Sunday, March 31, 2013

Sweeping Away Cobwebs

Yesterday, Saturday, I spent the afternoon pitching manure and sweeping cobwebs down in the old basement barn, mostly in preparation of lambing "jugs" (little pens to put mamas and new babies when they start to arrive in a few weeks).  It was a perfect day for it - sunny, slightly breezy and dry.  Even though now days we clean the barn with a borrowed skid steer and loader, there are still some parts that just need the wheelbarrow, pitchfork and a strong back.  Anyone who has every pitched sheep manure knows how true this is!

Anyway, I couldn't help but reflect that on this day between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, my spiritual "basement" needs the same attention.  Hands on, hard work, me and God digging in deep, sweeping away and opening boarded up windows to the Light.

Barn floor, free from manure and most of the cobwebs!
Thank you, God, for Your saving grace and Divine Love that allows us that chance!  I can face this day with a fresher start than yesterday.  Happy Easter!

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Lead Me

Lest I forget Gethsemane,
Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me,
Lead me to Calvary.


Today I was teaching my grandson about the Last Supper, the betrayal of Jesus and His time in prayer at Gethsemane.  I have a copy of the famous portrait by Hofmann (its always stirred such strong feelings for me).  I think this one was from a Sunday School classroom.  It was leaning against the wall at a thrift store, in pristine condition, and it was free - somehow I find that so sad.  Anyway, I had propped the picture against the stone of the fireplace and this evening as the sun was setting and shining through our big living room window, oh just look at how it illuminated the portrayal of our Lord!  And all I could think of was the song quoted above....



Thursday, March 14, 2013

Cue the Crochet

Knitting is my first love, but I do crochet and occasionally just like to pick up the crochet hook and do a quick project.  I'm especially fond of "granny squares" since I'm kind of a square-granny ;)  Did you know that March is National Crochet Month?  And that there are tons of really neat crochet patterns and projects out there - especially if you like "retro" or "vintage".  Here's a sample of a few of my favorite old potholders, all of them gifts to me from various friends and loved ones, most found at thrift stores.  I went on a binge a few years ago of making potholders like these but since my crochet, like my knitting, tends to be very loose tension they just never look that good ;(  But I keep trying!

Earlier this month, while visiting my favorite thrift store, I found these in the free basket - what a score!
The decorating book has some especially fun pieces and has me dreaming.  Another thing that keeps me dreaming about crochet is a blog I've followed for a long time, Attic24 - for some real eye candy you really should check it out.  And its not just crochet, not by a long mile, its all kinds of lovely things! 

My mom did beautiful crochet.  Her stitches were so precise and lovely (see the edging of one of the blankets she made for me below).  One of the sweetest things I have in my possession is the last project she was working on.  Its only a few rows, but along with the yarn and crochet hook is a little slip of paper with her handwriting.  As she grew weaker, it was hard for her to do much but she wanted to give it a try again to keep her hands busy.  It was to much for her so she sat it aside.  My brother, bless his heart, came across it in her night stand and saved it for me.  I have it in a basket near me now.

Do any of you crochet?  What is your favorite thing to make?  Why not pick up some crochet before this month is over!