Sunday Snaps

Remember that He sees and rewards all selfless and charitable acts by His children.

Wealth

Oh my goodness.  Y'all will not believe this but the other day, when my luck was just beyond belief, the most amazing thing happened.  I didn't tell you about it then because I had already written my blog post of the day and I thought that this deserved it's own.

You see, Pokey stopped by the grocer to pick up some water and to get spending money for Hobbit's field trip.  When he got out of his car, he saw a scratched lottery ticket on the ground.  Apparently none of the numbers matched so the person who scratched it thought it was worthless and just tossed it on the ground.  My husband noticed a symbol on the card that indicated you win whatever the dollar amount totals on the card so he picked it up.  When he took it inside to the customer service desk, they gave him $100!!  Yep, someone basically threw away $100 and my husband was blessed with finding it.

An entire blanket full of neon rainbow goodness.  I can't wait!

After he came home with the water and funds for Hobbit, he turned to me and fanned out the winnings.  He told me the story and then said "Go buy yourself some yarn".  Seriously!  It was perfect timing because I have been wanting to make rainbow mitered granny blanket for months now but the amount of yarn needed was just too much.  Now, I could do it!  I was so tickled - I kissed my husband, grabbed my purse, and was off like a flash to Jo-Ann Fabrics to get my neon yarn.

I told my Ravelry friends about it and one said "it was the universe paying you back for giving the blanket to the horrible lady".  I don't think it was universe so much as God blessing me for being selfless and doing something charitable for a person who has given me no reason to be kind to her other than it was the right thing to do... and like many of His children before me, I did it basically begrudgingly but I did do it... and I learned from it.  It made me think of a quote by James Parnell - "Keep close to the Light and own it alone to be your teacher, guide, and counselor in all the way through which you are to pass, and in all things that you are to do. Stand in the denial of self and all its goals; and own the Light, which leads into singleness of mind unto God away from selfish ends."

Once I finish a few of these WiPs that I have laying around, and a Christmas present or two, I am going to sit down and make myself that blanket.  Every time I finish a square or snuggle under the finished product, I will smile and think of how blessed I truly am in this world.  To be a person of wealth means so much more than having monetary fortunes, it also means to have a life full of love and blessings - and by that definition alone, I am truly wealthy.

Happies abound!

My "travel" bin of projects.  It "goes" to work with me every day.

Today has been rather wonderful.  Lots of fabulous things have happened today.  It all started with an email.

I checked my work email this morning and was tickled to learn that I will be off on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.  I got exactly what I wanted for the holiday bid.  I actually only requested Thanksgiving and Christmas Day since I get off work at 4pm but my big boss is fully awesome and I was able to get all three.  Granted, I'll work New Year's Eve and New Year's Day but that's fine because we don't do anything on either one and I get holiday pay for working them - double bonus on the holiday front!  Those are quiet days because people are not calling their friendly neighborhood concierge, they're out enjoying their friends and family so it's a very easy shift... generally speaking.

The second bit of happiness came in yet another email, though this one was personal.  I heard back from one of my crochet blogging idols regarding a note I wrote.  You know how my daddy also says "You don't know if you don't ask and the worst they can say is no"?  Welp, I asked and was told YES!!  I can't go into details but it's safe to say that I have been happy dancing all day long.

Then good little happy things just kept popping up for me - being able to switch my day off with myself so I can take Hobbit to the orthodontist for a one year review, "Friends" is going to be added to the Netflix library, and my husband's paycheck is going to be way more than we normally get thanks to his bazillion hours of overtime this past pay period.  Oh yeah, life is rocking some very good mojo.

I even started a new shawl - for myself - last night which I am betting was the precursor to all of this awesomeness.  Nothing says fabulous like a new handcrafted pretty for yourself.  Granted, I have now put myself on full stop startitis until I complete something but it was sure good to get the one in under the wire.

Some days are just sprinkled with awesome - this one got a double scoop!  Hopefully my good luck will rub off on you, so be sure to enter the Felt So Good giveaway before it ends at midnight tonight!!

Grinch effect

I finished the lapghan that I was working on last night.  I really do love how it turned out.

You know that line in the most classic of holiday tales where the spirit of Christmas isn't found under a tree and they all gather 'round and sing in the town square while the evil one looks down on them, realizing that all his ugly works have done nothing to people of the village... the end result was his heart growing three sizes that day.  I hope this lapghan has the same effect.

I'll be honest, I loved how it turned out so much that I wanted to keep it for myself.  I couldn't though because then I'd be the grinchy one.  Instead, I took this one single photograph of it at 11 o'clock last night, folded up the blanket, and placed it in the passenger seat of my husband's car so it wouldn't get forgotten.

She may not be the nicest woman...  She may not be the person that everyone wants to work with because she avoids doing her job constantly...  She may constantly spout negativity into a room and have an excuse for everything... but she has been hurt.  She has undergone one surgery to cement and set her wrist.  She's going to undergo another to repair a hernia.  She's been told that she won't be back to work for several months.  She's sore.  She's sad.  She's scared - about finances, family, and her future.

I hope this thousand yards of yarn will bring her some comfort.  I hope that she will find a bit of peace as she rests under the weight of it.  I hope she finds warmth in her soul when she looks upon it.  I hope she moves forward in life with a gracious attitude.  I hope it simply brings her some joy and then, just maybe, her heart will grow a little too.

Sunday Snaps

This week has been crazy busy.  Taking a page from Tinkerbell's book, just relaxing.  Join us, after you enter the giveaway.

This past week has been crazy busy, and our weekend hasn't been much slower.  We spent all of yesterday out of the house.  The Odyssey of the Mind coaching training went from 8:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon.  After that, we had to swing by the house and let the dog out before we headed up to my parents' house to Hobbit.  We shared a quick supper with my mama - Daddy is in Texas for a few weeks to lend a hand at his old company while the person who took over his spot spends time with his dying wife, so very sad - and then got home just before 11 o'clock in the evening.  I tossed Hobbit in bed and was not very far behind.  Pokey stayed up though because he asked me to drive up since he was tired and took a nap the entire time.

Today is simply laundry (a necessity) and crafting (another necessity, in my world).  I hope to either finish the blanket or a bird... or both, who knows.

Felt So Good

Okay, after I typed that, I started singing this...


What can I say, I'm a child of the 80s and this was back when he was yet to not be a "Cougar". Old school tunes for the win... but I digress.  What brought on this musical moment for me - I've got another awesome book to share with you!

I know, you're drooling now too... it's okay, you're not alone.

It's actually entitled "Felt So Good" by Tone Rorseth.  If you are trying to cut back on your crafting and have no desire to try something awesome then this is definitely not the book for you.  You will get completely sucked in the moment you turn the first page, daydreaming about all the magnificent things nestled between the covers.  The tongue in cheek title isn't just a tease, Tone fully delivers.

I want to live in the room where those star hang and that beautiful view resides while wearing the colorful cuffs!

Every area of your life is covered - cute accessories, unique jewelry, mind-blowing decorations, and amazing ensemble pieces.  All told, there are over 70 fabulous projects - complete with pattern pages.  The photographs are exquisite, making it beautiful on a whole other level entirely.  You will never look at felt the same way again.

These two items need to be in wardrobe right now.  My life won't be complete until I make them!

I have never done felting of any kind, at least not on purpose.  My husband felted a beautiful sweater that I bought him from our first Christmas when he helped do the laundry.  He washed it in hot and then tossed it in the dryer.  That sweater was worn by our then 3-year-old Hobbit for many years... after that, it became a cozy for his Nook.  That is mere child's play compared to what is found inside this book.

It is a good thing that you can't die for awesome overload because this book would be lethal!

Would you like to have your own copy of these amazing felted and wool designs?  I knew you would.  All you have do is...

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be drawn on October 17th so be sure to get your name in the hat. Just a reminder, when you leave a comment, it won't show automatically so don't fret that it's not there. It will show up shortly. This contest is open to residents in the US only due to publisher paying shipping. Be sure to leave me a valid way to get in touch with you - either email or Ravelry ID.

Good luck everyone!!

One hundred five

That is how many hours my husband as worked during this pay period... and he still has one more day to go.  That is just crazy.  I'm tired from the earlier shift conversion but I know he has to be exhausted.

Here it is so far.  Not bad for a night's work.

I decided on what I am making for his coworker who was in the accident.  I went with a simple ripple blanket.  I've been mistakenly called a saint for doing it so let me clear things up just a little... I'm not.  The woman I'm making it for is, well, mean.  She is many equally as nasty adjectives to boot.  This is not a gift of love that I was moved to make.  It's more of a "hey, you're crafty and it's what crafty people do".  It's not nice to speak ill of someone who is down but it's also not right to take praise where you shouldn't.  I'm not a saint, I'm simply doing a duty... truth be told, I'd rather keep it for myself.  I know, I'm horrible now too...

At least Buddy thinks I'm totally spectacular... silly puppy.  If he only knew...

Wednesday Wound-Up

Lots of things to wind up and it's only three days in to the week!  Monday started off super busy, as we all had work/school and then as soon as we were done we had to head to Hobbit's school for an Odyssey of the Mind meeting that was followed by the weekly Hollow Diner.  I swear, her school does some pretty awesome stuff.  Yesterday, after work, we all ran to the grocery store to pick the stuff we couldn't get at the one store on Sunday.  Both nights led to late suppers and exhausted family members.

Today was better.  Today was slower.  I think this was because we had nowhere to go today after work.  We're enjoying the nothingness of tonight and we'll enjoy it again tomorrow because the weekend is going to be busy again.  We're meeting my folks at a halfway point to drop off Hobbit on Friday night because on Saturday morning, Pokey and I have a Coaches Training/Meeting for Odyssey of the Mind all day Saturday.  Then on Sunday, we're driving up to get Hobbit back for the week.  It's just nuts.

I did manage to get some crafting done.  I made a Autumn wreath for my front door area.  I don't have a lot of decorations any more - over the years I thinned things out as they got old and kept meaning to replace them but never have so now I'm down to minimal items and the need to make new stuff is creeping in hard.  Anyway, I made this wreath this week and I really love how it turned out.

It's autumnal, right?

Now my little screened in front porch is all yarny and seasonal - two fabulous things that are unique to our little home.  Here is a peek at what it looks like when you come to visit...

Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, doesn't it.

For someone who is not a fan of Halloween at all, I think putting that much love into some awesome bunting is worth noting.  Granted, I made it two years ago but look at how fabulously it has held up being outside for two seasons.  I've been debating making some in just random fun colors because the screened area has hooks all around the top that I could use to secure it.  It would be inside the screened section too so that would protect it a bit from the elements.  Still debating so we'll see.

I made some silly little ornaments this past week too.  I needed something quick and small for Quidditch and these two fit the bill.  Nothing spectacular, just cute.

Maybe I'll just make a ton of them and hang them from the hooks on the porch.

 I'm still plugging along on my Christmas Tree Skirt.  I'm about halfway there now.  I've just finished the 2 rows of white and am moving on to the crimson.  I took a progress picture to update my Ravelry page and you just can't see the different colors.  It all looks black - even with a bounced flash.  Oh well, here it is anyway...

Yes, I made it overlap on purpose to fit nicely over the legs of the new tree.  It should even out then.

See, you can't see the first row of crimson or the one between the two small rows of green, can you.  Oh well.  I know it's there and when I have it done, I will take a proper photograph in the sunshine which will show it off in all it's glory.

I need to find a nice pattern for a lapghan to make Pokey's coworker.  She was in a head-on collision this past week and has been in the hospital.  I wanted to make her something but I am just stumped as to what.  I initially thought shawl but then his friend at work said a lapghan so we'll see.  I've got a skein of purple, her favorite color, in my stash.  Maybe I can figure something pretty out.

Time to scoot.  I'd like to get a few rows in before bed tonight.  I hope you're having a fabulous week so far.  I'll see y'all tomorrow.

10 days straight

What I've made in September for HPKCHC

Oh my stars, am I whooped.  I come back from a fabulous vacation to work 10 days straight.  It's exhausting.  A new month means a new schedule and some times, it just works out that way where you work one week that is very long during the transition.  This was one of those times.

Poor Pokey has it worse because he is on his 13th day as of this morning.  They did a system change the week we got back and he's been dealing with that every day.  Today was supposed to be his first day off as well but unfortunately, one of the women he works with was in a head-on collision returning from lunch yesterday.  She's in pretty bad shape - broken knee, wrist, and possible internal damage that we have yet to be updated on - so prayers for her healing would be greatly appreciated.  Pokey's boss had originally asked someone else to come in because she has nowhere near as many hours banked as the rest of the team but she said no.  She's an ugly soul anyway.  That left Pokey.  He could have said no as well but it's not his nature so he's currently opening the doors and smiling at customers as he gets his day started.  It is raining so I hope people just decide to wait until Monday to deal with their cable.

Even with all the hustle and bustle, I've managed to craft a little bit in the evenings to keep my sanity.  I made a little owl ornament and a bathroom rug when we got home from Disney.  Currently, I'm making a new Christmas tree skirt because we bought a beautiful new tree for this year.  It's a gorgeous one with crimson berries, pine cones, and even snow on the branches!  To celebrate our new tree, I decided it needed a new skirt... that and it's three feet taller than our last little tree so the old skirt would look silly under it.  Here's where I am so far...

Not bad for two days worth of work.  I hope to have it done by month's end.  Just taking it slow.

I've got some Christmas knitting to pick back up on too which will break up working on this skirt nicely.  Granted, I've been working on the Christmas knitting since about June so here's hoping it won't take until next June to finish - I am so painfully slow at knitting.

Time to get started on my day.  It will consist of cleaning and laundry because I need to get caught up from the past 10 days.  Plus, I'd like to spend Sunday doing nothing at all so that Pokey can recharge on his only day off before we're all back to the grind on Monday.  At least things will even out now and I can get back to my normal routines.

I almost forgot!

I can't believe that I almost forgot about an awesome giveaway for y'all.  Seriously, that is what happens when you go on vacation for ten days and it's your first day back at work - your brain gets left somewhere else!!

So close to being done that I just can't stand it!!

Have you noticed that I've been doing more than just playing with yarn lately?  I've rekindled my love of embroidery!  I've got two kits and a new book coming in the post as we speak.  Oh yeah, I'm loving it - as evident by my Pinterest activity.

Well, guess what I have for y'all - a fabulous sampler book!!  Oh yes, it's magnificent.  So much so that my mama has attempted to "borrow" it twice now.  That project over there is what I've been working on lately.  It's going to be a Christmas ornament for Hobbit's teacher.  I'm going to add it to the wrapping decoration.  I'm sorry it's not completed - just have the red border to go - you see, I thought I had packed it when we were on vacation but it was left behind.  I was so worried that I had lost it at Disney so I was relieved when I found it in my big blue chair when we got home.

Cheryl Fall has created a collection of patterns that you will treasure for a lifetime.  The book is entitled Simply Samplers: Easy Techniques for Hand Embroidery and it is filled with beautiful ideas.  You'll want to make every one, I know I do!  I've put together a few collages - several of these are in line to be made as soon as I get the right cloth.  Speaking of which, there is a complete section devoted to Supplies, Notions, and even "How To" photo tutorials in the back of the book so saying "I don't know how" is no longer a valid reason as to why you aren't stitching too!!

That pillow up there, that's where my little ornament pattern come.  There are so many options for these fabulous samplers.

She breaks down the instructions so well, you will feel completely at ease taking on any of these stunning patterns.

These embroidery items just make me completely giddy and I can't wait to get started on them.  Next up, the "Smile and Be Happy" for my office space!

How would you like to get your hand on this book full of heirlooms waiting to be made?  The fabulous people at Stackpole Books have it set up so that you can - all you have to do is two little things... well, one really but other is fun and increases your chances of winning so why not!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I will be emailing the winner so be sure to have a valid form of contact (ie email or Ravelry ID). When I ask for your mailing address, please don't be shy. If you don't share then Stackpole Books can't send you your shiny new copy of this amazing book. Open to US residents only due to shipping restrictions.

Good luck, everyone!

Such a happy day!

It may be grey and gloomy outside but it's sunshine and roses at my house.  Firstly, I love grey overcast days.  Living in a state where the sun shines an average of 244 days a year, it's nice to have a change of pace.  Plus, these gorgeous grey days are always cooler so you know I'm loving it.

Second awesome thing today - October work schedules.  Yep, I'm excited over my work schedule because not only are my hours from 8 am until 4 pm, they are Monday through Friday.  That's right - I got the weekends off!!  I've not had scheduled weekends off for over a year so this is definite cause to celebrate.  I even wrote my boss and told her thank you.  I can actually sleep in, think of how joyous that is going to be!!

Thirdly, I'm making a celebratory supper tonight.  I've decided on a warm apple crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert - one must have her priorities straight.  My challenge is deciding between Cottage Pie or having a mealoaf with mash.  I think I may go Cottage Pie and use the crumble as leverage to get Hobbit to eat if she's being picky tonight.

Time to go enjoy the afternoon with some crafting.  Such a happy, happy day!

We're home

We got home last night from spending the week at Walt Disney World.  It was fabulous.  Granted, I was sick with a bad cold for most of it but we still had a wonderful relaxing family get away.  Here are a few pictures of all our fun...

Sunday night, after we unpacked the cabin, we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

We watched the new Frozen fireworks show.  It was really amazing.

So much color, it was breathtaking.

Monday morning, we went to the World Showcase in Epcot.

It was so peaceful and relaxing in the garden over at China.

We took our farewell ride on the Maelstrom too.

That night, we went swimming after we took a carriage ride around Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.

Tuesday morning was spent at the pool, but that night we went somewhere special.

We went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom!

We were able to walk on to everything because it was not crowded at all.

The rain held off long enough for the Headless Horseman to open the parade!

There were so many cool floats and characters running around.

Goofy, one of my all time favorites, rode a float that blew bubbles and smelled of cotton candy!

The Villains had their own band - they were awesome.

I was overjoyed to see Goob (aka The Bowler Hat Guy from Meet the Robinsons).

The rest of the week was just as magical.

I hope y'all had a fabulous week and now, it's time to start looking forward to Autumn and all the beauty we have in store!!

Wednesday Wound-Up

I've got a lot of super secret crafting going on at the moment that I can't share... isn't that always the way starting about now?  I promise to start making something that isn't super secret soon.  I love sharing my projects with y'all... so how about y'all share your projects with me instead this week.

What are you working on?

Tuesday Tunes

I hope you have a fabulous day.  I can't think of a better way to start it than by playing a super happy tune to get you through the day!

Give joy

Just some food for thought during a time when it seems that it needs to be shared most.

It seems like people are forgetting to be kind, grateful, and compassionate.  That the feeling of entitlement has grown to a level that is rather disgusting.  You can learn a lot about a person's character when they are faced with a moment of grace - they can either be gracious, or they can be greedy.

I spend a great deal of my life giving.  I give my time, my energies, myself.  I don't ask for anything in return.  I give because I love to do it.  Only a few times has the act of giving ever left a sour taste in my mouth - but generally, it was the recipient's who turned it that way.  They were thankless and greedy... and showing how ugly people can be when they forget to be kind, grateful, and compassionate.

When someone gives to you - either of themselves or even something tangible - always remember to be thankful.  It doesn't matter how big or small the act is, it's the simple act of giving that should be cherished.  Don't act entitled, greedy, or ugly when someone is doing something selfless for you.  Be mindful.  Be thoughtful.  Be thankful.

It's when we lose our sense of gratitude that we we become thankless and entitled.  Enrich your life and do something selfless for someone else today.  You just might surprise yourself at how wonderful it feels do things for others without having an ulterior motive... just give of yourself for the joy of giving.

Bringing joy to others... it will most certainly bring joy back to you.

Jingling ring-ting-tingling too

Here's the skirt I made a few years ago.

I have Christmas carols on constant repeat in my head.  It's not too soon if you're a crafter with a list of gifts to make that is as long as your arm.  To get myself in the mood, I play Christmas music while I craft... and it gives me an excellent reason to play Christmas music because I absolutely love them.

One of the things that I've been itching to make is a new tree skirt.  I made one a few years ago when I was a super new crocheter and it never fit right.  I want a do-over.  I am going to too... and better than that, I'm going to design it myself.

I'm thinking of several things so I'm not really sure which direction I'm going to go with it.  I've got visions of blues with white snowflakes at the hem... scrappy goodness making a rainbow of colors... traditional red, white, and green with a granny rippley effect.  I need to narrow down my scope and get started on it soon.

We're getting a bigger tree this year so I'm going to need a bigger skirt... yeah, that's the ticket.  We crafters are getting down to the wire, it's time to seriously get into present crafting mode - who's with me?!?

Procastination at its best.

I'm so hard core, this image isn't even from today... I took it over three years ago!

As much as I am a go-getter, I am a procrastinator too.  I will wait until the last minute to do some things because I work better under pressure.  Other things, I will jump on get done a million light years before I need to simply because I can... and usually, the level of procrastination is in direct proportion to the importance of the item needing to be completed.

I have always been this way, even as a kid in school.  I never miss a deadline and I am super organized with my time which allows me to be an excellent procrastinator.  I can schedule just enough time to allow me to fiddle around until the fire is lit and I go to town.

Today, I am the poster child for procrastination.  I want to do what needs to be done because I want to enjoy the fruits of my labors... I'm just not wanting to actually do it because I'm still battling a horrible cold.  I feel all icky and just want to lounge in my pajamas... but I can't.  I have to get going... so instead of actually getting going, I sit down and write blog posts.  Yep, that's how I roll.

Now I'm going to go eat a donut and contemplate my plan of attack.  I think I should be in full swing by lunch.  Especially considering I want to be done by supper, that should do it.

Procrastination at its finest... that's me.

Tuesday Tunes

Just a sweet song to get through the day. I hope your Tuesday is as full of sunshine and light as this little tune.  Press play and add a smile to your day.

Don't forget to enter the drawing for an awesome pattern book to add to your library.  Click here for the details.

Tunisian Crochet and a giveaway!

I am always up for trying new things so when the lovely people at Stackpole Books asked me if I wanted to take a look at the brand new book they have available, I couldn't say no.  It's entitled "Tunisian Crochet for Baby" by Sharon Hernes Silverman.  One look at the cover, and you'll fall in love with everything inside...

This book is filled to the brim with fabulous projects that are perfect for anyone tiny in your life.  These patterns are not just for the Tunisian whiz kids out there either - a novice like me can totally understand how make these beautiful pieces because she has taken the time to create a wonderful picture tutorial in the back for each of the stitches she uses so you won't get lost or frustrated.

So there is no excuses when it comes to creating a keepsake item for the next baby to come into your life.  Take a look at some of my favorite patterns that are tucked between the covers of this amazing book.  I wish I could show you all 23 patterns but I'll resign myself to just a handful...

Now, I hate to be the one to spring this on you but... there are only 14 more weekends until the holiday season is upon us.  Wouldn't these make lovely presents for the newest addition in your life?  I think so too - so here's how you can win a copy of this fabulous pattern book...

a Rafflecopter giveaway Winner will be announced on September 13th. Open to residents of the USA only due to shipping costs. I will contact the winner via email so be sure to have a valid point of contact - email or Ravelry account. The publisher will be shipping the book directly to you so I will need your mailing address to pass along to them. Good luck everyone and have a fabulous Monday!!

Sunday Snaps

I know I've been quiet this week but I promise, I've been busy - look at what all I finished!

This has been a crazy week.  The first week of a new month is always a bit wonky because the work schedule always changes.  On the upside, I had a conversation with my big boss and things will start to even out more and I am over the moon excited about it.  I'll know more once October gets here but it sounds like it is finally the perfect fit for my family.  It only took a year and a half but we got there.

I know I was quiet and I do apologize but I have things to share - my productive week was super productive on the crafting front!  Check it out...

1. We are going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party during our family vacation so I made Hobbit a treat bag to go with her princess costume!  It's all original and I won't be releasing it because I don't wish to infringe upon anyone's copyright.  I do have cryptic notes on my project page though so if you wander over that way, you might can figure it out.
2. I am plugging along on my little cross stitch that is going to part of a Christmas present for someone special.  It's turning out rather spiffy, don't you think?
3. Quidditch started on the 5th and I had to score a goal for Slytherin because a threepeat would be the bees knees.  I know Dolores Umbridge would love her own "locket" with kitties in it.
4. I released a super simple pattern for my Flower Lace Cowl that I truly love.  Hobbit's teacher apparently loves it too - she asked me to come in and teach the kids how to knit and crochet.
5. I was curious if some super bulky yarn would work well for a hat so I sat down and whipped one up.  It's amazingly warm and really cute.  I don't know that I will get much use out of it but if we ever have a cold day down here, I'm all set with this cutie.
6. I'm still plugging away on my shawl.  I have to admit, I am not a big fan of how they have it written out.  I've had to frog it twice in two different areas.  Granted, I am modifying it to make it bigger but still, my math is correct so we'll see how it turns out.  These little hiccups on the base may vanish when I get to the shell section.  I hope to have some serious time to work on it tomorrow when I'm off.

That's been my week.  All crafting has been courtesy of binge watching "Parenthood" since this is it's farewell season, I wanted to rewatch all of them prior to it starting.  I do love that show and I am so sad to see it go but I understand.  Six seasons is a lot for a show that was never at the top of the ratings - but they do have a dedicated cult following.  I hope to own in all on DVD once it's over.

I need to get ready for work - yeah, I work both weekend days (all day) this month so I'm not the happiest of campers but I know that things will be better soon so I'm doing what I was taught to do... suck it up and power through.  The final quarter of the year will definitely be golden.  I just know it!

How about a new pattern?

Flower Lace Cowl

I made up this pattern and I've had several requests for it so I figured that I would just write it out because it really is one of the most simple things I've ever done.

This lovely cowl looks really complex and fancy but it couldn't be more simple.

I made it for my daughter's teacher who was feeling poorly this past week.  It only took me about three hours to design and make it so it should take y'all a whole lot less!


You can download the pattern on Ravelry.  As always, I give this pattern freely to the crafting community - but please follow the copyright attached to all my patterns.  I hope you enjoy!

Itching to get started

I think it's time to get this puppy rolling... I keep putting it off because of the HPKCHC but I want to work on it now.

I want to work on something different.  Yeah, I have a fair few fibery projects in the works but I honestly want to do something different for a little while.  I want to work on my cross stitch.  I was going to take it with me on vacation since it's easy to pick up and put down but I can't wait that long.   I think I'm going to spend the morning cutting my cloth, taping the edges and getting started.  I really just want to work on something sweet and simple - and this totally fits the bill.

Yarny goodness can wait a few more days... it's time for some floss fun.

Enough already

po·lit·i·cal cor·rect·ness 
noun
noun: the avoidance, often considered as taken to extremes, of forms of expression or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, or insult groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.

I swear, you can't do or say anything without someone getting their knickers in a twist because they are 'offended'.  Everyone is so hyper-sensitive and they feel that others should pet their delicate souls.  Since when has this become okay?  When did the world get to be so pathetic?

I find blonde jokes offensive.  I find fat jokes offensive.  I find Southern jokes offensive.  I don't like listening to others talk about things are against my core values and beliefs when it comes to drinking, drugs, and sexuality because I find it offensive.  I find it offensive to have to choose #1 for English in the phone tree.

Here's the deal though... I don't whine about it.  I simply remove myself from the situation or area and get on with life.  I don't push my positions or beliefs on others because I don't want anyone to do it to me.  I simply smile and go to another area where I am not subjected to it - even in jest.

There are people that I work with - both in my paid and volunteer positions - who I find completely offensive in their manner of speech, lifestyle choices, and demeanor.  Do I whine about it?  Nope.  I simply ignore them.  This whole garbage about it being a "global community" is just that, garbage.  We've always lived in a global community.  The difference is, people used to just suck it up and move on with life.  Now, instead of doing that, they whine about it... incessantly... oh how offended they are because you said something they don't like that doesn't even directly pertain to them.  To make it even better, instead of discussing it directly with you, they whine anonymously to anyone that they believe has 'power' because by golly, they've been wronged.

It's all just a load of junk.  I long for the days when people had thicker skin and weren't extremists.  Mr. Smith lived his life.  Mr. Jones lived his.  They didn't sit around finding reasons to be offended at one another.  They simply went about their days, ignoring those items in the world that they didn't care for and got on with the business of living.

So let's do each other a favor and just move on with life.  Don't sit around being pathetic because you don't like what someone said.  Ignore it.  Don't make others bend to your desires, remove yourself from the situation if you don't care for it.  Grow up.  Get over it.  Move on with life.


This is George Carlin. He said it like it was. This video will definitely offend those who are afflicted with political correctness - and I do apologize for the few bits of obscene language so please don't listen to this with children in the room or at work - but what he is saying, the message in the madness, is true.