tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6109317994278493512024-02-18T22:41:16.019-05:00Heart in Hand Needleart BlogCecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-14470224471338644892011-11-14T20:02:00.000-05:002011-11-14T20:02:54.772-05:00Feeling Lucky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PeUk_73vMkhjrzEDFx-Pr7iWx2p3IA7kHQTD_M9D_7CqZjSqJjawm4BQoeNLSte5vrSlYgdixAGQEfZi-ItdybhLYkcwvN38mmLVJp9Er3mQMY23CrYoh0PGESYbqDgbNtAgEpn4jUWX/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"> <img border="0" height="176" width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PeUk_73vMkhjrzEDFx-Pr7iWx2p3IA7kHQTD_M9D_7CqZjSqJjawm4BQoeNLSte5vrSlYgdixAGQEfZi-ItdybhLYkcwvN38mmLVJp9Er3mQMY23CrYoh0PGESYbqDgbNtAgEpn4jUWX/s200/023.JPG" /></a></div>What a magical weekend! My dear friends Elizabeth Newlin, Marsha Worley, and Ruth Sparrow were here at my home. SUCH a treat! We spent several days planning and working on <b>Trilogy </b>designs for the coming year. It has been several years since we have been able to arrange to be together for a weekend designing retreat. So this was long anticipated. Skype just isn't the same as seeing each other in person.<br />
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This photograph is from the airport reunion when I picked the girls up on Thursday. EEK we were giddy with the delight of being together again...can you tell from the picture?!?! That's Marsha on the far left, taxi-driver me, Elizabeth, and Ruth on the far right. (Did I mention Henry Winkler arrived in Cincinnati at the same time as the <b>Trilogy </b>gals? I thought I was seeing things!) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzig7WOtgJw6_ilZwfuBr0gH2A7sESOF9vGRr_K3PdQsnVRrf3z4iwmC2juVXUYODwEVl8ZmrCp6HzZlc6q2G9Qgl1tsTY1kjpMYS7EvdNfoauE2auDpbDRlGpq2qrf4UoWqV2OgxkQ21/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzig7WOtgJw6_ilZwfuBr0gH2A7sESOF9vGRr_K3PdQsnVRrf3z4iwmC2juVXUYODwEVl8ZmrCp6HzZlc6q2G9Qgl1tsTY1kjpMYS7EvdNfoauE2auDpbDRlGpq2qrf4UoWqV2OgxkQ21/s320/020.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We were very productive in our quest to get a lot of <b>Trilogy </b>designing done. I can't divulge too much, but suffice it to say there are bees buzzing, birds chirping, love stories and neighborhood tableaux in the offing!<br />
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Saturday was my birthday and it was a great blessing to be able to spend it with these friends. We took a break from designing and went out for dinner to a restaurant that looks over Cincinnati. The food was fabulous, the view from our window-side table exquisite and the friendship unmatched. A treasure of a birthday for me. I will remember it for many years. Here's a picture of our view from the restaurant.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifIDUfUjSRru3lUqQfC-p9rniH9susa0-ZdPlxUCRC0WwGKZ-0ZIwfOLJbdzR4eKaFy2HW7iidfVxm85VuwGXqnNv3_MW5cIqtXodveZWDx1ZHKnhRX92LiwxvP5eFVDxDpQ1ikgZ1dWp/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifIDUfUjSRru3lUqQfC-p9rniH9susa0-ZdPlxUCRC0WwGKZ-0ZIwfOLJbdzR4eKaFy2HW7iidfVxm85VuwGXqnNv3_MW5cIqtXodveZWDx1ZHKnhRX92LiwxvP5eFVDxDpQ1ikgZ1dWp/s320/025.JPG" /></a></div><br />
We stayed up too late, giggled about the silliest of things, reminisced about our years of friendship, shared stories about our families, worked hard designing, and shed a few tears over the great love we have for one another. Feeling lucky today. So very lucky.Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-9846384539058188802011-10-19T22:37:00.014-04:002011-10-20T20:32:26.229-04:00Blessings Abound!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8L38sEWg4RhbpugAR2bl9jbSg8Sme_wgdoc77lmCSyzcpOTZZUdZno2ER_Ys9xlMgDgGz-ohP1DDrr1sQdTwEYZh8es-XCPPnKEGVeHubsumk0PFhWG8Za3PpSkQoNW4v2CsTt-ZYAA6/s320/Fall+2011+006.JPG" width="239" /></div>The dining room window was open the other day. The late afternoon air was crisp. The sounds of early autumn came tumbling in: neighbor twins crunching through the fallen leaves to get in a few last minutes on the swings, the crack of firewood being split by a hatchet, the high school marching band practicing after school. Where did summer go? Seems like yesterday we were sweating through the blistering heat to move my daughter from Michigan to New York City. And I still haven't been able to outwit the groundhog who likes my pots of blooming annuals. Now those leggy flowers need to be pulled out of their homes as we put the summer season to rest. </div><div></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A new season of designs are being released. As we spend more time indoors, there are fresh products in the stores to revive our homes, to create as treasures for friends and family. I hope you will find something at your favorite needlework store to invigorate your home this autumn.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IcDF87lnIiAkJBLnM-MaCLF6pAhV5aOvurTxKf0TWeLwInEnyy7yYHRR9eGQjeuyCpVzch73pX0HzBwxxdI-WioSWnorN2TYSAYr8qH840TcWp1pNZcsWRTTBIQtHuRdh5KEV4iARUh0/s400/NOR_2511+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I really enjoyed working on the new two-part series of large leaflets,<strong><em> Notes to Self</em></strong>. These designs are all reminders I know I need frequently. I think so many of us get caught up in the rush of daily responsibilities that we forget what is important in life. Stitch this design and hang it where you will be reminded to value what really matters. Don't forget to purchase the <b><em>Notes to Self</em> <i></i></b>button package with embellishments specially dyed for this design.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjso5CkSD2i57OhnIinjj04snrOJuSx7o3h0nT2qutVgioP_JezRvatSqfrXkZO-aJmBcYRx4nHDXdYdReh3yLnUoMzvOU6Mm812bZtQX7i6RhMSeZoXoIYpcgiY7JPEmzlV2WVmP3GT0gZ/s200/NOR_2494.JPG" width="179" /></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>It's a Cinch! Celebrate</em></strong> is a new kit intended for the celebration of life's achievements: birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and the like. <strong><em>It's a Cinch!</em></strong> kits are quick to stitch and designs easy enough for a beginning stitcher. The kit includes fabric, embellishments and the chart. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" rda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk45WeGLk_Kve9cM9g_fGvx4jxcyTU7u48RivIZrFLGqzImyOgsbtfCizd-R1Bb7HOHGrx2-7Hfd7xGZW0menVmPPvhJ6zrB7MnFFlwDAFprGlpTlWaWim6Y29YEPDrGxJiP-1zGcvNz2M/s200/NOR_6110.JPG" width="173" /></em><strong></strong> <b><em>Wee Santa 2011</em></b> is the 16th santa in this series! Hard to believe there have been that many. This St. Nick was a joy to stitch. The packages on his back are certain to hold holiday surprises! This is the first year we have included the embellishments inside every <strong><em>Wee Santa 2011</em></strong> chart. Because of that, you will notice a pricing change, but all you need is some linen and thread and you will be set to stitch!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyrq0ZIWp_pJ0CkfRYU73wr7zQBwRAebkxS94U54DfVqzmO1hImWNbyXZ9slN6SWzBskjwQyJtDeDuGvaHq3C-gxt7K2utxQVJP-Sky1jz-nbf8k0kOyINSo4YeDK1QUYRcCIjVbTT7M0/s320/NOR_6100.JPG" width="182" /></div>Doesn't <strong><em>Wee One: Snowman on a Hill</em></strong> make you smile? This fellow looks downright gleeful to be standing on that blustery hill surrounded by twinkling stars. His blue and green scarf is keeping him warm and the view of the scenery below is spectacular! So much fun to stitch! Just like <strong><em>Wee Santa 2011</em></strong>, we have included the button embellishments inside each <strong><em>Wee One: Snowman on a Hill</em></strong> chart. <br />
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I hope this update provided you with something new you wanted to stitch or the incentive to go catch up on the latest releases at your local needlework store or website. Better get stocked up on new supplies, before we know it, we will be holed up in our houses looking out at the snow ourselves! Enjoy this season of bounty!Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-34573445009136812022011-06-22T13:35:00.013-04:002011-10-20T22:39:21.776-04:00Where did spring go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qkNAoU8N2iK88NKBK6dF8P7CP4vTw4-hfwHz-zBVHj_DBoYvZ7QXwY5Ch502wh9szNiqcW3NqY2uaBS6-96NgQIuMw8q33-bSQUgQm_X-dc3Ee5qhmSVIJIHk5NXcNa48fTCZoU54sAW/s1600/IMG_2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qkNAoU8N2iK88NKBK6dF8P7CP4vTw4-hfwHz-zBVHj_DBoYvZ7QXwY5Ch502wh9szNiqcW3NqY2uaBS6-96NgQIuMw8q33-bSQUgQm_X-dc3Ee5qhmSVIJIHk5NXcNa48fTCZoU54sAW/s200/IMG_2013.JPG" width="142" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Can't believe spring has come and gone. It was a busy one around here. Our oldest daughter graduated with her Master's degree from the University of Michigan and got engaged all in one month! Exciting times. We had her recital to attend and end of the year events that kept us on the road north. Now she is readying to move to New York City. She's always dreamt of living in "the Big Apple." It's finally happening. This photograph of our two daughters was taken on the occasion of Elise's Master's recital in April. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENiyOg7J6nehPKBthlZPyaKyijp1pd80VzA-vappInnA2JNCXcm555EzhOQECqrFGben-OMVQHO7PXt6aAoWDu3tbnVw-gtXVJPYN5VtBpiUUNtPr2yJnVUZla8GbfE5XIJ7XdBxQbcZC/s200/Pocket+Sampler+Daughter.JPG" width="195" /></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Heart in Hand has released a design that has been requested by many over the years: <em><strong>Pocket Sampler: Daughter</strong></em>. The <em><strong>Pocket Sampler </strong></em>series provides small samplers filled with specialty stitches and always embellished with a sterling silver word charm. We have released Pocket Sampler designs for Mom, Dad, Friend, Baby, Boo! and now Daughter. Despite the specialty stitches, these designs are quick finishes and wonderful gifts for those close to you. The photos show the piece matted and framed, and a little closer version so you can get a better idea of the design itself. What a wonderful surprise for your daughter, or someone who has become like a daughter to you. </div>Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-37388396319793113032011-03-23T11:45:00.007-04:002011-03-23T12:46:50.311-04:00Spring Today....Tomorrow?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7PIZqUaSs8T7pZeKhIed0t2qRAQu7_eu-J4dd5CYVI7x0sApWdvUMJ9wSVs7X0LeAvtTN75Wu_qFqUu7TYsL2Sm_QvNucsWYSQmMqTMkHu2IxzEq7frmFBqBmg7iGefbS3GmP3vpv35I/s1600/Spring+2011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir7PIZqUaSs8T7pZeKhIed0t2qRAQu7_eu-J4dd5CYVI7x0sApWdvUMJ9wSVs7X0LeAvtTN75Wu_qFqUu7TYsL2Sm_QvNucsWYSQmMqTMkHu2IxzEq7frmFBqBmg7iGefbS3GmP3vpv35I/s200/Spring+2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587302366377765186" /></a>
<br />Winter warriors are giddy this week here in southwestern Ohio. We actually hit 78 degrees within the last few days. My daffodils are dancing in the cool spring breezes. What joy! Tomorrow? High predicted to be only 42. Ugh. Ah well, Randy and I are off to Michigan tomorrow anyway. Ice and snow in <em>their </em>forecast today. Our daughter Elise is singing the role of Beth in the University of Michigan's opera <em><strong>Little Women</strong></em>. Cannot wait!
<br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AQnp-_S_89R-x0NvSimtJBQI5_47cdwt9gGFCifO313ZozouPwkrMkVWat0CoNHdp1erJ1tmBo3shAejnj6Uk6AiTDHNgc3bRAlyj5tNRsO5bq7rzjolCiwkJTkMjPOY625yIPUJBRIU/s200/Wedding+Lineup+photo+trim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587307322828254114" /></a>
<br />Wanted to quickly share a couple photos of new <strong>Trilogy </strong>designs we have released. Do ask your needlework shop to order them in if they haven't yet. <em><strong>Wedding Lineup </strong></em>is a perfect gift for your favorite newly married or not-so-newly married couple. Can't you just hear the tin cans clinking at the back of that getaway vehicle? ha! Instructions are included on how you can personalize the stitched design for the happy couple.
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<br /><em><strong>Spring Sneak Peek</strong></em> is the next in our popular <em><strong>Sneak Peek </strong></em>series. Bugs, gnomes, flowers and all things spring are peeking into view in this design. With the blizzard-of-a-winter Marsha endured in Oklahoma this year, I feel confident she just might be the most gleeful of all the <strong>Trilogy </strong>designers about spring! Elizabeth is our thread and fabric picking guru for the <strong>Trilogy</strong>. I think she did an awesome job with this one. The colors just make me happy. Hope you are finding time to stitch something that makes you happy this spring!Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-19496578939168748542011-03-08T16:35:00.010-05:002011-03-08T21:36:18.912-05:00Friends<em>"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." </em> ~Albert Schweitzer<br /><br />I hope you have friends who rekindle your inner spirit. I know I do. I have written before about my friendship with my Trilogy partners Ruth, Marsha and Elizabeth. We have Skype sessions together a couple of times a month. I love hearing their voices. Inevitably one of Elizabeth's sweet children joins us and we all delight in hearing her precious voice. Ruthie's doggie sometimes needs to go outside so we patiently wait for her return. (Our Skype sessions, you see, are much like spending a few precious minutes in each other's homes.) And Marsha is often quiet. Well, quiet until she has surveyed the situation and makes a profound comment which explains why we lovingly call her "Pearl" for the pearls of wisdom she imparts. It is comforting to know that no matter how many miles are between us, we are there for each other no matter what. We have shared a lot together. Births, deaths, illnesses, and maybe more birthdays than we want to admit. I look forward to all there is <em>still </em>to share with these wonderful women friends of mine.<br /><br />There are other friends in my life who are also great blessings. Kathy is my walking buddy. We have been walking together for years. It all started when our daughters were applying for college and we walked and talked through the process together. Elise is about to graduate with her Master's degree so that means Kathy and I have probably been walking together every week for 8 years. Wonder how many pairs of shoes I have worn through in that time? Then there is my pal Polly. She is a nut! I cannot spend five minutes with Polly without laughing. She has a zest for life that may be unmatched. Then there is my internet confidante Betsy. We met online through our daughter's like interests. She lives in Philadelphia. I live in Cincinnati. After corresponding online for a couple of years we were finally in the same city at the same time and shared a meal together. Our connection began because our daughters were involved in the same field. But we soon found out there was more to our connection than our offspring. Interestingly, Betsy is a fiber artist. She combines beads and knitting into breathtaking jewelry. My dear friend Betsy is insightful, thoughtful and forthright. Nancy has been my chum since the 1st grade. THAT is a long time! She is the graphics designer for <strong>Heart in Hand</strong>. What a gift her many talents have been to me over the years of running my business. But Nancy is also godmother to my oldest daughter, so our friendship runs deep. <br /><br />I imagine many of you have special friends who have stood by you through the trials of life. We learn so much about ourselves through our friendships. I have celebrated friendship in my designs over the years. Here are pictures of some of my favorites. Maybe one of them is a perfect gift for one of your friends. <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlEpaVfgWF2lkoNs2jU-JgbXyddVPfFHFHaWFm-hpVscH0-exi3Gc259ULT0UJf9HmeRHSvEsSAJs4pxC48s-kROE4VXkhCsD0W23CpyO3K3yM2H6Aug1yBmx_O99P9BtW04a-tw73fK2/s1600/Friendship+Endures+cover.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlEpaVfgWF2lkoNs2jU-JgbXyddVPfFHFHaWFm-hpVscH0-exi3Gc259ULT0UJf9HmeRHSvEsSAJs4pxC48s-kROE4VXkhCsD0W23CpyO3K3yM2H6Aug1yBmx_O99P9BtW04a-tw73fK2/s200/Friendship+Endures+cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581901223553788466" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tiOQb1e2AN7Eo-tloZaFRMWwaFqoGJIqZ-Dw9dKZiI7hnTbR-lUyjIPrv9iw9w-PUsNymhIxfStXLdjUALif57V1X98ltIvCnGs3S8DBvlEQ3b4fSgUX5WDvV1YJ78GXvn41IybfenjQ/s1600/wee_girlfriends+cover.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tiOQb1e2AN7Eo-tloZaFRMWwaFqoGJIqZ-Dw9dKZiI7hnTbR-lUyjIPrv9iw9w-PUsNymhIxfStXLdjUALif57V1X98ltIvCnGs3S8DBvlEQ3b4fSgUX5WDvV1YJ78GXvn41IybfenjQ/s200/wee_girlfriends+cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581901456871657490" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQsCRgQWf8sAMBi3DxdWUu0ucWaiBEno1OPFxHZWkjki1ccHRlKeO2fqtwNhmnb4tMfdZ0fVSqjGxMleqW_qVQI3tcejnz_K5Cegg-vlL6jiWYzjirT77z4WEdLyFKtwQ08IUoXeuGMG-/s1600/pocket_sampler_friend+cover.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQsCRgQWf8sAMBi3DxdWUu0ucWaiBEno1OPFxHZWkjki1ccHRlKeO2fqtwNhmnb4tMfdZ0fVSqjGxMleqW_qVQI3tcejnz_K5Cegg-vlL6jiWYzjirT77z4WEdLyFKtwQ08IUoXeuGMG-/s200/pocket_sampler_friend+cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581902512297678706" /></a>Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-81264084786435111522011-02-21T19:37:00.006-05:002011-02-21T22:08:07.136-05:00Heart in Hand HistoryHappy Presidents Day! I thought since we are celebrating a part of our country's history -- our Presidents -- I would take this opportunity to blog a bit about Heart in Hand Needleart's history.
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<br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80ZSInJ-8vFGlgo9DCRWVmKqoVmo762uBdA0u2EZAnfeorZOY04gPAeSuAZTc8BG4zTF5Xi49la5wdEKSGm9sa35Bdtil_6-7OTmfvGYAmNuuTrRwnZV2xaTtedTeBNyYlIKzS_Mmhvqg/s200/Ben-Ben+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576317231043824562" /></a>
<br />I learned to cross stitch at an early age. My grandmother, Ferrill Shay, who was known to her grandchildren as Ben-Ben, taught me to cross stitch in elementary school. Ben-Ben lived in southern Illinois and I was raised in southern Ohio so we didn't see each other but once or twice a year. But when we did, she always had a project going. This was in the 1960s and 1970s so cross stitching was stamped on pillowcases and quilts. That was Ben-Ben's specialty.
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<br />Once I was in high school I was more involved in theater and music so there wasn't much time for cross stitching. But when I finished college and started my first "real" job, I had free time and so I began cross stitching again.
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<br />In 1985, I was working in television news in Cincinnati. Randy and I had been married for 3 years. I gave birth to a beautiful red-headed baby boy on Labor Day. Matthew died within 15 minutes of his birth. The death of our firstborn devastated our lives. I turned to my needlework for comfort. I stitched dozens of Christmas ornaments that fall to give away to friends and family. I don't know what I would have done without my needlework. It truly was my therapy. Many of you understand this because you have written me over the years and told me <em>your </em>story. You have shared with me how stitching has brought you through illness and sorrow. I truly am honored and humbled each time a stitcher shares his or her story with me. What a touch point this commonality gives us.
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<br />I started creating some of my own designs eventually and entered a "design a heart" contest sponsored by a needlework magazine. Winning the contest gave me the confidence to design even more and eventually, after being encouraged by others in the industry, I published my first designs in 1994. And here we are 17 years later and I am still stitching and designing.
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<br />Needlework buoyed me from grief when I needed it. Losing Matthew helped me realize what was important in my life. My daughters Elise and Allison are everything to me. With my heart in hand, I have raised them alongside Randy. Running my own business allowed me to work from home to be near the girls as they were growing up. <strong>Heart in Hand Needleart</strong> has allowed me to live my life and my work with my heart in hand.Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-51148356915921118622011-02-07T16:49:00.023-05:002011-02-09T22:36:17.760-05:00February 2011I love designing hearts. I guess that's one of the reasons why my company is named <strong>Heart in Hand Needleart</strong>. There are a lot of new heart designs to share this month. I've had many calls from people wanting to order the <em><strong>2011 Collector's Heart</strong></em> kit. This is the 13th <em><strong>Collector's Heart </strong></em>kit published by Heart in Hand. Several are no longer available but many are still in stock so don't hesitate to ask your favorite needlework shop to order some of the older kits for you. We'll be happy to send them out. Isn't it time you dedicated a corner somewhere in your house to hearts?
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<br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1pWZEjEY18oPrLkFrAcCHH0ozEyCsDHySYEdUgVwNnW4DzzRpTKdtdM16sz1UqGaYotF9IP1WEl52staaK8Anr7atPVtQWv2VCLMZaB-4MveNeCESpm5NiUZE2Stza_TzZlcViebj0_f/s200/2011+Collector%2527s+Heart+trim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571070176087713986" /></a> This year's heart has the word "Smitten" on it. What do you think of when you see the word "smitten?" The time you were infatuated with the curly-headed boy who sat in front of you in elementary school? How spellbound you were when your first child was placed in your arms? The bewitched feeling your husband gave you when he slipped your sparkling engagement ring on your finger? Smitten. Stitch this for someone you love this year. Someone who leaves you, well, smitten.
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<br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherQ5VcEapQ4f4XeVcACFIrerbFIWKvZ5UvBIsqx7Htbe0iWX5mLcx6HnbQcZueEzUaVO8X7GPH5dWW0W9KrWPnqK5gqCN0hKvq-3aRjSLxRHUpv60cpvcIyHa4b4P7LPnfvGfOkAFC_r4/s200/What+Makes+it+Love+trim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571814088634557762" /></a>
<br /><em><strong>What Makes it Love?</strong></em> is a design fit for all year, not just February. Lots of colorful hearts, sweet treats, cupid's arrow, hugs and kisses leave us yearning for happily ever after. Red, pink, and purple threads along with several sizes of colorful round buttons makes a playful but strong statement about LOVE!
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<br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v72ZuSffTIVSph4iqvoPE9SlZ2-RRORNx2lG9XhlbC2bn1wMzt9sLQNrQYP1dy5H-cHL7IuiFfIzWroP3-5w-LJDeelphw5aVu7gs7yc8AqasL18qqreTPSBrW7XGEoEcQPD64gB1E51/s200/I+do+trim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571819793590363042" /></a>
<br />If you are looking for a quick but heartfelt design to commemorate a wedding or anniversary, <em><strong>I Do</strong></em> just might fill the bill. The design gives you a spot to insert the date of the wedding you are celebrating. You could change the color of the heart to better match the decor of the couple's home or the wedding colors. Feel free to personalize <em><strong>I Do</strong></em> in a way that will create a real treasure for the couple.
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<br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBJF2ADCd-4MQP9b6O0UeOjzbP5hjvQQOCyQ3mHLX0AlEC5weNOUUiYIQglnXQyXpn30L0iWR2joEnD2oFFwK6o6OPvWSjj8D74aaBk0HvK8xUkADxOdHCnOyzGmKnhJrjSBnGkT9AoFS/s200/NOR_0616.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571820574245094594" /></a>
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<br /><strong>Love Triplet</strong><em></em> is the latest in our series of <em><strong>Triplet </strong></em>leaflets. I am so enjoying stitching these designs. Because they are so bright and colorful, they lift my spirits when the skies are grey and the news from around the world is troubling. Don't we just want something bright to cheer us all up and remind us of our many blessings? That's what the <em><strong>Triplet </strong></em>designs do for me. <em><strong>Love Triplet</strong></em> contains three designs: Crush, True Love, and Be Mine.
<br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mSuzrKRh1C-A4YzWWkX_EPLI_vpnVJGKnd39Mxlf6nyp0LzKrdWyN-XvNUtx6xpmPojkjylrcQYjx6tfz_fd-T3VxrzarOybo1mj5yrngKfwDsT9kkoIwtoPyzTiz5Tv_9zccqR5bHEL/s200/NOR_0624.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571821919061932866" /></a>
<br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 199px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gS1u7wCyv4uAQpa3-JbMfu4W1Cjaafg9kblwO-EbGahbgJbLN8gnzzsneLUoIaNRPIoMA3X95QwFnvkC8PfpP4gb5wc5piq0PrFxtAl_GYUrf4nwkWOjV7G6oKkA6APeVRiBNARFeIfI/s200/NOR_0632.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571822921006595842" /></a>
<br />Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-10894470770074115702010-08-12T12:16:00.002-04:002010-09-27T11:58:32.802-04:00Autumn approaches!My apologies! I have been woefully derelict in my duties as blogger! Attribute it to summer! Too much time enjoying travel, the company of my younger daughter home from college, biking, walking, dodging the heat and humidity! But the stitching hasn't stopped! So there are LOTS of new releases to report. I will report them chronologically so you'll have to read to the end to find the newest designs. Here goes!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddqCitfLHuagEoaik1_2UgTfVkZjKyw6bIYmoMzhDUL_vVEZ9xbmg2-sFPZb9lBzMhtOUB9GsECWnUseNTqYZ2waal2S5D5gG091Wg5voVJyVvQln-i5DsBE51_htiFf7QuFuDJPkFCNd/s1600/LeggySwimmerforweb.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddqCitfLHuagEoaik1_2UgTfVkZjKyw6bIYmoMzhDUL_vVEZ9xbmg2-sFPZb9lBzMhtOUB9GsECWnUseNTqYZ2waal2S5D5gG091Wg5voVJyVvQln-i5DsBE51_htiFf7QuFuDJPkFCNd/s320/LeggySwimmerforweb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504530271259542450" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_hQZ_XBa8VHHJ9ot-IZV-HkqI2Q1lp3oBCSDY3ou_YmQQWK7zJYrBj-R63BcrhbdlQhr5cAQnl4P2arTEQ47UphKPTEtlhYWmWJokoGdonxseiZYoEPsJRl0pB-FHMvBbzXUNEhrIssF/s1600/Leggy+Ballplayer+trim.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_hQZ_XBa8VHHJ9ot-IZV-HkqI2Q1lp3oBCSDY3ou_YmQQWK7zJYrBj-R63BcrhbdlQhr5cAQnl4P2arTEQ47UphKPTEtlhYWmWJokoGdonxseiZYoEPsJRl0pB-FHMvBbzXUNEhrIssF/s320/Leggy+Ballplayer+trim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504530124611585810" /></a><br /><em><strong>Leggy Swimmer</strong></em> and <em><strong>Leggy Ballplayer</strong></em> are <strong>Heart in Hand's</strong> summer releases in the <em><strong>Leggy </strong></em>series of charts. The swimmer, in particular, gives me a giggle with her nifty sunglasses, chic flip flops and eye-catching ensemble of brilliant suit, towel and cap. She is <em>definitely </em>dressed for action! Her ball-playing pal looks equally dashing in his athletic regalia! With his cap jauntily placed, he is sure to have a winning day!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvtWfWYJvJy4VTuUArGyyTGmdB620TNUhyphenhyphenEnUluZYyJjjkIBNKwAQJfYk8faaQh2eL_flQd8ratt-XottBVIZ6O2fEDar1bV4o0r7FPEHKgbdyMD5N_knS4qXMiEwtfuZ_mncfOxKDYKj/s1600/DSCF0402.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503232297447095298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvtWfWYJvJy4VTuUArGyyTGmdB620TNUhyphenhyphenEnUluZYyJjjkIBNKwAQJfYk8faaQh2eL_flQd8ratt-XottBVIZ6O2fEDar1bV4o0r7FPEHKgbdyMD5N_knS4qXMiEwtfuZ_mncfOxKDYKj/s320/DSCF0402.JPG" /></a><br /><strong>Trilogy's</strong> newest series of designs is called <em><strong>Sneak Peek: Halloween</strong></em>. There are five smaller designs that are stitched within an outer border. Quick stitching! Great autumn colors! FUN! Look for other <em><strong>Sneak Peek</strong></em> designs coming later this year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X-YB20Nyh_eF2WRBH-Dh9uLPn1oNyv8SBJ0ZgQ3fDyXpwRLkT4k3qMcwxZHzLkvI06Ks2IaIjztjPBwhr3wG7I_sS0SmZ1jOJpRIfTrOP9B8guQJo1eDBaVy7BTZesma5lX-WhGdjANq/s1600/DSCF0393.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 158px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503540609581458850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5X-YB20Nyh_eF2WRBH-Dh9uLPn1oNyv8SBJ0ZgQ3fDyXpwRLkT4k3qMcwxZHzLkvI06Ks2IaIjztjPBwhr3wG7I_sS0SmZ1jOJpRIfTrOP9B8guQJo1eDBaVy7BTZesma5lX-WhGdjANq/s320/DSCF0393.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShq3euAel05IkKd2YMDIlUFRpO4OxfamcMedkcI9M4CmUnll_Pldw99AO8RrbUR1o_DomVshSQ0ylheOiCRMLxpPsMVBxAbrqCCokbQCtD8UylDOgri4GTbIygVo2yCS9e6P_kXof4z6_/s1600/DSCF0377.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503232970067695218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShq3euAel05IkKd2YMDIlUFRpO4OxfamcMedkcI9M4CmUnll_Pldw99AO8RrbUR1o_DomVshSQ0ylheOiCRMLxpPsMVBxAbrqCCokbQCtD8UylDOgri4GTbIygVo2yCS9e6P_kXof4z6_/s200/DSCF0377.JPG" /></a>Going to the beach this summer? Nothing like a lazy late summer journey to the shore. This design brings back memories of trips my family made when I was growing up to Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina. Randy and I have enjoyed taking our girls to Hilton Head in recent years. But we also loved Cannon Beach in Oregon with Haystack Rock! Hard to pick a favorite. What's yours? No matter what shore we were visiting, I always want a new piece to stitch while vacationing at the beach. This one is PERFECT! From the flip flops to the stylish sunglasses to the painstakingly built sandcastles, your trip can be memorialized in <em><strong>Secret Beach</strong></em>. The kit comes with chart, linen and embellishments.<br /><br /><em><strong>Check it Out: Chicken</strong></em> is a fun new design from <strong>The Trilogy </strong>that is a great piece to hang in or near your kitchen. If the colors aren't just right for your kitchen, don't be afraid to change them up a bit and make it work with your decor.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QLdZBVL1uvV34SefhYcnIuIiT7sR37JY0xNcg62RRPssVvA0Mb3khpDDAzclB_MJ98d91WzJ85KIezBwV9PC_Wvnx9qLnedoAscBk9dMIpTkr9MylyT6i12Uw9SqCCYQWaJaL-xuUKKi/+JACK+trim.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 219px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502705016421492674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QLdZBVL1uvV34SefhYcnIuIiT7sR37JY0xNcg62RRPssVvA0Mb3khpDDAzclB_MJ98d91WzJ85KIezBwV9PC_Wvnx9qLnedoAscBk9dMIpTkr9MylyT6i12Uw9SqCCYQWaJaL-xuUKKi/+JACK+trim.jpg" /></a>Anxious to share the first in a new series of <strong>Heart in Hand Needleart</strong> designs called <em><strong>It's a Cinch!</strong></em> This series will be stitched on larger count fabrics. The first, <em><strong>Harvest Jack</strong></em>, is on 18 count linen. I used 6 strands of hand-dyed thread, but you can certainly use wool or pearl cottons if you prefer. The kit includes the chart, linen, and the colorful buttons. This is a great design for a beginner, or to take as you travel. I always want to stitch when I'm out and about but my middleaged eyes can't see 30 and 32 count linens without a magnifier. The solution: <em><strong>It's a Cinch!</strong></em> kits!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU18JtpfCl-Ab8SoMqK61HDR3crkihPnwo3D2SwtrsZmsThZl1R60C2xQ__y2EUWqfE2CuWgSOjVmLhCzb8ysamvzixrTAdshuRtJ-nYonXL69xKiB95Nim35DwRzTt-NHOhcYqMw3FOF/s1600/Pumpkin+Solitude+trim+final.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503147447702492002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPU18JtpfCl-Ab8SoMqK61HDR3crkihPnwo3D2SwtrsZmsThZl1R60C2xQ__y2EUWqfE2CuWgSOjVmLhCzb8ysamvzixrTAdshuRtJ-nYonXL69xKiB95Nim35DwRzTt-NHOhcYqMw3FOF/s320/Pumpkin+Solitude+trim+final.jpg" /></a><br />Fell in love with the Thoreau quotation featured on the new chart <em><strong>Pumpkin Solitude</strong></em>. Such a great sentiment if you are a pumpkin lover like me! It's a simple design, but I think it matches Thoreau's thought process. I don't know about you, but I'm daydreaming about pumpkin patches these days. I admit to being weary of the weather of summer 2010. I think we've endured more than enough heat and humidity for one season. Bring on the pumpkins!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ8GprQr2IAFLLSFVdVPdNX3AmfbjSyANT5bMXj9aaAWWdLYPiyynItaH8oJHReBYgftN4osRq2bWMB6Tawx4o18XcdBzwJ8tPgG7S8mgCgG4gaklnvY7phMPaVdEiE7J3-gTm7R3kV6G/s1600/Leggy+Pumpkinhead+trim.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 217px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503217647587794882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJ8GprQr2IAFLLSFVdVPdNX3AmfbjSyANT5bMXj9aaAWWdLYPiyynItaH8oJHReBYgftN4osRq2bWMB6Tawx4o18XcdBzwJ8tPgG7S8mgCgG4gaklnvY7phMPaVdEiE7J3-gTm7R3kV6G/s320/Leggy+Pumpkinhead+trim.jpg" /></a><br />The Leggy series of designs continues with a Pumpkinhead creature. Carrying his lantern in one hand and a bat-friend in the other, the Pumpkinhead is set for the season!<br /><br />I truly am starting to look forward to autumn. I know I shouldn't be wishing away the last days of summer, but I've always liked the excitement of late August for school shopping, renewing school friendships, a new class schedule coming in the mail! Even though my girls have outgrown those days and are off in college, there's still a sense of anticipation in the air this time of year. New challenges are ahead with the change of seasons! <br /><br />One of my challenges will be creating new designs to release in coming months. There are always many on the drawing board. Which ones to concentrate on? How about you? Is it time for a trip to your needlework shop for a new project? Time to search out a new needlework shop in a town a few miles away? Find a friend. Pack a lunch. Delight in touching the fabrics, exploring the new threads. Learn a new stitching technique. Find some new needlework to challenge you. As Bernice Johnson Reagon has said: “Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.”Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-19174966079013838442010-04-22T10:57:00.015-04:002010-04-26T16:28:30.381-04:00Mid-April Already!I have made several trips to Michigan to visit the girls as they have both had performances we wanted to attend. Elise was in two operas at the University of Michigan and Allison was in a Dance Repertory Concert at Michigan State. Great fun to see them in action and visit with other family and friends who also attended. This past weekend we were in Augusta, Kentucky, at the home of one of greater Cincinnati's favorite sons, Nick Clooney, for a reunion of the people I worked with in the 1980s at WKRC-TV. The last time I saw most of these friends was our reunion more than ten years ago. While time and distance have come between us, the friendships remain and the great love and respect I have for these people grows sweeter with the years. What a great blessing in my life to have worked with so many talented, imaginative people! <br /><br />While the traveling has kept me busy, there has also been stitching to do! We just released three new products. Perhaps you have seen them in your needlework store. If not, go take a look soon! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWUJJ5AdpbzaI9P84pmoQNAAuoqKXBBJv_PlJvjlX7B8W405RBzbn6464fvUrtUXeUZSDMg1fvq79r8mCB0r6BV4Nu315EBWWgoHGkiZcg36tl2lKgSw-MoNxxu2Pc-10dnMw0vd85KWb/s1600/Together.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWUJJ5AdpbzaI9P84pmoQNAAuoqKXBBJv_PlJvjlX7B8W405RBzbn6464fvUrtUXeUZSDMg1fvq79r8mCB0r6BV4Nu315EBWWgoHGkiZcg36tl2lKgSw-MoNxxu2Pc-10dnMw0vd85KWb/s320/Together.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464544983718224578" /></a><strong>Together </strong>is a great new design that you can personalize for a wedding or anniversary with initials of the loving pair. Or you can leave the initials off and just have a design with a sentiment that speaks volumes about your loved ones! The chart includes an alphabet for personalization. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pXaM1NDOmiQ1jujxCJYBM0nRejTd_bCBd1A51OIIK4ATCaz4MDaZF-TdE_AQ1b_sPhykC5bdTg3u9EMgQJZf5zwgeM8a77u_ump0PiGiArwahwyybIBw-8rvCG0IPn2GELSUVyzalLGj/s1600/LetFreedomRing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pXaM1NDOmiQ1jujxCJYBM0nRejTd_bCBd1A51OIIK4ATCaz4MDaZF-TdE_AQ1b_sPhykC5bdTg3u9EMgQJZf5zwgeM8a77u_ump0PiGiArwahwyybIBw-8rvCG0IPn2GELSUVyzalLGj/s320/LetFreedomRing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462979159222393746" /></a><strong>Let Freedom Ring</strong> is the first in a new series of designs called <strong>Signs of the Times</strong>. Each design will feature a phrase (i.e. Let Freedom Ring) that speaks about the season at hand. The horizontal nature of this series will be great for an accessory in your seasonal displays. If you are like me you have an area in your home (mine is my foyer table) where I like to change the accessories to match the season. In the winter it's my collection of snowmen. In the middle of summer I like to do a red, white and blue display. Stitched items are always included along with other collectibles, flowers, candles, and/or antiques that speak to the season. I look forward to adding this new stitched design to my summer seasonal display!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkc9kghQAdAworsE04kCpkRCTiKiW8yk0mRvu9Rxazo8fksXH4MxN8-FBLIiyiNgQ3GWRCI2cjtuJ3-SEtLuu49c41Mg_9Db9cUMku98JHKpfWgpyZpOqbeUd9T8R-GrU5M2VEBONOLa3/s1600/PlumCottage.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkc9kghQAdAworsE04kCpkRCTiKiW8yk0mRvu9Rxazo8fksXH4MxN8-FBLIiyiNgQ3GWRCI2cjtuJ3-SEtLuu49c41Mg_9Db9cUMku98JHKpfWgpyZpOqbeUd9T8R-GrU5M2VEBONOLa3/s200/PlumCottage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462981696073066114" /></a>Do you love purple? I have been so enamored with all the wonderful shades of purple that have appeared in clothing, in home decor, just everywhere! What is it about purple that if you add it to a room in the form of an eggplant pillow, or you wear a scarf in a lovely shade of aubergine, you get tons of compliments? Just a little bit goes a long way. There are some beautiful shades of purple in the hand-dyed threads we all use. So I just <em>had </em>to design something that we could use as JUST the right punch of trendy purple in our homes: <strong>Plum Cottage Sampler</strong>. There are three totally different shades of purple in the buttons included in the kit. And who wouldn't smile living in a plum-colored cottage?<br /><br />The Trilogy designers have been very busy as well. We have discovered Skype is a phenomenal way for us to work together even though we are scattered around the country. It's helping us be quite productive! We are starting a new series very soon that I know you're going to love! I don't have any photographs yet but it's called <strong>Sneak Peek</strong>. So be on the lookout for it in May in your local needlework shop. It will definitely be worth the trip!<br /><br />I must run as I am putting the finishing stitches in a couple of new summer leggy friends for our <strong>Leggy Line</strong> series. I get a giggle with every stitch. These designs are fun! Hope you are all enjoying spring's bounty!Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-54688204489170112392010-03-14T17:18:00.007-04:002010-03-14T17:22:50.095-04:00Spring Stitching!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuBm7Dj1bJW8ghR5dwamW8QMaFljvNnl81Hf4OrzLeLo9G7Vr3ieVzqH_zaAJHw_cO9GT9QqZNNbz38vObpZawtH-J8JRNltPXZIEC3EZRgi_Sb2puNbTqXmt-hDd9bxzyXtyGF0Icq_z/s1600-h/spring_day_blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuBm7Dj1bJW8ghR5dwamW8QMaFljvNnl81Hf4OrzLeLo9G7Vr3ieVzqH_zaAJHw_cO9GT9QqZNNbz38vObpZawtH-J8JRNltPXZIEC3EZRgi_Sb2puNbTqXmt-hDd9bxzyXtyGF0Icq_z/s200/spring_day_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448598262117600946" /></a><br />Who knew how winter weary we really were? Do you find yourself almost gleeful with the sunshine and early spring warmth? What a breath of (literal) fresh air! I know cooler temperatures are on the horizon again but the warmth of the past week has me ever hopeful that spring will arrive again this year!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRqR8VhQ8RJeDFwODJAOa-dZAAa9meib_OWcV5Px1wZjWIxZzjPyDdBrTJYHOGnze0oSrWekkhjt8fc5pl_DYNCe4NnzCBglYLkPKg6fuhiTCapNNs5GjYUYmDCb_zOPniJif-539phVt/s1600-h/leggy_leprechaun_blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRqR8VhQ8RJeDFwODJAOa-dZAAa9meib_OWcV5Px1wZjWIxZzjPyDdBrTJYHOGnze0oSrWekkhjt8fc5pl_DYNCe4NnzCBglYLkPKg6fuhiTCapNNs5GjYUYmDCb_zOPniJif-539phVt/s200/leggy_leprechaun_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448597843612702754" /></a>Besides the sunshine and warmer weather, I have lots of spring stitching to share with you! Heart in Hand has a couple of new offerings already in the shops: <strong>Leggy Leprechaun</strong>, and <strong>Wee One: Spring Day</strong>. The response to the first of our <strong>Leggy Line</strong> series, <strong>Leggy Snowman</strong>, has been great! I hope you'll like the Leprechaun too and consider stitching this series all in a row...Leggy companion next to Leggy confidant, chums all in a row! I don't know exactly how many Leggy pals there will be but if you get a nice long piece of fabric you can add on to your <strong>Leggy Line</strong> however many you want. If you have extra fabric left and you want to complete your row, just cut off the excess linen and use it for another project! I designed <strong>Spring Day </strong>some months ago, long before I became winter weary! But stitching it helped me feel spring was close! Just the therapy I needed! Is stitching therapy for you too? <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxIryNniVuRwxw7A3GQIJ0bBG-gx-SqvMHPZiLw23ttQA3Wo24tF-n1UBWQKXGiuCcKz8pRIrOVpEI6eB6Y8uWrROUV5sUiG5K4rPEXPoHl71EsxjzBNsnL6MhkEPDcx-9RB3qCRzoGYV/s1600-h/tr_reunion_of_hearts_blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpxIryNniVuRwxw7A3GQIJ0bBG-gx-SqvMHPZiLw23ttQA3Wo24tF-n1UBWQKXGiuCcKz8pRIrOVpEI6eB6Y8uWrROUV5sUiG5K4rPEXPoHl71EsxjzBNsnL6MhkEPDcx-9RB3qCRzoGYV/s200/tr_reunion_of_hearts_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448598598413985986" /></a>The Trilogy has some great new spring stitching for 2010! I'm excited to share pictures with you. I love them all but my heart of heart's favorite is <strong>Reunion of Hearts</strong>. This design was born when Ruth, Elizabeth, Marsha and I were Skype conferencing (YIKES! Can you believe what technology allows these days?) and we were trying to come up with ways to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Trilogy this year. Marsha suggested we return to the topic of the first design we published under the Trilogy name, <strong>Grateful Hearts</strong>. "This time," she wondered, "could we call it <strong>Reunion of Hearts</strong>?" <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkFgMjlGU6vEhBaPxetN8AATjI47YrUxjVFYDs2-Eh4VvT2mBAbo1IwGhU0PucZh4M2dHMZvuhdTMoyTKl4tKdv4Zae_UMeW5WPYO6Xe7EjTaZf5f-qej7bWwwQnURBi8TKajuWAYbi-i/s1600-h/tr_plant_hope_blog.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkFgMjlGU6vEhBaPxetN8AATjI47YrUxjVFYDs2-Eh4VvT2mBAbo1IwGhU0PucZh4M2dHMZvuhdTMoyTKl4tKdv4Zae_UMeW5WPYO6Xe7EjTaZf5f-qej7bWwwQnURBi8TKajuWAYbi-i/s200/tr_plant_hope_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448598945212393538" /></a>(We lovingly call Marsha "Pearl" because she sits quietly during many of our group conversations and then, all of a sudden she speaks a pearl of wisdom which solves whatever dilemma we have been discussing. I love the insight she offers our friendship!) Making it to ten years is so special for the four of us. When we were considering a partnership we were told by some friends in the industry that going into business together would likely destroy our friendship. So we made a pact that friendship was first and business would always come second. And here we are! And we are happy to tell you our friendship remains!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7EtyxSpArnCpOmw5hAsbO4qPFTlWLNLUzs_rgo3khWWPWCYZMVClHqVYSoBpCmpuzX5hSrES21tIYptoqaDb8cyHo2f_Wsk_d5UycNpKqBFOcOEMZcwmofzoznbODMrmznsZKZnQg7oR/s1600-h/tr_easter_tree_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7EtyxSpArnCpOmw5hAsbO4qPFTlWLNLUzs_rgo3khWWPWCYZMVClHqVYSoBpCmpuzX5hSrES21tIYptoqaDb8cyHo2f_Wsk_d5UycNpKqBFOcOEMZcwmofzoznbODMrmznsZKZnQg7oR/s200/tr_easter_tree_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448600135045700114" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ0gqm8mRRdJAuNpi2zYyrJoFj7P2DS_EW1kKvMCtc7uuPLrxIcEcWwtbM-aYdrFeJ5UpO3Y6CUczZWkqsGDNhpayydVxBsX_jKcOq6SwmvreOfQRAwDfOVCerKl9Vg3AzNMvjSxe5e1U/s1600-h/tr_lucky_tree_blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ0gqm8mRRdJAuNpi2zYyrJoFj7P2DS_EW1kKvMCtc7uuPLrxIcEcWwtbM-aYdrFeJ5UpO3Y6CUczZWkqsGDNhpayydVxBsX_jKcOq6SwmvreOfQRAwDfOVCerKl9Vg3AzNMvjSxe5e1U/s200/tr_lucky_tree_blog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448600350848573986" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Easter Treat</strong>, <strong>Lucky Tree</strong>, and <strong>Plant Hope</strong> are three other new Trilogy designs being shipped to the needlework shops this week. I love the quotation in <strong>Plant Hope</strong>. And Earth Day will be here before we know it! Do you know we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in 2010? Consider planting a tree to commemorate the day! Plant a little hope with the Trilogy this spring. Enjoy the warmth of early spring!Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-37477652994976635862010-02-23T14:14:00.002-05:002010-02-23T14:40:30.634-05:00The big snow melt!Greetings and salutations from the big snow melt! Here in southwest Ohio we have had a doozie of a February! The "snowiest on record" for Cincinnati and environs. We have had 21+ inches thus far with most of that coming within a ten day period. Now to those of you on the east coast, 21 inches probably sounds like a dusting after the year you've had, but it's been quite a bit for us. We've had a few days in the upper 30s now so the piles are beginning to recede....and it's getting me antsy for spring!<br /><br />The first day of spring is just under a month away. Can't wait for the new tulips I planted to begin to peek out of the ground in my garden. I love tulips. Nothing like daffodils and tulips and sunshine to make you smile! Bring it on! Gardening is a passion of mine. I truly think it has to do with the artful playing of colors and textures. The annual joy of combining plants in my garden is much like the joy of choosing threads and fabrics for stitching. The creativity of both passions soothes my soul.<br /><br />There are a couple of new Heart in Hand charts at the graphic artist this week. I hope they'll be in the shops within two weeks! The Trilogy released several new designs at the recent Nashville Market. I'm trying to get my hands on some photographs to post here soon. In the meantime, it's a great time to go in to your local shop because there are a lot of great new products available this month!<br /><br />I'm sitting in the puddle of sunshine that's streaming in my kitchen windows today. Love to sit in the sun and work on new designs on my computer. I've got a red-white-and-blue patriotic one brewing as I write. Who doesn't feel patriotic with our Olympians doing so well? Weren't the ice dancers great last night?!? What a record breaking year this has been for the United States Olympic team! <br /><br />Records in the Olympics! Record snowfall! <br /><br />Have a great weekend!Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-610931799427849351.post-60686852815110924972010-01-28T12:47:00.012-05:002010-01-29T09:58:18.462-05:00New Beginnings!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIZKrBEOqBs6VJExh8NFsripxbfGxrBp473SOz7ZV2ZvPBq7tcMHpvYQLNgUuxm0BPpk9lre7Re4EDQsbTvU_iBNvsJ34sAnxgwKFvKkrBkMAoM3jWCe0vOgaf76xLS1U3UXLh2J-ESch/s1600-h/2010+Heart+best.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431218058943191122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIZKrBEOqBs6VJExh8NFsripxbfGxrBp473SOz7ZV2ZvPBq7tcMHpvYQLNgUuxm0BPpk9lre7Re4EDQsbTvU_iBNvsJ34sAnxgwKFvKkrBkMAoM3jWCe0vOgaf76xLS1U3UXLh2J-ESch/s200/2010+Heart+best.jpg" /></a><br /><div>New year, new decade, new blog! I've been wanting to start blogging for some time so the new year is my incentive to begin. I can't promise a regular schedule. I can only promise to keep you up to date on Heart in Hand Needleart and Trilogy designs in the pipeline and a bit about my personal life too.<br /><br />The <strong>2010 Collector's Heart </strong>has a double meaning. The familiar "key to my heart" phrase is one, but since we are beginning a new decade, we also hold the key to the coming ten years. What will we do with these days? How will we spend our time? I'm trying to be more earth-friendly - taking my own bags to the grocery, conserving energy, recycling more. I'm stitching a piece now with that philosophy in mind. Look for it later this spring. As Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." What change do <em>you</em> want to see?<br /><br />If you are like me, the fresh start of a new year makes you want new beginnings in your life. "I'm going to stitch for at least 30 minutes every day!" or "I'm going to organize my stitching supplies so I can find everything more easily." or "I'm going to finish at least one design every month." Do you hear yourself in these words? I am purging closets, organizing my office, starting new designs. It feels great! While the skies are grey I am being productive. Not sure how long my vigor for clearing out the old will last, but for now I'm trying to take advantage!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbU18l9BP8cR69N-rjdSjtCCJjE-DC5Kyme3DvbgS4LEyyIPIuBvo7I25k3uMIPuIz_ewOS-P-Slaykmkt71CdIPnOBPWhQvoJl12UZ6lqLINCa36hT1uL2ISKX6P5QUFNKQ85GfwDwfhJ/s1600-h/XOXO+best.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 197px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431216953446729730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbU18l9BP8cR69N-rjdSjtCCJjE-DC5Kyme3DvbgS4LEyyIPIuBvo7I25k3uMIPuIz_ewOS-P-Slaykmkt71CdIPnOBPWhQvoJl12UZ6lqLINCa36hT1uL2ISKX6P5QUFNKQ85GfwDwfhJ/s200/XOXO+best.jpg" /></a>I love designing for January and February! Snowmen and hearts! Winter and love! What's not to celebrate? There are several new heart designs about to be released. <strong>XOXO</strong> is a new Wee One chart. The <strong>2010 Collector's Heart</strong> is ready to go out to the shops too. Ask your shop owner to hold one for you when they come in. And if you are a collector of this series, we have <strong>Collector's Heart</strong> kits still available for 2001-2009. The 1999 and 2000 <strong>Collector's Heart</strong> kits are sold out. And if you are like me, stitching hearts and snowmen is a year-round joy! No need to limit it to January and February!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZceVYuy3xswFy5Ieg96_xQypfXwfCxn6m2FZ7ho_P_m2GJH-bft0KwUwD7SWZqTyArw3twTY-rz9MhpK3sw30-mFbwxMpE1GU699iKazBpLmS0RvYyYEzJQGCjrge_q6RRefyKsPzB_y/s1600-h/Leggy+Snowman+best+2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 135px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431220281812790050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZceVYuy3xswFy5Ieg96_xQypfXwfCxn6m2FZ7ho_P_m2GJH-bft0KwUwD7SWZqTyArw3twTY-rz9MhpK3sw30-mFbwxMpE1GU699iKazBpLmS0RvYyYEzJQGCjrge_q6RRefyKsPzB_y/s200/Leggy+Snowman+best+2.jpg" /></a> <div>I'm excited about a new series I've started stitching called the <strong>Leggy Line</strong>. Can you see the inspiration for this name? The <strong>Leggy Snowman</strong> is first up. Next comes a <strong>Leggy Leprechaun</strong>. Later in the year a <strong>Leggy Penguin</strong>. I'm still brainstorming other Leggy creations. They are great fun to stitch! You could stitch them all in a row right next to each other. Each one will be the same size and have a different patterned base. The combination, I think, will be colorful and whimsical. Hope you will agree!</div><br />Hard to believe but The Trilogy has been designing for 10 years now! One of my great blessings in life is my friendship with Ruth, Elizabeth and Marsha. Do you have friends who make you better? <em>These </em>friends make me better. They have strengthened my business acumen. They have bolstered my spirituality. They have made me a more thoughtful mother. They truly have blessed my life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvQF_WzIC20inhT0UltFopZd4vAA2D_84hZccn0jku_W5NlvtS2uVA47dsNhnrfo8TwjIJ_MN8ApF49wGdtYwKV6mfZHy4x1oJVYw26MnJv9q0avUKiy4rjt8APc6iQYPm7igop8Fdvpe/s1600-h/December+2009+023.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427111089398634258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvQF_WzIC20inhT0UltFopZd4vAA2D_84hZccn0jku_W5NlvtS2uVA47dsNhnrfo8TwjIJ_MN8ApF49wGdtYwKV6mfZHy4x1oJVYw26MnJv9q0avUKiy4rjt8APc6iQYPm7igop8Fdvpe/s200/December+2009+023.JPG" /></a>Our daughters, Elise and Allison, were home for the holidays. So happy to have them here, if only for a few weeks. They are back to their respective Michigan universities now and I'm missing them, but happy they are blossoming where they are!Cecilia Turner, Designerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07786692646896050829noreply@blogger.com