Believing without boundaries

I've been reading a book titled "Buddhism without Boundaries" and to me, it's fascinating. It's all about shedding all of the trappings and perceived necessary rituals to get back to the simple Buddhist principles. The author refers to the monasteries, intricate rituals and even the incense as being obstacles that just get in the way when one is trying to walk the "Middle Path".

This concept got me to thinking about just how much our Society has imposed requirements and rituals on different faiths which has in many ways caused us to lose sight of what the true essence of our beliefs/faith really is. We've become so caught up on making sure that we wear the correct outfit, attend the correct service/mass, and remember to pray a certain way that the basic, most uncomplicated tennets slip out of our hands, especially when talking about Buddhism. Have we become so addicted (obsessed?) with the imposed trappings that we are unable to obtain the peace that we all desire? Why is it so hard to let those things go so that we can return to a simpler way?

Just some wandering thoughts going through my sleep deprived mind... :)

EXPELLIARMUS!

Isn't Harry cute?

I was working on a birthday swap last week that ended with a craft fail. (I honestly think that the manufacturers of freezer paper have changed their product somehow. This was my second stencil fail in the past 3 months!) After looking at my partner's wists a bit more, I decided to craft a Potter Pal Puppet doll. I've never made one of these before so I am super excited at how he turned out. If I had had more time, I most likely would have made either Snape or Dumbledore.

I want to try morphing this pattern into little Santas for the holiday season. I just need to give the beard some thought. :D

Some geeky stitching for my husband

A couple of months ago, my husband finally worked himself into an actual office at work! Yay! Goodbye cubicle!

He has been dropping hints for a while that his walls are bare which is his way of saying "Make me something!". This was no easy task. He doesn't like fussy. He's not the typical computer geek who's into movies and on line gaming. He has a super dry sense of humor. Coming up with designs took a while.

Here's the first set that I stitched up. The first represents what he would like to do to some of his coworkers. ;)



This second piece was his only design suggestion. I would never have come up with this on my own because I just don't think this way.

And they're off!

Another school year is under way! It's really hard for me to believe that this is my 19th year in teaching. I honestly don't know where the time has gone. I guess that's an added benefit to truly enjoying your chosen profession. :)

Never fear though,I have been crafting though even though my feet hate me and I come home all sweaty and icky from not having A/C at work.

Here are my latest creations...embroidered stars! They are quick, fun and completely spontaneous for me. I have no plan. I just embroider which is very refreshing.

A bit of nostalgia

One of the reasons that I learned to crochet was snowflakes. Yes, I said snowflakes!

My granma made 2 dozen crocheted snowflakes for each of her grandchildren which was no small feat given the fact that I have a ton of cousins. It is my personal goal to add to my collection each year and learn more crochet techniques along the way. Some day, I will split my collection in two for my kids when they are grown. I spent my morning with a cup of tea, my crochet hook and memories of my gran. :)



Now the bottom piece is supposed to be a dove, but my husband said it was a chicken. My daughter's reaction was "What a cute duck Mommy!".

I know that gran was looking down at me and giggling in her special way. She was a great woman.