Category Archives: Journal

Elizabeth and After

Journal

Author: Matt Cohen

I read this book years ago; I have copies of my website dating back to 2010 but I couldn’t find my initial review. I couldn’t remember anything about the story but in my mind it was the greatest book ever. I’ve carried it around with me since at least my Port Coquitlam days, and maybe even longer. It sat on the shelf on Texada (with my really good books) and I decided to read it again.

Sadly I have no idea why I thought it was so marvellous. Carl has been away from the town he grew up in for a few years. He was running from his partner and their child, and the memory of his mother, at a time when his life was falling apart. When he returns, all the old feelings and acquaintances are waiting for him.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

12 Days of Christmas – Day 2

Journal

December 14, 2024

It wasn’t easy finding a tree that would fit on the template but I did it. And it wasn’t easy finding a template that seemed the right size. I used lots of paper printing out various sizes for each of these.

A friend gave me some corners off a fabric box she was making and I was able to use the backing from those corners to “lift” the tree off the tag.

Happy Birthday Dylan

Journal

December 12, 2024

Patchwork Presents from The Polka Dot Chair

Dylan will be travelling to Miami on his birthday and, with the postal strike, his celebration will be delayed until he returns. Hopefully his present will be waiting for him when he gets home.

Congratulations Madison and Walid

Journal, Needlework

September 6, 2024

What a lovely event to celebrate Madison and Walid’s engagement.

Walid is Lebanese so the celebration was going to allow us a glimpse into a very different culture. We weren’t told many details except that it was a fancy-dress party. Online searches didn’t reveal much information but anyone our family spoke to about such an event gave us the same information – the food will be amazing and it will be so much fun. No one lied!

I wanted to make something for the couple so I did another online search to see what the Lebanese culture might give me for ideas. Immediately it was the Cedars of Lebanon that came up. That sparked my mind about a cross stitch project I had in my bin. It was entitled Spring but it seemed perfect for the occasion.

The project was done on a larger-count fabric than I normally use and the design was stamped on the canvas. Although a chart was included, I found I didn’t need to use it. There were six thread colours, all very similar. It didn’t take long to get it finished and I was able to have it framed and shipped in plenty of time for the party.