"I started photographing my domestic world and writing not just about what I had made,
but why I made it, examining the thoughts that accompany creativity and the act of making."
Jane Brocket from The Gentle Art of Domesticity p. 189 UK edition

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Practicing in 2014













On the way home from swimming on January 1, 2014, I practiced using my iPhone to try to capture my view of the gorgeous sunset that reflected on Mt. Hood.  After weeks of fog it was wonderful to get a glimpse of Mt. Hood although my photos were not as clear as I had hoped they would be.  

Several days later the weather remained sunny.  I enjoyed [more successfully] practicing taking some photos with my Lumix 20x camera of the sun shining down on Mt. Hood and at home around the ponds.

Most of our Christmas decorations are packed away. I planted a new crop of wheat grass in my two blue flower pots inside. I stitched together the pretty Granny Square pin cushion kit Taci gave me, and I am leaving the roll top of my desk open to prompt me to practice better filing/discarding of 
paperwork :)

I am trying to practice better time organization as I schedule my involvement in a East Hill Church Thursday morning life group study of Stasi Eldrege's book, Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You.   Trying to lovingly serve, aiming to swim three hours a week,  completing craft projects, learning Continental style knitting,  attending/helping organize other activities, and Blog about  all the preceding is challenging me!

Those of you who live near the Gresham, OR area might like to participate in a Ladies Craft Night at East Hill Church January 23.  Shirley Rufener from KATU's morning show will lead us through the craft and share her story.  Space is limited to 60 attendees. Tickets are $5.00 each. For more info, call 503.661.4444 + ext. 387

Are you practicing anything special in 2014?

Gracie xx




35 comments:

  1. Good for you, Gracie. I'm not practicing anything specific yet, though I have been trying to eat more fruit. I love it, and always enjoy it when I do eat it, but it doesn't necessarily occur to me when there are other things freely available. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Life is one big practice for me Gracie. :-). I have a mess with my blog right now. If you notice, none of my "stuff" is showing up in the sidebar. It's there in the design page but won't apply to the blog. I have no idea what happened. This is an area I need a lot of practice with. Blogging. I would love to come to your craft night but unfortunately won't be in Portland during that time.
    Have a wonderful evening Gracie.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just know the basics of knitting; learning a new stitch or technique sounds fun. Wishing you the best in your 2014 endeavors Gracie. Blessings, Heather

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Gracie, I am practising to loose weight, and try and get my crochet mojo back.......

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lots of photographing.. good for you! I know what you mean.. swimming 3 times a week really takes up a lot of time.. and it's so easy to say.. wah, it's too cold, I better not go in today.. lol! But you're doing good at going and I'm trying to be good too.. I think we help each other go. I need to make my little pin cushion too.. you and Betsy got yours made! See you tomorrow in the water! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Yes my dear friend... I'm practicing being kinder, listening more and trying to be a better mother and wife. Trying to live my life in a healthier way and try to exercise 3x week ( not so easy, I'm so proud of you and Teresa for going swimming ... Great job !
    Love your pictures, love that you finished your pincushion kit ( I was wondering if anybody was actually going to make them :))and that you are practicing continental knitting ( it will be all worth it I promise :))
    Have a wonderful week n I'll check in with you about the craft night.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful photos Gracie. I love seeing Mt. Hood in yours and Teresa's photos! I see such a cozy array of things on your table there. A knitting project, Taci's gift to you, a mug with crochet hooks, a tea pot, among other things. Such a nice group of comfort things.
    Is there snow on the ground where you live Gracie?
    xo Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not down in the valley yet, Kris. Like you, if I want to be in the snow I have to drive up the mountain :)
      xx

      Delete
  8. I'm practicing making the best of this bitterly cold weather by knitting, crocheting and spinning by the warmth of the fire place. I think you'll find the continental knitting goes much smoother but the purl stitch can be tricky though. I found the Norwegian style of purling worked the best for me. Love seeing all your pictures with all the greenery. It's helping me feel warm. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. From my years living in MA, NY, MO, and CO, I remember how bone chilling the weather can be and how tired I got shoveling snow, even though it is good exercise...and warmed me up in some ways :) Sending you hugs, and cheering you on in your creative pursuits by the fireside! I'm glad our green is helping you to feel warmer, too :)

      Delete
  9. Great to catch up Gracie, lime you I have a new phone to get to grips with. Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  10. No new years resolutions for me tho year, I never keep them and then I feel bad about it. I love that you desk looks so like mine, must be time to do some filing!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Gracie! I've been practicing my knitting also. I love the continental style but it's hard when I make the purl stitch so I do it the easy way instead.....just wrapping the yarn around the hook with each stitch. Always love seeing your gorgeous photos of Mt. Hood...blurry and all!
    xx Shari

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the pics. Those knitting needles are awesome!!!
    :)
    Midge

    ReplyDelete
  13. All wonderful things to practice Gracie. I am practicing getting organized in my home, giving away things I do not need to those who could use it. As for knitting, I am a thrower through and though.
    Hugs,
    MEredith

    ReplyDelete
  14. Go for it Gracie, those are great pics and that's a good list, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your adventures in this new year. I'm going to have to google Continental knitting as I haven't a clue!
    Hope you're staying warm in the big freeze,
    hugs xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. Gracie I always love seeing your pictures of Mt Hood it always looks magnificent. Love all those hearts at the window too!
    Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fantastic photos, you really do live in such a beautiful part of the world.

    Probably a silly question, but what do you do with the wheatgrass? It looks so spring like with it's vivid green colour!

    Helenxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I confess I just grow it because I think it looks pretty and encouraging especially when the weather is cold and gloomy :) I guess one can eat it although I have never tried to prepare it...juice it ?

      Delete
  17. Dear Gracie,

    I just wanted to send you my warmest wishes for a peaceful, joyful New Year! Three hours of swimming is a wonderful plan. I love swimming and endeavour to practise regularly.

    Grass in pots? What a great idea! Any greenery at this time of year is a blessin.

    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lovely pictures the mountain view is stunning, good luck with all you're plans
    Clare x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello Gracie Beautiful photos as always. I would like to think I will get to see your par of the world one day. DH and I still discussing the possibility - DH takes a while weighing things up :-)
    I am practicing being a bit kinder to myself and spending more time doing things with DH. There were a lot of demands on me last year and I felt quite overwhelmed. It's difficult to get the balance right though. My aunt ( 88) does not want help from strangers and is quite selfish at times. I know that I can't help in the way she wants but then I feel very selfish - sigh.My mum would also like more of my time - she lives a 21/2 hour journey away ( if the traffic is kind) I pray for wisdom to do what is right. Take care- hugs Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Gracie, what fabulous photos and the scenery is stunning!
    Re the Willow Square - it is from the 200 Crochet blocks book by Jan Eaton. I can recommend it. Lovely designs. Also just spotted a crochet along afghan which will feature 12 new squares by different designers so I shall be having a go at those too. It is at Moogly blog. I'll find the link for you.
    Carol xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. http://www.mooglyblog.com/moogly-afghan-cal-block-1/ this takes you to the page to get the details and link to first square. I like trying new squares!
    Carol xx

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love your mountain photo--and that beautiful moss (I LOVE both moss and mountains being an almost native PNW)! I am trying to eat healthier, drink more water, keep up with my Bible reading (and practice what it tells me)...and soon, I will be able to exercise regularly. Additionally, I am enjoying a recent answer to a prayer request of many years (and trying to not let my joy and peace be stolen away again) :)
    Beautiful projects you have going! Enjoy.
    Blessings,
    Aimee

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for the beautiful photos. I always appreciate seeing "my" mountain! I'm practising having faith and keeping positive, which sometimes is about as hard as (I imagine) practising acrobatics. I like how the new year reminds us that there are seasons of rest before growth, and that believing is seeing.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Dear Gracie, you have so much going on and I wish you the very best with all your practicing! I too am now practicing good use of a new phone - it's the camera part I'm most interested in! I love seeing your pics of your delightful neighbourhood - what fantastic scenery, thank you so much for sharing them. Thank you also for your lovely and interesting messages on mine - I have now replied to the second one re the subject of knitting! Gosh, that really got me going but at least now I recognise continental knitting - you are a real 'goer' and you've earned a gold star! Blessings and love, Joy xo

    ReplyDelete
  25. Once again, your photo's are lovely Gracie :) This year I am going to practice being patient and also try and increase the range of items that I knit (I may even go nuts and make a sweater!).
    I love this time of year and the way it makes people feel that they can have a fresh start :)
    Hugs and best wishes, Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
  26. I've barely kept my head above the water line of busyness so far this year. Hopefully, I will be more focused in the next week or two.
    I know I will be participating in two Precepts Bible studies and that will surely keep me busy!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gracie, I admire your dedication to continually learn and improve. So many people are content to remain just as they are, because evolving our minds, hearts, bodies, spirits - it's difficult. I'm with you - I think that unless we try to become better each day, what's the point? We can't very well stagnate! (Well, some can, but we can't!) So God bless you in your efforts, and I look forward to trying to keep pace with all your wonderful activities! xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love your desire to learn and improve Gracie. I think it's amazing the kind of photos you can take on a phone now! That shot of Mt Hood is lovely. x

    ReplyDelete
  29. Of course we ARE blog friends! Grace, my husband calls my blog friends my pretend friends. IT is a fond term now on my blog!!!
    I'm trying to stop avoiding the Kitchener stitch this year. !! It confuses me so I do round toes to compensate.
    ALso in 2014, I need to keep working out on our elliptical machine. Regularly.

    Maybe I'll write a few patterns !

    ReplyDelete
  30. I can't even imagine what it would be like to live so close to a mountain. So different than any place I've ever lived! It sure looks beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hello Gracie, What wonderful and beautiful photos of Oregon. I always love seeing photos of Mt. Hood. Such a grand Mt. Thanks for sharing them all with us. Oh, how I wish I could join you and Teresa swimming every week. I swim 2 times a week and love every minute of it. Here we have way to many inches of snow and it is so very cold. I am dreaming of Spring. Hugs Judy

    ReplyDelete
  32. Seeing all your papers - quite a sorting job you have there. I sorted my ( just pop everything in) kitchen drawer today. It is now nearly empty. Leave it long enough and everything is out of date!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting me today! I welcome your comments!