More Crochet

 More Crochet

Several years ago I purchased a crochet book on Amazon (see below) but not until recently did I feel as though I had the skills to try any of the patterns.

Recently I challenged myself to try one of the patterns from the book. This cute little baby bumble bee. Then I moved on to begin another pattern from the book.

This cute little troll, I still need to complete his arms, ears, and face.

This book is very well written and the patterns are so cute and easy to understand and follow. 

I'm enjoying the process so much!

Gardening Goals

 Garden Goals

For several years I have been wanting to build my backyard into a gardening haven of vegetables, herbs, and fruits ...

and year after year I fail miserably.

In the coming year, I have decided that I am going to focus on a small doable area. My inspiration comes for this book.

I've been complying the types of vegetables, herbs, and fruits I would like to grow. Along with some garden elements I would like to implement. Then this coming spring it is my thought to establish one garden element at a time. 

Once that garden element is fully established, I will add another ... and so on

Maybe 2026 will be my backyard gardening year!

So This Is Happening

 So This Is Happening

I took Spanish as my foreign language in college. A foreign language was required. I took Spanish I and II

I learned what I needed to learn to pass the tests but not much else. I very much want to learn how to speak Spanish, so I have enrolled in a continuing education class to learn conversational Spanish. Without tests and grades hanging in the balance I am hopeful that I will enjoy learning how to speak Spanish. Yes, I am aware that it will take more than one continuing education class to learn the language but it is a start. 

Gratitude and Positivity

 Gratitude and Positivity

I think it is important to train our brains to focus on gratitude and positivity first and foremost. Yet I can't seem to be the grateful and positive person that I strive to be.

That being said, I realize that I am a work in progress and progress is a very positive thing.

I recently purchased the 3 Minute Happiness Journal by Kristen Butler, in the introduction about this journal she quotes,

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's book, My Stroke of Insight.

In her book she states that the natural life cycle of an emotion is just 90 seconds. 

This means that if you don't "hook into" the emotion with your explanations, justifications, and storytelling, the physical sensation of the emotion will leave your system within 90 seconds. When an emotion lingers beyond this point, you have chosen to keep it active.

WOW!

This really struck a cord with me. Life and happiness is all about the choices we ( I ) make.

😃😃😃

I know ... such a simple and truthful statement but like most things it is the real life application of these truths and knowledge that is the tough part.

Watercolors and Whimsy

 Watercolors and Whimsy

My daughter and I took a watercolor painting class at a local book shoppe, Fable Hollow Coffee & Book Shoppe. The class was presented by Jade of Whimsy Emporium Knox.

Below is a picture of my efforts, taken by and posted to Jade's instagram

@whimsy.emporium.knox

We had a blast in this class and met some really nice people. Jade is an amazing artist and teacher.

Shout out to Fable Hollow Coffee & Book Shoppe for presenting this amazing class.

Family

 Family

Apparently we have a published author in the family.

The author of the book pictured below is Patricia Lane Copeland, whose mother was Grandma Dorothy's sister, Edna.  That's Edna and Grandma in Crossville.  Grandma had told me Patricia wrote a book and I was able to track it down.  As you can see, she dedicated the book to her father, John.  The two children are Jon  and Amy, who are probably in their 30's now.  Back in the 1990's, they lived in Chicago.  Patricia's parents lived in Florida.  I haven't read the book yet but as far as I know, it is the only book she wrote. 

Patricia Lane Copeland, the author, and her children Jon and Amy.

Dedication to her father, John Lane

Edna Lane (Grandma's sister) and my Grandma Dorothy Gibson

The book written by Patricia Copeland

Book Club

 Book Club

Years ago I was part of book club, we meet monthly, very intelligent older gentlemen picked the books that we read and all of them were so heartbreakingly morbidly depressing that I quit reading the books. That being my book club experience, I haven't been real interested in participating in a book club.

But ...

My daughter and I have decided to make our on little book club and our first book is the first book of the Harry Potter series. I have seen all of the movies but never read the books.

It's time and I'm excited to read this book.