Another Day

A drive, a picnic, and a little walk on a gorgeous day makes for one happy family. These are the golden-tinted days that we never specifically remember individually, but rather as a collective impression of the first enjoyable weeks of summer.

And yes, that's a sleepy puppy on the car-ride home. :)

Quilts and Honeybees

Yesterday we went and picked up our bees. We've had a hive for a while, but now it is occupied!

I started a new project this afternoon. I've wanted to make a quilt for a long time, but have either failed, or never had the patience. Today I sat down and picked out the pieces from squares that my great-grandma had cut out. I trimmed them all down to the right size, and began sewing together my blocks. So far I have five out of twenty completed. It won't be a huge quilt, but I'm very excited about it!




As I begin each new block, I start to worry thinking "Oh, I shouldn't have put these colors or patterns together! They'll look awful!" Once I finish the block, however, I am always quite pleased with the result. I can't wait to see the finished project!

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 2

For newcomers, feel free to jump in at any time during this week! Two items made in a week is better than none at all.

Also, don't forget to link back to The Inspiration Challenge in the posts on your blogs. Feel free to take the banner to use in your posts! This helps others to be able join in the fun as well.





<center><a href="http://mydefectivecompositions.blogspot.com/search/label/Inspiration%20Challenge"><img alt="The Inspiration Challenge" border="0" src="http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh260/Eyebright17/InspirationChallenge.png" /></a></center><br />

I kind of consider my project for today to be somewhat of a fail. I like the idea, the source of inspiration, and the endless possibilities of what you can do with these little owls (inspired by The Owlies Shop), but mine just did not turn out quite right. He's cute enough, but when you click back to where the idea came from you can see that his ancestors are much more adorable.









What did you make today?

Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss!

It's next week my friends! Starting on Monday and going through Friday, the Pinterest challenge will be attempted once more!

After last month's challenge was completed there were several people who left comments lamenting on the fact that they had missed it by several days, or the entire week through no fault of their own! In fact, I am perfectly willing to lay the blame on myself, because I simply jumped into it and didn't give anyone any time to think.

Now you still have time to think about it, plan ahead, and get excited! If you don't know what the Pinterest Challenge is be sure to check out the introductory post.

~~~

One other thing before you go. I started following this adorable blog, Wild Olive, a few weeks ago. I have to say that I'm hooked on this girl's designs. They are cute, fun, whimsical, and can be on anything from Valentines Day cards to embroidery patterns. What's not to love about cute little smiley faces that adorify anything? (Yes, it's possible I made up that word, adorify.)

Speaking of embroidery patterns, she's starting up an stitch swap! Sign up, and you will have a month to complete and send a little project that should fit into a 4" hoop. I'm really excited about this idea, and am seriously considering participation! One thing to remember though is that this swap is including all of our International neighbors as well (Yay!), so be prepared to possibly pay a little extra shipping.

So, Pinterest Challenge and Stitch Swap. Are you as excited as I am?

Pinterest Challenge ~ Giveaway!

It's been a great week, at least for me. I can't say that the challenge was popular, although I was thrilled with my last entry! Thanks Thyme Rose!

Now, about that lack of entries, I am simply curious as I ask what you thought about the challenge, and what suggestions you would have that would have made it more likely that you would have participated? Was 5 days too much? Was there not enough time to be aware of it before the challenge started? What would be a good challenge for you in this area? Please feel free to answer these questions, and any others I may not have asked, in the comments of this post.

As for me, it was a lovely challenge as far as what I had to do. I generally thrive with a goal in mind, so knowing that I was going to complete one thing every day was perfect for me. Here's a collected list of my accomplishments this week:

• I completed a 20 day exercise challenge on Monday.
• Tuesday was marked by the creation of a hand-embroidered book mark.
• On Wednesday I made a delightful addition to my wardrobe in the shape of a loop scarf.
• A homemade duffle bag made Thursday my best day of the week, in terms of the challenge. I love that thing!
• Finally, it was interested to test out a sugar scrub, even though I decided I wasn't crazy about it.

I did more than that even. I made this Low-Carb Cheesecake (wheat-free) that my Mom can eat (score!), as well as started on the Level One exercise challenge. 

On to the giveaway!

Thankfully Rafflecopter makes giveaways super easy, so just check in with widget below in order to enter. Oh, I guess you probably do want to know what you might win, right? Of course right! (Matchmaker is now running through my head!)

From Blue Sun Emporium we have a beautiful Summer Rose Vintage Ring.

From Pleasant Places we have a Beige Stretch Lace Headband that is simply sweet.

Lastly, Kellie Falconer Design has kindly donated a button badge of the winner's choice from her shop. There is a great selection to choose from, so make sure you browse through them and pick the one you would want if you win it!

The giveaway will last for one week, at the end of which time three winners will be randomly chosen. Best wishes!

Pinterest Challenge ~ Day 2

Day two for me dawned dark and rainy, but the show must still go on! Or something to that effect. Anyway, I was super excited today to do a project that I've been eyeing in my pinboards for quite a while now. These Hand-Embroidered Felt Bookmarks are a fabulous gift idea, even to give a couple to yourself! I decided to wing it, basing my design off of Wild Olive's "Endurance" design.







It was fun to stitch, absolutely darling when embracing a nice thick book, and each and every one will be unique. What's not to love? I only had red felt, unfortunately, but it was still a fun project.

So, what did you create on this fine day? A stuffed animal? A crocheted set of coasters? A decorated bottle? Link up and let us see!

Pinterest Challenge ~ Day 1

Today's the first day! This is really exciting, isn't it? I know that I'm eager to see what will be accomplished this week.  If you're new here and aren't sure what this is, please read Problems with Pintereset Part 2ish.

As for today, my contribution for the challenge is slightly different than what was probably expected. Thanks to Pinterest I discovered this workout plan and for the last twenty days I've been working hard in order to simply finish it. Well today was the last day.

All of those jumping jacks, crunches, and leg lifts have really motivated me to keep going! If you're at all interested in trying this workout for yourself, please check out the original site, Downtownn.tumblr.com.

It's been great fun, and I'm looking forward to attempting the Level One Exercise Plan.

So tomorrow I will definitely post something a little more on the crafty side, but now it's time for me to see the wonderful things that you have made today! I'm looking forward to reading all of your posts about your Pinterest Challenge adventures. Make sure to link back to this post so that visitors can see what it's all about!

Win an iPad 2 or an Kindle Fire!

I don't normally post about giveaways on my blog, but when you get five extra entries for doing it, sometimes it's hard to resist!

Rafflecopter is a great tool for anyone who is doing a giveaway. Simply put the widget together, and Rafflecopter does the rest!

To celebrate their "Grand Opening" per se, Rafflecopter is giving away an iPad 2 and two Kindle Fires. Who doesn't want a chance to win one of those? It's so easy to enter, so check out the widget below!

Pondering Christmas, Classics, and Cars

It's oh so close to Christmas Day, and I am sometimes forgetful of it. Sometimes I'm in the "mood" and sometimes I'm not. I realize however that "mood" has nothing to do with the real reason for Christmas. For some great thoughts on that, check out my sister's post, "Seasons Thoughts".






Last night I finished reading an awesome Charles Dickens book, Little Dorrit. It was a great ending, for the most part, with the two main characters finally coming together. Arthur Clenham after all of his searching is to never know the past, but his future will be sweet indeed with Amy by his side. Unfortunately, the rest of it was all a little confusing. Dickens does have an annoying habit refraining from giving name to the characters he is speaking of in certain chapters, and you are left to work it out for yourself. Ah well.

Now I am left with the terrible choice of choosing a new book to read. Do I want to read a classic or a contemporary thriller? Sci-fi, or historical fiction? Christian living, or just a book of pure and fun fluff? It's tough, and Little Dorrit is an act that is tough to follow! Perhaps it's about time to actually read A Christmas Carol?

I have never taught anyone how to drive before, let alone how to drive a stick, yet that is exactly what I found myself doing this evening. Due to a rapid shortening of allotted time, my sister was eager to learn how to drive my car, so that it would be available to her on numerous occasions. So we set off together.  It wasn't too bad. I realize that I am certainly not the most qualified person to teach driving a stick, but since my own experiences are still relatively fresh in my mind, it made it very easy to feel great gushy gobs of sympathy for Georgie.

We both survived the episode, despite my unnecessary cries each time we jolted uncomfortably. Now I know what it's like to be a passenger when someone like me is driving! My car has certainly been an learning experience!

All in all, as I have heard several people mention before, December is going by in a flash, and before I know it the year will be 2012 A.D.  I am learning to put my trust in God, who will comfort and sustain me through any trials that may come.

Merry Christmas!

How To Keep Christmas Well

Gone With the Wind

I have to admit to feeling really overwhelmed right now. After church got out, I checked my phone to find a message from some family members who live a ways off. It turns out they need some help with a big project, and I was one of the first people to come to mind.

I have to say that my parents and I pretty much jumped on the idea, since I have don't have a lot going on here at home right now. I won't be able to host knitting night, and will miss my British Literature class which I do regret greatly, but I am here to serve and here is a perfect opportunity!

Today started out as any other Sunday, with the expectations of any other week. I went to church and was incredibly blessed by the sharing and teaching. Now I am washing clothes and trying to mentally prepare myself for packing up and leaving in such a short amount of time.  I will be gone for a week or two. I feel sure this calls for some Jane Austen reading, so I'll have to be sure and bring her along.

I will be bringing my computer along as well, so you might see me around on Twitter or something. Friends, feel free to shoot me emails!  I would also appreciate your prayers that I might have a servants heart and will be extremely helpful and useful in this project, not only practically, but also to be encouraging and to have a good time while doing it. 

One other note, at this point I do plan on doing NaNoWriMo in November, so I will also have to be working on scraping up some kind of plot! 

I Was Featured!

I was perusing the recent activity in my Etsy account, when I was completely delighted and excited to discover that my fingerless gloves had been featured in a treasury! This is the first time that has ever happened, that I'm aware of, so it's really fun for me!

I thought I would share my joy, and link to the treasury also. Just click on the picture below to check it out.

A Jaunt on the Beach

My darling sister Georgie, and her friend Fin.

Get Free Books!

I feel like I've got a lot of new books lately, and I'd love to share how, because it is such a fun and easy way. I'm not paying a thing!

I use Swagbucks, the search engine that randomly rewards you with their virtual "currency" Swagbucks. You never know when you will get them, or how much you will get when you do, but slowly they will all add up...






After I save 450 swagbucks, I turn them in for a $5 Amazon gift card, and look for used books that are under a dollar. When I check out and use the gift card credit, I get the book absolutely free, including shipping!

Needless to say, I love getting books for free, I love getting things in the mail, and I love adding to my library!

Oh, and one last thing. If you don't have Swagbucks, and decide you want to get it and start getting your own free books, just click on that banner up there. It would be nice because...I would get a referral reward, which means more Swagbucks, which means more books!

Blogoversary Giveaway Winners

Wow! I was fairly impressed by how many people entered, and I loved reading the responses to the survey. I thought it was fun way to do a giveaway and learn something at the same time.

It seemed like everyone mostly agreed that the things they like to read on my blog are book reviews, posts that make them think, and see pictures and quotes.

Also, the people who opted to share their age range were all in the 16-20 category. That's good to know! I know that not everybody is in that age range, but I'm guessing that most of you are.

It's time to announce the four winners of The Scarlet Pimpernel, Blogoversary Giveaway! 

The first winner is:

Emily Grace!

The second winner is:

Simply Vintagegirl!

The third winner is:

Elizabeth!

The fourth winner is:

Lauren Nicole!

Congratulations on winning everyone! I will be contacting you shortly so that I can get your books sent out!

Thank you to everyone who participated and made this a successful giveaway for me. Thank you for your great answers in the survey, and thank you for reading my blog! 

Blessings!

You Had Me at Page One

After reading Jenny's post about first sentences in books, I thought it would be fun to go through some of the books I've been reading lately and see what their first sentences are. The following first sentences are taken strictly from fiction that I have read in this last year, and it does not mean that these are favorite books, by any means, although many of them are good.

                          Source: lady-endy.tumblr.com via Eyebright on Pinterest

Listen!
~Chris Walley, in The Shadow and Night


Nekonkh, captain of the Nile boat Silver Beetle, paused for the fiftieth time beside his vessel's high beaked prow and shaded his eyes to peer anxiously across the wharfs. 
~ Eloise Jarvis McGraw, in Mara, Daughter of the Nile

"Galwyn's feeding the fishes again," the mate called as I emptied the odorous bucket overboard. 
~ Anne McCaffrey, in Black Horses for the King

"Well, if there be any truth in the old adage, young Herman Brudenell will have a prosperous life; for really this is a lovely day for the middle of April - the sky is just as sunny and the air as warm as if it were June," said Hannah Worth, looking out from the door of her hut upon a scene as beautiful as ever shone beneath the splendid radiance of an early spring morning. 
~ E.D.E.N. Southworth, in Ishmael

Awful as the anguish of his parting with Claudia had been, it was not likely that Ishmael, with his strength of intellect and will, would long succumb to despair. 
~ E.D.E.N. Southworth, in Self-Raised (Ishmael's sequel)

The dreary March evening is rapidly passing from murky gloom to obscurity. 
~ Edward P. Roe, He Fell in Love with His Wife

Peter Blood, bachelor of medicine and several other things besides, smoked a pipe and tended the geraniums boxed on the sill of his window above Water Lane in the town of Bridgewater. 
~ Rafael Sabatini, in Captain Blood

Taran wanted to make a sword; but Coll, charged with the practical side of his education, decided on horseshoes.
 ~ Lloyd Alexander, in The Book of Three

Rose sat all alone in the big best parlor, with her little handkerchief laid ready to catch the first tear, for she was thinking of her troubles, and a shower was expected. 
~ Louisa May Alcott, in Eight Cousins

Abbot Bernard folded his paws deep into the wide sleeves of his garb. 
~ Brian Jacques, in Mariel of Redwall

Tor raised his eyes toward the very top of the high hill where the Castle of Camelot stood. 
~ Eugenia Stone, in Page Boy of Camelot

Now, if you read all of those (double points if you did!), tell me in the comments which ones you liked, or ones that made you want to know more, or ones that you thought were exceptionally good first sentences, and tell me why!

5 Quotes About Joy

I've been researching quotes that have to do with joy, for a special project. They are so inspiring! I thought I would share a few with my friends.

People are just as happy as they make up

their minds to be. 

Abraham Lincoln

The power of finding beauty in the humblest things

makes home happy and life lovely.

Louisa May Alcott

Many people lose the small joys in the hope

for the big happiness.  

Pearl S. Buck

I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty

that still remains.

Anne Frank

And the true realism, always and everywhere,

is that of the poets: to find out where joy resides,

and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the

joy is to miss it all. 

Robert Louis Stevenson

Quotes about Strength

We recently went to the Sequim Olympic Game Farm in Washington, where we saw lions, and tigers, and...oh, I won't go into all of that.

I took more pictures than the ones here, but these are the ones that I liked best. I chose these quotes about strength, because both of these animals, the bison and the bear, seem to have that quality in abundance. While their strength may chiefly lie in their physical abilities, we can work to become strong in many areas of our Christian walk such as prayer, controlling our tongues, serving others, and seeking to glorify the Lord in all that we do.

Is it not He who gives the bison and the bear their strength? It is fitting that we, too, should draw our strength from Him.

"Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

~Mother Theresa~

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength."

~Corrie Ten Boom~

Read more about our adventure at the Olympic Game Park at Sagerats Scribbles!

Blogoversary Giveaway!

Just today I realized that I have been blogging on Blogger for three whole years. My Blogger blogging anniversary was last week on the 7th, and so this is a perfect excuse to hold a giveaway that I was saving for a rainy day!

I thought I would do a survey and ask a few interesting questions that might  help me with making this blog more reader friendly.

I always like filling out forms, so I assume you do too!  I'm sure you're also curious as to what you can win in this giveaway.

It's a book. Let me tell you about it!


During the Reign of Terror, there were many things that were strange or unusual. One of these oddities was the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel.  This seeming phantom of a man rescued the French nobility from the horror of the guillotine and smuggled them to England where they would be safe.


The story centers on a young French woman know as "the cleverest woman in Europe", and her husband, one of the wealthiest men in England. She does not have the married life she had hoped for, yet in the midst of her personal turmoil comes a betrayal that ends with a shocking turn of events. Who is the Scarlet Pimpernel, and what happens to the young French woman, Margurite Blakeney? 

~

I first read The Scarlet Pimpernel after I received it as a gift for my 16th birthday, and ever since then it has been a favorite with me and my sister! I have even read a few of the sequels which are just as exciting as the first. If you have read the first book, definitely try to look up some of the sequels.

As an exciting gift to you, I have four used, paperback copies of The Scarlet Pimpernel to giveaway! They are in excellent condition, with only a black mark through the bar code on the back. 

Yes, four copies! That means four readers get to win this wonderful adventure for their own libraries!

Mandatory Entry


Fill out the Blogoversary Survey! Make sure to leave a comment on this post after you finish, otherwise it doesn't count.


Optional Entries
Leave a comment for each additional entry.

1. Follow Defective Compositions.
2. Tweet about the giveaway, and include @Eyebright17 in the tweet.
3. Post about the giveaway on Facebook.
4. Put the giveaway button in your sidebar.

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The Giveaway will be open until September 21st.

Sharing the Blessings ~ One

I recently started following this adorable and quaint blog, written by Kellie Falconer, and I am so excited to learn more about her and read her posts!

She recently started a meme which is similar to many others, but one that I couldn't resist, seeing as how it had such a lovely button.  Sharing the Blessings is exactly what it sounds like, and so I'd love to begin!

This week, I am extremely excited and thankful that my beloved, special-needs brother is learning to read! It hasn't just been this week, and it has been an extremely long and unusual process, but he just read to me several Dick and Jane stories, yesterday.

It is not much, and there is still a long road ahead of us, but I think that my little brother is well on his way to learning a skill that so many of us take for granted. Hip, hip, hooray!