Friday, December 29, 2017

Thrifting Scores and Darkest Hour


I promised myself I would finish 2017 a pant size smaller.  Over the past few years I've inched up a size or two.  I know now I really have to be vigilant.  I've returned to more of a vegetable based food diet and not much meat at all.  I've never been one to enjoy large amounts of meat and I think that will serve me well in my new resolve to eliminate it from my diet.  Luckily, Gene has similar eating preferences so it's easy enough to go out and eat together.

Yesterday I felt well enough to spend some time away from home.  It was pretty cold for Houston but I had to get the license renewed on my car and run a few other errands so I just bundled up.  One stop at my favorite thrift store netted some very interesting framed posters (and a few pairs of smaller jeans).

They are smartly matted and with heavy frames.  I believe they may have been hanging in a public place.  The frames have big globs of glue on the back.  They are huge (about 3 x 4 feet) , the scale is much too large for my small house, but I envisioned they would be perfect for Brent and Laura's very high-ceilinged house.  I knew they would like the subject and style.  The price was certainly right:  $14.52 & $19.52.  So I called and they wanted them.  Since I had them in my SUV, I delivered them too.  Had a nice visit.



Isn't it crazy the amount of hangars hanging under the posters?  These are all women's dresses.  Look how tightly they are there.

I decided to meet Gene after work for dinner and a movie.   Darkest Hour was very well written and acted.  It chronicles the 4 week history of Winston Churchill's early decision of World War 2 to pull the British into the war against Hitler.   Well worth viewing, especially if you enjoy history.

Here's the trailer:



I've started reading Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood.  I had to toss the last book aside.  It was so slow I lost interest.



Since I am not a TV watcher I didn't know this has been turned into a TV show.  I may have to watch it once I've finished the book.  Atwood has a very subtle sense of humor; one thing I notice is how she pokes fun at the Methodist!  The book is written under the umbrella of patchwork blocks.  The main character is hand piecing a quilt.  It adds a 2nd layer of interest to the story. 

Sunday, December 24, 2017

Christmas Eve



Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, God of Love.

We love and adore you in Jesus Christ, our savior.  Amen.


Saturday, December 23, 2017

Sick!

I'm not sure what I caught but it's been energy draining.  So far I've handled it with NyQuil products and a lot of sleep.  It's a little different being sick when you live alone.  There's no one to fetch anything for you.  I think I am over the worst of it now.  Any plans I had for additional Christmas decorating or gift making have come to a screeching halt.

Before I got sick, I finished quilting a male twin sized quilt.  It will probably be given to one of the charities my church works with in the community.  I love this style of quilt---so abstract and improv; yet, orderly.  I sew these on the longarm using a sew & flip technique.  Everything is bundled together for the most efficiency!  Lots of old and unusual fabrics in this one.  Once the weather warms & I feel better I'll get a full view picture to share.






***
Today is the 21st Day of Advent:  The Advent Lesson tells us that God's Purpose is to Love.  We are given the commandment: Love each other as I have loved you. We know that the arrival of Jesus is the embodiment of God's love for us.
Prayer: We thank you for your love, O God.  Help us to love others.  Amen.

Monday, December 18, 2017

MDUMC Angel Advent Tree

Each Advent season my church decorates the sanctuary, narthax and friendship court beautifully. My favorite decoration is a towering tree adorned with individual needlepoint angels. At the base of the tree are the familiar characters of the Nativity scene.
They have all been stitched by members of the church. I've stitched some needlepoint so I have a very high appreciation for the amount of skill these angels require to look so beautiful.
All Glory to God through the needles of women stitching together.

















***
Today is the 16th Day of Advent:  Referencing the Lord's Prayer we are asked to pray remembering that God has the power to answer prayers.  He wants to provide good things for us.  

Prayer:  Bring in your kingdom, O God.  We praise your power and give you glory.  Amen. 

Sunday, December 17, 2017

The Shape of Water Movie


Wonderful Sunday Adventure today!

Such a heartwarming and touching message about loneliness and love.











Saturday, December 16, 2017

Work in Progress: My Front Door

 Maybe sometime about 18 months ago my neighbor called and asked if I wanted a wooden door from one of his home improvement jobs.  It appeared that his client gave him the door & Dave didn't really want it either.  Being who I am, I said, "Sure!"  It sat in my garage awhile before I made the decision to replace my current crappy door with this nice wooden door.

Last weekend Gene and I sanded it.  This weekend we painted it.  Sometime after Christmas we'll hang it.  I'll use a nickel handle set for it.  I can hardly wait!




It was replaced by the original owner because of the sun damage to the wood.  


As leaded glass designs go, this is pretty nice.  


It responded very well to sanding. 


Great solid wood door


My wonderful guy! 


We used a paint sprayer so the paint had to be diluted to the appropriate consistency to work in the sprayer. 


While Gene mixed the paint I taped the window and sides.



The aqua paint color makes me swoon.  I love it! 


Painter in Action


I painted the details.  I seem to be the Detail Person on the projects.  I was the one that  hand sanded the grooves of the panels.  Funny how that works! 


It was nippy outside.

So much Joy! 

Friday, December 15, 2017

Paris in Spring Quilt

It was just fun yesterday quilting this twin sized quilt for a girl. It will be delivered to Memorial Drive United Methodist Church Sunday. We work in partnership with Memorial Assistance Ministries to help families navigate life.  I am happy to contribute this quilt for the Blanket Buddies drive. 










***
Today is the 13th day of Advent:  Psalm 67 reminds us that our world in bigger than our house, our family or our neighborhood.  God asks us to reach beyond the known and to love & serve among all nations.  We are asked to care for all human beings.

Prayer: Widen our vision to the whole world you love, O God. Amen.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Christmas Projects & Blanket Buddies

I seem to be working at a snail's pace on my own Christmas decorations.  In truth, I've been working my organization business quite a bit lately.  I'm learning to grab my time for personal projects when I can. 

One of the 3 Christmas embroideries I stitched a few years ago is starting to take shape.  I buttonholed Santa to the crazy patch background and stitched on some trims.  I have a variety of snowflakes to add; then, I'll attach him to a stretcher frame. 




One of the ministries of my church, Memorial Drive United Methodist Drive, that interests me is Blanket Buddies.  Each December we collect blankets for children in Houston.  The request is for twin sized blankets.  Last year I was caught unaware & the due date this year is sneaking up on me.  Today I am going to do my best to quilt a blanket for a child.

 All the sewing I do lately is commissioned work.  I have 2 commissions still due tentatively for Christmas,  One I can start Monday and one I am waiting for more information.  It will be fun to break out a little and sew something I just want to sew. 
My friend gifted me with yards and yards of flannel.  I saved out 2 pieces for backings and the rest I gave to the church sewing group.  They will be able to use it sooner than I can sew it.  It'll probably come back to me as backings when I quilt the group quilts!  It's all good!

***
Today is the 12th Day of Advent:  In Isaiah, the Prophet proclaims "The Prince of Peace" is coming!  The Prince is Jesus Christ who will bring peace to those who have a faithful relationship with him.  This spiritual peace is not the same as a worldly peace;  Christ's peace is secure and cannot be destroyed.

Prayer:  Give us your peace, O Christ, that we may always live secure in your love.  Amen.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Huge Gift of Fabric


The back of my SUV is full of fabric.  One of my good friends is a real enabler!  A few of these bins will go to the church Mission Stitchers group for their projects; especially the juvenile prints.  The rest will get shoehorned into my already full storage room. 

Today is the 9th day of Advent:  Today's message is of mutual love.  The Christian faith is not able to be true and sincere without love. 

Prayer:  Ignite our love for others, O God, as we express the love of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Christmas Table Runner


I love seeing gifts I've given in use.


***
Today is the 2nd Sunday of Advent:  The scriptures tell us that Jesus brings joy to us.  Recall the visit of Mary to Elizabeth for the telling of how "the child (John the Baptist) leaped in Elizabeth's womb" when Mary (also pregnant with Jesus) approached Elizabeth.  When joy occurs, remember it is Jesus who is bringing it to you.

Prayer:  Help us know the joy Jesus brings, O God, wherever we are.  Amen.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

MemoryKeepersDaughter.jpg


I just started reading this book last night.  Seems to be a good one! 


Today is the 7th day of Advent:  the message of the Peaceable Kingdom asks us to live in harmony with everyone.   God's universal peace is still to come. 

Prayer: Give us your vision of peace, O God, and help us live in peace, now. Amen. 






Friday, December 8, 2017

December Snow

Just in time for my birthday! It doesn't snow often in Houston so when it does people act like they've never seen snow in their lives and take a bunch of pictures.  I like to act like other people sometimes.  :-)

I finished the 3 vintage quilts commission last night and have 2 more promised for Christmas delivery.  But, today I am doing my own sewing.  Now I can get into the Christmas spirit and finish my gifts & decorations.







***
Today is the 6th day of Advent:  The Advent message is one of Hope.  Even at the lowest level of despair, those that lean on God and wait will be shown kindness and hope.  Hope rises from despair. 

One of the common threads running through The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success is that of equilibrium.  All things in balance.  Hope-Despair.  Two opposites can be balanced in one's life.

Prayer:  Hear us and help us, O God.  We hope in you. Amen.