My thread works hobbies atbp.

Njam TV

2012-02-08T22:57:00.004+01:00

I don't mind being parked in my canopy although I hate being sick. As long as I could watch cooking shows, such as: Njam which is almost 24 hours a day. I was never an avid fan of TV, but cooking programs are becoming a revolutionary measures against sex and violence on media. That's why I like it very much. Chef's from all over the world are my hottest and sexiest TV personality of all time. I may not like everything they cooked, but I am definietely fascinated with their talent. Bitchin Kitchin is my favorite. I wonder when are they going to feature an American chef. I'll be patiently waiting.

Winter blues again

2012-02-06T21:45:00.002+01:00

It looks like the winter is going to get going for quite sometime. I really hate it, being stranded inside the house, not that its annoying staying at home. I am a house mice and I always have one thousand things to do at the same time. Anyway, I'm glad that its a bit sunny despite the snow outside. Whenever the sun peek inside the house, its means I can cross stitch for at least an hour or two a day. Doctor's order, not too much concentration will do me a favor to little by little regain my old self. Just no cross stitching, sewing or reading at night. By the way I have just started stitching a photo of princes Kate of England. I got a photo converter gift from a very kind lady whose name I may never mention in public. She is a public figure, and I am glad she has become my friend. Although I am not yet one hundred percent convince that this pattern would do justice to the photo of the princes. I will give it the benefit of the doubt.

I had given up hope to recover all my lost data

2012-01-24T00:15:00.001+01:00

I guess I have to try to recover my lost data manually instead of trying to figure out what went wrong with my post. After a long vacation I thought its going to be easier when the winter comes. First I have to get used to my new computer and learn hubby to be able to work on his music writing.

Forever in a school bank

2012-01-04T01:07:00.001+01:00

No one is too old to learn and it seems I may justified the case. Because starting February 2, I'll be back in school to learn photography this time. I realized that I could never use my new reflex camera if I didn't learn it properly.

Who wants to wear an eye glass? not me

2011-11-02T13:29:00.001+01:00

I have been ignoring my headache for the past weeks already but its seems getting worse everyday. Although its not really a migraine co'z its not really that bad. I feel it every time I am concentrating on some thing and most of all when I am reading. Maybe its a sign that I am getting old already which is a fact. On the other hand I am getting scared because its going to affect my activites. Taking a vacation literally doesn't help because there is no way I can stop and do nothing while at home. We decided to go to the optician tomorrow and probably buy a reading glass as much as I hate wearing an eye glass. Otherwise I have to go back to the doctor and wait for the verdict that I may not be able to cross stitch for good. Meanwhile I think I am going to go for a long walk to enjoy the sun today. It probably the last time this week.

Autumn

2011-10-28T23:05:00.001+02:00

Autumn is becoming more and more visible everyday. I saw the leaves of the trees while we are driving into town this afternoon. As much as i love green colors, I cannot help but admire the yellow, orange brownish colors of the falling leaves. I hope to be able to ge some snap shots tomorrow in the woods. I have taken this autum foto last year. I think I should try my new reflex camera.

Cheers!

2011-10-20T23:50:00.002+02:00

I missed this song very much. cheers! It should be my theme song for tonight

Making your way in the world today
Takes everything you've got
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn't you like to get away?
All those nights when you've got no lights,
The check is in the mail,
And your little angel hung the cat up by its tail,
And your third fiancee didn't show.
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came
You want to be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You want tobe where everybody knows your name
Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee's dead
The morning's looking bright
And your shrink off to europe
And didn't even write
and your husbands want to be a girl
Be glad there's a place in the world
Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came
You want to go where people know
People are all the same
You want to go where everybody knows your name
Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came

Where everybody knows your name
And they're always glad you came

Strolling along the Ebron Delta

2011-10-07T22:44:00.004+02:00


irragation system

Our well-earned holiday in Spain are not just pure enjoyment of the lovely weather, delicious food and drinks. We also had a lot of surprising discoveries in every way. I never thought that rice grows in Spain, apparently well. We have found that rice field while we are looking for a vineyard.

Onze wel verdiende vakantie in Spanje hebben niet alleen puur genot van de heerlijke weer, drank een lekker voedsel maar ook een verrasende ontdekking in alle kanten. Ik had nooit gedacht dat rijst groeide in Spanje, blijkbar wel. Wij hebben dit rijstveld gevonden toen wij op zoek naar een wijnboer.

Not too much hobbying for awhile

2011-08-04T21:57:00.000+02:00

Since its going to be real messy in the few days to come due to our renovation. I decided to close my sewing room for awhile and make myself busy with other things like helping my hubby with his work. Our garden is also suffering from lack of rain so I should give more water than necessary to my flower beds.

Warm and Sunny

2011-06-27T13:16:00.002+02:00

A complete change from the weather last week. First time warmer and sunny this summer. Weather man says it can possibly as warm as 32 degree. Too warm for everybody. I did the wash as early as possible. Now is time to lock up inside and do some cross stitching. By the way I needed some rest. I had help a friend cooking for their party with 200 people or so. I think I'm going to take a nap later. First i took a photo of my white Dahlia before it wilt down.

Zonnige weer vandaag, tegenovergesteld van de wisselvallige weer van vorige week. Weerman zegt het temperatuur kan oplopen tot 32 graden. Te warm eigenlijk voor iedereen, daarom had ik de was al vroeg gedaan. Nu ga ik binnen blijven en doe wat kruis steken. later ga ik effe een dutje doen. ben nog moe, ik had een vriendin geholpen koken met hen feestje. Maar Ik had vanoctend mijn wit dahlia foto getrokken, ben bang dat het later zou kapot gaan door de hitte.

Drizzly weather

2011-06-22T13:09:00.000+02:00

I am probably the only one who's not un-happy about our weather condition.

I love rain as long as the wind is not so strong and there is no storm. I am truly sorry for the elderly. This is not the kind of weather that they like. They expect that it should be summer this time, but for the farmers it may not be too late for a little rain. As for the rest, we can stay inside and perhaps watch TV, if there is something interesting other than politics.

Waarschijnlijk ben ik de enige die klaag niet over het weer. Ik hou van regen, zonder smerige wind en storm natuurlijk. Spijtig voor de oude mensen, ze hou er niet van. Normaal is het al zomer . De boeren kunnen misschien nog iets van profiteren. Binnen blijven is de boodschap, misschien TV kijken als er iets tenminste fatsoenlijk ander dan politiek.

Stitch -a-clock 2 - small work for a change

2011-06-21T20:40:00.001+02:00

I found a small pattern in my work book which I luckily have all the threads available. Another stitch-a-clock. I think I'm going to begin with this one and continue working on my friends picture at the same time next month. By then I hope my secret garden is finished.

Ik vond een klein kruis steek patroon in mijn werkboek. Weer een stitch-a-clock. Gelukkig heb ik ook de kleuren in vooraad. Ik denk dat ik ga er aan beginnen volgende maand, tegelijkertijd zou ik ook de foto van mijn vriendin afmaken.

My sewing room is in chaos

2011-06-21T00:01:00.004+02:00

My sewing room is literally in chaos nowadays. Since we started renovating our bathroom which is next to it, it is in what I call in the worst situation. I am in no mood at all to do some sewing, I bought lots of fabric last week, but I still haven't started anything at all. I am ashamed of all the mess. My sewing machine is okay, though. I promise not to tinker with it anymore, electronics and myself are not the best of friends. I was sorry I bought this type of machine. I probably look for some 2nd hand old machines in the future.

Mijn naai ruimte is in puinhoop, het is een naai kot geworden sinds wij begonnen met de renovatie op ons badkamer daarnaast. Ik had geen goesting om te naaien thans had ik veel stoffen gekocht vorige week. Mijn naai machine is wel al in orde. ik zou nooit meer mijn weinige verstand uitproberen om het te herstellen. Elektronish in mij kan echt niet samen. ik zou ooit een 2de hands old machine kopen.

Its time to have a change in my blog and work on my attitude

2011-06-20T22:56:00.002+02:00

"Ik ben terug van weg geweest". Thats what people says in Dutch whenever they come back literally.I have had a hard times , lots of downs and periods where I crack down. Yet I always come back. I have said many times already that I am going to throw away all the emotional baggage that I used to carry with me all the time.

I still have it and I finally realized that its no use trying to ignore it. I have proven many times in my life that I am a fighter, that God is with me all the time. that he always leads me to the right path, and whatever decisions I made, he made a way for me to make the right choices. and so I did. I even thought for a long time to start a new blog so that I do not have to read what I had written during the time I was really down. I actually did create a new blog in dutch language. But then I realized, whats the use of a new begin if I am still affected by the past, why not make a use of it and move on. One day, while flipping with my mouse, I came across the website of an African woman, who's blog is written in two languages, Swahili and English. I came up with this idea to challenge myself if I can do the same. Meaning to say write in English and in Flemish. make a complete changes in my blog. add some girly stuff. I presume it would be a great challenge and it offers me a possibility to practice my 2nd language. Why not? it can be positive not only to my language skills but also to my attitude. I have to work a lot on my attitude. More often than I admit I am becoming a grumpy old woman at 40. I have to make the changes now before its too late to begin with. So my next post will be in english and dutch.

secret garden 2 update

2011-06-20T21:02:00.007+02:00

Thanks to the constant changes in our weather, although I am probably the only one who's happy that it rains a lot. I was able to sit around long enough to do some improvement with my secret garden 2. I did a huge mistake, although its hardly noticeable, still I decided to do it again. I'm planning to begin with a small project next week and of course finish the photo of my friend and her son at the same time. Also glad that my flowers are blooming already

Hi there

2011-06-11T22:39:00.000+02:00

Aha, its been a long time since I blog, and still have ample time to get everything done, especially with the ongoing renovation of our bathroom. But its not the dust all over the house that bothers me a lot. My vacuum cleaner is working good. Our plants needs water everyday because of the dryness. Its good that it rains yesterday. I was able to do some sewing and reading, thought I might be able to have something to blog about. Just finished this green dress i stashed away 2 months ago, because I didn't get it right the first time. And was able to cross stitch longer than an hour today.

Updates

2011-03-16T22:17:00.030+01:00

Apart from being busy with lots of sewing work for a friend the whole February and until early March (mostly drapperies) and helping in our school projects sewing Carnival Costumes for kids in a day care center here in Beringen . I am glad that my cross stitch project is also a bit improving. My health is of course also better although I must say, I need to have more exercises and workout. Sitting and sewing a lot does a lot of bad effect aside from my sudden change of diet. Anyway the weather is getting better since this week. And I am determined to venture outside in the next few days. Its my way of putting my self-imposed exile off. I went to the market today for a start. Lots of people are already looking for me. Asking what's wrong, why am I nowhere to find. Its exactly not true. I am always home, or at school or at the church. Because I don't go visit friends or arrange a karaoke party or go shopping with aquaintances like before. People thinks that there is something wrong with me. Those who read my personal blog knows why. One thing I learned from all the dissapointment I have encountered lately is that Silence is surely one good way of conveying meaning without creating a fuss. My hobbies keeps me sane and moving.

Back to school

2011-01-11T23:58:00.005+01:00

Finally the snow melted already, although its a bit raining at least its not very cold today. Fine day in school, so much to catch up with each other about the holidays. My sewing machine is stucked though, I couldn't find the problem so I have to bring it in the shop tomorrow. I hope that it does not take long to repair it. I now realized the problem with computer machines. I cannot tinker with it whenever I want, otherwise I'll make it worse than it already is. Anyway this is what I am busy right now aside from usual cross stitch. (new project) By the way I cross stitch not more than 2 hours a day. I know it will take ages before I finish a project, but I have really no choice. I also have to be careful now with my eyes not only with my arms.

Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T12:52:00.003+01:00

I was not really feeling well since we comeback from a 12 day cruise across the
Mediterranean. the weather didn't help either. Too much snow that I have never been seen before are waiting for us. Clearing up the driveway on Christmas day is probably the first white Christmas bound to be experienced. Anyway I welcome 2011 with open arms. Our vacation had helped me a lot in seeing things in different way. I guess its time to throw away all the emotional baggage that I used to carry with me all the time. It had affected my whole perspective and creativity. My mood swings in the past months has nothing to do with boredom. People in my sorroundings had affected me a lot. Its time I get a grip on my own emotions as well. Trying to make people happy and win affection is not easy. We can only please somebody one at a time. And I finally realized it somehow. Its always interesting to have changes. I am definitely go for it this time. Not only for my outside wardrobe but definitely with my attitude. And definitely my writings has to be consistent as well. I wish that 2011 brings me good luck!

Its like my religion

2010-12-03T10:48:00.002+01:00

DMC-secret garden 2

Its crazy but I have to admit despite of doctor's advise to stop cross stitching for a period of time. I couldn't help it. Its not just a hobby, its a HABIT and its like my religion. This is what I have done for 2 months among other things, among other bits and pieces.

Officially jobless starting today.

2010-12-01T19:04:00.002+01:00

Starting today I am officially jobless for an indefinite period of time. Indefinite because I have no idea if I could last staying at home everyday in my life.
I am too young for pension but since I am married to one, I have no other choice but to accept the fact that if I continue working, I will end up paying more taxes than earning. That's the way it is in Belgium. I do not understand, I will never understand the law here. There people like me who are willing to work, who have chances to work, capacity and opportunity to work but chooses to stay at home to avoid huge taxes. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who doesn't want to work at all, who are living in the mercy of the government, who are choosing to stay at home without doing any effort to find a job. People who are in the state of depression so they say. I hope to God that I won't be depressed in the long run, doing aside from household chores focusing on my hobbies. Well anyway I'll be doing more volunteer jobs (without pay) starting January like cleaning our church once a week. Helping the volunteers in Open Heart. It is an NGO's who are helping people with difficulties through providing goods which are mostly used (2nd hand) but still usable. I enjoy working with them, every thursday morning. Its not so much work, but I am happy to be with people, to interact with them, share conversations. It is kind of routine activities but It keeps me occupied at the same time. Anyway it is very cold nowadays here in Belgium. negative 5 degrees outside and it is still icy due to the early snow fall 2 days ago. First time in 17 years to snow in November say's my husband. It's a pity for older people who cannot go out of their house in this periods. As for me, I am busy sewing a table cloth with Christmas motifs. I'll be needing it to put on my Christmas tree. Besides I have enormous loads of cross stitching projects waiting to be finished up.

back to blogging within 2 days

2010-11-28T22:56:00.001+01:00

Hey there I'm still alive and kicking. doing a lot of things at the same time is proven to be bad not only for our health but also for our peace of mind, knowing it keeps us from being sane all the time.
But I have this bad habit and God forgive me but I can never promise to change. I'm doing it again and again and it tends me to accomplish a lot but it keep me away from my pen and book and also with my computer. within the next 2 weeks I am taking a break, then I will probably free to go back to cross stitching. I didn't mention it before, but I was forced to stop for awhile because I developed a nagging pain in my left arms due to the same movement of my left hand while holding the cloth while I am stitching. According to the doctor I had to stop for awhile to see to it that it is the real cause of my pain, and it was. Thus, I have to be careful this time. Meanwhile I have to begin tomorrow stitching a gift to a friend who is going to have a baby. I'll post it as soon as it is finish.

Tunic dress again

2010-10-21T07:59:00.001+02:00

Since I am still busy with a new pattern, I decided to make something easy at the same time, something that I obviously loved, tunic dress, very simple and very easy to make. and the color is something that flatters me. Everybody likes it in my class even my teacher wanted to make one in black for her daughter. anyway this pattern is from Ottobre design, 2010 autumn edition. I choose wisely this time says my husband. Very fiminine, I am not used to it though, I kind of like it really.

First project in the sewing class

2010-09-28T15:46:00.002+02:00

Like I have mentioned last time I have to begin with sewing an apron. This is what I had today (actually started last week). We called it butchers's apron ( slachter's schorts). I made two of this kind, because my cloth is good enough for two pieces of it. I guess I had to give the other away to friends. Next week I am ready to make a dress, one that I promise to make it fabulous this time. Thus, I am giving myself the benefit of the doubt.!

My sewing class a mixture of races

2010-09-16T14:31:00.000+02:00

My sewing class has finally started last tuesday.

We are a group of 10 people with mix races. Belgian, turks and I am the only one asiatic. I was not really impressed in the beginning because the teacher have informed me that its not a school, its an activity center that focuses on sewing activities. I didn't expect it of course because I enrolled in a particular voacational school but because I cannot attend classes at night, the director sent me there to find out for myself if I can fit in in the group. Here in belgium, we called these type of courses as 'lage drempled'. women who achieved low school or unfinished studies. It was a rather interesting group anyway, very happy people. It is but natural to not to do so much at first day, anyway thus, we had more coffe times than talk about sewing at all. Nevertheless because I am a new comer I had to start with sewing an apron just like everyone else did. so that the teacher can see for herself how far I am when it comes to sewing techniques. I am pretty sure that I have so much to tell next time.

I did a lot of sewing this summer

2010-09-07T10:26:00.001+02:00

People might think that I finally entered to self-imposed exile because I am nowhere to be seen lately. but the truth is I am practically enhancing my sewing skills. And I am going to attend lessons beginning next week. the les was supposed to start today, but it didn't after all. I was up so early and drive to school only to find out that I should go back next week. Now I have excuse to blog so early. Here are some of my works that already hangs in my closet.

My trip to Paris

2010-06-29T11:25:00.003+02:00

We had a long week after the trip to Paris. Its like breath a little bit and run again. Its always is busy time in the summer for us, no time to get bored and think a lot. It was a nice weekend trip anyway, I got a chance to see old but beautiful buildings, bridges of different style, museum etc. very different from the places I used to see since I was young. A new experience to keep, although I am really a contemporary person, I still like either post modern culture or something ethnic. It was really magnificent, just looking and admiring how on earth the people in the past a very enormous structure can realized is already super. Its really nice, although I cannot picture myself living there. Aside from the fact that I love colors, there are places that are nice to go to once and a while but not pleasant to live. Everybody wants to go home and so do I.

Its time to relax a little bit

2010-06-18T10:07:00.000+02:00

Well, I got to do some cleaning today and pack as little necessities as we needed. We are going to spend the weekend in Paris. Its my first time to see the eifel tower, I'm a bit excited of course. I practically buy lots of batteries for my camera. Although the weather probably will ruin my day, I am still hoping that tomorrow would be better than what the weatherman says.

Green fingers, how on earth some people have it and I don't

2010-06-16T22:42:00.002+02:00

If there is one absolute failure in everything that I wanted to do is planting anything. My plants don't grow, they usually died before even getting a flower or a fruit. I'm absolutely unhappy. I plant lots of seeds, eggplant, okra, beans. Even my roses are failing to produce flowers. I am really jealous of my husband who can plant anything and everything. Who is it possible that one persons hands is better than the other when it comes to planting the same thing. By the looks of these sugar peas, you can guess which one is mine, although there is a week difference, still mine didn't grows the same as the other for the same number of days. I figure it out already that I am not cut out to do gardening; I leave it to the expert from now on. My flowers are definitely not something to be proud of also. I guess I have to stick to my needles.

This is one of my numerous comeback

2010-06-15T09:18:00.002+02:00

I was pretty pre-occupied lately of everything that nobody can imagine I should be doing, editing a piece of work of a dear friend back in the old days, sewing maternity clothes for a friend here in BE, coordinating with my sister who manage the renovation of my house in the Philippines. I actually swear it to myself that I will never do it again. Doing multiple things at a time. Tja, swearing is a sin, and its obviously catching up on me, but then I have to clean my house and sit with my darling to watch tv. and go to work. Well, I am not me if can't do it all.

my wedding foto

2010-06-02T16:42:00.002+02:00

Like I've said before I intend to redo my wedding picture because I am not really satisfied with the outcome, but instead of doing the same picture. I tried this one, there's a bit of improvement really. But i have to put it aside for quite sometime to be able to give sometime to my unfinished old works. Thus, it has to stay in the shelf for awhile. I was pretty pre-occupied with family matters that hobbies becomes my last priority. But then its a habit that is really hard to break.

Its my birthday today and I am very happy

2010-05-29T18:44:00.001+02:00

I am very happy because, after almost 3 months of waiting is my package finally arrived last friday May 21. I was worried that it was already lost in the sea (lol) Well there is nothing missing with all the stuff that I put in the box, despite the fact that the Douane had it open and plastered it with Douane seal. I was able to do some inventories of the threads that I now have. In the next days to come aside from gardening I would be busy, catching up on my unfinished cross stitched projects. But then my husband bought me a paspop a mannequin where I can show off the clothes that I sew. I been very excited taking pictures of all my creations. My husband was so perplexed that he say's. I think you have never played with a doll ever. And he was right, I was a tomboy. I played lastiko and holen when I was a kid. I was also a ninny, always crying because I was a girl when I was supposed to be a boy. Now I have the time of my life. playing with my pop, dressing it up and taking pictures of it to my heart contentment. Its crazy but I don't need to go out of the house anymore to amuse myself. Whenever my euphorie subsided I will be posting more of my works. Let me enjoy it for awhile.

Not so much mood to blog lately

2010-05-17T21:34:00.001+02:00

I was indeed the last months inactive here in my webpage although I never really stopped on what I usually busy about. In fact I did a lot of things that I had no time at all to sit in front of my computer. Everything is fine, just lots of things going around in the house that requires my full attention. Somethings that have no publicity requirement at all. There were moments that I have really loss of words. Anyway, my unfinished works has still to wait because my threads has not yet arrived. I had a mistake of putting half of the threads I bought in the Philippines in a box which I send via the post. The box is now 2 months and a half onderway via a ship and I am already losing hope to be able to receive it at all. I think it is already lost. But anyway, I'll wait another 2 weeks then I give it up.

Grumpy old me

2010-03-22T10:58:00.002+01:00

Since I began a week ago learning new sewing techniques and getting to know my edging machine, not to mention attending classes for it. I have had a handful of works that I began to get headaches. My husband says that I take it too serious that I forgot to get some fresh air which I badly needed. Today is a beautiful weather so I took his advice and decided to stroll outside in the woods which is really good for my mood. I find this winter too long already, that's why my concentration is particularly engrossed in doing things inside the house that I do not mind going outside at all. Sitting in front of the computer requires a lot of effort nowadays from me. I also have this small pattern which I myself design, sort of experimenting on colors. I missed one color that's why I am still looking for something which I already have. What I do now is stitch a little bit and then do it again. I have a serious problem says my husband. I do not understand why people cannot understand sometimes that everybody did what they find amusing in their own way. Artist are most of the times crazy says he. Well, I still believe that I am neither an artist and neither crazy. I am just bored with this weather. And I hope I am right.

home sweet home

2010-03-06T06:22:00.000+01:00

Its been a week since I came back from a work vacation, work vacation because I did a lot of works in the house than enjoy for a leisurely trip here in there. But then, its wonderful to see family again. chit chat and tsismis is of course the best thing that we could do to catch up over the years events. I'll be back posting one of these days. I have to get a grip on all things that I have to do since I began yesterday attending classes for my edging machine. It was really fun mingling with other Belgische women.

Cross stitching on the way home

2010-01-23T18:30:00.001+01:00

The results of buying a promotional ticket is not as bad as it seems. The normally long lay over flight can sometimes be fun, when we know what to do when we get bored of roaming the airport during stop over. In my case I have a 6 and half hours waiting period from Hongkong to Philippines so I thought I would bring with me something to do. I hope I can finish this froggy pattern on the way. Which I intend to, well at least if I can resist shopping around. But I'm sure I have every reason not to shop so much because my valise is already at the limit. Although I fancied something from Giordano so I hope it is available and providing I can find the shop in Hongkong International airport.

experementing on knip mode design

2010-01-21T10:26:00.004+01:00

An acquaintance of mine laugh about my style of clothes every time she sees that I wear something colorful or with flowery designs. Perhaps she thinks that I really knows nothing about fashion or to be exact un-fashionable. Which I don't give a damn. Well I can't blame her because I am really somebody who doesn't bother to go with the trend. I always dress for comfort, as for my style, I AM A FARM GIRL what can you expect. Although I am also very cautious what to wear, when and where and on what time and occasions. Especially weather conditions, whenever its really brrrrrrrrrr.

I saw this design in a knip mode magazine, and I fell inlove with it. So I did tried my best to sew not exactly like it but something with a little bit similarity of so. I am proud to say that my sewing skills is improving day by day. I am sure that I am going to learn it sooner or later. I know I am going to succeed when I set my mind on it. I have to buy a pas pop so I can make easy alteration and nice pictures. see the results of my progress :

Stitch-A-Clock

2010-01-21T09:11:00.004+01:00

My new alternate works Stitch-a-cat by Jeanette Crews Design . Hope to get started sooner! I haven't had a chance to take foto's of my other finished works 'coz I'm pretty pre-occupied over my upcoming vacation. Re-styling my blogs is also very interesting with the help of fellow bloggers who doesn't want her name to be mentioned, but I thanked her anyway. I am not really a detailed person but changes do me real good most of the time. I wish to learn more in the future. I have to go down and sit for a long time to be able to do it one day. For now, I have to slow down or I miss a lot that I know I will regret later on.

2 weeks before my vacation to Philippines

2010-01-07T15:23:00.006+01:00

Well its going to be very hectic for me for the next few days and probably as well as
the day I arrived in the Philippines. My baggage is already packed, with the usual presents that i bring every time I travel and of course Belgian chocolates occupied the half of my valise. This time I would also bring waffle maker. I'd be very busy next week with cooking meals that would go in the freezer, otherwise my dear husband will content himself with beef steak and sausage the whole month that I am away. I am really eager now to go and see for myself the damage brought about by the floods in my parents house. I was devastated when I heard that all my old books and school mementos was destroyed. All the psychological testing materials which I spend so much money just to be able to buy it was destroyed. My cross stitch patterns and finished works was also damaged. Actually it is my own fault. Last year when I was there I put them all in boxes. I stashed them away in my old room, thinking as soon as my new house was painted I would ask my brother to bring it there. But I totally forgotten all about it. Thus, I have no one to blame. I'll see what I can salvage from my works. if I am not mistaken I have at least 15 pieces finished works, ranging from landscape, disney characters and Thomas Kinkade artworks. Its a shame if I have to throw them away. I had spent half of my life working on them. And for my books, the very dear and priceless possession a poor child could ever had, I have to say goodbye.

Plans for 2010

2010-01-03T20:17:00.004+01:00

Aside from the fact that I am not yet used to writing the new year 2010. I am also still busy re-evaluating last year events in my life. Have I achieved something from the list that I did for the whole year? Yes and no, I have as always a lot of things to do, but I am proud to say that I am 85 percent successful. The rest which is yet to be accomplished is also almost in order. There are things that happened beyond my control, making my excuses acceptable, but then so as we say in dutch 'Ik lig daarover niet wakker van. The fact that I don't worry so much and don't easily get stressed every time I failed to reach a goal is a good sign.

Good luck for 2010 and beyond

2010-01-01T23:21:00.005+01:00

Its very common every time the year begins to greet everyone Happy new Year!

It brings hope for everybody i think. And I do pray that all our wishes come true for this year and beyond.

Unfinished works

2009-12-29T16:37:00.004+01:00

This two unfinished works which I stitch alternating my secret garden and other work projects that I have has to wait 'til I come back from my vacation to the Philippines. The truth is: I ran out of threads already and considering , it is cheaper there. It had to wait a little longer. I may be a cross stitch fanatic but I also have to keep up with my budget. Its not a priority, so to speak. So everybody can guess what stuff there is that may never be absent in my shopping list.

Whats up with my secret Garden 3

2009-12-18T22:58:00.004+01:00

here it is, just a few finishing touches, I reckon, I will finished it before January 25.

Christmas Spirits is uplifting

2009-12-18T22:18:00.007+01:00

I think it is the upcoming 'fiesta' that lifts my spirits a little bit, that is why I sit nowadays back in front of the computer. In fact I bought a new hard disk,
a new cordless keyboard. And had a few times took a look in my facebook. People are asking already whats up. Well, this is it: I am due to fly to the Philippines next month January 25. Finally, a break, no, no, its not a vacation. It is actually a working visit. Yeah that's what I called it. Because I had to do mountains of things in my house, ranging from painting the house interiors, replanting-plants. I have to see to it that a new gate is done. There is something to be done in my sitting room, where I am going to install the sewing machine that I send via balikbayan box. Gosh, I don't know how I could do so much things in 5 weeks. But then, just thinking about it keeps me back alive.

And yeah its Christmas of course. We are the only house having a Christmas lights in our street with almost 96 houses. And we are right in the middle of the whole neighborhood. So everybody who will pass by noticed our scantily decorated house. It is pathetically lonely and un-interesting Christmas here in Belgium. And I hate it. I missed Christmas carols, the colors, the light, the smells of Christmas in the Philippines. Knowing it is a third world country compare to Belgium. I wanted to believe that most of the people here are really supporting the climate conference in Copenhagen. Although I still don't imagine myself, spending lots of money in expensive clothes and boots, and depriving myself of being fascinated with Christmas lights. Or maybe I still have the childlike dreams that Santa Claus is coming to town. And every child receives gifts. And I am one of them.

Trying to pick-up and move on

2009-12-09T22:45:00.003+01:00

Its been months since I posted here in my blog, although I'd never did stopped in what I do. In fact I did a lot of progress in my works. I was constant dissapointed and sick lately, not really bad but, I was listless and not so much in the mood to sit in front of the computer. I am still not in the mood actually. I have a diepje , so as we says in dutch. Its all about something personal like losing a friend literally. Having a lot to think about just like problems which are not my own but, from the people I dear most. Thinking and pondering how could I make everybody happy when I also have shortcomings.

It all began when somebody asks my help to edit a manuscript of a book sometimes in May, my friend and I had a little mis-understanding about the use of copywrited materials, and using name of people in a journal which is supposed to be published. Perhaps it is right what she accused me of, that I have never been changed. I am still the self-opinionated, feeling always right as I always am before. And she was right in a way. I am always righteous, and it is something that I can probably hard to change because I don't want to change. Avoiding trouble is for me better than taking chances and looking for the best possible solutions to the consequences afterwards.

So I lost a friend, because I am a self-opinionated, feeling always right. And if she ever did read about this. My message is: I have nothing to lose but, gain a respect for myself.

I also have another friend who late July this year receives a shock of her life when her daughter was diagnosed with mental disorder. It was also a hard clap. Something nobody would ever expected.

There were also a lot of things, one after another that had bother me so much like all the calamities in the past few months in our country. Specifically in our town in Laguna. Where the house of my brother was affected. It was not destroyed luckily, but all the materials and appliances in his house was destroyed.

And I constantly receives emails, letters and text from acquaintances who in one way or another needed my help. It was for me too much. Nevertheless I am thankful that I am good. I am okay, I have no mountains of problems and incurable sickness like others. But, it makes me psychologically and physically vulnerable nonethelss.

My husbands hobby garden

2009-07-31T10:40:00.008+02:00

We have lots of vegetable and fruits this year: prunes, peach, apple, strawberry, grapes, blackberries, we have eikeblad sla, squash, courgette, green beans, sugar peas. Its really full, not to mention the asparagus last June. They are really nice and delicious, but there are also lots of works to be done. that is why we don't even have time to go anywhere. Some plants has to be watered everyday, sometimes 2 times a day. Actually this is my husband's hobby. gardening, he love it and he do it always with love and contentment. It amazes me all the time who can he possibly grows anything he likes. He really have a green vingers. I don't have it. I always need the help of chemical products to grow things. Even my flowers outside are not so beautiful as it is as he does not lay his hands on them.

garden

2009-07-31T10:37:00.001+02:00

These are green beans

muscat grapes

2009-07-31T10:36:00.003+02:00

grapes

2009-07-31T10:34:00.002+02:00

strawberries

Enjoying our small garden and everything in it

2009-07-31T10:24:00.004+02:00

This is one of the reason why my husband and I spends more time in our backyard lately. There are plenty of things to do this summer. We have a bountiful garden, small yet everything that we planted this year are full of neither flowers or fruit.

'puppy'

2009-07-21T22:33:00.003+02:00

This is what I did this week a small pup for the mother -in law of my friend Riza. I actually wanted to stitch it with DMC next time I got a little cloth.

Secret garden 3 in d making

2009-07-16T00:11:00.004+02:00

I haven't much time to post lately because since the summer begins, it is getting too warm inside, thus, I spend more and more time at the back garden. Meanwhile this is what I currently been stitching. This is the secret garden pattern number 3. As I have said before I did skip number 2.

I am also getting more attached into sewing, as I have bought a new sewing machine and my husband gave me an edging machine for my birthday. So I sew and sew everyday.

So I'm pretty sure I have plenty to write about next time.

Welcome to my secret garden 1

2009-06-08T00:19:00.005+02:00

After 6 months is my secret garden 1 finally finished. I am quite happy with the result. Here and there is some mistakes but it is hardly noticeable.

I can't hardly wait to start number 3.

Amazing prices

2009-05-25T21:05:00.005+02:00

I received a package today from a friend in the Philippines who sells crafts materials for all sorts of cross stitch.

It is interesting to note that the prices from there in comparison here in Belgium is really un-imaginable.

one piece of DMC cost here 1.30€ in the Philippines it cost 15 pesos. 1€ is about 60 pesos. thus, for every 1 euro I can buy there 4 pieces.

I send 150 euro to my friend to buy me 200 pieces. I said if the money is enough just double some of the colors. Hence, I got 4 hundred pieces. If I am going to buy it here, It will cost me 520 euro. Its amazing, I mean its hard to imagine, really. then my friend sent me a text saying I still have some changes left. I told her to treat herself mcdonald or something cheesy. Sometimes its really hard to understand, why does it have to be different, but then sometimes I get the picture clearly and I thought. yeah, that's the way it is in third world country.

Mijn vriendin en haar zoontje

2009-05-22T15:51:00.003+02:00

Here Prisana's foto is beginning to get a shape already. although because of 2 bloks fout, I had to redo it over and over. I hope to be able to finish before christmas.

Secret garden 3

2009-05-10T23:14:00.007+02:00

I have a plan to skip secret garden 2 because the changes in color scheme is better for my eyes and my mood.

I noticed lately that I become easily bored whenever I stitches continously with the same color scheme. Especially in big designs. That is why , I stopped and stitched small things from time to time.

A few finishing touches for my secret garden 1

2009-05-10T22:47:00.004+02:00

At last my secret garden 1 is almost finished, just a few finishing touches and voila.

I'm back on track

2009-04-24T21:54:00.003+02:00

I took a long absence in my blog due to some un-expected fiasco in my homeland. My house in the Philippines was robbed 3 weeks ago. It put me in a stressful situation that it was impossible for me to be able to happily chatter while I worries from here and there.

It can happen to everybody but knowing I cannot control the situation and I cannot do anything about it makes me really mad. It makes me mad that sometimes I let it affect my motivation in everything that I do. My self control and sense of decision making tends to be compulsive and radical. I guess its human nature. I hope to be able to be more calmer as I go older.

I did a lot of sewing and stitching 'though to re-direct my attention, otherwise I can easily get sick and depressive whenever I think about it. My secret garden cross stitch is almost finished. I'll give it a month and its ready for framing.

Time for General Cleaning

2009-04-07T22:32:00.004+02:00

The weather is lovely lately that's why I took the opportunity to do some cleaning outside. The cupboards and all the cabinets are done. I did wash winter clothes and washable jackets and mantels. Marcel is now 3 days busy cleaning and repairing the fireplace. All I have to do is put away all winter clothes and do lots of ironing. Then I can go back to sewing etc.

I am excited because I bought a new gas fornuis so I can fry fish outside whenever the weather permits. Its really fine to be able to sit outside in the afternoon. Drinking cool kriek

Taking up driving lessons

2009-03-26T06:01:00.004+01:00

I am significantly busy nowadays, not only for my nik-naks but also learning everyday on how to be a responsible and defensive driver. Anyone can say its easy, but for me its not. When you have a phobia for anything, I'll tell you its like tomorrow is the end of the day. Especially in a country like ours, I mean where I now reside is very important to be really cautious. It is almost everyday in the news that people died of accident here in there.

Sometimes I thought I could better take public transport out of anxiousness, but more often than not I changed my mind easily because shopping spree and trips to the groceries is a part of daily life and it is not pleasant to bicycle here in there all the time. Although most of the people here in Belgium are used to it. I still think that my husband could possibly sick at any time and I have to bring him to the doctor. So I decided that I really need to take it seriously and I need to do it pretty soon.

Learning to sew

2009-03-19T19:17:00.012+01:00

I was the last three weeks busy with everything and anything all at the same time, typical me. Here is the result a series of what somebody might called a product of my eccentric taste. I said somebody because I know someone who finds my style cheap. But I don't mind, because as I always say: I am not me if I am others. although I am not even sure if I'm gonna wear them all I am happy with my works. I'm pretty sure that there will come a time when I can sew something nice and pretty for somebody else. As for my own, I like to create something colorful, I don't mind if people thinking that I am nuts. The truth is I hate to see young people here in Belgium wearing, black or dark colors, they look 10 years older than their age. But of course these are really cheap fabrics, good enough to throw it away when something goes wrong. Yeah if I cannot really sew it right then I don't have to get too frustrated. I still have a lot to learn yet.

Small stiches work

2009-03-14T20:37:00.005+01:00

Whenever I get bored of my big cross stitch projects, I set it aside for awhile and stitch something small. This is what I have done for the last three days.

Something to share

2009-03-07T16:15:00.002+01:00

Man and Woman

V.H

Man is the most elevated of creatures, Woman the most sublime of ideals.
God made for man a throne; for woman an altar.
The throne exalts, the altar sanctifies.
Man is the brain, Woman, the heart.
The brain creates light, the heart, Love. Light engenders, Love resurrects.
Because of reason Man is strong, because of tears Woman is invincible.
Reason is convincing, tears moving.
Man is capable of all heroism, Woman of all martyrdom.
Heroism ennobles, martyrdom sublimates.
Man has supremacy, Woman, preference.
Supremacy is strength, preference is the right.
Man is a genius, Woman, an angel.
Genius is immeasurable, the angel undefinable.
The aspiration of man is supreme glory,
The aspiration of woman is extreme virtue.
Glory creates all that is great; virtue, all that is divine.
Man is a code, Woman a gospel.
A code corrects, the gospel perfects.
Man thinks, Woman dreams.
To think is to have a worm in the brain,
to dream is to have a halo on the brow.
Man is an ocean, Woman a lake.
The ocean has the adorning pearl, the lake, dazzling poetry.
Man is the flying eagle, Woman, the singing nightingale.
To fly is to conquer space. To sing is to conquer the Soul.
Man is a temple, Woman a shrine.
Before the temple we discover ourselves, before the shrine we kneel.
In short, man is found where earth finishes, woman where heaven begins.

For Arriane

2009-03-05T19:19:00.003+01:00

I have stitched this beautiful beertjes for my new born niece. Her mother has to do the name and date of her birthday. I think its cute when framed already.

Something for Aaron

2009-03-03T22:50:00.004+01:00

I'm getting bored of winter

2009-02-20T22:57:00.005+01:00

Its getting a little bit boring this winter, its always dark and cloudy. Although its not my character to complain for nothing, its getting a bit too somber everyday. Not to mention my husband is too eager to begin cleaning up our glass house so he can start planting. I miss flowers in the garden. I plant every year yellow and orange flowers in our front yard. This year we are planning to mix colors. I am curious how the krokus bollen going to look like. I have asked Marcel to plant it in a form of a fish. Its a way of us showing passersby that Christian people live in this house.

sewing a bolero vest

2009-02-19T23:48:00.004+01:00

At last I have found a wikkelvestje pattern that I have seen on somebody. I bought a bolero pattern a week ago but it didn't go wel, I was hoping that I could do better this time.

My gadgets

2009-02-17T11:12:00.004+01:00

groetjes Frouwkje vanuit Zomergem!

Ik veronderstel dat uw naam Frouwke is, yes I don't mind you sending me mails as long as geen porno flik. trouwens we kunnnen via comments communiceren.

Anyway these are the only gadgets that I have. I made it by hand. I don't have a special machine. I don't think that it is fun cross stitching with a machine.

these are the only things that you need: a pattern, DMC, scissors, cloth (aida cloth, or zweigart whatever). The only thing that is very important is patience my dearest. (enorm geduld) Patience, lots and lots of it. voila!

Madonna & Child

2009-02-09T23:35:00.003+01:00

I have completely forgotten this brown madonna that I have stitched two years ago. Beautiful and chic. I plan to bring it in laguna, framed and hang it there. But i forgot it last year.

My very first cross stitch Photo

2009-02-06T07:54:00.006+01:00

This is the very first photo that I cross stitched. One of the best I ever did. Not because its mine, but because it turns out to be beautiful than the picture itself. And I mean the finished product not me. My only fault is I stitched it using anchor instead of DMC. When I washed it before letting it framed. most of the color faded away. Maybe, just maybe I could do it once again, although stitching my own picture is not so interesting as stitching others. It is kind of predictable and I hate it. I always love the challenge of making something new and different. My husband even joked a week ago that it is a question of time when I am going to stop what I do now and go mountain climbing instead. Who knows!

Latest

2009-02-01T22:26:00.005+01:00

I didn't have much progress with this pic but it is beginning to get a shape already. So I presume i can finish this before Christmas along with one thousand and one plan that I have made. So help me God.

Integrating myself in my new land

2009-01-26T20:52:00.010+01:00

An old friend of mine have asked me via email. What on earth keeps me busy here in Belgium. Why I am not working. It is also interesting to note that lots of people who haven't seen me awhile ask the same question whenever they see me.

People just don't understand why I have so much to do all the time. The truth is whenever I am not busy with my own world. I tried to mingle with the people around here. Especially with the women whom I believe that I can learn a lot. There is nothing as interesting for me as learning new things, new culture, and meeting interesting people. Here with me are the lovely ladies of Sport and Steun Cycling club, where my husband is also a member.

Thanks to the 'Obamania'

2009-01-22T23:05:00.006+01:00

Courtesy of the 'Obamania' and all the exciting TV marathon regarding the inaguration of the new american president, I got a chance to sit before the television longer than I did in the whole year.But I also had more time browsing the mode magazine that I have in possession for quite sometime already. And guess what.... I've found a pattern of a tunic that I have long ago wanted to sew, which i did. And I did sew it in record time. I love tunic's blouses, its my kind of casual ready to go outfit.

My projects for this year

2009-01-20T23:54:00.006+01:00

1. Finishing secret garden
(at least 2 patterns)
2. Finishing Prisana's foto

3. stitching a pattern for a wall clock

4. remaking my wedding pictures

5. Continue writing my book

How in God's name can I finish all of them this year is a challenge. But somehow, I am often times surprised by my own guts. What scares me to death is the fact that my husband is already putting me in stress. He likes me to begin driving this summer. Yes! that's what I am scared to the bones. I don't can pretend that I am sick all the time you know.

My classmate Prisana & her beloved son.

2009-01-15T18:52:00.005+01:00

This is one of my projects this year, stitching a foto of my friend Prisana and her son. I am kind of experementing on how long or how fast I could be able to finish a pattern with a size of 252 x 196 stitch count in a 14 count aida cloth.

I stitch this foto 4 hours per week.

Something I am not satisfied

2009-01-14T23:44:00.003+01:00

It doesn't have to be perfect all the time. But sometimes it is also frustrating if you don't get it right the way you wanted it. I was not able to stitch my own wedding foto the way I wanted it. This is one of my works that I am not really proud of. My husband finds it ok, and says why don't post my foto in your blogger? (uw vriendinnen zal mij knap vinden).

Actually I am planning to redo it, maybe next year when I go vacation in the Philippines, I let a new pattern be done.

My wedding foto

2009-01-14T23:15:00.008+01:00

It doesn't have to be perfect all the time but, I am terribly unsatisfied with the result of my wedding foto when I stitched it. That 's why I decided not to let it framed already. I am planning to do it again in colors or maybe in sepia. I find it not really good but I post it anyway.

Cape ( pattern from burda)

2009-01-13T17:42:00.002+01:00

This is the cool cape that I sewed last December. I got the pattern from Burda. It is really beautiful and the color is really chic.

Finished product

2009-01-13T08:44:00.004+01:00

This is a corduroy A line skirt that I have recently sewed. ideal for between seasons. I can wear it with a leggings in the winter. It is also good with ballerina shoes in the summer.

Ginette Poelmans-Helsen

2009-01-11T21:21:00.003+01:00

This is a perfect choice of black and white cross stitch. Very economical because there are not so much color, thus, not so much different DMC to buy. Colors that I normally buy randomly.

By the way, the lady in the picture is the first wife of my husband. She died young from cancer. I find her very pretty and content in this pic. that's why I did it.

kleine geordi & geofri

2009-01-11T21:16:00.003+01:00

This is one of my finished works a picture of my husbands klein kinderen. It is originally colored but I dare to make a difference so I decided to stitch it in sepia.

It is absolutely a perfect choice.

something to do

2009-01-11T18:00:00.001+01:00

Doing nothing often leads to nothing, the tendency is to think too much, eat too much, spend too much and get bored of course. For those who are not the type who can spend hours home, its another story. That is something I dont can talk about. I am a homebody type, that's why I can make the most exciting nothing to something as long as I have the necesarry energy, guts and patience. Thank God, most of the time I did have all of it (lol).

I always have a new years resolution and contrary to what my horoscope says that gimini's do things all at the same time and not finish all the time. I am an exception to the rule. I did finish what I started always and that includes my new hobby which is sewing.

In fact it is almost half semester and I have had a few projects ready to show of. But right now I am still busy with my latest cross stitch project which I have started late november. as you can see I have almost finished 1/3 of the pattern.