Mama’s Magic Drawers

Sometimes the poorest people leave their children the richest inheritance.
[Ruth E. Renkel]
I went through a variety of adjustments when I grieved the loss of my mama in 2001. It was the little daily things that reminded me of her absence. I rarely carried a purse when we went someplace together because I could turn to [...]

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Patsy McCoy

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.
[J.M. Barrie]
I’m sitting here imagining the welcome my friend Patsy received last evening when she went to knit in heaven with Mama and our other knitting pals who have gone before us.
I met Patsy McCoy at Meg Swansen’s Knitting Camp in Wisconsin. Then I’d see [...]

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Nadolig Hapus

Whatever else be lost among the years,
Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing;
Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears,
Let us hold close one day, remembering
It’s poignant meaning for the hearts of men.
Let us get back our childlike faith again.
[Grace Noll Crowell]

I’m posting these photos for our family and friends who are far away [...]

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Twas the night before Christmas…

If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things;
if we consider ourselves so unimportant that
we must fill every moment of our lives with action,
when will we have the time to make the
long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi?
Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds?
Or brood [...]

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Twas the week before Christmas

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving,
make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!
[Amanda Bradley]

I’m still decorating the big tree—making more bows. Hanging ornaments reminded me of browsing through a photo album. Some even brought tears to my eyes as memories of Christmases past rushed in. I even found the Christmas sock I [...]

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Encyclopedia of Needlework

Once we discover how to appreciate the timeless values in our daily experiences,
we can enjoy the best things in life.
[Jerome K. Jerome]

Forty years ago, a beau of mine gave me a gift—The Complete Encyclopedia of Needlework by Thérèse de Dillmont. I have no idea where he is now, but the book has been within [...]

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Michael Alexander

A baby is God’s opinion that the world should go on.
[Carl Sandburg]

Michael Alexander was born December 1 at 5:00 p.m. He weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces. Here he is with his mom and dad, Rachel and Solomon, and his maternal grandparents, Katherine and Michael. My heart is warmed.

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65

No wise man ever wished to be younger.
[Jonathan Swift]

Yesterday, Winston Churchill would have turned 133 years old. My Aunt Esther would have turned 96. I turned 65. Aunt Esther used to send me birthday cards that said “Happy Birthday to you, me and Winnie.” For many years, I didn’t really know who Winnie was but, [...]

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