Mama Did Right

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've taken pictures of the different items I've either sewn, knitted or whatever. Today I stopped to take a look at them, REALLY look at them and see what a truly awesome gift my mother gave me......

She gave me the training, instruction, attention and encouragement to be able to make something with my own hands. She encouraged me to watch the details, the extra little something's that make things different, and to expect the best from myself. Mom taught all us girls that lesson, and it shows in the things all three of us do: quilting, card making, paper crafting, crocheting, knitting, sewing..... and the art of being resourceful. Even though mom was not a nature buff by any means, she knew how to use every color in God's rainbow to make the most phenomenal things, like quilts - her specialty later on in her life.

Today I'd have given anything to just TELL her how much she had influenced her daughters. I know I never told her while her mind was well enough to understand, but I'm asking Jesus to let her know - and that I love her.

Facebook Pros and Cons

So we all know what Facebook is, right? It has been an interesting journey to watch how this type of social media can either help OR hurt. Took a while, but I had to relearn my boundaries, and draw a line in the sand as to what is not acceptable, and what is good and beneficial to belong to this social community.

I have learned the following: people are important, but that doesn't mean you need to have everything they put as their status run through your news feed. It can be both depressing and sometimes quite hurtful (intentionally or not). That is the 'con' of FB.

But boundaries are good, and looking for the GOOD on FB has been wonderful. It inspires time for prayer, for thought and contemplation; there are people who always amaze me with their insights and creativity - both blessings and gifts from God; and for me the best is the inspirational quotes and stories. Take a minute, look some up. There are wonderful positive, encouraging and spiritually uplifting things there, if you know how to look.

Educate yourself. Get someone to help you. And then enjoy the blessings and smiles. It will do your heart good. :)

Thank You to Stitch'N Bitch

A huge thank you to Debbie Stoller of Stitch'N Bitch fame in honoring me by publishing my little leaf knit design tote bag. It's been a long time in the works, and to see this happen is beyond my wildest dreams.

The Starfish Story

One of the best stories I've read in a LONG time - hope you enjoy........

The Starfish Story
adapted from The Star Thrower
by Loren Eiseley
1907 - 1977

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up. As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all.

The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

Sleepless Nights

Who can say why I don't sleep. Or at least sleep well. Aren't old people supposed to sleep all the time?

As I lay wide awake last night, listening to a radio program my husband likes to put on when he has trouble sleeping (as I cover my head with a pillow so I don't hear), I had to wonder.... why? Don't I work hard enough? Am I not doing enough? What is lacking? Why does my brain go a gazillion miles an hour when my body says 'no'? And when sleep does come, in short spurts, the dreams that come are close to nightmares. I was so hoping the days of recreating events in dreams, and creating outlandish new ones would stop. Do they stop? What exactly am I not letting go of, or dealing with. It's been nearly 7 years, the perfect number. God's perfect number. Yes, these times are further apart now, and not nearly as devastating as before. For that I am grateful. The words don't even have to get fully said around here about missing Ty. All either Bill or I have to say is, "My head just didn't do well today", and the other will say, "I understand."

It's just the 'working' through the little leftovers of anger and sadness, those times when you just want to enjoy one more laugh, hug, or a good slug right into his tattooed shoulder.

I've not journaled or written much about Tyler in the past two years. And maybe that's partly why I feel on overload at times, as I filled journals before and after he left us, and the thoughts and feelings weren't held all in one place, my brain.

He would have been celebrating his 30th birthday this coming year, and that in itself is getting the better of my nights.

I've rambled, but I wrote. Leaving my thoughts here, and hoping for a night of finding some peace (and sleep).

Patience Please

It appears that there has been some redesigning and messing with my blogs, and that would be correct. Don't worry if you stumble across either blog and they look different than normal - I've been working on them quite a bit this weekend. My love of trees, leaves, and the color purple are now prevalent where before they were sorely lacking.

Thank you for your patience as there may still be some tweeking to be done. :)

Some of God's Most Precious Gifts

I just had to share one of the most precious gifts we received in the mail yesterday. Could not be a prouder grandma to these two incredible kids.

Abby and Hunter in their school pictures from 2010-11..............

A Little Fun For All

What a week! Work was great, but a day off came just at the right time. Did a little sewing on the side and a bit of shopping on the other side. And those of you who know me KNOW I don't shop well and have to force myself to do it.

I had my eye on a piece of artwork from a Nebraska photographer for a few months. She called this week to see if I was still interested in the piece as it was still available and she would be in town to deliver it! WOW! I couldn't say no and she delivered it - in person. Quite honored. This photo doesn't do it justice, but it is one of the most phenomenal photography I've seen.....

It is not real big and the detail in the 'silk' is breathtaking. You would swear it was a painting at first sight. Thank you for remembering me, Helen Johnson.

I've been sewing and planning for Christmas, too. Working up aprons for gifts (maybe) and Bill was generous enough to pose for the camera - even though this is obviously made for the fairer sex.....

Gotta love him!

Ah, the peacefulness of Sunday mornings. There is nothing that compares to the special kind of quiet this day brings. Today it's sunny and cool and there are no plans to even leave the sanctuary I call home. Getting older does have its advantages in that area and today I will say 'yeah' to my age and situation in life.

The auction held last night on behalf of Friendship Home was a success on many levels. Not only will this organization be receiving a great donation, but some of my own faith in mankind has been restored. Maybe only a little, but none-the-less in better shape than when I went into this project. Yes, you may be asking yourselves what kind of building we were in here, but it was held in one of the cleanest barns in the world, I'm sure. The other side of the barn was filled with 9 different types of chili, fixin's, snacks and desserts.

I think I'm tired, but it's a good tired, one that comes after doing something worthwhile. Now if I could just find someone to volunteer to do all my ironing! Kidding, kinda.

Whirlwind Week

It's been a whirlwind week - busy, busy and even more busy! But today will end all the 'busy-ness' for work, and start the new 'fun-ness' of Christmas gift planning. Would love to try and keep as much of the gift giving to handmade items if possible.

There are some aprons to be made, and I'm pretty sure there needs to be some doll clothes sewn up for a special young lady. (This isn't the pattern I bought because I don't want her to accidentally see which one I have!)

Then there are the boys in the family. Christmas and boys are great, but the items to be handmade for them are slim to none. So we'll see what comes up for ideas there. Of course, I am a grandma and can get away with hats, gloves and scarves I guess. Maybe Husker hats.... it will just have to be a surprise. :)

Time to finish this week off, and begin anew tomorrow! Let's get excited about Christmas!!!

The Power of Friends

It's always amazing that when things appear to be at their worst and your emotions are spread all over floor feeling trampled... a friend, and maybe even two, come along and help pick you up, and put you back together again.

I had the extreme pleasure and incredible blessings from two such friends this week.

God is amazing at his timing, and I am always in awe of his power.

O Be Careful Little Eyes

O be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little eyes what you see

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little eyes what you see

This children's song comes into my mind whenever I choose to put the wrong visuals in my life. Words of wisdom, I do believe. I'm very cautious about the TV I watch. Would much prefer to watch innocent shows or light hearted ones, or a good detective or mystery program. It goes for the internet, too. I was not being careful enough with what I was seeing come into my news feed on Facebook. There are so many sad and angry people in the world. And there are just situations listed there that are better unknown to me. Lesson learned. Just because I am not a child does not mean I am not a child of God. This song instructs me also, even as an adult.

What are we letting into our lives because of our choices of TV shows? Movies? Internet sites? Will the result be honoring to God? It's all about our gift of free will and how we choose to use it.

The song goes on, not only about eyes, but about our ears, hands, feet, and mouth. Oh, the trouble one can stir by allowing our ears to hear untruth, or our mouth to speak it.

Do yourself a favor and double check your choice of entertainment. It could make a difference in your life, maybe bring a bit more peace, less stress, fewer moments of anxiety and bouts of depression or anger.

It's all about CHOICES. Choose carefully. He is watching, and loving, and gave you that gift.