1979 - Jo was 13. This was the year of holidays for Jo! She went on an adventure holiday to Wales with the school where she went pony trekking and tried archery. Then she went on holiday with her Grandparents. Neither had been well and it was felt they needed someone with them in case of emergencies! They stayed in a caravan in Cornwall and Jo was thoroughly spoiled by them. Anyone with sibling will understand the freedom of time away and being The Only One. Later in the summer Jo's family stayed in a caravan in Sussex. A short break in a Derbyshire Youth Hostel with the school completed the year. The school holidays were heavily subsidised to allow children from deprived areas a chance to experience things they might not have done otherwise. Like ponies!
In 1979 I was recently divorced with two boys, 4 and 2, hardly making ends meet and living with my parents... I just started a brand new job - it was an amazing opportunity for growth and it was a great fit for me - I AM STILL THERE!. I was finally making $150.00 a week (seriously that was the deal) and I was able to move out of my parents home and rent a place with one of my closest friends. I actually even owned a car. It was pretty amazing what I could do with $150.00 a week, and two kids, and still feel rich. Writing this little memory reminded me, the best times of my life often were when I had the least.
Selecting the stitching piece to share was a struggle, let me tell you. So I had to go with Halloween. And I had to pick two.
The chart actually does not end after the witch. But I ended it here. Well there really isn't much fabric left under the witch. And, I really don't ever believe I have to follow the chart exactly ever. There is a picture below showing the whole chart.
Have a wonderful, wonderful day, Jo. Seriously for me, life gets better with each decade.
Nice to meet you and learn about you and Jo! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking part in the Birthday Blog Hop and sharing your story too. It must have been tough with two little ones. That was a good wage though and you definitely made the most of it.
ReplyDeleteLove the Hallowe'en stitching, perfect for me!
What a great story and a reminder that the grass isn't always greener in someone else's backyard. Sounds like you did a wonderful job bringing up those two little ones on your own. Congrats to you! I love both of your stitching pieces. Your stitching is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, you accomplished quite a lot on your own raising your children!
ReplyDeleteI love your Halloween pieces, especially the spider!
Thanks for sharing your story along with Jo's. It sounds like you definitely made the most of what you had. Terrific stitching pieces.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing both Jo's and yours stories. And goes to prove that there's always light at the end of the tunnel, so we should always do our best no matter the circumstances we are in :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed finding out more about you (and Jo), and I love the stitched pieces that you chose.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and amazing how different things are now. Love the Halloween pieces!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love your Drawn Thread piece - a green witch with purple hair - very Halloween!
ReplyDeleteHugs xx
I loved to read about you and Jo back in 1979. Of course, a divorce is not a pleasant event but it was great to read how you managed the time after it.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful DT piece that you chose for Jo. I love all the witches by DT.
I'm hopping along on the blog hop. Great post. Thanks for sharing. Love your Halloween pieces. Fantastic choices.
ReplyDeleteYour story is very touching. To be a divorcee at a young age with two young children must have been very difficult. Thanks for sharing.AriadnefromGreece!
ReplyDeleteGlad to visit you, I'm still celebrating Jo's birthday! Great fun and pleasant moments to read all the posts. Amitiés ! xxx
ReplyDeleteLove the Drawn Thread Halloween piece! I believe too that you don't have to follow a chart exactly as they have it; after all it is going to hang in your home.
ReplyDeleteI am slowly hopping through the birthday blog posts. I enjoyed reading your post. This is such a nice thing to be involved in.
ReplyDeleteLovely Halloween stitches. Thank you for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteTwo lovely Hallowe'en pieces, which I am sure that Jo would love. Thanks for sharing your memories.
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