Yesterday I returned to working on the quiet book I'm making for our expected baby and this page was the result....
The van has a zippered pocket that holds the transportation-related felt pieces. At this point I think I can start putting it together so that I can know the size I will need to make the cover.
I may have shared this poem with you previously but it's one I pull out every year and re-read simply to remind me that all is not sweetness and light this time of year. Some of us struggle with the holiday season and all it entails. This poem was published in the Woman's Day magazine dated 12/20/88 so it's an oldie!
I may have shared this poem with you previously but it's one I pull out every year and re-read simply to remind me that all is not sweetness and light this time of year. Some of us struggle with the holiday season and all it entails. This poem was published in the Woman's Day magazine dated 12/20/88 so it's an oldie!
Dear Lord,
'Tis the season to be merry and I'm not, really.
'Tis the season to be merry and I'm not, really.
'Tis the season of goodwill, of general and particular
blessedness, of worship and praise and warmth of heart...
blessedness, of worship and praise and warmth of heart...
And I, like the Grinch, have spiders in my spirit, and
garlic in my soul.
And I come in confession and remorse, asking You for....
....for Christmas.
Is it the dither, Lord, that sets my day on edge?
Is it the too-muchness, the lavishness, the
extended list that gnaws at my extended self? Hmmm.
I do believe I could trim a thing or two off that list.
I do believe I could trim a thing or two off that list.
Is it that I am trying to make a Production
out of Christmas when what I really want is a
Presence?
That I'm trying to guarantee, by my own efforts,
what can come only as gift, by Thine?
Is it the begrudging, Lord? That I want to
do lovely things for my loved ones,
only I resent the time spent 'doing' for the
one I am so irked at right now....or that
I want to do gracious helpful things for
I want to do gracious helpful things for
nebulous 'others' but I certainly want to know that
they will appreciate my efforts adequately!
Forgive my begrudging, Father, and my
strings attached.
Forgive my production, and my dither,
and fill me with carols of hope, and
hymns of praise,
and prayers of deep joy....
fill me with Christmas.
Amen
Today's quote is a short one..."Be naughty, save Santa the trip"
Just when I think you're done, you created an even more adorable page for that quiet book. It just makes my heart happy. And that poem! Oh my goodness... It is perfect. Does Woman's Day still publish such things in their magazines? Makes me want to subscribe and find out. Anyway - the poem is so perfect I printed it out to read again and again. To date, it hits the spot more than any other thing I've come across this Advent season. Thank you for sharing it, Mary Anne.
ReplyDeleteNope, not done yet! Still have four more pages to go before I can call that part of it done. Glad you like that poem - it's one that touches my heart every year. As for Woman's Day still publishing them, I don't know. Haven't seen an issue in a number of years (or at least I haven't picked one up at the newsstand...perhaps they don't publish any longer).
DeleteMerry Christmas Mary Ann!
ReplyDeleteGood work on the quiet book and the little knitted doll in your previous post is very cute.
The links always seem to have so many pop ups, my poor old iPad wheezes and stumbles over the ads.
But the decorated lightbulb ornaments are a lovely idea.
Hmmm - odd about the pop ups. I don't see them from my end and haven't heard of anyone else having problems. Sorry to cause problems!!
DeleteThanks for the links. I really like the fleece tree and the bird heads - but why just the heads(?) When is the next grandchild due? I look forward to seeing how you put the quiet book together. I had to think about mine before I started making it.
ReplyDeleteI imagine once she's done making the bird heads she'll likely stitched out! New grandbaby is due the end of January - it won't be long!
DeleteThe new baby will certainly have an interesting quiet book to play with. The pages you are making are fabulous.
ReplyDeleteGreat links too. thanks
Can't have a wee new addition in our family without a quiet book of his own (even tho' his brother already has one).
DeleteI love the piece that you have as your header. It's beautiful. Lovely work.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That's the only winter one I've done so far so I intend to rectify that with my next piece.
DeleteAnother fun page for Evan's quiet book. Love the poem, Mary Anne. I feel there would be many people who can relate to these words.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely doubt Santa will be making a stop here at Chez Magpie because I know I've been naughty more than once this year!
DeleteSuper cute quiet book page you have created. So much to do and yet so little time. Permission to be Naughty?...Yay! <3
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we all need permission to be naughty!
DeleteAnother gorgeous page for the book Mary Anne. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and New Year! Loved your quote! Christine xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine - and all best wishes for a Merry Christmas and New Year to you as well.
DeleteMary Anne, just reading your blog makes me joyful and I doubt anyone would disagree that you have a beautiful, imaginative, very clever mind and way of creating just about any subject in fabrics. The Quiet books will bring such pleasure to the children. I love how the extras are stored in the van.
ReplyDeleteThe quote was so interesting. I'd not seen that before.
You naughty? With that twinkle in your eyes? I don't doubt it for a second :-)))
Hee hee - yep, naughty ought to be my middle name! I have visions of lumps of coal dancing in my head. Glad you enjoy my mumblings!
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