My latest new, old sampler...

Like many of you, I collect early samplers. I am drawn to those stitched in red and green. Here is my latest find. For me, it's all about the bunny. 

It appears this little grey dog is in hot pursuit as they wind their way through the trees.

Stitched by Alice Waterston in 1849 at the age of eight, it is a fine little sampler.

Alice stitched the initials of family members complete with crowns...each different. Her parents and siblings?

Red and green samplers were often Scottish in origin. The Edin must represent Edinburgh...most likely where Alice lived. 

I am always amazed at the stitching these young girls left behind. How many eight year old girls can use a needle today? Many years ago, when I was teaching seventh grade, I had a few hours every week when the class was divided for P.E. The girls one day...the boys the next. When I had the girls I suggested we use our time to stitch. Surprisingly, they were all for it. It was the era of embroidered chambray shirts and I was working on a tiny shirt for my nephew. They all brought in something to work on and I supplied the needles and floss. I taught them a few basic stitches and they were off. We stitched away for forty minutes every week. I wonder if any of my girls are still stitching today. 

It's overcast this morning. Hopefully, a little rain is on the way. If you look closely, you can see the leaves have finally fallen from our live oaks. Live oaks are never completely bare. Ours are ready for spring. Within the week, they will be turning that lovely chartreuse color and spring will have officially arrived.

Enjoy the day,

Robyn

NOLA

If you guessed we were in New Orleans, you are correct. We spent last week in this old Southern city with our gang. This was a return trip for us...the Board of Governors was here in 2010. 

 There are some lovely old buildings in New Orleans, and the flavor of the local culture is truly unique. 

We stayed right in the French Quarter and went exploring every day. There is a lot of history in the Quarter, and we tried to see places we had missed on our first trip.

My favorite street is Royal Street. It is where all the antique shops and many of the galleries are located.

The local musicians come out in the afternoon when the streets are closed to car traffic. It's a highlight...and a distinct part of the experience. 

There is a great deal of folk art and outsider art in the Cresent City. I wanted to get inside this wonderful shop but it was closed both times we happened by.

Wonderful! And, I'm sure, very pricey.

I did find my way back to this great gallery.

A visit to the Old Mint revealed a surprising exhibit of primitive folk art.

Naive and wonderful, many of these paintings were done by self taught artists whose talents were recognized in their lifetime. 

One of my favorites...Clementine Hunter. I was so happy to see two of her originals! 

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Our refuge for the duration was the beautiful Ritz Carlton. (We are fortunate that our group stays in great hotels and we benefit from group rates...it helps...yes, board members pay their own expenses).

Annie and I enjoyed lunch in this lovely lounge. Mr. MW came by while on a break from his meeting. It was raining this day so we camped here for a few hours and ate, knit and read. I enjoy a pot of green tea in the afternoon and this one was exceptionally good.

The courtyard was pretty even in the rain.

The paintings...gorgeous!

Tis himself!

The lovely aroma from this candle was wonderful!

Napoleon...

...Josephine

We visited the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square. It is one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in America.

My ex-altarboy husband is proficient at candle lighting. We said prayers for our family...for our friends...and in gratitude...always in gratitude for our many blessings.

Enjoy the day,

Robyn

Where are we???

Can you guess where we are?

The beautiful old doors are cracked and worn.

The knobs are like the jewelry a dowager might wear to bring back a spark of youth.

The lights are enchanting...flickering and dancing night and day.

My new favorite shop...I've been twice already.

The shop windows are inviting...even the local vet.

Art is everywhere!

And the locals are real characters!!!

So....where are we? Take a guess.

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A few weeks ago we were in Tallahassee and Annie was loving every minute of it.

Her most favorite person...Mr. Gene.

Comparing badges with the current Bar president, Ray Abadin. The Bar made Annie a special security badge just for her.

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Have you figured it out yet? Where are we?

Enjoy the day,

Robyn...and a very tired Annie

Sorry I've been gone so long. Annie is having a few health issues and I've been preoccupied.  I'll try to visit when things settle down. Please think good thoughts for my girl.

My hook in hand...

I've been warming my hooking chair once again. I found a few minutes yesterday...and it was wonderful!

I do want to share a great find. Some of you most likely are already aware...but here goes. My Ott light bit the dust a few weeks ago. The thingie you use to attach it to a table crumbled. So, I went to Joann's with the intention of buying a new one. I looked and looked and was not impressed...especially with the prices for the floor models...even with a coupon. I had decided I wanted a light I could move easily...one that stands alone...a floor model. Was not too impressed with any of the lights they had in stock.

Came home and did a little looking on the computer. Did you know they carry Ott lights at Lowe's??? I didn't...and I spend my Saturdays there on a regular basis! 

I am loving my new light!!! 24 watts...lightweight...and it's black! Ready? Forty nine dollars! $49.00.

It is strictly utilitarian...no bells and whistles. You have to plug it in to turn it on. The base is weighted, but it has a moveable head. It is so nice and light! The same Ott light for a much better price. 

I like the fact that it is black...it blends into my room much better. And, the head stays put wherever you need the light. I was always adjusting my old light because the head was so heavy. Anyway, I am pleased and so is my purse!

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I know many of you have made "resolutions" for the new year. One I have made is to read more. I use to be an avid reader...always had a book in my hand. I am going to get back to it this year. Turn off the computer...the t.v. and read. 

First book this year...and it's wonderful! It's a movie now, but I always try to read the book before seeing the movie. This book has a good deal of history in it which is an added plus. It will make your heart ache for the American chestnut tree. So much more great info than I had expected.

Another book that has been made into a movie is, In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick.

I have not seen the movie yet, but the book is one of my all time favorites. It is a true story, and is the tale that inspired Moby Dick. It is such a gripping read. Mr. MW and I have given copies of this book to so many of our friends because it is such a good one...at least we think so.

Maggie Bonanomi's "Thistle Down Moon"...revisited

So...more hooking, more reading...oh, and more vegetables...welcome 2016!

Enjoy the day,

Robyn