Hello Everyone!
So I have a new blog on a new site. www.butterflyknit.com! I talk about knitting, yarn and a little about life in general. Hope you will join me.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Winter
So here is something I have been thinking about and wanted to share with all of you. Since it is now the end of February I better do it soon while it is still semi-relevant.
As I drive to work in the morning, part of my journey takes me through a road that winds through a forest. As I have been driving through the past cold and sometimes frosty months, I can't help but notice that it is winter. There isn't always snow, but there is cold and nature has spread winter everywhere. From the look of the bare trees and quiet that you can only get from listening to the cold. Like everything is sleeping. Not dead, as it does look out side, but sleeping. All the trees that have lost their leaves and now just have twigs and branches sticking out to wave hello in the in wind are just sleeping. They have worked hard over the summer to be green and beautiful and as they are still lovely in the calm of winter they are sleeping, getting ready to make more green leaves in the spring. The grass that surrounds them has either turned brown or died all together exposing the soil below. That too is sleeping, while it once served as a lovely place to walk or have a picnic or as a place for deer and rabbits to run through and eat, has served it purpose and is preparing to give way to new green grass while the people are bundled up inside and the animals are hibernating.
As I drive across the dull brown and tan landscape dotted with patches of orange, rust and red with a few scrapes of green I still marvel at the beauty of nature. How every few months she changes the color palate on us and this is the colors of winter. Of sleep. I also love how just when you are getting bored, she blows a cold snap through in the middle of the night so while you drive the next morning you can't help but notice that everything has the sparkle of frost, glistening on the grass like diamonds, even the air has a cool, fresh blue tint to it.
Now, as we are nearing the end of February, you can see nature is still sleeping, but give it a few more weeks and it will wake up! Nature will come out of its calm winter slumber and wake us all with its own alarm of chirping birds and fragrance of flowers, grass and life. Buds will begin to bloom and grow on trees, butterflies and bees will flutter and buzz about and birds will chirp in their new nests in the newly green trees. A new color palate will spring to life and a new smell and feel will be in the air.
For now, it is still winter and the trees are still bare and the air is still quiet, all just waiting to bloom into life.
As I drive to work in the morning, part of my journey takes me through a road that winds through a forest. As I have been driving through the past cold and sometimes frosty months, I can't help but notice that it is winter. There isn't always snow, but there is cold and nature has spread winter everywhere. From the look of the bare trees and quiet that you can only get from listening to the cold. Like everything is sleeping. Not dead, as it does look out side, but sleeping. All the trees that have lost their leaves and now just have twigs and branches sticking out to wave hello in the in wind are just sleeping. They have worked hard over the summer to be green and beautiful and as they are still lovely in the calm of winter they are sleeping, getting ready to make more green leaves in the spring. The grass that surrounds them has either turned brown or died all together exposing the soil below. That too is sleeping, while it once served as a lovely place to walk or have a picnic or as a place for deer and rabbits to run through and eat, has served it purpose and is preparing to give way to new green grass while the people are bundled up inside and the animals are hibernating.
As I drive across the dull brown and tan landscape dotted with patches of orange, rust and red with a few scrapes of green I still marvel at the beauty of nature. How every few months she changes the color palate on us and this is the colors of winter. Of sleep. I also love how just when you are getting bored, she blows a cold snap through in the middle of the night so while you drive the next morning you can't help but notice that everything has the sparkle of frost, glistening on the grass like diamonds, even the air has a cool, fresh blue tint to it.
Now, as we are nearing the end of February, you can see nature is still sleeping, but give it a few more weeks and it will wake up! Nature will come out of its calm winter slumber and wake us all with its own alarm of chirping birds and fragrance of flowers, grass and life. Buds will begin to bloom and grow on trees, butterflies and bees will flutter and buzz about and birds will chirp in their new nests in the newly green trees. A new color palate will spring to life and a new smell and feel will be in the air.
For now, it is still winter and the trees are still bare and the air is still quiet, all just waiting to bloom into life.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Busy Busy Busy
Wow, January has been a busy month. So sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but here is what is taking up all my time. And really, to be honest, I am always busy, but here are some highlights.
Knitting: I am going to CampKIP in April and getting SO excited about it! My friend and I are going together and we have been planning our road trip, I am also planning how much money I am going to bring and have gone on a mild No-Fiber diet until then. I am trying really really hard not to buy some sock yarn RIGHT NOW!
Mild No-Fiber diet meaning I am going to splurge at the DFW Fiber Fair in March. I went last year, so much yarn! I got so distracted, I have to remember to pace myself this year, I think I may even go with a shopping list.
Ok, I know those two have nothing to do with projects but its yarn and knitting related so I put them in there. On actual projects, I am still working on the Daybreak Shawl. I'm on the 3rd part and it is coming out so pretty. One thing I don't like about shawls is the rows just get longer. It's taking me about 20 minutes to do one row. It will be worth it though.
I am also still working on the Acer Cardigan but I have put that on hold because all my 32 inch needles are taken up and as soon as I get done with the Daybreak, I will put on the button band which is what I need the 32 inch needles for.
Ok, I have the Knit Picks Harmony Interchangeables and only 2 32 inch cords and yes, those cord are on other projects. Btw, if anyone is even remotely thinking of getting a set of interchangeables, any brand, I highly recommend them, they are a lifesaver and awesome. I really like my Knit Picks Harmony's too.
I also started working on the Stockinette Stitch Shrug by Lion Brand Yarn, I am using Stone Hedge Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool in Midnight Lake, it is this beautiful soft worsted weight yarn in deep brown. I bought it in Michigan a few years ago and had to get it because it is Michigan yarn. I also really wanted to make a shrug. I bought a shrug at a store a few years ago and love it and get nothing but compliments every time I wear it so I thought I should make myself another one.
This pattern is pretty easy, and great for taking along to knit group when I really want to talk and not have to concentrate on my knitting or the pattern so much. So far, the shrug is about 3 inches long.
Epic Fail: My Raspberry Ale Messenger Bag, I had it all sewn together and got cocky and didn't felt it right, it felted for sure but didn't shrink. I ran it threw the washer twice but all it ended up doing was shedding red puffs all over everywhere, I am still finding them around the house. I just threw it away.
Cooking: As we speak, I have Orange Chicken going in the Slow Cooker. It smells so good, I may need to thicken up the sauce a but, but that shouldn't be too bad, I plan on serving it with scallion rice.
Bob and I also celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary 2 weeks ago and in celebration I made his favorite meal of Bangers and Mash, we got some really good sausages at Whole Foods in the City (Oklahoma City) it was delicious and a wonderful anniversary.
Fitness: I am doing pretty good on eating right, I am getting myself to like Oatmeal, since forever, I have never liked oatmeal, but it is really good for you and fills you up, its great especially if you are trying to watch or loose weight. I found if I just don't put as much water in it is good, I also sometime add nuts for crunch. I also signed up for a Boot Camp at the gym by my work with a co-worker. It is kicking my but it is awesome. Lots of fun and I can feel a difference. Its also great to have a teammate to help you along. A lot of my other co-workers are doing it also and we also go to the gym at lunch. Great motivation.
Addictions: My new favorite addiction is Pinterest.com I love that site, that is where I got the recipe for the Orange Chicken and there are a few other things on there I want to make and do. If you haven't already, check it out and sign up.
Not much traveling, plus, this post is already getting long, I will report back soon with any other fun stuff I get myself into
Talk to you all soon.
Knitting: I am going to CampKIP in April and getting SO excited about it! My friend and I are going together and we have been planning our road trip, I am also planning how much money I am going to bring and have gone on a mild No-Fiber diet until then. I am trying really really hard not to buy some sock yarn RIGHT NOW!
Mild No-Fiber diet meaning I am going to splurge at the DFW Fiber Fair in March. I went last year, so much yarn! I got so distracted, I have to remember to pace myself this year, I think I may even go with a shopping list.
Ok, I know those two have nothing to do with projects but its yarn and knitting related so I put them in there. On actual projects, I am still working on the Daybreak Shawl. I'm on the 3rd part and it is coming out so pretty. One thing I don't like about shawls is the rows just get longer. It's taking me about 20 minutes to do one row. It will be worth it though.
I am also still working on the Acer Cardigan but I have put that on hold because all my 32 inch needles are taken up and as soon as I get done with the Daybreak, I will put on the button band which is what I need the 32 inch needles for.
Ok, I have the Knit Picks Harmony Interchangeables and only 2 32 inch cords and yes, those cord are on other projects. Btw, if anyone is even remotely thinking of getting a set of interchangeables, any brand, I highly recommend them, they are a lifesaver and awesome. I really like my Knit Picks Harmony's too.
I also started working on the Stockinette Stitch Shrug by Lion Brand Yarn, I am using Stone Hedge Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool in Midnight Lake, it is this beautiful soft worsted weight yarn in deep brown. I bought it in Michigan a few years ago and had to get it because it is Michigan yarn. I also really wanted to make a shrug. I bought a shrug at a store a few years ago and love it and get nothing but compliments every time I wear it so I thought I should make myself another one.
This pattern is pretty easy, and great for taking along to knit group when I really want to talk and not have to concentrate on my knitting or the pattern so much. So far, the shrug is about 3 inches long.
Epic Fail: My Raspberry Ale Messenger Bag, I had it all sewn together and got cocky and didn't felt it right, it felted for sure but didn't shrink. I ran it threw the washer twice but all it ended up doing was shedding red puffs all over everywhere, I am still finding them around the house. I just threw it away.
Cooking: As we speak, I have Orange Chicken going in the Slow Cooker. It smells so good, I may need to thicken up the sauce a but, but that shouldn't be too bad, I plan on serving it with scallion rice.
Bob and I also celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary 2 weeks ago and in celebration I made his favorite meal of Bangers and Mash, we got some really good sausages at Whole Foods in the City (Oklahoma City) it was delicious and a wonderful anniversary.
Fitness: I am doing pretty good on eating right, I am getting myself to like Oatmeal, since forever, I have never liked oatmeal, but it is really good for you and fills you up, its great especially if you are trying to watch or loose weight. I found if I just don't put as much water in it is good, I also sometime add nuts for crunch. I also signed up for a Boot Camp at the gym by my work with a co-worker. It is kicking my but it is awesome. Lots of fun and I can feel a difference. Its also great to have a teammate to help you along. A lot of my other co-workers are doing it also and we also go to the gym at lunch. Great motivation.
Addictions: My new favorite addiction is Pinterest.com I love that site, that is where I got the recipe for the Orange Chicken and there are a few other things on there I want to make and do. If you haven't already, check it out and sign up.
Not much traveling, plus, this post is already getting long, I will report back soon with any other fun stuff I get myself into
Talk to you all soon.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
On A Good Note
OK, I've calmed down, and finally got pictures sent to my Mother-in-Law. I guess the trick is to sign in while you are playing on Pinterest in another window. I also managed to revive my ipod and am currently downloading more podcasts. I gave my camera to Bob for him to download photos and video to share. I will post later.
However, it was a FABULOUS New Years and I will tell you all about it when I have pictures to illustrate.
In the meantime. I am still digesting a delicious dinner, I made Chili Cheese Fries. With homemade oven fries and turkey chili, it was soo good. I even drizzled the potatoes in some olive oil, salt and garlic powder which made them extra yummy.
On the knitting front, I am still working on my Acer Cardigan by Amy Christoffers I got the first sleeve done on New Year's Eve in Tulsa and the second one cast on. I got through the cuff and am about to start increasing the stiches but put the project aside to cast on for my Daybreak Shawl by Stephen West, that my friend and I are doing together for our trip to CampKIP this April. I am so excited about it, the place looks beautiful and I am really excited to hang out with and get to know other knitters from around the country for 3 days. I am also thinking about what I am going to bring in terms of hand knits. So far, the Daybreak shawl, Acer Cardigan and Raspberry Wheat Ale Messenger Bag by Kate Chiocchio from the book, Pints & Purls: Portable Projects for the Social Knitter
by Karida Collins and Libby Bruce. (Yes, I'm citing my sources, I believe in giving credit where credit is due. Plus its just nice and good.)
I have the pieces blocked for the messenger bag, and I plan on sewing it together and felting it this weekend.
Anyway, It is time for bed! I will talk to you all later.
However, it was a FABULOUS New Years and I will tell you all about it when I have pictures to illustrate.
In the meantime. I am still digesting a delicious dinner, I made Chili Cheese Fries. With homemade oven fries and turkey chili, it was soo good. I even drizzled the potatoes in some olive oil, salt and garlic powder which made them extra yummy.
On the knitting front, I am still working on my Acer Cardigan by Amy Christoffers I got the first sleeve done on New Year's Eve in Tulsa and the second one cast on. I got through the cuff and am about to start increasing the stiches but put the project aside to cast on for my Daybreak Shawl by Stephen West, that my friend and I are doing together for our trip to CampKIP this April. I am so excited about it, the place looks beautiful and I am really excited to hang out with and get to know other knitters from around the country for 3 days. I am also thinking about what I am going to bring in terms of hand knits. So far, the Daybreak shawl, Acer Cardigan and Raspberry Wheat Ale Messenger Bag by Kate Chiocchio from the book, Pints & Purls: Portable Projects for the Social Knitter
by Karida Collins and Libby Bruce. (Yes, I'm citing my sources, I believe in giving credit where credit is due. Plus its just nice and good.)
I have the pieces blocked for the messenger bag, and I plan on sewing it together and felting it this weekend.
Anyway, It is time for bed! I will talk to you all later.
Technology Hates Me Today
Technology and I are not getting along, I don't understand it, I have always been a loyal follower and preacher of technology. Despite my inner yearning to make homemade yogurt and cheese. I love technology! Because while I make my homemade yogurt and cheese, I want to be listening to music on my ipod while reading the recipe off a cookbook on my Kindle Fire all while counting calories on my Calorie Counter app on my Samsung Galaxy SII phone. And yes I know, I can do all three of these on my phone or Kindle or Ipod.
Anywho, technology for some reason has decided it hates me today. It all started this morning at work when I decided I wanted to listen to a podcast on my ipod. My ipod DIED! I thought, OK, maybe I forgot to lock it last night and the battery drained, however, I did try to restart it just in case. I charged it when I got home and still nothing, restarting is still not working. So long ipod, I think I need to get a new one. And just when I wanted to save money. And I know you are saying, Alexis, you have this fancy phone, can't you listen to music and news on that? Well, yes I can, with a reliable 4G or wireless signal. Neither of with I have in my office.
Second, I really wanted to tell you about my amazing New Year's weekend that Bob and I had in Tulsa. Complete with pictures and video. Alas, every once and awhile my camera and my computer don't communicate and I'm sorry, I was unable to load any pictures tonight. To let you see or to put on facebook.
Third, I have some pictures that I took while in Michigan that my Mother-in-Law has been patiently waiting for and is now begging. So I try to log into Kodak.com where I uploaded them with the intention of having prints sent to her house. But it is taking forever and freezing my computer to log on. So now I will probably just put them back on a jump drive and take them to CVS this weekend where I will print them myself and get a photo mailer.
Ok, I'm tired and cranky and going to get to the bottom of this ipod issue before I break out the old credit card and buy a new one. Yes, I need my ipod!
I promise you, I will be in a better mood later and tell you all about the fabulous New Year's complete with pictures soon.
Have a great night and hug your portable devices. Make sure they know they are loved.
Anywho, technology for some reason has decided it hates me today. It all started this morning at work when I decided I wanted to listen to a podcast on my ipod. My ipod DIED! I thought, OK, maybe I forgot to lock it last night and the battery drained, however, I did try to restart it just in case. I charged it when I got home and still nothing, restarting is still not working. So long ipod, I think I need to get a new one. And just when I wanted to save money. And I know you are saying, Alexis, you have this fancy phone, can't you listen to music and news on that? Well, yes I can, with a reliable 4G or wireless signal. Neither of with I have in my office.
Second, I really wanted to tell you about my amazing New Year's weekend that Bob and I had in Tulsa. Complete with pictures and video. Alas, every once and awhile my camera and my computer don't communicate and I'm sorry, I was unable to load any pictures tonight. To let you see or to put on facebook.
Third, I have some pictures that I took while in Michigan that my Mother-in-Law has been patiently waiting for and is now begging. So I try to log into Kodak.com where I uploaded them with the intention of having prints sent to her house. But it is taking forever and freezing my computer to log on. So now I will probably just put them back on a jump drive and take them to CVS this weekend where I will print them myself and get a photo mailer.
Ok, I'm tired and cranky and going to get to the bottom of this ipod issue before I break out the old credit card and buy a new one. Yes, I need my ipod!
I promise you, I will be in a better mood later and tell you all about the fabulous New Year's complete with pictures soon.
Have a great night and hug your portable devices. Make sure they know they are loved.
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