Something Special

Good Afternoon, all!
   Sorry, I sort of went lagging here to post. I've been a busy woman of late.. I couldn't resist putting this picture up..its beautiful with all that lavender. 

   I came across a pattern today that I want to share with you. Its not mine as this is coming from another link.  The person who designed this is really talented.. Ever make a pot of tea and then realize that your teapot let it get cold? Its happened to me many times. I find it sort of frustrating. On a cold winter day I would love to sit at my table with a cup and a teapot of tea with my bible out to study. I get thinking on something and when I go to drink some tea its cold.. The teapot is as well..ah well..so this crafter designed the prettiest little teapot cover..I absolutely fell in love with it.. Would make a great item to give as a Christmas/birthday gift or a housewarming present. 

Here's the link..  http://crochethealingandraymond.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/spring-explosion-tea-cozy/

I've been a bit slow in donations lately. I realized that my vision is suffering greatly. After seeing the eye doctor I found out why. I seem to have fluid leaking in both my eyes..it gives one blurry vision. I also have the beginning of cataracts..oh fun! I'm hoping that a rectinologist will be able to fix the leaking problem..the other will have to be dealt with in time. I will try to post here often. the type is small for me..I will enlarge it for reading..I have no idea if anyone else is challenged like this so larger type will help. 

I hope you are all having a great summer. Our temps are triple digits right now..not my favorite..So warm things that are large are going to wait..

Warm Hugs,
Leslee

Inspire!

A Happy Summer Day to you all!

   With the hot weather now upon us, I find that I sort of get what I call melted brain.. I sort of get an idea about a new project..the rest melts away. The days are hot and the night's are almost too warm to sleep.
Days are sort of a kind of tossing and turning only I'm up moving around. Taking this thought and frustration over "melted brain"...
the other evening I attended my oldest grand son's high school graduation. 

  It was rather an interesting affair. If you've been to one graduation it seems like you know what to expect. I should never have thought that this would be true for this specific graduation. First, the high school he attends is a charter school in the district and had it also accreditation. Its sandwiched between the city high school and a state university.  He attended this unusual school called , Inspire. Great name for a school that was concentrating on the arts and sciences that are vanishing in schools in this country. My grand son loves music and especially loves the school sound room. Its state of the art and the kids in this particular area are delighted to be able to experiment and try some of their budding ideas in a state of the art lab. 

  A few days ago before the graduation ceremony, the high school students from the city high school vandalized an enormous mural that was painted on one of the walls of Inspire high school. The mural was designed by a reputable artist and the kids in Inspire painted this mural under the instruction of the artist/and instructor. It was beautifully done. The vandalizing of this painting was saddening. Inspire high students went back to the school on the weekend and repainted the entire mural once more. They said, "we do not want everything to end like this but give hope and beauty to the new students coming in and returning". 

  Then came the graduation ceremony. It was held in one of the college's auditorium's and in itself gave a nod toward the endeavors of these young students. It was old and quaint and gave a feeling of approval from the past. The students chose special music in which they danced, ran, or playfully acted coming into the auditorium while spots of colored lights moved around the room/and stage. It was fun and light. They had the usual speakers come up. But then they showed a video created by the students, a quartet sang beautifully, they gave honor to a specific instructor and their faculty advisories. One of the faculty advisors who spoke gave me a spark of an idea..She spoke about the name of the school, Inspire. Most people typically use the dictionary meaning. ..She said, "looking up this word she realized that the usual meanings that most think of when they think of the word, Inspire is; to affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence. To stimulate into action; motivate, and to stimulate energies, ideals. The advisor went on to say that what the students did in Inspire was another meaning to this word that most do not think of when they use this word. This meaning is to breathe life into. They are an inspiration to other students, to faculty, and to everyone who reads this.

Spark!

  This was all I needed to realize that I could be the breathe in an old pattern I'm using. It becomes our own when we change it. We change it by using the talents that He has blessed us with. He gave them for His purposes.What we doe with what He gives us is important. He meant for us to use them in life. He then guides us to use them as He wishes. Granted, some probably use them for reasons and ways in which He did not want but He uses that too. 

  If nothing else I hope the story of these students helps inspire you all. Get out that yarn, the tools you use, an old pattern to start with and see what you can create. What we create goes to those who need His outstretched hands. Have fun with this, He wants you to enjoy this blessing. And then share it with others.

warm hugs,
Leslee

Memorial Day Weekend

Hello Everyone!
  Well, we are already into the Memorial Day weekend. I hope you all take some time this
weekend to remember those who gave their lives so that we could be free. In every war,
there are those that did not support the war efforts, they did not agree, but they were called
to serve and did so. In the end, they gave their lives willingly. 

  My thoughts lately have been on all the areas that have been destroyed by tornadoes/storms. 
Of course, at this point of time, the one my thoughts are on is Moore, Oklahoma. There is so
much news media coverage. They cover the destruction, who did what, the sensational part of
the disaster. Its important I think to concentrate on the little things. Look closely, you will find
miracles of God's love and mercy in all of this. You will find people who want to help those
in need of help, extending their hands through His love. I saw an older lady who was definitely
in shock still..walking about being interviewed by the media. I felt sad in my heart. I know they
have a job to do..but these people really needed their help..even just talking to each person 
that they come across..asking them if they need some assistance and trying to find it. The lady
I mentioned had been sitting in her bathroom holding her dog..When the tornado struck,
she and the house were sent everywhere ..she never lost consciousness but really was still
very dazed. She had no idea where her dog was..She was just wandering around..still
very bruised and bleeding on her arm..the cameraman saw some movement and realized
that it was probably the lady's dog..It was..unearthing this little dog..the lady was made
noises at finding her little companion but truly unable to express her joy at finding this
little dog. She lost all that she had..but not the love and companionship of that little dog.
What a sweet gift of love that He sent her..compassion and comfort. In this the media
was used..but unfortunately that is not the norm. 

  The evening I first heard this story, we had an earthquake here where I live. I realized 
that it was not a bad one but it sure shook everything..rattling the peace in the communities
we live in. This was nothing compared to what the people in those states are going through.
I was thankful of that..but I also realized that I need to get busy on the crafting I've been
working on. We never know when we will be called to help out somewhere..even a 
neighbor.  I wish each of you a peaceful and blessed weekend.

This next week I will get some things together that I want to share with you. I would
love to hear from any of you crafters who are working to make donations to help 
others..

warm hugs, Leslee

Good Morning!
   Just a few words this morning. In light of all of the terrible damage that was done yesterday, I was thinking how can we help these people. First, in prayer. Secondly, if you live near to where all this damage was done, and you sew/quilt..these people could probably use some blankets..remember people come in all sizes..so if you make a ghan it also will help keep someone warm at night. If you crochet/knit making hats will help during the hours at night.
  If you make toys to cuddle..Those children in that area could use something to cuddle with. I so wish I were closer as I would love to help these people. I live in California so actually offering food or shelter is not an option for me... I can offer to make warm things. They live in an area where people are wearing shorts..keeping warm is probably only needed at night.. If anyone who reads this blog thinks of something that crafters can do to help please share your ideas. Most of us are wanting to offer a hand to reach out and help..
  Leslee

Donations to a PICU

Greetings! 
  I hope you are all having a wonderful late spring day! Since its the weekend and its warm and sunny outside I really am not in the mood to sit inside and work on crafts or my handwork. I do feel like getting out into the beautiful day that our Lord has blessed us with. Soon it will be too hot to sit outside..
  Do any of you have that problem during the hot season of what to do with your hands when holding yarn is just too warm? I try to make things that are small. There are not a lot of options. If you want to do hats they work up both quickly and are not too big or heavy for the times in our lives when that sun is putting out all that heat..I guess that coasters are an option. So are doilies..Maybe scarves..any other ideas out there that we have not considered?

  I have the wonderful pleasure of sharing with all of you something close to my heart. I have a son, Micah, who lives in Williamsburg, Iowa with his loving wife Brittany and little son Mikey. 

 Left to Right: Are Dana Knapp, Sheila Gronewold, Mikey, Brittany Ellsworth and Micah Ellsworth. Dana and Sheila
created these blankets in memory of Abigale Ellsworth who passed before Mikey was born. They were donated by this family to the University of Iowa hospital in Williamsburg, Iowa to the PICU. What a sweet way of extending His love.
 Kudos! For using your wonderful talents and love to children in need.

  There is a feeling of happiness when we donate items to those in need. No matter what the need is or why..Just to use what He has given us and blessed us with to extend His hand in love is really a sweet gift in itself..

I wish you all a blessed and peaceful weekend!
warm hugs, Leslee   
 

Good Morning!
   I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!
   Our mothers are so precious. They give of themselves to give us life and then nurture us into adult hood.
My grandmother was a quilter and a crocheter. My mother used to sew and embroider.  I learned how to crochet from my mother in law and an older lady who owned property we used to rent a long time ago. Each gave me something to use in life. God gave me the talent to do this. His love is immense! Sharing what I create with others in need just seems the right thing to do. 
  A few days ago I came across a group on Facebook. I was really impressed with this group. The owner's wish is to give Him the glory. Isn't that what we should do? I agree with her in this. He has given so much. I can give back to others in my life to extend His hand and to give Him the glory. The group on Facebook is called, Pray and Crochet Crafts. https://www.facebook.com/PrayAndCrochetCrafts?hc_location=stream
  I'm absolutely delighted I can share this with you today!

  Over the weekend I decided to use a scrap ball of yarn to make a blanket for a baby. We have in my community a Healthy Mother's group. It helps mothers who have next to nothing to help them and their new babies to get a better start in life. I usually craft for our cancer center here or to a homeless shelter in town. I decided since I have donations made already for them, that I would make some things for this mother's group. I'm using the same granny square pattern I posted in the blog before this, only I'm not stopping at six inches but making it as big as I can ..I'm hoping it will make a 36" square. I'm using an H hook. If it doesn't..I'm sure I have a nice color in a scrap ball that I can add a colorful border. The yarn is a Red Heart yarn. Since the label has long gone, I will try to describe the color. Its white/yellow/blue/green varigated. Its really very nice. A great color if the mother has requested not to know the baby's sex before its birth. I know that some feel they wish to be surprised. This is fun too! 

  My secret sister in our church gave me some sweet mother's day gifts. In a very large bag she chose many different kinds of things. One of those things was a bag of really nice yarn from a neighboring yarn shop! I was absolutely delighted..Beautiful soft yarn to make a baby's hat! All three skeins are from Cascade yarns. A lavendar

and a yellow skeins are from the Pacific line,

 the third one is from the Pluscious line. 

All three are really nice and will make nice soft hats.
I have found that using what comes along at the time I think about making something for someone in need, the yarn either comes to me just before I think about it or after I've decided I want to create a specific thing. The yarn is provided by Him for various different projects..Always giving Him the honor and glory in all that we do is the right thing to do. 

I wish you all a very happy crafting day!
hugs, Leslee

Hello Again!
  Sometimes I find that I get busy and forget I'm writing a blog here. 
  Mother's Day will soon be here..Its this coming Sunday as a matter of fact. I was thinking about some of the cool things I could make..and realized there is a wonderful pattern where I could make sun hats for my loved ones. Its also a great pattern for a cancer patient or just a senior that could use something to brighten her day! Here's the link to this cute little hat: http://cre8tioncrochet.com/2013/02/adult-spring-or-easter-hat-shell-stitch-cotton-hat-with-spring-blossoms/
  Would you like a little peek at it? Isn't this sweet?!
They also have a link to make a child's size hat too on the link above. As I said..it would brighten someone's day to wear a pretty hat like this!

  I've been playing with good old fashioned granny squares. They are so versatile. I had three balls of yarn, red, yellow and green. The light bulb in my head went on suddenly..I realized I could start making squares and either make more of them for a blanket or a lap ghan..Then that thought went further..I could make them
for Christmas gifts..So now I'm stuck on making these squares for now. I think I like the fact they make up so quickly that it gives satisfaction that I've completed something.. I did not use any specific pattern..Just one I put together in my mind. Remember! Its not necessary to end the square at a small size..you can keep doing rounds until you get it big enough for your purpose or keep them small and later put together for something else. I have been making them when I'm watching a program..I find they work up quickly.
Here's the pattern I use:
  I use an "H" hook, and ww 4 ply yarn. Red Heart is nice..Simply Soft will work too.
  Ch 4. slip stitch to join.
  Ch. 3, dc 11 times in ring. join to the top of the ch 3.
  Ch 3, dc 2 times in same stitch as ch 3. Skip 3 dc, make 3dc in next space, ch 3, 3 dc in same space. This makes a corner..skip 3 dc , Repeat 3 dc,ch 3, 3dc in next space. Second corner has now been made. Skip 3 dc, crochet the repeat once again. Third Corner made. Then skip another three dc, make the last repeat in the next space. Join to top of the beginning ch 3. You will now have four corners.
  Slip stitch into the first ch 3 corner. Ch 3, make 2 dc in the corner, ch 3, 3 dc in the corner..new corner made. Skip the next three dc, Make 3 dc in next space..skip next 3 to second corner. Repeat all of this until you can join with the top of the beginning ch 3 . Your square is now bigger. I make rows until my square measures 6 inches. I like that size square to make a small blanket.

  I hope I wrote the above so you can all understand. If there is an error or it doesn't make sense please comment and let me know. I'll fix it or help you understand what I wrote. 

A Happy Mother's Day to all who are one or becoming one..Oh, and fur babies count too!
Hugs, Leslee

Good Afternoon!
   I hope you all had a restful weekend! I spent some time today trying to get my camera recognized on my computer. Now I only have to get my picasa file connected to this.. lol  Its funny how one small problem begins many new ones.

   If this computer will co operate I'm going to share some of the projects I've worked on in the past. I hope that it helps inspire you to pick up your needles/hooks to begin a new project.

  A friend of mine just finished Red Hearts, waves afghan..Its really pretty. A ghan which is bigger has many uses as well as a lapghan.

The pattern used here is a climbing shells pattern. This is a baby blanket I made but would really work up well as a lapghan or a ghan..depending on the size you wish to make. 

This is a knitted blanket I made with left over skeins of yarn from other projects. Its warm and really nice to snuggle with when you need something cozy. The pattern for this is on Lionbrand's site. Its their diagonal stitch blanket. http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20088.html?noImages=

This is a free pattern.

This is a short blog today. I still need to work on getting things to upload. I wish each of you a blessed and peaceful day!

warm hugs, Leslee

What should I create?

  I have come across the thought of what to create so many times. And the more I do and contemplate what I should make and what I want to make , the more I realize that I just need to look closely at what the need is. Do I need to make something for donation somewhere or do I need to take the time to create something new that also pleases the creative spark in me?
  Just recently I had this happen. I chose to create a lap ghan. But this was not ordinary lap ghan. It is a lap ghan that can be used for warmth or be folded into a pillow. Most of us here are thinking, I can do that with any lap ghan. What about a lap ghan that when folded up it folds into a pillow top? I came across a pattern for this. It looked great but when I took a closer look, I had trouble following the pattern. Most crafters get frustrated because they can't read a pattern and it ends up in the basket for unfinished projects. I have had this problem before. So I thought, why not make a lap ghan as I'm used to making and create a pillow top to go on it?
  How about taking those unfinished projects and using them for lap ghans/pillows for a cancer patient? Or anyone that suffers from a disease that is debilitating. Even a senior would love these. 

  What I'm doing is making a lap ghan and then making the square top. I then will connect them so that when the ghan is folded into thirds and folded in half it will slide into the pillow top..it is easy to carry  and can be used as either a pillow or a lap ghan..it can keeps shoulders warm or supply a place to lay your head..I even like to just snuggle with one just for comfort.

  I'm going to post a link here to the one I tried working with.  It has instructions on how to assemble into a pillow and how to sew together pillow top and ghan. Its from a site called, Crochet Parfait.

 http://crochetparfait.blogspot.com/2013/01/pillowghan.html


It would be handy to download this pattern and then print. If you are anything like me, you forget little details that make something come together easier. 

I realized that I could use any stitch I desired. I'm using a half double crochet stitch for the blanket. I may use this pillow cover because its really nice..Regardless of what stitch I use, the pillow ghan will use up those projects I'm not going back to that sit and haunt me, or just scraps of leftover yarn. Be sure to use the same weight yarn when working with this.

I would love to know how you all do with this. As I said, it has many uses.

Leslee  

Good Morning, All!
  As I promised I would continue with how I got started crafting for charity which has become my ministry.
   Continuing on then, I crocheted for over a year in the group I had joined. I felt so happy. God had answered my prayer. What I didn't realize at that point things were about to change once more. The owners of the group I was in sort of had some sort of falling out. I was asked to moderate the group. Well, other then being a mother of ten children I had no other experience moderating, or so I thought. I had forgotten about when I worked in the college library as a Librarian Technician. I had student workers under me. It gave me some experience too. Then I also forgot I had a talent for working with materials I love. I love books! I love to read. When my children were in an elementary school in East Oakland, the librarian passed away and the district just had no money to send another librarian to that site..so there sat a library that needed to be dusted off., this of course is an understatement, it had boxes of books..books out of order, they were storing anything in that room. I simply one day heard that voice that is quiet and talks to us say, well you always wanted to work in a library, here's your chance..so I asked the principal if I could go in..clean it up and make it useable..working to keep it running..for free! I would even have it open and ready for the teachers to bring the kids in to check out books..and I would do all of the bulletin boards..I did this for over a year and a half..I loved it..but then had to quit to help my family then in crisis.  Looking back at all of this..I had way more experience then I first thought. So, I helped moderate the group I loved. But one day, I sort of had a surprising revelation.
  I realized that it would seem that almost everyone wants to help a helpless child. Preemie or newborn it didn't matter..But, what about the elderly? what about the homeless person? Did it really matter how or why they needed some help? By this time I could navigate myself around sweaters, blankets, hats and slippers..I was afraid the owner would be upset with me. I wanted to start another group. One that would address the needs of elderly, homeless, a cancer patient, anyone in need and not just babies. So, I quietly began to do the footwork of my new group. I kept it quiet. I worked the group up where only an owner could see what I was doing. Anyone on the outside would see just the front page..I was busy working behind the scenes to get things set up. Its an amazing amount of work. Then I  shared with my friends what I was doing and what was exciting me. Some even said they were interested and wanted to join the group. My fears of upsetting my owner in the group were not unfounded..she was indeed angry. She accused me of "fishing" to get members for my new group. I was hardly a threat to take down the one I moderated in. First, my new group really was concentrating on helping everyone else that was NOT a newborn. Then my health took another dive and I had open heart surgery. I backed slowly out of the newborn/preemie group because two groups was way more then I could handle. I had my group open for over a year and realized the title of the group only encompassed those who crochet. I was beginning to learn knitting and I already sewed..so did others in the group. I then changed the name of the group to honor all of the crafters. I also was realizing that I had another problem. I had crafters come in who expected me to be one of those groups that you can win things in.. I did not have that sort of group. They wanted to win things..not take a responsibility for keeping the group going. We all do this in conversation, in sharing a new pattern, a problem in our crafting, something new we found, the list goes on. Instead I was finding people who just wanted to be entertained, some wanted to just pop in and see what we were doing..That was definitely not working. I have a gift of gab so to speak, but even I need some responses and communication..It was not forth coming. I also realized that some of the problem is that there seems to be a "pat on the back" forth coming when we do something for a helpless infant/child..but not so for the other people in need. I also had on the back of my mind, where is God being given the glory for what is done? I had opened my group for anyone to talk about their faith, and asking for prayer..it was a place that feels good to be in.. I still have this group open as the handful of faithful want to stay in contact..Even I can see that the group really has no breathe left in it. Its so very sad.  Then one day recently my christian friend said to me, Leslee, you say you do not know what purpose He has for you in this life? uh, yeah. Sorta of surprised here as I didn't expect her to say this to me. It again was something I was thinking about and talking to God about. She said, ok tell me what talents do you have? You like to read? yes. You like to write? ..definitely! You craft. yes..what do you think would work here? How about taking your ministry to help others into a blog..Helping other crafters to create things to help people in their communities. wow! That's a really good idea! She said, you faithfully post scripture out on facebook to get His word out..yes, I do. The wheels inside my brain were beginning to move. I realized that by blogging I may be able to reach people in a way that had not occurred to me.

The problem finding people who really want to help others..to spread His love and compassion to people who really need is,  that I can't find a way to get the word out that people can make a difference in the life of those around them. I used to be able to go to yahoo and look up people whose hobbies are crocheting, knitting, sewing, crafting. Because they changed their format I'm without email addresses to find people. Facebook is a joke to get a message out more then a scripture or something that steals the news..It reminds me of an electronic ,Enquirer. The tabloid that I used to see in the grocery store. Not sure if its still in print. Many printed items are being replaced by electronic devices.

 I realized that there are crafting blogs online that might be interested in this ministry. It has very little glory or recognition to the crafter. The glory goes to our Creator who created us and gave us these gifts we call talents. 

 I intend to write things here about what I see available for patterns, what I craft myself, pattern links to other places, ideas that come to me and I hope others will share their passions for what they create. I hope to share my own charity work here too.

Remember, the people we help are helpless in many different ways. It can be a debilitating disease, life itself, or just plain getting old. There seem to be many who jump to the aid of people in a disaster. Praise God for this! What about those forgotten? What about the senior in a senior's home? They miss their families, the life they had, and just simple comforts like being warm, or something handmade which reminds them that they are loved. A pair of slippers or socks gives amazing warmth. Its kind of like someone tenderly washing your feet out of the love that they have for you. Someone homeless may be in this situation because of the way life has been lived..their choices that they made..regardless, of whether it was by choice or not, I felt who am I to say this person should or should not receive the love and attention they need? I am not to judge their life..I am able by His good grace to help. I extend my hand to all. Women, Men, teens, and children. If you want to make something to keep someone warm or give comfort please by all means do so. Our communities have many forgotten people. Consider it like helping in a soup kitchen. I was amazed at all the people now who want to work in a soup kitchen. They get seen helping. We who craft do not. And its not important to be seen and noticed. He sees all.

Having shared all this, please feel free to comment. Feel free to share your lives, your passions for helping others..and please above all else..donate your time/gifts to extend His hand in love and compassion to your communities.

The Beginning

I would like to begin here by letting everyone know the purpose of this new blog. I began quite a few years ago to craft to help babies in need. I'm a mother of ten children and a grandmother to many more. I love life and I love my family. Most of all, I love God. He is the one who created me and in that creation gifted me with the ability to crochet and to knit. I also sew.
  After a major crisis in my own life with my family, going back to college to get my A.A. degree in Liberal Arts, working as a Librarian technician, having transferred to a state college to complete a B.A. and go on for my teaching credential ; my body just gave out on me. I was in my late forties and I felt helpless. I had just spent eight days in a hospital. My family still depended on me to keep things going. I could not stand alone, I could not walk without the aid of a walker and I was on way too many medications. I knew I was not going to finish up my college work in that condition. I also knew that I needed to move and change the environment I was in. So I contacted one of my older sons and he and his wife helped me move my things and my youngest daughter up into Northern California near him. I remember in prayer before actually moving..I asked God, where am I going to move? Is there a place still for me? My frame of mind then was that I was useless. One day I was sort of daydreaming..resting my mind and I saw me rocking in my rocker in a white room with beautiful forest green carpet. It was peaceful and I knew I belonged there. Dream over I had to find a place to live through my son/wife. I could not go look at places to live.Then I got a phone call from my daughter in law. "Mom! We found your little house!," I was surprised to say the least.. Ok, my criteria was two bedrooms, living room, bathroom, and a kitchen..I did not want an apartment. I wanted a little house or cottage. To make it harder I needed a place to have two indoor kitties and I could not have more then one or two stairs..a ramp would have been perfect. My daughter in law said..Its exactly what you want..its the right rent and after talking with the landlord I was able to rent this..Not long after came our moving day.
 On moving day.I had to depend on my family to pack and move me and my youngest daughter. I had to lay almost flat traveling to my new home. When we arrived, with help I got out of the car and was helped inside so I could see my new home. I was amused that the ceiling in the kitchen was so low..it was like a little hobbit house..I kept thinking in the back of my mind, its His humor in this..After everything was moved in and I could relax I kept thinking wow! This was all TOO easy..Getting a place in California at the rent I needed, and with the particulars I had is NOT that easy..In fact, sometimes its nearly impossible. On the back of my mind I was thinking..this is nice but NOW what? Two weeks after I moved, I was able to walk slowly around the little house without the walker. I was able to wean myself off strong medications that made my mind slow and foggy..And then one afternoon I was sitting in my rocker and that daydream came back to me.. I was actually sitting in that very same rocker in my living room with white walls and....forest green carpet..Now if you have ever rented before..you know that is REALLY uncommon. I was astounded..only He knew my prayer and knew what I was thinking..and that daydream..oh my! 
 Then not even a month later I was talking to one of my son's still living in the area where I had just moved from. I teasingly said to him, " You should pack up your computer and bring it up here to I can communicate with you down there." I could hear how astonished his voice was..he said, "mom how did you know?" I said "what?" He said, I'm bringing it to you this weekend! wow! I didn't know.. I had although just asked God, "What use am I now?" I can't work..I can barely get a meal and walking is just really hard for me."  Right after my son brought up the computer and set it up, I got online for the first time. Two ladies found me and contacted through my yahoo email and asked me if I could crochet or knit..I had done a little of both but did not feel qualified to do anything...They invited me into a group that did charity crafting. It was sooo sudden, I was blown away.!  I started to make things for newborns and preemies..They taught me online and on the phone. The group members were like sisters I had never met..they encouraged me, and helped me learn. 
This was the beginning of how I came to craft for those in need. Let me tell you, if you ask Him something in prayer..He DOES answer! He usually did so in so many surprising ways.. Sometimes I would be talking to one of my new friends and in something they said to me, was the answer to what I asked Him in prayer. 

This has been a long beginning story, but I believe its important to have some background information to understand where I'm coming from. During that crisis in the beginning of this blog I had lived in East Oakland, California for 18 yrs. I learned what a ghetto was. I had moved into Berkeley and lived there 6 yrs coming out of my family crisis..I learned a lot of life's lessons in all of this..but God was about to show me soo much more. 
Tomorrow, I will tell you how I started an online crafting group of my own.. I would like to share with you my journey, my ministry, my love of crocheting and knitting, my family, patterns, and just life in general. I would love to have feedback and I would love it if you also shared your love and compassion to help others in need. 

Love in Christ, Leslee