Missing earrings--refound promises

                        On Monday, 1^st October, wanting to make sure I had plenty of time to get my new glasses fitted and still have a casual walk to the Learning Centre, I went into town about an hour before my sewing class.  The pick-up went smoothly and quickly, leaving me time to visit a few shops to look for some cooking gadgets I needed. 

                        Now the problem was that I had to take the back-pack off-and-on a few times.  This seemed to cause the head-band I was wearing to come off as well.  When I got to class and took off my coat, I suddenly realised I’d lost two earrings from my left ear.  While the loss was disappointing, I must confess that the value in those earrings was sentimental; aside from the initial cost of them, they had no financial value at all. 

                        Since living in the UK, I’ve not had a “Vanity top” on a chest of drawers or dresser to place all my jewellery.  As a result, I’ve resorted to never changing my earrings.  But now I was forced to unpack the storage box containing my bits and bobs of “fashion decor”.  As I pulled out all the felt-covered boxes and hard plastic cases holding my earrings, bracelets and a few necklaces, I was re-acquainted with these rediscovered little treasures.  There were a lot of “Oh yes, I forgot I had those.” moments, mixed with—“Now, what do I want to wear?”  Having decided on replacement earrings, I ended this little mission with a desire to display all my trinkets in order to make use of them more often.  But I really don’t have any place—much to my chagrin.

                        As a Christian, my desire is to keep close to the Presence of God.  I must confess, I am not as diligent in daily Bible reading as I want/should be—much to my own detriment.  It is too easy to drift through my day, distracted by the “must do” and the frivolous time-stealers like on-line match-three games, or television.  This drifting along soon leads me to bobbing around in the waves of diminished productivity, guilt, regret of wasted time. 

                        Once again, I go in search of what I have lost track of—spending time reading my Bible.  When I get back on track, by spending the time to catch up with daily readings, I re-discover verses that God has used to speak to me in past days.  I am comforted, reassured, and my peace of mind grows again.  

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.  So trust in the Lord, (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages.].  Isaiah 26:3-4—Amplified Version

                        Yes, losing those earrings caused me to rediscover lots of little treasures I’d forgotten about.  As I sat there, trying to decide what to wear, I had this correlating thought: “This is like those times I’ve wandered away from my Bible reading and then started up again.  I open the book and rediscover all these priceless promises that I’d forgotten about.”

                        I don’t know about you, but I love it when Jesus uses an every-day occurrence to bring us back to Him.

                        Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

An unexpected offer

I was relieved on Monday when the overcast skies were rain free.  For the previous three Mondays I’d trudged through town clad in my long, green raincoat, with my back-pack weighted with paraphernalia for my sewing class.  Sweat made me damp inside my coat while the rain wetted the outside of the coat.  So though grey was the colour of the sky, there was a reprieve from the rain.

The old brick building was formerly a secondary school, so its well suited for a learning centre.  Because we’ve had such a wet summer and autumn, the heating has been put on.  This results in the room being very warm.  With an all-ladies class, I decided I would wear an undershirt/tank top under my shirt.  If the heat was too stifling, I would just take off the shirt.  The last two weeks I have been glad of this decision. 

My dress pattern

 Our instructor, Anita, has been teaching sewing for several years now, and her primary job is teaching stitchery and sewing skills.  She has taught us to take our measurements—which are best done by having someone else measuring us.  She has also taught us the method of transferring those measurements onto paper and creating a very basic top / dress pattern.  By learning this, it is the beginning of learning endless possibilities in making clothes. 

There are about eight of us in the class.  As with any class, there are people who catch on quickly—because they have some background and/or experience.  Equally others struggle—they just don’t “get it.”  (Rather like me and chemistry/algebra.)  I suppose because I’ve used pre-drawn patterns and done a bit of sewing, it has come to me rather quickly.  I have been helping one of the other ladies draw her pattern.  I’ve also asked Anita several questions about techniques. 

Bee's Was--a legacy

On the first day of class we were talking about threading needles and sewing machines.  I pulled out my Grandmother’s bee’s wax.  My Grandma used to pull the thread/cotton through the bee’s wax to make the last ½ inch of the thread/cotton stiff and thereby making it easier to stick through that tiny eye of the needle.  I shared this with the class, because using bee’s wax is such a big help.  At that point Anita said, “I have a feeling I’m going to learn a lot from you.” 

“I’m not sure about that.  But I know I will learn a lot from you.” I replied.

As I watched Anita explain about the pattern making technique, I flashed back to when I was  a young teenager spending time with my Grandma during summer holidays.  She had an apron patterns she’d marked off on old newspaper.  In my mind I felt a piece of a puzzle from my past lock into a puzzle piece of my present. 

On this past Monday, during the class some of us were chatting about our work.  I mentioned that I worked only two days a week.  At the end of class on Monday, Anita asked me if I worked full time. 

“No, I work on Wednesdays and Fridays.  I’m supposed to finish by 11:00 am; but I’m usually there till 2:30, sometimes later.  It just depends on what I have to do on the day.”

“So you have other time available during the week.  The reason I’m asking is because I run several after school sewing clubs.  I have about 10 schools and connections with several more.  I’m always looking for teachers to run them.  I’ve watched and I think you’d be a good teacher.  Would you be interested?”

My heart swelled with amazement and joy.  I hadn’t expected that.  Once again, someone had noticed my teaching bent.  There was a bit of a let down though.  “There’s only one little problem, Anita.  We don’t have a car.  I do drive and have my license.  But we don’t have a car right now.”

“Yes, that’s a big problem.”  Anita smiled.  “But, keep my number.  And when you get a car, let me know and we’ll talk about it.  I’m always looking for teachers and I have five teachers that work for me.  So just keep it in the back of your mind.” 

I left the class with one of my friends from the class to walk to the bus station together.  She agreed that Anita’s offer was a blessing and a good opportunity.  Certainly, I will consider following up with Anita.  I also hope to take more classes, so that we don’t lose touch and my sewing skills will grow. 

The offer makes me want to focus more on sewing and writing.  And with a big family, I will have multitudes of opportunities to make all kinds of things.  I don’t know where God is leading me.  But this unexpected offer made me think of Proverbs 18:16.  

¹⁶ A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.

Who knows where my gifts will take me!

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

Today's project

     My youngest Step-daughter, "Floss" is getting married in two-and-a-half weeks.  The good news is that I already have my dress.  It arrived last week. 
     I'm looking forward to the wedding because all of the children and grandchildren will be there.  I am praying for a family photo with all members on board!  That's 27--yes--twenty-seven--people to get into a group!  I hope it doesn't prove into being as impossible as herding cats!!

     As part of the preparation, I was asked to shorten a dress for the Mother of the Bride.  (Just to clarify, that is The Maverick's ex-wife.)  Instead of shortening it from the bottom, it had to be taken up off of the shoulders.  Thankfully, the dress has no sleeves. 

     Now, I felt it prudent to keep the secret that I'd never done this kind of sewing job before.  However, I felt it was fairly simple and was willing to give the process a go. 

     Having not done this kind of alteration previously, I did consult a friend who had sewing skills to see what she would suggest.  She gave me some good advice--which I took.

     Having decided that I would do the alteration today, I organised myself and got to work.  Why is it that one side is always easier than the other?  But that seems to be what happens.  So, now the dress is done and I'm pleased with the resutl.

Measuring and cutting the dress at the shoulders

Sewn seam on dress, getting ready for pressing.

One shoulder lining pinned, and basting in process.

The dress finished.

     

October Catch Up

        All has been quite on the blogging front here at A Reed Not Broken.  Not for want of things to write about.  I guess it’s a testimony of a lack of discipline and determination—that and a newly developed addition to match-three games.  

Kittie

 

        Many wonderful things has been happening since my last posting.  

·         In August my step-son, “Noddy” moved his family back to England from Finland. 

"Washey"

 

"Kezze"

      After knowing The Maverick over ten years, I FINALLY got to meet “Hansey”, the “Noddy’s” wife.  He brought her and their two youngest daughters and his son to see us—“Kittie”, “Washey” and “Kesse”.  I had not met them either.  The sun blessed the day, so Hansey and the children were able to walk over to the play area in the park.  I accompanied them—and on the way back,” Kittie” and “Washey” had to hold my hand.  As “Hansey” so aptly put it, “I guess you’ve been accepted.”  I agreed with a contented smile.

·         Friday, 7^th September, “Noddy” brought his three oldest daughters over with him.  He was going to cut some wood for a friend, and thought the girls would enjoy seeing “Grandy”—aka the Maverick and me.  The oldest, “Mimi” I had met about five years ago.  She was a little girl—now she is a fourteen-year-old young lady—strong in body and mind.  “Maisey” is their second daughter, now twelve years old.  This was my first time to meet her.  And finally, “Tigger”—their third daughter.  Since I was at work on that morning, I didn’t get to spend any time with them.  But I do hope to see them again soon.  

·         Sunday, 16^th September, we had another addition to the family.  “Lacy Chantilly” gave birth to her sixth child, “Mancub.” He has quite a temper when it comes to having his nappy/diaper changed.  Other than that, he is a sweet boy.

·         Monday, 24^th September I walked through the rain to the Thomas Gray Learning Centre in town.  It was a new place to discover; red brick with high windows and close to the road.  This building is the site for adult learning classes.   From a desire to become more accomplished with my sewing skills, I signed up for a 10-week Dressmaking (Home and Small Business) class.  It is listed as an accredited Dressmaking course, which means the course applies to obtaining a City and Guilds Certification.  In the class we are learning to make dress patterns from taking our own measurement to creative custom fit garments.  I feel like a duck to water, really.  I’ve made clothes from ready-made patterns before.  Learning how to make a pattern is giving me more confidence.  

·         As the daylight shortens and the autumn days grow colder and darker, I have now begun to transition to using a DVD for exercise.  A couple of years ago I I purchased a DVD set entitled “Walk it off With George.” George Foreman produced the DVDs, one for fitness walking with boxing moves; the other one is circuit training, mixing walking with strength training.  What I like about the DVDs is that I feel like I’m walking with a buddy or group, I can do it and get it over with and I don’t have to go to a gym.  

·         I’ve started making gingerbread now.  It’s because I want to make lots of gingerbread houses this year.  But more about that in days to come.  

So those are the high-lights for over the last few weeks.  Thanks for taking the time to read them.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene” 

Ooopss! It's a math thing

Okay, so I guess you could say I was getting ahead of myself.  If you read my last post, you will notice I wrote that it was 30 years ago that I came to England for the first time.

Well, I was thinking:  "Saturday, 17th September 1983...2013...thirty years."  I had a brain burp at that moment--because I forgot this is Twenty-TWELVE---not Twenty-THIRTEEN. 

So, I correct myself and say, I'm an artist and math isn't my strongest subject. 

There you go...all corrected.  And for those of you who caught this error, well done. 

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,
"Lady Helene"

Twenty-nine years ago today.

Misty Morning view from the balcony

As usual, my alarm went off at 7:00 am today.  As I walked to the kitchen, I caught the view out The Maverick's office window.  A mist was rising from the damp grass in the park across the street.  I hurried to get my camera, as I knew the haze would life quickly--even be gone in five minutes.
       When I first got up this morning, the date didn't immediately register with me.  As I sat reading e-mails and catching up on reding the blogs I follow, I suddenly realised that it was 30 (year thirty) years ago today I took my first plane ride.
     The date, 17th September 1983, will always remain with me.  It was my first flight.  It was my first time to leave, the USA.  It was my first trip to England.  It was the day I fulfilled one dream--travelling to England--and creating another--to one day live in Great Britian.  So, while I have a lot of things to write on my blog--I knew I had to immediately post this one.
       So, happy anniversary to me!
Lovely People--chase your dreams.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,
"Lady Helene"

Where I went yesterday

The Alter in Romsey Abbey

       The sun blessed our day.  I joined a group (0f 36) ladies from the Mothers' Union on a day trip to Romsey Abbey.  The coach trip allowed me to become better acquainted with Mrs. C.B., with whom I attend church. 

       Romsey Abbey is located in Southern England, in Hampshire county.  It is an ancient abbey, dating back to 907 AD, when King Edward the Elder established it as a home for nuns. 

       After a guided tour, the Vicar of the Abbey, Rev. Tim Sledge, led us in a short service.  Since 3rd September commemorates the The Feast of St. Gregory, he included a short message about St. Gregory.  Since Rev. Tim patterned the service on a Midday Prayer Service, he included The Mother's Union Prayer, as an acknowledgement of our group. 

Mother's Union Banner

I'm including the prayer here:

Loving Lord,

We thank you for your love so freely given to us all.

We pray for families around the world.

Bless the work of the Mother's Union as we seek to share your love,

through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.

Empowered by Your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Several banners hung around the church, and being interested in art, illustration and sewing, I took some photographs.  

View of the vaulted ceiling.

Restoration work is always necessary on ancient building, and some of the work was evident.  Yet, the metal support bars and other props did nothing to detract from the beauty of the building. 

       The building was originally property of the crown.  And King Henry the VIII, in his resentment of the Catholic Church, suppressed the Catholic Church in England, including the Abbey--meaning he closed it and turned out the nuns.  However, in 1544, four local representitives of the town went to London to ask for the building/property to use as the local parish church.  King Henry said "No."  So the town's men asked to buy it.  King Henry said, "Yes--for £100."  Keep in mind, this was 1544, and the towns people could live on a pound for a year.  Amazingly, the town was able to buy the abbey and it became the site of the parish church.

       Currently the Abbey serves as the largest parish church in Hampshire and several surrounding communities.  

       After the prayer service, Mrs. B and I strolled down the town--a five minute walk--to find a lovely cafe, where we had lunch.  The tiny courtyard drew us outside, where several other ladies from the Mothers' Union were also having lunch.  The conversation flowed easily, the lunch satisfying and healthy.  

Bone Floor

       Following lunch we found our way to King John's House.  The property is actually three properties.  The Tudor house; this tiny museum was home for a thirteenth century merchant.  One of it's fascinating features is the "bone floor." 

Upstairs there is 14th Century graffiti--carved into the soft, white-washed walls.  Just goes to show the universal and eternal "mischievousness" of human nature.  

       Also upstairs, above a "Kitchen" a  "boy" is sitting in the loft--as his sleeping area.  Next to that is the banquet room, complete with "serving maids."  The maniquins are dressed in richly coloured dresses. 

       The Victorian building front of the property has a tea room downstairs.  Upstairs holds two rooms of "reconstructions"--a family parlour depicting William Moody and his sister, Mable,  sorting through family documents; the "Old Gun Shop" which displays fishing poles, guns and a few inventions (commercially unsuccessful) of William Moody's. 

Mrs. B. and I finished our day with a stop in the Tea Room.  It's difficult to pass up a lovely pot of tea and piece of cake when the decor is rustic, historical, but light and airy.  Off the tea room is a patio area where the waitresses also serve tea room customers.  

       Away to play for a day I came back a tiny bit tired--but equally refreshed and encouaraged.  An acquaintenship deepened into a friendship.  Perfect weather gave an idealic quality to our time away.  I was inspired and humbled by the vaulted ceilings, chapels, banners and stained glass windows of the Abbey; inspired by a place that has for several hundred years been a place of prayer, meditation, worship and teaching.  

       Maybe someday I'll return to Romsey with The Maverick and have a further wonder around the villiage. 

Now, I'm trying to catch up with a sewing project and unfolded (but clean) laundry.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"