Quakers Cross Stitch, Everglade, Season of Bronze

This week's view of the faded Hydrangeas reminded me that some call autumn the season of bronze. 

In the back yard too, more of the bronze where a couple of weeks ago were all the pinks.

Though down by the pond, there are still golds to be found amongst the rusts. 

It is consistently freezing or flirting with freezing overnight. I've begun feeding the birds and red squirrels, just the small feeder so far. There was a warning that a black bear was around and to hold off on the bird seeds which I did till now.  

Inside I'm continuing slow stitching these appliqued Everglade blocks. I'm especially enjoying choosing the fabrics for each block.

The bowl has a few pine cones and feathers I've picked up around the garden. I haven't picked up any more feathers after reading that it is illegal to do so. 

 

 This project below came to light when I moved the sewing room. I stitched it years ago to celebrate our wedding back in 2011. I personalized it with lots of initials and numbers that had meaning for us. Rex and Murphy, our dogs at the time are included as well as Mitzi, the cat. That's the beauty of quaker designs. Terrible photo...this is 25 count snow white lugana. 

I'm still stitching Autumn Quakers. I have Brenda Keyes' book and thought I'd switch out one of the motifs. 

I'd enjoyed stitching this cute little basket still needing a couple of stitches that was an original motif.

So I picked a basket from the book that is similar to this one. Look how differences in light change the colour of the background fabric.

So many of you ask how I am doing. Yes, I'm still hearing from some of you in response to my post about feeling so out of sorts I didn't know what to do with myself. I want to thank you-yet again for sharing your stories of feeling tired, sad or fearful. Besides making me feel less alone, I learned a lot from what some of you do to see your way through. And I guess many of us have our "moments". One of you mentioned to me this line- a burden shared is a burden halved and in one of those strange life coincidences that happen now and then, it was a line in a Margaret Laurence book I reread recently and how true that can be in some circumstances. In my life, I never practise this...I always kept/keep burdens to myself. Sometimes it makes for a heavy load for sure.

 My mood- it is still fluctuating but I think I'm doing better overall. Perhaps this is the way it will be moving forward so I do need a strategy. I'm still trying to stay in the moment, keep big thoughts at bay, keep busy, and also treat myself too. 

And speaking of distractions...we have this fellow with us this week and Ned is in heaven to have his brother here. Petey is the most loving dog and wonderful houseguest.

I've been roving about with my big camera and caught photos of a bird that is a lifer for me. That was fun! I'll share next time. We are off to get our flu shots and speaking of treats, we are going for a cafe breakfast afterwards. 

Hope you and yours are all doing well!