Saturday, August 16, 2014

Tunnels... and Joy


So, the light I thought I saw at the end of the tunnel... well, it wasn't the end.  Only a mirage.  I won't bore you with the long saga, but surmise that I haven't had as much time to do the things I WANT to do versus the things I NEED to do.


However, the added stress added to the joy of doing one more basket... Good therapy, I tell you.  Good therapy.  I had a very particular color in mind for this basket... I wanted it to be the deep gold of a beautiful sunflower.


There were no big skeins of wool available that matched my vision... so, I used three strands of cotton.  It IS a little harder with three strands and cotton is a bit more difficult for me to wrangle; but, I think I love the firmness of this basket most of all!  And, I am very happy with the color!!  Sunflower, baby!  Sunflower joy!


I do have a knit project in the works... Now, for the light to be the END of the tunnel so I can get back to a more normal schedule!  ;)


I keep hearing in the back of my mind to be careful and not let the frenzy rob me of joy like a fox in the night...

I saw this little guy EARLY on Alex's birthday at the beach... he was cruising for snacks I think.

Anyway, feeling overwhelmed with life's demands can rob us of our joy if we let it...

Guard your joy. 

"Build a little fence of trust
around today;
Fill the space with loving work,
And therein stay."
~ Mary Frances Butts

blessings ~ tanna

30 comments:

Christine said...

Basket is great (love how firm it is, too).
The color is, JOY. Good reminder to ponder the joy that you do have.
Sending you hugs and prayers.

Pondside said...

Ah, Tanna, so much of what you write is familiar to me right now. I hope you will be able to take care of yourself - not let yourself be buried in care. So many other parts of your life are beautiful and love-filled....I know you let that seep in to buoy yourself.
The basket is beautiful - it must make you smile, just to look at that wonderful colour.

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

I feel you are reaching the end of your tunnel. The basket is beautiful. I wish I had one hour to sit with you so you could show me how to do this. We all need baskets to hold our worries and woes. Hugs to you.

TexWisGirl said...

sorry to hear about the setback! but i'm glad you're finding more sunny basket joy. :)

Anonymous said...

Loving all of your baskets. Can't wait to try some of my own.

steph said...

you really DID capture that sunflower color...and how perfect it will be as a reminder of summer fun when winter descends. Remember to ....breathe......that light will eventually REALLY be at the end of the tunnel!!!!

Catherine Holman said...

What a cheerful color and I love the three strand idea.

SImple and Serene Living said...

The basket is gorgeous and love the fox photo. xo Laura

Sandy said...

Love sunflowers and yes, this basket is a good reminder. The color is perfect. Things will get better soon. Concentrate on the good. :0)

xx oo

Annette T. said...

The colors in the basket are fantastic, and love the sunflower pillow. I think God created crafts, whether it be painting, knitting, crocheting, scrap booking, writing, you name it, but they were created for us to use to calm us down in times of heaviness. So good to see you posting once again.

Amy at love made my home said...

So beautiful. I love the colour, it is sunshine and light personified. xx

Amanda said...

Isn't that the truth - busyness can most definitely rob of the joy if we aren't careful. Countdown is on. See you soon! xoxo Love you!

Betsy Brock said...

Great thoughts...be content in the moment you are in!

Love the basket..beautiful!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

This is my favorite basket yet...beautiful color!
So many things do try to rob us of our joy. Hope you are seeing the light (at the end of the tunnel) very soon. Take care!

Unknown said...

A beautiful colour for a basket, thankyou for sharing your pics, I think I will make this today :)) It is a stunning day here in my home town.. cold but beautiful the daffies are smiling and so yellow it makes one smile :)) hugs pat in tas :))

Deb said...

Beautiful basket! Made me smile...keep your joy sweet friend

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I love that basket but don't know how you worked it up with that many strands. The cotton yarn is already pretty thick to begin with. I've had the pattern sitting in my browser since I read your last posts so that I could try and make one but haven't done so yet. Will make great gift baskets to fill with lovely things. I started back to school today and informed my boss that I have a new policy ... no more overtime. I don't get paid for it and am tired of putting in extra. He wholeheartedly agreed. :) My aim is not to rush, not to stress. Take each day, each task as it comes. Slow but sure. Best wishes, Tammy

Mereknits said...

It is so easy to get overwhelmed with life isn't it? I think that bright, beautiful basket is just what you needed to set things straight. I think I might need one too, in that very same color.
Hugs,
Meredith

Kerin said...

Hello sweet friend,
Truly, that sunny, warm yellow colored basket is my favorite. Yes, indeed, you have captured the color of sunflowers, and happiness!!

Each one of your baskets are beautiful, and charming... but that one is just so "happy".

My thoughts and best wishes I send to you, that you may get through this storm, by adjusting your sails, and looking ever so diligently towards the horizon.

Love the quote by Mary Frances Butts. That is one, I shall write on my hall chalkboard. It's a good reminder to stay anxiously engaged in good works.

May this day be blessed.....

K.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

The basket is lovely. It does indeed remind me of the beauty of a sunflower! :) Oh I like your new knit that you have started as well. :)

Just keep knitting and hooking and the fox will run away and leave you with joy!

Blessings always sweet friend. :)

Stitchy Mc Floss said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Betsy Banks Adams said...

Love love love the bright yellow basket... Yellow is my favorite summer color...

Slow down ---and get some of that stress off of you!!!! Life is too short to be stressed.... (Coming from an ole woman who has BEEN THERE... ha)

Hugs,
Betsy

Tricia Buice said...

What a beautiful message in your post today. I do let those things rob me of joy - so much on my plate and most of which are not the things I want to do. Lovely, beautiful basket - I would like to order two please! Haha - let me know when you open your art shop - I'm ready to make a few purchases :)

Sharon Lee Smith said...

I must tell you that the color of that basket puts a big smile on my face. Such a happy basket.

Yarnism said...

The basket is beautiful!!!...May you always be happy and cheerful like the sunshine color of your basket...

"Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!" - I Peter 1:6

God bless,
Sabrina

karen said...

wow! you got a photo of a fox! lucky you :) Love the bright cheerful basket, beautiful!

podso said...

You must feel like you are trudging up hill. I'm glad your knitting and crocheting bring you some respite. And I love, love the sunflower basket. What a color! And three stands--sounds a bit challenging but I bet it's firm. I'm really hooked on my little baskets/bowls now.

Elisabeth said...

That basket is so cute! I love the color, so bright!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love the color and design of this basket, Tanna! It is so bright and cheerful--like a sunflower!

I know how life can be so stressful--I've had my share this summer of challenges, but I still feel so wonderfully blessed that I won't let myself dwell on the challenges--only the blessings. That helps!

California Girl said...

the orange is so bright and cheerful. it really jumps out to hug you (waxing poetic).

are you still painting or has the move put that on the back burner?

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the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
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