Yarn Along ~ heading into Advent

Right now, there is nothing on my needles, and I am joyfully waiting for some beautiful yarn that a friend bought for me from the Hudson Valley Sheep and Wool company. However, I did accomplish a rough and uneven  rustic mat for our prayer candle. 

Still learning, and I imagine that this is what it feels like when someone struggles to read? I look at patterns and feel rather helpless and confused and completely clumsy. But I keep at it...attempting, failing, trying. That constant circle of learning that is so often abolished because it can be so overwhelmingly difficult...

So as we journey into Advent, that "little Lent", this creation of mine, with its rough edges, uneven bumps, and raggedy sides can serve as that reminder of what it means to be human. What it means to keep hope alive, despite our rough edges....

I have to tell you that I never really gave much thought to Abraham (aside from the story of Isaac), and am truly enjoying this book about my faith, the faith of my ancestors, and the Muslim faith. Thought-provoking, and a very interesting read. As for my family, we will be using the "Tree of Hope" to make our Jesse tree to make our Advent celebration a beautiful connection with our journey to the manger.

As I slow down this holiday season, I want to remember what it is that I am celebrating, and what I want my children to remember. Not the hustle-bustle-crazy that is what the world seems to embrace, but rather the slow walk towards Bethlehem that the Magi took. (And enjoying all of the roughness, bumps, and raggedy-ness along the way.....)



Joining in with Ginny and others today.....
 

Yarn Along {Knit Together}

Years ago, my Grandma Krystofik taught me how to knit. She patiently sat beside me and would guide my fingers around the needles and help me to navigate the tangle-y yarn. We laughed until we cried because I was simply...awkward. To be honest, I felt awkward in my body and knitting kind of reinforced that. But oh, I loved those times with Grandma, and would look at all of the wonderful blankets that she had created. 

I realize that I never should have stopped attempting to make my hands lose their awkwardness.... and am so glad that I have decided to learn this craft again. I wrote a little about it here. 

What is most amazing to me is that when I pick up the needles, the muscle memory returns, and I hear her voice and her sweet laugh. (Well. I also remember her cackle and her sigh and her questioning "Are you ready for some lunch now? Because I am.") 

So now, I am simply working on dishcloths. Focusing on the stitches. Trying to keep the tension the same. Relearning. Remembering. I have no idea if I will ever create something as lovely as a sweater....

As for reading, I have been looking through the Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison and learning new (interesting?) ways to cook vegetables. Really attempting to fill the bellies of my husband and sons with nutritious foods. 

Joe and I have been reading Stories of the Child Jesus from Many Lands. Good stuff here. We are also still reading and discussing The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

And I have also gifted myself the Magnificat. A lovely way to pray with prayers drawn from the Liturgy of the Hours. Tom and I truly do love Night Prayer, and are trying to get more into a rhythm of doing so TOGETHER. There is something so precious about the whispered words "God come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me." And our other favorite? "Protect us Lord as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake we may keep watch with Christ and asleep, rest in his peace." What a lovely way to fall asleep...a way to shut out the world. And remember that we were knit together so beautifully....

Gratefully joining in with Ginny today:

Threads of Grace {PHFR}

~ Capturing the context of everyday life ~

Every Thursday, along with Like Mother, Like Daughter!


{ pretty }

This lovely blanket was made for Max by Tom's grandmother and I just love the feel of the yarn that she used. Plus, the open design is just lovely, isn't it? So pretty on Max's rocker.

{ happy }

This lovely afghan was knit for me by MY grandma. It has taken many travels and wrapped me with love many times. Right now, it's snuggled up with "mama bear" in Max's room. (Sometimes, though, I have found it on Joe's bed, so I know that he gets comfort from it as well.)

{ funny }

Oh dear. At least I'm honest.... I have picked up knitting again and went to a lovely yarn cottage with my friend Beth and her mom, Mary Anne. Wonderful together time. On the left is the first dishcloth I made on fat needles to try and get the tension right. Ahem. On the the right, is the current project that looks like it will end up being more useful. The book has actually been quite a help although I MUCH prefer human contact and interaction. Another reason I so miss my grandma....

{ real }

 Can you see that it is Han Solo? He is sitting on the "Saints for Boys" sticker book.

And this is what the coffee table looked like this morning. I asked Joe what was up, and he said that the characters wanted to learn about the Saints. "You know mom, the force of God." Sometimes, that kid is more real than my heart can stand. There's real grace, there.

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