Dinner of Appreciation

A friend hosted a dinner this evening, thanking friends for journeying with her during a difficult season.  These dear little purses were our place cards and serve as a sweet remembrance.  What a special evening!

Spring has Sprung!

What a beautiful day!! I love spring! I normally celebrate the first day of spring by hanging a springy wreath, planting pansies, and making a stop at Rita's for some free Italian Ice. But, since spring came early to South Central PA this year, I did my annual spring routine a few days early!

Spring Fever

Isn't this a cool watering can?! I bought it at the Circa Antiques stand (their shop is located on West Market Street in York) at the Mid-Atlantic Garden Show in York today. It's likely from Germany or Holland. The show was a great way to welcome spring, and a fun way to spend the day with a dear friend!

Rescued

I found these adorable yo-yo blocks at an antique shop in Hershey. I had seen them a few months ago, and was so drawn to them, but just couldn’t justify spending money on them. Yet, they kept haunting me…. I kept thinking of the dear woman who had made them and felt sad that no one in her family wanted them. Then, a friend stopped in at the same shop over the weekend and saw them; she encouraged me to give them a good home. I went back and bought them; they look so happy to be in my house! The colors are perfect in the kitchen and laundry room, and they look wonderful with my Franciscan Dessert Rose dishes (an old pattern from the 40's - a number of my family members have that pattern because we have fond memories of eating off those dishes at my great aunt's). Now, to figure out how to use them...   There are 13 blocks and 2 different color arrangements; I'm not sure what the owner had in mind.  Were there more blocks originally, and did they get split up??  Was she planning on stitching some more?  I’m not sure yet what I want to do with them (create a spread, turn some into pillows?), but for now I’m content to enjoy them just as they are.

Update, 7/10/10 - my nephew spotted the blocks and started playing with them.  In no time he came up with this layout - I would never have thought of it on my own!

Worth Contemplating

"God does uncommon works through common deeds."
- Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life

Virginia Rose

I love these dishes! Aren't they sweet? They belonged to my Great Aunt Ruth. They are a perfect match for the laundry room walls - totally unplanned. I love it when that happens!

The pattern is "Virginia Rose" by Homer Laughlin. I only have butter plates and saucers (not sure why!). I keep my eye out for them at the antique shops, but so far have only found them on e-bay. I'll keep looking!

Aren't These Adorable!

I found these today at my local thrift shop. I just love them! I love the colors. They were a steal of a deal, and even have the name of the owner printed on a piece of adhesive tape and adhered to the back.

They bring back such fond memories of my great aunts and picnics on the lawn of their homes….

Mason Jars

A friend was kind enough to give me a bunch of wide-mouth quart mason jars today - what a blessing!  They will come in handy for so many things - from freezing soup and chicken broth to making yogurt to storing dehydrated fruit, etc.   Thanks, dear friend!

More Quilting...

Quilting, Quilting, Quilting

1st Annual Creative Restorative Retreat

When I was at CTCA Philly in September 2009 with my friend Rose, I was so impacted in learning that creativity is really good for your immune system and for your health in general. I have always believed that, but never knew there was medical research to back up the theory. After hearing that evidence, I determined that I would make time and space for creativity a higher priority in my life. But how?? When?? The daily collision of what I knew I was to be doing and what I could actually make time for was killing me - literally.

For years I had dreamed of organizing some kind of creative retreat. I love doing creative things (quilting, stamping, etc., etc.), but it's so much more satisfying when you're doing it surrounded by people you enjoy. My ultimate dream had always been a week-long retreat at the Outer Banks, off-season. That seemed out of reach.... And, most of my friends have never allowed themselves the luxury of being creative due to their many day-to-day responsibilities or church commitments - where would I find enough people to participate? But then, I started thinking a little broader - what about not just a creative retreat, but a Creative Restorative Retreat? Suddenly the details fell into place, and before I knew it, nine friends expressed interest in joining me. The goal was simple - make some time to get away for the weekend and do whatever it is that restores your soul, from quilting or scrap booking to sleeping in, reading or journaling to simply being together! Comfy clothes was a must. And only one rule - no cell phones.

We had a WONDERFUL time!!! The setting was perfect - a sweetly decorated and perfectly maintained farmhouse in Southern York county owned by friends from church - close enough that we didn't have to drive far, but out-of-the-way enough that we felt that we had actually gotten away. There was a beautiful great room with lots of big windows overlooking delightful scenery; it accommodated our entire group as we worked on our projects, enjoyed each other's company, or watched movies. The food was terrific - we paired up for meals and took turns cooking and hostessing. We even had a lovely snowfall while we were there. And, the vote was unanimous to do it again next year!

The weekend was everything I could have hoped for and more!

Encouragement from an old Sunday School Chorus

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,

the wealth in every mine,

He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,

the sun and stars that shine.

Wonderful riches more than tongue can tell;

He is my Father so they're mine as well.

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills;

I know that He will care for me.

- unknown

Snow...

... always inspires me to quilt!

I finally got the inspiration to finish this scrap quilt that I had pieced back in the early 80's!

Risk

"Do you take enough risk in your own life to know that it is not you, but God who won the battle?"
- Susan Sorensen in Praying Through Cancer

Disturb Us, Lord

We read this writing by Sir Francis Drake last night at dinner, and it seems the perfect way to start off the new year:

"Disturb us, Lord, when

we are too well pleased with ourselves,

when our dreams have come true

because we have dreamed too little,

when we arrived safely

because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, when

with the abundance of things we possess

we have lost our thirst

for the waters of life;

having fallen in love with life,

we have ceased to dream of eternity.

And in our efforts to build a new earth,

we have allowed our vision

of the new Heaven to dim.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

to venture on wider seas

where storms will show your mastery;

where losing sight of land,

we shall find the stars.

We ask You to push back

the horizons of our hopes;

and to push into the future

in strength, courage, hope, and love."

attributed - Sir Francis Drake -1577

Blessings on your new year!

Ushering in the New Year

I've always wanted to host a formal New Year's Eve dinner party, but at this stage of life, most of my friends have family commitments or are just too tired to enjoy such an evening.  But, this year I was determined to round up some people who could celebrate with me.  I envisioned an evening of feasting with friends, much like what I look forward to when we arrive in heaven.  It ended up being only seven of us, but it was the perfect number for intimate dining.

The menu:

Appetizers:

Flat bread with Parsley Pesto

Goat Cheese Tarts

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Ham & Cheese Crisps

Spiced Grape Juice

Assorted wines

Main Course:

Cream of Zucchini Soup

Jan's Salad with Pomegranates

Rubbed Pork Loin

Roasted Potato Mix

Buttered Green Beans with Cashews

Rolls with Butter and Green Pepper Jam

Dessert:

Candy Cane Brownie Trifles

Coffee & Tea

It was a fun evening - everyone was so relaxed and enjoyed each other's company   (Most likely the wine had something to do with that!).  I hope to do it again another year!

Christmas Traditions

My mom used to bake Sand Tarts every Christmas - a fond memory for me and my siblings. After my mother passed away in 2003, the tradition was passed on to me since no one else in my family cares for tedious process of making cut-out cookies, even though they love eating them! I use the same cookie cutters that my mother used, so it always feels very nostalgic. These are usually the only Christmas cookies I get around to baking, but it's a tradition I enjoy. And, my family always looks forward to them, especially since that's the only time of year we get to eat Sand Tarts!

Snowflakes....

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pipe-cleaner-snowflake-ornaments

2009 Christmas Memory Ornaments

My nephew and I had fun making felted wool scarves for Christmas gifts this year, and these two ornaments were made out of the scraps that were left over:

 Ricky made this one for me.

I love this little mitten ornament!  I had him trace around his hand to draw a mitten, then I shrunk the pattern down on the copier so that it was truly his.  :)

Ricky loves doing origami, so this dove became a perfect remembrance.


We also had fun making a variety of pipecleaner ornaments last February (during the Super Bowl!).  For directions, click on the Martha Stewart link below each picture.

 http://www.marthastewart.com/article/easy-ornaments-wreath

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pipe-cleaner-ornaments

 http://www.marthastewart.com/article/easy-ornaments-stocking

 http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pipe-cleaner-snowflake-ornaments

My ornament collection keeps growing, so decorating the tree becomes more and more special each and every year!

Welcome December!

Decorator Sewing

 Shirred Valance



Roman Shades on French Doors

I HATE Halloween....

I think it's the creepiest holiday ever....

I hate opening the door on a dark evening to who knows who....

And, I have to admit it annoys me that people who would never bother with me at any other time suddenly want to come see me just so they can get a handout.

I hate feeling like I have to pull the blinds and hide out in my OWN home.

I always feel like such a party pooper.

AND, there's nothing worse than a little kid ringing the doorbell even when my porch light is turned OFF, and me having to say, "Sorry, I'm not participating.  I don't have any candy for you...."

But, I was thrilled that my neighbor knows me well enough...



... to ring my doorbell anyway because...

... she knows I would love to see her daughter in her special costume.

And, her daughter was perfectly fine with the fact that "Miss Andrea" didn't have any candy for her.

Happy Halloween!

Parsley Pesto

I was cleaning out my garden for the season and had a ton of Italian parsley left; I hated to see it go to waste, but what do I do with it?? So, I looked up parsley recipes on line and found one for parsley pesto. I made a bunch of different variations, before I came up with the perfect version. Yum, YUM, YUM! It’s fabulous and freezes well.

Here's the recipe!

Parsley Pesto

(Adapted from the following link: http://www.ilunchbox.com/recipes/recipes-categories/dressings-and-dips/parsley-pesto.php?searchresult=1&sstring=parsley+pesto)

4 cups flat Italian parsley leaves, washed and drained *

½ cup pine nuts **

½ cup olive oil

3 cloves garlic

1/2 - 1 t. sea salt

pepper to taste

Process above ingredients in food processor until the pesto is smooth, scraping down sides as necessary. Add more oil as needed to get a smooth consistency.

MY NOTES:

* Be sure to use Italian parsley – the flavor is much better.

**Walnuts are just as good – pine nuts aren’t worth the expense!

Quotes Worth Contemplating

"There's a difference between being on time and trying to be on time. "
-Orlando, Massage Therapist at CTCA Philly

Hope

"Be aware that it is possible for goodness to come out of this nightmare."
- Michael S. Barry, A Season for Hope

I Love...

Hydrangeas!

Last Snips of Summer

Today my friend Rose snipped some of the final blooms of the summer and turned them into a sweet flower arrangement, intentionally bringing life and beauty into her day. So pretty!

The Serenity Prayer

The first part of this prayer is familiar to many, but few are probably aware that there is there's more:

"God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can,

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

enjoying one moment at a time;

accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;

that I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

forever in the next.

- Reinhold Niebuhr

Quotes Worth Contemplating

"What you eat is not as important as what's eating you."
- Mike Barry, CTCA Philly chaplain

The Undertow of Cancer

"Cancer is like being caught in an undertow.  Upon realizing that they are in danger, people usually panic and think, 'I'm going to die!'  Furiously they try to swim to shore.  However, according to the experts, they are the ones least likely to live.  Consider this advice:

When caught in a rip current [undertow], one should not fight it, but rather swim parallel to the shoreline in order to leave it.  If you see a person caught in one, yell at them to do so.  Floating until the current disperses into deeper waters is another method of surviving such a dangerous incident, but it may leave the swimmer farther out from shore.

Floating until the current disperses into deeper water?  Sounds crazy, doesn't it?  Allowing the wave to take you further away from the shore?  And yet, that is what survival requires of us.  How is that any different than faithfully trusting in God?  During the undertow times in our lives, our human nature is to panic and struggle, when actually just the opposite will help us overcome our problems.

The expert advice is, 'If you see a person caught in one, yell at them to do so.'  OK, so I'm now 'yelling' at you.  Calm down.  Lie on your back, so to speak.  Allow God to care for you.  Trust Him.  Don't panic, even though it makes sense to do so.  The ocean's pull might seem to take you away from safety, but it creates your best chance for survival.  Trust God."

- Michael S. Barry, The Art of Caregiving

God With Us

"God with us.  Don't we love the word 'with'?  'Will you go with me?' we ask.  'To the store, to the hospital, through my life?'  God says He will."
- Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life

Blue Ribbon!

I entered this quilt in the Etown fair this week. It represents a significant milestone for me – I had pieced this particular quilt when I was in the middle of surgery and treatment in 2007. Quilting soothed my soul during that season and probably did more good for my health than any supplement or pill I could have swallowed. I had so much trouble sleeping a lot of the time, so sometimes if I was wide awake in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep, I would get up and sew until I was tired enough to go back to bed. I had finished piecing the quilt and prepared it for the quilting process, but then folded it away and never had the chance to finish it once I was working full time again and trying to keep up with life. Then, 2 weeks ago I spent the day at the beach with my friend Brenda. I hadn’t been there in 2 years because of not feeling well – a crime for me because I love the beach! That day was so restorative and made me realize that I needed to make life-giving activities a higher priority in my schedule; finishing that quilt got bumped to the top of the priority list. I was happy to get it machine quilted in time to enter it in the fair (even though I had to stay up Sunday evening to get it finished)!

Banana Candy

My 6-year-old nephew LOVES dehydrated bananas - could it be because we call them "Banana Candy"??

I stumbled across a case of organic bananas at Root's this week for a steal and couldn't pass up the bargain. Needless to say, I have all the dehydrated bananas I'll need for quite a while! Just a tip - if you decide to try drying some bananas, be sure to use organic ones - the flavor is so much better!

Is there anything better...

...than a day at the beach?!

25th Spiritual Anniversary

My friend Rose hosted a very meaningful anniversary celebration this evening to mark the 25th anniversary of her decision to become a Christian.  She invited persons that had played a significant role in her spiritual growth over the past years.  The sunflowers are one of Rose's favorite flowers and suggest a reminder to put our hope in the Son.  What a special evening!

Book Excerpt

"God doesn't throw away His handiwork and start from scratch - instead, He uses the same canvas to repair and make more beautiful the painting marred by the vandal.  The vandal doesn't get the satisfaction of destroying his rival's masterpiece.  On the contrary, God makes an ever greater masterpiece out of what His enemy sought to destroy.
Satan wants us to give up on God, on our purpose and calling, and on our planet.  God reminds us, 'The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.'  (I John 4:4)  Satan seeks to destroy....  God seeks to restore....  God will win the battle for us."
- Randy Alcorn in Heaven

Entering the Digital World!

I finally caught up with the rest of the world and bought a digital camera today (after mooching off the research of a friend). This was my first attempt at a picture - oh my goodness, there's lots to learn!

The End of the Fruit Flies

Embarrassingly enough, I ended up with a nasty infestation of fruit flies this week.  I think I must have left some debris in the garbage disposal unknowingly.  Anyway, it was it was a pain!!  I was at my wits end - they got into some candied nuts I had made for one of my favorite salad recipes as well as my broccoli sprouts.  OK, it was time to put an end to the little stinkers!  I tried all kinds of supposedly tried-and-true methods to get rid of them, including trying to drown them in a solution of soapy water and vinegar, and creating a bottle trap with rotten a banana in the bottom, but to no avail.  But, I did find a successful solution - the vacuum cleaner!  Fruit flies can't survive the trip into the vacuum cleaner bag, so that's the end.  Period.  It's quick and easy.  It did take a few days to catch all of them, but once I sucked them all up, that was it!  I've been much more careful about emptying the compost bucket and keeping the garbage disposal clean, but at least I know what to do if I have a problem again!

Decorator Sewing

Swags and jabots mounted on a board are such a classic window treatment - they never fail to please a customer!

Roman  Shade for the adjacent bath in matching fabric.