Sewing Around The Farm ... Would You Like To Share A Free Stitchery Pattern?

Life Is Pretty Damn Good!

These last few days have been a real awakening to me, and as so many of my lovely blogland friends have been a great support with their kindness, friendship and readiness with an occasional shoulder to cry on ... well, I just thought I should share a couple of great things.

The past 2 years (wow, it's actually been nearly that long), I have been on a bit of a time out, needing to take stock of some issues that have nothing to do with my work, so I really closed down inside, which is definitely not the usual me.

This was the main reason my blog posting has been irregular.  The reasons are not really my stories to tell ... but I am pleased I can tell you that we seem to have got through them.  I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that "you will get through this" and "one day, these times will be a distant memory".

So anyway, this morning I was given the task of taking the horses rugs off.  Farmer Rowe took Jessica to school and it wasn't long before the sun came out.  Even after all this amazing rain, when the sun comes out the poor girls can really cook under those big heavy rugs.

I took my camera outside, and went looking for Bubs (our Thoroughbred), found her nibbling the lovely spring grass amongst the magnolia trees ...

 

So while I wrestled with the heavy rugs, I discovered that some friends had been let out from their rather waterlogged home and were coming for a "sticky beak" ...

 

 

One at a time, they came pecking around my feet ...

 

Of course all 7 wouldn't pose together for me!!!  Then I noticed how many buttercups we have on the property, apparently dangerous for horses (I'm pretty sure they know not to eat them), and then a flood of memories came back to me ...

 

When I was little, my Mum used to put the buttercup under my chin, apparently if it gave my chin a yellow glow, it meant I loved butter.  But as I am terribly ticklish, especially around my neck, it usually ended up with me doubled over in giggles ... happy days.

And then I looked up to my parents kitchen window, and there were the two of them smiling and waving, about to have their breakfasts (thanks to the chooks).  My eyes started burning and I had to hold back the tears, because I can't believe it is about 2 months now, we didn't think Mum would still be here.  But her hair is already growing back, her doctors are amazed at her progress and they have even given her the go-ahead to start some driving again.  I really wish I could have jumped back two months ago to tell myself about this morning.

While Mum and Dad ate their scrumptious eggs, we were catching up on some family news as we have recently tracked down some extended family in the UK.  And then I was able to share some other pretty amazing news about Jessica, again I wish I could jump back 2 years ago and tell myself about this chat.

Yesterday she told me about her day at school, just another ordinary day, or so it would seem to an outsider.  But for us we are so glad of the friends she now has, the kindness that they show her, the friendships that they all now take for granted, the girls (and boys) who will stick up for her when someone is out of line and for her amazing Teacher who is constantly encouraging friendships amongst her class.  I tear up whenever I hear these wonderful new stories, and slowly they are pushing away the past ones.

I also wanted to share, because I know that I'm not the only one who has gone through hard times, but if it helps anyone to know that there are good times coming around the corner, well maybe it might offer a little encouragement.

So ........ as these chooks started me on this little morning adventure down memory lane, and as things are looking brighter (not just the glowing sun outside), I think they should spread a little more joy.

Would anyone like the pattern for this ...

 

It was inspired by our chooks, and was in a previous issue of Australian Country Threads, it works like a bracelet, the pin cushion has extra re-enforcement so you won't get stabbed with the pins ...

 
Mmmmm a few freckles showing there .... anyway, I love my pin cushion bracelet, and I plan on designing a few more like it, in different colours.  It's very quick to make too.

So this is my very small way of giving back to those wonderful friends, so many I have never met (yet), thanks for your support ... and to those who are going through "stuff", just know that as hard as it may seem, something is around the corner, and somehow you will have a sunny day again too.

For now, because I can't get on to my dear friend Darlene to show me how to upload properly, send me a comment and I'll send you the pattern via email ... maybe you could tell me about a sunny day you have had ... hey, lets just work those positive, uplifting stories!!!!

What ever your day brings you, I'm hoping you have a little sunshine - Janet xox

PS - I have been trying to track down some blog friends from a few years ago, so if I have accidently sent you a message in your inbox a few times .... sorry, I'm better with a pen and paper than a mouse and technical stuff.  Thanks to a computer meltdown a while ago, so many of my contacts are gone forever, so I would love it if you could share with your friends about this post.  Big Hugz x

Comments

[New costume]

Im not so expert in stitching but i like your's very much. https://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&send_id=817789614&email=7cff47bb7cdcb76fbfa15e66c81a1961It sounds great and good idea. I love the neat pattern of bracelet. Very much inspired with new collections.

[Julie C]

Janet,
I love chooks and sewing so I would love this pattern please. Glad all is OK with you and the sun is shining here.

[Lisa]

hello Janet, welcome back to blogland, so happy you can finally see the rainbow and sunshine after the long storm. It's okay to take time out for yourself and for those you love, after all, what is the point of anything without our precious people. Love the chooks, I so wish I had some. Hope you collected a big bunch of buttercups for your kitchen table to keep the "happy" in your line of sight X-X Lisa

[Patricia Lessell]

Janet,

I too am really happy that you are back blogging again and things are looking so much brighter for your and your family. Life can be really tough sometimes and it is hard to think that things will get better. Anyway enough of that. Yes please I would love a copy of your pincushion bracelet.

Also I emailed you a good few months ago to ask about your Block of the Month quilt because I really love it and wondered whether it was still going.

Lots of Love
Patti xxx

[Mary Jo Jones]

Hello Janet...so glad to hear from you! Blogging can be a lot of work so sometimes a break is needed. Just hope all is well and continues to be that way! Hugs from Iowa...USA!

[Denise Barrett]

Hi Janet,
Thank you for the email to let me know you are back in blogging land. I haven't managed to check all my favourite blogs for a while so it was great to get your email and made me sit down to check out everyone's again. I loved the photos from your farm, you do really have a special place to call home. I am so happy for you that the sun is shining again for you. Sounds like you have had a tough time. I hope things keep going well for you. Glad to have you back and are looking forward to seeing all your new designs. Bye for now. xx

[Illene Tiziani]

I had wondered what happened to you
Didnt hear anything after I sent a quilt for the bushfire victims
So pleased things are looking up for you

[Barbara]

Janet,
I am so glad that you are back to blogging....I have missed you!!!! Some days it is very hard to think that the sun will return...we all experience those clouds. I am so happy for you and the new sunrises and sunsets that you have within your sights.♥