New (Christmas!) Crochet Project

My grandson isn't the only one thinking about Christmas!

I recently downloaded this pattern for six Christmas-themed "mug rugs" done in Mosaic Crochet. I've admired them for a while - and suddenly, there they were, briefly being offered, as a free download.

They were created by one of my favorite pattern makers - "BebaBlanket' (www.bebablanket.com).

I've purchased several of her afghan patterns online in the past. Now I'm looking forward to starting this smaller project.

More Elf Adventures?!

Just when I thought that our grandson's elf might be wrapped up and put away till next Christmas, Jericho had a new idea: MAKE ME ANOTHER ELF!

I must confess that the first crocheted one does look a little tattered!

When I explained that I was running low on red yarn, he replied: ELVES DON'T HAVE TO BE RED!

This is how a new elf named "Orange" joined the family! In the picture above both elves have just "flown" down the stairs.

Is it really April?!

Hard for me to believe that it's finally April! 

March was a sunny month - as my pictorial "calendar" can testify.

But it did snow several times - including this past weekend!

Now the weather is warming up. 

Most of our accumulated winter snow has melted... except for snow "mountains" like this one near parking lots - made of snow removed when the lots were cleared. I wonder how long this one will be here ...

Hopefully it will be clear sailing in April - with no major snowfalls! I really NEED the warmth and JOY of spring!

Indoors ... and Out

Yesterday Terry and I watched freezing rain come down most of the day. We didn't leave the house...

The roads - and trees - were ice covered - however, the snow didn't fall off the car!

Indoors, my first amaryllis of the season began to bloom!

Actually, there were two bright flowers - and a little bud! So exciting!

It completely took my mind off the freezing rain!

Didn't Expect Another Snowstorm!

Yesterday, we woke up to see A LOT of snow on the ground... and on the backyard hedge!

I didn't expect that!!

(The previous day, there was almost no snow at all!)

Tomorrow (Monday) we may have freezing rain - accordng to the weather network ...

But I prefer to take a "wait and see" attitude.

If we do stay indoors all day, I'll have lots to do. And I'll take consolation in the fact that - at this time of year - the wintry weather won't last that long... (That's my hope, anyway.)

This is Canada - and we can get freezing rain or snow any time of the year!

Indoor Labyrinth Experience

Last Saturday, I attended a Lenten "Quiet Day"  at a neighborhood church. I like to take time to PAUSE and REFLECT from time to time - so this seemed like a perfect opportunity...

One of the things I enjoy about guided "Quiet Days" is that I have no control over the agenda. I just participate - and see what the day brings me, in my thoughts and reflections.

One of the events I was looking forward to on this "Quiet Day" was a talk about labyrinths - together with an opportunity to meditatively walk on an indoor one.

Labyrinths have long been a mystery to me. I encountered my first one at the Chartres Cathedral in France many years ago. (I later regretted not taking the guided tour of the cathedral, to help me understand what labyrinths were all about.) 

I've walked through two labrinths since then - both on my own. One was in the grounds of a convent in Toronto. The other next to Almonte's St. Paul's Anglican Church. Neither experience was exceptional to me in any way.

 

This time, there was a brief introductory talk about labyrinths - then an opportunity to enter, walk to the center, stay as long as you want,  then take the same circuitous path out. The presenter suggested first pausing at the entrance to silently pray.

We were about 20 people, so the presenter suggested we leave a meter between us as we walked at our own speed. She also explained how to overtake or pass people on the path. It was all to be done in a quiet respectful way.

I was the second to enter. I paused, then looked down and followed the path. The blue-green-purple of the painted canvas labryinth made it "heavenly" to walk through. I remember thinking, as people passed nearby on different paths - that we were all on a different journey, and at a different place in life. There was no obvious "beginning" or "end" - as in a racetrack. We were all moving along, doing our own thing - but doing it together. We were not alone in this "dance" of life - but companions - each on our own path.

The experience left me with a lot of comfort and joy.

Throw It Down - and Hope For the Best!

I wish you could get off work early, I told my older son. Dad and I are going to watch Ivy's last curling session. You're the only one in the family who was ever on a school curling team.

Yeah, I wish I could come. But at her age [8], there isn't much strategy... Don't they just throw it down and hope for the best? he replied.

Isn't that what all curlers do? I asked... Even adults? Even the professionals?!

I guess so, he replied. But if you look at it that way, isn't that what ALL LIFE is about: YOU THROW IT DOWN - AND HOPE FOR THE BEST?!

Hmmm. Curling: a perfect metaphor for life...