Recent Events and Happy CIC Mailing

The past few weeks have definitely been eventful. I'll start with the latest on the knitting front.

I've been doing my best to complete several pairs of socks for CIC. The current challenge is for children's socks, and these have been a joy to complete. They are knit with Cascade 220 Quatro using Marguerite's Mini Basketweave sock pattern. Again, huge thanks go to Marguerite for sharing her wonderful patterns for CIC knitting.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (aka the Yarn Harlot) visited Oklahoma City. As anticipated, she was a joy to meet and fun to hear. (Special thanks to Gourmet Yarn Co. and Metro OKC Knitter's Guild for arranging Stephanie's visit to OKC.) Her books are funny and inspiring and I am now the lucky owner of a signed copy of *Knitting Rules*.

I was knitting socks for CIC at the time of her visit, and some of the little CIC socks ventured up to meet Stephanie in person. They were thrilled to meet her and will be telling the tale of their meeting to other socks for a very long time. : )

Here's a picture of Stephanie with three of the little CIC socks listening to her every word.


Today was mailing day for the CIC sock challenge. I was thrilled to send the 5 pairs that I had completed, along with some of the other items needed by CIC. Kim and I went to Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby and stocked up on several items requested by CIC on their *items needed* page. Some of the items will be mailed later because of the current high temperatures (didn't want the crayons or modeling clay to melt en route), but many items made for a full box and a happy trip to the post office.


Honestly, if I've learned nothing else, the very best way to remedy being down in the dumps or feeling empty or useless inside....it is to freely and joyfully give to someone else.

Other News

In the near future a new cooperative endeavor will be announced. Stay tuned for the announcement soon.

Current Health Issues

I had another treatment last Thursday. I'm feeling much better now. I'd like to thank each of my friends and online pals for their prayers, well wishes, and kind words. So far, I'm not even running a fever like last time. Hooray! I think I'll be back to birding and even more knitting soon! : )

I pray that everyone has a wonderful week, good health, and hearts full of joy and contentment.

Your Friend,

Shelly

Amplified Bible

Matthew 10:42

42 And whoever gives to one of these little ones [in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water because he is My disciple, surely I declare to you, he shall not lose his reward.

Matthew 25:40

40 And the King will reply to them, Truly I tell you, in so far as you did it for one of the least [[a]in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it for Me.(A)

A Surprise and Knitting Goodness

Just as Strudel and Doogie's last litter of Dachshund puppies was a bit of a surprise (of which there are only 2 left, one female and one male)... there has been another surprise brewing among local knitters. : )


Above, you see Rosemary working to finish up our group's surprise gift. A group of us had been secretly knitting on 12" X 12" squares to make a blanket for our dear friend, Susan. We've worked in secret for a few months and somehow managed to keep this news from Susan. We were finally able to present our gift of caring to Susan this past weekend (and sadly, I forgot my camera). She has been bravely battling breast cancer for over a year, and we are hoping that each time she sees or uses this blanket, that she realizes how much each of us care for her.


On the home front, I've been busily knitting on daughter Amanda's Ribby Cardi. She requested a sweater for her long bus commutes daily to OSU. Even though our temps have been soaring above 100 F, the OSU bus has very good air conditioning and she needs a sweater to prevent chilling. I am so happy to give her a hand knitted sweater from Mom. : )


At the last Gourmet Yarn Knit In, Rosemary took 1st place for the best dish with her guacamole recipe. Congrats Rosemary!


Nancy took 2nd place at the Gourmet Yarn Knit In with her lemon cake. Congrats Nancy!


I've also had a great time shopping the recent online sale at Sealed With A Kiss Yarn Shop in Guthrie, OK. I couldn't resist stocking up on yarns for CIC knitting and Metro OKC Knitting Guild charity knitting. I also found some great knitting book deals at a local book store and at Amazon.com. So, I'm set for some time and looking forward to knitting all of these skeins soon. (I didn't put all the skeins in the picture. So, I have really upped my charity knitting stash. Yay!)


Additionally, I've been working through Jacqueline Fee's *The Sweater Workshop* book. I'm learning new techniques and now better understanding basic sweater construction techniques and how to confidently make changes. I also found a Yahoo Group for this book with Jacqueline Fee as the host of the group. You can join the group here.

Caring and Prayer

I am so very thankful that as a knitter I can show my caring by knitting something special for someone. Whether they realize the time and concentration involved is irrelevant. For me, it is a tangible way of showing someone that they are special to me and I gladly give my time and attention to make something to keep them comfortable or warm.

Prayer is an even more powerful gift that I can give to those that I care for, no matter the time of day or night. By lifting them up in prayer to our Heavenly Father, many burdens may be lifted and many blessings bestowed.

Please continue to join me in prayer for Susan as she battles cancer and for Will as he battles lymphoma. I'm also requesting that you join in prayer for children without parents all over the world. I pray that they find loving homes and that they know that our Heavenly Father loves each of them dearly.

Have a wonderful week.

Your Friend,

Shelly

NIV

John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.