A word about designing cross stitch

I love counted cross stitch and have spent my earlier years buying every magazine that had the newest designs. However, I wanted a design that fitted my life.... and I started designing cross stitch. At that time, late 80's, we did not own a computer, so every thing I designed was hand drawn on graph paper and stitched. I then had so many design ideas, that I started submitting them to magazines and companies. The first sampler I ever designed, "A Precious Baby Sampler" was bought by a company. I was so excited! However, one condition was that they buy the rights to my design and also keep my stitched piece. For the small price of $200 , I signed over my work. I never ever saw the piece printed.( I need to stitch up the sampler now for myself) With the top magazines, I got so many compliments along with rejection letters. I also did not want to sell my rights to something I designed. So I basically quit sending my work out for approval and for a small wage, and started designing and selling privately. A few years later, we acquired a computer, and Sweetie bought me PC stitch. It is great and I love it. However, I still keep my graph paper, and colored pencils on hand. For me, there is nothing better than to sit in my favorite spot, drawing up my designs.It's the same with reading. I would much rather curl up somewhere with a good book, than to sit and read it online. {: Sometimes, I will take what I have drawn and change it over to PC stitch, but usually, I stitch straight from my hand drawn work.

This is a sampler I made of our home life in the 90's.
Don't you love the hearts coming out of the chimney? {: Now that we have moved to the country and live in our beautiful country home, I have drawn up the picture, but have not yet stitched the sampler. I am not sure if I want to cross stitch it or elaborately embroider it. Of course there will have to be chickens and ducks on this sampler.LOL. I have been working on a cross stitch rooster for the longest time. He is from a kit I purchased and is only half done. I will post him at a later date. Besides samplers, I love cross stitched hand towels and baby designs. But I have to say, my passion is hand embroidery. Do any of you cross stitch? What are your favorite kinds of designs?