I am in the home stretch for my teaching licensure...only a few assignments and two projects to go! I had to video myself student teaching, so I have been suffering through that today. Boy, was it eye-opening...good thing my gym membership is still valid because I will be hitting the gym VERY soon! I have not been around much lately, and I apologize. Many of you have stopped by to say hello and believe me, those little "hellos" have meant the world to me. It is my intention to slowly start to get caught up on all of the wonderful things happening around here that I have missed. I have not been stitching very much, but it has certainly been on my mind.
Over the past few weeks, I have been ever so graciously awarded two blogging awards. Unfortunately, due to the craziness of life, I have been unable to treat the awards with the respect they deserve. However, it is high time that I do. I want to thank Sharlotte for nominating me (weeks ago!) for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Honestly, I was surprised and quite excited when I received word that she nominated me! I felt like I had "arrived" in blogland society! Then, shortly after my nomination by Sharlotte, I received another fabulous blogging award from one of my favorite designers! Belinda from Blue Ribbon Designs graciously nominated me for the "Sunshine Blog" Award! Needless to say, I am very honored and grateful. Thank you, Belinda! When I started blogging I simply saw it as an opportunity to share my work with anyone that might be interested. Really, I needed a way to stay motivated. Little did I know that I would meet so many fabulous people! The inspiration that I have received from all of you has been enormous and to think that you all might enjoy reading about me, well, that is just icing on the cake! There is protocol that I must follow in order to formally receive my blog awards. So, here are 7 "interesting" things about me...
7. I used to be the General Manager of a fine dining restaurant. I also managed the 200+ wine list and 1500+ label wine cellar. I was twice awarded the Wine Spectator Magazine Award of Excellence.
6. I did not finish college until I was 32 years old. I was mangaing the aforementioned restaurant full time when I went back to school. It was one of the hardest, most challenging things I have ever done but it is, to this day, I consider it my greatest accomplishment.
5. My husband and I met at the restaurant where I used to work. He was a chef and I was his General Manager. In other words, I was his boss. We dated secretly for 8 months and did not announce our relationship until we were engaged! Our co-workers were shocked! Originally, we thought that my now husband or even I would be forced to find employment elsewhere. However, the owner was so impressed with our ability to keep our relationship professional that he allowed us both to keep our jobs.
6. I love history (it was my college major!) During the summer months I work as a docent at Lee Chapel on the campus of Washington and Lee University. Robert E. Lee (of Civil War fame) was president of Washington College after the Civil War. He built a chapel on the campus and he and his family are buried in the chapel. The chapel is almost like a visit to the Holy Land for Confederate Civil War fans. I am a southerner, but regardless of which side he fought on, Robert E. Lee was an admirable man and I love to be able to share his story with people.
7. I love animals and my husband and I walk the dogs and spend time with the cats at our local SPCA. The dogs should be walked at least twice a day but since the SPCA is so short-handed, it does not always happen. We don't get there everyday, but we do try to get in any time with the animals that we can. Generally, the dogs lead me but I love being able to give them some freedom and attention. The cats just love being petted and brushed. I implore everyone to check out their local shelter and give of their time...the animals will appreciate it!
Well, that is about it on the interesting front. I hope that I did not bore everyone! Now, I have to nominate several other blogs, but to be honest, I don't know how to choose! So, over the next few weeks, if I visit your blog and notice that you have not been awarded...look out! You may end up on my nominations!
Now on to some stitching!
Alas, I wish that I had more to report regarding the lovely Richmond Sampler. The only real news to report is that I have decided to use scroll frames. I have been picking up and putting down this beautiful piece so much that some of the specialty stitches are starting to look worn. Also, I am frightened that she will get dirty. So, I pulled out a lovely scroll bar lap stand that my in-laws gave me a couple of months ago. The scroll rods are a bit too short but they will do till I can get longer ones. I like having Richmond Sampler on these rods...while the tension is not the best, I do like seeing it in all its glory and I can keep it on display in the corner of the living room. This is a picture of the stand and the sampler...Simon was napping on the daybed but was most accomodating by posing in the picture
Well, I am off to contiune viewing and editing my teaching video. Great fun. I look forward to visiting the blogs to see what everyone is up to....Happy Stitiching!
