Kellie's Kuerig (2009 - 2011)

After a six-month battle with half-brewed K-Kups and chronic warnings to DE-SCALE, Kellie's Kuerig (or KiKi as she was often called) has died.

Kellie remembers with fondness that cool morning in October, when her parents sent her this wonderful one-cup elixir machine for her 37th birthday.

KiKi was a fine coffee maker and often brewed Kellie's favorite afternoon pick-me-up. She almost always worked with great efficiency and speed. Many Kuerig owners complained about the noisy sputter and loud thunking their makers made, but KiKi was always quiet and gentle.

Kellie, who took great care of KiKi by DE-SCALEing several times a year (using many gallons of vinegar, as noted in the user manual,) is very sad at this passing and is consoling herself with the knowledge that she always treated KiKi with the utmost of care. She even carefully took a paper clip to clean out the very sharp and dangerous exit needle, a job that is necessary, if not slightly dangerous.

These loving efforts did prolong KiKi's life, but towards the end she would often brew a full cup only if Kellie stood next to the counter speaking kind words like: "You can do it!" or "Just one more cup" and also, regretfully, out of pure caffeine withdrawal, "For $20 I'd replace you for a Mr. Coffee."


As a last cry for help  ditch effort, Kellie did consider contacting the Kuerig company to inquire about a replacement, since two-years seems like a short life span on such an expensive machine. But, alas, an extensive Google search found that the manufacturers would not be supportive if past the 1-year warranty, being even less sympathetic if you did not register your product upon purchase.

Kiki was unregistered.

She will be greatly missed, but will be donated to the La Vida science class for research on her parts and motors.

Five Photo Friday

• She has always wanted to take pictures at one of these booths at the mall. Imagine her surprise when I found an app for that!

• If you like Nutella, or rich chocolate cookies, go make a batch of these P-R-O-N-T-O. All you need is an egg, 1-1/4 cups cake flour, 2 tbls butter, 1.5 tsp baking powder, and  3/4 cup Nutella. My only complaint is that the batch makes only 18 16 cookies... we were all eating cookie dough... The recipe says to cut the cookies in half and spread Nutella between them. For the sake of being true to the recipe, I tried it (pictured in the upper left of the photo.) Honestly, I liked them better plain, with a cup of coffee. They are as rich as Daddy Warbucks, but Oh! very good!

• Two weeks ago today was my birthday... and I'm still talking about it. I wanted to show you the paper clip necklace my friend made for me. She said she wanted to make something for me since I l-o-v-e  homemade gifts. I thought it was great! And I wore it all day. Its now in my office so I can think of her every time I see it! (she also gave me a Starbucks card!)

• The Boy needed to find some string to do a science project. He ran to my office to get some left over para-cord from a project we did last month (see his right wrist). Somehow the two pieces were stuck together with some microscopic thread  by his amazing teenage magic skillz. 

• This was the view of my back yard on Wednesday morning. I wish I could have captured the golden hue that hung in the air. I am so grateful that I was in the yard at that moment because next day a wind came through an blew most of those leaves off the trees. 

Happy Friday!

Grumpy Gratitude Giver

I'm trying to hide it, but I'm in a bad mood.

Honestly, its not that bad (unless you ask my children) but I must confess the normally joyful heart that beats in my chest is feeling a little...  pensive.

I blame it on being grateful.

It is in this season when most in America begin to give thanks and, of course, its a good thing.

Honestly, if you've read this blog for any length of time you'll know I do my best to intentionally cultivate a heart of gratitude. Perhaps for me it is easy, I don't have much to grumble about, but in a weak moment I'll go searching for something.

I find it ironic that when all the world is giving thanks, I'm seeking-out reasons to grumble.

For instance yesterday morning, I could not decide what to wear. I tried on the clothes from my closet over and over. I was desperately looking for the elusive outfit that is supposed to make me feel different.  What is it that makes the outfit I wore last week, not enough this? Am I looking to be taller, thinner, cuter, wiser, friendlier, happier? I don't fully know, because it so often changes.

I'll tell you what I do know: I was flailing about in a closet brimming with clothes. Its a wardrobe that is clean and attractive, and in one grumpy moment, I decided it wasn't enough.

I stood at a proverbial fork-in-the-road. I was caught in a moment when I had the privilege to choose.

Unfortunately, the choice I made was the road most traveled, and it certainly makes a difference.

The self-focused road is a trap made to look like a savior.

I wish I could tell you it is just about my body and clothes. But it isn't. I often find complaint (even if unspoken) over the food in my cupboard. The children I raise. The man I am married to. The job that I have. The gifts I've been given. The talents I possess. The time that I need....just to name a few.

They are small non-issues in life; made bigger when the focus is me.

So today I give thanks for...

... second chances to walk a less traveled road.

... Truth in hard-hearted places (even when its uncomfortable)

... opportunities to turn this grumpy, greedy, gone-hiding heart, back to gratitude.

(Already I feel so much better.)

Psalm 139

Peanut Butter Crises 2011

I should have listened to my husband.

His hero is George Washington Carver, the inventor of peanut butter. My man LOVES his peanut butter. And after 18 years of being together, I will admit, I'm a peanut eater too.

Years ago, when I was getting my garden cleaned and closed up for a winters rest, the Mister said I should plant peanuts because they would not only yield a crop of nutty deliciousness, but Mr. Carver had proved that peanut plants help the soil for future harvests.

I chuckled at his practical ways.

What he said was true. But it is also true that he and I eat a LOT of peanut butter.  I could grow the peanuts, but when it came to mashing them up and putting them in a jar, I wasn't so keen. After all, why grow them myself when "I can buy organic peanut butter at the Buy-in-Bulk Warehouse for practically nothin' ?"

Of course now I am eating my words. Without nutty goodness.

I had heard talk around the blogosphere about a peanut shortage, but I didn't believe it.

I guess I was in denial.

The rumors are correct.  Don't panic, but, there's a peanut shortage.

Right before I went to bed last night I read this article. I tried to break the news gently to The Mister.

"The price of peanut butter is going up 40%. I hope you like almond butter."


I thought he took the news pretty well until I received a phone call this morning at 9:00a. He had called to see if I had gone to the store yet to start a peanut butter stockpile .

We may need an intervention.

I, for one, plan to do my part in this crises.

For instance, this morning for breakfast I toasted a slice of Whole-Wheat Pumpkin yeast bread with peanut butter and half-a banana, but I only used one-tablespoon of peanut butter instead of two. And this afternoon, instead of making peanut-butter cookies I am going to make Nutella Sandwich Cookies.

It's all going to be OK. But I think I will run stop-by to the store today for a jar or eight two... and maybe next year I'll try my hand at peanut farming.

Happy Tuesday!

The Arrival of Fall

We finally turned on the heat. 

The Mister and I always play the "How long can we wait to turn on the Heat/AC?" at the beginning of every season.

Yesterday the Fall/Winter 2011 Thermostat Game came to screeching halt when we walked in the door from church at 1:00p. The downstairs thermostat read: 59 F.

I don't love being cold, but there are so many things I do love when the weather decides to turn...

I love sleeping under the heavy down comforter. I love lighting candles and wearing socks with slippers.

I love seeing the glittery frost on the grass and watching steam float from the pond.

And the trees? 

Amazing.

But perhaps, of all the things I love about cold weather, I love blankets the best...

They seem to be falling out of the linen closet one-by-one.  

Its probably a sickness, my love for blankets, but for the next five-months I'll likely be wrapped up in one... or eight.

Happy Monday!

Five on Friday:

~My friend Becky sent me her recipe (and secret ingredient) for her delicious Empire Biscuits (cookies) pictured above. I made a batch to share with the CarpoolQueen today. You really can't eat these biscuits alone... you must be with a friend.

~Speaking of friends.... My lovely British friend Alison came bearing gifts on my birthday last week. She and her youngest girl, Esther brought me lovely gifts that remind me so much of them: English tea and homemade Lemon Curd.

If you could meet Esther you would love her immediately. She is cheerful and loving and just as cute as can be. If her sweet smile and golden braids weren't enough, her endearing inability to pronounce the hard-sound for"C" or "K" would certainly win you over. She uses a "T" sound instead.

She was so excited to give me her gift that she excitedly exclaimed in her English accent, "Tellie! We've made you some Lemon Turd!"

Oh! She is a glittering ray of happiness, she really is...

~On Tuesday evening The Mister and I  took the kids for a sunset hike. This is the suspension bridge that runs over the river. Its my favorite part of the hike...

~The Girl came home from Girl Scouts with this Loblolly Pine sapling. She is supposed to take care of it for a month.  I find it ironic. We live on an acre in the piney woods. We actually pull pine saplings like this out of the ground. They grow like weeds between brick walkways, and rocks. Last year The Mister even plucked some out of the gutters of our house. But we'll go ahead and transplant this one in the yard for the sake of the project. Maybe we could make it our Christmas tree...

~As i type I can feel the temperature dropping. My fingers are turning cold. Its predicted to be a wet and cold weekend. I don't have to worry though, my sweet husband gave me a super-soft Slanket for my birthday... so I will be warm, and cozy... and maybe even try a few Obi-Wan Jedi tricks.

Happy Friday!

Praises in an October

Its not like me to be quiet during the month of October. It is, after-all, my favorite month.

This year October is bittersweet. Sweet with celebrations and lovely moments; Bitter as I grieve relationships that are difficult. Situations that are painful. Loss that is tough.

Its just one of those times in life, when bad news seems to come in a string of storms, and I am tempted to believe that all that was sacred is now desperately at risk.

But, that is a lie I cannot afford to believe, because storms pass, and there is always the good that springs from the rain.


Yesterday I was reading in Prayers for Today: A Year-Long Journal of Contemplative Prayer, by Bjokrlund, and this prayer (written by the author) was good for my heart, my soul, and my mind:

Lord, You sometimes take away what I value most.
It is easy to praise You when You give to me what I want most.
And it is easy to blame you when I suffer.
It is hard for me to imagine that there is a good reason for suffering if i can't think of
one, Yet  You, my maker, know better about my life than I.
Should I accept the good and not the bad from Your hand? So in faith, no matter the
circumstance, I shall praise Your name.
When laughter and success are my current reality, I shall praise Your name.
And when hardship and loss are my current reality, I shall praise Your name.
When scarcity and need mark my path, I shall praise Your name.
When all seems broken, I shall praise Your name.
Lord, whatever I experience, I choose to praise Your name.
Amen. 

Life is messy. But I am thankful for a husband who is wise and strong. I am thankful for two kiddos who are tender-hearted and loving. I am thankful for family and friends who love lavishly, and are a blessing to me even when they are unaware.

October is my favorite month, and this year I am grateful that God has given me this time to look to Him, to remember that I am not in control.


He is. 

It is easy to believe this truth when all of life is tied up with string like so many gifts at a party.  These gifts... aren't so tidy.

However, these gifts of sorrow are opening up a new place to surrender to Him.... Oh, that I will not waste these gifts and forfeit His work in me...

Lord, where shall I find you? High and hidden is your place.

And where shall I not find you? The world is full of your glory.

I have sought your nearness, with all my heart I called to you

And in going out to meet you I found You coming to me.

-

-Judah Halevi, Spanish Poet (1075-1141)

Blessings

"Every hard duty that lies in your path, 

that you would rather not do,

that it will cost you pain and struggle or sore effort to do,

has a blessing in it.

Not to do it,

at whatever the cost,

is to miss the blessing."

-LB Cowman

I met with Providence this morning. 

I don't remember reading the quote, or what book it came from. I don't recall scribbling it on a note card. But there it was, written with purple ink in my scratchy script. Just waiting for this day, when I needed it most. 

The conversations I have, the boundaries I set, the help I ask for, the decisions I make ... every hard duty that lies on our path... in all these things... blessings.

The follow-up, and follow through; the starting strong and finishing well... blessings.

The hopes and dreams, and sometimes disappointment... even in the pain and struggle... blessings.

The happy, the sad... don't miss the blessings.

But, what do I do when sore-effort hinders, blinds my vision, tempts me to doubt? 

Believe in the One who promises blessings. For our good, and His glory.

"No eye can see,

no ear can hear,

no mind has imagined,

the things God has prepared 

for those who love Him"

-1 Cor. 2:9

(emphasis mine)

Yes, early this morning while the world was asleep, I met with Providence... and He opened my eyes to His blessings.

Home and Happy

It's as if the last three weeks has been a whirlwind.

We had a great time visiting friends and family out west.

I got to visit with many of my desert peeps, but I wish I could have seen more...

Time has a way of going fast, in life and on vacation.

We ended our 16-day stay in Southern Arizona with a 40th anniversary celebration for my parents.

We spent the morning setting up tables in the courtyard and in the carport, and running around in general busyness. I was giddy with excitement.

The weather was perfect and I think everyone had a good time.

I did my best to make sure I harassed these two every chance I got...

These are my little brothers. Isn't' it funny how they keep getting older, but I just stay the same?  ;)

I miss 'em... my mom and dad, my brothers and their families. But I'm also glad to be home.

I was so worried I was going to miss the changing of seasons. It's silly, but true.

There is something profound about watching the world prepare to fall asleep. Its amazing to see the colors turn from green to orange and yellow and red... the colorful grand finale before a long and wintery rest.

I shouldn't have worried.

The Mister and I got up bright and early before church yesterday for a long walk through the woods.

The smells, the colors, the sounds... its October in the Piedmont, and it is beautiful.

Of course, I can't stay outside all day looking at leaves. The house is completely out of order, school is back in session, laundry is piled up, and I have a bunch of projects to finish. Namely this one:

My mom picked out four beautiful colors of pima cotton for a granny-square jacket I'm making for her birthday.... and I need to hurry. Her birthday is Thursday, which is sooner than i'll be finished.

The good news is that when I left Arizona it was 90 degrees outside, so she won't need it this week anyway.

Well, the laundry calls...

Happy Monday!

Desert Hello

Vacation. Its been great!

I have been visiting family and friends (and their new puppy!) Eating a lot of Mexican food. And, of course, crafting.

We are staying within 5 miles of a yarn boutique, and two major craft and fabric stores. The kids and I have gone to the stores several times already.

We made paracord bracelets (with para-like cord. We had trouble finding paracord but will order some when we get home.)


We also made them in black, but they don't photograph quite as nicely!


I brought my crochet hooks and hooked up a little sweater. It still needs a ribbon that will be woven through the row where the crochet hook sits:



The best parts of shopping was running into Becca from Our Crazy Boys.

I've been reading Becca's blog for a couple years, and every time I come to town I want to meet her, but time always gets away. Imagine my surprise when I saw her in line at the craft store.

I was so excited to hug her neck that i pushed four ladies out of my way to get to her. Then, in my impetuousness I called her Stephanie. Oops! I was just so happy to get the opportunity to say hello!


I'm off to go for a walk this morning. Nothing like walking and getting a tan in October!

Happy Wednesday!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Six on Saturday

We are having a blast here in Southern Arizona! Seeing family and friends is so much fun.

They've had so much rain here this summer that everything is blooming! This picture is not so very good, but these flowers are everywhere. I love the bright bold colors that pop amidst the desert greens and browns. Like little floral flames, they lit the path on my morning walk.

The Boy walked with me and every time we saw a Teddy Bear cholla cactus, he would pretend to hug it. Which makes me laugh and freak out every single time. Which, now that I think about it, is probably why he does it.



My Dad went to the Mexican Bakery to get my favorite treat. MMMmmm... the snack of champions!



Last night we attended the wedding of a dear friend of the family. The wedding was amazing. So honoring to God and family. The little church was beautiful... Such a great setting for a great couple!



The reception was fun and The Girl and her Paw cut a rug dancing the Cumbia together. It was a great party!




The Boy and his Uncle Dan. They look a lot alike and they like to hang out...



We are having a wonderful time!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Light and Fluffy

Perhaps my "thinky-ness" in the last few weeks has scared you.

My thoughts have been more introspective lately, it always happens to me this time of year. 

However, when ever I get too "heavy" in my writing, my subscribers and readers drop like flies.

Its actually funny... I won't blog for 7 days in a row and I'll have 6 new subscribers. Then I'll blog consistently, with a few deep thoughts thrown in, and every body changes their mind!

Maybe its a coincidence, maybe its not. Honestly, "thinky" is who I am, and I know that that isn't everyones thing, so I am truly OK with a few readers clicking somewhere else, but fluffy is good too. Being serious all the time is for squares. I like to think that my corners are more rounded... or at least I try to round'em out from time to time.  :)

So today we'll go "light and fluffy."

~Today I went to the dentist with tooth pain (so much for 'light and fluffy'). I took my credit card because these sort of things never end well.

Turned out I just bruised the tissue around a recent root canal. (who knew eating granola could be so dangerous!) But the appointment went well. No needles, no drama. No bill when I walked out the door!

That has NEVER happened to me at the dentists office. NEVER.

So that was very light and fluffy! Especially on The Mister's wallet. Win-win, all around!

~ Last Sunday I was on my way to pick up the kids from youth group when I got a text from my teenage son that simply read: Bring a towel.

How do you respond to something like that? I told him next time he should add a little detail:

Found a kitten. Bring a towel.

or

Having fun! Bring a towel.

or

Profusely bleeding. Bring a towel.

Seriously, there is a full spectrum of towel needs, and a mom in her minivan, unable to text back needs a little more detail...

~ Hey, how about a little de-lurking? 

Do you read this blog? Why? How did you find it? Are you a crafter, a blogger, a homeschooler, a stalker?

Inquiring minds want to know... 

All right, tomorrow at this time I will be full-swing into my Fall Break Adventure! Pictures and stories to come!

Don't forget to de-lurk!

Seeing

Today I'm pulling from the archives.


I'd actually forgotten about this post, but when I was looking for something else I came across this one. I believe its Providential.


This afternoon I am headed back to the same hospital, with the same child. 


Perhaps, coming across my own words, getting a good taste of my own medicine, is a reminder to start this day with a focus that is radically different than four years ago.  


I pray today my "Seeing" will be filtered through compassion and grace, with love and mercy... and yes, even patience. 


(Originally posted in February 2007.) 

~~~~~~~~~

The lens in which I see the world is shamefully, selfishly, colored.

Yesterday, my prescription was changed.

I spent the afternoon taking The Boy to an appointment at a Children's Hospital. It was an appointment I had to book three months in advance. A timeline I felt was far too long and inconvenient.

I started the day grumbly, irritated, because our insurance carrier won't cover a GI Specialist in our town... even though there is a well known major medical health system that sits literally 6 miles from my front door.

This meant that I would have to drive twenty miles away, to a place I'm unfamiliar; navigate through a construction zone, and park (for a fee) in the parking garage across the street. Oh yeah, and by the way, it was 33 degrees outside (and you know I don't like to be cold.)

My mind was a myriad of grumbles over details and annoyances.

I'm certain my ingratitude was palpable as I walked hand-in-hand, both children in tow, to the hospital doors and into the first of several lines where I would spend the next three hours.

After giving a long history (although I had already called and given all this info to someone over the phone) we were finally whisked away to the first of three waiting rooms.


I'm grieved, now, to list the sad and selfish condition of my heart. But the crusty exterior of my callused heart would soon give-way to new perspective.

It was in the first large waiting room, colorful and friendly, with child size chairs and toys that I had my first dose of reality: Your child is here for stomach aches, and that bald 4-year old boy sitting next to you is dying. You are going to get a quick-fix medicine that will help your son. That little girl is going to get a year of chemo.

I looked at these beautiful children, pale and poorly, and quietly looked into the faces of my healthy, robust kids;  faces rosy and flush from our walk in the cold.

Life. Sometimes it isn't easy.

Life shouldn't be about comparisons. But every so often, when the focus becomes so self oriented its good to take a look around you and realize that your life, in comparison, is easy.

Sometimes we have to be inconvenienced to remember that we aren't the center of the universe.
Sometimes it takes seeing the faces of other people's struggles to see that we should just shut-up and sit-down... to wait a minute. To wait your turn.

The doctors were fabulous, the radiologists kind, the phlebotomist funny. The visit was so worth the drive, the time, the "inconvenience."

It was time to check out. The ream of paper work I had shuffled from place to place was handed over to a clerk.  I watched as the clerk took a big black marker and wrote, NO COPAY, across the top of the page. I looked to my left and a young father, tired and weary with worry for his sick child, stood in the next line working out his payment plan.

I was given a prescription for my sons belly... and a prescription for the eyes of my heart, and was sent on my way.

Humbled.

Righteously so.

Life is comfortable for me. What a shame that I don't raise my thanksgivings in all circumstances instead of throwing tantrums like a child. How pitiful an attitude of entitlement looks and feels!

These lessons are hard. Selfishness is ugly; it makes me uncomfortable.

I guess that's the point.

Life isn't always about being comfortable. It isn't always about avoiding pain. It isn't always about being easy. Or having my way...

May I see through the lens of gratitude and praise, in times of trouble, in times of peace. Not just today, but in the days to come...

Weekend

Fourteen years.

Its gone so quickly.

He mentioned once that he'd love a whole box of Twinkies. I never buy them because I am uncertain of what they are made of - they are chemically-engineered for sure. But I bought them... just for him. And quite frankly, I'd've paid big-money to see him smile like that.

Lucky for me, a box of Twinkies cost $2.87, and he's always generous with that grin.

Happy Birthday Fuzila! You are such a fun, compassionate, smart guy. 

I wouldn't want any other boy but you... Happy Birthday!

In between celebrations and soccer games, I had a moment of inspiration... or should I say courage?

I actually finished a quilt that I started six-weeks ago.

My favorite part of quilting (making the top) is smack-dab in the middle of the things I don't like about quilting (cutting fabric and the actual quilting part: sewing the three layers together.)

I was given a free-form quilting attachment for my machine last Christmas. Fear kept me from trying to sew with it. After some internet research (AKA- reading blogs and watchin' YouTube vids... sounds official, doesn't it?) I decided that perhaps I should give free-form quilting a whirl.

I'm hooked! Its like drawing with needle and thread. I was so enamored I ran out of thread before I was finished, but in the end, it was enough. So I finished up, and then decided to do more research on fabric to see what I might start next!

The only snafu with this project is that it is quite small.  As a matter of fact it should be called a mini-quilt. The finished measurements are 37x32 when I hoped it would be 36x54. I always forget my quilt pieces, laid on the floor, will actually be smaller sewn up.  And since I didn't exactly have a recipe that gave me exact-directions and measurements, (not to mention my phobia of math) I made things up as I went along...

All right, must close up for now. Our fall-break begins in just three days! And there is much to be done in between.

Happy Monday!

Five Photo Friday: Sundry

Not only did I steal these flip-flops from my son, but I'm bragging about it on the blog. They are just so  comfy. Albeit, just a little weird that his feet are bigger than mine. And I have big feet.

The  kids went outside this week for a little break from school. Its been raining here a lot so when I heard them yelling for me to come out quick with my camera, I always know it gonna be something creep or crawly. This thing was huge... As big around as my thumb and three inches long. Disgusting.

The Girl texted me one afternoon and said she wanted a little something sweet and could she have some chocolate chips... I texted back this picture and said, " There you go! Enjoy!"

She didn't think I was funny.

The Boy found a banana suit at Target this week. He immediately threw it on and asked me to take his picture. This is him trying to be a Banana with Attitude. I think the smile makes him look totally mean, doesn't it? (And for those that are wondering, we brought the banana home.)

I mentioned its been raining a lot... these mushrooms sprouted literally overnight. I first noticed them from my window. Its hard to tell in the picture, but this bunch is actually about four feet across and some of the mushroom tops are the size of the palm of my hand.

Mushroom soup anyone?

Just Kidding!

Happy Friday!

Cloudy Morning

I'm letting the kids sleep in this morning.

Its wet and dark outside and, with the exception of a light rain falling and the whirring of my dryer, its cool and quiet. 

I love it when the rainy weather washes the woods, turning their color into darker shades and hues. I especially love cloudy days when the hope of sunshine is forecasted soon. Its like a little respite in an otherwise busy time. Its a good excuse to rest. 

Actually, I've promised my man I would rest today. I'm fighting a scratchy throat (a cold he had last week.) I'm hoping that a day of laying-low, along with chain drinking Emergen-C, will cure what ails me. 

Of course, I have other plans as well. I cannot let a rainy morning go by without baking a loaf of bread. This day might also call for a pot of pintos... comfort food for this CoffeeGal. 

I'm also tempted to see what I can do with some new flannel fabric I bought on a whim last month. 

Its not yet cool enough for flannel, but soon winter will come - when the world takes its rest. Winter isn't my favorite-est of  seasons. I tend to get contemplative, extra-thinky. I'm certain this cheerful pattern will remind me that under the barren colors of winter the promise of spring is to come. Perhaps this fabric is meant to be pajama pants?

I think I'll ask The Boy to go in the attic and get out my fall decorations today too. I'm ready for the pumpkins to come out; ready for the orangey-red colors to take up residence in my home.

All right, I think its time to wake up the kids. School has to be completed... and then, after I teach English, and fold laundry, and make bread, and craft, and decorate my house, I'll rest. 

I promised I would.

Defining Brave

It was so subtle, I didn't even notice.

The brave shall inherit the earth. They will explore, experiment and challenge. They will value exhilaration over relaxation. They will reject anything that insulates them from the world. And they will drive a luxury car that makes them feel alive....

As a matter of fact this ad lay open on my counter for a couple of days before The Mister noticed and pointed it out. 

It bothers me.

Why?

The ad above is a lie at best, and blasphemy at worse.

Harsh thoughts over an ad? 

Let me explain.

The brave don't inherit the earth. 

The meek do. 

Have you ever met someone who appears particularly brave? I have.

What I've noticed when talking (or reading) about those who choose courage when adversity comes their way is that they don't feel particularly brave. Those who are courageous in sudden calamity have an all encompassing knowledge that they have nothing left to lose. They choose courage by choosing to live uncommonly - to face danger, fire, fear - and really live by faith that LOVE wins out. No matter the outcome.  Every single time. 

Those who live bravely do not do so because they set their standards by embracing the culture of this world. On the contrary! The world tells us we can "have it your way," or "those with the most toys wins,"and "you can never be too rich or too thin," with a little, "you deserve to be happy." to round things out.

You see, those slogans, the ad above (and others like it), try very subtly to re-define what it is to be brave. And we suffer because of it. The businesses laugh all the way to the bank, while we slump with our head in our hands and wonder why, after all the exploration, experimentation, challenge and exhilaration we don't feel alive. Worse, we feel tired, depressed, rejected.

People who are brave aren't self-focused. They have rejected that which tells them they are the center of the universe. 

This month I have met and read about many brave people: A woman who's young daughter is facing multiple surgeries that are serious in nature; A mom who's adult daughter has turned away from all she loved, leaving a young child and parents who "wait for the other brick to fall."; Two weeks ago we remembered the courage of those who, in the face of buildings set ablaze by cowards, ran towards tragedy to save thousands. 

The Truth is... The meek will inherit the earth. 

Not because of anything we do, but because God, who is Love, who will never leave us or forsake us, gives us the strength to be brave and courageous in the midst of all that threatens to overcome us. 

It isn't popular, it isn't subtle, but its the Truth... and it is a gift, for all who want not just to feel alive, but to really live. Here on earth and in heaven above.

Sweater Dilemma

I swear this is the last time I'll write about this sweater.

At least I think it will be...

As far as dilemma's go, this is the best kind to have, but still... such a quandry.

You see, I finished this sweater some time ago, and then I put it away because the end of the recipe says to 'block' it, and I am afraid.

Actually, fear is a large percentage of my unfinished sweater, but also... I don't have a blocking board, nor do I have a spray bottle for plain water, or waterproof/rust proof pins.

This sweater is also made of 100% acrylic, which is soft and cheap. When I started the project I wasn't sure I would finish, having never made adult size clothing before.

Here are some pictures of the sweater this morning (I do actually plan to wear real clothes with this sweater, not just my walking gear. but who has time to get dressed in real-people clothes when contemplating big decision?)

At first glance it seems great... look to the right of the photo, the fabric lays very nice (both in the front and the back), but to the right, as the yoke meets the mid-section it poofs just a bit.

It does the same thing on the back too.

The (your) left side of the sweater poofs out, while the right side lays as if it is tailored.

So, will blocking fix this? Once you block do you have to do it over and over? Should I just bite the bullet and go get waterproof pins? Should I just forget my left-side-poofy-woes, and call the project Done?

I would love your advice, since I am already thinking about my next project. I've narrowed it down to two choices.

Wanna peek? Of course you do!

Choice 1 and Choice 2 (scroll down)

So to block or not to block... discuss.

The Gift of Beauty

I love small gifts in the middle of a day... and yesterday I received one.

I was invited to a teatime by my sweet friend Alison. 

There were six other moms there, all new to me, and a plethora of children between us. We met on a grassy knoll of the wide open spaces of a small farm. The home of a gal with a gentle spirit. 

There were horses and goats and chickens. There was a garden full of basil and herbs. There was the green of the pines, the blue Carolina sky. 

I wanted so-very-badly to take pictures, but I figured whipping out my camera for the sake of the blog would be tacky.

I walked in a total stranger, and walked away feeling I'd been privilege to a treasure chest just waiting to be found. 

We sat on an aged-wood picnic table covered with an old, soft blanket, and sipped hot tea (with milk) from beautiful cups and saucers. The fall breeze occasionally took the warm sun from our skin. We laughed and listened. We prayed. 

It was ... communion... just sitting with them, sharing together. 

It wasn't fancy, or showy... it was simple. 

Beautiful.

It was a blessing, and a reminder. 

Do not shy away from inviting those around me to partake in the people and things I love... to intentionally create something lovely, something simple, something beautiful to share. It doesn't have to take a lot of time, or energy, or expense. A small amount of effort  could be, while I am unaware, the brightest spot in someone's day.

Speaking of..a random Monday Post

The kids and I were on our own this weekend.

It was deliciously cold and wet outside. After the back-to-back soccer games on Saturday morning, we spent the weekend folding laundry and watching a  Billy the Exterminator marathon.

Nothing makes me want to clean my house more than watching six-hours of cockroach and vermin infested homes.

Unless, I happen to be watching Hoarders... but that's a post for another day.

I managed to make it through the weekend without baking anything. Which is a challenge for me in the winter months. I do love to bake...but we've barely made it through the pumpkin products I baked last week, so I am trying to use self-control.

Speaking of self-control: I have none.

Case in point: The Girl asked me to take her to the craft store after church yesterday so she could get some polymer clay.

I told myself I would not look at the yarn.

Especially since I bought 6 skeins on the first of September and made this:

My self-imposed monthly yarn quota had long been met, and I was really trying to be good.

Don't buy yarn. Don't buy yarn. Don't buy yarn, I chanted to myself as I walked around the store...

... but, of course, i did. 

I found THE softest, loveliest, coziest, yarn. Ever.

It's Lion Brand: Quick and Cozy bulky yarn. It looks and feels like chenille, but is as light as feathers.


Y'all, its like crocheting with spun clouds.

I'm sure I looked a fool as I stood there feeling each skein and flipping through that rolodex in my head of people who needed something, anything. 


I remembered a little boy on my September list. He needed this yarn.

Without a pattern or an idea of what I would do, I threw four skeins in the cart and ran to the checkout before I got into bigger trouble.

I came home and made this:

If anyone is interested in the super-easy pattern,
let me know and I will write it out and post it.

I have to send this out ASAP, because this yarn does crazy things to people... both of my kids were lobbying for this little, puffy, blanket of love. 

Speaking of kids... this one is walking around like an old man.

He's been dealing with hip pain for over a year. We took him to an orthopedist and his hips are perfect but he's been referred to a general surgeon.

Turns out he has a sports-hernia, quite possibly bi-lateral. He has had a great sense of humor about this issue, even when in significant pain. Most mornings when he wakes up, he can barely get out of bed. It takes him a long time to come down the stairs. He is like an old-man in a 14 year old body.  Yesterday, he went to the garage and made himself an "old-man cane."  He thinks he's quite clever.

I think he maybe headed for a little outpatient surgery toward the end of October. When that happens I may see if they can surgically remove that hat.

Speaking of hats...

Nope.

I've got nothin' on hats, but I couldn't think of a third Speaking of, and I hated to end with two...

Happy Monday!