Quilt for Kids Top

I finished the top of my "Quilts for Kids" charity quilt today. I am going to try to finish it within the next few days. I wish the lighting had been better, but this will give you a good idea of how it is looking.



I did not care for the way the borders were cut for this quilt. I assume they did it this way to conserve fabric, but for my own work I would have cut the fabric differently. I don't think the child that receives this quilt will notice or mind though.

Here is a close up of the fabric. The wrinkle is just a result of the way I laid it down to take a picture, not a pucker.



Very cute and easy project. I'll post more pictures when I finish it.

The Liturgical Year- book review

I recently read The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister. The book is an explanation if the liturgical year, its importance, and how its observance brings us closer to Jesus.

Joan Chittister, the author, is a nun and I feel the book would be best understood by someone of the catholic faith, despite her attempts at all inclusiveness. When I chose this book I expected it to be more of a step by step guide to the liturgical year geared towards Christians of all backgrounds. I am of the United Methodist faith and am familiar with the liturgical year, but I walked away feeling more like the book was written to a Catholic audience. Rather than a step by step guide, the book was more of an explanation of the Liturgical year as a whole.

Although I was disappointed in the contents of the book, I must say it was very well written and I did learn quite a bit. The author does an excellent of job of relaying how the liturgical year helps us stay connected to Jesus. Her writing is compelling and I loved the fact that key notes are placed on nearly every page. I am notorious for underlining in my books and this feature allowed me to continue reading without interrupting the flow of the book.

This book is defiantly worth a read, but it would be best for someone with a basic understanding of the liturgical year. I would not recommend this book as an introduction to the topic.

This review is my own opinion of the book. I review for Thomas Nelson, but I am not required to give a positive review of the books they send me, just an honest one. Thomas Nelson does provide me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Welcome 2010

Welcome 2010. I'm happy to be making out my farm plans for 2010. I have a huge list of things I want to do this year.

2009 was my first year as a SAHM. Honestly, it has been quite a transition for me. I have spent quite a bit of time just getting my house back in order and getting used to taking care of a new little life. I'm not finished by any means, but I think I have myself to the point that I can actually start getting some things going on the farm. Over the next few days I'll be talking about our projects and what I have planned.

I have not forgotten about my quilting either. I have made up my mind that in addition to my weight loss goals. I am dedicating at least 20 minutes every day to sewing. I need it for me, it is my stress relief, and I love it.

We are "enjoying" another round of snow here at Catbird Acres. I thought I'd post a picture of my favorite of the beautiful birds that frequent my feeders.





These are American Goldfinches (male) in winter plumage. They absolutely love Niger seed. Benjamin loves watching the birds outside the kitchen window as much as I do. We do not feed them in the summer months unless we have drought, but they know just where to come as soon as the snow starts to fly.

I hope that everyone has a blessed 2010!