Thursday, October 20, 2011
Let Your Light So Shine
I washed the dining room windows. 'Nuff said.
An Eclectic Life - Does that make me a Renaissance Woman?
In 1985, while working as a bookkeeper for a small manufacturing firm, my employer offered to pay my way through school if I'd major in Accounting and then stay on as their Accountant. I accepted the offer and began. I lasted about 9 months (at one of those universities for working adults where you take one class a month) before deciding that accounting had no scope for creativity (this was pre-Enron) and I was bored and feeling stifled. So I changed jobs, colleges and apartments. It was the beginning of a new life.
I declared a major in Art History, which had been my favorite course at the previous school and began taking general education classes. Working full-time it took me four years to complete about two years worth of work. I changed my major a couple of times and then just left it thinking that as I got closer to graduation I could decide. The problem I encountered was that I LIKED EVERYTHING! Art History, English, Logic, History, both world and US, Cultural Anthropology, Geography, Spanish, just everything. I would take a class, enjoy it and think "I'd like to explore this some more." (Which is one of the purposes of general ed classes.)
The same holds true today. I love so many things it is difficult to narrow it down and concentrate on just one (or two). Should I be a writer? I have two incomplete novels. Should I design clothes and sew? How about travel? My list of places to visit gets longer all the time. Should I pursue a business? I have several ideas. Should I concentrate on my goal of making a wardrobe of historic clothing representing the decades since the pilgrims landed at Plymouth? How about taking my cooking skills to the next level? And designing and building furniture? (I never can find just exactly what I want, and my husband is, after all, a shop teacher with all the tools I could need.)
Here's another tidbit. Back in the "starving student" days at BYU, we took in an exchange student from Korea. He was a fairly nice young man, except he lied about his smoking habits and was less than cooperative in certain things. Consequently I didn't like Korea or Koreans. Fast forward eight years (it seems longer ago) and Noble begins an obsession for anything Korean. At first I was skeptical and didn't want to see or hear anything. But she persisted and her enthusiasm was contagious. First it was Korean food, then K-Pop music videos, then Korean Dramas on Hulu, then teaching me words and phrases. (Of course in retrospect we can see that the Lord was preparing her for her assignment in the Air Force as a linguist.) Guess where I want to go? I just finished a Korean historical drama about a couple of their most famous painters. Fascinating!! I now have a better understanding or their art and culture. And the women's clothing is so beautiful I now want to make a hanbok.
This is the story of my adult life. I'm interested in everything. Once I dated a man of Armenian descent and took time to learn about their history, even finding a book of poetry I enjoyed so much that I copied my favorites into a journal (had to return the book to the library).
Whenever I hear someone say "bored, boring" etc. I wonder what is wrong with them. I don't have enough time to explore and experience and create all that I'm interested in. (It makes me long for servants to take care of all the mundane tasks so I can indulge in all my interests. Fat chance. *sigh*)
May you have time and energy to pursue your passions and explore this wonderful world God created for us.
I declared a major in Art History, which had been my favorite course at the previous school and began taking general education classes. Working full-time it took me four years to complete about two years worth of work. I changed my major a couple of times and then just left it thinking that as I got closer to graduation I could decide. The problem I encountered was that I LIKED EVERYTHING! Art History, English, Logic, History, both world and US, Cultural Anthropology, Geography, Spanish, just everything. I would take a class, enjoy it and think "I'd like to explore this some more." (Which is one of the purposes of general ed classes.)
The same holds true today. I love so many things it is difficult to narrow it down and concentrate on just one (or two). Should I be a writer? I have two incomplete novels. Should I design clothes and sew? How about travel? My list of places to visit gets longer all the time. Should I pursue a business? I have several ideas. Should I concentrate on my goal of making a wardrobe of historic clothing representing the decades since the pilgrims landed at Plymouth? How about taking my cooking skills to the next level? And designing and building furniture? (I never can find just exactly what I want, and my husband is, after all, a shop teacher with all the tools I could need.)
Here's another tidbit. Back in the "starving student" days at BYU, we took in an exchange student from Korea. He was a fairly nice young man, except he lied about his smoking habits and was less than cooperative in certain things. Consequently I didn't like Korea or Koreans. Fast forward eight years (it seems longer ago) and Noble begins an obsession for anything Korean. At first I was skeptical and didn't want to see or hear anything. But she persisted and her enthusiasm was contagious. First it was Korean food, then K-Pop music videos, then Korean Dramas on Hulu, then teaching me words and phrases. (Of course in retrospect we can see that the Lord was preparing her for her assignment in the Air Force as a linguist.) Guess where I want to go? I just finished a Korean historical drama about a couple of their most famous painters. Fascinating!! I now have a better understanding or their art and culture. And the women's clothing is so beautiful I now want to make a hanbok.
This is the story of my adult life. I'm interested in everything. Once I dated a man of Armenian descent and took time to learn about their history, even finding a book of poetry I enjoyed so much that I copied my favorites into a journal (had to return the book to the library).
Whenever I hear someone say "bored, boring" etc. I wonder what is wrong with them. I don't have enough time to explore and experience and create all that I'm interested in. (It makes me long for servants to take care of all the mundane tasks so I can indulge in all my interests. Fat chance. *sigh*)
May you have time and energy to pursue your passions and explore this wonderful world God created for us.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Change is Constant
When we got home from seeing Noble at Air Force graduation I began making plans for the school year. It was going to be the first time in twenty-two years for me to be home alone. Wow! Plans included walking daily, baking regularly, sewing, de-cluttering, working on long neglected projects, etc. That all came to a screeching halt when I agreed to look after the neighbors two little boys. Because my "baby" is thirteen our home and yard are not equipped for child care; no booster seats for the table, few toys, no fenced yard to play in, no playground equipment, and so on. That made it difficult to "entertain" them and we struggled with balancing my needs to get things done with their needs to play. All my good intentions and neglected projects were put on hold. I found it stressful to face the day longing to get things done; things that I had put on hold for my own children for many years.
Last night our lives reversed directions. The neighbor called with the news that she finally got the boys into a daycare facility that she's been on the waiting list for two years. Halleluia!
Of course there is the financial loss of that little bit of income, which was making our ends meet. But there are other means to that end. I made a long list of things I can make and sell. But first I want to spend a day baking: bread, cookies, muffins, scones, whatever! I want to turn on some music and dance around the room. Walk to the library and not worry about little people making a ruckus. Cut out and sew something new to wear. Work on those long neglected projects!
There is nothing as constant as change. Thank goodness. When we're in a bad situation, just wait, it is not forever. Patience and prayer accomplish miracles.
Last night our lives reversed directions. The neighbor called with the news that she finally got the boys into a daycare facility that she's been on the waiting list for two years. Halleluia!
Of course there is the financial loss of that little bit of income, which was making our ends meet. But there are other means to that end. I made a long list of things I can make and sell. But first I want to spend a day baking: bread, cookies, muffins, scones, whatever! I want to turn on some music and dance around the room. Walk to the library and not worry about little people making a ruckus. Cut out and sew something new to wear. Work on those long neglected projects!
There is nothing as constant as change. Thank goodness. When we're in a bad situation, just wait, it is not forever. Patience and prayer accomplish miracles.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tender Mercies
Saturday morning Dandylion, Dr. Hair and I got up very early so we could drive almost two hours to Omaha for a meeting with Sister Elaine Dalton, Young Women's General President. She was in the area for regional leadership training and decided to make time for a meeting with all the young women of the region. The reason my two boys went is that at 10:30 that same morning there was a stake youth activity and we drive to Council Bluffs/Omaha only once a day! So we got to the church about 8:00 AM for the 8:30 meeting and the church was still locked. I stood on the porch with a few others chatting and waiting. The Stake President drove up, followed by another car out of which came Sister Dalton. By this time there were about eight of us on the porch. Sister Dalton called out "Good Morning," as she ascended the stairs, then walked across the porch to me and said "I'm so glad you're here, thank you for coming," and embraced me in her arms. At that time she didn't hug anyone else, but walked into the building and then began shaking hands and greeting the girls. Why she chose me to greet with an embrace, I don't know. But I'm so grateful for the recognition and blessing. It makes me feel important to my Heavenly Father, that he would inspire her to greet me as an affirmation of my worth. I'm not a nobody! I am known to God.
Think about the times in your life that you've been the recipient of a tender mercy; then give thanks to the giver of them.
Copy and paste this link to Elder Bednar's talk about Tender Mercies:
Think about the times in your life that you've been the recipient of a tender mercy; then give thanks to the giver of them.
Copy and paste this link to Elder Bednar's talk about Tender Mercies:
http://lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/the-tender-mercies-of-the-lord?lang=eng
(Sorry I don't know how to make this link "live" and Noble isn't here to help me!)
(Sorry I don't know how to make this link "live" and Noble isn't here to help me!)
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thrift Store Score!
Just got back from a shopping trip north. I usually stop in at the New Hope Thrift Store to see what I can see. Today was great. Here's what I scored:
3 packages of 9x12" sheets of perforated paper, brown, silver and gold - $.50 each ( I saw these and thought of Laura Ingalls and decided these would be fun to use to make holiday things and Christmas ornaments)
Package with all materials to make 2 gingham bibs - $.25 (woman at church is having a baby this month)
Set of circular knitting needles - $3.00
22" dk turquoise zipper - $.50 (matches some fabric in my stash)
Gift wrapping ribbon, Christmas colors - $.50
Card of 6 buttons, brass that look like woven bamboo - $.50 (great for a sweater or jacket)
spool of florist tape - $.25
vintage handkerchief with pink crocheted edge - $.50
Crocheted doily with lavender edge - $.25 (for my lavender bathroom)
Linen dresser scarf with embroidery and crocheted edge - $2.00 (I can see it as the front of a little girl's dress)
Linen dish towel - $.50
knitting stitch holder (for cable stitches) - $.25
card of 7 vintage buttons - $.25 (perfect for a vintage style dress)
2 packages of microfine glitter - $.50 each (more holiday fun)
Little girls Fairy Costume pattern - $.25
Seven pink linen napkins - $.25 each (There are seven in our family so this is just enough)
Round linen doily with crocheted edge that brings to mind the rays of the sun - $.25
Baggie of spools of thread, including 1 large and 3 small wooden spools - $.25 (I'm collecting to make doll furniture)
2 autumn colored placemats - $.25 each (I use as hot pads on our table)
Card of hooks and eyes - $.25
Counted cross-stitch kit for a Fridge magnet that says "There are two choices for dinner: take it or leave it." $.25 (That is what I've said to my children for years!)
Black and white striped knit top - $1.00 (to go with a skirt I picked up in San Diego)
Package of 8 Thank you cards - $.25 (I go through lots)
Stationary Set, 15 pages and 15 envelopes - $1.00 (I love to write letters)
Eight greeting cards - $.25 each (and send cards)
6 postcards - $.25 each (postcards are fun and fast too)
I even had my "frequent shopper" card filled up and ready to use to get $5.00 off my purchase. Yippee!
I got all the above paying a total of $16.25 in cash.
Autumn brings out my creative, crafty side and I look for materials to add to my stock so when I need something I can "shop" at home. I love thrift stores.
When I got home I found that the bolt of unbleached muslin I had ordered had arrived (to make curtains throughout the house); also a vintage pattern from Wearing History. I am eager to make it up as it is just darling! But first come the curtains as I need them for privacy and the coming cold weather.
(I wish I had a digital camera so I could take and upload pictures of the things I'm talking about. Sigh)
3 packages of 9x12" sheets of perforated paper, brown, silver and gold - $.50 each ( I saw these and thought of Laura Ingalls and decided these would be fun to use to make holiday things and Christmas ornaments)
Package with all materials to make 2 gingham bibs - $.25 (woman at church is having a baby this month)
Set of circular knitting needles - $3.00
22" dk turquoise zipper - $.50 (matches some fabric in my stash)
Gift wrapping ribbon, Christmas colors - $.50
Card of 6 buttons, brass that look like woven bamboo - $.50 (great for a sweater or jacket)
spool of florist tape - $.25
vintage handkerchief with pink crocheted edge - $.50
Crocheted doily with lavender edge - $.25 (for my lavender bathroom)
Linen dresser scarf with embroidery and crocheted edge - $2.00 (I can see it as the front of a little girl's dress)
Linen dish towel - $.50
knitting stitch holder (for cable stitches) - $.25
card of 7 vintage buttons - $.25 (perfect for a vintage style dress)
2 packages of microfine glitter - $.50 each (more holiday fun)
Little girls Fairy Costume pattern - $.25
Seven pink linen napkins - $.25 each (There are seven in our family so this is just enough)
Round linen doily with crocheted edge that brings to mind the rays of the sun - $.25
Baggie of spools of thread, including 1 large and 3 small wooden spools - $.25 (I'm collecting to make doll furniture)
2 autumn colored placemats - $.25 each (I use as hot pads on our table)
Card of hooks and eyes - $.25
Counted cross-stitch kit for a Fridge magnet that says "There are two choices for dinner: take it or leave it." $.25 (That is what I've said to my children for years!)
Black and white striped knit top - $1.00 (to go with a skirt I picked up in San Diego)
Package of 8 Thank you cards - $.25 (I go through lots)
Stationary Set, 15 pages and 15 envelopes - $1.00 (I love to write letters)
Eight greeting cards - $.25 each (and send cards)
6 postcards - $.25 each (postcards are fun and fast too)
I even had my "frequent shopper" card filled up and ready to use to get $5.00 off my purchase. Yippee!
I got all the above paying a total of $16.25 in cash.
Autumn brings out my creative, crafty side and I look for materials to add to my stock so when I need something I can "shop" at home. I love thrift stores.
When I got home I found that the bolt of unbleached muslin I had ordered had arrived (to make curtains throughout the house); also a vintage pattern from Wearing History. I am eager to make it up as it is just darling! But first come the curtains as I need them for privacy and the coming cold weather.
(I wish I had a digital camera so I could take and upload pictures of the things I'm talking about. Sigh)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)