A Day Of Remembrance

On a beautiful September day my DS and I visited the National 911 Memorial Museum, which opened to the public on May 21st.  We made the 70 foot descent from sunny daylight into the dimly lit underground remembrance of a day that one can never forget; a visual and auditory unsettling journey into the horror of 911. The descent brought with it the reality of unimaginable loss and deep sadness. There are hundreds of visitors, yet silence surrounds you as submerge yourself in over 10,000 artifacts, 23,000 still images, and 500 hours of film and video. 

36' Steel Column

The last column removed 

North Tower Steel Pillars: Impact Zone

Where the plane hit floors 96-99

Ladder Company 3 fire truck

Destroyed when the north tower collapsed

Vesey Street Survivors' Staircase

An escape route out of the WTC

20' section of the North Tower's Radio/TV Antenna

911 Memorial Quilt
AA Flight 11 and United Flight 175: Twin Towers

AA Flight 77: The Pentagon

U nited Flight 93: Shanksville, PA

A fire fighter from Engine 9 - Chinatown, NY 

The Dragon Fighters lost John P. Bergin 

How sad it was to listen to the last voicemail of a victim.

How difficult viewing a pair of blood stained shoes, the content of victims' wallets, the mask of a burn victim, a name plate from a desk, damaged eyeglasses, American Airline slippers, a fire helmet broken into pieces, the wall of faces: 2,983 portraits of those who died.  

How agonizing to watch a video of the planes on impact, the twin towers collapsing, the terrorist timeline, and by far the most disturbing ~ people jumping...something that brought me to tears and caused me to exit that exhibit quickly. 

It was an overwhelming experience; one that I knew would bring sadness and tears.  A day shared with hundreds of other visitors each one walking the sacred grounds in quite respect, honoring those lost, those who survived, and those who responded. 

Inside the museum one feels frozen in the year 2001. Exiting the museum, viewing the towering 1 World Trade building (Freedom Tower) and the twin Memorial pools, gives one a sense of the resilience, strength, and recovery. 

In the year 2111 not a soul will be alive who witnessed or remember the horror of that day. The National 911 Memorial Museum will forever connect people to this tragedy and ensures that we never forget. 

Thanks for stopping by and

Until next time remember...

We will never forget.  We shall keep this day, the events and the tears in our memory and our hearts and take them with us as we carry on.

A Week in NYC

First I must share with you the wonderful Halloween Exchange ornament that I received from Amy V-M. 

2014 Halloween Ornament Exchange

Designer: Cherrywood Design Studio

Stitched by: Amy V-M

What a cute design and so nicely stitched and finished.  I love the purple fabric that Amy stitched this on. This little gem is now hanging on my Halloween Tree, which I am happy to say is looking much nicer with the recent addition of Halloween ornaments.  Thank you again, Amy!

Here is the ornament that I sent to Amy:

2014 Halloween Ornament Exchange

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: Trick Or Treat Book #188

Stitched for: Amy V-M

I had a great piece of fabric for the backing:

I spent last week in NYC enjoying the beautiful weather, great restaurants, and many sights.  I am fortunate that my DS and his GF live/work in the city and are so nice to let me and little Lily stay with them in their apartment.  They recently moved to the upper west side and are just 2 blocks from central park.  Lily likes this because there are trees and GRASS! 

There was a nice exhibit at the American Folk Art Museum titled, Ralph Fasanella: Lest We Forget.

"Ralph Fasanella (1914-1997) was a self-taught painter who created large colorful and intricate paintings of working-class culture and American politics from 1945 until his death in 1997."

He began painting in 1940 but much of his work went unnoticed until October 30, 1972 when he appeared on the cover of New York Magazine. Alongside his picture was the headline:

"This man pumps gas in the Bronx for a living. He may also be the best primitive painter since Grandma Moses."

I found his life story fascinating and his artwork captivating. Each one filled with vibrant colors and amazing detail. The exhibit runs through December 1st so if you are in the city and you enjoy Folk Art, I would encourage you to check this out.

Bridges

Old Neighborhood

Stickball

"I didn't paint my paintings to hang in some rich guys living room"

(Ralph Fasanella)

Naturally, I spent time in the garment district where I managed to add to my stash of trim and to scoop up a bunch of charms. 

During my visit to the city I dined at some nice restaurants ~ all were delicious. 

-Del Frisco's Grille

- 44 1/2

- Crown

If you find yourself in the upper west side I would highly recommend a trip to Levain's Bakery on 74th street. The cookies are AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS. My DS/GF new apartment is a mere 3 blocks from this little shop. 

My DS and I went to the National 911 Memorial Museum which was quite an overwhelming experience.  I shall save that for another post.

Thanks for stopping by and...

Until next time ~ remember:

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."

Andre Gide

It's That Scary Time Of Year

Well, almost...

Walk into any craft store and you will certainly feel like it is Halloween; the Fall decorations fill the shelves.

The weather is changing; there's a chill in the air.  

The leaves are beginning to change color.

Candy Corn and Halloween Peeps are calling my name.

I have been busy stitching Halloween ornaments.

Here is the HOE Halloween ornament that I sent to Karen K:

2014 HOE Halloween ~ Round 4

Designer: Trilogy

Design: Witchy Witch Broomhilda

Stitched for: Karen K. 

I finished this as a mini treat bag. It opens at the top and is lined with Halloween fabric. 

And the ornament that I sent to Kate R:

2014 HOE Halloween Ornament

Designer: Just Nan

Design: Poor Jack

Stitched for: Kate R.

And the ornament I sent to my dear friend, Carol S. ~ because she is the best!

Designer: Prairie Schooler

Design: Trick or Treat Book #188

Stitched for: Carol S.

How cute is this design? I must stitch this again for my Halloween tree.  
I received this wonderful HOE Halloween ornament in the mail from Karen K:

2014 HOE Halloween Ornament 

Stitched by: Karen K.

This is such a cute design that is beautifully stitched and finished.  I love the ric rac trim. Thank you Karen!!! 

I will leave you with a progress picture of the HAED that I am stitching:

HAED: A Moment To Cherish

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time remember:

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower"

Albert Camus

The Beauty Of Nature

I received my Fair & Square Nature/Outdoor Exchange blocks from Rebecca.  She stitched this beautiful butterfly...

2014 Fair & Square Nature Exchange

Stitched by: Rebecca C.

Her signature block, with the two little bugs, is adorable!  Thanks again, Rebecca C. 

Here are the blocks that I sent to Rebecca...

2014 Fair & Square Nature Exchange

Stitched For: Rebecca C.

Thanks for stopping by and...

Until Next Time:

"Nature does not hurry yet everything is accomplished"