A Study in Dead Dasies

Ok...not much explanation here....I had some daisies that died and they looked amazing....

On another note....Colorado mountains sound really good right now...
And yet another note....good to see my friend Linda's face again....pedicure and sushi does a girl good.

And for those of you who have been in my house....a bonus....

Fate, Destiny, Karma

Ok...so I've been thinking a lot lately about fate...destiny....what puts us somewhere physically or emotionally in our journey on this planet...you know, that.  Sometimes I don't believe in this, sometimes...you know.  How do we end up in certain positions (good or bad), how do we end up with certain people in our lives (good or bad) and is this the universe setting us on the course we need to be or is it all random?  So, while I don't have any answers, I have some thoughts. 


I think people come into our lives for a reason.  Sometimes that may be because you need something from them, sometimes because they need something from you...but it seems like the universe is putting people together so we can help each other out; support each other, guide each other, hold each other's hands, cry and laugh together....maybe grow old together, maybe not.  While it doesn't always seem apparent at the time, eventually it becomes so.  If this is truly what's happening, then shouldn't we take the hint, shouldn't we make the most of that time when we have it, shouldn't we reach out to to hold onto the gifts we've been given? 

I feel like so often, I put my head down and spend too much time inside my thoughts and feelings and don't appreciate the people I have been given.  I do know this; sometimes I part ways with people on good terms or bad, but I can always look back at some point to recognize what that person brought to my life.  So, what do I do about it now?  How do I move forward in my life to be grateful for the people and the lessons I have known/had/experienced?  I want to be open to everything that comes my way and I fear that my past keeps me from allowing myself to be vulnerable.  Aren't we all like this in some way?  I  mean, who wants to put themselves out there all the time when they have been hurt so much....but we are all hurt, not just me....and the only way to fully be human is to feel and to feel must start with opening up and being vulnerable in this moment. 

Today, I am thankful for my gifts...the wonderful people I have crossed paths with...who have given and taken.  I hope that somewhere, someday, somehow...someone is grateful for me too.  This I know for sure...we are shaped and guided through experience by the people in our lives...how can we not believe that we are all connected? 

And oh yes, karma is real.....

PS....wishing for a winter's day in the middle of the summer heat.

Traveling Woman

Ok...this shawlette/scarf was made from Koigu for a class I'll be teaching in the fall at Haus of Yarn in Nashville.  I'm very excited to be teaching again...looking forward to meeting with people over this groovy pattern.  I wasn't sure how it would block out since this is the first time I've worked with the Koigu sock yarn and it was lace and not socks.  I'm pleased with the result and looking forward to this class...in Oct/Nov....when it's cooler...  Meg (from Haus of Yarn) is modeling the scarf and I think it looks great with her coloring and the black and olive clothing.  I had to post the fishface too.... 









The gals at knit night really liked it as well....that is very telling as to the success.  You may think something looks good, but if a group of knitters concur, then you're good to go.  Overall, big hit.  Thanks, gals. 








The project is currently hanging on display at Haus of Yarn in Nasvhille.  Take a look, buy some yarn and sign up for a class...


My mystery project is coming along really well and I'm looking forward to the day I can post it and give it.

My drum came yesterday.  I ordered an African Tribal drum....so excited.  Let the music begin!!!!

The Dog Days of Summer

Ok.....so I haven't been writing for several reasons....here goes....it's hot.  I know, but I mean really hot.  I spent my graduate years living in Arizona, and I'm pretty sure it didn't feel this bad.  I have shut myself indoors as much as possible to watch everything outside die without enough water.  Stepping outside is quite literally like stepping into an oven...you know that feeling when you reach into your oven to pull something out....yes that heat.  That being said, I have been doing small indoor household repairs and....knitting (pictures will follow shortly).  So, I am enjoying all the time (and excuse) to knit.  I have been working on a shop model for Haus of Yarn for an upcoming class.  Yes, I'll be teaching a couple of classes this fall and am very much looking forward to that.  I love to teach and I'm looking forward to meeting more knitters...what fun.  I have also been working on my mystery project.  I'm sure you hate not knowing what it is, but for now....mystery is the word.  It's hard to keep this secret because it's gorgeous.  I'm also starting to look around for a sweater pattern for the peace fleece I picked up at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival.  Preparations for fall/winter wear have begun in this horrible heat.

A week ago I received some very bad news about the tragic death of a 14 year girl.  Although I briefly met this girl, I am very close to her aunt and uncle and their pain is tremendous.  I think more than anything, I am struck by the senselessness of such a loss.  I am not a mother and can never say that I know this pain, however, as a human being and someone who loves and is always amazed by children, I am saddened at the magnitude of this loss.  I do not understand how we who have lived longer survive while a child leaves us.  This always surprises me.  Somehow I feel her empty space on the planet.  This is one of the main reasons I stay away from the news....I don't know what it is with me....but the emotions of what I see happening on this planet sometimes get away from me.  I pray that her family can find a rhythm in this life without her that will gradually ease from pain, but this cart has lost a wheel and will forever limp.  God keep you near, Angelena.

I'm listening to my water fountain in my office and trying to get myself out of this blue haze.  Maybe I should get off my bum and block the new scarf.  Or, maybe not......

Wool Wrap

Ok....I started this project when I returned from my wanderings in the north country.  I am perhaps....almost 50% complete and so far enjoying the lace work.  Thought I'd post a picture of where it stands so far.  It has a long way to go and as usual, I'm looking forward to the blocking process because it really finishes it off nicely.  I love this wool.  I'm surprised that I do, because I'm not a big fan of the wool around the neck, but this feels great.  The colors aren't evident in the picture, but it has flecks of every color on top of the navy.  This wool was purchased in Maryland at the festival from a Michigan yarn seller...love that.  Had to go all the way to Maryland to purchase the homegrown wool.  FYI....the line green stripe at the bottom is for the picot edge yet to come....but I'm groovin' on the green and navy together.

On a side note....I finished reading 'The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest' over the weekend.  Had to finish it because I couldn't put it down.  Really have enjoyed this series.  Wonderful characters and story line.  I have now seen the first movie and looking forward to the other two.  The second starts this week at the Belcourt in Nashville....perfect.  See you all there.

Potato Chip

Ok...so last week I went to Haus of Yarn for knit night....first in about 6 weeks....and Liana was knitting a groovy scarf, called a Potato Chip scarf with mini mochi.  So cool....  Right there I decided that I had to make this.  So I picked up a ball of strawberries-lime rainbow and off I went.  It was easy, fun and quick.  A good quickie between the lace work.  I would to another in a heart beat and I hope the recipient enjoys it too.

This scarf is a gift for Kelly.  I remember when she was learning to crochet years ago, I made her one (very long) and this pattern reminded me of that great rainy afternoon....watching movies and knitting in Indianapolis.  I figured Kelly could use an upgrade by now.  I think I'll wait until fall to pass it along since it's so stinkin' hot right now.

On another note, I have started a secret project to be named when the recipient gets it.....

Garden Witchery

Ok...so today I was commenting to Marlene with disgust about the state of my orchids and why they will NOT produce flowers for me.  I noted that my Mum's orchids are flowering for a second or third time and she does nothing.  She doesn't read books about what to do, she doesn't scan the Internet about how to care for them, she doesn't talk to everyone she knows about what she can do better.....they just flower.  So, we drew the following conclusion; my Mum has put a spell on her orchids, she has been weaving some magic over there for them to obey without so much as anything more than an ice cube of water...she has bewitched her yard.  As you can see from the flower photos I have posted from her yard....I am right.  No doubt about it, I did not inherit the garden witch gene.  I have the plant succulents (cacti) because they don't die gene...the non-green witch gene.

On another note...the lace scarf is finished and blocked....check it out.  I'm very happy with the result.  Note that I like to take pics of my work on the kitchen table so the patten shows...ha.  I've also added an updated pic of the orange scarf blocked.

Now off to knit some more lace.

PS....thank you to Kristin for the groovy coffee groupon...come drink it with me.

Fair Isle

Ok....so I made a hat like this for Ashlyn and Sarah and now I've made one for Mum.  I love this pattern and the use of the Noro Kureyon makes it stripe beautifully.  I hope she enjoys this during the winter dig out in Michigan.

I have also finished the seamoss lace scarf and will be blocking tomorrow...hope to have pics up soon.  I have started a lace wrap in a blue heather wool I picked up from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  So far I'm very happy with the look and how it's knitting up.  Pics to come on that too.  Of course, I'm working on a pair of winter socks with yarn I picked up from Michigan.  Love the yarn, simple pattern and it's a great project for knit night since I can't seem to talk (of listen) and knit a pattern at the same time.  Was good to get back to see the gals at Haus of Yarn....but also missing my new knitting buddies in Michigan.  Boy is it HOT down here.

Lilies

Ok....so here are the Lily pictures promised a while ago.  I am back in hot, steamy Nashville and the a/c is now fixed.  I arrived home Sunday evening to no a/c and thanks to the Dyars...they saved me with a shower, pizza and a cool place to sleep.  They rock. 

Also had a great evening chat with the girls.  I had a wonderful lunch on Sunday (Taste of Thai on 82nd in Castleton) with Kelly...great food and conversation as usual.  Man I miss that woman.  The day had been going so well until then.  I should have known when the daisies I was transporting in the back seat wilted, that something was out of whack. 

Side note:  I have brought plants back from MI once more....and they are sitting in the driveway getting a TN soak.  I have all kinds of plans for these plants, but I always forget that the heat here this time of year is unforgiving...but I just can't resist WoJo's and their groovy plants.

So...here I am, taking a break from work to write, thinking about all the unpacking I still have to do and smiling at the memory of reading outside in Mum's garden.

MexiFenton Soup

Ok...so this recipe is from Linda Moxam...she made it for me in December when we started the decorating of the Christmas tree....damn strings of tree lights...and drank wine.  I think it was the wine that got us through the light decorating part and I might add, the tree was tall....10', 20', 30' or 50'....it was tall.  It was a great evening!  I always enjoy my time with Linda and this particular time, there was an abundance of laughter and silliness...love that.  I've made this recipe several times and it's always a huge hit.  So here goes....

Chop two chicken boobies into bite size pieces and cook lightly in olive oil (I use my trusty Dutch Oven...all about the one pot cooking).  Add a chopped onion and saute until soft.  Add 4 cloves crushed garlic and saute for a couple of minutes.

Ok...here is the hard part...add one can of each of the following, do not drain:
Black Beans
Cannellini Beans
Creamed Corn
Corn
Rotel
Sm can green chillies

Stir together with a packet of ranch dressing.

Simmer for a bout 20 minutes until all the flavors are incorporated.  I serve with blue corn chips, chopped cilantro and shredded Mexican cheese.  Yum!  And it looks pretty too.

Thank you Linda, once again for a great recipe.

Rick

Ok...some of you know my very dear friend Rick had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago...he's home.  It's so good to see him again and he is doing very well.  Thank you to everyone for your prayers and all the support.  He has a long road of healing ahead of him, but he's on his way.  Miracles do happen.

These photos are from our trip to Martha's Vineyard.  Great memories and lobsta killing.  I'll look for the ones we're actually in at some point...

Oh Canada...

Ok...so my trip to Canada...Colborne...to see the family and my 16 month old godson was fun and relaxing and most of all renewing.  That's how I always feel around my family...renewed.  I've posted some pics from the trip below. 

Before we get to the pics, let me just say that the trip home was great until I got to the US/Canada border at Port Huron/Sarnia.  Now, I've crossed this border more times than I can count since I was born and plenty on my own.  I've been stuck in the traffic waiting forever to cross, but I have never been pulled over before.  I remember being pulled over, or my Mum being pulled over when we were kids and the patrol going through every nook in the car, but never on my own and never as an adult.  Well....never say never.  I waited for 1 1/2 hours before getting fairly close to the booth on the US side...side note, the toll went up to $3...eeek.  One of the officers was talking to people before they got to the booth and sort of pre-screening.  Well, something about me and my car made him decide I needed further investigation.  He looked in the trunk, I told him I didn't have anything to declare other than the Smarties in the front seat....but that was not good enough.  He wasn't even convinced that my car was indeed, my car.  So once I got to the booth, more questions and then off to the screening area.  They x-rayed my car.  Another side note....the customs guys were all very nice and as Liana has pointed out...very cute.  It was an odd experience I would prefer not to repeat and it really shook me up.  So much so, that instead of taking I69 to Flint, I took I94 to Detroit.  So what should have been a 5 or maybe 6 hour trip, turned out to be 8.  Thank goodness I fueled,

got water and peed before getting to Sarnia.  But was it worth it.....oh yeah!!!!!!

Trent-Severn Locks 16-17                        Healey Falls

My little cutie pie

      

 Uncle Nick and I at Healey Falls