Creating For A Cause...

I just wanted to post a photo of our knitting/crochet group taken on Tuesday evening. Tammy organized the knit night and named the group the "Forward Tinkers". We meet each Tuesday at Books a Million to create and chat, but we also create for causes, too.

This is a photo of our group with our most recent project...washcloth packs for women in shelters. We knit or crocheted the cloths and then packaged them with soap, hand cream and shampoo. When a women is displaced to a shelter, either through domestic violence or foreclosure, at least she'll have a little comfort to call her own. I used natural, organic cotton with brown ribbon for mine.

Our next project is to make scarves, mittens and hats for the kids in Appalachia. We're planning to have all our pieces completed by September for shipping north in time for the cold weather. We'll even have a few sewn pieces made from fleece to add to the package. If you're interested in contributing to our cause, you can contact me through my email button on my blog. There's just something very fulfilling about creating for a cause.

Photo: l-r: Tammy (pazzagato), me (craftydeece), Ellen (front), Netta (nstherd), Cindy (Travel4Fun) and Adele (front). Missing from our usual gang are Monica (monnielou), Helen and Lenore (seveniron). From time to time, Tammy's daughter, Amber and Cindy's daughter, Lizzie join us and knit, too. *the names in parenthesis are our Ravelry names.

I Get A Peaceful, Easy Feeling...

I know, I know...any more and I'll have to pay a royalty (to The Eagles)!

I still have to finish painting the master bedroom, but the bedroom wall that's visible from our front entry and dining room is nice and dry. You know what that means! Time to hang up a framed image.

When we lived in Wisconsin, I went into the shop owned by a friend who framed all my sampler designs and Stitches shop models. This piece was sitting on an easel in the window and I immediately fell in love with it.

You see, I've been in this photo before, watching the graceful egrets that landed in the water near the lowland woods on our property. I've seen this image walking through some of our favorite hunting haunts. I've seen this image in wild areas I've hiked as a child. I've even seen this image on walks in the Myakka State Park here in Florida. Did I say I love this painting?

I left the frame shop and immediately went home to tell Handsome about it, and that I would love for us to own it. Later in the week, without telling me, he went to the shop and purchased the painting as a surprise for me. We've been its proud owners for the past thirteen or so years...and it's never lost it's appeal for me. Thanks to the Wisconsin artist, Eydie Liebelt for her beautiful work.

So, now, I have it hanging in our room again...and every time I walk in or past the doorway, I'm transported to this place - even if only for a moment - and I'm filled with gratitude to Handsome for this gift of a peaceful, easy feeling.

Day Two - The Paint Goes On...

More paint, another color, another day spent applying it to the walls. My knees hurt, my arms are sore and I love this new look!

Today I tackled the master bathroom. No more blah, beige-y flat paint. Welcome new soft green in an eggshell finish. I love eggshell finishes. Easier to clean than flat paint, a hint of sheen to bounce the light around a little...the perfect finish.

Handsome came home when I was about half-way through the job and offered his help. Of course, I wouldn't dream of turning down help! Together we finished the job, cleaned up our tools and then headed to the pool to cool off after our hard work.

Now, our bath looks like a cool, relaxing spa. I love our home. I just thought you might like to see.

On the Hog Front: Two days of trap in the yard. Two nights of no hog in the trap. Perhaps tonight. I'll be sure to let you know if - I mean, when - we finally catch the beast.

Til then, I may just move my easy chair into the bath and admire our handy work.