Greetings to you on this Ash Wednesday. In a few short hours, I’ll be joining the throngs headed to nearby churches to receive a smudge of ashes upon my brow. It will be the first time for me, though I’ve participated independently in Lent for the last few years. I will probably address that in a blog post tonight. In the mean time, it’s time for my weekly progress update, the link up at Ginny’s Yarn Along, and perhaps a poem.

Here’s what I’m working on:

The Books

On top of my stack is the latest release (as in yesterday) by one of my favorite authors, Laurie R. King. Dreaming Spies is the latest book in her “Mary Russell” series, which follows the adventures of a young woman named Mary and the greatest detective of all time, Sherlock Holmes.  I’d recommend these books to anyone, even if you don’t think you’re a fan of Mystery or Sherlock Holmes. The books are cleverly written in Mary’s exquisitely intelligent and witty voice. I just love them! Obviously I can’t vouch for this one yet, having only bought it yesterday, but I’m sure I won’t be disappointed. There are now 13 books in the series and, if you are interested, I would definitely begin at the beginning with Beekeeper’s Apprentice. I even would (and have) reccomend that book for older children (6th grade) who are very high readers and need a challenge without some of the themes and subject matter books at their level might contain.

The second book in my stack is the book I’ve chosen for Lent this year, God For Us. It’s the companion to God With Us, the book I spoke of during Advent. Both books feature daily readings supplemented with gorgeous art and both contain history readings on the different feast and fast days associated with their season. I found the latter part the most appealing this season since many of the feasts and fasts are brand new to me. Also, did I mention the art?

Speaking of fasting, that brings me to the book on the bottom of my stack. I decided for Lent this year to break my reliance on most store-bought, prepackaged carbs…which I hate to admit are a staple of my diet. This would include most bread. I have tried to make my own, and failed dismally. However, Monday night I was catching up on a blog I follow (eroosje), and came across her recent post about the master recipe from a bread book. The next morning found me at Barnes & Noble buying the book and Cost Plus World Market buying a peel! I can’t wait to get started! I’m sure I’ll be blogging my successes and failures in the weeks to come. Stay tuned!

It might seem a little decadent for baking my own bread to be my Lenten practice, but I see it as a return to simplicity and being mindful (dare I say a little ritualistic?) of “my daily bread” and from Whom it comes.

The Needles

One year ago, I knit a bloom.

The prettiest you ever did see.

‘Twas for Lexie, my friends’ little lass,

And is half as lovely as she!

Now eleven months old, and quite a bit bigger

The dress now a shirt, you can see

She’s really outgrown it

‘Tis time for another

I think that you all will agree!

On my needles is Lexie’s new “bloom.” It is the same color and yarn, but DK vs Fingering weight. It should fit her for a few years to come.

Have a blessed Ash Wednesday. If you wander back in here in a few hours, I may add a photo of my smudged forehead.

~Janet