BOOK # 2, A MUST READ!

For Christmas my friend Tammy gave me a book, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the story of a poor Chinese woman born in 1823 in a small village. I love a book I don't want to put down and this one did not disappoint, it was finished in a few hours. It is not just a story about one woman but all women and it left me thinking hard about friendships and a woman's place in the world. Before reading this I read about Marie Antoinette and the two women at first appear to be so different, one of privledge and one with nothing. But in the end I think they had much more in common than I first thought. In the 200 years since Snow Flower's story much has changed for women, or not, as in the 200 years since Marie Antoinette. I am anxious for someone else to read this so we can talk.

ONE DOWN 18 TO GO

My first box of stuff is full and in the garage waiting to be donated. Most of the contents came from the pantry and guest baths. And if I was to go a little deeper I'm sure I could get another box out of the pantry. There is so much that never gets used, like a new grater. Actually I know someone I should send it to as a housewarming gift. That is a joke and when she reads this she'll know. Box 2 and 3 will be a nice set of dishes, complete with serving pieces and matching glasses. Unfortunately the storms on Monday left many people homeless and I know someone will be able to use them. My next efforts will be directed at the laundry room and hall closet. I know I'm putting off the inevitable, my sewing room and my closet but I need time to build up to this monumental task.

Don't Tell Sherry

but I have finished her purse. I have been planning to make this purse for her for a year and I didn't start it until December '07. I was hoping to finish it by Christmas but it just didn't happen. I hope she will be pleased with it, I think it turned out rather nice. I used some of the beading techniques I learned at Lesage and some techniques I learned with Kathy Kainser. I plan to get it in the mail tomorrow.

STRAIGHT FROM PARIS

My last day in Paris I was desperate. I had promised Grace an outfit from Paris and as yet I had not been able to find her anything. Thanks to Ruth and Carrie who came through for me and found the black t-shirt . It says Paris and has an Eiffel Tower all in rhinestones, just Grace's style. Once I got home I purchased a piece of black and gray plaid with a metallic thread running through the plaid and made her the skirt. I fringed the hem for a "Chanel" look and Grace had her Paris outfit! We thought she looked pretty cute and so did she. That night we went to the theatre to see Alladin Jr and she wore her new Paris couture.

2008 The Year to EDIT, SIMPLIFY and ENJOY

This shall be my mantra for the year. I will edit by eliminating all the stuff from my life that is just taking up space. I will simplify by learning how to do all the things that I have to do an easier way. And then I will have time to live my life and enjoy it instead of just maintaining it.

In order to do this I have set several goals for myself.

1. First, and most importantly I am going to read my daily devotionals DAILY.

2. A blog. Check it off. I have a blog. Now I will not have to stress about all the people I need to connect with. If they are interested in whats going on with me they can check my blog. And they can have a blog and I can check their's. So easy. I have enjoyed my friend Kate's and my sister Catherine's and I owe my entry into this new realm to them.

3. Nineteen boxes of junk in my house, nineteen boxes of junk

pack one up and throw it out, 18 boxes of junk in my house. I truly believe that in order to simplify I have to edit and although I am pretty good at letting go of stuff I still have way too much that I don't need and perhaps someone else can use it. So I am getting rid of 19 boxes of stuff. Box # one is in the garage ready to go.

4. Speak and understand basic French by Dec '08

5. Read a book a month

Jan. Queen of Fashion What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution

Feb. The Bolyn Inheritance

March The Golden Age of Couture

6. Sew and finish one item a month and finish Grace's dollhouse

7. Quit shopping as a hobby... why get rid of a bunch of stuff if I am just going to replace it with
more stuff? I want to really think about and be more intentional with each purchase.




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