Masterpiece from Messes

Sometimes that old devil tries to remind me that I'm not that good at anything. Cakes that I put effort into fall flat. Bread dough doesn't rise, and the new recipe I tried for dinner has hubby looking at me with less than joy on his face.

Same thing with craft projects. If I'm drawing, I erase enough times that a hole ends up in the paper. When gluing items together, I look at the finished product and then it tumbles like a house of cards. Crocheting is an area I'm especially sensitive. I've watched countless tutorials on how to get that perfect edge and still, I look back after a few rows and I've got a distorted rectangle. Is there nothing I'm one hundred percent perfect at?

When I write a blog, short story, or even get lost in putting a book together, I plunge forward, so happy that the words are flowing and everything I want to convey is smooth and mistake free. But let's face it: nothing is without flaws. That's where I got the inspiration for today's blog.

Can we possibly make a masterpiece of some of the messes we've made? Figuratively as well as literally? I've messed up in life enough times, fallen short as mother, daughter, sister, friend, and wife. Yet people seem to forgive me and still love me. I was short-tempered with my mom during her battle with dementia. I still remember times that my actions or words hurt a friend or my husband. I feel that my son had the worst parent in the world when I think of dumb things I did.

Can I take all that and offer it to the One who can make a better me? Sure I was short with Mom. It wasn't easy. I hurt so much inside missing the woman she once was. Yet there were other times that I forgave myself and found kindness and patience--more than I ever would have imagined. As a mother, I see the good young man my son has grown into, and despite any flaws in my parenting, he makes me proud and happy. Words that are said unkindly can't be taken back, but I have learned to be a person to ask for forgiveness quickly. Or to say I'm sorry; I want to do better. Then I work on those areas that are most difficult.

So, when a craft project, drawing, crocheting, or other creative things come out less than perfect, what if I step back and take a look at them? Can I see something else in the pattern perhaps? Something I hadn't even thought of? I turned a distorted lap blanket into a cozy pillow cover for my couch. I was ready to throw out a month's worth of work until I saw something different.

Satan, not today! Today I'll focus on what I've learned from my mistakes. I'll be a better woman, wife, mother, friend, sister, and worker. I'll crochet my little heart out and if something goes awry, it will become something even better! Just like me!

Karen's Crocheted Purses

Because of the random act of violence that touched our lives the other day with my vehicle, I was unable to attend a "Christmas in July" show that I had been looking forward to. I've been crocheting handmade purses as something I love to do. Crocheting has become such a passion and comfort to me. Ever since I lost my parents a few years ago, it has been a way to bring a little peace into my life.

Several people have asked if they could view my purses and I have chosen to place them on my blog site for anyone who may be interested. Each one is different from the other. Each has a tag with a Bible verse chosen especially for it.

Remember: these are made from the heart with love. Some have double pockets and button closure, while others are single-pocketed. But each is embellished with some fun decorations and different stitching. There are some that can certainly be given to a child as a gift. Or you may purchase one as a gift for someone, and one for yourself. If you decide to do so, I will give a discount for two or more purchased together.

You may reach out to me if you are interested in one, at my email: scoutfinch15003@yahoo.com
Or certainly as a private message in Facebook also. I will mail any of them with no shipping cost to you if you live in the U.S. And there are special circumstances where I may be able to get one to you if you live nearby.

Thank you kindly for stopping by to look at my little passion. May God bless you, Karen

This one is called "Butterflies are Beautiful." It has a thick brown and tan yarn, wooden button closure and single interior. There is a butterfly and hand-crocheted rose and leaves on the front. It is a smaller purse with a single handle. Bible verse: He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
  Price 15.00

This one is called ""Charcoal Charm." It is made from a thick, soft dark grey yarn and has a double interior pocket, pretty silver charms and a tassel at the bottom. The Bible verse is: Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Price: 20.00

The red and black one is called "Key to my Heart." It is made from very soft thick yarn and has silver and rhinestone embellishment, a double handle and a closure. The Bible verse: My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.
Price: 15.00

This black and white purse is called "Summertime" and has button closure, soft yarn with a close single stitch, pretty rhinestone embellishments and a twisted black and white handle. It is about eight inches long and about nine inches wide. Bible verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Price: 20.00

This one is called "Blue and Blingy." It is a deep blue color with some black entwined. It has several fun embellishments on the front, and a deep blue butterfly on the back. Double handled and button closure. About seven inches long and wide. Bible verse: Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.
Price: 20.00

This is "Cheery Cherry." It is a fun purse that perhaps a young girl may like, or if you are young at heart. The yarn is soft and thick. It has button closure, double handle, a lovely hand-crocheted rose and leaves and some small black rhinestones near the top. It also has a crocheted white chain which runs through the middle. Bible verse: Surely he has done great things. Be not afraid, O land; Be glad and rejoice.
Price: 20.00

This soft purse is very special and called "Alzheimer's Awareness." The purple butterfly is in honor of my mom who had Alzheimer's. The yarn is extremely thick and fuzzy. It has several purple baubles adorning the front, a closure, and a twisted black and purple handle. Bible verse: Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth.
Price: 20.00

This is my ode to "Harry Potter" called "Owls and Magic." It is a double interior smaller purse with thick, soft brown yarn and antique-looking owl embellishments. Bible verse: Good will come to him who is generous.
Price: 20.00

This black purse is one of my favorites. It is called "Elegance." It is closely single-stitched and has feather boa embellishment around the top and handle. Lovely rhinestones adorn the front. It is a medium size purse. Bible verse: By day the Lord directs His love; at night His song is with me.
Price: 25.00

This smaller purse is called "Happy Heart." It has a small double handle, thick yarn and wooden button embellishments. It also has a coppery sequined heart on the front, and a butterfly pin on the back. Bible verse: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Price: 20.00

This light and airy bag is called "Simple Scholar." I think it would be good to carry a book or kindle as it is very lightweight. The brown yarn is glittery and it is embellished with some fun baubles and a heart button closure. Bible verse: Surely the Lord has done great things.
Price: 10.00

This smaller purse is called "Tawny." It is double interior, button closure, and stiffer yarn with pretty antique-looking charms. Bible verse: Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.
Price: 10.00

This is another of my favorites called "Wedding White." It is a smaller purse with a double interior, cream colored yarn and faux pearls and double handle. Bible verse: And do not forget to do good and to share with others for with such sacrifice God is pleased.
Price: 20.00

This purse is called "Springtime." It is a little smaller in size, but the length is fairly deep. Has small roses, button closure, and two handles. Bible verse: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
Price 15.00

This charming purple and black purse is called "Pleasantly Purple." It is larger and has a great small stitch and heavier yarn. It has rhinestone baubles and an antique looking rose closure. Bible verse: And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Price: 15.00

The next one is my first Americana colored purse. "Three Cheers for Red, White and Blue." It is a double interior purse with a red button closure and rhinestone embellishments. Made with a thick yarn, it is two handled and a medium size. Bible verse: Submit to God and be at peace with Him.
Price: 20.00

This is extremely soft purse is called "Summer Love." It is tan and cream colored with a single interior, wooden button embellishments and closure and a single handle. It is about medium sized.
Bible verse: Blessed are the peacemakers.
Price: 15.00


This smaller purse is called "Loving Hearts." It is about 5 inches by 5 inches with a double interior, brass buttons on the front, and wooden buttons on the back. Made of a very soft, thick yarn.Has a long twisted red and black handle. Bible verse: The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed.
Price: 10.00

This purse is called "Pretty in Pink." The yarns are glittery and soft. It is a larger purse with one interior and a braided handle and button closure. A little girl's dream. Bible verse: When you are kind to others, you help yourself.
Price: 15.00

This black and gold one is called "Pittsburgh Spirit." The yarn is thick and soft. About medium sized with a butterfly button closure and some cute embellishments on the sides. Bible verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.
Price: 10.00

The next two photos are the same purse front and back. It is called "Peace and Love." It is smaller and made with charming blue hues, cream, browns, and greens. It has button closure and sweet charms on the front, with a sequined heart on the back. Smaller double handle. Bible verse: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.
Price: 15.00

This little bag is called "Blue Elegance." It is about 8 inches by 8 inches and made with a very soft thick blue and black yarn and has feather boa trim and lovely rhinestones on the front. Single interior and single handle. Bible verse: For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.

Price: 20.00

The next one is one of my favorites also. It is very large and is called "Sparkly Fluff." The yarn is thick, black and white with a tassel on the bottom and rhinestones on the front. Single interior and double handle. Bible verse: My grace is sufficient for you.
Price: 25.00

Another one that is great for a little girl is called "Soft as a Cloud." It is thick, soft blue and yellows. Has blue and yellow rhinestones and a sparkly blue butterfly. There is an extra pocket on the outside. Double soft handle and single interior. Bible verse: A gentle response diffuses anger.
Price 10.00

The next one is pinks and wooly yarn. Double interior and button closure with sparkly embellishments and pink sparkly butterfly. "Cotton Candy." Bible verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.
Price: 20.00

This large bag called "All about the beach" can be used to carry your suntan products to the beach. Single interior with beach-themed baubles and wooden button closure with a single handle. Bible verse: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Price: 10:00
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If you need a closer photo of any of them, or the dimensions, please let me know. I truly appreciate you stopping by!
Many thanks!

The Memory Blanket

The small afghan lay folded across my lap while I tied off the last threads of yarn. Old friend, I thought, rubbing my hand across the delicate surface, it’s been quite a journey you and I have taken together. What started as a small project meant to keep idle hands busy and a mind filled with worry at peace, was finally at an end. When I stretched it out before me, my heart sank. The rectangle was distorted, imperfect. And the colors I’d used looked hideous to me. Where was the soft, warm blanket I’d worked lovingly on for so long?

When my father passed away a little over a year ago, and caregiving for Mom’s Alzheimer’s became the new normal, I had to have something to occupy my downtime in the evenings. I found several skeins of different colored yarn in my crocheting tote bag, ones that were bought for older projects that were already completed. A lap blanket would be a good project. I could make it for my mother.

The blanket became a quest of love. Mom was always chilly. It would be perfect to tuck around her as she sat on her favorite spot on the sofa. Or perhaps she would snuggle with it in bed. I hoped she would like the fact that it was made just for her and began to work on it every chance I could. During television time with my husband at night, during the many doctor appointments my mother had each week, the tote bag filled with colorful yarns, a small pair of scissors, and my favorite crocheting hook was always by my side. Somehow it was comforting that no matter where my mind wandered, no matter how confused Mom was becoming, or worse yet, the fact that her health began failing, at least my hands felt useful when I did not. 

Then the worst of it had happened last March. My heart felt as if it splintered into tiny shards. I’d taken my mother to a high school play of Beauty and the Beast. She’d sung along and laughed. She wanted a picture with the princess after the show. How could it have been that I found myself sitting in a rehab facility one week later wondering if she would ever recover? She seemed lost as if the dark recesses of her brain had begun to close some of its doors tightly. I wondered where her speech and smile had gone. I wondered why she slept so much. I wondered about the odd little phrases she uttered; things that made no sense at all.

We’d found out that Mom had several small strokes. They had affected her ability to communicate properly. Though she had no paralysis, it appeared Mom started to give up. She couldn’t dress herself any longer or even walk. Secretly I’d wondered if she was willing herself away somehow in an attempt to be reunited with Dad. She slept most of the time as I sat by her side. Then, more than ever, I’d needed my crocheting project. While my hands worked at the yarn, my mind worked at prayer. I could look up; watch my mother sleep without missing a stitch. Unable to do anything for Mom, it seemed that as long as my hands were busy, I felt useful somehow.

My mother would awaken and watch me crocheting. I talked of everything and anything in those moments to engage her, to find a spark of the life she once had. Several times I spoke of the little blanket.

I lost my mother in July of last year. I had so wanted to have that blanket done for her. Though I hadn’t been able to give it to her while she was living, I thought about laying her to rest with my final gift. It still wasn’t finished. 

Thinking back now, I’m glad the project wasn’t completed because I was the one who needed it. It gave me a chance to reflect on my visits with Mom. With every crocheted row, a new memory would pop up. The tears would flow, but they weren’t entirely tears of sadness. I knew my mother was reunited with Dad and at peace.

 The blanket, which had been such a big part of the close, quiet times I’d spent with my mother on her final journey, would always be a reminder to me of her very good life and all the moments with her during those last precious months.

As I looked again at the distorted shape and the un-matched colors of the finished lap afghan, I realized some important lessons. Life had been like that for my family in the last several years; not perfect, but certainly workable. Sometimes our journey had been ugly and the outcome, unclear much like the pattern I’d haphazardly seemed to crochet. The mismatched yarn in each row reminded me that there had been differences in our little family, and though colorful at times, it certainly was messy at others. But much like the soft fabric, I realized that my Heavenly Father had given me a softened heart toward my aging parents. And the warmth that even an imperfect blanket provided showed me that my own imperfections could be used for something good. No longer unattractive, the blanket has become a masterpiece, one that I will treasure forever.