crazyseoulsister

CQ~ A Newsletter for Crazy Quilters

2009-09-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hmmm... I wonder if anyone reads my blog anymore. =)

Does anyone remember the CQ Newsletter? It started out as a magazine and graduated to CD format that was mailed out to subscribers. I have the first 7 issues and 6 CD's (from 2003) with articles, projects and inspiration too~

I have been going through some stuff and have decided to give them away. Instead of doing a random number 'pick' I have decided to do the drawing a bit different. If you would like to recieve them please leave a comment INCLUDING your blog link OR email address telling me why you would like them and I will pick a winner. Please remember to tell me HOW to contact you!

Love and Hope Orphange

2009-08-26T04:48:00.000-07:00

I have been visiting the Love and Hope Orphanage in Daegu. It is an orphanage with either (or both) mentally and physically handicapped children whose parents have given them up. Each and every one of these children are SO precious! Their eyes light up when we walk into the room to visit with them. Their faces are riveted when we read to them. We love to play with them and simply hug and cuddle them. It is such a precious experience. Seriously, these kids are like little sponges absorbing any affection you will give them.

I don't know this little one's name but she is so pretty. On my first visit I caressed her face and told her how beautiful she is. She promptly nodded her head no. I continued to tell her how pretty she was as she emphatically nodded "no" each time I told her. Finally she stopped saying no. I just pray that she can realize that she is beautiful in God's sight and in mine.

This is 11 year old Sang Woo. He is such a cutie with his infectious smile and wonderful personality. Today he sat on my lap and hugged me. As I hugged him he was full of giggles and wiggles! As I patted his back he patted mine too.

Content and Happy. I call him Smiley because that is what he does best. When we arrived at the orphange today I sat down a good distance away from him. He is unable to walk (as most of the kids are in this area of the orphange) so he ROLLS across the floor to come and visit with me. =) What a doll!

More pics to come and video too. It is truly a blessing to be able to visit these little ones. Your prayers are coveted for these dear children.

Chin Hae and Cherry Blossoms~

2009-04-17T03:17:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary!!!

2009-04-17T02:43:00.001-07:00

Our anniversary is the 19th of this month (which falls on a Sunday) so we celebrated today by driving to Taegu to a lovely little French Mediterranean restaurant called Dijon.

Our menu consisted of:
French Bread with a Vinaigrette/Olive Oil dip
Bruschetta
Escargot Cream Soup
Roasted Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mushroom Duxelle and curried rice in Coconut Butter Sauce

We didnt order the soup but it came with the meal so, of course I had to try it. How often do I get the opportunity???? It was good and I can at least say that I have had escargot. It really did taste like chicken- but very very tender.

With French Music playing in the background hubby gave me his best serenade of 'Volare' (ISN'T that ITALIAN???) and he gave his best shot at speaking French that he possibly could muster up including and limited to: "Parles Vous Francais?', "French Fries", "Au Jus", and "Monsier". Oh- and "Pepe Le Pugh" We can't forget THAT, now can we??? =)

We strolled around- it was a beautiful day- and happened upon some lovebirds. (Awwww!)

Last but not least he bought me a hair clip that I had fancied a while back at a small boutique.

Anyhow, it was a lovely day!

If you have read this far I am quite surprised... haha.... I have toyed with the idea of 'putting my blog to bed'. Not sure yet but giving it some thought. If I do decide to start another please leave a comment and subscribe to that comment so I can post the url if that is the way I decide to go.

Thanks for stopping by after my pathetically long absence!!!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

Excitement is building as we prepare for our Children's Church doing a Nativity Play.
Here are the pics before all the action takes place... will update soon!
I have to laugh because the provender is not 'straw or hay' but it is (tee hee) leftover stubble from the rice harvest here in Korea.

Merry Christmas to all! Jesus is the reason for the Season!!!

Land of the Morning Calm

2008-12-09T06:15:00.000-08:00

I took these this past summer and have wanted to upload them for a long LONG time. This was at a rest stop when I took the bus to Pyeongtaek. Pretty, eh?

Have slide will travel...

2008-12-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

I have seen these slides coming out of some daycares in Korea and always thought they were for the kids to exit. Imagine my surprise when I found this and this. They are emergency exits and would you take a look at the INCLINE of these slides??? Incline? Incline???? I marvel! I truly marvel!

Remember Our Veterans!

2008-11-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

They put service above self to protect our country.
They risk their lives so that we may live free.
This Veteran's Day we remember the fallen and honor those who serve.
To America's Veterans... THANK YOU!

Election 2008

2008-11-03T22:15:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone gets out to the polls and votes or has already voted via absentee ballot! I have voted in every election since I turned 18 and count it a privelage and an honor to represent my county! Every vote does count! God Bless America!

Grab your hanky~

2008-10-30T21:25:00.000-07:00

I ran across this blog a few moments ago. His moniker is fatcyclist and his wife and he are fighting the last battle against his wifes cancer. I have read the last few posts and it is heart rending. Grab your hanky.

Banpo Bridge in Seoul

2008-10-29T07:23:00.001-07:00

Holding my tongue.

My New Tatting Friend

2008-10-06T05:58:00.001-07:00

Gil Hye is my new friend and we met at a local quilt shop here in my small town. I showed her some of my tatted lace that I have been working on and she asked me if I could show her how to tat (with my very limited skills~) How can I NOT oblige???

We started on basic rings and now we are working on this simple ring bookmark. (top pink) This is Gil Hye's first join. =)

Gil Hye is very excited. =) It is very difficult to teach with the language barrier but she is a very quick learner and learned how to do a ring and the flip the first day. Way cool, eh?

~

In Loving Memory of my Mother...

2008-09-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

My Dear Mother passed away today and she will be missed greatly. There is a hole in my heart that will never go away and that no one can ever replace.

Living in Germany during World War II brought many hardships to her life. She was a survivor. She lived on the streets scavenging for food to survive. She was put in a camp for children and seperated from her father who was also put in a camp. She yearned for freedom and came to America for a new beginning. She loved her adopted country and welcomed the troops home from the Persian Gulf waving a flag on the side of the road as they came home.

I was her youngest child and remember fondly how she would take my chin in her hand and tell me, "You will always be my baby no matter how old you are." As Alzheimers disease was eating her mind I sat next to her weeping. Her hands waived in frustration and then her hand came up to my chin and she said, "Don't cry." Those were the last words I heard her say. I believe she did that in a moment of clarity.

I will always be your baby Mom! And you will always be mine. I love you with all my heart.

What I've been up to... tatting!

2008-09-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

Last month- hard to believe that it has been THAT long i was able to meet Sherry which was a real treat! I definitely needed a refresher course on split rings since I had forgotten what Melissa had shown me previously. (My memory and noone else!) THANKS SO MUCH SHERRY! I look forward to our next visit!

This is the first round of a bookmark for a gift for a friend. The pattern is here. This is done in size 12 pearl cotton (or was it tatting thread?) About the same size thickness I believe.

I pulled out the BIG threads yesterday and did my first floating rings thanks to Melissa's video on youtube! Not the greatest but definitely a start!

This was some experimenting I did after seeing this split ring medallion over at Lisa Trumble's site here. I was trying to do the split rings with the dead spider method instead of flipping the thread around the left hand so it was all experimental for me!

I did this the day after meeting Sherry and my split rings are looking pretty good if I do say so myself!!!

Happy Reunion!

2008-08-13T00:12:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I recieved a phone call out of the blue! It was my dear friend Sun Ae whom we met when we were first in Korea from 1994-1997. Wow! It had been over 11 years! What a wonderful surprise! When we first met she barely spoke English and I barely spoke Korean (still true!) We made arrangements and I traveled to where we could spend the day together. It was great fun! Once upon a time we would gesture and draw and have confounded looks of frustration in trying to communicate. Well, not anymore.... We had an awesome visit and I cherish her friendship!

Oldest Photos of Koreans

2008-08-13T00:04:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post this forever ago. I simply love vintage photos and these are the oldest known photographs of Koreans. There are 6 thumbnails that will take you to 6 pics. Incredible! I love the Korean tiled roofs.

Before and After

2008-07-30T23:11:00.001-07:00

Thank You's are in order!!!

2008-07-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how our Sunday School came together! Without the help of all involved it would have never been done and we thank the Lord for the labor of love sacrificed by all!!! I sit here in awe and see how the different people have given of their abilities and talents and how everything came together!

Thank You Chief and Rosie for your sacrificial giving!!! You are truly a Jack of ALL trades and we are so thankful for all that you have done. You have been a BLESSING!

Thank you to Bro Coates for your labour and hauling and every other innumerable things that you do in sacrifice for the work of the Lord on a daily basis!

Thank you to Liz and Paulette who are wonderful Sunday School teachers and who make a great team!

To everyone who gave of your time and finances, encouraged us through your blog comments and emails we say THANK YOU! We have been encouraged by your love, friendship and kindness!!!

THANK YOU!!!!

I Corinthians 12:13-25

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For the body is not one member, but many.

If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

And if they were all one member, where were the body?

But now are they many members, yet but one body.

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Sunday School Grand Opening- That's what faith must be!

2008-07-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday School Grand Opening III

2008-07-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

My photo of Bro Coats didnt come out so I had to take another one- at the home.=(

Sunday School Grand Opening II

2008-07-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday School Grand Opening

2008-07-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

I've given up trying to put these up in the order taken as blogger won't allow me to upload more then five pics at a time. Also I know there are a few duplicates. Sorry!

New Front Door and Sign

2008-07-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

The signmaker added the small greenery at the top of the door.

The sandwich board will go across the street since we have a ton of foot traffic. I dont get it (maybe cuz the streets are so narrow and people don't look UP) that folks wander the street looking for the church and don't see the signage on the buildings. That is why we have it at street level.

Holy of Holies

2008-07-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

No pictures can be included here of the Holy of Holies. =) It is used for storage and completely in it's original state. You can enter for sacrifice if you tie pomegranites and bells to the bottom of your garment hem and tie a rope around your leg to be dragged out in case of emergency. lol

The Inner Court

2008-07-26T00:11:00.001-07:00

The Outer Court

2008-07-25T23:45:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday School rooms have new nicknames dubbed by our wonderful Sunday School Teacher Liz. The first room upon entry with the table has been bestowed the name the outer court.

Our landlord so kindly brought us an air conditioner/heater which took us by surprise. =)

We have dividers for the outer court to divide into smaller classes if need be...

Chomping at the Bit!

2008-07-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

This is exciting! We've got signage as of about 6:30 pm tonight. Several ajumma's were walking by as they were finishing up and commenting 'How pretty!' I agree. =)

Street View and Moulding

2008-07-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory of Iris

2008-07-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

My sister Iris passed away on Saturday. Her daughter (my niece) had passed away last October and I dont think she could ever bear the tragedy of losing her only daughter. Her death was due to diabetes but in our heart of hearts we know it was because she died of a broken heart. If you could pray for my brother in law I would be grateful. I can't imagine the grief and sorrow of losing a daughter and then your wife in the short span of 8 months.

Don't take for granted what you have today... it could be gone tomorrow. Hug your family and friends and tell them how much you appreciate and love them.

Nearing the Finish Line!!!

2008-07-21T01:30:00.001-07:00

Here are our latest pics. Who'd a thunk??? We are so thankful! DO scroll down and look at the before pics and you will be pleasantly surprised!

New Walls and Wallpaper and flooring...

A new ceiling and wiring for new lights soon to go up

The back room was recemented since it was cracking and crumbling...

A view from the window (streetside looking in)

Next up we have decal signage for the window and get it ready for this weekend

We appreciate your prayers!

More Progress

2008-07-19T01:46:00.000-07:00

Dear friends have been working in the 90-100 degree heat with no air conditioning and we are so thankful for the labor that is going into our new Sunday School Rooms. New Walls and a new ceiling have been put in so far. New Windows will be put in soon. Today we are getting new wallpaper and flooring as you can see from the flooring on the picture to the right. Our opening is set for July 27th and it will be a BLAST! We have one more week in preparation! Nothing like a deadline to get everything moving! Keep us in your prayers!

Our New Sunday School Rooms!

2008-07-07T02:33:00.001-07:00

We are rejoicing here in Waegwan! Our church is on the second story on the main street outside of Camp Carroll. A restaurant that took up the entire downstairs had moved in and they divided it in half leaving the second half for rent. It was in absolutely horrible shape. This morning it was stripped of wallpaper, portable sinks pulled out and LOTS of junk hauled away as refuse. They worked this morning in 95 degree heat~! It might not look very promising now- but to us it offers great possibilities! We are thankful what the Lord is doing and are SO excited!

Some of our ideas we are hoping to put into place for a nursery and Children's Church are-

New flooring and wallpaper
Permanent Corner for our Puppet Stage
Bulletin Board for themed lessons and seasons
White Board
Mural painted on one wall
An area of cushions (Korean Style) to sit and relax and read
Bookshelves for storage and supplies

We have two teachers who are working with both Korean and American children and they love what they are doing! Our new Sunday School location will put us a stair's length away from the church! Please continue to pray for our us!

Real Heroes!

2008-07-03T21:39:00.001-07:00

Many people think of heroes as some legend of a person who has lived in the past... Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln for instance. But there are heroes that are walking with us in everyday life in modern times. Those that have willingly enlisted in the Armed Forces and who have gone to Aghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi, Germany and Korea. They are our Fathers, brothers, uncles, sisters, and dear friends who have sacrificed and gone over to defend our freedom willingly risking even their life! It is to you that I say THANK YOU! Your sacrifice and service does not go unnoticed! Thank you for your love for our country and for preserving our Nation. You are truly our HEROES!

Trip to the Hospital

2008-07-01T00:35:00.001-07:00

It was so busy in the lobby it was like a mall. For real.

Is that MOLD?????????????????

2008-07-01T00:24:00.000-07:00

I am pretty daring. I'll try *nearly* anything....

My friend brought me some persimmons a while back. They were dried in the sun and were being sold in the streets and on trucks driving around the neighborhood. I bought some from the passing truck... They were good. No problem. I asked what the 'white stuff' on the outside is to my Korean friends Noone could really give me an answer but I had this nagging doubt that it was mold. For real. (I was actually thinking powdered sugar but it wasnt sweet) You can buy it with little specks or all over the dried persimmon. When I saw another friend (who was more fluent in English) I asked him and he confirmed me fear. Yupper... it is mold. You are probably looking at these pics wondering how in the world I CANNOT KNOW THAT IT ISN'T MOLD? Am I in denial or what??? Actually they are pretty good!

Typical Lunch

2008-07-01T00:21:00.001-07:00

The place around the corner delivers food on a scooter. I call them on the phone and tell them the American PW wants Ohm Rice and they deliver it ten minutes later with a knock on the door. Comes with Egg Drop soup, black bean paste and where in the world is the Kimchi???

A Father's Heart

2008-06-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?' The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete a marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father
always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.'
To which, his father said 'Yes'. For those who don't know, the Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events: a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Father and son went on to complete the race together.

View this video of the duo.

This is an example of God's relationship with us.

Tea for three?

2008-06-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out Susan's blog? She did a wonderful crazy quilt patch of three ladies at a tea party that is stunning! Do check it out-

Making a dent in my recipe box...

2008-06-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

I have made a serious dent in my recipe box collection and have typed out over a hundred in my quest to go paperless. Two buddies and I have collaborated and are putting our tried and true recipes here and our untried recipes here. Hop on over and take a look. You are bound to find something you like. =)

6 unimportant things about me

2008-06-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Melissa to name 6 unimportant things about me so here goes... first the rules-

1. Link back to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share 6 unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag 4 people at the end of your entry.

1- I am trying to go paperless and have posted feverishly for the last week on a collaborated recipe blog.

2- I love Korean food. From glutinous rice cakes to kimchi and in between I just can't get enough of it. Makes my mouth water.

3- I also am going to try to take my 4 inch thick folder of embroidery patterns and pdf them to also go paperless. What am I getting myself into?

4-I hate ironing and usually have to iron a TON of stuff to iron. I do a bit each day cuz I hate to do it all in one sitting ? ugh

5- When I was a kid we would roller skate from Culver City to Venice and then along to Santa Monica along the boardwalk nearly every day??? And then skate back home??????????? I dont know how we did it but we did.

6- that I hate tags and if you blogtag me I will probably not answer??? lol Absolutely 100% true. I usually ignore a tag but since Melissa is a friend I am humoring her. Are you laughing Melissa?

In return I am tagging-

Maangchi since she has been such a sweet youtuber and blogger in helping folks with her Korean ingredient blog and youtube vids and reads my blog and is super sweet.

Debbie over at One Less Stone who is a dear friend.

Nicole, who used to live in our town but who is now in Europe

Louanne, who is so sweet and whose stitching is always inspiring.

Feel free to add your 6 things or kindly ignore me if you don't like tags lol No pressure. Nope. None at all!

Recipe Blog

2008-06-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

Jackie, Tara and I have started a recipe blog compiling all of our tried and true recipes. I want to go paperless and this is my perfect opportunity! Hop on over and take a look.

Worldwide Visitors

2008-06-11T02:35:00.000-07:00

Angelinas recently visited my blog from Spain and asked if I could add a translator to my blog which I have done. Please pop over and see her lovely quilts and embroidery. I also added a feedjit live traffic feed (scroll down) that lets visitors see where fellow visitors have come from. It really is a neat little gizmo and what I like is that you dont have to go through a lengthy sign up process. It takes all but a minute to put it on your blog. If you want to add it to your blog just scroll down and click on the green feedjit text.

Anyhoo... visitors lately from Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Iran, South Korea, Canada, France, Malaysia, Mexico, China Australia, French Polynesia, Croatia and Hungary are included in the list of International Visitors to my blog in the past few days. And of course I can't forget my dear friends from the good Ole U S of A. Wherever you hail from thanks for your readership and I hope to hear from you via the comments. Don't be shy! Thanks for stopping by my little piece of the web!

Protests

2008-06-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

Lots of protests in Seoul, Daegu and Pusan due to the American beef Controversy. I was just at this location last week and walked into the Debec Dept Store.

“My Mom’s Skin is the Color of Love”

2008-05-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

How sweet. No editorials needed, eh?

Escape of the 비상구 Man

2008-05-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

Ha Ha. This is terribly funny. 비상구 means exit in Korean and someone took the liberty of doing a bit of art improv. =)

In the Garden

2008-05-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Last year, Debbie, Jackie, Melissa and I did a round robin. Has it been THAT long? I believe it HAS- unbelievable but true! It was a special endeavor because we have all been real in life friends and online friends. The theme was 'In the Garden' taken from the Hymn of the same name. The theme name was to bring to mind a peaceful place where you can sit and commune with the Lord. Jackie has recently shared her finished block and how she has put it in a shadow box and it is beautiful. No- stunning is the word. What a precious keepsake Jackie has for her first round robin and I hope to see it in person!

You ladies are great friends and I appreciate you all!

If you would like to hear a great arrangement of the hymm (I dont know this gentleman but can he ever PLAY that piano!)then check this out. =)

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day. If you still have your Mother with you hug her while you can. While she still is here with you tell her how dear she is to you. One of my fondest memories of my Mother is how we would sit next to each other- side by side- and how she would hold my hand. Sadly my mother can no longer do that or remember those moments and when I see her and sit next to her I can only do the same. Not including the Love of God there is no love as strong as the love of a Mother.

Bibimbap

2008-04-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

A short walk from the home is an all you can eat bori-bap restaurant where you make your own bibimbap. They also have a hot line but I did not take a picture of it. =(

In the bottom of the bowl you put sesame oil, rice or barley (barley is better imho)various vegetables such as bean sprouts, lettuce, various Korean vegetables that I dont know the name of (if anyone can tell me the name of the brown veggie please do) and put a dollop of gochujang on the top. To eat it you mix it all up so the sesame oil and gochujang permeate every bite. Yum. One of my favorite foods.

This soup is called Denjang Chigae. Another one of my faves. Can you tell I am no respector of persons when it comes to food? =) Usually it is made with a seafood broth, vegetables such as zucchini, onion, green peppers sliced, soybean paste and tofu added for good measure. It is very delish and is a meal in itself with a serving of rice.

Eek! My mouth is watering!!!

If you want to learn how to make Korean foods please look up MaangChi on Youtube. Very sweet lady and will answer all questions too!

Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

I have been contemplating on our Upcoming Easter Services. Many folks focus on the Passion of the Lord, and while that is a good thing, it also isn't the rest of the story! I've read the back of the Book! Jesus rose from the grave and is victorious over death, sin, and the Grave! He is risen!!! I am so thankful to be a Christian and to serve a God who is a GREAT GOD!

Happy Easter to all! I hope you take time to contemplate on the true meaning of Easter!

Pen Pals?

2008-03-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have a friend here who wants to find penpals for her kids so they can brush up on their English and learn about various Cultures. Her son is 16 and her daughter is 10(American Age) If you know someone of the appropriate age(perhaps a family member) that would like to correspond with these two, please drop a line in the comment section and i will pass it along.

Cough Cough- more yellow dust

2008-03-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

More Yellow Dust and this time it is BAD. Yesterday was so hazy and you can see the yellow in the air. Last night it was dark out and you can STILL see the yellow haze in the air. The dust was at the highest levels that many Koreans can ever remember. You can see the chart here. There is a dust concentrate number and it is at the highest level possible. -All you wanted to know about yellow dust. Time to break out the face mask. Yeah I know it looks like I have the plague but I just dont care. =)

A Korean Treasure lost to fire

2008-02-10T14:28:00.000-08:00

Namdaemun Gate in Seoul is the number one National Treasure in Korea. It was originally constructed in the 1300's and is the last wooden structure from the Choson dynasty. Some sorry excuse for a person set it on fire last night and it burned down to its foundation. Call me mad. No livid. I can't believe someone would do something like this. A terrible tragedy.

My New Toy!

2008-01-24T23:55:00.000-08:00

Been saving my nickels and dimes for quite a while now. I have been researching the prices on the net AND going to many guitar/music stores in the Taegu/Waegwan area. I bought Korean since I live here and the quality of workmanship is very good! (You can see the specs at the last pic posted here) The sound is beautiful and it just rings out. What a difference between this and my old guitar! And............isnt the abalone inlay just gorgeous???????

Bloglines or Google Reader?

2008-01-20T23:18:00.000-08:00

If you are reading this blog via bloglines or google reader what you just recieved via your account was a figment of your very vivid imagination. lol.

Kidding kidding. Wrong post to wrong blog... =)

2008-01-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

In front of the home we have a sewer and it is covered with a plastic cover. The cover is very lose and unstable. Looks innocent enough...

Friday night- it was late- I was walking across the grass (?) and stepped on the lip of the plastic. On the edge!

It is about four feet from the ground to the water. God only knows how deep it is.

Imagine to my horror when my leg went plummeting into this hole. Thank God I had managed to get my other foot on the other side and didnt fall in. But I went in past my knee as evidenced by the injuries on my leg. All weekend I have been thanking the Lord for His safety.

Oh yeah- my shoe is in there somewhere.....

First thing on the agenda is buy a sidewalk slab to cover that thing. Cheap flimsy plastic aint cuttin it. Something permanent is definitely in the works.

... Still Praising the Lord...

Merry Christmas to You and Yours!

2007-12-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

For unto you in the city of David a saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:11-14

Merry Christmas!!!

Beaded Spider Web

2007-12-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

For all you stitching folks please don't fall out of your chair and bump your head when you see that I am actually going to post some....drum roll please.....STITCHING! Yeah, I know- it has been too long!

I pulled out these blocks and did a bit of beading on the spider web. Not alot of work but I beaded the spider weband it took about fifteen minutes. =) Not bad for a start, right? Here is the end result-

EEeek! My profile at left says I live in Afghanistan! How in the world do these things happen????

A Brawl in Korean Parliament???

2007-12-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

Yup- sure enough. I am able to experience Korean presidential elections for the first time and was quite surprised. Here is the reason why.

In Loving Memory of my niece Gisela

2007-12-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

This is a memorial set up for my niece by her friends. And a MySpace account too. It is still hard to believe that she is gone. Our memories of her are dear and I know that she will live forever in our hearts.

Maangchi's Korean Cooking

2007-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

I love Kimchi! I found Maangchi as I searched for a video on how to make Kimchi. Cookbooks and written recipes are wonderful but when you are making something new and not familliar to you it is nice to have someone to show you or to have a video if you are a visual learner. Maangchi is sweet, makes it look easy AND answers all questions I have asked her. She is the Julia Child of Korea! Hi Maangchi!

Jagalchi Fish Market

2007-12-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

This is the largest fish market in Korea and let me tell you... it IS HUGE! And no, we didn't have the guts to eat any of it raw!

Our Trip to Busan

2007-12-04T14:48:00.000-08:00

Tara and I went to Pusan on the redeye train, (is there such thing as a redeye train???) spent the night and went sightseeing early the next day. We had a blast! Here are the pics to prove it!!! This was our view of Pusan from the train station in the morning. Very Beautiful! More to come...

Meeting Melissa and Wendy

2007-12-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

I know I am playing catch up on blogging here- I got to meet Melissa and Wendy on a Sunday afternoon while in California. We had so much fun- sharing our stitching, tatting and general chatter. Funny cuz when I saw Melissa in the parking lot I recognized both she and her husband INSTANTLY! Fun, eh?

Vintage Apron Hanky

2007-12-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

Carol has a neat tutorial on her blog on how to make a vintage hanky apron out of four hankies They are so pretty! Jump on over take a look and comment too!

On the wrong train

2007-12-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

We got stranded at (the newly remodled) Gumi Train Station a few months back (yours truly put us on the wrong train which is something that I bragged would never happen---is the moral of the story to never to brag or to never listen to your wife??? lol) and I was playing around with the features on my new digital camera.

Thank You!

2007-12-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to thank everyone for their condolences and prayers. They really made the difference and I truly appreciate it. You all really made my day/week/month and it is so precious to know that my friends are praying for me.

(((hugz)))

Life is Precious

2007-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Dave's dad passed away on Thursday. From the time he started feeling sick and went to the hospital until the time of his passing about one week had passed. Life is precious. Time is short.

When it rains it pours...

2007-10-22T23:57:00.000-07:00

While visiting here in Los Angeles for my niece's funeral we heard news of my father in law becoming ill and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Dave is coming to the States so we can visit with his father and his wife this week n Phoenix. Please keep them and us in prayer.

Please pray...

2007-10-13T23:32:00.000-07:00

I recieved news that my niece was killed in an auto accident on Friday night. I will be traveling to be with my sister. If you could please pray with me for she and her husband during this difficult time I would be grateful. A life was cut short- one with purpose and desire in her twenties. It truly is a shame.

Rain and a conversation at the market...

2007-09-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

This is day ten of rain rain RAIN!!! The weather was at about a hundred degrees ten days ago and it has plunged to mid 70s and I am FREEZING!!!

I went downtown to buy a watermelon the other day. In the back of the ajeoshi's truck were different size watermelons with various prices. I pointed at one pile and asked, "How much are those?" Three thousand won he replied "How much are those?" Four thousand won". Then he looked at me without missing a beat- I kid you not- and asked me, "Do you have a husband???" It was hilariously funny. Where are husband's when you need 'em? Mine was in the car waiting for 'yours truly'.

SP Update

2007-08-11T16:27:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give a quick update. I have had no time for stitching but plan to today. =)

I have lost almost 35 pounds with Little Debbie over at Spark People. Here is a recent pic of me with a jacket that used to fit me. Please dont find TOO much fault with the pic. lol. It was near to 100 degrees and I was cleaning the house and my closet- and it is a wool jacket. Hence my ugly hair and sweat on my brow.

Yeah Yeah- I know these look like before and after pics- lol- but here is one of the latest nice pics too. If this is a before and after contest I think I win. =) Gotta keep it real!

Computer Virus- It ain't fake!

2007-07-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

I am NOT one to forward email virus or spam but I am passing this along cuz I checked it out at snopes and it is true. I have received about twenty of these in the past 5 or so days. I would urge everyone to not open any attachments to whom you do not know the origin.

Here is the url if you want to check it out. at snopes.com

I'll fly away!

2007-06-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank everyone for the kind comments on my blog. I haven't been very consistent with blogging and it is so nice that you folks still drop by. =) (In the tone of Gomer Pyle- "Surprise Surprise!!!" =0 I haven't taken the time to thank each one individually and will do so now. THANKS!

I am sitting her in Seoul killing time on our layover from Taegu flying into Seattle. I have my embroidery to keep me occupied. Argh! I hate layovers!

Well, I have dropped over 30 pounds (since the latter part of March) when i REcommitted to a healthy diet and lifestyle at Sparkpeople.com. (Who HASN'T fell off the wagon??? lol) I have gone down three dress sizes and feel so much better about myself. I cannot say it was easy- at times it was difficult to try to squeeze in time to exercise to an already busy schedule but I can say it was truly worth every bead of sweat! I have about thirty more pounds to go and I know I can do it! It also is a great help to have a husband who is SO supportive!

See you folks when I get back!

Spot of Tea?

2007-06-18T23:13:00.001-07:00

This is for our Pincushion Swap over at the Hand Embroidery Group. The center motif is from a piece of Korean hanbok silk that they use for the Korean traditional garments.

I hate doing things the last minute and this one was done just that way. Remind me to never work like this AGAIN! Nothing like a little fire to get me moving! I hope to have it in the mail tomorrow!

Seoul Station- the old and the new

2007-06-11T02:29:00.000-07:00

When we lived in Korea last time the Old Seoul Station was the train station we used in the largest city in South Korea. It is a wonderful place. Built in 1925 and originally called Keijo Station and later renamed Seoul Station in 1947, it is a place of hustle and bustle and is a great place to people watch- that is, when you aren't running to catch a train. LOL . Lots of hawkers and evangelist greet you as you exit the train station. You can hear singing of gospel preachers and singers and pan pipers playing from different countries with lots of folks gathered around. I really love it. It has such a wonderful nostalgia to it.

And here is the new Seoul Station. I must admit I like the old better. They sit right next to each other. Old Seoul Station on the right and New Seoul Station on the right. I hope they never tear down the old.

How can I NOT resist? Great photo point, eh???

Delightfully Crazy

2007-05-19T01:46:00.001-07:00

Thought I would share this link to Delightfully Crazy. What a wonderful Victorian Tassel Doll she has given a tute for.

Cutie Patootie!

2007-05-19T01:19:00.001-07:00

The Ubiquitous Kimchee Pot!

2007-05-19T01:11:00.000-07:00

Tulips!

2007-05-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

We went to Pyeongtaek flower festival (just us gals) last Friday before our trip to Seoul. Good Fun! More flowers and pics to come!

Slower then a Turtle!

2007-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here's more work on Jackie's block... I know I am slow. Super Slow! Possibly one more seam and then it is time to send it on.

More of Jackie's block

2007-05-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

I did this seam a few days ago and really like the simplicity of it. =)

This is Melissa's work on the same block. Just Beautiful! There is so much work on this meandering motif!

I worked on this yesterday. Since Jackie's block has such a Victorian feel to it I think a fan fits perfect. I hope you like it Jackie. Your block is so beautiful!

Kind of Rusty!

2007-04-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

I picked up a needle yesterday and stitched a few seams on Jackie's block. How rusty I have gotten at stitching. I also stitched a beaded feather stitch I will post tomorrow.

Still Sparking...then and now

2007-04-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well, 17 pounds later- this is before and now. (I know it aint the best pic in the world but it definitely gets the point across)

Busy!

2007-03-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

What a time I have had lately! I reformatted my compter and could not set my blogger account to English. Before it would sometimes revert to Korean and I could navigate through it pretty easily to change it back. No problem. This time I could not access Korean and so could not post. I finally figured it out today. I could not even leave comments on other people's blogs which was pretty frustrating.

I haven't done much stitching lately. I wanted to start this week, but life has had a way of passing me by. Hopefully this week- I can't believe it is Friday already.

Keep posted next week. I should be back. I have toyed with the idea of stopping blogging altogether but have made the decision to try and pull off a little stitching time- even if it is just a few minutes every week.

I have been really focusing on getting healthy and losing weight. I have lost about 13 pounds so far and am very excited. =) Unfortunately, the hobby of embroidery is sedentary and doesn't promote much activity. Bummer! ;)

Thanks for all of your kind comments. I apologize for not being able to answer them. I hope all is well with everyone!

Stay tuned!

Attention FW owners and CQers! Giveaway/Door Prize!

2007-03-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Julie sells Vintage Singer Featherweights and their attachments on ebay (I have purchased from her) and is offering a giveaway of zig zag attachments and cams for a 221 or 222, Vintage hand embroidery booklets and a pillowcase made from reproduction CQ cheater fabric trimmed with vintage hairpin lace.

There is a tiny catch- you have to tell of a story of how you came to crazy quilt or of a crazy quilt in your possesion as long as it is crazy quilt related! You can also send photos of your work or of your precious vintage CQ.

Please pass this along to any/all of your CQ friends.

Auction number 150102577789 on ebay

http://tinyurl.com/2lxgc5

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150102577789&ru=http://search.ebay.com:80/150102577789_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8QQfviZ1

A Hair Raising Experience!

2007-03-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

Anna Clifford was pulled over for drunk driving after police saw her vehicle weaving on the road. Was she truly drunk or was it wind resistance against her 18 inch mohawk syle 'do' while driving with her sunroof down?

And I thought I use alot of hair spray! ROFL!

Just an average ordinary day???

2007-03-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

A scary thing happened to us yesterday. We were out and about and a lady who has come out to church invited us into her home. She speaks very little English and the same is true of our Korean. She showed us pictures of her son's marriage and of her beautiful granddaughter (who by the way is a doll!) She had brought us out something to drink which was grape juice and aloe water that is delicious. My husband drank the aloe water and commented to me that something was VERY wrong with that drink. He said his mouth was burning, his throat was burning and on down into his belly. Something was really wrong here. We left a few minutes later and by the time we got to the car on the ground floor he was clenching his stomach. By the time we got home (four minute drive) he was vomiting in the parking lot. Scary! He told me to go back to the ladies house and get the bottles that contained the drinks because we were going to the hospital. How do you diplomatically say your husband is at home puking his guts out after you gave him something bad to drink???? Not an easy task! Thoughts of the granddaughter pouring chemicals or bleach into the cup and winding down my husband's gullet crossed my mind.

After two hours at the hospital my husband's stomach was medicated, neutralized and back to normal. The ladies' husband called later that day to find out if everything was okay feeling pretty horrible about the whole situation. Definitely something that doesn't happen everyday.

Still Sparking...

2007-03-05T04:43:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while...

Still counting calories and focusing on being healthy and exercise. =) I know I fell off the wagon and just recently got back on. The scale has been slowly budging but results are better in the area of measurement. From the very beginning (when I originally started in December) I have lost a total of 12 inches.

I hope to get back to CQ soon... I do miss sitting down for a few minutes, relaxing and stitching.

Getting Healthy with Spark People

2007-02-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

It seems as if time has gone on ahead leaving me in the dust. There has been no time for stitching or much of anything else besides day to day stuff.

I am back on the wagon as far as dieting and exercise is concerned so that has taken up a chunk of my time. Spark People is an incredible aid in losing weight. It is similar to Weight Watchers but it is completely free and you don't have to buy specific foods for their program. You also don't have to buy a membership! If you sign up at SP, leave a comment on my blog with your e mail address and I will send you the link to my spark page.

I am trying to focus on consistency... to those around me I am constantly saying how I need to lose weight and I am off a diet, on a diet, off a diet etc and I am really sick and tired of those words coming out of my mouth. Did I mention how sick and tired of hearing those words come out of my mouth??? lol. It is so frustrating! I don't want to spend my adult lifetime overweight. So my goal for now is that I am trying to be consistent. =)

My consistancy comes in a few areas---

1- Watch what I eat. I am not forbidding any one food but I only want to eat a higher fat food if I have done good in the past. No more eating on 'credit' where I have to make up for it in the future. When I do that I usually give up.

2- Step at least 10,000 steps on my pedometer daily. That is my minimum goal. To hit 10K I have to actively do some exercise and/or go for a walk. For the past few days I have hit 15K. My all time record was 22K. I am so glad that spring has sprung!

I hope to post more this week for stitching. See you then!

Finished!

2007-02-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

I think I am finished. I don't think there is anything else that I could add.

I added the heart and key and did the herringbone stitch directly above it.

I wish I had a scanner so I could get the full block in one shot.....but so you can get an idea...

ITG RR-Melissa's Block

2007-02-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

More work on Melissa's block that I did this evening. Instead of leaving the paisley motif plain, I added some colonial knots to the motif. I think it helps pull the motif and the block together more.

Dahling- My eyelashes are NOT fake!

2007-02-16T00:31:00.000-08:00

This is our neighbor's dog who has eyelashes that are at least an inch long! He is a cocker spaniel/shih tzu mix and has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen on a dog! Her name is baby girl.

Playing with Picnik

2007-02-14T23:13:00.000-08:00

Sharon mentioned Piknik photo editing on her blog and I was surprised how easy it is. These were from the same photograph but I played with it and now they are a tad different. I like the effect. I think they will be adding more features in time. Wouldn't it be nice if we could make ovals and circle photographs instead of the same square and rectangular ones? I have already e mailed them and asked them and maybe if you do too they will consider it. =)

ITG Round Robin- Melissa's Block

2007-02-14T06:40:00.000-08:00

The details in the first pic were done be Debbie. =) Sorry it's a little blurry.

Center area of block

I auditioned so many pieces of lace for this area of the block to balance the lace on the other corner of the block but nothing seemed to click. I tried this paisley motif and it just seemed to fit perfectly on the patch.

What can I say??? I love button/seam embroideries cause I think they look so 'vintagey'. The buttons on this seam ARE vintage- approximately 1930's or older. I bought them on the card and they are pretty small- about a quarter inch in diameter.

I hope you like your block as it is approaching its final journey home. I still have the olive green patch to work on and already have some ideas to play around with.

Seam Embroidery on Melissa's block

2007-02-13T20:23:00.000-08:00

This is Debbie's seam on Melissa's block. So pretty!

And this is Debby's work on another seam- so delicate!

In the Garden- Melissa's Block

2007-02-13T01:19:00.000-08:00

Isn't it beautiful? =)

This is Jackie's work on Melissa's block. Her work also includes the motif meandering down the seam towards the bottom.

I love the little birds in the center patch.

This wool (pearl cotton?) embroidery is so pretty and done by Debby L. The varying tecniques on the block are incredible!

This *tiny* little trim framed in silk ribbon is approximately 3/4 inch wide by 1 inch long and was stitched by Jackie

More pics tomorrow...

Blast from the (recent) Past

2007-02-12T03:28:00.000-08:00

I pulled this block out yesterday inspired from Sharon's encrusted class at joggles.com. I think this is the most encrusted block I have ever made. What I really like about it is how it shimmers and shines when the light reflects off it and being a smaller block (less then 8 1/2 square) the patches are smaller and 'overflow' with embellishment. With all of the pastel colors of orange, lavender, greens and pinks it reminds me of ice cream sherberts.

Before and After

2007-02-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

The pic of this block isn't that great but I wanted to show my progress in my SRE. The first pic is of a block I made last year and the one from the last week. =)

Finished Rose Motif

2007-02-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Here's my rose motif all finished. I don't think I want to add anything else. I really like how it turned out. The first pic is the direction it will be on the block but it is blurry so I am adding the second.

TAST and More Stitching

2007-02-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

Leave it to me to not follow directions! I looked at all the wonderful examples that Sharon had on her blog for the TAST challenge and then went to stitching. The truth is I have never stitched the Algerian Eye Stitch or Eyelet Stitch so I should have went back for reference. So I am going to call this a variation. (It needs to be called something else because it doesnt resemble the stitch Sharon challenged us with!) But anyhoo, I still like the result. Now back to the drawing board. =)

I love to use buttons in seam treatments.

I still need to dye that stark white flower... hopefully soon,