sun is out!

Feeling very productive today!
Delivered some taco soup and fixins to a friend.
By far the bestest soup I know of!
One baby born today and another born this week.
Meals to them next week.

Have been spinning and carding like crazy!
Fluffy batts all over the family room!
Have been having so much fun playing with all of it!
Avocado dyed, grape dyed, walnut dyed,
natural waiting for dye!

Love love love my drum carder too!
I can't imagine how my wrists would have held out.
I am hand carding some icelandic in the grease.
Icelandic felts very easily,
and then it is not able to be spun into yarn...
just big fur balls.
I have to use the hand carders for this
because I don't want to grease up my drum carder.

I really am impressed at how my Kromski spinning wheel
has hung in there with me for over three years...
and still going strong.

I may not be able to walk on the treadmill,
but my feet and legs sure get a workout on the spinning wheel!
I am thinking of getting a drink holder attachment for it!
Yes, they make those!

Think I'll felt some snowmen tomorrow!
And, it is window washing time too!
Should do that while the sun is shining,
as I hear there is more snow on the way!
I am blessed!

fighting the blahs

I have absolutely NO motivation today!
Started yesterday.
Felt lonely and bored.
Turned to corn dogs, but only two.

There is a ton of dog poop to pick up
now that the snow has melted.
I usually enjoy.....well...
I'm outside for hours so I enjoy that part!

My head is fuzzy,
I am doubtful of dreams
and this cold is STILL hanging on to me.
Just plain blah.
I seem to be thought of only when I am needed.
But that is only in my mind.
I don't mind being needed.

Going out to lunch with a small group today.
Olive Garden!
So, granola and yogurt did not hit the spot.
But I will enjoy the girls today!
I am sure that that I what I need to lift my spirits.

Lots of carding and spinning today will also help!
I am in the middle of spinning the mixed wool hand dyed with avocado.
It has copper firestar in it!
Just beautiful!
Almost 600 yards so far!
Then I will card a mixed blue wool with white silk and other fun things!
Maybe even do some dyeing this afternoon!
My spirits are already lifted.
All I needed to do was vent and imagine colorfulness.
I am blessed

Kinds of Love

As I was studying this morning,
I learned something very interesting.
I am so often surprised
by lessons learned from the Bible.
The kind of slap your forehead,
ah ha kind of lesson.

Today I learned how men and women
are supposed to love one another.
We all know the submit tos and respects,
but today I learned the differences in LOVE.

A man is given stewardship over woman by God.
He must take care of her.
Says so in Gen 2:22
God presented woman to Adam.

In Ephesians 5:25 husbands are instructed to love their wives.
This love is Agape love
Selfless, Godlike love.

Women are instructed to love their husbands and children
with Philia love.
A learning love, friendship love.

When I thought about this, it began to make sense.
Men are mostly single minded.
When a man loves his wife, it is an all encompassing love.
One that does not get distracted,
one that cares for, provides for, protects and leads.

Women love the whole being.
They grow to love every part of their husbands.
They seek out ways to better know them.
They find out what pleases them,
how to really understand them.
A wife serves her husband, and depends on him.

Friendships are what drives a woman.
That is why we are great mothers.
We seek out every part of our children,
to understand them and help them become great godly people.
When a father loves his children,
it is in a providing kind of way.
A selfless way. An all consuming way.

These are only my observations of what the Bible teaches.
I look forward to your thoughts about it.

To Wong Foo

I have the luxury to watch movies while working.
Thank you Terry for the opportunity to indulge.

While I am busily spinning wool into yarn,
(it is my goal to spin ALL the fiber in my possession
for the craft show in April)
I decided to watch an old favorite movie:
To Wong Foo, Thanks for the Memories! Julie Newmar

They just don't make movies like this anymore.
I was nostalgic to see Patrick Swayze.
Wow!
That man was a beautiful woman!
Not just looks, but EVERYTHING!
Such a talent.
Such a good guy, that I know of.

Wesley Snipes as Noxeema....
her character is fun and straight forward,
if not very feminine.
Love it.

John Leguizamo was a hoot.
If you haven't seen this movie...go see it soon.

As I was watching, so many things flew through my mind.

Being a woman is so amazing!
Even when played by a man!
We are able to be strong,
change our personalities when needed,
to be supportive, strong, funny, charitable, wise, and silly.
We nurture, teach, discipline, argue, and thrive.
Seeing others who are not able to be strong in a moment of weakness
and being able to breath a bit of self esteem into them,
just by letting them know that you care is life changing!

It is easy to sit by and watch the suffering of others.
Sometimes it is viewed as interfering to offer advise.

The older I get, the more I value the experiences of other women.
We are not alone.
None of our life struggles are unique only to us.
To offer words or to receive them is what makes us grand.
Don't ever be afraid to share or listen.
But before you share,
temper your words,
pray for wisdom,
and make sure the recipient is willing to hear.
When you struggling and someone offers advice,
listen carefully.
Don't make judgements right away.
Remember that you are not alone.
Think on what was said and the heart in which it was offered.

There is alot of information on friendships in this movie,
(Vida and Carol Ann)
taking care of older folks
(Noxeema and Clara)
respect for women
(Noxeema and the gang of boys)

Yes. This is a fluff movie.
It is defiantly a chick flick.
However Swayze and Leguizamo both won golden globes for their roles.
Silly bit of nostalgia on a cloudy day.
Take time for the silly.
Girls just wanna have fun!
Let's all have a say something kind of hat day!

Valentines Day

I took a little trip this Valentines Day.
I have had a clinging cold
and the winter is draggin on.
My honey sent me lovely flowers and a teddy bear.
Sweet fella I have been married to for over 25 years now!
And he seems to be getting better every year
at noticing things that please me!
Hint to young marrieds...hang in there.
It all pays off through the hard times!

Anyway....I decided to take a trip to Saugatuck Mi.
I love that little artsy town.
The first time we went...Mom, the girls and I,
it was probably over 10 years ago.

Everything was bright and fun and it was early summer.
We were eating lunch and looking out the window.
The girls were noticing a couple of very nice looking men
Until they saw that they were holding hands!
That was the girls' first sighting of a different lifestyle
than their little southern baptist upbringing had afforded them.
I still giggle at their wide eyes!
We saw men holding hands everywhere we looked!

Now, in the middle of winter, not many stores are opened.
One of my favorites...the spice and tea store...was closed.

However, my favorite artist, James Brandess, was opened.
I love his oil paintings!
They are so thick with oil that they jump right out at you.
Most of the paintings are still wet when hung on the walls.
It sometimes takes years for them to dry, he uses so much paint.
The smell when you walk in to the old post office reminds me
of my home when I was a young girl.
My mother used to oil paint.
There is no other smell like oil paints.
Creative, earthy, exciting!
How I wish I could paint with oils.
That is just not one area I am talented in.
And I really don't need another hobby!

I have never been able to afford one of Brandess' paintings.
I probably never will be able to.
Today though, I found that he had some prints on sale!
$18!
I searched through every print.
Looking carefully what one insired me.
It was a tough decision.
Brandess paints alot of Saugatuck, beaches, water, flowers and portraits.

It is fun going to the studio in the summer.
His big old retriever is wandering around.
He is usually painting flowers in a vase,
or he has an old green sofa that he seats you on
when painting your portrait.
I could stand there for hours!
You can even stand from the street
and look through the picture window into the studio
and watch him paint.

His helpers are a scraggly kind of bunch.
I am glad that he takes the time and helps these seemly looking fellas.
They mat and frame his paintings/prints for you.
Serve you with a smile.
Brandess even teaches classes for the local college.

Can you tell I am a fan?

It was a pleasant day.
After a long drive, I ended up being really tired when I got home.
One day I will get a bed and breakfast in the area and take in the sights
without the long drive to dread the same day.
It was a lovely way to spend the day.
I am blessed.

happy thoughts for a chilly day

Today is a day for:
vanilla, pink iced cupcakes
blooming flowers
sippable chocolate
orange painted toe nails
puffs plus
chasing squirrels out of the
too high for a squirrel to reach feeder
knitting snowmen and socks
electric blankets
cold medicine
naps
sending off for garden catalogs
Pretty blooming valentine bouquet
fluffy soft sweaters
rose scented candles
colorful wool to spin

new tea from teavana.....
dear Lord don't go today!
So many perky sales people ALL trying to get you to buy tea!
Sample cups of tea and $6 take home cans instead of bags...
because the tea goes bad after a week!
HA! That is why they are DRIED~!
Put em in plastic and add HOT water.
They will taste as good as the day you got them!
Seriously annoying perky yapping sales people!
So, drinking strawberry lemonade green tea.....

I am blessed.

pre valentines funk turn about

I didn't sleep well last night,
so I slept until 10 am this morning.
Made some amazing morning glory muffins last night
and had one and two eggs and coffee for breakfast.
Hilary called to go to lunch at Logans.
Since I had just eaten,
I had a side salad and some rasp tea.
I love lunch with Hil.
Logans is a favorite place...
I stock up on peanuts for the blue jays.
And the conversation is always lively.
Thanks Hil...
Tried going to Lowes, then Ginger Valley
for a small water plant....
I have in my mind this picture...

And I am really in a winter blah..in the mood for some life.
No luck at either place.
Thought I'd try the library.
With no luck there either.
I should have gone to Main, but Frances was closer
and it was snowing.

I am in the mood for a really good, sink my teeth in
novel, but I am frustrated with the lack of material out there.
I wanted The Memory Palace..a Memoir,
but all the copies were checked out and on a waiting list.
I may have to buy that one.
I had to borrow V's card as Hil had mine.
Brought her a chai and got myself a caramel Macchiato.

When I came home, I was a bit disgruntled.
Thinking about the dishes I need to do after baking last night.
I pulled into the driveway
and saw my Valentine gift from Terry by the door.

What a sweet husband I have.
Cheered me right up!
I had even thought yesterday,
while buying my grandson a build a bear,
that I am in the need for a fluffy friend to hug when down.
Perfect gift honey!
That will be the first sight I see in the morning.
Coffee, God and my honey.

For all of you youngins out there...
Find a fella who is willing to surprise and spoil you,
especially on Valentines Day.
Yes, it is a holiday the stores have gotten ahold of.
And yes, you should be telling one another that you care every day.
However, it is so nice for that little extra...
even 25 years later!

Now on to dishes.
I am blessed!

12 faith confessions

1. I am fully forgiven and free from all shame and condemnation.
(Romans 8:1-2, Ephesians 1:7-8, 1 John 1:9)

2. I act in faith to change the world in my generation.
(Joshua 10:12-14, John 14:12)

3. I have no fear or anxiety; I trust in the Lord with all my heart.
(Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7)

4. I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed on my life.
(Exodus 3:9-12, Psalm 57:2, Colossians 1:24-29)

5. I am fully resourced to do everything God has called me to do.
(Deuteronomy 8:18, Luke 6:38, Philippians 4:13)

6. I have no insecurity because I see myself the way God sees me.
(Genesis 1:26-27, Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 5:25-27)

7. I am a faithful spouse and a godly parent..our family is blessed.
(Deuteronomy 6:6-9, Ephesians 5:22-25, Colossians 3:18-19, 1 Peter 3:1-7)

8. I am completely whole--physically, mentally and emotionally.
(Psalm 103:1-5, Matthew 8:16-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:24)

9. I am increasing in influence and favor for the kingdom of God.
(Psalm 103:1-5, Matthew 8:16-17, 1 Peter 2:24, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

10. I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love of Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, 1 John 3:16, 4:9-12)

11. I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning every decision I make.
(2 Chronicles 1:7-12, Proverbs 2:6, Ecclesiastes 2:26, James 1:5)

12. I am protected from all harm and evil in Jesus' name.
(Genesis 50:20, Psalm 3:1-3,2, Thessalonians 3:2-3)

Taken from Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick

I copied and posted these where I will see and speak them every day!

Sweet lil ol Mema

I was memasitting last night.
Dad was at Bible study,
and Mom was at a monthly class at Erica's.
That left Mema at the house alone.

I have not really seen any of my older folks
for two weeks because of the weather and illness.
I bet the little children at the mall are
wondering where those nice old ladies are!

So, I went for dinner...
left over orange chicken from Ho Ping,
and took come banana pudding for dessert.
After the folks left....with much ado...
Mema and I did the dishes.
She knows where almost everything goes.
The things she doesn't,
she leaves on the counter for Mom.

We settled in for an evening of dogs playing,
laughing and silly television.
She wasn't too impressed with the SAG awards red carpet review,
but we didn't know how to change the channel.
There were a few times I thought she would fall out of her chair
reaching for dog toys to throw!
Crazy dogs.
Mema kept saying that she never wanted a dog,
but with Mom's schnauzer always in her lap,
the two of them sleeping in the afternoon,
I think she would be lost without Trixie!
Calls her little britches!

You may ask why I was memasitting?
I stayed with her for an hour a week ago,
while Mom and Dad went insurance shopping.
I left about thirty minutes before they returned.
The phone rang just as Mom and ?Dad were coming in.
Mema struggled out of her chair to answer it...
across the room...
she tripped and fell.
Hurt her ankle a bit, but no long term problems.

She is having trouble standing up from sitting,
unless she has something to push off of.
At that, it takes her at least two tries.
She has a stand up chair.
You've seen the commercials.
She says it takes too long.
Spunky woman!

She also seems to be having some trouble with her left hand.
She is always massaging it and sometimes has trouble holding things.

Mom said that she forgot how to take a shower the other day.
She sat in her shower on a chair for twenty minutes
trying to figure out how to work the hand held faucet.
Mom took her upstairs to their bathroom and helped her that day.

I suppose I felt most sad when Mema told me
that I didn't need to stay, she wasn't afraid.

This breaks my heart.
She doesn't realize that not only do I love visiting with her,
(and do not want to think about her getting older)
but I am there so that she doesn't get hurt, or fall, or get confused.

I remember her working as a waitress most of my childhood.
I remember traveling to her home
when my kids were young, and I was having trouble in my marriage.
She gave me the best advice and knowing that she too,
went through tough times and came out on the good side
was very comforting.
It is possible to have a long happy marriage.

It is very funny listening to her recall those days now.
She has a different spin on her marriage these days.
I don't think she was so mouthy or self assured in the early days!

I plan on spending as much time as I can with her.
These days are precious....
I may even start a blog about some of her memories.
She will be 87 this month.
Things were simpler when she was a child.
We could learn from her.
I know I do.
I don't know many people who still have their grandmother around.
I am very blessed.