Nature in Natural

Our oldest grandchild is engaged! He and his fiance are thinking about a wedding in the Summer of 2011. However, it may be sooner depending on DSIL's health, so I am working on a wedding ghan now. I want to have it made and ready and pray that it won't be gifted until 2011.

This is the "Nature in Natural" ghan from the Lion Brand web site, a free pattern available here http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/1276AD.html?noImages=

I am using Plymouth Encore worsted weight in cream and size 8 needles This is a fun pattern that I'm enjoying so much. The top picture is the left end. The pic above is the center section.

This is the right end of the ghan.  Each of the three main bands is divided by seed stitch panels--very pretty!



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I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
~ Psalm 40:1

Too Much Money

Too Much Money: A Novel by Dominick Dunne

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thus ends Gus Bailey. Written during the last months of author Dominick Dunne's life, TOO MUCH MONEY closes the life and times of his alter ego,Gus Bailey. The sense of gloom, melancholy, and sad realizations permeate this book. Though Wallis Simpson famously declared that one cannot be too rich or too thin, the inhabitants of Gus Bailey's New York high society found that too much money can lead to unimaginable challenges and sorrows reflected in the economic crisis of our world. Yet, the indicators in the story lead toward the continuation of shallow "friendships", emphasis on materialistic sensibilities, and the absence of reliable human connections when social and financial status is the primary focus of life.

I read this book because I am a fan of the author. This book is weak compared to his body of work and not one that I recommend to anyone except Dominick Dunne fans like me, who feel compelled to read his final work.

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. ~~ Matthew 5:9

Madame de Stael by Francine Gray

Madame de Stael by Francine Gray


My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Larger than life, Madame Germaine de Staël was a lightening rod figure in Swiss/French/German political, social, and literary circles. She stood her ground as she spread her opinions while holding court in her magnificent salons and publishing her work under threat from Napoleon. Men adored her, were challenged by her, and drawn to this woman of imposing intellect and strength. Her scope of influence extended well into the 20th century as a result of her mentoring at a time when women were not esteemed for their intellect and wit. Boldly taking many lovers who resided at her family estate in Coppet, Switzerland, Germaine secretly bore children, saw some die, spirited others elsewhere to be raised, and kept some in her household and at private schools. She met the physical challenges of being female with the strength and resilience that characterized her life in all spheres of endeavor.

This is an empowering read of a boldly modern woman and her role in shaping history. I read it in daily free email installments via DailyLit.com and highly recommend this astounding nonfiction work.

A favorite line:
"With resentful dignity, Mme Necker retreated from her daughter’s life."

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For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Romans 8:15–16

Haitian Relief

God bless the people of Haiti and the workers who are there to bring relief and assistance. I felt led to donate to Doctors Without Borders. Perhaps you are inclined to do the same. Just click on the button below.

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Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

---Romans 13:10

Diagonal Dish Cloth

Here's another little knit-in-a-day project as respite from my bigger projects. The basic diagonally knit dish cloth is a fun, fast project knit in Peaches 'n' Creme. My pattern is an old one from http://www.geocities.com/nicolethegeek/knitting  It is available at http://barbarabradford.blogspot.com/2009/04/moms-diagonal-knit-dishcloth.html

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Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.

2 Peter 1:7

Pinwheel Beanie

Time for a quick knit! Since I have a baby blanket and an afghan in progress, I wanted to finish a project to in a day. This fast and fun baby hat is for charity. The wonderful pattern is from "Just Jussi" at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/just-jussi-pinwheel-beanie and http://castadrift.blogspot.com/2007/05/pinwheel-beanie.html . I knitted a garter head band instead of ribbing. The next hat will have ribbing since it yields a cute, rounded shape. This hat is sized for 0-6 months. The pattern includes directions for a 12 months size as well. I used size 4 needles and unlabeled DK stash yarn. Maybe someone will recognize this inexpensive, self-striping yarn. I pray that this little hat will bless a child with warmth and love.

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He has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts -- 2 Corinthians 1:22

Friday Fill-In #158

http://fridayfillins.blogspot.com/

And...here we go! Tip of the hat to The Beatles this week :-) However, I'm not going to use their words.

1. There are places in my heart just for me.

2. Your smile will blow those clouds away.
3. Standing in the morning sun, watching the tide roll away.
4. Boy oh boy.
5. He went out tiger hunting and returned with a sad story of infidelity

6. Taking notes keeps my mind from wandering .

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Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. ~ Proverbs 12:15

 
 
 
 

Wordless Wednesday: Our Front Yard Snow-scape

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“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22:27

The Party's Over

Happy 2010!!

Partying with a 4 and 6-year-old is a grand way to welcome the new year---even if its 8:30 PM!! The poppers, the horns, the streamers and hats were all the more sparkly and noisy and fun because of giggles and laughs of wide-eyed little ones. They are now on their way home to Texas with Daddy. God bless us all in this bright new year.

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Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~~~John 14:6