The Plan of The Master Weaver

(This is a poem that was sent to me recently. The friend who sent it has no clue that I spin or knit. Because I do, the poem is kinda extra special).

The Plan of The Master Weaver

Our lives are but fine weavings that God and we prepare
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.

We may not always see just how the weavings intertwine
But we must trust the Master's hand and follow His design.
For He can view the pattern upon the upper side
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide . . .

Sometimes a strand of sorrow is added to His plan
And though it's difficult for us, we still must understand
That it's He who fills the shuttle, it's He who knows what's best
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest . . . .

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why-
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

(I think this should be read at every fiber-friendly person's funeral, don't you think?)

My Son

Here is my favorite "civilian" picture of Blake, it was taken on our "Christmas" 12/22/08, as we did our holiday a few days early. I never post pictures of others without permission, but I think he'll forgive me this one time. My DH is doing a CD with the video that was played at the service along with a scrolling thing of the poem I read and his eulogy - we'll be putting it on YouTube and I'll put a link up here tooo, I guess.

I tried to knit a bit last night, but couldn't. I open my stash closet and all I can really see are the few projects I had for him. The sweater pattern and yarn that was never cast on. Blake saw the yarn and pattern the last time he was home and was looking forward to the sweater. For Christmas this year, he gave me knitting needles in 3 sizes and a book on afgans and a request that I make him a blanket. Then there are the socks, his socks, SFS socks, beanie caps/helmet liners.... it's just too hard to pick up the pointy sticks right now. Sorry to be such a buzz kill - my little bit of therapy...

Thank you SP 13 Buddy

Well, I've got one clue who my buddy is....She (or is it a "he"??) sent a card with a monogram "J" on it... hmmmmmm a clue or something to throw me off track?

Here are two pics of my goodies I received the other day: Two hanks of yarn from Seacoast Handpainted - Brentwood, NH, "Big Horn" 55% mohair & 45% wool. 110 yards each. With a note that says they'd make good mittens. I agree! The other picture is of a very crafty idea - it's a kit from Knit One/Crochet Too - a pattern for Leaf Pattern Bath Mit, yarn in Italian Ice and a bar of soap in pomagranite. Yummy. The little note says I could use them as knitted gift items. Heck no. I'd love to have the bath mit and yummy soap for me. Thank you secret pal.

You can't even know how much your little bit of "normal" meant to me when the package arrived. It's been one hell of a week for me. I'll post about that later..maybe.. Thanks again and sorry for the delay in thanking you.

SP13 Q & A

Part A: Are you doing any holiday knitting? Yes!! I am making a SFS beanie, a pair of BBS for SFS, a dress for my daughter, tht will now be a June birthday gift - bum gloves for my assistant (outgoing) and slippers for my assistant (incoming).

Part B: Have you finished? Some - the beanie is done; the slippers are done.. that's it. We did Christmas on the 21st.. I wraped one sock with a note that the other would be done before the holiday ended.

I don't have internet at home and I am working reduced hours until January 5th.. So, If you comment and I don't reply, that's why!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Santa's Little Helpers

First, let me say, this is not my son. He's everyone's son, really. The picture came with an email of a poem, similar to one I have previously posted. But as Christmas approaches - I wanted anyone who actully reads this blog to think about our service men and woman who protect us

day and night. It's cold in Afganistan right now. You may not agree with the war, but take a minute to thank those who serve that you can object to the war, our president, etc freely without risk of being stoned to death, imprisoned or worse.

Will You Give This To My Daddy? & Red Friday

As anyone knows who reads this (all 3 of you), I knit socks for Socks For Soldiers. The following was in one of today's Daily Digests. This is why I knit until my fingers hurt:

Will you give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.' Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.

I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone.. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi.' The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy.

Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away f rom this entire event. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. . We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever; certainly more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to mak e things better for you?' is...We need your support and your prayers. Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.

T'was the Night Before Christmas (army style)

T’was The Night Before Christmas
T’was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
and to see just who in this house did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With metals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

I heard stories about them, I had to see more
So I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping silent alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one bedroom home.

His face so gentle, his room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?

Curled up on his poncho, a floor for his bed?
His head was clean shaven, his weathered face tan,
I soon understood this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night
Owed their lives to these men who were willing to fight.

Soon ‘round the world, the children would play,
and grownups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of soldiers like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don’t cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over and drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.
I watched for hours, so silent and still
and we both shivered from the cold night’s chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
And I covered this Soldier from his toes to his head.
And I put on his t-shirt of gray and black,
With an eagle and an Army patch embroidered on back.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
And for a shining moment, I was United States Army deep inside.
I didn’t want to leave on that cold, dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice so clean and pure,
"Carry on Santa, It’s Christmas Day, all is secure."
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night."

(The original poem was written by James M. Schmidt, who was a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, DC when he wrote the poem back in 1986. The poem has been modified over time to represent Marines, Army and Navy. After leaving the Corps, Corporal Schmidt earned a law degree and now serves as an entertainment attorney in Los Angeles and is director of operations for a security consulting firm. Information provided from www.snopes.com)