Weekend Meanderings

Happy New Year!

I'm not going to apologize this year for being late with my New Year wishes.   You should know by now this is just how I roll.  I do hope you are having a good January, reading some really good books,  and  looking forward to something fabulous in the coming months. 

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to and confident of good things happening this year.  I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions.  I feel like it is a set-up to fail.   Usually I just plow through the year taking it a moment at a time.  This year, I feel I need to place my focus somewhere.  With this in mind,  I decided to follow so many who select a "word" for the year.

Things happened in 2018.   
Some doors closed, and as of now, the windows remain shuttered. 
Though I have long known we do not live in a fair, kind or gentle world, this fact came to visit early in the year, and pretty much decided to hang around for awhile.  I use the word "visit", because a visit will at some point end.   No worries, all and everyone is well... life is just being life.  Sometimes you just have to stop, step back, breathe and adjust.   As a person of faith, I do believe things happen for a reason and God has a plan.

I've thought about my word selection a lot.  I want share, inspire and heal.

 The word I am going to hold in my heart for the world, for you and for me is


 hopeful




"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Romans 15:13

Happy New Year my friends.  
I wish for you so many wonderful things this year.  

Hugs!

***just an after thought:  I'm still fighting with this "vintage" laptop, but we are most definitely going to get back to some book talk soon.  Please visit me on instagram @bee_tweenthelines. Hugs!

Teaching Moments

“I guess you could call it a "failure", but I prefer the term "learning experience".” 

― Andy Weir, The Martian

Are we truly nearing the middle of March?

I get a little fickled this time of year.  I'm not quite ready for winter to end, but at the same time I love seeing all the spring blossoms.

No matter the season, I've been buried under my "weekend project" which has become a two week marathon.   I underestimated the time, and possibly my ability.  I think most guessed my mystery project as curtains.  Yes, I am making the curtains for my grand-daughter's nursery.   We couldn't find ready-made curtains exactly as desired, so of course, I quickly said I can easily 

make something.   

I spent most of the first days of this project measuring, measuring and measuring again.  Once I have a vision I am not one to spend a lot of time planning; however,  I believe in measuring.   So yes, I measured not twice, but three times.   When I was satisfied everything was the length needed, I pulled the welt thread to make sure my cut would be straight and on grain.  Well, it didn't end up how I expected.

I moved from table to floor, back to the table and back to the floor.  (This was much easier the last time I made curtains....possibly 20 years ago.)  No matter where I laid the fabric the lines were not straight.  Finally with the help of my husband I squared everything and one 60" x 102" panel was constructed.

I spent last weekend with my daughter, and had hoped to take two sets of  finished curtains with me.  I had planned to hang, photograph and post my fabulous success.  It didn't happen.

I'll have another chance to deliver the finished curtains in a couple weeks.

My fingers are crossed.

I'm not certain there is a moral to this story other than measure, measure, measure when necessary... if things don't work out, step back, rethink and try again.   Perhaps purchasing a L square might be a good idea as well.

It has been raining here most of the week.  While I find a rainy day perfect for settling in, at home, with a good book, four consecutive days in the classroom without playground time is not fun.  Midweek I finally gave up and took my children outside to play under the covered walkway.  I gave them perimeters and told them to run and yell.  When I opened the flood gate they rushed out screaming, only to quieten when they found hundreds of worms stranded on the cement trying to escape the saturated ground.   While a few children continued to run and jump, most wanted to pick-up and save the worms.  We talked about earthworms and why they were on the sidewalk.   We observed and measured.  By the time we were ready to line up to go in and wash hands, most of the worms were nothing more than a smashed mush.  I think a few (worms) may have posthumously been given names.   

Every day we are given amazing opportunities to discover and learn.  We need only to slow down,  open our eyes, our minds, and stop, observe and listen.  Yes, even those moments when we have deadlines or think we are about to lose our ever lovin' minds.

Project Weekend

The weekend is here, 

and none too soon.

It has not been one of my better weeks...

I've piled a lot on my plate...

(my mantra)

It will all get done...

It always does.

In the meantime...

I'm starting a new project.

Yikes! Go figure!

I am always up for a DIY project.  Yes, I'm the one, hand raised, 

saying, "I can do that".  Oh, how that little sentence gets me in so much trouble.

Actually, I enjoy a project that uses both the brain and hands.  And, I get so much satisfaction when it is finished.  

Actually, this one has been on my list for a while, and

the sand in this hour glass is quickly disappearing.

The table is now clear and the leaves

added.  I'll need a lot of space.

Everything is ready to go.

Have you guessed?

(I love a mystery)

I'll share my progress.

Are you a DIYer?

Do you have projects for the weekend?

I would love to see them.

You encourage and inspire me daily!

Whatever you have planned,

Enjoy, and Be Safe!

Hugs!

A Very Good Day!

It was an absolutely beautiful weekend here.  

Who could imagine the difference a few days would make.

A week ago we woke to snow and more cold 

(we have had more extreme cold than snow).   

This weekend, though the mornings were cool, the sun shone and beckoned us to put down the book, the knitting, turn off the computer and head outdoors.

And, we didn't hesitate to answered the call.

We spent the afternoon walking the trails of a nearby park, enjoying the sun and fresh air.
The paths were crowded with individuals, couples and families.  There were runners, walkers, strollers and bikers.  Smiles and hellos were abundant.  It was just that kind of day.

With the sun setting we began our trek back.  Occasionally I could hear something moving along with me,  hidden by the brush.  It was a bit spooky (it is too cold for snakes?); I couldn't resist. Though R. and Willie continued to walk, I stopped, listened and waited.  Our companion remained elusive.  It wasn't until we had almost reach the end of the trail, I spied a park occupant.

He stopped while I fished my phone out of my pocket.  Though shy, he didn't seem
too bothered by my presence.

He showed me his profile.

Then, "No more photos, please"

And he was gone.

As the  armadillo was probably just waking,
my day was coming to a close.

Who knows what will come tomorrow; it is winter.
This was a very good day!

I'm wishing you beautiful days, soon!

Gifts and Loans

I'm sure I talk, write and and read far too much about reading and books, but it is one of my many favorite things.  I am equally certain my enthusiasm can be annoying when I am gushing praise on something I believe everyone should want to read, and enjoy simply because I think it is the latest best thing I have read.  One of the benefits of this effusive babbling is I find myself among those of like mind, and who are eager to share their favorite reads.  I have in the last few weeks been the fortunate recipient of a few gifts and loans.

Some may find it presumptuous to select a book for another person; I think it is a true gift to be trusted with a favorite book of a friend.  I have a three day weekend...where do I begin?

How do you feel?
Do you enjoy others choosing a book for you, or do you prefer to
make the selection yourself?

Currently, I am reading The Orphan Master's Son, Adam Johnson

and E.M. Forester's Howard's End.

One is a favorite, one not so much.  I leave you to guess.
You know, I never speak badly of someone's masterpiece.

Enjoy your weekend,
and let me know what you have lined up to read
this weekend.