Hand Knits That Blossom

How Many Candles?!!!

2009-06-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

There's been lots of excitement around here lately. I got to enjoy seeing my dear friend Diane from Kentucky last week for the first time in 2 years. We shopped, ate, talked, laughed, { ALL the girlie stuff!} and then had to say goodbye on friday morning. It was so much FUN!!!

~ Don't stay away so long this time Diane!

Phoebe and her Auntie Diane were fast friends. I had to make sure my little spotted baby was still here when the car was being loaded to head back to Kentucky!Sunday evening Scott and I went to dinner to celebrate my birthday. We actually used a gift certificate that some friends gave us for our 25th anniversary back in December. Scott had to have stomach surgery in November, so his tummy wasn't up to a nice dinner out just then. We sure had a great time on Sunday though. {What do ya think of my new dress? It's my $7.00 find from the second hand shop up the street from me!}.

Today was my birthday. And, well, we decided to skip the whole candle bit {45 candles might have been enough for a bonfire! And though I might look like a windbag, I didn't want to try to blow so many little flames out.}

Oh! Remember the new purse Bridget and Tinoy gave me? Jose really likes it too. I had to tell him pretty much the same thing I told my sister, "GET UP OFF MY BAG!".

Speaking of my sister, this is the first time I've spent a birthday without her. She called first thing this morning from Milwaukee and we had a bit of a cry together. I really miss her. We've never lived so far apart. We're used to being in and out of each others daily lives. But 4 hours isn't so far away. I'll be making a trip ASAP!

Hope you're all happy and healthy and enjoying some summer sunshine. As for me and Gabby ~

we're having a swinging good time!

Jewels of Innocence and Joy and Mirth

2009-06-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

"For pansies are, I think, the little gleams

Of children's visions from a world of dreams,

Jewels of innocence and joy and mirth,

Alight with laughter as they fall to earth.

So tread not rashly, children, lest you crush

A part of childhood in a thoughtless rush.

Would you not treat them gently if you knew

Pansies are little bits of children too?"

Taken from the poem "Pansies"

By R.C. Lehmann

This afternoon my dad surprised me with this beautiful pansy covered porcelain teapot. It was made in England by Royal Caldone. Dad and I have always shared a love for the little smiling faces of these old fashioned flowers. I am so thrilled with this gift! It's my first piece of china with pansies. {Notice I said "my FIRST piece ~ Diane and I are going to scour the nearest antique mall all day tomorrow to see how much damage we can do. Guess what I'll be on a hunt for... maybe a pretty little pansy covered teacup!}

I love the line in the poem that refers to the flowers as "Jewels of innocence and joy and mirth".

Doesn't that apply to all flowers?! God gave us so much when He created the beauty of flowers. Nothing else quite compares...

Then again~ He one upped Himself when He created children and the whole essence of childhood. Just think about how flowers and children touch all of our senses like nothing else really can. Not only are they both glorious to look upon and watch unfold, but what else in the whole of creation smells as breathtakingly wonderful as a flower or a child?
Not long after Diane arrived Saturday night, she reached out and grabbed hold of Gabby as she was trotting past her, and breathed in that mystical aura that surrounds little ones, and said, "Mmm... she smells sooo good."

And why wouldn't she? She has the very breath of God in and around her. Children truly are our little "jewels of innocence and joy and mirth". They're fresh and brightly colored and as ever changing as a flower garden.

From Poochies to Purses

2009-06-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Aah ~ two of lifes best things ~ precious poochies and pretty purses!

A couple of weeks ago one of my dearest friends, Carey, came for an all day visit with her oldest daughter {Malory ~ like one of my own!}, 2 year old granddaughter {darling little Ivory} and an 8 week old Pug!

Lola {is that a cute furry baby name or what?!}, is Malory's new "baby". She's absolutely adorable. My 3 babies had quite the sniffing good time with her all day long, as you can imagine!

Besides playing all day with 2 year olds and poochies, we walked downtown for lunch, ordered pizza for supper and watched a chick flick. They were here from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

I hadn't seen Carey for several months. She's working hard as a nurse at OSF in the nuero intensive care unit and going back to school for her masters degree so she can be a nurse practitioner. I say, " You Go Girl!". I sure am proud of her!

Oh, and the Purse part~

Yesterday I had the whole family crew here again to celebrate Father's Day and a slew of birthdays. Yesterday was my nephew, Brendan's 14th birthday. Then my Dad and Mother-in-Law have birthdays on June 25th, mine comes on June 30th and then my Mom's is July 7th.

Since Bridget & Tinoy are living in Milwaukee {boys are joining them this weekend to move into their beautiful new house}, they needed to have one big shindig to celebrate everything.

Adding to the fun, my precious friend Diane and her son Ben are here from Owensboro, Kentucky for the week. We haven't been together for 2 years. {You'll see some pictures of them before the week is over!}. Diane is a nurse also. {I'm surrounded by nurses and doctors all the time!}

Oh, yea ~ The Purse Part {sorry~ my mind wanders~ I'll be 45 soon~ is that a good enough excuse~ or should I just fall back on the "blonde" factor?}

Bridget and Tinoy surprised me {or shall I say, took my breath away!} with an absolutely "FABOO" Dolce & Gabbana handbag! Bridget was afraid I wouldn't like it. Are you nuts, or what?!! Of course, Tinoy later told me she was "hoping" I wouldn't like it so she could keep it for herself! Sorry Little Sister!

I squealed like a stuck pig and danced all over the dining room with it the minute I pulled it out of the bag! Bridget figured out right away she wasn't going to touch MY BAG again. Diane laughed at me because I had to "wear" it off and on all afternoon. Diane's favorite saying for me has always been "small mind, small amusement". What can I say~ I am rather excitable.

~ Really guys, you shouldn't have~ but I sure am thrilled that you did!!!

What would life be without family and good friends?

May you all be abundantly blessed today!

A Quick Hello

2009-06-19T08:41:00.000-07:00

Thought I should touch base with everyone. I'm sorry I've been silent for so long. Life has gotten hectic for me lately. Gabby and I spend as much time outside {roaming the streets of Morton} as we can in this nice weather. I'm going to keep this post short and sweet because I've been fighting some kind of flu virus all week. Chelsea had it earlier in the week and decided to share with me!

Thanks to all of you who have e-mailed me or even sent goodies in the mail. I'm so glad you haven't forgotton your old friend. {Special "hello" to my Aunt Nancy ~ I sure do miss you!!!}

I'll leave you with some random pictures and a promise to do more blogging soon.

Love you all!

Always nap like you mean it!

Books, Dandelions and Wild Violets

2009-05-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." Chinese Proverb

Last Saturday Scott, Chelsea, Gabby and I piled into the car and headed for Peoria to shop at our favorite Christian bookstore. Sadly, due to the decline in our economy, this bookstore that has existed for all of my memory, is now closing its doors.

Although it's hard to see it go, we did enjoy a shopping spree we wouldn't have been able to afford without the fabulous discounted prices. Everything in the store was down to 90% off the original price. Can you believe it?!!! All music CD's were either 5o cents or $1.00.

We spent a blissful two hours there where I immersed myself in as many books as possible before they either threw us out or Scott dragged me to the car.

I am of the same mind as the late Groucho Marx who said, "I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book."

Remember ~ I gave birth to and raised a librarian {Hilary}!

Gabby is also an avid book lover already and behaved remarkably well for a two year old with lots of energy spending such a span of time in a bookstore.

We came away with a total of 17 books { 2 of which were childrens books that Miss Gabby chose herself}, 2 CD's, and 9 greeting cards. Our grand total, tax included, BEFORE the discount would have been: $263.50. Never in my life have I been able to spend that amount of money at one time on books!

Grand total we spent AFTER the discount: $25.65 ~ PAID IN CASH!!!

That's the price that ONE of the books I chose would have been without anything else!

So~ here's my stash............... {Oh, the darling oversized teacup with flowers was a gift from Hilary.}

"Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book."

Author Unknown

Here's a picture of Phoebe enjoying her story time courtesy of Gabby in the kitchen floor. Notice she's "reading" from a Webster's book of quotations ~ NOT one of her new books! But I don't think Phoebe minded the lack of pretty pictures too much.

After story time, Gabby escaped {and I mean literally~ I have to keep the back storm door locked all of the time} to the backyard for her other favorite pastime of flower picking.

We should all be like little children ~escaping out the back door to laugh and dance in the sunshine and green grass amidst the dandelions and wild violets!

And remembering to settle into the life of a good book as often as possible.

Where Has April Gone?

2009-04-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe April is nearly over with and I haven't done any blogging since the first few days of the month!!! It's been a whirlwind of a time around here lately. Gabby turned two on April 5th, then she got a new "big girl bed", and then there was Easter!

So... I do have a few selected pictures to show you.

This first one is of a Grammy and BaPa who couldn't be more in love with this little one {and each other as far as that goes!!!:)}

We, of course, had a birthday bash with all the family here. Gabby got a new bike from Pappy {that's my dad} and some sunglasses that she loves to wear indoors and out!

I had to include this picture of my youngest nephew, Brendan, so you would all think Jimmy Hendricks is still alive and well! { I mean ... why not?... if Elvis is still alive, why not Jimmy?} He's wearing Gabby's glasses and Chelsea's belt.

Also, just so you know all of the household dogs are still naughty as ever, this is a picture of Sophie scavenging for any cake crumbs on the table after I had cleared it and wiped it off. She may be a dog, but she still has the female sugar loving gene!

Gabby is now sleeping in her "big girl" bed upstairs where it belongs. When my dad first brought it over in his truck though, we parked it in the front room where she jumped right in and started dictating which movie she wanted put in the DVD player! We knew we better get that sucker upstairs before this became her version of a "man in a recliner with a couple of remotes"!!!

My dad always hides Easter eggs in my backyard for all the grandkids {YES~ my grown up daughters still run around searching frantically, giggling all the while, in hunt of their specific color of eggs!} After they were done Gabby had her own hunt {with a little help from Mommy and Aunt Hilary}.

In the midst of all these other activities, we're still working on the whole potty training thing. Some days are good and then some days .... WELL... let's just say Gabby is OFFICIALLY two years old and lavishly invokes her right to use the word "NO!!!" as often as she deems necessary. {Notice there is no toilet paper on the holder. I have to remove it, and the box of Kleenex from the back of the toilet, every time the princess takes her seat on the throne, or it ALL ends up in the toilet the second I turn my back!}

As for me, LIFE IS GOOD! I'm still knitting and crocheting up a storm {mostly for other people} and teaching my Monday night class at the coffee shop with its mixture of knitters and crocheters, plus a crochet class at my house on Tuesday nights. I love teaching so much that I'm actually getting ready to go through the program to get my teaching certification for both knitting and crocheting.

Oh! I do have to leave you with a couple more pictures so you can see I did manage to whip up something for Gabby over the weekend.

I've missed you all so very much! It feels good to be back again.
Happy knitting, crocheting, tea~sipping, or whatever else you are all into these days!

Though I've been taking a break from my computer lately, you have all been on my mind, in my heart and in my prayers. Thanks to those of you who have e-mailed or called me recently just to make sure I'm still amongst the living! May you all be blessed!

It's Been A Long Doggone Day!

2009-04-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Just have to wrap up today's doggie chronicles~

My mother got back from work around 3:30 this afternoon and after I gave her the full run down of the day, she and Gabby sat on the back steps to watch while I took the three weenies out again {chihuahua still hiding!}. While we were out on this particular excursion, Dougan had a nice, back scratching roll in some major STINK! So ~ you guessed it!!! ~ BATHTIME!

Therefore, about the time I should have been starting supper {yes~ I got my second wind and decided I would go ahead and COOK - no Pizza Hut tonight Kathy! :-) }, my mom and I were starting the bath routine. First Mr. Dougan, then Little Miss Phoebe. I kept Sophie outside and finally hunted down Jose' so he could go out too. I knew if they were in the house when the bath water started I would NEVER find them!

Notice the look of total indignation on Sophie's face. I am totally convinced that they actually prefer to STINK!

Within about a half hour we had four very clean, sweet smelling poochies! Gabby had an absolute ball with the whole process and we've finally had a peaceful evening, as all furry babies are exhausted! Dougan is used to apartment living and this was quite an exhilarating day in his life.

And not only did I actually cook supper, I even baked homemade oatmeal cookies right after we ate. Now the kitchen is all cleaned up, doggies are snoozing away, and Gabby, well... she took a

3 1/2 hour nap this afternoon, so... she's still up and at 'em. But she is cozied up in the recliner with her BaPa and the house is mostly quiet and peaceful...FINALLY!!! :-}

Nightie ~ Night everyone. May you all have sweet dreams until we meet again!

What A Zoo!

2009-04-03T11:57:00.000-07:00

My sister, Bridget, and her two boys are in Milwaukee for a few days, so my mother came to spend the night with their dog. Dougan is a standard long haired dachshund and very, very sweet natured. He reminds me of Winnie the Pooh's friend Eeyore. If he could talk I'm sure he'd say, "Thanks for noticing me". He loves me because he is Bridget's baby and our voices are so similar that I think I remind him of her.

Mom had to leave my house at 6:00 this morning for work. Poor Dougan didn't know what to think. I, being NOT a morning person, was still sleeping away when I heard the poor pooch begin to cry and pace back and forth, which made a lovely clicking sound as he introduced his toenails to my hard wood floors!

At 6:05 a.m. Scott and I got up because, of course, our dogs were now stirred up as well. Sophie, my long haired dachshund, wanted out. When I opened the door to chain her up, Dougan made a mad dash, in search of my mom I'm sure. I caught him just in the nick of time and chained him too.

Well, the rest of my day has been quite the adventure!!!

~By 8 a.m. Gabby, who had just been bathed, took off on me, while still naked, and peed a puddle in the front room floor. By the time I discovered it, Dougan had stepped in it and dragged it across the room!

~By 8:30 a.m. Jose', my little chihuahua, was sitting in the basket of dog toys PUKING! His personal specialty. It's his way of saying, "I'm not digging this scene".

~By 9:00 a.m. Dougan was so unnerved he was having diarrhea on my KITCHEN floor!

~By 9:30 a.m. all the weenies were wanting to go out at the same time {the chihuahua was hiding on a pillow behind my bed!}.

Miss Phoebe, having to wait while I struggled to chain the other two up first, promptly wee~wee'd at the top of the steps.

Then, during the course of trying to get Phoebe's collar and leash on her {which she still HATES}, Little Miss Gabby escaped out the back door barefooted. {It's still pretty chilly here.} So... I had quite the time chasing her around the back yard while dragging a resistant puppy around by the neck! These weenies aren't to be trusted though and if I let loose of one of them they will be out in the middle of Main Street {on which I live} lickety split!!!

So...

~ By 10:oo a.m. I was becoming HOMICIDAL and decided it was time for a nice cup of hot tea, which got cold before I could take a single sip due to more clean up on aisle... you name it ~ {Remember, little guy didn't want to join the weenies outside, so while I was having lots of laughs out back, he did his business in the dining room!} The whole episode took place with me in a pair of red flannel pajama pants covered in penguins that were topped off by a purple T-shirt that reads, "Lord give me Peace... Before I go to Pieces!"

Now how appropriate was that?!! My Father~In~Law, who is one of my best buddies in the whole wide world, is also my next door neighbor, therefore he gets a birds eye view on some of my days and, with great understanding and sympathy for me, bought me this T-shirt for Christmas!

Then...

~ By 10:30 a.m. I was nearly SUICIDAL and decided to take a bath, which involved Gabby hanging over the edge of the tub splashing water all over the bathroom. When I got out, my sister phoned from Milwaukee, where she was sauntering along, enjoying a morning shopping trip. She wanted to ask a question about a birthday present for Gabby. Plus, she wondered what I was doing!!!!!!! She didn't realize her doggie was here. After laughing at me she finished with,

"Well, feel free to enjoy my dog while I'm gone!" HA~HA~HA!!!!!

Thankfully, it is now 2:30 in the afternoon and all babies, including a certain little curly haired girl, are peacefully napping.

And all I've got to say is if anyone comes through that door this evening asking, "What's for dinner?", I'm gonna knock 'em out!

Waving Lace Socks

2009-03-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

I did it! I actually FINISHED another "on the needles way too long" project!!! YIPPEE!!!!!

These rosewater pink beauties were all done by 5:00 yesterday evening. I don't know about the rest of you sock knitters, but I always have a real sense of deep satisfaction by the time I'm putting that last little bit of Kitchener stitch in the second sock! My family, of course, was forced to OOH & AAH over them. And Chelsea was really tickled pink because this pair is for her.

They were actually supposed to be for me, but when she saw me working on the first one she began to BEG! And, since she was pregnant at the time, I couldn't tell her no. Who can deny a pregnant mommy anything? Especially when they're carrying your first grandbaby!

She waited a long time for these socks and she's a little perturbed because I wouldn't let her wear them yet today. I told her she can take possession of them AFTER I show them to my Monday night knitting students. Tomorrow they're all hers.

I used Panda Wool yarn by Crystal Palace Yarns. It's a bamboo/wool/nylon blend. It's soft and nice to work with and has a subtle sheen. I like the watercolor effect the pink has. I have the same yarn in soft shades of blue to knit another pair for Hilary {eventually!}.

The pattern is from an Interweave Knits magazine from 2 or 3 years ago. I just can't resist lacework! They were slower going than just basic socks ~ but ~ who the heck wants JUST BASIC?!!

I told Miss Chelsea I'd better not see her running around the house with nothing but these socks on {getting them dirty and full of holes!} or stuffing them under her bed! These babies cost me $16.oo to make. Sounds kind of crazy for a pair of socks. But only KIND OF. The experience was worth it and so is she!

Pretty Beads All In A Row

2009-03-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

If you ask me:

Danette, Danette, How does your knitting grow?

I will tell you:

With yards and yards of sock yarn and

Pretty beads all in a row!

My mother is thrilled. I FINALLY finished this beaded scarf I promised her some time ago!

It's knit from a 100% wool, hand~painted sock yarn and glistens with approximately 2400 irridescent glass beads. Although the beading adds a little weight to the scarf, it's still comfortable to wear. And the beads give the scarf a lovely drape. They make those vintage looking scallops on the ends hang beautifully.

While this is really an easy pattern {it's actually knit in a garter stitch}, it's slow going on size 4 needles with all the pushing the beads down to get enough yarn to work with, then pulling the beads up to place them where they're needed. But the end result is fabulous!

While I've been a little under the weather, I've concentrated on finishing up some set aside projects. This afternoon, much to Chelsea's delight, I will FINALLY be finishing her pair of Waving Lace socks I started when she was pregnant. Let me remind you ~ Gabby will be 2 years old on April 5th!!! It's about time I finished these socks! I made the first one, then knit about 3 inches of the second sock and shoved them in a bag which has hung in my supply closet {ignored but not forgotten!} for all this time! I'll show a picture of them some time this week. ***Chelsea and I both must thank Claudia from "Mr. Puffy's Knitting Blog" for encouraging me to go ahead and finish these socks!***

I have several things to show everyone. While I was nursing a sick Gabby, and being sick myself, God continued to lift my spirits through all of you. First I recieved the beautiful watercolor painting from Kathy of "Welcome to MiMi's Garden" and then a package full of all kinds of goodies came from Becky of "Holiday in the Sun". I promise a peek at everything before this week is over.

Plus I have recieved several e~mails and lovely comments from many of you and even gained some new followers and friends. God is SO GOOD!!! He knows just what we need when we need it. You all mean so much to me and I'm always so happy {and surprised} when someone is interested in the simple things of my life. I enjoy all of your blogs and encouraging words that touch my daily life. You all continually inspire me and add a whole new facet of joy to my world.

Speaking of my world~ this is what it looked like when we woke up this morning. I remember wondering sometime in the wee hours why I was hearing "garbage trucks" outside. Well, in my dreamy state I didn't realize it was SNOW PLOWS!!! AGAIN!!!!!

HELLO~ DID ANYONE GET THE MEMO???!!!!???!!! IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE SPRING!!!

May you all be blessed today and in the upcoming week, no matter what's going on outside or around you. It's what's inside you ~ in your heart~ that really matters anyway! I pray a blessing on each one of you, that your hearts may truly know the JOY OF THE LORD!

"But the steadfast love of the Lord is

from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him,

and His righteousness to children's children,

to those who keep His covenant

and remember to do His commandments.

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens,

And His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, O you His angels,

you mighty ones who do His word,

obeying the voice of His word!

Bless the Lord, all His host,

His ministers, who do His will!

Bless the Lord, all His works,

in all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul." Psalm 103:17-22

P.S. I am actually posting this on Sunday, March 29. I started it as a draft a few days ago and didn't realize the date would be incorrect when I posted it and not being overly computer savvy~ I don't know how to make it right now!!! Oh, well! Happy Sunday everyone!:0}

Oh~Be~Joyful

2009-03-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Late last night I finished reading a very good book entitled "Mrs. Mike". It was written in 1947 by Benedict and Nancy Freedman. It is a work of fiction and I must confess right here and now, I am a FICTION reader for the most part. Sorry, I'm not too much into self help books. I figure that's what the Bible is for! It's my daily non~fiction read.
Other than that, I like to get lost in a good story. There's enough reality in my life, and the world in general. I need the comfort and pleasure {and sometimes ESCAPE} provided by the magical world of make believe!
Anyway, back to the story at hand.
The journey begins with a 16 year old girl, Katherine Mary {who later becomes "Mrs. Mike" to the Indians}, taking a train from Boston to Canada during the winter of 1907. Most of her life is spent then in the wilderness of Canada. I don't want to give you many details, in hopes those of you who are die hard fiction readers will pick this one up.
What I do want to tell you is that Mrs. Mike, or Kathy, at one point befriends a young Cree Indian girl named Mamanowatum. The English translation for this name is "Oh~Be~Joyful".
How cool is that?!
When Kathy and her husband, Mike, take the young girl into their home, they decide to call her by the English translation of the name. Wouldn't it be just lovely to be referred to as "Oh~Be~Joyful" all the time? It certainly would have to serve as a constant reminder of how we really should be.
At the end of the book it gives a little excerpt of the sequel, "The Search for Joyful":

"Joyful is past happy. Happy is more a quiet content. Joy on the other hand is actively seeking moments when you're high on life, and if those moments aren't there, to make them, to cause them."

Now isn't that something to ponder?

~Here are just a few of my favorite verses on the subject of JOY~

"...but those who plan peace have joy." Proverbs 12:20b
{Hmmm..... we can actually "plan" peace.}

"A joyful heart is good medicine." Proverbs 17:22
{Amen and Amen ... we all know the truth in this one!}

"And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10b
{It's the only thing that gets me through real grief.}

"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, AND NO ONE WILL TAKE YOUR JOY FROM YOU." John 16:22 {emphasis mine}

This is Jesus preparing the disciples just before the time of the cross.
I include this verse because the part that states "no one will take your joy from you," really speaks to my heart. It tells me that when our joy comes from JESUS, there is NO WAY, NO HOW, that NO ONE can take it away from us!
And to that I say HALLELUJAH!!!
Last week was a difficult one in my household with sickness and some personal things going on concerning my daughter's divorce and some custody issues over Gabby, so the Lords late night reminder to me through this work of fiction, and the constant truths of His Word, were a balm to my weary soul.
One thing I know ~ God is still on the Throne!
Everything that touches our lives must be filtered through His Hands first.
With these absolute, immovable, never changing TRUTHS, how can we not all feel our hearts answer to the name "Oh~Be~Joyful".
In the midst of all things great and small that life throws my way, I will choose God, and I will PLAN peace and I will be rewarded with JOY. ~ The JOY OF JESUS, that is. Because the joy of the Lord IS my strength!

*~*~* May the Joy of the Lord blossom in all your hearts! *~*~*

OH!!! I must tell you all ~ while I was feeling somewhat low and cruddy from a head cold yesterday, a package arrived on my front porch. {Isn't God GOOD for sending that pick me up just when I needed it?!} I was SO EXCITED!!! I LOVE packages!!!! It was the absolutely GORGEOUS watercolor painting of a foxglove and hummingbird that Kathy from "Welcome to Mimi's Garden" made for me when I won her giveaway! As soon as I get a frame for it and give it a place of honor in my home, I will take a picture to show all of you.

Thanks again Kathy ~ I'm just tickled PINK with it!!! :0}

Death By Chocolate Cake

2009-03-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

Last week my very dear friend Krista had to have a little bit of surgery. {If you're a woman, you can probably guess what kind!}. So, I decided she should have something completely decadent to help soothe herself with. And what could be better than a rich, lavishly intense chocolate cake?! Although I am allergic and cannot eat chocolate these last 20 some years, I sure do love to feed it to others. That way I can enjoy the splendid aroma and pure beauty of chocolate, while creating something sumptuous, without having the reaction!

Anytime anyone in my house has had an illness or surgery through the years, Krista is always the first person at the door with a huge meal in hand. Knowing that Gabby has been so sick, plus now Grammy has been sick too {GO FIGURE!}, Krista flatly refused to let me make a big meal for her. But I insisted on the cake.

I chose today to bake it because all three of her college aged children are home for the weekend at the same time, something that doesn't happen too often. I knew if I sent this cake to an empty nest house while all the chicks were away it may very well kill her and hubby! And since she just survived her first time ever of going under the knife, I really didn't want my chocolate cake to be the death of her!

For some reason this picture makes it look a little lopsided. It really wasn't though.

I wish you could see how pretty the vintage cake plate underneath the mound of chocolate is. It was a Christmas gift from my girlfriend Karen, who knows how much I love such things, and occassionally scours antique malls on my behalf!

The cake was baked in my favorite heart shaped pans given to me by Pat, my lovely Mother~in~law, years ago. They belonged to her mother~in~law before that. I raked grooves into the sides with an icing comb that was another gift from Mom~in~law!

Hmmm...... I sure seem to get a lot of cake related gifts from everyone. Wonder why?

FINAL NON~CHOCOLATE NOTE:

Thanks to all of you for missing me! And for your well wishes on Gabby's behalf. She is much better. She's just fighting the tail end of the head cold now, which she unfortunately shared with me, therefore I remained missing in action even longer!

I plan to spend the next couple of days visiting all your blogs and making some comments along the way. I sure am anxious to see what you've all been up to. I really have missed each and every one of you!

There are even a couple of you I owe e-mails or even phone calls to. I promise ~ I'll get around to it before the weeks over!

Hope you are all well and being blessed!

Missing You All

2009-03-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little post to let everyone in the Land of Blog know I'm still kickin'!

Life has been a bit hectic here this week. We thought Gabby had the stomach flu, but found out, after a trip to the doc, she has her first ever ear infection. She has been one sick little girl. Mommy, Bapa, and I have taken shifts day and night of holding her while she sleeps here and there. There's been fever, lots of tears, sporatic sleep, and very little appetite.

It's so hard to watch them be so sick!:{

I've tried to keep up some with all of your blogs but have fallen behind and am missing all the action of your daily lives. You know what it's like to have a sick little one, everything else fades to the background.

I did leave home on Monday night for 2 hours to teach my knitting/crochet class. Gabby was safe and happy in her BaPa's care. But, other than that, Grammy and Gabby have stuck close together.

I hope you are all enjoying the many blessings of life and the approaching Spring. I'll be back in full swing in a few days {pictures and all, hopefully!}, but just wanted to give an explanation of why I've been MIA!

Missing you all,

Danette

You know me, I have the hardest time making a post without a picture. So here's a picture of my mother reading to Gabby a week or so ago.

Well~ TaTa For Now!

My Fair Little Lady

2009-03-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Gabby is trying to phase out napping. The only problem is around early evening she usually becomes "Crabby Gabby"! Sometimes it's all we can do to keep her awake until bedtime. If we let her fall asleep too early she wakes up in the middle of the night wanting to be up for the day. Needless to say, that's rather unappealing to the rest of us!

When her mommy leaves for an evening of school or work I have strict orders to not let the Little Miss fall asleep. As you can see, sometimes that's just a whole lot easier said than done!!!

I was in ~ shall we say ~ the Ladies room ~ for about 1 minute and she climbed up on my bed and went out like a light.

I've tried and tried {along with BaPa's help} to wake the little sleeping one, but still she slumbers on. Scott is just taking pizza out of the oven, so I'll try again. I'm hoping it works. If not, well.....

SORRY MOMMY ~ I TRIED!

Tea For Three!

2009-03-09T12:33:00.001-07:00

Kar just e-mailed me to let me know she received her package.

So~ I thought I'd do just a quick little post to show you what I sent to her.

She has two precious daughters {who she said were "squealing with delight" over the gift ~ now THAT just makes my day!!!:)} to share the surprise with.

Anyway, without further ado:

I hope she and her little ladies like PINK!!!

OH! And I just have to tell everyone ~ I won a give away too! Kathy from "Welcome To Mimi's Garden" celebrated her first year blogging anniversary and had a drawing for one of her absolutely GORGEOUS watercolor paintings. It's a foxglove with a hummingbird {two of my favorite things!} done in pinks & greens {my favorite color combination!}. When it gets here I'll show it off on one of my posts. I can't wait!!! Thanks again Kathy!

If you haven't ever visited with Kathy on her beautiful blog, get yourself on over there. You'll love it {and HER} so much that you'll keep going back for more!

Silky Cinnabar Shawl

2009-03-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

How exotic does that sound?!

After finishing up another washcloth and scarflette for my Etsy shop, I began to wander around the house somewhat restlessly last night in search of my next project. Normally I have so many things on the needles or hook that this is not a problem. I've done so many instant gratification projects lately though, that I found myself {dare I say it?} caught up. Don't know exactly how that happened!

We were ready to settle in front of a movie and, of course, there AIN'T NO WAY I can do that without some kind of yarn something going on!!! I started crocheting a dishcloth for myself, because I'm running low, but... that wasn't working for me. {I'm sick of thinking about doing dishes!} Then I worked a bit on a Christmas gift I already started with that lovely yarn from Knit Picks. It's something worked in the round with 312 stitches cast on. After 3 rounds I realized I wasn't in the mood for that either. After all, Christmas is a long way off. I don't want to take all the fun out of the last minute knitting frenzy just a week before the big holiday!

Hmmm... what to do?

Suddenly a vision of this luxurious cone of yarn, sitting in a storage container in my supply closet, danced through my mind. I jumped up and ran {like the addict I am} for my yarn stash. After rescuing it from a bottom corner, where I've been saving it for something special, I headed for my books. For at least 2 years I've planned to make myself the "Meadow Flowers" shawl out of a book called: "Knitter's Stash ~ favorite Patterns from America's Yarn Shops".

This lovely, exquisite lace weight JaggerSpun yarn was a gift from a dear friend. She made a shawl for herself out of it and I loved it so much that she insisted on giving the rest of the cone to me. A very generous gift indeed! The cone holds 5040 yards of yarn and will make, well ~ I'm not sure how many more lovely items! The color is "cinnabar", a rich~dark red. This yarn is a 50/50 blend of merino wool & Chinese tussah silk.

Aaaahhh!

It has a lovely sheen and when knit up renders a garment with beautiful drape. Another nice feature is that it is so light and airy that it meets the Shetland lace standard of being able to pull a shawl through a wedding ring. However, it's much softer and silkier than Shetland wool.

As I've mentioned before, I have a great love affair with knitted lacework. After crocheting and knitting bulkier items for awhile, I get to the point where I need a lace fix. I love the sheer, delicate femininity of a garment knit in a lace pattern when it's finished. Plus, I really prefer working with smaller needles and lighter weight yarns for the most part.

If you've never worked with yarn from a cone, give it a try. You can work in one continuous piece without any joins, which is a much faster and more fluid knitting experience. Plus, the yarn stays put and doesn't knot easily.

As my shawl grows, in between other things that will come my way needing to be made, I will periodically show my progress. I'm really enjoying it so far. The pattern is easy and straight forward. There will be a knitted border all the way around it when the body of the shawl is completed.

Also in the picture are a couple of my favorite goodies from Anthropologie. My lovely porcelain teacup with my initial and a darling set of salt & pepper shaker birds. I had to show the teacup, because a good cup of tea is always part of anything I'm creating and the red & white birds just looked so pretty with all the red in the picture!

While working on this shawl this afternoon, I finished listening to the audio book: "Tall Grass"

by Sandra Dallas. What a great story! It's done in the view of a 13 year old girl.

One of my favorite lines is one that reflects my feelings exactly.

While saying that, although her dad would always be the center of her mothers world, it was "her women friends who eased her life".

Now, I know a little something about that!

Hope all my "women friends" out there are having a nice, peaceful, relaxing Sunday evening.

I look forward to visiting with all of you as we start another new week together tomorrow.

TaTa For Now!

A Week In My Life

2009-03-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Monday morning started off with one of my favorite things ~ a package on the porch full of New Yarn!!! I decided to get a real early jumpstart on a at least a couple of Christmas presents. I know, it's hard to even think of Christmas when all we're really wanting at this point is the freshness of SPRINGTIME! But, since I will have a year full of trying to keep my Etsy shop stocked, filling local orders and introducing others to the wonderful world of fiber fun, I know I'll have to work on gifts here and there along the way.

This beautiful assortment of fingering weight yarn is from Knit Picks. Other than my local yarn shop {always, always, always my first love!}, this is my other favorite supply source. The yarn and needles are fabulous, the shipments are very fast and there is no shipping charge for orders over $50.oo.
This time I chose 3 shades of "Imagination" yarn, which is a blend of superwash merino wool, superfine alpaca and nylon. The color names are fun: Looking Glass, Frog Prince, & Mermaid Lagoon. I have a specific project in mind for all of them, but I can't tell what it is now because that would ruin my Christmas surprises! Monday evening took me back to my girls at Eli's, where we sip tea or coffee, swap stories, & play with yarn. I have a new student {this was her 2nd week} who is learning to knit. Erin, who is left handed, has never tried to work with yarn before. I am right handed and it is far more challenging for me to teach a lefty to knit than to crochet. So, she decided since she was "all thumbs" feeling anyway that she would learn to knit right handed. She's doing a GREAT job! I'm always amazed at how well lefty's learn to adjust in a right~handed world. {My Chelsea is left~handed also}.

Tuesday morning I mailed off the surprise gift to Kar and am anxiously awaiting news that she's received it so I can have the unveiling for all of you! Then on tuesday evening I got an interesting request from someone on my Etsy shop. She likes my tea cozies and is wondering if I can make something similar for her to cover the box she keeps her mothers ashes in. I told her I will certainly give it my best shot & that I'm honored to be asked. Anything that helps her honor the memory of her mother works for me. I'll keep you posted on the progress of this endeavor.

Wednesday morning started off with a trip to Ewenique Yarns {my beloved yarn shop!} to give a one on one crochet lesson. Cindy wants to make a beautiful granny square afghan {Hmmm.... reminds me of someone else out there ~ how's it going Patti Cakes?}. At the end of the lesson she had one big beautiful multi~colored square finished. She went on her way happy and ready to tackle the rest of the squares. She said she will probably call me when it comes time for the border. I just love that single moment when I can see it "click" for someone. I LOVE passing on something that has continued to give me such pleasure over the years.

When I returned home yesterday, Little Miss Gabby greeted me first thing with 10 toenails painted bright pink. Mommy delighted her with this girlie treat. Gabby seems to finally be over her fever and perked up pretty good now. Nothing quite like a fresh pedicure to perk a girl right up!

Anyway, the rest of my week and weekend holds the plan to crochet at least one more washcloth and one more scarflette for my Etsy shop. Then I may add some knitted sterling wire and glass bead jewelry to my list of things to do.

The Scripture on my sidebar for today seems appropriate right now:

"Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he that gathereth by labour shall increase."

Proverbs 13:11

Guess I'll just keep working away. If that's what you want to call something I have SO MUCH FUN DOING!

May God bless your hands and all they have to do today. May he also bless those who are touched by your hands along the way!

Mums The Word

2009-03-04T13:25:00.000-08:00

Ah! she is not a "Summer Friend",

She stays when all the rest have flown,

And left us flowerless and alone;

No singing birds, or blooms to lend

Their brightness to the autumn haze,

Tis' she who cheers the dreary days;

Tis' joy to know so sweet a friend;

No fairer flower blooms 'neath the sun

Than autumn's queen Chrysanthemum."

Hattie L. Knapp

Although I much prefer gentle Spring and sweet~ sweet Summer to Autumn any day, one thing I do love about Fall is the beauty of mums. Of course, as I'm sure you have all gathered by now, if it blooms ~ it's working for me! But, back to chrysanthemums. I love the delicate fresh scent and compact frilliness of them. I like the fact that they stand up tall and crowd in close to each other. And I especially love that they show up just as I'm starting to mourn the loss of my beloved summertime. They bring with them the fresh promise of hope. They tell me that after the earth and its living flora take a winters nap, there will be new life blooming just around the corner.

When I stumbled upon this vintage pattern for a crocheted dishcloth with a lovely mum blossoming up from its center, I knew I HAD TO make one! Instead of using the cotton I would normally use for a dishcloth, I crocheted it from my favorite Debbie Bliss cotton yarn. It's 100% pure cotton and NOBODY makes a cotton yarn as soft and lovely to work with as Debbie Bliss {you may remember I have mentioned before that Debbie Bliss is my favorite knitting designer and I always love her yarns}. I chose this yarn especially because, in my opinion, the design is just too pretty to stick down in a sink full of dirty dishes {funny ~ I seem to remember mentioning a sink full of dishes in my last post ~ now you know where you can usually find me ~ I'm at the kitchen sink! When my nephew was little he asked me, "Auntie, why are your clothes always wet down the front?" I told him it's because I'm ALWAYS washing dishes!!!}. Anyway, I used a better quality, softer yarn and made this one a face or body cloth {or just a "look pretty"!}.

And with Spring knocking at our doors {HOPEFULLY~ because I, for one, am sure ready to let it in!}, I went with my favorite springtime color combination of soft pink, celery green and cream.

This was so much fun to make and is SO ~ SO HEAVENLY to touch and look at that I'm going to play around with the color combination and crochet some more. This one will be on my Etsy shop pretty soon. What a lovely gift these cloths would make with some bubble bath and scented soap!

One last tidbit~

Thank you all for your lovely comments on my last post. You all warm my heart so much! Gabby is doing better and we all got a full nights sleep last night. What a difference that always makes.

May you all have a warm, happy evening with your loved ones.

Hot Buttered Toast

2009-03-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Today's post is pictureless. Sorry! That's a real struggle for me!!!
But, you know me~ I can make do with some WORDS.

Last night was another long night. I was up late. Chelsea got home from work around midnight. Gabby woke up feverish again, and after I had been sleeping for about 45 minutes, I got up so Mommy could get some sleep.
I was up until 5:15 a.m. We watched Toy Story twice through {I've got it down pat now!}, snuggled in the rocker/recliner and at 3:00 in the morning shared some hot buttered toast!

Mommy and Gabby are currently sleeping {GOOD THING!}
And ~ YES ~ Grammy is dragging a bit today.

BUT...

I will forever remember a night of snuggling and eating hot buttered toast in the wee hours with a precious grandchild.
Because, you see, at this point in life, I've finally figured out the value of a child and how very fast time does pass.
Sometimes, when I'm standing at the kitchen sink washing dishes, I'll hear one of my daughters say, "Mom". The split second before I turn around, I'll have a random memory flit through my mind of a little girl in pigtails and am shocked {and sometimes even a little sad} to find myself facing a full grown woman! Now, don't get me wrong, I have always enjoyed every single age and stage of my daughters, but the heart sometimes goes where the mind doesn't mean for it to and ends up pining away for days gone by.
So, God has been good to me. He has blessed me with the opportunity to have another little girl in my constant care to snuggle, read to, and laugh with. And I now know that the day will come {and way too fast at that} when I'll be standing at that same sink full of dishes, and someone will come up behind me and say, "Grammy", and when I look around ~ I'll face another woman. Gone will be the sweet little cherub faced, pudgy fingered, child with a head full of ringlets that I once shared hot buttered toast with at 3 o'clock in the morning.
Therefore, I will miss some sleep when needed and I will treasure up all these memories in my heart, because children really do grow too fast and I have learned that each day and each moment with those we hold dear has wings and is precious beyond words.
Enjoy your day today and make it a point to hold those you love close to you.
Remember~ the happenings of today, though they seem inconsequential, sometimes get forever engraved in our hearts and there will be a day in the future we are glad for the memory!

Be blessed today!

P.S.
You'll notice on my sidebar some awards given to me by a couple of my blogging friends.
Thanks so much~ I'm just tickled pink you girls thought of me!
There is a smile on my face for each one of you who read my blog and comment back and forth with me. I am enjoying this thing called "blogging" so much more than I ever knew I would.

Cozy Cottage Day

2009-03-02T14:41:00.000-08:00

We're having a quiet, cozy day in our little cottage. Gabby was up before the sun this morning running a fever. At that point Grammy had only had 4 hours of sleep {most certainly NOT enough beauty rest for me at this point in life!}, but we got some Tylenol in her and sat in the rocking chair watching Toy Story until she fell back asleep. Mommy and Grammy were able to get a little more sleep then as well.

As the day has gone on, she has had no other symptoms other than a lighter than usual appetite. Her fever has stayed low grade and we have spent much time piled up on Grammy's bed surrounded by stacks of her favorite books {which we read "again"} and furry pups.

The cottage tea cozy pictured at the top is one I made and showed on an older post. Sometimes I like to use it for a centerpiece. I adore cottages! Actually I adore anything English, Irish, or Scottish. I am an old soul {my mother has always called me that} who was born on the wrong side of the ocean apparently!

Anyway, I will eventually sell some of these cottage cozy's on my Etsy shop. I have one almost finished. It just needs some more embroidery work.

For now~ Gabby and her Grammy bid you farewell. May you be warm, happy and healthy in your own cottage today!

From Scarflette's to Tassels

2009-03-01T14:20:00.000-08:00

Weekends seem to be a good time for finishing work. Last night I put the final touches on a sweet little crocheted scarflette I started and laid aside while I was working up the give away surprise.

I think it turned out pretty cute! I especially love the spirals I decided to whip up in place of leaves this time. I'm going to make another one in a different color this evening. They'll show up on my Etsy shop before long.

This afternoon's finishing job has been on someone elses knitted afghan. The yarn she used is a big, soft, chunky blend of merino wool, alpaca & silk {now that's talking my language!}. It's a gorgeous hand~dyed fiber made in Chile by Araucania. The shades of blue, turquoise and purple make me think of ocean breezes.

When she dropped it off to me, we discussed several options for enhancing her handiwork, and finally went with the idea of putting a large tassel on each corner. Sounds kind of cool, huh? Well... now that I have one attached, I'm not sure I like it. So, I'm going to put the halt on the rest of them, give her a call, and have her take a look at it before I make more. Each tassel uses up a lot of yarn. I have a hard time doing something if I don't like it very much myself. I try to be extra careful when finishing something another person has put their time, talent, and money into.

But, everyone's taste is different and if she likes it then it's a GO. If she doesn't like it, we'll figure something else out. When it comes to embellishing, the possibilities are always endless!

I did at least get all of her loose ends worked in, so the time spent was not a complete loss.

Happy March everyone!

And The Winner Is...

2009-02-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

I had Chelsea draw a name for me and it looks like the winner is...

Kar from "Kar's Down Home Bliss"!
If you haven't visited her blog yet, get on over there. You'll love it!
She crochets all kinds of brightly colored beautiful goodies!

So~ Kar, if you don't mind, e-mail me your snail mail address and I'll send a surprise your way first thing next week. I sure hope you like it. Let me know when it arrives and I'll put a picture on my blog for everyone to see what you got.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Pretty Little Gifts

2009-02-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

We live just 3 doors down the street from a fabulous second hand store. So, needless to say, the girls and I pop in there on a regular basis. My sweet Chelsea wandered in to rummage around a couple of days ago and came back with this darling birdhouse for her mama! She said she knew the minute she saw it I would love it. {I think the pink roses were her first clue! Plus ~ I do have a small collection of birdhouses.} Anyway, I do just love it!

This has been a week for pretty little gifts. First, my dear friend Amy showing up with the lovely tulips, then Chelsea bringing the birdhouse home and ... NEXT... It's MY TURN to be the gift giver. OOH! I just love to GIVE gifts. Especially when they're SURPRISES!!So~ let me remind all of you that tomorrow I will do a post and reveal the name of the winner in my first blog give away. I can hardly wait! I know I said originally I would put the names of those who commented on my 75th post into the drawing. But I'm actually going to include all the names from all the comments I've received on any post this week, in case any of my precious friends out there in The Land of Blog didn't see that particular post the other day.

Early in the week I laid aside all other current yarn creations and started working on a pretty little gift for one of you. I am ready to put a couple of final touches on {there will probably be some of my signature "blossoming" involved here!} so it will be ready for shipment by Monday.

After I announce the winner tomorrow I'll wait to get an e-mail telling me where to send the fun little package off to. Since I don't want to spoil the SURPRISE for the winner ahead of time, I will wait until after I know the package has arrived and then post a picture of the gift for all of you to see.

I have enjoyed making this gift so much that I'm going to do the same kind of thing again when I reach my 100th post, my first year anniversary, and maybe even every 50 posts! I mean, after all ~ it's my blog, my yarn & my time, so ~ I can do whatever I want!!!:-)

TaTa for now.

Don't forget to check in with me tomorrow to see which one of you I get to send this little surprise to!

A Smile On My Face

2009-02-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Amy showed up at my door today with this lovely bunch of delicate little tulips.

Hearing a knock on my door, but not expecting anyone, I opened it and there she stood. She stepped in, thrust them at me, hugged me & away she went! What a breath of fresh air ~ the tulips AND the friend!

Thanks Amy!

The pretty square coffee pitcher was a Christmas gift I bought myself {I know ~ rather naughty!... but it WAS on sale... HONEST!} Don't you just love it?! Now you KNOW I had to HAVE it.

The cute little ducks, which Gabby sat and played with off & on all day, were another gift to self a few years ago. I found them in a hospital gift shop. I guess really the idea is to purchase something for the patient, but since I was there that day for a mammogram {or something utterly pleasant~I don't REALLY remember exactly what}, I decided I was the patient and, therefore, must have a little something! So, they found their way home with me. That was before there was a Gabby and now I am especially glad I bought them because she loves them so much.

Phoebe is another thing she loves so much. The two of them are partners in crime who keep this Grammy on her toes all day long. But they're so darn CUTE together that they get away with pretty much anything. No matter how long the day has been, their antics and Gabby's giggles send me off to bed with a smile on my face and a thankful heart!

Birthday Bash!

2009-02-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Chelsea's 21st birtday with the family over some homemade chicken pot pie, {mine being vegetable} which is her favorite dish of mine, and plenty of cake and ice cream! She requested a coconut cream cake so early in the day Gabby and I got busy!

Dinner was set for 4:oo but the family started arriving around 2:30 to fill the house with laughter and commotion. Becky, who would be technically classified as a "friend", was the only non family member here. She is however, more family to all of us than friend! DARN ~ I didn't get a picture of her shaking her groove thing in the kitchen with Gabby!

We had a great day with lots of food, laughs, and all around nonsense. We ended the evening with a couple of rounds of our favorite game "Apples to Apples". For those of you who like to play games, if you've never tried this one, it's a LOT OF FUN!

Today, being a typical MONDAY, I have loads of laundry, etc., etc., etc., BUT....... well....... I didn't get much knitting or crocheting done over the weekend, my feet sure do hurt from being on them all day yesterday, & I'm just a bit tuckered out! How's that for a list of excuses?!

The real issue is: THIS YARNAHOLIC NEEDS A FIX!

One last little picture. I'm sure you're all getting sick of seeing Phoebe & my other assorted "babies", BUT~ I just have to give you a peek at Phoebe wrestling down her best friend ~ Gabby's {but she thinks it's hers!} glow worm. She pounces on it to get it to light up and play lullaby music. Then stands back and cocks her head every direction like it's talking to her. It's hilarious!

Happy Monday to All!

****~~~**********~~~**********~~~**********~~~****

Coconut Cream Cake

1c. butter, softened

1c. milk

2c. sugar

1t. pure vanilla

3 eggs

1t. lemon extract

3c. flour

1t. butter flavoring

2 t. baking powder

Beat butter in large bowl at medium speed. Gradually add 2 cups of sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.

Combine flour & baking powder; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Stir in flavorings.

Pour batter {which is thick} into 3 greased & floured 9" cake pans {I usually use 2 - 8x8x2" square pans}. Bake at 350 degrees for 25~30 minutes. Cool 10~12 minutes on wires racks.

Remove from pans & cool completely.

While cake is cooling, combine 1/2 cup of water & 1 tablespoon of sugar in small saucepan on stove & heat to boiling. Turn down & simmer for 3 minutes. Drizzle over cooled cake layers

{I usually poke the layers gently all over with a toothpick first}.

Spread 1 cup of coconut frosting {recipe following} on each layer, top with approximately 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, then stack them. Spread rest of frosting on cake & sprinkle remaining coconut over top & sides { I usually end up using the whole bag of coconut!}.

Coconut Frosting

3 c. shredded coconut {set aside}

2 c. heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. sugar

1t. pure vanilla

1t. lemon extract

2 drops butter flavoring

Combine all ingredients, except shredded coconut, in a meduim bowl & beat at medium speed until soft peaks form.

Yield 4 cups.

This makes a lovely cake for Easter. Also the coconut can be colored pink, green, or any pastel color you like!

I just realized this is my 75th post! WooHoo!! Time sure flys when you're having FUN!:-)

I'll put everyone's name who comments on this post into a drawing at the end of this week and have one of my daughters {or maybe Gabby!} draw a name. I'll announce the winner on Saturday and send off a little surprise gift!

Hmmm......... I feel a fun project coming on!

My Birthday Girl

2009-02-19T19:02:00.000-08:00

Today my youngest daughter, Chelsea, is 21 years old. ~~UNBELIEVABLE!~~

How did she get this old & more like it...

HOW DID I GET THIS OLD?!!

Chelsea is quite a busy young lady these days.

She meets herself coming and going ~

{I tell her to wave as she passes herself by!}

She's a waitress & cosmetology student.

Plus Mommy to Princess Gabriella.

I am very proud of her and admire her endless energy, constant tenacity, and all around good attitude.

Not to mention she's just darn cute!!!:)

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHELSEA~

I sure do love you!

This is just a pretty little hair bauble I gave the future hairstylist for her birthday.

It was made by Theresa at Pumpkin Glass, an absolutely FANTASTIC bead shop here in Morton. The rose and 3 large leaves are vintage German glass beads. Isn't it gorgeous? Just the thing in that beautiful red hair! {Which I prayed for, by the way, during my pregnancy with Chelsea. My mother~in~law has that lovely hair & I wanted it for my daughter as well. Like I said... we just have to remember to ASK!}.

"Chidren are a gift from God; they are His reward." Psalm 127:3 The Living Bible

No matter how old they get, they are still our "chidren". Our constant, forever reward in this life!

Thank you Jesus, You have blessed my mightily!

Resting Easy

2009-02-18T09:46:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to let you know we are resting easy today. Gabby is away for awhile and the pups and I are enjoying some quiet time. Jose' is nestled down in some pillows on my bed while the two weenies are snuggled up keeping their mommy warm while she relaxes to an audio book with yarn and crochet hook in hand. {I'm still working with the ingredients from my bowl of "yarn soup"}. This is a picture of Phoebe and Sophie keeping my spot warm while I was brewing a cup of tea.

Phoebe is completely over her toxic reaction to the shot. It was 12:30 that night {the shot was administered at 10:00a.m.} before all of her swelling was gone. Her ears were the last thing to go down. She is once again chewing all of our shoes and causing a ruckus with Sophie & Jose'. So all is well with her.

Sophie has finally finished all her antibiotic from having 8 teeth pulled and is now able to eat her dry food again. The brushing starts next week! I'll need prayer coverage for that one too! I'm going to introduce them all to daily toothbrushing!!!

And I just have to show you this picture taken over the weekend of Scott covered in doggies! It's how we relax around here:-)

Many heartfelt thanks again to each and every one of you out there. Your prayers and comments of concern made me feel very much comforted and loved!

Please ~ always feel free to send any prayer requests you may have my way.

"And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." James 5:15

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." Matthew 18:20

Our God is mighty and He is able to do all that we ask. We just have to remember to ASK. And it ALWAYS helps to have someone agree with us in prayer. And after we ask, we REST... and WAIT... because our answer is coming down from the heavens, sometimes in the form of a miracle.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:28 & 29

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him..." Psalm 37:7a

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint." Psalm 40:31

May you all be blessed today!

Please Pray for Phoebe

2009-02-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

I need all of you to pray for my sweet little dachshund, Phoebe. She's 13 weeks old today & I just took her to the vet for shots. I've had to leave her there because she had a bad reaction. Her whole face, especially her lips, and one paw are TERRIBLY swollen. They've given her a couple of injections to counteract the reaction but have to watch her for a while & make sure her airway stays open. Right now her heart & lungs sound good. Please pray ~ I don't handle doggie emergencies real well.
Thanks everyone.
I'll keep you posted.

UPDATE
Thank you so much for those of you who have seen this and prayed. My animals are very precious to me.
Phoebe is home now and most of the swelling is gone. Her ears are still thick & swollen and the lips are still a little puffy, but she's eating, drinking and being a little like her rowdy self.
Just pray the swelling is completely gone & no other symptoms occur. The vet wants me to call if there is ANY swelling left before he leaves at 6p.m.
Once again ~ thanks.
Also pray for Scott {my hubby}. He just came home from work sick. This is a man who the last time he had the flu & missed 1 day of work, they looked at his record and realized he hadn't taken a sick day for over 7 years. Since his stomach surgery in November he hasn't had the flu ever. The type of surgery he had leaves him unable to ever vomit again. If this is the flu, it could be a bit of a rough go.
On tuesday of last week my 8 year old dachshund, Sophie, had to have 8 teeth pulled. She just spunked up yesterday. I'm ready for some peace & good health all the way around here!
I pray blessings on the rest of you today.

~UPDATE #2~
God is so GREAT!!!! Phoebe is almost back to normal & Scott was only home for a couple of hours then was well enough to return to work. Your prayers worked. When we come together in the Name of the Lord we can move mountains!

My sweet friend Kathy who lives in Georgia {we were BEST friends in high school}, sent me Lam. 3:22 in response to my prayer request. It soothed my soul. Thank you dear, dear friend.

"But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope;
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him." Lamentations 3: 21~24

Thank You Lord that You ARE my portion. You are water to my parched soul & I will ALWAYS have hope in YOU!

Roses, Fern & Pearls

2009-02-14T09:26:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you start with Roses, surround them by some Fern & throw in some Pearls?

A lovely, romantic Valentine gift? Well... sometimes... But this time what you get is a bowl full of scrumptious yarn!

Now ~ before I go any further ~ I must confess to everyone that I am a bona fide, unwavering, dyed in the wool {pun definitely intended here!} yarn snob!!! My girlfriend Karen is always amazed that I can usually tell the fiber content of her clothing from across the room! And on those rare occassions when I cannot be 100% certain, it only takes one little snif & voila'! ~ I usually know at least the top note. The fragrance of fine fiber is like sweet perfume to me.

So, all that being said, I am more shocked than anyone who knows me well could be {even my crochet/knitting students know me for the snob I am}, I have found an acrylic ~ Yes, I said ACRYLIC {and I mean 100% so}, yarn I have fallen head over heals in love with!

It's Vanna's Choice ~ put out, of course, by the lovely Vanna White, who is not only one of America's favorite sweethearts, but is also a Crochet Queen who has been Lion Brand's national spokesperson for 15 years. I mean ~~~ who doesn't love Vanna! So, I figured her yarn was worth a try, especially since the price is somewhat less than this fiber snob usually pays. Now, don't misunderstand me, I still have a natural, deep down abiding love & preference for NATURAL FIBERS {AND my "family" at my fabulous local yarn shop ~ Ewenique Yarns ~ where 99.9% of my yarn comes from}, however, I do like this yarn. It is unbelievably soft for an acrylic and has that wonderful added bonus of being completely machine washable & dryable. Plus, I really like the color choices.

Therefore, it will from time to time show up in my handwork from now on. As a matter of fact, it made its debut for me in that "Rambling Rose" poncho I just finished recently. The new project I've started with it is using the color ROSE MIST. It's pictured in the bowl along with color choices: FERN & PEARL MIST.

What a lovely bowl of Yarn Soup it makes!

May you all have a Happy Heart today!!!

Birthdays & Bloomers

2009-02-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

Remember last week when I mentioned it was my girlfriend Karen's birthday? Well, I finally had her over to celebrate today. {Only a FEW days late!} But, you know how hectic life gets and like I said before, Karen is a busy mother of three and is currently doing her clinical time in nursing school. So, today we did the girl thing... scones, coffee {tea for me}, lunch, gossip, more scones, more gossip... you get the picture! Basically we ate, drank, laughed and solved all the worlds problems in about a 3 1/2 hour span. It was good.

After she had to leave, I decided to check in at the Land of Blog to see what all you girls are up to today. If you've never visited La Tea Dah at Gracious Hospitality, you should pop over for awhile. You'll LOVE her blog!:) When I saw what she had pictured today I decided to strut my stuff with my cute little bloomer set also. This was a gift from Becky and it looks adorable hanging in my kitchen!

Happy Day!

Rainy Day Roses

2009-02-11T12:39:00.000-08:00

On this rainy day I am staying inside where I am still working on scattering roses with my hooks and needles. I'm enjoying the different color combinations of the Debbie Bliss cotton washcloths and now have 4 roses completed. This yarn is nice to work with because it is so soft and comforting while it glides through my fingers. And before I know it another little rose has blossomed!

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The other project I have going {because I NEVER have just one at a time}, is more rosy slippers. There's a need for more PINK, of course, and then I must make a purple & off white pair. I sold a pink pair at the local yarn shop this week. So now I still need more for gift giving and selling.

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I really enjoy making both of these items because, well ... after all ... there are ROSES involved {and plenty of PINK}!

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Also, today's tea selection is, naturallly ~ Rose Petal ~ in my beautiful china cup and saucer set that Hilary gave me for Mother's Day a few years ago. Gotta love a daughter like that!:)

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~And last, but most certainly not least~ I leave you with a picture of my favorite rose covered Princess ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Smelling Like A Rose

2009-02-10T06:29:00.000-08:00

Once again ~ I'm LOVING my new book: "The Chicks with Sticks ~ Guide To Crochet" by Nancy Queen & Mary Ellen O'Connell. I knew the minute I saw these darling washcloths pictured on page 73 that I just HAD to make some. The timing is just perfect for some cute little, quick to make up, Valentine gifts.

The yarn I used is Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton in dusty rose with a dusty teal center. The colors are so pretty and the cotton is so soft and who doesn't love anything Debbie Bliss comes up with?! Her designs and yarns are at the top of my list of favorites. So this morning I'm off to my local yarn shop, Ewenique Yarns, {where not only do I have stalker status, I was actually the very first customer in the door when they opened a few years ago!} to buy another color or two to see what pretty combinations I can come up with. Naturally, I already had 5 skeins of PINK in my stash! Plus there was that partial skein of the teal left over from a cute little baby shrug I knit a couple of years ago.

I really like how puffy these washcloths look on one side. The fun thing though is that they are pretty on both sides. I can just imagine how heavenly it will feel to cleanse your face with one or lather one up with some pretty scented soap and soak in a nice warm bubble bath. Ahh... I can hear that bathtub calling my name.

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2009-02-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

While visiting Mimi's Garden, one of my favorite blogs, a few days ago, I decided to play along with a little game of hers. She listed "10 Things I Love" starting with the letter "H", which had been assigned to her by another blogger. So I contacted her & she gave me the letter "B".

So here's my list: {O.K. ~ I'll confess right now ~ I didn't follow the rules exactly! Go Figure!!! My list is actually 20 items long. As I'm sure you've noticed, I never ever say in 5 words what I could say in 75 words!}

20 Things I Love That Start With The Letter "B"~

*Babies {even the furry kind!]

*Bible Reading

*Books, books & more books
*Blue Skys

*Breezy Summer Days

*Berries

*Birds

*Begonias

*Baking
*Bracelets

*Bed & Breakfasts

*Butterflys

*Being at Home

*Boyfriend {yes, I know Scott is my HUSBAND, however I still refer to him as my "boyfriend"}

*Bunnies
*Bicycles

*Beauty {it's everywhere}
*Blogs {had to include this one}

*Bath Time!

*Baa~baa! {as in SHEEP, as in WOOL, which got me to YARN~ because I had to figure out a way to go there! As with all addicts~ all roads eventually lead to our obsessions!}

Bye~Bye for now!

It's A Wrap!

2009-02-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

After yesterday mornings necessary shopping trip to replace the glasses Phoebe ate, I got serious about finishing that poncho. As I started laying out and sewing on the roses with stems and leaves I got more and more excited to see it completed. Adding roses {or any flower} to an item ALWAYS gets my blood flowing!

The pictures make the crocheted poncho appear to be more of a true red than it actually is. The color is labeled "antique rose". Needless to say, I LOVE it. I knit the roses up in a pretty off white and the leaves and I-cord stems are knit from my favorite soft green baby alpaca. I'm pleased with the vintage look this color combination conjures.

Of course, I did require some feline assistance {all doggies were napping at this point}. Mercedes felt that she should oversee the final touches to make sure they were purr~fect!

As for the new glasses ~ they are too cute & I really like them. Sadly, however, they were fresh out of rose colored ones. So, I opted for a soft navy blue to match my baby blues! And really, looking at life through rose colored glasses is a state of mind nobody can take away from me anyway!

Without further ado, here's the finished garment. Hope you all like it. I'm glad it's FINALLY a wrap!

The Scene of the Crime {otherwise known as Miss Phoebe in the Kitchen with the Knitting Needles}

2009-02-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

While Gabby was finally napping yesterday afternoon, I picked up my knitting to finish the roses for the poncho I'm STILL working on. When I reached the point of being ready to bind off 90 stitches for the last flower, I laid everything down on my kitchen table and left the room for about 5 minutes. During that time Chelsea went out the back door to leave for school but had forgotten to do something in the kitchen and returned for a brief moment. From the other room I said another goodbye to her. Upon my return to the kitchen {now known as "the scene of the crime"}, I found Phoebe wanting to "help" me along with my project. Apparently even SHE realizes I'm taking too long with this one! Now~ I had to ask myself, "How did a long bodied, short legged fur pants get ahold of something that I KNOW I left on the table? I looked around for an accomplice, but... alas, there was no cat in sight, and as I mentioned before, Gabby was sleeping. Without wasting too much time thinking about it {I AM a blonde after all}, I confiscated {which the dictionary says means: to take or seize by AUTHORITY} the stolen articles, returning them back to the kitchen table.

Then {still being a blonde}, I left the kitchen again, without thinking it might be a good idea to investigate the scene of the crime for anything else that might be out of place. {You'll never see me on CSI!}. This time it was approximately 10 minutes before my return to THE KITCHEN. At which time I discovered the before said THIEF {little Miss Phoebe} EATING MY READING GLASSES! This time, as cute as it was, grabbing the camera was NOT my first thought. Instead I made a lunge for the glasses and Phoebe, thinking it was all a great game at this point, held firm to her looted bounty! After some struggle ensued I {being the one in AUTHORITY} won the battle. However, the victory was a short lived one... you guessed it... I'm off to Vintage Optical here in town today to replace the reading glasses. And ~ doggone ~ those were my favorite little "rose colored glasses". They're still somewhat usable, if I don't mind puppy teeth marks in the lenses and being scratched half to death on the side of the head when I put them on and they pull half my hair out! The problem is, I've always had perfect eyesight but I got over that about the same time I got over being 40. Now I must have these little cheaters if I want to actually SEE what I'm knitting.

By the way, to solve the crime at last, I finally figured out that when Chelsea returned to the kitchen momentarily, she must have knocked my knitting and glasses onto the floor in her haste to get back out of the house, because sitting there on the chair, where I had been sitting before the whole crime occurred, was the diaper bag from her car. {Once again~ Blondie didn't notice that until the last minute!} Therefore, you see, it wasn't Phoebe's fault after all. It was Chelsea's. This makes Phoebe feel MUCH better about the whole thing. Now she can put the unpleasant episode behind her... until the next misunderstanding takes place.

What A Night!

2009-02-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

All day yesterday Gabby and I talked about having company for the evening as we cleaned house together. As you can imagine, she's a great little helper. We even cleaned the bird cages {ICK!}. She loves to get on the business end of a broom. I just have to watch that none of the doggies receive an accidental thump on the head while she's wielding it!

We had cousin Heidi and her two children, Tanner & Chloe, over for a pizza night. Heidi is just home from spending Christmas and the month of January in Denver, Colorado with her family. We hadn't seen her and the kids since their return, so we thought it was high time for them to meet new puppy Phoebe, come play with Gabby, catch up on chit~chat and FINALLY let me give Heidi that Christmas present that's been hanging around on my shelf waiting for her return!

Gabby was excited and anxiously awaiting her playmates all afternoon. The only problem was that she never took a nap. Her head is still stuffy for one thing. The other thing is she waits for her Aunt Hilary to get home from work all day. The minute Hilary was in the door, at about 5:20, Gabby started asking for "Elvis, Elvis!". Believe it or not, my not yet 2 year old granddaughter is addicted to Elvis on YouTube. So Hilary brings it up on the computer and we all usually dance around the room with ole Elvis the Pelvis. {Gabby especially loves it if Becky is here to join in!} Anyway~ I was still tidying up {cleaning the bathroom ~ more ICK!} so there was no jirating for me. Gabby being a bit tired at this point just sat on Aunt Hil's lap in front of the computer and at 6:00 in the evening her head hit the desk and she was OUT! We moved her to the couch thinking she would wake up when our company arrived with all the fanfare of 3 doggies announcing them. But...NO. We couldn't wake her. No matter WHAT we did she literally snored through the hub~bub until 9:00.

Needless to say, once she came to, ate, and played, she was REALLY AWAKE! Since her mommy meets herself coming & going between work and school and never gets enough sleep, Grammy took the night shift in the rocking chair with the movie ELF playing. She finally drifted back to sleep & I put her to bed at 2:30 a.m.! It was nearly 3 a.m. when I crawled into bed and at precisely 3:28 Scott rolled over & Phoebe, who was sleeping on his chest, hit the hard wood floor. Poor little thing was stunned but O.K. The rest of my night was filled with tossing & turning and weird dreams! You know how those nights go ~ we all have them sometimes!

Anyway, we did have a good evening and so far all things seem to be set to rights today.

After all :

"This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

And when there are babies in the house, things may be unpredictable, but there is ALWAYS rejoicing involved!

Oh Happy Day!

2009-02-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

We are having a lovely sunny day here in our castle. Jose is feeling much better today, for which I am very thankful, especially since today is his birthday. The little prince is 7 years old today. He has been his usual feisty chihuahua self today, even enjoying a bit of sunshine. I've only caught him trying to sneak Puppy Chow once so far. Just like the rest of us ~ just because something makes our tummy sick doesn't mean we don't want to try again!
Happy Birthday Little Man!

The other picture is of some of my favorite knitting needles. They're harmony wood from Knit Picks. I have the whole set in circulars as well. They are smooth and have perfect tips for making every knitting endeavor turn out beautifully. Plus, with all the pretty colors they are a feast for the eyes while they work their magic!

Today is also my girlfriend Karen's birthday. {I'll be nice & not mention her age!} Even though she's had to spend the whole day slaving away at nursing school, I hope she's had some fun somewhere. Karen is an amazing, Godly woman. She has a son in college, a daughter in high school, another son in kindergarten and she's in nursing school. Whew! You Go Girl!!! {And Go and Go and Go ~ she's like the Ever Ready battery bunny ~ she just keeps on going!}

We've had lots of laughter and good times over the years and done some trudging through life's true grit with each other. She is much loved and treasured!

"She is far more precious than jewels." Proverbs 31:10b

Happy Birthday Karen!

*I know sticking that picture of my knitting needles in between a couple of birthday salutes may seem a bit odd ~ but any "happy day" for me always includes my knitting needles!

Help! I'm Crocheting & I Can't Stop!

2009-02-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek at the poncho I'm working on. I finished the crocheting and construction of it this afternoon. Instead of adding an elaborate edging I opted for the old standby scallop. Anything else would have fought with the pattern too much. Tomorrows project will be finishing the knitted roses {I have one done}, then making the leaves and some I-cord stems. Once it's all put together I'll take a proper picture of Griselda {my name for my mannequin~ don't ask me why, it's just the first name that came to my mind ~ how weird is that?!} wearing it & show just what embellishments can do! I mean, after all, I DO like to fling flowers on anything that will stand still and take it.

While I was knitting the rose, this is what was going on around me. Gabby and BaPa {that's Grandpa in Gabby~ese} were kicked back in the recliner watching Toy Story, which is Gabby's current favorite and must be watched about 15 times a day right now. Grammy could do a one woman show on it at this point!

And my little Jose was tucked under his mommy's sweater up on the bed. Though Gabby and I are mostly over our sniffles, there's a sick poochie in the house today. When I wasn't looking yesterday he got some of Phoebe's Puppy Chow and since he has to eat only a special hypo~allergenic food from the vet {THE most expensive kind they have}, he's a bit puny today. We're hoping for a better day tomorrow for him.

Nighty ~ Night everybody!

Creativity Blooms Afresh

2009-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend fighting a case of the sniffles that Gabby graciously shared with me. Well, actually... I didn't put up too much of a struggle. Mostly I succumbed by snuggling into my warm shawl I just recently crocheted for myself, with my feet {bedecked in my rosy pink slippers!} propped up and dogs {and a sea of tissues & plenty of hot tea} surrounding me while I pored through some pattern books looking for new inspiration. After knitting 5 pairs of slippers, I was ready to move onto something else.
So, I'm starting with the stitch pattern of a crocheted wrap from one book and reconstructing it to look like a knitted wrap from another book. Then I'll either crochet or knit up some roses to sprinkle across the top and possibly finish it off with a crocheted edge from yet another book. Whew! This creativity stuff uses up some of the little gray cells sometimes!

The three books I'm working with are some of my favorites:

"The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet" by Nancy Queen & Mary Ellen O'Connell
"Knitted Flowers " by Nicky Epstein
"Crocheting on the Edge" by Nicky Epstein

* I really like Nicky Epstein. Does it show?

When the project is finished it's going to be a poncho. I'll show it off in a few days. Then put it in my Etsy shop. {No matter how much Chelsea begs for it!}

Happy Monday to all!

Rosy Pink Slippers

2009-01-30T09:56:00.000-08:00

I'm LOVING these rosy pink slippers I just finished knitting! They are warm & toasty and well...

PINK!

~ Plus~ you know I HAD TO make them BLOSSOM with a crocheted rose.

I knit them up using three strands of Cascade 220 wool held together. Then chose the lightest pink to make the sweet little roses. They are fast and fun to make and cozy and pretty to wear!

I feel like Cinderella must have felt wearing her glass slippers to the ball. Except: my feet are much warmer, I can stay up past midnight wearing them while sitting and knitting in my comfy over~stuffed, rose covered chair (with matching tufted ottoman!) and at the end of the night my feet won't hurt like crazy as surely a pair of glass slippers must be excrutiating to endure!

Of course, much of the knitting was accomplished with Jose, my precious 3 pound chihuahua & constant companion, on my lap. He's never been crazy about the tickling experience of yarn running over him, however is now willing to endure ANYTHING to be picked up and safely away from little Miss Phoebe! (who only wants to PLAY... and BITE).

Also, check out another new favorite find:

The yarn is encased in three seperate "Yarn Cake Holders" and look closely at the two crocheted roses sitting by them. One is a solid pink and the other is a variegated pink. They're tape measures. Don't you just LOVE them?! I certainly do!:) They were made by Susan who can be found at: http://www.knitsnthings.etsy.com/

The Yarn Cake Holders (great for keeping yarn tangle free, especially when working with more than one strand) sell for $2.50 each and the tape measures are $7.50 a piece. She does different animals upon request and darlilng cake tape measures. (I just love the creativity of other women). When I discovered her shop and contacted her to ask if she could make mine up in pink roses, she e-mailed me back immediately and said "SURE". She's GREAT to work with. Browse through her crocheted pretties & knitting patterns for sale and enjoy! Tell her Danette sent you.

~ Just A Note~

For anyone who might be interested in making these rosy slippers here's where you can find the free patterns:

www.geocities.com/blossomknitwear/threestrandslippers.html

www.lionbrand.com/patterns/chs-rosettes.html

For the slippers I used size 11 dpn's as called for, but when you get to the point where you connect to work in the round and knit 12 more rounds, I knit 15 more rounds {could just be my gauge ~ I'm loose when I knit/crochet}. This pattern is so easily adjusted to whatever size you need. The pair pictured here fits my size 6 1/2 feet and also both of my daughter's size 8 feet. Wouldn't they be a fun Valentine's Day present to give?! Hmm... maybe I'll even whip some up in a couple of color choices for my Etsy shop. We'll see.

For the crocheted rosettes I used just one strand of yarn and made mine in the size medium {ch 35}.

Happy creating!

Make A Wish!

2009-01-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my sister, Bridget, turned 35. She and her sons, Courtney & Brendan, and my Mom and Dad came for the afternoon and evening. We had lunch with lots of chit~chat and laughter. Then later on we ordered pizza and had more chit~chat and laughter with our cake and ice cream. All in all it was a great day!

Although I am almost ten years older than Bridget, there's just the two of us and we are as close as any sisters or friends could be. Ever since the day she was born (when I was in the fourth grade) she's been a shining light in my world. I'll never forget going to school the day after her arrival feeling like I was floating on a cloud. I had waited a long time to be a big sister. Over the years I've been like her other mother at times as well. I have even been the one to bake all of her birthday cakes since she turned two. Now we are sisters, confidantes, and best friends. What a beautiful, intelligent woman she has grown into. I'm very proud of her and love her more with each passing year.
This last one would be my Dad ~ evidence that some people really never do grow up! Sorry Dad, I just HAD to include it.

The Enjoyment of Life

2009-01-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun." Ecclesiastes 8:15

Isn't it wonderful to just simply "enjoy life"? The world around us has become such a busy, active place, which is sometimes not a bad thing. However, I hope we can all take time out (without feeling guilty about it) to partake in "the enjoyment of life". I really think God intends for us to be happy with the small, every day things He has blessed each of us with.

These days my "work" is taking care of my granddaughter, Gabby, keeping my hands busy with yarn, hooks and needles, and acting as number one zoo~keeper to this menagerie of pets I have!

And, I really must say, JOY does accompany me in my work!

O.K.~ maybe the house isn't as tidy as it could be and we occasionally run out of clean laundry, but everyone is happy and well~loved and I reap the benefits of peace and happiness that come from such basic things in life.

Pictured at the very top is a pair of pink slippers I started last night after completing the red ones for my neighbor, which are going to her mother for her 93rd birthday. She wears a size 11 shoe and has swollen feet from congestive heart failure. They are unable to get shoes on her feet when taking her to the doctor, so she needs something warm that will fit. I hope they work!

You'll notice that once again Phoebe couldn't resist curling up next to some warm wool for a little nap!

And then, I leave you with a picture of Gabby sitting on my bed reading a story, because now it's time for me to get back to "the enjoyment of life" as I know it!

Cozy Crocheting

2009-01-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

After I finished the teal colored tranquility shawl a few days ago, I decided I really must have one of these warm cozy wraps for myself. So I went to my yarn stash and pulled out the 3 hanks of Lorna's Laces hand~dyed yarn I've been saving for just the right project. It's a beautiful superwash wool of Shepherd Bulky in the color Baltic Sea. Each skein has 140 yards and I used nearly every bit. As many of you know, crocheting uses up more yarn than knitting does.

Although I seldom ever make anything for myself, and I do have two custom orders due by February 1st, I just couldn't resist the tempting thought of snuggling into one of these while crocheting, knitting or reading a good book (a steaming cup of tea within reach at all times). I'm an extra cold person who lives in a house that was built in 1926 which still has the original windows and not enough insulation. Plus all the floors are the original oak (no carpeting anywhere). I love, love, love my old house but it is drafty and cold this time of year. In the summer it's all breezy and shady, but right now I need as many warm, snuggly things to wear as possible! I'm actually sitting here cocooned in it right now ~ and LOVING every warm minute of it!:)

Naturally, while I was working on it, every time I had to put it down Scout made it her number one priority to guard my goods. Her favorite occupation is "wool~gathering"! Even Phoebe enjoyed curling up by an unwound hank for a little nap.

Also, just a quick note to tell you about my new favorite find: "Get a Grip" ~ fiber friendly handbalm. I found it at http://www.knit.etsy.com/

It's a lanolin based balm that's offered in several different fragrances. I chose "romance" and is it ever divine! Those of you who work constantly with fibers are probably having much the same dry hand trouble as me, especially if you live in a cold weather climate like I do. I can't say enough good about this lovely product. It comes in a cute little tin that tells you on the back to "Rub a small amount into hands until slightly tacky. Knit/Crochet like crazy. Repeat". Don't you just love that?!

Hope you're all keeping warm and cozy wherever you are today. And doing the same as me~

knitting and crocheting like crazy!

"She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands." Proverbs 31:13

Pink Roses and Chocolate

2009-01-24T12:44:00.001-08:00

What true romanitc doesn't love Valentine's Day?! My sister, Bridget, says it's her favorite holiday. I always get a kick out of the many things she can come up with to celebrate the day each year. A couple of years ago she and I spent the entire day making bon~bons for our sweethearts. We purchased every flavor if extract we could find and dipped and dipped and dipped for hours! There were dark chocolates, milk chocolates and white chocolates literally all over my kitchen. Covering them was a variety of toppings such as: coconut, nuts, dutch cocoa, and swirly lines of white chocolate (some colored pink). They were so beautiful when we were finished, I was truly impressed with us both! And what a memory we created. I'll think of it every time Valentine's Day rolls around forever. Of course, we realized we spent way more money than if we had bought fancy, quality chocolates, but where would the fun have been in that?! With Valentine's Day approaching again, I have roses and chocolates on my mind. So here's what I came up with for my Etsy shop. It's a sash that can be worn as a belt or a scarf. It's silky soft and fun to wear! And for me ~ it's as close as I can get to having chocolate. Sadly, I am allergic to this delectable mainstay in life. It's been a LONG 22 years without it! Thankfully, I have no such problem with roses ~ in any color!

Tea and Friendship

2009-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Today I went to Krista's house for a luncheon to celebrate our friend Amy's birthday. For years now the three of us have traveled from home to home for monthly tea and coffee time, which we usually turn into a full blown lunch for a birthday. It's always so much fun to see all the pretty china and silver set out with beautiful food and desserts. The time spent together is refreshing, uplifting and relaxing. Our friendship has spanned more than two decades now. Through the years we've shared laughter, tears and much of life as we've watched each others children grow up. I was the first to become a Grammy, but this year Amy will enter that land of joy and wonder when her oldest daughter has her first baby in July. And, of course, Krista & I will be there to congratulate her immediately (and get our hands on that baby as soon as possible!). Doesn't friendship just make everything in life like one big, delicious tea party?!

The picture shows Krista on the left and Amy on the right.

Before I left I just had to take this picture of Gabby sitting on the couch "reading" the book Aunt Hilary brought home from the library for her last night. I love to watch and listen as she reads. She points to the pictures and jabbers along like she's reading or names the items shown. One of her favorite things to do is line up her baby dolls, or the puppy, and read to them while they go "night~night". There's absolutely nothing like the imagination of a child!

The book Gabby was reading this morning, entitled "Tea for Ruby", is just darling. It's written by Sarah Ferguson~The Duchess of York and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Whether you have a child in your household or not, you should go to your local library or bookstore and take a peek at it. I think I'll purchase one for Gabby when she turns 2 in April. I get something tea related for her for every occasion. I want her to grow up with a love and appreciation for the many joys and benefits of afternoon tea time, especially when shared with friends!

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea." Bernard~Paul Heroux

"Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea." Author Unknown

"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

"Friendships multiply joys and divide griefs." Henry George Bohn

"There is no better looking glass than an old friend." Thomas Fuller

"The most I can do for my friend is simply to be his friend." Henry David Thoreau

"I am not of that feather to shake off my friend when he must need me." Shakespeare

The Warmth of Kindness

2009-01-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

The last few days, since my post about New Year's resolutions, I've had kindness on my mind. Several years ago I went through about a two week period when everywhere I looked the word "kindness" was hitting me in the face. Every time I opened my Bible, a book, a magazine or any form of written word it jumped out as if in bold type. At that time I was still working full time at a bank and at the end of a particularly long hectic day, while driving home, I noticed the license plate of the car in front of me. You guessed it ~ it read "Kindness". Just that one word. And do you know, I saw that car everywhere I went for the next week or so! Now one has to finally say, "O.K. I get it. I'm supposed to sit up and take notice here."

During that time, my job entailed training new bank tellers. I began to make that the first order of business to teach each one of them. The importance of good old fashioned kindness. I told them to smile, be as pleasant as they could be and take an extra minute to chat with the customer. Most transactions at a bank don't take too terribly long and sadly enough it very well could be the only kind moment some people encounter on a particular day. It takes such a brief bit of our time and energy to be kind to the people around us. One never knows, maybe he or she just lost a loved one, got an upsetting diagnosis from the doctor, or is just plain lonely.

In any job the details can be taught and learned and performed mechanically day in and day out. But shouldn't there be so much more to us than that? I was thinking today of how those of us who work with yarn are constantly creating things to keep a body warm. I hope that in the meantime we are also cultivating the art of kindness, because nothing else warms the soul, spirit and heart of our fellow man quite like it.

That being said, I did crochet this shawl today, which will hopefully wrap its wearer in warmth!

"A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles."

Washington Irving

"To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business of life." Samuel Johnson

" I expect to pass through this life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." William Penn

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Our Just Desserts

2009-01-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, while Gabby and I were home alone and waiting for the rest of the family to start trickling in from work, we decided to bake a cake. This was Gabby's first cake baking adventure. She LOVED it and was totally thrilled with the scrumptious looking finished product. She could hardly wait for her "BaPa" (her word for Grandpa) to arrive home so she could show off her great accomplishment. The minute the alarm sounded that he had pulled into the driveway (the alarm would be 3 excited, barking dogs!), she ran to the back door and frantically turned the door knob hollering, "BaPa, BaPa,... Cake, Cake, Cake!". When he finally made it in with an arm full of groceries, stepping over and around doggies to his left & right (it really is the highlight of EVERYONE'S day the minute that man gets home), she climbed back on her chair and stuck out her tummy with a look of intense joy and pride in her eyes while he applauded her achievement in grand fashion! ( Sadly, I didn't have camera in hand for that precious moment). I sat the cake on a side table in the dining room so it would remain uncut until her mommy, the last one to arrive home, could see it. Then when we tried to take it from her to cut and eat, she began to cry. The four of us (Scott, Hilary, Chelsea & myself) began to despair that we would not get to eat cake at all. So, we set her at the table with fork in hand and let her have the first bite and she finally allowed us to cut into her delectable creation. In the end we all got our just desserts!

"...and a little child shall lead them." Isaiah 11:6b

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

To be real honest ~ I'm not too big on New Year's resolutions, simply because I know myself too well. However there are some good for me guidelines I try to follow day in and day out every year. To name a few:
*Endeavor to love the Lord My God with all my heart, soul, and might (and teach the little ones to do the same)

*Try to be the best I can be, comparing myself only to MYSELF (trying not to get hung up on my shortcomings when compared to others) - my victory in this one waxes and wanes!

*Love my family and friends as unconditionally as humanly possible

*Live at peace with all people as much as it depends on me

*Remember the order of the day (and moment) should always be KINDNESS (NEVER rudeness)

*Spend as much time as I can get away with being creative!

Of course there are many other MUST DO things for all of us. There's always, housework, housework and more housework...

But in the famous words of Scarlet, "Tomorrow IS another day"!

So, quite frankly my dears, I will most likely float through yet another day of NOT tackling the major disarray of all my knitting/crochet books & assorted paraphernalia that practically screams at me to tidy up a bit. (Notice in the picture of the book case there is still a wrapped Christmas gift waiting for a friend to return home!) What a mess!!! Oh well... I'd really rather spend my time loving on my granddaughter, playing with puppies, drinking tea, and staying elbow deep in yarn!

For now I leave you all with my love and teeny weenie poochie moochie kisses! Be blessed today!

Sweet Confections

2009-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

On these cold winter days my favorite things to do while nestled in the house are knit, crochet, or bake. I think that's what makes these cupcake creations so much fun. It's like doing all three things! This pretty in pink cupcake is a combination of knitting, crocheting and beading. I love the littles sparkles sprinkled all over the top.

Today is Becky's birthday, so this sweet confection was made especially for her. Happy Birthday Miss Becky! She has a real thing for cupcakes (which is why I am referring to this one as a cupcake instead of a "fairy cake"). She even has a pretty silver and pink

cupcake necklace she wears sometimes. So I thought I would add one more cupcake to her collection.
The other confection that is still on the needles today is working its way towards being a belt, or it can also be worn as a skinny scarf. I love the look and feel of this satiny soft Italian nylon ribbon yarn. The pink, brown, and white coloring reminds me of pink roses and chocolates. It has a zig zag of metallic thread running through the center. These belts are very chic and feminine looking when fringed on both ends and tied around the hips. This one will show up on my Etsy shop sometime this week. It would add just the right touch to a Valentine Dinner out!
As you can see, I had plenty of help with these projects last evening. For starters Phoebe felt like she had to condition the yarn with her razor sharp baby teeth. (Please try NOT to notice the fact that Phoebe is now the third one of my babies to model that same scarf!) Then they all three (Sophie, Phoebe, and Jose) snuggled in around me to keep me warm while I finished up.

*Please don't look too closely at my crazy looking outfit of green flannel snowflake pajama pants topped off by a pink and then a black sweater. OH ~ and the lovely rose colored reading glasses (I am after all a Grammy & I really do prefer to look at life through rose colored glasses!). What a get-up. Or as my mother would say, "What kind of GARB have you got on now?". I say --- whatever it takes to be as comfy as possible while we create!

Making Things Blossom

2009-01-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

First of all, I must tell you, the lovely knitting done on the poncho Hilary is wearing was the work of someone elses hands. It was made using a gorgeous Japanese hand painted wool by Noro. A few days ago the girls from Ewenique Yarns contacted me with a finishing job. A customer of theirs brought the poncho in and asked if they knew anyone who could crochet. A friend of hers made the garment for her for Christmas and once she put it on they realized it needed some length added to it. They thought a crocheted border would be just the thing and I always agree with that! I've said before how much I LOVE to combine knitting and crocheting. They compliment one another so beautifully. And you know how I love, love, love to make all things blossom!!:) So, I added one of my favorite borders of crocheted violets. It's actually the same stitch in the "Like a French Melody" capelet for sale on my Etsy shop. I'm crazy about these sweet little flowers. Besides giving the item the extra length needed, they pretty the whole thing up so much. As Hans Christian Andersen said:

"Just living is not enough...

One must have sunshine freedom and a little flower."

So I like to scatter them everywhere possible! Blossoms of every kind are especially wonderful on these cold winter days while we wait for Spring, with its promise of freedom and sunny days, to come to us once again.

"May there be abundance of grain in the land;
on the tops of the mountains may it wave;

may its fruit be like Lebanon;

and may people blossom in the cities

like the grass of the field!

May His name endure forever,

His fame continue as long as the sun!

May people be blessed in Him,

all nations call Him blessed!

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

who alone does wondrous things.

Blessed be His glorious name forever;

may the whole earth be filled with his glory!

Amen and Amen!" Psalm 72:16-19

Don't you just love the part about people "blossoming in the cities like the grass of the field"?!

My prayer is that God makes me blossom wherever I am so I can be "the fragrance of Christ to those who are being saved and those who are perishing." (2Corinthians 2:15)

Cold Weather Knitting

2009-01-14T08:17:00.000-08:00

I seem to be in the hat making business these days. Hmmm... maybe these FRIGID days we're having are the reason everyone wants a hat! Christmas is over but the weather outside is still frightful. As long as I can hibernate inside my house and just knit, (well ~ and take care of babies & doggies!) I have to admit that I think the snow is beautiful. However, I do have at least one dream per week that I wake up to find January turned into April over night. Aah! Wouldn't that be a dream come true:). As much as I love to knit and crochet inside, my absolute favorite place to do these things is on my front porch with a warm, gentle breeze blowing. O.K. ~ back to hats ~ I'm getting cabin fever all of a sudden.

The pink hat Gabby is modeling for me is the one I made Chelsea for Christmas. Mommy is so busy with work and night school that I finally stuck it on Gabby's head for a picture. The green one just like it is a birthday present for a friend and the sweet little pink umbrella stitch hat was an order from my sister who has a baby shower to go to tomorrow. Hope she'll be able to drive over from Peoria this evening as planned to collect it. It just keeps snowing and snowing out there!

And now I really must get back to business. Between giving a private crochet lesson on Monday morning, teaching my Monday night class, and trying to keep up with several custom orders, I still haven't been able to finish the crocheted scarf I started a couple of weeks ago (the one Jose was trying to wear!). Plus I got a call from the yarn shop yesterday and have to run out to pick up a shawl someone wants a crocheted border added to. Actually, the plan is to make Chelsea run out to pick it up so I don't have to brave this weather. Those of you who know me well know I'm not that brave!!!

Now, if I could just figure out how to teach Gabby & these doggie babies how to wash dishes and do laundry my life would be a lot easier. Because who has time for housework?!

The Pleasures of Teatime (and Puppies)

2009-01-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite books on the subject of tea is "If Teacups Could Talk" by Emilie Barnes. It's filled with pretty drawings, stories of teatime traditions and yummy recipes. One of the chapters captures my sentiments on teatime exactly:

"The spirit of the tea party is, at least in part, the spirit of beauty. And I am fully convinced that we humans need beauty in order to live rich and fulfilling lives.

People wither when their lives are deprived of beauty.

People grow and flourish when they are able to respond to the beauty around them and create their own forms of beauty.

And the ritual of teatime allows room for both receiving and giving loveliness."

I think this is why I love to create knitted tea cozies. They add such beauty to the lovely ritual of teatime. My love for flowers, especially roses, comes together with my love for tea things when I design a cozy. They just don't look complete to me unless they're blooming!

"If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft

And from thy slender store

Two loaves alone to thee are left,

Sell one, and with the dole

Buy hyacinths to feed the soul." Persian Poet c.1300

Flowers in any form, be they fresh, silk, embroidered, knitted or crocheted, definitely feed my soul! I just can't resist filling as many of the nooks and cranny's of my life with them as possible.

Another favorite table top book I have is a gorgeous copy of "Victoria: At Home With Roses".

It was put out by the makers of Victoria magazine several years ago and is loaded with breathtaking pictures, recipes and all kinds of tidbits about roses. A quote from it states how I feel about roses and why the rooms in my house overflow with them!

"The rose as theme draws everything in a house into harmony, not only visually but spiritually. Opening the door to a house where roses reign is like opening the door on a dream."

The tea cozy pictured at the top of the page is a special order for a customer in Myrtle Beach, where it will be flying off to by the end of the week.

Phoebe update:
We LOVE her more each day. (Jose DOESN'T ~ not yet, anyway!)

Sophie still mother's her but is not as frantic about it as she was at first.

She follows me around the house whenever she's awake crying for me to hold her.

I did get a little more sleep finally last night. We were up only once. However, she still doesn't understand about the whole sleeping in thing! Early morning seems to be her favorite time of day ~ it's NOT mine!

And just like Gabby, she apparently likes a bedtime story.

New Baby!

2009-01-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Meet Phoebe, our new Baby. She came home with us on Friday afternoon and what a circus it was for a while! Sophie, the other dachshund, immediately thought she was her puppy, which was not at all what we expected. She has spent the weekend guarding her, especially from the cats who get told off rather viciously every time they get in Phoebes general vicinity.

Jose, on the other hand, reacted pretty much the way I figured he would. I sat in the kitchen floor with her on my lap and let the other dogs approach to greet her. Jose gave her one sniff, went behind my back and promptly puked on the floor. He still growls when she attempts to play with him. I'm sure he'll be better in a week or two (hopefully). He just can't see why he should have to share HIS mommy with anyone else.

Gabby is crazy about her except for when she gets on her blankie or attacks one of her toys. Then she has a hissy fit! She loves the puppy kisses though. And you'll see in one of the pictures that Gabby read a book to Phoebe so she could curl up in her bed and go night-night! It was ADORABLE!

As for the rest of us, we're smitten with her pretty little face and sweet green eyes. Of course they really are such babies at this point (she'll just be 8 weeks old tomorrow), and they require a lot of attention. She thinks she needs to be held most of the time and cries until someone provides a nice cozy lap for her to snuggle into. She also wakes me up about three times in the night to either wee wee or play. Plus ~ she obviously didn't get the memo that Mommy is NOT a morning person & prefers not to rise before the sun! Ah, the joys of motherhood!

In the last picture you can see the heart on her side. She's laying so the bottom of it's cut off, but it actually does come to a point. And her beige colored fur has a slight pink cast to it. Anyone who knows me knows how I love pink! (And how crazy I am about dogs!!!).

Sleeping Beauty

2009-01-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

Today Gabby and I entertained Karen for lunch. Well... I did the decorating and Gabby did most of the "entertaining". And, actually, Karen did the cooking and brought it all with her. Can't beat a deal like that! Due to all of the activities of the season, and my recent bout with the flu, Karen and I were just getting around to celebrating Christmas together. Our usual tradition is for me to go to her house but Mommy had to work this afternoon so instead of getting the little miss out in the frigid
cold, Auntie Karen came to us.

As you can see I had quite the time keeping Gabby away from all the "pretties" on the table. She is 101% GIRL! She loves jewelry, dishes, nail polish, make-up, clothes and anything that sparkles. And she's not even two yet. Look out Mommy. Like I've always said you really do reap what you sow!!! Sometimes you get one JUST LIKE you!

After the party, Mommy came home and gave Gabby a manicure. Check out the red nail polish! In the end, it was all so exhausting. What else could a princess do but settle in for a little beauty sleep.

Sleep on My Fair One, for as Alfred Lord Tennyson said in his poem "The Lotos-Eaters":

"Surely, surely, slumber is more sweet than toil..."

Fairy Cakes

2009-01-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

What we call cupcakes are "Fairy Cakes" to the British. There seem to be different opinions as to why they are named something so magical. Some say it's because they are smaller than regular cakes and are therefore made for the fairies. I like that!

My knitted version of these lovely little delectables was made for a custom order. I have a friend who is having a birthday this week and her daughter, knowing her mother loves to place beautiful cakes on her various cake plates, wants to give them to her so Mom always has pretty cakes to set around for all her celebrations. How sweet is that?!

While Fairy Cakes are for the young at heart, they are also quite appealing to the very young. Gabby just had to have her own once she saw the others. The one for her is a bit more child looking. She loves to carry it around by the cherry.

Secret Ingredients for Fairy Cakes:

Start with some wool

Add a pinch of fluff

Throw in a dash of sparkle

Stir in a wee bit of magic and

Sprinkle lavishsly with buttons and beads!

(Sometimes top off with a cherry!:)

And Enjoy!

Pure Naughtiness!

2008-12-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

When I came back around the corner to finish picking up my crocheted items, after posting todays blog, THIS is what I found.

" I wasn't trying to wear the pretty scarf, REALLY Mommy! I just wanted to smell these nice flowers."

Since I state, on my Etsy shop, that none of my items have ever been worn, I hope whoever purchases this in the future can overlook the antics of a SPOILED ROTTEN chihuahua!

Making Lace in the Air

2008-12-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

In the midst of all the festivities, I am still working & trying to be creative. Currently I'm doing what Maggie Righetti in her book: "Crocheting In Plain English" calls "making lace in the air". Isn't that a beautiful way to describe the lovely art of crocheting?!

In this same book she describes how crochet came to be:

"Nameless women in the British Isles and Europe and the Americas took this simple idea of pulling loop through loop, expanded upon it, and made it into a fine art. Unbound by tradition and unfettered by restrictive social structure, it was the pioneering women of the United States who did the most with the new textile craft. They cunningly devised spaces and places and made filet cloth with which to drape their windows. They made spirals and pinwheels and popcorn blocks; they put the blocks together and draped their beds in elegance. They worked their stitches loosely and lacily and draped their bodies with wondrous shawls and capelets. They worked their sitiches firmly and evenly and clothed their families with caps and hats and slippers and hoods, weskits and waistcoats, scarves and soakers.

These nameless women sent drawings and instructions of their creations to New Idea Woman's Magazine, Godey's Lady's Book and The Ladies' World, where other women read about this new-fangled art form, adapted, and improved upon it."

Yesterday (with Norah Jones singing "Come Away With Me" in the background) I started crocheting a beautiful scarf that has a shell stitch and a miniature version of the old stand by pineapple stitch (one of my favorites), which this pattern calls a strawberry stitch. I LOVE IT! The color is "Renaissance Rose" ~ and doesn't that just sound ritzy now?! I'm hoping to have this lovely scarf finished and up for sale on my Etsy shop by the end of the week. Look for it as my "Strawberry Fields Forever" scarf.

Pictured with the scarf is a custom order I just finished for someone special. I made one in a heathered pink for Chelsea for Christmas, which (as soon as I can capture her) I'll snap a picture of to show everyone. I'm planning to whip another one up soon for my Etsy shop. (Hmmm...what color should I make it?) Think I'll call it "Chelsea's Big Blossom Cloche".

Just a little historical tidbit:

Did you know that the old~fashioned pineapple stitch has always been so popular because the pineapple is the symbol for hospitality? I've always loved to have touches of them sprinkled here & there throughout my home. I even have two lamps in my front room that have pineapples on the base.

Here's that big beautiful snowflake ornament from Baby Sister Bridget. Is that gorgeous, or what?!

They Know Me Well!

2008-12-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

My friends and family know me well!

They all know how crazy I am about snowmen &

snowflakes. (And Tea, Tea Things & ... more Tea!).

My Girlfriend Karen made these TOO DIE FOR! snow people for me out of vintage bottles and fun stuff. (Look out Martha Stewart!) The snow lady has her tongue sticking out to catch the snowflakes. Actually, she was going to press two of the little pink things in to make lips when her six year old son Marcus came along & asked why her tongue was sticking out and before she could answer he said, " I know why, it's so she can catch snowflakes on her tongue!" Well, what was originally destined to be a couple of lips ended up being a tongue. I mean, how cute is that?!

Everything is always better when seen through the eyes of a child.

The gorgeous, sparkly snowman earrings were a gift from my sister, Bridget. A lady she works with brought in some jewelry her sister made & before anyone else could get any ideas about the ONLY PAIR of snowman earrings, my ever faithful sister hollered, " Don't anyone TOUCH those snowman earrings ~ I HAVE TO HAVE those for my sister!!!" Way to go Little Sister!:) I'll probably still be wearing them for my birthday in June! (One of the nice things about being 40 plus ~ we have more of a tendency to do what we want).

The lovely electric tea kettle (that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!) was a gift from my Dad, along with a case of my favorite cinnamon stick tea!:) And that absolutely WONDERFUL cable knit mug (straight from Starbucks ~ no less!) is from Becky to her "Monday night teacher". The picture doesn't do the mug justice. The texture is GREAT!

And the last picture is a fine example of that whole layered look that Gabby so prefers!

Thanks to all of you for the many delightful gifts & moments you have bestowed upon me this Christmas Season! I love you ALL so very much!!!

I leave you with a quote from C.S Lewis for you to ponder and do with what you will:

"Delight is incomplete until it is expressed."

Too Cute!

2008-12-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

Gabby loves to model her new clothing. And she's just TOO CUTE in this adorable hat. Of course I had to make her remove the new nightgown she had slung over the top of her darling outfit. She really likes the layered look!
Just as I was getting ready to post these pictures Becky showed up with more Christmas gifts for Gabby. She got some books (one scratch & sniff, how fun is that?!) and a little Elmo with a bath tub. She's crazy about Elmo. We watch the red guy over and over so much that when I wake up in the night the Elmo theme song is the first thing that goes through my mind. If someone can help me figure out how to shut that off ~ PLEASE ~ let me know!

Cherished Moments

2008-12-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a stack of presents with my name on them!

And let the good times begin!

Gabby gets a cabbage patch baby from Aunt Bridgie!

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-25T20:52:00.000-08:00

These are just a few pictures of the day. I'll post some more over the next couple of days.

The Joy of My Heart

2008-12-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

"Christmas promotes the joy of your heart." I heard Pastor David Jeremiah make this simple, but profound, statement in a sermon I was listening to on television. Scott always has him on every Sunday morning as we girls are still getting ready for church. (He's always ready ahead of us, of course!).

We have recieved so many unexpected blessings from friends & family this year that my heart is definitely full of joy! God touches our lives in new and wondrous ways through the beloved people He has given us. He has left fresh fingerprints all over our hearts and souls by touching us with His lovingkindness through some precious loved ones as this December has been special to us not only because of Christmas, but also because we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on the 17th of the month.

I hope all of you have been blessed this season with unexpected delights as well! I pray that in all the hussle bussle you have had quiet moments of listening to the Voice of the Savior and tender moments with your loved ones.

I love the way Max Lucado's book, "Cosmic Christmas" opens:

"Gabriel."

"Just the sound of my King's voice stirred my heart."

Let the sound of His voice stir your hearts and promote great joy. Not just during this holdiay season, but all through the year!

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit." Psalm 51:12

"Splendor and majesty are before Him;

strength and joy are in His place." 1 Chronicles 16: 27

Creatures Great & Small

2008-12-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

Creatures great & small ~ I just love to feed them all!

Meet Felix, our outdoor pet. He loves to munch on leftover pizza crust, bread, crackers, cookies and especially apple slices covered in peanut butter. He's sitting in his favorite little nook of the tree enjoying the goodies Gabby & I prepared for him this morning. It's a highlight of Gabby & Grammy's day when he finds the bounty we leave. We keep watch out the front door and windows for him. He was a baby the same Spring Gabby was born & we've all had the pleasure of seeing him grow fat & fluffy. If a day goes by and I forget to set his meal out, he comes to the front door and scratches at the bottom of it or jumps on the wicker couch that sits on the porch and paws at the window! Gabby and all our indoor pets (kitties & doggies) love it when he does that. He looks in at us as if to say, "Uh... did you forget something... I mean, I'm kinda hungry out here. Or maybe I could just come in there with all of you?"

We also have a darling little chipmunk who comes out every Spring and sits in the same spot every afternoon around 1:00 and eats the nuts & seeds we put out for him. We call him Digby. In the Fall we watch as he begins stuffing his cheeks so full they nearly burst. Then he crawls through a space at the edge of the porch to bury it for his long winter of hibernation. He'll do this all afternoon for at least two weeks just before winter really sets in. He's on his third winter of burrowing somewhere underneath our front porch. I'm always glad to see him pop back up as the weather gets warmer. He brings the promise of new days with him!

"O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24

Waiting For Santa

2008-12-22T15:26:00.000-08:00

Gabby loves the lights and ornaments on the Christmas tree and has actually done a lot better with leaving everything on the tree than I thought she would (way better than the two cats are doing!). She did bring me an angel off the tree this afternoon, but that was the first time. Mostly she just goes around the tree "moochie" kissing her favorite ornaments.

She likes the pretty presents under the tree as well. Surprisingly enough she isn't taking tissue out of bags. She has a real thing for tissue paper!

I'm anxious to see her on Christmas morning. There's nothing like having little ones in the house for Christmas!

Here's a quote from one of my favorite Christmas books:

"The Christmas Quilt" by Thomas J. Davis

"After dinner had been cleaned up (though Christmas was like Thanksgiving - it wasn't completely cleaned up because folks would be nibbling the rest of the afternoon and on into the night), we went and opened the presents. It wasn't much, in a way. Yet, it was plenty, because it was never about the presents but about family and eating together and laughing and thanking God for Jesus and everbody else ever born as a baby."

~ To that I say "Amen".

Precious in Pigtails!

2008-12-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about little girls is pigtails! I especially love these curly ones. I couldn't resist showing these pictures I took of Gabby eating her lunch with her hair done up. It looks like she's unsure about whether eating her green beans is a good idea or not. Actually, she was on her second helping. Green beans are her favorite thing (well... after cookies with lots of "glitter" that is!).

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged..." Proverbs 17:6

Although I certainly don't see myself as aged yet, this child is definitely the crown jewel for me!

Peek~A~Boo!

2008-12-20T08:58:00.001-08:00

As I was settling the house down to go to bed last night, which around here includes: letting the baby's (you know - dogs) out one last time and tucking them into bed, covering the bird cages (even the birds get tucked in for the long winter nights) and turning off lights, including the Christmas tree right now, I heard a lot of tinkling and jingling and turned to see the tree swaying! This is what greeted me at eye level:

This is Scout, our "resident beast". She's actually Hilary's cat, who named her after the little girl nicknamed "Scout" in her favorite book,"To Kill A Mockingbird". The name fits her well, as she is always upto some kind of mischief. One of her specialties is to hide behind furniture and jump out for a sneak attack at my little chihuahua when he is walking by. She loves it ~ he doesn't! As you see in the last picture, she decided to nibble on a strand of lights & that's when I made her get her fat self down out of my Christmas tree!

Ta Da!

2008-12-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

Here's the finished lacy leaf hat. I always love the way a hat knitted in the round looks once it gets put on the double pointed needles for the crown decreasing! Looks like something that's ready for take off. How fun is that?! And these beautiful harmony wood needles from Knit Picks are a feast for the eyes.

The lovely model is my oldest daughter, Hilary.

Hats off to you kid, you look Great!

The Weather Outside is Frightful

2008-12-19T11:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the weather outside is frightful...

But the knitting inside's delightful!

And since I've no place to go~

Let it Grow, Let it Grow, Let it Grow!

With Christmas just days away now, my knitting definitely needs to Grow! Just like many of you, I'm sure, I am pulling some late nights and making a mad dash to the finish line. I still have two projects that need to grow into completion and (if there's time), two more I'd like to start!

This pretty, fluffy piece of knitting will be a full grown hat before today is over. It's a beautiful lacy leaf pattern that I'm using my favorite Cascade Indulgence Alpaca/Angora yarn for. The heavenly softness can't be described, it has to be experienced. I keep a few skeins of it in my stash all the time and use it in as many things as I can. It not only makes a gorgeous finished product, it's divine to work with. Since 99% of my knitting is done for someone else, whether it's for my Etsy shop or a gift, the whole knitting experience is of the utmost importance to me. Thus, the elegant sterling silver, beaded stitch markers!

At least this weather's good for something! So ~ make yourself a nice steaming cup of tea (mine's cinnamon), grab your favorite Christmas mug, & curl up with some knitting. Who cares what it's doing out there?!

"She seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands." Proverbs 31:13

The Best Things Come In Small Packages

2008-12-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

I love tiny things! Especially when they have four feet. This is Jose',
my 3 1/2 pound
chihuahua
He loves to curl up on my coat (or anything that smells like his "mama"). When we brought him home as an 8 week old puppy he weighed in at 1 pound and 2 ounces! That was nearly 7 years ago.

The first thing my youngest nephew, Brendan, said when he saw him was, "He has a really BIG brain", because of his little round "apple" head. Over the years we have found that he also has a REALLY BIG heart. He is very spoiled. We don't use the "D" word (dog) here. He's a "BABY".

I just snapped this picture today and knew I had to introduce him to the world!
Notice that he's trying to wear my newly finished, hand-knit, feather and fan stitch scarf. Even he knows RED is a great color for the holidays! And that you can't beat something handmade.

Sterling Silver Snowflakes

2008-12-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

I finished the snowflake scarf last night. The only problem is that no picture can capture the sparkle of that slender strand of sterling silver that runs through this exquisite yarn. It makes this sumptuously soft combination of merino wool, silk, and nylon dance when the light hits it! This is the perfect yarn for crocheting this scarf because it looks like a fresh fallen snow with the sun shining all over it. It's like seeing the ground covered in millions of sparkly diamonds. And what girl doesn't like a vision like that?!

Here's a few snowflake facts I found fascinating:

~Billions of snowflakes fall during one short snowstorm.
~The average snowflake falls at a speed of 3.1 miles per hour.
~The largest snowflake ever recorded was 15 inches wide & 8 inches thick. It was seen in 1887 at Fort Keogh, Montana by a man named Matt Coleman.
~There are 35 different types of snowflakes.
~People buy more cakes, cookies, & candies than any other food when a blizzard is in the forecast.
~ It's the ever-changing environment inside of clouds that makes snowflakes unique.

~And my absolute favorite!~

~In Prince Edward Island, Canada, where the soil is red clay, snowflakes often look pink because red dust from the soil is blown into the air & absorbed by the clouds.

I would love a ground full of PINK SNOW! And I have to say that the harder it snows, the more I bake. If we get snowed in at least we'll have plenty of goodies to eat:)!

Recommended reading: "Field Guide to Snowflakes"
by Ken Libbrecht

"The Christmas Quilt"
by Thomas J. Davis

A quote from "The Christmas Quilt":

"Christmas 1942 stands out in my mind for a lot of reasons. More happened that day than happens most years. For one thing, it snowed. We get snow in the North Georgia mountains, but rarely on Christmas Day. I still remember running around outside the house, chasing fat flakes that fell slow like fluffy seeds off a cottonwood tree. I love snow, just like Granny did."

"Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7

"He sends forth His command to the earth;
His word runs very swiftly.
He gives snow like wool;
He scatters the frost like ashes." Psalm 147:15,16

Remember when you are shoveling snow this year and cleaning off cars, to look around you at the miraculous beauty of snow. Breathe deeply and inhale the fresh scent that must carry the very breath of God in it!

Happy Snow Days!

~UPDATE~
I'm so excited! I just put this scarf up for sale on my Etsy shop and 20 minutes later it sold!!:)
On monday morning it will start its journey to North Carolina. God is So Good!

Frankly, Scarlett

2008-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Tis' the season for RED! I love these gauntlets made of 100% superwash wool. Once again I got to do my favorite thing of combining knitting and crocheting in the same garment. The cuffs are bands of crocheted bobbles that turn into knitted ribbing. These are warm and rather sassy! Perfect for the holiday's. They are tagged and ready to go to a customer. I just had to show them one last time because I think they're so charming.
Tomorrow I'll give a sneak peek of the glittery snowflake scarf I'm just putting the finishing touches on.
Christmas is getting closer~hope you are all enjoying your preparations!

News of the Week

2008-12-11T19:21:00.000-08:00

Just want to let everyone know I'm still alive and kicking! Been fighting a migraine off and on for days now but am starting to feel better again tonight. I still taught my Monday night girls at Eli's this week and, as usual, had a great time. Becky started a new crocheted scarf that's going to be absolutely gorgeous. Barbara started crocheting a fine little necklace that she will be adding buttons that she inherited from her grandmother to. And Cathy's knitted lace scarf continues to grow. It's moving slow but, since she is Scott's boss and had to do his job as well as hers for the two weeks he was off recovering from surgery, we really have to cut her some slack. She hasn't had much knitting time lately.
I also had the pleasure of teaching someone new to crochet this week. We had two lessons with each other and I think she's on her way for now. Her name is Sandy and she had a potholder her mother, who is no longer living, had made years ago. She is leaving for Florida after Christmas and would like to spend some of her time there crocheting like she watched her mother do for a lifetime. How fun it always is for me to pass on these timeless forms of artwork. I just love it!
Also, I was thrilled to see my long lost and newly found friend Kathy show up on my blog comments. I still smile and thank God every time I think of her. I am so happy to be reconnected with her!
I hope all of you reading this are happy and healthy. I'll be back in full swing soon and will have pictures of some current works in progress and, undoubtedly, some of Gabby (who is always a piece of work!). TaTa for now.

Christmas Tea

2008-12-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

All through the years my girls were growing up my friend Diane hosted a Mother~Daughter Christmas Tea. Her house was always decked out in beautiful holiday fashion! We ate delicious food and elegant desserts. And laughed and laughed when we all sat in a circle playing that old game where you whisper something in the ear of the person next to you and see how different the phrase is by the time the last person says it out loud. So many memories flood my mind of those wonderful times spent with warm, loving friends.

Diane now lives in Kentucky and though we are seperated by miles, our hearts are as close as ever. Her two oldest daughters, Hannah & Maria, are the same ages as Hilary & Chelsea. We've shared a lot of good times watching these lovely girls grow into beautiful young ladies over the years. I think my favorite part of the holiday season is all the memories of past Christmases that come to life again.

I just have to share something so exciting with everyone. For years I have prayed God would bring my best friend from high school, Kathy, back into my life. Just yesterday I discovered an e-mail from her! I cried and laughed and ran through the house telling everybody. We've searched for each other for years and she finally found me through this blog. God is so good!

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

I am so thankful to God for the many precious friends He has blessed me with.

It's A Wonderful Life!

2008-12-02T09:11:00.000-08:00

Tis the Season for all things magical! Like watching it snow from the window, riding in a sled for the first time, making big cookie messes with Mommy, and having special friends over to crochet, drink hot cinnamon tea, and cover with plenty of moochy kisses! (Gabby LOVES Becky who always has stickers in her purse and lots of patience for being crawled all over!).

We are enjoying the first days of this Christmas Season. The beauty and joy of it all come to life when seen through the eyes of a child. What a blessing to have a little one in the house again! ...

Pudgy little hands patting down cookie dough, chubby tummy in footie pajamas, wonder and excitement over snow (she doesn't have to clean off cars and shovel the stuff yet), singing and dancing to Christmas music, and running off with the ornaments. Ah, It' A Wonderful Life!

"Behold, children are a gift from the Lord..." Psalm 127:3

" Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." Luke 2:15

Author's preface to the first Christmas book:

" I have endeavoured in this ghostly little book, to raise the ghost of an idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it."

Their faithful friend and servant,

Charles Dickens

December 1843

May you all enjoy this Holiday Season as it begins to unfold. May you be blessed with the simple joys around you and find the true Gift of Christmas in your hearts!

P.S. I hope you all enjoy the new look of my blog. It was designed especially for me by Renee of Thompsondesigns.esty.com. Thanks Renee, I Love it!

The Wonder Of It All

2008-11-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Finally! Gabby experienced her first snowfall this morning. How magical it is to see the things that cause wonder in a child. We took her to the back door so she could see the ground covered in white. Being her first time to see snow, she couldn't figure it out. I stepped out and gathered some into a ball and brought it in. When her mommy gave it to her she immediately said "hot". The picture looks like she's tasting it (a good assumption because she tastes everything else!), however, she's actually blowing on it. After we put it in a bowl, so she could show this strange and wonderful discovery to Grandpa, she finally had a little sample of it. We've had to sit on the back steps several times to snuggle up and watch it snow.

The little snow bird is finally napping now so Grammy's getting a break from snow watching! It's time to pick up my crochet hook and create another Snow Blossom Scarf. The one on my Etsy shop is heading for Phoenix tomorrow, where I'm sure it will be the only thing resembling a snowflake. This new one I've started is made from a gorgeous, soft and sparkly yarn of merino wool, silk, and genuine sterling silver.

So Sweet!

2008-11-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

I just can't resist showing this Shower Me With Love newborn baby hat. It's a custom order for one excited Grandma who is waiting for her new granddaughter to arrive any day now. I love the umbrella stitch pattern and it's so sweet knit up in this pink bamboo and nylon yarn. I crocheted the ivory flower from a fine wool/mohair blend and stuck a little tiny iridescent glass bead in the center because a girl's never too young for a little sparkle!

Much To Be Thankful For!

2008-11-28T15:19:00.000-08:00

Tis' the day after Thanksgiving

(And though we're still living...)

All through the house

Not a creature is stirring,

Especially my spouse.

All bellies were stuffed

And today are quite puffed,

Leaving us drowsy

And feeling quite lousy!

All through the night

The fridge was packed tight

As the waist on my pants,

On catching my breath...I don't stand a chance!

Though the dishes are dirty

And the laundry's piled high,

Christmas approaches

So my needles must fly.

But rest was the order just for today.

Maybe tomorrow will find us at work and at play.

And all things again will be made right,

If we can just get some sleep for one more night!

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

My family found much to be thankful for yesterday. Scott is recovering, though slowly, from his surgery. And although his "feast" consisted mostly of pudding and juice and his day was spent in the recliner, we were both blessed by having the love and laughter of our family surrounding us.

Also, Gabby's beloved "Tinoy Uncle" landed safely in Atlanta, Georgia this morning. Tinoy was at the airport in Mumbai, India yesterday trying to get on his flight back to the States. The terrorists were in the same airport looking at passports and taking those heading for America hostage. Thankfully, God placed a hedge of protection around him and they did not find him. Though there was much screaming and chaos and the air around him was black with smoke from the bombings, he was finally able to board the plane that brought him safely back to us. We are rejoicing and giving great thanks to God for His abundant mercies!

"For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

Welcome home to your family in the States, Tinoy! We love you and are breathing easier today, knowing you are back on American soil. Our prayers are still with the beautiful people of your homeland who have suffered such devastation and loss.

Beaded Scarf

2008-11-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

I love the vintage look of this beaded scarf! I made this one for myself a couple of years ago and have made a few for gifts since then. It's knit up on hand-painted wool sock yarn. There are approximately 2400 glass beads, which add a little weight to the scarf but don't make it too heavy to wear. The beads are actually what give it the perfect drape. They make those vintage looking scallops hang beautifully. I have to keep this one hidden at all times or my little assistant (Gabby, of course!) wants to run around the house with it wrapped in various ways around her body.
I plan to eventually make some for my Etsy shop, but there are too many other things on the front burner right now! They are fun to wear though and they feel so smooth when you run your hands down all those glass beads. This scarf has total aesthetic appeal!

Let me leave you with this quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes:

"Be careful of little things. Life is a great bundle of little things."

To which I say "amen". Enjoy the many "little things" especially during this holiday season. Remember, God has blessed us richly with them. Share lots of laughs, hugs, and kisses with your family tomorrow. God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

"Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

"God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame." Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Here's the Gang!

2008-11-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

Last night found me chatting it up again with the girls at Eli's. They had hooks and needles flying---well, sort of. Becky's still struggling with the whole crocheted sock thing! I really think the stitch count in the pattern is off so I brought the book home to peruse it better. And Sarah was having a similar problem with a hat. It's her first time to knit in the round, which she's doing on two sets of circulars. Once we got it connected correctly and she got past the first round we realized the pattern is definitely written wrong. She ordered it online and is going to contact the designer to ask "what in the world?". I'm anxious to see what happens there.

The gang pictured together is: seated, left to right, Barbara, Me, Sarah and standing behind us, left to right: Becky and Cathy.

Cathy and Barbara pretty much sailed through the evening smoothly with their scarves. Cathy, a brand new knitter, is working on a feather and fan scarf and Barbara, a "I put my hook down years ago and want to pick it back up" crocheter is zipping through a shell stitch scarf.

All things considered, we had our usual great time full of laughs and Eli's delicious drinks made especially for us by Emily, the owners very cute sister. As always, I can't wait until next Monday night (finally! something that makes me look forward to a Monday:). Thanks Girls!!!

One final note---we all eyeballed and talked about a new dessert Katie had in the case last night- a Tiramasu Pumpkin thing. We showed great restraint (worrying over our thighs, especially with the big Thanksgiving Feast just days away)! However... I could sneak back in there today while none of the girls are looking. I do have a few errands to run, which often requires a little pick me up from Eli's. Those dreaded errands are sounding better by the minute!

Home Again, Home Again!

2008-11-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally got my hubby home yesterday afternoon and all is well. He just has to spend the next couple of weeks recovering. Poor thing has to live off jello, pudding, and liquids for awhile though. No turkey and dressing for him this week!
I did get a little bit of knitting accomplished during those hours spent at the hospital. I liked the ponchette I made a few days ago so well that I started another one with some different yarn. Plus I knew something knit in the round would be the perfect choice for the atmosphere, since it doesn't seem to take as much concentration. You can just keep going and going and be done before you know it. However, I did not get it finished (too many interruptions, I did have to look after Scott a little bit!). Hopefully I'll get it done tomorrow.
The first one was made from the hand-dyed superwash wool. It's on my Etsy shop now listed as "Bridget's Gone To Town" ( for my beautiful sister because the minute I saw the pattern it reminded me of something she would love to wear!). I'm using a self striping wool/silk blend by Noro for the current one, which is actually what the pattern calls for. I love to make the same garment using different yarns to see what I can come up with each time. The colors in this one are so pretty. And who doesn't love something self striping?! Takes all the work out and it ends up looking gorgeous.

Just a Little FYI

2008-11-19T17:58:00.000-08:00

I will be away from the Land of Blog for the next few days. My sweet hubby has to have some surgery and, since we can't bear to be away from each other too much, I'll be staying with him at the hospital. So we are busy packing our bags tonight for this fun adventure (his first ever surgery). I just rummaged around the closet to find a cute little floral tapestry overnight bag for MY stuff - make-up, curling iron - you know the important things in life! Just because he's going under the knife doesn't mean I can't look good. Afterall I don't plan on receiving visitors without my lipstick on. And of course my main concern is what to take in my knitting bag! I just got a new project on the needles so I don't have to try to concentrate on casting on and counting (and recounting) stitches tomorrow. OH! I guess I'd better think about what he might need in HIS bag. Let's see... do I even have a bag for him? Oh well, he'll be knocked out most of the time anyway. And he could care less about being cute. But for me, it's like a mini vacation. KNITTING TIME with no dog wanting to run in and out a million times a day, no laundry, no phone, etc., etc.,etc.,. I told him during his estimated two week recovery time he finally gets to learn to knit. Don't want him just lying around taking up space and sucking up air! Anyway, TaTa For Now. Talk to you all in a few days.

Taking Care of Business

2008-11-18T15:45:00.001-08:00

There's nothing quite like a little teamwork. I thought I'd let everybody know I do have a silent business partner. Well...OK, maybe with a name like "Gabby", you can pretty much figure out she's not exactly "silent". She gets right down to business the minute she sees me at the computer needing assistance! Of course she likes to periodically take a little taste of any pens or markers that might be lying about. She enjoys the fact that all business can be conducted while wearing her jammies!

One of her favorite aspects of the partnership is to do random inventory checks on product availability (otherwise known as sneak attacks on the yarn when Grammy isn't looking!). I guess she is under the false impression this gives her job security. It really makes her day when she can coax the cat into helping her with the counting process.

She has also discovered that at the end of a day of too much work and not enough play a girl sure gets tuckered out!

Learning To Crochet Socks

2008-11-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

As always, Monday evening found me hanging out with the girls in my knit/crochet class at Eli's Coffee Shop. I teach each one to knit or crochet, whichever they choose. Sometimes a few are working on the same project, and other times they're all doing something different. I tell them it stretches my dendrites to hop back and forth between them. I figure, being a blonde, they're doing me a favor by expanding my brain cell function!

Tonight Becky (otherwise known to the group as the Frog Queen, due to her rules of perfection!), had her first go at learning to crochet socks. Notice the look of determination and great concentration as she began. She did periodically mention the possibility of hitting the floor with a full fledged temper tantrum, but as the evening progressed you'll see she kicked back, slung her Cookie Monsters over the arm of the chair and got down to business. Way to go Froggy! Of course, I'm sure by now she has gone home and frogged (rip-it, rip-it, rip-it) that same sock cuff umpteen times. She really wants to master a pair of socks though. Cathy told her she may just have to learn to knit some instead. Hmmm...which instruments should I choose to torture her psyche with for that lesson---five douple pointed needles or two sets of circulars? P.S. Look for pictures of the group next Monday night. Cathy, who ALWAYS looks cute, refused to let me take her picture tonight, claiming a "bad hair day" kind of excuse!

New Yarn!

2008-11-16T09:28:00.000-08:00

My shipment of Lorna's Laces yarn that I ordered on September 4th finally arrived yesterday. I was so excited! They hand dye it especially for each order so it takes a while to get it. But it is definitely worth the wait! It is THE SOFTEST wool you can imagine and machine washable. I chose several hanks of Shepherd Bulky in two different colors. Tuscany is the one with all the reds, greens, blues, and purples. The one with shades of green, teal, and purple is called Baltic Sea. Of course I had to start a new project last night using some of it!

I did, however, finish my snowflake scarf of Alpaca first. Look for it on Hand Knits That Blossom.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2008-11-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

Although we've been enjoying unseasonably warm weather for an Illinois November, I know it will eventually snow. And I have to admit --- I do love snow! There's nothing like it when it's freshly fallen, especially after dark when the street lights cast a glow, giving the illlusion of thousands of diamonds sparkling all over. I love to wrap up in a warm coat and fluffy scarf and mittens and walk in the chill night air to breathe in the scent of snow. The closer the holidays get, the more anxious I become for the beauty of it all. Only God could create such a wondrous thing as a snowflake.

I've always loved anything that looks like a snowflake. That's why as soon as I found this scarf pattern in "101 Small Indulgences: Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders" by Judith Durant, I knew I had to purchase the book and some heavenly yarn to try it out. I chose a whisper soft, fine weight 100% alpaca to crochet this lovely little luxury item. Actually, the pattern doesn't refer to it as a snowflake, but it sure looks like one to me! There will be eleven of these gorgeous squares total. The border I'm adding to each end is not part of the pattern, but I thought it would add just the right touch.

P.S. Happy Birthday Courtney!!! 15 years ago today you made me an "Auntie" for the first time. I love You!

Tea Time

2008-11-12T12:21:00.001-08:00

I love tea time and all the pretty things that go along with it! There's nothing like a steaming pot of tea covered with a special cozy on a winter afternoon. My daughters and I enjoy a pot together often. I also love having friends in to share a relaxing cup of tea with because conversation often flows better over a fragrant pot of tea.
Tea cozies are a wonderful way to keep the tea hot while making an ordinary day feel like a special occasion. And what teapot really wants to be naked anyway?! These are my two favorite cozies. I have several rose covered ones for sale but as of yet haven't finished a cottage cozy for my shop (coming soon, hopefully!).

Here's a favorite cookie recipe that is perfect for tea time:

Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies

1 cup salted butter at room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour

Cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla; mix well. Sift flour and add to butter mixture a little at a time. Mix well. Roll dough into walnut sized pieces and dip in flour then press onto ungreased cookie sheet. *I use an antique cut glass sugar bowl with a pretty design on the bottom to press the cookies down. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Yeild: 2 dozen. Enjoy!

Friendship

2008-11-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

There's a tea cozy in my Etsy shop named "Carey Takes Tea With Me" after my dear friend of many years. Carey and I have been through so much life together. I'm so thankful for her precious friendship.

Her husband, Russ, gave us a very special Christmas gift last year. We each got an envelope containing gift certificates for lunch out together, a shopping trip to our favorite yarn shop, (what a great guy!) and this beautiful poem he wrote:

Twenty and some years ago,

two strangers met and began

purling their first stitches.

God had given each a skein

from which live stitches

could be pulled from the

center of their lives.

A swatch was knitted,

the sample of the beautiful

friendship that was to come.

Over time the pattern

which formed, sometimes

used a garter stitch, sometimes

ribbing, and now and then,

a dropped stitch was found

that only frogging could mend.

But through it all,

the Master Knitter gauged

the rows of their lives,

placing memorable stitch

markers along the way

and brought enduring increase.

Falling Leaves

2008-11-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

There are leaves falling all around us this time of year. Because we live in an old house with big trees, we have lots and lots of leaves. It can be a rather back breaking job to keep on top of (for Scott that is!). The only leaves I deal with usually are the ones that fall from my knitting needles. I love lace patterns with leaves knitted into the design. A couple of years ago I made this scarf for Hilary who also loves leaves and whose favorite color happens to be green. The yarn is a lace weight wool/silk blend and was very nice to work with. I see it leaving the house wrapped around her neck quite often.

Yesterday I started a new pattern I just couldn't resist trying out. It's going to be a skinny scarf of small leaves one on top of the other with a large leaf falling from each end. I'm not sure yet how long to make it. I'm crazy about the yarn! It's actually a wool sock yarn. The rich colors make me think of a rose garden.

I also love to embellish my work with knitted leaves.

I think the leaves dangling from one end of this scarf add so much to the finished look. This particular scarf is heading for Canada, where I'm sure its coziness will be greatly appreciated. My fingers are flying to create another one for my Etsy shop!

Little Indian Princess

2008-11-07T18:14:00.000-08:00

I can't resist showing off my little Indian princess! Gabby absolutely loves to wear a bindi. They're little self stick ones that "Tinoy Uncle" brought back last Christmas after his visit home. And , no, that's not a type-o, in India the word "uncle" comes after the name. This is a special blog post for Tinoy, so he can see Gabby smiling at him across the miles. He's away right now going through a cardiology fellowship in Wisconsin. Hugs and kisses to you Tinoy---your family here misses you! Enjoy your upcoming trip to India. P.S. Bring more bindi's!

Frankly, Scarlett

2008-11-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Looks like it's back to Red again! Although I love the sublime softness of the ivory set, they're almost too soft to stay in place properly. This pair is made from a merino superwash wool that has a little springiness to it. It's still a soft, non-scratchy wool and will definitely be warm. This yarn offers nice stitch definition and makes the sizing just perfect. I love the look and feel of the finished product.

Hot Off The Hooks And Needles

2008-11-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Late last night I finished this pair of wrist warmers. They're like fingerless gloves but there's no thumb hole. The part that comes up over the hand is knitted ribbing, while the wrist part is a section of crocheted bobbles. What a fun project they were! The yarn is a blend of merino wool, silk, and cashmere. Oh So Soft! Today I must get busy making the hat that completes the set. Look for them by the end of the week on my Etsy shop as the first item in my "Winter Wonderland" section.

I just had to take a picture of these adorable bear hats crocheted by my sweet friend Becky. She has little cousins who love to be the Care Bears when they enter the magical world of make believe. Each of the colorful hats has a red heart button sewn to the back. Just too cute!

For The Love Of Red

2008-11-04T07:35:00.000-08:00

Red roses, red nail polish, red lipstick, red clothing, red yarn... I love it all! I just love red! Even my vintage white enameled kitchen table has little red vines, hearts, and scrollwork designs covering it. It was love at first sight the day I discovered it tucked into a back corner of an antique mall about ten years ago. Had To Have It!!!

Every now and then red shows up at the end of my knitting needles or crochet hook. Here are just a few samples of my romance with red. The heart placemat was knit from a rose covered Waverly fabric cut into a long continuous strip and hand rolled into a ball. Just the ball is pretty sitting in a basket with a pair of knitting needles . If you've never knit with fabric, give it a try. It's fun and I love the finished product.If you'll look real close you can see I also have an occasional fixation with the feather and fan stitch. It shows up in my work almost as often as those splashes of red do. The scarf pictured here is another bit of "unfinished business" that will probably eventually find its way to my Etsy shop. And the crocheted capelet is actually my personal one but there is one just like it for sale on Hand Knits That Blossom.

Little Ones

2008-11-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Last night I added a "Little Ones" line to my Etsy shop. This is for all you Mommy's, Auntie's and Grammy's who have precious little ones to spoil! I've been selling baby knitwear for the last few years but had my stock too depleted to put anything online until now. So keep watching on Hand Knits That Blossom as I add knew items.

Here are a few pictures of some things I made for Gabby. I'll eventually make more like these to add to my shop. I just love the sweater and was sad when she outgrew it. The blanket is a popular one that I originally made to teach a crochet class on. Customers love it! And, if you check out my shop, you'll notice that same umbrella stitch hat. I made the one pictured here while we were awaiting Gabby's arrival. It's made from a gorgeous wool/angora blend in my favorite shade of dusty pink. She looks adorable in it! It'll be perfect this winter.

Love Affair With Lace

2008-11-02T15:12:00.000-08:00

"Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises." Elizabeth Zimmerman (1910-1999)

I love this quote. Not only does it apply to knitting crises, but doesn't knitting help center us during the many storms of life as well? It certainly does me. Can't we all pick up a piece of knitting and have memories flit through our minds the moment we touch it of the season of life we were in during its creation?

While cleaning out the closet in my office a couple of days ago, I ran across several articles of "unfinished business". Suddenly it occured to me that every single item was lacework in the making that had been abandoned. After giving it some thought, I realized I have a tendency to create knitted lace when I'm smooth sailing through life due to the fact it requires a little extra concentration. If life gets a little hectic or bumpy I'll set aside the project and start something new. All the while I tell myself I'll get back to the lace soon.

I have such a passion for lacework that I'm convinced the word LACE is part of my love language! Of course I have completed many of these items over the years. However, I took some pictures of a few things that are still waiting for my undivided attention again.

This is the beginning of a cardigan in the softest baby alpaca/silk yarn I've ever felt. It's absolutely heavenly! I started it about a year ago but it got shoved to the background because it's for me. I seldom ever knit for myself. I think, however, I will pick this back up through the winter. (Hopefully!). Technically I guess this is more an example of texture than lacework, but it's still some serious
"unfinished business"!

And below is a little collection of projects still on the needles. Notice the blue piece in the background. It's the front of a shell I was making for myself two summers ago. The back is totally done and this piece only lacks a few more rows . Maybe I'll get around to it for next summer!
On the left is the very beginning of a shawl (who knows if that'll ever grow!), and to the right is a sock stopped just at the beginning of the heel. One sock is done for crying out loud! You'd think I could force myself to finish the other one.

And this last shining example of my occasional lack of ability to stay on task is one I finally gave up on and reconfigured.
It started life as a wanna be shawl and ended up being a rose instead. When I ran across it I just bound off where it was and twisted it into a flower and- Voila'!- not a total waste after all. Sometimes we just have to set ourselves free!

A Work in Progress

2008-11-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Today I'm working on a lovely lacey cowl for my Etsy shop. It's being knit up in the round on some of my favorite Addi Turbo needles. The Sublime yarn of extra fine merino wool, silk, and cashmere glides along beautifully on these slick needles. I love the rich plum color! Knitting with smooth needles and silky soft yarn is a pure delight. I feel like I'm being pampered while creating something luxurious for someone else. Look for this "Fields of Lace" cowl on my shop sometime next week (because, of course, I have several other projects in the making as well!).

Just a tip--- Whenever I hand ball a skein of yarn I put it in this pretty vintage Chinese bowl to keep it from rolling away from me. It's just one more way of enhancing the whole wonderful experience.

On a Personal Note

There's been a little bumble bee buzzing around my work area the last couple of days! Gabby was so excited with her costume that she had to put it back on over her jammies first thing this morning.

Ahh! Pure Joy

2008-10-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Ahh! The joys of a knitting group. What else compares to a group of women coming together to knit, talk, laugh and eat? We were born to gravitate towards each other and gossip while we glean from one anothers wisdom and knowledge. The bunch of ladies I share this ritual with meet every other Thursday afternoon at our LYS (Ewenique Yarns) from 12:30 to whenever - I love the "whenever" part. It's such a wonderful way to take a break from life, relax and actually get beautiful things accomplished.

My project for today was crocheting two scrumptiously soft winter white roses. I made them out of Indulgence by Cascade Yarns. This delightful luxury yarn is 70% superfine alpaca and 30% angora. Definitely one of my favorite yarns to work with, especially for making roses. These particular flowers are destined to embellish a "Roses on the Trellis" scarf I am currently creating for a customer.

Take notice in the picture of my fantastic new knitting bag. It was last weeks find at the thrift store on the next block from me. I'm wild about the whole tapestry/carpet bag look. The cute little handles on it are actual wood, not plastic. The brand is Angelo Isaac (I wasn't familiar with it - but sure do love it). Although it came from a second hand store, it still had the original tag on it and had never been used. What a deal!