Want to be Inspired? Then read this...

Do you like to read? Ever since I can remember I've loved to read. My parents said I used to sneak books to the dinner table and when it was bedtime I'd hide my book under the covers. Later I'd get my flashlight out and read until I either fell asleep or was caught by my parents. I guess it's no surprise that I ended up becoming a reading teacher and librarian. While working my reading consisted mainly of children's books and books by a few of my favorite authors. Now that I'm retired there's a whole new world of literature to discover. I've even joined a book club. A couple of years ago I started to keep track of what I read. I now keep track of what I'm reading through Shelfari. I visit the public library on a regular basis and even bought myself a Nook.

Recently I finished reading A Walk on the Beach by Joan Anderson. A friend loaned this one to me, but I've ended up purchasing my own copy because this will definately be a book I will revisit and read again. Joan Anderson, the author of this book, recounts the discoveries she made during the year she decided to spend alone on Cape Cod. One day while out for a walk on the beach she meets Joan Erickson, wife of psychoanalyst, Erik Erikson. They develop a close personal bond. Erikson reminds Anderson of the importance of continuing to learn, grow, change and, most notably, play as one ages, to be surprised by life and where it leads. Life is all about transformations. I found this book to be personally inspiring and full of wisdom. It is a must read (again and again) book.

Easy Peasy Fleece Blanket

A perfect winter evening consists of curling up on the couch or in the recliner with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book to read. Of course one has to have a cozy blanket too. I spotted this easy blanket idea on Hanging on by a Needle and Thread. Not only would these make great gifts, but they would great to donate. You will need a piece of fleece, some matching yarn, and a special skip stitch blade for your rotary cutter. I'd never heard of this kind of blade until I read Susan's post. You can purchase this blade from Project Linus or directly from the Skip Stitch website.  Directions on how to use this special blade are posted on both sites.
My granddaughter loves to watch television curled up on the couch, so for Christmas I made her her very own blanket. You can make your blanket any size. For her blanket I purchased 2 yards of fleece fabric.  I then crocheted a shell pattern around the edging. I used the directions I found here.

I also made my grandson a blanket too. Since he's only one I used 1 1/2 yards of fleece. He also needed a small pillow for his crib, so I picked up a travel size pillow from Joann's and a coordinating fabric. I don't remember where I found the pattern for this project, but just do a search and you will find plenty of choices.

I really liked how they turned out. The skip stitch blade is so simple to use. I might just have to purchased the smaller size blade that can be used on flannel.

Now it's off to Joann's to pick up some more fabric because Grandma (meaning me) needs her own blanket too. While I'm there I'll pick up some fleece to make blankets for Project Linus. Joann's has all their fleece marked down so this is the perfect time to pick up some bargains.

I've linked up this post to:

Show and Tell Fridays @Romantic Homes

Home is Where My Story Begins

Simply Sweet Home: Friday Favorites

Sew Many Ways

Debbiedoo's Newbie Party

Skip to My Lou

The Shady Porch

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom #9

Source: weheartit.com via Mrs. on Pinterest

Finally a Christmas Post

Our family enjoyed another wonderful Christmas season. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I love decorating the home for this special holiday and getting ready for celebrations with family and friends. Several years ago our family decided to stop the gift exchanges for the adults in the family. We really don't need anything and this takes away the stress of trying to figure out just what to buy. Shopping for the grandkids is even more special. While some may find this strange, it has allowed us to focus on the real meaning of this holiday.  

We enjoy experiencing the holidays through the eyes of our grandchildren. Ethan loved the lights on the tree and playing with his sister. Addison will be three in a few short weeks. She's at the stage where Christmas is starting to make more sense to her. Though she still won't have anything to do with sitting on Santa's lap. It was a joy to read holiday books with her and watch some of the old classic holiday specials. Her favorites were Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and the Charlie Brown Christmas. She loves Charlie Brown and Snoopy. We also took an evening to take in the holiday lights. We are fortunate to live near a state park that goes all out in decorating the campground area with special light displays. They outdid themselves this year. On Thursday prior to Christmas we celebrated with our son and his family and my parents. We enjoyed the evening watching the grandkids opening and playing with their new toys. We went to the Christmas Eve service. The music by the choir was wonderful. Christmas dinner was at my son's home. As usual we ate too much, but we also enjoyed our time with family members.

Shelley at Prairie Cottage Rose recently asked are you a keeper upper or taker downer. I am definitely a keep it upper! I love the festive decor of Christmas and enjoy it even more after all the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas is over. Once New Year's Eve is over, I'm ready to pack it all away. Usually a few snowmen find themselves nestled amongst the normal decor at least through February.

Since I was such a poor blogger before Christmas, I thought I'd share a few pictures with you now.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is such a special time of the year. I hope you are having an enjoyable time with family and friends. It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the season, so take some time to reflect on the real reason for the season. Here's a digital rendition of the Christmas story. The means may be different, but the meaning is the same.