A Gift from a Happy Author

Yesterday I received this book as a thank you from an author whose book project I’m managing. He remembered—from a short discussion we’d had months ago—that I wanted to read it, and so he sent it as a sign of gratitude for our work together. I’m so touched by his thoughtfulness and I really work with the best people. I love my job!

(Following links on this blog may result in my earning a small fee. As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

Derpatologist

[crossposted on social media]

Watching Svengoolie, the movie is Ssssssss (with Dirk Benedict) tonight. In one scene, an alleged herpetologist just referred to some snakes as not poisonous. 

Me: Nonvenomous!! Venomous!!! Not “poisonous.”

Fred: To be fair, perhaps it’s also not poisonous. You could maybe eat it and not die. 

Me: (putting side my horror at that thought for a second) Anyway, some herpetologist he is. 

Fred: More like a “derpatologist.”

This has been a snippet of my life with Fred. 🤣

(Following links on this blog may result in my earning a small fee. As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

New Beachy Cross-Stitch Project

A lot of people started this project at last weekend’s beach stitching retreat, but I wanted to spend time setting it up. Doesn’t everyone organize a new project on a Saturday night? I plan on stitching during Svengoolie tonight and am excited to begin! What are you working on? 

Retreat-exclusive from Finally a Farm Girl

Sweet floss drops from Cottage Cat Designs

Fabric from Barefoot Needleart

(Following links on this blog may result in my earning a small fee. As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

A Death in Diamonds

I’m reading a really good series of books by SJ Bennett. This is Book 4, A Death in Diamonds. In this series Queen Elizabeth II solves mysteries, palace intrigues, murders, etc., by utilizing her most trusted staff member, her Assistant Personal Secretary, as her eyes and ears. They’re quite unique mysteries. Books 1-3 are based in the Queen’s later years; this one features her as a new monarch. I’m binging them like mad! Check these out at your local library, indie book retailer, or favorite online store.

(Following links on this blog may result in my earning a small fee. As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

Cryptid SAL - Enfield Horror progress

After a long time in a drawer, I pulled out the Cryptid piece (Witchy Stitcher/Cryptid SAL) at the retreat I went to this past weekend. After ripping out some mistakes, I made some progress in the next rectangle: The Enfield Horror. 

(Following links on this blog may result in my earning a small fee. As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

My First Stitching Retreat

I had an amazing weekend. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. I turned off notifications on pretty much everything, packed a suitcase and a project bag, and toddled down to a resort in Myrtle/Surfside area for the Barefoot Needleart Stitchy Retreat. It was my first stitching retreat and a ton of fun! What better than hanging out with +/- 150 other people engaging in a favorite hobby. 

It was held at the Ellie resort in Myrtle Beach near Surfside. It was a beautiful facility and very comfortable accommodations. We enjoyed the food at the pier and the hotel’s restaurant, too. 

I had a finish while there: Happy Harvest by Frosted Pumpkin, and got some work done on my Cryptid SAL (Witchy Stitcher) and Halloween Delivery (Plum Street Samplers). I also prepped some fabric and thread for upcoming projects. 

A wicked fog rolled in on Day 2 but I still went for a walk on the beach and had some delightful interactions with people. 

Thanks to Memory and Amy and their team for all their hard work and a wonderful event. Thanks to my table mates for making me cry laughing for hours, for the snacks and advice and overall good fun. Thanks to all the ladies who took me under their wings and showed me the stitchy retreat ropes. And thanks to everyone for sharing their beautiful work with us all, especially during the smalls exchange. I’ve already decided to do it again in October.

I couldn’t get the whole room in, but it was a huge event!

Liz brought tongs and …

…made bowls to put snacks in so we wouldn’t dirty our fingers

Sweetest little pincushion I bought while there

(Following links on this blog may result in my earning a small fee. As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)

Guest Announcement: ConCarolinas 2025!

Exciting news to share, now that the paperwork is signed and sent. I’m pleased to say I’ve accepted an invitation to be a guest at the 2025 ConCarolinas convention in Charlotte, NC! This awesome event happens May 30-June 1 at the Hilton University Place. Get your tickets and come out and see us! Link in the comments. 

I’m so stinkin’ excited! Who’ll I see there?

Get your tickets to this fantastic convention HERE.

It’s a multi-genre convention featuring sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal, cosplay, book/author, and other tracks. It’s family-friendly, well-run, and safe. 

I’ll post more information about panels and schedule here once I know them.

(Following links on this blog may result in my earning a small fee. As an Amazon associate I may earn from qualifying purchases.)