Last week when I took Fi to school, I saw her teacher speak to several children in a way that was horrible. He obviously had favorites and ones he didn't like. He may have been having a bad day, but that isn't allowed (to the extent I saw) when you are the main adult around two and a half to four year olds. The secondary teacher didn't even react when he was talking to the kids, so to me that says that it is something that happens with some frequency.
So, the next day I quit my job and she is no longer in daycare. It is a relief. Of course, when it comes time to pay the bills next time it won't be fun, but we will manage.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Much better thank you
As I said, I am doing much better. Fiona and I went to the park yesterday on a last minute whim. We had fun. Then there was grocery shopping, amazingly that was mostly fun, too. We belong to a co-op that offers all kids a free piece of fruit when you come in to shop. It is a lovely thing. As we were going through the store she kept telling everyone that her apple was a piece of candy.
She has been very interested in the story of Heidi. She has a Little Golden Book version, the full story and we recently checked out a movie version. When we were at the store I asked her if she wanted to buy some goat milk. Now, I have to say she likes goat milk, so I expected her to say yes, but with all of the Heidi influence she got more excited than I would if someone offered me a free vacation, alone, anywhere. "Goat milk?! I LOVE goat milk!! Hurray, goat milk! Goat milk, goat milk, goat milk, goat milk! People in the dairy section were either looking and and smiling or staring and confused.
I just finished reading the Unprocessed Child by Valerie Fitzenreiter. It is about how she unschooled her child, what their values were and how things turned out. She is a bit fanatical I think in her approach, but I came away with some things to think about. Specifically, that if you want to homeschool you have to really enjoy being with your kids and you have to respect them. I've been working on these two things. I often find myself tired at the end of the day and I don't feel like I have enough energy. At least once or twice a week I look at the clock and think, "Oh, thank goodness, only an hour til (her) bedtime." It makes me think of the times when I have read Thich Nhat Hanh's writings and practiced as I could. Maybe it is time again.
I keep seeing the Six Wierd Things meme. I don't know why I like doing memes, I just do.
1. Most people are quite surprised when I tell them that I was in the army
2. One of my favorite snacks when I came home from school (I was a latch-key kid) was a head of iceberg lettuce and a bottle of red wine vinegar. I would tear off a leaf, then pour vinegar into the bowl made by the leaf, drink it and then eat the lettuce. I really, really like the taste of vinegar.
3. I dyed my hair "Atomic Pink" about two years ago. I always wanted to have crazy colored hair, but I was too afraid to do it. I realized that as a stay at home mom I didn't have to worry about my job. I also figured out it would only look sillier the older I got, so at the ripe old age of 35 I dyed my hair pink.
4. I only had three wisdom teeth and they were laying completely on their sides inside my gums.
5. My husband and I worked together (while dating and married) at three different employers. We have finally figured out it isn't the best idea.
6. When my husband was a freshman in high school he visited my high school when I was a senior. We met for the first time in a different town 13 or 14 years later.
She has been very interested in the story of Heidi. She has a Little Golden Book version, the full story and we recently checked out a movie version. When we were at the store I asked her if she wanted to buy some goat milk. Now, I have to say she likes goat milk, so I expected her to say yes, but with all of the Heidi influence she got more excited than I would if someone offered me a free vacation, alone, anywhere. "Goat milk?! I LOVE goat milk!! Hurray, goat milk! Goat milk, goat milk, goat milk, goat milk!
I just finished reading the Unprocessed Child by Valerie Fitzenreiter. It is about how she unschooled her child, what their values were and how things turned out. She is a bit fanatical I think in her approach, but I came away with some things to think about. Specifically, that if you want to homeschool you have to really enjoy being with your kids and you have to respect them. I've been working on these two things. I often find myself tired at the end of the day and I don't feel like I have enough energy. At least once or twice a week I look at the clock and think, "Oh, thank goodness, only an hour til (her) bedtime." It makes me think of the times when I have read Thich Nhat Hanh's writings and practiced as I could. Maybe it is time again.
I keep seeing the Six Wierd Things meme. I don't know why I like doing memes, I just do.
1. Most people are quite surprised when I tell them that I was in the army
2. One of my favorite snacks when I came home from school (I was a latch-key kid) was a head of iceberg lettuce and a bottle of red wine vinegar. I would tear off a leaf, then pour vinegar into the bowl made by the leaf, drink it and then eat the lettuce. I really, really like the taste of vinegar.
3. I dyed my hair "Atomic Pink" about two years ago. I always wanted to have crazy colored hair, but I was too afraid to do it. I realized that as a stay at home mom I didn't have to worry about my job. I also figured out it would only look sillier the older I got, so at the ripe old age of 35 I dyed my hair pink.
4. I only had three wisdom teeth and they were laying completely on their sides inside my gums.
5. My husband and I worked together (while dating and married) at three different employers. We have finally figured out it isn't the best idea.
6. When my husband was a freshman in high school he visited my high school when I was a senior. We met for the first time in a different town 13 or 14 years later.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Food poisoning
Yep. I ate at the company cafeteria and I got food poisoning. After I was sick the first time and feeling a little better, I thought, I might actually knit while I'm home from work. I'm afraid not. I have, however, read most of Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. It has been an interesting ride and read. I wasn't sure if I was really enjoying it until about a third of the way through. I would definitely recommend it.
I'm still "working" on the scarf for my co-worker.
Fiona's daycare is still closing. We haven't quite found the best solution yet. Thinking about a new place for care then rolls into pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. I don't want her to go through more changes than necessary. I went to 14 different schools between kindergarten and high school, and I went to the same high school for three years. I don't want that for my child.
I have lately been intrigued by unschooling/homeschooling. Am I a nut? I don't know. My husband doesn't like the idea one bit.
Be well.
I'm still "working" on the scarf for my co-worker.
Fiona's daycare is still closing. We haven't quite found the best solution yet. Thinking about a new place for care then rolls into pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. I don't want her to go through more changes than necessary. I went to 14 different schools between kindergarten and high school, and I went to the same high school for three years. I don't want that for my child.
I have lately been intrigued by unschooling/homeschooling. Am I a nut? I don't know. My husband doesn't like the idea one bit.
Be well.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
I am here but...
things are kind of crazy right now. Work is busy and my daughter's daycare decided to close in a month. Nice.
I just picked up some Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran in a lovely gray. I'm going to try and knit a scarf in the next two weeks (deadline is set by others at work who are also knitting) for a co-worker who had cancer a couple of years ago that has come back with a vengeance. The doctors say he has 1-2 years left. He and his wife of only 3 years, were in the process of adopting a child. He is on chemo and still at work. He says he keeps coming because every minute he thinks of something at work, he isn't thinking about dying.
I just picked up some Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran in a lovely gray. I'm going to try and knit a scarf in the next two weeks (deadline is set by others at work who are also knitting) for a co-worker who had cancer a couple of years ago that has come back with a vengeance. The doctors say he has 1-2 years left. He and his wife of only 3 years, were in the process of adopting a child. He is on chemo and still at work. He says he keeps coming because every minute he thinks of something at work, he isn't thinking about dying.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
We are so lucky
When I was pregnant with Fiona I took a Birthing From Within childbirth class. There I met two wonderful couples (who also had the same midwives as we did). We all stayed in touch after the classes were over. All of the moms and babies went to this wonderful support group for new parents here in Seattle at the Community Birth and Family Center. The group was called First Weeks. There we made friends with a couple of other mothers. After First Weeks was over we decided to meet at a coffee shop and hang out with our babies. We picked up a couple more people along the way. Three years later we are all still friends. We don't get together as often, but it has been such a blessing for all of us. We found kindred spirits. These are people I expect to be friends with for the rest of my life. Here is a picture from our second annual Christmas party. There are the eight original children (all born between June and Sept of 2003) and now four second children join the ranks.
Friday, December 29, 2006
48 things meme
1. FIRST NAME? Evelyn
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Unfortunately, I was.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? A couple of weeks ago, watching the Return of the King.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? It's all right, not quite what I want, but I'm not a teenager anymore so I don't really have time to sit in my room and fiddle around with it.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Tofurkey
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sometimes I'm a real pain in the ass, but I think I would be my friend.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? This is as close as it gets. I want to start a knitting journal though this year.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? If I were drunk, single and I didn't have a child, then yes, I think I might.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? My current favorite cold cereal is Autumn Wheat. My all time favorite hot cereal is Cream of Wheat.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Only if I have to, or I really care about the shoes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby is just too good. I also really like vanilla Dove bars that are covered with chocolate and almonds.
14. SHOE SIZE? 9-9.5
15. RED OR PINK? Both.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I think it is my inability to do something if I don't want to do it.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I don't know.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Anyone who wants to is welcome to this meme.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Cropped blue jeans, black knit shirt and no shoes. I also have on my gigantic fluffy bathrobe from my mother-in-law, it is sooooo comfy.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Pagliacci pizza, cheese, black olives, mushrooms and tomatoes after bake with a San Pellegrino Aranciata.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Hubby and daughter re-enacting Madeline having her appendix out on Fiona's new Playmobile people.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I think a kind of purply red. At least that is the crayon I always go for when I am asked to color.
23. FAVORITE SMELL? There are so many. The smell of a beeswax candle, lit or not, is right up there.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? The Pagliacci pizza order taker.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? I don't know what it is, but I know it when I see it. I like different people for different reasons, so it is hard to pick any one thing.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? This was the first time I visited her blog.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? With alcohol, Chateauneuf du Pape. Without alcohol, probably water.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? I love watching women's curling, some day I will have to give it a go.
29. EYE COLOR? Bluey-Greeny.
30. HAT SIZE? I don't remember, but it is on the big side if I remember correctly.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I used to wear them.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? I'm pathetic, I love ice cream what can I say. If I had to choose just one food though to eat for the rest of my life, I would choose salad. I can eat salad everyday.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I prefer happy endings to scary movies.
34. IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE? Same city, different neighborhood.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Both.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Are we talking Hersey's or public displays of affection? Hersey's kisses and hugs for friends.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Ice cream.
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one.
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Everyone.
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Overheard in New York, Few Eggs and No Oranges and Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter. There are many more in queue, including Libraries.
41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don’t have one.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Don't get TV.
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Clicking of knitting needles, whir of a spinning wheel, sound of my daughter's breathing when she is asleep, my daughter singing, cats purring
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Japan
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I'm a doula.
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? In a hospital
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? No one.
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Unfortunately, I was.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? A couple of weeks ago, watching the Return of the King.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? It's all right, not quite what I want, but I'm not a teenager anymore so I don't really have time to sit in my room and fiddle around with it.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Tofurkey
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sometimes I'm a real pain in the ass, but I think I would be my friend.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? This is as close as it gets. I want to start a knitting journal though this year.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? If I were drunk, single and I didn't have a child, then yes, I think I might.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? My current favorite cold cereal is Autumn Wheat. My all time favorite hot cereal is Cream of Wheat.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Only if I have to, or I really care about the shoes.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby is just too good. I also really like vanilla Dove bars that are covered with chocolate and almonds.
14. SHOE SIZE? 9-9.5
15. RED OR PINK? Both.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I think it is my inability to do something if I don't want to do it.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I don't know.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Anyone who wants to is welcome to this meme.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Cropped blue jeans, black knit shirt and no shoes. I also have on my gigantic fluffy bathrobe from my mother-in-law, it is sooooo comfy.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Pagliacci pizza, cheese, black olives, mushrooms and tomatoes after bake with a San Pellegrino Aranciata.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Hubby and daughter re-enacting Madeline having her appendix out on Fiona's new Playmobile people.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I think a kind of purply red. At least that is the crayon I always go for when I am asked to color.
23. FAVORITE SMELL? There are so many. The smell of a beeswax candle, lit or not, is right up there.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? The Pagliacci pizza order taker.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? I don't know what it is, but I know it when I see it. I like different people for different reasons, so it is hard to pick any one thing.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? This was the first time I visited her blog.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? With alcohol, Chateauneuf du Pape. Without alcohol, probably water.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? I love watching women's curling, some day I will have to give it a go.
29. EYE COLOR? Bluey-Greeny.
30. HAT SIZE? I don't remember, but it is on the big side if I remember correctly.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I used to wear them.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? I'm pathetic, I love ice cream what can I say. If I had to choose just one food though to eat for the rest of my life, I would choose salad. I can eat salad everyday.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I prefer happy endings to scary movies.
34. IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD THAT BE? Same city, different neighborhood.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Both.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Are we talking Hersey's or public displays of affection? Hersey's kisses and hugs for friends.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Ice cream.
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one.
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Everyone.
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Overheard in New York, Few Eggs and No Oranges and Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter. There are many more in queue, including Libraries.
41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Don’t have one.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Don't get TV.
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Clicking of knitting needles, whir of a spinning wheel, sound of my daughter's breathing when she is asleep, my daughter singing, cats purring
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Japan
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I'm a doula.
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? In a hospital
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? No one.
Friday, December 22, 2006
It's funny...
looking back over some of the posts I have written. There are so many ideas and things that interest me and most I don't end up pursuing. It is kind of sad.
Lots of people have been blogging about Christmases that are memorable and about letting go and not trying to make everything perfect, and not getting grumpy when it isn't perfect.
The Christmas that I remember most clearly from my youth was the year (one of the several) that we were very poor. My mom bought me a one gallon size jar of pickles with food stamps. I absolutely love pickles, so it was a great gift. That was also the year that the power went out. I don't know if it was because an electric bill hadn't been paid or if there was some storm or something. It was beautiful with all the candles lit and the tree with it's decorations glinting in the candle light. I think I was 10 that year.
The next year we went to get our Christmas decorations out of storage and someone had stolen them. I had had the same stocking from when I was born. It was red velvet with a white fluffy top and someone had used glue and glitter to make a big, cursive 'E' on the red part of the stocking. Every year I think of that stocking. It was perfect.
I love hosting Christmas. Having people over and providing for them and seeing them happy makes me happy. It makes me feel domestic and capable. (I spent the first part of my life trying to get away from everything feminine, believing that feminine equaled weak. Now I work to reclaim the fact that I am a woman, but I think I still have skewed ideas of what that means.)
Yesterday was the winter solstice here. I wanted to celebrate, but no one around me seemed interested. I feel the connection to the circle of life and the light going and coming back. I feel rooted in the earth when I think of the solstice. I read about someone having a bonfire. I think I shall try to muster the energy to do that next year. The bright light in the dark. The spark of life. Family and fun around a fire, showing that we keep going even in the dark.
I was going to post a horrible camera phone snap of the sock, but it just isn't going to work out.
A coworker is having me over sometime next week to try out her spinning wheel. It is exciting and scary at the same time. Hopefully it won't be too much fun, otherwise I will just be pining for my own wheel. I haven't had much practice with a spindle. I need to give it another go, and of course by that I mean just practice, practice, practice.
Knitting-wise, I am really looking forward to the beginning of the new year. There are so many things that I want to do. There are several lace projects and at least one pair of socks and a sweater in queue.
I'm not a big new years resolutions kind of person, but I'm thinking of some crafting and hobby related ones. Maybe if I set some goals, I can try some of the things that haven't come to fruition this year. More needlefelting, sewing and knitting. More reading.
Thank you for coming and reading my blog and especially for commenting on it. I just set up Google analytics. It has a map with litle dots (like pins) that show the city of origin of people who visit my blog. My favorite day so far was the one when there were pins in Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, France, the UK and a scattering in the US. I love love love how international this is! I have had visitors from 4 continents so far. I doubt that I will ever be visited by someone in Antartica, but I hope to be visited by someone in Asia and Africa some day.
Lots of people have been blogging about Christmases that are memorable and about letting go and not trying to make everything perfect, and not getting grumpy when it isn't perfect.
The Christmas that I remember most clearly from my youth was the year (one of the several) that we were very poor. My mom bought me a one gallon size jar of pickles with food stamps. I absolutely love pickles, so it was a great gift. That was also the year that the power went out. I don't know if it was because an electric bill hadn't been paid or if there was some storm or something. It was beautiful with all the candles lit and the tree with it's decorations glinting in the candle light. I think I was 10 that year.
The next year we went to get our Christmas decorations out of storage and someone had stolen them. I had had the same stocking from when I was born. It was red velvet with a white fluffy top and someone had used glue and glitter to make a big, cursive 'E' on the red part of the stocking. Every year I think of that stocking. It was perfect.
I love hosting Christmas. Having people over and providing for them and seeing them happy makes me happy. It makes me feel domestic and capable. (I spent the first part of my life trying to get away from everything feminine, believing that feminine equaled weak. Now I work to reclaim the fact that I am a woman, but I think I still have skewed ideas of what that means.)
Yesterday was the winter solstice here. I wanted to celebrate, but no one around me seemed interested. I feel the connection to the circle of life and the light going and coming back. I feel rooted in the earth when I think of the solstice. I read about someone having a bonfire. I think I shall try to muster the energy to do that next year. The bright light in the dark. The spark of life. Family and fun around a fire, showing that we keep going even in the dark.
I was going to post a horrible camera phone snap of the sock, but it just isn't going to work out.
A coworker is having me over sometime next week to try out her spinning wheel. It is exciting and scary at the same time. Hopefully it won't be too much fun, otherwise I will just be pining for my own wheel. I haven't had much practice with a spindle. I need to give it another go, and of course by that I mean just practice, practice, practice.
Knitting-wise, I am really looking forward to the beginning of the new year. There are so many things that I want to do. There are several lace projects and at least one pair of socks and a sweater in queue.
I'm not a big new years resolutions kind of person, but I'm thinking of some crafting and hobby related ones. Maybe if I set some goals, I can try some of the things that haven't come to fruition this year. More needlefelting, sewing and knitting. More reading.
Thank you for coming and reading my blog and especially for commenting on it. I just set up Google analytics. It has a map with litle dots (like pins) that show the city of origin of people who visit my blog. My favorite day so far was the one when there were pins in Sweden, Finland, New Zealand, France, the UK and a scattering in the US. I love love love how international this is! I have had visitors from 4 continents so far. I doubt that I will ever be visited by someone in Antartica, but I hope to be visited by someone in Asia and Africa some day.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Oh dear
It has been a week since I last posted. I've been posting less frequently because I know it is much more interesting when there are pictures. But, I suppose some text without pictures is more interesting than nothing new at all.
We lost power during the big storm here last Thursday. It was gone for about 17 hours. I have a friend who is still without power. She and her family are staying at different peoples houses over night. What fun.
I started the socks for Fiona last week. The colors are perfect. I just turned the heel of my very first sock. It is magic. A coworker showed me a lovely way to pick up the stitches on the side of the heel flap. I feel like a real knitter!
Last week I made a point of taking my knitting with me everywhere even when I didn't think I would have time. I pulled into a Starbucks drive through that was quite backed up. I pulled out my knitting (and turned off the car). I felt like a real knitter!
I went to pick up some take out food. It wasn't quite ready yet, I pulled out my knitting and instantly dropped a stitch. I fumbled in my little bag for the crochet hook I have for just such emergencies. My little bag then spilled all around my feet. I recovered the stitch, although in the process of recovering that one I lost two more. All stitches were recovered. My little bag repacked. I knit three or four stitches and the food was ready. I felt like a crappy knitter.
I always hope that when I knit in public it will inspire someone else to pick up what they have set aside, or get someone intrigued enough to learn how to knit. It isn't that I think I am an inspirational knitter. I'm not. I think I may have finished six or seven things in my lifetime. The reason I hope to inspire people is that I think knitting is so engulfing, so amazing, that if everyone would do it, they would see how incredible it is and then there would be world peace, or something.
Christmas is looming. I hope to have all of the handmade gifts done. The socks may end up as a post Christmas gift. A scarf for someone was finished. I have 1/4 of a face cloth to finish. A special knitted item, that cannot be described because the recipient may read this blog and would know, has yet to be cast on, but it is doable. I have the fabric for a doll's quilt and some kanzashi barettes a la Spangle and my little mochi. It will all work, somehow.
We lost power during the big storm here last Thursday. It was gone for about 17 hours. I have a friend who is still without power. She and her family are staying at different peoples houses over night. What fun.
I started the socks for Fiona last week. The colors are perfect. I just turned the heel of my very first sock. It is magic. A coworker showed me a lovely way to pick up the stitches on the side of the heel flap. I feel like a real knitter!
Last week I made a point of taking my knitting with me everywhere even when I didn't think I would have time. I pulled into a Starbucks drive through that was quite backed up. I pulled out my knitting (and turned off the car). I felt like a real knitter!
I went to pick up some take out food. It wasn't quite ready yet, I pulled out my knitting and instantly dropped a stitch. I fumbled in my little bag for the crochet hook I have for just such emergencies. My little bag then spilled all around my feet. I recovered the stitch, although in the process of recovering that one I lost two more. All stitches were recovered. My little bag repacked. I knit three or four stitches and the food was ready. I felt like a crappy knitter.
I always hope that when I knit in public it will inspire someone else to pick up what they have set aside, or get someone intrigued enough to learn how to knit. It isn't that I think I am an inspirational knitter. I'm not. I think I may have finished six or seven things in my lifetime. The reason I hope to inspire people is that I think knitting is so engulfing, so amazing, that if everyone would do it, they would see how incredible it is and then there would be world peace, or something.
Christmas is looming. I hope to have all of the handmade gifts done. The socks may end up as a post Christmas gift. A scarf for someone was finished. I have 1/4 of a face cloth to finish. A special knitted item, that cannot be described because the recipient may read this blog and would know, has yet to be cast on, but it is doable. I have the fabric for a doll's quilt and some kanzashi barettes a la Spangle and my little mochi. It will all work, somehow.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Alex and his hat
I finished the hat for Alex in early November, I think, but didn't get it to him until late November. Now, in the middle of December I am finally posting pictures. Hurray!
This was the hat I knit three times. It was knit from Colinette Graffiti in Blue Parrot. I don't remember what the needle gauge was.
Today I started knitting my first pair of socks for Miss Fi. I was lucky enough to get the Fig and Plum colorway from Yarntini in 100% superwash merino.
It is absolutely lovely. It is so springy and pinchable. The colors are perfect. And she sent me a yummy little pot of Chocotini lip balm as a gift. Thank you Jessie!
Last but not least, I took this picture a few weeks ago.
It was such a beautiful morning and I wanted to share it with everyone. If you squint your eyes and tilt your head just so, you may be able to make out the partially snow covered mountains on the horizon. I wish you could actually see them.
Off I go to work on those socks!
p.s. I received an email back from the chocolatier Michel Cluizel. Here is the full text.
This was the hat I knit three times. It was knit from Colinette Graffiti in Blue Parrot. I don't remember what the needle gauge was.
Today I started knitting my first pair of socks for Miss Fi. I was lucky enough to get the Fig and Plum colorway from Yarntini in 100% superwash merino.
It is absolutely lovely. It is so springy and pinchable. The colors are perfect. And she sent me a yummy little pot of Chocotini lip balm as a gift. Thank you Jessie!
Last but not least, I took this picture a few weeks ago.
It was such a beautiful morning and I wanted to share it with everyone. If you squint your eyes and tilt your head just so, you may be able to make out the partially snow covered mountains on the horizon. I wish you could actually see them.
Off I go to work on those socks!
p.s. I received an email back from the chocolatier Michel Cluizel. Here is the full text.
After asking the Cluizel family, the assured that prior to working with a plantation, they request a written engagement that their plantation is not using "children, who are subject to slave labor conditions".
We try to get all the necessary guarantees that human rights are respected.
Thank you for your concern.
JACQUES
Friday, December 08, 2006
Sick and tired...
on a couple of levels. I have had a wretched cough for almost five weeks now. I am on three medications. I am so run down.
The Iraq war is horrifying. So much death and destruction. I never wanted the US to go there, and yet I feel like we can't leave until we somehow fix all of the horrible things we have done, but it seems we make it worse by staying.
I have also been greatly saddened by the loss of James Kim. I followed the story, and thought of writing in the guestbook on the website, but I could think of nothing comforting to say.
At the same time as I was biting my nails over the Kim family, I read of the loss of a 12 year old girl on Amy's website.
I never wanted to have children until my brother had his son almost 8 years ago. It opened a door for me that had been very securely shut. I have a three year old daughter and my husband and I are trying to having a second. I fear losing my child(ren). War, mistakes, accidents, life. I can't tell you how many times I've been baking with my daughter or reading a book to her or grocery shopping with her and I have thought how what I am doing would be impossible for a mother in Iraq or Darfur. There are days when I feel like I've had a crappy day, and I just need a gingerbread latte to make me feel better, what a load of crap. And yet my feelings and my life experience are valid. How can someone find balance in all of this?
I love chocolate. Michel Cluizel 72% Noir is a dream come true. There are times when I feel like I need it, almost like medicine, probably more like an addiction. There are children who are working in slave labor to produce chocolate. I just sent an email to Michel Cluizel to ask about their sourcing of chocolate.
I am a vegetarian. I feel guilty about the eggs and cheese that we eat. I don't really feel too guilty about the honey, though. I don't think I have the energy to do what needs to be done though to change.
There are ways in which we conserve. We recycle. We compost. Then there are ways in which we are profligate. Going out for coffee everyday. Buying too much crap.
Maybe I shall institute stream of consciousness Friday.
The Iraq war is horrifying. So much death and destruction. I never wanted the US to go there, and yet I feel like we can't leave until we somehow fix all of the horrible things we have done, but it seems we make it worse by staying.
I have also been greatly saddened by the loss of James Kim. I followed the story, and thought of writing in the guestbook on the website, but I could think of nothing comforting to say.
At the same time as I was biting my nails over the Kim family, I read of the loss of a 12 year old girl on Amy's website.
I never wanted to have children until my brother had his son almost 8 years ago. It opened a door for me that had been very securely shut. I have a three year old daughter and my husband and I are trying to having a second. I fear losing my child(ren). War, mistakes, accidents, life. I can't tell you how many times I've been baking with my daughter or reading a book to her or grocery shopping with her and I have thought how what I am doing would be impossible for a mother in Iraq or Darfur. There are days when I feel like I've had a crappy day, and I just need a gingerbread latte to make me feel better, what a load of crap. And yet my feelings and my life experience are valid. How can someone find balance in all of this?
I love chocolate. Michel Cluizel 72% Noir is a dream come true. There are times when I feel like I need it, almost like medicine, probably more like an addiction. There are children who are working in slave labor to produce chocolate. I just sent an email to Michel Cluizel to ask about their sourcing of chocolate.
I am a vegetarian. I feel guilty about the eggs and cheese that we eat. I don't really feel too guilty about the honey, though. I don't think I have the energy to do what needs to be done though to change.
There are ways in which we conserve. We recycle. We compost. Then there are ways in which we are profligate. Going out for coffee everyday. Buying too much crap.
Maybe I shall institute stream of consciousness Friday.
Friday, December 01, 2006
The mittens are done!
I posted the story, and a couple of pictures, of the mittens on Knit the Classics. Here is the link.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Snow day!
Happy to be in the snow!
Dada wants to make a snowman, I want to stomp on the snowman!
The results of a lot of hard work with very powdery snow.
I'm still here
Things have been busy with the Thanksgiving holiday. We went out of town. We arrived back in town just in time to be snowed in for two days. You would think that would be prime knitting and blogging weather, but not so much. It was fun to get out and fun to hibernate.
I have lots of pictures to share and will post soon.
It's almost December!
I have lots of pictures to share and will post soon.
It's almost December!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Mittens, mittens, mittens!
I came across this website where they are looking for 300 pairs of mittens for children in New York.
If you can, please knit, crochet or buy a pair of mittens and donate them.
(My skills at html are very limited. The link above will take you to the site, or the button down on the lower left, but I don't know how to make the image in this post link back to the original website.)
If you can, please knit, crochet or buy a pair of mittens and donate them.
(My skills at html are very limited. The link above will take you to the site, or the button down on the lower left, but I don't know how to make the image in this post link back to the original website.)
Thursday, November 16, 2006
WIPs and stuff
First, comes Storm. I started a gauge swatch eons ago and stopped. Colinette Parisienne isn't the easiest thing to knit with. I bought it with the intent of making a fern lace scarf just like they had at the shop. The more I think about it though, that is not what I want to do with this yarn. I want to make a stole, and I have no idea what the pattern should be. Yes, I already said it was difficult to knit with and I don't have enough to make a stole. So, should I buy two or three more skeins? Should I find a pattern first? I've noticed that when people knit with this or Kidsilk Haze they don't really do too many different stitches. Should I put it in my stash and let it sit for a while? Should I just make the fern lace scarf and call it good? I was even thinking of making one of these (okay, I can't find the link now, but basically it is a cabled neck warmer with some buttons) with it just to do something. I just don't know.
A friend gave me the book, Knitting for Peace, for my birthday. I had been talking to her about all of the amazing charity knitting I was reading about online. I have also wanted to knit a pair of mittens for Fiona. This book has a nice, simple pattern in it. Fiona picked out the yarn color. I would have expected her to pick a bright color, but she always came back to the natural colors. I also picked up the packet pictured below of Brittany US3 dpn. I've become more fond of metal needles lately, but I thought I would give these a try. They seem much smoother than bamboo. I really like them. The yarn I'm using is Lamb's Pride. I should have plenty left over to make a pair of mittens to donate.
This is also my first time ever knitting in the round. I had no idea that it would be so floppy at first with needles going every which way. I almost poked myself in the eye twice! Here is Fiona modeling her first partially complete homemade mitten.
From a different angle...
You can't tell that I am rather proud can you? I just never thought I would be able to do something so cool and useful! I did change the pattern a bit from the book. The pattern says to use US7 needles with worsted weight to get a tension of 4.25 stitches to the inch. I knit up a gauge swatch and it was way too loose for what I thought a mitten should be. I measured Fiona's hand and realized that her hand was smaller than the instructions for the smallest mitten. I kept trying needles until I got the gauge I wanted, 5 stitches/inch and then, decided to follow the pattern. I did stop the ribbing early because it didn't seem quite right, but now looking at the photograph it looks a little odd, but it seems to fit just right.
A friend gave me the book, Knitting for Peace, for my birthday. I had been talking to her about all of the amazing charity knitting I was reading about online. I have also wanted to knit a pair of mittens for Fiona. This book has a nice, simple pattern in it. Fiona picked out the yarn color. I would have expected her to pick a bright color, but she always came back to the natural colors. I also picked up the packet pictured below of Brittany US3 dpn. I've become more fond of metal needles lately, but I thought I would give these a try. They seem much smoother than bamboo. I really like them. The yarn I'm using is Lamb's Pride. I should have plenty left over to make a pair of mittens to donate.
This is also my first time ever knitting in the round. I had no idea that it would be so floppy at first with needles going every which way. I almost poked myself in the eye twice! Here is Fiona modeling her first partially complete homemade mitten.
From a different angle...
You can't tell that I am rather proud can you? I just never thought I would be able to do something so cool and useful! I did change the pattern a bit from the book. The pattern says to use US7 needles with worsted weight to get a tension of 4.25 stitches to the inch. I knit up a gauge swatch and it was way too loose for what I thought a mitten should be. I measured Fiona's hand and realized that her hand was smaller than the instructions for the smallest mitten. I kept trying needles until I got the gauge I wanted, 5 stitches/inch and then, decided to follow the pattern. I did stop the ribbing early because it didn't seem quite right, but now looking at the photograph it looks a little odd, but it seems to fit just right.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Posting under the influence
Here is the fourth try at the knitted lace ball that I am making for the ornament swap over at Knit the Classics. I found the pattern here. I was going to do the fancy ball with the mexican lace insert, but like I said this is my fourth try and I have to rip it out. I will try the basic version. Reading lace and short rows in the yarn is hard for me at this point. I don't have enough experience yet to tell where I have made a mistake.
Here are the two finished face cloths. The bottom one is missing the yarn over holes on the decrease. I was going to rip it out, but I decided that I don't mind that it is quirky. The recipient probably won't care either. The green is bound to be two more face clothes for another person. I will wrap them up with a few other yummy bathroom goodies.
The reason I title the post "Posting under the influence" is that I have had a nasty cough for a week and a half. I went to the doctor a few days ago and was given a medication (guaifenesin, an expectorant) that I have had in the past. Yesterday I started itching. Today I broke out in tiny hives all over my arms and legs. So now I am on two different medications that make me sleepy. The doctor said I should stay home for a day or two so I can get well. I can't even tell you how many days of work I have missed lately because I've been sick, or Fiona has been sick. I am a little afraid that this might push my boss over the brink and I might lose my job. Sigh.
Here are the two finished face cloths. The bottom one is missing the yarn over holes on the decrease. I was going to rip it out, but I decided that I don't mind that it is quirky. The recipient probably won't care either. The green is bound to be two more face clothes for another person. I will wrap them up with a few other yummy bathroom goodies.
The reason I title the post "Posting under the influence" is that I have had a nasty cough for a week and a half. I went to the doctor a few days ago and was given a medication (guaifenesin, an expectorant) that I have had in the past. Yesterday I started itching. Today I broke out in tiny hives all over my arms and legs. So now I am on two different medications that make me sleepy. The doctor said I should stay home for a day or two so I can get well. I can't even tell you how many days of work I have missed lately because I've been sick, or Fiona has been sick. I am a little afraid that this might push my boss over the brink and I might lose my job. Sigh.
Monday, November 06, 2006
The bulbs are in the ground!
I didn't have to garden at midnight, but it was getting pretty dark by the time I was done, and it rained the entire time. I was really afraid I wouldn't plant them and that I would have wasted $50 on bulbs, not to mention all of the guilt and frustration I would have felt. In the October issue of Living, Martha showed how to use hardware cloth to protect your bulbs from squirrels. I didn't go quite as far as she suggested, making a box of the stuff, but I put a large sheet of it over the bulbs, then covered the whole thing up with earth. I think it will work. It was supposed to rain 2-3 inches today, so there haven't been any squirrels scavenging yet, but I expect them to come. I planted tulips, narcissus, oxalis, grape hyacinth and lots of crocuses. Unfortunately I did not keep the packages with the names, nor did I mark where I planted what. I don't care, though. I will have a lovely corner in my garden next spring.
Here, at last, is a picture of the September Month of Softies doll. She was done a while ago, but I never had time to get a good picture. This is actually a picture my husband took.
I think somebody likes her new doll. : )And last but not least, the Halloween costume. From the front...
And from the back...
I am rather proud of how the hair turned out. I bought some sage variegated roving. I was going to try to do a thick/thin sort of a thing on my drop spindle, but it just wasn't looking quite right. I was sitting in my car waiting to go into an appointment, and I thought, what about felting it? So, there in the car I pulled off a piece, licked my finger and started rubbing the roving between my fingers and then on my jeans. Instead of spit curls, she got spit dreads.Sadly, I am going to have to rip out half of the washcloth I just finished. I had quickly jotted down the pattern one day, missing a YO and a k2tog. I kept wondering why it didn't look quite right. Next time I will stop and check the original pattern.
Friday, November 03, 2006
"Am I evil...
yes, I am." (Metallica)
On Wednesday, when I took the day off it wasn't completely a whim. It was my birthday. I went to my favorite coffee shop for breakfast, then my favorite yarn store, then a bookstore that I had received a birthday gift card for, then a coffee shop (I live in Seattle, could you tell?), then a fabric store. It was wonderful; however, I received a call at 2pm that Fiona had a fever of 102.1. I had to go pick her up from daycare. I can't tell you how angry, frustrated and selfish I felt at that point. I just wanted to cry. When you are a parent you are never off duty.
Fiona and I have been home for the last two days. She had a fever off and on yesterday, but not today. Her daycare stipulates that a child must stay home at least 24 hours after its fever has broken, with good cause. I was a bad mother and took her shopping at IKEA on Thursday. I didn't let her play in the kids area, but she loves trying out all of the chairs and the beds in the grown-up area. Today we spent the day alternately playing and organizing my massive pile of crafting supplies that were to be found in bags of various sizes all over the house.
We had to go to the daycare center this evening to drop off payment for the month of November, so it wouldn't be late. I had been feeling tired and grumpy all day (I get that way when I am trying to get something done and am constantly interrupted.) On the way home, I decided that I wanted a coffee. I only drink decaf. I ordered a decaf gingerbread latte, as a special treat. They made it larger than I requested, but that was ok with me. I was drinking it, it was yummy and I started to notice that I was feeling "better." Hmmm. Yep, they made it with regular espresso instead of decaf. I think I will be up for a knitting marathon tonight.
WIPs...
As I mentioned I finished Alex's hat. I haven't given it to him yet. I can't wait and will post a picture. I started to knit a swatch of the Colinette Parisienne. It is pretty tricky. While at the yarn store on Wednesday I picked up a couple of skeins of Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille. I am going to knit some washcloths for some lucky folks this Christmas. As I was sorting my craft stuff I came across a scarf that I had started for my sister-in-law last year, but lost interest in, no time like the present. I am doing random rows with super chunky yarn. I like how it is coming out. I also fiddled with the poncho that I knitted for Fiona this last spring. It only has some crocheted (sp?) edges that need to be done.
I bought the Denyse Schmidt Quilts book. I like all of the little projects that I can do. I plan on making the patchwork backing for the glass clip photo frames (bought some while I was at IKEA), putting in Fiona's school pictures then giving them to relatives. Her pattern and fabrics for the oven mitts look like so much fun. I only own one potholder, and it was made by a young cousin about five or six years ago.
I found two used Martha Stewart books at the book store, one on gardening and the other for Christmas. I'm kind of excited about some of the crafty things to do for the holidays ahead.
Ok, it's the caffeine folks. I feel like I could go on and on.
Good night.
On Wednesday, when I took the day off it wasn't completely a whim. It was my birthday. I went to my favorite coffee shop for breakfast, then my favorite yarn store, then a bookstore that I had received a birthday gift card for, then a coffee shop (I live in Seattle, could you tell?), then a fabric store. It was wonderful; however, I received a call at 2pm that Fiona had a fever of 102.1. I had to go pick her up from daycare. I can't tell you how angry, frustrated and selfish I felt at that point. I just wanted to cry. When you are a parent you are never off duty.
Fiona and I have been home for the last two days. She had a fever off and on yesterday, but not today. Her daycare stipulates that a child must stay home at least 24 hours after its fever has broken, with good cause. I was a bad mother and took her shopping at IKEA on Thursday. I didn't let her play in the kids area, but she loves trying out all of the chairs and the beds in the grown-up area. Today we spent the day alternately playing and organizing my massive pile of crafting supplies that were to be found in bags of various sizes all over the house.
We had to go to the daycare center this evening to drop off payment for the month of November, so it wouldn't be late. I had been feeling tired and grumpy all day (I get that way when I am trying to get something done and am constantly interrupted.) On the way home, I decided that I wanted a coffee. I only drink decaf. I ordered a decaf gingerbread latte, as a special treat. They made it larger than I requested, but that was ok with me. I was drinking it, it was yummy and I started to notice that I was feeling "better." Hmmm. Yep, they made it with regular espresso instead of decaf. I think I will be up for a knitting marathon tonight.
WIPs...
As I mentioned I finished Alex's hat. I haven't given it to him yet. I can't wait and will post a picture. I started to knit a swatch of the Colinette Parisienne. It is pretty tricky. While at the yarn store on Wednesday I picked up a couple of skeins of Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille. I am going to knit some washcloths for some lucky folks this Christmas. As I was sorting my craft stuff I came across a scarf that I had started for my sister-in-law last year, but lost interest in, no time like the present. I am doing random rows with super chunky yarn. I like how it is coming out. I also fiddled with the poncho that I knitted for Fiona this last spring. It only has some crocheted (sp?) edges that need to be done.
I bought the Denyse Schmidt Quilts book. I like all of the little projects that I can do. I plan on making the patchwork backing for the glass clip photo frames (bought some while I was at IKEA), putting in Fiona's school pictures then giving them to relatives. Her pattern and fabrics for the oven mitts look like so much fun. I only own one potholder, and it was made by a young cousin about five or six years ago.
I found two used Martha Stewart books at the book store, one on gardening and the other for Christmas. I'm kind of excited about some of the crafty things to do for the holidays ahead.
Ok, it's the caffeine folks. I feel like I could go on and on.
Good night.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
On a whim
I asked for tomorrow off. My boss said yes. A whole day, eight glorious hours to myself. I want to knit, read a book, have coffee with a friend, garden, clean house, go shopping, sew, go out for breakfast, and get a pedicure, and get a massage, and...ok, take a deep breath. I am going to knit, and garden, as for the rest, well, it is only eight hours.
Lack of Pictures
I wish that I could post more pictures. I just don't carry around a camera,
and as my husband says, I let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Here is a picture of Fiona with the jack o'lantern that she sort of drew the
face for.
I just spent the last 35 minutes winding one hank of the Colinette
Parisienne into a ball. I kept going back and forth between asking "What
have I gotten myself in to?" and "I can do this!" (referring to knitting a
lace pattern). I'm going to make a scarf in a fern lace pattern. Here is another lovely camera phone snap.
This is a lovely post by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, a.k.a. yarn harlot, including pictures of her incredibly beautiful wedding shawl.
I forgot to mention, Alex's hat is done! I washed and blocked it, so it will take another day to dry, but it is done!!!
and as my husband says, I let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Here is a picture of Fiona with the jack o'lantern that she sort of drew the
face for.
I just spent the last 35 minutes winding one hank of the Colinette
Parisienne into a ball. I kept going back and forth between asking "What
have I gotten myself in to?" and "I can do this!" (referring to knitting a
lace pattern). I'm going to make a scarf in a fern lace pattern. Here is another lovely camera phone snap.
This is a lovely post by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, a.k.a. yarn harlot, including pictures of her incredibly beautiful wedding shawl.
I forgot to mention, Alex's hat is done! I washed and blocked it, so it will take another day to dry, but it is done!!!
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