tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82297436305344491872024-03-12T16:14:26.839-07:00...One Saylor's Log...................................Crafts Ashore in the Pacific NorthwestGracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-52990972400795813842021-11-30T23:34:00.000-08:002021-11-30T23:34:25.192-08:00Crafting a Fifty Year Remembrance...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfe6yIKI-uiCAxJ1sv0ne-8rACMroA-qMP2jJFfWo0xoAQImAGdNSPFGupY7wD8u4r2sUPDERTC92MNone801KKy63CqoXC90EQ9mneQYWYerCmV7Zhwnbd65_DYLEaOapwzFrOm366rp/s2048/RenderedImage.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1643" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfe6yIKI-uiCAxJ1sv0ne-8rACMroA-qMP2jJFfWo0xoAQImAGdNSPFGupY7wD8u4r2sUPDERTC92MNone801KKy63CqoXC90EQ9mneQYWYerCmV7Zhwnbd65_DYLEaOapwzFrOm366rp/w514-h640/RenderedImage.jpeg" width="514" /></a></div>For the Thanksgiving season 2021 I filled a bowl with two pumpkins and a squash I knit a few years ago and I found a turkey to stand guard.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5BdsBrl_eRtu6IwcgBhSryAdUpPr6rP2a9dljGM0CoanSxj1AprffbWYA_zWywxSgroKt3A3T5m7_YkJKAg8TSBsCK0PPk-pSDElBphx7t0f983Nefb6Z8UIL6tzXdi7Pfz_HaRg3NUr/s2048/65964161351__DBBB5858-FE40-4175-8997-D781497C23C8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5BdsBrl_eRtu6IwcgBhSryAdUpPr6rP2a9dljGM0CoanSxj1AprffbWYA_zWywxSgroKt3A3T5m7_YkJKAg8TSBsCK0PPk-pSDElBphx7t0f983Nefb6Z8UIL6tzXdi7Pfz_HaRg3NUr/w480-h640/65964161351__DBBB5858-FE40-4175-8997-D781497C23C8.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>Then the last Friday of November I received a stunning gift of flowers from two dear ones who knew that I was remembering that 50 years ago Louis and I married. If you are curious to know more about my remembrance of my husband for 38 years there is a page on the blog entitled "Louis" that you can click on to take you to what I typed.<p></p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScjglnuw7Z5xW1oUChQtaEjNDncN-l5dkDNryK4t0no6Q2c9Nvd1SxOZxEaum-T-YlBpo-d8N4kO4fPKXho9YhSQMjybEpBWPDw-Z_vBzfKZScpqSOPQU9F39FshvlmLG5XVB35WbI7KO/s2048/IMG_1900.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1889" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScjglnuw7Z5xW1oUChQtaEjNDncN-l5dkDNryK4t0no6Q2c9Nvd1SxOZxEaum-T-YlBpo-d8N4kO4fPKXho9YhSQMjybEpBWPDw-Z_vBzfKZScpqSOPQU9F39FshvlmLG5XVB35WbI7KO/w590-h640/IMG_1900.jpeg" width="590" /></a></div>Texts and calls from loved ones presented themselves at just the right time during the morning and afternoon. Cups of honey-sweetened tea were given to me as a friend looked at my wedding album with me in the mid-afternoon. Two other dear ones brought food and decorations, more flowers and themselves to share my remembrances in the evening...and a precious time of Communion as well. Then just before I went to bed I felt a nudge from God to check the front step, and there was a little box full of lovely gifts including Hanukkah candles and Moonflower seeds. I am so very thankful for the Lord's tender care.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezoiDq_SgwMnoH93NmI_fNd2YSm8weBwXWLN3nRXAOC_jBlrkdlp8Dd8mCnARCmuHnYBVxXO48HLr_FBxydddTVy9mVZRKPk0Mj8LQosNWMD5xp0mBWOgr68qc8_BS0Uq57S4tXCRcRqI/s2048/IMG_1916.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1524" data-original-width="2048" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezoiDq_SgwMnoH93NmI_fNd2YSm8weBwXWLN3nRXAOC_jBlrkdlp8Dd8mCnARCmuHnYBVxXO48HLr_FBxydddTVy9mVZRKPk0Mj8LQosNWMD5xp0mBWOgr68qc8_BS0Uq57S4tXCRcRqI/w640-h476/IMG_1916.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>As I looked through photo albums I described how some of the guys had tried to tape the word <span style="color: #ffa400;">HELP</span> in fluorescent orange paper to the bottom of Louis's shoes so that when we knelt to take Communion folks in the congregation could see! (their fun was thwarted when the letters were removed from the shoes prior to the service!)<br /><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBFhmrrXqhTNzmwfEwUyEvTGQwEA6rT8TAfUTMrBPKem1KgyKjPIV0TgW84T9fRLE27r6R6ZcIkQ2tZe-UkD02CjZq3qXsGRWFAqJjTOtDBoPnWNmm5vTtx8s9v8AfxanPBBioh-yHaGv/s2048/IMG_1891.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1294" data-original-width="2048" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBFhmrrXqhTNzmwfEwUyEvTGQwEA6rT8TAfUTMrBPKem1KgyKjPIV0TgW84T9fRLE27r6R6ZcIkQ2tZe-UkD02CjZq3qXsGRWFAqJjTOtDBoPnWNmm5vTtx8s9v8AfxanPBBioh-yHaGv/w640-h404/IMG_1891.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I see Mt. Hood in Oregon, USA, I often think of the Psalm "I will lift up my eyes to the hills--From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth." When I reread the wedding service Friday night I realized the pastor had alluded to these lines at the beginning of the service when he said, "Praise to the living God, the Lord of life and love...Our help is found in the Lord who made the heavens and the earth. Glory be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">50 years after that praise was uttered at my wedding, I find it echoing in my 70+-year-old heart as I move forward now exploring the abundant life Jesus promises His followers. I count on His promise "I am with you always" through tough times as well..."even to the end of the age." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have you been crafting any remembrances?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-19474114286579056252021-10-30T20:55:00.014-07:002021-10-31T15:43:28.977-07:00October 2021 Harvesting...Crafts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkn4fruU149PqTCwnhhRwP0YZc7rd8Kmjha2BscrTOlf1rKbJPdepCehOgiwRiTXAqjeXojaCMRoi2PKTBjMoQQylqru5wWqCzxUPCi7Q6TVs52AyTSnLq9AfmhDq2P44V_N_XI2rOsYM/s2048/IMG_1830.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkn4fruU149PqTCwnhhRwP0YZc7rd8Kmjha2BscrTOlf1rKbJPdepCehOgiwRiTXAqjeXojaCMRoi2PKTBjMoQQylqru5wWqCzxUPCi7Q6TVs52AyTSnLq9AfmhDq2P44V_N_XI2rOsYM/w640-h480/IMG_1830.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Welcome to a glimpse of our major harvesting event! We decided it was time to cut the umbilical cord of the Birdhouse Gourd! Since my youngest daughter, Elisabeth, had started growing the Birdhouse Gourd seeds at her house months ago I thought she should enjoy sharing the harvesting of the gourd that grew from the little plant she brought me to grow on my patio trellis. She has taken the gourd back to her house. From what we have read it may take between six to twelve months for the gourd to dry before we can take the next step in crafting it into a birdhouse. Stay tuned! :)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpmOQantn1yyOS_S97ELPuhf2ed4Q-deF2PDFPrjPifcfq2Qu38m8zoznKKtA-AJh0-gOxO7MXhA17aWsqshz6NbWs7Kws0o5tpPt5roEONVdSmSK7wK5c7G3HhhPZ8wVx48C-K9r663D/s2048/IMG_1801.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpmOQantn1yyOS_S97ELPuhf2ed4Q-deF2PDFPrjPifcfq2Qu38m8zoznKKtA-AJh0-gOxO7MXhA17aWsqshz6NbWs7Kws0o5tpPt5roEONVdSmSK7wK5c7G3HhhPZ8wVx48C-K9r663D/w640-h480/IMG_1801.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It would have been such fun if you could have joined us one October afternoon when on the spur of the moment I crafted an impromptu tea party for my neighbor friends, Orletta (on left) and June (on right). Perhaps you at least can get pleasure from imagining that the menu of tea, cookies, and good conversation were enjoyed by us all. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOArFB57gyCXg2q6EfEZq1L4rv7AFRzAxv0rs8owElcyZ10YUXWX9WiHdHBQu46l2ZVUGDNugmYJkNTi5MpG9olhg6RZkigWLi9cn-Xm7OAVgeTAI5FJgWNpCW2IsAsTlKos3Yrfj2hRhv/s2048/IMG_1760.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOArFB57gyCXg2q6EfEZq1L4rv7AFRzAxv0rs8owElcyZ10YUXWX9WiHdHBQu46l2ZVUGDNugmYJkNTi5MpG9olhg6RZkigWLi9cn-Xm7OAVgeTAI5FJgWNpCW2IsAsTlKos3Yrfj2hRhv/w640-h428/IMG_1760.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Another afternoon Candy, June's daughter was visiting here from out of town and was able to join us for some tea and cookies. A dear friend, Becky, from upstate NY, had sent me a goodie box that arrived just before Candy and June came over. Among the goodies were delicious dark chocolate-covered almonds from <a href="https://www.krauseschocolates.com/">Krause Candy</a> in Saugerties, NY that we enjoyedl Thanks again, Becky!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9yHnZN2fv1DQQVkkn2u7tTGy7KFl2f4iclpOrQCn1vU545W5_z1StJFToqRd_3GQNPk4fnSsbc9MQ5ArAoQ2_5rTjKIoPB__0UYNkfwAYqLgJyLgxjE_rhY5H_TyjZwetPQnvm0lGQyc/s2048/IMG_1709.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9yHnZN2fv1DQQVkkn2u7tTGy7KFl2f4iclpOrQCn1vU545W5_z1StJFToqRd_3GQNPk4fnSsbc9MQ5ArAoQ2_5rTjKIoPB__0UYNkfwAYqLgJyLgxjE_rhY5H_TyjZwetPQnvm0lGQyc/w480-h640/IMG_1709.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Some of you asked for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookie recipe that produced these cookies I showed you last month. If you try the following recipe I hope it is a great success for you!</span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwiAG5ARNCpEeXECRndBGDw6FtO-a0H_ER3ZzfSEreZmLoKmoELQkbIh0ppIN_QNuVufsgni-1IzFdOCYRS-8Q8zOMsfdSiV6oqWIbl1MjlXacRSrNeJfKA8mSAFaI81Ku0VauLM9Gv6x/s2048/IMG_1708.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwiAG5ARNCpEeXECRndBGDw6FtO-a0H_ER3ZzfSEreZmLoKmoELQkbIh0ppIN_QNuVufsgni-1IzFdOCYRS-8Q8zOMsfdSiV6oqWIbl1MjlXacRSrNeJfKA8mSAFaI81Ku0VauLM9Gv6x/w640-h480/IMG_1708.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c5j1GCzDGTX7KZQDWzhFd_nq9W99Vf_NFP9fI7coGuZyFUnELKSl5fOG60gokWlu6Pq7_WTrDFKPCynB_zj8D7rfH035434TD0PvRoK_z1pZw9k5d92ForJd6-s8t6qvmJjg1yPLRgSJ/s2048/IMG_2149.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1180" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0c5j1GCzDGTX7KZQDWzhFd_nq9W99Vf_NFP9fI7coGuZyFUnELKSl5fOG60gokWlu6Pq7_WTrDFKPCynB_zj8D7rfH035434TD0PvRoK_z1pZw9k5d92ForJd6-s8t6qvmJjg1yPLRgSJ/w368-h640/IMG_2149.jpeg" width="368" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Several weeks ago my youngest daughter, Elisabeth, texted this and the following three photos to me. A co-worker had heard Elisabeth enjoyed making cakes and asked her to make her wedding cake...the biggest Elisabeth had ever tried to make. Elisabeth took on the challenge and gave me permission to share some of the process with you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHJWFw-J8ApFOsMVLhaLaCUXe_ICMEzd0oEtyX0g_h7jTV0HNixVujl9qacrIJdzsUHW7xAj5argE3lSSbCLsAOxC2QwZRwW4HT_IceGOHBlfrj9IXj9AKHCaDrMetoz-tOA80mfd2qxC/s2048/IMG_2156.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHJWFw-J8ApFOsMVLhaLaCUXe_ICMEzd0oEtyX0g_h7jTV0HNixVujl9qacrIJdzsUHW7xAj5argE3lSSbCLsAOxC2QwZRwW4HT_IceGOHBlfrj9IXj9AKHCaDrMetoz-tOA80mfd2qxC/w640-h480/IMG_2156.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> After baking all the layers and trimming them, she spread a crumb coat of frosting on the three layers so that the final coat of frosting would spread smoothly without crumbs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjZsq53hS0rvv05ClnJhjy9MMxNC9FlzS_D1_mO9P-AY4HoDR24_G9CqgKt95pilonI-XBNweGykzFgUUyHP-x484tFiDvyY7QFNlKyIGdbiDiGgIpNoqyMUOqWlTzgPaOcEYs8gtX5t9/s2048/IMG_2170.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjZsq53hS0rvv05ClnJhjy9MMxNC9FlzS_D1_mO9P-AY4HoDR24_G9CqgKt95pilonI-XBNweGykzFgUUyHP-x484tFiDvyY7QFNlKyIGdbiDiGgIpNoqyMUOqWlTzgPaOcEYs8gtX5t9/w566-h640/IMG_2170.jpeg" width="566" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She transported the three layers separately then constructed the cake at the venue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxiZBg0U71PbiZxHtmRTqBdf-DtKsQ7HzVPIxsYA75C8NW9F_qtR-I0eBGZaL5MSW6rk7fMDhI2yqY0FDx9VdFfgS9i6cyvRjWA8hBV97AW-iAP3pRV946LJTC8aU83BWy5JURaiK5qND/s2048/IMG_2172.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1502" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxiZBg0U71PbiZxHtmRTqBdf-DtKsQ7HzVPIxsYA75C8NW9F_qtR-I0eBGZaL5MSW6rk7fMDhI2yqY0FDx9VdFfgS9i6cyvRjWA8hBV97AW-iAP3pRV946LJTC8aU83BWy5JURaiK5qND/w470-h640/IMG_2172.jpeg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Finally, she decorated the whole cake with ribbon and fresh flowers and the couple's choice of topping. Elisabeth does not claim professional results, but she reported the couple and many of their guests appreciated the look...and taste of the cake!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRA3yzE_4xHv3PDgLqamGQLNesh92H1v6pTKftYrpTQHctN5_qb6srPMx_MId94D7ZEw4sVUi5BdM0KfI8pWRNYfx9Ys4UYU77iOCwQwThlyWP1peg651RdixdX-wvgCvrDeGPrUqG3YMl/s2048/IMG_1807.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRA3yzE_4xHv3PDgLqamGQLNesh92H1v6pTKftYrpTQHctN5_qb6srPMx_MId94D7ZEw4sVUi5BdM0KfI8pWRNYfx9Ys4UYU77iOCwQwThlyWP1peg651RdixdX-wvgCvrDeGPrUqG3YMl/w640-h406/IMG_1807.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is such a pretty season in our area near the base of Mt. Hood and close to Portland, Oregon, that I drove to one of my favorite spots in the old nearby neighborhood where I lived a few years ago to take some photos to share with you.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsYqGBO-XO8BroT7Ag6ZyKmq4OJqdVdqv2Gp05EmVBKBf2PnENLKRF0kWLVcPq5Q_mVYInHfnRQiM0dLfJsHSNfNaJPiM8tu6TkN5-iiyCzLlkx2SMG-Fzx4EJMiWpUL4lzMCF4VfsIyW/s2048/IMG_1810.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1967" data-original-width="2048" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsYqGBO-XO8BroT7Ag6ZyKmq4OJqdVdqv2Gp05EmVBKBf2PnENLKRF0kWLVcPq5Q_mVYInHfnRQiM0dLfJsHSNfNaJPiM8tu6TkN5-iiyCzLlkx2SMG-Fzx4EJMiWpUL4lzMCF4VfsIyW/w640-h614/IMG_1810.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There are many nurseries in the area and this row of brilliant red trees captured my admiration!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZbQaxGJMFH-10XbZL8S9XzilUy6gAXpuauc4RWewMz_0bYz7NNVjldxT12Yg8xQx9wZiAXWBlxOmKxVMGgxS5HTHF4xNexS3UHxSHHWq9ZGNsfZcTQbG2AJaV_H2SaowkC0A3sh3aXFU/s2048/IMG_1823.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZbQaxGJMFH-10XbZL8S9XzilUy6gAXpuauc4RWewMz_0bYz7NNVjldxT12Yg8xQx9wZiAXWBlxOmKxVMGgxS5HTHF4xNexS3UHxSHHWq9ZGNsfZcTQbG2AJaV_H2SaowkC0A3sh3aXFU/w640-h480/IMG_1823.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then back in our condominium community, this view got my attention also. I hope you are enjoying beautiful sights wherever you are as well!<p></p><p>Have you harvested any crafts in October?</p><p><br /></p><p>((Hugs)) </p><p>Gracie :)</p><p>"And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" Mark4:20 NLT</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-73474616797799149462021-09-30T20:49:00.000-07:002021-09-30T20:49:47.779-07:00A Measure of Crafting in September 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa_7q20y1SuPggKSB7beXVLHrDhrYMHyr9SOmHudZj5USBNgeJ-ZsqDdyyo6eogDs0VIIa3U2-zuHtdu5A4c2sAdOEnm1QaabVGiRR2rwp61bx8bIfkvrZDrZXFTtwwoA42MMZvniOS0g/s2048/IMG_1679.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTa_7q20y1SuPggKSB7beXVLHrDhrYMHyr9SOmHudZj5USBNgeJ-ZsqDdyyo6eogDs0VIIa3U2-zuHtdu5A4c2sAdOEnm1QaabVGiRR2rwp61bx8bIfkvrZDrZXFTtwwoA42MMZvniOS0g/w640-h480/IMG_1679.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Ahoy! Welcome to a view of the biggest Bird House gourd growing on the trellis on my patio. It has been great fun to watch the gourd develop over the last few months. Will it grow large enough for a bird to call it home?<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LkYNi46LG4XugWwv9ljYeD4VZ3KtH4Ogz_gMlQD-AQcUNODFrPSsON1x1SzP4fFQLPmpbrvhM57mc9JzY0hdULSL_rVD8pmF5N7wDZkTQM8-tA10S9rzEWBsQnqVQo7O4yC5sXIwpZKe/s2048/IMG_1698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LkYNi46LG4XugWwv9ljYeD4VZ3KtH4Ogz_gMlQD-AQcUNODFrPSsON1x1SzP4fFQLPmpbrvhM57mc9JzY0hdULSL_rVD8pmF5N7wDZkTQM8-tA10S9rzEWBsQnqVQo7O4yC5sXIwpZKe/w640-h480/IMG_1698.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>This view of the gourd gave me hope...the sky is the limit!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_jVVHLQqzRU8I_rlX3gnFypUuM8AZhzy1hRFNOLyKr9IBDSqKY9G03lVzT7_-9KQTnQUVpgKx7Do8T23MqcwyzEjPmKwIbUf8vEP_kUKy-HFIXSao_v7Hv643ai5No0OUeSqZf_qeqcu/s2048/IMG_1724.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_jVVHLQqzRU8I_rlX3gnFypUuM8AZhzy1hRFNOLyKr9IBDSqKY9G03lVzT7_-9KQTnQUVpgKx7Do8T23MqcwyzEjPmKwIbUf8vEP_kUKy-HFIXSao_v7Hv643ai5No0OUeSqZf_qeqcu/w640-h480/IMG_1724.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The last gathering of cucumbers from the vines helped me feel hopeful as well, and gave me enough cucumbers to share with neighbors!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yOc56uwfjbBFwE7XiarWA9_ze4A9ehNGiy6CSa-eXNOTT2pts6LQNgmFey4HLt5dX9ylnVax0uw5yqNwAChV-3iLqjIc779cKeP2D1AIfqoWnLu6o1-DOO_5t_pv0LRFYGrRl2vLmzKG/s2048/IMG_1728.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8yOc56uwfjbBFwE7XiarWA9_ze4A9ehNGiy6CSa-eXNOTT2pts6LQNgmFey4HLt5dX9ylnVax0uw5yqNwAChV-3iLqjIc779cKeP2D1AIfqoWnLu6o1-DOO_5t_pv0LRFYGrRl2vLmzKG/w640-h480/IMG_1728.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Then this last week I decided to try to measure the gourd and gauge if it is big enough for a bird nest. It is about six inches long, perhaps if it is hollowed out it could support a hummingbird nest!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yU1xyCnX6-UcyXKF7L5dj0XeWDGsGTcKX5FFLEv0JXh96ifGKLTzq3MxkeGWoxfVRA9HgPuGM0pshno5uJQE60-gO7kkFU3IB-nb9N7LAKKrFxFQCzV6JgWELQ6V7F33VYWwdEOEGE0T/s2048/IMG_1714.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yU1xyCnX6-UcyXKF7L5dj0XeWDGsGTcKX5FFLEv0JXh96ifGKLTzq3MxkeGWoxfVRA9HgPuGM0pshno5uJQE60-gO7kkFU3IB-nb9N7LAKKrFxFQCzV6JgWELQ6V7F33VYWwdEOEGE0T/w480-h640/IMG_1714.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>A friend took my measurements a few years ago and knit this vest freehand for me! I enjoyed wearing it to a meeting recently and several of the ladies admired it and my friend's talented knitting and design, as do I...such a generous kind gift.<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODrp77O48NagXiOxZogOvrOWy1M2M1kqQDeAZV388z43cx1lataya8E1TdFUlrvWIfD0XcYEn1QHUGNRlc_5q5w3T9xjA2Woq__6jNPi4thy1JbPYeWxpJxic6KJp1tRIyNxykPvSWTa7/s2048/IMG_1741.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODrp77O48NagXiOxZogOvrOWy1M2M1kqQDeAZV388z43cx1lataya8E1TdFUlrvWIfD0XcYEn1QHUGNRlc_5q5w3T9xjA2Woq__6jNPi4thy1JbPYeWxpJxic6KJp1tRIyNxykPvSWTa7/w640-h480/IMG_1741.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The crocheted baby blanket I have been putting a few rows on each week is growing and I am enjoying the wavey edging I am creating by starting each row with two chains.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9apyqEo-oHjDVFSN5MQnW4UNpme02gEyQRRi7fwy0FJ6m22kFRcpaneNRQX9SZ1ImXJkqcWa87t38y9SDdg3dkR1je3TmXydC1ZJb0QzBWU_h3jGN2JShPNLPvhlVDa5E4BGwXwVAWEOj/s2048/IMG_1709.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9apyqEo-oHjDVFSN5MQnW4UNpme02gEyQRRi7fwy0FJ6m22kFRcpaneNRQX9SZ1ImXJkqcWa87t38y9SDdg3dkR1je3TmXydC1ZJb0QzBWU_h3jGN2JShPNLPvhlVDa5E4BGwXwVAWEOj/w480-h640/IMG_1709.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>I tried a new recipe, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Puffs. They are a lightweight cookie, a type of meringue that is both crisp and chewy and gluten-free and dairy-free. If you are interested in trying the recipe let me know in the comments and I will post the recipe in the next post.<div><div><br /></div><div>Have you done a measure of crafting lately? </div><div><br /></div><div>Gracie ((hugs)) (-:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ephesians 2:10 NKJV</span></div><div><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></p></div></div>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-87373469927356440262021-08-31T18:41:00.020-07:002021-08-31T18:50:47.699-07:00August Crafting 2021 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJY6sFWhUQyi78bK1DMv035lWFtTJfnqn4lEvxQh4cFZeTx0cbzFGyn04d5BfNfsM2IQeXs0vrkXeXi6fgV_AAcILylKhflVbuBgYukRHY1CzSWjUE9yBIHWPslp_gf4LP5WOMpNHidMC8/s2048/IMG_1613.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="2048" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJY6sFWhUQyi78bK1DMv035lWFtTJfnqn4lEvxQh4cFZeTx0cbzFGyn04d5BfNfsM2IQeXs0vrkXeXi6fgV_AAcILylKhflVbuBgYukRHY1CzSWjUE9yBIHWPslp_gf4LP5WOMpNHidMC8/w640-h554/IMG_1613.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Welcome! Thanks for visiting! I wish I could share the bounty of my friend's garden with you! She and her husband raised these lovely fruits/vegetables in their backyard. I have been enjoying the produce of their garden crafting and had enough to share with nearby neighbors as well. The bumpy purple and white roots by the vase are kohlrabi which you may already know but I didn't until my friend explained what they were. She told me they peel them, slice them, and salt them, then eat the slices raw which is what I did. I enjoyed the crisp crunchy texture and mild flavor! Have you eaten kohlrabi before? </span></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLmKFbPlpmNHVITJ2KNK0zKbFb18wntghWxQB6XYYtBSaKvuAHoeu4dSkNjlptJvJQG4OqespTRHhuorJ5C03NhGampDwRwcjgBLXfp87D3Pb5g7z87BabhWScp0seiN-nLvDXYV1Ypkm/s2048/IMG_1617.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="2048" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLmKFbPlpmNHVITJ2KNK0zKbFb18wntghWxQB6XYYtBSaKvuAHoeu4dSkNjlptJvJQG4OqespTRHhuorJ5C03NhGampDwRwcjgBLXfp87D3Pb5g7z87BabhWScp0seiN-nLvDXYV1Ypkm/w640-h526/IMG_1617.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This month I was able to meet with crafting friends outside on my friend's patio as we worked on knitting/crocheting small blankets for patients at a nearby hospital. I'm about halfway done with crafting the mixed pastel acrylic crocheted blanket I showed you in prior posts over the last few months.</span></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DhjBHtc0sCf6hH7tblsAwPNQhPmd0IL7zYqiCs_hTgLAVo4n21XROIrSnSkPlBmu6UUbQyKxsi7EmiWFcXRoo3OeiibzbvOL28kL8t9-0JHEhZRNqtGlH2QN2RbGiTLT_gN5BD5tpQJn/s2048/IMG_1623.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DhjBHtc0sCf6hH7tblsAwPNQhPmd0IL7zYqiCs_hTgLAVo4n21XROIrSnSkPlBmu6UUbQyKxsi7EmiWFcXRoo3OeiibzbvOL28kL8t9-0JHEhZRNqtGlH2QN2RbGiTLT_gN5BD5tpQJn/w640-h480/IMG_1623.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The birdhouse gourd vine I showed you in my last post is still stretching skyward, still producing flowers and at the base of some of the flowers, gourds are forming!!! Can you see the one in this photo? My excitement is worth more exclamation points!!! Will a gourd grow big enough to be crafted into a birdhouse??? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUvrQliLMRQ_ZgvO6HIKPpDxQ7bLC9GaC4XkYuWMCcXyrQrJeSyEj733MyDGwmOq1iZFRXmHLwWMTlIIPbTm2I4v5tbH2xnawA7S3JVDW6g3Q-2CmWcrwjPQEpJ3TCj15Q9cjCEiLIR7x/s2048/IMG_1625.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUvrQliLMRQ_ZgvO6HIKPpDxQ7bLC9GaC4XkYuWMCcXyrQrJeSyEj733MyDGwmOq1iZFRXmHLwWMTlIIPbTm2I4v5tbH2xnawA7S3JVDW6g3Q-2CmWcrwjPQEpJ3TCj15Q9cjCEiLIR7x/w640-h480/IMG_1625.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In this photo can you see two gourds along with some of the last of the pretty purple Clematis blooms? Also, if you look over the fence and down on the ground can you see a prolific cucumber vine a neighbor planted and some of us nearby have been watering whether or not we are garden crafters?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzF1jCN-KPVIySxOF5TaTHJOs6DSIpNBg9ZQULF0FmhCSehMjnDqL25lSEx7EALmKCNIAd-K-4vyDHAS_-WpmKfehT7WtSkc7Yx-EOkbR7thdN92mGFi7EBCMjBngVn1VuUOAfVi-ZrrD/s2048/IMG_1640.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNzF1jCN-KPVIySxOF5TaTHJOs6DSIpNBg9ZQULF0FmhCSehMjnDqL25lSEx7EALmKCNIAd-K-4vyDHAS_-WpmKfehT7WtSkc7Yx-EOkbR7thdN92mGFi7EBCMjBngVn1VuUOAfVi-ZrrD/w640-h480/IMG_1640.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> This morning I picked five cucumbers. All of us tending the vine have been rewarded with some yummy cucumbers. I am enjoying our mini-community garden crafting efforts especially during this time when living productively and peacefully in healthy community in our world continues to be challenging.</span></div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircj83R9Dnn7Zbfim-gcDSUHCJ5Ao2tK79B0QSHx5IV0HfwsWt_WdQvGWCr6fxT-GpvLmK-7RSjEngLMvkdtwlqzC-pBFPLxROrihrOqKo6L97etMzJoOjQGF2d8EjAv88hQYYydv3JUNI/s2048/IMG_1641.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircj83R9Dnn7Zbfim-gcDSUHCJ5Ao2tK79B0QSHx5IV0HfwsWt_WdQvGWCr6fxT-GpvLmK-7RSjEngLMvkdtwlqzC-pBFPLxROrihrOqKo6L97etMzJoOjQGF2d8EjAv88hQYYydv3JUNI/w640-h480/IMG_1641.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Years ago my youngest daughter crafted the beautiful blue mug shown in this photo. I enjoyed drinking a cup of PG Tips decaffeinated tea from the mug this morning. Then I washed the mug and poured some homemade vegetable beef soup in it for lunch. In the basket on the left in the back of the photo is the blanket I am crocheting. Whether crafting or enjoying the crafts produced by others I am grateful as I type this on the last day of August... and I hope that when I press publish on Blogger I have crafted another post!!! <p></p><p>Love and ((hugs)),</p><p>from Gracie :)</p><p><br /></p><p>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. </p><p><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Romans 15:13 NIV</span><br /> </p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-2779071294334451152021-07-29T21:25:00.010-07:002021-07-30T13:24:12.703-07:00Midsummer Crafting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRDxvNBqrlhw-LkdeEgdAyNr2Rp8L4LVvP5DPuHzTbmECydF7zQYlLm-Y_AXYrJsl5_E3bi8gHZVyFvpebUIr21zN2Z_5pBUtSwf9pbKgWv23cW3t3DyVKna3W0xJmyXAxfRTi_khXzy8/s2048/IMG_1549.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1273" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRDxvNBqrlhw-LkdeEgdAyNr2Rp8L4LVvP5DPuHzTbmECydF7zQYlLm-Y_AXYrJsl5_E3bi8gHZVyFvpebUIr21zN2Z_5pBUtSwf9pbKgWv23cW3t3DyVKna3W0xJmyXAxfRTi_khXzy8/s320/IMG_1549.jpeg" width="199" /></a></div>Ahoy from 95F/35C weather near Portland, Oregon, USA! I know some of you endure hotter temps than that on a routine basis, and I admire your ability to do that when I just want to complain about having to rarely cope with such heat!<p></p><p>July 1, 2021, I needed to supply a headshot jpg to apply for security clearance to potentially work with some students learning to crochet and knit in August so I crafted the above selfie that my phone camera labeled a portrait. When I attached the photo to an email to submit it I noted I did not know how to produce a jpg photo, but would the attached photo be acceptable? It was! I was relieved it was and glad that I passed the security clearance a few days later. Sadly for me, the classes were just canceled, though.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKTVbK-8sGNmTaeXtnTGkEzzzOr6M8ZM0l68lXUlJuo4V0BConOWWOQOL8jfsSQm90lm5tSOG7FxIRbPgNazgHmEgMbZ0s0W8pt66c3dOacl5JQqve0inOjg1BxGhtDbLZtBntLRX3w8D/s521/IMG_1559.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="521" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKTVbK-8sGNmTaeXtnTGkEzzzOr6M8ZM0l68lXUlJuo4V0BConOWWOQOL8jfsSQm90lm5tSOG7FxIRbPgNazgHmEgMbZ0s0W8pt66c3dOacl5JQqve0inOjg1BxGhtDbLZtBntLRX3w8D/s320/IMG_1559.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Some of you know I am particularly fond of the color purple, sheep, and processing wool. A young friend saw these socks and sent them to me to enjoy! Such fun!</p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1FLECha0KfCScaG_J6mq7rj0cY9cnN-H9vRb8sZjdQ5daOWP6xNiEPua-QDTeAtOx5Emvobsk_9vFbjnCkE8fmTZoznugMbwe45YYcBxV7_mTwBJvke_r2CqVH1PtA0x-RBvS8gOmTx1/s2048/IMG_1560.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1FLECha0KfCScaG_J6mq7rj0cY9cnN-H9vRb8sZjdQ5daOWP6xNiEPua-QDTeAtOx5Emvobsk_9vFbjnCkE8fmTZoznugMbwe45YYcBxV7_mTwBJvke_r2CqVH1PtA0x-RBvS8gOmTx1/w640-h480/IMG_1560.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This Spring my youngest daughter grew some Birdhouse Gourd seeds under grow lights inside her house and trusted me with this little vine to plant where the Sweet Pea vines had been a month ago.</p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklbzlx1tr9yQ9qoSDcfEkX8fy3Np8y3XBto1ALhmC8wzEegNuyJFCl7uuWt7POBJmXnAf7XN88qmPj087VO86WVuOmTDoamDfjtjEKNNEe39l3bQhypalmjL-yyE0R1TloEfnZdW4CoV0/s2048/IMG_1561.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklbzlx1tr9yQ9qoSDcfEkX8fy3Np8y3XBto1ALhmC8wzEegNuyJFCl7uuWt7POBJmXnAf7XN88qmPj087VO86WVuOmTDoamDfjtjEKNNEe39l3bQhypalmjL-yyE0R1TloEfnZdW4CoV0/w640-h480/IMG_1561.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcC8zy5gEX1LRXjxBRjV6MUvGtqx1LDk2NuWFTcTbwa2i_GQNyha9biz5y9N_1xymDFh7OOauI9h86o1BZ1hJ1GxEhWmgupHbyiAg1hLFrANBqoPjvYdcNCp_DSqZIYIRhw6c-wFt_-j2/s2048/IMG_1568.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1773" data-original-width="2048" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcC8zy5gEX1LRXjxBRjV6MUvGtqx1LDk2NuWFTcTbwa2i_GQNyha9biz5y9N_1xymDFh7OOauI9h86o1BZ1hJ1GxEhWmgupHbyiAg1hLFrANBqoPjvYdcNCp_DSqZIYIRhw6c-wFt_-j2/w640-h554/IMG_1568.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The triple-digit weather we had at the end of June was very hard on plants, but so far these have survived and I am hoping they will thrive!</p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2WBYzp7lIodcGhZnD7gYmYByJvH8TUoT-aokta2o_4TS8CwHj85s2s6v8sJ20LCMSbpE43V76TuMuS0hvqYWwA8l_qU0VzrchCV61Y8LlqcfwNLSoPWkk5KAD1UpPTs34pS51ddX4z9Y/s2048/IMG_1569.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2WBYzp7lIodcGhZnD7gYmYByJvH8TUoT-aokta2o_4TS8CwHj85s2s6v8sJ20LCMSbpE43V76TuMuS0hvqYWwA8l_qU0VzrchCV61Y8LlqcfwNLSoPWkk5KAD1UpPTs34pS51ddX4z9Y/w640-h480/IMG_1569.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>One day when the weather was perfect I was able to gather with some friends at a nearby friend's house for a luncheon backyard picnic...a lovely way to craft our friendships! </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IZh_240_nqrkW7eGy9euc4LQVSI7pAr_ssigxKicxX646OkOwyicMJMTY-7aRYoHbt1qTg3GnxBkwcP6Y3BVRlfP_rXcVJtp9lH0HCfC2ucStSM0LyQZYBwWB1b60vJBd2HLcxTMqXtK/s1770/IMG_1570.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="1359" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IZh_240_nqrkW7eGy9euc4LQVSI7pAr_ssigxKicxX646OkOwyicMJMTY-7aRYoHbt1qTg3GnxBkwcP6Y3BVRlfP_rXcVJtp9lH0HCfC2ucStSM0LyQZYBwWB1b60vJBd2HLcxTMqXtK/w492-h640/IMG_1570.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div><p>On the way home from the picnic I was pleasantly surprised to see Mt. Hood! The snowpack is quickly melting, but I enjoyed stopping to appreciate the view and craft a photo of it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtgT7TVW71PDFGun-3MVRd5jYv4cpfgis1ri5uDHrisNRH-gjRvBt9Hb2ok3OyZ5qQUVTt2VyJ_DnXFCOlBjQE5EkDEbXecVW2QA8D-58z8C3r7WW6nrgOS_b439gtL3u3QQpxFXTHeVL/s2048/IMG_1575.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtgT7TVW71PDFGun-3MVRd5jYv4cpfgis1ri5uDHrisNRH-gjRvBt9Hb2ok3OyZ5qQUVTt2VyJ_DnXFCOlBjQE5EkDEbXecVW2QA8D-58z8C3r7WW6nrgOS_b439gtL3u3QQpxFXTHeVL/w640-h480/IMG_1575.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Remember the little Birdhouse Gourd vine my youngest daughter gave me to plant? This is how big it is now at the end of July!</p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91c-Ox_LwcIOgw6zAvNQYfQc5wWTYxpeejxWDe0dgJdAvkuQR3jppvVz0UWMzSi8ttSldI0fAiIB6IPaUtPNsq2eASQOuPMpkT5xzMQv12S_wWSekio0K-gucuxe2Ekw0AlXclEWzlVLE/s2048/IMG_1577.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi91c-Ox_LwcIOgw6zAvNQYfQc5wWTYxpeejxWDe0dgJdAvkuQR3jppvVz0UWMzSi8ttSldI0fAiIB6IPaUtPNsq2eASQOuPMpkT5xzMQv12S_wWSekio0K-gucuxe2Ekw0AlXclEWzlVLE/w640-h480/IMG_1577.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It is fascinating to see the tendrils that grow from vines to help them to climb. I have never grown or processed a gourd to craft it into a birdhouse. Have you ever tried to do that?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIF4UqCSKRtfdcRujqEdEJabZ_aC5TbJSHYT17b-2aShHQXtexI6cdnkhaUZojWAsnYKqVVZmWk-xfTd3CxT1pF14Hke39GSdnCjO8ZhycvZuOj8Zz1HGthbG_8AsQ6Z_aeLfc2kc9JR6/s2048/IMG_1582.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1880" data-original-width="2048" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIF4UqCSKRtfdcRujqEdEJabZ_aC5TbJSHYT17b-2aShHQXtexI6cdnkhaUZojWAsnYKqVVZmWk-xfTd3CxT1pF14Hke39GSdnCjO8ZhycvZuOj8Zz1HGthbG_8AsQ6Z_aeLfc2kc9JR6/s320/IMG_1582.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This month I have done a little stitching. I crafted a few more rows on the crocheted baby blanket I am making, and I finished knitting this little Grandma's Dishcloth. Have you been stitching?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I see Mt. Hood I often think of the Psalmist's observation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Psalm 121:1-2NLT</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Blessings and ((hugs)),</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span>Gracie :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-71834519502858033242021-06-29T23:11:00.000-07:002021-06-29T23:11:44.911-07:00Crafting Blog Relaunch June 2021<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2aX26jFj2TMYiDG4peiXOOIcqvAzpzG6B0Ug1esgR2rbWfGCNgP10Q3jUxipOvkS4E65hwVJYc06Kc_NwSqerHxLXczVqd646x56MRntWrojiqJcCvcU75Qg_X4p90HZAD7SuT2Wm8Od/s2048/IMG_1521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1972" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2aX26jFj2TMYiDG4peiXOOIcqvAzpzG6B0Ug1esgR2rbWfGCNgP10Q3jUxipOvkS4E65hwVJYc06Kc_NwSqerHxLXczVqd646x56MRntWrojiqJcCvcU75Qg_X4p90HZAD7SuT2Wm8Od/w616-h640/IMG_1521.jpeg" width="616" /></a></div><p>Thanks for checking out this Saylor's Log today! I launched this blog a little over ten years ago in search of creative expression and shared adventures in the crafting blog community. I was especially interested in exploring fiber crafts, faith, and watercolor painting and I still am. This past year I have been given three painted rocks from local friends and during the month of June, the rock pictured above arrived in the mail! Through Zoom I have been meeting monthly with a group of ladies for a little over a year, and texting daily with them in-between Zoom meetings. I mentioned admiring a rock my mother painted over fifty years ago that my older sister now has. Our mom painted a little sailboat sailing on the ocean so my Zoom friend surprised me by painting a little sailboat sailing on the ocean and then sent it from Florida to Oregon so that I could have it! It is on the table beside my favorite chair in the living room...such an incredibly thoughtful and generous gift I so appreciate.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbZ1TrAejfJtxz_1pRlpS1z1ecaav5pQv3_jRnwtCyYCmPHt24X_2JvKCYVcoV3e22jJF9qQxpr6vZuxv9-18unN-SoELBnIQ5wgcku_Lmo-VcXoiKvyeA6omCYTO7teryGV_52bSx1vI/s2048/IMG_1539.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbZ1TrAejfJtxz_1pRlpS1z1ecaav5pQv3_jRnwtCyYCmPHt24X_2JvKCYVcoV3e22jJF9qQxpr6vZuxv9-18unN-SoELBnIQ5wgcku_Lmo-VcXoiKvyeA6omCYTO7teryGV_52bSx1vI/w640-h480/IMG_1539.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>During June I have made some progress on the simple double crochet stitched acrylic baby blanket I started months ago, and I have started knitting another Grandma's Dishcloth...simple stitches I so enjoy crafting! Are you stitching anything?</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVM56ByKzuYROhXSY_R0cE1RCBmLhVPNvuffvmSoNpI6ofRvdO8AFMTsVm90ujdDqvFFF5H9g1a8AgwbbNUgERV4TI8Q46gZBiHHAIgiUWg4lSBAxP-uZSYMJDEZZdkzXGK00avL17V37/s2048/IMG_1537.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVM56ByKzuYROhXSY_R0cE1RCBmLhVPNvuffvmSoNpI6ofRvdO8AFMTsVm90ujdDqvFFF5H9g1a8AgwbbNUgERV4TI8Q46gZBiHHAIgiUWg4lSBAxP-uZSYMJDEZZdkzXGK00avL17V37/w640-h480/IMG_1537.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>During record-breaking !!! heat in June, in the Portland, OR area, I used frozen blue ice packs in a bowl in front of a fan directed toward me for AC. Cool crafting!!! </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5C49jZIdsXHowrraSecGdlDHTlWIcBWUIG-dpygINVyGACcr3Yr5JpmScmij5nbPQJCWSsRwwu5dPOQoxB0qlZ1JheldloNU7kMSUtjM6tiIhMAXTrxkZzT6AJWhuu01ksjHj5nxWIkb/s2048/IMG_1490.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="2048" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5C49jZIdsXHowrraSecGdlDHTlWIcBWUIG-dpygINVyGACcr3Yr5JpmScmij5nbPQJCWSsRwwu5dPOQoxB0qlZ1JheldloNU7kMSUtjM6tiIhMAXTrxkZzT6AJWhuu01ksjHj5nxWIkb/w640-h402/IMG_1490.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>During June, my rose bush produced lovely little fragrant roses for me to craft into bouquets and arrange on my kitchen windowsill before the days of scorching heat arrived.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_uMaX7hujfKPnUhpxdqwJXYfgeQfwMAc0j3SP_z_vI4CS3b87HgIcI1weoDldWyVWlmXMtx_VV6596q1ivqgm9ydHVHkGwD495e3wDC6TlPsqAN0D3YRIdoMzgWiydyZ5Y2bJXXiuwzQ/s2048/IMG_1486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_uMaX7hujfKPnUhpxdqwJXYfgeQfwMAc0j3SP_z_vI4CS3b87HgIcI1weoDldWyVWlmXMtx_VV6596q1ivqgm9ydHVHkGwD495e3wDC6TlPsqAN0D3YRIdoMzgWiydyZ5Y2bJXXiuwzQ/w640-h480/IMG_1486.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In June, for the first time in a year and a half, my condo community was able to gather together outside...crafting our neighborly skills!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJShLKvoo16ZLXYilmAP-rRPSWW2GSwnI9b2jakHxHz7HG9tW5CJFBmf3qCZDWHHAiTXGVFjhAWzWFgWW9vGnHirKCj4up6FlNGgBEtbEj2d3B_7Xn8bPzC4-Kblx2-WP4VbDwpug2eiX/s2048/IMG_1483.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJShLKvoo16ZLXYilmAP-rRPSWW2GSwnI9b2jakHxHz7HG9tW5CJFBmf3qCZDWHHAiTXGVFjhAWzWFgWW9vGnHirKCj4up6FlNGgBEtbEj2d3B_7Xn8bPzC4-Kblx2-WP4VbDwpug2eiX/w640-h480/IMG_1483.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>These neighbor's flowers were such a delight to enjoy... an old-fashioned rose scent! This June I have been experimenting with crafting some essential oils in a dollar store diffuser. Do you have a favorite combination of essential oil scents and a favorite type of diffuser?</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKWaVyacl6ibF5f-7KKdweZPpqBHimq-4LXhu6WUKwDfcb6sJlCpEXq6yPPcg-nkGeBHFileJRf2R0BSe-XreNveJ8kuUKkPLK3CeIh0gimFtIoDjV8FRbOGKhksDYsO4b2gGvtj6pQd_/s2048/IMG_1481.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKWaVyacl6ibF5f-7KKdweZPpqBHimq-4LXhu6WUKwDfcb6sJlCpEXq6yPPcg-nkGeBHFileJRf2R0BSe-XreNveJ8kuUKkPLK3CeIh0gimFtIoDjV8FRbOGKhksDYsO4b2gGvtj6pQd_/w640-h480/IMG_1481.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This neighbor's beautiful rose reminded me of my dear blogging friend Teresa who I typed about in my last post. Through the years of our friendship, Teresa encouraged me to craft my blog and continue even while seeing stormy seas from my widow's walk...so here I am typing to you...feeling the need to relaunch One Saylor's Log. I just reread what I typed in my About page years ago and it seems fitting to reprint it here...</p><p><em style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Now more a spyglass than part of a set of binoculars, I am freshly exploring how I can best use the B.A. in Speech-Communications I earned from SJSU in 1975. Typing this log for you to read seems to me to be a part of the answer for this season of my sailing; and as you read, I hope you have a Bon Voyage!</span><br /></em></p><p><em style="background-color: #dddddd; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></em></p><div class="yv-moment-header" data-reactid="10" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: inherit; color: #444444; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; font-family: ArialMT, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Liberation Sans", FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; min-height: 38px; padding: 0px; width: 500px;"><div class="main-col vertical-center" data-reactid="11" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex: 1 1 0%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="title" data-reactid="12" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 18px; hyphens: auto; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;"><div class="vertical-center flex-wrap" data-reactid="13" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: inherit; display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h3 class="css-xu7krs" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: black; font-family: proxima-nova, ArialMT, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Liberation Sans", FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit;"> For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the </span><span class="nd" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Lord</span></span><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit;">, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. </span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JER.29.12" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArialMT, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Liberation Sans", FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="label" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #777777; display: inherit; margin-right: 0.28571rem; padding: inherit;">12</span><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JER.29.13" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: ArialMT, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Liberation Sans", FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="label" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #777777; display: inherit; margin-right: 0.28571rem; padding: inherit;">13</span><span class="content" style="box-sizing: inherit;">You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."</span></span></div></h3></div></div></div></div>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-80288725067178799892021-05-08T20:57:00.036-07:002021-05-27T09:09:15.415-07:00Remembering Teresa Kasner<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC01bpj6NxKBiZgrziqT2tbfDHKFlWMK91ddaUkbh-cVeErVrIBvfROBLtSaqhQGNCqb6jwdzXYtDQWbZtrheTc_IFR-4Ri59qafbAY6aGNRBE_9aj0kp9Ud19dzucIClNl0QPDHdu0fF/s2048/IMG_1374.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="2048" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC01bpj6NxKBiZgrziqT2tbfDHKFlWMK91ddaUkbh-cVeErVrIBvfROBLtSaqhQGNCqb6jwdzXYtDQWbZtrheTc_IFR-4Ri59qafbAY6aGNRBE_9aj0kp9Ud19dzucIClNl0QPDHdu0fF/w400-h290/IMG_1374.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It is so difficult to accept that dear Teresa passed away in a hospital Thursday afternoon, May 6, 2021, after a short unexpected illness.<p></p><p>Her beautiful photographs brought <a href="https://teresakasner.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">her blog</span></a> to my attention about ten years ago. As I got to know her through her blog I was amazed to learn that she lived very close to me and I am very grateful we met and grew a precious friendship, swimming many laps in various pools side by side through the years. </p><p>Teresa's artistry in various mediums attracted the admiration of many. Her great administrative ability benefited many organizations she served. Her deep affection for family, friends, and country nurtured many as well. Her sense of adventure led her to sail on the sea and on wonderful Waldo Lake and encouraged many to appreciate how precious and beautiful life is.</p><p>Teresa's wordsmithing ability entertained and informed and challenged those who read what she wrote...and what fun I had regularly playing Scrabble or Words with Friends with her...even though more frequently than not Teresa was the winner!</p><p>As we miss Teresa so very much, may the Lord help us honor her life as we love one another, and fill the world with love and beauty as she did so generously.</p><p>Edited May 27, 2021</p><p>Teresa's Family posted a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZeRuZIvhOw&t=607s"><span style="color: #e06666;">Memorial video</span></a> on YouTube </p><p><br /></p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-90779857776116474152021-04-30T11:27:00.025-07:002021-05-01T11:00:18.985-07:00Showers of April Crafting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPuHSYtcrI4XUBajQc1p8LS1_j5Gvmk6H-3VzEgz0Yu0j_kSB1FHVh9FBsVIEh6-JZ75W1auRFzJebpKE3HMaPcmuiAakUhMCobqU-FKWMsbcBRlda6_YlwxBb8_D300GbwO3jJOa_5t5/s2048/63952263536__044DEB15-A954-4011-B725-E05CE7F1F4AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPuHSYtcrI4XUBajQc1p8LS1_j5Gvmk6H-3VzEgz0Yu0j_kSB1FHVh9FBsVIEh6-JZ75W1auRFzJebpKE3HMaPcmuiAakUhMCobqU-FKWMsbcBRlda6_YlwxBb8_D300GbwO3jJOa_5t5/w640-h480/63952263536__044DEB15-A954-4011-B725-E05CE7F1F4AA.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This peachy-colored Sweet Pea bloom appeared in the first week of April out on my back patio. The vine it grew on had been buried under a huge snowdrift in February! Such beautiful determination deserved my admiration and care. In earnest, I looked for a sturdier trellis than the wooden one I had used last year. My youngest daughter spotted one she thought would work in a store near her. I drove to the store and agreed. I bought a trellis for each of the two planters I have on the back patio.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZbHnxzifkpw83856HWWkjbKbvoWdWh3wu-WB3t-_6Fs9n_zQup1Wprm22voiWZEZ1N_XqLoAL82j7GlMg2vrV0ZvkVxzt52RYnFrMPlhzv8dMq-SZID_kkv8yjzUyZHa-3HK2xy4OJPt/s2048/IMG_1342.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="2048" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZbHnxzifkpw83856HWWkjbKbvoWdWh3wu-WB3t-_6Fs9n_zQup1Wprm22voiWZEZ1N_XqLoAL82j7GlMg2vrV0ZvkVxzt52RYnFrMPlhzv8dMq-SZID_kkv8yjzUyZHa-3HK2xy4OJPt/w640-h562/IMG_1342.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>On the way home from the store I saw one of my favorite views of Mt. Hood. There is a plant nursery shown below Mt. Hood in this photo. I have shopped there but resisted stopping there that day. I was eager to get home and construct the trellises around the planters.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7Cvmguy6lO19Xtka_x5D9r3OzZr2f3M0FCkMhrE6PYfrYe9VdGbUT5CxOkYp6Kxolb6HadT_W2_lJGAWR-zj13xb1guZfC0PsTDrN5AuAc_Ubbc2qEwDbKDTUhEjuHzzUNwcgJpjrybD/s2048/IMG_1349.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1453" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7Cvmguy6lO19Xtka_x5D9r3OzZr2f3M0FCkMhrE6PYfrYe9VdGbUT5CxOkYp6Kxolb6HadT_W2_lJGAWR-zj13xb1guZfC0PsTDrN5AuAc_Ubbc2qEwDbKDTUhEjuHzzUNwcgJpjrybD/w454-h640/IMG_1349.jpeg" width="454" /></a></div><p>By God's grace, I was able to follow the wordless sketched assembly instructions. In this case, a picture really was worth a thousand words! The metal trellises surround the planters and should be a stable support for the Sweet Pea vines on the left and the Clematis vines on the right.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJciHlk-y6HdRtgV4bx2d0sct3SVrWtgTvAmqv0Xujj91Uwu2jiH6Sn22tIMmVfkA7WDUUe6-ZBd7cs3E52OFj5vDS8xM_MrHCbCV9W3_-sin1g6PkF6_cZLe2CldZkTb1Amh3MxJzqQ1/s2048/IMG_1354.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1801" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJciHlk-y6HdRtgV4bx2d0sct3SVrWtgTvAmqv0Xujj91Uwu2jiH6Sn22tIMmVfkA7WDUUe6-ZBd7cs3E52OFj5vDS8xM_MrHCbCV9W3_-sin1g6PkF6_cZLe2CldZkTb1Amh3MxJzqQ1/w562-h640/IMG_1354.jpeg" width="562" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A few weeks ago <a href="https://teresakasner.blogspot.com/2021/03/knitting-for-change.html"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Teresa</span></a> inspired me to start knitting some more Grandma's Dishcloths. In her post she showed the dishcloth she was knitting for her friend, Shirley. I knit this little one for a dear friend who just had her 85th birthday.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC2gY4LKikr47py0sg-X9IhXpPdyAklOcwsZXygABw4ZurcNITw2ePyXjyXmyFDm3Hv-RIjoiACiz84Nap88EbuTZmOH0ayw_ju6_OgM9JFmVaYg2V0GSj2z4-FV6axcoDJ7xhQmm3_ym/s2048/IMG_1368.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC2gY4LKikr47py0sg-X9IhXpPdyAklOcwsZXygABw4ZurcNITw2ePyXjyXmyFDm3Hv-RIjoiACiz84Nap88EbuTZmOH0ayw_ju6_OgM9JFmVaYg2V0GSj2z4-FV6axcoDJ7xhQmm3_ym/w480-h640/IMG_1368.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I knit this one for a friend who has red as an accent color in her kitchen. She is also fond of pink, so I hope she will enjoy using this...a simple gift stitched with loving thoughts of her.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NjmrfM4mN0_hs02nc8RJ5uj8GSETfJFWFGe8EH2fHtG9rpCO8L-lyq9DVznDUeSM1o-QadnQfCLdSUHncGiUAMW0-2Sl8ZqFD4BwhOi9uWNlZtF5Ahvv1mhu994rJqvwRWbll3zfnpP4/s2048/IMG_1337.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1876" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NjmrfM4mN0_hs02nc8RJ5uj8GSETfJFWFGe8EH2fHtG9rpCO8L-lyq9DVznDUeSM1o-QadnQfCLdSUHncGiUAMW0-2Sl8ZqFD4BwhOi9uWNlZtF5Ahvv1mhu994rJqvwRWbll3zfnpP4/w586-h640/IMG_1337.jpeg" width="586" /></a></div><p>This dishcloth flew off my knitting needles on the West Coast USA and landed safely on the East Coast USA to help my since kindergarten friend celebrate her 70th birthday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDDknLm6-JDT1widbaY8XnJSf7-tk5tnxBBIcigf-_Ix6zhyphenhyphena_wXPRcgxQEah4WN4Bu9ReMTGZG9vxR4exwu4Oyh6covbikOob90G44IE-lrinFN9Bg4Mb-On_R9J0mi8t1ZqBAISkO-h/s2048/IMG_1374.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDDknLm6-JDT1widbaY8XnJSf7-tk5tnxBBIcigf-_Ix6zhyphenhyphena_wXPRcgxQEah4WN4Bu9ReMTGZG9vxR4exwu4Oyh6covbikOob90G44IE-lrinFN9Bg4Mb-On_R9J0mi8t1ZqBAISkO-h/w640-h464/IMG_1374.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Showers of blooms have been bursting out around me! Currently, these Bleeding Heart blossoms by my front step are my favorite. In our neighborhood, we have Azalea bushes blooming in red, pink, lavender, purple, white, yellow, and orange. There are also Dogwood trees blooming in pink and white, Magnolias in pink and white, and Cherries in pink and white. What varieties of blooms do you have around you in your season of Spring?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3sgKV-PqAI1vuDzmfDceFKoeufol9soivJD_uHOA_8qAlaIDSQ8WVVeHrRSIGKuUu69SJfpm-dJ_ygbJCNT54dFgB-ocEmN7HVoMbQo7tm_Xnfhkg8Hip0qshjaf24dzo-DIr1er_dU2/s1415/IMG_1382.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1415" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3sgKV-PqAI1vuDzmfDceFKoeufol9soivJD_uHOA_8qAlaIDSQ8WVVeHrRSIGKuUu69SJfpm-dJ_ygbJCNT54dFgB-ocEmN7HVoMbQo7tm_Xnfhkg8Hip0qshjaf24dzo-DIr1er_dU2/w640-h558/IMG_1382.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p> In this last week of April, some of the ladies at church brought the beautiful crafting from their hands to gift folks who are patients at a nearby hospital. While our focus has been producing blankets and hats for babies who spend time in the NICU, some of the ladies have been knitting and crocheting larger blankets that have been given to older children who have had to be in the ER. The church also received a thank you note from a Hospice patient who found comfort in the blanket given to her from the ones the ladies made in the last collection of blankets we donated. The hospital volunteer coordinator said that especially in this last year since hospital visitors have been so limited, they have been glad to have the homemade gifts to give to patients to encourage their healing...which encourages us to know as well!</p><p>Have you been enjoying showers of crafting in your life?</p><p>Gracie ((hugs)) 😃</p><p>In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"> I Thessalonians 5:18</span></p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-89167353358950529012021-03-30T20:01:00.000-07:002021-03-30T20:01:58.887-07:00Marching into Spring Crafts 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PHkNTDrjDp4KJfNCiNHfje0DDtwCMKmciC8GJnDS9LyuXLI1_MEG879TBj0zVhG-TuryJ47Gk0I8WUzko_3L5hc3yCeJXH3cWZOl3uts1v4bHqXfErAJQofWtIyJ7qeUVewPGGEx8ggV/s2048/IMG_1246.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1630" data-original-width="2048" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PHkNTDrjDp4KJfNCiNHfje0DDtwCMKmciC8GJnDS9LyuXLI1_MEG879TBj0zVhG-TuryJ47Gk0I8WUzko_3L5hc3yCeJXH3cWZOl3uts1v4bHqXfErAJQofWtIyJ7qeUVewPGGEx8ggV/w640-h510/IMG_1246.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While the southern hemisphere is simmering in warm summer temps, the weather around me near Portland, Oregon, USA, is working its way from Winter to Spring. If you saw my February post you saw unusual drifts of snow on my patio! It was challenging, and I think I admire the snow I see on Mt. Hood in this picture more! This view is from Jonsrud viewpoint in Sandy, OR, which is about ten miles from my condominium community. Can you imagine how difficult it must have been for folks to navigate this terrain in covered wagons? To recharge the battery on my modern covered wagon [mini-van] since the car sits still for so many days I drove to the viewpoint after picking up groceries on March 3rd.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbFHTCxPMjr7CZXzUq1THEHyiQN3tkN-cnpJsu19ljrYHGbYWaCCuZb3BC6vRFj1mbzZur2Y79ZQxZGaReValwteXZVjmOGFxb-5iXJJ2JZI1oDbZ6a0gaQzQT7tS6e_hWKpt6beNhXon/s2048/IMG_1284.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbFHTCxPMjr7CZXzUq1THEHyiQN3tkN-cnpJsu19ljrYHGbYWaCCuZb3BC6vRFj1mbzZur2Y79ZQxZGaReValwteXZVjmOGFxb-5iXJJ2JZI1oDbZ6a0gaQzQT7tS6e_hWKpt6beNhXon/w640-h480/IMG_1284.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> During the first part of March, I finished crocheting this little baby blanket. Unfolded it is about 24" x 27."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgfk5hXD7wYblaHp5NxcVQ8Ru6D0nIQHCRDOTZKRMMm4t_jd0BvGSxBIZ36BXvpAKfu63qyF-lugrXyNEO4o8LuX8W-NKJxgXQwRZPO3YAVtZexBnyAFRKJyMCBiqHxJqzYAkgmqFJRZ8/s2048/IMG_1263.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgfk5hXD7wYblaHp5NxcVQ8Ru6D0nIQHCRDOTZKRMMm4t_jd0BvGSxBIZ36BXvpAKfu63qyF-lugrXyNEO4o8LuX8W-NKJxgXQwRZPO3YAVtZexBnyAFRKJyMCBiqHxJqzYAkgmqFJRZ8/w640-h494/IMG_1263.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Then I started crocheting this little blanket. The yarn for the last blanket and this one is from the stash of my dear friend, Ellen, who did not survive heart surgery several months ago. Somehow working with her yarn that her family gave me, now helps me celebrate our friendship and prompts good memories for me of our time together while I miss her.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiu-6LUPjjH-YNNwzKYHDnmN34qjTwQWHRtgcLGO53do2VZ083_uiMKllFk3B857ksV1reFyJxiFW8VIsyr_pBg3Wex9_fyuQIbjPotGhIi8tMzCA8kOnXDRutNY1EduAGvF7UGb8IrtR/s2048/IMG_1258.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiu-6LUPjjH-YNNwzKYHDnmN34qjTwQWHRtgcLGO53do2VZ083_uiMKllFk3B857ksV1reFyJxiFW8VIsyr_pBg3Wex9_fyuQIbjPotGhIi8tMzCA8kOnXDRutNY1EduAGvF7UGb8IrtR/w640-h480/IMG_1258.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Midway through the month of March, my Shamrock (Oxalis) Plant helped me celebrate St. Patrick's Day. I saw an interesting program on TV that mentioned that Patrick used the Shamrock to help explain how God is One in three persons: Father, Son Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENx4wrYbUQie8mHVPFWS38-73EJW-JL7Ck1iQRe7aVwthb8NydqSJ5Q7-OhEv2PbzltC4JISLkrL5Kj1eGAcvKspEN628GUYMGRlvsP6UmmfGPUZuDroThyphenhyphengRMxlgSpt18XrhyphenhyphenagO8QDQ/s2048/IMG_1252.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1833" data-original-width="2048" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENx4wrYbUQie8mHVPFWS38-73EJW-JL7Ck1iQRe7aVwthb8NydqSJ5Q7-OhEv2PbzltC4JISLkrL5Kj1eGAcvKspEN628GUYMGRlvsP6UmmfGPUZuDroThyphenhyphengRMxlgSpt18XrhyphenhyphenagO8QDQ/w640-h572/IMG_1252.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the first signs of Spring for me was the appearance of these pretty purple Hyacinths by my front doorstep...such a strong sweet scent~~~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQAID2XESvR9XRj7XIUO0PGgN1E5YBq4xbH0OeIzoBVPCEnx-R-5DV2pZB6je87wA9eTgE1qnoXQKJMCkSGODIjkY0QUb4WR3pIuXgahjoQKiQ-xk7fBnbxkaSWKY-TEft8QUV8UUOHhp/s2048/IMG_1288.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="2048" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQAID2XESvR9XRj7XIUO0PGgN1E5YBq4xbH0OeIzoBVPCEnx-R-5DV2pZB6je87wA9eTgE1qnoXQKJMCkSGODIjkY0QUb4WR3pIuXgahjoQKiQ-xk7fBnbxkaSWKY-TEft8QUV8UUOHhp/w640-h490/IMG_1288.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Last Saturday was so mild and lovely I spent much of the afternoon out on the sunny patio repotting, Pansies, Dianthus, and Primroses. Have you spent time gardening lately?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy5pgoWYl3KMGm-FssArbw7qRyCMeSedN4Ug7Y5MHlZ8Y1cOuhLiKuk6lahKLQzwIq6APzo33MFDQ2faGBF_MkWoccgF4OtdjP9_S9K-FzgFvOAiw7Cxr-ksU1p3ZhHwugnJH3JObqgO1/s2048/IMG_7976.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1665" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy5pgoWYl3KMGm-FssArbw7qRyCMeSedN4Ug7Y5MHlZ8Y1cOuhLiKuk6lahKLQzwIq6APzo33MFDQ2faGBF_MkWoccgF4OtdjP9_S9K-FzgFvOAiw7Cxr-ksU1p3ZhHwugnJH3JObqgO1/w520-h640/IMG_7976.jpeg" width="520" /></a></div><br /><p>Palm Sunday afternoon a young friend kindly shepherded me to and from the Convention Center to get the first dose of Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine. When we got back to her car in the parking garage, she offered me a reward of a doughnut for our efforts. Then even though I did not eat one she asked me to let her get a photo of the event. When I looked at the photo later it looked to me like I had a white turtleneck on under my sweater, until I realized I was looking at my face mask I had pulled down for the photo (although she kept her face mask on!)</p><p>There was wind-driven rain on the way back to my house, and I felt bad my young friend had such poor driving conditions when heading home to her house although she was very gracious and brave about the challenge.</p><p> At around 7pm the electricity went off in our neighborhood and I decided to crawl into bed early. When the lights came back on at around 10:30pm I woke up long enough to turn them off before going back to a grateful sound sleep.</p><p>Have you Marched into any Spring crafting?</p><p><br /></p><p>Gracie ((hugs))</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-62894165661424856012021-02-27T16:22:00.001-08:002021-02-27T16:22:38.908-08:00February 2021 Crafting!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3alSdCE6xHEMs0qpqOeRRL7CFTPYx5hlpwM_-__PD6cwp6ZHE2Qjp_o_O4ZNGmVS9Q86mYyxKmAWNUfPsvCdqRPtr_eSRcIomcNh3uTImpR23tUt2z9IvSTtugY39sfnXadwpgYfPTkI/s2048/IMG_1194+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3alSdCE6xHEMs0qpqOeRRL7CFTPYx5hlpwM_-__PD6cwp6ZHE2Qjp_o_O4ZNGmVS9Q86mYyxKmAWNUfPsvCdqRPtr_eSRcIomcNh3uTImpR23tUt2z9IvSTtugY39sfnXadwpgYfPTkI/w480-h640/IMG_1194+2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Last month in my post I confessed I hoped we would get a little snow and I posted a photo of the pretty little snow we got. I had resigned myself to being satisfied with that...until THIS HAPPENED! SURPRISE!<div>In the upper right corner of this photo you can see a little hummingbird perched on a metalic star mobile. During the snowstorm days I had to defrost the hummingbird feeder several times. Poor hummers. It was so cold. Two of them dive bombed my head when I put the feeder back up one time...not sure whether they were mad at me for taking the feeder away or glad they finally had food again!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAeqF42MqU9o9O8FYRZDONDyA31as67fvflVrN0luNp6IdjVMGTbhODNh-c_h6-CWAkmjSkX6Lv5DkA-KLDJ4z32KcKyHPUZTc-stfliDZcivs8UqsGWnPlYOswLP4Y9ito1oxE3kZwiu/s2048/IMG_1196+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAeqF42MqU9o9O8FYRZDONDyA31as67fvflVrN0luNp6IdjVMGTbhODNh-c_h6-CWAkmjSkX6Lv5DkA-KLDJ4z32KcKyHPUZTc-stfliDZcivs8UqsGWnPlYOswLP4Y9ito1oxE3kZwiu/w480-h640/IMG_1196+2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When it was snowing the wind formed big drifts of snow in our neighborhood. In my first two years here I was able to brush the snow away with a broom after snowstorms. This year I wished I had a snow shovel! A young friend came over and cleared my front step and a path to the mailbox out in the street. A plucky 80+ year old neighbor across the parking lot from me used her shovel to make a path to my gate, and I used my dust pan as a little shovel on the inside of the of my patio to clear a path to the gate.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6_GM_OhhAWgHNX2Nn0T_2Et26OEnZ3KTrd32q-ezNJBD1jowRLAw8N8Tx2_xbWxoEcRjWcpNKutVMUCI-FUlGQfvxThLJxzXzNh_YkEZRx3dNMUIG2O1aWKyby4qfXMyNqpHEhmDOPKR/s2048/IMG_1198.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6_GM_OhhAWgHNX2Nn0T_2Et26OEnZ3KTrd32q-ezNJBD1jowRLAw8N8Tx2_xbWxoEcRjWcpNKutVMUCI-FUlGQfvxThLJxzXzNh_YkEZRx3dNMUIG2O1aWKyby4qfXMyNqpHEhmDOPKR/w480-h640/IMG_1198.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>While I did not make a snowman, my neighbor's teenage granddaughter and her dad did while they were visiting! I also saw some snowballs flying back and forth. There were some fun moments during the stormy days, although there were many life changing problems as well. Some folks lost power for days, some lost property and some lost their lives here and across the country as the storms raged. The difficulties of such times highlight for me how precious life is and how I want to grow in having an attitude of gratitude.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceZVA7hjBuwb5NMLCxKY42xRl4JV5SNQwLfxXoJ80I8o6q27EzuHAsbkaxlmiENfZWoSeEey8-dzLJJ4Nylt6BYa7DeAPs7fP2bSOzwoQAjGA76tl1K434n4xC34sHHn1pqTCjjB6kMtg/s2048/IMG_1226+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceZVA7hjBuwb5NMLCxKY42xRl4JV5SNQwLfxXoJ80I8o6q27EzuHAsbkaxlmiENfZWoSeEey8-dzLJJ4Nylt6BYa7DeAPs7fP2bSOzwoQAjGA76tl1K434n4xC34sHHn1pqTCjjB6kMtg/w480-h640/IMG_1226+2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One neighbor has a property away from our community here. She had a Pussy Willow tree that was broken by the storms. While cleaning it up her daughter gathered a bouquet of Pussy Willows for me to enjoy...so kind and generous of her.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF5_A5Pe8oi5lhZHfraR-VgC0nAp11ZvrsDI3mOJo2hgzGGlsxlghRPcRhbfJpkHd5-c7HVcVzdzg6xu2MlEZBlsPSkuPuB9LxduB2J3AiFHepHpNFv7I57jc3vmh1K14SsMed8G33Sqb/s2048/IMG_1235.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF5_A5Pe8oi5lhZHfraR-VgC0nAp11ZvrsDI3mOJo2hgzGGlsxlghRPcRhbfJpkHd5-c7HVcVzdzg6xu2MlEZBlsPSkuPuB9LxduB2J3AiFHepHpNFv7I57jc3vmh1K14SsMed8G33Sqb/w640-h480/IMG_1235.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For the last month I have been ordering groceries online and then driving to the store to pick them up. I ordered Cheerios and was surprised to receive a limited edition box of heart shaped Cheerios! Fun...and cheery!</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIWowN7LlK_Kci3hH3yKB20-CbvMYeeNlRV1Yj7aMBdof5xaThWkafUMkP08u0BUogIiRWt18A7E2me9qJKzdV2XiqlG0QvvuREShx-AdCtevEIlpeOaH0ueIALuTk31_WQIRz1QXXuws/s2048/IMG_1239.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIWowN7LlK_Kci3hH3yKB20-CbvMYeeNlRV1Yj7aMBdof5xaThWkafUMkP08u0BUogIiRWt18A7E2me9qJKzdV2XiqlG0QvvuREShx-AdCtevEIlpeOaH0ueIALuTk31_WQIRz1QXXuws/w640-h466/IMG_1239.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This month of February I also learned about Comfort Birds, carved wooden shaped birds meant to fit in the palm of one's hand and be stroked. A friend in New York got together with another friend back East and carved a little flock of Comfort Birds this past summer. My friend very kindly flew one out to me this month and my hand instinctively held the little bird and stroked it before I knew that was meant to happen. I read online several interesting articles about Comfort Birds should you want to search to know more about them. In the month of February I had my 70th birthday and I am so grateful for the comfort I received through the lovely gifts and cards and texts, emails and calls I received to help me celebrate...</div><div><br /></div><div>"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you known storms and celebrations in February?</div><div><br /></div><div>Gracie ((hugs))❤️</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /> <p></p></div>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-31152318157916454632021-01-30T16:10:00.000-08:002021-01-30T16:10:17.397-08:00Crafting in the New Year 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7YL4s_35vvzZyA3m-9S6Uwz7ftq4-_Ew834C3ZnpG1sc2pRxrTqbLzFAvVrJjap4uq5SPwpmGD_Yt6ryi9SBeSvjN_PaxT6zF4DCb81oDRUTTz_egfqbM9v7W96BF426tUCCEimOC1dI/s2048/IMG_1120.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1557" data-original-width="2048" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7YL4s_35vvzZyA3m-9S6Uwz7ftq4-_Ew834C3ZnpG1sc2pRxrTqbLzFAvVrJjap4uq5SPwpmGD_Yt6ryi9SBeSvjN_PaxT6zF4DCb81oDRUTTz_egfqbM9v7W96BF426tUCCEimOC1dI/w640-h486/IMG_1120.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Seeing the natural beauty of Mt. Hood rising above the cluttering signs of civilization inspires me! While riding with my youngest daughter doing an errand last week I was able to craft this photo of the mountain with my cell phone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI15ZJJrzm7LvsSMU3GlJJ_j4-gtBcu7o-2ORdgGQBPFfyVFgiAiiWGRt3Ytem2XU2m0nFK7Ta26m2LWgE8WssAXWKPHVKNrg-rKMPoeJLH5xAjGDp77K3nLKK71TMMtr517wgbW3Stp_f/s2048/IMG_1153.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="2048" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI15ZJJrzm7LvsSMU3GlJJ_j4-gtBcu7o-2ORdgGQBPFfyVFgiAiiWGRt3Ytem2XU2m0nFK7Ta26m2LWgE8WssAXWKPHVKNrg-rKMPoeJLH5xAjGDp77K3nLKK71TMMtr517wgbW3Stp_f/w640-h412/IMG_1153.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Our condominium community is going through the process of replacing the old wooden fences. The new synthetic fence around my patio was installed this week, and </span>I hope it is crafted to wear well!</div><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbF1IpbereZ_MpexLGIt6kardcheIUAwhTNb6agjxMKcnEDOaJHA7szdzaJZgfHLN_TlnGpcfeDmF8zw0rmmlRL7VK50PvALBMSlIGpfBsewvShOmIiauZNaWY6z9DX8NJAXRLDLch-2UM/s2048/IMG_1149.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1717" data-original-width="2048" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbF1IpbereZ_MpexLGIt6kardcheIUAwhTNb6agjxMKcnEDOaJHA7szdzaJZgfHLN_TlnGpcfeDmF8zw0rmmlRL7VK50PvALBMSlIGpfBsewvShOmIiauZNaWY6z9DX8NJAXRLDLch-2UM/w640-h536/IMG_1149.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Inside I have been crocheting a new baby blanket during our church group online Zoom meetings. I am making double crochet rows using acrylic Red Heart yarn. The snowmen on the blanket on my couch attest to my mid-winter decorating. 🧶⛄️🧶⛄️🧶⛄️🧶⛄️🧶</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_9UZLlRhNBjxtEJz856UYSywlYCFBbgfcSXt5X-Jud2QEg0yuHFuWocUPRzKKHkMDlb6whoUIx6axleYwDPQaj2HYCDdZEqVDBTJgwRYwcmKo3uEyHkw3ZVBQjW8M8EGXaNOfsnQ-YUr/s2048/IMG_1159.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1707" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_9UZLlRhNBjxtEJz856UYSywlYCFBbgfcSXt5X-Jud2QEg0yuHFuWocUPRzKKHkMDlb6whoUIx6axleYwDPQaj2HYCDdZEqVDBTJgwRYwcmKo3uEyHkw3ZVBQjW8M8EGXaNOfsnQ-YUr/w534-h640/IMG_1159.jpeg" width="534" /></a></div><p> A friend brought me four Paper White flower bulbs I have planted in the middle pot shown above. I have never grown any before, have you? Ahhh...the craft of gardening...just enough moisture, light, and temperature to encourage the bulbs to bloom... So far one bulb is enthusiastically growing!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfakK0ttCvqU32AhR8vN8DjD7aSYuksvMd_lwv22q5oE1FnHiQBTMusDb7XQk9WCfkgXzz5NthIB01EbQY0W_xQswfCZ9YLJgiNAb_zVgvTbXIOBVuWXE2czFBxU2z8wtX_cPJYz2sDZ1/s2048/IMG_1141.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfakK0ttCvqU32AhR8vN8DjD7aSYuksvMd_lwv22q5oE1FnHiQBTMusDb7XQk9WCfkgXzz5NthIB01EbQY0W_xQswfCZ9YLJgiNAb_zVgvTbXIOBVuWXE2czFBxU2z8wtX_cPJYz2sDZ1/w532-h640/IMG_1141.jpeg" width="532" /></a></div><p> Most of the snow I see is on Mt. Hood and not down here where I live a little southeast of PortIand, Oregon. I am glad to not have to shovel snow, but I have good memories of playing in the snow and crafting many snowmen. Have you ever made a snowman?⛄ Even though I am grateful to not have to shovel snow, I have been hoping we might get a little bit, and we did a few days ago. It was wonderful watching the pretty snowflakes falling and accumulating for a few hours one afternoon.</p><p>Have you been crafting anything in January 2021? </p><p>Gracie 🤗</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>"Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]."</p><p>Proverbs 16:3 AMP</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-81711092752288421562021-01-01T14:26:00.000-08:002021-01-01T14:26:43.455-08:00Crafting December 2020 Vision<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW_Udo_NKyoAlRf4vwzEC95VbkuZmEFHb4BFA29m2xjH0jMzSR-PztQeY1lIFvfEDOSN3IaDGzYcjSTt3KX_WPAezAVX7pc2TBIgF033FzHD6hDGgRoraaI1hBptvUNY0sK4sS_pLHQm0/s2048/IMG_7751+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1622" data-original-width="2048" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW_Udo_NKyoAlRf4vwzEC95VbkuZmEFHb4BFA29m2xjH0jMzSR-PztQeY1lIFvfEDOSN3IaDGzYcjSTt3KX_WPAezAVX7pc2TBIgF033FzHD6hDGgRoraaI1hBptvUNY0sK4sS_pLHQm0/w640-h506/IMG_7751+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>🎶 Do You See What I See?🎶 Thanks to my youngest daughter who contributed a basketful of greens and pinecones, I was able to make a wreath in December. The never-ending circle of green especially heartened me this year. For me, it symbolizes the everlasting loving life in Christ I look to see now and forever.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NWy0SWyX8u_58iXENCxdBYSQC5dL-kCLLYwHEopBmirfqfxkOzBx4T3qsYcwTh016sd8ejkby0CTCZyy8NGYTlcLuuja0aw-3jvjCvTSM8uE4CAkinHjEC0qNkI-7Acp3X08n40ZZp28/s2048/IMG_1039.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2003" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NWy0SWyX8u_58iXENCxdBYSQC5dL-kCLLYwHEopBmirfqfxkOzBx4T3qsYcwTh016sd8ejkby0CTCZyy8NGYTlcLuuja0aw-3jvjCvTSM8uE4CAkinHjEC0qNkI-7Acp3X08n40ZZp28/w626-h640/IMG_1039.jpeg" width="626" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A friend who was trained by a florist showed me how to make the wreath fuller by adding little bunches of greens. She also crafted the pretty plaid bow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQqYDb5Hjm5Cv2aq0Pw9H71FNwgOixIt8oCs7rnJLbWzSqI9ec_A_bQaKRJJsSfhXuczZQeNbSmAVylyDDgXbz0qS5IML-bezVo5291VIEBQSlREXNok-2TgY4qGsQvQ8Qv8U-4EJVDAs/s2048/IMG_1060.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQqYDb5Hjm5Cv2aq0Pw9H71FNwgOixIt8oCs7rnJLbWzSqI9ec_A_bQaKRJJsSfhXuczZQeNbSmAVylyDDgXbz0qS5IML-bezVo5291VIEBQSlREXNok-2TgY4qGsQvQ8Qv8U-4EJVDAs/w640-h480/IMG_1060.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One misty December afternoon I drove out to the Women's Forum lookout to admire the view of the mighty Columbia River. Looking East from the Portland, Oregon, area, I love seeing the Creator's amazing craftsmanship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9xgEvCJB2pQO0QQEQ-PlxWVo3q2ia_Oih9aMIAKN1gUEWYe4zNnGZrAtne2CyaffuZrgV-p4EtDUmrH1MiTy9UJwCQYH9L24UwRIQCuY9n2_FJtNNIji_qiJ21o_faNOoWW2YG4seFsd/s2048/IMG_1027.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9xgEvCJB2pQO0QQEQ-PlxWVo3q2ia_Oih9aMIAKN1gUEWYe4zNnGZrAtne2CyaffuZrgV-p4EtDUmrH1MiTy9UJwCQYH9L24UwRIQCuY9n2_FJtNNIji_qiJ21o_faNOoWW2YG4seFsd/w640-h480/IMG_1027.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over 40 years ago my pastor's wife gifted me with a dishcloth similar to this and helped me learn to knit. I am so grateful for her investment in me.</div>This December I finished knitting a purple cotton dishcloth and hope to knit many more.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjtv2n5AKgGZH5KY1wYG-DkMB_wr30KyxFDTcf8FKMHpQ-DyUYPOXHq51oNMT3tHB8IPjzrnVXfFg0KEZpIwV8cOFdJMWCgK-0-Pqw48koFRmfMcxDfhud4Wpz9ZTX8x64VCvWi9qotmd/s2048/IMG_1025.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjtv2n5AKgGZH5KY1wYG-DkMB_wr30KyxFDTcf8FKMHpQ-DyUYPOXHq51oNMT3tHB8IPjzrnVXfFg0KEZpIwV8cOFdJMWCgK-0-Pqw48koFRmfMcxDfhud4Wpz9ZTX8x64VCvWi9qotmd/w480-h640/IMG_1025.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finishing crocheting another hot-mat in December 2020 seems to just fuel my desire to craft another! Do you have patterns and projects you like to repeatedly make?</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBpnx_dGl2r_Q0730iJyoqbZ36Ubsfk-qcHPcpobs_fsSLb1yWfPU0ZRDR_oStehKt1qP2FcQDUUjk5iVB6vsJkNBgjo_3w-5fvB_iF-KMVQPiX-RktSPGZHFo18HAV8MYdpVSRMTNQIY/s2048/IMG_1067.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBpnx_dGl2r_Q0730iJyoqbZ36Ubsfk-qcHPcpobs_fsSLb1yWfPU0ZRDR_oStehKt1qP2FcQDUUjk5iVB6vsJkNBgjo_3w-5fvB_iF-KMVQPiX-RktSPGZHFo18HAV8MYdpVSRMTNQIY/w640-h426/IMG_1067.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One December afternoon a masked friend stopped by to give me this dear rock she had painted for me, a priceless gift. On the back, she painted the passage reference she knows has been especially encouraging to me. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrC8GHmN_KeV8vHQFIK2LFlVyY41a7FYEKl0dTR12ueolKRwvaH2scGv1VtG4uEIt8KyAcsbMxhiL3dG1aac5z7r4u5MVjNhoE1Cf1gbyXryCW3RrcGYs5aJl5ieLoj5rb_dHoUZzG9E6/s2048/IMG_1031.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrC8GHmN_KeV8vHQFIK2LFlVyY41a7FYEKl0dTR12ueolKRwvaH2scGv1VtG4uEIt8KyAcsbMxhiL3dG1aac5z7r4u5MVjNhoE1Cf1gbyXryCW3RrcGYs5aJl5ieLoj5rb_dHoUZzG9E6/w640-h480/IMG_1031.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 439.172px;"><div class="bcv d-container go1526788856" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Philippians 4:6-7</span></div><div class="dropdown-icon" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px 4px; min-width: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;" tabindex="0"><svg height="6.5" viewbox="0 0 11.5 6.5" width="11.5" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"></svg><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><path d="M11.28.22a.75.75 0 0 0-1.06 0L5.75 4.69 1.28.22A.75.75 0 0 0 .22 1.28l5 5a.73.73 0 0 0 .53.22.74.74 0 0 0 .53-.22l5-5a.75.75 0 0 0 0-1.06z"></path></span></div></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="d-root"></span></span></div><div class="translation d-container go1526788856" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">New King James Version </span><span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-NKJV-29449" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">6 </span>Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; </span><span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NKJV-29450" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">7 </span>and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.</span></div><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Phil-4-7" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><span class="text Phil-4-7" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGpxrrqSFii0RM9Qk_GwV2Cijdh1lLZHs43P93V_uP89TxjhuEh_7Uno4_ErfaSGWP3c1XsiKDPvWKk8Bwf390qjmYf0MoXlg24-mU2VWEIuu4EjgEn7OR0BDqLWqJMIbxXfMV2yLHMc-/s2048/IMG_1010+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="2048" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGpxrrqSFii0RM9Qk_GwV2Cijdh1lLZHs43P93V_uP89TxjhuEh_7Uno4_ErfaSGWP3c1XsiKDPvWKk8Bwf390qjmYf0MoXlg24-mU2VWEIuu4EjgEn7OR0BDqLWqJMIbxXfMV2yLHMc-/w640-h444/IMG_1010+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> Isn't this sunrise spectacular? I saw it one December 2020 morning from the parking area near my back patio. I hope that we can often see such amazing beauty in the days ahead, and I also hope we can creatively encourage one another, through any storms that may challenge our beautiful views. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Love to you in the New Year 2021!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Gracie ((hugs)) </span></div></div><div><br /></div>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-82635339685082276572020-11-29T21:17:00.000-08:002020-11-29T21:17:26.992-08:00November ing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giving thanks in 2020 has ranged from muted to thundered in volume in my thinking and conversing, but I was especially mindful of it during November because we have a special day of celebrating it here in the USA. Have you felt more mindful of giving thanks this month?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_upJfOH4EaklH0ncBJb0XOPViUVcKsP3YdCtRJtdJynut_b0IyRTjBS3X97PY506MHPEkawUb0qB7fksesin0rTMheEmTjjT4Xx7iVZcPb4nlD6QVLIAw-yXiyfllKlUVHqU9lxsut6qD/s2048/IMG_0948+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_upJfOH4EaklH0ncBJb0XOPViUVcKsP3YdCtRJtdJynut_b0IyRTjBS3X97PY506MHPEkawUb0qB7fksesin0rTMheEmTjjT4Xx7iVZcPb4nlD6QVLIAw-yXiyfllKlUVHqU9lxsut6qD/w640-h480/IMG_0948+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Puzzling over putting together an autumn-themed puzzle has occupied a bit of my attention as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJ9s7D3LpJOfrV92T_KKcU5gjl8dt7frPYnR7mYB_BTFzSOP2L72zgO_yFIJSqThSkWOQcGrtL7CCnKmJqd_n_Eu27fOfn0I3sZqhhnw21Nc0uOKNjPt3PxtMhOJRgCjyKVwxjw1XPGOC/s2048/IMG_0953+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJ9s7D3LpJOfrV92T_KKcU5gjl8dt7frPYnR7mYB_BTFzSOP2L72zgO_yFIJSqThSkWOQcGrtL7CCnKmJqd_n_Eu27fOfn0I3sZqhhnw21Nc0uOKNjPt3PxtMhOJRgCjyKVwxjw1XPGOC/w480-h640/IMG_0953+2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Meditating on encouraging Scripture has renewed my thoughts and helped me move forward.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8m66lVpd42DgDnUqsw3kgwU6C8pUTsWzvkP46-XyLBH9ggkJlKQmF-YCDhYywvfv85Lfkc1LF8FzPLV9zzdgwUX3FFrl5ddXjI6hWLp2DBej5fRZLGPgcstAmCJxR1tmYK0gvWWZFsEqa/s2048/IMG_0959+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1983" data-original-width="2048" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8m66lVpd42DgDnUqsw3kgwU6C8pUTsWzvkP46-XyLBH9ggkJlKQmF-YCDhYywvfv85Lfkc1LF8FzPLV9zzdgwUX3FFrl5ddXjI6hWLp2DBej5fRZLGPgcstAmCJxR1tmYK0gvWWZFsEqa/w640-h620/IMG_0959+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Coloring has been an enjoyable part of the meditative process also.</p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvgToxb9iiUTd99oks-Lg3uLKHKviy2yJEzWPkNkOxojM5YuvJhHDF4yBpcQOUksaH_pyJ_of2E0WhSdKXNKAkFfzhmfMGxtTYOxYEDAh6xgsrCIciIlCcFegl1488_ocemoo3e9dKNZB/s2048/IMG_0970+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1848" data-original-width="2048" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvgToxb9iiUTd99oks-Lg3uLKHKviy2yJEzWPkNkOxojM5YuvJhHDF4yBpcQOUksaH_pyJ_of2E0WhSdKXNKAkFfzhmfMGxtTYOxYEDAh6xgsrCIciIlCcFegl1488_ocemoo3e9dKNZB/w640-h578/IMG_0970+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Cooking almond flour pumpkin bread was startling when just after this photo the loaves deflated, but the one I tasted was at least pleasingly flavorful :)<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01851DGa2STqqPtb-NpsCfRbdDBdL6tkDSVGGcRmvjdmlIs1kGrDtbY2PLDx-Xoa7AYZJWA_-4PwPk34w9dMhUipr4Zdi81ko7CEyFt8LOHtBlODANDxJ_eQ974WJhXjUCf8-yQATV7u9/s2048/IMG_0974+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg01851DGa2STqqPtb-NpsCfRbdDBdL6tkDSVGGcRmvjdmlIs1kGrDtbY2PLDx-Xoa7AYZJWA_-4PwPk34w9dMhUipr4Zdi81ko7CEyFt8LOHtBlODANDxJ_eQ974WJhXjUCf8-yQATV7u9/w640-h480/IMG_0974+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Preparing to celebrate the advent of Christmas, I am also organizing the materials to roll beeswax candles following <a href="https://teresakasner.blogspot.com/2020/11/rolling-beeswax-candles.html"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Teresa's beautiful tutorial.</span></a><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX7Hqw3pNri8M0OXPMdPnE8NgChb_hxrSxziWMdKAGAesJ7wf4xDncn7MLjJDAwtnBDkEUdtUup72aD1JwSmwdmJD9d4SC2TId1J0_L_4fDm91FxDVC6s_8mOFmm80fB_UMgQCjqS6E_C/s1720/IMG_0977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1682" data-original-width="1720" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX7Hqw3pNri8M0OXPMdPnE8NgChb_hxrSxziWMdKAGAesJ7wf4xDncn7MLjJDAwtnBDkEUdtUup72aD1JwSmwdmJD9d4SC2TId1J0_L_4fDm91FxDVC6s_8mOFmm80fB_UMgQCjqS6E_C/w640-h626/IMG_0977.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Attending my first drive-through birthday party was fun and noisy as we followed an antique fire engine, honked our car horns, rolled down the car windows, and cheered and waved posters, a banner, and balloons as we neared our friend's house.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIvnCZl5WK8HlYwzB29Bh_cGM2xyb-oj75hFaH7Zgq9DQigv71xRGUEQRpw6V9xt6S6e9oXaF_Fo1mulIWMn2fXOdQUg2JVeCfl9Uwz8BTtfVCce1gRrNsxuePD2UbYpFcoEpTPIcfiY-/s1497/IMG_0979+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="1497" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIvnCZl5WK8HlYwzB29Bh_cGM2xyb-oj75hFaH7Zgq9DQigv71xRGUEQRpw6V9xt6S6e9oXaF_Fo1mulIWMn2fXOdQUg2JVeCfl9Uwz8BTtfVCce1gRrNsxuePD2UbYpFcoEpTPIcfiY-/w640-h528/IMG_0979+2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Wearing masks and dropping off cards and balloons and gifts to our friend in the red coat made for a memorable unique celebration! <p></p><p>Now I am wondering what your ings were this past month...I hope they were filled with blessings!</p><p>Gracie xx</p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-66170094002994010222020-10-31T20:59:00.005-07:002020-10-31T21:03:13.596-07:00Crafting Journal Pages<p></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPj6GbVQgCXKmRHF3CK-aSD1sSiokSsW4SDe2bdRAYYwuvWc8NvgG7tTNnUWOKaZ0FRBYt6zzyjHslJA9AoaZgv4P_HnJpy4yje62hJoSv6XFXfA2T8LfWJDyF3oBf34OeftYkFP7-Pte/s2048/IMG_0897.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPj6GbVQgCXKmRHF3CK-aSD1sSiokSsW4SDe2bdRAYYwuvWc8NvgG7tTNnUWOKaZ0FRBYt6zzyjHslJA9AoaZgv4P_HnJpy4yje62hJoSv6XFXfA2T8LfWJDyF3oBf34OeftYkFP7-Pte/w640-h480/IMG_0897.jpeg" width="640" /></a> <span style="text-align: left;">Ahoy there! Thanks for stopping by to visit. This fine fellow smiling at you welcomes me rubbing his ears when we meet while walking in our neighborhood and I am certain if you were to meet him he would welcome you rubbing his ears as well.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUlAb4jbXa-iy21ntZ7FBwfUlJS6u6D_wxIuIcmD5qq2rj2sUm3HFB9OXaPcaHeQz0WQRSxv4sDr9aslN3CJ32jd1LfpO01EfD1VBx5zEG9cNEW0-Arl1TV-zuhe6R9vh18cgtAN-zzxw/s2048/IMG_0908.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUlAb4jbXa-iy21ntZ7FBwfUlJS6u6D_wxIuIcmD5qq2rj2sUm3HFB9OXaPcaHeQz0WQRSxv4sDr9aslN3CJ32jd1LfpO01EfD1VBx5zEG9cNEW0-Arl1TV-zuhe6R9vh18cgtAN-zzxw/w640-h480/IMG_0908.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>One of our neighbors has these sunny flowers growing in front of their unit. Aren't they cheery?<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeT1WVVT8nZ80bx4LSkdziWCQomlDy4sO2X0RZmlVzfmyjR3U-oq4VJt51_A6qtY15OvWk2NICwEFU0F4J2GHdua3lsVncOezXKZRt5e-tP6DciEIHjAXTp8G7eOkF2QJlRlQZTinnSIw/s2048/IMG_0900.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1713" data-original-width="2048" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeT1WVVT8nZ80bx4LSkdziWCQomlDy4sO2X0RZmlVzfmyjR3U-oq4VJt51_A6qtY15OvWk2NICwEFU0F4J2GHdua3lsVncOezXKZRt5e-tP6DciEIHjAXTp8G7eOkF2QJlRlQZTinnSIw/w640-h536/IMG_0900.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The sun cheered me as well as its light caused the trees' autumn leaves glow one afternoon when I walked toward the green space on the east side of our neighborhood.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U3izspKXcPllzhowF8VieZ3vi7JE9uiknTo5_768louHfBnOqx-YHHqucMMUDEdKGqgGVmNaqyziiJxY_Q1SdRXt0Jt69vmVVE9pGxm2JnUEJrt0FxbHvu1EijmQoXaGA1GRHBxWHK3j/s2048/IMG_0871.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9U3izspKXcPllzhowF8VieZ3vi7JE9uiknTo5_768louHfBnOqx-YHHqucMMUDEdKGqgGVmNaqyziiJxY_Q1SdRXt0Jt69vmVVE9pGxm2JnUEJrt0FxbHvu1EijmQoXaGA1GRHBxWHK3j/w640-h480/IMG_0871.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Heading home from a walk one day I spotted this scarlet wonder near my unit and had to stop to document my discovery with this photo.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49-csB69aNv3KQtznBH-bNu6XH5QTGvzrWyKzDxWOgmYjsXVjTPmE0M6M8l-u1gZq1YGVwIiLi88dXE_8luj23o1iJelwFDq_5sW5ZvzHJAYrBiuh8-5xi-T12ApPyuwv8mpe-JpIBsWA/s1653/IMG_0905.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1641" data-original-width="1653" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49-csB69aNv3KQtznBH-bNu6XH5QTGvzrWyKzDxWOgmYjsXVjTPmE0M6M8l-u1gZq1YGVwIiLi88dXE_8luj23o1iJelwFDq_5sW5ZvzHJAYrBiuh8-5xi-T12ApPyuwv8mpe-JpIBsWA/w640-h636/IMG_0905.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>After several cloudy rainy days, I was rewarded one afternoon when I crossed the street by my unit and turned to look back at my unit. Just above my rooftop, I got a peek of the peak of Mt. Hood covered with a fresh cap of snow. It is a thrill to me every time Mt. Hood comes into my line of sight!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNgTillZV_ZXaWI_mQS_tqtaj4EwPZA0Oorxee70mLM12KWuAeZ7HBRkJ37RnvhzAjvqC7flSmQzRQMJ4tzws52Uht15WSB4nUB6DEQ2Z8XxZIpVWbl2JgvoawWo4nah1IaFvkYthsqFV/s2048/IMG_0872.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNgTillZV_ZXaWI_mQS_tqtaj4EwPZA0Oorxee70mLM12KWuAeZ7HBRkJ37RnvhzAjvqC7flSmQzRQMJ4tzws52Uht15WSB4nUB6DEQ2Z8XxZIpVWbl2JgvoawWo4nah1IaFvkYthsqFV/w480-h640/IMG_0872.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>After the seeds I planted in the planters on my patio grew, I learned that Morning Glory vines blossom at the end of the growing season. Once the vines began to bloom we had two windy rainstorms. The trellises blew down twice, but the vines were still able to produce these blooms. The blooms don't last for many hours, but in my opinion, they are glorious!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEyRUqs1uWHXdHOoSTulTnINWiEzgRaMLlaxkhyphenhyphen5N5tLNMsaSzPIG4XSo6Yng3oFmjy_URoHDYpX6nTCgTYOxNuilT9Zf6CxxzQK9z2yyOklj5c8bn3J2INdhRlh1C0b75525p8Xe5IdP/s2048/IMG_0874.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1755" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEyRUqs1uWHXdHOoSTulTnINWiEzgRaMLlaxkhyphenhyphen5N5tLNMsaSzPIG4XSo6Yng3oFmjy_URoHDYpX6nTCgTYOxNuilT9Zf6CxxzQK9z2yyOklj5c8bn3J2INdhRlh1C0b75525p8Xe5IdP/w548-h640/IMG_0874.jpeg" width="548" /></a></div>Helen Philipp's new book I bought arrived in the mail not many days ago, and I was so excited! For years I have enjoyed reading <a href="http://helenphilipps.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">her blog</span></a> and admired and been enriched by viewing her amazing use of color in her stitching projects. Her clear directions for following her patterns encourage me to stitch a project soon!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHzjBSCEpLX77h_DN8nkmW5WYx0jJGY7y21mllTYmWTbUwUwqUT-rhOh0yobt4Gho8_H80nQ7q0cZwsg_LfElQW_WRKAC8rTBc8q0OI7ec9HtDGEWDbD_IIDKEp4P3FgrQiF1NOgoHS8d/s2048/IMG_0923.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHzjBSCEpLX77h_DN8nkmW5WYx0jJGY7y21mllTYmWTbUwUwqUT-rhOh0yobt4Gho8_H80nQ7q0cZwsg_LfElQW_WRKAC8rTBc8q0OI7ec9HtDGEWDbD_IIDKEp4P3FgrQiF1NOgoHS8d/w640-h480/IMG_0923.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>In this cute and practical tin is a magnetic button to hold needles to keep them handy while working on a hand stitching project. My friend Taci from her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TACIStudio?ref=search_shop_redirect"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Etsy shop TACIStudio</span></a> sells beautiful handcrafted items. This busy bee magnet is headed as a gift to a family member who enjoys stitching.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7Q2UIPFUAyPul7f7ebj6a5yk9XNwugBUJmLAmMUlNolduY1KTepiZ87h-0U1KPOKsRNNYMCzuY9j9O46xHsAMEu6MjXbrM1C359vzKjFYPt_jCuHF9Xz_Z0716N3XWvPsqyW-i8eXbhk/s2048/IMG_0911.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7Q2UIPFUAyPul7f7ebj6a5yk9XNwugBUJmLAmMUlNolduY1KTepiZ87h-0U1KPOKsRNNYMCzuY9j9O46xHsAMEu6MjXbrM1C359vzKjFYPt_jCuHF9Xz_Z0716N3XWvPsqyW-i8eXbhk/w640-h480/IMG_0911.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Last Wednesday morning one of the ladies from our church preemie blanket making group contributed this pretty crocheted blanket. The teacup is a gift from a dear friend in our group who recently did not survive open-heart surgery. We miss her and are so grateful for her friendship and our shared faith in Christ and the hope we have of life forever with Him.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sBsIlBhtOqrPv9oxLtA2_efjM1Tmz_jNoOvywaLsrgZNiGVJsM_nBbvvwXaH3YKLMm4Df4bD387d8VFvnqc5lJIO7Frg9ZoW9PBdGDHC0m7Y3qv48iBv5UkXHKNXANKmDMAP4bxIm7DX/s2048/IMG_0913.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1818" data-original-width="2048" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sBsIlBhtOqrPv9oxLtA2_efjM1Tmz_jNoOvywaLsrgZNiGVJsM_nBbvvwXaH3YKLMm4Df4bD387d8VFvnqc5lJIO7Frg9ZoW9PBdGDHC0m7Y3qv48iBv5UkXHKNXANKmDMAP4bxIm7DX/w640-h568/IMG_0913.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>As the temperatures get closer to freezing I have been using my little electric fireplace more. I filled a bowl in front of it with the knit pumpkins and gourd I made years ago for the harvest Thanksgiving season, and there is a cute green grasshopper my friend <a href="https://betsy-thesimplelifeofaqueen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Betsy</span></a> sent me perched on top.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH-0zlhFxvCpmUKumWy6iRXMewCIap8Zd0TQGDKZAufjO2P_BMFb29h29llavBAEpMMZYyVS33_Rv-o8-MQpNwCMhyphenhyphen_xiJC07n-geSXTVENe0IVBB5yfB_2DV57A1Oqu9fC65HYAXRId3/s2048/IMG_0920.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH-0zlhFxvCpmUKumWy6iRXMewCIap8Zd0TQGDKZAufjO2P_BMFb29h29llavBAEpMMZYyVS33_Rv-o8-MQpNwCMhyphenhyphen_xiJC07n-geSXTVENe0IVBB5yfB_2DV57A1Oqu9fC65HYAXRId3/w640-h480/IMG_0920.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>The preemie blanket I am knitting with acrylic Lyon brand yarn is almost complete and I have loved the colors in this skein in all four seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn...a slow but satisfying knit.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKojVojlqvIyPgBXrmQyD_vFFW6fDmRwXmJ6WUzkhOXP99QwP1imjI-C9xJxSoMMdq3RIgUAH9Z5TfI7tynkNFev9tWqYGJWq03m9ACjqOFyzqhoeWtwtAa6-uKsengk7h3TJo5nZY8sw/s2048/IMG_0922.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2048" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPKojVojlqvIyPgBXrmQyD_vFFW6fDmRwXmJ6WUzkhOXP99QwP1imjI-C9xJxSoMMdq3RIgUAH9Z5TfI7tynkNFev9tWqYGJWq03m9ACjqOFyzqhoeWtwtAa6-uKsengk7h3TJo5nZY8sw/w640-h436/IMG_0922.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>While my blog is a type of online journal about my crafting days, I have various paper journals as well. Recently I joined a small group, eight Christian women committed to praying for our country, the church, and our families, communicating with each other mainly by texting and online Zoom meetings. Two women live in South Carolina; one lives in Florida; two live in Delaware; one lives in Illinois; one lives in Georgia; and one lives in Oregon. I started collecting papers, a card, and information from the group that I wanted to keep in one place, so I started another journal. I am using a lined composition notebook. On these two pages, I attached items with glue/clear tape and then used washi tape around the items to frame them...so much fun!<p></p><p>Do you journal? </p><p>Have a good day!</p><p>Gracie🤗<br /> </p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-33511600968114167312020-09-30T22:48:00.002-07:002020-09-30T22:49:01.786-07:00Crafting Through Smokey Days<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDGviaWJJJJeNbj1VSCW_y_BNwIovFZ02BmYrQC7WEVXVldsSAilh3urDWkUywQMma89Z6D07gaC4yn5-8vZTfXPD0azmakJJ0sBmD2Rv64dzUxzm3Y2wLGXBOTBAP_KZvETKv13avyZl/s2048/IMG_0786.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDGviaWJJJJeNbj1VSCW_y_BNwIovFZ02BmYrQC7WEVXVldsSAilh3urDWkUywQMma89Z6D07gaC4yn5-8vZTfXPD0azmakJJ0sBmD2Rv64dzUxzm3Y2wLGXBOTBAP_KZvETKv13avyZl/w640-h480/IMG_0786.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Looking out from the back patio on September 9, 2020, I saw this ominous cloud of smoke! Wildfires broke out in a number of areas in Oregon, USA. At one time I heard on the news that 38 areas in the state were fighting wildfires.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSDhQ2aVZrQKVpcK2g5pck8Qyz_cXfr1NqifC0KrUQhgc8L4iWcK82v4teOYaUpI_zNfckEsmaGu5JLv7LOvVihfnoSPbPxllx_BApi_loqHIA6b98uJuqR9xQMwlV-jm0TdeMTSyyZFz/s2048/IMG_0791.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2048" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSDhQ2aVZrQKVpcK2g5pck8Qyz_cXfr1NqifC0KrUQhgc8L4iWcK82v4teOYaUpI_zNfckEsmaGu5JLv7LOvVihfnoSPbPxllx_BApi_loqHIA6b98uJuqR9xQMwlV-jm0TdeMTSyyZFz/w640-h520/IMG_0791.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Around September 12, 2020, officials advised the public to stay inside with the windows closed if at all possible. We were told we had the worst air quality in the world...can I just say that being told that did not encourage my breathing!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_o8kL4PUQzMCV0YqT1eFRcGTPnmMgYy7nX-xNcM5Khbbgemyfal2Vk_DOpFMzy0b42_4UcmTPzkaUuZSWA_V8F5e9bLKpVwZqFmXSpuxb_GILWyO8TXJeIvlC19ynEQRg_oq9UM7AleF/s2048/IMG_0802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_o8kL4PUQzMCV0YqT1eFRcGTPnmMgYy7nX-xNcM5Khbbgemyfal2Vk_DOpFMzy0b42_4UcmTPzkaUuZSWA_V8F5e9bLKpVwZqFmXSpuxb_GILWyO8TXJeIvlC19ynEQRg_oq9UM7AleF/w480-h640/IMG_0802.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then one morning we had a blessed downpouring of rain so that by the afternoon of September 18, 2020, the air cleared. I rushed outside to take this photo and celebrate...Thank you, Lord!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVcrdA1EwDcaFaJAwBRgh4rFG0IELeB0lZgM1gbtnk5vpB4-Q_N-zzhRKKBqnOi5hDaKypjTwvr8ivlwXXDR8BhlCCMD6gMSK_M9He3kWkSIE-T8zfVAG0S08GC6f4yRQbfpeVdjcLB3l/s2048/IMG_0823.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1590" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVcrdA1EwDcaFaJAwBRgh4rFG0IELeB0lZgM1gbtnk5vpB4-Q_N-zzhRKKBqnOi5hDaKypjTwvr8ivlwXXDR8BhlCCMD6gMSK_M9He3kWkSIE-T8zfVAG0S08GC6f4yRQbfpeVdjcLB3l/w496-h640/IMG_0823.jpeg" width="496" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My plants survived my neglect during the smokey days when I did not water them and I was so excited when the Morning Glory vines began to bloom!<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36ua93pK7uoXAFcP_2FCvpl3nFKZAyQEyZ6ydrp2dSG38_FdMjaQDiFydliRsYvfDprs3kqM_28oQLLqhglKwFes5SuB8YlIQ2SHjHPSfdN9A6RxVUJoOULzBnwbUbvtVgLJEeVkNLsn8/s2048/IMG_0831.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36ua93pK7uoXAFcP_2FCvpl3nFKZAyQEyZ6ydrp2dSG38_FdMjaQDiFydliRsYvfDprs3kqM_28oQLLqhglKwFes5SuB8YlIQ2SHjHPSfdN9A6RxVUJoOULzBnwbUbvtVgLJEeVkNLsn8/w640-h480/IMG_0831.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXdNfShkqAhTATd5VSWLtloCjivPhacKcxUF5GFgq5-DRvXrKtMiWg37T_JA3UBcTQMhCHPvPqdKOHAtGpLh7zY-ajKBDCgrTqYA686tC4_65fitraBZDKbdcl1PCdnaEz9hb6B-TdmEB/s2048/IMG_0809.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXdNfShkqAhTATd5VSWLtloCjivPhacKcxUF5GFgq5-DRvXrKtMiWg37T_JA3UBcTQMhCHPvPqdKOHAtGpLh7zY-ajKBDCgrTqYA686tC4_65fitraBZDKbdcl1PCdnaEz9hb6B-TdmEB/w480-h640/IMG_0809.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLL8vIaU4XCq0Vt7nf9L8Xtv1hiK2M8r0qEaT_9IH9astVWM4JiFODtbhECK5wcP9TLOqQIL20YGO0ege6SDQpJzXJ90EaCV84JkzGfJtZqyC9qIiXwSv5PDLWif_wi5KRjwWRuhB-CwF/s2048/IMG_0817.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLL8vIaU4XCq0Vt7nf9L8Xtv1hiK2M8r0qEaT_9IH9astVWM4JiFODtbhECK5wcP9TLOqQIL20YGO0ege6SDQpJzXJ90EaCV84JkzGfJtZqyC9qIiXwSv5PDLWif_wi5KRjwWRuhB-CwF/w480-h640/IMG_0817.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW1vqs9nWkZqEYOwvdDbpui0DZ65DVwzU79CPheNqHuoY7UblidA3PNzJKRafsW13L_orGX2KcgFREmSnaV8zou6Q478ERIsEZRurB5MlHvIMJZecLxABIxkOWMYtelIxluBOk7uCYkoS/s2048/IMG_0805.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1753" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSW1vqs9nWkZqEYOwvdDbpui0DZ65DVwzU79CPheNqHuoY7UblidA3PNzJKRafsW13L_orGX2KcgFREmSnaV8zou6Q478ERIsEZRurB5MlHvIMJZecLxABIxkOWMYtelIxluBOk7uCYkoS/w548-h640/IMG_0805.jpeg" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One day I crafted with woodless colored pencils on this coloring book page. I also used a yellow highlighter pen on the lettering.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrAybt-0hODEzlIcXUbCz7NEILj9BSIx02Y5nMH1n20jpYBsnk4E6_TlgB4bXbRRuuuEqupQGycZmEFN6DwpLG-3e4cDSlMgpmN2mrP9Kt9QMBDbI1fphrZlaO9QtwpFhivb2A6pDtTff/s2048/IMG_0806.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrAybt-0hODEzlIcXUbCz7NEILj9BSIx02Y5nMH1n20jpYBsnk4E6_TlgB4bXbRRuuuEqupQGycZmEFN6DwpLG-3e4cDSlMgpmN2mrP9Kt9QMBDbI1fphrZlaO9QtwpFhivb2A6pDtTff/w480-h640/IMG_0806.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>The intense colors pleased me...maybe especially because they were such glorious contrast to the drab worrisome gray-brown smoke!</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy1ychVEGJkeDwpeacu150X7q15X7mDGdhxS589l3wgtZ9-pD_awZ3gOh5oE65xstwsw-m4hxN_PfnQuaUuvCRpXu8pMtYCOFJeIfoxJZJAqD5wa9WpxDM0W7E1Wx48TAvxD3f7KJOEQY/s2048/IMG_0820.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy1ychVEGJkeDwpeacu150X7q15X7mDGdhxS589l3wgtZ9-pD_awZ3gOh5oE65xstwsw-m4hxN_PfnQuaUuvCRpXu8pMtYCOFJeIfoxJZJAqD5wa9WpxDM0W7E1Wx48TAvxD3f7KJOEQY/w640-h480/IMG_0820.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>On this little coloring card, I experimented with fine point ink pens. Although I had 20 colors to choose from I was not able to blend or shade what I colored effectively...but still enjoyed coloring!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkSlxWfdz5X27CdzUcV6l91-0_O5KOC8gWaOirSXgsV-0-G2s68_nsxcc8hfX0ep23ACzw6pucZDdNdXgbJ3UyMjUv6zt4ndQ5alCCMJuu87yCAALcWZhIzr3VtqnG8555J3sOOmdSdPn/s2048/IMG_0818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkSlxWfdz5X27CdzUcV6l91-0_O5KOC8gWaOirSXgsV-0-G2s68_nsxcc8hfX0ep23ACzw6pucZDdNdXgbJ3UyMjUv6zt4ndQ5alCCMJuu87yCAALcWZhIzr3VtqnG8555J3sOOmdSdPn/w480-h640/IMG_0818.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>192 handmade baby blankets and 50 hats were gathered at our church! Yesterday the project founder and her husband delivered them to a local hospital. The hospital volunteer coordinator was thrilled with the contributions! She said that especially during this time of COVID-19 precautions patients are feeling isolated from family and friends while in hospital and it is wonderful to be able to offer them homemade blankets and hats for their babies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cvzOIbDmOClbu2yRqWQCh2eh31elOvspajsEg01ol0PX1o5uPAPEw1KMkgfEow6Glc6dXgwFQWBMehE9vNOqSDoG67ryU6UYrOHbB7EuKXht8WBUU_VhWYsJKl7CBW6HWa79oGh6z2WO/s2048/IMG_0835.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cvzOIbDmOClbu2yRqWQCh2eh31elOvspajsEg01ol0PX1o5uPAPEw1KMkgfEow6Glc6dXgwFQWBMehE9vNOqSDoG67ryU6UYrOHbB7EuKXht8WBUU_VhWYsJKl7CBW6HWa79oGh6z2WO/w640-h480/IMG_0835.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> This morning I was one of four ladies who gathered...sitting six feet apart... to knit and crochet baby blankets. Two of the ladies brought in these blankets they had already completed.<p></p><p>While our nearby wildfires are under control, many in the state are suffering much loss.</p><p>Our skies are hazier today due to smoke from California wildfires. In the early hours Monday morning, I woke up...prayed a bit, and when I could not go back to sleep I checked the weather app on my iPad and saw a report that some folks in the Santa Rosa area north of San Fransisco California had to evacuate due to the threat of wildfires. I texted some family members and friends to see how they were affected. They are all safe, but my nephew and his wife had to evacuate from their home in Calistoga, California, on a road that had a fire on both sides which my nephew typed was "very scary!" They believe their home is okay but are not sure when they can return. </p><p>My nephew has a little Orthodox Christian bookstore, <i>Not of This World,</i> online and in Santa Rosa, California, and he is able to work at the store in spite of the wildfires in the nearby area. </p><p>This morning the Scripture readings I read for this date were from 1Corinthians 16:13-24 and Matthew 24:42-47. I have been especially thinking about parts of the verses today...</p><p>"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all you do be done with love...Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming...O Lord, come!...the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you..."</p><p>Some of the original Christ-followers expected Jesus to return to earth and take them to heaven in their lifetime. They prayed that He would! But while they watched and waited for Him they encouraged each other to stand fast in the faith, be brave and strong and let all they did be done in love. I want to follow their example.</p><p>What are you crafting in your days?</p><p>Gracie xx</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-69941409832286488102020-08-29T18:55:00.000-07:002020-08-29T18:55:46.219-07:00Crafting During Summer's Simmering Days<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO9ONLsqza-jKeVz9YkvAnT1HajfvZuIhloG3-tPELwZrB070VVbB-DTyAphlAowH2o-sa_MPJq0nSLFSvWaRYdqzZ4T9njRMHFNaz61DNnVdS3oRisRF9HZJpxbiAWr1La0sub_18HQX/s2048/IMG_0662.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO9ONLsqza-jKeVz9YkvAnT1HajfvZuIhloG3-tPELwZrB070VVbB-DTyAphlAowH2o-sa_MPJq0nSLFSvWaRYdqzZ4T9njRMHFNaz61DNnVdS3oRisRF9HZJpxbiAWr1La0sub_18HQX/s640/IMG_0662.jpeg" /></a></div><p></p><div>The glorious golden-orange Sturgeon Moon rose on August 2, 2020, and I enjoyed crafting a photo of it from across the street and further East of my condominium unit. A friend in NY had sent me a heads up email so I could be on the lookout for the Sturgeon Moon, the full moon at this time of year that became known as the Sturgeon Moon because fisher folks in the Great Lakes region noted that this time of year is a good time to catch sturgeon. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v1y1tyu5p44JnQ1WX2XWnSFtgkoPwGJWIAztjEbKZwL5Ro6_jPDmd1IGZyddOrlNJWz5S9hyphenhyphen4J4AYGhNwp3ZpYgGjpT2ydRbDYAw5WvS3DhyphenhyphenmgCnmOZqg7M8nHPfbr6jal4GPpuk0brA/s2048/IMG_0697.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5v1y1tyu5p44JnQ1WX2XWnSFtgkoPwGJWIAztjEbKZwL5Ro6_jPDmd1IGZyddOrlNJWz5S9hyphenhyphen4J4AYGhNwp3ZpYgGjpT2ydRbDYAw5WvS3DhyphenhyphenmgCnmOZqg7M8nHPfbr6jal4GPpuk0brA/s640/IMG_0697.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>During the first part of August, I was surprised to see this Artichoke in bloom at a neighbor's house. I did not realize that if you did not pick an Artichoke when it was ready to be eaten that it would boom like this...pretty I think.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPKvoPo-V9AZi3g2wma58KXF5-DbSPOJqLigQ3Ts2J1xgcay7Onszb1ChFBH8PvjQZDwUDD-onDCHXI5l4kueHLZH6PjT3__aR2_F748KfBTd5_WfdzxGZCP1ynpd8D2Z8OgwaOeYX68n/s2048/IMG_0705.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPKvoPo-V9AZi3g2wma58KXF5-DbSPOJqLigQ3Ts2J1xgcay7Onszb1ChFBH8PvjQZDwUDD-onDCHXI5l4kueHLZH6PjT3__aR2_F748KfBTd5_WfdzxGZCP1ynpd8D2Z8OgwaOeYX68n/s640/IMG_0705.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One day when I was tending the vines on my garden trellis I was surprised to find this small Clematis bloom after the first larger bloom was spent.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zu5nb_HKl7B7sT9BNOg3PDM-Z8vf4iK-vL4ZS1MBxK7VHNuch76Q0VvK5Xo7xgSdg1ItWwnlkOmXQlEq98VsWjfebsqneyWslUdRCugmEZxYthN5cPJwUq_TIpiEeJmwcGD8Bi2P5-et/s2048/IMG_0655.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zu5nb_HKl7B7sT9BNOg3PDM-Z8vf4iK-vL4ZS1MBxK7VHNuch76Q0VvK5Xo7xgSdg1ItWwnlkOmXQlEq98VsWjfebsqneyWslUdRCugmEZxYthN5cPJwUq_TIpiEeJmwcGD8Bi2P5-et/s640/IMG_0655.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was also surprised to see this gorgeous blue Hydrangea bloom when most of the other blooms on my neighbor's bush were spent. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUGpFit91U3BCJaGqpShlgYLi49lVIAIxn871FMxNyEejFdVtyyIrNsFvb49OsLGzQKfWJcIUdsCogizdVNLCAKEfW3L7DRiYLK6FhoHS1KMsL2VPgNNXz6oO0L-9dqONW88f1qwLIrrh/s2048/IMG_0758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1502" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUGpFit91U3BCJaGqpShlgYLi49lVIAIxn871FMxNyEejFdVtyyIrNsFvb49OsLGzQKfWJcIUdsCogizdVNLCAKEfW3L7DRiYLK6FhoHS1KMsL2VPgNNXz6oO0L-9dqONW88f1qwLIrrh/s640/IMG_0758.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I had positioned a trellis and planted Morning Glory seeds to climb it in hopes that they would block my view into my neighbor's window and they do! I love to look at the cascade of green heart-shaped leaves. The curious thing to me is that so far there have been no Morning Glory blooms.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pC_djCXdqh4vsIF6pKhZlIeud5NMMSIPRSuzR5YuQiPuJ5vbQHBpNJtHlZKxeepFCNBFxtpDniELCKeaAbWCtRpEY-XloDRuzeQ2-WPAPvKt6x6YlqdCvg5YWUtqdrClt1yXgLePVfed/s2048/IMG_0740.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pC_djCXdqh4vsIF6pKhZlIeud5NMMSIPRSuzR5YuQiPuJ5vbQHBpNJtHlZKxeepFCNBFxtpDniELCKeaAbWCtRpEY-XloDRuzeQ2-WPAPvKt6x6YlqdCvg5YWUtqdrClt1yXgLePVfed/s640/IMG_0740.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was especially heartening to see some Lady Bugs on the vines, though because I saw holes being munched in the leaves! I hope the Lady Bugs will catch the culprits!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt7HroVp1H1bMNp1KUEtPR2guJ-1jzeRFFu42DEJUvUfXDICVs309dFNKXRHtTlpe0L2CEhzIRwXjPB_sCQHUqxxGKNDnvnHfi3tTSyYSSsxuEpvKSYttoogVkUBd-anJFuwOb19rjrcY/s1767/IMG_0762.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1767" data-original-width="1419" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrt7HroVp1H1bMNp1KUEtPR2guJ-1jzeRFFu42DEJUvUfXDICVs309dFNKXRHtTlpe0L2CEhzIRwXjPB_sCQHUqxxGKNDnvnHfi3tTSyYSSsxuEpvKSYttoogVkUBd-anJFuwOb19rjrcY/s640/IMG_0762.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div>To the left of the Morning Glory vines, I planted a few Sweet Pea seeds. So far this is the only Sweet Pea bloom I have seen.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9w9mEsGcQlfEno0HYmlQdj6w_e0G20SnG4JPM11qLeQAIFn3CiFLtYB4vS2lmOoEpt04s39B9kZjqqIR-Xw84EPfwFln0g4fCwdAjXJryLhMUNO_zR_cMUCSOzzvxa1bDmr7HQTDlNbi/s2048/IMG_0711.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1457" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9w9mEsGcQlfEno0HYmlQdj6w_e0G20SnG4JPM11qLeQAIFn3CiFLtYB4vS2lmOoEpt04s39B9kZjqqIR-Xw84EPfwFln0g4fCwdAjXJryLhMUNO_zR_cMUCSOzzvxa1bDmr7HQTDlNbi/s640/IMG_0711.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This month I have also done some crafting by coloring with felt tip pens on some pages like this one from a Tiffany design coloring book.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkFEIWALfBO2HP4cAMZRHpcTS-BnNJoyroX-1gii7OVsV7-YFm9wy3kqUYHLUfHrW6pcodqGihrZKElxz_a35QD4Bcc-5kznRZ3QfLf1DW9-3VOoImb62rc1z-NKmNr5j2VzI6MYCsRjH/s2048/IMG_0709.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1349" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkFEIWALfBO2HP4cAMZRHpcTS-BnNJoyroX-1gii7OVsV7-YFm9wy3kqUYHLUfHrW6pcodqGihrZKElxz_a35QD4Bcc-5kznRZ3QfLf1DW9-3VOoImb62rc1z-NKmNr5j2VzI6MYCsRjH/s640/IMG_0709.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div>In my Inspire Bible, I also colored some pages with colored pencils. I sometimes wish that colored pencils could produce more intense colors.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Egr65H1Fobuifn368xzvDiMTS-Ou59E2jDYsrRZdOpKQuwdto6TCsVpn3MSApcj_eE2ufJZo8SIXAu-J4pKcsQesxNnrJJe9YZpdjNAefgV-pmeTY_Cf6OjGHJYO9M1EjGsf6x97iY4p/s1551/IMG_0744.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1551" data-original-width="1119" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Egr65H1Fobuifn368xzvDiMTS-Ou59E2jDYsrRZdOpKQuwdto6TCsVpn3MSApcj_eE2ufJZo8SIXAu-J4pKcsQesxNnrJJe9YZpdjNAefgV-pmeTY_Cf6OjGHJYO9M1EjGsf6x97iY4p/s640/IMG_0744.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This plant has grown so much since May when it was given to me. I have really enjoyed it and its bright colors.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwTgkUk7fk3xmM36lwVW1RKMEUBN6WjXomRBOGwk5MgjC3hSChzSjzqbyowEdjIrsZQcz2gHdLVSNrKQzEarBMPecdOKmqnQkjlctOD7z_mhOdiQ5xt2RR3QI-x2BWV-YYwL8KMe1XriY/s2048/IMG_0750.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwTgkUk7fk3xmM36lwVW1RKMEUBN6WjXomRBOGwk5MgjC3hSChzSjzqbyowEdjIrsZQcz2gHdLVSNrKQzEarBMPecdOKmqnQkjlctOD7z_mhOdiQ5xt2RR3QI-x2BWV-YYwL8KMe1XriY/s640/IMG_0750.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div>I ordered this wonderful book from the multi-talented Sue Perez and was so excited when it arrived this week! For years I have enjoyed reading <a href="https://mrsmicawber.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Sue's blog.</span></a> She generously shares crochet patterns and tutorials and also publishes beautiful photos of her bike rides and the sights around her including many wildflowers. Her book has a wide variety of patterns and thorough directions in several formats along with good photos to cheer one along on projects. I love that the book easily stays flopped open when one wants to focus on a particular page to craft.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBQYtLEqa7k13U5OLlbw2dOYSLXYsNSzuTRLKix5goOgLyh1sfX7qJygVB0jcKebmew7zi72yDwDaexqBPArbK_JGo-XZNpgspH6L1hCswSSaDRG9cirB4lj4k0ljhU1CROJE_rP7ef1Z/s2048/IMG_0749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBQYtLEqa7k13U5OLlbw2dOYSLXYsNSzuTRLKix5goOgLyh1sfX7qJygVB0jcKebmew7zi72yDwDaexqBPArbK_JGo-XZNpgspH6L1hCswSSaDRG9cirB4lj4k0ljhU1CROJE_rP7ef1Z/s640/IMG_0749.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>At the end of the day, isn't it a special treat to be able to admire a spectacular sunset like this one I saw from my front porch this week? <div><br /></div><div>Have you been admiring any crafting lately?</div><div><br /></div><div>Gracie ((hugs))<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-39807351509928306672020-07-31T23:57:00.000-07:002020-07-31T23:57:43.116-07:00Crafting in July<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjRJrkjY0fjbSC3v9Y2_Mk7kQZ71yJHXuUgppFeDZhVDBY7YQvsKHzfOLdikwv4NWkiC-mbDvCcZb69gW6FA6AZyu2pqFqc0cdKDH7CbHIWQ-GPXdoKUdPUobCahyphenhyphenoimyICnZ6J_-98uJ/s2048/IMG_0588.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1584" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjRJrkjY0fjbSC3v9Y2_Mk7kQZ71yJHXuUgppFeDZhVDBY7YQvsKHzfOLdikwv4NWkiC-mbDvCcZb69gW6FA6AZyu2pqFqc0cdKDH7CbHIWQ-GPXdoKUdPUobCahyphenhyphenoimyICnZ6J_-98uJ/s640/IMG_0588.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Ahoy! Thanks for sailing in through cyberspace today to see where I am near the grand Mt. Hood close to Portland, Oregon, USA., and to learn a bit about what crafting I have been involved in July 2020.</div><div><br /></div><div>February 21, 2020, just before we were asked to stay safe at home except when providing or getting essential services, I filled the gas tank of my 2005 minivan. Mainly since then, I have gone out once a week for groceries. One Friday several months later my youngest daughter came to drive me to the grocery store because I had pulled something in my upper right arm and was having trouble driving. She drove me to a grocery store that took us past this nearby view of Mt. Hood where I used my iPhone to craft a photo. July 24, 2020, the gas gage in the car still said I had a little over a fourth of a tank of gas but I had it filled again, five months since the last fillup!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwlvbYXjR1jelf4Vx3e_LAOWaFDiRC-f8QP4R61oolB8M7RDYIiRkfWQO6jz9AUSP9jHim6wUWwbrA1XF8CjJP1wHKnTQtTA_i2KsX3HhbO7n90K7kAsTrwcmIZN2pzVjKem2kW468O3X/s2048/IMG_0596.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwlvbYXjR1jelf4Vx3e_LAOWaFDiRC-f8QP4R61oolB8M7RDYIiRkfWQO6jz9AUSP9jHim6wUWwbrA1XF8CjJP1wHKnTQtTA_i2KsX3HhbO7n90K7kAsTrwcmIZN2pzVjKem2kW468O3X/s640/IMG_0596.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Day by day I crafted tried and true recipes like these GF dairy-free peanut butter chocolate chip cookies most of which are still in the freezer. I think I have concocted some sort of soup and salads every day as well.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68cn0SgF7Hlq9jtSHmNdzPixefl_GfQBPdhVTC00QsYVGh3vI4_r2cR6BFh1puFQ_vzAaF3cF7O-1jnjtC0HDNgAna9F24NOmjtHbQQNk_Q8d2b0CGDZEak1Je22DOoLm66bBkzmYaKeq/s2048/IMG_0598.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj68cn0SgF7Hlq9jtSHmNdzPixefl_GfQBPdhVTC00QsYVGh3vI4_r2cR6BFh1puFQ_vzAaF3cF7O-1jnjtC0HDNgAna9F24NOmjtHbQQNk_Q8d2b0CGDZEak1Je22DOoLm66bBkzmYaKeq/s640/IMG_0598.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In July when crafting a mile walk in our neighborhood I took a photo of these stunning purply blue Hydrangeas that are growing nearby.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALf6Du5Qh9L2PmC7WdyXj3doSi60m36wjDzD_UgrtiI4iXqL2tqjWGZ46BagRsvi9-1ENOkT7iP7-93sTqZEXAMy43f0Pnz1eLHHM0l5S6ioxg6aQrdAOZdry_36GfVB78hpbgheiVCfz/s2048/IMG_0609.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALf6Du5Qh9L2PmC7WdyXj3doSi60m36wjDzD_UgrtiI4iXqL2tqjWGZ46BagRsvi9-1ENOkT7iP7-93sTqZEXAMy43f0Pnz1eLHHM0l5S6ioxg6aQrdAOZdry_36GfVB78hpbgheiVCfz/s640/IMG_0609.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>From the tiny garden I crafted on the patio, the three Sugar Snap Pea plants I planted in the planter boxes produced these yummy pods and a few more.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphy295nlqb_g_mf5p7fuTej_jWJXR8W45Q0Jf1AER9cC2VlDAAHds65AoqgMiVnWv-qegsb9Lvh06ES3HzscFZ2_ABSBXKGqUF58TaVl-UNWDukggIZDzWB20dVQgMePI_MQN78q5IQzG/s2048/IMG_0614.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1465" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphy295nlqb_g_mf5p7fuTej_jWJXR8W45Q0Jf1AER9cC2VlDAAHds65AoqgMiVnWv-qegsb9Lvh06ES3HzscFZ2_ABSBXKGqUF58TaVl-UNWDukggIZDzWB20dVQgMePI_MQN78q5IQzG/s640/IMG_0614.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Because I am not a very crafty gardener the hanging plant and the Cala Lilies at the front of the unit have been amazing to view and try to tend.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR6xvbUmvymCmLg49mB8Iodme41pp1a540RNzyKRwVCLhPNQ_iSms5nynfMX4LWg8-ZAWjrkUgvEdf9mofvjOIq3EAJOv3u2LvFO1fy94g5jKCtIqgMFiATqEExwCwS8or2sTGRo6wlYp/s2048/IMG_0619.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR6xvbUmvymCmLg49mB8Iodme41pp1a540RNzyKRwVCLhPNQ_iSms5nynfMX4LWg8-ZAWjrkUgvEdf9mofvjOIq3EAJOv3u2LvFO1fy94g5jKCtIqgMFiATqEExwCwS8or2sTGRo6wlYp/s640/IMG_0619.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Although some of my Wednesday morning group of ladies who knit and crochet preemie blankets for a local NICU only met online in Zoom meetings these are one batch of blankets and hats that was dropped off in July!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6B-aePWdU2SzkrSpXiiTuwNlFap0dC_73-nRN85nr-aukzc5a6vXEes-pGQ-uUx8z4KBB6BqgfGQQH5uo7GgBMz8E9WkaIVo7tp8JWfsjVAdtvgc5n2SrlEjM-ooKcvr4S37yE5o_AuW/s2048/IMG_0624.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6B-aePWdU2SzkrSpXiiTuwNlFap0dC_73-nRN85nr-aukzc5a6vXEes-pGQ-uUx8z4KBB6BqgfGQQH5uo7GgBMz8E9WkaIVo7tp8JWfsjVAdtvgc5n2SrlEjM-ooKcvr4S37yE5o_AuW/s640/IMG_0624.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A soothing satisfying craft for me is crocheting double-thickness potholders like the one in the photo above that I finished in July for a friend. The style is my favorite kind of potholder and one I made long ago and use all the time is in the photo with the cookies I showed you.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOUeHuW15nnkT8dovSV7noVv9fED352HcdT7COPKw-lq9JrBqlKvejaMxDPTEateUziJRbXWgr9WuAxUtORChZ4IxsTvJghp28WaoXegoh6X8uvma9kDfS599ZqX-E2hIuXEIsKqa-ysq/s2048/IMG_0628.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1973" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOUeHuW15nnkT8dovSV7noVv9fED352HcdT7COPKw-lq9JrBqlKvejaMxDPTEateUziJRbXWgr9WuAxUtORChZ4IxsTvJghp28WaoXegoh6X8uvma9kDfS599ZqX-E2hIuXEIsKqa-ysq/s640/IMG_0628.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>These blankets and hats were made by a new crocheter who is in her seventies. Another friend from our Wednesday church group is a prolific knitter and crocheter and she also crafted these sweet rocks and dropped them off in my patio one day. 💕</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0bc9QxaCr4HvDsLsRTChrgXwgVIk2DZt-ps41MgppFPe0pJJety7fWTrloaGFcBb8CY5O66ge_qXiAPSm_qzW0sSf2EEQ_pL3zfbptZlbaHBmRWLKD2zeQHhkJiWaf5Xt6ocdxeY-5Gv/s2048/IMG_0630.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0bc9QxaCr4HvDsLsRTChrgXwgVIk2DZt-ps41MgppFPe0pJJety7fWTrloaGFcBb8CY5O66ge_qXiAPSm_qzW0sSf2EEQ_pL3zfbptZlbaHBmRWLKD2zeQHhkJiWaf5Xt6ocdxeY-5Gv/s640/IMG_0630.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>During the hot days of July, I have also been crafting cool drinks of almond milk swirled with various kinds of frozen fruit. I am especially fond of melon and blueberries!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3wmh872kgLVsB3bBmUNOJIZmtKFZjQ028jaPLiTpbZy7rnZ8MCBNJWl6JGt57q63BXHss8EoPiedkN7RqPw6GivF0fYjp_O6aR2kwTmUQEFKF03eNjGwFJV_0DGYH4MGwaxPyMiUD1sG/s1966/IMG_0640.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1966" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3wmh872kgLVsB3bBmUNOJIZmtKFZjQ028jaPLiTpbZy7rnZ8MCBNJWl6JGt57q63BXHss8EoPiedkN7RqPw6GivF0fYjp_O6aR2kwTmUQEFKF03eNjGwFJV_0DGYH4MGwaxPyMiUD1sG/s640/IMG_0640.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In this batch of blankets and hats that were dropped off are ones crafted on round plastic looms by a friend who has limited mobility in her hands. She enjoys making them and does so with love.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYufjuTD3-yb7t5sJO8zb1bTDwFj7jasKTjHd9_Lz5EEjbHa3q8RxauexaUmI8S84AuTYG0PFncOnDnPQnalogPKnkzOVaL7JQAN37_bKMaEIVf7oUiHX27xWsHfdrSXh771fqToA77R9/s2048/IMG_0642.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYufjuTD3-yb7t5sJO8zb1bTDwFj7jasKTjHd9_Lz5EEjbHa3q8RxauexaUmI8S84AuTYG0PFncOnDnPQnalogPKnkzOVaL7JQAN37_bKMaEIVf7oUiHX27xWsHfdrSXh771fqToA77R9/s640/IMG_0642.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The little rose bush in the front of my unit is producing its second round of summer roses. I crafted this display of some of them amidst blue glass on the kitchen windowsill. You might really enjoy the rose's delicate lovely scent~ ~</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-WPlDH0TuvFiLj4l6ggvX0lywvThL5mjxX5qceJ5VCBNYTOSqV45bh13Y0j9U2kQ-r3JL9bZT3usmrU7sQaEve5NQAI-ainaahDrKN4pUduWOsP4L82vDPlSIEpBxwlBbF2XsxwckfPh/s2048/IMG_0644.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-WPlDH0TuvFiLj4l6ggvX0lywvThL5mjxX5qceJ5VCBNYTOSqV45bh13Y0j9U2kQ-r3JL9bZT3usmrU7sQaEve5NQAI-ainaahDrKN4pUduWOsP4L82vDPlSIEpBxwlBbF2XsxwckfPh/s640/IMG_0644.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of my favorite spots on the patio is this corner where I crafted this pottery fountain made from a bowl that my mom bought from a potter in Nederland, Colorado where I lived for two and a half years in the early 1980s.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JREiKb7FreZqY523sWyrm6dD84ULlAmFztglA_4et9WzcIOFSSkLdZvXjOkN1a5yPoOuaDn3aBq8hrbxuIKx1s4XQqN7mDgvSh6qp0I-G6oMeaRobOkeHWJIJ9yFOcM_nspY4p9Cagt9/s2048/IMG_0645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JREiKb7FreZqY523sWyrm6dD84ULlAmFztglA_4et9WzcIOFSSkLdZvXjOkN1a5yPoOuaDn3aBq8hrbxuIKx1s4XQqN7mDgvSh6qp0I-G6oMeaRobOkeHWJIJ9yFOcM_nspY4p9Cagt9/s640/IMG_0645.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This morning I pulled the spent Sugar Snap Pea vines from the planter on the left leaving the Sweet Pea flower vines. Do you think they will produce some colorful scented flowers? In the right planter, I have a Clematis vine mingled with Morning Glory vines. The Clematis has finished blooming for the season and the Morning Glory has not produced any flowers yet. I have had mixed results in crafting gardens throughout my years, but I am ever hopeful for good results!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKDo_Uxq5phnz69h7v76mkArqce2slOaQe7344JfnkSqYehT7gq6gG9jsD77RaPqy8K_c5KWduWZOQnByCenOjOho95xDxpGWtfMaNNnTnUW0gaQmn3stAxAFPrKYVK-L_42y-PRBJ3bc/s2048/IMG_0646.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKDo_Uxq5phnz69h7v76mkArqce2slOaQe7344JfnkSqYehT7gq6gG9jsD77RaPqy8K_c5KWduWZOQnByCenOjOho95xDxpGWtfMaNNnTnUW0gaQmn3stAxAFPrKYVK-L_42y-PRBJ3bc/s640/IMG_0646.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The July online prompt I got from my Joy of Artful Worship facilitator focuses on crafting the following verses onto decorated index cards to share with others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1Corinthians 15: 1-4 NIV</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">16 For the Lord, himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thess. 4:16-18 NIV</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another thing I have been crafting in July is this blog post. I have been using the new Blogger format and have not figured out how to sequence photos in the order I want, but other than that I have survived😊</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and you have too if you are reading this. Bravo! Please let me know how you are crafting your life these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gracie xx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-88330004818592302052020-06-14T18:54:00.010-07:002020-06-14T19:13:07.621-07:002020 Crafting in May and June<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the LORD has commanded:" <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Exodus 35:10 NLT</span><div>
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This is one of my favorite quotes. It invites the six-year-old artist within me who dreams of being a gifted craftsman to express her primitive art style with simple stitches, splashes of paint, singing words, and planted plants...like these strawberry plants I inherited from the former owner of my unit. I transplanted them from the garden by my front door to the back patio...and I am thrilled the plants have some blossoms on them now! Just think. The blossoms might grow into luscious, juicy red strawberries!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0BCW1ZWTkAp2LNkCM-sHtPn6TXlrLOIXUZt6dshqyV0izwReNy41Q6FUTr-a5_YVCZSWgy4siVdUYecmMFdAf9hG2bpEpyii3mOfXf86JPqjJ971Olf8sJnm6ZhhqdQONWX1LnqNRv6E/s4032/IMG_0544.jpeg"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0BCW1ZWTkAp2LNkCM-sHtPn6TXlrLOIXUZt6dshqyV0izwReNy41Q6FUTr-a5_YVCZSWgy4siVdUYecmMFdAf9hG2bpEpyii3mOfXf86JPqjJ971Olf8sJnm6ZhhqdQONWX1LnqNRv6E/w480-h640/IMG_0544.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I was given this beautiful purple Clematis plant for Mother's Day and in the last few weeks, my youngest daughter has helped me purchase and plant two rectangular planters.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpEh1iWroBw-2TL_xSIrseiGaFQxk0_qtBC5tgJrQYePXiSblrEZZfXtOEGz5SPljy6qH6Yon9cc7m5czwxt0Vbfyh57OmE885gnHiCBc-bvl3yO_pusPL7v2yS1rfPQmpRgbQZ7wIvEh/s4032/IMG_0496.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpEh1iWroBw-2TL_xSIrseiGaFQxk0_qtBC5tgJrQYePXiSblrEZZfXtOEGz5SPljy6qH6Yon9cc7m5czwxt0Vbfyh57OmE885gnHiCBc-bvl3yO_pusPL7v2yS1rfPQmpRgbQZ7wIvEh/w480-h640/IMG_0496.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Besides the Clematis we planted some Sugar Snap pea plants, and Sweet Pea, Morning Glory, and mixed flower seeds.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtCWoIIHcoWg1KBSOsS-dXoFVVden0hZWG2IrAX1A1uA9ptWOlAC9FNRii2oILlUS2b9y7SEtAxHgFVXQqK5gY2Ym8b2eT5XbE-u1OJEQ7l4pvJZN4K7hZyOY9n6nllKeBeMxBZ2DQWHw/s3923/IMG_0550.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3923" data-original-width="2678" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtCWoIIHcoWg1KBSOsS-dXoFVVden0hZWG2IrAX1A1uA9ptWOlAC9FNRii2oILlUS2b9y7SEtAxHgFVXQqK5gY2Ym8b2eT5XbE-u1OJEQ7l4pvJZN4K7hZyOY9n6nllKeBeMxBZ2DQWHw/w426-h625/IMG_0550.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Although I do not know the variety name of the rose bush in the front of the unit I live in I am grateful it is there and I am enjoying its blooms that have a delicate rose scent. I wish you could smell the scent through your computer screen. Do you have a rose bush near where you live? When walking by rose bushes in my neighborhood I sometimes stop to sniff the blossoms~~~<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFarGw-Kptq7iPeKiJqM5Z8lHdnUIzD0GCCPv5EG2EY58ukZ703btVeiSHgzCe9W8BtD4cyWE-3nL1Job48Ogzi2AQbcRxvz4OMj7Yb5a8RtBP4wcNXOLPir297MTk6HGGDjqr9q8yF2hd/s2495/IMG_0515.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2495" data-original-width="1338" height="781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFarGw-Kptq7iPeKiJqM5Z8lHdnUIzD0GCCPv5EG2EY58ukZ703btVeiSHgzCe9W8BtD4cyWE-3nL1Job48Ogzi2AQbcRxvz4OMj7Yb5a8RtBP4wcNXOLPir297MTk6HGGDjqr9q8yF2hd/w420-h781/IMG_0515.jpeg" width="420" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Around Christmas, I made quite a few <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/no-button-no-sew-towel-holder"><b>towel holders</b></a> in red acrylic yarn. Recently I had several folks ask me to make them in a different color. One wanted theirs in beige so I made the holder below. I only had a cotton blend yarn that works, but I do not like it as well as the acrylic because the cotton has less stretch and the stitches do not look as neat to me but the holder still holds a towel.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05gH2g_cKJ6l-8rktphf3IefJGdYxy6L4PHaNlLmzhh-pycfeQTTr7aQmS1QC50mbZLOjMxEDA52EDbxQ4bPRDeeij5N7_N1oMmsYfWjaAQyL2ki-b9jnFayBowgpBuQN65G-8rKrMNbz/s2869/IMG_0554.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2869" data-original-width="2806" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05gH2g_cKJ6l-8rktphf3IefJGdYxy6L4PHaNlLmzhh-pycfeQTTr7aQmS1QC50mbZLOjMxEDA52EDbxQ4bPRDeeij5N7_N1oMmsYfWjaAQyL2ki-b9jnFayBowgpBuQN65G-8rKrMNbz/w489-h500/IMG_0554.jpeg" width="489" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I almost did not show you this preemie baby blanket I am still working on once a week, because I thought I hadn't changed it much, but when I looked at the last photo of it I shared with you I realized I have made progress and added two colors.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwD4wrX9DG-hlMn8zcOSofBdW4FVh7jyOjsn0k2wXJYp7S-EX3JgKM627sPMhLG58yvYDSbjm3usfqo-Fvcj893BfjKmy5-U_GSQhnyONOaa2gl7Xr1cXrRM4mHNIRr5pgeLYlORVgr1D/s4032/IMG_0540.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwD4wrX9DG-hlMn8zcOSofBdW4FVh7jyOjsn0k2wXJYp7S-EX3JgKM627sPMhLG58yvYDSbjm3usfqo-Fvcj893BfjKmy5-U_GSQhnyONOaa2gl7Xr1cXrRM4mHNIRr5pgeLYlORVgr1D/w469-h625/IMG_0540.jpeg" width="469" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>In my mind's eye, I saw myself painting a botanically accurate view of a palm branch. I thought I would try to paint a bird as well...but this is what I ended up with...totally different!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ7s5FvRUgC96Qq4wIegiTK5NFIahRBCbPFgBDoiJDzrjBCA47Zyx8BTUNLw7IotFGqhndSUg3r6bazS-7viAFZEgldim298vwFpWMumylbPBg3UQnImlDX6IIbuY1cbPnf-xWiexMqz3/s4032/IMG_0532.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJ7s5FvRUgC96Qq4wIegiTK5NFIahRBCbPFgBDoiJDzrjBCA47Zyx8BTUNLw7IotFGqhndSUg3r6bazS-7viAFZEgldim298vwFpWMumylbPBg3UQnImlDX6IIbuY1cbPnf-xWiexMqz3/w500-h375/IMG_0532.jpeg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The realities of life can be quite a contrast to my artistic dreams and happily ever after convictions, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have to be constructive. I currently am working more on listening to God and others and I want to learn about and act on more practical projects to promote love in the world around me...a grand opus, life long work of art, isn't it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">((hugs))</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gracie :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
</div></div>Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-51291141871020668082020-05-01T00:59:00.000-07:002020-05-01T00:59:55.605-07:00Crafting Words in Spring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now as you drive or walk into our condominium community these two gorgeous Dogwood trees are on the right. Coming from my unit this is the angle I see across the street and headed toward the main roadway. Currently, from any angle, they inspire me to celebrate Spring, perhaps especially so during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.<br />
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This year the tree pollen seems especially abundant. I am grateful to not suffer severe allergies, and my heart goes out to those who do. Since our officials have instructed us to stay at home unless we need to participate in essential services I have just been going out once a week for groceries. I have run the windshield wipers to clear the windshield from an impressive amount of tree pollen before leaving the carport.<br />
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I wonder if wearing a face mask helps protect us from some of the irritation the tree pollen can cause. To cooperate with the CDC recommendations for social distancing and wearing face masks and gloves at appropriate times I went online and saw that someone had crocheted a mask. While I did not follow her pattern I did start my own effort and ended up crocheting this pocket and inserting two sheets of tightly woven cotton in the pocket.<br />
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However, I have not used it because before I finished the crocheted mask, a thoughtful industrious friend texted me that she and her husband were getting ready to drive to drop off the masks she had been making to a facility and she wondered if I would like one. I was out on my patio texting "yes" when she and her husband drove up and stopped long enough for my friend to leap out of the car and hand me the mask while instructing me to wash it before using it because it had her germs on it. She would not let me pay for it. She and her husband were so kind!<br />
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On another day a different friend picked up a head of iceberg lettuce for me at the store when she went because I had mentioned I was not able to find one to buy when I went to the store. She and her husband dropped it off to me and would not let me pay for it. It was so kind of them!<br />
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My youngest daughter took this selfie of her and me keeping social distance in our church parking lot from our separate cars where we were dropping off donations for a rescue mission. Aside from going to the grocery store once a week it is the only trip I have taken since we are to aim to go out just for essential services. I filled the gas tank in the minivan six weeks ago and the indicator on the gas gauge is still on full! It is very strange to have only online services and meetings with those in our church fellowship, but I am grateful for the technology that makes our online fellowship possible.<br />
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Spring is in full splendor as Tulips, Azaleas, Camellias, Rhododendrons, and Daffodils bloom in the neighborhood. I was able to buy these Petunias and Confetti flowers at the grocery store to plant in pots on the patio. Growing plants are promising, perhaps especially so during this time when life is so guarded in many ways.<br />
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The rhythm of knitting this preemie blanket is restorative for me. I have been knitting about an inch a week on Wednesday mornings while Zoom visiting online with some of the ladies in my baby blanket making group. It is a joyous reunion to see each other online as we crochet and knit!<br />
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While it may not be accurate to say that eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away, it seems like a yummy health-promoting practice to me. For many months I have been gratefully enjoying an apple a day along with some almond butter.<br />
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The Bleeding Heart flowers in the photo above popped up to the right of my front doorstep during the last week of March. I think they are beautiful and certainly aptly named because of the heart shape of the blossoms... with a lovely pouring out of life into our world for the Spring season.<br />
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In 2017 in my blog, I published this photo of two dear people in my life, my Uncle Arthur Bradstreet, and my niece Holly. My two older sisters and I were also there on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA visiting Uncle Arthur, my mom's younger brother.<br />
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March 20, 2020, Uncle Arthur celebrated his one-hundredth birthday! My older sister Margaret bought tickets for her and me and her two daughters to fly back to help him celebrate. However, on March 13, 2020, my cousin let us know that even though Uncle Arthur was making a good recovery from a fall over a month earlier, the rehab facility where he was a patient, prohibited him from having any visitors or from going to a favorite family restaurant to celebrate because of the COVID - 19 pandemic, so we canceled our travel plans.<br />
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April 13, 2020, my cousin let us know that Uncle Arthur fell asleep in the afternoon and did not wake up here on earth...a gentle way to go to be with the Lord he loved. I am so grateful to have many loving memories of him.<br />
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Only in his later years did I come to know that while serving in the military he had been assigned as a technician on the flight that flew over Hiroshima to photograph the horrific devastation of the nuclear bomb exploded there. In 2017 he also told us that when they were young men my dad had helped him get a job in the Ayer Woolen Mill in Lawrence, Massachusetts, when my dad managed a drum carder there.<br />
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When I was a child living with my family in Missouri and Uncle Arthur was living in Massachusetts it was a great family event to receive his many paged single-spaced typed letters that chronicled the interesting everyday events of he and his family. He spent many years working in the banking industry. He collected Native American arts and crafts and books about Native Americans. He was very musical and sang tenor solos at the Baptist church he regularly attended. He collected stamps. He was a Boston Red Sox baseball fan! He and Aunt Roberta traveled to northeast England to explore the area where our Bradstreet ancestors lived before they ventured to help establish New England in the mid-1600s.<br />
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As my mom and dad and then my husband and I moved back and forth across the United States Uncle Arthur and his family kept in contact with us. This verse from a sympathy card captures some of what I feel for Uncle Arthur Bradstreet:<br />
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As some people </div>
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journey through life,</div>
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they leave footprints -</div>
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of kindness and love,</div>
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courage and compassion,</div>
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joy and faith.</div>
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Even when they're gone,</div>
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the trail they've left behind</div>
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continues to inspire us.</div>
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On the south side of our condominium community, we can glimpse this pretty green space on the other side of a chainlink fence. I held my iPhone above the fence to photograph this unobstructed peaceful view.<br />
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With the lens of the phone camera aimed low through one of the chainlink apertures, I crafted this view. The Dandelions are over a foot tall! While I have complained about Dandelions as weeds invading pretty green lawns, I have to admit that I also think that Dandelions are pretty, and my mom helped me appreciate that they have worth as well. In early Spring she sometimes would go out and dig up Dandelions before they produced flowers. She then took some of the leaves, washed them, and boiled them. She would eat the leaves and drink the water they were boiled in. Trained as a nurse she viewed it as a healthful "tonic." If she dug up the Dandelions early enough they had a mild flavor like spinach and the water they were boiled in did as well, but if the leaves were too mature they could be very bitter! Yes, I tried eating the cooked greens and drinking the water they were boiled in, also, but I did not keep up my mother's Spring tradition as an adult, and I was amazed to see Dandelion leaves being sold in a grocery store many years later!<br />
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For worship art, our group facilitator gave us a prompt in an email, "ask God to show you what peace looks like and then listen..." I thought of Mount Hood and the Scriptures "I look up to the mountains--- does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Psalm 121:1-2 NLT </span>Jesus said. "I am leaving you with a gift--- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">John 14:27 NLT </span><br />
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Isn't it wonderful to be able to look up sometimes?<br />
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((hugs))<br />
Gracie<br />
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Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-29872232025939465322020-03-06T10:25:00.000-08:002020-03-06T10:25:10.608-08:00Early Spring Crafting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome! I'm so glad you stopped in for a visit and I hope you will leave a comment and let me know you were here. February had some lovely sunny days and I was happy to see Mount Hood, near Portland, Oregon, peeking over the roof of my unit one day. It looks tiny, but a few blocks away it is visually vast! I don't understand the science behind the difference I see here and there. I just love seeing Mt. Hood in all its snowy wonder and would love for you to see it in person if you haven't.<br />
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Bouquets of delightful cheery Daffodils like these at my neighbors are opening in the area around me.<br />
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The pretty purple Hyacinths by my front step are opening beautifully although I have not smelled them scenting the air yet.<br />
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These trees near where I park my car are beginning to beautifully bloom and I have been enjoying seeing other trees in the area around me fully displaying blooms of pink or white, promising Spring is coming.<br />
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My four Dianthus plants defied being frozen in their mid-sized clay pots on my patio this winter, and have been producing sweet-spicy scented blooms since last Spring!!!! I currently enjoy this little posy of blooms balanced in a little clear jar on my kitchen windowsill. Amazing!!!!<br />
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The facilitator of our once a month worship art group at church challenged us to choose a Bible verse about God as our Refuge and illustrate it. I thought about the image of God hugging us in His embrace as a mother hen spreads her wings over her chicks. That image prompted me to remember the chicken range on our research poultry farm when I was a child. Little chicken coops dotted a fenced in field. They were closer to the ground and not solid wood like I painted, never-the-less whatever they actually looked like they were there so that someone could coax the chickens to huddle inside them at night to protect them from predators. No baby chicks were ever out there although I painted in the lower right corner of the picture some primitive brown and yellow blobs that are meant to represent a mother hen with her wings outspread to her chicks. The process of meditating on God as my refuge, my Immanuel, with me in all my circumstances even if my pencil sketching, watercolor did not conform to the internal images I imagined, was humbling, comforting, leaving me ruefully smiling.<br />
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This past month, my stitching has been invested in five projects. I added more rows to two blankets not pictured here. The project on the left is my first attempt to make a provisional cast on for a sock that is to go on a 9-inch circular needle. I looked at a YouTube video for instruction. I started knitting another purple dishcloth and am closer to completing it than this photo shows. Then the completed crocheted double thickness potholder on the right is my one little Ta-Dah!<br />
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This Oxalis (Shamrock) plant I purchased last Spring nearly expired. I noted when reading my friend <a href="https://teresakasner.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Teresa's</span> </a>posts that when her Oxalis plant was doing poorly she put it out on her patio to recover and it did! I tried similar treatment for my plant by putting my plant out on my patio in the summer. Can you see the plant's two little white flowers in this photo I took recently? I like how this view highlights the pretty pink in the underside of the leaves as well.<br />
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How are you in the season of life you are in? <br />
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I happened upon these promising words it is recorded Jesus spoke before his death and resurrection. They encourage me, and I hope will encourage you.<br />
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““I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”</div>
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John 14:27 NLT</div>
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<a href="https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.14.27.nlt">https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.14.27.nlt</a></div>
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Gracie xx<br />
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Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-40945809678135385672020-02-01T10:32:00.000-08:002020-02-01T10:32:11.083-08:00Colorful Cozy Crafting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by to visit. Have you been involved in crafting? Above is one of my recent crafting explorations. When I was in third grade...more than 60 years ago...I was guided to focus on music rather art instruction. While I am grateful for the music instruction I have had since then in clarinet, bassoon, piano, and vocal, I especially enjoy learning about drawing and watercolor painting now. Once a month I usually meet with a small group of women to work on a worship art project. Above is my interpretation of the recent project our facilitator designed.<br />
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While the season is winter in my part of the world, I have seen little snow and ice in the valley where I live near Portland, Oregon, to impair my crafting efforts. In fact, four of my hanging plants still have flowers on them and I have been thrilled to see hummingbirds visit them to drink from the blossoms.<br />
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Inside, my Oxalis plant, on the bottom left in this photo above, produces sweet little white blossoms and I am also enjoying viewing the white flower on the little white Pointsettia in the bottom right of the photo above.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnxQxkjI85q56ZVZEsUDFLOLSuXgb9OWJX8oB4wGFzuJgbVYF8jPxyyBIOmPy7SHFdPaDtdihQwAYjAPjO55xqaASuLwiEedtfyOcfpz5eyfjVnhRtBSe0_sRVaRBZDWcF4ISwyRainLh/s1600/60080755244__5DC9CA26-D3ED-4B57-B8CC-BC99EC84D470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnxQxkjI85q56ZVZEsUDFLOLSuXgb9OWJX8oB4wGFzuJgbVYF8jPxyyBIOmPy7SHFdPaDtdihQwAYjAPjO55xqaASuLwiEedtfyOcfpz5eyfjVnhRtBSe0_sRVaRBZDWcF4ISwyRainLh/s640/60080755244__5DC9CA26-D3ED-4B57-B8CC-BC99EC84D470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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During our chilly weather, I am especially enjoying knitting mostly at our church small group a little preemie sized blanket in acrylic yarn.<br />
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However, I am especially enjoying knitting at home more rows on the bulky Merino wool blanket I started years ago. It is big enough now to provide me with significant warmth on our colder days.<br />
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While I still have a Christmasy jingle bell wreath on my front door, I am amazed at and enjoying viewing the pink blossoms on two hanging plants framing the jingle bell wreath. It was fun crafting this view to share with you.<br />
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And look what I spotted poking out of the earth nearby the front door... Hyacinths! Beyond the Hyacinths in the upper left of the photo above is a clump of Cala Lillies...they will be trumpeting the arrival of Spring soon in the weeks ahead...I type as a woman of faith!<br />
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A recent sunrise gave me the opportunity to craft a photo of it. I used my iPhone 11 Pro to take the photo, cropped the photo on my laptop Macbook Pro and let it choose the glorious color intensity that reflects what I saw... an encouraging warming firey glow to enliven life from skies that had been perseverating in chilly gray for many days.<br />
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I hope you are enjoying happy times... will you share how you have been crafting your days?<br />
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Gracie ((hugs))<br />
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Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-32400708498054359182020-01-01T20:36:00.000-08:002020-01-01T20:36:14.409-08:002020 Crafting Vision<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy New Year! Sunrises like this one I saw not long ago from my parking spot by the patio continue to excite my desire to be creative and craft! Does the beauty of creation do the same for you?<br />
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Recently I was told that the women in the groups in our church who make baby blankets for babies in local NICUs have made over 1000 blankets over the last six years. I love being a part of this project over the last four years and knowing that many families have been prayed for and blessed with tangible encouragement during a difficult time. Part of my vision for 2020 is to make more little blankets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx0iu93Aswb_hpY6NJrFSCHvnpVw3fTYENO15M2gQ9Xu1xclnd3gVuMNmEGgUwxpyZQFA_Ve_wa1JQmpcMm5Jjb_00qw7heLRC9aH_lgVYTkTERCRFaMS4rVRiLef1mHIogkF0TWLd5aI/s1600/IMG_0173.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyx0iu93Aswb_hpY6NJrFSCHvnpVw3fTYENO15M2gQ9Xu1xclnd3gVuMNmEGgUwxpyZQFA_Ve_wa1JQmpcMm5Jjb_00qw7heLRC9aH_lgVYTkTERCRFaMS4rVRiLef1mHIogkF0TWLd5aI/s640/IMG_0173.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I envision completing this wave blanket which I am enjoying crocheting and then finishing a knitted blanket I started last year.<br />
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Dear friends sent me this puzzle that features yarn and cats and my youngest daughter and her husband did the major part of crafting the pieces together on Christmas afternoon. Working on putting together other puzzles is part of my crafting vision for 2020. Do you enjoy putting together jigsaw puzzles?<br />
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Finishing this and more potholders is also a part of my crafting vision for 2020. It is my favorite style of potholder and fun to make and give as a practical gift.<br />
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I discovered this towel holder pattern last year and have enjoyed crocheting many of them as gifts. While I have made many button fastened towel holders over the years, I think this is a brilliant pattern to keep regular hand towels on the rack.<br />
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You can find the free pattern to make the towel holders <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/no-button-no-sew-towel-holder">HERE</a></span>. I used acrylic yarn, and find the design "handy" in every way, so envision making more in 2020.<br />
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On Tuesday mornings I plan to craft time reading individually with four children who are first or second or third graders. I plan to craft time with four women's groups, knitting, crocheting, or completing a Bible study or art-related projects...enjoying times of worship, times of fellowship with family and friends, visiting blogs and posting about my vision at least once a month if possible...and...stay focused from moment to moment with joy and gratitude or compassion and care as needs arise.<br />
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What is your vision for 2020? Know that my prayer is that the Lord blesses you.<br />
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Gracie xx</div>
Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-50199932679215023412019-09-30T23:42:00.001-07:002019-09-30T23:45:20.753-07:00September Launch into a New Crafting Season!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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While searching for the autumn-themed crafts I knit a few years ago, I discovered I had just stuffed one pumpkin I knit with a big ball of yarn rather than finish it off properly. Somehow the pumpkin also had two holes! </div>
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A needle, yarn, and stuffing were found, and my rescue mission began...<br />
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Thankfully I was able to mend the holes, stuff the pumpkin, get it seamed and enjoy the process and result!<br />
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Unexpectedly, one September day on my doorstep, I found a wonderful box of gifts I had won from <a href="https://camelliafibercompany.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Camellia Fiber Co.</span></a>...a lovely card,<br />
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these beautiful mini skeins of yarn...<br />
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and this lovely handspun skein of yarn. Now my mind is dreaming of what I may make with the yarn...<br />
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The gifts helped me resist the temptation of buying more yarn at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, Oregon, a bit south of where I live.<br />
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My youngest daughter took this photo of me with our dear friends we arranged to meet at the festival.<br />
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We saw many quiet llamas.<br />
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We saw many beautiful quiet bunnies.<br />
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We saw many interesting sheep, but some were not quiet so their barn was lively with sometimes startling "Baaaas!"<br />
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The exhibit of felted entries contained a unique felted journal someone who had visited Scotland had made.<br />
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The journal did not win a ribbon, but I gave it my People's Choice Award!<br />
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On Thursday nights I am knitting a preemie blanket in a group of knitters I was invited to join. Wednesday mornings I am crocheting another preemie blanket, and I have a crocheted potholder project I carry around in the pocket of my purse to work on when I can. At the once a month art group I attend, the facilitator showed us a clever way to transfer a letter design we like onto art paper.<br />
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Have you launched into a new crafting season?<br />
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Gracie xx<br />
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Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-15312532912298910322019-08-30T17:45:00.000-07:002019-08-30T21:05:28.479-07:00Ahoy in August!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome to some views of the wonderful days my youngest daughter and her husband helped me enjoy at Tillamook Oregon State Beach while camping in their trailer with them.<br />
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The weather was the best I have ever experienced in the years that I have gone there and we always have a great time visiting with cousins, aunts, and uncles as well.<br />
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On my first time down to the beach, I found this pretty sand dollar shell peeking out of the sand. The other side is broken in the middle, but I still think the shell is beautiful. I brought it home and have it nested in a little basket of pinecones on my bedside table.<br />
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Just one day we had some rain. On that day we went into the town of Tillamook and visited the museum.<br />
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The cabin living room exhibit is one of my favorites because of all the crafts and crafting equipment that is displayed.<br />
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One little stitching project I completed in August was this thick crocheted rectangular hot mat. When you follow a free diagonal potholder pattern available on Ravelry, instead of sewing the potholder edge together on the diagonal, you keep stitching around and around until you have the size rectangle you want and then join the edge.<br />
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On one hot sunny August afternoon, I stopped by to visit with dear blogging friends, <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="https://teresakasner.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #e06666;">Teresa</span>,</a></span> Dayle and their sweet little dog, Mocha at their farm. They generously sent me home with a gorgeous dozen fresh eggs with shells of many pretty colors from their happy flock of hens. Yum! Then I drove a little further east along the mighty Columbia River and stopped at the Women's Forum viewpoint to enjoy this view.<br />
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Thanks to the vision and hard work of many who came before us this amazing view is more accessible for many.<br />
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Several years ago I made a new friend, MJ, at church. She and her husband have a collection of antique sewing machines and they sold me this Featherweight model Singer. After I had accidentally clogged the threading mechanism they serviced the machine for me and last week MJ sat with me coaching me how to avoid clogging the mechanism again!<br />
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Beginning August with glorious days at the ocean, I end August by using this lovely acrylic yarn to start crocheting a baby blanket in a double crochet stitch pattern that reminds me of beautiful iridescent ocean waves.<br />
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While much of the foliage around me is at the height of lushness, I have noted some leaves on the tips of branches that are turning red or brown as the season shifts...the ebb and flow of seasons that both please me and cause me to feel nostalgic. Do seasonal shifts tug at your feelings as well, and does the beauty of nature inspire the design of your crafting?<br />
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Gracie ((hugs)) :-)<br />
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Let heaven and earth praise Him,<br />
The seas and everything that moves in them. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Psalm 69:34 NKJV</span><br />
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Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229743630534449187.post-83305187532287093342019-07-26T21:39:00.000-07:002019-07-26T21:39:21.209-07:00Along Some Rivers in Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ahoy Mates!</div>
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Time spent with my dear older sister, Margaret, who flew north from Burbank, CA to my home near Portland, OR, and with my local dear youngest son, Tim, and with other dear family members and friends highlighted the month of July for me. I helped put four puzzles together in a week...a record for me and fun for us all.<br />
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On the bank of the Clackamas River, I celebrated Independence Day in the USA, having a BBQ with a family member and friends...see the smoke drift over the river?<br />
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Margaret and I explored a part of the great Columbia River by floating in sternwheeler for several hours.<br />
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It was a just-right sunny day to enjoy the lovely scenery as we listened to the captain's stories about the area.<br />
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Several days later we also got to see a bit of the Salmon River at Wildwood Recreation area near the base of Mt. Hood. It was interesting to see into the river through the fish window.<br />
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One of the stars of the July flower blooms around me is Hydrangeas. The deep purple-blue blooms of this bush near my home is my favorite.<br />
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Margaret and I enjoyed starting to knit preemie blankets. Margaret made much faster progress on hers than I did on mine.<br />
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Both of us used acrylic yarn. It was very pleasant to knit out on the patio.<br />
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After Margaret flew home I invited three friends over to work on our scrapbooks. I especially enjoyed working on some pages that featured my husband, Louis, who passed away ten years ago.<br />
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He enjoyed working as an engineer at Train Town in Sonoma, CA, while we helped to run an eldercare facility. The photos were from a day we took some of the residents to ride on the train.<br />
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Have you explored rivers, enjoyed crafting and enjoyed time with family and friends in July?<br />
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Gracie xx</div>
Gracie Saylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09499163425742659172noreply@blogger.com18