Thank you for stopping by! I hope and pray you all have had a beautiful week and a peaceful Veteran's Day as you gave thanks for our many veterans who fought for our nation's freedom and democracy.
For the last few weeks, an increasingly burning desire to somehow serve in a family literacy program has been on my heart. According to my research, 54% of adults ages 16-74 are reading below a sixth-grade level - that's 130 million souls.
Thank you for stopping in! Well, I broke one of my main blogging rules: I always save my posts on a backup post just in case. Guess what happened? Yup. I didn't, and it's gone! Well, the second time around might be better!
Thank you for visiting! We've been home a week and I'm slowly getting back into a routine. The weather has been so warm we took our portable greenhouse down so I could prune the plants and they could enjoy some nice temps. I hope your weather is also enjoyable!
Please pull up a chair, get cozy and enjoy this weekly post.
Thank you all for visiting! Back in January I mentioned about some issues with photos in Blogger. I found an easier, new-to-me method to insert them from my phone.
It's been a while, hasn't it? Life has been...challenging, but as my wise younger sister says, "We'll figure it out, and "We're going to be ok." In the last year and a half, priorities have shifted and, though I set goals, deadlines have been thrown out the window. 😊 It's actually quite liberating.
I'm not sure how Faith, Trust and Breast Cancer, or life for that matter, will evolve, but, "We'll figure it out and will be ok."
I'm so glad you stopped in for a visit! Have you heard of the saying "things happen in threes?" Have you ever had one of those weeks where you experience the "threes" and they get progressively worse?
Sure you have. We all have. I just had one of those weeks. Ug. And more ug.
This week's Weekly Word is breaking off from Psalm 25 and I'll share how God helped me deal with this past week.
On a different note, My Reading Life was placed on the back burner as I had great visits with different friends for 3/5days. It was so nice.
And...I broke my fabric fast....just for a teeny amount of fabric.
Lot's happening here this week! So, I hope you're all comfy and cozy as you read on!
UPDATE: If any of you wonderful readers are on Instagram, I would love to follow you! Would you leave your user name in the comments, please?
Here's is an index should you have a special interest you like to read first!
The Weekly Word - is a short devotional that sometimes becomes a Bible Study series.
My Reading Life - is filled with current, completed and upcoming reads as well as an occasional short review.
Stash Report and To Do Tuesday is where I'll share share stats regarding my fiber usage and acquisitions, Slow Sunday Stitching projects, goals met/lack thereof and photos of my projects.
Gratitude Journal - Sometimes I get lost in my own stinky thinking. This digital journal reminds me to count my blessings!
Faith, Trust and Breast Cancer - - Here you will find updates on life after Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was diagnosed in November of 2014 and my last day of treatment was in November 2015.
The Weekly Word
We all have had trials, challenges, broken hearts (sometimes more than once, right?). How will we react? How will we process our various feelings?
One wise person told me, "Remember, feelings are not fact." That is so true. Another wise friend told me, "God created all our feelings, so accept them." Also true. When I deny my feelings, they fester. They grow. They demand attention.
So now, I give them the attention they need. I feel and acknowledge them, express them to God and ask for His healing.
Another pastor said something like this: If you're angry with God, let Him know. He understands! Tell Him how you feel - He knows your heart anyway - so tell Him! He can take it! He wants a relationship with us - a relationship built on honesty." This has opened the floodgates of healing in my life. God is God. He knows our heart. But, I believe when we speak our heart to Him, it provides opportunities for deep and lasting healing.
We cannot control life's circumstances, but we can control our responses. Will we, as I wrote about in an earlier post, become better or bitter? Perhaps we need to be bitter for a bit, but let us not dwell there long. Life is too short for bitterness. Let us give our bitterness, if it's there, to God.
Some years ago, I read Don't Throw in the Towel, Hope Again by Jana Alcorn. Wow...after reading her testimony, I was eager to learn how she kept her hope alive.
One powerful, enduring lesson is sometimes we are so broken that we don't have the strength to even pick up our Bibles - and that's ok. Nothing to feel guilty about. But, thank God for advances in technology, we have the Word available on audio. We can always push the play button. That's such a useful tool.
I also push the play button to hear Christian music, even if ever so softly in the background. As the artists sing scripture filled songs, I am reminded of my might King and LORD. A pastor once said that the defeated one cannot be where praise and worship are. I don't know if that is scriptural, but it sure helps me.
With the various voice activated devices, we don't even have to push play, simply ask Siri/Alexa to play the songs/Bible for us!
Let us also become vulnerable and reach out to friends for prayer. Being this vulnerable is a challenge for me. But, man, it sure helps. As I weep, I am reminded that I am being covered in prayers by these prayers warriors. As we reach out for prayer, we are not alone. We have an army backing us up. These warriors also offer such wisdom and encouragement in our time of need. So priceless.
I love the verses cited in Blessings by Laura Story - another lady who knows a thing or two about challenges.
This week I've been claiming "joy comes in the morning." I noticed the verse doesn't say "tomorrow morning", but simply in the morning. Some of the deepest hurts require more time to heal, but the healing comes.
Wait for it.
Hang on.
It's coming.
My Reading Life
Currently Reading
I finished several books in the last couple of days, so I'll be starting The Sewing Machine and When We Meet Again today.
Slow and Steady Read
Finished Reading
No books finished this week.
Stash Report
I purchased 10.6 ounces of yarn for my Sunshine baby afghan! Isn't it so pretty?
I am on a fabric fast and am determined to pare down my stash significantly this year. My goal is to stitch up 75 yards of fabric. Last year I reached 54 yards without even really trying, so I think this is doable. 🤞
I did purchase 1/2 yard of this Star Wars fabric to experiment on making the Christmas ornament for my oldest grandson. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!
I also scored this fabric kit at 75% off to make a hello winter machine embroidered pillow!
To Do Tuesday
Last Week's List
1. Slow Stitching
- Pick one of my many UFOs to finish. DONE! I've picked two. One is the QAYG hexie quilt. Remember this one?
I also picked my OLDEST UFO - from the early 90's! I had used this fabric to make curtains for my home and used the scraps to make these blocks. The fabric is so thin, you can see my Bee Humble underneath it. What do you think? Should I finish it or is the fabric too old?
- Finish Block 3 of the Bee Humble SAL NOT DONE.
- I finished the tea towel number four!
2. Crochet
- make progress on my Fall Granny Square afghan DONE! Does a tiny bit of progress count? :)
- make progress on the Sunshine Baby Afghan DONE! I’ve made progress on this beautiful little afghan to the point that I’ve had to buy another couple of skeins of yarn. My husband and I decided I'd make this one a Mommy and Me baby afghan!
3. Machine Sewing:
- Inventory which of these quilted quilts need binding, make the binding and get them attached for some slow stitching. DONE! I sent a stack of 5 quilts to my daughter who will kindly attached the binding for me. She also quilted and attached the binding to my Pieces in the Garden quilt. Yes, I'm very spoiled by her! 🥰
- Make me some Christmas placemats! PROGRESS MADE! I've chosen the patterns and have done a bit of sewing on them.
On the radar
- Stitch up a baby quilt that I've prepped.
-Finish up my daughter's crocheted dishcloths.
-Prep kits for continued use of my Christmas stash
Gratitude Journal
I love this song. It reminds us that we don't have to be strong enough. When we are weak, our heavenly Father is strong enough to carry us through.
The verses West refers to is one of my favorites, though I still struggle to delight in challenges, the knowledge that God gives me the grace and power to be victorious is a great comfort.
Our dear LeeAnna had the best prompt for this week!
"Do you make lists? How do you do them, on your phone or a scrap of paper, or some other system? What kinds of things do you make lists of? Is it working for you?"
I have so many lists and I like all of them: My TBR (To Be Read) list, my Reading Challenges list, my grocery list, my crafty UFO (Unfinished Object) list, my WIPs, I could go on and on!
So, here's how I "list". Naturally, I'll be using a list to share my process of listing! 😉
- My TBR (To Be Read) list is maintained on Goodreads. I learned that I can number and then view my TBR books by priority. Loving that feature because...
- My Reading Challenges books are then prioritized! I keep track of my Reading Challenges progress by creating bookshelves on Goodreads for each challenge.
- My grocery list is kept on an app on my phone using categories.
Sometimes I transfer to a hard copy if my DH asks.
- My crafty UFO (Unfinished Object) list was made a few years ago on a computer that is long gone - along with the file. I have the hardcopy and am working through it.
- My WIPs (Works in Progress) are listed in the To Do Tuesday section of my blog and linked up to the party now being hosted at Carol's Quilt Schmilt, previously hosted by Linda at Texas Quilt Gal and before that by Roseanne and Sue at Home Sewn By Us.
So there you have my lists! How do you "list"? Please share in the comments!
Last week when sharing how I use my calendars, I mentioned that I use the Happy Planner products. I also am using them to keep me organized with those WIPS. Measuring at 4.25 x 3.75, they are handy to place in a basket with other supplies.
Here's a sample page. Once I've figured out all the yardage used for the quilt, it's easy to track my usage.
A friend of mine swears this mushroom coffee is wonderful! Hmmm...I didn't have any as I was enjoying champurado (a Mexican atole), but she is usually right on the money.
My prayer garden is looking a bit bleak without its spring and summer foliage, but Chico still likes hanging out there.
Mia, for whom my email account is named, is aging, but still playful at times.
Faith, Trust and Breast Cancer
How am I dealing with reduced eyesight? So far computer work is fine, especially if I adjust to a larger view. Reading is made easier by using my Ott lamp. I found some rechargeable magnifying glasses with LED lights on the frame on Amazon that make slow stitching so much easier!
Thank God we have work arounds to so many of our challenges!
Thank you for visiting! If you like, please leave your opinion on whether or not the fabric is now too thin or old from my early 1990's UFO. Also, if you want to, please share how your lists work for you!
This song begins with praise for our LORD and Savior. The plea that follows is amazing: "Open up my eyes in wonder, show me who you are and fill me with Your heart and lead me in love to those around me." Imagine if this were the cry of every human being on Earth?! How our world would be changed!
If we would do this and then build our lives upon His love as a firm foundation, the possibilities would be endless.
I am learning to once again put my trust in Him alone so that I will not be shaken.
When life's inevitable challenges hit us, O LORD, remind us to not only listen to Your music, Your Word, Your voice, but to trust and heed as well.
Did you know that these blocks are based on the characters in the the novel, Friendship Album 1933By Frances O’Roark Dowell. I've been enjoying this podcast very much!
Stash Report
Fabric Usage
I make these Kimberbell mug rugs for Mama for Mother's day. She loved them. They're stacked on each other so one does look a bit smaller. :)
I finished a block for my Stitcher's Garden, but it had a mistake, so it became a pillow cover!
last week - 11.90/100 yards
this week - 12.90/100 yards
Yarn Usage
I also finished up some blue dishcloths, which adds another 7 ounces of yarn used up!
last week - 79/300 ounces this week - 86/300 ounces I'm linking up to:
Saturday's Song God is good all the time, all the time God is good. "I will open up my heart and let the Healer set me free!" Can I get an amen? :) Slow Stitching One good thing about spending time in hospitals is there is plenty of time to stitch! This year has certainly offered me a lot of time for hand stitching! The hand piecing QALsI joined have been a blessing. As we know, slow stitching is soothing to the soul. Here are some of my latest blocks! These are from the Hand Pieced QAL from Elm Street Quilts and Simple. Handmade. Everyday. It's been a while since I posted about these and I've made some changes. So, I'll start with Block 1 - the Four Patch!
Block 2 - Half Square Triangle
Block 3 - Flying Geese Unit
Block 4 - Quarter-square Triangle Block
I love hand piecing and again, am overwhelmed with gratitude for the wonderful Internet and tutorials out there for us! Slow Stitching Organization After sharing how I organize my BOMs, I thought I'd give you a peek at my sewing pouch that I use for my hand piecing QALs!
I carry my supplies in this beautiful linen pouch my daughter made for me.
My favorite hand sewing supplies
That little doohicky in the back is a foldable, portable lamp and magnifying glass!
My mini rotary cutter lives in the pouch so that I can find it when I need it! :) (I carry a mat with with separately.)
I made this needle holder when I first started sewing. The handy pocket holds my extra thimble.
I "kit" my blocks at home. This means that I cut the pieces, mark their 1/4" seams, clip them together and put them in little zip-lock bags or in my QAL notebook. My daughter and I call this process "kitting" - making kits of our blocks.
Wow! It's been a while since I've done a Stash Report! Here are my new numbers: Backing for the Valentine Table Topper - 2.5 yards. My daughter gave me a beautiful pieced quilt top. It took 2.75 yards of backing!
I finished the prayer afghan which used up 60 ounces of yarn! Yea! The recipient sent me a beautiful thank you card that both humbled and encouraged me. I also finished some dishcloths for another -7 ounces!
Saturday's Song. This video of God Only Knows by King and Country is shocking, but so true. I just read that a suicide attempt is made every 28 seconds! Dear one, God knows you, He never leaves you. People will let us down, but not God. Try Him. Let us all look around us and who kindness. A smile, a prayer, a gentle touch of encouragement to a stranger/friend/loved one could change their lives. Take good care! Slow Stitching. My slow stitching project continues to be my Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. I'll also be choosing color placement for my Stitchers' Garden BOM. I mentioned that I reorganized the kids' toy room - and have realized that I have a huge blank wall. I've made a simple - definitely not beautiful - design wall for my GFG and called it my Slow Stitching Design Wall. LOL!
Here's how I hung up the pieces! For those of you who might not have a sewing room or a wall you can dedicate to a design wall, this one works for me. The pins make tiny holes and your project can easily be taken down at a moment's notice.
Here's some other ways to make a temporary/portable design wall. I bet some of you have other ideas as well! Please share them in the comments section! Sunday Stats I finished two dishcloths for my daughter and was so eager to give them to her, I forgot to take pictures of them! LOL! My BOMs are going well, yet I only count fabric usage for finished quilt tops and backings, so no changes there either. Donna, who hosts the Sunday Stash link up at Quilt, Paint, Create gave me an idea on how to track my fabric usage for BOMs, so I'll see how that works. I'm eager to learn how you all track your fabric usage for these projects!
fabric usage - 3.45/100 yards (same as last week) yarn usage - 6/100 ounces
