Being a beagle mama means riding the waves of both joy and unexpected challenges. A little over a week ago, I noticed a hot spot on Max’s leg and started treating it at home. Everything seemed manageable until, out of nowhere, his leg swelled up. It was alarming, and I didn’t waste time getting him to the vet.
That first visit revealed Max likely has a cellulitis infection. Since then, we’ve been on a bit of a vet journey—three visits and two dressing changes later, and we’re heading back for his fourth visit on Monday. Max has been such a trooper through it all, keeping his sweet spirit even when the bandages come off and the wound care begins.
One of the silver linings of these vet days is our little tradition—a stop at McDonald’s for a well-deserved treat. Usually, it’s french fries, but since one of our appointments was bright and early, Max and Daisy got hash browns instead. I love being able to give them something simple to brighten what could otherwise be a tough day.
As much as I wish Max’s healing journey was already over, I’m grateful for how resilient he’s been and the small joys that have come along the way. Sometimes, being a beagle mama means facing the unexpected, but the love and loyalty of my hound dogs make every step worth it.
I’ll post an update after Monday’s visit. Hopefully, we’ll be even closer to getting Max back to full health!
Do you have any vet day traditions or special ways to comfort your pets during healing? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
Lately, I’ve been struggling to feel gratitude. Chronic pain, emotional challenges, and the heaviness of life have made it hard to see the good. But today, as I took a moment to reflect, I realized something extraordinary: despite it all, I’m still here.
This realization sparked a deep sense of gratitude—not for the absence of hardship, but for my resilience in facing it. I’m still standing, still showing up for life, even when it feels impossibly hard. That is something worth honoring.
When I think of “still standing,” I imagine a tree—rooted, strong, and grounded. Trees withstand storms, droughts, and the changing seasons. They endure, not just to survive, but to thrive in their purpose. A tree offers a home for birds, bears fruit to nourish others, provides shade for rest, and stretches its branches outward in service to the world.
I want to be like that tree. Through my faith and my connection to my community, I hope to grow into a life that offers support, comfort, and nourishment to others. When this season of hardship passes, I want to bear fruit that blesses others, whether through love, kindness, or simply being a safe place for someone in need.
Today, I’m grateful for my resilience—for being able to withstand life’s storms and still be rooted in hope. Through God’s grace, I believe I am being nurtured for a greater purpose, one that reaches beyond myself to serve others.
If you’ve been struggling to feel gratitude, I encourage you to reflect on your own resilience. Think of the storms you’ve weathered and the strength you’ve shown. You might be surprised by the quiet gratitude and hope that blossoms when you do.
Image Credit: The featured image was created using Al tools to bring the tree metaphor to life.
One year ago, we walked into St. John’s Episcopal Church searching for a place to reconnect with faith and rediscover joy.
This year, Advent feels different. Last year, I was searching—longing for a space to practice my faith, to reconnect with the season, and to rediscover joy in its quiet anticipation. I felt the need for something personal and grounding, but I didn’t yet know where to find it.
Now, a year later, I have that space. St. John’s has become my spiritual home, a place where faith is practiced in community and joy is shared. This Advent, I’m not only celebrating with my own traditions and reflections but also with the wonderful people I’ve come to know over this past year. There is a deeper joy in entering the season together, in preparing our hearts as one community.
Discovering a Spiritual Home
Last year, I was searching for a church that would celebrate Advent in a way that felt both familiar and meaningful. I longed for something reminiscent of my Catholic upbringing—traditional, grounding—but I also knew I wasn’t looking to return to Catholicism.
During the pandemic, I had started listening to a few Episcopal ministers on TikTok, and their teachings resonated with me. Their words aligned with my understanding of Jesus’ teachings and how I wanted to practice my faith. With that in mind, I began looking for an Episcopal church nearby that might offer the kind of Advent celebration I was longing for—one steeped in tradition but open to the journey I was on.
That search led me to St. John’s. It was the closest Episcopal church to our home, and on the first Sunday of Advent last year, Nathan and I decided to try it out. From that first visit, we knew we had found something special. We never looked anywhere else.
Finding Community Through Faith
Over the past year, St. John’s has been a place of incredible growth and connection for me. One of the first groups I joined was the Fiber Arts Group, and it has been one of the most beautiful blessings in my life. This group is filled with such wonderful, creative people—men and women who work with their hands to create art, whether through felting, spinning, knitting, or crocheting. I’m one of the few who cross-stitches regularly, but I’ve always felt welcomed and appreciated for what I bring.
Through Fiber Arts, I not only found a creative outlet but also a way to build relationships. Meeting people in that smaller, intimate setting gave me a sense of familiarity and connection that extended into Sunday mornings. I knew people by name, and those little moments—saying hi, checking in—helped me feel more deeply rooted in the community.
This growing connection ultimately led Nathan and me to a big decision: converting to the Episcopal faith. On June 30th, we were confirmed, and it felt like a homecoming. Though we had only been at St. John’s for six months at the time, it already felt like home—a place where we belonged, where our faith could grow, and where we could fully embrace this next chapter of our spiritual journey.
Now, we’re both involved in various groups—Nathan with the men’s group, and me with Fiber Arts and the morning prayer group. We attend regular services together, but it’s more than just attendance; it’s being part of a community where faith is lived and shared in such meaningful ways.
And this sense of belonging has only grown over time. A year ago, we were brand-new and still finding our way. Today, we are regular attendees at the coffee hour after service, often among the last to leave. Those post-service conversations have become a cherished part of our Sundays—a time to laugh, share stories, and deepen our friendships. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much can change in a year when you find a place where you truly belong.
The Joy of Advent: A Season of Anticipation
This Advent season 🕯️ feels so much more joyous than last year. I’m not just trying to survive it or go through the motions; I’m joyfully celebrating it. Of course, there is still pain, loss, and grief, but this year, joy feels so much larger, so much fuller. That joy is soothing to my soul in ways I didn’t know I needed.
As I look to the next liturgical year, my hope is to carry this joy forward—to approach every season with the same sense of wonder, purpose, and celebration that Advent is bringing me this year.
Reflection on Emmanuel
As I reflect on this past year at St. John’s, my heart is full of gratitude. I’m grateful for the friendships we’ve built, the community we’ve found, and the ways this church has helped me grow in my faith. It’s been a year of rediscovering what it means to belong—not just to a church, but to something greater than myself.
Yesterday during service, the hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel was sung, and for the first time, it truly resonated with me. Being the first Sunday of Advent, I found myself paying attention to the words in a way I hadn’t before. That sense of joyful anticipation—waiting for someone you know is coming, someone you are certain will arrive—filled me with a profound sense of peace and hope. It was as though the hymn itself carried the spirit of Advent, that joyful waiting for Emmanuel, for God with us.
What does Advent mean to you? Share your reflections in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you celebrate this special season.
This morning, as I sit on the porch with my sweet pups by my side, I find myself surrounded by the beauty of late November. The painted leaves of fall are bathed in sunlight, and there’s a crisp stillness in the air. It’s a moment of calm after what feels like weeks of pain and mental anguish. Reflecting on this period, I recognize the heavy toll it has taken on me—both physically and emotionally. My back injury has left me in constant discomfort, and the chaotic behaviors of a recent hypermanic phase have weighed heavily on my heart. It’s difficult to reconcile my actions during those moments, and even harder to extend myself the grace I know I need.
And yet, amidst it all, gratitude persists. Nathan, my steadfast partner, has been a source of light in the darkness. Over these past weeks, he has supported me with unwavering love and patience, taking care of the house and ensuring I could rest and recover. His quiet diligence and thoughtfulness have reminded me of the depth of his kindness, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.
I’m also grateful for the beauty and rhythm of nature, which always seems to offer a balm for the soul. This season of pruning and letting go feels especially meaningful right now, a reminder that even in moments of struggle, there is preparation for renewal. Through my Episcopalian faith, I’ve found solace and connection to these cycles of nature—a grounding in the sacred rhythms of life. As I move forward, I choose to hold onto the hope and gratitude that have emerged from these challenging weeks. There is so much to let go of, but also so much to look forward to.
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. —The Book of Common Prayer, p. 376
Today, I reflected on how grateful I am for the timing of the blessings in my life, especially during this challenging season. Despite the physical, mental, and familial struggles I’m facing, I’m deeply thankful to live in such a peaceful and beautiful place, where stepping outside brings me serenity. I’m also profoundly grateful for the supportive community I’ve found at St. John’s Episcopal Church, including the morning prayer group, the fiber artists, and the connections made during Sunday services and coffee hour. These small but significant blessings remind me of God’s grace, not in removing hardships, but in providing comfort and encouragement to navigate them. This reflection helps me see how God’s timing brings light, even in the darkest moments, and I feel immense gratitude for these gifts of support and connection.
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God. —The Book of Common Prayer, p. 376 💜Marita🌸
As I sit and look back over this past week, I can’t help but feel a sense of balance. While there were moments of challenge, there were also bursts of joy and connection that really stood out. It feels like a week where I navigated both highs and lows, finding meaning in both.
Challenges
This week felt particularly chaotic with multiple major tasks happening all at once. Between preparing for the Fiber Arts market, tackling bookkeeping and financial updates, and managing the new HVAC installation, it often felt like there wasn’t enough time to catch my breath. Juggling all these responsibilities within just a few days was overwhelming at times, but I managed to push through and stay focused as best I could.
Highlights
One of the biggest highlights this week was being asked to officiate morning prayers. The sense of honor and joy I felt in being trusted with that role was something special. It brought a new level of connection to my prayer life and gave me a sense of fulfillment. This experience was a true highlight that left me feeling proud and grateful.
Another standout moment came from watching Arsenal’s game in the Champions League against Croatia, where Raya made an incredible save against a penalty kick. It was a thrilling moment and left me feeling energized as a fan, proud of the team’s resilience and skill.
Gratitude
This week, I am particularly grateful for my Fiber Arts group. Their support and shared enthusiasm for the upcoming market have been a bright spot in my days. I’m also thankful for the quiet moments spent watching the birds at my new bird feeding station. There’s something calming about observing nature. Additionally, I’m grateful for the simple joys of listening to audiobooks and cross-stitching, both of which have brought a sense of peace and relaxation throughout the week.
Currently Enjoying
Reading: I’m currently making my way through Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs, the latest book in the Mercy Thompson series. It’s been a great read so far and the perfect escape, full of the fantasy elements I love.
Listening to: I’ve been listening to the Glass & Steele series by C. J. Archer, as I unwind at the end of the day. The series has held my interest, and I’m excited to finish the final few books.
Stitching: I’ve been working on “Violet” by Mill Hill, a project that’s been both challenging and rewarding. Adding the beads has brought me a lot of joy this week, and I’m looking forward to seeing the final result.
Looking Ahead
As I move into the coming week, I want to keep focusing on balance. There are tasks to complete, but I also want to remember to take moments for myself, whether that’s through reading, stitching, or simply rocking in my new chair—a recent addition from a church fundraiser. Here’s to a new week with more opportunities for joy and growth.
Okay, I know that it is officially December, however, it still feels like fall. At least here in North Carolina it does. The trees on our property are still changing colors, there are still days I can sit on my porch in the afternoon, and I have yet to wear more than a hoodie when running errands. Since it feels like fall and looks like fall, I’m going to keep stitching my fall projects, at least for a little while still. So here’s a quick update on my two fall projects, sadly I haven’t worked on Cozy Cafe since my last update so no progress there.
Pumpkin Patch by Primrose Cottage Designs
This piece is still such a lovely stitch, however I had hoped to be further along before I made my rotation. That being said, I like that I have all the pumpkin bases and the truck stitched. So I have decided to put this one away now and pull out a winter season project.
Pumpkin Delivery by Mill Hill
This Mill Hill is so close to being done that I am going to keep with it until it is finished. There’s only a few scattered spots of cross stitch left and then it will be ready for beading, which is my favorite part! Once I have this one finished I will definitely start on a Christmas kit, I just have to check my stash for the available choices.
That’s all, just a quick check in, thanks so much for visiting.
Hello my fellow stitchers and crafters, today I thought I would hop on the blog here and do a quick check in of what I’m currently stitching. True, it has been ever so long since I published anything, but for a long time I couldn’t even manage a simple Instagram post. My mental health took a real hit this year and it has been a very long and tiring struggle. At some point I may write about it, but for now I’m just working on getting back to doing the things that I’ve enjoyed in the past, which includes blogging. So here’s me, blogging for my mental health. Right now I have three active WIPs that I am stitching on for November so we will take a look at where each of them stand.
Pumpkin Patch by Primrose Cottage Designs
Over the summer I stitched my very first Primrose Cottage pattern. I absolutely loved it! When I finished it I went online to see if there were any other patterns I liked (encouraged by an enabling stitchy friend) and sure enough I immediately feel in love with Pumpkin Patch and decided it would be my main project for November. I am using all of the called for DMC & speciality floss and stitching it on 14 count Aida in the color Wren. I’m hoping to be at least half way to a finish before the end of the month.
Pumpkin Delivery by Mill Hill
Typically, I always have a small Mill Hill kit in progress, mainly because I love them, but also because they are fairly quick to stitch so you get the satisfaction of having.a finish. Right now I am in the mental process of planning out a seasonal display for an archway in the house. I plan to use Mill Hills hung vertically in a bell pull style. For the fall display I’m planning on stitching the Mill Hill Pumpkin ornaments, but I wanted something different for the first ornament in the line so I chose Pumpkin Delivery. If somehow I don’t manage to finish it before the end of the month, I will dedicate the first weekend in December to finish so I can switch to a winter kit.
Cozy Cafe by The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery
This project was the 2021 year long SAL from TFPS, however I was not able to keep in time with them so it became one of my focus project that I stitch using my Millennium Frame. This will not be finished by the end of the month, probably not even by the end of the year. I would like to have the top row done before the end of the year though, and I do think that might be possible. Typically, I dedicated a minimum of 15 minutes a day to my frame pieces, but I think I will up that to 30 minutes until the end of the year.
Okay those are all my active WIPs for November, hopefully I will have some decent progress to share next week. Bye for now and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Honestly, I have no idea how this book ended up on my TBR list. My best guest is that I heard about it on BookTok. Regardless of how it ended up on my list I am so glad that it did because I am completely in love with Alex Lockerby and will probably spend most of the summer with him.
Synopsis:
When a magical plague is released in a Depression-era New York soup kitchen, private detective Alex Lockerby finds himself in a desperate hunt to catch a madman before he can strike again. His investigations lead Alex to a famous thief, a daring heist, and the search for a mythic book of ancient magic, but none of that brings him any closer to finding the man responsible for the massacre. With the police and New York’s Council of Sorcerers desperate to find the culprit, Alex becomes a suspect himself, thanks to his ties to the priest who ran the soup kitchen. Now Alex has his book of spells, a pack of matches and four days to find out where the plague came from, or that authorities will hang the crime squarely on him. (Via Goodreads)
My Thoughts:
At first I was apprehensive about this book because I am not usually a fan of stories that take place in a historical context, however, Dan Willis weaves the historical and fantastical together so beautifully that the story felt extremely contemporary. In Plain Sight is book one of the Arcane Casebook, following the life of Alex Lockerby, rune wright and private investigator, as he attempts to keep his business solvent, stay true to the father figures in his life, and of course save the world.
Throughout the book, Dan Willis takes the urban fantasy genre, gives it a touch of steampunk aesthetic, and mixes in some classic Depression Era PI style. Add to that a main character with just the right mix of hardships and intelligence and you have a recipe for success.
Even though I loved the book and I am completely invested in Alex Lockerby, I have to admit I had a minor issue with the plot development. The transition from the red herring plot line to the climatic conspiracy that was actually taking place, felt a little abrupt.
Despite that small caveat, the book does layout the paradigm for the series extremely well leaving me with a strong desire to jump right into Book #2: Ghost of A Chance.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review; if you like you can follow my reading activity on Goodreads.
Yesterday was July 1st, the beginning of a new month and for many the beginning of the summer season. New beginnings typically bring excitement, anticipation and joy, three things my life has sorely been lacking for a long time now. My family and close friends know what has been going on, but I’m still not ready to document it. Regardless, life goes on and I want to find the joy of new beginnings and simple things again.
To that end, I decided to celebrate Christmas in July through stitching. For 15 minutes (at least) every day of the month, I will stitch on a Christmas or winter themed project. It should be a fun way to shake up my stitching rotation as well as maybe get some WIPs finished. Also, since I plan on posting updates on Instagram, it should be a good way to get back into a regular posting and documentation schedule.
My first project is The Nutcracker Parade by The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery.
This 2019 SAL has not seen the light of day for a little over a year. It would be wonderful to have this fully finished and on display this Christmas. After yesterday’s 15 minute session, which unfortunately included a little bit of frogging, I managed to get a started on the top border.
