12 DAYS of CHRISTMAS

I LOVE READING THIS EVERY YEAR:  

Symbolism

 
On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge that feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, recalling the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so . . . ." (Luke 13:34)

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves
The Old and New Testaments, which together bear witness to God's self-revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the Story of God to the world.

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens
The Three Theological Virtues: 1) Faith, 2) Hope, and 3) Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds
The Four Gospels: 1) Matthew, 2) Mark, 3) Luke, and 4) John, which proclaim the Good News of God's reconciliation of the world to Himself in Jesus Christ.

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Gold Rings
The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis, 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy, which gives the history of humanity's sinful failure and God's response of grace in the creation of a people to be a light to the world.

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six Geese A-laying
The six days of creation that confesses God as Creator and Sustainer of the world (Genesis 1).

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans A-swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids A-milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)
On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness,
6) generosity, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords A-leaping
The ten commandments: 1) You shall have no other gods before me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. (Exodus 20:1-17)

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eleven Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve Drummers Drumming
The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed: 1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of power. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.

BLESSINGS AND PEACE TO ALL...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT...

 RUSTY'S & PAPA'S MORNING WALK

It was 37 degrees this morning 
at 9 A.M.  
This meant Rusty had to wear his new 

U.S.C. ~ Trojans sweater.  

How cute he was and without a doubt a 'Ham'.  

He was actually posing for me when he heard the click of my camera.  He just stood there and was letting me take his pictures.

No problem, just calmly stood there as Papa removed his harness...

and then resumed his posing stance...
proudly wearing his warm 'n cozy sweater.

He is a real JOY and BLESSING.  

We could not ask for a more loving companion...
We rescued him and adopted him in October, just 6 weeks ago, and has become a wonderful addition and member of our family!

* * *
~Our Christmas Gift~

VERY, VERY, PRIMITIVE...

Bought this awesome Tree 2 years ago (I think).  

This is the first time we have used it.  

It's been challenging to decorate as I ADORE Primitive Stuff, but just do not have the knack to do it well.  

Anyways, after attempting decorating with other ornies, this is the final result ~ so far!

I am using rusty, hand made grungy ornaments my German candles that I bought 40 years ago. 

 Never used them cause they do not stand upright ... always having to straighten them out and this annoys me to NO end. 

But here they are, perfect for a crooked primitive look. Sandy & I are enjoying it more and more each day.  Papa Chuck has not much of a comment...guess he tolerates me.

We just got our new 

7 1/2' slim lighted tree.  

It will be done before this weekend is over. 

Our other (and so very beautiful) tree simply does not fit this house. 

Next house (if I live that long) will be a wonderful Log home with a huge fireplace.

Have you noticed ... I am a dreamer. 

NO MORE ~ DONE!

Thanks again for listening and watching,

Christmas Peace and Blessing to Everyone,

* * *

Papa Chuck, Barb and Auntie Sandy

Rusty too

WE HAVE ADOPTED...

After our Kody Bear went to Heaven on May 21st, 2014, we finally realized that there was an empty spot in our hearts right next to Kody's place that we could no longer ignore.  We needed another puppy love.

After searching several weeks, we found our new family member.

"Rusty Roo"

he is the beautiful color of rust and actually jumps around, leaps and hops almost like a kangaroo. 

A Labrador Retriever mix, so we have been told...31 lbs, 3 years old and the best behaved little guy.  He has already shown signs of being protective to his new forever home.

We could not be any happier.  Both Rusty & Chuck are the best of friends.  Sleeping in the same bed and being Chuck's shadow...not missing a trick.

It just does not get any better.

We three (myself, Papa Chuck and our Sandy) love this precious gift that was found as a stray and when the owner was contacted told the animal control to keep him.  So hard to believe.  

Their Loss and we are the WINNERS.

My prayers were answered.

* * *

1847 TURKEY

Anne Nichols Punch Needle Pattern.

Mounted it on a wooden Horn Book that I had made to fit the piece.  

Then sealed, painted, crackled and antiqued it to give the Ole worn look that I love.

Finished in time for Thanksgiving to enjoy with our family this year. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all...

* * *

'Be Thankful' Fraktur

Just finished my 

"Be Thankful" Fraktur for Thanksgiving.

Found an old frame with glass and stained it a darker walnut ... 

I used Celery Fine Parchment paper rather than the Antique color. 

It was stained for a subtle olde time look.  

The coloring was done with watercolour paints and I used the traditional dip pen for inking the design.
I included my interpretation of a 'Harvest Moon', some dried corn stalks  and of course a pumpkin for desert.  Finally embellished with a few 'coma strokes'.
A simple design...

What fun I had creating this...

Hope you like it...

Peace to all,

Barb

Whisk Broom and Hilda

Wow, I actually finished it in time for Halloween, Sandy's and my favorite time of year.  Happily, she was pleased with it too and this makes my day.

I was looking for an "easy peasy" project.  This cute 'Broom Hilda' by Brenda Gervais, whisk-Broom band filled the bill.

LUV it ... Papa was kind to relinquish his lovingly used broom for me and this sweet little cross-stitched design.

I decided to fringe the edges for my cute Hilda and then distressed the band as can be seen on the very tip/ends of the fringe...

* * *

Thanks for your visit,

Peace to all,

Barb

I LUV GOURDS

I have been collecting my fair share of gourds 

over the past few years.

Having seen some made into bird houses 

I decided to give it a whirl and 

this is what I came up with ...

 It is being displayed above our 
'Shores' name plaque 

on our small front porch and main entry.

Think I will be toying with more of these 
primitive & cute gourd garlands.
For now, I need a break and change of pace with my X-stitching.

Have FUN and enjoy the day.

Peace to all,

Barb

IT IS FRAMED ...

I finished it yesterday completely...

I will have to straighten out the 
side border alignment. 

 I was tired and just said "Later".

 Here is a closeup of the 

subtle 'tortoise' finish. 

Not too busy as this was my concern
so I kept the 

final coat on the dark side.

Most importantly ... I FINISHED.

Thank you for following me... 

 ENJOY the rest of the day as I will.

Going to Aquatic Fitness as soon as I sign off.

Peace to all,

Barb

I DID IT . . .

'Heloise Williams Sampler'

 * * *

It is finished ....
took me just 7 months and 11 days.
Told ya I was slow.

I even signed it.

 See???

Bottom right corner.

NOW ... I must paint the frame I ordered and I am leaning towards a tortoise finish. 

Maybe ... just maybe, I can show it tomorrow.

Right now I am enjoying a big happy sigh  that may last thru tomorrow.

           See ya soon,  

                       Enjoy the day cause I am.

                                 Thanks for visiting.

Peace and Blessings to ALL,

Barb

Early Fall Inspiration . . .

I recently visited 'Stone Gable Blog' and was inspired to attempt to create my version of Yvonne's "Early Fall" wreath displayed on her front door.  

 Here is my meager version.

I did not use the burlap bow as I have burlap ribbon ... just can't put my hands on it ever since our move last November.  Sooo, I opted to leave it out for now and bunched up on all the sunflowers instead ... until I find the burlap ribbon or just buy some more ... which I hate to do ... yes I can be a tight wad.

Hubs commented with a yes nod. 

Also, I preferred to use the pears instead of green apples.  My last name initial (S) was retrieved from another project NO longer in use and repainted Black Green. 

 I want to say thanks to Yvonne for another shared, beautiful inspiration.

Enjoy the rest of the day with 
Peace and Blessings to all... 

Barb
* * *

UPDATE, PROMISED 2 MONTHS AGO ....

I promised an update when the BORDER was allll done.

HERE IT IS ...

 The Vertical Center is that black piece of thread 

and the grey stuff is the beginning of the house roof.

I am heading for the finish line.

I ordered and received my unfinished frame from 
'Signed and Numbered' on Etsy.
I plan on giving the frame a faux grain finish.
Maybe a tortoise finish maybe something else ... ???
we will see what moves my spirit when the time comes.

* * *

Thanks  for visiting 
with Peace to ALL,
Barb

HAPPY 4th of JULY

Hope everyone has a Safe and Happy 4th Celebration.

We will be staying home, maybe a BBQ, relaxing and trying to keep cool.

~ * * * ~

KODY'S OLDE CROW

It was a month yesterday since our beloved family pet and furry son went to Heaven.  I had already started making 'Primitive Big Olde Crow Make Do' By Tammy Franck of Rock River Stitches. 

I just had to get it done.  Ya see, Kody had a crow friend(s).  They would chase each other back and forth in the backyard, Kody looking up and watching Crow. Crow would also fly about 20' above, following and looking down on Kody, back and forth.  It appeared as though they were playing 'Catch me if you can' with each other in their own sort of way.  I enjoyed watching their little game.  
I am calling my handsome Olde Crow
"Kody's Crow".

 * * *

Peace and Blessings to all, 
Barb

 

FATHER'S DAY 2014

Our Father's Day Celebration 
was Blessed.

Our youngest Daughter Pam, with our oldest Grandson Kyle 

and two of our Fury Grand-puppies Boo and Coco.

 Both of Kyle's Grandfathers

(Pam's Dad) Chuck Shores 
& 
(Jim's Dad) Dick Pearson

 Kyle and his Dad, Jim.

 Three Generations of Pearson's

Kyle, Dick and Jim

Hope Everyone is as Blessed as we are.  

Thanks for visiting,

&

***God Bless America***

Barb

'Kody Bear' is in Heaven...

Ohhh, how are hearts are aching...

We had to give 'Kody Bear' back to God on Wednesday, May 21st. 

* * *

***CHERISHED MEMORIES ***

Getting ready to take Dad for a walk... 
* * * 

Finally, we are walking... 
what you don't see is Dad is in his Golf Cart. 
I,' Kody Bear', am walking.
* * * 

Now I need a rest on my big rug with one of my un-stuffed toys.
* * * 

'Kody Bear' loved playing with Sis(Sandy) & our Grandson(Kyle) in the snow and even helped them build a snowman.
* * *

~ ~ ~

Dad, Mom and Sis will Love you 
'Kody Bear' ...forever. 

"God Bless you our furry son."
 

Now, Dad, Mom and Sis have to be really good so we can again be together in Heaven.
* * * 

God Bless us ALL.

Heloise Williams is back...

I thought I was going to do a small, for some immediate gratification ... So I started the sweet 'Gobble Thanksgiving Pillow/Tuck'  by 'Country Rustic Primitives'.  It is not difficult but I decided to stitch it on OSNABURG.  This soon became a challenge for me.  I am sure anyone else would have just whipped right through it. 
With all my improvising, better known as mistakes and errors, I am pleased as punch with it.  However, I doubt I will ever use osnaburg again...unless my vision improves and I know that will not happen any day soon.

I've shown it on the backing material and you can see it is taller than it is wide 

... not at all like Jenny's photo.

Still, I am a happy camper.

 ************

Now back to business and I am welcoming this with open arms.

Hellooo, Heloise Williams ... 

Here I am as of today's date and going for the finish...

Hope your weather is warming up as ours is in the upper 90's ... Yaaaa, finally some warmth (Heat).

Have a great weekend,

Peace too all,

Barb

A SNAIL'S PACE ...still

I am nearly half way finished.  

Hope to make it in time for the holidays.  

Will be wrapping up the 'Algerian Eyelet Alphabet'.  

Just 'X', 'Y' & 'Z' left plus the '&' symbol. 

The photo of the pattern does not have the 'Y' but,

 it is included on the pattern, sooo, I too will include it.

 The tan colored Algerian eyelet letters have been a challenge... too close to the linen color.  

I finally started to use one of my hoops and it does help. 

Will finish the lower half of the strawberry border next...

Thanks for visiting, wishing Peace & Blessings to all,

Barb

WE GOT SNOW & RAIN...

Here is our view from our patio ... 

This is the Cajon Pass blanketed with clouds and peeking above them are the 
Wrightwood Mountains & Snow Summit... 

BEAUTIFUL

The River Walk can be seen at the bottom of my picture and it borders the Mojave River that is usually dry on the surface but runs below the surface ... Yup, on the other side you can see water streaming down from the mountains of Lake Arrowhead.

Yaaaa, We got rain but still short of the average.  It's a start.

Enjoy the day!

Peace and Blessings to all,

Barb

ELOISE Update ... a snail's pace.

Here I am 33 days later... I stitch when I can and 
I must be in the mood for it. 

 Otherwise... mistakes galore.  

NOT to imply that this is perfect, 
cause I KNOW it's NOT.

The challenge has been rewarding for me...so far.

Guess that's cause I love the Heloise William's Sampler and knew years ago when I first saw her, and before I ever did any cross-stitching, 
that I wanted one just like it..

 A little closer look...

The alphabet is going faster than I thought 
sooo, until they are ALL done ...

I will bid you safe keeping with 
Peace & Blessings to all. 

Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing your blogs as they are my inspirations.

Barb