Dusting off

It seems I lost my blog! I'll dust off the password, and update a few things!

That's better! I'll try not to do that again! 

Life has been a bit hectic! Employment has settled, the kids are almost out of school, and sewing has kicked into high gear! 

My first visit to a monastery happened in 2018-  Monastery of the Glorious Ascension; Resaca, GA. 

Sister Chrystonymphe at the Cleros, with Fr Maximus serving. 

The women of the church, all 5 of us (one not pictured) were warmly welcomed, and had a lovely time. At one point, Fr. Max discovered we all had concealed carry permits, and most of us had come prepared with some form of firearm or other. We gained a new name ... " Pistol Packin Church Ladies" It stuck. That weekend, we also found our Patron Saint for our group- we all sew or craft in some form..St Lydia of  Tiatyra seemed to choose us. So here we are, The Sisterhood of St Lydia, PPCL, along with the clergy from the Monastery..... 

Pictures of the Mission decorated for Palm Sunday: 

Holy Week and Pascha: 

I had help decorating the tomb! 

We met with St Martin of Tours Mission in Montgomery- They assemble in a chapel attached to the Episcopal school.

I took some adorable pictures of a sweet young lady

Back to the monastery for Tonsuring of a new Reader

and sewed.. 

and sewed.... 

And sewed... 

and sewed...

I thought I'd been rather lazy until I reviewed these photos!

I'm always trying new techniques, and challenging myself to become better- after all, I have St Lydia's prayers behind me now!

Hopefully, I won't go so long without posting again!

Prayers for you all;
Susanna

Lift up ye gates...

Processing to the new temple.

 

Removing icons of Christ and Theotokos from the iconostasis

The procession begins



Gospel and Icons begin their journey



Procession around the new temple

Gathering in front

Fr Alexander reads the Gospel

Subdeacon Innocent leads into the new temple

The Church follows

Entryway

More than 30 years of prayers, dreams, and more prayers

Most Holy Father Symeon, intercede unto God for us.

The Big Reveal

I hinted last week of a surprise I've planned for Matushka Anna. And here it is.

Shown for length, I hope her Godmother didn't have trouble through the Baptism managing the 40 inch gown!

When Miss Moppet's godparents asked me to make the gown, I was so excited, I couldn't wait. I knew almost exactly what I wanted to make. The only thing that didn't work out was a scalloped hemline, with lace peeking out through the scallops. I think the final results worked out much better!

Hanging on my decorated mantle.

Several years ago, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God was traveling through the United States on it's journey to Russia. We were blessed to visit it in Atlanta, at a last minute scheduling. We drove to St John the Wonderworker parish, and waited for the historic miracle-working icon to arrive. I had thought to bring a ribbon with me, not sure if they would have icon cards available for purchase. They had cards, so I grabbed a few for godchildren and family members.



Smocking details

We were able to venerate the icon, after completing the prayers to the Mother of God, and when I reached the Icon, +Fr Jacob Myer took the cards and the ribbon from me, and blessed them by laying them on the icon as I venerated.

Top detail

So back to the dress. I thought- what a wonderful idea to put a piece of the ribbon into the dress! I don't know that anyone's ever done that, but it's worth a try.

Bonnet

I told her godparents about the idea, and they loved it! So, in it went- just a tiny loop in the neckline of the gown, but enough to give Miss Moppet her first relic and icon card of the wonder-working icon.

Of course, when I told Matushka Anna about the relic, she was delighted. Godmother had already shared the secret, and I was told Fr was slightly anxious. Given the introduction of " Guess what Susanna's doing to the gown!" .. I don't blame him. Here's a short description of his first thought.. however, I think he was pleasantly surprised.

The lace peeks out perfectly!

So, my dear Miss Moppet, you have a great treasure in your gown that your godparents so lovingly chose for you. It was an honor for me to make it; I hope this is the first of many things I'm able to make you


God Grant you Many Years!

Making an Appearance

I've been away for a few .....months, so I have some catching up to do.

First, please forgive me for not blogging. I've been a little preoccupied with some other things.

Family, sewing, and work have been on the top of my list. Work has kept me very busy, but it's been very rewarding. OPL is a great work environment, and I love my job. My responsibilities become more challenging each day, and it's a wonderful breath of fresh air to know I have such accomplished individuals around me.

Though I haven't photographed everything I've made this year, I've been busy smocking. I've made several dresses, and have several more to go before this year's over.

Our church started a building project. St Symeon the New Theologian Orthodox Church has photos up. We also recorded a new CD, or 3. You can hear them at the link, or on Ancient Faith Radio.

My Nephew was in Cub/Boy Scouts this year. He accomplished a great deal in a year, including the highest honors in Cub Scouts. His first year he participated, he won second place in the pack with his pinewood derby.

His car is the blue one. His designs and his work. So proud of him!

 

 And, someone has a surprise coming!

I've been asked to make a very special baptismal gown for a long awaited, much prayed for, and dearly loved little angel,

 







 

But I've been asked not to post it until after December 14, so you'll have to admire the garment bag and candle bow. When I'm able to post the gown, I'll post the whole story of the gown too. I'm giddy waiting to share, but I'll respect the request of the recipient

 

Now that things are settling down, I'll have more time to blog.

Come Bless the Lord

What do you get when you cross a young man with a passion with a choir's hidden ability? .... First, we got Fire and Light. Remember it? Here's the link.. The choir had a wonderful time recording this, but we've grown. So.. here's a preview for the second.. yes next cd..

Come Bless the Lord is a compilation of our weekly favorite arrangements. I'll have more information when it's available. Hopefully, before Christmas!  Here's a link to St Symeon CD ordering information.

As Many As Have Been Baptized Into Christ

So, after many years of prayers... well, pictures are better than words. ... 

I only made 3 robes this time.
See more here. 

Brilliant photos

Pascha dresses. Both these girls are now big sisters! 

Since my last post, I've finished several dresses. Here are 2 for cousins. 

I've also started a new career path. Who knew my sewing skills would lead me to optical lenses. Here's the website.

Affectionately known as OPL

So, hopefully I'll be able to post a few more times, and be a little more active. Please forgive me for my absence. 

Fireplace, Creativity and Hot Beverages

Please forgive me- I've been on a holiday of sorts. Employment and a family loss means less blog posts. I'll work more diligently to maintain posting through the holidays.

I've just made a trip to the craft store, and returned with 4 new projects I'll be posting later. My darling niece will receive another bishop dress, this one is " Sugar and Spice". She'll also have a bubblegum pink scarf to match her coat. Her brother gets a blue scarf, and my nephew has given his request for a larger hat " with ears".  He chose a homespun navy yarn. I expect it will be very handsome!

While on my holiday, I had an interesting conversation about flavored coffee recipes, you know  the ones in the rectangular cans everyone loves but hates the price tag. I love those in the winter, and sometimes adding a package of hot chocolate to a cup of coffee just doesn't do it.

While I know there are several versions posted online, I've had this list for more than 10 years, and have tried every recipe repeatedly. These make great gifts jarred or bagged with a lovely decoration. They're versatile enough to use for any occasion, and my favorite is curled up in front of my fireplace with my family around me.

They're easy enough to combine in a blender or food processor, and if you prefer to have a lower calorie option, simply replace the sugar with your favorite yellow, green, or blue bag.

BAVARIAN MINT2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
1 Rounded tsp. loose, dried mint leaves
2/3 c. non-dairy creamer

SWISS MOCHA1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
2 c. nonfat dry milk
4 tsp. cocoa powder

CAFE L’ORANGE
2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
Dried crushed orange peel
¼ tsp. Cinnamon

CAFE VIENNA MIX
1 c. Sugar
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1  c. Non-dairy Creamer
1  c. Nonfat dry milk
4 Tbsp. Cocoa
1 c. Instant coffee

CAFE MOCHA2/3 c. Instant Coffee
3 Tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 c. Non-dairy Creamer
¼ c. Nonfat dry milk

CAFE AU LAIT MIX
One 11-oz jar Non-Dairy Creamer
½ c. Packed Brown Sugar
½ c. Instant Coffee crystals
Dash of Salt
(Use ¼ c. mix to 2/3 c. hot water)

CINNAMON ‘N SPICE2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
½ tsp. Allspice

CAFE VIENNA
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 1/3 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Cinnamon

TOFFEE COFFEE
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Non-Dairy Creamer
1 c. Brown Sugar

ITALIAN MOCHA ESPRESSO
½ c. Instant Coffee
½ c. Sugar
2 ¼ c. Cocoa Powder

CAFE ORANGE CAPPUCCINO1 c. Instant Coffee
1 ½ c. Sugar
2 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Dry Orange Peel

RUSSIAN TEA1 c. Instant Tea
1 9 oz. Jar Tang
1 3-oz pkg. pre-sweetened Lemonade
½ tsp. Ground Cloves ( I prefer 2 tsp of cinnamon to the ground cloves!) 
1 tsp. Cinnamon
Mixing Directions for Russian Tea: Mix ingredients together. Makes a little over one pint dry mix. To serve, use 2 tsp. in 1 cup of boiling water.

Enjoy!!