well, hi there

My, my, how time does fly! The past nineteen days have been filled with

a visit from a Sweet, Engaged Friend (pictured below)// Maria and I have been letter writing for some time and, as she lives quite a few states away, we don't see each other as often as we'd like, so it was a delightful treat when she came and spent a few days at mi casa (that's "my home" for you non-Spanish speakers). I just have to smile when I think of our letters this time last year; she hadn't met Her Bruce yet and we were probably going on about our lives and what we were thinking at the time, now she's preparing for a September wedding~ this is such a beautiful time of life. :)

time spent with my Amazing Sister and her Brood// Unfortunately, there is rarely a time when I don't miss my Dear Sister (today especially!), so the time we spend together is greatly treasured, and we do have a grand time. I especially treasure two traditions we share when she visits: first, grocery shopping---I love it! She's so speedy fast, breezing through the store and stuffing items in the buggy; we have some of the best times and conversations while waiting for our order at the cheese counter. The second would have to be our evening/ night routine; tall glass of homebrewed kombucha, a games of cards, popcorn, perhaps a hilarious film, and lots of laughing. It's a fabulous way to unwind and relax after a full day.

lots of canvas painting// A Sweet Family from my church has kindly commissioned me to paint name signs for their seven children (two down, five more to go!), and while I've spent lots of time decorating, embroidering, and painting, I have loved having this opportunity to pray for them and think about the blessing it has been to know this family!

knitting a hat for my Traveling Dad// Recently he flew across the pond to Wales for a business trip; I LOVE it when he travels to the UK, it's just marvelous. I love researching and mapping out places for him to see and experience, it's nearly as wonderful as traveling there myself someday. :) This was his first time to go to Wales for business and I must say that I was instantly charmed by my virtual tour of this truly British place; it has made it to my "I'd Really Love to Go There Someday" list.

staying up a wee late reading,// I confess, it's been QUITE some time since I've made it a priority to read; apparently I've developed a multi-tasking mind and I only make something important if I can do three other things at the same time! Lately I've come to see the danger in this and am working to make time for the simple things in life, like reading. The WWII era is perhaps my favorite in history; I love studying and readying most everything about it; a few years ago, I made an intense study of the holocaust, readying about different aspects and from various viewpoints, stopping only because reading about the Jewish children struck too close to home as it brought to mind my delightful nieces and nephew, I can only imagine how it must have been.

the happily engaged couple

All of that to say, 

I've been a wee busy,

and since my unannounced blogging break, I'm excited to start writing in this space again! I've started reading some new blogs and rediscovering some old ones and I'm officially inspired to make some wonderful changes to my shop and this blog. So, stay tuned and get ready for the ever changing adventure.

heading west & a sneak peek

This past week has brought me back to the canvas and paint pens! A few months ago, I had painted this particular canvas some cheery shades of blue and yellow but due to my lack of inspiration I stored it in the closet. Has that ever happened to you? You start off on a project and get all excited about it only to come to the middle and realize you can't envision the finished product? Hm, maybe that's just me. ;)

As I said, this past week has brought it out again and I'm just putting the finishing touches on it; when I revisited the project, I knew that I wanted to put either a scripture verse or a line from a favorite hymn; well, after some debating I went with Hebrews 6:19. Somehow it seemed fitting to put a verse that had to do with the sea and I love that this verse has to do with something as cheerful as hope.
I'm not totally done with it yet but be expecting it in the shop soon!

In other news, I'm heading out west this coming week! Soon we'll be driving off into the sunset, going as far west as you can while still in Texas to visit family and friends; it'll be a grand time and I'm thinking/hoping there will be quite a bit of hiking involved. I'm looking forward to the dryer climate. ;)
All that to say that this space will be a wee quiet until the 21st of this month but don't throw this blog off entirely! I'm looking forward to introducing some new shop items and maybe even a diy project (gotta finish it first though ;) So, until next time, happy friday and happy trails.

p.s. I've update the shop profile! Take a look.

smiles and waves

 Isn't Eva just edible?
What you don't  get from these pictures is the sweet squeals and cooing sounds that come from this wiggly cutie, nor do you hear the rest of her Tia's and her Mama speak all kinds of lovey things, nor can you feel her chubby hands and cheeks.

You're missing out.

One of the things I love about being a Tia, is the excuse it gives me to knit all sorts of things for my adorable nieces and nephew (remember this knitted dress?). Though enjoyable, this project took me a bit more time to complete than I'd like, due mostly to the concentration I needed to get the hang of the lace pattern and I can only take so much of the stockinette pattern but at long last it is completed and more importantly, it still fits her. :)

 For this project, I used the Wave Jumper pattern from this book (thank you, library!); the blue wool from England (via my Dad on one of his business trips), the green wool from one of the craft shows at Homestead Heritage, and the buttons are re-purposed from an unworn jacket. The pattern was easy peasy to figure out and looks like it'll fit Eba for months to come, or at least until this weather stays cool. ;)

I probably won't be doing any personal knitting for a while as I have a few other projects on "the list" but after those are completed, I'd love to find yarn for this delightful shawlette or this super cute sweater.
What's on your project list?

flying away

Well, my friends, the time has come for a break, a blogging and shop break that is.

The next few weeks will be filled with driving, flying, window shopping, knitting, talking, eating, touristing, and wearing cowls (oh, yes, my friend, you can count on that!); I can't guarantee that I'll be able to blog very much while I'm away from home so we'll just say it's a break. ; )

Due to the wonderful traveling that will be happening in the next few weeks, I wanted to let you know that 

I'll be taking a blogging break until November 1st.

When I come back you can count of fabulous posts like,
Me and My Etsy Story

Brick-and-Mortar Selling: How The First Attempt Went and What I Learned


Things "We" Saw: A Photo Post With My Favorite Sights and People From My Trip.


New Friends and Links


Aren't you so excited? Well, I am. ; )

Also, I wanted to let you know that I'll be participating in this 12 Before 2012 project, be sure to check out the new tab above to see the complete list as well as this informative post for more details!

Do you have a 12 Before 2012 list? Let me know! I'd love to see what you have and what's on your list.

{sorry, the photo source is unknown! Let me know if you know!}

There's No Place Like...

...Home

It's been very nearly a week since I was last in Austin. 

Not surprisingly, I really miss rinsing diapers (crazy, I know), wiping chubby hands, and getting bitten by Wee Teeth (long story); the rhythm of my home is pretty different from the hustle and bustle of little people laughing and ricocheting around. In case you get the wrong impression, we Marques girlies can get pretty crazy in our own way.

Since being home, I've been settling into my new routine (read: trying to get used to a house without littles--we miss you, Hoods!) and since I've become a huge fan of lists, I made a list of things I'd like to do for September, wanna peak?

Organize Closet (again)

I've become inspired by Kendi's organizational post

Create business goals for 2012

Post Fall 2011 Line for Shop (knitting, knitting, knitting)

Make two more projects using UK yarn (post to come)

We have a trip to NC coming in October and I want to be ready!

Begin video series (Youtube, here I come!)

Research, research, research for my Light bulb Idea (again, post to come!)

So, there you have a few of the things I'm working on; thankfully, I don't really see anything currently on the calendar that would prevent me from checking these items checked off, aside from the fascinating book I'm reading. I'm about 3/4's of the way through The Help and so far, I've really enjoyed it (thanks so much for lending it, J!); a kindred spirit loaned it to me, we have similar taste in novels and this is no exception. I love the feel and flow of Kathryn Stockett's work. It reminds me very much of Harper Lee in the sense that I can clearly "see" everything happening and I am quickly familiar with the characters; the story is set at the tail end of one of my favorite times in history and I love the way Stockett has incorporated so much of the culture and happenings of that time. Have any of you read it/seen the film? 

{Note: the following is not at all to meant to downgrade fiction reading, it's just something I haven't done in a while.} I haven't read a fun, fiction book in quite a while, so I feel the need to ration the time that I spend reading; it's dreadful, but somehow I feel like I'm wasting time when I read fiction (that. sounds. so. prudish.). Honestly, I haven't read such an intriguing novel since, The Chosen (loved that one) or The Red House Mystery (delightful story!), but like Pinterest, I ration the amount of time I spend reading. 

Are you mostly a fiction or non-fiction reader? I'd love any of your suggestions!

Fresh Baby

Eva Christine

For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 139

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the children of one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man

who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127

As you've read on my other blog, my dear Sweet Pea Niece is here!

Since her arrival, each day has been wonderfully filled with cuddling, changing, washing, and caring for this new little one. Some sweet ladies from Nicole's church have been very attentive and brought scrumptious dinners too!

I'd nearly forgotten how wonderful new babies smell, especially the tiny part underneath their chins; Eva is a particularly sweet baby (as her Aunt, I am privileged to say this), she doesn't fuss until she's hungry and is practically perfect.

The past few days my Mom has taken my place in Austin and I've been here in Houston, enjoying a few days at home. Mia acted as our Little Stowaway and it's been a fun pleasure to have her here by herself! PBJ's and ice cream have been an almost daily occurrence

(my Dad is a wonderful Grandpa. :)

Oh, and I wanted to show you this new apron I got from one of my favorites stores (courtesy of the sale room, that is); yes, ladies and gentlemen, that is a maxi-apron--with pockets!

I've found it comes in high handy when you're washing dishes and a sticky fingered munchkin attempts climbing up your skirt and the pocket feature is very nice too.

In between changing/washing diapers, baking pavlova, and kissing Little Munchkins,

I've been doing a bit of reading and here are some interesting links, enjoy!

Reliable resources that the book for this film is excellent and

I'm hoping to read it before seeing it(I'm a big book fan).

You've seen Sarah on this space before, and here is a new blog feature she's started!

That's all for now!

Ah ha!

Here I am.

If you've kept up with my "Mary Poppins Writes" series, you'll know that today is a day of preparation and hopefully a labor and deliver of my newest niece!

My dear sister is at the hospital and is carrying on bravely, the Chicklets and I have been keeping her and the Bun in the Oven in prayer and dear thoughts all day.

Praise the Lord for His perfect timing!

As I type this, children are napping and the a/c is running (a delightful combination), in an hour or so I'll get supper started and possibly make a run to the store for ingredients for Straweberry Limeade! An sweet acquaintance made it recently and I've been officially inspired to do the same, all we need are the strawberries. :) I may also get some items I'll be needing for the hospitality snacks that are on the menu for hungry visitors who come to get a glimpse of the Fresh Little Raisin. Pavlova, Cream Scones, Strawberry Lemonade Bars, tea, and coffee are to be served on the "new" vintage trays

They're just so adorable!

There's two of the smaller ones and one big tray, perfect for decorating the house, even if it's just temporary. :) My dear nieces were so patient and went with me to an estate sale last weekend, I think they enjoyed it almost as much as I did. Using this site, I've been able to find more sales, so that is hopefully what we'll be doing this weekend as well!

In the meantime, stay tuned for baby pictures to come! I'll be snapping away lots of pictures of my third niece, just please be patient as I'll be a bit busy the next few days. :)

Sweet Summer Days

{Design*Sponge}

This week will be full of moving, packing, moving, swimming, packing, moving, and more packing (more on that in me and my sister's blog). Tomorrow night my sister, a few friends, and myself will be seeing the opening performance of Emma--so excited! I'll admit that I'm a lover of Jane Austen and Emma is no exception, one of my top three Austen favorites you might say.

Going to the theater is not an everyday occasion for us, so I treasure each time we can go--are there any other theater-going lovers out there?

Next week I will be heading off to the Texas Hill Country again! Yes, as my eldest sister is expecting her fourth (this will make three girls!), I'm off to be with her before, during, and after she has her baby. Lord willing, my brother-in-law will be in town during the birth, so my job will be the "Mary Poppins" sort. : )

Which I absolutely love!

I'm going armed with new recipes (we'll see what the Stickies think about paleolithic eating), some crafty projects, and supplies to make a few baby booties and possibly another sweater.

Let's not forget my sweater for The Summer Sweater Knit a Long! I'm halfway through the back piece and am slowly but surely knitting along! I'd really like to finish soon as I am excited to wear this very sweet sweater (the entire outfit is planned already!). I'll also be working on some new items for the shop, some fun summer things to keep it interesting. : )

I'd love to squeeze in some reading time but with everything else I'm not sure that's possible, do you have times like that? I am plenty of half-finished books on the shelf and for the most part, that's where they are most of the time--on the shelf. I'll have to show you the new literary treasures I've found (actually my Mum spotted them first) at some recent estate sales; one is an illustrated first edition of Cranford and the other is an edition of Jane Eyre--nope, haven't fully read either copy yet! But I can assure you, they are treasured even if they aren't read!

Happy Summer Giveaway {Reminder}

{Design*Sponge}

Here's your reminder about the first giveaway held on this blog!

Remember, it's apart of the Happy Summer giveaway

from Sarah at forgiven. love much

July 1st and 2nd you'll comment on

this Happy Summer! post to win

two skeins of Italian Merino wool!

Be sure to read for all the fun details; the contest will close at midnight,

July 2nd so you'd better act fact for this one!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. : )

Wedding Thoughts

Saturday was my first wedding to be something other than a flower girl or guest.
I was very honored to assist in planning the wedding of a sweet friend and learned many things like corsage making, tulle draping, plant renting, planning, and making excel sheets (new favorite hobby).

We took this time that we were all spit shined and dressy to take some family pictures.

My family, along with the happy Bride and Groom--don't they look smashing?

Here are our dear friends/partners in crime.

They were instant wedding help and we really couldn't have gone smoothly without them;

like crazy people, we went over to their house after the wedding was over and staying long into the night just relaxing and talking.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience and I hope to do it again sometime.

Hello Tuesday

{the Edible Dom--who is not just one, he's two now!}

So, my weekend was filled with plans, checklists, flower arranging,

witnessing sweet, wedded bliss, and lots of Odwalla drinks (Okay, just two ;).

It was positively wonderful--but more on that later!

{Not only does he melt your heart, but he plays croquet too.}

For now, here are some updates on what's been going on.

Currently in my knitting bag are: an eggplant hat for a wee Webb addition and the beginnings of my second baby sweater! I'm using this five hour project from Ravelry and I just love it.

Pictures to come...

{Dommi and Nani, with the remainders of his mohawk.}

{Lucy Pevin--I mean, Mia, with a hearty battle cry on her tongue.}

{Sophie}

Yes, you may have guessed, we're headed to Austin tomorrow for Dom's birthday (Didn't I tell you we're part gypsy?), that means fresh pictures of the stickies, lots of hugs, reading books aloud, playing lots of imaginary games, gluten-free bakery testing, and homemade tortillas

--God is good.

And How Does That Make You Feel?

{My dear Maggie, who used to be my affectionate sleeping buddy

and is now a free and mouse-catching farm cat.}

Today I've started studying for my psychology exam, yep, that's what I said too.

Though I'm only in the first 48 pages of the textbook, I must confess that I'm finding

it all terribly interesting, despite the liberal leanings, I'm really enjoying it so far.

However, after reading the first 48 pages, I'm thinking that now would be a good time

to begin reading Jay Adam's Competent to Counsel, which I'm told is an excellent

resource for Biblical counseling.

More thoughts on psychology and Freud are soon to come, I'm sure. ;)

Aside from that, this week is devoted to purchasing the edible and non-edible goods for the wedding, as well as sewing beads to trim a certain veil. As I love multi-tasking, I've been listening to the fascinating mysteries of Sherlock Holmes while I sew, it's so entertaining!

I'm still (slowly but surely, just like the turtle) working of projects for the newest addition to my sister's family. An eggplant hat and green sweater are in order, as well as, booties and diaper covers (in times past they were wool sweaters).

As gifts, I will be knitting this beautiful Cedar Leaf shawlette

for some special ladies, isn't the pattern lovely?

All of that will go along much faster next week (read: after the wedding)!

How is your Monday looking?

Lists

{as seen on Design*Sponge}

Today I was getting ready for the day,

when I came across yesterday's "to-do" list.

I love my "To-Do" lists.

If you haven't started making them, and you'd like to be more organized

(and remember things!), then I'd highly suggest creating one for yourself.

My Dad suggested ranking my items with A, B, and C

according to the order of importance.

Mine looks something like:

Make biscotti-A (check!)

Blog-B (check!)

Read psych book-A

Get beads for project-A

Cast on N and J's hats-C

Practice piano-A

I just loving crossing things off at the end of the day.

It also helps me evaluate how much time I spend on each item and

what I need to be doing first.

I've kind of gotten to the point where things are out of mind if

they're not on "The List", it's pretty bad, BUT if they are

on "The List" then that shouldn't be a problem.

I also have a separate one for knitting and craft projects, so

that I don't get caught forgetting someone's birthday present!

How do you organize your days?

Mi Familia

Here are a few snapshots of our time at my Grandmother's.
Sophia (above) is my sister's oldest daughter and at eight years old is
very responsible and funny; I think it has something to do with her new glasses
(which are the same as her mum's)
but she's always been very funny, in a goofy kind of way. :)

Dominic (Dom) is coming into his own sweet, quirky personality
(sometimes he talks out of the corner of his mouth);
it's hard to believe that he'll be two in May but there it is!

Mia.
There is so much I could share with you about her but for now
you should know that she's four, prone to tears, and very goofy.
I think braiding her hair has a calming effect,
and she does not care for pancakes (very odd, I know).

That's my fabulous Mom and gorgeous "seester" Nicole.

And there's is a close-up of Dom's eyes,
they're blue and very captivating.


So, there you have a quick peek at our time at my Grandmother's!
The afternoon these pictures were taken was so picturesque and wonderful.
Most everyone went outside after dinner and flew a kite (very Mary Poppinsish),
then we finished the evening with some dishes of ice cream.
Very nice. :)

{Hello Again}

Well, I'm back! It was a much needed break to focus on

other things. : ) Like letter writing! That's right,

I still enjoy the lost art.

I'm excited to be working on this blog again and there are

lots of post ideas swimming around in my head!

My family and I headed up to the Texas Hill Country

for my Grandmother's birthday celebration and

some excellent family time. Mica was able to make very good

use of her new camera (more on that here);

I'll be showing some great pictures of my

nieces and nephew in future posts.

I finished my very first baby sweater!

Again, baby things are so confidence boosting and I

can't wait to show you the finished product

(hopefully on a real baby!).

There is a story that goes with it but more on that later too.

As always, food. : )

This is a new chicken soup recipe that I. just. love.

The Thai curry spice is key and it's a great

variation on the soup. A bit warm for these toasty,

windy days but it's still a great comfort food!

What have you been up to lately?

Have any of you been apart/started a book club?

I'd love to start one this summer and I'd be very

happy to know what little things you've enjoyed!

I'll bet you're wondering about those

{Dubai Covers},

well, you can stop wondering and click

on the button at the top of the page

(or here).

Just had to add that one. : )

{Rest} Riposo. Repos. Descanso.

{Sorry, source is unknown/forgotton!}

This is an example of what I will not be doing on my blogging break,
actually, I take that back, I might be knitting but probably not in a big empty room.
Sharing life with you here is pretty rad, however, a few things have taken precedence
so I must let you know of my wee blogging break!

What, you may ask?

Well, things like
our church Spring Conference (I'm so excited to hear Pastor Conrad Mbewe speak!),
assisting the wedding planning of my friend
(At last! To put the books down and help plan a real wedding),
studying and practicing piano (Beethoven, here I come!), and
driving up to the Texas hill country for my Grandmother's birthday
and have some quality time with my seester!

Life is bustling, especially now, and since I'm striving to be diligent in all that I do,
I'm declaring an official break, instead of just leaving you all hanging!
You can check the Pickwick Portfolio for other posts, videos, and thoughts that might
be had by Nicole, Mica, Caro, or myself.

So, in the meantime, I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Don't worry! The Dubai Covers will still be available for sale!
Be sure to visit the page above, {Dubai Covers},
for all of the info, details, and covers!

Hello, Union Jack

Interested in British flags? Check out this British item in the etsy shop :)


{Remember!}

Check out the {Dubai Covers} page above!

It has all of the details for purchasing and ordering

the nursing covers we made for our trip!

Today we girls bittersweetly dropped my Dad off at the airport

for his two-week business trip to the UK (yes, he's off again!).

It was bitter because we know that two weeks is a long time, and it was sweet

because of the fun things he might be able to see on the weekends,

the souvenirs he might bring back, and when he comes back to the States

we'll meet in Austin for my Grandmother's birthday party.

As I'm looking at the schedule for the next few weeks, I know that the

time will pass very quickly (though not quickly enough for some of my family!).

Unfortunately he won't be in the London area this time, so he won't be able to

attend church at the Metropolitan Tabernacle but this gives him an

opportunity to visit some churches in the northern part of England.

It's also exciting because that part of the country is so chock full of things to do

and history to relive; just about every town has a wall to walk around, an old

church to visit, and a tower to climb. Like in the U.S., you can do just

about anything for a few £'s. There will be plenty to do for him on the weekends!

If you should have the inclination, Dr. Peter Masters has most of his

sermons available on sermonaudio.com and

it's a great companion for the evenings!

So, in the meantime, I'll be working on a video project for this blog and will

be posting the details-hopefully-later this week!

If You Lived in Mi Casa

You'd be drinking a "It's Good For You" green

smoothie from a diner coffee cup

(And you'd love it because it tastes like a

banana milkshake with a slight hint of cilantro!).

...listening to your sister play

this wonderful violin piece by Massenet...

...watching the Bluebonnets cheer up the flower bed...

...enjoying the last bloom of the ranunculuse...

...and you'd be most grateful sister's who do

morning dishes cheerfully!

And that's what it be like if you lived in my home today.

Meet the Green-Eyed Sticky

{The first-born of my sister's offspring, Sophia--or Sophie as her Tia's call her}

This is Sophia (The Green-Eyed Sticky).
She is small and very funny.
Yep, those green eyes are very real and very captivating.
I think she does a fabulous job sporting the newest birthday crown, made for a special little someone.
Want to order one? No prob, just head on over to the shop and let me know--I'd love to recreate something in the shop or perhaps you already have an idea in mind? I'd love to work with you!

There are lots of things being checked off my "To-Knit" list, good thing too because there are things being added!
Check out the {on the needles} page to see what I've done and what is still in the works.

What projects are you working on?
In this season of my life there are many wee ones to make things for.

Recently I've had a flurry of ideas for my sisters baby-to-be

and today a larger scale project has been brewing in the back of my mind,

here are the keywords:

Planes. Mica. Fabric. Sweet Friends.

Stay tuned.

{A packaged good for a customer ready to be shipped!}

p.s. I came across these adorable, comfy looking shoes;

it's never too early for birthdays you know ;)