...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
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I would have been posting about sunlight and our sweet friends who arrived. All still true. But as the week has progressed we are also feeling great sorrow along side family. Tears. Sadness that words can not fully express. Praying peace, maybe even hope.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
fabric
There is something about cutting into repurposed material, any material, for that matter. The thing about repurposed fabric, though, is a sense that it can never be back to what it was. Once I cut into the fabric, the essence of what it once was is gone.
What it will be brings new life, and this is what makes the process beautiful. A new story is unfolding for this particular piece. And yet, I do not take the cutting into lightly.
There is a particular shirt I cut into recently. It came from a thrift store on the way to Trenton. When I brought it home, Clint tried it on. Sadly for him, but thankfully for me (and the little girl who might wear it), it was too big for him.
Evee also declared the apron-to-be as her own, which is a bit of a wonder since it isn't a "girly" pattern...and this girl usually prefers as much pink and frills as one can get.
And so, I cut into it. It is not from a brand I recognize. I find myself wondering about it's history. Who wore this shirt? How did it find its way to this particular thrift store? Who made it and did they hold the same care and affection for it that I feel now? Or was it simply mended together in a line of shirts?
As I sew it together on this quiet night I find peace in the rhythmic sound of the machine. The needle pushing into the heart of the fabric and up again.
The fabric will continue its story, but it will be quite a different chapter, I'm sure. And I wonder, for a moment, if this is the last of its changing shape. Will there be another cutter, sewer, repurposer somewhere down the line?
What it will be brings new life, and this is what makes the process beautiful. A new story is unfolding for this particular piece. And yet, I do not take the cutting into lightly.
There is a particular shirt I cut into recently. It came from a thrift store on the way to Trenton. When I brought it home, Clint tried it on. Sadly for him, but thankfully for me (and the little girl who might wear it), it was too big for him.
Evee also declared the apron-to-be as her own, which is a bit of a wonder since it isn't a "girly" pattern...and this girl usually prefers as much pink and frills as one can get.
And so, I cut into it. It is not from a brand I recognize. I find myself wondering about it's history. Who wore this shirt? How did it find its way to this particular thrift store? Who made it and did they hold the same care and affection for it that I feel now? Or was it simply mended together in a line of shirts?
As I sew it together on this quiet night I find peace in the rhythmic sound of the machine. The needle pushing into the heart of the fabric and up again.
The fabric will continue its story, but it will be quite a different chapter, I'm sure. And I wonder, for a moment, if this is the last of its changing shape. Will there be another cutter, sewer, repurposer somewhere down the line?
Monday, March 21, 2011
water
We are alone at the playground. It is a rare moment.
Evee takes off her shoes. She plays in the sandbox. Yesterday, she and her friends had found a big puddle. She picks up a bucket, walking to see if the water is still there.
Back and forth she goes to the puddle. Filling her leaking bucket. What water is left when she arrives at the sandbox gets poured out.
On my lap is the latest Compassion Magazine. It tells me that
Evee takes off her shoes. She plays in the sandbox. Yesterday, she and her friends had found a big puddle. She picks up a bucket, walking to see if the water is still there.
Back and forth she goes to the puddle. Filling her leaking bucket. What water is left when she arrives at the sandbox gets poured out.
On my lap is the latest Compassion Magazine. It tells me that
"50% of the world's hospitalizations are due to water-related illnesses such as cholera."
"1.5 million children die of waterborne illnesses every year."
"800 million people do not have access to clean water."and
"one in five children worldwide die from diarrhea - that's more than AIDS, malaria and measles combined."I think about the sandy water Evee is playing with...how this "dirty" water is probably better than the drinking water a large percentage of the world gets.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Changed around our furniture
Tried a new recipe
Made decisions about staying in NJ a bit longer
and about seeing friends in Indy in May
Had our first bbq of the year
70 degrees for a day (!!!)
Remembered throughout the week that the secret to contentment is joy
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Changed around our furniture
Tried a new recipe
Made decisions about staying in NJ a bit longer
and about seeing friends in Indy in May
Had our first bbq of the year
70 degrees for a day (!!!)
Remembered throughout the week that the secret to contentment is joy
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
the quiet
The mood is quiet
He sits at his desk needing to read 50 more pages before going to bed
I sit at the table
Writing letters, making words with paint
The music is mellow
The heat coming out of the radiator is loud
I always find it comforting
Sleep is coming, but the quiet is now
Thinking in the midst of working
Doing something with my hands
Giving meaning
Bringing simplicity
Nights like these do my heart good
Many variations
But all bringing beauty to the day
and peace to my mind
He sits at his desk needing to read 50 more pages before going to bed
I sit at the table
Writing letters, making words with paint
The music is mellow
The heat coming out of the radiator is loud
I always find it comforting
Sleep is coming, but the quiet is now
Thinking in the midst of working
Doing something with my hands
Giving meaning
Bringing simplicity
Nights like these do my heart good
Many variations
But all bringing beauty to the day
and peace to my mind
Saturday, March 12, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
At week's end we had a fun celebration...30 years for my love.
I got to spend some moments alone on a day I shouldn't have, when I was preparing for the party. It was a gift. Did my soul well.
Time together as a family. Relaxed week.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
At week's end we had a fun celebration...30 years for my love.
I got to spend some moments alone on a day I shouldn't have, when I was preparing for the party. It was a gift. Did my soul well.
Time together as a family. Relaxed week.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
a maid
When we were in Africa a few years back, the women there asked if we had a maid. No, of course we don't have a maid, I thought.
We were in between jobs and graduate school at that time...volunteering our time that summer. I felt very poor...unsure of how we would afford a move, insurance, day to day living, etc.
As we went throughout the trip, though, my view of having a maid changed. We went to an orphanage and helped with whatever we could - scrubbing the children's clothes, washing dishes, chatting with women as they cooked the daily meal and sweeping the dinning area after the meal. Whether we were helpful or not I don't know, but those activities consumed a large majority of our moments (and almost the whole of their days).
I think about this sometimes while I do my laundry or wash my dishes. My maid is a machine. How can I complain that I have to switch over and fold the laundry? How does it get piled up over the days? How hard is it to put dishes into the dishwasher...adding a bit of soap?
I think about this as Evee and I read "Little House in the Big Woods" as well. Each day Laura's mom had a task, Laura and Mary would help. That "simple" task would take the entire day...baking, washing, mending, etc. All done by hand.
Brings a little perspective to my days. I know it's all relative and that the times I feel overwhelmed don't necessarily need to be diminished since we all live a different story. But all the same, it is a good reminder that I am spoiled in many ways. I have more "help" than most people living in this world (and machines are only a small part of that). I can be thankful.
We were in between jobs and graduate school at that time...volunteering our time that summer. I felt very poor...unsure of how we would afford a move, insurance, day to day living, etc.
As we went throughout the trip, though, my view of having a maid changed. We went to an orphanage and helped with whatever we could - scrubbing the children's clothes, washing dishes, chatting with women as they cooked the daily meal and sweeping the dinning area after the meal. Whether we were helpful or not I don't know, but those activities consumed a large majority of our moments (and almost the whole of their days).
I think about this sometimes while I do my laundry or wash my dishes. My maid is a machine. How can I complain that I have to switch over and fold the laundry? How does it get piled up over the days? How hard is it to put dishes into the dishwasher...adding a bit of soap?
I think about this as Evee and I read "Little House in the Big Woods" as well. Each day Laura's mom had a task, Laura and Mary would help. That "simple" task would take the entire day...baking, washing, mending, etc. All done by hand.
Brings a little perspective to my days. I know it's all relative and that the times I feel overwhelmed don't necessarily need to be diminished since we all live a different story. But all the same, it is a good reminder that I am spoiled in many ways. I have more "help" than most people living in this world (and machines are only a small part of that). I can be thankful.
Monday, March 7, 2011
an apron
Evee has a sweet little apron. The apron was mine when I was a girl. The pattern was one my mom took from an apron her grandma made for her when she was a little girl. So Evee wears an apron that was mine and was taken from a pattern her great great grandmother made. I love this. So much history.
I do just love the pattern. Seems so perfect for a little girl to wear for oh so many things. Evee wears it everyday.
Recently I made an apron from that same pattern for my niece. I loved making it. I re-purposed an old button down shirt of Clint's. Using the back and sleeves for the main pieces and some of the shirt edges for ties. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but in the end was thrilled with it (just wish I had taken a picture).
Since then, I've made some more, taken a couple of those apart, sewed them better, stitched everything in place and ironed them neatly.
Here is some of the process. Sometimes I use the front of the shirt, sometimes I use the sleeves...depending on the shirt.
I do just love the pattern. Seems so perfect for a little girl to wear for oh so many things. Evee wears it everyday.
Recently I made an apron from that same pattern for my niece. I loved making it. I re-purposed an old button down shirt of Clint's. Using the back and sleeves for the main pieces and some of the shirt edges for ties. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, but in the end was thrilled with it (just wish I had taken a picture).
Since then, I've made some more, taken a couple of those apart, sewed them better, stitched everything in place and ironed them neatly.
Here is some of the process. Sometimes I use the front of the shirt, sometimes I use the sleeves...depending on the shirt.
And here are Evee and her friend posing in two of the aprons I made.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
this week
...in (no more than) 48 words. A rhythm for the weekend. Taking time to look back on the week past. A simple way to remember the weeks, the moments and to stay present.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Remembering that humility often comes from humiliation (Mother Teresa's words) and that humility is a thing of beauty. Healthy communication is also always a good thing.
Now for a weekend away in Amish country...off to a wonderful start. Conversation, food, wine, creative thinking and lots of relaxing.
I would so love to read your words! If you take time to ponder the week and write, please share them.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Remembering that humility often comes from humiliation (Mother Teresa's words) and that humility is a thing of beauty. Healthy communication is also always a good thing.
Now for a weekend away in Amish country...off to a wonderful start. Conversation, food, wine, creative thinking and lots of relaxing.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
clinging leaves
I was comforting a sick child at 3am
I noticed the rain falling
I could feel the shift of seasons taking place before me
I laid my head on the back of the couch
The beat of the drops...
The rhythm of the rain...
bringing peace to my soul
As I quietly slipped into bed again I took a peek outside
Through the lights I could watch the rain flood down
Today the wind blows strong
Looking out the window I notice there are 3 leaves
still clinging to the branches of the tree out front
They've made it through the most of winter
I'm amazed that on these last days of February they've hung on
through snow, rain, wind, storms and sun
...to be pushed out soon by the tree's production of new leaves
only a short while from now
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
(dinner) for now
I've realized that I regularly get caught on one thing. It could be an idea, a project, music, whatever. I will want that one thing and do/have it so much I might not want it again for months. This might be a family thing. Just saying... :)
Last month, when I wanted a particular salad (red lettuce, goat cheese, cranberries, walnuts, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette) for the 5th day in a row, I started thinking about this. My taste buds must go in cycles. During pregnancy it is normal you'd have cravings. I realized that I have this all the time. (remember that amazing cake? I think that ran it's course...)
For awhile, it was that salad (definitely worth trying!). Now it's a Mexican dish a friend made for us almost a year ago. I ran into the recipe again and gave it a try. Now I'll be bringing it to friends with new babes this month and (I'm sure) making it enough to take a few months off after this one (though it might just move into a steady rotation).
She wasn't sure where she got the recipe from, but also wouldn't take credit for it. Can I share it here, then? I'm sure there are many variations of this...
Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, chilies, corn, scallions, cumin and oregano; mix thoroughly. Line a 9x13 baking dish with 4 tortillas, overlapping if necessary. Spread half of bean mixture in a layer over tortillas. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas, beans and cheese. Bake 20 - 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Let stand 1 or 2 minutes, then cut into squares to serve. Top each serving with a dollop sour cream if desired. Makes 6 servings.
Last month, when I wanted a particular salad (red lettuce, goat cheese, cranberries, walnuts, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette) for the 5th day in a row, I started thinking about this. My taste buds must go in cycles. During pregnancy it is normal you'd have cravings. I realized that I have this all the time. (remember that amazing cake? I think that ran it's course...)
For awhile, it was that salad (definitely worth trying!). Now it's a Mexican dish a friend made for us almost a year ago. I ran into the recipe again and gave it a try. Now I'll be bringing it to friends with new babes this month and (I'm sure) making it enough to take a few months off after this one (though it might just move into a steady rotation).
She wasn't sure where she got the recipe from, but also wouldn't take credit for it. Can I share it here, then? I'm sure there are many variations of this...
Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto, pink or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 C. chopped cilantro
- 1 clove finely minced garlic
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles
- 2 C. frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 2 scallions, minced
- 1/2 t. ground cumin
- 1/2 t. dried oregano
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 C. grated Monterey Jack cheese
- sour cream, optional (not for us! :))
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine beans, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, chilies, corn, scallions, cumin and oregano; mix thoroughly. Line a 9x13 baking dish with 4 tortillas, overlapping if necessary. Spread half of bean mixture in a layer over tortillas. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas, beans and cheese. Bake 20 - 25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly. Let stand 1 or 2 minutes, then cut into squares to serve. Top each serving with a dollop sour cream if desired. Makes 6 servings.
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