Books!

I feel guilty that my sister has started blogging and I haven't updated mine in forever! So here it is:

Yesterday Jen and Matt took me to experience the most dangerous store ever. A free book store!

No it's not a gimmick.
Yes it's exactly as it sounds.
Yes it's every bit as wonderful.


So yesterday morning we went. Its a pretty rustic building, nothing to fancy just lots of shelves made from plain wood and stuffed with books. It was exciting and overwhelming. The moment you walk in the door the race is on, everyone is competition, because, of course, everyone is looking for the same book you are. The air is hot from climbing sun and the smell of books (maybe the best smell in the world) is thick. Which section to start at? Spanish/Latin/Italian(!), Classics(!!), Cooking(!!!), Mystery(!.....)  I quickly picked a section and started scanning, sweeping in and out of the other shoppers. My first find was delightful- a 1950 hardback copy of Jane Eyre, turquoise colored with beautiful lettering- I knew it would be a good day. I continued moving through adding to my stack rapidly, Huck Finn for Lydia or Katie, The Bell Jar for Nibs, Dostoevsky, Balzac. I reached a more quiet corner of the store and looked at the stack of books that was, by now, killing my arm. Something must be done. Too many books. (ah! did I just say that?) College student + tons of heavy books to cart all over creation = not a good deal.
So I did a second review over the stack, Balzac goes Dostoevsky stays, etc. etc. I walked out with 6 books (but 2 not for me!).  My satisfaction was full when I realized I was one book under Jen's number of gathered books.
Free Books- excellent!

Moral of the story: Free book store are the best. When in Baltimore, go there.

Dahlias

Here is a quick snap-shot of the Dahlias I am knitting from some wonderful yarn Jen gave to me. I hope to knit more and possibly put them on a quilt. It could be a bit tricky though since the "caution" color of the yarn could very easily turn into a nasty 60's yellow if its not paired with the right colors...
I feel so extravagant with all my knitting and yet so simplistic at the same time. Having written a research paper on knitting not to long ago the topic has been on my mind. Knitting was once the most basic of house chores, present in every woman's life. But with the industrial revolution and the modern world it has become a luxury and a hobby. The joy that comes from brightly died yarns being looped into exciting objects is just marvelous. Quite a luxury.
"Oh its the posh posh knitting life, the knitting life for me....p.o.s.h. posh!"

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!