It still needs at least two more panels and I'm contemplating a border, but... progress!

Cross stitching is ridiculously addictive. I'm working on this somewhat-secret project for... well, I can't say who for, because he/she/they is/are on LJ. Ooooh, the mystery! But here's a sneak peek:




(Also testing out my new icon. Like?)

My students are doing a final project for our nonfiction unit, creating brochures to educate others about a particular cause/world problem that they signed up for. They're spending most of class today consulting their sources and constructing their brochures. One young man came up to me, and the following conversation ensued:

S: Ms. Frederick, I have a picture that I want to use on my brochure. It has a bad word on it, though. But it's written by a woman.
Me: What does it say?
S: ...can I just show you? (*he runs to get it*)

The picture he brings back is of the cover of the Dover Thrift Edition of Mary Wollstonecraft's "Vindication of the Rights of Woman," but instead of the proper title, it reads: "Bitches Be Trippin'"

I had to stop laughing before I could explain to him that this was not, in fact, the actual title of the book. Much snickering from his classmates ensued as they hissed "Did you show it to her???"

Man, students be CRAZY :D :D :D

I just signed up for the SS/HG exchange! Oh lord, I'm so excited! It's always such fun to see what people put down for their suggested prompts, and then when we get our assignments, the real challenge and tomfoolery begins! Last Exchange I had a prompt that jumped out at me immediately; I had always done art in years past, but I really enjoyed the process of making acadia_elle's dream a reality. So we'll see what happens this time around!

( Here's what I requested, and yes - some stuff looks familiar )

Complete with little handle, blue piping, and soft blue lining. I'm going to brew a pot right now and put it to the test!




Also: My uncle is doing well. They're keeping him overnight to see whether they can figure out exactly what it was that caused him to collapse, but it sounds like it had to do with a mistake in his daily medication. Thank you all so much for your prayers; please, keep them coming for Sirius!

Please pray for my uncle. He collapsed in church this morning, we don't know what from. Just talked to my aunt, she's following the ambulance to the hospital and my mom's not far behind.

Update: Thank God, it doesn't look like it's too serious. The ambulance doesn't have its lights going, and he's apparently talking in the ambulance. Still don't know what the problem is, but right now, it looks like it isn't a life-or-death situation.

(appropriate icon is appropriate)

I am planning a tea party for this weekend! The inspiration is two-fold: on the one hand, I received the most amazing book, Vintage Tea Party, from my London-based pal "L" that has inspired me with its many ideas for an old-fashioned tea with recipes and decorating tips and goodies; also, I'm blessed with a small group of lady friends who try to meet once a month at one of our homes for a get-together with food. I promised to host this month's gathering, and as they expressed an interest in my teaching them to knit, I thought that a tea party to go along with the lesson would be just the ticket!

So I've got some planning to do. Must compose shopping lists and figure out how much cook time to give each thing! Most of these savories must be made as close to serving time as possible for freshness and "nommability," so I'll be one busy hostess this Sunday. I really hope they'll enjoy it all!

( Tea for Two and Two for Tea! )

Well, I've done it. I've finally joined Pottermore, and I am suitably addicted. I'm sure it'll wear off in a day or two, but I've been having loads of fun perfecting my potions. Not as much fun as I'd be having if I were under the tutelage of a certain Potions Master, certainly...

Who else is over there? What are your names so that I can hex--- er, I mean, send you gifts and practice dueling with you? *blinks innocently*

Also! Just finished re-watching the first season of "Downton Abbey." Big plans to get S2 this weekend and watch up a storm :)

I absolutely adore letters, so if any of you out there on my f-list feel like writing me a missive, send it along!! I will write back, I promise. I love writing and receiving hand-written letters; I have a few penpals, and each one gives me immense joy in both the composition and the receipt. There's something special in someone taking the time to write out their thoughts to you in their own hand and in the receiving of a small piece of someone's soul.