Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Sparkle

Hello Everybody!
I know I've been away for FOREVER it seems!
Actually, I've still been right here in the same old place,
doing the same old things and being the same old me
I've been living life on Main Street USA, minding doggies and grandchildren, sipping tea on the front porch with my knitting and enjoying as much of the summertime with my family and friends as I can squeeze in on the days
the heat and humidity don't choke us all nearly to death. 
Here's a sample of a few of the things I've been working on lately...
Baby socks in lovely Dusty Pink Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.
I just love this yarn for baby items!
Some Knitted Rose Brooches using this gorgeous multicolored Gina Wool by Plymouth Yarn Company that I can't get enough of lately, I'm so in love with it!
And a Crocheted Shawl I made for myself to wear to a wedding that you'll see wrapped around me further down in the post. I used Happy Feet 100 Sock Weight Yarn by Plymouth Yarn Company in Color Number 206 {Orchid}, which comes in 100g hanks. I used exactly 157 grams to make this shawl.
The fiber content is a fabulously soft 90% merino wool and 10% nylon.
It blocked out beautifully.

For those of you who don't follow my Instagram and Facebook,
you may not realize the reason for my long sabbatical on here...
On May 22nd, the same day my sweet little grandson Parker
became a BiG 3 year old,
Scott's stepfather, my father-in-law, for all intents and purposes, of 25 years, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 89. He and my dear Mother-in-law live next door to us, as I know I've mentioned before. So, it's been a summer full of a whole range of emotions while we rejoice in the little ones running around growing happier and healthier by the day... 
We are also helping our precious Mother cope with widowhood
for yet the second time in her life.
On Memorial Day, the day after she sat through another military burial for a husband, the first one Army, the second one Marines,
Scott and I took her to visit the grave of his father, as we always do.
Twice in her life now she has endured a Twenty-One Gun Salute,
the playing of Taps and been handed the American Flag
as a Thank You for the service her husband has given to this Great Nation.
And still, at the age of 91, she carries on... I ask you, who is the real soldier here?
Now I know it's all the circle of Life and we all have much to be thankful for.
It has just taken me a bit of down time to get through it all.

I am basically wired to be a happy person and I bounce back easily, so to speak, for the most part. Therefore, I am working on still getting my sparkle on as well as enjoying Life in the moment. There is so much Joy in living. All I have to do is look in the faces of my loved ones and there it is...

We have had two beautiful weddings of close friends
and have one more coming up in September.
All with the same group of these special lifelong friends.
All happy times to look forward to...
Memories in the making...
So as the Summer progresses,
I am working on getting my sparkle back...
So just bear with me...
I'm still here.
"At the end of the day,
your feet should be dirty,
your hair messy and
your eyes sparkling."
Shanti

9 comments:

  1. How wonderful to see you again. Life has so much joy and so much sadness, all part of a great tapestry. I hope you continue to find your sparkle xx

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Cheryl, My Friend!
      Yes... a Great Tapestry full of Joy and Adventure.
      It's good to be back :-)))

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  2. Awe it's nice to hear from you. Sometimes life pulls us away for a season. Your mother in law must be a strong woman for all she's lived through. I know you're doing your best to love her this hard time. Welcome back.
    xx Beca

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the welcome back my sweet friend!
      Yes, my Mother-in-law is one of the strongest women I have ever known.
      The things she has done in her life are amazing. I've known her since I was a girl of 15. She's been my second mother all these years. I love her deeply.
      Life is beautiful, wonderful... and sometimes difficult, as you know only too well while you still grieve the loss of your beloved father. I pray for you and your sweet mother during your season of adjustment.
      With Love,
      Danette

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  3. Ooh . . . love that last quote. Love your crocheted top, it looks beautiful with the dress. (And I noticed the fun blue nails, too!) The grandchildren are adorable. So sorry to hear about your loss. Your husband looks like a very caring son. Joy and tears are all mingled together in this crazy life. Happy to hear you're looking for the sparkle. xo Deborah

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  5. I am not sure how I missed this my friend. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure you are a blessing to your MIL. Take care of yourself.

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Thank you for taking time to chat with me ~
Your comments make me so Happy!
Have a lovely day.
Danette