Fibers

linking up with Wordless Wednesday

{TH} read

too many wips

too many books at one time

and a new magazine

linking up with {TH} read

Yarn

see more at Wordless Wednesday and Wordless Wednesday Bloggers

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

linking up with SouleMama

Get Away

Sunday at The Garden Inn

:: ten things

SouleMama reminded me yesterday of the benefit of looking for ten things that are bringing me joy right now.
So here are my ten, in no particular order:
1. My son playing his guitar, while talking one his phone, and looking up tabs on his computer.

2. My new Fiat 500c convertible. It just makes me happy tooling around town in it.

3. My daughter taking care of a run to the grocery store with NO LIST and doing a fabulous job.


4. Finding a time and place for a little solo get away. Coming up soon!The Garden Inn
5. New yarn! I know I haven't used up all I've got, but I simply couldn't resist.


6. These yummy granola bars that took no time at all to make.

7. This series in USA Today, by my lifelong friend. He is dealing with colon cancer with grace and humor, and sharing it all weekly in 
My Semicolon Life.


8. These baskets I found at Whole Body and here at The Blessing Basket Project.

9. This fabric from Monaluna called fox hollow! Unbelievably cute and adorable. I don't know what to do with it, but I think I'm going to have to have some of it.


10. The Leakey Collection: Beads for Learning. What a great idea for gifts that give twice. I've been wearing mine since I ran across it in the bookstore TN Tech University last week.


As SouleMama says: And you?? What are ten things bringing you joy right in this moment? Write it down, say it out loud, photograph it, or share it with those you love...

Made by You Monday -- New Projects

I don't have anything completed this morning, but I thought I'd show you the latest in-process projects. There's lots of hooky goodness going on, but we are also beginning graduation week for my son. He graduates on Saturday from high school, and later that day, husband and he leave for two weeks of hiking and rock climbing out west.


Project #1 --
a girly afghan for the nine year old daughter of a friend. I'm using this pattern but with only 3 colors.

Project #2 --
a summer weight scarf in some cotton leftovers. Just because.

Project #3 --
a summer weight shawl for me, because it's been a while since I made anything just for moi. I got this yarn on sale from Craftsy. It's cotton and it's my first 2 strand project.

So there you go. Happy Monday everyone and I'll see you next week.


link up at Made by You Monday

Made by You Monday -- Baby Blanket #3

Another week, another blanket completed. This one is for a sweet baby girl who is due any time, I think. A friend of mine commissioned me to make 2 for two of her friends who are expecting.

Made out of Premier Yarns Serenity Chunky Sprinkles (Peekaboo) it measures roughly 30" x 26". I used a K10.5/6.50 mm hook and did a pattern based on April Draven's Sweet September shawl. 

This is one of my favorite yarn/pattern combinations to use. Since the yarn is so fluffy and soft, and has all those colors going on, I don't think the blanket needs any additional fringe or border.

link up at Made by You Monday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . April 17, 2012

Outside my window . . . it is cloudy, with patches of blue coming through. They say we may get more rain.


I am thinking . . . about one of my dogs. Etta is nearly 13 years old, and has been sick. She is half beagle and half dachshund. The vet says it's just an infection, but she's still not eating well. I am worried.


I am thankful . . . for a good day yesterday. Exercise and kinder thoughts toward myself.


In the kitchen . . . last night was tilapia, carrots and green beans. The other night I made a polenta based turkey lasagna. It was quite tasty and I hope to be posting the recipe soon.

I am wearing . . . my summer weight robe, although I'll be changing into yoga clothes soon.

I am creating . . . another baby blanket. This is number 3 in a series of 7. One of the babies was born last week and his parents walked across the street last night with him wrapped in the blanket. What fun!

I am going . . . yoga and then the grocery to pick up just a few things.

I am wondering . . . about cake. My son brought home a bakery cake from his girlfriends Sunday night. I am apparently addicted to bakery cake. I ate too much of it yesterday, so I moved the box to his room to deter myself, but I wandered in there last night a fork in my hand. I need an intervention!

I am reading . . . still working on Mrs. Tuesday's Departure. I'm just not feeling the reading bug right now.

I am hoping . . . for my daughter's interview to go well this morning. She is looking for a intern position for her fall practicum.


I am looking forward to . . . another trip with my husband next week. Now that the kids are grown, it's a nice diversion to drive with him to the eastern part of the state. I get a day to myself and we get some time to just chat -- uninterrupted.

I am hearing . . . birds, my dogs wandering around, and in the distance a siren.

Around the house . . . I am looking for new cushions for the outdoor swing. I want something durable, inexpensive, and fun. I don't really ask that much : )


I am pondering . . . money. We are blessed that dh is well paid for his efforts, but he and I have always had trouble seeing eye to eye on non-essential expenditure, i.e., swing cushions. Not a huge dilemma, but one I would have thought we'd have worked out after 26 years of marriage.

One of my favorite things . . . is completing a crochet project and watching the receiver unwrap it. Handmade gifts mean so much to all of us.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . yoga today, therapy tomorrow, Bible study on Thursday, and a fun/work day with my bestie on Friday.


Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

way back when!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . April 10, 2012

Outside my window . . . it's cool and cloudy. Two bluejays just flew past. My hosta are filling in quite nicely and I'm even seeing elephant ears peeking through the soil.


I am thinking . . . that a round of depression is no fun. I've been really struggling since last Wednesday. I think today may be better. Let's hope so!


I am thankful . . . for my husband and best friend who are good at checking in on me and helping me when I'm struggling.

In the kitchen . . . dh was out of town last night, so the kids and I went to Cracker Barrel. Today I must clean out the refrigerator!


I am wearing . . . black yoga pants and a long sleeved t-shirt. I'm thinking a walk this morning instead of yoga.

I am creating . . . baby blankets still. I finished this one

and now I'm working on 2 more in this pattern and yarn

except this time in pinks and pastels for baby girls. I just started another one for friends who adopted baby Felix a week ago.

I am going . . . to the grocery store in just a little while. I think I've put it off as long as I possibly can this time, and still be able to pack edible lunches!

I am wondering . . . about the difference in dwelling in/on the past, and trying to work through the past. I try not to dwell, but my past is still a source of struggle and discomfort.

I am reading . . . Mrs. Tuesday's Departure by Suzanne E. Anderson

I am hoping . . . to get the shopping done, the bathroom cleaned, and the laundry caught up today. Too much? I hope not.

I am looking forward to . . . more crocheting, although I would like something besides baby blankets  : )

I am hearing . . . silence. The dogs seem settled, dd and ds are still in bed.


Around the house . . . I've been thinking about wanting more than just getting by. I'm just not sure how to implement a change.

I am pondering . . . my need to get back to personal journaling. I've let blogging supercede my personal writing. Right now I don't think that's in my best interest as there are many thoughts that I am not prepared to share with the blogging universe.

One of my favorite things . . . is tea. But you already knew that. My friend brought me more French breakfast tea when she visited last week. I'm rationing it out in the mornings, alternating with English and Irish breakfast teas.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . therapy, Bible study, a cleaning/play day with my bff on Friday. I'm not sure what the weekend will bring, but I'm hoping for a trip to the farmers' market.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

for more moments visit SouleMama

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . February 28, 2012

Outside my window . . . it looks and feels as if spring is here. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. Ds may have to mow the grass this weekend.


I am thinking . . . springtime would be perfect if it weren't for those pesky allergies.


I am thankful . . . for being the mom in the neighborhood the kids gravitate to when they need help. I am the provider of food, odds & ends, and lately, sewing help. American history projects are due this week, and even though ds took it last year, his friends have come to me for help. On the one hand, I can't figure out how I got "stuck" helping sew a 1920's flapper dress and a 1920's menswear placket shirt, but on the other hand it's nice helping them out and seeing and hearing their appreciation.

In the kitchen . . . what with all the historical sewing, we had baked salmon, succotash, and crescent rolls last night. Quick and easy. I haven't even thought about tonight!

I am wearing . . . still in my flannel robe and slippers. 

I am creating . . . still working on that baby blanket. I started it over 3 times I think. I just couldn't find a pattern I was happy with. Over the weekend I got the mojo and found the pattern, so we are under way now.

I am going . . . . to sew and crochet and do laundry. If all that gets accomplished, dh and I make take a walk around the local lake.

I am wondering . . . duty and responsibility, and respect and self-protection.

I am reading . . . The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney. It's an interesting, if somewhat fluffy, read. I'm also reading Ezra for Bible study, Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon, and Lenten devotionals on YouVersion.

I am hoping . . . to keep the interest in sewing once the kids finish these projects. I moved my sewing machine, months ago, to the bonus room where there is more light. This is the first sewing I've done out there and I really like the space. It's open and the machine faces the windows. I have room to setup the ironing board and the ping-pong table is excellent for cutting out patterns!

I am looking forward to . . . the coming spring. I would like to get some yard work done, but I don't know how much my allergies can take : )

I am hearing . . . peace and quiet, which is quite lovely after last evening with the 4 of us plus 3 additional teenage boys in the house.


Around the house . . . I'm still working on that cleaning plan. I have about decided the house won't be clean until the kids move out. Oh well!

I am pondering . . . the round robin nature of this weekly post. Apparently my mind doesn't move far from week to week. There is a certain sameness here. I am pondering if that is good or bad, or is it just life.

One of my favorite things . . . is getting into a project (crochet, sewing, homemaking, cooking -- whatever) that really grabs me. I have decided that for me, the key to enjoying the outcome of most things is about enjoying the process. I've spent a lot  of time pushing through the process without realizing that the process is just as important as the outcome.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . Another class at Kundalini Rising Yoga as last week's was good (an interesting story that I'll share later). Otherwise it's finishing the American history project (no I'm not doing it all myself), crocheting, housework, Bible study, exercising -- there's that repetition I was talking about earlier!).

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

baby blanket progress

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Made by You Monday -- Sweet September in Parrot

This has been my go to shawl since I completed it this past August. I have always had an affinity for shawls, and this yarn was so colorful that I knew I had to have something made from it. I have worn this shawl around the house, out running errands, to church, and out to dinner. Everywhere I go, I get compliments on it.

I used April Draven's scarf pattern and enlarged it until I was happy with the size. I assume I used a size I/9 (5.5 mm) hook as that is what the yarn recommends, but I don't actually remember. Mine is about 65 rows, and measures 72" x 36". I used Deborah Norville Collection Everyday Print Yarn Parrot in 100% acrylic. I think I used 6 or 7 skeins, but this was an early project, before I learned to make notes!

Thank you to April Draven for providing this free pattern. Please honor her requests to use for personal use only. The pattern is available here. Make sure you look around at April's site, as she has lots of really nice ideas and patterns.

link up at Skip to My Lou

Wordless Wednesday

for more images go to Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . January 17, 2012

Outside my window . . . cloudy, rainy, and unseasonably warm.

I am thinking . . . about the latest flashback I had a little over a week ago. It answers some long held questions, but also requires me to rethink my position with my extended family.

I am thankful . . . for my dh. I've said it before, and I'll most likely say it many more times. He is my rock. He has helped me through so much. He is a gift from God.

From the learning rooms . . . school is back in swing. Ds had decided to take his work more seriously (his last semester of high school!), so there is more studying going on than usual.

In the kitchen . . . last night I made up a soup recipe after scavenging through the pantry and refrigerator. I'll post it later, but I was pretty happy with it. Spicy!

I am wearing . . . black yoga pants, a tank top, and long-sleeved t-shirt.

I am creating . . . still working on finishing up some projects. I have a hat and a poncho in progress, but all this showed up last week!

I am going . . . . work on a new housekeeping plan (yet again!). I'm still trying to find my groove with this.

I am wondering . . . when dh and I can get away again for some scuba diving.

I am reading . . . Murder in the Marais (Aimee Leduc Investigations #1) by Cara Black on my new Kindle Fire.

I am hoping . . . to get the grocery shopping done today, but why does it always rain when I need to shop?

I am looking forward to . . . going back to my local yarn shop this week to get some yarn wound, and visit with Emily -- my favorite yarn lady.

I am hearing . . . ds calling the dogs in from the backyard. Two of the dogs had surgery last week. They look like Franken-dogs!

Around the house . . . the dining table is finally usable again. It seems as if we haven't eaten at the table since before Christmas!

I am pondering . . . . why I can't seem to get back into a good routine for completing my Precepts Bible lessons. I kind of fell off the wagon toward the end of the autumn session. We're just getting started again, so here's hoping I'll do better!

One of my favorite things . . . is soup. I love throwing things in a pot and seeing how it turns out. The only flaw in this plan is that often I can't recreate the mixture a second time.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . yoga, therapy, Bible study, housekeeping, crochet, reading -- all the usual suspects!

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . . 

last week I bought myself a miniature rose bush.

 So pretty!

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

for more moments visit SouleMama

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

for more moments visit SouleMama