Spring is so close! it's changes are still very subtle though.
1. The snow is melted (for now) 2. everything is brown 3.You can see little signs of green .

Meg and I found just a hint of Spring on our walk today. As I was walking I was thinking , or worrying is probably a better word for it. What can I name my Etsy store?!!! I've been contemplating opening a Etsy store with Mom,but have been stalled because of the silly name. but it's not silly it will stick with the site as long as I have it ,and I want the name to hopefully stick in peoples minds as well I love the names that just make you go "that is so clever it just fits" . The more I think the less cleverer I become. Here are some of the words that have been floating around my brain:

Wooly, Willow, Lane, Mulberry, Grass, Meadow , Windy Willows, Where the wind blows, New Idea, Slow creek designs, ......oh and I've lost the rest. I don't want the name to be too specific in what I have to offer because who knows what I will make next! but I do love to knit ,and paint and sometimes sew and spin. I want my shop to feel fun ,and homey and have a bit of the farm life in it. I want it to be colorful ,but not gaudy or without taste.

Maybe my frustration came out in my painting because I do not like where this painting is going....I will start something new and maybe I can come back to this one and become inspired again. it's just not a very good compostion maybe I could crop it. hmm.....

i looked out the window at Mom & Dad's and saw Bess (m&D"s dog) the epotomy of totally relaxed. God is taking care of her,and God is taking care of me. He'll help me find a name that fits ,and He'll help me learn a thing or two about relying on his timing. Maybe you could help ? have any ideas for an Etsy store name?

Lists

Today I want to make lists. an odd sorta ambition I know but bear with me.

Things I Want to make:

1.summer dress for Audrey
2.fun apron out of fun fabric
3.knitted or sewed doll for Audrey
3. polka dot bow tie

The best things about being on a NO sugar diet:

1. I can think clearer,and I just feel better
2. I have learned to enjoy cooking more
3. I love trying new veggies
4. I have lost 5 lbs
5. I can eat as much meat as I want

The worst thing about being on this silly diet!
1. I feel left out when everyone has dessert
2. I can't eat bread and butter and especially toast
3. there is nothing to put butter on!
4. I have to explain to everyone why I don't eat certain things
5. I just miss all the sugary goodness there is in this world.

Things I love about visiting my Sisters/friends
1.laughter
2.hugs
3. conversations that start with" something I have realized...."
4. Honesty
5. Spiritual wisdom and advice.

Things that make today special

1.It's my dad's birthday!
2. It's my day off
3. I got my taxes done
4. I cooked fish for the very first time
5. I actually talked to my neighbor down the road.



so all in all I know that people who make lists are usually all serious and into getting everything done. But what about a list of what makes your day special ? or your roommate special? or all the good things about your job? that kinda list makes me feel less stressed and puts a little smile on my face. what kinda lists will you make today?

Be strong and courageous

Today I worked on trying to teach Meg to heel.
Not an easy task. She forgets I'm hooked to her and lunges after some fresh animal smell, I kinda gave up in the past but today I decided to be persevere. I realized that I had to constantly remind her that I was there. I imagine it's like this: "Heel!" I look back "oh yeah my master is with me....squirrel! .... " Heel!" oh yeah my master is with me ... and repeat for 1 1/2 miles.

reminds me of the Isrealites running away after other gods , God having to remind them ,and then the Isrealites repenting and turning back to God and the cycle starting all over again. God gives us creation to teach us about himself. and when we learn about Him we learn about ourselves. I forget that God is not only attached to me he is inside of me. He is my helper , my guide .
It says in Isaiah 30 : 21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "this is the way;walk in it "

Now sometimes I am so distracted by my surroundings that I miss his voice and he has to pull me back.
I want to hear his voice before I feel the pain, but that usually doesn't happen.

There is also huge encouragement from this thought. IT says in Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous Do not be terrified; DO NOT be discouraged , for the Lord your God will be WITH you WHerever you go.

Be Strong and Courageous." Faye the Strong and Courageous!" It just doesn't seem to go. but God commanded me to be this ,and I'm not going to do it on my own He is gonna be right there with me. Do I believe he is who he says he is? then I will not be terrified ( is a little nervous okay?) or discouraged but I will go wherever he leads me. what about you?........