I just discovered that cable knitting does not require five cable needles to make one cross over. Note to self-taught knitters: Don’t try to make up your own version of cable knitting. You’ll get less gray hair.

More on this later.

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I love my Daddy so much! I am so glad he’s my father, protector, and provider.

God has worked greatly in his life (rebel-turned-reformer), but I only know him as the kind, loving, and hard-working leader he is. He’s always been praying for his family, leading us in studying God’s Word, and made sure we were safe and protected from harm.

When we were little, Emily and I loved to dance with him as he held our hands and we stood on his feet.

In the summer we liked to go swimming at a local reservoir. When I was little, one of my favorite parts was when I got to hold onto his back as he swam. He’d tell me to hold my breath, we’re going under! and I’d squint my eyes, imagining I was riding on the back of a giant sea monster.

He’s even joined us in science projects like dissecting owl pellets and cow eyeballs!

And he’s taught us a great many different things, from walking on stilts and mowing the lawn, to studying God’s Word and praying to our Heavenly Father.

Thank you Daddy for being such a great father! Happy birthday, and may God continue to richly bless you in everything!

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The Studio is coming along nicely with only a few more things to finish up.  Dad has sealed the windows off with plastic to keep out the winter drafts, and I’ve added two more lamps to my collection for extra light.

I’d like to replace the lace curtains if I can find a good bargain on at least 32 yards of fabric (just kidding).  And I need a thingy to cover the light bulbs dangling from the ceiling.  I originally wanted an Italian Tole chandelier, but I can’t find anything less than hundreds of dollars, so I’ve settled on something much more simple.

In the bottom right corner you can see that one of the bookshelves was painted, where I keep more of my books.  I have yet to figure out a better way to store my knitting and sewing supplies, but they can stay under the table as long as they need to.

And here is one of my new favorite spots in the house.  On the opposite side of the room from my table is a comfy chair and stand.  The old easel stored behind the table and chair is for purely compositional and aesthetic reasons, but the little table and chair are just right for my daily quiet time.

This room has been such a blessing to work in.  A northern window, beautiful antique wood trim and floor, and a large table . . . sigh.  Thank you Lord!

I always like to start with a floor plan. (Does anyone else do that, too?)

And the faithful bucket with a rag soaking in hot soapy water and vinegar to wipe down all the antique window trim and base boards. (But I would never paint over them :)

Dad painted the ceiling and trim “Snowbound” white - it’s like a breath of fresh air and looks so clean!

And here’s that beautiful Sherwin Williams’ “Crisp Linen” slowly concealing all the old yucky stuff.

I was able to sit on top of the ladder and paint right up to the ceiling trim.

Freshly painted walls . . .  ::sighs:: . . . beautiful!

I have been so blessed to be able to take up a whole room in our house and use it as a studio. It’s a smallish room with high ceilings like the rest of our old, charming home. It’s the one room we haven’t freshened up since we moved in over seven years ago. (It was previously rented out to unscrupulous people.)

The walls: A dull, flat, pale putty gray with the beginnings of almost-florescent-sky-blue. The Lovely Crown Molding: a thin “wood” trim.

Warning: ‘Before Pictures‘

^ The view through the doorway. (In the top left you can see one of my first, yet unfinished, oil paintings.)

Inside the studio, a bookshelf next to the doorway. Notice the cork board with an odd assortment of paper scraps.

View to the left of doorway: another bookshelf, piano, tread mill . . .

Take note of this shelf as well - binders, boxes and instruments are on the shelves, while all the books are on top!

And the table. Yes, my big ole’ six-footer. Last fall a retiring architect was getting rid of the stuff in his office, and gave me his biggest drafting table for free! It’s been such a blessing - isn’t God good?

We started by just dragging everything (except the table) into the front room. The piano now rests in the front room, and the tread mill is now in my parents’ room.

Stay tuned for more pictures!

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I’ve decided not to join Facebook.

Yes, I’ve decided that I have only so much time, and I don’t need to add one more thing.

I can see where it would be good to keep up with friends I don’t get to see on a regular basis, but I’ve managed pretty well so far. Plus, I can always look over Emily’s shoulder to see what y’all are up to!

Actually, as I was pondering all your comments last night (thanks for the great response!), when Emily announced that Facebook temporarily removed our Noble Rose Press page! Red flag #1.

Then she noticed that there is no way to contact FB HQ. Red flag #2.

Even though our page reappeared this morning, I had already decided that Facebook was not for me. I do have an HSA account, and I’m content with keeping this blog and updating here, so . . .

. . . Thank you everyone for your input! It was great to see the pros, cons and warnings. Really, they could easily apply to any social media and online activity.

God bless you all, and remember — the internet should be your slave, not the other way around!

The dark side is calling me, it’s pull is strengthening, and every time I hear its voice, it grows sweeter in my ear.

I am tempted to . . . join Facebook!

Emily had to join to set up our Noble Rose Press page, so we’re finally getting to see what all the fuss is about.

But I am getting so close to breaking my habit of spending too much time online. (Mom and Emily are like, yeah, right Bre.)

No, serious, I’m getting better. Yet Facebook seems to have all the answers.

I can have all my friends in one place, post short snippets without feeling obligated to turn them into a whole blog post, and quickly update y’all on what I’m doing.

Or, what I’m supposed to be doing. There goes that theory.

Never mind, I won’t join.

But wait — before you go, what are the benefits? Tell me just a little more, please?

How has Facebook helped you?

But he’s a good little boy (most of the time) and likes his veggies.  Cucumbers.   Lettuce.   Cookies.  Root Beer.  .  .

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Our website is now open, and we have a blog on it as well! The Grand Opening sale ends on Saturday at midnight.

There’s also a give-away at Sarah Mae’s blog, which ends on Friday night. Hop on over to enter and tell her which one is your favorite!

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Our new home business’s website, Noble Rose Press, will be having a grand opening on October 7th, and we’ll be having an introductory special offer from October 7th-10th. Emily Rose has been working on setting up the site, so be sure to check out the sneak-peek. While you’re there, you can also click on our Facebook and Twitter links!

Everyone, thank you so much for being so supportive and encouraging throughout the journey! We hope you’ll enjoy the site, and the up-and-coming products!

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