Saturday 10 November 2012

No Not November!!!

Well here we are November already!!! I feel as though we sped through October and went straight to November. The first half of the month flew in as I got caught up Reading this great collection of Novels by Shayne Parkinson.
  

New Zealand farm life in the 1880’s is hard and twelve-year-old Amy dreams of a life beyond the boundaries of her small community. Although snug in the warmth of her family’s love, Amy wants to be a teacher and experience the excitement of living in a city far from the isolated valley she calls home.

When losing her mother shortly after her birth, Amy and her older brothers are raised by an adoring father and strict, but loving Granny. Six months after Granny’s death, Amy is adjusting well to managing their home alone. When her father returns from a business trip with a new wife in tow, Amy and her brothers are shocked, but determined to make the best of it. Unfortunately Susannah finds farm life less than appealing and generally makes life miserable for all, especially Amy. Two and a half years later, Susannah’s younger brother comes to stay for the summer and Amy makes a choice that will change her life forever.

I;m not normally a reader of Historical novels but within a few pages I was totally hooked. I read the first four books in the series within two weeks. You can download the first one from Amazon for free if you have a kindle.




Also in October we had some lovely visitors from the US. Close friends off my dear friend Catherine came to Scotland for a holiday. On their last day they came to our home for a visit and then we went out for a meal. We had a great evening with such a lovely family. I made this little pillow as a reminder of their visit to Scotland and Catherine;s friend who stitches brought me the "October Word Play" chart by With Thy Needle and Thread. I love the chart and started stitching on it the very next day. This is my progress so far.


I took part in the Animal Antics exchange at Stitchedwithlove. Butterflies were my partner Marcy;s favourite. This is the stitched piece and goodies I sent.


I received this wonderful package from Beth. I was truly spoiled and how darling is my sheepy pillow that she designed just for me.  



Finally before I leave I thought I would have a proud Mummy moment and share these photographs taken recently of my DD Heather. One of her projects at University was for her to match up with a friend and take some shots for a magazine cover. These are some of the ones her friend took off Heather. My favourite is the head shot looking through the leaves.








I shall hopefully be back before the man in the Red suit arrives. Happy stitching!


 

15 comments:

Brigitte said...

Both exchange pieces of your animal exchange look fantastic. Enjoy all your goodies.
What a coincidence - right now I'm into reading books from New Zealand authors. I'll add this author to my list, these books sound very interesting.
Wonderful pictures of your daughter.

Michelle said...

Beautiful exchange pieces. Stunning photos of your daughter no wonder you are proud. I agree I don't know where this year has gone x

butterfly said...

Lovely exchanges, Oh Elaine what a beautiful daughter you have , yes you must be very proud , she is very pretty.
Love your gift for Catherine's friend you are a sweetie. Hugs.

Mouse said...

oooo lovely exchanges .. and gorgeous photos of your DD too .. think they got the idea just right :)
love the wee thistle cushion too and well done on the stitching on the word play :) love mouse xxxxx

Barb said...

Super exchanges Lainey and the daughter so pretty . Love the sheepy ornie .Have all the wordplay series October is a way off yet as I have just started Jan.
Man in red oh dear is it that close. Time really does go faster the older you get.

Lesleyanne said...

Beautiful exchange pieces. Great start on October Word Play. Gorgeous photos of your daughter - you should be proud. I can't believe how quick the year has gone by.

Annette said...

What a 'Lovely' story, thank you.
What a beautifull exchanges.
I love your pic's of your DD, What is she beautifull... Love all the pic's

Vickie said...

Oh, your daughter is beautiful. What a lovely exchange. Your sheepy pillow looks fantastic.

Catherine said...

Oh Lainey, those pictures of Heather are fantastic. What a beautiful young lady you have there!
I know that Brett cherishes the gift you made for her. They truly had a wonderful time meeting you ~ I, on the other hand, wish I could have been there too! You are making great progress on the Wordplay! You'll always remember the month my friends visited when you look at it!
Great exchange goodies ~ you know I love sheep!
Hugs!

Mii Stitch said...

Lovely exchange! This pillow is so cute & a pretty daughter too...

Chris said...

Your DD is lovely.
It sounds like you have been having some fun, good books, good company and...wonderful exchanges!!
Your stitching and finishing are gorgeous!
Hugs!

cucki said...

your daughter is so sweet.. What a lovely exchange.,,
hugs x

Mylene said...

Such lovely exchanges and goodies!!

Beautiful pictures of your DD.

Fiona said...

Great stitching, beautiful daughter and having read this book I would recommend it too. Thanks for all the work you do on the exchanges.

Rachel S-H said...

Great pictures of your DD.