Serendipity

So, last weekend I bought a couple of hanks of rainbow yarn with the intent to make a scarf.  This past Friday, I finally got a chance to sit down and yarn, and I started on the scarf because I didn't want to work on the hat.  After a couple of attempts, and frogging about three patterns, I decided on a simple basket weave.  I fell in love with it pretty quickly.  On Saturday, I worked on it some more, and as I neared the end of the first hank of yarn, I realized I didn't have enough.  In fact, I had nowhere near enough.  

I contemplated my options for a while.  I had enough for a cowl-ish neck warmer, and I could do that instead.  I didn't really want to buy more.  But then I got an email from my LYS saying it was birthday sale weekend, and everything in the entire store was 20% off on Sunday and Monday.  Well, that decided it, and I went to the yarn store on Sunday and bought two more hanks.

It's color change yarn, a variegated that basically self-stripes.  That was, in part, due to the number of stitches and rows in my pattern.  But it's fantastic.  But I discovered it had a very set pattern of colors.  So when I went to join the second ball of yarn, I had a decision to make.  I could just join on where it started, and the color pattern would change a bit.  But it would be clear where each new ball joined in.  Ultimately, I decided that wasn't something I wanted, so when I joined the second ball, I had to pull out a bunch until I got to the right section of color.  I wound that into a mini-ball, and then started knitting again, thinking I would join that little bit at the end or figure out where it went in the grand scheme of things.  

I went to the store and got two more hanks, and I wound them into balls last night.  And when I was done, I discovered something magical and utterly fantastic.  I chose all four hanks at random, just picked the same colorway and dye lot, but didn't examine the hanks too closely.  But, as I said, wound up into balls I saw something amazing.  The two hanks that I had bought, along with the little bit from the second hank, all end on the color where the next one begins.  It's perfect.

The ball I'm working on now ends in green.   There's a ball that starts with green and ends in purple.  The little bit left over starts in purple and end in yellow.  And the last ball stars in yellow and ends in purple.  That will be be the last ball I put on and, as an added bonus, it ends in purple which was the color that started the scarf.  

It won't be a perfect match for number of rows and the like.  But it will be a general match and that is just awesome.  It was a serendipitous series of events.  The yarn gods were with me.  Or something.  But it's awesome and I'm really happy about it.  

The pattern is relatively simple, with just a bit of variation to keep me interested.  And the color changes give an additional excitement to working on the project.  And I'm loving it.  

Also, I've gotten back into Ravelry, a social media site for yarners, and that's exciting too.  I joined about five and half years ago, but it fell by the wayside.  But I'm back there now, and that's fun.  Though as I was adding in some of my projects, I realized that I am sadly lacking in pictures of completed work.  I was going to be better about that, but it seems I've seriously slacked on it.  So that's another goal for me, to take the pictures of the completed works!

Anyway, after a bad few days, where nothing seemed to be going my way, and my temper was getting the better of me, and so was my sadness, it was really awesome to end the weekend on a lovely yarn note.  

Poor Sis

Sis is sick.  Way sicker than she's been in a long time.  It started with the sniffles, and then of course, got worse.  She started throwing up, and everything was bad.  The doctor diagnosed her with bronchitis and sinusitis.  But unfortunately, she was also still throwing up.  Because she couldn't keep anything down, she got really dehydrated.  With the sickness, and the dehydration, and the throwing up, there came a migraine.  But she couldn't do anything to combat the migraine because of all the other things.  

We ended up in the emergency room Thursday night because the pain was so very bad.

After an insanely long wait, during which she was crying and begging me to take her home, she was finally seen by the doctor.  Two hours, a half a liter of saline, some anti-nausea meds, and something for the pain later, and it was like she was a brand new person.  The pain was gone, and she was tired, but acting like herself again.  

She's getting better every day.  Still very sick, but she's better than she was two days ago. 

Which is why the relatives are still arriving today instead of cancelling their trip.  

So yes, house is going to be invaded again.  But with Sis sick, it's going to fall to me to pick up the Sis slack.  So, you know, socializing.  But fortunately, everyone is pretty able to entertain themselves so I don't have to chase after anyone or keep them occupied.  

It's still too cold, but I'm dealing as best I can.  

Knitting on a scarf right now, because now that the interesting part of the hat is done, it's sort of boring.  I'm trying to decide if I want to put some sort of patterning in or not.  Until I decide, it's sitting on the table and waiting.  When I get my new needles (I ordered a very exciting set of interchangeable needles from Addi and I can't freaking wait to get them!) it'll be the thing I work on.  One of the needles I have on the hat right now I don't like, so that, and trying to decide on pattern, is my excuse for leaving it as it is.  Since the needles may be arriving as early as next week, I'll have to make some decisions soon.  Until then, it can sit and I can work on the scarf.

It's not anything complicated, just a simple basket weave pattern, but the yarn changes color and that's always fun.  As I go along, I keep thinking, oh, I'll just do it until the next color comes up.   But at least it gives it a little flavor.  lol.  I didn't buy enough yarn, sadly.  But I just today got an email from my LYS saying that their big birthday sale is going on tomorrow, so I figure I'll pop over there and get some more, and 20% off to boot!  That's a good thing.

Here's wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Open Knitting Fail

So, I was ready right?  Nervous as hell, but I was ready.  I walked into the store, knitting bag in hand, and swallowed down the butterflies.

First thing I noticed?  The owner was not there, which she usually works on Saturdays, and someone else was behind the counter.  No one was sitting at the table knitting.  But it was just exactly one o'clock, so I thought other people might show up.  I went perusing the yarn.  Not that I actually needed more yarn, but I was looking for something particular for a special project.  So I wandered and contemplated, and picked up one and put it back, and picked up another, and put it back.  I finally settled on a third choice, which I got in hanks to the delight of being able to use my swift, and walked up to the counter.

Roughly 25 minutes had passed since I walked into the store.  And despite one other customer, who was very talkative and took forever to check out, it was just me in the store.  So yeah, after I bought the yarn, I left and came home again.  Because it was just weird.

I think if the owner had been working, I would have sat down and knitted, because Beth and I could have chatted.  But I didn't know the lady working at all, had never seen her before in fact, and it just felt all sorts of wrong.

But I went with intent, even though I was nervous, so I have to give myself points for that.

And hey, I got new yarn, and that is always a good thing.  

*Happy Dance*

So I was feeling guilty about all the spending, right?  And I sort of regretted, a little bit, buying the swift.  I was thinking I should have waited till a later date in time, or just forgone it all together, but it was too late, it was on it's way.  I was excited about getting it, but it was marred by feeling guilty.

It arrived on Tuesday evening.  I expected it to be waiting when I got home from work, and it wasn't, so I was getting cranky thinking I had to wait an extra day for it to arrive, even though I had the two day shipping thing going on.  And sort of thought it was my karma for buying in it the first place when I maybe shouldn't have.  But arrive it did, and with a few quick motions, it was put together and spinning merrily.

And then I used it.  And, oh holy crap you guys, this was the best thing ever invented!  It worked like a charm, I was able to wind the five hanks I had into balls with minimal tangling and what tangling there was, it was because the hank itself was a little twisted around itself.  But fortunately, I'm an expert at untangling yarn and have an extraordinary amount of patience when it comes to that.  (Not so patient other times, I'll admit, but untangling yarn is like a puzzle and the result makes me happy)

I now have to refrain myself from buying other yarn in hanks just to wind it. :)

But I no longer feel the least bit guilty for the purchase.  It's wonderful on a lot of levels and it will get continued use in the future.  I am very happy.  

Sneak Attack Spending

Went a little, tiny, wee bit crazy spending money this past weekend.  

Well, really it started on Wednesday when I ordered tea direct from Bigelow because that was the only way I could get my two favorites, Constant Comment and English Breakfast, in loose leaf.  At the store here, they only have Twinings in loose leaf and while it's all right, I much prefer Bigelow.  (It arrived yesterday, and that pot of tea was one of the best I've ever had)

Then Thursday night, I ordered a spoon.  Yeah, you heard me.  A stainless steel teaspoon for the express purpose of scooping my tea.  It should arrive today.

And then Friday night...well, I finally ordered a swift.  Now, swifts are sort of necessary to wind balls of yarn from hanks.  Unless you have someone willing to hold the hank for you.  Which I don't.  I've been making do, but it's been a pain.  And I couldn't justify spending 50 or 60 dollars on a swift just to make my life a bit easier when I don't really need it that much.  Only I ordered yarn, in yanks, and I have a few other hanks to ball up and...well, I went looking.  Turns out I could get a wooden Amish style swift for less than the plastic umbrella style ones.  I was sold.  I tried to be good, but I caved and bought it.  It also should arrive today.

Then Saturday it was the farmer's market and fresh produce and vegetables.  And then to the home improvement store for the flowers I planted.  And out to lunch with Sis.

And Sunday?  Sunday there were books.

So yeah, I sneak attack spent way too much money because it was a little here and a little there and before I knew it...too much.

Now I have to be a very good girl for weeks!  

I can do it.  

Glorious Day

So Sis and I were up and out a reasonable hour this morning.  Found the new location of yarn store without trouble, walked up to the front door to see Lucy (the bulldog) and the owner's son on the wee porch.  Lucy loves people and went nuts.  I gave her lots of pets and told her she was a sweet girl.  I called her by name, which the owner's son thought was funny.  "Oh, so you've been here before huh?"

It's got a different layout inside, but I even like it better.  Still a great little place and lots of new yarns.  I actually fell back on one of my favorites Rowan (I got the color Seasalter) and a couple of balls of Marmot by Berroco (in colorway Spinel).  It's all for me.  I swear up and down.  The Rowan will be made into a hat because I don't have one yet (crazy, because I've made a bunch of them) that's all slouchy so that if I have my hair all down my back or up in a bun, I can wear it no matter what.  And the other is super soft and lovely to the touch, so that's going to be a short scarf/neck warmer.  Also for me.  

I also spent a stupid amount of money on needles, but they are my favorite kind, Addi Turbo, and I needed the sizes so I got them.  I'm well pleased but I have to avoid some frivolous shopping for a while.

After shopping, we went to Target real quick so Sis could pick up some stuff.  And then we went to lunch.  Oh my god.  The food was so good and I ate way too much, and so did Sis and it was all "UUUUUUGGGGGHHHH!" when we were done but it was worth it.  

And then I came home and took a nap.  And that right there was seriously awesome.

But now I'm awake and even though I need to make things that are other, you know, like the BFF's other mitts, or even the shawl I started for myself and didn't finish (I'm frogging that and starting over) I'm going to sit down in a minute and make either the hat or the neck warmer.  Probably the hat.  Cause fun.  I'm going to find something to watch and spend the rest of the evening/night yarning.  It's going to be great.  

Comfort Shopping

This upcoming weekend, I'm going to take a trip to my LYS and do a little shopping.  No, of course I don't need more yarn.  Just want.  :)

Things have been...not great in certain aspects of my life.  And I need a little comfort.  And see, my LYS moved locations (not too far from the original one) and so there's going to be a whole new layout which is always fun to explore.  And new yarns, because she had a big sale so she didn't have to move as much (which I sadly did not partake in) and then she had to replenish her stock.  So that's always hella exciting.

And yarn shopping is just....yeah, it's one of my big comforts.  Actually, just going to the LYS and being surrounded by all that luscious yarn is the comfort.  I may or may not walk out of there with yarn.  Probably I will, I'm not going to lie, but maybe only a little. 

The only project that I have on the needles right now is finishing the BFF's mitts.  Okay, wait, that's not true, but that's the only one I have to get done.  The rest are gravy.  At some point in the near future, I'll finish that.  Honestly, my life has been taken up by reading and writing lately and I haven't done much yarning.  Very little in fact.  I think I need some of that balance back.  

So anyway, there's yarn shopping on Saturday at the new store and I'm a bit excited.

On a side note:  I got a really heartfelt and warm thank you note for the baby's blanket this week. My coworker's wife really loved it, and that makes me very pleased. And it was really nice to get that note, because not enough people do the thank you note thing anymore.  I, myself, have dropped the ball on that on occasion.  But getting that was wonderful, and it reminds me that it's the right and good thing to do. Showing appreciation is never a bad thing.   

Fabulous Yarn

Oh, yarn shopping, how I love thee!

First, it always amuses the crap out of me when the owner, Beth, recognizes me.  I don't actually go into my LYS that often, only every couple of months or so.  The last time I was there I think it was October or something.  It's expensive, it's high-end yarn, so I only go when I want to get the really good stuff or I have a little extra walking around money, and decide to splurge.  But there was a sale, for people who are "loyal" customers, so I had to go check it out.

It was fun to talk to Beth.  She told me that she's moving to a new location soon, that's actually really close to the one where she is.  Her landlord is pretty much a dick, and when she saw this new house to move to, she was like yep, gonna move.  It's pretty much the same size as where she is now, but laid out a little bit better.  And she won't have to deal with the gross landlord anymore.  

I've been wanting to go back and get more of this really fabulous yarn called Kodiak.  It's by Berroco.  It's warm, but so light and lofty that when you wrap it 'round yourself, it almost feels like you're not wearing anything.  And it's just fabulous to the touch.  (Ask Alder, she knows)  So I got some for me, to make me a shawl.  Only I didn't think it through all the way, and I got two colors, and once I got home, I was all..."Oh damn.  What was I thinking?  This isn't going to work the way I thought it was."

Last night, I thought I came up with a solution, but, no, I didn't like it when I started it.  So I frogged it. And left it lying on the futon.  Then I went about putzing around on the webz, reading, writing, talking to the BFF...and inspiration struck.  I'm not entirely certain if I'm going to be happy with the results of what I intend to do though.  The problem that, if I start it that way, then I'm going to be committed.  And it's not something I can change after the fact.  As much as I want to get going on that, and do it up, I think I might have to let the idea percolate some more.  The other option, that just occurred to me actually, is just to make a rectangular shaped wrap.  And then it can be a lapghan or a shoulder wrap.  And I can maybe do some fun and chunky cables.  I'll definitely have to think on that.

In the meantime, today, I'm going to put on the Dinosaurs, cause it's been awhile, and knit a pair of fingerless mitts.  The easy peasy version.  

Feeling Worthy Again

I've been not great about the posts lately.

I'm sorry for that.

There's been a lot in my live, actually, that I've let go in favor of other things.  And today, it's certainly hitting me with a lack of balance.  I need to get back on track.  I need to budget my time better.   But we all know I'm not great about that.  I'm trying though.  Today, I'm making an effort to make a change.

A week ago, someone said some very hurtful things to me, treated me like I was a piece of trash, and that hurt lingered for a long while.  It's still lingering, if I'm completely honest.  

It's no secret that I can get down on myself.  That I can spiral to the dark place and that I allow self-pity to overwhelm.  I don't need any help getting there.  So, yes, I was down.  I was also angry.  Because it's one thing if I send myself there.  It's another thing entirely for someone else to try and make me feel that way.  In this instance, I got mad as well as sad and it was a dizzying combination.

Because of that, I threw myself into writing mode, because that felt good.  Because I felt accomplished.  Because it made me feel worthy, and not worthless.  The good that came out of that is that I finished a first draft on a novella.  And also plotted out the next book in the series.  That felt so incredibly good.

But I'm feeling the lack of yarn creativity too now.  And as weekend is fast approaching, I've made some decisions about how I hope to spend it.  I hesitate to use the dreaded plan word, and, as you know, I have good reason for that.  But here goes:

There's a sale at my LYS.  After work and a stop at the bank, I intend heading over there.  I need a little yarn shopping therapy.  

I intend to get a couple of my next reviews written this weekend.  

I intend to yarn.

I intend to edit.

And so, I intend to have a very good weekend.  Because doing the things that I love and that I'm good at will remind me that I am worthy.  

Goin' Shoppin'

No, not for yarn.  I have plenty of that silly!  I don't need anymore.  Want?  Yes. Need...not so much.

No, today is a day for clothes shopping.  Which, despite the fact that I'm a woman, is not my favorite thing.  In fact, it's very low on the list of things I like.  But it needs to be done and, hopefully, the shopping gods are with me and I can find what I need, make my purchases and get out.

See, I'm not a big fan of the mall.  Shocker right?  It's always overly crowded and there are so many people that sometimes I get anxious.  But I'm also not one that can buy clothes online.  I need to see it in person, touch it, and sometimes try things on.  I'm kind of short, so pants are usually a must to try on.  Average length is usually too long, but petite length is often too short.  So I have to see how they fit in the store.  Were I to purchase these online and they didn't fit right and couldn't be altered, then I'd have to send them back and that's just a hassle.  So to the store I go, because I really need to, and I've been putting it off long enough.  

Fortunately, Sis is my wingman today and we always have a good time.  She also knows my quirks and can tell when I'm getting overly anxious.  Sometimes all it takes is for her to hook pinkies with me or take my hand, and I can calm down. (I sometimes wonder if people we pass when holding hands think we're together, but it's obvious by looking at us side by side that we are, in fact, sisters.  Absolutely cut from the same cloth)  Sometimes, she has to drag me off into a quieter store until I can get my bearings again.  Either way, she's very good at keeping me grounded when the panic threatens to overwhelm.  And we'll have lunch out, which is always fun.  Sis and I, usually, get along like pancakes and syrup--even more so in the last few years--and we always have a good time.

We also have this game "Talk you in or talk you out."  This is how the game works: when one of us is dithering about a purchase, the other asks "Do you want me to talk you into it or out of it?"  If the answer is the first, we point out all the good things about the purchase, all the reasons it's necessary or a good buy.  If the answer is the latter, we of course, point out all the reasons that it should be left on the shelf or rack, and sometimes physically drag the other away.  It's good to have checks and balances because it's easy to overspend sometimes.  We keep each other grounded when it comes to overspending.  Most of the time, anyway :p

So shopping for me today and I'm actually sort of excited about it...even if I'd rather avoid the crowds at the mall!

Awesome Day!

Had a truly spectacular day yesterday.  The kind of day where a lot of good things happen and you sort of can't believe that everything is going your way.

And I capped the day off by going yarn shopping!!

I almost thought I was going to get yarn-blocked.  When I went to the first store, the one I was sure would have the yarn I needed, they did not have it.  I was a bit dumbfounded.  I sort of stared at the section for a long moment, my gaze roving over the selection, certain I must have missed the right color.  But nope.  Eight other colors, but not the one I needed.  And I'm not going to lie--for a moment there I was ready to grab four skeins of a different color and just start over.  But I was smart, and went to another nearby craft store first.  Thank goodness I did because they had the yarn in the color I needed.  It was the perfect end to a perfect day!

I'm not quite finished yet, because I got tired and needed sleep.  But I'll finish it later today!  

Finally Settled.

I moved about two months ago.  And finally, finally, everything is unpacked and I'm settled.  It took me most of the day, but I'm feeling incredibly accomplished. 

I did end up going back to the store and buying the cube shelving unit that I wanted.  It's now housing my yarn.  Well, some of it, anyway.  All the stuff that's current or extras that I use often is there.  I love it a lot and it's just perfect for my needs.  It's surprisingly solid for assembled furniture and it was actually a lot easier to put together than I feared.  

I'm going to spend a good portion of the day celebrating my goddaughter's birthday.  She's two (or will be tomorrow) and just the most beautiful girl in the world.  Of course I'm biased.  But she's a delight, even if she's got a bit of a temper right now, and we all adore her to bits and pieces. Happy Birthday, Baby!

Hope everyone has a lovely Sunday and that the week ahead is good! 

Right On Target

I walked out of the store and immediately sent The BFF a text that said "Target was a complete success!"

Her immediate response? "Well, duh!"

I love Target.  Good prices, a little higher end merchandise than Wal-Mart (not there's anything wrong with Wal-Mart), and it has everything you need.  The only problem with Target is I want to buy all the things!  Instead, I just made a mental list of what I would get in a few weeks, or a few months, when I was a bit more settled and had a better idea of my needs.

What I bought: a curtain, a curtain rod, a mattress pad, a power strip with surge protector, a toy, batteries, tap lights, a snack, Command Strips, and kitty litter.  Now, tell me, how awesome is it that I could go to one store and get everything I needed in one go?

What I wanted to buy: an ottoman with storage inside, a stackable cube shelving unit, a chair, sheets, a lamp, a hook rail, picture frames,  and a hamper.  There were probably other things that I would want, but I finally made myself leave so as not to be tempted any further.

I got what I needed and I have a list for the future.  I'm all set for now.

I have much to do this weekend and I'll be a busy girl.  And I'll be exhausted when it's over.  But I know I will feel accomplished and that is an awesome feeling.      

Yarnaholic

Oh, God, I really am.  I sort of think that I need to join a 12-step.  Except, the fiber addicted really don't need to reform, now do we?

My goddaughter's birthday snuck up on me and there was so much other that I was doing that I didn't actually make her anything.  That's okay because I did get her a sweet little outfit and when I go shopping tonight after work I'll pick her up a toy too.  Because she's two and godmothers should be practical as well as frivolous, don't you think?  We're celebrating on Sunday and it'll be fun.

Last night, I was lazy.  In that I didn't get anything done that I should have been doing.  But I did knit!  And gasp!  Can you believe it? I actually worked on Sis' blanket!  I know, I know.  Try to contain your shock.  Thanks to a great suggestion (thanks again, Helena!) I pulled up an audiobook that I've had for practically ever and got through the first couple of chapters and just knitted away.  I actually had a fair bit of fun whilst doing it too.  So tonight, after some shopping, I think I'm going to do it again. 

My weekend will be jam packed, I think.  Some cleaning and organizing (blargh) and helping with the munchkins tomorrow and then party fun on Sunday.  So tonight, after I get the things I need, I'm just going to relax, listen to some more book, and keep my lap warm with Sis's blanket.  I'll actually feel like I'm getting something accomplished and I can relax and mentally prep for a busy weekend.  Because even though it'll be a good time, yes, it will be busy and I don't do so well with that sometimes.  

When the audiobook stalled out right after chapter two (I had to restart it, my computer went weird) and I just had to finish the row I was on before I could reach out and fix it, I got absorbed in the awesome yarn.  And I started thinking about this other awesome yarn I recently worked with (Kodiak by Berroco, seriously hella awesome) and I started imagining what I would make with it because I intend to go back and buy some more to make something for me.  And I was thinking about how my hands are always cold at work and I really should make myself a pair of fingerless mitts like I've been wanting to do for forever.  And I was thinking about the yarn that I bought and had shipped from Scotland and how I need to make Auntie's shawl before her birthday.  And I was thinking about Izzy's shawl that needs to get done before her birthday.  And I was thinking about how I have to make the BFF's Christmas present.  And I was thinking about how I love to buy yarn almost as much as I like to make things with it.  I was thinking all of those things in the five minutes or so it took me to finish the row when it sort of hit me, all over again, like a brand new thought (though I've had it many a time before) that I truly am a yarnaholic.  Which brings us full circle.

But I won't be joining a 12-step.  I will hold my head high and proclaim it to the world.  "Hello, my name is Kris, and I'm a yarnaholic!"

Have a splendid weekend y'all!

I Went Yarn Shopping!

Oh, good Lord, did I go yarn shopping...

It turns out, there's a cure to the yarn coma.  The only reason I didn't end up sitting in the corner at closing, glazed eyes and stroking yarn mumbling "prettyyyyy" (heh, thanks Alder!) is because when I went to pay, and she told me the total, my eyes sort of bugged out of my head and I choked a little.  No lie.  But I thought to myself, "Guess I don't get to buy any books for the next two weeks" and handed over my card.

I, of course, immediately casted on and started (re-started) the BFF's mits when I got home.  And got the cuff on the first one completed.  So I'm in a good place to get knitting today.  So that's what I'm off to do.  After coffee, of course.

Enjoy your weekend!  And maybe I'll have pics tomorrow!  

No Rest For The Wicked

So I have to go into work early today and the only good thing about that is that it means I get to leave early too.

And I have (dare I say it?) plans!  Leave work, stop at the bank, stop at the post office, and then, yes folks, go to my LYS!  I know, I know. I don't actually need any more yarn.  There so much in my stash, it's ridiculous.  But well, yeah, I want to indulge myself.  And possibly purchase different yarn for the BFF's birthday present.  I probably have enough to make the mitts, even with the one completed aborted mitt.  I have other yarn that would work as well.  Except, I got it in my head that I wanted to get something extra super soft...like a cashmere blend, or maybe something with kid mohair.  I'm not sure.  I have to see what there is to see.  And if she still has that fabulous yarn I made the tribble out of, but in the right color, I'm going to get the stuff for her Christmas present too.  Oh, and maybe buy some new needles too. (No, I don't actually need any more of those, either.  Just want)

I did finally pick out a stitch pattern for the mitts, so I think I'm good there.  Of course, that may all change depending on the yarn.  And, also dependent on what I see, I may get yarn for that other thing I need to work on.  And at some point this weekend, I need to locate the yarn for Izzy's present, so I know exactly where it is.  

Then I'll spend the weekend yarning and possibly a bit of writing.  My goal is to get the mitts finished so that I'm not scrambling at the last minute, yet again.  Her birthday is sneaking up pretty quickly.  So that first.  Then my goddaughter's gift, which will probably be a toy of some fashion.  Then I'll turn my attention to my December gifts, one of which is crocheted, the other undecided.  

And in the midst of all that, I intend to write a novel.  

Mini-disaster

So, I have a laptop right?  And I had this awesome tray type thing, that had adjustable legs and the fan built right in so that I could work or read while sitting cross legged on the bed.  Could even lay back on the pillows and be super comfortable and have the laptop right there.  I mean, that's the point of a laptop right?  So you don't have to always sit at the desk?  But notice how I said had?

The other day, one of the legs just snapped off.  And while it was going down, it took the other leg on the same side with it.  Two legs just poof!  Broken.  It happened so fast there was nothing I could do to stop it.  There was nothing I could do to save it.  And I kind of stared at the wreckage for a few minutes because I was shocked and pissed.  I loved that thing, it was perfect.  Alas, sadly, it is no more.  I tossed the legs in the trash with much more vehemence than was necessary and consoled myself with Reese's Big Cup (god, I love those things!) and moved on.  

I've done without for a few days.  But I'm going to have to buy another one. Now, I was saving for other things, but I'm going to have to dip in and get a new one.  I can't not have it, I've found.    Because it just doesn't work as well without it.  And I'm pretty sure it's stifling my creative process.

We can't have that now, can we?


**edit--I thought I had scheduled this to post after I wrote it this morning, but apparently not.  Sigh.  Sometimes, I'm painfully technologically challenged**

Self Control and Change

When I left work last night, and after I stopped at the bank, I had to actually force myself NOT to go to the yarn store.  Because I seriously wanted to.  Desperately wanted to go shopping at the yarn store.  It was like...it was the oranges all over again.  Remember the oranges?  Now, seriously, I know that I don't need anymore yarn.  And I've got enough projects in the pipeline to keep me occupied for a while, right?  But it was this driving need to go shopping at my LYS.  I actually drove out of the bank the back way so I was pointed in the opposite direction and less tempted.  Okay, I wasn't really less tempted, but it would have been a bitch to take a left out of there and I try to avoid those kinds of turns whenever possible.  So I went home instead.

And then I made myself a deal.  After I finish the move, and get the old place cleaned and painted, then I can treat myself.  Not that it would be yarn for a project for me because that hardly seems to happen at all.  But just shopping and seeing all the lovely things and buying something sumptuous and fabulous would be a treat.  I will buy yarn for the BFF's birthday present.  And maybe for this other project I have in my head.  

So now I'm determined to get everything done so I can shop.  It always works well for me if I have a motivation!

One thing about the move though?  I'm excited about it and I know I'll be happy once it's done, but I'm also sort of reluctant too.  Now I know I'm not a big fan of change.  But it sort of feels like I'm losing something vital by doing it.  *shrugs*  There's been a lot of change in my life recently.  A lot of it is good.  Most of it in fact.  But I'm also sort of set in my ways and it's hard.  I just need to take a deep breath and keep pressing forward.  I'll be okay.  I think.  

September Again

Almost went to the yarn store yesterday.  So close.  I know, right?  Like I need more yarn.  Although I do have to make the BFF's birthday present.  I've only got two and half months and I'd like to have them done and not have to scramble...that was a really nice feeling.  I'd forgotten how good it felt just to have something done and waiting until last Friday when I had to wrap the baby blanket for my coworkers baby shower.  I'm going to aim for that again.  And my LYS is having a great big sale to make room for fall yarns...

Oh, speaking of fall!  It's September!  Yay!  Autumn is my favorite season.  I really love it.  I'm not a fan of the heat and humidity of summer.  And winter is fine, except when we have those blizzards and eight feet of snow.  Spring is often too wet for my liking.  But fall is just about perfect in every way.  And the apples come out and apple picking is one of my favorite weekend activities.  Followed by baking all the delectable apple treats.  

I've been working on Sis's afghan (go me, I really need to get that shit done) and so my goal is to get a lot done today.  If I accomplish my goal, I just may have to reward myself with a trip to the LYS tomorrow.  Take advantage of the sale and get the yarn for the BFF's present and get yarn for fingerless mitts for me.  I've only been intending to make a pair for myself for about five years.  We'll see how well I do.  

Oh, and within the next week or so, I intend to submit another story to Dreamspinner.  Wish me luck!

Post Festival Report

Sis and I had such a good time yesterday!  The weather was perfect and we meandered around the entire place, looking at what we wanted to, spending as much or as little time in each of the little shops as we pleased.  We ate too much and had excellent wine slushies and walked some more.  We caught a couple of the shows and laughed and smiled.  I dressed up because I love it.  Sis did not because she doesn't.  She, actually, wore a t-shirt that says "I have two needles.  You have two eyes.  Don't mess with a woman who knits."  She got four compliments on the shirt.  Since I was the one that bought it for her for her birthday several years ago, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself.  And the guy at the shop where they carve staffs and wands said he was a knitter which I think is awesome.

We were watching a few performers dance to bagpipe (love bagpipes!) and drum music.  Sis leaned close and said softly in my ear, "You're writing in your head right now, aren't you?"  I blinked in shock.  She just gave me a knowing smirk, "I know what that look on your face means."  And she was right.  Because there were four men and two women doing this dance and so two of the men were partnered up and you know what that means in my brain...in the three minutes we were watching them dance, I had created a whole short about the interaction.  

I was, of course, exhausted by the time we got home.  But after I took care of the things I needed and wanted to take care of, it was too late for a nap.  Which was vexing because you know I love naps but I couldn't see going to sleep, to wake up in a couple hours, only to go back to bed a few hours after that. So, instead, I vegged out in front of the TV, watched a few episodes of Tanked and then popped Star Trek in (because someone has got me having Star Trek constantly on the brain!) and once that was over, it was late enough that I could allow myself to sleep.  

And sleep I did.  My dreams, by the way, were fucking awesome!