Another Venue

Ok - now that has nothing to do with the Revolution Series.... nope, it's the swing dance skirt and draping of the vest I am creating for my daughter, Katie.  The skirt is a drop yoke with both pleats and gathers set into the yoke with a back zipper. Found the fabric at Joann's - it's very shear and reminds me of India silk.  I have lined it with a black - swoo-ish!  
Waiting on cutting out the black vest of cotton velvet ~ trying to decide if we'll do embroidery on it ~ thinking cutout with maybe the same skirt fabric underneath or a matching solid.  I must consult the wearer!   

Other than this, I am extremely anxious to design the rest of the revolutionary series... I have enlisted 2 more friends to model... co-designer Erin and her husband, Andrew.... poor Andrew ~ what did we drag you into?!?   It's all good.  

That's it for tonight! Sleep well :) 

Progress on the Pre-Revolution/American Revolution Series

A bit of progress made today.  Finally! FINALLY, finished the embroidery around the outside edges of the jacket.  Now to figure out how to finish off the embroidery on the back slit and also, the back of the neck.  

As I contemplate the above situation.... it will need to perk-o-late in my brain for a bit, I have worked with the cuffs and sleeves a bit.  Slow progress, but it's getting there. As far as embroidery, this will most likely be the one jacket with so much of it.  Men. Such fashion plates!   So below is the mocked up sleeve with cuff.

I am anxious to get the button holes (mock) on the cuffs and finish the edging :)  I do need to find something elegant to line the cuffs, as they are exposed.  

Happy February! February, what?!? Already?

As I type this, my embroidery machine is continuing on it's journey around the hem of 1694 era mans jacket.  Think "Dangerous Liasons".  The pattern is drafted from the book "Men's 17th & 18th Century Cotume, Cut & Fashion" by R.I. Davis.  (This is an excellent resource)  I have sized it to fit my good-son, Chris, who is this awesome young man who puts up with my silliness. :) 

So below you can see the design work.  This is my first major embroidery project with this machine and it's been a fairly good (vs bad) learning experience!  I am using a Husqvarna Viking Ruby Deluxe machine, fabric that was designed for furniture, and Sulky 100% Viscose 04/3 thread (I love this thread - very little issue with fraying or breaking).  Note: Use a light interlining when working on a running project - it will keep your fabric from warping. 

 

End of 2014

IT has been awhile since I posted, and since I plan to take this to a whole new direction, it's time to end the old and start the new!

2014 was a year of travel - 2 mission trips to Moloka'i, Hawaii; Deadwood, SD; New Holland, PA; Scotland - my land and multiple places; London; and of course, Chesapeake, VA.

It was also a year of events: 
Katie, my daughter married a wonderful young man named Chris. :)
Mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer and complete renal blockage.  New stents every 3 months.
That guy - well.  Let's just say that it didn't end the way I hoped.
Costuming - was offered a job by the Guthrie Theater for Scrooge, but was already committed to doing Esmerelda at Friendship. Which just closed after a glorious 7 show run.  But costuming..... this is where we're headed with the blog.  I will post pictures of the costumes I have done for a half dozen or so book covers.  And then we'll be on the new road.  I have placed a link to my website for more photos.

So 2014 is coming to a close. Here's to 2015! May the adventure continue!

Book covers I have created the costumes for.  Two more are in production.  Note the "A Bride for Noah" model is someone you might recognize :)

She stood in the storm, & when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.

This is one of my favorite quotes and certainly applies to the last 20 days. 

I wound up not going to Honduras last week with the team.  God said "no", in a very loud, direct voice.  Since I didn't hear Him with the first bee sting, He provided a second one to get my attention and also send me to the ER (again).  Thank goodness for epi-pens, steroids and Benadryl.  Yes, I heard Him the second time - stay home dummy.  His grand plan allowed another board member of the Isaiah Connection to step into leadership and also opened the door for me to continue at camp as their nurse. A win-win situation all the way around.... a good lesson in listening. 

It has been a grand summer so far. Mom and I spent 10 days back East. She in New Holland, PA & me off to Chesapeake, VA to assist with Max's graduation festivities.   Rain was the theme on the way out and hot on the way back.  It was a wonderful trip and great to spend time chatting with Mom as we drove along. 

I continue my fight against GERD (Gastro-esphogeal Reflux Disease).  It has worsened and remains a cause of great anxiety at times.  I thank God for my dear friend, Jennie - who talked me through a nasty anxiety attack on the trip back from camp.  Some days, I just can't get these to back down.  I have switched up the GERD OTC meds and am now finding some relief from the almost constant sour acid and choking feeling in the back of my throat.  It has been over a year in this battle and would really like it to go away.  

So, what's next?  Another trip to PA., a legal conference in MN., and a driving trip to ID to see a *friend* from many years ago.  I am very excited to be reconnecting with him. 

Hope that your summer is going well!

A New Direction: Two Businesses and Mission work as well

When God closes a door, he opens a window - jump!!  And I did.

"What in the world?" I can hear you thinking "...is she up to now?"  

I decided to take that final step in becoming a completely, independent business woman. And in that I have created my company so that both the left & right sides of the brain are happy.  

The creation of M.A. Harbeck & Associates was originally intended to be solely for the purpose of running my legal nurse consulting business.  God had other plans.   He has also blessed me with collaborating with Garborg Designs on Christian book cover designs.  Let me recommend this wonderful photography team!  In the past 5 months, we have created 3 new book covers (my costume creations, their photography & graphic productions).  Samples of this work can be found by Googling: "A Bride for Noah" and "Circle of Spies".  I am currently not at liberty to discuss the 3rd but will post that as well. 

M.A. Harbeck & Associates was recently premiered at the Reptile Convention in Brookfield, WI.   I was able to network with approximately 120 attorneys from the MidWest.  I will also be at Minnesota Justice Conference in August, 2013 - for all of you attorneys out there, please stop by my booth.  I look forward to meeting you.  

Mission work:  

As a board member for the Isaiah Connection (please see isaiahconnection.org),  I will be stepping up my responsibilities in the field.  I was  blessed to be able to participate as a team member this past February, 2013 on Moloka'i serving the community with demolition, building, yard work, painting, etc.  It had been 3 years since my last visit. Thank God for others who are able to go every year.  The good news I experienced during my stay, was a stronger feeling of hope in a community that has been trying to recover economically for the past 10 years.    

In July, I will lead my first team into Honduras. I have never been there before and ask for your prayers for guidance, strength and a blessed trip as we do medical & construction work in San Antonio de la Cuesta.

Other trips on the horizon: 

2013:  Australia (depending on Pastor Joe's deployment to Afghanistan)

2014: Nigeria, Moloka'i, Israel

As you note, Pastor Joe is currently set to deploy laster in 2013 to Afghanistan.  I ask that you pray for him and his family during this time of transition and disruption of  there day-to-day lives. 

That's it for today.  Happy Mother's Day!

Mary

A Lost Moment in TIme

Since you know I don't sit still very long, here's what's new:
Most recently I was recognized for my design and sewing abilities by the Guthrie Theater in Mpls., MN.  That was a nice nod to a home-schooled stitcher!  I have done costuming for large scale productions for Normandale Community College, Friendship Church, actors for the MN Renaissance Festival and other independent projects.  What's on the cutting room table now?  Something I haven't done in years - drafting patterns from a simple, non-scale drawing.  Amazing the skills that lurk in the back of mind, sitting on a dusty shelf just waiting to be used again.  This project is in cooperative with "That's Original" photography owned by Ms. Alex Cox.  Alex drew the pictures and gave me a brief story line.  It's amazing to see them come to life.  Not me, this is definitely God at work! Whom, I should tell you, I have multiple conversations with while in the work room :) I am looking for additional stitchers to help with this years Christmas production, so if you like to sew ~ this is a rewarding volunteer opportunity.
2nd on the list of accomplishments is the completion of 33 hours of classroom & passing a test (reminiscent of the Nursing Boards) to obtain my Certified Legal Nurse Consultant certification.  More on this at another time. Just know it is an accomplishment that will take me further (hopefully, not down the rabbit hole)!
Last but surely not least,  I am on another scouting party! We are off to China and Australia in October to set the imprint of 2 more mission outreach programs.  I can't believe it has been 2 years since we left Israel and Ireland.  Ireland has not blossomed, but Israel is taking off with small groups working on the kubtiz outside of Tiberius.  Many people ask me if you have to be Christian to do mission work with the Isaiah Connection (see www.isaiahconnection.org).  No, you don't.  The mission of the this organization is to come along side and serve. Not our agenda, the agenda of those we go to assist.  Whether it is construction work on Moloka'i, helping the elderly in Israel, or doing medical work in Nigeria, we go to serve.  It is an excellent use of one's VPTO!

Home again...

So it's been a while since I have written anything here.  Funny how life just keeps going. The old verb-age about it going faster as we get older seems to be true.  
 The bad:
The end of 2010 was not a great one.  Our beloved Tim is now a saint after an amazing 7 year battle with brain cancer.  We rejoice that he is in heaven with God, the Father.  Though, it makes us all impatient to be with him.   

2011 was a year of buying the wrong thing.  Thank goodness that phase is over.  We also saw the deterioration of dear sweet John, my brother in law. Lewy Body dementia was the criminal.  It was a disease I had never seen diagnosed or treated as a healthcare professional.  I am awed at my sister's love and perseverance.  John is now in heaven with Tim and our dad, Walt.  Along with another half dozen friends that passed in 2011.  

But lest you think it all sad and no sun shine, let me lighten the mood: 

2010 we did get to Israel & Ireland to plant 2 more mission sites for the Isaiah Connection.  Israel was definitely an eye opening, learning experience.  From experiencing religious persecution (nothing too serious ;)  to standing where Jesus taught. I don't have the vocabulary to describe it.  Awesome isn't even close.     

An 1700's stone found while grave-yard hopping with cousin Wade

2011 was my year for travel.  :0)  Ireland, camp, and a marvelous 10 day car trip with the lovely Miss Katie.  We attended the family reunion in Delaware (yes, that is a state in this country) and drove down the coast to Virginia to visit more with the grand Dinsmore clan!  I was blessed and have been continued to be blessed with being able to visit them almost every 2 months.  God is great! 

Mom Mom... explains alot.  Genetics, a wonderful thing!

At Valley Forge Chapel ~ Which great Grandpa Ross helped build

My grandparents house buildt in the 1770's

So enter the Year of the Dragon! 2012!  Yes, I feel like I swallowed a dragon ~ scales and all.  I am beginning to feel like an old car.  Things keep falling off. Ok, let's make that malfunctioning.  I have talked myself into everything from a dissecting aorta (of course this was while I was walking around the room trying to get the pain to back down) to an exploding intestine! I love coming out of the hypochondriac box on occasion!  It's like looking for that one sock to finish matching up the rest of the socks in the basket ~ the answer to where it is (or in this case) what the heck it is, is being elusive. We have ruled out heart (whew, dodged that bullet) and have found a small polyp/stone in my gall bladder.  Why not take out the gall bladder you say? Mostly, I am partial to all my parts and would prefer they stay in situ or at least connected.   Two other things: 1. I asked the surgeon "are you a mechanic or a parts replacer?" (Thank you Walt for instilling that in my head.... funny how things like that stay with us always. "Listen to the travel problem" - that's Dora~ism or "Charles Martel defeated the Moors at the battle of Tourres in 732" - Mr. Vaugh) 2. My diagnostics look like a duck, but they don't quack like a duck.  Hence, the HIDA scan to see if it truly is the gall bladder misbehaving.  I have a bet with myself that it is truly esophagel spasms and the gall bladder stone is the non-part of the equation. Rather liking nursing board tests.  I hated those.  Get to the point people and stop trying to be coy. Which I did at work with an email to the director of the treasury and got my hand slapped because they owe me money. I love corporate America. .... But I have wondered off topic (imagine that).  So, currently we are in a holding pattern (Negative Ghost-rider, the pattern is full....guess we won't be buzzing the tower tonight) and will be there for "3-5 business days".  Thank goodness I don't have attacks everyday. And this is far from being critical.  Just a bloody pain. 

I will close for the night.  Just feels good to be writing again :)

Missions 2010

The Israel 2010 Mission Trip certainly has had an interesting start..... or should I say full of pot holes to dive around. Doesn't matter. God has it. I am extremely excited for this adventure. A small band of us will come along side a Messianic church in Tiberius, Israel for 8 days of prayer journey, rooftop ministry, theater and following the footsteps of Jesus. We will plant the seeds of Isaiah Connection's newest ministry location. We will swim in the Dead Sea, rededicate our lives to God in the Jordan River and enjoy wonderful fellowship. After that AMAZING journey, we head north to the cool, misty glens and crags of Scotland (well, you didn't think we'd get on the other side of the pond and not visit the home country, did you?!?). Pastor Joe is working on finding us a church to set again the seeds of ministry in another country. We will also spend time seeing castle ruines and debriefing from our 8 day adventure in Israel.

This will be my 2nd official outing with Isaiah Connection and I look forward to helping expand their territory.

Swimming in Miami

Funny I start this one thought and it comes out completely different than what I thought it would

The older I get, the faster time goes by. Interesting cliche. 7 months of 2009 are already gone and what is different now from the beginning of the year? Even since the beginning of July. The economy is still sliding that slippery slope. Our friends and neighbors are in greater need and the government is increasing taxes to destroy what savings those of us that still have jobs have. Last night we gave away another 27,000# of food stuffs into our community. Where on one hand I know we, as a collective whole need to do more, as an individual I am appalled at the gaul of some people. Recipients of the Mud drop received roughly 10-15# of free food each and they were complaining because someone got a Butter finger they did not. Is that what our countries mentally has really boiled down to? One minute you're worried about getting food on the table and the next greedy enough to begrudge someone a mini candy bar? Setting government mentality aside for a moment - what happened to common sense and good judgement? Are we truly the ugly Americans that other countries view us as?

Government/politics/icky bed fellows..... Is anyone else out there concerned the current administration has got us so far in debt that we will never recover? Or worse yet, civil unrest and possibly civil war are just around the corner as those of us not brain washed with "reality TV" and "sex on the tube" put our collective feet down? I saw a sign on the back of a semi truck today: "America - love it or leave it" my next thought was "couldn't we just deport those that, under the definition of treason, should be hung for destroying our country? You know, the country that was founded based on a Nation under God. " Ok, off the soap box before I get to upset and start talking about the idiotic health care reform bill...... morons.

The brighter side of life - kinda of a baring of the soul. I thought God had put on my heart that it was time to find someone. Seems it was my brain confusing my heart. Not that I don't occasionally wish for someone special but hopefully after putting this on paper my heart and mind will be on the same page (all puns intended). I just don't think its in the works. According to the Book of Matthew, some are meant to be single. Then I offer up the valid points of - exactly when would I find time to commit to someone? Is there anyone out there willing to keep up with me? Seriously. DMAT, DMAT deployments, DMAT store operation, Mud In Your Eye Outreach, mission trips,costume director for the church Christmas program, raising a wonderful daughter, keeping up with my mom, working, working at camp, fixing things around the house, landscaping/gardening, quilting/sewing and now sailing. Not bragging, sometimes I really need to look at everything I am doing and ask myself if I am not crazy? Or just living life. Dad would have been 87 this past Tuesday. He died the day after he turned 65 after battling cancer for 5 years. He had things set for retirement with Mom and then he was gone. Did he wait to live? Yes and no. Where as he was heavily involved with the community, he didn't take enough time to stop and enjoy the world. Or at least from my point of view. Now I see my 25 year old nephew into his 5th year of battling the same disease. I guess I get melancholy this time every year. Life is so short. There is so much to do - to walk in Jesus' foot steps, to see what a great world God created for us to explore, to get to know each other. Ever wonder what it is God put you here for?

Time

Time to write...

It is almost the 4th of July and time to Celebrate our Independence! Many blessings to consider: we live in a free society, taxes are not completely outrageous (ok I'm too tired to argue politics at the moment), health care is obtainable, we have decent drinking water.

It has been a fast few months since returning from Moloka'i. Prom, life, end of term hysterics (from daughter... not really, just extremely tense... even more so since the college has lost some of her grades... sound familiar Uncle Mike?) work, Mom's surgery, Tim's surgery, camp nursing, church and working on the trip to Israel. Life is full and very good.

No new deployments which is good - called twice for Mexico, sorry no thanks. Lungs are bad enough. Hoping for another non-eventful year but don't expect it to be so.

Currently, recovering from pneumonia. Guess it was time to experience that again. Spirits are high but concerned about missing a week of work. Life goes on.

Stay strong in your faith,
M

A Warm Feeling

Aloha! As we wax up our surf boards and pack up our construction gear for the upcoming mission trip, I have been inclined to think about the last year. No, I'm not going to go into one of my long-winded diatribes but Iwill say it has been an amazing ride. I have been blessed with wonderful friends ~ old and new, a family in good health and the ability to give back to others who are in need. 2009 looks to be another great year!



Onto more important things: movies. OK who else thought that the "Dark Knight" paled in comparison to "Batman the Beginning"? Yes, I understand Dark Knight was a move back to DC Comics and as cool as his motorbike is/was I still prefer the Tumbler (excellent commuting vehicle).

I have not seen the new Bond film, sorry James, the last one left me rather cold.

Moving on I thought that "Australia" was a well done epic on the same level as "Out of Africa" for scenery. Being filmed on the old "Thorn Birds" location (right along with Bryon Brown playing the bad guy) I thought it a wonderful story.
Here's one that caught me by surprise..."Mamma Mia". Let me state that I have always loathed ABBA music...talk about a sacharin overload - ish. But how can you not find Pierce Brosnan's fierce emotion in his singing heart warming or "Does Your Mother Know that You're out" just a giggle fest?? And I want Meryl Streeps bib overalls!



Ok. Enough babble....How is your world?

Once again Kate says it like it is :)

Have you looked outside lately?
At the snow?
The trees?
The birds?
The wind?
Did you know that even if it was just you, and only you on the entire earth, that God wouldn't cheat you out of one single color? blade of grass? feather on a bird? One simple noise, piece of sand, strand of hair?
Do you remember that God, not cheating you out of anything in nature, doesn't just do the bare minimum? He goes all the way! The very best isn't enough for you. No, He went through Hell (literally) just so He could be near you!
What an amazing Love!

"The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love." Psalm 103:8

May God bless you!

In Christ,
Katie

Don't you just love

People who like to make mountains out of mole hills; Are afraid to take credit for their statements; Write on bathroom walls; Complain about the weather; Tailgate. All the same in my book.

Neglect

I find that I have been, once again, ignoring my blog spot. This will not do. Not that my life is so extraordinary, it just helps.

I returned to work at the end of Sept. to work for another insurance company. This one is not being sued by the Federal Government for shading dealings with the stock market or embezeling millions from their stock holders. The only thing I can say bad about BCBS is the audit process of how we have our work checked. Too much fix this and not enough that was good. New jobs are always a pain and as I get older, learning by reading just doesn't do it. I have become a creature of see one, do one, teach one. So I learn by process and by putting processes into mathematical equations.

Traveling: the trip to UT didn't pan out as the cost vs being a camp nurse all summer didn't work. The Trip to the UP was great! Had a wonderful time just hanging out around Lake Superior with friends. Pictures to follow.

Another great adventure we had this fall was the wheelchair basketball tourneyment at Hastings. Nicholas is quite the intense player. And it was great fun just hanging out with the Partridge family in whole.

Once again Kate says it like it is :)

No need to be perfect!

Today at 11:03am

So I was walking down the street at my dad's coming back from the grocery store, and a tune from Anastasia popped into my head. Anastasia has for a long time, been one of my favorite kids movies.
Why wouldn't it be its got the lost princess of Russia who can't remember who she is trying to find her family. In the process she meets two men who help her to become a princess with mass amounts of practicing etiquette and reviewing her families history. In lame-man's terms: she had to be perfect.
Now I've heard a ton of people say that Christians are perfect, and are supposed to be perfect... which is false! Hello we're human, the only thing that separates us from the rest of the world is that we know and have accepted the Savior. Once you accept Jesus Christ, one of the main things of being a Christian is that you try and imitate Him! Not because we have to, but because.. well He died for us! Its out of love from the Ultimate Love.
I came to the conclusion that Anastasia would make a perfect example for trying to get my point a crossed because she forgot she was royalty. And we as a people have forgotten just who made us... THE KING! So if we're children of God, and He is the King... yup you guessed right! That means we are prince and princess of God. Now thats not a normal royalty. True we have been put on this earth to keep it, we are in charge of it.. we shouldn't take advantage of that. And that doesn't mean we have to learn to walk with a book on our heads.. but our royalty training is in the Book which should be in our heads.
Once we remember who we are, why then we can wear the crown God gives us! For the crown He gives us wont stop shining, it doesn't get broken, and it doesn't get lost. :D
I don't know how many times I've also heard "Yup I'm going to Hell." K, first off we all stumble! When we learn to waltz we don't become graceful right away! It takes mass amounts of tripping, stepping on feet, and trying and trying.. and even when we're good, we're never perfect! My charge to you is that DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP!
Then not only do we get a crown, no no! We get to go to the Party to end all parties! We get to dance with the King of the world Himself! ((now guys you might just want to talk with Him and play pool.. thats totally fine! He wants to be in all your activities!))
So with that said, if any of you who reads this has questions please ask!
Your fellow princess!

Katie

Excellent benefits as a camp nurse......

By now most of you have come to realize that I don't believe in acting my age. Go figure!! This would be my working conditions at camp - quite a commute wouldn't you say? When I left my last job and put my trust in God, I wasn't sure this is what I had in mind. He certainly has his own ideas about expanding my limitations. This is called the "high-ropes" course at Wolf Ridge Enviromental Center where I am working the week for the MS Society as a camp nurse. It is a series of cables and logs that you work your way across 35 feet in the air. This teaches you teamwork & coaching - as there is a lot of spotting and safety checks.
I am truely a very lucky person that God is answering my prayers!

Dear Mr Bond

Time for coffee? The Bollinger is not iced.