Monday, March 15, 2010

When Irish Eyes are Smiling

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world is bright and gay
When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, they steal your heart away.

On this damp and dreary Monday before St. Patrick's Day I sit here remembering St. Patrick's days past. St. Patrick's day always makes me smile and brings back so many memories. Memories of parades and listening to old Irish songs. (My Mom just loved the Irish Tenors, and the tenor Frank Patterson.) Making sure we all had a green outfit to wear to school. This being one of those holidays we would get a new outfit if needed. You know, Christmas, Easter, First day of school and St, Patrick's Day. The important days. Then I also remember my grandfather Murray and the jig steps that he taught me. The phrases in Irish he would say. My favorite has always been Mo chuisle Póg mo Thóin. (sounds like mah cushla puck a mah hone) He would never tell us exactly what it meant. I later found out. It means "My Darling, Kiss my A##." (Love you Pop!)

I still love the sound of it.


This past weekend was a wet and wild weather one. The Nor'easter that hit Long Island, New York knocked out power to many. Not me thankfully but the lights did flicker quite a bit. The wicked weather also canceled my plans for taking Rory to his first parade. The local St. Patrick's parade. I understand they marched anyway. In 30 to 60 miles an hour winds and rain. Not me! So instead I had Rory practice his posing. And he had a grand old time shaking of his head wear off and telling me to Póg mo Thóin! At least that's what his expression looks like to me.


























Friday brought my HOE LHN/CNN exchange. This came from Lisa. The cutest floss tag. I just love it. She also included a few extras that will come in handy.

And last week my HOE LHN/CNN exchange to Mel arrived. I used part of the design to stitch up a fob to go with the stitchers pocket. The design on the pocket comes from the Something Old, Something New booklet. I had found the most gorgeous quilted fabric at Joanns and had a vision of what I wanted to make. Well, it took close to five hours to finish it and it isn't exactly what I pictured in my head but my partner seemed to like it. I definitely want to use this finishing idea again.









I didn't finish Simply Live. Almost but not quite. I got caught up in a new LHN design. I just HAD to start this one. You understand I hope.I also didn't get as much done on He is Risen! I am in the process of interviewing dog walkers. Rory's current pupsitter is leaving for Florida in a few weeks. She doesn't know when or if she'll be back. You see her husband has cancer. They found out last October and he has been through chemo. But the doctor is now saying there is nothing more he can do. M (my neighbor) has been wanting to go to their home in Florida for months and the doctors have finally told him to go. My heart breaks for for them both. And I pray that they both find strength and happiness. But in the meanwhile I have to find someone else come to let Rory out when I am at work. So that took up some of my time.

I do have a small finish, Blackbird designs Bluebird. Well, actually it was going to be for an exchange coming up but I was four (Yes, FOUR) stitches from finishing when I realized I was ONE thread off. Can you find where I went off? Since it was way to much to frog. At least I didn't want to frog that much I decided the heck with it and keep it for myself. Sigh. It will eventually be a pin cushion. I hope. So now it is back to the pattern basket to pick out something else to stitch up for the exchange.
So until next time..........

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

-an old Irish Blessing

Love and stitches,
Kathy
and licks from Rory too.

54 comments:

Threads and thoughts said...

I love the pictures you took of Rory, he looks so cute in green!
Lovely stitching also. I studied your piece, but can't find where it went wrong.
Edith

Cynimin said...

Oh Rory is just adorable! And sitting so well with his outfits on. My Holly would be more like the last picture with all of it in her mouth! LOL And very pretty exchanges. I just love that little house pattern. Happy St. Pat's!

Anonymous said...

Rory is so funny in his green. We celebrate St. Patty's as well...I have a HUGH Irish family. The only thing that could make it better would be being back in Ireland. Meagan

Paula C. said...

Your design "modification" is not even noticeable but I know how you feel. My BBD patterns and book should arrive this week and I am very anxious to stitch this one! Sorry to hear about your neighbor. I hope they find some peace in their travels. Rory is adorable and your exchanges are really nice!

Vicky L said...

The floss tag you got is very pretty. The scissor pocket you made is gorgeous. What a wonderful idea to use the flower to make a fob out of it. You did a wonderful job. I have Needles and Threads but havent start on it yet. It looks like it will be a quick stitch. Rory looks so cute in the photos.

Irene said...

Rory looks cute and seems to like posing for the camera. I can't seem to find an error in your stitching, but then I don't have the pattern to compare it to. The exchanges are very nice.

Donna said...

Rory just makes me smile! Thank you for that!
Love the exchange and all the stitching.
My DD and I did get a good laugh when we first saw that pic of Rory. She has always wanted my little Alex to pose, but she wouldn't have any of it!

Natasha said...

This holiday is one I look forward to every year always making sure I have the whole day off from work, errands and household chores :)

Rory looks fantastic in green. Redheads seem to wear green well :) He is such a poser.

I love your KHN finish. I cant wait to take part in the next exchnage :) Have a wonderful day and good luck finding a dog walker.

Emily in NC said...

Rory is just too cute in those glasses. I don't know how you got him to wear those. All your goodies are great as well.

Debbie Jo said...

Thank you Rory for the smiles. Gotta love that special guy you have! Love your stitching too. I am so sorry to hear about your friend and hope they find peace and comfort during this hard time.

Mel said...

Rory is just too cute! :)
Love your exchange and all your projects are looking great.

Barb said...

Oh dear Kathy that Rory ,it was almost a visit to A&E , I thought I would just come over and have a look at what you have done. I have a dreadful virus thing and couldnt stop laughing at that super dog of yours in his St.Patricks day get up,which started off a coughing fit, (i need a diaper I think you call them over there) but i wheezed so much we got a little concerned. Oh what a star!
Love the stitchy bits, but really I only come over for my RORY fix lol.
HUGS for you and Rory and if I was closer I would be over like a shot to pup sit.Prayers for your friend .

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

Rory is adorable.
Love the stitching and what great exchange gifts!

Colleen said...

Rory, You are one funny doggie and a real ham in front of the camera. If you had gone to the parade, you would have stolen the show.

My heart goes out to your neighbors. I am sure their hearts are broken they have to leave you and Rory.

I love your blog & your stitching projects. Thanks for sharing.

ColleenB.

omashee aka Barb said...

Always love Rory, what a ham! Look forward to his antics.
I can't find your error & love your new start. Am waiting for mine in the mail.

htimcj said...

I love Rory! Don't you just love grandparents, just think, you have a very nice way of saying Kiss....!
I also love you stitching.
Heidi-ILCS

Debra said...

The dog pictures are too funny. Your exchanges you received are very nice.

Mzplcdokie said...

I loved reading your blog. The irish sayings were a great addition and what a wonderful memory to share. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face.

Becky K in OK said...

That Rory is one handsome Irish dandy. Enjoyed your stories too!

staci said...

OMG, that stitcher's pocket is Gorgeous!!! What a beautiful and useful exchange!

Rory looks totally ready for St Patty's Day!

Susan said...

Rory is just so cute.
I remember that song very well.
My Dad used to play it sometimes.

DUSTY said...

And is the boy-o named O'Rory after the Irish. He is a dandy in his green.

All of your stitching loks wonderful.

Berit said...

I must say I prefer the pic of the shamrock ears in his mouth rather than perched upon his head, lol.

This is some amazing stitching; both your own and the LHN you received! Thanks for sharing!

Carolyn NC said...

ROFL - love the first picture the most! I actually think he likes the last pic of him with items in his mouth!! Too cute. Lovely story of your granddad. Lovely exchanges, too, both received and given. I don't see a mistake; didn't look too hard, but if I have to really look...well, it's not that noticeable, is it? Nice stitching and start, too. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Stef said...

Thanks for the smile - Rory is so cute in his Irish outfits!

Katri said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We don't generally celebrate the day here in Finland, but in the recent years there have been more and more celebrations organized by the Irish living here and local Irish-minded people.

PS. Rory wears his green beautifully!

Nic said...

THose pics of Rory are just too funny! Love your LHN piece - coincidentally, I stitched that for my partner in the HOE exchange too, but I don't think she's received it yet. My finish wasn't as stylish as yours though!

Alice said...

Rory certainly loves being dressed up. He looks too funny with those glasses. Nice exchanges. ; ) You have quite a few projects going too. All looking real pretty.
Alice

Carissa said...

As always, Rory looks adorable! Your stitchers pocket was a great idea! I have yet to try creating a unique finish like that. And I truly do understand about needing to start your newest one....it looks fun!

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

Rory is the cutest dog I've every seen!
Love his outfits and glasses too.
Your stitching on that LHN looks great to me. I looked and can't find a mistake but I didn't click on the big picture> I know it feels to notice way late a stitch off.
But it's pretty to me!

Tracey said...

Such cute pics!! Rory sure is patient. hee hee.. Your finish and gift are both beautiful! So sorry to hear about M's husband, will keep her and her husband in my prayers.. hope you find a new pup-sitter soon. :)

DJ said...

Kathy, I just love your blog! You find the neatest things to stitch, and as always Rory is so much fun to watch! I hope you find a sitter soon. *Hugs*

Sunshine said...

Rory is so adorable. He so looks the part.Give him some extra hugs and a big kiss on the cheek. Thanks for the smiles and giggles.

Trecie said...

Love the pictures of Rory Glad to hear you didn't get the power outages. Hubby and I have been sick so not getting much done.

Diane Williams said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day sweet Irish Rory!!!! You are a handsome fella in your greens!

Meari said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Kathy. I don't know how you get Rory to wear that stuff, but he looks adorable. :)

Nice exchanges and stitching.

Deb said...

I don't know where your stitching is off - it looks great to me. Wonderful exchanges and love Rory dresses to kill for St. Pat's Day.

Dani - tkdchick said...

What a fantastically finished floss tag you received! You made up a great exchange yourself.

Mary Ivancicts said...

Your dog added a smile to my face! Stitching looks wonderful!

Siobhán said...

Too cute! Rory is adorable in the shamrock glasses. My niece had a pair of glasses with the tricolor on them. I need to see if I can score any before the stock is put away for another year.

Your stitching is lovely, both gifts received and WIPs. I can't see where you're off on the BBD--I'd have kept it as is!

Have a blessed St. Patrick's Day, Kathy, Rory's dog walker and her family are in my prayers.

Nancy M said...

With your heritage and your dog, I bet this is a huge holiday for you!Rory is just the cutest, would love to get my hands on his coat and pet him!!!!! I'm thinking of getting a rescue dog soon. I never had anyone come over before to let my dog out when we were working??? I thought 8 hours was acceptable. I tried to find your mistake, couldn't so maybe it's not noticeable. Your exchange pieces are nice, so similar too!

stitchersanon said...

What a sweetie....and love the stitching. Thank you for the info on corned beef rofl...I knew about the exportation, but shove a plate of that in front of the local farmers and you will get similar language to your dogs rofl.
Wow..family from the East, West and South, a bit like ours. Started at Connemara, to Galway, to Roscommon and finally Dublin before all over the world but not until the 1950s. I would love to send you a little gift from Ireland, independent of my RAK so if you leave your e-mail addy on my comments section, I will delete the comments as soon as I note it down, and can contact you for your details. (Dont worry..wont be a bacon joint lol).
Take care!
G

Charlene ♥ NC said...

Top 'o the day to you and Rory! Lovely stitching and gifting there, Kathy. I see no~thing... your originality; right?

Mylene said...

Cute pictures of Rory!
We have Max here for a while now, the vet said he has tumors in his stomach and we really took pity on him when he is outside in the cold at the owner's house so we took him home with us yesterday again(after staying there for a day). We are giving him soft foods and he does eat it so we will take care of him for a while or until hubyy gets back to see.

Anonymous said...

Very funny the way that you dressed Rory. Lovely finishes and exchanges.

Marl

Nancy M said...

Vonna just posted the same bluebird finish as your piece that you have a mistake in and for the life of me I can't see the problem!!! I keep switching from screen to screen and NOTHING hits me!

MaryT said...

What other color would Rory be wearing on St Paddy's Day??? Love all the progress you have on your stitching also.

Pumpkin said...

Oh my gosh...Rory is ADORABLE!!!! LOL! What a good puppy he is :o)

Lovely finish and what a great idea. The little fob is just too cute.

Your stitching is lovely Kathy :o)

Blu said...

Great pictures of Rory!

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too_busy_to_stitch said...

Lovely pics of Rory :) Those exchanges are great!

Lynn said...

Thank you for commenting on Molly and Marty. I have been reading your blog and love Rory. Wish I lived close, I would walk him. Wonder who would teach my classes. LOL I loved your finish. Lynn

Janaina said...

Lovely parcels both sent and received! Such neat pieces!
Rory... Where do I sign for the "kiss me" list?! =)

Patty C. said...

Beautiful work
I love the LHN "He Is Risen" Design
I have that one waiting for me to start-I think I am much more motivated after seeing yours

Take Care
(P.S. You are entered in my giveaway)