Wednesday, September 29, 2004

Posting From The Fast Lane

Not much time...but a few things must be said....

Faina is at row 73!! I am now to the beginning of the chevrons...which Ryan declared are quite the delight...I had a picture taken and yes I'm working on getting it posted. I'm trying, friends, I'm trying!

There are angels amongst us.....Monday, the only mail was a slip saying I had a package waiting.

Norma, of Now Norma Knits fame, had sent me a very special package. I want to linger over it, giving you the full effect of my pleasure in her time and generosity, so you'll have to wait till work slows to a slight rush instead of a thundering whirlwind. Soon as things cool off here, I will post all about it.....Norma is "da bomb", go on over and say hi today.

Saturday, September 25, 2004

I'm Just Wild About Faina....Faina's wild about me....

I'm Smitten...

Faina's Scarf is now at row 50!! Yes, yes, that sounds exciting until you realize she's a healthy 460-odd rows.....

I've realized I really know myself much better than I like to admit. This is because I just had to test my own limits...my own boundaries. I knew full well that I could not successfully knit this detailed pattern during any distraction. I vowed to knit it only when alone...no children...no dog....no sweetie to distract me with their very being.

My lack of multitasking talent was glaringly obvious last night. I thought I could slip one by the ol' knitting goddesses...Surely I could knit a bit on Faina with only one child in the house? After all, it was DQ3 who is 10 and was completely immersed in Wonder Woman (obstensively selected from Netflix for the children...but who am I kidding? I had such the crush on WW when I watched it at that age....).

The third time I had to rip row 24...I began to silently beg the laughing knit goddesses for mercy. Of course, it might have been difficult for them to hear my supplication past the whispered blue streak....

*&%%)....8@@!... What honey?? No, I'm not talking to you sweetie....)83#*&%, Hmm? No, not you, nevermind me, watch the show ....$$@ ...... !$#^^&#.... I said NEVER MIND!! "


Wednesday, September 22, 2004

Life Is Messy...

Yeah....I'm here. Life has been a little messy the last few weeks. To compensate, I have been quietly hibernating.

SPIII asked if I like knitting books....ahem....that would be affirmative! I LOVE knitting books. Don't always actually *make* anything out of them, but they inspire me.

Have you been over to the Harlot's lately? This women is so funny...I check in on her site daily and I'm never disappointed. Her knitting rocks as well!! Go on over. I'll wait.

I am gearing up for a new project...."What?!?!" you say..." What about all the projects you already have going??"

Yeah. What about 'em?

Ms. Ryan over at Mossy Cottage Knits invited me to a 'Faina Together'. I've been lusting after Faina for over a year and now I'm almost ready to go. Planning on this yarn..(shade 024) yummy, eh? By the way...if you've missed out on Mizz Ryan's Commune posts...you have to go read them, really. The comments as well....all of them! I'm too lazy to wait for you on that one...there's a lot of material.

Have a lovely day...don't ask me about pictures, I'm working on it and not getting anywhere!

Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Sigh....yeah, that was me...


Take the What High SchoolStereotype Are You? quiz.

If the link above doesn't work, try it here. Ahhh yes....high school....blech.

I found this over at Banjo Girl's site....you know, Banjo Girl.... Rachel's friend...who is incredibly funny and an excellent writer. I've been checking out her blog on a daily basis ever since Rachel posted the link....

Monday, September 13, 2004

We Do Not Have The Technology

Well....taking a leaf from Bron's post earlier....I am obviously not the Bionic Woman...'cause I don't have the technology. I set up a Yahoo web page...came to the library to post my knitting pictures...but it isn't working. There are still other avenues to explore, like going to a friend's house where the computer will allow me to download what I need...but that isn't going to happen for a day or so. Argh!! I am such a computer moron.....but, have no fear...sooner or later I will figure this whole picture posting thing out and you will be able to actually *see* what I'm talking about when I mention projects....sigh...patience is a virtue, aye?

Lisa, did you read the directions?

About a year ago, when I made the leap to sock knitting, Ryan over at Mossy Cottage Knits mentored me, held my cyber hand, offered advice. I became stuck at one point in the pattern and emailed her wailing of my distress and angst. She replied with the answer and this question:

Lisa, did you read all of the directions?

To which I had to honestly reply...."uh....well........no.....", after which there was a Homer Simpson-like "Doh!" and slap to my forehead.

I cast off on DQ#1's poncho Saturday morning. I had determined that it was long enough. I began to cast off....and after 25 stitches or so this thought crossed my mind: "Hmmm. This is curling pretty bad. Huh. Well, it will probably uncurl when I add fringe." Mind you, this is plain ol' stockinette. A brief fancy of actually getting up off my rear and going to the bedroom to find the pattern occured, but was quickly squashed....you know, 'cause I was sitting 15 steps away and all....and it was Saturday...and well, yeah.

I continued casting off...yup. Rolled right smartly. Course, I didn't want it to roll. But, I decided to fringe anyway. That would do it, surely?

No, it did not do it. After applying 20 or so fringes...which promptly curled right up into the roll, I got off my heinie in search of the pattern. Whadya know...yer sposed to do four rows of garter at the end.....you know, so it won't roll. Ryan's cyber voice again rang in my mind..."did you read all of the directions??" What can I say....I'm a twit.

So, I dutifully picked up the stitches...and knit four rows of garter. Guess what? It doesn't roll know. "Doh!"

I have actually had a picture taken of a knitting project and as soon as it is mailed to me, will try posting it. Unfortunately, since I am a clandestine blogger at work, I can't download "stuff" to help me just post pics the "regular" way...so I will set up a Yahoo photo page with links to it. Best I can do at this point.....providing of course the picture comes out in the first place and my friend figures out how to send it to me......

Friday, September 10, 2004

It's Knitty Time!

It's all the buzz...Fall Knitty is here!

A confession....I love looking at Knitty...but most of it is just *not me*.

I am not a wild and crazy gal. I know, I know, you're shocked. "But....you're a belly dancer! you're a lesbian!....you must be wild and crazy!"

Nope. Sorry to disappoint. I'm actually pretty boring. Well, I think so anyway. I admire people who can dance to their own drumming...women especially. You wanna do something wild and crazy? I'll be there for you...I'll support you to the end. I'll wave a banner, yell real loud, tell everyone...but I am who I am. I am a "backstage" kinda gal. I'm a helper...a supporter...I don't enjoy front and center stage. I've done it...I just don't like it.

Call attention to myself? Ugh. Blogging, now this is somewhat different. If you come here, you must chose to do so. I also don't have to actually look at you, which is just how I like it. Not that you aren't all gorgeous I'm sure....

It's the same with the book "Weekend Knitting." It is the hot thing here right now...and nothing much in it is "me" either.

Lastly, I found this at "One More Row and Anther Latte" and it was too funny not to mention.

Thursday, September 09, 2004

Warning, political content ahead....

If I haven’t mentioned it…I’m a recovering Republican as well as a recovering fundamentalist Christian. Now this doesn’t mean I *hate* Republicans or Christians. I just do not choose to embrace the Republican viewpoint and realized fundamental Christian extremism is…well….extreme. So here it is. If it offends you, well, I’m sorry for that but, you know, it is my blog after all….

I have to share this little gem with someone. Our local paper, The Bulletin, runs a weekly ‘Religion’ page. This week, there was a headline that caught my attention, something to the effect of "Christians Pray for GOP".

There was a quote from a woman in Georgia which said: "Well, Jesus isn’t here…so I’m voting for the next best thing", referring to George W. Bush.

Oh. My. God. Bush is the next best thing to Jesus? I have to tell you, this struck me as so funny, that I laughed till I thought I would wet myself.

Knitting content:
I didn't knit yesterday. I didn't knit Wednesday. This is a Sign. If I'm not knitting, I'm depressed. This isn't "feel sorry for me....I'm depressed....waaaaa." I have dealt (or not dealt) with depression all of my life. I'm not ready for **"Hairy Carrie", I'm just not up to par. I'm taking my Paxil...eating well...getting almost enough sleep. This, too, will pass.

**"Hairy Carrie" is from a book I just read, "Triads" by Poppy Brite and Christa Faust. It just makes me laugh...see, I can laugh at *something*! And I feel I should say, ahem, I doubt this book is for everyone. If you're queer you might enjoy it...it is an interesting blend of three story lines. It is also quite homoerotically explicit.

Tuesday, September 07, 2004

And now, for something completely off the subject…..

What I've been reading:
"Smoke and Shadows"
I am a huge fan of Ms. Huff’s vampire series featuring "Henry Fitzroy." Vampires? You say? Yup, vampires. Every once in awhile, I just crave a good vampire story. This, "Smoke and Shadows", is the latest installment. If, like me, you occasionally indulge in a little night walker reading….this series is great.

"The Language of Power"
This one jumped off the new books shelf at the library and right into my book bag. It is the second in a series, and while I haven’t read the first, I intend to! Fun, intelligent, a great escape from children who are much too tweaked out over school starting….

So, other than read this Labor Day weekend, I did manage to get a few more rows of Drama Queen Poncho #1 knit. I *think* one more ball of yarn and I will be able to cast off and start fringing. Big project for me…trying to keep up my motivation for finishing it. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am a far better starter than finisher!

Lastly, answers to some "extra" SPIII questions sent by my Secret Pal!!! Woo hoo!! I’m enjoying hearing from you SP….it’s just plain fun, and we all need more of that.

22. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Do I have to stick to one?? Animated Character would most likely be Piglet. Favorite bird is the chickadee.

23. What is your favorite holiday? 24. Is there anything that you collect?
This is a long and roundabout answer…..I love holidays, especially Christmas. I had a Christmas ornament collection that dated back to childhood, mostly contributed to by my favorite Aunt, Aunt Jeanne. Jeanne always sent at least one Christmas ornament a year. A blown glass heart from Russia when she toured with a chorale group she belonged to…a stunning fairy ornament….probably 50 or more ornaments. I also started collecting a ceramic village Christmas scene with buildings, a gazebo, etc. As well, I had "done" the "Christmas Around the World" party circuit for several years and collected a LOT of that! Decorating the house was a full time job for the weeks before Christmas. Live boughs with lights woven throughout both indoors and out…I just lived Christmas from the day after Thanksgiving to December 26.
Then, I left my husband. After 14 years, 4 children…his alcoholism was completely unchecked and I had come to the life-altering realization that one of the reasons I was so miserable was that I was lesbian and denying who I was inside. I left with the children and pretty much just our clothes and that was it.

My Christmas collection? He took most of it to the dump and gave the rest to the girlfriend he took up with less than 90 days after I left.

For the first 5 years after I left Mike, I did as little with Christmas as possible. It was devastating to me….remembering all the things I had saved and cherished, but no longer have. Last year, I began to feel that old familiar Christmas pleasure and began collecting again. This year, I am already starting my Christmas high and thinking about ornaments and decorations. A Christmas ornament of some kind would be absolutely cherished.

Friday, September 03, 2004

Q&A

I have had such fun reading these on other’s blogs, and now it’s my turn. Be posting next week, and yes, yes….I am working on pictures! :)

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
What I prefer and what I can afford are two different things! Actually, I don’t really consider myself a yarn snob. I like to support my LYS and I like nice yarn. However, I am happy to use acrylic when the occasion fits, like making something for one of the Drama Queens that would need to be washed frequently and wear like iron. That said, I don’t particularly care for Red Heart. It feels *gross*. :-D

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
No on the spinning, tho it makes me drool to think of it! Frankly, I can’t imagine where I would find the time. I am capable of crochet, but just don’t care for it much – either the process or the finished product.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I am allergic to some cats and have reactions to strong perfume and no longer wear any myself. Seems as soon as I find one I like it begins to make my eyes water and nose run within a few days.

4. How long have you been knitting?
About 18 months.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Nope.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Vanilla.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Unfortunately, yes!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Polymer clay, sewing, quilting, painting, collage, calligraphy, not that I have had a lot of time for any of those since I learned to knit. Knittings portability is a huge bonus for me.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if you want to make her a CD)
No to the MP3 thing. I do have CD/tape capability. I love music, with the exception of Country/Country & Western. Blech.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
That’s a hard one… blues, teals, greens….raspberry, purple…peaches and golds….I guess if we had to nail down one it would be teal.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Partnered, quite happily by the way, to Emily for almost 4 years. Drama Queens in residence: Kayla 16, Michelle 10, and Michael 8. Mary is not in residence, but has retained her Drama Queen status. One dog, Kita, a purebred black lab. One guinea pig, Smore.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
uh…..talk to me another day. This one just boggles my mind today.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Welllll….I love soft, colorful yarn. I love alpaca, but I really like wool too. Oh, and cotton is nice….who can pick for pity’s sake?14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Haven’t found one yet!

15 What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Ponchos, lace, always socks….

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Scarves, they are quick, fun and you don’t need 15 balls of yarn to make one!

17. What are you knitting right now?
Ponchos… a mohair scarf…hats…

18. What do you think about ponchos? (this is really a curiosity question for us)
See above…I have ponchoitis!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I prefer circs, but use straight needles too.

20. How did you learn to knit?
Taught myself from a Lion Brand kit, books, internet….

21. How old is your oldest UFO?
Well, I’ve been knitting for about 18 months, so I would say….16 months. J Likely to never be finished, either.