Dec. 18, 2009 - Update on Life
Christmas is a week away. I feel like it was just a few months ago that we last celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus, but then I think of everything that has happened since then and it makes it feel like a few years ago.
Last year at this time I would never have imagined that I would be living where I am now. I would never have imagined that I would meet one of my best friends, or that I would be driving across the United States. This isn't a New Year's post though so I won't go over everything that has happened.
Things haven't been so busy around here since my last choir performance last Sunday. When I got there I found out it was being filmed for television so the pressure was on, but it went really well. I miss choir and can't wait for it to start again in January, but I'm also happy for the break.
What have I been doing with the time that break has given me? Writing! Several weeks ago at a Christmas party I saw a painting and it inspired me. So suddenly, without warning, I started writing a novel with the working title Dancing in the Rain. The title will probably change because it sounds way to much like Singing in the Rain, but I'm loving the plot so far.
I'm also still working on Rejected Joy, plugging away at it. Thinking back over everything I've realized how many holes, and problems I'll have to fix in further drafts, and groaning at all the work that will entail. I'm determined to finish it though.
Other then that it's pretty much just been little things. Decoration the house for Christmas, watching movies as a family, chatting with Mum and Eyebright, and always trying to remember why this time of year is so important.
Merry Christmas!
Dec. 17, 2009 - It's Snowing on Global Warming Advocates...
I wonder how Global Warming advocates feel about snow. Do they enjoy the sight of it, and the fact that it defies their apocalyptic theory? Or do they hate the sight of it, for the same reason? If I were a Global Warming advocate, I would be in quite a quandry.
Anyhow, snow is exactly what Global Warming leaders are going to face in Denmark, as they go to discuss a solution for their interesting problem.
I'll let you read the short article yourself, but I want to direct you to one final curiosity in the post. At the very bottom it specifically defines what a "White Christmas" is. I had no idea that it was so exact!
Blizzard Dumps Snow on Copenhagen as Leaders Battle Warming
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Dec. 16, 2009 - A Homemade Christmas ~ Slippers, Gloves, & Scarves
Since I was away from internet access this time last year, I missed participating in Miss Emily Rose's Homemade Christmas. So, it was extra exciting for me this year, knowing that I would be able to take part!
Then...I tried to come up with something to post about for A Homemade Christmas, only to keep running into brick walls. I wanted to use red felt for something (I don't remember what now!), but what I had thought was felt, wasn't. Toss that idea!
I suppose that I could have thought and worked a little harder at it, but this post is to make up for that, since I'm going to include not one, not two, but three fabulous ideas to make your loved ones for the Holidays.
Tea Scarf
I had the several balls of the most beautiful colored acrylic yarns, just waiting to be worked up into a scarf, and I finally did so, after finding the recipe for The Tea Scarf. Now, I completely and totally agree that the original is far more romantic, luxiourious, and feminine than the one that I created, but mine does have a personality all of it's own.
This scarf is super quick and easy, will work up with a fairly small amount of yarn, and look wonderful.
The pattern is called Intercostal Mitts, but I regret to announce that you can only get this free pattern if you have a Ravelry account. Seriously, you poor knitting and crocheting people without an account are missing out.
On to the pictures!
Knitted Moccasin Slippers
For this third, and final Homemade Christmas suggestion, I will simply redirect you to a previous post. The question of the pom-pom is old news, so just ignore that, but pictures, and a link to the pattern are still there.
If you would like to read more Homemade Christmas ideas, or if you would like to particpate, skip on over to SimplyVintagegirl.
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Dec. 15, 2009 - Book Review ~ Big Truths for Young Hearts
This is my first review for Crossway, and I was glad to discover it would be a relatively easy one.
Big Truths for Young Hearts; Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God.
Right from the beginning this book grabbed my attention. To be honest I thought it would be a boring book that would take up way to much of my oh so important time. After I started reading it though, it was like a breath of fresh air.
Bruce A. Ware does a great job of telling the facts in an easy way that kids will understand. Broken down into 10 sections which are then broken down into smaller chapters he covers things from proving there is only one God, to explaining the importance of the church.
When questions arise they are answered from verses from the Bible, and then explained further so that there is no chance of missing the meaning.
This book would be a great read aloud, but it's also nice for teens, or people with young hearts of faith to read on their own.
For myself it was great to cover some of the aspects of my faith I had not thought about for awhile. Going over why I believe the things I do, and reminding myself why I believe what I do.
Dec. 14, 2009 - Multitude Mondady ~ 31 - 40
I am Thankful For...
31. My Daddy
32. My Daddy's birthday!
33. Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Chocolate Chip Frosting!
34. Christmas presents in front of the fireplace
35. My Grammy
36. Spaghetti Sauce
37. Leggings
38. My Canon Powershot SX10 IS
39. The Bible
40. Pillows
What are you Thankful for?
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Dec. 15, 2009 - Why is the Cup Always Gone?
I don't know about your family, but my family has a great irresponsibility about cups. It is extremely annoying, and it seems, to our great misfortune, that it is incurable.
Some members of the family have Any-Old-Cup-Will-Do Syndrome, and if they happen to be thirsty, they look around for the closest designated drinking container.
I have diagnosed other people with A-New-Cup-For-Everything-Itis. People with this disease get new cups for any number of reasons, including but not limited to, getting a completely different beverage, and inablity to locate the old cup due to short-term memory loss or carelessness.
It is rare to have more than one or two clean cups sitting in the cupboard. More often than not you can find three or four scattered on the table, and another three or four hidden in little corners in an attempt to keep them separate.
So, is this the great unanswered question of our age? Why are the clean cups always gone? Is this a great mystery like that of the Disappearing Pencil, or Bigfoot, or the Bermuda Triangle? Will it ever be answered? Can this plight be remedied? Perhaps we shall never know.
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Dec. 14, 2009 - Multitude Monday ~ 51 - 60
Today I am Thankful For...
51. My wonderful Daddy
52. Paintings that throw inspiration on you
53. Trashy movies that make me want to write something better
54. Christmas shopping
55. The book of Luke
56. The story of Robin Hood
58. Hair clips
59. Green notebooks/green pencils/green headphones
60. The perfect sentence
What Are You Thankful For?
Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34
Dec. 9, 2009 - Audio Classics
Many times, whilst knitting a repetitive work-in-progress, I enjoy listening to audio books. Recently, however, I have been watching movies, but I think I want to go back to listening to books. Sometimes, though, I am at my whits end trying to figure out what exactly I want to listen to.
I don't know if any of you are like that, but I decided that I would put together a list of some of my favorite stories to listen to, that you can get for free online! Where could you get a better deal?
- Jack and Jill ~ I sort of wrote a review on this once, but I think it is one of my favorite Louisa May Alcott books.
- Persuasion
- Pride & Prejudice
- Jane Eyre
- A Little Princess
- Great Expectations
- Wives & Daughters
- The Gift of the Magi
- The Owl and the Pussycat ~ My favorite edition of this in book form is illustrated by the talented Jan Brett. It's one of my favorite children's books ever!
- Anne of Green Gables
- Kilmeny of the Orchard
- Humility ~ By Andrew Murray ~ Just so you know, this is not a work of fiction.
- The Scarlet Pimpernel ~ Don't forget to look for other Baroness Orczy titles at Librivox!
- Scaramouche ~ Bluejane wrote a review on this, over at Out of the Blue.
- Ivanhoe
- Kidnapped
- Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
- Ben-Hur
- The Importance of Being Earnest
- My Man Jeeves
If any of these links are helpful to you, leave a comment and let me know!
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
Dec. 9, 2009 - A Blustery Day
"Tut, tut! It looks like rain!"
~ Christopher Robin
Dec. 9, 2009 - Keeping My Eye on the Conductor
I've been rather busy lately with the choir that I'm in. I had two big concerts on Saturday and Sunday, and then rehearsal on Friday so my life has pretty much been music for the last couple days.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. ~ Psalm 9:2
As I was singing in Sunday's performance I realized that the conductor and the singers are much like God and His followers.
Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings. ~ Psalm 9:11
When the singers eyes are on the conductor things run smoothly and they sing as one, but if eyes stray things don't go so well. Even though you know the music, or have sung it a thousand times before you still need the conductor's instruction.
Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. ~ Psalm 21:13
Although someone may know the commandments unless their eyes are on God, they can't do things on their own. They need His instruction and guidance.
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. ~ Psalm 30:12
So remember to keep your eyes on the conductor, He'll let you know when you need to keep holding on to that note, or if it's time to breath.
<- Last Page • Next Page ->
