Sometimes Mondays- Reflections

. . .I had the opportunity to spend time over the last couple weeks with inspiring women both very familiar to me and total strangers.  I came away from both with unique memories and lasting impressions.  While these 2 weekends have lifted me up emotionally there is still, the heavy cloud of having to accept that there is a birth date this week of someone who is no longer here to celebrate.    I don't think the feeling of being kicked in the gut will every go away.  I plan to share details from my knitting retreat because after spending time with Joji Locatelli, both in class and individually, I learned alot about gratitude and humility.  PJ would have thought that was a great thing. More to come . . .

Where to begin?

This is the current state of the guest/Andrew's room.  There is a TON of artwork to the left that didn't make it into the photo.  Now that we are full time apartment dwellers the task at hand is to sort through a barrage of boxes.  Our storage unit is full, so I have no idea where this stuff along with the other boxes are going to go.  The other day I walked in and had to walk back out-not quite ready to deal with it.  If I could get the sewing notions organized who really needs 4 pin cushions? Decide where to put my wedding dress along with the 4 EMPTY very large storage containers, that honestly, we don't need and won't ever need.   Oh well, the next few days will include going to 2 footballs games (GT and the Falcons), a 5K at the Georgia Dome and a birthday party for a sweet boy who is turning 1.  I have a feeling that there won't be much progress in the unpacking realm for a while longer! It's almost Friday-hope there is something fun on your to do list.

Staycation

Carole's prompt makes me wish I had a summer staycation scheduled.  Maybe later this summer it'll happen.  Here's what I'd do on a staycation:

10.  Read a lot or at least try to listen to as many audiobooks as I can manage.

  9.  Enjoy a glass of wine with lunch-it's still a vacation-right?!

  8.  Knitting and lots of it-either finishing up some projects or getting a jump start on others.

  7. Outdoor bike rides everyday if possible, or at least long walks.

 6.  Lunch and knitting dates with friends.

5.  Take care of large and involved projects.

4.  Bake bread or do some other cooking that I wouldn't normally do.

3.  Sleep in on a day or 2-I don't normally change my sleep schedule on vacation, but sometimes it's nice to not HAVE to be up or go to bed at a specific time

2.  Enjoy coffee outside in the mornings.

1. Sit outside and listen to the birds in the morning, and watch the fireflies at night.

Whether it's a staycation or a away from home vacation-time off to decompress is always a good thing.

5 on Friday

I have been a bad-bad blogger, but I have also been a busy one.  FINALLY after much cleaning, hauling away, packing and over all effort our house in on the market!  Whoo-hoo.  There are 2 other houses for sale too, so we're hoping there's lots of traffic and a quick sale.  This weekend I feel like I can actually relax after months of getting to this point, so  . .

5.  Training for the Peachtree Road Race which is next Saturday.  The photo is from my morning walk.  It's been in the 90s here during the day, so I've been getting up early so I can walk before work.  Last weekend I was on my feet so much I may have over stressed my knees, so I'm taking it a bit easy, and not pushing myself too much.  I'm also getting new running shoes tomorrow.

4.  Finished objects-Square and Axis, 2 shibui patterns and yarns both of which I can't wait to wear.  I hoping that I'll get Apex finished as well-we'll see.

3.  Looking forward to cooking breakfast and morning coffee on the balcony tomorrow.  This is the first weekend spent at the apartment with no trips to the house

2.  Planning to listen to a new book and marking another square off my BOTNS Summer Bingo card.  I just finished The Devil in the White City and I really enjoyed it.

1.  Make and enjoy some sangria, most likely on the balcony.

Happy Friday.

Summer plans and expectations

Carole's prompt this week is about our summer bucket list.  I haven't really given it much thought, and with my luck [so far I've lost my cell phone, dealt with an in-ept contractor, and today-left my shoes at home-and that's just been in the last 6 days!] summer will slip away and I'll have done little to make it really enjoyable.  So, with my list it seems more like a to do list, and hope that when fall comes around it's not only much cooler [temps hit high 90s in Atlanta this week], but much less stressful!

10.  Sell our house-it would make a fantastic August 12th birthday gift-even if I had to spend my birthday at a closing!  Of course, I'd love for it to close sooner.
  9.  Finish packing my kitchen and craft area.
  8.  Finish my summer knits-I'm on the 3rd of 4 planned projects.  Above is Shibui Square-it's now ready for a FO photo. and Axis just needs to have the ends woven in and blocked.  Apex is about 40% complete, and I need to cast on Gretel.
  7.  Blog more-I certainly have the time in the evenings to do so.
  6.  Get better acquainted with technology-specifically using i-cloud, google drive, etc.
  5.  Books on the Night Stand Bingo-I wasn't going to participate, but have managed to make headway on the reading already, so I'm going to try to see this one through to the end.  Especially now that I've figured out how to put audio books onto my i-phone.
  4.  Clean up my computer-it has gotten soooooo slow, am sure there's lots of junk that needs to be deleted.
  3.  Visit with friends-would probably be an instant stress reducer.
  2.  Go for a bike ride-outside-we are so close now to the Silver Comet Trail it's a shame that I haven't ventured out yet.
  1.  Seek out a local farmers market and go there more than once this summer.

Am sure others have much more interesting bucket list-so I'll live vicariously through them!

Putting it off.

I don't typically procrastinate.  I like to get things done, and delight in having a "to do" list that has everything ticked off.  I missed Carole's last 2 prompts even though I did have stuff to contribute.  I'll blame Instagram!

10.  Blogging-there's been traveling, boot buying, good food, and lots of knitting.
  9.  Packing up stuff in our house that we won't need for a while
  8.  Tagging items throughout the house that either will be moved, stored, or left until the house sells.
  7.  Washing and storing all my winter-y hand knits-I see the pile and think "next year"!
  6.  Game plan for the Books on the Nightstand Read Harder Challenge.  I'm making great headway with the reading, just not on the final list of books.
  5.  Cleaning off the back deck
  4.  Cleaning out the planters that will either be tossed or planted with flowers for curb appeal
  3.  Bike tune ups-can't go for a ride til this is done.
  2.  Car emissions-can't wait much longer for that though!
  1.  Finishing some sewing projects-I hate being inside when the weather is nice-I'd rather been on the desk with wine, tunes and knitting.

We can get in the habit of rushing to get things done, and we might miss out on the small moments that make big memories.  I try to have a balance, and just have a steady flow of things that are getting done-how do you approach those "to do" lists?

A tisket a tasket guess what's in my knitting basket---

On Sunday afternoon I completed my Easy Folded Poncho and my Sommer Sleevless Top which meant I officially had empty needles! I'm not counting the Kaffe Fassett Alghan squares cause I'm not even finished with 1/2 of the 54 squares. That will be an ongoing project that I hope will be finished by the fall, but I'm not giving myself any deadlines at this point.  So after a visit to Cast on Cottage I got the yarn for 2 of the 3 Shibui spring/summer patterns that I'm planning to knit.  I had yarn leftover from another project that I'll use for one of the patterns.  I figured now is a good time to do my initial documentation.  I still need to set up the tripod so that I can get photos of my FOs, of which there are several-that'll be another blog post soon I hope!

After tiding my craft area I wound some yarn, gathered together project bags, patterns and needles and headed back out to the deck-where I pretty much spent the ENTIRE day after church-to begin the swatching process.

First up, Hayward shawlette which will be knit with Infinite Twist Helix- this is part of the prize pack from the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast.  Everything I needed for this project was included even the 3 circular needles!  No plans to swatch unless I'm not happy with the fabric, but think it'll just be fine.

Next, Apex, a super cute tunic and I'll use Elsbeth Lavolds Hempathy that had previously been the aran necklace tunic.  I really liked that pattern, but for some reason the finished product was not up to snuff.  I'll definitely re-knit it at some point.  Swatching still to be completed .

Here is Lithos, yarn is Debbie Bliss donegal tweed-gifted to me by Mary yea free yarn! the photo does not show off the color very well-brown with bits of tan and blue-very pretty.  This is a heavy sweater that might not get much knitting once it starts getting really hot, but I wanted to at least get it going.  Have already done the swatch, and the gauge is spot on-whoot!

Square-another Shibui, I'm using pebble and linen in tar.  I had 2 skeins of linen leftover from Aperture I have NO idea how that happened!  I've done the swatch, just need to wash and block before starting the project.  So far needle size and fabric seem to be dead on with gauge.

A hat, so that I can stay on pace with the Stash and Burn 15 hats in 2015 challenge.  Yarn is Berroco Vintage DK and pattern is Beret de Printemps-sort of appropriate for spring knitting right? 

Last but not least Axis by Shibui, will be doing this in pebble and kavo- in the caffeine colorway.  I had 3 skeins of Kavo that I had tried to use in 2 other projects that just didn't work out.  I think it works much better being held with another yarn.  I've done the swatch-just need to wash and block.

I think these projects will keep me busy for a few months which is why I'm getting everything organized now.  This means I'll be on a bit of a yarn diet for a while, and I'm going to do my best to not get distracted until I have a couple of these items off the needles.  I feel like I'm in a good knitting place right now which is great since it's nice enough to enjoy the outdoors for a while when I get home from work.

So what's in your basket?

5 of Friday.

Having a four day weekend is giving me an opportunity to get lots done-some work and some play, and pretty much everything indoors!  I have discovered the BEST place in my house to dry things-our powder room.  Normally we keep the vent closed and the door open, and it's plenty warm.  However, with the vent opened and the door shut-whoa!  I made this discovery yesterday while I was drying my "unmentionables" on my drying rack.  I'm putting it to good use today, getting my FOs blocked has been on my to do list for a couple weeks.  My aperture sweater is currently soaking, and it'll be ready to lay out soon.  Am thinking I'll move it into the powder room tonight so it'll have a chance to dry un-disturbed. So my 5 things on Friday

#5-blocking FOs
#4-going NOWHERE tomorrow cause it's supposed to be quite unpleasant
#3-getting lots marked off my to-do list-which also includes things that are moving us towards getting the house ready for listing.  Still not sure when that will be, but I'll have my chores done anyway!
#2-completing a special-secret project for a special someone (hopefully by tomorrow)
#1-Saturday morning breakfast-something we haven't done in a while and just the 2 of us.

5 on Friday

A few things I'm looking forward to this weekend, and I'm loving the idea that I don't have to leave the house until Sunday for church, and I really have a short to-do list this week!

1.  Casting on, knitting and finishing a hat-totally doable right!
2.  Only one real chore-moving books to new locations in the house-really shouldn't take that long.
3.  Knitting-hopefully LOTS including the last bit of work on my Aperture cardigan
4.  Pizza and the season premiere of Justified.
5.  Try another bread recipe to go with leftover soup and bake chocolate chip cookies.

I'm sure I'll add more things to my list mentally, but would love to keep it simple this weekend.

Being in a happy place

This week's prompt is such a good reminder to focus on the good around me-so what's making me happy?

10.  The sky is so blue, and the sun is shining-60+ degrees today!
  9.  Being extra productive during the last 6 days
  8.  Plowing through the block for this year's block exchange, am anxious to move onto other things, but can't til these are done.
  7.  Sophie coming home exhausted from her time at doggie day care-helped make #9 possible.
  6.  The wonderful and supportive women in my life right now.
  5.  Getting a chance to hang out with my sewing friends
  4.  Getting a chance to hang out with my knitting friends
  3.  The books I've read and am currently reading for the Book Riots Read Harder Challenge.
  2.  The deep purging of stuff over the last couple weeks.
  1.  being almost done with ALL THAT attached I-cord on my Aperture cardigan!

I'm sure I could list tons more, but I think these are definitely the top 10!





 

Battling the winter blahs

the 10 on Tuesday prompt was appropriated considering what greeted me when I landed in Philadelphia yesterday afternoon.  Honestly, winter in the south is generally not to bad-unless we several inches of snow dumped on us every 3-4 years! Last year's snow jam made us the laughing stock of the rest of the country.  The hotel I stayed in has proven to be very cozy and homey,  but I am looking forward to getting back home.  Some of the things I do-
10. Knit-winter is the perfect time to for quick cozy knits like hats, mittens and cowls.  Doing these projects in bright colors makes me happy.
  9.  Enjoying a spicy and hot beverage or one with some zing
  8.  Having a fire going in the fireplace
  7.  Making sure the blinds/curtains are always open-especially when the sun is shining!
  6.  Go for a walk-like #7 especially when the sun is shining-i like the idea of banking the good days to off set the gloomy days.
  5.  Work on quilts in bright colors-nothing better than cheery sunny fabrics
  4.  Indulge in a margarita! mmmm lime
  3.  Read a book set in a warm/sunny place or the beach
  2.  Listen to upbeat music
  1.  Remind myself that every day of winter brings me closer to spring!

Plans, goals and intentions

 Being inspired by today's prompt and Mary's post I've got a lot going on inside my head about what 2015 is going to be like for me.  I'm trying to be positive and optimistic for 2015 since we are wanting to sell our house and downsize this year, but I still feel weighted down due to my constant fear that we'll have to move my mother back in with us.  I think having clearly defined goals and a precise focus will hopefully keep things from being too stressful.

10.  Knitting-finish what's on the needles and knit from stash-patterns and yarn.
  9.  Breath in AND out
  8.  Stay healthy-mentally, physically and emotionally
  7.  Purge, purge all that unnecessary STUFF
  6.  Complete the Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge
  5. Move, bend and stretch
  4. Smile more
  3.  Pray more
  2.  Learn to filter and respond to circumstances better
  1.  Live more simply

Check back with me in about 6 months and we'll see how all this is going?

A few days of (non) holiday fun

While my calendar last week was full of things to do, and there is still much to still be done, I managed some non-holiday activities that helped to re-charge my batteries. This is a good thing considering the contents of my bottom kitchen cabinets are now scattered around the dining and living rooms, and the kitchen table. Although the cookies are baked there is a bit of housework that really needs to be done.  I got an email about the Main Street Coffee's Wednesday Ladies wine tasting-a local wine store turned wine bar turned wine-coffee-gelato bar.  I re-arranged a couple thing so I could go-am very glad I did.  This place is very cozy with over stuffed chairs-low-ish tables and bar stools.  They feature Honeysuckle gelato, and while the flavors sounded delicious I didn't try any this time!  I did purchase a bottle of wine for my boss as a Christmas gift and a bottle to try at our family get together on Sunday.  I'm hoping to visit this place more often in 2015.

Thursday night was book club-a lovely bottle of wine, a very weird book, great company and conversation.  I'm really glad we didn't skip this month-not because of the book, but all the rest!

Friday night was my night to host quilt club.  It was a short night, but a lot of fun getting caught up with the girls.  Sophie was a BIG help with Kathy's quilt-she finally decided that she was more useful OFF the quilt!

Sunday I took my brother to the Falcons vs Steelers game, it was the first time he'd been to an NFL game, and he was like a little kid.  It would have been much nicer if we'd come away with a win, but what are you gonna do.  I did sit next to 4 of the cutest little boys who tried their best to help me understand the game.

The next few days are going to be crazy-dog grooming, appliance delivery, annual luncheon for 100 + at the office that I'm in charge of, counter-top installation, serious house cleaning, a pub crawl and a day with family-whew-is it Christmas yet?!  I think I need a vacation too

Getting inspired and overwhelmed-

the recent Southern Living has been sitting on my desk for a while, and I've just now gotten around to looking it over.  I usually skim through the first bit and then head to the recipes.  I'm inspired to try these 2 recipes, I do love a good cake.  The Hot Bourbon Orange Tea Toddy look perfect for the cold winter nights that I'm sure are just around the corner.  Actually, I'm inspired to cook a lot more that's in this month's issue, but of course, that would be impossible.

We are also making plans to ready our house to sell-not that we're going to try to do everything now-certainly not with Christmas just a few weeks away, but some upgrades to the kitchen are already in the works.   These 2 will be delivered in a couple weeks, the cook top won't go in until the granite counter tops are installed, but I'm sorta looking forward to having a new oven and microwave.

After walking around the house with a realtor last night, the realization of what we need to do is starting to feel a bit overwhelming.  Especially when I think about all the stuff that's in our basement-some serious de-cluttering is going to have to happen sooner rather than later. 
I also keep thinking about all the holiday activities that are still on the calendar or to do list-sigh
I'll just have to keep reminding myself- it'll get done just take baby steps.

5 on Friday

1. Saw this cool retro bike on my walk this afternoon, of course, had to stop and get a photo or 2.  The light from the sidewalk wasn't quite right, so I had to take it from the street.

2.  I am much further into my Sommer Sleevless Tank than I though, so my knitting bag will be empty very soon.  Time to think about the small knits.

3.  Am so looking forward to my first full weekend as a true emptynester. This whole week since my mother has moved has felt very weird.  I'm doing my best to embrace this change, and not get shackled by guilt. Not easy!

4.  Just bought this book, but don't think I was in time to get the goodie bag :-(-the patterns look lovely don't they?).

5.  I am also looking forward to getting a new do and highlights tomorrow-haven't done anything other than a cut in a very long time.  Photos will definitely be posted.

Happy Friday-the weather here is getting crisp making it perfect for a fire, pizza, and a glass of red wine.  Yes, it's back to being pizza on Fridays!

WIP Wednesday

Knitting has been moving along at a good pace.  I had a lot of nervous energy the past week or so because of my mother's move, but I didn't want to tackle anything that required a lot of focus.  There has been significant progress on my aperture cardigan.  I am almost finished with the body, and hope to start the sleeves this weekend. The knitting on my parabola and the seaming of the staccato layer are complete, but I need to seam the silk cloud layer and block.  I don't want to rush through this part, so I've put it off and hope to tackle it on Saturday.  Still in the WIP stages are the Falcons socks-need to try to work on them during the next televised game on Sunday [if I can bear to watch!], The Sommer Sleeveless Tank has seen NO love in quite a while.  It'll probably languish until the spring when it'll be the right weather to wear it.  While I have finished the blocks for Week 1 of the Kaffe Fassett Pure Wool Worsted Knit Along, I have done nothing with Weeks 2-4.  I will be ordering the yarn I need for these blocks today.  Maybe there will be some progress on these this weekend if I get parabola completed.  These blocks are perfect for TV knitting.  I did finish my purple socks, they need blocking-just plain vanilla.  My goal for the next few months is to knit from my stash, and only work on small projects [hats, gloves, socks, etc.].  I want to really enjoy the holidays and not get overwhelmed with anything that requires a lot of thinking or deadlines.  Knitting has definitely been my therapy the last few weeks.  I also have some quilting projects I'd like to tackle before 2014 ends so we'll see how that goes!  What's on your needles?