In Honor of Ann...

Since my friend, Ann, is going to Ireland...I thought I'd take this test which I actually stole from Susan.

Your Irish Name Is...

Lorna Hennessy

What's your Irish Name?

CaC: Try Day

Saturday was "Try Day" over at Create A Connection. We were each to make a wish and then to support each other's wish by posting on the blog “As _____ wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.”

My problem with that is that like a few others I don't believe in putting things out into the universe in case something or someone wants to mess with it. So, I thought and thought about how to do this...and then I saw how Deb was handling the situation and I worked out my own solution to how to handle this.

I have decided that on the next full moon, I will write my wishes down on paper and then I will place them in my pyrimid shaped holder and light a candle as I say my wishes...then I will burn the paper. You are welcome to support me by posting the quote above and inserting my name in the blank spot in the comments section.

My Grandson...Sherman...

This is Sherman...he lives with my daughter, Tara; her partner, Aaron; and his big brother, Buster in Phoenix, Arizona. Actually, I got to see him when I was visiting out there but he was just a tiny little thing that lived in the cul-de-sac and was very scared of people. He now has become an indoor cat and gets lots of loves...he is also the one who climbed the Christmas tree a zillion times...

Knitting Content...

Most of you are beginning to think that I don't knit anymore...but I have proof...this is the back of my red sweater. From the looks of it I will probably have the front finished this evening!! Then it is just the sleeves to go. This sweater has been a lot of fun to knit.

A Year Ago Today...

This blog was begun! Simply cannot believe it has been one year! I am most thankful for all the friends I have made through this blog...It has been wonderful to pick up my knitting needles again and not only learn how to create items for myself but for friends, family and even strangers through the different charity projects I've done.

The people I have met through this blog have become a part of my daily life and I count them as my friends. They provide encouragement, laughter, suggestions on how to become both a better knitter and quilter, opportunities to expand my creativity...and in general - just add to my happiness.

Thanks to everyone who has supported my blog this last year...

A Year of Simple Things...Week 4...

Snap! Crackle! And Pop! Oh, I am so addicted to these! I could sit down and eat the entire box in one sitting...but, it usually will last for 6-7 days (unless I'm having a crummy week - then there's no telling!)

But they are a comfort food - they remind me the days when we made them at home. My mother, sister and grandmother would make them. Then when Tara was a child she and I would make them. I think every relationship I've been in my partner and I have made these. Now, I've resorted to buying them out of the box...mainly because it's cheaper...and less time consuming...but, I miss the simple joy of just making them...maybe I'll go back to that.

Edited by: Sara
I'm convinced...next batch will have to be homemade! I agree - they are so good when they are still just a little warm...

CaC: Best and Worst...

1. What's the best place you ever lived? the worst?

Best: This is really a tough question...It is difficult to choose between Tampa, FL and here in New Hampshire...but, I am going to say New Hampshire. I have always wanted to live in New England! From the time I was 18 and visited the area...I just never took action and moved. I have grown a lot here...I love the four seasons. I love the peacefulness. I love the lack of traffic. I love being able to be outdoors. And, most of all, I love the friends I've made here.

Worst: None - I've only lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; Tampa, Florida; Jonesborough, Tennessee; and Claremont, New Hampshire. They have all had their good and bad memories.

2. What's the best place you ever visited on holiday/vacation? the worst?

Best: Even though I have been to many places on holiday...my favorite vacation was at Cayo Costa State Park. Actually, it was a birthday present for Scarlett and we stayed on the island for a long week-end. It was very primitive but gorgeous with the only access being a ferry that dropped you off and picked you up. Once on the island, the rangers took you to your campsite via a truck. The beach was right there! We stayed in a yurt (check out the photos)...and had to hang our food from a tree so the wild pigs would not get it. It was just one of the most natural, unspoiled places around. We had a really nice time there.

Worst: Going to Haiti. The poverty was unbelieveable. I didn't have a nice time there at all. No only were the small children begging all the time - but, I didn't feel safe.

3. What's the best job you ever had? the worst?

Best: I've liked all my jobs except one...Each job presented it's own challenges and excitement.

Worst: Working as a waitress at Waffle House - I lasted one night! Need I say more!!!

4. What's your best talent or ability? your worst?

Best: The ability to see the best in people and to trust people. And, I am a very good friend to those I care about as friends...may not always keep in close contact - but I am there if you need me!

Worst: Procrastination. I work best under self-inflicted pressure...what can I say...

5. What's the best decision you ever made? the worst?

Best: To have a child and rear her to the best of my ability. She is a wonderful young woman who has grown into a great person.

Worst: None - I have learned from all of my mistakes...and I would not be the person I am today had I not experienced life and made decisions that were both good and bad.

Bonus (so we can end on a positive note!): What's one good thing about you that isn't covered in the questions above, but that you'd like to share with the world?

As a 18-year-old college student, I allowed my best friend to talk me into running for Latin Fiesta Queen. Yvonne was the current queen and she thought because of my Spanish/French heritage I should run. While I did not win - it was truly an interesting experience and I got to learn a lot about my Hispanic background.

UFOs...WIP...January

Do you see these cute little packages? Those are the blocks (including January's) from my Block of the Month quilt that are uncompleted...they need to be finished so that by the time the class is over in June I will be ready to assemble the quilt. It's not that I don't enjoy making the blocks - it's just that instead of getting it done when I get home from class, I set it aside and then either forget or don't get around to it - and it is class time again.

So, this is the first item of business for Sandie's Challenge.

I just received an e-mail from Sandie. She has totally lost her blog and can't seem to get anything to work on it and I think has just given up on it...so, she is not going to host the UFO/WISP Challenge. I hope she decides to come back to Blogland again as she is very creative and I truly enjoyed her blog. I still am going to work on my UFOs because they are just out of hand!!!

It's that time...

Time to Shut Up and Knit Your Cabin Cove Yarn, that is! No longer am I willing to let my Cabin Cove yarns languish in my "to be knit stash"... And, besides, we've all decided to knit so that Dave can have lovely photos of beautiful items created with his "delicious, gorgeous" yarns for his website...

Me...I'm knitting socks out of a gorgeous multi-color...photos in the next few days!!!!

CaC: Cup Swap

Over at Create a Connection we are swapping mugs or cups...which ever you prefer to call them...they were supposed to arrive today...and mine did...

Look at what Teri sent me:

This mug is perfect for me...you have to understand, Teri has never met me and we haven't read each other's blogs before now - BUT, yet she picked out the perfect mug for me.

1) The mug is a Debbie Mumm pattern - for those of you unfamiliar with Debbie Mumm - she is a quilter, teacher, and pattern & fabric designer. I am an avid quilter...

2) I have been going through some things that only very few people know about- it is not blogging fodder - and Teri would not have a clue! BUT, the mug has lemons on it - and what is the old saying - "When life gives you lemons - make lemonade" - which is what I have been trying to do...

So, Terri thanks a bunch for the great mug!!!! And, thanks to everyone over at CaC for thinking of doing this swap!

Red Scarf Project...On Their Way...

Three scarves that were so fun to make are on their way to new homes. The top scarf is the Irish Hiking Scarf - (I think everyone made one of those) and I enjoyed working with cables. It was rather fun. The center one I can't remember what pattern it was but it was a interesting to make and I enjoyed the fact that it had a design - it was the second one I made. The first one I made is the one at the bottom of the photo and it was just a plain seed stitch...and I honestly think it is my favorite of the three. But, nonetheless they are headed for some wonderful students. Thanks, Norma, for giving me the opportunity to participate in your Red Scarf Project!

A Year of Simple Things...Week 3...

Such a simple thing a recliner can be! I love this recliner...and in the two years that I have had it it has seen some use...if you look closely you can tell that I sit on the left (as you face the photo)...the right side is always taken up by both Zac and Isis...I have slept in this recliner when one or the other of us was too sick to be near anyone...cuddled with Rupert in the morning when the other dogs were outside or in their crate...had long meaningful conversations with friends and family...and sat and knitted or quilted an item...it truly is a simple pleasure...

A Year of Simple Things...Week 2...

How did this month get so far ahead of me?

Such a simple thing...a quart of fresh beautiful strawberries...but what pleasure they bring! Especially when they came from a friend who just dropped them off to say she was thinking of me.

They made wonderful smoothies!

CaC: Small Dinner Party List...

Imagine you're going to organize a dinner party for yourself and seven guests. You can invite anyone who ever lived, whether they're world-famous or someone whose name only you would recognize. If you choose someone from the past, they will be magically alive and present for this one day. But here's the twist - in order for the magic to work, each chair will only hold a guest who fits into a certain category. Tell us who you would invite and, if you like, tell us a little about why. What do you admire about that person or what would you like to learn from him or her?

Dream Dinner Party

1. Guest one must be someone who is/was creative with words - a novelist, poet, playwright, essayist, journalist, etc. Who would you invite?

Without any doubt it would be Margaret Mitchell…author of Gone With The Wind. It would be so interesting to talk with her and see how she was capable of creating characters that intertwined so well throughout the novel and still kept a pulse on such a difficult time in American history. Besides, I’d have to thank her for giving me the name for my daughter – which, of course, is Tara and my best friend whose name is Scarlett.

2. Guest two must be someone who is/was creative with images - a painter, photographer, sculptor, fabric artist, collage artist, etc. Who would you invite?

Georgia O'Keeffe would have to be the one. Her art work just overwhelms me. This past year I was able to see her work and photos, documentaries or any other medium in which I had seen her work before could never compare to seeing her paintings live. The colors and size of some of her work just overtakes you…I could have sat for days just looking at her paintings. I had always enjoyed paintings and going to museums – but seeing her paintings gave me an entirely different outlook on going to a museum. I would love to know how she sees color and how she makes it work for her.

3. Guest three must be someone who is/was a performer - an actor, singer, musician, comedian, acrobat, etc. Who would you invite?

Cher! The woman is a legend! She has a body that does not quit – and the balls to wear clothes that are barely there…and the guts to live her life in and out of the spotlight. She is my most favorite singer and movie star…and I would have to know how she manages to keep such a trim body.

4. Guest four must be someone who is charting/charted new territory - either in the physical sense, like an explorer, adventurer, or astronaut, or someone like a groundbreaking scientist or inventor. Who would you invite?

I had to think about this one for a while…but, I finally came up with Brigham Young . Talk about charting new territory…He had to have been a man of great persuasion to take a band of people across this vast country and establish not only one of the most beautiful cities in our country, Salt Lake City, but the state of Utah. So many cities in Utah and other states like Arizona and Idaho (for example) were established under his guidance. And, we aren’t talking about traveling in nice air conditioned cars either…I would want to learn how he was able to believe enough to take a chance and step out on faith and move to into uncharted territory.

5. Guest five must be someone who is/was a leader of other people - perhaps in the area of politics, like the literal leader of a country, or perhaps a leader in the area of religion, military, business, or even a great philosopher or teacher, or an inspiring athlete. Who would you invite?

From the time I was seven years old, this woman has been the Queen…Queen Elizabeth II. Her coronation was 54 years ago…I’ve never known of another Royal Family since my childhood. She is the head of sixteen sovereign states...I admire her for the ability to be able to accept her role in life without backing out.

6. Guest six must be someone from any field who you believe is/was underrated and under-appreciated by most people, but whom you admire. Who would you invite?

The person that fits this category was the woman who took a twelve-year-old little girl whose feelings had been crushed by the glee club teacher when she, along with five other kids, was asked to leave because she could not sing well. She was my sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Davidson. She took it upon herself to go an buy supplies to teach the girls how to embroider and the boys how to carve soap…and when the glee club sang at open house, she showed our work to all the parents by displaying it in the classroom. She was truly a gem!!! The work that teachers do is so underrated and under paid and under appreciated, yet many are so like Mrs. Davidson.

7. Guest seven is a wild card - your choice! Is there someone you'd like to invite who didn't seem to quite fit into any category, or was there a category where you'd have really liked to invite two different people? Then this is your chance to add the person you missed to the table. Who would you invite?

This one was most difficult because I know two people who fit the fiber artist title – but, one of them I occasionally get to see and the other I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting. So, my choice would be Tristan Robin Blakeman. His work is bold, energetic, exciting, colorful…and whenever I need inspiration I head over to his website. Even if I look at the same quilt or quilts I always get something different. I would want him to teach me how to Seminole Quilt…and I probably would beg top learn from him that is how talented I think he is.

Bonus: Uh Oh! The dinner party is just about to end, and all your guests are about to disappear, and you realize that you've forgotten to ask one important question of one of your guests. You just barely have time to squeeze in that last question, so quick! - what was the question and who did you ask?

I would have to ask Margaret Mitchell – “Had she lived, would she have written a sequel to Gone with the Wind? and What the heck happened to Scarlett and Rhett”

Create a Connection...

For months now I have not felt very creative...I've tried doing several things...even received a reading and a tincture to help with my creativity...My blogger friends inspire me with the creations they are working on...but, I just can't get myself to the part where I create...so, while making my goals for this year, I didn't do anything about my creativity. Just was not sure what direction I might head in.

One of the blogs I read everyday is Deb's Red Shoes Rambling. She mentioned that she was going to be a guest host on a blog called Create a Connection, so I went over and checked it out. And, it seems to be just what I am looking for to spur my creativity and let my mind wander and think deeply about things. And, the beautiful part is that you don't have to do everything...and the things that it offers are pause for consideration...whether or not you post your results on your blog...

So, I am looking forward to seeing what others are saying, doing, and creating...and seeing what I am thinking, doing, and creating...2007 is starting to look like a GREAT year!!

Easy Way Out Today...

My friend, Deb, had this on her blog today - and I thought I'd take the easy way out...since I need to go work on photos to post tomorrow... It actually is pretty acurate about me...

You Are From Jupiter

You are exuberantly curious - and you love to explore newness. Enthusiastic and optimistic, you get a kick out of stimulating intellectual discussions. Foreign cultures and languages fascinate you. You love the outdoors, animals, and freedom. Chances are you tend to exaggerate, so try to keep a lid on that. If you do, you'll continue to be known for your confidence, generosity, and sense of justice.

What Planet Are You From?

A Year of Simple Things...Week 1...

Not being a big herbal tea drinker, I was surprised a year or so ago when this suddenly became my most favorite tea to drink. It is such a simple thing and takes no time to prepare but it gives warmth, joy, and lets me share a quiet moment or time reading either books or blogs.

Success!...

Success was accomplished this week-end with the finishing of my third red scarf for the Red Scarf Project 2007. This time I chose to knit an Irish Hiking Scarf and got to play with cables. I had forgotten how much fun cables are to do...I put it in the washer so you'll get a photo tomorrow!

The Red Sweater KAL is actually going to see some progress as I actually finished the back of the sweater last night and I began the front. Am using Cascade 220 and I don't think I am a big fan of it...oh, the color is beautiful - but, I think the yarn splits too much...Does anyone else have a problem with it? Will post a photo of it tomorrow also.

A Year of Simple Things...

On my sidebar you will notice a new ring that I've joined. A Year of Simple Things was started by Maryellen and I thought it was a wonderful idea.

Sometimes my life has been so hectic that I have forgotten to look at the simple things...the way the snow drifts on the side of a tree, the bumble bee checking out the flower, the little finch that flys over to my cat's dish and eats their food, the warm cup of my favorite tea, the winding path I sometimes walk in the park across the street...

So, I am going to celebrate "A Year of Simple Things" this year. I hope that you will enjoy these weekly posts...and if you care to join in - just click here to find out more.

E-Mail today...

Real Simple Magazine sends an e-mail containing a daily quote each day Monday through Friday. This showed up in my e-mail today:

"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."
- Joseph Campbell

New Year's Day...No Resolutions...

I do not make New Year's Resolutions! They always are forgotten by the second day of January, so it is useless.

On the other hand, I do make "to do lists" all year long - it seems...and I do set some goals for myself each year. This year my goals are:

1) I have committed to knitting from my stash in 2007. You can read all about my plans here.

2) My UFOs and WIP have just gotten totally out of hand (like there isn't a quilter or knitter out there that doesn't have this problem) so I've decided to join up with my friend, Sandie, and get stuff done! Since I started knitting again - it seems that my quilting has sort of been ignored so it is time to do both again - since I miss the creativity of quilting.

3) I'm also joining up with the Yarn Life 2007 Crafting Challenge with two goals:
a) Finish my Red Sweater and b) Knit a pair of socks every two months (more if I can). My ultimate goal is to only own "hand knit socks".

4) My reading is falling way behind - so I have decided that I need to commit myself to reading at least a book a month...and hopefully more. There were days in my life when I actually started and finished a book within the same day! What a concept!

5) Sunday afternoons or evenings used to be set aside for facials, long bubble baths, and slathering myself from head to toe in luscious lotions - I think I am going to reclaim that and do it once a week - it may not be on a Sunday - but for sure it is back in my list of things to do for me! That also used to be when I would curl up in a comfy quilt and read!

6) Get some charity knitting and quilting done...I so enjoy doing that!!!

So, what are your plans, goals, or whatever you call them?....