Psalm 8, Part 2, Fiber Fun: Parade of Behind-the-Scenes- Projects, Literary Living, Finding Joy

Hello There,

   From 2020 to 2025, much of my life was split between New Mexico and San Diego as we visited my parents. My father sadly passed away last fall. Now that the sharp bite of grief is a bit dulled, I'm ready to begin my 'New Mexico' life again.

     As I settle back into my rhythm, I’ve found that one of the most healing things I can do is simply return to my sewing room—and, in the process, face those projects that have been waiting patiently for my attention.

   Every so often, I’ll be stepping away from my usual post format to bring you a 'behind-the-scenes' update. Let’s have some fun and mix things up a bit!

   It is with a humble heart that I thank you, my precious readers, for joining me for my first-ever 'Parade of Behind-the-Scenes Projects'! Exactly what can you expect to see? I’m opening up about the WIPs (Works in Progress) and those legendary UFOs (Unfinished Objects) that have been cluttering my shelves and my thoughts for far too long. 

Take good care and, as Daddy used to say, 

"Make memories; it's later than you think."

HERE'S A WORD

As I prepped for this study, I simply highlight all the words that describe what God does for us in my Bible.  Then I make a list of them.  I'll follow the same format here.

Psalm 8 is filled with so many revelations that I'm breaking it up into two parts so that we can really focus on each one.  

Psalm 8 ^a

For the director of music. According to gittith. ^b A psalm of David.

1Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

in the heavens.

2Through the praise of children and infants

you have established a stronghold against your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

3When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

4what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

human beings that you care for them? ^c

5You have made them ^d a little lower than the angels ^e

and crowned them ^f with glory and honor.

6You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

you put everything under their ^g feet:

7all flocks and herds,

and the animals of the wild,

8the birds in the sky,

and the fish in the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

9Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Though I read through this Psalm multiple times, I still found more of what God does/has done for us!  Here's the complete list I made - if I missed anything please let me know in the comments.

• He set His glory in the heavens
• He  ordains praise via the lips of children and infants
• He established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
• He worked to create our world and us
• He set the moon and the stars in placeis mankind that you are mindful of them,
• He is mindful of us - OF US - YOU AND I
• He made us a little lower than the angels 
• He crowned us with glory and honor
• He made us rulers over the works of His hands
• He put everything under our feet

There's something that hits me between the eyes as I read the Psalms with a focus on what God does, the verbs that describe all He does for us.  It's mindboggling and so very humblling.  As I re-read verse 5 where it says He is mindful of us - of us.  Indeed who are we that the King of Kings is mindful of us?  

Oh my dear reader!  We are His children!  His creation.  Of course he would be mindful of us.  But, wow!  To take in that the King, the LORD, the Creator of all we know is indeed mindful of us.  Now if that doesn't get your feet tapping and your heart racing...well...I don't know what will.   

I was startled to really read and assimilate verse 6 where it states God made us a little lower than the angels! 

We, you and I, are so loved and cared for by a loving God.  We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust that as we teraverse every situation, He goes with us and works for the good in our lives. 

I hope you enjoy this song of praise!

Please know this:  

You are loved.  You are not alone.  You are being lovingly prayed for.

FIBER FUN 

In a world that’s always nudging us to start something brand new, I’m leaning into the challenge of finishing what I was so excited about in the first place. Of course, if that spark has seriously waned, I’ll probably let them go to a new home or see if I can repurpose the pieces I've already finished. It's all about making room for what truly inspires me now.  

With that in mind, I'll be slowly turning my overflowing sewing room from a pile of 'what-ifs' and 'somedays' into a gallery of finished treasures that I can actually enjoy or gift.  What's my plan?  I’ve realized that since I stitch with four different sewing groups, I can actually give each of these projects its own 'home' during our weekly/monthly meetings. It’s a great way to stay on track while enjoying good conversations and snacks!  

Let's start the PARADE!  

Some of you may remember my wool Bee Humble from a few years back.

I'll be working on it during our monthly Sit and Sew meeting at my local quilt shop, Bee Sew Creative.

The photo is from Bits and Pieces Quilt shop - they have five kits left.  Just sayin'!  

This precious bird pattern is a nod to my sweet Daddy, a bird lover.  I usually work on it during our monthly Colcha Embroidery Group gathering.  

This project is especially near and dear to my heart: Christmas gifts for my doctors and their wonderful staff. I’ve set a goal of 15 cowls this year! I’m currently at 1/15, and these are the next two on my list. These are perfect 'on-the-go' projects and I’ll also be bringing them along to our monthly Fiber Fun Day gatherings.  

I'll be stitching up this Sashiko design during our weekly meeting at Starbucks. 

It's almost finished, but I have another one ready to go.  

Photo credit:  Kimonomomo Shop

My precious, youngest grandsond informed me he has outgrown his baby afghan.

He asked me to make him a crocheted flag afghan, 

but agreed to a red, white and blue ripple afghan.

I'm hoping to finish it by his birthday on the Fourth of July!

My granddaughter wound the yarn into cakes for me.

I'll be working on this one every evening for roughly 30 minutes.  

0/8 skeins finished

My last three projects are going to be my Slow Sunday Stitching projects for 

Kathy at Kathy's Quilts link up .  

Because I so enjoyed making two little purses out of these 3/4" hexies, 

I started another panel with no real goal in mind except to enjoy the process.  

Perhaps you can spy the little purse at the bottom of the photo?

This one may end up being a table topper or a small quilt.  

We'll wait and see.

I'm planning on working on them on Sunday's.

Do you remember when I was making these EPP hearts from The Maker's Stash Sew Along?  I so miss working on them!  I look forward to stitching these on Sundays as well!  

Have you visited LeeAnna's posts on her beautiful sprial hexagons at Not Afraid of Color?  

After spending several hours trying to make one, she generously shared her process with me. Thank you so much, LeeAnna! These are the fabrics I'll be using for my first spiral!  

I'll be changing the sizes from 3/4" to 1".  

It comes as no surprise to me that most/all of my beloved UFOs/WIPs that I've chosen to focus on are hand stitched.  I love hand sewing!  But, never fear my friends and my UFOs:

I have plans for my machine stitching projects as well!  

Every once in a while, I'll be giving you updates on these projects.  

Stay tuned!

Thank you so much for attending the first Parade of  Behind-the-Scenes- Projects!  

LITERARY LIFE   

MAILBOX MONDAY - is a gathering place for readers to share books that they added to their shelves or eBook readers the previous week.  Some of these books were recommended by you!  Do you see your reads below?  Thank all of you for sharing!

Here's what I've picked up this week.

ereaderiq.com I'm starting to post these titles on Instagram on the day I acquire them as the deals are short-term.

***** Where He Left Me by Nicole Baart is the second book I've read by her and it's another five-star work!  I'm usually not into suspense, but this one had me hooked almost immediately.  You have a blizzard in the mountains where newlywed is searching for her presumably lost husband, two mysterious brothers she rescues in spite of the fact that she's not sure she can trust them,  and so many twists and turns that kept me hooked until the end.  Highly recommend. 

FINDING JOY

LeeAnna's I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color helps me consistently find the joy in every life.  Here is this week's prompt:  What was your least favorite food as a child? Do you still hate it or do you love it now?  I hated peas and canned spinach.  Today I like peas and love fresh spinach.  Peas are a big part of Mama's Arroz con Pollo dish.  Yum!   

Your comments are so appreciated! 

I read each one and will respond by email.

You can also expect a visit from me as well!

Here are the parties I sometimes link up with:  

Sundays

Slow Sunday Stitching @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz

Mondays

Mailbox Monday @ I'd Rather Be At the Beach

Sew and Tell at Melva Loves Scraps

What Are You Reading at The Book Date

Tuesdays

To Do Tuesday posts at Quilt Schmilt

Thursdays

I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color

 

Psalm 8 Part 1, Fiber Fun, Literary Living, Finding Joy

Hello There,

Thank you for stopping in today!  Lately I've noticed a change in my mindset. While I enjoy my current fiber projects, there are so many hidden gems and long-lost UFOs I am also working on and want to share with you!   

Next week, you’re invited to a 'Parade of Behind-the-Scenes Projects' to see my hidden fiber arts collection!   I'll share my progress via an occassional "break from the routine" posts.

    For now, happy reading, sewing, and enjoying whatever else you love to do!

Take good care and, as Daddy used to say, 

"Make memories; it's later than you think."

HERE'S A WORD

As I prepped for this study, I simply highlight all the words that describe what God does for us in my Bible.  Then I make a list of them.  I'll follow the same format here.

Psalm 8 is filled with so many revelations that I'm breaking Psalm 8 into mutiple posts so we can really focus on each act God takes.  

Psalm 8 ^a

For the director of music. According to gittith. ^b A psalm of David.

1Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory

in the heavens.

2Through the praise of children and infants

you have established a stronghold against your enemies,

to silence the foe and the avenger.

3When I consider your heavens,

the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

which you have set in place,

4what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

human beings that you care for them? ^c

5You have made them ^d a little lower than the angels ^e

and crowned them ^f with glory and honor.

6You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

you put everything under their ^g feet:

7all flocks and herds,

and the animals of the wild,

8the birds in the sky,

and the fish in the sea,

all that swim the paths of the seas.

9Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Even though I’ve read through Psalm 8 multiple times, I keep discovering more of what God has done for us! Here is the complete list I’ve gathered—if I missed anything, please let me know in the comments.

1Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens.

I enjoyed researching verse one immensely! Matthew Henry’s commentary made my heart race. Imagine the most powerful worship experience you’ve ever had. Here on Earth, we see a glimpse of God’s glory, but the angels see it in the heavens where it shines even brighter—and even then, they cannot see His full glory! Can you imagine that?

Despite the many times I’ve read Psalm 8 or sung the worship songs based on it, I never really thought about this in detail. Yes, we’ve gazed at the sky, seen the moon and stars, or perhaps even the clouds, and thanked God for His wonders. But have we ever really considered that we are only seeing a part of His glory? Oh my! When I think of all the beauty I’ve been privileged to enjoy here on Earth, I’m overwhelmed by the thought of seeing even more of my precious God’s glory in heaven!

Life can be hard, but God has overcome the world and is eager for us to see His glory—if only for a moment. Regardless of where we are or the challenges we face, let us take a moment to simply focus on Him. Let’s offer a prayer of praise and gratitude, for God inhabits the praise of His people. Amen?

Here is a wonderful song to get us started.  

Please know this:  

You are loved.  You are not alone.  You are being lovingly prayed for.

FIBER FUN

I broke down my "To Dos" into three categories:  Finish, Focus, Prep/make a kit, and Be Kind = Soft Deadlines.  FoF represents the Fields of Fancy BOM, which I'm doing with Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabrics.  

Last Week's List

1.  Finish - I am once again pulling projects from my little pink plastic case.  

 -  - the third pen holder I highly recommend cutting the fabric 1/4” larger one each side.  Another change I would make is to sew a scant 1/4" seam.  Not Done

2.  Focus - 

- FoF BOM:  finish binding one hexie Done!  I completed two!  

- Maybe complete 10% of the Darth Vader ornament I'm a little under 10%, but am well on my way!  He doesn't look like much - yet.  :)

- QAYG quilt - maybe join the row to the main piece or make a section to add at a later date  Done!  The quilt is all one piece now.

- FBF:   I'll be picking up this BOM at a later date

- Disappearing Nine-Patch:  Finish joining the blocks  together Not Done!  Up until now, I've been a bit gun shy to machine sew.  This weekend I'll be working on this goal.  

3.   Prepare/make a kit

- for Grandson #3's cross stitch ornament 

He requested a T-Rex ornament, so my husband and I finally ended up choosing this pattern by More Little Stitches.  The photo below is her's.  :)

After conversing with several Etsy sellers, I've realized there are many copycat patterns online and I have been fooled into buying them.  I must live in a bubble as this was news to me.  So now, to ensure I am getting an original pattern,I only purchase cross stitch patterns that include the color AND black and white charts.  I don't know if this is a fool-proof method, but, for now, that's what I'm doing.  It's important the original artist gets the proper credit.  I'm interested in your thoughts, please share them in the comments.  

-  my only grandaughter's  hand embroidered ornament

She requested a beautiful floral arrangement by EmbroideryArtbyNatCA.  The photo below is from EmbroideryArtbyNatCA; it is not mine.  :)

4. Be kind = Soft Deadlines - which are good for my mental health!

This Week's goals with a new mindset

Do you ever catch yourself eyeing an old UFO (UnFinished Object) that you’re dying to work on, but you hold back because it’s just not on the list?  I certainly do—and I’ve realized I truly miss those projects. While I’m still setting some goals, I want to make space for these new and neglected pieces. 

Next week, you’re invited to a 'Parade of Behind-the-Scenes Projects!' I’ll be sharing a look at my hidden fiber arts and even changing up my normal blog format to show you the progress.  I do hope you'll join us!  

1.  Finish - My orange pen/sewing supplies holder

2.  Focus 

- FoF BOM:  finish binding at least one hexie

- Complete 10% more of the Darth Vader ornament  

- Disappearing Nine-Patch:  Get the rows sewn together as a flimsy  

- QAYG quilt and the Flower Box Friends will be on hold for now. 

3.   Prepare/make a kit - Prepping kits are finished, now it's onto stitching time!  

4. Be kind = Soft Deadlines - which are good for my mental health!

Please remember to visit next Saturday for my Parade-of-Behind-the-Scenes-Projects!

LITERARY LIFE   

MAILBOX MONDAY - is a gathering place for readers to share books that they added to their shelves or eBook readers the previous week.  Some of these books were recommended by you!  Do you see your reads below?  Thank all of you for sharing!

Here's what I've picked up this week.

ereaderiq.com I'm starting to post these titles on Instagram on the day I acquire them as the deals are short-term.

BOOKS I FINISHED

*****+ Mi Abuela es Una Bruja (My Grandma is a Witch) by Mayra Cuevas is filled with an enchanting illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gómez depicting the loving relationship between the author and her loving grandma.  As a child, Cuevas was taught many lifelong lessons by her Grandma.  They lived in the enchanted world that is Puerto Rico.  Gómez certainly captivated the deep love this child and grandma enjoyed throughout their time together.  Most highly recommend.  

"An uplifting story, told through the alternating voices of two middle-schoolers, in which a community rallies to reject racism.
Karina Chopra would have never imagined becoming friends with the boy next door–after all, they’ve avoided each other for years and she assumes Chris is just like the boys he hangs out with, who she labels a pack of hyenas. Then Karina’s grandfather starts tutoring Chris, and she discovers he’s actually a nice, funny kid. But one afternoon something unimaginable happens–the three of them are assaulted by a stranger who targets Indian-American Karina and her grandfather because of how they look. Her grandfather is gravely injured and Karina and Chris vow not to let hate win. When Karina posts a few photos related to the attack on social media, they quickly attract attention, and before long her #CountMeIn post–“What does an American look like? #immigrants #WeBelong #IamAmerican #HateHasNoHomeHere”–goes viral and a diverse population begin to add their own photos. Then, when Papa is finally on the road to recovery, Karina uses her newfound social media reach to help celebrate both his homecoming and a community coming together." -Goodreads

*****+Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj is a tenderly told story that addresses a difficult reality: hate crimes. Bajaj beautifully illustrates how Karina’s two worlds—her physical neighborhood and her online community—come together against the ignorance that can lead to violence. It is a story of resilience that feels exceptionally appropriate for our young people today.

This book, and others like it, would be such a relevant addition to any school’s curriculum. I’ve already passed my copy along to my grandchildren to help start those important conversations at home.  Most Highly Recommend. #Countmein 

I’d love to hear from you: Have you come across a children's or young adult book recently that handled a "tough topic" with grace? Please share your recommendations in the comments!

FINDING JOY

LeeAnna's I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color helps me consistently find the joy in every life.  Here is her prompt for this week:  If you could bring back any fashion trend what would it be?

Well, I'm not much of a "fashionista", but I did enjoy wearing broomstick skirts.  They were comfortable, swirly and could be dressed up or down.  I sure miss them, though I'm not sure if they've really gone out of style?  

Here is a fabulous recipe for Banana-Apple Bread from Jen T at Food.com. It is a fun twist on traditional banana bread. I’ve made it twice now and found that it tastes even better with Pink Lady apples. I also added pecans for a bit of protein. Enjoy!

God Bless All Future, Current and Retired Librarians.

Once a librarian, always a librarian.

You are the first responders

to many social issues.

Thank you.

Are you or someone you know in a valley?  

Perhaps this song will bless you both?

Your comments are so appreciated! 

I read each one and will respond by email.

You can also expect a visit from me as well!

Here are the parties I sometimes link up with:  

Sundays

Slow Sunday Stitching @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Salon at Readerbuzz

Mondays

Mailbox Monday @ I'd Rather Be At the Beach

Sew and Tell at Melva Loves Scraps

What Are You Reading at The Book Date

Tuesdays

To Do Tuesday posts at Quilt Schmilt

Thursdays

I Like on Thursdays at Not Afraid of Color