Penny For Your Thoughts

It has been a year wow

2011-08-12T20:49:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it has been a year since I've last posted on the blog. Alot has happend, thats for sure. I am dealing with ovarian cancer and I received good news from the doc which is always welcomed. You get tired of hearing the bad news. Just finished a letter to my son, who is in boot camp. He graduates September 1st. Can't belive it's almost over for him, he probably thinks its like forever. I did. Sometimes I miss the Navy. Well getting back to stitching, right now I am working on Blackbirds new loose feathers called Summer. I will get a picture as soon as I can. I took
a brake from stitching and framing. I am sure glad I am back doing it. I wouldn't have never thought that I would take a break. But it happens. Happy stitching:)

The Summer

2010-08-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

It's unbelievable that it's August already, the summer has just flown by. Last time I tried to post and upload pictures I had problems we'll see how this goes. I have been so busy with the framing business and my new job as Sacristan at church, that my blogging has been at a standstill. I miss looking at every ones blog and seeing what every ones working on. Need to make time for the computer. I had a fever for four days, and have a ear infection and bronchitis. I am doing real swell hear. I am working on the new prairie schoolar halloween chart. I have changed everything and I thing it will be to cute. I will take a picture tomorrow and post it.

Some finishes

2010-03-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Just finished the Lizzie Kate Spring Fab Fob...I think it came out so cute. The 1st picture is a piece I finished for Charolette. She hsasn't seen it yet. I found this feux leather at Hobby Lobby, Charolette had this antique hanger that she wanted to use as the hanger. The second picture is of a egg cup I got from Hobby Lobby, I made a little pin cushion. We will going to the YO Ranch this weekend for camp..I can't wait. I am stitching and not finishing or framing anything.

Some finishing I have been doing

2010-02-10T21:31:00.000-08:00

I tought a punchneedle class last month and Letty one of my students made me this little oval box with my initial.. It made me tear up, she is so thoughtful...
The Lizzie Kate Halloween piece is Melissa Q's, We chose a double frame...Just love this piece.
Besides framing I have been finishing. Here are some pieces. I stitched the heart, there are beads around the whole heart. The Santa pin is from Kathy James, she ordered this grape brass piece, and I had to figure out how to mount it, into a pin. I put red velvet on the back, with trim around the sides came out cute. Francis Sandara stitched the other two pieces. She stitches them and then gave them to me to figure out. Above the carolers it says Shepherds Bush that is for the piece above that, that I did.

The New Year

2010-01-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Well it's been forever since I've blogged...Lets see if we can change that and try to stay current. Since I started framing for the shop I have been busy. Especially around Christmas. I completed a stocking for a lady and ornaments galore. I did finish a Little House piece in November. When I can find my camera I will post the picture. My daughter has decided
that she now thinks the camera is hers. Wrong. Life just seems to pass on by..to quickly.
I miss blogging. In five days it will be two years since I have had a cigarette. I still occasionally miss them, but they say you'll have that the rest of your life. I am prepared though. I feel so much better. But I did feel like I lost my best friend. Is that sad or what. Well happy stitching.
PS I just can't wait to see the Autumn at Hawk Run Hollow piece. It's driving me nuts.

Football

2009-10-30T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy, I can't believe I haven't updated my blog in almost a month.

I have been involved with my son's football. He played so well. Tonight was his last game they lost to a undefeated team but they played very well and we are proud of him. He even had an interception. It's hard to believe that he will be

18 on the 5 of November. I think sometimes that I don't want him to grow up. Even though I know they have to. Tomorrow I am working at the shop and going to a Spurs game. My buddy Benji won tickets at work. I usually like being home for

Halloween, but I can make exception. Well I hope everyone has a howling halloween. Penny

Purple Sage Ranch

2009-09-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

Well I finally found the disk and downloaded the pictures. There is 85 pictures so I am only adding a few...Lol's...This is our cabin. The bee hive I designed and they had a option of buying the kit. They all got this little ort jar filled with jellie bellies.

Latest and greatest

2009-09-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while. I have been so busy with the framing business and the kids sports. Went to camp in Bandara. That came and went so fast. We stayed at this ranch called the Purple Sage. OMG. That's all I have to say. Beautiful and peaceful. Had a great time. It just went to dang fast. I forgot my camara. So my friend reba gave me a disk with the pictures and I can't find it. Imagine that. So you all will have to wait to see this place. I did finish "Sea to Shining Sea" I ordered the frame before we went to camp, cause I was going to have it done for show and tell, well that didn't happen. So I framed it a couple days after camp. I am so glad this thing is done...

some finishes

2009-09-02T21:34:00.001-07:00

My buddy Anita stitched Elijah's Angel from
Kathy Barrick. It was out of print, but now you
can get it on Etsy. I've has these other two done for a while. Just so behind.

Junior Brown Concert

2009-08-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Last Friday the 14th, we went to Gruene Hall and seen Junior Brown. It was a great night. I had the best view I was like five feet from him. I should of brought my camera. He plays this instrument he invented called the guit steel which is part guitar and part steel guitar is sounds wonderful. The one pictured isn't the one he played. Click on the hyperlink to listen to him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_wLVCLPx0M

Jane Timmer's Class

2009-08-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago we had a finishing class with Jane. Boy did I learn alot. Here are some pictures of the piece we had to finish. I have some blind stitching to do on my piece and then I am done. This class was very informative and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Carol

2009-08-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Carol passed away on the 8th of August. I will miss her very much. This photo was taken in Ocean city Maryland at one of the Cross Stitch retreats at Salty Yarns.

New Addition

2009-07-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to the Cranek family, his name is Fletcher. We were fortunate to be able to see him when we went back east on vacation. He was born on the 28th of June. My husband the proud Uncle. We all had a good time. We went to Savannah, Virginia Beach, Jersey, Philly, Fairfax , VA and back to Va. Bch. We had wonderful weather. It has been so hot here in San Antonio.

While we were on vacation my nephew Justin who is a sailor out of Pearl Harbor got married in San Diego and his sister Kristen joined the Marines and is off to bootcamp in the fall. We never had a Marine in our family. We of course are very proud of her. Good Luck Kristen!

All Night Stitch

2009-06-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

We had our all night stitch at the shop last night. We laughed all night long.I made a Reuben dip from this recipe book Nancy brought in and is was delicious.I used deli pastrami, Swiss cheese, thousand island dressing, cream cheese and rinsed sauerkraut. Threw it in the crock and walla...Served with grilled mini toasts and roasted garlic rye chips. The girls loved it. We had sandwiches on croissants, sausage cheese balls, green bean casserole, banana pudding. I won a Christmas grab bag. Benji won the Halloween one. We also received a freebie from Plum Street Samplers, I am almost done. Reba's husband gave her this wonderful stand for her birthday. Her B-day isn't till the 26th but he wanted her to have it for the stitch-in, wasn't that thoughtful. This is Sharon one of the shop owners finally stitching. Overall it was a great night, I finally crashed on my air mattress around 3:30/4:00 am. Most the girls stayed up all night.

Anniversary Gifts

2009-05-20T07:36:00.001-07:00

I received this beautiful Lampe Berger for my Anniversary. It's from France. He likes to get the gifts they say you should get every year. Last year was a antique coffee table...That I just love. (furniture) This year it's porcelain. It has 4 different ladies on each side. You can buy different liquids. He chose Asian Pear. I also received 4 rooster glasses from Willams and Sonoma(eat your heart out Cindy F.) and a cherry/olive pitter.

New Project

2009-05-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

I start Show child from Shepherds Bush. I just couldn't help myself.

WIP update

2009-05-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Here is my progress for Sea to Shining Sea. Two more houses to go.

Anniversary

2009-05-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well today is our 18th Anniversary. I didn't remember till I went to bed last night...That hasn't happend before. Well here is the happy couple. We were married in Lemoore, California.

John's Garden

2009-05-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here is some pix of my husband Farmer John's garden.

Medical Update and Bird Lady Finish

2009-05-11T06:44:00.001-07:00

Well last week was really busy, I had an appointment with the doc on Monday and a stress test on Tuesday, I tried to get out of it he said no. Well the good news is my heart is normal and when I had to do the wonderful 24 hour urine collection they found out my protein level had gone from 5700 when I was diognosed with FSGS to 1909. This means the medicine is working, thank God. I also will be framing for our shop. I am waiting for the corners to come in. I am using a frame business out of North Carolina that the shop I worked out of in Virginia used. They are so reasonable. I am very excited about the whole endeavor. Hopefully I will be very busy. I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. My DH's mother passed right before Mother's Day 3 years ago yesterday, and I felt sad for him and his siblings. She was a great lady and we miss her dearly. For Mother's Day I had my kitchen floor washed by Sarah, this was a big shock, I got a book and a sudberry house 4 inch box. We went to Olive Garden and it was packed. John went over there and waited an hour in a half, he watched the basketball game in the bar. The kids and I only had to wait 10 minutes. I had Steak Madallions with gorganzola and fetuccini, it was so good, and the Berry Sangria. Yum. Here is the Bird Lady, she looks like she should have been done in the fall.

Tammy John and Penny

2009-04-15T13:21:00.001-07:00

Tammy John and Penny
Originally uploaded by chronic-shock

I found this photo of my son, sister and of myself on my sister-in-law Jenny's flikr page. I don't even remember taking this picture. But then with the Cranek family you never know when you are on cadid camera. This was Christmas of 05.

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Can't believe Easter has come and gone. Before you know it summer will be here. Here is our family photo in front of our roses. Molly decided she was going to finally join us.

Solado

2009-04-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

I went with one of the shop owners to a stitch camp in Solado. We set up a minny store. Well Connie was there with here piece And they Sinned. It's funny because I met Connie when I worked for Dyeing To Stitch in VA. BCH. Now I am here with her in San Antonio. Small world. This is a piece to be proud of.

The Bird Keeper

2009-04-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stand it, I had to start another project. I changed things up. I love birds so I love this piece. Some people I won't mention names thinks I am crazy. They want to know what happend to her legs. LOL's Well I don't know Ask Kathy from Carriage House. I think she prefers the birds. This photo should be a little darker. The flash really lightened it up. Instead of NPS, which I love, I used Crescent and Sampler Threads. The fabric is dill from Lakeside Linens.

WIP update

2009-04-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Here is Quaker Virtues and Frances Eden.

09 Quickie Finish

2009-04-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Down By The Sea Retreat Fall 06

Stitch camp

2009-03-31T15:10:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time at camp. We were on the Frio River. You could sit out back on rockers, what a great view. Very peaceful and tranquil. I downloaded the pictures to flikr. So check them out. We had two projects, an auction, a raffle and show and tell. My Betsy went for $65.00 and the Robin made $40.00. I hope my fellow stitchers enjoy them.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27130949@N02/sets/72157616109275012/

Kidney Biopsy/Results

2009-03-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't posted in a while, because I been busy with the doctors. Go figure, I would have to go get some rare Kidney Disease, that they just don't know much about, and I don't even
fall in the normal parameters. Like African American Male, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes and some other things. They think it could be from medication. It is called FSGS. I am taking some crazy medicine. Which I don't like the side effects. Well one good thing is that we are getting ready to go to stitch camp. I am so looking forward to this. I made these fobs and goodies for the auction they are going to have. The auction helps offset the price for the next stitch-in/get together. I think they came out cute. I made a needle minder, its a little bird in the yellow

bucket and a needle card, that also is in the bucket. Happy Stitch'n Penny

New Stash at 1/2 Price

2009-03-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here are two great buys. I changed the silk for the Quaker House Samplers. Dinky Dyes and Belle Soie.

Another Piece

2009-03-17T15:16:00.001-07:00

This is Sharon's piece, one of the Shop owners. Amy that was with Sisters and Best Friends designed this, I do believe. Sharon did some color changes.

Framing

2009-03-17T15:11:00.001-07:00

This piece I did for one of the customers named Beth. She is my first customer. Our camera decided it didn't want to take pictures anymore so, I bought a new one and I love it.

Sea To Shining Sea Progress

2009-03-16T09:19:00.001-07:00

I decided to do in on a piece of linen I had in my stash, if I had this color in 36 or 40 I would of chose that. The color is Smokey Pearl. I have had to make a few minor changes. You were suppose to use tumbleweed for the clouds. My piece of silk I got in my kit was very verigated and it would have been mudy clouds. So I used Icing. I am enjoying stitching this piece.

Heck of a Week

2009-03-14T18:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's definitely been an interesting week, I am behind in my cross stitch. I had to get a Kidney Biopsy on Thursday and spend the night in the hospital. The Biopsy went well, just waiting for the results. They think my body is trying to fight off my kidneys. Some auto immune thing, but it could be 20 other things. So I just have to stay busy. I framed two pieces for the shop. I wanted to take pictures but I forgot. I got to stitch with the girls for a couple of hours today and then we went to dinner. It was real nice. I have made some progress with my Sea To Shining Sea, I need to take a picture and post it. Happy Stitching. Penny

Birthday Presents

2009-03-08T10:27:00.001-07:00

These are some of the presents I got fromt the girls here in San Antonio, plus I got three gift cards from the shop from Benji, Anita and Nancy. Thank you so much

Birthday Presents

2009-03-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

My BFF Donna from Virginia Beach gave these to me for my birthday. Too cool. Just love them. Thank You Donna

The Shop

2009-03-08T09:19:00.001-07:00

The girls had a little birthday party for me at the shop on Saturday. I already received some gifts and a cake on Thursday. I feel so spoiled and blessed. Of course when Benji was taking the picture my mouth was open. Imagine that. There is Val in the green stitching away as always. That girls stitches beautifully. I think she is are hardanger queen.

BlueBonnets

2009-03-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

I was walking Molly Monday morning and seen the 1st Bluebonnets for the year, check it out...

Gift

2009-03-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

My friend Val gave me this great tin at the sit and stitch Saturday night, the kit is from Twisted Oaks, I just love it of course because of the Cardinal. The little one is a needle minder. Happy Stitch'n Penny

Finish 09

2009-03-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Just finished the Lark from JBW Monday Night. Now I have to either frame it or make it into something else, not sure at this point what to do.

I used Weeks Dye Fabric Morris Blue and DMC 4030.

Ohhh I forgot

2009-03-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ohh and by the way Miss Anita if you are reading this post, that was not my early "surprise it's your birthday party...." Anita told everyone that it was my birthday party. I said isn't that nice I cooked and cleaned and everything. And when my husband came home he had to be a joker and walk through the front door and say "hi the stripper's here" He thinks he's funny. He's lucky he's cute. Well Happy Stitching ya'll!!

Sit and Stitch

2009-03-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

Well I think everyone had a good time, those girls had to take pictures of me in the wee hours of the morning, we have sime die heart stitchers here in Texas. When I was in Virginia I think the latest was 2 am. I couldn't stand it I fell asleep around 3am. Those girls just wore me out. The sangria was good, the only thing left in the punch bowl believe it or not was the fruit. I made Chicken Florentine Lasagna and the regular red sauce kind. I told them that they were going to be ginny pigs for the chicken one, I hadn't tried it yet. Well I should of made two of them. They scarfed it down. Desert was Raspberry Cheesecake brownies and coconut cake. Francis one of the shop owner's brought the cake. We will have to get that recipe. If anyone is interested in seeing the pictures click here http://dagneysmom.blogspot.com/ and http://lonestarstitcherandherramblings.blogspot.com/ these two girls took all the pictures. I didn't have time. So hopefully you can hyperlink on over to Cindy and Benji's blogs. We have a stitch camp to go to the end of March, they better not fall asleep before me. I will have the camera ready.

Stitch Night

2009-02-24T21:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon I am having a bunch of girls over for a sit and stitch. I am so excited. This will be the first one I've had since I left Virginia Beach. I am so looking forward to it. Hopefully I will have time and remember to take pictures. Happy Stitch'n.....Penny

Cross Stitch 09

2009-02-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Here is my progress of the American Sampler, I have a long way to go. Lots and lots of queen stitches are in this piece. I will be an expert by the time I finish this. I had a scare, I was looking for my Shepherd Bush's monthly's, I haven't seen them since we moved in the house in August of 07, well this morning I finally found them. I have come to the conclusion (many times over) that I just have to much...And I keep buying more. Everytime I turn around there is another chart that I just have to have, They just keep coming out with great designs. I need to clone 20 of me at least to finish everything I have. Happy Stitching...

Hoffman Distributor

2009-02-09T21:43:00.000-08:00

For those of you that want to see what has just come out, check out hoffman,
http://www.hoffmandis.com/index.cfm, I am so getting those new Blackbird Designs. I haven't even checked out the rest of the stuff. Happy Stitch'n Penny

Remebering My Sister

2009-02-09T20:41:00.000-08:00

Today my sister would have been 41. It's hard to believe that in July it will be 2 years that she has passed. My sister Tammy lived in Haltom City outside of Ft. Worth, I was in the process of moving to Texas when she was recovering from her operation. She had a brain tumor the size of a fist behind her eye. She was diagnosed the end of May and was gone by the end of July. I look at it, that God didn't want her to suffer long. I still cry very hard and it is very difficult to deal with. She is in my heart and mind always. I love you and miss you Tammy Happy Birthday!!

Finish 09

2009-02-09T20:35:00.000-08:00

Well I hope you all like how I finished this. Since my daughter's room is pinks and brown, she has claimed this for her room. I told her she can have it after Valentines Day.

Cross Stitch Magazines

2009-02-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

I was reading the Twisted Stitchers Blog and she had just framed a beautiful piece that she got from Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Book called "Lo, How a Rose Sampler" I said I have that one, then I thought jeez how many of us have cross stitch magazines that just sit on a shelf? I know I do. So I went through a couple and found this sampler called the "American Sampler" It is from Treasures in Needlework. I just love it. It has some specialty stitches. Just what I need another work in progress.

I think I am Loosing it.

2009-02-06T16:27:00.001-08:00

I guess this is what happens when you are in your 40's. Today I was in the bookstore and I bought The hardback book of "The Lady and Son's Savannah Country Cookbook. I have a lot of cookbooks, but I know what the covers look like so I know if I have it or not. Well her hardback book is different from her spiral bound book. So now I have to go back to the book store and say oops I already have this. I made a chicken and rice casserole recipe, and I am going to go test it out...Bon Appetite

Cross Stitch 09

2009-02-04T20:50:00.001-08:00

Just finished this freebie from Casey Buonaugurio called "Chocolate Covered Cherries" 2006. I stitched it on 40 count Bittersweet from Lakeside Linens. hopefully the next picture will be of it finished off. Haven't decided what I want to do yet.

Finish 09

2009-02-04T17:25:00.001-08:00

This is for my BFF Donna back in Virginia Beach, she was suppose to get this for Christmas. I had finished stitching it, just hadn't finished it into the pin cushion. This is from Blackbird designs. I changed it a little bit. I used the motifs from the book. I personalized it with a little key I found at Michaels. Donna doesn't know she is getting this. I am just going to send it and surprise her.

Cross Stitch 09

2009-01-31T19:50:00.000-08:00

Quaker Virtues Progress

Cross Stitch 09

2009-01-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

Sea To Shining Sea Progress

Sarah's Birthday

2009-01-31T19:36:00.000-08:00

Sarah getting ready to blow out the candles.

Cross Stitch Ornament 08

2009-01-31T19:19:00.000-08:00

This cute ornament was stitched for my dear

friend Anita. I used some Yarn that I found in

my stash. It's fuzzy like Santa's beard. Fast stitch from Sandra Sullivan from Home Spun Elegance.

Sarah's Birthday

2009-01-31T19:14:00.000-08:00

Today is Sarah's birthday...Daddy took her to a Spur's Game...Last night she had a bunch of friends spend the night...Thank God it was for one night. Went stitching at the shop today. Needed calgon take me away.

Flickr

2008-11-01T22:33:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.