Making – Page 4 – Organizing Threads

February 21, 2015February 21, 2015

Prayer Beads

I wonder what my Amish grandparents would think of my Catholic ways?

For several years now I have listened to the Jesuits’ Pray-as-you-go podcasts on a daily basis, usually part of my bedtime routine. As well, I have started reading through the Carmelite’s Lectio Divina every morning with my first cup of coffee.

Growing up I never heard of “Seasons of the Church,” or Advent or Lent, yet now they are celebrated in our worship.

This week I decided to make a set of “Anglican Prayer Beads” (what’s the difference between a rosary and Anglican Prayer beads, I wonder). I’m not sure I will follow any formulaic pattern for my prayers — that just isn’t how I have talked with God all my life. But the idea of having something in my hands when I pray, if it is just to give each bead a person’s name, or to give a thanksgiving to each of the beads in one “week”, a petition to each bead in another or some other pattern, I look forward to finding a way to deepen my relationship with God through yet another Catholic practice.

October 31, 2014November 7, 2014

Happy Halloween

Once again I had Mina send me a picture for my Jack ‘o Lantern (drawn on her iPad):

It’s a princess, but not entirely sure what the bottom line was I decided to combine this princess with a picture of me she had drawn this summer:

My Princess 'o Lantern — My Princess ‘o Lantern

This is the end result: I used 4 battery-run tea lights to light it. I’m quite impressed with how long they last — all night for several nights already.

September 11, 2014September 11, 2014

Barbie

Mina has been asking for a Barbie doll lately and her mother has been resisting. Mina has many dolls already!

Gramma has a box of Barbies at her house. They are mostly dolls I bought very cheaply at Value Village back in the days when I was running a community centre. One evening, while on FaceTime I showed them to Mina. Of course, she wants them!

In order to stay as close as possible to her mother’s good side, I decided to give one doll to Mina, Skipper – this doll was her favourite when I showed them to her. Her Uncle Simon and Auntie Chrissie will be carrying it to California for her birthday.

I did a little research online and found that this model was created in 1967. She is in pretty good shape for such an old girl, wouldn’t you say?

http://barbielistholland.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/1964-2014-skipper-roberts-50-years/

Another special doll in my box is the one I bought myself. My parents didn’t have money for buying toys so I saved hard and finally had the $3.50 or so that she cost back in about 1967 or 8. I believe she is a “vintage standard” model – http://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Vintage-Standard-Barbie-Doll.html.

Here is Barbie wearing the crocheted dress I made for her a number of years ago:

August 2, 2014August 27, 2014

My Volker Doll

When my little grandson showed so much interest in the pictures of his grandfather, Trina asked if I would make a grampa doll for him.

Back in September 1980 I took a pattern from Woman’s Day magazine to make dolls for my kids. I made Jeremy for Simon and David for Trina.

An original doll (Trina’s David) looking a little worse for its 30 years.

Initially I thought, with that pattern, I could use a photo transfer of Volker’s face to make a grampa doll. That did not work well. Then, inspired by Alicia’s dolls (The Blind Stitch) it occurred to me how I might make a doll that would, with some imagination, look like Volker. Here are some pictures of my work in progress.

Next week I will post pictures of giving little Volker this doll for his first birthday.

July 5, 2014July 5, 2014

Fudgesicle

In yet another attempt to find a trigger for my migraines I decided to try a dairy-free diet for a month. The first week is a flop, as this is day 5 of a migraine. And truth be told, it is hard to make the switch. I unthinkingly ordered two iced cappuccinos from Timmy’s when I took Mom out for a drive last Monday. And another time put butter on my toast, and didn’t remember until after eating it that I shouldn’t have done that.

One of the things I miss most – and I’ll blame my California kids for this – is frozen yogurt. Just a little serving after supper…

I went online to find dessert recipes that don’t require milk or cream. I came upon this recipe: Chocolate Banana Tofu Pudding.

I picked up a bunch of too ripe bananas on sale and spent part of my afternoon making cookies, muffins and pudding. Then I dug out the old Tupperware popsicle molds.Not quite the same as frozen yogurt, but I think I could get used to this.