Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Guitar Strings

I've loosened my guitar strings.

My guitar hangs beautifully on the wall in my bedroom... a beautiful natural brown next to my pale purple, gray 'peace' colored walls. It hangs on the wall in such a way that it is one of the first things I see as I wake up each morning.

This is the second guitar that I have owned in 15 years. Before teaching myself guitar, I played the flute for 10 years. My life has almost always had music on in the background. I've been involved in bands and orchestras, camp-fire sing-alongs, and leading worship in small groups and most recently in front of our small church.

I love music.

The thing is, I seem to love a lot of things these days. Well, honestly, not just these days, but for a long time. If I see something that I know I can do, I tend to pick it up and try it. And I tend to do it well enough to convince myself that I can do more and more of it. And I enjoy it. It gives me enjoyment, relaxation, joy.

It seems that I've come to a season in my life where all these interests seem to be splintered pieces of me rather than a wholistic quilt of me. And I've begun to set some other specific goals that simply require time. Time that has to be found somewhere. So, I'm working on simplifying my hobbies. Putting things aside or away for at least the time being.

And so I've loosened the strings on my guitar. I am grieving. I trust that God will grow me and heal me during this separation, and perhaps re-ignite my musical involvement (call?).

May we rest.... in peace.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

What I did on Saturday

Found a pattern for this cutie in a book of crafts to do with scrap material. Isn't she sweet?
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Thursday, October 23, 2008

The bravest 3yo in the world

Sofia had a well visit this morning. It was a rather normal 3yo well visit, except that Sofia was exceptionally charming, and we have a wonderful DO (and after living in NY for years, I never take for granted our friendly family focused medical practice). But that is not the point of this blog.

After meeting with our doctor, the doctor and I began the signals and communications that a number of injections were in the immediate future... like ten minutes.

She left the room and I took Sofia on my lap. Sofia, you need to get a couple shots today. Her face scrunched and got a little red and she began to mildly fuss 'but I don't want to'.

I hugged her more closely to myself. I know honey. Nobody wants to get shots. But these shots will help you to stay healthy. So I need you to be brave and work with the nurse to get this job done. And if we do a good job we can go get a chocolate sprinkle donut.

Tears turned off, one more hug, and we read and chatted while we waited for The Nurse.

When the nurse came in Sofia began to pull up her sleeves (she had seen where I had blood drawn last week). No, no honey, we're not going to use your arms. We're going to use the top of your legs right here. So, Sofia stood up and let us pull her pants down and sat up on the examining table with me at one side holding her hand. I tucked her other hand under her leg.

Sofia do you want to look at me while she gives you the first shot? Not at all interested in my idea. No, I want to put the bandaid on. So, Nurse preps the area with alcohol. That's cold and tickles. Nurse dries area. That's warmer. Nurse pulls off cover of needle. Sofia intently watches. Mommy wants to look away, but CAN'T. Nurse pokes Sofia. Sofia says 'that hurts'. Nurse and Sofia put on bandaid together.

Next leg. Same thing, except that Sofia asks what the cold and tickly pad does and why is it followed by the warm one. She gets the answers she wants, and watches the full process again. Mommy thinks she might throw up. Sofia and Nurse put second bandaid on.

Carefully we pull up the pants so that the bandaids don't get pulled off. Okay. Let's go get the donut, and one for Anna and Caleb too.

Sheesh. She's a threee year old that is less phased by needles than most adults. We have consistently told her that her strong will will be a great strength when it is focused in the right way. I guess I was only hoping that for her (and me) until today. I saw it today. And I can't say how proud I am of her.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Making Crayons

crayons


I've seen this idea in a number of books and wanted to try it. Yesterday, my friend Renee referred to the idea in her blog. Wanting to do something special with the girls during our week of 'vacation', I decided this was the week to try.

It's a fairly simple project. Find all your broken crayons and peel off the remaining paper (this was the hardest part). Line a baking pan with aluminum foil. Put in a 350 pre-heated oven for 10 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes. Pull out the wax block, and use cookie cutters and make fun shaped multi-colored crayons.

Things that I learned in the process... black and brown colored wax seems to 'float'. So, when we pulled our wax out of the oven it looked like a brownish swampy mess. When we cut the cooled wax the undersides were much more interesting. In spite of my carefullest lining of my baking pan it still poured into the pan... I don't think I'll be able to make brownies in the pan again, and I'm not sure how I'll be able ever clean them. So use caution in choosing your pan and tools, because they may forever more be destined for crayon making.

As I'm typing, I'm also wondering if I can morph this technique for candles and other treats... especially since I've apparently got some new 'designated tools'.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

vote 2008


I voted today. Went to City Hall with the two older kids, met some sweet, sweet ladies, stood in a tiny little booth, colored in some circles, and prayed.

Each time I vote, I grow in amazement that we have such a privilege to participate in the governing of our country.

As the official election day comes closer and closer, there is only one thing to pray:

God have mercy.

Lisa Bruce Knits


I LOVE this knitting. I love it so much it ALMOST makes me want to have more babies. Make sure you go to LisaBruceKnits.com; and to see the full collection and some other knitting treats on Flickr click here.

Of course, I have to confess that the knitter is my sister. And I am so proud of her. She has had a dream of being able to do what she loves and she is finally beginning to see her dream come true. She is so creative, and so talented. I wish her the very best. Lisa, may you have nimble hands for years and years.

Friday, October 17, 2008

iPod touch

I am going to officially blame Marc for my quiet blog for the past couple weeks.

It all started with Caleb's birthday. He got an iPod for his 9th birthday. In passing, I mentioned that I was going to have iPod envy, as I compared my 2g to his 16. (Yes, I am clearly a product of our consumer society- but only with important stuff like ipods.)

Next thing I know I am told that an iPod touch has been ordered for me ( with 32g)!

When I got the gift, not only was it clear to see that it was super-cool, but it was also engraved on the back (honey, I love you.)

So, since then the majority of my computer time has been figuring out all that I can on my new gadget. : )

Sunday, October 05, 2008

A quote for marriage...

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.
- Robert McCloskey