Monday 5 August 2013

A Faerie Friend For Red Pixie

Hello again friends, and thank you all for your interest and lovely comments left on my last post - you are all so encouraging and I am really appreciative of each and every message, and of you!

I have been trying to keep up with all your new posts but have been a bit higgledy-piggledy of late! Although everything is fine now I was having trouble typing for a week or so as I burned my left hand - yes, I'm left-handed - and the bandages made things a little bit difficult! Nevertheless, we're all mended and the old skin has peeled off to reveal brand new healthy pink underneath, for which I am very grateful! It was an extremely painful process at the time and I spent a whole night with my hand in iced water - oh, and I must add here - the hospital staff's advice is to never have the water too icy or you finish up with 'freezer burn'! Same difference I suppose when it comes to pain!!!

Another lesson learned - don't lean your hand against a burning hot chimney flue! Have you done any daft things lately?

But, I have not been idle either before or after that nasty incident, so here's a little bit of what I've been spending my time on:

Red Pixie needed another friend besides hedgehog so I set out to see what could be done to remedy his loneliness! Meet Red Faerie, who is very happy to have Pixie as 'bestest'!
I found her in a book which has been on my shelf for quite some time, but I changed her face and hair and then added all the surrounds. I see now that it would have been better to use a lesser thickness of thread for her features - and I may change that yet - but otherwise I'm quite happy with her AND the main thing is that Red Pixie is happy with her! Can you see that she will be a good friend to him?

I also tried out another couple of projects with needle and threads:

Mr Owl is from Aimee Ray's Book: 'Doodle Stitching, Embroidery and Beyond', and Blue Cat was inspired by an ornament my sister gifted me many years ago! I think I'm not happy with the little add-ons around her feet and may make some changes there but thought I'd show you anyway so you know I'm not slacking off!


And we had some excitement recently too! Our elder daughter Tracy had a birthday and our son-in-law arranged tickets for Jeff and I to fly up to Perth for the weekend! It was a total surprise for her and involved a few tears I can tell you! Paul must be congratulated on keeping such a secret - she had no idea whatsoever! We had such a wonderful time together - a bit of a whirlwind of course - but wonderful!

So, whilst up in the big smoke we had a visit to the famous 'King's Park' and took a couple of pics! King's Park is an absolute  must for visitors to Perth - not that we are technically visitors as we lived there for a huge number of years, but it has been a few years since we were actually in the park. Progress is continuous up there - always new plantings, buildings and changes - the staff up there do a tremendous job!

I don't actually have the name of this plant but it looks like it may be related to the Leucodendron.
And the next two pics are of the 'sky bridge' (which is new to me), where you walk over from one area of the park to another; there are glass sides to that particular part of the bridge in the second pic, so the view is not obstructed in any way! Now I have trouble with heights - so - I didn't waste any time in getting from one side to the other! It would have been good to take a couple of pics from up there - but .. ... ... !!!

The next pic is taken from Reabold Hill, which is the highest point on the western coastal metro plain (it's within running distance from my daughter's home - she does it on a regular basis, and it's STEEP)! In the distance you can see Rottnest Island which is a lovely family  holiday destination. The ferry takes about 30 minutes or so from Perth. 
The pic below that one is part of our cityscape taken from King's Park.

Have a look at some of the clever decorative touches at the cafe where we had breakfast on the Sunday morning! They do great food too!

Now then - more exciting stuff! Last post when I spoke about my little embroidery venture and introduced Red Pixie, I received a message from Rachel here and she mentioned Sublime Stitching by Jenny Hart. At the time I didn't know whether this was a book or a site and hadn't got around to checking it out, and then the next day my daughter Tracy mentioned the same thing and sent me a link to the actual site - and yes, there are beautiful books as well! So thank you Rachel and Tracy cause I followed it up and am now the proud owner of Jenny's beautiful threads and some of her other accoutrements! It didn't take long, did it! The order was here in just over a week - what service! And Jenny's site is just wonderful - if you are into this lovely easy stitching style then you might like to take a look here . Look at these wonderful colours and thank you card as well as nifty free gift! You can't beat the personal touch, it's just so lovely!

Before I go let me just show you a lovely parrot  enjoying our back garden a week or so again. Isn't he beautiful - but they do get destructive - they snip off the flowers and just leave them lying there most times!

Wishing you all happy days until next time!

Joy xo

45 comments:

  1. Hello Joy, just popped in and saw your lovely post...and the not so lovely accident you had with your hand. Glad its on the mend!I just love Kings park and glad you had such a nice visit to the 'big smoke' did you see the big baobab tree they transported up form the kimberleys? there is always so much to see in KP! we never have long enough up there before our legs start to ache from all the walking! I love all the new things theyve done and doing to the park!
    That parrot is amazing - the colours so bright. Ive never seen one like it here in the city!
    take care and alos LOVE the new red embroidery...you have been busy! Ive had a long and lovely read and enjoyed it, as your post was quite long! take care!

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    1. How lovely to hear from you again K, and thanks so much for your lovely message! It it a longish post isn't it - and I had more to tell but it'll wait till next time!
      We did see the beautiful Boab tree - it seems to be doing very well too! The park just keeps growing and developing doesn't it - it's really something to be proud of!
      Yes that's a beautiful parrot - I have to look it up so I can put a name to it - but I just wanted to get the post up and running!
      Have a great week!
      Joy x

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  2. Oh Joy,your lastest creation is wonderful love her to bits, also Perth looks so beautiful.oveing the decor in the reasturant you visit,i particuly like the light fittings x

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    1. Thank you so much Joy, I'm so glad you like her!
      Yes, Perth is a beautiful city!
      Aren't those fittings so cool - gosh, someone's imagination has run wild in that place!
      Happy week to you!
      Joy x

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  3. Hi Joy, I really love the embroidery you have been doing! Red pixie is lovely and the little bird is adorable. I will definitely have a look at the site you mentioned. Sorry to hear you hurt your hand, but very glad you are on the mend now.
    Marianne x

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    1. Hi Marianne, and thank you for your lovely message! I hope you enjoy the Sublime Stitching site - it's so helpful and quite lovely!
      Enjoy your week!
      Joy x

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  4. Hi Joy. I am so sorry you hurt your hand. Glad to hear it's on the mend now. You know "I" am in love with your pixie....anything to do with little stitches and I'm all for it! I just checked out the Sublime Stitching...WOW...
    so glad you left a link. I just checked it out an going back for a little shopping, Thank you!
    Take special care of your hand, and I really love your sweet little visitor, he's so pretty. You will never see birds like that hiding in the bushes around here, just the plain red birds blue birds.
    Hugs to you!
    Shari

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  5. Oh it's so good to hear from you again Shari and thank you for leaving such a lovely message!
    My hand is pretty good now thank you, but it was such an encumbrance at the time! I've been very fortunate that it healed so well and quickly!
    I'm glad to hear you've had a look and are impressed with the SS site - go treat yourself Shari - goodness knows you use plenty thread at your lovely place!
    Hugs to you too!
    Joy xo

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  6. Hi Joy! Your embroidery is fantastic! You're very talented with it. I love the new bestie. :) What a lovely trip to Perth, that's such a nice surprise. I am sure you enjoyed it thoroughly. The new embroidery supplies are gorgeous. I am just starting to get into embroidery in the past year or so. I've cross-stitched for a long time but I'm enjoying learning about all the other types that are out there. I love the parrot, it's so interesting to me that you live in a place where birds like that are in the wild! I hope you have a great week. :)

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    1. Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for your sweet message - it's always lovely to hear from you!
      It has actually been years since I did any embroidery worth speaking of, so I'm really enjoying all the learning too - and isn't it wonderful that there's so much out there to encourage and aid us!
      Gosh, isn't it strange regarding the birds - I would never have thought that you didn't have such beauties flitting around you - I must be more grateful for such blessings!
      Wishing you a happy week Jennifer!
      Joy x

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  7. Joy your embroidery is so beautiful. I love the red pixie and the cat too. I have never been to Perth, it looks a lovely place and your cityscape picture is fab.

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    1. So lovely to hear from you again and a big thank you!
      Yes, Perth is a beautiful city with so many wonderful places to visit - especially the beaches and the outlying country areas, but such a long way away from you. It would be nice if the plane trip took only a couple of hours instead of around sixteen!
      Do enjoy your week!
      Joy x

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  8. How lovely that you got to make that surprise visit!

    And my sympathies re. the burn. Having sustained a nasty scald to my wrist a few weeks ago I know how sore it will have been. Look after it for a while yet won't you, that new skin will be very thin x

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    1. Thank you Annie - it was lovely to have that time together and flying there only takes an hour as opposed to around five hours driving, although we do enjoy seeing the scenery on the way. I must add though that it's wonderful to be up above the clouds!
      Thank you for the advice re new skin - I will be careful!
      Wishing you well with your shoulder - a fast healing week!
      Joy x

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  9. Oh my Joy I can see why Red Pixie would be smitten she's a beauty I love her, such a pretty little faerie. I have already put the stitching book on my birthday list so one day will have a little pixie all of my own. Sorry to hear about your accident and so pleased to hear you're now on the mend. King's Park looks gorgeous such a pretty place. I have several school friends that emigrated to Australia and open invitations to holiday there, all I need now is the air fare ... Thanks as always for popping by at The Factory it's so nice to read your lovely comments ... Sarah x

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    1. I'm so happy you love her Sarah, and hope that book comes around even quicker than you expect! I think though that you are surrounded by pixies and faeries already - it does me the world of good to read your lovely posts!
      It's a pity those air fares are so expensive for I'm sure you'd just love a holiday over here: are your friends here in the West or over East?
      Thank you so much for your kindness Sarah, have a wonder-filled week!
      Joy x

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  10. Joy, I am so glad you are back and have us all caught up on your life. So, so sorry about the burn, it sounds just horrible and so painful. Glad you are healing and that you can now do some of the things you love to do. Your embroidery looks beautiful as always, and all of your new threads looks so pretty. What fun to go for a surprise weekend to celebrate your daughter's birthday, it sounds like you have been having a grand time visiting and seeing the sights.
    Hugs to you,
    MEredith

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    1. Lovely Meredith, thank you so much for your very welcome message - I'm always happy hearing from you and feeling your lovely hugs!
      It certainly has been a mixed bag of happenings these past two or three weeks but I think things are back to normal - then I ask myself what is normal anyway! But the happies certainly overtook the sads so all is well and I hope everything is wonderful for you and yours too!
      Hugs to you too,
      Joy xo

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  11. Your posts bring me JOY :) Thanks for taking the time to share some of the news from your part of the world. I too am left-handed. Once ten years ago I stumbled near our wood stove. I caught my balance by touching my palm of my hand on the very hot stove. I put my hand under cool water, but also called a friend who was a nurse. She showed up on my doorstep with some special cream that eased the pain and promoted healing. I was so grateful. I am sorry you were burned, but I'm so glad you are healing!!! I loved seeing the uniquely beautiful things around you, stitching, travels, parrots and flowers, and I love your sense of humor :)
    Gracie xx

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    1. How sweet Gracie! My Mum and several others used to call me Joyful .. .. .. .. .. sometimes!!!
      Oh yes, I can feel your pain resulting from that stumble - the memory doesn't go does it! Your friend was very kind and thoughtful! It was a bit of a balancing act that caused my burn too - ouchy!
      I love reading your posts as well as your sweet messages Gracie, thank you!
      Blessings on your week!
      Joy x

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  12. Hi Mum!
    Your lovely post was a Joy to read! What gorgeous pics - they help re-live the whirlwind birthday weekend. What a fantastic surprise! I'm super lucky to have a wonderful husband who knew how much it would mean to me to see you & Dad! Xx Love your wee faerie.
    ps is the bird an Australian King parrot?

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  13. err, I didn't mean "Love, your wee faerie" but "I love your wee faerie!"
    Hahahaa!
    Trace

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  14. That's so funny Trace - but you are my wee faerie anyway!
    Yes, that guy loves you to bits Trace, and he's also super fortunate to have you too! A match made in heaven! It was such a memorable weekend and did us the world of good Trace!
    I've just had a look in the Birds of Australia Field Guide and think its the Western Rosella - gosh there are so many parrots native to the various States!
    Love you,
    Mum xo

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  15. What a gorgeous post, from beginning to end! Your embroidery is just beautiful - the faerie is so pretty, you are so clever! Love the tiny embroideries, too, such fun! And your visit to see your daughter sounds like a wonderful trip...and the parrot! Makes my woodpecker look rather common, eh? ;-) Chrissie x

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    1. Lovely Chrissie - your sweet messages never fail to cheer me! Thank you!
      Poor woodpecker, never common, they all have their place in our lives!
      Ah Chrissie, it was your lovely inspiring work that got me going down this track and, like you, I'm loving the little stitchy projects - can't get enough of them! I have one of Jenny Hart's embroidery books on its way to me now - I must stop this - no meat last week - no sweets this week - just kidding of course!!!
      Have a wonderful week and I'll be looking forward to seeing your next work of art!
      Joy xo

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  16. Oh Joy what a delightful post. I just wanted to keep reading. I absolutely LOVE LOVE your faerie, it is so special and so beautiful. You should be extra proud for doing such beautiful embroidery. I also love that cat, isn't he just the best?! You are so inspiring and I can't wait to do a little embroidery over the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the link on the embroidery and I am off to take a look at sublime stitching next. Your visit to Perth looked wonderful, what a lovely surprise and how special to have a couple of days together. One couldn't ask for a better birthday pressie. Everything around Perth looks so lovely, we must visit one year. I love those clever and creative lightshades, aren't they just perfect for a café. I am so sorry to hear about your accident, how awful. It made me cringe when I read about it as we had a bad experience when a boiling cup of water landed on little Es and from that point on I am not sure I can deal with burns. You are very brave to have gotten through that. I really hope that the pain has stopped and that the wound continues to heal. Wishing you a lovely week full of wonderful embroidery moments and lots of laughter. Much love xoxo

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    1. Dear Hannapat - what a beautiful message to leave me - thank you so much! You've warmed my heart!
      I hope you enjoyed your visit to sublime stitching - there is so much on that site that I keep going back for more, and Jenny has such a fun way of explaining the stitches and such like. I don't think I've been through all the information even yet! I'm looking forward to seeing your new work when the time comes around.
      So sorry to hear your little one - and you - had such a bad experience with burns; they are such dreadful things and my little episode has made me appreciate much more what really bad burns must do to a person! I am very fortunate in that the skin has healed so well but am now very cautious of heat of any description!
      Take good care and have a really happy week lovely Hannapat!
      Warm hugs,
      Joy xo

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  17. I just love your latest embroidery creations: Red Faerie and pals! What fun you seem to be having! You are creating heirlooms. They are so lovely, will you dare to use them?!

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    1. Thanks so much Sandra - I am having fun even though I hadn't envisioned getting into this subject! It's all you lovely inspirational folks I'm meeting through happy blogging that keep me wanting to branch out and widen my horizons!
      All of these pieces are awaiting finalisation - I don't know whether to frame or add them to some other creative project - it's just so lovely to 'get in the groove' and enjoy fairy land at the moment!
      I am very much enjoying your lovely writings and pics Sandra - your posts are always so fascinating and beautifully presented, thank you!
      Joy x

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  18. How did I miss this! I never miss your posts :(
    Well don't you know all the best people are left handed! I am too hehe.
    Sorry to hear you burned yourself hope your ok now and healing well.
    Nope you've not been idle have you. Lovely new stitchy makes, I especially like the owl...I will give it a go soon, I'm too ashamed to show you my cards as they are no where near as marvellous as yours.
    Your visit to Perth looked amazing what a wonderful surprise!
    The whisk lights are really cool.
    Looks like you had a wonderful visit.
    Always enjoy coming to read here you have a real talent for writing among all your other crafting things xx

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    1. Hello FB - my but you are slow this time - I was wondering where you were, but you know what they say, "better late than never"! I'm always so happy to hear from you and really enjoy your lovely comments. I'm also aware that school holidays are on so most young Mums are being kept busy with their different routines.
      I'm so glad you liked what you saw and hope you do give Mr Owl a go - and I'm sure you can do a beautiful job of him!
      Thanks so much for the lovely things you always say FB - your words do make me feel happy and cheered!
      I hope your week is shaping up nicely for you and yours!
      Joy xo

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  19. Joy, thank you so much for checking u p on me. I am okay. Still recovering from a fall I had that fractured a cheekbone and numb facial nerves are causing some on going problem with hearing and teeth but nothing that is life changing. I tripped over a friends heel and smashed into the road surface with my left temple. It may take me another two years to get back to my blog. I am very busy but life is not such that it inspires me to write about it. I really should do better. We have had a lot of rain as I expect you have as well. Hope you get a nice week end for the flower festival in a couple of weeks. I might drive over with a friend if the sun peeks out. I have never done any stitching work always felt intimidated by it. Your work is lovely and whimsical. Love it. Again, that you. Jennifer

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  20. Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your fall and injury Jen - that must have been dreadfully painful - I actually shuddered as I read your description of the accident. I do hope you are soon fully recovered and wish you the very best.
    I haven't heard about a flower festival - is it in Albany? Is certainly would be a new thing for Denmark, as far as I know!
    This stitching that I have begun is very simple and straightforward Jen - might be good for you to take up a new hobby? The site I mentioned in this post is most helpful if you are interested?
    Wishing you wellness!
    Joy x

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  21. Hi Sweetie! I so enjoy reading your lovely posts! Well...every bit of all of them except for this little part about you burning your poor hand. Ouch!!! Gosh, that must have hurt so bad. Just the thought of leaning my hand on a burning hot flue gives me such quivers! I'm happy to know that you're feeling a bit better and your burn is healing nicely. You poor girl!
    Red Fairie is the perfect little friend for Red Pixie and hedgehog. How cute is she, and your stitching is just lovely, Joy. Owl and kitty are adorable as well and I really like those little bits about Kitty's feet. :)
    How nice of your son-in-law to plan such a surprise! I would have scooted as fast as I could across that high bridge too...maybe even with one eye closed tight!
    How fantastic that you have actual parrots in your backyard! My goodness, he's a beauty!
    I hope your hand continues to improve with each new day. xoxo Paulette :)

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    1. Sweet Paulette - I really enjoy your posts too and your gorgeous cute stitching! Thank you so much for your lovely message and good wishes for my hand - it is nicely healed now thank you, with most of the 'dead' skin peeled off! I am being very careful though, as you can imagine!!!
      It makes me happy that you approve so nicely of my little stitched friends and especially Kitty's little (flowery) bits - I think I will leave them there after all!
      Our son-in-law is a wonderful person and absolutely dotes on our daughter - and she on him, which is always a good thing! And we obviously get on well with him too or he wouldn't want us around, I suppose LOL!
      Our parrots are indeed beautiful Paulette, but they do quite a lot of damage around the place too; most recently it's been our lovely lavender that's suffering from their habit of snipping off and dropping, although I did manage to get a pic of him sitting on the paving with the lavender curled around in his claw - having a little taste before dropping it and flying off! Goodness, am I writing another post here!!!
      Have a wonderful 'rest of the week' lovely girl! xo Joy

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  22. Hi Joy! I'm so happy you tried the bread, it turned out yummy, and that your hubby liked it enough to not want to freeze the second loaf! :D

    Goodness, those pretty parrots do sound mischievous!
    Your Australia does look and sound like such a BEAUTIFUL country. :)

    I hope you have a very fun and creative weekend sweetie pie!
    xoxo Paulette

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  23. Oh my goodness that stitching is improving, when it was already brilliant - so neat. I love your photos too. I am back from holidays with my new cardigan all finished. Jo x

    http://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Hey Jo, welcome back and I trust everything went well for you and yours!
      Thanks so much for your lovely welcome message, and I'll look forward to catching up with you - and your new cardi - very soon!
      Joy xo

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    1. Lovely to hear from you - thank you!
      Joy x

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  25. I'm a bit behind on my blog reading - I'm sorry to hear about your burn, that sounds like an extremely painful accident.

    How funny to find my name and blog link, I'd forgotten about my Sublime recommendation! I'm glad you're pleased with the threads and things. I have a few books of transfers, actually I bought cotton t-towels and ironed the transfers on weeks ago, but haven't started the stitching. This post reminds me I must do so before the light of the summertime goes.

    I really like Kings Park, I'm pretty sure the walk was there last time I went, it's an unforgettable view across to the city, nice to see it here.

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  26. Oh that caught me by surprise...tee hee... Wordpress Australia, actually it's 19th still and 23:00, not 06:00 on 20th! (I need to go to bed probably!)

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  27. Hello again Rachel - I'm a bit behind too with blog reading - still always lovely to hear from you and thank you for leaving your interesting message.
    I've learned a lot from Jenny's book and website, thanks so much for the pointer! I didn't buy tea towels so I'll be interested to see your projects when you get around to them.
    I didn't realise that you had visited Perth, Rachel, it was a nice surprise to read you were familiar with Kings Park.
    You should be asleep by now as I type - happy dreams to you!
    Joy x

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  28. Hi Joy I just found you through Meredith's blog. I saw your picture bcz you made a comment and thought you looked very happy and friendly so I thought to check your blog... And I'm sooo glad I did. I love your blog and all your beautiful work. I'm now one of your newest followers and will be back to visit you again. Go check my little blog if you have some time :)
    I'm now off to check Sublime stitching. :)

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  29. Hi Taciana - what a lovely message for me to receive on a day when I needed a little lift; thank you so much! I am very happy to welcome you as my newest follower and look forward to your visits. I'm off to have a look at your place now. Happy day to you!
    Joy x

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