Undecorating

 

Christmas decorations and music last a long time around our house. Yet all good things must come to an end. Today began the undecorating. Mostly just getting rid of dry and shattered greenery. I'm hoping this garland with white lights stays up a few more days to brighten up our evenings.

And Here It Is

My Etsy shop, Handmaiden.

 

Welcome to Handmaiden!

 

My love for handwork goes far back. Before I was ever born. Before my parents were born. Handwork was a part of everyday life for my ancestors. It gave them a way to add beauty to their homes. A way to pass hours with friends or long, northern winter evenings. A way to give special gifts to those they loved. And most of all, a way to provide clothing and comfort for their families.

 

Even farther back, my loving Creator imagined a universe. Then He made it. On planet earth He placed people, stamped with many of His characteristics. One of those characteristics is - you guessed it - creativity. So you see my love for handwork goes very far back.

 

Times have changed since my ancestors lived, yet I carry on Great-Grandma's making of afghans and doilies. Grandma's embroidered dish towels that she reserved for holiday dish washings are replicated by my hands - though not nearly as beautifully. Mom's hand knit mittens made from wool raised and spun by her hands (with a good dose of sheep raising help from Dad) have kept my own hands warm for two decades. I am now giving mitten knitting a try.

 

For the last few years handwork has become a great gift to me. It has been my creative outlet and help through hours of weakness, pain, and weariness while fighting disease. Now I invite you to enjoy this gift with me that was passed down to me by my family and Father.

 

Together we will pass on a gift to vulnerable women - the gift of hope, dignity, and true Life. For each item I sell, my family sews and donates one LuoPad. Learn more about the LuoPad project at gainusa.org/onewoman. Thank you for being a part of this life giving project!

 

Soli Deo Gloria*,

Elsa

 

*or SDG as Johann Sebastian Bach signed his musical scores. Translated "For the Glory of God Alone."

Up My Sleeve

I have had something up my sleeve for many months. It remains there still (up my sleeve, that is) but will soon be revealed. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement in a few days!

 

Caught Bird Watching

Breath Frost

These have been very cold days. Not record breaking, but cold. Still I have been craving fresh air, and have relished several days of sitting bundled on the front steps. Subtle colors in the sky, soft breezes gently ringing the chimes, a great horned owl swooping across the yard. These make for such a lovely break from electric lights and sounds of appliances and show me what an awesome, powerful, loving, creative God I have. After a break like that I am ready to tackle a mound of dirty dishes to warm up.

Dad's Shed

Our barn lost its roof a few winters ago when snow cover got too heavy for it. Dad was on a weight restriction at the time. Our old shed was also well on its way to the same demise. Thus, this summer and winter has brought Dad a new shed.

Re-used corrugated metal siding from the barn covers one wall.

Organized screws etc. line another.



Still another wall is Mom's "garden shed."

Complete with potting station.

Triplane

Hannah and I gave Dad a solar powered triplane for Christmas. Now it sits on the coffee table and alerts us of stray photons, er, sunshine. Here is a reflected glimpse of it in the French door lock as it takes flight one sunny morning. Dorothy is holding her big, blue ball in the background making it look as if the triplane is on an outer space mission.