your taking some of the advice about going easy for Christmas. I think it will help you to enjoy it more if you don't overwhelm yourself. That Sophie block is just too cute. She and my Sadie look sooooo much alike (I sent you a pic a while back). That block could be her too. I love it. Thanks for sharing, and I do hope your back is much better very soon. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
On 12/17/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Big hugs and applause for your wise decision to refuse stress and push yourself to pretend all is rosy. Do as much or as little as pleases you.
I love Sophie's "Happiness is..." block! I can just imagine that very facial expression on the real Sophie! Now, from the corners of my mind and if memory serves, come these words from high school Latin:
"Felicitas est parvus canis calendus!" or, Happiness is a warm puppy!
Bummer about your back. Take good care!
Hugs!
On 12/17/2009, Allyson in Alaska said ...
Very cute little sophie block. Heed your stone's advice and enjoy a little resting this weekend.
Allyson
On 12/17/2009, Lavender Dreamer said ...
It's really nice to have less complications at this time of year and focus on what we have and what's important. I'm really proud of you. I hope your back feels better soon!
On 12/17/2009, Ruth Ann A. said ...
I like the Sophie block. Thanks for participating. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Happy Holidays.
On 12/17/2009, Kai said ...
Miss Sophie is VERY beautifully represented in your lovely piece! And YOU are (as I used to tell my students) a SMART COOKY to give yourself permission to do ONLY what YOU are up to doing this year! Now, go and rest your poor lil' back! Feel better soon! Oh, gracious! I almost forgot to say how much I like your cardinal on the stone! What a sweet thing for Linda to do! LOVE YOU!!!
On 12/17/2009, Debra said ...
Your Sophie Block is a hoot!
On 12/17/2009, Ruth Landon said ...
Love your "Sophie" block. How about a "dogtooth" border, aka "Sawtooth".
Hope your back pain is soon sorted.
Ruth
On 12/17/2009, Linda J.W. said ...
Oh Susan,Please take care of yourself
don't try to do everything when your back gets
better.I sent you a e-mail
but i forget to tell you to take it easy
you don't have to do everthing it can wait
belive me it can.
Linda W.
On 12/17/2009, Libby Dillard said ...
Cutest Dog Ever!! Take care of your back! Relaxing and taking it easy is a great gift to give ourselves! Today, I read "Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things"
Merry Christmas!
Libby
On 12/17/2009, Joyce said ...
The Sophie block is soooo cute!!!! I love it!
As for the back pain, just take care. I can definitely sympathize. I went to the chiropractor today and then spent the rest of the afternoon in the recliner with a heating pad on my back and a hydrocolator on my neck and shoulders. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep better tonight and I hope you sleep well too!
On 12/18/2009, Joan said ...
Love that block .You deserve a rest so sit back and take your time Susan.
On 12/18/2009, Beverly said ...
Susan, the image you created of Sophie is just the cutest thing ever. I love it.
I'm glad you're taking care of yourself.
I've accumulated a few Santas for you. I'll be mailing them once I think I've received all the cards.
On 12/19/2009, alexandrine said ...
Sophie looks wonderful ;-DDD
And the present you received is very beautiful
On 01/10/2010, Diane said ...
Perfect fabric choice for the Sopherina.
I am backtracking as I am behind on blog reading. Casualty of the holidays, I guess. I sent out cards this year to a select few who had continued to send me cards even though it was not reciprocated.
Used a poinsettia as my "tree" and bought some battery operated tea lights to set around it in the window.
Different not to have to dig all the ornaments out and put them away, but made me feel much more relaxed and ready to enjoy myself. Next year may be different again.
Who knows? I'm not planning that far ahead. Just day by day, right?
:Diane
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