New in the Shop

Introducing...

~* the Bow Belt *~

 

Now available from Wool & What-not.

Crocheted Creations: Ruffle Scarf Pattern

I decided it was about time to share a few crochet patterns that I've created with y'all.

This first one is a deceptively simple crochet project, but the end result is a wonderfully feminine and stylish...

As seen in my Etsy shop.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Pattern...

Skill level: beginner/easy - must know how to chain and double crochet

Yarn: approximately 1/2 a skein of Red Heart Super Saver

Hook size: K

Stitch abbreviations: ch (chain), dc (double crochet)

Row 1: ch 123
Row 2: turn and dc in each ch across. 
ch 3 and turn.
Row 3: 2 dc in each dc of previous row (increase).
ch 3 and turn.
Row 4: repeat previous increase row.
Tie off and weave in ends.

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And viola!  A ruffle scarf!

This pattern works up very quickly - I can make three a day...as long as my wrists hold out, that is. ;)

Let me know if you make one using my pattern!

Also, if you wish, feel free to make and sell these scarves in your Etsy shop. 

All I ask is that you share the love and link back to me.

Happy Crocheting!

Miscellany

The question is, is it "grey" or "gray"?  I've always wondered.  Finally, I looked it up on Wikipedia, and what-do-ya-know?  Both are correct.  I prefer "grey", though.  Always have.

I'm lovin' this song from the film Fireproof right now...the lyrics speak to my heart.

The 1 1/2 or more feet of snow we got last week is now melting again.  Hello, ice!  Hello, slush!  I missed you...not.

Oh, here's my updated blog button.  

There was a slight error in the blog address at the bottom previously.
Tis' fixed.

<center><a href="http://natashamarieh.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Day by Day" src="http://cedarspringsranch.org/tasha/blogbutton-daybyday.jpg"/></a></center>

Got some yummy books from the library and I can't wait to dig into them!  Historical fiction rocks. =D

Ok, so I don't know anything about her and I haven't really liked any of the movies that I've seen her in, but I think Anne Hathaway is absolutely gorgeous.

But you know something?  My best friend is even more beautiful...

Kellie is beautiful clear through - both inside and outside. 
I've said this many, many times, dear, but I so treasure our friendship. 
You are so, so special to me and I love you more than I can say.

And that's all of the little thoughts that have been bumping about in my head this week. :)

Happy Trails y'all!

Wallpaper Wednesday: Steve McQueen

It's been a long time since I've done a Wallpaper Wednesday...in fact, I've never done one on my new blog.

I used to come up with silver screen computer wallpapers all the time, but I just haven't been inspired as much recently.  However, I did come up with two which I hope you'll enjoy.

Presenting...

The coolest actor of all time, the King of Cool himself...

Steve McQueen!

{full size image located here and on the "for You" page}

You may all swoon now. 

No, really, go ahead!  

Swooning is allowed on my blog. 

*grin*

{full size image located here and on the "for You" page}

I'm completely "in love" with this guy.  He's just so cute!  Not just as far as looks go, but his acting style, his smile, the way he walks and talks... *squeal*

Squealing is also allowed, by the way. ;)

Some of my favorite Steve McQueen films are:

The Great Escape

The Magnificent Seven

Never So Few 

(^There are a few scenes I skip as well as some bad words.  Please use your own judgement.^)

The Car Chase scene from Bullitt 

(^I can't recommend the entire film because of several scenes and it's just rather violent^)

And for almost unlimited over-exposure to pure awesomeness, check out the 50s/60s TV series 

Wanted: Dead or Alive starring Steve.   

It's western and it's Steve.  

You really can't go wrong with a combination like that, now can you?

Happy Trails, y'all!

Question: any other McQueen films that I should see that I haven't?

Kitty Cat

I just had to share this picture I took of my sweet kitty Muffin...

She slept on my bed last night and I quickly found myself squashed between her and my dog.   

Bonnie gets so jealous of the cat. ;)

Movie Review: The Great Escape

All looks as it should, with the prisoners of war wandering quietly about the compound at Stalag Luft III - a special prisoner of war camp built specifically to keep the best POW airmen escape artists from doing just that. 

Yes, all is quiet...unless you were to go 30 feet under huts 123, 122 and 104.  Those are the huts which house Tom, Dick and Harry.

Who are Tom, Dick and Harry?

Perhaps you should ask what are Tom, Dick and Harry.

Why, they're tunnels, old boy!

And they're progressing rather nicely right now, all aimed towards the woods on the other side of the camp fence.

Aimed for escape and freedom.

Source: artofmanliness.com via Natasha on Pinterest

The true story of the 1944 mass escape from the German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III, based on the book by Paul Brickhill, a prisoner in the camp, although he didn't participate in the actual escape.  Seventy six men escaped that night.  Seventy three were recaptured, and fifty of those gallant men were shot by the Gestapo.  Only three made it to England and freedom.  The book and the film are dedicated to the fifty.

Like the book, the film (1963) covers the planning, execution and aftermath of the escape.  The creativity and ingenuity of the men in the camp is incredible.  The cleverly hidden tunnel trap doors, not to mention the wire cutters, picks, air pumps for the tunnels, forged passes and identity cards, civilian clothing from uniforms, etc. all made from items scrounged around the camp, and stolen or traded from the Germans.   Full of excitement, narrow squeaks and some of the best movie lines ever, you will not want to miss The Great Escape.

Plus, it's starring Steve McQueen (*squeal*), and you won't want to miss his amazing motorcycle ride!

Source: theimpossiblecool.tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

Happy watching, folks!

Kreativ Blogger Award

My real life friend Mandy awarded me the...

Thanks Mandy! :)

If I tagged you, you have to:

1. Link back to me

2. Complete the below form

3. Award other blogs, and inform them

4. Share 7 random things about yourself

1) Name your favorite song:

Right now, "Blessed Be Your Name".

2) Name your favorite dessert:

Hmm...I'm gonna go with strawberry ice cream.

3) What makes you angry:

When someone interrupts me while I'm playing the piano or reading a book.

4) When you're upset:

I speak only when necessary and stay in my room as much as possible. *sheepish grin*

5) What's your favorite pet?

My beautiful boxer dog Bonnie, my horse Bob, my cat Muffin, in that order, but I love them all very, very much.

6) Black or white?

White

7) Biggest fear?

Pain, then snakes and heights.

8) Everyday attitude?

Mostly, I go quietly about doing my chores and other stuff. I guess "quiet" sums it up.

9) What is perfection?

Chocolate? ;)

10) Guilty pleasure?

Watching movies in my room.

Seven Random Things:

1. I do not enjoy driving myself places, and if possible I have my bro drive me.
2. I'm seriously freaking out that my little bro is going to be 20 next month! Yikes!!
3. I have a HUGE crush on Steve McQueen. *grin* You never would have guessed, right? 
4. I'm reading through Proverbs by reading the chapter that corresponds to the date.  Ever notice there are 31 chapters in Proverbs and approx. 31 days in a month?   Cool, huh.
5. I love chopping vegetables up.
6. I prefer pencils to pens.
7. I hate wearing socks.

I award...
Abbie

Wild Rose

Vicki

Alexandra

Lizzy

Have fun and Happy Trails, y'all!

Movie Review: Funny Face

I was planning on doing a review of Rebecca, one of my newly discovered favorite Alfred Hitchcock films, but I was having trouble coming up with words worthy to describe it.  I'll continue to work on it and maybe someday it'll see the light of day.  Maybe.  I'm not promising anything, though... ;)

Instead, allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite musicals of all time...

Funny Face! 

Fred Astaire...Audrey Hepburn...singing...dancing...beautiful clothes...Paris - what's not to like?

Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) works at a quiet, small, hole-in-the-wall bookstore in Greenwich Village, NYC...at least, it was quiet until Maggie Prescott (Kay Thompson), editor of Quality fashion magazine, Dick Avery (Fred Astaire), her photographer, and a bevvy of pink clad helpers arrive to take pictures for the magazine.  In a whirlwind of events, Jo finds herself on the way to Paris to model a new clothing line for Quality.   In the midst of many fun singing and dancing numbers, she'll see the sights and have a few adventures... and maybe even fall in love.

The incomparable Audrey Hepburn was already fabulous enough, but singing and dancing?!  

With Fred Astaire?  

Magic

Here's one of my favorite musical numbers...of course, they're really all my favorite musical numbers, but this will have to do. :)

I just love the lyrics to that song.

And here's a desktop wallpaper I made for this wonderful film, just for fun.

 {full sized image here}

Well, that's all for now folks.

If you watch this film, or already have, do tell me what you think of it!

Happy Trails!

New in the Shop

My fingers have been quite busy lately, creating new items for my shop.

iPod Touch/Phone cozies...

And, for the first time, matching iPod and Laptop sleeves!

My yarn stash was starting to get decidedly low, so I placed an order with Red Heart Yarn yesterday.  

I can't wait to get my package!

I hope you all have a lovely and blessed day!

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."

Proverbs 11: 30

Miscellany

Last Saturday, we went to see Sherwood Pictures' latest movie, Courageous.

All I can say is, it was AMAZING!

In all seriousness, "I laughed. I cried.  It moved me Bob."

I highly recommend it.

It was so refreshing to sit down, watch an immensely entertaining, funny and intense film, and not have to worry about bad language or other bad stuff. 

Keep up the good work, Sherwood Pictures!  I can't wait to see what you come up with next! =) 

Source: bing.com via Trish on Pinterest

Here's the song Courageous by Casting Crowns.

I'm trying a new vintage inspired hairstyle today.  Pin curls in the front with the back hair in a bun.  I think this is going to be one of my new favorite styles.  Super simple.  Maybe I'll get pictures at some point.

I need to buy more bobby pins.  Where do they all disappear to, anyway?

Along the same line, I finally found a crochet pattern for a snood that I think will work.

I found it through this fun blog, Noir Girl.

Check out this wonderful movie review for The Spirit of St. Louis (starring Jimmy Stewart  *swoon*) on my dear friend Kellie's blog.

Source: Uploaded by user via Kellie on Pinterest

Your eyes do not deceive you - that's a blonde Jimmy.  Yes, it scared me, too. ;)

Just got a bunch of classic film noir movies from the library, so I've got some serious movie watching ahead of me.  There might be a movie review or two coming...

Happy Trails, y'all! :)

An Immensely Entertaining Literary Tag

I found this super fun literary tag on Of Trims and Frills and Furbelows and I just had to do it.  I do so love tags. :)

Whoever came up with this tag has an amazing sense of humor.

.....

The rules...write down twelve characters from literature, making sure to not look at the questions until you've listed them. Then answer the questions.

Unless you don't plan on doing this tag.
Then, you can just scroll down and read my incredibly witty answers!
*grin*

1.  Josephine March (Little Women)
2. Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)
3. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice)
4. Sir Percy Blakeney (The Scarlet Pimpernel)
5. Arthur Clennam (Little Dorrit)
6. Mr. Knightley (Emma)
7. Mr. Thornton (North and South)
8. Sir Wilfrid of Ivanhoe (Ivanhoe)
9. Edmund Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia)
10. Elnora Comstock (Girl of the Limberlost)
11. Captain Peter Blood (Captain Blood)
12. Nancy Drew (duh)

1. Who would make a better college prof, 6 or 11?
(Mr. Knightley, Peter Blood)  Oh my.  Whom shall I choose?  I rather think that Peter Blood would make a better college prof, as he is a doctor, but I can totally see Mr. Knightley as one, too.

2. 12 sends 8 out on a mission. What is it? Does it succeed?
(Nancy Drew, Ivanhoe) Sir Wilfrid is sent by Nancy to commander Santa's sleigh for a joy ride.  Does it succeed?  I haven't the faintest idea. 

3. What is or would be 9's favorite book?
(Edmund) I rather fancy that Edmund would enjoy mystery or adventure books.

4. Would it make more sense for 2 to swear fealty to 6, or the other way around?
(Anne Shirley, Mr. Knightley) I believe it would make much more sense for Anne to swear fealty to Mr. Knightley.  I just can't see Mr. Knightley doing that for Anne.  It's far to romantic for him.


5. For some reason, 5 is looking for a roommate. Should (s)he share a studio apartment with 9 or 10?
(Arthur Clennam, Edmund, Elnora) Uh, Arthur would definitely have Edmund as a roommate.


6. 2, 7, and 12 have dinner together. Where do they go, and what do they discuss?
(Anne, Knightley, Nancy Drew) They all go to the Olive Garden where Nancy proceeds to discuss her latest case, while Anne begins to recite poetry.  Mr. Knightley listens politely while eating his spaghetti and meatballs solemnly.

7. 3 challenges 10 to a duel. What happens?
(Elizabeth Bennet, Elnora) Elizabeth mortally wounds Elnora before realizing that they have no reason to be dueling in the first place.  She is then carted off to jail to spend the rest of her life behind bars. The end.

8. If 1 stole 8's most precious possession, how would she/he get it back?
(Jo, Ivanhoe) These two should have had the previous question. ;)  Ivanhoe would politely request that Josephine return his precious possession (his bronzed baby shoes).  Jo attacks him with a poker.  Ivanhoe, loath to fight with a lady, manfully takes the beating while devising means by which he might reclaim his shoes.  He retreats, only to return with Rowena, who grapples with Jo while Ivanhoe makes off with his shoes.  I think he grabbed Rowena on the way out, too, but that part of the story isn't very clear...

9. Suggest a title for a story in which 7 and 12 both attain what they most desire.
(Mr. Thornton, Nancy Drew) The Mystery at the Mill.  How original.

10. What kind of plot device would you use if you wanted 4 and 1 to work together?
(Sir Percy, Jo) Sir Percy takes it upon himself to teach Jo the fine art of fencing and disguise, then they go rescue some aristocrats...or something.

11. If 7 visited you for the weekend, how would you get along?
(Mr. Thornton) We would get along simply splendidly, I have no doubt.  Go for long walks and rides through the countryside and discuss books we've read.  In fact, we'd get along so well, that before he left I'd say, "Oh, John!  Forget Margaret.  Forget the mill.  And especially forget your charming mother.  I'm the one you've been waiting for all your life!"  And he'd say, "You're absolutely right, darling!  Let's get married."  We'd elope and go to Scotland for our honeymoon and live happily ever after.  The end.  Well, I can dream, can't I? ;)

12. If you could command 3 to perform any one task or service for you, what would it be?
(Elizabeth Bennet) I should command her to teach me all of the wonderful dances she knows!

13. If 2 had to choose sides between 4 and 5, which would it be?
(Anne, Sir Percy, Arthur)  A romantic little thing like Anne would absolutely side with Sir Percy.

14. What might 10 shout while charging into battle?
(Elnora) "I changed my mind! AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!" (my bro gets the credit for that one;)

15. If you chose a song to represent 8, which song would you choose?
(Ivanhoe) I haven't the foggiest of ideas.

16. 1, 6, and 12 are having dim sum at a Chinese restaurant. There is only one scallion pancake left, and they all reach for it at the same time. Who gets to eat it?

(Jo, Knightley, Nancy Drew) Mr. Knightley would defer to the ladies, Nancy would defer to Jo, and Jo would eat the pancake.

17. What would 5 most likely be arrested for?
(Arthur)  Uh, debt? ;)

18. What is 6's secret?
(Knightley) For years and years, Mr. Knightley has secretly desired to be a cowboy.

19. If 11 and 9 were racing to a destination, who would get there first?
(Peter Blood, Edmund)  Probably Captain Blood.

20. If you had to walk home through a bad neighborhood late at night, would you feel safer in the company of 7 or 8?
(Mr. Thornton, Ivanhoe) Either one would do nicely, I'm sure. =)

21. 1 and 9 reluctantly team up to save the world from the threat posed by 4's sinister secret organization. 11 volunteers to help them,
but it is later discovered that s/he is actually a spy for 4. Meanwhile, 4 has kidnapped 12 in an attempt to force their surrender. Following the wise
advice of 5, they seek out 3, who gives them what they need to complete their quest. What title would you give this fic?
Josephine & Edmund reluctantly team up to save the world from the threat posed by Sir Percy's sinister (what?) secret organization.   Captain Peter Blood volunteers to help them, but is later discovered that he is actually a spy for Sir Percy.  Meanwhile, Sir Percy has kidnapped Nancy Drew (I hope he stamped her frequent kidnapping card...) in an attempt to force their surrender.  Following the wise advice of Arthur Clennam, they seek out Elizabeth Bennet, who gives them what they need to complete their quest (a magic parasol that gives you three wishes).  
Hahahahahaha!!
Title...title... "How We Saved the World: or In Which Jo & Ed Save the World In Spite of the Combined Awesomeness of Sir Percy and Peter Blood - Volume I".  
My bro suggested "Saving the World in Three Easy Steps". ;)

Well, I certainly enjoyed that!

Happy Trails, y'all!

Movie Review: Random Harvest

Shell-shocked.  

He can't remember who he is or where he comes from and his shattered nerves make it difficult for him to speak.  

They call him Smith.

1942

Our story begins at the end of WWI at the Melbridge County Asylum in England, the military wing.   On an especially foggy evening, when the guard's backs are turned, Smith (Ronald Coleman) makes his escape and wanders about the town of Melbridge.  Confused and disoriented he is found by Paula (Greer Garson), a dancer/singer with a traveling troupe of performers.  Paula feels sorry for Smith, whom she calls Smithy, and decides to help him recover.  They travel to the country where Smithy soon regains his confidence and his speech.  And they fall in love.  But what will happen when Smithy disappears?  Will Paula ever find out what happened to her husband?

I love this movie.  My mom loves this movie.  My brother loves this movie.

It's beautiful and romantic, yet suspenseful and mysterious.

Greer Garson is stunningly beautiful as Paula and Ronald Coleman is superb in his role as Smithy.  And he has an awesome accent. =)

Definitely a film that we need to add to our personal library.

And here's several LUX Radio Theater versions, if that's your cup of tea.

Happy Trails, y'all!

Continue in Prayer

This morning's devotion in Morning and Evening (by Charles H. Spurgeon) seemed written just for me.

Here's a short excerpt...

"If thou be a child of God, thou wilt seek thy Father's face, and live in thy Father's love.  Pray that this year thou mayst be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter oftener into the banqueting-house of His love.  Pray that thou mayst be an example and a blessing unto others, and that thou mayst live more to the glory of thy Master.  The motto for this year must be, "Continue in prayer."

It tied in so perfectly to my goal for this year!  Don't you just love it when that happens?

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Walk in wisdom towards them that are without, redeeming the time.

Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Colossians 4: 2,5 & 6

I do take this for my motto.

Source: fanny-fart.tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

I shared this on Ladies of Virtue.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012, everyone!

a fresh start - a blank slate - a new year

I pray that this year will be a wonderful and blessed one for you all!

My brother and I waited up for the new year together (my mom and dad decided they'd just rather get some sleep;), and then watched "Laura" a 1940's detective/murder mystery classic starring Gene Tierney and Dana Andrews.  Very suspenseful.  Right up our alley.  Didn't get to bed until 2:00 PM. =)

I only have one goal for this year: growing closer to my Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I haven't give Him the time He deserves the past few years.  Frankly, it's been like riding on an out-of-control roller coaster here at times, what with my mom being ill with Lyme disease.  Sometimes, I just need to stop and read my Bible.  I talk to Him a lot throughout the day, but I haven't spent much time diving deep into His Word.  I plan to change that this year, by His grace and through His strength.

As far as the rest goes, I'm just going to wait and see what happens.  I need to practice that anyway - waiting.

However...I would very much like to visit my cousins on the east coast this year.  I haven't seen them in over a year - almost two years, now!  Far too long.  I'm praying that the Lord will work that out somehow.  He can:)

Happy Trails, y'all!

Source: bellacosas.tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest