Phunkyknitter

Spring Cleaning

2008-03-23T10:42:00.002-05:00

In the spirit of spring cleaning (which I rarely do) and trying to minimize my tasks - given I am always on multi task overload - I am contemplating merging my two blogs to one - on Word Press (gasp leave Blogspot?) and focus on Ravelry and play games on facebook. All of these entities take up entirely too much of my time and tend to un-focus me when I am attempting to do other things (while these windows are open as well.) In otherwords it keeps me BUSY and many of you pentecostals know what "BUSY" stands for!

Stay tuned for an update and redirect.

The good news - I have been knitting! : )

Knitting alot - as you can see below!

Catch you Ravelery (bonzaiknitz) and Facebook (as me)...

Multi-tasking OVERLOAD

2007-11-23T23:22:00.000-06:00

I am not sure if it's my multi-tasking overloaded life that has caused a slump in my posting or the fact that I have been spending what little internet time I have on Ravelry...... but I have failed miserably to update my blog (in a while). This week I have had a few days off and tried to relax. I have discovered I am not a person who can RELAX. My gosh I am addicted to chaos. I am addicted to running from one appointment to another. I am addicted to multi-tasking. I am addicted to NOT sitting still.

I was watching the news (only because I was still up working) and saw a special on people who multi-task. Apparently there is a new "disorder?" for "us." It's called multi-tasking overload. HOW ORIGINAL!

As I understand it - the blackberries, multiple windows simultaneously open (sorry Leopard), the lack of actual personal communication face to face and increased work hours/weeks has created this overload.

Symptoms?

Frequent Headaches

Memory failure (of simple things like your children's names in mid sentence and of appointments and commitments)
Inability to complete tasks
fatigue
insomnia/sleep disorder
blurry vision
Stress
nausea/IBS like symptoms
irritability
muscle aches/body aches
dry skin (I am not sure about this one? Is multitasking just sucking the life out of you?)

One mom was quoted as saying "I come home and the kids are jumping all over me with what they have done for the day and I want to scream - enough - I can't take one more thing! My brain hurts."

I paused....... mi gosh that sounds like??????

Then I came across the symptoms for CFS or Fibromyalgia.....

Frequent Headaches

Memory failure or inability to concentrate
Inability to complete tasks
fatigue
insomnia/sleep disorder
blurry vision
Stress
nausea/IBS like symptoms
irritability
muscle aches/body aches
dry skin

Now I am totally confused..........

Until told otherwise I will be multi-tasking and opening as many windows I possibly can on my relic of windows at work and my soon to be upgraded MAC at home.

In the meantime I am trying my best to relax. I still twitch when I hear an ambulance go by or think I FEEL my blackberry buzzing on my hip.... (when it's not really there..... it's on my dresser with the EDGE disabled by the DH). Today I cleaned the house from top to bottom, dust bunnies, marks on the wall (how do scuff marks end up on the top part of walls - where feet should never be? and that lone hair on the ceiling? and dust bunnies under the bed? ), purged books I have read - donating them to charity for a book sale, reorganized closets, reorganized drawers, reorganized the knitting (and the scrapbooking) and did laundry - you know the laundry that rarely gets done - the comforters, the pillows from the sofa, the throws, the curtains (yes I finally put curtains up today) and finally collapsed at 2230 t0 KNIT. I couldn't stand to just sit and knit all day without having something to do while knitting (computer, blackberry, reading online for work, etc....) Of course my DH was twitching because I can't just clean ONE room at a time - I have to float from room to room - fragmenting and multi-tasking my cleaning. He a mono-task individual. Give home two things to do and he decompensates quickly.

Pathetic..

Maybe a two week vacation I would finally be able to relax????????

Just a reminder.........

2007-10-22T23:02:00.000-05:00

Vickie Howell gave me blog a shout out for this - I can't let it get bumped to the bottom -

Check it out - Vickie Howell has a podcast!

Check out the podcast on Itunes! Or click on the above banner to take you to the link!

ENJOY!

A monumental occasion in knitting

2007-10-22T22:55:00.000-05:00

IT IS DONE!!!!!!!!

The Linen Kilt from Knit 2 Together is done!

Happy Dance - (as Nat puts it) - is what I was doing.
I need to block it and hem the waist (or seam) but it is done!!!!!

And the Last Minute Purled Beret from Knit n Tonic is done as well!
Here it sits on a plate blocking.

This was yarn I got at a cute little Michigan Knitting store (in Jackson - GASP).
It was in the clearance basket.

So look who adores the hat!!!!!!!

Let me remind you - she JUST turned 10 years old.
(eventhough this picture lends itself to her looking older)

I am afraid Rowan has lost this Nat to her sister!

Two projects in one week - I may faint!!!!!!

(big grin!)

Now onto those WIP.......

Nothing but Honest

2007-10-22T20:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the absence...... I have been busy at work, at home, with school things and knitting. Okay - and I have been obsessed with getting my ravelry page set up.

What I have found (and I haven't gotten all my projects, WIP, FO, Wanna be projects on the page) is that Ravelry forces me to be honest about all my CAST ONS (WIP) and realize that I need to NOT buy anymore yarn, books (except for Cat Bordhi's new book - cause I have been wanting it for the longest time) or knitting projects till I at least finish some of the projects I have at hand. When you post a project and then post the "start date" and it happens to be 2006 and you realize that it's "hibernating" you are a bit humbled and realize what a two timing knitter you are. Just like (some) men (and women I suppose) - as soon as some new, fresh, pretty yarn and new, fresh, funky pattern comes across my sights - I am on it!

I hope to have them all up by the end of the week - but alas - life occurs - and get going on my projects (WIP).

With that said - I have put limits on my stash additions. Since starting my fitness/weight loss/nutrition makeover I have vowed to not buy yarn till I hit certain milestones (first 5K - sock yarn, first 5K under 30 minutes sock yarn, ten pounds a sock pattern from loopy ewe.....).

Perhaps I should put my projects on some bonus point system - every three WIP I finish I can buy and maybe cast on a new project?????

Oiy - such a dilemia - so much yarn, so many needles, so many patterns, so little time.

IT HAS FINALLY HAPPENED!!!!!

2007-10-15T19:04:00.000-05:00

TODAY
- just about FIVE minutes ago -
I just got my invite to Ravelry
AND
joined!!
(In less than twenty seconds)

Yipee - doing the freakazoid dance around my place!

I want to absorb myself in the uploading but I have so much work to do!!!!!!!!!

Resist and behave - I have to finish my work!

- BONZAIKNITZ -
check me out!

(I am not fully loaded - I am not even slightly loaded)

Vickie Howell

2007-10-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

Check it out - Vickie Howell has a podcast!

Check out the podcast on Itunes! Or click on the above banner to take you to the link!

ENJOY!

Race for the Pennant

2007-10-03T08:40:00.000-05:00

I am patting myself on the back today as I have mastered a new knitting technique.

I am now knitting two socks on two circs! It took five frogs and many counts to ten - but I am up and going.

So what am I doing tonight while I am knitting my two socks (on circs)????

Watching....

And....

and.....

to watch the

race for the pennant!

Wild Kat Socks

2007-09-30T20:41:00.000-05:00

Yea Tofutsies! I finished the August Sock Club pattern on the August exclusive yarn. My gauge is way off which is why they fit my 5 yo well. They were suppose to fit me. (oopse). They were suppose to be for Ro to begin with but nice to know I need to go up a needle size (or two) on the next pair.

I love the pattern and the colors totally fit my red head Rowan. The pattern flies once you get into rhythm.

I had to hog tie my daughter down to get them off from her. She is going to wear them to school tomorrow. I finished the majority of them in Utah where I was last week at a conference. I promised her I would have them done when I got back..... WRONG

I finally finished them tonight after the run this morning. I propped myself on the couch with the knee on ice (runner's injury) and knit away. As you can tell - she is quite the model.

I can hardly wait to get the Roc-Toe-Ber socks -fiddlesticks - in the mail. I got my new harmony needles from knit picks while I was gone. While I am waiting patiently for the yarn from tofutsies I am casting on from my stash, a hand dyed sock yarn from To knit perchance to dream. As I am casting it on I have NO idea why I hadn't cast on before. It's beautiful yarn! I love the colors.

Perhaps in a week - there will be another pair of socks to post. I am trying two socks at a time on circs. Ro's Wild Kat's were on circs - my first attempt - one sock at a time......

knit on!

Personal Accomplishment

2007-09-30T20:40:00.000-05:00

I read in the Fall Edition of Vogue of a woman who ran a marathon in London and knit a scarf. I am truly amazed.

Today marks a milestone for me........

A little over eight (ok it's been ten now) weeks ago I started a program of running and dieting (gasp not the "d" word). It's not really a diet - it's a changing my lifestyle. For those who are interested - go here.

I had a goal to get back into my clothes that I moved here in AND finish a 5K in good time and finish it feeling GREAT. I didn't knit anything - but I did run and run well for me.

Today I ran the Bucktown 5K and finished in good time and not winded, gasping for air or ready to die at the end of the finished line!

By the way - I have increased my water intake to a minimum of 5 Liters a day, try to exercise at least four times a week and eat six mini meals a day. This truly is a healthy lifestyle change.

To test it - I went out of town to a conference all last week and ate out three times a day. I was petrified to weigh in this week but wanted to keep myself honest. Guess what - I LOST 2.8 POUNDS while gone!!!!

I am dancing around doing my best snoopy celebration!!!

Next Goal - Turkey Trot.

Fruit Loop Socks

2007-09-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

Luckily the DH took pictures of my latest FO!!!! (Yes I finally have a FO!!!!!)

I have nicknamed them the "fruit loop" socks. They were casted on as a pair for Nat and then thought they would be too big. Upon finishing the first one - Nat tried them on and fell in love with them. How could I resist her blue eyes..... staring up at me.....

I know - the toe turned out a bit funky. I am not sure why. The second sock looked a wee bit better.

This is not a SWTC pattern nor is it the Summer Daze pattern - it is Bellatrix from soctopia. I love the pattern and I love how it looks in this yarn.

I believe she is wearing them to school tomorrow.....

I am not attempting to master a sock on two circs - for Rowan. This one is Wild Kat - the June Tofutsies exclusive pattern!

Back to knitting and Dr. Who!

Blast from my past

2007-09-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

While perusing the bloglines I found a post that referred to this link. This book - oddly enough - was one of my favorite books growing up. What a blast from my past. I am not sure this is an accurate description of me - but maybe the issue is that I talk too much about talking rabbits. (Just like the flying monkeys - they do exist!)

You're Watership Down!
http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
by Richard Adams

Though many think of you as a bit young, even childish, you're
actually incredibly deep and complex. You show people the need to rethink their
assumptions, and confront them on everything from how they think to where they
build their houses. You might be one of the greatest people of all time. You'd
be recognized as such if you weren't always talking about talking rabbits.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

By the way - thank you Lorinda - I am apparently 12970 days old. Today my biorhythms are all whacked. According to this link - I should have not gotten out of bed today much less leave my humble safe abode to enter the harsh reality of the world. It's a wonder I was even physically able to get out of bed - according to the physical biorhythms I am giving off. Intellectually I can not even complete a sentence (according to my biorhythms) and I am not in harmony at all. Egad - maybe I better start the day over.......

My latest want, desire, need......

2007-09-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

I WANT, DESIRE, NEED, WANT this book........

I just know - that without it - my life is incomplete..........

Luckily..... Barnes and Noble nor Borders had it last night.....

(for my budget that is)

My DH is working on stitch markers for me. Letters I specifically asked for as I heard one needs letter markers for this book.

How novel!!!!!

GREAT things come to those who wait.......

RIGHT!!!

Currently on needles

2007-09-03T19:03:00.000-05:00

That is a loaded statement. I have TONS on needles.....

I am currently knitting....

a sock!

It is the August Tofutsies exclusive color.

I am making it
(because I do not have the pattern - sore subject - but I am letting it go)
with this pattern.
I love how it is knitting up.

(insert picture here - oh I can't my PC is dead)

I call it my Fruit loop sock.

The first is done and I am almost ready to turn the heel on my second sock. They started out as socks for Nat - then they looked big - so they were mine.

Then - Nat put them on today - and they look absolutely adorable as knee highs on her!

Needless to say - the red headed curly one
(Rowan)
has claimed the June collection special as hers.

I am going to attempt to knit them on circulars as my friends on the yahoo tofutsies group swear it's a nobrainer and I will take to it with little issues. Deb - directed me to a few www's and I am hoping I can get the hang of it. I would like to do two at a time.......

Do I hear laughter???????

Disaster at the home front

2007-09-03T18:57:00.000-05:00

Well - where do I start. It's not a knitting disaster.....

It's a hard drive disaster. My computer (the family computer that holds all pictures, all Itunes for the DH and the only link to my camera and the printer) had a melt down. The hard drive is fried. Currently (after a late nite vivesection) the hard drive is sitting at a friend's house - trying to recover anything from our hard drive.

I hope it wasn't blasphemous to pray over it as I handed it off this morning. (but we did)

Now - I have two kids moping around (can't get on Tamatown) and a husband who is also pouting (can't watch the race for October).

We have a decision to make. Should we go ALL MAC or replace the PC with a PC. If we go all MAC I lose windows forever (not a bad thing - since I think windows is what took down my hard drive to begin with).

Meanwhile - any posts of pictures will not be available until I can fineagle my husbands D50 to take pictures. (He will probably barter time with the MAC for his D50.)

My MAC book - is off limits to anyone who exclusively used the PC. I can't afford to have my MAC crash with work and school stuff on it.

Needless to say - the stitches on my latest sock are tight.....

What I can say - Thank God for Blackberries! emails are still getting to me as are my tofutsies group mail from yahoo.

WIP - not alone

2007-08-21T17:39:00.000-05:00

I am sitting at my desk trying to get charts done and other excel nonsense stuff and I started to check on my bloglines. I saw this post at the Yarn Harlot and immediately felt.......

Inspired - maybe -

at the idea that there is hope for my WIP's sitting in my clothes basket and knitting bags ready to go on a moments notice. Last night - as I was looking at them - I thought I heard them whispering "what about me.... did you lose interest in my pattern? yarn? color?"

at the idea that it is okay to have more than one project going because I get side tracked by another yarn, pattern or color way????

at pulling my WIP out and get going on them???? (not quite)

Enabled - DEFINITELY.

So if you need a little enabling (or inspiration) check out her post from today!

Knit On!

Stitches take home

2007-08-19T20:23:00.001-05:00

As promised
- (a while ago) -
my take home from stitches!!!

SWTC was there and with swag handouts of a new yarn - and it has a counterpart....

I JUST LOVE LOVE LOVE THEIR YARN!!!!!!

Then there was the HABU booth that I just couldn't seem to get away from.......

Look at this incredible yarn..........

That I immediately came home and started to knit this.......

I love the look and the feel....

this will go to a special friend for Christmas.....

Someone that can pull of the simple elegance....

hmmmmmmm

THEN I got these lil numbers to make a wrap from this book

(one of my very first books I ever got when I started knitting.... WHO KNEW it had HABU!!!!)

I bought these two HABU slubby yarns that are actually very interesting and intricate when knitted up and I am trying to decide WHAT I am going to make......

Fun yarn to creat with!

THEN

MALABRIGO WAS THERE - handing out SWAG from thier newest LACE yarn........

This might turn me into a LACE knitter!

Upon my return home look what was waiting for me......

OK long story short...

It was our anniversary

my hubby went to a foo foo shop on Armitage here in Chicago.....

And got me this......

WHAT A SURPRISE it was!

Isn't it beautiful! I love it!!!!!

AND

He did it all on his own WITHOUT the girls to help him!!!!!

Did you read that Natalie?

WWKIP Day - a little late.....

2007-08-18T16:21:00.000-05:00

A little while ago it was WWKIP day. I did attend. 9 June to be exact - and I remember this because this is the day we went live with a new computer system at work and I was at work ALOT. However I did manage to slip out to knit in the park. This week in Chicago has been rainy rainy and more rain. The Cube sgot rain delayed more than I would like to say they needed to. Lucky for the Cardinals - they didn't have to face Zambrano's wrath.

So - as I look out my office window - at the dreary msss - I remember this.......

These are my knit buddies. Not all of them..... Not all could get away. However - these are the core girls to my knit nite.... Are they not the bomb. We did WWKIP day up right. Check out our picnifc.....

Of course - the girls played in the park beside us.....

Donna - the lady in blue - helped to coordinate this outting and we love her for it! She own's this LYS and more. If you are ever in Chicago you have to check it out!

And still our girls played - into the wee hours of dusk as our light was fading with our knitting abilities.......

But we still had the food and my good buddy Tonia had some vino (contraband in the park) to pass around as well. What's a knit day out with out the vino.....

Dreaming of clearer days while looking out the window at work........

Is it a generational thing?

2007-08-15T22:43:00.001-05:00

Our girls have been in Michigan the past few weeks visiting Grammy and Grampy. (What WE have been doing will be in another post for another time)

Before they left - I took them to see Hairspray - to which they were ga ga over. They loved it - they especially they loved this actress (actor?)

My daughter called me tonight to tell me that her and her best friend from Michigan watched this movie.......

Then when I told her that the hunk she thought was "gorgeous" in Grease

was the very same actress (actor) her and Rowan loved in Hairspray - she didn't believe me........

Then - I realized that - sigh - John is getting old......

Stitches

2007-08-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't forgotten......

That I went that is......

I stuck to my budget (thank you Lorinda) and I am very happy that I did. However, I did spend my budget at Habu. You have to have HABU! Habu Fascinates me. I love their matrix like patterns and I love LOVE their unique yarn.

I hope to have pictures of my purchase up by the weekend.

It's just been hectic around here and all I want to do is sit an chill, sit and knit, sit and scrapbook, sit and read......

It's not looking to promising though......

2007-08-09T22:57:00.001-05:00

Nine hours and counting.....

Stitches Midwest.......

I am all packed for my day away with yarn, needles, knitting paraphernalia and oogles of books on knitting.

Unfortunately I have to curb my appetite by NOT buying...... darn budgets you know....

I wish I could take pictures while I am there - but tis is strictly prohibited.

I will return with stories on Sunday - Saturday I have an Advanced Burn Life Support class to knit through. (this is where you go.... ooooooh sounds technical and difficult.... )

36 hours and counting

2007-08-08T23:02:00.001-05:00

That's how many hours til STITCHES MIDWEST!!!!!!!

I can hardly wait.....

Ooodles and oooodles of yarn to fondle.....

ooooooze of creativity to soak up..........

tons of people like me.......... (ok maybe not just like me)

And I have one day to take it all in and soak it all up........

Hope to see you there!

Better Living Through Chemistry

2007-08-07T23:08:00.000-05:00

Well - tonight American Baseball has taught the youth of America - (my daughter's generation) - that

YES

LIFE IS BETTER

LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY

Barry Bonds may have surpassed Hank Aaron's Record BUT he would have NEVER been able to do it without supplementing with steriods.

What message has this sent the generation coming up?

LIE CHEAT AND CLAW your way to the top.

No holes barred

No morals or ethics needed

Any way you can sneak a cheat in - DO IT!

I do not tip my hat to Barry Bonds - I just shake my head and pray my girls aren't watching.......

My Beautiful Child of God

2007-08-07T16:54:00.000-05:00

Natalie - I have sat at work all day in wonder of how awesome it is that God gave me such a beautiful, talented, smart, independent, discerning, caring, tender, sensitive, strong daughter as you........

I knew from the day I concieved you that you were special and each day you amaze me more.

You are a born leader.....
You have a heart for people's needs.....
You are able to discern right from wrong (and still manage to push the limits when it comes to yourself)
You are tender and compassionate but strong and firm when needed.....
You are level headed and precise in how you carry out your day.....
You are so smart and have so many roads and avenues available for you in the future...
You are artistic and creative.....
You are vulnerable.....
You are strong.....
You are quiet and serene.....
You are a gale force wind - a storm to not be reckoned with.....
You know what you want and you don't stop till you get it.....
You are passionate and in charge.....

You are developing in to a most beautiful woman of God....

But most of all.....

Your sister looks up to you......
I look up to you......

Happy Birthday my beautiful child of God!!!!

They say it's your birthday...

2007-08-06T23:47:00.001-05:00

They say it's your birthday......

Happy Birthday to you.......

Today my baby girl steps from single digits to (gasp, pick me up off the ground) double digits. Today my baby girl is TEN!

Happy birthday Natalie Leona! I love you so very much!

Knitting I am

2007-08-05T22:39:00.000-05:00

Proof that I am knitting amongst other things....

This is a skirt I started at the beginning of the summer (yes I know it's now August) and I am almost done. Just a few more inches to go.

The pattern is from Knit Two Together. I absolutely love, Love, LOVE that book.

So many things in that book I want to knit.

Christine - if you are reading this - YES I am working on the baby blanket and one day soon it will be on this website as well.

I am making this skirt out of Euroflax linen and love this yarn. SO light weight but easy to knit with. It flows on your needles like butter! I highly recommend this yarn for any sweater or skirt you want to drape but not be to hot.

Well - my muscles ache and my head is swimming - tomorrow is work and I think we are attempting to get up early (to reclaim our youth) and run.

Maybe I shall sabotage the alarm.........

Hard to do when it's your blackberry that is singing "Hello Hello - may I please go Vertigo...."

Hello........ Hello.....

2007-08-04T21:03:00.000-05:00

Is there anybody out there? Still? At all??

It has been (gasp, shudder, averting eyes from blog posts to see) several months since I have logged in and blogged on.

I really have no excuse other than I was caught up in my own life (drama) and not living.

It's easy to take a step back and realize that when I sit here at my MAC while my girls are away in Michigan. My husband and I have had time to BREATHE. Not that I couldn't breath with them here. They are my greatest gift from God and I adore them - but they tend to suck all energy and time out of your day.

My husband and I have spent time biking and walking all over - in the double digits for miles. It's been grand. I realized how much living I needed to do and how much of my life was sucked up into just getting to the next day. Praise God for the epiphany!

Now - onto knitting stuff.....

STITCHES MIDWEST

- is a mere five days away -

I am so geeked.

I have one class that I was able to sign up for - and that is it. BUT - I plan on spending more time on the vendor floor. Yarn shops from all around - could it get any better?

One problem.......

My yarn stash hasn't gone down alot.

IF - IF - I were to purchase more yarn (and believe me Socks that Rock...) I would have to do it in small, smuggable, quantities.

Again - we are getting a hotel room - and I am excited to just sit back and relax - knitting, spending time with friends and fondling yarn.

For now - I will curl up with my book on the couch and later - fall asleep dreaming of all the wonderful yarns that will be on display at Stitches.....

The countdown begins.....

Work In Progress

2007-02-25T18:45:00.000-06:00

I have been so creatively tapped out when I get home from my job (which - is M - F no weekends or holidays) (insert dancing snoopy) that I have had a hard time SCRAPBOOKING!
(which is my other passion).

So - I have been knitting. Now, I seem to knit on one project and then switch to another - which leads me to believe that this job has enhanced my multi tasking abilities or increased my ADHD. I guess it depends on how you look at it?

Here is my latest project

From this book

This Pattern:

It is knitted in Chennile in the book - which I don't like. So I found some yarn at my LYS and got to knitting. I love the pattern (but not for when you are going to be distracted) and I think this will make a GREAT wrap.

Now - before ANY assumptions are made.... I have SEVERAL friends who are pregnant so no this is not for me. BUT I LOVE this book.

Okay the rest of the story... It has been frogged a few times since I started on Thursday at Knit nite..... Oopse. BUT I am on a roll now!

My knit night girls

2007-02-25T06:21:00.000-06:00

Last week (which I didn't have time to post last week) I went to a "knit nite" party with my knit nite friends. It was a fun, low keyed get together where we sipped some vino, ate some good food and knitted. One of the knitters - the lovely Donna D. - made EVERYONE a wonderful warm gift!
These were mine:

Are they not scrumptiously cozy and gorgeous!

The buttons (which we all got on our hand warmers) were from her dear mother's collection which makes them even more special!!!!

I am so touched to have these girls as my friends and am honored to knit with them!

FINISHED Product

2007-02-24T20:40:00.000-06:00

I know I know I know
that these are a few weeks (January) over due, but I made these (and the kimono is also done just needs to be blocked and grafted) as a gift for a friend that invited me to her shower in Michigan!

I love the colors - so unbabish!

I made a baby book, scrap book, as well.

The booties out of Weekend Knits and the hat My Own creation. The yarn - SOY!

SASI KNITTERS Knit Along

2007-02-24T14:34:00.000-06:00

My most awesome knit nite group is having a
KNIT ALONG

How most awesome is this???? I am so excited! I casted my (under dog) votw for the Elfin Goth Bride Sweater found in Domiknitrix - but my second choice, of course, is the Eiffel sweater on Knitty.

Stop by the SASI knitters and check it out. All are welcome even if you can't come to knit nite! However, we would LOVE to have you stop by!!!!

I am an ADHD knitter

2007-02-23T14:29:00.000-06:00

Hello, my name is Bonnie and I am an ADHD knitter.

I can not stay focused on one project to save my life....

My various WIPs will speak for themselves.

While I have been feveriously knitting for friends and friends with babies... I started to pout (yes I, at my age pout) that I had nothing for myself that I knitted.

Well - that just started me on a selfish knitting frenzy to which four (yes four) projects are on needles in various stages of development. Granted - two will be casted off today - it's just - HELLO!!!!

A little focus would be nice!

What a find....

2007-02-19T19:39:00.000-06:00

Oh mi - you have to go here.....

This person has creative style....

I found her on Knitty with a fabulous pattern to boot.....

These are FREE.... they don't count!!!

and check out this little number....

When is enough ENOUGH?

2007-02-19T18:50:00.000-06:00

So a friend called me, rather text'd me - (yes Mark - many people have embraced the idea of text messaging and find it a quite acceptable way to communicate) - that she was knitting the hat in HERE but thought that she did not have enough sequins.

So - I think... wait I have this book.... So I run (okay I walked... it's been a long day) to my bookshelf and start going through my collection. There are so many cool patterns in this book and it's successor. But yet I still want MORE books.... I must have three or four must haves on my list and six more - "these are interesting..." books included.

Now that I have a moratorium on yarn purchasing I need to include one on BOOKS! I need to utilize all those books that hold patterns I could not live without back in the day (less than a year ago) that I purchased them.

Yet - somehow... Vogue Knitting Accessorizes looks like such a GREAT book......

Back to knitting....

One knitter at a time.....

2007-02-18T22:04:00.000-06:00

So - not like I have pictures.... but I had to share....

The other night my friend Sesil joined me at Knit Night at SASI! How most awesome was this. Sesil is prego with her THIRD baby and is absolutely radient! She has wanted to knit for EVER - and I finally persuaded to get her to come. I showed her how to CAST ON and knit her first row.... I began my Be Sweet (to die for) magic ball scarf and forgot about her for about ten minutes. Then I looked over and she was about FIVE rows into her first scarf. Now - she is by far - the quickest learner I have come across and she is doing awesome. Why did she finally learn???? She had the THREE hour GLUCOSE test and needed something to do with her hands to take her mind off the nasty taste left in her mouth and not being able to eat or drink..... From what I understand she is half way through her scarf now!!!!! YOU GO SESIL!!!!!!

Tracing back - I have four other friends who have started knitting because I enabled them.

Emily - pregnant also - picked up the sticks when she was on a trip here during the summer. Nesting has made her a knitter.....
Kristi - not pregnant but a nurse (like Emily) - picked up the sticks in the late spring. She is now a regular member of Knit Night even though she has to finagle her work and school schedule to do it. You knit on sister!
Zoey - who is not pregnant, nor a nurse - but Natalie's friend. She picked up sticks in response to her mother (un-beknownst to me) showing up at knit nite. Zoey can over for a play date and we (Nat and I) hooked her up! YOU KNIT ON GIRLFRIEND!
Christine - who is not pregnant - but is a nurse - and a very dear friend. I roped her into knitting about three weeks after I was hooked and needed a companion to enable me! (As if I need enabling?) Together we are knitting the Braided Vogue scarf - and predict it will be done sometime in the year 2010.

I am quite proud of this round up... and even better - they are all still knitting!!!! I can't wait for the next person I invite into the secret (but not so secret) society of KNIT NITE!

New Jobs, UFOs and looking forward

2007-02-18T21:34:00.000-06:00

It has been OVER a month since I posted and I have no excuse other than - I was BUSY BUSY BUSY with school, work and work. As my old position wrapped up I doubled with my new position. I wanted to start with my feet firmly planted on the ground. End result - I started on the 6 February - wobbling. But the good news.... Weebles wobble but they don't fall down. So far I have been able to keep my head above water (barely) and prevent drowning on a daily basis.

I LOVE my new position and I love the fact that the last three weekends I have been HOME and happy with my family. My girls - have finally realized - I am home home home home on the weekends. Even better - while I have been pulling 10 and 12 hours days trying to get planted and grounded - I am home in the evenings. Our house just seems calmer since this has happened (granted it has only been two weeks).

What does this have to do with "KNITTING?" ALOT - I actually have time and energy to KNIT! I actually ENJOY it as opposed to sneaking it in between this and that. I still carry it with me every where - but I am sitting and knitting in the evening and sitting and knitting with my girls! YES - GIRLS! Rowan - having attending a book reading at SASI - for this book..... Picked up some knitting needles at the store and with a little direction from Donna, the owner, is not well on her way to her first scarf. I use to have to "start" the row - now I am sitting there watching her to start, knit and start the next row.

I - have placed myself - on a NEW YARN MORATORIUM. Why - while I have a mini yarn pile going - and it's strategically and decoratively placed throughout the house - I HAVE TOO MUCH YARN, UFO's and not enough FINISHED projects. So the next few months - you will be seeing UFO's and hopefully Finished projects posted. Of course - an addict like me might just have to get a yarn fix sooner or later... so stay tuned for my progess.

Looking forward - I am reading THIS... and I am hoping my KNIT NIGHT buddies will join along....

I also have added this....

AND THIS.....

To my library of knitting books... and I am hoping that I can knit a few projects out of here with what yarn sits in my baskets..... Stay tuned for updates....

Well I must get back to my blackberry, paperwork and eventually knitting....

Here is to the 9 - 5, management, salary jobs that I thought I would never EMBRACE!

Praise God for moving forward and making a positve change in my career, family and life!!!!!!

It is OFFICIAL!

2007-01-12T09:56:00.001-06:00

It is official now so I can POST it!

My days (or should I say EVENINGS) of knitting are going to become more free now.... (or so I hope).......

THIS was in my IN Box yesterday with some fun graphics I can't translate to blogger but you get the gist........

************************************************

Congratulations On Your Promotion !!

It is my pleasure to announce Bonnie Mobley, RN, BSN has accepted the position of Trauma Coordinator in the Emergency Department.

Bonnie has been a nurse for over 8 years, the last 2 at (omitted) in the Emergency Department. I am confident Bonnie will be a tremendous asset to the Trauma Program.

***************************

Weekends and holidays OFF!!!!! M - F DAYS!

AND a huge career boost to boot!

Praise GOD!

WHERE o Where is the knitting fairy when you need her?

2007-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

GASP.....

Okay - at the risk of a certain person (who never reads my blog) READING my blog I am still going to post this....

I am heading back to Michigan in a few days (a week) and while this brings me great joy to see old friends, I have no desire to be in Michigan longer than I need to be. However, I am returning for a baby shower.

What a joyous occasion!

Now the rest of the story..... I had intended to create a baby scrapbook (almost done -but not quite), knit an outfit and get a baby bag from Lil Street purse company here in Chicago. Clearly I have nothing.... I will be returning to MI in as little as no time to spare - and no time to get anything done....

I frantically started knitting at knit nite last night and almost got the (shhhhh) hat done. I am planning on starting the booties as soon as I log off. I PLAN on going to the purse shop TODAY on the way into work.... What I really need..... is a knitting fairy god mother!!!!!!

Knitting Santa......

2007-01-01T22:23:00.000-06:00

I am off to knit.....

BUT - I wanted to leave you with........

Rowan's coveted IDog that Santa brought her.........

YES I actaully am able to sit and knit..... in my clean organized house...... sipping coffee and watching some downloaded episodes of HEROS, Law and order (CI, SVU and the original).

BTW - Santa was VERY good to me.... I have a little over $100.00 in gift certificates to my two favorite knit stores in Chicago! AWESOME! and my DH got me some Makula yarn.... that is a DREAM to knit with.... Only it's 750+ yards... and I am having a hard time deciding what to use it all for..... right now a hat for a friend's baby..... (shh that is a secret!)

The DH also made me a new collection of stitch markers.... that I am using for this hat..... I am making out of the Makula yarn!

New Years New Bloggin?

2007-01-01T20:03:00.000-06:00

I have been a very bad blogger but REFUSE to feel guilty about it. My life has been turned upside down and inside out over the past two months.....

With that said - lets get down to the new years resolution (which I said I would never make) of KEEPING the blogs up to date! (blogs - as in my two (knitting and scrapbooking)as well as prodding my DH to keep his up to date).

What have I done in the past two months?

Work... work alot....
School.... Finals blew me away... (in essences alot of BUSY paper work making disastor plans and plans of action in improving the health of chicago.... YOU LAUGH NOW).
Thanksgiving and the Christmas holiday doings..... Never (and I will probably say this next year too) has this time period flown by so fast.
Interviewing for a new job... career advancement if you will. One job I was interviewing for had about five separate interviews... that can really wear on a person you know.

Plus all my personal needs of SLEEP, eatting, (not working out - one thing I lament) and spending time with the fam.

What did I accomplish.... I did get several knitting projects done before Christmas. Each of Nat and Ro's teachers got a knitted scarf. The DH got a knitted scarf (be all that it may it was knitted and finished at the wee hour of 0230 on the 25th). Each friend got a hand made Stitch Marker (made by the DH) and Lorinda - PLEASE email me your address so I can send you a much belated Holiday card.

I haven't even kept up SASI blogspot which has many members itchy (with good reason!)

What I did accomplish in the last week of December makes me GLOW with happiness.
One of the goals of moving to Chicago - and DOWNSIZING our life - was to DOWNSIZE our clutter. Well unfortunately CLUTTER was ready to PUSH us out of our humble abode. So - we decided to move our bedroom to the guest room and the guest room to our room. WHAT an undertaking. If left to my DH devices it would have been a DISASTOR. What is it about men that they do not see DUST, Debris and un-organization. He - if not caught by me in time - would have literally swapped closet for closet. Fortunately - I caught him in the act - and instructed him to leave EVERYTHING out of the rooms till they were CLEANED top to bottom, repainted (or at least touched up), scrubbed floor - and then SLOWLY replace everything away.

The result.... after a week of CLUTTERED living that left me TWITCHING, ten HUGE bags of TRASH (more to come I am sure) is.... (drum roll please?)

This is the Guest room now..... I am sure the cough will find another home soon.... (praying it will) and we will have a different sofa lounger in there with another piece of furniture I have praying for the need for. This is the official PLAY room for the kids between guests. The Legos in the corner have never looked that good. What I need - is an area rug, a trash can, a magazine rack (I can never depart with old scrapbook mags and knitting mags... if you know of a system please EMAIL me!)

As you can tell - this is now the FAV hangout for the girls..... I hope they don't get too comfortable on that couch.....

I do not remember the last time my room looked this uncluttered..... I need a new bed spread/comforter.... it's time. I am thinking Red and Black colors.... Domestications online here I come!

The Dinning room table..... NEVER looked this cleaned off inbetween meals..... How exciting.....

These photos (taken by my lovely Rowan - photographer in training) do not appropriately reflect how much we cleaned out and cleaned up. Lets just say..... I feel so much better... the new year is lighter.... (now my weight on the other hand is another story.... hopefully with the onset of the new year and BETTER work schedule....that will all be a thing of a past.....)

What does describe how I feel is this picture (again by Rowan).....

Yes - this describes how I feel on so many levels.... order, a basket full of yarn waiting to be fondled AND knitted.... warm and fuzzy all over..... that's how I feel!

Happy New Year and Good knitting to all!!!!!!

For Christmas Pictures - please click on my other blog - I actually was able to get all my Christmas cards MADE and mostly distributed in time - more on my OTHER blog.....

Knit Nite Celeb

2006-11-04T21:47:00.000-06:00

What are you doing on the 16 November 2006?

THIS!

Have you seen this new book?

Come on out to SASI Knit Nite and check out this new book, our famous Anne Lenizini who is found in the book and get the pattern SIGNED! In addition, bring your knitting, hang out with all the cool SASI Knitters and knit with us!

Very exciting indeed!!!!

A Letter to MACY's

2006-11-01T15:23:00.000-06:00

So - MACY's disappointed me today. (Is that such a surprise?)

Go HERE to read the letter sent.... (really I did send it!)

Then - on a good note - go here! Awesome article!

I wonder if she knits?

Christ Follower or Christian?

2006-10-30T22:22:00.000-06:00

I love this!

My friend and fellow knitter/blogger Lorinda, who lives in the "Burps" (as my daughter Natalie calls it), attends this really cool church (that I guess would be classified as one of the emerging coffee house churches?). For the past three weeks she has shared their video Mac - v - PC Parody's.

You MUST go here for week one. Go here for week two and HERE for week three.

(I really like week three.)

I am interested to see where they go with these.

For the rest of the story go here!

I want to thank Lorinda for posting these on her blog! MOST awesome thought provoking videos and sermons.

And for wonderful thought provoking blog posts go here. My Pastor is most awesome as well!! Our church is smaller - but making an impact in the Chicagoland Area in a big way.

Enjoy!

Interestingly enough - in a related story from work.... I had openned an email about a Willow Creek Special downtown on a Sunday with Bono and Bill Hybels. I was talking about it at work and another co-worker asked what "Willow Creek" was? ANOTHER co-worker started in with "oh you know it's that huge church compound that has all those freaks worshiping Jesus and praying......" I let her go on for a while and then I said "Hello - apparently I am one of those freaks because I got the email about the service. She quickly caught herself and said "oh well no I didn't mean it that way."

uh huh.....
(for the record - I WOULD sign my kids up for Jesus Camp.)

Going with SIX

2006-10-28T19:31:00.000-05:00

Sitting at home - snuggled - knitting this.

Need help with this yarn conundrum

Alot of yarn it will take.

Got this today - can't wait - breathe.

Working on this - praying - keep up!

Please God - help me to commit!

Got my girls - they're knitting too.

Warm blanket covers us three - cozy!

My favorite knit shop - big surprise!

Anne - a SASI knitter - is famous!

BACK TO KNITTING - I must go!

Six Words

2006-10-26T22:43:00.000-05:00

Ms Lorinda - this is for you!

With needles in hand - it began!

Cast-on Soy Silk knitting in round!

Silence - she stared - knitting and purling.....

Life began - she knitted angora booties.

Contemplating love - trekking grew into socks.

Sale - Rowan Yarn - 50% - Woman trampled.

No go here to see the explaination!

LOOK WHAT CAME!!!!!

2006-10-25T00:06:00.000-05:00

Waiting for me on my doorstep - when I just got home a few minutes ago was -

THESE!!!!!! My knitpicks interchangeable needles!!!!!!!

LOOK at those needles.... those beautiful needles..... I wonder how many WIPs I can get on them..... Oh the temptation!!!

Seriously - nothing is more frustrating then getting ready to cast on a project (yarn in hand with pattern on your lap) and the needles you need - are in another project or haven't been purchased yet.....

My hubby openned my box as I finished a presentation I am doing tomorrow. He was a bit confused by the mechanics surrounding them......

Okay back to my presentation.....

My wonderful hubby - is putting them together and in their nice carrying case.... How exciting!!!!

Danger Danger Warn Will Robinson

2006-10-23T23:54:00.000-05:00

THE MOST HORRIBLE THING HAPPENED TODAY!!!!!!!! (while I was knitting of course)

I am so upset.

MY IPOD BIT THE DUST!

YES - my prized U2 IPOD has bit the dust.

I must lay it to rest in it's pristine box that it came in with it's U2 poster and etched signatures in the back.

The hard drive has died.

Wales were heard from the Best Buy Geek Squad desk today. The gentleman behind the desk thought he was going to have to call 911 for a hysterically seizing woman grasping her IPOD foaming at the mouth praying in travail that it was not true.

SIGH

Now I must go out, brave the elements..... head to the apple store.... walking in the dead of silence (BECAUSE MY IPOD IS DEAD) and buy another.

Quicker than rectal valium - the words "YOU KNOW - they still have U2 IPODS out - they are 30 GB now and have VIDEO capabilities. If you purchase one you get EXCLUSIVE VIDEOs of Bono and the boys....."

I was up off that floor, skipping the post ictal phase, and heading out the door to find a time to head to the Apple store downtown. (I'll brave the silence for this.... yes I will)

Imagine - two black with red ipods -both carrying the bands signatures - one laid to rest - the other full of VIDEOS of the band.........

I may seize from the excitement this thought has brought me......

Bono on my ipod 24 hours a day....

WAIT - Law and Order, LOST and Joyce as well.......

EGADS what a thought.....

I wonder if I can make it to the Apple store before work tomorrow?

(Disclaimer - now many of you are trying to figure out WHY I am so upset.... it's so simple. Imagine if you will - being a commuter in a car for one hour (or more) - WITH NO RADIO! I commute on foot. My radio is my Ipod. My sanity is my ipod. MY BUDDY is my IPOD. I knit while listening to my ipod, I read, I write, I run, I sleep, I VEG with my IPOD. I LIVE FOR MUSIC!!!! Now do you see the horror?????)

Wraps and WIPS?

2006-10-23T00:27:00.000-05:00

OIY - what a weekend. We went HERE - with the girls and a friend of theirs on Saturday. WHAT A BLAST we had. I knitted up there and knitted home. We stopped at a cute lil yarn shop in Zion called Gladys Yarn shop. She does not have a www but she is worth the stop. Alot of European yarn and patterns. I picked up some BRIGHT cotton yarn to make booties and hats for friends that are having (or had) babies. I am not into pastels for babies..... go figure who would have guessed! Go HERE for pictures....

On Sunday - I cleaned. I must have been convicted by the Holy Spirit after church on Sunday (the sermon was on laundry - well sorting of the laundry in respect to sorting of the goats and sheep - Mathew 25. Okay - I guess you needed to be there because it sounded different coming from my pastor).

And here is the finished product....

Organized Works that need to be STARTED! Each bag has yarn a pattern and sized needle I need. (WHERE ARE MY
KNIT PICK NEEDLES?)

Look at the wonderful basket of sock yarn overflowing waiting for me.....

I won't even show you the two other baskets I organized.

I DID CLEAN as well.... the bathroom is sparkling and the living room is spotless. Nat was working on her life story in the dining room -

so that remained a lil cluttered but more organized......

I still had time for...... KNITTING!

Here it is.... here is my wonderful Mohair wrap that Belinda (a wonderful SASI KNITTER sistah) taught me to make. I am astonished at how quickly it knits up and even how easier it is - once you get beyond the OBNOXIOUS needles

(size 36)

This one is a for a friend (which I will deliver tonight at work.) Rebecca is a red headed strong woman who just had a beautiful baby girl. It's a nursing wrap (a wrap but a wrap to use mainly when she is nursing). It's warm, light and discrete. You know how you hate to layer in the winter when you are nursing... enuf said. This went with the hat and booties I posted before.....

OKAY - I must go off to bed - I have class in the morning and then work in the evening...... I also have a presentation to (start) finish and my 90 day reading plan. (I really like this 90 day reading plan! Thanks Lorinda!)

Phunky-ified

2006-10-23T00:05:00.000-05:00

I was Phunkfied by my scarf swap pal.....

What an awesome Scarf I got!

I don't have a scarf like this, in this color nor this long. It wraps nicely, is very warm and goes well with my hair and personality!

THANK YOU LINDA - you are the BOMB!

I have been knitting....

2006-10-16T09:45:00.000-05:00

I have been knitting and I have proof!!!!!!!

The hat a booties for a friend who just had a baby. (ok the baby is 4 months old and I am a bit late. I KNOW THAT ALREADY. A friend's baby, same age, tried on the hat and booties and they FIT with room to grow! I hope she likes them. I love the lime green and pink. So non-traditional AND so nice to knit up. It is bamboo yarn.

The booties close up. They are in Last Minute Knitted Gifts. LOVE that book!

For my PHUNKY-scarf knit swap. I haven't decided WHICH one I am going to send. They are the infamous Mobius scarf. One is knitted in Noro and one in Mohair/kid/ribbon blend.

My And on top of the scarf....... COMFORT food for the winter.

Warm tea and DARK chocolate!!!!

Now to see which one I sent her you'll just have to watch SASI knitters turned one year old today (the store that is) so check out our blog. There are some great pictures of the celebration AND awesome finished projects on display!

As the world turns (or knits)

2006-10-14T22:04:00.000-05:00

So - while I have been trying to keep my head above water, finish my school homework, report to work on time (egads they have installed time card machines at work effective Dec 1) and basically exist as a human being - the world goes on.....

Apparently (and darn I wish I had known this - cause I would have been there to bask in his reality) - Bono grace Chicago's sky line to shop at the GAP (THE GAP OF ALL PLACES) to help fight AIDS!

I'm sorry Oprah - no offense (yes offense only if you take it that way) Bono is too good for you! I admire Bono. I think that anyone who has evolved from his youthful rebelous ways, taken the strengths that God has given him (music) and used it to help those in need - those that many of us would cross the street to avoid - has used the talents that God has given him and is walking in the steps that God has outlined for him. Oprah - you strayed off that path a long long time ago.

Now what ever you may think of Bush - any president willing to sit down with Bono - is a HIP and HAPPENING president. So - there. (reverting back to my childhood mode)

Sister Art Studio had their year anniversary party tonight - and it was a blast. Next year I hope to have knitted enough things to have hanging with the other blessed sisters that are so much more knitting princess' than I!

My socks of summer came today!!!! PRAISE GOD! I understand it took SEVERAL Mailings to get them here and several prayers over the envelope enroute.

THEY FINALLY ARRIVED!!!!!
And they are Delicious!!!!! Look at the colors!!!!!!

Abigail is AWESOME!!!! She never gave up - and I am sure these socks were prayed over more than my prayer shawl I am making. I don't want to take them off!!!!!!!!!!

THEY ARRIVED!!!!

PRAISE GOD! If you have a chance check out her blog - I have loved LOVED reading her blog!!!!

Spinach is in and meat is out. Given my MPH program I am currently enrolled in - I should be more interested and involved - but I am not a big meat eatter and most spinach I ate was home grown so no ecoli here.

My girls had picture day and both miraclously woke up with a case of bad hair day (and if you are raising girls you know what that means) MAKE UP DAY!

Bears have the opportunity to take their conference title and POSSIBLY go to the super bowl if they keep up the good work - GO BRIAN! (Griese that is)

Tigers may win - but we (being staunch cub fans) are not rooting for them.

Knitting has carried on - and I have several pictures to post after I get other work done!

90 Day Challenge

2006-10-11T00:12:00.000-05:00

Are you up for the challenge?

I am and so is the hubby!

Want to join us?

Go here and here and here!

The challenge starts TODAY!

Be sure to register on the www to get support, resources and direction!

Flip flopped day

2006-10-10T02:17:00.000-05:00

So what started out as a very stressful day turned into an okay day.

I passed my test, got a nap in before work AND - got some knitting done.

On the down side.....

A dear friend and mentor's mom just passed away and it hit me harder than I thought it would.

I think it's all to fresh for me and that's okay. I still feel like my grieving is unfinished (or hasn't really started.)

So tonite I sit proped in my bed lamenting to God over a few things and finishing up my readings. A dear friend - Lorinda - turned me onto the bible in ninety days. IF I can tear myself away from Daniel for a while I might just try this. I have my lil amplified study bible and can't wait to read it cover to cover.

For now I must sleep - I have to get up in the AM for an IDPH conference on infection control. MY gawd Jen you are right I am turning into a nerd..... EGADS!

Tonight I sleep, tomorrow I knit at the meeting!

C'est la vie!

CHECK IT OUT!

2006-10-09T18:03:00.000-05:00

SASI knitters are official!

Check us out!

It's my knit nite group gone blogger!

If you live around here - feel free to stop by one Thursday night!

As for me - I have been knitting..... and reading.... and working on school stuff.... and working...

Where does time go? I have been busy - playing catch up and not catching up! I promise to have some FINISHED products uploaded soon (hoping the hubby takes pictures for me while I am at work tonight!)

I DO HAVE MY FUNKIFIED SCARF DONE AND HAVE IT GOING OUT THIS WEEK!!!!!

YIPEE!!!!!!

Happy Fall everyone!!!!!

Faith in God builds a Confident Woman

2006-09-21T23:07:00.000-05:00

Confidence is Faith in God.
Confidence is Faith in Action!

These are the words that Joyce used to open her conference tonight! What an awesome way to start a Women's Conference entitled - How to be a Confident Woman!

What I learned tonight (what NATALIE and I learned tonight) was the Faith get's out of the boat and walks on the water - EVEN WHEN NO ONE ELSE WILL! Faith takes that first step even when the person making the step can't swim.

Confidence is that Positive Attitude that can only come through Faith in Christ!
Confidence is focusing on what you can do - not what you can't do.
Confidence is looking forward not backwards, UP not down.
Confidence is letting God work THROUGH your WEAKNESSES!!!!!

Eph 3:17 - Confident Women know they are loved. God know's your past faults, your broken promises, your failures, but he also knows your sucesses, wins, attributes and your future. God does love you - he always did even before time began (Psalm 139)

Heb 10:38 - Confident women know that GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE BOOGIE man and they refuse to live in fear! Through his Love their is no fear (I gotta work on this one! SO does Nat! We made a pact tonight!)

In the alter call Chris Caine (yes she is here too!!!) talked about the confidence we have in Christ because he died, rose again on the third day - after defeating the devil. We have confidence because Christ LIVES! Not only does he live - he lives IN US! We ALL, in Christ, have the ability to be confident.

Okay - while I would love to meditate on this more and share more - my baby girl is snoring, sound asleep. I am heading that way.....

More tomorrow.....

Be Confident
In Christ
Through Christ
With Christ!

Perfect Woman

2006-09-14T07:45:00.000-05:00

So here I am at work...... and I check my email.....
Shhhhh don't tell anyone......

Sitting in my in box from my Mother-in-law (very dear lady) is an email with this link.

The Perfect Woman (and no I am not talking about Proverbs 31!)

You have to go here - it is so worth it and funny. True to boot almost..... depends on which gender angle you are coming from I guess......

Have a great day everyone! Hopefully more than 5 minutes of knitting will be done today!!!!!

What I have been working on....

2006-09-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

Comfort Knitting!

Okay - while in my mom's hospital room and the travels to there I started a skirt for Natalie.

BTW - check out the cool bag......

I put my supplies in it... It's from my Secret pal!!! Better than the ziploc I carted it down to Florida in!

I pulled the skirt out today. It was rather mindless. My mother thought it was pretty. Perhaps that is where I found the comfort?

Mom never knitted but I am sure - if she had been introduced to the cool yarns and patterns of today she might have considered it. My mom was more into cross stitch, needlepoint, macrame (spelling I know) and beading.

Perhaps I was able to knit it because it WAS comforting - sitting on my couch by the window with the gloomy weather looming over. Actually this weather is nice - it is about 70 out, windy (again when is it NOT windy in Chicago) and misting out all day. Knock it down a few degrees and you have England weather.

Oddly enough I haven't been able to pull out the socks that I was working on or the wrist warmers. They sit in their lil bag waiting for me to return, patiently waiting I might add.

I was so excited last night when I came across this..... this is a co-worker/friend that left a few months ago to go work in Uganda. I love reading her blog and all her experiences. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts.

A slap upside the head!

2006-09-09T14:26:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while God uses life's events to slap us upside the head and pull us in closer. Now - don't get me wrong - I am not NOT not saying that God is using my mother's death to pull me closer or slap me upside the head. I think it is only our human nature to look at our own mortalitiy when someone close to us dies - and as a mom and wife - my mother's death struck me in ways I am still coming to grips with (and I am sure it will continue to do this for months in the future). For example - I had a major panic attach lastnight (or like 0300 this morning when I got home from work) that at any moment God may call me home and my girls would be alone (as well as my DH). I felt this profound loss for my girls and was literally sitting up in bed hyperventilating. I remember crying out to God in prayer for comfort and peace - and just as I was starting to drift off to sleep Rowan came and climbed in bed with me. Such comfort!!!!

After I returned home to Chicago - not being able to do much of anything - I started (again for like the FIFTH time) a study of the Psalms. Psalms are beautiful chapters in the bible that is full of praise, prayers, laments and songs. A perfect study for me right now. I wish I could say I am doing it on my own but I am using THIS as a guide. About four days into the study I thought - "hmmmmm my dad might like this or find it very comforting." I then preceded to print off the studies with little notes on them and I am sending one a day to him. Each letter is prayed over that my dad might find comfort, wisdom, or more of God in them.

I myself - am drawing close to God - like I haven't in a while. Many of you that know me know that I am a CONTROL freak. If I am not in control then I FREAK. However, there is a growing part in me that is longing, craving, crying out to NOT be in control. I don't want to lead, I don't want to be the strong one, I don't want to be the one that is ALWAYS making the decisions. I want to follow for once (or twice, or three times.....) The last three weeks - while I haven't truly appreciated it - I have been falling more and more on God. At first it was for discernment. It then grew to Grace and Mercy. Then it grew to comfort. Now I find I am falling on him to get me through the day. While other aspects of my life are still under my anal and scrutinous control - MY LIFE is completely in God's hands right now. It is very unsettling but - at the same time - a HUGE relief.

So - do I think that my mom's death was a way for God to slap me upside the head and pull me in...... no. I think that God uses ALL things for the greater good of his plan. My mom died. She is no longer in pain, she can breathe freely, hear the most muted tones, her heart is full of life and she is running through a wide open field smiling, laughing and at PEACE. While I am full of sorrow, laments, anger (I am stuck in the anger mode of grief now) and other emotions I am not sure of - I know that good will come from this. It's in God's hands and already apart of his plan.

The new testament rading I chose for her service was so fitting and hard for me to read that day..... I now realize why.....

The New Jerusalem
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

With all of that said I wanted to thank EVERYONE for their prayers, thoughts and notes. Each one gave me comfort and cyber hugs!

THANK YOU BonnieRosefor the lovely parcel that showed up on my doorstep yesterday as I was heading out to work. It was so sweet and made my day!!!!! (my camera's batteries are recharging as I type! AND YES you are invited!!!! Please still come to visit!!!

THANK YOU to my Pastor and his wife for all the support and prayers these past few weeks.

THANK YOU Lorinda for your prayers and your invite for a GIRLS afternoon! I am getting my planner out now!!!

THANK YOU

Now - with my first day alone and off from work - I am trying to get the energy or inspiration to scrapbook or knit.

It is a cool, breezy (when is the WIND NOT BLOWING in Chicago) overcast day out and perfect for curling up and reading....

I think I am just going to VEG. What a concept.... Veg!

Shattered

2006-09-05T17:58:00.000-05:00

First I would like to thank EVERYONE who posted on my blog their prayers, condolances and thoughts!!!! They have gratefully been recieved by both myself and my family.

While the passing of my mother meant that God restored her failed hearing, failing heart, lungs and kidneys and finally gave her peace - the void is very hard to replace. I was trying to figure out how I felt in the last twenty four hours when I finally had a chance to RELAX..... BREATHE and grieve. Planning a funneral leaves one little time to actually grieve. Even while at the funneral home for visitation it is as you almost HAVE to be on and social. I am NOT a social person. I am an introvert and really don't care much for small talk. So - as you can imagine - the visitation and funneral were personally hard for me. Laying my mother to rest was hard enough - trying to remember people from years ago, make small talk to people I really either don't know or never knew was difficult at best and finding a small down time of grieving room was not possible. Most of the week and on into the weekend I felt like an egg that was carelessly snatched from the carton, jostled and dropped on the floor. The egg shell (my facade) cracked and shattered, the insides spewed out on the floor in a congealed mass of yellow mixing with amber clear ooze (my heart and soul). Eventually someone will take the time to wipe up the mess with a hard abrasive papertowel (the closure that the funneral processional at the church was suppose to provide) - but until that time it continues to ooze across the floor mixing colors and making things even messier.

Someone attempts to place the egg shell back together with watery glue, delicate tools and a mold representing the egg from before the fall - but it shoes the cracks and missing pieces never found after the fall. Beyond the fact that the egg is now shattered and never the same - it's hollow inside.

I know many people say take it one day at a time, one breath at a time, one task at a time. I said those very same words to my dad this morning. But in reality - the thought of any of these motions makes me paralized with fear that I can not go on. As it is now I find myself starting several things - finishing none (that includes unpacking.) I need time to grieve and I need time to rest. Neither will come soon and I plog along.... Today I ushered my girls off to their first day of school and attempted to catch up on my own school work. I think I read paragraphs ten times in a row and still didn't comprehend them. I think that I attempted to finish my unpacking five times - finally - moments before sitting down to journal - finishing the task. I think that I attempted to take a shower three times today and finally - not wanting to look at my pathetic appearance in the mirror anymore - turned on the water and hopped in. I think - I want to knit - but sit with the needles in my lap and stare - my mind blank. I think I want to scrapbook (and I do - want to make mini album of my mom) but only suceed at sitting at my table staring at the cardstock. I think that I want to read (not my school book) and only suceed at looking at the wall holding the book. I think that I want to sleep - but I am trapped by insomnia.

My girls sat a the table this afternoon and made grampy cards inviting him up to visit - and I wanted to cry - but couldn't.

I have cards from co-workers and professional friends - openned but not read. I have thank you cards I have to fill out and send - but I can't seem to come up with the words. I have a bible study of psalms to continue - but find no comfort.

I am truly stuck on the side of the road of grief. I know that I am stuck in the Anger mode and seem to have settled there from day one. I know that things will get better and I know that I need to keep plogging along. It is truly difficult and have a new respect for anyone going through the same process.

Thank you again for all your prayers, thoughts and emails. They are VERY appreciated by myself and my family!

Be Blessed!

WHAT AN AWESOME SECRET PAL!!!!!!

2006-09-05T17:29:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of school for Rowan (ever - Kindegarten) and Natalie (Third Grade!). For details and lovely pictures go HERE!

Now onto the subject of this post......

I finally got home to see my package awaiting my arrival. What a package indeed. I got in late last night and just now got unpacked. In the corner of my room was this box that my hubby set aside for me...... My Secret Pal is SO AWESOME!!!!!! An Angel from God!!!!

I eagerly openned it - a bright spark of light in my apartment this morning......

The box held alot.... more than I could imagine!!!!!!!

I LOVE MY BAG!!!!!!!!! It is so cute!!!!!!!!

Just look at all the goodies!!!!!!! Check out the hello kitty for the girls..... They have already laid claim to it!!!!!! and the bath scrubby!!!!! The book - I so need that book right now!
THANK YOU!!!!!

Here is a BONUS bag - that I love. I am finding a NEW passion for ORANGE!!!!! Orange and lime green - go well together don't you think?

And this cute lil organizer.....

LOVE these stitch markers.....

Toe up technique that I can't wait to try......

I can't tell you how much this put a smile on my face!!!!!

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you thank you!!!!

BREATHE

2006-08-28T20:36:00.000-05:00

Today is a very hard post but I feel I need to make it.

My mother passed away Sunday afternoon peacefully. Watching her struggle to breathe over the last few days broke my heart. Watching her grow weaker and weaker tore my heart out. My mom had a long life and deserved so much more than what her life handed her. Making her smile or laugh during her final days filled me with her love. Our last conversation was a very happy conversation about me getting my girls to come see her. She smiled, laughed and gave a thumbs up. My mom was a very special lady and over the last few days I realized even more how special she was. If I could have had five more minutes I would have called my hubby and had him bring the girls down on Saturday. If I had had five more minutes I would have rubbed more lotion on her hands telling her about the girls and how much Natalie is like me and she is giving me more grief than I ever gave her as a child. I would have done my mom's hair again in a pebbles ponytail that made her laugh the first night I helped the nurse give her a bath. I would have read another psalm to her or just sat and held her hand five more minutes. I would have showed her more pictures on my computer of the girls. I would have helped her sip more water from a straw or syringe defying the nurses orders each time. I would have just loved to have sat next to her in bed as she was sleeping, holding her hand.

What I wouldn't give to have just five more minutes of her time.

My mom was an extrodinary woman and in the words of my oldest daughter -

"Grammy was a wonderful person mom who deserves to be celebrated and we need to Praise God that she is resting with him now."

I am not sure that I am going to get through this week or not. I am really struggling hourly. I am praying that I can celebrate my mom's life and give her the dignity that she deserved!!!!

Derailed

2006-08-27T00:27:00.000-05:00

I am currently derailed in Florida and have not been able to knit. I understand, however, sitting at home on my dining room table (where things are not suppose to sit LOL) is a wonderful box from my KSKS!!!!! My hubby openned it (ever so carefully I hear) and took several pictures and sent it to me. IT looks MARVELOUS! I can not WAIT to get home and go through it in person.

I want to thank you KSKS!!!!!! You have SPOILED ME!!!!!!!

When I get home and get more substantive pictures that are postable I will blog them.

I am knitting away - on a skirt for my daughter because it is a mindless St St in the round trading colored or fun yarn every few rows. It's a great hospital room project that requires little attention.

My Secret Swap Sock Pal - never fear - your socks are here and I do work on it when I am not at the bedside of my mom. She however, when she was more coherent earlier in the week, thought the socks were adorable and wants me to work on them so she can see them done. You got my mom on your side - coaching me on. She is force to NOT be reckoned with let me tell you!!!! I promise to finish them ASAP and get them to you!

To my knit pals - I hope to return home soon. Save me a seat and a glass for wine.

For those of you wondering - I don't think they knit much in Florida. Everyone that walks by the room, walks in the room or walks by me in the lobby (for that respite time) stares at me as I knit. I haven't been able to find a knit store yet either.... a bit concerning. My first clue should have been when my mom said - "I didn't think anyone knitted anymore." But then again - she has been out of the loop for a while - bless her heart!

Off to do a few more rows before I take a power nap.

Back to blogging and frogging (and knitting) soon I am sure!!!!

Ta-Da

2006-08-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

It is done!!!!!!

I have completed not only the bag but the sock kit for my KSKS!

Here is the bag.....

And here is everything going in the bag......

I really had fun putting this together.

Dear KSKS Pal,

I hope you like your Bag and Sock Kit. I had a lot of fun reading your blog the last few months and collecting things to not only fill your bag but to make your bag with. Your bag has a story…..

The shades of Orange Yarn was a hand dye wool from home.
The Blue yarn is a Cascade Yarn I picked up in Wisconsin at Lakeside Fibers (AWESOME store!)
The Ribbon inside the blue yarn is from Sister Art Studio in Chicago (where I hang with my knit pals on Thursday Night and much of the knitting on this bag was done!)
The Fun Fur stripe was bought at a store in Grand Haven Michigan that really wasn’t a knit store, just a craft store.
The needles came from another knit store in Baraboo, Wisconsin that was also a coffee shop – very out of the way and I just happened to come across it when we were walking through town.
The Chibi came from JoAnn Fabrics in Springfield, Illinois when I was there at a conference.
The Orange Glitter pen (to mark on your pattern) came from my FAVORITE Scrapbook store in Chicago – Windy City Scrapbooking.
The Sock Needle Holder (as seen on the Yarn Harlot) came from WoolWorks.
The Pattern came from KnitPicks.com It can be worked on both circulars and DPNS so I sent the DPNs since you said you liked using DPNs.
The Sock Yarn came from a very quaint knit store in Holland Michigan that had very friendly staff (rare indeed).
The Stitch Markers were handmade by my beading hubby. (I hope you like them) The beads came from a bead store in Grand Haven, Michigan.
The Chocolate covered Sunflower seeds (unique but yummy) came from a paper store in Old Town Chicago.
The Knitting Mints came from another JoAnn Fabrics when I was in the Burbs (a very scary place).
Last - but not least - the lil creative gift bag for your daughter is from Sister Art Studio in Chicago!

Off in the mail it went today and I can't wait for her to get it. I am a little nervous (OKAY VERY NERVOUS) about her liking it.... but I still had fun picking everything out and putting it together!

I can't wait to start on my Funkified Scarf for my Swap Pal!

I need to (and I am going right now) to finish those socks for my Sock Swap Pal. There are coming out quite nicely I must say - eventhough I am still on the cuffs. I am making my own pattern from my classes at Stitches last week!!!!

I spent five hours with the Hubby earlier tonite Scrap booking at Scrap Nite.

The kids are away - we had DATE night.

What a wonderful date night it was too!

PH-unkified Scarf.....

2006-08-15T10:16:00.000-05:00

Let’s get the allergy part out of the way. Are you allergic to any fibers? NOPE - of course I could say that I can only wear cashmere, alpaca and silk blends..... but I w0n't.
Do you prefer any fibers over others? Alpaca is very warm and snuggly here in the windy city.
Thinking back to Scout’s post about what funky means to you, post an image of something that you think is funky! Let me get back to you on this one!
Would you prefer funky yarn or a funky pattern? Funky pattern over funky yarn.
What are your favorite colors? Lime Green, Orange, Black (come to think of it - I do not have anything in black...... that I have knitted....), Deep Blues, and Deep Purples. I HATE Pastels
What is your favorite piece of art? Anything by Salvador Dali!!!
What colors would you never have up close to your pretty face? Pastels - just so not me, not my color, not my personality - just not me.
Would you prefer an actual scarf or a cowl? I think scarf but would be happy with either.
When you wear a scarf do you prefer a wider/shorter scarf or a thin/long scarf? I wear a thin long scarf to repetitively wrap in this windy city.
What is the climate like where you live? Winter is windy - and cold but so crisp and clear. The fall is rather chilly in the evening full of wind. The early Spring is cool, bright and windy. Are you getting the windy part?
Would you prefer a functional scarf (to keep you warm) or one just to funk-up your wardrobe? One to FUNK up my wardrobe.
What else would you like your partner to know about you? I live in a REALLY windy city. And - WHATEVER goes. I am easy. I am excited about this swap and realize it is just important to HAVE FUN!!!!

101th post!!!!!!

2006-08-14T20:15:00.000-05:00

Apparently my excitment over STITCHES had clouded my view of the hundredth post on my blog!!!!!! So happy 101 to me!!!!!

So- the funkified scarf starts.... and I am so armed with the initiative, creativity and tools to make one!!!!!!!!!

EXCITING!!!!! I get to use my skills on the sock (that I am knitting RIGHT NOW!) and this scarf.... amongst other things!!!!!!!!!

Stitches next year???? 9-12 August 2007. RESERVE that time NOW!

Stitches Part Two

2006-08-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

Girls all packed, room somewhat cleaned (who am I kidding, that room is going to be sandblasted clean while they are gone and garbage deposited appropriately), I know I forget what it is to be a kid but I never thought my room looked THAT bad. Ready to head off to Michigan tomorrow courtsey of Amtrak. Their first train trip. They are SO excited!!!!! (Can you say fragments and dangling participles?)

I am now propped on my couch knitting my sock for my Secret Sock Pal. I WILL have it done by the end of August - I WILL!!!! (shhhhhh I know that the deadline is ever looming.... soon..... but so is the end of the week for my KSKS pal and I got some really cool things to plop in her bag. I can't wait to get it out to her. I can't wait to see mine!!!! I am liking these swaps!!!

So - as you all know I practically killed myself and ran myself broke the very first day of Stitches Midwest. Fortunately I did not have a morning class on Saturday so I SLEPT in! Ok - slept in a lil. My friends all had AM classes so getting up was easy. I did take my time getting ready and sat an knitted a while in the room. It was just kinda of nice not having to count stitches and jump up to discipline and unrulely child, clean a spill, mix up something for lunch or scream a hush! (scream a hush just cracks me up... to have to raise your voice in order to calm the chaos is a hillarious oxymoron!)

I headed off to the Market Place to see if I could do any more damage to my finances and indeed I did. I found this fascinating booth that I apparently missed the night before. I got a tail winder that I love. I bookmarked her WWW for my hubby for future gift ideas. I like to make things easy!!!! I also found several cute stores like this, this, and this. Two of these are near me.... hmmmmmmmm

After a less than tantalizing lunch I head off to my Cuff Craze class with Karen Alfke which was mind blowing. the techniques I learned were so eye openning I am now enabled to make up my sock patterns and be even more creative. Between Karen and Debbie look out knitting world..... red head is unleashed. Karen is THE KAREN of the UNPATTERN fame and I was UNPATTERNIZED when I left. Now I know that I have beenin a knitting slump prior to Stitches - I think I frogged my secret sock pal's sock five times in the last week. I am having a huge attack of OCD right now. This class jump started me and I haven't stopped to frog once. I will have those socks done!!!!! And - little did I know but Karen is the KAREN that wrote the ROCK and WEAVE sock pattern (yes THE pattern that the HARLOT promoted!) from SOCKS THAT ROCK!!!!!!! Can you believe it!!!!!! No better teacher!!!!

Leaving Saturday was hard.... I ran down to the Market place just one more time for a quick purchase. You see - I signed up for one last class at the last minute. I had a class on Sunday - but I switched it. I went from Demystifying Gauge to Off the Cuff Beaded Wrist Warmers. I needed BEADS!!!!! So - not knowing what Japanese Seed Beads were or where to purchase them - I ran to the market place and hit here! Seed Beaded loaded I left to return home to the Fam.

Sunday Morning came way too early for me and infact, when my friend Donna, (of the knitted wool bathing bikini in the hot tub fame) called to tell me she was leaving to pick me up, I was still in my pj's and wet hair. EEEEEK.

Off to my Beaded Wrist Warmer Class - with my Czech Seed beads.... (a no no I know but I was desparate) I was ready to learn a new trick to knitting. The class was taught by the wonderful Susanna Hanson who shared with us some fabulous books I MUST have. This Japanese book (who needs translation the photos are BEAUTIFUL and the charts are easily read) I understand I can go here, Susanna's favorite Yarn Shop. and this wonderful Pulse on Pearls available here. Again - no translation needed!

Now - during the beginning of the class my dear friend and local fav shop owner, Donna (another Donna), showed up to take the class too!!!! What a GREAT companion to have!!! Little did I know, looking at her bead stash she toted in - that she had SEED beads!!!!! Who would have thunk it - well DUH!!!!

This class was fun and tantalizing. I learned how to place beads while knitting and some really cool techniques and tricks. I also learned how to do the Crochet cast on. My mind was mush and so were my hands by Sunday AM but I am sure I am going to learn to love the Crochet Cast On!!!!!

Of course - the spending hadn't stopped. I quickly went and purchased one of Susanna's other patterns at the Market Place. I really enjoyed this class. Light but interesting!

I honestly thing, eventhough I returned home early afternoon and was still able to attend my church, I needed today to recover from all the learning and knitting. Who knew knitting could be so calorie burning!!!!!!

I made one more sweep through the Market before leaving on Sunday - I had to stick around for the Grand Prize Drawing (knowing for sure they lost my entry form) (okay so they were FORMS.... I know I went shopping - I have the yarn to prove it!!!) I also had to stop HERE and fondle some more of her wonderful hand dyed yarn and more. I loved the patterns she had and had to have a few. Of course - the www is now bookmarked and awaiting my purchase! I love that the company's name is her daughter's!!!!

I hope those of you who made it to Stitches had an equally interesting time. I can't wait til next year!!!!!

Amazing

2006-08-14T06:12:00.000-05:00

I am still, twenty four hours after the fact, amazed, dazzled and overwhelmed by everything I experienced, saw and learned at Stitches MidWest! I am so glad that I went! It was definitely not a waste of money or time! I had to take the last twenty four hours to mull over in my overly packed head (more with air than brain tissue at times) what exactly I learned and saw. Of course - being a mom and a wife - I had to deal with those everyday tasks while doing this. Maybe that is why it took 24 hours? No - reality is - things go slower as you get older!!!!!

For me, (and I know others started on Thursday Evening and I am highly envious of those who got eve a few more prescious hours in the knitting guru camps....), Stitches started bright and early on Friday morning after very little sleep. I was highly charged and wide awake with an eager to learn that made me highly nervous to be around so many accomplished knitters. I quickly learned that even the most accomlished sock, lace, sweater and alike knitters were very open, friendly and accepting of us novice knitters.

My first class was "Shockin Stockins." It was taught by the incredibly accomplished by Joan Schrouder. I learned the Toe Up Method and several different ways to customize the sock to meet anyone's foot size. The great thing about these??? If you do not know you have enough yarn, knitting toe up will save you the frustration of not making it to the toe. Just bind off the cuff when needed. I learned a GREAT provisional cast on. I also learned how to shape the right toe and left toe. This was a light but tantalizing first class.

After I bound off my lil sample sock I rushed down to the Market Place and made a BEE LINE here to get this! I picked up four skeins which two of will goto a friend I was shopping for (honest hubby - I am an enabler - all four are not for me!) I loved their booth and also picked up some patterns to use the yarn on. If I had unlimited resources of money I could have gone hog wild in that lil booth. I then stumbled across this quaint store while text messaging my friends (that I would later meet up with) that I was now BROKE. This store had the cutest skirt kit and couldn't help but put that in my purchase bag as well. I have two girls you know..... How could I resist. It was a steal for the price of the kit including all the yarn! They also had THIS and I bought enough to make a hat, entralac scarf and cable fingerless gloves!!!!

I might have been less restrained if my dear friends from my knit night didn't come to my rescue. Meeting up with them curbed by yarn fondling and purchasing. Heading off to my second class I was invigorated by all the fiber and knit enabling at the market place. My class was with the highly talented Debbie New. I will be honest, I did not know who she was. The class was full as everyone else apparently did know who she was. I learned SO MUCH my head hurt when I walked out. I learned how to do a three needle bind off with ONLY TWO NEEDLES. I don't want to learn the three needle bind off now. This way was too cool. I also learned how to cast on and play with the yarn direction to create different cast ons. I learned an easy Kirschner stitch that I will use in place of for all my sock needs in the future. I learned two great bind off techniques that will loosen my bind off and also leave loops if I want to pick up stitches later. I learned a most awesome way to make a sock without knitting in the round using all the techniques that she taught us. The most important thing that happened in the class was the spark to make me knit without a pattern. The spark to be creative. How awesome is that!

I met another knitter, Barbara from Indiana, who was nice enough to help me learn these new techniques and encourage me to keep growing in my knitting. She was a most warm and inviting person I can see why see why she teaches kniting at her favorite yarn shop in Indiana!

Friday was a filled and packed day that ended in a lovely dinner and the hot tub with my friends while we knitted and talked. There were so many people in the hotel and restaurants knitting it was so funny. I think the waiters were freaking out. Donna - I still want to see that wool bikini you promised to wear in the hot tub. I am holding you to it!!!!!!

Now I would love to show you pictures of my yarn stash addition BUT I would have to kill you after. My hubby - bless his heart for letting me go away this weekend) hasn't even seen it yet! I would also love to show you pictures of the weekend - but I apparently would have been killed if I took them. (Understandably so - there were alot of cool sweaters and scarves and items to knit on display. I however and NOT that talented!!!)

Later - more on Saturday and Sunday... I now must pack up the kiddies for their big train trip to Michigan for a few weeks with the grandparents. I will definitely be knitting away while they are gone to fulfill that empty nest syndrome.

Happy knitting!!!!!

The count down

2006-08-04T12:28:00.000-05:00

The count down has begun - 7 days (or less) till Stitches Midwest!!!!!!

I can't wait!!!!!

(Actually I can - I haven't done my homework yet... eeeeeeek)

I am finishing up my bag for my KSKS. I have all the stuff to stuff it with. I have to say this was a VERY fun swap!!!!!

I checked out Scout's new swap - Funky Scarf Swap. It looks like a blast. I am currently stuck in a Sock Rut (which necessarily isn't a bad thing) and this might bump me out of it. I think it has just been so flippin hot that I only want to knit something light and portable.

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I am excited about this swap because I can basically experiment on everything I have learned in the last six months of knitting. When I went to see the Yarn Harlot lsat week someone asked her what the difference was between someone who knits and a person who is a knitter. a person who is a knitter looks at a pattern and either decides to alter it OR doesn't follow a pattern. I have branched over into the knitter category. I have been altering patterns for the past three (or four) projects not on accident either I might add. The bag I am making for my KSKS is like three patterns I merged together and did some personal altering. Now - to put those skills to work on a scarf - get me out of the sock rut and onto something Phunky and fun!!!!!

Okay - off to work I go.... I had one day off this week and enjoyed it with my girls and then myself at Knit Night - now it's a four day stretch and then BACK TO SCHOOL STUFF for the girls!!!!!!!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!!!!!

Ta Da......

2006-07-31T00:34:00.000-05:00

So you read my account of the weekend - but you didn't know about the END of the weekend.

After Church today I diligently worked on my Jaywalkers. I wanted them done. Now I know that I posted that they were finished - and they were - but do you have any idea HOW hard it was to upload all those pictures????? I wasn't uploading another picture without a break.....

So - after Church - waiting for Nat and Rowan to have a playdate with a friend that was returning for a weekend (they are away all summer - can you imagine that lifestyle? )

After they left we went to Taste of Lincoln since it was beside our house......

Lotsa food to be had... in every form of fried goodness you can think of.....

Lotsa people.....

Then there was me..... KNITTING.....

Taking a break from the heat.

If you notice - I never changed out my knitting bag from my church bag - so I was making sure I wasn't getting it dirty....... balanced oh so properly on my feet.

And more people......

Again - taking a break - taking in the sights and Knitting....

There was Sangria at just about every port of entry and exit. Of course beer. Taste of Lincoln bills themself as a "family affair" but after about 7PM it's literally an extension of the Bar Strip.

And more food!!!!!!

More knitting.... gotta get them done......

The family part.... is a street off shoot of games. Nat and Ro with a friend went there yesterday. Natalie ended up breaking her pinky of her R hand. I felt so bad for her. She didn't say a word to anyone. She kept asking to go home - which Daddy thought was her way of having a Tude. She got home and immediately started crying. I was taking a nap (migraine). I took one look at it and knew it was broken. Today it's really swollen and icky. buddy taped and splinted it is... She was afraid that the ambulance would get called and she would be carted off to the ED (without mom). Why you ask???

Look who was running the kids corner. She said she recognized several people from the hospital and just knew they would insist she go to the hospital. I felt so bad for her.

It was hot but not as hot as yesterday - Praise God!!!!! Still hot though. So what else does one do????

sit, watch and knit.... that's what I was doing!!!!!

finally broke down and got some nachos - we split them. They were actually quite good - and I am not a big meat fan - I am the veggie nacho woman......

MY JAYWALKERS!!!!!!!! They are DONE!!!!!!

I am so excited - AND they fit!!!!!!!

Lil warm for right now.....

Okay - off to bed I go.... I am currently working on the socks for my secret pal!!!!!

Illini?????

2006-07-31T00:10:00.000-05:00

A close gaurded secret..... Really it was.....

Few people know that I will be attending UIC(hicago) as of this Fall. Why? I am pursuing my Master's in Public Health.

Now - what does this have to do with Knitting?????

LOOK HERE!!!!

I want this........

I never wanted anything Fighting Illini before - but now I do......

Of course I can get the colors Maize and Blue as well - she says that she will custom make the yarn... hmmmmmmmmmmm.........

Weekend Wrap Up

2006-07-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

As many of you know.... I spent the last few days at the Joyce Meyer/Hillsong Conference. It was AWESOME! (and that is an understatement.)

FIRST - Vacation Bible School was most awesome for the girls.... And our church!!!!

VBS - had a presentation on Friday evening that was AWESOME!!!!!! Natalie's friend Zoey was there (as well as her parents) and a new friend was made as well. Rowan was the oldest in her group and it was interesting to she her take a semi leadership role that Nat always seems to have the opportunity to take. I think they both inherited my temperment. God help us - please pray for us!

They put on an AWESOME presentation of all the songs they learned in VBS. It does my heart good to see them so in Love for Christ and proclaiming His love to others innocently!!!!

Of course I had to take many shots of the wee VBS kids doing their presentation.

After the VBS presentation - our Pastor gave a short message and read out of one of my favorite books - the Ragamuffin Gospel. I thought this was ingenious. Who ever thought of preaching during a Kids presentation! The opportunity to share the Gospel is never overlooked. Our Pastor is sold out for God and leading others to Jesus. Praise God we found this church!!!!

After the VBS presentation - the kids and families mingled in our cafe' lounge in our church. The lil guy on the corner - Caleb - our pastor's son. Isn't he the most adorable!!!!!

The girls had their own lil pile that I am still able to observe them wear around the house. Cute lil crafts they made..... Made me wish I was at a Vacation Bible School for adults - what would we make? Knitted Bible covers? Crochet'd beaded bible markers??? The mind wonders..... I think I am on to something here....

I thought the areas they had set up for the VBS kids were well done and most awesome!!!!

The Summer Missionaries had finished up their tasks with the close of VBS and this was the LAST GROUP shot. They were most awesome in what they got accomplished this summer. This was our church's FIRST VBS and it went smashingly!!!!!

Silly Summer Missionaries assuming silly shots for their last pose.......

Now - while they were doing VBS - we were taking in the conference!!!

Thursday night we had reserved seating because we were invited to a reception prior to the confernce. That was truly an honor and a blessing from God. Even more of a blessing was the baby sitter that we got at the last moment!!!!!! Praise God!!!

Joyce mingled with her partners and answered questions as well as just plain ole TALKING!

Imagine that????

I ran into a dear friend from India who I have been thinking of since we got back from India. Dana - I quickly found out - as I walked past her - IS PREGNANT! Praise God!!!!

Saturday morning the girls were able to join us - so at the ripe hour (and hot hour too I might add) the girls joined us. We were there early enough that we were one of the first people in line. BONUS!!!!

Rowan was let loose with the camera to kill her time standing in the hot sun in line. She captured some cool pictures of her mama knitting. I personally liked this one.

The parking lot was EMPTY when we got there....... Sad statement in reality for Chicago - the UN CHURCHED major city of America!!!!

Every minute or so a plane would take off..... did you know you could hear it from inside the Alstate Arena.... that's just absurd......

Dad rescued us from the heat..... Way to go dad!!!!!

Natalie passed her time by reading - you go girl!!!!!

And - you ask what this has to do with knitting?

I was knitting all weekend - taking in the word - and knitting.... ACTUALLY - I was waiting in line here - in the HOT HOT HOT sun... knitting away at my jay walkers....... (did I mention I was done with this pattern - awesome funky cool pattern at that - I was done!)

Inside.......

As always - an awesome stage awaiting us.....

Natalie was just about ready to BURST with all the excitement!!!!

Pastor Brian Houston had plenty to say about this hat.... GO CUBS!!!! But you have to go HERE to read the whole story (trust me - whether you are a St. Louis Cardinal Fan or a Cub Fan - you will want to go HERE to read it).

You won't be disappointed!!!!!

BTW - just for you CUBS fan - the CUBS swept the Cardinals all three games since Brian was there!!!!! I am banking on the Prayer Walk!!!!

What does this have to do with knitting?

Now - I did not knit while the sessions were going on. Honest.... I knitted inbetween, before and after..... now if I was SURE that the camera wasn't near - I might just have pulled out that knitting..... Okay - I did.... I did knit.... but behind me (precisely one seat behind me) sat another woman KNITTING a bag!!!!!!! I am not alone!!!!!! But the preaching is very fast paced and you are constantly flippin in your bible..... No ADHD going on there.....

What I did accomplish these past three days knitting before, (during) and after.....

I FINISHED MY JAYWALKERS!!!!! YIPEEE!!!!!

(I was so done with them yesterday - I wanted them done....isn't that funny. I love the pattern and the yarn.... just ready to move on I guess.....)

For more pictures of my weekend adventures and the conf. go here!

I will say this..... It is odd to think that last year (at this time) we were wearing winter coats and hanging out at Hillsong Church in Australia.... They showed a clip of this years conference and at the end Pastor Brian mentioned how it made him HOME SICK a bit. I looked at the hubby and agreed that it made me slightly home sick as well. I then turned to my children and started wondering which one I was going to send to Hillsong University...... Natalie Or Rowan? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Hope everyone else had an awesome weekend as we did!!!!!!

Be Blessed!!!!

Randomly Crazy.....

2006-07-29T00:06:00.000-05:00

Schew... what a crazy few days..... it has been....

Joyce Meyer and Hillsong are in town at the Alstate Arena (ick) and what a worship and preaching is going on... (did that make sense).

I am operating on PURE adrenaling right now.

The girls have been active in their VBS at our church and even invited a friend to go with them. (My lil evangelistic girl Natalie - you go girl!!) Sorry for the blurry Picture......

I haven't been able to keep up too well in the KNITTING world BUT - I have my friend Lorinda - who has!!!! YOU GO GIRL!

She tells me that there are some fabulous SOCK yarns to be had here and here!!!!

She also tells me that it may be a possibility that ADDI'S to be SHARPER in the future. Go here to check that out!!!!

ALSO I hear that there is an up and coming "Sock War" beginning at the Yarn Monkey. Check it out!!!!

I am done checking it all out.... I have got to HEAD to bed to get up bright and early for the final day of Joyce and Hillsong!!!!! I am so excited to have the girls there. They really identify with Darlene (from Hillsong - and I am not even going to attempt to spell her last name because I ALWAYS get it wrong - when I have had enought sleep) and Natalie is getting into Joyce's Preaching.

We got the girls this book from the conference and Natalie curled up on the couch with it tonight after her VBS party. It talks about keeping positive thoughts in your mind, combating the negative thoughts from the world and resisting "worldly" views. As soon as I gave it to Nat she started reading it. We have been doing the Adult version together but I thought this was more pertinent to her needs. She was reading it to Rowan tonight as well.

Okay - I have got to go to bed.... 0530 is going to come pretty darn early!!!!!

RANDOM

2006-07-26T14:45:00.000-05:00

thoughts in the middle of my work week......

I haven't been a good blogger - I haven't even been mediocore. I feel like I am overwhelmed with life, work and family. Not a good place to be spiritually. I realized this when I had to crawl my way out of bed this afternoon to make it to work. (and crawl to work I did.....)

I was thinking of a few things while crawling into work and decided to post about them if I got the energy (which apparently I did if you are reading this!)

Many people have asked me just what am I going to do with this most adorable bag........

Why this is my CHURCH knitting bag. This will be the bag I use for church, occasions and other things that require something more than scrubs, shorts or jeans....... In slips the essentials and the currently casted on socks!!!

I also sit here and look at this fabulous sock yarn that I got at My Sisters Knits. I love this. Lorinda helped me pick it out!!!! Love the Orange and Love the Green.....

BTW - just as a point of reference - Lorinda ALSO talked me into (twisted my pinky - and it still hurts) buying the BAG!!!

Lorinda is my new best buddy on the blog net and the knitting net. I have yet to get out to her neck of the woods (which I understand is a very uncomplicated metra ride and a minimal walk to her favorite yarn store. I am looking at the schedule and realizing that I have no life - cause there is no time to go.... I need to make time.... I know this.... Really I do.

What do I really want to do???? Sit and knit... sit and scrapbook.... sit and spend time with the fam!!!!

I have done this but I seem to be craving more and more!!!!!

BIG SIGH!!!

Back to the original start of the post... I am so overwhelmed with my family, work, life and school obligations that I am feeling blah..... I have no idea where this came from --> it sort of just whacked me up side the back of my head when I wasn't looking.

I am hoping this Thursday thru Saturday Joyce Meyer/Hillsong conference will REVIVE me a lil..... Praying it will!!!!

And another thing I can't wait for.... Stitches Midwest!!! If you are going.... PLEASE drop me a line and I will try to keep an eye out for you!!!!!!

Back to work........................... (so I can get more sock yarn darn it!)

The Yarn Harlot came!!!!!

2006-07-24T23:06:00.000-05:00

What a Night!!!!

What an AWESOME night!!!!

I not only got to MEET the Yarn Harlot in person but I had an adventure to boot!!!!!

I traveled far......

We were in the farthest South area you could probably get in chicago and still be called a resident of "Chicago!" The 99th Metra Stop.... convienent for me to get to later on!!!!

Not five minutes after I got there..... I blew a flip flop.............

So barefoot I went the rest of the night......
The hard ships we endure to see the Harlot!!!!!

I walked in the knitting store *(that is absolutely adorable)* and was distracted by this wonderful book..... I couldn't help but stand there and stare at it!!!!

BTW - that's Lorinda!!!!!

Rowan? Rowan is that you????

Now here is my Rowan..... Tell me I am NOT losing my mind!!!!!!

After we were in the store a bit we decided to make our way to the lil talk she was giving.... As we were walking in this lovely lil town we found this.....

Yarn Harlot Propaganda all over!!!!

Walked across the street........

We grabbed a bite at this adorable lil Cafe!!!! You'll have to ask Lorinda how that went - my salad was YUMMY and so was my coffee!!!!!

We finally made it to the park district building..... and was in awe from the beginning. We sat down and I pulled out my knitting while listening and laughing... better yet - cackling.....

She was sooooooo hilarious! She was amazingly coy, energetic, funny, sensible and practical! I loved listening to her talk!!!!!!! No wonder I love her blog and her books!

The line was long - and that was okay because Lorinda and I chatted and knitted!!!!!

There she is.... just a little bit farther......

All these women sharing the same passion. Of course while standing in line - in the store I found a few more items to purchase..... like this adorable lil bag that I HAD to have.......

Now tell me - doesn't this purse scream - Bonzairn!!!!!!

Finally we are near enough to enjoy her efferevesent personality AND beautiful smile!!!

MADE IT!!!! and she was just so gracious. She signed all three of her books to Bonnie, Natalie and Rowan!!!!!! Bless her Heart!!!!

Some fabulous friends made..... Can't wait to bump into them at Stitches!!!!

The Very Sweet Lorinda got me a gift.......

What a wonderful gift indeed - RED sock yarn and a sock pattern I have not tried!!!!!!

And for my Traveling sock entry..... my second Jay Walker is proudly held up to admire the Harlot!!!!

This was a blast!!!! Stephanie was AWESOME!!!! She was beyond Awesome! I am so thankful I was able to get this time off and I was so Thankful for God connecting Lorinda and I!!!!! Praise God!!!!!

Ode to Em

2006-07-24T04:09:00.000-05:00

My friend Emily - as most of you know - came to visit me......

Now -
I turned her into a Scrapbooker

and a
Knitter....

I tried to turn her into a bike commuter

---------

but that didn't go over so well......

You see - on Friday we decided to get our hair done, head down to the lake and bike the lakeside.....

Where do I start.... We got on the bikes got about four blocks away and we turned a corner (not too fast either). I turned.... Em's bike turned and she didn't. She went flying...... so abandoning that idea, we got a ride up to my hair place. THEN it rained...... Not only did it rain but I couldn't get to the local starbucks because there was a gas leak and that gas leak closed the street we were on.

Our hair turned out GREAT......

but - the point is.... I tried to kill her and then we got rained on......

Luckily - my hubby made this great tuna steak dinner on the grill and we hung out on the porch later that evening with our new do's.... the sun finally came up at 1955 and went down at 2020..... but we enjoyed it nontheless!!!!!!

Ode to EM - come back and knit with me.... come back and scrapbook with me.... I promise I won't make you ride a bike again.... I won't promise to cut down on the walking though........

Tomorrow the yarn harlot.... and Em we could go together!!!!!!

Spreading the obsession.....

2006-07-23T00:33:00.000-05:00

Spreading the obsession one person at a time!!!!!

My friend Emily was in town and she and I had a blast. For more info go here.....

BUT - more importantly - I was spreading the obsession of knitting to HER!!!!!!!!

She accompanied me to Knit Nite at Sister Art Studio and I got her hooked on Knitting!!!!!!

My friend Em

She cast on herself after a lil tutorial AND was knitting away.... in no time!!!!

She fit right in.... can't you tell........

Natalie came along and was fascinated by someone who was crocheting..... This wonderful person enveloped Natalie and showed Natalie HOW to crochet..... it was a wonderful thing.... spending this time with her....
This person was lovely!!!!! Patient, kind and "cool" according to Natalie......

As a mom it is so nice to see her creative.......

I gotta tell you I LOVE my knit night ...... if you are in the area you should drop by we are a BLAST!!!!!

Spreading the obsession yes I am.......

Aren't we a very friendly looking group!!!!!!

WOW - I want one!!!

2006-07-21T00:15:00.000-05:00

WOW - I really want one of THESE!!!!! Can I get one????

The following is a quote from Lakeside Fiber's Newsletter. We had the opportunity to stop here a while back - it is such a quaint lil yarn shop.

Lakeside Fibers Summer Yarn Sale!
Saturday, July 29th
10am - 3pm

-20% all in-stock yarns*!
-Select yarns, looms and other stuff priced for greater savings!
-Plus, come in July 21st - July 28th & get coupons for extra savings with a qualifying purchase!
-ALL SALES MADE THAT DAY ARE FINAL!

Also, now in stock, Knit Lites Lighted Knitting Needles! Knit in the dark or on long car trips! The perfect gift for a knitter with compromised vision - or the knitter who has everything!

Hope to see all of you soon!
Remember, our fall yarns are arriving in August - including all 228 colors of Cascade 220!
Have a great weekend,
Miranda
Lakeside Fibers

If you are ever in the area (or not) you HAVE to go there!!!!!

So about those lighted knitting needles.... do they come in sock size? (hmmmm oh the possibilities - knitting in the movies, knitting in the car, on the train, in bed..... hmmmmmm)

Natalie's Baptism

2006-07-16T00:31:00.000-05:00

What does this have to do with knitting.... Absolutely nothing. I did not knit through it.

HOWEVER - I did post a rather length blog here on her baptism. You have to check it out.

Natalie was Water Baptized this weekend in Lake Michigan. She independently made the decision to public acknowledge her acceptance of Christ as her Saviour and I could not have been prouder standing there on the beach with her.

Here she is Accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior!!!!!!!

Symbolically dying to her "worldly self" to be reborn in Christ!

Behold a New Creature in Christ!!!!!!!

Praise God!!!!

My lil girl is growing up!!!!!

On a side note - you gotta go HERE to check out some AWESOME Spiritual snacks!!!! Praise God for our Pastor!!!!!

What do?????

2006-07-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

What Do....

Yarn winder......

two lil slaves (girls) winding the yarn for me....

stitch markers......

a bundle of yarn.....

Make?????

It's a surprise....

Stay tuned for updates!!!!!

Emerging Churches

2006-07-11T09:29:00.000-05:00

Check THIS out!

Is it knitting related?

Well remember how a few weeks ago I was so stressed that I was "knitting" in church? And then a week later I was so refreshed by church that I never even thought about knitting?

You decide = but you have to check THIS out!!!!

Summer of Socks knitting down the aisle.....

2006-07-09T23:00:00.000-05:00

Summer of socks is so much fun.....

I am not sure that I wouldn't be doing the same thing that I am now - if I wasn't in the Summer of Socks - but it's fun having an incentive....

So (as my previous post mentioned) I had the wonderful opportunity to see my girls in a wedding this weekend....

Now with all my travels - along came the jaywalker I am working on.......

At the luncheon... knitting away..... passing time. I have perfected this pattern while talking an not looking. I let my fingers do the walking.......

The wedding was in Grand Haven and it was truly beautiful there.

Yup - there I am at the rehersal... knitting away!!!!!

Heck - at one point I found a secluded area (by the harbor - ha ha) and sat an knit..... till I dropped my fifth needle between the stand steps.... and had to stop and get it....

More summer of socks to come...... this is so fun. But I also realize I am a painfully slow knitter as well as the fact that summer is almost over.... BIG BUMMER!!!!!!

My beautiful girls!!!!!

2006-07-09T22:06:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, despite everything else that is going on in my life right now, the girls had a wonderful wedding that they were in this past weekend. When I say wonderful wedding - that is an understatement. It was a magnificant wedding. The two people that were married were so in love it reeked of love when you were around them. They are wonderful sold out for God people as well. Their families and friends were equally sold out for God and the ceremony was so blessed by God. We were honored that our girls were asked to participate but didn't realize the depth of the honor till this weekend. I have over 200 pictures from my camera and over 300 from my husband's camera - of the whole weekend. The pampering, the rehersal, the dinner, the wedding and the party.... it's all documented on film. Of course - I have to edit them all.... and tonight I am way to exhausted to do that.......

However - I have to post my baby girls in all their "princess-like" glamour!!!!!

These pictures don't do them justice..... I have horrible photography sense.

Of course you can dress up the girl but you can't take the "play" out of her!!!!

Me and my girls..... they are my princesses with or without the tiaras.....

As you can tell - it was a BIG girl day for them!!!!!!

This is the very first picture of them - AFTER they got their dresses on.... I didn't even get to help them with that. They were with the "big girls" for that. So what a surprise when I walked into the church and saw them all dressed up (the hair I was there for!)

What a blessed day, a blessed occasion and a blessed opportunity. Our lives were enriched by everyone we came in contact with this weekend. Praise God!!!!!

Oh the knitting.... yes the knitting....

I kept on knitting........

The sock.... I brought the clapotis but never had the time or the energy (at the end of the day) to pull it out and knit. So - the world cup may have gone to Italy.... I failed miserably. Can I claim an injury??????

But never-the-less I had my traveling sock with me.... and so there I sat during the rehersal....knitting away!!!!!

For different pictures go here.....

I was thinkin......

2006-07-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

Okay I am a BIG Law and Order Freak!!! Big time...... I must have seen every season prior to this last season three times (at least).

I sat in bed in my hotel room tonight, watching Law and Order and realized they screwed up.... (again)

Okay - I was willing to let the fact that Jerry Orbach guest appeared on one of the first season shows as a DEFENSE ATTORNEY - go. I realized that they were probably trying him out (but come on it was Jerry Orbach).

THEN - I was willing to let the fact that the Prosecutor that is on Law and Order SVU was in fact at one time - A DEFENDENT - that was actually sucessfully put away for murder.

But tonight - (a repeat obviously of the season I am not too familar with) was a big big big screw up.....

Sitting in the judge's seat was a "judge" that was killed two seasons prior by her husband. HELLO.... what did NBC do - resurrect her from the grave for this one episode????

Law and Order - do you not think your fans WATCH!!!!! How do you think you have been on this long?????

That was a BIG BIG BIG screw up.......

Okay back to knitting......

Taste of Chicago

2006-07-04T13:14:00.001-05:00

The Taste Of Chicago!!!! What a blast. Our first year there and the girls had a BLAST!!!!!!!!

They got to try new foods and tastes.......

They got to dance to some music at one of the concerts (I know bad picture... I was taking pictures with the hubby's camera that I have no idea how to operate... didn't you know that the Nikon D 70 has a manual zoom.... oooopse. Took me one hour to figure that one out!!!!!!)

Of course there was time to knit in the park.... (yes I knit avidly in public..... it soothes me..... )

The girls had a blast trying different foods and hanging out in the park with me while dad combed around for different treats.

Rowan was busy telling me where she wanted to go next and trying to figure out where we were at that particular time....

Natalie was trying to find her next treat.... she found that there are cool things about being able to read.... like finding all the ice cream spots!!!!!!

Rowan - not getting the total reading thing now.....

Enjoyed looking at the pictures.... hey she still found some cool tastes... pictures are a thousand words....

It was a beautifuyl day......

Not too hot, not too sunny, not too windy.... just right for hanging out, relaxing.....

For more pictures of the Taste - go here and HERE!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!!!!!

2006-07-04T13:03:00.001-05:00

The girls (while I went to work) went to Grant Park with the hubby to watch the fireworks sync'd with the Chicago Symphony. They had a Blast!!!!!

Can I just tell you how much I LOVE this city..... I am so glad that we live here!!!!!!!

I think that fireworks are wonderous whether you are an adult or a child. The girls got 3D glasses at the Taste earlier and were able to watch the fireworks in 3D! Never had that when I was a kid.....

And no Fireworks is not something that I could knit through.... I am addicted, I am a diehard - but I am not that ridiculous!!!!!!

Happy Fourth everyone.... It is GREAT to be an American!!!!!!

Knitting World Cup

2006-07-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

Sadly - I am thinking I am not going to make it to the finals. I will not be casting off in time for the final whistle.... although I am reaching deep inside and pulling out all I have (which isn't much lately).

I have started the straight rows and actually dropped a few stitches and my clapotis is coming along..... it actually looks like the picture now..... but alas - I feel like I am making no progress. The Goal Posts are getting farter and farther away......

I do have to show off though... my wonderful stitch markers (all 20 of them - since I made it a tad bit bigger than the pattern called for) that my hubby made for me..... I think they look awesome and encourage him to make more. You can never have enough Stitch Markers. Goodness I drool over all the ones I see online for sale..... They are just so darn cute....

Back to the world cup knitting.... That is what I need to concentrate on now... I am reaching for the Gatoraide and my knitting.....

Updates tomorrow on EKPN!!!!!

Socks of Summer

2006-07-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

I haven't forgotten about the Socks of Summer (or Summer of Socks). I proudly carry my Jay Walkers with me everywhere. As a matter of fact I knitted on the El down to Grant Park yesterday for the Taste. Now - you know I have an addicted issue when I pull my sock out (after plopping down in the seat next to my girls) and note I have only FOUR DPN. Where is my fifth Needle. The Hubby quickly reminds me I gave it to him so he could make me some Stitch Markers (both for me and for gifts - in particular one to my KSKS). So - I pulled out a stith marker and placed it on the needle and went down to three dpn's to knit while out and about commuting.

Then we get to the TASTE - and there I plop in the park (after gorging on "tastes") to listen to some music and pulled out the sock. It was so relaxing..... after this stressful week!!!!

The girls were getting a kick out of sitting next to their knitting mama!!!!

Note that is their THIRD "taste" of some ice cream, gelato, Italian Ice, or frozen thingy.........

Here I knit standing in line (why I don't know) at the Wet One booth so that I could get some free hand outs. As a mom you can never have too many wet ones - especially the trial size (perfect for the purse, knitting bag, etc) antimicrobial wipes. One lady came by and actually struck up a conversation about my socks. She had wished she had brought hers but her husband wouldn't leave the house with her if she had..... booo on him!!!

Coming later - more Summer of Socks (or socks of summer) pictures.... My socks are going every where with me..... Maybe I should make a video of their travels - to that Johnny Cash (or is it Joaquin Pheonix) song..."I've been everywhere...man, I've been everywhere.... Man.... "
Just one point to these pictures... when we started out it was overcast and cool... at some point the forecast of rain, thundershowers, rain, clouds and overcast were debunked! The sun came out - and I burned like a filet on the open fire. I was a lil lobster last night (and still am). Can you say SUN Poisioning..... I should know better........

Praise God for a beautiful day and a relaxing day in the park!!!! So needed by our family!!!!

Hold onto your hats Natalie!!!!!

2006-07-04T02:12:00.000-05:00

This just in...... (Joyce Meyer's on my Ipod!!!!!)

Podcasts of the daily TV and radio broadcasts are here!

Let's start from the beginning. First, when it all began, you could access Joyce's life-changing teachings in two ways—her national conferences and her audio series that captured these live events.

The next step? The world. Airing first on a few...then several...and eventually hundreds of stations around the globe, Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life broadcasts have made her teachings accessible to nearly four billion people and counting.

Then, technology advanced...and so did we. Along came audio and video streaming on the web, making it possible for people to access our radio and TV programs online.

And now, the present—PODCAST. We are now podcasting Joyce's TV and radio broadcasts.

And, yes, that includes today—what's being aired right now! And, it's all FREE. So, no matter where you are or what you are doing, you can access the very best and latest of Joyce Meyer's broadcasts to help you conquer the enemy, climb a little higher, and enjoy your everyday life.

And no Natalie - this does not mean you can get your own Ipod......

Awesome Sunday

2006-07-02T19:10:00.000-05:00

Wow - after a stressful week (and then some) I had a wonderful time at our church today. I love our church and what's even cooler is that our pastor is AWESOME.

He has this incredible knack of turning the scripture into a very relevant message for today. I am always amazed at what he draws from every day use to illustrate a point in his sermon. For example (this really impressed me) his daughter was in a wedding this weekend and they got the centerpiece from the table where they were sitting - a bowl with two gold fish in it. He brought it to church today and used it to illustrate his point of apathetic response (v 12) from the parable of the sower of the seed in Luke's Gospel Chp 8. He also illustrated the abundant response (v 15) with Bill Gates (the Anti-Christ), Warren Buffet (his follower) and Jackie Chan's recent donation of money to fight what ever they consider relevant world issues. (Okay aside from the slam on Bill Gates and Warren Buffet - his point was - that the seed that falls on fertile ground -

"...came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." (Luke 8:8)

Very relevant, up close, personal and relatable illustrations of God's Word and how it is truly the living word - meaning it was relevant then, now and in the future.

I had to share because church was very therapeutic to me this Sunday and so thankful that it is there for me go to (as well as my faith in Christ!) And no - I did not knit in church today. I was able to focus (I wasn't the distracted response). We are studying the parables at church (well into next year - which - if you want to join along feel free to check us out!) I love the parables...... I am not saying I won't knit along next Sunday and so forth - but for some reason I was in-tune today!

Okay - back to the World Cup Knitting - into the final rounds........

Knitting World Cup Exclusive....

2006-07-02T12:47:00.000-05:00

I believe I was the underdog, the one determined to be eliminated first, from the beginning. I am not whining. I think my desire to finish the World Cup and carry on with my activities of daily living were not meeting in my mind. I started the Clapotis (which I love). I had to frog several times (ten to be exact) till I got it correctly to the increasing rows. I increased and increased (loving the pattern - it is so easy to memorize making it a very relaxing pattern to knit. I even decided to go into overtime and increase two more times making it a little bigger (so that I could wear it at conferences, meetings, classes, etc - where I might get chilled and want to wrap it).

Now - I must mention (much to my dismay) I had alot (ALOT) of travel time in the car this past week and concentrated on this one project because we are down to the wire in the world cup challenge. It is time to pull out everything I have, give it all I got, push myself till I can't be pushed anymore and then push myself farther. It's the World Cup. What would Beckham do? (okay sore subject...... I know).

Look - look at what I have accomplished.....

That's it..... I am so frustrated. This is all I have accomplished. (note - sitting next to the clapotis is our post game celebration drink......) GRANTED - I started down a few because I was not playing on openning day - but hello..... did I mention I had ALOT of travel time this past week?

I am so down in the dumps as I look at this.... of course as I look at this uploaded I realize that I took the picture from the most unflatering back side. The front side - (which I will take pictures of later today) - is alot nicer looking and I am even able to see some of the dropped stitches that I was worrying about in the beginning.

However, it must have been the way I was sitting in the car and knitting or something (perhaps I was giving too much) I have injured my L Elbow. I have knitters elbow. Here I sit afraid I might just have to call the game on an injury.......

I am reaching deep inside and pulling everything I have to the surface and planning on making alot of headway today..... we are down to the wire here folks.....

Now to go warm up on my traveling socks (pictures later).

The Knitting World Cup......

2006-07-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

I think we have an injury......

I think the game may be called on an injury.......

Stay tuned for more information at the break....

The knitting world cup update.......

Finding the perfect sock kit

2006-07-01T21:51:00.000-05:00

I am in search of the perfect colors for the bag that will hold the sock kit that will go to my secret swap pal.

I am also in search of the perfect sock yarn and sock pattern.

I am also in search of all the goodies that go with the sock kit.

I am taking a very interesting approach..... Not one thing will come from the same place.....

This summer - with my traveling socks for the Summer of Socks challenge, we (the sock and I - cause you know, it does have that personality) are combing different knit shops for the perfect things to go into this kit. Not sweating the small stuff.... it's actually fun and the challenge is to get as many items as possible in unique knit shops from my summer travels - even if my summer travels are to the next county (or a train ride to the burbs.......)

This is my goal.............

Now on with collecting!

Knitting Therapy

2006-06-24T23:48:00.000-05:00

I had a CRAPPY night..... and I so desparately need knitting therapy but I am still at work.

We worked on a baby for over an hour and half and were unsucessful.

So - I NEED to go home and knit.... with a nice glass of wine. (Do I have a bottle I am willing to sacrifice????)

But - I can't.... I have to be back at work at 1100 tomorrow after getting off at 0300......

Needing to knit!!!!

Knit on the Go

2006-06-21T00:28:00.000-05:00

I had to run some errands today and get the ole hair trimmed.... (going for the Charlene Therin look from Aon Flux) and wanted to maximize my time out.

So off I go on my bike..... See my lovely cruiser bike. I feel like a lil ole lady cause it is a crusier from the fifties... but I LOVE IT!!!!!

As if the basket doesn't accentuate that fact.....

There is my knit and go bag and a glass of water.... I get thirsty out there you know!!!!

World Cup Knit Along

2006-06-20T19:06:00.000-05:00

I am!!!! I am in on this!!!!!

I ask you this - have I been knitting.... TRYING.

Isn't it funny how you sit there and think... I have PLENTY of time to knit something.

I was saving the coveted Clapotis for this Knit Along. I cast on the openning day and started out....

TONITE I picked it back up AND quickly frogged it.....

I didn't like how it looked and wanted to start all over again.... so here I am knitting. Picture proof I am starting a project from scratch.... watching the World Cup to boot!

I got to here and was happy to make it with only one more frog before hand. The beginning is very intricate...

You almost have to get through the beginning and the first increase row to get it down. After that - it's all down hill. (okay I obviously haven't made it past the 16 rows of increase rows repeat.

So I am here - starting my second increase repeat rows....

Sipping a white wine.... watching the World Cup - having a blast....

Knitting is the BOMB!!!!!

The down side.... I think I am going to have to go invest in some Addi's for this. The bamboo circs are slowing me down..... I am not liking how it is kniting. I have Addi's for my cotton kimonas I am making.... So off to the knit shop tomorrow before work.

Knit Sock Kit Swap Questionnaire

2006-06-20T00:56:00.000-05:00

KSKS

So very excited I am in this Knit Sock Kit Swap! I was suppose to post this questionnaire a while ago but never got around to it. I am a SLACKER Knitter....

The Questionnaire:

What are your favorite colors? Lime Greens, Black, Navy Blues

Are you a new sock knitter? YES I am a NEW sock knitter and totally head over heels in love with socks......

How long have you been knitting socks? One month!

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? multicolored!!!!

What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? wool - it's cold here in the Windy City. LOVE Merino Wool, Super Wash Wool is great and I have knitted a sock with cotton/nylon blend which was my first sock and it was a good starter.

Where do you usually knit socks? Anywhere I can. They are my traveling socks. I currently have a knit an go bag. I commute on foot or bike. I am on the El or a Taxi. I like to pull the sock out, knit and be able to stuff it away quickly. The sock is the one project compact enough to carry EVERYWHERE with me. Including church. My sock has become my preverbial book. I always ALWAYS (and still do) carry a book with me. Just in case... just in case I get stuck somewhere, have to wait in line, or am delayed - I can read. Now I can knit the sock!!!

How do you usually carry/store small projects? In my knit and go bag.... it's lime green, snaps onto my pants loop, bag loop of bike handlebars.

What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? I LOVE Jay Walkers. Now remember I have been knitting socks for a month now. I like knitting different combinations of knit and purl, slip and yarn overs to make an emerging evolving pattern on socks with multicolored yarn. It fascinates me. Again - I am a relatively new knitter....

What are your favorite sock knitting techniques? New to knitting socks... I haven't learned the two circ needle socks yet. Still learning all the turning the heel techniques... so I have tons of uncharted sock knitting terraine (sp) awaiting me. Just the fact that I can knit a sock amazes me.

What new techniques would you like to try? two circs needles, toe up, differnt turnings of the heel.... just about anything would be new to me.

Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting? Currently DPNs. I was using bamboo but then I got a taste of the metal and my sock knitting flys.

What are some of your favorite yarns? Hand dyed, unique, aw heck... anything I can knit with.... Am I a yarn snob... well if going in a yarn shop and inadvertantly always picking out the high end yarn - because the is what I am (or my hands) are drawn to - then I am a yarn snob darn it. I love multicolored yarn. I try to stick to knit picks and webs but my hands are just attracted to the hand dyed super merino hand spun yarn at all the yarn shops. I'm not the snob, my hands are....

What yarn do you totally covet? Lorna's Lace, Koigu, Interlacement yarns and Socks that Rock Oh My

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? Pomatomus

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? I love Bamboo needles - but I am getting into the metal. I have noticed though that the metal comes with four and the bamboo five. I like five needles.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Hand dyed Merino in Socks that Rocks colors

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? I love gum... I love altoids (almost any flavor)... I love peanut m&m's (with or without Johnny Depps picture). DARK CHOCOLATE is the BOMB

What’s your favorite animal? Dog

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? No pets

If you were a color what color would you be? LIME GREEN

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s).. V Neck form fitting but not too tight, black basic tee.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? Sunflower - they can grow in the most absurb situations, they sprout up, bloom beautifully and not one of them are the same. There are lil ones, big ones, huge ones, plain ones, multicolored ones, different shades different flowering appearances. It's a wonderful representation of how God made us. But then again, the fact that this planet rotates and spins around the sun and everything just falls into place is a most awesome inspiring influence to get your butt out of bed and LOVE and LIVE each day - and knit of course!

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. "I am an acquired taste." (Vince Vaughn in Law and Order CI) No seriously - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them, Were I to count them,they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you." Psalm 139:13-18

Do you have a wishlist? Do I have a wish list? The question is what is NOT on a wish list.

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today? This is going to be so much fun!!!!!! KNIT ON!!!!

Totally addicted to knitting when.....

2006-06-20T00:21:00.000-05:00

You know you are totally knitted to knitting when you pull out your knitting in the middle of church - during the sermon.

OKAY - before you start booing me LET ME EXPLAIN!

I have been super stressed and busy the last few days. I have several days of intense work ahead before we leave for vacation - literally as I am walking out of work.

So - here I sit yesterday in church - which I so wanted to be at.... my schedule has prevented me from attending Sunday worship AND Wednesday bible study. I am in the middle of the sermon and literally tune the pastor out (unconsciously), start plotting out my week, what I HAVE to do, what I NEED to do and everything I wanted to get accomplished during what lil time I have off before vacation as well as - wait what was that noise? A fellow parishener behind me was DRAWING. It snapped me out of it. I know that she draws to stay focused during lectures, sermons et al.... SO it was a reality check. I PULL out the sock in my purse and start knitting - bible on my lap open to the sermon reference.

I literally started to focus and the Pastor's words started seeping into my brain. Within minutes my jaw had shooting pain through it...... No God wasn't striking me down.... I was clenching my jaw so tight and grinding my teeth that as soon as I started knitting I relaxed. I felt HORRIBLE - but I actually stopped thinking about everything else BUT the sermon.

I do realize though - at this point..... (though) I am very very very addicted..... I also realize at this time... the older I get the more ADHD I become....

BTW- the pastor and I (their family and ours) are good friends... HONEST!

HIS AND HERS

2006-06-19T00:33:00.000-05:00

His and Hers......

BIKES!!!!!!

My bike.....

Finally FINALLY came in..... worth the wait. I love it. It rides like a dream, I sit upright, no pain in the lower lumbar area AND isn't it cool looking. I am not a Pink kinda gal - but this is cool.....

And Daddy got for Father's Day......

HIS bike. His is alot cooler than mine - but all I need it for is to chase the girls around with.

Speaking of which - the girls rode their bikes for their first long distance excursion this afternoon and Rowan did VERY well. No wipe outs!!!!! She had to sing the whole time she was peddling - maybe it focused her so she wouldn't wipe out and maybe it was a nervous thing....

BUT - we made it several blocks AWAY from home and back - even across intersections.

I had my sock to knit at the park - but just as we got to the park it started to rain so we turned around. THEN as we got home... it stopped raining. My lil Knit and Go bag loops nicely on my handle bars.... so I can Bike and Knit.....

Okay - off to bed - sixteen hours in the AM and I start at 0700 (eeeeeks)

A KNITTING CRUISE!!!!!!!!!!

2006-06-17T03:18:00.000-05:00

Okay - HERE - I found THIS that took me HERE and then HERE!!!!!!!!

A KNITTING CRUISE.....

Not just any knitting cruise - a SOCK KNITTING CRUISE!!!!!!!!

I am so on board!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Lorinda (the other Red Head!)

HEAR YE HEAR YE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-06-16T15:26:00.000-05:00

The Yarn Harlot it coming.....

The Yarn Harlot is coming!!!!!!!

THE YARN HARLOT IS COMING TO CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!

24 July 2006

Details are as such: (Thank you Lorinda - The other Red Head!)

Yarn Harlot aka Stephanie Pearl-McPhee will speak from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and then sign books from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Have I mentioned how excited I am to be able to see in PERSON - the Yarn Harlot??????