Interesting pictures...

Here's a business in town painting their wall this past Saturday (it was a cold day too). I think it's interesting. The one picture taken at a different angle was later in the day--and this guy was the only one left working. I liked watching all the guys who were painting. You could tell from their body language that they were thinking and planning what to do next and that they were really into their work.

bible...Psalm 94.

Today I felt the need to post something from the Old Testament. I am also in Luke and am about to read how Jesus was sacrificed again, only through Luke's eyes this time. People are so violent aren't they?? We certainly haven't learned very well from the past.

Here is the prayer from Psalm 94:1-3

1 The LORD is a God who avenges.
O God who avenges, shine forth.
2 Rise up, Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve.
3 How long, LORD, will the wicked,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?

-link courtesy of BibleGateway.com

I wanted to post the whole thing but felt that a little bit was more.
Good Day!!

Dolce far Niente...

Here's an explanation of Dolce far Niente at Be More With Less.

Interestingly enough (for me anyway), I have done this since childhood. I can even remember people asking me what I was doing and it seemed like I was doing so much, but it really was "nothing" and that's what I would feel I was obligated to say. And of course, as I grew older I would do this less, and less. I am back to doing "nothing" more again. It is very refreshing to enjoy the quiet times in life and what it has to offer.

I can suggest a little Dolce far Niente in your life for those of you not scheduling enough.

PS - The pictures are of the Secret Garden here in the town I live and are copywrited by me. I thought they were peaceful and a good place for everyone to start. Now its your turn.

Bible...Judges.

Now the Judges have the trials of keeping the Israelites from worshiping other gods since Joshua is gone and Aaron's and his sons have passed away too. The Israelites are very wishy-washy and when things get bad they remember again. Our Lord Your God sends them a judge to help them out and things go well with each judge and then they fall away again when the judge passes away.

I guess we are all a little like that back-and-forth and forgetful when things are going well. I know I can be.

Best advice...Money smarts.

I think the best advice today is about financial planning. The article is courtesy of Yahoo.Finance. Link yourself to it and see what you need to do to save your million dollars. Keep in mind that we think nothing of spending money for cable and a cell phone. That's why I do not pay for either one. Yeah me!!

And did you know that if you save just $20.00 per week when you are in your twenties you will have enough to retire on??? (key -- is don't touch it--ie, spend it), but if you start later what you have to save goes up significantly. Money is always interesting isn't it?? Open a CD or IRA today!!

Start saving today.
Good Day!!

Animal story...

Determined Cat - never underestimate the power of the desire to live. This cat must think life is worthwhile and may have used up one of its so-called nine, just to keep on keepin' on. I like stories like this---when tragedy is turned to a good positive triumph.

knitting...Ilene Market bag.

and for grins here's my latest and greatest market bag. Another free pattern.
Introducing The Ilene Market bag. This one is a going away present--I'm going to fill it with market goodies. It's not quite done but should be today or tomorrow. I'm on the top and will have to decide how I want to complete the handle.

Happy Earth Day...Happy Good Friday!

I am pleased that it is Friday today. I have been very tired health wise and when I woke up today and looked in the mirror it was so scary it startled me and I let out a slight scream. Bags and black rings under the eyes are never a good sight. I read an article about these two phenomenon and will have to search it out again to read about the helpful homeopathic remedies it contained. Have you had days like this???

Have a Good Weekend everyone!! I'm going to sleep in and get some rest.

Good day!!

crafts...

Lots of "spring" going on over at Moda and the Purl Bee. Love all the colours and looking forward to spring.

Books...current read.

My current read is Shattered by Dick Francis. It is centered around medical research and stealing of same. The main character is a glass blower. Steeple chasing is snuck into the plot just a tinsy gotta love Dick for keeping to his first love. Once again, Dick does not disappoint. I had to stay up late to finish this book

Knitting...Feather Lace Chemo Cap

My Feather Lace Chemo Cap is complete and ready to travel to its new owner. I did 9 complete repeats of the pattern. I am thinking that two more repeats might be better. It is snug and soft and that's good. I hope it works for CB as she is very sad that she has begun to lose her hair. She informed me that she had the thought that it is only hair and she said "I have now learned that I will never say its just hair again." How my heart hurts for her.

bible...Psalm 86.

I was recently informed that a good friend has breast cancer. My chemo cap is done and on its way to this person. Along with one of my market bags, a movie (27 dresses) --comedies are always good for you, sunflower seeds, and ginger chews for nausea.

Sunflower seeds??? you might ask. Yes, says I. Sunflowers faithfully follow the sun, and this woman is so faithful that you can almost touch it. She always has a kind word for everyone. Her beauty & peace that she has is not just skin deep it is complete. I am certain that you have met or know people like this. They are so complete you almost feel as though your own inadequacies become whole when you are near them.

As I was reading Psalm 86, the following verses reminded me of her.
This one is for you CB (be well):

Psalm 86:11-13
11 Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.

link courtesy of BibleGateway.com

Good day.

Knitting...

I am knitting a chemo cap in soft baby blue.
and here is the lovely October month complete in my 2010 Kalendar. I am behind but hope to finish soon. Isn't it lovely?? It's my fav so far.

Bible...Joshua, Luke.

Joshua has been very busy annihilating everyone in Canaan, there have been a couple exceptions (aren't there always??). Keep in mind this is very bloody business and men, women and children have all been slaughtered by the Israelites. Also of note, this is the practice of the times. The Israelites were not the only culture doing this. Amorits, Jebusites, Hittites, they all do this. Kill or be killed is the order of the day. No one is spared. History is all about conquering and if you are not strong enough to hold your country, you perished.

Times today are similar, aren't they?? In the Sudan, tribes today exterminate each other (Although this is more about the gobs of oil under it and China sticking their sticky fingers in to obtain it). Somalia is about pirating and holding shipping vessels for ransom off the Horn of Africa. We as humans haven't learned very much have we?? I digress.

Joshua is now 85 years old and is busy allotting the land to the different tribes of Israel. I am ready to leave the book of Joshua behind as it is very violent and bloody. (similar to today's times--if you're honest).

LUKE
The question: What must I do to inherit eternal life??? You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, ...and Jesus replied sell everything and follow me.

The Reply:
Luke 18:23-25

23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy.
24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!
25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Indeed, are you willing to sell everything?? think about it.

Good day!

Bible...Proverbs 13:3

Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

Courtesy of BibleGateway.com.

Shrewd is not a compliment...

and that's all I have to say today.

Good day!

Good Question...

Yeah I want to know why this is too???

Its obviously who you know not what in banking.

Knitting...2011 Kalendar.

up to clue 5 is now complete and here is my progress. You cannot really tell from the picture that there are some very lovely stitch patterns. Next clue out April 23.

Thanks go to Carmen for another lovely KAL (knit along).

Bible...Proverbs 13, Luke16, Joshua7.

I am now beginning Proverbs 13. Here are verses 1 & 2 so that you may take your confusion a little bit at a time.

1 a wise son accepts his father's discipline,
But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2 From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good,
But the desire of the treacherous is violence.

If you would like to read the whole chapter you may find it at BibleGateway.com

As for the new testament I am in Luke 16. Here is a famous verse from this chapter.

Luke 16:13
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Just before this verse is the parable of the shrewd money manager, which I don't quite get (I bet everyone in banking or the govt does), but will do further research (ask someone else what they think). I suggest that this chapter be read one verse a day.

Old Testament: I am in Joshua 7. Ashon has just been stoned to death for coveting items from the Israelites destruction of Jericho. Keep in mind that not only was Ashon destroyed all his possessions and all who were in his family and all the livestock were put to death as well. Then all dead & possessions were burned. Interesting notion isn't it? That every person who is related to the criminal is put to death too and all possessions destroyed so no one else could use them. It gives one the impression they are tainted, which they very well may be.

I am wondering... would it deter crime these days if we followed the same practice?? Just a thought. Of course, we wouldn't have a government then now would we???

Of note: The Romans followed the practice of total and complete annihilation, but that comes later in history. Remember Maximus?? I bet you do. Russel Crowe, anyone??? The movie is made well regarding history and the practices of the time. Now they just need to make one about female gladiators as the Romans had them too. It was one way a woman could have a better life (so to speak--if you call chopping people up with your sword a better life--or loosing your life if you lose, better).

Also in Joshua, the prostitute Rahab has been spared along with her family (during these times prostitution is not considered illegal). Interesting to me, that a female prostitute has been spared and a male who coveted was not, along with all of his family and possessions.(no I am not encouraging prostitution).

My recommendation today: Again, be careful with whom you hang out and encourage those you are related to--to do the right thing. Remember mentor, mentor, mentor. Mentoring doesn't mean allowing people to get away with being disrespectful or lazy.

Thank you BibleGateway.com for the links.

Good Day!!

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011...Paper Seed starters.

Made had a lovely post on making your own shredded paper seed starters. Very coolio. Check it out!! I am going to have to try it.

Knitting...Grrlfriend Market bag.

And Viola!! Here is my latest and greatest market bag. This is the Grrlfriend Market bag. Another free pattern on Ravelry. I am not really happy with the woven pattern for the top and straps, which was my own revision of this pattern, as the original pattern uses garter stitch for this area. The good thing about the woven pattern is there is no stretch. I feel this market bag is also reversible.

On to the next one!!

Call me crazy...

but ever since I put a curse out there I have not received any additional viruses. Whereas I was getting at least 4 per day. Pretty ironic, isn't it??

edit -- Of note: did receive another one. hope the curse works, it is still in effect.

Health and Wellness..

I thought the article below well written, a quick read and it provides suggestions for improvements regarding your health.

Sitting for a Living

Bible...Deuteronomy.

Moses is now 120 years old. He has given all of Our Lord Your God's laws to the Israelites and has diligently warned them to follow them or they will have dire consequences if they don't. Moses has laid hands on Joshua, who will now lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Moses and Our Lord Your God have had a conference about why Moses doesn't get to go to the Promised land, and he, Moses, feels better about everything. Our Lord Your God has told him that the Israelites will fall away and be scattered unto all the Nations. So Moses climbs to the top of a mountain to see the Promised Land and passes away there. The Israelites mourn his death for 30 days. They are now ready to enter the land of milk and honey with Joshua leading the way.

Of Note: Moses is the last man to have a personal, face to face, speaking relationship with Our Lord Your God.

Best Advice...Proverbs 12:23

My best advice for this day comes from Proverb 12 again. Lots of good stuff in it. you should take a quick look at the whole chapter over at BibleGateway.com(more good advice--ha).

23 The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,
but a fool’s heart blurts out folly.

For myself I am working on saying less than more. I don't believe this means that people shouldn't mentor each other. I believe it means that we should think about what we need to say. Do we really need to say it?? Will it help or hinder? Or do we just like to hear ourselves talk. Think about it.

Good Day!!

Nasty Virus...round 4.

Now these pesky folks thinks its fun & funny to use "Mail Notification" and peoples names with "picture" as subject. Watch out for these---do not click on them or your computer will be out of commission. I know because I did this.

I can just imagine some young, dumb kiddos or immature adults thinking this is so cool and funny and tee-heeing. I am here to say it's not. IT'S NOT, I TELL YA!!!

So for those of you who create stuff like this I am going to go out on a limb here and invoke Our Lord Your God's CURSE on you and the only way to get rid of the curse is to:

1. you'll have to research the bible to see how to get rid of the curse. Good luck with that one. It's not that easy. You can do it though.
2. make it right to those you wronged. virtually impossible with cyberspace the way it is, again doable & (again research the bible).
3. each time you curse others with your virus you will be ten times cursed worse.
4. be wary of cursing those when you are in the wrong, because it will "boomarang" back to you.

It would be interesting to see if those cursed today start having troubles tomorrow. hmmm. Makes you think, doesn't it?? (wonder if this will work, I hope so).

(and for those of you who are already thinking this...why, yes,yes, I am crazy,----maybe);)

Good day!!

Government...

Our government refused to pass a balanced budget a big thanks going to the Democrats who are mainly responsible for this and who seem to think tax money is their sand box and they can spend it on their pet projects as though there is a bottomless pit of it (to be fair they all think this not just the Dems).

I call to arms my fellow citizens. Purchase your firearms while can to protect yourselves from people like this and from thieves and robbers (oops I mean government and more big government).

How about a class action law suit against Congress and the President for breach of fiduciary duty. Even though they will still get paid when they shut the government down & not pay our military. It just creams my corn every time I think about it.

I cannot believe they would even consider not paying military. It just makes me mad.

Friday Picture Day...

Today are pictures of projects that I have that are complete.

1. homemade orange vinegar cleaner/vinaigrette --- this is what it looks like. I think its pretty. I used clementine peels because they were stronger smelling than my oranges. They tasted better too. In the background is my dead onion. Boy, I sure hope my garden doesn't look like this.

2. Montavilla Market Tote is finished. I really like it. pictures show it in use and not. I only did nine repeats of the Chevron pattern when 12 is required. Although, I have 3 more extra repeats of the pattern in the round. I also shortened the straps to a 50 stitch cast on instead of a 70. The straps are considered button-hole straps and a first for me. This tote took twice as long to make as the other one (20 hours), which I don't like. The construction is sturdier and that's probably why it takes so long. Another phat tote for me. I like them.

Have a great weekend! Good Day!!

Adventures of the Garden Goddess 2011...Herbs.

I have also been doing some research regarding which herbs to plant in my garden. The nice thing about some of these is they grow like weeds (which I need) and others will re-seed themselves (another plus for me). Its also helpful that they promote good health (that is if you can get them to actually grow and for me that will be a good question).

Here are some herbs that I am considering:

Helpful with encouraging good blood flow:
horse chestnut (this seems to be a tree of some sort--not for me this time)
gotu kola
butchers broom
witch hazel
bilberry

I decided on witch hazel and bilberry. Billberry does double duty.--actually most herbs do double duty in some way regarding its health benefits.

Medicinal herbs:
echinacea
chamomille
yarrow
lemon balm
peppermint

I decided on echinacea--this has very pretty purple flowers, yarrow, chamomille and lemon balm. I already have mint and it does grow like a weed, is easy to transplant and I have it all over the edges of my yard. It seems to like the fence lines and who am I to protest. Especially when I have no clue as to what I am doing anyway.

additional herbs:
garlic, ginger, tumeric, horseradish - I am including all of these. Horseradish grows like a weed. At least that's what the magazine states, a plus for me and I like anything that has to do with horses. ;) the garlic, ginger, tumeric do double duties with health and wellness. Eating garlic can actually help with keeping biting bugs away from you as they usually don't like the taste of it in your blood or skin.

lavender & catnip - provides a restful sleep if you need it. I already have the lavender, although its pretty sad. I will forgo the catnip for now.

agave, heather, butterfly bush, artemisia, sage, ginkgo, nasturtium, parsley.-- I am thinking the heather, butterfly bush, sage, artemisia (this would be a great name for a knitting project), ginkgo and nasturtium. I have the parsley--its sad too. Let's hope my sad plants perk up. (crosses fingers)
The ginkgo is for energy. nasturtium (you eat the flowers) taste like radishes and are great to just pick and eat or are great for salads.

I got a lot of my information from Herb Companion magazine which is a sister publication to Mother Earth News. I am pleased to see Mother Earth is back in publication too. I used to read her back in the 1980's, she was way ahead of her time back then and there was not enough interest to keep her in print. Its good to see her back again. Lots of good info in both magazines and well worth the cost.

Let's hope I can also figure out how to harvest or what part of the plant to harvest.
(BTW- my onion died that I accidentally grew)

Happy gardening!!

Nasty Virus...round 3. and a few other things.

The folks that brought you a nasty virus through UPS are now using FedEx, DHL and any other delivery name they can think of--be warned do not open this email.

Knitty Spring is out, HURRAY!!

Please read this post of Be More With Less about how more less is even better. I totally agree.

I enjoyed reading Dana's sentiments (it moved me) about watermelon and cuddly boys in this post. her pictures rock too. her blog is MADE and she posts great info.

Good Day!!

Best Advice...

My best advice today comes from Proverbs 12:18 (courtesy of BibleGateway.com):

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

My hope for you is that what you say today brings healing to someone.
Good Day!!

Knitting...Montavilla Market tote.

Here is the Montavilla Market tote, also a free pdf download from Knit Picks. Thank you, Knit Picks. Just love them.

The woven pattern for the bottom of this tote is very strong. I like the bottom wrong side of the tote better so that is what is on the outside of my tote. I believe this tote can be reversible. The picture with the pattern instructions is the WS. Actually I did 1 inch of the woven pattern in RS, 6 inches in WS, and 1 inch in RS for this bottom of bag construction. and of course, the RS picture is the reverse. The chevron lace pattern for the main part of the bag is moving right along. I also picked up 120 stitches for this part instead of the recommended 96. The pattern is an 8 stitch repeat, so as long as you use a number divisible by 8 you should be fine. Which will also mean for my tote that part of the chevron pattern will stretch out and will also be part of the bottom.

here are pictures of both sides.

Useful information...orange vinegar

Homemade orange vinegar (cleaner, vinegrette)

Orange vinegar cleaner

Make sure you read the comments too as there are useful suggestions.

Also if you don't have castile soap here's the recipe for that.

Good day!

Knitting... Provence Market Bag.

I was able to start and complete this bag in a day. Sunday, April 3, 2011. It takes about 10 hours of knitting. The Provence Market Bag is a free pdf download. It is very quick, easy, well-written pattern. Many thanks to the designer, Judy.

Note: no endorsements were given to me. I just like the bag.

Best Advice...

Todays "best advice" comes from Proverbs 12 verses 8 & 9 (courtesy of BibleGateway.com):

8 A person is praised according to their prudence,
and one with a warped mind is despised.

9 Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant
than pretend to be somebody and have no food.

Think about it.

Good day!

Its the little things...

I am constantly informing whomever that may be within range of hearing my voice that "its the little things" that make or break you. It really is. So for the person who created the saying: "Don't let the little things get to you or get you down" or is it "let the small stuff go"? I am here to say, "Bunk on them--cause they didn't know what the heck they were talking about!!"

Take today for instance--Its Friday! Some "little things" are/can be good. Even so called "little" bad things can actually turn out to be good "little" things.

Here are some "little things":

1. Its Friday - hooray!!--not such a big deal in the grand scheme of things, really. But it means the world to me and several co-workers today since its the weekend for us.

2. I had a roofing nail in my tire last night -- so flat tire day for me.

3. The nail is little and

4. a flat tire is little,

5. which becomes a little big deal when I cannot get to work in my car. I didn't notice such a "little thing" until it was too late and all the Fix-it tire places were closed last night. I drove it to an air machine, and put

6. a "little" air in it and hoped it would hold till morning. It did. (BTW-I am caught up on my

7. daily reading (little time ---only about 10 minutes worth of reading in my day--if I keep up). Do you think that had anything to do with it?? Did Our Lord Your God take a little pity on me?? and keep the little air overnight in my tire so I could get to the tire place??

8. It's a quick little thought.

9. cost of the flat tire - $16.32 - a little money.

10. and isn't this blog "much ado" about little thoughts in my head that I post??


Did the flat tire get to me? No--it was just a "little thing"--at least today anyway. I was able to let this one go and its fixed now. Besides it encouraged business between two entities. I am happy my tire is fixed the tire place is happy to have the business.

What "little thing" got to you today? Does it or did it really, really bug you? Can you let it go? Or what little thing made your day?? Did it make you happy or smile??? Laugh out loud??

That is what I mean when I state "its the little things" good or bad. They are always there, lurking, waiting to pop up and surprise you. Have a great weekend and keep an eye out for those little things!