Booties

Don't you wish you were a baby to receive one of the multiple pairs of booties I have knit and now wait to be gifted?

Merry Christmas!

"It will be said on that day,

'Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.

This is the Lord; we have waited for him;

let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'"

- Isaiah 25:9 -

Preparing Roses to Dry

Gifts I Made

For Joseph's 3rd birthday.

For Evangeline's 1st birthday. 

One Year Old

Thirty-Seven Year Old (Yes, that's me!)

Anticipation

Early Birthday Roses

Gift Guide 2022

1. Child's Wool Hat in brick red + white: Botanical | ages 6-8 from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/746309208/childs-wool-hat-in-brick-red-white?click_key=a829e8411db97b7b8d6560f1d01cd1d206aab9aa%3A746309208&click_sum=e4a93c03&ref=shop_home_active_5&pro=1&frs=1&sts=1

2. Mini Magnetic Animal Tin from Studio 331

https://studio331.co/product/mini-magnetic-animal-tin/

3. Bashful Lamb by Jellycat from Bumbelou

https://bumbelou.com/collections/stuffed-friends/products/bashful-lamb-medium

4. Our Little Adventure to the Farmers Market book from Fox Hollow Studios

https://foxhollowstudios.com/collections/childrens-books/products/our-little-adventure-to-the-farmers-market

5. Little Pilgrim's Big Journey Part I & II Boxed Set books from Lithos Kids

https://lithoskids.com/collections/littlepilgrim/products/pre-order-little-pilgrims-big-journey-part-i-ii-boxed-set

6. Lucy, Susan & Aslan art print from Loré Pemberton

https://www.lorepemberton.com/shop/lucysusanaslan

7. Crochet Corn from Helgowe Heklowanie

https://www.etsy.com/listing/705305222/crochet-corn-pretend-play-food-play-kids?click_key=10550303c2664c5c267288de159549fba0242d9b%3A705305222&click_sum=2777323c&external_collection=&cns=1&sts=1

8. Wobble Board from Little Partners

https://littlepartners.com/products/wobble-board

9. Custom 14" Waldorf-Inspired Doll from MatsonCo

https://www.etsy.com/listing/973984197/custom-14-waldorf-inspired-doll?click_key=d286921b46f2d05ab947429c16f0b8e97a735dd3%3A973984197&click_sum=b14c6a9c&external_collection=&frs=1

 

 

1. Women's Wool Mittens in grey + off white: Llama from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/611317295/womens-wool-mittens-in-grey-off-white?click_key=646d9a5183a1efa366a9c616f1d299bbc5011c46%3A611317295&click_sum=3710e8b5&ref=shop_home_active_8&frs=1&cns=1&sts=1

2. Bike Sticker from Amber's Artistry

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1264333839/bike-sticker-white-bike-bicycle-cute?click_key=8956924fbc7becdc0a016a466a2b512f1a5c51cf%3A1264333839&click_sum=d84fac11&external_collection=

3. Hand Lettered Vinyl Stickers | "fear not "

from Bella Marketplace

https://thebellamarketplace.com/products/hand-lettered-vinyl-stickers-fear-not

4. Hair Bows from Virginia Dare Dress Co.

https://www.virginiadaredressco.com/collections/belts-hair-accessories/products/hair-bows?variant=43047963492544

5. Horse Print from Amber's Artistry

https://www.etsy.com/listing/595010054/horse-print-watercolor-horse-painting?click_key=2785b58f38568e75cd509b078e99a0420634285c%3A595010054&click_sum=28f390c4&ref=shop_home_active_3&frs=1

6. Sleek Tumbler with Straw | Plastic, 24 oz

from Bella Marketplace

https://thebellamarketplace.com/products/sleek-tumbler-with-straw-plastic-24-oz-elegant-shimmering-gold-flower-design-perfect-for-your-favorite-summer-drink

7. The Kingdom Series by Chuck Black

from Perfect Praise Publishing

https://www.chuckblack.com/kingdom-series-books

 

8. FOLLOWER OF JESUS - Army Green Unisex T-shirt from Bella Marketplace

https://thebellamarketplace.com/products/follower-of-jesus-army-green-unisex-t-shirt

9. KeySmart Mini Folding Knife from Scheels

https://www.scheels.com/p/keysmart-mini-folding-knife/856434-KS815-SS.html?cgid=camp-accessories

10. Organic Lip Balm Quartet from Lemongrass Spa

https://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/HANNAHMARY/shop/PRODUCTDETAIL.aspx?displayCategory=0971&page=1&prod=G7020

 

11. Set Apart Magazine from Set Apart Girl

https://setapartgirl.com/set-apart-magazine/

12. Christian Heroes: Then & Now biographies from YWAM Publishing

https://www.ywampublishing.com/c-70-christian-heroes-then-now.aspx

 

 

1. Holiday Exclusive! Get Up and Glow Skincare Gift Set from Lemongrass Spa

https://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/HANNAHMARY/shop/PRODUCTDETAIL.aspx?displayCategory=804&page=2&prod=G2452

 

2. Original Watercolor / 5.5x7.5" / Still Life Roses from hand.maid.en market

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1274655788/original-watercolor-55x75-still-life?click_key=f0655a8beaf519f4c19f9068a88429c53fb8d9bc%3A1274655788&click_sum=268a01d4&ref=shop_home_active_5&frs=1

 

3. Assorted Scripture Greeting Cards from Bella Marketplace

https://thebellamarketplace.com/products/assorted-scripture-greeting-cards-elegant-hand-lettering-florals-paired-with-earthy-tones

 

4. Women's Wool Ear Warmer in light grey + white: Snowflake from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/882669105/womens-wool-ear-warmer-in-light-grey?click_key=cc4362ca37c8b0704aec4a78fd67815d624b5987%3A882669105&click_sum=882efe43&ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1&sca=1&sts=1

 

5. Women's Wool Mittens in light grey + white: Snowflake from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/862368748/womens-wool-mittens-in-light-grey-white?click_key=1c5ffaff89502cc7ba0374b754a0881b4d8d3f10%3A862368748&click_sum=94ccf3b0&ref=shop_home_active_6&frs=1&sts=1

 

6. Rejoice And Be Glad bookmark from Blossom with Joy Co.

https://blossomwithjoyco.com/product/rejoice-and-be-glad/

 

7. Woven Tote Bag from The Evergreen Studio

https://evergreenstudiostore.com/products/mesh-tote-bag

 

8. God Alone | Sticker from The Evergreen Studio

https://evergreenstudiostore.com/products/not-in-vain-sticker

9. 31 Prayers for my Husband Cards from Jessica Robyn Illustration

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1193068998/31-prayers-for-my-husband-cards?click_key=65d40d6221542ff45dff77996b92792111ab1cfd%3A1193068998&click_sum=6829e44b&external_collection=&frs=1&sts=1

 

10. Pure Beeswax Pillars from PurelyBees

https://purelybees.myshopify.com/products/beeswax-pillars-set-of-3

 

11. 16 oz. "Rejoice" Floral Can Glass from Bella Marketplace

https://thebellamarketplace.com/products/16-oz-rejoice-floral-can-glass-elegant-minimalist-white-design

 

12. Linen Long Robe from LENOK LINEN

https://www.etsy.com/listing/703695757/linen-long-robe-women-handmade-linen?click_key=551d3fa0a0c254ae4aa18714d5bc50acbf917c23%3A703695757&click_sum=c63f52bc&external_collection=&pro=1&frs=1&sts=1

 

13. 2023 Classic Weekly Planner from Studio 331

https://studio331.co/product/2023-classic-weekly-planner/

 

14. Brass Locket Necklace from Virginia Dare Dress Co.

https://www.virginiadaredressco.com/collections/belts-hair-accessories/products/locket?variant=40446907384000

 

15. 2023 Calendar from Michelle Boyd Studio

https://michelleboydstudio.com/collections/the-gift-shop/products/preorder-2023-calendars

 

 

 1. Men's Wool Mittens in brown + white: Abstract from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/738317758/mens-wool-mittens-in-brown-white?click_key=6c508adcef2625db559194457bae6c4b7e5eed03%3A738317758&click_sum=ae5c2ae9&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1&sca=1&sts=1

 

2. Fresh Roasted Coffee from RK Roasters

https://www.rkroasters.com/

 

3. Blenders Eyewear Hustle Up L Series Blue Light Glasses from Scheels

https://www.scheels.com/p/blenders-eyewear-hustle-up-l-series-blue-light-glasses/68575774638.html?cgid=blue-light-glasses#start=4

 

4. Clean Slate Prebiotic 3-in-1 Wash from Lemongrass Spa

https://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/HANNAHMARY/shop/PRODUCTDETAIL.aspx?displayCategory=0943&page=1&prod=W7765

 

5. Olive Green and White Mens Slipper Socks from Azerbaijani Socks

https://azerbaijanisocks.com/collections/mens-short-with-suede/products/olive-green-and-white-mens-slipper-socks

 

6. "Joshua 24:15" 18x24 Poster from The Evergreen Studio

https://evergreenstudiostore.com/products/as-for-me-and-my-house-18x24-poster

 

7. Parks Across America book + map from Institute for Creation Research

https://store.icr.org/parks-across-america-pack.html

 

8. I Stand for Truth | Hoodie from The Evergreen Studio

https://evergreenstudiostore.com/collections/apparel-1/products/i-stand-for-truth-hoodie

 

9. Maritime Signal Flag Pillow Covers from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNauticalNordic?section_id=27489028

 

10. Luna Towel, Cotton Turkish Towel from The Longest Thread

https://www.etsy.com/listing/731074707/luna-towel-cotton-turkish-towel-black?click_key=24e15a13cc19780deb93c8e7b7b3c7d78b2418d6%3A731074707&click_sum=ff8e2b43&external_collection=&pro=1&frs=1&sts=1

 

11. 16 oz. Coffee Can Glass from Bella Marketplace

https://thebellamarketplace.com/products/16-oz-coffee-can-glass

 

12. Truth For Life: 365 Daily Devotions, Volume Two from Truth For Life

https://www.truthforlife.org/store/products/books-alistair-begg/truth-for-life-365-daily-devotions-volume-2/

  

1. Original Watercolor / 5.5 x 7.5" / Monochrome Begonias from hand.maid.en market

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1274711076/original-watercolor-55-x-75-monochrome?click_key=8d5ce7853a93b4c370a9bd5a850e4b0ea80feb54%3A1274711076&click_sum=f935b03a&ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1

 

2. Award Winning Organic Chocolate from Terroir Chocolate

https://www.tcchocolate.com/

 

3. The Hazel Pirouette Dress from Bumbelou

https://bumbelou.com/collections/frontpage/products/the-hazel-pirouette-dress

 

4. Gift Card for needle felting kits from Bear Creek Felting

https://bearcreekfelting.com/product/gift-card/

 

5. Women's Wool Mittens in yellow + white: Rose from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/631252880/womens-wool-mittens-in-yellow-white-rose?click_key=b142248949e000c44e2dc07e438a835ee0eebdae%3A631252880&click_sum=8710e290&ref=shop_home_active_4&frs=1&sts=1

 

6. Women's Wool Ear Warmer in yellow + white: Rose from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/882662557/womens-wool-ear-warmer-in-yellow-white?click_key=32f3c1cbc05627d192af123b9463d74cb602377d%3A882662557&click_sum=9a11cae1&ref=shop_home_active_4&frs=1&sts=1

 

7. Specialty Coffee from Stumbeano's Coffee

https://www.stumbeanos.com/wpress/current-coffee-offerings/

 

8. Maple Crewneck Sweatshirt from Inherit Clothing Co

https://www.inheritco.com/collections/tops/products/maple-crewneck-sweatshirt

 

9. All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour from Mehl's Gluten-Free Bakery

https://mehlsglutenfreebakery.com/shop/all-purpose-gluten-free-flour/

 

10. Maritime Signal Flag Wall Hangings from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNauticalNordic?section_id=27504921

 

11. Gift Wrap from Studio be

https://www.instagram.com/studiobewrapping/

 

12. Local Honey from Dan's Honey Co.

https://www.facebook.com/DansHoneyCo/

 

 

13. Gift Receipt for flower grower from Sandridge Gardens

https://www.facebook.com/people/Sandridge-Gardens/100057610864084/

 

14. Original Watercolor / 5.5 x 7.5" / Drooping Rose from hand.maid.en market

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1288781737/original-watercolor-55-x-75-drooping?click_key=c5201474e0117b1b26b3716a77c55ad2e8dfad0a%3A1288781737&click_sum=55ec565e&ref=shop_home_active_8&frs=1

 

15. Wild Caught Salmon from Sunrise Salmon

https://www.sunrisesalmon.com/

 

16. Letter S Maritime Signal Flag Pillow Cover [back view] from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/639880799/letter-s-maritime-signal-flag-initial?click_key=faf54fd8d92de3bc98ef4a18e5cbd6a8c2cc5ec2%3A639880799&click_sum=a7940107&external_collection=&frs=1&sts=1

 

17. Letter S Maritime Signal Flag Pillow Cover [front view] from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/639880799/letter-s-maritime-signal-flag-initial?click_key=faf54fd8d92de3bc98ef4a18e5cbd6a8c2cc5ec2%3A639880799&click_sum=a7940107&external_collection=&frs=1&sts=1

 

18. Floral Cards (10 Pack of Blank Greeting Cards) from Sara Ronnevik Art

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1063124409/floral-cards-10-pack-of-blank-greeting?click_key=628a93a0bce7a7e75a708e0e0b9a675f462d5c7f%3A1063124409&click_sum=12501d7d&external_collection=&frs=1

 

19. Yak Down Yarn from Reywa Fibers

https://www.reywafibers.com/

 

20. Handcrafted Metal Art from Paul's Metal Petals

https://paulsmetalpetals.com/

 

21. Original Watercolor / 5-1/2 x 7-5/8" / Begonia from hand.maid.en market

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1274720882/original-watercolor-5-12-x-7-58-begonia?click_key=5a3de36562107886cc748f0470535dd9d93545b6%3A1274720882&click_sum=b168b4d9&ref=shop_home_active_11&frs=1

 

22. Men's Wide Wool Mittens in black + white: Snowflake from The Nautical Nordic

https://www.etsy.com/listing/631282006/mens-wide-wool-mittens-in-black-white?click_key=dad21f5b9c9c848b2fd2ed729b9c7146a71d0c5c%3A631282006&click_sum=bdc2be6a&ref=shop_home_active_2&frs=1&cns=1&sts=1

 

23. Icelandic Sheep Milk Lotion from Pure Joy Farms

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1121739094/icelandic-sheep-milk-lotion?click_key=1d5c896bc26fccbfc0860a3a107aee8dd43aa2fb%3A1121739094&click_sum=5e4e5ebc&external_collection=&sts=1

 

24. Artisan Bread and Baked Goods from Falls Baking Company

https://www.fallsbaking.com/

P.S. If you, like me, cringe over inconsistent formating, please forgive this post. Technology conquered me this time.

Heads Up

 Something out of my usual post style is on its way. As part of a (very big) project I have been working on for my sister's and my knitting shop, The Nautical Nordic, I will be posting a gift guide next week. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Later!

The Last Roses of Summer

One evening last week Mom and Hannah picked in our yearly last garden bouquets of the year. The forecast showed a deep frost, and sure enough, our world changed from aging autumn to the beginning stages of winter overnight.

Today I gathered up for the compost these bouquets. Onto a new season indoors and out.

Our Greatest Asset

"The health of our bodies is our greatest asset. Because when that goes, what do you have?" I recently read this quote in a newspaper article by a well intended defender of our health. This wasn't my first time to hear the sentiment. I get it. Illness is an evil to be fought against. (More correctly, illness is the result of sin, and while it is good to fight against illness, evil is our true enemy. But that is another topic...) The side of me that recoils from pain, suffering, and all the unsightliness of a body that does not operate as it was designed understands what is being said. But as I have spent many (okay, all) of my adult years struggling with my health, I can't help but be rather indignant over this well meaning yet off base idea.

 

Firstly, the question is insulting. (Hang with me! I am not bitter over it.) Are those who do not have health second rate citizens? I believe this to be a thoughtless and unintended insult, and so will quickly pass it by.

 

Secondly, I don't believe that any human being - whether the tiniest of babies in their mother's womb, the child filled with delight and energy, the young adult full of aspiration, the hard working and faithful middle-aged, the bed ridden elderly, or the variously "disabled" - is at any time in their life free from carrying out their purpose in life. As a follower of Jesus, I believe that God gave deep purpose and meaning to every human life. "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:3-5). Simply being the bearer of God's image (Genesis 1:26) marks us with great worth and purpose.

 

Thirdly, I believe that suffering has a purpose. Take Lazarus for example. He was a man who suffered much in an illness - so much so that he died of it. Jesus' words about Lazarus' illness and death highlight the purpose in them:

 

"This illness… is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).

 

"Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe" (John 11:14).

 

Lives were changed eternally for good because the deity, power, and life of Christ were made obvious through Lazarus. But in order to display all of this, Lazarus had to suffer and die. (Some may accuse Jesus of callously using Lazarus' suffering for His own purposes. Read the entire passage, and you will see that Jesus was cut to the heart by the death of his good friend. The same is true of our suffering, friends!)

 

Lastly, those who belong to the eternal Kingdom of God possess something extremely precious. Whether we have our health or not, we have Jesus! He is truly our "greatest asset."

 

And so, while the well meaning may be appalled at illness, I would say this. Illness does not impair a person's worth or work, nor does it take from the Christian their greatest treasure. "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39).

My Hot Chocolate

My Hot Chocolate (serves 2)

1/2 c. (3/4 c. for richer) canned coconut milk
1-1/4 c. (1 c. for richer) water
5 tsp cocoa
1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
17-25 drops liquid stevia (or to taste)
dash vanilla extract

Place all ingredients in a small kettle and whisk. Heat on high until hot chocolate is fully heated and begins to foam. (Stay nearby to catch before it boils over! I may have experiance.) Divide between two mugs, top with a homemade honey marshmallow if you wish, and sip away with a friend (or sister).

45 Years Together

Field Sketch

Though bugs ate me under the shelter of my dress, and my head spun with the loud rush of river rapids, this was a special moment on our doctoring/camping trip.

Noticing beautiful creation with my watercolors.

Walk in the Woods

Another doctoring trip.* Another state park stay. And a beautiful walk in the woods.

 *Though our doctor of seven years retired last year, the young doctor who bought her practice is just what we need. An answer to prayer!

Sunday Sketches

Ruffled and Weathered

While snapping quick photos for watercolor painting reference,  I managed to get one worth sharing. A ruffled double impatien in a weathered pot. Can't get much better!

In Which...

...Dad has a birthday...

...and Joseph wears off his burger and "brown beans" with a long trike ride (no pedaling, just scooting).

Peony Season

In Which Hannah Celebrates a Birthday

As has become tradition (when weather permits), we celebrated Hannah's birthday at a state park near Maren and Jason's home, making a party more feasible for them to attend in busy greenhouse season. None of us mind spending time in the beautiful outdoors.

After many years of very predictable parties, we now have little ones to make each year unique and lively.

Such as when Joseph's sniffing of a flower bedecked cake ended with a nose dive into frosting. Sobering but delicious.

It looks promising that we will have a water lover this year.

Evangeline's smile is contagious.

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

Partly Cloudy

Wild Plum

Before I saw them, I smelled the sweet floral scent of our property's wild plum tree blossoms. Rarely do we get plums from these treelets, but they make up for their fruitlessness by putting on a glorious spring show.

Sudden and Stunning

And suddenly, it is spring!

I used to know the name of this plant. 

Ah, well. It is stunning regardless.

Always Fresh

How do I keep my bath towel fresh without a daily wash? By hanging it to dry from my bedroom curtain rod, of course. And no terry for me. Turkish towels dry in no time. And need I say they're pretty?

Oh, Frances.

Someone took advantage of my warm and dry down-clad back when I leaned over to snap a photo of her paw prints.

Oh, Frances.