WeeWhimsicals

:: mother's day ::

Flashback photos that come out but once or twice a year. :)

Presented today to honor all mom's ~ my mum, being a mama and the new mama's in our family. And all of those who care for and loves on our children, grands, nieces and nephews, and all the special ones in our lives.

My mother and my youngest daughter, Kellen, on her Christening Day, 1989

My two girls, Kellen and Jenny, and I on Jenny's First Communion ~ Mother's Day, 1993-4is

Mom and my two sisters (Marie and Karen) and I  ~ early 2000?

Three reasons to love being a mom/stepmom ~ Bryan, Kellen and Jenny

And the gift that keeps on giving...grandchildren

            Here is a thing my heart wishes the world had more of:
            I heard it in the air of one night when I listened
           To a mother singing softly to a child restless and angry in the darkness.

                                                                ~ Carl Sandburg, 1916

Happy Mother's Day! xoxoxox

:: this moment ::

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

 
(the baby known as bling bling!)

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment :)

Have a blessed weekend! xoxoxox                                         

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: yarn along ~ another in three's! ::

I'm joing along with Ginny and friends for her weekly yarn along. Two of my favorite things, yarn and books. :)

Yes, sadly I am putting my yoked cardi from the last few weeks aside for the time being. We were just not seeing eye to eye (even with professional help.) Sometimes it's best to move along, maybe revisiting at another time. (My husband last night said to me as I counted and recounted and ripped for the umpteenth time, "Why do you do that to yourself?" And he was right.)

Sooooo, I'm ever so pleased to share the In Three's I am working on for my granddaughter, in a wonderful Malabrigo worsted. Yes, another one, but this one in purple. One of my favorite colors, which coincidentally matches my Nook cover and the wonderful new project bag I have treated myself to. I don't do that alot (treat myself), so you know it's something I really LOVE when I do. Handstitched by Lori, it's the perfect size for my projects. Only as a novice knitter am I appreciating the full value in a good project bag ~ projects in crochet often required big baskets. :) Anywhoooo, love this and that it was stitched by hand!

I'm reading the book I started last week, A Beautiful Purpose by Susie Larson, with a forward by Ann Voskamp. Another book that I am taking my time with, lingering on the message. I love her writing style. She's very open and matter of fact. With a sense of humor. Writing on a topic that I am constantly in need of a refresher. Good stewardship of what is in front of us, respecting the seasons we are in, moving beyond our comfort zones. Great book to read with a few friends or in a book club setting, as there are excercises to work thru at the end of each chapter with Bible work, as well as discussion questions. Although you know me, this will be a solo read. ; )

Wishing you a joy-filled day! xoxoxoxo

                                 Be who you are and be that well. ~ St. Francis de Sales

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*** What are you yarnin' and reading this week? Feel free to leave a comment and your link ~ I always love to see what you're up to! And please be sure to visit Ginny's page, as there are some wonderful folks out there creating and reading up a storm ~ I know you'll enjoy their work! ***

:: weekending ::

You know it's been a good weekend when you're tired on Monday morning from being outdoors so much the previous days. It was sunny and a little cooler, but we'll take that. Busy mostly with yard and garden. We have the funniest little girl here who loves digging in the dirt...I have very high hopes for her this summer when it comes to weed pulling.

A very rare treat out Friday night to the local creamery, which we love. It's been a favorite in the family for generations (literally) ~ we had three generations at our table that night. A new bike for a boy who is just completing his first go round of formal education (pre-k!) and needs a bike at papa's to ride.

Touch-a-Truck on Saturday, spring hay rides from the local dairy farmer, a chance to board a school bus (oh, my...we are not at all sure we will want to ride that next year.) A chance to climb up into milk trucks and log splitters and huge bulldozer type machines. In support of the local library, so a win-win all the way around.

A whole bunch of sewing and reading on Sunday. I get on a roll at times ~ it can be creatively dangerous if I'm not careful ~ the ideas come faster than the production ability! But I'm pleased with the latest creations. I'm really enjoying my latest read, focusing now on good stewardship of what we've been given and stepping out beyond our comfort zones. Yes, therein lies the challenge, right?

Happy to have daughter home after a week of housesitting. Looking forward to a really busy week but filled will all good things. New orders to start, family visits, appointments and lots of time with grands. Off shortly to meet with my knitting peeps and guru. ;)

How did you spend your weekend and what's in store for the week ahead?

 

 Wishing you a blessed week! xoxoxoxoxoxo

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599  ~ Like and Share for updates and promos :)

:: this moment ::

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

 

(Adam Joseph ~ my bubba j)

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment :)

Have a blessed weekend! xoxoxox                                         

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: yarnin' along ::

I'm joining Ginny and friends today at Small Things for her weekly yarn along.

A first real 'tah dah' moment in my knitting career! Yay me! Love this In Three's cardi out of Malabrigo worsted. Love. Love. Love. And the Mother Goose buttons? Icing on the cake.

Loved it so much I've promptly started another one. :) In purple. I'm a little (a lot) hung up on the cotton yoked cardi of last weeks' post. It's either an attention deficit thing or a spatial issue but I will get back to it at knitting class next Monday, once I am under proper supervision. ;)

Lots of good reading going on this week, too. Just picked up my audio copy of Grace, Eventually by Anne Lamott at the library, which I hope to start today. And I am still enjoying my bedtime read of Sandra Dallas' Persian Pickle Club. Unfortunately, I don't last but a few pages every night so it's a little slow going on this one.

On the Nook (oh, how I love this clutterless addition to my life!) I have Susie Larson's Your Beautiful Purpose which is a perfect read for me right now. And a wonderful reminder of staying on track and not pre-supposing that my way is the way!

 

 Photo credit: lifted from Pinterest

We've been graced with a string of beautifully sunny days in Rhode Island (yes, another wonderful blessing, this coastal place of ours) I'm working diligently on in-house projects and shop sewing, but sneaking out for bits and pieces of knitting in the sun throughout the day! Iced tea and knitting breaks, if you will. ;)

What are you reading and yarnin' these days? Or stitching, writing, or other such creative endeavors? ;)  Please feel free to leave a comment below and link up!

Wishing you a joy-filled day xoxoxoxox

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599  ~ Like (and Share!)

:: weekending ::

:: shifting gears as two of our little ones begin to spend their weekdays with us

:: managing to squeeze in a quick morning zoo visit before our new schedule kicks in, 'cause we're crafty like that ;)

:: knowing that pig sitting is always a part of our zoo trips and that it never gets old

:: digging out the shorts for the more daring of our crew

:: dining alfresco ~ an important part of any outing (especially if Kaleb Marley is alongside!)

:: marveling at our luck at seeing the bobcat being fed and hearing the rooster cockadoodledoo

:: building up our garden ~ slowly, ever so slowly ~ all hands on deck, especially little ones

:: pretending it's a sandbox is more to the liking of some (ahem, Miss Dahlia Bean)

:: casting on another In Three's whilst I await instruction on my yoked cardi fiasco

:: loving the jeans drying on the line in every shape and size

:: sewing up a storm for home, shop and local stores

:: drinking in the bright yellows and greens of spring, especially the forsythia which has seen three generations grow in our old home

:: looking forward to my time with Benjababy and Adam this coming week

Hoping that your weekend was blessed and wishing you a wonderful week ahead! xoxoxox

                                          ~ Ready hands, willing hearts. ~

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: this moment ::

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

 

The artist known as helper.  *;~)

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment :)

Have a blessed weekend! xoxoxox                                         

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: yarnin' along ::

I'm joining Ginny at Small Things for her Wednesday Yarn Along, and the community sharing of current yarn projects and reads. Two of lifes greatest joys. Really. Well, for me, that is. And I hope for you, on one level or another. :)

My In Three's cardi for Miss Beans (aka Dahlia Whitney) is complete, ends woven in and waiting to be blocked. I found the most adorable Beatrix Potter buttons to add. Photos next week.

I wish I had better progress to report on my 'quick' yoked cardigan. <sigh> To think that I entered into this project with such confidence. It probably really is very easy but I am finding it to be ever so challenging. Like really, really challenging. I love the yarn and do believe in my heart of hearts that it will make a wonderful summer cardigan for a little girl, so I will persevere.

Reading is good right now. I have finished Anne Lamott's Help Thanks Wow but am lingering over the pages just a little longer. Love her simple, current and humorous writing style. No beating about the bush, she breaks it all down to these three simple words for prayer, making it an accessible concept for even the most prayer skittish. LOVE. And will be reading more of her writings.

For a nighttime/bedtime read I have Sandra Dallas' Persian Pickle Club which I'm thoroughly enjoying. It's an easy read of the goings on of a quilting group in Kansas during the 1930's. No surprises yet but a comforting read of women and real life as they know it, fighting poverty and drought, banding together for all of life's ups and downs. Kind of like some of my favorite ladies and I (well, no drought but always challenges, right?!)

Crocheting a bit here and there. Nesting bowls for my online shop, which I can pick up and put down with little fear of losing my place or patience. Lots of Waldorf inspired colors as well as some new-to-me neutrals. And of course summer brights.

What are you working on and/or reading these days?

Have a blessed day! xoxoxoxoxo

                                            You can't use up creativity.

                                  The more you use, the more you have.

                                                                                     ~ Maya Angelou

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599  ~ Like (and Share!) to receive updates on specials, promos and new projects :)

:: weekending ::

First and foremost, Happy Earth Day. We need this day of hope, new life and moving forward. At least as far as our environment goes. And for our hearts and minds, especially after the devastation we witnessed last week. So Earth Day is good. And we will celebrate and embrace it all week long. I have some seeds for the little folk to pot when they are here this week. As well as some garden prep work to do. We would like to plant a tree. We'll see.

This weekend was mostly spent outdoors, soaking in the sun when it popped out. Walks by the water. Clothes hanging, ball playing and tractor riding (novice driver who is quite proud of himself.) One little guy isn't sure if he likes the grass. He's a new walker so it may take some time.

Thinking what we need to do to get ready for summer. Lots of yard work. And garden planning. Delighted to see that our rhubarb survived its' first winter and is coming up nicely. As are the garlic bulbs we planted last fall. Whew.

Today I'm off to knitting group...in dire need of assistance on the cotton sweater I'm attempting. I've already knit, unknit and reknit the same four inches multiple times. But that's a post for another day. And lots of sewing for my Etsy shop. I've got some adorable linen and cotton pinnies and bloomers going on right now. Love working on these. I also have some of my handcrafts going into several local shops soon, so those items are under production as well. Busy. It's all good.

How did you spend your weekend?

Wishing you a peace and sun-filled Earth Day! xoxoxoxox

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me my Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599  ~ Like (and Share!) to receive updates on specials, promos and new projects :)

:: this moment ::

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

 

Okay, a few photos ~ moments at Mt. Hope Farm with Jenny and her boys  ~ that I want to savor and remember...forever.

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment or moments :)

Wishing you all a peace-filled weekend xoxoxox                                         

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

 

Okay, a few photos ~ moments at Mt. Hope Farm with Jenny and her boys  ~ that I want to savor and remember...forever.

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment or moments :)

Wishing you all a peace-filled weekend xoxoxox                                         

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: zoo trip ::

Today was spent resting my aching back. Somewhat literally, as I've been nursing a sore back for the last week. What I did to it exactly is still a mystery. Or how I did it, for that matter. But the aches today were worth the fun we had yesterday on our first visit to the zoo this spring.

We love our little zoo in New Bedford. A small community zoo catering to the young, and the young at heart. Everything is nicely placed at eye level, and it's easily doable with little ones and short attention spans. It's a short easy drive from our home. We leave one state and enter another. We get to drive over bridges and see water. Which is kind of funny considering we live on an island surrounded by water. But it never gets old. Two of the grands made this trip. And, as they say, the rest will follow...we go to the zoo A LOT spring through fall. Sometimes in the winter, too.

Come to find out, poor Miss Beans really wasn't feeling so hot but she was a good sport all day.

Kaleb was soaking it all in ~ he's been going since he was an infant and is our family expert on all things zoo related.

The Farm is one of our favorite parts of this little zoo...you have to cross a covered bridge to get to it. (Okay, it's a short journey, but a covered bridge nontheless!)

Yup, the cows are still here, Papa!

And the pigs are having lunch.

But this laid back critter really had the best idea....enjoying the midday sun.

No zoo visit is quite complete without a little toot-toot tootle around the zoo on the train.

A picnic lunch, time making music and our day was complete.

Timeless. Priceless. And every bit of what makes us tick.

Hoping you are enjoying a bit of this spring weather.....and believing it has reached everyone! ;) xoxoxox

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: boston ::

More than a little bit heartbroken over yesterdays bombings at the Boston Marathon. Unthinkable acts at an event that embraces all walks of life and nationalities, fostering unity and brotherhood. Offering prayers and healing thoughts for all ~ those injured, their families, those witness to the events and all of us around the globe offering our support and love.

Lead me from Death to Life, from Falsehood to Truth.    

Lead me from Despair to Hope, from Fear to Trust,

Lead me from Hate to Love, from War to Peace.

Let Peace fill our Heart, our World, our Universe.

Peace  Peace  Peace         

                                     ~ Blessed Mother Teresa

(In 1981, Mother Teresa offered us this prayer, asking people worldwide to take a moment at noon every day to pray these words, in meditation or aloud. Knowing that it would start of chain of continual prayer and awareness worldwide, 24 hours a day. Words that would be carried forward in our hearts. Something to consider, some 30 years later.)

Wishing you all peace today. xoxoxox

:: this moment ::

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

 

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment :)

Have a blessed weekend! xoxoxox                                         

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: yarnin' along ::

Today I'm yarnin' along with Ginny at Small Things blog for her weekly yarn along ~ a whole bunch of creative souls sharing their current projects and reads. I look forward to these posts every week ~ so much goodness happening around the world. And sharing of talents, insights, thoughtful reads, reads to steer clear of. The day to day stuff that I love.

As you know, my foray into the knitting world is quite new. But exciting. I fear I have found yet another thing I am passionate about. I have been working diligently on my In Threes cardi for  one of my grands, Miss Beans. (No, they didn't actually name her that at birth. Her real name is Dahlia. But we call her Beans.) In a beautiful Malabrigo worsted. I've made it nice and long so she can wear it til she's 12 or so. She's 2 1/2 now. :)

Yesterday I was able to sit out in the in sun and bind off! Yay for both ~ sun and binding off. Now I must learn to properly weave in those pesky ends and find the perfect buttons. Perhaps this weekend at the Great Rhody Yarn Crawl?

My next project is waiting in the wings and I have started to cast on ~ ripped out ~ and casting on again :) I don't really mind. It's all part of learning. This is a spring sweater (for lucky Miss Beans again) that I'll probably make three quarter sleeves....or in the grow-old-with-you theory, perhaps long sleeves that will eventually become three quarter sleeves. I like cotton and this schoeller + stahl tye-dye effect yarn is kind of neat. It's a light dk weight and the pattern calls for worsted but I have professionals guiding me, so it should (fingers crossed) be o-kay.

This week I'm reading Anne Lamott's Help Thanks Wow, which has been on my list of books to read for a while now. Lots of folks have recommended this. I'm pretty sure I got the title from Karen originally ~ I borrow alot of her titles to add to my list ;) Short read but what a great little book. Anne Lamott has a wonderful sense ~ humor, intellect, insight. And writes on the virtues of keeping it simple in prayer, gratitude and celebration. And the concept that simpler may be better, or easier, especially for those scared away from prayer because they don't know 'how.' Anne demystifies that by page three.

What reads and projects are in front of you this week?!

Expecting some little visitors (grands Adam and Ben) this morning and then shop stuff (i.e. productivity) if all goes as planned.

Have a blessed day! xoxoxoxoxo

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

 

:: bunny lovin' ::

Bunny obsessed over here, yes indeed. Every bunny needs some bunny sometime. Right? That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Five bunnies for grands and such completed with this awesome pattern from Miss Ginny at Ginger Cake. With a few more cut and waiting in the wings for their turn at the sewing machine. Super pleased that I was able to forage through my fabric stash and use materials on hand. Always a plus. And vintage button eyes all the way around from my button jars. Double score.

And the cutest little bums made of the chunkiest, fluffiest wool I could find.

Still fussing with the bows. I can't seem to leave well enough alone! If you look closely you may notice the bows vary slightly from bunny to bunny as I tried a few modifications. Still working on it but I think I know where I am heading. Double sided bow with big floooofy ties. Yes, that's it.

I have a few more ideas kicking around for these adorable little lettuce nibblers.Thinking maybe a little organic fleece? or even flax? I will post as they come along!

Off this morning for a lickity split marathon grocery shopping and general stocking up kind of morning because we must be home in time for an appointment with my oldest girl. Sans children. I think we can do it...we have a plan and we.will.stick. to.it!

Wishing you a blessed day! xoxoxoxox

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: easter week-ending ::

Returning after a week-long Easter hiatus, busy with many, many colorful things. Tinted eggs, blooming daffodils, spring grannys and flowering bunnies pleading please, please finish us with those pretty bow ties. Meals filled with wonderful foods and now the need to get walking. But a nice excuse to use my favorite gifted dishes. With celebrations galore. Of the Resurrection. And birthdays. So many April babies, it seems. First birthdays and sixteenth birthdays and second birthdays and eleventh birthdays. Whew. Baby wearing mamas and first stitches for some (our poor littlest grand, baby Ben) Egg hunts and parties, spring cleaning (not here, but at great grandpa's), and shopping trips. Stocking the studio for warm weather projects. Ikea and the Cape (ahhh fabric, how I love thee!) Sleepovers for grands. Yard time and clothes hanging. Garden dreaming and, as it probably goes without saying, many discussions as to the proper way to handle all. Spring break planning of zoo trips and picnics at the beach. Just to get the season started. Visits with far-away cousins. Gathering to support preservation and restoration of local historic buildings. And local shops, too. All ebbing and flowing and weaving the fabric of our week.

Promises of warm weathered days this week may spur a big of spring cleaning here. We'll see. Sometimes I find myself pulled away to more creative things....it's a curse, really.

And I've so enjoyed following along with all of my friends and family's celebrations these last few weeks ~ especially the wonderful photos posted. Thank you all for sharing these little glimpses into your worlds. Brilliant all around!

Wishing you a blessed week! xoxoxoxo

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: this moment ::

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

(grand Benjamin Jackson and Lyla the cat)

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment :)

Have a blessed weekend! xoxoxoxo

                                              
                                To love another person is to see the face of God.

                                                                              ~ Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: random thursday ::

Boy, the last few days have flown by. Since late last week, really. Flown in a good way, just unexpected that they should be moving at such lightning speed. And I find myself staying up later and later each night working on this or that. I looked up at the clock last last night and it was already this morning! I expect by tomorrow I will come tumbling down. Hah! No, not really, I'm just being dramatic (about the tumbling down part.) It's good and productive and creative that's keeping me up. And Lark Rise to Candleford, of course. I'm hooked. Utterly and completely. I've even take to speaking with an English accent.

Lots of family visiting and grands playing time. Challenging for nana and papa with four under five but so worth it. I think we have a good rhythm going with them now. :) And wonderful visits from GrEaT Auntie Karen ~ so happy she was able to spend time with two of them. One I know for a fact that one is in love with her, the other one will get over crying when she smiles at him...I'm sure of that.

Unexpected shopping in a few  local stores. Winter kept me out of some of my favorite haunts but so nice to revisit a few. Locally owned. You cannot do better than that, I don't think. Shop owners who know your name, personalized attention, unique selections. So important to support and share.

Pretty yummy roast pork dinner one evening that everyone liked. That's always considered a win here. Menu planning for Easter Sunday. Ham tops the list. Maybe roasted rosemary red potatoes, something green. Maybe two things green. Corn bread. Possibly sharp cheese, grapes and little tiny eclairs (if my husband stops eating all three....sneaking them like I won't be noticing! Ha!)

Reading this awesome article my daughter Jenny shared with me. The merits of homeschooling thru the eyes of doctors and lawyers. So nicely written, especially for those who don't understand the whys and wherefors of the many families are now traveling this route. Everything I know and believe.

Pretty tulips to remind me that spring really is here, in spite of persistent snow. I fell in love with these colors, especially the purple. So appropriate for this holy week. They completely reminded me of Holy Thursday. The Passion, I guess. I knew they had to come home with me.

Wishing you a blessed day xoxoxo

                                    Good works are links that form a chain of love.

                                                                                 ~ Blessed Mother Teresa

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

 

 

:: dialin' in ::

I'm dialin' in today and focusing on finishing up several Etsy shop projects to mail off. My goal is to be 'business done' today so as shift focus the next few days to family and the arrival of Easter.

Looking around me I see there is a bit of a need (okay, a big need) for a little spring cleaning tomorrow. Oh, and bunnies to be made, as well (can you guess which task will be pulling at my heart the strongest ~ cleaning or bunny making?) And Friday will be a quiet day.

But today....it's fiber and wonderful wool yarns.

Season Three of the BBC Drama Lark Rise to Candleford at the ready, fresh pot of coffee, lots of sunshine through the windows. And off I go.

(I will be posting photos of all my completed projects, which promises to be an explosion of color. Seriously.)

Wishing you a blessed day xoxoxoxox

                                                Busy hands, blessed heart.

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

 

:: purple today ::

Today we are wearing purple here to raise awareness of Epilepsy. It's a cause near to my heart and I'm practically giddy that I'm able to do just this simple thing to contribute.

Two of the people I love the most have Epilepsy and have to deal with it every.single.day. Just as I believe it takes a village, so do I believe that every little action or step that we take will have a cumulative positive effect. In all things in life. So never think that what you say or think will not matter. Because it does. All the time.

See? All purple.

 

I apologize for not smiling...I was concentrating ;)

Pretty simple concept, yes?! Simple is good. And doable!

To learn more about Epilepsy, symptoms, treatments, who it affects and what you can do to help, visit here. And thank you :)

Wishing you a blessed day! xoxoxoxo

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/WeeWhimsicals/487346114620599

:: this moment ::

This moment. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to savor and remember forever. 

(Treasured time with great auntie ~ never have I met a more patient and caring soul with the little people in her life!)

Joining Amanda at SouleMama today. Feel free to link up with your special moment :)

Have a blessed SPRING weekend! xoxoxoxo

                                               It takes a village to raise a child.  ~  African Proverb

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

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:: a little more green ::

I can't seem to let it go. The green, that is. Most have moved on, I know. And I will. Probably in another day or two. I am making those bunnies, after all. ;)

But indulge me as I post a wonderful recipe for Irish Bread. Not soda bread, but a have-with-your-tea-or-coffee-bread. A little on the sweet side, full of raisins and maybe just a bit of sugar. Given to me by a friend of a friend whose mother was from Ireland. So we know it's authentic. And I am passing along exactly as I received the recipe a number of years ago:

1 cup raisins
1-1/2 cup all purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 or 3/4 cup milk (I use 3/4)
1 tablespoon shortening (makes bread dry if use Crisco), I use oil; makes the bread moist

Wash raisins, boil 3 minutes – drain and dust with flour

Mix all dry ingredients, add shortening or oil, add milk, egg and raisins.

Bake in well-greased loaf pan for between 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Tah-Dah! Quick and easy, with very little fuss.

My notes:  I've used different size loaf pans, just adjust cooking times; double the batch and cook in bundt pan for a pretty presentation; if using metal pans reduce cooking temp to 325 degrees. This bread is sweet to me ~ I believe you could safely cut back on the sugar without compromising anything! (although some people here loved the sweetness just-as-it-was!)

So, that's it...and I am almost done with the green.

Sun is out this morning ~ yay Spring!

Have a blessed day. xoxoxoxoxo

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:: in threes ::

I am unofficially joining Ginny at Small Things for her weekly Yarn Along. Unoffically, as I have not figured out all the mechanics of the linky links, but officially because I am now a 'knitter' (okay, novice knitter) and just love reading all the postings of yarners and readers worldwide. And I want to be part of that :)

It's all about a few of my favorite things ~ reading and yarnin'. The crochet I have down ~ biggest challenge there is to keep motivating myself to try new things. Ahhh, but the knitting. LOVE. And reading? I'm all over the place.

Favorite night time, quiet time, Lenten read is the Fire Within by Msgr. Dubay. A wonderful book on St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, the Gospel and prayer. A little taxing on my brain when he writes of St. John (this is where quiet time is important) but I am so drawn to St. Teresa. She is a woman after my own heart. I find myself wanting to skip ahead to all of her 'parts' in the book! Very good read for me just now.

I love to listen to books on tape or watch movies when I'm working on a big project ~ right now I am totally in love with the Lark Rise to Candleford BBC drama. As are many others, from the wait list on DVD's and books! I am just starting Season 2 on DVD's loaned from the library (I have a whole little set up going on with the portable DVD player and my knitting area ~ very clever of me, I think!) There are so many wonderful characters, I am falling a little in like with many of them. Ahh, BBC drama. There really is nothing better.

Knitting my first in threes cap sleeve cardi for Miss Beans. Wonderful worsted weight Malabrigo in a lovely blue. I am working on this in my knitting class, with lots of help from my knitting daughter. Who will be helping me shortly, actually...I seem to have acquired an extra stitch or two....hmmm. So blessed to have many helping hands about that are knitting knowledgable!

 And finally, lots of crochet with my granny stripe blankets for the shop ~ one is just off the hooks with a large one very near completion. Love working on these and I am always a little sad to see them end.

 (Do you see my little Maddie pup in the second photo? She likes to get in on the yarn action, too!)

What are you reading and working on today? Feel free to share in comments below and link up!

Have a blessed day! xoxoxxo

I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.
                                                                   ~ Blessed Mother Teresa

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As always, your comments are warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated.

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:: sewing day ::

Having a little snowing (and sleety rain) day so thought I would have a little sewing day. Lots to catch up on in the studio in the sewing department but today I am finishing up a dress for my shop and then I think I will work on bunnies for the grands for Easter.

Easter....which is two weeks away?! Did that sneak up on us? It did me. Especially with the Conclave smack dab in the middle of Lent. But then I am easily distracted.

I've had a few different bunny patterns pinned that I've been thinking on. I love them all but wanted to make one that was practically perfect for our varied ages of littles this year. After great contemplation, I have purchased the cutest  Modern Folksy Bunny pattern (don't you love instant downloads?!) and just need to dig through my stash to choose the right fabrics for each.

The pattern is very straight forward ~ pattern designer Ginny has really gone out of her way with photos and notes. Can't wait to get started!

So, a-sewing I shall go. Stay tuned for updates. ;)

Wishing you a blessed day! xoxoxox

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