Saturday Sky After *Wild* Friday

We have a *stunning* Saturday Sky in central Oklahoma today. It is a welcome sight after our Friday night excitement last night. While at Hastings Hard Back Cafe last night, the city warning sirens began blaring, news broadcasters were stating tornado circulation directly overhead of our location, and the store management came on the store speaker system directing all customers to proceed to a storage area near the bathrooms for tornado precautions and safety! I’m not exactly convinced that the small hallway near the Hastings bathrooms is the safest location to be in case of a direct tornado hit, but there were probably 40 or 50 of our fellow Hastings goers crowded in the very small area….listening to the warning sirens of the city blare….and wondering if we should be really scared or act like we weren’t.

It wasn’t long before they announced the danger had passed and was moving rapidly to the N. E. We left our cozy hallway and went back to sipping hot chocolate, knitting, and reading on the comfy couches near the fireplace and watching the torrential rainfall that has been desperately needed in our area.

The Best Bag Ever

Kim, my wonderful husband, took me to one of our local yarn shops yesterday. It was a treat after having been sick for quite some time and being unable to get out and about. While at Happy Cat Yarn Shop, I shopped, looked at wonderful fibers, visited with owner, Danya, knitted in the comfy chairs with Rosemary and had a great time.

With Kim’s encouragement, I became the owner of the most wonderful knitting bag *ever*.

This is the Namaste Everyday Bag in the color *Brick Red*. However, the color is actually more of a beautiful, deep rose color in my opinion.

This bag is perfect! It is large enough to carry all my regular purse items and one or two knitting projects. It has loads of pockets and zippered sections. It is lightweight and vegan (no animals harmed to make this bag), sturdy, very functional, and beautiful. And, the price is much less than many other similar bags by other manufacturers. I am thrilled and now I no longer need to carry multiple bags to have my purse contents and knitting projects with me while I’m out and about. I’m a happy girl!

I also caved in and used my *get out of jail free card* this once (from my *knit from my stash* commitment) in order to purchase this divine Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky. I’ve been really good and have been doing an admirable job of *knitting from my stash*, but this time I couldn’t resist the softness and beauty. Kim was being a shopping encourager and enabler and took the bag and the alpaca yarn to the register and made the purchase for me. I think he was happy to see me feeling up to getting out again. I certainly don’t need *things* to be happy and content, but it is a treat to have a nice bag for a great price and some soft and yummy alpaca yarn. My biggest earthly blessing is totally my husband, Kim. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure….my cup is full to overflowing!

Knitting News

I mailed a box to CIC today containing 2 pairs of socks for the bigger kids. It always does my heart good to knit for the children of CIC and every package mailing day is a treat! I’ll be casting on for a sweater for the smaller CIC kids next. I’ve got some wonderful Lamb’s Pride Bulky wool in my stash that needs to become a sweater for a little one.

My Sockret Pal that I’ve been *sending goodies to*, Becky, received her final box this past week. I was thrilled that the socks that I had knitted for her DID fit! And, I think she really enjoyed all the boxes and contents of each that I have sent her way since last fall.  I do hope she’s enjoyed receiving my boxes of knitterly things as much as I enjoyed receiving Sherry’s boxes of goodies. Enjoy, Becky! Thanks again, Sherry! And, special thanks to the girls that administered the Sockret Pal Swap, Dani and Rachel. Ladies, you did a spectacular job!

I’ve recently joined 2 KALs (Knit Alongs in knitter speak). Thanks to Robin, I’ve joined in the Civil War Shawl Knit Along, and the corresponding Yahoo Group. I won’t be starting THIS wonderful project until June. I’m currently in the process of choosing just the right yarn … and having fun looking and narrowing the possibilities. : )

Additionally, I’ve joined the Karen’s Glove KAL. This beautiful Fair Isle glove pattern KAL is due to start April 15th. Just look at this picture:

Please consider joining this KAL to knit Karen’s Gloves along with other knitters that are wowed by her pattern and design! I’ll post more links and pictures as the KAL progresses. This pattern is currently being test knitted by Tracy P. Hudson who wrote THIS article for Knitty. (What a wonderful lady and what precious little boys!)

And, I’m preparing for the Knit Out at the SWAK Corral. This will be my first knitting retreat. I’ve signed up for 3 classes with Myrna Stahman, author of *Stahman’s Shawls and Scarves*. I’m so excited about attending and will be getting my book (seen below) autographed!

My supply list and class information came in the mail from SWAK this week. I’m preparing! The retreat is May 4th - 6th. I’d love to have you join us for the learning and fun!

Prayers

My prayers this week are for all those facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges. I feel this may encompass all of us.

I pray for each of us to have strength when we are exhausted and ready to quit, to have courage to face situations that look overwhelming to us, and to have healing and health in any area of pain, weakness, or illness. I also pray for our hearts and minds to be comforted by our Heavenly Father and for us to become closer and more *like him* each day.

This morning, this beautiful Saturday Sky is a welcome and beautiful sight. So much so, that I’m sharing a second Saturday Sky picture from today.

I’m thrilled to share a 2nd glimpse of the beauty of God’s creation from our backyard view today. : )

I wish you a wonderful and blessed week….

Your Friend,

Shelly

NIV

Exodus 15:13
“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

1 Chronicles 16:11
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.