Carousels

Thanks, Amy...I found it. Sorry, it isn't as good as I remembered.

I have always loved merry go rounds, or carousels if you want to use the proper term.
I have a couple of carousel horses in my embroidery designs and never used them. They are pretty big files and who wants a big old carousel horse? Well, a few weeks ago a guy who works carnivals came into the shop and wanted to know if I had any war horses. Not having a clue what he meant, I hedged until I figured out that carousel horses are often called that. He wanted a big one on a set of towels to give a friend who owns a carnival.
They are really pretty but also big and involved and expensive. I showed them to him and he ordered one set of towels and then wanted a smaller version on the front pocket of his pants. Hey...don't ask me!!
He was delighted with it all and paid cash and then brought more towels and pants and some jeans for his granddaughter. I found another horse so we had a variety and now have a nice array. Almost enough for a full carousel. I think I will do a window like a carousel. I have digitized the canopy and the brass ring, so I am almost there.
I did not know that horses must face left on a merry go round. Now I know that and the reason is because people are mostly right handed and when they tried to reach for the brass ring, they could use their right hand. There are other secrets about the horses which I will perhaps be allowed to learn at a later date. I still have a couple of towels and a pair of pants to do when he returns to town.
Who kne? Anyway they are quite pretty and interesting to sew.

I must have lost my mind!!

After I wrote my distressing news concerning my health...well, it was distressing to me at the time. I am sure I am ok and will see the Dr next week. Anyway, after writing that, I thought I should write something nice and positive. So I did. I fixed it to post the next day, but somehow I messed it up and it is gone...where I do not know. So if you see a really good blog someplace, it is probably mine that got lost in cyberspace. Sad thing is this...I don't know what Iwrote about, but I remember being rather proud of it. Look around and see if you can find it for me. You will enjoy it if you find it. I promise.

Give it Up

Damn!!! I think I am working on an ulcer...guess I haven't done a very good job of not stressing about things I can't fix. Apparently I have not given the problem to God and gone about my business. So...I am going to have to get busy on that project...Easter will soon be here. If you hear me gritching about stuff I can't fix...speak up. Of course, some of the stuff I can fix can give you an ulcer too.

Making Time

I have been reading through the Calvin Institutes and have done very well keeping up with the daily readings and being prepared for my Wed discussion group. Not so this week. I had my schedule out of whack for a couple of days and missed reading and then had some things on my mind and did not think I could concentrate. Now, it is two o'clock and my group meets at 5:30 and I have a weeks worth of reading to do and absorb. Calvin is tough enough in the best of times, but I don't think I will make much of a dent in the work left for the afternoon. Trying to read that while sewing is not a good idea. Next week, I will make time for my daily reading. I will not let something interfere with it and will stay on the schedule. I will make time for Calvin next week. Today, I will go to my meeting unprepared and listen to the discussion and try to learn something. When we don't make time for the things we think are important, we slip behind. Important things like saying I love you to someone who needs a hug, giving yourself a few moments of pampering and relaxation, reading and studying, talking to God...all those things we let slip because we get busy. I need to make time for all of that. I need to go read now!!

Doing Good

Doing good in the world does not get us into heaven, but it sure makes the journey a joy. Doesn't it make you feel good to help someone? Don't you get a smile on your face when you have lightened someones load of care? Can you help but feel good when you see a a small kindness turn into a big deal for someone?
Of course you know all about random acts of kindness. And you know of intentional acts of small and big kindnesses. You know people like that and you are like that.
So what a joy it is to know that when you get to heaven, through no good act of your own, that when you tell God that Jesus is your friend...He will smile at you and say..."so are all these people".

Pretty Trees

The Bradford Pears are blooming now and they are beautiful as always. White everywhere you look. The cherries and others are beginning, but the week belongs to the pears. I love looking at them from inside, but to walk outdoors...ohhhh..it is bad. Do you know how bad those trees smell when they bloom? It took me a long time to figure out what it was, but a few years ago I put two and two together and it is those blasted pear trees.
I will be happy to see and smell the wisteria. For the time being, I will enjoy the pears from indoors. I know Rachel will be longing for the cherry blossoms.

Tired of Naysayers

I am weary of whining, complaining and blaming and putting down. I don't care who is to blame. We are all to blame for wanting everything now and not storing away our nuts like good little squirrels. It doesn't matter what is behind us (except that we learn from it) but what is in front of us is pretty much up to us to soldier through. We have done this before and there is no reason we can't do it again. The most important thing is a stiff upper lip...do what you can and work hard and not give up. I am pretty sure the markets are being manipulated by those who would like us to be down and out. But Americans don't get down and out. We get up and fight. So we need to be smart, be prepared and have faith. Then we need to be positive. There is a lot to the power of positive thinking. There is nothing but pain in negative thinking.
So....onward and upward. It is amazing how much fun it can be to save a few dollars by smart shopping at the grocery store. It is amazing how good some of those old standbys I grew up eating can taste. It is liberating to say "I don't need this. I will do without"
It is gratifying to know that you are so much better off than others and humbling to say that.
Soooooo, let's not be naysayers...let's put our shoulder to the wheel and put America back on the map of 'can do' people.