Hello Friends

I've held on to my blog as I've been unable to make a decision.  Do I keep it and start posting?  Do I accept the reality that I'm not a needlework designer any more.  Does anyone care whether I post updates?  After reading an article here about the friends that are made online and how special they can be I realized that I can't just quit posting.  I have so many long distance friends.  People that I can count on even though I have never seen them face to face.  We have shared loves.  Our families, our stitching, our crazy animals.  Even though I won't be showcasing new designs here, I will be talking about stitching.  I love needlework.  And even when I'm not holding a needle, I'm thinking about what I can start, what needs finished, drooling over another's recent finish.  Ahh, I feel better. 

Recent news from the Riffle family: It's been a HOT summer.  You can see that we have more dirt than grass in our yard.  Between the heat, lack of rain and dogs my yard is looking seriously bad.

Lily and Elisabeth are moving back in with us.  I'm okay with it.  I enjoyed my year with them in the apartment but now that E is back in school she doesn't have the extra money to stay on her own.  She is taking classes at The Temple A Paul Mitchell School and will be finished in late June 2011.  She is loving it.  Finally found what she really wants to do.  And I will get all the hair cuts and color that I want!  And pedicures. Ahhhhh...

Courtney and I will be traveling to Spring Green Wisconsin to attend Boxwood and Berries Workshop with the Blackbird Design girls, Maggie Bonanomi and Stacey Nash.   This is one of Maggie's projects.  It's a box with wool applique' on the top.  Cool, huh?  I'm so excited.  This is a much needed trip!

Chuck and I recently celebrated out 30th wedding anniversary.  I remember when we got married, talking about what we would be like in 30 years.  Funny cause I feel the same now as I did when I was 20.  I'm so blessed to have such an awesome husband.  He obviously loves me as he has tolerated me for so long!!!

I also turned 50! in June.  Wow oh wow.  That came along in a hurry.  Where did my 40's go???  The last ten years have just flown by.  And a lot has happened in those ten years.  My life has dramatically changed.  But mostly for the better.  I have an awesome grand daughter, an amazing son in law, Chuck and I both have great jobs.  We love where we live.  I was able to be a needlework designer for 5 years.  And I have met great friends over the last decade.  Lifelong friends.  Lucky me.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.  I have lots more to talk about.  Hope your summer was wonderful and so long August.

  
  

Comments

[Lelainia N. Lloyd]

WEll hello there! How I have missed you! It's good to hear from you and to see Helen again too!

I had no idea you were a needlework designer. I started out as a textile artist-I quilt and do needlework. Yet another thing we have in common.

Happy anniversary & birthday! It's been quite a year for you! We celebrate our 20th at the end of Oct. and I think the same thing-it's totally snuck up on us. I remember standing there on my wedding day thinking that 10 years was going to be forever and here it's already 20! It must be a good sign of how well our marrigaes are going. ;)

xo

[Patti Gagliardi]

Just catching up with your blog :) and noticed that you are going to Boxwood and Berries ~ me too!!! Can't wait! It will be awesome, it always is! Counting the days... I'll be in the second session, but hope to arrive a little early on Friday to meet the folks in the first session, too.
Blessings, Patti