I am part of a group that makes Prayer Shawls. For the last couple of years, we've met twice monthly and made all kinds of things for a variety of folks who have a variety of needs -- loneliness, grief, pain -- take my word for it: the needs are there.

Our desire is simple -- to knit (or crochet or whatever) things with built-in prayers and blessings. Sometimes when we start an item, it's with a particular person (and his/her need) in mind. And sometimes we just start, knowing that a need will arise. The sad thing is, it always does.

This shawl is called Balm to the Soul. Aptly named, I believe, for as soon as it rolls off my needles I learn of someone who needs it to help sooothe a hurting soul. This pattern was introduced in July, and I've made three of them. With each one, I had no idea why I was making it -- just knew that I wanted to make it.  And each time, just as I was ready to bind off, there appeared -- seemingly, out of the blue (but not really!) -- someone who needed it. Each time, the answer was completely unexpected. But always perfect.

I love this pattern, with it's pretty lace edge and just the perfect triangular shape. And this yarn was just a dream -- the uber-popular MadelineTosh -- perfect for this Balm. I felt peace and contentment in my own soul with every stitch I took. As the project progresses, the prayers become automatic -- blessing adds to blessing, row after row, until the shawl is complete.

I am mailing this shawl today to a friend who is losing her husband. He's too young to go, and she's too young to lose him. But lose him she will, and I pray that this shawl will wrap her in a hug of loving concern. I can't be there to give her a hug in person, but I pray that she'll feel a soothing comfort as she drapes the pretty shawl around her shoulders.

And would you believe -- yes, you will -- that just this morning I learned of another friend who's facing a similar challenge? It always works that way. Tonight I shall choose some yarn  (I have another couple of balls of MadelineTosh in a lovely burgundy color -- maybe?) and begin another prayer shawl.

It's what I can do....

My pantry smells absolutely heavenly today! New bundles of rosemary and sage hanging to dry ....

Once upon a time there were two cousins who just happened to both be seven years old. This is an advantage -- being seven together. This means lots of fun will happen when the two are visiting Mimi at the same time, and a Mimi -- well, a Mimi just better be ready. 

On a hot August day in the Ozarks, there is no better place to find that together-fun than the creek.

First we braved the deep, dark jungle to find wood to build a fire.

There was some tree-climbing involved, but that was a side adventure.

(May I digress from the subject at hand to say that I got that fire going with one, single match? Give Mimi a point, please.)

Hot dogs eaten on a creek bank, mixed with a little sand and grit, are the best.

Then we gathered our creekbank tools and got serious about why we were there.

Swimming...

swimming....

Freeze dancing in the creek....

Tango-ing in the creek....

And pondering the important things in life. Like, "Looks like Mimi is resting. Wonder if she would scream if we both splashed her at the same time?"

The tools were employed in the building of a hot tub.

 Luci: "Wyatt, you do the deep and I'll do the wide."

This must have felt oh-so-good because they stayed in the hot tub for a while.

All good things must come to an end, so after a little more exploring we called it a day.

A good day. A very good day at the creek.

The end.