this, that and the other ...

"Green" Wedding Dresses ... For Real!

2010-03-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

I adore wedding dresses and love browsing the internet and magazines seeking out my favorites to ooh and ahh over. The most perfect job for me in all the world would be to accompany brides on the hunt for THE perfect wedding gown that, not only suits the style of their wedding, but that best compliments their shape. How fun would that be!

I came across a designer who's dresses I really like and who is doing something a little different. So what so different? She is using recycled materials in her wedding gowns! How cool is that? Deborah's wedding gowns are eco friendly or "green". So, what does "green" mean? Green means the dresses were made through environmentally and conscious means.

Here's some info on Deborah you just might find interesting if you love wedding dresses.

Deborah Lindquist raised a few eyebrows when she launched a day-wear line made exclusively from recycled fabrics in 1983, long before the terms “eco” and “green” had been coined. Raised on a farm in Willmar, Minnesota, surrounded by gardens, orchards, and cornfields, Lindquist was 5 years old when her grandmother taught her to sew. “Life on the farm sparked my respect for the Earth, and I knew that if I was to make an impact in the fashion world, I would have to do so in a manner that remained true to my love for the environment,” says the 52-year-old.

Lindquist highlighted a 2005 fashion show with a wedding dress made of hemp that drew national interest – from brides who read about it in blogs to a USA Today article on help farming that featured it. So in 2007, Deborah launched a green wedding collection made entirely of recycled materials, hemp blends, and soy silks.

If the idea of wearing hemp conjures up thoughts of scratchy ill-fitted clothing, brides can rest assured that these luxurious, highly stylized gowns are more suitable for a walk down the red carpet than a stroll up Haight-Ashbury. Lindquist’s dresses have a romantic, feminine feel with a bit of an edge. Detailed lace, beadwork, and ribbons embellish her creations with an air of elegance, while flirtatious bustiers and corsets lend a cutting-edge aesthetic. In an era when greening your wedding is oh so stylish, her designs allow you to wear that environmental commitment – and look good every step of the way.
Deborah Lindquist, North Hollywood, CA, 818-762-7199, deborahlindquist.com, $935–$3,000

To find out more about Deborah and here line of wedding gowns and clothing check out her site at: www.deborahlindquest.com

Photography Makeup Guide

2010-03-07T04:57:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you will agree, we all look better wearing a little makeup. Makeup applied properly enhances a person's natural beauty. With wedding and portrait season upon us I thought I would share some practical makeup tips.

Photography Makeup Guide
Looking good on camera doesn't require a makeup artist, but professional makeup tips help. Even if you prefer a natural look, the camera tends to exaggerate flaws and create artificial ones. Who needs that? These camera-friendly makeup tips focus on makeup application that enhances rather than detracts from your looks.

Makeup tips for camera include an array of corrective and dramatic effects as well as simply enhancing one's natural appearance. The key is to consider that images are two dimensional, so shadows and highlighted areas may need to be emphasized, de-emphasized or even simulated, for the best overall effect.

1. Skin, The Canvas: Before you apply makeup, start with smooth, toned and moisturized skin. If necessary, give yourself a facial or scrub treatment.Chances are if you don't exfoliate daily or weekly, your skin is covered in dead skin cells that are mucking up the surface of your skin and causing your skin to not only look dull, but older as well. Without proper exfoliation, foundation won't smooth over your skin cleanly and moisturizer won't properly soak in.
Exfoliate with face scrubs, microderm abrasion, chemical peels, beta alpha hydroxy pads or any Vitamin A product like Retin-A.
This minimizes uneven or artificial looking makeup application and promotes a healthy, glowing look.

2. Minimize Shadows: As photos are two-dimensional, the camera ages subjects by enhancing dark, fine lines and wrinkles. To compensate, gently apply a lighter shade of concealer makeup to darker areas: around the eyes, crevices and expression lines. Using upward strokes, next apply a light layer of foundation makeup over the face including lips. Blend makeup at the edges. Except for corrective work, use foundation makeup colors closely matching the natural skin color.
3. Bronze or Blush: Various makeup effects can be achieved with blush. Bronzer makeup powder is widely successful and produces a natural or lightly sculpted look, depending on its application.

4. To apply powder blush: blow off excess from the brush and apply lightly to cheekbones and above the outer corners of eyes to the temple. For a makeup application guide, make a wide peace sign with a hand. Rotate 90 degrees towards your nose. Palms out, place the point of the "V" at your hairline and align with the corner of your eye and the bottom finger resting on the cheekbone. Focus color at or one finger below this area on the cheek, and at or above this area around the eyes. Apply a second thin layer on checks and blend lightly at edges as needed.

* **Additional makeup tip: Bronzer makeup can also be applied along the sides of the nose to minimize width. And, a darker shade of blush applied under the cheekbones produces more definition.

5. Eyes and Lines: Unless you like the look, or have the eyes for it, avoid harsh lines, or the raccoon look, it makes the eyes look smaller and deeper set. Try a smoky-colored eyeliner pencil, and smudge a bit if necessary. With liquid eyeliner, an option is to dot the eyeliner next to the eyelash base rather than create a solid line. For a different look, limit liquid eyeliner application to the top eyelid and/or the outer corners of the eyes. Smoky eye shadow applied above the eyelids and blended with the outer corners of the eyes also creates a desirable effect; a highlighted brow area enhances this effect.
* **Additional makeup tip: To soften lines, lightly swipe the lid and brow area once or twice with a powder makeup brush dipped in light pink blush.

6. Lips: Most lips benefit from definition, even when lipstick is not generally used. For a natural but polished look, try a shade or two darker than your lip color, apply lip pencil, smudge lips a bit and apply a little gloss, or lipstick.
* **Additional makeup tip: Apply a lighter lip color or gloss only to the center of lips to enhance a pouty look.

7. Powder: When Not to Shine: Apply a light dusting of translucent powder over your face to avoid shine and set makeup. Concentrate on the T-zone as necessary, and apply sparingly to lined or dry areas.
8. Eyebrows: Before applying makeup make sure that the eyebrows are properly shaped as they affect facial expression. For a guide, align a pencil vertically along the edge of nostril and inner corner of the eye. Do the same for the outer corner of the eye. This makes a good start and endpoint for the eyebrow. If the eyebrow arch needs help, align the pencil with the edge of the nostril and the outer edge of the iris to determine the highest point of the arch. Tweeze stray brows outside these areas and use an eyebrow pencil for even more definition. However, it is best to avoid significant tweezing just prior to applying makeup.
9. Red Eyes: To brighten the whites of the eyes and minimize redness line the inner lower eyelid with a light blue eye pencil.

Hope these tips help! Every Saturday during the month of March I will be doing complimentary skin analysis and makeovers. I'm an image consultant with BeautiControl Cosmetics and have been for 15 years. Their skincare products are the best!

To see more of our photography please visit our site at: www.autumnsongphotography.com

Even "mature" skin can have a youthful glow with proper skin care and makeup.

Knits for The Girls

2010-02-21T19:07:00.001-08:00

Knitting for girls is so much fun, especially for little ones! There's just so much you can knit for them ... little pocket books, hats, totes, sweaters, sun dresses, etc...

I just finished a sweet little kimono and a beanie hat for Adalei and a darling little hat with a flower for Layla.

It's fun to take a basic hat pattern and add your own design. With Adalei's hat, I added a picot edging to match the edging on the kimono and then added a large flower.

With Layla's hat, I added a little lace look to the edging with the picot border. The purple and pink flower really made it pop! Layla was very specific with her request for a hat with a purple and pink flower.

We have another little blessing on the way in October and we're so excited! I can't wait to knit something special for our newest addition.

God is so good and we continue to thank Him for His many blessings in our lives.

Happy Knitting!

May every stitch you knit bring you a little closer

to that calm, clear space in the center of your soul.

Wedding Shoes ~ 2010 Top Picks

2010-02-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

Every young lady has dreamed of the perfect wedding attire for her wedding day. From head to toe, she has imagined herself to be a work of exquisite beauty. Yes, beauty and dreams have to be within our budgets. You may want to be in a Vera Wang gown and Channel shoes but all may not be possible. But it is true, a wedding is a once in a lifetime event and should be as grand as possible.
Do you notice a bride's shoes? I do, they tell me a lot about the bride and her personal style. Finding THE perfect pair of shoes is just as important as finding THE perfect dress.

Here are some of my top picks for 2010 wedding shoes.

1. Pierre Dumas - Excelent $49

2. Badgley Mischka - Tai $200

3. Nina - Elijah $89

4. Badgley Mischka - Randall $200

5. Badgley Mischka - Randee $215

6.Nina - Paladin $89

7. Badgley Mischka - Randee (Pink) $215

8. Badgley Mischka - Randee (White) $215

9. Paris Hilton - Senorita $120

10. Paris Hilton - Destiny $120

11. Diane Hassall - Pompom De Paris $339.01

12. Diane Hassall - Cressida $321.97

13. Diane Hassall - Sweat Briar $323.68

14. Kate Spade - Lover $295

What style is your style?

• Feminine, elegant, ankle straps and dangling rhinestones taking you off to a Cinderella world

• Pink bridal shoes with exquisite pink stone work that refracts a beautiful color of rainbow every time that light reflects from

• Sleek, shiny, thin and tall heels - they are not for the weak-hearted

• Crystal trim, satin work, ivory color or pure white - the elegance of simplicity, the touch of design and exquisite craftsmanship

• Are you more into sandals and pumps - more traditional but with elegance and style without the heels that shows you don't have to wear stilettos to say you know fashion

To view these shoes and more visit www.rainbowclub.co.uk, www.piperline.com and www.myglassslipper.com

Have A Cozy Weekend!

2010-01-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

Old Covered Bridge

So what are you up to this weekend? We're expecting to be snowed in with possibly 12 inches of snow! I'm ready for a cozy weekend with Rodney, accompanied by some books from my book list, movies, knitting AND some hearty recipes to cook.

Want to know some books on my reading list?
The Elegance of a Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Crazy Love by Francis Chan
Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life Ann Krouse Rosenthal
Tao of Photography by Philippe L. Gross and S. I. Shapiro
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Fearless by Max Lucado
Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
The Art Of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein

Recent books I've read and recommend are:
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers *****
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak *****
A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller *****
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen ****
The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister ***
Her Fearful Symmetery by Audrey Niffenegger ***

In reading, a lonely quiet concert is given to our minds; all our mental faculties will be present in this symphonic exaltation.
~Stéphane Mallarmé

Rodney and I may venture out on Sunday for some snowy landscape photography. I will definitely pack a thermos of coffee to help warm us!

I hope your weekend is full of coziness and fairy tales.

Frozen Falls at Hanging Rock

"Once in awhile, Right in the middle of an ordinary life, Love gives us a fairy tale."
~Anonymous~

Photography by Rod Slate at www.autumnsongphotography.com

A Cup Of Java Anyone?

2010-01-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

Taking a break from too much time in front of the computer today and enjoying a cup of java. I found myself daydreaming and watching the birds outside my window. What a pleasant break in the day.

The "new" antique cup & saucer in the photograph was a gift from my son and his wife. Isn't it lovely? A very nice, and much loved, addition to my collection.

Just thought I would share the recipe for the afternoon java.

Fireside Coffee
2 cups coffee creamer
1 1/2 cups hot cocoa mix
1 1/2 cups instant coffee
1 1/2 cups sugar (I add less)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix 2-3 tablespoons with one cup of hot water and enjoy.

I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee.
~Carly Simon

Joy To The World!

2009-12-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

We welcomed sweet Adalei into the world on December 9th and of course, she is beautiful. It has been two weeks since her arrival and all is well. Adalei is so very cuddly and content ... Layla is adjusting well to the new addition and to being a big sister.

We are so very thankful for God's continued blessings in our lives.

I knitted a few things recently as gifts. Still have some projects in the works ... just didn't seem to have enough time to finish them. You know how that is ... never enough hours in a day!

Rodney looks quite dapper in his rustic sweater doesn't he?

There is something quite comforting in the making of homemade bread. It speaks of home and warmth and comfort … and in this case, the holidays. I make a sweet bread, which is more like a pastry, just before Christmas every year. It has become a tradition in my kitchen.The bread is given to friends, neighbors and family (and of course, we keep a few in the freezer for later on) The recipe was shared with me many years ago by my twin sister, Sharon. Just thought I'd share the recipe for any who might want to try it. It is delicious!

Cream Cheese Bread

1cup commercial sour cream

½ cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

½ cup melted butter

2 pkg. dry yeast

½ cup warm water (105-115 degrees)

2 eggs, beaten

4 cups all purpose flour

Heat sour cream over low heat; stir in sugar, salt, butter; cool to lukewarm.

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a large mixing bowl, stirring until yeast dissolves. Add sour cream mixture, eggs and flour; mix well. Cover tightly, refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.

The next day, divide dough into 4 equal parts; roll out each part on a well-floured board into 12x18 rectangles.

Spread ¼ of cream cheese filling on each rectangle and roll up jellyroll fashion, beginning at long sides.

Pinch edges together and fold ends under slightly, place rolls seam side down on greased baking sheets.

Slit each roll at 2 inch intervals about 2/3 of the way through to resemble a braid. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk (about 1 hour). Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Spread with glaze while warm. Yield: 4 loaves

Cream Cheese filling

2 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

¾ cup sugar

1 egg, beaten

1/8 tsp vanilla extract

Combine cream cheese and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add egg, salt and vanilla; mix well.

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar

4 tbsp. milk

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine and mix well. Drizzle over warm loafs

Hope you all have a very, merry Christmas and remember to take time out in the midst of the hussle and bussle to celebrate the reason for the season. Do you know the greatest gift of all?

Any Day Now!

2009-11-11T18:26:00.000-08:00

Our family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Adalei Grace, due to join us any day now! She is our third grand child and we are just as excited about her arrival as we were the first two. I can hardly wait to hold her and tell her I love her; to bond with her as I did with Bradyn and Layla and to watch her grow. Don't little ones grow so fast!
I knitted a blanket to bundle Adalei in and a cap and socks to keep her warm. It gives me great joy to knit for my grands and already have a sweet little sweater pattern picked out to knit for Adalei ... looking forward to getting started on it as soon as I finish some Christmas projects in the works.
If you would like to have a sneak peak of Adalei, please visit Lindsey's blog at www.lindseybroere.blogspot.com. There you will see some recent ultra sound pics of Adalei. It is amazing at the details you can see! She has the sweetest little mouth and the shape of her eyes are so pretty.
We also have maternity pics of Lindsey on our blog at www.autumnsongphotography.com so check them out. Rodney wrote the sweetest article too. Make sure you have a tissue handy, you will need it!

A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.
~ Eda J Leshan ~

A Week in a Different World ... or So It Seemed!

2009-11-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Last week was the bi-annual High Point Market, an international furniture market that has been going on for ages in High Point, N.C.. We,( Autumn Song Photography) had the pleasure of photographing the HOUSE BEAUTIFUL magazine party. House Beautiful really knows how to throw a beautiful party and what a great staff! It was an honor for Lindsey and I to be there and so much fun to see all the people that attended.
Stephen and Kate with HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, Barclay Butera, Marietta Gomez, Barry Dixon, Raymond Waites, Annie Selk, Thomas Jayne ... just a few of who was there!

location of the HOUSE BEAUTIFUL party in High Point, N.C.

Dominck Rotundi, Steven (HB editor), Marietta Gomez

Michael, Ann Lambeth, Barry Dixon

Barclay Butera and Christine Phillips

Frouwkje Pagani, Kate (HB), Stephen Pagani

Raymond Waites and friend

Cynthia O'Malley and Thomas Payne

I also had the pleasure of working for Randall Tysinger of Randall Tysinger Antiques during the week of market.
I worked for Randall years ago before opening an art gallery and was delighted when he called to ask if I would help out ... not only to be surrounded by the beautiful antiques but also the opportunity to meet people. (If you know me at all you know I love people, all kinds of people!)
Randall has the most amazing eye for European antiques. Designers and homeowners, both nationally and internationally, visit Randall to purchase antiques. Barry Dixon, Marrietta Gomez and Raymond Waites, internationally renowned designers, are clients of Randall Tysinger Antiques.
Here are a few photos of some of the antiques. It was a little difficult to shoot in the showroom because of spot lights and track lighting but at least you can get the gist of my surroundings.

This is an English pine cupboard, Circa 1880. I am really, really wanting this cupboard for my breakfast room! I will add this to my wish list ... Santa?

Now back to the real world ... of which I love too! Good times with my family and our photography business ... and, oh yes, knitting ... I have so many projects going for Christmas! I will share those on another post. Thanks for visiting and have a blessed week.

"Remember that the most valuable antiques are dear old friends."
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Run 4 Revolution

2009-10-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

My husband and I believe in making a difference in the lives of others. That is one of the many reasons we support Run 4 Revolution. I know I just posted about our support for Operation Smile but Run 4 Revolution is such a worthy and important cause ... I felt in my heart that I needed to share this with any who may read this blog.

So what is a revolution....
Derived from the Latin word "revolutio", revolution means "a turn around".

Our daughter, Lindsey, is very passionate about the fight against human trafficking and she has had an ache in her heart for YEARS, for innocent children (over a million of them) all over the world who fall victim to sex trafficking - children who are ripped from their homes and sold into prostitution, some as young as four years old!.

Lindsey has educated herself about human trafficking and her heart and soul has been on fire to do something ... to raise awareness and to fight to protect innocent children that fall victim to human trafficking. She, along with her friend LIndy who is a missionary in Kenya, have joined to make a team to raise funds to fight this horrible crime. How are they doing this? They are running for the cause ... Run 4 Revolution.

So, Lindsey and Lindy are starting, what they hope, will be a monster of an organization that works like a worldwide track club where members sign up to run races and raise money for the International Justice Mission's effort with human trafficking under the banner of Run 4 Revolution. If you have not heard of the International Justice Mission, please take some time to check them out.

Lindsey is 8 months pregnant with her second child, Adalei. The two will be running the Ardmore 5K in Winston Salem on October 17th to raise money for this great cause. Want to learn more? Check out her site at:

www.lindseybroere.blogspot.com

In the meantime, some other ways you can help...

~Educate yourselves on human trafficking
~Read books on human trafficking. I recommend "Terrify No More" by Gary Haugen
~Pray about joining R4R

We support this cause 100%, in fact, we will match every donation made for Run 4 Revolution up to $100 per person. Contact Lindsey at:

lindseybroere@yahoo.com to make your donation or visit her blog at:

www.lindseybroere.blogspot.com

You can also check out Run 4 Revolution site at:
http://run4revolution.com/

Run 4 Revolution is a worldwide running club that, through its members, creates awareness and helps fund the fight against the violence that steals dignity and health from children trafficked into forced prostitution. Human trafficking is the world’s third largest criminal enterprise–just after drugs and weapons. There are nearly two million children, worldwide, who have been forced into the commercial sex trade. This is an industry that is based solely on force, coercion and exploitation–an industry that profits $32 billion annually from rape. This is an industry that WE are doing our part to see crippled–brought to its knees with your support.

All donations received and money earned by Run 4 Revolution go directly to fund International Justice Mission. The International Justice Mission fights to secure the protection of the law for trafficked women and children. Human trafficking will continue as long as it is a profitable criminal enterprise. By working to free victims and prosecuting the criminals benefiting from this industry, IJM operations actively increase the risk and decrease the profitability of trafficking.

Help us in making a difference in the lives of millions of innocent children!

Thank you for your interest and support for this great cause.

"Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don't know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!"
-- Anne Frank (1929-1945), Jewish Refugee and Diarist

Help Create A Smile

2009-10-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

A smile is universal in meaning . . . and it is pretty contagious! But what about children who cannot smile? Those who find it difficult to even speak or eat?

I want to share with you about something that is very dear to our hearts ... helping children through Operation Smile.

Recording the faces of children and their families is our greatest pleasure. That’s why we believe so strongly in the work of Operation Smile. Each year this incredible organization of more than 6,000 volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists, and specialized health-care professionals, perform free reconstructive surgeries for children suffering with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities. More than 100,000 children are born with a facial deformity each year in Operation Smile’s 26 partner countries.
This October our photography business, Autumn Song, will participate with an elite group of photographers around the country in a very special family portrait promotion. Throughout October we will celebrate “Family Portrait Month,” a wonderful opportunity for you to update your family portrait (or portraits of your children), and help to support Operation Smile, which treats children around the world who suffer with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

Along with other studio members of Professional Photographers of America (PPA), we have pledged to contribute a portion from each session to PPA Charities, which has chosen Operation Smile as its charitable partner.

We hope you will join with us in helping to make this vital work possible. Don’t forget that the holiday season is right around the corner, so there’s no better time for a family portrait, which is always appreciated as gifts for family and friends and to send along with holiday greeting cards.

A smile is universal in meaning . . . and it is pretty contagious! But what about children who cannot smile? Those who find it difficult to even speak or eat? Now is your chance to give them a smile. Participate in Family Portrait Month and make a difference! For further information or to schedule a portrait session email us at kslate@autumnsongphotography.com or call 336-475-6457.
To find out more about Family Portrait Month visit our website at:
www.autumnsongphotography.com

If you are not interested in family portraits but would like to make a difference by contributing to Operation Smile you can do so by visiting their website at: www.operationsmile.org

"There is more happiness in giving
than in receiving."
Acts, 20:35

Autumn Is Here!

2009-09-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

Autumn is here and I have been so anxious for it's arrival ... Don't you just love this time of year? Cool nights, the beautiful foliage colors, football games, fresh apples and leaves just starting to dance their way to the ground ...

North Carolina is a great place to experience the seasons, especially Autumn. We are fortunate to live in the Piedmont where we have easy access, not only to the foothills, but to the mountains and the coast.

So, with Autumn finally here, I am making a list of fun stuff to do and projects to accomplish ..... hiking, knitting, fall planting, new recipes and books to read.... and, of course, joyous outings with our family.

Recipes ... on my, there are so many good, hearty ones for fall and tons of delicious dessert recipes using fresh mountain apples! The Barefoot Contessa on Food Network has some of the best fall recipes!

Rodney and I really enjoy riding up to the mountains to get apples to have on hand for making apple crisps, apple pie, apple butter, stewed apples, apple jelly and ... apples just for slicing.

Apple Crisp

One of our favorite recipes is from Cooking Light, the Fall issue of 2006 on page 174. This one was actually their cover recipe; Classic Beef Pot Roast ... it is so savory and hearty AND we partake of it at least once a month during the fall and winter months! I thought I would share it with you just in case you want to try it. If you like pot roast, you will love this! Toasted crusty bread and a glass of red wine are nice companions with this hearty dish!

(I love cooking in my big Le Creuset pot!)

Classic Pot Roast
Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 3 ounces roast, about 3/4 cup vegetables, and about 3 tablespoons cooking liquid)

Ingredients

* 1 teaspoon olive oil
* 1 (3-pound) boneless chuck roast, trimmed
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 2 cups coarsely chopped onion
* 1 cup dry red wine
* 4 thyme sprigs
* 3 garlic cloves, chopped
* 1 (14-ounce) can fat-free, less-sodium beef broth
* 1 bay leaf
* 4 large carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
* 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
* Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350º.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chuck roast with salt and pepper. Add roast to pan; cook 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove roast from pan. Add onion to pan; sauté 8 minutes or until tender.

Return browned roast to pan. Add the red wine, thyme sprigs, chopped garlic, beef broth, and bay leaf to pan; bring to a simmer. Cover pan and bake at 350° for 1 1/2 hours or until the roast is almost tender.

Add carrots and potatoes to pan. Cover and bake an additional 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf from pan; discard. Shred meat with 2 forks. Serve roast with vegetable mixture and cooking liquid. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.

Ode to Autumn Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells With a sweet kernel; to set budding more, And still more, later flowers for the bees, Until they think warm days will never cease, For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.
John Keats

"Baby in the Basket!"

2009-09-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Rejoice in the Lord always, delight
yourselves in Him; again I say, Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

We have a baby on the way due to arrive the first of December! Our daughter and her husband are expecting their second child. We are so very excited and are so thankful for God's many blessings in our lives.

Here is the little lace baby blanket I am knitting. Can you guess what we are having? Not very difficult when you see the pink..... a sure give away! Her name is Adalei Grace. Isn't it a sweet, pretty name? Very feminine and elegant. I saw the pattern and thought it was so fitting for Adalei.

The pattern is a Feathered Baby Blanket by Kaye Smith and was shared with me by my friend Leslie. She blogs at http://whitehorsedesigns.blogspot.com/.

Layla is so excited about being a big sister. She has picked out a special stuffed animal for her baby sister. Layla talks about baby Adalei often. Bradyn is looking forward to having another cousin, although, he was pretty blunt in saying he really wanted a boy cousin to play with. Kids are so open and honest, don't you just love'em!

A baby girl is a treasure rare;
A sweet pink angel, a little doll,
Nothing else can quite compare. Her smiles and coos will bring you joy;
She'll fill your hearts with love and pleasure;
So cherish these special infant times,
With your little girl, your precious treasure. By Joanna Fuchs

Local Produce

2009-08-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, green beans, okra, corn, watermelon, peaches.........

Do you buy produce from local farmers? We do and really enjoy having all the fresh veggies and fruit, especially this time of year. We also like knowing we are supporting our local farmers. There's a local farmer's market within a couple of miles from where we are and another one about 20 minutes away. Rodney and I enjoy the fresh veggies so much that we plan our meals around what we can get fresh at the market.
One of our favorite lunch menus during the summer is a tomato sandwich with nothing other than Duke's mayo, salt and lots of pepper ..... oh yeah, can't get much better than that when you have fresh tomatoes!'

And what about a sweet, juicy crimson sweet watermelon....... makes my mouth water just thinking about it.......

"When one has tasted it he knows what the angels eat."
Mark Twain

With the temps in the 90's, this is the perfect time to cut open an ice cold watermelon!

If your are not sure where you can go to buy fresh, local produce....... check out www.localharvest.org

Buy local and enjoy all the great tasting, good-for-you produce. I just bought some fresh blackberries this morning at the Farmer's Market and am going to make a blackberry cobbler... I am already thinking how it is going to taste with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream......... wanna join me? :)

“The difference of a single day is perceptible. Vegetables and fruit can only be tasted in perfection, gathered the same day.”

Cool and Refreshing Summer Drinks

2009-07-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

Lemon-Verbena Iced Tea

During the summertime we all like cool, refreshing drinks. Some of my favorites are iced teas and margaritas. Here are a just few varieties of refreshing teas.

Chamomile-Lavender Mint Iced Tea

Iced Mint Tea

Sparkling Cranberry Tea

Blackberry Iced Tea

These teas are so cool and refreshing!

I do enjoy margaritas, especially in the summer, but not all the sugar in them. Did you know you can make margaritas with at least half the calories by making homemade margaritas with splenda?

My favorite tea is the classic Southern sweet tea which we call "proper" tea!

My favorite margarita, by far, is the classic margarita.... just love the lemon-lime flavor.

What is your favorite summertime, cool and refreshing drink?

“Let your boat of life be light, packed with only what you need - a homely home and simple pleasures, one or two friends, worth the name, someone to love and someone to love you, a cat, a dog, and a pipe or two, enough to eat and enough to wear, and a little more than enough to drink; for thirst is a dangerous thing.”
~ Jerome K. Jerome ~

Beach Photography - Family Vacation

2009-07-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Vacation is over but oh what good memories! We had such an awesome time and are already looking forward to the next one.

We played on the beach, jumped the waves, built things in the sand, swam in the pool, fished off the pier, played games, ran on the beach, watched movies, ate too much, etc.....

Here is our crowd at the beach. Nick, our son, did not come down until later in the week so he is not in this pic. (Sorry Nick!)

Here are more pics from the week, thanks for allowing me to share with you.

Layla and Bradyn....... aren't they sweet!

That's me in the white and jeans with my twin sister, Sharon.

Layla loved playing in the sand!

Bradyn and his mom made a cool whale in the sand.

Rodney and Bradyn.... they are like peas and carrots!

My sister sure enjoyed the attention from Layla!

Bradyn loved being a "pirate"!

This old truck sits out front of the Litchfield Fish House.... a local place that is packed every night! They have really good seafood and a nice bar. I have never seen a restaurant so kid friendly! They even have a small playground for the kids.
www.litchfieldbeachfishhouse.com

If you would like to see more pics from our vacation or our work, visit our website at:
www.autumnsongphotography.com

Do you have a favorite summer vacation trip with the family that you take? Where do you like to go? I would love to hear from you!

(by the way, in case you are wondering, I didn't knit very much at all.......too busy having fun and making memories!)

Sites you might want to visit for travel tips:
http://mommosttraveled.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-17020-DC-Green-Living-Examiner
http://maps.google.com/help/maps/travel

"Remember, happiness is a way of travel, not a destination."
R. Goodman

Happy July 4th!

2009-07-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

You're a Grand Old Flag

by George M. Cohan

You're a grand old flag,
You're a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You're the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev'ry heart beats true
'neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there's never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Here is a pic of Heather's flag over at http://www.thecoterieblog.com/.

What a cool flag!

Isn't she a beautiful lady.....

check out this site for more beautiful pics of the Statue of Liberty http://www.fififlowers.com/

Great post Fifi!

Whatever plans you have for your 4th of July celebration, make it a memorable one and celebrate the red, white and blue!

Beach Bound!

2009-06-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about our upcoming family beach vacation and counting down the days....

The first items I am packing....... my beach knitting projects, of course! I have chosen a couple of easy, summery items to knit out of this Sirdar knitting book.

This book has the coolest summer knit projects.... I want to knit them all.......

This is for my daughter-in-law I am knitting with a bamboo and silk yarn in yellow. She has auburn hair and brown eyes, don't you think this color will look great on her?

This one I will knit in a Sublime soy cotton for...... yours truly

in this color

Now to pack the other stuff for our beach vacation.......camera, sun screen, books, games, bachi ball set, treats for the kids, etc.....

I can't wait to post pics from the beach trip!

"Oh, to be lying,On a beach,Somewhere,With sand in my toes,And the wind,In my hair. And only the sound,Of the seagulls,On high,On a beach,Somewhere,Under sunny blue sky."

Summertime!

2009-06-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite things about summer is dining outside. We had an evening recently that was perfect...... a light breeze, clear skies and the birds singing..... our meal was so yummy....... you can't beat a nice aged Angus beef tenderloin on the grill with a few veggies on the side(and, of course, a glass of wine). It was wonderful!

Rod and I sat outside for a while and just savored the time. This time of year we usually just grab a salad or sandwich or eat on the run..... you may wonder why.....mostly because of the nature of our business.... this is our busy "season".

....another thing about summer...... flowers, flowers, flowers..... nice to go out early in the morning to see what is happening in the yard. Here's whats blooming in our perennial bed.....

Oh..... yes, that's Beau..... my garden companion....

Next to bloom are the cone flowers, garden phlox, monarda and delphiniums...... can't wait!

Here is the brown bear I knitted for Bradyn last weekend. He was staying with us while his parents were away. Bradyn was really sick...he ask me to knit him a bear and, of course, I started on it immediately. He ask me to give his bear a "mean" face..... couldn't quite bring myself to make a face any meaner than this! Stuffed animals are supposed to have happy faces, right? (Bradyn is all in to super heroes......)

I am working on a sweet little top for Layla from Sublime patterns..... there are so many cute things to knit for little girls..... and big girls too!

"I want to have fun. I want to shine like the sun. I want to be the one that you want to see. I want to knit you a sweater. I want to write you a love letter. I want to make you feel better. I want to make you feel free."
Joni Mitchell

Knitting for the kids

2009-06-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I am finally getting around to posting some pics of the sun top I knitted for Layla that I promised a while back. Sorry for the delay! We have been really busy with our photography business, Autumn Song Photography, of which I am so glad.... weddings, children's portraits, engagement sessions, etc.... I have also been busy doing a little gardening, running, hiking with Beau and playing with the kids; a little of this, that and the other....

Layla's sun top was knitted from a pattern a friend shared with me and is also a free pattern on the internet. Below is a link for the pattern.

Sun top knit pattern
www.lionbrand.com

type in sun top and it will take you straight to the pattern

I also knitted Layla a floppy-earred bunny with a sun top too....wish I had some pics to share of the bunny....Layla was so eager to take it with her before I had a chance to snap a few pics. She has already put in a request for a bear so I will be knitting two bears, one for Bradyn and one for Layla. They both ask for a bear.... I love it when they enjoy the handmade knits...... knitted with lots of love!

The sun top and bunny were both such fun and easy projects I finished in just about 6 to 8 hours each. There are many variations you can make with this pattern which is another thing that makes it fun to knit. I love to knit a quick and easy project ever so often. My plans are to knit another sun top for Layla with a few changes to the pattern. The next one will be green with a rib of bright pink along the bottom with bright pink flowers on the bodice.

Hope it want be so long before I post again. Enjoy your summer.... a good time to head to the beach.... I am counting down the days! I love summer time, don't you? What plans do you have?

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these."

George Washington Carver

Reading A Good Book

2009-05-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

I recently read "The Good Earth" for the third time over the course of the last 20 or so years. The book was on the reader's club book list at our local library so I was inclined to read it again as it is one of my all time favorite books. I thought I would share a little about the "The Good Earth" with you.

The Good Earth was written in 1931 by Pearl Buck and was the bestseller book in the US in 1931 and 1932. It was reviewed by all the major newspapers and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932.

In many ways the book is a study of culture, character, values, roots and hard work. The author has the ability to draw you in and allows you know the two main characters within the first page or two. She writes with such raw imagery that captures you and causes you to feel a connection to the characters and their lives. Pearl Buck enlightens the reader to the ancient traditions of China and in some ways emphasizes the injustice of these traditions.
The Good Earth is a portrayal of a poor farmer's life and his bond with the land which is as relevant to our own ancestral roots as it is to rural China. Wang Lung is a very complex man which is depicted in his relationships with his wife, children and village. He, along with his wife O-lan, work very hard to earn enough many to buy land. O-lan is a very unique character. She was a slave in a wealthy household until she comes to share her life with Wang Lung. O-lan is a very hard worker and Wang Lung thinks of her as a strong and competent woman to raise his children and maintain the home. Her relationship with her husband, as with all women and husbands of rural China, was in a subservient fashion. Again, the author empathizes the injustice of the culture and tradition.

Through the years, Wang Lung's family suffer poverty and famine but their strength of character sustains them through stark conditions that most would think inconceivable. At one time they were reduced to begging on the streets, Wang Lung refusing to sell his land. Things turn around as China begins to prosper and Wang Lung continues to buy land. He eventually becomes a wealthy landowner. What Pearl Buck shows here with the evolution of a proud hardworking peasant to a wealthy landowner is very disheartening. The disintegration of this man and his family as they become alienated from the land and its noble values is sad and is portrayed so eloquently by Pearl Buck.

Have you read The Good Earth? If you haven't read the book I encourage you to do so;The Good Earth should be on everyone's reading list. Here is a link with a summary of the book and actually has a review of each chapter.

www.bookrags.com:notes:ge:.webloc

What books are on your reading list this summer? Let me know, I am looking for some good books to read.

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~Chinese Proverb

This, That and The Other

2009-05-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to fresh herbs, produce and fresh cut flowers for the house. Since we have a newbie to the household, a 10 month old golden retriever, my gardening techniques have changed. If you remember from a previous post, Beau loves the smell of freshly turned soil and enjoys snapping flower blooms off the stem. He seems to think he is helping me by "fertilizing" the perennial bed!
The window boxes have been planted and are so pretty. I am concerned about the box at the breakfast room window. Just hope Beau doesn't find the plants interesting to him, after all, they are within his reach. It has been a week and a half and so far, so good, the plants are still there.

To combat the problem of the "plant removal" by Beau I have planted annual herbs in pots instead of the herb garden and have done the same with the tomato plants and other veggies. It is so exciting to see them growing and doing well! I sprinkled some seeds in the beds and they are little weaklings right now so we shall see if that make it.
Do you have a favorite herb? I have two favorites, basil and rosemary. They are so pungent and add a lot of flavor to most any dish. Don't you enjoy walking outside to gather herbs for a meal? I love it!

I have planted lots of parsley, basil, cilantro, thyme (oh yea, that's a favorite too!), dill and then some squash, ocra, tomatoes, cucumbers, arugula (favorite green!), eggplant and swiss chard. Yum, yum, just love all the flavor.

Just have to share a little about our photography business. Things are going well! We are exhibiting at a solo show at the local library in Thomasville for the month of May. The response already has been great. Rodney is presenting a slide show of nature work this Tuesday evening. The music that will accompany the slide show was written for us (Autumn Song) by a very good and talented friend, Ray Fredette. Ray has a heart for God and has been blessed with a talent for music.
After our presentation this week I plan to post a link so you can view the slide show, I think you will like it.

In the meantime, check out our blog at www.autumnsongphotography.com to see the latest in photo shoots, workshops and happenings at Autumn Song Photography.
Leave us a comment, we would love to hear from you!
We are hitting the prime season and wow, it is so much fun meeting so many new people as well as catching up with returning clients. We also have some exciting stuff happening with Black Daffodil Films.
Black Daffodil Films is our daughter's business creating vintage-like movies with Super 8 film and still photography. Lindsey is very talented and the artistry in her work is obvious with the film she has recently released. Check it out at www.blackdaffodilfilms.blogspot.com . We also have a post on our site about the marriage of still photography and Super 8 film which is so emotionally charged!

So, I am meeting up my friend Carol this week. I am sure I will learn something new, I always do AND we always have such a good time. I love her heart and her spirit plus she is a born again Christian too. God is so good and I know He reunited us at this time in our lives for a reason and know He has so much more in store for us!

I said this post is about this, that and the other and boy was I right! Sorry for the long post, just had a lot to say and could keep on writing (typing) but I am sure you are ready to move on so I will close now. God Bless!

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

ps
Sorry I did not post a pic of Layla in her newly knitted sun top. Stay tuned, hope to post a pic soon!

The Gift of Friendship

2009-05-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

I recently reconnected with a friend from 30 years ago and it has been great catching up. Honestly, it is like we picked right up where we left off and haven't missed a beat! It has been so much fun talking, knitting, sharing plants and laughing; speaking of which, my friend makes me laugh more than anyone else I know or have ever known! My friend's name is Carol.

One of the things we have in common is a love for knitting, though she is way far more advanced than I am. She has been knitting since she was nine years old and me, only for five years; still such a beginner!
Carol showed me a little sun top and a teddy bear with a matching sun top she knitted for one of her grands. Both were so adorable and, of course, I wanted to knit the same for Layla. (I will, hopefully, share a photo of the sun top on my next blog post). The yarn Carol used was yarn recycled from a nice sweater she purchased from a local thrift store. I expressed to her my interest in using recycled yarn, especially with the economy and my need to restrain from spending.
This past week Carol brought over two great sweater finds from the thrift shop for the cost of a whopping $1.00. We took the sweaters apart and wound the yarn, not wasting very much at all. We had so much fun! I learned how to recycle yarn and now have "new" yarn for another project for a small investment of $1.00

The next project I would like to learn is how to dye yarns with kool-aid. She dyed some yarn that looks so cool and knitted a pair of socks with it. Check out her blog at www.taddiebeeknitting.blogspot.com to see her recycled, dyed yarn AND her, way too cool pair of socks!

Friendship is a blessing and I look forward to sharing more special times with my friend Carol.

"God never loved me in so
sweet a way before.
'Tis He alone who can
such blessings send.
And when His love would
new expressions find,
He brought thee to me
and said.....

Behold a friend"

Gardening - Agapanthus

2009-04-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

Gardening for the last couple of weeks has been so enjoyable. I love the smell of the soil, seeing the green breaking through and the opening of the flowers as they reach for the sun. Gardening is soulful; when I am in the garden I think about life, I sing and I pray. The garden is a peaceful place.
I moved a plant I am very fond of last year and thought that it had died. It doesn't do very well when it is moved. Several weeks ago I witnessed the first site of green as the plant broke through the soil and I was ecstatic! The plant is an agapanthus, belonging to the lily family. I thought I would share a little info on this little beauty.

The agapanthus is a native of South Africa and belongs to the lily family. They are known as African Lilies and Lilies-of-the-Nile. Agapanthus reach about two feet in height and are topped with cluster of pretty white to dark blue flowers from late spring to early autumn. The agapanthus is hardy in zones 7 to 11 and like full sun to part shade unless you live in a hot climate where they should be set in partial shade.

Go forth, plant an agapanthus and enjoy it's beauty.

Check out our photography blog at www.autumnsongphotography.com to see my new garden apron from France that Rod bought as a surprise; it is soooooooo pretty and very special!

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
~Dorothy Frances Gurney, "Garden Thoughts"

Gardening - New Projects

2009-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and now it is time to do some gardening, another favorite hobby of mine (of which I have many). By the way, check out our photography blog at Autumn Song to see some photos of spring Rod took just in the backyard. They are so renewing, especially after the lull of winter!

I have been cleaning out the flower beds and getting ready to do some spring plantings. Beau, my golden retriever, has been hot on my heels; everywhere I go, he is there too! Beau, still just a puppy at 8 months old, enjoys pulling up plants and chewing on them. He has pulled up and eaten a three year old lilac bush, every pansy planted, a trumpet plant, the roses and five-leafed akebia on the arbor, chewed the bark on several trees, etc.... He does these things when I am not out to see what he is up to, darn him! Makes me wonder why we every decided to get another dog then I remember how much I enjoy the companionship of a dog.... most of the time.

What would Caesar have me do? I know he would tell me Beau needs more exercise but he gets plenty of exercise when we run and/or hike most every day of the week. And another thing, Beau has beheaded most all my tulips just before they opened, only to lay them down beside the stems. OK, enough about Beau..... but what is up with this dog!

He is a beautiful boy, don't you agree?
Ok, so I am thinking of, well another project; this one in the front yard. Just where the hill starts to peek I want to cut in to the hill (the hill is a little steeper than it looks) and dry stack some stone. Then I want to plant the upper part like a French cottage garden which goes with the style of our house (or at least I think it does). I have been studying this little plan for a couple of years now and am ready to proceed once I talk Rod in to the plan, after all, I will need his help too!

Managed to get a pic without Beau, thanks to the invisible fence.

I do believe I will keep him!

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
~Dorothy Frances Gurney, "Garden Thoughts"

The Juliet

2009-04-06T17:49:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways.......

Yes, I do love the Juliet, as fun to knit as it is to wear and I do wear mine often. Every time I wear it I get compliments and have been asked where I found such a unique cami. A friend even ask if it was a boutique purchase..... gloat, gloat, gloat.
I knitted my daughter one and it tickles me pink when she wears hers. Who knows, I may even knit sis one; she's been asking for one since last fall! (obviously she doesn't knit and doesn't even want to learn to knit)

If you are interested in the pattern, check out the Juliet on ravelry.com. There are lots of posts from knitters who have knitted the Juliet. Here is a link if you would like to purchase the pattern.

www.zephyrstyle.com

"Good night, good night, parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow."
Shakespeare

"Dinner for Two"

2009-04-02T19:00:00.000-07:00

Cooking is one of the things I really enjoy! To find a recipe with a contrast of texture and flavor is so delightful and then the nuance of what herbs can bring to a dish is, ummmmm....... yummy! Rodney and I had a very busy and productive day with our photography business so I was really looking forward to preparing a nice meal for us to enjoy as we unwind. Rod is so good about trying different recipes and never, ever complains, but I do read him well enough to know when he really does like a dish or not. This happens to be one of our favorites, Tangy Cherry Chicken.

We finished off the meal with a "light" dark chocolate pudding topped with whip and walnuts; nice finish to a nice dinner. What an enjoyable end to a wonderful day....

Below is the recipe, wish I new where the original came from to give credit. Our daughter shared the recipe with me and I have shared it with many friends.... so easy and so tasty; enjoy!

Tangy Cherry Chicken
3 TBS EVOO
4-6 oz. boneless chicken breast halves
1 TBS fresh thyme
sea salt and fresh ground pepper
1 small red onion chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 dried cherries
3 TBS cold butter

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat with 2 tbs of EVOO. Season the chicken liberally with half of the thyme and salt and pepper; add to hot skillet. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove the chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.

Return the skillet to the burner over medium high heat, add the remaining tbs of EVOO and add the onions, celery, red pepper, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes or until the celery and onions are tender. Add the white wine and cook until the pan is almost dry (1 minute). Add the chicken stock, dried cherries and remaining thyme. Continue to cook for about 4-5 minutes or until there is only about 1.4 cups of liquid left in the pan. Turn the heat off under the pan. Add the butter and whisk until it has completely melted.

Serve the chicken breasts whole or sliced with the cherry sauce poured over them.

This recipe is great with brown or jasmine rice, asparagus, green beans or broccoli, and of course, a nice glass of wine!

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." ~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story

Happy Anniversary!

2009-03-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary!

My husband and I just celebrated our anniversary. March is our favorite month of the year for more reasons than one; not only because of our anniversary but also because March is the month of the birth of both our children. Rodney and I celebrated our anniversary this year with the simple pleasure of an outing to historic Salisbury, NC for some antiquing. I certainly missed out on my knitting group/class but this was something special to share with Rod.
After several hours we found the perfect bone china cup & saucer to add to my collection. By the way, I only have three in my collection; new hobby we/I started a year ago. (never been much interested in collecting)
Ironically, after Rod and I found THE first cup & saucer a year or so ago in Salisbury, we had a meeting at a client's home who was getting ready for a luncheon that same day. Linda showed us around her beautiful home and, much to my amazement, there in her dining room was the most beautiful collection of bone china cup & saucers you could imagine with a story behind each piece! It just made me that much excited about my new "collection".
My daughter gave me a beautiful cup & saucer for Christmas and, of course, I cried; not so much for the monetary value but the sentimental value (the thought that went in to choosing the gift). It showed me she listens and cares.....

Rod and I finished our celebration with lunch at one of our favorites.... Sidewalk Deli

"Love is the enchanted dawn of every heart"
Lamartime

INTERWEAVE KNITS

2009-03-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

The new Interweave Knits Spring 2009 magazine is out and it is rockin'! I am so excited about it and have already picked out at least a half a dozen projects.

Some of my favs in the magazine are:
Silk Cocoon Cardigan on pg 28
Petal Halter on pg. 32
Diminishing Rib Cardigan on pg. 36
Soap Bubble Wrap on pg. 37
Hannah Fettig's Whisper Cardigan on pg. 41
Sculptured Lace Scarf on pg. 42
And, oh my goodness, can't believe I almost overlooked the Delphine Lacy Cap-Sleeve Top on pg 20! My absolute favorite in the magazine! This pattern is from the new knit book called "French Girl Knits" of which I do not own yet but it is on my wish list. I am sort of a knit book and cook book junkie so I am practicing self-restraint; at least this week.
The pattern is knitted with #2 Sportweight yarn like Blue Skys Alpacas Silk and is knitted on sizes US 2,3, and 4 needles. This is a must for me to knit and would look so amazing on my daughter!
I love, love lace knitting; it is so feminine so of course I am attracted to any article or pattern that has lace. That being said, there is a good little article in Interweave Knits called "Shaping Lace with Short-Rows" by Kristin Omdahl. She offers some good info beyond the basics of lace knitting.

The ads in the magazine for new yarns and patterns are pretty awesome too. I am itching to go to the yarn shop and lust after some of those luxurious yarns; so trying not to spend any more money for yarn or books, for now! Can't wait for this stinking economy to turn around for more reasons than one. Now that is an issue we could spends hours discussing OR debating so let's just leave it at that.

You know, there are only so many hours in a day to do all you want or need to do and it never seems like the day is long enough. I am sure many of you feel the same way. Too, too much on my list to do and too many "extras" I like to do like knitting, cooking, gardening, hiking, running, etc.... I have gone three days without a chance to touch my needles and I am going in to DTS! Gotta go, picking up my needles to knit a row or two.

Have a great week and check out Interweave Knits!

.....He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair..." Isaiah 61:3

Knitting for the joy of it!

2009-02-18T17:34:00.000-08:00

I love to knit! It is totally my favorite pass time and I can't seem to get enough of it. I love the feel of the yarn through my fingers and of course, seeing the finished product. (even with the minor mistakes).

One of my favorite blogs to visit as a knitter is www.whitehorsedesigns.blogspot.com. Check it out. Leslie is my teacher in knitting. She is a master at what she does! If you are new at knitting or just enjoy knitting I encourage you to find a mentor or a knitting group to join. You would be surprised at how much you can learn from talking and listening to others in a group and it is part of building relationships. I love the group I knit with on Wednesdays. It is such a fun and diverse group! I look forward to Wednesdays every week; not always the same group and some may miss a couple of weeks but you pick right back up where you left off. You share things about life, dreams, family, problems, etc...

I love knitting most anything with a lace pattern. Yarns I like to work with are Noro, Blue Sky Alpaca, Rowan and Mission Falls. Knitting for Bradyn and Layla has been so much fun!
A great book to have as a "knitting bible" is:

Vogue Knitting. It is a great resource and I can't tell you have many times I have used the book over the course of the last three or four years. It is a good investment for your knitting library.

Let me know what you are working on and what you like about knitting. I would love to hear from you. Hope to have photos posted soon of recent knits.

Happy knitting!

"Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love."
Lao Tzu