Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Closing in on it. . .
Working on top of head with fins*
HeatherViaPhone
*got a reprieve from my sister--I don't have to finish until next year's Halloween!
Phew!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Batting for The Other Team
I know this won't look obviously suspect to most of you, but the yarn is quite definitely off to the right side.
Now under normal circumstances, I knit Continental (picking the yarn off of my left hand) but this project--my sister's squid hat--is a pain in the wrist and I'm finding myself employing as many different knitting techniques as I can possibly remember. Overhand, throwing, knitting backwards...you name it. I'm doing it.
It's called desperation.
Monday, October 22, 2007
New Blog on the block
Our buddy Peter Sagal who you may know from NPR's "Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me!" just started his blog/website.
He and his wife Beth (the fabulous) were neighbors of ours in Brooklyn and I count the day they told us they were moving to Chicago as both one of the sadder days of my life as well as the first step towards leaving Brooklyn ourselves. I mean, really...why stay?
Bookmark 'im. He's funny. And if you stop by, tell him I sent you. Otherwise he'll wonder where all these knitters came from!
He and his wife Beth (the fabulous) were neighbors of ours in Brooklyn and I count the day they told us they were moving to Chicago as both one of the sadder days of my life as well as the first step towards leaving Brooklyn ourselves. I mean, really...why stay?
Bookmark 'im. He's funny. And if you stop by, tell him I sent you. Otherwise he'll wonder where all these knitters came from!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
SOAR 2007 � Heritage Gathering
SOAR 2007 � Heritage Gathering
WHOO HOOO! I made it onto Joan's blog!
This is the shop run by the fabulous Joan who taught me how to spin warp yarn that didn't feel like wire (as well as how to fix a broken warp thread--easy as pie when you know how).
WHOO HOOO! I made it onto Joan's blog!
This is the shop run by the fabulous Joan who taught me how to spin warp yarn that didn't feel like wire (as well as how to fix a broken warp thread--easy as pie when you know how).
Halloween Costume Cry for Help!
Hey, have any of you made this Squid Hat (pdf pattern here). I cannot for the life of me figure out what she meant with the eye instructions--specifically row 18 and on. Is it a turn-ridge (a purl on the knit side row) that she's talking about? She's not answering email and I'm trying (pathetically) to finish this for my sister. I had to stop working on it for months b/c it ws killing my wrists, but now I'm changing my knitting style (Continental to British to Victorian) and I'm making due.
I'm also pondering the best way to make Thing 1 (my 7yo) a Headless Horseman costume.
It's always something, no?
I'm also pondering the best way to make Thing 1 (my 7yo) a Headless Horseman costume.
It's always something, no?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Crochet Compulsive: 8 veeeeeery random things
Crochet Compulsive: 8 veeeeeery random things
I have been tagged...I'll return to ante up when I'm done with my eleventh anniversary.
MWAhahahahahahah.
Okay. Back I am.
Here's the deal: Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.
1) I stepped into a bad bout of Bronchitis (or just a nasty chest cold) yesterday and cannot for the life of me remember how to make a mustard plaster...which was a remedy used on me as a child. And worked. Random Fact: If I get a cold, it goes straight to my chest.
2) Crochet Compulsive had a bootlegger grandfather? I have a crazy Frontier Abortionist/Snake oil salesman in my genes...he had three wives, two of which died under "mysterious circumstances" and the third is only known in the family annals as "Mary the Cherokee"
3) My husband remembers seeing me a few weeks before I remember meeting him. However, when we did finally meet we sat at LuValle Commons at UCLA talking until we suddenly realized the sun went down. I was smitten (smited? smote?) and that, as they say, was that...
4) I have lived in at least two haunted houses (apartments) and wonder about a third.
5) My best friend is an empath. Seriously. She'll call and say, "DUDE! TAKE SOME ASPIRIN OR SOMETHING! YOU'RE KILLING ME!" and I'll have been toughing out a particularly bad day of knee pain...or something like that.
6) I have always been sad that no one let me go to my Great Grandfather's funeral. Yeah, I was only five, but I really loved him and completely understood that he was gone...but I didn't get to say goodbye.
7) I'm scary good at reading Tarot.
8) The first time in my life that I can remember experiencing anything like homesickness was this last move from Croton-on-Hudson, NY to Tucson AZ. For me, usually, every minute is a new minute and I don't generally spend time looking back. But this one took the wind out of me.
Okay, eight bloggers to link to...this is brutal...um...Agathon, Sydney's too busy so maybe Juno, and Jen, Abby and The Professor, Spinner Erin and Spider Knit, and my local bud, Kate.
I have been tagged...I'll return to ante up when I'm done with my eleventh anniversary.
MWAhahahahahahah.
Okay. Back I am.
Here's the deal: Once tagged, you must link to the person who tagged you. Then post the rules before your list, and list 8 random things about yourself. At the end of the post, you must tag and link to 8 other people, visit their sites, and leave a comment letting them know they’ve been tagged.
1) I stepped into a bad bout of Bronchitis (or just a nasty chest cold) yesterday and cannot for the life of me remember how to make a mustard plaster...which was a remedy used on me as a child. And worked. Random Fact: If I get a cold, it goes straight to my chest.
2) Crochet Compulsive had a bootlegger grandfather? I have a crazy Frontier Abortionist/Snake oil salesman in my genes...he had three wives, two of which died under "mysterious circumstances" and the third is only known in the family annals as "Mary the Cherokee"
3) My husband remembers seeing me a few weeks before I remember meeting him. However, when we did finally meet we sat at LuValle Commons at UCLA talking until we suddenly realized the sun went down. I was smitten (smited? smote?) and that, as they say, was that...
4) I have lived in at least two haunted houses (apartments) and wonder about a third.
5) My best friend is an empath. Seriously. She'll call and say, "DUDE! TAKE SOME ASPIRIN OR SOMETHING! YOU'RE KILLING ME!" and I'll have been toughing out a particularly bad day of knee pain...or something like that.
6) I have always been sad that no one let me go to my Great Grandfather's funeral. Yeah, I was only five, but I really loved him and completely understood that he was gone...but I didn't get to say goodbye.
7) I'm scary good at reading Tarot.
8) The first time in my life that I can remember experiencing anything like homesickness was this last move from Croton-on-Hudson, NY to Tucson AZ. For me, usually, every minute is a new minute and I don't generally spend time looking back. But this one took the wind out of me.
Okay, eight bloggers to link to...this is brutal...um...Agathon, Sydney's too busy so maybe Juno, and Jen, Abby and The Professor, Spinner Erin and Spider Knit, and my local bud, Kate.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Abby's Blog
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee wasn't the only rock star at SOAR. Abby Franquemont was a scholarship recipient this year and is, as I understand it, fiber royalty (Daughter of Ed and Christine Franquemont).
Happily, I made it into one of her pictures (scroll down). Between her blog and Stephanie's and the podcast (oh! And Knitter's Review!) you'll get a pretty clear picture of what SOAR is like...and why we're so tired when we get home!
I also found the origin of Stephanie's T-shirt but not yet where you can get one. And, now. I'm off to get a (an?) "Haute men of CraftLit T-Shirt!"
Happily, I made it into one of her pictures (scroll down). Between her blog and Stephanie's and the podcast (oh! And Knitter's Review!) you'll get a pretty clear picture of what SOAR is like...and why we're so tired when we get home!
I also found the origin of Stephanie's T-shirt but not yet where you can get one. And, now. I'm off to get a (an?) "Haute men of CraftLit T-Shirt!"
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
SPS--podcasting my way home from SOAR
Yeah, they thought I was a freak.Yeah, so what.
Did THEY get to hang out with the coolest, smartest people for a whole week?
I think not.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Why I love my boys--all of them
Yes, DH is a great writer, but this would bring tears to your eyes even if it read like a VCR manual.
Mmm
HeatherViaPhone
Followup:
Due to my rushed packing, I completely forgot to pack a ball-winder or Nøstepinne, so...the skein is in my box being shipped back to me. After it returns to my waiting hands I'll swatch it and upload it for all to see.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Down Side of SOAR
It's not what you're thinking.
I'm having a wonderful time. I've met the nicest (and most interesting) people, who I'm only rarely able to get on the microphone (folks are SHY!). I'm learning a ton from Joan--about both spinning and weaving...and how to turn a military career into a fiber shop.
Seriously.
No, the downside is October. Last year we missed Halloween at home, which stunk, but the Grandparents were there (all of them) so really, the kids didn't suffer with me gone (would they have anyway? They love their Daddy!).
No, the problem is that in October I have my husband's birthday and our anniversary (11 years of marriage this year, 12 of living together and 19 of me being in love with him--but who's counting?).
So, this year, Andrew gets a phone call. And that sucks. I don't like it at all. But there isn't much I can do about it this year. I can make it up to him on our anniversary...I hope...
So here it is, your birthday clipart:
And, hey? If you get a chance, can you swing by and leave a happy birthday comment to him?
THURSDAY UPDATE:
HA!
I was able to corral my Dad, Stepmom, Mom, and Sister into surprising Andrew for his birthday. He had NO idea. We had Thing 1 and the babysitter in on it. He sounded SO happy when I phoned the restaurant. At least it was something.
I'm having a wonderful time. I've met the nicest (and most interesting) people, who I'm only rarely able to get on the microphone (folks are SHY!). I'm learning a ton from Joan--about both spinning and weaving...and how to turn a military career into a fiber shop.
Seriously.
No, the downside is October. Last year we missed Halloween at home, which stunk, but the Grandparents were there (all of them) so really, the kids didn't suffer with me gone (would they have anyway? They love their Daddy!).
No, the problem is that in October I have my husband's birthday and our anniversary (11 years of marriage this year, 12 of living together and 19 of me being in love with him--but who's counting?).
So, this year, Andrew gets a phone call. And that sucks. I don't like it at all. But there isn't much I can do about it this year. I can make it up to him on our anniversary...I hope...
So here it is, your birthday clipart:
And, hey? If you get a chance, can you swing by and leave a happy birthday comment to him?
THURSDAY UPDATE:
HA!
I was able to corral my Dad, Stepmom, Mom, and Sister into surprising Andrew for his birthday. He had NO idea. We had Thing 1 and the babysitter in on it. He sounded SO happy when I phoned the restaurant. At least it was something.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
SOAR: On the Upswing
SOAR!*
First, before I get all snipey, as always, the people from Interweave and the Spinners themselves, are spectacular people I've been able to spend a van ride and a breakfast with Jan and Meg from the UK (Basingstoke--home of the Magic Roundabout) and they once again confirmed my love of all fiber folk. We're just great.
Okay, enough of the happy happy.
We got here after a VERY HOT AND HUMID VAN RIDE--for which I wasn't prepared. It's suddenly 85 degrees here--it was 70-75 on the Google Weather up until the morning I packed. Did I have the computer on while packing?
No I did not.
Am I woefully under prepared?
O yes
And no umbrella.
Will it rain?
O yes
Was that on the radar?
O no.
So, fine. I'm at a resort, right? It's not like I'm going to be OUTside! I'm going to be INSIDE at the conference meetings.
Um...except for the whole, "oh, um...yeah...we're remodeling, so we had to move rooms around."
My room was not only craptastic, but it was hell-and-gone from the main building (steep hill down to the room or up to the conference). Now, in all honestly, I can use/don't mind the walk, but rain + spinning wheel isn't good.
There is a way, though, I'm sure.
There have to be shuttles and such things.
Well...there sort of are...sort of...
Okay, fine. So the room is decorated in Victoria Club, (Riverside, CA) circa 1979.
Fine.
Whatever.
It smells musty and vaguely unused.
Okay...at least I'm not sneezing.
There's a little refrigerator...so that's good right?...and would be great if I had a way to get some groceries...
But...okay...I'm surviving.
But.
There is no hairdryer--I know this doesn't sound catastrophic, but I don't have comb-and-go hair any more. So...drowned rat is my new morning look, followed by the you-did-a- lousy-job-ironing-your-flatass-hair lack-of-body look.
But why should I care? My husband is in AZ. He wouldn't care anyway.
That's how wonderful he is!
But.
BUT!
The Internet is down!
The Only Thing I Asked About When Making a Reservation...
The Only Thing I Wrote About Just To Make Sure and Confirm...
I don't even care if it's wireless. I'm prepared. I just need access.
O there was a signal. But it was a faux signal. One that you couldn't actually USE, you could just SEE it...like Tantalus, I spent HOW much time last night trying to get it to work???
All reminiscent of Thing One and me in Denver...
So this morning I go to the desk to ask about a hairdryer and the internet and was told that (a) housekeeping could get me "a hairdryer...maybe....we'll see...", and (b) "yeah, um...the internet's been down in that building for weeks...we keep calling..."
Long story short... My room was in a condo. The condo association is responsible for the wireless. 'Nuff Said.
So I beg. I plead. I smile nicely and remind her that it's the ONLY thing I requested.
"We'll see what we can do. You can bring your laptop up here, we have desks back there..."
Didn't I see a business center on the map?
"It's closed for the renovation..."
Ah...
The "desks" were dinner tables.
In the space next to the indoor pool...that much humidity and me? And my laptop?
Eh...
I head to breakfast with no faith, but a "what the heck can I do about it" regard to the day.
I get back to my room (after a very nice meal with Jan and Meg) and start working...then the phone rings. It is, in fact, Jessica at the front desk telling me they have a "studio" I can have in the big house.
I assume this means I'm moving to a closet. I don't care. I'm ecstatic! Uncontainable enthusiasm returns! I will have a connection to the world and work! I'll be able to put the podcast up! I am fully realized again.
The van comes to get me (15 minutes late, but who's counting) and I get my new (working) key, open the door and here's what I see--in order:
1) A really bitchen Murphy Bed
2) OMG there's a whole kitchenette here!!!!
3) OMG there's a fireplace here!!!!!
4) OMG
I don't deserve this.
But, in my defense, I didn't yell or scream. I was very nice. I just asked to have internet--like they promised me when I booked my stay.
The only thing wrong now is that have a WHIRLPOOL TUB AND ANDREW'S NOT HERE!
There is a cruel irony there.
And now, it's time to get lunch, then back to work...
*Spin-Off Autumn Retreat
First, before I get all snipey, as always, the people from Interweave and the Spinners themselves, are spectacular people I've been able to spend a van ride and a breakfast with Jan and Meg from the UK (Basingstoke--home of the Magic Roundabout) and they once again confirmed my love of all fiber folk. We're just great.
Okay, enough of the happy happy.
We got here after a VERY HOT AND HUMID VAN RIDE--for which I wasn't prepared. It's suddenly 85 degrees here--it was 70-75 on the Google Weather up until the morning I packed. Did I have the computer on while packing?
No I did not.
Am I woefully under prepared?
O yes
And no umbrella.
Will it rain?
O yes
Was that on the radar?
O no.
So, fine. I'm at a resort, right? It's not like I'm going to be OUTside! I'm going to be INSIDE at the conference meetings.
Um...except for the whole, "oh, um...yeah...we're remodeling, so we had to move rooms around."
My room was not only craptastic, but it was hell-and-gone from the main building (steep hill down to the room or up to the conference). Now, in all honestly, I can use/don't mind the walk, but rain + spinning wheel isn't good.
There is a way, though, I'm sure.
There have to be shuttles and such things.
Well...there sort of are...sort of...
Okay, fine. So the room is decorated in Victoria Club, (Riverside, CA) circa 1979.
Fine.
Whatever.
It smells musty and vaguely unused.
Okay...at least I'm not sneezing.
There's a little refrigerator...so that's good right?...and would be great if I had a way to get some groceries...
But...okay...I'm surviving.
But.
There is no hairdryer--I know this doesn't sound catastrophic, but I don't have comb-and-go hair any more. So...drowned rat is my new morning look, followed by the you-did-a- lousy-job-ironing-your-flatass-hair lack-of-body look.
But why should I care? My husband is in AZ. He wouldn't care anyway.
That's how wonderful he is!
But.
BUT!
The Internet is down!
The Only Thing I Asked About When Making a Reservation...
The Only Thing I Wrote About Just To Make Sure and Confirm...
"Does the room have an internet hookup?"
I don't even care if it's wireless. I'm prepared. I just need access.
O there was a signal. But it was a faux signal. One that you couldn't actually USE, you could just SEE it...like Tantalus, I spent HOW much time last night trying to get it to work???
All reminiscent of Thing One and me in Denver...
So this morning I go to the desk to ask about a hairdryer and the internet and was told that (a) housekeeping could get me "a hairdryer...maybe....we'll see...", and (b) "yeah, um...the internet's been down in that building for weeks...we keep calling..."
Long story short... My room was in a condo. The condo association is responsible for the wireless. 'Nuff Said.
So I beg. I plead. I smile nicely and remind her that it's the ONLY thing I requested.
"We'll see what we can do. You can bring your laptop up here, we have desks back there..."
Didn't I see a business center on the map?
"It's closed for the renovation..."
Ah...
The "desks" were dinner tables.
In the space next to the indoor pool...that much humidity and me? And my laptop?
Eh...
I head to breakfast with no faith, but a "what the heck can I do about it" regard to the day.
I get back to my room (after a very nice meal with Jan and Meg) and start working...then the phone rings. It is, in fact, Jessica at the front desk telling me they have a "studio" I can have in the big house.
I assume this means I'm moving to a closet. I don't care. I'm ecstatic! Uncontainable enthusiasm returns! I will have a connection to the world and work! I'll be able to put the podcast up! I am fully realized again.
The van comes to get me (15 minutes late, but who's counting) and I get my new (working) key, open the door and here's what I see--in order:
1) A really bitchen Murphy Bed
2) OMG there's a whole kitchenette here!!!!
3) OMG there's a fireplace here!!!!!
4) OMG
there
is
a
whirlpool
tub
here!!!
is
a
whirlpool
tub
here!!!
I don't deserve this.
But, in my defense, I didn't yell or scream. I was very nice. I just asked to have internet--like they promised me when I booked my stay.
The only thing wrong now is that have a WHIRLPOOL TUB AND ANDREW'S NOT HERE!
There is a cruel irony there.
And now, it's time to get lunch, then back to work...
*Spin-Off Autumn Retreat
Saturday, October 06, 2007
SOARing Soon
After a REALLY nice date night with the husband, I head off to a week of Spinning, Knitting, and Kibbitzing.
I'm looking forward to this.
I'm also recalling that last year, while it was a a nice change, it was exhausting! Like handcrafting bootcamp...in a good way. I'm wondering if—now that I know what I'm getting into—it'll be different, or if I'll still be wiped out on the plane back.
Hm...
I'm armed with my plane knitting, my work, my iPod (Cast-on's and Wait! Wait!'s that I've saved up), two great books (Jasper Fforde's last Jack Sprat and Calamity Physics)...I think, if I can successfully pack for weather twenty degrees below what I'm in here...I'll be fine.
Shockingly hard to imagine life in the 80 degree range right now.
Tra la la,
Off to the Airport!
I'm looking forward to this.
I'm also recalling that last year, while it was a a nice change, it was exhausting! Like handcrafting bootcamp...in a good way. I'm wondering if—now that I know what I'm getting into—it'll be different, or if I'll still be wiped out on the plane back.
Hm...
I'm armed with my plane knitting, my work, my iPod (Cast-on's and Wait! Wait!'s that I've saved up), two great books (Jasper Fforde's last Jack Sprat and Calamity Physics)...I think, if I can successfully pack for weather twenty degrees below what I'm in here...I'll be fine.
Shockingly hard to imagine life in the 80 degree range right now.
Tra la la,
Off to the Airport!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Reader Request
So, I got an email froma friend of Craftlit. I didn't want to post this on the Show Notes yet, but thought I should get the word out here a.s.a.p.
If you have a second, please do this for my buddy.
Many thanks:
If you have a second, please do this for my buddy.
Many thanks:
I'm in a competition you may have already heard about. I wrote a book, a romance, full of yarn and alpacas and sheep and hot knitter-on-shepherd action (no, really). I entered it in Gather.com's First Romance Competition. I posted the first chapter, and it garnered enough votes to move on to the second round (in the top 25 of more than 300), so I'm thrilled to say that I'm a finalist, with people now voting on the second chapter. It's kind of an American Idol type of thing, if you can imagine, and this second round is still vote-driven, and the the most important thing to know is that if I end up in the top three, with the most votes, I move on to the last round where THE WHOLE NOVEL IS READ BY SIMON & SCHUSTER and their favorite is published. Oh, my god. I would like that. I would love that.
So I need your vote. I *really* need your vote. I'm in fourth place right now, and the three people ahead of me have LOTS of friends, but so do I! And my friends are prettier and smarter and nicer, too. Look at you!
Here's what you do: Read chapter one, but don't vote on it. That one is nice and content and voted on as it is. Please ignore the typos. They hurt my soul, but they're there.
Then read chapter two and please DO vote. If you like the chapter at all, please give it a 10, as they only count 10s (they throw out all votes of 1-9). The chapters with the most 10-votes win.
Even though I know you want to, don't vote more than once, since they're watching for IP fraud. And you DO have to register with their site in order to vote, but they won't spam you, and they don't share or sell email addresses. They will send you a daily email which you can easily opt out of.
Here you go:
Don't vote on chapter one:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=28147497709436 0
DO VOTE on chapter two:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=28147497712625 5
All my thanks. Really, ALL my thanks. It means so much. Whoo-hooo!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
SPS
Because my friend Rick says I'm not smiling in any pics and my DH gets worried when I look unhappy here (regardless of how I look in person).
I think this makes me look like I just had oral surgery on my right side, but there it is...
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Closets
I've had trouble watching the glee with which the media has gone after Larry Craig. I cannot imagine a life more difficult than one where I (a) felt I couldn't be myself and (b) where I hated what I knew I was in my heart of hearts.
I don't like hypocrisy. I particularly don't like the zeal with which Senator Craig has gone after others who--like him--have had to make difficult choices about how to live with who they really are. And I sincerely wish the world would move past caring about any of this.
In the mean time--I think Scott Simon (par normal) does a lovely job summing it all up.
NPR : Reflections on the Sen. Larry Craig Case
I don't like hypocrisy. I particularly don't like the zeal with which Senator Craig has gone after others who--like him--have had to make difficult choices about how to live with who they really are. And I sincerely wish the world would move past caring about any of this.
In the mean time--I think Scott Simon (par normal) does a lovely job summing it all up.
NPR : Reflections on the Sen. Larry Craig Case
Friday, September 28, 2007
Brenda's Buttons
I'm not the only, nor am I the first, but I still feel compelled to post the buttons I've earned from Camp Cast-on.
So here.
I've been an asshole about my knitting.
I've nearly killed muggles by talking about knitting.
If at all possible, I drink while knitting. 
MacGyver Level I--paper clips, binder clips, hair doodie bobbers as stitch markers.
MacGyver Level II--use of bamboo skewers and pencils as needles.
So here.
I've tried to impress others with my mathematical skills (in knitting).
I've nearly killed muggles by talking about knitting.
If at all possible, I drink while knitting. 
MacGyver Level I--paper clips, binder clips, hair doodie bobbers as stitch markers.
MacGyver Level II--use of bamboo skewers and pencils as needles.
I am, in fact, working on a book RIGHT NOW 
(or, actually, I'm avoiding working on it by blogging on this page).
(or, actually, I'm avoiding working on it by blogging on this page).
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Environment
I know I've mentioned this before, but my Dad's a geographer. I grew up pH testing dirt for fun. My Dad's area of expertise is desertification--the fact of/process by which deserts around the world are growing...annually.
So, global climate change, blah blah blah...that's not what I'm here to argue.
What I'm here to say is this:
Whether it's our fault or not, can we all agree that using up finite resources is...well...um...stupid.
I feel like calling a spade a spade today--and this is a Royal Flush of spades.
If we can agree for a moment, that the climate is changing, well...that would be a good start.
Lots of things are demonstrating this fact. Animal populations are decreasing in some important animals, growing seasons are changing (which directly affect some animals), even the times when Vermont Maple Syrup farmers tap their trees have changed dramatically over the last thirty years.
Okay, if we can agree that those things aren't lies, then we can continue.
We know that things like...burning coal for heat have an effect on the environment. After all, we know that the famous London Fog--thick as pea soup--was actually caused by heavy particulate coal smoke creating an inversion layer over the city that trapped the moisture and created the fog. So we know that our actions can change the environment--even in small ways, even temporarily.
Okay, so if we can agree on that, then we can move on.
We know that since the beginning of the last century our dependence on fossil fuels has increased dramatically. Fossil fuels are finite resources. Dependence on anything that will run out (even decades from now) is foolhardy. New technology will have to replace the current technology--it's not an if, it's a when.
So, why not now?
1) We know that sucking on a tail pipe will kill you
2) We know that we are dumping the stuff that will kill you into the air (which we all have to share) at extraordinary rates
3) We know we're all in this together--it's not a local problem
4) We know in our heart-of-hearts that whether we are causing global climate change or not, that the first three things listed here are true.
So.
Why not try to do something about it.
IF the climate change we are experiencing is natural, then so be it. We'll adapt or we'll die. It's that simple.
BUT.
If there's even a small chance that WE are the culprits, then the above listed points make it ridiculously plain that we need to at least try to do something about the problem.
Even if we are wrong, the outcome will be a cleaner environment for ourselves, our children, and our children's children.
And I don't buy the "it'll kill business and cost us a fortune" argument.
The auto industry said the same thing about seat belts.
Seat belts have hardly been the downfall of the auto industry.
We are nothing if not an inventive people. Let's have some of the billionaire boys from the Dot Com boom start hosting competitions for the best non-fossil fuel engine. Let's create a reason for kids to learn science. Let's find a way to make it all profitable. Let's start making kits to retrofit houses to rely partially on solar, on wind, use grey water, include cisterns. If those things are cheap and available and save families money--we're all going to be better off!
Why aren't there solar panels or wind generators on the roofs of the Projects in NYC? Even a small cut in energy sucked off the grid in a city that large would have a huge impact on the economy. And if the power companies were the ones (a) selling and (b) maintaining that equipment, then they wouldn't have to worry about becoming obsolete.
There are lots of ways to make a dent. And even if you don't believe we're causing the climate change, you can't avoid the need/desire for a cleaner environment for our children.
We can not afford to be a short-sighted, adolescent nation any longer.
It's time to grow up.
So, global climate change, blah blah blah...that's not what I'm here to argue.
What I'm here to say is this:
Whether it's our fault or not, can we all agree that using up finite resources is...well...um...stupid.
I feel like calling a spade a spade today--and this is a Royal Flush of spades.
If we can agree for a moment, that the climate is changing, well...that would be a good start.
Lots of things are demonstrating this fact. Animal populations are decreasing in some important animals, growing seasons are changing (which directly affect some animals), even the times when Vermont Maple Syrup farmers tap their trees have changed dramatically over the last thirty years.
Okay, if we can agree that those things aren't lies, then we can continue.
We know that things like...burning coal for heat have an effect on the environment. After all, we know that the famous London Fog--thick as pea soup--was actually caused by heavy particulate coal smoke creating an inversion layer over the city that trapped the moisture and created the fog. So we know that our actions can change the environment--even in small ways, even temporarily.
Okay, so if we can agree on that, then we can move on.
We know that since the beginning of the last century our dependence on fossil fuels has increased dramatically. Fossil fuels are finite resources. Dependence on anything that will run out (even decades from now) is foolhardy. New technology will have to replace the current technology--it's not an if, it's a when.
So, why not now?
1) We know that sucking on a tail pipe will kill you
2) We know that we are dumping the stuff that will kill you into the air (which we all have to share) at extraordinary rates
3) We know we're all in this together--it's not a local problem
4) We know in our heart-of-hearts that whether we are causing global climate change or not, that the first three things listed here are true.
So.
Why not try to do something about it.
IF the climate change we are experiencing is natural, then so be it. We'll adapt or we'll die. It's that simple.
BUT.
If there's even a small chance that WE are the culprits, then the above listed points make it ridiculously plain that we need to at least try to do something about the problem.
Even if we are wrong, the outcome will be a cleaner environment for ourselves, our children, and our children's children.
And I don't buy the "it'll kill business and cost us a fortune" argument.
The auto industry said the same thing about seat belts.
Seat belts have hardly been the downfall of the auto industry.
We are nothing if not an inventive people. Let's have some of the billionaire boys from the Dot Com boom start hosting competitions for the best non-fossil fuel engine. Let's create a reason for kids to learn science. Let's find a way to make it all profitable. Let's start making kits to retrofit houses to rely partially on solar, on wind, use grey water, include cisterns. If those things are cheap and available and save families money--we're all going to be better off!
Why aren't there solar panels or wind generators on the roofs of the Projects in NYC? Even a small cut in energy sucked off the grid in a city that large would have a huge impact on the economy. And if the power companies were the ones (a) selling and (b) maintaining that equipment, then they wouldn't have to worry about becoming obsolete.
There are lots of ways to make a dent. And even if you don't believe we're causing the climate change, you can't avoid the need/desire for a cleaner environment for our children.
We can not afford to be a short-sighted, adolescent nation any longer.
It's time to grow up.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Kippot
I don't have patterns, but I was pretty certain I'd be able to find some. These are my successes:
Do-It-Yourself Kippot
Basic Knit Kippah
Star-of-David Kippah, and version II
Stars-and-Stripes Kippah
Pretty basic crochet
A pattern from a page with such a horrific background that I (a) couldn't read the pattern until I copied it here, and (b) got a headache.
How to keep scarves etc on your head
How to make head coverings look stylish
How to tie a Teichel
And then, just because it's so cool and I stumbled on it:
Clapotis hat!
Do-It-Yourself Kippot
Basic Knit Kippah
Star-of-David Kippah, and version II
Stars-and-Stripes Kippah
Pretty basic crochet
A pattern from a page with such a horrific background that I (a) couldn't read the pattern until I copied it here, and (b) got a headache.
Yarmulka
1 ball #10 size 10 crochet cotton. & size 7 hook.
Start with a little thread circle & crochet 8 sc into it: then pull the thread to close the circle tightly. Mark the first stitch, then work on continuous rounds. rnd1: 2sc in ea sc around. 16sc rnd2; sc in ea sc around rnd3: 2sc in ea sc around rnd4:sc in ea sc around rnd5:*sc in next 2sc, 2sc in next sc* around rnd6: sc in ea sc around rnd7:*sc in next 3 sc, 2sc in next sc* around rnd8: sc in ea sc around Continue till it's the desired size. All even numbered rounds are simply "sc in ea sc around" Odd numbered rounds are increases. with ea round the number of stitches between ea increase grows by one. End by working sl st into next 2sc & then ending off.
Useful:How to keep scarves etc on your head
How to make head coverings look stylish
How to tie a Teichel
And then, just because it's so cool and I stumbled on it:
Clapotis hat!
SPS +
SPS! This time I remembered!
Boys are sleeping, head is stuffy (thanks to a surprise cold) but the day has gone well.
I was asked to teach about 12 kids at the Synagogue how to spin and knit/crochet a kippah or yarmulke. We've got four Sundays to do it in; today was the first. The kids are...um...hyper. But some of them are shockingly good spinners (two boys, two girls) the rest are going to take some time to work with.
We were able to dye their fiber, but not dry it. So I'm still cooking bags and bags of fiber (which is fine) and will salad spin it tonight...or something.
I was able to get a GORGEOUS California Red fleece from a local source (thank you Melanie!)—a fleece that took second in a NJ competition (and I can see why). Light lanolin, soft crimp, tiny micron count. And she tells me this was a cross breed to produce better meat, then whammo! They noticed it had great fleeces!
The kids weren't freaky at all about getting their hands dirty, or wet, and they loved that they were going to get to dye. It took too long (and not enough room in the dyebath--I should have brought the crockpot too!) so they'll have to wait to see their hand-dyed fiber until the next class. But that's good. Let them live with a little anticipation.
I'm writing different things now, and it's a relief, actually. I needed a break, but I also need an income. This has been a nice change. I'm writing passages now, and occasionally benchmark tests. Compared to the curricular work, it's a breather.
And now, life is pretty much just anticipating going to SOAR, getting into some cool air (though it's been lovely here in the mornings and afternoons), and getting a chance to learn. I'm starting the packing process now, which seems ridiculous, I know, but I don't stress if I just leave a suitcase open for a couple of weeks and randomly think, "Oh, man! I need to take this!" then toss it into the bag. Otherwise I tend to forget too many things.
Sadly, Andrew's birthday falls when I'm at SOAR—and I know he's reading this—so I'm working on something for him while I'm gone.
And that's about it. I've got papers to grade, passages to write, things to pack, fiber to dry (and spin), gifts to knit, and a house I really MUST tidy up before leaving Andrew alone in it.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Newsflash!
Sad news.
A sorority sister of mine (long story for later) just found out that her husband, the sold breadwinner of her family, has pancreatic cancer.
I don't have to tell you what this means, right?
He is undergoing chemo, but their insurance sitatuion is tenuous. He's a freelance writer.
PLEASE, check out their auction. Friends, family, strangers, are all donating things for them to auction to support the family in this horrible time.
If you see something you like, please bid. If you'd like to donate something or some service, please contact me at MamaOKnits [at] gmail [dot] com.
And thank you for your understanding. I wouldn't come to you like this if it weren't serious.
Oh.
And my maiden name was Hutchinson. They don't know me from Ordover.
A sorority sister of mine (long story for later) just found out that her husband, the sold breadwinner of her family, has pancreatic cancer.
I don't have to tell you what this means, right?
He is undergoing chemo, but their insurance sitatuion is tenuous. He's a freelance writer.
PLEASE, check out their auction. Friends, family, strangers, are all donating things for them to auction to support the family in this horrible time.
If you see something you like, please bid. If you'd like to donate something or some service, please contact me at MamaOKnits [at] gmail [dot] com.
And thank you for your understanding. I wouldn't come to you like this if it weren't serious.
Oh.
And my maiden name was Hutchinson. They don't know me from Ordover.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Obligatory 9/11 Post
Read here
and here
and then of course, here.
Leadership kids who "ran" from the building—all helped to safety by the kindness of strangers.
And the southern view you didn't see on the news.
and here
and then of course, here.
Leadership kids who "ran" from the building—all helped to safety by the kindness of strangers.And the southern view you didn't see on the news.
9/24/2007
O, I just HAVE To respond to the coward who anonymously left the comment below that "911 was an inside job.There were no planes,as none of the kids mention the sound of a 767 at 800 feet on full power."
_I_ mention it, dolt. I'm the only one who was in the room who had anything to compare the sound to (WWII movie missile sounds--my kids didn't watch movies like that) the kids, quite frankly, were too busy thinking they were going to die to try to find a parallel.
If you weren't there then leave off with your idiotic comments or learn to listen. There is no one who could create a conspiracy big enough to convince all of NYC to lie. Really. We're a bunch of loud mouths and we call it like we see it. It's just not possible to shut us all up or stop us from saying what we saw.
Really.
Or better yet, instead of chickening out and leaving ghost flames on the blogs of innocent folk, go talk to the guys who were working construction in Jersey who watched the second plane plow into the South Tower, knowing damn well what was going to happen when they saw it bank over Staten Island. White as sheets, they were, and still shaking hours later.
But I'm sure they were planted for my benefit.
I'm sure the plane's engine on the building of my school (Yes, I saw it. Yes, I know what a plane's engine looks like) was a plant too.
Hell, I'll bet you think it was Mosad.
Oh, how I wish to be alone in a room with people like you and about seven of my students.
THAT would be a inside job.
Part Deux:
To my Anonymous poster—thank you for coming back. I actually respect that quite a bit. Usually Folks-Who-Flame don't bother.
I'm so, SO sorry because I've clearly left you with the misperception that I support the "genocidal Bush regime". This is not true. In fact, it was rather telling to watch the numbers from the 2000 and 2004 elections roll in. While the NYC has been voting Republican since Giuliani ran (and NYC is notoriously NOT a Republican town) NYC rabidly voted against Bush.
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who was in or around 9/11 who trusts that man.
I'm well aware that what we've been exporting to other countries has not been...hm...our best and our brightest.
And as for serial numbers—not being a professional conspiracy theorist I just went my five senses and inductive—see plane #2 go into the building then see a plane engine on our roof. Maybe not more than circumstantial evidence for you, but since our elevators and stairwells were kinda small, and there were no cranes in the vicinity...yeah. I believe those were planes going in.
Do I think that absolves Bush?
No.
Do I think he wanted to go into Iraq long before 9/11.
Yes.
But I also think Mohammad Atta et al flew planes at civilian targets that morning, not Bush.
There's lots of room in the world for dumb people to make lousy choices.
O, I just HAVE To respond to the coward who anonymously left the comment below that "911 was an inside job.There were no planes,as none of the kids mention the sound of a 767 at 800 feet on full power."
_I_ mention it, dolt. I'm the only one who was in the room who had anything to compare the sound to (WWII movie missile sounds--my kids didn't watch movies like that) the kids, quite frankly, were too busy thinking they were going to die to try to find a parallel.
If you weren't there then leave off with your idiotic comments or learn to listen. There is no one who could create a conspiracy big enough to convince all of NYC to lie. Really. We're a bunch of loud mouths and we call it like we see it. It's just not possible to shut us all up or stop us from saying what we saw.
Really.
Or better yet, instead of chickening out and leaving ghost flames on the blogs of innocent folk, go talk to the guys who were working construction in Jersey who watched the second plane plow into the South Tower, knowing damn well what was going to happen when they saw it bank over Staten Island. White as sheets, they were, and still shaking hours later.
But I'm sure they were planted for my benefit.
I'm sure the plane's engine on the building of my school (Yes, I saw it. Yes, I know what a plane's engine looks like) was a plant too.
Hell, I'll bet you think it was Mosad.
Oh, how I wish to be alone in a room with people like you and about seven of my students.
THAT would be a inside job.
Part Deux:
To my Anonymous poster—thank you for coming back. I actually respect that quite a bit. Usually Folks-Who-Flame don't bother.
I'm so, SO sorry because I've clearly left you with the misperception that I support the "genocidal Bush regime". This is not true. In fact, it was rather telling to watch the numbers from the 2000 and 2004 elections roll in. While the NYC has been voting Republican since Giuliani ran (and NYC is notoriously NOT a Republican town) NYC rabidly voted against Bush.
You'd be hard pressed to find anyone who was in or around 9/11 who trusts that man.
I'm well aware that what we've been exporting to other countries has not been...hm...our best and our brightest.
And as for serial numbers—not being a professional conspiracy theorist I just went my five senses and inductive—see plane #2 go into the building then see a plane engine on our roof. Maybe not more than circumstantial evidence for you, but since our elevators and stairwells were kinda small, and there were no cranes in the vicinity...yeah. I believe those were planes going in.
Do I think that absolves Bush?
No.
Do I think he wanted to go into Iraq long before 9/11.
Yes.
But I also think Mohammad Atta et al flew planes at civilian targets that morning, not Bush.
There's lots of room in the world for dumb people to make lousy choices.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Life, don't talk to me about life...
Life is both boring and terrifying all at once.
There's no work at work, so I'm not going to make enough this month to pay the bills.
At all.
Then there's the boring part. I have a lot of "stuff" to do, but most of my time is so fractured with teaching Thing 1, running around with Things 1 and 2, now teaching (which, when I'm taking the bus is a godsend of unadulterated time), and then...the stuff I do to myself (spinning, knitting, podcasting).
I'm trying, in the middle of all that, to find time to write--for publication--and that's what's got me right now. I need more than 15 minutes here or there, or an hour at night when I'm wiped out, to get the articles done and the book draft done.
Blah blah blah.
Bitch bitch bitch...
And in the middle of it all, I know I'm one of the luckiest people on the planet.
There's no work at work, so I'm not going to make enough this month to pay the bills.
At all.
Then there's the boring part. I have a lot of "stuff" to do, but most of my time is so fractured with teaching Thing 1, running around with Things 1 and 2, now teaching (which, when I'm taking the bus is a godsend of unadulterated time), and then...the stuff I do to myself (spinning, knitting, podcasting).
I'm trying, in the middle of all that, to find time to write--for publication--and that's what's got me right now. I need more than 15 minutes here or there, or an hour at night when I'm wiped out, to get the articles done and the book draft done.
Blah blah blah.
Bitch bitch bitch...
And in the middle of it all, I know I'm one of the luckiest people on the planet.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Overwhelming Ennui
I have a vague idea of why, but really, the important thing here is that I am completely overwhelmed by melancholy right now. Yeah, AO is traveling, and that's always a bummer, but it's more than that.
I know on last year's podcast of this time-ish i mentioned feeling this way and here I go again.
This time, however, I think I sussed it.
It's the light.
I remember distinctly how, upon moving to NYC, I could see the seasons in the quality of the light. Something about the angle of it...the way it filtered in the windows differently...you can see Fall coming.
I know it's still August and even in NY there's a good chance that nice weather is at least a week or two off...but...the light is changing here. I can see it. It's distinctly different in the morning and evenings. Beautiful. It's the approach of Fall.
But...
It's 100° out.
Seriously.
Okay, now it's evening and it's not...well...hell, maybe it is. I know it won't be for long. But it'll only get down to 78° or so tonight and my Web Weather Monitor tells me tomorrow will be 102°.
This is not Fall.
I never really did the "season" thing before, having grown up here in the Southwest, but eleven years in NY... it's... it's very very hard to lose that. I suppose it's something primal... something... internal. I don't know. All I know is I'm sad. And it should be cooling off. And I miss my seasons.
In October sometime, the nights will start to cool off, and we'll have some days that are in the low 90s and it'll be dry again. That will be nice. Then, by November, we'll be sitting in sweaters around the fire pit at night.
But that should start in a little over a month...not a little over two. And I should have Jackie and John and Liisa and Professor Eval with me (a little Eval must enter every life).
There's something in my body that's telling me one thing while my environment is telling me another.
I wonder how many years it will take to erase this?
In the meantime, I'll just be...like this...
I know on last year's podcast of this time-ish i mentioned feeling this way and here I go again.
This time, however, I think I sussed it.
It's the light.
I remember distinctly how, upon moving to NYC, I could see the seasons in the quality of the light. Something about the angle of it...the way it filtered in the windows differently...you can see Fall coming.
I know it's still August and even in NY there's a good chance that nice weather is at least a week or two off...but...the light is changing here. I can see it. It's distinctly different in the morning and evenings. Beautiful. It's the approach of Fall.
But...
It's 100° out.
Seriously.
Okay, now it's evening and it's not...well...hell, maybe it is. I know it won't be for long. But it'll only get down to 78° or so tonight and my Web Weather Monitor tells me tomorrow will be 102°.
This is not Fall.
I never really did the "season" thing before, having grown up here in the Southwest, but eleven years in NY... it's... it's very very hard to lose that. I suppose it's something primal... something... internal. I don't know. All I know is I'm sad. And it should be cooling off. And I miss my seasons.
In October sometime, the nights will start to cool off, and we'll have some days that are in the low 90s and it'll be dry again. That will be nice. Then, by November, we'll be sitting in sweaters around the fire pit at night.
But that should start in a little over a month...not a little over two. And I should have Jackie and John and Liisa and Professor Eval with me (a little Eval must enter every life).
There's something in my body that's telling me one thing while my environment is telling me another.
I wonder how many years it will take to erase this?
In the meantime, I'll just be...like this...
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Up Again...
This time it was me being stupid.
I watched Zodiac with Andrew.
So...here I am. Why? Because there is also a hellacious rainstorm going on...it sounds like it just took out our rooftop satellite dish.
Ah...more fun for tomorrow.
We need the rain, no doubt, but I can hear the beating the house is taking. I'm tempted to go out on the backporch just to see how bad the flooding is in the wash...I just heard the gate smack itself open/shut again.
I wonder how long it will take the boys to wake up scared.
Ah well...if my eyes weren't so bleary I'd go knit...tra la la...
I watched Zodiac with Andrew.
So...here I am. Why? Because there is also a hellacious rainstorm going on...it sounds like it just took out our rooftop satellite dish.
Ah...more fun for tomorrow.
We need the rain, no doubt, but I can hear the beating the house is taking. I'm tempted to go out on the backporch just to see how bad the flooding is in the wash...I just heard the gate smack itself open/shut again.
I wonder how long it will take the boys to wake up scared.
Ah well...if my eyes weren't so bleary I'd go knit...tra la la...
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Polygamous Knitting
I can't settle down onto one project. I'm working on my I Love Gansey socks (which are lovely) and I'm working on the Guyabara shirt for my DH. And I'm working on my Huck Lace table runner (on the loom) and I'm...oh yeah, teaching a course at the UofA...
Too much, I imagine. If only it ALL created an income!
LOL
More soon...
NOTE TO SARAH 09/27/07:
There's definitely a discrepancy b/t the Guyabara shirt picture and the pattern. The purl 2 edging on the front panel of the shoulders is missing, they have you pick up stitches in the wrong color for the diamond panel, they tell you to slip stitch the collar with the wrong color, and my gauge was off, too (yep, with the Louet linen!).
I got gauge horizontally and left it at that. For the rows, I was rather unconventional.
I knit the first panel to the schematic measurement--since my row gauge was off--and then I went ahead and crocheted the following panels together to be sure they matched. I guessed on the front panels.
They have you put EVERYTHING on stitch holders, so I figure I can even it all out before I do the bottom hem (which is also badly explained in the written instructions--they call it a facing).
I also think it would be okay to have the back a little longer than the front since there are slits at the side seams.
I'm going to post some pics and specific instructions here on what I'm finding out, but it won't be until this weekend or early next week.
I feel your pain!
Heather
NOTE TO SARAH 09/27/07:
There's definitely a discrepancy b/t the Guyabara shirt picture and the pattern. The purl 2 edging on the front panel of the shoulders is missing, they have you pick up stitches in the wrong color for the diamond panel, they tell you to slip stitch the collar with the wrong color, and my gauge was off, too (yep, with the Louet linen!).
I got gauge horizontally and left it at that. For the rows, I was rather unconventional.
I knit the first panel to the schematic measurement--since my row gauge was off--and then I went ahead and crocheted the following panels together to be sure they matched. I guessed on the front panels.
They have you put EVERYTHING on stitch holders, so I figure I can even it all out before I do the bottom hem (which is also badly explained in the written instructions--they call it a facing).
I also think it would be okay to have the back a little longer than the front since there are slits at the side seams.
I'm going to post some pics and specific instructions here on what I'm finding out, but it won't be until this weekend or early next week.
I feel your pain!
Heather
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Thank you, Thank you, and thank YOU!
I just wanted to send out a big thank you to the people who have written to see how I've been (eh), ask if I've seen a chiropractic doctor (not yet), and to find out how the computer situation is (better).
More soon, and many, many thanks.
And the Sunday Self Portrait
More soon, and many, many thanks.
And the Sunday Self Portrait
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
What the storm hath wrought...
This is why I've not been online. And why no SPS...until now...
HeatherViaPhone
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
What time is it???
If you look at the date stamp on this you'll wonder if I'm out of my mind, up again at 2:29am.
The simple answer is, "I have no idea."
I am normally a Very Good sleeper (ask my husband).
I rarely have insomnia. I need (NEED) eight hours.
And yet...here I am.
I even swore off Diet Coke today after lunch. I had a glass (or was that two) of wine tonight and well over the recommended eight glasses of water. Tonight, to relax, I knitted more on the Victorian Lace Sock (from Six_Sox) and achieved the start of the toe decreases. I'm actually quite happy about that since I'm not loving this sock and will put it away (Second Sock Syndrome rears its ugly head) until I have fewer things that I want to do.
I have the Mystery Stole (not such a mystery now), Hogwarts Sock Swap Two, and my sister's Squid Hat, and another pair of Horcrux socks for Jan, and...o the weaving, the spinning, the spinning/knitting Jessica's hoodie (and o dear Lord, I have to think of a design to put on kangaroo pocket!!!). And with all that to tempt me, you should be musing to yourself, "mmmm, I wonder why she's not watching reruns of 'Bewitched' and knitting on the MS3?" And you would be right to ask that. It's where I WANT to be.
But I'm in pain.
Real nasty pain.
It's been like this for three weeks, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what's up. My neck and shoulders are like unto rock. My lower back is doing some weird occasional nerve pinchy thingy, and because my neck and shoulders are going, they're tightening the whatever to my wrists.
And they hurt.
A
Lot.
Trust me. I'm sitting here ergonomically. I've adjusted a number of times. There is no explanation. I'm not stressed (any more than normal). I've not been under the same writing schedule that I was under. I'm simply baffled.
Tomorrow, the hunt for an acupuncturist begins. If I can carry a tank of needles with me and put them in my own wrist when I need to knit (like now) that would be great! I wonder if they can do that...
The simple answer is, "I have no idea."
I am normally a Very Good sleeper (ask my husband).
I rarely have insomnia. I need (NEED) eight hours.
And yet...here I am.
I even swore off Diet Coke today after lunch. I had a glass (or was that two) of wine tonight and well over the recommended eight glasses of water. Tonight, to relax, I knitted more on the Victorian Lace Sock (from Six_Sox) and achieved the start of the toe decreases. I'm actually quite happy about that since I'm not loving this sock and will put it away (Second Sock Syndrome rears its ugly head) until I have fewer things that I want to do.
I have the Mystery Stole (not such a mystery now), Hogwarts Sock Swap Two, and my sister's Squid Hat, and another pair of Horcrux socks for Jan, and...o the weaving, the spinning, the spinning/knitting Jessica's hoodie (and o dear Lord, I have to think of a design to put on kangaroo pocket!!!). And with all that to tempt me, you should be musing to yourself, "mmmm, I wonder why she's not watching reruns of 'Bewitched' and knitting on the MS3?" And you would be right to ask that. It's where I WANT to be.
But I'm in pain.
Real nasty pain.
It's been like this for three weeks, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what's up. My neck and shoulders are like unto rock. My lower back is doing some weird occasional nerve pinchy thingy, and because my neck and shoulders are going, they're tightening the whatever to my wrists.
And they hurt.
A
Lot.
Trust me. I'm sitting here ergonomically. I've adjusted a number of times. There is no explanation. I'm not stressed (any more than normal). I've not been under the same writing schedule that I was under. I'm simply baffled.
Tomorrow, the hunt for an acupuncturist begins. If I can carry a tank of needles with me and put them in my own wrist when I need to knit (like now) that would be great! I wonder if they can do that...
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Start of SPS
Yeah, so I'm a little late with the first SPS, but better late than never.
Check out Rosmarie's blog. Amazing work she does.
And, you know, we are the Borg.
Check out Rosmarie's blog. Amazing work she does.
And, you know, we are the Borg.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
Of Naps and Nighttime Knitting
I should get more sleep.
My husband will crack up when he sees this because, when he's home, I generally get eight hours (without which, you really don't want to be around me...really). When he's gone, though, I putter. I am able to putter my circuitous way around the house, putting up pictures, making things right, gradually going through drawers and filling boxes with Things To Go Elsewhere--not that they ever GET there...
If he were here it would only make him nervous. So. I save the putter for his trips.
But then, while puttering, I'll glance at a clock and see that it's nearly eleven p.m. and I've not knitted or woven or spun or...anything. And I get rather jittery and my hands start to twitch. And I stop whatever I'm doing pretty much mid-stream, and sit and knit. Or weave. Or something.
I've found that without question I sleep better after knitting etc. at night. I imagine it's something about the Alpha Waves or some such thing, but whatever it is, it works for me. Right now I'm in catch-up-sleep mode, Andrew having just returned, and I should take a nap. But instead, I'll probably finish warping the loom for the Huck Lace table runner.
So goeth the nap.
The runner had better be worth it!
OffTN: Syd's Horcrux Sox
OTN: Victorian Lace Sox, MS#3, Pomotomus (I'm so polygamous with my knitting...must be the influence of HBO's Big Love--Andrew will be glad it stops at knitting).
Oh, and speaking of Big Love, if you have HBO watch I Have Tourettes but Tourettes Doesn't Have Me.
My husband will crack up when he sees this because, when he's home, I generally get eight hours (without which, you really don't want to be around me...really). When he's gone, though, I putter. I am able to putter my circuitous way around the house, putting up pictures, making things right, gradually going through drawers and filling boxes with Things To Go Elsewhere--not that they ever GET there...
If he were here it would only make him nervous. So. I save the putter for his trips.
But then, while puttering, I'll glance at a clock and see that it's nearly eleven p.m. and I've not knitted or woven or spun or...anything. And I get rather jittery and my hands start to twitch. And I stop whatever I'm doing pretty much mid-stream, and sit and knit. Or weave. Or something.
I've found that without question I sleep better after knitting etc. at night. I imagine it's something about the Alpha Waves or some such thing, but whatever it is, it works for me. Right now I'm in catch-up-sleep mode, Andrew having just returned, and I should take a nap. But instead, I'll probably finish warping the loom for the Huck Lace table runner.
So goeth the nap.
The runner had better be worth it!
OffTN: Syd's Horcrux Sox
OTN: Victorian Lace Sox, MS#3, Pomotomus (I'm so polygamous with my knitting...must be the influence of HBO's Big Love--Andrew will be glad it stops at knitting).
Oh, and speaking of Big Love, if you have HBO watch I Have Tourettes but Tourettes Doesn't Have Me.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Goofball Singers
I'm typing today while our babysitter sits outside, watching the boys swim. They are goofy and they have both inherited a love for (and a talent with) music. They are also genetically programmed to be completely ridiculous. They are making up songs at the tops of their lungs, but unlike other kids I've heard who just do this to make noise, they are working out choruses and refrains. They are actually and truly making music. They even fade-out purposefully at the end.
I'm trying to do the same thing myself right now with weaving. I've found four contradictory books/articles/patterns on Huck Lace and I have been trying to work out the math to make the table runner look the way I want it to.
I have little confidence that this will work, and a part of me wants to sleigh just a small bit of it, then test that. It's going to be a huge struggle if I have to re-sleigh the whole thing. But then...I'm still in the 'learning experience' part of this. We'll see...
I think I need to take a lesson from my sons, though, and just dive in and start singing.
Loud.
And clear.
OTN: back to Pomotomus socks, and almost done with Syd's Horcrux Socks.
I'm trying to do the same thing myself right now with weaving. I've found four contradictory books/articles/patterns on Huck Lace and I have been trying to work out the math to make the table runner look the way I want it to.
I have little confidence that this will work, and a part of me wants to sleigh just a small bit of it, then test that. It's going to be a huge struggle if I have to re-sleigh the whole thing. But then...I'm still in the 'learning experience' part of this. We'll see...
I think I need to take a lesson from my sons, though, and just dive in and start singing.
Loud.
And clear.
OTN: back to Pomotomus socks, and almost done with Syd's Horcrux Socks.
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