Yesterday... in photo form

There was so much going on yesterday that I think it's better to just show you in a photo form.  I also have $100 to spend as I wish today... not sure what I am going to do with it though!  Must think about it really long and hard... any suggestions?

Started in Epcot with Daisy..

and Stitch!

After Soarin' & Mission Space, we went to Downtown Disney via the Beach Club Resort.

Two of my most favorite people.

Cool tree from The Beach Club Resort.

Hobbit riding the carousel at Downtown Disney

We stopped by and saw Santa.

Yep, I even got some knitting in!  See my pretty vintage lady project bag - love it!

My view while waiting for supper - yeah, that's part of the pool!

This is where I wanted to have supper.

The Kitchen Sink... no, I didn't eat one but look at it - it's gloriously sickening, isn't it.

I had a "No Way Jose" - hot fudge, peanut butter, chocolate and vanilla ice cream... yummy!

Back to Epcot for our exit from a most entertaining birthday... and I'm whooped!

39

source

That's how old I am today - I can hardly believe it.  I know that is what any medical record would say but I still feel like kid.  My brain has moments of teenage mindset and senior antics the same... sometimes back to back!

I woke up to presents by my computer but I can't open them until Hobbit gets up, which will be as soon as I'm done with this, and a nice cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee.  Ran out of hot water in the shower but I was icky hot anyway so it was a good thing.  Now I'm dressed and just enjoying said cup of coffee before getting up said Hobbit.  Today - we're going to Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney.  Epcot to ride Soarin' and Test Track because we never get to, the Studios to ride Toy Story Mania for the same reason and then Downtown Disney because Santa is there.  It's going to be a fabulous day!

I have also figured out what I am doing for our challenge in January - I literally just now decided... as I typed those words.  (Wow, with age truly does come wisdom... sweet!)  I'm going to make this beautiful headband... and it just might take me all month to do it but I know it will look precious on Peanut as she trudges through the snow next semester. 

Attack of the randoms

Peanut ~ her random moments are priceless!

It's an attack of the randoms with my brain today.  I think it is due to the fact that I haven't slept well in several days because I pulled/strained that muscle between my shoulder blade and my neck.  No clue how I did it but I talked to my mama, the most intelligent registered nurse I know, and she told me what I did and how to care for it - heat, Tylenol and rest.  I've gotten 2 out of 3... the last one is hit or miss really.

I have learned that sitting here will aggravate my shoulder/back after about twenty minutes so my brain has been frantically trying to formulate thoughts and check all necessary sites and messages - all in all, this has caused a very random mode to my thoughts today... and that makes writing sporadic and trying.  What do you do when this happens?  Simple, write a random post... like this ~

• I should bake today but I have no clue what I want to make.
• Chocolate is always good... I need a piece of fudge.
• I should take a few photographs today for my 365 Project.
• Sure hope Hobbit behaves during her "Daddy Daughter Date" today.
• I can't believe my birthday is tomorrow.
• I miss Peanut - she would make the best birthday/Christmas combo present ever.
• I generally dislike birthday/Christmas combo presents - it happens to no one else ever.
• I wonder what Pokey is getting me for my birthday.
• Why is my coffee cup empty?
• I need to rewrite my knitting schedule for Pokey's sweater.
• I need to actually knit on Pokey's sweater today - I'm thinking if I can get to 10" I'll be close to back on track, maybe.
• So excited about having my own Nerd Wars team for Tournament 4!
• Wonder when I'll find out.
• I hope that Monica is able to come up with a solution for the test knitter issue we had.
• I wonder if I won the Jordana Paige naming contest.
• I need to find my challenging project - Norwegian snowflakes or lace shawl.
• Maybe I'll have y'all vote on it.
• Double Chocolate Chunk Peppermint cookies - yeah, I'll make those.
• My coffee cup is still empty.
• I should get dressed.

I really should - Pokey let me sleep in today since he is having his special shopping date with Hobbit today.  I know it's a school day but you know what - this is his weekend and we rarely get to do things as a family since it falls during the middle of the week.  Hobbit was missing him so we decided that since they get out of school next week, it'll be fine for her to miss today and tomorrow without serious repercussion to her education - they're wearing pjs next week for crying out loud.

I think I'll take my random brain, get dressed and sit down to knit while watching "Love Actually" - huh, my coffee cup is empty.  I'll have to remedy that too.

Tuesday Tunes

Y'all know I've been pleading for Peanut to come home for Christmas. I even wrote to Ellen to see if she'd be able to help out... it's looking like my Christmas wish won't come true but I understand. There are people with bigger challenges than missing their first born who is away at college... when you take a step back and look the big picture - it's a blessing to have such "problem" in this day and age.

So Peanut, this song is for you - the message is still the same but the joy that Michael Buble brings to everything he does - that is my Christmas wish to you. No, not him because he's married and that would be wrong, but simple the essence of his jovial and lighthearted spirit. I love you, my sweet baby girl.

Just some fun

Stitch London is having a badge contest so I gave it a go.  Here are my entries - they made me giggle.

Sometimes, this is so true...

This is always true.

You have been warned... lol.

Because it's a classic - and one of the top sellers in my shop.

Motivational Mondays ~ 12/12

I'm stepping away from our normal set up and using today to motivate us in a different way.  Have y'all noticed how I keep throwing out the word "challenge" lately?  Yeah, subtlety is not my strong suit, just ask Pokey.  What is this 'challenge', you ask... grab a seat, your coffee, pen and paper and I'll tell you.  It's okay, I'll wait while you get settled...

I know that y'all are a crafty bunch.  I've seen many of y'all's handiwork and it's gorgeous.  I can't speak for anyone but myself but I will go through phases where I'll learn something new with every project and then I'll go through a lull where I play it safe and stick with what I know.  I was in a lull for a bit and am just now sneaking back out to where I am trying new techniques and learning new skills... and I want you to join me!

Part of this challenge is based on the honor code because no one but you knows what you are capable of doing and what truly is a challenge for you.  I know that I am going to be challenging the stuffing out of myself because it will be a non-Nerd Wars month so there will be nothing on my crafting plate but this project.  How do you decide what truly is a challenge - use this check list that I borrowed from a recent Nerd Wars prompt ~

• It could be an entirely new craft such as a knitter learning to crochet or picking up a drop spindle for the first time or even getting familiar with weaving if you are fortunate enough to have the equipment available.
• It could be an entirely new technique such as color working, Tunisian or filet crochet, intarsia or steeking.  As long as it's something you've never successfully accomplished before, it should work for this adventure.

That gives us a great foundation from which to work this challenge, doesn't it.  The possibilities are endless as to what you could do... but crafting is only part of it.  I want to hear about your experience.  I spend so much time telling y'all about my adventures, and misadventures, that I want to hear about yours as well.  Once you've completed your journey, link up your Ravelry project page, send me an email with the photographed project or post it to the Facebook wall with the story you want to share.  Successful or not, share it with me.  Tell me about it, I want all the gory details - the giggles, the cheers and the tears.  Nothing spared in this challenge - let it all hang out because half of the fun is in the experience itself.

Why are you doing this - I would like to say it is because we are all just that dedicated to being the greatest crafters on the planet but let's face it, we all need a bit of motivation don't we.  How about if we turn this into a contest then?  I know the perfect prize to give away... Jordana Paige's newest item in her stunning collection of crafting accessories - the Crafter's Tool Butler!  Isn't it gorgeous!?!  Look at what all it has to offer ~

• Six flat pockets for sizes of dpns and hooks.
• Four zippered accordion pockets for circular needles with label inserts for custom numbering.
• Mesh pocket for small items such as safety pins, stitch markers and darning needles.
• Knitting needle and crochet hook inventory chart.

Source Information

Amazing, isn't it.  The final measurements for all of this loveliness are L 10.5" x W 2" x H 6.5" so you know that it will hold everything you need in one beautiful and beautifully organized space.  Another thing about Jordana's products that I love is that they are all PVC.  That means that even though her products are buttery soft and amazingly gorgeous - they're vegan so the fabric used is a beautiful substitute and no animals were harmed.

So what do you think - are you up for the challenge?  It will run through the month of January.  Being the huge nerd that I am, I've decided to start this challenge on 1/2/12 - because it is a super fun date!  The "fine print rules" are that all projects must be started on or after 1/2/12 and completed by 2/1/12.  Photographic evidence of project must be shared either by Ravelry project page, emailed submission or Peppermint Mocha Mama Facebook page submission.  All submissions must have the following information included:

1. Technique used.
2. How it is a challenge for them.
3. Detailed story documenting the experience.
4. Contact information (Ravelry ID or email address).

Y'all know that I am a planner so I thought I'd get the word out now so that you can get your ideas churning, gather your supplies and psych yourself up for the adventure.  It's even more exciting, at least for me, because I can open this up internationally!  Everyone has an opportunity to win this exceptional knitting accessory so there is no excuse not to try.

What better way to start the year than by doing something completely new and exciting.  Good luck!!

-8"

Yeah, missed the whole "every 4th row" statement... now I'm 2 days behind instead of 1 day ahead.

Sunday Snaps

4 dozen Christmas cookies were made - and are now gone...

More nerdy Nerd Wars goodness was completed...

Christmas knitting was meticulously organized and scheduled...

Teacher gift knitting was re-started and no matter how much I think I should like expensive yarn, I don't.

I can't believe we are out of cookies already!  I'll be making more this afternoon but I would have thought that 48 cookies would have lasted longer with three people in the house, and none of them are my daddy.  I think I'll blame on the fact that they were smaller in size... yeah, that makes me feel a bit better.

There is a black hole in my house... or I have gnome infestation... or Borrowers have moved in... any way you look at it, I've not been able to find a lot of things this week.  Current tally is 2 rings, 3 movies and my favorite crochet hook.  All of these just this weekend too - I have searched in all the usual places, guess it's time to start looking in the unusual ones.

I started Hobbit's Christmas gift to give to her teacher back on Thanksgiving weekend but I didn't like it much so I put it down and focused on something that would make me happy.  I picked it back up last night because we're getting down to the wire and Christmas break will be here next Wednesday!  I chose my most expensive yarn and then I also picked up one of my cheap acrylics that is a beautiful color - figuring I would make her two cozies, one for her water cup (which we'll pick up and wrap the cozy around so she isn't completely ignorant on what it is) and one for her coffee mug.  I don't know if the fact that it's variegated and not showing the cables that well or if it's just the yarn itself but I still don't like my Ester Bitran "Andes" yarn.  It feels kind of sticky to me and it doesn't show any type of stitch work well but the colors are what Hobbit told me that Mrs. R wears all the times.  I finished that cozy last night out of sheer desire to simply stop working on it.  As soon as I had it blocking, I cast on the cheap acrylic yarn and it's working up beautifully.  Perhaps it is because it's a solid color or maybe I've a predisposition against the other yarn since nothing has come out 'pretty' when I use it... either way, I am going to like the acrylic better when it's all said and done today.

Pokey sweater update - I should be at 8" of work and I'm sitting on 9" which will be increased later on today to get a bit ahead for a birthday cushion.  I know I worked in that I won't be knitting on Thursday but I'd rather be safe than sorry so I'm going to work it up and be a day ahead because I'm just that anal about it all.  I know, I know... but what can I say - between Nerd Wars and the faces that Pokey gives me over it, I want to reach this goal!

This is going to be a busy week - baking, dates and travel galore.  I'm really looking forward to it, even though it will make other things a bit hectic, it will all be worth it.  How was your week, last week?  Did you make a lot of fun memories or interesting discoveries?  Does this upcoming week look promising for smiles and adventures?  I sure hope so.

End of year accountability

Not too pathetic, really.

Yesterday I shared with you all of my promises for 2012.  I thought it would be fun to look back at my promises that I made for 2011 to see how I did.  Let's see ~

Learn four new techniques was the first thing on my list last year.  During the course of this year, I learned how to Norwegian purl, crochet a granny square, make an I-cord, cable and make socks.  I think I did alright on this one last year, don't you?

The second thing on my list was to get more sleep.  Now, I'm not really sure how to grade this one because while I may be actually getting less sleep, I am sleeping better.  I am also getting back to sleep a lot easier if I should wake up so I think I will label this a success as well.

Thirdly, I wanted to learn to save money.  I haven't necessarily done this one but I have learned to budget better.  I wonder if that counts?  I don't have any more money than I did at this time last year but I honestly feel as though I have better utilized and can readily claim where all our funds have gone - something I could not have done last year.  I did try to budget in a sliding percentage for saving but it's such an economically difficult year, I think being able to stretch our dollar further is a great accomplishment.

It was so delicious - trust me or make one yourself and see.

Getting healthier was on my list along with getting moving as the last two items.  I have made great strides in one and not so great strides in the other.  I've learned to cook the same tasty foods with less of the bad stuff involved.  I can also say that I don't think my husband even noticed so that definitely marks it as a huge success for me.  I have made baby steps towards getting moving and will continue in the same vein this up coming year so since I did try, we'll call it even.

So, taking stock in all that I wanted to do and all that I have done - I say I came out on top.  How did you do with your goals or promises from last year - did you have a successful time?

2012 Promises to Try

As I've said time and time again, I don't "do" resolutions.  I don't like setting myself up for failure and that is exactly what making resolutions does, at least for me.  I prefer to put a more positive spin on things and simply make a promise to try.  It doesn't matter if I "succeed" or not, I did the hard part by simply giving it a go... and that is always a success in my book.

So without further ado, here is my list ~

1. Every quarter, do one knitting or crochet technique that 'scares' me - that's 4 new techniques in 2012.  Socks scared me last year, but I made a pair and nothing bad happened to me.  I think I will build on that this year and challenge myself a bit more so I continue to grow.
2. Move more.  I want to get healthier and I think a big part of that is simply by moving more.  For me, it's a double edge sword - I have asthma and exercise triggers it... but if I exercise more, my lung function will improve.  I just need to get over the hump, that's all.  This is the year I do that.
3. Patience.  Yep, this is the year I learn to have patience.  I am not real clear on how this will be accomplished but I do know that I will be working on it.  Hobbit can be a very trying child so if I have more patience, perhaps we will make more headway - both of us in positive directions.
4. Get organized.  I know that this might be a surprise for you but I will forego my chores for fun stuff.  I want to find a way to make it so housework is not so much a burden and more natural.  I do it, I just don't like it... so if I have to do it then I'm going to find a way to enjoy it.

There you have it - my list of things that I am going to attempt to accomplish this coming year.  What about you?  Do you have a list of promises that you'd like to share?

Early birthday happies!

My mama sent me monies for Christmas and birthday so I did what any other self respecting girl in my position would do - I went shopping!  I decided that I would treat myself to two things that I have wanted to get for a very long time but never do because of the cost.. and I'm so happy I did.  Guilt be damned - you heard me.  It's my birthday and I figured that I deserve something spectacular - and I was economically savvy enough to get two 'something's!

Three Irish Girls - Bellini

Y'all remember on my anniversary when I gave away some gorgeous yarn from Sharon?  She sent over Bellini and Bridget and it took all I had to actually give them away.  I know they are in loving homes and well taken care of by the fabulous crafters who won them, but I fell in love with Bellini.  It wasn't just a passing school girl crush - it was hard core, all consuming love.  I got myself 2 skeins of this magnificent colorway in smooshy Wexford Merino Silk.  I am going to use it for a challenge coming up in January that I'll tell y'all about next week... whoa, intrigue!

Isn't this precious!

The other present I got for me is one that I have been drooling over for some time as well.  There is this precious shop over on Etsy called Slipped Stitch Studios.  Laura, the owner, makes the cutest things - from different sized project bags to scissor fobs to complete sets.  If I had the ability, I'd buy out her complete inventory.. that way I wouldn't have to choose which one I liked best.  If you are looking for a new project bag, I strongly suggest that you stop by and take a look at her wares.

I should have them soon - not really sure when but y'all know I'll be taking pictures and sharing my excitement with you again when they arrive.  Not too shabby for an old girl the week before her actual birthday.  Yeah me!

Just so you know - these are my opinions and I received nothing for sharing them with you.

I'm not odd... am I?

I love these little books - just perfect for me.

I am now horrible with deadlines.  When I was working, I was always meeting them or getting things done early.  I am the queen of organization and prioritizing - lists and timelines were my saving grace.  I could organize a work day like nobody's business - people would come to me so I could teach them how to do what I did.  Then I retired and put it all away... until now.

I have the cutest inspiration books on the planet.  I keep them in my purse to write down pattern ideas, project desires, photo set ups and the occasional recipe.  I keep track of my Nerd Wars projects and submissions in there as well.  Shoot, I bet in my old one I could find blog notes - I have always had a day planner or notebook with me because my mind runs ninety to nothing and since they don't make actual pensieves, this system will work in the interim.

Y'all know that we only have about 17 days until Christmas - take away my birthday trip, Christmas Eve and time to wrap that leaves me with about 14 days to finish Pokey's sweater.  It was a test knit for a girl back in October and it taught me to never volunteer for big projects.  She and I have been in communication and she totally understood back when I was initially late and all that has transpired since.  A real peach of a girl.  Pokey has begun to wonder if it will ever be done and I jokingly tell him that perhaps by our 25th Anniversary, if I don't have arthritis so bad that I can't knit any longer.  He doesn't find that funny - I do have a good giggle at his expense some of the time.  Well, last night when I was waiting for Pokey to come home from work so we could watch the Michael Buble Christmas special (it was wonderful!), I created a true, workable timeline.  It looks like this...

This schedule is the key to finishing in time to give it to the love of my life on Christmas.

Now, do you see how I wrote "Three day wiggle room" on the bottom - that's not actually true.  Sure, the timeline says that I should finish on the 21st and that gives me three days to have it under the tree... but look closer.  Did you see it?  No?  Look again... I don't have the project listed for the weekends.  I actually built in an 8 day wiggle room variance.  Pretty spiffy, huh.  By writing in that I have the "weekend off", there is no pressure on me because I can "play catch up" if I need to on those unscheduled days.  Also, by working in inches, I can measure my progress and being the hyper-competitive soul that I am, I know that I will want to do just a bit more than scheduled to prove that I was capable of more than I gave myself credit for... don't laugh, I know me and it's true.  Don't believe I do that... take a look at this...

 I worked a good 1.5" last night even though the schedule starts today.

Tuesday Tunes

To me, the ultimate song that means Christmas time has arrived and I heard it on the radio just the other day. I absolutely love this song and it is one of my most favorite renditions.

What's your favorite Christmas tune?

Motivational Mondays ~ 5 Dec

I think I spend more time on Social/Emotional and Spiritual than I do in the other two quadrants of the Weekly Compass.  Sure, Mental and Physical are both important but they don't give you the slightly selfish "feel good" factor, or at least it isn't as high, as the other two do... for me, anyway.

Today, I'm Santa Claus.  Now I know what you're thinking but it really isn't that much and I certainly wish I could have done more but I felt moved to do it and so after discussing the situation with Pokey, we decided that we would take our Christmas bonus from his work and spend it on this family.  Now we don't know them very well - I've only actually met the matriarch once when I taught her how to knit - but we keep in touch via Facebook.  She is a very sweet woman, married to a loving man and they are raising one amazing little boy.  Their story isn't that much different from a lot of people's around the country - she just lost her job and confided that they would not be able to "have Christmas" because even with the unemployment she was blessed to receive, it's barely enough to keep their apartment.

It broke my heart, the thought of waking up on Christmas morning without a single present to open.  Yes, I know it isn't about the gifts under the tree but more the feeling of love and joy from being with those you care about most.  I get that.  They get that... but having something under the tree is part of the magic too.  Waking up on Christmas morning to rush out and see what Santa brought is the highlight of many kids' year.  It doesn't really even matter so much what it is - just that you've been good enough to get something.  It's almost like a child's confirmation that everything is okay in the world.

I felt compelled to make sure that everything was right in their world this Christmas.  Like I said, it isn't a lot and I wish that I could have done more but now they will be able to open something on Christmas morning.  I know that when they can, they will pay it forward to another family who might need some extra cheer that year... and hopefully, when the years have passed, they can look back and smile because they are able to recall all their blessings, instead of it being overshadowed by the things that were trying.

I don't know for certain why, but this whole adventure has brought to mind a Chinese proverb I once heard that has stuck with me all these years.  And while it might seem like an odd place to end, I am going to leave you all with this thought for today and wishes of good tidings to you and yours ~

“Nobody's family can hang out the sign, "Nothing the matter here."

Sunday Snaps

We put up Christmas decorations this past week...

Saw an abundance of Florida's aviary wildlife...

Pokey decorated outside as a surprise when I went to pick up Hobbit from school...

Epic first project of Round 3 - answered challenge, team unity and magic points.

More of the Florida aviary wildlife that was so abundant in our neighborhood this week...

Still trying to come to terms of not being a complete family this Christmas.

This week has been full of joy and only a few tears... and some of those were even for joyous reasons.  I hope that your week was full of more joy than tears, or even full of joyous tears.  Holidays can be difficult, especially when they don't turn out as you had envisioned them.  The trick is to sit back, look at what you do have and  be thankful - learning to live with what you have been blessed with will make a person far happier in the long run than the one who sat around pining for what others are in possession of - and this is a lesson hard learned for me this Christmas.

I'm trying though.. and I should at least get credit for that, don't you think?

Sneaky... I don't like sneaky.

I'm tired of the tears and sad faces.

I really don't and Hobbit seems to be ate up with it lately.  Her current sneakiness is hiding food wrappers under her bed.  I thought we had a fairly good discussion about it the last time she was busted for it but apparently not.  I was woken up by Pokey telling me that he was going to lose it on her since she had wrappers under her bed again and something all over her nightgown.  Not the greatest way to wake up on one of the few days you were allowed to sleep in.

So I got up and told Hobbit to pull out whatever was under her bed.  She did and produced four prepackaged wrappers of those tiny Rits Bits and tiny Oreos that we put in lunchboxes.  I asked her when she did it and she said "a few days ago".  Currently, she is sitting in her room attempting to come up with a logical explanation of why she is sneaking food.

Pokey is wanting to padlock and chain everything in the kitchen and while this may be effective, I don't want to live like that - plus, it's tacky looking.  I know it's frustrating but I also know - I did it as a little kid too.  My sneaky food of choice was cheese slices, by Kraft.  I would sneak into the fridge and take several slices to hide in my room.  My mother would find hard pieces of cheeses all over the place.  I don't know why I took them, goodness knows I was fed enough.  I just wanted the cheese for some reason.  I also know that I out grew the need to sneak food... I don't remember when but I do know that I stopped.

Everything is up high now - not that it will stop her because she has been climbing since she was three years old, hence the reason we no longer have her princess table and chairs.  I came out one too many times to what looked like a street show balancing act performance.  Problem solving is not her issue - dishonesty is.. and even threats of Santa don't seem to be working.

I want my sweet Hobbit back.

I'm at the very tiny frayed end of my surprisingly long rope.  I know my mother 'cursed' me with the whole "I hope you have a child one day that is just like you" but still... this constant bad behavior phase is just getting to be too much.  I really don't know what else to do - time outs, spankings, manual labor, paying for what she has taken, threats of Santa not coming - nothing is working.  If we are having a test of wills, I fear she may win simply because I am too exhausted over it to fight any more.

I just want my sweet cuddle bug of a girl back.  If you've seen her, could her send her home.. please.  I miss her so much.

Weekend Wonderment ~ 12/2 - 12/4

Lots to do... and it's all tons of fun!

Here is my list of fun things to get done this weekend.  It looks like a lot, and it is, but it's all things that I want to do so therefore it isn't really daunting... if that even makes sense.  So here's what's on tap:

1. Finish going through my "third quarter" magazines and marking the patterns that I want to make.
2. Actually finish this sleeve!  I only have 3/4" to go and this round of Nerd Wars has a WiP challenge but you have to finish two in order to get the full points.  I've got this sweater for Pokey and a few (*cough* five others *cough*) sitting around that I might could whip up before New Years.
3. What you see here actually needs to be frogged and restarted on either larger needles or with less stitches.  It came out a tad bigger (read that as "twice as big") than my calculations projected since I'm using different weight yarn than suggested.  It's from my "Jane Austen" book and I'm tickled to start it - and to have it qualify in the Nerd Wars this round.
4. All the while, one of these three movies will be popped into my machine to keep my other half of my brain entertained.

So what's on your agenda this weekend?

A day early...

I figured why make y'all wait.  I've be mulling these patterns over since they started coming in.  Y'all have such good taste... take a gander at all the things you've shared ~

© LavishCraft ~ How Now Brown Cowl

© Plymouth Yarn Design Studio ~ Haciendo Cabled Headband & Mitts

© dandiliongrl ~ Owl Diaper and Wipe Case

Add these beauties to the fabulous ones from this post and I had a difficult time indeed.  After much consideration and discussion between Pokey, Hobbit and myself, we finally came to a consensus - and this little beauty was something we just kept coming back to.  It looks cute, it's practical and everyone would be able to enjoy it in some fashion.  What did we choose - why, this one...

© Mabelknit ~ Bonne Bouche Bag

InJuneau suggested this little beauty and I couldn't be more thrilled.  It is a fun looking project and we all know about my love for bags, don't we.  Plus, it will be a challenge for me as it is a crochet pattern!  It's always good to challenge yourself and I think this will be just the thing to really help me on my quest to better understand crochet patterns.

Now here is the sad part - InJuneau left no contact information!  I am doing a bit of detective work to see if I can't track this person down.  Hopefully I will hear back soon - if I haven't heard anything by Monday though, I'll draw another person by placing everyone's name in a random number generator.

So there we have it - a day early but what can I say... we're an efficient lot around here.  Hooks, markers and a few surprises are ready to go - we are just waiting to find out where.  I have hunch, it'll be Alaska...