Hello, 2014!

I promise to be good this year and post at least once a month.  Okay, maybe even once a week.  I think I can manage that. 
I've been working on my non-resolution resolutions, ways of making my life better, but ways that wouldn't make me feel like a loser if I didn't achieve my goal/resolution or fell off the wagon, so to speak.  You know what I mean.  To that end, I've just finished a rather inspirational book called The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  For some reason I was unsuccessful in linking you up to the book at Amazon.  Carrying on.  Wonderful book.  Wordy in some spots but definitely worth the read.  It will open your eyes.  It will make you want to be a better person so you can be happier than you already are.  Honest.  She even has a blog.  Tell me you're not surprised. (Hey, that was kind of interesting: I was able to link up to her blog but not to Amazon.  Maybe Amazon doesn't need new customers. Whatever!)

So.  I'm working on being a nicer person.  To that end, I'm working on a good deed.  Since the beginning of the year, I've been knitting hats and mittens for the homeless in the local area.  Because I believe that charity starts at home.  I also rounded up a bunch of scarves and hats that have never been worn and packed them into the bag.  It's almost full and when it is, it will be time to deliver it.  I currently have two pairs of mitts on the go; one pair needs thumbs only, and the other pair has a mitt and a half done.  That's a January project.

Now on the personal knitting note, I'm going to finish knitting those darned sweaters that have been lounging around way too long.  Remember there is one that's over 20 years old!  That's older than my kids!  And of course the other one is that beautiful Olympic sweater from 4 years ago that still doesn't have sleeves.  Slowly but surely.  I'm even giving thought to organizing a knitting group again. 

Summer Sizzle Stash-dash

Toni (she of the A Little Yarn On the Side fame) came up with another stash buster:  Summer Sizzle Stash-dash.  Of course I'm playing along.  Knitting has been kind of slow here lately.

Between July 1 and August 31 fill your most summery basket with any combination (or all) of the following summer-themed items:

Ice pop: complete your oldest WIP or use your oldest yarn
Fresh strawberries: make something red
Fireworks: make something with beads or sparkles
Weeding: give away or donate one item (does not need to be knitting related)
Beach: make a bag or something else you might carry to the beach
Sunburn: make a hat
Walking barefoot in the grass: make a pair of socks or slippers
Summer vacation: make something for a baby or a child
Swimming: make something blue or green
Summer reading: read 1 book
Lemonade: make something yellow
Allergies: make something that ISN’T made of wool
Bonfires: make something out of the warmest yarn you have
Vacation: arrange a day or a weekend all to yourself

 

I will pick out the basket and things to put in it later today.  Right now there is a nap with my name on it.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Let me share something with you, because things of beauty should be shared.  This crocheted blanket!  Isn't it stunning?  I adore the wide edging!

 

I need to learn how to attach the squares as she has done too.  I may have to borrow a crocheting book from the library.  Never thought I'd say that!  But I am inspired. By crochet, no less. But seriously, Coco Rose Diaries is a beautiful blog!  I found a link to it this morning on facebook. 

Yes, this post is out of order.  Turns out I forgot to publish it, but I still wanted to share. 

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

 

Proud to be a Canadian. 

 

Also?  I conquered the yarn diet! 

And the stupid Flat Feet socks.  You've heard of Flat Feet, right?  Knitting directly from a flat piece of knitted fabric?  Yeah, that stuff.  Bleh!  I received it in a swap a few years ago.  These socks have been in my WIP basket for months.  I'd work a few rows, get disgusted with the kinky fabric I was creating, turf the thing back in the basket.  Not that the time out made it behave any better.  Don't get me wrong: the person that sent it to me picked the perfect colour for me.  I love the colours in these socks. Just the product is not my cup of tea. I've been working pretty steadily on these things for a few weeks just to get them done.  It's never taken me weeks to finish a pair of socks.  That's just nutty, but just shows you how much I dislike the product.  The socks need to be soaked and blocked.  I don't have sock blockers so a good soaking and stretching will have to do.   



 

And since it's pouring here on this Canada Day, I'll leave you with a couple shots of the best thing to do on a rainy day.

 

 

In the Face of Temptation

I showed incredible restraint and did not purchase any fibre while in one of my favourite yarn shops.  Gaspereau Valley Fibres had some tempting, drool-worthy new stock, too.  I patted, I fondled, I caressed, I fantasized, and then I walked to the cash and paid for only the one thing I went in for: a single Addi needle.  Not precisely the one I wanted but close enough. 

Then I went to Michaels' and also bypassed the yarn and only purchased the knitting needles I needed. 

See, I needed to outfit myself for this Saturday.

 

That's me spinning in the bottom right of the poster, but during the actual competition I will be mostly knitting.  Sheep Thrills of Gaspereau Valley Fibres are the Canadian defending champions from last year, but a team from Cape Breton already beat their time this year so the competition is on!

 

I'm so excited to participate this year.  Shear Delights will be awesome!  Only three sleeps!

Defeat Depression Event

This morning I will be running a 10km race in Annapolis Royal, a Defeat Depression Event. Depression is one of those illnesses that still suffers a huge stigma, and one that few ever talk about.  I run to keep mine at bay.

I am determined.  The last time I ran 10km I was in my early 20s, over 20 years ago.  Today I will run, for me, and for all others that struggle with Depression.

 

 

Below are a couple links to the Event pages.  It's not too late to donate to this cause.

http://mdsc.akaraisin.com/pledge/Participant/Home.aspx?seid=6982&pid=1335606&m id=9
The above link is to my personal page if you would like to sponsor me.

http://mdsc.akaraisin.com/pledge/Team/Home.aspx?seid=6982&tid=58367&mid=10
This one is to my team page, to see our efforts, and some photos of our group.

Thank you, friends.

Annapolis Valley African Violet Society Show and Tea

 

All are welcome!

New Member of the Family

Her name is Pearl, although we're considering spelling it Purl!  English Springer Spaniel, 9 weeks old now.

Friday Felines

Welcome May!  Good riddance April.  Glad you flew by.

Out Like A Lamb!

March has a few scant hours remaining in it and I am just not inspired to finish my sweater. Hangs head in shame.  Maybe I'll get back to it tomorrow when it's supposed to be rainy and cold and I will be wanting a wool sweater to warm me.   Frankly, I don't know what happened.  After the steek was cut, I simply lost steam.  The bottom ribbing remains to be knit, and ends to be sewn in before the sweater gets a bath.  I don't have any intention of sewing in the zipper before a good blocking.  I have the cutest ribbon to use for the facing though, so I want to be sporting my latest sweater sooner rather than later!

This is what I did today instead of knitting: