Imperfect discipline

Lately, I’ve been falling into some ruts of laziness. I can easily waste several hours of an evening wrapped up in what a fellow blogger so cleverly called “The Eye of Mordor”. There is no creativity in the void--only death, haha. I can fool myself into justification, saying that I only watch DIY or cooking channels; but a question occurred to me one night, “Why am I passively watching another person create something rather than doing it myself?”

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe TV is evil, and a lot of those how-to shows can be very inspiring. But sometimes, for me, they can take over, wasting evening after evening; and I can’t recapture that time lost.

I remember one day when I was a kid, wanting so badly to make something I thought I would burst if I didn’t. There was nothing in the house to work with besides some cheap napkins and a bottle or two of food coloring. I gave it a go, but what resulted was pretty lame and unsatisfying.

Today I am blessed with an abundance of material to makie-makie with. I want to be a good steward of these things. I believe crafting/painting can be a form of worship to the Master Creator. And it provides an opportunity to be generous and share what’s been made.

One of the benefits of being part of the Imperfect Prose community is that it motivates me to use the talent God has given me...not only to use it, but to develop it.

So, although it’s not the New Year yet, I’m making a resolution to create at least one thing a week as an act of thanksgiving for all I’ve been given...

...and not let all of this wonderful stuff collect dust.

Please feel free to hold me accountable if you want, and ask from time, “Whadda’ya makin’?” And how about you? Do any of you artsy types struggle in the same way? How do you overcome it?



Joining Emily today

I need at least thirty minutes...

...to get dressed for work. I work as an interpreter of history, specifically the 1790's. The clothing I wear is authentic, not a costume. I love the clothing. It's one of the perks of the job. You don't do this for the money. You do it for the love of history, 'cause the paycheck is "hardly enough to keep you in stockings and fans".

#1 - shift and stockings

#2 - stays (corset) and pocket (purse)

#3 - first petticoat

#4 - second petticoat

#5 - work apron, neckerchief, and jacket--elbows covered 'cause I'm a lady

#6 - shoes with buckles

#7 - cap

#8 - cape--pinned, tied, and ready for work

If only

Ah, if only this had been my ambition when I was young. Who knows where it could have led? I coulda been somebody. I coulda been a contender. But better late than never, I always say.

We in the acorn household love apple pie with brown sugar crumb topping. And my most favorite recipe came from here. Thank you again, Melissa.

They do look funny

I was really honored to be asked to do a guest post over at Joann's Ostriches Look Funny (and other Observations). I love that girl. She writes like a very hip Erma Bombeck, honest and witty. Her posts make my husband and I roar with laughter. Hmmm...Erma Bombeck...I'm dating myself. Anyways, I'm over there today.

Count-enance

"I write according to the thoughts I feel.
When I think upon my God, my heart is so full of joy
that the notes dance and leap from my pen;
And since God has given me a cheerful heart,
it will be pardoned me that I serve Him with a cheerful spirit."
Franz Joseph Haydn


Counting Blessings


259 - windswept lassies who find even more treasure for their mamas
260 - sons-in-law who take lovely photos

261 - "Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness." Jane Austen

262 - heirloom arc blacks - fairy tale apples in my opinion

263 - daring to be different or fashionistas

264 - early morning takeaway




Joining Ann today

Spitting image

Cray-pas on pastel paper
The day I came up out of the water,
The veil fell away,
My face a brightly mirror washed.
So remind me now how attitudes are important,
They can be seen.
Do they reflect what I value?
I want to look like You.


Joining Emily today

Making Me Nuts

If you would like to make an autumn nut garland for yourself, it's really easy. You'll need a variety of nuts. I threw in some cinnamon sticks and small gold jingle bells for fun. You also need a craft drill, a needle and something to string them with. Any type of string or cord will do. I used spun wool because I like the warm, fuzzy organic look of it. Most importantly, use a vice.


Not being the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to tools, I tried to drill a hole in the nut while simply holding it in my hand. Heck, it's a tiny little drill and a tiny little nut...how hard could it be? HARD! The nut flew across the room with the force of a bullet shot from a gun. Thinking the first time must have been a fluke, I tried it several more times this way before I realized it wasn't going to work. Like I've said before, I'm a hands-on learner. I'm fortunate I didn't drill THROUGH my hand.


Hence, the good vice. It helped me get the job done in no time. And it really was a lot of fun.





For more crafty goodness, check out the knitted acorns made by Cheryl at Time to Craft. She is always making cool crafts with her children. Her gift for photography is amazing.