Zeneedle...needleart as life

If You Believe...

The blogging community has worked to support many good causes and I know from personal experience you are there when someone is in need of help. Birdsong, a dear friend of mine and a long time member of this community, has a personal goal and she needs our help. Not only is Birdsong’s lifestyle one of service, she also lives simply and sustainably. A class, Cooperative Permaculture Design, is being offered near her home and she would like the opportunity to take it.  Please take a minute to read her post and to help her in this endeavor. She has a Donate Button at the top of her blog and my hope is many of you will step up and help. Together we can make this happen. Thank you!

I Heart Knitting

Well, that is a ridiculous statement, I realize.  But, after taking a month long break, and not being able to knit much a day (for now), it's not so ridiculous.  This weekend I was able to spend a little time knitting, carefully. The poor sock had to go into hibernation, Sprössling grew slightly, and a new project (larger needles!) started its journey.

As soon as I saw it Que Sera, by Kirsten Kapur, made my eyebrows pop up with pleasure. A new summer weight cardigan had been on my mind, but the perfect pattern had not been found. Plus, 8 skeins of Cotton Fleece could be heard calling from the stash.  The color is a little out of the ordinary for me (the color in the above photo sucks), but about a year ago, the depth of this black/brown/green yarn spoke right out loud and, well, what's a grrl to do?  (The color in the photo on the right may be more true.)

My intent is to keep blogging as often as the ideas come and I appreciate your comments of encouragement. I will do all I can to fix the arm/shoulder problem so I can "knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises", as well as through the best of times. 

This video is Mo Roca's story on "itchy knitting" from CBS Sunday Morning. You'll get a kick out of it!

TGIF Random

• If only I could be more like Norma and come up with blog fodder as easily as she does. Her post today is about being green.  Smith and I do the best we can to be green by rarely forgetting our reusable grocery bags and rarely drinking from plastic bottles. (We use our SIGGs as much as possible.)

• Vicki is also a great blogger, as she has an eye for finding new and wonderful ways to photograph landscapes, oddments, and people (children especially). She shares many parts of her life and has such a way with words it's inspiring.


• Chris not only has amazing and disturbing  book covers, but she also has Chaos and Mayhem for eye candy.  If only my boyz would cooperate more often.

• Many bloggers have cut back, or stopped blogging altogether, as Ravelry, Facebook, Twitter and other online distractions lead them away.  I am tempted to cut back (more), too.

• I am anxiously waiting for the little nursery on the corner to open (April 1st!). As soon as purchases can be made, several patio pots will be filled with flowers. (Smith is thinking tomatoes as he found a big half barrel.)
  
  
• It seems knitting is rare here in Zeneedleland due to arm/shoulder problems, but I have a docs appointment next week and we'll see what he says.  I've been knitting (a tiny bit) and have the beginnings of a swatch.  This is a swatch and only a swatch, but when it's finished, washed, dried, and I've had a chance to check gauge, it could grow into something more...stay tuned.

Signs of Spring

The first primrose!

First daffodils!

Birthday money sandals!  (Ok, now I need a pedicure.)

Blue Monday

Blue Monday 

TeresaC recently told me "you can never have too many project bags", which is a philosophy I subscribe to already. (You can't have too many blue project bags, either.)  She made sure I stayed true to this philosophy (with a little help from Kim), by giving me a blue project bag...a Wee Bunny Bag to be precise. This is a "one of a kind" Bunny Bag because Terry sent Kim the fabric.  It now houses my blue Carole's sock.

 

I know I am a very lucky and fortunate person to have so many wonderful friends and Rachel is one of them.  For my birthday she sent another style of blue project bag. I love its happy print (blue and orange!).  You just can't have too much blue (or pink or red) in your life and that includes blue skies.

Blue skies to you, my friends!

Saturday Sky

Sunset in Parley's Canyon (I-80)

True Blue

Susan has been touting the little projects bags she's been sewing, because of their unique construction. Saturday Cheryl had a small tea party and after we drank our fill of tea, and ate many delicious treats, we started cutting and sewing bags of our own. Well, truth be told, I just sat and enjoyed the show while Susan, Eliza and Cheryl did the work. Even though I did little more than look on, we all ended up with a beautiful project bag (for a very small project, like socks). Cheryl has a few more pictures of the day. It was a day spent with true blue friends, who kept quiet about my surprise party the next day. It must have been difficult. 

Sunday, as a ploy to keep me occupied until time for SnB, Shelley and Cheryl took me to lunch. We've been to the Red Iguana several times, but this time we tried Red Iguana 2. The decor was bright and colorful and the food was every bit as yummy as the the original location. (My tostadas were delicious, but the plating gave us a good laugh.) While we inside the colorful Iguana, Cheryl took a picture of my new "do".  I'm still trying to figure out the best way to handle it...maybe a different hairspray? It certainly shows off my new earrings, in any case.

 

The entrance is so bright and unique, with the colored glass cubes, that we had to stop for more pictures.  

 

Shelley and me - Shelley and Cheryl

If anyone needs more proof that Cheryl is a true blue friend, she collected birthday wishes from many virtual (true blue) friends and put them into a little book.  It must have taken her hours to collect all the messages and it's a treasure I will keep forever. 

And while we're on the subject of true blue, Susan designed and knit a shawl with yarn dyed by Kim. For months I've bugged Susan to write up the pattern and she kept putting me off.  Of course, now I know why. (The pattern should be available soon.)  Kim and Susan are as true blue as friends can be and I love wearing the shawl!

Here's a few pictures from the party.  At least Cheryl remembered to take a few pictures. Thanks, grrlfriend!

Cutting the best chocolate (GF) cake.

Smith, Judy, Me, Monica

SnB grrls knitting throughout the party.

Smith + Friends = Love (10,000,000,000).

20 Questions....

Oh no! Not a meme?! Carole started it, Kim, Cookie and Nora (and a bunch of other bloggers) did it and I couldn't help myself, as I wanted to fill some space and buy some time.

1.Explain what ended your last relationship?

A relationship before Smith? Can't imagine.

2. When was the last time you shaved?

Shave?

3. What were you doing this yesterday morning at 8 a.m.

Sitting at my desk, drinking tea and logging onto the Internet.(See #4)

4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?

Sleeping (I post in the future).

5. Some things you are excited about?

Still in overwhelm from birthday celebration. Wow.

6. What is your favorite flavor of JELL-O?

Jell-O?

7. Your prom night, what do you remember about it?

Prom? No prom…I was an ugly duckling.

8. Do you have any famous ancestors?

My ancestors (Pratt's) came to Utah on the first wagon train, the very first.

9. Last thing received in the mail?

Tons of birthday cards and gifts.

10. How many different beverages have you had today?

I usually only drink water and tea (oh and a little wine).

11. Do you ever leave messages on people’s answering machine?

Yes, but I'd rather text.

12. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?

Since I am rarely on a beach I'll have to say no.

13. Any plans for Friday night?

Smith and I usually spend Friday night relaxing and fixing a nice dinner.

14. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?

I have no idea what the ocean does to my hair (see above).

15. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?

Around Christmas time a client will send one to the office. I never touch the stuff.

16. Do you re-use towels after you shower?

Always…why not?

17. Describe your keychain(s)?

Four keys and a tag to the gym.

18. Where do you keep your change?

In a tin by the back door…where I can grab a few quarters if need be.

19. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?

Several years ago.

20. What kind of winter coat do you own?

A light blue parka (Costco!). It shows off my winter shawls beautifully.

Oh My! Blue Monday

Poor little blue pansies were covered with snow by Saturday's storm.  It usually snows on my birthday, as spring and winter continue their tug and pull.  Spring will eventually win.

My birthday was a humbling and fabulous day. It was overwhelming to hear from so many virtually friends (you) and because Smith, the best husband in the world, threw a surprise party for me (with a little help from my real life friends).  It was truly a surprise and I was bowled over.  Cheryl said I had a "wealth of friends" and it is so true. I feel like George Bailey when his brother said he was the "richest man in town".  

Wow!

This darling little birdie told me I had to post today...a day that is a blessing and a miracle. Today is a BIG (as they say) birthday, but I consider it only one of my birthdays, the second being September 11th.  I truly wondered if I'd see 60 (and almost didn't). 

The last few months would not have been as positive, comfortable, or even possible, without my wonderful friends, family and, especially, my sweet, caring husband.  They all took care of me better than anyone can imagine. The outpouring of support from all of you has been humbling and all the love coming my way has been a magical experience.  Thinking about it all brings tears to my eyes and I am very grateful to be living this life. 

(The little birdie flew across the country from Kym's place to mine. Thank you, Kym!)