April 2007
Monthly Archive
April 30, 2007
No blogging, praying, for Virginia Tech.
Posted by traceysolomon under one day blog silence, prayer, virginia techNo Comments
April 29, 2007
The winter is past…..devotions in the backyard.
Posted by traceysolomon under early morning devotions, spring1 Comment
” My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me.
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.”
Song of Solomon- 2:10-13
My husband threatens me with room darkening blinds…. I don’t blame him. As soon as the sun hits my face…I wake up. This morning- was like that. Only this morning- I felt like it wasn’t just to make coffee and start laundry…. this morning- it was to enjoy some time with my other
lover— my God. Sure— I started the laundry- emptied the dishwasher, made coffee….
But then— I went outside. While the dew was still fresh, the birds were singing. In the sun and song-I remembered this verse—I feel like it’s been a wintery season in my life— for quite a while… I also feel like spring is blooming, in my heart and in the world.
Winter in Michigan can be of undetermined length—-sure the CALENDAR tells us when spring begins- but Michigan disregards the calendar. Spring begins, when it’s good and ready. Winters of the heart are similar, they can be of undetermined length. Struggles roll in like clouds- one after another. They dim the sun, chill the heart. But like bulbs- the seed of Spring is always there. Waiting for it’s time to bloom.
I don’t know what season you’re in this morning- but if you’re in the middle of a winter- I wanted to encourage you with this—- Spring is coming- watch for it—-we share the same lover- God- the maker of all seasons and things— and He has promised to bring Spring— in the form of comfort- peace- love and care— into your heart- if you let Him. Talk to Him about your winter— go out and sit in the promise o His Spring.
Dear Jesus- I thank you for Spring- I thank you that the winter makes the spring so much sweeter. I pray for anyone who’s stuck in a winter of the heart- that this morning- you’ll shine the hope of your love in- and bring them spring— I love you Lord- and thank you for bringing me through the winter- amen.
April 28, 2007
It’s been rainy here for 4 days now—- so I thought I’d post what I WISHED Saturdays sky was like;)
April 27, 2007
April 26, 2007
An Apology To Our Garbage Men……Waste Management Specialists…Eco-rescuers…. whatever.
Posted by traceysolomon under Spring Cleaning, apologies, garbage[11] Comments
Dear Garbage Men - (Insert appropriate and updated terminology please-)
This morning- I want to express my sincerest apology. The mountain of trash in front of my home, is putting you behind schedule- and quite possibly at risk of minor injury. Please- for the love of all things clean- LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS… not your backs.
I am embarassed by the mountain before my home- but wish to explain. We’ve been doing serious “Spring Cleaning”. Please be extra careful with the bags from the garage….if they smell like something has died in there- well it’s because something did. You can click to read about the mousecapade. Really, they had to go…a sad reality.
Some of the bags are really heavy and squishy. That’s because they contain my “skinny clothes”.. (weird how that worked out, huh? The Skinny Clothes are heavy;) Most were given away… but these are the ones that ticked me off, ’cause I just don’t see my backside fitting into them regardless of how many hours I spend on the exercise bike. This was an act of therapeutic value- they’ve been in my closet upsetting me for months. Getting rid of them was good for me. Sorry, if it’s bad for you.
Some of the bags are quite lumpy. Be extra careful not to spill them. They are the extraneous contents from under 3 bathroom sinks. I don’t recommend allowing the chemicals (the dregs of various cleaners- hair products, skin products that make your skin look older and yet, have acne at the same time…grand investment.) to mix or spill on you. It wouldn’t be prudent. I think there was a bottle of Nair in there- and though it doesn’t work on us Italian women, I’m pretty sure it’ll eat your skin off- or at least cause baldness. Be forewarned.
I suppose I should also confess that I waited until after dark to take the garbage out- and was tempted to add a couple of our bags to my neighbors trash-(well ALL my neighbors trash, not exactly actually sharing the love) — so it didn’t look like we were such pigs….. but I was pretty tired- and, besides, that felt like lying a bit- so I didn’t. But, I thought about it. Sorry. I want our relationship to be healthy- so, I promise to keep things honest.
I really wanted to bake you cookies or something- cause I know this was WAY over our garbage quota…. but I just didn’t think putting cookies out on top of the trash - even in a ziplock bag- would be a good idea. Besides- my cookies are pretty awesome and they could possibly revive the mice- and we don’t need zombie mice attacking our wonderful garbage men… that would be bad.
In closing—Again- I want to apologize for our exorbitant out put of trash this week. I’m sorry to be such a pain. Thanks for all your hard work-
Sincerely-
the piggies in a clean house-(and garage) in Michigan…..
PS……the Bob the Builder couch on top? DON’T take it home to the kiddies…. the “bad cat” mistook it for a litterbox.
PPS—- Please know this- I- (a 3o “something” mom of three- carried most of those heavy bags to the curb. don’t try the “those bags are too heavy for us” thing…. I’ll keep putting them out- every week till the cows come home- or you take them…so you can do it now— or when they grow even more disgusting- it’s up to you.)
To compensate for a post full of garbage….. here is some pretty:
April 25, 2007
Wordless Wednesday- Earth Day collage
Posted by traceysolomon under Earth Day, spring, wordless wednesday[4] Comments
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof;
the world,
and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1
April 24, 2007
Chevron Scarf.. and adventure in color.
Posted by traceysolomon under Laced with Grace, chevron scarf1 Comment
Chevron Scarf- from: Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Joelle HoversonArt Yarns Regal Silk- in colors #119 and 115- green and Pink/orange
Holz and Stein Circ’s in US #7’s (the regal silk is heavier than what’s called for in the pattern)
The thing about this scarf…… it’s a stretch for me, not the knitting- that’s simple. The colors. The directions call for “Complementary” colors. I get the concept- it’s just contrary to my personality. See- I’m a “matchy- matchy” kind of girl….
S0, my first attempt at this scarf was with 2 pretty- but coordinating not complementary yarns. Solid pink with a variegated pink granite color— (STR and Reynolds Sea Wool)
On the left- It’s Schaefer Anne In a blue-green, handpaint and STR in Mustang Sally
On the right- it’s STR in Pink Granite (from the sock club- o6) and Reynolds Soft Sea Wool in Pink. Both combinations are nice— (the yarns are FAB) but they just aren’t “popping”…. they were safe. blue and red- go together. Solid pink and pink variegate go together… but no zip. So I went to the LYS… and sat on the floor until I could make myself go outside of my little color box. and this is what I came up with.
I figure- If God would use these colors together- I can too;)
Today is Tuesday— and I’ve posted over at Laced With Grace- “My name is Tracey, and I’m a Human Being, not a Human Doing.” click over to seee my take on CWO’s meme- In Other Words;) See you there!
April 23, 2007
Accidental Earth Day Celebration…..chevron scarf- in artyarns silk
Posted by traceysolomon under Earth Day, chevron scarf[3] Comments
Accidental. No, Really. Our attending the Earth Day Festival at the Matthai Botanical Garden, in Ann Arbor was an accident. We’re not a worship the Earth before it ends… kind of family. We’re more of a take care of the Earth to honor God- since it’s His creation- you’re goofing with, kind of family. So how did we end up at the festival?
The Botanical Garden is one of our favorite- sunny day family hike spot. (They hae a very easy 1 1/2 mile trail) Since Saturday was spent cleaning the garage….changing the oil in the car… Cleaning the driveway because the pan of oil ended up spilled.. (Father and son they’ll get it done..) .. cutting the grass…. basically, a continuance of the Spring Clean-a-thon, we needed a break. Sunday was a funday. We didn’t remember it was Earth Day until we arrived at the BG and discovered our normally quiet spot- over run with Earth friendly activities of every kind.
Total accident.
I’ve never seen so much tie-dye and Birkenstocks in one place. (I’ll refrain from making any fashion color commentary, as I recently decided that my favorite sweats need to be disposed of because they’re falling apart— and I haven’t done it yet! It’s on my to-do list;)
There were Bubbles:
There were other kids- there- I promise… but well- I don’t want to go to jail or get sued for putting their pics up;)
There was planting of seeds- then transplanting them in the yard….
Oops- couldn’t edit this one fre of other kids…. sorry bout that;) And, as a side note- the seeds are in the ground right near little guys feet…. but- at the time of this picture’s taking- the hose had become a gun to shoot the birds at the back of the yard. Boys!
There was a nature walk with treasures found:
There were flowers in the conservatory: (No weapons- just flowers… this was Earth Day… not a game of CLUE!)
There were even flowers knitted!
Well—- kind of— This is my Chevron scarf— my third start , actually. ( don’t ask… let’s just say the directions are to find two COMPLEMENTARY yarns… I tend to be a bit matchy/ matchy—so using yarns that don’t MATCH or COORDINATE was a stretch for me….) It’s a pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts .
I’ve substituted the yarn- since it’s like 75 degrees here— (made that number up- it’s warm, though- I promise;) it’s too warm for the wool sock yarn called for in the pattern- so I’m using Artyarns silk…. it’s like knitting with rose petals….. yum. I have yet to finish my CPH… but I’m all about the chevron at the moment!
Details: Artyarns hand painted regal silk in color ways #119 (green) and 115 (pink/orange) It’s thicker than the yarn called for so, I’m using size 7 Needles. (Holz and Stein Circs)
There was a ride on Daddy’s shoulders to the car…..
There was soccer in the yard:
This pic was a moment of collusion against one of the teens- between dad and son.. they were gonna “‘astract (distract) him, I believe.
Finally- a very tired little guy- at the end of the day;)
Happy Accidental Earth Day! It was for us!
(I never thought I’d say that— even in print;)
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Jeremiah 51:15
“He made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. He has stretched out the heavens by his understanding.”
Dear Lord- Thank you for the beautiful world you’ve created- give me wisdom to care for and enjoy it—- as you’ve intended. Amen.
April 21, 2007
April 19, 2007
She keeps house in a very unlikely place. Tucked into a center island in a grocery store parking lot. I wonder at her housing choice every year. (She’s been there every spring- for the last few years.)
All around her, SUV’s battle over parking places. Shopping carts blow across the lot and ram into curbs and bumpers, like crazy land races, that end in tragedy….or at least in convenience. Dogs bark through cracked car windows… threatening to pounce at their first chance. (Why do people take their dogs to the grocery, then leave them in the car? I do not understand this… but I digress. Again. )
Teenaged boys in orange vests stretch the task of cart gathering into an all day event… even with the advent of motorized cart movers. They always look cold and forlorn…..and mostly bored. Crying children, in grocery cart seats squirm and make a last ditch effort to escape before arriving back at the car. (It’s an unwritten code of ehthics for toddlers… like the Marine’s “no man left behind”…..toddlers chant “No seat contains my behind” in baby talk as they wiggle.)
In the middle of this chaos, danger and intrigue….(At least I’m always intrigued by the people who actually leave the store carrying ONE lone item……usually beer or a tiny bag containing- I know not what….I think I am not so much intrigued as maybe jealous of their ability to actually purchase what they intended…. as I typically forget the ONE item most important on my list….;)
sits the momma duck , a top her nest.
Surrounding her are bits of popcorn and other treats people leave to help support her little family. The momma duck is a mascot of sorts for the store. The employees watch out for her. They share their lunches with her. In a way- I think they love her.
She, however- usually fluctuates between a threatening quack and serenely sitting with her eggs safely tucked beneath her and her head tucked under her wing.
During weeks like this one- I can relate to the momma duck. When news stories are filled with mass shootings- schools locked down and sad videos of sick people saying sick things….I feel like a momma duck in a parking lot. Danger seems to surround my little brood. I feel like tucking my guys into a safe spot in the middle of the chaos and quacking a warning to keep them safe. The problem is- two of my three “little ducks”are bigger than me. To try to protect them from the world would more than clip their wings…. it would stunt their growth. Then- I also feel a deep peace… A security that comes from trusting God. Like the duck- I fluctuate;)
So, what’s a mom to do? Gather them up and sit on them?— Quacking to keep them safe as I smother them with my love? My guys won’t tolerate that. Is it possible to rest securely while chaos reigns around us????
I think it is. When I look at the momma duck, with her head resting under her wing… while carts bump and bang and dogs bark, I wonder if she has some deep trusting (or deep birdness that prohibits worry;) that gives her peace.
Like I do. (Most of the time;) Although I see the chaos, danger and sadness that surrounds, I also know that I don’t control the world. Nor- do I have to. I trust that I do what I can and should do…..and that God will be with us in whatever we face.
What we can and should and actually, do-
1) Have an emergency contact means and plan- (my teens have cell phones) they know who to call if they see danger brewing. Be aware of your child’s school lock-down policy and procedure.
2) We talked about what to do if they are concerned about a kid at school…..talk to their guidance counselor or other school official- in private.
3) Trust God with the rest.
The first two are fairly simple— the third is harder- it’s a process of trusting. The more I experience God- the greater my trust grows. Honestly- it’s the hardest things that I’ve gotten through, that have grown my trust the most. Loss, pain, struggle, grief… while initially negative—have turned into greater faith, because God has brought me (my friends and family) through them.
Matthew 28:20
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Jesus Christ
Maybe it’s like that with the duck— maybe she can stay in a place of danger- and thrive—- because of the love that is there with her, in it. If a grocery stores employees can care for and love a duck… how much more can God care for and love us? Even in a dangerous and painful world.
Dear Lord- I don’t pretend to understand all the chaos and pain that fills the world. I pray that you’ll be with and comfort all those who have had such loss this week. I pray for the survivors- that you’ll give them peace in a fearful situation, I pray for the families that you’ll give them comfort in their pain. I pray for the family of the one who cause such pain….God- I pray for mom’s everywhere- that feel like ducks nesting in dangerous parking lots— that you’ll grow our trust, make us wise as to what we can and should do…..and give us the peace that you alone can give- regardless of what happens around or to us— In Jesus Name- amen-
With prayers for the Virginia Tech survivors- families and friends of those lost.
Knitnana has the button…
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