This and That

Hello everyone!

I hope you are well.

I've not been blogging or had a chance to visit much.

I do hope I can get back in the swing of things before too long.

 We are well into summer temperatures now.

It's usually about 100 degrees during the day, but I still manage to walk early morning on the weekends and late afternoon during the week.

This year on my walks I've seen so many hollyhocks.

 Gosh how I love those flowers.

I don't ever recall seeing them sold at the plant souk so I wonder if they are being grown from seed.

 The other thing I've not had much time for is crocheting.

But the other night, my oldest son asked me to crochet a hackysack cover for a friend of his at school.  Seems he's got everyone making their own hackysacks from old socks and rice or lentils.

I've crocheted many a hackysack upon request.

Then yesterday, Pradeepa at The Lazy Hobbyhopper was giving away a free pdf of her paisley pattern to anyone who left a comment before 6:15 p.m. Indian Standard Time today.

The pdf was in my email this morning and I promptly gave the pattern a go.

My pattern reading skills are not the best so I had to fudge a bit but I managed to end up with a paisley piece to be proud of.  :) 

 Granted, not as nice as Pradeepa's, but I shall keep trying.

 This next photo is just for Aishwarya.

She asked to see my crocheted rocks all together.

Some of them were found and crocheted while in Sri Lanka.

Of course, after taking this, I found some that didn't make it into the photo.

They are scattered all over the house in baskets and bowls and on plates with candles.

And some have been given as gifts.

I hope to do some blog hopping over the weekend.

Have a fabulous Friday!

Happy Mother's Day!

Unfortunately, my day did not start or end very well.

On the way to school this morning I watched as an injured pigeon on top of someone's SUV tried to hang on for dear life but was blown off.  He tried to fly but couldn't and sadly landed under mine.  

Then this afternoon, on the second load of laundry, the washing machine broke.

 My boys had not a clue that today was Mother's Day and my husband is out of the country.

But the bright spot was returning to my desk at school to find mail from bloggers.

And what wonderful mail it was.

When Vicki hosted the Grow Your Blog party in January, I visited Rachel at Blue Finch Jewelry and left a comment.

She generously offered to send a pair of handmade earrings to everyone who left a comment before February 1st (over 60 people).  Even though I emailed her back and said it wasn't necessary since I am so very far away, she said she didn't mind.

 As you can see, the earrings made it here safely, the packaging is lovely and the earrings are absolutely gorgeous.

Rachel, thank you so much for your generosity! 

In February, I joined the I Love Hearts Swap hosted by Shelley at All4Meggy Moo and also agreed to be her pen pal.  I received a lovely note from her today along with the sweetest popup card.

Unfortunately, I just checked and it doesn't seem that Shelley's blog exists anymore.

Will have to send her an email.

Whether you celebrate Mother's Day today or not, I do hope your day was filled with sweet surprises!

Best wishes,

One Thing Leads to Another

Dan Buettner is a National Geographic explorer who traveled to Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Ikaria, Greece to research the lifestyles of centenarians, people who live to be 100 or more.

 I finished reading his book The Blue Zones last night.

The areas he visited are proven to have the largest concentration of people who live long, healthy lives.

It was a very easy read filled with interesting information that confirms my decision to embrace a plant-based diet.

It's funny how when you choose a path in life that is right for you, people and things come your way that help you along that path.

 Yesterday, Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage wrote a poignant post about animal rights.
She so beautifully voiced everything that I feel on the subject.
8 years ago I took charge of my eating habits.
Several years ago I became vegetarian.
And a few weeks ago I gave up all animal products.

 Just today, I happened upon a blog called Just Human Beings (a vegan couple who run a B&B in Cornwall UK) and a documentary they posted entitled Earthlings.

I watched it.

I gasped.  I cried.

 My youngest son said "if it is going to make you sad, then don't watch it".

But pretending it doesn't happen doesn't change the reality of what humans are doing to animals each and every day.

For food, for clothing, for entertainment, for experimentation.

 A co-worker whose mom recently had surgery for lung cancer is on her own path to wellness.

She said that her uncle always said "this world is walking around in a coma".

To be alive, we must be aware.

I continue to walk, to read, to create and to nurture.

I hope all is well in your corner of the world.
Have a bright and beautiful day!

A Time of Change

I cannot believe it is already the month of May.

The past couple of weeks have been a period of change and adjustment.

Live and learn as they say.

Everything happens for a reason and there's always a lesson to be learned.

I am still walking every day.

Since temperatures are still comfortable in the morning and late afternoon,

I must take advantage of it while I can.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

~John Muir

Have also been spending lots of time reading.

I've been vegetarian for about 5 years now.

And several weeks ago gave up dairy.

A new month.
Lots of changes.
All for the good.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

 

Stash Busting Sunday: Four More for LILY

There's been more walking and reading of late than crocheting.

But over the weekend, I was able to crochet 4 more squares for LILY.

If you've not read about the project yet, you can do so here:  Love in the Language of Yarn.

For more April stash busting, visit Linda's Crafty Corner. 

Walking for Wisdom

Above all, do not lose your desire to walk.  Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness.  I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.

~Soren Kierkegaard

A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.
~Paul Dudley White

 

After a day's walk everything has twice its usual value.

~George Macauley Trevelyan

A personal matter has required my attention this past week.

Clarity was needed so many walks were taken.
I hope to strike a balance soon.
Blessings,

Stash Busting: So Far

On Friday I posted about LILY.

Love in the Language of Yarn.

 Yesterday was a very successful crochet day as I finished up 9 squares for the cause.

Sure wish the school week didn't cut into my free time.

For more stash busting, go here.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Gratitude and Giving Back

Thou hast given so much to me,

Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;

Not thankful when it pleaseth me,

As if Thy blessings had spare days,

But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.

George Herbert

I haven't turned the television on in weeks.

And don't read the newspaper.

So it wasn't until late Tuesday morning that I learned of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

I will never understand such senseless, evil acts.

Why do some people feel the need to cause such suffering?

Several years ago I bought The Happiness Project but never finished reading it.  At the time, I think it wasn't quite what I expected so I couldn't get into it.

But I've decided to give it another chance. 

In the midst of a crazy world, I think it is best to concentrate on being grateful, happy, positive individuals.

And to use our talents to give back.

My next stash busting project is in support of LILY.

Love In the Language of Yarn.

Dianne Jones is a Brit living in Turkey who, along with volunteers, provides knitted (and crocheted) garments and blankets for children in need.

Right now, they are making blankets for Syrian refugees.

I've gone with a granny square since they are quick to make.

The group is asking for only 3 squares, but I plan to work up more than that before mailing them out.

 I hope all is well in your corner of the world.
Have a great day!