Hoop Up!

I realize, as I've been working on the final block for Hoop Up! Stitch & Send Swap, that it's been a while since I shared anything new in that department!

My last block is for Missy. Her theme is Nursery Rhymes...I love "Hey Diddle Diddle" so it was easy for me to choose what to stitch for her.


I'm pleased with it so far, but have some outlining still to do and also some filling in.

**05-04-2010, edited to add** Finished and on it's way to Missy!

The next two blocks are finished and have already made the trip to their new homes...

For Cathy, a fairytale-ish woodland theme:


And for Nicole, a Paris/or France theme:



Two others in our group have added to Nicole's French street scene---a florist's shop and a pet grooming salon---what fun!!

This has been such a great group of stitchers! We all agree how much fun we've had and how sad we are to see it coming to an end. The deadline for finished blocks is April 30th. Maybe there will be a Round 2?

Marilyn

More Miss Frenchie's

A few more pictures from Miss Frenchie's April in Paris show...


and a look at my purchases. These adorable Bingo cards are


from Beth's booth.


Next to Beth was Karla's booth where I bought a pretty flowery tray.


And on the tray are two French chocolate cards purchased from Gwen (French by Design at Mission Road Antique Mall).


Mary and her sister were there Friday night too.


Mary and I swapped ATC's recently. She sent me this one using a lovely opera singer image. I love it!


Mary is an incredible artist and does awesome collage work! You really should check out her blog if you haven't yet been there!


She wrapped my ATC in lace and ribbon and mailed it in one of the delightful
envelopes she creates--a gift in a gift:) Thanks VERY much, Mary!

Marilyn

Miss Frenchie's

What a fun evening...Shawn and I went to Miss Frenchie's April in Paris Show. I bought just a few small items but there were so many beautiful pieces that caught my eye!











And these were just a few of them.....(sigh)

Marilyn

Paris Flea Markets

After my trip to the holiday market on Saturday, I found myself remembering my visit to France 15 years ago. I was there for two weeks and stayed with friends who lived there. There is a real advantage to visiting anyplace with locals as your guide. They know where to go and how to get there and, as was my case, can be a real help with the language--my French was pretty basic.

After Saturday, I recalled my visit to one of the Paris flea markets in Saint Ouen. I pulled out my box of photos and memorabilia to see what I had from my flea market experience. I found a brochure and a couple of photos that I've scanned here.





It was fun to remember that I had really been there, kind of surreal, actually. Globe-hopping travel is not something I do (although I think Rick and I would have a wonderful time giving it a try) so this trip really was once in a lifetime.

I was thinking that it's unfortunate that I only have two photos, but 15 years ago was pre-digital camera and I wasn't in the habit of taking as many different shots back then. I also think that we went to the flea market a day or two before I was to leave and I had already taken hundreds of pictures during my stay. I don't recall buying anything either, also because it was late in my visit and my luggage was already going to be full with earlier purchases. But I have my memories and I feel lucky to have made the trip.

Thanks for letting me share a small walk down memory lane...and, by the way, there was a woman in my photos that looked a lot like me, except she was 15 years younger and 15 years thinner...time does fly!

Marilyn