Progress on Astral Lion

I have returned to working on the Astral Lion over the past few days and thought I would share my progress to date.





This picture shows the actual color of the fabric I am working with. Because it is so bright, it is often difficult to work with and is a strain on the eyes. I am happy with the way it is turning out this time (as opposed to all the problems I had last time I tried working it)! I am hoping to have it completed by Christmas so I can give it to my niece.















Here is the pattern sheet with the areas marked in yellow that I have completed.

Mrs. Beasley

For the Poetry Challenge 2009 I wrote a poem about my cat, Mrs. Beasley. At this time I want to update my readers to the event of her untimely death. Recently, Beasley became extremely ill. All of her blood work came back normal, with the exception of a little toxicity. She was hospitalized for several days to receive IV fluids and antibiotics. After several days, I brought her home in hopes she would soon return to normal. Alas, she deteriorated even more. While the exact illness is unknown, it was hard to watch her health decline to a state where she could no longer walk or stand very well. I did the humane thing and took her to the vet to be taken care of. I have probably gone through all of the stages of grief, but am still so very sad that she is no longer with us. I miss her deeply, but I am thankful for the time we had together. Right now, I am trying to let my heart heal from her loss (and realized that I am still grieving the loss of Emerald; she died after 17 years last summer).

Mrs. Beasley

Some might think she’s a doll

Just by hearing her name

In reality, she’s a cat

Yet a doll just the same.

I went to adopt a new kitten

When I lost my dear old friend

(I had her for 17 years)

I had my heart set on another

But she chose us instead.

When the kennel was opened

She leaped out with a bound

I watched in amazement

With the bond that she found.

Mrs. Beasley is now

Just shy of a year

She’s fun and she’s playful

And has filled a void right here.

(On July 6, 2009, Mrs. Beasley succumbed to an unknown illness.

Rest in Peace Baby Girl!)

April 4, 2009 ~ Animal Poem

Card Class with Mom

I went to my mom's card-making class tonight (Stampin' Up) and found it a bit interesting. Here are the cards I made:

Astral Lions

I started Astral Lions a couple of nights ago. Since I messed up on it before, I thought it would be a good idea to go slow and mark my progress with a yellow highlighter. This will also help me find missed stitches! Below are some pics I took:





As you can see, I like to work from the center out on my cross-stitching. I have seen some people work from the border in, but it seems more difficult to count out that far to start than to pinpoint the center and begin there.

A Friend Knows

Late last year I completed a cute little pattern of a cat and dog laying together on a pillow. It gave the option to stitch the lettering in English, French, or Spanish. Since I was giving it to a good friend of mine - who also happens to be from France - I chose French. The saying in English is "A friend knows all about you - and still likes you!"

Below is a picture of the completed and framed project.

"A Friend Knows"
Dimensions #16725

Astral Lions by DMC

Well, I have decided to give this pattern another go. I started it once before and made so many mistakes that I ripped it all out. I hoped the fabric would still be usable, but it wasn't so I shopped around and found the complete kit on e-Bay last year. I hope to have this one finished by Christmas for my niece.

Astral Lions (K3652US)
DMC - Creative World
Part of the Born Free Collection (2000)
Completed size is 14" x 17" (35.5 x 43.5 cm)

Poem A Day Challenge ~ Days 28-30

The Cat and the Canary

Once there was a cat

Who loved to purr and meow

And also shared a song

With a yellow canary

And though they weren’t playful

They were truly friends.

And though they were friends

This bird and this cat

All they wanted was to be playful

And so the cat would meow

Loudly to the caged canary

And the two would sing their song.

And while it was a beautiful song

That the two shared as friends

The little yellow canary

And the pretty little cat,

While the cat continued to meow,

Found a way one day to be playful.

And now they could be playful

And sing their lovely song

While the cat continued to meow

Alongside his pretty friend

The friend of the cat

Was really a canary.

And though the canary

Enjoyed being playful

With his new friend, the cat

They continued to sing their song

And continued to be friends

While the cat continued to meow.

And while the cat continued to meow

To his pal the yellow canary

And the two became good friends

And found a way to be playful

They still sang their song

The canary and the cat.

I would love to hear the cat and his meow

As he sings his song with the yellow canary

And they become more playful and lifelong friends.

April 28, 2009 ~ Sestina Poem

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Never Mind

…And I was walking along the street

Looking for just the right thing

Are you paying attention to me?

Oh, never mind!

…I was talking on the phone with my friend

And we were making plans for the weekend.

Are you paying attention to me?

Oh, never mind!

Do you like this shirt?

Would you wear those shoes?

What do you want for supper tonight?

Oh, never mind!

Why don’t you hear me?

When will you see me?

Oh, never mind!

I am leaving you anyway.

April 29, 2009 ~ “Never _____” Poem

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Farewell

There are so many ways to say farewell:

Farewell, so long, adieu

Au Revoir, adios, goodbye

Cheerio, aloha, ma’a’salama

Well, you get my meaning.

Farewell is not forever, but for now

We will meet again, I am sure

So until that time arrives for us

I will simply say, “’Til then…”

April 30, 2009 ~ Farewell Poem