tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80550399715140418002024-03-13T18:54:58.112-07:00Storybook LandClassical Literature, Fairy Tales, True Stories, and More!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04040705421228184515noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8055039971514041800.post-73873824832931118582018-03-16T05:53:00.002-07:002018-03-16T05:53:47.162-07:00Rapunzel<br />
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“<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rapunzel,
Rapunzel, letdown your hair to me!” Oh, the familiar words from the
immortal tale! We know the story well, but let us contemplate the
depth of what is really happening in this fairy tale. I have said it
before and I will say it again: Many read these stories aimlessly and
frivolously, oblivious to the deeper underlying principle, truth, and
lesson contained therein.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let
us contemplate what is really happening in this story. A young
couple is anticipating the birth of their child. They are poor and
the wife is hungry. They see a garden with delectable vegetation of
which they greatly want to feast. The husband wants to be sure his
wife has plenty to eat, especially since she is expecting a baby
soon. He steals of the luscious food rather than asking because he
fears the owner—a witch. But this caused him more harm than if he
had simply asked. “It is easier to ask forgiveness than
permission.” Now they will lose their daughter when she is born.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now
let us analyze the old woman. Yes, she is wicked, but she is also a
person, and people are emotional beings. Perhaps she had never
experienced love in her life. Now she covets love and does whatever
it takes to get it. But she doesn't have a loving heart. She hurts
others in order to get it. It is artificial. She wants to create
her own world with Rapunzel as she raises her in a lonely castle,
trapped and secluded from society. The old woman wants Rapunzel only
for herself. It is fear that does this: fear that she may lose her.
The witch must hold on to her tightly and let no one else in-- in to
this world she has created for the two of them. The statement “let
down your hair to me” is symbolic of “submission to me and no one
else” and rebellion against the natural order of things. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Are
we like the woman in this fairy tale? Do we have a hard time letting
go? How are our relationships? Parents can often have a hard time
letting go—letting go of sons and daughters. The child feel
trapped in a castle with no doors. They are captive. The
relationship between the child and parent is rocky as a result. The
young person feels like a canary in a cage and wants more than
anything to get out and to be free. Eventually they do get out and
never want to see the “old woman” again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
prince does come in time, and Rapunzel wants more than anything to
experience freedom and real love—love that is not selfish but pure
and selfless. She finds it in the prince. She does not mind that he
is blind, nor does he mind that her long locks have been taken away.
Some day the prince will come whether we like it or not. Better to
let go and live. Because Rapunzel was not the only one locked in a
castle. Yes, the witch could leave and come back, but she was still
trapped in that castle in a another sense. She could never truly
enjoy Rapunzel because she had to hide her and clench her tightly in
the grips of selfishness. How much better it is to share with others
that precious ruby. How much better it is to let go and live. </span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS, cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="font-family: algerian, fantasy;"><b>A
Word from Ollie</b></span> </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whooo,
Whooo! It is I, Ollie Owl again. I just love to hear a good fairy
tale. I had never pondered that aspect of <i>Rapunzel</i> before.
Have you? I have , however sat here in the forest and seen a lot of
things over the years. A lot of enchanting and fantastic things have
happened in this forest. Princes and princesses seem to frequent this
setting on a regular basis it seems. Hmm? Perhaps it is the
seclusion or <b>sequestered</b> location. <span style="font-weight: normal;">I
like the word </span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sequestered.</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
It is a good word to describe a forest –or many of things for that
matter—that are secluded or far away from busy places. Why not use
the word </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">sequestered</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
today. I think you will enjoy it. Well, dawn will be here soon, so
it is time for me to find a fat rat to feast upon before sunrise.
Bye for now. “Hoot”les !</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS, cursive;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: comic sans ms, cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff00;">The
Crafty Corner</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: algerian, fantasy;"><b>
</b></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><b><span style="background: #ffff00;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
is springtime. . . or soon will be. How about a creative Easter
Bunny craft? This Bunny I made from white fake fur fabric and felt.
I had an old pattern I used to do it. I think the colours are good
ones. He is just the right size to put in an Easter basket too! One
tip to keep in mind if you ever make this rabbit (or a similar one)
is to put cardboard in the ears before attaching them. They are then
more solid and will stand up better—unless of course you want a
floppy-eared rabbit. Use felt for the eyes and nose. Embroider the
face.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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Notice the lap stitch to give embroidered look.</div>
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Felt was used for the eyes, nose, tooth; embroidered mouth</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 16pt;">You can find this rabbit and other crafts I have made by going
to
</span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545510192/white-rabbit-plush-easter-bunny-stuffed?ref=shop_home_feat_2" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16pt;">https://www.etsy.com/listing/545510192/white-rabbit-plush-easter-bunny-stuffed?ref=shop_home_feat_2</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Or
you may visit
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/doyle4education/crafts-i-make-to-sell/">https://www.pinterest.com/doyle4education/crafts-i-make-to-sell/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="background: #00cc00;">HAPPY
ST. PATRICK'S DAY!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Here
are some St. Patrick's Day crafts that are fun to do. For details
about these and other crafts go to
<a href="https://happyhomefairy.com/st-patricks-day-crafts/">https://happyhomefairy.com/st-patricks-day-crafts/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: large;">So get those creative juicy
flowing and create, create, create!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;">Book
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
really enjoy the stories of Bill Pete. He is one of those classic
storybook writers and illustrators. He is a rare breed. He wrote
</span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
illustrated his books. He worked for Disney for many years doing the
storyboards used by animators. </span></span><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Ant and the Elephant</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is one of his original stories. It is a story about helpfulness and
kindness, good deeds that are often done but go unnoticed. It also
contrasts the disparity of a small creature, such as an ant, to that
of a big one like the elephant. We all are important in this world
and have a part to sing in the chorus of life.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04040705421228184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8055039971514041800.post-22357480204752977192018-02-15T07:44:00.000-08:002018-02-15T14:54:29.279-08:00Sleeping Beauty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuITTHBU7F4toSH35cy6A5OM3jh0wo-cB9RqHPgNqOtFxOiV_QuYau3cBvqOfznUC5tefgRK6OKkPx7vNaiHXFb24qwDPV5gS5dN9zSYgm8SXVKSZpnNCqEKXYPRVEsku94LgrOiHKNu7S/s1600/sleeping-beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuITTHBU7F4toSH35cy6A5OM3jh0wo-cB9RqHPgNqOtFxOiV_QuYau3cBvqOfznUC5tefgRK6OKkPx7vNaiHXFb24qwDPV5gS5dN9zSYgm8SXVKSZpnNCqEKXYPRVEsku94LgrOiHKNu7S/s320/sleeping-beauty.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Famous
among fairy tales, <i>Sleeping Beauty </i>is most likely familiar to
all of us and popularized through such medians at the film and
entertainment industry. But take a second look at the original story
and you may find some details perhaps you had not seen before.
Ponder them.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">The
King and Queen wanted a child very much, but had failed to produce
one. One day a frog creeps out of the water and declares to
them,“Your wish shall be fulfilled. You shall have a daughter.”
They had their child as well as a feast after she was born at the
christening of this miracle child. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Guests
were invited to the child's christening, including the Wise Women
from the kingdom. These Wise Women were able to bestow magical
gifts; but one Wise Women was not invited because there were thirteen
of them and only twelve golden plates for them to eat upon. After
the feast, the Wise Women showered their gifts upon the baby:
virtue,beauty, riches, etc. Eleven of them had given their gifts
when Wise Woman number thirteen stormed in, angry for not having been
invited. She said, “The King's daughter shall prick herself on a
spindle in her fifteenth year and fall down dead!” But Wise Woman
number twelve had not given her gift, after which she said, “It
shall not be death but only sleep lasting one hundred years.” </span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh-aAFnntGZsl4JmgZc3NF5vuGnRAVeMio8v3quFV6po6l47ZhRPTo-dDp8r7cjFIHMqOEvrkMRh3NlL_6QcRgO6WeNBy2fsO6kIohzJzysG9snx43WZ1EK6h_WHQ9_6083HhCzPI_jl_/s1600/ceef81ec013afcd3b0c65b5557714977--brothers-grimm-fairytale-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="736" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnh-aAFnntGZsl4JmgZc3NF5vuGnRAVeMio8v3quFV6po6l47ZhRPTo-dDp8r7cjFIHMqOEvrkMRh3NlL_6QcRgO6WeNBy2fsO6kIohzJzysG9snx43WZ1EK6h_WHQ9_6083HhCzPI_jl_/s320/ceef81ec013afcd3b0c65b5557714977--brothers-grimm-fairytale-art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">So
the King gave orders to burn all spindles in the kingdom. Rose-Briar
(for that was the name given to the King's daughter) approached her
fifteenth birthday. On that day though, her parents were gone.
[Isn't that ironic? Her parents are gone the day of her birthday?
But that is the way the story unfolds.] Rose-Briar was curious while
her parents were out and decided to explore chambers of the castle
she had never gone. She climbed the stairs to the tower and found a
door with a rusty key in the keyhole. She opened the door and found
a women spinning flax. Rose-Briar was curious and wanted to learn to
spin as well. She touched the spindle, pricked her finger, and fell
down upon a bed into a deep sleep. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">All
about the castle, the court, and the barnyard fell to sleep as
well—even the animals and the trees. All fell into a deep sleep.
Thorns grew 'round the castle walls and continued to grow for 100
years till they grew up to the top of the castle's highest turret.
Briar-Rose slept. From time to time throughout the sleepy century,
sons came to try to get through the hedge of thorns and into the
castle; but it was impossible, and they died trying to get loose from
the thorns.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahK2io-VlYd-z9bzf-CrTOKKY_8uiJOiqcpAAkqqJu_LZ9U7KjBTt09gYwz6TYxrrQAX-x5XSGVAt1Dg4xdnh64l5vC4vvg8sbmBe_4Kxc3EhsAkYXpEMO37_f2HsJXYdWTmkK9R-_Lhf/s1600/images+%25288%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahK2io-VlYd-z9bzf-CrTOKKY_8uiJOiqcpAAkqqJu_LZ9U7KjBTt09gYwz6TYxrrQAX-x5XSGVAt1Dg4xdnh64l5vC4vvg8sbmBe_4Kxc3EhsAkYXpEMO37_f2HsJXYdWTmkK9R-_Lhf/s1600/images+%25288%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Many
years pass. A king's son comes along and hears a man talking about
the hedge of thorns and the beautiful princess said to be asleep for
100 years. He also said that many king's sons in the past have
attempted to get through the thorns but died in their arduous
attempts. The youth said, “I will go see the Briar-Rose. I am not
afraid.” The old man tried to dissuade him, but the young man
would not listen.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">He
came to the overgrown castle wall. The boy could pass through
because it had been 100 years and the thorns had turned to large
beautiful flowers. Once he passed through though, they turned once
again to thorns. As he approached the castle yard, all was as it was
100 years ago—even to the maid sitting by the black hen just ready
to pluck it—frozen in time. The kings court was asleep, and he
walked on past till he came to the tower door.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">He
walked up the stairs of the tower till he came to the door where
Briar-Rose was. He opened the door. There she lay asleep and
beautiful. He stooped down and gave her a kiss. She immediately
awoke and looked at him with a sweet expression. The King, Queen,
the entire court, and all awoke. The hounds jumped and wagged their
tails. Then the king's son married Briar-Rose, and they live happily
together for the rest of their lives.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">******************************************************</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;">This
story brings to life in a fanciful way the dangers of being an
overprotective parent. Briar-Rose was the King and Queen's miracle
child. They were not able to have a child, but finally they were
blessed with one. This made her all the more precious. Her
parents knew about these Wise Women with miracle gifts and that one of
the women was evil. That is why she was not invited to the
christening—not the fact that there were only twelve plates. After
all, I am sure the King and Queen could have procured one more golden
plate if they really wanted to. By seeking to protect their child
from any contact from Wise Woman number thirteen, they created a
bigger problem. Children need the guidance of their parents, but
they also need exposure with the world in order to face it, deal with
it, and make wise decisions. Rather than ridding the kingdom of all
spindles, could not the parents have instructed their daughter to
stay away from such spindles belonging to enchantresses and NEVER to
touch them.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;">In
the end, goodness and mercy prevailed. Many today doubt this truth
because of the ostensible dominance of evil in our day; however,
there </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;"><i><u>IS</u></i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "monotype corsiva" , cursive;">
still much good—and the end has not yet come. We may have to
endure “100 years,” but one day the King's son will come and the
princess will awake.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="font-family: "algerian" , fantasy;"><b>A
Word from Ollie</b></span> </span></span></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5MU9G1qi-ViEPJ1YQcOfrJws23I6l_0iqg1I1jOschwPritRaYqAmNUL3khUiaQ7sXysWMm8vIoveI6CTVOMEZqxGX8R5fhG3f38EFjrgG1c4pyRxp4OHoMHN3Xq8ehhmTIsVeArNrep/s1600/DSC05042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5MU9G1qi-ViEPJ1YQcOfrJws23I6l_0iqg1I1jOschwPritRaYqAmNUL3khUiaQ7sXysWMm8vIoveI6CTVOMEZqxGX8R5fhG3f38EFjrgG1c4pyRxp4OHoMHN3Xq8ehhmTIsVeArNrep/s320/DSC05042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Whoo,
Whoooo! Ollie Owl here again. Never thought of the tale of Sleeping
Beauty that way before. Have you? Great story, don't you think?</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">How
about the word </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><i><u>ostensible</u></i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">?
If it isn't in your chest of vocabulary words, put it in there. It
means “apparent, seeming, or professed.” It can describe
something stated to be true but about which some may have doubts. So
put that in your vocabulary chest if you need to. Finding just the
right word to describe something can give that shade of meaning
needed to express yourself accurately, clearly, and colorfully. I
learned a lot of words by writing down the meanings and memorizing
them whenever I came across an unfamiliar word in a book. Becoming a
wise owl takes work and experience. </span></span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><b><span style="background: #ffff00;">The
Crafty Corner</span></b></span> </span></span></span>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkO_QNpMtcNebg93BMpenUu6sh48OzooHuJrmiNMOTUsqan85uICF5ZlL0aqpgGlqkzlkSQrTdFfnZiG98sbdv07qdvXvRFVdFRkBtMScFhFCFEVV3Gmod9nQ0or4Ze_x6tzu4V_pQBDq/s1600/DSC05111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkO_QNpMtcNebg93BMpenUu6sh48OzooHuJrmiNMOTUsqan85uICF5ZlL0aqpgGlqkzlkSQrTdFfnZiG98sbdv07qdvXvRFVdFRkBtMScFhFCFEVV3Gmod9nQ0or4Ze_x6tzu4V_pQBDq/s320/DSC05111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Here
is something I recently made: a little heart person for Valentine's
Day. May need to make a girl one too. I didn't have a pattern for
this doll. I simply drew the pattern onto paper and cut it out.
Then I used </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><i>that</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">
pattern to trace the pieces onto the fabric. After that, I sewed it
together and stuffed it. The body is made of felt, and the gingham
arms and legs are made of cotton.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-ngqdpuvu5xEKwarkFonTUzVsV4XmYFyeiS3LFfPHkISxvLBWYIXPc5Tq3o5AHshK63x3a3bVr5zxdu2XtAhmve7Hfz2KT_czO__5c6mNOv8Qjfuzu2xc69azEr8hVg2ARkw3jC8TZYI/s1600/DSC05108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-ngqdpuvu5xEKwarkFonTUzVsV4XmYFyeiS3LFfPHkISxvLBWYIXPc5Tq3o5AHshK63x3a3bVr5zxdu2XtAhmve7Hfz2KT_czO__5c6mNOv8Qjfuzu2xc69azEr8hVg2ARkw3jC8TZYI/s320/DSC05108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mWzHV5g7BSDHsPGu3-ySAW9vsmX2f2C1lKaS1iFktKB7cbDr020NYkJ7Ld7-wIB0FYLlmAKjeU7bNHM5G2O7OuApXAPyfpB_1gffWe5P_gdCi_l_cRW_9pCxyP6EDwoDnLhm2Uv5YEZs/s1600/DSC05109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mWzHV5g7BSDHsPGu3-ySAW9vsmX2f2C1lKaS1iFktKB7cbDr020NYkJ7Ld7-wIB0FYLlmAKjeU7bNHM5G2O7OuApXAPyfpB_1gffWe5P_gdCi_l_cRW_9pCxyP6EDwoDnLhm2Uv5YEZs/s200/DSC05109.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 22pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;">Book
of the Month</span></b></span></span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjatZ4zlqs7TOYkSbHdcR4MpEKrWwHPvvnhVjuQ6ILYOceREZIQ5m9evwcarr18r-jhUFa8wguJhpMRWI5gL3BoNT3YSrm3fMV87IwIZfvGq-JHx4e2492H3DrhRlZjwBkAvI-W2dX1DlK/s1600/RCGT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjatZ4zlqs7TOYkSbHdcR4MpEKrWwHPvvnhVjuQ6ILYOceREZIQ5m9evwcarr18r-jhUFa8wguJhpMRWI5gL3BoNT3YSrm3fMV87IwIZfvGq-JHx4e2492H3DrhRlZjwBkAvI-W2dX1DlK/s320/RCGT.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "comic sans ms" , cursive;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><i><b>The
Golden Thread</b></i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><i>
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">is
an allegorical story written by Norman MacLeod back in 1861. It is a short book that
packs a powerful punch. It has the style that says “fairy tale”
with King and his son, the dangers of the Hemlock Forest, a magical
thread, and the battle of good and evil. A creative story it truly
is. What character is taught throughout---courage, endurance,
steadfastness, patience in the midst of temptations of disobedience,
laziness, selfishness, and untruthfulness! What will the king's son
Phillip do? Will he make is through the dangers of the forest? Will
he continue to hold on to the thread? Will he succumb to the
temptations along the way? Will he be true to his father? Great
story for children and adults alike. Read it today.</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04040705421228184515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8055039971514041800.post-83693595073915641542018-01-17T06:17:00.000-08:002018-02-09T03:48:05.680-08:00Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS34zAFRccySBgisYdG9qX-I8xwNybnGdLiRM13Hhc0T6goUzmFmYcUR1n39P6RUE4SEFw95TRggtDzUEw173FGRNiFOv8Yt6rb3L-Wvq1uf_PPa6sIoXcvUfDNZZzCGHVksOYVQAVzJo/s1600/Snow-White-and-the-seven-dwarfs-grimms-fairy-tales-38386633-761-450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="761" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS34zAFRccySBgisYdG9qX-I8xwNybnGdLiRM13Hhc0T6goUzmFmYcUR1n39P6RUE4SEFw95TRggtDzUEw173FGRNiFOv8Yt6rb3L-Wvq1uf_PPa6sIoXcvUfDNZZzCGHVksOYVQAVzJo/s400/Snow-White-and-the-seven-dwarfs-grimms-fairy-tales-38386633-761-450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">The chill of winter can be
harsh, but the comfort of hot cocoa helps. So it is in the tale Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs. Most of us have heard and know the story
well; but what inspires such a tale in the first place? Why was it
written? Though the Grimm Brothers wrote it down at the beginning of
the 19<sup>th</sup> century, it may have been inspired long ago by
Roman legend. But what is it's purpose for it's hearers now?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The queen truly does have
a heart that is ice-cold. She is wicked and seemingly heartless.
Such a character must have had hurts in her life. This is often
where bitterness and wrath stems. Her problem lies in her pride and
jealousy that overtakes her. She wants to be and continue to be the
“fairest in the land.” But beauty is vain. The flower of one's
youth eventually dies: beauty fades with time. Christina Rossetti put it well when she penned the following:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> While roses are so red, while lilies are so white,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> Shall a woman exalt her face because it brings delight?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> She's not so sweet as a rose; a lilly's straighter than she,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> And if she were as red or white she'd be but one of three.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> Whether she flush in love's summer or in its winter grow pale,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> Whether sh flaunt her beauty or hide it away in a veil,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> Be she red or white, and stand she erect or bowed,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"> Time will win the race he runs with her and hide her away in a shroud.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Physical beauty is transient, but true beauty comes
from within and is eternal. The wicked queen's heart is vile and certainly
lacks any beauty at all.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Snow White on the other
hand is an innocent child who does not even fully comprehend—I
don't think—the fullness of her own beauty. She is humble and
sincere. She is as white as snow. Snow often represents purity and
virtue. The Biblical theme of purity is expressed in the Bible
stating “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as
snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like
wool.”—Isaiah 1:18 </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The dwarfs in this tale
can represent justice. They possess great love toward Snow White and
see her innocence and frailty as one who needs protection from the
evil queen. They are willing to risk their lives for her regardless
of their diminutive stature—of course dwarfs in many fairy tales
are linked to special abilities and powers—; however, they do not
directly manifest them in this story. They are the heroes of the
tale, and they think not of their own selves, but rather, that which
protects the princess. When after three attempts of ridding the
world of Snow White the wicked queen is seemingly successful, the
dwarfs pursue her in an attempt to avenge for her wicked actions.
These dwarfs represent truth, justice, and vengeance for wrong.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It is love that that
breaks the spell at the end, a theme common in many fairy tales.
Love is much more powerful than evil. Light always <i>breaks</i> the
darkness. True love is powerful. The greatest love is greater than
any evil and conquers even death.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "algerian" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 27pt;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">A
Word from Ollie</b></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "algerian" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 27pt;"><b style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></b></span></span></span>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Whoo, Whoo! Me
again, Ollie Owl. I have heard of the story of </span><i style="font-size: large;">Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs </i><span style="font-size: medium;">many times in my day, but I now have additional
thoughts to ponder regarding it. What a tale! I live in the the
forest and can relate to this story quite well. I like to think that
it happened in a place nearby, where I live and rest my head in
yonder holler tree! Imagine the dwarfs traversing the woods up the
way and a scared, curious girl rummaging through this
thicket. The imagination is a wonderful thing—a tool to creatively
inscribe the lessons of life through the ages.</span></div>
</div>
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<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "curlz mt" , fantasy;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-size: 29pt;"><b>The
Crafty Corner</b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Back in March
2017 I featured a cloth doll I was working on. At the time, the doll </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">was not completed, but I was completing the clothes. I was in China
teaching English and had made a number of dolls; but I did not want
to stuff and complete them entirely, lest I be unable to fit them in
my cases on my return to the U.S.A. Let me share with you one of
those dolls.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_s3X6reEiZVmR6KzCnP_AHMgmUzCG6KPO_wDbABkthfJUv0z7f17d3Tr8h_LAoJMDX4DBMMpxjPJNPVTZ_KI7xIW8OzO52WvmaAxWATPe4_5xZ0XYADWvF3nHiPbIP6X7M3O67nLD2-d/s1600/DSC05032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_s3X6reEiZVmR6KzCnP_AHMgmUzCG6KPO_wDbABkthfJUv0z7f17d3Tr8h_LAoJMDX4DBMMpxjPJNPVTZ_KI7xIW8OzO52WvmaAxWATPe4_5xZ0XYADWvF3nHiPbIP6X7M3O67nLD2-d/s320/DSC05032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;">This
is a folk art doll in style; however, rather than painting the face
as is common in this style, I used embroidery floss to create the
detail of the eyes, nose, and lips of the face. I used mohair locks
for the hair and stitched it in place. The clothes are handmade of
cotton blends, felt, and various other fabrics and includes a jacket,
plaid skirt, petticoat, and hat with a homemade pom pom on top. I
made the pom pom from numerous strands of embroidery floss and sewed
it on top the hat. The petticoat has lace sewn onto the bottom edge.
The jacket is made from several fabrics including cotton blends,
felt, and a floral design embroidered in place along the front. Small
buttons were also sewn into place down the center front. Her boots
are made from black cotton fabric. A charming old-fashioned art doll! Find this doll and others at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/563155317/folk-art-cloth-plush-doll-with-clothes?ref=shop_home_active_8">Art Doll</a> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/563155317/folk-art-cloth-plush-doll-with-clothes?ref=shop_home_active_8">https://www.etsy.com/listing/563155317/folk-art-cloth-plush-doll-with-clothes?ref=shop_home_active_8</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg9iSmO9i31ZTrb4xdtveGwV-wiAB8CKeyk54THxnP_GblKAQSRkwZkpEg6pMWA41OuOM1-p2Tbvl8DFu1qBoPPvq85YDDzKVYLSauvmwnw-eCYVzveaex6dYk9DLa2KdU371Y36F6s47/s1600/DSC05034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg9iSmO9i31ZTrb4xdtveGwV-wiAB8CKeyk54THxnP_GblKAQSRkwZkpEg6pMWA41OuOM1-p2Tbvl8DFu1qBoPPvq85YDDzKVYLSauvmwnw-eCYVzveaex6dYk9DLa2KdU371Y36F6s47/s200/DSC05034.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ7CbciS1cs7L810O4SQspE7OcoB6N6kuixWhqbnXKiII644V1CyV1LkTOo8f8PUY5omYnLxeUFmpsYCZar6Emd1slMo4_9WpF5fR44Bcdo7DDo-Hm4Wt5s6zCPpnNTnVGGUyRAx_dONB/s1600/DSC05033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ7CbciS1cs7L810O4SQspE7OcoB6N6kuixWhqbnXKiII644V1CyV1LkTOo8f8PUY5omYnLxeUFmpsYCZar6Emd1slMo4_9WpF5fR44Bcdo7DDo-Hm4Wt5s6zCPpnNTnVGGUyRAx_dONB/s320/DSC05033.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhcJNY46xSa17baAKVLJEfP48mE-GXE9ypzaP9SigSE3Va6Ith-8dQPApvdq6iaZ_OkDjof-zLxzJ3Mhex21L8Jlxh_9ksIB3IQz_GTlJC8NfgLUqLQ845RZA9A_v68rR2WJQE0djf_KA/s1600/DSC05035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhcJNY46xSa17baAKVLJEfP48mE-GXE9ypzaP9SigSE3Va6Ith-8dQPApvdq6iaZ_OkDjof-zLxzJ3Mhex21L8Jlxh_9ksIB3IQz_GTlJC8NfgLUqLQ845RZA9A_v68rR2WJQE0djf_KA/s200/DSC05035.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowR9l109WONFHm0xhJg3yeHxRZWMzB1wGSkLuOUscNt0tn14G0pvHAuoB97I-KCNZYsPO-nxI7NXwRErmR5g24VOVwxtMsglmD6ZbwELLKvYHoBghxiLFTuzXIk0hOwzHmcJpvqQu78wd/s1600/DSC05039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowR9l109WONFHm0xhJg3yeHxRZWMzB1wGSkLuOUscNt0tn14G0pvHAuoB97I-KCNZYsPO-nxI7NXwRErmR5g24VOVwxtMsglmD6ZbwELLKvYHoBghxiLFTuzXIk0hOwzHmcJpvqQu78wd/s320/DSC05039.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 31pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;">Book
of the Month</span></b></span></span></span> </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><b>Ivanhoe</b></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
classic tale by Sir Walter Scott is one of the best historical novels
ever written in my opinion; and it set the stage for the historical
novel genre. It truly is a captivating tale of adventure, heroism,
and virtue. Set in the 12<sup>th</sup> century it depicts medieval
history well. Incredibly described, the characters are well
developed. Ivanhoe has his adventures and is a hero; but Robin Hood
also appears in the novel carrying out his deeds along with his band
of men. Ivanhoe and Robin Hood actually need each other to
realistically envelop the religious and aristocratic leaders in place
during King Richard's absence. The women in the novel are deep
characters, particularly Rebecca, a Jew who depicts truth and moral
uprightness. It isn't a book that is necessarily an easy read—it
requires some intellectual brain-power—but it is well worth the
digging, for the treasure inside is a jewel. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04040705421228184515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8055039971514041800.post-35756679816338314912017-12-13T05:26:00.000-08:002017-12-14T04:13:20.365-08:00The Velvetine Rabbit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNjgClYS0WAakjoLbyIAgVI7PmKL6YoVTyePXDFUMwcK-OJoD5WwiLLfcPy6FxUOjvs4t1liHKh4Trz4jrhFjVmEfreXP44LnqE9qtIBBXfEUvcZu2aR2TsvEbvK_v8OYitAFdy-CToVN/s1600/images+%252824%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNjgClYS0WAakjoLbyIAgVI7PmKL6YoVTyePXDFUMwcK-OJoD5WwiLLfcPy6FxUOjvs4t1liHKh4Trz4jrhFjVmEfreXP44LnqE9qtIBBXfEUvcZu2aR2TsvEbvK_v8OYitAFdy-CToVN/s1600/images+%252824%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It is a timeless and
enchanting childhood tale—a true fairy tale and quite endearing.
Just about anyone can relate to this tale. We can all recall a
favorite toy that comforted us as a child. (Perhaps you are a child
and receive great comfort from that doll or bear that you have hugged
'till the seems begin to pop!) There are those very special toys
that we have grown attached to (and perhaps they have grown attached
to us as well). The theme of love, friendship, and holding on to them
when adversity comes, rings throughout this tale. Nevertheless, we
all need to learn to let go as well. Sometimes it is deeply hard;
yet, “to everything there is a season.” The boy in this tale had
to let go of that dear Christmas gift he had received—that doll
that had comforted him through a long illness. But letting go is at
times necessary for the benefit of our own good and the good of
others. The boy in this story needed to let go for the saving of his
life. This theme appears in a number of other stories. I cannot
help but think of other animal stories where a boy or girl needed to
“let go” by releasing an animal back into the wild. Our earthly
goods and treasures need from us a “letting go” as well. They
will all pass from us eventually. By letting the velveteen rabbit go,
magic was able to be performed for the transformation and release of
that precious bunny.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUD7QDQ4Ff5nbTbOHfgqJYJpQZrz-mNNAaUcGhu85kHUPoOtUuJm7MYlDkzjubdnm1HjuanDZeDh7FUvdAnvrWIJ7jjCF1jRXaC-M26ZB8kAEVbe9KMudWo2XpOuqsjLezJfQDpddONmO/s1600/images+%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUD7QDQ4Ff5nbTbOHfgqJYJpQZrz-mNNAaUcGhu85kHUPoOtUuJm7MYlDkzjubdnm1HjuanDZeDh7FUvdAnvrWIJ7jjCF1jRXaC-M26ZB8kAEVbe9KMudWo2XpOuqsjLezJfQDpddONmO/s1600/images+%252810%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Later, the fairy comes and
the rabbit becomes “real”; but that rabbit and boy never forgot
each other. Just because we must let go doesn't mean we will forget
that object of affection. This is true when we face the death of a
loved one. We must let them go, but we must never forget them.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The stitch horse is an
interesting character in this tale. I had a child once say to me,
“The stitch horse seemed to be so wise and know how a toy becomes
real as if he had experienced it; yet, he still looked just looked
like an old tattered toy (at least he did in the illustrations). I
have pondered this much since then. I have come to the conclusion
that not all toys become real. Only special ones are transformed and
become real. It is real love that does this. It happens to a toy
that is used a lot and enters the deeper affections of the toy's
owner. Perhaps the horse, who had obviously been in the possession
of the boy a long time, never entered that level of affection that a
child sometimes places upon a particular toy. Perhaps the stitch
horse had had more than one owner, and perhaps he had been passed
along to several owners. Perhaps he had seen a number of older toys
who did indeed enter into that place of endearment between a child and a
toy. Yes, perhaps he did see these transformations of others and was
a witness of the fact, though he wasn't ever chosen to receive that
magical moment himself.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It might make us sad to
contemplate these thoughts regarding the stitch horse, but alas, be
not saddened. The stitch horse has a very special job in helping
other toys along the way. Each of us have a purpose in this life
too. We are not all chosen to do those seemingly noble and venerable
deeds; but we all have a job to do in this life, doing our best in
whatever our job in life happens to be. We can be a blessing to
others whether we be a royal monarch or simply cleaning someone's
boots. We are all special to someone. We all have value, not
because we be esteemed of others, but rather, because we are loved.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2VLel2BtBqN066WkjX5uULrsRE6PrlOn1O9T47p4W6t6FkGCtM1YCHzKzENTaeaD3u82qw0EY-juXBe7wl5lf9IF3USHsNLxV-VVu1uuugmZXYf6bSR_oZadTPO-q8wODek5O9zCSmpp/s1600/DSC05042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2VLel2BtBqN066WkjX5uULrsRE6PrlOn1O9T47p4W6t6FkGCtM1YCHzKzENTaeaD3u82qw0EY-juXBe7wl5lf9IF3USHsNLxV-VVu1uuugmZXYf6bSR_oZadTPO-q8wODek5O9zCSmpp/s200/DSC05042.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "algerian" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><b>A
Word from Ollie</b></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whooo!
Whooo! I really like that story, don't you? Very dear,
heart-warming, and good for us to hear. How hard it is for us to let
things go! But that is when miracles can happing. Christmas is upon
us,and many will soon receive gifts—just as the boy received that
rabbit in his stocking. Do not grow too attached to things though.
They are temporary, fleeting, evanescent. <i>Evanescent</i> is a
nice word for fleeting or transient. The life we possess can be
described that way. Give of yourself while you can, and remember the
greatest gift ever given: that sacrificial gift of love.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "blackadder itc" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 32pt;">A
Christmas to Remember </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ebKEOdiSDl3sB0nKsAZ_8lxayjwPkrarfNsl2m0EGHWjKd7VZXir2u072msNnc8REbGElsicxF8QYYz2LIogEoZm_rWrOaJ1jSGclgpCEradymsCLtPCsTGmJexgZyxysasYjSc3vfzb/s1600/Velvetine+Rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ebKEOdiSDl3sB0nKsAZ_8lxayjwPkrarfNsl2m0EGHWjKd7VZXir2u072msNnc8REbGElsicxF8QYYz2LIogEoZm_rWrOaJ1jSGclgpCEradymsCLtPCsTGmJexgZyxysasYjSc3vfzb/s320/Velvetine+Rabbit.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Years
ago as a child I remember some precious Christmas gifts. I received
a bear and a Smurf train that moved around and around the Christmas
tree. My sister received a velvetine rabbit—so much like the one
in the story. For years now, that old velveteen rabbit has been up
in the attic. I recently brought it down and displayed this cute and
festive hugable in the rocker in our living room. I think he looks
rather nice there. The rabbit is still as cute as it ever was, but
sad to say, he still has yet to become “real.” Perhaps it will
happen this Christmas.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "curlz mt" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 27pt;">The
Crafty Corner</span></span></span> </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This
Christmas and holiday time, perhaps you will consider making a simple
Christmas craft that is very functional. A Christmas mini stocking!
I have made several of these. Use various fabrics to give variety to
the stockings. Sew two different fabrics together. That gives a
whole new look to it. I got some metallic gold fabric. That really
sparks it up. Sew on buttons, jingle bells, or embroider a design or
pattern. These stockings I have made are available on Etsy.com. See
them at
https://www.etsy.com/listing/542550846/small-christmas-stockings-felt-plaid?ref=shop_home_active_6</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.etsy.com/shop/StorybookCraftsShop</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04040705421228184515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8055039971514041800.post-47124471875674791142017-11-17T08:24:00.000-08:002017-11-17T08:28:16.426-08:00The Elves and the Shoemaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFt7hNeuGmriMqbmdwkkmbQMWPv08CqvRXetagZMyxHej3EKqb8c-WpYCbNtb3l0UaI4g_sujhtI1F1mkfH-EKFvRa-udMzxU1cpMGEnwsY8TCTk2MNuEIDEMQV4p5l9P70ORNsoBUKdp/s1600/elves-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFt7hNeuGmriMqbmdwkkmbQMWPv08CqvRXetagZMyxHej3EKqb8c-WpYCbNtb3l0UaI4g_sujhtI1F1mkfH-EKFvRa-udMzxU1cpMGEnwsY8TCTk2MNuEIDEMQV4p5l9P70ORNsoBUKdp/s320/elves-1.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;">There
once was a shoemaker who had become quite poor and had nothing much
left except for a bit of leather—enough to make one more pair of
shoes. That evening he cut out the leather in hopes of making the
pair of shoes the following day. The next morning, he early prepared
for work on making the shoes, but when coming to the workroom, he
noticed the shoes lying on the table fully complete. The shoemaker
was astonished! He examined them closely and found them exquisitely
and masterfully made. Soon after, a customer entered the shop, saw
the shoes, was quite impressed with them, and therefore, paid much
more than the asking price. With that money the shoemaker was able
to purchase enough leather for two more shoes. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;">That
evening he cut them out, and the next morning he found the leather
made into two beautiful pairs of shoes. Just as before, the shoemaker
sold the shoes with the money and purchased enough leather to make 4
pairs of shoes. He cut them out as he had done in the past. The next
morning, he found the four pairs made. This continued day after day:
whatever the shoemaker cut out in the evening was mysteriously made
into shoes during the night. And so, over time, the shoemaker
became a wealthy man. Now it happened that not long before Christmas
that the shoemaker said to his wife, “I am quite curious as to who
or what is making these shoes so elegantly and doing us such a
service. Perhaps we should stay up in the night to see who it is.
What think ye of that dear wife?” The woman liked the idea.
Therefore, they hid themselves until midnight when they saw little
naked men taking the leather and crafting, sewing, hammering, and
stitching it into shoes. They did it so cleverly and swiftly, and
quick as a wink, they vanished away.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;">The
next morning the woman suggested to her husband, “Those poor little
men have worked so hard for us and have even made us rich—yet, they
have not even as much as their own clothes to wear. Perhaps today I
will make some clothes for them. I will sew and knit shirts,
trousers, vests, and stockings for them. You can make them little
shoes to wear. Then, when they come tonight, they will have
something of their own to wear.” </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9V_gsolA-ABMImBeX-316J6HKYCl3U6cJUrsPs4N4mYqiIZwbhpig9XmzCekyign4xpJOsffOi-Jyl4fqlmIIjgZAVak6GXm_kxjBGs3GWmFq5-M7YiA4OUXM2sp3B5wcgZUTgPjT0GK/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9V_gsolA-ABMImBeX-316J6HKYCl3U6cJUrsPs4N4mYqiIZwbhpig9XmzCekyign4xpJOsffOi-Jyl4fqlmIIjgZAVak6GXm_kxjBGs3GWmFq5-M7YiA4OUXM2sp3B5wcgZUTgPjT0GK/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: 15pt;">That
is a grand idea,” said the shoemaker.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;">During
the day the shoemaker and his wife made the gifts for the elves. That
night they left the gifts on the worktable and hid themselves. About
midnight, the elves appeared as before. They were simply delighted
with the gifts that were left for them. The elves then dressed
themselves with the apparel and began singing,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;"> “Now
we are boys so fine to see,</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;"> Why
should we longer cobblers be?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 15pt;">Then
they danced and sang some more until finally they danced themselves
away and never returned again. But for the remainder of their days,
the gracious shoemaker and his wife fared well and prospered in all
they did.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "algerian" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><b>A
Word from Ollie</b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS51ddPJAPCBw4kQudoc5HNHfId9ZDdNygdNuSHK1J1-5bqEF_TxzlaJyj3IzidqlU1kpwW0et1I8i4ObaW9SQaJWIS-fOnbiYTwMKLpeswIydJ2qb8JKC8Pj1pP6k8gWfq6I4BWQA1D30/s1600/DSC05042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS51ddPJAPCBw4kQudoc5HNHfId9ZDdNygdNuSHK1J1-5bqEF_TxzlaJyj3IzidqlU1kpwW0et1I8i4ObaW9SQaJWIS-fOnbiYTwMKLpeswIydJ2qb8JKC8Pj1pP6k8gWfq6I4BWQA1D30/s320/DSC05042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Whooo,
Whooo! What do you think of this tale? Let us reflect: There is a
lesson here for all of us. There almost always is. This is a
Grimm's fairy tale. They have been passed down for centuries now,
and they were told for a reason. Yes, it was entertainment; but it
was also for the creative expression of the lessons of life.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">He
was a poor shoemaker at the beginning of the tale, but for some
reason, the elves pitied him. The shoemaker, after being blessed by
the workmanship of the elves, did not squander the money he made. He
invested it back into his business in hopes of gaining a bit more . .
. and then a bit more . . . and a bit more. His little bit grew into
a lot. Here is a lesson about the importance of saving and investing
in order to provide and prosper. But he wasn't selfish: he continued
plying along, cutting out leather and selling the following day what
the elves created.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">I
like to also think of this tale as a lesson demonstrating the adage
“One good deed deserves another” or “Give, and it shall be
given unto you.” The elves gave of their time to help a poor
destitute man and his wife who were quite poor. In return for their
kindness, the couple gave to the elves a gift: clothes and shoes.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "curlz mt" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><span style="background: #ffff99;">The
Crafty Corner</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Christmas
is just around the corner, and here is craft to help create a festive
holiday ambiance for your space. The gingerbread boy is still on the
loose. Can you catch him? </span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">This
project is very easy to do and will enable you to make a 10”
beanbag gingerbread doll. Just take brown felt and cut out the doll
body. Sew the 2 pieces together leaving an opening to stuff the
body. Use an overcast stitch for sewing. I used white embroidery
thread for sewing. This creates the illusion of frosting along the
outer edge. Glue or sew black felt circles on white circles (white
circles a bit larger) to make the eyes. Fill the body with beads or
sand about half way. Use some fiberfill stuffing to fill the rest of
the body. Embroider a smile onto the face. Sew white felt circles
onto the gingerbread tummy. Use the overcast stitch again to sew up
the opening used for stuffing. I then used red felt to make a bow
tie. Just cut out a rectangle about 2 '' or so. Pinch it in the
middle and sew, creating the bow tie. Then attach at neck of doll.
And there you have it: a gingerbread doll!</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 32pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 32pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;"><br /></span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 32pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;">Book
of the Month</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">I
recently read the book <i>King Arthur and His Knights</i>. I loved
it! It tells the story of young King Arthur and how he grows as a
person, acquiring knights for his famous Round Table. Intriguing
tales about himself and “meanwhile” stories about his knights and
their travels will thrill you. The book is cleverly and beautifully
written and crafted. The author, Howard Pyle, is quite gifted with
writing in an almost archaic middle English; yet, it's mixed with
enough modern English so that it is easily understood by even a
child. Merlin, Lady of the Lake, evil women who desire magical
powers, Excalibur, mysterious knights—all this and more is
contained within this truly entertaining book. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB42jTEdQ69qVMpK25dyYImvM-pdhtqtlY6dx6zaM1qqupwdQN570g8oJ6WBnTG4CEoTLGPgQB1ocxfMEbERXpZU0v1mdze8fQZjOzAezD955AvKNWCeXgXNMH5EyE9bywS1HHnF-Z_zya/s1600/King-Arthur-int.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB42jTEdQ69qVMpK25dyYImvM-pdhtqtlY6dx6zaM1qqupwdQN570g8oJ6WBnTG4CEoTLGPgQB1ocxfMEbERXpZU0v1mdze8fQZjOzAezD955AvKNWCeXgXNMH5EyE9bywS1HHnF-Z_zya/s640/King-Arthur-int.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;">So
find a nook, take a look, Read this thrilling, captivating book!</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04040705421228184515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8055039971514041800.post-55080791061288312902017-10-15T11:41:00.000-07:002017-10-20T04:11:53.315-07:00The Ant and the Grasshopper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkcRcE_HqBdepmDWUgagUEft_ZUHMdCOhpKsARd8_iQZdBlg2wvTIMmRE6YNQ1Ivbt6iiOs8QQQKja1TiuhurD2m6O6N0y2h-sLhLvcYmf1nD56fDFCji3-qIA6yTdWNBl1UWsmQLQOEN/s1600/the-ants-and-the-grasshopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="380" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkcRcE_HqBdepmDWUgagUEft_ZUHMdCOhpKsARd8_iQZdBlg2wvTIMmRE6YNQ1Ivbt6iiOs8QQQKja1TiuhurD2m6O6N0y2h-sLhLvcYmf1nD56fDFCji3-qIA6yTdWNBl1UWsmQLQOEN/s320/the-ants-and-the-grasshopper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Most
of us have heard of the famous Aesop fable, <i>The Ant and the
Grasshopper</i>. It is one that comes to mind this time of year:
that time of year when the farmer is harvesting his bountiful crop
and the weather is cooling off a bit. Oh, the pumpkins, the apples,
the fall garden!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
farmer has to be diligent and vigilant. There is much work to do
bringing in that harvest and a multitude of hours planting,
watering, and tending before he can reap that harvest. Sometimes he
loses, sometimes he wins; but he plods along, planning and preparing
for the long winter to come. He cannot afford to be lazy or
procrastinate; and he cannot begin and then slack off, or he may
lose a good portion of his investment, if not it's entirety.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
ant was quite hardworking in this fable, as ants tend to be. Ants
work together as a community, each helping each other as a group.
They must all pitch in or the tasks will not get done. So they plod
along. It may be hot, but that is no deterrent. Each one must
endure, even in hardness—and never, Never, NEVER give up.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
grasshopper on the other hand was neither industrious nor
foresighted. He was merry and happy to play, but had not ambition to
work. He wanted to have fun, to live the easy life. He reminds me
of the pig brothers who built their houses of sticks and straw. They
wanted only to do that which was easy, avoiding hard work. So here
is a grasshopper, as well as lazy pigs, playing on their fiddles and
avoiding the toiling tasks. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Now,
he may have been willing to work a bit, but not too much; or he may
have been willing to work but procrastinated until it was too late.
He was distracted from what is important because of his fiddle.
Remember, growing food for the winter requires foresightedness,
planning, and steadfastness. We live in a world full of many
distractions. Technologies and devices abound; entertainment lurks
around every corner; lights and noises dazzle us, the simple things
shrouded from view. Where aught the eyes to land and remain? When
distracted by such a multiplicity of dazzling goods, tools,
entertainments, delights, etc. it is difficult to keep one's eyes on
the goal and “harvest the winter's store.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
ants turn the grasshopper away, out into the cold when the winter's
cold begins. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: 16pt;">What
were you doing all summer,” the ants tell him. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: 16pt;">I
was playing on my fiddle, singing and dancing,” replied the
grasshopper. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Oh
the vice of too much play and entertaining distractions! He wasted
his time in frivolities and improvidence! Some versions of the story,
though, have the ants pitying the rueful grasshopper, teaching a
lesson about mercy in spite of one's failings –a truth which has
it's place. Are we harsh toward others who are not as hardworking as
we? Or perhaps there is another area of character in which we
ourselves are strong, another weaker. Again, the concept of
community with the ants. They all work together. Some do some jobs,
others doing another. We all have strengths and weaknesses: they are
just in different things in varying amounts.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
Biblical proverbs record, “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider
her ways and be wise.” (Prov. 6:6) We can all walk away from this
tale with a number of life lessons:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
importance of hard work, industry, and diligence</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
importance of compassion and charity</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">The
importance of living a life free from distractions—may they not
rule us.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Idleness
brings want,” so goes the adage. Simultaneously, though, let us
not forget the importance of “stopping to smell the roses” along
the road of life. Let us not be too busy for the simple things and
to take the time to help and give to others. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "algerian" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff99;">A
Word from Ollie</span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Whooo,
Whooo! Helloo there. Wow! What a lesson this old tale has for us!
When we hear old tales, it is easy for us just to hear an entertaining
story; but I have some advice for us all: I think it would be good
to really ponder afterwards what the point of the stories are. Ask
yourself, “Why was this story written? Is there some truth the
author is trying to convey?” Adopting this practice, we may learn a lot more
in life. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Here
is a word to think about: <i>sedulous.</i> This word (<i>sedulous</i>)
is an adjective meaning “showing dedication and diligence.” The
grasshopper was not sedulous. The ants were sedulous. Let us all be
sedulous and assiduous (a similar word) as we ply the tasks before us
this harvest.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Bye
for now my fine feathered friends—or furry friend . . . or human
friend.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: "curlz mt" , fantasy;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><span style="background: #ffff99;">The
Crafty Corner</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeCVFU45s06usf8lfGp3ldfYdtRGlo2PrjzXUyeUu-rvI1F8MBTvJgIRhXIR5m3Fda5dgezH3zp9VjePim35aR2DXkvGEXf-gGELqBnrHwFfhEjvuKqokLEybHk2Mk4TaEd_MytSZWAXv/s1600/DSC04964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeCVFU45s06usf8lfGp3ldfYdtRGlo2PrjzXUyeUu-rvI1F8MBTvJgIRhXIR5m3Fda5dgezH3zp9VjePim35aR2DXkvGEXf-gGELqBnrHwFfhEjvuKqokLEybHk2Mk4TaEd_MytSZWAXv/s320/DSC04964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Here
is a great set of dolls I made that tell the story of the Three
Little Pigs. Two of the brothers were lazy and improvident like the
grasshopper in this month's story. They were not foresighted, but
rather, thought only of the here and now.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">They
are made almost entirely of felt—even their clothes. You may have
noticed the pockets in their clothes. Notice that one pig has a
brick in his pocket; the second pig some straw in his, and in the
third, a stick. I used a French knot for each of the eyes. The
clothes were quite simple compared to many patterns. Because they
are made of felt and felt doesn't fray like most other fabrics do, I
didn't need to hem the edges. These little dolls are great for
parents or teachers who would like to use them when telling the story
to others. Check out my Etsy shop where these dolls and others are
listed for sale.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/StorybookCraftsShop">https://www.etsy.com/shop/StorybookCraftsShop</a>
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">For
more thought about the Three Little Pigs, take a look at the June
20017 post (The Brother Pigs Three) in the archives section of this
blog.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #ff3333;"><span style="font-family: "andalus" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 32pt;"><b><span style="background: #ffff66;">Book
of the Month</span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">So,
what book are you reading at this time? I just finished reading a biography about William Penn entitled <i>William Penn: Liberty and
Justice for All</i> by Janet and Geoff Benge. What an enduring life
he lived! What </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">hardships and treachery he endured! But he had a
cause and was faithful to </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">what he believed. I had no idea </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">the extent
to which he endured such hardships in his truly tempestuous life.
Really a good book I highly recommend. So read, read, read! Find a
nook, read a book, learn a lesson, get a new look. Perhaps you'll be
placid as a brook. Happy reading!</span></div>
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