Recently, I have been keep busy knitting a cot blanket (and made reference to it here) which is now completed and today was posted off.  It's far from perfect, not least because the 'squares' refused to be effectively 'blocked' instead springing back to their 'leaf' shape.

Sewing up took a long time - 48 squares and an all-in-one border in a contrasting colour.  That alone made for 98 loose ends, and a lot of work to sew them in (or in a few cases some tight knotting).

Sewing in - or maybe tying up - loose ends always takes a long time, and is one of the most important phases of any knitting project.  I guess in some sense that's a metaphor for any project we may undertake - there are plenty of 'big' pits that bring quick results, but there are fiddly little bits that no-one will see, without which the end result isn't possible.

In due course this blanket will enjoyed, and will no doubt become misshapen and stained over time.  But then that's the whole point - it's meant to be used.  That's a bit like any other project too!

I wonder what it is that stirs memories for you? Smells, tastes, sounds that take you back, instantly to another place and time?

Yesterday at my Ignatian course, a piece of music was used that instantly took me back to service held in Roman Catholic churches, and although I can't be 100% sure which was the first one where I heard/sang it, it was one of those heart-piercing moments of pain-and-joy-and-remembering all mixed together.

I love this song very much, it makes me sad and it makes me glad, and both in a good way...

Yesterday I joined with several folk from church at the home of our oldest, and longest served, Church member as she celebrated her 100th birthday.  It was a happy afternoon, full of love and laughter, cake and conversation.

L has been part of our church since childhood, and has been very active in so many spheres... one of the first 'women deacons-by-any-other-name', she most recently - and until only a couple of years ago - was head of the pastoral team.  She is always smiling, always positive, always grateful.  She always has good questions to ask and enquires about those she misses now she no longer sees them.  She is a great encourager and great host.

It was lovely to share with her on her special day - and I hope that she enjoyed it as much (and hopefully more) as we all did.

Happy Birthday L, may God bless you and your family in celebrating, sharing and making memories.