Spring Break: Survived.

front door remodel :: picnic for our playday :: williamsburg woodwork : beekeeping woodenware 

assembled and ready :: scones on the porch steps :: intoxicating perfume :: bee boxes complete 

cabbage pasties :: herring gull :: nesting osprey pair

We have both just survived the most productive spring break had by anyone, anywhere. Ever. Now that I am looking at these photos, it occurs to me that I didn't even document helf of what we got done (tore a fence out, refinished bathroom cabinets, built a bluebird box, etc.)

Whew. We worked from sun up til midnight each night except for our play day to Williamsburg with our nephews on Wednesday and a birding trip on Saturday. Saturday afternoon, I spent having fun with a knitty friend, Nailya. Besides that, we were busy busy busy.

We both feel better for it despite the fact that we are now enduring Monday morning after a time change even more exhausted and usual. It is amazing how an insane flurry of productivity lifts the spirit and calms the nerves. I am reminded of this fact by this wonderful quote by Michael Bridge:

"When our eyes see our hands doing the work of our hearts, the circle of Creation is completed inside us, the doors of our souls fly open and love steps forth to heal everything in sight."

Pretty deep, huh? Who knew you could say such a thing about hammers and nails, paint brushes and doorbells. But it's true. Good work begets good feelings and tired or no, we are both so much the better for it. 

Presto-chango

This week I experimented with a new way of doing the podcast, in little snippets that make the uploading on my end much more user friendly. I think it turned out well, if I do say so myself.

I forgot to show some of my yarn acquisitions last week and go into a bit of detail with them now. The pictures above show my new yarns as well as some cotton fabrics I plan to use in new projects.

Have a little look-see.

Podcasts I love:
Eva @ The Charm of It
Tilly Trout
Kate @ Bluestocking Podcast

Links to my Ravelry projects:
(You see how easy that is for me, instead of separate links to each pattern and yarn? Whew!)
Evie's Shawl
Penguin's Blankie
Land Agent (David-the-bird-master) Mittens

Sewing Patterns:
Dottie Angel Frock
Dwell Mini Quilt
Quilted Tea Cozy

Books:
Blackbird House
The Nightingale
Poisonwood Bible Read-along

Book Review - Easter Blessings

Well hello, March! Welcome back.

The past two days have been downright balmy. Though today is a bit more nippy, we can all tell that spring is just around the bend. And with spring comes jelly bean season!

I was in the store last night and couldn't figure out what the trick-or-treat buckets were doing out this time of year. It turns out it isn't enough to get a chocolate bunny, a new dress, and some crinkly plastic grass. Now we have monstrous action hero buckets capable of holding "all their favorite brands" of goodies. I rolled my eyes and resisted my own favorite brands as I navigated the rest of my mediocre shopping experience -- Starburst jelly beans, anyone?

This made me even more excited that I got a copy of The Berenstain Bears' Easter Blessings by Mike Berenstain to review for Worthy Publishing. This book continues to build upon the great childhood legacy of these famous bears, as Mike crafts new stories - and new lessons - after taking over the role of author from his late parents. 

The board book opens with the Bear family enjoying breakfast on Easter Morning. The blessing is said and the meal is enjoyed, then the grandparents arrive with baskets of goodies for Brother, Sister, and Honey. The kids are delighted, but the grandparents state that church is the priority on Easter Morning and no treats will be enjoyed until afterward. 

On the way to church, the Bear family counts their blessings and at the end of the book a very simple Gospel message is shared by Preacher Brown. This sweet book is a classic introduction to Easter for any toddler, with the same charming characters and bright illustrations I recall from my own childhood Berenstain Bear books. I hope that a great many of your little ones' Ironman Easter barrels have this book lovingly tucked inside!