What's Next? Resolutions Anyone?

This is the time of year for making resolutions.  When I was a child it was a big thing to make your New Years Resolution.  Having Mom and Daddy include us children in the conversation made us feel grown up.  Of course we'd come up with all sorts of crazy things - rather extreme to say the least.  As time went on, my siblings and I got better at being more realistic.  Needless to say, it works much better that way.

My Personal Goals for 2011: 

Commit to blogging at least once a week.  

Design more.  Focus on improving my skills - the whole process from start to finish.

Publish the designs that have been ready for more years than I care to admit.

Sort through my stash & queue, match yarn to queued pattern, print out pattern, gather supplies needed for project then put the contents into a suitable bag. 

Embrace my way of knitting instead of feeling guilty. I always have several things going at the same time, so I’m not going to make project specific rules that I have to complete one before moving to the next. For my ‘work in rotation’ style, that would be completely unrealistic.

I love my drop spindles, love spinning (I just started last year).  This year, spin regularly.  Knit with my hand spun hand. Make an effort to use the stash I already have before purchasing more.  Good luck with this!  

Use the patterns and books I already own.  Obviously I purchased them for a reason - make use of them.  If and when the time comes, that I want a new pattern and/or book, be mindful and honest with myself as to whether I truly should or not.

Well, that's about it for me - all I can do is my best.      

Sir Spooky Says;

What's Yours?

So, here we are a clean slate, a fresh start coming up, right around the corner.

Whether you choose to set goals for 2011or just go with the flow as life unfolds, I hope the coming year is a happy, healthy and prosperous one.

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

Sounds of Silence .....

I'm not really sure what brought me here but here I am.  It's not that I don't have anything to say... as anyone who reads this knows I ramble quite often.  Now I find myself feeling so overcome.  There is so much to say, but sadly, I just flounder and fail miserably.  Holiday time.  I'll blame 'it' on that since I'm at a loss as to what 'it' is. It's the strangest feeling .... like I've lost something... don't know what nor where to look.

I suppose I've been thinking.  And thinking.  Okay, so I've been reminiscing.  Full blown though I've been trying to keep busy, it's not working.  So I'm taking a chance and allowing myself some nostalgia, after all, it's inevitable.  My children are my life, always will be.  Raising four children on your own is a huge undertaking.  There wasn't anyone I could turn to and thank goodness I didn't expect anything from anyone. That would have certainly been a waste of time and we would have been sorely disappointed.  So, I just did it and as the children grew, we worked together as a unit. My little ones were hard workers and knew the importance of working together.  That was one of our 'things' we always knew, so long as we stuck together, worked together we'd be okay.  And we were.  Yes, I'm pretty sure we were.  I'm glad for that.

I didn't think about it at the time since I was too busy.  I look back now and wonder how I did all that - reason being, I just did.  No, not as a pat on the back, look at me and how great I am kind of way.... so forget that image.  I have a hard enough time allowing myself any credit for pretty much anything.  

I've enjoyed watching them grow and learn.  Even though I was with them nearly all the time, it seemed never enough.  I was so afraid I'd miss something.  I did my best not to butt into their lives and really feel I did a fairly good job of it.  A bit of guidance goes a long way.  I'm proud of them... so incredibly proud.

It does help to hash things out.  I guess what's happening may be this; since there is very little for me to do as way of making their holiday special like when they were little .....surprises... Christmas eve & morning.....Santa.... 'it' might be stirring this up. I'm okay, I'll just go with it - that's what I do so well.  

"Tidings of Comfort & Joy"

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

Just a Quickie ....

.... as an update to my last blog post : Where have I been ....? 

Well, National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo is over.  Congratulations to everyone who participated and a super special congratulations to those who fulfilled the 50,000 word goal .... aka the winners.  You Rock!

No, I didn't reach the 50,000 word goal but am glad I took part.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't even officially enter my final word count, I was too busy writing. No really, I was engrossed in my novel and before I knew it, the midnight hour had long passed by.  

I enjoyed myself and learned so much that will assist me in future endeavors.  I really do need to make better use of available tools and resources that obviously are only beneficial when utilized.  I also learned a lot about my writing style.... which, I believe, is one of the reasons I didn't hit the mark (other reasons clearly outlined in previous blog post).  I discovered that I hinder myself, which comes as no surprise after all these years of being 'me'.  Every now and then it's good to rehash that part and realize it's the way I 'look' at it that is important.  

I haven't always seen the positive aspects and have a tendency to dwell on the negative in regards to myself.  It's more 'normal' for me to take this outcome as placing myself in the category of being a total failure, loser, not good enough... never was, never will be.... kind of attitude ... with a dash of pity party thrown in.  Therefore, giving myself an out .... permission not to 'go there' again.  I'm quite aware that when I let that sort of negativity take over, it gives me a deeper hole to dig myself out of. Not that I don't own a shovel, I do, several as a matter of fact.

Novel Title:  The Silver Flask 

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense

Final Word Count:  38,425

To be continued ......

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

Where have I been ....?

Better question, where does the time go?  Sure has flown by even more so than usual lately.  It's best I don't go into all that 'stuff' right now as I'd be discouraged before I began.  Remember, I've already lived it, the past three months I mean.  There is so much to say and I promise, we'll catch up on it all later.

Let's talk about right now and what's going on.  Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month?  Sure is!  The event begins on November 1st.  The idea is to write a 50,000 word novel by midnight November 30th. The plan is to write. No fixing, editing or tweaking along the way.  Just write!  What a interesting concept. They say you're just supposed to write and not worry about editing, that'll come later. The site is full of information and resources.  There is so much there that you'll just have to check it out for yourself.  My favorite 'tool' are the Pep Talks!

I was so excited - bursting with enthusiasm - so much in fact that the obvious didn't dawn on me right away.  I was late, way late, like really too late.  I knew for certain there was no way I'd make 50,000 in 10 days.  I nearly talked myself out of signing up for that very reason.  After mulling things over, I came to the conclusion that it didn't make sense.  The reason I wanted to participate in the first place was to write. So why, I asked myself, was I not joining?  Because of a number. No, that won't do.  A number doesn't determine win or lose.  I figure what's most important is to improve. I signed up and am going for it!

Here I go!!  Fly by the seat of my pants and WRITE .... just do it!  Celebrate the value and enthusiasm of the craft.  Create without tearing down.  Build without parsing it to death or you will destroy the originality of which you began with.

Write with fierce intensity giving yourself permission to make mistakes and succeed. Believe in yourself.

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

100th Anniversary of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Birth ....

 "Knit on, with confidence and hope through all crisis."   

~ Elizabeth Zimmermann ~

~ August 9, 1910 - November 30, 1999 ~

There is so much to say about this brilliant woman... she revolutionized the art of knitting and inspired so many people all over the world.  Her Pi Shawl, along with so many of her other designs and ideas, are famous.  Her 'EPS' system, Baby Surprise Jacket etc.  The freedom to knit your way - after all, you are the boss of your own knitting.  This is the woman who gave us [knitters] permission - permission to do it our own way!  The list of knowledge goes on and on - this is just the tip of the knitting needle.  All of this, and Elizabeth herself, are and ever will be timeless.

To say she inspired me doesn't seem to be quite enough in describing all she has given.  I remember how thrilled I was when I first stumbled upon it all.  Talk about opening up a whole new world!  While reading (devouring really) EZ's writings, I came upon this new word, "unvented" - complete with a [witty] explanation, which oddly enough, had a strange familiarity ... of sorts.  I discovered that I had used this [her] 'technique' long before I ever knew of EZ.... long before I took up knitting needles and wool.  "Unvented" was a word/action which had a meaning and all of it was OKAY!  Reading her words validated this and so much more.  O what joy this knowledge brought!  I remember thinking - There is someone else out there who knows/understands .... and she's talking to ME!  Well, that's the way it felt for this Knitter.  

I could go on and on as you can probably tell .... but I won't.  Please take the time to explore and learn more about this amazing woman, she will change your life - she did mine.  Pass it on .... Generation after generation.  Never ending, like the Moebius...... infinity and beyond.  

In honour of this special anniversary, I will be knitting the  EZ - 100th Anniversary Pi Shawl: Gull Wings designed by MwaaKnits who is offering Gull Wings (and two others - a 'Heart' one & a 'Camping' one) for free.  What a great way to celebrate this occasion.  Thank You Mwaa!  Gull Wings is lovely and very EZ.  It is based on the shawl from 'The Knitters Almanac'.  What is really neat is that since Elizabeth was born on August 9, 1910, the pattern has been modified so that the lace stitch repeats and the number of rounds are multiples of 8, 9, 10 - the numbers in her birthday!  She would have loved this, I'm sure.  Here's the wool I've chosen:

 The colours are: Blue Surf (bottom), Polar Moon (middle) and Purple Mystery (top). 

I thought it would look pretty with the soft Blue Surf center, then the Polar Moon with the Purple Mystery radiating out to the edge.  I'm not certain (as usual) but will see how I feel as it goes.  No hurry on this one, just pure knitting enjoyment while remembering and soaking up all that is EZ.  Bliss!

Yes, that is a Garlic Stitch Marker!  No worries, it's glass - no smell.
Though I do love me some Garlic!

So, Dear Reader, as you may tell, it's difficult to find the 'right' words, but hopefully this expresses somewhat how I feel about this special Lady.  Though it's not that well written, it's heartfelt nonetheless.  Thank you Elizabeth Zimmermann, for everything!  

Be sure to check out Schoolhouse Press - Elizabeth Zimmermann's creation which is now in the loving hands of her family.  Knit On.......

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

Been pondering....

... alot of things but haven't been up to writing much down.  This damn heat has got me - there I said it!  Sick, so sick of being little Miss Sunshine.  Blergh... O, you missed my 'Miss Sunshine'?  Well, then, you haven't been looking at me the right way.  Okay, so I'm just kidding, well, sort of.  I do NOT do well in the heat.  S'alright...? S'alright. 

You know that saying... "I knit so I won't kill people"...?  Yes, me too and that's got me worried some as I haven't knit in several weeks. Just saying....  People are going to dislike me even more I suppose (tongue in cheek). Got to live dangerously sometimes, eh?  At least they'd actually have a reason.  Ha.  I wish I could say that I don't give a care and mean it.

I've been doing some spinning though and since I'm not making a peck of sense here, I'll just share some photos.

Previously I had shown you this:

CJKopecCreations Fiber: 'Just Because'

This is what I did with it:

On the Nostepinnes

Plying Spindle (foreground) - Nostepinne (background)

Wrapped on the Niddy Noddy

Gorgeous!

'Just Because' ~ 314 Yards

I like how the colours blend - though they are somewhat on different ends of the spectrum.  I've got more to ply, so I'll have a goodly amount to work with.










Then I started on the 'Caspian':

This is as far as I got:

Yes, I know, the photos are are crappy.  Wanna make something of it....?  wink wink  ;)  

I'll get back to it - I have a very good reason for setting it aside temporarily.  

Look what arrived!!!!!  'Indian Corn'

This is the 'Put Your Own Twist On It' July/August fiber for the CJKopecCreations Group spin a-long on Ravelry.   75% Merino 25% Colonial Roving Custom Blended Batt.  Coby does such a wonderful job with carding this into an incredibly fluffy roving.  It truly does nearly spin itself. 

I'm not sure what I going to do with it exactly. I have separated the colours - imperfectly - so there'll be interest [I hope] and decided to let happen what happens.

These colours are beautiful!  Shades of Deep Chocolate, Olive Green, Pumpkin-Orange and Purplish Berry.

The colours remind me of Fall.... when the weather begins to get cooler.  O joy!

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

Father's Day.....

Dearest Daddy,

The last time I saw you was on Father's Day....  shortly before you passed away.  I can't remember how many years ago though.  I seem to have blanked that out, but it doesn't really matter.  I've tried and tried to write something acceptable, you know, just 'right'. But whilst doing so I found I labored so much that 'it' just wasn't 'right'.  So, I finally decided just to put 'it' down... nothing fancy.  

There are so many memories that I'm hard pressed to choose what to reminisce about.  No matter, *we* know.  What is important is that you and I did have those times together.  I always knew that those moments *that were happening right now* were to be treasured and would be cherished always and ever after.  I am so happy for this.

There is an emptiness that will never be filled - a void that will never be expressible. When you left you took so much with you... but left so much behind...  You were the only person who *remembered* and  I miss that... and you.... but there are no regrets.

I Love You,

~Your "Shadow"~

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there, I did not die!

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am the song that will never end.

I am the love of family and friend.

I am the child who has come to rest

In the arms of the Father

who knows him best.

When you see the sunset fair,

I am the scented evening air.

I am the joy of a task well done.

I am the glow of the setting sun.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there, I did not die!

~ Author Unknown ~

~ Peace & Blessings  ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

WWKIP Days and Various Distractions.....

Happy World Wide Knit in Public Days!
June 12 - 20, 2010

Check it out:  WWKIP

Do critters count as "public"?  Hope so, because that's the only public knitting I'll be participating in this year.  They are my public - this is my world and there will be knitting!  Life is good.

I've never been able to stick to having just one, two or even three projects on the needles at a time.  I won't confess how many I do have right now as I honestly don't know and I feel it doesn't really matter.  It seems that things all come around to being finished about the same time or close.  I suppose you could say I'm in constant rotation of projects.  So when I do speak of what I'm working on, that doesn't mean that's IT.  Just a heads up in case you get to wondering. I've pretty much always been a multi-tasker and since these days don't include 4 children at my feet and/or on the hip, I've got to keep myself in stitches.  :)

At the moment, I'm puttering merrily along on my Rosy Citron.  The design is by Hilary Smith Callis and the pattern can be found here: Citron.  It's an enjoyable knit and has been deemed my 'baseball watching' project.  As with any of my 'baseball watching' projects, sometimes they show 'battle scars' - the severity of which depends on the game and the time it takes to 'heal' varies from game to game. Anyway, I decided to make my shawl much larger... as I am not a tiny person by any means and besides, I like a nice 'hug' of a shawl.  Here's a look-see:

Of course it's much further along now - I'm well into my 4th ball of yarn.  I'm using Malabrigo Lace - the colour is Burgandy 41.  It'll probably take around 1400 yards - which is good since I have 1410 yards.

I'm toying with the idea of starting CeCe by Bonne Marie Burns.  I've had the pattern for quite awhile.  It has been keeping company with all the other patterns on my 'to do' list - which means it's in very crowded, but good company.  I have some Valley Superwash DK stashed that would be just the thing.  The colour is 'Spring Leaf':

Pretty, isn't it?  This is 100% Extrafine Merino and so incredibly silky soft.  I think it'll be perfect.  Though since I'm trying to be good (ha) this will wait til I at least finish one of the 'stealth' designs I'm working on.  It should be soon, I hope.  If I don't get too distracted.  Which brings me to this:

 CJKopec Creations
This is called 'Caspian', it's gorgeous!

I've just finished spinning this.
CJKopec Creations

It's called 'Just Because'

The photo doesn't do it justice.

So I have a bit of plying to do.... I best get busy!

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy

Whodathunkit?

I suppose the reason I haven't started a blog is because I'm shy, though mostly what has been standing in the way is a habit that has haunted me as far back as I can remember. You see, I have trouble writing on the first page of anything. Whether it be a journal, sketch pad, canvas, notebook, graph paper, check book (remember those?), coloring book and... well, you get the picture. I start from the back and work towards the front. I suppose this could be considered odd. Someone, who shall remain nameless, observed me doing this and came to the conclusion that I'm hiding away - afraid to step forward and put myself out there. Hmmm........

What I do know is that it doesn't matter if you start from the back... so long as you're moving forward. After all, we all have to start somewhere.

I'm rather excited about this. Really. Having a my own little place online to go to will be an adventure of sorts. So, what will this blog be about...?  Just whatever - nothing specific really. That wouldn't be possible as there are so many things of interest. Life is like that.  

Well, here it is, the first page - I did it! Can you ker-blieve(tm) it?

~ Peace & Blessings ~

As Ever, Miss Stormy