Good Morning, friends. I've been on a stitching sabbatical for the last few months. I purchased His Eye is on the Sparrow by Beth Twist last year...but did not begin to stitch in earnest until this year. I have tried to stitch a bit here and there since mid-February.
This is a lovely pattern. The colors are magnificent.
I have started several rugs over the last few years and have been unable to stick with them. Last fall I did a small cross stitch pattern and it was a lightbulb moment...I enjoyed stitching again....stitching it would be. So, out came "Sparrow" and I was off!
Being a full time mother, in her sixties, I have to pace myself. I stitch in the morning while Annie is sleeping. I stitch when I can find time.
This is an ambitious project. Twelve pages of pattern. I've completed one and am currently half way through the second. I am really enjoying this beauty. Taking my time, I have not given myself any finish date to work toward. Trying to stitch a bit every day, but not always able to do so, I inch ahead, one stitch at a time.
My husband always reminds me, when I've had a challenging day as the parent of a special needs young adult, this is a marathon, not a sprint. We take this journey one step, one day at a time. Always cognizant of the future, but in no big hurry to get there...eager to "enjoy the day".
Sparrow has become my stitch marathon. A refuge...a place I can go to escape into the colors and the threads. And, as time passes, I see stitches become horses and flowers and birds. Real progress appears on my linen in each completed motif. It is a slow process. But, I'm use to slow. I'm comfortable with slow. I like slow. It is the best way to accomplish anything...slow and steady.
There are only so many hours in each day, and only so much energy in this old mom. I have been staying off the computer to stitch and mother. I hope you all are well and keeping busy...and warm. Spring is on the way. We've had robins in the yard every day for some time. Our trees are spring green and the days are gorgeous. Hang in there.
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March 21 is National Down Syndrome Day. If you have any questions about D.S. that I am able to answer, I was thinking maybe I'd answer your questions right here. I will try to be forthright, but not too personal. I don't even know if anyone is interested in D.S. but I know that as time goes on, there will most likely be less people with D.S. in the world. They call that science...progress?
I like to get the word out that people with D.S....well, they are special.
Enjoy the day,
Robyn
I have been working on His Eye as well. I am into my third year. :) I think I will finish it this year. I love it and it has been so wonderful to work on, I didn't know you were so I was so excited to see your picture of it.
ReplyDeleteI still have two sons at home in my sixties too. :) It is different from other people I think sometimes, who just don't understand, that being a Mom is still a full time job. Thank you so much for sharing. I like what your husband said, about it being a marathon. One of my close friends has a son with DS. I think we are all so proud of him as he owns a gift shop in a heart hospital here in town. He runs it and does such an amazing job. Thank you so much for sharing your counted cross stitch I enjoyed seeing your progress.
Isn't "Sparrow" a fun stitch? When children live under the same roof...no matter their age...you are still a full time mom. Annie is not "job" material. We knew that early and so we keep her busy here at home. It's important that she feels productive and able to contribute. Thanks for coming by.
DeleteYou are a treasure. Yes, yes children-people with D S are special and they are God's children.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Constance. Annie's full name is Elizabeth Anne. Elizabeth means "gift from God". I try to remember that on "bad" days! lol
DeleteDear Robyn, being a mom to a special need young woman with DS is a very noble job and though I can't possibly know the demands this is on you 24/7, I can imagine it can wear a person down over time, no matter how much love you have for Annie. It's good that you returned to stitching to just have this little time to yourself.
ReplyDeleteYour cross stitch, His Eye on the Sparrow looks so tedious on that fine linen, it must take a long time to stitch but it looks so beautiful. I agree with Mr W. that it's a marathon and not a sprint but you'll get there eventually and no deadline is especially wise.
I'm still waiting for my first robin and there are mountains of snow outside but we are having sunshine this weekend. Happy St Patrick Day.
Warm hugs, Julia
Hello, Julia...I think about you often and hope that your heart is healing. Sparrow is a wonderful diversion. I don't think I've ever enjoyed stitching anything like I have this huge sampler. I hope that feeling carries me to the end!
DeleteGreat to hear from you...Happy St. Paddy's Day to you as well...my corned beef is simmering!
Dear Robyn,
ReplyDeleteThank you for ALWAYS being an inspiration to me!! From the first time I read your first post, I have left your blog being encouraged, challenged, or inspired!! Thank you for your caring heart and for allowing God to use you in and through your challenges in life! I am a mother but can't begin to totally understand all the demands you have encountered and thank you for your courage and transparency along the way!! Your hubby is certainly a wise man and I love what he said about a marathon!! Slow and steady is the best way and you notice so much more along the way!! Your sampler is truly beautiful and what a fitting reminder that... "His Eye IS on the sparrow!"
May you have a wonderful week, filled with peace and joy, my friend!
Big Heart Hugs to you~
Julie xo
Hello, my sweet friend. Your words warmed my heart. When Annie was born my husband looked at me and said, "At least He knew where to send her"...I am blessed that I have a partner who takes such good care of both of us. Annie and I do, indeed, notice so many things along the way. We have been known to dance under the full moon in our driveway at 2:00 a.m. Annie keeps tabs on all the neighbors and lets us know when they come and go. She is a devoted bird, squirrel and rabbit watcher. No butterfly leaves our yard without a shout out form our girl. Thanks for coming by...big hug...xo
ReplyDeleteJulie...something went wrong...this is the reply to your comment. Guess I'm rusty on the ways of the computer!
DeleteYour blog is one I enjoy and take something good away from. Your loving and kind heart shine through every time. And so love to hear of Annie's interests and contributions.
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to me that just when I was thinking of not ordering "Sparrow" because of its size but more importantly the need to use linen instead of aida - my aging eyes- you have inspired me to re-think it. I am so drawn to it. I've done several x-stitch projects equally involved that took over three years to do. It's such a pleasure to do.
May I ask what size linen you're using? Thanks!
XO, Mary
Hello, Mary...thank you for your lovely words. My eyes are not what they use to be! I recently found a pair of magnifier lenses that clip right onto my own glasses. Found them at Hobby Lobby. They have made a good deal of difference. I also try to stitch when the Florida sunshine is streaming through my windows! The called for linen is 28 count. Had it been a larger count, I probably would have passed, but 28 I can handle. It's a delightful stitch! Enjoyed hearing from you.
DeleteThanks for letting me know - maybe I should look into those magnifier lenses too!
DeleteBeen wondering where you have been. Glad to see you are all well. Keep on "inching" away on that sampler. Several gals from my stitching groups have completed it, and it is spectacular. I have the pattern, but have not jumped yet. Maybe I will watch your progress and get inspired to have a go at it. Enjoy spring coming ~ Hi to Annie
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying this stitch so much! I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteSuch a large project! Your plan for progress is the best. When I worked on larger pieces, I became more concerned with how much longer it would take to finish than how enjoyable the project was.
ReplyDeleteIf all mothers were even half as devoted as you, the world would be a much better place.
This is such a fun stitch...give it a try, Marly! Your kind words...thank you, my friend.
DeleteMr. MW is a very wise mine and he is lucky to have you :)
ReplyDeleteI have not been personally touched by D.S. so I have very little knowledge. Your posts are often enlightening. Thank you.
I am in awe every time I see someone working on His Eye. What a magnificent sampler. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Happy St. Patrick's Day :)
Lauren
I'm loving this big stitch! Mr.MW...I looked a long time till I finally found him! You know the saying...kissed a lot of toads before I found my prince!
DeleteIt looks so beautiful! Glad you have found stitching comfort in His Eye. Thank you for educating us all on Down Syndrome. I've learned so much from you already.
ReplyDeleteI remember when you were stitching this and thought it was something I'd never be able to do. Never say never!
DeleteI love your stitching and slow and steady is the right way to go.
ReplyDeleteI know I have told you before that I work with special needs adults. I run a book store with them. My D.S. young lady is sweet and smart. she is slow and methodical she has her challenges and I have mine. I also have 3 clients with other diagnoses that all have their challenges. Some days I am ready to pull my hair out and other days are a joy. I know a bit about what you are talking about. Take each day as it comes is my motto for now.
cathy
Thanks for coming by, Cathy. One day at a time...good advice for all of us!
DeleteEverytime I post anything I look first to see what you are up too. It's always inspirational. One stitch at a time is a good motto for us all especially when there is BREAKING NEWS every minute none of it is particularly good. I treasure the time i have to go in the zone and design or punch or hook or stitch. It keeps the calm in and craziness out.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancee. Yes, my needle gives me a respite from the mess out there, too. Thank goodness for stitching, punching, hooking! Have a great week!
DeleteI worked at Orange Grove Center in Chattanooga for 11 years (my favorite work over my 40 year work history) Not always easy and not always rewarding but definitely a life changer. The honesty and truthfulness were unforgettable. "Normal" completely shifts left. Color, age, any label disappeared. We were seen to our bones.
ReplyDeleteAny type of handwork should be considered (in my mind) therapeutic. To be worked on while life happens, between ups and downs ~ but always there for us to lose ourselves in. Enjoy your process, each and every stitch will become a memory for you and an imagined life for those who will come after us.
ReplyDeleteHandwork has been a soul soother for me many times. It is part of what makes me...me. Thanks for visiting!
DeleteJust found your blog through Pinterest! Love your samplers and that you are enjoying His Eye Is On the Sparrow! I own the chart but haven’t kitted it up yet! Looks like a fun stitch! Love all your pics of Annie! Yes, God knew where she was to be and with the right parents! You are blessed and so is she! ❤️
ReplyDeleteWelcome, pj! Sparrow is wonderful fun! Thanks for coming by and for your lovely comment!
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