Mystery Feather

My son came home today with the prettiest feather he found on the road.
He handed it to me, and I wasn't able to identify what type of bird it might have come from. It has the most beautiful golden yellow color, with the tip of the feather being black. I surely would love to see what bird this has come from!
I will have to take some time and research birds of North Carolina and perhaps I can find out what bird this might be from.
Do you know what bird might have feathers of this coloring?

**Edited to add:

The feather measures 4 and 1/4 inches tip to tip
and 3/4" at the widest part.

Thank you to one of my blog readers, The mystery has been solved!
This feather is from a Northern Red Flicker

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Everything That Is Loved...

Is Beautiful!

This is a freebie design by "My Nifty Needle".
I just had to stitch this one up, it was so adorable. This one is stitched on 32 count lemon whip lugana using DMC threads.
Sadly, it seems as though she has deleted her blog. I hope she returns one day to design again. Cindy found the freebie link Cached for this one, thank you Cindy! :)

Here it is:
Everything That Is Loved

If you would like to get the "Be My Valentine" Lacy heart freebie That this designer had at one time, Here is the link, but I do not know how much longer the link will work for you. I suggest you get the freebie while it is still available. I am sure it will be gone soon.
It really is pretty!
Valentine Freebie


Raggedystitches,

Wonderful Getaway!

My husband surprised me with a wonderful getaway to the North Carolina mountains.
We had a lovely time, we didn't want to leave!
The scenery was breathtaking, and the waterfalls were stunning.
It is something that I will never ever forget. I am so glad we had this opportunity to visit such beautiful mountains!

To see such grand beauty, you know there is a God!
Raggedystitches,
Louise

Why go to Church?

I have been asked this question a time or two.
I truly enjoy going. I feel a closeness to God, even more so than I do at other times. I enjoy sharing in the celebration of the Eucharist with other Christians during mass also, When praying the "Our Father" and holding hands with each other. Wishing each other peace..
It is not just spending an hour for me..it is cherishing wonderful time on Sunday's with my family and our Lord.
It is dedicating time to our God and all he has done for us.
It is asking forgiveness. Asking for prayers for others, or perhaps for myself.
I love my Catholic church, and everything about it.
I have found a page on the internet with some good reading..

Why should you go to Church?

You go to church :
As an expression of your love for God
It builds up your spiritual strength
It builds special presentation of the Lord's presence
It provides fellowship with other Christian's
It is an act of obedience to God
It provides accountability to spiritual leadership
It combines our spiritual strength in prayer
It honors the Lord's day

If you click the link above, you can read further into this if interested. I hope you might be a little bit interested!

:)

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Bless Our Home

This is something I finished up this morning.
It is a Lizzie Kate Snippet design called "Bless Our Home".
I have stitched this on 28 count New Khaki Laguna. Thank you Avona for gifting me with such beautiful fabric to stitch on!
This was such a fun stitch.
I used DMC threads.

Can't wait to frame it and display it :)

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Stitching Friends Meet!

Years ago I joined in on a secret Pals cross stitch group. I was paired up with a very special person. Little did I know how much our friendship would grow over the years!
When her name was revealed, I was overjoyed to remain friends with her and we continued to keep in touch regardless of the many miles that always were between us. There was in instant bond of friendship. I believe God played a hand in pairing the two of us together!
We must know each other at least 13 years through emails, letters, cards and phone calls. All this time, getting to know each other and our friendship has grown. Sharing milestones with each other, happy times and sad times.
It is always such a special treat receiving a package from Jackie in the mail!
She always sends the BEST stuff!! :)
Well, the day has finally arrived.
Her husband was traveling with his job, and it just happened to be in a location not too far from our town. I was delighted to know that there was that possibility that we could finally meet after all these years!
I couldn't wait for the moment to arrive.
It was like family was visiting me :)
That is really what Jackie and her family is to me.

We had a wonderful time. I had invited them for dinner and dessert.
Jackie surprised me with the most beautiful gifts that she made on her sewing machine. I couldn't believe my eyes!
They are the most beautiful table toppers that I will treasure forever.
She gave them to me as a housewarming gift for our new home. They will look absolutely perfect in my new dining room. Thank you so much Jackie!

Jackie, I look forward to when we can be together again one day. You are so very special to me and always will be. I am so glad that I was able to meet your husband too. What a great guy!
You must tell him "thank you" for bringing you all the way here to meet me :)

I don't have to ask how long I will be friends with Jackie...for the answer is "Forever" :)

Friends are truly the family you choose!

Raggedystitches,
Louise

Friendship Begins

I still stitch!
This is a cute Lizzie Kate design I have been wanting to stitch for the longest time now. I finally finished it off and framed it.
Stitched up on 32 count Lemon Whip Lugana with DMC threads.
"Friendship Begins" By Lizzie Kate Designs

Raggedystitches,
Louise