Some of This, Some of That

Look what a lovely gift we got!

Thank you so much, Marcia.  We've never had a live wreath before and it is such a treat.  Smells wonderful and looks so pretty at night with the lights on.  We're have days in the 60s and lows in the 40s so Frank hung it outside so it will lasts a good long while.

I've destashed another 1/2 yard what with Bonnie's mystery and my leaders and enders. The new YTD total is 53.47 yards.

Just a few though as I've been quilting that Christmas quilt which is now done and bound.

I just need to add embellishments and a label. Then I'll take a front on photo. Yeah! My two goals are met before the 9th.  And progress has been made on part 2 of En Provence:

I have a pile of pieces cut for these tri-rec blocks. Whenever I walk into that room I'll chain a few.  It's so funny.  I sat down at my Bernina to machine bind the quilt and I kept reaching for the wheel to start a seam. How quickly one gets into a routine.

Have a blessed day!

First December Wips Be Gone

My monochromatic (out of one scrap bag) is finished.

All piecing was done on my 1902 Singer treadle machine.  It was fun.  My next project with it is Bonnie's mystery.  I'm doing a smaller version. What will be our next unit?

Making these four patches made me realize I've very few neutrals. As a consequence I used the back side of some lighter prints.  I see shopping first thing in 2017.

When I wasn't using the Singer, Ms Juki was humming along with me on the commission quilt.  I'm working on the sky right now.

May just add a few more lines radiating from the star.  The curlicues around the center are done.

What are you up to? Making anything for Christmas gifts or decorating?  I'd love to see your work. Linky below or leave me a comment and I'll come by and see.  Blessings to you and yours,

I'm linking to TGIFF - this week at Devoted Quilter  plus other Friday linky parties - see tab above.

After the Year of Mercy

                This past year two things occurred which prompted me to want to read A Call to Mercy, Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve – Mother Teresa .  The first was Pope Francis inaugurating the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The second was the canonization of Saint Theresa of Calcutta. While she didn’t say the word Mercy often, she surely lived a life of Mercy toward the world around her.

                Some time ago, I had read a biography of her life and was familiar with this woman of faith. She touched me in ways that found me reading eagerly news stories and articles about her and her work. In this tome, in a compilation of her words and wisdom, editor Brian Kolodiejchuk, lets Mother Theresa explain to the reader  the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.  In the process we learn much about this new saint.  There is one chapter for each of the works. In her words:

For the hungry – “Before Jesus taught the people, He had pity on them, and he fed them…”

For the naked – “…I was naked and you clothed me…Whatever you do to the least, you have done it to Me.  And this is what Jesus again and again told us; to love one another as He has loved us.” Losing dignity can also leave us naked and this too must be addressed.

To Counsel the Doubtful – Give what you have…Give Jesus a free hand to do with you as He wants…”

 Throughout the book, testimonies of those close to her bring out her examples of prayerful and faith-filled actions.  There is much to learn, absorb and contemplate in this book. Each chapter ends with a reflection and prayer.  I wish I had found this book at the beginning of the Year of Mercy, however, I understand it came my way now to educate me more about this 21 Century saint and how I can strive to do the works of Mercy.

I received this book (published by Penguin/Random House) from Blogging for Books for this review.  I am so glad I did.  A Call to Mercy is a keeper - a book I will read over and over - sure to encourage spiritual growth.