Fibre on a Foggy Saturday

What a great way to spend a Saturday.... with a good friend, perusing yarn and fibre stores!

Susan (my Knit Night buddy and dear friend), and I started with The Needle  Emporium in Ancaster, where Julie's amazing array of yarns was enough to stop you in your tracks the minute you walked through the door! I'll bet your first look at this picture (left) makes you say "WOW!" (...that definitely seemed to be the reaction of first-time visitors when we were in the store). What a myriad of temptation in terms of colour, fibres and patterns..... as much as I tried, resistance was futile!

More exploring needed to be done, so we headed into Toronto and with some amazing (yet unintentional) navigation, ended up steps away from the Purple Purl in the eastern end of Toronto's core. A quick visit there led us to discover what yarny goodness was hidden in their shelves, and then off to Lettuce Knit to the west of downtown Toronto. I have to say the atmosphere at both Toronto stores was very welcoming. Staff were incredibly friendly (one of the Purple Purl People actually recognized us from our visit to the KW Knitter's Fair!).  Add the weather to that (you can't even see the top of the CN Tower in the photo to the right), and it was a great day to be indoors and visiting stores with yarn and fibre -- kind of like walking into a big, warm hug by a long-time friend wearing a soft, well-worn handknit sweater. I have to admit something followed me home from each store, but the pièce de résistance was my new 15" Cricket loom.

It's put together and awaiting my perusal of the related warping/wefting online videos...  That's contingent on my discovery of where time actually goes the week before Christmas, and trying to recoup some of it from the clutches of the space/time continuum or vortex that literally sucks hours out of a day without us really being aware.... but I digress.  With all the fibre temptations from the weekend, it's going to be a long week -- in a good way!!

'Tis the season to be Thankful....

It's easy to get caught up in the "hustle and bustle" around us in December.

I've found in the recent past, life events have a way of smacking me and changing my focus to other things around this time of year.  In 2007, my husband had a reocurrance of cancer and ended up undergoing back surgery where the liposarcoma had metastasized, (causing him to lose his ability to walk), and resulting in admission to hospital on December 22 (the start of five months of therapy and treatment before he walked out of rehab).  This year, a very dear friend is undergoing some health issues which have left her physically and emotionally exhausted, and extremely frustrated. There are solutions that would make her life easier and put less physical strain on her body, but those have yet to be offered/implemented, and that doesn't help with the frustration or the exhaustion.

I believe that's where I come in.  Some people spend their lives searching for the "meaning of life", but I'm not sure there's a single solitary answer to that question. Why are we here? What is the meaning of my life? I believe the answer lives in all of us, and is as unique and individual as we are.  I'm finding my abilities are in friendship, love, compassion, understanding and perhaps most importantly in some circumstances, advocacy. My brother recently called it "moral support".

When you get caught up in life, the chaos of circumstances beyond your control, who do you turn to? For me, it is so very important to have someone to ground me, someone I trust to tell me the truth even if it stings a bit, and to know when to couch it in humour and gentle compassion so I can understand the frank honesty without being hurt.  I value my friends and family who are able to provide context by making me look at the whole picture.   I am so thankful for these people who are in my life, and willing and able to do this. And this is my reciprocal gift to them in return.

Take a moment to put things in context. Look outside the immediate chaos and appreciate those things that we often take for granted. Be thankful for your health, your family, being safe, warm and supported; be thankful for your friends and all they bring to your life -- challenges and surprises.

Most of all be thankful for the time you can spend this holiday season with those you love. That time is a gift!

My Monday Soapbox....

What is it with people's memory skills? Is there really too much going on in their lives -- in their heads? Or is it a case that they just don't listen in the first place? Have we, as a society, succumbed to the level where we expect to be hand-fed every morsel of information when we want it, how we want it, and repeatedly to compensate for our attention deficit disorder (formally identified or self-induced)? And if it doesn't come in that fashion, then why do we assume the expectation -- or right -- to pursue it in that fashion?

More and more, I'm finding people are asking questions that have already been answered -- some, several times -- or seeking information that has already been presented and remains readily available to them. This is in both personal and professional roles, and really gives me pause to ponder. While many of the people I'm speaking of are inundated with other issues, (and yes, I appreciate those issues may take "thought priority"), it has gone past that point in many cases.  A case in point... one question posed three different times within a 15 minute meeting discussion. The same answer was given each time, twice with the opportunity for follow-up ("Does that answer your question?"), but this failed to mitigate the need for an email hours later, asking once more (a fourth time, in case you weren't counting!) for a response to the EXACT SAME QUESTION!

Seriously!??!?!!!

What happened to thinking for one's self? What happened to seeking out knowledge? What happened to respecting (and learning) from the knowledge of others? What happened to good old-fashioned listening skills?

And one more thing while I'm on my soapbox.... What's with the latest trend in the phrase "...come with". That's it... no "us" or "me"; just a truncated bastardization of an English sentence that was once a more formal invitation. I've seen this on recent television shows, but argue against this as a  "cool" phrase. Let's hope it's a quick-passing trend.

Stepping off my soapbox now...

Check-marks on the Bucket List

It's been a busy month.... a lot of check-marks have been added to my bucket list, but two significant ones are worth noting.

First, after graduating (Journalism) in 1981, I tossed around the idea of pursuing a general arts degree with a focus on English or communications, just in case I decided to modify my career path later in life. Well, that idea stuck, got bounced around a bit with other life "things", and resurfaced with some definite intent about four years ago. Part of that impetus was the motivation -- and my ability to motivate -- my friend Lily who was also on the same degree path.... so we walked the remainder of the way together.

We came to the end of that walkway a week ago at our university's graduation ceremonies where we both received our Liberal Arts degree, marking the culmination of a hectic study schedule, essays too numerous to count, and readings that left both of us wondering if there was any real-life relevance to those words! I should also add this educational effort was merged in with a full-time work schedule, sometimes a course load that rivaled full-time university students (4-5 courses), but we did it!

We actually finished our required courses and "intent to graduate" forms in April, but because of those aforementioned "life" things, we put off our walk across the stage until this October. For me, that held special significance because Ken (my late husband) was always encouraging and motivating me to finish my degree requirements, and his birthday was in October. It seemed a fitting tribute to his memory to honour his day with my official graduation. (...and the fact that I wore my Animal (Muppet) Birkenstocks for the event was also an appropriate tip-of-the-hat in his direction!)

Before commencement, I added a few more countries to my travel experiences (...or check-marks to my bucket list, if you prefer).  For twelve days, I had the pleasure of meeting new friends, reacquainting with folks who have been part of my life for years, and enjoying the joy of discovery in cities such as Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Vienna....

Memories are plentiful.... and surpass the more-than 1200+ pictures I took! Here are a few of my favourites...

The dome on the parliament building in Berlin was spectacular -- from the architectural marvel that recycles rain and snow into resources used in the building's operations, to the mirrored tiles that reflect the images of people served by the government to the elected representatives seated below. The view of the city was beautiful, even though we were there in early evening.... Europeans certainly do know how to light up their cities! The magnitude of this dome is hard to portray via a picture, but it was a wonderful surprise addition to our visit.

Another memory from Berlin was the Swiss yarn (silk and seacell) I purchased at Handmade in Berlin. I had a pattern named "Budapest", and I thought the blue of this yarn would symbolize the "blue" Danube, and an appropriate momento of the trip...... more on that later...

Dresden was a hidden gem... it was so hard to believe the bombs of WWII had devastated this town, when the recreation of these buildings were so true to their original structures. The main square with the opera house and cathedral looked like a movie set at first glance! This is definitely on my "must return" list so I can further explore the origins of ceramics in this town, and more fully explore the square, the riverwalk, and the side streets rich with history dating back many centuries...

Prague is also a history-rich city with some recreations following the devastation of WWII.  The astronomical clock (on the left in the photo with the main square shown behind) is one of the three oldest clocks in the world, and the only one still working today. Between chimes, it shows the position of the moon, sun and other calendar information. Every time it chimes, it becomes very animated ...my favourite was the skeleton that pops out from an upper door reminding us of the penalty of killing time!

The Charles Bridge is also one of Prague's famous landmarks, and is beautiful stretched in the shadow of the Prague Castle.  The walk down from the castle to the bridge was scenic, taking us by little cafes, over little bridges (decorated with lots of padlocks, as is the tradition within Europe to symbolize your love -- a romantic notion attributed to Italian writer Frederico Moccia and his 2006 book "I Need You"). We saw the bridge by day and night... both beautiful in their own right!

From Prague, it was on to Krakow -- a repeat visit for me, as a dear and long-time friend moved here more than 15 years ago (from Canada). This gave me a nice reprieve from the city-to-city travel -- allowed me to soak my feet, clear up some laundry, and rest for the second segment of the trip.... This picture is of the square in Old Town, Krakow.... from an earlier trip. One of the more pleasurable experiences is sitting, having coffee and people watching!

A drive took us into Hungary -- specifically Budapest. Another beautiful city, but not as consolidated geographically.  A tour of Castle Hill was fantastic -- and gave me an opportunity to showcase the knitting I had done on my "Budapest" shawl... no better background than the cityscape the pattern is named for...

From there, we ventured to a coffee house (Budapest is known for its coffee houses) for lunch. This offered some wonderful interactive opportunities.... an elderly gentleman saw us (Darren, Lisa and I) looking at a map and walked us within viewing distance of where we wanted to go.

On the way back to the covered market, we ventured on the subway and when the ticket machine didn't take bills, we had another wonderful gentleman offer us tickets (for which we paid him), saving us trying to find change. And when I was sitting enjoying a drink of water on a bench in the covered market, an elderly lady came and sat down next to me. When she had rested, she had difficulty as she tried to rise from the bench.... I offered my hand to assist, and when she was on her feet, she turned to me and was sincere in her words of gratitude, offered in a language I couldn't understand (Hungarian) but with words very clear to me through her tone and intent!


Later that evening, we saw Budapest from the Danube River -- again, a wonderful demonstration of how Europeans take pride in their architectural history, and illuminate it accordingly...
The City of 10 Bridges, a merging of the cities "Buda" and "Pest" is definitely on my "return to" list!

Vienna was the last stop on this junket, and while it is a beautiful city, I found it more commercial than many of the others. The palaces were incredible, the grounds around the Opera House, museums and Square were remarkable.

What will be one of my fondest memories of Vienna is the original Sacher Torte... a delicious (and historic, secret-recipe) creation found in the Hotel Sacher in the Old Town of Vienna.  The story, paraphrased from the Sacher Torte website, tells of a request in 1832, when Wenzel Clemens Prince Metternich ordered the creation of a particularly palatable dessert for spoiled high-ranking guests.  In the absense of the chef, the order was assigned to Franz Sacher -- a 16-year old apprentice. The soft, fluffy chocolate cake with the tasty apricot jam under the icing has become ensconced as a part of Vienna's history!

So, while I have check-marks next to some cities on my "to see" list, I've also added to the list with return visits to some of these delightful spots....  But isn't that one of the joys of holidays. You enjoy the serenity of the time away, revel in the new experiences, and then plan for the next adventure....

Friends

Of all the things I have in this life, my friends are my greatest and truest wealth.

I'm not sure to whom that quote should be attributed, but it rings true.... as true as the groundwork we put into our lives, our relationships and our values.

A long-time friend of our family recently passed away... this was a dual-generational friend -- she was a friend of my Mom's, and I am a friend of her daughter.  While this is a loss to many who knew this wonderful lady, there were some silver linings that shone brightly the day of the funeral. I'm continually impressed at how these times tend to bring out the best in people despite the sadness....the richness of friends and family....

I smiled when the now-30-something grandson came over, unsolicited, to talk with my 84-year-old Mom... and their conversation turned to reminiscing about the times when she helped him with his reading skills and forming those pesky b's and d's of the alphabet.  I was equally impressed with the unconditional hugs and smiles from the other grandkids (now all with families of their own)... for example, the now-modelesque granddaughter who was giving as freely with her smile now as she was when I first met her when she was 2 years old.  Conversations with family friends revealed gems as well... the wonderful woman who was so gracious in sharing a story she'd heard from my niece, commenting on her love and appreciation for my late husband.... or my Mom who brought a smile to a friend because she'd thought to tuck a serviette with unique Newfoundland expressions in her purse for the next time she saw this Newfoundlander.

This week is a busy one for me... work and personal commitments, keeping dear friends in my prayers, and travelling geographical distances to be part of celebrations regarding life events.  Our lives are often like this... rushing from one thing to the next....busy....often barely thinking below the surface of what we're doing at the time.

Take a second -- or longer. Do things that you think of doing.... had your thoughts of writing a thank you card, baking and delivering some cookies ordering flowers, sending an email stopped with your initial thought? Do it! Your friends are worth that time -- and more.  We don't know what tomorrow holds... live today to its fullest and leave any potential regrets by the wayside....

Balance

There's something to be said about routine.  It's consistent, reliable... well, okay... routine! That's not to say time away from that set schedule isn't welcome.... sometimes more than you know... but it also helps to bring perspective to the established tasks that make up the most of our work days.

Summer was the reason for the absence of new posts on my blog. I was busy... really enjoyed the summer Olympics, and managed to accomplish quite a bit of knitting (three pairs of socks, a shawl or two and almost a whole sweater!) while enjoying the athleticism of the worlds' best.  It was a great time to connect with friends and family... more than a passing email or quick phone call.  And it was also restful. The only expectations were my own.

It's those moments that make you appreciate the time management skills and organizations you employ in your "regular life", but it also brings appreciation to the opportunities to reconnect with work colleagues and friends associated outside your close inner circle.

It is about balance... work / life balance.... family / friends balance..... tasks / enjoyment balance..... That is the balance I hope to retain in the months to come. I will be accountable for my own actions, be realistic in my expectations of others, and maintain the balance that keeps me healthy and happy.

My brother has a well-worn t-shirt that portrays an age-old joke. I smile every time I see it... the scene shows a Buddhist sitting in a pizzeria, and he says "Make me one with everything"....

Content... but not complacent

Every so often, life throws you an experience that creates the perfect perspective allowing you to appreciate where you are in life at that very moment. It's a juxtaposition of sorts, a comparison that what "could've been" is less than what you've become. In fact, who you are and what you have achieved is pretty damn good. It brings a feeling of contentment -- not complacency, but the realization that you are utterly and completely good and right with the world at this moment. It's these reality checks, these little moments of juxtaposition or comparisoin that make that appreciation for where you are -- and who you are -- go even deeper, with more richness, more meaning.

I had such an experience this weekend -- several, in fact. And they weren't earth-shattering, in-your-face or hit-over-the-head wake-up moments... just little sentences, actions... isolated incidents, really. But when they were added together, they came with the realization that life is good... very good. 

I say that sentence with the full knowledge it'll be three years ago this Friday when I lost my husband to cancer. That in itself was a life-altering time... not only the loss of my life-love, but the three preceding years we fought against the cancer, and the resulting turmoil instigated by others after his death.

But still, life is good. No one can diminish or erase the 19 years I shared with my husband, nor compromise who I am because of it. It's not about what people think of me, what I have or who I know... it is about who I am, what I believe in, and who my friends and family are. Those are the people who matter to me, who reflect my values and integrity, who share a common understanding, are there at the right time with the right word -- or no words at all...

I also believe it's about paying things forward.... making your own life experiences and learning from them... hopefully leaving the world (and the people in it) in a better place...or at least giving them cause to think about it. Life experiences -- as broad and varied as they may be -- are part of the buffet we step up to while on this earth.  Make the most of the menu!  Life is a buffet, and some people are starving.

Not a lot of knitting.... but a lot of fun!

So much for getting a lot done on the pairs of socks I have on my needles...

Instead I got distracted -- by great scenery, the company of good friends, great food, and fishing on Lake Nipissing (west of North Bay).

Northern Ontario offers something for everyone. Yes, there's the spectacular scenery -- the majestic trees, rocky shoreline and outcrops, and when you combine this with fresh air and sunshine, it made for the perfect way to celebrate Canada Day!

This is my third trip to the West Arm of the lake, thanks to the generous invitation from friends to join them on a fishing trip.  The cottages at the resort where we stay are comfortable and perfectly located on a rocky shoreline that affords a great view when we're not in the boat exploring bays and searching for fish.

And while I didn't knit a lot, I did knit a bit.  But this experience taught me more.... it afforded me the opportunity to learn other techniques -- like how to tie an official knot at the end of my fishing line (I had lots of practice with that after my line tangled repeatedly), the protocols when a colleague is hauling in a catch (his polite "Hello" to the fish is optional, however!); and how to effectively net a fish... head-first, in case you wanted to know!

So today is back to reality... and looking forward to the next opportunity to get away, relax, and maybe fish...maybe knit!

More Knitting Karma...

Knitting Karma is a strange thing.... just when you think the Gauge Goddesses have graced you with your limit of kindness, more good things happen...

What a surprise to be notified by Stephanie Pearl McPhee with this message: 
"You're the winner of a karmic balancing gift over at the blog.  A pattern book from Fyberspates, and the yarn to make one of the sweaters in it!"

Wahoo! So, after a delightful email conversation with Jeni from Fyberspates, I've chosen "Scrumptious", a silk/merino blend to knit Stonor.  

And then, from Janel Laidman... I was chosen as one of the correct guesses for the hints provided in her Knitterati Sock Club.... surprise prize to come!

Some days it's better to immerse yourself in the knitting world than to face reality beyond the skeins!!

Knitting Karma

It had been in the planning for a year... reviewing the successes and ideas of 2010 and building on those concepts....tossing around new ideas... reviewing the rules.

It became one of the much-anticipated events for my Knit Night colleague and I... where should we go? What will we do? More concrete plans started to develop in the past week, the anxiety and anticipation starting to build....

The challenge: trying to maximize the composition of ten photographs to garner the most points in the Ravelry "Sock Knitters Anonymous" (SKA) scavenger hunt for World-Wide Knit In Public (WWKIP) day!

Saturday, June 16 was the day designated to take my sock "on the road". Our destination: Toronto. The international landmark of the CN Tower proved to be a great place to find signs in multiple languages, people who spoke something other than English as their first language, and definitely the place to be above 100m and able to knit in front of a crowd...all point generating photos for the scavenger hunt.

But the thing that struck me the most is how boundaries melt away when one knits, and is on a quest like WWKIP. It seems a simple sock can act like a sheild against potential embarrassment, shyness or fear.... perhaps it's Knitting Karma.

I introduced myself to at least a dozen people I didn't know, explained what I was doing, and included them in pictures. Every one of them shared a smile... and very few were really reluctant (ie: other than the Metro police officer's initial look of disbelief, for example!)

From the CN Tower we sauntered across Queen Street, and as always, Toronto is not without its own cultural adventures.

 

As part of last year's Ravelry activities, a European participant in the WWKIP scavenger hunt posted a picture of naked cyclists who happened to be "on tour" the same day as WWKIP.  

My friend and I were just recalling that photo when this moment occurred.... the Canadian contingent in Toronto at Queen and Bathurst...

It was a nice surprise to run into the Yarn Harlot (aka Stephanie Pearl McPhee) at the yarn store.... not that it's surprising to find her there, but rather more of a delight!  A few short weeks ago, you may remember we took Stephanie's class in North Bay. Well, this time we had the pleasure of meeting her daughter Sam. Both will be part of a team taking an incredible journey in support of the Toronto People With Aids Foundation, bicycling from Toronto to Montreal. Stephanie was gracious enough to pose for my "celebrity photo" for the scavenger hunt.

So, how did we do? My overall tally stands in the 60s, but has yet to be verified by the judges.... and is up against some fierce competition. In any event, we had a blast! I'm already thinking about ideas for next year!

Startitis... and Yarnxiety

There's nothing like a search for a specific skein of yarn, and not being able to find it, that will set your heart pounding and blood rushing to your ears (...you know.... that overwhelming whooooshing sound that accompanies fibre panic!!?)  Of course, that's what I'm thinking caused the "yarnxiety".... it may also have been the discovery of an overwhelming number of skeins of sock yarn I didn't realize I had... but I'll deny that was the case!!

The past several months (okay, years) have been focused on the pursuit of finally completing my Liberal Arts degree. Having achieved that goal in April, I felt it important to devote some much needed (and long overdue) dedicated time to my yarn stash.  Yes, I had been knitting and studying (and writing essays.... thousands upon thousands of words of essays, but I digress...), and in the interim added several pairs of socks to my collection. The most recently finished pair are the yellow Haystacks -- upon finishing, much to my dismay, I discovered one rogue purl stitch unsuccessfully attempting to hide in amongst the stockinette.  Why are those discoveries made only after the sock is finished, toe decreases done, and the kitchener stitch is complete?  It's now a "design feature" -- that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

So, with the yellow socks off the needles, and a few more ideas floating around in my head, off I go in search of a yummy sherbert mix of summer colours to start a new pair of socks.  The yarn is in my Ravelry stash, so I know it's with my other yarn and therefore should be easy to find. Search the first bin. Nope. Heart beats a bit faster. Has to be in the other bin. (Note the use of the word "other" in this context, suggesting there are two bins.) Search the second bin. Nope. No. Nadda. Whooshing sound starts in my ears.  Go back and search first bin. Did I reach the bottom and look at all the skeins in their plastic bags? Nothing.

Yarnxiety is setting in. Also not seeing some of my favourite Bugga yarns, and quite a few String Theory skeins appear to have gone wayward as well.... and they must be partying with that delightful Casbah Handmaiden skein, 'cuz it's not to be seen either....  Whooshing sound is getting louder. Heart beat is palpable.  Of course, if I had done this in the evening when I wasn't bound by the confines of a work schedule, the pounding/whooshing may not have overtaken any element of reason I possessed. 

Resigned to do a more thorough hunt through the stash when I had more time to conduct a rational search, I walked away. Remember that skein of Casbah? Well, there it was waving to me out of the corner of a third  bin, inviting me to join the party. Yes, the invitees were String Theory and Bugga, and that skein of sherbert coloured yarn that was the object of my search. They were having a great time, totally oblivious to my thoughts of posting wanted pictures on milk cartons.

So, heart rate is normal, whooshing sound is gone.... ready to wind the chosen skein and cast on.  It's Grant Creek Yarns in "Tequila Sunrise".

And why, you ask, is this post called "Startitis"? Because I didn't really need to endure the effects of yarnxiety... I do have five other socks in progress, two which were started this weekend.  I suspect the startitis, like the yarnxiety, will pass in due time...

A Great Way to Spend a Saturday...

When you can combine a great activity (knitting) with like-minded people (knitters), and laughter (lots).... that makes for a great day!

That was the case on Saturday when a knitting colleague and I ventured to North Bay to hear Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (aka Yarn Harlot).  The yarn shop Stix and Stones collaborated with the North Bay Knitters' Guild to host the event -- the Friday night speaking engagement, and a day-long Saturday class with Stephanie on knitting speed and efficiency.

The knowledge and experience Stephanie brought to both the lecture and class was exemplary... all wrapped in a wonderful sense of humour that inspired learning, empowered us to try new techniques, and inspired us to recognize and be proud of our knitting heritage. 

The "lever knitting" techniques are a new addition to my knitting repertoire, and after the prerequisite 30 days of practice, I'll definitely be moving on to dpns and circs!

I would highly recommend anyone who has the chance to hear Stephanie, to do so... the gems of wisdom are priceless!

Spring.... A Time for Renewal

Time to revisit my blog.... it's embarrassing to think the last time I posted anything was in 2006 (don't look... I've deleted those posts).  While knitting factored into the content (trust me), so did woodworking, sewing, and quilting. So, cut to six years later:  I've discovered Ravelry and knitting is my go-to activity, while the other activities wait in the wings. 


Projects have been mainly focused on socks, although that's not to say there isn't enough yarn in my stash for several sweaters (which remain either partially knit or still in the optimistic "will be knit" stages). 

And the "new" project added to my repertoire is scarves (although some may refer to them as shawls).  The first one on my needles is "Semele", and is knit in Handmaiden SeaSilk in "Spring" (appropriate, yes?), and it certainly expanded my knitting skills into the area of a provisional cast-on. I'm about one-third of the way in the first half (how's that for math?!).

It's taking a back seat right now to these... (I'm hoping they're done by May 31).  


These are "Haystacks" and are done in Grant Creek Yarns "Barely Yellow" (merino/cashmere/nylon).




So, what are my plans for this blog?  I hope to share things that inspire me to create -- as well as the things that are the product of that creative inspiration and time.  And yes, it will be on a more regular basis...  at the very least, I promise it won't be another six years before I post again!