Wonderful unbalanced

Simple rule, no one follows it

I had a rare treat yesterday.  I went to visit a dear friend of mine.  The reason it's a rare treat is because we live about 100 miles away from one another.  That equates to a two hour car drive, on the interstate system.  So when we get together, it's an event!

I got up and got ready early.  Packed my project bag with all of those items from yesterday's photo in their freezer bag glory.  I grabbed my travel mug of coffee, kissed Pokey and Hobbit and headed out the door.  When I got there, we didn't craft one single bit.  We sat around and yammered the day away - it was fabulous.  Then it was time to leave and head home, just four hours later which only felt like 20 minutes.

The drive home, at the beginning, was totally uneventful.  I was able to scoot down I-4 without incident.  Then I got to I-75 and all movement stopped.  The wretched spot of Bruce B. Downs had caused the traffic to come to a standstill... again.  That blasted exit was 12 miles away and we weren't going anywhere.  Thirty minutes later, I managed to travel the whole 3 miles to the closest exit and got off.  Thank goodness it was in an area I knew well so I could wind my way back home through the towns and back roads. It is longer but all things considered, it would be faster than sitting still on the interstate.

Most people would have been upset and annoyed at the situation - shoot, most were when I looked across the lanes at my fellow commuters.  Not me.  I decided that I was going to make the most of it since there was nothing I could do.  I popped in my Scotty McCreery CD, opened my sunroof and cranked up my stereo.  I sang along and be-bopped in my seat.  It was wonderful.  I was having a grand time all by myself, acting a fool.  Sure, it took me a little over three hours to get home and I really had to go the potty by the time I got here but that was three whole hours all to myself and I made the most of it.

I came home to hugs and kisses, clean laundry and a clean kitchen - plus supper being cooked.  It was heavenly.  So what if my day was unbalanced with the whole 5 hours in the car/4 hours out of the car, it was still wonderful and I would it all over again in a heartbeat.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 3/30 - 4/1

Grannys, Amigurumis and TIGs - oh my!

1. I've got the squares for the third panel finished and ready to sew on plus I've even got a few of the fourth done!  This blanket is really coming together - which is good because I've only got until the end of April to complete it.
2. I'm attempting another one - this time, it's a bunny!  To make it even more fabulous, I'm going to try to make outfits for it as well.  Oh yeah, I've got big plans for this little one.
3. I started this shawl for a challenge in NerdWars but knew with in a week that I wouldn't make the deadline so I'm going to work on it for fun and maybe it can be my WiP project for Round 3.  Anyway you look at it, I'm getting lost again in my Three Irish Girls yarn and honestly, there is nothing better.

Do you like my system for keeping things organized and portable - the classic freezer baggies.  Yeah, I can't afford all the pretty little project bags and I'm not talented enough to make them yet so I keep it old school.  I know, it is sad but I try to look at the bright side - with the crazy weather we have, they're always protected!  Plus, the freezer style is really sturdy so I don't worry when I grab a few projects and shove them in a crafting tote.

Yeah, you're right.  I can't play up the freezer bag aspect.  It's resourceful but really ugly.  Perhaps I've just shamed myself into attempting make a bag... or maybe, if my super talented and amazing mama is reading today, she'll take pity on her only daughter who shares her love of knitting and crafting.  I know there are several really neat patterns out that my mama could whip up with no problem... like this one and this one and this one.

Subtlety is not my strong suit either.

Tomorrow, around 4ish

Yeah for Spring!

That's when it all begins.  Hobbit will be headed to the car loop where Pokey will be waiting.  I will be halfway home from visiting a dear friend for the day.  Once we are all home, it will officially begin - Spring Break!

That means we get a whole week off our regular routine.  Well, perhaps not totally off because my chores still need to be done or I'll go buggy but still - no car pick up line, no alarm for a few days and just a relaxed time.  Plus, I think the Easter Bunny is bringing a bathing suit for someone small so we might pop over to the pool.

We even have a few things mapped out - Monday and Wednesday will be filled with Disney magic and good friends.  Tuesday is looking like a trip to the movie theatre is in order because we all want to see Mirror, Mirror and afternoon shows rock.  Less people, less money, less headache.  Pokey also promised to teach Hobbit how to ride  her bike without training wheels!  I won't be watching until she's mastered it - just ask Peanut about learning how to drive with me.. I am too nervous for such things.

Tomorrow around 4ish life will slow down, just a bit.

Today I Will...

Get off my fluffy duff and ride my bike (source)

Get back to work on my dissertation - I have a goal of 1 Large and 3 small squares today.

Comfort food supper - Meatloaf, Mac n' Cheese and Beets

Pretty low key day around here.  I've already done my five miles - not bad for a fluffy asthmatic - and now it's time for a shower and some quality crochet efforts.  I really want to go back to making toys but I have to finish this dissertation on time and I've been ignoring it for far too long.  I fear I might not make it... which is why I've put myself on project lock down until the next round of NerdWars starts.  Hopefully, it will put me with a completed third panel and a partially completed 4th... granted, the next round starts in 3 days time and I'm going to spend Friday with my dear friend but I live for impossible goals.

Tuesday Tunes

Just lovin' a bit of Michael W. Smith lately and wanted to share a favorite.

As promised

The silly little hat that started it all.

I know I've been teasing y'all lately with my bunny hat and I must admit, it's been fun.  The whole process has been interesting for me - exciting and unexpected.  Now, I am in the land of waiting for the final results and I am really bad at this part so I thought it might help me 'ease the pain' a bit if I shared my excitement with y'all.

Back in August 2011 there was a call for designers to submit small projects for publication towards a book about gift knitting across America.  51 projects would be chosen - one for each state and the District of Columbia.  One of my "Promises to Try" for 2012 was going to be having a pattern published - either by self publishing them or by having the courage to submit them to publications... I thought I'd do a test run before the new year started so I could be ready.

Working it all up and writing it all out.

I filled out all the necessary bits and bobs and included a photograph of the hat I had made for Hobbit the Christmas prior.  I didn't expect much since it was my first attempt so I sent it off and promptly forgot about it because I was sure that out of all the people submitting, my chance of representing Florida with a silly little bunny hat were honestly slim to none. The submissions had to be in by October and then the winners would be announced at some point in November.

That point was November 28th to be exact... at least, that is when I got my email.  I saw the address and figured it was just a sweet *TBNT but I told myself, before I even opened it, that I would take what I could and learn from it all so that when the new year rolled around, I was prepared.  I clicked the message and promptly fell over... they selected my silly little bunny hat!

Releases had to be signed, special yarn had to be ordered and shipped to me so I could make up the hat again for them to use for the book.  I also had to send back all unused yarn and write out the pattern in their format.  Once all of that had happened, within their 60 day turn around window of yarn receipt, I got excited.  This was real.  I am going to be a published knitwear designer.

Too cute for words.

I mailed the hat this past week.  It's only going two hours east of me but it feels like across the globe.  I think the final result was even better than the first.  Once everything is checked in by them, I'll even get a sizable gift card that I am going to use to purchase these beauties.

My daddy has always told me that if I wanted to do something then I should just go for it... what's the worst they could tell me - no?  I have lived by those words and they have never failed me. So many times in my life, I have wanted to do things - from being a Leader at Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts to having fabulous prizes for giveaways from people that I consider to be knitting community icons - and I have always just gone for it because of my daddy's words.  He taught me that failure just means another opportunity to grow and the only time you truly fail is when you don't learn from the experience.

I'm happy to say, I have always succeeded simply because I wasn't afraid to fail.

*TBNT = Thanks but no thanks

Sunday Snaps

This little beauty is currently en route to Orlando... more on Monday.

This little beauty and I played in the kitchen some this week.

This little beauty convinced me that it was time to honestly try amigurumi.

This little beauty is finally where she should be at school.

This little beauty will be completed today after many false starts yesterday.

This little beauty is chilling under a tent today.

As you can see, it's been a beautiful week. Just one of those weeks where things start to fall into place and you can see it all coming together. A week where smiles are sprouting around every corner. I am a firm believe that you are responsible for the energy that you bring into a space... I also think that negative energy is toxic and contagious. This week, we rid our lives of so much negative energy that that positive influx was absolutely palpable. It touched every corner of our world and it was beautiful.

So here's to more beautiful weeks ahead!

Lucky ducky

I was asked to share what all came in my giveaway parcels and I said that I would today. So without further ado - here you go, Danielle...

Going Clockwise from 6: Yarnie goodness, a notebook, chocolate bar and note cards from Kym

Isn't this yarn absolutely gorgeous!  It screams me and it is so soft.  I have 240 yds of goodness.

Coffee collar and notebook cover from Cheree

Those are my two fabulous packages that came in.  I also sent a package out yesterday.  It has to travel all the way to Orlando, a whopping two hours from my house.  It's not the physical destination that makes it amazing to me... it's what will happen to it afterwards that make me explode with joy.  More on that Monday, I promise.

Yesterday, after my victorious failure, I went to the store and picked up the most perfect book.  I love getting my JoAnn flier in the mail with my 40% off coupon... and I love it even more when I have some extra pocket money to use it!  Now, I am the proud owner of this:

Hobbit has already requested about 80% of the book as friends for Miss Waddlesworth

and the directions are all easy as pie to understand... all except the most important one which has left in me frustrated beyond belief since last night ~

My brain just isn't grasping what they are wanting me to do here!

Time to do what any other craft hungry person would do - search Ravelry and YouTube for helpful hints, tricks and techniques!!  If y'all can break this down so it makes better sense to me, I'd really appreciate it.  I have a butterfly waiting to be created that would greatly appreciate it too!

Weekend Wonderment ~ 3/23 - 3/25

It is time to refocus on the dissertation.  I have one month to do what I did in two!

Today was the first day of dissertation check-ins for NerdWars.  I posted mine and I am exactly halfway done with my blanket.  This thought made me all warm and fuzzy, rather proud and slightly chuffed up about my crochet prowess... and then a thought hit me - I have one month to accomplish what took me two!

Time to get back cracking on this blanket before time runs out.  I have never not finished a NerdWars challenge that I set out to do.  I always answer all the challenges each round and this tournament, I opted for a dissertation.  A new adventure to challenge myself and I will buggered if I don't finish... buggered I say!

So... what's on your agenda this weekend?

The possibilities are endless

The Beatles were right, all you need is love

Today really is a day of endless possibilities, fresh starts and new beginnings. I hope that if anyone is ever placed in a situation that is toxic by being constantly negative, that they have the courage to fight back and get out. We finally did and you can tell, even before it officially begins, that there is something different in the air around here... a sense of happiness and joy that has been lacking over the past several months.

Never be afraid to stand up for what is best - for you or your loved ones - when they can't stand up for themselves. Today is most definitely a day full of excitement and hope because we finally had the courage to do just that - stand up for Hobbit. Bullies come in all shapes and sizes... and ages. When it's someone who is supposed to be an authority figure, it makes it a bit harder but even more important to do what you believe to be right.

Yes, it was scary.  Yes, the principal had been observing and saw what I had been saying for the past several months to be honest and true. Yes, Hobbit does get a fresh start with a brand new teacher in a brand new pod this morning... and yes, she is as giddy as a girl on Christmas morning.  Even now, while sitting next to me eating breakfast, she looked over and said "I'm so excited, Mama" with the biggest smile on her face.  The sad eyes are no more.  The desire to go to school has returned. That alone is enough to make me cry tears of joy.

I'm excited too, Hobbit.  I'm excited too.

Miss Waddlesworth

So pretty in pink.

Her first name is Estelle but I prefer to call her Miss because her last name makes me giggle.  She was created in response to a KAL hosted by the precious mother/daughter team of Simply Notable.  The guidelines were simple - make something that made you think of Spring... and nothing screams it more than a chocolate giving pig, no?

You see Miss Waddlesworth is an excellent chocolate truffle hunter. None can hide from her superior chocolate truffle tracking skills. Now yes, chocolate truffle tracking is a dirty job but Miss Waddlesworth is always neat and pretty in her spring dress and matching shoes.  The final touch, a beautiful yellow bloom tucked behind her ear.  Is there anything better than a smartly dressed pig?

Miss Waddlesworth!

Don't be fooled my her sweet appearance though, do you see that mischievous grin? I would venture to guess that all the chocolate truffles don't make it to their proper final destination, if you know now what I mean.  She is also rather cheeky - I mean look at her, flashing her bloomers and waggling her tail at me!

There is still time to join in the fun - the KAL doesn't close until March 31st... and did I mention that there were some yummy prizes up for grabs as well?  No, oh well check it out and see for yourself.

Welcome to the family, Miss Estelle Waddlesworth.  You are going to fit right in.

I think Hobbit and Miss Waddlesworth are going to be the best of friends.

Tuesday Tunes

I've been listening to her in my car this week.  My favorite song is actually "Unknown" but she didn't do a video for that one... so we'll go with this one.  Enjoy!

Make it magical

I still believe in the magic of Disney

Over on my NerdWars team, I greeted them this morning by asking what they were going to do to make it a Magical Monday.  Seeing as how we are Club 33 and totally Disney oriented, it was an appropriate question... plus, I can't wait to see how they respond.

Club 33 is made up of the greatest people. Yes, they are very talented knitters and crocheters, spinners and weavers - some of the things they turn in as responses to the challenges just blow my mind - but they are more than that... let me see if I can better explain.

A *Worldphile isn't just someone who loves all things Disney, they carry a great deal of pixie-dust in their veins. Scoff if you wish but I would dare say that you won't find a sweeter, more supportive and understanding group of individuals anywhere sans Disney property itself.

A few of us are former cast members but most are just people who have a deep love and affection for Walt's creations.  Personally, mine stems from my complete adoration of the man himself.  Ever since I was little, I loved Walt... we were kindred spirits.  I had no doubt that I would one day work with him - sure, not side-by-side even though that would have been awesome, but in his footsteps and spirit.

I admit that I had a rough time fitting in at other jobs while I was on my road to Disney. I was told that I was "too familiar" or "not stern enough" and even once was told that I should not do the menial tasks that asked my employees to do - that "being a manager meant one was above such things". Even before I was blessed enough to be a cast member I knew that you "manage" things, you "lead" people.  After countless years of not fitting in and wandering, my path led me to being a cast member, and ultimately a Leader, for the company and the man that I adore.  This was the place where my mindset was not considered odd but the norm.

Living a life and having a mindset that is glistening with pixie-dust is the best way to be, in my opinion.  Anyone can do it - you just choose to make it magical.  Yep, it's that simple.  The Worldphiles of Club 33 all know this and they do it every day... whether they recognize it or not. I could be having the most frustrating of days but a simple pop in to Club 33's team thread and I'm smiling again. The positive energy that this group of folks bring to the room is electric. Join us for a minute and you'll see - I bet you'll catch yourself smiling within 5 minutes of reading.

Not sure how to do it, no worries because I'm more than happy to share.  It doesn't have to be anything big - sometimes it's the littlest of things that make the biggest impact.  Leave an encouraging note for someone to find or drop an anonymous gift at someone's door.  Shoot, make eye contact and just smile at everyone you pass today and you'll be amazed at what something as simple as that can do.  It will lift your spirit and theirs... and that is the power of pixie-dust.

So what are you going to do to make today magical?

*"Worldphiles" is Disneyese for a Guest who knows pretty much everything about Disney and could probably teach you something.

Newsflash!

By completing my hat, I have actually accomplished all of my Weekend Wonderment stuff!

In the entire time I have been doing Weekend Wonderment posts, I never get it all done but this time, I did!  I just finished this hat (which is being sent off later this week to the publisher for the photographer... more later, I promise) and this morning I showed how I made it to the literal halfway mark on my blanket.  Knock me over with a feather - I think this deserves some ice cream after dinner.. yes indeedy!

Sunday Snaps

The tulips that Pokey bought me this week started to bloom...

Hobbit has taken to carrying my old camera around with her - these are her shots...

I am literally halfway done with my blanket!

I've also been spending quality time with my needy baby...

Monkey see, Monkey do...

and I am in crafting detention until I complete this little bugger.

So that's been my week.  Pretty relaxed and I appreciated it so much considering the past few weeks reminded me of a roller coaster.  Hobbit has been bitten by the photography bug this week and I let her use my old pink Kodak - I must say though, she's got one heck of an eye for a 6-year-old.

Today, I will finish that other ear to my hat.  I told myself that I'm not allowed to do anything else until I finish it.  I think I'll reward myself by making a pink fuzzy bunny when I'm done.  I found the cutest patterns and am torn between this one and this one.

We've got a short week ahead since Hobbit is off on Monday and then Pokey has his weekend on Tuesday/Wednesday with his half-day Thursday as usual.  It will almost be like a vacation of sorts.  As long as I can stay on top of my chores, I won't get out of sorts on Friday when I'm left alone again.  I think one load a day and one room a day should do it.

I hope your upcoming week is just as relaxing.  Enjoy the day!

Have you got your orange on?

No, I didn't mistype that and yes, I'm serious.  I've got mine on.  What's that?  You have no idea what I'm talking about?  Oh, well let me fill you in so when you go out tonight to consume green beer en masse, you can wax poetically on the subject.

We all know what the Irish flag looks like - if not, peek up in the left corner there because I'm putting a dollar on it that I'm putting one there.  See how there are three panels - green, white and orange.  Lore states that the green represents the Catholics, the orange represents the Protestants and the white represents peace between them.  The color you wear today is more of a representation of your religious preference really.

source

Care for a few more nerdy facts to get you through the night:

• This day was traditionally celebrated by attending church, wearing green and the lifting of restrictions from Lent so that you could eat anything and drink alcohol.
• Shamrocks were used by Saint Patrick, when he was a bishop, to explain the Holy Trinity while he was a missionary in Ireland.
• The original color associated with Saint Patrick was blue, not green.  The Order of St. Patrick was the senior order of chivalry in the Kingdom of Ireland.  The color of the order had to differ from those already established and a sky blue was chosen.

So there you have it.  The few fun little tid bits that I have managed to file away in my brain in regards to St. Patrick's Day.  I don't remember where I learned them all but I do know that every year I end up explaining one of them... shortly after I get pinched by some maroon.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone.  Celebrate to your heart's content, wear the color of your liking - green, white, orange or sky blue - and Éirinn go brách.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 3/16 - 3/19

Hurry up 4 p.m. - let's get started!

Yep, you read that right.  We've got a four day weekend here.  Hobbit is out of school on Monday for some reason so it's going to be nice not having to rush our fun.  As you can see, I've got just two things on my crafting radar this weekend.

• Finish my ear, add my face and call it done.  Final NerdWars challenge answered for Round 2.

• Make up for lost ground on NerdWars dissertation because check in this coming week.  Must be at least halfway done.

What all do you have going on?

I just need a moment

Let me get this straight... if a group of so-called adults start acting like a bunch of oversexed, foul-mouthed immature idgets and I write a letter, void of emotion, regarding my displeasure with the situation and possible solutions for moving forward, I'm the one who gets removed from the group?  But wait, not just me but my husband as well?

Your own "rules" state that no one should make an atmosphere that is otherwise hostile, uncomfortable or insulting to another member.  The write up of the group states that your "focus" is to "create a respectful, positive and relaxed OOC atmosphere while maintaining a mature, compelling and immersive IC element to the guild and our role play server at large."

Apparently, these rules and this focus only apply then if you are to stoop to the level of the masses and utter such graphic profane and disgusting things as they do?  It only works if you are a part of the collective group that participates in the bullying and belittling of others?

Gotcha - good to know.  In that case, thanks for saving me the trouble from removing myself from your company.  If you wouldn't mind, disconnect yourselves from our Mumble server as well... oh wait, we'll simply return the favor and do it for you.  There. 

I'll be sure to step over you, down there in the gutter, the next time I walk through Fleet.

Entirely cliche

source

Cliches, I love them.  I found myself speaking in them a lot this week.  I don't know why but when I noticed it, I laughed... a lot.  So I thought I would share the joy with all y'all.  Here are a few of the gems that I have uttered/written this week alone:

1. You must learn to see past the nose on your face.
2. Always look on the bright side of life (usually sung, can't help it).
3. The best laid plans of mice and men.
4. Dangle a carrot in front.
5. Nothing but a fair weather friend.
6. The good Lord willing and the creek don't rise.
7. Knock it out of the park.
8. Try taking the path of least resistance.
9. Play for the name on the front of your jersey, not for the name on the back.
10. Slow and steady wins the race.
11. Keep your head down, your mouth shut and do your work.
12. Eye of the tiger.
13. That which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.
14. Throw the baby out with the bathwater.
15. Time wounds all heels.
16. Wash your hands of it.
17. A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link.
18. Get off the cross, someone else needs the wood.
19. You can lead a person to knowledge but you can't make him think.
20. Oh the fickle finger of fate.

Yep, at some point during this week, all of those phrases have come out of my mouth/fingers.  You've got to admit though, they are fun. 

What's your favorite cliche that you always use?

Now that's odd

Baby steps into the world of crochet.. now I want to run!

As I adventure into this new, and sometimes confusing, world of crochet I keep thinking that I should find some fun crochet blogs to follow... then I get up from my chair and totally forget that I thought that at all.

Today, I sat down and thought that I should honestly go looking for these little gems on the interwebs - only to discover that the pickings are slim!  I don't mean that to be a rude statement because it's totally possible that my searching abilities are just not what they used to be, I'll own that option.  I simply mean that the ones I was able to find had a most recent post of a year old or more - and at that it wasn't even crochet related.  I was really sad... until I had a stupendous idea.

So here's what I'm going to do - I'm going to ask for suggestions.  If you know of a fabulous crochet blog that you think I would find interesting and inspirational, please share it.  My only request is that the blogger post often, meaning a few times a week.  Once a month isn't "often" enough for me.  Sound fair?  Yeah, I thought so too.

I can't wait to see what wonderful new places y'all lead me to!!

Ten on - Tuesday - Tunes

I get to mash them up again.  I like it when I can do that because there was such a dry spell where I had nothing to contribute to Carole's fun little meme - which prompted me to come up with ~

So now that we've had a bit of an impromptu history lesson, let's get to it... today's prompt was for songs that get you in a good mood.  This is going to be awesome.  Grab your coffee and get settled, I've got some doozies for you:





You can't be in an ill mood at all when you hear this because even if you aren't a "Weird Al" fan, I know you enjoy the original song and can respect the awesomeness of this tune.





The Beatles. Enough said.





Not only is the message of this song fabulous - there is no way you can possibly sit still when it's one.





This is a favorite family memory for me. My family will randomly bust out and sing this one!





I know what you're thinking -that's not a song... perhaps not but it does make me very happy every time I see it.





The positive energy that this man exudes is just mind-blowing. So full of joy, always. I love him.




The message in this song just lifts me up and fills me with peace and joy.




She always gives me goosebumps and I'll end up in tears by the end. So motivational and inspiring.




I have loved this show since it first came out - some may be offended by the colorful lyrics, be warned.




So many of my life's memories are tied to here - and it always makes me happy.

There you have it - I was able to bottle up all my happiest songs in to ten neat little videos.  I hope that you are just busting with joy now - for more songs, wander over and see who else is playing along with Carole's game... because you can never have too much of a good thing.

Grief and Mistakes

That's right, you've been warned!

Meredith had this cute post today about the stages of grief when we find mistakes in our knitting so I thought I would share mine with y'all.  This is serious business and one we should never take lightly, knitting mistakes that is... because if we don't, goodness knows that they will slowly take over the entire project, ruin our confidence and make our crafting adventures a living nightmare!  So without further ado...

1. Notice mistake.
2. Ignore mistake for several more rows.
3. Acknowledge mistake and try to strike a plea bargain.
4. Admit defeat.
5. Frog the project, all the while Flinstone cursing the mistake.
6. Get coffee, chocolate and a good movie.
7. Share news of evil mistake ambush with Ravelry friends.
8. Rewind yarn while plotting to show mistake who's boss.
9. Cast on again, determined to get all Chuck Norris on the next mistake that dares to show it's face in my project.
10. Smile at the fact that I am indeed smarter than my mistake.

There you go - 10 easy steps to mistake free and incredibly pleasurable crafting.

Motivational Monday

There was a bit of upheaval in a game that I hold dear.  It was hateful and mean and ugly.  It left a lot of hearts broken and bruised but the rebuilding has begun.  During some of our leadership conversations, this treasure came up and I wanted to share it with y'all because whether there is strife or not, it's just good to be reminded...

So here is a bit from a wonderful body of work by this man who really knows how to teach a person who knows what's important in this life...

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.

These are the things I learned:

• Share everything.
• Play fair.
• Don't hit people.
• Put things back where you found them.
• Clean up your own mess.
• Don't take things that aren't yours.
• Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Flush.
• Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.
• Take a nap every afternoon.
• When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
• Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
• Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we.
• And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

Take any one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own mess.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.

Sunday Snaps

I gave some pretties...

I tried something new...

I turned a fail into fun...

I kept on trying blindly because that's who I am...

I even explored using a new type of yarn.

This was a week full of discoveries and exploring... both crafting and non.  All in all I would say it was a successful week.  I was even called "graceful" and "elegant", granted it was in reference to my writing but still, I'll take it!

So it's been a great week and this coming week, albeit shorter with the confounded daylight savings time (did you turn your clocks up an hour yet?), will be more of the same because I am going to make it that way.  Shoot, I've even got a crochet pattern printed out that I am going to attempt to work - key word in that sentence is 'attempt'.  I'll keep you posted.

How was your week?  Fabulous and fun or frumpy and foul?

Drumroll please...

and the winner is...

I'll send you a PM via Ravelry - Congratulations!!

No worries to everyone else - there is still the fabulous 15% discount by entering the code "Peppermints" at check out so go on, shop to your hearts content at Insouciant Studios!

Roughly 2 hours

That's how much time is left before I use my "Hobbitizer" to draw a winner for these...

Just click here to learn how to enter the Give a look Giveaway... hurry!