"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

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Moving Forward


As I drove from Sonoma, California, to Boring, Oregon, March 15-16, 2018, I drove through a bit of snow north of Willits, California, and north of  Brookings, Oregon, much to my surprise! But the weather cleared beautifully so that I could stop at one of my favorite outlooks and take this photo, which you might recognize as a view similar to my blog header photo. [When I can figure out how to do so I will switch the photos :-) ]

If you look very carefully above the left-hand side of the plaque and near the water's edge there is a little red dot which is the roof of the Umpqua River Lighthouse.  The triangular shape in Winchester Bay is an oyster farm.

I chose this iconic view of Winchester Bay as a beautiful spot from which to visually launch my blog: an exploration of crafts onshore in the Pacific Northwest and my part in crafting in various forms as a growing Christ follower.


At the Biscuit Cafe, for breakfast on the Wednesday, after I got home, I met my knitting service group friends who knit and crochet preemie blankets for needy preemies.  On our way out of the cafe, I took a picture of this saying that is a pertinent encouragement for me now.

 On occasion, I have been accused of being too "preachy" in my blog. More often than not I accuse myself of not being clear enough in authentically reflecting my failings and faith in following Christ and I especially feel that since I have been home.  While the members of our household were/are committed to leaning in to know and serve Christ and not reject each other but to affirm who each of us is in Christ, nine of us have moved out and are not yet in communication with the three of us at home still.  We prayed/pray each other are blessed.

This raises all sorts of questions I can not answer for you or myself, yet, but I am believing our Heavenly Father the great Three in One, is drawing each of us closer to Him and I am praying that each of us glorifies the Lord in all that we do as Holy Spirit empowers us to do so.



 On the way home from California I experienced a bit of Spring snow and once home there was a bit more so that I felt I did not entirely miss Winter while I was in California.


Our ponds have Mallard couples visiting, and I have lost track of how many times the lawn has been mowed now.


My Spring Cleaning has been inspired by meditating on Christ's question,  "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?" I heard a teacher recently say..."There are not any U-Hauls headed to heaven!" :-)


Yet one more season our huge Cherry tree blooms and flurries of petals are swirling to earth in celebration of Spring and abundant life!


My youngest daughter bought out my oldest daughter's share of the house and now my youngest daughter and her husband and I are preparing the house for sale.  I am looking for my first independent house in which to live and my youngest daughter and her husband are looking for their first "home alone," too!!


This is the latest preemie blanket I started since arriving home...one single crochet row, one double crochet row, repeat.

We are in the midst of hiring someone to finish painting the interior of this house and someone else to professionally clean the windows.  Someone else is scheduled to repair a pipe, and we have cleaning/weeding and some repair work to do as well.  The target date for listing the house is now July 1, 2018.

Oh, and I did get my taxes submitted and a refund that paid for my trip back home.  I also got my teeth cleaned and found I need another little crown :-( .  And I don't know when I will make it down to visit my sisters again, but both are doing well and keeping in touch.

Hoping you will check in with me and that I will check in with you!!

Gracie xx

24 comments:

  1. It's good to read another post on your blog. I have missed you. Wow...you've got a lot going on in your life. Packing and moving...no fun but I pray you will find something that will fit your budget and life style. Going through and get rid of items we have that are no longer needed is what I need to do here. I did some of that today while I was trying to find an item in our bedroom, to no avail. But I got alot of stuff cleared out and items headed for donation center soon! Have a blessed day, my friend. My prayers for you and your family as you move in different directions. Hugs!

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  2. Oh my sweet Gracie. Many, many changes in your life my dear friend. I’m so sorry to hear what sounds like a chasm in your family, but as you lean on our Lord and Savior I have the blessed assurance that He will comfort you and bring peace to your family. How exciting to have your own home. I’m sure that will take some adjusting, but it will also be fun to nest won’t it? It sounds as though there is lots to do before listing the house for sale. My prayers are with you my dear friend. Much love to you and your family.
    Blessings, Betsy

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  3. Never, ever apologise for sharing your faith Gracie. I too get called out for being too "Christian" on the blog...what a compliment that is for us both.

    You will be sad to leave the beautiful family home, but so many memories. God has a plan and a new home awaits you somewhere.

    God Bless my friend, big hug

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  4. Hello Gracie. It has been a long while since I have opened up my computer!! Looks like change is on the horizon for you. I hope you are well and happy!
    xo Kris

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  5. It's so nice to hear from you, Gracie!
    I don't ever find you preachy. Not at all. I'm Jewish and can be a bit sensitive to very religious blogs. You wear your faith gracefully and I enjoy learning more about Christianity from sensitive people like you.
    Selling a house. So much work. So much emotion. Hugs!

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  6. Well I don't understand all that is going on but I'm in the moving boat with you. I think believers/Christians will be more and more accused of being preachy. But...how will they hear without dedicated followers sharing the gospel. May God bless you and keep you in all the transitions...

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  7. Hello, dear Gracie. So many changes going on in your life right now, but I just know you're handing it all well. A new home of your own sounds like a great adventure. You'll put your special 'Gracie touch"on it and it will be warm, cozy and homey in no time at all. I'm glad to hear your sister is doing better.
    And, Gracie, continue being yourself - we love you just the way you are.

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  8. Oh Gracie so wonderful to see you here again and to know that your sisters are going fine. So many changes going on in your life and this is your blog you can be as preachy as you like and I do hope you find a lovely little place for yourself. I am not religious but I reckon God will sure be looking over you and I say a prayer just for you xoxoxo

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  9. Sending you a hug and praying for you and your family. Hope all goes well with the sale of your house and you manage to find a new home that you love. Packing up will be hard but cherished memories can be taken with you, take care.

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  10. Hi Gracie, it's good to hear your sister is doing better and you returned back home safe and sound. I love your blog and hearing about your faith journey. I wish you and your dear family all the best in your moving and finding new homes. I know the Lord will be with you all the way. Hugs, Pat 🌷

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  11. Welcome back to blogland! How well I know Winchester Bay! Love that area although maybe I love Gold Beach best.
    Moving is a huge effort. It's also sometimes a huge blessing because you have to evaluate every little thing that is in your home and decide if you want to pay to move it.

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  12. Hello dear Gracie. Goodness.. who would tell you your blog is too preachy? I think it's not nice to criticize what one does in their own blog as they are a reflection of ourselves so it IS what YOU are and YOU are wonderful just as you are. Soo.. pooh on the criticizers. It makes me sad to see your once cozy and well decorated nest changed into a pile of boxes.. but I'm grateful that I was able to enjoy many times there with you in your lovely room with your paintings on display and your cobalt glass catching the light in your windows.. and I look forward to spending time with you in your next "nest" and look forward to seeing how you decorate it. I am happy that we will have some time together and swimming on Monday. Sending love and lots of support to you. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  13. Dear Gracie. Expressing you deeply felt faith is not preachy. Faith is an important and integral part of your life and I hope you’ll always be comfortable sharing it with your readers. Accepting and learning to understand each other’s beliefs has never been more important. I am wishing you all the best with moving to your own wee home, you’ll make it cosy and welcoming, I know you will. I just read Teresa’s comment and was thinking how lucky it is that you and her can be more than virtual friends. I’d enjoy sitting in your living room, chatting with you both. Have a wonderful week xxx

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  14. How nice to see you back Gracie. Hope the changes in your life go smoothly, and that you are soon settled somewhere else. CN x

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  15. Gracie, I have no idea what has happened but you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have a sister that is estranged from the rest of my family and it has hurt to not be a part of the life of her children. It is never good when families are separated, you can pray and talk to those you trust to gain some wisdom in how to move forward. I know you will miss your home so much, you have found such peace there. I wish you the very best as you move forward, I am here if you need a friend.

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  16. Dear Gracie, what a lot has been happening in your life! All your times are in His hands. I know that wherever God leads you will be His best place for you.
    Thank you for your faithful witness. You never seem preachy to me, but sweetly reasonable as befits a follower of Christ. God bless you and guide you, sister in the faith.

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  17. Hello Gracie it is lovely to catch up with you. It seems there is a lot happening in your life now and I hope and pray that things all work out. You have never sounded 'preachy ' to me. You just talk about your beliefs and faith and that is good. Carry on. God Bless Anne x

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  18. So much going on for you Gracie and so many changes. I hope the difficulties resolve, and that you find a new cosy home very soon. You always seem such a kind and gentle person to me and I’m sorry if you have been criticised for your cherished beliefs. Wishing you all good things in the coming weeks and sending love and hugs. xox

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  19. So nice to catch up on all your news, dear Gracie. I hope the sale goes smoothly and that you find a lovely new place. A big big hug.
    Amalia
    xo

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  20. I don't think you are too preachy. You are living your life as a reflection of His love. Reading your posts is like letters from your heart, and I hope you continue writing just as you have. Don't hold back. There is only one you, and it would truly be a shame to deny the world your sweet spirit. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through finding your own place, and for your family, too. Blessings to you and may your day be filled with much joy. ((hugs))

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  21. Sounds like you are keeping busy! All the best in your moving and house-hunting! Our trees are blooming beautifully too now. It's such a pleasant change to have lovely blossoms and green grass instead of snow! That looks like an awesome bonfire. Ouch on your dental problems--hope that goes (or went) well. I had my four wisdom teeth pulled a week ago, so I definitely sympathize with any dental pains. :D

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  22. HI, I hope your doing well. Was wondering if you have moved into your new place yet? I hope you have lots of beautiful flowers and nice scenery out your windows. Praying for you and your family.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers...I am praying too and trying to grow in learning how to love better. We are still preparing the house for sale and can not purchase other housing until this house sells, so in the midst of packing and house maintenance chores we are especially enjoying the blooming of the flowers around the house [we are not so appreciative of the Dandelions and other flowering weeds :-)].
      In the midst of my bewilderment, grief, concern, and openness to change for the better I am so grateful to sense the Lord is with me building my home in Him on solid rock. [Matthew 7:24] I hope you are well, too, and enjoying flowers and much beauty around you, also. :-)

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  23. I would never say you are preachy. Nothing wrong with being steadfast in your faith. As for the changes and the move, it sounds like it is much needed and a long time coming. Sometimes people become too comfortable and forget how to keep moving forward. Good luck selling the house and finding your own new little home sweet home. I wish I could join your group for the making of items for preemies. So hard to contribute to charitable causes in this country or to mail anything out because of the terrible postal system. Wishing you all the best.

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