Niceties And A TA-DA!!!!

Hello and Happy Friday!!  I have a TA-DA to show you tonight.  But first I want to talk about a dying art form.  The hand written letter, or note card.  It does seem to be a thing of the past for many.  After all, you can shoot off an email in seconds.   And an E-Vite can be sent without the cost of postage.  A text message is  fast and probably the most common source of communication these days, particularly among the younger set.  But what about the hand written note?  Taking the time to select a pretty note card, and then with pen in hand, forming the thoughts you wish to convey, writing them in your best script, sealing it, then placing a hand written address on the front, postage in upper right hand corner, and your return address in the upper left.  I love to write a note of thanks, or just to say hello.  A note to let someone know that their time spent in hosting a celebration, no matter how simple or grand, was appreciated by me.  A note to say thank you for thinking of me.  A note to say you care.   Just in this past week, I have received several of these beautiful notes.

 Pretty cards.  Beautiful script.  Thoughtful words.  They mean so much!

I certainly hope that the fine art of the hand written note will never be lost.  It is so special to receive such a heartfelt message.  Just a few words, from someone you care about. They took the time to think of you.  I know that when I receive a hand written note I feel special.  I hope that when I write a note to someone, they feel special.  Next time you have the option, take the time to write out your thoughts with pen and paper.  The person that receives it will be so appreciative.  I know I am.

Moving on to the TA-DA!!!  I started an afghan about a year ago that was to be for my Mom.  For her cabin up in Big Bear.  I was inspired by one that my friend Kate made.  She names each one of her blankets.  She had made one that was inspired by a lake home.  I fell in love with it!  I immediately thought of our beloved Big Bear.  I wanted to make an afghan for my Mom's mountain cabin, with the colors of nature.  The greens of the beautiful pines.  The magnificent blues of the lake.  The purple skies at sunset.  The grey squirrels, and the deep browns of the majestic mountain.  I named my blanket "Mountain Mama's" because it was to be for my "Mama" and it was made for her mountain home.   As the blanket got bigger and bigger, I worked on it less as it became so cumbersome to take along with me to my knit group, and even to drag from room to room to work on it was difficult.  Whenever I would finish my work on it, I would put a marker in the yarn to keep my place, and wind the ball that it was attached to, very tight to keep it from wandering off.  It was often times used to snuggle up with regardless of the fact that it was a work in progress.  This blanket was nicknamed, "The Beast" because it got so big.  But it was sheer joy to work on it.  The yarn was heavenly!  The pattern was fun.  The blanket was soft and cuddly and everyone in our home that ever draped it across their lap, begged for it.  So Mom....she is done.  Her ends are all weaved in nice and tight.  I put a cute little scalloped edge all the way around.  And it is going to fit right in up in Big Bear.  I hope you will love it.  I loved making it!

The edging is soft and ruffly, and just enough to finish it off.

 We sat outside, Noah and I.  He playing with his cars and some marbles that he discovered in a jar I had.  He was fascinated with those!  And I,  weaving in the last of those ends.  We chatted and enjoyed being outside on such a beautiful day.

The chickens were out to play too.

I was just a little bit sad to finish this blanket.  I enjoyed working on it so much.   I rolled her up, and tied a ribbon around her.

 She is all ready for her new home.

Oh....and the sprouts....they are SO good!!!!  Four days...from seed to sprout.  YUM!!!

Happy Friday.....Let the weekend begin!!!!
XO  Kris