my creative madness and other psyche bits

Sneak Peek

2010-02-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

New clutches coming soon to my etsy shop. Meet Siren (revamped) and Briar Rose. Which side is your favorite?

Pretties

2010-01-14T13:05:00.001-08:00

Progress

2010-01-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Four little clutches drying in the breeze

Meet soon-to-be Harlequin, Siren, Something in My Drink, and Briar Rose, if you please.

Round We Go A-Merry

2010-01-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

What is it about a carousel that makes us giddy, giggly, and a-kid-again excited? The music? The lights? The brightly colored animals take flight to the calliope, soaring up and down, round and round, while we squeal and laugh and wave to the strangers as we sail by. For a moment, the forward motion of the merry-go-round carries me backward to girlhood, to carnivals and Coca-Cola glasses, 6 balls for a quarter, and lemon shake ups. And all is right with the world.

This is the newly unveiled carousel at The Living Desert zoo in Rancho Mirage, a magical place that may just be between the worlds. I sat astride the bejeweled zebra, and squealed and laughed and waved to the strangers as I passed by.

Hopes

2010-01-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

So, I don't make resolutions - too much pressure and so very cliche. Instead, I have "hopes". This year, my big hope is to develop my Etsy shop KiKiBowns to it's fullest potential. That translates to more inventory, MUCH better pictures, and rewrites of product descriptions. Community outreach - approaching various locals shops about product interest. More craft shows. Once I have done as much with it as I feel I could, I am opening another shop: wakethemoonmuse.etsy.com. As a diversion to all of those clutches I made for the holiday season, I started knitting wintery accessories - cowls, wraps, fingerless mitts. They were a hit, and I almost couldn't keep up with the orders that came in from my show. So, why not? A wider market and lots of fun! Plus, I like the challenge of creating in new and different ways.

I hope to read more. I was over a dozen short on my 52 in 52: I think from all of the damn knitting I was doing for the holidays, and I could only take so many books to Africa.

I hope to do more yoga (yogahhhhhh). It's all a matter of finding the right class at the right time. I am stronger than I have been, well, ever, and I hope to challenge myself more during my gym time. Perhaps now I don't need to modify as much. Come on, knees, you can do it!

I hope to spend more time with friends and family. We are planning a trip to Chicago in June, and I hope to see as many of my friends and relatives as possible then. And, meet friends that I actually haven't really met yet (in person, anyway).

Lastly, I hope for inner peace and balance.

It's A Wrap!

2010-01-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

Yes. I've been absent for a while. Much busy-ness, life lessons, humility, and sincere heartfelt gratefulness. To wrap up the old to welcome the new:

a re - entry into the familiar, and re-adaptation

illness, hospitalization, recovery

knitting, knitting, knitting

worry, worry, worry

rejoice

a validation of art, and success

blessings of friends and family

hopefulness

May you all find joy, peace, health and humility in the New Year. Hold your friends and family close. Be well.

Doors

2009-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

I've come to the realization that I have a fascination with doors. I love the mystery, the mystical possibility of a doorway, the something wonderful awaits one on the other side. It's the Alice in Wonderland of it, the what's - behind - door - number - one of it, the path to another dimension of it.

These were all taken on Goree island, best known for its role in the Atlantic slave trade. According to John, it represents a perfect example of French colonial/creole architecture. Gorgeous, breathtaking, and magical.

Door, where you been, door?

Beauty, beauty, beauty, beautiful

2009-08-12T08:32:00.001-07:00

This is Khoutoum Ngor, a pilgrimage site at the farthest point west in Africa. Pictured is the cave where the Layenne, one of the religious orders that John is studying, believe that after the prophet Muhammad died, his spirit settled here for 1000 years. At night, his spirit would travel the world in search of a place to be reborn. The Layenne come here annually to celebrate the start of their Order. There is a lighthouse here that the French built (not pictured) which the Layenne believe that the French were guided by God to build. The French built it because ships were crashing into the cliffs, but the Layenne claim it represents the light of the spirit of Muhammad.

More of the locals

2009-08-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, the camel is sticking it's neck through the cage. Good thing he's friendly. Not much for cage maintenance, these Senegalese.

Meet the locals

2009-08-08T05:04:00.001-07:00

We took a trip to the local zoo. It has been "upgraded" since the last time we were there. Last visit, the cage bars were wide enough for the small monkeys to slip through! It's small, but the animals are fantastic. The chimp was quite entertaining. He would sort of strut around and turn somersaults for the crowd. He would also make rude noises until someone fed him a piece of fruit. The cats were gorgeous; intimidating, but I couldn't help but feel unhappy that they were caged. They would roar and pace for the crowd, especially the lions. D. took a stuffed monkey of his that looked just like the caged ones. He would show it to the live monkeys to see the response. One looked and looked at it, then showed it's teeth! The other hung onto the bars and reached for it in a sad, sort of longing way. We stopped teasing them after that. My favorite was the turtles. I just love them. Of course, did we get a picture? Nope. Pooh! The bird pictured here was just flying around - the pic really doesn't do it justice. It had an indigo/purple irridescence to it. The odd thing? Both rabbits and pigeons were caged. Yes, pigeons! We had a laugh about that. What would a Senegalese think upon a visit to Chicago or New York? We saw baboons, hyenas, camels, ostriches, hares, porcupines. There was another kind of primate that would catch the peanuts tossed to it. Unfortunately, there were only one or two signs naming the animals, most were unmarked. I'll post more pics at another time, both to keep y'all coming back, and because it takes so long to load the pictures.

Ba beneen yoon. Yendoo ak jamm.

Routine, interrupted

2009-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

I see that our president is tackling health care. We had our own experience with the health care system here. Recently, we spent a joyous day at the beach. Perfect weather, great waves for body surfing, lots of swallowed ocean water. The next day my daughter had a fever. A very high fever (I know. What's a mom to do? In all honesty, this is something that could have happened at home. Every year, it seems that beaches are closed more and more frequently). It's scary to be in a foreign country with a really sick kid. I mean, she was waxy, gaunt, and wasting away. I was frightened. Thankfully, Lea, the woman with whom we are staying, took us to a private clinic where she takes her own kids. Outside of the place is a window where you pay your money (about $4.00) and wait to be seen on a first come, first served basis. It was very clean inside, with a nice aesthetic. Open windows and entryways let a nice breeze in, and the staff was pleasant. We waited a little over an hour to see the MD. He was thorough, kind, and even spoke a little English. Ends up R. had an intestinal bug. He gave us a prescription and suggested we have her tested for malaria, just to be safe. All told, we were there 2 hours and a quarter. I would have waited much longer if we were at home, methinks, in urgent care. What a relief. R. is much recovered, just fatigued and way too thin. A satisfying experience; one I could have done without, but, c'est la vie. I'm still very apprehensive and watching her like a hawk. I may take her for a follow up appointment right when we get home.

The rainy season has begun, and the flies are wretched!! My husband and son must have killed close to 30 of them in the living room the other day. Thus, I was poetically inspired to pen my first Haiku:

Black and bloated, winged

Annoyed, I swat at the air

Flies, how I hate you.

And another:

Buzzing in my ear

The horse has an advantage

I long for a tail.

With that, I make my exit. Yendoo ak jamm.

Raffett na!

2009-07-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Senegalese couture, tailor made pour moi.

Pecking order

2009-07-09T04:27:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday we attended a celebration for a newly appointed religious politician within one of the orders John is studying. Basically, it boiled down to a political rally. Many words of praise, prayers, music and dancing. It became apparent to me that there was a definite caste system in place. The officials, all male, sat on a dias above everyone else, and are the highest class. Then, the griots - both the drummers and the women who dance, sing and rally for cheers. The woman above with the whistle in her mouth is a griot. They provide the music, and tell the stories in praise of the new "chief". The women themselves could be divided into their own hierarchy. There are the griot women, the "average joe" women, and the women married to important men, who ranked higher up the pecking order. They are the women sitting near the men, or standing and clapping. Women would pay respects to other women of a higher class by shaking hands, and photographers were sure to take pictures of these women. I learned that the more important the woman, the bigger the headdress - the fabric tied around their heads in an intricate knot - and the later the arrival. The women were pushy, in that they insisted upon chairs placed as close as possible to the action, even if there wasn't room. We ended up knee deep in colorful, pushy African women. It was an interesting experience. Being white, we garnered a lot of looks from the women. We got there early (mere peons, we are, to be on time!) and secured good seats - until the women came and insisted upon 4 more rows to be added in front of us, before all was said and done. I really enjoyed the drumming, and the dancing, although the whistle blowing became soooo annoying. Most importantly, John obtained excellent resources for his work. Baax na (very good)!

Tefes

2009-06-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Beach, in Wolof.

C'est la vie, or survival of the fittest

2009-06-27T14:51:00.001-07:00

I no longer hear the bleating of the goat next door. I do believe he was invited to dinner...as the main course. I wonder, will the baby be next?

Progress, or economic standstill?

2009-06-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

So much building has happened since our last visit 12 plus years ago. A plethora of new buildings, as well as many of unfinished structures. John tells me that there was an influx of people from Cote D'Ivoire during civil unrest, stimulating a housing boom. Now, with the economic downturn, many of them have gone, leaving unfinished housing. It's affecting everyone, globally. However, I see men still doing the construction all around us. They are the ones covered in cement dust! Rather eerie, their dark skin streaked in white.

View from the stoop

2009-06-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Goats on the beach, toodooleoodoole!

2009-06-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

Dailies

2009-06-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

Or, what is she doing over there?

I apologize for my lack of posts, but I have been having a horrid time getting this blog to load. And pictures? Fugedaboutid. So, I will post when connections allow. Also, if you are on Facebook, I have pics posted there. I will attempt to share the photo album with those of you who aren't.

In a nutshell, here is my day:

Up at 10, mango for breakfast. And Nescafe, or the French version of Folger's in your cup. Shower, etc. Games with the kids, followed by much knitting and iPod listening. Lunch is a Senegalese dish of rice with either fish or beef and sauteed onions and stewed veggies. An ice cold GLASS (remember soda in glass bottles? Ahhhh!) bottle of Coke. Smile. More games. Maybe a nap. Time on Facebook, Raverly, and checking email, or solving knitting problems. BBC on the short wave radio, or nasty French music for a laugh. It's really bad. Rap, horns, and synthesizers. ::Shudder:: Walking on the streets, or sitting on the front stoop watching the people and horse - drawn carts go by. More knitting, or reading, which I have to pace myself with now because I've read over half of my books and still have 10 weeks left. Before dinner, we watch Spanish TV dubbed into French - a take off of High School Musical in which everyone wears headbands and wigs. Faaantaaaaaastic. Very entertaining, seriously. Dinner is either fish or beef, rarely chicken (it's very expensive here), with veggies and potato in some form. Warm milk before bed. Hey, don't knock it 'til you've tried it. Reading and BBC. Bed at 2300 or midnight. Repeat.

Once a week we go into the city of Dakar proper, about a 20 minute taxi ride. We stop at the research center that is sponsoring John for lunch, followed by the most amazing gelato at N'ice Cream. Or, we go to the market, which is a whole new post in itself. This week, we will stop by the patissiere/chocolatier that is next door to the gelato place. I know, right?

Yesterday we went to the beach. I will confess that I was VERY hesitant to allow the kids into the water, as near to where we are staying is the sewage dump, and it's dirty with garbage and dead fish everywhere. Phew! However, not to far up the way, the water is clean on most days, and the beach is much nicer. The water was just the right temperature, with good body surfing. The undertow is quite a bit stronger than at home, so we played it safe. We had a blast and it was a wonderful way to welcome the solstice.

John's work is progressing nicely, and ahead of schedule. He has quite a stash of documents, and has yet to hit the archives. Looks like we will be checking clothes and carrying on paper on the way home! He is very excited and will start the interviews this week, inch'allah (God willing). We are all healthy, and happy for the most part. The kids here all play together, which is a big blessing. On Sunday we have plans to travel to a nearby city for lunch with a friend of John's research assistant, and beach time. I hope to be able to post pics, because I hear it's very nice there. It's gotten really humid here. After 9 years in CA, my body no longer knows how to handle it. Whew! Dafa tang, torop (It's very hot in Wolof)!!

Be well. Yendoo ak jamm.

Woohoo! My picture loaded. I took this just outside of our place. It's my favorite so far. Xale yi (the children). So, I may be able to post pics one at a time, once a day. Guess you'll have to tune in more often!!

Not always greener

2009-06-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

While I agree that it's nice having someone to prepare meals, clean, and launder for me, all is not as it may seem. Some things to consider:

I flush the toilet with a bucket.
I bathe everyday in cold water.
I am slowly being eaten alive by some unseen, unknown creature.
I have been sick as a dog for the past 4 days in an attempt to adjust to the major food change.
I fear the malaria medicine I am taking is giving me nightmares.

I am not looking for pity, by all means, just providing a reality check. Sometimes, there really is no place like home.

Joie de Vive

2009-06-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

You know you are in a good place when the floor is littered with bottlecaps.

The family with whom we are staying is catholic, and the eldest daughter made her first communion this past Sunday. A nearby neighbor threw une bonne fete that evening! Let me say, there was great fun to be had! Dancing is very big here, and EVERYONE can dance. Even the toddlers dance better than I. The people here are so loose limbed. Is it that Americans are so wound up, so uptight, that we have lost our rhythm?

There is nothing so freeing than throwing up your arms and shaking it like you just don't care.

Pictures soon, I promise.

Bonjour, Senegal!

2009-06-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

We made it, safe and sound with minimal drama. Internet access is not readily available as of yet, so posts will be few for a while, and pics limited. Hopefully, we will have access at the place we are staying soon. In the mean time, meet Senegal as a journey through the senses (except sight, sorry!):

Smell:
fish
garbage - the sewage system is lacking here
sand
car exhaust
peanuts

Sound:
the ocean!! :)
car horns
the goat and baby next door (baa and waah)
Toubab!! - the Wolof name for white people. It's not racial, just a statement of fact.

Taste:
ice cold coke from a glass bottle
freshly baked french bread
spicy Senegalese rice
sand
cooking oil (palm oil)

Touch or feel:
rabbits - our family has 3 small rabbits. So cute.
fatigue (duh)
ITCHY!!! the bugs have found me, LOL!
sand
handshakes

Be well. Miss you all! I hope to have pictues soon; ba beneen yoon! A tout à l'heure!

Yendoo ak jamm. Pass the day in peace.

Amuma Dara

2009-05-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

...which means "I got nothin'" in Wolof. My iMac is on the fritz so I am having to make due with my husband's laptop. Which means no fancy pictures. Also, my bedroom ceiling fan is on the fritz, as well as our garage door. Shit goes down in threes, ne c'est pas?

So, two short weeks from today my family will be leaving for Senegal, West Africa. For those of you who haven't heard yet, my husband was awarded a summer research grant to begin field work for his next book. It's been 13 years since our last visit, and fatewoon Wolof bu bax (I have forgotten Wolof very much). Et, mon Francias est tres mal (And, my French is very bad). Hopefully, it's all like riding a bike and I will be languaging with the best of 'em.

Much more later. I had hoped to post a teaser pic of Senegal from our last visit, but no. Sorry, friends! You'll have to be teased another time. Stay tuned, mon amis!

Swap meet

2009-05-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

My swap package from the wonderful merwenna, for the Spring Fairytale swap, Folklore and Fairytales:

I was spoiled with my favorite brand of tea, Harney and Sons, a really cool knitting book on which I've had my eye, luscious cotton yarn in fantastic colors, and lust in honey from Haunt, whom I adore! Thank you so very much!

From redcurl, book - tastic spoilage for the Booklovers' and Yarn Swap:

So many amazing books with which I am totally unfamiliar. I love it!! I can't wait to dig in. Also, I was so happy to see the Patons classic, as it felts up into a very nice fabric. Thanks, girl! It was a pleasure making your acquaintance.

On to other news...MY FIRST SOCK EVER IS DONE!!!!!!!! I couldn't be any more proud ::wipes away tear::. Take a look and oooohh and aaahhh for yourself:

Just look at that heel. Not bad for a first sock!

I just hope number two looks as good...

My daughter was honored with her artwork posted in an art show at the local high school. How cool is that?!!?

Lastly, for your enjoyment:

Aren't they beautiful? They are a variety of ice plant in an electric pink. I'm thinking computer wallpaper.

Be well, everyone!

Love in every stitch

2009-04-19T09:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Cader! Love you, buddy.

Heaven Scent

2009-04-12T11:03:00.001-07:00

My lilacs are blooming!!!! Ahhhhhh, the sweet smell of childhood. We used to have 2 or 3 large lilacs bushes at the house where I grew up. The scent reminds me of summer - cut grass, sprinklers, and the ice cream truck. Can't you just smell 'em?

And.....My nephew's blanket is D - O - N - E!!!! I am very pleased with the way it turned out. My largest knitted project yet. Love in every stitch, Cader!!!

For your viewing pleasure: My moonflowers

A ladybug gorging on aphids. Awwwwww.

Enjoy.

Psyche bits

2009-04-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

Contemplate

running through the sprinklers wearing a raincoat.

Appreciate

the gifts of Mother Earth.

Feel

the wind in your hair.

Sprung

2009-03-27T16:46:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung in So Cal!! The scent of orange blossoms is in the air (achoo!), and the top is down on my bug (vintage 1979 black on black). Yeah, baby!

I've been making progress on my various knitting projects. My nephew's blanket is almost finished. I just need to add the tassels here and complete the edging on the other end.

I cast on my first sock for the Hogwarts Sock Swap 5. *SPOILER ALERT!* Maran, if you are reading, scroll down with your eyes closed!!

It' s the Blackrose sock pattern. I'm 4 rows away from starting the heel flap, and then it's into uncharted territory! I'll have to YouTube how to turn a heel. So far, so good, though. I had some issues with sizing, but it's all good now. And I ADORE the yarn. It's the Gryffindor colorway from Shelby B's Designs. Her work is outstanding!

I've been invited (upon acceptance) to share a table with a friend of mine at the Art in the Park craft show Mother's Day weekend. I'm going to branch out from my felted clutches into sewn purses, too. There are so many fantastic fabrics out there now!! Here is a sneak peek:

The pattern is from the 70's, given to me by a friend in my pilates reformer class. I plan to adapt this and the messenger bag pattern also included, as well as make a few of my own patterns for wallets and smaller purses.

Lastly, my first foray into gluten - free baking:

This is the Irish Soda Bread recipe from Karina's Kitchen. It. Is. Delicious!!! My friend Natalie and I both agree that it's better than my gluten - full recipe. I'll admit, I used eggs and buttermilk, which I only tolerate in minimal amounts every few days. Still, I did fine with it and almost cried for having actual, real, tasty bread again! Can I get an amen, people?

Scavenger Hunt

2009-03-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

So, for my Hogwarts Sock Swap 5, I was challenged to find photos of various characters of the HP movies together in the same picture. Here is what I've found so far:

Harry and Hedwig

Harry and Draco Malfoy

McGonagall and Dumbledore

Harry and Snape

Hermione, Ron, and Neville

Harry and Voldemort - okay, so this is obviously post - shoot, but they are still in character garb. This will have to do until I find something better!

Signs of hope

2009-03-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

For all of those suffering the temper of Mother Nature, I bring you signs of hope.

Hang in there, guys, for this, too, shall pass.

My life in music

2009-03-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

My friend Inoxia tagged me recently with her list of life – changing albums. I got to thinking, and started listing mine. What emerged, rather, was a compilation of my life in music, thus far.

Music is not just something to which I listen. I experience it, heart and soul. I integrate it and attach significant meaning to it. I surround myself with it. It is beautiful in all of its different forms, and moves me like no other media of expression. These are my old friends, who I slip on and snuggle up to when I want to remember, or forget.

I must preface by giving special props to REO Speedwagon’s High Infidelity. This was the first album (yes, album) I ever bought, and while it’s not on my list, it’s the one that started the whole thing.

1). Pyromania + "Bringin’ on the Heartbreak" by Def Leppard

I discovered these simultaneously, and include them together even though BOTH is not on Pyromania. I was 11. My first rock ballad, and I was hooked. Joe Elliot’s voice wrapped around my middle and pulled. Plus, Joe Elliott. In itty – bitty Union jack shorts. ‘Nuff said. I am still a huge fan.

2). Rio by Duran Duran

High school. Yep. I was a Duranie. With the launch of MTV, these beautiful boys reeled me in hook, line and sinker. This is cornchip versus preppy, with a little heavy metal sprinkled on top. I still listen, and really like their latest.

3). Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode

4). Kick by INXS

College. These two represent freedom. Away. From parents. This is “I’m taking a ride with my best friend” in her orange convertible bug (top down, of course), eating Cinnabon rolls and miming “I Need You Tonight” in the Wal-Mart camera. This is asserting independence. This is walking to Avanti’s, BY MYSELF, in the DARK! Michael Hutchence, RIP, my lovely, my sex–in–a–leather–jacket.

5). Express by Love and Rockets

My then husband-to-be introduced me to this album. There are a couple of songs on here that really move me, as they represent new love, new discoveries, and friendship. This is my soul mate. “Beauty-beauty-beauty-beautiful”.

6). Deep by Peter Murphy

That voice! Those moves! One of the most memorable shows, too. Jewel opened, of all people. This is courting and being courted, red roses, and apprehension.

7). Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos

Profound. A girl and a piano singing smart and controversial lyrics while the rest of the world was all a-grunge. If I could have only one album, this would be it. This is roaming around Chicago, frequenting Brew n View, coffee shops, and Mediterranean food. The start of a new life. A career.

8). Vox by Sarah McLachlan

She is so young here, searching, wanting, questioning. This is discovering new while clinging to the old.

9). Bleed Your Cedar by Elysian Fields (NOT the heavy metal band with the same name)

Hauntingly beautiful, with the lights low and the warm summer breeze drifting in the windows. This is contentment, and experiencing life with my best friend. EF led me to Portishead, and Dummy.

10). To Bring You My Love by PJ Harvey

So unique, strong. She helped me find the way to other great music – Nick Cave, Mick Harvey, Ruby, Old 97’s, Bottle Rockets. Also, Switchblade Symphony. Different genre, but cool and outside of the box. This is sitting in the bar, being mistaken for the band.

11). Hello by Poe

We were in West Africa for my husband’s dissertation field work. I heard “Angry Johnny” on the BBC radio and asked my mom to send me the cassette. This is humidity, kindness, culture shock, and true love.

12). Live Through This by Hole

What can I say? Courtney Love is in your face, don’t give a shit, and why should I care what you think? This is trying to fit in versus fitting in to yourself. She introduced me to Veruca Salt and American Thighs, when they were squeaky clean just out of the package. Also, to the beautifully tragic genius Kurt Cobain, and Nirvana.

13). Night Songs and Lullabies by Kim Scanlon

I bought this for my newborn son to lull him to sleep. I also made a copy for my baby girl when she was born. This is a rosy babe at my breast, the joy of motherhood, and unconditional love. I will listen to this and treasure this CD all of my life, for it holds the most precious memories of all.

14). Becoming X by Sneaker Pimps

I found this as part of a movie soundtrack. Suckish movie. Awesome soundtrack. This is a different kind of groove for me. This is California, new friends, a new career and open doors. I also found Hooverphonic by “becoming x”.

15.) Little Voice by Sara Bareilles

She reminds me so much of early Tori, with a bluesy twist. This is simplicity, and “the older I get, the more I become myself”.

Confessions of a Swap-o-holic

2009-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

I love swapping on Ravelry. It's a fantastic way of making new friends and scoring cool booty. I just suck at remembering to post pics of my loot. So, to kill many birds with one post:

From my winter fairytale swap, the wonderful Gaidig spoiled me with many beautiful handmade goodies:

I love Alice in Wonderland, hence her themed package. Delicious teas, a handmade apron, journal, and stitchmarkers with "card" keeper, as well as the softest red and black yarn with which to try my hand at the Alice's Queen of Hearts gloves.

Next, from my For the Love of Letters Stationary swap:

LittleLou1975 sent me the coolest Bettie Page project bag (I know, right!!), so-soft yarn from Russia (!), one of her handmade voodoo dolls (complete with pins), drinkables, goodies from her home country of Scotland (including a pen, postcard, and a cd made by a local band), "handmade by me" hand charms, really cute stationary, and Alice in Wonderland epherma.

Finally, KellyD rocked my vampire world with these goodies for the Love Bites swap:

So much vampy goodness to be had here. The cowl she made out of the softest red yarn was a pattern in my faves. I've barely taken it off, truly. I love that she sent me a book, too. I'm really trying to up my reading quota this year. And the "Support Vampires" ribbon? Genius! My bug will wear it proudly. She also sent me a box of Bigelow tea, complete with a tea carry all for my purse. Perfect, as I am a tea snob and devotee! To round out the happiness, vampy pinback buttons, stitch markers and a skein of Panda Silk in silver tones for my hand at a lace scarf, pattern included. Plus, Valentine's Day socks!

Many, many thanks to my wonderful swap partners!! I am truly a lucky lady!

Briefly

2009-02-08T16:47:00.000-08:00

So, I'm off to Tampa for a meeting this week. It's a good meeting, but the 3 hour time difference kills me every time! Always good for a little self time, as well.

Movie reviews this week:

The Rocker - I love Rainn Wilson. He has one of those voices that your want to wrap around yourself and snuggle up to. This movie is full of laughs, music, and has a little feel good message, too. Not for the younger ones, though, for outright drunkenness and destruction of hotel rooms (so cliche). We don't want to give them any ideas, huh?

Coraline - I loved this movie. Creepy, magical, and creepy. I haven't read the book yet; I wanted to see the movie first so as not to be disappointed. I am hoping that the book will explain a little bit more and give further character development. GO SEE IT!!!

Such is progress...

2009-02-03T11:10:00.001-08:00

So, I've made some progress on my projects this week. The blanket for my nephew:
I've found the perfect trim of crocheted bobbles and fringe in a country blue. My chalice mitts:
So pretty! I love this color way of soft, variegated blues. I hope to finish #2 on my trip to Tampa next week. My fingers are freezing at work!! My crochet scarf is coming along, too.
I got this yarn on ebay several years back. I'm having fun with my hook again.

I am ready for socks. Exciting and new (...come aboard, we're expecting you...). I've been hesitant to start, for whatever reason. But, I'm signing up for the Hogwarts Sock Swap 5 on Ravelry, so I am forcing my own hand, so to speak. I'm a little nervous, since my first pair will be for someone else, but I have resources! Speaking of swaps, here is a sneak peek of what's going into my Vampy Valentine's swapee box:
I hope she likes it!!

We caught the last minute of the Super Bowl on Sunday. We're not football fans, but that last minute was pretty exciting. Otherwise, mungi dox, which is Wolof for "It walks", or life keeps moving. My daughter had strep all last week, poor thing, but she's back to her old self now, after antibiotics.

My husband was flipping through the channels a couple of night back and stopped on a Charlie Pride performance on Lawrence Welk. We used to watch that show with my grandparents when I was a kid. The grief hit me fast and hard. They are both gone now. I really miss them.

Be well, everyone!

My Two Sense

2009-01-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

My weekend was filled with too much sugar, too much caffeine, and yoga. Saturday was YogaDayUSA, so I headed to my wonderful YMCA and experienced "upward bliss with downward dog" for 2.5 hours. Ahhhhhhhhhh! Everyday should be YogaDay! But, I am sore (in the best way) in virtually every muscle.

I knit, too. I started on my nephew's blanket for his birthday in April. I also cast on my second chalice mitt. And, I've recently felt the urge to pick up my crochet hook again, after a long hiatus. I'm working on a crazy scarf concept that involves the lacy crochet necklace, a drop stitch scarf featuring the lovely and fantastic hand spun yarn from my friend inoxia, here:

and some chunky winter white yarn. We'll see. The mental image doesn't always translate, you know?

Hark! What's that? I hear...RAIN!!!! Rain is such an event here in SoCal that people literally stop what they are doing and scurry outside to get wet. I kid you not. Uh, excuse me while I go stand in the rain...

This week's movie reviews:

Hotel for Dogs - I took my kids with a friend of mine. Cute, heartwarming with a happy ending. Full of furry friends and feel good fun. Far - fetched (get it?), but isn't that why we go to movies in the first place? Stay for the credits!

City of Ember - I really enjoyed this one, but I'm a fan of Tim Robbins, no matter how small his role. This one is slightly intense, sort of National Treasure meets Wall * E. Entertaining and worth the rental price.