Made by You Monday -- Coasters

I've been working on several different crochet projects lately. The other day I just really needed to feel as if I could complete something, so I sat down and made this cute (and quick) coasters. 

I got the pattern from Attic 24. Mine aren't as neat and precise as hers, but nothing I do is as neat and precise as her work! But I had fun with them anyway and have been putting them to good use. I used Lily Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton in Summer Splash, because it's what I had on hand. Even though the recommended hook was a 5 mm (US J/10), I used a size down (4 mm US G/6) for tighter stitches. I only did 4 rounds. My first coaster is bigger than the others as my stitches tightened up as I worked. 

These would make quick and easy little gifts, as the whole set only took me about an hour to make.

Enjoy!

link up at Skip to My Lou

{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

Thankful Thursday #6

To learn from our enemies is the best pathway to loving them: for it makes us grateful to them. -- Friedrich Nietzche (1844-1900)

This is a lesson I have learned over and over again in the process of healing from childhood sexual abuse. Learning to find gratitude and blessings from evil is a trying lesson, but I believe it is vital to healing, growth, and development.

Every opportunity that we have for growth is an opportunity for gratitude. To be stagnate is to have no life at all. Surviving is only the first step to living the life that God has planned for each of us. If we stop at surviving, we have missed so much. God wants us to thrive!

Obviously there is a global application to this concept, as well as a personal one. We must learn from our enemies on the broader scope if we want any hope of a world as God envisioned it. We learn to not repeat mistakes, we learn to be kind, generous, and loving. The goal is not to figure out why they are enemies, but to develop skills to bring each and every person closer to God's vision.

It's been another week of struggles for me. An email that confused me and left me in real pain, and yet I made another step toward healing as the result of that pain. 

Another episode of abuse from my past looked at and seen for what it really was -- abuse. And the reminder that my confusion is a good sign. To understand evil choices is to move closer to making those same choices ourselves.

So today I will keep processing the pain, both emotional and physical. I will feel a little down in the dumps, but I will not let it keep from moving toward the life God has for me.

And I will move forward in gratitude.

link up at Grace Alone

Wordless Wednesday

for more images go to Wordless Wednesday

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . February 7, 2012

Outside my window . . . it's 30 degrees this morning. The grass is covered with frost and the bird bath is frozen over. I kind of like it.


I am thinking . . . about the English Country Dancing class I went to last night. Dh found out about it from a mutual friend and kind of dragged me to it. The class was actually quite fun, and we met some nice people.


I am thankful . . . for clean sheets on my bed and relatively peaceful sleep.

In the kitchen . . . Sunday I made a big batch of 4 Bean Enchiladas. We've been eating them since. I'm not sure for tonight. I am waiting for inspiration.

I am wearing . . . a comfy t-shirt gown and my flannel robe. I need to be getting ready for yoga class, but it's looking more like yoga at home today.

I am creating . . . a round rug to go beside my bed. I've been wanting to try one of these for a while. Dh thinks I'll never finish it, but I think it's coming along nicely.

I am going . . . . to do yoga, finish the laundry, and do a little housework. 

I am wondering . . . about relationships. I got an email yesterday that I believe was intended for good, but just left me feeling cold and hurt. I'm not sure what to do with it, so I am contemplating.

I am reading . . . A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama by Laura Amy Schlitz.

I am hoping . . . to see my bff, Linda, today. We have a day planned together, but she texted me last night that she had "puny" kids.

I am looking forward to . . . getting back to quilting. I finally have a better set up to do machine quilting and I'm hoping to get started this week.

I am hearing . . . nothing but quiet. The kids have left for school. The dogs are settled on their bed.


Around the house . . . I am feeling that things are coming together. I seem to have more interest and energy in caring for the house since making a change in a relationship a few weeks ago. It is interesting to me what an impact that has had.

I am pondering . . . . relationships and how they must develop and change. A stagnating relationship is no relationship at all.

One of my favorite things . . . is order. I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again, but getting my house in order makes getting my brain in order much easier.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . exercise, cleaning out my refrigerator (yuck!), therapy, Bible study, crocheting, and reading.

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

this is my beloved Polly Agnes

you may read about her here

for more visit The Simple Woman's Daybook

Made by You Monday -- Cowboy Bean Soup

There have been a lot of beans in our diet lately. No we're not having financial problems. I just like beans -- especially in the winter -- which we're not having much of, but still you can't go wrong with beans and cornbread.
We tried this recipe the other night and I really liked it. Of course I had to tweak it some. So here's my version.
Cowboy Bean Soup

1 medium onion, chopped

1 pkg. turkey kielbasa, sliced and halved

1 pkg. Boar's Head fully cooked bacon, chopped

1 lb. white beans, soaked, drained, and cooked (yes you could use canned beans)

1 15 oz. can crushed or diced tomatoes

2 T. canola oil

1 T. brown sugar

1 t. prepared mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in a dutch oven. Add onion, keilbasa, and bacon. Cook until onions are soft and golden. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. 

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and cornbread.

link up at Skip to My Lou

Saturday Poetry/Song -- Shall We Dance?

I don't know why, but this song/scene has always been one of the most sensual pieces to me. The passion displayed and restrained between Anna and the king is amazing. So for today enjoy this video and see if you get goose bumps!