All Star

Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me.

I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed.

She was looking kind of dumb with her finger and her thumb

In the shape of an "L" on her forehead…

I’m sitting at the airport and as is so becoming the norm, I’ve been extremely stupid. Again. I got to the airport in plenty of time. I checked in. I decided because it was going to be an all day trip I’d grab a sandwich. After all, I had plenty of time. I sit, watch people, and then meander to the gate. A flight is leaving at 12:20. My flight. And I’m not on it. I look at my ticket. The flight was scheduled to land at the first stop at 2:30. Somehow that’s what my muddled brain interpreted as takeoff.

The man at the gate is very nice to me. I can see the pity in his eyes. Poor stupid woman he is no doubt thinking. Wonder how she’s made it this far? He can get me out but there’s a chance I won’t make the connecting flight. That would mean I’d be stuck until tomorrow. And guess where my suitcase is? As my sweet friend Brenda says, Que Sera, Sera. At this point, that’s all that’s left.

While I sit, I think back on all of the outright stupid things I do and say on a regular basis. They are quite unintentional. Who would do these kinds of things on purpose??? In most cases nobody COULD do these things on purpose. Just the other day I locked the keys in the trunk, with my suitcase. It was sheer luck I had forgotten to lock the door the day before and was able to get in and find the trunk open button in a strange car. Luckily I didn’t miss that flight.

I thought about making a list of the many stupid things I’ve done. You know, for your entertainment. But it would be too long. And I could make a lot more blog posts instead of just one! Now some of the stupid things I do are just ordinary stupid things, like losing my car in the parking lot. A lot of people do that. I see people all the time playing like they are just clicking their clicker when actually they have no clue where they parked. It happens to both men and women. No gender is spared!

There was this time I lost the parking lot though. That probably doesn’t happen to very many people. It was downtown Austin. I was there for a meeting. First, let me mention that I am extremely directionally challenged. I can’t help it. I turn the wrong way at the mall unless I look to see which direction the store I originally came in is located. I have spent countless hours taking scenic routes and discovering things that I will never see again because I won’t be able to find them. The Garmin is a wonderful invention when it’s correct!

That day I found the building, parked and went inside. When I came out of the building it was through a different door. My sensible (and wonderful!) friend Miya walked out with me. She said, is your car over there? As I glanced around nothing was looking familiar. No bells were ringing. Hmmmm…I don’t know I tell her. But Miya, like I said, is sensible. And smart. She says, no worries. We’ll find it. She knows where she parked so we get in her car and we start to cruise the parking garage.

Let me say too, that in some ways I’m a very detailed oriented person. In other ways, not so much. Miya asked, what kind of car is it? Hmmmm…well, that might be another problem. I don’t know. Before you slap your head in disbelief, let me tell you I rent many cars. My job includes a lot of travel. So I don’t always remember. She said, no problem. What color? It might be white I say. Since Miya likes me she is extremely patient. Or maybe because she knows me she’s extremely tolerant! So, to make a long story short, we cruise another parking garage, and after many vague answers eventually find my car. Thank you Miya!

I worry sometimes though. If I’m this bad already how bad will I get? Have I lost some essential brain cells or do I just not pay attention? Or could it be a combination of the two? I remember once asking something incredibly stupid to my friend, incredibly stupid in his mind anyway. He answered then asked me if I dyed my hair. I first thought he was exceedingly rude, as he oftentimes is. Eventually I realized he was asking me if I was really a blonde under this dark hair. I assure you I am not. But it’s really possible, considering some of the things I come up with, that my hair was an entirely different color in a previous life! At least I could use that as an excuse!

Sidenote: No offense intended at all towards blondes. 

As is routinely seen all hair colors demonstrate equal degrees of ignorance at times!

Well the years start coming and they don't stop coming.

Fed to the rules and I hit the ground running.

Didn't make sense not to live for fun,

Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb.

It’s day 302 of my knitayear. It’s January 27 and fly to South Carolina tomorrow. I also have a doctor’s appointment and though I dearly love him I don’t like to go see him. I don’t do well with needles and such. I’m a little anxious, worrying about blood tests and all and trying to remember details for the trip. I don’t feel great either. On a good note I did get to see the littles for a bit. E and I went to Wmart and he got to pick out anything he wanted for a belated birthday present. It was fun. Sweet boy was worried about getting everyone else a prize as well. I chose a novelty yarn with bits of ribbon hanging from it. Day 303, January 28, and first off the bat I lock the keys in the trunk with the suitcase. I’m hoping it’s not an omen but it will turn out it is. But I find the way into the car and make the flight on time and all is well. I’m feeling kind of jinxed already. I choose gray and teal thick and thin wool. It’s day 304, January 29. The flight was long but uneventful. It was dark when I got to Charleston so I just called room service. I didn’t look for any of the others so I head down to meet them today. I met a couple of them before. It’s a long day but there’s some good information. Since this will be part of my job now I’m getting enthused. But you can’t sit for hours without some mind wandering. I look to see if there are any yarn shops close. My luck has changed! There’s one within walking distance! I skip lunch and head over and score. More on that later! I’m feeling lucky and choose bright green and blue cotton. Day 305, January 30, and it’s the last day. I did meet some lovely people. One special lady is a fellow knitter! All but two of us leave today. I’m still feeling sick so we go eat and I go to bed. Little do I know it’s going to be all downhill from here! I choose an ugly yarn because of how I’m feeling. It’s fuzzy and orange and yellow and purple. Day 306 is January 31. I get to sleep in as I have a late shuttle. I wake up and have Theraflu for breakfast. Hopefully it will help get me through the day til I can get home. Head to the airport and that’s when I make my stupidest mistake of the month. I choose thick black yarn that has bright spots of color. The color means there’s always hope. I think. I guess I’ll continue to live by the 50-50-90 rule. Anytime I have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there’s a 90% probability I’ll get it wrong. Watch out for me. I need it!

Embassy Suites in Charleston where I stayed. Was the old Citadel. http://preview.tinyurl.com/47gjo7r

The towers at the top show the slots where the guns went.

One of many original gun turrets.

And all that glitters is gold.

Only shooting stars break the mold…

Is There Life Out There…

So much she hasn't done.

Is there life beyond

Her family and her home?

“Wait”, she said. “Don’t forget your backpack!” He smiled and she blew him a kiss as he ran out the door. Then she put away the milk and cereal and cleared the three bowls from the table. She glanced at the clock. If she timed it right she’d be able to drop by Starbucks for a latte, and add a few rows to the sweater she was knitting, before work. It was her only luxury.

She sat at the table and took out her knitting. She was working on a sweater for her baby girl. It was several shades of pink, all in one yarn. Variegated they call it. She liked it because it was called “Pretty ‘N’ Pink”, like a movie she’d seen long ago. Pink is Baby Girl’s favorite color.

As she added each stitch she thought about how much her life had changed. After she’d married she’d quickly found out there wasn’t a lot to offer in a small town. She’d never really felt welcome there. She was included, at first, because she was new and it was the polite thing to do. After the new wore off the invitations quit coming. She didn’t really mind because she felt uncomfortable anyway.

When her oldest was born she’d had some company. He was an early talker and they spent many hours in semi-one-sided conversations. He asked a lot of questions and said things that made her laugh. When number two was born it was a little harder. She was a stay at home mom and money was tight. But things were good and she enjoyed her life.

Baby girl was a bit of a surprise. She was welcomed, nevertheless, but it was even harder with three babies. She would have liked to help with money but the daycare alone would have taken her whole paycheck. So she did what she could to make a good home.

She’s not quite sure when the lies started. Looking back she wonders if things were always that way and she was too busy to notice. There were sometimes explanations that didn’t make sense, but she was taking care of the kids and the house and didn’t have time to ponder. Slowly she realized things weren’t quite as they seemed. It wasn’t adding up. She tried but it was a one-sided effort. It was too little, too late and he was gone. All her dreams were gone, with him.

She looks down to check the tension of her stitches and thinks she needs to leave after she finishes this row. She got a job in a secretarial pool. It’s minimum wage but she was told she could work her way up to another position that might pay more. It keeps food on the table. He sends a check each month. It’s not because he wants to. He has to. He’s doing well with the younger, thinner, better; her replacement. Someone he always said was just a ‘friend’. She counts her blessings. She makes ends meet and tries not to be bitter. And she wonders, as she heads to the office, is there life out there?

She's done what she should.

Should she do what she dares?

She doesn't want to leave,

She's just wondering…

Is there life out there?

Knitayear is on the downside. Just a little over two months more! Day 297, January 22 was my Saturday to work. I don’t mind but it’s hard when I have Friday off. And it messes up the weekend. But I was content to go. My intern is a nice kid and he likes what he’s doing. We went to lunch and he bought. I didn’t want him to but he wouldn’t hear of it. I’ll treat him next time. I chose the blue from the Gap-tastic cowl. I really like that yarn. Day 298, January 23, and I’m sick again. Or maybe I never got over it completely. I think it’s the trip from last week and maybe after I get the cedar out of my system I’ll be okay. I drank Theraflu and it’s my new wonder drug. I didn’t feel nearly as groggy the next day as I do with Nyquil. I chose a green fuzzy yarn. It’s because of the cold. But that’s gross so I’ll stop now. Ha ha. January 24, day 299 and Alan is sick now. He was feeling so bad he stayed home. That’s something right there. I worked with the doctors so got home a little earlier than normal. I was in a caring mood. But all Alan wanted to do was sleep so I didn’t do too much! I chose a blue eyelash yarn. Day 300, January 25, is Tuesday and a busy day at work. I was industrious, though and got a lot done. I chose thick maroon yarn for the day. Day 301, January 26, and I’m just tired. I think this cold or whatever it is, hasn’t run its course. I don’t know. Anyway, I picked a thick and thin pink yarn. It kind of symbolized the feeling good on and off. I’m ready to feel better and get some energy back. I know I need it ‘cause I’m pretty sure there is life out there. I just need to find it.

Bryce's scarf. Linen stitch in two yarns. Back and front sides.

There's a place in the sun that she's never been.

Where life is fair and time is a friend.

Would she do it the same as she did back then?

She looks out the window and wonders again…

Raindrops On Roses And Whiskers On Kittens…

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.
Brown paper packages tied up with strings,
These are a few of my favorite things…

Kittens and Puppies and Sweat pants and Snowmen,

Cooking and Baking and Mountains and Austin.

Old buttons, Texture and Bright Colored Yarn,

Comfortable jeans and Ice cream and Wine.

Cinnamon, Straight hair, Fresh cornbread and Butter,

Black and white movies and Flannel pajamas.

Lace and new Shoes and Hot coffee and Red.

Fall, Colored leaves, and Music and Plaid.

Quilts, Homemade soup, Rainy days and The Littles,

Antiques and Caramel, The first snow and Flowers.

Fast cars and Smooth flights, Peach bellinis and Beer.

Thoughtful people and Honesty, Knitted Sweaters and Scarves.

Vermont and Christmas lights, Candles and Green.

Roast and gravy, My kids and Junior and Pine trees

Rainbows and Lemon pledge, Homemade soap and Knitting,

Bubble baths and Apples and sometimes just Sitting.

When the dog bites,

When the bee stings,

When I'm feeling sad…

I simply remember my favorite things,

And then I don't feel so bad.

There’s a site for knitters, or just people who work with yarn in general called Ravelry. It’s a great site with patterns, pictures, yarn, ideas and just general information on things you can do. I was looking around, as I often do, and ran across the coolest project ever! It’s called “The Pillow of Sei Shonagon”, and is from a book called “Knitalong: Celebrating the Tradition of Knitting Together”, by Larissa Golden Brown and Martin John Brown. A pillow book is a diary, of sorts. It can be a list of most anything. It consists of personal messages and private thoughts, or can even be quotations or a story. Sei's “pillow book” was finished in the year 1002. Today “pillow book” usually means a collection of thoughts that can reflect a certain time in a person’s life, either yours or someone else’s.

While viewing the posted finished projects I ran across one that I really thought was nice. It’s by Debbie, or yarnRx, who lives in New Brunswick, Canada. Debbie’s pillow was a gift to her long-time friend Doreen, for a ‘significant’ birthday. Her text was excerpts from books her friend had given to her over the years as well as lines from poetry which had special meaning for her. I am sure Doreen was honored, amazed and even humbled by such a gift from the heart. I know I would have been. Debbie graciously allowed me to use her pictures.

Close up of the scripted strips. © yarnRx

Full size pillow. Gorgeous! © yarnRx

I did finish the Gap-tastic Cowl. It’s pretty but I don’t know that I like it. It’s not as wide as the pattern called for but it still seems wide to me. I do really like the yarn though. And here’s another picture of the Anthropologie knock-off.

GAP-tastic cowl long.

GAP-tastic twisted.

Another hanging picture. See the width?

Anthropologie knock-off hanging.

Knitayear is still going strong. Well, I’m behind as usual, but it’s going! Day 292, January 17 is a typical Monday. I ended up staying home. The kids hit a deer and it really tore up their car. So I gave them my car. I probably could have made it in but I needed to clean up some of my messes anyway. It’s urgent it seems. So that’s what I do. I choose neon orange, like a hunting vest, but this isn’t for safety. Day 293, January 18, and I’m on the way to Austin. I truly love going to Austin but this trip might not be one I’ll enjoy. It starts with a flight that takes 5 and one half hours. I can drive to Austin in 6 hours. And I’m in a car that’s not mine, from home that is. It’s nothing bad except getting used to where things are, etc. First thing I do is lock the keys in the trunk with my suitcase. And of course, I’m running late as usual. Luckily I didn’t re-lock the doors when the wrecker came for the other car so I was able to get in and finally find the trunk open button before true panic set in. On a good note, I stopped at the yarn store on the way to the hotel because there’s a 7 page agenda greeting me upon arrival. I won’t have another minute to do anything. I already feel out of place and I’m not even there. I chose a camo colored cotton. Not so much camo as neutral. January 19, day 294 starts at 7:00 am with breakfast and a bunch of strangers. I try to blend in or at least stay invisible so I won’t be any problem. It’s working fairly well. I don’t know what’s going on but I was told I don’t have to know. I listen and try to figure out what I’m doing here. It works. It’s a really long day, ending at 8:00 pm, with a whole 30 minutes free time. I’m exhausted. Something is making me sneeze and I don’t feel good physically on top of everything else. Ah well, such is my life. I’ll survive. I chose gray wool. Just that kind of day. Day 295, January 20, again starts at 7:00 am. I truly don’t like early and am willing to forego breakfast for another hour to get ready. We meet and start right in. Today, I’m finally introduced to the group. That would have been really useful yesterday! But I suppose if I’d wanted it done I should have done it myself. We only go to noon today and I fly home. I’m ready. I choose a variegated purple, gold and green. Day 296 is January 21 and Friday and my day off. Who could ask for more? I still feel bad and sleep in until 11:00 am. That’s really unusual but I guess I needed it. I need to get more energy to finish the jobs I have here. But I’m tired. I choose tan with a white twist for this day. And I get busy. I’m looking at some of my favorite things and wondering why I need them. Maybe I should just get rid of it all.

I simply remember my favorite things,

And then I don't feel so bad.

All The Lonely People...

Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people,
Where do they all belong?

I was in a coffee shop recently and there was a young man and young woman seated at a table close to where I was waiting. They looked like they were students, maybe. It seemed, from the conversation, they were just getting to know each other. He asked her what she liked to do in her spare time and she told him she liked to read or watch old movies. He said what about hanging out with your friends? She said she didn’t have any friends. He gave her an odd look and told her he was sorry. She said don’t be sorry. I don’t mind being alone. I’m alone a lot.

I know I probably shouldn’t have been eavesdropping but I was right there and really couldn’t help hearing. Their conversation made me think, though. I spend a lot of time alone. Sometimes, even in a group I’m alone. My Mamaw spent a lot of time alone. My mother and my sister do too. Even my daughter does, if you count not having any outside adult company as alone. It doesn’t bother me.

I guess it’s always been that way. I’m married to a worker bee and if he’s awake he’s probably working. There is nothing wrong with that. When the kids were little and home it was me and them when he was working. That’s not to say we didn’t do things as a complete family. We did. But the majority of everyday life, when they were little, was seemingly spent as just me and them.

I'm the only one in my office who does what I do. There are others across the state who do the same thing and I collaborate and work with them even though we all work in our own regions. But at the office I'm alone. Even when I was teaching, I was the only one teaching that subject. Actually, it’s a lot easier that way. I don’t have to please anyone. I just have to do the best I can do to help my teachers. I have had to go with large groups before and I don’t really like it. I can go with the flow but the drama of just deciding where to eat lunch is stressful to me. Multply it by a few days and I am ready to call room service and just stay in!

Oddly enough I’m put in the position of interacting with people I don’t know, all the time in my job. A lot of the time I’ll know not one single person in the group. It usually doesn’t bother me. I can talk to strangers or I can go off by myself. I know some people who won’t eat if they are alone. I’d have starved to death long ago if that was the case for me! The key is whether I feel comfortable or not. If I do, no problem. If I don’t, well, I’m not hanging around.

I’m not an ogre or anything like that. I don’t think so anyway! I really can make friends. And I do have friends. As everyone, I have more acquaintances than true friends, but I’m okay with that. I have a hard time opening up to people because of trust issues from way back. So I don’t. But I can. But I won’t. Again, it’s the trust issues. It seems if I do trust and share, something happens and everything gets thrown back into my face. And it happens every time. One friend asked me if I was in the witness protection program. It made me laugh but it also made me realize just how much I keep to myself.

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been.

Lives in a dream.

Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door, who is it for?

One time for a graduate class I had an assignment, silly as it sounds, to explain if I were an animal, what animal it would be. First off, I don’t like that kind of stuff. It’s touchy feely in my opinion. Some of the worst experiences of my life were touchy feely incidents. This was a bit better, however, because it was an online class. I only had to draw the animal and then explain in writing why I picked what I did. I thought about it and finally chose a turtle. My reason was that sometimes I feel like I’m carrying the world on my back. But when it gets really bad all I have to do is pull my head into the shell and I’m safe. There’s a funny thing about turtles. A turtle can never have a friend over to spend the night. That’s because his house is on his back!

Am I lonely? I might be, at least some of the time. But most often I’m okay. It’s been this way so long I really prefer it. I entertain myself, either by watching TV, knitting, reading or using the computer. I participate in social networking and I enjoy that. I think. I try to analyze all of my faults and diagnose why I am the way I am. And I can never figure it out. But it’s all okay.

I picture myself as an old lady. I’m alone. I have some cats, but they can’t come in the house. And sometimes on the weekends the kids might come by. The weekends will seem pretty long. At least that is what my great-grandmother used to say. But I’ll still have the TV, my knitting or some books to read. I might even listen to the radio and sing a little. I don’t know if I’ll still be using the computer or partaking in social networking or if there will even be such a thing. I’ll still be analyzing myself and I’ll come up with the same diagnosis. And I’ll hope, that when I die, someone will notice.

Eleanor Rigby died in the church and was buried along with her name, nobody came.

All the lonely people,

where do they all come from?

I had to improvise on the Anthropologie knock off scarf. I did run out of yarn so I took out part and added another color then finished in the original dark green. Then I made the pompoms out of both yarns. I’m still not decided as to whether it looks okay or not. But it’s done. I'll post a better picture later.

Dark green with turquoise/green blend stripe.

Pom pom out of both yarns.

I started a GAP-tastic Cowl. It's on Ravelry. I found a boo boo so had to fix it. I like it so far.

Now you see it!

Now you don't!

Day 287, January 12, and I’m still knitting! Surprise! I’m being thorough today. Finishing up all the little things, the paperwork and such, that I need to. I choose a thick aqua yarn. Day 288, January 13, and I’m still finishing! There was more than I thought and I didn’t get it all done yesterday. But I did today. I’m almost caught up if anyone can ever be caught up. I chose a rose colored cotton. TGIF! It’s day 289, January 14 and I’m feeling a little cornered. I am pretty independent and I don’t like having to report to people. So I’m not. I’m lying low! I meet Callye and kids in Odessa. Alan even comes up to join us. The littles are coming home with me for the weekend! After a nice supper we head home. Belle chooses to ride with Alan and the boys with me. There isn’t a moment someone isn’t talking! I choose a black and white twist with spots of color throughout. January 15, day 290, I feel wanted. There’s nothing quite like three little kids, all clamoring for your attention. Makes you feel a little important. I choose a warm colored yarn that is orange, gold and green variegated. It’s fuzzy, too, so it reminded me of a warm fuzzy! Ha ha Day 291, January 16, and I’m feeling a little hypocritical! The wanted feeling is turning into demanding! I’ve just forgotten how three littles can need so much attention. But it’s a good demanding, if there can be such a thing! I choose a light blue fuzzy yarn. The little kids are the sunshine of my life. They can always make me smile. They worry that I’m alone when they are gone. I guess they know.

 

Ah, look at all the lonely people.

Ah, look at all the lonely people.

Material Girl

Living in a material world,

And I am a material girl.

You know that we are living in a material world.

And I am a material girl.

Can she make it on time if she pushes snooze again? She doesn’t know but she’s willing to risk it. Already? There’s the radio again. This time she has to get up. As she stumbles out of bed she knows she shouldn’t have pushed snooze. Now she has to hurry.

She rushes to the closet wondering why she didn’t take the time last night to get organized and figure out what she was going to wear. Surely there is a clean pair of black pants in there. She thinks she can never have too many pairs of black pants so she buys them whenever she finds them on sale. Those don’t look too bad. A little wrinkled, but she thinks she can smooth them with a wet rag and the blow dryer. It’s quicker than ironing.

There’s a black tank top. That will work. Black is supposed to make you look slimmer, right? There is no way she’d ever wear something sleeveless at the office. It’s too cold. Besides that those arms are pitiful. Where is that jacket, the blue one, with the black buttons? There. That’s a lot better. She always tries to hide her many imperfections.

Finally, with a to-go cup of coffee, she’s out the door. Where are the keys? She doesn’t need the confusion this morning. Thankfully it’s not too far to work. She sings loud as she drives. And she’s there. And she realizes she should be thankful because she has a job.

What happened to do what you love? That’s what they said in school. But doing what you love is complicated. There are bills to pay. There are shoes to buy. There are things she wants, things she needs, things that take money. She has a life to live and if it has to be done it can at least be done with style. So it’s to work, every day. Or has she settled? Does she just go because she has to exist?

And she dreams. She dreams in color. And she dreams in texture, smooth, bumpy, squishy, soft and fuzzy. And she dreams of warmth. The picture, rows of colored yarn, any color you could ask for. And she thinks if she was doing what she loved, she’d be there, in a comfortable chair, a favorite movie, needles and yarn in hand, creating, designing and knitting.

But she’s a material girl.

Living in a material world.

I’d still rather be knitting than much else. I’m sure it will pass. Maybe I’m just tired. The weekend helped. I didn’t have to do anything. Alan was working so I was by myself. I could do what I wanted. And I did. The Anthroplogie scarf may have hit a snag. I had more than enough yarn according to the pattern, cast on 100 less stitches, and had the same measurements going. But it looks like I won’t have enough to finish it like I wanted. Decisions. Day 283, January 8 is Saturday. Nothing going on at all. I’m excited! Coffee, movie, knitting, movie, maybe getting dressed, maybe not! Just so many choices! I took it easy. I used a turquoise/green wool that I really like. It may go into the Anthropologie scarf if I need it to. Day 284 is Sunday. It’s January 9 and another relaxed day. I’m getting the yarn cabinets ready for yarn. I’ve actually started with the red. It’s all the red and pink I’ve found so far but I have a feeling there’s more. I’ll go into orange and yellow next, which I doubt I have too much of, then on to green, blues and purples. I’ll leave the browns and blacks til last and might put all the ribbon type together. I might keep the dishrag cotton together in one place too. It’s sure going to be interesting seeing what all I have! I choose red, to remember this is where I’ve started. Day 285, January 10, I feel a little like a government agent or something! I’m the eraser, archiving illegal users on a software package we have at work. It’s kind of fun in a convoluted sort of way! I’m not choosing randomly. I have a list. And I also have asked to have the entire campus turned off. I’m waiting for the phone calls to begin! I chose a blue and white wool blend. I just used it for a cowl or infinity scarf. It reminds me of the sky and clouds. January 11, day 286, and I am on overloaded! We have a guest speaker letting us know the changes for the next school year in the dreaded tests the students are forced to take to graduate. It seems as soon as they master something it has to become harder. The presenter used an example of the math he took as a senior in an advanced class being the same his nephew is taking now in 4th grade. So how come there’s so many dumb people out there? Ah, well. I chose purple eyelash yarn. Purple is supposed to mean royalty. That seems to be what the people who decide to rule these kids lives think they are. I won’t start. On a bright note, the lady who created the knitayear project contacted me about possibly using my strips in an exhibit. It would be overseas. It’s an interesting idea. I might participate. Wonder how much it would cost? ;)

Living in a material world.

And I am a material girl,

You know that we are living in a material world.

And I am a material girl…

Happy New Year!

No more champagne,

And the fireworks are through.

Here we are, me and you…

The euphoria associated with a brand new year is slowly wearing off. The Christmas decorations are down. The first week of reality has set in. Most people are back to work, to their regular routines, except for the resolutions. What about those resolutions? It’s been almost a week. Are they still as bright and desirable as they were? Is the drive and the energy to accomplish still there? Hopefully!

I was reading about resolutions and what it takes to keep them. One article said four out of five people who make New Year’s resolutions will eventually break them. In fact, a third of those people won’t even keep their resolutions to the end of January. I find that kind of sad.

How can you keep the momentum going? If I knew that I’d write one of those great self help books and become rich! But I read some ideas that would help me do it.

First, be realistic. You have to start small. If you can’t even walk a half mile how can you compete in a marathon next month? But if you start walking or exercising every day, chances are you’ll build up to marathon completion status. Probably not the marathon next month, but the one that is a little further down the road. Make a plan and follow it and you’ll get there.


Second, reward yourself. It’s fun to be successful! Do what you are trying to do and treat yourself for your accomplishments. Buy a book, get a manicure/pedicure, or try a fancy restaurant. You deserve it!




Third, stick with it. Messing up one day isn’t an excuse to give up. You may get in a situation where you can’t do what you need to do for that day. But you can get right back to it. It’s hard. But you can do it.




And finally, tell someone. It’s a lot more work to be accountable to someone. If you are trying to drink water every Wednesday it will be a lot harder to NOT drink that water if you know I’m going to ask about it!




Basically what all of the articles seemed to say was to make a plan and make your goals or resolutions ’s specific and realistic. Even though you have to be the one to accomplish the goal, get support from friends and family to help you keep the momentum. They will cheer your success and encourage you when you slip. And it makes you accountable. I’m not sure if any of this will make you more successful in carrying out your resolutions. It was just something I ran across that made sense to me. And so concludes the self-help advice post for the week! You can send your nickel, via PayPal, credit card or check! Good luck!

Happy new year!

Happy new year!

May we all have a vision now and then.

Of a world where every neighbor is a friend...

I’ve really been in a knitting mood for some reason. If I could I’d just stay in my chair with a good movie and knit all day. But someone has to help pay back the student loans! Knitayear is going strong as well. It’s always exciting when I get to start a new strip. Day 279, January 4, is the first day back to work and is a day full of training. I’m tired because I’ve been staying up as late as I want and sleeping late too. The training is okay but nothing I’ve not heard before. I picked brown with little tufts of color. I loved this yarn when I got it. It’s pretty old. Day 280, January 5, started off foggy. I was about to leave when Alan said not to get in a hurry because it was so foggy. I called in and it finally cleared around 9:00. I left and it was still lifting. But I crossed the caprock and NOTHING. No fog. Completely clear. I was afraid they would think I made it up! It was another meeting and an assignment that could turn out to be a bit difficult. But I’m ambitious and thinking I can finish it up like I’m supposed to do it. I choose a shiny green ‘vintage’ yarn. I found a can with a lot of little balls of yarn that I forgot I had. Day 281 is January 6. I haven’t figured it all out but I’m motivated and hope to finish today because I have tomorrow off and I don’t want to come in if I don’t have to. I choose a variegated maroon, white, dark blue and green. Another vintage. And day 282, January 7, is the best day ever. It’s my day off. I’m delighted as Bryce likes to say! I don’t know why, but it really seemed like I needed it. I’m just taking it easy, knitting, watching a movie and relaxing. Alan brought lunch then went back to work. I fixed supper later and we just hung out. Nice. I chose a bright sunny yellow. It’s a delightful color!

I finished the Button Scarf Wrap. I like the yarn and I like how it turned out.

I started an Anthropologie Inspired Pom-Pom scarf, for fun. It’s lengthwise and it said to cast on 400 stitches. I only did 300 and hope it’s not ten feet long! It’s only 26 rows so it won’t be as bad as it could be. It’s dark green.

I’ve eaten more fruit and drank more water since the first. I’m going to read a book this week. Ask me about it. And how are your resolutions coming?

Happy new year!

Happy new year!

May we all have our hopes, our will to try.

If we don't we might as well lay down and die.

You and I.

And You'll Be Bright…

All the things you'll love,
All the things that may hurt you,
All the things you shouldn't do,
And all the things you want to...
They're calling your name...travel safely.

It’s the New Year and everybody is thinking about resolutions. We all want to improve or change ourselves or something we do. It’s a tradition. But I’ve decided I won’t make any resolutions. Not big resolutions anyway. Why? Because I think I’d only be setting myself up for failure. Instead of posting a list of things I most likely won’t accomplish I decided to try something new.

I’m not being negative. I’m being realistic. But sometimes I can be negative. That’s something I do want to work on. I have a friend, “Miss B”, who is the most positive person I’ve ever known. When the sky is full of clouds she finds the rainbow. So, I’m going to try to be like her when I grow up!

I’ve also decided I’ll do little things. I’ll call them “mini”loutions. I might choose to drink 8 glasses of water. Just today. I’m not going to say I’ll do it for the whole year. But I could do it for one day. Or maybe I’ll eat more fruits and vegetables. Today. I really think I can master little resolutions. That’s not to say I’m not going to try to lose weight, become more organized, and spend more time with friends and family. Isn’t that what the top resolutions usually are? But I’m not going to resolve to do all that then not make the grade.

I’ll also take things in stride. And I’ll look for the bright spot in whatever happens. If you look hard enough you can usually find something. Isn’t that right “Miss Bee”?

This may not be the year I grow up but I’m going to give it a shot anyway. Not everyday. Just sometimes. And who knows? I might like it so much I’ll keep doing it!

What comes will come.

What goes will go.

The wind will blow where the wind is blowing.

Let go of where you think you're going.

We'll never know why it flows where it's flowing.

It’s the last strip of the knityear project! It didn’t seem to take so very long. Or maybe it’s just that time seems to pass faster the older you get. Anyway, it’s a new strip, kind of fitting, since it starts on the first day of the new year. And since it’s the New Year I’m optimistic that it’s going to be a good one. It’s day
276, January 1, 2011. It’s going to take some time to get that down! I picked a yarn that’s pink and green with a gold sparkle through it. It’s peaceful but has the sparkle of the new year, new beginning. Day 277 is January 2. I’m sick. It’s probably whatever Callye and the kids had. Coughing and congestion. I’ve just been laying around all day. Have to feel better because I have to go to work tomorrow. I picked green Paton’s grace. I’m feeling pretty green today! And here it is, the end of vacation. It’s Day 278, January 3. I’m really reluctant to go to work. It will be okay when I get there. I think I’m just ready to retire and not work for a while. But then what else would I do? I picked maroon worsted. Just kind of there.

I did do a couple of things during vacation though, besides cook, clean and wrap presents! I made a Loop D’ Loop scarf. (Ravelry link) It was fun and it’s really kind of cute. I used a skein of novelty yarn, a ribbon with a gold sparkle.

Wrapped three times.

Long

Wrapped double.

I liked it so well I made another in some crazy psychedelic colors.

Spread out

Wrapped

I also finished Ty’s scarf and made a cowl out of some white and blue I got at Tuesday Morning. So I was a little bit productive in a fun way! I’m ready for the year. What comes will come and what goes will go. And I’ll be bright.

Ty's scarf

Blue and white cowl. Better picture later.

We've always been what we will always be.

I'm so convinced we have to get there, we can part the sea.

So bring the dead to life, turn your blood to wine.

All your life you have waited for this moment to arrive.

And you'll be bright.