Sweet Memories

The oddest things can trigger childhood memories. As I was designing felted wool ornaments, I was compelled to add embroidered detailing in a folksy kinda way. That darn blanket stitch gets me every time. Normally, I would get online for a step-by-step tutorial, well...I was at my mom's house and she had this great book for me to look through instead... Every stitch imaginable! Right at my fingertips! It's been a while since I've made a French knot, daisy stitch, or running stitch. No fear...it's all in the book. "Take it home with you." And I did! What fun!

And my joy ornament was created.

Last time I did this I was a kid...and a goofy one at that. I use to (and still do!) make many Christmas gifts for my family. One year I remember crocheting a huge Christmas stocking in bright green and red and embroidering Merry Christmas on top...Or the time I made my sweet, loving parents an embroidered calendar sampler for their anniversary...it still hangs on their wall today!

So many sweet memories...and then I saw this...inscribed on the very book I borrowed.

1980. Still at home with my parents. Still a kid in many ways, but feeling rather adult. Baby doll...skunk...forever and always...my dad's favorite sentiments to my mom. Ah...sweet, precious memories. My dad's been in heaven for 2 years, but he's still standing right here next to me. I feel him everyday. Love you dad! Gotta tell a funny story (I'll make it quick). So, as I was making those ornaments, I decided to use a button to replace the "o" (so clever!). First JOY...then LOVE...then SNOW?! The next morning I laughed out loud (seriously). Memories again...this time taking an elementary school test...which one of these does not belong questions...JOY, LOVE, SNOW? And HOPE was born! A real duh moment. But wait...(and fyi...I used to do this on those tests) ...But I do love snow...snow brings me joy...JOY, LOVE, SNOW, and HOPE...somehow it works! Hanging on the bedpost, stuffed with organic lavender to induce dreamy sleep. Maybe dreams of a white Christmas...maybe dreams from your childhood...sweet dreams...sweet memories!