Female Persimmon Flowers
4 months ago
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday Thirteen: Pictures of (Mostly) Old Fashioned Stuff
Three fabrics I've gotten at thrift stores. Why, however did you guess I love old-fashioned plaid and brown?
Close-up of the newest fabric (left, in the picture above)
Inkle loom, used for weaving belts/straps:
A felted cord (which I will make into a belt), which I supposed is old-fashioned because the general population has never seen felt in any form other than those little sheets you buy at craft stores.
Hurricane lamps with *surprise!* plaid bows. :-P I hope the picture comes out for you. My computer screen is wonky anyway, so I don't know if it's bright enough for you.
Quill pen. We cheated and stuck the guts of a ball-point pen in it so that it will actually write. My *real* honest-to-goodness quill pen with interchangeable tips and bottles of ink is put away. Rats and phooey!
My hope chest, which belonged to one of my grandmothers. Isn't it the most beautiful ever? :)
And the book, hat, and cloth doily. Embroidery on the doily done by my bosom friend, Laura.
Old Swedish (I believe) hymnal on top of a German calender book.
Sewing machine we got in England (2003) at a boot sale.
"Book"shelf:
Bench and desk with a woven tapestry showing pictures of prominent places in the county.
I've begun to realize that few people have home libraries anymore. Here's part of my family's home library. There are many other bookcases around the house. And stacks of books everywhere...
Nalbinding/Naalbinding/Nålbinding around a pencil to make the arm of a miniature glove:
That should be 13! For more Thursday Thirteen, go HERE. But first- one more picture, just because my darling Jerusha is so stinkin' cute!
Close-up of the newest fabric (left, in the picture above)
Inkle loom, used for weaving belts/straps:
A felted cord (which I will make into a belt), which I supposed is old-fashioned because the general population has never seen felt in any form other than those little sheets you buy at craft stores.
Hurricane lamps with *surprise!* plaid bows. :-P I hope the picture comes out for you. My computer screen is wonky anyway, so I don't know if it's bright enough for you.
Quill pen. We cheated and stuck the guts of a ball-point pen in it so that it will actually write. My *real* honest-to-goodness quill pen with interchangeable tips and bottles of ink is put away. Rats and phooey!
My hope chest, which belonged to one of my grandmothers. Isn't it the most beautiful ever? :)
And the book, hat, and cloth doily. Embroidery on the doily done by my bosom friend, Laura.
Old Swedish (I believe) hymnal on top of a German calender book.
Sewing machine we got in England (2003) at a boot sale.
"Book"shelf:
Bench and desk with a woven tapestry showing pictures of prominent places in the county.
I've begun to realize that few people have home libraries anymore. Here's part of my family's home library. There are many other bookcases around the house. And stacks of books everywhere...
Nalbinding/Naalbinding/Nålbinding around a pencil to make the arm of a miniature glove:
That should be 13! For more Thursday Thirteen, go HERE. But first- one more picture, just because my darling Jerusha is so stinkin' cute!
This Report Just In
Movie filming for the "history" of the band Rosie and the Posers is being re-started in July.
I am very excited, because 1. the project was about to be shut down due to it turning into more than just a Saturday-afternoon-shoot-don't-sweat-it movie, and 2. they still want me to be on the crew!
My job is to do what's called moulage. If you are faint of heart/stomach, don't google that word. Essentially what it is: fake cuts, bruises, abrasions, etc. I also do it for the Fire Department for their drills.
For Rosie and the Posers, the main character is starving to death, as the city-raised-widow-turned-farmer's house burned down, she has no one around to help her, and it's the middle of winter in the 1800s. I have to make her look a little yellow, with some shadow under the cheekbones to make her cheeks look a little sunken. Then she trips and falls, getting some scrapes and bruises on her face and hands. So that's what I will be designing and applying.
It's about the closest I come to doing art. ;-)
So when I mention Rosie or "the movie," you now know what it is.
I am very excited, because 1. the project was about to be shut down due to it turning into more than just a Saturday-afternoon-shoot-don't-sweat-it movie, and 2. they still want me to be on the crew!
My job is to do what's called moulage. If you are faint of heart/stomach, don't google that word. Essentially what it is: fake cuts, bruises, abrasions, etc. I also do it for the Fire Department for their drills.
For Rosie and the Posers, the main character is starving to death, as the city-raised-widow-turned-farmer's house burned down, she has no one around to help her, and it's the middle of winter in the 1800s. I have to make her look a little yellow, with some shadow under the cheekbones to make her cheeks look a little sunken. Then she trips and falls, getting some scrapes and bruises on her face and hands. So that's what I will be designing and applying.
It's about the closest I come to doing art. ;-)
So when I mention Rosie or "the movie," you now know what it is.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
There's a Hole in My Bucket, Dear Liza...
There's no real significance behind the song in the title. It just happens to be stuck in my head. By the way, do you know that song? I started singing it while at the Cowboy's house, and they all looked at me like I was mad. I thought everyone knew "There's a Hole in My Bucket."
My "surrogoat" children are growing up. 6 weeks old. Wow. Doesn't seem like that long ago I was down there with the nanny Joanna giving birth to tiny, little Gareth Joraiem and Jerusha Rielle. But the children are reminding me daily of how much they're growing. They destroy their little hay-fort-pen EVERY day. You have no idea how much I can't wait until they're too big to escape the hillside pen and I can get them out of the barn and out of my hair. Literally.
We have a bazillion little calves now. And there will be pictures of various baby creatures at some point so you can "awwwwww" over them.
As a side thought, I took the new kitten out to meet some of the older cats. The Blimp (fat, old, yellow cat) thought kitten was a bit of a novelty and cute. However, my cat Joshua (His Majesty, the .~*Self-Proclaimed Supreme Ruler of the Universe*~.) thought kitten was a shameful offering from his human pets, and please take it away, because I find it offensive and irritating, thankyouverymuch. *sigh* Cats...
In other news, not animal-related, I tried out naalbinding. I got a handle on the basics with yarn and a huge-ish, wooden needle. Now, when Cora learns something, the first thing she does is make it miniature. SO! I've almost finished a fingerless glove that is 1/5" across at the wrist. A little less than a centimeter. Yes, I'm crazy. News #2: I felted myself a belt. News #3: Yesterday, I found 4 yards of some beautiful, brown, high quality wool fabric (plaid) from New York... for $4.00 at a thrift store. Win! :)
My "surrogoat" children are growing up. 6 weeks old. Wow. Doesn't seem like that long ago I was down there with the nanny Joanna giving birth to tiny, little Gareth Joraiem and Jerusha Rielle. But the children are reminding me daily of how much they're growing. They destroy their little hay-fort-pen EVERY day. You have no idea how much I can't wait until they're too big to escape the hillside pen and I can get them out of the barn and out of my hair. Literally.
We have a bazillion little calves now. And there will be pictures of various baby creatures at some point so you can "awwwwww" over them.
As a side thought, I took the new kitten out to meet some of the older cats. The Blimp (fat, old, yellow cat) thought kitten was a bit of a novelty and cute. However, my cat Joshua (His Majesty, the .~*Self-Proclaimed Supreme Ruler of the Universe*~.) thought kitten was a shameful offering from his human pets, and please take it away, because I find it offensive and irritating, thankyouverymuch. *sigh* Cats...
In other news, not animal-related, I tried out naalbinding. I got a handle on the basics with yarn and a huge-ish, wooden needle. Now, when Cora learns something, the first thing she does is make it miniature. SO! I've almost finished a fingerless glove that is 1/5" across at the wrist. A little less than a centimeter. Yes, I'm crazy. News #2: I felted myself a belt. News #3: Yesterday, I found 4 yards of some beautiful, brown, high quality wool fabric (plaid) from New York... for $4.00 at a thrift store. Win! :)
Flashback #2: For all who have difficulty converting units
I am posting a series of fun "Flashback" posts from my old blog.
:-)
For all who have difficulty converting units
September 8, 2007
Ratio of an igloo's circumference to its diameter = Eskimo Pi
2000 pounds of Chinese soup = Won ton
1 millionth of a mouthwash = 1 microscope
Time between slipping on a peel and smacking the pavement = 1 bananosecond
Weight an evangelist carries with God = 1 billigram
Time it takes to sail 220 yards at 1 nautical mile per hour = Knotfurlong
16.5 feet in the Twilight Zone = 1 Rod Serling
1,000,000 aches = 1 megahurtz
Basic unit of laryngitis = 1 hoarsepower
Shortest distance between two jokes = A straight line
453.6 graham crackers = 1 pound cake
1 million- microphones = 1 megaphone
2 million bicycles = 2 megacycles
365.25 days = 1 unicycle
2000 mockingbirds = 2 kilomockingbirds
52 cards = 1 decacards
1 kilogram of falling figs = 1 Fig Newton
1000 milliliters of wet socks = 1 literhosen
1 millionth of a fish = 1 microfiche
1 trillion pins = 1 terrapin
10 rations = 1 decoration
100 rations = 1 C-ration
2 monograms = 1 diagram
4 nickels = 2 paradigms
2.4 statute miles of intravenous surgical tubing at Yale University Hospital = 1 IV League
:-)
A Character Survey
What I always do on this blog when I am tagged with a meme is choose a character from one of my stories to answer them. As Cora Beth did an open tag meme, I took it, and one of my book characters will answer.
Character answering: Ti'al Miera, from the book Sister Súlier
1. Which do you prefer–Apples, Oranges, or Bananas?
I've never had a banana or orange before, but apples are good! Perfect snack on a late summer day.
2. How many siblings do you have?
I'm a single child.
3. Where do you live–a prairie, Woodland, city, or other?
We live in the woodlands high in the mountain border of the country. Far from cities.
4. What are some things you enjoy doing with your family?
I enjoy hunting, fishing, and weapons training with Ata [father] and singing with Ama [mother]. I hunt, fish, and fight better than I sing. But being Ata's only child, that should be expected.
5. Is your room clean?
Nothing here is clean. Tidy yes, but never clean. When you have a dirt floor, everything tends to get dirt on it.
6. Which would you prefer to visit–Italy, Greece, France, Spain, or England?
I suppose it's a toss-up between Italy and England. I've been told that Italy has good food, and England has grand palaces. I would see a palace before I die. Nothing do I know about the other countries.
7. What is a scripture that encourages you?
A scripture? I don't know what a scripture is. But if you want to know something that encourages me... Ama encourages me, Ata encourages me, my friends encourage me... Everything in the world encourages me!
8. Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans?
Why, chocolate, thank you!
9. What are your favorite types of books?
I canna' read.
10. Which is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ah, your ice cream cannot beat what Ama makes. And we have no flavors to use.
11. If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be?
There are types of food? Do you mean like only bread or only meat or only tea? I would have to choose meat. It's hard to work hard on only bread or tea. Meat sees you through the day.
12. Are you an outside or an inside person?
Outside, all year-round, all day and part of night. I don't like walls. Ama does everything inside, I do everything outside, and Ata works in the forest.
13. What chore(s) do you like to do the most?
Anything outdoors.
Character answering: Ti'al Miera, from the book Sister Súlier
1. Which do you prefer–Apples, Oranges, or Bananas?
I've never had a banana or orange before, but apples are good! Perfect snack on a late summer day.
2. How many siblings do you have?
I'm a single child.
3. Where do you live–a prairie, Woodland, city, or other?
We live in the woodlands high in the mountain border of the country. Far from cities.
4. What are some things you enjoy doing with your family?
I enjoy hunting, fishing, and weapons training with Ata [father] and singing with Ama [mother]. I hunt, fish, and fight better than I sing. But being Ata's only child, that should be expected.
5. Is your room clean?
Nothing here is clean. Tidy yes, but never clean. When you have a dirt floor, everything tends to get dirt on it.
6. Which would you prefer to visit–Italy, Greece, France, Spain, or England?
I suppose it's a toss-up between Italy and England. I've been told that Italy has good food, and England has grand palaces. I would see a palace before I die. Nothing do I know about the other countries.
7. What is a scripture that encourages you?
A scripture? I don't know what a scripture is. But if you want to know something that encourages me... Ama encourages me, Ata encourages me, my friends encourage me... Everything in the world encourages me!
8. Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans?
Why, chocolate, thank you!
9. What are your favorite types of books?
I canna' read.
10. Which is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Ah, your ice cream cannot beat what Ama makes. And we have no flavors to use.
11. If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be?
There are types of food? Do you mean like only bread or only meat or only tea? I would have to choose meat. It's hard to work hard on only bread or tea. Meat sees you through the day.
12. Are you an outside or an inside person?
Outside, all year-round, all day and part of night. I don't like walls. Ama does everything inside, I do everything outside, and Ata works in the forest.
13. What chore(s) do you like to do the most?
Anything outdoors.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
One More Cup of Coffee, Please!
I need just one more cup of coffee, and then I'll go down and milk. ;-)
The pot is almost done brewing. Oh, yeah.
I brought my lovely goat cheese to my friends' house yesterday, and all the ladyfolk decided it was divine and so I left them some culture and stuff for it. They shall be making their own very shortly.
But that's not the point of this post. My friends rent a little spot in a local antique store. They sell all sorts of beautiful hand-made things. While at their house, I noticed some hurricane lamps sitting there on the counter with matching little plaid bows and price tags.
They still work, and they were little and cute, and so I bought them and took them home. Now when I have my own house and the power goes out, I will have hurricane lamps to light my house, as they are brighter (and safer) than candles.
My collection of "stuff for my house" is growing. Everyday dishes, pots and pans, casserole dishes, cast iron pans, kitchen utensils, pressure canner, picture frames, books (specifically children's books), blankets, electronics... My parents are ready for me to leave and take my stuff with me. ;-)
I just drank down the last bit of coffee, so I will go attend to my dear goats.
The pot is almost done brewing. Oh, yeah.
I brought my lovely goat cheese to my friends' house yesterday, and all the ladyfolk decided it was divine and so I left them some culture and stuff for it. They shall be making their own very shortly.
But that's not the point of this post. My friends rent a little spot in a local antique store. They sell all sorts of beautiful hand-made things. While at their house, I noticed some hurricane lamps sitting there on the counter with matching little plaid bows and price tags.
They still work, and they were little and cute, and so I bought them and took them home. Now when I have my own house and the power goes out, I will have hurricane lamps to light my house, as they are brighter (and safer) than candles.
My collection of "stuff for my house" is growing. Everyday dishes, pots and pans, casserole dishes, cast iron pans, kitchen utensils, pressure canner, picture frames, books (specifically children's books), blankets, electronics... My parents are ready for me to leave and take my stuff with me. ;-)
I just drank down the last bit of coffee, so I will go attend to my dear goats.
Monday, May 24, 2010
I Had to Smile
Mrs, D., a dear friend and "second mom" to me, was scared to death of home-made goat cheese. Not because of an "Eeek! It's not from the store! It's not safe!" or whatever. She's been a goat mama for a bazillion years, drinks the milk raw, etc. just like me. So why the problem with cheese? Welllll...
Once upon a time, a friend invited Mrs. D. to her house. The friend said, "Oh, you must try my goat cheese! It's the most amazing thing in the world!" So Mrs. D. went to visit. The friend chattered about how easy cheese was. Why, all you do is leave the milk on the counter until the cream separates (for those unfamiliar, goat milk cream doesn't separate naturally from milk for, oh, WEEKS!) and then you cook it up with stuff and it gloms into cheese! So easy!
Mrs. D. had to eat it to be polite, of course. How do you gracefully say, "HA! I ain't touchin THAT with a 10-foot-pole!" So she did. And it was the worst thing she'd ever eaten.
She officially swore off eating goat cheese.
And then Saturday happened. I came to the D house for a small gathering of friends, with a batch of chevre cheese that I'd flavored with some dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and whatever else smelled good, so that we could dip veggies in it. Turned out that we girls all nattered too much to eat, and by the time the visit was over, we'd completely forgotten that we were going to have snacks! So sadly I picked up the cheese and went my way, knowing I'd missed an opportunity to have the D family try GOOD cheese.
Well.
Yesterday, Mrs. D. sent me an email saying that she and the oldest daughter snitched some while we weren't looking, and WOW! It was so GOOD! And now Cora MUST come over and teach them!
So today, I will put on my chef's hat and teach cheesemaking! :-)
Once upon a time, a friend invited Mrs. D. to her house. The friend said, "Oh, you must try my goat cheese! It's the most amazing thing in the world!" So Mrs. D. went to visit. The friend chattered about how easy cheese was. Why, all you do is leave the milk on the counter until the cream separates (for those unfamiliar, goat milk cream doesn't separate naturally from milk for, oh, WEEKS!) and then you cook it up with stuff and it gloms into cheese! So easy!
Mrs. D. had to eat it to be polite, of course. How do you gracefully say, "HA! I ain't touchin THAT with a 10-foot-pole!" So she did. And it was the worst thing she'd ever eaten.
She officially swore off eating goat cheese.
And then Saturday happened. I came to the D house for a small gathering of friends, with a batch of chevre cheese that I'd flavored with some dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and whatever else smelled good, so that we could dip veggies in it. Turned out that we girls all nattered too much to eat, and by the time the visit was over, we'd completely forgotten that we were going to have snacks! So sadly I picked up the cheese and went my way, knowing I'd missed an opportunity to have the D family try GOOD cheese.
Well.
Yesterday, Mrs. D. sent me an email saying that she and the oldest daughter snitched some while we weren't looking, and WOW! It was so GOOD! And now Cora MUST come over and teach them!
So today, I will put on my chef's hat and teach cheesemaking! :-)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Garage Sale Scavengers: The Plunder
Doesn't that title sound like a great name for an adventure movie? Doesn't it? No? Oh, well... I tried to make it interesting.
Firstly, yesterday we had a birthday party for my dear Grandma, as she turned 80. Friends came over, and we had a lovely lunch and tea. I would post pictures, but I don't like posting pictures of people without their permission. Oh, well... :(
Secondly, as the title of this post suggests, Mom and I went garage sale-ing. It's a Friday tradition for Mom and Dad to go on dates and hit all the garage sales in town. Dad had a volunteer job to get done, so this time, it was me with Mom! Some things we got:
Oh, yeah. My brothers are jealous. $5, and the price tag on this brand new beauty said $40.
Isn't it absolutely gorgeous? I was so thrilled when I saw a pile of them sitting there getting sold. I snatched up one of those puppies in a second! And the best part? Copyright 1969 - before people went though and politically correctified all the hymns. I took pictures of the proof:
Battle Hymn of the Republic. Modern 4th verse: "As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free." See the original word in the picture.
Apparently someone thought it was offensive to suggest that we be willing to die for what we think is right.
Next song. At the Cross. Modern 1st verse: "Would He devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?"
I suppose someone's feelings were hurt at having to admit that they are a worm.
Aaaaaaanyway, moving on... (Can you tell I am against politically correctified hymns?)
The last thing we got:
It's a really pretty set of gold-plated flatware. Mom thought it was a good deal, because if each piece was worth $2, we'd still come out with a smokin' deal. So we got home, and I did some Googling. Each piece sells for upwards of $20. Some even $100. Smokin' deal? Yeah, I think so.
Then I went and took care of my goats and babes. One of the Cowboy's favorite goatlets, Jacen, jumped into a board and broke off his little horn stub. The poor little sweetie... :( I was instructed to put cayenne pepper on to stop the bleeding, so I had Mom bring some down. While we were waiting, the Cowboy carried his poor baby around, petting it and talking to it... I think it was a more traumatic event for the Cowboy rather than the goatlet. Jacen was happy as a clam the whole time.
And now I'm way late on chores, so I must bid you farewell.
Firstly, yesterday we had a birthday party for my dear Grandma, as she turned 80. Friends came over, and we had a lovely lunch and tea. I would post pictures, but I don't like posting pictures of people without their permission. Oh, well... :(
Secondly, as the title of this post suggests, Mom and I went garage sale-ing. It's a Friday tradition for Mom and Dad to go on dates and hit all the garage sales in town. Dad had a volunteer job to get done, so this time, it was me with Mom! Some things we got:
Battle Hymn of the Republic. Modern 4th verse: "As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free." See the original word in the picture.
Next song. At the Cross. Modern 1st verse: "Would He devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?"
Aaaaaaanyway, moving on... (Can you tell I am against politically correctified hymns?)
The last thing we got:
Then I went and took care of my goats and babes. One of the Cowboy's favorite goatlets, Jacen, jumped into a board and broke off his little horn stub. The poor little sweetie... :( I was instructed to put cayenne pepper on to stop the bleeding, so I had Mom bring some down. While we were waiting, the Cowboy carried his poor baby around, petting it and talking to it... I think it was a more traumatic event for the Cowboy rather than the goatlet. Jacen was happy as a clam the whole time.
And now I'm way late on chores, so I must bid you farewell.
Friday, May 21, 2010
A Give-Away!
My very dear friend, Jocelyn, is hosting a give-away on her blog! Go HERE to enter for a gorgeous tea cozy!
(This is the one I chose. It's called "Afternoon Tea.")
Go on and enter! :)
(This is the one I chose. It's called "Afternoon Tea.")
Go on and enter! :)
Thursday Thirteen: Songs that I love
A day late, but whatev'... ;-) I thought it'd be fun.
And this is a game! Guess-the-title by the pictures! A little hint: Most of these are old hymns and the picture corresponds to either the title or the first line of a verse. And the great part is, if you're wrong in your guess, you may remind me of songs I love and haven't listened to in a long time! So guess away, because we both win!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Aaaaaaaand, I'm going to stop at 11. Whew! That was a lot of picture searching. Go ahead! Guess away!
And this is a game! Guess-the-title by the pictures! A little hint: Most of these are old hymns and the picture corresponds to either the title or the first line of a verse. And the great part is, if you're wrong in your guess, you may remind me of songs I love and haven't listened to in a long time! So guess away, because we both win!
1.
2.
3.
4.
Aaaaaaaand, I'm going to stop at 11. Whew! That was a lot of picture searching. Go ahead! Guess away!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Shibori 101
Cora had a piece of white cotton cloth. Very high quality white cotton cloth. But she didn't really want white, you know? Something colored would be fabulous. So she got out her thread, a stencil, and a wash-off-able fabric marker. She didn't embroider. She Shibori-ed. Observe:
(You can click the pictures to make them bigger, by the way)
(You can click the pictures to make them bigger, by the way)
Now pull all those threads tight to scrunch up the fabric so that dye can't reach the scrunched parts!
Now repeat 5 bazillion times. Cora also put on little "bubbles" by pinching little bits of fabric and tightly wrapping thread around the pinched part.
Now you dye. Mwahahaha... *baptizes fabric in indigo* *twice*
When you are finished with that, you grab your favorite Cowboy and make him pull out all the stitches with you. At least, that's what Cora did, and it worked out fabulously.
And you continue speaking about yourself in third person because... well... Do you need a reason for everything?
This is what you end up with. Butterflies and bubbles!
Now Cora will hem the two non-selvage sides and wear this new Tichel that she made.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Prayer Request
Yesterday, my grandpa announced that my uncle is dying of pancreatic cancer. I knew he was a little sick-ish, but no one told me it was like... BAD sick. Could you all pray for peace for him and my aunt, please? I don't know if he is a believer.
Thank you.
Thank you.
*Lightbulb Clicks On* Blended Fabrics
I was thinkin' about Deuteronomy 22:11, where YHVH tells His people that it is against the law to wear fabrics woven with diverse fibers, like wool and linen together. For a minute or two, I sat there thinking, "That's kind of random... What's so wrong with blended fabrics? Why is it against the law?" I'm a firm believer in God having reasons for all of his laws for Isra'el. So I go to thinking of it then. And this is what I thought up.
A few possibilities from my knowledge of cloth:
1. They are treated differently - Wool can't be at a high temperature or it will felt when wet or burn. Linen, on the other hand, gets wrinkled up and needs ironing. With a blended fabric, you can't iron the linen flat.
2. Different pHs. Animal fibers (like wool, silk, etc) like to be slightly acidic. If you put a little vinegar into the wash-water when you was them, they'll stand up a lot better. Plant fibers (like cotton and linen), on the other hand, will break down in acid. They like slightly basic solutions. With both together, you will invariably have weak parts with the acidic animal fibers woven with sensitive plant fibers. The integrity of the fabric is drastically weakened.
3. Take dye differently. You use different mordants (pre-dye solutions) to prepare the fabric for dye, and they take color radically different. So you have an uneven, mismatching dye that will fade out of one fiber (because you had to use a mordant that was bad for one of the two fibers).
4. Washing techniques. If you wash wool and linen together, the wool will shrink and the linen will stay straight. The result is a pebbly texture that is uncomfortable to wear.
5. Warmth differences. Linen is breathable, but wool will keep you warm. The mingled garment is pointless. Some parts of you will be warm, and other parts cold. Do you wear it in the summer or winter? I'd rather have all linen in the summer and all wool in the winter.
Who knew? Oh, yeah! Our God!
Have any more things to add to my list? This was all just off the top of my head in the last 10 minutes. If you've studied this at all, I welcome your comments!
A few possibilities from my knowledge of cloth:
1. They are treated differently - Wool can't be at a high temperature or it will felt when wet or burn. Linen, on the other hand, gets wrinkled up and needs ironing. With a blended fabric, you can't iron the linen flat.
2. Different pHs. Animal fibers (like wool, silk, etc) like to be slightly acidic. If you put a little vinegar into the wash-water when you was them, they'll stand up a lot better. Plant fibers (like cotton and linen), on the other hand, will break down in acid. They like slightly basic solutions. With both together, you will invariably have weak parts with the acidic animal fibers woven with sensitive plant fibers. The integrity of the fabric is drastically weakened.
3. Take dye differently. You use different mordants (pre-dye solutions) to prepare the fabric for dye, and they take color radically different. So you have an uneven, mismatching dye that will fade out of one fiber (because you had to use a mordant that was bad for one of the two fibers).
4. Washing techniques. If you wash wool and linen together, the wool will shrink and the linen will stay straight. The result is a pebbly texture that is uncomfortable to wear.
5. Warmth differences. Linen is breathable, but wool will keep you warm. The mingled garment is pointless. Some parts of you will be warm, and other parts cold. Do you wear it in the summer or winter? I'd rather have all linen in the summer and all wool in the winter.
Who knew? Oh, yeah! Our God!
Have any more things to add to my list? This was all just off the top of my head in the last 10 minutes. If you've studied this at all, I welcome your comments!
Friday, May 14, 2010
God Knows Our Needs... And Gives Us Gallon Glass Jugs
Last week, Grandpa was down at the local plant sale at the Grange Hall selling bazillions of plants. A neighbor called me up to ask if Grandpa might be interested in getting some plant trays that a friend was going to take to the dump. I said I didn't know, but y'all go down to the Grange and ask. So they did!
Now, I know all two of you reading this are thinking to yourself, "Why is Cora telling me about plant trays for her grandpa? I thought she said 'glass jugs' in the title. What's she been smoking?"
Cora is here to tell you that she's only smoked once, and that was when she caught her hair on fire leaning over a candle. Hopefully that will never happen again. She's going to tell you about the jugs! In just a second.
Yesterday, Cora was surveying our stock of jugs to hold milk in. She needed to use some gallon-size to hold a greatly expanding supply of milk, but we only have a few and they're hard to pour out of, because they're just pickle jars with no spout. If you know Cora, you know that spells trouble. So Cora whined and complained to herself and didn't use them. She went over to her grandpa's house to do a little dusting and mopping. On the way, she stopped to look at the new shed her grandpa and The Brain were building. She wandered inside. Lo and behold! ~20 of these!
Gallon size with a handle and pour spout! Lucky day!
Now, if only Cora could borrow some. In the midst of mopping and dusting, she mentioned her dilemma to Grandpa and asked if perhaps she could borrow some. He informed her that he'd no use for ANY of them. They were given to him by some lady who was taking plant trays to the dump and stopped by the plant sale last week to give him the trays ($300 worth of trays, btw).
God was listening to Cora's whining and complaining, and he'd fulfilled her need a week prior! We have such a great and caring Abba.
Now, I know all two of you reading this are thinking to yourself, "Why is Cora telling me about plant trays for her grandpa? I thought she said 'glass jugs' in the title. What's she been smoking?"
Cora is here to tell you that she's only smoked once, and that was when she caught her hair on fire leaning over a candle. Hopefully that will never happen again. She's going to tell you about the jugs! In just a second.
Yesterday, Cora was surveying our stock of jugs to hold milk in. She needed to use some gallon-size to hold a greatly expanding supply of milk, but we only have a few and they're hard to pour out of, because they're just pickle jars with no spout. If you know Cora, you know that spells trouble. So Cora whined and complained to herself and didn't use them. She went over to her grandpa's house to do a little dusting and mopping. On the way, she stopped to look at the new shed her grandpa and The Brain were building. She wandered inside. Lo and behold! ~20 of these!
Gallon size with a handle and pour spout! Lucky day!
Now, if only Cora could borrow some. In the midst of mopping and dusting, she mentioned her dilemma to Grandpa and asked if perhaps she could borrow some. He informed her that he'd no use for ANY of them. They were given to him by some lady who was taking plant trays to the dump and stopped by the plant sale last week to give him the trays ($300 worth of trays, btw).
God was listening to Cora's whining and complaining, and he'd fulfilled her need a week prior! We have such a great and caring Abba.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
We're out of badgers. Would you accept a Wolverine in it's place?
Yesterday, we got a new addition to the family from a neighbor. The Lego Man FINALLY got a pet of his own, poor guy. So he brought the little babe home and pretty much hasn't stopped talking about/looking at/playing with it since.
Introducing: The Wolverine.
He's cute and adorable and LOUD!
Introducing: The Wolverine.
He's cute and adorable and LOUD!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
I Gots Me Some Culture, Yo
I thought I had plenty of culture before. Why, once I read the entire Reader's Digest version of Jane Eyre! How much more cultured can you get?
But, apparently that kind of culture is not what you need when making cheese. You need moldy-type cultures (could'a fooled me... I sure thought Jane Eyre was moldy).
So my dear mother just finished ordering some cheesy cultures (Chevre and one other) and butter muslin online. It will not be long before there will be a bounty of cheese in my home!
Although it won't look quite like those ^^ ...They'll be more crumbly and fresh and yummy. You get the idea. :) My dad says I will soon be "The Cheese Whiz." Um... Thanks, Dad...
Another bright part of today: my face is not quite so swollen today. One side is all purply-bruised, though. Ouch.
But, apparently that kind of culture is not what you need when making cheese. You need moldy-type cultures (could'a fooled me... I sure thought Jane Eyre was moldy).
So my dear mother just finished ordering some cheesy cultures (Chevre and one other) and butter muslin online. It will not be long before there will be a bounty of cheese in my home!
Although it won't look quite like those ^^ ...They'll be more crumbly and fresh and yummy. You get the idea. :) My dad says I will soon be "The Cheese Whiz." Um... Thanks, Dad...
Another bright part of today: my face is not quite so swollen today. One side is all purply-bruised, though. Ouch.
Proverbs to Remember
I love Proverbs. Here are a few I read in the past couple of days.
Interpersonal Communication:
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Peace in the Home:
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
What Seems Right:
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
And one that I just found last night...
Voting Advice: (I added the italics for emphasis)
Proverbs 24:21-22
My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
Have a blessed Sunday!
Interpersonal Communication:
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Peace in the Home:
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
What Seems Right:
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
And one that I just found last night...
Voting Advice: (I added the italics for emphasis)
Proverbs 24:21-22
My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
Have a blessed Sunday!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Daniel's Feast
For the entire month of June, I will be hosting an event. Family-friendly -- in fact, I strongly encourage whole families to attend! It popped into my head as I was reading Daniel 1 a few days ago. He asked to not be fed the king's dainties [food] to keep himself from being defiled. That gave me this idea, and I am calling it Daniel's Feast, for he was stronger and healthier than the others at the end. For the month of June, I am putting away "dainties" of a different sort. I will be:
*Putting away all books and reading only the Bible (I'm making a small allowance made for the books I'm writing, and if you have books for school/work, of course you may study them!)
*Giving time every day for prayer. Remember the persecuted Church! Our brothers and sisters risk their lives daily to follow Christ - Never forget them!
*Not listening to/singing any music that isn't a sweet savour to God
*Not watching secular movies.
If you live a lifestyle where you already live the things in the above list, don't feel left out! Join us as a prayer warrior and encourager! Remember - One of the greatest blessings is coming alongside and helping others.
After 10 days, we (I? We?) will analyze what happened during the fast from secular life and see if any improvements can be made. Post about what you read! Post your prayer requests and praises! Use your blog to draw us closer into the Word! Don't have a blog? Leave me a comment saying how you're doing!
Daniel's Feast isn't something someone "big and important" decided to do... just little ol' me...
Anyone with little ol' me?
If you are, how 'bout you post about it on your blog so we can get more people on board. This could be lots of fun and full of encouragement! It will also strengthen the family of God over the world as we lift up the persecuted Church.
*Putting away all books and reading only the Bible (I'm making a small allowance made for the books I'm writing, and if you have books for school/work, of course you may study them!)
*Giving time every day for prayer. Remember the persecuted Church! Our brothers and sisters risk their lives daily to follow Christ - Never forget them!
*Not listening to/singing any music that isn't a sweet savour to God
*Not watching secular movies.
If you live a lifestyle where you already live the things in the above list, don't feel left out! Join us as a prayer warrior and encourager! Remember - One of the greatest blessings is coming alongside and helping others.
After 10 days, we (I? We?) will analyze what happened during the fast from secular life and see if any improvements can be made. Post about what you read! Post your prayer requests and praises! Use your blog to draw us closer into the Word! Don't have a blog? Leave me a comment saying how you're doing!
Daniel's Feast isn't something someone "big and important" decided to do... just little ol' me...
Anyone with little ol' me?
If you are, how 'bout you post about it on your blog so we can get more people on board. This could be lots of fun and full of encouragement! It will also strengthen the family of God over the world as we lift up the persecuted Church.
My New Mission In Life!
I have just discovered the perfect profession for me! Join up with Alvin and the Chipmunks and sing Munk Rock! Because...
According to my family, I look like chipmunk. Looking in the mirror, it looks like I'm holding a watermelon in my mouth. And that's about what it feels like. Ugh. I didn't realize that my face makes a perfect rectangle when it's swollen. Interesting.
Mighty Mike is down milking for me. He's even walking them out to the hillside to graze them. Yesterday, The Brain tried milking. Poor ol' city-boy has never milked before (the other day when he went down, he just bottle-fed the babes; he didn't actually learn to milk). So after about five minutes, we got a phone call from him: "Mom, I can't do it!" So my dear city-mom went down, assessed the situation, and called Grandpa, who finally milked the goats. Needless to say, I did not ask The Brain to milk last night. I asked The Cowboy to. The Cowboy is a fabulous goat dad. After he fed the babies dinner, he took two of them for the mile-long walk to the end of the driveway and back ("Gotta get their little muscles built up!"), then snuggled with the two babies that didn't want to go for the walk. I'm going to give him Jacen and Gary for "lawnmowers," and I'll keep Jerusha. Just in case you wanted to know.
I'm going to go re-heat my rice pudding now...
~Miss. Chipmunk
According to my family, I look like chipmunk. Looking in the mirror, it looks like I'm holding a watermelon in my mouth. And that's about what it feels like. Ugh. I didn't realize that my face makes a perfect rectangle when it's swollen. Interesting.
Mighty Mike is down milking for me. He's even walking them out to the hillside to graze them. Yesterday, The Brain tried milking. Poor ol' city-boy has never milked before (the other day when he went down, he just bottle-fed the babes; he didn't actually learn to milk). So after about five minutes, we got a phone call from him: "Mom, I can't do it!" So my dear city-mom went down, assessed the situation, and called Grandpa, who finally milked the goats. Needless to say, I did not ask The Brain to milk last night. I asked The Cowboy to. The Cowboy is a fabulous goat dad. After he fed the babies dinner, he took two of them for the mile-long walk to the end of the driveway and back ("Gotta get their little muscles built up!"), then snuggled with the two babies that didn't want to go for the walk. I'm going to give him Jacen and Gary for "lawnmowers," and I'll keep Jerusha. Just in case you wanted to know.
I'm going to go re-heat my rice pudding now...
~Miss. Chipmunk
Friday, May 7, 2010
On Teen-agers
I hear remarks on "teen-agers" a lot, from songs and movies to people making statements around me. These comments are to these effects: "Teen-agers naturally will be thinking of dark, depressing things." "Teen-agers just do strange [dark] things." "They're teen-agers. Of course they're rebellious." "I dread my sweet, little children becoming teen-agers --Teens are monsters!" "Teen-agers will never get along with anyone younger or older than them. It won't happen, and it doesn't need to happen. They live in their own little world, and eventually they will come out of it."
Come again?
Now, my knowledge of the average American "teen-aged" girl is somewhat lacking, because I grew up around non-average American "teen-aged" girls. Here are examples of our non-averageness: We had and shared too much joy to be depressed or ponder things of darkness and evil, and there was significant peer pressure among us.
I'm of the belief that peer pressure is a GOOD thing. Just as long as you have the right kind of peers. I Corinthians says that bad company corrupts good morals. For my friends and I, there was (and is) pressure to be respectful. To be obedient. To always put others ahead of yourself. To be reserved and quiet when around adults. To speak only of God-pleasing subjects. To be good role models to younger children and involving ourselves in their lives to lead them toward a strong relationship with the Lord. Not to draw unnecessary attention to yourself. To be pure and holy, set apart to God.
I suppose my question-for-thought of the day is: Who are your peers? What do they encourage you to do? Do they encourage you to draw closer to the Lord or push yourself away from Him? Think carefully about each and every bosom-friend you have.
And my encouragement to parents is this: Teach your young children to select as bosom-friends only people who are uplifting and honourable, and when they grow into their so-called "teens," they will have the strength of their bosom-friends to bring them through the darts of Satan. There is a reason that there is no night in Heaven: All darkness is of Satan. In the end, it is your son and daughter's decision which path to take, but if they are brought up with you (the parents) and bosom-friends who are strong in the Lord, they will be less likely to stray. Yet another reason to homeschool.
For a sword drill exercise, here a few verses to look up: (Yes, I did mean now, and I did mean all of them. It'll take you a minute to grab your Bible and then a couple of minutes to look them up... And that was five minutes of your day. You have five minutes, right?)
Dwelling in the joy of the Lord: I Thessalonians 5:16
Respecting elders: Leviticus 19:32
On bad company: I Corinthians 15:33, Ephesians 5:6-7
On obedience to parents: Ephesians 6:1
Placing others above yourself: Philippians 2:4, Mark 9:33-35
For ladies to be reserved and quiet, not drawing attention: I Timothy 2:9-12, Philemon 2:3-8
Speaking and thinking of God-pleasing subjects: Philemon 2:8, 2:12, Colossians 3:8-9, Ephesians 5:22-32, Philippians 4:7-8
To be set apart and holy: Philemon 2:14 (I love his phrasing in KJV: "a peculiar people"), II Corinthians 5:17
Training up a child: Proverbs 22:6
Have some more verses to add? Give ME a sword drill!
Come again?
Now, my knowledge of the average American "teen-aged" girl is somewhat lacking, because I grew up around non-average American "teen-aged" girls. Here are examples of our non-averageness: We had and shared too much joy to be depressed or ponder things of darkness and evil, and there was significant peer pressure among us.
I'm of the belief that peer pressure is a GOOD thing. Just as long as you have the right kind of peers. I Corinthians says that bad company corrupts good morals. For my friends and I, there was (and is) pressure to be respectful. To be obedient. To always put others ahead of yourself. To be reserved and quiet when around adults. To speak only of God-pleasing subjects. To be good role models to younger children and involving ourselves in their lives to lead them toward a strong relationship with the Lord. Not to draw unnecessary attention to yourself. To be pure and holy, set apart to God.
I suppose my question-for-thought of the day is: Who are your peers? What do they encourage you to do? Do they encourage you to draw closer to the Lord or push yourself away from Him? Think carefully about each and every bosom-friend you have.
And my encouragement to parents is this: Teach your young children to select as bosom-friends only people who are uplifting and honourable, and when they grow into their so-called "teens," they will have the strength of their bosom-friends to bring them through the darts of Satan. There is a reason that there is no night in Heaven: All darkness is of Satan. In the end, it is your son and daughter's decision which path to take, but if they are brought up with you (the parents) and bosom-friends who are strong in the Lord, they will be less likely to stray. Yet another reason to homeschool.
For a sword drill exercise, here a few verses to look up: (Yes, I did mean now, and I did mean all of them. It'll take you a minute to grab your Bible and then a couple of minutes to look them up... And that was five minutes of your day. You have five minutes, right?)
Dwelling in the joy of the Lord: I Thessalonians 5:16
Respecting elders: Leviticus 19:32
On bad company: I Corinthians 15:33, Ephesians 5:6-7
On obedience to parents: Ephesians 6:1
Placing others above yourself: Philippians 2:4, Mark 9:33-35
For ladies to be reserved and quiet, not drawing attention: I Timothy 2:9-12, Philemon 2:3-8
Speaking and thinking of God-pleasing subjects: Philemon 2:8, 2:12, Colossians 3:8-9, Ephesians 5:22-32, Philippians 4:7-8
To be set apart and holy: Philemon 2:14 (I love his phrasing in KJV: "a peculiar people"), II Corinthians 5:17
Training up a child: Proverbs 22:6
Have some more verses to add? Give ME a sword drill!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
It's Keeping Me In Stitches!
The wisdom teeth surgery went very well, and I'm in very little pain. Just a bit of swelling, but ice is helping that. Drinking some lovely, warm chicken broth from a mug. Wow. Yum. I love this stuff. Not eating for nearly a whole day helped that, though. My dear mother has made mention of giving me a cherry smoothie soon...
And The Cowboy, Dad, and The Brain are being dears and milking my goats for me.
Love my family and my Cowboy. :)
And The Cowboy, Dad, and The Brain are being dears and milking my goats for me.
Love my family and my Cowboy. :)
Thursday Thirteen: Reasons I Quit Facebook
I deleted my facebook two weeks ago. 13 reasons why:
1. I didn't like knowing what everyone was up to.
2. I didn't like everyone knowing what I was up to.
3. Blogging is way more fun.
4. Too many pictures of me online.
5. Lots of private information revealed by accident.
6. It was awkward knowing what all The Cowboy's friends were doing before he did.
7. If people really want to know what I'm up to, they can make an effort to ask.
8. Drama
9. Relationship drama
10. Drama around things people say
11. It's too easy to shoot your mouth off on facebook.
12. I got to where I didn't have the attention span for anything longer than a status update.
13. Lots of inappropriate material.
What's your Thursday Thirteen?
1. I didn't like knowing what everyone was up to.
2. I didn't like everyone knowing what I was up to.
3. Blogging is way more fun.
4. Too many pictures of me online.
5. Lots of private information revealed by accident.
6. It was awkward knowing what all The Cowboy's friends were doing before he did.
7. If people really want to know what I'm up to, they can make an effort to ask.
8. Drama
9. Relationship drama
10. Drama around things people say
11. It's too easy to shoot your mouth off on facebook.
12. I got to where I didn't have the attention span for anything longer than a status update.
13. Lots of inappropriate material.
What's your Thursday Thirteen?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Pray for me tomorrow? Please?
I'm just a little, teeny, tiny bit terrified of tomorrow when my mouth gets surgery (no, not to have it sewn shut, as my brothers would like). And they're taking all of my wisdom! Wisdom teeth, that is.
Funny how they came to be named wisdom teeth. Apparently it's because they appear when someone becomes an adult and (theoretically) wise. Some people I was talking to said that they thought wisdom teeth were a sort of insurance plan - if a person did not have good dental care and their teeth fell out, they had a few extra to grow in. They attributed it to evolution, but I think it has something to do with a Creator who planned ahead.
So my insurance plan is being removed tomorrow morning.
*nibbles fingernails*
Funny how they came to be named wisdom teeth. Apparently it's because they appear when someone becomes an adult and (theoretically) wise. Some people I was talking to said that they thought wisdom teeth were a sort of insurance plan - if a person did not have good dental care and their teeth fell out, they had a few extra to grow in. They attributed it to evolution, but I think it has something to do with a Creator who planned ahead.
So my insurance plan is being removed tomorrow morning.
*nibbles fingernails*
Monday, May 3, 2010
Update on Mighty Mike
My brother, Mighty Mike, had a bad concussion on April 4th. He is back almost to normal. He went to see a neurosomebody for a check-up, and they said he should have been MUCH worse off. It's my personal belief that it was because we had literally hundreds of people on their knees praying for him all that afternoon/night.
He has no sense of smell and very little sense of taste (basic sweet, sour, and bitter). The neurosomebody said that it will probably never come back. The bad side: he will never know if there are any bad chemicals in the air until it burns his throat and he won't be able to tell if food is bad. The good side: he'll eat his veggies because he can't taste them.
Please pray he heals completely! I love my brother so much (even though he hides in dark corners to jump out and scare me like he did ten minutes ago! Grr!) and I want him to be all better.
He has no sense of smell and very little sense of taste (basic sweet, sour, and bitter). The neurosomebody said that it will probably never come back. The bad side: he will never know if there are any bad chemicals in the air until it burns his throat and he won't be able to tell if food is bad. The good side: he'll eat his veggies because he can't taste them.
Please pray he heals completely! I love my brother so much (even though he hides in dark corners to jump out and scare me like he did ten minutes ago! Grr!) and I want him to be all better.
Monday, Monday...
A few days ago, I dreamed up a brand spankin' new character and developed a story around her. It occurred to me that there are plenty of stories about peasanty girls who suddenly discover that they will be the next princess, so they must learn to adapt to life at court.
So I said to myself, "Self! You should write a book where a princess/other noble lady must adapt herself to life as a peasant nobody."
The main character is one of the "nobodys" that the princess is sent to live with (the nobodys are told that she is there to escape a wave of assassinations in the palace, but really there is a more sinister reason). The baby manuscript is 9 pages long now. We'll see how this turns out. Don't worry... There will be lots of adventure and danger. *rubs hands together*
***
And now a picture for your viewing pleasure. She's a little elf I made out of clay a few years ago.
So I said to myself, "Self! You should write a book where a princess/other noble lady must adapt herself to life as a peasant nobody."
The main character is one of the "nobodys" that the princess is sent to live with (the nobodys are told that she is there to escape a wave of assassinations in the palace, but really there is a more sinister reason). The baby manuscript is 9 pages long now. We'll see how this turns out. Don't worry... There will be lots of adventure and danger. *rubs hands together*
***
And now a picture for your viewing pleasure. She's a little elf I made out of clay a few years ago.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A Self Portrait
I "drew" this picture of myself in 2007 while on a trip to Boston.
***
***
I hope you liked it. :-)
***
The frame of this picture is maple wood.
***
I hope you liked it. :-)
*Yaaaaaaaawn...*
I haven't been up until 2 in the morning since that one night that Mom couldn't turn off 24. Last night, my brothers returned home between 9:30-10 and we watched movies until 2.
Now I have concluded that Wolverine is the coolest mutant ever.
This also means that morning church service is NOT happening for me. I have to get up at 5:30 for milking/chores, drive an hour, and get there by 9. So I will go to my other church this afternoon after work (Yes, I have to work on Sundays sometimes).
Need... coffee... *zonk*
Now I have concluded that Wolverine is the coolest mutant ever.
This also means that morning church service is NOT happening for me. I have to get up at 5:30 for milking/chores, drive an hour, and get there by 9. So I will go to my other church this afternoon after work (Yes, I have to work on Sundays sometimes).
Need... coffee... *zonk*
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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