Zeneedle...needleart as life

What to Post Wednesday

Monday afternoon it was sunny, but very cold.  My heart was cold and heavy, too.  Instead of sitting near a window to see the blue sky and sun (which would have been good for me), I sat in the TV room and watched the foodnetwork while I knit CeCe.  I couldn't watch the news, couldn't bear the drama, angst and sadness it brings.  Can things really be as bad around the world as they report?  It frightens me and brings me down.  Is being an ostrich a bad thing? 

The only way I've found to deal with the heaviness is to look around me and count my blessing. I have learned this is the best way for me to deal with overwhelming situations. I did this after 911, after the Tsunami in 2004, and after Katrina.  Reminding myself of all I have keeps me sane at times like this.  The Ten on Tuesday came at the perfect time (even if I am a day late).

Ten Things you Love About Your Life

1. The people; from Smith, to my flesh and blood friends, to my on-line friends, to my family.  You make living rich and fulfilling.
2. The mountains, "my" mountains, the landscape I see every single day fills my soul and heart with awe. It is hard to imagine living without this infusion of daily wonder as I watch the sunlight fill the sky from behind Mt. Olympus. 
3. A kitchen full of food.  I've never been too poor to have the food I need.
4. Water on demand.  Every day of my life I have been able to turn on the faucet and have any amount of safe water I needed.
5. A roof over my head.  There is never a time I didn't have a proper roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in.
6. Clothing and I have had a love hate relationship.  As a youth it was hard to find things that fit (I'm taller than average), but I love(d) good clothing.  Today it's easy to find well fitting, inexpensive clothing and I'm at a point in my life where the "right" label isn't as important as it once was. I am fortunate to have more than enough clothing to cover my body (and shoes for my feet).
7. A job that pays well (and is very easy to do).  When I've wanted or needed to find a new job it has been an easy transition.  The job I have now is enjoyable, has great hours and offers me a little free time on-line (yes, while on the job). 
8. Music has always been a big part of my life.  My father loves music and we listened to every genre.  Jazz, show tunes, classical, early rock, opera and pop (and my mother liked country)...it was all a part of my life from the earliest days.  I still love it all and listen non-stop throughout the day to a huge mix.
9. Love.  Every day of my life I have had at least one person (actually dozens of people) who feel love for me.  That maybe the greatest gift of all.
10. Knitting and needlework have brought so much to my life. Not only is my life better because if needlework and knitting, they changed my life for the better.  The lessons learned, people I've met (teachers and friends) have had a lasting impact on who I am. This rich and rewarding hobby is the highlight of my life.

In a Nutshell

There wasn't very much happening this weekend that was interesting.  It was not a good time to head into the mountains as we had two very windy days that filled the air with dust.  Every time we left the house Smith ended up having a sneezing fit and becoming congested.  You could feel the dust on your skin, in your lungs and nose...it was most unpleasant. The only reason we could see the mountains at all is because we live so close.  Another mile away and they were completely obscured.  It was rather hellish, to say the least.

Now, don't fall out of your chair, but I did some cooking this weekend and actually enjoyed it.  The recipes that attract me are easy to do , use simple ingredients and are very tasty, of course. This eggplant gratin was the perfect dish for the organic eggplant from this weeks food delivery.  The organic produce box has different items each week and it challenges me to try something new.  The internet makes it easy to find recipes that fit my criteria and it's been fun and enjoyable to try new meals.

I also did a bit of shopping at the LYS, Unraveled Sheep.  After seeing Julia's finished Tree Jacket I've been wanting one of my own.  This gray to black Araucania Nature Wool caught my eye and should make a beautiful sweater.  While on my Araucania kick I also picked up a deep rusty orange Ranco.  Buying sock yarn has done nothing to entice the Sock Mojo back from vacation, however.

One thing I tried to do over and over this weekend, to no avail, was to get a good picture of Persephone (kits now available).  The colors in Judy's yarn elude the camera (there is much more brown and more depth than you see here), but this picture shows the texture (unblocked) of the pattern.  I'm enjoying it because it's not the same stitch pattern over and over.  When I sit to knit Persephone I must make sure there is time to finish a repeat (of about 75 rows or so) because it is addicting and invigorating to do.  Two repeats are now finished...hurray!

I also did a bit of spinning. It's taking a long time to spin a bobbin of this gorgeous Indigo Moon roving, but if I say so myself, it's looking a bit like Malabrigo Lace Weight.  I'll be happy if it's half as nice as that.  The color is totally gorgeous!

More knitting was accomplished, a bit more spinning (as on a spindle) and even time with grrlfriends...but if I spilled it all today I'd have nothing for the rest of the week. 

Did you all have a good weekend of knitting and/or gardening? Despite the cold weather it's looking more like spring here everyday.

A Plan of Action

Time to make a change (or ten)....a change in attitude (get out of the winter doldrums), a change in eating habits (more fresh foods), and a change of scenery.  Building up this weakened immune system must be my main priority and the first thing I'm going to do is run away!   

This afternoon, after my first ever spinning class, I'll be heading South to spend time with my sister, Neena.  She knows food (and herbs) and will know just what's needed to build immunity.  Saturday we'll head off to Zion for a day of sun (hopefully) and fun, with some good food (and drinks) thrown in. It will be nice to see a different landscape and get my head in a different place.  Winter has been long, too long, and I'm going off in search of spring.

The spinning class, my first, is being taught by Celia Quinn and I'm very excited to have some guidance on my spinning quest.  Spending the day in this fashion, and running away right after, seems like dream come true.  The weekend is a much needed respite.

On another note...

How do you like my new red Keen's?  I like them so much I may never buy any other brand again.  The little bit of embroidery is especially pretty.

Only a few flowers have found their way through to the light of day.  This bunch of crocus, which I anticipate every year, is the harbinger of what's coming to the garden.

Mom, make sure you tell everyone how tough I am.

Moxie would like to have a beer trade battle stories with Dale and compare scars. Thank goodness they'll both heal!

Happy Weekend!

Coming Back to Life

My immune system sucks...it seems to have abandon me and taken a holiday this year.  The last few days I've been too ill to think, to write, and yes, even to knit. Monday I thought I might die, yesterday I knew I'd live. Improvement has come rather quickly.  There is an ABC Along post almost ready to go (because I worked on it last weekend) and only if improvement continues will there be another post this week.

Let's finish up some movie business.  Amazingly, many of you knew the movie quotes from my list, however there is one quote that no one knew. I asked several people if they'd even heard of the movie, and no one had.  It's obviously a sleeper, but one you should see.

The movie is Smoke.
Quote:  If you can't share your secrets with your friends then what kind of friend are you? (Smoke -1995)

Hopefully tonight I'll feel like picking up the knitting needles again as I'd like to cast on for Miriam's new scarf, Persephone.  The pattern was part of the last fiber from  Wooly Wonka's Exotic Fiber Club.  Since it will be awhile before there will be a chance to spin up the luscious angora/silk I've opted for Judy's new yarn.  Persephone will be available mid-April and if you've been waiting for Aspen Grove the wait is over. 

Can you see the subtle color changes in the yarn?  It's rather exciting to start something new.  (You don't need to remind me just how many things are already on my needles. Thank you very much.)

Well, that's all I've got in me for today.  I'll be back!

Not Quite Spring

Thank you for the birthday wishes!  The day was all the more wonderful because of you.  The office celebrated by serving our traditional birthday cake from Café de Normandie. This is chocolate to live for, the only chocolate cake I truly love.

Friday night we had dinner at the Silver Fork (our favorite spot), where the snow was lightly falling and we were treated to a spot by the fire place.

Saturday I was treated to a pedicure and lunch by sweet Camille and, yes, it snowed that afternoon.  Sprinter reigns, but my toes are ready for Sprummer.

While sitting in front of a little heater, to keep my bare toes warm, I finished Aspen Grove. (More to come)

The mail arrived while I was knitting and it included the funniest card ever.  It shouldn't be too hard to guess who it's from as you've surely read the pee break posts.  It's even more funny in light of Terry's recent post.  Good grrlfriends share everything, eh?

Inside it reads:

Friends like you
are few and far between
Just wanted toilet you know.

I laughed for an hour and then called Norma. She's a peach.

Sunday morning we woke to a winter wonderland.  I look on it as a gift from nature, as Pisces love their water. More snow in the mountains means enough water this summer, HOWEVER,  I am ready for some sun and warmer temperatures...you hear me Mother Nature?

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

You Say It's Your Birthday

It isn't your birthday?  Well, it IS MINE!!

In my first year of blogging I decided to ignore my birthday. It was on a weekend then and I wasn't sure how to handle it anyway.  But, by 2005 I was over that and hung upside down in a swing to celebrate. In 2006 I hid behind a TON of candles and last year I pretended to be young again. This year well, I just wasn't sure what to do.  After a rough winter, I just feel lucky to be here at all!   This week is even more special because  Miss Meli came into the world on Tuesday. The world needs more Pisces!

The celebration will be low key, a nice quiet dinner at our favorite spot and time with grrlfriends on the weekend.

Here's looking at you my friends! Thanks for hanging around with me!

All About Me

As I step into my fifth year of blogging, I still find myself in awe at the wonderful comments you have shared.  The places you enjoy are as varied as you are, and each place sounds like a bit of heaven.  Thank you for taking time to comment and tell your stories.  If you haven't joined the party, please do so. I'd love to hear about your place of peace and joy.

Much of my weekend was spent coming back each day to read the comments and set aside some of the them to read again.  The random number generator will be helpful in picking the 3 random winners, as well as helping me choose from the special stories you've told.

The weekend was relaxing, obligation free and full of self-indulgences.  Saturday started out with the beautiful sunrise (as you see in Saturday's photo) and turned into a day of wind, rain and snow.  March came in like the proverbial Lion.  A trip to the grocer made the day a little brighter because of a beautiful, bright, bunch of sunny daisies.  Every time I see them they bring a smile to my face.

Much time was spent with my knitting, so much so the second chart of Aspen Grove has been finished.  Because this shawl is a half circle the number of stitches per row grow to what seems like insurmountable numbers.  It's taking longer and longer to knit my way across.  Also, because Mim has a way of creating interesting lace, there are subtle changes that keeps a knitter on her toes.  The second section is representative of aspen tree trunks, the knots, twists and turns are captured very well in the lace.  This section was very entertaining, but also a relief to finish.  The next, and last large area, represents the roots of the aspen colony and while it becomes easy, comfortable knitting, the rows are ever longer and the finish line is far from near.

The second sleeve on EPS was finished and the body united on March 1st!  The sense of accomplishment felt so good, but there is much more knitting before the finish.  More details will follow this week.  Hopefully she will be finished in time for my birthday celebration.

My self indulgence continued when the mail was delivered.  A new issue of Piecework revealed a lacy, beautiful sock from Nancy Bush and I found a beautiful blue yarn (in my stash) that should work up nicely.  The mail carrier also brought a new orifice hook from Kyra's Chiwawa Etsy Shop  The handles are styled from a piece of wood, hand painted and etched.  I love the bright colors and the copper hook.

Because of the new hook, which hangs on my wheel from its leather loop, the second bobbin of Cormo was finished and the third bobbin, which is a Cormo angora blend, is coming along nicely.  The Cormo/angora is much easier to spin as it seems to have more body.  In any case, it was nice to spend a relaxing weekend, spinning, knitting and indulging myself.

Done!

Do it TODAY!

MLK Day Project

Usually my commute is under 3 miles, but on the snowiest day of the year (12" at my house) it was a 10 mile drive into downtown SLC.  My office donated our day of work to the VOA of Utah. Our goal was to get their new digs ready to open within the week.  We did some demolition, building, cleaning, painting and organizing. 

It was an awesome day of service, a perfect way to celebrate the life of a great man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   

NOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooo

My guy...just how I like him.

What Who the hell is this!?!?!

Sob...heartbroken am I....bring it back!