Quiet

This past week found me in a rather melancholy mood.

 Maybe it was the weather. 

Or because work has been so busy.

Or the fact that several people I know have died over the past couple of weeks.

Really makes one pause to reflect on the moment.

I would come home every day and not feel like doing much at all.

Except eat.

Lots of comfort food.

Big bowls of rice and beans, pasta, soup.

“Cats are connoisseurs of comfort.” 
― James Herriot, James Herriot's Cat Stories

I did crochet a few things here and there.

Trying new patterns.

Snowflakes that didn't turn out quite right were turned into embellishments for gift bags.

 More jar cozies.

And today I did some baking.

Sprinkle cookies.

Think I'll have some now with a big cup of warm, comforting tea.

Have a wonderful day!

Rug Making

Last Sunday I had my first course in rug making.

The tools and supplies.

And the loom.

 It's easy once you get the hang of it, but time consuming.

We are only making a small sample and I've already made a few mistakes.

I can't imagine spending up to one year weaving a rug.

We are supposed to wind up with a nice design in the end.

With only 3 more classes to go.

Wish me luck!

A Favorite Thing: Candle-Lite

Today I am once again joining Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for A Favorite Thing Saturday.

Candle-lite is a company based in Cincinnati, Ohio that has been manufacturing candles since 1840.

Pumpkin Nutmeg Pie

Cinnamon Apple Crisp

and

Creamy Vanilla Swirl are my favorite scents.

Buying these candles is like getting two gifts in one because you are left with a very nice jar once the candle is finished.  And the best part is it doesn't take any elbow grease to get the label off.

 With my handy hook and some cotton yarn I am able to crochet jar cozies.

Put a big tealight candle inside.

And then I have a nice handmade gift for a friend or co-worker.

Another plus is they are made in the USA so if you are looking to support American made products, then I highly recommend Candle-Lite.

Have a great day!

Loss

Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever? If so, then you know you can go your whole life collecting days, and none will outweigh the one you wish you had back. 

Mitch Albom, For One More Day

Several months ago my cousin's step-daughter was hospitalized and diagnosed with leukemia.

I was stunned and saddened to learn yesterday that at the age of 34 she had passed away.

Three sweet, handsome boys now no longer have their mother.

We saw them the last time we were in the States.

Summer 2010

(My boys are the big ones)

Yusef and Zack were shocked to hear that their mom had passed away.

My heart breaks for these precious boys.

Life is a song - sing it.
 Life is a game - play it. 
Life is a challenge - meet it. 
Life is a dream - realize it. 
Life is a sacrifice - offer it. 
Life is love - enjoy it.
Sai Baba

Blessings,

Pumpkin Pie for Dinner

Thanksgiving was always a big family affair when I was growing up.

And when my boys were younger we had many families to share the holidays with.

But everything changes, people move away and big meals don't seem necessary anymore.

There is, however, one thing that I just can't do without.

Pumpkin pie!

I had two pieces for dinner while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Best wishes and blessings to one and all!

Purposeful Purchasing

greensac is an eco-friendly store in Kuwait dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting green living.  They sell reusable shopping bags and fair trade items from developing countries around the world.

These zippered pouches were made by women in Yemen.

 BHcrafts is a world fair trade non-profit organization that promotes products made by refugee women of Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Each item is labelled with the name of the woman who made it.

This mobile pouch was knit by Aldijana.

 Beaded snowflakes and cards (Memos for Mali) were being sold to support the mission of building schools and providing clean water in Mali.

These were the purchases I made at Saturday's craft bazaar.

It feels good knowing that the money I spent was for good causes.

Have a blessed day!

Fall Bazaar

Over the weekend The Kuwait Textile Arts Association held its annual Fall Bazaar at the Sadu House. 

I didn't take a lot of pictures or buy very much but I did want to make sure I visited the Salvation Army table.  I was very pleased to hear that they were selling some of the crocheted wreaths and stockings I taught the girls at the shelter to make.  And since the first crochet session was a success, I've been asked to return for another one so will have to choose a few other projects that will be quick, simple and saleable.

Doni is sharing another Christmas Ring Ornament Series on her blog Whiskers & Wool.

So far she's made a Christmas Present Ring Ornament,

Star Christmas Ring Ornament

and

Santa's Jolly Belly.

I will definitely be making some of these for the holidays.

And maybe the girls at the shelter will like them, too.

Hope you are having a terrific Tuesday.

Sunshine by Mail

Today has been a dark and cloudy day with lots of rain off and on.

 Even though every day is a soup day in my book, today it was especially called for.

Chickpea, tomato and pasta soup with spicy baked pita chips.

Yum!

 Although it was cloudy outside, I had a little sunshine delivered to me by mail.

The photo postcards I won in Dagmar's October giveaway arrived.

And they are so very beautiful!

Thanks Dagmar!

Friends are the sunshine of life.

(John Hay)

Have a great day!

A Favorite Thing: Crochet Rocks

Walking is my favorite form of exercise.

 There's always something interesting to see.

Like today.  

One very fluffy rooster waddling across the road.

While I am walking, I always keep my eyes peeled for rocks.

Even while on vacation, I am on the hunt.

 My hook and yarn are always with me no matter where I go.

 These crocheted rocks were collected and made while we were in Sri Lanka this past summer.

 

And this rock was picked up and put in my pocket today.

 Before the night is over, it will have its very own crocheted cover just like the 6 I collected on previous walks this week.

And all the ones before.

Before blogging, I would never in a million years have thought to crochet a rock cover.

But now I'm hooked!

Crochet rocks!! (literally and figuratively)!

Today I'm once again joining Claudia at Mockingbird Hill Cottage for

Happy Saturday everyone!