A Little Can Go A Long Way

These days have been very difficult with what is happening in  Haiti. Here we go on with our lives knowing the terrible suffering that is going on in Haiti. What we take for granted - food, water, shelter and medical attention is a fight for survival amongst the Haitians. I was listening to the radio and one of the broadcasters had mentioned that he had gone out for supper with his wife and another couple  -the talk was of Haiti as it seems to turn to many times these days. There was a feeling of guilt that here they were enjoying a good meal and spending money when people in Haiti were in the most difficult race for survival. So what they did was that whatever they paid for their meal they contributed the same thing to the Haitian fund. It was a little thing to do but a lot of little things can up to a big thing!

Yes I have that guilt too - but life goes on and we try to do what we can as best we can. I ask myself many times - do I need this or do I want this. Sometimes it will be that you just want it  (ie wool and fabric) but as long as you ask yourself that question constantly I think you are made more aware that there are many people out there less fortunate than you (well me anyway) so best not to complain - appreciate what you have and do what you can for your neighbour. I guess this a further excercise for me in examining my priorities in life.

So in saying a little bit helps... do what you can.There is a wonderful organization called Knitters Without Borders started by a knitter whose donations are directed to Doctors without Borders. There is a running total and already $234,000 has been given since Wednesday last with 2000 e-mails still to be tallied!

Don't forget Haiti and all the other souls less fortunate than us that share this small planet of ours.

G'nite Joni

Feathering the Nest

Another windy,snowy day so the snow is drifting and piling up.

 A perfect day for feathering my nest.

Homemade chicken pie in the oven with a lovely deep red cranberry sauce for supper.

To splurge, a double chocolate cheescake.

Next week I will think of calories.

Dr Who on the tele - one of my favourites.

Not to waste commercial time but read a book "The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold".

And having started the book had to finish it.

A don't put it down book!

The first part - horrifying,

the second frustrating and

the last part tissue in hand and tearful.

Yet it was hopeful, enlightening and very loving.

The next few days project is to finish the piece above. I have been doing some cross stitch lately and really enjoying it. The pattern above is one of Stacy Nash's available through a club I joined with Country Sampler. We get 4 different designs a year exclusive to the club. This one I hope to finish as milady's dear pillow and post it on Pfatt Marketplace.

A lovely poem I found on Willow Manor blog (link on the side) that I thought was perfect to start the new year.

To laugh often and much,

to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,

to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,

 to appreciate beauty,

to find the best in others,

 to leave the World a bit better,

whether by a healthy child,

a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

G'nite, Joni

Never Too Late

It is hard to believe it is a new year - 2010! Where does the time go. I find the older I get the faster it goes and there is less time to do all the things I want to do, read the books I want to read and see the places I want to see. Good wishes to all for a very happy 2010.

There are two times of the year when I feel inspired to take on new projects - the fall and the beginning of a New Year. With the snow falling gently the past few days and the twinkling of little white lights around the house - this is my time with the bustle of the holidays finished. My thoughts turn to what can I create.

Years ago I bought a rug hooking punch needle (Oxford) which I just could not get a handle on and was very discouraged. I could not understand the process of working from the back and the design appearing on the front. Since I have been doing embroidery punchneedle for 4 years, I now have a renewed interest in trying my hand at the rug punching. You use wool yarn instead of wool fabric. Then I thought I do love my hand dyed wool yardage and how instead will solid yarns translate to a rug. I have decided my first project will be a carpet bag. You know one of those big sturdy bags that were popular eons ago. I like making things that are practical. They say punching a rug is faster than hooking one - we'll see. I am all for fast projects. I can produce more and experiment and I decided I can always dye my own wool yarn.

 

This is a great source (Halycon Yarns) for all the yarn your heart might desire for rug hooking. You can also conventionally hook using the wool. I am in the mood to try something new and I never totally give up on something. It might be put aside for days, months or years but I always go back to it.Hmmmm....that might explain my lack of space and full shelves. 

Some of the wonderful yarns from Halcyon and a punch needle for rug punching..


Happy New Year.
G'nite Joni