I could just spit!

This is so much fun!
I spent most all of the day discovering with my drum carder!
I ordered Deb Menz's book Color in Spinning.






I spent a whole afternoon this weekwith a highlighter, scouring this book!
Today I played.

Never would I have done the things I did today,
without her prompting and instructions!
What pretty yarn!
Six colors, two groups.
Two different batts layered together of each color group.
Two different yarns.
(Although they don't look much different to me!)

I learned a way to make roving out of the batts.
Normally I would have just ripped the batt lengthwise and spun,
but this way I made one looooonnnnngggggg thin roving,
which is way easier to spin into a great yarn.

(Roving) is just a long thin continuous section of fiber,
with the fibers all smooth and going the same direction.

I love love this carder and it is so fast!
I am going to have so much fun yarn to spin this fall!
Wahoo!

pampering

My girls look out for me....
even when I am doing great!
I posted a question on facebook about which you would prefer if you were down,
mani or pedi?
My two friends made appointments for the three of us
to get manis and pedis!

What a fun night of being pampered and laughing!

My girlys know that my lil hurting, swollen feet needed a bit of bling!

These friends are my lifeline.
I owe them my sanity!
And my insanity.

Thank you girly girls!

Sugar and Spice and a few Snails thrown in

A sweet little girl made me a mud pie with grass sprinkles on it today!
It has been a very long time since I have had a mud pie.
It has been a very long time since I have even thought of mud pies.
But, she was cooking up a storm.
After a few minutes, she came back and took the untouched plate,
Happy as can be that we had eaten her creation!

The imagination of children amazes me.

This event started me remembering....
my childhood and the childhood of my girls!

I loved see saws all the way through high school.
Trying to adjust your seating for the perfect balance,
or seeming to fly higher than the treetops,
only to come soaring back to earth.
And then there were always the purposeful jolts, you gave each other!

Merry go rounds held the same excitement for me.
Running as fast as you can and jumping on at the last possible moment!
Scouting to the very center with legs wrapped haphazardly around the bars
so you wouldn't slide off of the twirling top!
Even laying on my back with my head precariously off of the end,
watching the clouds and trees, and pusher going past!

I remember picking flowers from my mother's garden,
and other neighbors gardens, on May 1st.
From a babysitter, we had learned how to make paper vases...
and paper balloons...
we put these bouquets in the vases,
laid the flowers on a favorite neighbor's porch,
ring the doorbell and run away, hiding to see their expression.

The neighborhood kids would gather in my front yard to play games of all kinds.
One of the favorite was each team would walk along the street going opposite directions.
When a car was spotted, each team had to run back and sit in the yard before the car passed. You were out if the car passed you before you sat down.

Pogo sticks, chinese jumprope, and roller skates were high on the list, as were monkey bars and slides.

Capturing lightening bugs was always such fun.
I sometimes collected the perfect shaped stones and painted animal faces on them.
Hours were spent with just my thoughts and I seemed to notice nature more then.

I can't remember the non fear of being a child.
Do you remember swinging as high as you could then jumping into the air...
always landing safely....well, most of the time, safely.
I am terrified of such things now.
I am terrified of doing a head stand, or a cartwheel.
There was a time when all I did was take chances.

Maybe the reason I love gardening so much
is all the joys in the garden as a child!
Hollyhock dolls, snap dragons, bathing beauties in the bleeding hearts...

I love watching little ones playing,
and dream of someday having grandchildren
to share all of the lessons I have forgotten about playing
with them.

But until that happens, don't be surprised to find me in my garden
making dolls and laying under the trees
trying to get a glimpse of a fairy or an elf.
And the possibility of mud pies for lunch with grass sprinkles on top
is HUGE!

weakness

I am so encouraged by the weaknesses of those around me
and how they share and deal with it!
Sometimes a situation can pull you into the depths
so far that you do not understand.
You think you will never see the surface again.
I have been there.
However, these people around me know Christ and never stay down long!
And the situations always get better!

Now, there are some who would say that you pulled yourself up on your own
and worked out the problem.
No need for God at all.
And honestly, I have followed Christ for so long,
that I don't remember doing it by myself.

I do know that you can only handle so much yourself.
Most of the time screwing it up along the way!
Christ centers my thinking when I finally stop trying.
I really need to go to Him first more often!!

One of the biggest things that God does, I have found,
is to send people into your life.
Either you think of them and take the step of faith to reach out,
Or they reach out to you because of God's prompting!
Hang onto these people.
Don't delay, but act immediately!
If someone writes a blog that touches your heart, respond.
If you see someone at the store that doesn't see you,
make it a point to find them.
If you have worries running through your head
and someone pops into your thoughts,
call them immediately.

Never be embarrassed.
We have all been there one way or another,
and Christ has suffered it all for us.
He was laughed at, run out of town, betrayed by friends, depended on others for food and shelter, frustrated and angry.
He was even beaten and died painfully for us.
There is understanding there.

And for those of you thriving...
keep your heads up and ears open to God's voice too.
We all need good stories and experiences of others to get us through.
We need you to share your lives with us, so we don't feel all alone.
Most of the time we just need you to stand beside us,
not saying anything.

If there is someone on your heart, send them a card...
or flowers or take them to lunch.

I think that is one of the greatest of gifts that God has given us.
Brothers and sisters in Him.
Accepting us for our faults and sins,
folks who will keep us accountable.
For even sharing the smallest of worries with another,
sets Satan back a few paces and reminds him and us who is really in control!

Have I told you lately...

Have I told you lately how very much you mean to me?
That I so appreciate your hard work,
and your time spent with me?
I value your ideas, sense of humor and lightness.
When we do get into heavy discussions,
I appreciate you taking that leap of faith
to open your heart and share your thoughts with me.
When we don't agree, I know that you still love me and I you.
Thank you for listening to me ramble about my silly interests,
that are not silly to me, nor to you.
Thanks.
I don't know how I would make it through the day
without knowing you are there for me.
You encourage me.
You keep me grounded, and let me fly!
You are my shoulder when I need to cry.
You are the hug when I need one.
You are the catalyst for my laughter.
I love how it spreads and rebounds with you.

Just wanted to let you know that I do think of you all the time
and that I appreciate you in my life!

A New Perspective on an Old Story

or tiny part deux!


John 2: 2-9 The Message
When they started running low on wine at the wedding banquet, Jesus' mother told him, "They're just about out of wine." Jesus said "Is that any of our business Mother - yours or mine? This isn't my time. Don't push me."
She went ahead anyway, telling the servants, "Whatever he tells you, do it."

Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus ordered the servants, "Fill the pots with water." And they filled them to the brim.
"Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did.

When the host tasted the water that had become wine (he didn't know what had just happened, but the servants of course knew) he called out to the bridegroom, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill, brings in the cheap stuff. But you've saved the best until now!"


I can't tell you how many times I have read or heard this story
of Jesus' first miracle.
From many different preachers and many different versions of the Bible.
Today, as I was studying, something new was brought to my attention,
and it seems to be a theme for me this week to learn.

Yes, Jesus could have made wine out of empty jars.
There didn't need to be water in them.

However, Jesus chose to use ordinary, even lowly servants,
to help him in this miracle.
It is said that most of Jesus' miracles used regular people
doing regular everyday things.
I will have to read more on this,
but I can see that from the Lord I love.

He wants us regular people involved in his miracles.
We only have to hear and obey our part.
Tiny acts are used for great purposes
even if we never realize the full outcome of our actions.

I am ready for action Lord!
Ready to help you in any way I can...not that you need the help,
but because you want my help!

tiny

I feel so very small today.
I feel small, but very powerful!

I was at a church leader meeting last night
and we talked mostly of our upcoming new third service.

How funny this is!
When I joined 4 years ago, I think.
I am very bad at how time passes.
Anyway, when I joined Living Stones there was only one service.
Only about 200 people attended.
It felt like being in the pastor's living room and he was talking with us.
It was comfortable after belonging to such a huge church before.
No one was noticed at the other place.
Money seemed to be the talk, all the time for their big dreams.

Last night as we discussed our need for another service,
the pastor shared the church with us.
This is who God is using to impact the south side of South Bend.

We have no money. No sugar daddy for huge amounts of money that we need.
Most of our people give what they can and with all the unemployment, that ain't alot!

We have a tiny building.
Yes, we have made some improvements over the years, but the building isn't growing.
We just had our tiny parking lot paved, because it was a death trap!
We have no air conditioning in the bathrooms or hallways.
As the pastor likes to point out, we only have one urinal in the men's room!
I have never seen this however, so he could be exaggerating!

And the kicker of the evening, was....look at the leadership!
We are all nice people, but come on!
We can barley hold a conversation~!
We are all fallible and weak and small.

But, we are trusting in God.
We do believe that He is using us and our church for His purposes.
We now have close to 600 people that attend regularly.
We only have room for 380 chairs in the sanctuary.

After last night's meeting I felt like David with the slingshot.
I can do anything, because God has my back.
He is making the way for me.
He will not let me lose.
My purposes are His purposes and I am His tool to use.

I am weak and sinful and full of mistakes.
My tongue often disappoints God.
But I am aware of these through the Holy Spirit, and He will change my heart.

I want to be His light! To let people know that He has their back!
That they cannot fail if they are following Him.
And that His rewards are so much more than the world has to offer.

I am small but I am powerful!

the hunt begins

It has started!
I feel like a pirate searching for treasure.
Many enemies are hiding, keeping me from the gold.
I wade through known dangers, but must focus on the prize.
There are many surprises this year.
Things I had not anticipated.
But the rewards look to be even sweeter than last year.

I venture to the back yard.
Sometimes a jungle.
Humid and overgrown.
I wade through dog toys and grass and weeds.

I am already fighting the mosquitoes as I sift through the leaves and vines,
Looking for string beans, yellow squash, okra and zucchini.
I have already picked 3 green peppers that rival any grocers produce.
One tomato in a see of tomatoes may be picked tomorrow.
I have enough green beans for a meal for myself.

Green beans are always a challenge.
Daddy long leg spiders hide in the leaves.
The beans are the color of the leaves so I overlook many with each pass.

The yellow crookneck squash plant, yes one plant, has taken over the garden area.
It's leaves are huge....see above.
It has a prickly spine and leaves which must be navigated carefully.
Thankfully, the other zucchini and squash are making their way into the light.

And I have discovered HUGE radishes that came from ......?
They grew to be too big to eat, before I discovered what they were.
Sunflowers have also made a mysterious appearance.

Looking forward to the late summer.
And more challenges!

cooking up some stuff!

I am peaceful and excited this morning!
Yesterday I was pretty sick with sinus headache and earache
and am in need of a root canal.

I mowed the lawn and weed whacked.
Then I cleaned my craft room.
Yes, really cleaned and organized and threw out a bunch of stuff.

So, I spent the evening after going to the library with V,
drugged up on Tylenol sinus and went to bed early!
Of course Men in Black was on.

I woke this morning feeling much better.
Took the day off of church, cause I needed some extra sleep.
Felt horrible about it.
I love my church and worshipping so much.

Had brunch with V at Granite City and planned our trip...
to Seattle in Sept.!
Wahoo! SO very excited!
I have always wanted to go there.
I love the ocean on the east coast... can hardly wait to see the west coast.

V and I are also getting together tomorrow
to cook up some healthy meals for the week.

Still doing well on my diet, but really needing to eat in more.
Using the book "Cook Yourself Thin Faster" by Lauren Deen.
I'm excited for that too,

Love spending time with my girls!
They are awesome people!

Makes me feel better already!

Today I will spin some wool that I have carded.
The drum carder is amazing! And so fast making big fluffy batts!
I may even venture to wash the last of the shetland
and dye it shades of green!

I am blessed.

Resting in the Lord

I am at rest today!
It just began to rain after what seems a LONG HOT Summer spell.
It has only been a few weeks since we had horrible storms, tho.
Rain and water are so refreshing.
I have three photos hanging above my bed, taken when Terry and I went to Vermont.
Bubbling over and around rocks.

I was just on the porch studying, and I heard the thunder rolling in.
The storms were supposed to come in last night.
I am thankful that the Lord brought them this morning.
I waited to come inside until absolutely necessary.

The garden is beautiful!
The lawn needs to be mowed, and I really need to weed.
But the flowers are generous this year.
The birds are overflowing and entertaining.
The mosquitoes keep me in doors,
however, when I venture out in times of thirst,
I am rewarded with a bubble of protection.

I am truly blessed!

I am praying now for a few friends in trouble.
I am fasting for you today!
I am praying for confidence, forgiveness, strength, discipline and understanding for you.
God's rewards are so good.
Even our greatest human desires do not compare to His blessings for our lives.
Be patient. Be diligent. Seek His face first.
He will reward you beyond all of your wildest dreams.

Loving you today in the refreshing waters!

Diving into the seine in the morning with monet!

I jumped into drum carding today!
Over the weekend I spent some time at Barnes and Noble bookstore.
I was looking at paintings of Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Gustav Klimt.
I was searching for color inspirations.

This morning, I tried making some spring colors of sky and grass and some clouds.
Pretty!
I am curious to see how they spin out into yarn.

Then I chose Monet's Morning on the Seine.
Not bad!
I think I will dye some more colors tho.
Anxious to go to t he Allegan County Fiber Festival for some
Angelina, sparkle and interesting fibers.

Take a look.
Do you see the sun rising on the river?

intimidation

My drum carder finally arrived.
With much ado on facebook about what a drum carder actually does,
I think my hubby did a good job at explaining it.

Yes, my faithful followers know by now
that I am a step off from the rest of the world.
Reading and talking to me, you will learn many new things.
Vocabulary and sights the average person does not comprehend.
Flow with it!

Having said that, I find myself a bit intimidated by this monster!
It is new.
I must learn how to use it,
and I must practice alot!

I have always been very frugal with my wool stock
because I have limited supplies.
It is a lot of hard work washing and preparing a raw fleece.
I enjoy it, but time consuming to say the least!

I also love dying the wool.
My main concern is that to make a sweater, it takes at least 700-1500 yards of wool.
That's about 2-4 pounds. Most sheep carry about 3 pounds each when sheared.

So, after all this business of making desserts for a friend's wedding tomorrow,
I hope I will have some time to learn and play next week.
Choosing the perfect colors and learning how to blend them to look their best!
Hilary is my color helper.
I hope she has some free time next week!

Dill Weed

I did not plant the herb dillweed this year.
I planted it last year.
It decided it liked my yard, so it came up again.
It is growing right as you step off of the deck.
It is a pretty flower.
I think I used it once last year in a recipe.
Thus the reason I didn't plant it again.


I do like how it smells tho.
As I come from the yard,
it greets me with a strong smell that is refreshing.
No, it doesn't smell like pickles.
It smells more like fresh dill dip that we make for veggies.
That was the one time I used it!
HMMMM Maybe I should make another batch!