Good deeds

So the "Ten on Tuesday" for this week is to list off ten good deeds that I have done this past week.  Let's see what I've got ~

1. Took Hobbit on a surprise trip to the library.
2. Took Hobbit to the pool after supper, twice.
3. Mailed off my Hufflepuff hexagon boot slippers (more on that tomorrow).
4. Defended my friends against bullies, aggressive and passive aggressive alike.
5. Held my tongue - trust me, that is a very good deed indeed.
6. Selflessly prayed for someone, even though they have hurt me dearly.
7. Dropped wishes on the floor for others to find.
8. Held a lot of virtual hands during these last few days of T5R2.
9. Gathering clothes to donate to the local homeless shelters.
10. Charity knitting... always doing some charity knitting.

I know that #7 might be confusing some so I'll explain real quickly - when I get change from a store, I will go out to the sidewalk and drop the pennies randomly so that other people may find them.  Hobbit finally caught on to me doing this lately and asked if she could "drop wishes on the floor" too - and so that is what we now call it.  We love to do it in the mall, by the fountain and then go sit at the Starbucks and watch people find them - if you're ever having a rotten day, do this... I promise it will cheer you up immediately.

So that is my list for this week... and this is my song, always -

Soapbox Moment

I'm going to pull out my soapbox here for a moment because there were a few things that occurred last week over on a social media site that need addressing.  I'll understand if you don't want to read something that isn't sunshine and light this morning - no hard feelings, have some coffee and I'll see you tomorrow - I hope you have a great day.
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For those who have stuck around, here we go...

Bookface (yeah, you know the one I'm talking about) is a place for people to connect and share with others.  My page is my space, just as your page is your space.  I will post what I want just as I hope that you post what you want... and that we do this without fear of ridicule, persecution or all 'you-know-what' breaking loose all over our page.  Now before you scamper off to go look on my page, the events didn't deal with me - they dealt with two people who are very dear to me.

One posted a photo reminder/announcement about an event that she was jazzed about... something I'm glad she posted so that I could participate.  Others felt it was alright to belittle, insult and degrade the event, the organization and my friend.  I drew the line when focus was moved onto my friend and had to say something.  I replied calmly, succinctly and in a kind manner - the other person did not... even backed my friend up against a wall with a threatening comment - almost a "triple dog dare ya" kind of moment.

My other friend has found it impossible to use her page for what it was designed for because no matter what she posts, someone gets up in arms over it and becomes extremely ugly.  I know what you're going to say "why doesn't she delete them"... well, it's kinda hard when it's family, isn't it... or at least it should be though I know for some it isn't but that's a different soapbox issue.  She felt like her only option was to leave the social site all together.

Why does this even happen?  Where do people get off thinking that they have the right to treat other people's pages like an open forum?  It's not, it's a personal space for people to visit... kind of like their online home.  There are family photos on the wall, notes up on the fridge and when you go and visit, you say hello and have a little chat to catch up.  You certainly wouldn't walk into their home and start insulting them, would you?  So if you wouldn't be that ugly in person, because you know it is thirty kinds of wrong, what makes you think that it is alright to do it simply because it's online?

I would like for people to stop being colossal poopy-faces simply because they are sitting in front of a computer in their bunny slippers and pajamas.  The bottom line is this ~ My page is about me.  Your page is about you.  We may not agree with all that each other has to say, but we should agree that we each have the right to say it... without the involvement of poopy-faces. 

Sunday Snaps

Done - and they are now going to a complete stranger simple because she said she loved them

This week I noticed that my hair is getting a lot of grey... oh well, I've earned them

In the first 24 hours of Olympic coverage, I've managed to almost finish one slipper boot

I have had, what appears to be, an uneventful week... but it wasn't.  Simply put, the events weren't photograph-able. It's been an emotional week, that's for sure but the only thing I can do about it is put my face towards the sun, close my eyes and smile.  I can't change anything - I can simply learn to graciously live with it.

Today is going to be full of Olympic coverage - swimming and gymnastics galore - with a bit of wash in between... although, I must admit that I'd rather be sitting in my chair working on my slippers instead.  So I do what I do best, I'm bribing myself.  One part of the slipper for each bit of wash completed.  Putting it in the washer earns me the rest of the sole from the photo above.  Switching it to the dryer and adding more the washer, earns me a hexagon.  Oh yeah, I'm that gullible and easily swayed... plus, I feel horribly guilty if I cheat.  It's a win-win in the end.

I hope that your week was full of smiles and your day is full of joy.

Until all avenues are exhausted

I was raised to never give up trying until all avenues have been exhausted... and that is just what I've done today, exhausted my last avenue.

You see, I received some news yesterday that was not at all what I had anticipated - a rejection of sorts.  I did what any normal human being would do when completely disappointed, I sat down and cried.  Yes, I know pity parties aren't productive but sometimes, you need to do it just to cleanse your soul from the heartache and relieve a bit of stress from the situation.  It's what you do once you're done crying that makes the difference... and I wrote a letter.

Just because I was initially told no based off of data results alone, which don't truly reflect that nature of the situation, doesn't mean that I have to accept it.  I find that I can be rather persuasive, especially when dealing with the written word.  So I sat down and decided that I should write this person and fill in the gaps that her data results left bare - to give the human aspect side of things to coincide with her numbers.

If we get the same rejection after she has all the evidence at her disposal, so be it... but then, and only then, will I have exhausted every last available avenue.  Like my daddy always says - what's the worst they can tell you, no?  I've already been told that so I've got nothing to lose, have I.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 7/27 - 7/29

Clockwise from top left: Slytherin slippers, alien yarn, skirt in progress and future present

Lots of yarnie goodness going to take place this weekend because in exactly 4 hours from when I'm writing this - the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics will air and that means I can cast on for the Ravellenic Games... go Team Disney/HPKCHC/Nerd Wars!!!

Food for thought

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Amy on Pinterest

Source: vi.sualize.us via Amy on Pinterest

Sure, it's easier to be negative and criticize those who don't agree but it would be a better world if all would simply smile, acknowledge a different perspective and leave it be... no one ever influenced another to their point of view by attacking them, hurling insults and brow beating.

Just a few things on my mind - I needed to get it out before focusing on my weekend plans.  I'll be back shortly... feel free to ponder while I'm away.

Ravellenic Games 2012

You can pre-order your pin here

Let me get this out of the way because it has been bothering me for months... I can't stand the new name.  It doesn't make sense, is difficult to pronounce and spell, plus it leaves such a bad taste because of all the nastiness surrounding it and therefore I am having such a hard time getting totally jazzed about it like I usually do.  There, I said it - over, done with, gone... on with the fun.

I have been trying to figure what I am going to do and who will get my submissions.  I went all kinds of crazypants this time around - I'm the Captain of Team Disney, Co-Captain of Team Nerd Wars and a player for Team HPKCHC.  Lots of teams, each meeting a need for me and my uber nerdiness. I plan on making all of my projects tie back into the final round of Tournament 5 for Nerd Wars as well so it's all good there.

My challenge arises in the fact that I don't have a project planned yet for one of my teams!  I have my Slytherin hexagons set up for Team HPKCHC since they are going to be a part of my Nerd Wars Dissertation, I thought it would be nice to share.  I have my Mini Stocking Garland set up for Team Disney since I can turn them in for a challenge or two with Round 3 of Nerd Wars.  They only take me an hour and a half to make one so in reality, I could knock out the entire project I have set up in one go but I probably won't.  Those are awesome projects, right?  So what's the challenge, right?

I have everything tying back into Nerd Wars to the point that I don't have any ideas left as to what I can make for the team!!  I'm out of ideas and needs - making for a very shallow idea pool to swim around in and contemplate my navel.  I honestly have nothing.  Nada.  Zip.  Zilch.  Nuffin'.

Holiday Hurdles and Modular Medley are all set... but what else do I want or need - any ideas?  I've got today to figure it out... cast on starts at 4 p.m. my time tomorrow! HELP!!

Random...

It's been a totally lazy day with absolutely no focus whatsoever... it has looked a lot like this today -

I've been playing this today... just unwinding and fiddling around...

I am practicing my stockings for the Ravellenic Games...

Then we went swimming and ate steak... all in all, a great random day.

Tuesday Tunes

We watched this the other night - and it's been stuck in my head ever since.

Winding down

My silly little Hobbit

I realized this morning that in 4 more Mondays, our summer break will be over and Hobbit will be heading off to her first day of second grade.  Our summer is officially winding down.

We started last night with getting her back to a normal bedtime and she was up promptly at 6:45 a.m., as soon as she heard me close the garage door for Pokey.  She woke up with a rush and I heard her exclaim "Daddy" and come running towards the door.  I told her that he had left for work but it was still early so she could go back to bed.  She tried but she's a lot like me, once she's up... she's up.

Currently, she is in the tub.  It's an overcast day with storms projected in a few hours time so I thought it best to go ahead and run the day backwards - to the point that we are even having Breakfast for Supper.  There is still debate as to whether or not we will wear our clothes backwards today or not - I'm secretly voting for the 'not' side of things but I have been known to lose these votes.  We're not going anywhere so wearing my skirt and top backwards won't hurt anything... plus, it will make a dull day rather exciting for someone small who has been cooped up for a large portion of her break because of the nasty weather this summer.

A whole rainy day running backwards - my subconscious trying to make her childhood last a bit longer... to make silly summer days hang around for a time more... to keep my goofy girl as goofy as possible before the riggers of school and pressure from other kids to grow up faster than necessary start their hostile take-over... I'm good with that.

Sunday Snaps

I made an ornament for our Christmas tree...

I received a sweet surprise from one of my Mouseketeers...

I lost ownership of my favorite blanket...

and I'm trying to save my dog from my WIP pile...

one project at a time.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 7/20 - 7/22

Buddy is a tad overwhelmed with my WIPs... I can't say that I blame him either!

Buddy convinced me today that I need to get my tail in gear and get these WIPs down to something less daunting.  I currently have 4 large projects in the works and they all reside next to my chair in their appropriate bags so that I can carry one with me, should there be any downtime.

They aren't long on the WIP list but you're talking to a girl who tries to keep her project list to no more than two.  I currently have one shawl, 2 pairs of boot slippers and one Christmas tree skirt that are nagging me for time.  The constant whining from them has really worn Buddy out... I mean look at him, poor fella.

Yes Buddy, I promise that this weekend I will finish at least one of my WIPs for you.  It's best if I not burden him right now with my planning for the Ravellenic Games... I don't think he could handle it.

Happiness always sneaks

Don't you just want to snuggle down in there and dream of Fall?

There is a quote that I find myself repeating a lot lately - "Happiness always sneaks in a door you did not think was open".  I have no idea who said it but I sure to do love it.

It's a common known fact that we have always kept our eyes open for properties that will get us closer to Pokey's work.  The other day, we thought we found a perfect one but life being what it is, it didn't work out as we had hoped.  I will admit it, I was very sad to get the news this morning that it wasn't going to be but then I did what I always do - I got back at it... and found something that may be even better.

When I got back from errands, there was a big box patiently waiting to be welcomed home.  I opened it up and found enough beautiful autumnal yarn to make a sofa blanket.  It was gifted to me from a dear friend that doesn't do fiber arts, although she is one heck of a scrapbooking genius.  She very sweetly sent it down to me... from Virginia!  All because she knows how much I love to play with my string.

Even Pokey had to pet it, it's that amazing.

I also got another smaller box looking for a home - it was my package that I ordered from Doodlebug Yarns.  I know, it wasn't in my budget but thanks to all of you beautiful people who use my discount link up there, they gave me a gift that I promptly used on some "Little Lovely" worsted Malabrigo... all I had to cover was five dollars in shipping cost.

So while the big news of the day was rather disheartening and sad, happiness snuck in through that unknown open door.  Thank you.

I used to think

It's raining, it's pouring...

... that I could live in Seattle.

... that rain was soothing, no matter the quantity.

... that the weather didn't effect my mood, just my sinuses.

... that grey days were soothing.

I used to think all those things but not any more.  I've had enough rain, thunder, lightening and sogginess to last me a few months.  It has been this way since we got home from vacation.  I considered rain Florida's version of snow... now it's just dismal and I'm starting to miss seeing the sun.

As my friend said the other day - we prayed for rain, perhaps we should have prayed for moderation instead.

Ten on Tuesday - Happiness edition

I admit that sometimes, I let life beat me up and I forget to take a minute to count my blessings, reflect on the good things and take a moment to enjoy the things that bring me joy and make me happy. Carole's theme for today's Ten on Tuesday is all about the things that make you happy... perfectly timed with the recent events of my little world. I need to take a minute and just find some joy, care to join me?

1. Listening to Hobbit mindlessly singing while playing with her toys.
2. Hearing Pokey and Hobbit laugh and play.
3. Having all the laundry washed, dried, folded AND AWAY!
4. My mama's Zucchini Bread
5. Weaving in the last tail of a big project.
6. Surprise letters in the mail from people I love and miss.
7. Bathroom love notes in my Sudoku book.
8. Unexpected visits from the Starbucks fairy.
9. Finding the perfect pattern and the perfect yarn at the same time.
10. Buddy wagging his tail just because I looked at him.

Those are just the first ten things that popped into my head and already, I feel better.  I am going to make a reminder for myself - whenever things get to be too Eeyore in fashion, I'm going to take a moment and pop off at least ten things that make me happy... that will bust the drearies in no time!

Helicopters and hand grenades

Peekaboo... I see you

I woke early to the sounds of helicopters and hand grenades in my backyard... and this head peaking out.  He's staring at a line of foreign men sitting across our yard - on the stump and the drop off that we have shored up.

Slowly and cautiously, I step out onto my back stoop and inquire about the two holes that have been dug, so deep that an adult male is obviously lost inside. All superfluous people scatter and I'm left with a person who has more gold in his mouth than understandable, viable communication skills.  He did, however, fetch me someone who did have the ability to communicate, thank goodness. It appears as though the power company has decided to bury their lines - a wonderful idea... except when unannounced, gives one the impression that they are under attack at dawn's first light AND you completely butcher up my cable line which cuts off my internet/cable/phone.

This doesn't make for a very motivational start to the week, does it... perhaps this afternoon I will be back with better news - fingers crossed.

Sunday Snaps

I played around my Wilton's icing dye this week - this was on Knit Pick's 'Bare' in Swish DK

I named it "Twisted Summer" and I really love how it came out.

I have had this yarn laying about for over a year so I attacked it as well - it was wool/poly blend.

I really love the effect and we named it "Gamghee's Garden".

Currently, this is what I need to be working on because it's due in less than 14 days!

That's my week, in a photographic nutshell.  Just a bit of crafty goodness...

I should be asleep...

but I'm not because this has been kind of a craptastic couple of days.  Some things I can share and some things I can't because they aren't mine to share, just help carry the load of but all in all - I'm up.

Hobbit broke her glasses tonight.  She stepped on them and the one arm is poking in a completely opposite direction.  Apparently they slipped off the coffee table and under a blanket while she was setting up "camp" tonight.  It took every fiber of my being not to lose it on her.  I know accidents happen but for the love of Mickey, I can't catch a break this week.

Pokey and I have been hit with some stomach bug today, I am working with just a few hours of sleep and then that happens.  I just want to scream or holler or something but I can't because it's late and really, what good would it do in the long run?

When the sun comes up and the store opens, I will march her happy hiney into the shop and have her take care of it all.. on her own.  She will have to tell the sales person what happened and what she would like done.  She will also have to pay for her replacement glasses and if she doesn't have the money (which I know she doesn't), she will have to work it off so that she learns the value of a dollar.  It is summertime and there are plenty of chores that need doing around the house.

My saving grace is that her glasses do have a warranty and they are less than 2 months old.  It is something like 'half of the original cost' and if my records are right, we paid $269 so that would mean her replacements would be $134.  Either way, it's a lot of money regardless of age and to have to pay it again only 60 days later is ridiculous.

I should try to go to bed, seeing as it's almost 1 a.m. and I've got to get up soon.  Please Lord, I know that you won't give me more than I can handle but sometimes, you and I have wildly different ideas about my strength.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 7/13 -7/15

Just a bit of errand running and then nothing but working on this tree skirt...

I'm modifying the pattern to add an additional few rows and a scalloped edge.

And the winners are...

IGK Patterns: Schwip and Carmen - R+P Patterns: Heather and Carrie

I will be attempting to get in touch with each of you shortly.  If you do not hear from me in the next few minutes, please either leave a comment here or send me a PM (email or through Ravelry).  Y'all have until Monday the 16th to claim your prizes - after which time, a new winner will be chosen.

Congratulations to the winners of my bloggiversary giveaway and a super huge thank you to the beautiful designers who made it happen.  I honestly do love all y'all.

Tick, tock... tick, tock...

It all ends at midnight tonight ~ Be sure to enter before it's too late!!  CLICK HERE

A bit of magic

Twisted Summer

I just turned in my Muggle Studies homework and I must say, I was rather tickled with it.  I dyed this yarn day before yesterday and it's finally dry.  I took some morning light shots of it and I'm still tickled with it.

I have no idea what it wants to be though - it hasn't told me yet.  I was thinking that it might be a beautiful hat to bring some sunshine and happiness to those dreary days that require hats... or maybe a sweet scarf that can be made wide and pull double duty as a stole.

The possibilities are only as limited as my imagination - and that's another bit of magic right there.

Tuesday Tunes

This is the perfect song for today... because this is the perfect project for today...

I finished the round part last night and I've started the squares - isn't it just perfectly me!

To Dos

This is honestly what I will be doing today

I have this little dry erase board on my fridge that I use to keep myself organized.  My mama is a list maker too and she used a dry erase board on the fridge as well.  I guess because the kitchen really is the central hub of our houses, it makes sense that this is our system.  There are differences though...

I do my list in the order that it's written.  I love to get the rotten things out of the way first, probably why I start with laundry on every list.  Plus, while the laundry is working, I can get the rest done so it doesn't feel like a lot or that chores fill my day.

I also have my crafting on my list.  It keeps me on track with what I have to get done, especially when I have a lot of projects working at once and they all have deadlines, and it gives it the priority in my life that it deserves.  It's like a little reward for myself and most people will sluff off simple rewards but I make it a priority.  One thing I have learned since retiring from Disney four years ago is that finding balance as a homemaker can be difficult.  The mindset of "I don't work so I must show how busy I am to validate my staying home" that so many women seem to fall into will ultimately lead to hurt feelings and disgruntled family members.  By listing my reward moments along with my chores, I make sure that I have that balance.

So write it all out, every day, and you will be surprised at how accomplished and calm you feel at the end of the day.  Have your list be sprinkled with rewards and fun and don't rush through them.  I tend to stick to an even ratio - if I do three chores in a row, I get three rewards or if I do two chores, then I get two rewards.  I make sure that my rewards are equal to the chores done.  To better show what I mean, look at my list for today...

I despise laundry and to me, it can't be marked off the list until it has been washed, dried, folded and put up.  That's why I put it first... because while it's in the machine, I can get my other things done.  Plus, the machine cycles are timed so it gives me a time frame from which to work.  I also can't stand to mop the floors because the cleaner I have at the moment aggravates my asthma - by the end of it all, my lungs will feel like they are raw and burning.  So my reward for doing two nasty chores this morning is to sit down and work the last few rows on my Christmas tree skirt project.  By the time I have completed that, it will more than likely be lunchtime and I will have recuperated by about 80% too.  I have been promising Hobbit that I will bake cookies with her, a sometimes frustrating task because she doesn't always listen as well as she should and gets ahead of herself.  It doesn't matter how much you love your children, there are tasks that are very stressful when they "help" so I'm going to reward myself with some more crafting during her "Quiet Time" - 2 hours after lunch every day, she goes to her room to read or rest or play quietly.  It keeps our house happy, trust me... we both need the daily quiet time or the evenings are not as pleasant.  The last two things on the board are simple things that I can do while I'm cooking supper, the swimming will be done after supper if it isn't raining and then before bed, Hobbit will tidy up her room a bit.  It's simple and it makes for an enjoyable day - even with all the chores.

I might also add - if you get it all done, great!  If you don't, just put it back on the list for tomorrow... but be sure that you are completing all aspects of the list. That will bring balance and balance is the true key to success.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway - it closes on Friday morning!

Sunday Snaps

I thought I would take today to look back at what all I made in June... like this bookmark...

This prototype cozy which was later redone because it was too big...

My first ever true amigurumi from a pattern.  Her name is Susie and she is owned by Pokey now...

I also made this cute loop bag from yarn from my Kool-Aid dyeing tutorial

Pokey started this one for me - and I've almost got it completed.. plan on using it later this week.

I released my first ever original crochet design - Handy Dandy Drink Holder

I made myself a granny square cozy...

but I secretly covet the one I made for Hobbit.

and finally, I completed one of four slipper boots.

I guess when you look at it all and take into consideration regular life, plus a Disney vacation thrown into the mix, I wasn't too terribly unproductive for the month of June. Eight completed yarnie projects and one life event one.  I also have two items that are still being worked that I started during June as well.  Okay, I won't be too hard on myself over it then.  I was thinking that I hadn't gotten much accomplished last month... I think it might be because I haven't dyed anything recently.  I must remedy that immediately!

Speaking of remedying things - have you entered my giveaway yet?  If not, pop over here and give it a go... it closes this Friday!!

Oooo... new shiny things!

My view from my chair - lots of things waiting!

Yesterday, after much discussion with Pokey, we broke down and decided to give the free month trial offer of Netflix an honest go.  We also opted in for the one week of HuluPlus to give them a better side by side comparison.  So far, I think that Netflix might win out.

We are streaming them both in through our Wii and I have to say, it's really rather amazing.  Yesterday, I introduced Hobbit to some classic cartoons and television series (Doctor Who, Garfield and Friends, and The Greatest American Hero), I started watching "Downton Abby" (only on the first episode and except for one scene, I rather enjoy the story thus far) and Pokey talked me into watch "Starship Troopers" (I spent more time with my eyes closed than open).

While I may not have enjoyed every minute of what we were viewing, the options and experience have been more than I dreamed possible.  The only downside that I have experienced so far has come from HuluPlus - it needed a minute to buffer and it's done it twice now during two different shows.

Another plus, I got two hexagons done yesterday during all the shows.  Three more to go and a sole means a completed pair of slippers - and the halfway mark on my Dissertation!!  While I'm off to make more progress on my projects (and my Netflix queue), don't forget to pop over and enter for a chance to win my bloggiversary giveaway... it's right over here.  You have until Friday the 13th... best of luck!!

I almost forgot!

I'm blaming sleep deprivation on this one - stupid people with fireworks.  Anywho, shall I tell you what I forgot yesterday?  Okay, sit tight...

IT WAS MY 2ND BLOGGIVERSARY!

It's true and it passed without fanfare because I fell asleep at different points throughout the day and finally gave up the ghost when I woke up in my chair, having missed Act Three of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" that I had gotten off of Netflix.  It was just after 10 p.m. so the post never got written.  It was going to be a good one too - full of reflection and introspection.  I know that a lot of bloggers will write their posts ahead of time, and there have been times when I do too, but 98% of the time my posts are real time - some are pre-coffee time and that's always scary.

So what was I going to do for my second anniversary post, besides look back... I was going to have a fabulous giveaway.  Awww shucks, right... no worries - we'll still do it!  The beautiful Ruth from Rock + Purl and the gorgeous Carrie from Irish Girlie Knits are supplying the presents this year too.  Aren't they fabulous?  If you've not wandered over there in all this time you've known me, wander now.  I've linked up their blogs to make it easier.

I love these two designers - they are both heroes of mine because of their creative genius.  One lives in the city of my dreams and creates the most ethereal pieces.  She gives me courage to always follow my heart and reminds me that the journey is just as rewarding as the end result. One is a kindred spirit who brings me comfort and reassures my faith in the beauty of simplicity and family.  These two women may not know it but collectively, they gave me the courage to even attempt to design knitwear.  I am nowhere near as talented as Ruth or Carrie but they inspire me daily to always try something new... and I know they will inspire you too.

Radiant Ruth is giving away a copy of her pattern "Glacial" and a copy of her pattern "After Five Sweater".  Aren't they gorgeous!  In order to give some love back to her, be sure to "like" her Facebook page and tell her hello from both of us because I know she'd love to hear from you.  Don't forget to tell me in the comments - what is your favorite design from Ruth?  She has 26 spectacular items in her Ravelry store to choose from so take a gander and share you findings.

Captivating Carrie is donating two patterns as well - but the winner of each will get to chose!  She has 29 delicious items to decide from in her Ravelry store so take a gander and do the impossible - tell me your favorite in the comments.  I have such a hard time narrowing it down to just one and they change daily.  Today though, I'm crushing on her "Raindrops on Roses" and "Comfort Food" - how about you?

So there you go - my gift to you on my 2nd bloggiversary.  791 posts later and still going strong!  I'll leave this giveaway running until 12 a.m. EDT on Friday, July 13th so we can bring a little luck to the day.  I'll announce the winner that morning in my weekly "Weekend Wonderment" post.  I can't wait to see what patterns from these two extraordinary women y'all fall in love with - because I know it's impossible to pick just one!

Good luck everyone!

And yet...

Here in Florida, it's illegal to buy, sell or explode fireworks... and yet, they were on every street corner and store.

Here in Florida, the only thing that a person can legally possess is "sparklers", which should be placed into the ground and lit - not waved around by toddlers in the middle of the street without parental supervision.

Here in Florida, if you purchase the illegal fireworks then you have to sign a waiver which states that you do indeed fall under the one of three categories that are allowed to use them - fish hatchery owner, permit holder or railroad company owner... basically, if you buy these fireworks and sign the waiver then you are protecting the illegal seller by committing fraud.

Here in Florida, you could be punished with up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1000 plus the court costs.

These sound really strict, and yet... I was up until almost 2 a.m. because of idiotic people with a severe lack of respect for others around them.  It started at 1 a.m. yesterday and the cacophony of noise did not stop until 2 a.m. today.  My yard is littered with debris from local pyromaniacs who were a part of this stupidity and I can guarantee that they will not be out cleaning it up later today.

I support my country and her 236th birthday but I sure do wish that this yearly display of stupidity would stop.  I wish that on her 237th birthday, not a single firework is available for purchase.  If there is a law, which there obviously is, then police it, enforce it and stand by it. 

I know that my family, including my pets, would appreciate it.

If you are curious about your state, you can click here to be taken to the American Pyrotechnics Association's state by state listing of the laws.  At the very bottom of the state pages, they graciously give each state's enforcing authority information - I, for one, will be writing them today.