Tidying Up the Blog

Time to take care of unfinished projects for 2009

Design Class: Dantatter's doily design test tatted by myself in Raspberry ripple which is a beautiful color (not done justice here). I think she came up with a lovely design, don't you?

Sonja, the Netherlands, was my secret Santa this year from the In Tatters Forum. The Card is lovely with a bobbin lace tree from her Bobbin Lace Circle. Inside were many tatted treasures. Left to right: red earrings (or ornaments) designed by Rosemarie Peel; A bookmark designed by Edda Schneider; A Monica Hahn cross;

the second pair of green ear rings, and a beautiful Stawasz snowflake; all beautifully tatted with love by Sonja in Holland. Thank you Sonja for trusting me with these treasures.

(Finally have photos to share. I'm getting slower at taking photos and scanning goodies; and, for that I apologize. Getting a bit more difficult to move around easily at this stage of the game of life)

There is More to come before January 1st ~ Keep Watch

O Holy Night. . .

My Birthday. . .

Dear loved ones, As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer. It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago.. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. Remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face .... and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a grand time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying: "Santa Claus, Santa Claus" .. as if the party were in his honor! At 12 Midnight all the people began to hug each other; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and ... do you know ... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all your heart. Beverly and I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invite, will be left outside. Be prepared because when all is ready you will be part of my great party. See you soon. I Love you! Jesus (note that the writer of this piece is unknown to me; but, expresses a truth that I embrace)

The Rest of the story

MR. AND MRS. OMAR MELENDEZ DECEMBER 14, 2009, EL Paso, Texas

Almost 25 years ago a little titian-haired baby girl came; she looked like an angry Winston Churchill to me! (she hates it when I say that ~ but!) I was her birth coach and first to hold her when she came from the warming bed all swaddled. This child grew up with two Mommas, one who was her boss-momma and then the second, Oma; who would serve as her sounding board, sometimes caretaker, and playmate. DH and I had a covenant before God that we would care for this child as a daughter, see to her education and get her well on her way in life; as we were able to provide.

She, in turn, was told that her 'job' was to do her best in school, be polite, speak proper English (well, the American version ~ LOL) and obey her Mom (her biological Mom). She did all that and more: flourishing on stage through grammar and high school; (which was amazing because she was very quiet and somewhat shy) blooming before us. Before she was nine she'd lived through loosing all her possession in a flood, and a Mom who was stricken with a debilitating disease called fibromyalgia. In High School she continued with Theater arts, fine art, Cheer leading and volleyball team; all the while, marching to the beat of her own drum!

December 11 she graduated with honors (with a 3.78 GPA). Imagine our surprise when she announced that evening: she and Omar had made arrangements to be married on December 14th! They had met with the judge in EL Paso; notified the restaurant to expect a party of at least 20. And, would we please book a suite at the Hyatt in El Paso? (this had been a prior agreement when talking about a wedding). After all, 3 days is really a mini, mini honeymoon!

Omar and Rebekah had been engaged for three years, and dated a year before that; consequently, it wasn't a real surprise that they would marry ~ but the timing was very surprising because we'd projected June of 2010. A beautiful bouquet had been tatted, favors had been bought for guests, a bridal veil was in the works. Were we disappointed? No, not actually! In fact we think that it was a very mature decision and supported them happily.

Omar has two semesters left for his secondary teaching degree (Spanish and Tennis Coach) and the couple will be living with us until he graduates, so it was logical in our minds that this was a good time for the families to be joined. After all four years was a long wait for these young Christians. I am pleased to officially present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Omar Melendez.

We hosted a lovely gathering at Cheddar's restaurant. Most of Omar's family lives in the area, and Kristen was here for the graduation; a good, jovial time was had by all. Of course there are a myriad of photos ~ I won't bore you with those ~ All can see that we adore Omar and considered him a son already. His mentors were his two uncles who just 'clicked' with PaPa Davis, and Grandma Luz was a great influence also. We two abuleos celebrated that WE had become family as we had already become very good friends. There was much hugging and laughter and a few tears shed by the Moms (well, not me ~ I tend to internalize my emotions);

and that, my friends, is the end of the story; but, the beginning of two lives!

And NOW, I can get back to some serious tatting; a rosary for Luz and a tatted hankie for Georgia (Omar's Mom) as remembrances of our children's union.

UP ON THE ROOFTOP. . .

Last Thursday the MasterCraft workers came to put a new roof on our home. The weather person had forecast 10 clear days. Up on the roof-top? 8" of snow by December 23d. However, the crew has the protective cushion down that will be covered with the shale blue metal roofing. They have most of the trim up and part of the roof. We are assured that the cushion is rain and snow proof and will not leak into the attic. They've promised to finish the roof before Christmas, weather permitting (if it isn't blowing and snowing). We did not choose the beginning date; one is in the Que. and when one's turn comes, the workers arrive.

The big news is a White Christmas; and, it is just beautiful outside. The pinions and pines are laden with snow. It is a quick-moving storm and it is supposed to be quite sunny Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is so dry here that snow evaporates quickly; and, if a wind blows, it goes even faster. It is cocoa weather. What could be better than chocolate and tatting?

I wish you all a very merry, peaceful, safe Christmas from here on the ridge.

GRADUATION

THE GRADUATE: REBEKAH JUNE DAVIS

Friday night, December 11, we attended the graduation ceremony where Rebekah June was awarded her BFA (concentration Photography). We are so proud of her dedication and perseverance and very good grades throughout. She arrived as a young lady fresh from High School via Yuba College in CA. and has grown into a sophisticated young woman, able to stand on her own two feet, self-motivated and dedicated to her art; and, her fiance. Family is important to Rebekah and she has grown up in our home. The first few years, living just down the road about 1/4 mile, and for the past 3 years in our home. We won't loose her quite yet; she will continue her work at the Gallery (Animas) and abide in our home until her fiance graduates with his teaching degree.

Before the ceremonies, Loyal hosted a dinner for 12 with the meal prepared by Omar and Rebekah. I was able to visit with my friend, Lucy, again and meet more of Omar's family. Rebekah's step father also flew in to see her receive her degree.

There is more to the story ~~ stay tuned.

" It takes a Village" or something like that. . .

I detest having my photo taken. However, with the aid of a good hair stylist, Kelly at Silver's newest shop ~ Curl up and Dye ~ gave me the hairstyle I've been trying to get in Silver for 3 years! I am told that it is one of the easiest cuts. A basic, angled bob, stacked in the back. Today, I'm celebrating my 'new do' ~

Part of the celebrating was getting a photo taken after the 'event'.

Omar handled (literally) the lighting, and Rebekah is the photographer! She evidenced so much patience and must have taken 20 shots; 3 of which we kept. The biggest problem was the lighting in the room. Believe it or not, this was taken in my bedroom against a spa blue wall. Thus the heading, "It takes a Village."

This whole thing may seem very silly, but when one is 73, and has been bald because of cancer (which also just ruins one's skin, turning it pale and blotchy red); well, having a nice "do" becomes a real lifter of my spirit. I could slather on makeup at 40 dollars a jar; but, I'm not really big on make up or sitting in front of a mirror daily. I'd rather tat! I'm a down-to-earth woman and if the barn needs painted when it goes out; okay. But daily, I think the old barn is just fine.

Bekah, Omar and I had so much fun during the 'photo shoot' that the 20 pictures were necessary because in most of them I was crossing my eyes on purpose, and making faces and laughing very hard. In other words doing everything I could to not think about sitting for a picture. Rebekah doesn't know it, but this is one of the nicest Christmas gifts she has given to me! And this in the middle of her graduation and wedding planning

CHRISTMAS PAST

How is your December progressing?

Remember when we were kids and all the presents were opened, papers and boxes strewn from corner to corner? Parents exhausted from preparations, Mom probably headed to the kitchen to begin Christmas dinner, Dad watched TV while waiting for football. Or what ever your family's personal scenario was at the time? Anti climatic; yet, a surfeit of gifts, plans, short-lived childish glee had filled the morning. Does any of this ring a memory bell in your mind?

Christmas viewed with the eyes of childish wonder (do young children still experience awe and wonder at the lights and the 'hush' of Christmas?) is much different that the often tired and jaded eyes of the adults who provide the ambiance of the season.

I remember, fondly, Lori and her sisters whispering in corners. Christmas evening we, the parents, were ordered to the couch to behold the annual show. Lori was five years older than her middle sister and the 'baby' was 16 months younger than the middle sister. Oh, and there was a very large Black Standard Poodle, the fourth 'child.' Charlie!

In spite of the fact that we had attended at least 2 different Schools Christmas presentations; we always had the Lori Production in the living room. A production that involved that whispering, giggling, sprinkling of disagreement and borrowing of pieces of clothing, a sheet for a curtain, make up! Even wigs were known to be needed; even if it had served as a clown wig for Halloween. So what if one of the 'kings' had bushy, orange hair (can you spell Ronald McDonald?)

The parents, seated on the couch, waited while Lori, the pianist, director, and Narrator began the Christmas Show. BB the quietest, youngest (sneakiest) was always the angel. Krissie the compliant took the part assigned to her (and also was forced by big sister to do the cleanup because her nickname was, Debbie Domestic). Charlie was the largest and blackest lamb to visit the baby Jesus (who one year was a Troll ~ Do you remember those dolls?).

The hardest part for the parents was to not roll on the couch in laughter because the whole show was meant to be very serious. But the Angel was so proud of her ruffled panties that she turned; and, "whoopsie doooed" in a pretty good imitation of a Follies Bergere can-can. The lamb had a sudden urge to clean his nether parts, which horrified the middle sister who began to scratch, the stress of the moment causing her atopic eczema to attack. The narrator found none of this acceptable being the typical Libra searching for justice. The ego-centric director glared with cat green eyes causing even the lamb to become compliant and the show continued without alarm to the end!

Of course, by this time Charlie had finally rid himself of the sign around his neck that said, "lamb". And, Krissies make up was running down her cheeks with threatening tears. (a tender soul, she). BB, oblivious to all, in her Virgo perfectionism, glided off towards her room to play with her 3 foot Poo bear. Wild applause from the parents with many kudos and pats on the back did not quell the pique of Big Sister who, annually, felt the cast could have done better!

There would not have been a tree except for Mom and Lori. Wait, there may have been a tree but Mom was the one who went to find the tree that "spoke to her." That did not mean that a perfect tree followed her home. One had to be tied in a corner and it was forever named, "Mom's Charlie Brown tree." Lori was the official decorator and she enjoyed her position with possessive gusto. Dad, grumbling a bit, was in charge of getting it set up in the living room.

Christmas now, without children or grandchildren about is barren. Our church is filled by old people and our "youth group' is populated by those over 60! There is no Christmas Program as such. This is not to say that we do not enjoy Christmas Eve services; but a childless Christmas leaves a lot to be desired. No stockings to be hung, no midnight gift wrapping.

This also does not speak to the real reason for Christmas; but even that is wistful. A babe in the manger, a baby who was born to die so that you and I could have peace with God and on earth when He is acknowledged. A star in the sky pointed the way to the world's Savior. There would be no Christmas without the babe. A few years ago, I wrote a short devotional. It came from my heart, a 73 year-old heart that is still filled with awe and wonder in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene.

Christmas is where secular and sacred meet,

where the star of the magi, the shepherds,

David's star intersect.

The secular display stirring the spirit,

causing mankind to seek the reason for his heart's

dis-ease, and unrest. - B. Davis 2004

I am Sometimes Compliant

OKAY; Readers, please understand. My buddy, Jane Eborall, has been "tutoring" me, virtually, as she searched for a drawing program for our Macs. We tried 'em all; and, I even bought one that didn't work out! The best one for tatting design purposes, is user friendly and produces good results ~ EasyDraw.

I admit that I haven't tried it on a tatting design; however, I have played a bit. I sent my self-portrait (above) to Jane, as a joke, in response to her blogged 'self-portrait' . She told me to put my result on my blog ~ I am 'sometimes' compliant and with apologies to true artists out there. . .

I am still tatting on Christmas themes; although, I do have my Secret Santa recipients' piece tatted and am filling the packet. In Tatters suggested using a padded envelope. That made it difficult, having to limit my choices; to those that are fairly 'flat', unbreakable seem to meet the value set. I'd rather use a box!

Also busily winding a variety of threads for the thread exchange on Celtic Tatting forum. I believe we each have 5 people. Next up is a Mark Meyer's Turkey because it is easy and quick, for cousin Trudy. Trudy requested holiday motif as she is going to make a calendar with my tatted appliques. Also, there is a special piece of tatting going out to Debbie in Oklahoma. Not a tatter but certainly a devoted Mother and woman of faith, as am I.

I'm working on an adaptation of Karey Solomon's Candle, from Make Many Merrily. Remember that whenever Bev says, "Adaptation" the meaning is, "made an error early on; and changed the pattern." I will post it later but it will be going on my cousin's Christmas Card ('cause she won't 'see' the mistake, not being a tatter). But, you tatters will notice! One of these days I'll tat Karey's pattern as stated, although I'm confused about the beginning ~ obviously, because that is where I made the error.