Captivating [wip wed. 4.24.2013]

Have you a cup of tea at the ready?

I am longing for a visit with you.   

So here I am posting pictures of the beautiful Ruby shawl I am trying to crochet.  And isn't our cherry tree beautiful as it burst into bloom and is now releasing its blossoms in flurries?  And did you see one of our last red camelia blooms?  And then there is Mt. Hood in its beautiful snowy white cape.  And Clara Parkes who publishes the Knitter's Review, and has written some fibery focused books, is also in the interesting process of following The Great White Bale of wool through all the stages of its processing and writing about it. It is a beautiful story, to me, that I hope she will turn into a  beautiful book :-)

For a little over a week, I have been reading [with highlighter in hand]  the New York Times bestseller, Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge.  In it  I read, "...it is God who reveals beauty as essential to life.  You are the image bearer of this God.  That is why you long for those things too.  There is a radiance hidden in your heart that the world desperately needs."

What is beautiful in and around you?

xx,
Gracie

More Reasons For Me to Be Cheerful :)

My week started out cheerily when my youngest daughter surprised me by bringing me a bouquet of purple Freesia from Trader Joe's. The fragrance is so wonderful I wish I could share it with you through cyberspace!
We have been enjoying beautiful warm weather just right for young friends to visit, run through the sprinkler and swing on the swings...
I had some tense hours wrestling with my computer this week, but was so glad to
have a spur of the moment lunch with my blogging friend
and mentor, Teresa Kasner on Saturday. In the midst
of lots of good conversation she gave me wise counsel, and encouragement.
Following are some of the reasons I found to be cheerful and recorded in my journal this week.

How was your week?

Hugs to you
From Gracie <3

Summer Sprinkler, Swings, & Squares

Young friends came to play today!
Great fun!

The cherry tree was strangely quiet

 after a week of chirping celebration

while the birds feasted on this year's cherry crop .

And I completed some more squares for my Granny Square blanket.

What is new with you?

Hugs from Gracie :)

Cherry Blossoms and Lace

The cherry tree has been spectacular this week.

I experimented with the Queen Anne's Lace crochet pattern and Chunky Mochi Crystal Palace yarn. I ended up using a size K crochet hook.
When I finished the scarf this morning, I asked my oldest daughter to try it on. She thinks I should give her the scarf for her June 2nd birthday. (:

During an April shower this morning look who I saw taking shelter in one our evergreen trees.

Do you have a special spot to shelter from April showers?

Happy weekend!