Reading in the Train

Dying Yarn

Another request

Domestic 2010

My next socks! (Thanks Tante Margo!)

Well, the socks have progressed thus far. Then, I realized that even though I have used this pattern before, with this type of yarn they are much too small. I had tried them on earlier, but then again, ribbing can be misleading. So, out they come, because I am the only one who will be wearing these socks. My yarn, my yarn, my yarn!

This is my newest quilt. I have all the blocks cut out, and they will make an Double Irish Chain quilt. If you do not know what that is, google it. You might be impressed. I got a few more blocks done on craft night.

(the dress only)(Sweater courtesy of Oma!)

Scrap quilt of 2'' squares

This is a restoration project that I am being hired to undertake.

This one was a jiffy, and took about two days to piece. I am waiting to buy batting so that I can start hand-quilting.

Cookies....

More cookies....

and cupcakes!

This is one that I had sitting around for a while, and I just needed a few more stitches, plus binding. Only 2 hours needed to finish, and I finally did it.

Read Print online books

Look at what I just found!

It is called Read Print, and you can read hundreds of books online and find quotations really easily. I just found under Jane Austen her, "History of England," Which up until now I had been unable to find! I am so excited!

Look at it here; @ Read Print

Excessive Swimming, Watches, and Exasperating older cousins!

Hello y'all
Just here for a little for a little R&R at my aunts. Fun too! I came last night and am having a great time. They have a pool, and I have been in it 4 times today. I got up at six this morning, and after discovering what time it was, I went back to bed. At eight I got up and had breakfast before my aunt had to go with my cousin to pick up some stuff from town that he needed. We went to buy him a watch. From the time we got out of the jeep, and went into the store, bought the watch, and chose the right strap, set the proper time, etc... well, lets just say it took a really long time. When we got out I very sarcastically asked, " Does your new watch have a feature that will tell us how long we were in the store." My aunt just laughed because we had been in the store choosing a watch for almost an hour. We had a few other stops to make, but were home for lunch. My cousin and I were supposed to have a rematch on last nights water fight, but he bailed because he had eaten something like 2 hours earlier. So instead of swimming he slinked back into his cave. Later in the afternoon, my younger cousins and I went for a swim, and then one later in the evening. Water Fights, fun!
Well, enjoy your hot summer weather.

Julia

Persuasion

Last week, I borrowed the movie "Persuasion", an other Jane Austen, from the Library here in town. I have read the book, I had seen the movie a few times before, but my mom had not. After viewing it my mom has declared it her favourite of Jane Austen's books. This is interesting because this is not one of her most popular novels. The movie was the new BBC version, by the way. Then a few days ago, I was at a used book sale, and found a copy of Persuasion. I already have the book, but since it is her favourite of the novels, I thought she might like to have her own copy. You should have seen her face when I held it up!

Part of my birthday present from my parents was a Chapter's gift card. I went with my dad on Saturday to the Chapters near our house, and I had a few books picked out, but then in the movie section I found a copy of, can you guess?....

PERSUASION! So we have the movie and an other copy of the book.

"I would have no idea of being so easily persuaded. When I have made up my mind, I have made it." Louisa Musgrove. ( Persuasion )

Just speak Italian, and perhaps play the Pianoforte!

Hello All,

For my Birthday, my dear cousins Sarah and Anneke gave me a large book, containing all of Jane Austen's completed novels. Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Mansfield Park, and Northanger Abbey. Ooh, have I been having fun! I'm on chapter eleven of Northanger Abbey. I have had to consult a dictionary a few times, because I have come across sentences like this:

" But from fifteen to seventeen she was in training for a heroine; she read all such works as heroines must read to supply their memories with those quotations which are so serviceable and so soothing in the vicissitudes of their eventful lives." Northanger Abbey, Chapter 1~

I really had no idea what, "vicissitudes", meant. By the way, it means something like, fate, or the changes in your life over which you have control.

While I have been reading, and contemplating all of Miss Austen's writing styles, I have noticed something.

Not all her Heroines are accomplished young ladies. In fact, they all have, by Regency Era standards, a large flaw which would make their society pronounce them "unfit".

For Example many of them lack qualities of music and drawing: to name a few, Catherine Morland, Elizabeth Bennet, or Elinor Dashwood. Though in Elinor's case it was because she lacked talent, not just the discipline to practice. The pianoforte was really Marianne Dashwood's gift.

" Her mother wished her to learn music: and Catherine was sure she would like it , for she was always very found of tinkling the keys of the old forlorn spinet; so at eight years old she began. She learnt a year, and could not bear it, and Mrs. Morland, who did not insist on her daughters being accomplished in spite of incapacity or distaste, allowed her to leave off. The day which dismissed the music-master was one of the happiest of Catherine's life. Her taste for drawing was not superior; though whenever she could obtain the outside of a letter from her mother, or seize upon any other odd piece of paper, she did what she could in that way, by drawing houses and trees, hens and chickens, all very much like one an other." Northanger Abbey, Chapter 1~

I realize that for many of her heroines, they didn't have the means to provide a top notch education for their girls. Emma Woodhouse might be and exception, of course. Though one cannot hold their family background against a person. In the delightful words of Jane Austen: ( again from Chapter 1 of Northanger Abbey!)

" But when a lady is to become a heroine, the perverseness of forty surrounding families cannot prevent her. Something must and will happen to throw a hero in her way,"

According to my Jane Austen Handbook, I am not that far from being an accomplished lady.

Here is their check list:

1-Study several languages. (French, Italian. Latin and Greek are not not necessary.) You will need these languages to translate love songs

2- Acquire a basic grasp of Geography and History, ( your father's library should have everything you need)

3- Become a proficient musician. ( these talents can become forgotten after marriage, because you only need to play the pianoforte to attract, or scare away! a man.)

4- Draw and Paint the picturesque. ('nuff said)

5- Master the art of needle work

6- Dance beautifully ( Practice with your sister until you "come out" in society)

I only need to work on numbers 1&3! Oh, and maybe read some more great English literature, like other fine heroines.

Goodnight every one,

Julia Rosalinda

I'm alive and well

.....and I haven't fallen off the face of this earth. But, I have come to realize that I don't enjoy blogging as much as I thought I did. I prefer to read other people's blogs. However, before I completely shut down my site, I will give it one more go. The next couple days will be spent thinking of new exciting ideas for my blog. For all of my friends and family, I will alert you of this update, as you have most likely stopped checking this site regularly. So with a joyful new look for my blog, and a spring in my step, I set forth. Welcome to spring!

Old Things- (Books) Part 1

I have always loved old books, particularly old school readers. My mom was really the one that got me hooked on this, just like she did quilting, sewing, embroidery, antiquing, and many other things!

When I was in Elementary, I was good friends with a Dr, who worked to help students in our school read. He was the head of the Language department, and one day asked me to help him clean out the resource centre. It had books that were way out of date, and they were all being thrown out in the dumpster. I had the job of pulling hundreds of books out of shelves, and carting them to the garbage bin. About halfway through the job, I found a stack of old Ginn readers. (i.e Dick and Jane style. )

Just look at the Pictures in them! I also got some of the little primer books for the really little little kids. But, the most rare of all, are the 81/2 by 11' workbooks that I also found. They are the work books, that go with every reader. Most of them were discarded ages ago, so you don't often find these. I also got a few poetry books, which i love, because the poems were so well chosen. I have 4 or 5 high school readers and textbooks, like the book on botany from 1928, that I got for just a few dollars.

My mom has alot of cool books to, like some that were past along in her family, and ones that she has picked up in antique stores. Actually, now my collection is bigger than hers.

One of my favourite old books belongs to my Oma and Opa. I found it sitting on the bottom shelf of the bookcase in the room I was staying in. It is a copy of Pilgrims Progress, from like, 1857 ( I think, don't quote me on this ). It is in amazing condition, and has a gorgeous gothic typeface, and pictures. The funny thing is know one knows who's it is or how it go there! Wild Huh? I flip through it every time I visit them.

I have three songbooks too.(you will see a pic of one of them in the next post.) Also, the picture at the beginning of the post, of the the kids singing, is from it. I have only briefly mentioned a few of my book collection. I have alot more, plus cool old novels, like three Donna Parker Mystery series books. ( read them alot)

Picture post to come...

Julia

Ponder This...

Sweet Tooth

ahh, Shortbread.... this is actually a new shortbread cookie recipe. This particular one is a new one to me, so I guess we will have to see how they turn out. ( The dough tastes good!!)

I usually make bars, or cakes, because for some reason, I really hate the process of putting cookies in and out of the oven. But today, I thought, "Whatever".

The last time I baked, I made a chocolate Walnut Bar, From Jean Paré's 150 delicious squares cookbook. And they were divine! My Mom, Dad, and I, were all fighting for the last ones!

so I thought I'd share the recipe.

*Note: I substituted Almonds for Walnuts

Chocolate Walnut Slice

Bottom Layer:

Measure 1/2 cup butter, 1/3 packed brown sugar, 1 1/4 cups flour, and 1/4 tsp salt together in a bowl. crumble together until mealy. Press into ungreased 9x9" pan. Set Aside.

Top Layer: Beat 2 eggs until foamy. Add 1 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp. cocoa, 1 tbsp. flour, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1 cup coconut, 1 tsp vanilla. Stir Well. Spread over bottom layer.

Bake in 350F oven for 30 minutes

(Helpful hint from Moi, Julia: Let it sit for at least an hour before you try to cut!)

Chaos to Order?

Hello Again,

Been a while, but now that I am back to classes, I have a little more of a schedule. So hopefully, more posts are in order. I have got so many ideas for post, on tons of topics. Speaking of Order, look at the gorgeous organising job my mom did in my room while I was away....

Neat huh?

But now, may I unveil....

MY LATEST EMBROIDERY PATTERNS!!!!!

For a guide to Embroidery Stitches follow this link..... http://www.patternbee.com/embroiderystiches.html

I'll Post again soon

Julia

Crafty Update:

Yes, the dress is finished, its been finished for a while but I've not uploaded pictures yet.

First off, Here is the beginings of a beaded purse. Designed on a whim, like most things I create!

Next, Look at these gorgeous quilt blocks that my mom picked up a a garage sale for $10! I have wanted to do one of these for a long time, an well, now is my chance. Some old lady had sat for days with nothing to do, and made these squares! The ones pictured are only some of the ones that were in the bag! Cool huh?

Later,

Julia

Check this out, I just found it. It was posted about 4 hours ago in the UK.
http://http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/burmamyanmar/1954217/Myanmar-cyclone-British-aid-supplies-reaching-Rangoon.html
All they need is an other hurricane
Julia
p.s. I'll post again later

Art class, and empire waists

back to that promised post on art projects.

For our year end project, we have to design a line of clothing that has influence of Ancient Egypt and Greece clothing. So, because I love regency era clothing, I am going to design and sew a empire waist dress with a lot of sheer layers and flounces. Kind of like the Greek toga.

Picture if you will,

a combanation of these two outfits.... don't worry the eras will not clash.

I don't think that it will be to difficult, because they liked to have sheer shawls and lots of flowy gauzy material

Julia

Hello, hello, hello,

How is everybody doing? cool!

School is great, though a little busy. And life has been, well, you know. crazy. Just go back from my 5:45 dance lesson. I really tired. And I have to go clean the bathroom for my mom before bed.

My family is doing well, but life has been more than a little busy for all of us, but we eagerly await a trip to visit our cousins this weekend. It will only be a day trip, so that on Sunday, I am here for my Profession of Faith, in Church. So that is really exciting. I am kinda nervous, but I will be doing it with like 8 or 9 other people from my church, so that is not so bad.

Only 54 days till I see my beloved friend, Miss Farm Girl. I am so excited.

Soon I will posting about my latest sewing project. And art class/ pleasure project!

Love , Julia

P.S.- Happy Mothers Day, Grandma, Oma, and Mommy! If you happen to be reading my blog this week!

Trip, and a double lung transplant

Many of you know about the trip I am taking this summer. Guess what, we're booking the tickets! I am so excited about it, Except that I will be away for 3 1/2 weeks. kinda scary. I think that it will be really exciting.

If any of you have been reading CF Husband, then you know about Tricia's double lung transplant. She had it,(on April 2nd) and is breathing better then she was before the transplant. And Gwenyth, her daughter is now slowly moving her way twords home. All though we don't know them personally, my mom and I have been following their blog for a long time. Check out the link, because it is a really great website

Julia

Books books books your can read 'em any where

You can read 'em in a bathtub

You can read 'em in a chair

You can read 'em when your happy

You can read 'em when your sad,

You can read, and read, and read (10x)

Until you have to go to bed....

A little parody that my old Principle used to sing to the tune of "Tails". Remind me to tell you the lyrics for that later. It is a really cute song.

15 books I really Love

1- Dana's Valley- Janette Oke & Laurel Oke Logan (I cry every single time I read this book. I have read it many times and each time i go to read it I say, "I won't cry this time." but I always do!)

2- Roses for Mama- Janette Oke!

3- Hannah Waters and the daughter of Johann Sebastian Bach - by Barbara Nickel

4- A Rose for Melinda- Janette Oke

5- the Voyage of Dawntreader- C.S. Lewis

6-Anne of Green Gables- Lucy Maude Montgomery

7- Love Comes Softly- Janette Oke

8- The Thief Lord- Cornelia Funke

9- Emma- Jane Austen

10- Little House on the Prairie Series - Laura Ingalls Wilder

11- Cheaper by the Dozen - Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.

12- Our Only May Amelia - Jen Holm

13- Nine Days Queen - Karleen Bradford

14- I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You- Ally Carter. ( For any teenage girl who has ever dreamed of being a spy)

15- Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy( the sequel to # 14 )

A funny

Today, I was talking with my mom. She was telling me about her quilt. One of the fabrics wasn't playing quite right, so she said she sent it to it's room. ( her fabric stash! ) Mr. Lego Man over heard, and thought that we were talking about him being sent to his room. he shouted, " I did not get sent to my room for that!" Do you have a confession Mr. Lego Man?

Julia

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