Dear Maggie at Don't Know What I'm Doing has tagged me...This should be interesting.
What I was doing 10 years ago:
Ten years ago, I was seven years old. Wow. This time ten years ago, I was getting to know my then-future stepfather. I can't remember exactly, but by now, he and Mom were probably engaged. I'll admit, I wasn't exactly warm to the idea at the time. I'm greatful God has since worked in my heart to change that. They were married in July in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I was also in school, obviously. Second grade, I believe. That would have made Mrs. Funk my teacher. She loved honeybees, and took us on a field trip to a bee farm.
Five things on my To Do List today:
1. Straighten up
2. Vacuum
3. Go to my doctor's appointment
4. Read a chapter
5. Go to dance
Snacks I enjoy:
Cheese nachos
Granny Smith apples
Raisins
sunflower kernels
Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Ah, what a thought. First thing, I'd pay off my parent's house, and buy my own in Eureka Springs for the future. Then I'd give several million to all of my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, etc. Maybe make a Family Fund that anyone who needed it could access. Then I'd help out my friend's father with their bills, and set up her aunt and uncle (and their six kids). I'd probably send a bit the way of my readers, as well. :) Finally, I'd go crazy with patterns and fabric and books and not emerge from my room for six months, once I've created a wardrobe that spans the 15th-19th centuries.
Five places I have lived:
A farm in the countryside by Cordell, Oklahoma
Clinton, Oklahoma
A townhouse in Oklahoma City
Yukon, Oklahoma
Back to OKC (current)
Five jobs I have had:
Babysitter
Cashier
Unofficial Secretary
Short-order Seamstress
Stay-at-Home Daughter!!!
Five people I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG!):
Everly P at Clickety~Clack
Leigh at A Lady's Wistful Moments
Emma at Charming the Birds from the Trees
Michelle at Ave Maria
...That's all I can think of...
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
What a Weekend!
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, whether you keep Easter or not!
My grandparents came in from Arkansas and were with us from Friday until Monday; I'm always glad to see them. I also got to see my aunt and uncle, my cousins, and....my cousin's six month old! Baby Marshall is the absolute sweetest thing you'll ever see. My stepdad (his godfather) spent nearly half an hour playing with him, and it was the sweetest thing in the world to see, if a bit nerve-wracking! Men most definately play with babies differently than women do! :)
Our Sunday dinner was delicious. We had brown-sugar ham, fresh green beans, black-eyed peas, ambrosia, and lime jello salad. For dessert, we had a coconut cake which I baked from a recipe in Taste of the South, and an extremely unusual, but very decadent key lime bread pudding, also my domain, from a recipe Mom got at the Point Clear Grand Hotel in Alabama.
We went to an absolutely beautiful Mass, where all the stops had been pulled out. The music was exquisite, and the priest spoke well. Mom and I were just about in tears by the time it was over.
Through all this, Mimi and I found time to watch the Kate Beckinsale version of Emma on Masterpiece Theatre, which I highly reccommend to even the most marginal Jane Austen fan. It was delightful, and superior to the Gwyneth Paltrow version, in my opinion. I am a little miffed at the fact that I caught a preview for their new Sense and Sensibility, and they seem to have inserted a highly inappropriate plot device surrounding Marianne and Willoughby. Jane must be spinning in her grave.
I must say, it's something of a relief to be returning to my daily routine. The kitchen is finally back in ship shape!
My grandparents came in from Arkansas and were with us from Friday until Monday; I'm always glad to see them. I also got to see my aunt and uncle, my cousins, and....my cousin's six month old! Baby Marshall is the absolute sweetest thing you'll ever see. My stepdad (his godfather) spent nearly half an hour playing with him, and it was the sweetest thing in the world to see, if a bit nerve-wracking! Men most definately play with babies differently than women do! :)
Our Sunday dinner was delicious. We had brown-sugar ham, fresh green beans, black-eyed peas, ambrosia, and lime jello salad. For dessert, we had a coconut cake which I baked from a recipe in Taste of the South, and an extremely unusual, but very decadent key lime bread pudding, also my domain, from a recipe Mom got at the Point Clear Grand Hotel in Alabama.
We went to an absolutely beautiful Mass, where all the stops had been pulled out. The music was exquisite, and the priest spoke well. Mom and I were just about in tears by the time it was over.
Through all this, Mimi and I found time to watch the Kate Beckinsale version of Emma on Masterpiece Theatre, which I highly reccommend to even the most marginal Jane Austen fan. It was delightful, and superior to the Gwyneth Paltrow version, in my opinion. I am a little miffed at the fact that I caught a preview for their new Sense and Sensibility, and they seem to have inserted a highly inappropriate plot device surrounding Marianne and Willoughby. Jane must be spinning in her grave.
I must say, it's something of a relief to be returning to my daily routine. The kitchen is finally back in ship shape!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Swamped
Sorry I've been so absent...m grandparents are coming in for Easter, and this involved quite the list of preparations. I'll be back Monday.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sewing Post
Everly, to answer your questions...I myself do not have a copy of that catalogue, my grandmother in Arkansas does, though. A worthy splurge is the Vogue Sewing Book, which is available at any Barnes and Noble for $30, but it looks like there are some lower-priced used copies on Amazon. It goes into detail about colors, patterns, textures, and all manner of cuts and garment variations.
If I were you, first, I'd either get a book or look online and learn some basic stitches, or, if you have a machine, information on that. Sometimes fabric and craft stores have demonstrations or classes, as well. The only training I had was one day making a nightgown with my grandmother. Aside from that, I'm self-taught. If youhave a machine, look in the owner's manual and see how to set it for various fabrics. Put it on a light setting and practice straight lines on a piece of notebook paper.
If you haven't got a machine, don't fret. I do all my work by hand! Just pick up some basic needles, a bit of white thread, and some scraps of fabric (if you buy it, 1/4 yard of 99 cent muslin is just fine.) And practice basic stitches. Do this until you're comfortable.
Then get a tape measure and take down your measurements before you go to the store, so that you'll be able to look and see which pattern size you are. They're usually off a couple as compared to retail sizing. Look through the Simplicity and McCalls catalogues. Both of them have Easy sections, and that's a great place to start. Also, often times Hancock and Hobby Lobby put patterns on sale for a dollar apiece. Once you find something you like, look at the suggested fabrics and the amount you need, and pick something out. Sales are a great thing to take advantage of here, too!
From there, just follow the instructions on your pattern! It'll show you how to lay it out to cut it, what order to piece it in, and pretty much anything else you need to know.
As for some pictures, I've managed to pull a few together.
Here's a skirt I made from instructions online:
I've also got this wonderful apron I made from a Sense and Sensibility pattern:
Also, I've got the Easter dress I made for a friend's girl. It looked adorable on. The pattern is also from S&S:
Aside from that, most of my sewing goes to people other than myself, so I don't have a lot of photos. More are coming, though!
If I were you, first, I'd either get a book or look online and learn some basic stitches, or, if you have a machine, information on that. Sometimes fabric and craft stores have demonstrations or classes, as well. The only training I had was one day making a nightgown with my grandmother. Aside from that, I'm self-taught. If youhave a machine, look in the owner's manual and see how to set it for various fabrics. Put it on a light setting and practice straight lines on a piece of notebook paper.
If you haven't got a machine, don't fret. I do all my work by hand! Just pick up some basic needles, a bit of white thread, and some scraps of fabric (if you buy it, 1/4 yard of 99 cent muslin is just fine.) And practice basic stitches. Do this until you're comfortable.
Then get a tape measure and take down your measurements before you go to the store, so that you'll be able to look and see which pattern size you are. They're usually off a couple as compared to retail sizing. Look through the Simplicity and McCalls catalogues. Both of them have Easy sections, and that's a great place to start. Also, often times Hancock and Hobby Lobby put patterns on sale for a dollar apiece. Once you find something you like, look at the suggested fabrics and the amount you need, and pick something out. Sales are a great thing to take advantage of here, too!
From there, just follow the instructions on your pattern! It'll show you how to lay it out to cut it, what order to piece it in, and pretty much anything else you need to know.
As for some pictures, I've managed to pull a few together.
Here's a skirt I made from instructions online:
I've also got this wonderful apron I made from a Sense and Sensibility pattern:
Also, I've got the Easter dress I made for a friend's girl. It looked adorable on. The pattern is also from S&S:
Aside from that, most of my sewing goes to people other than myself, so I don't have a lot of photos. More are coming, though!
A Thank You
Thank you ladies for the thoughtful replies!
Leigh - You're very right, I didn't do it for attention purposes. My parents are rather fond of it themselves; I would never have done it without their permission. I feel a bit of a connection with women of the past and across cultures with my little jewel.
Everly - You're absolutely right about legalism. It's a reason I'm personally glad that as a Catholic I have access to the teachings I do. I do know it's not for everyone; I hope this blog never causes a denominational clash, as I respect all true Christian paths, as well as the path of our Jewish fathers.
Maggie - It is indeed confusing, and I'm normally glad to have the guidance of the Church, but in situations such as these, where everyone seems to have a differing opinion, I do like to go back to the source myself. Thank you so much for the links!
Thanks also for your concern about me denying myself too much. The fact of the matter is I led a very secular life for a long time, and so it's important for me to check everything out. I still have my music, my sometimes obsessive hobbies, and my (many!) books. My dancing is also a very human pleasure in which I engage.*
Some things, of course, have to be thrown out. The best example is my music. A few songs I kept around because of the beat or music, but which had trashy lyrics, definitely had to go. In one case, I had several albums from the same artist that I finally decided were better off in the garbage, because the lyrics were either promiscuous, anti-God, or just plain angry and depressing. At the same time, I'll delete a song or two from a particular artist while keeping quite a bit around. (Heaven help the fool who comes between me and my Sting) And then there are some things that are just fine the way they are.
My main purpose in my more serious posts is, of course, to gain advice from everyone who dips in about the issues I have some trouble with. It's no substitute for prayer, I know, but you all are a huge help. It's extremly helpful to me to take in varied ideas about the same subject, especially when my own scope is narrow. And I thank you all for responding so kindly.
*A tangent about that: Last night I had my first class after my decision to stop dancing publicly, and it was amazing. I was able to see myself in a different light, and a smile kept tugging at the corners of my mouth. When I'm not worried about what other people (an audience) would think, it becomes all about me being thankful to God for making me a woman. And, yes, a few daydreams about the future. :)
Leigh - You're very right, I didn't do it for attention purposes. My parents are rather fond of it themselves; I would never have done it without their permission. I feel a bit of a connection with women of the past and across cultures with my little jewel.
Everly - You're absolutely right about legalism. It's a reason I'm personally glad that as a Catholic I have access to the teachings I do. I do know it's not for everyone; I hope this blog never causes a denominational clash, as I respect all true Christian paths, as well as the path of our Jewish fathers.
Maggie - It is indeed confusing, and I'm normally glad to have the guidance of the Church, but in situations such as these, where everyone seems to have a differing opinion, I do like to go back to the source myself. Thank you so much for the links!
Thanks also for your concern about me denying myself too much. The fact of the matter is I led a very secular life for a long time, and so it's important for me to check everything out. I still have my music, my sometimes obsessive hobbies, and my (many!) books. My dancing is also a very human pleasure in which I engage.*
Some things, of course, have to be thrown out. The best example is my music. A few songs I kept around because of the beat or music, but which had trashy lyrics, definitely had to go. In one case, I had several albums from the same artist that I finally decided were better off in the garbage, because the lyrics were either promiscuous, anti-God, or just plain angry and depressing. At the same time, I'll delete a song or two from a particular artist while keeping quite a bit around. (Heaven help the fool who comes between me and my Sting) And then there are some things that are just fine the way they are.
My main purpose in my more serious posts is, of course, to gain advice from everyone who dips in about the issues I have some trouble with. It's no substitute for prayer, I know, but you all are a huge help. It's extremly helpful to me to take in varied ideas about the same subject, especially when my own scope is narrow. And I thank you all for responding so kindly.
*A tangent about that: Last night I had my first class after my decision to stop dancing publicly, and it was amazing. I was able to see myself in a different light, and a smile kept tugging at the corners of my mouth. When I'm not worried about what other people (an audience) would think, it becomes all about me being thankful to God for making me a woman. And, yes, a few daydreams about the future. :)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
More Seriousness
Yes, that's right. Another serious post. I can't help myself; I'm making a life-altering transition here, and I'm trying hard to make it as completely as possible.
I would like to show you something I got this January. Something I find very pretty, even classy, but something about which I am extremely torn.
Frankly, I'm at a loss to interpret the Biblical stance on piercings. I've heard very convincing arguments both ways. The passage in Leviticus 21 refers to a specific practice of manefesting inner pain in outward cutting or gashes, or so I am told. There are several references to ear piercing in the Bible...but in context, it is a mark of enslavement.
Once again, I seek the consel my readers, as you all come from different perspectives, many of you are older and wiser, and you've all followed God closely longer than I. If there's some proof of its prohibition that I have missed, I'll throw the thing out, but right now I'm lost in a mire of differing opinions, from those who oppose it from an extrabiblical societal stance, to the "Do whatever the heck you want" idiology of people who throw out Mosaic Law althogether. :/
I would like to show you something I got this January. Something I find very pretty, even classy, but something about which I am extremely torn.
Frankly, I'm at a loss to interpret the Biblical stance on piercings. I've heard very convincing arguments both ways. The passage in Leviticus 21 refers to a specific practice of manefesting inner pain in outward cutting or gashes, or so I am told. There are several references to ear piercing in the Bible...but in context, it is a mark of enslavement.
Once again, I seek the consel my readers, as you all come from different perspectives, many of you are older and wiser, and you've all followed God closely longer than I. If there's some proof of its prohibition that I have missed, I'll throw the thing out, but right now I'm lost in a mire of differing opinions, from those who oppose it from an extrabiblical societal stance, to the "Do whatever the heck you want" idiology of people who throw out Mosaic Law althogether. :/
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
A Beautiful Sunday
Today it was just too gorgeous to stay inside! Here's the view from our yard:
So I grabbed the remains of a stale loaf of bread and went to feed our neighborhood geese. They were very appreciative.
I managed to catch a few signs of the changing seasons; the first crocus I've seen so far, and a bird's nest!
How blessed are we, that God allows us to live in this wonderful world.
So I grabbed the remains of a stale loaf of bread and went to feed our neighborhood geese. They were very appreciative.
I managed to catch a few signs of the changing seasons; the first crocus I've seen so far, and a bird's nest!
How blessed are we, that God allows us to live in this wonderful world.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
*Ouch*
I had my first car accident today. I was at fault; I turned with a car blocking my view and slammed (with low momentum, luckily) into the side of another car. I hit the back tire; thankfully, no one was hurt. The people were very nice and calm. Their car was pretty torn up, but my damage doesn't go beyond the superficial. Luckily, because of the way Beetles are pieced, we only have to replace a small panel.
To add to the fortune, the other car didn't have their current insurance with them. We had a very nice police officer come to the scene who chose not to ticket them for it, and as such didn't ticket me, either. Add to it that my parents aren't angry or upset with me, and for a first accident, it wasn't bad. The Lord's hand was on me today.
I'm going to have to take a part-time job to pay the insurance deductable, so I picked up an application at the fabric store by my house...We shall see how it goes.
In better news, I picked up a nice dress pattern for 99 cents at Hobby Lobby today. I'll mostly be making views A or D, but I may make a couple of the sleeveless ones to go under sweaters or jackets. I also got the most beautiful fabric I've ever seen, a soft white cotton with teeny eyelets and a purple rose print. It was pricey, so I just got enough to make a blouse with, I think I'll try my Dawn Anderson pattern.
If you all have time, please say a little prayer for me, that today will be my last accident for a while! :)
To add to the fortune, the other car didn't have their current insurance with them. We had a very nice police officer come to the scene who chose not to ticket them for it, and as such didn't ticket me, either. Add to it that my parents aren't angry or upset with me, and for a first accident, it wasn't bad. The Lord's hand was on me today.
I'm going to have to take a part-time job to pay the insurance deductable, so I picked up an application at the fabric store by my house...We shall see how it goes.
In better news, I picked up a nice dress pattern for 99 cents at Hobby Lobby today. I'll mostly be making views A or D, but I may make a couple of the sleeveless ones to go under sweaters or jackets. I also got the most beautiful fabric I've ever seen, a soft white cotton with teeny eyelets and a purple rose print. It was pricey, so I just got enough to make a blouse with, I think I'll try my Dawn Anderson pattern.
If you all have time, please say a little prayer for me, that today will be my last accident for a while! :)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Update on the Dancing
After much consideration, I've decided to stop dancing publicly. I have one prior committment tomorrow that I have to honor, but after that, no more.
It's been a tough decision, but I feel it is the best one for me. A dance designed around the natural movements of the female body can't help but be provocative and sensual, and therefore belongs where all other things of a provocative and sensual nature belong; in private. I don't think this is necessarily the case with all dances; with the right costumes most dancing can be nothing but beautiful. It's the nature of bellydance that makes it an issue.
In its original cultural context, men did not watch women dance, unless the women were also prostitutes as well as dancers. Even today, there are certain things you just don't do, such as place your hands on your hips, as it constitutes an offer. Mrs. Clitheroe made an excellent point that sometimes fabric isn't enough, and she's right. It doesn't matter how many skirts and belts I wear, I'm still moving my hips. A lot.
I had already reached the conclusion that I would stop dancing publicly when I married, but then it occured to me; even though we haven't met yet, part of me still belongs to my future husband, wherever he may be (Lord willing!). I keep that part of me safe for him in so many other ways; there's not a reason in the world why I should let my guard down for this.
I will continue to dance in class with the other ladies. And when the time comes, I will have a skill in which my husband and I can both take pleasure, far from prying eyes.
It's been a tough decision, but I feel it is the best one for me. A dance designed around the natural movements of the female body can't help but be provocative and sensual, and therefore belongs where all other things of a provocative and sensual nature belong; in private. I don't think this is necessarily the case with all dances; with the right costumes most dancing can be nothing but beautiful. It's the nature of bellydance that makes it an issue.
In its original cultural context, men did not watch women dance, unless the women were also prostitutes as well as dancers. Even today, there are certain things you just don't do, such as place your hands on your hips, as it constitutes an offer. Mrs. Clitheroe made an excellent point that sometimes fabric isn't enough, and she's right. It doesn't matter how many skirts and belts I wear, I'm still moving my hips. A lot.
I had already reached the conclusion that I would stop dancing publicly when I married, but then it occured to me; even though we haven't met yet, part of me still belongs to my future husband, wherever he may be (Lord willing!). I keep that part of me safe for him in so many other ways; there's not a reason in the world why I should let my guard down for this.
I will continue to dance in class with the other ladies. And when the time comes, I will have a skill in which my husband and I can both take pleasure, far from prying eyes.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
One of my Favorites
This one always makes me cry.
My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?
My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:
Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?
What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of Heav’n and earth,
How can I keep from singing?
I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Success!
Cooking Day went beautifully, with only a minor disaster involving a melted plastic bag. (Oh, the smell!) The way the book lays out the tasks and order of recipes is extremely helpful.
I served baked jambalaya for dinner, and it was a huge hit! It was the first time our family had sat down to a home-cooked meal in ages. Jay took some of the leftovers for lunch today. I'm so happy! It's wonderful accomplishment, making sure your family has good food.
Next stop...stuffed pork chops! :)
I served baked jambalaya for dinner, and it was a huge hit! It was the first time our family had sat down to a home-cooked meal in ages. Jay took some of the leftovers for lunch today. I'm so happy! It's wonderful accomplishment, making sure your family has good food.
Next stop...stuffed pork chops! :)
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Signs of Spring
The only way I can describe the weather today is that it feels like home. There's a coolness in the air, but also a distinct, moist-smelling humidity. It's not really spring in Oklahoma until a storm is on the way, and after all my years here I can definately feel one brewing.
I'm taking my camera out to Dad's this weekend; I'm dying to share the beauty of the open spaces and the sunsets. Maybe if I'm lucky, I can even get a few cloud shots. You can see for miles and miles out there, and sometimes can catch an entire storm in one frame. I might go take some pictures of around the house today...I'm in a photography mood.
My mother and I took a walk Friday, and saw a forsythia blooming. It's always the first flower, and it got us both excited. She's a garden nut, and is planning on making over our plain Jane yard this year...I can't wait!
Also, I'm taking what I consider a major step in my relationship with my father. I'm going to bring out a few things this next weekend, and we're going to have a sort of dressed-down tea. I think it'll be good for him, and it'll show him a bit more of my personality. If ya'll are nice, I'll post the menu later this week. ;)
I'm taking my camera out to Dad's this weekend; I'm dying to share the beauty of the open spaces and the sunsets. Maybe if I'm lucky, I can even get a few cloud shots. You can see for miles and miles out there, and sometimes can catch an entire storm in one frame. I might go take some pictures of around the house today...I'm in a photography mood.
My mother and I took a walk Friday, and saw a forsythia blooming. It's always the first flower, and it got us both excited. She's a garden nut, and is planning on making over our plain Jane yard this year...I can't wait!
Also, I'm taking what I consider a major step in my relationship with my father. I'm going to bring out a few things this next weekend, and we're going to have a sort of dressed-down tea. I think it'll be good for him, and it'll show him a bit more of my personality. If ya'll are nice, I'll post the menu later this week. ;)
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