Not long ago, my friend Kari wrote to propose an idea so good that it left me almost beside myself with glee:
"Caroline and I would like to come watch the children on Wednesday while you do/go wherever. Will this work for you????"
Why, yes, as a matter of fact, it did work for me! And the note served as yet another reminder of what a blessing it is to have the world's most beautiful and thoughtful friends. While I was using this found quiet time, Caroline and Kari did more than merely watch the children. Caroline arrived with homemade dough, sauce and cheese to make the most delicious pizzas my homemade-dough-deprived darlings had ever eaten. (By a miracle, Marie, who cannot bear even the thought of pizza, loved Caroline's and asked for the recipe!) Kari brought jars of dye, candles, a ream of butcher paper and specialized tools to make Ukrainian Pysanky eggs. As you can see from the photographs below, the children learned a new skill, dying, waxing, and melting for hours.
If you are interested in learning the art of Pysanky, take a look at these step by step instructions or this online tutorial. I can't explain the steps myself, because while all this was going on, I was off writing a last minute addition to the Haystack!
As you can tell from the infrequency of my posting lately, life has been a whirlwind here for quite some time. This too shall pass, but in the meanwhile, we are beyond grateful for loving local friends always offering to help! [I realize that I can't link to most of them!]
Happy Easter tomorrow everyone!
How beautiful (both the art and the friends!).
I would love to learn to make Pysanky eggs some day. :)
Posted by: Love2learn Mom | March 22, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Ha! I thought of trying this with my kids this year...and then I slapped myself on the forehead and said aloud, "What the heck are you thinking?!" We wouldn't have eggs at all. Generous dollops of icing colors, however, have given us some of the most vibrant eggs we've ever had, so it's all good. Not fancy, but good. :-)
Happy Easter, Alice!
Posted by: Jennie C. | March 22, 2008 at 07:09 PM
I've always wanted to learn how to make those eggs. Maybe someday! :) You are blessed to have such loving friends. Happy Easter to you and your family, Alice!
Posted by: Rebecca | March 22, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Kari and Caroline are the best. I have always loved them dearly and now I love them more for giving you this precious gift of some quiet time. We are all so truly blessed in our friendships. God is so good to us.
Posted by: Mary Ellen Barrett | March 22, 2008 at 08:39 PM
What wonderful friends! And beautiful, beautiful Easter eggs, too.
Posted by: Beck | March 22, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Happy Easter
He is Risen. Alleluia
Leona
Posted by: Leona | March 23, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Blessed Easter to you and your family!
Posted by: Kimberlee | March 24, 2008 at 12:40 AM
The eggs (and the thoughtful friend behind them) are beautiful, Alice. Happy Easter!
Posted by: Jennifer | March 24, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Beautiful! I managed to color some eggs with my kids and bake some pre-cut Easter bunny cookies!
Happy Easter to all!
Posted by: Mary Beth P | March 24, 2008 at 03:15 PM
We made these this year also. This was our first time and it took us ALL DAY! But it was fun. Happy Easter to you and your family.
Posted by: Kirsten (bfarmmom) | March 24, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Absolutely beautiful! I haven't even mastered the art of hardboiling eggs. The last three years they have come out soft-boiled!
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 25, 2008 at 10:05 PM
What loving, creative friends you have, Alice. A friend of mine introduced me to Pysanky a year ago, and I will be forever grateful. I have learned something from your instructive photos, too...I am going to get some wide-mouthed jars to store my dye in rather than make the dye anew each time!
Posted by: Jeannine | March 26, 2008 at 09:27 AM
How cool is that!!! Truly divine :)
Posted by: Meredith | April 01, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Those eggs are awesome. If you use scented candles it makes the project even more fun!
Posted by: Candle Lover | June 28, 2008 at 08:23 PM