Hard pressed

I've thought and thought about  what I could show you for a picture today and because yesterday was my first day back to playing in my studio, there unfortunately isn't much.  I *could* show you a picture of Jack the Ripper because he certainly came into play a lot yesterday.  He's a little shy though and doesn't feel as if his best side is showing.  

So...how about I show you some of the mail that arrived during my hiatus from blogging.  First came this...

Some of you might remember that I'm working on a mile-a-minute crocheted afghan which was originally planned to be a stash buster.  Unfortunately the best laid plans of mice and men came out to bite me and I ran out of colour options.  So what's a girl to do but order more?

Sorry about the horribly dark picture (it's raining here) but inside this box are three different shades of 'denim' yarn destined to be three little sweaters for three little boys.  Oh, and there's a ball of white in the bottom that just *might* turn into a snowman.

And finally, this arrived just before I got my glasses and is providing me with lots of interesting reading at the moment....

And here's your quote for today..."If people stopped looking for things that offended them and started looking for things that inspired them, I'm sure we would have a better country"

A return - of sorts!

 Firstly, I want to thank everyone for leaving such wonderful encouraging comments during my enforced hiatus from blogging...you have all been so very kind and I enjoyed reading your words. I've made it through to the other side and now I can see and return to my much-missed normal activities, including blogging, commenting AND needlework.  I hardly know what to do first!!

The other hurtle I need to cross is getting my vaccine.  It seems the computer system doesn't like my health card and keeps insisting I have a duplicate.  I don't, as a couple of visit to the eye doctor will attest.  No problems using it there.  The last time I called to attempt to register they told me that they could see the issue was with their system but unfortunately my file had to be sent 'up the line' and I've been told to wait.  Three weeks now, and counting!  Resident Chef got his first shot (Pfizer) with no problems  so at least he's half protected.  

***UPDATE***
YAHOO!!
VACCINES ARE BOOKED!
May 12 & Sept. 1
HAPPY DANCE!!!

Obviously nothing exciting has been happening here at Chez Magpie, beyond completing the clean out of our friends condo.  She has been moved to a lovely nursing home residence near her daughter and we know she's in good hands there, despite knowing we will miss her tremendously.  

Spring is really trying to make an appearance here and it's inspiring to look out the window towards the river and see all the trees leafing out.  There are so many amazing shades of green this time of year.   I'm looking forward to getting out for walks now that I'm able to see where I'm putting my feet!

I'm sorry I haven't been able to search out the normal number of links (or, obviously, photos) for your viewing pleasure, but here's one I did find (be sure to click on each of the thumbnails to get the full picture!).  I can aspire to be her when I grow up!

And, finally, here's a quote....“We can easily manage if we will only take, each day, the burden appointed to it. But the load will be too heavy for us if we carry yesterday’s burden over again today, and then add the burden of the morrow before we are required to bear it.”

– John Newton

Another teeny update

Just a quick drop in on my part to let you know that I ordered my new glasses today so in about a week I'll be able to see...that will be HUGE after eight very long weeks.  Now, if I could only get the covid vaccination registration site to allow me to register to get my vaccine.  For reasons known only unto itself it insists I have a 'duplicate health card' and kicks me out of the system.  Oddly, I used that same health card when I saw the eye doctor with no issues.  One of those mysteries of life that I sure hope will be rectified soon!! 

LANDSCAPES - FOR SALE

 FOR SALE

The landscapes you see here are all for sale!

Each one is created with fabric and features embroidery, painting, and many other techniques to create the images you see here.  I enjoy all that is old and abandoned - houses, churches, barns and vehicles. Most of the ones on offer here measure approximately 20" - 30" wide and have a hanging sleeve attached.

If you are interested in purchasing a piece of my art for your very own...or....if you would like to commission a creation using your own photograph...please contact me via marmic1954 AT email DOT com, using 'Landscape Enquiry' in the subject line. 

060824

"Kawandi Fields"

measures approx. 21x21"
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart,
and used with his kind permission

270624
"The Red Chair (Muskoka TB Sanitarium)"
measures approx. 21x29"
Inspired by a photo by Michael Lalonde
and used with his kind permission

140624

"The Roads No Longer Travelled"

measures approx. 22x20"

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart
and used with his kind permission

                                        280524

"The Witch House"  SOLD!
measures approx. 27x29"
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart (and used with
his always kind permission),
as well as Michael Trueman and Glen Bowe

030524
"Hayfield School"
measures approx. 26 x 17"
Inspired by a photo by Glen Bowe
and used with his kind permission

100424
"Lonely Sentinel"
measures approx. 22" square
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart
and used with his always kind permission

260224

"Lonesome Wheel"

measures approx. 22x25"
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart
and used with his kind permission

070224

"Grande Ol' Dame"
measures approx 24x20"

250124
'Storm on the Horizon'
Inspired by the preprinted panel
as well as a photo by Kathy Kelly
(used with permission)

Measures approx. 22x26"

121323
'Waiting For Spring'
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart
Measures approx. 29x25"

101523

"Abandoned Blues"
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart,
used with permission

Measures approx. 22x30"

092323
"ALL ALONE IN THE PRAIRIES"

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart
Measures approx. 27 1/2" x 24 1/2" 

081723

"Dead End"

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart

measures approx. 26x22"

071823
"Three Churches of Mahone Bay"
SOLD

062623
"TRANQUIL SHORE"

Measures 27x23"
Commissioned

SOLD

042423
"DANDELION LOVE"
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart
Measures approx. 22"x29"

020423

"CABIN IN THE SNOW"

Inspired by a photo by Michael Trueman

Measures approx. 30x24"

123122

"GRIST MILL IN BABCOCK"

Inspired by a photo by Barbara Sanbro
measures approx. 23 x 27"

073122

"SOMEWHERE IN SASKATCHEWAN"

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart
measures approx. 29x23"

070922

"HERBIE NEEDS SOME LOVE"
Inspired by a photo by Michael Truman
Measures approx. 26 x 19"

060322

"Browers Homestead"
Inspired by a photo by Glen Bowe
Measures approx. 19" x 28"

022622

"Cobwebs and Splinters"

Inspired by memories of growing

up with an outhouse

Measures approx. 23 1/2" square

121421

"Ghostly Memories"
Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart

Measures approx. 29" x 23 1/2"

050521

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart

Measures 24 x 28"

020521

Measures 26" x 29"

Inspired by a photo by Dale Stewart

122820

Measures 32" x 24"

Inspired by a photo by Janice Holtom

060520       SOLD!!!

Measures 31" x 23"

Inspired by a photo by Jeff Fuhre

032320

Measures 34" x 25"

Inspired by a free domain photo

012720

Measures 24" x 30"

Inspired by a tractor owned by my uncle

052219

Measures 30" x 23"

Inspired by a photo by John Phillips

010519

Measures 30" x 22"

Inspired by a photo from Dale Stewart

040519

Measures 29" x 22"

Inspired from a photo by Euvah Bryant

102218

Measures 28" x 17"

Inspired by a photo from my personal collection

052818

Measures 31" x 20"

Inspired by a photo from my personal collection

I would like to thank all the great photographers who have been so willing to share their amazing photos with me.  The inspiration you've provided has been invaluable!

Happy Easter!

 I'm still not seeing well enough to spend much time on here, but wanted to wish everyone a very happy and blessed Easter.