A Stitch Here and There...

There is nothing more refreshing and soothing than when I pick up my needle to take a few stitches on my current "work in progress", which happens to be the "Quaker Faith" sampler by Cynthia Bradford, of "Little by Little".  Here is a "birds' eye view" of my latest progress.

 My attention is drawn to these "autumn" colors, especially as the long days of summer officially ended yesterday, and now that we have started to notice that some of our trees are beginning to show their early changes of color.  The days are getting a little shorter, and the evening hours seem to come upon us a little earlier every night.  My favorite color palette has always been those among the "autumn" hues.  From early childhood, I was always drawn to shades of gold, olive, brown, orange, teal.  My mother used to shudder when I would choose those colors, but I love them!

Yesterday I saw my throat surgeon and received a good report that everything is healing well...still a little way to go, but that is ok.  The "not so good news" is that I will never recover any "normal" voice again, and that it my new voice is only a "whisper".  At least I am blessed with that, and for it I am grateful.  My husband can now truly say that he doesn't have to worry that his wife will ever yell at him again!  Not that I have ever really yelled at him....he is a pretty wonderful guy and we have a very special relationship...another great blessing!

This happy grandma had the inexplicable joy of getting in some more hugs from our baby granddaughter, Ella this week, who is more beautiful everytime I see her.  She will be 6 months old on September 29th.  These little ones grow when we aren't looking!

Well, I am off to do a little stitching and enjoy a new Netflix series, called "Lark Rise to Candleford", made in 2008.  The story takes place in late 19th century England, and was a BBC series.  It kind of reminds me of Masterpiece Theatre's "Cranford" which aired several episodes this year and in 2009.  I am drawn to this type of Victorian drama...similar to Jane Austen stories. 

Some Terrific Giveaways!

Today I discovered two new blogs that I want to tell you about, "Lacey Lemondrops' Sunroom" and "Raspberries and Rose Petals".   They are really special and I know that you will love visiting them.

Raspberries and Rose Petals has a very special giveaway of a gorgeous, lacey box with pearls and roses and all kinds of sweet adornments!  The giveaway ends on Sept. 22nd, so visit soon!

Also, Brynwood Needleworks has a wonderful giveaway too for the 500th post....two wonderful lap quilts will be among the giveaways.

Hey,  am I a silly girl, or what, telling you about these fabulous giveaways....guess that I am minimizing my own chances of winning one of those neat giveaways, but I don't like to be "stingey".  Afterall, I believe in sharing with all of my friends, and you are one of them!

We Are Surrounded by God's Love...

 On Friday, this past week, a very dear friend and her husband came to visit with me and brought some delicious homemade soup, fresh rolls and a delicious lime pie.  What a wonderful treat their visit was, true balm for the spirit to have them here!  After lunch, my friend, Ellen showed me the gorgeous wedding quilt that she had just given to her daughter for her bridal shower.  Here are some photos of it.

Today, as I read my daily devotional, I was reminded that "Thus far, the Lord has helped me" (1 Samuel 7:12), that in everything, He has been so faithful and good to me and to my family, especially as we have traveled this newly unchartered territory of my recent surgery, healing and how it now will impact our lives.

We take so many things in life for granted, when things are rolling smoothly along.  Having a healthy body, with good vision, hearing and an ability to communicate by just opening up your mouth and having a conversation, or singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs, are just things I never even gave a thought.  Now, it is different because I have no voice, except for a little whisper.  I am still an intelligent, alert woman, but now I have to think about how different it will be out in the real world, if nobody can hear me unless they lean in closely to hear what I am saying.  For a "Chatty Kathy" like I've always been known in the past, this is a really big adjustment for me.  Well, I am just going to have to make some new adjustments and write messages or maybe even learn to "Sign"!

This past week I have felt God speaking to me every day with messages about what He wants to share with me about this new chapter of my life.  A few days ago, he gave me this message from Matthew 5:5:  "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less.  That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought".  For most of us, we long to be something more than what we were created to be, comparing ourselves to other women whom we think are prettier, or smarter, or more talented that ourselves. 

I am learning to count my blessings, and to be content with myself in whatever state I am, for I am alive and  getting better each day, and I have a loving and devoted husband, loving children and their spouses, two precious grandchildren, and caring and kind friends and family.  What more could I possibly desire? 

One of my very favorite hymns , "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing", best expresses the blessings of my heart today.

                   "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
                    Tune my heart to sing Thy Grace
                    Streams of mercy, never ceasing
                     Call for songs of loudest praise!"