Hemlock ring, Hanging Vine Stole….Weathers turned cold in Michigan… so on to hot-cocoa knitting!

Hanging Vine Stole: from Heartstrings

Yarn- Knitpicks Gloss in “Cocoa”

Needles- Knitpicks Harmony Interchangeable
US size 6

loving the pattern- the needles and the yarn. Any questions?

Can you say knitted chocolate?

Close up of the needles:

Hot Chocolate without whipped cream? Not on my blog!

Yes- my Knitterly OCD has caused the cast-on of yet another- hemlock ring- this time a blanket in Patons SWS “Natural” ivory colorway. It’s a thank-you gift —being knit on - YET AGAIN The new Knitpicks Harmony needles— as far a a review goes- I think multiple projects being knit at the same time on these needles says it all— loving them!

A post called “Lines Blurred, Eyes Strained, Freedom Gained” Is up at Laced With Grace- please visit me over there today- too;)

This week is UBER Busy. Getting ready for MOPS International’s Annual Convention!

Gotta pack my sandals and my Bible—I serve God through MOPS as a MAC- (Ministry Advancement Coordinator- convention is a VERY busy event for field-leaders and Mom’s alike! Will need to attempt the impossible today- find CUTE and COMFY shoes….. or not.

Please pray for convention as over 4000 Mom’s gather to be cared for- challenged and encouraged— ummmm and goof around;) A LOT.

Blocked pic of Hemlock Ring Doily/shawl: No wonder I’m obsessed with this pattern!

Fiber God-Mother Questionaire:

What are your fiber-related hobbies? (Knit, Crochet, Spinning, Needlepoint, etc.) - I knit, spin

How long? - I don’t know about 5 years?

Which are you *most* into? - Knitting, \then spinning

How would you classify yourself in this craft - Intermediate- advanced

What is your current fiber-related obsession? - current projects.

What are your favorite items to make? - Lace n socks- they always fit!

What are you making right now? - Hemlock Ring blanket- Hanging Vines Stole and Monkey Socks need to finish a CPH.

What other crafts or
Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? - Watercolor painting- spinning, photography

About the fiber:
Your favorite yarn(s) (brand or type)? - mostly natural stuff.

What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? - not so much about the acrylics or novelty stuff.

Is there a yarn you’ve been dying to try? - Sundara mostly solids…

Are you a fiber snob? - picky yeah- snob- no- but then again yeah.

About the tools:

Hardwood, Bamboo, Aluminum, Plastic? - mostly wood cept for cotton then metal….

For knitters: Straight, DPN or Circular needles? -all of the above;)

Favorite gadget? - kacha collector and measuring tape fiend— want the little Lantern moon b-day cake;) my ipod;)

Anything you’ve been wanting to try? - everything? New Knitpicks DPNS!!!

About you:
Do you pamper yourself? Or do you generally come last? - often last- but do what I need so as not go crazy;)

What does an ideal day off/free hour consist of for you? - Good food- friends - knitting.. a great book..music… quiet time preferably on a beach…..

Are you allergic to anything? - banana’s

What is your family situation? (Partner, spouse, kids, etc.) - Husband, 3 sons- 18, 15 and 5

Are you owned by any pets? - Bad dog Sami the Beagle , Cappucino the kitty nazi and Truffles the clumsy cat.

Your favorite color(s)? - purples, reds, pinks (deeper is better) blues… like jewel tones- rich colors;)

Any colors you just can’t stand? - Don’t much like yellows- and greens can make me look pretty pukey:(

What’s your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) - light florals- lavander, vanilla

Least favorite? (Maybe you’re not “allergic,” but it makes you want to die) - cat pee?

How do you feel about candy? - chocolate….yum.

Any dietary restrictions? - Nope- olny self imposed and I’m not following thru with those much lately;)

Is there anything that you collect? - YARN;) McCoy piece mostly in cream color…. longaberger baskets….milk glass.

What is your favorite holiday? - Christmas

Do you have an online wish list (e.g. Amazon, Things I Want)? Amazon- my e-mail

Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? - Yes.What kind of music do you like? pretty broad-
U2, Coldplay, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Springsteen, ummm classical….

Any special requests in case your Godmother wants to make a CD for you? - surprise me;)

Favorite movie(s)? - no real clue here;)

Any “fan” stuff? (e.g. Firefly, Wonder Woman, etc.) - sheepies;)

Anything we missed? Tell, Tell!

 

Does God Sound like Paul Harvey?

Hmmm….Maybe- but with better tone quality. Click over to my post today at “Laced With Grace” to find out if I’ve lost my mind…or maybe, just maybe, it’s an analogy.

 

luxury of lilacs

All year long they grow….. plain- somewhat ugly, wild looking bushes alongside of my porch.

Then- suddenly, for a few short weeks in May, they bloom. Their scent greets you at my front door. Their color can be seen form the street.

For the first few years, I let them on the bush. They withered. Wilted. Died.

Now- every day, I cut bunches and fill vases. It only takes a few minutes, but if feels like such absolute luxury. A full senses reminder of God’s love care and creation. Beautiful full bouquets of fresh flowers, in the kitchen, the livingroom and even our bedroom. They still wilt, they still die. But now- I enjoy them fully, before they do. I don’t worry about them-I just enjoy them while they are here. ;)

” Praise be to his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.” Psalm 72:19

My post for today is up at Laced With Grace- “Drinking it in” find out if Ihave a drinking problem…. and what “unsafe drinking water” is. See you there!

 

The Day My Fat Pants Died.

It’s not because they didn’t fit. (Sadly- they do) It’s not because I don’t like them. (I LOVE my comfy fat pants- sweats) It’s because it was simply, time.

The elastic waist band (two inches of perfectly comfy wide- waistband that sat perfectly on my hips- at one time) had broken through it’s fabric casing. The velour was thread bare in the back end and knees. (That’s attractive) The gaps created by the elastic breaking through the waist band had become dangerous. (No teenager wants his moms pants to fall down- even if she ONLY wears them at home.- It’s just plain disturbing. ) There were small holes at the ankles where a certain BAD DOG liked to try to drag me around by the ankles. (If nothing Sami is gutsy)

I think my husband was sick of them- and too kind to say it. (Let’s face it- if I thought of them as “fat-pants” how “hot” could they be? —I only wore them at night-sexy? NOT)

So it was time. I couldn’t take a picture- because my eyes were “sweaty” ( My DH’s code for tearing up) Ok— I didn’t actually cry… but you know- they were “special.”

We shall now have a moment of silence for my fat-pants.

*************sigh*************weep*************wipe a tear***********move on********

If you were stopping by for something a bit “more” today- Please stop by “Laced With Grace”

You can read my take on Todays’ CWO Quote:

“When God is involved, anything can happen. Be open and stay that way. God
has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords.”
~
Chuck Swindoll~

 

Tuesdays, Laced With Grace

Today I’m at “Laced With Grace” if you stop by … you get to learn how I earned the nick-name of “slow-mo” in high school…..;) A little hint—- I “kind of” ran cross-country for 3 years……

 

Chevron Scarf.. and adventure in color.

Chevron Scarf- from: Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Joelle Hoverson

Art 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!

 

I’m gonna tell.

“Ancient Words, ever true Changing me and changing you We have come with open hearts O let the ancient words impart.”~ Lynn DeShazo~

I grabbed my Bible and stomped up the stairs.

I fumed and fussed, all the way. I was angry, I was hurt and I was going to TELL.

Funny how that drive to “tell on others” never really abates. It just takes more mature forms. Like prayer.

I plopped my self righteous- butt on the chair in my bedroom. I closed my eyes and started to tattle… I mean pray…. “Oh God…he is so….why can’t they… don’t they know they should… I just can’t …….” The words poured out along with my tears.

After a few minutes of good old fashioned tattling, I opened my Bible, hoping God would console me with vindication or at least affirmation. I went back to my bible study.

It happened to be on the Fruits of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

The first few words, seemed fuel for my self-righteous tattling fire. “See- this is how THEY should be……” That response lasted about 1.4 seconds. Until I got to the word crucified. Then….even worse….conceited..provoking….

This wasn’t affirming or vindicating, it was convicting. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature….” The truth is- when I grabbed my Bible and stomped upstairs..I was angry and looking for company in my “righteous anger”. I wasn’t, the one in the wrong…well- with the exception of my RESPONSE to the situation. My heart wanted a kind of revenge. I wanted to tattle and get someone in trouble. With God. Is that living in the Spirit?

Ouch. I wasn’t expecting that.

I coud have slammed the Bible shut. (I have in the past) I could have decided it had no application for ME… (I wasn’t the one in the wrong, afterall!) Instead….I allowed the words to wash over me- not with condemnation but conviction…. that I need more of HIM. My prayer changed…..

“Oh Jesus, I need more of you.. I want to love other like you did- in the Spirit- with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… Oh God- empty me of ME and fill me with You….forgive me and change me- I love you Lord- amen”

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

For more experiences with God’s word changing hearts…. see Todays Christian Women Online “In Other Words” posts-

Today is also Tuesday- so you can find my post titled “And Then….” over at Laced With Grace!

 

Where am I today?

I’m posting HERE. Hurry, GO! Click it…You’ll find out about Noah getting STUCK…..and what on earth that might have to do with Easter week…..;)

 

Noah’s Grace

“Noah! Where are you? Noah ______ _______ “ (insert middle and last name for classic Mom emphasis.) “What are you doing?” It had only been a few minutes since he had let the living room to go “potty.” About 2 minutes longer than it should have taken.

“I’m coming! I have to change!” Said a little voice, as five year old feet hit the steps- going upstairs, NOT towards the living room. Something was up.

A quick investigation showed my his need to change was not related to the potty. When I went in the bathroom, I found mascara and eye shadow smeared on the counter. Worse yet? There were trails of eye-brow wax across the sink and floor. I looked to see if he’d even used the toilet- and to my dismay, he had, but not for the reasons the I would. My toilet was now decorated with eyeballs and a smile. I fumed.

I had spent all day playing housework catch-up after a rough week last week. I called him down. He looked like he was in a 1950’s western, as an “Indian” of the John Wayne as a cowboy type. He had mascara warpaint.

I made him have a seat, in “time out” while I scraped the counter of wax and tried to remove the makeup from the toilet seat. I was furious and I made sure he knew it. The harder I had to scrub- the more angry I got and for some reason- my mouth seemed hard-wired to my cleaning supplies- I just kept going.

“You know you’re not supposed to get into mommy’s make up, and make a mess! How many times have I told you not to touch?” I ranted.

He just looked at me. He looked down. He looked around.

“Mommy? What’s that? Did I make that mess too? I’m sorry, Mommy “ He said. Pointing to deep mahogoany drip marks on the cupboard door and tiny ones on the hard wood floor.

The drips were not Noah’s mess. They were mine. “No honey- that’s hair dye- mommy did that accidently.” (NEVER dye your hair in a room with hardwood.- fyi)

I continued scrubbing.

“Oh, I love you- even if you made a mess Mommy” Said the mascared little man.

My eyes welled up with tears. Not over the mess- but over the grace. Grace is being loved- even when you make a mess. My anger went out like the tide. Noah was giving me- what he needed. forgiveness, grace.

“I love you too Noah, even if you make a mess. But, you’re staying in time-out until I’m done cleaning.”

Psalm 103:8-14

“The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.”

“Dear Lord- I am so glad that you love me- even when I make a mess, I am also so glad to have a little one who loves me- even when my anger gets out of control- thank you Lord- for your mercy and grace, for your love and understanding. Thank you for your reminder of grace, amen”

Double dose today! It’s Tuesday! So- my weekly post is up at Laced With Grace- stop by there to read my post about “Waves” !

 

Laced With Grace- The Itchy Sweater of Co-dependancy

Boys will find poo- where-ever they go, they will also inspect it as if it were scientific. It is not. It is poo. Poo is poo. Sheesh. (Pic from Saturdays’ trip to the Botanical Garden)

My post for today is up at “Laced With Grace”

It’s my participation in Christian Women Online’s Tuseday Meme- “In Other Words”

Click over to “Laced With Grace” To find out what I learned about love from 80’s music. ;)