Look Both Ways

You might not believe this,

but yesterday I heard a little news

discussing Christmas.

Christmas!

Can you believe it?

I am still in the garden and the kitchen.

Everything is a full three weeks late this year

so I am finally getting tomatoes and green beans.

(Source)

For some reason, it really struck me.

More of a "Wait, what's today?  When is Christmas?"

sorta striking.

It did get me to thinking though.

I realize I'm odd in my thinking,

but when I hear things like this, 

it's often later that I really offer much consideration to the topic.

So as I was pondering Christmas,

a feeling of Christmas past, if you will,

came over me.

I reflected on some merry times, both from my youth and that of my children's, then up through the years.

My heart kinda smiled.

Then I thought of Christmases even further back in time,

those I've read about but wasn't alive to encounter.

I thought of the contrast.

The joy of some Christmas candy or small token

and the exhaustion of the mountains of presents to open

and then filter through and deal with.

Of course those of you who know me

know I appreciate the simple things and history.

Then I reflected upon the report I heard

discussing the upcoming Christmas

and the forecast for the next few Christmases.

 I was a little saddened.

I fear many older children and younger adults

might not like what's ahead. 

They've been spoiled with volume.

One woman actually said if she gave her son a gift of socks,

and needful items that he would probably throw it away.

I was appalled, but my first thought was that it was the mom's fault

for setting expectations and not teaching him 

the real meaning of Christmas.

What I am about to say is not to open a political conversation,

but to encourage you and hopefully help prepare you.

We are in a recession and headed full force towards a depression.

I am saying this based on observation

instead of what any news source is/isn't broadcasting.

Businesses are closing and reducing hours.

There are pan-handlers begging right out in front of businesses

with "help wanted" signs.

The prices at the grocery store keep going up 

and the size of the packages becomes smaller. 

In order to prepare our own hearts,

I would ask what we expect - each of us,

not just for Christmas, but every day.

Have we set our selves up like that mom has her son?

Do we expect so much that we would be disappointed

if we didn't get some glorious gift or lifestyle?

What happens when we don't get what we want?

That's actually a pretty deep question, I know.

I don't expect anybody to answer out loud,

but if you think later like I do

and think your loved ones are headed towards disappointment,

there might be time.

As I type this, the calendar tells me there are 74 days until

Christmas.

Our family came to grips quite a few years ago.

None of us had tons of money.

Nor did we need or actually want more "stuff."

We all came to an agreement of one small gift each.

We changed our focus from "I still have to buy. . ."

to "What can I bring or do?"

We enjoy our time as a family and a "feast."

We count our blessings instead of presents.

And you know what?

It's usually a joyous day.

As you look forward,

if you do think your loved ones are revving up for a let down,

now might be a great time to "bring it on home" as I like to say.

Have the conversation.

Set the expectations appropriately.

Share love rather than things.

Perhaps some still want to go all out but as belts tighten,

knowing one has love and acceptance and

understanding someone else knows the struggle

can be a comfort and make things not only more barrable,

but even merry.

I love Christmas and the Reason we celebrate,

but for the time being

I'm still in the garden.

Supporting Those Who Matter

 With all that is happening in our world,

it has perhaps escaped your attention,

but there are only 45 days left until Christmas!

I am actually looking forward to the holidays this year.

I'm not entirely sure why,

but some years are just different than others.

(Source)

We don't go over the top with decorations,

and we don't spend a lot on gifts.

It's more about the feeling~

the merriness and closeness of family

and kindness of community.

That's where I'm really going with this.

(It really isn't to freak you out about shopping days left.) 😊

Regardless of your opinion on the larger situations,

we've been pushed to do more shopping online.

There are a couple of very important things that happen

when this sort of purchase occurs.

The first is easily seen, and you may or may not care,

but everything you purchase is tracked.

There is a part of me that really doesn't care 

if the big-wigs know that I bought a package of quilting needles,

but there is a morsel within me that is rather creeped-out by it.

Thing two is that the communal connection that typically happens

between a merchant and customer is severed.

It's not impossible,

but how many times have you avoided a shop 

because "they are rude in there" 

or you purposely try a store first because they are so nice and helpful?

This year more then ever,

small businesses and independent craftsmen & women

need your support.

As I stated above, we don't do a lot of shopping,

but I have made a special effort this year

even with my online purchases to support "little folks."

Most of the events that usually take place before Christmas

have been canceled this year.

I know from years past that many of those vendors

rely on that "extra" income.

If you already know area craftsmen that you like to support,

you might reach out and ask if they have any inventory on hand.

My guess is they do.

If you are on social media and can ask for area vendors

to post a couple pictures of their wares,

even if you don't purchase the items,

others will see and possibly lead to a sale.  

This exhibits a kindness and caring on your part

and gratitude on their part

which strengthens your community.

Community is so important!

It's something that has taken a huge hit this year.

Neighbors are being pitted against one another,

and barriers raised both internally and externally.

If we each do our part,

even from a distance, 

our neighbors and community will know we care.

And that we care

is what is most important.

Especially as we near Christmas~

the day we celebrate because He cared enough to send His son.

Merry blessings to you all.

PS~ If you are an independent craftsperson,

I'd like to invite you to leave a way to reach you

in the comments.

For security sake, please leave a search name

so people can find you rather than a link.

 

 

Long 'nuf I Suppose

 Once in a while, it's nice just to have a chat.

Have you noticed how folks don't just drop by anymore.

I've had friends say,

"We wouldn't just stop in on somebody without calling."

Why not?

My friends are always welcome.

If I'm in the middle of peeling spuds, 

pull up a chair and dig in :-)

Then, let's chat.

Some of the best conversation happens over snapping beans

or bucking hay, or digging a row.

So pull up a chair or tip the bucket over, whichever suits you.

Have a seat.

I'm so sorry it's been so long since my last post.

It's just been that B word (busy).

Our tomatoes went crazy again this year and supplied

not only for our needs, buy my parents, my in-laws, and one of the guys at work.

Hubby discovered he looooves homemade salsa.

So we've made about 17 gallons! (I think?)

We've also been busy at work and trying to deal with all the challenges

this year has presented to small businesses.

Hubby worked 8 weeks straight and finally took this past Sunday off.

We are still slammed, but I think we are beginning to see the light.

I have been trying to stitch a little in the evenings when I can.

I have been quilting on the first quilt I have ever made.

No, it's still not finished!

I will show you that more in depth another time.

But I had to take an intermission in order to make a baby quilt

for some friends who were expecting.

I got it made, hand quilted it and to them before baby arrived.

The little one was a month early so I'm glad I didn't wait until the last minute.

Not great pictures but, it's Pooh Bear fabric and the full collection book

to go along with it.

I like Pooh Bear for little ones because there is no bad guy.

There are only situations that they work through.

When I mentioned that to hubby, 

he said "Well, of course you would notice that." :-)

We aren't even to Halloween yet and I am thinking about Christmas.

There is an odd feeling about it this year,

both gratitude and sadness.

I am so grateful my dad is recovering and doing a little better each day.

But my grandmother (his mom) is 96 and probably won't be with us much longer.

I'm not sad for her, but for my own selfishness.

She has lived a good 96 years, and it's only really been the past year

that she's had many issues.

And I am comforted in that as much as I love her,

I know God loves her even more.

I also just received news that the man who is like my second father

is now on hospice.

I'm not sharing this to make you all sad.

The opposite really~

We should be grateful for the time we have with our loved ones.

And so I am looking forward to Christmastime.

We cannot stop the circle of life - nor would I want to

as difficult as it might be at times.

But this year, I might try to make a special effort to make

Christmas even more meaningful.

I just placed an order for a little surprise I am planning to make.

As soon as it arrives, I will share in case you would like to do so also.

As we head into the holidays, especially this year,

I'd just like to encourage everyone to remember kindness,

be appreciative for all of our blessings and loved ones,

and be as generous as your circumstances allow.

I've begun adding Christmas items to my etsy shoppe.

Am certainly enjoying having it open again.

Also, do any of you know what's up with line spacing on the new blogger?

I can't find spacing - oy! 

Our Tree Has No Lights (& a mini tour)

Christmas is at our house this year.

Last year we were the ones to travel

so didn't do any decorating, tree, anything.

Since this year it's here, 

we went and found a nice little tree last weekend.

There were several 'bottoms' along side the road

where people had chopped down a tree then 'topped' it.

We also found several that people just topped.

That kinda gripes me.

We decided to stop and get one of the bottoms along side the road

to use for boughs and such.

One of our little traditions is lighting the candles on the tree 

Christmas eve, but we usually have lights as well.

This tree is so simple,

I decided we would just have the candles and a few select ornaments.

I have several sheep ornaments and since we are the lambs...

We don't leave them unattended.

Usually, we sit a watch them burn for a little bit and chit-chat quietly.

Our unfinished mantel has lots of boughs and a few simple splashes of red.

Instead of our regular stockings, I just hung a pair of old wool socks

that are in need of some darning.

The nativity scene where the TV used to be.

And a simple candle with pine always seems comforting.

Wishing you all many happy Christmas blessings.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Starting Your Own Christmas Traditions

A little tale to inspire you.

When my children were wee little munchkins~

you know that age when blankets get dragged around,

and teddy bears are still being slept with,

and yes, they were much shorter than me,

that's when it started.

It might even have been a school night.

It's difficult to remember.

I do remember they wanted to watch a Christmas movie

and had half their bedding hanging around the living room.

Of course, this time of year it gets dark about 4 o:clock.

We had eaten dinner already so

I said, "Why don't we just have a slumber party?"

We (even me) made up a giant "bed" on the floor.

I made some tea or cocoa and popped corn.

We turned the lights down and proceeded to watch our movie. 
By the time the movie was over,
they were nearly asleep.
There was no fussing about bed time.

And we did so the following year,

and the year after that, and the year after that.

You get the idea.

It's silly really, but I miss having my 'little' kids here

to do such a silly thing as watch

a movie that we've seen multiple times
and sleep on a hard floor with someones foot in my ribs.

The kids of course remember,
after all, it was just yesterday right?
Perhaps someday, they will continue it with their own children.
(Not too soon - they're not quite thaaat old.)

Another thing that started before my son was even born
was the pickle on the tree.
The story is that long ago when there was little or nothing to spare
for gifts,
a father said he was going to hang a pickle on the tree.
There was but one gift, and
the finder of the pickle got the gift.
I loved this.
I would hang our pickle ornament on the tree.
Christmas morning they would come down the stairs excitedly
and begin looking.
They seemed more excited about the pickle prize
than their actual gifts.
The pickle prize was usually something small that required a second person.
Actually, I think one year it was pick up sticks - like I've shown.
So, they still both got to play/share.

We will go get our tree today.
I've had so many people say, "You don't have a tree yet?"
No we don't.
This is actually a little early for us to get a tree.
We usually get it about a week before Christmas.
There are little 'steps' we enjoy throughout the season.
Christmas doesn't revolve around the tree or decorations for us.
It's making each of those little steps special
as we look forward to that special day
and carrying that in our hearts even after the tree is out the door.

If you have endearing traditions, I'd love for you to share
a comment so we can all enjoy.

Merry Christmas
Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

About Gifts and Giving Ideas

Each year about this time, I struggle just a little.

Consumerism and advertising seem to be wearing battle armor

and are charging full force towards all of us.

Of course, this is no new song I'm singing here,

but it almost makes me want to hide.

I'm not stingy ~ I love to give,

but who wants to give something because there is a feeling of obligation

or give with the thought that it will be unappreciated and/or end up

in the trash within a month.

(Mom's gift wrapped in a dish towel ~ she likes "fat birds")

That said, the piles of gifts we unwrap are a little different in a couple ways:

first, they aren't piles and 

second, the items themselves might not look like gifts to most folks.

We have a rule in our family~

no gift (with the exception of the kids) can cost more than $10.

Yep, that's right, not $20 or $50, but $10.

After the first year or two of books and slippers,

it began to get more fun.

It's a whole different mind set.

We shop throughout the year thus thinking of giving to loved-ones often.

I have only a gift card to purchase for my grandmother

and a specific stocking stuffer for hubby.

(Grammy is nearly 92 and doesn't need stuff.  She enjoys being able to

go to the store for the few things she needs and having the card.)

We don't have to take out a loan for Christmas:)

Children no longer wish for a simple toy or sweet treat.

Expensive techno-gadgets of various sorts have replaced those things.

Children have no idea how to play marbles ~

you know, draw a big circle in the dirt.

Dirt! Heaven forbid! Get the hand sanitizer quick! (sorry)

They don't know about clearies or cats eyes or how to hold a shooter.

That makes me a little sad 

as do the expectations they seem to associate with the season. 

If you can at all follow me here to where I find myself and can relate,

(am I really alone here?) then here are some gift ideas for various ages.

Marbles~ and show them how to play.

Pick up Sticks~ click here for instructions to make your own

A Jar of Color~ whatever the recipient's favorite color, fill the jar with items of that color: handkerchief, gum, treats, shoe laces, screw driver (or sm. tools,) you will be surprised what you find when looking for color rather than items.

Reusable veggie and grocery bags~ lots of options here

Food~ this one is obvious, but here are a couple gifts in a jar which are nice

because they don't have to be 'dealt with' right away: 

Sandcastle Brownies and Six Bean Soup Mix 

Wool~ various forms available: scarf, mittens, gloves, socks, dryer balls, hat

Not Paper~ We have several quilters in the family so those gifts are wrapped in fabric, but alternatives you might use are: handkerchiefs, dish towels, pillow case, cotton shop rags, etc. - use your imagination

And now my favorite~ an idea from the three wisemen

Gold: of course jewelry which isn't for everybody, but you can get creative and use candies in gold foil, hinges/hardware for a crafter, yellow stoneware, sports team items if gold is one of the team colors, 'dewalt' tools are yellow (gold:)

Frankincense: perfume or candles, spices - something fragrant

Myrrh: oils - either edible cooking oils or soaps/lotions etc (made with oils) 

I realize these are not the original uses and intents for the items, but they do serve as a reminder of what the season is really about.

There is a message on the reader board at the bank across the street from where I work offering Christmas loans.

To me, that seems a bit (read a lot) offensive.

I hope nobody I truly care about would want me to go into debt to buy them a gift.  The truth is Christmas is what we make it.  We have the opportunity to celebrate a very special birthday.  

The gift of love and friendship are all that we can really wish for.

Without those two things what are we?

I'll have more soon,

but for now, enjoy this Christmastime.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Spicy-Scented Christmas Ornaments

That sounds much better than

"This year I want a smelly tree."

In addition to Strung Popcorn, our tree is going to don a variety

of natural fragrant ornaments including dried orange slices,

and these yummy smelling ornaments.

(This recipe is from 'Taste of Home Magazine' about 20 years ago.)

First thing's first:

gather items needed~

3/4 c. applesauce

1 c. cinnamon

1 Tbl. ground nutmeg

1 Tbl. ground cloves

2 Tbl. white glue

(I used homemade pearsauce, because that's what I had.)
In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients.  It will be a little 'glumpy' at first.

Don't worry, just mix it together like you would cookie or pie dough.

It will smooth out.

Then roll it out to about 1/4" thick using cinnamon as you usually would flour.

Choose cookie cutter of your choice.

I'm not sure why, but I thought the little squirrel would go well

with the star and rocking horse.

Maybe I just thought it belonged in a tree.

Mine ended up a little thinner than 1/4".

I'm not too concerned.

Continue to rework your dough, roll out, and cut until there is not enough

for another ornament.

I set the remainder in a tin can with a little water on the wood stove.

Once they are all cut out,

use a straw to make a hole for a ribbon, or

I used a toothpick to poke a small hole 

since I will be using wire ornament hangers.

Be sure the hole goes all the way through.
These are pretty small ornaments.

If you are using a larger cookie-cutter, you might go ahead with the straw.

You can then set them in the oven on warm and

turn them over occasionally.

I'm not sure how long that would take, because

I cheated and set them on the dehydrator :)

It took about 1.5-2ish hours.
I can't begin to tell you just how good the house smelled.

You can use craft paint to embellish them, but

I will be keeping these natural.

After the holidays, 
you can do as mentioned above and crumble in a tin can
with some water on the stove as air freshener.
If you have munchkins in your home, please
remind them these are not for munching on.

Enjoy~

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Christmas Inspiration

Even Mother Nature

is in the mood for Christmas.

She's already decorating.

This was last night looking out our back door.

And this morning out our front door.

It's all dressed in white at a whopping 9 degrees.

I usually don't start decorating until about the middle of December.

That's plenty of time to enjoy it.

The decorations aren't what it's all about.

If you want to feel really fortunate,

you might read 'Foxfire Christmas.'

(I borrowed it from the library.)

I won't ruin it for you,

but it is amazing how ungrateful we are for so much,

myself included.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

*~*~*A Little Christmas Stitching*~*~*

No laughing,

but after I finished writing my couple of cards

(to those who would otherwise think I was dead,)

I actually spent a little time stitching.

It's just a little quilt

made from the scraps of a much larger Christmas quilt.

I have had the stack of scraps sitting there

in my way for ages so decided to get rid of them this way.

They aren't finished and aren't really Christmas fabrics

but will make a nice little doll quilt

or table topper.

Sometimes these weird little projects

turn out to be some of the most fun to do,

because they don't have to be 'just so.'

So far that's how this one is-

just a fun little thing.

I wish you all a very merry

and blessed Christmas.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

*~*~*Last Minute Gift Idea - Sandcastle Brownies*~*~*

This is great for those who have everything.

Also, it is usable so we are not

decorating someones house,

providing them with 

clothes they will never wear

or a gadget to dust etc.

Just gather up a few things.

Sandcastle Brownies

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a 1 qt. jar, layer

1/3 cup chopped nuts

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/3 cup flaked coconut

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup baking cocoa

1 1/2 cup flour

Then on a tag provide the following information:

Additional Ingredients

2 eggs

2/3 cup oil

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well then bake in greased 8" pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 min.

I just printed it up on a little tag and attached it with a ribbon.

You can do several at one time if you have 

the need to do so.

PS: I like to use pickle jars - washed and sanitized of course.

We certainly wouldn't want pickle flavored brownies.

If you use a regular canning quart jar, 

the layers will actually look a little better

or thicker, but these are jars that I'll never see again.

I think of it as a great way to recycle.

You can also add a piece of fabric over the lid

for an even more festive look.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches 

Traditions, Ideas, & a Gift Tutorial

As many of you are aware,

we don't have television.

Over Thanksgiving,

we were at my in-laws

who seem to have it on for

all but a few sleeping hours.

On our way home,

Mr. LB said, "No wonder people act so stupid."

We couldn't believe what was in the shows

and especially in the commercials.

We didn't 'do' Black Friday &

find it abominable that big box stores

started their 'big sales' on Thanksgiving.

Yet we know - so be it.

There are things that are so much simpler

and for us at least, better.

When the children were just youngins,

they would string cereal on jute

and hang it out for the birds on Thanksgiving

so they could be thankful too.

It was great.

I love that memory.

The year this was taken was extra-special for the birds.

They also got bagels with peanut-butter and bird seed.

One idea I recently ran across

is to make little pockets for the Christmas tree.

When you are taking down the tree,

strip the needles from some of the branches,

and put them in the pocket for in your dresser drawers.

Then you can be reminded of Christmas

every time you open your drawer.

I thought it was a great little tradition

so here's what I came up with.

I made a very simple version

and will probably make a few more

just for a few friends.

(Just letting you know: I used some scraps I had.)

Also, I used a machine, but they would not be difficult to do by hand.

I like the more primitive look (in the real sense of the word)

so I tore a strip of tea dyed muslin at about 4 inches wide.

Then cut at about 11 inches long

Depending on the width of your fabric,

you can get 3 or 4 pockets from one strip.

Then tear an alternate color at about 1/2 inch wide.

You will need 2 that are about 4 1/2 inches long

and one that is about 4 inches ~ the width you tore your muslin.

I wanted the selvage across the edge so left it.

I used a small scrap of iron on interfacing.

This is where the button hole will be.

Also, on the second one (green) I stitched one of the

1/2 inch strips across this end and liked it better than without.

At the other end, I stitched under about 1/4 inch. 

Stitch a button hole in the end with the interfacing.

(Not done in the picture yet.)

Lay the two 1/2 inch strips along the sides. 

Fold her up and stitch along the sides

(after button hole is sewn of course.)

See below~ 

 Sew button in place.

Fill with pine needles and Christmas memories.

You could get as fancy or as detailed as you wanted.

I thought about stitching "NOEL" on one.

I may or may not do that.

I do like the one with the extra strip of color.

(The green along the selvage.)

If you know someone uses a fake tree,

you could stuff it with cedar shavings.

Other than a floral arrangement and using the Christmas napkins,

I don't decorate until a week or so before Christmas.

I do enjoy Christmas,

and like to keep the focus on the real meaning.

I know others do so differently~ 

it's all good.

Wishing you all Peace, Happiness, and Harmony

this Christmastime.

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches