Miss Understood

Maybe some of you have come up against this perception before, but I recently saw a comedic sketch with regard to (blogging,) twittering, etc. that made me sort of cringe. The jist being that tweets and blogs are a mode of communication for people who like to "randomly brag about their unexceptional lives." The article was aimed more specifically at Twittering but it's obvious that the perspective applies to blogging by the same line of logic. So instead of random bragging--- I suppose blogging would be my attempt at bragging about my unexceptional life as succinctly and cohesively as possible! Well, it actually does end up being mostly random...

The notion really does explain a lot for me, though. I've made a few attempts to (rather breathlessly) describe to my non-bloggy friends all the cool people, places and things I've read, seen, met in these past few months of blogging. But it seems whenever I've done this, I've only succeeded in bringing whatever conversation I've joined, to a grinding halt.
"Blog?... *Blink, blink*... *polite listening mode*... okay, then... onto the next subject."

Oh dear, I had no idea I was being thought of as a "braggy blogger." Alright, fair enough.

I take particular pride then, in letting it be known that in addition to becoming an eco-warrior wannabe, I've recently become a bath products ho', too. Yep that's right, thanks to Kristy Bowen over at Dulcet. She is a gifted poet, artist, and artisan. I also happen to love her photography. So have a look at some of her hand-made bath delights I've been happily steeping in:

Evangeline Fragrant Bath Tea

Ambrosia Bath Milk

Orange Blossom Bath Salts


And while I'm on a roll here, a couple of other pretties I've scored in the summer past from her lovely shop:

Vintage crochet dress


Hand-made pendant necklace


It will be many months until I can actually wear, but seeing that dress in my closet gives me a tangible reminder of warmer weather to come... so in the meantime, I'll cease the 'showing off' and get back to working on my Audrey gloves whose warmth I'm badly in need of right now. Thanks for indulging me and I hope your day gives time for your own indulgences, too.

Yours,
Miss Understood


(Photos, Kristy Bowen)

Short and sweet

Now that the kids are getting older, Mike and I have been able to make most Friday nights our regular movie night. Even with the convenience of Netflix and Pay-per-view, we prefer to be the suckers that hand over extra coin to sit in a crowded theatre with sticky floors. Hey, it's an 'outing' for us. And I guess there's a certain nostalgia attached, harkening back to younger days when Mike used to buy a huge tub of popcorn and watch back-to-back double features at the theatre across the street from the school we attended.

Yesterday, I watched a short film by Julia Stiles called Raving. I missed seeing the film when it was released in 2007 on IFC and Sundance but came across it when I was looking for videos of Hello Dolly. The film is posted in 5 minute increments on YouTube, although there are sound glitches- I think its twenty minutes has the same remarkable impact as a good full length feature. I am so sold on the idea of short films! And not because I'm tying into the causal mass-market short-attention-span argument. The same way poetry gives larger interpretation and room for reflection upon the written word and the space between words, so do the techniques employed in short filmography.

So find a short film to watch! You'll be sweeter for the experience... and you'll still have time to finish that hefty novel you've been working on.

Okay, I'm unable to resist posting this now. Zooey Deschanel (wearing Armani,) singing 'Hello Dolly' in the credits for Raving:
It starts on a scene change so the screen will be black for the first few seconds.


Zooey Deschanel sings "Hello Dolly." From Raving. from Gowanus Sound Initiative on Vimeo.

Springtime and "frogging"

Even though the pond behind our back yard still is only a tangle of bare sticks waiting to become the foliage of alder trees, there actually came a sign to the Big 'Burbs that Spring is indeed on its way. Two nights ago, I was able to hear just a few little frogs doing their nocturnal chirping. In our past 12 years of residence, this has always been the first sign. I have no idea what particular species inhabits the pond... I just know that in the full swing of Spring and throughout Summer, they've got to be the noisiest (and most amorous) kind of frog there ever was. I say amorous because apparently, frogs chirp to call their mates to them. And just to give an idea of the level of noise these creatures are capable of--- it's not possible to answer an evening phone call in the middle of summertime without the person on the other end inquiring as to all the raucous in the background. "Oh that?--- that's just hundreds of frogs asking each other, Hey baby, what's your sign?" :)

Actually, my contemplating the frogging or "rippit-rippit" of a few knit projects is what got me talking about my froggy neighbors to begin with. Here's one I've been working on for a while and have finally decided to rip out.


The body of the sweater turned out kind of boxy even though it was supposed to be fitted and the main yarn, S. Charles "Victoria" is a cotton viscose with barely any stretch. The fitted sleeves probably would end up cutting off circulation, so if I decide to try this pattern again I may do a short sleeve version.


I really like the look of the variegated yarn, but I just don't think the green is that fantastic.
I also did not like the wool I was using for my Audrey Fingerless Gloves so I'm ripping those out as well and I'm switching to a bamboo fiber. Hopefully, it will yield a sleeker result.


Today, I accompanied Child #2 and his classmates to a terrific production of Jerry Herman's Hello Dolly at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre. I absolutely adore musical theatre and I have to exercise great restraint to keep from getting up and beltin' out with the cast members. (Even so, as soon as anyone on stage begins high-kicking, I'm clapping in unison by the fourth count.)
Which begs two questions: what is song without dance?
And what is dance without a voice raised in song?
I say, the former is called opera and the latter, ballet. I don't mean to be glib, though! I was trained classically in both music and dance, and my mom scraped pennies together from her teacher's salary to pay for my piano and ballet lessons so I won't fully bash either genre--- even if they are rather uptight art forms.;)
Did you know that musical theatre is exclusively American in origin? It certainly follows suit that everything good that we can attribute to being American can also be seen, heard, and heart-felt in our favorite productions: every tender duet, stately promenade, foot-stomping chorus, preposterous predicament and happy ending. Yes, it's formulaic and predictable--- but I certainly can't resist the appeal.

Since the schools in the area typically attend the morning performances of theatre productions, the audience today was full of students from elementary age to high school. The scene was typical to what one would expect: droves of Converse-wearing youths, Ipods in ears, cell phones in hands, trying to squeeze in as much texting, chatting, and guffawing as they could before the start of the show. And truthfully, it was kind of fun being in the midst of all that energy, (That's my guy--- bottom right.)


although it's been a while since I've attended this type of event with such a young crowd. I didn't really think about how they might perceive such a thing as a good ol' American musical, set in the 1890's no less. (Actually the Pixar movie WallE featured two songs from Hello Dolly.) I assume most of the students were happy just not to be in school for a few hours. I don't know what the word is for the feeling I had later--- pleasantly-surprisedness? warm-fuzziness? But I give those kids a lot of credit. Well, I give Musical Theatre a lot of credit, too. The mostly school-aged audience LOVED the production and the leading lady Jennifer Lewis so much their enthusiasm caused her to do an impromptu repeat of the main chorus. We were sitting in the third row and I could swear she looked right down at our cheering section when she gave the signal to the conductor--- there was slight pause and then... again! As far as I'm concerned, it can never be enough: the pageantry of high stepping waiters in waistcoats & spats and the glorious Mrs. Levi in brocade, beading and plumes!

And those kids, the same pensive creatures that can be known to avoid eye contact and won't give two words when pressed, were giving a standing ovation at the final curtain. Pretty cute if you ask me.

I leave you now with this and I hope it puts a little spring in your step!

Knit endeavors, what's old is new again

I’m currently working on cataloging some of the projects I completed before I joined Ravelry, when there wasn't the division of time between keyboard and needles! I've decided that every time I post a newly completed project or new work-in-progress, I will also catalog a 'Pre-Rav' finished object too, as long as I still have the yarn and pattern specs handy.

Pictured is "Paloma", out of Handknit Skirts from Tricoter. I'm all for having at least a few mindless projects that I can go to. If it's straight stockinette, I can usually catch up on some reading while I knit. Still, the fun of alternating several different yarns at once kept the skirt from becoming too tedious.
Yarns used: All from Blue Moon Fiber Arts- Geisha, Lupe, Silk Mo, and Twisted. All in color: Carbon.
The shaping occurs with needle size changes; beginning at the hem with a US 8 or 5mm, then 7, and ending with a 6 at the waist band--- so the stitch count remains the same from start to finish: another crucial 'knit while doing something else' quality. :) The fringe is also automatically created as yarn/color changes happen— and so the best part: no finishing except adding elastic to the waist, which I skipped.
A relaxing, gratifying piece to knit. I’ve worn this skirt with a tee and flops in warmer weather, and with tights and boots in the cold.




Recession style: I also refurbished an old pair of ballet flats this weekend by resurrecting and re-purposing some of my gi-normous pearl beads from twenty years ago and crocheting the roses from this pattern by Kalurah. I smile at the irony of re-fashioning 80's excess.



And these were my inspiration: $538 (***??!!) Tsumori Chisato's that I'd spied in one of Wicked Pen's polyvores. ;) Lequel est meilleur?




Next in the knit queue are these:



Now if only I could look as cool as Giovanna wearing them:






















*sigh* Considering there are few wardrobes like a certain Italian Vogue editor's, and so many more women that like me--- who could never wear over-the-knee boots without looking like complete ho's/tarts, I think I'd best content myself with new fingerless gloves... and old blue jeans.

(Photos: Garance Dore, Scott Schuman)

Paying It Forward

I've decided today is the perfect day (see previous post) to join the "Paying It Forward" gang from Heather's Eden and give a gift to each of the first three people to comment here.

The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a gift from me "sometime during this year". The prize is a surprise and will be mailed to wherever you are. I will spend some time visiting the three winner's blogs to try to get to know them better, to give me a better idea of what might make a nice gift for them. Then they will unexpectedly receive a gift from me at some point during the year.

You must post this same thing (Paying it Forward Giveaway) on your own blog and then come back and leave a comment telling me you're in, along with a link.

Remember, only the first 3 comments participating in the Pay It Forward Giveaway will receive a gift.

Recap of the Rules:
1. Be one of the first three to leave a comment to this post, with the link to your Pay It Forward Giveaway post.
2. Be willing to follow through on sending out one prize each to three lucky winners of your contest.
3. Make sure your profile has contact information available.

Thank you note

Dear Eco Women: Protectors of the Planet,

Thank you so much for the fabulous eco-stationery set. I was thrilled to win your One Year Anniversary drawing but I never expected such a windfall! A hefty package arrived yesterday from Eco Lassie containing two sets of pretty note cards, a lovely journal, a set of three memo pads, a mini notepad & matching pen and the sweetest little Gesundheit! tissues.


I hardly feel worthy of such a gift, given that I started visiting your website only recently, only have been eating organically for the past three years and before that I didn't see myself as having very much potential for active Green-ness at all.

After all, I grew up in Southern California during the Age of Excess. We ran our air-conditioning units non-stop during the summer and heated our swimming pools to duplicate tropical temperatures in the winter. And when we happened to look around and notice the haze from our ghastly carbon emissions, we wondered--- but still considered it highly unlikely that a few cans of hairspray could cause something as big as the ozone to shrink. By the time environmental issues came more to the forefront of my awareness, I felt like a bit of a loser given my 'sorted past'--- but mostly I felt overwhelmed at the task of sorting out so much information about things like sustainable food choices and eco-friendly production of goods. I mean, really. Where to begin when I'd had such a faulty foundation? It's not always easy to know which products in the marketplace are just taking advantage of a trend in consumer behavior and which products are actually environmentally sound.


Enter the Eco Women! It's just been a few weeks since I first logged onto your site, and now I'm actually toying with the idea of planting a vegetable or two of my own, (probably in a container--- baby steps :)) something I've never had the where-with-all to do. In addition, I've learned about eco-friendly paper products that don't feel at all like fiber board, Green clothing, toiletries, buildings, and transportation to name a few other things. I think many who already know the Eco Women are right now nodding in recognition of your knowledgeable, super-powered yet down to earth efforts toward protecting the planet.

Thank you for your great sense of fun and your general awesomeness at what you do. I will certainly be using my new stationery in good conscience.

Yours,
Kathy

P.S. Eco Lassie, I loved the Puppy Dog stickers on the outside of the mailer--- such cute Ruff-ruffs!

Sincere compliment

When pure sincerity forms within, it is outwardly realized in other people's hearts. -Lao Tzu, 6th century B.C.

A couple of years ago, my older son gave an "About Me" speech to his elementary school class. That particular assignment came during a period of time when school was distinctly difficult for him. Given the challenges of autism, his thought processes and locution have always been very concrete in quality. If you haven't already guessed, he's also extremely honest--- sometimes to a fault. So it was certainly not by accident that he concluded his speech and then said to the class:
"Any questions or compliments?"


Nathan's presentation was received with better-than-expected enthusiasm and since then, my husband has often made use of the same 'language' in his work setting, with equally positive results. And who doesn't need a good pat on the back every once in a while? Even a kid with autism can recognize the benefit of it.

I was once given a compliment that took me utterly by surprise, and so welcomed were the words, I still clearly remember them from a decade ago.

The five of us were on a plane to California. It was back in the day when the Three were all still small enough to require a booster seat for oldest, a car seat for the middle child, and an infant carrier for the baby when traveling. Although many airline passengers at the time stowed away car-safety paraphernalia during flight and opted for holding babies on laps--- Super Parents (that's us) certainly did not. Instead, my husband and I went marching down that narrow aisle with three children, three car seats, and at least three carry on bags in tow. Of course, getting the kids and everything else situated in cramped quarters with other passengers still boarding was a tumultuous process, to say the least. Our ambitious efforts were met with many glaring eyes not to mention the "OH CRAP" expression on the faces of the people who were destined to be seated next our clan.

The Three were accustomed to riding in their car seats and once put in, they were usually content to be in them for a good while. I can remember thinking to myself, "These people really need to chill. Once we get the kids situated, it'll be smooth sailing... just wait and see, people."

Long story short: our children were an absolute nightmare for the entire 3 1/2 hour flight. They kicked the seats in front of them and cried non-stop for reasons that I can't recall due to the stress of the situation.

By the time we landed, no one and I mean NO ONE would make eye contact with any of us--- those poor passengers. And there was still the issue of getting off the plane.
Mike was busy making multilpe trips down the aisle to unload the car seats and get the strollers from gate check. The kids had calmed down a bit since we'd landed but I was an utter wreck.

Then, out of nowhere--- a hand on my shoulder. It was white-haired gentleman, smiling. "You are such a good mother," he said. "and your children are so good." He wasn't being saracastic either.
I said something like, "Uh, no they haven't been."
"Oh yes, they're such good children," he said again as he made his way past our seat. And then over his shoulder he said, "and you're a good mother."

I almost cried from gratitude. I told Mike the story and it made us both laugh. Maybe the man was hard of hearing, or maybe his short term memory was failing him. I didn't care, it was still a sincere compliment that came when I really needed one--- amazing how its effects have lasted me to this day.

Saturday Pub Knit

One bagpiper, 4 yarn crafters, and about 100 run-walkers donning festive green apparel for a St. Patty's Day 5K to benefit PAWS: not the typical mix at your average knitting group venue! Maybe not so much in the states, but fiber-enthusiasts from the UK that I've met through Ravelry and blogosphere have frequently mentioned knitting in pubs. And it turns out, the idea really suited the local Ravelry knit group I've recently joined.

Since the Irish pub in our neighborhood welcomes children and families, I brought my teen-aged knitter/crocheter along with me to our recent knit meet. Morgan (taught herself to crochet by watching YouTube videos---) worked on a pair of purple fingerless gloves while I tried my hand at amigurumi. I decided that it probably wasn't particularly ideal to work a new technique while partaking a Hefeweizen at the same time, but luckily my knit friends V. and R. helped me avoid amigurumi disaster with their expert advice and assistance.
We actually added new members to our little assembly that same afternoon, via the festivities at the pub. Two Ravelers (mother & daughter) that had participated in the 5K run stopped by our table to find out if we might be members of the infamous online knit community as well. (Knitters usually can't help but stop to inspect the work of other knitters--- and we're always the better for it!)

After seeing the photos from our outing, Papa Bear commented that Morgan seemed pleased with being a part of the group. As with all of her many interests, it's great to see her take to an activity or hobby that she enjoys. This particular one happens to be a common interest amongst those in many age groups. I know I've certainly enjoyed that aspect to the fiber arts... especially with respect to one 14-year-old.

An extra $500?

I am so not a slogan-wearing gal. Heck, I don't own any coffee mugs with slogans on them. Nothing against them, really--- just don't have any. (I also don't wear clothing that has anyone else's name or slogan on my chest pockets, tush pockets, or on my pocketbooks, either.) But when Her Royal Highnesses at Kingdom of Style gave a shout out to TypeTees--- What? Slogan t-shirts that are goodly enough to amuse even the Royals? I was intrigued. Although, I still think 'the look' isn't one I can pull off... the webshop turned up quite a few that gave me a chuckle:









(Uh, yeah tell me about it.)













(I really love this last one because it reminds me of Chris Farley--- I miss him.)



Turns out, TypeTees accepts slogan submissions. If your submitted slogan is printed, you're $500 richer. Seems like it'd be hardly any work, especially for all the witty bloggers that I read! But, what if your slogan turns out to be the next "--it Happens" or "Have a Nice Day :)"?? Well in that case, 500 bucks would constitute a major rip-off! So I begin to wonder, is the next-to-best quote the aim for $500?...

Small pleasures again...

A little 'take-away' from Green Girl's fab post: Small Pleasures, a list of small things that are greatly pleasing.
It was so much fun to notate some of my favorite indulgences on Green Girl's comment page, I thought I'd re-list here with some extra lil' doo-dads tacked on:


* The lofty, fluffy footbeds inside a newer pair of Uggs not yet crushed flat from over-use.



* Begging my youngest to sing Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" a cappella--- and he complies.




* The crunchy softness of a fried doughnut rolled in granulated sugar.


* Sunglasses that make you feel 'instantly cool' when you put them on.

Conversing with the past...

I recently heard a historian refer to the study of history as being 'a conversation with the dead.' On that subject, I just picked up Alison Weir's biographical narrative, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, for this month's Ravelry Book Group discussion. I haven't read a lot of English Tudor history and I'm wondering what I'm getting myself into what with the size of this book alone!

In my student days, I immensely enjoyed the reading and lecture part of any school work I did. It was just the follow-up assignments that I loathed and procrastinated, and the exams and deadlines that I couldn't handle. It's a wonder I ever made it through. Nevertheless, it was always the learning that I loved and the 'proof of learning' that I was hopeless at.

So instead of our usual movie outing, (last weekend we saw Coraline--- creepy and wonderful at once) Mike and I ventured out this past Saturday morning to attend a lecture given by Professor R. Tracy McKenzie of the University of Washington titled, "Thinking Christianly About History - Possibilities to Explore, Pitfalls to Avoid." Hmmm... interesting topic, maybe even an inflammatory one at that! And no test to take afterward--- I'm all over that! I was also curious to know who else would be in attendance given the subject matter and the tenure of the speaker. Those in attendance turned out to be people from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds and a variety of academic disciplines including philosophy and mathematics. The lecture was extremely thought-provoking and challenging. And the mixture of people promoted a very satisfying question-answer session afterwards.

I must admit I'm pretty daunted at the task of trying to outline the lecture from the notes I took, certainly because 'proof of learning' has never been my forte as you know and also because I fear the danger of unwittingly botching up the intended message of the author. But I'll give it my best attempt only because this lecture has really helped me to understand the greater significance of 'proof of learning'--- and NOT in a way I've thought much of before. Below are the principles that Dr. McKenzie defines as imperative to the study of history, in no particular order according to him. I'm also eager to know how applicable you might think these academic principles to be, either from a sacred or secular perspective:

1) In the study of history, seek to analyze more than memorize. Seek to describe, explain, and evaluate the past. The literal Latin translation of the word educate is 'to draw out of,' NOT 'to put in.' Authentic education involves the occurrence of a change made within.

2) Seize every opportunity for moral reflection in the study of history. Evaluating the moral action of the dead should cause us to constantly evaluate our own moral world view. If we realize that the moment we arrive at a conclusion, we no longer see it, then we can understand how the values that shape us the most are the most invisible to us. When a consensus is acquired, all debate ceases.

3) Seek enlightenment from the past and NOT ammunition to promote our own agendas. When we use the past as ammunition, the result comes in form of the 'culture wars' we witness today. The cost: history is robbed of its power and loses it potential to surprise, unnerve and teach.

4) It's tempting to think too highly of our measure to know. Instead, let the knowledge gained from history cultivate wonder and humility. Human behavior is complicated and our understanding is limited by our finitude. Pride in the mastering, or the simplifying of a complex past only serves to puff us up and minimize the chasm between our own understanding and the sovereign omniscience of God.

5) Make yourself comfortable with complexity. Don't be afraid of the hard questions history may pose, strive to look for the very questions that cannot be answered simply and definitively.

6) It's all too easy to judge the values of others by simply applying our own values as the standard. Combat complacency in the study of history by putting the burden of proof upon yourself and invite the past to ask you hard questions.

7) Constantly clarify your identity. Don't allow your 'sense' of the past: what you've come to understand to be the cause of your political affiliations, economic, professional, familial, denominational affiliations to become blurred with your identity as a Christian. In other words, guard against what's called, "Christianity And."

Dr. McKenzie went on to examine three case-studies in the historical treatment of Slavery and the Civil War, the framing of the U.S. Constitution, and the Pilgrims and First Thanksgiving. His comprehensive knowledge and valuable insights certainly expanded my previous perfunctory understanding of all three case-study topics but there was for me one point that underscored the entire lecture, both in the content of the lecture itself and the manner in which the content was conveyed. That is, 'proof of learning' or the indication that someone has 'learned well' (particularly in the study of history) can be measured entirely by one thing: the amount of humility he or she has gained in the process.

A gross over-simplification on my part? What do you think?

Well, off now to 'visit' Henry's six wives. I've never read Alison Weir's work before so I have no idea what degree of fluff or fact this historical account will offer. But beginning with this book, I will be more intentional about welcoming the opportunity to change any regular way of thinking I may have but of course wouldn't know that I have until I start to read, evaluate, reflect...

Cat's Meow

Oh goody, goody, GOODY! I realize this is more Twitter than proper blog post but I don't do 'the Twitter' and I just wanted to say: OH GOODY!

No sooner had I been wishing, hoping, dreaming I could someday become a farm girl complete with boots, apron, basket for collecting eggs from the chickens... then my dear friend Linda phoned to ask if the kids and I would be willing to tend her 'little farm' for a whole week!!! The regular caretaker was unavailable and since the Three are now big enough to help, she thought of us. Linda's daughter and Morgan have been friends since they were just 3 years old. We've never had any pets of our own so our animal lover, Morgan has had to live vicariously through her long-time friend when it comes to the furry ones.

The 'little farm' is a picture-perfect homestead with horses, goats, chickens, lop-ear bunnies, kitties (one named Ally, pictured above)--- plus a big ol' dog to boot! Ohhhh!!! We are sooo excited!!!

Thank you Linda! You are my bestest fwiend ever!!!

Penelope's Web: anything perpetually doing but never done.

"Wife, one thing is certain—not all our soldiers will return from Troy unhurt … So I cannot say whether the gods will let me come back or whether I shall fall on Trojan soil. But I leave everything here in your charge. Look after my father and mother in the house as you do now … And when you see a beard on our boy's chin, marry whomsoever you fancy and leave your home." (Odysseus to Penelope, Homer, Odyssey 18.260).


Penelope waited two decades for her husband Odysseus to return to Ithaca from the Trojan War, not knowing whether he was dead or alive. In her long and painful wait her sole relief was to weep and sigh all day long, and to lie in her 'bed of sorrows' that she watered with tears until she fell asleep. In the meantime, she was forced to promise the scoundrels that called themselves her SUITORS, the pick of the Ithacan nobility, that she would wed one of them when the shroud of Laertes was finished. She endeavored for three years, weaving it by day and undoing it by night... (Carlos Parada, author of Genealogical Guide to Greek Mythology).


I was provided the obligatory course of Greek myths in 7th grade. I haven't thought about all of it for a very long time but I suppose the reason we were required to study Greek mythology was so we'd be able to connect its long-standing influence from ancient culture to the present day. Which makes me wonder if its long-standing influence is exactly the result of the long-standing practice of acknowledging its long-standing influence.... as evidenced in everything from the likes of Shakespeare to contemporary drama.


The 'wizardy and dragon' genre is certainly based in the very mythology. And I've never watched the TV show Lost, but I've recently learned that one of the characters by the name of Desmond Hume, is portrayed as having a faithful love interest who waits at home for him while he remains trapped on the island. Her name is Penny Widmore, in reference to the Penelope myth. I grew up in Southern California, so there stands at least an outside chance that I could have gone to 7th grade with one or more of the creators of that show... But I digress.

After a quick re-reading on Wikipedia, I realize that the Greek mythological tradition makes a pretty good expository on a whole range of human emotion and motivation. Well duh, I guess the word psyche is rooted in the Greek, isn't it? Yes, and so the proverbial Penelope's Web can apply to a lot of the things that make up daily life. And right now, I have no better description of the motivation behind my yarn endeavors than: perpetually doing but never done.

Firstly, knitting helped me maintain my sanity during Nathan's early years in the countless hours we spent waiting during doctor's evaluations and later, behavior and speech therapy. Like most knitters, my desire to knit is born out of the desire to contemplate and create an item. But the desire is not so much in the finished product as it is for the actual doing. For instance, I love contemplating items for baby gifts... but by the time I settle on just the right pattern, start the project several times with several different yarns and actually finish knitting, the occasion that I'd set out to knit for, will be long passed... during which time I probably went out and bought an item for Baby. (First sweater above was intended for R's baby girl, who received an Alexander doll in its stead.)
My long time knitting friends always tease me for being a perfectionist when it comes to knitting. True, they have seen me quite often ripping out finished work to start anew. True, I might have done so in order to fix a mistake I'd discovered. But I don't believe I do it out of a need for a perfect product, most especially because a good portion of my projects will never see completion. It's more the idea that I can rip out my mistake, go back, and repair--- all the while savoring the doing. I also like to think about how I've learned from my knitting mistakes and gained experience for future projects. People certainly learn from their mistakes in life, too. But in life, we aren't able to go back and fix, as we can in knitting.

Here, this head band (designed by Kalurah) is completed--- it was such a fun project, I'm sure I'll want to knit another:


My knitting library currently consists of about 85 books and magazines collected and gifted to me over a period of several years. Each publication contains anywhere from 20 to 30 patterns. Many of the patterns are beyond my knitting/crochet expertise and will probably remain that way. Not enough time or enough yarn to allow more than a fraction of them to ever come to fruition. But I collect the books all the same because it's utterly satisfying sometimes just to look, admire, and regard their impossiblility given the constraints of reality...




So Penelope, here's another 21st Century 'shout out' to you. I feel your pain, with your web thing and all. But it's all good here... because I really don't want to be done with my knitting or for that matter, DONE with knitting either. So really, it's all good.

Nonsense

With the mayhem that's called weekend: shamefully late 'n laden breakfast spreads, kids' sporting events, miscellaneous errands involving different combinations of kids to parent, the 'squeezing in' of a date-night, and organizing for the upcoming school week--- the relative quiet of Monday morning and being in the house alone... never fails to cause me to reflect on how much I really do appreciate and actually enjoy the proverbial Penelope's Web when it comes to domestic life. (Actually, there'll be more on Penelope in another post.) Although the better portion of Monday should be devoted to re-setting the domicile, more often than not, I'll only add to the clutter by dragging out my trusty machine along with my 'tool box' to tackle some random project like this apron.



I spied a mocked-up version of it at the local fabric source and knew immediately I must make one, for no other good reason than I thought it a delightfully silly and pretty item. And useless for the most part, since a 'real apron' is the kind that has the bib part in the front to really keep the spatter off. Needless to say, the kids gave me the raised eyebrow when I put on the apron with my latex-free cleaning gloves for maximum effect.
Let's see... shall I channel Laura?...



Or maybe, Doris?...



No matter how you slice it, donning frilly aprons and other such nonsense spells basket case, I know.



Hmmm..... another nice combo. This little number is actually a very practical item. I found it on Etsy. It's a 1930's relic, used for the gathering of eggs, still functional and it's collapsible.

No, I don't keep chickens and no, I don't live on a farm.... but a girl can dream, can't she???