Slowing Down and Making Changes

Slowing down...an interesting concept, but one I haven't always employed for myself. Rhonda Jean, over at down---to---earth has the best ideas and lots of encouragement for slowing down and living simply. Living a simpler life has been a goal of mine for quite some time. One aspect that is so appealing is the ability to slow down and enjoy the things around you....clean out the junk and only buy what you need to live. A few fringe benefits include saving money, being environmentally responsible and experiencing more peace. So, one of my new rules is to slow down a little each day and try to remember what is really important. Everything will get done when it's supposed to, right? The cleaning, cooking and laundry can wait until I finish that bootie, can't it?

Here's a couple more of the soap sachets to match the washcloths. Joann's is only adding fuel to my fire...they've had the cotton yarn on sale for the last two weeks. I told you I was having too much fun with these....they are a great car project!

The little light green one with the dark ribbon is the only one I have knitted. I love the finished project, but the crochet goes much faster.

My mom taught me to crochet when I was eight years old. How do I remember, you ask? It is a vivid memory. My mom was working on something and showed me the basics. I sat down with some dark orange, cotton rug yarn and proceeded to make a "shawl" for my Barbie. I remember it so clearly. I threaded a strand of yarn through both short ends (think of lacing a shoe) and tied it on Barbie. My mom was amazed, and so was I! Since then, I have discovered this little treasure, great for anyone with wrist issues. Believe it or not, the design is great and makes for some smooth stitching. The first time I tried it, I was hooked : )

And, last but not least, the big news here is that I am changing my sewing room to a sweet little bedroom for my mom. Now 88, she has had a gentle decline in recent months and I don't think she will be able to stay alone as much anymore. I've known somewhere in my mind and heart for the last few years that this was coming. I finally voiced my idea to my mom, who smiled and said, "I like it." For now she may only use "her room" here occasionally, but it will be handy whenever the mood strikes her. As for me, I've got some cleaning out and reorganizing to do. Do I mind giving up the full use of the sewing room? Not a bit, and I'll tell you why. I am a firm believer that God has a plan for everyone...and so, I am off to take the "before picture." I will post both the before and after pictures once we have painted and moved things....maybe in a couple of months. My goal is to have the room ready by Thanksgiving.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you." John 14:27