One down 3 to go

2006-01-22T23:08:00.000-08:00

Okay.. We are one ~~baby~~ excuse me.. Big Boy blanket down, with 4 more to go.

I completed the BB blanket a couple weeks ago.. I know.. Bad Blogger. I even had H take pictures of it (coming after I find the USB cable for the camera).
I wound up being very pleased with the outcome of the blanket.
After riping it apart during the summer months when it was time to seriously consider reworking it, I also deconstructed the threads. It was blue and green held together throughout. I changed it to blue/blue,blue/green and green/green. Held worked together throughout. Yes, it does make for a hefty blanket. But there is nothing worse than when you are snuggling on the couch with your favorite one and it's still too chilly.
We gave it to the little man in question, yesterday, for his 4th birthday. He pulled it out of the bag, looked at it, said thank you, and then dug back into the bag for the toy inside.
I honestly didn't mind.
I know that it went home with him and was put on his bed. I also know that while this blanket may not mean horribly much to him at age 4. In 14 more years when it is time to head to college. It will be a whole nother ballgame. That delights me more than anything.

Blanket number 2 was cast on immediately upon the finishing of the BB blanket. And I have been frantically knitting on it since. What I figured was a mid march due date, turns out to be Feb 28th. This one is being done in a pale orchid purple and a soft sage green. Both colors are being held together(noticing a trend?), and is working into a lace pattern. Not horribly complicated, but one that will defiantly blossom out once it's been washed and dried.
The pattern is worked over 10 rows. Which is not bad.
It's for a baby girl. We know her name is going to be Isabella.

Blanket number 3 will be done for a much anticipated baby who is coming in June.
I think I am going to go for a denim blue and strawberry pink color. Not sure yet. I honestly have to think on the colors for sure, since what I really am thinking about doing with it. The intent was dump trucks full of flowers, but of course I can't find anything like that. SO I am thinking strawberry and denim in the body of the blanket and then using yarn to embroider the truck and flowers. (need time to think).

Blanket number 4 may wait until next fall.. It all depends on the timing. Since he has already been born. I don't have to rush.

So that is blanket progress!
Photos of the BB blanket soon.. I'll even include the first time through pic again!

14 puppies.......

2006-01-10T23:23:00.000-08:00

This animal shelter in San Felipe is where my mother in law devotes 98% of her time, money and energy.
This is the shelter that we let Miss M go to work at for the summer.
This is the shelter where one of our dogs came from.

I will be trying to figure out what I and my Dance Troupe can do to help. I have no knitting projects complete and in surplus that I could sell or auction.

My whole family is at a total loss of words for this senseless act.
Blessedly our family members are safe, and were not at the building when this happened.
That isn't saying much for the loss of 14 puppies who were in the building being cared for and being brought to adoptable health.

All I will ask is that if you can help.... please do. This shelter lost all of it's equipment, medicines, supplies, blankets, water supply....
You can even help by copying this right out of my blog and getting it past my couple readers out into the world. Or by linking back to me.
When I find it on the AP website I will post it again.

It's a sad evening here at our house..

The following is an article that was released to AP from the shelter's staff.

This is their website.
http://sfanimalrescue.org/g/

ANIMAL SHELTER SET ON FIRE

On Saturday night, January 7th, at about 2am, THE SAN FELIPE ANIMAL RESCUE was broken into and vandalized. “SFAR is a no-kill animal shelter, and why this happened is certainly baffling”, said one volunteeer. The double wide trailer which houses our clinic and all supplies and medicines, as well as newborn puppies and some sick dogs was set ablaze and literally burned down to the ground. Fourteen dogs were needlessly destroyed. Other outside kennels were vandalized as well but no other dogs were harmed.

SFAR was started by a concerned group of Americans in 2003 when it became a non-profit organization based out of Arizona. Since its beginning, SAN FELIPE ANIMAL RESCUE has spayed and/or neutered nearly 2000 stray and indigent dogs and cats, in an effort to surgically alter 75% of the 8000 street, camp, desert and beach dogs and cats by 2008. Zero population will be achieved when that goal is reached.

Ronda Walpole, founder of SFAR, and a resident of Show Low and Queen Creek AZ, was devastated when she and group of volunteers showed up Sunday morning to assess the damage and loss of precious little lives. “We will rebuild, and continue our mission, but we need help and support. Everything critical to running a rescue of this size was in that building and lost in the fire,” said Walpole. “We are based in the desert and now all our water will have to be trucked in due to the damage to pipes and pumps However, we will continue to provide shelter and care to the other 100 plus animals on site that were not harmed.” SFAR takes in some 25 strays every week and has a successful adoption program thru PetSmart in Mesa, AZ.

A formal investigation is underway and many, many residents of this small beach town have stepped up to help out.

We can be contacted thru this website
email BAJAANIMALRESCUE@YAHOO.COM
or 707-320-0054 / a US number that connects in Mexico
contact: Steven Forman

A year in review ( a meme of sorts)

2006-01-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

1. What did you do in 2005 that you'd never done before
I'll just say that it was tons of fun and I have ZERO regrets.

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make them. There is no point in resolving to do things things for myself that I should do without question or fail.

My 2005 resolution?
See above

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
A family member

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, not this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
Just the USA

6. What would you like to have in 2006 that you lacked in 2005?
Be a step or two closer to having a baby

7. What date from 2005 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The look on H's face when I surprised her with many flowers on her birthdat
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
First public bellydance performance

9. What was your biggest failure?
There is a fine line between failure and inspiration.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing Major

11. What was the best thing you bought?
H's bathrobe. (I'm always 'borrowing' it)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
The Bright Child

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Everyone has their moments

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills, Bills, Bills...

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Taking my first Belly Dance Class and finding that I am both enjoying every moment of it AND am good at it.

16. What song will always remind you of 2005?
Habibi nour al ain- Various Artists have done it.
(Darling light of my eyes)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? much happier
ii. thinner or fatter? the same
iii. richer or poorer? richer in many aspects

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Traveling

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Procrastinating

20. How will you be spending Christmas/New Years?
Next Year. It will be Thanksgiving in Detroit, Christmas in Mexico and New Years Eve Recouperating at home

21. Which blogging people did you meet this year?
None.. But that is okay too.
22. Did you fall in love in 2005?
Yep, H keeps doing things that Stop the world.

23. How many one-night stands?
Are you kidding?

24. What was your favorite TV program?
Rescue Me

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Dislike a few...maybe. Hate is reserved for the worst of the worst

26. What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. I've read others too, and they all of notable quality of some sort.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Reaffirmed my enjoyment of World Music

28. What did you want and get?
Another year of my family healthy and happy. Finally got to see Nine Inch Nails Live!

29. What did you want and not get?
More hours in the day

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Ummmm.... Narnia, From Hell, And a couple old James Bond Flicks

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Went to work, had my child puke on the phone while talking to me,
turned 32, and spent the rest of my evening after work in the company of my small family, with many phone calls from those loved ones back east.

32.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to finance getting pregnant.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2005?
As always somewhere lost in the dark and mysterious Gothic, only this time add a splash of Belly Dance.

34. What kept you sane?
Friends, Family

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Trent Reznor(but that is every year), Aria Giovanni, Nic Cage, and an Italian Actor by the name of Maruzio Aiello.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The Entire Bush Administration.

37. Who did you miss?
My parents and brother. They live in Detroit, and I miss them horribly.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
I met many wonderful people who have added many things to my life.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2005.
Smile and Spin

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
You and me
if the world should break in two
until the very end of me
until the very end of you
awake to the sound
as they peel apart the skin
they pick and they pull
trying to get their fingers in
well they've got to kill what we found
well they've got to hate what they fear
well they've got to make it go away
well they've got to make it disappear
the farther i fall i'm beside you
as lost as i get i will find you
the deeper the wound i'm inside youf
or ever and ever i am a part of
you and me
we're in this together now
none of them can stop us now
we will make it through somehow

We're in this Together- NIN

2005-12-11T23:10:00.000-08:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Bad Blogger..

2005-12-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it, I have been a bad blogger, a really bad knitter, and well.. Just a plain very busy belly dancer.
I knew that when I began my journey into belly dance, about 6 months ago, that I would be embarking on a new hobby that would take over my life.
And it did. I know that I tend to do things rather obsessively, like knit, dance and sew. But I did not know that this was going to lead me on a journey of self discovery, friendship, and a wild appreciation for a culture that I know little about, but am learning quickly.
I'll admit that since I began dancing I have knit less. In knitting less, I have learned new uses for yarn, and in some cases the funkier the yarn, the better the use.
We as knitters all know that yarn makes for the best tassels, but did you know those tassels become wearables in BellyDance?! They become attached to our belts, pants, skirts and even to our hair.. But never to our bras! We aren't strippers you know. When braided it makes great belts, when wool is felted they make awesome dreds. And even the ribbon yarns and furry things find a place in this unique world.
In the last 6 months I have been able to deplete my stash considerably, by making these little things that knuggles and non fiber people know nothing about. Even make a little extra cash doing so.
I have been able to look at, and touch some of the finest fabrics and yarns. From beautiful Haboti silk, to the most buttery soft fibers that have been spun to make belts, and other costume pieces.
This is not taking into consideration the history of the dance. Where it comes from, how it got here, and what made it blow up into a global comunity as large as knitting.
Nor is it taking into consideration, the neat things that I can now do with my body. Learning how to shimmy and wiggle at blinding speeds while walking down the street, at the same speed as everyone else. (let me tell you that's a trip)
How to make my belly, and only my belly roll downward, and upward. (upward still makes me want to be sick) without moving a single thing on my spine!
Not to mention learning how to slow my movements to almost imperceptible, save for the jingling of a couple bells.
Did you know, that in folkloric Turkish dance, there is a step that mimics spinning with a drop spindle?!
This journey, has introduced me to wonderful people, who have become my friends.
It's a trip that I have gone on, fully supported by my wonderful partner( so long as I don't play the zills in the house).
It's a new thing, that has our daughter fascinated with music, and asking for her own Doumbek for Christmas. ( A goblet shaped drum).
Because of Belly Dance, and the sometimes outrageous price of costuming, and the local shop owner who doesn't order things above a B cup. I have had to learn how to sew. Which, my own mother tried teaching me when I was younger, only to have us fight and scream at eachother, mostly because I was a horrible student.

I've gotten some knitting done, but not half as much as I would like to, I guess a great resolution for me, would be to find a better way to balance my hobbies out so one doesn't overtake the other. And to better balance, my family life with my hobbies.
I remind myself that I have baby blankets waiting, but the babies are COMING. I can't keep putting off the construction of warm things to wrap them in. I have a wonderful spouse who has been waiting patiently for a year for me to get her blanket done.
How does everyone do it? How do you all balance out your crafts, hobbies, family time, careers and still manage to get it all done?!

Since I will be burying myself in my family, my job, knitting, and dance rehearsals due to an upcoming performance. I will likely be MIA again, until after Christmas. But, with any luck, I will be back, with one and a half baby blankets, and at least another quarter of the Spouse's long waited blanket done.

Merry Chirstmas!
Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Kwanzaa!
Blessed Yule!
And Happy whatever other holiday I might have missed in there!

It's that time of year again

2005-12-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

Yep.. It's THAT time of the year.. But I refused to get real humbugish. I don't have a cave to crawl into like I want to every year between Thanksgiving and New Years.
I have been knitting on everything but what I should be working on. Which is one of the million (okay only 3) baby blankets I have to do.
The Toucha Me Blanket is sitting in the basket un-touched again.
Okay, it's not that I don't want to, nor is it that I am being lazy, I just wound up with a case of Crafty ADD and got ~~waylaid~~ sidetracked.
There is a belly dance benefit coming up and well.. things were needed for auction.. So I obliged. I have 1 dozen mozuni belts, all hand braided and wrapped. At least a dozen more falls. Which seem to be the current rage among Urban Tribal Belly Dancers.
On the good side, I have used 90% of my stash to date, and the other 10% or so is going to be the second baby blanket.
Unless I go nuts and start making tassels.

Hat Day was just plain awesome. It was much fun for all involved.
Thanksgiving was an equal blast. We were with family + the brand new baby (who's blue yarn is in my stash waiting for me to finish his brothers Big Boy blanket).
I love the smell of new babies, that scent somewhere between a bath, powder, spit up and nasty diaper. You know that sweet smell that just makes every woman's(and a few men's) hearts melt.
Brody danced with me in the kitchen, and sang in my ear while I nuzzled his wee neck. Oh yes, he is already a heartthrob.
I am happy to report that he was born very healthy and huge according to H's cousin.
I am even happier to report that his big sister is thriving and is walking, starting to talk, and making up for lost time in leaps and bounds.
Riley, came into this world without all of her heart, but enough spirit to make it through her surgeries and to come toddling into a room chattering away with only ice cold fingers and toes to let you know anything was wrong.

Only one new one this year, and then the family is going to take a slow down for a while.
From then on, it has been an absolute whirlwind of happenings. Christmas parties, dance rehearsals, and just life in general.. It seems honestly that the last 6 months have just blazed by.
There is a Fourth baby blanket, in the plans.. there is only one problem... I am really stuck... I can't just make it pink.. No.. It has to be Pink with Purple and Blue Trucks on it.. And I can't just make blue, without it having some big flowers and bobbles to play with and pick at. Basically, this means that I have to continue to watch with careful eye the mother to be. (wonder who that is?)(Knows damn well she's reading this too)
My gut instinct says to make it every every color of yarn that I can find with Dumptrucks filled with flowers, and well... You get the picture. Hopefully, she will give off enough clues for me to decide.

So, as you can see.. My life is a windfall of happenings, with me taking a pleasant seat on the sidelines, watching, but still participating.

9 More days before I can put up the christmas tree
11 more days before I can honestly consider shopping.
18 days before I pull my hair out making sure I have everything
and
20 days before I am done.

Happy Hat day

2005-11-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

Today is our first Happy Hat Day!

Tonight our family, has been invited to Happy Hat Day at our friends house.
What is Happy Hat Day. I am still wondering, but apparently it is a tradition that was started with our friends family about 23 years ago as a practical joke and it stuck.
This event always happens the day before Thanksgiving, as a get together where we are all supposed to wear a silly hat for the day.

This crazy image was borrowed from the Gallery of Kitschy Stiches. Over at Stichy McYarnpants blog. If you have never seen it, then run to the bathroom, empty your mouth of all liquids and grab tissues, because you will be laughing until you either wet yourself, spit your drink on your monitor, or cry.

So, with that in mind. Gather up your friends, family, and adopted family and don your silly hats, and spend tonight being thankful that these people have come into your life, and will love you no matter what god awful hat you put on!

Stuff

2005-11-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

You scored as Severus Snape. Well you're a tricky one aren't you? Nobody quite has you figured out and you'd probably prefer it stayed that way. That said you are a formidable force by anyone's reckoning, but there is certainly more to you than a frosty exterior and a bitter temper.

Severus Snape

90%

Sirius Black

85%

Harry Potter

85%

Hermione Granger

80%

Albus Dumbledore

80%

Lord Voldemort

75%

Draco Malfoy

75%

Ginny Weasley

65%

Remus Lupin

55%

Ron Weasley

55%

Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...?
created with QuizFarm.com

I am learning that if I do one of these nonsense kinds of things, that I get even less junk.
And they are kind of fun.
Anyway, more news later.

MUAHAHA!!!!!

2005-11-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

The Evil Princess

You are drawn to the sinister side of life and
gravitate towards darker things. You are quite
proud of your dark side and often flaunt it.
Your sinister nature and your willingness to be
cutthroat often result in you playing the
villainess.

Role Model: Snow White's Stepmother

You are most likely to: Team up with an evil dragon
to spread terror across the countryside.

What Kind of Princess are You? - Beautiful Artwork (Original Music is BACK!!!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Spam and Poncho's

2005-11-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well, in knitting news.. I am working on the baby blankets, and pleased with the beginnings of the first one.. Which means that I have 3 more to go.
I began skimming through the web at the free pattern sites. Knitty is excluded from this, since well... It's cool. What I am finding is that there is an endless supply of more poncho patterns. You know the poncho thing was cool when I was young, it was even fun to knit the couple that I did last year. But, frankly I am sick of them. In one website there were at least 5 "new" poncho patterns. Which all looked the same, the instructions were bascially all the same, only the yarns changed. I mean really, just because Martha wore one, doesn't mean that we all have to wear them again. I am sorry that she had to miss nearly a year out in the big wild world, when all of us were wearing and making them. But do we really have to do it again? Left overs are cool the day after the original dinner, but trying to eat it for a third time is just.... Gross.

In life news... Work, Home, Knit, Sleep... repeat. Throw in an occasional sewing project, and maybe a good movie or two..but for the most part the song remains the same.

On Spam: What is it with SPAM comments on my Blog? I could care less about car insurance. I could care even less about some Halloween Costume shop.. I mean really, we have spent all this time trying to get it out of our email and instant messengers, and prosecute SPAMMERs to the fullest extent that the law will allow, and now they have to show up HERE?
I swear, the first crap I see for Penis Enlargement Pills,Breast Optimizers and Viagra bought outside this coutnry, I am going to scream, pull my hair out and take my Blog on hiatus.
This is MY relaxing corner of the web.. I don't want it invaded with garbage.

Okay, time to get off my soap box, and go back to my office.

Watch- I'm going to get SPAM for laundry whitener now.

Homesick for Hockeytown!

2005-10-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

(WARNING: No knitting content whatsoever)

Okay, I grew up in Michigan. The suburbs of Detroit to be more specific.
Which means I have come to learn one thing about living on the West Coast.
I can't get East Coast or Canadian Hockey!

Which means that I am stuck with teams like the Sharks, the Kings, and the Mighty Freaking Disney Ducks!
Now, before I upset my west coast hockey fans that probably don't bother with my little corner of the internet.
I know that you have worked long and hard to get the Greatest Game on Earth west of the Rocky Mountains. (when I figure out what happened in Colorado, I'll let you know).
But, they aren't the Original Six. They most certainly are not the Detroit Red Wings. So to me it's more like watching Glamour on Ice.
There is minimal contact, very few glass rattling hits, and no Blood on the Ice.

What's worse. Is I don't even get Hockey Night in Canada. Why? Because for whatever stupid reason. Cable TV doesn't get CBC. Which means, that come Saturday night during Hockey season I am stuck watching reruns of Law and Order, just to see Ice T, deck someone.

Sure, I could spend 200 dollars to get the cable package for hockey season pass. But there is one flaw. The games are on at 4:30 in the afternoon. I'm still at work, for at least 45 minutes of the game. So what's the point? When I would have to spend another 200 after that just to get the flippin playoffs, that once again, start while I am at my office.. Pointless. I tell ya.. just plain pointless.

All in all I won't complain when the only game I get to see is the Sharks and the BlueJackets. Even though I am completely bummed out that I can't see the 'Wings, and the Kings play in LA. Because the game is blacked out here in Northern California.

I guess I really can't complain since the 04-05 season was locked out due to the negotiations for Salary Caps, to try and put the teams on some sort of level ice.

Sorry, west coast teams, but you aren't going to be able to convert me to your hockey. Not when I grew up in Hockeytown.
But I will admit to taking you over no hockey at all.

I feel......

2005-10-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

Accomplished!

I honestly thought my weekend was going to be blasie at best. But, instead, it was a very busy weekend.

Friday night I finished off the shawl I was working on for me. Since sometimes I just need something on my shoulders when running to the letter box.
Wait a minute... I'm a Knitter. I don't need a reason to make/have a shawl.

Saturday morning was Belly Dance class. To which our instructor really made us work.
Now, mind you, I haven't been dancing for an incredible amount of time, but long enough to be decent, and not make an idiot of myself when dancing in public with our newly formed Troupe. But let me tell you. My BUTT HURTS!
We shimmied, a little, shimmied a lot. Power Shimmied, hips were lifted and dropped. And then there were massive amounts of figure 8's, reverse figure 8's, maya's, broken maya's.. Needless to say, my tummy and my butt got one heck of a work out.
And to think that my backside was going to get a rest when I got home from class I was wrong. I started cutting out the pieces to Meg's halloween costume, and even sewed a couple quick pieces together.
Then, we were promplty out the door and on our way to her school.. They had a fall festival at the school for the kids. To which I got my very own school Hoodie.
Yep, I now look like a school mom. It's my very own, school jacket. Which let me tell you. I am excited.
But, that also meant walking on, my poor arse walked more and more.

Now we are at Sunday, and my arse is still sore, but at least today the biggest workout it got, was me sitting on it, and sewing.
Meg's costume is done... well all that is left is that I have to do, is to hem the sleeves, and the bottom edge of the shirt. Then add the premade grommet laces to the font and lave it!
I am really proud that it didn't take me hours and tears.
To this I owe a big thank you to my Belly Dancing pal, and the owner and renouned pattern designer. Margo of Margospatterns.com
She sooo helped me make sense out of the ancient dead language of patterns, and how to do it without crying, screaming and enlighting my neighbors with new combinations of swear words.
When I got to my stopping point(have to get different black thread.) I cut down and put together new pantaloons(harem pants) for belly dancing.. This pair is HUGE and fluffy. Great for pushing out the big 10+ yard flying skirts we wear.

So, today I feel incredibly accomplished.

Pictures will follow as soon as I can.

Sometimes...........

2005-09-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Whew..... Life comes at you fast, and sometimes getting out of the way isn't an option. Since sometimes you are the windshield, and sometimes you are the bug.

Life has been at best crazy since mid August. In that span of time I have come about a hares breadth away from a nervous breakdown, and gone the other extreme to complete and total elation.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, I have done some knitting, sewing, a lot of belly dancing, and even a little bit of living.

On the nervous break down... That came with a windfall of all things bad. My darling H's car got smashed when she was rear ended on the way home from bringing Meg's from school.. All were okay, just busted up metal and shaken up people. But let me tell you, getting the car insurance for the owner of the vehicle that hit her, and the driver of the car that hit her to pay for it.. Ringling Bros. Could do a much better job.
From there it was weeks and weeks of Riding the Cotton Pony through the Red River Valley. And let me tell you, there is nothing worse than that being on a cattle drive for the Cotton String Bulls.
In the midst of that disaster, MIL has had to have knee surgery, which is something that has had her staying with us since she brought Meg's back from her summer vacation. Surgery was today, and everything went alright.
I've seen my doctor and have been given the go ahead to being preparations for getting a new addition for our little family, and that the Cotton String Bull Riders Association might have only been a temporary membership. Either way, there is medication that could get me kicked out of that little group.

Other elation was the Nine Inch Nails Concert. Getting to see the sweaty God of Industrial Rock up close and personal. Although he might be the Donor of Choice, he doesn't know I exist, so I will just have to be content to flip through the regular donor catalogue. Queens of the Stone Age were pretty good too.

In knitting news, I have started on a new triangle shawl for me. Nothing special, just a stockinette stitch triangle, in a pretty set of colors, by your average acrylic yarn company, a Turkish tassel belt for my Belly Dance Instructor, for a routine she will be doing with a friend. The odd part about making these Middle Eastern Dance pieces, is that there is no pattern at all. It's looking at the real things, and trying to copy them the best way I can.
While they might not be the most accurate to the Costume Snark's eyes, they are the best replica that can be done from just studying the basics.
There is a baby blanet once again in construction. This one is for the coming addition to H's Cousin's growing household, as well as the correction to the new baby's older brother's blanket.
And..... So long as the winds are right, there will be at least one more in the works, if not two, for a very special blogging friend. But it's still early, so I have plenty of time to select yarns, and work.

Now that cooler weather is coming, the Toucha Me Blanket will be worked on again, as will some of the other pieces that are just to heavy to work on in hot summer weather.
Then there is the matter of replacing my wood sock needles, since a young cat previously pictured in this blog decided that his teeth needed picking.

Sewing is working it's way along. Meg's wanted a pirate costume for Halloween, which genius that I am, bought EXACTLY what the pattern called for. Only one crucial mistake. I forgot to check the width of the cloth, so I have material for her pattern for YEARS.. She and 3 friends could all have the same costume.
But I wouldn't do that to her. Instead, I will be making new Pantaloons for dancing.
(would use Harem Pants, but I am trying to retrain the vocabulary.. Because a Harem is a bad thing)
In more Belly Dance news. I have begun a Dance Troupe in our county. Which caught on well with my classmates. We performed as a full troupe a couple of weekends ago, at a Fundraising event.
We won't be peforming again until closer to Christmas. Since we all need the time to get some rehearsals in, and get ourselves a bit more organized.

While news is plentiful it is most certainly condensed.
I hope my two fans will forgive me for not posting more frequently, but I spent some time this month taking turns between being the windshield and the bug.
Hopefully there will be more Windshield days this month.

Beautiful Women in Garbage Bags......

2005-09-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Well, as we all stand here amazed at Nature's fury and one inept leader, and poor organization from the "emergency response" people. We are a nation that stands in shock, awe, and even a bit embarassed.

I am not here to bitch about Triage and how it is a heartless process, nor am I here to pick apart the rescue effort. There are enough blogs about that. That I don't want to be another one who gripes about the inept way things were handled.( Okay so I sort of just did, but that is all)

What I am here for is an entirely different reason. We have seen the efforts of everyone and the out pouring of true community with cash donations and other things that are needed.. What I am here for is to call attention to something that well, needs attention.
Everyone has given clothes, blankets and toys, to the effort, but we are struggling badly in one area.
Plus Sized women's wear.

Sad as it seems, there isn't enough in that area of clothing, that there are women who have been rescued who are wearing Garbage Bags, because the donation centers can't help them.
So I am asking, all of you, to please, empty out your closets. Talk to a friend who is a plus sized woman.( I know we all have at least one). Please donate your used and gently used things that you aren't wearing anymore.
If you aren't plus sized, or have no friends who are. I implore you to find it in your hearts to pick up things like sweat pants and t shirts and underwear.

I know that the knitting comunity is pouring out as much generosity as they can, I am just asking for a little more.

Over the weekend, my belly dance troupe which includes several plus sized women danced, and collected funds to originally go to the Red Cross, until we heard the call for this.
We are planning more events as fast as we can to help collect clothing items. We are working on getting a few of the local plus sized stores involved in this too, to make donation drop boxes.

If you would like more information as to how to help with this particular end of the spectrum of people who need help. Please feel free to email me, and I will be happy to help you get in contact with people in your area or even work to make arragements for you to ship directly.
The people who alerted us to this are working furioiusly to put together more information so that there is a single place to send to.
I will keep everyone posted on this.

Afterall, we are all beautiful women, there is no reason for anyone to wear garbage bags!

And you wonder where I have been....

2005-08-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

Geesh... Life has kinda whizzed by this month. We've had birthdays! We've gotten home from vacation, gone back to school, and have been kinda stressed out at work. The office is moving to a new location and consolidating, which means I don't know exactly what office MY desk will be in.

Knitting is starting to pick back up as it is getting cooler outside. Belly Dancing and Sewing are picking up as I am getting more and more into it.

Life has been a whirlwind of things and a cluster f**k of stress, but we are dealing the best way we know how.

By taking it one day at a time, and breathing in and out.

I am a bit tuckered out from all that typing and thinking.. I had to get caught up and was wondering if I could really do it.
There are no pictures of the kid, because she was asleep when I took that, and everything else is from the previous year. Which doesn't look a thing like her.

Aside from all this, there is no more new and exciting news... at least not yet.
Which means it's just about time for me to consider heading for the pillows, and melting away, into the few times of the day I am not stressed out.

So.. catch you all later!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2005-08-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

(again I am cheating a bit with the date thing)

This is a Happy Birthday to MY Mom!!

Here are some very important lessons that my mom taught me growing up

1. Love is patient- It has to be when your child throws temper tantrums and holds her breath until she passes out!

2. Love is kind- Of course it is, otherwise you wouldn't have helped me make PB&J's for my friend Mark, who never brought a lunch to school. Nor would you have packed an extra one for him.

3. It does not Envy- Not even when your friends kid is doing better in school than your own is. (Please see lesson 1)

4. It does not Boast- Okay well maybe a little, and sometimes. But only when someone worked really hard to make something right.

5. It is not Proud- Says who.. It just doesn't go around breaking Lesson Number 4. It does however make sure that the child in question has no doubt in her mind that she is thought highly of, even after messing up the ENTIRE Gettysburg Address.

6. It is not rude- Nope, napkins go in laps, Thank you follows please and may I. Fingers are not for pointing, tables are not for sitting on, that's why chairs were made. Spit stays in your mouth, boogers go into tissues, and don't touch your brother across the invisible line in the back seat of the car.

7. It is not self seeking- Nope, loving someone isn't about YOU. If it were I would never have had some of the things I didn't really need.

8. It is not easily angered- Well, sometimes, it is.. When your child climbs a tree over a busy street right before dinner time, and doesn't want to come down when she sees her dad standing at the corner and waiting for her. Or... when she is playing on the motorcycle in the garage and it falls on her. Breaking taillights and denting metal, but not leaving a single scratch on said child who was where she shouldn't be.

9. It keeps no record of wrongs- It does.. Mentally, but it does not break lesson 6. Instead it follows rule 1 and gently reminds you of each of them when you become an adult.

10. It always protects, hopes, trusts and perserveres- Which is why after breaking rules one through 8 regularly, that I am still here breathing, and thinking. It is why I have grown up to be a success in my life, and find love and pass it on to my own family and children. If it weren't for rule 10, I don't know where I would be in life.

Thanks for teaching me how to live, love and laugh.
Happy Birthday Lady!

Meghan's 11 Now!

2005-08-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

(Okay so I am back dating my blog a little, because I have been sick, and stuff. But this should all be done anyway.)

Today the 24th of August is my darling almost daughter's 11th birthday, and I wanted to take a moment to let all of you know why I think she is just incredible.

She is sassy and smart.. Okay so sometimes we could do without some of the sass. But, I can't fault her, between her mom and her gramma she got it in boatloads!
She is by far the smartest 10 year old I know. I mean, I was blown away when I met her (she was 8), and she could pronounce all the Genous Names to the dophin family.
She was also sassily smart enough to remind me that Shark's are FISH and whales are Dolphin's.

She is diverse. And let me tell you, being her age and being diverse in her own way is a feat unto itself. While she may not be the most adventurous when it comes to trying new things, she is adventurous in her learning. She is also very diverse when it comes to her circle of friends. I am very proud to say that my almost daughter sees beyond the veils that most people put up in society. She also knows that families have their own unique make up. YAY I am proud of you for that.

She is opinionated. Which to my own detriment is a blessing.. I can't wait to get to the years where. " Because" stops qualifying as a legit reason in her head, and I get to hear what she really is thinking about.

She loves to read. My fifth grader is reading and comprehending at near a 7th grade level. This is a big deal, it also means that I have no choice but to read more than she does, just so I can keep up.

She loves animals. I am sure that I bragged on this at least once, but I am so proud that it is worth repeating.
This past summer, we were childless, because she went away for the ENTIRE summer with her grandma to Mexico. Where her gram lives. And she worked. No, I did not sell her off for child labor. She chose to do this. She worked hard at the San Felipe Animal Rescue all summer. She went above and beyond the call of most children, and cleaned cages, she nursed dogs and cats through the queasy hours of post operation from Neutering and Spaying. She even went in and assisted the Veterinarian on staff during a couple of these surgeries. What is even more special was that a 2 week old litter of pups were brought in, with a mother who rejected the entire litter. Our darling Diva, rolled up her sleeves and set a clock, syringe feeding these little guys. Unfortunately, as the circle of life happens all but one of these puppies died. The lone survivor was a HUGE responsibility as she continued to feed, bathe and care for him until he was old enough to be adopted.
She chose to bring him home back to the US to have him adopted by someone in the family or close to the family so she could keep an eye on his progress with his new family. The adoption took less than one week. Her "pet" project is now less than 15 miles away with a family that has two little boys who adore him.

She has a heart that is unspeakably huge! While she hates fighting she will stand up for those who need someone in their corner. This includes her circle of friends who aren't horribly popular at school, because they don't subscribe to the "norm".
In fact, her generosity goes beyond that. While waiting for her mom to pick her up from school, she was found (after much worry from her mother) holding the hand of a little girl in Kindergarten who was crying and scared because she couldn't find her own mother.

Beyond all of these things, the thing that make me the most proud, is that she is her OWN PERSON. She has her own opinions, her own thoughts, and sometimes her own agenda in life. While some of these things have made her less than a favorite to her peers, she doesn't compromise herself just to fit in. She marches to the beat of her own bag pipes, and electric guitar. And she is proud of that fact. Our current favorite can't-keep-it-clean-enough shirt spells it out for anyone around her who just doesn't "get it" it reads.
Don't judge me based on your own ignorance

Happy Birthday Meghan!
I love you dearly!

Okay so I still feel like crap.. But here are some pics

2005-08-23T23:41:00.000-07:00

And...

I translated the dead language of the pattern in order to create the skirt, and while you can't see them the pants.
Which are under the skirt. with big fluffy legs.

H did my make up, and the Choli, was a snappy crotch body suit at one time that got recycled to make a top.

There are parts of the pattern that are in the process of being re created. In order to make functional dance wear out of them.
The choker on my neck is chain maile.

Anyway, I am still crabby and sick.. Big green globs of.... you get it..

Ciao for now

well now

2005-08-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

My sewing is done.. and I am impressed.
I would love to show you the pics, but it appears that my FTP space has a mind of it's own, and deleted itself.
I'll get to the bottom of it, and get the pics back as soon as I am over this horrible summer disease that is going around.

I'm hot, crabby and miserable, and have little nice to say about anything.
I'll be back when I feel better.

Ciao

The Zen Knits Instructions to Sewing.(part 1)

2005-08-08T22:45:00.000-07:00

There are a few things to remember being a knitter, who makes an attempt at sewing.
1) Patterns SUCK! Pattern designers can't help it. This too applies to knitting.
An understanding that patterns suck right from the get go is important. It will help ease the discouragement later.

2)There are NEVER enough pins. NEVER.. Just when you think that you have put enough pins through the tissues paper. Relax. It's not nearly enough. Another 10 percent more will get you right where you want it. Why? Because unlike knitting. There is no such thing as blocking a project into submission. Which means if you cut it wrong because you didn't have it pinned down right. There is NO fixing it.

3) Even when you have been very careful about unfolding your pattern, Have even been very careful about cutting out only what you need and trimming the excess. Your pattern will NEVER go back into the envelope it came in. Which means that ALL pattern companies hire people who have been fired from Rand-McNally for making crappy maps that won't fold up and fit in the glove box to your car EVER again.

4) Ensure that your cutting place is free of all Furry animals. Otherwise something like this might happen.

And just when you think he is being cute. You discover this...

You learn that the small feline, has yet to learn that when mom is cussing at things, that it is NOT a good time to play with the tomato.

5) Have an aresenal of cuss words handy. And don't be afraid to get creative. Make up your own combinations. My favorite is MotherBitchofWhores. Even my human family knows when this one comes out, that they might want to stay on the opposite side of the house from me.

6) Give yourself plenty of time to read, reread and even read the pattern in pig-latin. When that is done, google it into Swedish Chef. And by then it might make some semblance of sense.

7) Once you have an understanding of this pattern that has been written in a dead language that hasn't been spoken since Moses parted the Red Sea. You may begin to consider cutting the fabric.

8) Consider having an adult beverage before cutting the pattern, this will help dull the nerves associated with the fear of screwing it to all bloody nothingness, and having to go out and replace the material with something that you will now have to settle for, because you already butchered the material that you fell in love with.

9) Once you are a couple cocktails into the contemplating the Dead Language, and the fact that the pattern sucks no matter how many times you have read it, and that you have emptied out two containers of pins onto the tissue paper and fabric. Things might strangely appear to work. This is it, this is your epiphany. Which means you will now fearlessly go and butcher the fabric, or you will find yourself saying "piss on it, I am paying someone to do this"

10) The material now cut, you may begin to sit down and sob and wail with great gnashing of teeth. Because the moment of truth is about to come to light. And all shall be revealed when you actually begin to sew.

11) Once the sobbing part is over. You sit down and blog out your thoughts and wonder if you wrote all it in the same dead language as the pattern.

Stay tuned.. The Antique Sewing Machine is being ~~bailed out~~ picked up from the Repair shop. And the actual sewing will commence.

Much Needed Update

2005-08-06T12:46:00.000-07:00

Well folks.. It's time for a much needed update. I have been pretty self absorbed with my own health.. I have 9 days before I actually get to speak with my doctor. Until then it is a daily chart of my reproductive health.

In the last couple of weeks knitting hasn't been at a standstill, but it has drastically slowed down with the heat. Something about having warmn and normally yummy yarn sitting in my lap is just unappealing in this ungodly heat.
I found my lost dpns, and was none to thrilled to see that they have tiny little teethmarks in them..

Sewing is presently at a complete and total stop. As the machine is in the shop.
You know, when you have a machine that is about 70 years old, and has spent the last 20 something in storage. You are bound to need a good cleaning and some adjustments.
Which is where it is. The bad part about that. I have material that is cut and ready to be sewn to make a aatin sarong for my beautiful other half.
A full on Tribal Belly Dance costume for me. Including the skirt, harem pants, and choli. I have two other choli's cut out and ready to go.
I just need a freakin machine.

We have a secret kid project in the works, that can't be finished until said kid returns home from her summer with her grandma. But it is something we have been saving for, and will make it worth while when she gets home and answers a couple key questions we have for her.
But that is all I get to say about the TSKP(Top Secret Kid Project). Anymore than that and it will be a giveaway.. Since I know she and gramma see this blog.
But I will say that it is part of her birthday present, part of a back to school present and part of a welcoming stepping stone as we enter our pre teen years and prepare ourselves for Hurricane M as a teenager.
So, Gramma and Miss M. You two can chew on that and see if you can guess it before you get home.

Miss M, has been in Mexico all summer... Working... yes folks, I said working. This is not to say that she has not had any fun. Or that we have sold her into child slavery. " So, Zen.. What has your kid been doing in Mexico, if she was working?"
Miss M has been working in Animal Rescue all summer long. She along with her grandparents, have been working spay/neuter and adoption clinics. As well as rehabilitating abandoned puppies. She's been cleaning cages, feeding, and caring for these animals who need vet care, and eventual homes from people who care.
Miss M, was responsible for saving a puppy from eminent death. The rest of it's litter mates had all died. All but this lone puppy. M fed it, nutured it and is in the works for preparing it for adoption.

In a world where kids don't seem to get what it is to work and be charitable, Miss M does. Yeah, I think that my wonderful partner (H), and her family have done a wonderful job raising our little hellion. I know that I am a proud parent.

Granted, I miss the little creep ( who I have a feeling isn't so little anymore).

I can't wait to have the little creep home so that we can start planning a halloween costume.

Alright, time to go, I am off to clean and continue working on the plans for the TSKP.

later

Too freaking hot to knit

2005-07-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

I never thought that I would say that. Especially after living in Vegas, which is where I taught myself how to do it.
Alas, it is true. Anyone who says that the heat is no different from one place to another is full of horse pucky.
I've got news for em.. It is. When in the middle of the scorching hot desert, known as Vegas. (I still haven't figured out why millions of idiots FLOCK there in the summer months). When the thermometer says that it is 110 degrees.. It is just that. Now here, in Northern California, it says 110, and feels like 135 due to the humidity. Here's the kicker.. I grew up in Michigan, where humidity is normal and the mosquito's are the state flippin bird. Where it's 98 degrees and 96% humidity.

But right at the moment. It's too freakin hot. My fingers are sticky and the fiber sticks to them.. UGH!! It's killin me. Okay, it's better after the sun goes down, but still. Our house has no air conditioning. Which is just fine with us. IF its cool enough at night we get an awesome old farmhouse effect. Just get up with the birds, and close all the windows, and blinds. Who cares, we are at work. The down side is that by 7ish.. the hot is too dang hot. Which we only have to endure for a short time, till the sun goes down, and we open the windows and start again.
BLECH!!

In other knitting news.. Thanks to the four holy terrors known as kittens that we have in this house. I have lost 3 out or 4 Britany wood dpn's.. This would NOT burn my tukis as much if there hadn't been a SOCK on 3 of the needles. So now I am just plain irritated.
Apparently the kittens don't think that it is too hot to play with the knitting stuff. Oh well.. I guess I tear the house apart on the first rainy day.. Which might not be for a while yet.

In non knitting news again... We got tickets to go and see Nine Inch Nails when they are in our area, in September.. Yes, folks, we are going to get to see the dream donor of our unborn child. ( Mind you I said dream donor.) Which means I have plenty of time to plot, stalk, and conive as to how to convince him to just let me have the seed from his loins... ( just kidding) It won't happen.. and don't tell me it will.. Monkey's are more likely to fly out of my butt..

Till next time.. I have to see if I can knit up some ropes to hog tie him with...

ABP.. All Points Bulletin.. Calling all Knitters

2005-07-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

Calling all Knitters... We have a free pattern rip off in Progress!

Yep, you heard it here. While perusing all my favorite bloggers that I check on daily or so. I stumbled on this.

J- over a Booga J(http://boogaj.typepad.com/knitting/) has run into a bit of a jam. You can find the particulars on her blog. Under Copyright problems.

We all know that thanks to copyright laws any pattern that we write and publish falls under the protection of the law. However, in doing the math here. One would have to change 30% of the original to make it "new". Which in this case is a measely 10.2 sts.

That isn't so much the problem as it is that the editor of the magazine made promises that she failed to keep. Again, the particulars are on J's blog (http://boogaj.typepad.com/knitting/) here.

I've written a letter to the editor and let her know that I would not be purchasing and subscribing to her magazine until satisfaction is reached. And that the knitting community online would most definately take notice of this.
So... in this ABP, I am asking that all of you who read this (my whole two fans) take the time and write her a letter, and pass on the original post from BoogaJ. To see if we can't flood this woman's mail box, letting her know that just because we all don't work some big fancy schmancy magazine, that we at least have an inkling when one of our own within our blogging community gets ripped off we take notice, and that we do read.

The editor's email address is beleditor@bellearmoire.com

I'm fargin pished off!

2005-07-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

Okay well maybe not that ticked. But darn close. Irritated deeply.. yeah, that will work for now.

Why? Because I have learned in the time my mom was out here, that I might be signing up for the real infertility trek and not the infertile by choice of relationshipes one.
I love my mom. But I'm ticked.
While here, I told her that I am hoping to be able to make her into a gramma within the next couple of years.
That was when the bomb dropped. I knew that she had endometriosis, and with that out came her uterus. I did NOT know that she had another conditition that with her endometriosis caused retrograde menstration. (It's what it's called when the blood doesn't come OUT like it should). Of course this came along right with her trademarked blunt honesty that I learned from her. That apparently my tummy is much larger, and well more bloated looking than ever before. (As if I weren't self conscious enough).
Mind you, this all comes when my period is due, and like any good potential IUI via donor facility should do, I have been tracking my cycles, and have noticed a disturbing trend. Spot, no spot, spot, no spot.. Bleed like a stuck pig for a day, NOTHING, spot, etc.. OR Bleed like I have a headwound.
Yes, I know I have to see my Gyn.. And I have an appointment up and comming, since it's that frickin time of the year.
So.... now this has me thinking... What if's... What if I can't have a baby.. What if I have to "get fixed" before I am 35.... What if... and the list could go on if I chose to dwell on it.
Does this mean that I will now have to just be prepared to buy the new Mustang, and the Harley, and plan my trip to Ireland, and anywhere else I want to go, that would have to wait until I could either take the baby or till it's grown???

So I am crabby, and ticked, and about to sit down and have a good long and hard cry, that I might just have to rethink some of my dreams.

What's this got to do with knitting????? Easy, there is a new baby comming to the family, a boy this time. Which means I have another blanket to make. I've already got the yarn. It's gonna be BLUE. Not like the Blue and Green one that I have to Reknit, because I was 5 FUCKING yards too short.
Dammnit.
Don't get me wrong. I love wrapping little babies in my knitted loving stuff. And I love my new family. I guess I am just jealous...

I better go before the green eyed monster comes out and gets the better of me.

Til later

More on the ADD

2005-07-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Yep.. Crafty ADD... And this time I am not entirely to blame. It's my Mom's fault.

My wonderful and just plain awesome mom is out visiting from Michigan, and we have gone just about everywhere. Of course we purposely left out some things because well.. She can't see all of it before she and dad come out together. Which I am hoping will happen in the fall.

But I digress, while she has been here and we have gone shopping and done lots of things. I was pointing out that I couldn't find belly dance tops ( choli's) in my size. A choli is a sort of half shirt. Not the midriff showing kind. It's more the front half of the shirt, and the back ties closed. I can find the ones that fit my arms, my shoulders, cover my tummy, but I CAN'T find one that will cover, hold and support my breasts. I know I am not small. I'm a natural 36 dd that still defies gravity. No sag here, with the execptions of a little weight.
So, my mom got this idea that she was going to teach me how to sew.

O.O

Me?! Sew?! Mind you I have tried in the past, and have had ZERO luck.
We went pattern shopping and bought some material. Everything reads like greek to me.
I did however have a handy stitch seamer thing... You know just for little repairs.. But that wasn't going to cut it.
So, instead of buying a sewing machine. We called around the women in the family, and found that H's uncle had 3 of them, and that he and his SO sew period costumes for their mountain men/gold rush days reinactments.
So we braved a call to see if we could borrow one. Uncle D did one better.. He gave us a sewing machine that once belonged to his first wife, who passed away very young.
The history gets better. It's a 1930's Singer, that has been updated to modern standards. No foot peddle.

So while I am in awe at this modified piece of history, I am sitting here nervous as all get out about actually going over to it, and sitting under the crafty tutelage of my mother, and making a choli for me.

Till next time.. From lost in crafty land

A list of THINGS

2005-06-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

You know, summertime tends to eat away at knitting time. I mean, the sun is out later, and you find all kinds of things that need to be taken care of in the yard.

My last couple weeks have really been busy. The Company I have been temping for, brought me on permanently. So, while there has been no change in my hours, okay minor changes. Going in early ya know.
I've found that getting home from work I still have stuff that has to be done.
Ironically, the kiddo isn't home to make messes, or just be her noisy self. ( Mind you, kiddo is NOT a noisy child, but when you have her leave you for the summer time, you find that the certain element of noise that she creates makes the house feel empty.) ( Translates= IF you are reading this over gramma's shoulder squirt. I miss you.)

My own mom is comming in oh.... Seven days, and I can't help but look around and thinking that my house isn't "mom" clean. You all know what that is right? Mom clean is the kind of clean that only your mother can get. The kind of clean that a white gloved butler would be proud of. My mom while not being a total neat freak is well.. Clean. But I think that comes from years of practice cleaning up after her jock, band-geek, always on the fly with somewhere she has to be daughter (me).

The biggest thing about the drive to have the house "mom" clean before she gets here, is to keep her from cleaning so we can go do stuff. Afterall, isn't visiting your daughter in a state you have never been in supposed to be a vacation?

Which brings me to the knitting portion of the news. We are at almost NADA. I said almost because I have casted on a single solitary row to H's blanket. Worked about 3 rows of my own Clapotis. Neglected the second sock to H's pair( all I have to do is finish the cuff.. pathetic eh?..
I have however, made a mozuni belt, for belly dance class. This way I can be a little rougher with it than my 40$ velvet coin belt, without having to stress about losing my binti bells. I've made a couple extra similar belts for my instructor to keep at the studio for those of us (me) who might be inclined to forget the belt.
AND.... I have begun to cast on what might be sleeve number one for a dance wrap/top.
My class gets out a little late in the evening and it's a bit chilly when you come out all sweaty and stuff.
I have not spun a single stretch of fibre.
I have to call the lady at the Icelandic Sheep farm here in town, and let her know that the Torc, that H's dad made for her as a barter for some wool is done, and go and pick up said fibre.

I have to make a list. Simple as it sounds. I have to, or I am never going to get any of this done or get organized.

Oh yes.. Kitten fans.. New pictures of the Fearsome Foursome are comming soon, as soon as I find the USB cord to my stupid digital camera. ( Which I will probably need to take new photos because they will have grown so much)

Till Next time......

And the world waits.....

2005-06-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Today there is a pause throughout the entire world.
Billions of people wait with baited breath, some with the sinking feeling of dread in the pits of their stomachs, others shaking with anticipation.
But what are we all waiting for?

You would have to be from another planet to not know that we are waiting to see which way the great scales of Themus will tip.
We are all waiting to know if this quirky mega super star is guilty of a crime that many of us cannot imagine. One that is so grisly that it sends chills up and down the spines of every parent, and child aware person alike. The very thing that you can't help but wonder if death would be more merciful that the horrible scars this act leaves on it's victim.
Or, is it just some ploy of a grifter who only knows how to lie, cheat and steal, seeking to make the next big score on the next big money maker?

Some of us aren't too sure how to feel about this, man who has been admired by just as many as have shunned him.
His entire life has been one of a media circus(and you thought I was going to say priviledge). We have all paused with curiosity at the behavior of this man, some shaking our heads in disbelief, others praising him for his seemingly odd actions.

Most of us believe that justice is blind. We know that she isn't always fair, and that there are people who would decieve even the great goddess of justice herself.
We also are aware that she isn't always merciful.

Okay okay,.... journalistic moment over, back to both work and the news. Just like the rest of you.
I'll see ya after the news breaks.

ADHD- Attention Deficit Hobby Disorder.

2005-06-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

Okay. My newest hobby has seriously sidetracked me from knitting. At least for a little bit.
In fact. I have gotten so sucked into the new one that I chose to create a new blog just so that it wouldn't over grow this one, like the Ivy in my backyard has done.

You can find it here

I will be taking pictures of the Mazooni(sp???) belt, that I made and H helped me attach my bells too.

Knitting for the moment is at a standstill... Sort of, except for the pattern of the belt which goes as follows:

Materials:
Stash!!!!!!
DPN's
Scissors
Crochet Hook
Binti Bells large and small
One large one for each tassel
12-20 small ones pending your joy of noise.
or Coins
(you can use jingley bells, but they don't have the same chime)
Pony Beads

Using DPN's make an I-cord that is roughly 40 inches long.
(Mine was with 4 stitches, please make it as wide or as skinny as you wish, just remeber you have to wear it)
Once 40 inches or desired length is reached, bind off.

Make as many tassels as you wish.( I only used 7, for one and 12 for another that is 60" long) I chose a CD case to hold and wrap my yarn in.
Make them fluffy if you want or skinny. Doesn't matter.
It's your belt and YOUR hips.

Okay most of your tedious work is done at least knitting wise.
Attach a single tassel to each end.
Fold belt in half and attach one to the center. This one will reside near your arse.
Continue folding belt so that your tassel placement is similar and roughly symetrical.

For those of you who aren't into noise. Your belt is finished. Wear as you like.

For those of you who want noise:

Before attaching the bells: Wrap your new belt around your waist and figure out where you tie, whichever tassels you are now in between. DO NOT ATTACH BELLS. They could break off.

IF you happen to have found large binti bells that have clappers inside, attach one bell to each tassel.
If you haven't found large ones. Don't sweat it. Each belt is pretty unique to the dancer who wears them.

How to attach the small ones.
Cut a length of yarn 3-4 inches long. Thread 3 bells onto the yarn and fold in half so they are trapped at the bottom. Take a single pony bead and thread both ends through the bead. Attach to the belt. Using a crochet hook if you need to. Allowing the captured bells to dangle.
Attach one set of bells to either side of the tassel.
Skipping your tieing place. and attach some at the end of your belt.

You will notice when you pick it up that your belt has grown due to the weight of both the tassels and the bells. Never fear.
Tie belt in it's normal place and either let the remaining length dangle, or twist it back and tuck it in

Warning:
I am NOT to be held responsible if you find more people watching you wiggle. Especially if your wiggle has gotten sassier since you have noise now. ( Which it will. Trust me)

Important Lesson:
Enjoy being a woman.

Am I evil....... Yes I am

2005-06-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

How evil are you?

Shimmie, Shake, Jiggle and Jingle

2005-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

For many many years I have been mesmerized by the Jingling bells, and undulating hips of the many Dancers I have seen, The bright colors and yards upon yards of flowing silks and velvet materials.

So I decided that it was time to do something about that fascination. I have been meaning to and wanting to do something about it for close to 10 years and have for various dumb reasons put it off. A) Noone to go with me. B) A closeminded inside the box living ex husband. C) Refused to make the time to go. Etc.. Etc..
I did make an attempt in trying it at home in purchasing the workout video's that are out. But even then, all that did was serve to fuel my curiousity. And we all know what happens when you throw gasoline on a fire.. Don't we?

After the Ren Faire that we so throughoughly enjoyed. I went shopping and thanks to the gracious support of my DW. I got my very own jingles, in the form of a crushed velvet hip scarf.

I waited with much aniticipation over the holiday weekend, and went to my very first formal class last night. DW is soo supportive and gracious she not only drove me to class( because parking is NIL, she even waited for over an hour for class to get out. Because the teacher changed the time of the class, and then ran late. Without informing ANYONE!

I never thought that anything might infringe on my knitting ~~obsession~~ hobby. But I think that the jiggles, jingles, and shimmies might.

Which makes me wonder. Should I make a seperate jiggly blog about me jiggling away the extra pounds and learning to do something that has fascinated me for years? Or should I just incorporate it into this one???

Okay Okay now for knitting news. H's sock is STILL on the needles..I casted on the new panel for her blanket. I began to take apart a scarf I made, and am now thinking that it was a BAAAD Idea.
I've not spun anything new, and well.. I might well wind up a dead woman for project overload if I spawn out the idea that I have rolling around in my head. Which is going to be test driven as I make a draw string for a skirt that is too big for DW.

That's all till Next time.

Please give the proper respect to DW for being such a wonderful spouse. How many spouses would wait so patiently for you and drive you too and from a class that you are the only one interested in taking it???

General Updates...

2005-05-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

I know it's been a little while. But I have been a bit busy with life in general.

We are nearing the end of the month in real estate land, and so that makes for me going insane and trying to keep 5 offices in order for people to move into thier new homes at a timely manner.
I've fibered myself into jello... We went and cleaned of the goat at H's dad's place. Just the pickings we did yeilded about a pound of fiber from her. Without actually having someone come out and shear her. This was the stuff that made up alot of her winter coat, that she would normally rub off on her enclosure.
We started picking the vegetation out of it, and split it up. Half got dyed in grape kool aid. Which made for interesting shades of blue and purple as it hit the natural beige color of the fiber. It's drying right now. I have yet to card it out and spin it. But that will come in time. The goal is to at the very least get it washed and ready to store until it's time to card and spin.

In other spinning stuff. I grabbed up a couple more 1 oz. mystery batts from the store and spun one into what was on the spindle already, removed it, plyed it off with some of the alpaca that came from Peru. I will have to post pictures of it. I'm pleased with my first attempt with it. And even more proud that I did it without taking a class. Oh the Wonders of the Internet.

Once that was off, I put on another 2 and a half ounces onto the spindle. The batts this time, had a little bit of junk. Stuff that just didn't want to draft in either direction. That found it's way to being made into cat toys. There was also some silk in one of them... Talk about a dreamy feeling.
That little bit of silk really helped me out when I came to drafting into a much finer spin.
Yep.. I am addicted.

I still have to cuff the second of H's socks. I casted on my own Clapotis, and well.. I am working on section 2 already. ( Although I am trying to keep it as my friday night dinner project.)
I am determined to cast on the next section of H's ~~Casket~~ Toucha me blanket, and get some work done on it. Besides.. If I don't... then I won't win the little challenge of " I'll bet I have your triangle shawl done before you have my blanket done" .

H's mom.. The honorary MIL. Arrived into town tonight. She's here for a visit and to whisk DD off for Summer Vacation. I can't say that I know when she is leaving with her. And rightly I don't care. Seeing as how she lives in Baja. It's nice to have her around for a visit.

Seeing as how we are comming up on a long weekend. I have NO clue as to what we are doing.. There are no plans on the calendar. But that is pretty normal for this house. No plans means lots of room for " Hey, you wanna go?"

In kitten news.. All are walking with minimal problems. Learning how to play, cutting teeth, and learning how to purr.
Rocky has learned how to escape from the kitten box, and has taught both Castor and Pollux how to do the same. Which means we will have to start watching underfoot.
It also appears that Rocky is the ONLY BOY in a house full of female cats. Oh that poor little man.
Yes, more kitty pictures will come soon enough.

So.. Til Next Time

Felines, Fibers and Faires ( warning.. I rambled)

2005-05-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

I had a good weekend this weekend. Went to the May Faire here in town.. Which is the family friendly (read child friendly) Ren Faire in our community. H and I went with her dad and the kiddo. We had a blast. Although I was a bit taken aback at first as H took my breath away by lacing me up proper in my bodice, and then asking me if I wanted to carry the custom made knife that her father made. I think my eyes popped out of my head, and not because my breasts were shoved up so high that one could rest a dinner plate upon them without fear of them falling... but because we are permitted to carry weapons. In all my Ren Faire years I had never been able to carry ANY of the weapons that were a part of any of my varying costumes. Not even a freakin Bodice Dagger.
And now here, at this event I am allowed to and encouraged to. I was blown away, and glady stood as still as I could as she wrapped the long sword belt about my hips and slide both mine and her blades neatly into places that I would never see without a mirror thanks to the gravity defying job she did. ( It pays to have a premier lacer in the house).
Also worn about my neck was a Torc. Or a necklace of sorts to those not in the know.

As we wandered from vendor to vendor, and even stopped at the Smitty's( Blacksmith) taking the time to show off her fathers beautiful work. Watching all the Master Smith's apprentice's stop to see the blades on my person. While her father was somewhere between modesty and pride was glad to discuss the craft.
I stumbled upon several booths with knitted goods, and was a bit stunned to find how many people actually bought these goods that were made with modern acrylic yarn. Granted, for a single day or even a weekend, sometimes the justifiable frugalness of an acrylic is well, much nicer than having grass and other stains on your hand spun hand crafted works. I'll admit to 'cheating' as it were with plastics and other modern materials.
Anyone who Faire's frequently understands that it is NOT a cheap hobby.
However, we do live in a quasi farming community, and I was NOT going to be placated with not finding a single batt of some natural fiber. ( I would have settled for a real bol of cotton at that point). But no.. Right next to Her Majesty's tent was real FIBER!! Wool... Icelandic, both mature and kid in all it's natural, environment. Only it was off the beast of burden! Some she had washed and pin carded into ready to spin bundles. Others were still in their natural we sheared it, you clean it states. I was in HEAVEN. ( Her prices were damn good too)
As I spoke with the owner of the beasts of wonder.. I learned that she has never not once even tried to spin any of this wonderous stuff! I wanted to cry... But instead.. I took the opportunity to ~~push~~ regale her with the wonders of the ~~cocaine~~Spindle.

That was when she noticed the Torc on my neck. Embelished with Ram's heads on the ends. Which when in comes the Man's Man of all Men.. H's dad... He bartered to make her one of her own.. So long as I got the equivalent in wooly goodness. I have to call her this week and work out a few more details.
I also have to go over to her dad's this weekend to help pick the excess winter coat from Daisy.. His lawnmower( goat)

While there, I found myself standing mesmerized by the Bedouin Camp of dancers, and have found myself seeking to get back into Belly Dancing. More on that later.

Okay that covers fibers and faires. Up next is feline's... Howver, before that. In more knitting news. H's socks are 95% done.. I have to finish the cuff, on the second sock. I casted on my own Clapotis and have made it a constant "bag" project. I am not rushing to get it done. I have also begun to consider making my own cloak for Faire wear. But that may change too.
The 100% peruvian white is still in closet... waiting for me to fashion it into something.
However... if I don't finish H's Blanket.. I have a feeling I will be using it's half done warmth to cover my sorry arse on the sofa.

Onto the Felines. All are doing well, and have opened thier little peepers and are beginning to walk. I will take the time now to introduce you to our little brood.

This is Blondie.. She is the runt of the litter, and the quietest. She also has the biggest paws I have ever seen on one so small.

This is Castor... or Caz the Spaz. He refused to look at the camera, because he was too busy screaming his little head off to be put down.. He is very much a "don't touch me" cat.

This little Casa Nova is Pollux.. By far the most loving.. Already at his age, he gives away kisses and loves to be snuggled.

This dark little fella is Rocky.. Rocketman.. or Rogue. We call him Rogue because currently he is the Nipple Theif. Insisting on tasting every nipple even if one of his siblings is already nursing away and then outright taking it over if he thinks it's better than the one he had.

Okay... That covers a weeks worth of updates.
Til Next Time

Babies, Babies and baby hopes.

2005-05-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, in the last week, we welcomed a litter.. One of which has opened thier little eyes.
I will have more pictures of them soon enough. But so far the names are as follows: The striped twins. Castor and Pollux. The little blonde one. Blondie for now.. nothing else has registered so we may change it the more we see her personality. The dark one with the rolly polly belly, is Rocky.
We are watching the changes in this litter closely as thier great-grandsire was a Scottish Fold. As was a great aunt of theirs. We aren't sure if momma cats litter had a Fold in it, since only 2 out of that litter survived septicemia.
For the time being. Rocky has the most characteristics, the extremely soft rabbit like fur and the very round owlish face. If his little ears pop up, then he isn't one.. He will just be one very soft lover.

In my search to conceive, if found a Sperm Bank and clinic in San Fransisco that has an awesome reputation, and is even very reasonable when it comes to their services. Not to mention they also have two sets of donors. Those willing to be known, and those that wish to remain anonymous. I stumbled on it last night while searching the internet, and let me tell you. Finding a Sperm Bank that isn't some sort of garbage link to internet porn is no easy task.

What they did have that I found rather comforting, was a catalouge of donors, stating height,weight, coloring and even nationality. Not that I am horribly picky, but they also included blood type so that IF you know yours you can work toward avoiding any RH problems.

So far they seem, very up to snuf in regards to Medical standards, however, I am going to have a chat with my OB/Gyn, and see if she can find out anything else about this facility that I might want to know about. Which in reading, they are willing to ship directly to her office and allow my own medical practioner to do the work. So, I would hope that would be a signal about quality and cleanliness.

I'm excited that I was able to find something like this without having to hear the spiels of other facilities who automatically want to rush me straight to fertility medications. By failing to listen, that it is not me who is infertile, it is my relationship by it's very nature that is infertile.

I know that statement can sound like I am " one up" on my friends who are infertile, but I am not. From this point, many of our challenges are similar, I still have to look at AI, IUI and other things too. Just because my body says we can get pregnant doesn't mean that it's going to take or stay viable.

In knitting news... I am finishing up a sock for H.. I still have the second sock to go.. Soon enough.
Beyond that not much knitting... I've had babies on the brain

Til Next time.

Lots of things

2005-04-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Lots of things have happened around this house.. Since the last time I posted. The biggest one being this!!

We have new babies in our house.. FOUR of them to be exact. They were born sometime during the day or late night Thursday.. We woke friday morning just before the alarm clocks went off to the tell tale cries of brand new kittens. Mom and babies are doing good.
For those of you have followed the blog. Momma kitty is the daughter of the cat we lost not so long ago. So far everything looks good, she is being a good mom and the umbilical chords on the babies are in great shape, noone looks septic.

Then of course we have this little angel.

She is the smallest in the litter and the only one who doesn't have dark fur or stripes. ( two are stripey one is very dark with what looks like are darker stripes.)
At least we think she is a her... could be a he.. To early to tell.
The darkest one has Yoda ears. And he wiggles them pretty independently.

I guess since babies are not something I am capable of.. I guess I should leave it up to the cats.

As promised are the pictures of my Peruvian Alpaca. I wound off some yardage onto a couple different hanks so you could see them better. I love touching this stuff. I am thinking about leaving a hank on my desk just to pet it.

and the other

Okay, that's it for photos..

I got a new mystery batt of wool, and I am going to spin it up here shortly. Then there will be another photo opp.

We went to see the Dresden Dolls last night, and wow.... That's about all I can say for them... is wow.
I have never had so much fun at a small venue show as we did last night. We were so close to the stage, that when they said their pre encore good byes.. And Brian threw his water bottle, we got Brian Backwash on us.
The show was great, and if you haven't checked the band out, you should.

Till next time.

Busy Busy

2005-04-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

Real Estate +end of the month and things get a little hairy.
Now that the Clap is off the needles, I have found a really cool cable I am going to put on Toucha Me blanket. Now all I have to do is cast it on..
But NOOOO instead I casted on some suede yarn that I have to try it out, and I am seriously contemplated the yarn going into the trashcan. It's sticky, it feels funny and well... one good tug on it and it acts like it wants to break.
Nice yarn eh? *snort*

Our bachelor friend came back from his "scientific cruise" that he went on. And well, his last stop was in Peru. And he brought back....... 1 whole kilo of lace weight peruvian white... Yep a whole kilo of lace weight alpaca.
I have to take pictures of it for you, but I am waiting for it to stop raining.
There is plenty here for me to keep white, and even dye. Recommendations on the kind of dye to use with this stuff??

Tomorrow night we are going to see the Dresden Dolls in Sac. And in the spirit of all great performance artists, I have made a costume. I am going as a rag doll. Complete with yarny-tails.. I will take pictures of those too.. With me wearing them.

So... until saturday or so.. that's it for now

Photos and Jealousy

2005-04-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how I owe everyone some pictures.
I will begin with Clapotis. This one is for my mom for Mother's day.
With the left over I have made a coffee cozy for when she goes to our favorite Coffee House, and a pair of Mary Jane style slippers, I studied a pair that I bought around Christmas time until I figured out the pattern, the only difference is this pair will have criss cross straps. Those photos will come after Jaws and I vaccuum the house.
So here we go
#1

Please refrain from any comments about my big butt.. That and my baggy sweats.

#2&3 Up close to see the color way

The colorway reminds me of the iris that grow in my mom's flower garden. We call them heirloom iris, since they once grew in my gramma's garden before she passed away.

And now lastly. I tried my hand at spinning with a drop spindle. As you all read in the post a couple previous with Bettie Page and an Alarm Clock.
I'm pretty impressed with how I did, for the most part it's pretty even all the way through, with the exception of a couple slubs, and a few really skinny spots where I got a little carried away.

The color of the Mystery Batt was Hobbit Garden. It had burgundy, hunter green, natural and a few other strange things inside it, made of wools, don't ask me what kind... that's even a mystery to the owner of my LYS.
Since I taught myself how, I took in what I did for her to see, and was pleased to hear that she felt that my work had enough twist in it and that it was a useable yarn.
Truth be told I can't wait to spin more. However, I have to stick to my goal of no more new stuff until I get some of the current stuff gone.

You have to stop by H's Blog. Her dad made her the coolest needles. Now I want a pair! The feel so soft and just silky in your hands. Her dad is such an artist. Literally.

If this is me? Who are you?

2005-04-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

You're Brigitte Bardot!

What Classic Pin-Up Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Finally!

2005-04-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

There are a few things that hit the FINALLY part of my life.
One is that I finally got to see San Fransisco.
We were on our way to the Sacramento Zoo, when we got this bright idea to drive all the way to the Bay, and see the The City. The promise to the 10 year old in the back seat is that we would see two zoos in one weekend.
At first I panicked. I had NO knitting with me. So, while H and the kiddo ran through some garbage food drive through I leapt from the car and raced to the thrift store that always seems to have yarn and needles. Granted sometimes the needles are mismatched and there is only enough yarn for maybe half a sock if I am lucky.( Sometimes more, one never knows). Only to find that they had NOTHING!!! Not a stinking thing.. and we would have wasted 30 minutes of drive time to go home and hit the highway again.
So, I had no choice but to have nothing,and that is when the Lady Points Out the Obvious A Lot ( known to us as your 10 yr old) says " You should keep some yarn and needles in the trunk of the car at all times"
To make a long story short, I survived the trip, even though my hands were shaking and I was going through yarn DT's.
We found the zoo, and since we were on short time there, we only saw the animals she really really wanted to see. ( That and she has been to this zoo many times).
I found myself a little homesick for the Detroit Zoo, since the architecture and the layouts of the zoo are very similar.
From there, We drove up the Great Highway, and I got to see the Pacific for the very first time. Call me a geek, but I up until this point had never seen either coastal ocean. We got out and did the obligatory walk to the water's edge, where I froze my feet in the chilly water, and relished the awesome feeling of the sand sucking out from under my bare toes.
We still had time and since we were there, we found our way to Broadway and down to the Embarcadero(spelling anyone??) and headed for Fisherman's Warf, and Pier 39.
It was fun and exciting to trip around the City, and see the things and places that I have only ever seen on TV and the Big Screen. I was a bit awestruck by the whole thing, and realizing that it is just over 2 hours away.
Once I was down there my mind was well off the fact that I had zero yarn and needles with me in the car. So, the thought of finding a LYS there was not on my mind. However, that will be rectified next trip!

So, to keep our promise we woke up, and got dress and ready and headed to the Sac Zoo, which is where we were supposed to go yesterday.
This time I went armed with my knitting bag, and well, I got my mom's Clapotis finished!! Which is the other Finally thing over the weekend, it's my own fault it took as long as it did, because I wasn't working on it diligently like I should have been.
Pictures will come as soon as it is washed and the stitches are all dropped out like the should be.

Okay, now I am off to finish dropping stitches and to relax... I don't think I can handle much more excitement!
Til next time

What do Bettie Page, Rocky Road, Roving and a Spindle all have in common

2005-04-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

...... with an alarm clock?

Well, let me tell you...
Today on my lunch I went over to the LYS(which is a deadly 2 doors down from my office). The owner and I got into a chat about spinning, which is something that I have wanted to learn, and I bought a Mystery Batt of wool and a drop spindle..
I returned to my office to call H at work and babble on about the wonderful finding.... This was when I learned that I made a big mistake this morning. While I reset the alarm clock, I forgot to turn it back on, thereby making one spouse and child late for school and work.

So.... to make penance for my grievous error, I went to the local confectioner right after I left my office. Since I called to find out hours he was willing to wait for me. I raced in and bought Rocky Road Chocolate, for the spouse a Peanut Butter Cup, and then went next door to one of the local bookshops( I love living in a small town)
There I ordered Yarn Harlot's book, and on my way out the door I spied a Bettie Page, stand up.
I couldn't leave the store without her... after all... I was in the dog house.

what are you?

2005-04-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

You are interchangeable.
Fun, free, and into everything, you've got every
eventuality covered and every opportunity just
has to be taken. Every fiber is wonderful, and
every day is a new beginning. You are good at
so many things, it's amazing, but you can
easily lose your place and forget to show up.
They have row counters for people like you!

What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

look Mom.. I updated again

2005-04-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Whew. I've updated a few things.
Some of you might notice that I no longer look like a Goth Doll... I now have Sid. yep, Sid the Anarchy Duck ( or Punk Duck in some circles). He goes with Black Jack the Pirate Duck who is in my car.
I finally sat down and fixed up the links that were broken, or just plain not working right because I didn't code them properly. DUH!!
I even added a Zen in Progess section, as well as music and reading material.

If I put the computer down and back away slowly I could have Claoptis for mom finished, and ready to wash and photograph this weekend. Which brings me to my next question. Has anyone washed their Clap yet? If so... by hand or by machine in a bag? Not that I want to block it, but having it nice and clean before I mail it would be ideal.
This weekend I should be starting again on Toucha Toucha Touch Me, which is a blanket for H. I've not been nearly as dedicated to it as I should have been, but alas, the time has come and the gauntlet has been cast down.
I simply have to finish it before she finishes my shawl, just so I can retain my smug "told you I would" demeanor.

Our cats are all doing wonderfully well, in fact the baby of the one that was killed has moved into the house on her own, however, we have sinking suspicion that we might not have caught her in time to get her fixed.......Which means our house might be blessed with kittens soon enough.
Mia... short for La Mia Fabella, is her very normal zennishly shy self.
Umbri.. or A Umbri Danse... aka Psycho. Has recently learned that she prefers being a lap cat, rather than being the swatting nutcase who lets you pet her for about five strokes before mangling your hand.

Yeah... our house has regained it's normalcy

Anyway....til next time.

Come into the Light....

2005-04-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well... we are no longer in the dark at home.
Thanks to the hard work of the folks at PG&E.. we are no longer sitting in the dark, playing Mancala and knitting by candlelight.
I have my own computer back, and so does H.
The child even has her evening television back...

Now the problem is... it's 10 pm and I am honestly thinking about heading for the sack... The nice part is that we all got alot of good sleep.

Anyway... we are back into the bright light of the night....

Ewwww... from being a teenage goth(which makes me an official OG(old goth) by today's standards... )there is something wholly wrong with that statement.

Til Next Time

Darkness Updated

2005-04-01T22:01:00.000-08:00

Well... it appears that we will be residing in the dark for one more week, while we await on Pacific Gas and Electric.
Knitting in the dark is a bit slower than normal evening knitting, mostly because I am working much slower and with more attention to devoted to where I am in the pattern than anything else.
I have just rounded the halfway point on Clapotis, and the challenge is on. H is working on a shawl for me, and the challenge is that she will have it done before I finish her blanket(which for the record is halfway done, and has been for a while now). Which translates into that I have to get the Clap finished for my mother, before I can work on H's blanket.

Like I said the challenge is on.

We had dinner tonight with our bachelor friend, who in the conundrum of our lives is H's ex husband. He is also our child's godfather, which well, it's a good thing that we are all friends. He's been pretty fantastic about letting us come over and shower, but then he happens to get dinner out of us in return. He enjoys the company and sorely needs it..( all though I can say that I have a complete and total understanding about why and how their marriage was never going to work.. I would have to kill him).

In parenting news, we are dealing with the ripples of reprocussions about defacing someone else's property. Thankfully, the school is working with us in how to properly discipline something like this.. As H and I had NOTHING in our collective backgrounds of our own childhoods to remember what our parents might have done.

In working news, as a temp, I find it always promising that the bosses like me, my work ethic and my general attitude toward work. SO, on my way out the door, the bossman tipped me off that he wanted to talk to me on Monday regarding getting me a raise. Wow, six weeks at a new job and we are already talking about a little more money.. This is always good.

Well, this is it for news for the night, as it is about time for us to head back to our candlelit ~~love nest~~ since the child is with us.. home..

Til Next time.

Knitting by Candlelight.... and other things to do in the dark

2005-03-30T20:47:00.000-08:00

You know, sometimes life in small mountain towns gets fairly interesting.
Our little home is experiencing a power outtage..... Yep, thanks to the deluge of rain we are getting on a fairly downpouring regular basis..(mind you the homes farther up into the snow line are getting snow, while we get rain). Couple this with an old home.
We have begun a new experience... Knitting by Candlelight.
We are finding this both frustrating and amusing. Frustrating, for the obvious of reasons... (example: Things grow more in the fridge, than they do anyother time)
Amusing, in so much that our little one has been learing about life during the 1800's, and the Gold Rush era, that has shaped our small community.
We have tried to turn this into as much of an adventure as we can.. Board Games, knitting and other quality time things..
Even if it is getting a bit stale.. it's really kind of fun..

SO.. needless to say.. Blogging may be a bit sparse.. It happens when I am either at work, or at a very dear friends house who has been a most gracious host when it comes to showers and other things of personal hygiene. (Sorry, I can't do the 1800's bath thing... Once a week, and you get the choice between first and second water... That's just...*shivers*...ugh)

New Music....Donors and the Clap.....

2005-03-20T00:25:00.000-08:00

Okay I have found a new band that I am absolutely in love with.. The DresdenDolls. Find them here dresdendolls.com I am so inlove with the whole Punk Burlesque, broken down carnivale, calliope sound. And they BLOG!!
AND they our touring with my dream donor.. Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails That is one man I might actually consider tradiontal conception with.....
* Sighs and drools*

Okay, in knitterly news... I bought new yarn tonight... I am going to make a Clapotis for me.. I am right about halfway with my mom's... The black and pink haltertop is on hold for the time being, at least until I figure out how to reconstruct it to a less..... Nipply version...... Yeah I said Nipple... It's bad when you try it on.. and well see one...

Okay... I am off while I have some time and energy still to work out at least a couple rows of Mom's case of the Clap..... that and ponder the artistic wonders a spawn of Trent Reznor's might have..... No, I am not a stalker.... just an avid admirer from a distance... Pssh.... he wouldn't notice me.... anyway.. *mumbles and snuggles on her beloved SO*

Tune in Next Time for more.

Life and Knitting News

2005-03-15T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I am excited now, life has taken a turn for the good, as it has done since I moved here. I mean, when you are this close to your personal heaven on earth, how could things go any other way.
The assignment that the Agency sent me on, has proven to be well... fruitful and challenging. The best part is, they want to keep me at the end of my contract. Which is a big bonus.
H got a new blog, and is doing awesome at keeping hers up. Make sure you guys stop by and visit it.
The kid has all but halted her knitting progress in lieu of the television, which she can keep so long as her grades stay up.
Our every friday night dinner with our bachelor friend has proven to teach me a few things. Like, you most certainly can be over the age of 30 and not have the slightest clue as to who in the blazes you are, or what you like. Or, perhaps, that for everyone a Zen-like feeling comes in as many different ways as it does individuals.

St Patrick's day is upon this small Scot-Irish household, and tomorrow the early scents of the beginnings of Corned Beef and Cabbage will began plucking at my nose, and likely have me singing some horrible Irish Drinking Song. ( For those of you who aren't Irish, understand now.. Danny Boy is NOT an Irish Song, and it most certainly is not a Drinking Song... It's about a dead guy.) So, when I am thinking drinking songs it will likely be 7 Drunken Nights or some other ill fated story...
However, raising a child likely means that we won't be running out in the evening to raise a pint or a shot, to the heaven's above to toast a long dead saint and his feats.
With St. Pat's day we are also looking ahead to Spring Break... and our little one wants to go to Mexico.. She has designs on being at the beach.. Which is entirely possible, considering that her grandparents live down there during the winter, and want her to visit. Which for us would mean 2 weeks of.......... quiet. ( And you thought I was going to be vulgar... Shame on you)

In knitting news.. The Clap ( Clapotis) is moving along nicely, even though I am not close to half way done. Sure, it's a slow moving project, but it is far from causing boredom. I mean, I start to get a little bored, and right about then I get to drop a stitch and sit there for a moment fascinated on the fact that my whole project isn't going to become some deconstructed tangled up mess.
H's stuff..... well.... heck... Go check out her blog, and she'll tell ya, I don't have to anymore.
In other news... K at Knitting Zen, has something so completely FABULOUS that we will all be in love with it... Go check it out...
(oh, you thought it was a project?? Sorry... It's a baby... ain't he just the cutest??) I want one.... But fertility is a challenge in this house.... not because I myself have the dreaded infertility, but because the relationship is... and well.. I am learning that finding a nice gene pool can be expensive... ( either my own health,(for reasons I will not discuss here) or because buying boy goo is costly).
In other other news... The HARLOT finally has confirmation on the local deliveries of her books, for those who didn't do the Amazon thing.. Like me. Which means that my greedy little fingers will be itching to devour her book.

There are other creative adventures that I have been on lately, but that's for a whole different night.
So... Till Next Time.....

Today I.....

2005-03-09T18:30:00.000-08:00

Today I worked... Today, I came home to an empty house.
Today I got creative.. Wow.. I've been busy...
I made H her own knitting blog today.. I know that she is horrible about keeping a journal of anytype. But, I figured that since she knits too, she should have one of her own, that she can write in when ever the mood strikes her.
So... I got to making her her very own tag and stuff for her blog.
I hope she likes it.
You all can see it at knineinchknits.blogspot.com
I hope you guys visit her too!!

Back to creative land (read: is about to throw photoshop out the window)

2005-03-06T22:17:00.000-08:00

1. Do you knit continental or English? Continental, but I haven't totally mastered the picking end of it.. So I suppose you could call mine a Continental Toss.

2. How long ago did you learn to knit? About a year and a half ago. I lived by myself, and desperately wanted something besides the television to give my brain a break from my online RP Group. So, on a whim I got a couple sticks and some string. Looked up stuff on the internet, screamed and learned new combinations of swear words, until I got it.. Occasionally those combinations of swear words can still be heard when things don't go right.

3. First FO? I had two that I finished simultaneously. One was a lap blanket, and the other was a black and purple double strand shawl, that I did without having a pattern.. Needless to say it's humongous.

4. Favorite yarn? Because my budget doesn't allow for higher end yarns, I enjoy working with Lion Brand Homespun. But I dream of working with wools and wool blends.

5. Favorite pattern? Hmm, that's a tough one. I like working the simple shawls, with either the increases in the center or on the ends. But I really love the Touch Me Blanket that I am making which is a combination sampler of different textures. This one has cables, ribs, bumps, and I'm not sure yet... (whatever H points at in a pattern book and says... " how bout this one?")

6. Favorite pattern source? Knitty.com, and random spots on the internet. I seem to like to make things up too. I've found a couple blankets in some books that I can't remember the titles too.

7. Favorite needles? Circular, either steel or aluminum... But I am thinking about asking H's dad to make me a set from discarded deer antlers... He's already designing a set for her, and I am anxious to find out how they come out.

8. Nicest thing you’ve ever knit? I was most excited to make my first pair of socks... I did them toe up.

9. Most hated project? Oooh that's easy.... The Big Boy Blue and Green Blanket. I ran out of yarn about 10 rows to the end corner ( It was made shawl style.. with two triangles). It didn't make it to the designated Big Boy for his birthday.. So it's sitting on the back of my sofa until I get unpissed at it.

10. Who are you going to pass this on to? Hmmmmm...... I know it's supposed to be 3 people, but I am going to cheat... It's going to H(who has to post it here) and to K at Knitting Zen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay so I got tagged.
And I answered the call of duty.
But, I was already logging in to post on the Zens of Life. More of a rambling thought of mine.

I'm still here.

2005-03-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

I'm still here.
Things have been a bit crazy the last week or so. I got reassigned to another job. Being that I temp professionally anyway. I've been on several jobs since I started working for them.. The last one was my biggest disappointment, in both challenge and finance.
It didn't take long for the bosses to relocate me to a new assignment, and this one I like and I am not even going to come close to working myself out of a job. (Like I did the last one. IMHO it's a damn shame when the temp comes in and works circles around the person she is working for, and gets caught with less hours and money because she doesn't waste half the day sleeping at her desk).
Anyway...... I've been a bit busy learning my new job, one that has the appearance of me staying on with once my contract has been fulfilled(NOT holding my breath though).
Which means that knitting has slowed down for me. I don't have the many extra hours in the day to work on it. I get one hour on my lunch break, and whatever I can do when I get home. Which sometimes is none.
News on my case of the Clap........( Clapotis for those of you just tuning in) I am in my second row of part 3, and I am finding that I have stuck my fingers in my drop stitch ladders, and it feels funny.
Yes, it's going to be for my mom for mother's day. It's made with a really soft combo of colors greens. blues, purple's and yellows.. Makes me think of the dinner plate sized Iris that grow in her yard like weeds.
DK(darling kid) has decided that she wants to make her own toys with her knitting.. But, we have to finish the bean bag first.
H is moving along really nicely on her blue mohair scarf... That will be the kid's..
Aside from that... there isn't much news. But I had to at least make an appearance.

Nanu Nanu

The world's biggest knitting idiot.

2005-02-23T19:00:00.000-08:00

I have learned in the last 24 hours that I am the world's biggest knitting idiot.
How did I discover this.. Well, there is this pattern going around.. Most of us have heard about it. Yep, Clapotis. Well, thanks to the Clap as it has been called, I have discovered something about myself.
I'm a DORK!
As a self taught knitter, something that I am very proud of. That me, the library, the internet and a couple of sticks and strings, I have come to learn to love this ancient art. I tackled lace on my own, and a bunch of other things from beginning to advanced knitting with little outside help.
However, it wasn't until I started working on Clapotis, that I discovered that ALL this time, I have been knitting through the back loop(tbl), since day one. So, when after I tested a swatch of the pattern and looked at it, I couldn't quite figure out why it was wonky looking.
So, to check myself I went to knitting.about.com, and looked up my stitches... Yep.. I have been knitting ALL wrong.
Easy fix for me But, the biggest blow to my ego over this is that I have taught both H and the little one how to knit ALL WRONG!

Thanks, to the ability to laugh at myself, I think I sat on the floor of my office and laughed until I cried.
Then I ripped the swatch out, and started ALL over again.

In other knitterly knews. I got a new knitting bag. It's actually a quilting bag. I couldn't pass it up when I looked inside and found that it had pockets big enough to hold MONDO skeins of yarn!!! I love this bag, not only can I carry my larger projects, I can also tote the yarn, and supplies of my two other beloved knitters. I will have to post a photo of this!
The best part is.. Is the bag was cheaper at the embroidery and quilting shop than it was at the LYS. Don't get me wrong, I love my LYS, however, sometimes, when you shop frugally, you will find that because it is an IN hobby, that things like totes and other accessories, are just WAY overpriced!!

Okay, now that I am knitting straight... err forward... errr.... correctly!
I think my project funk will go away!
Na Nu Na Nu

Back to the needles.

2005-02-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Well, we woke up very early this morning, and sent out 4th grader off to her sleep away field trip. Figures, I miss the little bugger already.
Since it was President's Day, I had the day off and got to sleep way too late. H had to go into work. So, I took the time to kick Ripley out of my head and put him back in the notebook where he belongs.

In knitting news, I am not real pleased with the way the halter top is turning out. ( Personally I think I am in a project funk). And, the bag I was designing got thrown in the trash, There was no way I could salvage the tangles. (Never fear, I will be working on another one, now that I know how I am doing it).
I've got dreams of both Rogue and Clapotis dancing in my head, and I promised myself and my partner that I would finish what I started before going Gonzo on more projects. I mean, I haven't worked on H's Toucha,Toucha, Touch Me(also called Me,Me,Me, and yes the name is a throw back to her Rocky Horror Days) blanket in months, and she is convinced that it will cover her casket before I am done with it. AND I have to redo the blue and green nemesis of the blanket for a child.
So, as you can see in my knitting life, I have more than enough to do before I pick up more projects. ( Okay Okay.. So I have knitting ADHD. Sue me)
More knitting news that encompasses the rest of the house. Darling Daughter is exactly halfway from her first garter stitch bean bag. The next after this will be a reverse garter stitch bean bag, and then onto her first ribby scarf.
H finished her scarf, she is most proud of it, it's a knee duster with fringe, it's long, and I don't think I have seen her out of it all weekend.
On her needles is another scarf, made from the left overs of this one, which will probably be for the little one, since she had tried to claim her mom's scarf a few times now.(stay tuned for the Seige of the Scarf).

I am thinking that I want to do a Clap for my Mom for Mother's day.
(Oh that sounds bad. "What did you give your mom for Mother's day? " "The Clap")
Thankfully she has a sense of humor.
Alrighty, until next time!

Because I said so.

2005-02-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

Well Bloggers. I regret to inform you that I am taking over the body who's brain I creatively occupy. (Who am I kidding I don't regret this)
While I am holding her hostage, there will be no knitting that gets done this weekend, and likely for a few days next week.
The hostage situation will end on Wednesday.( That's when the 10 year old comes back from a sleepaway field trip).

Anyway, I am off to go and do molestable things to H. Because that's what happens when you stuff a man in a creative sense into a lesbian's body.
P.S. Do not be alarmed by any screaming or caterwalling you hear. It's consentual.
Ripley MacKay

Creations

2005-02-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

In knitting news.. a photo of the top I am working on will be posted shortly.. I have another inch or two of the body to knit, and then the trim. Before I can show it to you all.. I could show it now, but I am afraid that my oversized melon's wouldn't be covered.
Not that some of you would complain, but I am trying to keep things on the decent side.
That and the fact that I want to present this to you all with a pattern, well, how many of you would knit it, if you honestly thought that your breasts would pop out of it?

This project is being made for the Think Pink Along ( see link on right side) for Breast Cancer Awareness. I mean, might as well make a top to show off what we were blessed with, in an effort to remind women to take good care of them. Which brings me to the thought of the joke about if men had breasts they would never leave home. I am not sure this is true, but we could rest assured that they would take good care of them indeed as they obsessed over the things they don't have..
So here is the obligatory reminder? Have you done your Self Exam yet this month? NO? Well... go on, time's a wasting.. Go and take care of them.

Until Next Time!

I've been pardoned.

2005-02-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

Oh Thank the Lawd!
I've been pardoned.
I got to sleep in my own bed again. With my own pillows, and well, the beautiful..(if I keep it up I'm gonna wind up back in the dog house.)

Went to the yarn store last night, and she got her very first set of bamboo needles. After changing out the needles in her project she informed me that she is now a "needle snob" and will not work with metal needles of anytype EVER again.
Our little one, is about 25% of the way through her first real project. She is making a garter stitch bean bag. She's doing a good job on it too!
In my own knitting, I finally gave up on the bag.. I will work it a little later, but the disaster caused by the animals and whatever else that got ahold of it, has left me feeling very blah about it. So, during a brilliant brain storm, that left me with a flood of ideas in it's deluge. I began to work on a halter style top. Since I hadn't started the ThinkPink project on time, because I was idealess...... I started it last night.
(I'll have to come back after I clean the house and post a picture).

But, now that I mentioned cleaning the house.. It's time for me to get up off my arse and begin that process.
Until later!

Valentine's in the DOG HOUSE

2005-02-14T23:51:00.000-08:00

I am spending Valentine's Night in the DOG HOUSE!
Me and my big mouth got in MAJOR trouble.

In a moment of brainless wonders, while talking with my wonderful partner, about things that were cold..Fingers, toes... I made the mistake of calling her Frigid. Which is well.. VERY far from the truth.
So, I am in trouble.. Not only did I call her that.. The bag that I was working on.. The pattern I was going to share with the world... Didn't get done in time for her present. (Thanks in part to two dogs, and 3 cats who must have thought the sofa where I laid the project was was a NASCAR track. Tearing out the needles, and enough rows that I don't think that I could have slavaged it.)
I didn't get chocolate or flowers to make up for the loss either.
Yes folks... It's me and the fleas tonight.

I tried blaming my verbal faux pas on a literary character in my head, one whom is a fair bit of on going short story, and another fair bit of RP gamming.(a very old and long time hobby). Ripley, the only male I know who's mouth gets moving before his brain even begins to consider functioning. I really did try blaming it on the chauvinistic pig in my head, but I really really really really..... really.. Don't think she is gonna buy it.

So, since it's bed time, I think I had best go make the sofa(if I am lucky), surrender my spot on the bed to 'kita the dog, and just hope that this storm blows over... I'm beyond damage control.
*sigh*
Anyway.. Happy VD to everyone... I hope that the antibiotics clear those rashes up quick like...

*smirk* I'll let Stacy post again later, right now she is outta here like a stripper at a Bar Mitzvah..

Ripley
PS.. Ya owe for the bar tab, and the dancer needs a tip.

Engineering Degree

2005-02-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

While doing this project with our 4th grader. We discovered that we needed to have a degree in Engineering and Architecture in order to accomplish this.

Every 4th grader in the state of California has to do a report on ONE of the California Missions. Ours chose to build her mission rather than for us to drive to San Luis Obispo. So..... off the family went to Michael's.. to pick one of those Handy DIY Mission Kits up. We also picked up paints to paint the styrofoam adobe colored, and felt to make fake grass. ( NOT paying 20.00 bucks for a bag of Spanish Moss that we only need a pinch of for grass. That and we can't smoke the left overs..hehehe)
Arriving home we began the assembly. Glue, toothpicks and everything seemed to go well. We painted the inside and the out.. However, today, after letting our little one weild the paint brush, it was discovered that the entryway's would need reinforcement, because something about a 10 year old and a paintbrush seemed to crack the styro.

This ladies and gents is where the engineering degree comes in. We had to figure out how to reinforce them, without adding weight to the project. How? MORE TOOTHPICKS.
Roof assembly sucked, because the panels didn't fit right, which made glueing them together damn near impossible. So, what does the shadetree engineer use... Oh yes.. MORE TOOTHPICKS.
By now I was feeling really proud of myself, until our little one says.. "the picture has steps".. Which meant that now, I had to take the Mission and figure out HOW to lift it off the base. By now, my savior was home, and she and I began to cut apart the left over foam from the packaging. We placed the Mission on it's new painted risers. And were ready to start the steps when our lovely angel decides she didn't want them. (But that is beside the point. She's allowed to change her mind.).

That done, we looked at the plastic roofing sheets that the afore named store sells for 8.99 a package, Deciding that there was NO way in Hades, that they were going on when the roof already had the wavey texture of ceramic tile.

Project status.. Just need terra cotta red paint to paint the freakin roof and we are DONE.. Thanks to my uber crafty crap I had in storage, which gave her enough plant life to landscape the whole thing.

So, since I got my newsletter from THE STORE. I looked to see what they rated said Mission Project at.. Ladies and Gents this FOURTH GRADE project was rated a 4 out of 5 with 1 being the easiest.
A FOUR OUT OF FREAKING FIVE!!!!!!! You know, it's a good thing we are involved, because there is NOWAY, that a 10 year old could have managed this with a deadline.
I had problems and I am the crafty guru in the house.

So really, who was the project for, the kids or the adults.

Until Next Time.

Wow.... I'm slackin

2005-02-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been 4 days... Geesh... I must be getting lazy.
No actually, I have been sorta busy. I frogged out the bag I am working on and started it again.. I kinda like it better, I will let you all know later after I have finished it, and have started on a second one.. Then I will know wether or not it's successful enough to share..
Darling child and I have frogged out her starter stitches and are about to do more. She's doing really good, I think perhaps it's time to start on something she can finish. Not sure yet, we'll see.
H is plugging along on her own scarf.. Slowly but surely, which works for her.
Why doesn't H have her own blog?? Because, she is self admitting that she is bad at it.. But I will bet that if enough of you pick on her, and post comments, which I know she reads, when she reads my blog.. Ya'll might be able to per pressure her into it..( Hehe, I'm so evil)

Anyway... That's enough for now, we have a dinner date tonight, and will be taking the knitting, and the second Harry Potter movie with us.

So... Laters!

A sad time.

2005-02-07T23:05:00.000-08:00

Today was a sad day.
Today our family suffered a loss.
Sometime during the night last night, we lost one of our outdoor cats in an accident.
I discovered this today when I arrived home from work to see one of our menagerie had left us.
So, we had to do the thing that no parent likes to do, discuss death and dying with a child.
Blessedly, Megs has lost a few pets now to age, and other elements that the feral cats who come around.

Left in our humble home zoo remain, 6 cats, (2 indoor and 4 outdoor by their choice), and 2 dogs. So our house doesn't lack in furry love.

Rainy days and Redneck Mochas

2005-02-07T15:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I am taking a short break from the bag. My fingers are a little achey.
I also re read last night's blog and all I have to say is OIY! Typo City man.
I know I can spell better than I did last night.
Forgive me?
I am just about done with the bag. Although I am not so sure I am happy with it. Partly because I made an attempt at something I have never done and I am not so sure I did it the right way.. Never fear, I will fix it.

In other knitting news, H is making some decent progress on her drop stitch scarf. She is definately the occasional knitter in the house. She doesn't tackle big projects, instead, she stays in her comfort zone of knitting. I can't blame her.
For being a beginner knitter. *I* think that she is doing damn good. She learned how to knit around Turkey day, and her first projects were scarves that she made for her dad, for Christmas. Her second one, was another scarf for her mom, which was finished Christmas morning. *I* think that what hooked her was the look on their faces. Being that she grew up in a family where, "Necessary Arts" were a bread winner during her young years. Her dad is a blacksmith, and she grew up watching him forge steel into some of the most beautiful creations.

Our little one, is still working hard at just mastering the knit stitch. I looked over her work the other night and found a couple accidental purls, and only 2 dropped stitches out of 10 rows at 15 sts each.. Not bad, but I think she did it trying to watch TV and knit. I don't quite think she's realized that when the TV is on and I am knitting that it's a) there for noise and b) to give me a refocusing point for my eyes.
After seeing her tangled handi-work on friday, I recommended that she instead, of taking it to school, that she leave it here at home to work on after her homework is done. This way she has help if she gets stuck.
It will also keep her from using it as classroom distraction.

I really wanted to thank Star for the comment on Knuggles (non-knitting folk in case you just started). Our family is pretty tightly knit, and the best part, is that it got this way before we all started knitting together. Thanks for your thoughts, and the link.

Oh yeah.. what's a Redneck Mocha?? Easy, that would be hot cocoa in my coffee.. For you Starbuck's folk. I just can't see paying more than 5 bucks for one of them when for pennies on the dollar, I can make a gahzillion of them at home!

Til Nex' Time Ya'll

Designing my own bag

2005-02-06T22:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, so the dear john to my regular needles was an excercise in futility.
In an attempt to bust stash, I made one toe up sock, to be worn around the house, and got to the arch of my foot on the second sock, and found out I would be lucky if I had enough to turn the heel, before I ran out.
So.... I frogged it out, stuffed the yarn inside the finished sock, and pouted for a little while.
Then I picked up a ball of some black yarn I had left over, and began to just knit. I was originally going to be a 12x12 square for me to drop off at the LYS, but instead, I got a blinding light bulb in the brain.
After picking up the stitches around the rectangle, another idea hit, and so I began designing the Zen Bag.
That was last night. I worked on it all day today instead of watching or listening to the Stupid Bowl.. ( I am glad that Pats one though).
So I worked and channle surfed for noise, I am about half way there, and I will post a photo as soon as I am done with it.
I'm also writing it down, so that if anyone wants it, they can use the pattern for themselves too.

For now, I am going to give my aching fingers a break... (is there a such thing as Yarn Blisters?)
Until Next Time

Dear Needles,

2005-02-05T01:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Needles,
I am writing to let you know that we are going to have to split up for a little while. No no, don't cry, it's not you. It's me. You see, I've been seeing someone else.. Four someone else's to be totally honest with you. I think I have been needing this kind of change. I mean, I've just been looking for some kind of spice in our relationship, and well... It's just well.. those other guys, they've rocked my world with such quick gratification..
I mean when it comes to marathon, and long and drawn out, quality time that just gives me the kind of chilly bumps, and make my guts go gooey.. It's all you.
I just think that I should be seeing other needles now...

Needles, you were my first. I will always love you... I'll be back... wait for me?

Yours forever,
Me

( No I'm not quitting.. I just got hooked on Toe Up socks for a little while.)

Knuggles....

2005-02-04T18:48:00.000-08:00

Since my current knitting life has gone from the mundane things, to teaching my 10 yr old stepdaughter to knit. I have had to come up with new words. Partly because she has taken her knitting to school. And attempts to knit on the playground during her lunch recess. While I am proud that she has taken to Shamelessly Knitting in Public. She has found that there is at least one little boy who teases her about it.
Granted, this same child teases her about everything, (historically he is a real bully, who's parents have had to seek help for his agression problem).

She tells me about this, and I tell her to kindly remind him that a) this is her therapy b)knitting is the new rock and roll and c)it's the most fun you can have with two sticks and string d)Everyone is doing it, unless you are somehow uncool.
So, what other way would you describe someone who is a non-knitter who just "Doesn't get it"
Well, this one I owe to my wonderful SO, Heather. She looked at me tonight and said " They are like non magic folk, in Harry Potter, they are 'Knuggles' "

Sounded good enough for me. So, for all of us Knitter's... Those that don't get it are Knuggles

Until Next Time

Making our house a home

2005-02-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

Today I am proud.

Today my 10 year old stepdaughter came into the living room, and sat down, she began playing with my scrap yarn, that came out of the stash. Truth be told, it was really crappy baby yarn, that was in the trash basket to be tossed out.
I looked up from over the top of my needles and asked what she was doing. I got a pair of blue eyes, and shrugged shoulders " Idunno".

I nodded and let her go for a moment or two. Since she always finds things to do with the little pieces that find their way to the floor. After a few moments passed, I mentioned, that if she wanted to play with my yarn, that I should hand her a pair of knitting needles, and let her start learning. To my surprise, I got a very enthusiastic " Okay". Of course, that had my attention. So, I patted the cushion next to me, and handed her the piece I was working on. She confessed that she didn't know how, to which she got a smile and a wink, and my reply. " That's okay, I really don't know what I am doing either. So, why don't we learn together."

This went on for about a half hour or so, we knit a couple stitches with her hands in mine, and then she did a little on her own. That was when I heard it.. The tell tale groan. I looked and saw the tangled mess she had, and I smirked.. " Well, let's go play with the frogs." To which I got a look that said I had lost my marbles. After showing her how to remove her needles from her work. I pulled on the lead and gave a soft riiiiipppitt! in her ear. Then it was her turn.

Once done we casted on again and she said " If I get really good, can I make my mom a scarf for her birthday (which is June)?" " Absolutely!"

So once again we worked a couple of rows together, and I let her go on her own again. While she concentrated, and worked, she said " On my overnight field trip, we have to dress up in Pioneer clothing. Did they knit then?"

She got a quick explaination about it, and I suggested, that if she practiced, and got good, at what she was working on, that perhaps, we could send her on her field trip with wooden needles.. ( Yes, I have lost my mind.) The deal is, she has to show her maturity with her project and that she has to under NO uncertain terms use her needles as swords, pokers, backscratcher or marshmallow sticks. Of course she got all excited, her classmate will be bringing her crochet project with her on the trip.

So, after a while, and a highly praised review of her stitches. H and I sent her off to bed. With promises, that we would work more on her stitchery after homework tomorrow.
So after the hugs and kisses.. H called me a " HomeMaker"... Gasp! Don't tell my mother, she would have a field day with this.

Until Next Time.

Just for fun...

2005-02-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

Nemesis

?? Which Of The Greek Gods Are You ??
brought to you by Quizilla

Stash....

2005-02-01T16:28:00.000-08:00

Well. H now has two matching socks, and she likes them. I sewed on the strap to the water bottle carrier finally.. That one was for my MIL. I got the bottom of the "bag of holding" sewn closed, and started looking into the stash box.

I've got two skeins of Suede yarn that I am itching to use, but I am not sure what I am going to do with them yet. I might foray into the making knit jewelery with them. Since I don't know what I am going to do, they got tossed into the stash box, along with the skeins that H will be making our daughters Ravenclaw HP scarf from. And the bits of her "Toucha Me" blanket, which I have to get back to working on. (considering I am over halfway with it already.)

While venturing into the black hole of Calcutta known as the stash box, I started pondering what on earth I am going to do with some of these bits. Well, here are the prospective solutions.

1) My LYS collects 12"x12" squares for making donatable afghans.. I know I have plenty for at least a couple of those.
2) In Sacramento, there is a charity organization that is always looking for warm things for some of the young people they work with. So, I've got enough for some scarfs and socks.
3) I could be entirely selfish, and make a stash bag to be the knitting bag I really want..

Okay, the more I think about it, it looks like choices 1 & 2 are going to be the way I go. Besides, I rather like doing things for people.
Which brings me to challenge you my fellow stitching sisters.. Got stash you need to bust, but can't think of anything that you will want out of it.. Make something and give it away. For most of us it's nothing to crank out a drop stitch scarf, or to turn out a pair of socks. There are some that can whip up a set of mittens pretty quick(not me). They don't have to be ornate, lacey, or fancy. You just need to make them into something that someone else can get some practical use out of.
So, if busting your stash is on your list.. Find out what you can do for local charities.. Ask your LYS to see what else they know.

Hi ho... Hi ho.. off to bust my stash I go......
Until Next Time.

Images I promised.

2005-01-31T13:24:00.000-08:00

I promised some images of my FO's, and true to form, and tardy as always.. Here they are.
The first one is Dracena.. My Harloty poncho. ( No models available for wearing, and it looked funny over my scrubs).

The second one, is the Big Boy Blue and Green Blanket.. With the damnable corner. 5 yards.. Just 5, count them FIVE measely yards too short.. I can list off a bunch of reasons why the blanket didn't work this time.. However, it's going to be rethought into another blanket.

And finally the last one.. is my first Toe Up sock.. (which only took 5 hours from start to finish) Okay, it's not full on calf shaped sock, but H only wanted ankle socks she could wear around the house. Which is what I made. I am starting on the second one shortly.

So, now with those posted I am off to work on the other sock..
Until Next Time

It is finished.........

2005-01-29T10:23:00.000-08:00

And about 15 rows too short..... SO needless to say the blanket is not leaving the house with me in 15 minutes. Nope, it's staying here, sitting on the edge of the Frog Pond.

I worked until midnight last night, with one eye on my ball of yarn, and the other on the rows I was working.. Fruitlessly I kept telling myself "I'm decreasing, I will make it."

It was a glorious excercise in futility. So, I am going to tear it apart, and re-work it. This time, without a time limit.

Good thing he didn't know that he was getting a blanket for his birthday.

Until Next Time.

Half way

2005-01-25T21:39:00.000-08:00

I reached a half way point with the BBBGRB, today.. YAY, I am one day ahead of myself.
But then this is what happens when you have a rainy day and a day off from work!

So yes.. We are half way there.. and it looks like I am going to make it.

Until next time.

The Sound of Life

2005-01-24T21:45:00.000-08:00

Every great movie has a sound track. So does your life. Someone sent this to me a long while back in an email. Something that I don't normally succumb to is the " Send this back" thing. But this particular list intrigued me, and while working on it I found it therapeutic, and eye opening.
So I have to ask..... What does your life sound like?

For those that are curiously inclined...... Mine is here.

The Soundtrack of My Life
Opening Credits:
Waking Up Scene:
Walking Down the Street:
Best Friend Scene:
Falling in Love Scene:
Depressed Scene:
Driving Scene:
Flashback Scene:
Party Scene:
Dance Scene:
Sex Scene:
Romantic night with Lover Scene:
Fight Scene:
Break Up Scene:
Regret Scene:
Make Up Scene:
Death Scene:
Funeral Scene:
Closing Credits:Stay~ .

The Big Boy Blue and Green Rory Blanket.

2005-01-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

These colors are going to be the scope of my vision over the next week. As I tackle something that I should have started after Christmas.. But NOOOO I had to procrastinate.
Yep, nothin but blue and green, and it has to bigger than a baby blanket but not so big that he can't tote, drag, carry with him.
And since I started it yesterday I am just shy of 25% done.
How you ask? What's the secret to this blanket. Easy. This one is done in garter stitch.. Nothing fancy for the rough and tumble little boy who is going to be this blanket's best friend until one of them fall apart.
( Not joking, I have a blanket from my Gran that is pushin 20 and still in awesome shape! Thanks Gran)
The other secret is that the pattern I am working is an easy one.. It's built like a shawl.. Like so...

Cast on 3 stitches
k1,yo,k to end
k1,yo,k to end.
Continue increasing by one stitch every row until the blanket is as wide as you want it.. Since it will make a square. When you reach that point begin decreasing like so...
Decrease Row: K1, YO, K2 tog, knit to the last 3 sts, K2 tog, K1.
Work to the last 3 sts bind off loosely.

If the blanket is for a girl, the yo's make a great place to run a ribbon along.. Edge it the way you like.
I for now suck at edging, so his will have " finger holes" To make for better blanket transport.

The other advantage to using a simple stich on this, is so it can be repaired should he harm his blankie in anyway.
Like my shawl patterns that I have, feel free to play with the stitch work as you wish in the body of the piece.

Okay the fingers have had a break, and I am going back to the needles.
Drace pictures are comming, she got blocked today. I promised, and I will deliver.

Until Next time!

Project accomplished

2005-01-22T22:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it took just under a week once I got her going in the right direction.
Dracena is finished. I'll post a picture tomorrow once the battery for the camera is fully charged.

The finished project is about 22 inches long from the neck. Without fringe. This one won't be fringed, since I know that it will bother my wrists.

I've got a child's blanket that I have to do by next saturday, which means that I have to go and pick up some yarn. Nothing special, just an acrylic for a 3 year old to smash, trash, sleep with, play on, drag through the mud and take everywhere with him. So, it's gonna be sturdy very laundry friendly. I've got a great pattern for it. So, I know that it won't take me long at all. In fact it will probably be finished friday night. With enough time for me to weave in the ends and wash it for the first time before it leaves the house.

While I am out I will be doing some shopping for a pink color that I can handle. I still am not sure what it's going to be, so I am just looking at color this time. I won't buy until I have a good idea for how much I am really going to need. Since the last thing I want is alot of remnant pink that will sit in the bottom of the stash box and collect dust.

I'm still polling for ideas on the project. So far, I've got a scarf, a shawl, another poncho, hats, socks, a corset and garter set. I am liking the idea of the corset and garter set. Blessedly, Knitty.com had some good patterns in their Sex and the Knitty issue.

Alright, my hands are a little cramped since I have been working on Dracena for about 6 hours.
Until next time.

Dear Anonymous

2005-01-22T13:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Bloggers,
I am taking the time to post, and address a comment, that was put into the String of " God save America.."
This comment was submitted anonymously, which there is no problem of. However, this same "Anon" person, has gone out of his or her way to email me directly with more thoughts. The following email is what I am about to share with you. And since, they have given me no way to return comment directly to them. I will address that as well.

"You know what? If there weren't Presidents like Bush, then you wouldn't even have this site to post on. Democracy isn't dead or there wouldn't be the freedom there is to post on this blog. So if you don't like the President, why don't you get your sorry self on a plane and take off for say...Russia? God will Save America, because people like you won't."

Dear Anonymous,

I am trying to puzzle together what Mister Bush has to do with the internet, because from a political standpoint, it was Mister Al Gore who " invented it" (just ask him). When in realities sake, if it weren't for Mister Bill Gates, none of us would have anything to do with the internet ( and the DoD, and 3 computers so the east coast and west coast could communitcate).
Was Democracy ever alive? This country was founded on the premise of "for the People by the People." Sure, a great beginning, but the sad reality of that is that it has always been a "for the Rich by the Rich." But, before it was that, it was something that was voted only by wealthy men. Women never had a say until the 1900's, almost 200 years of nothing equal or democratic there. Do I have to cite other unequal things with other minority groups as well? It's well known that money sways the votes, and not just on whom is President.
Historically, people have always had the freedom to speak out; sure, some may have been slain for their thoughts and musings, but people speaking has always served as a catalyst for change.
I am allowed to dislike the person elected as president, in fact, I can disagree with the way he choses to execute his politics until I am blue in the face. Those are freedoms that I enjoy very much ... Because it makes irritating people like you alot easier. Obviously what I had to say has affected you much deeper than you realized, because you have gone out of your way to have continued contact with me.
Is it perhaps that one person speaking out happens to say enough things that make you question the foundation of your ideals?
Tell me, would you say the similar things to a soldier's family? Would you show them the same lack of intelligence and respect of my opinions? These people want their loved ones home, an many of them feel the same way I do. Or are you a running for the border "no way am I enlisting, they better not draft me," political singing yellow canary?
You can't tell me that you weren't affected by what I had to say, because your behavior says otherwise.
As to why don't I move to Russia (which, in case you haven't paid attention to the past 15 years, is a DEMOCRACY). No thanks, it's too cold there.

So, now that I have posted, I have other things to do today. Like spend precious time with my partner and our little girl.

Something wholly dumb....

2005-01-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, did I do something dumb this afternoon.

Whilst on the way to go and pick our brat up from school. H drove and I took my knitting. While I learned that I work fairly well without looking at it.. I did learn that sadly.. For me it is no different that trying to read while in a car. I felt fine until we got home and I had to get out of the car, that is when the nausea hit.
So, that tells me that I won't be knitting on Road Trips. Instead, I will be looking longingly at the bag.

Many thanks to K, over at Knitting Zen ( see tag on right). Thanks for the props.
'nuff said. The rest can see the comments on the post from early this morning, and go from there.

In the mean time I am collecting ideas for the Knit Along that I got myself into. I'd be happy to hear yours too. The rules.. It has to be PINK.. doesn't matter what shade.. just PINK. And since I am not a pink kinda girl. I am hoping that someone who is, can help me with what looks good in pink. If you do make a suggestion.. Please point me in the direction of a pattern free or otherwise too...
I've got to call home this weekend anyway. ( My family is back east)
I'm going to also be polling my mother and my aunts. One aunt in particular. She's a survivor of Breast Cancer. As is my " mother- in-law" (H's mom). Both of these women bring this project a little nearer and dearer to my heart.

Alright.. off to make like a plant and vegetate.
Until next time...

The Beginning of the End

2005-01-21T01:18:00.000-08:00

The inauguration is over and the Court Jester has taken the throne again. Which means we have four more years to listen to made up words, and butchering of the English language. ( Don't they hire educated people to help him "talk good?)

Bushed out? You betcha. It frightens me to see that issues in Women's Health care is going to be thrown to the back of the stove until we are back in the 1800's, and we have to see our physicians to treat "hysteria" by allowing a physician to use a vibrator in order to relieve the "unnatural" stress. ( No kidding, it really happened back then.) It also frightens me the way that religion and politics while being preached at how they should be seperate, they manage to still swear on the bible in court, and state that the " families of our soldiers are in our prayers". Get it straight people.. is it together or truly seperate? I mean the last time we mixed religion and politics people got burned at the stake. ( No joke there either, it did happen).

Yeah, I am a little politically motivated tonight. I can't help it, the next four years will have a big impact on my life. Being that I live an alternate lifestyle... ( Polite way to say I have a female partner). And no, this really has nothing to do with "Gay Marriage" either.. Our opinion is " If it ain't broke. Don't fix it". I want to have a child, and if we have some moron who thinks that the bible and prayer are what it takes to get a woman through menopause....... what am I going to deal with when it comes to have a baby.. Let's face it ladies, a six pack, a baggie, and some cash isn't going to fill a dixie cup with the "prime" specimen..

It scares me more and more to be an American woman now than it ever has. Hell, it just plain scares me to be a woman in this country.. In our own way, we are bound for Burqah land. (wonder if I could knit one?)
And before any of you flame me on the use of Burqah, please understand that in it's divine right (which the fanatic idiots screwed up). It's deeply rooted in the cultural standards in the true Muslim Faith. ( Look it up if you don't believe me.)

Our men and women need to come home. Period. I don't agree with why we are there. I mean if he really wanted to have a "War on Terror" we would have been there the next week.. Not almost a year later.
I mean come on.. We still hadn't finishing burying the dead before we bombed the hell out of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Until they do come home. The soldiers and their families are in my constant thoughts.

Before I go on a tirade, that keeps me up all night.
In knitting news.. H made the way cool Zen Knits Button for my page.. if you want to snag and link me, I'd love to have you do so. Just please save it to your own FTP space. If you don't know how, leave me an email and I would be happy to help.
I joined the Think Pink Knit Along. It's for Breast Cancer, and well, it's damn good cause.
Dracena and I went out in public today, and I knit for a good hour before our daughter got out of school. Which means at the rate I am going, I just might have her done by Sunday or Wednesday next week at the latest.
H's scarf is still on the needles, and well.. I just need to bust tail and do it. No more futzing around with it.
Once those are done.... I am on to either my first pair of socks... or fuzzy feet.. Any suggestions? I've not tackled either of them...
A panel to H's Touch Me Blanket is sitting and waiting on me. I just have to finish retyping the directions out of the Knit It Magazine, and then print it so I can have a copy that I can draw on, doodle on, and wad up and throw if I get too pissed off..

Okay. It's past my bed time... Which means I need to go find the pillows, and snuggle in.
Until next time.

God Save America. We know the " President" won't.

2005-01-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

Homework sucks.

2005-01-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

A familiar saying for any of you? It is me, I've said it. H has said it and so has our little girl.
Infact that is her current favorite saying right now. So finally I get to finish what I started when I got home from work. Working on my blog. I got all the entries moved from the former boring one to this one. I have a few links left to move.

But those either need me to make tags for them, or I have to go get them from the sites they came from. ( My old blog didn't allow for image links)

It's after 7 pm and I just realized that my shoes are still on and I am still in my scrubs.. and eeek.. the over the shoulder boulder holder is still on. No wonder I haven't settled in.

That and I still have to pick up my needles and work on one of the projects that are looking up from the abandoned state I left them in last, and begging me to work on them. ( yes my projects beg.. Don't yours??)

Ahh relief is in sight. Meg's just asked if we would watch Harry Potter: Chamer of Secrets with her again. Which means I get to have almost 3 hours of knitting, camped out with the loves of my life. Yeah, I'd wager that it's worth it.

For any of you who have been reading but are lost as to what Dracena is, and what she is made from. She is a knit in the round poncho. Inspired by Yarn Harlot's- Harlot Poncho that is on her site. I started out with the pattern she wrote, and have been playing with peek a boo places of lace while I work. Currently she is residing on my US 11 circular needles, and is being made out of Caron So Soft Dark Plum color.

Anyway. I am off to go find solace, and peace in my knitting space with the family.
Until then.

Pardon the Dust

2005-01-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Moving a few things around. Mostly importing my entries from the blog I am leaving.
Be back soon

Til then

Sometimes I amaze myself...

2005-01-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

Today has been a very productive day. I moved from one blog I didn't like, to one I like much better.
(also, H can help when I get code stuck)
AND, I made a new friend. Korin at Knitting Zen who shares a common title with me. Which is beyond cool.
It started when I was making things for this blog, that the other one wouldn't let me have. That I made a blog tag that matched perfectly with her own. Mind you, I didn't discover hers until about 7 something PST.

I have yet to tackle Dracena for the night.
Dracena, being my pain in the rear poncho, who has been frogged out and restarted enough times to make me nuts. But anything that is a)named Dracena (a LARP character of mine) b) is a pain, usually turns out to be something that it worth it.

She has made my life interesting and has cause a severe rash of teasing from H (who is a new knitter btw), where after several scream matches and a whole bunch of new and colorful words. Looks at me and says " I thought knitting was your Zen?"

Anyways, I am excited, to be here, and finding such a new and comfortable place to rest my laurels on the Tangled WWW.

IF any of you are interested, there is more about me, on my webpage which is under construction, but my knitting things are under Hobbies: See Obsession.
There are a few free patterns and things there too.

Until Next Time

Moving on up.....

2005-01-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

Yay.. I am movin on to a new blog. I didn't like my old one because there was nowhere to edit the html in my links. Now, I can. Which means I won't have to link to my personal webpage everytime I want someone to see where I have been.

It took me a little while to figure out exactly which way to do it.. But thankfull I have a very patient HTML coder in the house who is going to be very proud to see what I have done while she was not at home.

Since I am starting over. please stay tuned to the page as I will update it frequently.

So, soon enough I will be going on about knitting and life.

Until then.

I get by with a little help from my friends.....

2005-01-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

Drace got back on the needles with a little help from a friend. She's off to a running start.
H's scarf went to the pond again and is about to get ReVamped ( every pun intended for those who know us)
Been doing some work on stuff. Due to the funky way my link space is set up for what blogs I visit and things, I have loaded them onto my website. The link will be updated when I get the time so you don't have to mess too much with what to click on. But for now.. Click on my website.. UP there on the left hand corner of your screen, then click on Enter. Then when you are all done reading about me. Then click on Obsession. Which has some simple and free patterns, the list of all the blogs that I visit are there too. Which means that you can see them.
Until I untangle myself from the world wide web... and knit it into something that makes sense for me. That's how you can find stuff..

Mood: Workin... and goin nuts..
Music: Help- Beatles
Momentary Thought: John, Paul, George and Ringo... But who was the Beatle before they got big?

Until next time..

Empty Noodle

2005-01-13T22:42:00.000-08:00

No new thoughts tonight.. Kinda empty headed. But the a good buzz with Makers Mark will do that to a person.

Been playing in photoshop and building a couple fun web pages, but nothing over extraordinary.
Spent a good part of my night helping my step daughter with her homework. I finally understand the frustrations of my own parents raising an independent and often self defeating smart child. I remember many many long nights of homework that just wasn't going to do itself. Only, now, some 20 years later, I find myself remember what my folks went through with me, and I am trying to improve on what they did. The patience they gave me and the many tears between us, are priceless gifts. I find myself wondering how to make it easier for my own child in this case ( Yes, I call my step daughter MINE. and I am DAMN PROUD of that too). She is a smart and amazing little girl. Even if she doesn't think she is.
Okay, so I am not as empty headed as I thought I was going to be.

There is much going on that I can't wait to have happen, like the weekend. Spending time with the family is way up there on my to do list. Although I am not sure what we are going to do. I've got about 3 UFO's that need to be worked on and completed if possible. But, those will get done after we have figured out what we are doing.

Monday is MLKing day.. and that means a holiday from work, so it's a long weekend. That's going to be nice.

So.. until next time.

America the Superhero

2005-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Topic for tonights Episode of the Soapbox.... Devastation.
You know, we look all around us and everywhere on the news is Devastation. We can't get away from the fact that Mother Nature took the time out of her busy schedule to remind us who was in control. In the last few weeks, we have experienced her on a global scale. A humbling experience for those who have been fortunate enough to miss her tirade. A frightening and life changing one for those who have had to live through it.

We have sent troupes to Asia to aid those who need it in the wake of a Tsunami, we are rallying to the cities and families in California who are living through one of the worst storms since the early nineteen hundreds. In a matter of weeks,people have lost homes, business, wordly possessions and the most priceless thing of all... Life.

There are those whom I must thank openly for the tireless and often times perform a very thankless job. Laying their lives on the line for those in need. Many of them wear uniforms, of various colors and styles. Everyone from the men and women who have made the choice to serve in the military, to the good samaritan who took only a few seconds to dial 911.
While my family and I have been blessed with only having to deal with the inconvience of rain, and the cabin fever that wet weather brings with it. We take the time to remember those who are dealing with the changes around them.
I think that is it for the chatter tonight.

Stay tuned.. Until next time......

Stormy Weather...

2005-01-10T22:45:00.000-08:00

It's another stormy night.. At the rate it's raining, I am thinking that I might turn into a duck. It's been raining since a couple days after christmas, and the most reprieve we have gotten has been about 24 hours.
Everything is soggy, and well, everyone is getting Cabin Fever.. At least I am a little.
I've thrown Dracena back into the knitting pile until I have had the time to seriously rethink the direction I want for her to go in. I have the image in my mind, I am just thinkin that I should get at the very least some of her down on paper before trying to commit to the stitches. Some of it yes, is my own discouragement in how she's been torn apart twice.. But isn't that one of the best things about being an artist of anykind. The ability to tear it apart and make it better the next time around.. H's scarf is still stumping me, and the best I can figure is that I am working with an unfamiliar weight of yarn. That and the texture of it is what is throwing me. Her's is in the process of being rethought as well.. Time for a different approach to it.
In other life breaking news.... Nothing.... Get up, go to work, come home, and start all over again.. It's a good routine.. one that works... For just about everyone involved.
Well.. I am about to head for the sheets, and their comforting embrace.. That and being in the arms of the person that I love. To listen to the rain pelt the windows, I can wish for a little rolling thunder in the distance, but you know.. I don't mind the easy lulling sounds of the rain..

It's not easy being Green.......

2005-01-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Welp... Dracena went back to the drawing board last night. As I was about 8 inches into the project, I found a twist in it, that shouldn't have been there. Somewhere, somehow the bottom wound up in the neck and well that just wasn't going to do.. At first, I thought that it might have been my circular needles were twisted in the yarn, so I bravely inserted a rescue stitch and went to see what I had done... Sure enough... It was a mess.. So I sang the song of the Frogs last night... Riiip it.... Riippp it...
So, I am back to square one..Which much to H's delight of teasing me about how my Knitting was supposed to be my Zen like state, why was I so frustrated. She then went on to remind me, that no project by the name of Dracena would be an easy one. ( Dracena is a LARP character, who has a bit of a difficult personality)

In more news.. http://launch.yahoo.com/read/news/14119810
Can someone please tell me what Manson has to do with this?? You know, the lack of accountability that people have for their own behavior amazes me. It amazes me almost as much as the other idiot adults who try to say that the kid did it because he was influenced by what he saw in Manson's work... Good Gods!
I am old enough to remember what Ozzy Osbourne and Dio went through with Suicide Solution and Hide in the Rainbow.. I mean really? Those kids didn't kill themselves because the songs told them too.. If that was the case, they weren't reading the same liner notes or singing the same lyrics I was singing. No, they killed themselves because they felt that there was noone there for them prior to finding a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Okay.. I think I better get off my soapbox now, and go find something else to do.. Since this crap is likely to just irritate me more.
Until Then

Kill 10..... get Nine Inch Nails

2005-01-06T18:33:00.000-08:00

Once again.. Kill 10 songs I don't want to hear and I get Nine Inch Nails.. it's an occasional trend that I am liking and wouldn't mind seeing more often. Am I an obsessed Fan. Hardly. While like many women I could oogle over the pictures of Trent Reznor with a lustful appreciation for his camera shy tendencies. I find that what draws me to him is his music. Or Art of Noise as my own mother who is also a fan calls it. The man is an enigma, that one would love to solve, however, I firmly believe that to pick apart this engima would detract from the beauty of it. He is a master of reinvention. Wether it's himself or his sound.. He is in a constant state of change. One that deserves much appreciation.

Okay, enough about that.
Pictures of Drace will be comming soon as she looks less and less like a blob of yarn in my lap, and more and more like the poncho she is becomming. H has found it amusing to watch me work on her with an intensity on my face that rivals a great chess match. I am still trying to document how it is that she is comming to be, so that I can share her with everyone. Even if I do find that I am trying to document 3 or more rows by the time that I am remembering to write it down..
The next panel for H's knitted quilt finally came to me, now all I have to do is put the design into motion. H's blankie has been an intense labor of love as I am trying hard to incorporate different textures with either the fibers or at least the patterns.. So far it is becomming a very much the name it is earing.. " Touch Me, Love Me, Make Me Feel Good" or just " Me, Me, Me" for short.
I never used to name my projects it was always something common like "Purple Shawl" or something else just plain ordinary.. Which is where I had to change. Every project is a work of art.. Even if it doesn't appeal to everyone who sees it.
Well that's about all that I have in my head for now... Until next time....

Gick... Germs

2005-01-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

Gick! I have a cold. Not the runny nose sniffling sneezing kind.. But the stuffy head kind.
We are in for another storm. Again to last another week or so. Oh well......
Dracena went to the pond. Again..... However, this time I really think that I like the direction she is going on.. I'm doing my best to document how she is being stitched, this way if someone asks I can at least put them in the right direction.
I'm excited.. ON 12.31.04 TR posted that With Teeth is finished, and that the band is rehearsing.. Now, I just wait for the new disc and the tickets to the show. After missing him more times than I can count in my home town, for various reasons.. ( The biggest one being a paramedic and having to work.) I am hoping that now that I have a new life and a new job that I might just be able to see him this time around... Which means I will have to just cross my fingers and hope.
Off I go, to breathe through mud, and try and hear out of a bucket..
Until next time...

Finding Neverland

2005-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Date Night last night. Went to see Finding Neverland and Dinner.
Once again, I walked away from the movie just more convinced at the genius work of Johnny Depp. Growing up. J.M. Barrie's story of Peter Pan always fascinated me. It still does. The movie got off to a slow start that had me questioning my choice. No sooner did I question it, that you watched a transformation of sorts. How the boy never grew up.
I cried over Tink again.. I think I will always cry over Tinkerbell.

Back on the knitting front. Dracena got a rework.. I frogged her out to rethink how she was going to be finished. And well.. I started over with a new progress in mind. So far, it appears that she is going to go much slower than I originally planned. But, I always think that in the beginning.
H's scarf, that I had been working in Borroco's Softy. I was just about done......... Until a puppy visiting our house got ahold of my needles. I had set them down on the sofa and got up to use the restroom... Returning to find that the puppy had pulled out the needle from the stiches....... Quick fix that time.. But, there were other things to do as company arrived. The project was put into the basket, and well.. the needles came out again. It doesn't matter how it happened. I sat down and went to the pond on it. It's going to be reworked here in the next couple of weeks.
Well.. I think that's it till next time.

Introspection... Retrospection... then Onward

2004-12-31T21:59:00.000-08:00

It's not quite the new year here in rainy California. But as the clock ticks toward the midnight hour, I find myself doing what I do every year. Looking back at the year at a glance to see where I was. Why? Because I distinctly remember my grandmother telling me as a child " Those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it." Those words have stuck with me through my life. Although, when I was younger they were the words that helped to get me through history class. I never realized they were words to live by until the last 4 years of my life.
This year had it's turbulence, most of it all matters of the heart. Like every other year I started it out single, and well,even though there are some who might argue how single I really was. But then that one person who would argue it, wouldn't commit to meeting me face to face. It was about then that I realized that it wasn't going to happen. There was no Arizona. Round about Easter I found myself in a position of a reunion, considering moving back to my midwestern home town in the frigid state of Michigan. Life kinda flew by day in and day out without me really noticing things.
It wasn't until I took a road trip.. Not just any roadtrip.. It was to a place I had never been to, somewhere that I thought I would never see. Lake Tahoe, California.. and the best part was that I was going to see my H. It was there that I got a serious wake up call. I wasn't sure if it was the breath of fresh air, after being stuck in the smog and bustle of Vegas, or if it was the fact that I realized that I was in the company of someone who loved me enough to let me go. It could have been a combination. After that visit, and touching the snow that was still on the ground Memorial Weekend on the peaks of the Mountains, it was then that my eyes were opened.
I felt like I was actually able to breath then. My whole life made sense, for the first time. I went back to the dingy bright lights of Sin City, and began packing up my existence.
I made the move to be with someone who loved me for me. All the insecurities, and the imperfections, all the scars, both internal and external.
From this point on I can see the forest through the trees. And the best part is that the snow capped mountains that breathed life into what I thought was a very dead part of me are within a hour of the house we share. I've come out of the fog of existence, and have never felt so alive in my life.
They say that the person that you kiss at the stroke of Midnight, New Years Eve, is the person that you are supposed to be with for the next year. Well, if that's the case, then I plan on kissing H next year at Midnight all over again.

Rain Rain Go away....... Figures.

2004-12-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

You know it figures. I lived in sunny, DRY Las Vegas for 3 and a half years, and would rejoice everytime we got a little spittle from the sky that resembled rain.
Now that I no longer live there, and I am in Northern California now, it's been raining for 4 days. I am not so far up the Sierra Nevada's that I get snow, infact I am about 10 miles out of the snowline. Which means that every time the mountains get snow, we get rain. I can't complain. Considering that rainy days give me an excuse to break out my blankie, and a good book, set a cup of tea, coffee, or glass of wine next to the sofa, and sack out. It also allows for time to catch up on the movies that are now on DVD because they moved out of the theatre so fast.
Even better, I get to begin my christmas gift, H found for me a boxed set of books, on some of histories more notorious women. A favorite topic of mine.
In knitting news. I finished the sack, or as it has been lovingly named by H. " The bag of Holding". All I have to do is finish the strap and it's complete. I like it.. which means I might have to make another one. I started a new project last night, I am calling it Dracena. Right now, she's purple, black and white, and looks like a mess. I'll keep ya posted on what Dracena is going to turn out to be.(I'm thinking a warped version of a Harlot's shawl)
Mind you, all these little side projects have come out to try and empty out the remnants in my scrap box. Which means that only heaven knows what is going to come out of that box.

Now we come to one of the favorite places in my blog... Deep thoughts.. and today's thought is on music. Let's talk about cover tunes... Seeing as how they seem to be the current rage. I don't know who started it, but come on. However, before I bust myself.. I like what Manson did with Tainted Love and with Personal Jesus. Even thought there will always be a warm fuzzy place in my soul for Soft Cell and Depeche Mode. But did we have to cover, Behind Blue Eyes, The Wall, and Imagine? I mean, those songs are timeless in their original states. Why try and do it again. There a countless others that shouldn't be covered, some because they absolutely SUCKED the first time around, others because well... You should mess with perfection. Example... Hurt.... 'nuff said.. ( even if it was kinda cool to see it happen.) It's like Pat Boone singing Alice Cooper and Metalica..... *shudders and curs into the fetal postion*
Okay.... that's it for my gripe... Time for me to go back to work...

Watched Coffee Pots never Perk

2004-12-29T08:11:00.000-08:00

YAY! Another Rainy Day.
I guess that I can't complain about the rain. Afterall, I live where I do, and at this time we are free from environmental devastation. SO, I shouldn't complain too much.
Reminds me of a poem. " I was feeling sorry for myself until I saw..." For those of you who don't know that one, you should go find it. It's a good one. Kinda helps put your bad day in perspective.
It may take a while to post this, or I may post a couple times today.. It all depends on how well the "toaster" cooperates, that and I have a mountain and then some of filing to do.
I am almost done with my drawsting bag. I am working the bottom rows now, and I am going to attempt to shape it closed. We'll see if it works... I will try and run a save my butt stitch soon just incase I wind up froggin.
Until Later.

Rain rain.....

2004-12-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

Oh Joy.. Embarking on another rainy day. Just lovely.
Started my day with an adventure as a co worker experienced a car fire. So, standing out in the rain, with fire extinguishers, as another co worker is inside dealing with "911 can you please hold?"
No, I am not kidding either. Once the smoke cleared, we realized that it wasn't so much of a fire, as it was a severe coolant issue. Over heating in the NON traditional sense. We called back to the building, and told them to cancel the 911 dispatch..
Now, I don't know if this is comical or maddening, but noone did. However, when my co worker who is a volunteer fire fighter called 911 to bitch about the " please hold" Something else was discovered, noone called to cancel the Big Red Truck, and men who just woke up. However, 30 minutes later, and no truck. Oh well..
That was my adventure for the day. So it's back to the grind and processing paper work, and making some phone calls. Which means that for now I am tuned into My Launchcast Radio Station, on yahoo, and killing COUNTRY. Just so I can have my morning dose of NIN. Can someone please tell me WHY when you click on ONE country song that you like and all of a sudden, youi get the Grand Ole Opry playing in your ears?
YES!!! kill 10 country songs and one bubble gum pop tune and I get Trent.. I wonder if that will work all day!! - vanishes temporarily to tune totally into the sound of Nine Inch Nails-
Okay my moment of levity is gone. Back to coffee and paper work.

Rain Rain

2004-12-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

A year free of the Dreaded Paris?

2004-12-27T21:18:00.000-08:00

Is it possible? Probable even? That we might find a year without seeing Paris Hilton in the news? Oh I could only hope. I mean really what is there to idolize about her? Okay so she is filthy rich and bored out of her mind. So bored in fact that she got the notion somewhere in her head that she might actually be a role model that parents would want their children to aspire to be.
Nope, not me, and not in this house. I believe in teaching our daughter to be her own woman, to be proud of her individuality and to go out and get what she wants for herself. That working hard is they choice way of getting anywhere in life.
Well, cheers to all! And here's to a year where with hope more harder working woman will make headlines!

No more Silver Bells ringing make for a Wonderful Silent Night.

2004-12-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

YAY!! Christmas is OVER!! I never thought that I would say that. Granted the joy on my Step-Daughters face when she opened presents from Santa Claus. ( Yes, she still believes, and I don't mind supporting that). That is what Christmas should be.. In other Christmas news I have to applaud the parents who auctioned their kids gifts on E Bay. That took a lot of Tough Love to do that. And the lesson was more than Priceless IMHO. Choices are something that can't be undone. They can only be lived with.
The FO scarfs that I did as gifts are all out of the house and now with their respective owners. That is a good feeling to know they are where they belong. There is a draw back.. The remnant stash has grown HUGE! Time to find some scrap projects. Like Square Slippers, and who knows what else.
I bought H some yarn for the " Blanket Project". Along with one that she fondled ALOT when we were in the local yarn shop. So, now I have a new UFO, of a scarf for her.
In other knitting news. I conquered a fear this weekend. DPN's. Yep, I was intimidated by DPN's, and I seem to have conquered it. I made for the MIL, a water bottle holder. H is working the strap. Since her mom wants it to be Bandolero length.
From that I went straight to making a drawstring bag. Figure that I might want to make certain that I have conquered the fear of mulitiple needles.
Eventually I'll figure out how to make socks. But, for now, let me stick with bigger things..
Anyway, I am back at work, and I just got a pile of stuff that HAS to be done before the end of the week.
Until Next time!

Christmas Breeds insanity

2004-12-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

The older I get the more I find that the Christmas season breeds insanity. In the era of Me First and the Gimme Gimme's ( not the band, but the attitude). I am finding that I dislike it more and more.
I had a date, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the insane holidays. Yes, I had a date. A real one too.. Don't get me wrong, we have gone out many times in the past. But, last night, was a real date, complete with dinner, a movie, a new book, and Lest We Forget. By our loving Marilyn Manson. The movie, you ask? Blade: Trinity. It was good, it made up for the fact that the second one was the suckiest Blade flick ever.
Didn't have to worry about being parents, since the MIL is in town. (Thank Caine for Bourbon and Valium. Never together kiddies.. Never ever). So, we had a sitter, and we didn't have to worry too much.
SO, while the world is going insane. I have found my Zen in finishing some knit projects. I know, 2 days to go, and I just started on the last scarf. Fortunately, I have fast fingers, and the person I am giving this one too, we don't get to see until Monday after Christmas anyway.
As far as my "stash" is concerned. Well, the several skiens of yarn that I have gone through for gifts, haven't quite put a dent in it yet. Still in the box, are the pieces to H's blanket. I am about halfway done with it. I just have to work on it more.. Unfortunately, there were presents to make.
H has blue and silver yarn in it for an HP scarf. I'll have to let you all know how it comes out.
I can't sit and type for much longer since I am supposed to be purging charts.. Yep, I am at work folks. And decided to get back to working on my bloggin'. I wonder if I willl be able to keep better track of it this new year.
I totally revamped it since the last time I worked on it. I am pleased so far.
In other news. I am hoping that Santa brings for me the 10th anniversary edition of Nine Inch Nails: The Downward Spiral, lots of yarn, and well.. a few other things that shall remain unmentioned.
Until next time.