tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877093751876223592024-03-13T17:14:19.726-04:00Another VegetarianMy rants about life, the universe, and everything.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-54352580847047342652024-01-09T21:58:00.005-05:002024-01-09T21:58:49.294-05:00I've been gone a long time. <p> I did not realize how long I'd been away from this blog until today. So, here are some updates and shifts in focus. </p><p>In 2014, the time of my last post, I took a new job that kept me incredibly busy and stopped a lot of my "hobbies" which I believe are more than hobbies, but important creative and emotional outlets. Making creative things with my hands is calming and energizing at the same time. It focuses my attention and energy and lets my brain relax and focus on things other than work. </p><p>What has happened since 2014? </p><p>While working full-time, I returned to school and earned a dual-focus master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Teaching College English. Yes. I took full-time classes while working full-time in a demanding job as a higher education grant writer. </p><p>In the process, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was triple positive, meaning that HER2, estrogen, and progesterone spurred the tumor growth. This is moderately aggressive. Worse than just hormone positive, but not as bad as triple negative, and we caught my cancer early. I survived 6 chemotherapy treatments and 17 infusions for the HER2 positive. My nurses and doctor say I had every terrible side effect. I almost needed a blood transfusion, and I still can not smell anything. I don't think that is coming back, which really stinks (pardon my pun) for a foodie. The inability to smell has ruined my ability to taste food. I cannot taste green herbs or garlic. That means pesto. Rosemary. Oregano. I have eaten raw garlic. Nothing. I've adjusted, but it has taken time to come to terms with this loss. I am grateful to be alive, but I feel the losses. </p><p>Other side effects of chemotherapy and hormone-blocking medications - I have gained so much weight. I was not thin, but now I am obese. Again, I am happy to be alive. But, the side effects of obesity are persistent and horrible gerd - I even wake up in the middle of the night to throw up from the acid reflux. I have dysphagia - sometimes food gets stuck in my esophagus, and I throw up. I am a vegetarian and eat a healthy diet, but I continue to gain weight. That's what happens with Arimidex, and I have seven years to go before I stop taking it. In addition, I tested positive for a genetic anomaly that increases my risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, so I will stay under surveillance forever. Yay me!</p><p>When I started to recover from chemo-brain and was finally able to function up to my mental standards, COVID hit and I lost my job. My husband is disabled, so I have been the main support of our family for a long time. Needless to say, this was difficult. I'm still a little bitter about being laid off because I need health insurance, but I love teaching college composition, which is what I've been doing since COVID-19. The problem with higher education is most institutions are only hiring adjuncts - which is a part-time gig. This means they do not have to pay benefits. As a result, I am teaching more than full-time, and barely making ends meet. Last semester, I taught 23 - that's right - 23 credit hours. I was exhausted. Full-time professors teach 12 - 15 credit hours, and they get full benefits. I had to cobble together part-time work from three institutions and still did not replace my full-time salary. Am I complaining about that? A little bit. But mostly, I'm just stating facts. And I echo the reality of what so many people are experiencing today. It is not just me. Americans are struggling. </p><p>So, this may sound like a whining, boo-hoo, my life sucks post, but I really do not intend it that way. This is just a bit of my journey. It is part of what has made me who I am today. Moving forward, I will share about my experiences as a teacher, a reader, a crafter, a cancer survivor, and a victim of domestic violence. But more on that later. </p><p><br /></p>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-76837936849451701612014-05-31T21:51:00.002-04:002014-05-31T21:56:20.833-04:00Project ADHD! Too many projects going on right now. Some are sitting, waiting. Others are getting a little work done here and there. Here is a quick update on all things crochet happening right now!<br />
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Mood Blanket 2014</h3>
The mood blanket continues to grow. Still an interesting process. Really working hard to let the moods dictate the colors and not manipulate the choices. <br />
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Curtains</h3>
I've worked a little on connecting the squares that will eventually be curtains in my bedroom window. Need to focus more attention on this very soon! All the squares are ready to go. <br />
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Circles to Squares</h3>
I'm actually much farther than these pictures show, just haven't taken new pictures for a long time. I have a shoebox filled with the smaller circles, already squared with white yarn. Most of the large circles are done, too. <br />
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I have no update on my shawl pattern yet. Ran out of yarn - so until I place an order, that project is going nowhere. Not a problem - I started a NEW project anyway!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owl-obsession" target="_blank">Owl Obsession</a></h3>
This is a pattern I've wanted to make for a very long time, but didn't have a reason. A dear family friend is having her first baby in the fall. I now have the perfect reason to make this adorable blanket. <br />
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The pattern is well written, with excellent pictures, easy to follow. Highly recommend to anyone who has thought about making this one! (The title is a link, but if you google Owl Obsession, you will find it. This is a very popular pattern.)<br />
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A few early pictures... I have more work to do! Using Stylecraft Merry-Go-Round in rainbow for the motifs, my blanket is turning out considerably smaller than it would be if I were using the recommended yarn, Chroma Worsted. I'm going to remedy this simply by making two extra rows both horizontally and vertically. It will be fine. I am not using button eyes, as this will be for a baby. The pupils are stitched in a little black yarn. I'm attaching the octagons and squares as I go, but I'm using a needle and the long tails of white yarn to whip stitch the seams. It's coming together fairly quickly. <br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-48799296563819222712014-04-09T23:22:00.001-04:002014-04-13T15:25:07.408-04:00MoodinessI'm seeing trends in my mood blanket! <br />
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<strike>This is a lousy picture. Sorry about that. I need a sunny day and an opportunity to get out in natural lighting! When I do, I'll replace this with a better photo. In the meantime - take a look. </strike><br />
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Updated pictures! Bad photos removed! <br />
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102 <strike> 98</strike> days completed. Each row across represents 14 days. The little plastic markers indicate the end of a month. They are just there to help me keep track of what day it is. If I'm not sure where I stopped, I simply count from the last stitch marker.<br />
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<li>Bright pink = 21 days of migraine. Maybe it's time for preventative medication?</li>
<li>Blues represent sadness. </li>
<li>Purple means I was thinking of my dear friend, Donna. </li>
<li>Various shades of red show anger or frustration. Clearly, someone has been getting on my nerves recently. </li>
<li>Orange days were high activity and hopefully productivity. </li>
<li>The palest hexagons are peach or light pink. Peach = neutral, while pink is neutral to the happy side.</li>
<li>Shades of pink that do not represent a migraine indicate various levels of happiness. This includes fiesta pink, which is actually brighter than the shade named "bright pink."</li>
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All the hexis really are the same size. It's amazing how different they look without being blocked or stretched into place by a new row. </div>
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I haven't felt yellow or green yet. I'm not sure what emotions will come with those colors! Something tells me they may end up being connected to summer - growing things in the garden - warmth of a beautiful sunny day... but who knows? I have successfully resisted the urge to dictate the colors by what I think will look good, sticking with mood determination. Not easy to do! </div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-58134926831655873622014-04-04T18:39:00.001-04:002014-04-04T18:39:23.557-04:00Difficult TopicsDeviating from my usual topics of yarn and food to talk about life and death. <br />
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Tragedy strikes when we least expect it. Last week, a cousin contacted me to share that his cousin (not related to me) was murdered by her husband. Louise was 49 years old - exactly my age. Domestic violence is a dangerous reality for many women, and one that is not easily escaped. This is the kind of thing we see on television, but never believe will come so close to our families and friends. Shocking.<br />
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Unbelievably, within 24 hours our mutual cousin died by suicide after a long battle with <a href="http://www.rsdhope.org/" target="_blank">Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.</a> Linda was only 43 years old. CRPS is ranked as the most painful form of chronic pain that exists today. It is characterized by constant chronic burning pain, inflammation, spasms, insomnia, and emotional disturbances. The risk for suicide death for those suffering with CRPS is high. More shock.<br />
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My heart breaks for the parents, close family members, and friends of these two women. I did not know Louise. I have not seen Linda since a family reunion in 1984 - 30 years ago. These tragedies got me thinking about how most of us handle this kind of news.<br />
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There is a tendency to stay quiet - to leave families alone in their grief - instead of reaching out to them. I think this happens because of our own fear and from being uncomfortable with death in general, especially with such tragic loss. Reality is, families mourning a homicide or suicide are in great need of support from their friends and extended family members. It is perhaps even more important to reach out, acknowledge the death, and simply be there for those who are left behind.<br />
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If you are interested in reading more about grief and suicide death, I've written a post about it on my work site, <a href="http://www.goodgriefnwo.org/grief/grief-suicide/" target="_blank">Good Grief of Northwest Ohio, Inc. </a><br />
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Thanks for listening!<br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-11014283938922740072014-03-23T12:27:00.000-04:002014-03-23T12:27:50.685-04:00My Daughters Think I'm OldHave you noticed the abundance of shawl patterns on Ravelry? There are several groups dedicated to making shawls... and so many beautiful options. After this ridiculous winter, I've been thinking a shawl would be a nice thing to have around. Remember, I live in Toledo, OH - winner of the title "Worst Winter" for 2013/2014. I know you are jealous!<div>
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For my first effort, I thought a simple triangle would be perfect. I had this gorgeous Debbie Bliss Angel yarn in gold, waiting for the right project. Light and airy - needing a delicate pattern - how hard can it be? Searching for patterns, I couldn't decide, so I just started making SOMETHING. It will turn out in the end, right? </div>
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Frogged a few rows here and there... not fun with mohair. Ugggg. Worked until I ran out of yarn. It's not done. Needs at least another ball or two to get to an appropriate size. Since I probably won't be able to match the color exactly, I'm adding an Angel Print - Gauguin. Now I wait for it to arrive, so I can finish my project. </div>
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So why the title of this post? I was proud of my work, and I showed it to Thing One and Thing Two. They looked at me with horror and said, "Mom. Who wears a shawl?" I stared back - blankly. "Seriously, Mom. Tell us. Who wears a shawl?" My sheepish answer.... "Old people?" </div>
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I protested.... Lots of gorgeous shawls on Instagram and Ravelry and other blogs - being made by people who are younger than me! They weren't buying it. There's nothing like young adult children to put you in your place. </div>
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Well, I'm persevering. Making my shawl. I'm quite pleased with it so far. And if I can figure out how to make the graphs, I will write up the pattern. That's a daunting thought! I've made tutorials and given instructions for little things, but a whole shawl? Scary stuff! </div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-1823080713850716602014-03-04T10:05:00.000-05:002014-03-04T10:05:37.623-05:00Caution: Yarn Porn AheadI know I should be ashamed, but I just placed a big order for new yarn.<br />
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My justifications (as if any are needed):<br />
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<li>Stylecraft has new colors. I must have them. </li>
<li>I'm down to 2 bins of yarn, and starting to run out of a few colors.</li>
<li>I like yarn.</li>
<li>Free shipping with an order of $50 or more.</li>
<li>It's cheaper than drinking.</li>
<li>Okay, I like wine, too. Maybe I was drinking when I placed the order.... my shopping cart sure was full! </li>
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Here's a little preview: Gold, Petrol, Stone, Spice - I think they are great additions! I'm looking forward to putting them next to all my other Stylecraft, and seeing what new combinations I can make.<br />
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I also ordered Merry-Go Round in rainbow..... Yes - I have a plan for this.</div>
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And now, for something completely different...... I'm trying Louisa Harding Amitola, in Tango. I have a special project in mind for this fingering weight yarn. Pretty gorgeous, isn't it? </div>
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Is anyone else this excited about new yarn? Seriously! I can't wait for the packages to arrive.</div>
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-49314228462077274442014-02-28T13:23:00.000-05:002014-03-02T12:13:31.058-05:00Snowdrop Shawl - Ta Dah!<span style="font-size: large;"> Red Heart Boutique - Unforgettable. Colorway: Dragonfly</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This yarn is a little on the fuzzy side - so if you don't like working with fuzzy yarn, you might want to avoid it. For a warm winter wrap, I think it works well. To me, this pattern came out more like a scarf than it did a shawl, but that doesn't really matter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't you love these colors? Dragonfly is a great name for this combination of greens, blues, and purples. Vibrant! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I compare my end result with the original pattern, I think mine came out longer and skinnier. And there is definitely a tendency to pull on the edges. I'm thinking that's probably because I was lazy in the beginning, started this with too small a hook, and instead of ripping it out and starting over, I just kept going. I finally increased the hook size about a dozen or so rows into the project. Yes, I should have started over. I just didn't feel like it! Confessions from a lazy crochet queen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few more pics.... yes it needs to be blocked. No, I probably won't bother. (Lazy - remember?) For a scarf, I don't want to be bothered! It's going to be wrapped around my neck, so it shouldn't really matter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Quick note - the pattern did not call for a border, but I went around the whole project with a round of single crochet. I thought it would give the points a little more stability and help with the waviness. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yaMeXTajAA/UxDQY21nS6I/AAAAAAAAI_Y/gjFR_kCK1Ms/s1600/snowdrop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0yaMeXTajAA/UxDQY21nS6I/AAAAAAAAI_Y/gjFR_kCK1Ms/s1600/snowdrop4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm satisfied with the results! This was definitely a deviation from my usual solid colors. I'm not sure I'll do a lot with variegated yarns in the future, but it was a fun change. We will have to wait and see how the mood strikes me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more details, and a link to the pattern, visit my project page on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/meowmmy65/snowdrop-shawl" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-91739536948489851312014-02-20T19:46:00.001-05:002014-02-20T19:46:41.220-05:00Love-Squared<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovesquared2" target="_blank">Love-Squared </a>is an amazing organization in my community. It provides an opportunity for people to donate 8 inch crocheted or knitted squares that are then combined with other squares and made into blankets for homeless children. <div>
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This summer, we were challenged to donate 1,000 squares by the end of September. But people are awesome, and we doubled it, donating over 2,000 squares. Yesterday, the organizer of Love-Squared posted pictures of the 87 afghans that have been completed to date. </div>
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Take a look at what we did! </div>
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<br />Fantastic! Amazing! It makes my heart sing! You can see lots more pictures on the Facebook page for Love-Squared. And <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovesquared2/photos/a.606169069431642.1073741831.182949178420302/606169092764973/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">HERE</a> is a link directly to this photo album. </div>
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Many, many thanks to Leah, for creating this organization and opportunity for "yarnies" (as she calls us) to help make winter a little less harsh for kids in need. If you want to contribute squares, information is available on Facebook. </div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-91046406883402723512014-02-18T01:00:00.000-05:002014-02-18T01:00:08.887-05:00Crochet Hook CaseWell, this isn't the most beautiful thing I've ever made, and it would definitely benefit from blocking, but I'm probably not going to bother. It is functional, and does what I need it to do! Let's talk tools.<br />
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I love Susan Bates hooks. Boye hooks irritate me. It's all what you learn with, I suppose. Being a good mom (and Girl Scout leader), I taught my daughters, and all my Girl Scouts to hook with Bates as well. At one point I had four identical sets of the main 6 hooks - 3.75 mm (F) up to 10.5 (K), plus a handful of extra I's and J's. <br />
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I've been good - Thing One and Thing Two each has her own set, and a set went home with one of their friends. Every girl in my troops received a hook and skein during one of our camping trips. I give away the extras at every opportunity, along with a quick lesson or two, whenever someone says she wants to learn. This got me down to my regular pack, plus a pack of 6 tiny hooks - 1.15 to 2.55 mm.<br />
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The sets come in a plastic case that worked fine for a long time. They kept them together, made them easier to find and store. Recently, I noticed the plastic was starting to tear. Time for a replacement. It seemed only appropriate to crochet the answer. I spent a lot of time searching for a pattern I liked. No need to reinvent the wheel. I knew I wanted full "pockets" to slide the hooks in, not just loops.<br />
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Choices available include pockets or loops, roll-up cases or folding. The folding cases have plastic canvas embedded to create firm sides. While I like the look of the folding cases, I didn't have plastic canvas on hand, and I certainly wasn't going shopping. Roll-up it is! So here's what I came up with:<br />
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I followed <a href="http://priscillascrochet.net/free%20patterns/Needleworkers/Aluminum%20Crochet%20Hook%20Case.pdf" target="_blank">THIS PATTERN</a> for the basic shape and to make the pockets, but of course, I made changes. The pattern is written for worsted weight yarn. I used DK from my stash, so I added a few stitches to compensate. My case has 14 tubular pockets for hooks. </div>
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The little fish shown in the top picture is not attached. (You can see him in the basket, below.) I don't remember where the pattern came from, as he was hooked many months ago. (See what I did there?) The fish holds my needle for weaving in ends, keeping it safe and easy to find. The yellow tie is nothing but chain stitches. It is not attached to the case, since I wasn't sure where I wanted it. Unattached is working fine. </div>
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At some point, I may make some improvements to this case, but for now, it's doing a fine job. Have you made a case for tools that you really like? Let me know! </div>
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-6128989442412638892014-02-17T10:45:00.001-05:002014-02-17T13:07:42.801-05:00It's Snowing! Again! 68 inches of snow this winter with 4 more expected today.... one inch short of a record breaking season. Everyone's complaining.... kids have been out of school a ridiculous number of days and all my friends are losing their minds. I don't know how they are going to make up for all the days they've had to take off. I'm thankful my kids are grown. <br />
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The first big snow hit early in January, before the new semester started at the University, so I was lucky to have my girls home. We had a great time - lots of tea, baking, knit and crochet projects, and a Lord of the Rings marathon. There's something wonderful about snuggling inside with your favorites while the storm hits.<br />
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Just to give you an idea of the amount of snow this is, here's a picture of Gertie, my Newfoundland - Golden Retriever mix, next to the ever-accumulating pile of shoveled snow. And the little dog is Izzy, also known as the varmint. We think she has some border collie or sheltie in her (notice the party pants on her backside!) She is smart as a whip - and absolutely obnoxious. My Golden, Ellie Mae, is hiding in the house - smarter than both these beasties.<br />
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See the white fence/railing from the back porch, behind the snow? It's 4 feet high. Crazy!<br />
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The snow doesn't bother me. It's much better than our typical Toledo winter, which is gray and bleak. A weekly dusting (or dumping) of fresh, sparkling, white stuff has made January and February brighter. It's the super cold I can do without. It's not bad this week, but January saw several episodes of 25 to 40 below wind chills. Enough of that!<br />
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Lots of random projects going on now....<br />
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This weekend, I started the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/meowmmy65/snowdrop-shawl" target="_blank">Snowdrop Shawl</a>. I needed something simple and mindless to use up the Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable yarn in my stash. Originally, I picked up the yarn for my beginner knitting projects, but I found it very fuzzy. Not good for learning! It's the yarn I used for my first knitting project <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/meowmmy65/225-degrees" target="_blank">22.5 Degrees</a>, but I'll talk about that one later. Back to the Snowdrop Shawl...<br />
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Because I had a 4 mm (G) hook in my hand, that's what I started using for this project. Well, I knew it was going to be too small. Consequently, the beginning of the shawl curves a little. I debated about starting over, but didn't feel like it. Tried just crocheting loosely, but that wasn't cutting it so I gave in and changed hooks, increasing to a 5 mm (H). Curling has stopped. Why the delay? The hooks were upstairs; I was downstairs. I was lazy. There it is. The truth.<br />
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This pattern is very easy. Once you get the rhythm down, it just goes. It's a good project to have on hand for those times when you are waiting, and annoyed, because you are waiting. You know what I mean!<br />
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The colorway is Dragonfly. I usually stay away from variegated yarns, but I really like the way this looks. It makes me want to experiment with more self-striping yarns. For this project, the Unforgettable yarn is fine. Like I said earlier, it's fuzzy. Good for a scarf or thick shawl.<br />
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I'll have an update on my Crochet Mood Blanket soon, and pictures of another project I've been working on... here's a preview:<br />
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Happy President's Day! Time to put the kettle on, and watch the snow fall.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-38761846843316388032014-01-30T22:18:00.000-05:002014-02-21T16:13:00.013-05:00Crochet Mood Blanket 2014 Everybody's doing it! This is definitely all the rage. Stacey Wentford-Hall aka "Frofunky" on Instagram started this, having no idea what kind of response it would get. Visit <a href="http://frofunky.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Stacey's blog</a> for more information.<br />
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But here is the basic idea: you crochet a block a day, or a block a week, based on your mood. I've seen people take that idea and morph it into lots of different things. People are making giant granny squares and all kinds of striped blankets - chevrons, granny stripes, mixed stripes.... lots of choices.<br />
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Having recently finished two big blankets, I decided to go small. That's definitely a new concept for me. Besides, I have other plans in mind, and don't want to feel overwhelmed or burdened by this project. I want to keep it fun.<br />
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So, this is what I have so far: mini-hexagons - using colors that reflect my mood at the time. I am using my existing stash of Stylecraft DK - and only working with what I have on hand. <br />
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My color choices and moods have been greatly influenced by the death of one of my dearest friends on December 3. She was diagnosed with advanced, metastatic colon cancer in August, and died peacefully at home just four months later. Donna's favorite color was purple. Blue ribbons represent colon cancer awareness. Right now, "feeling blue" is something I understand and experience often. My hexagons mainly reflect my memories of Donna, missing her every day, and a visual representation of my grief. The shades of purple and blue vary in intensity based on which color speaks to me that day.<br />
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There are some colors with a different meaning. Red hexies are days that I was angry or frustrated. Bright pink means I had a migraine. (There are two of those in the top row, left). And fiesta pink, which is actually brighter than "bright pink," reflects happiness and excitement (bottom right).<br />
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As I move through the year, I suspect some colors may change their meaning. I'm okay with that. I will be flexible and try to really let the colors speak for me.<br />
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This picture was taken just about 2 weeks before she died. Donna received an award from our local Girl Scout Council. At this point, she had been bedridden for months. Hospice worked a miracle getting her into a wheelchair and escorting her to the award ceremony. They were amazing! <br />
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Donna worked as Marketing Director for our Girl Scout Council many years ago, and that is where I first met her. We met again 7 years ago when we were both running local homeless shelters. She become one of my absolute dearest friends. She was an amazing woman, and the world is definitely a better place because she was here. I will miss her forever.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5I7DuOf5u0E/UusRb7s0SsI/AAAAAAAAIxI/xv7imy4QTio/s1600/55+gs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5I7DuOf5u0E/UusRb7s0SsI/AAAAAAAAIxI/xv7imy4QTio/s1600/55+gs2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna Perras, 9/15/1954 - 12/3/2013</td></tr>
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-70156099657298857472014-01-30T21:40:00.001-05:002014-02-18T00:03:16.399-05:00Final Update - Mixed Stripey BorderI worked hard to crochet my ends in during the project. I still had a few to contend with at the end, but not too bad. To me, weaving them in as I go is really essential. It's the worst part of the project - very tedious - and feels overwhelming if left to manage all at once. But that's just me!<br />
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<b><u>The border: </u></b><br />
2 rounds half double crochet - shrimp, 3 hdc worked in each corner stitch.<br />
3 rounds hdc - aster<br />
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3 rounds granny stripe - wisteria, saffron, aspen.<br />
*Work each corner like a regular granny square: 3 dc, 2 chain, 3 dc<br />
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Bobble stitch stripe - turquoise background and plum bobbles.<br />
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Final - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Around-Corner-Crochet-Borders-Instructions/dp/1603425381" target="_blank">Edie Eckman's Around the Corner Crochet Borders,</a> #133 - fondant and lipstick. I did a round of single crochet in fondant before beginning the special stitch. Because of copyright, I can't give the directions, but border #133 is very simple - a series of chains looped and sc in place. If you don't have this book, it's worth getting. It has lots of great inspiration.<br />
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And that's it! <br />
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On Ravelry, there is a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/i-love-crochet-afghans/2801044/1-25" target="_blank">Crochet Along (CAL)</a> that will be open at least this year - maybe longer - for people who are making their own version of the mixed stripe blanket. If you've been thinking about making your own version of Little Woollie's awesome design, I encourage you to join the group. I am one of the moderators, and know you will get lots of encouragement. It's a nice group of hookers! You can work at your own pace - share your progress - and get support and ideas from other people who are working on this project. It's a lot of fun! <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-26245706594017797502014-01-27T14:34:00.000-05:002014-02-18T00:02:35.356-05:00Big Happy Ta-Dah! I thought I would never see this day, but here it is! Almost 1 1/2 years after beginning...it's finally done!<br />
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My posts with instructions/colors for each row are way behind - and as soon as this blanket comes out of the wash - I'll get that updated. In the meantime - I think this is awesome eye candy!<br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-15037392907479874992014-01-14T11:59:00.005-05:002014-02-01T22:20:18.783-05:00Picture Updates!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squares made by my daughter and students at Bowling Green State University. They yarn bombed the residence hall in December. Now those squares are being donated to Love-Squared.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More progress on circles! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter is a knitter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't this gorgeous? She did a great job.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is teaching me to knit. Very challenging! (Ignore the dog hair!) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas stockings made by my Mom. She has made 27 of these over the years - one for each of her children and grandchildren, and a few for nieces and nephews. I can see how her skills have improved from the earlier stocking (made for me 48 years ago) when compared to the ones made for my girls. They are all beautiful! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intricate patterns! Lots of detail!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm still working on knitting.... switched to circular needle and find them much easier to use. Shortly after taking this picture, I found a dropped stitch. Tried to repair it...ended up ripping out the whole thing and starting over. Sigh. </td></tr>
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-69124881664785093772014-01-02T12:45:00.000-05:002014-01-27T14:58:15.212-05:00Going In CirclesUsing up odds and ends of brightly colored yarn. Eventually, the circles will be made into squares.<br />
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-20183842791541386902013-12-27T13:36:00.001-05:002013-12-27T13:50:20.457-05:00Bobble Edge TutorialThis make the cutest edging ever! After completing a round of half double crochet for a base, I added the bobble edge. If you are changing colors, slip stitch the new yarn in place. The bobble is basically made by crocheting two clusters of DCs together into a little ball. Each cluster makes half the bobble. Chains create the V shape. <br />
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Chain 5, then chain 3. The 3 create the first DC in your cluster. <br />
Cluster - chain 3 (already done) plus 3 DC together. This is basically doing the first part of a DC, and not finishing it, but going on and making all the first halves, until all your DCs are on the hook, waiting for the final half of the DC, which pulls them together into one cluster stitch. (I hope that made sense!)<br />
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Anyway, here are instructions for the DC together: yarn over (yo), insert the hook back into the chain, yo, draw the yarn through the stitch, yo, draw the yarn through 2 loops on the hook.<br />
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Repeat the DC together stitch until you have 4 loops on your hook. Yo, pull through all the loops. Cluster completed! <br />
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Repeat the cluster - 3 DC, 3 DC together. Now you have two clusters next to each other. Slip stitch into the top of the first cluster, pulling the two halves into a little ball.<br />
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Chain 5. Slip stitch into your project. I like to make mine 4 stitches apart.<br />
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Repeat from the beginning - chain 5, chain 3, cluster, chain 3, cluster, slip stitch the clusters together, chain 5 slip stitch to the project.<br />
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I find this time consuming - but very gratifying! Hope the directions made sense to you, and you give it a try!<br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-40717353789594781712013-12-27T12:54:00.000-05:002013-12-27T12:54:33.741-05:00Ponchos are Cool!I've been thinking about making ponchos for little girls for ages. My Pinterest boards prove it - lots of pictures of cute little ponchos pinned - waiting and providing inspiration. Took me a while to decide whether I'd go the stripe route, or with squares. I chose to make it from squares - but then how many? Since I just finished the big blanket of little squares, I was ready to make a few large ones and be done. These ponchos are made with just 4 squares each, plus borders. I intentionally made each square different. Pictures show both sides. <div>
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About the edging... when looking for inspiration, I saw a lot of fringe. Fringe is good - but not the way I wanted to go. I had visions of girls playing with it and accidentally pulling it apart. Bobble edging seemed like the answer - and I LOVE the results! <div>
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These are going to twin 5 year old girls. I wanted similar but different. One loves pink, the other loves purple, so there you go! </div>
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Each square has 11 rounds of color... then one round of white. I used a modified <a href="http://anothervegetarian.blogspot.com/p/join-as-you-go-jayg.html" target="_blank">Join As You Go</a> method to connect them. Instead of connecting in each of the DC stitches, I simply used a slip stitch between each of the granny clusters. I love the clean edge this gives. </div>
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The neckline has one round of half double crochets to finish it off. The bottom edge includes: one round of granny clusters in white, a round in the color, a round of half double crochet in color, and then the bobble stitch. I will be posting instructions and pictures of the bobble edging soon. It's definitely become one of my favorite ways to finish off a project and was quite simple. Just chains and dc clusters. </div>
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-79170229395542367072013-12-21T10:12:00.002-05:002014-01-27T14:58:48.132-05:00Ta-Dah! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">And it's finished! I'm absolutely in love with the final results! </span> </div>
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-2258184593066254692013-12-16T18:04:00.000-05:002014-02-18T00:05:07.162-05:00Little Squares = a Big Blanket!<span style="font-size: large;">I'm surprised by the size of this blanket! I thought using up bits of yarn, it would end up being smaller, more like a throw instead of a full-fledged blanket. Now, I don't think I'm capable of making them small!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Final count = 396 small squares - and more than 34 different shades of Stylecraft DK yarn. Squares are arranged 18X22, with "planned" randomness. I tried to make sure squares with the same outer color are not next to each other, and that the color distribution is balanced. Otherwise, they aren't in any order. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decided the blanket needed a substantial border, with a little color to pull in the squares, and a really fun edge. How about this? The bobbles are slow and time consuming - but I think they are totally worth it! Makes me happy to look at it! </span><span style="font-size: large;">I hope to finish this up and post final pictures in a few days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few pattern notes: this is a modified granny square using sets of 4 double crochet instead of 3. Corners have 2 chains. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bobble edge: chain 8, dc 3 together in the 5th chain, chain 4 dc 3 together in the 1st chain. This gives 2 halves of the bobble, which have to be connected with a slip stitch (or 2) by going back into the chain where you did the first dc3 together. Chain 5, sc into your project to connect it. Keep repeating. I'll try to get pictures as I continue working and post them later. Really simply - and super cute!</span><br />
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-82890885182706008132013-10-23T00:26:00.003-04:002014-01-08T00:51:07.145-05:00Love Squared and Progress on Random ProjectsTime to update some of the projects I've been working on. First - my friend Leah issued a 1,000 square summer challenge for <a href="http://www.love-squared.org/" target="_blank">Love-Squared</a>. It didn't take long to realize that we would smash that challenge, and in fact, we collected more than 2,000 squares by the end of September. It was amazing!<br />
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Here are some of my contributions and some long awaited Ta-Dahs!<br />
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Lots of Hello Kitty squares - FINALLY completed! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9TNKkY84Ys/UmdMHkxz7eI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/hHhLWnPq-2c/s1600/IMG_0788.JPG+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9TNKkY84Ys/UmdMHkxz7eI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/hHhLWnPq-2c/s400/IMG_0788.JPG+(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Miscellaneous granny squares, using up odds and ends of leftover yarn. </div>
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And monster faces! I think they ended up looking a little bit like Muppets. </div>
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I finally finished my granny patch blanket... modeled by my sweet Gertie-bird!<br />
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Remember these?<br />
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My box slowly grew, until I had 396 little squares! Now, it looks like this:<br />
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And I've connected less than half the squares! <br />
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-29118416091702453322013-06-15T23:30:00.002-04:002013-10-23T00:00:19.159-04:00Ch Ch Ch Changes.....<span style="font-size: large;">Holy Cow! Have I been busy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Started a new job in June - which is incredible, amazing, emotional, overwhelming, and more. I'm the new Executive Director of <a href="http://goodgriefnwo.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Good Grief of Northwest Ohio</a>, providing peer support programs for grieving children. The organization is brand new, so lots and lots to do. In the beginning, this had my emotions stirring, as I was the kid who needed this program when none existed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From age 14 - 20, my Dad was battling cancer. He died at 51. Way too young. Along with my 5 siblings (we ranged from 5 - 19 when the cancer was diagnosed) I spent 6 tumultuous years preparing for his death. Nightmarish is putting it nicely. It's been 28 years, and I worked through the sadness and grief long ago, but I'm still in awe thinking about what we managed it. It's a bit like a Lifetime Movie! (Come to think of it, maybe I should sell the rights? lol) Anyway, when I heard about Good Grief, I knew I had to learn more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the same time I started the new job, I was shopping and packing up my girls to ship them down to Manchester, Tennessee for <a href="http://www.bonnaroo.com/" target="_blank">Bonnaroo</a>. I researched blogs for packing lists and survival tips to ensure they would have everything they needed. I kissed them goodbye Tuesday, and sent them to Grandma's in Cincinnati for a night (to break up the drive). They left Grandma's Wednesday and made their way to Tennessee. I talked with them briefly that evening, while they sat in a ridiculously long car line, waiting to get to their "campsite." At 1:00 a.m. Toledo time, they called to say they finally finished setting up the tent. Crazy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We only talked a few times during the trip - which is great. They were busy seeing amazing bands, and hanging out with friends. Thing Two literally cried seeing Paul McCartney in concert. They were in heaven. And I earned the title: BEST MOM EVER! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One other exciting tidbit from summer - I had THREE broody hens all at once. Seriously! Lucy, Maggie, and Abbey, (why yes - those all are names from Beatles songs) were pining away for babies. I sent Abbey to a friend's house to hatch a batch of special, Black Copper Marans eggs. We were hoping she would adjust, and decide to do the work, but no such luck. Of course, we kidnapped her and moved her to a new box, so what did we expect? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After three weeks, Lucy finally gave up, leaving just Maggie, hanging out in the box, trying to hatch eggs that will never hatch. Cranky, hormonal hens are a force to be reckoned with! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And that was summer! </span><br />
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-88773724712093125952013-05-19T15:21:00.001-04:002013-05-19T15:45:26.870-04:00Gardening, Movies, Doctor Who.... Spring!Here's a little bit of what I've been "up to" lately.... not included in these pics, my two new blackberry bushes, a gorgeous white spirea, and loads of annuals for the boxes on my deck rail. I love spring, but it certainly is a lot of work!<br />
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I took gardening and work breaks to see the new Great Gatsby movie (absolutely horrible - still trying to erase it from my mind) and the new Star Trek movie (AMAZING - can't wait to see it again!)<br />
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Are you a Doctor Who fan? HOLY COW! Saw the season finale last night, and am still speculating about what it all means. Do I really have to wait until fall for more?<br />
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Anyway, back to the garden... This is the gorgeous azalea in front of my house. It's huge and covered with purple blooms. LOVE it!<br />
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Got two of these big red double knock-out roses from Costco for jut $13.99. They will fill out and be covered with gorgeous red blossoms all summer.<br />
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New, soft pink azalea in the backyard....<br />
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This azalea is white, and also in the backyard...<br />
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Lucy - broody and evicted from the nesting box. <br />
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Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-8444425799523606542013-04-26T19:04:00.002-04:002013-04-26T19:37:45.800-04:00Poor, Neglected KittyI haven't worked on these squares lately, but need to get back to them soon! There are still eighteen Hello Kitty squares here. Fourteen need faces, and then they will be done. Total squares on the table - thirty!<br />
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On another note, check out my tutorial for <a href="http://anothervegetarian.blogspot.com/p/join-as-you-go-jayg.html" target="_blank">JAYG - or joining squares as you go</a>. I'm not using it on the kitties, as they are going to be donated to <a href="http://www.love-squared.org/" target="_blank">Love-Squared</a>, mixed in with other squares, to make awesome blankets for homeless children here in Toledo. </div>
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I did use JAYG on the granny patches blanket, which is now getting a border! FINALLY! I'll post a "ta-da" photo when it's done. In the meantime, here's a picture of the work in progress...</div>
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See that nice, flat join? Yup, that's what you get with <a href="http://anothervegetarian.blogspot.com/p/join-as-you-go-jayg.html" target="_blank">JAYG</a>. It's also great for self-blocking, as it pulls the squares into shape. If you haven't tried it - it's time to give it a go. You won't be sorry!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-63262032370894497072013-04-17T19:51:00.000-04:002013-04-17T19:51:31.259-04:00Bombs Away! This is very exciting to me....<br />
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Lucas County Children's Services, our local agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect, teamed up with local street artists - particularly an anonymous lady known as <a href="http://streetspun.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Streetspun Yarnbombing</a> - to wrap our city in blue yarn to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention. Streetspun spread the word via Facebook and other media, to get hooks and needles going. <br />
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People (like me) went crazy! This was my first ever yarnbomb. What's particularly fun, is that "we" (I include myself as a citizen of Toledo) received gifts of blue yarnbombs from around the world. Here are a few pictures of the bombing installation....<br />
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Why yes....that is my contribution of hearts on the upper half of the tree on the right! I feel like a celebrity, even though nobody knows I did it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr_2AnLfdTA/UW8p1CK3oWI/AAAAAAAACw4/Wdz6SNfPOEk/s1600/blue+bombs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr_2AnLfdTA/UW8p1CK3oWI/AAAAAAAACw4/Wdz6SNfPOEk/s640/blue+bombs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now that I've had a taste of street art, I may never be the same. I've already completed my next yarnbomb!<br />
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Yes.... I did take a bit of inspiration from the Mixed Stripe Blanket. This picture isn't doing the colors justice. It's really quite bright and cheery. <br />
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Here it is, wrapped around a tree. (Pay no attention to that little chicken in the background!)<br />
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But you know, that wasn't enough. I've been dying for an excuse to try the <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/happy-flower-decoration.html" target="_blank">Happy Flower Decoration</a> from Attic24. What better reason than decorations for a city that needs love and happy things so desperately? This picture is a little fuzzy (but so is the yarn....lol). Actually, we had a bit of wind that kept spinning the flower. It was hard to get a picture!<br />
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In a few months, when everything is green and gorgeous, these little creations of mine will be on display, along with the work of many other fiber artists. I'm thrilled to have a small part in these projects.<br />
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Before I forget... the yarn is just worsted weight, some leftovers I had in a bin, waiting for a project. I think they've been put to good use!Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687709375187622359.post-60280815892190444962013-04-02T17:32:00.000-04:002013-04-14T14:28:12.472-04:00Bunny-licious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I couldn't help myself...this one stays with us. He's made of Stylecraft DK yarn scraps and a 3.75 hook.</div>
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<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02571536533438844996noreply@blogger.com0