Harvest Lane Cottage

Two of my favorites— knitting and reading This week: The Value of Home in Everyone's Life Between Two Shores Reyna shawl in Wendy's Wonders hand-dyed fingering yarn Copy Cat CC Beanie in Knit Picks Swish worsted wool Hello again! It's so good to talk with you again. I love it when you write back to me. I try to answer as many comments as I can. I don't always answer in order, because I usually answer as I get the email notifications.  It's been quite the busy week. I've spent time with my husband and with all of my children. I only have four, but two are out of the nest, and one little birdie spends a lot of time at university and teaching private music lessons. I cherish the time I have with my littlest birdie. Even she performs at residential care homes and has a part-time job. My nest isn't empty yet, but the day is coming. I've been finding ways to spread my wings a bit. Y'all know that I've got a great group of ladies that I...

I usually have a goal of reading 50 books a year. Last year I came dreadfully short. Why? In a word—knitting. This week: Light Between Oceans Reyna shawl in Wendy's Wonders hand-dyed fingering yarn Copy Cat CC Beanie in Knit Picks Swish worsted wool This year, I decided that I needed to be more realistic when I set my GoodReads goal. I thought about it and decided that a book every ten days is reasonable instead of a book a week. It will still stretch me to use those snatched moments, but it won't keep me from knitting, too.  You've seen the books that I plan to read on my Winter Reading List. Some of my knitting friends have joined a challenge to complete nine projects this year. I am not setting a goal for projects. I am just knitting along at my own pace. So far, I've completed three hats. I have one hat and one shawl on the needles. This is a Bankhead hat. It is actually an army green. It's not showing up the right color on my scree...

Hi y'all!  Just so you know, I'm going to be away from the computer for a few days. I've had some wonderful comments over the last week or so, but I haven't been able to respond to everyone.  I expect to be back to blogging next week sometime. I should finish my third knitting project by then.  I'll swipe my husband's phone and take a photo. Enough for now, just wanted to let you know what's up.  I hope you have a wonderful week ending! Laura Getting a little extra R & R, knitting, and reading time!

Hello!   Last year I did a lot of charity knitting. I made hats for the cancer center, for Samaritan's Purse Christmas Shoeboxes, and the infant clothing ministry where my step-mom Annie volunteers. Here are a few of the hats that I made in November and December this year. I wrapped these up as a gift to Annie. I'll show you what I've done since the first of the year later this week. God bless you all! What's on your needles? Blessings, Laura Shared with: Inspire Me Tuesday Over the Moon Crafting On  

Good new year to you! I don't have any resolutions, but I am making some lists to help me focus. I find my bucket lists really help me do some things I want to do but may not make time for each season. Having it all here in front of y'all makes me feel like I have a wee bit of accountability. Do I have time to sit around and read all the time? Absolutely not! Do I read more when I use snatched moments when I'm waiting for this or that? Absolutely! Use your moments even if you wish for hours. Karen Andreola's new book, Mother Culture, is now available!  I've received my copy and cannot wait to set aside a bit of time to begin reading it. I love Karen's books. Even if you don't homeschool, I have a feeling you will find suggestions that will make afternoons, evenings, and weekends more meaningful for you and your family. My children are all grown. My youngest is 17, but I look forward to reading this for what it can mean for me and my culture! ...

MY WINTER BUCKET LIST 2019 Last year, I was facing more cancer treatments.  This year, I rejoice in living. This list is about doing things that bring me joy. What will you put on your list? Write my Winter bucket list Write my Winter Reading List Put the Christmas tree away Put away the Christmas decorations Sort through my Christmas decor for discards New Year's Eve with our friends at church New Year's Eve party with my husband's associates New Year's Day with my extended family Attend a book club Review a book Smile and spread good cheer Curl up with a terrific book Drink hot tea Enjoy candle light Make chili Double feature night  Try a new tea Try a new soup Sew with friends Lunch out with a friend   Gaze into the fire in the woodstove Knit a bit     Sew Snow ice cream Train my little ...

BE CAREFUL OF FIRST WORDS! Whenever something comes up, an illness, an accident, a layoff, a bill you cannot pay, whatever, the first words you say are powerful . They are a confession of what you believe about a situation. Your mind, your family, and the enemy are listening.  Whatever your situation, no matter what goes right or wrong in the coming year,  or whom you're praying for,  be careful of first words!  Trust in the LORD!  Whatever you are facing, you all are not alone in it.  Speak truth! Facts are what you see with your eyes and hear with your ears, etc.  Truth is whatever God's Word says!   You and your family all need to speak life, healing, peace and hope.  Don't let bad words or statements start a spiral downward.  Speak God's Word! Praise and worship! Fight the good fight with worship and praise.  The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.  If you've already spoken first word...