Sewing Machines

If you have read previous posts, you will know that at one time I took in sewing as a living - yes, it was a long time ago, but sewing has always been an important part of me. I made hundreds of clothes for me, my sister, my children and my sister's children. That is why it was so important to me to get my sewing machine out of storage and back into use. It has been six years this month that I have gone without my machine.

Notice that I said my machine. I have had two sewing machines in my lifetime and I have been sewing for 45 years. My father purchased a used Necchi sewing machine for my mother on her 32 birthday. An Italian made sewing machine the Necchi was the top dog in sewing machines and Dad paid a pretty penny for it at the time. As much as my mother would love to sew, she doesn't have the patience. Some people are not meant to sew - it takes a lot of sitting, long bouts of concentration and tons of patience. So, I took over the Necchi and claimed it as mine - no one ever argued over the fact.

Mother gave me a new sewing machine when I was a senior in high school. I must not have thought much of it because I don't even remember the brand. I made lots of clothes for my sister and a few things for me, but it just didn't cut it - I loved the Necchi. So when the new machine died after 18 months, I begged for the Necchi and it has gone with me through my life.

Today my Necchi came out of retirement. I finally got it out, cleaned it up, and oiled it and behold, it runs like a top! The tension will need some adjusting, but it is cleaned and oiled and sleeping very comfortably until I get ready to start some projects. Can you tell this event has boosted my morale and brought joy to my heart. With three granddaughters, I plan to be busy with sewing projects.

Please let me hear of your favorite sewing machine and how your relationship can to be - for a seamstress develops a relationship with her machine. What is your favorite sewing machine and what do you normally sew?

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Belle

I Believe

I received a "you tube" clip today - it depicted different speaking engagements in which President Obama related his participation in the Muslim faith and his support of Islam and the part Muslims have played in developing this great country. Many of this nation's Presidents have not expressed any religious preference and many of our Presidents have not been Christian. Some were good leaders of our nation and some were not. Our United States is a country that is known for opening its arms to all people regardless of their religious beliefs or their lack thereof.

This clip disturbed me. Not because President Obama expressed his beliefs in Islam, but because he expounded on the accomplishments, the greatness of, and his great admiration of Islam. Then President Obama stated my/our/the United States was not a Christian nation. I know that this is a compilation of different events, but that does not change the words spoken.


"We, the people" - not we, the Catholic; not we, the Lutheran; not we, the Baptist; not we, the Methodist; but "we, the people." There are many agnostics and atheists in this great land and according to the laws of this land, they are equal to any one else with differing beliefs.

I am a Christian.

I believe that God created the heavens and the earth; that God Created man; that God sent his Son so that through him I might be saved. I believe.

Is our President attempting to create turmoil within this country based on religious preference? The Middle East has been the site of religious wars for centuries. Is our President attempting to stir religious conflict in our country?

On this I will NOT back down. It is my belief that this country was based on freedom. I have the right to own my Bible. I have the right to read my Bible anywhere I want to. I have the right to attend any church. I have the right to write these words. I have the right to share my thoughts and so do you.

Professional Ethics

A cop shouldn't go in a bar for drinks and then drive a vehicle or socialize with known criminals

A teacher must watch his/her actions and make sure nothing he/she she does is publicized on the internet

A banker can't gamble or live lavishly

An attorney can't socialize with a judge or anyone else for that matter

A doctor can't smoke, overeat, or drink

An accountant can't gamble, play the lottery, or live lavishly

A fireman shouldn't like fire and shouldn't drink and drive

A pediatrician shouldn't admit they like children

A journalist should never express an opinion

A computer expert should never admit to his hacking abilities

A pharmacist should never take medicine

A preacher can't smoke, drink, or do much of anything

Talk about judgmental! God sure has his hands full when a professional passes on - glad its him and not me!

Lord, I know we need winter, but I sure hate to see it coming. I am so cold!

Thanksgiving

Remember when

we made turkeys out of the tracing of our hand

we dressed as pilgrims for the school play

the best part of Thanksgiving dinner was the jello salad and the desserts

we went around the table before eating thanking God for one thing

we had four whole days off from school

we played football after dinner and rolled in the leaves

we saw cousins, aunts and uncles we hadn't seen since Easter

we had to write an essay on what the Pilgrims ate at the first Thanksgiving dinner

we looked through the Sears catalogue at all the toys

we had to stay out of the living room where the old men were watching football games

we slipped into the kitchen for another piece of pie or chocolate cake


What are your memories of childhood Thanksgivings?

Out of the Mouths of Babes

After a morning of raking leaves and moving them to the mulch pile, I was ready for a cup of coffee and a short break. Four year old Chrissy says, "Grandma, you are getting old. You need to take it easy!"

Goofing Off

Just reviewed a pic of our congressional leaders playing solitaire and checking Facebook while working - Oops! they didn't watch their back.

Goofing off while working is one of the perks of working. There is little joy in getting up and going in, if we can't goof off!

Besides these esteemed reps have a staff of people to keep them up to date on what is going on, they don't need to pay attention. Same as all the other executives running businesses. These media people need to take a course in Upper Management before they start judging others!