Winter is a time to stay cozy and warm, generally knitting or beading something that makes us happy. This season has been remarkably free of snow and fairly mild. Still I have at least 3 UFO's on needles and a bead project in the works. Also sewing some fun aprons. This means that I am feeling productive.
What do I do while executing all of these projects? Hmmmmmm. Well, it is election season so I spend quite a lot of time trying to learn about options for the future. Because of this I have formed quite a few opinions of what I see and hear in the media.
Intelligent people use the media to sort through the information and ignore the crazy to get to the sane.
However, this season I feel a little nauseated by the garbage being thrown about. I spent many years raising my children. It went by so very quickly. I hoped that they would be good people, healthy people, kind people, happy people. And, you know, they are. Our children are hard working, kind people who make me proud to know them all.
But I fear for the next generation of young people who are being exposed to such (the only word for it is) Meanness. The cruelty of many of our leaders amazes me and saddens me. Our politicians have become bullies. Is it a wonder that our teenagers follow the examples set by these so-called leaders? Media reports it for all of us to interpret for ourselves, but our children, the children, see all of this and are learning that to lead is to be cruel, selfish, greedy and obstructionist.
What is so wrong for people to pay a fair share of taxes? Not a dollar more? Shame on Mr. Romney. As a Massachusetts resident; you disappointed me then so, in good conscience I could not vote for you now. Sorry. Mr. Gingrich; Nobody should vote for you. You were always a cruel person. You shamed yourself and our country. Go home and sell your books.
I am not disappointed in our President. I am amazed that he has been able to accomplish so very much with the opposition he has encountered from our so called representatives. He will have my support and my vote no matter what. He governs with grace and respect and kindness, and reaches out to opposition over and over. President Obama is the example of good for the next generation. As one of the 99% this President has given me hope and continues to do so. The legacy left by the previous president (that's previous president with a small p)was daunting and still Mr. Obama picked up the pieces and began the incredible task of cleaning up the mess.
One percent; THE one percent. Where do we begin? They will never be able to spend their money in 3 lifetimes and yet they keep it to themselves. With a simple tax adjustment that won't hurt them in the least they could help our country. Banks have exploited people in their greed and even when the previous administration bailed their bums out they still refuse to help people.
Jobs....well now let's see...No more off shoring any job. American companies need to employ Americans. No questions. No exceptions.
Energy. Wind, Solar, Hydro power. Time to be honest and truthful and get these energies up and running. Grants would help but they need to be easily understood by those who could benefit from them. And honestly; OIL, COAL, HYDRO-FRACKING. Just say no to these crazy things. Just say no. Please.
So, I will continue to knit and bead, sew and listen and form opinions.
And Do Unto Others as I would have them do unto me. The golden rule is still the only rule.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Do you watch Holiday Movies?
Well, I am here to tell you that I do. You name it, I watch it. Series Christmas episodes, Lifetime, Hallmark. Silly I know, but they keep me knitting and beat so much of the "real" tv. Give me a little fantasy and a taste of the classics any day. White Christmas all colorized and schmaltzy. Makes me hum and smile while scribbling on Christmas cards and wrapping gifts. Well I did all of those things. Even finished a couple of knitted and beaded gifties.
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and the end of the escapism. Sigh. Where do we go from here?
Well, it is an election year so the entertainment will be unlimited. We will hear it all, see it all, and shake our heads over just about all of it.
So let's see. What shall we knit to keep ourselves sane?
I have an unfinished sweater, about 2 thirds finished. So perhaps I will begin there. Then there is the summer sleeveless shell being knit in bamboo yarn with a lacy hem. That's two. Also you will find a single sock in need of a mate in my craft room. I started a pair of awesome gloves just this morning. The possibilities are endless. The baby girl gift for a spring baby on the way. And I have some summer tops in kits just itching to be started.
All at the same time my multiple knitting personality will bounce from project to project.
So if I declare here in print, for the world to see that I will not begin a new project until I finish all of the UFO's I have laying around, will you believe me?
Me neither.
Happy New Year
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and the end of the escapism. Sigh. Where do we go from here?
Well, it is an election year so the entertainment will be unlimited. We will hear it all, see it all, and shake our heads over just about all of it.
So let's see. What shall we knit to keep ourselves sane?
I have an unfinished sweater, about 2 thirds finished. So perhaps I will begin there. Then there is the summer sleeveless shell being knit in bamboo yarn with a lacy hem. That's two. Also you will find a single sock in need of a mate in my craft room. I started a pair of awesome gloves just this morning. The possibilities are endless. The baby girl gift for a spring baby on the way. And I have some summer tops in kits just itching to be started.
All at the same time my multiple knitting personality will bounce from project to project.
So if I declare here in print, for the world to see that I will not begin a new project until I finish all of the UFO's I have laying around, will you believe me?
Me neither.
Happy New Year
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
empty nesting
Without exception every child has moved in the past 2 months. How does that happen? I went from getting up to make breakfast(s) before the bus to a quick walk with the pups. Less than half the laundry. Lots of quiet.
I miss the noise and confusion. I really thought that I would love the new independence that everybody growing up would bring. But, I confess, I miss the noise and the mess.
Still can't get motivated to make our space just for us yet. Still thinking about keeping things the same for "visits".
Cooking for 2 seemed like a wonderful idea except, some days, I don't have any ideas. How silly is that?
It is wonderful to know that the children (now grown ups) have embarked on new adventures; new lives; new jobs; new places. They make us proud to know them. They are all really and truly, Nice People. They are adults I would like to call friends; not just my kids.
At some point in raising children we have to let go (and I confess, that was tough for me; ask any of them), to let them find their ways in the world. Watching them all step up the next rung of the ladder that is life is awesome. They are making decisions and being responsible for their lives.
When the kids come home it is a party. Without exception, the noise and laughter prevails.
We are well and truly blessed to have them. But one little confession; this mom is a tiny bit lonely without them. Sigh....
I miss the noise and confusion. I really thought that I would love the new independence that everybody growing up would bring. But, I confess, I miss the noise and the mess.
Still can't get motivated to make our space just for us yet. Still thinking about keeping things the same for "visits".
Cooking for 2 seemed like a wonderful idea except, some days, I don't have any ideas. How silly is that?
It is wonderful to know that the children (now grown ups) have embarked on new adventures; new lives; new jobs; new places. They make us proud to know them. They are all really and truly, Nice People. They are adults I would like to call friends; not just my kids.
At some point in raising children we have to let go (and I confess, that was tough for me; ask any of them), to let them find their ways in the world. Watching them all step up the next rung of the ladder that is life is awesome. They are making decisions and being responsible for their lives.
When the kids come home it is a party. Without exception, the noise and laughter prevails.
We are well and truly blessed to have them. But one little confession; this mom is a tiny bit lonely without them. Sigh....
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween and knitting
I just love Halloween. Not to be scared, not for blood and gore, but for all of the lovely warm colors. Leaves, jack-o-lanterns, children's costumes and of course, candy corn. This year I have been treated or rather tricked by mother nature who decided to costume New England in white. Not a ghost costume mind you, but a blanket of snow two feet deep. Enough to plow! Enough to shovel, and enough to take down trees and power lines for hundreds of thousands. We in the Berkshires were spared much of the damage. Most of our leaves had fallen and so our friends and family less than 20 miles away are in the dark and it's cold. Tried to drive to family today only to be detoured and turned back at every possible access. I finally returned home and will try again tomorrow. In the meantime I knit. My fun project this Halloween season is a little tiny witch's hat. Knitted and felted and then embellished with needle felting, this little hat sits perkily on the top of a wine bottle. I have the pattern here to share. I hope you will enjoy making and gifting them as much as I did.
Witch’s Hat
Wine bottle topper
Materials: Black 100% wool. (not superwash).
Size 10 DPN’s
One stitch marker
Crochet hook or yarn needle for weaving in ends
Needle felting foam and needle,
Scraps of needle felting wool in your choice of colors
This little witch’s hat wine bottle topper is fast and easy to make. Once felted you can add little embellishments with needle felting scraps, beads or embroidery. Wonderful for a hostess gift of wine or for a bazaar craft table to make a couple of $. Please let people know that terryg shared this with you. Thanks. Happy Haunting.
CO 4 stitches.
I-cord one row,
I-cord next row and increase as follows: K1, kfb, across (6 stitches)
I-cord one more row.
Begin to I cord next row and place stitches onto total of 3 dpns. (2 stitches per needle).
Now you will work in rounds.
K two rounds
Next round: K1, kfb around for 9 stitches
K two rounds
K2, kfb around, (12 stitches)
K five rounds
K3 Kfb around (15 sts)
K two rounds
K4, Kfb around ( 18 sts)
K one round
K5, Kfb around (21 sts)
K one round
K3, Kfb around to last stitch, K1, (26 sts)
K one round
K4, Kfb around to last stitch, K1 (30 sts)
K one round, Purl one round, K one round, Bind off in Purl.
Weave in ends, felt and embellish as you wish. I needle felted the band and bow.
Witch’s Hat
Wine bottle topper
Materials: Black 100% wool. (not superwash).
Size 10 DPN’s
One stitch marker
Crochet hook or yarn needle for weaving in ends
Needle felting foam and needle,
Scraps of needle felting wool in your choice of colors
This little witch’s hat wine bottle topper is fast and easy to make. Once felted you can add little embellishments with needle felting scraps, beads or embroidery. Wonderful for a hostess gift of wine or for a bazaar craft table to make a couple of $. Please let people know that terryg shared this with you. Thanks. Happy Haunting.
CO 4 stitches.
I-cord one row,
I-cord next row and increase as follows: K1, kfb, across (6 stitches)
I-cord one more row.
Begin to I cord next row and place stitches onto total of 3 dpns. (2 stitches per needle).
Now you will work in rounds.
K two rounds
Next round: K1, kfb around for 9 stitches
K two rounds
K2, kfb around, (12 stitches)
K five rounds
K3 Kfb around (15 sts)
K two rounds
K4, Kfb around ( 18 sts)
K one round
K5, Kfb around (21 sts)
K one round
K3, Kfb around to last stitch, K1, (26 sts)
K one round
K4, Kfb around to last stitch, K1 (30 sts)
K one round, Purl one round, K one round, Bind off in Purl.
Weave in ends, felt and embellish as you wish. I needle felted the band and bow.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
climate change
Now I truly cannot understand folks declaring that climate change does not exist. Here we are, in the beginning of June and we have seen tornadoes pretty much all over the place. Missouri, Alabama, even Massachusetts. Record heat even here in New England and last night there were thunderstorms most of the night.
Perhaps climate change means more than one thing. The climate, as in our weather, is just one type of change. Climate in the middle east. Demands for change just another climate "of" change. Hm. Politics in the US have become obstructionist in a time when cooperation is vital. We have a president of incredible humanity and intelligence and the "opposition" obstructs even as their own supporters object to their actions.
I feel ashamed of these politicians who waste our time and treasure because they can't get past the "differences". Their veiled racism shame all of us. Get over your idiocy and get back to work.
All people want their social security. All people want medicare. You have pandered to the rich for long enough. Do the right thing for a change. Even many of the "rich" tell you that they would gladly pay their fair share and still you won't listen.
We need to stop wasting our time on the Sarah Palin's, Michelle Bachman's and Mark Sanfords of the world. Ms. Palin shouldn't be president as she actually QUIT her job as governor. She needs to be ignored and not followed. She's only in it for the money, the money, the money. She is making the press her dupes.
Americans of every political party used to take care of one another. Now some would hold hostage the funds for victims of floods and tornadoes to get what they want. What is that about? What has happened to our humanity?
You who would care more for oil company tax breaks than the health and welfare of your constituents are embarrassments. Your mothers would be ashamed of you.
I confess, I escape in my beads and yarns and try to work with good thoughts and prayers that would turn the hearts and minds of these narrow minded people. As I sit here and watch the evidence of climate change of all kinds I look for hope.
Perhaps climate change means more than one thing. The climate, as in our weather, is just one type of change. Climate in the middle east. Demands for change just another climate "of" change. Hm. Politics in the US have become obstructionist in a time when cooperation is vital. We have a president of incredible humanity and intelligence and the "opposition" obstructs even as their own supporters object to their actions.
I feel ashamed of these politicians who waste our time and treasure because they can't get past the "differences". Their veiled racism shame all of us. Get over your idiocy and get back to work.
All people want their social security. All people want medicare. You have pandered to the rich for long enough. Do the right thing for a change. Even many of the "rich" tell you that they would gladly pay their fair share and still you won't listen.
We need to stop wasting our time on the Sarah Palin's, Michelle Bachman's and Mark Sanfords of the world. Ms. Palin shouldn't be president as she actually QUIT her job as governor. She needs to be ignored and not followed. She's only in it for the money, the money, the money. She is making the press her dupes.
Americans of every political party used to take care of one another. Now some would hold hostage the funds for victims of floods and tornadoes to get what they want. What is that about? What has happened to our humanity?
You who would care more for oil company tax breaks than the health and welfare of your constituents are embarrassments. Your mothers would be ashamed of you.
I confess, I escape in my beads and yarns and try to work with good thoughts and prayers that would turn the hearts and minds of these narrow minded people. As I sit here and watch the evidence of climate change of all kinds I look for hope.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
I must say
It is difficult to decide just what to do next in the spring. I want to sit in the natural light and bead my fingers off. But then a little spring cleaning is most likely in order. Winter was a very long season here in the Berkshire Hills. I am grateful for the lovely day we have had even though the little black flies have emerged and are seeking our skin, so tender from being covered safely all winter.
I have discovered that I am quite addicted to French/Victorian Beaded Flowers. After making the bouquets for my daughter's wedding I have continued the craft and feel that I am improving the skill. My flowers are becoming more professional looking. Less loose spots. Using the correct wire and good quality beads seems to be a key to this little seen art form.
A niece-in-law is looking for some stems to add to her "real" flower bouquet for an August wedding. Tea roses and stephanotis were the order. I researched and even purchased a pattern or two for the stephanotis and then ended up working it out myself in a more palatable way for myself.
Beaded flowers are definitely a "practice makes perfect" thing. I use some patterns but then have found ways to work more comfortably as I go along. This is not a craft for someone who keeps a perfect manicure. Your hands take quite a beating sometimes. The process as well as the finished product is wonderfully satisfying. I will add photos here for people to see. Until then you will just have to take my word for it.
I have discovered that I am quite addicted to French/Victorian Beaded Flowers. After making the bouquets for my daughter's wedding I have continued the craft and feel that I am improving the skill. My flowers are becoming more professional looking. Less loose spots. Using the correct wire and good quality beads seems to be a key to this little seen art form.
A niece-in-law is looking for some stems to add to her "real" flower bouquet for an August wedding. Tea roses and stephanotis were the order. I researched and even purchased a pattern or two for the stephanotis and then ended up working it out myself in a more palatable way for myself.
Beaded flowers are definitely a "practice makes perfect" thing. I use some patterns but then have found ways to work more comfortably as I go along. This is not a craft for someone who keeps a perfect manicure. Your hands take quite a beating sometimes. The process as well as the finished product is wonderfully satisfying. I will add photos here for people to see. Until then you will just have to take my word for it.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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