redhead ramblings

This is the end, beautiful friend

2006-09-29T23:46:00.000-05:00

This is the end My only friend, the end Name that song and the group who sang it. This is my last post on Blogger. Thanks for the memories Blogger. I'll keep the site up here because I haven't been able to transfer all my posts over (such a Luddite) to WordPress. You are cordially invited to join me as I continue to blog about my exciting life here. Don't forget to add my new URL to your Bloglines. See ya later, alligator.

Wait, You're Giving Away Chocolate?

2006-09-29T19:17:00.000-05:00

My girl Harriet turned us on to a contest. Nicole is giving away chocolate! Hello? Who cares if it's liquid. I've licked melted chocolate out of things before. I know you have too. Contest ends tonight at midnight. And don't forget the LimeDragon herself is having TWO contests!

I went to church and a knit group broke out

2006-09-28T08:31:00.000-05:00

Mostly what's on the needles these days is prayers shawls. Maybe it's because the needles and yarn are thick and easy to work with or it's easy to hide mistakes. And because it feels good to help others. Like Kay, I wasn't feeling the lace love, so after twenty-five or so attempts, I decided to save lace until I could concentrate (in the afterlife?). And speaking of those lovely Mason-Dixon ladies, I even got a shout out today! It pays to remember your mother's advice. Because I'm so poor I can't even pay attention, I have three shawls on the needles now and am switching off to keep myself amused. I took my simplest one--a feather and fan pattern with me to hang out at church while I waited for my son's youth group to finish. Four ladies showed up, and I had yarn and needles for everyone. As I mentioned yesterday, the camera is AWOL, so I don't have pictures, but it was amazing to see ladies of all ages and experience join together for knitting, crocheting and conversation. It's a beautiful thing. Here's a picture of the basketweave shawl (it's a repeat I know; what can I say? I'm pathetic). And of course, gratuitous kitty pictures. Oh, and I was going to say here's a video of me knitting (definitely my nose), but I'm not sure I'd throw knitting needles away. I was thinking "frog the dress and repurpose!" How about you? Oh, and que pasa with Blogger and no spaces between paragraphs?

Censorship

2006-09-27T14:07:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all your comments about how to import Blogger posts to WordPress. I found my way to the Import section and made all the correct clicks. And WP imported everything for two years up to the end of July. I think it doesn’t like the rest. Perhaps it’s not of a certain quality.

I have a huge learning curve--how to add all the bells and whistles that are eye candy for the attention deficit (like I am) or the links to shopping for the fiber addicted (like I am). If you have any suggestions about where to read, what to do, I'd be much obliged. And I'll post my new blog address when I have a little more figured out--still under construction at this point. Also I have made two posts in WP, and they are not sorting "newest post first." Any thoughts?

Help! I need somebody

2006-09-27T09:36:00.000-05:00

Those of you who've made the move from Blogger, help! Did you move all your archived posts or just create a link back to Blogger?

Go ahead, make his day

2006-09-27T09:29:00.000-05:00

My eleven-year old has created a blog. It would make his day, week, month if you visited and left him a comment. Thanks!

Once again I am persona non camera

2006-09-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

(I probably just told you I eat raisins by the light of the moon, but after reading my last post, you will know that retention of language has ceased to be my forte.) When I find that @#$% camera that has gone missing AGAIN (where is my gingko biloba?), I will post pictures of the great yarn that Anne sent me. Thanks Anne! And the super cool D-backs merch that I won in Andi and baby (CUTE!) Kendra's contest. And Mama-E's rockin' fall socks club yarn. Pictures cannot do it justice. I want to eat it--it's that beautiful. Oh, and I can't forget, Blogless MJ (now not so blogless--but love the name), shared her mango shawl with me.

The only caveat is that I finish it. It's so beautiful. I hope I don't disappoint you MJ! Check out her blog; she's a knitting wonder--with Koigu no less! And I haven't forgotten my September ColorSwap package. I promise Valerie! I'm assembling it today and will post by the weekend. Oh, and while I'm at it, check out her totally awesome SOCK YARN STORE!!!!! Shop 'til you drop, knitters. She has Fleece Artist. And she has Regia Bamboo on sale. 'Nuff said. And you too, Chocolate Swap partner Marion from Estonia (how cool is that?). She is the most amazing knitter--knitting her friend a dress without a pattern. Wow. What's Estonian for "you rock"? Oh, wait, don't tell me because I'll forget. But tell my 2.3 readers--they would like to be able to drop Estonian words casually into conversation. And to answer a question posed awhile back by the anonymous S.N. "What is a Chibi?" Ah, the knitting jargon. I asked the same question not too long ago. The answer dear S.N. is this: "The Chibi is a jumbo darning needle set. It has a easy to handle case with a screw on cap and comes with two jumbo sized needles (other silver needles shown are DMC tapestry needles). The case keeps needles safe by helping to prevent accidents and misplacement.". Props to Merribee for the def.

File this under: Yes, I really WAS a language major. No, I'm not blonde under the red.

2006-09-27T07:58:00.000-05:00

So the other day I commented to a guy that my daughter would really like his flame-covered sneakers. He said, "Yeah, El Fuegos." And I said, "Oh, I thought they were Converse." I'm still blushing.

Fun New Blog Jewelry

2006-09-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

Think yarn and yarn accessories.

Resounding thanks! And a Contest.

2006-09-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much for all of you that weighed in on the SKB survey. I will take all your suggestions into consideration--especially the ones that suggest a higher neckline. Maybe my SKB love will be requited yet, or I'll end up knitting it for my daughter who has a perfect pre-pubescent physique (then she'll spill ketchup on it). My sp8 girl Harriet is having not one but TWO contests! Go find her cute self in the Stitches postcard section and let her know and guess which pattern and which Opal Rainforest yarn she will be using to knit her next pair of socks. There are yarn prizes involved. This girl has seriously great yarn. Check it out!

Simple Knitted Bodice Survey

2006-09-22T09:07:00.000-05:00

I'm watching the wave of SKBs across knitbloglandia, and I want to make one. But I have a question. Will the SKB work for those of us who have, shall we say, an abundance of frontitude? Or will we just be showcasing the girls? Will the design of a slightly-parted front become a flaw for those who've already hit puberty (unlike the girl in the pattern)? I want to know because I WANT the SKB. Shall I requite this love or add it to the afore-posted post?

Love, Unrequited Style

2006-09-21T09:59:00.000-05:00

My girl Ellen, aka The Red Mojito (mojito, yummmm), who when she is not making me laugh is making me think (scary combo), posed a question--why do people like cats? And I responded thusly, "for the same reason we have crushes on movie stars--unrequited love. It's all about the melancholy." We love our cats and, at best, they tolerate us. We adore our movie stars (marry me, Viggo, I promise you won't regret it), and they wouldn't know us from a hole in the wall. Isn't it true? I'm all about the unrequited love. And if you asked me for a list, of course I would have to say "Alphabetical or chronological?" and "Imaginary or real?" and "How much time do you have because it's a pretty extensive list."

Starting with Donny Osmond back in grade two to the present day. And I can't "out" my latest unrequited one because it could lead to public humiliation for me. Maybe someday. I'll give you a hint though. I'm a sucker for accents, especially any and all derivatives from the Commonwealth Realms. I'm also a big time sucker for smart guys, oh, and cute, oh, and a nice bod doesn't hurt. (And if you're making an educated guess, for heaven's sake don't post it in the comments; this is a public blog. Email me and we'll talk.) I'm narrowing the field too much. We all have unrequited loves--be they human, spiritual or material (think Tilli Tomas or Alchemy Haiku). There certainly wouldn't be a music industry if we didn't obsess over relationships lost or never found. And literature would definitely be the poorer should we collectively awake and say, "No more loving people or things that won't love me back!" Melancholy may be an acquired taste, but once embraced can become addiction. The sweet despair, the divine discontent. The complete control. That's the heart of my unrequited love; I'm forced to admit. My imaginary lovers never color outside the lines or memorize the wrong speech. The pain is bittersweet--a tiny bit bitter but mostly sweet. Very like the glamorous illnesses in stories of old in which women in gauzy dresses dwelt in opulent sanitoriums langorously awaiting heroes' arrivals. It's not the gut-wrenching, limb-severing pain of real life when people walk away and won't give you a second (or third or hundredth) chance or where the person or feline or fiber you would die to have won't give you the time of day. I will try to live in the real world, honest. But don't fault me should I repair at regular intervals to mingle with my unrequited lovers. And don't ask me about it because I won't kiss and tell. Okay, maybe I will.

Check out the Party!

2006-09-19T15:46:00.000-05:00

Chris is the fountain of all contest wisdom. Thanks, Chris! Found out that Becky is having a contest to celebrate her blog move and her blogaversary. Go visit her and see what she has going on. It's awesome! Socks that Rock, yummmmmmy.

Because Everyone Should Journal

2006-09-17T09:23:00.000-05:00

*A Dog's Diary* 7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite! 8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite! 9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite! Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite! 2 pm - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite! 3 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite! 4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite! 6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom! My favorite! 7 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad! My favorite! 8 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite! 9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite! 11 pm - Oh boy! Sleeping in my people's bed! My favorite! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *A Cat's Diary* Day 183 of my captivity. My captors continued to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get fr om clawing the furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another house plant. Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded. Maybe I should try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. I must try this on their bed. Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little kitty cat I was. This is not working according to plan. There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary confinement throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More important, I overheard that my confinement was due to my powers of inducing something called allergies." Must lea r n what this is and how to use it to my advantage. I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant. He speaks with them regularly, and I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured. But I can wait. It's only a matter of time.

Don't Click on This

2006-09-17T08:02:00.000-05:00

Unless you want to go insane. And check out the songwriter's name. Thanks, Susie; now I'm certifiable.

What Flavour Crisps DOES James Bond Eat?

2006-09-16T06:23:00.000-05:00

It's a burning question, I know. Do you sit up nights wondering? Pao is on a quest to solve the mystery; help him out if you know. There are prizes involved!

And while we're on the subject of Bond, James, Bond; which one is the real (best, favorite)? Sean Connery, of course.* *I've never actually watched a James Bond movie, but I like Sean Connery. Nods to mrspao.

Do You Ever Get the Feeling

2006-09-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

That the world is spinning a little too quickly? That in the Tour de France of life you are riding your purple banana-seat bike from grade two? That you are the rock in the middle of the stream and the current is rushing over and around you? That's how I feel today. The minutes of my day pour from the top of the hourglass, and I can't catch up. I'm torn between anxiety and joy. The sun is shining, my cat is sitting beside me, and there is much reason to smile. But the minutes, oh, the minutes, they speed away. Must knit quickly. On the upside. Although I did not make it into the six months of Scout, I did get into Month One. Good, now I only have to sell my hair or some teeth maybe (like Fantine in Les Miserables: "You have beautiful teeth, you girl there, who are laughing; if you want to sell me your palettes, I will give you a gold napoleon apiece for them." "What are my palettes?" asked Fantine. "The palettes," replied the dental professor, "are the front teeth, the two upper ones."), and not my whole self ("A hundred francs," thought Fantine. "But in what trade can one earn a hundred sous a day?" "Come!" said she, "let us sell what is left." The unfortunate girl became a woman of the town.) Oh, and by the way, which Les Miserables character are you? How à propos for me!

I'm Fantine!
Though I mean well, my trusting nature gets me into appalling amounts of trouble. Still, I do my best to get through, and I would do absolutely anything for my loved ones. Which Les Miserables Character Are You?

The Lost Art of Conversation

2006-09-14T11:10:00.000-05:00

Great article in today's newspaper about reviving our conversation skills. Two favorite parts: the part about FDR saying shocking things to see whether people were paying attention and this-- If you want good conversation, Shepherd said, "Find a place where you are not interrupted, where you can give it some time, where people are not performing for other people, where there's this sense of safety. I do think having food and sitting down is a good idea." A great place for two people to hold a conversation is during a car trip. "A conversation or a connection is not just about you and the other person. It's about this third thing between you _ a relationship. When you take your eyes off each other for a while, you can put your eyes on the relationship." Let's work on that today. Who's up for going out to eat or a road trip?

My Fave Comic Strip

2006-09-14T09:55:00.000-05:00

Hey Spinners!

2006-09-14T08:36:00.000-05:00

Deb of Chappysmom has a great offer! She's selling her Kiwi, and it's a beaut. Check out the details in her September 12th post. And pass the word along, please!

Contest!

2006-09-12T22:33:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Chris (and of course Mayhem and Chaos), I've discovered my calling:

Entering contests! I've won two this week! Mrs. Pao's acronym contest and Anne's "write a caption about my son who is the cutest in the world" contest. Thanks, ladies! Gotta love that random number generator. Here's a contest that is still going. Head over to Cindy's blog and predict when she'll finish her shawl-in-progress. She's giving away yarn, folks! Oh, and Chris, love the new avatar!

My 10 Names

2006-09-12T22:20:00.000-05:00

Fun meme from Lisa who has a super name for her blog. 1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: ( pet and current street name) Velvet Mill 2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your moms side, your favorite candy) Martha Skor 3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of last name, first three letters of your middle name) C. Kay 4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Blue Bengal 5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Kaye Phoenix 6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name and first 3 letters of the town you grew up in.) Car-lo-li-bra 7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, favorite drink) The Blue Cosmopolitan 8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers) Henry Lacey 9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes) Euphoria Dansko 10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother/father's middle name ) Marjorie Thomas

I'm Not Listening!

2006-09-11T11:58:00.000-05:00

My eleven-year old sat down on the couch with me Friday and began to argue. He didn't want to go to his dad's house. He was working himself into a full-on rant, and I said, "You have to go; it's not optional." He is usually a pretty cooperative kid (after the initial power struggle), but this time, the fingers went in the ears and the "La la la la, I'm not listening" commenced. I kept knitting. I was working on lace, for heaven's sake, and I wasn't about to be distracted. There wasn't any point in arguing. Then I noticed it was quiet on the other end of the couch. Here's what I saw: I couldn't resist taking the picture. You'll notice the fingers are still in the ears. He'll be mad if he sees it, but what eleven-year old boy reads knitblogs? We're safe. I took the time he was sleeping to pray that God would help me to step outside my usual "you'll do it because I said so" in a screechy voice mode. And I knit. A few minutes later, he opened his eyes and said, "What time is Dad picking me up?" Sometimes all a guy (and his mom) needs is a nap. Added note: As soon as I posted this, the phone rang. It was the boy-son telling me he has a fever and needs to come home. I always seem to miss the cues and then go back after he's sick and say, "Oh, THAT'S why he was crabby!"

I Told You I've Been Knitting; I Wasn't Lying

2006-09-11T11:01:00.000-05:00

Here are some things on the needles. I find it hard to share WIPs--it feels like getting caught in my underwear (which believe me, you DON'T want to see). Hard to fight that good ol' Maine "keep it to yourself" attitude. I learned it well. Not that there aren't some things we should keep to ourselves (e.g., "Dude, what the @#$#@ happened to your hair?" "Wow, is that your perfume or did we just pass some fetid road kill?"), but I'm going outside my comfort zone here. The first (above) is my basketweave prayer shawl with kitty assistance. The second is my Sarah moebius scarf--so named because the lovely and able Sarah both sent me the yarn and suggested what to do with it! It's wonderfully soft and will make a perfect Christmas or birthday gift for the present box (not for it to wear, but to put in it--you get me, right?)

Cats are so overrated

2006-09-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

So says Gino, the nine-pound, thirteen-year old Yorkie. Why does everyone like cats? They hate you, and I love you, so why do you spend your whole day trying to please them when all you have to do is throw a toy and I'm ecstatic? Just sayin'. What's all the fuss? I may weigh the least, but I'm the fullest of @#$# and vinegar in the whole house. It's my duty to find a cat to bite on the head EVERY time I go outside to help them remember that I'M the boss. Don't forget. I'm the boss. And if you forget, I'll pee on your stuff. But I'm so cute you won't be able to stay mad at me. And I'll sit right beside you ON your knitting, because I love toasty things.

September 11

2006-09-11T05:16:00.000-05:00

Five years ago, in the turmoil and panic, this is the verse I read: When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. (Psalm 75:3)

These Dudes Clean Up Good!

2006-09-10T16:41:00.000-05:00

I attend a multi-site church in the western suburbs of Chicago. Here's a video with all the campus pastors strutting their stuff. Don't hold it against us. ;) Be Our Guest

Eye Candy Friday

2006-09-08T22:14:00.000-05:00

I'm all about Eye Candy Rowan, yummmmmmm. (Pay no attention to the girl.)

The Only Decent Use for a Treadmill

2006-09-07T07:53:00.000-05:00

Fun with Treadmills I am completely in love with this video. I especially love the dude's skinny red pants. OkGo is my new favorite band. Thanks to Anne for sharing! And here's the redux: ok go treadmill Love it too.

Knitting has happened

2006-09-06T08:08:00.000-05:00

Chez Bluey there is actual knitting going on. Here's proof: my sixth completed prayer shawl. Number seven is on the needles and going FINALLY. I tried the Basketweave shawl pattern on the prayer shawl website, but I couldn't get it to work out. I couldn't figure out if it was me or the pattern. I found a pattern that works better for me here. It's looking pretty good in Lion Brand's Homespun Adirondack colorway. It's amazing to me how hideous some yarn can look on the skein, but when you start knitting with it, it transforms itself.

Good Causes!

2006-09-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

Celia of Unraveling is raising money for the AsthmaWalk. She's offering a pair of handknitted socks as a prize to donators! Both my son and I suffer from asthma and so do a lot of other people I know. Lisa's handsome son (the guy in the sidebar picture), Brett, is riding in the National MS Society's annual MS 150 Bike Tour to help raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis research and local programs. Lisa's also offering a prize; don't forget to leave her a comment after you donate. I have two friends with MS, and one of my dear friends lost her mom to MS last year. A worthy cause.

Worst Plot Twist EVER

2006-09-04T06:38:00.000-05:00

I spent yesterday doing two of my favorite things: knitting and watching a Law & Order marathon. Because I love the show, I am willing to cut them all kinds of slack, but this one is just too much.

In the final episode with ADA Serena Southerlyn (Elizabeth Röhm), District Attorney Arthur Branch fires her because she is not a good match for the DA's office. And she asks, "Is it because I'm a lesbian?" He tells her no, and she says "Good." How many seasons was she on L&O? There was never even an inkling that she was a lesbian--no reference, no relationship, no plot conflict including that detail. What idiot writer decided to throw that in as the last thing she said? Is she also an alien? The President of the United States? That's just shoddy scriptwriting; there's no excuse for Dick and his crew who've been doing this for sixteen years. Shame on you, guys. P.S. Knitting pictures will be forthcoming,b ut the light is horrible today with the rain.

G'day, Croc Hunter

2006-09-04T06:28:00.000-05:00

I was reading Trek's very funny post about her Wonky socks, and someone left a comment that Steve Irwin, the Croc Hunter, was dead. I couldn't believe it, so I googled. How sad; he's only two years older than I am and leaves behind a wife and two kids under ten.

Somehow saying he died doing what he loved best seems like small comfort. I guess death is always a potential outcome with the lifestyle he lived, but no one ever really thinks it will happen, do they? My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

In which I attempt to teach my friend to knit and also spend my entire grocery budget on needles

2006-08-31T17:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an outing to my favorite LYS. My friend Kathy and I went with the express purpose of getting her set up with supplies so she could join this marvelous group of people called knitters. Since I am a new teacher, I made several errors in judgment, but they weren't fatal. We had her knitting pretty quickly, and she's doing a fine job. Can't wait to see how project number one turns out! I made the mistake of looking at the new Lantern Moon needles, and I made the executive decision that my kids and I don't need to eat this week. Not when there are needles like this in the world. Besides, we have plenty of evaporated milk, mandarin oranges and garbanzo beans in the pantry. I don't want to hear any complaining (or asking why I have those three things in my pantry). Kathy of Knitche told me her booth at Stitches was directly across from that mecca of sock knitters--Blue Mountain Fiber Arts. Socks that Rock, be still my beating heart. She said she's thinking of trying to get their yarn in her shop. I assured her people would be beating a path to her door, since I knew of only one other place in Illinois that sells STR. Wouldn't that be sweet?

"Dear George,

2006-08-31T17:25:00.000-05:00

Remember no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings! Love Clarence." Most if not all of you know those lines as well as I do, having watched them Christmas after Christmas in the BEST MOVIE EVER. And that's exactly how I feel. Another package on my doorstep from the amazingly talented Sarah of the blog I read first every day. For some reason that delights me in the extreme, the KnitSisters and I have struck up a cyber friendship (they had me at TIMBER!). Both Sarah and Ellen are talented knitters, and Sarah wows me with her lovely designs. She also dyes and spins. And she sent me some of her own yarn. Now I know how Ellen feels when she sees a package with Sarah's writing on the outside. Ecstasy (and not the drug)! She also included the light-as-air Merino Frappe by Crystal Palace. Any suggestions for a pattern? Thanks so much, Sarah. You've given me wings (does that mean I don't need to knit Icarus now?).

Lace Swap Goodies

2006-08-31T08:09:00.000-05:00

I shall now call August my favorite month--the wonderful thoughtfulness of new friends keeps rolling in! I received a package from the Netherlands, and I thought, "Hey, I haven't ordered from Astrid (MUST have her new Opal Hundertwasser), what's this?" It was a lovely package from the generous and wonderful ZhiWen. Three lace patterns, beautiful green Opal, Artisan NZ Merino Laceweight in Ocean color. Everything in the package was color-coordinated. Dutch candies--triple yummy goodness, fresh loose tea (must find my tea strainer), cute soap that smells good, a sweet handmade card and stitchmarkers that she made. Does this girl's talent know no bounds? I was so excited to see the Artisan NZ yarn. I just found it for the first time when I went to Massachusetts and bought myself a skein. I love it. I'm looking forward to finishing my current projects and starting something for me. Do you find you end up knitting for everyone else? Lately I have. And I'm glad to, but I'm looking forward to this special treat. I love everything, ZhiWen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better! And you have a standing invitation to Chicago!

KSKS is a Success!

2006-08-31T07:31:00.000-05:00

Another surprise waiting for me when I got home from Maine was the package from Michigan from my KSKS pal, Dawn. I am so touched by all the wonderful things she managed to squeeze into one box. First, she sent a beautiful hand knit sock bag in my fwaybit (how ABC used to say favorite) color. It's too cute! Then she included a lovely handwritten letter telling me where in Northern Michigan she had purchased each and every treat. It made me feel close to my beloved UP (Upper Peninsula). As you can see, she showered me with goodies--Trekking (yum); not one but FIVE sock patterns, a very cool accessory kit with stitch markers (YAY!), highlighters, a Chibi, emery boards, scissor and handmade fob (LOVE IT!). She gave me needles and a needle sizer thingy and a crochet hook, soap for me and my knits, M&Ms and the piece de resistance--MACKINAC ISLAND FUDGE!!! Read it and weep folks--it's mine. I have it hidden in the freezer with a sign that says "Rat Poison." And it's the best fudge I've ever had, and I make pretty good fudge. Dawn, you are a wonderful pal. Thanks for making me feel so special.

OSSP Revealed

2006-08-31T06:50:00.000-05:00

The secret's out. THE best OSSP has made herself known, and she is Wendy of Intertwinement! What serendipity! Long have I drooled over her Katydid yarn. She sent the final OSSP package with a darling handknit purse (lined even! zipper too!), some of her wonderful yarn (Portrait of a Man--scroll to the bottom of screen), some more of her wonderful earrings, lip balm, soap that smells good, good, good, and a beautiful zebra print scarf. Wendy, you have made my summer beautiful; I'm so glad for the OSSP swap because it means I got to know you!

No, YOU'RE an Angel!

2006-08-31T06:35:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite parts of this summer has been participating in swaps. And Lynne knows how to host a great one! She asked for an angel to help out one sad swapper whose pal pooped out, so I said yes. Trust me, I'm not trying to toot my own horn here. Lynne said she'd send me a "little" package as a thank you. And look what was waiting for me when I got home from Maine! Lynne filled a box with yarny goodness and treats. I love the bag, the great cotton yarn, the cute necklace and the fun shoes (which I forgot to include in the picture). Thanks, Lynne. You are a sweetie! I'm so glad you hosted this swap so I had a chance to get to know you. And I'll be your swap pal partner any time!

Yarn!

2006-08-31T06:27:00.000-05:00

Look what arrived on my doorstep from Susie. Sock yarn called "Picnic," and it looks just like a watermelon! Love it Snooze.

Blast from the Past--yep, yep

2006-08-30T17:06:00.000-05:00

Yep yep - Sesame Street Martians Thanks to Eve for the link.

More Genius from CCC

2006-08-29T07:47:00.000-05:00

Here's this weekend's video from my church. I copied it from the Creative Arts Director's blog. Puppet Tears

Thought for Today

2006-08-29T06:20:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking today about a quote from the modern-day martyr Jim Elliot. He once said, "Wherever you are, be 100% there."* It sounds almost cheesy in its simplicity, but it's for me. So often I'm present physically but absent mentally or spiritually--stewing or planning or imagining. I pay half attention to my life and wonder why it's passing me by. Just for today then, moment by moment, I will strive to be 100% present. I may find that I like it. Doubtful, but I'll try anyway. *As I looked for this quote on the internet, I found this article. It fits perfectly with Elliot's thoughts. Who am I? Why am I here? If I know that, then it's easier to be present in my life.

Back in Action

2006-08-28T14:15:00.000-05:00

There is knitting going on Chez Bluey. I have one prayer shawl done and another about halfway finished. I have to weave in ends and wash the first one, and it will be packed off to someone near and dear just diagnosed with breast cancer. The next one will go to my church's prayer shawl ministry. And there will be pictures! My camera arrived today, thanks to my lovely and organized cousin Sha. She's wonderful. She even used snack food instead of popcorn to protect the camera. You gotta love a woman like that. And I do. Here's one picture from the vacay. I knit a felted bag for the family silent auction, and my cousin Janet the knitter is the one who ended up winning it. I used a combo of Lite Lopi and Galway. It felted nicely, but that Lite Lopi is super hairy!

Is it just me?

2006-08-28T14:05:00.000-05:00

Or was Pirates of the Caribbean part 2 a dud? I took the kids to see it yesterday, and I remember at one point feeling as though I had been conscripted to serve Davy Jones forever--devolving one barnacle (ew, ew, ew) at a time into nothing. I had to watch through half-closed eyes most of the time not to see the disgusting crewmates on the Flying Dutchman (gag, retch). I thought the plot lagged, the characters didn't connect, and the twists seemed contrived. The redeeming qualities were the goofy pirate duo (is that Gareth from BBC's The Office with the glass eye that keeps popping loose?), the voodoo priestess, Geoffrey Rush (even though on screen for only one second--LOVE that man), the three-way sword fight, and last, and most--Commodore Norrington. Even drunk and filthy, he's hot. It's cleary a segue movie to part three, and I suppose that I'll have to see it because I can't resist a man in uniform--even if it's dirty (the uniform, not the movie).

Cats

2006-08-24T19:33:00.000-05:00

Here's a fun blog: Cats me if you can And here's the cat age/years chart. 8 months =13 years 1 year=10 years 2 years=24 years 3 years=28 years 4 years=32 years 6 years=40 years 8 years=48 years 10 years =56 years 12 years =64 years 14 years =72 years 16 years =80 years 18 years =88 years 20 years =96 years 21 years =100 years 22 years =104 years Velvet (aka Mr. Kitty) is now older than I am; he's 50ish.

November, the fairest month

2006-08-24T19:04:00.000-05:00

Your Birth Month is November

Tolerant and inspirational, you are wise beyond your years. You are universally sympathetic and a great humanitarian. Your soul reflects: Compassion, friendship, and secret love Your gemstone: Citrine Your flower: Chrysanthemum Your colors: Dark blue, red, and yellow

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

I figured it was going to say I was a bitch. Isn't that what most Scorpios are?

Alone

2006-08-24T18:06:00.000-05:00

There is the quiet of getting up first in the morning. Your family is still sleeping, and so is the sun, and you feel like you have a secret. There is special anticipation and promise. Then there's the quiet of evening, when the world is again asleep, but you can peacefully unwind the day and look at it piece by piece. And then there's the quiet of being alone for the first time because your kids are at your ex-husband's house for their visit. The silence is not as friendly and welcoming; it feels heavier, aloner. I have decided to sit here alone and face the quiet. I will not run to Barnes & Noble in search of a book and the random company of strangers or to the LYS to buy more yarn and meet with knitting friends or to my imagination to meet with one of my Harlequinesque heroes. I will feel the pain of missing my kids (newly gone) and my marriage (long gone). I might even cry, even though I haven't done that for a long time. But I will feel and not hide. I think of the words of Rich Mullins, "It's okay to be lonely as long as you're free." I want to be free--of anger and guilt and obsession and regret. So I'm alone, because I have to be, and I need to be, and I even a little bit want to be. And I'm lonely, but it's okay.

Swap Update

2006-08-24T07:44:00.000-05:00

Now that I'm back from vacay, I need to get my swap packages sent out. But let me tell you what a treat it was to come home from Maine and have not one, not two, but THREE packages waiting for me! BIG thanks to my OSSP for her final package which rocks. And thanks to Lynne for sending me a Colorswap package as a thank you for playing angel to someone whose pal couldn't follow through. And last, but certainly not least, a package from my KSKS pal. Awesome. Lots of pics coming soon. My camera is on its way.

More Maine-age

2006-08-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

For you, Tammany, because you are a Mainiac.

Today's Challenge

2006-08-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

How's this for a challenge? "If we pray for anything according to the will of God, we already have what we pray for the moment we ask it. We do not know exactly when it will arrive; but we have learned to know God through the Spirit of God, and have learned to leave this in His hands, and to live just as happily whether the answer arrives immediately or later." O. Hallesby . . . to live just as happily whether the answer arrives immediately or later . . . wow.

Sale!!!

2006-08-23T09:28:00.000-05:00

As anyone with Bloglines knows, when you get behind, you might as well give up--it's swimming upstream, baby, and I ain't a swimmer. But I dutifully am reading headlines at least, out of some misdirected sense of guilt. I could mark them "all read," and no one would ever know. Granted, I'd miss out on the forty-eight contests that Chris has managed to find and win before I ever got there, but I'm just sayin'. I didn't cheat, though, and here's my prize (and yours too.) Counting Mermaids is having a sale! Poor dear has lost her job and is lowering her Etsy shop prices to move her merch. Stop by her blog and give her encouragement and buy some of her fun yarn. She's incredibly creative. I love the superhero/villian themes in her yarn. Best wishes to you as you plan your next steps Miss Mermaid!

Giving Me Fits

2006-08-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all you nice folks who are leaving comments. I'm trying to respond, but if I don't already have your email address, Blogger is not letting me back into my posts to retrieve your info. Feel free to drop me an email, and that way I can respond. I'm not ignoring you, I promise! I lurv getting comments; it's like Christmas every time I check my email. Love you guys and gals.

Art With a Message

2006-08-23T08:21:00.000-05:00

I can't get out of my head a quote from my pastor's blog (scroll down to August 12th posting). He attended Willow Creek's Leadership Summit (hosted in part at our church) and heard Bono of U2 interviewed. I am so blown away by this thought: "Duality is the mark of really great art and it's what is missing in Christian art. It's missing the tension that is missing...the attempt to wrestle truth to the ground is often absent." There's not much to say after that, only that we are drawn to art--in all its forms--that deals with our struggle between light and dark. I would say that art that contains only darkness is just as lopsided as art that contains only light. If we present only the happy ending to the story, no one can relate. Most of us haven't reached that yet. We dwell in the midst of life with sorrow and joy, and our art must reflect that. Look at the Bible; it's the least squeaky clean book there is. God doesn't sugar coat the darkness and the struggle of man; he lays it out for all to see and then gives hope. Christian art--to be truly art as Bono said--must follow that lead. The ugly coexists with the beautiful, the broken with the healed, and we know at the core of our selves that walking in darkness is what draws us to the light

What I Did on My Summer Vacation part 2

2006-08-23T06:05:00.000-05:00

Watched the sunrise on Cape Porpoise, Maine. And renewed my habit of getting up early, which I plan to continue. I love the quiet alone time of early morning. It's different than the quiet alone time of night--it holds so much promise.

What I Did on My Summer Vacation

2006-08-22T19:42:00.000-05:00

I thought very seriously about buying this. You wouldn't believe how many Addis I bought half price. And yarn . . . pictures to come.

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

2006-08-22T17:40:00.000-05:00

and I am not that something. I love the walls in New England. If I stopped to take a picture of every one I saw and loved, I'd never get anywhere and cause untold numbers of accidents. In keeping with the theme of neutrals for Project Spectrum August, may I present my wall montage . . .

Inspiration comes in many forms

2006-08-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

My family has the coolest reunions. One thing we did this year at the reunion is have a museum of family things. Here's a picture of the quilt my great-grandmother (Grammy Golding) made as a wedding gift for the first child in the family to marry (my Grampy Otis). Then he and my Nana gave it to their first child to marry (Aunt Eunice and her husband Chuck), who then in turn gave it to their first child to marry (cousin Sharon and her husband Terry). Aside from being used as a paint drop cloth at some point, it's still in wonderful shape. I'm inspired to knit a log cabin quilt following the fade from light to dark in this quilt. It isn't as obvious in person, but the flash made the light colors pop. In front of the quilt is my great-aunt Blanche's wedding dress. It is more than seventy-five years old, and still in beautiful condition. Lillian and Burn's daughter Sharon (the other Sharon) brought the dress and her mom's wedding shoes.

Back. Safe. Home. Again.

2006-08-21T19:56:00.000-05:00

I was in Maine, and when I get my camera back that I left there, I'll prove it. I do have some photos from my memory card (I managed to fill up two) which I'll share. It was a great vacation filled with beauty and family--not an oxymoron, I promise.

Do I know

2006-08-10T10:33:00.000-05:00

how to pick my vacation days or what? My Dad just called to tell me he heard NO carryons. What will I do if I can't knit? I'm stressed out already.

On the Down Side

2006-08-09T06:26:00.000-05:00

I'm not blogging much because August has hit with a vengeance. We are making sure backpacks are adequately filled with well-labeled school supplies, that jeans and shirts aren't too stained or too holey or too short, that forms are filled out and returned. The season of school is upon us. Add to that the season of football and a quickly approaching trip back East for a family reunion and the busyness never ends. And biggest of all, the news that my husband is moving out next week. It's been a long time coming, but my kids were completely blindsided. The reality hits like a tsunami, even when I've been steeling myself for years. Crazy Aunt Purl's words sound familiar. Why haven't I mentioned it before? Pick a reason: I come from New England stock (enough said); it's humiliating; I've tried to treat him the way I'd like to be treated. Next steps? Only God knows, but I'm watching out for my kids, trying to get some time to think, and praying--lots of that. On the up side? There's been lots of knitting. I just haven't taken any pictures of it. Oh, and lots of frogging. Even fewer pictures of that. All that to say this: blogging will be spotty to partly nonexistant in August as we travel (not sure if I'll have internet), start school and I learn to live on a much tighter budget. I'll be back though. You can't keep a redhead down.

Project Spectrum Inspiration

2006-08-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

My brother was in Milwaukee for a business trip, so I sped up the road to meet him for dinner. Even though it was officially a million degrees outside, we decided to walk to Lake Michigan which was only a few blocks from his hotel. There's some crazy beautiful architecture in downtown Millywaukay. And we were the only people enjoying it. Either it was too hot, or those Wisconsinites roll up their sidewalks at 5 p.m. There was nothing open. Weird. I got some great inspiration from the buildings, though. And my brother, as ever, is funny, smart and charming. Love you, Nature Jay.

Stitches Midwest Update

2006-08-04T08:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Marji for reminding me. Only those signed up to take classes at Stitches can shop in the Marketplace on Thursday. I thought about taking the Lace class they have on Thursday--sounds wonderful. But we leave for Maine at six o'clock the next morning, and I know I'd be crazy to try to. So it looks like I'll have to save Stitches for next year. Boo hoo. Have fun those of you who are going! And fondle Socks That Rock for me, will you?

Project Spectrum for August

2006-08-04T07:08:00.000-05:00

The theme this month is Neutrals. I love what Marji said--"red is the new black and pink is the new beige." With that in mind, I think that anything goes. What defines neutral? Is it my ambivalence toward a color? Does that make it neutral? I shall have to do some research. Here's a definition I found here: The neutral colors of black, white, silver, gray, and brown make good backgrounds, serve to unify diverse color palettes, and also often stand alone as the only or primary focus of a design. Neutral colors help to put the focus on other colors or serve to tone down colors that might otherwise be overpowering on their own. To some extent blacks, browns, tans, golds, and beige colors are considered warm. While white, ivory, silver, and gray are somewhat cooler colors. Yet these warm and cool attributes are flexible and more subtle than that of reds or blues. I like that--the colors of unity. Nice way to end Project Spectrum.

Finishing up Project Spectrum July

2006-08-04T06:47:00.000-05:00

Here is the big purple project I managed to finish in July. It's for my KSKS pal. I have purple yarn, but it isn't my favorite color. I was going to dye the yarn, but I wanted to jump in and start knitting. So I decided to KoolAid dye it when I was finished knitting. I'm happy with how it turned out--sort of a tie-dye, splatter paint effect. I will definitely try it again. Amanda has great instructions on her website for microwave KoolAid dyeing. The pattern is the Small Bucket Bag purchased at Fringe. Here are some photos of the process and the product:

Contest winner!

2006-08-04T06:39:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't been around much the past few days. We are winding down the summer and winding up for school, and it feels pretty hectic around here. School shopping, last this-and-that of summer. Anyway, my wonderful assistant and I pulled a name out of the hat for my "400 posts" contest and the winner is . . . (drum roll please) . . . Ellen! When she's back from vacation, she can email me, and we'll decide which yarn she'd like to have.

Happy Birthday, Dad

2006-08-02T10:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to the smartest, kindest, coolest Dad in the world. I love you!

In honor of the Harlot

2006-07-28T14:45:00.000-05:00

Scout has some new yarn, which I couldn't resist. Check it out on her blog. And Susie, the Harlot's new best Peacock friend, has fresh, wonderful sock yarn. I'm lovin' it!

Stop By

2006-07-28T06:51:00.000-05:00

and give Anna a cheery wave on her blog. She designs the most beautiful sweaters and socks and has the all-time cutest pet sweater EVER. To see it, click on her sidebar All my own work and then scroll to November 15, 2005 where you'll find Harvey, the best dressed kitty in the world. Let's cheer her up, shall we? Thanks.

Project Spectrum Song of the Day

2006-07-28T06:46:00.000-05:00

Purple Afternoon from Girl in the Moon on the Purple Afternoon CD

Want/Need Sharper Addis?

2006-07-27T12:02:00.000-05:00

Check out Grumperina's post. Let's flood Skacel with emails telling them we'd like sharper Addis--for lace, for cabling, whatever you need!

What Would Vic Knit?

2006-07-27T09:07:00.000-05:00

Go tell Bonne Marie of ChicKnits what you think P.I. V. I. Warshawsky would knit on a stakeout and be entered into a contest to win some cool Regia sock yarn.

Sock Wars--Yeah, Baby!

2006-07-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Yarn Monkey is hosting a murderous kind of KAL. Check out her blog for details.

A New Swap--With Lace!

2006-07-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

Be still my beating heart. Eve posted the alert for the Who's Lace is it Anyway? swap. I'm so in love with lace right now. Feeling the irresistable urge to sign up . . .

Project Spectrum Purple of the Day

2006-07-27T06:13:00.000-05:00

Purple knitting going on here chez roux. And here's a purple book for you, because no discussion of purple would be complete without Harold.

And I just had a (not-so original) thought: if Meg can post pics of cute animals, maybe I should post pics of cute guys. Her URL is CuteOverload.com, what could I call mine? Don't go all "Snakes on a Plane" on me (as Crazy Aunt Purl says); I just think we could use a daily dose of eye candy. And what's more, if you Google "cute guys," you will not get any heterosexual references. I'm just sayin'.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

2006-07-26T22:58:00.000-05:00

I LOVE the memories you are sharing about favorite foods. Thanks so much.

And I laughed at OSSP's comment about scary foods. Thanks for reminding me of having to eat lima beans, NOT! Now, do I need to get Dr. Phil to do some therapy? 'Cause I'll crack out the Prozac and Merlot right now if I have to--we'll finish this up right. While we're on the subject of favorites. How about your favorite word? Maybe you like how it rolls off your tongue or the picture it evokes in your mind. My friend Kerry and I collect words we like and words we don't. Moist is a word I do NOT like. Nasty is a word that I do. Care to share?

À la recherche du temps perdu

2006-07-26T17:44:00.000-05:00

I had a Proustian moment this evening as I made supper. Marcel Proust is the writer whose snack of tea and madeleines prompted his theory of involuntary memory. Trying to wade through his books, either in French or English, would definitely cause one to be In Search of Lost Time (hence the post title). I digress; I took a handful of sunflower seeds and popped them in my mouth. (I do believe those are the food of the gods.) I was transported back to one of my earliest "food" memories--buying hot sunflower seeds from a nut cart and then enjoying them as we walked around the mall. I was in grade two or three at the time. Proust was right, something as simple as tea and cookies can send us back in time to a special place or a special someone. It made me wonder, what is your earliest food memory? Or your fondest? Dish. I'll get the tea and madeleines.

And then when you're done sharing, pop over to Lynne's blog and take a walk down "favorite childhood books" memory lane.

This is not your father's church

2006-07-26T16:31:00.000-05:00

Linkin Park Kazoo Orchestra I am not making this up. This is the special music from my church Sunday. The pastor is the dude on the right playing the kazoo. The two singers are brothers who are on the Creative Arts Team. All I can say is, Whodathunkit?

My Contest Update and Challenge

2006-07-26T15:49:00.000-05:00

In honor of my 400th post (take a drink if you're playing Amy's game), I am hosting a contest. List 5 things you've learned about me from my blog. I've had several entries, but with hits from the Yarn Harlot's site, I'm surprised there aren't more. Come one, come all and join the fun! Saturday's the last day to enter. Thanks for playing! Some serious knitting going on today su casa. I am making a Small Felted Bucket Bag for my KSKS pal. Right now it looks like a scarf, but when I put it all together--wah-la! It will be fun. I may even try to do some unconventional dyeing. And if it bombs, we'll put it in the reject pile as #3 KSKS pal bag that didn't work. That's okay, eventually the right bag and I will find each other.

Another Contest!

2006-07-26T15:39:00.000-05:00

Trek, of Grown Up Wonky Lace Socks fame, is hosting a contest. Become a subscriber to her blog through Bloglines, and your name goes in the pot (if I understood correctly). We'll just admit to ourselves that we won't win, because Chris always wins (must be her Chaos mojo), but we'll remain good-spirited in the interest of helping out a fellow knogger. Trek's shooting for 1000 readers, so let's help her achieve her goal. She's articulate and talented--good combo. Go Trek!

Just Found This

2006-07-26T11:35:00.000-05:00

on Amy's blog: The Knitting Blog Drinking Game I'd be wasted just reading my own blog . . .

Project Spectrum Song of the Day

2006-07-26T08:33:00.000-05:00

Purple from Whirlwind Heat on the Do Rabbits Wonder? CD.

You Got Some 'Splainin' To Do

2006-07-26T08:13:00.000-05:00

On the current cover of Knitty, there is a lovely pair of fingerless gloves. I saw some at My Sister's Knits, too, made up from the pattern in Alterknits. I fondled them several times because they were beautiful. But I must pose a question.

Why? Why wear gloves that have no fingers? I grew up in Manitoba, so you'll have to forgive me for not being able to wrap my mind around this particular article of clothing. Isn't the purpose of gloves (or mittens for that matter) to keep you fingers warm? And if your wrists are cold, can't you just wear long sleeves? Fingerless gloves just seem like an article of clothing where the essentials aren't covered--something like a shirt with the chest cut out or pants with no bum. Are they purely ornamental? Are they for people afraid to knit fingers? I want to know. Can anyone enlighten this Northern girl?

Calmness

2006-07-25T21:41:00.000-05:00

I passing along an email my mother sent to me. By the way, thanks for your thoughts and prayers for her, she is convalescing well after her hip surgery. I would hazard a guess that if I really did this, she wouldn't be laughing quite so hard . . . I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives. By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace. Dr Phil proclaimed, "The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished." So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a bottle of Kahula, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how freaking good I feel. Please pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace. THANK YOU

My Fifteen Seconds of Fame

2006-07-25T20:30:00.000-05:00

Stephanie, aka The Yarn Harlot, did not have the same issues with posting pictures today that I did. She blogged about her visit to Chi-town and, if you look closely at second last picture of her post, c'est moi! I have to make the obligatory comment that I hate the picture of me (and all my chins). It shows me that a life of fame is probably not my destiny. The Yarn Harlot has even been to Brandon, Manitoba where my family lives. Home of the Wheat Kings and scarce little else. Of course, we did host the Canada Winter Games when I was in grade ten in 1979 (we even got off school for them), and my dance troupe and I performed at the opening in front of the then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau by soft-shoeing on snow shoes. My other brush with a famous Canadian. Ah, fame, she is fickle, is she no? As to knitting content, I'm frogging Branching Out for the fourth (?) time, so I can't discuss that painful subject. I've cast on for a fun felted bag for one of my pals because my sewing skills are laughable. No really, they are. Pictures to follow. And check out Mim's website 'cause her to DIE FOR patterns are all on sale!!! She rocks. I'm so going to knit one of her shawls one of these days (when I graduate from Branching Out), and I'm so using some of Susie's yarn.

I Meet the Yarn Harlot (and Other Happenings on the Way)

2006-07-25T10:24:00.000-05:00

***Look for this if you want to skip my VERY long intro and just read about the Harlot. Sorry the pics are so big; I transferred them in from photobucket, and I don't know how to resize them. Yesterday was the day! I grabbed my packages (to pay it forward as Mama-E suggested), took my Yahoo!maps directions and headed for Beverly "Also known as Beverly Hills--The community, once part of Washington Heights, was annexed by the city of Chicago in 1890". It took me almost two hours to get there because of faulty directions and construction on 95th Street, but I gave myself plenty of time. I found a parking spot right by the 99th Street Metra Station. Walden Parkway has the cutest little grouping of stores (pinch-its-cheeks-cute), and My Sister's Knits is no exception.

I should have taken better photos of the store, but I'll leave it to you to visit Carol (who is a nurse) and her one-year old store with its bright yellow paint, vintage posters, and "Don't make me get my flying monkeys" sign. As an aside, why are so many nurses also knitters or yarn-shop owners? My guess is that they decided to use sharp needles for humanitarian reasons rather than inflicting pain or, more likely, they had to find a productive use for sharp needles or some doctors or patients were going to get stabbed in the eye. My DH says knitting is all about channeling anger; maybe he's right. Anyhoo, I waited in the LYS for the arrival of the other redhead who was meeting me there. She walked in, and is it weird to say that I already felt like we knew each other and were friends, so it was like getting together again? We shopped a bit, exchanged gifts

(She gave me a COOL pin and scrapbook!! I gave her red Cascade Fixation yarn and Trek's Grown Up Wonky Lace Socks pattern which I'm dying to make), got directions to the "talk" and decided to stop at the coffee shop across the street to wait for the Harlot. Off to Cafe Luna.

Cute little restaurant. Remember Phoebe's sister, Ursula on Mad About You? Well, we had her last night. I'm not making this up.

Bonnie ordered a strawberry salad. About ten minutes later, the waitress comes up to her (there were about four people in the cafe) and said, "Did you order the strawberry salad?" Bonnie said she did. Ursula: "Well, we don't have any strawberries." Bonnie: "What else is on the salad?" It had been so long since she ordered she could't remember. Ursula: Blank look, goes looking for menu. Bonnie tells her she'll have the salad anyway, and several more minutes go by. Waitress returns with Bonnie's salad (minus the strawberries). She looks at me. "What did you order?" Me: "Chicken salad." Ursula: "Oh, yeah." She goes in the back and returns about ten minutes later. "Did you get your chicken salad?" Me: "Not yet." Wondering who was supposed to bring it to me--the chicken salad fairy? Finally the chicken salad arrives. Meanwhile, Bonnie and I have struck up a convo with other pilgrims on the road to the Harlot. The lovely and talented Tammany and her talented and handsome husband Matthew. I'm sure they'll share their challenges in finding Beverly on their respective blogs; it was a treat to meet them. They experienced the Ursula as well.

Bonnie and I had a lovely time getting to know each other in spite of the Ursula and B's blown-out flip flop.

We decided to order some coffee to go, because it was getting close to time for the YH to speak. B went and ordered and paid, and about ten minutes later, Ursula came over. Ursula: "Did you get your coffee?" Bonnie and me: "Um, no, not yet." Again, the coffee fairy? Huh? On to the next adventure: finding the park district building where the Yarn Harlot would be speaking on the second floor without the benefit of Air Conditioning. (Maybe I'd get to see the unintentional country singer hair).

Bonnie was barefoot, and we admired the beautiful homes on the street.

We arrived, heard laughter, and knew that SHE had begun speaking. We found a seat, Bonnie pulled out her Jaywalker sock, and away we went. What can I say about Stephanie that hasn't been said? Funny, incisive, naughty, approachable, did I say funny?, real. I looked around the room at the women (and 1.4 men) and I felt a part of something really special.

I noticed all types of knitting going on--socks, lace, entrelac scarf, what looked to be an MDK bib or warshrag. No sweaters that I could tell--too hot. The Harlot showed us her Knitting Olympics sweater (even the inside). FABU. And then people started asking her what else she had with her--a little bit (no a lot) prying into her life like she belongs to us. And she assented with such grace. What I walked away with is several funny replies to how much yarn I have, a couple of willie warmer jokes, and a sense that we all love this thing called knitting because it loves us--it connects us to ourselves and each other and nature and life itself. I learned something from seeing SP-M in person that I haven't learned on her blog: She lights up a room with her smile. I'm not sucking up (okay, I am, but I really mean it). I hear the smile in her writing and catch it in some of the pics on her blog, but it's power-packed in person. She finished her talk, headed back to the yarn store, and we followed after, chatting with some other knit-friends.

We met up with the spinning/knitting whiz/cutie pie Sarah and her lovely mom, Mary. Sarah comes from a family of spinners/knitters (mom and grandma). She also works at Knitche and shared some great info on the Shepherd's Harvest Sheep and Wool Festival held on Mother's Day weekend in Lake Elmo, MN. What better way to spend Mother's Day? Bonnie and I walked back to the LYS and got at the end of the line, out the door and down the sidewalk. I wish I had a picture of the young man who walked by across the street and couldn't stop staring at us. You could see his mind going, "WTF?" Very funny. I amused myself by watching others knit and taking pictures of the scenery.

The 99th street station was built the same year Beverly was annexed to the City of Chicago and is still operational. Someone was selling TSF buttons, so of course I bought one. My nefarious plan to be at the end of the line worked until we were almost up to the Harlot's table, but the sweet girl who got in line behind us agreed to go ahead--she didn't have my agenda. Almost to the YH! And we chat with this nice young lady (forgot to ask her name), another red-head, who works at Nina and was helping Carol out because Nina and Carol are friends. Bonnie's beautiful daughter, Natalie, who saw our fellow RH at Nina pronounced her "cool." I agree.

***(Welcome to those of you who bailed on the rest of my witty writing.) And now the moment you've all been waiting for--drum roll please--we advanced to the front of the line. After the lady making argyle sock pirate jokes, after the other RH climbing up to the top shelf and almost knocking the books off, there she was. Check out Bonnie's post for the pic I took of her with the Harlot. Then it was my turn. I gave her the yarn that Susie made.

She opened it and loved it (and remembered Susie--that woman has an amazing memory). I was overjoyed to hear her say she has been looking for the perfect yarn for the Peacock shawl (we all know it and want to make it, don't we?) and now her search was over. I was almost in tears.

And then, you aren't going to believe this, the Yarn Harlot stood up (ignoring the phone that had rung 700 times--her teenagers calling to ask her where the blue pants are--from another country?), grabbed her camera, handed me Susie's yarn and shoved something into my other hand. I looked down. It was THE sock!

I touched THE sock. I held THE sock. The one that Peter Elkas (yum) touched, the one that has adventured with SP-M all over creation. My work on earth is done. Okay, that's a bit over the top, but if Stephanie posts pictures on her blog of her day in Chi-town (she did), I'm the one with the goofy smile on her face (and the double chin, gak.) Bonnie and I left My Sister's Knits (Carol throws a great party and has cool business cards)

and headed north to Lincoln Park. What a beautiful drive! I wish I could have taken photos of the city as we drove toward it and into it. Cellular Field, the Sears Tower, I love Chicago. I dropped Bonnie off at her cute brownstone in Lincoln Park. I'm definitely going back because that is the cutest section of Chicago. Then home, which took forever, because seven lanes of traffic had to merge to one on I-88. I was so hungry after that, I did something I haven't done in forever, I hit the drive-thru at McDonald's at 11:30p.m. I decided not to feel guilty because the premise of the Yarn Harlot's talk was that knitting is a sport. And if knitting's a sport, that makes me an athlete. And if I'm an athlete, I need to build up my strength, don't I?

Project Spectrum Cartoon of the Day

2006-07-24T06:27:00.000-05:00

Here's a blast from the past: Grape Ape. Could a cartoon be stupider?

We're Off to See the Yarn Harlot

2006-07-23T14:09:00.000-05:00

The wonderful Yarn Harlot of ON. Woo hoo! Tomorrow is the big day! What knitting shall I take? What shall I wear? I'm so nervous!! Phunkyknitter and I get to meet the Yarn Harlot! And I have a surprise for her too. I'll tell you, but don't tell her. Shhhh! It's a secret. Here's what Susie made and I'm delivering. To die for. (By the way, stop by and wish Susie quick healing for her sore back.) I am making the big sacrifice in not keeping it to myself. May the YH knit with it in joy and peace and make it the thing of beauty that it deserves to be. I'm so looking forward to meeting Stephanie who inspires me in so many ways, and I'm also looking forward to meeting B, the Phunkyknitter, whom I've come to know through the knog-osphere. What a wonderful thing to make friends through the internet and then get a chance to meet in person! I'm so happy! I even have a babysitter for my son (who is NOT happy--thinks he's too big--thinks he wants to come with me--NOT!). And my baby ABC left me today for at least a week to go stay with her cousin. I'm feeling a little lost without her. Just like I felt last week when my boy went off to camp. He's back, and is it possible that he left a little boy and came back a big one? I think so. Thanks to those of you who are leaving answers for the contest. I'll keep it open until Saturday to give more of my 2.3 readers a chance to respond.

Lending a Hand

2006-07-22T23:20:00.000-05:00

Check out Dorothy's blog (thanks for the link PBnJ!) and see her GORGEOUS yarn. She is giving some of it away in a contest for helping out some friends in need. It's wonderful to have a passion which can be used to help others, isn't it? So much better for the world than cheek-chewing, n'est-ce pas?

400 posts!

2006-07-22T15:36:00.000-05:00

I saw that my last post was my 400th. Huzzah me! In honor of my prolificosity, I want to have my first contest. So here it is. Tell me five things you've learned about me from reading my blog (if you know me in the three-dimensional world, you have to use info only from the blog too).* And don't try to butter me up with "divinely beautiful, incredibly talented, should be married to the guy from the Rowan book." Yes, those are true, but you need just the facts, ma'am. Post them in the comments section or email me wolindaATmacDOTcom. I'll take all entries, put them in a cup and have my loverly assistant (aka ABC) pull a name out. Let's end the contest on Tuesday, July 25th, AYH (After Yarn Harlot). The winner shall receive a skein of yarn of my choosing. I must dig through my stash to find the perfect one. I promise it won't be Red Heart (don't have any) or Fun Fur (unless you like it). Or, if you aren't a knitter, I shall find some swag to brighten your day. And thanks to all of you who leave commnents. You truly are the highlight of my day. I love each and every one of you and count you as friend. Here's to 400 more!!! **Please mom and fam, no Bay City Roller stories or any of the family jokes of stupid things I've said and done. Remember I'M the one with the blog, and I can and will find unflattering photos of you to post on the internet.

Thought for the Day

2006-07-22T13:10:00.000-05:00

There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost. Martha Graham, quoted in Leigh Radford's book Alterknits.

Chicago Sights--It Was Magnificent, Thank You

2006-07-21T05:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the long awaited trip to American Girl. My niece L, my sister-in-law, ABC and I celebrated L's tenth birthday in fine style. It rained on the way into the city from the 'burbs, but the sun came out just as we arrived in Chicago. We parked in one of the city's many garages, came out, went 'round the corner, and there was American Girl! We were thrilled. We shopped, then walked around Michigan Avenue stopping at the fountain by the Water Tower and (my favorite spot) the Fourth Presbyterian Church. The girls were thrilled with it and took tons of pictures. I'm so glad for churches that leave their doors open as sanctuary--for the tourist seeking historic gothic architecture, the hurting heart seeking peace or the homeless person seeking a quiet place to rest. Our next stop was the Hershey store where Miss ABC won a free cupcake for being the loudest. Hmmmm, there's a surprise. Let's reinforce that, shall we? Then we jetted back to AG for a birthday tea. What a fun time! And L, whose party it was, bought ABC a doll. What a nice cousin and what a fun day! Thanks, L and K!

Project Spectrum Purple of the Day

2006-07-20T07:29:00.000-05:00

Did you know there are 53 references to purple in the Bible? Almost all of them have something to do with the building of the temple in the book of Exodus. They all reference the ancient understanding that purple symbolizes wealth and royalty because only the very rich could afford the purple dye gathered from a marine snail. Probably my favorite purple verse is the one found in Song of Solomon--the love song between God and his people-- Your head crowns you like Carmel, and your flowing locks are like purple; a king is held captive in the tresses. Song of Solomon 7:5. Wow. Makes a girl feel special, you know? Go your way today knowing you are beautiful and loved by the King.

Stitches Midwest

2006-07-18T16:06:00.000-05:00

Hey girls and guys going to Stitches Midwest! If any of you want to get together to knit/chat/shop(!)/hang out, I'm going to be there on Thursday, August 10th. I'm not taking any classes this year, just going to ogle and see other yarnaholics. Let me know if you want to meet, and I'll email you with my phone number, etc. Hope to meet some of you face to face!

De-Stash Is Here!!!

2006-07-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

I am posting some of my yarn for sale on De-Stash today. I'm having a problem loading pictures, but I want to post three or four kinds of yarn today.

Project Spectrum Song of the Day

2006-07-18T07:54:00.000-05:00

Purple by Ol' Blue Eyes himself (thanks, Lynne!) on the Concepts Box Set.

This Man

2006-07-18T07:32:00.000-05:00

who helped me bring these into the world is 40 years old today. Happy Birthday, Gock. I love you always.

That's funny

2006-07-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

I thought I already had an Italian name:

Your Italian Name Is...

Viviana Lombardi

What's Your Italian Name?

Arrrrrrr!

2006-07-17T23:48:00.000-05:00

Your Pirate Name Is...

Mad Hook-Handed Helen

What's Your Pirate Name?

Now THIS does not bore me

2006-07-16T07:37:00.000-05:00

I googled "purple" this morning, for you my dear reader, and got 188 million hits. And they're all boring or x-rated. Okay, so I didn't read all 188 mil, but I looked at the first two or three google screens. Boring, I'm falling asleep just thinking about it. This is kinda cool, though. Wish I lived closer. And this is good. And I think Alison would appreciate this. And you gotta love a sock pattern that incorporates purple yarn, is free and is called Pancake Sock. That's making me hungry. Time for breakfast.