Same Old Lang Syne

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to now… 

Here it is, already ten days into the New Year. So far I haven’t noticed a lot of difference between 2013 and 2014.

It’s customary to make resolutions. At least I think I am supposed to make resolutions but like I heard Rachel Ray say on her show one of the days during the holiday, “I fail enough without setting myself up!” I agree. So no resolutions for me! However, my friend Robyn posted something intriguing on Facebook. Basically she said she chooses a word for the year. It sounded interesting. I thought I could do that. But it’s harder than it sounds! Try it. Think of a word that you could use to do some of the things that resolutions state but without the concrete statement. So I thought. I came up with a few, narrowed it down and finally settled on one. My word for the year is “Embrace”.

Embrace means a lot of things; to hold someone closely, to accept or support, as in an idea or practice, and to include or contain as in a part of something bigger. I want to embrace the changes to come, love the people I love and maybe include some new ones, and to celebrate all of the opportunities I have, both in my life and in my job! When faced with a challenge I want to look at it as a chance to grow instead of a chore.

It won’t be any easier than keeping resolutions. But maybe it will result in more positive changes because it seems, to me anyway, that it’s broader than specific statements. I guess we’ll see!

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to time… 

I’ve already made a couple of things this New Year. Funny how much you can get done when work doesn’t get in the way! There’s some knit and some crochet.

The Candy Cowl isn’t really finished. I’m going to add some ‘stuff’ because it’s a handspun that reminded me of art yarn. But since it didn’t have anything added in I decided I’d just add it myself!

Candy Cowl from Ravelry

I’m not sure how warm the little gloves would keep your hands but they look good!

Crochet Openwork handwarmers. Fun and quick!

And the One Good Turn cowl is a great stashbuster for those orphan skeins. I like how it turned out.

Lion Brand Amazing. Turned out pretty!

I hope to keep up the momentum. We’ll see!

Reliving in our eloquence, another 'auld lang syne'...

My List

Under an old brass paperweight, my list of things to do today… 

I’m a list maker. That doesn’t mean I always use my lists but I do make them. I write down what I need at the grocery store then promptly leave the list elsewhere. I write down things I have to do at work and cross them off or write them again for the next day. And every year it seems I have the same old resolutions; exercise more, eat less; get more organized, work less. I always have the best intentions, yet my resolve rarely lasts through January, if even that long.

Those things are important, no doubt. But I wonder if some of the little things I let slide, the things not written down, aren’t just as important.

What if I went to bed before midnight and got up a little earlier in the morning? I’d miss some of the horrid traffic on the everyday commute. I’d see the last of the night turn into the brand new morning. I’d get to work on time.

What if I didn’t say, “In a minute,” or “maybe tomorrow” or “not right now” when one of the littles wanted me to do something? I’d have a good time. Whichever one or even all of them would have a good time. I’d make a memory.

What if I saved that almost $5.00 for a coffee drink that usually doesn’t taste right anyway? I’d have money to get new windows. I’d be able to have a date night. I could buy more Christmas presents or I’d have a bonus in case of a rainy day.

What if I just did whatever it is instead of waiting for a better time? Or until I wasn’t so tired? It would be done. I’d be finished. Then I could go on and do something I really wanted to do instead of always something I had to do.

And what if I didn’t eat that piece of candy that I don’t really want anyway? I’d save a few calories which in turn might save a few pounds. I’d feel better and look better and probably become healthier. And I wouldn’t have to go to the dentist as often.

What if instead of waiting until tomorrow I got started today? Just think of the possibilities! I can catch up on all the things I’ve missed. I’ll start living. And that’s a great thing to have on my list.

There's still more than a few things left I haven't got to yet...

The flu bug or something just as dreadful hit our house. This, in fact, is the second time I’ve been a target. I don’t know if it’s really THE flu but whatever it is has power. I’m knocked out and every bit of energy is zapped. Add that to cough, congestion, head and body aches and well, I think I was sick. I’m at the tail end of the cycle, just in time to go back to work. Now Alan is in bed with the same ailments. I couldn’t do much but I did manage to play with yarn. I knitted a couple of infinity scarves and also crocheted some as well, just for a break. I played with Scribble Lace, one of my favorite things to do. It’s quite nice really!

One really thick yarn and one really thin yarn.

Start livin' that's the next thing on my list...

Oh Christmas Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree 

How lovely are your branches... 

What? Just a little late you’re thinking, right? Well, probably. But I didn’t get any pictures of the tree posted prior to Christmas. Our custom is to leave it up til after New Year’s Day and this year I had to go back to work on January 2. I was thinking I might never get it down when I remembered reading about the Twelfth Night.

Wasn't it pretty?

I’ve always thought, as probably a lot of people do, that the Twelve Days of Christmas meant the days before Christmas. Well, come to find out, it’s actually the twelve days after Christmas! In the olden days, the Twelfth Night to Epiphany morning was the traditional time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations. I’m not so behind after all!

Three cross stitched candy cane holders. Made by the mother of one of my former students, now a friend. Intricate.

Admittedly, I’m not always the most prompt in taking down the Christmas decorations. First off, it’s like the little red hen around here. I don’t get a lot of help, either putting things out or gathering them up after the holidays. Working 11 hours a day then doing it in my ‘spare’ time doesn’t always warrant a fast pickup. There have been some years the tree and decorations were up way past Christmas. In fact, I think it was around June last year when I spied a snowman (the tree was down at least!) I’d forgotten to put away. It doesn’t really matter because nobody comes out here so my secret is safe! Nevertheless, I was pleased to find out about Epiphany, even though I might stretch it out another twelve days!

My grandmother crocheted the ball ornaments. She said she didn't have a pattern and each one is just a bit different. The others are just an assortment of things I like.

I made this little angel years ago. She probably qualifies as an antique!

Can't see well but one of my favorites. One year I was supposed to get a rocking chair and it didn't come so my mom and dad gave me this ornament to let me know. Inside is a rocking chair, presents, doll, and toys.

Some family ornaments. There are many. And no, I didn't forget you Bryce and Callye! Camera acted up.

As I’m taking the ornaments off, putting them in their packages, in a box, for next year, I remember where each one came from. They are good memories but the whole ordeal has an air of sadness. This Christmas is over. We had a white Christmas this year and everyone came here. Those memories will go in the box with the special ornaments. I look at the individual baubles, those marking ‘first’ Christmas, those marking life events and those handmade with love. Some I made, some were gifts and some were put together by little hands in school. Our tree is decorated in patchwork. Each ornament is connected to the others in a crazy way creating a blanket of memories. I’ll pack the ornaments away and rediscover the delight next year when it all comes back out.  

It was a white Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree, 

Oh, Christmas Tree 

Your gentle spirit teaches us. 

That peace and love shall ever be 

As faithful as a Christmas Tree... 

I’m almost finished with the shawl. She may have to do the blocking, but at least the knitting will be done. I really want to start something new. Or maybe several somethings! But I’m being good. So far!

On the downhill side! It'd go faster if I'd quit messing up!

The lace edge

I posted a status on Facebook and promised to make something for the first five people who commented. I got a lot, really fast, which surprised me. Anyway, I took all seven. I’ll be making something for Debi, Rachel, Marivel, Carla, Charli, Katie and Amy sometime during 2012. It’s kind of exciting! And it snowed today. That would make it all right to leave the snowmen out for a while. It sometimes even snows in February, right?  

In summer sun or winter snow, 

A coat of green you always show. 

Oh Christmas Tree, 

Oh, Christmas Tree 

How lovely are your branches.

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.

This Looks Like A December Day…

This looks like a "time to remember" day.

And I remember the spring, such a sweet tender thing.

It’s the last day of December. It’s New Year’s Eve. It’s the end of the old year and the beginning of a fresh new one.

http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com/ New Year cookies!

It’s a time of reflection. A time to think about what could have, should have been. It’s a time to realize some things will never happen. And maybe it’s a time to realize there’s a reason they don’t.

And love's summer college,

Where the green leaves of knowledge,

Were waiting to fall with the Fall.

It’s also a time to reflect on the changes and improvements one strives to make. It’s a new time, the slate wiped clean. It’s time to resolve to do better, do more, do something.

http://sweetsugarbelle.blogspot.com/ Resolution cookies.

I can’t say 2010 was a bad year. But there were certainly some down times. And I expect 2011 to be the same. It’s natural.

Bryce under the lighted trees in Johnson City.

Johnson City, Texas, court house grounds.

But I’ll look forward, wish for the best, and do what I can to make it a happy new year. There’s always hope.

 And where September wine,

Numbed the measure of time.

Through the tears of October, now November's over,

And this looks like a December day.

The end of December is the end of my third strip. It’s the fall strip in the series. It seems shorther than the others but I haven’t really measured. When I do I’ll let you know! Day 271, December 27, brought contentment. Things had gone well, everyone traveled safely. It was also a little hurried. We were going on a whirlwind trip to Austin. Alan had a workshop and Bryce and I had to go shop! We ate German in Fredericksburg and then got to go to Ikea. That’s a treat in itself. The night was finished with Kirby Queso then on to the hotel for a night of snoring. Apparently we all do it, or so they say. I have my doubts. I chose a blue and white wool blend that I’m making a cowl out of. Day 272, December 28, was a hurried day. There’s so much shopping to be done and so little time! Bryce and I went shopping while Alan was learning. I have to say he’s the best shopping buddy I have. He’s not afraid to go to new places and we like the same thing. He doesn’t whine that he’s tired but he does get grouchy if you don’t feed him! We found some good things and had fun. I did anyway! The trip home was uneventful. Stopped at Coopers and ate more than our share of meat. Then I slept almost the rest of the way home. Kind of getting sick I think. I chose red sparkly yarn. It was a good day. Day 273, December 29, was a pleasant day. It was another fast shopping trip day. We hit the thrift stores for fun and found a few treasures. There was an orphan hand knit sweater I rescued. It will become something else. I just couldn’t bear for it to sit on a rack alone knowing the lover that went into it. I chose some yarn from the sweater. It’s black with blue, pink and yellow interweaved throughout. It’s pretty yarn and was a pretty sweater. Very well made. Next is day 274, December 30 It’s a bittersweet day. The time passed so quickly. It’s time for Bryce to go back to Europe. There’s a great party he needs to attend! Ah, to be young and have no cares. It was hard, but not as hard for me this time. I know he misses us and I wasn’t so sure the first time! I chose a gold ribbon yarn. It’s for the golden times we had for the holiday and it called to me today. Day 275 is the last day for this strip! It’s December 31, a relaxed day. I’m most likely in pj’s for the day. The great plans for the evening will be to stay awake! Ha ha. We don’t have any Champagne but there’s plenty of other ‘spirits’ so if necessary I’ll console myself. I chose a Noro that has some purple, turquoise, green and gold in it. It’s going to be a new year, the beginning again. Maybe I won’t make the same mistakes. Maybe.

This looks like a December day.

It looks like we've come to the end of the way.

And this looks like a December day.