Author Archives: paulainauckland

WIP Wednesday #215

Posted in cross stitch, goals, Mirabilia, Nora Corbett, stitch from stash, stitching patterns by

This week we travelled, and I can report that a Toyota Corolla isn’t the best ride if you don’t want to stab yourself often. Bump bump. Altho in part this was bc we did take the back road a free times…

I took Fairy Idyll as this is my main Olympic focus piece. I think I would have finished Bethlehem had I taken that piece, but I’m happy with my progress!

Book Review – A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

Posted in books, growing by

Long-time readers might remember I raved about a book waaaay back in November 2016. Today’s title is connected to this series and is just as good! It released state-side today, so pop into your local retailer and buy it.

alothSYNOPSIS: Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she’s spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.

When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies–and unexpected allies–she will encounter on her way.

MY THOUGHTS: It’s no wonder RT Book Reviews have given this 4 ½ stars – it’s detailed, well-written, empathetic and good. I devoured most of this while at the A&E with my eldest son, & it was hard to put down.

Moriyah as a character is well rounded but as we met her, cloistered within her own shame and closed off to the voice of Yahweh, even tho she heard Him as a child. Her scarring means she is the focus of mean comments and she does allow this to influence her daily actions. Things change when her friend urges her to dance; then she meets someone who will influence the remainder of her life.

At one point so much happened to Moriyah that it was a bit rollercoaster, but on a re-read this might well smooth out.

I am in awe of the amount of research that went into this book. The background is so rich and colourful and seamlessly enhances the story. The theme of redemption thru sacrifice resonates.

I received an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review – but I’m buying it anyway! Book 2 is scheduled for this year; book 3 for 2019.

The Hux Part Deux & WIP-yesterday-was-Wednesday # 214

Posted in cross stitch, family, friends, goals, grateful, me, Mirabilia, music, Nora Corbett, stitch from stash, stitching patterns, weight loss by

About this time last year, I climbed the Hux with the BBM crew. This year, as a family we decided to do it again, opening up to whomever wanted to meet us but not letting the lack of “me too” hold us back.

The Hux, or Hakarimata Mountain summit climb, can be divided into two portions. There’s the relatively easy walk to the site of the 1922 dam (nice waterfall is just past this) or the more strenuous climb to the summit. 1K almost straight up, 1349 stairs.

http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/hakarimata-scenic-reserve/tracks/hakarimata-summit-track/?region=waikato&park=c46c7395-d05d-44ff-b48a-66d228a7e77e&activity=walking-tramping#activitypanel

Because I haven’t been very active, my personal goal was halfway plus two flights. I kind-of bullied Karl into the same (he originally had halfway) but then we just kept on moving. And moving. And after about an hour, we were there (Si & Mase had done it 1.25 times by then & Louise & her friend A were a little behind us). Woot!

On the way up I’d seen part of the Tuakau and some Rewa league boys & on the way down, some of the Hamilton BBM crew. It’s nice to see familiar faces but even more so, nearly 99% of everyone else on the Mountain is also doing it tough, no matter how you measure them from yourself. There’s a lot of encouragement & good vibes.

On the WIP front, my work/travel piece is still Little House Needlework’s Bethelehem. I’ve finished with the lettering as of last night and YAY it well fits into the fabric with plenty of room. And I got some progress in on Fairy Idyll – not visibly much as it is such a big piece, but counting & double-counting has got me to the far right. Sorry for the crinkles – I am also stitching this one in hand.

Music wise I am slow to the party & have just discovered Sam Hunt. Gorgeous voice and a STORY in the song? Yes please. Also Do Right by The Glades – she has a beautiful voice.

Book Review – The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen

Posted in books, growing by

InnkeeperofIvyHill_mck.inddSYNOPSIS: The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business. But with the town’s livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn.

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to overcome her losses and find purpose for the future. As she works with Jane, two men from her past vie for her attention, but Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love?

As pressure mounts from the bank, Jane employs new methods, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place, including a mysterious newcomer with secret plans of his own. With the help of friends old and new, can Jane restore life to the inn, and to her empty heart as well?

 

I have a book recommend (well, two now as she published the second in Dec 2017) – Julie Klassen’s The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill & follow-up, The Ladies of Ivy Cottage. Set in the same era as Jane Austen’s writing, and very, very well done.

I recognised characterisations & phrasing from the more popular Austen Pride & Prejudice but rather than thinking “plagiarism” I felt like I was re-reading an old friend. There’s nothing blatant, but there is definitely a Lady Catherine character! Plus, easy to recommend to secular people who like a good regency, as the romance and Christian themes are subtle, and it’s all about how the characters grow and develop. Even secondary characters are rich in detail and the way she describes the customs & environment of the village are spot on. I loved it.

My copies were purchased on Amazon Kindle; the second volume is on sale as I write this.

http://julieklassen.com/books/

January WIPocalypse

Posted in cross stitch, embroidery, goals, Mirabilia, Nora Corbett, round robin, stitch from stash, stitching patterns, WIPocalypse by

WIPocalypse is hosted by Mel at her blog http://measi.net/measiblog/ 2017 was the seventh year of the SAL, and my third year participating; it’s my favourite SAL, mostly due to the host organisation (which is spot on), the range of topics & the wide variety of stitchers participating. There’s always something to oooh over!

Well I can skite and say that I’ve knocked off ONE of my stitchy goals for WIPocalypse 2018! Ashley is finished. Phew.

20180128_125537

MONTHLY TOPIC: What SAL’s are you participating in this year? and If you are participating in the Olympic Stitching Challenge, what challenge are you accepting?  What are your goals?

SALS – well, I really shouldn’t participate in many if I expect this year to be both one of finishing WIPs and staying in the black in SFS. For the Jane Austen SAL, I am listening to Juliet Stevenson read “Sense & Sensibility” (the Jan/Feb choice) as I grout the bathroom tiles but as I am waiting on my LHN Bookshself chart to arrive, stitchy progress is nil. But I’m not at all worried, as there are two months to stitch in each portion of this SAL, and the only requirement is some progress.

When it comes to other group SALs like Stitch Maynia or Mel’s own Teresa Wenztler group, I’m only going to participate if the piece yelling at me matches. Yes, a bit of a cop-out, but I have my current WIPs and no desire really to create more. Thus, LHN Bethlehem matches the SM “Christmas All Year Round” requirements, I can probably fudge any colour days in SM and I’ll pull Tapestry Cat out for a couple of the TW goals. Sorted.

My “Olympic” goal is to get the rabbit, topiary and wings done on this RHS of Fairy Idyll. Now that I have finished any RR (still waiting on the next & no idea when it’s coming) I will be focussed on Bethlehem at work & Idyll at home. My start point for this WIP is from November 27th, 2017:

20171127_053952

And as it’s the end of the month, here’s my SFS report – I’m IN THE BLACK!! Even if that sale hadn’t come thru I’d still have five bucks.

Jan-18
Budget $25.00
Spotlight 12 DMC -20.28
GiftOfStitching *4 Etsy -9.96
Irish Blessings Chart -2.73
   
SELL L&L * 4 50.27
Ashley RR 13.80
   
Rollover 0
  $56.10

 

On Feeling Empty

Posted in me by

I got two phone calls this morning which I wasn’t expecting. One from my eldest little brother R, who is in Melbourne & the second from our eldest stepbrother, J & his wonderful wife T.

My biological mother’s third husband, also a J, passed away this morning, after a long illness.

I don’t know how I should feel. I am relieved, because no-one deserves a long slow death. I feel for K, as they isolated themselves from others with their opinions & actions, and no-one deserves to be lonely. But how should I feel? I could grieve for myself, in that there goes someone who should have been a proud father & grandfather, but I didn’t get to see that side. I do grieve for my step-siblings, who despite his shortcomings towards those he couldn’t mold into his own puppets, J did love them. Just conditionally.

Right now my soul is empty.

WIP Wednesday #213

Posted in cross stitch, embroidery, family, grateful, me, Mirabilia, Nora Corbett, stitching patterns by

Look at me, blogging on the day I should! Almost a grown-up.

Stitching wise, I haven’t got much done at all. I took a half-day Friday feeling unwell, and have been this way since. I’ve been to the GP and have tablets, spray & ear drops – she thinks a combo of inner ear infection & sinusitis, yum – and blood tests for thyroid & iron & other stuff. I’m slowly getting better but it’s 11am & I’m desperate for a nana nap. So slow is the word for today.

20180124_110030.jpgOn Ashley I finished the blend in the bow, the apricot roses and the greenery in her bouquet. Maybe 250-300 stitches? And I didn’t do anything more on Bethlehem.

I did go to the Corsini exhibit on Saturday with Lou & #masetheace. He was pretty awesome for his first classical art exhibit, lots of questions but he was quiet, respectful & didn’t try to touch anything. More than I can say for some other kids. What is up with letting your child TOUCH a 500 year old fabric wall hanging (close up of the stitching below)? Or letting your child scream in an echoing room & ignoring the 50-odd other people who paid to see this exhibit? Rant over. Take in some of the gorgeousness – and if it ever leaves Florence again, take the chance & view. Well worth it.

WIP (cough) post-Wednesday #212

Posted in cross stitch, DIY home, family, grateful, House, me, stitching patterns, work by

Apologies for the lateness but – yeah. Life.

This past week has been really odd, frantic busy & I haven’t had much stitching time at all. I finally started Little House Needlework’s Bethlehem & this is all I have managed, in between swearing & work, while in my little office.

We finished the work at the MIL’s on Tuesday, just in time to run home, clean up & shoot into town to see Jimmy Carr at the Aotea Centre. Another night without eating (trying to get parking & pre-pay so we didn’t get towed ate up the time) but it was so worth it. I know he’s crass & non PC, but his humour is on multiple intellectual levels. And his reaction to hecklers is spot on. I laughed until my cheeks hurt & very nearly at crying point. And we had a late night visitor – those stripes look odd!

Last night MIL and the boys arrived home – hooray! She kept on saying she’d loved what we had done, but then spoiled it a little by commenting about our wanting to sell it. For the fifty-fifth thousandth time – it’s not us thinking about selling. Grr. She has a lot of trouble just being grateful & that is getting to me. After all, that space was original 1979…it was well past due!

I don’t see much stitching in the next week either – I want to go to the last days of the Corsini Collection at Auckland Art Gallery. It closes Sunday but I plan on going Saturday with Mase in tow.

Blurb: From the private collection of the eminent Corsini family in Florence, Italy, comes this fascinating exhibition featuring Renaissance and Baroque painting by artists such as Botticelli, Andrea del Sarto, Caravaggio and Pontormo.

The exhibition provides a window on the family’s continuing passion for collecting art, their support of artists, and their ongoing loyalty to the city of Florence, which has prevailed through the devastation of WWll and the inescapable forces of nature during the flood of Florence in 1966.

Portraits, landscape, mythological and religious paintings, as well as sculpture, works on paper, furniture, costumes, embroidery, games, kitchen equipment and a lavish dining room set for six, will portray the life of this family at the Palazzo Corsini and their patronage of the arts.

WIP Wednesday #211

Posted in cross stitch, friends, goals, Mirabilia, Nora Corbett, round robin, stitch from stash by

As per my goals, I’m working away on Ashley’s Roses. I filled in the missing portions around the top garland, her hair & skin then I treated myself to the back stitch (yes, with Mira/Nora this is a treat. It’s how it all comes together). I did change the colour however as the charted is 844 & that’s odd to me! Now I’m working on her skirt bow (just the blend left), then the gaps in her skirt and the last item will be the garland. Then it’s off to Melinda, who will be the last before it returns to Becca.

I can’t wait to see mine back.

WIPocalypse 2018 Intro

Posted in cross stitch, embroidery, goals, Mirabilia, Nora Corbett, round robin, stitch from stash, Teresa Wentzler, WIPocalypse by

WIPocalypse is hosted by Mel at her blog http://measi.net/measiblog/ 2017 was the seventh year of the SAL, and my third year participating; it’s my favourite SAL, mostly due to the host organisation (which is spot on), the range of topics & the wide variety of stitchers participating. There’s always something to oooh over!

January 7 – Introduce yourself, your projects, and any goals you have for the year!

So for those of you new to my blog, my name is Paula & I live in Auckland, NZ. My partner & I have four children, ranging from 23 to 8 & we both work full time, plus have plenty to do outside of work & home, so I can already predict that 2018 isn’t going to be my biggest stitchy year. BUT at least this year my plans are realistic!!

IMG_20180106_073029_085So my focus pieces for 2018 (given that I want to end in the black for Stitch From Stash also) are in order of attention (bracket date indicates the start month & year):

  • Mirabilia Ashley’s Roses Round Robin section (Dec 2018)
  • Semco Toy Story Sampler (October 2013) – Zac will be 15 soon, & this needs to be done before then! But first I have to hunt it down…
  • Mirabilia Fairy Idyll (September 2017) – Gail has loaned me the chart, & I want to return it this year
  • TW Tapestry Cat (Dec 2006!) – because it deserves progress
  • Mirabilia Persephone (May 2015) –because I want to get thru that skirt!
  • Jane Austen SAL (December 2017) –because I want to keep up with the readings

 

42068-1I brought Si the Lego Technic Fire Rescue set on Friday & we sat down last night, telly on in the background (8 out of Ten Cats & Taskmaster Season 5, if you’re that interested) and stitched/bricked and talked into the late hours. He starts back at work today so that may not have been the brightest idea ever, but I found that as his hands were busy, they weren’t constantly changing channel & I could focus more on the stitching. I’m up to a bit where the symbols beside each other are shades of the same colour – a filled in heart & a filled in upside down triangle. I see a frog in my future!