Friday, June 14, 2013

Happy Birthday Cathy!


Here's to a great day and a 
wonderful year ahead!


Happy Birthday!

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Happy Birthday Linda!



Wishing you a great day 
and a wonderful year.

Happy birthday Linda!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Happy Birthday Donna


Donna...

Here's to a Happy Birthday
and a great year ahead!

Friday, April 19, 2013

The Unfinished Line



There is this filament
Unseen, but felt
It traverses the universe
It’s a thought
It’s a prayer
Words spoken from the heart
Can you hear me?
This my request
Did it reach you?
From my heart to God’s ear
This gossamer thread
A beam of light
A tiny vibration
Almost a song
A flutter from within
I’m hoping you remember me
Can you see me through the darkness?
The darkness
I pause
What darkness?
A remembrance
As I look I notice the dawn
The sunlight to guide my steps
Brilliance during the day
A gentle light at dusk
Twilight to highlight my hindsight
Moonlight to brighten my dreams
Stars to twinkle my fantasies
A comet to show me the way
All of this brilliance to light my life
Darkness
What darkness?
Imagine the illumination
If we all saw only the light
One voice multiplied becomes a prayer
One song multiplied becomes a chorus
One step multiplied becomes a new path
One heart light multiplied becomes a beacon
One dream multiplied becomes a new world
The unfinished line…completed
Life fulfilled



Cathy


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Finish Line



Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mt. 5:10



             
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
Mother Teresa






Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Happy Birthday Anne


Anne...
Wishing you a happy birthday 
and a wonderful year.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Lilies Of The Field




In wishing you a happy Easter, please consider the center of the life source of the lilies of the field…the heart of God and His love.

MT 6:28
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin;



Happy Easter to all.

Cathy

Sunday, March 24, 2013

The Time Traveler




As I sat quietly
The Earth spoke to me
It spoke through a speck of dust
A time traveler
I gazed upon it
Insignificant in size and appearance
Ordinary for sure
Yet, unique…no two specks alike
Not even colorful was it
Bland
Yet as I pondered it
I questioned the occasion of our meeting
How is it you came to me today?
By way of the Earth did you set out in ancient time?
A mighty rock or boulder
What is it you have seen?
By way of fire
A molten path from a volcano,
Or Vulcan itself?
By way of the oceans…
You have traversed the seven seas?
What did you see?
What wisdom do you carry with you?
Have you been lifted up to the heavens?
Ridden on an eagle’s wing?
Or a castaway in the rhythm of the wind?
Has this mighty wind brought you here today to speak to me?
Or do we just commune
Akin to each other
On this our journey
Sharing the moment?
“I’ll tell you my story if you tell me yours, I thought!”
“Fair enough!” the speck replied.
I sat amazed and intrigued
What could this speck possibly expound?
I began in greatness, a speck in the vast universe
I have taken many forms as you have speck-u-lated!
I have travelled many firmaments
Travelled light and dark alike
Elementally speaking, I have seen it all
Earth, air, fire and water are all known to me
But it is my ‘spirit’ within the universe that brings me here today
I say this to you…
‘You are on the right path’
You are perfect in all ways
The questions you have are meant to be asked
The doubt that you have is meant to be examined
Your curiosity will drive you to the answers that you seek
Once sought and answered, you will find your peace
You are as you were created
A ‘seeker’
One with the divine
One with the universe
Finding your place in this world at this time
I am a humble messenger
Travelling through time
A speck left from the tumble weed I once was
Then speeding at a steadier pace
Now slower, yet not done with my experience of this my life
I tell you this
I gather your questions and your quest for this communion with me
And I will carry this with me forever
I will extoll your tale of ‘us’ to the universe
Of your awareness of our oneness
We will be timeless
We will be forever
As we are now we will always be
Never to part, yet when parted, connected
I feel the elements readying me for the next steps of my journey
The wind stirs
The rain swells in the clouds
I shall be carried forth soon
I bid you well
Peace my fellow traveler
Namaste
Namaste, my new and forever friend
BFF



Cathy






Happy Birthday Patty


Wishing you a Happy Birthday and a wonderful year!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Prayer for Pope Francis I




May God grant Pope Francis I the grace needed for the support of his elected office.

Amen

MT 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God”


Our Lady of Fatima
"If My requests are granted ... there will be peace"


Sunday, March 17, 2013

Happy St. Patrick’s Day




Wishing all, much more than the ‘Luck-O’-The Irish’, but the faith of St. Patrick. May all you do today and in the days to come be in the footsteps of Christ as taught by the beliefs of St. Patrick.

 As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.
May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.
May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Amen

Top o’ the morning’ to you!

Cathy








Thursday, March 14, 2013

Rumors of Crocus




This past month, I can recall too many times staring out the windows…the inside looking out…housebound…watching the snow fly… then watching the rainfall compact and compress the snow into mini-glaciers…then watching the mini-icebergs float down the street. These moments of semi-wonderment (repeated from year to year) were only replaced by today’s greater surprise …all of it disappearing overnight in the rain. WOW!...to what do my wondering eyes appear…NO SNOW!!! Thank you Mother Nature.

I heard in our last group conversation, ‘rumors of crocus’. (Sigh!) How nice. I’ve had my eyes peered to the heavens, rather to the tree tops, looking for signs of spring. There are some very ambitious trees in the sunniest areas with buds ready to burst with the most recent snow fall not deterring their lofty spring dreams. As I spied the yard today I too noticed the buds on the quince bush. The azalea is not quite there, but soon to follow I’m sure. Two days in a row of fifty-degree weather does give rise to the human spirit in this muddy month of March. With a prayer to St. Patrick in this his week, may we please have the ‘Luck-o’-the Irish’ for a green spring here to stay… beginning right away!

Cathy

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Honoring Pope Francis I

Pope Francis



May he walk the path of St. Francis of Assisi.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen



Tuesday, March 12, 2013

…and March Roars




February passed with winter’s fury. Three storms later and with daylight savings time in place, we are regrouping for spring. As the ice and snow melts in fifty degree weather and the sun lingers just a bit longer on the horizon, we delight at the nearness of spring. Snow days and snowmobiles are soon a thing of the past. Rain is in the forecast…NOT another foot of snow!

We did have a small get-together last weekend for a crochet meeting for our prayer shawls. A small group of five made great progress as we exchanged patterns and crochet tips while clicking away at our shawls. Samples of our wares were displayed as we compared our progress. Emails are flowing as we double-check our work and pass questions and answers back and forth.

The next meeting is anticipated in April, after Easter. Let’s hope March and April are kinder to our mission! We shouldn’t have to shovel our way to the mall for more yarn in the next month!

As you complete your shawls, please take a photo and send it along for posting.

Photos, courtesy of our hostess…Patti. Thanks again, Patti.

Cathy


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Crochet Capelet



I have completed another prayer shawl. It is very similar to one we have a picture of, yet still need the pattern for. I found this one and feel that it is very easy for a beginner. The fact that it fully encloses the body and leaves your hands free is both appealing and comfortable. I am enclosing the pattern too.

Cathy






Friday, February 1, 2013

Welcome February



February
The color of red
The landscape may be white and blustery
But there’s red in our cheeks
Shiny red lips too
With the whisper of love
For hope is in the air
With the poetry of love
As thoughts are always
Centered on our hearts
And their desire
As the romantic energies are
Blowing our way
Towards springtime
And the fever yet to come

Cathy


Monday, January 28, 2013

Variegated Color Shawl





I have added another infinity scarf to the ‘Prayer Shawl’ page. This one is in a variegated color yarn. I thought you might wish to see a variation on this pattern.

Cathy


Sunday, January 27, 2013

Prayer Shawl Update




Today I have added a Prayer Shawl Page for reference to our new ministry. Our previous sites have been added for quick reference. I have also updated the Infinity Scarf page with instructions and illustrations.

May God bless for our new ministry.

Cathy

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Holiday Gathering

Cathy, Donna & Linda
Rosie & Cathy
Patti, Rosemary & Sue



I’ve just received these photos from Michele from our impromptu holiday gathering in Dec.

Thank you Michele.

Cathy

Monday, January 21, 2013

Fleece Prayer Shawl






I have made a third prayer shawl from fleece. This is designed for those who wish to contribute but have little time, a big heart and not having the knitting & crocheting skills yet for the two previous shawls.

This shawl is made from ½ yard of fleece: cut size is 18” x 60”
The ends are bent back 3/8” and whipstitched at ½” spacing using a medium weight yarn and an embroidery needle.

There are so many beautiful fleece designs on the market right now. A small amount of contrasting thread for the edge will make any fleece into a beautiful prayer shawl. If you do not have a fabric store readily available to you, I suggest buying any of the fleece throws from your local department store or chain stores. Find a pretty color or pattern and cut them to the size shawl you wish. Add a border and you are done.

Enjoy!

Cathy

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Infinity Prayer Shawl

Infinity Prayer Shawl



This is my most recent shawl. The crochet design is based on the previous one but with a larger hook. The ends are joined in the back and the front drape has a twist in it. I like it because it will stay on your shoulders to allow your hands to be free. It is also large enough to be worn as a cowl on your head or double-wrapped around your neck for warmth.


Cathy


Infinity Shawl Pattern

I like this pattern because it uses 1 5 oz. skein of yarn and it’s fast and simple to make. Because it sits on your shoulders, it allows your hands to be free for multi-tasking!

1 5 oz. skein of med. weight yarn
Size N crochet hook
Gauge is not important. The dimensions before closing is 60” x 12”

Chain stitch 34.
Turn and chain stitch 4. This becomes your 1st double crochet at each end.
Double crochet and chain stitch into alternating spaces for a total of 18 double crochet and 17 spaces.
Continue this lattice pattern for the length of 60”.

When you have completed the length of 60”, fold ends together, twist the shawl once at one end, and then slip stich ends together. This may be done with a crochet hook or with an embroidery needle. The shawl will have a beautiful drape at the center. It may also be doubled up for a neck scarf.


Saturday, January 19, 2013

Completed Prayer Shawl




My first prayer shawl is complete. It is made in double crochet for the end borders and alternating double crochet with spaces throughout. It measures 15” x 55” when complete which is a standard shawl size.

I do have two more projects in work and will update you when complete.

Happy Crafting!

Cathy


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Winterized Girls With Tools




As I reflect our summer with sanding and painting projects, I realize that we have merely exchanged our summer tools for winter tools. Away go the paint, brushes and sprayer and out come the snow shovels, scrapers and rock salt. It’s just a change of season. We are prepared afterall.

We are prepared with our parkas, hats, gloves, boots and scarves for full assault on the elements at hand. A momentary conflict passes as we pause to admire the beauty, camera in hand for a quick shot of nature as we march forward armed with the tools of winter. The snow is moved, the car is scraped and the ugly ice at the end of the driveway by way of the snow plow is in for a surprise. Attack is eminent on this boundary to our freedom of the streets.

For our lives in New England are well-seasoned. We are prepared for all that Mother Nature can send our way. So far this winter, we have been blessed with mild weather. Today’s snow is a reminder to us that winter does always show up. Our shovels in hand are a reminder that we are ready at all times.

Cathy

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Delicate Balance


Today’s snow fell softly
A white blanket
Each flake apparent
To the eye
Delicately balanced
Displaying its beauty
To the world


Cathy