Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Book Review: Love Starts with Elle by Rachel Hauck


I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book from the author's website, and boy am I glad. I finished this book in less than a week. (That's fast for me!) This book would make a great summer read. Although I read it in December it made me feel warm and cosy.

The premise of the story is that Elle has recently broken off her engagement and while her broken heart heals she meets.... well, I won't tell you anymore. You'll have to read it yourself!

I love that it's a Christian love story. (ie: the characters don't jump into bed with the first guy they meet, it's about true love.) I also like how there is alot of talk about prayer in the book, as it reminds me about the importance of prayer in Christian life.

This book was just passed this one on to one of my good friends, but I can say that I would read more of Rachel's books in the future.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Friday Fave Five

Hosted by Susanne, go here to join in!


1) Secret Pal package: I received my second secret swap pal package this week. It had some wonderfully soft yarn, a good book, along with some coloured pencils and notebook. It made me happy just to rub the soft yarn on my cheek. :)


2) Mountains: The North Shore Mountains look so pretty all covered in snow.

3) White Christmas: We might have a white Christmas this year. Or as close as we've had in a long time. It's supposed to snow on Sunday and be very cold for the following week. With temps in the zero and below range any snow we get won't be melted before Christmas. Ohhhh, so pretty!

4) Knitting Progress: I finished the Swiffer cover for my friend. I'm at the point in my top-down sweater where the arms have been separated. Seeing progress encourages me to keep knitting more. (Haven't had much time to do that lately.)

5) Presents: I've finishing all the gift shopping and I only have one more gift to wrap.

And one bonus:

6) My nephew: I spent a bunch of time with my sister and 7 1/2 month old nephew yesterday. He is trying to "walk"! If you hold his hands he moves his feet and "walks". He's too young to pull himself to an upright position, but his mom better watch out when he does learn! He has also learned to crawl but can only go backwards! Silly boy! :P

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Book Review: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant


I first heard of this book about a year ago. It came with high recommendation from a non-Christian lady I meet through the Vancouver Knitting Meet-up. It peaked my interest that someone who didn't believe in the Bible would find a book based on a biblical story interesting.

When I finally starting reading the book I had a few reservations. For myself I do believe the bible and that every story recorded there is true. So when I started reading The Red Tent some of the questions that came up were: How can the author write about something that happened so many years ago? How can her account be accurate? I have a hard time thinking or reading a story that is based on a true event, but with out having any input from the people who were part of the event.

I kept all of this at the back of my mind as I read the book, which I found interesting. It was nice to be able to read and think about the day to day life of the women mentioned in the bible. They are more than just wife and mother, they were story tellers, teachers, midwifes, and weavers.

Even as I read the great story of the lives of these women I still had doubts about this truth of the story compared to what the bible said. I wasn't until I was finished the story and read the reading group guide at the end of the book that I felt better about all my questions. The reading guide says:

Aiding her (the author's) work was "midrash", the ancient and still vital literary form, which means "search" or "investigation."

"Historically, the rabbis used this highly imaginative form of story telling to make sense of the elliptical nature of the Bible... The compressed stories and images in the Bible are rather like photographs. They don't tell us everything we want or need to know. Midrash is the story about what happened before and after the photographic flash."

She points out that "The Red Tent is not a translation but a work of fiction. Its perspective and focus....distinguishes it from the biblical account in which women are usually peripheral and often totally silent. By giving Dinah a voice and by providing texture and content to the sketchy biblical descriptions, my book is a radical departure from the historical text."

I felt so much better after reading this. It is after all just a novel. I'm sure the author did her research and is quite accurate in her writing. But for some reason this just put my mind at ease. Has anyone else had issues with reading a novel that is based and true events but not a strict re-telling of the events?

Anyway....the novel is an enjoyable read. It's based on the events on Genesis 34 and is told from the view point of Dinah. She tells us about her family, and how things started before her birth. It then follows her story and her (possible) life after then events recorded in the bible.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Snow day! and other randomness

It's snowing here in Greater Vancouver again. It's the second snow day in less than a week. (translation: stay off the roads!!) Its supposed to be really cold here for the next week or so. Really cold it this case means: zero celsius and down to -8 on some days!

I've been tagged in a meme by Katie and I have every intention of doing this but my computer needs to see the doctor. So this will be tackled once its all fixed up.

I finished reading Twilight in just 3 days and put New Moon on hold at the library but there were 146 people in front of me in the library line up.....so how know how long that will take?!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 102

1. Friends are the best support system.
2. Good health; it's taken for granted.
3. I'm ready for Christmas.
4. Whatever the guy from my old office used to wear is one of my favorite perfumes or aftershaves or smells.
5. The oldest ornament I have is not that old....my parents on the other hand have some from the 50s or earlier.
6. Take some aunts, uncles, cousins, and food mix it all together and you have a family Christmas gathering.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing in from of the TV (Ghost Whisperer) with my knitting, tomorrow my plans include heading to J & K's and Sunday, I want to watch Anne of Green Gables - A New Beginning on TV!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Books!

Look what is waiting for me to pick it up at the library:

Meyer, Stephenie, 1973- Twilight / Stephenie Meyer. Held at the Brighouse (Main) until Dec 16, 2008


In addition last week I opened my mailbox to find a copy of Love Starts With Elle by Rachel Hauck. I entered to win a copy from her website and the publishers decided to give a copy of everyone who entered. I'm really enjoying it and can't seem to put it down!

I've recently finished The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. I'll do a write up on it pretty soon. I wanted a couple of days to think about it before I wrote.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Whew, its over!


November's National Blog Posting Month is over and I'm glad. I didn't quite do it everyday, but I think I put in a pretty good effort. I missed one day in November before I knew about nablopomo, and 3 days afterwards. Things will be slowing down in the posting frequency in the next weeks.

I just noticed that I'm on blog post 108! Wow, I never thought I'd get that many. I did my first post on Jan 16th so 1 year of blogging is coming up soon.





The sunset was pretty tonight and I wanted to share pictures with you. This first one looks like it was raining but it was just foggy.















This second picture was actually taken a couple of seconds before the other photo, just on a different camera setting. It's amazing how much different looks.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 100

1. My stomach hungry right now.
2. Either chips or hamburger is what I ate the most of on Thursday.
3. The yard at my parent's house is swishy because we've had lots of rain this week.
4. In the sun is where I'd rather be at any given time.
5. The smell of mandarin oranges reminds me of Christmas.
6. Chocolate is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going to L's open house, tomorrow my plans include job hunting and Sunday, I want to church, knit, and read!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Getting to know me - Christmas style

I found this on Wendy's blog and thought I'd play along.



Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends, here’s what you're supposed to do. Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tips the Season to be NICE!


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for family, but bags for friends.

2. Real tree or Artificial? I prefer real, but will be using artificial this year.

3. When do you put up the tree? I think I'll put up the fake one tonight (or this weekend), real ones go up 2-3 weeks before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down? Sometime during the week after Christmas.

5. Do you like eggnog? Nope

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Not sure of my favourite, but one that stands out is a baby bed for my doll that my grandma made.

7. Hardest people to buy for? My dad (if you know how to wrap "I just want everyone to be happy" let me know.)

8. Easiest person to buy for? My sister (we both love new clothes)

9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I want one. Maybe this will be there year I actually buy one.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A photo album made from natural materials.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Mickey's Christmas Carol

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Hopefully in November (depends how organized I am).

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Croquettes (dutch food item)

16. Lights on the tree? Of course!

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Little Town of Bethlehem

ETA: Where are you Christmas by Faith Hill is a great one too!

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home (well, mom and dad's home, it just 5 mins away).

19. Can you name all 20 of Santa's reindeer's? No

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Never in the morning 'cause we go to church in the morning. Last year was the first year we did Christmas eve, usually it's a couple of days before Christmas.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? crazy busy malls

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Angels

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Stuffing

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? new clothes or yarn (although I don't trust my family to buy nice yarn).

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Whoever is looking for blog fodder.

27. Who is least likely to respond to this? People who hate memes.

I hope everyone has fun decorating and preparing for Christmas in the coming weeks!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

WIP Wednesday

I haven't had too much time to knit this past week, but here's the progress I did make:

Here's the Swiffer Cover:















Below is the beginning of the Green Gable sweater:







Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Yarny Goodness!

When I opened my mailbox this afternoon it had a big package in it. I opened the package and here's what I found:

I received the first package from my Secret Pal 13 swap! One skein of beautiful teal Malabrigo! I'm super excited to knit with this yarn for the first time. The pattern is perfect for me because it only requires 1 skein (which is all my short patience is likely to allow me to knit). I plan on leaving the skein laying around the house until it's knit because the colour is just so cheerful. I find myself smiling whenever I look at it. :)

Teaser Tuesdays








Grab your current read
Let the book fall open to a random page
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
Do NOT post anything that could spoil the plot of the book!!!

This is not my current read yet, but it is next on the TBR list. Also this is not a random page. It's the page that I opened to in the store and it caught my attention and made me hungry!

"Marty cradled the phone between his neck and shoulder as he spread schmears of cream cheese on warm, crusty sesame bagels and wrapped them up in waxed paper. One ofter the other, as the businessmen and businesswoman stopped in on their way to the subway and work downtown, he fixed breakfast bagels. Many of the his customers were regulars whose faces and orders he knew by heart. His favorite customer of all time, however, was having a panic attach on the phone."

From Kate Jacobs' new book Knit Two.
I'm still reading The Red Tent, but hope to get to the above book soon!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Have you ever? Knitting Style

I found this on Tami's blog and thought I'd fill it out.


It is a list of knitting techniques, you are supposed to bold the ones you have tried, italicise the ones you want to try and leave the rest in plain text.



Afghan

I-cord - well, not so much want to try, but will have to try when I start to make my felted bag.

Garter stitch

Knitting with metal wire

Shawl

Stockinette stitch

Socks: top-down

Socks: toe-up

Knitting with camel yarn - Ewwww, gross!

Mittens: Cuff-up

Mittens: Tip-down

Hat - I've made one baby hat and want to make an adult hat for myself

Knitting with silk

Moebius band knitting

Participating in a KAL - sounds like a fun idea, but I doubt that I would knit fast enough.

Sweater

Drop stitch patterns

Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn

Slip stitch patterns

Knitting with banana fiber yarn

Domino knitting

Twisted stitch patterns

Knitting with bamboo yarn

Two end knitting

Charity knitting

Knitting with soy yarn

Cardigan

Toy/doll clothing

Knitting with circular needles

Baby items

Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn - I don't spin but would use someone else's. :P

Slippers - As requested by my sister

Graffiti knitting

Continental knitting

Designing knitted garments

Cable stitch patterns

Lace patterns - I've started a lace scarf.

Publishing a knitting book

Participate in an exchange

Scarf

Teaching a child/teenager to knit - I taught my sister but she's in her 20's

American/English knitting - I hold the yarn with my right hand.

Knitting to make money

Buttonholes

Knitting with alpaca

Fair Isle knitting

Norwegian knitting

Dying with plant colors

Knitting items for a wedding

Household items - dishcloths baby!

Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars

Knitting with someone else's hand-spun yarn

Knitting with dpns

Holiday related knitting

Teaching a male how to knit

Bobbles

Knitting for a living

Knitting with cotton

Knitting smocking

Dying yarn

Steeks

Knitting art

Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously

Felting

Knitting with wool

Textured knitting

Kitchener stitch

Knitted flowers

Purses/bags

Knitting with beads

Swatching - Sadly yes.

Long Tail CO

Entrelac

Knitting backwards - When I make a mistake, does tink-ing count?

Machine knitting

Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn - I don't like self patterning sock yarn.

Stuffed toys

Knitting with cashmere

Darning

Jewelry

Knitting with synthetic yarn

Writing a pattern

Gloves

Intarsia

Knitting with linen

Knitting for preemies

Tubular CO

Free-form knitting

Short rows

Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers

Pillows

Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine

Rug

Knitting on a loom

Thrummed knitting

Knitting a gift

Knitting for pets

Shrug/bolero/poncho

Knitting with dog/cat hair - Ewww, gross!

Hair accessories

Knitting in public



If you post this on your blog please let me know so I can read about you!

Friday, November 21, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 99

1. The last band I saw live was Bon Jovi. (and they were awesome!!!)
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is stuffing. (and I had some in October for Canadian Thanksgiving)
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is about 1/3 of the way done.
4. Thoughts of warmer weather fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear sandles (but it's way too cold).
6. Bagpipes are so very Scotish.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to woman's tea with L, tomorrow my plans include a movie with A and a potluck dinner and Sunday, I want to relax!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

WIP (Wednesday) Part 2 on Thursday

As promised yesterday here are the pictures of my works in progress. We start with the finished fetching, made with Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran:











Next is the Swiffer Cover being made with Lily Sugar n' Cream:











And finally here is the first slipper being made from some acrylic I found the "stash".












As an aside..... is it Friday yet? Although I'm putting in less hours at work I feel more tired this week than last.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

WIP Wednesday

Saw this idea on someone's blog (but can't remember who). Here's what I've been working on this past weekend.

Got some more work done on The Slippers for my sister.

Started the Swiffer Cloth for my friend L.

Finished and measured the swatch for The Sweater. I will need to use 3.5mm needles.

It's late and I'm tired so pictures will come tomorrow.

What are you working on?

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Teaser Tuesdays








Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

"The next day, the bondswomen joined Jacob's wives for the moon days, but it was more like a funeral than a feast. No one asked the pregnant woman to recount her symptoms."
From: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Monday, November 17, 2008

Word

Found on Cass's blog. My response is bold.

Where is your mobile phone? purse
Where is your significant other? where are you?
Your hair colour? brown
Your mother? friend
Your father? provider
Your favourite thing? hanging with friends
Your dream last night? none
Your dream goal? working for a humanitarian organization
The room you’re in? dinning
Your hobby? knitting
Your fear? being alone
Where do you want to be in 6 years? married
Where were you last night? at home
What you’re not? employed (hopefully only temporarily)
One of your wish-list items? clothes
Where you grew up? Richmond
The last thing you did? eat a mini chocolate bar
What are you wearing? jeans & my new long-sleeve t-shirt
Your TV? on
Your pets? none
Your computer? a great gift
Your mood? neutral
Missing someone? my friend J
Your car? 96 Neon
Something you’re not wearing? shoes
Favourite shop? Reitmans
Your summer? long gone
Love someone? my family
Your favourite colour? purple
When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
When is the last time you cried? don't remember

Sunday, November 16, 2008

A non-post post


Ugh! I've been having trouble posting something everyday for the last couple of days. I have nothing new to share so really this boring post (sorry!) is to say that I'm here, I'm alive, and I'll try to have something more interesting to share tomorrow.
I hope you're all having a great weekend!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 98

It's a little late but here we go anyway:

1. Please feel free to leave a comment on my blog.
2. When I get a bouquet of fresh flowers I can't help sniffing it occasionally.
3. My favorite thing to cook is pasta.
4. Love is something I can't get enough of.
5. That's the thing I love most about love, then more you get the more you can give away.
6. People who drive straight with their turning signal on always makes me think to myself, what the heck?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner at mom and dad's, tomorrow my plans include getting my car worked on and Sunday, I want to go to church then come home and knit!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Friday Fave Five

Friday Fave Five is a way to reflect over the past week, and is hosted by Living to Tell. Visit Susanne for more details.

1) Lower Gas Prices: Yea, for better prices. I saw as low as 94.9 cents per litre this week.

2) Remembrance Day Statutory Holiday: It was great to have a day off in the middle of the week. It make the work week seem shorter.

3) Circle Craft: It was nice to be able to go Circle Craft Fair with Monica.

4) Change: Some change can be good. I will be changing jobs in the coming weeks. This is not by my choice, but I think this will be a good change, as I was bored with my job.

5) This quote: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, “I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.” Ann Landers

Thursday, November 13, 2008

FO: Socks



Just because you asked, Chelle, here's a picture of both of the finished socks. They've been worn, washed, and worn again.
Yarn: Berroco Sox colour# 1426

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Secret Pal 13 Questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I don't like faux fur etc. I like to try new yarns that I've never used before. I like to knit using worsted weight if I can get away with it (depends on the pattern of course). When I don't know what to knit (or want to restart after a break) I always start with a cotton dishcloth.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a cloth needle holder that was a Christmas gift last year. I also have a small zippered pouch for stitch holders etc.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting (on and off) for about 5 years, and I'm either an advanced beginner, or a beginning intermediate. (Make sense?) :P

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No

5. What's your favorite scent?

Something floral.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

YES! I love sweets, anything chocolate is my favourite.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I don't spin. I used to cross-stitch, and make cards but since I've started knitting both have fallen by the way-side.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I like country, rock, and pop, but I'm not sure if my computer plays MP3. I've never tried. How can I tell?

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I tend to like a lot of blue (or mainly the darker shades of most colours). I don't like orange though.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm not married, I have no kids, and no pets......unless you count dust bunnies?

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Scarves yes, hats sometimes, mittens no, ponchos no, gloves YES.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Last year I went through a huge dishcloth faze. They're quick, easy, and instant gratification. I'm not sure I have a favourite right now.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Fingerless mitts for a friend's Christmas gift, dishcloth. (Also see 2 posts below for more info.)

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes, if the are practical or useful.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I like both straight and circulars. I have just recently become a big fan of bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No and no.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

About a year.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

I'm definitely celebrating Christmas. As a Christian it means more to me that the gift grab the stores make it out to be! My birthday is my favourite holiday....oh wait that's not a national holiday, then Christmas is my next favourite.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Umm... maybe books? I'm trying to make my own library of "classic" books. I have Pride & Prejudge, Les Miserable, (and lots of Christian fiction, and chic lit books).

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'm a big fan of free patterns, so ravelry is a great find for me. I don't subscribe to any magazines.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Toe-up socks, learn to knit a sweater.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I've knit my first sock, and though I love the warmth but it doesn't fit quite right. (I made it too big.) I hope to have better sizing on my toe up sock.

toe to heel - 9"; arch circumference - 8"; ankle - 8.5" I wear a size 7 shoe. (Canadian size)

23. When is your birthday? October 1st

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? juliabca

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Remembrance Day

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

- Lt. Col. John McCrae


I've heard this poem many times but this year I learned some new information about the author.

The red Flanders’ poppy was first described as a flower of remembrance by Colonel John McCrae, who was Professor of Medicine at McGill University of Canada before World War One. Colonel McCrae had served as a gunner in the Boer War, but went to France in World War One as a medical Officer with the first Canadian Contingent where he was killed in active duty in 1918.

**Please remember those who gave their lives for the wonderful freedom we enjoy today!



Click here for a cool pattern to knit your own poppy.

Monday, November 10, 2008

There ain't no doctor that can cure my disease!

I think I have a serious case of startitis! For every 1 item that comes off the needles I have another 2 or 3 that want to be on the needles.

Last month I finished this dishcloth:











Last night I finished this one:











I also worked on a second pair of Fetching fingerless mitts this weekend. (Christmas gift for a friend.)










What I want to be working on is:

Aunt Maggie's Slippers (another Christmas present, if done in time)
Swiffer Cloth (gift, but likely not for Christmas)
Lace Ribbon Scarf (on the needles but not a current project)


Plus while looking through the stash yesterday I found a cowl I got sick of knitting last year. Now seeing it again I want to pick it up and start knitting it again. Ack! What's a girl to do?!!

PS. Title from a Jon Bon Jovi song....Bad Medicine!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Things I'm loving' today:


Fall colours and my new camera.

















PS. And Sheryl Crow...I listened to her greatest hits CD as I took a walk.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Have you ever?

I saw this meme on someone's blog several months ago, but can't remember whose blog. Have you:


Gone on a blind date? No (but does a date with someone you met online count?)

Skipped school? Yes

Watched someone die? No

Been to Canada? Pretty much every day of my life!

Been to Mexico? Yes, three times.

Been to Florida? No

Been on a plane? Yes

Been lost? Yes, have you heard about my family's bad sense of direction?? It's genetic.

Been on the opposite side of the country? No

Been to the capital of your country? No

Swam in the ocean or waded? Yes, living by the coast we went swimming every summer.

Cried yourself to sleep? Probably, but not for any good reason.

Played cops and robber? Nope

Recently colored with crayons? Not recently

Sang Karaoke? Yes, after several drinks.

Paid for a meal with coins only? Yes, thank-you Wendy's.

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yes.

Made prank phone calls? No

Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose? Yes, as a kid.

Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Of course! Why go out in the snow if you're not going to catch a snowflake?

Danced in the rain? Yes, in bare feet.

Written a letter to Santa Claus? I think so, but I don't think it ever got mailed.

Been kissed under the mistletoe? No, maybe someday?

Watched the sunrise with someone you care about? No.

Blown bubbles? Yes, I brought some to the cabin in the summer to play with L's kids.

Gone ice-skating? Yes.

Been skinny dipping outdoors? No, and not indoors either!

Been out of North America? Yes, England, The Netherlands, Kazakstan, Uzebekistan, Australia, and Japan.

Been in detention? Yes, in grade 9, it was a big injustice in my opinion!!

Regreted something you blogged? No.



I won't tag anyone but if you do it let me know so that I can come and read.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Friday Fave Five

It's the weekly review of your favourite things as hosted by Living to Tell. Visit Susanne for more details or to link your fav's to Mr. Linky.


1) Getting Compliments: On Saturday I helped a friend move, along with several of their other friends and family. The last item to be moved was a big couch that had to be lifted to the second story and taken in the sliding door. Well, since I had no intention of lifting a couch I started playing with the movees neice and nephew (ages 5 and 3) The children's mother saw me with playing games with the kids and asked if I worked with kids. I don't work with kids so knowing that she thought I did is quite the complement to me.

2) A trip down memory lane: My mom has been cleaning out the attic this week. On my visit to her I had a look though a bunch of old "stuff", keeping what is good and throwing out the unimportant. Things like childhood books, toys, and school work. There were so many things that brought back good memories. I look forward to more of the same, as mom is creating a box for each of her kids and when she is done we'll each get to look through our own box of special memories.

3) Being asked for: Sunday at church G&L were visiting with their one-year old daughter C. Although she doesn't usually go to just anyone when she saw me she held out her arms and wanted me to hold her. She did this several times during church and the social time. I made me feel so good that she trusted me.

4) Potluck: We had a potluck/games night with my bible study and a good time was had by all. (And my cheesecake when over very well.)

5) Digital camera: My new camera is definetely a favourite new toy for me!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

FO: Pin Wheel Blanket

Just a quick little post to show you an unblocked picture of the pinwheel blanket.














PS. Best Buy had no trouble taking back the open package with the wrong size memory card.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Smile for the camera!

Last night I went out and bought my digital camera! It's like the one above except black, and it's really, really cool.

Small problem though.... the sales guy told me it used a SD memory card. So of course that's the type I bought. Once I opened the package and tried to fit the card in the camera it wouldn't fit! I know I've never had a digital camera before, but I have put a memory card in a camera before. (Thanks mom for having trouble with her's.) After trying to put the card in the camera in every direction possible I pulled out the booklet and it says I need an XD-picture card. Great now I have to go back to the store tonight and ask for a refund on the opened memory card! And also buy the correct memory card. (It's kinda too bad because the SD memory card was on sale and I got an 8GB memory card for 29.99, which is only $2.00 more than a 2GB.)

I'm a little worried that they won't let me return the open pack... Wish me luck!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Pin Wheel Blanket is finished...well, sort of.

Last night I finished binding off the pin wheel blanket! All I need to do is weave the ends in, and block it. I've never blocked anything before so it should be interesting. My plan is to buy some pins from the fabric store, wet the blanket, lay it out and pin it to my bed mattress. (I'll do it on Saturday when the sheets are being washed.) One of the ladies from my knitting group last night told me that because the yarn is a 50/50 cotton/acrylic blend it won't block as nice as wool, but I'm going to try it anyway. (besides I have nothing to compare it to, so how would I know the difference!)

I did a swatch for the sweater but the needles were too big and I forgot the 3.5 needles at home. (well, not so much forgot as walked-past-and-didn't-think-I-would-need-them-so-left-them-on-the-counter-on-purpose! D'oh!)

I have cast on for another pair of Fetching (fingerless mitts) for a friend for Christmas, as she noticed mine the other week and really seemed to like them. I'm making them in a dusty blue colour that I really hope she likes.

Monday, November 3, 2008

NaBloPoMo



I saw this on Monica's blog and thought I'd try it out. What is NaBloPoMo you may ask? Well, it stands for National Blog Posting Month. The idea is to post a blog entry every day this month. You're probably thinking: Yeah right that will never happen! (Ok, maybe that's just me!) For the girl who sometimes has trouble posting once a week this will be a real challenge for me. (And to be honest it's kinda freaking me out right now.) But the best way to grow is to get outside your comfort zone, right?

I've missed one day so far but so what? I'm gonna jump right in! Wish me luck.

PS. If you're interested you can go here for more info.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Knitting Update

Just a quick knitting update.... I'm almost finished the pin wheel blanket. I only have one and half rows to knit and the bind off left, but when each row has 380 stitches one row takes a while to knit.

I have the yarn for the Green Gable sweater I want to make. I'll order the pattern online after I have correct gauge. I'm usually not too picky about gauge (normally I don't even do a swatch) but I want the sweater to be my size! :) Unfortunately I can't start this until the blanket is done because they use the same needles.

I have cast on and the knit the first 4 rows of the Lace Ribbon Scarf. I had to do it 3 times in order to get it right!! Yikes lace might harder then I thought! This project is on hold until the blanket and sweater are finished.

PS. The digital camera I want is going on sale on the 4th. So hopefully I'll have pictures to post soon. :) Does anyone have digital camera advice? Do you love yours? Let me know what kind it is. Do you hate yours? Please let me know so I don't buy that one! Thanks!!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Friday Fave Five

"It's a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc. Go ahead and grab the button and make your own post, be as detailed as you like, link to the Living to Tell the Story Fave Five post and then add yourself to the Mr. Linky."


1) New Shoes: Even better is new shoes at a great price! Twice every year Ronsons holds a warehouse sale in my city and all shoes are sold for 39.99. This year I bought 1 pair of shoes for 39.99 and when I got home I noticed that the price on the box was 112.99. I love getting a great deal!

2) Pacific Theatre: Thursday I went to Pacific Theatre and saw Mourning Dove. PT is a very small theatre in Vancouver. They are connected to a church, but don't necessarily put on "Christian" plays. Their shows are based on moral issue and are designed to get you thinking and talking. I had a 2 for 1 coupon and went with a good friend to see Mourning Dove. What a touching play it was! I left with tears in my eyes.....and was sniffling by the time we got to the car.

3) Good friends: Further to #2 the friend I went to the play with is a great friend. One of those friends you can cry in front of and not feel bad. (In fact she's seen me cry on one than one occasion.)

4) 50% off coupons: It's much easier to go see a play when it costs you about the same as seeing a movie in the theatre!

5) Getting to use some sign language: A couple of years ago I took a sign language course at night school. Last Sunday at church I saw a friend signing to someone. I stopped by to say hello (in my very limited sign language). She was signing to a deaf man who has been attending our church. They invited me to sit with them next Sunday, when a translator will be translating the sermon for him.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Book Review: Grace in Thine Eyes


I loved this book! It's the last in a series of 4 books, and possible the best one! The book is based in Scotland in 1808. It follows the story of 17 year old Davina, daughter of the two of the characters from books 1-3.

Davina, while visiting her cousins, is raped and must decide whether to lie and cover up the truth and save her reputation, or face the truth and forgive the one who did wrong to her. As with all things her family gets involved and must also come to terms with what happened.

The author's website really says it best:
"A story of passion and revenge, of lost innocence and shattered dreams, Grace in Thine Eyes explores the sorrow of unspeakable shame and the gift of immeasurable grace."

Besides being a great story I was struck by a couple things from this book. The first was that as I was reading part of the book I was starting to get really mad at the author. While this may seem bad it was really a good thing. Often with a story you can tell what is going to happen and where the story is going. I did not for see this one event and got so caught up the story that I wanted everything to work out for the best and this one event went against what I thought was best. ('cause you know its all about me right! :P )
I was also moved by the great descriptions of places. There was a lot of travel in the story and it was all so well described that I feel as through I've been there! (Ok, so I know I haven't really travelled 1808 Scotland, but it has created a strong urge to travel to modern day Scotland just to see the placed mentioned in the book!)

It's even got me thinking how lucky women are these days. We can own property, and have a job, and choose if we want to get married, heck we can even decide if we want kids and how many. Two hundred years ago everything depended on your husband! You HAD to marry and your had to marry well. All I can say is thank goodness for 2008.
Overall a great book, I would definitely recommend this one.


Wow, all this from one book! It must be one heck of a book huh? :)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Friday Fave Five

"It's a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc., etc. Go and make your own post, be as detailed as you like, link to the Living to Tell the Story Fave Five post and then add yourself to the Mr. Linky."


1) Good books: There just nothing like a good book to curl up with on cool fall days (or any day really!). I'm soon to post about a great book I just finished called Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs.

2) Yarn: The yarn I ordered online came in the mail this week. Three skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Raging Purple. It's not as dark a purple as I used for Fetching but it's not a pale, washed out purple either. Can you imagine wearing a sweater you made yourself. Yes, it will be lots of knitting work, but the payoff's gonna be great!

3) Work: I'm thankful that I have a job that is quite slow today. Our CEO and my supervisor are both away today and I can be a slacker and write this post while "on the job".

4) Good advice: As many people do I freeze bananas when they become too ripe, then when I have the time and inclination I'll take then out of the freezer and make banana bread. I normally just toss the whole banana, peel and all, in the freezer and then de-frost the entire thing when it comes time to bake. Recently while at a friend's house I saw that she had bananas in her freezer that were in plastic bags. After I asked she told me that before putting them in the freezer she peels the bananas as this makes it easier to use them when it comes time to bake. I've started doing this and now have several ziplock type bags with banana peices in them. I look forward to baking with them and not having to peel half frozen and soggy bananas!

5) Inspirational quotes: from this website. One of my fav's is:

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." Thoreau

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Whiskers on Wednesday

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary....



















8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!

11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!



Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary....



















Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow - but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................
**I really do like cats, I just thought this post would be good for a laugh!

Friday, October 10, 2008

Friday Fave Five

"It's a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc. Link to the Living to Tell the Story blog."

1) Mandarin Oranges: I had my first mandarin orange this year. It's the earliest in the season I've ever had one. Yum Yum! I love the smell they give off when you peel them. It smells like Christmas to me.

2) Mountains: I was driving north on the Alex Fraser Bridge a couple of days ago and got a great view of the North Shore Mountains. They are beautiful and can be seen no matter where in Greater Vancouver you are. I love the beautiful place I live!

3) A free ticket to VIFF: A co-worker gave me 2 free tickets to Vancouver International Film Festival. I made plans to go see a film tonight with my old roommate. (We ended up missing the show due to traffic and showing up late, but it was nice to get a free ticket anyway. Maybe I can get out to a re-play tomorrow.)

4) Girl Guide Cookies: More yummy food from this week. My supervisor was selling these at work today for his daughter. They are the chocolate covered mint ones.

5) This quote that was emailed to me this week:

Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.
If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.
So - if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.
Love and appreciate all the women in your life.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

What a weekend!

I've had a great weekend! On Saturday my family got together at my parent's house for my birthday. We had drinks and yummy cheesecake with strawberries, and played the card game Wizard. My 5 month nephew was there and looking as cute as always! They pooled their money for a gift and gave me ..... CASH! They know that I want a digital camera so along with the money I've been saving and the money they've given me I should be able to buy one soon. (Yea, then I can start posting pictures on the blog.) I also got two movie vouchers from mom. (She's been wanting to go see a chick flick with me for awhile now and I keep beating her to the movie by seeing it with my friends.)

Then this afternoon I met with 3 friends I got to know through the Vancouver Knitting Meetup. And two came bearing gifts. Monica gave me a felted tea cosy with a design and crocheted flower on the front. Chelle gave me 2 stitch markers, a notions bag (that I will put to use as soon as I finish this post), and some sock yarn. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, 100% merino fingering weight. The colour is absolutely gorgeous! It's called Northern Lights and it's black with dark pink, purple, and green. (I gotta say the yarn does smell a little....mostly just like vinegar or chemicals....)

Since I've taken so long to complete my first pair of socks I don't think I'm quite ready to start my second just yet. I do really want to make this scarf though. I was going to make it out of some white yarn I had laying around the house, but I was feeling very uninspired with the yarn. I love the colours of this yarn so much that I might make the scarf with it. I'll do a swatch and see how the gauge turns out.

In non-birthday news I bought the yarn for my first sweater. It's Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in raging purple. (And in case I haven't mentioned it before the sweater I want to make is Green Gable.) I can't wait for it to arrive!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 92

1. October is here with in all its raining glory.
2. Pythons and tarantulas scare me!
3. Leaves are falling all around, it's making me want to go on a walk and crunch them.
4. My favorite horror movie is none because I don't watch horror movies.
5. Summer and good friends = good memories.
6. It was a dark and stormy night and the power went out while I was watching the scariest CSI episode ever! (the one where Nick is buried underground!)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing at home, tomorrow my plans include a birthday get together for me at mom and dad's and Sunday, I want to have tea at Steeps with Monica!

Book Review: Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs



It's been almost 3 weeks since I finished reading Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs. This book is the third story in a series of four. I really enjoyed this book. I don't know how to describe the book without going into a long storyline, which I won't do. (It just continues the story of Jamie, Rose, and Leana.) Suffice it to say the book is about honour and duty. I love Leana's character and the strength and righteousness she displays. (I think she sets a good example for all of us to who feel not good enough, or those stuck in a tough time.) She gets through all her hard situations with sheer determination and her faith in God. I'm looking forward to picking up the forth (and final) book this Sunday.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Friday's Fave Five

"It's a place to come on Friday's and think back over your week and just post 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, pictures, etc. Link to the Living to Tell the Story Fave Five post and then add yourself to the Mr. Linky. "

1) Movie: I went to see Nights in Rodanthe with some girl friends tonight. I read the book by Nicholas Sparks last week because I knew this was my type of movie. And it's always better to read then book then see the movie. (I never get around to reading the book after seeing the movie.) The movie was a little more superficial than the book, and it left out the "bookends" that begin and end the book. But it was still fun to get together with the girls and go out for a movie. (Even better yet we went to a cheap theatre and it only cost 7.95)

2) Work speed: Work has been good this week. Not too busy, and not too slow. (More on the slow side...) But overall it was a pretty good week.

3) Bible Study: I went to a new bible study on Wednesday and it was good. There were about 15 people there from all age groups and life experiences. (2 young married couples, 1 couple with young kids, 1 couple with grown kids, 3 other single people, and 1 divorcee) It was a great mix and was a nice relaxed atmostphere. It's a 12 week study on John 3:16 with book and study book by Max Lucado. I plan on going again next Wednesday.

4) The sun: Although it's the end of September and the nights are getting quite cold, the mid-day sun still has some warmth to it. There is a little park about 5 minutes from my work where I spent my lunch breaks during the summer. I went there today for lunch and the sun was strong enough that I could sit there without a jacket on. (The wind was cold when it blew ~seldom~ but let's not focus on that!) For someone who hates the 8 months of winter we have here this last little bit of sun has been great on lifting my mood.

5) Costco: I had a good experience in the Richmond Costco last week. I started my account in February 4 years ago. Then my work offered to pay for my yearly fees (Of course I accepted!). I worked in accounts payable at the old job so I know that they renew the subscriptions each September. When I left my old job last December I knew that they would not cancel my subscription until September of this year. I then expected that I would have until next February before my subscription expired. Well, when I went to Costco last week the card came up as expired. I was disappointed as I thought that I had another 6 months left! They had to call the manager over and after I paid for my purchases he took me over to another computer and looked into the matter. They had no record of my original payment for the first 1/2 a year before my old job started paying the cost (although I'm sure I paid the $40.00 fee). The nice Richmond Costco store manager arranged for me to have a free membership until the end of next February! How nice is that? I'm glad there are still some stores out there that believe in customer satisfaction. I left the store with a smile on my face.

Whew, I made this post in the nick of time! It's 11:41 Pacific Time ~ post on late posters, post on!

Friday Fill-Ins # 91

1. My birthday and Thanksgiving are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.
2. Sometimes I like to go for a walk in the rain.
3. Miracles happen and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!
4. When I'm down, I tend to spend alot of time in bed.
On the flip side: "When I'm up, I can't get down, can't get down, can't get level...." I love me some Great Big Sea!
5. Sitting on the couch watching TV or reading book is where you'll find me most often.
6. A rainy day is good for reading a good book with a mug of hot chocolate.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to seeing Nights in Rodanthe with the girls, tomorrow my plans include relaxing, and some cleaning too I guess! and Sunday, I want to go back and visit Fraserview church!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

FO Report: Fetching (fingerless mitts)


Fetching
Originally uploaded by juliabca
I finished knitting Fetching last Tuesday. This was a really fun and easy knit! The colour is darker that the picture shows, but this picture shows the cables best. The yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, and is super soft. My work is freezing in the winter and this is where I plan on using these mitts.The top edge has a picot cast off and this is something new I learnt while making these mitts.

Monday, September 15, 2008

Yes, I do still knit!

I thought I'd give a quick update on what and how far I've been knitting. I have almost finished Fetching (fingerless mitts). All I need to do is knit the thumb holes. I worked on this on the Saturday get together with one lady from the SCC knit group.

I finally picked up the socks again after having let them sit for almost a month! I had dropped a stitch and the stitch fell a couple of rows. I was able to pickup the stitch but the stitches still looked wonky and bigger than normal. So I tinked (knit backwards) for 2 or 3 rounds then started knitting forward. I went to a Vancouver meetup on Sunday and I knit on the sock for a hour or so and I have just started the toe decreases. I'm going to another SCC knitting night tonight and I plan on finishing the socks then.

I'm looking forward to starting my first sweater! I want to knit Green Gable. I haven't bought the pattern or the yarn yet. I would not let myself buy it until Fetching and the socks are finished first. Also up on the to-be-knit list is the pinwheel blanket. My edging will be different then the one in the link picture. I have a couple of 50% off coupons from Micheals that I will be using to buy the yarn for it. I'm heading there after work today.

I finished the dishclothes below sometime last month, it just took me awhile to photograph and post about them.





Friday, September 12, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 89

1. I enjoy a good chick flick.
2. Relationships is something I wonder about often lately.
3. In your heart, you knew Fraserview wouldn't be my church home forever.
4. Take butter, add a little sugar, flour, & chocolate chips and you end up with cookies.
5. Life has gifted me with a great family.
6. Bob Marley music is an instant vacation.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to seeing my friends at a tupperware party, tomorrow my plans include going to a knitting night and Sunday, I want to try another new church.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Friday Fave Five

"A place to think back over your week and just post 5 favorite things from your week. It can be anything that tickled your fancy over the week. Favorite quotes, posts, happenings, scriptures, recipes, etc., etc. Just make your own post, be as detailed as you like, linking to Living to Tell the Story and then add yourself to the Mr. Linky."

1) Getting a hug from C. She is my friend's 1 year old daughter. I have seen her plenty but last weekend I spent a full day and half with her and near the end of the day she gave me a hug. When is the last time you got a hug from a 1 year old? It's the best thing ever!

2) The "new" computer I got from my sister and brother-in-law, and how its much smarter that my old one. They got a new laptop and gave me their old desktop. Pretty nice huh? My old one had this: 299 MHz, 256 MB of RAM, and the new one has this: 3.00 GHz, 1.00 GB of RAM. I don't know much about computers but I think that's a great improvement. It's much faster as I surf the net anyway. I can even have more than one page open at a time now!

3) My brother comes home from Europe on Sunday. I can't wait to hear what he saw/liked/hated/tasted.

4) Labour Day Long Weekend! Yea! That means a 4 days work week and I love that!

5) I'm stealing this from Tameka's blog but it's important and bares repeating: I am a child of the Most High & I Am Blessed!

Friday Fill-Ins # 88

1. If I was to walk into your life, I'd say: Hi, how are you?

2. Catch a bright star and place it high on the wall for all to see.

3. And you can send me 'cause I won't eat any chocolate before it gets to you.....hehehe.

4. I'd like to forget that lousy day but I'm dealing with a memory that never forgets.

5. I'm the innocent bystander / Somehow I got stuck in the middle of it all.

6. What's keeping us apart isn't selfishness, it's fear.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to relaxing, maybe watching a movie, tomorrow my plans include not much and Sunday, I want to go to a new church!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Book Review: Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down


I was very excited when I saw this book at my church library. I read books 1, 3, and 4 last year and enjoyed them, but the public library didn't have book 2. The story follows a diverse group of women who meet at a Woman's Conference and are randomly placed in a prayer group together. They decide to keep meeting and praying together after the conference ends and these 4 books follow their lives and tribulations.
This book of the series tells the story of how during a prayer meeting the women are robbed by a drugged out young lady and how their lives are effected.
I thought that the full series was 4 books, but after checking out Neta Jackson's website I learnt that the series is actually 7 books. So now I am adding the remaining 4 books to my to-be-read list.
It's a really easy reading book, but I find the series a great reminder to me of how important prayer/conversation with God really is. And *really* with a message like that how can I go wrong?

Friday, August 29, 2008

Fab Five for Friday

So it appears that I like memes. Here's another one: Fab Five for Friday. Here's the info:

"It's very simple. Just list your favorite five things from the week. It can be anything from jokes to music to food. It's a fun way to get to know more about each other and maybe make new friends, find new blogs or new things to try. Expand our world's a bit. Make it as detailed as you like, but the more detail the more fun! Don't forget to link to this site and sign the Mr. Linky so I can come and read your favorites."

Go to Living to tell the Story to sign-up or for more info.

1) Blueberry Crumb Bars My friend made these with blackberries and it tasted great. I plan to make some with blackberries that I can pick from the bushes behind my work.

2) This cool quote I came across on someone's blog. "Whether you believe you can do a thing or not, you are right." Henry Ford

3) Mountain Dew Cupcakes Another cool recipe that I came across by way of this blog. Such good pictures of sweets I'm surprised my keyboard doesn't have drool on it!

4) Help end world hunger by playing a game at http://www.freerice.com/ (I'm not sure if this is actually true, but its a fun game none the less. And if it really does help I think that's awesome!)

5) The "I Am so you don't have to be" on-line blog bible study. Did you know there was such a thing as an on-line bible study? I didn't. I haven't read this yet, but I want to.

In case you don't see the common thread, these are the top 5 things I found on the net this week. If you find yourself playing because you found this on my blog please let me know I'd love to read your Fab Five!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 87 and a small catch up

1. When I'm sick I become a big baby.
2. When I take a walk, I think about what good exercise it is and how I should walk more often.
3. Money can't buy happiness but it can make me happy for a day.
4. Cotton makes me want to knit a dishcloth and leather makes me want a leather jacket.
5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was ?.
6. My favorite color these days is blue because it's purdy.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to buying E & J wedding present, tomorrow my plans include E & J wedding and Sunday, I want to take a ferry to Nanimo, and the holiday Monday I'm coming back to Richmond for the B family's farewell.

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately. I just haven't felt much like typing. I've finished "The Yada Yada Prayer Group" book 2 (review to come). I've started a new book. I've made good progress on the socks, and I'm working on some fingerless mitts.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Friday Fill-Ins # 86

1. Dancing to the music while fully clothed makes me happy.
2. The last time I went to Walmart I nearly bought a $9 pair of shoes.
3. When I drive I listen to the radio (always).
4. I saw you standing over there.
5. Give me a good book, give me a warm blanket, give me time to read. (and I'll be happy!)
6. Next week I am looking forward to the labour day long weekend.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to meeting with my SCC knitting group at the organizer's house, tomorrow my plans include reading and knitting, ....along with housework and Sunday, I want to hopefully sit in the sun (sun please help me out with this)!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Southern Reading Challenge 2008 Wrap-Up


The Southern Reading Challenge ended on Aug 15th, and I have yet to write my final post so... here we go. The challenge ran from May 15th to Aug 15th and we were supposed to read 3 books that were written by southern authors and based in the south. My chosen list of book were:

1) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

2) Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

3) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou


Unfortunately I was a bad reader and only finished one of my chosen books. I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. It was slow reading for me and did not hold my interest much. It kind of killed my reading mojo. I know I started reading this late (sometime in June). But by the time I was finished the last thing I wanted to do was to pickup a book that is outside of my normal reading genre. Plus by that time there was only 2 week left in the challenge and I knew that To Kill A Mockingbird would take me longer then two weeks to read. So basically I gave up on the challenge. Bad form, I know, I know. I don't join challenges for this very reason. I like to read what I want, when I want. So my apologies to Maggie the host of the challenge. But hey, atleast I read one southern book that I'd not read before!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Book Review: The Friday Night Knitting Club


This book combines my two current passions: knitting and reading. The story focus on a single mom, her daughter, and the store she owns and runs. It's also about the lives of the women who come to the weekly knitting club, and how they go from a group who have a common interest in knitting to a group of friends involved in each others lives. I was a little confused at the beginning of the book as the store switched from character to character each being told in the first person. Once I got into the story though I couldn't put it down. I finished the book in a week and half.

I would reccommend this to others. And I'm adding Kate Jacobs next book Comfort Food to my ever growing to-be-read list.