~ hand crafted by Jill ~
Untie the Ribbons...tell me now, didn't you just smile when you read Untie The Ribbons? I do every time I read the words; they bring smiles into my life because I think of the possibilities, the memories and Jill. Several years ago, she and I met through the One World One Heart blog tour and have kept in touch via each other's blogs. Jill was one of many who prayed for Dave and I when we moved to Richmond for his cancer treatment and then, returned to the farm for healing and rest. She's a talented artist, working in many fields - fiber, textiles, floor cloths, dolls...if I didn't like her so much, I'd be jealous (smile).
~ side two ~
Jill used Proverbs 31:31 as her focus for this box; it fits me perfectly because I keep sheep. I've yet to spin flax, probably never will for that matter, because my sheep keep me abundantly supplied. No matter, my hands are busy and that helps keep me out of trouble and being productive. 
~ willing hands ~
Please note the cute, and appropriate, adornments - the small hand, the buttons, yarn edging on the box, and, on top, the wooden thread spool wrapped with more yarn and embellished with beads . No detail is too small and Jill has overlooked nothing; she has a great eye!
~ a pear shaped woman figure ~
So, this is where it gets spooky...how did Jill know I'm pear shaped? (grin) I'm not sure, yet, what I'll keep in the box...perhaps the pear shaped woman figure or, perhaps, something else. I do know it will be a part of my life until my life is over. It will be a daily reminder of "the work of Jill's hands" and how she has encouraged me greatly. So much so, I would like to pass it forward and am going to try to, once a month, make and send something to someone. Life is frosty and anytime we can spread a bit of warmth and cheer, that's a feel good situation times two. Jill, you have encouraged and inspired me to "go thou and do likewise"; thank you and thank you for the beautiful work of your hands.Darlene, over at Time-Warp-Wife, hosts {Titus2}SDAYS to "encourage women to joyfully live out their roles as wives and keepers of their homes." When people ask me what I do, I respond either farmer, shepherd or home maker; I'm happy, over the moon, happy with any of those titles. Today, I'm joining in because I want to encourage people to do what they can to help someone. Sometimes folks needing the most help are living in our own household or community or church. Sometimes, it's a stranger. No matter, do what you can with what you've got and God will bless you and it.
You may remember my post about homeless folks living in our national forests and me knitting and buying hats, gloves and scarves to send to ministries that give assistance, clothing and food to those people. I'm getting closer to my goal of having fifty hats, scarves and pairs of gloves but the problem is...I can't locate the ministry! Their website isn't viable and the only other like ministry I can find is in Florida. I'm sure the folks in Florida need help but I'd rather give my things to people who will need warmth in cold winter, so, if I can't find the ministry, I'll donate to the women and children's shelter. I'm pretty sure they can use what I've collected and if winter is going to be as harsh as I think, hats, scarves and gloves will come in mighty handy.
You are blessed so be a blessing and thank you for visiting Thistle Cove Farm. You have blessed me with the gift of your presence.
Blessings ~ Jill ~ the work of her, and our, hands ~ hats ~ scarves ~ gloves ~ home ~
