One Down, One To Go

Ta da! One mitten completed. I really like how it turned out, even if I had to make up the top/decrease pattern all on my own. (The original called for another panel of the main floral motif which decreased along the natural "upper" triangle of the border.)

I got guilt-tripped into entering the state fair knitting contest/exhibition again this year. There is some scuttlebutt out there that entry numbers are down and fair organizers are trying to decide if keeping the fabric and threads category (at least for things non-quilting) is worth it. Area knitting guilds (and other needlework groups) are begging people to enter just to prove to fair organizers that there are, in fact, so many of us crafters out here that to NOT continue isn't even an option.

So I sent my $5 and got 5 entry tags. This pair of mittens will be one entry. I have a couple pairs of socks I can enter too. Not sure what the other two entries might be. We'll see.

Wish me luck, and happy knitting!

More Mittens

I'm headed into the busiest part of my month with the magazine, but I thought I should post a pic of what has been keeping me sane over the weekend and up to now.
I started my next pair of Latvian mittens....




I had to take the chart to Office Max and blow it up on the copier for easier reading. (I discovered the eye strain of looking at the small one was taking away from the amount of time I could actually knit!) While I was there I found this great magnetic dry erase board to use with a magnet strip to keep my place on the chart.





It works great! Now I must get back to work since I also picked up some freelance work for another area newspaper and have several projects due in a week or less!

Happy Knitting!

Latvian Mittens

I had a productive weekend in the knitting department!



The second mitten went much quicker than the first since my fingers sort of knew what they were doing. (Plus, I didn't have to fiddle around forever trying to figure out that loopy fringe bit!)

The simple pattern on the hand section really did wonders for helping me get the feel for color work holding two yarns, one in each hand. I think the floats had better tension on the second mitt as well.

Granted these are sized to fit a youth, not an adult. I'd say someone in the age range of 8-12 years old, depending. (They are too small for anyone in this house.)

I did have concerns about the amount of white yarn, thus I made the thumbs all blue. Good thing I did, because when I finished mitt #2 there were only 1.5 yds or so left of the white. I doubt it would have been enough to finish two thumbs.

I think I may try some of my Knit Picks Palette yarn on the next pair. It's fingering weight, however I'm convinced that the patterns are calling for what we would think of as fingering/sock yarn weight, rather than sport weight. (This was supposed to be a "child's" mitten to fit a 5 year old.....obviously too big, although I knew the gauge was off.)

Anyway, I'm really thrilled to have accomplished this, my first (and certainly not last) pair of Latvian mittens!

Happy Knitting!

Houston, We Have Liftoff!

Well, let the mitten knitting begin!

Here is my first attempt at Latvian mittens.




I am really liking the color combination!

The cast on wasn't difficult. It's just the long-tail cast on using two yarns. One color goes around the thumb and the other around the index finger.

The fringe sort of threw me for a loop for a little while. I tried and ripped 3 times before the lightbulb went off on what the directions were saying. Once I figured it out, it went ok. I'm sure mine is too tight and I didn't get it all pulled evenly before securing the stitches in the next round, but what do you expect from a first attempt?!

The braid section was easy, fun and produced a cool result IMHO.

I am actually knitting the colorwork section using two hands, holding the blue in my left hand and knitting it Continental and carrying the cream in my right and knitting it English style. I can see I need to work on making sure my strands aren't too tight so that it doesn't pucker. But I think I'm doing pretting darn good for my first attempt ever.....!

I really like the challege and I'm glad I've set myself the goal of doing these for Christmas.

If there are any female relatives reading this who would like to put in a color request, please leave a comment!!!!!!

Happy Knitting!

Lemonade

When life hands you cloudy skies and skid loaders in front of the building you're supposed to photograph, shoot the robin in your driveway.




I'm trying to get a photo of a new bank here in town. It's still under construction, but they need a shot for an ad and promotional piece that is in the works.

The weather is not cooperating for that lovely "blue sky and fluffy white clouds" picture-perfect background!

And the contractor has left big equipment parked all around the exterior of the building. (I am not kidding! There is no angle on this building site that doesn't have some sort of equipment screwing up the photo!)

I pulled into my driveway feeling a bit "harumphy" (that's the mood which accompanies the sound "hhrmph!") This robin flew up onto the fence and stared at me through the windshield.

When I failed to exit the vehicle immediate (s)he began to sing. So I snapped a quick picture [not the best focus, to be sure!] and felt at least I captured something!

It's June (Finally!)

Ok, way back in February or March we realized that May was simply going to be "graduation" MONTH at our house. Between family and friends and our own events, there were several "graduation" events (rites, ceremonies, festivities, etc.) each week in May.

We had our party this past weekend. We had it at the county park just north of town. They have a WONDERFUL shelter there with a small kitchen, fireplace, lots of tables & chairs and AC!! The day included:

Memories. . . .



Family. . . .




Lots of Friends (way more than I can put on here). . . .






Some Teachers. . . .



Food & Conversation. . . .



. . . . and generally a good time for all!

We ended up buying WAAAAAY too much food. (Live and learn....won't have to cook this week as we consume sandwiches and cupcakes!)

We're tired but very happy to have given her a party and chance to say thanks to all her friends and family who have supported her throughout these 13 years of school.

And now I assume life will get back into a more "normal" rhythm, which will hopefully include my regularly scheduled knitting and photography!

[On that note: I have purchased Lisbeth Upitis' book on Latvian mittens which I hope to make for some of the women in the family for Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck!]



[Also I was out earlier today with the Federated Garden Club shooting photos for an upcoming issue r.e. their garden tour in July and enjoyed shooting some fun garden photos.]




Happy Knitting & Shooting!

Milestone Passed

Today was Commencement.

The graduates filed across the field to the traditional Pomp & Circumstance.



The Superintendent congratulated them and encouraged them to continue to learn and make good choices along the rest of life's journey.

The two valedictorians shared one speech, which only lasted about 5 minutes and was very well done.

The diplomas were conferred on approximately 300 graduates.

The tassels were moved.

The senior class president's farewell address was brief and ended with . . .




. . . hats in the air!

A few tears were shed, hugs were shared and lots of photos were taken.

We're so proud of her!!!!!!!

Flashback

Eighteen years ago as I write this I had been in labor for 61 hours.
I had a little over 2 hours left to go.

Amanda was born on a Tuesday, at 7:36 p.m.

This is what she looked like at 24-36 hours old:




And at 9 months:



She is my first born and she came in her own sweet time. Although we started labor on her due date (May 19), she wasn't born until the evening of the 21st. She defied the nurses' goal of keeping her swaddled and would calm down the moment she had room to stretch her legs. I must keep remembering this as she turns 18 today. I suspect that she will always resist the attempts of outsiders to keep her confined and will always need a little room to stretch her legs a bit.

She is a beautiful young woman and I am very proud of all that she has become.

I have been and continue to be very blessed to have her in my life.

I love you Goose! Happy Birthday!

Back From the Edge

Yes, I took a trip to the edge, both metaphorically and literally.

First, the metaphorical....

I had a bit of a rough patch at work last week, and while I thought blogging might help, I ultimately decided to delete the posts. In hindsight, I'm sure this was the prudent (if not kind) thing to do.

'Nuf said.

As for my literal trip to the edge, we traveled to the edge of our state this past week end in order to attend three family graduations.



While this may look like an ordinary graduation memory, it's really quite a special and extraordinary moment. This is my baby brother (who is a good 6" taller than me!) and his wife. They graduated with their accounting degrees this past weekend. What the first photo doesn't show is the reality of how they did it . . .




. . . while raising two little ones and working full time as the night manager of a local hotel. I couldn't be more proud of them!!!!! They deserve a TON of accolades and kudos and bravos on a job well done.

Love you guys!!

Also, my nephew graduated from high school this past weekend as well. He's off to finish up some military training with the army this summer and will graduate from AIT at the end of the summer. He is a fine young man and I'm very proud of him as well. Way to go N!!!!!!!

To top off an already joyous weekend, I received my Reducio Swap package over the weekend! Look at these goodies!!!!!............



It arrived all the way from Connecticut and had some WONDERFUL stuff tucked inside!

A mandrake (passed out a couple times before I got the poor thing potted!) per the herbology assignment.

A cute pedicure/sandals sock in Ravenclaw colors. (Love that it goes with summer! It's 90* here today, so the open toe is well appreciated!)

Some lovely hand-made stitch markers.

An uber-cool Gryffindor bag which is now my knitting tools/trinkets bag!

Some delicious chocolate in favorite flavors.....(also handy if dementors attack!)

And la piece de resistance . . . some mohair roving procured at a local fiber festival and tucked in for me to spin on my spindle!! (How totally awesome is that?!?!!)

I can't thank my swap partner enough!!
Knitters are such great people!!

Hiatus

Youngin's aren't going to understand this image.

I'll be back soon, I promise.

EZ Blanket

(In the interest of full disclosure: it's very possible I haven't laid this out correctly! This photo is for demonstration purposes only and should not be confused with whatever the finished object looks like. Thank you.)

Here's what I have so far on the baby blanket I'm knitting from Elizabeth Zimmerman's The Opinionated Knitter. I am really loving the feel of the organic cotton yarn from Knit Picks. And the colors.

While I was knitting with my knitting pals this morning one of them was looking at the thing quizically. When I showed her the design sketch for the finished project, she drew in a quick breath and said, "That would be perfect for my autistic grandson! A puzzle piece is the emblem for autism and that looks like a puzzle pieced together to me!"

One regret. I wish I had gotten the worsted weight yarn rather than the sport. Other than that, it's good, mindless knitting whenever I get a few moments. (May is VERY busy!)

Happy knitting!


ps...I also find "vacuuming" with photoshop highly entertaining!

All In A Day's Work

So yesterday I had one of those days r.e. my job that puts a smile on my heart.
I found myself almost laughing aloud at the thought I was getting paid to do this!

Assignment #1: 10:00 a.m.



One of the restaurants here in town closed down for a remodel. They've gone with a historic theme from the early days of the building in which they are located. It's really nice! And I get to photograph it!

Assignment #2: 1 p.m.




The Sertoma group here in town is putting together a really inspiring Veterans Memorial Park. It features a scenic walkway lined with blooming trees and stones dedicated to men and women who have served in all branches of the armed forces. There is a small amphitheater area and lots of flags. All set in the beauty of a local park with a lake.

Assignment #3: 6:30 p.m.




We have a historic cemetery here in Fort Dodge with thousands of graves. Most of the founders of the city/area are buried here. For the past few years a group of active citizens who work to preserve the cemetery have hosted a Ghost Walk. I'm doing an article about the walk for the June issue of Fort Dodge Today. One gentleman does a lot of research into the lives of those buried there. (He drove to four seperate county courthouses to track down minutes from a trial that had several changes of venue. The trial took place in the 1800's and court clerks had to find the records in warehouses!) It's a very interesting and informative event. Plus there's homemade ice cream for sale by the youth group of a local Lutheran church when you get done with your tour! (A real treat on a June afternoon in Iowa!)


Anyway, I had such a varied day and each place I went was interesting. It was fun talking with the folks involved with each project. (Their enthusiasm was infectious!)
I enjoy meeting people. And getting paid to take pictures??? PLEASE! I feel so lucky!

Yaris

We've been contemplating a vehicle purchase for months now as we faced the fact that Amanda is leaving for college in a few months and has chosen a destination where she will need a personal transportation device. We went back and forth on whether to buy new or used; something for us or something for her....six of one, half-dozen of the other.

In the end it came down to the fact she's used to driving our 10-11 year old Camry. Since we bought it new all those years ago, we have a good handle on how it's been treated and maintenanced. We decided it will be her graduation gift and she can take it to college.

That meant any "new" car would be driven primarily by either Doug or myself. Since the Camry is/was his car, the new car would be his as well.

Thus, we bought a new Toyota Yaris. Picked it up tonight. It looks good, gets great gas mileage (40-43 mpg highway!) and is the least expensive model in Toyota's fleet. After owning Toyota's for over 20 years, we're glad to add another.

And we have, at the moment, the only Yaris sedan in the blue color shown above in Fort Dodge.

We think we will set a trend.....that's what happened with our gold Sienna after all!

Twosday

I'd like to start a campaign to change Tuesday to Twosday.

First of all, Tuesday is so named in the Scandinavian and English languages for the Nordic god, Tyr. This god is the equivalent of Mars/Ares in the Roman/Greek pantheon.
(Those who speak European romantic languages will note the connection to the Roman god Mars as in the French name for this day, Mardi.) You may recall from your schooling that Mars/Ares (and likewise Tyr) is the god of war.




Frankly, I'm not so sure I really appreciate having a day of the week named for the god of war. I'm not particularly fond of war on any scale be it world war, ethnic or civil war, the war on terrorism, family feuding or the war I have going with my cats and their use of the litter box. (Let's not go there right now!)

War has a sense of violence, destruction, pain, and endings about it. Tuesday already has the bad luck of following Monday (the worst day of the week in the opinions of many!), so why add to it by pinning the day with a name centered on bloodshed and killing? Does that really seem right? fair? appropriate?

I believe "Twosday" would be much better. We could celebrate all things that come in pairs. Twins. Shoes. Knitting needles. (Although double points come in sets of four or five.) Two scoop sundaes. Hands. Feet. Eyes. Ears. Cups of coffee. Some flower blossoms. Well, you get the point.




Also, we could stimulate the world economy by switching to Twosday. Stores everywhere could offer BOGO sales on Twosday. Buy one, get one. Twosday. Makes perfect sense to me! I'd like a good reason to go shopping (or eat out) on a Twosday, wouldn't you? I think creative business owners everywhere would have to go with me on this one. There are a ton of ways to celebrate Twosday!

(Are you listening yarn store owners??)

I suppose I should get back to work now.

Happy Twosday!

Prom

At my high school, eons ago, the prom was a Senior Prom. So unless you were dating someone older, you had to wait until senior year to attend. As it turned out, I didn't end up going to prom, but went out with friends for a less expensive evening of pizza and a movie.

Here, the school offers a Jr./Sr. Prom. Amanda opted not to go last year. This year she's going with a gaggle of girlfriends. We went and got her hair done this afternoon which was fun. She picked her dress out last year (or even the year before, I can't remember!) She looks great, as do her friends.

Here they are!








They're headed out for Chinese food and the dance, which is taking place at a local historical location (not the high school gym). They should have a fun evening!

Hopefully everyone will have a safe, fun evening without incident or accident(especially the automobile kind!)

My First Copyright!

So the web page you're looking at isn't really much to see. But it looks awefully good to me!!

I have my copyright in place with The Library of Congress and the U.S. Copyright Office for the photographs falling under the work "Churches of Webster County."

Since the book was never published and all materials were shot by me using my own camera equipment and I was never compensated for the photographs, the copyright belongs to me!

Yeah!!!!!! I breathed a huge sigh of relief today when I found that they had finally been added to the inventory of the Library of Congress.

Spinning

I tried to figure out who wrote/sang the song with the lyrics:

"I'm so dizzy, my head is spinning..."

but a quick Google didn't turn up the answer.

The fact is, the lyrics are true for me today.

Literally.

Woke up with vertigo/spinning.
I think it's due to congestion in my right ear.
It's not fun, this much I know.

So I'm laying kinda low today. Trying not to turn my head much.

I needed something simple to knit, so I'm making Elizabeth Zimmerman's baby blanket which is knit in four sections. (I found the pattern in my copy of The Opinionated Knitter.)

I'm making it from this:



It's Knit Picks' new organic cotton which comes in these lovely natural colors.
Handy that there are 4 colors. And EZ's blanket is knit in four sections.

It's all garter stitch and I don't have to watch my hands move to do it.

Typing on the computer, however, is making me nauseous, so I guess I'll sign out and go back to the couch.

Hopefully I won't be spinning tomorrow!

inspiration

Having one of those days where I felt I should do something before my first interview at 9:30 am - either journal or blog. But not feeling terribly inspired when I sat down and looked at the screen.

So I decided to check in on some of my favorite blogs first and see what others were up to.

One friend has been sewing and posted a funny meditation on her blog. I think that laugh sparked my brain into first gear.

Looked at photos another on-line friend posted from his trip to Budapest. I have GOT to go to Europe some day, but for now I love traveling vicariously through seeing what others have seen.

Was reminded that this day, like every other, is filled with both beginnings. (Laurie is starting a garden at Crazy Aunt Purl) and endings (Yarn Harlot joined the on-line knitting community in grieving the death of Kay from Mason-Dixon Knitting's husband.)

When I landed at Cast On, I found Brenda's blog post to be just what I needed this morning. It's a great video from You Tube.



This song sums it up for me today!

If I Had $$$$

I had the pleasure of doing a one-on-one tutoring session r.e. digital photography with an acquaintance from church. She knew that I had been doing photography and writing since leaving my call as her pastor. She also purchased a new digital SLR and wanted someone to teach her how to use it one-on-one with camera in hand, unlike her class experience at the local community college.

I was very happy to oblige. I love photography and I love helping others to love photography too. Also I like the challenge of learning a new camera system. As it happens I am most familiar with Nikon products since that's what I use. She had a Cannon. It was fun to get my hands on one and compare/contrast.

Our time together did serve to remind me of what I'd do with an extra $800 if I had it just laying around (or suddenly found myself the receipient of an unexpected windfall)......




I've been secretly (Doug might say "not so secretly!") coveting the Nikon D60 digital SLR for quite some time now. Having looked at and compared the D40, D60, D80 and D90, I think the D60 is the best option for me. It has enough pixel power. It doesn't break the bank on pricing. It's a good size and weight.

I really, really, really wish I could afford to get one!

I often hear people express surprise over the fact that I currently shoot with a high-end point-and-shoot digital rather than a digital SLR. I take that as a compliment to my abilities as a photographer and chalk another one up to the old addage that it's not the camera that makes great photos, it's the person behind the lens. (Still, on some level, having a good camera does help!)

Happy Friday!!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my friend JoAnn's birthday. Happy Birthday!

I am very blessed to have her as a friend. I get to see her fairly frequently because it's her coffee shop I work at a few times a week, the same coffee shop where my sit-n-knit group meets every Wednesday morning.

Also, my sister celebrated one of those "milestone" birthdays this past Saturday.
Happy Birthday Sis!!



I feel very lucky to have a sister! She's someone who understands me. We can talk about anything and share everything. Hope you have a great year ahead!!