Saturday Sky with Ghan

This is the ghan I assembled for HMB and sent to offer comfort and prayers to a lady whose dear Mother has passed away. The tags attached to each square provide information about the person who made it.

Another HMB member made a tote bag to send with the ghan.

Look at this glorious, sun-filled Saturday sky without a cloud! Praise God for the wonders of this world!

It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of the truth.
---John Locke

Wordless Wednesday in Sienna, Italy

Saturday Sky in Gray

Today is a glowing fire in the fireplace, meatball soup simmering on the cook top, read a good book kind of day. Cozy. And, now it's time to munch on M-n-Ms and crochet.

A cheerful heart is good medicine. ---Proverbs 17:22

Crochet Squares

I've just begun edging and assembling squares to make a sympathy ghan for

Heartmade Blessings.

The rest of the squares for this ghan are arranged and need to be edged and assembled.



Meanwhile, a stack of white and purple squares wait to be assembled for an Operation Purple Heart ghan for HMB. They are setting on a very old doiley that was crocheted by my

Great Aunt Mary.



I received a package from my SP8 partner today. She sent an assortment of Mary Kay products and samples, a necklace and pin, a book, incense, a votive candle, and some pass-along crocheted squares that I can use in my charity ghans. Thank you, SP8!!

Insignificant events can take on monumental proportions when your head is full of practically nothing.

---Grace Slick

Alitalia

Single most memorable experience: the David—stunning in its enormity, its beauty is magnificent. To think that this amazing sculpture was created by the hands of man is awe inspiring. Excluding the pedestal on which he stands, the David is 13 feet 5 inches high! Walking around the David and viewing the three dimensional beauty of this piece now makes any picture of the sculpture a miserable second. Unfinished works by Michelangelo are also displayed in the amazing tromp l'oeil of a leg, part of a torso seeming to step out of the gigantic chunks of marble. How I would love to experience this day at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence again! Sheer beauty, grace, and power! Picture taking was not permitted, so I settled for my David bookmark from a gift shop. This website somewhat conveys the feeling of being in the gallery to view the sculpture. http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/micheldavid/david.html

Florence is graced with many magnificent sculptures. Below is a sculpture of Neptune with children.

Most surprising: That the "little Italy" in NE Ohio where my parents grew up was indeed a slice of the Tuscan hill towns—buildings, gardens, décor—so familiar from my childhood in Ohio yet so surprising to me as the norm in Italy. When my grandparents and other relatives emigrated through Ellis Island, they settled in NE Ohio for jobs. They set about building their new lives of freedom and promise in the familiar style of their homeland in the vicinity of Florence. In a word: quaint.

This is a garden at a winery in Montepulciano. Just love that enormous pots of tomatos and herbs!

Most over-used word (by me): "quaint" Italy is not super-sized. It is real. It is authentic. It showcases craftsmanship, style, and beauty. It dates back to medieval times and challenges me to actually grasp and hold and understand exactly what that means. The sense of time is over-powering when standing in the midst of the city gates, the rolling hills, and Etruscan artifacts.

Note the craftsmanship in the sidewalks in this residential area of Fiuggi, such as in the detail in the street lights. All of the sidewalks in this area have the shell design inlaid in the cobblestones. These are infinitely more eye appealing than comfortable for walking!

The view from our hotel balcony in Chianciano

Knitting: zip! zero! nada! Miss Feather and Fan did not fare well at all, poor dear. She lost her little, yellow sock stitch holder and dropped stitches which looked quite pathetic dangling off the circs. She was most embarrassed when her colors ran. She is hand painted after all! A bottle of water with a loose cap began to trickle on her in the new tote bag, a souvenir from Orvieto, a beautiful Italian town. Just imagine her chagrin as her colors stained a book in the tote bag, tissues---well, it was most unlady-like. By this time, she was wet and dangling from the needle! Fortunately, she was most pleased to spend the next two days arranged on the table on the balcony of our suite to allow her to dry. Well, I mean, she spent two nights out all night in Italy! Need I say more?

An Italian "snack bar"

The trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit. --Moliere

Wordless Wednesday

Saturday Sky...almost

Flying Among the Clouds over Rome

...I will fly on eagles' wings...take over, Oh my Lord.

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Rest in Peace, Betty.

Wordless Wednesday With Thanks to Bea

Suitcase Competition

::drum roll::
What will make it into my suitcase for the trip to Tuscany via Detroit and Amsterdam? ( Let's see what odd northern cities we can land at before we arrive in Rome!) So far I'm favoring capri pants--except for the day in Rome and visit to the Vatican--one evening outfit for night time in Florence, and two pairs of very comfortable walking shoes. Yes, travelers, I know about the cobblestones!

Pic is of some clothes waiting in a spare bedroom, nervously hoping they'll be added to Mr. Suitcase's bounty.

The hungry suitcase awaits! Is it me or is it shrinking by the hour? I mean, where am I going to pack all this stuff??

The traveling knit project has been clearly chosen for the carry-on bag. That would be the bordered feather and fan ghan made with Interlacements hand-dyed Rick Rack yarn. (https://interlacementsyarns.com/index.asp ) The hands-down favorite for this journey because

a- It's on circs.
b- It's light weight.
c- It's an easy, repetitive pattern.

However I do fear for Miss Feather-Fan's adaptation since she has never flown before. Additionally, she has not been man...er.....woman-handled for many, many months! Poor dear, she'll be fine and if she's smart, she'll remain untangled!

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Sent to me by my friend, Gayle.

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1) Kindergarten Teacher
2) First Grade Teacher
3) Fourth Grade Teacher
4) Community College Adjunct Faculty

Four movies I could watch over and over:
1) Chocolat
2) Most Johnny Depp movies
3) Something's Gotta Give
4) ??

Four places I have lived:
1) Newport, Oregon
2) LaCrosse, WI
3) Logan, UT
4) Leetown, WV

Four places I have been on vacation:
1) Ontario, Canada
2) Northern Mexico
3) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
4) Inner Passage of Alaska


Four Websites I visit:
1) www.klove.com
2) www.cnn.com
3) www.paperbackswap.com
4) www.christianwomenonline.net

Four of my favorite foods:
1) shrimp scampi
2) pasta with butter and parsley
3) my homemade minestrone soup (from my Nonna's recipe)
4) caprese (tomato and soft mozzarella with olive oil)

Four places I'd rather be right now:
I'm happy right where I am.

I hope you will post your answers on your blog and leave me a comment telling me so! I think these short ones are fun to read!

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"Snippets from the Word" in the side bar led me to the beautiful Psalm 118 this morning. Reading this on my deck with the comfortable weather and gorgeous sky caused me to praise and thank God for the blessing of life and the knowledge of God's unchanging love. His great love endures for us forever...and ever. I love the beautiful song that reflects Psalm 118. Sing praise!

The Lord is with me

• to free me from anguish
• to protect me against any man
• to help me to triumph over spiritual enemies
• to offer refuge and trust.

The Lord has saved me from death and opened the way for salvation.
v.24 This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
v. 29b ...His love endures forever.

Jesus is the capstone of salvation--holding us together. Sing praise!

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In the end, what affects your life most deeply are things too simple to talk about. ---Nell Blaine

September's First Saturday Sky

September is here so it's time to pack for my trip to Italy! It's time to get suitcases out for departure on Thursday. My sister and I are going to stay at two spas in Tuscany--not simultaneously, of course! Along with a few excursions and lots of fun and laughter, we'll have a wonderful time! Now, where is that Italian phrase book? Hmmmm!

The cheerful heart has a continual feast. ---Proverbs 15:15

The End of the Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge 2006 button is in the sidebar. August is here and gone as is the reading challenge. Here are my August Books:

Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin is a tightly woven comic novel about lives in San Francisco with all of the oddities and quirkiness one might expect of that city. The setting is a throw-back to the 70's. This is a very humorous and enjoyable story!

Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray is keep-you-smiling story of a woman striving to add income to the family after her husband loses his job as a hospital administrator. Her divorced parents move in with the family and add to the comic, inspiring, very good book with its upbeat, positive, story line. (Thus ends my list of adjectives!)

OK, reading the book Chocolat by Joanna Harris is definitely more sensory than seeing the movie! The book cover quotes from USA Today are eminently true---"Delectable...delicious." From the initial sights, smells and sounds of the carnival in the initial pages to the scents of the chocolate in the little shop, the book sweeps the reader into the fragrances and turmoil of the little French village. The pleasures of chocolate versus the church? What a premise for a lovely, romantic tale! Is Vianne a witch? The reader decides that question. One imprint from the movie remains however, Dame Judi Dench is the dear old lady. Perhaps because she completely embodies every role she plays, Judi Dench is an all-time favorite!!

If you are a reader who would like to vote for the Quill Awards, click on the link below.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13594096

The further benefits of wisdom in Proverbs 3 reminded me that I must take the first step in sowing and reaping. By praying for discernment, I offer blessings for God and give the best I have to the Lord. The full weight of loving and trusting in God blesses me with strengthened faith as I learn to know and apply God's word. I must remember to do good at every turn, to avoid delay in blessing others.

Every day we live is a priceless gift of God, loaded with possibilities to learn something new, to gain fresh insights. ---Dale Evans Rogers

Five Things for You!

Five things in my freezer: package of rib eye steaks, bag of taquitos, bag of peas, bag of shredded mozzarella, and a box of push-ups

Five things in my closet: assortment of shirts, blouses, capris, pants, and dresses

Five things in my car: registration, proof of insurance, neck pillow, atlas of U.S., and an umbrella

Five things in my purse: hair pick, inhaler, wallet, cell phone, and planner

Five things in my wallet: driver's license, money, postage stamps, photos, and credit card

Five people I’m tagging: You, you, you, you, and YOU! If you do it, please leave a message in the comments section! Thanks!

So work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching.

---Unknown

Saturday Sky Over Me

While I sit and swing and knit. Nice.

No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible. --Voltaire

Squared

This Heartmade Blessings comfort ghan is complete and ready to mail to the recipient, a recent widow. Each square maker attaches a tag with personal info and a message. I reattach the tags after I assemble and launder the ghan. Brain Teaser: Can you find my square? Hint: It's the one that isn't tagged yet. There! Wasn't that fun?! Since this ghan is draped over some vines to secure it to the fence, it isn't hanging square. It rilly-rilly-rilly isn't that wonky!

This view is to give you a closer look at the shell edging--- a very nice finishing edged with the green used for joining.

And, what have we here? Another close view!

A member of HMB made a tote bag to send along with the comfort ghan.

There were a couple of swingers at our house this weekend. So glad there was no computer-anything for four days for them. Instead....lots of outdoor play!

1John3 lays out the formula for achieving victory over sin:

1-Seek the Holy Spirit and God's Word

2-Avoid temptation

3-Seek help from the body of Christ

It looks so simple, doesn't it? 1-2-3! Being born of God, or born again, has given me an awesome place in the family of God. I am a child of God! I strive to reflect God's love to others. Real love is an action that I try to live in several personal and anonymous ministries for the church I attend.

v. 17 says--If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

Amen.

We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. ---Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Pile-o-Crochet

This is the edging-in-process pic for this HMB crocheted ghan. It is completed now, ready to be laundered, tagged, and mailed. I will soon begin assembling another bereavement ghan made of a combination of floral squares and granny squares.

Tonight I want to work on the baby blanket for my neighbors' soon-to-be-born baby girl. On Saturday J asked when his world ghan will be finished. Ooops! I haven't touched it in about eight months! Better get on that one, too!

Reading Psalm 144 this morning led me to ponder the brevity of life. I want to live to glorify God in all I do. The Psalm offers beautiful praise to God in reminding us of our short time on Earth, "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes". (James4:14) Mother passed in March. I can't believe her life is over. I was there with her, but how can she be gone? Life passed so quickly--looking at family photos of her as a child, as a cheerleader---having fun at the beach, being with my Dad in their young, dating years. Oh, the importance of the lives of my parents, all of my grandparents, and great grandparents---all of whom I knew. Brief as life is, people make great impact in the lives of one another. Oh, Lord, bless us and bring soothing peace to my humanity; soften my heart and soul.

Love has its source in God, for love is the very essence of His being. -

--Kay Arthur

Saturday Sky

Comfortably mild weather today.

A Day without Needles and Hooks

This has been a no-knit/no-crochet day! Doubt that I'll do much of that since company is arriving soon to stay the weekend. I hope I'll be able to squeeze some time in, though! (Blogger is still have pic uploading issues!)

As I read Colossians today, I became interested in the map showing the location of Colosse. Although Paul was writing from prison, an unusual privilege, the distances covered by Jesus, His Apostles , and His disciples continue to amaze me. Typically traveling on foot, these people visited so many locations that I am again astounded. Given the fact that there were nomadic groups, I do understand that it was not uncommon. There's just something about the 94 degree weather today that inspires me to ponder their way of life, their way of travel.

In clarifying Jesus as God, Paul's writing leads me to desire to grow daily because of my love for God. I fiercely feel Spirit-led at times and exalt in that strength of the Spirit that is far beyond anything I could do alone.

Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling. --Margaret Lee Runbeck

Soon to Ramble Again!

The yellow and white ghan will be finished tonight! Then I'll pick up the Ramblin Rows baby ghan again. Although it won't be finished by the due date, August 26, I am truly enjoying this pattern. I have two more baby ghans to make--one for Fall and one for April so I'm trying to decide if I want to do one of them in the Ramblin Rows pattern. I'd really like to do this pattern with yarns of different textures, but don't think that would work very well for a baby ghan.

In the Word today, I read 1Peter4 and was again reminded to identify my gifts and talents so that I can serve others thereby giving glory to God. Love, hospitality, and regular prayer continue to be pressed into my heart.

I would like to find other bloggers who are doing this Christian Women Online "Snippets from the Word". I have looked through CWO blogs, but have yet found any blogging about this study. So, if you're reading this, please leave a note to point me to your blog!

We encounter God in the ordinariness of life, not in the search for spiritual highs and extraordinary, mystical experiences, but in our simple presence in life. ---Brennan Manning

Still No Pics

Well, blogger still won't upload pics, so I will simply say that I am still adding a shell border to the Comfort ghan for HMB. I will send it to a widow who recently lost her husband who was her best friend. She is ill and has had several losses in her family in recent months. Someone requested a ghan through Heartmade Blessings, so I have assembled the donated squares and one I made myself. I wanted to put a wide, lacey border on this ghan. The feminine, lacey touch certainly adds to the eye appeal of this ghan. I will mail it to her as soon as it is completed.

When I began reading Psalm 119 today, I was initially drawn to its structure slightly more than to the content. Not only is Ps 119 the longest Psalm in the Bible, it is also the longest chapter. Each section corresponds to a letter in the Hebrew alphabet and begins with that letter. The repetitious form could easily have been memorized at a time when the printed word was not commonly available.

After thinking about these elements of form, I became more drawn to the content--the meditative writing about the importance of God's word in my life. God's provision has bolstered me to remain strong in faith during extreme sorrow during recent months. v114 You are my refuge and my shield. I do constantly find comfort in God's unfailing love v76. I pray for discernment to understand my relationship with the Lord that I will apply the Word to my daily life. I trust in His mighty compassion and love.

Bea's comment yesterday about obedience definitely speaks to the message in PS 119, that is, diligence through obedience.

Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. ---Ps 119

Well, darn!

I haven't been able to upload pics to blogger all day today. Has anyone else had that problem today?

Today is the beginning of Daily Bible Reading with Christian Women Online called "Snippets from the Word". (See side bar.)

From Proverbs 21 today, I received the importance of being faithful in the completion of mundane tasks. Diligence is pleasing to God. Let's just say, mundane is not my thing. Reading this chapter brought me to the realization that diligence in the ordinary is every bit as important as striving to excellence in other areas.

To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. ---Pro21:3