number 18

Being that it is New Years Eve -- and New Years, in some countries -- I thought I'd look back and look forward a bit here.  This has been a trying year.  Lots of medical crap to figure out, and lots of emotional...err, stuff to sort through.  I've mended bridges between friends and myself, and have truly begun down a path of figuring out what is really important to me.  I've severed ties with people who are no good for me or my health, and tightened attachments to people who help me soar.  When the whole story is considered, this has been a wonderful year, as many of them are in retrospect.  This being said, I think my main goal for the coming year to keep this state of mind during the year.  To hold on to the tiny moments that make the year worthwhile when looking back on it.

I just found this article (link opens in new window) and a couple of key points really struck home with me.  As the title of my entry suggests, number 18 really hit home.  For as long as I can remember, the past has plagued me.  As has my anger toward people from my past for things done and said.  I have already begun working toward letting this anger go.  I believe my work for 2012 is to continue releasing this and to live an anger-free existence.  Not free of feelings of anger and frustration about the present, but free...

Let's see here.  I wrote the rest of this post here this morning while apparently the interwebs were behaving terribly, and the remainder of my post was lost.  I was a good ending, too.  C'est la vie.  It happens.  Guess this sort of just plays into my whole theme for the New Year, doesn't it?  And if I can't let this go...wow, am I in for a terrible year!  Haha!

It's about an hour from the "Ball Drop", which I won't be watching, because we do not have cable -- because I'm not allowed to watch commercials (they make me mad).  So, for all of you reading this tonight, have a wonderful end to 2011!  And for those who will not be reading this until tomorrow or the next day, I hope your ending to 2011 was as epic or relaxed as you wanted it to be.

Happy New Years!
~j.b. 

Order Up!

So, my order from Knitpicks.com finally came in.  You know, after weeks of waiting.  Okay, so I only waited a couple days.  They ship surprisingly fast, even for this time of year.  I just opened it tonight, and I am in love with the yarn.  And the needles, even though they are a tad bit more bendy -- I know, not actually a word -- than I'm used to.  But, I usually use metal, so...yeah.

Oh!  I found these beauties today.  I think I might just spend a tiny bit too much time online these days.  Ah well, sometimes recovering from a busy holiday of shopping and visiting requires some sitting as well as some more shopping.  Haha!

Don't you judge me.

Anyway, these are the creme de la creme of amazing-ness when it comes to knitting needles.  According to reviews, at least.  I'm not wealthy enough to afford these at this time.  I will though, mark my words.  I'm a dpn fiend, and these look like heaven.  They even have this wonderful option of creating your own wish-list so people can purchase what you'd like from them.  They are tricksy that way.  And I love them. 

I have also spent the day reading the TECHknitting blog.  This woman is a genius!  I totally want to pick her brain.  Or eat her brain...you know, as in zombies.  BRAAAAAAAINS...ahem.

What was I saying?

So, I guess that was my day.  Drooling over beautiful yarn-type stuff, and reading about yarny things.  Not too bad of a way to while away the hours, if I do say so myself.  I also made some ice cream batter.  Can't wait to try that out!  I'll post pictures, promise.

Happy Thursday, my lovelies,
~j.b.

I'm not much for listing or even really commenting on gifts I've received for X-mas.  No particular reason, I just don't see the purpose.  I'm not five any longer.  This being said, I received a few gifts yesterday that are really special.  This first one is a necklace and ring from my parents. 

Not the best picture, but they're fire opal.  Which I've never even seen before.  They were made locally where my parents live and are beautiful on.  I don't know if my parents have ever purchased me jewelery, and it meant the world to me.  My dad was just as excited as my mom about it.  Plus 5,000 points for the parents!

I also received a necklace from my Sister-in-Law.  I don't actually have a picture of it, but it is beautiful.  It's from her shop on Etsy.  She's away -- visiting us -- currently, but check back and love her jewelery.  I know I do.  <3

This last gift is also wonderful!  It's from Jamie over at...well, the blog seems to have vanished, I'll edit back in when I can find it again.  I've known her for 20 years, and this was a super sweet gift, considering we don't usually do presents.

Okay, found her.  Good grief, can you say panic?  For no reason what-so-ever?

Anyway, this is by-far the prettiest book, let alone food-type book I've ever seen.  Plus, it was wrapped in fabric -- does she know me, or what?  AND there's this inside:

Sooooo pretty.  She does some book-binding for fun, and decided to do something magical to mine.  I love it.  Soooo much.  Plus, the book itself is really awesome.  Talks about various ingredients and why certain ones work well with others.  Scientifically!  It's very cool. 

It was actually a very kitchen themed X-mas, too.  Gave Jon a book on cheese making and a set of cheese knives.  And the two of us even recieved an ice cream maker!  We're very excited.  Found this recipe for Brown Butter ice cream.  I think it will be our first experiment. 

Alright, that's about it for now.  I hope everyone had a wonderful X-mas with their loved-ones, or without...either way.  Now, it's time to recover from the last month of crazy.  Nap time.

Merry, Happy Everything,
~j.b.

Big foot...

I can't tell you how frustrated I am currently.  Not only have I not published a blog post in what feels like weeks, I don't even have anything non-bloggy to show for my absence. 

With X-mas hurdling very quickly in our direction, I have been swamped with present wrapping and migraine fighting (Yes, I'm aware these are not technically holiday related).  Plus, I've been helping out my mom who has been fighting the flu for the past week and a half.  We are unfortunately not going to be able to do X-mas dinner at my parents' house this year.  Fortunately, we have two huge lasagnas we can bring over to the in-laws for dinner and catch up with family there.  Not the same, but still fun.

I have been doing a bit of knitting the past week or so.  Started a pair of socks for Jon, and discovered that the yarn that was sold as a sock-weight is actually more of a light-fingering weight, and does not work well as sock fabric.  So, I ordered this:

from knitpicks a couple days ago.  I've never ordered from them, before.  I genuinely believe in supporting my LYS's, so ordering online for yarn was not the easiest decision for me.  I look at it this way, though.  I have only so much energy.  Period.  And once it's gone, it can take me quite a long time to regain it.  With all the X-mas shopping I've been doing, and the prep and the migraines!!!  Well, I just don't have time to run down to my LYS to buy a skien of yarn.  However much I may really really want to.  So, I ordered it.  Yes, they undercut the local shops.  Tremendously.  And no, I don't like that.  I also don't like having Fibromyalgia and chronic daily migraines.  So, let's not get too picky here, okay?

I also found some lovelies for myself. 

The color name is Guava and it's a wool/silk blend that looks amazing.  The only issue is that I do not currently own a swift or ball winder.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these will be under someone's tree for me. 

And last, but not least, I found this:

It's name is Sasquach.  And no, this was not the inspiration for the title of this post.  I'll get to that in a minute.  lol.

So, These lovelies and a couple pair of 2mm DPN's will be arriving around the 29th of December.  I personally can not wait until I get this box.  Yarn, arriving in the mail.  What a concept!  I could get used to this!  What's that noise?  It's my bank account crying.

Now for the whole purpose of this post.  I started my sock, last night, actually.  And I have managed to get quite a few rows done.  I was just over at my MIL's house a couple hours ago and she mentioned that it looked awfully small and she didn't think it would fit me.  I came home, slipped it onto a long cabled circular and found this:

I, apparently have gigantic feet.  Who knew?

Happy Frogging,
~j.b.

Day...what day is it, again?

I know, I know. I'm behind, yet again. So, here is my list for the past couple of days, plus a photo of my current progress on Mabel.  Thanks for understanding my laxness - is that a word?

*  understanding and very supportive people in my life.

*  being able to help my mom learn how to crochet amigurumi christmas light-bulb ornaments. I'll post some pics when we get a few finished.

*  people who not only take care of what they say they will, but also make things better than they needed to.

*  being able to get my fuzzy-fix. I miss my kitty so very much. Can't wait until we can take her hone with is again.

Alright, now here is Mabel.

A day behind.

Good grief, I seem to be seriously lagging on my Gratitude list for the past day or so.  I'm behind a day, so tonight I will combine last night's list with the list for tonight.  That way, come tomorrow night, I'll be back on track.  Guess I've had a busy weekend.  It happens.

Today has been a wonderfully relaxing Sunday for Jon and I.  We spent some time this morning sitting at our respective computers reading and surfing.  Me on Pinterest and Jon on...well, where ever it is he goes when he's online.  More than likely, Reddit.  Although, I have to admit, I do spend time there, too.  They have knitting, crochet and sewing sub-reddits that are tons of fun.  You get to see other peoples' projects and visit new and fun blogs.  So...there's that.

We didn't actually leave the house until around noon.  At that time, we met some friends for Pho in Santa Clara.  I haven't had it in a long time, and it was YUMMY!  I really need a recipe for it.  I have heard it takes all day to make.  Which is perfectly okay me.  Because it's totally worth it for delicious soup.

After lunch, we headed out for a little shopping.  We looked for a gift for Jon's brother and sister, then headed over to R.E.I. to look for some winter-type clothes for Jon and I.  I came out with a pair of pants and a cute knit skirt.  Jon found nothing.  That's the problem with being 6'6".  Things are either long enough in the arms and huge in the torso.  Or they fit in the torso but they're super short in the arms.  So, I think we're just going to need to start doing our shopping for him online.  Does anyone have any suggestions of where to shop for super tall, slim men?  Anyone?  Please?

So, even though our shopping adventure didn't pan out completely, we still had a nice time.  The day in total, was a huge success.  We relaxed.  It was needed.  Now we feel ready to tackle this up-coming week.  I have lots of presents to wrap, and a house to decorate -- not mine though, my mom's.  And Jon will be busy at work, as always.

Now, on to my list:

*  Having my mom over here for most of the day yesterday.  It was nice spending the day with her.  We even got into my sewing room for a while and did some crafting.  Until I needed a nap, anyway!

*  Actually being able to nap yesterday afternoon.  Sleeping during the day has become nearly impossible for me lately.  I'll doze, a tiny bit, but very rarely will I actually sleep.  It can be quite frustrating.

*  Dinner with my parents last night.  It was fun.  My mom and I had crab -- of course! -- and the men had steaks.  Jon doesn't care for sea-food -- which is nearly a deal breaker -- and my dad is allergic to shellfish.  So, all the more crab for mom and me!  Yay!

*  A wonderfully relaxing Sunday with my husband.  We should make this a mandatory way of spending at least one day every weekend.

*  A wonderfully patient brother-in-law.  Thank you so much for understanding my silliness with the password!  Totally figures I finally got it.

Alright...that's it 'til tomorrow night.

Happy, Relaxing Sunday,
~j.b.

Holiday Dress-up and Day five.

I know.  I didn't write last night.  We got home super late -- for me -- and I had a bit of a migraine, and just wasn't up to it.  So, I figured I'd post this afternoon and tonight. 

Dressing up was so much fun.  I got my make-up and hair perfect, and the dress looked stunning, if I do say so myself.  Jon even dressed in slacks and a nice shirt.  And allowed my mom to take a picture of the two of us.  Jon hates his pictures taken.  I am a ham.  I have always loved my picture taken.  Figures I'd marry someone who doesn't.  The most current photograph we have of ourselves in our house is from my cousin's wedding over six years ago!  We don't even have our own wedding pictures hung up anywhere.

Anyway...here's the photo my mom took:

 

 

 

the lovely couple dressed up...

I know you can't see the dress too well.  Maybe I can get a photo of the dress by itself today and post it tonight.  Photographing an all black dress is rather difficult at best, and it was dark last night.  I am really happy though with the way the photo turned out, and we had an absolutely wonderful time last night.  I even received the most amazing compliment.  I was told I looked like a movie-star!  By this woman who was so beautifully dressed she looked like a movie-star, herself!

All in all, it was a wonderful evening.  Met lots of really nice people, and now I finally know who Jon's co-workers are, so I can picture them when he talks about work.

Okay, on to my list from yesterday:

*  I was grateful my mom came home with me to help me get ready last night.  She helped me curl the back of my hair, because I couldn't quite reach it.  It ended up looking perfect in the back because of her help.

*  My doctor appointment -- for which I was very nervous -- turned out wonderfully.  I got what I needed from the Dr. and it wasn't a horribly emotional visit.

*  My dad, for driving my mom and I to the appointment.  I couldn't have done it without him.

*  Finally getting help with my migraines.  I feel as though I can breathe again.  Now, just to wait for the Botox appointment to really get these taken care of.

Okay, I feel good having done this.  I will post again tonight with tonight's list.  Thank you all for understanding the delay! 

Happy Saturday,
~j.b.

Day five...with pretty nails.

I am typing this tonight while diligently trying not to ruin my freshly painted manicure. 

Home-done French-tip!

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow night is Jon's company's X-mas party.  So, I decided to actually paint my finger nails.  I was going to go with super bright X-mas(y) Red.  Turns out, though, that I neglected to bring it with me, and the only Red my mom has is very shimmery.  Plus, it's more of a magenta, not the true blue Red I love.  This being the case, I went with super classic French-tipped.  Fortunately, I'm also going for a super classic look with my dress and jewelery tomorrow night, as well.  Unfortunately, I already have to redo three out of five nails on my right hand.  Which is funny, because I'm left handed.  How, you might be asking, did I manage to mangle three fingers already?  To this I have no answer other than, "sigh."  It's because I'm a huge klutz, and I managed to forget I just painted my nails within moments of finishing them.  As in, while I'm cleaning up from having just painted them.  Can I please blame the fibro for this memory lapse?  Please?  Good.

The dress I'll be wearing -- because I silently heard you wondering what it looks like -- is actually my mom's.  She bought it from Nordstrom three or four years ago for a wedding we went to in The City.  (FYI: I've been informed that I may no longer refer to San Francisco as either "San Fran" or "Frisco".  Apparently only tourists do this, and it's anti-Northern Californian to do so)

Anyway...back to the dress.  It's absolutely stunning. 100% black.  Very low cut neck line, that wraps ever-so-slightly at the under-bust area.  A slim black patent leather belt cinches a tiny bit above my natural waist, and a chemical pleated stretch chiffon skirt hits just below my knee.  IT has elbow length stretch chiffon sleeves, and is also beautifully lined.  In other words...YUM.  I have coveted this dress since she purchased it, and the fact that I now get to wear it for an evening out with my husband makes my head spin. 

The dress has a decidedly '50's look to it.  And for jewelery, I have opted to keep to this scheme and wear my grandmother's pearls.  They were falling apart and we had the expertly re-strung and knotted as I wanted to wear them for my wedding.  They are a double stranded, and fall just under the hollow of my throat.  Sort of a gorgeous champagne color to them that goes beautifully with black.  I will also be wearing a pearl bracelet and faux-pearl post earrings. 

For make-up I have decided on a light smoky eye -- something rather subtle -- and a dark red lip.  I have this amazing Red from M.A.C. called Doubonette (not positive of the spelling).  It's the perfect rich berry red with out a hint of orange or pink to be seen.  And having been trained as a make-up artist since...well, birth, I suspect, I know how to apply it so it should stay put most of the evening without feathering into my nose and chin.  A lovely sight, you know?

I will attempt to force my husband into taking at least one good picture of the two of us tomorrow night before we leave so I may post it here.  That way you can see us in all our dressed-up-glory.  It happens so very rarely, both of us being dressed up at the same time, that I absolutely must capture it for our eventual children to see.  Otherwise they might live their entire lives believing we go out in our jeans and t-shirts.  Which is sadly true enough.

Wow, I believe I am quite excited about dressing up and going out tomorrow night.  It's been a while since we've been out together, let alone out while dressed up all glamorous-like.  Jon will even be wearing a shirt that might will need ironing.  I personally can't wait to see him all dressed up.  It's always fun pretending we're an elegant couple going to a fancy party.  I think we'll have a fun evening.  I will post all about it tomorrow night after we get home.  Promise.

Whew!  What a wall of text that was!  I hope most of you made it far enough to finally read my gratitude list tonight.  If you did, thank you for putting up with my rambling.  If you didn't, well...you're not reading this anyway, so I have nothing to say to you!  Hehehe...just kidding.

What I am grateful for tonight:

*  Finding the perfect dress in my mom's closet.  Not only is it exactly what I had pictured in my head for tomorrow night, it's allowed me to not go shopping and wipe myself out before the party.

*  Sitting up with my mom while I painted my nails at the kitchen table.  It reminded me of when I was a little girl/teenager, and we would stay up late and paint our nails and chat.  I must say, the chatting part is much more fun today than it ever used to be!

*  Knowing my dad is going to be able to get me to my Dr. appointment tomorrow afternoon.  It's a huge weight off my shoulders not having to figure out how I was going to get there.  Come mid to late afternoon, I am usually too tired to drive anywhere for a few hours.

*  Being able to find the knitting needles I need to make my friend's blanket.  Finally found them on Amazon.com and purchased them.  Now I just have to wait to get them before I start knitting...and knitting...and knitting! 

Wow, today was actually harder than I thought it would be.  It was rough day, pain-wise.  And while I definitely came through it just fine, it was taxing and I am tired.  Hopefully I will sleep well tonight and wake feeling somewhat refreshed come morning.  Here's hoping, at least!

Sleep well, my lovelies
~j.b.

Day four...alive and well.

Well now, I've actually managed to write two days in a row, this time.  And this time it's only just about 10pm as opposed to nearly 1am!  What a nice change.  Now, if only I can get to sleep at a more reasonable hour than 2:30am "tonight". 

With X-mas looming ever closer, I believe I've made a huge blunder by opting to start yet another project.  I honestly have no intention of finishing it before or even near X-mas.  It will be a gift though.  I have decided to make this blanket for a friend of my mom's and mine.  I actually even bought non-snobby yarn to make it from, so it's washer/dryer friendly, as this woman has a 14 year old son and a new dog.  I showed her Mable this afternoon, and she loved her, so I decided she needed her own lovely.  What shall I name this new creation?  Any suggestions?  The lines are now open!

I managed to even work a little on Mable today.  But only did about 1/2 a green stripe.  It all adds up, though, right?  Yup.

On to gracefulness:

"The Shmoo"

*  The warm kitty curled up in my lap right now as I type.  She's nearly 13 years old, and named after my favorite Chinese dish.  Mushu.  Jon calls her "The Shmoo".  Which I love.  She's very vocal when she wants something and likes to sleep in bowls.  No, seriously.  I have a picture somewhere of her sleeping in a tiny ceramic bowl.  She herself only weighs about five pounds soaking wet.  Which I recommend never doing to a cat.  They get snarly.  Hehehehe...

*  People who call back when they say they do and try and make the situation better than it was.  Let's just hope Friday gets here when it's supposed to! 

*  Talking with my husband tonight.  While I am currently staying at my parents' house for a couple days, it is so very nice hearing his sweet voice every night.  I love this man so very much.  <3

*  ...and last, not least;  Knowing I inspired my dearest friend to start keeping a blog of her crafting (mis)adventures.  I've known this lady way more years than I haven't, and I miss her very, very much now that she lives in a far-away place.  I really ought to go and visit her;  She visited me over the summer, and it was wonderful!

Alright, I believe this is it for the night.  The mere fact that I have been able to do this four (three) nights in a row...well, it just means a lot to me.  While today was emotionally very difficult and tumultuous, I have managed to pull through and am quite calm and relaxed this evening.  And that to me, is the perfect day.

Happy Crafting!
~j.b.

p.s.  I even managed to work about 12 rows into the Fibonacci Scarf for Jon.  There are now two sections of dark stripes.  Only 2,394 to go.  Or, you know, lots.

Day...2&3

Well, it looks as though I ended up missing nearly two days, doesn't it?  While I am not happy about it, I actually do have a very good reason.  I had a migraine all day Monday, and woke up with it again Tuesday.  While I get migraines nearly every day anyway, going to bed and waking up with the same one...well, let's just say it tends to put a cramp in any plans I may or may not have had.  So, my list is delayed, but not missing.

Although I had a migraine for over twenty-four hours, I've actually had a couple rather nice days.  On Monday, I went over to my friend HF's house for the afternoon.  We made lunch -- yum! -- had a yarn swap (more yarn for the granny-stripe awesomeness! -- and sat and crocheted for what seemed like not nearly enough time, but was in fact quite a few hours.  It was relaxing and wonderful, even with the migraine.  We discussed everything from color choices to child-rearing.  Definitely a successful day, if I do say so myself.  And, I went home to a clean house.  How amazingly wonderful is that?

So, waking up this morning with the visitor in my head, I decided I needed some pampering.  Therefore, I went to the most logical place to receive such;  My mom's house.  She's very understanding about the migraines, and knows I've been getting my fair share of them for the past 7 years, so she takes very good care of her only daughter.  We made tea and sat and crocheted and hand-sewed for a couple hours.  I also took a nap -- well, attempted to.  I'm not very good at napping currently.  Or sleeping in general, actually.

I've managed to make some more progress on The Granny-Stripe Blanket.  I think she needs a name.  What do you think?  I like Mable.  It's a good strong Grandma-like name.  Alright then, my blanket's name is Mable.  Good. 


I am happy to introduce,

Mable, in all her glory...

My goodness, those colors are bright.  I have become so used to seeing them day in and day out, that I don't realize how bright they actually are.  Love them, though.  Bright colors are wonderful.

Oh!  I also worked on:

Not a very clear picture...sorry!

These are the beginning of crocheted mini X-mas lights.  I will be adding a little bit of charcoal to the top, and stringing them on green chained yarn.  They will either go on my tree -- if I ever get one -- or on a wall at home.  Maybe above the fire place.  As long as we don't light them on fire, right?

So, there is my crafting for the day.  I still need to work on my Tree skirt.  I'll try and post about it this week.  And my star and felt garland for the tree, as well.  I will also try and post about those this week.  We'll see.

Okay, on to my gratitude list...I think I'll just combine yesterday and today into one uber list.

*  Good friends who craft.  I had a wonderful time spending the afternoon with HF.  She is an absolute delight.  Great company and wonderful conversation.  Thank you thank you thank you.  Oh, and thank you for the yarn!!  :D

*  Nice hot showers.  It helps to relax me, and get my mind off my head.  Hehe...or, just the migraine.  I may have taken quite a few showers in the past two days.

*  Moms.  Mine, specifically, though I'm sure all of yours' are amazing, too.

*  Tea.  I've had more cups of tea in the last two days than I think I could count;  I don't have enough fingers.

*  Once again, Grandma-crocheted blankets.  Being curled up in one just seems to make everything seem a little bit better. 

*  A husband who doesn't request I cook every night.  Because there are some nights when a shower and an early bed time is very much what I need.


This about covers it for the last two days.  Yes, they were painful.  And I came through them, ready to face another new day.  That is what counts, in the long run.  Bring it on!


Peaceful dreams,
~j.b.

Day one...

I would like to start by saying, I almost completely forgot to write tonight.  And I realized I needed to write in the evening because in the morning, I am not sure what I'll be grateful for come evening.  So, I was lying in bed when I remembered.  Fortunately, I am a bit of an insomniac, so getting back up was not difficult.  The Fibro really effects my sleeping patterns.  But, that's a different story, for another time.

I would like to address the changes to my blog, as well.  Fortunately, not too many people were reading it, so not too many people will suddenly not be able to find it.  I guess this is a good thing, right?  The new web-address is as follows.  Please update your "follower" status, if you please. 

www.livelovegrace.blogspot.com

Now, you're probably asking, "why such a huge change"?  I don't have a simple answer to that question.  Mainly, it's because I am a complicated person.  I do not allow any one single thing to define me as a woman, be it sewing, knitting, or even fibromyalgia.  So, having a blog that specifically focused on only one aspect of my life...well, it just didn't seem honest to who I really am. 

I read/follow quite a few blogs.  Yes, most of them are crafty-types.  But the ones that really catch my attention are written by people who share bits and pieces of themselves with their readers.  Honesty is so important to me.  I've always said, "My life is an open book," so why wouldn't it be here?  I want to live what I believe.  And honesty is what I believe.  Whole-heartedly.

This being said, on to my gratitude list; Day one...

*  I am grateful for a nice relaxing Sunday, at home with Jon and my blankets.

*  I love that it's finally crab season, and I finally was able to purchase myself a 1.5 lb crab to eat all.  by.  myself.  It was yummy!

*  I am soooo happy I remembered to write tonight, even though I was ready for bed.  The reminder was...well, let's just call it divine intervention.

*  I am very grateful I have someone to spend some time with tomorrow while my cleaning crew -- which I am more than grateful for -- comes over to clean my house.  Can't wait to see you, HF!!  Be prepared for lots and lots of yarn!!

I believe this about covers it for today.  I know there are going to be days when I have a difficult time coming up with things I am grateful for.  Fortunately, today was not one of them.

Have a wonderful night; Sweet dreams,

~j.b.

thirty days of grace...

I know, two blog posts published in one day.  I must be on a roll.

I just found a blog.  And it set an idea in motion.  Bear with me while I explain the thinking behind this one.

My life -- as many are -- is crazy-hard right now.  It has been for the last 7 years.  Yes, there have been good amazing times.  Marrying the love of my life, for one...patching my long-term relationship with my best friend of 20 years...Mending the much torn relationship with my mom -- love you so much, mom.  And there have been heart-aches and breaks along the way.  Many of which, I just do not talk about for fear of completely breaking down in front of other people.  And they may -- at this point, at least -- make me a little too vulnerable to mention here.  Plus, I honestly choose to focus on the positive.  So...

For the next 30 days -- until the 3rd of January -- I will publish one post a day which focuses on the positive aspects of my life.  This will not be easy for me.  This will be a huge stretch.  I am not practiced at keeping commitments I make to myself.  Something "better" always comes up.  And by "better" I actually mean pain and fatigue.  And with this in mind -- and I will be "tested" -- I am going to keep this  commitment to myself, and you.  Every day.  And on those days where I just do not feel up to doing this...I will still manage to.

My mom always said, as I was growing up, that "I can do this miserably or gracefully".  Taking this into consideration as an adult, I can either take life, and all it's hardships and wonders miserably or gracefully.  I choose grace.

 *  Today, I am grateful for...

*  Our first fire in our fire-place, even though we smoked out our upstairs and set off the smoke-detector.  Hell, at least we know it works now.

*  Going on a nice long walk with Jon.  It was bright and sunny and crisp outside.  A true late fall day.  It reminded me of living with my grandmother when I was 18.  That was a long time ago.

*  Being able to work on my granny-stripe blanket today, until I noticed a tiny little paper cut exactly where I hold the yarn in my right hand!  (I am left-handed, by the way)

one more...

*  Curling up in the afghan my grandmother (different one) made for my parents nearly 40 years ago when they were first married.  My mom gave it to me last week, and it is a lovely gift.

Alright...I think this is a good start.  I will "see" you tomorrow.  Possibly in the morning, but definitely tomorrow. 

A Graceful Saturday-night to all,
~j.b.

New (project) Beginnings...

I've done it again...I've started yet another project.  This one, though is a long term project.  It's a blanket.  A granny-stripe blanket, to be specific.  I went to Michaels -- I know, almost sacrilege to those who shop in LYS's -- yesterday and bought 11 skeins of acrylic -- don't I have a post where I yell about this?? -- yarn.  Yes, I still hate acrylic fiber.  Yes, I still am a total snob when it comes to natural fabric and yarn.  But no, my bank account is not ever-flowing, and I needed this to be cheap-ish.  I honestly didn't want to spend $300 dollars on a blanket that will have food spilled on it, and in the (distant) future, various baby-fluids on it as well.  I want a blanket I can (easily) throw into the washer and dryer, and one large enough for the Husband and I to both curl up under and read or watch a movie. 

It gets cold -- for California -- here in the winter, and while we do have a fire-place and a heater, I really wanted a large comfy blanket.  So.  Without further ado, I give you:

The very beginning of my new (very) long-term project.  I have 1.5 stripes completed.  And I have 9 more colors to add.  I am not yet sure how many stripes I will eventually add to this, but I think it will at least take me this winter to finish.  Which is great, because A) I need a "brainless" project to work on when the "fibro-fog" becomes so bad I can't think in knit-speak, and B) As it gets colder, and the blanket becomes larger, I will be more than happy to curl up under my WIP. 

I am using this pattern from Attic24.  By the way, I absolutely love this lady's blog.  She is a true crochet-artist.  And she adores color.  And the love of color is always a winner in my book.  I think I'd live in rainbows everyday if it wouldn't possibly blind my Husband and friends.  Anyway, go read Attic24 (link will open in new window) and leave some love for her. 

Alright.  Now that there is a huge wall of text here for you -- which no one has probably even read *sob* -- I will say good-bye.  I have a long-term project to keep me busy. 

happy Saturday,
~j.b.