Practicing in 2014

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

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

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

paperwork :)

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

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

Are you practicing anything special in 2014?

Gracie xx

Hopping and Bobbing Through Spring

We are having a fabulous stretch of warm Spring weather....particularly so for around Portland, OR.  I am headed out to do some gardening as soon as I finish posting this, but I wanted to give you a glimpse of some of the glory around me.  I tromped around our ponds yesterday particularly to get a photo of a Trillium and I took at least three which along with a picture of my oldest daughter and her youngest daughter hugging her have disappeared....who knows what button I pressed to manage that!  The next to last photo is of my youngest daughter spinning, my oldest daughter watching, and Miss Maggie Rabbit-Saylor wearing a crocheted cap I made for her.  I was trying out a pattern for a preemie hat and tried it on MMRS then got carried away and added a ruffle to it. Then the last photo is after  I added more of a ruffle...I told you I got carried away :-)  I must have Spring Fever......do you?

xx,
Gracie