A Memory

This past summer, while in Kitchener, ON I was browsing through a quaint old Mennonite store that was much like a practical Dollar Store, selling an interesting mix of everything from hats to canning lids. I stopped short as a card game caught my eye, a sense of the past just coming over me in a most peculiar way and bringing back warm reminders of my dad.

My dad was an accountant and playing with numbers was always a game for him. When he played cards with us, as intimidating as it was to play with someone who just knew what was in our hands, he taught us how to think. He showed us how to see the big picture, devise strategies and take risks. He showed us how to eliminate possibilities and taught us tactics in forcing out certain cards. He challenged us enough not to be frustrated at what he could do, but instilled in us a desire to play well.

I took the little package in my hand, not having to think twice about this purchase. There was too much to lose, because the memories alone brought back a sense of who he was.

If he'd still be with us, he’d be 79 today - which reminds me, once again, that he was not old when he left us. A number he would have changed, if he could. Or would he now? As all of us have seen, it’s a hand we do not control. What counts are the choices we make before our time is up.

I wonder if I will remember enough of the game to make it enjoyable for his great-grandchildren one day. I hope so.

While Dinner was Cooking

This Thanksgiving we celebrated milestones . . . little ones and big ones.

Give Thanks

                             Going through the pictures of my life

                             I see many reasons to give thanks . . .

                             Vivid reminders that God has supplied

                             Every need and more than I could ask

                             The gift of life and time to share

                             His Word to light the way

                             Answers to prayer

                             New beginnings in life

                             Kids, grandkids and friends to love

                             Seasons to cherish and hold dear.

The Thanksgiving Table

It was our turn to host the Care Group this week. This is not a time to fuss about the house or how to set the table. It is an extension of church, in a smaller setting. We enjoy a meal together before we study some scripture. It is a place where we get to know each other and pray for one another. This week  a retired worship pastor in our group led us with guitar and singing, after which a couple in our group shared their life story.

Like I said, this is not a time to fuss . .  . but you are free to do what you enjoy doing and so on the day of, I thought I should dress up the tables a bit, seeing it is Thanksgiving after all.
My H came home for lunch and he clipped some leaves from a tree in the yard. A simple candle stand with some leaves, some ornamental gourds or nuts in their shells, strewn about, make a quick centerpiece.

A fall garland is something I purchased years ago and it has come in very useful. Sometimes I add some real leaves for more fullness.

This time some chocolates in a crystal cream and sugar set added a vintage look to the table setting in the dining room.

Since the garland is a vine it was appropriate to add some real grapes . . . which we have in our back yard right now. Evidence of the harvest has always been a theme around Thanksgiving in my past.

Anything that reminds me of warmth and comfort also goes. Coffee beans surrounding a lit candle is one that hits a chord with me.

These are some very easy things to do that say welcome here.

Shop Your Closet

Here it is again! Fall is here and it's time to wash everything that is strictly summer attire and tuck it away. It's also a good time to air out by giving away some things! I always feel better when my clothes have room to breathe and I know that anything in there is something I'd actually wear. Why store something that just hangs there and creates clutter?

As has been my early fall tradition, I went out one day to look for a few new things. It helped that I had some Birthday money that had "new clothes" written all over it. Wait a minute. . . that's what I thought it said.
In these photos I have combined four new pieces with four used items and come up with nine outfits to wear. This is a very traditional selection. A fun combination would be to use a pair of fitted jeans with a sweater dress, a white button up shirt and jacket, or any of the above and don't forget the boots. Again, try on . . . if it's comfortable, modest, pretty and does not cry out for attention . . . you're good to go. Obviously black pants or jeans, go with anything ... and that is the point.

So to begin with, take some time to shop your closet. Choose a skirt or a pair of nice jeans or pants that you feel very comfortable in and that will go with anything. If you do not have that, start a shopping list.

Take some time. Try on different variations and see if there are some options you have not thought of when you were in a hurry. It is amazing how something old can become new again when you realize what you can pair it up with or what it does when you just add a sweater to it . . . my famous last words.

As you can tell from what the model is wearing ... clear throat ... there is nothing novel about the ideas. It is simply taking advantage of some layering. So take some time to play dress-up. You'll be glad you did.

Signings and More

If you have checked out other MG's blogs, you will already know about out mini signing tour this past weekend. As it turned out, the excitement was more ours than that of a particular readership in a certain city. Still, the nice little lulls we had gave us the chance to visit and chat up a storm, almost unawares of where we were... until customers would stop and join in. One of my personal highlights was to meet a personal blogging friend. I was delighted to see her smile in person and learn to say her name correctly. Thank you, Debora, for your surprise visit.

Another special treat of the day was the fact that we could enjoy lunch around the same table . . . rather than emailing each other and talking about what we are making (or not making) on a particular day.

The next stop we made was at a Ten Thousand Villages Store in Vancouver,

where we got in on an anniversary celebration. For 65 years, TTV has partnered with artisans in low income countries to provide a market for them and the ability to earn an honest living to sustain their families.
It's all about helping and providing for those less fortunate.

This brings me to another highlight of the weekend, when my H and I had the opportunity to attend a dinner where we learned more about the Water for Life Initiative by Global Aid Network, also known as GAiN.

 

A friend of ours has been involved in this work for about 7 years now and when he shared about how villages in Africa have been helped by the provision of a well, you can see how he has literally left part of his heart in these villages. Amazing stories . . .

I knew that poor drinking water causes a lot of illness and death, but I did not know that more children die of diseases related to contaminated water than the loss due to war, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, combined. Contaminated water is the silent killer . . . killing four thousand children every day.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Often, just 30 - 80 meters below their feet are aquifers of pure, disease-free drinking water. By drilling one deep-water well per village, Global Aid Network (GAiN) helps break the cycle of disease and death and transforms communities for a lifetime.

Once a deep-capped well is drilled, villages are challenged to be involved with additional opportunities that continue to improve their community. In each village, training is provided in well maintenance, repair and best water-use practices. People are educated about sanitation and hygiene practices and as a follow up, medical and dental clinics are provided, further demonstrating the love of God, in word and deed.

As it says on the GAiN website . . . In Africa they say, water is life . . . One water well can transform a village . . . lifestyles are transformed, economic activity is enthused . . . health is restored and hope is renewed.