The Sewing Craze

Rebecca, Susie, and I found this beautiful green fabric in a dollar a yard bin. We all loved it, the result, we bought the whole bolt of material. Rebecca made her dress and Susie's. I made mine.



I used Mrs. Chancey's Romantic Dress Pattern I've used the pattern before, but this dress was quite a challenge. I ended up making 2 bodices since the neckline on the first one was goofy and the shoulder seams we weird and uncomfortable. I don't know what I did different to the 2nd, but as you can see, it worked. :)

Yes, I'm the goof ball of the family, in case you couldn't tell. There are more pictures at Rebecca's Blog

Check back next week for pictures of the suit I am making Luke, he'll be so cute!!

Music of the Heart

I've been on a mad sewing frenzy the last few weeks. I was making a romantic dress for myself and I ran into quite a few problems *pulls hair out* Luckily I finally finished at 11:30 last night. I will post pictures when I get them uploaded later..
Anyway I turned the Hallmark channel on Thursday night to see if there was anything to watch while I worked. Music of the Heart was on. We saw it years ago. It's a true story about a woman who started a violin class in East Harlem. It's an amazing story. Well, being a musician I really like it. My favorite part of all is in the very end when they play in Carnegie Hall with Issac Stern, Itzak Perlman, Joshua Bell, Arnold Steinhart, Mark O'Connor, and more. I loved it! Something I can totally relate to. And Carnegie Hall, *sigh* I've always wanted to play, go to even, in Carnegie. The place where all the great musicians have played. Where you can stand on the stage and still hear the music. I mean yes of course there is probably not good spiritual stuff there. I'd just be cool to stand where so many great people have stood. To stand where Isaac stood played many times... Anyway, good movie, there is a part or two that are un-necessaries. But otherwise.

Quest for the High Places

So, I don't know how many of you have heard of, let alone read this book. But it is EXCELLENT, and I highly recommend it!

http://www.ylcf.org/heartthoughts/

I read it a couple months ago and we are reading it again as a group read on IDD. It's very encouraging and gives you a lot to think about. I have pages of notes I could post. Get it, read it, you won't regret it.

America's Home Front

So, I was listening to WWII music the other day and it really struck me, once again, that America has no home front, and I really wonder, how much is that effecting the outcome of this war? This is the song that started the thinking. It's called Arms for the Love of America, by Irving Berlin. The last line is what struck me the most. Here it is:

Arms for the Love of America
Irving Berlin

On land and on the sea and in the air
We've gotta be there, we've gotta be there
America is sounding her alarm
We've gotta have arms, we've gotta have arms
Arms for the love of America!
They speak in a foreign land, with weapons in every hand
Whatever they try, we've gotta reply
In language that they understand
Arms for the love of America!
And for the love of every mother's son
Who's depending on the work that must be done
By the man behind the man behind the gun

They're in the camps and in the training schools
Now give'm the tools, they've gotta have tools
We called them from the factories and the farms
Now give'm the arms, they've gotta have arms

We've gotta get in the race and work at a lively pace
They say over here, we've nothing to fear
But let's get ready just in case
Arms for the love of America!

Oh the fight for freedom can be lost or won
by the man behind the man behind the gun

emotions...

I cried at a commercial. ME! The girl who rarely cries at a book or even a movie. I cried at a 1 minute Hallmark commercial. Must have just come at just the right moment or something. It took me quite off guard. Anywho, it was interesting...

crystal diamond ice

I was leaving school on... must have been Wednesday... and it was cold and dark outside. It wasn't until I stepped out the door and felt the pricks on my face that I realized it was snowing. It was so cold that the snow was more like ice flakes. And because of the lack of moisture in the air you couldn't see the snow unless you looked directly up or right under a street light. I hurt when it hit your skin. But it was beautiful!! It looked like diamond dust floating down from the sky. Like God was giving us a present, diamond dust falling gently to the earth. I don't know exactly how to explain it, all I can say is that it was beautiful. By the time I reached the house you could see the snow falling now, and not just when you looked at the street lights. They were perfect tiny snowflakes. Because of the extreme cold, when the flakes hit the windshield you could see there design. It's amazing! God is so completely amazing! Each flake is different and unique, just like us. How could the earth have evolved boom out of nothing. And make things so unique as individual snowflakes. *shakes head* how can people believe it, just do a little searching the earth shouts the glory and magnificence of God. I'm off to bed.

A decision

So, I've decided to keep up with my blog. Really keep up. A couple times a week keep up. The following posts are ones I wrote in a different blog I use at times. So, enjoy!

*sticks foot in mouth*

(written January 30th, 2007)

hehe... I just got back from school. I ran into Dr. Kris and she asked me if I was still interested in doing Fiddler. I'd have to be the 2nd chair 2nd violin. Apparently my spot (I sit there in orchestra as well). Anyway, she said she appreciated my enthusiam, and when they needed an extra person she thought of me. So, I feel kinda bad, I mean, why didn't she use me in the first place, but then again, she did offer me something. So, depending on the time commitment I'm hoping to do it. I made other plans because I wasn't going to do Fiddler....

arrgghh!!!

(written January 30th, 2007)

Life is so unfair! I know, I wasn't going to be upset and stuff about Fiddler, but it's so unfair. I just found out that Matt is probably doing it. Why? I don't know the specifics, all I know is he is the concertmaster (which means nothing in Benjamin's orchestra, Benjamin usually puts the best people in the back and the front), he's a voice student, and he also takes voice lessons from the theater teacher. So, he has an in, in other words Dr. Kris wanted him to do it. He told me last semester that he didn't want to, or something like that. Not fair!!! I suppose God has something else in mind. A better plan, but it's so hard. I wanted it so bad, a childhood dream! Things don't usually go the way I wish they would, I should be used to it by now. O.k. well I have to go to violin lessons. I'll be happy, I promise!

Katie

Finally! A quiz with Anne in it!

(written January 19th, 2007)

so.. anyway I found a quizfarm quiz for Jane Austen leading ladies. We have this "game" of sorts that we play. And each one of us has an Austen name. Mine is Anne Elliot. I've often wondered how much I am really like her. Well none of the Austen Quizzes even have Anne in them. Susie found one the other day that did. So, I took it and I am like Anne!!
Quiz farm doesn't seem to be working right this minute but luckily I copied the results.

Here they are!

Thoughtful and strong, you are very perceptive and very loyal to your friends. In an emergency, you are the first person to respond and are very capable in solving problems. You may depend upon the advice of someone you trust, but have learned through experience to use your own best judgment. Though you are considerate of the needs and wishes of others, you will take the opportunity to achieve your own happiness in the proper time.

Anne Elliot 80%

Elinor Dashwood 73%

Marianne Dashwood 65%

Fanny Price 63%

Elizabeth Bennet 63%

Catherine Morland 53%

Emma Woodhouse 45%

Intimate With Jesus

(written January 9th, 2007)

Sunday morning I was getting ready for church and I realized that I'd forgotten to read my Bible. Well there wasn't time so I grabbed "My Utmost For His Highest" it's always sitting by my bed. I thought "I'll just read the section for today, then I'll have a some Bible anyway." Well, I read it, and proceeded to think about it then whole rest of the day. It was really quick thought provoking.

January 7 - Intimate with Jesus

Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me? - JOHN 14:9

These words are not spoken as a rebuke, nor even with surprise; Jesus is leading Philip on. The last One with whom we get intimate is Jesus. Before Pentecost the disciples knew Jesus as the One Who gave them power to conquer demons and to bring about a revival (see Luke 10:18-20). It was a wonderful intimacy, but there was a much closer intimacy to come - "I have called you friends." Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closer relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His Word, but do we know Him?

Jesus said, "It is expedient for you that I go away"- in a relationship, so that He might lead them on. It is a joy to Jesus when a disciple takes time to step more intimately with Him. Fruit bearing is always mentioned as the manifestation of an intimate union with Jesus Christ. (John 15:1-4).

When once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely, we never need sympathy, we can pour out all the time without being pathetic. The saint who is intimate with Jesus will never leave impressions of himself, but only the impression that Jesus is having unhindered way, because the last abyss of his nature has been satisfied by Jesus. The only impression left by such a life is that of the strong clam sanity that Our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.

The underlined part is what spoke the most to me. Then at church 2 different people both spoke about fortifications in our lives. Fortifications that are held by Satan and the only way to conquer it waas with God. O.k. kinda.. I'm not relaying it correctly. This is what I wrote in my notebook:

There are places in our souls that are fortifications can only be conquered by God. We have to submit ourselves to him and let him into those/that place in our soul.

So, that's had me thinking for a while....

Treated Like A Lady

(written December 31st, 2006)

I've been meaning to write this and I just now have time, sorry for the delay...

We spent Christmas Eve at my Gr. Grandma's house with my mom's family, she cousin's and their families. Well Mom's cousin Peggy's oldest son is right around my age, his name is Josh. I always liked Josh, he was a nice boy and seemed to have a good head on his shoulders. Well, he most definitely affirmed that in my mind on Christmas Eve. Josh is a true gentlemen. We ended up sitting next to each other at the dinner table. As the food was being passed around everytime something reached us Josh would hold it while I dished myself or pass it to me so I could serve myself, before serving himself. Needless to say I was very impressed. You rarely have a guy open a door for you let alone serve you before himself. So, I just wanted to share my blessing, imagine the delight I received, when I was treated like a lady, and not just because I am a lady, but because Josh is a gentlemen and that is the way he is. It wasn't a fake or one time thing but a true from the heart gesture. So anyway... there are still true gentlemen out there, be encouraged!

oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

*sniff*

I'll be o.k. really I will...

I didn't get the Fiddler part I wanted so badly. I didn't even get to be in the pit and I am not going to cry. I won't I promise..... All I was told was that they made other arrangements for the violins and thanks for the interest. I worked so hard for the audition. And I was the only one who auditioned for the Fiddler part, I think. It's o.k. thought, I guess God just didn't want it to be and I will be happy with what He has and wants for me.

hmm...

My blog isn't showing up... on my computer anyway... That's strange, I'll figure it out..

concert dress

After 4 years I no longer fit in my concert dress. The really nice one I wear to every concert I play in..... hey, a girls allowed to grow...
Anyway I looked and looked for a modest affordable black dress.... it's impossible.... I found a really pretty black bridesmaid dress, it was a little low, but it was sleeveless and REALLY expensive. So I resorted to making my own. I used Butterick 4827 and a 50% coupon at JoAnn's and here is the result. What do you think?

You'll have to please excuse my face. I'm not used to playing for 2 hours, especially when one of those two hours was straight Franke. *faints from exhaustion* I swear my arm was going to fall off....
But I finished the dress and we had our first offical Symphony concert, personally I think it went really well no matter what the rest of the kids thought.
O.k. well, there is still hairspray that I am dying to get off of my hair, so off I go...

Sarah Beth!

Isn't she the cutest thing you ever saw!!!

Thoughts...

I know 2 posts in one day, quick call 9-1-1. Don't worry, I'm ok. I just found this, a friend of mine posted it, and I wanted to share.

What if NOTHING ever existed.

A hard thought to grasp.

What if GOD never existed.

If you're a Christian, you believe that if God never existed, nothing ever existed.

Without God, there is nothing. God made everything.

What if you weren't a Christian, or lets say that regardless of God, life had a beginning, and somehow, this earth, and its people, and the universe came to being.

What if God wasn't a part of it? What if there was NO ONE in control of everything.
What if there was no one to turn to when you feel like nobody else understands.

I just thought about all that for a few minutes, and I am SO GLAD I have such a wise God.

Anyway, these are just some things I was pondering earlier. Any thoughts?

Yes, definite thoughts! What if there was no one to turn to when you felt like no one understood, scary, isn't that what pushes people to suicide? When all along there is a God who understands, cares, and loves you. Insted he gets push him away, ignored, the understanding, the love, the help, it's all rejected. For a life of freedom, what I want, when I want, not answering to anyone, misunderstanding, loneliness, and depression. Yes, being a Christian isn't easy, but hey if all else fails I've never be lonely. I've had times where I felt alone, misunderstood, and in despair. But I clearly remember God speaking and saying "It's o.k. I'm here." Do you know the joy, and love that comes flooding into your sould at that moment. It picks you up off the ground and you fly on the wings of the love of God. I don't remember the reference but the Bible says "I will never leave you or forsake you. O.k. o.k I'm looking it up, Hebrews 13:5. It also reminds me of something I read it a book once.

You can never be where God is not.

There is no place where you can out distance Him.

No dark corner where He is not already there waiting for your arrival.

No deep recess of your heart and soul that He does not know of.

No secret that He does not share.

And he does have power, to change, to keep, to do the impossible....

for without Him, nothing of importance is possible.

We can only fumnble and stumble in darkness.

But with Him there is light, even in the hardest (I would include darkest) of time.

I'm terrible I know

I'm procrastinating terribly. I supposed to be going through my clothes and cleaning my room, but I'm not, I've been on the internet for a couple hours. I checked facebook out today, it' kinda scares me. I mean all it is is pictures of people drinking and using cuss words to tell other people that they like them, or whatever. Sigh, the degregation of the English Language. Not that I'm very good at it, on the contrary, I am terrible, I should study the dictionary or something....

So, the last 3 weeks have been insane. Dad was in Prague for 3 weeks which leaves guess who in charge of the store. Which wasn't all that bad except one of the assistant managers has been a terrible help, actually not a help at all..... I really wish he would grow up and stop acting like a little boy. Oh, and on top of taking care of the store, I helped planned a retreat for Symphonietta, which ended up kinda falling apart. Sometimes I feel like a scapegoat, I wonder, does that mean I'm gullible. Maybe I just take too much on myself.

I almost have enough money saved up to get the correspondence theory course. If only there wasn't such a thing as GEN EDs I would have a degree by now. I despise GEN EDS. I know they are supposed to make you a rounded individual, or something like that, but I think they are stupid. And why do you need 80 credits or something like that of them. So, I am going an alternative route. I am going to get a Certificate in Music Ministry. No that doesn't mean I am going to be a Music Pastor. I just want to learn what I need to know about music, and this is the easiest way. If I can CLEP enough GEN ED classes, I might eventually get a degree; but until then I am going to concetrate on the correspondence thing. Sometimes I wish I was born 100 years ago.

And I don't have any time to start my Harmony Road School, *sigh* that and no money, renting a building is REALLY expensive, ouch. Have you ever noticed that childish dreams rarely come true. But you know what, God is in control, and with him at the wheel my life is in much better shape. I shudder to think what my life would be like without God. Empty, lifeless and lonely. Have you ever heard this quote "Tell God your plans and he will laugh." I believe that is very true, my own plans usually fall flat, but when I do what God says, things work out to the right. Last summer on the farm was awesome. Possibly the best 3 months of my life, other than missing my family. oh, oh who wants to see a picture of Sarah Beth, the cutest baby sister in the world? O.k. o.k. don't beg, I will post one!

or 4
or not, come one work....

never mind how about I just post the links, sometimes my crazy computer...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/PottersVessel/resized1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/PottersVessel/resized2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/PottersVessel/resized3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/PottersVessel/th_9-9-06009.jpg

So, I should go finish my room. Besides I really wanted to start on my regency dress today. It's probably a good thing I don't have more time to sew, I would be broke from buying fabric. I would need 2 closets to hold all my clothes.

Talk to you later,
Katie

help!

Ok, I can't figure out the link thing at all, can someone explain it to me?

Dressing Modestly

Hey, I was just reading Krista's blogger, and she had a great link

http://www.biblicalwomanhoodonline.com/2006/08/three-cheers-for-modesty.html

Makes me even more determined to dress modestly.

P.S. Sorry I can't get it to make a real link. You will have to copy and paste, sorry...