KnitChaos

And, She's Off!

2012-02-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

If you look to the left sidebar of my blog, you'll notice a snazzy new widget. Ok, maybe it's not snazzy, but it's definitely fun. I have joined the Goodreads 2012 Reading Challenge! I found all sorts of fabulous reading challenges on various sites that I wanted to join (such as the Witchy Books Reading Challenge 2012 over at Pagan Culture. Seriously, if you are not hip to Magaly's blog, you are missing out. Check out this wicked writer!), but being such an unrepentant bibliophile, I couldn't commit to just one genre. My reading tastes border on the schizophrenic*. It's impossible for me to read one book at time, so there is often books in progress all over the place (much to the chagrin of Poncho). I was despairing that I wouldn't be able to join in a fun reading challenge, when I stumbled across Goodreads. Now I can geek on books to my hearts content and participate in a fun challenge! Yay! The hardest part of this challenge, for me, is going to be remembering to log in to Goodreads and update my reading list. I'm so excited, though. If you are likewise bookishly inclined, head on over and join in the fun!

On that note, I have just finished reading a wonderful book called Women Who Run With Wolves - Myths and stories of the Wild Woman archetype by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Dr. Estes is a Jungian Psychoanalyst and Cantadora (Keeper of the Old Stories). In this book she examines popular fairy tales, folklore from around the world, and assorted other myths/legends and roots out the deeper meanings as they relates to the feminine psyche. I will admit, I was apprehensive about this book at first. I have come across WAY too many books and authors in the women's studies/spirituality section that are thinly veiled, vitriolic, anti-male, hate mongering while doing little to nothing to truly encourage and support women on their spiritual journeys (*cough, Z. Budapest, cough*). I was so pleasantly surprised to find this was NOT one of those! This book is truly about exploring themes in our lives that aid in reconnecting with the Wild Woman within. This is not your standard how-to or 101 book, however. Dr. Estes really helps and encourages the reader to forge their own paths and perceptions as she offers up various perspectives on classics tales. To reclaim ones intuition, creativity, strength, authenticity, and identity is what it's all about. Not only is the book itself in-depth, but it also has an extensive bibliography in the back to further ones research. I do so love a book with a meaty bibliography. It makes me want to RAWR in pleasure. Ahem. I highly recommend this book for all those who seek to reclaim themselves and continue to grow in their spiritual journeys. Kudos to Dr. Estes for bringing this book to the world.

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Last night was another Needle Nutz Stitch N Bitch. It was so great seeing everyone again (I really need this weekly escape and I skip it far too often. That's going to change). I started a new project: The Super Slouch Hat by Danyel Pink, which I discovered via Ravelry. I've been envious of the fabulous slouch hats that my friend, Erin, has created and have been dying to stitch one of my own. I was panicked a bit reading the instructions I had printed out as I didn't have the "M" hook required to start it and our LYS (where we were hanging out) didn't have one in stock either. It was when another Ya-Ya, Laura, pointed out that she had a "N" hook on hand and that is the 9mm hook needed, that I was able to reclaim my excitement over this new project. Apparently, they are the same hook and no one around here has ever seen an "M" hook. For the evening, I borrowed Laura's hook and chained on (I had an "N" at home, but didn't bring it thinking it wasn't the right one. Silly me). It's looking AWESOME! I'm so stoked about this hat and can't wait to finish it.

I've had this particular yarn in my stash for ages and didn't know what to do with it. It was purchased on clearance and is a shockingly obnoxious bold colorway, so of course I simply had to have it. Nothing says "Hex" quite like obnoxious and bold. Er...that didn't come out quite right. Heh. Anyhow, the yarn is Lion Brand Jiffy in the Denver colorway (Which, according to their website, appears to be discontinued. My heart breaks a little at this).

The colors are slightly off, but this was the only image I could find.

Isn't it simply horrific? I ADORE IT! Poncho says it looks like a bad 80's sweater waiting to happen. I happen to agree and that just adds to it's charm. Yes, I'm weird like that. The yarn is a brushed acrylic to mimic the look of mohair. The hat is coming along swimmingly and I will be able to shock and nauseate people with it before too long, and after all, isn't that what fashion is all about? This will be the ultimate in headgear! MUAHAHAHAHAHA! I also have some Moda Dea Cheri, in the Teal colorway, that I bought at the same time.

This is a nylon "eyelash" yarn and matches the teal/peacock color in the Jiffy PERFECTLY! They are destined to become a set of fuzzy, eye bleeding, accessories. Just have to figure out how I want to work them up. I can't wait to get this hat and it's accompanying crafts all finished. Wicked!

Well, Boo is staggering about in denial of her semi-somnambulist state, so I must be off to wrangle her into nap time. Battle Royale to commence in 5...4...3...

Later, Darklings!

* No disrespect intended for those living with Schizophrenia, nor am I making light of their difficulties. It is meant as tongue-in-cheek.

Post-It Note Tuesdays - Success

2012-02-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

Friday Frenzy

2012-01-27T12:36:00.000-05:00

Another day, another game plan that is destined for modification on the fly! There is are many things I NEED to get done and even more I WANT to do. I really need a Time Turner, I think. Maybe a wee bit more "me" time on the internet first (Damn you, Pinterest!), then I'll get going.

Primary on the agenda: housework. Doing laundry and trying to size down the family wardrobe; WAY too many clothes! Time for me to give up the battle with many of my shirts too. I'm hell on clothes, being a messy creative type in both Kitchen and Craft, so many of my tops are stained beyond belief and there really is no saving them. Boo is growing so dang fast, she hasn't even been able to wear many of the adorable outfits she has before they are too small. I swear she has Amazonian genes and I blame The Husbeast. That family grows them big!

Thinking maybe some Lentil soup in the crock pot for dinner later. I have some small french bread rolls in the freezer that would be quite tasty with it. Hmmm, have to check to make sure I have some lentils. It would be a good excuse to crack open a quart of my tasty basil tomatoes that we canned too. Win/Win! I keep planning on making some Cowboy cookies, but by the time I have the time and space free, I'm just plain worn out and achy. Maybe tonight will be the night. I can have Spud and Boo help out. I think it would be a fun family activity (so sayeth Mom until the clean-up comes lol). Ever the optimist, I guess.

I'd also like to carve out some time later for a bit of crafty fun. There are Pocket Goddess I want to sculpt, my Tarot bag to finish knitting, and a winter hat for Boo to crochet. I wonder...if I hide in the basement under the pile of laundry, do you think I can score a few minutes to myself? Hmm, it bears consideration.

I definitely need to schedule some meditative down time. My inner temple is in horrible need of dusting and cob web clearing. It's no fit place for neither man, nor beast, let alone the divine spark.

Well, time to get cracking! This household isn't going to manage itself.

Later, Darklings!

Food Preservation Is An Addiction

2012-01-23T13:21:00.001-05:00

The Husbeast gave me the best Yule present ever this past holiday season: A vintage 16 quart Magic Seal pressure canner! (oh and the Presto 7 piece canning accessory kit)

Picture from the E-bay auction, pre-cleaning

Since then we have been canning meat and veggies like crazy! In fact, we had to raid my mother's old canning supplies since we ran out and had more canning to do. This actually worked out well, since she feels she is far too busy to be doing canning anymore and we promised her we'd share our tasty bounty with here whenever she wanted. Win/Win!

We have some pickles, cabbage, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, stew beef, ground beef, pork chunks, chicken chunks, and pounds and pounds of BACON all canned up and shining with yummy goodness. I will admit, I giggle a little when I look in my cupboards or in the basement pantry and see these wonderful filled jars standing in rows.

Next to these tasty treasures are jars of dehydrated vegetables. Our food dehydrator is another wonderful kitchen implement I don't know how we ever did without! Pull out a handful of veggies, soak for a bit, cook them up, and it tastes damn near fresh! Even the corn tastes just like you cut it off the cob. So good!

Product photo. Ours has additional trays

I still want to find an old cast iron meat grinder, a grain mill, apple peeler/corer, Popcorn air popper, and a vacuum sealer to help finish up my "must have in the kitchen" list.

I feel proud that I am making a healthy change for my family. With the dehydrator and the addition of the canner, we can have "convenient" foods on hand, but without all the unhealthy additives and preservatives. No unpronounceable ingredients on the menu, just good food.

Is it wrong that I get such a delight out of hearing the wonderful PING! of jars sealing?

If it is, I don't want to be right!

Later, Darklings!

Happy New Year! Or How Freedom Dies

2012-01-01T18:15:00.000-05:00

A new year, new challenges, and new discoveries to make!

I was feeling pretty good about the start of 2012. I spent new years eve with a good friend and my family (excepting The Spud, who was enjoying another weekend with Nana), gaming, snacking, and laughing. Much fun and frivolity was had. I awoke with the awareness of a fresh new year to celebrate and, if need be, conquer. Rawr!

Then I did my morning internet ritual: Checking e-mail, reading blogs, perusing Facebook updates. Then it hit me. A link to an article on Natural Health News :

R.I.P. Bill of Rights 1789 - 2011

Kind of an eye catcher and hear stopper, isn't it? Despite promises that he would veto the NDAA, President Obama signed it on New Years Eve. Yes, while most Americans were ensconced in merriment and revelry to celebrate the passing of the old year, our president was violating his oath of office and committing treason against the very nation he is, allegedly, in place to serve. Happy new year indeed, but for whom?

Now, unlike many American citizens, I like to keep in the know about what our government is doing both at home and abroad and I have been horrified since this Bill was first brought to light. I've written my Congressmen repeatedly about it, hoping to appeal to some sense of sanity. They all blew me off with the standard tag-line: "It doesn't apply to U.S. citizens, just terrorists". Ah, but that is either a bald face lie, or they are COMPLETELY ignorant of the legislation they are voting on. I am very proficient in reading comprehension; I'm a damn bibliophile for Bob's sake! I've read, re-read, read it to others, talked about it, researched it, and did everything possible to make sure I wasn't misunderstanding the text. Nope. I was right and it hurts to be thus. We have been sold out.

I'm still in a state of shock and horror. I knew it was coming, but the eternal optimist inside kept hoping that intelligence and justice would win out. Well, it's readily apparent that neither exist in Washington D.C..

Our country, our people, & our freedom have been violated. The NDAA is an illegal piece of legislation and everyone who endorsed, and/or signed it, is a traitor to our nation and enemy of the state (legally speaking).

I wonder, though, how many people will even notice. After all, they can't be bothered to put down their iToys long enough, nor turn off the pseudo-reality television, and keep themselves informed. Major news media doesn't touch the real issues and is an exceedingly bad joke. I guess when friends and family start disappearing without a trace and people start feeling like nameless extras in a WW2 era flick, someone might take a moment and say: "Hey, somethings not right here. What's going on?", right before they themselves become one of the missing.

Oh, did you know Russell Brand and Katy Perry are getting divorced? How about Andrew Lloyd Webber and his claim that the Olympics will hit theaters? OMG, Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol grossed over $35 Million at the box office this weekend, totally trumping Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Wow, Beyonce may be ready to give birth! I gotta go, I have to check to see what's trending on Twitter before I'm out of the loop!

Later Darklings!

A New Crafty Timesink

2012-01-01T16:00:00.000-05:00

So, I was made aware of this wonderful click-fest by Velody Dark (Treegold & Beegold) on Google +.

It's like a mystic crafting portal of tutorial goodness!

Random Tutorial Generator

I may not surface for DAYS!

Muahahahahahaha!

Later Darklings

A Very Merry Solstice...

2011-12-21T15:09:00.000-05:00

...Blessings of the Season!

'Tis The Season For Some Downsizing

2011-11-27T14:33:00.001-05:00

Colds and various other ick has abounded in the Chaos household. Couple that with the normal hustle and bustle, and it makes for one very weary Hex.

I've missed so much going on in the 'verse due to insane busyness and a fickle internet connection. I feel like I'm having blog withdrawals...and that is NOT a good thing. Why do so many of y'all have such fantastic blogs? Why must you torture me with the lack of time to enjoy all your splendid cyberspace offerings? Sadists! :p

It's with this sad realization that I have to finally come to terms with my blog addiction. There are just too many subscriptions in my Google reader list. A culling is necessary and it pains me so!

Now, that doesn't mean that I am abandoning all those beloved blogs (perish the thought). It just means I'll have to pop to each one periodically and do some catching up as time permits. Most have lovely buttons that I've already snagged and loaded somewhere on my own blog, so they won't be lost. I truly wish I had the time to read all of you daily. *sigh*

I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the wonderful folks in the blog-o-sphere for doing what you do and allowing us into your worlds. I'd thank you all personally, but there's just way to many of y'all! LEGIONS. Seriously, you are incredible!

Ok, off to trim and tweak and make the tough decisions.

Oh! I also get to do this while battling with an overly tired and sick toddler. Yes, I live a charmed life. heh

Later, Darklings! Hopefully with a "real" blog post. :D

Of Fiber and Felting

2011-10-28T13:25:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, Crystal, Suzy, & I went to the Ann Arbor Fiber Expo. So many pretties, so little budget! Although I didn't find the flesh colored fiber I was hoping for, I did score some other fluff I wanted, so it was a success. You can read all about the excursion here (quite a bit of poetic license was used in the post and I believe more than a little alcohol, so take it with a healthy grain of salt. It does capture the spirit of the outing, though).

Last night was our weekly Stitch N Bitch at Riverside Yarn Gallery. I brought along some felting supplies and started on a mini pumpkin. It was so much fun and looked so cute in miniature, that I ended up staying up WAY too late after I got home and felted a couple more mini foods. They are adorable and oh so much fun to do!

Tasty Tiny Felts

Close-up View

I currently have a faerie, mermaid, owl, dinosaur, and Pocket Goddess underway, but I'm currently feeling drawn to mini foods. I guess the fiber will tell me what it needs to be and I'll just sculpt it as it goes.

Later, Darklings!

Playdate

2011-10-28T12:24:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday, Boo had her first official play date! The little ones had SO much fun and we are planning on more in the near future. Both toddlers were really well behaved and it was a wonderful day for all.

Boo and Liam in a rare paused moment

I will admit, I was apprehensive at first. Boo is a big girl (she's two, but as big as a 3-3 1/2 year old easily) and her usual playmate is her older brother, Spud (who is 11), They do a LOT of rough housing and have a ball, so I was worried she would try to rough house with Liam too.

Thankfully, that was not the case and she was as sweet as angel pie...which, of course, made me wonder who did the brain switch with my little girl. She's been a hellion for the last two weeks. With her attitude and temperament, you'd swear she was a redhead. Seriously.

At any rate, she pleasantly surprised me with a store of proper social skills and much giggling amongst the duo was heard all day.

Many thanks to Crystal (Liam's Nana) for having us. Definitely good times!

Later, Darklings!

Post-It Note Tuesdays - Play

2011-10-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Seasonal Altar

2011-10-08T12:51:00.000-04:00

I decorated my altar for the season. Halloween is one of my all time favorite holidays and it just puts me in an Autumn kind of mood to decorate. Unfortunately, with a massive cleaning/purging going on this month, I am unable to dig out the other home decorations. This year, the altar is it.

I'm also faced with a problem. Boo is entranced by objects on it! Surprisingly, it's not the bears she is going for, but the "boo boo babies", as she calls them. They are actually Living Dead Doll Minis (Deadbra Ann and Sheena) and not toddler appropriate, but she can't seem to leave them be. She also keeps swiping my dragons. One went missing for a few days and I couldn't find it anywhere. I finally had to resort to asking Boo to get the dragon for me from wherever she secreted it. I walked into the kitchen, back out again, and lo and behold...it was back in it's place on the altar. I still have no idea where she stashed it, but it was undamaged, so all is well.

Another popular pastime for Boo is using the tiny besom decoration to sweep the altar. She loves to help clean up and apparently has adopted the altar space as part of her charge. It's very sweet, but I worry about her enthusiasm when there are lit things on there. She nearly burned herself on incense already going after Deadbra Ann one day. We are teaching her about safety and respect for other people's items, but as with all toddlers, it's a slow process.

All in all, the family enjoys the altar for various reasons and it definitely helps get us in the mood for the holidays.

Later, Darklings!

Post-It Note Tuesdays - Chant

2011-10-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

The Agony of Copypasta

2011-09-27T15:02:00.000-04:00

Today I realized that I left a ton of posts on my old LiveJournal. Is there an easy way to import them here to Blogger? OF COURSE NOT! *sigh*

I tried exporting them as .XML files and importing here. Nope. LJ apparently doesn't actually export the .XML, it just opens it up into another browser entirely and you can gape at the coding and do nothing with it. It WILL export .CSV easily enough. Yeah, thanks for nothing, LiveJournal.

I then downloaded a Blog2Blog program, which at first glance appears to be working...then it tells me it only grabbed posts previous to the first post I ever made. Hmm, that would be exactly 0 posts then, wouldn't it? Ok, that's a wash.

After a couple of hours of frustrating and fruitless searching for an answer, I have come to a sad realization: If I want those posts here, I'm going to have to manually copy/paste the content, reset the post time/dates to their original, and retype all the labels. Gee, doesn't that sound like fun? Yeah, I don't think so either.

Anyhow, just a heads up in case anyone starts noticing "new posts" that seem less than fresh. Ha!

This is going to take awhile...

A Night of Gratitude

2011-09-25T16:25:00.000-04:00

This Autumn Equinox was a lovely occasion. There were friends (old and new), delicious feasting, & fun in abundance! The laughter was infectious and energizing. The ritual was absolutely wonderful and a hearty thanks to Meave for hosting such an incredible event.

The Ritual Set-up

(More pictures following the jump)

Lighting our candles after anointing them with Gratitude Oil

All aglow

A friend gives thanks for her blessings with grain

The oil for the cauldron

The liquid cauldron alight with our thanks and intentions

What a lovely ritual

The remnants of some of the feast

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mabon!

Mom Down On The Field

2011-08-24T11:25:00.002-04:00

Well, it appears that way for my family, at least. I seem to have developed an end of summer head cold and the natives are in a panic.

When the Mom stops functioning, so doth the household apparently. The Husbeast makes a valiant effort to soldier on, but he is often WAY over his head. The Tween and Diva immediately know something is amiss and make every effort to sabotage their Dad's best efforts and force Mom back into functional mode...at all costs!

Obviously, this doesn't work, but bless their little hearts, they do try.

Bad, bad, BAD night last night. I don't recall what time I finally was able to get to sleep as I stopped checking the clock around 4am or so. There was a period where a fever spiked out of nowhere, drenched me to the bone, then was gone in short order. I honestly don't know how long it lasted, but if my audio-book is any indication, it was a little over a chapter long.

I still feel like roadkill today and the sleep deprivation hasn't helped any. I wonder if they'll allow dear old Mom a little nap sometime to try and recharge a bit. HA! I wish.

Moms aren't supposed to get sick. We are the bastions of the home and nothing else will do. *rolls eyes*

I hear the Tween hollering now for me. Undoubtedly it is some SUPER MAJOR OMG CATASTROPHE that only I can fix...

Nope. The Diva is simple lifting the floor up in her playpen and aggravating him by doing so (she is supposed to be napping. The little bugger). Yeah, earth shattering, huh?

Ah well. Nothing to it, but to do it. Pardon me as I slink off, with tissues in hand, to save the children from whatever imagined disaster they've concocted now.

Anyone have any aspirin? (Or liquor?)

The Torture Of Curry And Other Healthy Eating

2011-08-11T13:42:00.002-04:00

So I made a batch of curry the other night for dinner. Broccoli, cauliflower, yellow carrots, orange carrots, and Italian sausage over white rice. YUMMO!

Unfortunately for Spud, I cooked it up in my usual Polish/German manner...enough to feed a small army! He was not amused by being repeatedly offered the dish. In fact, he was greatly displeased that we had it at all. My son's taste buds are cultural and junk-food snobs and he's having difficulty adjusting to my "make it healthier, make it from scratch" lifestyle change. All his beloved pre-packaged, boxed, canned, frozen, pseudo-foods are a thing of the past and he is not a happy camper.

Aww, poor baby...NOT! Despite his repeated protests and longing for the old days of insta-crap, he is already showing signs of improved health. He has lost some of his excess weight, has more energy, feels less cruddy (he was having bouts on and off of random ickiness), and is generally doing MUCH better. Of course, he will deny that it's due to the changes I've made in our kitchen and lifestyle. No sirree! That boy, bless his heart, is nothing if not stubborn (he get it from his father, I swear! That's my story and I'm sticking to it, so NYAH!). All that matters to me is that I know my family is eating well.

On the other hand, Boo couldn't shovel it in fast enough! I swear that little girl is part machine when it comes to eating. She's also showing early signs of latent snarkiness. With nearly every other bite, she'd loudly proclaim, "NUM!". Of course, this prompted Spud to glower at her, which seemed to delight her to no end and cause her to increase her happy eating sounds. That alone wouldn't seem suspicious, but when Spud took to steadfastly refusing to look at her after a bit, she started to holler his name (Which in toddler speak comes out sounding like "D". His name is Chase and we still can't figure this one out), gesturing, and leaning over to try and grab him to get his attention. When he finally succumbed, turned, and asked: "What, Boo?", she replied with a grin: "NUM!". I love that kid hehe.

The Husbeast and I also enjoyed the tasty goodness of Curry, so with a vote of 3 to 1, it's going to be added to the family meal rotation (I'll probably do either a straight up veggie or chicken with veggies one next time). I'm sure Spud is just going to LOVE seeing that yellow powder come out of the spice cupboard again. It makes me almost grin with anticipation for that day. Almost.

Hey, I never said I wasn't a wicked Mom.

The Reckoning Of Reclamation Part 3

2011-08-11T12:52:00.001-04:00

It appears The Reclamation Project has met it's matched in The Dread Jungle.

Although initially it seemed that victory was on the horizon, the tenacity of the growth was horribly underestimated! Despite hacking, slashing, pulling, dousing, and disposing of POUNDS of the vile encroachment...the enemy refuses to concede defeat.

The Battle for the Patio appears to be a long-term campaign. What is it that makes these blasted weeds so resilient? Is there some super secret potion they are smuggling into the yard and dosing their troops with? The regeneration abilities of these green monsters is UNNATURAL! Something hinky is going on, I'm sure of it.

Here we have documented proof of the battle being waged:

Spud has fought valiantly against the foe and will continue the good fight. Only time will tell who will come out victorious at the end of the war...and make no mistake, it is WAR!

Carry on, soldier...carry on...

So Many Are Unaware Of This Simple Truth

2011-07-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

"Every act of a delegated authority, contrary to the tenor of the commission under which it is exercised, is void. No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution, can be valid. To deny this, would be to affirm, that the deputy is greater than his principal; that the servant is above his master; that the representatives of the people are superior to the people themselves; that men acting by virtue of powers, may do not only what their powers do not authorize, but what they forbid."~ Alexander Hamilton (from The Federalist Papers)

It saddens me, that in this potentially great nation, how many of it's citizens have no clue about their own country; most don't even know what the Constitution contains, nor their legal rights as American citizens. They just blindly accept what governments and politicians say and do without so much as a whimper or a word. If it violates the Constitution, it is NOT a law and is in fact ILLEGAL, despite what politicians tell you and want you to believe.

People need to wake up and educate themselves before there is no more Land of the Free and Home of the Brave. The dismantling of America is happening everyday, bit by bit, and folks just smile, nod, and post inane Tweets from their smart-phones. Folks can scream Damn Liberals /Conservatives /Republicans /Democrats /Insert pointless label here, until they are blue in the face and it does NOTHING! The wheel keeps turning and these ignorant souls just keep swapping labels each election to make themselves feel better...and nothing changes.

Until folks are willing to do their duty as citizens, educate themselves, and fight for what is right, the countdown to the death of freedom and liberty will continue unabated.

Shame on you, America!

The Reckoning Of Reclamation Part 2

2011-07-13T17:55:00.001-04:00

The Domestic Witch's Lair unearthed many surprises. Items long thought gone were rediscovered (to the joy of the Husbeast), Gadgets the Witch has missed for ages has come into the light, and things weren't as bad as originally perceived.

Upon close observation, clutter wasn't the culprit in The DWL (Of course, the Witch could have TOLD the Husbeast that if one had only asked), but the insidious Disorganization was the true enemy. After wrangling supplies, gadgets, and implements, a semblance of order was restored. Shelves were re-designated for specific purposes, the Witch's beloved gadgets and gewgaws were given a place of honor to ease access and use, and her Grimoires of Tasty Goodness have started to be dusted off, refiled, and given a complete makeover.

The Witch is well pleased with the way it all turned out. The DWL isn't complete yet, but it shines with a new light of efficiency and function. In fact, the Witch finds herself drawn to spending more time there than she used to believe would be healthy. Many delicious and healthier concoctions have already burst forth and the Witch is looking forward to many more.

Our next expedition is into The DREAD JUNGLE!

Our First Batch Of Bread!

2011-06-28T12:37:00.003-04:00

I'm so proud of our first batch of homemade bread. I know there is a lot missing of the process in the video, but it's hard to record when you're covered in dough hehe. The bread turned out quite tasty and has been followed with many more loaves already. I'm hooked and will never buy pre-made bread again. From scratch is AWESOME!

In A Pickle

2011-06-28T12:15:00.001-04:00

The Husbeast LOVES his pickled eggs. I swear the man would make himself ill devouring them if given the chance! Since buying them in the store isn't cost effective, we've decided to start making our own. They are SO good! I can't wait until these set up proper and the sampling can commence.

First pickled eggs, then more pickling tastiness in the future! Might have to stock up on some sodium bicarbonate before this endeavor is through. *grin*

The Day Is Long

2011-06-21T01:25:00.037-04:00

Visit The Pooka Pages for some great family fun.

The Reckoning of Reclamation, Part 1

2011-06-20T10:08:00.002-04:00

The Reclamation Project is steadily under way. The Battle Of Spud's Cave is near completion with no loss of life! The natural ground cover is finally exposed and rogue elements have been exiled. All that remains is the wrangling of the native's treasured artifacts and nirvana will have been achieved!

The second foray is into the savage wild of The Domestic Witch's Lair. This will prove to be a difficult and hoard wrenching expedition indeed. The DWL is filled with all sorts of useful machines and implements that, while having the potential to accomplish wondrous things for The Witch, have sadly languished in obscurity. The steadfast ruling that these items "Are really useful and it's a shame to get rid of them just cause their not being used at the moment", has been overruled. Sentence will be carried out momentarily and said items banished to places unknown. While the lair will soon be rezoned into a realm of simplicity and practical function, The Witch feels some measure of sadness. You see, much like Disney's The Little Mermaid, The Witch is quite attached to her gadgets, doodads, thingamabobs, and doohickeys. The fact that many of them have been exiled to the darkest corners of the lair and their last exposure to the light of day is lost to recorded time is inconsequential to The Witch. Her mantra has always been "This is so useful and I'll be glad it's here one day when I need it". *Sigh* Sadly, that day has never arrived for many of these accoutrements and The Witch has to face facts. There is no room, nor place, for things unused.

This expedition will be a difficult one, but we shall persevere!

We Aren't In Kansas Anymore...

2011-06-19T19:15:00.001-04:00

My Husbeast and I have a serious problem. We are both unrepentant gaming geeks and never satisfied with the status quo. So, what does that mean, exactly? Why, we are getting ready to add yet another RPG to our weekly gaming night of course!

Introducing GAMMA WORLD (2nd Edition)! Yes, we are diving into a post-apocalyptic Sci-Fantasy geek fest starting this weekend. Unlike previous games, this one will mark the introduction of a new party member and the corruption of the next generation; our son will be joining us.

So far it appears that the party is going to comprise of one Pure Strain Human (NPC), a Mutated Human, and three Mutated Animals (a rabbit, chinchilla, and squirrel). In a world where Cryptic Alliances flourish, ancient robots guard the secrets of the past, and even the flora may out to kill you, these brave souls will travel the world in search of artifacts and adventure!

It will be interesting to see what sort of trouble this motley crew can stir up. Saturday can't arrive fast enough!

Goddess, Are You Real?

2011-06-12T20:48:00.010-04:00

A little child whispered, "Goddess, speak to me."

And a meadowlark sang.

But the child did not hear.

So the child yelled, "Goddess, speak to me!"

And the thunder rolled across the sky.

But the child did not listen.

The child looked around and said, "Goddess, let me see you."

And a star shone brightly.

But the child did not notice.

And the child shouted, "Goddess, show me a miracle!"

And a life was born.

But the child did not know.

So the child cried out in despair, "Touch me Goddess, and let me know you are here!"

Whereupon the Goddess reached down and touched the child.

But the child brushed the butterfly away and walked away unknowingly.

~Author Unknown

Dripping With Anticipation...

2011-06-04T15:15:00.005-04:00

...or maybe it's just the humidity. It's hard to tell sometimes with days such as this.

Tonight is gaming! The Husbeast and I decided to split DM duties each week, so we will start off with his 1920s Lovecraftian campaign and finish up with my AD&D Oriental Adventures. My players have no idea what they are in for! MUAHAHAHAHA! Er, ahem. Tonight, they embark on a quest to rid the coast of Wa of a troublesome pirate threat (and hope to score a new shipping/smuggling business to boot). Along for the adventure is an ancient Lich that has taken quite the shining to one of the players. What could possibly go wrong? *BEG*

So far, no planting has happened and that makes me quite sad. I really need to get that going if I expect to have ANY fresh veggies and herbs anytime this year. On an up-note, however, we have nearly reclaimed our backyard and patio from the jungle of hateful weeds. No grass grows there, just weeds, weeds, weeds. It's a rather pathetic sight, truly. Ponch has been spraying the malcontents liberally with vinegar for the last couple days, so it shouldn't be too long until it's done and habitable again. I'm looking forward to summer evenings in our little postage stamp yard. We may even get a little wading pool for Boo!

Ugh, this dampness is nasty! Good gods, I think I'm melting...

Atlas Shrugged

2011-05-09T07:44:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it feels as if the weight of the world is upon our shoulders. So many responsibilities; so many people depending on us.

It has been another long stretch of time such as this for me. A myriad of unexpected, although not all unwelcome, surprises have been dealt my way and I have been battling to not only rise to the occasion, but survive the load as well. I do love a challenge, but let's face it, sometimes the Universe is just flippin' ridiculous.

Well, now Spring is here and with it the promise of new possibilities and a fresh new start. Despite the weight that still remains, this Atlas has shrugged off the majority of the unwanted and/or unhealthy burdens and is ready to face the day anew.

The road ahead is still fraught with bumps and there will undoubtedly be bruises along the way, but I go forward with a lighter heart, a positive outlook, and just good ol' fashioned determination that the path I travel is one of my own design. I no longer allow those things which do not positively enhance my life to have a place in my future. I have folks around me that uplift my spirit and contribute to the overall wonder that is life, and for that I am immensely grateful.

Onward!

The Start Of My Faux Food Endeavor!

2011-03-09T22:08:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago, I fell in love with the adorable knitted food that my friend Erin had made her her wee one. They were so cute and looked so fun, that I decided I needed to make some for Moira. Boo adores the shopping cart full of boxed goods and handful of plastic food that she got from her Aunt and Uncle this past Yule, so I know she'll love some yarny additions. Also, the cardboard boxes that came with said cart aren't doing so good. They are starting to look like they barely survived an apocalypse, so she's going to need new "food" for her cart before too long. She's literally LOVING them to pieces...and frankly, I'm out of tape and the will to keep them alive lol. Enter the amigurumi play food.

I immediately went to Ravelry and saved a bunch of patterns (both Knit and Crochet) for various fun looking food stuffs...then got a serious case of "the lazy". I haven't been able to hit up the library to print any patterns out, crafting in front of the computer is near impossible, and trying to navigate the interwebz on the Wii is like getting a root canal. So I decided to wing it.

I have finished (and stuffed) the body of the first strawberry! Using some Sugar and Cream cotton, a 4.25mm crochet hook, and making it up as I went along, the food crafting as begun! Doesn't look half bad, even. I'm pretty pleased. I just need to figure out how to do the greenery on the top then stitch on the "seeds" and number one is done.

Chase has even shown an interest. I told him I have a super secret plan for him as well and it's driving him absolutely batty trying to figure out what I am going to be stitching up for him! He's a big fan of the Mario-verse, so I have several "Mario" themed patterns queued up. I'll be making him some amigurumi such as Chain Chomps, Bob-ombs, Toadstools, and maybe even Mario and Luigi themselves. All sorts of crazy Mario Bros. things for him to go wild with. He's going to LOVE it...that is, unless the suspense kills him first! Muahahahahahahaha!

Hats Off To You!

2011-02-09T02:08:00.001-05:00

I'm as mad as a hatter. Ok, maybe not quite, but I've definitely been going hat crazy lately.

I finished up my crochet hat (which was then promptly confiscated by Moira) and decided I didn't care for the large obnoxious flower on it after all. I took that off and designed a pair of Daises for it instead. I also added a loopy edging that looks sorta lacy. Then I finished up the Husbeast's camouflage watch cap, hooked up a cute blueberries and cream colored one for my friend, Laura, and am working on finishing up a strawberry swirl one for Moira (I hope she'll take it as trade and relinquish my hat lol). Then I have to stitch up a camo one for Chase (his is going to be wool, though). The funny thing is, I still haven't gotten bored with making hats. VERY SCARY. I've also been experimenting and created all sorts of peculiar flowers. I have no use for them at this time, but I can't stop making them and designing new ones. It's like crack...but with cotton!

As much fun as I've been having with these hats, I'm still feeling the call of the amigurumi. There are untold creatures waiting to be born from my hook and I don't know how long I'll be able to resist the urge. Legions of critters are just waiting to take over the world, one skein at a time...and I will be their crochet overlord! MUAHAHAHAHAHA...er...ahem. All things in their time, of course.

And So It Begins

2011-01-19T14:52:00.004-05:00

The craft bug hasn't just bit over here in my house, it's caused an infestation!

I whipped out a crochet hat for myself last night (just gotta weave the tails in and make the obnoxiously large flower I want on it hehe) in Sugar and Cream cotton (swimming pool colorway), started another for the Husbeast (Renegade colorway. It's CAMOUFLAGE! hehe) and considering making more since they are turning out cute as heck, organizing and inventorying supplies to make some ritual/spell candles, formulated some interesting jewelry and stitch marker ideas to make, and the Husbeast is getting ready to embark on his mead brewing adventures! Some of these are for our own personal use, others for sale (hopefully). After all, when you have a buttload of supplies on hand and regular employment prospects have been slim to none, you figure a way to sustain. What could be more fun?

I'm off to do the housewench drudgery and feed the family. I'm sure I'll come up with a bunch of other neat things to create/concoct whilst I slog through the chores and sundry. I can feel the gears cranking full speed ahead!

ETA: Oooh, crud, I almost forgot! I need to finish up my entry for the Craft-A-Poem event this month. Gotta get crackin'!

Awesome-sauce w/ A Side Of WTF?!

2011-01-06T23:49:00.005-05:00

The last couple of days I have been having bouts of TOTAL RANDOMNESS! I've been like a Minah bird on crack and the world is full of SHINY!!! Of course, I just had to share with all you lovely people what has been catching my eye and turning my crank.

First up is Joy Nash. I have a serious girl crush on her. I fell in adoration with her when she posted her "Fat Rant" video and there is just no cure. I totally recommend stalking her YouTube channel. Then I won't feel so alone...

Hmmm...interesting. I wasn't aware of some of these: 7 Foods That Should Never Cross Your Lips

The Truther Girls hosts a current events videocast, usually with a bit of snark. She also has a cadre of characters that she turns into for different videos. You never quite know what to expect when you tune in (Anita Hitt, her "Ex-druggie" persona, is a particular hoot).

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's...Phoenix Jones?! Is There A Real Life Kick-Ass Roaming Seattle?

Then of course we have THE LORD AND MASTER...Foamy. His videos are NSFW, or small children, or sensitive people, or anyone really.

Full Back Twilight Tattoo. *Gag* I just threw up in my mouth a bit and another part of my soul died. STOP THE SPARKLEPIRE INSANITY! *twitches*

The Little Fears is an offering of creepy stories (a.k.a. Creepy Pasta) narrated in a soft and pleasant voice. Some are better than others, but they are all entertaining. There is NEVER any "shock/scare" blast in her videos. Just good old storytelling.

EPBOT, my 3G spot (see sidebar), offers up some Sweet Tweets. Oh Yeah!

The Top 5 Internet Video Memes of 2010. Lemmings have taken over the interwebz! hehe

I'm a HUGE paranormal buff (and I don't mean the size of my derriere). AusAries2 is one of my go-to channels for all thing paranormal. Because of her, I'm able to enjoy many of the great shows I'd otherwise miss due to lack of cable television. TV rots your brain, but watching videos online is OK, right?

Here is a Lace Crochet Parasol Tutorial (WAY beyond my skills, but too steamy to resist). Have I mentioned that I'm now a HOOKER?! Yes, yes I am. I've been learning the wonderful art of crochet thanks to my friend Laura. She is THE BOMB and an awesome teacher!

There was just so much more out there, but I'm sure this blog would go 'splode if I continue. So, anyone else feeling random lately?

Product Review: Cosco On Safari Play Yard

2010-12-22T13:59:00.007-05:00

I received this play yard as a baby shower gift back in August of 2009. It's simple design, neutral color palette, and affordable price made it an excellent choice when we were doing our registry at Target.

It has seen a lot of use since my daughter was born. It's been a rather sturdy piece of equipment and exceedingly useful. Travel crib, play yard, baby "road block", and even used occasionally as a toy box. The versatility is easily apparent. Cosco has created an attractive and functional product, but it is not without it's faults.

While the wheels on the end are useful when wanting to quickly relocate it when it's open and locked, it makes for a hassle to set-up initially. The center must remain raised or the side pieces will not lock into position (this is a safety feature). However, because of the wheels, it constantly shifts/spreads and the base tries to drop down, making it very fiddly to get all the sides locked. Only once all the top edges are in their locked position can the center be lowered into place. This first step is not easily done with one person. It can be managed, but it is a rather annoying.
Secondly, the floor mat itself isn't very secure. There is a single velcro strap on either end to secure it to the cloth of the frame underneath. The position of the straps relative to the slots they fit through allow a lot of play of the mat. It slides back and forth quite a bit and can prove a stability issue for standing infants. They are also not situated on the ends of the mat itself, so it's quite easy for a curious little one to lift the edges and put objects (or even themselves depending on their size) under the edge of the mat between the walls and on the cloth underside. Depending on the child in question, this could be a potential safety hazard. In our case, Moira was too large and mobile for such a thing to be dangerous, although her penchant for stashing things under there has proven no end of exasperation. Toys or pacifer missing? Look under the mat.

Disassembly is another daunting task for the same reasons mentioned above with initial set-up. Trying to keep the center raised as you attempt to disengage the locks on the sides is problematic. The lock buttons themselves are also rather stiff and don't necessarily cooperate to ease this process (one side of the lock might release while the other stays in position). That could be seen as a good point to some, as that lends them added strength, however it also increases the difficulty for a solo person trying to wrangle it. Sometimes it's like trying to wrestle an octopus to get it all closed down.

Once the play yard is all collapsed, it makes a nice compact package. The play mat is then used as a wrap-around to secure the entire thing and the velcro straps (and D-rings) hold it together nice and firm. The store and carry bag is a nice addition as it helps keep it all together and provides not only one handle, but two in case one wishes to carry it in a backpack type fashion. Unfortunately, the entire unit is so ungodly heavy, that I can't imagine anyone actually wishing to carry it thus. Carrying it regularly is quite a feat. The size of the unit truly belies it's weight. Another drawback is the drawstring on the bag. There is no locking mechanism on it, so the bag doesn't actually stay closed without some ingenuity with tying. This could be easily rectified by the addition of a push-button slide lock (as some other models offer), but does not come standard. It's up to the consumer to purchase and add such a basic convenience.

What has truly solidified this product as a value for me is the customer service experience I had earlier today. I noticed that one of the planks that comprise the mat was cracked in half sideways. Worrying that this was a known defect I had somehow missed, I took to the internet to research it. Nowhere could I find another mention of such an incident happening, nor of any kind of recall on this product. I then called Cosco directly to inquire about this problem. The CSR I spoke to was very helpful with all my questions and agreed that is not an issue of which they were aware. She apologized for the problem, made note of the damage (along with my comments on the shifting mat issue), and despite being not only outside the one year warranty window, but without proof of purchase (as this was a gift), she was able to offer me a one-time replacement on the mat free of charge.

As she reviewed their in-stock inventory, she told me that regretfully that did not have a mat available at this time that would match the color scheme of my particular model. However, they did have one in another color scheme available if I was willing to accept that instead. Being of the function over flash mindset, I easily agreed that it's color/pattern didn't matter in the least. Surprisingly, she told me for many consumers such a substitution is unacceptable, so she wanted to make sure I would be happy with this replacement option. Seriously? How can anyone be so shallow and picky over a free replacement, one that is well outside the warranty and therefore they are not obligated to provide I might add? Babies don't care in the least about such matters, after all. Sheesh! Anyhow, I digress.

She took my shipping information and said the new mat should be here in 7-10 business days. After making sure I didn't have any other questions or concerns, she thanked me for bringing this to their attention and assured me that the problem would be looked into to avoid future incidents. Honestly, very accommodating, professional, and efficient. I really couldn't ask for a better outcome. Having been on the receiving end before of some not-so-pleasant customer service situations, it was wonderful to experience a company that is willing to stand behind their product and ensure customer satisfaction instead of getting the "there's nothing we can do" brush-off that so many others exhibit.

Despite it's difficulties, I believe the Cosco On Safari Play Yard is a good value for the money. The price is often quite a bit lower than it's contemporaries (average $35 versus $80+)and provides the same functionality. It's up to the consumer to decide for themselves if the cost savings is worth the minor annoyances this model exhibits. If you are looking for absolute perfection (and good luck with that, I might add heh) and price isn't an option, another brand/model might be more suited. For me, this play yard is a good fit.

YMMV, of course.

ETA: Replacement arrived lickity split and it's all good.

Nearly Done With Headband #1 And Other Stuff

2010-12-20T14:44:00.008-05:00

Since I'm still learning my way with this whole crochet concept, I've decided the first headband is going to be a simple single crochet. It's turning out beautiful! I'm over halfway done with it and excited about having something useful and lovely to wear soon. There is just something wonderful about your own handmade goods that gives one a delightful little thrill.

I'm also trying to finish up a couple Yule gifts. They are looking nice and I hope the recipients enjoy them as much as I have making them. Again, they are something functional and pretty. Trying to pay the theme forward a little bit hehe.

Handmade holidays are the best!

ETA: Headband finished, looks lovely, has stretched out too much. Hmmm...do I un-weave the ends or just felt/shrink it a bit. Not sure yet.

Yule gifts didn't work out as I planned. Went from stitch marker sets to bracelets. I am missing the nice large lobster claps I was originally going to use. They turned out lovely, the recipients liked them, but I'm still annoyed my plans were foiled.

Necessity Is The Mother Of All Invention

2010-12-12T13:42:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to grow my hair back out. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I miss my long long hair...it's more that I am too lazy to deal with cutting it every 2 weeks or less to maintain it! That is a major hassle I'm simply not willing to undertake anymore. I don't have enough time in a day to do all I want and need to do, so hair maintenance is totally getting scrapped.

The only problem I'm encountering now is the annoying "hair in the face" phenomena. I can't stand my bangs/fringe in my face. It drives me absolutely batty! Of course, now that I've decided to grow this mop back out, all my headbands have mysteriously disappeared. I suspect nargles.

Nargles aside, the fact remains that I need something to reign in this abominable mess. Then inspiration struck! I have a few GORGEOUS Mountain Colors remnants that I've been trying to figure out a use for. They are soft, vibrant, and not a lot of quantity. Perfect to make some headbands!

Now to decide if I want to knit or crochet them. Hmmm. Both have their merits. I guess I'll just play around and see what I can come up with. So squishy...so soft! Pleasure from functional necessity. Gotta love it!

Can't Stop The Signal

2010-12-12T02:24:00.002-05:00

Craft-A-Poem Challenge

2010-12-11T22:22:00.003-05:00

Sara, at Lazy Knits and Purls, has created a Craft-a-long. Each month in 2011, participants will select a poem to craft with. Read a poem, create something inspired by the poem, then blog all about it! She even started a Ravelry group, Crafting Poetry, for the event (although Ravelry is a fiber-themed community, the craft-a-long itself is for any creation you dream up). Doesn't that sound like fun? I'm so excited!

It's going to be incredible to see what various poems folks select and what they end up creating from their experiences. I hope there are diverse participants to really showcase how poetry can inspire creation.

Time to dust off some books and get reading. So many wonderful things to choose from, it will be hard to decide on which one each month.

If you are interested in joining in the crafty fun, just click the button above and register!

Bitten By The Crochet Bug

2010-12-01T21:02:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to learn crochet for a long time now. Many years ago, my mother-in-law started to teach me, but it didn't go so well. Her failing health and my failure to grasp the simple concepts made the experience very short lived. We lost her to cancer in 2000.

I got some pamphlets, library books, and saw a few tutorials online, but I just couldn't seem to figure this hook and yarn business out! No matter what I did or how hard I tried, I just couldn't make sense of this tricky task. I despaired of ever being able to crochet. In the meantime, a friend taught me how to knit and that help to curb the urge to learn crochet for a while.

It was quite a bit of time before I came across another "hooker". My friend Ev does crochet (and she is awesome) and offered to show me how. Unfortunately, life keeps getting in the way and we haven't been able to give it shot. Another friend of mine, Laura, told me she also does crochet and would be willing to teach me. I don't recall seeing Laura crochet, but she is a wicked knitter and I envy her speed and skill, so I've been really excited to have her teach me this elusive art hehe. Unfortunately, again, we haven't been able to connect to do so (dang life and all your responsibilities! Dang you!).
Now, I'm not a patient person. I try, but when it comes to certain things, I just get twitchy. I've done well trying to curb my disappointment over not being able to crochet for quite a while now...but it's gotten the best of me at last. The other night I trolled YouTube for videos and today I grabbed a hook and some yarn. While Moira ran amok in the living room, I proceeded to try to crochet. Again.

I don't know if it was my determination or if time has fixed whatever has prohibited me from doing it before, but I was actually crocheting. Consciously and deliberately making certain stitches and it appears to be working! Of course, I'm too stubborn to just work on a dishcloth and learn my stitches well. Nope! I had to start by making me a dice bag. I'm attempting to not only learn how to crochet properly, but create a dice bag on the fly while I do so. I must be certifiable or something. I'm probably setting myself up for a horrible crash and burn, but that is what I am doing. I am learning crochet by making a dice bag in the round with single crochet stitches (at least, I THINK I'm doing single crochet, I could be way off base. I don't think so, though).

I've frogged the project a couple of times now. Not because I perceived anything wrong, but I want to make sure I am doing it the best I can. I think I'll continue working on it and bring it to the Needle Nutz Stitch N Bitch this Thursday. Maybe have Laura check it out and make sure I'm doing it right. I think I might be able to learn a few of the basic stitches, but I'll definitely have to have Laura show me some of the fancier stuff. I'm excited that I am making progress, though.

Off to stitch around some more and watch some bad paranormal TV. I feel good!

Brewin' Up A Tasty Treat

2010-11-23T11:04:00.001-05:00

Since today is going to be another busy bee day, I've decided to brew up a batch of iced tea. Not just any iced tea, mind you...Country Peach Passion!

Now, if only I had some tasty shortbread cookies to enjoy with it. Yum!

Drip, Drip, Drop

2010-11-22T23:51:00.002-05:00

Rain, rain go away...and take this blasted arthritis and these sinus issues with you!

Sincerely,
The Knees and Cranium

P.S. Stop teasing me! You've already cheated me out of my beloved Autumn and snuck Winter on in anyhow, so why do you have to play with my emotions and have 60 F+ days now?!?! Mother Nature, you are one sadistic wench. Do you know that? I hope Jack Frost comes by and freezes your girlie bits all to heck! Take some Midol or something! Sheesh!

*wanders off grumbling, creaking, and complaining to random inanimate objects*

Oh, and GET OFF MY LAWN! :p

It's Been 11 Years Since The Day...

2010-11-20T09:25:00.002-05:00

...that I married one of my best friends. I have many happy memories and two beautiful children to show for it and I'm looking forward to all the years and memories yet to come! I love you, Poncho!

Anyone Have Some Time They Can Spare?

2010-11-18T16:28:00.003-05:00

Tonight is our weekly Stitch N Bitch night at Riverside Yarn Gallery in Wyandotte. It's a day I look forward to all week; a chance to get together with my crafty friends for a bit of creativity and social fun. Unfortunately, this week I have to bow out.

There is still so much to do on the homefront and as much as I wish I could justify to myself a little break time escape, I can't in all good conscience. There is definite progress being made, but I still have a LONG way to go yet. I got a really late start today and I need some serious make-up time.

It all boils down to time, doesn't it? There just never seems to be enough time to do all the things we need and want to do in a day. As it stands, I'm hi-jacking some of my son's time to try and get even more done. He's going to be keeping an eye on his baby sister so I can run to the store and get stuff for dinner tonight. Thank goodness he's such a good kid and always willing to help out his overwrought Mom hehe. I'd be in even more of a pickle without him, that's for sure.

My friends know I will be there with them in spirit and maybe I can even score some time later to actually do some knitting. Not the same, but it's what I have to work with, so it will be good enough. Priorities and all that.

Tomorrow is the date the Scout's popcorn is supposed to be in. Obviously we won't be getting the orders then, but that's something else to plan out as well. I need to find out when and where is most convenient to get those delivered. More time to plan out.

Saturday marks my 11th wedding Anniversary. Another example on how time just seems to fly right by. I can remember that night as if it were yesterday. Of course, glancing over at my now 10 year old son quickly brings me back to the present hehe. I can hardly believe it's already been 11 years! Dang.

Sunday is my Mom's 57th birthday and although she doesn't celebrate it or anything, I always make it a point to try and do something special for her, even if it's just a homemade card with the kids and a nice visit. Maybe I'll bake her something this year...if I can find the time. I wonder if there is some hiding in the back cupboard. Time can be sneaky, you know.

Time, time, time. Never enough time. So much to see and do and not enough time to make it through.

We also got a couple of updated notices from the Co-op manager the last couple days. Tomorrow our water is intermittently going to be turned on and off in the morning to accommodate the plumbers finishing up their work. Monday the painters come to repaint that portion of the basement that has been torn up and redone. That's supposed to take two days overall. We are going to have to move the washer and dryer that we just replaced in the back of the basement to make room for them. More time we hadn't planned on spending on this project is now required. I'm starting to think there is a conspiracy.

Well, I could go on and on, but once again, I'm out of time. Anyone have any spare time lying around? I don't need a lot, just a bit to stretch around here and there. It can be a bit tatty, I don't mind. I just need more time!

What A Long Strange Trip It's Been

2010-11-18T00:09:00.003-05:00

This past month has been loonyville.

My son, Chase, has been busy with Cub Scouts. Popcorn sales, den and pack meetings, survival outing, the yearly Can-Do project, & a camping trip in Ohio. So much got done and he's well on his way to earning his Arrow of Light award. I'm so proud of my Webelos! If he keeps this pace up, he'll be crossing over into Boy Scouts in February. There is a wonderful Troop in Gibralter that we have been getting to know and I think that's where Chase will move on to. We will continue to explore other local Troops, but I have to say...Troop 1232 has really won me over quite a bit. It would take something amazing to make me seriously consider another group for him at this point.

Moira has decided she's sick and tired of simply cruising around and has finally decided to start walking. Strike that, this girl is running amok! With a glimmer of mischief in her eye, she has been keeping Mommy hopping. She's also growing by leaps and bounds. Thank goodness for the Pagan Center freecycle events and Once Upon A Child shop. It's getting hard to keep her in clothing. Of course, her penchant for nudity doesn't help either. It's like wrestling a greased octopus trying to keep stuff on her. She's my little wild child!

We just got back from a week at a local hotel. No, this wasn't some pleasant family getaway...they were working on the sewer system in my building and we had to relocate. No heat or water for 7 days. The hotel didn't have a kitchenette either (although a small refrigerator was provided), so meal times were a serious hassle. No one wants to exist on cup-of-soup, cereal, and sandwiches for a dang week! I was beyond annoyed. Not to mention the added expense of having to drive my son to and from school everyday since there was no bus stop in the vicinity. Grrr...arrgh! We finally got to come home Monday afternoon. I didn't even care that the place was a disaster area (from all the stuff we had to move out of the basement, despite having nowhere else to put it). It was just so dang good to be home. It really makes a person appreciate what they have...aggravations and all.

I was able to get a wee bit of knitting done despite all the hustle and bustle going on. Not a lot, mind you, but it was more than I expected. The ripple shawl appears to have conceded the battle and is behaving nicely (it's about dang time, too!). I might actually finish it in time to give it to it's recipient. Hey, crazier things have happened! I'm also working on a pair of longies for my newborn nephew. I'm excited about finishing those. I've never done a pair before and it's thrilling to try new patterns and techniques.

I've been spending the last few days trying to reclaim our townhouse from all the mess. Without another place to store anything, a lot of our stuff from the basement ended up in the living room and kitchen areas. It's slow going and I'm aching something fierce, but once it's done it will be worth it...I hope. :p

Ann Arbor Fiber Expo

2010-10-24T22:16:00.023-04:00

It was a lot of fun at the Fiber Expo today. I went with a couple of friends and my baby girl (several of the ladies with Angora bunnies brought them over to her stroller to pet. She loved it hehe). Moira took great pleasure in showing off her little blue purse to nearly everyone too. It was funny.

I went looking at spinning fiber primarily, but ended up with a new foam piece for felting (from Back to Back Fiber Products), a vintage nostepinne ($5! I’d give you a shout out for the awesomeness, but all the business cards and/or notes I have are inaccessible right now. It was the booth that had all the vintage metal buttons and sundry, though. Building D, I think. Merri-Antiques?), and a bag of fiber to needlefelt a cute little pumpkin (for only $2 you got to fill a sandwich size plastic zipper bag with as much fiber as you can; snack size bags were only $1. Rock on! The colors available were AMAZING! Crystal, Aunt Sue, and I are all going to make them together. Going to be SO much fun. Pointy, pointy, goodness.).

I also got to meet a wonderful lady that had handmade soaps available. OMG, they looked and smelled FANTASTIC! She is supposed to have a website up soon, so I’ll definitely be heading there and sharing the love. The name of the company was Goddess Herbals and the creator was Nancy Liedel. Simply fabulous.

So many incredible things to see. I'm still feeling overwhelmed.

Is it wrong to already be itching for the next expo to come around? :D

So Much Crafty Goodness!

2010-10-12T18:34:00.003-04:00

I've spent a healthy portion of time today perusing the DIY web. So many folks getting into the Halloween/Samhain spirit. Really makes my inner Goth go SQUEE!

First stop was one of my favorites sites, Epbot. Jen has shared some wonderful discoveries of her own while on her quest for the perfect pumpkin plan. From this cute Stay-Puft Man to exquisitely detailed carvings, there is something for any pumpkin lover. There are even links to free pumpkin templates. I might have to dig out the ones I downloaded last year for the Firefly characters. :D

Next stop on my journey was Dollar Store Crafts. There is a wonderfully easy (and obviously inexpensive) tutorial for Molded Paper-Mache Skulls. These adorable little items would definitely jazz up any decor!

Added bonus, the cost is less than $3! (As long as you have acrylic paint already on hand, that is. Then again, who doesn't? )

I was reading about a wonderful ribbon table runner featured on Curbly, so of course I had to pop over to 7 Layer Studio and see how to make one. Shelley Detton shares a wonderful tutorial with easy to follow instructions and step by step photos. Definitely a must have for those entertaining this Halloween (or with some variants on color choices, it works for any holiday).

Finally, a trip over to Craftster for a Monster Eyeball Wreath. Fabulously furry! RAWR!

I'm sure as the month progresses, I'm going to find even more spooktacular projects to drool over. Now if I can only find the time to make a few myself...

The Needle Nutz SnB

2010-10-07T15:36:00.004-04:00

Stitch N Bitch tonight with The Needle Nutz at Riverside Yarn Gallery in Wyandotte! Can't wait to get crafty. I'm trying to decide if I want to knit, try to learn crochet, or just bring my spindle and make some yarn. Oh, the possibilities! I guess it will all depend on what mood Boo is in, since she'll be with me. My baby girl loves yarn hehe.

Patriotic Knitter

2010-10-07T15:06:00.004-04:00

Dennis McCarthy: She's part of the fabric of US war effort - LA Daily News

Most. Amazing. Knitter. Ever! She's my new hero. This 98 year old woman is knitting 500 hats and scarves for U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq...continuing her patriotic tradition from WW2. Kudos to her!

All American Yarn

2010-10-07T13:00:00.021-04:00

In-Depth Review of Knitting Yarn

A wonderful review of Brooklyn Tweed's new Shelter yarn. It's an all American wool yarn with a reasonable $12 price. After reading Clara's review (I adore her reviews hehe), I'm eager to check this yarn out myself.

I Am The Queen of Ooze!

2010-09-25T20:38:00.006-04:00

Okay, this matriarch is going to be down away from the blog-o-sphere for a few days. While tending the discomforts of the little ones...I contracted one doozy of a head cold. Yay me!

Fortunately, both Spud and Boo seem to be hanging in the minor icky category. A bit of stuffiness on and off and a bit of drip. You wouldn't know it to look at them, though. They are just as animated as always. Carl appears to be following in my footsteps, albeit a heck of a lot slower. Lucky bastage!

Just call me Hex the red-nose *SomethingOrOther*.

Also on the "Hooray" front, my Mom sent over a big pot of homemade chicken noodle soup! Mmmm...Mom soup. You know that's the best kind when you're sick. Chock full of vitamins and love. There is, of course, the added bonus of not having to cook anything while you feel this awful. Double win!

Well, my eyes are starting to go all watery again, so time to sign off.

Tomorrow is a new day!

P.S. addendum to previous post: Well, I said today will be better than yesterday and it is...for Boo. I can't complain, I didn't specify how encompassing that statement was supposed to be. Lesson learned. Be specific because the universe is a sadistic wench! :p

Small Comfort

2010-09-24T02:26:00.003-04:00

I was finally able to get Boo to take a bottle. The warmth soothed her and she finally fell asleep. As to how long she will be able to get some peaceful rest remains to be seen, but I'm really hoping she feels better when she awakens.

I'm going to try and get some rest while I can. So much to do tomorrow, including the things I didn't get to take care of today. Double trouble heh.

Ah well. We take each day as it comes and deal with it in our best fashion.

Tomorrow WILL be better. As I will, so shall it be!

The House of Ick

2010-09-23T23:31:00.032-04:00

Spud woke up today with what is either the start of a head cold or some sinus issues from the rapid weather changes recently. The mentholated cough drop he took in the morning seemed to clear it up and he was fine the rest of the day and evening. Let's hope that's the end of that. *fingers crossed*

Unfortunately, Boo isn't so lucky. She's had a runny nose all day and as the evening wore on, it's become congested. Poor exhausted baby can't sleep cause she can't breathe through her nose. The more tired she's becoming, the more upset she's getting...add tears and it's exacerbating the congestion/dripping issue. Due to her age, there isn't a medication available to help dry her up. On a recommendation from my pharmacist, I got her some baby chest rub ointment, but it's not doing much for her thus far. She won't let me use the nasal aspirator on her to help suction it out, so it's heart-wrenching to watch her suffer and be helpless. We've been snuggling and that seems to help with her frustration for a bit on and off, but she's so sleepy, fussy, and miserable that it's rapidly becoming less effective. Poor baby!

I've also been feeling rather poorly today (although not in an illness sort of way as the kids, thankfully). Aches, pains, cramps, arthritis, and trying to fight to find relief for my little one has taken it's toll on me as well. When the wee ones are sick, Mommy has to function...regardless of her own issues. That is what I do, gladly, but it has really monkeyed me up today. I feel like one giant ache at this point. Tomorrow is going to be interesting.

Success

2010-09-22T18:45:00.008-04:00

Spud's first day of band was a success! He got to bring home a school trumpet to practice with until his gets delivered on Friday...and he's already making consistent and warm tones with it.

I'm so proud of my boy!

So far, both Boo and Scout seem to approve as well. No psycho freak-outs! WOOHOO!

Sound the Trumpets!

2010-09-22T15:18:00.004-04:00

Today marks Spud's first day of Beginning Band. He is going to be playing the trumpet and is extremely excited! We had to get up an hour earlier than usual, as he has to ride the middle school bus in for band, then gets shuttled back to his school afterward. The band class meets every Monday and Wednesday.

I'm so proud of him for choosing to be a part of this wonderful experience. Some of my best school memories involve my time in band and I know he'll really get a kick out of it.

Adjusting to his choice of instrument is going to take some time, though. Unlike his mom (who played the flute), he has chosen the trumpet. A loud brass trumpet is going to be entering our small townhouse on Friday. A one year old little girl, an Emo dog, and a brass trumpet wielded by my ADHD boy are all going to be under one roof. This is a very intimidating prospect. Chaos is sure to ensue.

Spud was a bit undecided about joining initially. He was selected for the Safety Squad this year and is on flag duty. It's his job to raise and lower the American flag everyday and he is quite proud of it! Due to the early time of band class, he was worried that he would be forced to choose between them. Thankfully, on his band mornings, they will have a substitute raise the flag and he can take back over in the afternoon. He decided missing out on just two mornings a week was worth the trade. He is one happy Gator.

Now, I have to wait patiently for him to get home after 4pm today to hear all about his first day.

I should mention that patience is definitely NOT one of my virtues! :p

A New Begining

2010-09-21T21:15:00.023-04:00

In honor of the Autumn Equinox, I have decided to re-establish a little balance in my life. The start of which, both online and off, is to de-clutter, reorganize, and prioritize the things in my life which have been horribly out of whack.

Here is to a new focus and path!

May the Gods help me...this is going to be an uphill battle for this dyed in the wool procrastinator. :p

Soapbox

2010-08-26T12:27:00.003-04:00

Politics

Republican, Democrat, Insert Label Here, it's all the same B.S. History has already proven that. What this country needs are people in office who are independent of party affiliation and solely dedicated to this country and it's peoples. Heck, even government officials that uphold their legally swore oaths of office would be nice at this point.

So many folks keep getting caught up in this whole Us vs. Them rhetoric that they fail to see that is the whole point of this mess! Divide and conquer; they are doing a hell of a good job so far.

What we need is to get politicians out of office and get real American patriots who honor our Constitution, it's laws, and are real voices of the people.

Anything else is just smoke and mirrors and prolonging this farce.

Militant Vegans

Meat is murder. Well, eating vegetables is murder too, actually. Just because we lack the ability to hear plants scream doesn't make it any less killing. I wonder how many self-righteous people exist on air consumption alone, so they don't kill any living things. Oh, wait! Air has microbes in it as well...Hmm...

Rampant Entitlement Issues

I'm going to let you in on a little secret...the world does NOT revolve around you. You are merely human like the rest of the folks here on good old planet Earth and NO ONE OWES YOU ANYTHING. Get over yourselves. Traffic will not magically move out of your way to accommodate your personal transportation agenda, waiting lines do not disappear because you decided you need something RIGHT NOW, it is NOT acceptable to attempt to shoulder people aside because they are in your way, and no one has made it their mission in life to see that you get pampered and treated like the royalty you seem to think you are. In fact, most folks around you think you are a pretentious, ill-mannered, and rude douchebag. Common sense, a little courtesy, and maybe a reality check will get you a lot farther in life than the path you are on now.

Oh, and playing the Race/Gender/Sexual Preference/Religion/etc. Card doesn't work either. It only solidifies the fact that you are a self-important jerk who thinks that because you exist, you DESERVE whatever you wish. You are WRONG. It is our actions and our words that deem who we are as individuals, not imagined birthright.

I think you need to get off your high horse and take a good look at the world around you. The air up there is making you lightheaded and delusional.

/stepping off

Alphabet

2010-08-15T01:42:00.001-04:00

X-posted from Facebook:

Give it a try! Think Quick and Write it Down.

Have Fun!

A
- Alma Mater: Flat Rock High School.
- Always: Learning.
- Annoyance: Willful Ignorance.
- Attitude: Snarky!

B
- Bad Habit: Smoking.
- Beer: Labatt Blue Light.
- Best Day In Your Life: The days my children were born.
- Breakfast: If I have time.

C
- Can't: Give up.
- Continent to visit: Europe & Australia.
- Cheese: It's all good!
- Chinese/Mexican Food: Chinese food is amazing.

D
- Day or Night: Night.
- Darn or Damn: Damn.
- Dancing in the Rain: Lots of fun.
- Drool Factor: Men in kilts.

E
- Eyes: Can tell you a lot about a person.
- Essential Item: Knitting & Books.
- Everyone's got: To think for themselves.

F
- Fast Food: Long John Silvers.
- Favorite Color: Purple.
- First Thought in the Morning: Baby needs breakfast.
- Food: Fuel.

G
- Greatest Fear: Something I will not share.
- Goals: Make sure my family is safe and financially secure.
- Gum: Spearmint Stride.
- Giver or Taker: Giving 'til it hurts.

H
- Hair Color: Changes on a whim.
- Hangover Cure: Keep hydrated while imbibing and never have a hangover to begin with.
- Holiday: Samhain & Yule.
- How Would You Prefer to Die: While asleep.

I
- Ice Cream: Blue Moon.
- Indulgence: Lattes.
- Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full: Needs a refill regardless.
- Instant Gratification: Making my kids smile.

J
- Jewelry: Wedding band & Silver Celtic Knot Pentacle w/Moon and a Garnet.
- Jury Duty: Exempt.
- Juice: Vegetable.
- Job: Stay At Home Mom.

K
- Kids: Are always an adventure.
- Karaoke: Lots of fun with friends.
- Kickboxing or Karate: Kickboxing (although my knees are too messed up for it now).
- Keep a Journal? Used to and been totally slacking on my blog. Need to rectify that.

L
- Love: Is both pain and pleasure.
- Languages: American English, Some Japanese (it comes and goes).
- Life is Incomplete Without: People to share it with.
- Laugh So Hard You Cry Memory: Too many to list.

M
- Motto: To thine own self be true.
- Most Embarrassing Moment: Not going to share.
- Month: September
- Movies: The Quiet Man, The Boondock Saints, musicals, etc...(just go look at my profile lol)

N
- Naps: Are heaven sent!
- Never: Whistle while you're pissing.
- Nick Names: Hex, Ames, Sis, Punk.

O
- One Wish: That I live my life to the fullest and best of my ability.
- Over or Under Achiever: Underachiever.
- On-Time or Late: On-Time...unless delayed by Carl. :p
- Old or New Clothes: Whatever is comfortable. Thrift stores for the win!

P
- Phobias/Fears: Spiders and assorted other bugs.
- Potato Preparation: Instant/Mashed. :p
- Perfect Pizza: Pineapple, Ham, Black Olives, Bacon.
- Personality Traits that Most Attract You: Quick wit and a sense of humor.

Q
- Quote: Consistency is the last refuge for the unimaginative - Oscar Wilde
- Quiet or Noisy Atmospheres: Quiet.
- Quick to Judge: I try not to, but I will admit to failing on occasion.

R
- Reason to Cry: Loss.
- Role Model: Pippi Longstocking
- Radio Station: all play crap.
- Ring size: Don't remember.

S
- Songs: Any song by Voltaire is good. :)
- Salad Dressing: Asian Sesame.
- Sushi: Tasty!
- Sing in the Shower: As loud as possible.

T
- Talent Show Appearances: Once in high school, I think...
- Tattoos: None yet.
- TV Shows: NCIS, NCIS: Los Angelos, Big Bang Theory (check profile for more).
- Time for bed: Around 2am EST.

U
- Unpredictable: Normal state of being.
- Unable To: let ignorance and misinformation go on without correction.
- Underwear Style: Commando.
- Unknown Fact About Me: I have a hat and a scarf fetish.

V
- Vacation Spot(s): Wherever I feel like going at the time.
- Valuable Piece of Advice: Intent is everything.
- Vanilla or Chocolate: Vanilla
- Vegetable You Like Most: Cauliflower, Broccoli, & Cabbage

W
- Weakness: Not sharing.
- Worst feeling: Helplessness.
- Wanted to be a Model: *Gags*
- Worst Weather: Humidity.

X
- X-Rays: Left wrist, back, both knees, & teeth.

Y
-Year in Your Life: Yep, still kickin'!
-Yummy Desert: Depends on mood.
-Yes or No Person: Neither. Answer depends on the question.
-Yesterday I Felt: Exhausted.

Z
- Zoo animal: Tigers & Manatees
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo

My Life According To Voltaire

2010-08-06T04:20:00.003-04:00

X-posted from Facebook:

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Re-post as "My Life According to..."

Pick Your Artist:
Voltaire

Are you a male or female?
China Girl

Describe yourself:
Almost Human

How do you feel:
The Happy Song

Describe where you currently live:
Hell In A Handbasket

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
The Vampire Club

Your favorite form of transportation:
Feathery Wings

Your best friend is:
Reggae Mortis

Your favorite color is:
Blue-Eyed Matador

What's the weather like:
Caught A Lite Sneeze

Favorite time of day:
The Night

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Alchemy Mondays

What is life to you:
The Last Word

Your Last Relationship:
All The Way Down

Your Present Relationship:
Lovesong

Your fear:
Oweee

What is the best advice you have to give:
Let It Go

If you could change your name, you would change it to:
Anastasia

Thought for the Day:
Welcome To The World

My soul's present condition:
Wall Of Pride

My motto:
Believe

Voltaire - Gothic Renaissance Man

A Curious Find

2007-07-28T13:23:00.000-04:00

I was going to update about how much fun I've been having with my Knit Sibs, all about the yarn shop outing, the fact that I finished the baby hat for Delilah, and about our outing (Spud, Husbeast, & Myself) going to dinner and seeing The Order Of The Phoenix, but things change.

What changed is the discovery I made while in the shower (getting ready for the family outing). As I was scrubbing up, I thought I felt a small lump in my left underarm region (just below armpit). Now, I'm not a paranoid person nor really health savvy, so after drying off, I asked Husbeast if he could feel something there as well. (after all, I have a killer imagination, so I wanted confirmation). With a concerned look in his eyes, he said he could feel a lump.

Now, what does this mean? Absolutely nothing, at the moment. However, I have to make an appointment to see the Doc on Monday (Husbeast insists and I'm curious to find out why I have a lump there). So, hubby is worried (doesn't help that my mom-in-law died of Cancer and my aunt just got a complete hysterectomy because of Uterine Cancer) and I'm a bit annoyed. Unknown lumps are NEVER a good thing in ones body, but not necessarily dangerous. It could be some kind of benign cyst, fatty deposit, or any other funky thing our bodies sometimes cook up.

Until I get it checked out, I refuse to even contemplate the big C. Not REMOTELY going to consider it.

I'm too ornery for that shit.

Seriously.

Needless to say, it took some fire out of my sails. Hence the lack of detailed fiber & fun accounts.

I'm off to go read Ravelry for a bit and listen to some L&V.

Later Darklings!

I'm Not AFK, I'm A Ravelry Junkie!

2007-07-24T02:56:00.000-04:00

Now, I know my blogging habits could be described as drunkenly random at best, but lately it's gotten worse...

I finally got my invite to Ravelry!

This site is a fiber fiend's PARADISE! There are interest groups, knit-alongs, patterns, socializing, a place to organize your stash/needles/projects/books, and it's just too damn hard to get away from.

I swear I spend more time on Ravelry looking at all sorts of Knitted goodness than I have been knitting lately! How twisted is that?!?!?!

Add in the fact that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is mine and I'm on a sleepless Potterphile reading frenzy and you get one seriously messed up Hex. hehe

So much "crack", so little time.

Is it wrong that my son is living on spaghetti o's and cereal while I waste away in knit heaven and potter passion? (J/K, of course. Sorta.)

Hmmm....

Ok, off to read a couple more chapters before I pass out cold. I've already done my daily Ravelry perusing and Neopets point acquiring.

Tomorrow looks to be another busy day! *BEG*

S.E.X. with Crys ROCKS!

2007-07-21T18:05:00.000-04:00

Crys & I decided we really needed some S.E.X.! So off we went.

OMGs! So much yarn porn, so little time! I finally got to experience Vintage Yarns in Lambertville, MI. Beautiful yarn all over.

I'm actually proud of myself; I showed some serious restraint. I acquired 3 skeins of King Cole Anti-Tickle Merino Blend 100% Superwash Wool (2 DK Aran & 1 DK Dusky Pink) & 2 skeins of Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn (75% Washable Wool / 25% Nylon in Little Lilac). I also got a set of Clover Bamboo US 2 DPNs at 40% off & an old edition of KnitScene magazine for 60% off. Woot! I was eyeballing a couple sock books, but since they didn't have Interweave Knits 25 Sensational Socks and I'm REALLY pining for Foot Fetish by Lime & Violet, I declined buying any. I also picked up another Kacha. I got really tired of trying to remember rows on the baby hat I'm knitting.

We were hoping to hit up Vintage Coffee (a coffee shop RIGHT by the yarn store), but those punks close REALLY early on Saturday. No caffeine...DENIED!

Ah well, it was still a good trip. I can't begin to list all the yarny goodness that Crys got. I just know that if she wakes up dead anytime soon, it's cause her hubby found the receipt. hehehe

S.E.X. is a definite cure-all!

I'm off to fondle my fibers.

Later Darklings!

Disclaimer: S.E.X. is a fiber enthusiasts acronym meaning Stash Enhancement eXpedition.

My Husband's Celebrity Look A Likes (Allegedly)

2007-07-13T18:49:00.000-04:00

http://www.myheritage.com

What Kind Of Knitter Are You?

2007-07-09T13:59:00.000-04:00

Ganked from sheepelicious

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

Quizilla | Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Girls Day Out, Needle Nutz, & Pomatomus Phoenix Pt. 2

2007-06-22T17:25:00.000-04:00

Important car part shopping trip. Had to be done. Now back to your regularly scheduled inanity...

(Continuing From Previous Post)

Purchases packed, we headed northward to food. We had decided we were hankerin' for some Chinese food and Crys knew of this lil place in downtown Monroe.

We scored a parking spot right out front of Lichee Gardens and headed in, famished and sweating. Crys dives toward a booth like it's a life preserver when Elf & I notice that they don't accept checks or charge. Doh! After we finally get Crys' attention and break the news, we all trudge back out into the summer sun.

In the car, amongst much consternation and grumbling, we brainstorm for another "close" Chinese restaurant. I mention a place by my house (although not close), but I believe they take cards. Off we headed.

By the time we reached Woodhaven, we were nearly cannabalistic. We ooze into the Dynasty Inn and see in large letters: Cash Only. Another roadblock on the way to sustenance. As we head back to the car in defeat, again, Crys starts forming uncharitable but funny scenarios involving hunger induced dementia and Asian peoples. We know we have to find some chow and quick!

Finally, Crys declares that Hawaiian Islands takes cards. She swear it like the gospel, so we head to Trenton.

Salvation at last! They accept credit cards! Oh, joy! Rapture! Food at last, food at last...thank anybody, food at last!

We ordered, the wait was mercifully brief, then we feasted. We gorged. We made bloody awful pigs of ourselves. You'd think we had never saw food before in our lives. Finally, we were stuffed and had mucho tasty leftovers for later.
Time to head to my house so I could change clothes and drop off dinner to Poncho & Spud.

(A short time later)

Clothes changed, knit bags collected, and off to our Needle Nutz Stitch N Bitch!

At first we were so worn out, no one but myself was doing ANY kind of crafting. That didn't put a damper on the "bitch" portion of the event though heh. We are never too tired to be ornery! After a bit, Crys, Elf, & AntS started working on some dishcloths. I was happily plugging away at my Pomatomus and exclaimed loudly & proudly that I had finished the cuff! Woot! Onward to the leg pattern!

It was about this time that my son, Spud (who had missed his mommy SOOOO terribly that he simply HAD to come hehe), decided that we all were members of his super secret spy club and started presenting us with "membership cards & folders" (they were actually armed forces recruiting pamphlets and business cards, but the boy has a wicked imagination). Bless his heart, but that child kept coming up trying to whisper in my ear and/or kiss my cheek so often that I fucked up the pattern on the sock. I couldn't very well ignore my own offspring, could I? (Gods know I tried....:p). Needless to say, I finally told him to take a seat, that I needed to sort this mess of a sock out.

It was hopeless. I obviously had not been paying enough attention to this row and it was just an unholy mess. I gave it my best to sort out this mystery...but to no avail. It just kept getting worse and worse looking. Finally, with a resigned sigh, I frogged it. Mind you, we are only talking like row 12 or so of knitting, but it was fingering weight Sockotta yarn on US#2 needles (I'm used to making socks on US#3 Bryspuns. They have grip!) and I haven't had much time to work on it. Add in the fact that they are slippery metal needles (Susan Bates Quicksilver, to be precise)and you can feel my pain, I'm sure. When AntS realized what I was doing, she gasped in horror and starting gesturing frantically to Crys. Mind you, any time I frog ANYTHING, AntS about has a heart attack. She's a hooker only recently converted to the pointy sticks and she sees everything as a catastrophe hehe. I was bummed, but there was no help for it, so why sweat it. It would have to be started over. Crys glanced over, said the proper sympathetic things and went on with her knitting. Elf did the same with her crochet. They understood. They knew it had to be executed. They felt my disappointment. Life goes on.

Now, I am more adamant about making these Pomatomus socks! Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, they shall be reborn and triumph another day.

In fact, I'm done with this whole blog crap so I can go knit on!

Later Darklings!

Girls Day Out, Needle Nutz, & Pomatomus Phoenix Pt. 1

2007-06-22T13:54:00.000-04:00

Elf & Crys knitter-napped me yesterday for a Girls Day Out / Shopping Day. We headed to Monroe to the Outlet mall to scope out the latest fashions, buy some impending baby shower goodness, and just generally browse. My weak protests were overridden and I was stuffed into the car. Off we went.

Now, to clarify, I AM NOT a shopper by any means. I go to a store only when I have to (unless it's my LYS, then that's a given heh) and I go directly to what I need, purchase it, and split. I repeat, I AM NOT A SHOPPER. Have not EVER been a shopper, will not ever BE a shopper. I am a GRRRL, not a girly-girl and I like it that way THANKYOUVERYMUCH!

M'kay? Good.

Anyhow, we hit the Outlet mall and Elf wants to hit up the Toy Liquidators. She's got an ADORABLE grandboy and she was hoping to find something cute for him. Whilst there, she remembered that my Spud's B-day was past and decided to pick him up a gift. Isn't that just sweet? Well, knowing what the Spud likes, she immediately grabbed a skateboard. She asked me to come into the store for "mom approval", so I scoped the board out, gave it my "thumbs up", and she headed to the counter.

Meanwhile, Crys & I were taking this opportunity to wait outside and smoke like chimneys! Heh. Elf is highly asthmatic, so we grab puffs whenever we can. It's a small price to pay to keep our ya-ya out of the hospital, ya know?

Afterwards I noticed a shoe store across the way. Now, I've been DYING for a new pair of Mary Janes since mine bit the dust a couple years ago. It's hard to find MJs in size....er....sasquatch! Ok, ok, so it's not that bad, but they aren't traditionally made for size 10 1/2 W, so it's been a major hassle. I prompted my ya-yas to head there next.

Now, although not a shopper at heart, I am still one major thrift nut! My heart skipped a beat when I saw a plethora of large red CLEARANCE signs. I hoped, I prayed, I offered my soul to whomever was listening that today my agony of MJ-lessness would be at an end...and for low cost, to boot. Sadly, all they had were grotesque heels, funky sandals, and those damned CROCS. May I take a moment to say how FUGLY, I repeat, FUGLY Crocs are? They are HIDEOUS! Adding those stupid lil "trinkets" to them doesn't help either. Just FYI from the b-i-t-c-h. I realized they are comfy as all get out (my mother forced me to try on her pair to "experience" them), but they are still FUGLY with massive gag me essence! Ok, I digress... I asked the saleslady (or should I say inept teenager working the sales counter) if they had any Mary Jane style shoes. She assures me they have LOTS and leads me to them. Be still my heart, I think. My salvation hath come...

Nope. This twit shows me to all these flat dress shoes that don't REMOTELY look like MJs. I paused in confusion for a moment and asked again where the promise land of MJs was. She told me right here and I knew I was sunk. It took a lot in me to not only reign in my disappointment, but the snark monster as well. Cookies for me...I didn't bite her nappy, overly-bleached, burnt straw, blonde head off. Crys found herself a cute pair of sandals with these funky stubby heels (she later informed me they are called "kitten heels". OooK....whatever hehe), so that wasn't a totally wasted stop. I still want to incinerate that shop and all it's rampant stupidity though, but that's just me.

We then decided to head back across the green to the Bass shoe store. Now, after this recent uplift and crash on the MJ search, I didn't even DARE to get my hopes up. Good thing too. They had sandals, sandals, um....sandals, and...let me think....oh, yeah!...SANDALS. Now I was just hanging around while Elf & Crys browsed the racks. I had no interest in sandals (ya think? hehe) as I had a perfectly serviceable pair of "flip-flops" that I had got from the dollar store last year (in fact, I was wearing them) and they were still in primo condition. Apparently, Crys & Elf felt otherwise. I got reamed about the shitty look of them, how they had NO support whatsover, blah, blah, blah...to which I just kept replying: "They're Flip-flops! They cost a dollar! Who cares, they work". Yeah, like that was going to stop these fashionistas. I should have saved my breath, seriously. Before I knew what they were up to, Crys was yanking by beloved black 'flop off my foot and instructing me to cram it into this rose colored sandal. I know better than to argue with Crys directly (she's one NASTY Aries, lemme tell you. There is NO winning that one), so I shoved my foot in. Alright, I'll admit they were more comfy than mine...but mine only cost A DOLLAR! These sandals were on sale...yes I said SALE...for $14.99! Gah! F-ing sandals for that! I about shit myself when I realized they are regularly priced like $44.99 or something. Who pays this for damn sandals! Ugh! It's blasphemy of the highest order I tell you! Blasphemy! Well, Crys snatched them up and with a triumphant grin at Elf declared them "perfect". Yep, I was sunk. They finished their shopping and we headed to check-out. Now, my budget is non-existant, so I wasn't worried. I wasn't going to have to get $15 freakin' sandals. No way, no how, no chance... Again, foiled by the fascist fashionistas! Crys whips out her charge card and throws them in with her purchases. No sooner did the clerk scan them then she demanded my flip-flops. I told her it was a death warrant if she pitched my beloved $1 flippers, so she stuffed them into the new sandals box, informed me I am only allowed to wear them "mucking in the garden or something" and promptly stashed them in a bag out of my reach. I left the store grumbling with the rose colored sandals upon my feet.

After putting up a token mini-bitchfest, I gave up. I knew it was futile, but my common sense had to make sure they knew I was wearing them out of duress. They also know, frugal bitch that I am, that I wouldn't let the purchase go to waste and I would wear them. Damn the fascist fashionistas! Grrr....Arrrgh!

We headed to the restrooms and stashed the bags in the car. We then relocated to the other end of the strip and restarted out excursion.

Now, the main point of coming here was so Crys could get some more summer deals at The Gap and so we could check out Carter's for Ms. Susie Q's impending bundle O' joy. So off to The Gap it was.

Now, Crys is a firm believer that no chick should be within 10 miles of shopping without fundage, so she pressed some cash into my hand. I tried to refuse, but recall what I mentioned about her Aries nature. Yeah, it didn't work then either. heh

We entered The Gap and split up. Elf was looking for grandbaby wear, Crys was on the summer hunt, and I was just schmoozing around touching. Yeah, I like to grope fibers...sue me. I'm not called a yarn pervert for NOTHING! Again, my inner thrift-chick spied that glorious word: CLEARANCE. *hallelujah*. I swear, it was like an angelic chorus floated me over to the cottony bohemian wear. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Now, I'm a LARGE grrrl. A VERY LARGE grrrl, so I didn't dream of finding anything anything in my size (most "fashionable" stores have sizes varying from anorexic to breadstick, but again, I digress...). Imagine my shock and wonder when I found a couple items IN MY SIZE! *hallelujah* Ok, I wish those damn angels would STFU, seriously!

Long story short (yeah, yeah, too late, I know), I bought a pink henley tank top, and a dark blue bohemian style strapped blouse. I probably would have scored a chocolate brown peasant skirt as well, but my breeding hips forbade it. Crys informed me she has a chocolate colored peasant blouse at home that will fit me, so add that to the stash as well. I won't go into what Crys bought...with all her teenagers it's like outfitting a small nation hehe! I don't recall if Elf found anything either.

Either way, it was time to head to Carter's (after a brief stop at the "unmentionables" store. So unmentionable, that part of the trip won't be dictated here, so nyah!).

OMGs! Carter's was having a major clearance sale as well. *hallelujah* (I swear I'm gonna shoot me some seraphim....). Since the baby-to-be is to be named Delilah Rose, we were looking at the cute lil pink....rosey stuff! Well, except for Elf who said that pink was going to be overdone, so she opted for other colors heh. After much deliberation (and picking up and putting down...picking up again....swapping out....blah, blah, blah) we headed to the checkout with our piles of baby goodness.

Yeah, shopping DONE! Woot! *happynekkiddance*

Time for food. Actually we were running out of time as our Stitch N Bitch was getting REALLY close. Food first, fiber later.

(To Be Continued)

Pomatomus

2007-06-15T23:31:00.000-04:00

I have recently cast on for my first pair of Pomatomus! Oh, can you feel the sock love in the air? *sigh*

Cookie A makes some AMAZING sock patterns and I've been dying to try some out. However, since I've only been knitting for about a year and a half, I kept holding off. I was intimidated by the lovely complex looking pattern.

Pish, tosh! These are awesome!

I may be a procrastiknitter, but I've become an aggressive one hehe!

I was searching for the perfect skein of sock yarn to work this in, but alas, the yarn shops were full of self-patterning colorways OR skeins that are so ungodly outside my meager budget, I could cry. Then, fortune smiled on me!

Now, Pomatomus is just begging to be worked in a loud and rowdy colorway and rightfully so. However, when I laid eyes upon a skein of Sockotta (#6657. It's one of the new Eurostripe colorways)...I was in love! This is my first time working with Sockotta, but since my friend & mentor, Crys, raved about it, I bought it. It's very subtle and muted, but I think this pattern will look GORGEOUS in it. Of course, future Pomatomus endeavors will have to be in obnoxiously loud colors. My inner punk rock goddess demands it! heh. Although this is a patterned sock yarn, I think the effect will be smashing. Only time will tell though.

Hopefully I can convince Crys to take some pics of the yarn and WIP so I can share the love, but until then.....I will covet this beauty all on my own hehe.

Later Darklings!

WWKIP Day

2007-06-15T22:06:00.000-04:00

What a lot of fun! The Needle Nutz crew headed to Ann Arbor for a day of knitting! WWKIP Day was a BLAST!

We headed out to Liberty Plaza in AA to enjoy the event. When we arrived, we met 3 great ladies who were already in full knitting glory. One of the ladies was even sporting a Griffindor Beret from the Charmed Knits book (which she so graciously allowed me to peruse hehe)! There were hats, socks, dishcloths...all manner of knitted goodness hanging off the needles (I was working on Fetching). One of the ladies (I believe her name was Kathleen, but if not, I'm sorry. I'm LOUSY with names! I remember faces, but names elude me :( ), made a big ol' box of knitting themed cupcakes to boot! MMMMmmmmm, cakey goodness! They were Funfetti cupcakes and she decorated the top with purple swirly icing (as yarn) and a pair of brightly colored picks (as the needles). Yup, KNITTING cupcakes! WOOT!!! What a wonderful tasty surprise.

We jokingly bitched for a bit about the lack of participants, as we know Ann Arbor alone is LOUSY with buttloads of knitters. I've attended a Stitch N Bitch there before and there are TONS of stitch folks. Guess they were too comfy at home to come out for the fun. Bummer, but they missed out on a good time.

At first, we were delighted to find there was a musical group performing in the plaza as well. They were a Christian Praise Band and very talented. Unfortunately, their repertoire seemed rather limited and the repeated songs got old REAL fast. I kept praying they would just stop so we could enjoy some nice peaceful city sounds...but no luck. Ah well, I didn' t let it ruin my day heh.

After the other ladies packed it up (and we just couldn't take another Hallelujah) we decided to hit up a coffee shop and locate one of the LYS in the area.

Ann Arbor is a faboo college town made for walking! We left our car parked at the plaza and headed on down the road (well, after stashing our LARGE knit bags. The portables, of course, we kept with us). We found this lovely coffee shop called Primo Coffee on the corner, just down from the plaza. The folks there were VERY friendly and it was a nice comfy place. We made note to stop here on the way back with our knitting purchases and enjoy the atmosphere. I grabbed my iced chai (Oregon Chai.....mmmmmm.......) and again we headed off.

Without incident, we found Busy Hands, the LYS (thanks in no small part to the directions of one of our fellow WWKIP Day comrades). What a DARLING lil shop! All sorts of yarny goodness and assorted bric-a-brac (like Russian nesting dolls). Definite SQUEE! moment. They happened to be having a sale and Crys picked up some gorgeous hanks of yarn. We told the owner that we were a downriver SnB group with a yahoo site and asked if we could take a pic of her in the shop. She agreed happily and so we did. I bought the last copy of Charmed Knits that she had. After having drooled on it at the plaza, I simply HAD to have one of my own. Yesssss.....my precioussssss.....

Anyhow, we headed back to Primo Coffee and fawned over our newest acquisitions. We took photos of the goods and made plans to hit up another LYS before heading home.

The second yarn shop was called Knit A Round. This was a larger yarn shop and had so much fab stuff, I had to take loads of pics! They had a WALL of needles. Circs, DPNs, Straights...in every conceivable size and material. From Addis to Lantern Moon, Susan Bates to Brittany...the selection was ENORMOUS! I think I drooled a bit just trying to take it all in. They had another wall full of clearance items. Beautiful yarns, notions, patterns...all 50% or more off! It was a knit heaven, let me tell you! I scored another set of US #2 DPNs in Bamboo (have I mentioned that I LURVE bamboo needles?!?!?!?! *sigh*) and 2 balls of Merino Sei in black. The yarn was originally $8 / ball, marked down to $6 / ball, then....wait for it....reduced to $3!!! I got 2 of these LOVELY, SOFT, MOLESTABLE, balls of yarn for $6 total! What a steal! WOOT! Of course I have to stop fondling it long enough to make something out of it, but that's a WHOLE other story hehe.

After schmoozing around (and doing mucho yarn molesting) we finally headed home.

What a knitteriffic day for all!

I'm still waiting on Crys to upload the pics, but when she does, I'll share them.

Later darklings!

Lazy Dishcloth Knitting

2007-06-07T15:29:00.000-04:00

I've felt uninspired to work on my normal projects lately, so I've been knitting mindless dishcloths.

I don't know if it's the weather or what, but this is what is on my needles of late.

So pretty, so utilitarian, so easy....

I'm off to knit more!

I've Embraced The Darkside...I'm A Hooker!

2007-05-31T12:52:00.000-04:00

I kept on feeling drawn to learn the craft of crochet. I've drooled over this adorable pattern for a granny square bag for MONTHS.

I've finally succumbed to the lure of the hook.

Borrowing my aunt's copy of The Happy Hooker (by Debbie Stoller), I have embarked on yet another fiber journey. I must say, this is a HECK OF A LOT EASIER than knitting, although I don't enjoy it quite as much.

Rest assured, my passion remains with the pointy sticks.....but now I like to get a little dirrrrrrty with them hooks too!

At the moment, I'm just making a stitch sampler to make sure I have a grasp of it before I embark upon project goodness. I do know that I'll be making that granny square bag as my first deal, though. It taunts me from my pattern folder....it whispers in the dark....I swear! It's not the Lambrusco talking! That pattern seeks to corrupt my yarn wrapped soul....

Oh! My friend Crys just got a faboo digital camera and offered to help me take some pics! WOOT! I'll be able to share my crafts very soon.

I'm so excited, I'd do the happynekkiddance, but I believe company is due to arrive shortly.

*sigh*

Off to screw around on the 'net for a bit.

Later, Darklings!

Moving Right Along!

2007-05-22T19:04:00.000-04:00

I got the first of the pair of Fetching done today!

SQUEE!!!!!

They are awesome looking.

I think I might give them to my niece for a graduation present. I was knitting them for myself, but these "spoke" to me and told me Britt deserves them. She's graduating this year with a 4.0 gpa and a MA (Medical Assistant) certification.

I'm proud of these and proud of her, so what a better combo!

I'll probably finish up the second one in a couple days.

Did I mention I LOVE this pattern? lol

I've Been Tagged...

2007-05-22T17:23:00.000-04:00

Anjaknits tagged me with the 7 things meme.

The rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged need to write on their own blog those 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven other people and list their names on your blog. Then you leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Here goes nothing:

1. I am a total "Tea snob". Don't get me wrong, I adore various coffee goodness, but tea is my true beverage passion. I enjoy funky herbal blends as well as traditional Irish Breakfast tea. Most often I sweeten with honey, but I have been known to add a dash of milk or cream as well. There are some brands I consider inferior and will give a long opinionated discourse on the subject.

2. I am OBSESSED with vampires! Ever since I was a little girl, they have held my interest and fascination. I live for the folklore, fiction, mythos, and even the Living Vampire sub-culture. I often have dreams involving them and have been called a "pranic vampire", on occasion.

3.   I was Captain of a local recreational paintball team (The Continental Marines). We'd often head out to Hell Survivors in Pinckney, MI to play Wayne Dollack's 24 Hour games. Yep, 24 HOURS of non-stop scenario paintball. I was a sniper and dang good at it. We also played at an "outlaw field" off of I-94 and Rawsonville Rd.   Total adrenaline rush!

4.   I am an eternal scholar. I'll spend many hours poring over various subjects, just for the simple love of learning. I'm happiest with my nose in a book rather than any other form of media. I jokingly refer to myself as a "bibliophile".

5. Once upon a time, I was a "druggie". I used to smoke marijuana daily, drop acid on occasion, toyed with opium for a bit, and even sampled cocaine. I had an epiphany one day that this wasn't the person I truly was meant to be, so I simply stopped. No withdrawals, no cravings, nothing. That was over 12 years ago now.

6.   If I was wealthy, I'd be known as eccentric. However, since I'm not, I'm just considered weird. My personal philosophy, style, tastes in books & music, and overall attitude has earned me more than one stare over the years. I'm very secure in my identity and highly opinionated. Although I'm turning 31 this year (and have been a wife and mother for close to a decade), my mom still assures me that this is just "a phase". :D Please pass the SFX dye...Deep purple.

7. When I was in high school, I was published in Who's Who Among American High School Students (Two years running), I was selected for the Young Americans Congress in D.C., and chosen for a student "exchange" program in Japan. Unfortunately, due to some weird insecurities my mother had, I was not able to attend the congress, nor go to Japan. These are the only real regrets I have in my life. What might have been...

Tag! You're it! hehe

Stitchin' &; Bitchin'

Knit Playground

BMW Road Trip (Contains Gross Inanity)

2007-05-16T02:11:00.000-04:00

Mez needs a car.

Mez wanted a BMW.

Mez found a used BMW in Ohio, via the internet.

Cue road trip to see said car...

I picked up Mez and we headed out (after a fuel & smoke acquisition stop). I had packed up a bunch of CDs for the ride (since Ohio is SERIOUSLY lacking in good music stations) and we were set to cruise.

I thought Michigan was fucked up! Ohio is so torn up with construction, it's like special torture to drive through. The scenery leaves much to be desired as well (at least 'til you get to the Appalachian foothills, that is). We did happen to spot a "dust devil" en route, so that was the highlight of the trip down lol. I just have to add that farm country smells like dirty ASS! Seriously! It's NASTY!

Anyhow...we were grossly bored, so we started people watching (Well, I was peripherally watching, as I was driving heh). There seems to be a plethora of young women in Ohio that like to ride with their feet sticking out the side of the windows. I don't get it. It doesn't look comfortable and seems rather dangerous (especially considering the lack of driving skills most of our fellow travelers were displaying). This repeated display sparked something in Mez, though. He looked at the latest "tart cart" and simply said, "Bukkaki Bomb".

What then transpired was a long discussion of Bukkaki Bombs ala water balloon style. These would be made en masse, loaded into a tub in the center of the front of the vehicle (for easy access), and flung with wild abandon at aforementioned extended foot. During the aftermath of explosion and subsequent vomiting that said foot owner would undoubtedly engage in, a follow up barrage into her face would follow. A grotesque encore to the bombing entertainment. We chuckled at the repugnance of the whole idea and the absolute horror and chaos that would ensue. Yes, we were highly amused. It passed the time to speculate on the reactions of the recipients as we drove through dirty ass smelling flatland hell.

We finally arrived at the small dealership.

While Mez checked out the BMW and took them for a test drive, I took the time to work on the sock/slippers I'm knitting for my mom. I got a few rows done and Mez was done with his perusal. Due to varying reasons, he decided to pass on both BMWs they had on site, so we set off homeward. Long ass drive and no gold at the end of the rainbow. Poor Mez!

I had forgotten to repack my Kacha-Kacha (and was still wearing it), when we realized we had an unholy long and boring return trip ahead of us. Light dawns on demented heads! We would use it to count things we saw on the trip back! Now, what to count...

Note the demented part in that preceding statement.

Make special note of that word.

Got it?

Good.

We decided to count roadkill.

Yep, you read that right...ROADKILL.

Our route back consisted of Westbound SR 14, Ohio Turnpike westbound, I-280, and I-75 North. From Rootstown, OH all the way to Brownstown, MI, Mez and I watched like hawks for unfortunate animal denizens turned roadside pwnage (and were quite vexed during the long bouts without any. Mez took to "calling" out the window in the hopes to entice some to magically appear).

For the record, it started to rain like a mofo when we were a bit outside Toledo, so accurate confirmation became REALLY difficult at that point. Therefore, our estimated number of target objects was 108 when we got home. We refused to count those things that we couldn't conclusively decide were actual roadkill (not surprising when your whipping along at 80 mph...makes visual identification difficult at best). 108 annihilated former critters. Grody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, it helped keep us sane on the way home (if you can call counting roadkill as a pastime sane to begin with hehe).

At any rate, the trip was over. Long, tiring, and full of outlandish grossness and no BMW for Mez.

We are not deterred, however. We shall venture forth again and continue our counting game. It won't be roadkill next time...

It will be "urine bottles"! (Do you have ANY idea how many sick SOBs chuck them out the window on expressways? Enough to fuel another counting game, I can tell you that! Dasani DOES NOT come in a putrid lemon color!!!! Ewwwww!).

New WIP

2007-05-08T12:12:00.000-04:00

I cast on Fetching today!

I'm so excited! It's my first cable attempt and I can't wait to see what happens! WOOT!

I'm using some Moda Dea Sassy Stripes and US 4 Needles (I opted for two sizes smaller on the needles rather than larger, since I don't have any US 6 DPNs and no budget for them at the moment. It's all good, I have small hands anyhow :D).

I'm twitchy with anticipation....

EDIT:
OMGs!!! They are BEAUTIFUL!!! The self-patterning stripes of the yarn look wonderful, even with the cables on this pattern. I'm well into the first of the pair already and in TOTAL love!!!

SQUEEEEEEE!

*happydance*

I'm going to have to hijack my Mom's digital camera soon so I can post pics. I'm so proud and excited.

hehe

City Knits!

2007-04-13T14:45:00.000-04:00

I drove my Aunt to her Doc's appointment downtown today. While there I finally got to check out the yarn shop, City Knits. My friend Crystal told me that it was a great lil shop...and she was right! So much fiberlicious goodness, I could have stayed and fondled for DAYS. As it was, I only fondled for about 2 hours. Unfortunately, with funds being the way they are, I couldn't buy any of the tempting skeins (and they had a SALE too.*sniff*). I did finally pick me up a Chibi, though...so all wasn't wasted. Actually, the experience of all that beautiful yarn was worth the trip in itself. I can't wait to head back there in the hopefully near future with some type of yarn budget in hand.

Whilst at the shop, one of the ladies informed me of an upcoming Stitch N Pitch event happening at Comerica Park (new home of the Detroit Tigers). I've been reading about SnP for a while now, but couldn't seem to find one happening in Motown. I'm so excited! It seems I'm fated to go to this one, as it's on September 9th, 2007...my B-DAY! WOOT! What better way to celebrate 31 years of life than a KIP sports event! Sounds like a plan to me.

I hope to attend one of City Knits KIP Tuesdays. They get together on the Fox 2 people mover and knit while riding around above the city. How cool is that?! Chillin' with a Stitch N Bitch group on a monorail! Way cool!

Well, I'm off to play some Neopets and chill before I gotta start doing the "Mommy Thang" again. Later Darklings!

Ramblin' And Resisting

2007-04-04T22:59:00.000-04:00

I am procrastiknitting again. I'm listening to podcasts, snuggled into my favorite chocolate colored cardigan, and playing neopets.

Next to me is my "sock kit". It's glaring at me accusingly for the obvious neglect. I think I hear in whimper occasionally. I have the yarn, pattern, DPNs, all the accouterments, but I'm just not sitting down and knitting right now. I want to, but I'm not. It' s a paradoxical moment. Denial of desire for no apparent reason. Maybe I'm just going through a masochistic phase. Eh, who knows.

I've come to the conclusion that I DETEST the insane spark that told me to make a garter stitch baby blanket in a mossy colorway boucle. Yes, it would look faboo in lil Angelus' room, and yes, it would be a lovely gift...but I HATE it. Can I, in good conscious, keep plugging away at this beast of boredom and still gift it? KNOWING how much negativity is secreting from every fiber of my being? I think not. I want the gift for Angelus' to be something knitted of love, comfort, and happiness. Dawn (that's Angelus' mommy) is a very dear friend to me and anything less than the perfect craft is an insult, IMO. Sooooo, I'm probably going to frog it and make something else. Maybe I can make a layette set or something. I dunno, but that blanket is EVIL and it will be destroyed! Yar!

It's come to my attention that by blogging this, I've given away the surprise. Ah well, the surprise isn't important, the finished product is.

I think I'll go play a few more Neopets games and contemplate the new life of the blankie....

Not SSS, But I Quit Anyhow!

2007-04-04T01:48:00.000-04:00

I finished the first of the ankle socks...but I really dislike the way it looks, so I've decided NOT to make the second. I'm debating on frogging it or just moving on to other footwear goodness. I'll probably keep it as a testament to lameness lol!

Allergies playing hell around here. Gotta love springtime! I'm so OVER the cold weather. Now if the dang construction on EVERY major roadway would hurry up and end, life would be more blissful.

Spud has returned to a full day of school. WOOT! He's been doing really well and we increased his medicine a tad, so hopefully, he is at his optimum now. I'm so proud of my lil guy!

I've been AWOL online lately. I just have been feeling overloaded and couldn't muster the juice to go trolling the boards. I miss all my squishy PC peeps and I miss the great humor at L&V, but hopefully, I can get back into the swing soon.

No dice on the jobsearch yet. I'm remaining positive, but nothing has surfaced yet.

I need to go through my stash BADLY! I've come to realize that inadvertantly, I've become somewhat of a yarn snob. I have a LOT of acrylic yarn (that was given to me when I started knitting just over a year ago...for practice and whatnot) and I can't bear to even touch most of it. I think I'll contact my LYS and see if they have any info on local groups looking for donated materials. Bob knows I won't touch the stuff! lol

I was a baaaad knitter the other day. Not only did I subject my best bro, Mez, to my podcast obsession...but upon mention in the podcast of Baby Alpaca...I instantly jumped up and grabbed a skein of my beloved Baby Alpaca/Silk. After snuggling it for a moment, I simply HAD to share the love and started stroking it on Mez! He was laughing his ass off. In hindsight, I don't think it helped my argument that knitters are stable people LOL! However, he agrees that Baby Alpaca is LOVE!!! :p

I MISSED THE FLASH YOUR STASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I forgot to go and snag my Mom's camera......Whaaaaaaaaaa! *sniffles*
There's always next year, I suppose.

Ok, enough prattling. I'm off to find an interesting sock pattern. TTFN!

A Dark Musing

2007-03-19T03:25:00.000-04:00

Careening down a hole. Falling like Alice into depths unknown. Is it a hole, or am I being devoured. Fangs flash as I fall. Eaten alive. I must be careful, lest I am cut to ribbons....

Ribbons. Inconsequential pieces of material, used to accent things of beauty, but otherwise overlooked. They fray easily, you know....ribbons. They fray and fall apart and are replaced. No one gives a second thought to a ribbon. They don't matter. Mourn for all the abandoned ribbons. They are easily discarded.

Discarded. Words flung carelessly to the wind. Don't pause in the hurricane. Release words like a storm and blow away just as quickly. Words never die out...they just pollute the air with anger. Silence is a dull roar.

Silence. Blessed quiet. Calm. The storm still rages elsewhere, but it goes unnoticed. It has taken hold inside an unremarkable vessel. It rains, it pours, it drowns the soul with sadness. But it is oh so quiet. Don't give it a second thought.

Thought. I try not to think too hard. It hurts. A small speck of light seeks answers. So many confused questions litter the air and of answers I have none. I see the light dim a little and it gets absorbed with the storm. I am supposed to be a rock. A solid foundation in any storm. I am supposed to be a rock of support and understanding.

But...

...I am a Ribbon.

Tattered Ribbon by WhatACharade

News? Hardly...

2007-03-19T03:19:00.000-04:00

I've often been chastisied by folks for refusing to tune into news broadcasts and/or articles. I will admit, I'm out of the loop...but I prefer it that way, thank you very much.

Much of what's been going on in the world hasn't changed in MILLENNIA! There is always conflict, there is always strife, there is always heartbreak & tragedy, there is always some threat or another. I refuse to allow my life to be overly effected by the same B.S. that us ignorant humans can't seem to get over.

Don't get me wrong, though. I do follow the news...just not your regular doom/gloom shite.

I prefer to read about the odd, strange, bizzare, and too weird but true stories .

Life is hard enough without sloggin' oneself down with the same repetitive cesspool of humanity that your average newscast displays. I tune in and skim breaking world news and headlines, so I get the gist...but as I said before, same shit, different day.

Our lives are ALWAYS in danger, there is ALWAYS some crackpot somewhere doing something fucked up, all governments are going to spend the majority of their time pissing off their people, innocents are going to die, and the world will continue to turn.

So, if you like a heavy dose of anguish or fear with your morning coffee, by all means, glue yourselves to the news media.

I'll stick with my oatmeal and oddities, thanks! Pass the comics, please.

Boring (And Brief) Synopsis

2007-03-19T01:59:00.000-04:00

Husbeast has been laid off. Financial future VERY unsure. Health/Dental/Life Benefits defunct.

Car is going to hell at a rapid rate. Have MOST of the parts needed, but can't afford the rest nor the cost for someone to fix it.

Spud is doing remarkably well in school and should be back up to a full day soon. Medication is helping incredibly.

Spud competed in the Pinewood Derby with his Pack recently. Didn't place, but much fun was had. Husbeast, Spud, & I all worked very hard on the car and it was a great family experience.

I have become HORRIBLY re-addicted to Neopets.

My local Stitch N Bitch has moved venues and nights. We now meet at Heritage Perk on Thursdays. It's a cute place (kinda inspired by Central Perk from the show Friends...well, in that there is a park down the road called Heritage Park and this coffee shop has a comfy kitschy feel to it). I've missed many weeks of my SNB, so now that I've been able to make the last few, I'm happy. *squee*

Knitting projects are finally coming along. Only a few more rows, then the finishing kitchner on my sock (note, singular. I still have to start it's mate), getting ready for the next skein on my shawl, hat for Husbeast is GROSSLY oversized...so per his request, it's becoming a balaclava (yeah, no pattern...this should be fun lol!), & the baby blanket I was making is SLOOOOOWWWWWW going. Who's bright idea was it to do a baby blankie in moss green boucle in garter stitch? Oh yeah, that idiot would be ME! Ugh! It will look faboo in his fantasy forest themed room, though. That is, if I EVER get it done. Graduation gift, maybe? *BEG*

Hooked like crack on more podcasts. Already couldn't live without my Lime & Violet, but now I have to have every episode of It's a Purl, Man as well as Cast-On (with Brenda Dayne). I ABSOLUTELY refuse to even check out any more. My poor laptop is being devoured by knitty mp3 goodness as it is hehe.

End of Synopsis...

As If!

2007-01-31T01:11:00.000-05:00

Husbeast had to toddle off to bed (early work day and all that) and he actually told me I wasn't allowed to stay up all night and knit! lol

As if! I have to work tomorrow as well. Anyhow, I don't stay up and knit all night...I stay up listening to L&V and surfing various message boards all night long. *BEG*

Of course, I'm being facetious. I only do that on the weekends (with the neopets break every so often).

I'm currently trying to kill off the several WIPs I have going. I'm such a procrastiknitter! I need to finish my Mother Bear Project bear, a camoflage hat for Husbeast, my ripple shawl, a waterfall homespun bag (it's the prototype I'm doing before I dive into my Alpaca/Silk....mmmmm....Alpaca.....), my mother's mary jane slippers, a hat/scarf set for Spud, several needle felted "guardian angels" (per requests), a baby blanket for one of my ya-yas (he's due in about a month), and a couple of scarves/hats/gloves for the neighborhood kids who's parents seem to think it's ok to let them freeze their lil arses off in Michigan winters. Gah! Not to mention Husbeast wants a balaclava (which I can't seem to find a pattern for), a scarf, and a "willie warmer". Too many projects for lil ol' novice me! hehe

Anyhow, loads to knit/felt and so little time. I really need to get a new digital camera so I can post some fiberlicious goodness. I feel antiquated without cam whore capabilities.

Well, I'm off to work some rows on DH's hat.

What's A Lonely Knitter To Do?

2007-01-29T23:35:00.000-05:00

When your local SnB is still a couple of days away, it's late at night, and you are just not feeling the love...what do you do?

Why, grab some stash & needles, play some Lime & Violet podcasts, grab a Smirnoff Twisted V, and knit on!

Fantasy knitting circle! Woot!

Humor, alcohol, knitting.

Life is good! SERIOUSLY!

I think I might have crossed the line...just a wee bit...hehe

What Kind of Yarn Are You?

2007-01-29T21:21:00.000-05:00

You are Shetland Wool. You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.
Take this quiz!