tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-194373922024-03-12T20:59:32.260-07:00Knitting and PrayingThis is my online home to share the things I enjoy in my life with the friends that I don't get to see every day. Knitting, quilting, some stained glass, birding, nature, cats, dogs, horses, *family, and my Christian walk* ... all the things that I love and that challenge me in my life as I keep moving forward.Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-6728787823634283602007-03-28T10:16:00.000-07:002007-03-28T10:37:44.972-07:00Blog Moving...Please Join Me at My New HomeYes, I'm relocating my blog. Please join me <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.knittingandpraying.com">HERE</a></span>. I've gone ahead and purchased a domain name and set the new blog up with WordPress. It's almost ready....just have to add a bit more.<br /><br />Please take a moment to change your links if my blog is linked to your site. I know this is an inconvenience, but I'm working really hard to make the new site a much better blog and worth taking the time to change your links.<br /><br />Thank You So Much!<br /><br />Your Pal,<br /><br />ShellyPrayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-78930587404365891522007-03-25T19:38:00.000-07:002007-03-25T20:36:08.526-07:00Late Saturday Sky, Spring & More Tomorrow<strong>Saturday Sky</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XIMdXiz_NrCQKQHDarmj86bhoYYj-K_FQSk91bdbcLf-KTZT5zVl0lmAdd_oXbA8TAe3kbVOxh45FjkxOQ7A4VqeiHzqd2kH2PFS8Il236VnBfK2KtUiogRXCIb9UnGqOYGCug/s1600-h/PurpleMartinsSoar3-07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XIMdXiz_NrCQKQHDarmj86bhoYYj-K_FQSk91bdbcLf-KTZT5zVl0lmAdd_oXbA8TAe3kbVOxh45FjkxOQ7A4VqeiHzqd2kH2PFS8Il236VnBfK2KtUiogRXCIb9UnGqOYGCug/s400/PurpleMartinsSoar3-07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046057342206334658" /></a><br />Click on the picture above and see it full-sized. Those are Purple Martins busily circling above. We have a very large Purple Martin colony that we host on our farm in central Oklahoma. We watch the *circle of life* renew and unfold every year with these beautiful South American visitors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf0N5oaCLs9IvKpdNES7U7y1tpEk0QMZdGluJGXSPNqUV4ErGhPekoRCydwYWatGvo4pqWz5kwsGSJsSvcAY88WVy5a601PBQCdLkOQLZwatwMUvwDNMLA9f3rESslNUtHiFLQA/s1600-h/PMsandBuddingTrees3-07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf0N5oaCLs9IvKpdNES7U7y1tpEk0QMZdGluJGXSPNqUV4ErGhPekoRCydwYWatGvo4pqWz5kwsGSJsSvcAY88WVy5a601PBQCdLkOQLZwatwMUvwDNMLA9f3rESslNUtHiFLQA/s400/PMsandBuddingTrees3-07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046058493257570002" /></a><br />This is another picture of some of the Purple Martins soaring over one of the large, budding Maple trees near our home. <br /><br />Purple Martins over-winter in Brazil and return to N. America early each year to abundant feeding grounds to nest and raise their young. <br /><br />I'll be including additional pictures and probably some home movies from this season's nesting progress in the next few weeks.<br /><br /><strong>Spring</strong><br /><br />Spring has sprung! All the bulbs have been blooming, fruit trees are covered with blossoms, the grass is green(ing), and color has returned to the landscape. Bugs are once again flying and ants are trying to find entry into every kitchen. Our Eastern Bluebirds have nests built and we're expecting the first eggs any day. What a wonderous season!<br /><br />With all the wondrous return of life to dormant plants, the pollen has reached new highs. I'm thankful that the plants are regenerating and reproducing, but the pollen....especially cedar tree pollen, has had me coughing incessantly for over a month. Allergy pills, 3 cough suppressants, and steroids later....I am somewhat better. I will be thankful when the cedar pollen level drops below stellar levels and I can once again talk and move about without fearing a coughing attack and the negative results that can bring about. <br /><br />Because of constant coughing, I couldn't visit with my knitting pals, couldn't talk on the phone, couldn't drive the car, and was thinking that surely this would help me ultimately develop abs of steel as the only *good* side effect of incessant hacking. Well, weeks later, I'm still coughing a bit....but no *abs of steel* have shown up yet. Evidently, I've coughed enough to ache from head to toe, but a flat tummy still eludes me. As my friend <a href="http://firstofive.livejournal.com/">Rebecca</a> always says, <span style="font-weight:bold;">*Not Fair*</span>!<br /><br />My belated explanation for not blogging much this month is that I was coughing. Just coughing. All the time ... coughing. I'm actually surprised I didn't cough myself inside-out. With more serious health issues going on, you'd think coughing from allergies wouldn't even register with me. Well, I just couldn't *hack* it! ; )<br /><br /><strong>More Tomorrow</strong><br /><br />I had more planned to post, but, well, I'm coughing AGAIN! I'll return tomorrow with more pictures and other stuff.<br /><br />I pray for each of you and hope you have a very blessed upcoming week.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Psalm 51:10<br /><br />Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.<br /><br />Job 11:18<br /><br />You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-26936294469046604862007-03-22T12:44:00.000-07:002007-03-25T21:02:07.245-07:00Quick Post, Sockret Pal Socks On Their Way, & A Shawl For a FriendIt's been a while since I've posted, but not without good reason. I'll explain in a later post.<br /><br />I've actually done quite a bit of knitting and enjoyed every minute of it. I really enjoyed every moment of knitting a prayer/comfort shawl for my friend, <a href="http://www.knitterswonderland.blogspot.com">Susan</a>. I didn't take pictures of the shawl, but Susan has and you can see it <a href="http://knitterswonderland.blogspot.com/2007/03/yes-there-is-knitting-content.html">HERE</a>. It's knit with <a href="http://knitpicks.com/Swish+Superwash_YD5420153.html">Knitpicks Swish Superwash Wool</a> in the color Wisteria. The pattern is the Feather and Fan Triangle Shawl from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Folk-Shawls-Knitting-Cheryl-Oberle/dp/1883010594/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8416371-2439169?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174594383&sr=1-1">Folk Shawls</a> by <a href="http://www.cheryloberle.com/">Cheryl Oberle</a>. I knit it a bit smaller than the full pattern....if full sized I think it would have swallowed Susan since she is petite. The wings of the shawl are quite long so that it may be crossed at the waist and tied behind the back to keep both hands free and no shawl in the way. Many people included their prayers, hugs, and good wishes for Susan as the shawl progressed. I hope she feels all of our hugs and prayers each time she sees or wears it.<br /><br />I've also knitted some <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC </a>socks for the bigger kids. I'll post pictures later.<br /><br />And, I finished my <a href="http://sockretpal.blogspot.com/">Sockret Pal's</a> hand knit socks. <a href="http://becksii.blogspot.com/">Rebecca</a> will find out soon that I've been sending her goodies since last fall. It has been great fun. I hope she feels as good about what I've sent her as I've felt about how <a href="http://shaylacanknit.blogspot.com/">Sherry</a> bestowed gifts upon me!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPiyaKxz8r_-5LigfZYEb259gcBv7dMqlvUJZXnDFdu3Vi4IlNbQCe6VE266ck7f1lCyksNc5jfaqhh_emLyZjTyJgcW783RvMI8EnVYt_vPg6I7Yi-hksVf0BP7AvlqWZJPdIg/s1600-h/SockretPalSocks3-07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPiyaKxz8r_-5LigfZYEb259gcBv7dMqlvUJZXnDFdu3Vi4IlNbQCe6VE266ck7f1lCyksNc5jfaqhh_emLyZjTyJgcW783RvMI8EnVYt_vPg6I7Yi-hksVf0BP7AvlqWZJPdIg/s400/SockretPalSocks3-07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044841170676864690" /></a><br />Here's a picture of the socks I knit for <a href="http://becksii.blogspot.com/">Rebecca</a>. I used <a href="http://www.ptyarn.com/unisolids.html">Opal Uni-Solid yarn</a> in a very nice blue color....Rebecca's favorite color is blue. The pattern is the Eagle's Flight pattern by Megan Humphrey posted <a href="http://www.ptyarn.com/eaglesflight.html">HERE</a> at the <a href="http://www.ptyarn.com">PTYarn</a> website.<br /><br />I'll try to post pictures of the <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> socks and some Spring changes happening on our farm soon. <br /><br />I pray that you have a wonderful day full of blessings! I also pray for your health, for caring and positive relationships with others, and a closer walk with our Heavenly Father every day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Genesis 49:26<br /><br />Your father's blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-63591176272676789992007-02-27T14:42:00.000-08:002007-03-24T10:03:49.364-07:00Sockret Pal, Care Wool, Knitting, Dust & Thoughts<strong>Sockret Pal</strong><br /><br />My SockretPal, <a href="http://www.shaylacanknit.blogspot.com">Sherry (Shayla)</a>, sent me her final wonderful package last week and finally revealed herself. She has definitely outdone herself!<br /><br />Just look at the last box of goodies... : )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXoPkoQrFi-YNQK25HQGV4H2PniwjOhFUE-mQgb52oZOtX73vQJgfYGVe3-8CWPjJ1ZqeyE7ml1kjs-mjklwmXz81eKrHpVafexh7ctp3sQEtrumIHesTTexkw0wvzeaID7_jzg/s1600-h/SockretPalPkg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXoPkoQrFi-YNQK25HQGV4H2PniwjOhFUE-mQgb52oZOtX73vQJgfYGVe3-8CWPjJ1ZqeyE7ml1kjs-mjklwmXz81eKrHpVafexh7ctp3sQEtrumIHesTTexkw0wvzeaID7_jzg/s400/SockretPalPkg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036350400562747490" /></a><br />There's one package of wonderful Ghirardelli Chocolates missing. They were greatly enjoyed! : )<br /><br />The handknit socks are beautiful, fit perfectly, and show exquisite knitting skill. I'm starting the book Sherry sent, *<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Yarns-Spinning-Tales-Voyageur/dp/0896587258/sr=8-1/qid=1172618739/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8416371-2439169?ie=UTF8&s=books">Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales</a>* today. There's also a small book entitled, *<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blueberries-Heaven-Basketful-Wisdom-Inspire/dp/0880881437/sr=1-1/qid=1172618792/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-8416371-2439169?ie=UTF8&s=books">Blueberries From Heaven</a>*, that I will be reading, too. I will truly enjoy the bird note cards (since I'm an avid birder) and very pretty papers and envelopes in the package. She also included White Hazelnut Chocolate Bath Salts! Have you ever heard of anything so wonderful? And, then there's the adorable little sheep holder with a great skein of beautiful blue Cashcotton inside. Also, girly stickies and a great little purse/pouch for my knitting accessories and dpn's. <br /><br />Yes, she has sent everything that I would have chosen myself! <br /><br />This is the first knitting swap that I have ever joined... and Sherry has made it absolutely wonderful! I just hope her pal has been equally as good to her as she was to me!<br /><br />Thank You, <a href="http://www.shaylacanknit.blogspot.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sherry</span></a>! I look forward to keeping in touch and hope that we can meet in person some day.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.carewool.org">Care Wool</a></strong><br /><br />Our <a href="http://www.carewool.org">Care Wool</a> group has been busy... and productive. We're sending in a big box of hand knitted items to CIC headquarters this week. We still have many works in progress and will be mailing another box before the end of the bigger kid's challenge. <br /><br />Here's the contents of our current box:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQjAWyhbVPzSKtvOuJXrnuw0Y5XTqtuNZL_57fL-3rxnZE9anbLRKz-jFvAMTd9I6R8pckzX5RKBfMly7uWYMU33DiwYLIvVtTWS3kxBWg9Ld14KjhK-wk7Xko6Xnx3lyptJ15w/s1600-h/CarewoolPkgFeb07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxQjAWyhbVPzSKtvOuJXrnuw0Y5XTqtuNZL_57fL-3rxnZE9anbLRKz-jFvAMTd9I6R8pckzX5RKBfMly7uWYMU33DiwYLIvVtTWS3kxBWg9Ld14KjhK-wk7Xko6Xnx3lyptJ15w/s400/CarewoolPkgFeb07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036361069261510770" /></a><br />We enjoy knitting together each Sunday at Hastings in Norman, OK from 1:30 - 4:00 PM. You will find us in the Cafe area chatting and knitting every Sunday. Please join us. While our focus is charity knitting, *any* knitting is welcome.<br /><br /><strong>Knitting</strong><br /><br />I've been quite busy with other knitting, too. I've completed a pair of socks from <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com">Socks That Rock/Bluemoon Fiber Arts</a> lightweight yarn in the Lucy (Barkley) colorway. I really like this yarn!<br /><br />Here are the socks just before finishing.<br /><br />Front:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U8mOQBF_pHB74G-BcyxAmdvOVDuyRNAHRfrUvivYrEftiimC_UPA4acAWH68VPuz1IcnuzT4aaK-UjHrHVXBMW37CLKfULZJJ9XPzk8RbJ_C0rrtapeZpuiPKaxEc3VmfkcLog/s1600-h/BarkleysFront.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6U8mOQBF_pHB74G-BcyxAmdvOVDuyRNAHRfrUvivYrEftiimC_UPA4acAWH68VPuz1IcnuzT4aaK-UjHrHVXBMW37CLKfULZJJ9XPzk8RbJ_C0rrtapeZpuiPKaxEc3VmfkcLog/s400/BarkleysFront.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036362108643596418" /></a><br />and Back:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYriYj0MtGwaOmAVgiuUlFk2cVJw88nkUd3VnDp7Qe2BRDHBRWXni21LhFszmRLe3gw7cOK9ObVdZ88rLj66V8ntbd0siS4UBonZ_pDI9M5tLBM-Cvrqtnefv-_tbfMO_eB2McA/s1600-h/Barkleysback.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYriYj0MtGwaOmAVgiuUlFk2cVJw88nkUd3VnDp7Qe2BRDHBRWXni21LhFszmRLe3gw7cOK9ObVdZ88rLj66V8ntbd0siS4UBonZ_pDI9M5tLBM-Cvrqtnefv-_tbfMO_eB2McA/s400/Barkleysback.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036362349161765010" /></a><br />Do you see the pattern extending from one sock to the other? This just amazed me! I knit both socks at once on one long circular needle from 2 balls of yarn that have been made from the single skein of Socks That Rock yarn. I did not try to match the pattern in any way. I just divided the skein in half by weighing the wound amount, until I had 2 equal weight balls of yarn. And, this is how it came out all on its own. <br /><br />For these Toe-Up socks, I used <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html">Judy's Magic Cast On from Knitty</a>, then followed <a href="http://queenkahuna-creations.com/">Queen Kahuna's Toe-Up instructions</a>, and finished with the <a href="http://woolywonder.com/classpages/sewncastoff/sewncastoff.htm">Sewn Cast Off</a> with <a href="http://www.socknitters.com/toe-up/lessonsix.htm">Denise's slight modification</a>.<br />Size 0 Addi Turbos of the 47" length were used on these 64 stitch socks. <br /><br />These socks are a gift for our daughter, <a href="http://www.naturalwords.blogspot.com">Amanda</a>. <br /><br />I've also finished an item for a friend. I'll post pictures after the gift has been received. :)<br /><br />I've also finished a large sweater and a pair of larger red socks for CIC. They are pictured above in the CIC picture. I've got more CIC items on the needles now.<br /><br /><strong>Dust</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS_wuVulDy0KCvO21c8zjDyYzSIO1E8hGNHN03f_Fby98jsOJqsAotJ_HtT97uXeorbkRWoSssQCi8MBFitYuD8FbmTB6yQL2GKMCVyQuxLnfqQG-uGpo4UwZypz3aaxD3_1Urg/s1600-h/DustySatSky.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisS_wuVulDy0KCvO21c8zjDyYzSIO1E8hGNHN03f_Fby98jsOJqsAotJ_HtT97uXeorbkRWoSssQCi8MBFitYuD8FbmTB6yQL2GKMCVyQuxLnfqQG-uGpo4UwZypz3aaxD3_1Urg/s400/DustySatSky.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5036368598339180706" /></a><br />Yes, this is a picture of our most recent Saturday sky. I don't know if you can tell, but the sky is *full of dirt*. Yes, it is a mild Oklahoma dust storm. When you have sustained winds of 40 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph, the red dirt does get air born!<br /><br />This picture was taken mid-day. I've been coughing and sneezing (allergies) since Saturday. Wonder why?<br /><br /><strong>Thoughts</strong><br /><br />I haven't blogged much lately. I've just felt like someone has knocked the air out of me. I'm still struggling with the decision that my IL relatives made to have my grandmother *put down* like an animal. I will never understand, or in any way agree with their choice! My grandmother was old and confused at times. They chose for her to be *terminally sedated* rather than seek professional care for her in a care facility. <br /><br />My grandmother had no idea that they would choose death for her when she signed a power-of-attorney over to my aunt, months earlier. She felt the power-of-attorney would be for used for possible legal matters or other necessary decisions for her care and protection. She had NO IDEA it was giving them the ability to choose death for her when it was absolutely unnecessary! She was awake, alert, eating well, and walking. When she became confused at times and had sporadic sleeping habits, they chose and requested a hospice to administer their *terminal sedation protocol* and have her dehydrated to death, rather than arrange for long-term care! <br /><br />There are several more details being found each day. Medical details, inappropriate choices, financial irregularities with my grandmother's accounts...and much more. It is now being handled by others that have expertise in these areas. Those responsible will be, and are in the process of being held accountable by all appropriate avenues possible. <br /><br />I have no idea how any person that participated in these choices can sleep with a single moment's peace...or, sleep at all.<br /><br />Please pray for any other individuals that may be in the hands and care of hospice's that throw ethics out the window for a bottom-line *profit*.... and for those that may be in the hands of relatives that see the disabled or elderly as being in need of being *put down* slowly and tragically by dehydration.....which has less humane qualities or consideration than that provided for an old horse or an injured dog!<br /><br />I have been overwhelmed with the tragedy of this, as has my sister and other family members. Please pray for justice in this situation and that those responsible are held accountable.<br /><br />I find myself having to actively choose to concentrate and think on good things. Otherwise, the anger and grief would consume me. My anger is not only on what they *chose* and what the hospice *did*, but that they somehow think it is *acceptable*<br />and that they provided a *beautiful death* for my grandmother! The depth of their delusion, selfishness, sickness, and greed cannot be imagined. <br /><br />Please pray with me about all these things. <br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">NIV<br /><br />Psalms 42:1<br /><br />As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.<br /></span>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-76763006669126056382007-01-17T21:57:00.000-08:002007-01-18T08:53:50.857-08:00Computer, Ice, Birds, Knitting, Life & Prayers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNmuG0jQ2HBKa6tDlnwweEmQrYiH81NbxQhodxXJvriUqjIcuCaIdTEuaj0C8LK1QH7NfnLmNnxI0WyzeU0bPcrsJ8C5evdcvG5cO5sV4jAxitFhsBG_kiAF_YAf6-g8AIZgD1Q/s1600-h/RBWW1-07.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNmuG0jQ2HBKa6tDlnwweEmQrYiH81NbxQhodxXJvriUqjIcuCaIdTEuaj0C8LK1QH7NfnLmNnxI0WyzeU0bPcrsJ8C5evdcvG5cO5sV4jAxitFhsBG_kiAF_YAf6-g8AIZgD1Q/s400/RBWW1-07.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021252630011520466" border="0" /></a><br /><strong>Computer</strong><br /><br />Just when I thought I had survived the most recent computer crash, reloaded *everything*, retrieved everything possible and started again.....my computer promptly turned into an expensive book end!<br /><br />So, not to be defeated, a new computer was ordered (by my wonderful husband, Kim) and I've spent the last 36 hrs. getting it - once again - *reloaded* and up and running with my preferences and programs. I did manage to get most of my important info. from my old hard drive .... quite a process and I considered that standing on my head might be necessary before the retrieval was complete....but the important things were saved!<br /><br />I've restored all the old info. to my new computer and even salvaged my iTunes library, so once again, I hope my blood pressure returns to a near normal range. I have definitely come to realize that I rely on a computer far more than I ever thought possible, or possibly healthy. : )<br /><br />We used to joke in our house that whenever Kim drove one of our vehicles very much it guaranteed the imminent demise of the air conditioner. Well, I'm beginning to rightfully earn that reputation with any computer that I use for any length of time. I'm hoping this new computer will break the cycle.<br /><br /><strong>Ice</strong><br /><br />We are currently gripped in at least 2" of ice in every direction. Some areas are covered with much more than just 2 inches.<br /><br />Living in a beautiful rural area definitely has advantages, but traveling in this type of weather isn't one of them. It is possible to step off our deck and, if you keep your balance, you can *slide* all the way to the barn (300 ft. away) without ever taking a step, literally. The only problem is that if you don't control the direction of your slide, you may end up ice skating on the front pond. And, then you have the terrible task of trying to figure out how to get back up the slope without the aid of a mountain climber's ax.<br /><br />During our ONE attempt to get to the outside world last evening, our truck ended up in a BIG ditch about 1/4 mi. from home. It is now at the local body shop, in the queue of vehicles needing and waiting their turn for repairs. We are very thankful for car insurance. And, we're trying to stay home until the roads clear.... if we can hold out that long. Thankfully, we have food and power, and all the animals are warm, well fed and watered. But, all of us are beginning to show signs of cabin fever .... animals and humans alike.<br /><br /><strong>Birds</strong><br /><br />The birds have been flocking at our bird feeders and heated bird bath. They have been a joy to watch! We are thankful to be able to keep their feeders full and their water fresh and warmed.<br /><br />We've hosted some rare avian visitors, too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsYn-pXoAeMto1TgpKyrDEPdNWQI-jfe0idADz_D49rQPK6Y3_jzD-Rb85USaC6Rki630g4Jtu62yhr4CqFqX7gID0f8hv5F6U-xTcPvlv1bjPFMZFiIi0SYT-4a81GZ_wTaAcA/s1600-h/YBSS1-07(2).jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsYn-pXoAeMto1TgpKyrDEPdNWQI-jfe0idADz_D49rQPK6Y3_jzD-Rb85USaC6Rki630g4Jtu62yhr4CqFqX7gID0f8hv5F6U-xTcPvlv1bjPFMZFiIi0SYT-4a81GZ_wTaAcA/s400/YBSS1-07(2).jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021252174744987074" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, it's a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. What a treat for a birder to have right outside the living room window! : )<br /><br />I am awed at the ability for God's creatures to travel great distances and be able to return to their nesting sites each year, to survive weather extremes, and to raise families each season. I feel humbled to have them visit our farm and am grateful to offer them some food and unfrozen water.<br /><br />A male Red-bellied Woodpecker is at the beginning of this post. He's a regular year round at our feeders. I feel I know him pretty well after having seen him daily for such a long time.<br /><br />We've had several Harris's Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Red-winged Blackbirds (females), European Starlings, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, American Goldfinches, House Finches, and many more. I may have binocular marks around my eyes and a smile frozen on my face from enjoying these flighted visitors the last several days!<br /><br /><strong>Knitting</strong><br /><br />I've been able to complete quite a bit of knitting. Most recently I've completed <a href="http://www.wovenspun.com/blogmain/index.php/">Kimberly's</a> Fair Isle mitten design. She wrote the pattern and I was lucky enough to get to test knit it for her. I ended up with these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R-4QOSQAkraoUDChU35D2UZ8_KgUa0Zod_NStbaefLskDWvyTFO4WbVMbauwqMzcqekRwE-3snTntP5iTdYZq4dJ5N6m_SHyLgPLeBIYLYyTCpGxcNvLPZfSCYbnQ1VepHqdkw/s1600-h/Kimberly'sMittens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R-4QOSQAkraoUDChU35D2UZ8_KgUa0Zod_NStbaefLskDWvyTFO4WbVMbauwqMzcqekRwE-3snTntP5iTdYZq4dJ5N6m_SHyLgPLeBIYLYyTCpGxcNvLPZfSCYbnQ1VepHqdkw/s400/Kimberly'sMittens.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021255460394968546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2RLrOfHjcq6ws-D5xzQt1_nS9hq3rrPoU7ZZ4ERKN5oAFUJvS-AGtKH3TOFNvM8kGUuWbdisBLLGcA8ic5Fyu_ZtZ5GrbjlgLgAL5VqoehdbA1I9YUkwj9BerS8OrAqt8166uw/s1600-h/Kimberly'sMittnes2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2RLrOfHjcq6ws-D5xzQt1_nS9hq3rrPoU7ZZ4ERKN5oAFUJvS-AGtKH3TOFNvM8kGUuWbdisBLLGcA8ic5Fyu_ZtZ5GrbjlgLgAL5VqoehdbA1I9YUkwj9BerS8OrAqt8166uw/s400/Kimberly'sMittnes2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021255765337646578" /></a><br /><br />I used Cascade 220 in Turquoise Heather and a Natural/cream color. I haven't decided where these mittens will end up just yet, but I'm sure they will keep someone's hands very warm.<br /><br />I've also completed a size 12 sweater for the children of <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>. I'll post pictures of it soon, and I have another planned.<br /><br />I've also just got to add the border to the Mountain Peaks Shawl and it will be completed. It will also find a new home. : ) I'll be sure to post pictures when it is completed and blocked.<br /><br /><strong>Life</strong><br /><br />I am familiar with struggles and joys of life. Loss is a part of life, just as births, and growing older. I, however, have never dealt with anything so cold and tragic as the events that led to the loss of my grandmother. I cannot understand how such horrendous decisions were made and carried out. I'll never understand how adults could choose that, and then watch it carried out. <br /><br />My grandmother was not in a coma. She was *awake and alert*, talking, eating, and visiting. She had NO IDEA that she was being ultimately betrayed by her family members that held the power of attorney. <br /><br />I thought I knew them. I thought they had a sense of right and wrong, morals that would stand in a difficult situation, and that they understood self-sacrifice for the benefit of another. Oh, how very wrong I was. How wrong my grandmother was in believing that, too. Bless her heart. I hope she never realized what they had chosen and were doing to her. <br /><br />My sister found the following, and I would like to share it here:<br />*************************************************************<br /><br />Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it. <br />From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you <br />stop your car or are walking by, you will notice something <br />quite amazing. <br /><br />Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is <br />blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has <br />made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If nearby and <br />listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around <br />for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the <br />smaller horse in the field. <br /><br />Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind <br />friend know where she is, so he can follow her. As you stand <br />and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always <br />checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then <br />slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him <br />astray. <br /> <br />When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she <br />stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't <br />too far behind to hear the bell. <br /><br />Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away <br />just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or <br />challenges. God watches over us and even brings others into our <br />lives to help us when we are in need. <br /> <br />Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little <br />ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times <br />we are the guide horse, helping others see. <br /> <br />Good friends are like this. You don't always see them, but you <br />know they are always there. <br /> <br />Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. <br /><br />~Author Unknown~<br />*******************************************************<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />I pray for all those people who are sacrificially caring for someone that is dependent upon them. I pray for their love to be stronger than their desire for self enjoyment or monetary gain. I pray for the caregivers to get adequate rest, excellent support from friends and health care services that believe in LIFE, and the rewards of their decision to help another to be eternal.<br /><br />I also pray for those that are ill or disabled to have their health restored, or to have continued love and comfort if their health continues to fail. And, I pray that they have the constant knowledge and reassurance of the never ending love of their Heavenly Father.<br /><br />Please continue to pray for <a href="http://www.knitterswonderland.blogspot.com">Susan</a>. Her gamma knife procedure was postponed last week and will be done early the morning of Jan. 18th. Please pray for complete healing and total eradication of the cancer.<br /><br />I'd also like to request continued prayers for Mackenzie. Her facial cancer has improved dramatically with her most recent treatments and the scheduled surgery has been moved up. She is doing amazingly well and for such a little girl, she is very strong and amazing everyone around her. Please continue to pray for her family, too.<br /><br />I also pray for each of you. I pray that you have a very blessed year, and that the truly wonderful things of life be yours ... and that you realize the things that are truly important. And, I pray for you to walk closer with the Lord every single day and know how very special *you* are to him.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Luke 12:7<br /><br />Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.<br /><br />Matthew 10: 28-31<br /><br />28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.<br /><br />Psalms 107:1<br /><br />1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-82799753142641895402007-01-10T09:19:00.000-08:002007-01-10T18:42:01.871-08:00More Coming Soon, Thank You, & Prayers<strong>More Coming Soon</strong><br /><br />Well, I've already got the great computer crash of '07 out of the way (at least I hope so)! So, I'll be posting again soon.<br /><br /><strong>Thank You</strong><br /><br />I want to thank everyone for your prayers, support, comments, emails, and phone calls. You'll never know how very much they have meant to my sister and I. There have been days when it felt like we were hanging by a thin thread, and your support has helped sustain us all along this path.<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />I want to request for everyone to join me in praying for <a href="http://www.knitterswonderland.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>. Her brain tumor has returned at one site after just having had surgery for removal just before Thanksgiving. She will be having the gamma knife procedure tomorrow morning very early. Please pray for a gentle and *effective* procedure and for her complete healing. Also, pray for the Lord's comforting arms to surround and be felt by Susan tomorrow as the procedure is done.<br /><br />Susan, we are all praying for you and want to know we will be holding you up in prayer during your procedure tomorrow.Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1167538474096772122006-12-30T20:10:00.000-08:002006-12-30T20:16:56.643-08:00Please Take Action<strong>Please Take Action</strong><br /><br />Please read the information <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.hospicepatients.org/activism.html">HERE</a></span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.hospicepatients.org/1-17-01-press-rel.html">HERE</a></span>.<br /><br />Feel free to leave comments by clicking on the colored *Comments* word below (just over to the right in the lines below my name).<br /><br />ShellyPrayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1167446070754923442006-12-29T16:52:00.000-08:002006-12-30T14:02:03.803-08:00To Loyce, Al, and Sylvia .... a Reply to Your Comment<strong>To Loyce (Jody), Al, and Sylvia ... a Reply to Your Comment</strong><br /><br />I found your comment to be quite interesting, especially considering your confused and telling statement. (Please, for future reference, please make your comments under the current dated entry....not at a past entry date. There are places where comments can be made at each blog entry right at the bottom of each dated entry. Please read the comments after each post/dated entry.)<br /><br />I will quote your comment here:<br /><br />****************************************<br /> <span style="font-style:italic;">"Anonymous said...<br /><br /> You have single handedly destroyed one of the most spiritual and healing services Medicare ever supported. Maybe you have better read those bible verses again - judge not lest ye be judged." </span><br />****************************************<br /><br />What you do not understand is that Medicare DOES NOT support the type of *involuntary* euthanasia by dehydration which each of you imposed on an awake and alert person. <span style="font-weight:bold;">It WAS NOT her choice!</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">She had no idea that her trip to that hospital was for her life to be electively ended at your request!</span> Just as you told us that her hospitalization (actually hospice suite admission for terminal sedation) was for medication adjustment and to check for electrolyte imbalances....<span style="font-weight:bold;">you knew it was to be her last visit anywhere</span>. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU chose it and scheduled it</span>.<br /><br />It was each of <span style="font-weight:bold;">*YOU* that *JUDGED*</span> the quality of Granny's life to be unworthy of living. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Who gave *YOU* that authority?</span> What criteria did you use to justify <span style="font-weight:bold;">your decision to terminate her life</span>? Was it that she was going to finally use some of HER OWN money for her extended care? Did *YOU* want to keep that money for yourselves? Did *YOU* want to be free to travel to Scottsdale on a whim without a second thought of anyone else? Did you want to be able to go out with friends without worry of her care in an extended care facility? Did you decide it was time for her life to end because *YOU WERE TIRED OF BEING BOTHERED*?<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Who perceived themselves to be the <span style="font-weight:bold;">*JUDGES*</span> of what life is worth living?</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Did you usurp God's authority and plan?</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Did you become weary of waiting for God to call Granny home, so *YOU* sent her to him?</span> This <span style="font-weight:bold;">WAS NOT HIS TIMING, NOR HIS CHOICE</span>.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Not only did you decide and plan her death....an awake, ambulatory, talking, eating, laughing and conversing person....but you requested it and watched it happen in one of the the slowest and most tragic manners possible.</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">*YOU WATCHED* them DEHYDRATE her to death...for TWO WEEKS!</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">And you have the audacity to call that a spiritual and healing act????? God Help Us All!</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">Where is your heart? Where is your sanity?</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Each of you *KNEW* this wasn't RIGHT!</span> That is why you lied about the purpose of the hospital admission. That is why you continued to lie to us at each phone call! Only when I had asked enough pointed questions to begin to understand what may be happening and voiced that, did you suddenly become angry and *oh so defensive*. If you thought what you were choosing was right, you wouldn't have lied to us. You would have been honest ... but, <span style="font-weight:bold;">you knew</span>. <br /><br />What research did you do? Did you seek cousel with your preacher or clergy? Did you research how death actually occurs by dehydration? Did you research this hideous practice at all? <span style="font-weight:bold;">Yet, you chose it and scheduled it...and watched it carried out on your own mother and grandmother! </span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Are your hearts totally made of stone?</span><br /><br />This action of choosing *terminal sedation* has only been a choice for the past few years. It is a new and often money-seeking venture for *some* hospices. You chose it for <span style="font-weight:bold;">*YOUR*</span> benefit, obviously... all the while trying to convince yourselves that it was for her benefit. I think your delusion will not keep you comfortable forever.<br /><br />Today would have been Granny's birthday. She would also have enjoyed another Christmas with family, another big dinner, and time with loved ones. One more birthday would have been welcomed by her. <span style="font-weight:bold;">You chose for her NOT TO BE ALLOWED THAT TIME</span>. She was given Ativan when at home, and not at her request! Ativan has terrible side effects in even young, healthy adults. Her increase in confusion is almost certainly a response to the Ativan that was recommended by the hospice workers to be given to her. Then, in the hospice suite, she was repeatedly and frequently given morphine (although there was NO NEED for morphine) under her tongue to make her too sleepy to be able to drink or ask for a drink of water...and every time she did wake, water was refused and more morphine given....until she slowly dehydrated and organ systems shut down... until she died. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I don't know how you sleep....or how you go about any of your days knowing that you chose to have your mother/grandmother/mother-in-law INVOLUTNARILY EUTHANIZED!</span> If you do a bit of internet research, you will see what the term *involuntary euthanasia* is a synonym for ... go take a look.<br /><br />Me, judging? Not actually. I have reviewed and weighed the facts. These are FACTUAL events. No judgment necessary. <span style="font-weight:bold;">It clearly states in the Bible, *THOU SHALL NOT KILL*</span>. And, what was it that you chose to have happen to Granny? You chose for her life to be ended...at your own request. That is the simple indesputible FACT. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU judged her life *unworthy*</span>. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU judged</span> her to lack *your definition* of quality. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU judged</span> her to be too time consuming. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU judged</span> her to not be worth the expense of long term care options and that all long term care facilities to be unacceptable. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU</span> <span style="font-weight:bold;">judged</span> her and <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU sentenced her</span> to death. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU watched</span> it happen. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU knew</span> she was having all fluids withheld...<span style="font-weight:bold;">you agreed</span>. <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOU</span> kept water from being given to a thirsty woman. And <span style="font-weight:bold;">*YOU*</span> have the gall to call this a spiritual and healing experience??? <span style="font-weight:bold;">How deceived are you? How sick is your heart? How corrupt is your mind? Healing...for what or who?</span> <br /><br />Now, enjoy your partying or trips to the second home in Scottsdale, and your frequent vacations. Have your fun while you can. An accounting will ultimately be held before God by each of us for what we have done. And, this will not go unnoticed. You will have to answer for <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOUR choice</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">YOUR judgments</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">God forgive us all. When our society, and even our own relatives, see right as wrong...and wrong as right....what have we become?</span><br /><br />This is being addressed in the present time by many more people than my sister and I. Those responsible will be addressed. You will see. Take a moment and educate yourselves, <span style="font-weight:bold;">finally</span>.<br /><br />While I do not intend to *judge*, <span style="font-weight:bold;">I will NOT sit idly by and go quietly about my business without standing up for the innocents and those that cannot defend themselves</span>. I have become very active and will continue as long as I live. And, there are many more like me....and many to replace me when I am gone. We are instructed to protect those that are weak and to stand up to those that take advantage. <br /><br />I would have never imagined that each of you were capable of this! It was convenient and solved your impatience issue and your need for personal freedom from responsibility and put a quick end to your wait...while sparing $ for you to add to your own accounts. <span style="font-weight:bold;">I don't know or comprehend how you survive with the knowledge of what you have done.</span> <br /><br />I try to imagine that you were stressed, overtired, and succomed to the polished sales pitch of the hospice personnel. But, the fact that <span style="font-weight:bold;">you watched it continue for 2 weeks and did NOT change your mind...continued to withold fluids... and became impatient when her death did not happen quickly enough .... well, only God can address that with you</span>. I cannot. I cannot fathom or believe what you have done! <span style="font-weight:bold;">Who gave *YOU* the right? How can you live with yourselves?</span> My own heart has been ripped and torn by this. I realize that I didn't know any of you or realize what you were truly capable of doing! I would never have believed any of you were capable of this. How very, very weak you must be! Or, how completely selfish and self-serving! Or, possibly both! I do not know, nor will I ever understand.<br /><br />I pray for God to help me with this. I pray for God to help each of you, too.<br /><br />Shelly <br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />I Timothy 1:9<br /><br />We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,<br /><br />KJV<br /><br />Exodus 20:13<br /><br />Thou shalt not kill.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1167160205325845572006-12-26T10:08:00.000-08:002006-12-26T17:28:03.476-08:00Christmas Morning Sky, Merry Christmas to All, Comments, & Prayers<strong>Christmas Morning Sky</strong><br /><br />Early yesterday morning I went outside to get some pictures of the Christmas sky. Just one picture wouldn't do...so please enjoy the pictures that follow.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/680775/ChristmasSky1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/680377/ChristmasSky1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/362570/ChristmasSky2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/148890/ChristmasSky2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/991686/ChristmasSky3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/243211/ChristmasSky3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />All these pictures of the Christmas morning sky were taken one after the other from our front deck. What a glorious sight to start Christmas day!<br /><br /><strong>Merry Christmas to All</strong><br /><br />I hope that every one of you have had a marvelous Christmas. Beyond the hectic pace of packages, cooking, and getting together... I hope that the true meaning of Christmas was residing bountifully in your heart. I hope that there was wonderful times in the company of loved ones, good memories made, and relationships strengthened.<br /><br />Gracie, one of our cats, found her own special place to cozy up after the packages were unwrapped.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/268111/ChristmasGracie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/596288/ChristmasGracie.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />All of our cats took turns trying out the newest and most sought after box of the day. : )<br /><br /><strong>Comments</strong><br /><br />I've been emailed recently by some wondering how to leave comments to the posts on this blog. It's really simple. Just click on the colored word *Comments* at the bottom of each post. You can leave comments, or read comments that have been left by others, on the page that will come up by clicking the *comments* link. And, I always enjoy and appreciate any comments that you would like to share.<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />I'd like to thank everyone for your prayers, thoughts, and good wishes concerning the loss of my grandmother. I appreciate each of them so very much and thanks do not seem sufficient. This has been tremendously difficult. My emotions have gone to almost every extreme imaginable. I am still working through it, and with the Lord's help, my sister and I will recover and will work tirelessly to see that this does not happen to others.<br /><br />I can report that I received a phone call on Friday afternoon before Christmas that was one of the most important and encouraging things that has happened yet and has confirmed that this practice will be challenged and changed.<br /><br />My prayers this week are for each of you to have a wonderful and bountifully blessed new year. I pray for good health for you, many friends, strengthened relationships, and a closer walk with our Heavenly Father every single day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />John 3:16<br />"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.<br /><br />Psalm 119:50<br />My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1166746490167128262006-12-21T15:02:00.000-08:002006-12-21T23:37:45.973-08:00Emerald Green, Sockret Pal, Knitting, Work Progress, & Prayers<strong>Emerald Green</strong><br /><br />Well, I did my first yarn crockpot dyeing a few days ago. The yarn is all dried, and I think I had beginner's luck. I was shooting for emerald green yarn....and, I think I ended up with *emerald green yarn*. : )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/284017/DecGreenYarn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/412116/DecGreenYarn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />There's a slight variation in the saturation of the color, but I rather like that. Rather than a flat, solid color, I'd call this a *nearly* solid. This is destined to become a CIC sweater. There are 478 yards of *almost* bulky yarn. This started out as Cascade Ecological Wool in the platinum, natural color. <br /><br />I really enjoyed dyeing this yarn and plan on doing more. Thanks to <a href="http://susinok.com/">Susan F.</a> and <a href="http://knitterswonderland.blogspot.com/">Susan B.</a> for the inspiration.<br /><br /><strong>Sockret Pal</strong><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.sockretpal.blogspot.com">Sockret Pal Swap</a> has been the first knitting swap that I have joined. And, I must say, I have loved every minute of it.<br /><br />I have loved choosing items and putting together packages for my assigned pal on the *send to* end. And, my pal that has been assigned to send to me has totally overwhelmed me with her generosity and caring. <br /><br />I received another box the day before yesterday. I apologize to my pal for just now getting a chance to blog about this wonderful box of goodies! My husband brought it inside and helped me get through the tape....then I just couldn't believe it as I opened each item and saw each wonderful item.<br /><br />Just look....it took 2 pictures to get all the items pictured:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/743347/DecSockretpal1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/367559/DecSockretpal1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/925057/DecSockretpal2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/875082/DecSockretpal2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Thank you again to my wonderful sockret pal. I'll cast on the sock yarn soon. The decorations are going up in our home tonight! I love the crocheted snowflake! Each item is special and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I feel I have made a very special friend out there somewhere, even though I don't even know your name yet.<br /><br /><strong>Knitting</strong><br /><br />I'm still knitting mittens for <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mittens_for_Akkol/">Mittens for Akkol</a>. I've also got a child's size 12 orange, raglan sweater on the needles for the children of <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>.<br /><br />I've also almost finished the 6 socks at once on one long, circular needle. I apologize for the delay. I will be placing updated photos as well as a video on how to manage the 6 yarns at once on my blog in the next several days. : )<br /><br />Knitting is very therapeutic and the activity of knitting has helped me through some of the grief in dealing with my grandmother's death....and especially with the hideous manner in which it came. I can feel that something productive and tangible is coming from my overwhelming grief. And, it is clearing my mind somewhat and keeping me motivated to see that changes are made and to see that those that have done this are held accountable.<br /><br /><strong>Work Progress</strong><br /><br />My sister and I are continuing, undaunted, in our pursuit of justice for our grandmother. We are also continuing in our efforts of making this practice known and seeing that it is made illegal.<br /><br />To choose to have a person euthanized that is awake and alert, is in no pain, and that desires to live, only as a matter of *convenience* or as a *money saving* measure is horribly tragic! To choose death for someone, rather than long term care options is beyond my ability to comprehend. <br /><br />I know this is a difficult topic. I know it makes many uncomfortable. But, it must be faced! I have truly found out which friends were willing to go beyond their comfort zone to speak out against this, to read the facts, to be willing to listen or ask questions to join in the effort to stop this happening to innocents by the choice of relatives or those in control...for convenience, or to save money, or to listen to and choose to follow in action the story of *sending someone off on a journey*. <br /><br />Some hospices (not all, by any means) encourage, solicit and advertise this service! There is no peer review, no consults, no second opinions, no review committee to keep ethics in place. One family member or person with power of attorney, a doctor willing to write the orders, and a hospice staff that feels they are helping someone on a *beautiful journey* can do this to nearly anyone.<br /><br />The wheels of justice will turn. It is underway. <br /><br />I so wish my relatives that chose to euthanize my grandmother had consulted with the clergy of their church prior to making this decision and choosing to have this done. Why didn't they consult my sister, or I? It was kept secret from us....because I believe they knew we would have strongly disagreed and never accepted this as any type of option. I wish they had looked at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Different-Death-Euthanasia-Christian-Tradition/dp/083081518X/sr=1-1/qid=1166744266/ref=sr_1_1/002-5865177-3840806?ie=UTF8&s=books"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">THIS BOOK</span></span></a>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suicide-Christian-Response-Gary-Stewart/dp/0825423554/sr=1-1/qid=1166744377/ref=sr_1_1/002-5865177-3840806?ie=UTF8&s=books"><span style="font-weight:bold;">THIS BOOK</span></a>, or <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-Worth-Assisted-Critical-Bioethics/dp/0802845940/sr=1-2/qid=1166744377/ref=sr_1_2/002-5865177-3840806?ie=UTF8&s=books">THIS BOOK</a></span>. They will now have to live with their decision for the rest of their lives. I cannot imagine living with that. I care about them, but I truly hate what they have done.<br /><br />Please click on the colored links in the paragraph above to see each book. They each strongly address the issue of euthanasia ... especially euthanasia by choice of others and when it is NOT the choice of the person to be euthanized. <br /><br />These books include the legal aspects, emotional aspects, and a Christian view of euthanasia. I have ordered all 3 and have 2 of them in my hands already. I highly recommend them for anyone with concerns about these practices. They are well researched and written with clarity of facts.<br /><br />Also, please click on the small picture of my grandmother in the sidebar above to view more information about <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.hospicepatients.org/euth-center.html">STOPPING Involuntary Euthanasia</a></span>.<br /><br />Additionally, did you realize that hospices are such big businesses that some are now listed on the NASDAQ? Look at <a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=135318&p=irol-irhome"><span style="font-weight:bold;">THIS</span></a>. (This is NOT the hospice that euthanized my grandmother, so please do not confuse it as such. I do not know the practices of this hospice organization. I just noticed they were a company with stock investors.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/724516/Pc240193%20%282%29.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/804938/Pc240193%20%282%29.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />My prayers this week are for each of you to have a wonderful and blessed holiday season. I pray that you are drawn closer to the Lord every minute of every day. I pray for those that have been ill to have health and wellness in the new year. And, I pray for you to be blessed with a bounty of friends and family every day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Ephesians 1:3<br />[ Spiritual Blessings in Christ ] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.<br /><br />I Peter 1:3-4<br />3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1166402063370084712006-12-17T15:10:00.000-08:002006-12-18T09:58:59.443-08:00Very Late Saturday Sky, A Graduate, Sockret Pal, Some Knitting, Thank You, Changes and Prayers<strong>A Very Late Saturday Sky</strong><br /><br />This Saturday Sky is from a Saturday in November. I thought it was beautiful and decided to finally post a picture of it today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/781488/1206NovSatSkyLate.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/696191/1206NovSatSkyLate.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Beautiful, huh? ; )<br /><br /><strong>A Graduate</strong><br /><br />Congratulations to our precious daughter, Amanda! She's completed her degree and graduated yesterday from Oklahoma State University. We are so very happy for her and proud of her accomplishments! It was a wonderful day to be with Amanda, her hubby Ryan, and our son, Zach. As parents, we were just about to pop with happiness for each of them! We are *beyond blessed*. : )<br /><br />Here are some pics. of graduation day...<br /><br />Amanda on the giant, big screen at Gallagher-Iba Arena about to receive her diploma -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/764466/1206GradJumbotron.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/108740/1206GradJumbotron.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Amanda waving to us up in the stands -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/86129/1206OSUGraduateDaughter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/975304/1206OSUGraduateDaughter.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />And, some knitting that helped me with being a nervous Mom at graduation -<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/924620/1206GradKnitting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/1206GradKnitting.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Congratulations, Sweetie! : )<br /><br /><strong>Sockret Pal</strong><br /><br />My dear Sockret Pal sent a box of goodies a couple of weeks ago. I apologize to my pal for not posting my *Thank You* earlier. The box was perfect and really touched my heart. Here's a picture:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/406041/1206SockretPal2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/125009/1206SockretPal2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I love the little yarn/sheep figurine. It brought a big smile to my face. There's also the wonderful book that I have started reading. The lotion is wonderful and perfect for keeping my hands soft while knitting in winter. The yarn is scrumptious, and the stickers are too cute. I already have plans for pictures to fill the little magnetic frames! Also, the little sheep card was wonderful.<br /><br />Thank you so much dearest Sockret Pal. I felt the caring in your gift box and it has indeed touched my heart. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed holiday season. : )<br /><br /><strong>Some Knitting</strong><br /><br />I've been knitting a bit. It has been very therapeutic, soothing, and satisfying to be knitting mittens for the children in orphanages in Akkol, Kazakhstan. I'm not finished yet....many yet to be done. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/222478/1206CurrentMittens.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/695782/1206CurrentMittens.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>'s current challenge is to knit for a sister charity, <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mittens_for_Akkol/">Mittens for Akkol</a>. <br /><br />I've also started a large, orange Raglan sweater for the older kids of <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>. The next CIC challenge begins in January '07, this time focusing on items for the older children. Even though I'm a bit early for the next challenge, it makes for a good occasional break from mitten knitting. <br /><br />And, today in the crockpot....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/57624/1206CrockpotColor.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/755348/1206CrockpotColor.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This is in our older crockpot that is no longer used for cooking food. Now, it's cooking yarn! The yarn was a natural white/platinum color when it was first placed in the dye bath. I just *winged it* and mixed blue and yellow dyes to make green....and green I got! I'll post pictures when it's finished.<br /><br /><strong>Thank You</strong><br /><br />I don't know how to adequately express my thankfulness to my friends that have called, written, emailed and just spent time listening to and talking with me recently. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. *Thank You* to each of you ... so very, very much.<br /><br /><strong>Changes</strong><br /><br />Whether for good, or bad, change is often difficult. Lately, the changes in our society and world that I see have left me overwhelmed and saddened. <br /><br />I know it is easier for many to ignore the issues at hand...and to look the other way. But, honestly, we cannot afford the luxury of doing that! By looking away from the things that are difficult, you are giving your permission for them to contniue. By not taking a stand, you are indeed taking a stand, and giving your nod to those that are doing horrible things that they may continue.<br /><br />The loss of my grandmother by relatives *choosing* euthanasia by terminal sedation and dehydration resulting in death is deplorable. This change in the activities of hospice organizations is alarming, tragic, completely unethical (in my opinion) and frightening. Please take a stand....this impacts each and every one of us...and our loved ones. <br /><br />My sister and I continue our work to see that this practice is made illegal. I cannot go into details, but our efforts are continuing and will not stop.<br /><br />I have been watching many events recently...and more societal *looking away* from the difficult issues alarms me. <a href="http://www.blogsforterri.com/archives/2006/12/jack_kevorkian.php">Jack Kevorkian was parolled this week</a> and will be released from prison next June. The recent vote on the Child Pain Awareness Act was defeated (where women receiving abortions at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy would have been informed of the availability of anesthesia that could be administered to the baby in utero to prevent pain during an abortion) by <a href="http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll526.xml">THIS VOTE</a>. Do you notice a vote that is very close to party lines? (Even though over 50% voted to pass this into law, the needed 2/3 majority was not met....and it did not become law.)<br /><br />I do believe in personal freedom and a person's right to make decisions concerning their own body. However, when <span style="font-weight:bold;">*another person's body*</span> is involved, well, that's where I draw the line. When the elderly, or the young, or the handicapped cannot speak for themselves...or are not allowed to speak for themselves....and if we choose not to speak up for them, then the world is turning right into wrong and wrong into right...and we are allowing it!<br /><br />Please, take time to look at the HARD and DIFFICULT issues. Don't pamper yourself and stay in your comfort zone! Educate yourself and <span style="font-weight:bold;">SPEAK OUT</span>....please. Yes, these are difficult issues. But, if ignored, everyone will lose eventually.<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />My prayers this week are for hearts and eyes to be opened. I pray for courage and conviction for everyone to become informed and let your voice be heard by your legislators and law makers. I pray for softened hearts for those that have hardened their hearts to the needs of others and a strengthened relationship with the Lord for each of us.<br /><br />I also pray for a blessed and Merry Christmas season for each of you.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NAS<br /><br />Jeremiah 22:3<br /><br /> 3'Thus says the LORD, "Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place.<br /></strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1164249256120534862006-11-22T16:25:00.000-08:002006-11-27T13:05:46.596-08:00Good Bye to My Grandmother<strong>Good Bye to My Grandmother</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/1600/595274/Granny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/6504/1923/400/785253/Granny.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><center><strong>Ollie S. <br />December 29, 1908 - November 20, 2006</center></strong><br />I am sure she has been welcomed by the Heavenly Host and is now with her mother, her husband, her brothers and sisters, my little sister, and many of her friends. I know that she is enjoying the celebration of reunion with loved ones in the presence of our Heavenly Father and I look forward to being with her again.Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1163198862317273572006-11-10T10:05:00.000-08:002006-11-12T07:49:53.376-08:00*27 Years*, Why, & Prayers<strong>27 Years</strong><br /><br />Today is a milestone....a wonderful milestone! Today is our 27th Wedding Anniversary.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/WeddingPic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/WeddingPic.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Kim and I met almost 28 years ago. At that time, I was definitely NOT interested in a relationship. I had been in *more* than a couple of bad relationships and decided that men were jerks, some just more so than others. I did, however, think he had the most beautiful brown eyes and wavy black hair that I had ever seen. I definitely thought he was a dreamboat! But, still a guy, which in my mind meant he was always looking to play games and work a plan.<br /><br />Kim, on the other hand, was wondering why I was rather distant and not the usual female batting her eyelashes at him or trying to get his attention. I think this was a first for him. : ) <br /><br />As we became friends and saw each other frequently at group events, we began to know and understand each other. We talked frequently for hours, occasionally all night long. We once sat in my car in the church parking lot after an evening service, and talked until the sun came up the next morning....still in the car, still in the same parking space, just talking all night long.<br /><br />We went to movies in groups of our friends, went to have pizza with pals, and waited quite a while before we ever went out on an official *date*.<br /><br />We were close friends and both worried that dating might really mess that up. He called, we went to a movie and dinner on our own, and when he brought me to my home...we had hot chocolate. When I was walking past him into the kitchen to finish making the hot chocolate (pre microwave days!), he kissed me. WOW! What a kiss!!! If that was what kissing was, I had never really experienced being kissed before. Yes, literally, there were bells and rockets, I was dizzy, and melting on the spot!<br /><br />I had already realized he wasn't a *typical male*. He was genuine, he had a tender heart, he didn't have polished words and *a plan*. Kim was stronger than any person that I had ever known (or still have ever known)....not in a physical strength way, but in his character, his heart, his caring, his beliefs, and his honesty. Kim's priorities are unwavering and he walked the walk...not just talk.<br /><br />I fell for him like a ton of bricks. In spite of my best human efforts to be an independent female and charting my own course, he won my heart! And, I haven't regretted it for a single moment.<br /><br />We have shared our faith, that we feel has kept us centered and on course. We have like priorities. We have shared wonderful times and tragedies, have experienced the birth of our two wonderful children, had good times and hard times. We've had times of plenty and times that things were sparse. We've had arguments and misunderstandings, but always followed that by asking for forgiveness, apologizing from our hearts, and ultimately been brought closer together.<br /><br />What we have learned over the past 27 years is that each moment is precious and that our time may not be as long as we think. We have learned that selflessness in a marriage guarantees the best for both. When each partner puts the other partner's needs ahead of their own, nobody can lose. (However, if both partners aren't fully in sync with this...one will be the ultimate doormat and the other will constantly take advantage, or it will be a destructive battle of wills if both want to be first...so it must be the priority for both.)We have both stood by each other in times of severe sickness and have loved and valued each other all the more.<br /><br />We feel confident that the Lord brought us together. I will never be able to express enough thanks to our Heavenly Father for Kim, my most precious earthly blessing. And, I will never be able to thank Kim enough for introducing himself to me, becoming my friend, risking going on a date with me, that first incredible kiss, being a wonderful and outstanding Dad to our children, being with me every day for the past 27 years...laughing with me, forgiving me when I mess up, lovingly steering me back on course when I get confused, for holding me when my heart breaks, for being my very best friend, the best husband I could ever imagine and a man of God.<br /><br />I love you, Kim...words are not enough...my heart is totally and completely yours!<br /><br /><strong>Why?</strong><br /><br />WARNING...some adult content follows and may be difficult to read. If you choose to read, please read to the end.<br /><br />I have been asked on occasion *why* my blog is as it is. Why do I pray? Why do I blog about prayers, why am I open about my faith, why do I feel everything is something the Lord would care about? Do I ever consider to think that some may not want my prayers? Why is faith in the Lord such a big part of my life? Don't I think it is judgmental to pray for others or offer to pray? Do I think I am better than others?<br /><br />I can honestly share with you that these questions crush my heart. However, I can understand them and will do my very best to answer. Please read on and don't stop here...you will learn much more about me and hopefully understand me a bit better. I will be blatantly and painfully open and honest. I am NOT what you probably think and I want you to know that. This will be quite lengthy, but you will understand why as you read on.<br /><br />I wasn't always a Christian. I wasn't brought up in church. I wasn't the apple of my parent's eyes. I wasn't a cherished child. In fact, I was born as a burden to two very unhappy people. I would hope for a hug or attention from a Dad that would too frequently come home in a drunken stupor, if he came home at all. I would hope for a hug or approval from a mother that would slap or hit rather than be bothered. My parents had terrible fights....physical fights and verbal fights. My sister and I witnessed our father hit our mother so hard that her head went through the sheetrock of the wall of our living room. My father threatened to break my arm, as he held it over his bent leg like a stick, if my mother did not return to the house from the yard. Upon her return, the fight grew to the point of extremes. I was blamed for his abuse. I was too slow to not let him grab my arm.<br /><br />I received punishment for causing their fighting. <br /><br />Our mother's daily mantra was *if I had another kid, I'd kill it.* We believed it.<br /><br />This wasn't an isolated incident. This was our life until my sister and I went to live with our grandparents. I love remembering those days. Being held and rocked by my grandmother. Being teased by my grandfather.<br /><br />My parents divorced. We returned to live with our mother. She soon remarried. She and our stepfather became very successful in business ... money and material posessions were their goal. <br /><br />I began physical self harm and painful behaviors by the time I was in 4th grade. Somehow, it provided relief for my anger, my self hatred, and my pain...by inflicting greater pain on myself that I felt I abundantly deserved. I cut myself and stuck needles and pins in my scalp. I hid my behavior and if anything was noticed, it was ignored by adults around me.<br /><br />They fought and argued. We were blamed. We were beaten when our mother had a bad day or a temper flare, which was often. I was chased down the street by an angry parent wielding scissors, and had a butcher knife held to me with threats of being *gutted*, only to be rescued by another family member.<br /><br />We all left that home by the time we were 17. All, being my sister and I, my step brother, and my half brother. We left a huge home that was excessive in riches of money and material items, but void of love, caring, respect, or humanity. As we each left, we were told to never expect to return. We were on our own and they were celebrating.<br /><br />I'm not sharing this to solicit sympathy, it's just fact. I am only sharing this as background for understanding some of my subsequent actions and decisions, not as an excuse, but rather my reasoning, or lack thereof.<br /><br />At 17, before I graduated highschool, I married the first young man that I had ever dated. I needed an escape from the abuse, although I thought I was *in love* at the time. I successfully jumped from the frying pan into the fire.<br /><br />Abuse abounded. Neither of us had the maturity, understanding, or teaching to have a healthy or caring relationship. I did have the blessing of going to school. However, before graduation from nursing school, we divorced. I was 20, divorced, an RN...and facing new challenges and trying to cope on my own without direction.<br /><br />I excelled at my work. I learned quickly and easily and it was *natural* for me. I was an excellent nurse, but I didn't have a clue about my own life. My biological father was slowly dying from alcoholism and diabetes and frequently told me that he needed a *real* daughter. My mother and stepfather continued amassing wealth and fighting, and still blaming me for their every unhappiness. And, I believed them. <br /><br />I craved acceptance. I wanted to have parents that cared, that protected, that accepted, that knew how to love. I craved male acceptance. I wanted a father, I wanted to be special to someone, I wanted to be acceptable. I tried. I tried way too hard and way too much.<br /><br />I found myself gladly selling myself short and compromising myself to any degree just to hear someone tell me they cared...knowing that it was a lie. Hearing a lie was better than not hearing any caring words at all. <br /><br />I was involved in many relationships. Men were plentiful, but respect was non-existent...respect from them, or self respect for myself. They became quickly intimate, and were all empty. There was no caring, maybe occasionally a date or dinner, but rarely. I was craving acceptance and it was marked across my face. I was an easy mark and I tried to convince myself that this was how adult life worked. I tried to convince myself that I was *happy* with *casual* relationships. All the while, I was dying inside. I was running as fast as I could and only moving backward.<br /><br />As I tired of the lies and the game and hoped for something different soon, I was approached by a colleague. He was different. He wanted a relationship, I thought. He was attentive, caring, always checking on me and taking me out....and, he was married. We spent much time together. I was intensely infatuated and thought *he* was the answer to everything. <br /><br />In a nutshell, after a year, the relationship ended horribly. The pain I felt became unbearable. And, my guilt at causing pain to others ate at my heart and mind. My death became appealing and the focus of my thoughts...to relieve the pain. I had decided that I wasn't *tough enough* for life. That I didn't fit into the big scheme of things. I felt that even though I didn't know what death was like, it certainly couldn't be any worse than life as I knew it. And, that even though I had one area in which I excelled (my work), I felt I had harmed too many family, friends, and those I cared about most....and that others could much better utilize the oxygen that I breathed.<br /><br />I was relieved. I had a plan. It was all going to be over. I would no longer be able to be a disappointment to others....or myself. This pain would end. I felt relief.<br /><br />The day after I had made my decision and had my plan ready to go...all loose ends taken care of, paperwork neatly in order on my kitchen table, and a quick change of beneficiaries on my insurance at work....as I was leaving work, a nurse I did not know but had only been introduced to...approached me and asked me to come to her office for a couple of minutes to discuss a project. I followed her, she closed her office door, turned to me, looked me straight in the eyes and said....*Shelly, I know what's up. Please don't do this. Let me get help for you.*<br /><br />Now I did not know this person, had never told anyone what I was planning, and had just completed another shift at work. I felt I had everything all wrapped up and that I was secretly and successfully taking care of things. How did she know? Who had figured out my plan? How had this happened?<br /><br />At this point I had a choice....to deny everything and to continue home. Or, to accept an offer of help. It was up to me. <br /><br />I was so shocked by her words that I couldn't hide my reaction of *how on earth did you know*. I was angry and also horrified that she had somehow *known*. Then I was totally broken to think that she actually cared enough to say something and take that risk. I basically fell apart in her office and found myself being hospitalized across town in a psych unit later that day. <br /><br />I was barely 22 and felt I had lived at least 10 terrible lifetimes. I was hospitalized for more than 20 days in a locked unit. I had intense therapy. Some of it was helpful, but most left me feeling that I *couldn't do it*. I couldn't just convince myself I was happy, or cope my way to well-being. They did, however, keep me from harm and give me time to rethink and put things in a better perspective. Upon dismissal, I found my problems were still there, and now I had a huge medical bill to add to them. I felt that at the time of my hospital admission I had reached a bottom so low that I needed to look up to see the bottom...and if I had survived that, maybe I should give it another shot.<br /><br />I ended the negative and life sucking relationships. I tried to positively *self talk*. I worked, and worked, and worked. I threw myself into my work. And still, the pain, grief and weakness from before were mounting rapidly. The holidays were approaching, and that seemed to make it worse.<br /><br />Enter, Patti. I had gone to school with Patti. I worked with Patti. She was sweet, kind, and in my mind a bit of a goodie-two-shoes. I hate to admit it, but there were times that I felt sorry for Patti. She went to church all the time. She invited me to, of all things, Christian concerts. What??? She went to Bible studies. Poor little Patti, she sure didn't know how to do anything fun.I would find out I was wrong...totally wrong.<br /><br />Patti and I worked as nurses together in the same unit. She asked if I would like to ride with her to our work Christmas party. So, I said OK. The day of the work party, as we're getting in Patti's car, she lets me know that she has a stop to make at a friend's house and that it won't take long. She told me that she was going to sing a couple of songs for his party and play her guitar, and then we would continue on to our work party. I said fine. I knew she played guitar and sang and I had nothing better to do...and, after all, she was driving.<br /><br />We arrived at a home in NW OKC. She gets her guitar from the back and asks me to come inside with her. Well, rather than sitting in the dark in a car by myself, I agreed. We went inside and the rooms were FULL of people. People talking, laughing, having snacks and drinking...apple cider and hot chocolate. What? They were all our in our age range. Lots of young men, lots of young ladies. One of the young men asks everyone to have a seat and he begins talking. Well, it took me about 3 seconds to figure out that he was a *preacher*! Are you kidding me???? He was kind, very talkative, laughing, and encouraging everyone....and then began to talk a bit about being single or alone during the holidays. That got my interest. Then he introduced Patti. She went up front and began to play and sing.<br /><br />I was sitting on the floor, trying to blend in and not be too obvious that I surely didn't belong in *this* group. And, boy was I going to let Patti have it when we got outside!<br /><br />Patti sang a song, or two. She has a gentle, clear and very sweet voice. (I could listen to her all day.) Then she started singing another song. She looked at me as she sang. I don't remember the exact words, but they were words of watching a friend that she cared about and that she wanted to share with, but that wouldn't listen. Of the pain that she saw in her friend, of the broken heart she knew was inside, of the hard life that I had known and the longing for someone to care....of selling myself cheaply ... and how could she tell me that all along there was someone that cared. Someone that wouldn't let me down...someone that was more real than the people before me. Someone that didn't care what I had done, was wanting to show me *real*, unconditional love, and let me know I had a father all along. A father that could make wonderful things out of every bad thing, that all things would work for good, that could heal wounds, and restore hearts. She cried as she sang. I'm crying now as I'm typing. <br /><br />Well, we never made it to our work Christmas party. We spent the evening with the group of what I had previously thought were square, Bible thumping, no fun geeks. I can honestly say I was totally wrong about them. I had never met such nice, fun, and loving friends that cared unconditionally. You could screw up and be forgiven. You weren't expected to be perfect or have impeccable manners. They accepted me and my baggage...and invited me to join in the journey to knowing and walking with our Heavenly Father closer, and helping each other up when we stumble and fall. <br /><br />Nobody was pretending to be perfect...in fact, we were all totally imperfect. We had all been forgiven mightily. I *was never* and *will never* be perfect. I sure don't expect it of others. <br /><br />I do wish that you would come to know your Heavenly Father as caring, forgiving, and loving. There is freedom in that. You don't have to *go it alone*. <br /><br />What I perceived to be a harsh rule book of dos and don'ts, was actually a book of love letters He has sent to His children containing guidelines to protect them, keep them safe, and make the best of their lives and make them complete. Just as a loving parent instructs their child to stay out of the street, to not play with matches, or to not dive into unclear water....so our Father does for us. He wants us to avoid hurt, pain, or injury. He desires for us to have joy and fullness in our hearts. He regards us each as His children, equal in status and importance, equally forgiven, equally loved unconditionally.<br /><br />So, when I offer to pray for someone, or spend time in prayer...it is certainly not in a *holier than thou* type of thought or stance. It is simply me, running to our Heavenly Father, and spending time communicating with Him...spending time with Him and asking Him to intervene on your behalf, to spare pain, to give you good things, to help you in any situation because, I care. He is able to intervene where I/we cannot. He can cause good to come from bad. He can hold up your heart and make it full in *any* circumstance.<br /><br />Just as I cannot restore my grandmother's confused mind, heal my husband's deteriorating back or restore his heart to having a normal, healthy valve, nor can I protect my children from all pain, or spare my friends from hurtful things in life, I have a Father I can run to and He will listen. He can do these things. He answers...maybe not immediately, maybe not as we would wish, maybe He wants us to wait, but He does answer. He is faithful and always present. He is capable of doing what we cannot. Our responsibility is to draw closer to Him, allow Him to help us, and allow Him to teach us how to have true love and success.<br /><br />Will I stop praying? No. Never. Do I feel superior somehow? Absolutely not. I am riddled with flaws and am fully aware of that fact. However, I'm asking Him to help me with those and I'm aksing your forgiveness if I have offended you in any way...and I will continue to try to be better so as not to offend you ever again...although still being very human....well, you see the problem.<br /><br />You see, I am convinced that God put that nurse in my way the day I intended to give up. I'm also fully convinced that he put Patti with me to eventually *kidnap* me to a Christmas party and to lead me to another kind of life! : )<br />And, I'm sure that He has blessed my life with Kim, our children, my friends, our farm, ..... <br /><br />I'm not just going on emotion here. I have worked in medical research. I'm familiar with statistics. I attempt to keep up with scientific findings. There is proof to be seen if we look. I could not have *emotionally* produced true joy in my heart by my own doing. Even Kim couldn't do this for me. I could not have had a joyful 27 yr. marriage without the Lord's help. You may have, but certainly not me. And, I can truly say it has been a wonderful 27 years...not without trials and arguments, not without hard times, but also filled with fun, joy, love, commitment, and the blessings of our Heavenly Father...and I wouldn't trade 1 minute of the last 27 years with Kim for all the money in the world, lieterally. Nor, would I trade 1 minute of the almost 28 years of walking with my Heavenly Father for all the material gifts the world has to offer.<br /><br />Friends, I've pretty much put it all out there today. I'm taking a risk. It's a risk I consider worth taking....because I care. If you choose to think I'm a nut, well, that's OK. I'm just trying to share my heart with you and there are risks in that. I don't want you to see me as something I'm not. I'm a real and flawed human being. I'm certainly in no position to judge anyone, nor do I intend to come across in that manner. I'm hoping that you will just accept me as me...kinda unconditionally. ;)<br /><br />In closing, my prayer today is that you also have true Joy in your heart through our Heavenly Father. I pray that you accept His offer of unconditional love, cut yourself some slack and forgive yourself and others, accept His forgiveness, and let Him guide you as a loving parent to true joy and completeness and to finding your full potential of becoming the person He would have you be and knowing the life He has for you. <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend...<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br />P.S. Knitting Content and regular blogging next time!<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Psalm 121<br />A song of ascents.<br /> 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—<br /> where does my help come from?<br /><br /> 2 My help comes from the LORD,<br /> the Maker of heaven and earth.<br /><br /> 3 He will not let your foot slip—<br /> he who watches over you will not slumber;<br /><br /> 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel<br /> will neither slumber nor sleep.<br /><br /> 5 The LORD watches over you—<br /> the LORD is your shade at your right hand;<br /><br /> 6 the sun will not harm you by day,<br /> nor the moon by night.<br /><br /> 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—<br /> he will watch over your life;<br /><br /> 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going<br /> both now and forevermore.<br /><br />Ephesians 1:7<br />In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1162849516733612092006-11-06T13:04:00.000-08:002006-11-06T13:50:36.993-08:00Last Saturday's Sky, Little Hats, Little Socks, & Prayers<strong>Last Saturday's Sky</strong><br /><br />I did get a picture of the sky on Saturday and am finally getting it posted on Tuesday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SatSky11-4-06.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/SatSky11-4-06.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />We finally had a wonderful and much needed rain on Saturday. We had a thunderstorm and enjoyed it thoroughly!<br /><br /><strong>Little Hats</strong><br /><br />I've been making little hats for wee, little heads this weekend. I cast on at the <a href="http://www.swakknit.com">SWAK</a> Knit In Friday night and found these fast and easy to complete...and very good for the heart, too! <br /><br />I didn't get to knit on Saturday, but Sunday was a very fruitful day for little hat knitting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BabyHats11-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BabyHats11-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The pink daisy hat is from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itty-Bitty-Hats-cuddly-babies-toddlers/dp/1579652956/sr=8-1/qid=1162847216/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-5865177-3840806?ie=UTF8&s=books">*Itty Bitty Hats*</a> by Susan B. Anderson. I used various colors of <a href="http://www.swakknit.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=101BC-TCE&Category_Code=">Touche</a> yarn.<br /><br />The smaller baby hats are made in preemie and small newborn sizes. They are knit with <a href="http://www.swakknit.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=101P-DMB&Category_Code=">Plymouth Dreambaby DK</a> using the online pattern <a href="http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/premiehat1.html">HERE</a>. I made some simple modifications to the pattern to try some ribbing and the little knotted i-cord on the top.<br /><br />I found that many baby hats can be made from a single skein of either of these yarns.<br /><br />I'll be knitting more and sending some to the <a href="http://okcknitguild.blogspot.com//">Metro OKC Knitter's Guild</a> for use in local hospital nurseries and I'm also sending baby hats to support <a href="http://www.savethechildren.org/campaigns/caps-to-the-capital/">Caps To The Capital</a>.<br /><br />Knitting these little hats certainly warms my heart during the chilly, fall days. : )<br /><br /><strong>Little Socks With A Little Progress</strong><br /><br />I did get a small bit of time to work on the 6 little socks on one long circular needle last Thursday evening at our local Sit 'N Stitch at Borders. I made a little progress while chatting and visiting with my knitting friends. We had a wonderful time!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/LittleProgressLittleSocks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/LittleProgressLittleSocks.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />As you can see, not much progress was made. But, fear not, this is my project for intense knitting this evening. I'm going to concentrate on knitting these little socks and hope to have them finished in the next couple of days.<br /><br />Since I hadn't touched them this weekend, you will see much more progress in future pictures, I promise! : )<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />This week my heart has been drawn to deepened prayer for the children of <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> and children in situations without adequate resources to have the opportunity to live, grow and thrive...and those without parents. Please join me in prayer for these little ones and that we may each find ways to help relieve these situations as much as possible.<br /><br />I'm also drawn to pray for those that have adopted children and daily provide love and care for them...and have the joy of having children in their home. I pray that challenges will be overcome and that trust and love will replace fears and hurts.<br /><br />And, I pray that each of us, as God's children, will accept His love and care and grow closer to Him each and every day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />John 16:21<br />A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.<br /><br />Mark 9:37<br />"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."<br /><br />Mark 10:13-14<br />13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.<br />14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1162429788815485162006-11-01T15:44:00.000-08:002006-11-02T13:48:22.786-08:00Afternoon Sky & Moon, Keeping Up, Knitting Experiment, Sockret Pal Goodies, & Prayers<strong>Wednesday Afternoon Sky & Moon</strong><br /><br />Once again, I've missed Saturday's Sky, but I'm providing this afternoon's sky complete with the moon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.eagle-flight.com/images/AfternoonMoon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.eagle-flight.com/images/AfternoonMoon.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong>Keeping Up</strong><br /><br />Well, I'm trying! I'm talking about keeping up with electronic innovations....or my attempts to do so. <br /><br />Kim, my wonderful husband of almost 27 years (just a few more days) bought me a wonderful anniversary and birthday present ... an <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/">iPod Nano</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/iPodNano.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/320/iPodNano.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I've got it figured out, for the most part. : ) I'm finding that I'll probably be using it primarily for podcasts. Podcasts are rather like listening to recorded radio shows...and there are many great ones to be downloaded for listening! Knitting podcasts, i.e. <a href="http://www.CraftBorg.com">Craft Borg</a>, and podcasts of all areas of interest. <br /><br />Music listening is nice, but my favorite use is for listening to Bible study podcasts, most of which I've found <a href="http://www.oneplace.com">HERE</a> and daily Bible readings found on iTunes that originate <a href="http://www.dailyaudiobible.com/wordpress/">HERE</a>. Also, the audiobooks found <a href="http://www.audible.com">HERE</a> are too wonderful to pass up.<br /><br />A cup of hot chocolate or tea, my knitting, and my <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/">iPod Nano</a> and I'm set for some quality time!<br /><br /><strong>Knitting Experiment</strong><br /><br />In the past weeks I've been busily knitting small sweaters for <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>. However, after a time, I developed a bit of hand soreness and decided on a different knitting project for a week, or so. <br /><br />I'd had this idea rambling around in my head for a few months. Actually, since <a href="http://www.rosemarywaits.com">Rosemary</a> and I first started talking about starting <a href="http://www.carewool.com">CareWool</a>. So, as a bit of a kickoff project for <a href="http://www.carewool.com">CareWool</a>, and a personal challenge, this week I decided it was time to cast on and see if I could do it. *It* is this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.eagle-flight.com/images/CIC6SocksAtOnce.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.eagle-flight.com/images/CIC6SocksAtOnce.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Yes, this is knitting *6* socks at once on one long circular needle. I have always knitted 2 socks at once on one long circular needle, so I wondered why I couldn't knit more at once if I had a long enough needle. The picture above is the result of this thought rumbling around in my mind for a few months. : ) <br /><br />I did have witnesses to the cast on. Two knitting friends, <a href="http://www.rosemarywaits.com">Rosemary</a> and <a href="http://knittinggalnokc.blogspot.com/">Kay</a>, were laughing at me as I attmepted to cast on without too much of a tangle...and when I looked up, I had become a form of amusement for other Borders customers and got a few questions as to what I was doing. I persevered and was eventually successful at mastering all 6 cast ons in the correct sequence. (whew!)<br /><br />I'm knitting these on a 60" size 5 US Addi Turbo needle and using <a href="http://stitchesofviolet.blogspot.com/2004/11/mini-basketweave-toddler-sock-pattern.html">Marguerite's Mini-Basketweave Toddler Socks pattern</a>. If I can manage turning all the heels, I think I'll have it made! : )<br /><br />I'll report updates on the progress of the 6 little socks regularly. If this captures your imagination, or perhaps inspires you to consider knitting for children that are in need, please read the <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC website</a>, join in the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CIC-knit/">CIC Knit Yahoo list</a>, and/or join us at <a href="http://www.CareWool.com">CareWool</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Sockret Pal Goodies!</strong><br /><br />I must say that I have an *incredible* <a href="http://www.sockretpal.blogspot.com">Sockret Pal</a>! Look at all the goodies that were waiting for me at our gate! : )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SockretPal.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/320/SockretPal.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Do I have the very best Sockret Pal, or what?! I am spoiled rotten with this fantastic box of wonderful things! <br /><br />The box had a scrumptious scent from the cute candle in the beautiful votive holder when I opened the package. Everything was wrapped in pink and red tissue paper with a cute note. There is a beautiful soft pink and chocolate skein of yarn. Also, included were a hand knit pot holder in happy colors, two packets of wonderful teas, a cute handled basket with red hearts, some yummy Crunch Stixx, and two great flavored tubes of Chap Stick.<br /><br />My Pal is the *VERY BEST* and couldn't have picked things any more perfect for me! And, I think I have figured out where my Sockret Pal lives...just look at this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SockretPalInfo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/320/SockretPalInfo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />My Pal slipped up....look, the package was shipped from *Somewhere, USA*! : )<br /><br />Thank you so very much, Sockret Pal!<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />My heart has been a bit heavy this week as my grandmother's condition continues to deteriorate. Her clear thinking has given way to confusion and finding humor in matters that she wouldn't normally find funny. She is losing control of more of her bodily movements and functions, but thankfully at this point, seems no longer depressed or worried.<br /><br />I am so very thankful for her taking my sister and I and caring for us as her own when we were small. She gave us a safe haven in a very stormy time and was our one source of consistent caring and love.<br /><br />I find myself going from periods of feeling joy for her many long years and remembering her rocking me when I was small and scared as she would sing hymns, to feeling heavy sadness at her impending loss. I remember being gleeful when she would come to visit once we were again living with our parents. I remember thinking the world would surely end when she left. And now, my sadness grows as her health declines and her mind is growing dim.<br /><br />I am leaning on the arms of our Heavenly Father and know that she will be with Him soon. I am comforted to know that I will be with her again some day and that we will both be in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Indeed, what a day of rejoicing that will be!<br /><br />Many prayers have been answered for <a href="http://knitterswonderland.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>. Her surgery to remove two brain tumors went well and took less time than the doctors expected. She is recovering and will be spending some time in rehab to regain physical strength. Please continue your prayers for her.<br /><br />My prayer for each of you is that you no longer have doubts or skepticism about the Lord. That you realize His unending love for you and that you desire to follow Him more closely every day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />I John 4:4, 9-10, 18 <br /><br />4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.<br /><br />9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.<br /><br />18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear </strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1161563325753574122006-10-22T16:11:00.000-07:002006-10-22T20:51:31.466-07:00It's a Sunday Sky, Keeping Up, Book, & Prayer<strong>Sunday Sky</strong><br /><br />Yes, I know that I'm a member of the <a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/netring?ring=sanhurl;action=addform">*Saturday* Sky</a> group, but my picture is of today's Sunday sky. I tried to take a picture of the sky when I was out and about yesterday. I aimed the camera...and nothing. There was only an annoying beep. I then read on the camera screen that there was *NO CARD* in the camera. Yes, the card was at home ... and I wasn't.<br /><br />So, today we have Sunday Sky!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SunSky2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/SunSky2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I hope the Saturday Sky group will accept my humble apology. : )<br /><br />This Sunday sky is clear, very blue, and very still. It's simply beautiful!<br /><br /><strong>Keeping Up</strong><br /><br />I really enjoy keeping up with my online pals' blogs. As my favorite blogs grew in number, I was struggling to keep up with recent posts in a timely manner. While Bloglines is a great option, being a bit impatient in these matters, I choose to know immediately of updates when I'm online.<br /><br />So, our son <a href="http://www.zachharris.com">Zach</a> helps me out again. He recommended <a href="http://desktop.google.com/">Google Desktop</a>. I got it downloaded, installed, and running in just minutes!<br /><br />Google Desktop creates a sidebar on your computer screen with multiple features. The *Web Clips* feature allows you, by clicking on *Options*, to subscribe to all your favorite blogs and when they are updated, it shows immediately on your desktop sidebar under the Web Clips heading. How neat is that? : )<br /><br />The sidebar can be minimized whenever you like, so no need to worry that it will constantly be up on your screen if you'd prefer otherwise.<br /><br /><strong>Book</strong><br /><br />I'm planning on downloading a book from <a href="http://www.audible.com">Audible</a> soon. <br /><br />The book is...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/TheLanguageOfGod.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/TheLanguageOfGod.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This book speaks to many scientific issues and is written by the medical geneticist that headed the <a href="http://www.genome.gov/">Human Genome Project</a>, and now heads the <a href="http://www.genome.gov/">National Human Research Genome Institute</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Collins">Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD</a>. You can read more about Dr. Collins <a href="http://www.genome.gov/10000779">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Since I participated in medical research as an RN before becoming a stay at home wife, and currently as a patient in a medication research protocol, I have quite an interest in this book. And, as a Christian, I like to be prepared to answer any questions that may come my way. <br /><br /><strong>Prayer</strong><br /><br />Please continue to pray daily for those facing challenges ... and for each other. My prayer is that we each grow closer to the Lord every day and learn to have joyful and thankful hearts no matter what our circumstances may be.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Romans 12:12<br />Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.<br /><br />Psalm 17:6<br />I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1161294847018818972006-10-19T14:53:00.000-07:002006-10-19T20:37:18.266-07:00Autumn, Knitting, Announcement, Cats & Prayers<strong>Autumn at our Farm</strong><br /><br />Autumn in Oklahoma seems more colorful than usual this year. Yesterday I took a brief walk in the back pasture and took some pictures of the wooded area near the back boundary of our farm.<br /><br />Enjoy the pictures below of our fall colors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlogBackPasture1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlogBackPasture1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />and<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlogBackPasture2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlogBackPasture2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Yesterday was a cloudy day, but the colors were still brilliant. <br /><br /><strong>Knitting</strong><br /><br />I've just finished another little Raglan sweater for the children of <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>. This was a quick and easy knit using Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/RedCICChildSweater10-19-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/RedCICChildSweater10-19-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This yarn is very thick and I'm sure it will keep a little child very warm. I know it kept me warm while it was on my lap during knitting. : )<br /><br />I'll be mailing off my first box to CIC for the current knitting challenge that goes through November 30th. I'll be sending a second box later in the challenge.<br /><br /><strong>ANNOUNCEMENT of <a href="http://www.carewool.com">CareWool</a></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.rosemarywaits.com">Rosemary</a> and I have been working quietly for a few months on organizing a charity knitting group. We have a website that we would love you to visit and join ... <a href="http://www.carewool.com">www.CareWool.com</a> . <br /><br />Our goal is to encourage others in knitting for chairty, to join with friends of like minds and hearts for helping others, and to share in the process. We plan on having local monthly meetings, and for those that are too far away, you can participate online. We'll be linking blogs of members to the sidebar of <a href="http://www.carewool.com">CareWool</a> so that we can get to know each other and keep up with each other's lives.<br /><br />There are no fees or dues for Carewool. There's just lots of encouragement, ideas, fellowship and cheerleading for CIC/charity knitting. As a member, picture posting of items in progress, or completed, are welcomed and encouraged.<br /><br />Please join us at <a href="http://www.carewool.com">CareWool</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Cats</strong><br /><br />Our cats have been posing this week, so I took pictures of a couple of them to share with you.<br /><br />Here's Toby...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/TobyBlog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/TobyBlog.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Toby is nearing the top cat position of our group of kitties.<br /><br />And, here's Barkley posing with a cross stitch pattern that I am going to start soon. It looks just like him!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlogCrossStitchBarkley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlogCrossStitchBarkley.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The pattern is titled <a href="http://www.twdesignworks.com/Designs/tapestrycat.html">*Tapestry Cat*</a> by <a href="http://www.twdesignworks.com/xs.html">Teresa Wentzler</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />Please pray fervently for <a href="http://www.knitterswonderland.blogspot.com">Susan</a>. She will be having a major surgery this next week, on the 27th, to help battle her cancer again. Please pray for the Lord's loving arms to surround her and keep her safe, to give peace to her heart and mind, to care for her family, and to guide the neurosurgeon's hands. <br /><br />Also, please continue to pray for Mackenzie and her family, Will and his family, and always for each other.<br /><br />My prayer today is that we each have the Lord's peace in our minds and hearts, wisdom to do what is right, courage to choose against that which may harm others or ourselves, and to always be mindful to help someone else. And, of course, that we each grow stronger in our relationship with our Heavenly Father every day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Galatians 4:10<br />You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!<br /><br />Ecclesiastes 3:1<br />There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: <br /><br />Ezra 8:23<br />So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.<br /></strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1160957655395156262006-10-15T16:16:00.000-07:002006-10-15T18:00:00.353-07:00Sky, Wood, Warmth, Paths, & Prayers<strong>Yesterday's Saturday Sky</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SatSky10-14-07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/SatSky10-14-07.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong>Wood</strong><br /><br />Kim, my wonderful husband of almost 27 years, has been busy with his lathe the past week or two. He works with wood and his lathe when he's feeling well enough and his creativity and skill keeps growing. I'm so very proud of his talent and of his gentle and caring heart, strong convictions, and Christian commitment. He's been the biggest earthly blessing in my life...followed closely by our two children. The Lord's blessings truly cause my cup to runneth over.<br /><br />Here are some of his recent nostepinnes that will be available for purchase in some of the local yarn shops soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/Nostepinnes10-15-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/Nostepinnes10-15-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong>Warmth</strong><br /><br />As our temps drop, and the Eastern European temps drop even further and more quickly, my <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> knitting has been on track. The current <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CIC-knit/">CIC list</a> challenge for sweaters has me happily knitting children's sweaters.<br /><br />I completed this sweater night before last.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/OrangTurqFICICSweater10-14-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/OrangTurqFICICSweater10-14-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Then I immediately cast on another.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/CurrentCICSweaterProg10-15-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/CurrentCICSweaterProg10-15-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I had planned on knitting 3 <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> sweaters for the current challenge, but I'm way ahead of my estimated knitting time, so I think I'll do more than just these three. The current sweater is being knit in Lamb's Pride Bulky and is knitting very quickly. The yarn is lucious and I plan on using it frequently.<br /><br /><strong>Paths</strong><br /><br />The lessons learned on a farm from the animals are too numerous to count. I've always loved animals and welcomed their presence....even yearned for them when none were near. Thankfully, Kim loves animals, too.<br /><br />Our dachshunds are very smart (well, most of the time). They know where the best hunting areas are, where to avoid stickers, they prefer to stay dry and avoid going out when it's raining, but love to jump in and lounge in their water bowls on hot days.<br /><br />This year we have had an extended drought. Our dachshunds preferred paths are now very evident all over our farm. There's a well defined path around the house, to the barn, to the front pond, to the back pasture, to the garage, to their favorite shade trees, and anywhere else they choose to frequently venture.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/DachshundPaths10-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/DachshundPaths10-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Our dachsies conserve energy by taking their paths, which are always the most direct route and shortest distance to where they want to go. It is also the path of greatest safety .... sticker and burr free and best view of their surroundings. Also, they usually like to travel together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/DachshundPaths2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/DachshundPaths2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />A very important part of canine training and care is to teach them to *come* when called. This is essential for their safety and a requirement for any responsible canine owner. Especially since dachshunds are hounds, their natural instinct is to follow any scent trail or chase any perceived prey. A well trained dog will immediately stop what they are doing and come when called. They may not realize it is for their safety and protection, or because you love them, but it is absolutely essential. You wouldn't want them running into a busy street or scaring a child or chasing a rabbit until they were lost.<br /><br />It is loving discipline and consistency that is required to get a dachshund, or any dog, to respond.<br /><br />I'm really proud of these little ones:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/DachshundsComing.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/DachshundsComing.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And, they are always rewarded when they come promptly. : )<br /><br />Seeing their many paths on our farm makes me consider my own path. I hope to faithfully follow any path the Lord places before me and I know that He will always accompany me along that path. <br /><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />I pray that we each will know the path the Lord would have us take. I pray that we will each faithfully walk that path and be a blessing to everyone we meet along the way. I pray that we can accept loving discipline when necessary, and that we always run to His loving arms when called.<br /><br />I hope that you each have a wonderful upcoming week. I wish your path to be straight and sticker free ... and that you always find your way safely home.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Psalm 23:3<br />He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.<br /><br />Psalm 25:4<br />Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;<br /><br />Proverbs 3:6<br />In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.<br /><br />Acts 2:28<br />You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1160266125375966832006-10-07T16:23:00.000-07:002006-10-07T18:42:41.586-07:00Our Sky, Farm Animals, Knitting & Prayers<strong>Saturday Sky</strong><br /><br />Today's sky....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SatSky10-7-06.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/SatSky10-7-06.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />We're finally getting some cooler temps in central Oklahoma. Yesterday was in the 90's, so when we have temps that seem like fall is actually on its way, we're thrilled!<br /><br /><strong>Farm Animals</strong><br /><br />One of the biggest benefits of living on a farm and having acres of room is the ability to have animals that have plenty of room to exercise and explore.<br /><br />However, today we let a couple of the boys out of the back pasture to graze up front and this is where they went!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/RedfordBeingaBird10-7-06.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/RedfordBeingaBird10-7-06.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This is our boy, Redford, pretending he is a bird and eating from one of our ground bird feeders. He knows this isn't allowed....but, he tries anyway. He has a taste for sunflower seeds...which is NOT good for horses. So, we go out and move him and have to put away the bird feeders for a bit until we put the boys back in the back pasture this evening. (Please excuse the poor quality picture. It was taken through the screen of one of our front windows.)<br /><br />We also enjoy our dachshunds! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/DachshundFun10-7-06.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/DachshundFun10-7-06.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Our dachshunds are loyal, loving, brave, and they *do not* realize they are small dogs. They love to be in the laps of their humans, or chasing away wildlife critters, or just lazing in the sun. <br /><br />A couple of our boys have upcoming appts. with our vet for *testosterone adjustments*. Our vet is wonderful and I'm sure the boys will do well but we're not talking about it in front of them just yet. : )<br /><br /><strong>Current Knitting</strong><br /><br />I've been knitting children's sweaters for <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>. I hope to knit many more for the current challenge of the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CIC-knit/">CIC Yahoo Knit List</a> which goes through Nov. 30th. (Please feel free to join the list and to join in our efforts!)<br /><br />This past week Denise of the CIC list gave a link to a vendor for wool at an outstanding price. The vendor is <a href="http://www.thesheepshedstudio.com">The Sheep Shed Studio</a> and the specials for Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride is <a href="http://www.thesheepshedstudio.com/carolssuperspecials.html">HERE</a> on <a href="http://www.thesheepshedstudio.com/carolssuperspecials.html">Carol's Super Specials page</a>.<br /><br />I received my order 2 days after it was placed. Now that's service! The yarn is absolutely beautiful! Although some is listed as seconds, I could find nothing wrong with any of the skeins. All I can figure is that they must have incredibly rigid quality control at Brown Sheep. Here's a picture of my outstanding yarn purchase.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/CICYarn10-7-06.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/CICYarn10-7-06.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />You can see that I wound two of the center pull skeins into center pull balls looking for any sign of flaws...and I've found none! I'm so pleased to have found this vendor. I will be able to stretch my <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> dollars even further. : )<br /><br />I've also finished Chart #2 of the <a href="http://mimknits.com/shop/index.php?main_page=document_product_info&cPath=69&products_id=171">Mountain Peaks Shawl</a>. I just need to complete Chart #3 and do the border charts and I'm finished. Blocking isn't that far away. Yippee!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/MtnPeaksCompChrt2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/MtnPeaksCompChrt2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><strong>Prayers</strong><br /><br />I'd like to request renewed prayers for <a href="http://www.knitterswonderland.blogspot.com">Susan</a> and Will. They both are battling cancer and are having physical struggles and weakness from the cancer treatments. Please pray for their complete return to health, bountiful blessings from family and friends, and the comfort of our Heavenly Father every moment of every day.<br /><br />I also continue to pray for each of you. My prayer is that you will personally know the presence of the Lord in your life and have a continued growing and strengthening personal relationship with Him every hour of every day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Psalm 36:5<br />Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.<br /><br />Psalm 139:8<br />If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.<br /><br />Psalm 91:4<br />He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1159649130951733852006-09-30T13:35:00.000-07:002006-09-30T23:29:04.946-07:00A Quick & *On Time* Saturday Sky!Here's our sky in central Oklahoma today .....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SatSky3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/SatSky3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Isn't it gorgeous? : )<br /><br />I'm going to try to keep my Saturday Sky posts short and *on time* from this point forward. I hope that you are each having a wonderful Saturday Sky and a great day!<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br />Also, be sure to read my regular post located below this one.<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Psalm 36:5<br />Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1159560216930764092006-09-29T12:14:00.000-07:002006-09-29T17:53:24.423-07:00Late Saturday Sky, On The Needles, and Barkley BartholomewWell, it's Friday and I'm just now getting the picture of last Saturday's Sky posted. Amanda, our daughter, took the picture for me. Thank you, Apple Dumpling! : )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/SatSky2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/SatSky2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />One of our greatest blessings was getting to move to our farm and enjoying the scenery, quietness, and wildlife. Farm life is busy and demanding, but we wouldn't have it any other way. My husband and I both have had careers in the medical field (me and RN for a very long time, my husband a nuclear medicine technologist) and there has been nothing better than having our farm to come home to after a strenuous day.<br /><br />Here's a look out from one of the living room windows at our front yard taken a couple of years ago. It is still much the same.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/CountryFrontYard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/CountryFrontYard.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The ducks are releases from <a href="http://www.wildcareoklahoma.org">Wildcare Foundation</a> after successful rehab, as are some of the geese. The Canada Geese, however, are wild and they stop by for a visit and a meal frequently.<br /><br /><strong>Currently On The Needles</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/OnTheNeedlesNow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/OnTheNeedlesNow.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I'm currently working on another little raglan pullover for <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>. It is being knitted in Cascade 220 in the color Tangerine Heather. The yarn was purchased from my favorite ebay seller <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Cedarville-Landing-Yarn">Cedarville Landing Yarn</a>. Thank you, Jane! She has great prices and outstanding service.<br /><br />Additionally, I couldn't resist casting on for the <a href="http://mimknits.com/shop/index.php?main_page=document_product_info&cPath=69&products_id=171">Mountain Peaks Shawl</a> from Mimknits. I'm using Jaggerspun Zephyr laceweight in the color Mushroom. I purchased this from Margaret at <a href="http://www.gourmetyarnco.com">Gourmet Yarn Co</a>. ...and I plan on getting more! : )<br /><br />My double rolled mittens are currently stalled. The action of knitting in the roving has caused me to develop a wrist issue. When it calms down, I'll get them finished. <br /><br /><strong>Lessons from Barkley Bartholomew</strong><br /><br />Here's Barkley...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BarkleyWindow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BarkleyWindow.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This is just about as excited as Barkley gets. He can lounge and sleep during the most severe thunderstorm. He is calm when our dachshunds are inside and a little too interested in him. Nothing seems to get him upset or rattled. Although this is a Ragdoll breed characteristic, I think Barkley has calmness to spare! : )<br /><br />I'm hoping that someday I can learn to be calm and still (at all times)in the Lord despite what's happening in my life. I don't want to become unaware and disinterested in what's happeing in the world at all. I want to stay active and participatory, but yet still have peace and rest in my heart and mind....that only our Heavenly Father provides.<br /><br /><strong>Prayer Updates</strong><br /><br />Little Mackenzie is improving and undergoing treatment for her facial cancer. Please continue to pray for her and her family diligently.<br /><br />My grandmother has improved physically, but her clarity of mind continues to deteriorate. Hospice is a great help. Please continue to pray for her to be as comfortable as possible in her final days...and for my family in IL that is caring for her.<br /><br />I pray for each of you to have health, enjoyable days, to continue to help others, and to have the peace of the Lord in your heart and mind.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />John 14:27<br />Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.<br /><br />Philippians 4:7<br />And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1159394453752815452006-09-27T14:35:00.000-07:002006-09-27T15:00:53.866-07:00Sockret Pal InformationThis is my first knitting/gifting exchange and I'm so ready to have loads of fun with this. I've got plans for my assigned partner already! And, here's the information for the person that has been assigned to me. <br /><br />I'm really thrilled and can't wait to get to know both my partners on each end! Now, let's have fun!<br /><br /><strong>The Questionerre</strong><br /><br />The basics:<br />How long have you been knitting? Actually, I've been knitting about 2 years.<br /><br />Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? I'd consider myself and intermediate to advanced sock knitter.<br /> <br />The measurements:<br />I wear a ladie's size 7 (US) shoe. Foot circumference is 8 inches.<br /> <br />(fiber related) Favorites:<br />What colors do you love? Nearly any color. I love blues, greens, reds, yellow....just any of them.<br />Do you prefer solids or variegated? Solids for textured patterns and varigated for simple patterns.<br />What fibers do you most love to knit with? Wool, alpaca, wool/silk blends, and just about any natural fiber.<br />Who do you consider your favorite yarn vendors? Regia Silk Wool, Opal, Socks That Rock, Barefoot Mountain Colors, etc. <br />What projects (other than socks, of course*S*) do you most enjoy knitting? Sweaters, socks, anything with lace. <br /> <br />(fiber related) Dislikes:<br />What fibers can you not stand to knit with? To wear? I find that I don't enjoy acrylic...either knitting with it or wearing it.<br />What colors would you never wear? The only color I don't wear near my face is orange. I just fade out to invisible when I wear orange. <br /> <br />The Tools:<br />Plastic or Metal? Bamboo or wood? I love my Denise Interchangable needles. I also enjoy Addi Turbos for sock knitting. And then I love Bamboo and wood needles, too!<br />Circs or Straights? Circs most frequently, but I do enjoy using my straights at times.<br />DPNs or Magic Loop? Either. I use Magic Loop most of the time, but find myself missing my DPN's and use them fairly regularly, too.<br />Are there any knitting accessories you don't have in your collection but would like?<br />I never have enough point protectors. I also love anything to do with little sheep. I never have enough of the zip top baggies on hand to hold my yarn and knitting when I need them. I love any little knitting gadgets or goodies.<br /><br />The Extras:<br />Do you have a wish list? Not really. <br />Do you like sweet, sour or salty? I like them all!<br />Do you have any allergies your pal should know about? Smoke causes me problems.<br />Favorite scents? I love most scents. Citrus and cocoanut, some floral, and lots of food ... apple, pumpkin pie, etc.<br />Do you collect anything (other than yarn and knitting toys of course)? Dachshund things : ) Also, bird items...and just about any animal item. I also enjoy having nice notecards to send to friends and family.<br />When is your birthday? November 19th<br />Do you spin? Dye your own yarn? I'm learning to spin with a drop spindle. I haven't tried dying yarn yet, but I'm interested.<br />Your favorite author/band/vacation spot, anything you think will help your pal know you better...<br /><br />My favorite vacation spot is right here on our farm! We have horses, cats, dogs, ducks, geese, and all types of wildlife. I enjoy anything nature related and autumn is my favorite season. <br /><br />Most of my books are knitting books. I also enjoy good fiction and fantasy, mystery books, and writings of C. S. Lewis.<br /><br />I enjoy classical music, Celtic music, and insturmental music of many types.<br /><br />Basically, there isn't much that I don't enjoy or appreciate. : )<br /><br />That's about it. If you have questions, please just let me know. And, I hope you're having a wonderful week!<br /><br />Your Pal,<br /><br />ShellyPrayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1158802179094233942006-09-20T17:06:00.000-07:002006-09-21T13:13:03.206-07:00Saturday Sky on Wednesday, Knitting, and Words<strong>Saturday Sky</strong><br /><br />I've been very excited to join the <a href="http://saturdaysky.blogspot.com/">Saturday Sky</a> webring. Folks all over the world just take a picture of the sky on Saturday in their area. The <a href="http://www.ringsurf.com/netring?ring=sanhurl;action=list">webring</a> can be followed and you can enjoy the wonder and differences in the sky in each area.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlogSatSky1st.1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlogSatSky1st.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Although the picture of the Saturday Sky over our farm in central Oklahoma is being posted on Wednesday, it *was* our view Saturday afternoon of the glorious sky from our vantage point. Enjoy! : )<br /><br /><strong>Knitting News</strong><br /><br />My knitting has been focused on the current CIC challenge for sweaters for the children in Eastern European Orphanages. My first sweater (as seen below)for the current <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CIC-knit/">CIC Yahoo list</a> knitting challenge is complete, and the 2nd is currently on my needles. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlogFirstCICSweaterCurChlg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlogFirstCICSweaterCurChlg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Last night Rosemary and I met at Barnes and Noble for some quality knitting time. Rosemary found some new books in the knitting section and brought them to our table. I was so fascinated by the book below and the information and stories inside that I knew quickly that it would be going home with me if it wasn't going home with Rosemary first.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlogBookCover2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlogBookCover2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Inside <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Peace-Make-World-Better-Place-One-Stitch-at-Time/dp/1584795336/sr=8-1/qid=1158780449/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-1956330-6281515?ie=UTF8&s=books">this book</a>, are *5* pages dedicated to <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">Children In Common</a> and the story behind Karen Porter's (the founder of CIC) adoption of her sons and her continued commitment to the children still in the Eastern European orphanages.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlogCICPage2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlogCICPage2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Many other wonderful knitting charitable organizations are highlighted and detailed and several basic charity knitting patterns are included. With quality writing, binding, and photography, this book is excellent. I highly recommend it and it has definitely reignited the spark behind my charitable knitting.<br /><br />The Double Rolled Mitten knitting also continues for the <a href="http://knittinmittens.blogspot.com">Knittin' Mittens</a> knit along. Slowly but surely, progress is being made. I'm sure these mittens will be very warm, but the process is not easy for this continental style knitter. I'm still thinking that I can finish by the end of the month, hopefully.<br /><br /><strong>Words</strong><br /><br />The past week has reminded me once again of the importance of words. Words can uplift the heavy hearted, encourage someone facing a task, relay our affection and caring, invite conversation and exchange, or *all too easily* cause pain, rejection, misinformation to go unchecked, relay prejudice, voice unfounded anger, and cause untold injury.<br /><br />My prayer is that I can more closely be accountable for my words and use the power of my voice to build up, encourage, express kindness, or even discipline or disagreement in a caring and respectful manner. I pray that I always have the courage to ask forgiveness when I've spoken wrongly and the fortitude to admit my wrongs to those I may have harmed. <br /><br />Although we enjoy talking casually and think it is just *chit chat*, we should be aware that it has more power to injure than we ever realize. And, I pray that I never use my voice out of the emotion of anger, but rather a measured voice of reason, fact, and fairness.<br /><br />I also pray that I recognize and never back down from using my voice for someone being unfairly maligned. <br /><br />Thank you for your prayers for my grandmother. She is resting much better this week. <br /><br />I'll be praying for each of you and hope that you have a wonderful week and that every day you feel the Lord's presence more closely and that your walk with Him is stronger.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br />P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Sis, Cheryl, yesterday the 19th!!!! Love YOU, Sis!<br /><br />And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to <a href="http://www.rosemarywaits.com">Rosemary</a>, Jeanell, and <a href="http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-tx3.tjIhcqgm16CD9vdGX9.f0hE-?cq=1/">Vanessa</a> tomorrow, the 21st!<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Job 4:4<br />Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.<br /><br />Job 6:10<br />Then I would still have this consolation— my joy in unrelenting pain— that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.<br /><br />Psalm 19:14<br />May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.<br /><br />Proverbs 12:18<br />Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<br /><br />Proverbs 16:24<br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<br /><br />Proverbs 21:23<br />He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.<br /><br />1 Peter 3:10<br />For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1158108268336398672006-09-12T16:25:00.000-07:002006-09-13T12:07:18.113-07:00Farm Wonders and Thoughts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/MapleTreeSockYarn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/MapleTreeSockYarn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Look what was enjoying our cooler weather outside today! I found these two skeins of sock yarn resting in our old Maple tree. On the left is a skein of Socks That Rock lightweight sock yarn in the *Lucy* colorway (but we don't call it Lucy here...it's the *Barkley* colorway) from <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> and on the right, a skein of <a href="http://www.tradewindknits.com/yarn_store.html">Lucy Neatby's Celestial Merino Dream </a>sock yarn in the Blue Vesuvius colorway. Both are yummy and more socks are in my knitting plans!<br /><br />Speaking of Barkley, this is our Barkley Bartholo*mew*. He's our Ragdoll cat. He's a mitted sealpoint...and quite relaxed. See his favorite resting position below:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BarkleySleeping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BarkleySleeping.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Yes, this is how Barkley likes to sleep....on his back in his favoirte chair with his head hanging off the edge and his front legs outstretched. Doesn't this look like you would wake up with the worst neck ache in the world? However, there isn't much that gets Barkley excited and this is his way of relaxing and catching some ZZZZZZZs. And, no, I didn't change this picture at all. This is Barkley's position almost every day when he's taking one of his MANY naps.<br /><br />Our big Maple tree also had a blocked Trellis Scarf (pattern from the Spring '06 issue of Interweave Knits) to display.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/BlockedTrellisScarf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/BlockedTrellisScarf.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The yarn is laceweight Jaggerspun Zephyr silk/wool in the color sage. This is lucious yarn and it was a fun, although lengthy (for me) knit. Thanks go to <a href="http://www.rosemarywaits.com">Rosemary</a> for keeping me motivated!<br /><br />This scarf is now winging its way north, courtesy of the USPS, as a gift. : )<br /><br />Additionally, I'm working on knitting some mittens using a very old pattern and technique called *Double Rolled* mittens.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/DoubleRolledMittensInProg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/DoubleRolledMittensInProg.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br />The cuffs went quickly. However, when the *double rolling* started with the merino wool roving being wound around the yarn at each stitch, let's just say I lost my pace. I do plan on having them completed by the end of the month and I was hoping our garden bunny would knit a few rows during our photo session, but so far, no such luck.<br /><br />The pattern and technique for these mittens are found in Robin Hansen's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Favorite-Mittens-Traditional-Patterns-Partridge/dp/089272627X/sr=8-1/qid=1158107664/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-1956330-6281515?ie=UTF8&s=books">"Favorite Mittens"</a>. I'm using sport weight, lavendar, Misti Alpaca and a 47", size 1, Addi Turbo circular needle using the magic loop technique and knitting both mittens at once. I'm participating in <a href="http://knittinmittens.blogspot.com/">Canadian Shelley's Knittin' Mittens knit along</a>.<br /><br />I've also got a <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> children's sweater on the needles. Pictures will be posted soon!<br /><br /><strong>Thoughts</strong><br /><br />When I was outside taking pictures today in our cooler weather and enjoying the fresh smells of the fall season, I couldn't help but notice the size of the huge tree in our yard. The tree's base is at least 12 feet in circumference.<br /><br />I don't know the age of the tree. It was here long before this became our farm. We've watched many birds and other animals make this tree their temporary home and raise families here. It's branches hold many of our bird feeders and provide shade for the birdbath that is kept full with fresh water just below.<br /><br />The tree has grown quite substantially this summer, in spite of our lengthy drought.<br /><br />The past few weeks have been difficult with reports of continued war, the 5th anniversary of 9-11, the sudden and unexpected death of a wildlife conservationist, and the declining health of my dear grandmother.<br /><br />At these times when it seems that the world moves too quickly and makes little if any sense, or maybe is too painful to bear, it is comforting to see such a strong example of God's creativity and provision. <br /><br />The old tree can't produce the rain that it needs, or the sunshine it depends upon to produce food. It has no way of shielding itself from storms or harsh weather. But yet, it survives, grows, makes beautiful and intricate leaves, produces hundreds of little seeds each spring, and continues to stand strong.<br /><br />I want to be more like the tree....just trusting .... and continuing to stand. I will continue to delight in God's vast creation and plan ... even when my heart breaks and I don't understand.<br /><br /><strong>Prayer</strong><br /><br />Please pray for my grandmother, Ollie, who is almost 98 years old. She has become increasingly weak and is having mounting medical problems related to her age. Hospice has been called in to help as she lives her final days with my extended family in IL.<br />I covet your prayers for her to have peace of mind and heart in her final days and assurance in the Lord's salvation as she prepares to go home to be with Him. Also, please pray for all my dear relatives that are directly involved in her care. Thank you.<br /><br />I appreciate each of you and hope that you are having a wonderful week and a closer walk with the Lord every day.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br />P.S. I want to give very special *THANKS* to <a href="http://www.xanga.com/okcountryjo">Amanda</a> and <a href="http://knittinggalnokc.blogspot.com/">Kay </a>for our great trip to Tulsa on Labor Day. What fun we had! : )<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Colossians 2:2 & 3<br /><br />2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<br /><br />Proverbs 3:5<br /><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;<br /><br />Philippians 4:6-8 <br /><br />6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.</strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19437392.post-1157165502862009522006-09-01T18:39:00.000-07:002006-09-01T22:47:27.076-07:00It's Been a Busy and Productive TimeThe last few weeks have rushed by. I didn't intend to neglect my blog, but it seemed that priorities kept pushing it back until the next day....repeatedly. <br /><br />So, here I am trying to do a little *catching up* with what's been going on in Oklahoma at the Harris household.<br /><br />I finished some knitting projects. YAY!<br /><br />A Raglan Sweater for my hubby and the Trellis Scarf for my aunt. Both have yet to be blocked. Blocking is on the schedule for this weekend. I'll also post better pictures of each of these soon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/FinishedRaglanandTrellis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/FinishedRaglanandTrellis.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The sweater pattern is from the <a href="http://www.knittingpureandsimple.com/Men.html">Knitting Pure and Simple pattern #991</a> and knit with <a href="http://www.josharp.com.au/">Jo Sharp Aran Tweed yarn</a> in the color *Ash*. <br /><br />This Raglan sweater patter is worked top-down and totally solves the problem of holes at the underarms with this method. Needless to say, I was thrilled! It was a quick, enjoyable and effortless knit. Plus, the wonder of knitting with the Jo Sharp Aran Tweed yarn was delightful! I highly recommend this yarn. <br /><br />I also completed Amanda's <a href="http://www.chicknits.com/catalog/ribbycardi.html">Ribby Cardi from ChicKnits</a>. This is also a wonderful pattern and fun to knit. It knits quickly and is a very good pattern with several options for changes as you desire. I used <a href="http://www.josharp.com.au/">Jo Sharp DK Tweed yarn</a> in the colors Emporio and Paper Rose for the Ribby. The yarn is butter soft and perfect for next to the skin wear over shorter sleeves when it's cool outside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/AmandasRibbyCardi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/AmandasRibbyCardi.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Amanda wasn't thrilled during the photo session for this picture. It was only 108 F outside and she had just come inside to cool off. She was also sliding on the slick, hardwood floor. She was standing near the front door, but because of the arched door window shining behind her and turning her into a silhouette, I had her stand *lower*. She was leaning against the front door with her feet about 1 - 2 feet away from the base of the door....and sliding on the hardwood floor. I got tickled and she didn't think it was quite as funny. She loves her cardi, but prefers not to wear it when the temps are >100 outside. : )<br /><br />I also won something! I guessed what <a href="http://knitnana.blogspot.com/">KnitNana</a> was knitting....and look what she sent to me in the mail. A beautiful, hand sewn checkbook cover from her business, <a href="http://www.nanasadierose.com/">Nana Sadie Rose</a>. I love it! It is really a quality made item and I highly recommend her products. I'm sure I'll be ordering soon! Just check out this beauty below. : )<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/KnitNanaCkBkCvr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/KnitNanaCkBkCvr.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I've also had some fun shopping and I made a knitting find (as seen below).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/GoodyLatexStitchMarkers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/GoodyLatexStitchMarkers.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I've read on several knitting blogs about how many wished there were better and less expensive stitch markers. <a href="http://knittinggalnokc.blogspot.com/">Kay</a> had requested access to the little marking bands used on her electric toothbrush set. Well, I think I found them....or at least their clones. The Goody brand latex bands look like the perfect knitting stitch markers to me. I'll report later with a review.<br /><br />I have also committed to shopping for <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> needs whenever I find items of good quality and value during my routine shopping. I just pick up a few items when I'm at the store and put them in a cabinet. As I prepare packages of knitted items to send for the children and caregivers, I add some of the items to fill the box. <br /><br />My latest shopping for <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a> has been focused on health care items.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/CICNeeds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/CICNeeds.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br />Previously, I've sent knitted items in boxes also containing educational items for the children along with art supplies. <br /><br />I strongly encourage everyone to visit the <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC website</a>. It will definitely touch your heart.<br /><br /><strong>For the Birds</strong><br /><br />We've also released some avian graduates from <a href="http://www.wildcareoklahoma.org">WildCare</a> recently at our farm. We love being a release site. Last year I helped rehab birds (specifically orphaned or injured baby insectivores) as an avian sub-permitee for WildCare. I sorely missed the baby birds this year, but health issues kept me from being able to help out this year. <br /><br />However, we were able to continue participating with WildCare as a release site for successfully healed and rehabilitated animals. We recently had 4 young Purple Martins to release. Our colony had already left our site to gather at a premigratory roost in preparation for their migration to Brazil for winter.<br /><br />The young Purple Martins are dependent upon adults to learn to feed. Since our colony of Martins had already left for the season, we played a recording of Purple Martins colony chatter and successfully called in several adult Purple Martins in just a matter of minutes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/PurpleMartinsCalledIn.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/PurpleMartinsCalledIn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />More Purple Martins arrived.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/More%20Purple%20Martins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/More%20Purple%20Martins.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The young Martins were successfully released in the company of several other Martins to care for and teach them until they were fully independent. : )<br /><br /><strong>And, on the current knitting front</strong><br /><br />I'm currently working on a pair of simple cuffed and ribbed socks out of <a href="http://www.ptyarn.com/lollipop.html">Opal Lollipop sock yarn</a> in colorway #1010.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/1600/Lollipop1010Soxinprogress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6504/1923/400/Lollipop1010Soxinprogress.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I've also joined my first knitting swap. I'm looking forward to having great fun with this. The swap is the <a href="http://sockretpal.blogspot.com/">Sock-ret Pal swap</a>. If you are interested, please sign up!<br /><br />And, I joined <a href="http://confirmtheworkofourhands.blogspot.com/">Shelley's</a> (my friend from Canada) mitten knit along, <a href="http://knittinmittens.blogspot.com/">Knittin' Mittens</a>. Please join us if you have been thinking of mittens.<br /><br />I have children's sweater patterns swimming in my head and decisions to make. I'll be casting on tonight for children's knitted sweaters for <a href="http://www.childrenincommon.org">CIC</a>. : )<br /><br /><strong>Prayer Request</strong><br /><br />My good friend, Dave, called today. He shared with me about a young, 6-year-old girl named Mackenzie Woelbling of O'Fallon, MO. She is battling facial cancer. She has had previous radiation, chemo, and partial removal of her jaw. Now the cancer has returned and a miracle is needed. They plan to do repeated chemo and radiation at much higher dosages. Please pray for Mackenzie and her family. Additionally, her 29 year old father passed away recently from cancer. This family has been overwhelmed with illness, sadness and loss. Please pray for Mackenzie and her family every time you think of them.<br /><br />Please have a wonderful weekend. I pray that you stay safe and are drawn closer to our Heavenly Father every day....and feel his love and care in your heart daily.<br /><br />Your Friend,<br /><br />Shelly<br /><br /><strong>NIV<br /><br />Psalm 77:14<br />You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.<br /><br />Job 5:9<br />He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.<br /><br />Philippians 4:6<br />Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<br /></strong>Prayerful Knitter - Shellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00964530242497364228noreply@blogger.com15