Paper Roses..........well, almost

A few weeks back, while doing some fabric shopping, I came across a kit for making different kinds of tissue paper flowers on clearance. I couldn't resist buying it and giving it a try. I'd made the pom-pom style flowers before, but had never seen the five petal balloon flowers at all - let alone made any. They were easy and fun. It was a good activity to do while watching a movie. Not quiet sure what I will do with my new bouquet, but it does brighten up the pre-spring dreariness.

Sweet Land

While I've been recuperating, I decided to surf netflix and found a lovely movie that I had never heard of. It's the sweet story set during the end of WWII in Minnesota. It's about a German girl who is a mail order bride. She speaks very little English and finds her soon-to-be husband is a quiet, somewhat cold man. Because of the war with Germany, she is met with suspicion and their marriage is put off until she becomes proficient in English. During this time, she lives with a neighbor, learns some homemaking skills, but feels very alone. She eventually asserts herself with her husband-to-be and they make a life together.

This is NOT a movie of action or adventure. It's a sweet slice of history and brings out the everyday beauty of hard work in the home and on the farm. The scenery is breathtaking. My personal favorite is the part when Brownie makes a pie - beautiful cinematography!! It's full of hardships, loneliness, unjust judgement, and working through difficulties - the things that are universal to us all. If you have a lazy afternoon and want a thoughtful movie, give it a try!

Down Time

I've been laid up for the last few days. Knowing that this was coming, I made big plans to allow myself to do those things that take place while sitting. You see, I am one of those people that have a hard time sitting still. I think I have a little too much of my dad in me. I feel somewhat useless unless I'm actively busy. So, I had planned a guilt free list of things that I could do while laid up - hand work, planning fun get-togethers, and some reading.

The last few days have not been what I had thought. A few complicatioons have set me back a little, but I'm looking forward to some time doing the things that I usually don't take time to do. Being busy isn't always best and sitting, once in awhile, can be the rejuvenation that is needed.