Another Bucket

Thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and share a bucket list. I'll warn you though, mine isn't nearly as noble as some others'. I didn't spend much time in introspective pondering. I didn't plan for this list to show how I intend to leave my mark on this world. It's not even complete. So don't give it too much weight.

• Keep chickens--the kind with the pouf over their eyes

•  Jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
• Own a Corvette Stingray Convertible (green). Will settle for renting if it comes with a child-free, two week vacation to somewhere cool. Like Maui.
  

Take the girls on a Pacific Coast roadtrip.

Spain.

Norway.

Learn to draw.

Letterbox on Stone Mountain...

...in the PNW...

...somewhere out east--like Connecticut, where they are practically tripping over boxes.

Meet all of my letterboxing friends.

Attend an Enfield concert.

Eat Sushi and like it.

Hire a maid.

Own all four railroads.

Finish that puzzle of St. Basil's.

Leave a heap of unfolded laundry behind. Okay, that one I can cross off.

Signature Worthy of Kings

Sorry. I couldn't resist the word play. It was either that or "Carving Royalty". Anyway...

The Stamp Exchange platform on AQ is a nifty thing. Get rid of stamps you don't want anymore or don't have time to plant, or find something you need. Help someone or be helped. With hundreds of stamps carved, I'm to the point of having no idea what to do with them all. The stamp exchange has helped me off load several. I also just carved the above sig for some new boxers. It was fun finding the different crowns for each of their family members. (permission to post granted)

I am aware of the argument that everyone should carve their own sig. They had.  They were just looking for something that better represented them. Since the image came readily to me, I decided to carve it.

Now I'm working on a new series of traditionals that I have in mind.

Butter Pecan

Yes, it's another Hardanger piece. I've been working on again/off again on this one for weeks. I lost track of how many hours it took, but I'd guess somewhere between 15-20. It's worked on a 28 count Country French linen called Hazelnut (which I bought at Stitchville in MN and have fallen in love with). There is not as much color variation between fabric and thread as the picture would lead you to believe. The eight spider web blocks are fun to do, but take about 25 minutes a piece. It measures about six inches square. I have no purpose in mind for this piece, so it will probably be tucked away for gift.

The next piece that I want to make has 4 Edelweiss blocks on it--which terrifies me. I've only done one before and it took over an hour. But the piece is magnificent and I've been drooling over the pattern long enough.

Mother's Day Tribute

I'm having difficulty coming to grips with my Mother's Day present this year. Not because it's ugly, or because I have no idea what I'm going to do with it. It isn't one of those gifts that only a mother could love. In fact, it is a beautifully delicate citrine and silver necklace and matching earrings.

What I'm having trouble with it that it was made by a 17 year old girl who was rescued from the sex trafficking industry in Thailand.
On May 1st, our church held a ladies' tea for all of the churches in our community. There were women there from many different faiths who came together for one purpose: to support The Well.
The Well is a branch of ServantWorks (which has interesting connections to Cup of Cold Water, started by our across-the-road neighbors, btw) that works in Thailand to free women from the slavery of prostitution. The husband and wife team in Bangkok purchases half an hour of a young lady's time and presents the opportunity of escape to her.  Anyone who wants out is accepted into The Well. Currently there are three homes where the women can come to live with their children. They are involved in Bible studies and other recovery programs, and are taught a trade to support themselves. Their jewelry, clothing, and paper goods that they make are exceptional in quality and very reasonable in price.

The jewelry is called Narimon, a Thai word which suggests purity. Like the woman at the well in Scripture, these young ladies leave a devastating life of sin and oppression and come to Christ, who makes them pure in spite of their past.

Each piece of jewelry comes with a card that has the name and age of it's creator on it. I love the connection that gives. It is an opportunity to pray for that individual by name. But it is also very emotional as well. To think that the necklace that I am wearing today was made by a 17 year old girl who has already know such horrors in her life is a crushing thought. You know that wasn't the life that her mother imagined for her.
Each night, we tuck our children safely in, most of the time without a second thought that their lives could be so much different.
So amid all the flowers, candles, and bath salts that will change hands today, I can think of no better gift than something that helps some other mother's child live the life of safety that I take for granted for my girls.

If you are interested, you may contact ServantWorks and arrange to have one of the Narimon jewelry parties in your home or church.