A wintery theme?

What you see here is a picture of my Christmas decor
for the staff holiday party. I did not plan to participate,
but once I got into it, I had fun with it.

Not sure if this shot captures the feel or sense of wonder
that I felt, but it was meant to provide the sense
of wonder that winter brings and the joy that is
felt when a couple goes ice skating on the pond; when families gather and sing carols, or when kids build snowmen in front of their homes. Winter.

That pales of course, in comparison with what I believe Christmas is all about.

That, my friends will be saved for tomorrow's post. Wintertime is fun, but Christmas is about life, love and purpose.

Be safe and be blessed.

Here's a little wee one. . .

I felt like it was high time to share a photo or two of a dog since I am usually only sharing photos of my pet:

Yes, she is licking out her tongue as if to say, "hey buddy, you are not the boss of me!"

. . .her name is "pee wee."

It should be "speed racer."

As you can see, she is not easy to keep up with. . .

Can you be of assistance?

Hey, are you looking for a wonderful place to donate items for young children and mothers? A dear friend, Carol Leo, Director of The Homeless Outreach, Inc. has a worthy organization. Toys, handknit gloves, hats and scarves (all ages), and good used clothing would be greatly appreciated! Please go check out the site. Your heart will be glad! There will be an event on December 16, 2007 so, here is a great opportunity to lend a hand where you can!

The season for sharing and caring

I was doing my blog crawl and went to over to Linda's blog and found out about this great organization, one at a time ministries. I don't want to go into great detail here because I want you to go over to Linda's blog and find out how she became involved, who benefits from OAAT, and generally how we (you and I) can help. What I will say: we can all knit something small and send it over. I don't know about you, but I have at least one scarf, hat or washcloth even that I thought about giving to some relative and realized they would in no way appreciate the time, effort and thought that went into the gift. So, guess what? The recipients would not only appreciate it, they'd certainly put it to use.

By the by, I am knitting. The ever increasing log cabin blanket and now a multi-directional scarf. I had it on my to-do list for a year now, so I thought it should become one of my end of year enders. I will post as soon as I get some batteries for the camera. Until then . . . knit, flick, pick and throw with reckless abandon!

Vienna skeins and strands

I had to go to Vienna, Va to find the beads for the necklaces that I'm creating for this wedding. There are just so few great bead stores in this area. There are some good ones, but so few great ones. Well, before I could get to the bead store, I had to stop back by the yarn store that you see here:

Uniquities is a fun LYS. I finally realized that if I want some Bryspun needles, this is the place to go! Not just a one off, I'm talking all sizes types and lengths. I found a size 3 40' circ. Schweeet! They also carry the basic bamboo needles and straight ebony and rosewood Lantern Moons (she's not really wanting to add the circs just yet. . .I think she carries like 4-5 brands of needles and one more is not really worth it unless there is a demand and let's face it. . . Lantern Moons are a luxury for most of us knitters)
Now, on to the bead shop . . .Star's Beads!
Oh it is a bead lover's dream! Not only are there tons of beads of all kinds and silver and such, but each quarter Star's offers numerous classes for a person wanting to learn how to string a strand of pearls, or a class to help you make your first pair of earrings. I would drive from my home to classes off and on for a year or three. I forget now. It's been so long since I've taken a class. A one hour drive. It was worth every moment on the road and every dollar spent. I can make a pair of earrings in 10 minutes or less. A cute pair. I hope to be able to say that I can knit a pair of socks with the same amount of confidence. Or knit a sweater. There are times that I feel like I will never get there. I believe the thing about knitting that confounds me: realizing it is like anything else you want in life. It requires time and patience. I find that I get besides myself and revert to my youth--I want it nooooooowwwwwww! However, having just turned a year older recently, I am quickly realizing that I will have to accept that no amount of stomping my feet, rolling on the floor or whining is going to get me the thing that I want, be in the place that I want in my life, have the expertise that I want. It takes time. It takes understanding. I am grateful that I have another year to explore, learn and become.

Praise God.

Gone, but not forgotten

The Sheep and wool festival, that is. Although I only spent an hour (had a jam packed day; that and major traffic trying to get parked), I tried to snap a few pictures for my dad who loves sheep, so I tried to capture a couple.

I think sheep are some of the most gentle animals. So cool and laid back:



To think that something with such grand locks can turn into something so yummy to knit:

Once I saw this, I had to buy it--'nuff said.

Sleepy time

Knitty kitties: There are just some days you have to pack it in and call it a day~



While I had every good intention to knit, I think I will do as my own knitty kitty and take a siesta



Yes, this is what remains of my sofa. Chi chi has put a dent in the pillow that cannot be "fluffed." She rules the roost. I just pay the mortgage folks. I've accepted it.