I feel like I can finally say I have learned to knit. I have finished my first beautiful project that I am really proud of-- an Amber's Lace Scarf for my sister Crissie. This scarf has my favorite elements of knitting thus far: white yarn, silk yarn blend, and lace! What more could you ask for? Really? The yarn was introduce to me by my first knitting inspiration Mrs. Black who gave me the most wonderful Christmas present of circular needles and Louisa Harding yarn. Mrs. Black I don't ever want to knit with anything other than Grace Yarn again!

Anyways while visitng Jen we did lots of knitting and I complete the scarf. So she took pictures for me. Here it is in all its glory. Sorry you can't really see the lace detail- I didn't know about blocking yet- now I do! The scarf is circular and sooo incredibly soft. Seriously plushy.

i am currently loving:

fall and strong chilly winds

big pots of mint-green tea (with mint from my dear friends kitchen garden!)

quilts and cozy blankets

sundays and fellowshiping with the body of Christ!

naps

quick conversation with a million words shoved in so we can "get back to studying"

how every baby i see reminds me of Lizzy. and every toddler Isaac (even though he's not even 1!)

our God is so unique!

I have such and exciting course schedule this semester, at first I was worried about all the homework- but it has been working out so perfectly!
Here are my best courses
Western Civ. through 1600
World Lit. through 1640
Medieval Literature
OT Survey
It is so amazing studying all of these same time periods in different subjects! (Yes I know Medieval Lit. isn't exactly the same time period but it still ends up fitting in somehow.) Everyday I learn something in one class that perfectly corresponds to my other classes. Every class adds to my knowledge of not only its own subject but my other subjects as well. For example, learning about the ancient Mesopotamian gods then reading literature about them enhances both the reading and the cultural studies. Then as I turn to Genesis one, I see how this is not just the Bible but a beautiful piece of literature full of flavors from the time. Then I get to learn about the Greek gods and read their literature. My Medieval class has focused a lot on the history of writing, oral tradition, etc., etc., fitting perfectly as we read so many legends passed down by oral tradition.
Anyways all this was just to say that 1) my schedule is awesome and 2) learning about these ancient cultures and their gods has given me a completely new appreciation for our GOD.
Our God is not at all fickle, He doesn't toy with us, He does have complete control, He is good, He cares about us.
All these things I already knew. But as I read about and study these ancient cultures I am struck by how the people were governed by their fear of the gods. Every aspect of their lives and cultures were dictated according to their belief of the gods. What misery they lived under believing in temperamental and angry gods with limited power. What beauty we live under with the omniscient, loving, unchanging God!

When I used to pray, "God I thank you for being ____" I never really understood why I needed to say that. "Like God would be anything else," I thought. But this morning as I thanked God for being abundant and loving I saw what a great contrast our God is compared to the "gods" of this world- our God is different and truly amazing. It is worth remembering, saying, and praising Him for His oh-so-unique character!

thoughts today

It's Tuesday. I'm supposed to be talking to you.

Classes start tomorrow- so the Braum's run took place. Brought back 2 very drippy cones. Delighted faces. New friends.

I have a have a heavy but good class load.

I am on the watch for natural colors.

One of the best sounds can be found in that moment just before or after a word ... silence ... "silence can be harsh or kind but always produces growth"

Communion is still hard without my Papi leading it. Have you ever had it not administered by elders? I did today- it was strange.

Many passionate people in one place is astounding.

Jane Eyre was courageous. I remember that.

"Mastering the Art of French Cooking"

Yesterday I went to Borders with a 40% off coupon and hopes to purchase one of the two Mastering the Art of French Cooking Cookbooks by Julia Child (notice no "s" at the end of Child). I ended up with both volumes for only $13!!!
I took them to the park at once and started devouring its pages. What the proper ingredients are, how to properly hold my knife, what pots to use for what, and how to clarify butter!
In the absence of my lovely sister Laura, (my most faithful Sous Chef enduring all my whims and disasters) Laura Bartlet was kind enough to indulge me and cook with me last night.
We made suprêmes de volaille à brun (chicken breasts sauteed in butter) with tomates à la provençale (tomatoes stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and garlic).
May I just say it was the best chicken I think I have ever had! I was really scared making it, the recipe says, "When the butter begins to deepen in color very slightly, put in the suprêmes...After 3 minutes turn over and saute on the other side for two minutes."
I am a firm believer in fully cooked meats- only 5 minutes for chicken?!!! I repeated these thoughts to Laura and she looked at me and said,
"who told you to do that?"
"...Julia" I said.
Laura was right- who am I to question Julia Child??? And of course- she was right! The chicken was perfect. Perfectly cooked but still sooo jucy and tender. Completely perfect. Even the left overs today were perfect. Every bite delectable with a crispy crust perfectly flavored.
Laura took care of the stuffed tomatoes while I did the chicken and those were amazing as well. I had to convince Laura to even do the tomatoes (she generally doesn't like them) and she loved them even more than me!
So here is to -----
new cookbooks
Julia Child
fresh ingredients
cooking with friends
and delicious food!


P.S. There is a fabulous looking chocolate cake recipe that is calling my name....