30 September 2012

Sunday Snaps

I started the week by finishing the first of two hats that are going to be mailed off to Peanut...

Hobbit got a postcard from a Hufflepuff friend of mine.. this is a thank you

I decided to dive head first into a new book series thanks to some nerds...

The second hat literally just came off my needles and was turned in for HPKCHC credits.
That's been my week - not bad for recouping from being so ill the week prior and only just starting to feel human again on Wednesday.  I hope everyone has had a great weekend and is ready for the week ahead!

28 September 2012

Gordon Ramsay would be proud!

Roughly chopped parsley, minced onions, lemon peel, salt and pepper on a olive oil rubbed chicken...
My house is smelling fabulous right now.  It's so nice to have my appetite back again!

Weekend Wonderment ~ 9/28 - 9/30


I should finish up this little cutie this morning. I'm on the decreases and then it needs a bow.

Then I can dive into this scrumptious stash bin for some random crafting.
I'm at the odd place in the month where I've completed all available knitting and crochet tournament projects but the next month is too close for me to start on anything major so I have to fill in the gaps with little odds and ends projects.  I have a baby blanket that I need to make some progress on but other than that, I've got nothing pressing so who knows what will become of my beautiful squishy yarn scrap bin... whatever it is though, you know I'll share.

27 September 2012

Ease into the weekend

Today will be the first honestly quiet day that I've had in a very long time.  I plan on making the most of it.  As soon as I'm done here, I'm going to make the bed, get dressed and find my copy of BBC's Pride and Prejudice.  You know, the good one with Colin Firth.  All the movies are still in boxes in our super huge closet because we didn't bring the old bookcases with us due to space reasons... both on the truck and in the new house.  We are thinking of just getting another big book and reorganizing our collection that way, an idea I fully support but am waiting on him to give in.  Pokey loves the cases because he's a visual kind of guy and has a poor memory when it comes to movies.

After I find the movie (or some other period piece), I am going to dedicate my day to it and working on Peanut's other hat.  I don't know if I shared but while I was sick, she asked if I could make a set of hats for her and her friend.  I finished the one and I'm working on the other.  I'll hopefully finish today and so I'll share them tomorrow.  I think a little envelope will suffice in mailing so I might could even splurge for next day service, depending on the cost.

I've also had a secret goal of getting my family into the habit of walking after supper, though I failed yesterday.  Hopefully today will be different.  The dog would love it and so would Hobbit... Pokey and I just need to get more active so this is a nice way to start, don't you think?  A leisurely walk around the block would be refreshing after supper and it might help Hobbit get to sleep easier.  She seems to be having a bit of trouble lately and I'm not sure why.

Time to find the movie and get my day going. I think there's nothing better than a quiet day... especially after such a long and hectic few weeks.

26 September 2012

Getting back to normal

I must say, it's nice to be able to do my chores again.  I know that sounds odd but you have no idea how much I can't stand things to not be done.  That's not to say I enjoy doing them - who loves mopping floors, really - but I love the results so when you've been laid up ill for going on two weeks, things get a bit undone.

My sweet Peanut has been doing some exciting things - she's put in her application of transfer from the university in South Dakota to one here at home in Florida!  It will be so wonderful to have her close again.  It's funny though, she's transferring to the university that her father and I had suggested, and quietly rooted for, back almost five years ago.  We had honeymooned in the same town and it was a gorgeous area that we immediately thought she would love... but you know kids, so she pushed for a place that had a degree with just the right wording on it.  All in all though, I think it was good for her to be where she started but I can't deny that I have missed my baby girl so much that some days, it took all I had to get out of bed for everyone else.  The thought of her being close again just brings me so much joy - it's like the best present ever.

Hobbit got her school progress report for the first part of the quarter and she is excelling in everything.  It's so nice to see that side of her again.  I admit to being a bit apprehensive when it came time to open the envelope with her progress report in it but to read about how she is enthusiastic about subjects, totally engaged in her coursework and excelling in her behaviors - personally and academically - I cried.  We always knew she could do it, she just had to believe that she could too.

I love how time seems to cure all things.

25 September 2012

Motivational Tuesday Tunes

Just a great song to combine yesterday and today's theme - may it lift you up too.

22 September 2012

Almost

I know it's odd for my blog to go quiet like this but I was hit with a tummy bug and hit hard.  Poor Hobbit has a rotten cold too so neither of us has gotten off the sofa or loveseat for the past few days.  Today I forced myself to shower and put clothes on in hopes that it would make me feel better.  It almost worked... though I'm headed back to the couch now. 

Things will be back to normal soon... I hope.

18 September 2012

Tuesday Tunes


Going old school because it fits the day. I hope you're having a great day too!

17 September 2012

Motivational Monday

I've been wandering around my Ravelry library to set up my Nerd Wars queue for this upcoming tournament.  Taking into account all the gift crafting and holiday things that I want to make, these are few of the items that have inspired me today...

© Caron International Yarns- Cushman Top for Hobbit
© Lion Brand Yarn - Blossom Scarf for Peanut
© DROPS design - Nifty potholders for my mama
© Megan Goodacre - Bookmark Trio for my daddy
I have yet to find anything suitable for Pokey but I am sure something will jump out at me soon enough.  You would think that my husband, the man that I have spent so many years with day in and day out, would be the easiest to find a present for... not so.  He is actually the most difficult and I have no idea why.  I know his likes and dislikes, what he wants and doesn't want... and yet, no inspiration for that man and a present.  At least I'm not alone, others agree that he is difficult to buy for so that makes me feel a bit better.

16 September 2012

Sunday Snaps

Stinker and Flimzie had a couple of picnics this week since it's been our first calm one in a while...

Hobbit got her hairs cut and Buddy needs to be brushed...

I tried to stay here and rest but failed... epically... but my house is clean and laundry is done...

And I made a Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake for supper last night that was delicious...

I finished my hat... making a white one now with colorful braided tassel pompoms for me.

Oh yeah - and it's time to sign up for Tournament 6 of Nerd Wars - click here if you're interested.
That was my week... this week is going to be full of fun and adventure.  Closing old chapters and opening new ones - all of which will bring my family closer together... finally!  I am not designed to be that far from the ones I love - 4 hour drive tops is about all I can handle.  Sometimes, if you're very good, dreams and wishes do come true.

15 September 2012

Quidditch complete

I finished my Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Redesigned Nuvo Gifting Hat

I really like how it turned out... and how fabulous the lighting is in my new bathroom... lol.
Now I am debating over two things... braided tassel pompoms (yea or nay) and whether or not to write up the pattern and release it.  I'm really tickled with how it came out and it fits like a dream.

14 September 2012

Weekend Wonderment ~ 9/14 - 9/16

Please leave a message after the beep... Beep.
I have been ill for the better part of this week and I honestly can not wait until 4:10 p.m. this afternoon so I can be a hermit and mold myself to that spot right there.  I am forcing myself to be still and feel better because I'm tired of feeling puny.  I've got enough yarn and ideas to keep me occupied and a DVR full of shows that I need to catch up on.  I am kicking this bug if it's the last thing I do.

13 September 2012

Roasted Pumpkin, Honey and Sage

I am crocheting my first ever hat for Quidditch...

Completely rogue and without a pattern for reference...

This should prove to be rather interesting, don't you think.

12 September 2012

Just a friendly and loving reminder

This will sound harsh to some and others will simply nod their head in agreement - please understand that this is my space.  I will not censor myself in my own space.  I write because it is one of my many creative outlets.  I do not write for any other reason than I simply feel moved to do so.  I'm sorry if you don't care for what I have written but honestly, I did not write it for you.  I wrote it for me.

I appreciate that others will stop by and read or comment.  It's nice... but even if no one ever came by this space, I would still write because it's my blog.  It's my online journal of thoughts, projects, feelings and ideas.  Mine.  You are welcome to enjoy it as well but please, don't tell me to censor myself with a  threat to stop coming by if I don't concede because honestly, it holds no weight with me.

This is my creative space. I have never censored it and I'm not about to start now.  The good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful will all have it's place in my creative space.  I don't sugar coat and pretend life is perfect - I lay it bare because I am human. If you don't want to read it, that's okay... if you do want to read it, that's okay too. While I appreciate each and every one of you who come to visit, it is still just my space that I made for me to write and express myself. It is you who ventured into my world, not the other way around.

Open Letter

To Whom It May Concern:

We would just like to express our deepest concerns over the recent changes that have taken place.  The vast amounts of negativity, general rudeness, locker room behavior and underhanded manipulation are astounding.  Many of us are concerned that you are not yourself for indulging in and/or encouraging this behavior.  There has been rumbling about a mass exodus unless things improve.  Are you aware that -
  1. You are supporting and encouraging bad behavior and negativity?
  2. You belittle the accomplishments of the many to stroke the ego of the few?
  3. Being silent on issues does not make them go away.
  4. The same rules should apply to all.
  5. Your constant negative mood has seeped into the fabric of the organization?
Many of us believe that you are not aware of these actions, though we are unsure how to let you know.  While you may say that you are open to all, past actions have proven that criticism or feedback does not sit well with you.  We know that it is hard to see certain behaviors or actions when you are close to the subject in question but we encourage you to take a step back and look at what has been transpiring.

The attitudes are becoming toxic because of a handful of people who have apparently stomped the hardest and hollered the loudest.  If any one of us who are concerned about these issues stand up and say anything, the retaliation is massive.  Does it not concern you that out of the thousands of individuals who have aligned themselves with you, only a handful are ever heard from because the others have been treated so badly that they don't venture out or speak up?  To go even further, out of that handful, the most boisterous make up some of the meanest, nastiest ones in the collective.

Most recent events have brought to light the need for a change.  It has been decided amongst this fellowship that if alterations do not occur by the end of the year, many will reevaluate our position within and make the decision as to whether or not we wish to continue our relationship.  We know that the organization is a living breathing thing that goes through cycles, which is why we are giving it the time frame that we have - it gives you a quarter of the year to get things under control or at the very least, moving in the right direction.

Please don't misunderstand our letter - we absolutely love our positions and what the original vision behind the organization was... we just don't care for what it has slowly become - a vast pit of elitism with attitudes and dispositions so foul that it's getting to be embarrassing to be in association. It didn't used to be this way and it can change. We have been trying to be the catalyst for months but the black cloud of negativity has been too strong that it forced many of us to retreat into our own corners, only venturing out when protocol and procedures demand it.

Today, we implore you to reclaim your original vision and put the organization back on the right track.  We know you can do it... our only question is will you.

Signed,

The other souls

11 September 2012

True Winners

Proud day for Club 33!!
We did it!  We worked so hard these past three months and look what we accomplished - second place!!  I am so proud of my team and I can't thank them enough for all their hard work and dedication to the tournament. The first place team is an amazing group of players as well and we tip our hat to them.  Last tournament they set the standard and this tournament, they raised the bar.

Goodness and truth shall out!

Tuesday Tunes

I can't wait for this album so I thought I'd tease y'all with the first single.

10 September 2012

Motivational Monday

I have been wanting to make some Christmas ornaments for our tree this year.  I love having a tree full of homemade items much more than one full of glitz and glam of store bought trinkets that mean nothing.  So this means I have also been on a quest to find some fabulous patterns for Christmas ornaments and decorations - and I thought perhaps y'all might be interested in some of my findings since we are heading into the holiday season.

© bearsycat - This fabulous Christmas Wreath Ring Ornament is on my list
© bearsycat - As is this Lacy Snowflake from Whiskers & Wool
© LeonieLion - I'm loving this Christmas Star as well (and her spray starch trick for shaping)
© Ameria - I love these Christmas Bells because they really jingle!
Of course, there will be more Mini Christmas Stockings
© Coats & Clark - A Yarn Basket Ornament will happen too
So those are now up and waiting for me to tackle them this week.  It works out great too because I have a lot of scrap stash that could use a good going through so what better way than to make something fabulous like these precious ornaments.  It will remind me of the beautiful original projects that I made and bring cheer to my home during the holidays.

Are you making anything to decorate your home for the upcoming season?

09 September 2012

Sunday Snaps

It's dark and stormy today.  I think a bit of laundry and load of crafting is what is needed today.

08 September 2012

Change of plans

The weather today has been nothing but rainy so even the baby frogs take shelter on our porch...

which has turned Hobbit's play date into this.  Daddy's robe and a DS cure all apparently.

07 September 2012

Weekend Wonderment ~ 9/7 - 9/9

I refuse to move this weekend - I just want a day off from sweating.
So I'm going to take the weekend off from sweating.  I've been nasty for two weeks now - I would like a few days where I am not glistening... and that will be this weekend.  I even have my activities all lined up for the perfect mix of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The star baby blanket is coming along nicely so I hope to add a few mindless rows to it over this weekend.  I've got a nice book that I have been neglecting over the course of the move that I just unpacked the other day.  There is even hope for the Turkish spindle to get it's first whirl but if not, I've got my sweater that I can do - at least 4 rows a day will get me through the boring part of it in 2 weeks time.

We're also going to have a Disney Nature moviefest with Earth, Oceans and Chimpanzee over this weekend. Plus, Hobbit's classmate who rides her bus lives just kitty corner behind us and they were making plans at the bus stop this morning to get together and ride bikes.  Seems like fun for all.

What wonderful plans do you have for the penultimate summer weekend?

06 September 2012

Quiet... cool

Been crafting to calm down.
At 1 p.m. it became quiet in my home.  The noise started at 8 a.m. on Wednesday - 2 days later than it was supposed to start.  That requires some back story...

Y'all remember how the air conditioner broke and the crew that came to fix it on Friday said that they would be back on Monday (Labor Day) to finish up?  Yeah, they never showed.  I called the office on Tuesday morning and was told a story to beat all stories - that they were here at our house at 7 a.m. and waited out front for an entire hour but no one answered.  That was complete bunk because we were up at 7:15 a.m. and no one was knocking on the door, sitting out front or anything.  Then on Tuesday they said that they would be back on Wednesday to do the work and it would only take a few hours.  Fine, whatever, okay.

Yeah, Wednesday turned into a 13 hour noisefest that started at 8 a.m. and went on until well past 9 p.m.  It was said that it would be finished up quickly today and all would be fine.  They would arrive at some point after 8:30 a.m. but before 9 a.m. and would be done lickety split.  These people showed up at 7:21 a.m.!  Who does that???  They ended up waking up Hobbit early, who was already put in bed almost 2 hours later than usual the night before, and I hadn't even had my first sip of coffee.  Thank goodness I was at least dressed.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful for their work - I appreciate it very much - but I wish it came with a bit of common courtesy and a lot of hustle.  A simple job that should have taken them about 2 hours to finish took them almost 6 hours.  All I could hear was giggling and cutting up and very little actual progress was being made.  I know what had to be done - I've seen my mother do what they were doing, I've helped build what they were building and it should not have taken as long as it did.

Having random people in my house since the moment we've moved in, disrupting my ability to set up a routine and making the entire first week of living in the new house a complete nightmare has really taken it's toll on me.  They still haven't given us a door that closes properly and I feel like all I've been doing is fuss over things - I am not a fusser and I don't want to be known as a fusser with the property management team.  It's just been very stressful and not the wonderful new adventure I had hoped for... at all.

At least for right now, my house is quiet... and cool.  I'll take comfort in that.

What do you do when you can't sleep...

You turn one of the greatest characters of all time into the greatest ravatar of all time!

I'm in an Edna Mode mood... she's snarky, sweet, compassionate and curt.  You know you love her because she is so completely full of awesome it is impossible not to...

I'll try to sleep now because Edna never looks back, it detracts from the now... I must watch this later.

05 September 2012

WIP it... whipped it good!

Gotta love a good DEVO reference.  I thought I'd share a few of the things I've been tinkering around on lately.  It's hard to find a project to do when you're constantly worn slap out because of heat and moving.  I know this move will end one day but when that day is exactly, I couldn't honestly say right now.  So without further ado - here is a look at what I've been working on or perhaps recently finished working on in the past 24 hours.

This is Chooy Chester Nomen and he's Hobbit's new best friend as of this morning.

I know of four babies coming into the world next year... this will be for one of them.

I'm kicking out squares for the Christmas Tree Skirt when I need a mindless project.

Plugging along on Molly's sweater when I feel the desire for miles of stockinette.

I got a new book that I've been studying - and bonus points for it matching my living room!

What have you been working on lately? Have you learned anything new?

04 September 2012

Tuesday Tunes - for Hobbit


This is for my baby girl, Hobbit. She is brave and strong and inspiring. She is confident in her own skin at only 7 years of age. She is full of sunshine and smiles - compassion and understanding - strength and wisdom.  Today is a difficult day for her and I know she is handling it all with a level of grace and maturity that few can match.  Hobbit, you are beautiful and I love you so very much.  One of the luckiest days of my life is the day that God blessed me with you.

03 September 2012

Just a tad lazy

I missed Sunday Snaps and today is Motivational Monday but I'm not feeling very motivated so I am being lazy - you get a post full of photographic evidence of why I'm being lazy.  I thought it was rather clever...

This is where I was for almost three days because of our AC being broken...
This is our lovely living room which is only lacking pictures for the walls and drapes for the window
This is our fabulous kitchen and dining area that we have been using more now than ever before
This is the big potty - though Hobbit thinks it's hers
This is our room, as seen from the door. It's a super huge room really
This is the view from my side of the bed - it's hard to get the true scope of it in photos but it's big
The smallest potty on in the universe but hey, we've got two so I'm happy
Usually my car is in here but the AC guys said they were coming today...
I made a set of these and turned one in for Flying homework and one in for Detention
I made this for Herbology homework too.
I also got my OWL approved and my B.R.O.O.M. idea was giving a nod and a wink from one of the mission chiefs. I'm going to use that yarn I was sent by my friend a while back.  It will be epic.  I've been keeping up with my staff duties as Slytherin Study Hall assistant, HPKCHC Mentor for the NQFYs and a Quidditch Reserve as well. Not too shabby for only being 3 days into the Fall Term.

The final results for Tournament 5 in Nerd Wars are still being processed so I don't know where we fell out but I do know that my manager, the most amazing girl in the crafting universe, is going to hang out with me for another go because she too believes we are the Dynamic Duo.

See... I can be lazy today because I've been busy and sweaty all week... right?
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...