November - finally!

It seems like today I am finally back on track. While the move still isn't totally finished ... I am feeling like I am now home. It has been trying to say the least ... but, I am no worse for wear AND I finally (and I do mean finally!) - have both a fast & reliable internet connection!

I am looking forward to spinning more, knitting more, drawing more & blogging more! I dare say .... I am excited to do it all!

After visiting with my sister's family over Thanksgiving .... my niece has decided you wants me to knit the Eliza Shawl. Being almost 17 ... she was kind enough to give me a month ... I quickly stated a year. I will look into it ... but, I am hoping that this isn't just a teenage whim. I know **I** would look fabulous in it!

Just to let you know - I have been spinning a bit. While the outside temperature is screaming "Spring" ... I am still thinking "fall into winter." Sixty degrees is way to hot for me this time of year! So ...I am thinking Snowcap! Seriously ... Christmas is fast approaching!

Moving ... On!

Moving from one state to another is challenging. I haven't moved locations for 17 years, so the accumulation of 'stuff' is shall we say ... 'huge'.

Knitting/spinning & art supplies alone constitute an "18-wheeler." But, little by little, they are making their way across state lines.

Most of my fiber books are already nestled in their new home.

My pattern collection takes up some space too.

Since the yarn/fiber stash is extensive - I have decided to record how much I knit (and its weight) until our present house is sold. The house is not on the market as of this writing & I am unsure as to when it will be ready to list! With that being said ... my first items are finished and ready to mail to the "Christmas at Sea" program. These 2 scarves weigh 8 oz! I probably have 80 pounds left to go! WhEEEEE! This is going to be fun!

September

September is one of my most favorite months. I am quite confident that I repeat myself yearly on this fact. I think for me it is a time when I get a ton of stuff done. My way of celebrating cooler temperatures & 'fallish' colors. I think I am thanking God for them both as well!

It is also a great time of reflection. My daily routine relaxes the tiniest of bits as I rejoice in morning coffee in the sleepy sun. The dogs rest comfortably on cushions after their walk instead of panting on cold tile in efforts to cool down quickly. Yes, September is an awesome month!

Of course, knitting takes center stage. A few weeks from now, woolies will be needed for those dog walks; trips to the bus stop; raking of leaves; football; and all those fun activities enjoyed only in the fall. If you could just stop for a moment and realize all those in need who could use a warm scarf; a pair of mittens; a hat or socks ... you would be overwhelmed.

One of the many things I LOVE about knitters & the fiber community is their commitment to share. I have just completed 2 scarves for the Christmas at Sea program. These were knit out of handspun & will be mailed out early next week.

I am currently in the process of knitting another scarf for Outreach to Appalachia.

Whatever your fancy - I do hope you will take a moment to knit something for someone somewhere. This world sure could use YOUR talent & YOUR good vibes to make a heart warm & a smile shared.

Good Night, Irene

Any natural disaster is scary. I have been fortunate, I have never honestly been front & center to witness one. Hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, floods & tsunamis ... I have seen the devastation by way of TV & those images hit the both the heart & the head.

This past weekend, my husband & I (with our animals) were asked to leave the property we have just renovated. The renovation has been years in the making - and it was hard to leave it behind. We were fortunate - we had some where else to go. We were *really* fortunate in that nothing happened.

Prayers go out to those who lost loved ones & lost property. Natural disasters are scary stuff but at least with hurricanes, there is a prolonged warning. I packed a crate of treasures: my cremated pups, Motu & Diesel; my father's Bronze Star; a vase & a sculpture from my mom; a book from my childhood and my yarns.

If you are a weather stalker (yes, I am becoming one!) ... a most excellent resource is StormPulse.

I am hoping that this family weathered the storm too ...

Thank goodness for knitting, cell phones, good friends ... and wine! This is one weekend that I hope doesn't repeat itself anytime soon.

You Have Mail

Since child hood ... I have always loved mail. Growing up, I had an assortment of penpals ... I still do - waves go out to England & France! Nothing like pretty envelopes & cards in the mailbox - complete with beautiful stamps! Given the state of the US Postal Service - I am on a one woman mission to keep them in business!

One of my latest fascinations is Postcrossing. I am receiving & sending postcards from all over the world! To date, I have sent to Russia, Germany, Poland & the US. I have received lovelies from US, Taiwan, Germany & Canada. Seriously, who doesn't like to receive something other than bills in their mailbox?

I think that this is a perfect school or scouting project. What a neat way to learn about different places!! My latest received:

I have never been to Alaska .... but, I am sure glad this person is trying to keep the US Postal Service up & running too!