Labels: Baby's irst Aran, Nashua Handknits- Bloom, Something Red
Dearest friends, visitors and loved ones:
I have a confession. I am yet again- in love. No worries about my marriage I'm not talking adultery- I'm talking, knitting..... Baby Aran Knitting!
After weeks of searching for the perfect pattern, for some very special friends new baby- I finally found one! It's from Nashua Handknits "Bloom" Booklet. It's called "Baby's First Aran" (Click to see the booklet and where it can be purchased.)The booklet has a number of projects I'll be making- it has great, beautiful, wearable baby goodies!
I'm knitting it in the softest, machine washable wool- in the babiest blue, of course. I'm using my Lantern Moon Ebony US #8's I'm knitting the 6 month size. I wasn't sure whether I could manage the pattern, there are a 3 different cable patterns in a 24 row repeat. But dog-gone it---- I can! ;) (Chants: "I think I can, I think I can " chugging like the little train that could, through her pattern repeats;)
I can't wait to finish it and send it to a sweet little "Irish" guy- whose mommy and daddy are awesome.
Next up in knitting news- I'm finishing up "Something Red" in black, of course! The pattern is available at Knit N Tonic as a download- in the left- hand sidebar. I have to re-knit the button band--- I ignored the pattern and just picked up by "eyeball" that was lame- ended up puckering like a Sharpei. Will re-knit- finish and block tonight- If I can pull myself away from the adorable, addictive baby cables.......
I'm thinking about wearing it to the Ann Arbor Library, Sunday, when I go to see The Yarn Harlot. I'm torn between wearing this- my CPH (blue cabled hoodie) or a piece of lace........(as if it matters- but I don't get to meet- see hang with other knitter often- so this is a big knitting day out for me!)
PS- the pox that has been upon us ( in the form of strep) is abating. We're still pushing ibuprophen and antibiotics..... but are down to runny noses and crankiness- (Crankiness is mostly mine) PS- sick kids = a lot of knitting time.
Labels: wordless wednesday
"Coy Koi"For more "Wordless Wednesday"
"Noah! Where are you? Noah ______ _______ " (insert middle and last name for classic Mom emphasis.) "What are you doing?" It had only been a few minutes since he had let the living room to go "potty." About 2 minutes longer than it should have taken. Labels: devotions, Laced with Grace
"I'm coming! I have to change!" Said a little voice, as five year old feet hit the steps- going upstairs, NOT towards the living room. Something was up.
A quick investigation showed my his need to change was not related to the potty. When I went in the bathroom, I found mascara and eye shadow smeared on the counter. Worse yet? There were trails of eye-brow wax across the sink and floor. I looked to see if he'd even used the toilet- and to my dismay, he had, but not for the reasons the I would. My toilet was now decorated with eyeballs and a smile. I fumed.
I had spent all day playing housework catch-up after a rough week last week. I called him down. He looked like he was in a 1950's western, as an "Indian" of the John Wayne as a cowboy type. He had mascara warpaint.
I made him have a seat, in "time out" while I scraped the counter of wax and tried to remove the makeup from the toilet seat. I was furious and I made sure he knew it. The harder I had to scrub- the more angry I got and for some reason- my mouth seemed hard-wired to my cleaning supplies- I just kept going.
"You know you're not supposed to get into mommy's make up, and make a mess! How many times have I told you not to touch?" I ranted.
He just looked at me. He looked down. He looked around.
"Mommy? What's that? Did I make that mess too? I'm sorry, Mommy " He said. Pointing to deep mahogoany drip marks on the cupboard door and tiny ones on the hard wood floor.
The drips were not Noah's mess. They were mine. "No honey- that's hair dye- mommy did that accidently." (NEVER dye your hair in a room with hardwood.- fyi)
I continued scrubbing.
"Oh, I love you- even if you made a mess Mommy" Said the mascared little man.
My eyes welled up with tears. Not over the mess- but over the grace. Grace is being loved- even when you make a mess. My anger went out like the tide. Noah was giving me- what he needed. forgiveness, grace.
"I love you too Noah, even if you make a mess. But, you're staying in time-out until I'm done cleaning."
Psalm 103:8-14"The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust."
"Dear Lord- I am so glad that you love me- even when I make a mess, I am also so glad to have a little one who loves me- even when my anger gets out of control- thank you Lord- for your mercy and grace, for your love and understanding. Thank you for your reminder of grace, amen"
Double dose today! It's Tuesday! So- my weekly post is up at Laced With Grace- stop by there to read my post about "Waves" !
Cell phone rings: "Ummmmm, Mom? Noah's throwing up" I hear the man-like voice of my oldest, describing his current adventure in vomit. I was on my way home from the funeral home. "Pat his back and tell him it's ok. Daddy will be there in a couple of minutes...I'll stop for popsicles, crackers and juice." The weekends to do list have taken a major turn. Noah had complained of a sore ear a couple days ago. No tears- no fuss- just one comment. He tends to get an upset tummy from an ear infection. So I assume "Ear infection" and plan the trip to urgent care. We fed him popsicles and ibuprophen (every mom's healing balm) then a temperature lowering dip in the tub. The visit to urgent care proved me wrong (what's up with that? I thought I was Dr. Mom?) Not an ear infection, Strep. YUK. No speaking. Daddy was sent to the funeral........ we're on the couch, trying to taste the difference between red and purple popsicles. Daylight savings time is no longer ruling the house- the next dose of ibuprophen is. Thnx for praying - what a week. pic from here- Stuffed animals in the shape of common virus' and bacteria.... there's a "cuddle" to avoid..... 
Edited to add: Well the weekend just keeps getting "somethinger" anyways- please pray for the MOPS event- I won't be able to attend- My youngest got sick (of the tummy type) while I was on my way home from the funeral home today. Please pray for the replacement speaker at the Simulcast- and for my SIL and brother- as the funeral is tomorrow- 3/24/07----My hubby will be attending- while I attend the toilet with a sick little guy. Thnx for your prayers- ts Leadership for Life Summit 2007 March 24, 2007 I'll be attending/speaking at out local site. Please continue to pray for my SIL, brother and family as her Dad's funeral will be held on Saturday morning, then they'll be making a long drive to his burial site. (I'll be attending the simulcast after the funeral) For more information on MOPS International- please visit the website at www.mops.org! Labels: MOPS International, prayer request
As a woman, mother and leader you are constantly communicating. This year’s Leadership for Life Summit offers an opportunity to fine tune your communication skills.
Join Elisa Morgan, Liz Selzer and the MOPS International Leadership Development Team to learn more about these specific topics related to effective communications:
Explore assumptions you bring into communication
Identify barriers that hinder communication
Customize responses to improve communication
Learn to clearly communicate the gospel
There will also be time to network and learn from other MOPS leaders. Simulcast live via satellite from Denver, CO to approximately 60 locations across North America. Locations are updated constantly and you can always change your registration, so register now for the site nearest you!
*Cash and check only accepted for on-site registration.
My Brother and Sister in Law are hurting- please pray. Melissa is a blogger- if you'd like to stop by her blog to leave prayers and condolences. Labels: photography, wordless wednesdayFor more Wordless Wednesday pics: WW Updated to add:
Sometimes you just need a good read. You know, something to savor while you sip a hot cup of coffee and the weather changes outside, every four minutes. (That's what it's doing here in Michigan) Something to take you outside of your own circumstances and maybe even widen your perspective. Tricia Goyer's new book "A Valley of Betrayal" is all that and more. I'm glad to have Tricia here as a guest today- as part of her "blog tour!" I'll let Tricia tell you a bit about the making of the book: Other books by Tricia Goyer: Generation NeXt Parenting: A Savvy Parent's Guide to Getting it Right , Tricia Goyer Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom (Mothers of Preschoolers (Mops)) , Tricia Goyer Thank you Tricia, for stopping by and sharing about your new book! May God continue to bless you with wisdom and creativity! Today is also Tuesday- So I've also posted over at "Laced With Grace"- The Devotional Team Blog I also write for. Please click over and read my post-"Amazing Grace, in the Key of Me" to find out if I found my husband's keys and how on earth that lead to today's devotion! Labels: Blog Tour, Tricia Goyer, Valley of Betrayal
The Story Behind the Novel:
A few years ago when I was researching for my fourth World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, I came across a unique autobiography. One B-17 crewmember I read about claimed to make it out of German-occupied Belgium after a plane crash due, in part, to his skills he picked up as a veteran of The Spanish Civil War. Reading that bit of information, I had to scratch my head. First of all, I had never heard of the war. And second, what was an American doing fighting in Spain in the late 1930s? Before I knew it, I uncovered a fascinating time in history—one that I soon discovered many people know little about.
This is what I learned:
Nazi tanks rolled across the hillsides and German bombers roared overhead, dropping bombs on helpless citizens. Italian troops fought alongside the Germans, and their opponents attempted to stand strong—Americans, British, Irishmen, and others—in unison with other volunteers from many countries. And their battleground? The beautiful Spanish countryside.
From July 17, 1936-April 1, 1939, well before America was involved in World War II, another battle was fought on the hillsides of Spain. On one side were the Spanish Republicans, joined by the Soviet Union and The International Brigade—men and women from all over the world who have volunteered to fight Fascism. Opposing them, Franco and his Fascist military leaders, supported with troops, machinery, and weapons from Hitler and Mussolini. The Spanish Civil War, considered the “training ground” for the war to come, boasted of thousands of American volunteers who joined to fight on the Republican side, half of which never returned home.
Unlike World War II, there is no clear line between white and black, good and evil. Both sides committed atrocities. Both sides had deep convictions they felt worth fighting and dying for.
Loyalists—also know as the Republicans were aided by the Soviet Union, the Communist movement, and the International Brigades. If not for the weapons and volunteers from these sources their fight would have ended in weeks rather than years. While many men fought side by side, their political views included that of liberal democracy, communism and socialism. The Catholic Basque Country also sided with the Republic, mainly because it sought independence from the central government and was promised this by Republican leaders in Madrid.
Nationalists—or Francoists were aided mainly by Germany and Italy. The Nationalist opposed an independent Basque state. Their main supporters were those who believed in a monarchist state and fascist interests. The Nationalist wished for Spain to continue on as it had for years, with rich landowners, the military, and the church running the country. Most of the Roman Catholic clergy supported the Nationalists, except those in the Basque region.
During the Spanish Civil war, terror tactics against civilians were common. And while history books discuss the estimated one million people who lost their lives during the conflict, we must not forget that each of those who fought, who died, had their own tales. From visitors to Spain who found themselves caught in the conflict, to the communist supporters, Basque priests, and Nazi airmen . . . each saw this war in a different light. These are the stories behind A Valley of Betrayal.
Tricia Goyer, October 2006
"A Valley of Betrayal" is available for purchase @ www.Amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, or www.christianbook.com
If you want to know more about Tricia's work, visit her website: www.triciagoyer.com
If you like to meet Tricia "virtually" stop by her blogs : www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com or http://www.genxparents.blogspot.com/ (She's quite responsive and keeps her blog current)
The thing about having a little guy- is, he notices things. Interesting things, embarrassing things (mostly about his Mother- like: "Mom, your legs are pokey" Apparently he doesn't know the lady rule- we shave our legs in the winter- but not with the regularity of summer;) every thing. Noah finds amazement in the most mundane, because he's not just looking at them- he's examining them.
Noah is constantly investigating, exploring experimenting.
Last weekend we went on an outing- the sun was out, and I thought we could taste spring if we visited The Mathai Botanical Gardens.
I thought this would be a boring venture for a 5 year old. But-I was desperate enough for some outside time, to risk it. I couldn't have been more wrong.
We stopped at the gift shop and bought a tiny magnifier. We started in the conservatory.
Noah ate up the plants and surroundings like candy. He touched everything that wasn't poisonous or full of prickles. (And probably a few things that were.) His magnifying glass was a tool, and offered a different perspective.
He nearly put his face in the Koy pond, trying to get a closer look at the fish. Cactus' became monsters to him, bananas growing on a tree were an amazement. Leaves on the ground- were treasures.
I want to be like Noah when I grow up. I want to notice the small beautiful things. The strange things and the weird things. I want to pay attention to the things around me. I want to find God in all of His creation....
"The question is not what you look at, but what you see. " Henry David Thoreau
Swish. Squish. Splash. Labels: devotions
"Noah! What are you doing?" Swish, squish and splash sounds can generally be attributed to Noah.
I follow the swishing to the bathroom.
I open the door, just in time to see Noah's favorite shirt-(green t-shirt hand made by his aunt Missie; ) a soggy, soaked mess, landing on the carpet in front of the toilet. He is standing in front of the toilet with a guilty, yet proud of himself look on his face.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" I gently ask my sweet son. (gently? not so much as you can see by my cunning use of CAPS;)
"Washing my shirt. So I can wear it." He seems not quite sure what my problem is.
"IN THE TOILET? THAT'S DISGUSTING." I, not so calmly reply.
After a long soak in a hot tubby full of bubbles, the boy is now clean. I throw in another load of laundry, (he apparently must wear his favorite shirt)and douse the toilet with bleach-in case of further experimentation (a preventative measure- in my mind at least) and things are back to normal.
All afternoon I wondered, "What was he thinking? regardless of research to the contrary, toilets are dirty! There is no way you can clean something in the toilet, you need to use a washing machine!"
Then it hit me, I try to do it all the time. Not in the bathroom, but in my life.
Sometimes, I think I stand before God, with a somewhat guilty, but slightly proud look on my face, holding up my self-righteousness like a dirty favorite shirt I've rinsed out in the toilet. My own efforts to "clean up my act" must seem to Him, like the swish, splash, squish of toilet water.
Why do I do it? I'm not sure- maybe I want to wear my favorite shirt. Maybe I want to play in the toilet. Maybe, I want to do things "all by myself", much like a child. Maybe I'm to small to use the washer.
Maybe - it's not my job. It wasn't Noah's- I'm in charge of laundry.
When it comes to cleaning up my personal laundry- changing me- into what God has planned for me- it's not my job either- it's His. I have to cooperate, not start scrubbing my own laundry in the toilet.
Roman's 9 30-33
"What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
Isaiah 64:6 (read the rest of it-;)
"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away."
Phillipians 1:6
...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus
Dear Lord- I pray that I'd let you do my spiritual laundry. Lord- complete the work you've started in me- and God- keep me out of the toilet. It's rather gross. I love you Lord- amen.
The Questionnaire Labels: secret pal
What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Natural- although some blends are great.
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Squeeky acrylic. Yuk. Don't like cotton unless it's blended. I love soft. Soft,soft;)
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I love needle rolls- my SIL makes beautiful ones- that I keep most of my needles in.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced 3 years..? Probably: Intermediate.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes
5. What's your favorite scent? Lavendar, vanilla- vanilla/berry
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Dark chocolate......yum.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Scrapbook- spin- mostly- I knit;)
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Contemporary Christian, usually- with some U2- Coldplay, etc- huge audio-book listener. Have Ipod- will listen;)
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Jewel tones- Fuschias- Purples blues black- chocolate brown. Not a fan of orange yellow or green.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Married- 3 sons- from 5-17 2 cats and a bad beagle.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Scarves- yes, hats- no, mittens yes- ponchos- NO.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Lace. But have been on a sweater kick lately. Somewhat cowl, Central Park Hoodie, and now Something Red.
13. What are you knitting right now? Just finished Central Park Hoodie- and working on "Something Red" from Knit n Tonic/ The Garter Belt.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yep;)
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Rt needle for the project. Mostly like wood- Lantern Moon- my favorite;) but have the Knit Picks options- and like them as well as Addi Turbos.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yep.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? Not sure... I like to look forward - not back;)
18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas and Easter
19. Is there anything that you collect? antique/vintage choc molds... esp flowers- rabbits.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have Interweave knits- would like spin-off. I'd like to try quivit.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? stranded knitting.... everything!
22. Are you a sock knitter? Yes;) What are your foot measurements? wear a 6 1/2-7
23. When is your birthday? 8/31
Pattern: Knitscene- Fall o6
Ella Rae Classic Yarn -
100% wool
just under 7 balls
Color # 46
Ribbing US 5
Body US 6 Knit picks Options needles
(I knit loose on metal needles;)
Cast on for the 40" size
Mattress Stitch for seaming- help found here.
Help with setting in sleeves found here.
I blocked wet- prior to seaming.
Labels: wordless wednesday
Labels: in other words, Laced with Grace
Boys will find poo- where-ever they go, they will also inspect it as if it were scientific. It is not. It is poo. Poo is poo. Sheesh. (Pic from Saturdays' trip to the Botanical Garden)
My post for today is up at "Laced With Grace"
It's my participation in Christian Women Online's Tuseday Meme- "In Other Words"
Click over to "Laced With Grace" To find out what I learned about love from 80's music. ;)
Labels: Central Park Hoodie
In the Pic to the right:
center- back & fronts (attached at the shoulders) hood
outer L&R- sleeves
Edges are rolled in......so you can't really see the shaping at this point.Had to rip back my fronts. Grrrrrr. I just could NOT get them to line up. (I knit them individually) so- I ripped them back - till they were even - and before the shaping--- then put them both on my circs and finished them together.
Highly recommend knitting fronts and sleeves 2 at a time. Harder to keep track the pattern- but it sure makes for easier matching of measurements.I seamed my shoulders and picked up my stitches for the hood. The hood seems endless. Is it just me? I have a feeling the ribbing yet to come will be even more so! However- at least it's good tv/movie knitting!
The Knit Along is here: Central Park Hoodie Knit AlongStats: Pattern: Knitscene Magazine- Fall 06Knit Picks Options Needles- US #5 for ribbing #6 for for rest A few things that helped: Counter for cables-(see the little green froggy guy upper rt) then I used split markers slipped into my increases- de-creases to keep count. (easier than using a separate counter)
Labels: wordless wednesday
Labels: Central Park Hoodie, Jay Walker socks, Ultimate blog party
Laced With Grace
For those here from the ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY--- you can scroll down to see my intro post;) Thnx for coming by!
Knitting update....
I started a sweater:
Central Park Hoodie- Knit Scene Fall 06
Joined the KAL
I have the back, and left front finished- working on the right front--- had to rip back... messed up my measuring for the top shaping....yuk :( (Ella Mae worsted- a periwinkle blue color) Knit picks options #5 for ribbing #7 for rest of knitting)
And also inished a pair of Jaywalkers They are in Austemann Step on Knit Picks DPN's US #1's
"Take exit, Now." The voice was calm. Just barely mechanical. It spoke with authority. "Which one?" My voice was not so mechanical. "Take exit now." The voice doesn't reply. It dictates. I don't DO dictatorships. "re calibrating" Is there just a bit o annoyance in the mechanical voice, I wonder? "Turn around, and take exit now" "OK. Sorry I missed it" Did I just apologize to plastic and electonics' components? "Turn around, and take exit, now" The mechanical voice droned. "I'm waiting for a clearing!!!" My voice screeched. "Turn around and take exit, now." Somehow the calmness of the mechanical voice is annoying. "I'm TRYING!!!!!!!" I say, exasperated. This isn't a scene from 2001 a Space Odyssey. It was a scene from my car, this weekend. The slightly mechanicla voice wasn't "Hal" it was my husband's "Tom-Tom" His turn by turn GPS based elecrontic "helper" and the straw that almost broke my sanity's back. It was supposed to have helped me navigate my way trouble free to a training session I had this weekend a couple of hours from home. Eventually it did. But not until after a few one sided arguments. (FYI... it doesn't talk WITH you, it talks TO you;) This was another adventure in recognizing my total inability to simply FOLLOW Directions. I tend to analyze and over think EVERYTHING. If the Tom Tom said "Take exit" I wondered how I was supposed to know if it was the correct exit. I the Tom Tom said "Turn around" I argued that traffic was making it impossible to do. The whole 2 hour drive there was stressful. Me, with absolutely no directional sense, trying to second guess the GPS. I had a headache by the time I arrived. By Sunday Morning, I was getting a pre-emptive headache in preparation for the drive home. That's when I had an idea. As an experiment, I will not THINK on the way home. (I would, however, pay attention to dirving) I will simply follow the devices directions. Voila. No problem's, no headache. Ocassionally, my faith walk with God looks like a similar scene. "Tracey, turn left now" (Ok, so God doesn't typically give me directions that are that clear... but we get the jist) "I don't think you have the right person." I argue. "Tracey, turn left now" The voice is patient, but firm "I can't get where I'm going that way" Mine isn't so patient, but it's equally firm. "Turn left now" About now- If I were driving, and God were a simple Tom Tom, He'd have to re-calibrate, and devise a new route, because I'd have missed my exit. Fortunately, God is not a Tom Tom. But- I have to wonder.... what if I realized that arguing with God was just as ridiculous? What if I simply obeyed???? Maybe, I'd have fewer headaches. ;) Dear Lord- thank you for being so patient with me. Thank you for leading and directing me, even though I often argue about your planned route. I pray that you'd help me to continue to grow in faith, so that I can be quick to obey. I love you, Lord amen. 
Did I mention I like water????? welcome to the party!
For more info - or to join the party... click HERE;) So, now you're here. But where are you really? You've popped into my virtual livingroom. There are a couple of teenaged sons plopped on the couch. (They are irritated their computer time is up for the day.) There is a 5 year old son, jumping on the chair in the corner. (It's cheaper than buying a trampoline;) I'm sitting in "my spot" on the couch. There is a pile of books on the table next to me, I'm a freakish reader. There is also a pile of knitting. (I tend to be obessesive about my interests!) Next to my knitting is a half full- and mostly cold cup of coffee. (A gurls gotta have her caffeine.) My DH is working on his laptop, (he's a busy guy). He's also the best husband evah. ;) Strangely, on the back of the couch, where one would typically find the family cat perched, you see a rather obese beagle. That's Sami, She's cute--- but confused or crazy, we're not sure which. There is also a long haired white and tan cat- Cappucino- he's disgusted by the confused dog. The final pet- another cat- is upstairs hiding, it's not dark yet and she seems to think she's a vampire. (Tends to bite in love and only comes out at night.) Interesting things happen around here:1) Maple syrup has been found in puddles on the kitchen floor. (That was a one time event;) 2) The cat box was once used as a makeshift sand box- (WITHOUT Moms approval) and to break in a new Tonka truck) Can you say CLOROX Bath?3) Politics and Blues Clues are often discussed in tandem at the dinner table. Things that may interest you, about me:1) I was once stabbed through the hand. (OOOPS NEVER pry brownies out of the pan with a knife) 2) I have been: A waitressA preschool teacherA pastoral counselor3) My hair is a chameleon--- it changes color every month.... (gee wonder how THAT happens?) 4) I absolutely Love God and am dedicated to getting to know Him better- and share the things I learn about Him, with others. (through writing , speaking and teaching) 5) I have been involved in Leadership with MOPS International for about 17 years! 6) On Tuesdays I write for the awesome team devotional blog: Laced with GraceScroll down- and visit the archive- I like to blog at the speed of life! Leave a comment- so I can visit you!
Rant:
When did it happen? When did every mannequin at the mall sprout nipples? WHY did it happen? Where did the mannequin faces go? WHY do they only have half (or fully) decapitated heads and anatomically correct torsos?
Did I miss something? Was there a political uproar? Was there feminist outrage....?
I must have missed the mannequin sales flyer.....did you recieve it? Did it read something like this?
Dear Sex driven Sales World:
In an effort to continue helping you sell your products (whatever they may be- including dushwashers) with sex, we've decided to offer you new mannequins to place in every store and shop window at the mall. This is not a new marketing tactic, but one we've recently greatly improved upon.
We've improved our product by adding a new patented, and sure fire marketing winner:
Decapitated Mannequins with Nipples.
As women are indeed, only sexual objects and not truly human beings to be respected and cherished, we've decided to cut costs by slashing our investment on the heads and faces of our mannequins, and invest the money elsewhere. Where it counts.
On life-like nipples.
Nipples, sell people. Nipples, sell.
So, we hope you appreciate our new marketing efforts. We are sure you'll see you're bottom line improve as you increase the number of nipples viewable in your store windows. If you need more than those included in your recent order---- just let us know- we'll make more. If you'd like to save even more money- you may retrofit your current mannequins by removing their heads, and adding our new "pastie nipples" for mannequins.
Yours- with hopes for increases sales at any moral cost-
the marketing gurus that be
As a woman- I don't appreciate nipples being used as a marketing strategy. I seriously doubt they add to the "authenticity" or "realistic" appearance of mannequins.... only to their further sexualization....
As a mom of teen boys- I do not appreciate the mannequin model porn now positioned in most store windows....
And I have a simple solution that doesn't require replacement of these new wonder-mannequins...
How bout putting bras on those puppies? With the exception of some stars in tabloids... most real women actually WEAR them.
End of rant. for now
I suppose- if this bothers you as much as it does me... you could send a letter-email to the stores headquarters that you find most offensive... just google the store name- and find the contact information on most corporate websites....
Dear Lord-
First- I pray that you'd help me to remain sensitive to modesty. Help me to navigate the line between attractive and stylish without crossing over to immodest. I also pray that you'd help my guys navigate their way through a sexually charged world... one full of nippled mannequins and tatooed butt cleavage, visible everywhere, while still honoring you.
And Lord--- those mannequins at the mall? How bout making the nipples fall of? That would be pretty funny--- I must say. You're own guerilla marketing campaign against immodesty.....maybe not... I love you Lord- amen.
There are nipple-less mannequins available.....
as shown in the pics;) they are available here where I got the pic. However- there are also mannequins there to make the ones at VS envious, so only click with a strong warning.
PS--- hmmmmm for those who visited today by googling "nipples" not sure what to say- a mom's gotta rant on occasion- and today was it.
PPS: Haircut update delayed on account of rant--- but for the short of it I ended up with a hybrid;) Depending on styling option chosen- it's somewhere between 1 and 3;)
pic forthcoming;) and winer to be announced when pic is posted.
ts
"The Road Not Taken" 
