Wednesday, March 01, 2017

Slowing down for the Hodgepodge


Here we go again with another weekly Hodgepodge. Joyce asks the questions here: From This Side of the Pond -- and bloggers answer them on their own blogs.  It is so much fun, so head on over to Joyce's and copy the questions.  Then share the answers on your own blog.  Here we go, steady and slow!

1. 'Slow and steady wins the race'...tell us about a time this was true in your own life. 

That has been true many times in my life.   Writing a book took me years.   The summer kids' devotionals I've written have taken months of writing a daily devotional page (or 2 or 3) a day until they were finished.  It also takes me months to finish reading a book.
Two of the many kids' devotionals I've written over the years
Every cross stitch sampler I've made has taken me years.  Years!  Not because I am necessarily slow, but because I tend to fit cross stitch into little snippets of time.  I find it hard to devote large blocks of time to stitching.



Currently, the slow-and-steady project involves decluttering, cleaning and sorting.  It is the accumulation of years and may well take years to finish.

2. 'As slow as molasses'...Do you like molasses? How about maple syrup? Caramel? Butterscotch? What's your favorite of the slow moving treats mentioned here, and what's your favorite food made with that sweet treat? 

Oh, I love molasses.  I buy the Crosby's which is made in New Brunswick.   I also love maple syrup, caramel and butterscotch.  Probably my sentimental favorite of all these is maple syrup, for I grew up with sugaring.  It's something you never forget.

Favorite food made with maple --- probably just new maple syrup over pancakes with plenty of butter.  Best of all would be freshly boiled maple syrup, served straight from the spigot in an enamel mug, consumed in the sugarhouse with plain raised doughnuts for dipping, and a tiny sour pickle or two on the side.

3. Your favorite slow song?  

Maybe the Pachelbel Canon -- we used to have a recording called Pachelbel by the Sea that included crashing waves and so on.  Beautiful and relaxing.  Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring is also beautiful.

4. Your favorite thing to make in a slow cooker or crock pot? 

Probably my very favorite thing is just simply cooking chicken -- usually breasts, but sometimes a whole chicken -- in a crock pot.   I then cut up and freeze the cooked chicken.  You can read about it  here: A Fowl Tip.  It has vastly simplified my life, figuring this out.  Makes quick suppers very simple when I can just start with cubed cooked chicken.

But I have loads of other slow cooker recipes that I love.  (Check out the "slow cooker recipes" link in my sidebar at right to see my favorites!)  I use my slow cooker nearly every Sunday and many times throughout the week as well.  If I want to spend time cleaning, studying, decorating, or crafting, it's a lifesaver to have supper cooking in the slow cooker all by itself.  Also, this time of year when Mr. T could arrive home as late as 6:30 pm and I don't know for sure when he will get here, it's such a help to have supper in the slow cooker, all ready for whenever he arrives and wants supper.

5. 'You may delay, but time will not.' ~Benjamin Franklin Are you more a hurrier or a delayer when it comes to unpleasant tasks that need doing? What are you currently either delaying or hurrying to get through this week or month?

I tend to be more of a delayer when it comes to unpleasant tasks that need doing. Oh, not simple unpleasant tasks like cleaning a toilet or going to the dentist or whatever.  I can get those done and over with.  It's more the bigger things like preparing tax papers or decluttering a house.

This week my hubby is unexpectedly off from work and we are trying to tackle the unpleasant tasks together.

6. Tell us three things you encounter regularly or even just occasionally that you find to be annoyingly slow.

Hmmm ...
1) There is one intersection that I occasionally have to use.  Turning left at this intersection is a near impossibility (there is no traffic signal at it) and one has to wait and wait and wait.  Often I will turn right and then turn around somewhere or take a longer route home, just so I don't have that interminable wait to turn left.
2) I'm acquainted with a few people who take forever to tell a story.
3) Very occasionally I'll make a call and end up on hold for a long time -- but honestly, this has happened so seldom that I should be very thankful. 


7. March is National Craft Month. Are you crafty? Tell us about something crafty you'll try in the next thirty one days. Or something crafty you'd like to try or wish you had the skill to make happen.

Yes, I am crafty.  I am currently working on a crocheted hot mat (a portable project);

 a crocheted throw (UFO gift for an April birthday); a cross-stitch Christmas ornament (just for fun); and fabric alphabet letters (UFO toddler gift).

I would like to try making one of these gorgeous Table Runners which Barbara was kind enough to post a tutorial for.  Not sure I will get to trying that in the next 31 days, but I definitely want to make one.

8. Insert your own random thought here.  

On my mind today are monthly goals that I need to set for March.  That will be a post, hopefully, for tomorrow.  I was working on my Sunday School lesson a few minutes ago (we are working through Elizabeth George's Following God with All Your Heart and are currently working through a section on contentment) and found an encouraging thought regarding goals..  Come to think of it, this Sunday School study is another of those slow but steady things that is characterizing my life right now.

Anyway, back to the quote.  "Goals provide focus.  As a busy woman, you're pulled in every direction.  But have you evaluated your busyness recently?  For instance, are you sufficiently involved in the really important areas of life?  Are you possibly wasting time running around being busy with secondary efforts and having little time for the primary areas of family, home, and ministry?  Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13, 'This one thing I do'.  Make sure you're not living by 'these many things I dabble in'.  Goals are wonderful because they put boundaries on your life.  They bring calm in the midst of chaos.  Having goals ensures that you concentrate on the most important events and decline the others.  Focus gives a sense of contentment as you move forward and accomplish specific steps day by day."

Good encouragement for me as I set goals for March!

Happy Wednesday, everyone.

30 comments:

  1. I love your crafty projects, I have a crochet project I want to start up this afternoon and I'm excited about it because I love the peace that comes with crocheting. Thank you for the very well written post and I wish you a wonderful rest of the week!

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    1. A wonderful rest of the week to you too! Have fun with your crocheting project. Yes, crochet can be very relaxing. Basically I don't find it so if I have to keep referring to the pattern, but once I have the pattern memorized I find it very peaceful indeed.

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  2. I love your framed cross stitch Mrs T. I probably spend too much time stitching but it just relaxes me and to se the picture come to life is so inspiring. I am also in the decluttering mood. I plan to really take a long hard look at some of my things and determine if I really need them. Toss or Donate will be my motto for March!!

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    1. Thanks, Arlene! I agree completely, watching the picture come to life is a huge part of the enjoyment of stitching for me.

      I'm doing a lot of decluttering of storage areas at my dad's. Mr. T is off work and can help me right now.

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  3. I loved those glimpses of your cross stitching. They were all wonderful. I go in spurts where I stitch every free moment and then when I slow it down a bit. I am trying to learn to go slow and steady in life. So many years of teaching and doing so many things with the kids trained me to go as hard as I could until I was too pooped to do anything which then meant I got behind. Slow and steady would have worked a whole lot better.

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    1. Oh, thank you, Sandy! I wish I could stitch every free moment, but that's not reality right now (and I don't have that many free moments!).

      You're right, there is a lot of wisdom to slow and steady!

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  4. I have a friend who tells long drawn out stories but usually they aren't worth it!

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    1. Isn't that the truth! And some people just talk so slowly. I don't mind listening to an interesting story, and sometimes a certain amount of background does need to be shared first, but otherwise I am not a fan of the long and drawn-out narrative.

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  5. I love Elizabeth George and her books. Great, practical advice for living a godly life for us women. You do beautiful crafty work. I am off to look at your crockpot recipes :)

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    1. I have done many, many of Elizabeth George's studies with my ladies' Sunday School class, Theresa. You are so right about how practical and God-honoring her books are. We have learned so much over the years! Hope you found some crockpot recipes to try!

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  6. Good morning! I don't know where to start! lol How wonderful to have written the devotionals...I'd LOVE to see one. And your stitching! OH MY GOODNESS...they are soo beautiful. I have only done one in my life and it took me FOREVER. And I loved seeing your crafts. The fabric alphabet letters is such a good idea! Fun way to learn. Enjoyed all of this! Have a good day!

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    1. Good morning to you too, Debbie! I'm so happy you enjoyed this post. I found it a very enjoyable post to think about and write.

      I've sent you an email concerning the devotional books. If you'd like to see one, I can work that out, either by pdf sent by email or an actual book shipped to you. I have a limited number of books on hand and could send one for the cost of shipping.

      Cross stitch is not a quick crafting technique, that is for sure. It does take time but some people are incredibly prolific with it. I am not one of them, as you can see!

      Thanks again for your visit and sweet comments! Have a blessed weekend!

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  7. Those devotionals sound lovely. Love your cross stitching too. Pachelbel Canon is awesome. You are definitely crafty.

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    1. Thanks, Debby! And thanks for visiting. I've had a busy few days but will try and get over to visit your Hodgepodge too.

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  8. I love the darling vintage photo by the sugar tree. What great memories you must certainly treasure about those times! Happy March!

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    1. Thanks, Debby! I do indeed treasure those memories. They were good times. One of these years I hope to write a post about them.

      Happy March to you as well! I'm happy to see the calendar turn.

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  9. This week's Hodgepodge inspired me to tackle that tax organizer and finish it up. All set to mail now and I am giddy just thinking I'll wake up in the morning and my first thought won't be taxes : ) Hope you're having a nice day!

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    1. What a relief to have your taxes all set and in the mail! My hubby does ours (though he requires my help at times in the process), but I had tax forms to prepare for my dad's caregiver. He's in a nursing home now, but was at home for nearly half of 2016, so that task was necessary.

      Thanks for visiting and have a nice weekend!

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  10. This was such a lazy day for me that I am in awe of all that you accomplish even if you do feel as if it is taking you years! Goes to show all that can be done...better to take one's time than to throw up one's hands in defeat. Oh I was so pleased that Barb showed how to do that runner and just for you! It has my gears turning as well.

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    1. Oh, Vee, it does indeed take me years. I just stick with it until I eventually complete it. I enjoy things like writing and crafting and I am going to keep on with them no matter how busy life gets ... just however long it takes.

      Yes, wasn't that so sweet of Barbara to share that tutorial? I hope that lots of her readers will try making one of the runners. That's another project that will take me awhile to finish, but I will eventually make one, most likely more than one.

      Be sure and post about it if you make one of the runners!

      Have a wonderful weekend!

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  11. Love the vintage photos! Would love for the world to slow way down !

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    1. Thanks, Cindy! Yes, I completely agree. I would love for the world to slow way down. We all need to exercise our common sense and prayerfully see what we can do to get back to a slower, more reasonable pace.

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  12. I so enjoyed reading your post today. The old picture of the children by the tree is wonderful! Are you in that picture?

    Your cross-stitch samplers are beautiful. I appreciate the work you've put in on them as I used to be an avid cross stitcher myself. I still keep a few supplies on hand and would love to do some smaller projects again someday but right now my scrapbooks call.

    I also appreciate the quote. I have blogged on that same topic not too long ago and it is one I go back to often.

    I don't think I ever said thank you for your kind comments on my page. You probably don't remember as it's been a whole month ago now...my, where has the time gone...but I wanted you to know how I appreciated what you said and that you were praying for me. You were very encouraging and it meant a lot. Thank you.

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    1. Wow, Julie, what a lovely comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the photo (circa 1956). Yes, I am in the picture, the mischievous-looking girl at the right.

      I'd eventually like to get more into scrapbooking -- have many photos I'd like to get into albums and quite a few papercrafting supplies that could be used. I haven't done much cross-stitch in recent years (mainly because I have a huge, 18-count UFO that I am going to feel guilty about until it is completed!), but I did start a cross-stitch Christmas ornament this winter.

      Julie, you are most welcome for the comments on your page. It seemed that you were dealing with something pretty difficult just then and I wanted to share encouragement as to how God helped me with hard things in my own life. Glad to have been of help! Hope things are better now.

      Have a blessed weekend!

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  13. I have done several of Elizabeth George's Bible studies including A Woman After God's Own Heart and A Women's Walk With God. She was also a speaker at Ladies Day Apart at our church in Derry, NH many years ago. You may want to check out Ladies Day Apart. It is an annual event usually held in April with wonderful speakers. We usually have about 1800 women attend. Here is the link. You may have to copy and paste it.
    http://www.cbcderry.org/lda
    Warmly, Gloria

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    1. The thought of 1800 women in one place for one event makes me exhausted just thinking about it, Gloria. I did look at the link and I'm sure it's a wonderful event. I have been blessed to hear Elizabeth George speak in person twice, once in NH and once in MA. She is amazing!

      These days I mostly attend the ladies' retreats at The Wilds of New England ... more manageable group sizes and a casual atmosphere. Much more my style nowadays.

      Thanks for sharing that link. Other readers in the area may well be interested!

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  14. Maybe it takes you a long time to complete a stitching project, but they're beautiful! I love the bright colors. I use my Crock-Pot a lot too. I was thinking about Crock-Pot chicken enchiladas for tomorrow. Funny that you had one going to school in Wisconsin when of course some from Wisconsin must go to New England for college. Such is life.

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  15. Thank you so much, Judy! Cross-stitching does take me years, but I enjoy the result. All of the ones I showed are from Cross Country Stitching; I think it used to be called Jeremiah Junction at one time. You can see an example here: 123 Stitch. These were magazines that came out every other month and featured mostly Scripture designs with a definite country vibe. I have tons of the back issues and would still love to stitch more of the designs. I will definitely run out of time before I run out of projects!

    Oh, the Crock-Pot. My best helper in the kitchen. I would hate to try and get along without it!

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  16. Anonymous5:19 PM

    Thank you for visiting my blog and I have enjoyed browsing thru both your blogs. I am mesmerized by your gorgeous cross stitch pieces. What works of HEART! Before the onset of tremors, I loved counted cross stitch. Do you know blogger Arlene at Nanaland blog? She frequently posts about her cross stitch projects - you two would enjoy visiting.

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  17. You're welcome, Mildred! Thanks for visiting both of my blogs. Many people don't realize I have a Christmas blog, so I'm tickled that you visited both and browsed through.

    So pleased that you enjoyed seeing the cross stitch pieces. They were a blessing to work on. I enjoy sort of "busy" pieces with lots to see, and of course the fact that they include Scripture is an added blessing. As I mentioned above, they came from Cross Country stitching (Jeremiah Junction) and you can see an example of that here: 123 Stitch if you are not familiar with it. I think maybe the magazine no longer publishes, as I haven't seen it in awhile.

    Yes, I do know Arlene. We have known one another (online!) for many years. We were both members of the Seasonal Delights forum years ago and got to know one another that way, then we just stayed connected through our blogs and email. I love to see Arlene's creative finishes!

    Thanks again for your delightful visit, Mildred. Have a wonderful weekend!

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