A few weeks ago I received an email asking me if I would like to review a new book on knitting and devotions, well count me in on that! The book is called knit purl pray by Lisa Bogart. The book arrived last week and I promptly got started on it. But as things unraveled this week with my Dad, I stopped reading it. Finally one night after a very, very long day, I picked it up and realized what a gift it is. This book is lovely, and I wish Lisa Bogart lived right next door to me because I think we would be friends. It is a wonderful book about knitting with each section beginning with a bit of scripture and ending with a small personal prayer.
I think those of us who work in any medium, whether it be with yarn, fabric, paper or floss, all try to find a center of peace with our craft. We like to be creative and productive, but I think deep down we want to find peace. Lisa reminded me that this peace can be in many forms, including in the form of prayer. I don't think you have to be religious to read this book and form this understanding. Knitting, in this case, but also every form of craft, is a way for us to de-stress, to find peace and to find a place in our day that we can just be, be with ourselves and be with our thoughts. This book reminded me to make sure I am checking in with my thoughts as I knit, to be present and aware as I knit stitch after stitch. Not just with the projects I make as presents, but with every stitch I make. I think you will enjoy this book and it would make a great gift for your knitting friends. Christmas is coming by the way......... I want to thank Worthy Publishing for giving me the opportunity to review this book. By the way Lisa has another book Knit With Love: Stories to Warm a Knitter's Heart that I will be ordering right away.
This week my dear friend Gracie from One Saylor's Log sent me these beautiful leaves all the way from Oregon! They arrived on that same night I was just so exhausted from working late and dealing with my Father's issues. I opened the box and these beauties popped out. Aren't they amazing?
Gracie used wax paper and an iron to make them hold their shape and retain their color. I am reminded how beautiful Fall is by this lovely gesture. Even though Autumn is my favorite season, I forget how spectacular it is living here in Florida where we might get slightly cooler temps and a few brown leaves. Thank you Gracie, from the bottom of my heart, for thinking of me and sending these my way. You are the best!
And would you look at this, Gracie's oldest granddaughter sent me this beautiful picture all on her own! Isn't she talented? Oh my this just made my day, the smile I had on my face when I saw this beautiful work of art was huge!!! This picture arrived on the same day as the leaves so two treats from Oregon in one day for me! This picture is up in my studio/office where it makes me smile each and every time I look at it. A special thank you to Gracie and her granddaughter for making my long week a lot brighter.
My wonderful friend Toni, who makes me laugh almost daily, ordered this book and had it sent to me all the way from England. She thought I might like it as I am dealing with older parent issues all the time, and frankly this is a perfect time to read it as I am certainly dealing with older parent issues right this moment. I just finished my latest book last night so I plan to head to bed early tonight and get started on this. Although I am trying to find the humor in this situation with my Dad, and of course my sister Claudia helps in this area, reading this book just might be the perfect way to find more things to chuckle about, as I once again travel the road of hospitalization and rehabilitation with one of my parents..
On another note before I let you go, the lovely Karen from Over the Backyard Fence recommended the book, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Buckman. I listened to it last week and at first I thought I was not going to like it, but after letting myself listen to it a bit I was hooked. I laughed out loud so many times, I cried a bit, and well by the end I was sobbing while driving down the road. I think you should check it out, but if you listen to it in your car be sure to listen to the last chapter while you are parked or you might just not be able to see the road through your tears.
On another note before I let you go, the lovely Karen from Over the Backyard Fence recommended the book, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Buckman. I listened to it last week and at first I thought I was not going to like it, but after letting myself listen to it a bit I was hooked. I laughed out loud so many times, I cried a bit, and well by the end I was sobbing while driving down the road. I think you should check it out, but if you listen to it in your car be sure to listen to the last chapter while you are parked or you might just not be able to see the road through your tears.
Hope you all have a great day and a wonderful weekend.
Isn't Gracie such a lovely human being? Yes, she is. I am so glad that I "found" her here on this crazy place we call the Internet.
ReplyDeleteWhat an honor to be sent a book to review, but it does not surprise me one bit that it was sent to you. I am going to check it out asap. I haven't checked out the book by Buckman yet..oh, here goes the budget!
I am sending love your way and thinking about your Dad and all of the difficult times you are all going through. It's a painful time, I know..but how good that you are there and can be with him. So very, very long time ago, I was so far away from home, with a baby and a toddler when my parents were struggling and I could not be there. I have carried such guilt for so many years that I was not there when they left this world. I know that it is irrational, but it still remains in my head and heart.
Sorry to be so long-winded and perhaps a bit too much about me.
I do hope that you have a weekend filled with healing peace..and some fun!
Meredith, smiling as I type this, I had the same reaction to A Man Called Ove. It started out rather slow for me, but loved it. You're so sweet to give me a mention;)
ReplyDeleteKnit, Purl, Pray sounds wonderful, too. I'm always on the lookout for new devotional books. I love knitting and sewing as much for the peace it brings me as the finished product.
Have a good weekend, my friend.
I think that crafting is a very meditative activity. The rhythm of the work and the steady pace encourage contemplation.
ReplyDeleteI know you needed these sweet moments of joy this week. The leaves are so pretty! Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteLinda
Your leaves are lovely ......and the books seem to have arrived at just the right time.
ReplyDeleteHope your Dad will have a better week next week.
Aw sweet Gracie. I've been with her in person and she is a sweetheart. The leaves are lovely and so is her granddaughter's drawing. It's fun to get surprised at rhe mainbox. I feel your pain at dealing with parents. They love us and we have to walk with them through them growing older. Been there, done that with my mom. I was blessed to become friends with a lady who had experienced what I was going through. She gave me a couple books she wrote about her story. Hopefully the book will help you too. Staying home and making jam tomorrow. Hugs and happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh that Gracie is such a dear. And her granddaughter making you a picture.. just sweet. I saw them doing those things on her blog and was charmed. I'm so glad the pretty leaves arrived in one piece for you to enjoy. I wish you could come up and visit up here during the fall sometime. I'm sorry you're going to these rough times with your Dad. Just know that so many of us have be there and are here for you. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteAhhh, Gracie. A sweeter, lovelier woman I don't think I have ever met. We "understood" each other the moment we met. I can't wait to see her again. I would never have thought to send autumn leaves to someone. I have always lived where the leaves changed in the fall and I forget that others don't have that where they live. I take it for granted. Your books sound lovely. I will definitely have to check them out. I always pray for the person I'm making things for and if it's for charity I pray for that unknown person. I think a devotional based on knitting would be very interesting to read. I think things are ve y stressful for you right now Meredith. Please know that I'm praying for your Dad, you and Claudia right now. I hope things start going easier for you soon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
How very sweet of your friend Gracie to send you such wonderful leaves. I hope your father gets well soon.
ReplyDeleteWe are all truly blessed when the internet and blogging was developed, such a lot of friendships formed without even meeting it is such a gift. I look after my elderly parents, although I have 5 siblings I am the only one who lives locally so everything is left to me. I was a little resentful at first but now I have an inner peace with it all and feel privileged to be able to help. The book certainly sounds like a good read, I can see how it would help with knitting. Take care, and remember to look after yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've found some great reads. The leaves are gorgeous, you've reminded me of how my mother and her mother used to pack up primroses in moss and send them from their home in the country to relatives in London so that they could have a taste of spring. Fantastic drawing, I love the worms! I hope you have a restful weekend and that next week is an easier one. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful leaves and gifts of love to come your way at this time that you need them. It is good to know that so many people love and care for you because you really are such a very special and wonderful person, I am glad that you have so many who care for you. Thinking of you and sending love and hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the book recommendations Meredith I will certainly look into them all and maybe put the first one on my Christmas wish list. Gracie is so kind and thoughtful to send you those leaves the colors are so beautiful and the picture from her granddaughter is so sweet bless her. I hope that your Dad is doing well and you have a lovely weekend. xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are enjoying the leaves and the picture and some very interesting sounding books as well, Meredith. [I want to check those books out!] We love you and are cheering you on through your busy days :) xx
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic the artwork is! So Joyful. Im delighted it was BIG . How did she mail it? In a Tube?
ReplyDeleteI'll put KNit Purl Pray on my list . Sounds like a winner!
Such heartwarming presents!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of that book, making something with your heart and soul...
Big hugs from Mirjam.
How sweet of Gracie. And she is so clever to iron the leaves between wax paper. I used to do that with my kids when they were little!
ReplyDeleteA lot of people don't like the weather in Wisconsin, but fall is so glorious here. On the other hand, you won't be shoveling snow for hours in January, so it all balances out.
Very sweet and thoughtful to send you leaves. They are beautiful. Hope your dad is doing better and the rehab issue has been worked out. Hugs
ReplyDeleteIt would seem that overall you have had a good week, and I'm glad for that. So many beautiful things and lovely friends helped you.
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to look for that book. Thanks for sharing!
Hi dear friend. Sad to hear about the difficulties you are having with your father. My father had cancer 18 months ago and it was hard to watch him get so ill, he made a recovery but at the time it was tough. It is important to be there for your family.
ReplyDeleteThose autumn leaves would lift my spirits too. Jo x
That knitting book looks like it would be really good. I wonder is it available in the UK as it would make a nice present. Must check it out.
ReplyDeleteI just posted about I Love Yarn Day and then watched some of the videos by the Craft Yarn Council about the benefits of knitting/crochet. A friend and I were just saying the other day that we should teach the world to crochet. That way everyone would be so busy creating there wouldn't be time for hating and fighting. The book sounds lovely and you are the perfect person to review it. Sorry to hear about what your dad is going through right now. You certainly have had to deal with a whole heck of a lot over the past couple of years. My aunt in OH sent me Fall leaves many years ago. They are in an envelope somewhere. I feel the urge to find them now. Gracie is such a sweetie to send you some. I really do miss Autumn. Nothing here changes and I'm so sick of all the garbage. Why don't people care about the environment and their surroundings? I just don't understand. Big hugs, Tammy
ReplyDeleteGeez, I'm away a few days and so much has happened! I am wishing your whole family my best through this tough time. I love your new beautiful leaves. We don't get traditional seasons here, but what I love more is all the people that reach out to you, here and in the mail, it's who I always say you are. :)
ReplyDeleteOh this book sounds awesome!
ReplyDelete((hugs)) my sweet friend. Keeping you all in my prayers. :)
Crafting is perfect for contemplation. Also for watching TV :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
My week has been so so busy that I am just now getting over to read and catch up with you. I'm sorry you are dealing with parental issues. [Just remember that your boys are watching and they see how well you care for your parents and set the example for how they should care for you :) That's what I told my kids.]
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'd enjoy that devotional book. When I knit a special hat or shawl for a friend, I often stop occasionally and say a prayer for that person.
I hope this weekend will be less busy.
Oh Meredith, I can only sympathise re. your father. We are travelling such a tough road with our three remaining parents, two of whom, as you know, have Alzheimers. I'm just about all done in trying to keep pace with everything and I imagine you feel much the same way. Big hugs from me x
ReplyDeleteLovely book you reviewed for us. I do agree that when we are alone with ourselves in crafting we can use the occasion to center and ground ourselves. That is why I'm afraid I don't broaden out my skill set just yet. I love the golden and orange leaves and the little gifts you've been given. You have some wonderful blogging friends. I send you warm thoughts and hugs as you deal with an aging parent who needs your help. It can be very tiring but a worthwhile endeavour of love. Hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteMy most favorite season!!! Fall is here :-}}}
ReplyDeleteLove those colors!!!
You'vé sold me on those two knitting books!
ReplyDeleteLove your new piece of art work, Gracie is very talented.
leaves look great présented like that in a glass!
Sounds like an interesting book indeed! Hope your dad feels better now, keeping you in my thoughts... xx
ReplyDelete