Recently in personal Category

The title says it all. It's been one full year since I moved to Portland, OR, and since my move I've been absorbed by its beauty and sheer perfection. And of course, along with it, I dove right into my work and everything else that goes along with life. Basically, this is a poor excuse for not writing and letting all of my friends know that I'm still here.

So three words for you. Life is good. I'm happy, we are happy, and the furry kids are happy.

I'm still knitting and spinning, and making things. Quilting has also entered my life, and some day I will finish my quilt. This summer's goal is to finish a fancy lace shawl, spin up some yarn, and head to the Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene. If you're out this way in June, look me up!

For now, if you're reading, say hi and accept my apologies for not writing.

Yesterday DH and I celebrated five years of marriage! Five years - yes five years. How time flies! We decided to lay low and invite the folks over for dinner and cook a lovely dinner. Towards the end of dinner I was presented with a gift from DH, which totally took me by surprise.

See we had agreed that we would not exchange gifts for our 5th year anniversary since we are going to Chile in September. One would think that spending vacation in Chile is more than enough or at least I think is enough but nooooo...the DH got me diamond earrings! Gorgeous earrings! I've always wanted diamond earrings. Always. Now I have them and they won't be coming off anytime soon.

Now back to the weekend of diamonds. Head over to Maeve's and congratulate her on her recent engagement! The ring is gorgeous Maeve. Congratulations!

Long ago when knitting was not in my life I spent alot of time going to concerts and shows, and recently I've been listening to loads of Sirius. During one of my commutes in to work I started thinking of all of the bands I've seen over the years and how I should start a list before I forget who I saw. Here's just a few of them...

7 Year Bitch
Aimee Mann
Babes in Toyland
Bad Brains
Beastie Boys
Belle & Sebastian
Black Crowes
Boss Hog
Built To Spill
Buzzov-en
Concrete Blonde
De La Soul
Dwarves
Eyehategod
Fugazi
Gillian Welch
Helmet
Iggy Pop
Jane's Addiction
Janet Jackson
Joan Jett
John Zorn
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Kyuss
Lenny Kravitz
Luna
Mogwai
Monster Magnet
Neil Young
Nitzer Ebb
Pavement
Pentagram
Pixies
Public Enemy
Quiet Riot [not kidding]
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Reverend Horton Heat
Royal Trux
Sebadoh
Smashing Pumpkins
Sneaker Pimps
Sonic Youth
Soundgarden
Stereolab
Supersuckers
The Afghan Whigs
The Cult
The Melvins
Too Much Joy
U2
Violent Femmes
Voivod
Wilco
Yo La Tengo

I'm alive, really I am!!!! I've been working crazy hours (read - 60 hour work weeks) and my knitting and spinning projects haven't been touched in weeks. Worst of all I haven't had anytime to read blogs in weeks either. I hate it! But guess what?! I'm changing jobs effective Thursday, 12/1 and I'll be in Old Town full time!!!

You know what that means, right? Happy place here I come! I can't wait to hang out on Wednesday nights again. I'll be there this Wednesday if all goes right....

So, keep checking back...I'll be blogging full time again very soon.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

Yes, yes and yes! I prefer natural fibers..mohair, wool, silk, cotton, cashmere, etc. I would rather not have any acrylic in my stash.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Both, although I spin more than crochet. I only crochet to make jewelry not garments.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
No, not really but I detest smoke.

4. How long have you been knitting?
Gosh, for a while now but actively for the past 2 years.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yup! Check out my RAOK and wish list link on the side.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
hhmmm...hard to say....lavender, sandalwood, that sort of thing.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Unfortunately I do. Chocolate!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I make jewelry using vintage glass beads, wire, and threads.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
all kinds but I stick with alternative, indie and good ol' rock and roll.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all colors especially blues, purples, greens and browns.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have two furry kids named Pikachu and Lobo.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
Own a bookstore and travel the world!

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
anything with silk in it.

14. What fibers do you absolutely not like?
acrylic and polyester

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
lace and sweaters

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
don't have a favorite right now

17. What are you knitting right now?
socks, sweater, scarf and two lace projects

18. What do you think about ponchos?
love them!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
circular

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
bamboo but will pull out my Denise needles when necessary as well as my Addi Turbos

21. Are you a sock knitter?
I try to be but haven't finished a pair yet. however that doesn't keep me from buying more sock yarns.

22. How did you learn to knit?
my mom and grandmother

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
2 months

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Pikachu

25. What is your favorite holiday?
don't have one

26. Is there anything that you collect?
unfortunately I do. records, magazines, books, fabric, vintage sewing items, vintage jewelry, old photos, paper and so on.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
IK

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Knitting over the edge

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
Rogue

My checklist has begun...2 1/2 days to go...

• Knitting material - check
• Reading material - check
• iPod - check
• Toothbrush - check
• Money - check
• Clothes - check
• Travel guide - check
• Passport - check
• Flight details - check

Pheewwww! Now I just need to pack. While I'm away for two weeks I leave you with this photo:

A lovely box of fiber from the Silkworker. This is wool and silk in beautiful browns and pink. yummy stuff!!!!

I couldn't resist digging into it! I start spinning this right up and and have about half of the box to go.

See ya!

1. Idiot:: man
   
2. Rocket:: man
   
3. Liability:: she is
   
4. Harmless:: mice
   
5. Stringy:: yucky word
   
6. Theater:: house
   
7. Gwyneth:: who?
   
8. Use it or lose it:: brain
   
9. Sonic:: Youth
   
10. Pucker:: lemon
    

5 things I miss from childhood.

If you want to participate the chain-letter part works like this: remove the blog at #1 from the following list and bump every one up one place; add your blog's name in the #5 spot; just check to make sure the links are still attached if you copy and paste.

1. Sassy Stitchess
2. Stitch
3. Cooknknit
4. Wool Is Wonderful
5. Mimosa Knits

1. Hello Kitty store visits - This was almost a weekly visit where I got to spend a few bucks and get a freebie from the store! I loved it dearly. Somewhere along the line though I've lost my treats. :(

2. Summers at the pool - When I didn't care about sun damage, I spent every waking moment at the pool sunbathing and playing with my friends. We didn't have a care in the world! No duties, responsibilities, timelines, or aches and pains. Just wonderful.

3. Chile - My experience of being born there and raised in this wonderful country will forever be engraved into my brain. Life was simple, full of laughter, and surrounded by family. Love it!

4. & 5. - Repeat #3 and I would be set. Food from Chile, traveling down the coast to the beaches, learning how to knit and crochet, school, climate, people, customs, and more.

1. Complexion:: not bad
   
2. Teach:: ing
   
3. Back to school:: traffic
   
4. Months:: till holidays
   
5. Nominate:: me
   
6. Favorite curse word:: too many to list
   
7. Concerned:: about nothing
   
8. Better:: what?
   
9. Escalate:: yelling
   
10. Unveil:: surprise
    

1. Risks:: life
   
2. Abdominal:: pain
   
3. Radiant:: sunshine
   
4. The usual:: shit
   
5. Mix and match:: socks
   
6. Wireless:: tongue
   
7. Remedial:: work
   
8. Mile:: high
   
9. Long lost:: shoes
   
10. Only one:: love
    

I'm crazy busy trying to finish my sweater and freelancing. Plus I'm trying to get things moving on the website design front for my business. So, this will be quick!

The weather sucks! My car's a/c is not working! I got a new mattress (like you care). I have one more month till our trip to Europe....ahhhh must find knitting shops in Germany and Prague. Anyone?

I'm a spinning fool...selling hanks right now but only those that don't have a project assigned to them. Did I mention how much I HATE hot weather? Ok, back to spinning. I "heart" my Schacht spinning wheel! It rocks, which reminds me, it's been three days since I last used it. Oh no!

Back to spinning and knitting.

ps - hello to the irregulars at KH!

Thank you for your gift! I was quite surprised to receive your items - very thoughtful indeed! My favorite was the asian knot thingie. Very cool!! and the knitting needles, and the beads, and all of it! Thanks again for a wonderful experience.

Birthdays and Reminders
So for me, this time of year is a little bit hard to deal with. Actually, it's weird how the mind works but my mental block began about 2 weeks ago. Why, do you ask? Let's see...June 9, 2004 my son was born, it was the most wonderful and scary event that's ever happened in my life. Scary because he wasn't due for another 13 weeks, wonderful b/c I got to meet him.

That was just the beginning of our adventure. The next 5 weeks was spent holding our breath waiting to see how his body would deal with this premature arrival. I got to hold him twice, change his diaper, take his body temperature, and watch him gain weight. Then he got sick -- very sick, and what seem to be a slow recovery ended on July 16, 2004. Julien Robert Velis Potter passed away that night in our arms.

This Summer and every Summer hereafter will always be full of reminders but not all sad ones. There's wedding anniversaries, birthdays, and yes, a death reminder but that's ok. Slowly but surely the death of my son has become easier to deal with. Some days are better than others and as long as I have a supportive network of friends and family I will be ok.

That's it for today.

Did you know that eBay had a URL devoted to crafts? I didn't! Check out this marvelous list of things you can dive into:

http://crafts.ebay.com/

Interesting how eBay is promoting this area, I guess my dollars along with other thousands of crafty people have made this quite a popular category. Anyways, why do I mention this? Well, I'm looking into buying a spinning wheel and what better place than eBay to research for one. I'm thinking of testing some out at a store near me and then buying one through them or online. I've also come across some great sites devoted to selling used spinning equipment.

Weekend Activities
Estate sales, estate sales, bead shop and crocheting a necklace! Yup, I picked up crochet again and it's sooo cool! But don't get too excited I don't have anything to show ya just yett. From the estate sales, I picked up some fabric, beads, children's books, purses and more! I hadn't gone to one in a while and just got the urge on Saturday to visit one near me.

BUT the most important news here is not that I shopped but that I will be selling some of things very soon, such as books, records, purses, posters, zines, yarn and beads, and whatever else I find. All of this so I can buy a spinning wheel! Keep checking back for photos and prices.

Thanks!

1. Android::daily life
   
2. Revenge::yes!
   
3. Knight::who?
   
4. Stranded::in an antique store
   
5. Weakness::vintage anything
   
6. Greed::ness
   
7. Walter::spoon
   
8. Dense::average citizen
   
9. Sheep::fiber
   
10. Propane::another source
    

Wondering what means? It means "Adorn Me" in Spanish, and it's the name of my new jewelry business...well hobby. And no, I haven't stopped knitting or spinning. Actually making jewelry came first and then I started knitting. In the future I'd like to do more blending of both hobbies...embellish felted purses with beads, string beads from handspun yarn and so on.

Spinning
It looks like the KHers have picked up the drop spindle bug...soon girls you'll be researching a wheel. Did anybody pick up some of that yummy angora/wool/silk roving from Wild Meadows Angora? Personally I can't keep my hands off it BUT I can not spin it until I'm done with my merino/silk roving which I've started integrating mohair locks. Right now it's more of an experiment than anything else.

Knitting
I'm half way done with Rowan's Monette scarf knit in Kidsilk Haze, which is a dream to knit with. I'm not sure what I'll knit next. I guess I should be doing a summery item but right now I'm not that inspired. Any ideas for fun summer projects?

Funny how life just takes over and you have no idea where time has gone. Lately it's been a whirlwind of events! Birthdays, shows, Philly, and so on. Now I'm in the midsts of prepping for my FIRST public jewelry sales event. No biggie but a first for me. I've sold privately to individuals or done custom work requests here and there but never out in public. YIKES!

To top things off, my garden is growing by leaps and bounds and I need to spend more time on it. I need to move plants, remove some and clean up from the winter. So much to do!!!

1. Dirty work:: laundry
   
2. Shopkeeper:: me
   
3. Goodness:: where?
   
4. Yearning:: time
   
5. Show and tell:: not now
   
6. Trapped:: inside a jar
   
7. Malcolm:: who?
   
8. Season:: Spring!
   
9. Bestseller:: who cares
   
10. Desk:: top
    

1. Judge::executor
   
2. Detroit:: rock city
   
3. Hyphen:: period
   
4. Get it right:: wrong
   
5. Pulsating:: wrist
   
6. Yoga:: soul
   
7. Memorable:: trips
   
8. Financial advisor:: it's a good thing
   
9. Ten million:: too many
   
10. I:: wish
    

Hope this helps...

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

Absolutely! I've tried the cheaper brands and it hurts my hands. Besides why not go for the best!

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I spin and used to know how to crochet. I just started spinning this Winter and mostly do drop spindle.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

No, but I can't stand smoke.

4. How long have you been knitting?

For a long time, but only recently picked it back up so still a newbie.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

yes, amazon.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

all kinds as long as it's not too flowery

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

unfortunately - chocolate is my addiction!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

wow. let's see, I make jewelry, hand spinning, book binding, and on, and on...

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

have you heard of KEXP.org? Best indie radio station in the world! Anything they play from 9am-12pm EST is on my favorites or wish list.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?

I tend to go for the more muted colors, earthy tones, but I've started to explore the pastels especially purple.

11. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Koigu, Noro, Mountain Colors, Rowan, Lorna's Laces, and Alchemy. I also love handspun yarns.

12. What fibers do you absolutely not like?

not fond of 100% cotton

13. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

It was mittens but I never got started.

14. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Not sure. Too much to choose from, I want to try one of everything.

15. What are you knitting right now?

Socks

16. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Circular and DPNs for socks

17. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Depends...I love my Denise but I lust over wood and bamboo.

18. Are you a sock knitter?

I'm a wannabe

19. How did you learn to knit?

Grandma and Mother

20. How old is your oldest UFO?

about 3 months

21. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

Pikachu and Hello Kitty! oh and Badtz-Maru

22. Is there anything that you collect?

Scary but yes. Vintage glass beads, buttons, jewelry, fabrics, paper, books, posters, and records.

1. Coroner:: cold
   
2. Mystify:: orders
   
3. Corroborate:: interpret
   
4. Misinterpret:: communicate
   
5. Humorless:: sad
   
6. Calculus:: aaarrgghhh
   
7. Eye for an eye:: justice
   
8. CPR:: lips
   
9. Stitched:: in time
   
10. Facility:: water closet
    

1. Pistol:: Wild Bill Hickok
   
2. Rick:: Lick
   
3. Full circle::broken
   
4. I wish:: Upon
   
5. Frame:: me
   
6. Adult:: flame
   
7. Photography:: square
   
8. Stew:: Pot
   
9. Cheat:: you
   
10. Brad:: love
    

What da fu@%? I like a little bit of winter just enough so you can appreciate spring. But what happened? When is winter going to arrive? I want to knit cold weather items when it's cold not when it's 70 out!

Let's see what else is new. Nada. Yup. I rarely have time to post. Work keeps me busy and my hobbies even busier. Wendy, how's that spinning coming along? I'm getting new fiber very soon from Three Waters Farm, about 6 ounces of pinkish Leicester/Mohair. I can't wait!

1. Perfect Gift:: love
   
2. Santa:: elves
   
3. Lucy:: in the sky
   
4. Buckets:: water
   
5. Recital:: songs
   
6. Stamp:: world
   
7. Teacher:: wisdom
   
8. Matchbox:: cars
   
9. Spit:: frothy
   
10. Feeling:: nothing
    

Yes, I'm baaaaackkkk....well, at least for a short while. Work has been kicking my butt and preparing for the holidays was the same. I finished knitting all of my gifts and making some jewelry for the ladies.

So, what's UP? Not much. Working, eating, sleeping, working, eating, sleeping, knit, work, eat, sleep, spin...you get the idea. Later this week I'll be able to get back to a more normal blog schedule but until then enjoy the holidays!

Happy new year!

Yup. I'm singing that tune out of town...but not just yet. I leave Friday afternoon for a trip to Pittsburgh then next week I'm on vacation! Yippeeee!!! Actually I'm taking a week off between my current job and my new job. I can't wait to leave my job. Can not wait.

So, on the road again. Now this is more for me then you but I'm sure you'll enjoy it too:

Nov. 19-21: in Pittsburgh
Nov. 22-25: at home
Nov. 26-28: in New York City
Nov. 29: begin new job!
Dec. 4: handspinning class
Dec. 5: in Philly for Pixies show!
Dec. 6: back in DC to work until Wednesday, Dec. 8th...the Pixies again! but in DC

Phewww...lots going on which means not much time to finish presents. This week I have to put in more time.

Xmas gift to do list

Finish scarf for bro
Finish scarf for MIL
Add beaded fringe to SIL's scarf
Hat for Stepdad
Scarf/Hat for Stepmom
Jewelry for family women
Bunny for MJ
Scarf for Dad
Hat for bro
Scarf for future SIL

Oooohh boy! Gotta get cracking!

NYC Trip

An official trip has been planned for NYC! While the DH goes for a ride I'll be shopping for beads, paper, fabric and yarn! Where you ask? Well, my project manager tendencies come out full force for these kinds of trips where time is crucial!

For Friday
York Beads
Kate’s Paperie

For Saturday
Bruce Frank Beads
Metalliferous
Phoenix Beads
Habu Textiles
Fabric/Ribbon/Button Stores in the Garment district

1. Childhood:: memories
   
2. Ransom:: kidnap
   
3. Melissa:: who?
   
4. Trust me:: believe you
   
5. Report:: book
   
6. Give up:: no
   
7. Nightgown:: dress down
   
8. Smokes:: pipe
   
9. Cookies & cream:: ben and jerry's
   
10. Gameshow:: host
    

I mentioned to the KH irregulars the other night that yesterday was my job interview. Well, guess what? Yup! I landed the job. I'm sooooo excited to be starting a new endeavor. I'm in desperate need for a change. After Julien's death the DH and I decided that a new job would be good. I could focus on something fresh and leave behind the somewhat daily reminder. Don't get me wrong this place (my current job) has been quite supportive during this tragedy but now I need to move on.

So, what does all of this mean? Well, working longer hours, better pay, possibly more knitting and reading time and MORE YARN! I'm doing the happy dance but I'm still sticking to my must have pattern before buying yarn promise. AND I need to save $$$ for the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. Between now and then I want to learn how to spin and at the show pick up a beautiful drop spindle. I can't wait!!

Weekend Plans?

I'm thinking about hitting some estate sales and visiting with the Mother. We'll see b/c my in-laws will also be in town.

Nope! I'm not doing it. Now more than ever getting involved is important. So do it. Pick a cause, volunteer, donate, protest.

Pictures?

Yes, I have some but not right now. I'm more than half way thru my next XMas gift. I'm flying! I have two more scarves, one hat, and a bunny. After that the DH wants his sweater and I'll want things for moi. Oh yeah - Pikachu and Lobo want a kitty bed.

Yarn Diet

I've been torn about this lately thinking maybe it's time. Just maybe. I really enjoy all of the luscious fibers but what will I do with them especially since there's not enough time in a day. From now on, no more yarn unless I have a pattern picked out for it. I'll save money for the Maryland May festival and get my fill then. That's a plan!

I've been bombarded with comment spamming! Aaarrgghhh!!!! Do people really believe that we will follow along and contact them for such dumb stuff! Really give us a break. If you're having problems and use MT go here for an excellent tutorial and tips on how to combat this problem.

Back to the world of knitting

I've made alot of progress on my SIL's xmas gift. I'm knitting her a scarf using a simple garter drop stitch pattern. The yarn calls for a US 5-6 but I'm using US 9s for a lacy effect. The yarn is 50/50 merino wool and kid mohair. Yummy stuff! I'm doing the same pattern for my MIL's scarf but instead I'm using a thicker yarn and added some eyelash to it. I'm thinking of adding beaded fringe to the scarves.

The poncho is also coming along and I hope to be done by late November.

Another trip

Yes, boys and girls I'll be heading out of town tomorrow, which means I'll miss late night at KH again! Darn it!!! The DH and I are going up to Maine for about 5 days. We're driving up there and stopping in NYC to visit friends. I wonder if I can make a yarn stop? Hhmmm...must convince hubby of importance. I'd like to visit Habu.

Speaking of yarn stops...any suggestions? I'll be in Saco, near Portland. I know there's lots of textile shops but I have no idea where the yarn is. I did find out that Tess' Designer Yarns is 4 hours north, Halcyon Yarns is 45 min away, and there's more in Portland. I can't wait! I want to pick up local yarns and spinning items.

If you have any suggestions drop me a line.

I couldn't go to late night at Knit Happens last night. So sad, so very sad. Instead, I was on my way to Gaithersburg for dinner and laughter. The DH and I decided to take the metro up instead of driving and killing someone on the road. Good idea. We had a great time celebrating my SIL's bday - the big 30!

I brought along my poncho and knitted some rows. I still have a good 10 inches to go. At this rate I won't be done until Spring. The problem is the knitting is so darn simple that I'm bored to tears. Right now I only have 3 projects on needles. And all three are super simple. I think I'll have to throw in a more interesting item in there. Maybe a sock? HHmmm....socks....or mittens...hhhmm...mittens. I did pick up some yummy Dancing Leaf Farm yarn just for mittens. Oooohhhh...yes, I must start that.

Nooks

My hobbies have taken over our family room. Yes, I admit it. I try to be organized but sometimes my nook flows everywhere. The cats don't even know what to make of it. I have a large clear plastic tote (you know the kind you can throw anything in) that holds my yarn stash; a small tool bag filled with ribbons, fabric, felt, embroidery supplies, etc; a large woven bag that holds my knitting magazines, books, yarn and more knitting supplies; a vintage standing knitting bag with my current project(s) and supplies; my beading tackle box; a flat bead organizer; random beading supplies laying around; and last but not least my expandable folder with my upcoming book making project. That doesn’t include random shopping bags, filled with lovely yarn, hanging out with the rest of it.

Does this make you dizzy? It makes me dizzy just thinking about it. My DH just rolls his eyes and smiles. He knows how it is to have consuming habits. His occupies our storage area. So what can I do to remedy this problem? Why buy more storage and organize!

Here's what I'm thinking of getting:

I could have this in the family room and move everything else upstairs and set up my craft room. This cart would have my essentials and current project. I could also use some of my fabric to drape over it and make it look more like furniture. If there's any fellow craftaholics reading this please drop me a comment and let me know what you use to organize. I'd love to read about other solutions! TIA.

More books

Did I mention I collect books too? From the wonderful world of eBay:

Somerset Studio: Return to Asia

Japanese Felt Fabric Doll, Animal and Toys' craft book

Do you see a theme here? The first book is for ideas and inspiration. I'd like to make my own book/journal, and I love anything to do with the Asian culture. The second book is for making felt fabric toys and such - yes, I'm knitting a toy but I'm also thinking of making some angels. Funny thing though I'm not sure where I'll find the time to do all of this. Regardless, finding things to do, generating creativity is fun and warms my soul. Speaking of creativity and inspiration have you seen Wee Wonderful's cat doll? Run over there and check it out!

And I want this!

I got a really cool gift from Annie - two downloads from Audible.com! Awesome! I've been wanting to try this out for quite some time. Thank you Annie!!!!

Julien's Afghans

My Mother and Grandmother have made a wonderful donation in memory of Julien. Check out this great crocheted afghan:

This one and three others have been donated to afghans for Afghans. Gracias Mami y Abuelita!

More inspiration

Today's post from Norma has a beautiful pic of her new purse handles. These were made by Gibson Girl Design. I had seen something similar to this at Knit Happens as one of their displays. They currently have a class on making these. It's something I definitely want to try out especially since I have so many beads! Yikes!!

I love it when I find like minded individuals. People who aren't scared to share their views but best of all who have a great sense of humor. I couldn't have said it better, so here's Norma.

On other topics, thanks to everyone who has dropped by and given me a pick up. Thanks so much, it means soooo much to know I'm not alone and others may not know the pain but can certainly sympathize. Thanks again.

Klaralund

I'm knitting as fast as I can...I have about 10" of the sleeves done. I'm knitting both at the same time and they're turning out great! Hopefully I can finish by early next week. Tonight will also be spent exclusively on this project as I visit Knit Happens for knitting session.

It's been three months since my emergency C-section, and almost two months since Julien passed away. Since his death, I decided the least I could do was get healthy and lose weight. So far I've lost 7 lbs and joined Weight Watchers. Today I joined a gym! I can't believe I actually worked out today and it wasn't soooo bad. It's weird because four years ago I was working out hard core almost every day but that's just the problem. I've got to do things in moderation otherwise I get burned out and loose interest in it.

I'm thinking that my schedule will be work out Monday, Tuesday and Friday. On Thursday's I have yoga, plus it's on the way to my LYS. Oh and Wednesdays will be Knit night at Knit Happens. So, there you have it. I've allowed myself to do fun things while still focusing on my ultimate goal of losing weight. I've got to do this.

And now from my awesome secret pal, I present you my first package:

I got a great handmade card, awesome DPNs (check out the gorgeous sock point protectors), and last but not least two skeins of DGB Confetti yarn. Thank you secret pal in Canada!

My weekend began on Friday with a trip to the Eastern shore of Maryland. The DH and I went to Easton and St. Michaels for a day of touring. Best of all I got a great weaved bag, and of course yarn! Then the real work had to begin Saturday...we began our project of nailing down hardwood floors. Great! I'll have to post pics when we're done but for now I've got make dinner. See ya!