Having enjoyed other wilderness survival stories as a young reader, I knew that I’d love Hatchet…and I did. I enjoyed it so much that I’m wondering whether my child self was a good judge of the other survival stories I read. Hatchet has clearly displaced them all and taken the number one spot on my favorites list.

I was never drawn to fantasy as a child and so had never explored this area of fiction — even as an adult. Of course required reading assignments obviously override personal preferences and I knew I had to get through it. I wasn’t looking forward to it; knew that I wouldn’t be able to connect with the stories and that I’d just plain dislike them. I was prepared for some miserable reading. …Ahem. I nearly read Gregor the Overlander in one sitting. And I’m determined to read the rest of the series during school breaks (if the series lives up to the standard of the first book).

So, why do we stop reading children’s books when we grow up?

Why not dig out that old favorite or pick up a popular new release — your stress level and your inner child will be delighted!

Sure, I’ve looked forward to apple desserts full of cinnamon-sugar deliciousness…the smell of new pencils at the start of school…tangy apple cider…wearing cozy sweaters. I love those things, but I’ve never really truly wanted fall before it actually arrived. Now I can’t wait for the rustle of leaves and a bite in the air!

I’ve decided to celebrate the arrival of fall with a fabulous-looking recipe published in the recent Midwest Living magazine. When that first day of nippy weather arrives I’ll bake Almond-Cranberry Bread with White Chocolate Glaze, make some tea and find a good book.

Yes, that’s my recipe for happiness.

As I look forward to the completion of my course , I want to know…

What’s on your summer reading list?

It’s strawberry season!

I don’t know a single soul who can resist fresh strawberries.  To prolong the enjoyment, stash some in the freezer for a taste of early summer in an instant.

To find perfectly ripe berries with the best flavor, visit a local U-pick strawberry farm or look for a farmer’s market or produce stand vendor who offer locally grown berries.  I loved driving home with my strawberries sitting just behind me on the floor of the car — the aroma was magical!

How to Freeze Strawberries

Rinse the strawberries in two changes of water to remove sand, insects, and any other debris.  Strawberries grow very close to the ground and some may be quite dirty, so use as many changes of water as necessary.

Place rinsed strawberries in a colander to allow excess water to escape.

Remove stems with fingers or a knife.  At the same time, remove any areas of the berry that are discolored, mushy, or insect bitten.

Slice strawberries into freezer boxes.  Choose freezer boxes in a size that corresponds with how the frozen strawberries will be used in favorite recipes.  I chose to recycle by using disposable plastic deli meat containers.  (Caution:  Using containers that are not specifically made for freezer storage may result in food with freezer burn.)

Top each box of berries with a good portion of sugar.

Place lids on freezer boxes, label boxes with contents, and store in the freezer. 

I’ve found that transparent tape makes easy, removable labels.  Cut an appropriate length; fold one short end under to make a tab; stick to freezer box; write box contents and date on tape with a pen, pencil, or marker.  To remove the label, grip the tab and pull off.  No damaged fingernails, no shredded tape, and an unmarked freezer box to use next time!

Ahem.  My apologies to readers who may be color-sensitive.  My kitchen is decidedly stuck in the 70′s with its original gold ceramic sink.  Unfortunately, you’ve had the full 70′s color experience between my sink and my blog color scheme.  I hope you still have an appetite for strawberries!

Now that the demands of etiquette have been met, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been accepted into the nation’s top-ranked Master of Library and Information Science program.  I couldn’t be more pleased!

My next step is to attend an on-campus orientation (this summer) where I will meet with advisors to plan my course of study.  In the fall I’ll begin taking classes on-line.  If all goes smoothly, I anticipate that the program will take me 2 and 1/2 years to complete.

I’m excited about starting this journey…and sharing it with you.

Early April in the Ozarks of Northeast Arkansas

Here it is.  Simplicity pattern 2685, bag “D.”

It’s really big.  Huge, actually.  And has hips.

Considering its size, I would call it a tote.  I can see it going to the farmer’s market, the library or the beach.

The pleats (on both sides) and band with button give this tote a huge style punch.

Ever since my mother- and father-in-law gave my niece her first sewing machine for Christmas in December, I’ve been craving to sew.

Yes, craving – just like the longing I sometimes feel for cookies or taco salad.

My mom taught me to sew a long time ago.   When I was in grade school, I participated in Mini 4-H and made a skirt as one of my projects.  That skirt was the first big sewing project I had attempted — and it won a blue ribbon.  Through the years, I have repeatedly turned to sewing to exercise my creativity and aid me in my theatrical adventures in community theater.  Recently, I have begun to view sewing as a demonstration in self-sufficiency.  I love the accomplishment of holding a bag or wearing a dress that I made myself.  And I am beginning to value, more and more, the very personal qualities of anything handmade.

I visited my local fabric and crafts store last week to refresh my pattern collection in preparation for summer.  This afternoon, I pulled out my stash of fabric, rounded up my patterns and sat down to figure out my next project.

I decided to start with this fun bag pattern from Simplicity.  (Click on photo for pattern information.)

Can’t wait to get started!

My favorite craft store had a single copy of Plastic Canvas Botanical Plaques designed by Ronda Bryce.  I snatched it up!  I was immediately inspired to try plastic canvas needlework.  After collecting the supplies for my first project I started stitching and loved it!  It was so easy to stitch while visiting with family or watching TV.  I also liked that I could distinctly see my progress and watch the picture take shape.

To begin, you’ll need an instruction or pattern book for plastic canvas crafts.  Check your local crafts store for booklets with patterns for bookmarks, coasters, Christmas ornaments, refrigerator magnets, etc.

Refer to your instruction / pattern book for the specific supplies you’ll need to complete your project.  The basic supplies for plastic canvas crafts are 7-count plastic canvas, #16 plastic canvas needle, medium weight yarn and/or Uniek Needloft Plastic Canvas yarn.  You will notice that plastic canvas yarn has a sheen and a texture that is coarser than knitting or crochet yarn.  Using the two yarn types for different areas of your project will create an appealing texture.

Your instruction / pattern book provides information on how to size your plastic canvas for your chosen project (simply cut with scissors), how to perform the stitches and proceed through the design, and how to assemble the finished pieces of your project.

The designs by Ronda Bryce in Plastic Canvas Botanical Plaques brought the craft up-to-date by incorporating additional textural elements in the design.  The mushroom design (above) uses satin ribbon, a butterfly applique (I used a butterfly shaped button), tiny white pompoms and jasper chip beads.  You can see more of these designs and order the book here: 

Happy stitching!