{knit} me {something}

Last night {on facebook} I declared knitting season officially open ! {in our home}
And then I sat with Rory and watched Masterchef {love that show !!}
and Mentalist {Patrick Jane makes me laugh !!}
and knit this little handbag for Alia.
FUN ! I love that it's finally cool
enough to knit again !!
HIP HIP HOO
RAY !!
!!

Library Love

We love the library ! Love love it !!
We visit once a week. Every week. Always.
Ok ... maybe a couple of times a year we don't make it
but it's totally an exception ... and we hate it when it happens !



Come in and sit down ... I'll give
you a little look at what we got this week !
And a few from last week ... and possibly the week before !
Our library lets you keep books for a looooong time !
And you can renew online ...
I LOVE THAT !!

Especially with cook books because I like to keep them as long as possible !

And Alia's books ...
Except for the science experiment one ... that's Jono's.



But it
wasn't with his
other ones. The ones he
keeps beside his bed .... and
reads at night in the 45 minutes he
spends in his room after Alia goes to bed,
but before his bedtime. Also what I often come in
and find him reading in the wee hours of the morning.
Those quiet hours that I love around here. The still. The quiet.
The soft lights. The freshness of the rising sun and gentle waking hours.



Come join me as I share with you a few of my favorite finds !

I love books with photos. Like this one ... about Monet ...



... my favorite painter ...



I picked this one up out of curiosity.
I read it today and it totally cracks me up.
Did you know that there is such a thing as knit graffiti ?
People covering the earth with knitted items ... HILARIOUS !!



... this is my favorite ...



... imagine knitting enough to cover a bus ...

WOW !

**

More library love tomorrow ...

Will you come back ?

{crook}

crook
–adjective
Australian
1. sick or feeble.
2. ill-humored; angry.
3. out of order; functioning improperly.
4. unsatisfactory; disappointing.

I am definition # 1 today

(sore throat)

and

it's raining

I'm glad it's raining, though, because that means that the 3, oh no, wait, 2 loads of washing that I hung on the line yesterday will get an extra rinse ! The 3rd load ... it's still in the machine because I never got to hanging it ! I'll just wash it again next week when the rain stops. No biggie. Hope it doesn't go moldy before then ...

Maybe I am also part A. of definition #2 as well. :)

It's best then that I spend the day here ...

drinking plenty of this ...

being kept warm under the afghan and snuggling with her ...



i'll start some squares ...



and be thankful that the rain is watering our blooming magnolias !



yeah ... that sounds good ...

Feeling Artsy Crafty ...

I got out the oil pastels the other day ... before I packed them into boxes !
I played around for a bit.
Didn't finish anything worth keeping except these photos.
None the less, it was fun playing ...

Speaking for fun.
I've got a few fun links for you.
Just a few artsy crafty gems I've found around about blogland this week.
Check 'em out !!

How cute is this ?? Oh my ... I'm totally going to make one after we move !!

My bloggy friend Sandra is having a give away with some of her cute cute CUTE crocheted items. Pop over and comment to enter her Spring Giveaway before Easter !

And here's another one from REINVENTED ... a candlestick and a plate ... who'd have thought to do this with them ? Seriously, I love this blog and her ideas !

~~

I've completed another couple of knitted items.
I'm loving these little dishcloths.
This only took me a couple of hours and I experimented with a little embroidered flower.
You can find the pattern for this here, once you become my friend on Ravelry.



I whipped this little beauty up last night !
I made it up.
Can you believe it ?
Ok ... maybe you can, it was pretty simple.
But, I was (still am) pretty impressed that this came from my brain to my fingers and made the needles make this without a pattern !!



It's a little purple purse.
Perfect for a mobile phone or camera.



It used up all the fluffy purple yarn I had left over from my fluffy purple scarf.
And it only took me 2 hours to make.
I know because I did it during an double episode of NCIS !



See how fluffy ?
So soft !!



And how perfect for my mobile ...

PS ... the button is not functional. Just decorative.
The next one I'm going to try to make a flap ...

Of Banana Bread, Dishcloths, and Angels ...

I have been one busy lady today and it's only noon !
This morning I woke to the sound of pouring rain and my husband still home !
It's his Saturday to work but he didn't have to because of the rain !!
Jono's soccer game was cancelled too.
Disappointing for Jono but it's timely for us to have a Saturday at home !
After enjoying a delicious breakfast of banana bread, baked by my amazing husband,
and various hot drinks*, Rory took the kids out shopping.
Don't know what they're shopping for but I'll give you a little hint ...
Monday is my birthday !!
While they've been out, I've been packing like a crazy lady !
Seriously.
Busy and Crazy.
All in one half a day !

~~

* Rory makes the kids little 'coffees' that are just frothed milk with chocolate on top ...
that is the drink you see in the photo !
Cute, eh ?
Have I mentioned lately that this man is amazing ?

~~

I've got to show you my quickie little project that I've whipped up in the past two days !
I think the next one I do will be quicker and can probably be done in one sitting.
I think this took me about 2 - 3 hours total.



It's a dishcloth.
Not that I'm going to use something so pretty on dishes !
It will probably hang somewhere near my sink in our new kitchen ...
but for decoration purposes only.
At least for now.
I'll probably start using them once I've made a few !



It is a really basic knitting pattern.
Great for a beginning knitter like myself.
Great because it's easy and great because I feel like a professional
being able to make holes around the edges like that !!
ha ha.

You can find the pattern on my Ravelry page.



Do you like my angel ?
Isn't she the prettiest thing ?
I just love her.
Not because she is pretty, although that is good too.
I love the memories she brings.
She was a gift to me from my friend Kristine.
She, so very thoughtfully, gave her to me years ago when my Mom was diagnosed with cancer.
The diagnosis was hard enough but to be in Australia while Mom was in Colorado ...
Even harder.
When I look at this angel now, I think of so many things.
I think of Kris.
I think of Mom and the miracle of her being cancer free.
I think of angels, which makes me think of heaven, which makes me think of God.
An of how thankful I am that He holds it all together ...
I think of these things, all of them, and I smile.

What makes you smile ??

A Day In The Life ....

The water lilies are out !! I love water lilies !! They are so beautiful ! I saw them out as I was driving the other morning and decided to stop. I nearly fell in trying to get some close ups of them with my little digi camera. Ahhh, one day ... one day I'll have a DSLR that I can fit our big lense to and be able to take amazing close ups from far away ! One day ... but not today !

Anyway, after stopping to visit with the murky pond that contained the beautiful flowers, I decided to photograph the rest of the day and take you on a 'typical bonnie day' ... if there is such a thing. No two days are alike for me. I do have a basic routine but it often gets adjusted because I'm flexible like that ... :)

So ... come on ... let me take you through my day ... don't mind the strange pose ... that's just me trying to take a photo of myself. I'm looking up at the sky because I always look ridiculous when I look at the camera. I'm not sure this was much better but it was the best I could come up with !!

Good thing I got into the car when I did because it started to drizzle just as I opened the door to get in ! AND by the time I reached the library, it was pouring ! Not to worry, I got a park close to the door and lugged my enormous bag of books to the return shoot.

I got my forms signed by the JP (forms for the house !!!) Of course, I couldn't go past the cookbooks without stopping to look and I had a look at the craft books while I was waiting my turn for the JP. Do you think I could leave that place empty handed ? Not a chance. Not when FREE BOOKS are involved ! I never make it out of the library without a bag full !!

But, come on. I've got to get to work. I just need to do a couple of hours for the fund raiser that we are having on the weekend. Oh dear ... construction. Don't know why I always forget this is happening ! I can't wait til it is finished. It's going to be a great improvement on the old road !

Phew. Made it. Here's my office. Come on in. I just need to work for a bit and then we can stop for some lunch. I'm going to order a sandwich from the cafe. You want something too ? My treat ...

Mmmmm ... turkey and cranberry !! Good choice !

I'm not quite finished with what I need to do but I'm frustrated because it's not working properly so I'm going to leave it and come in for a couple of hours tomorrow. Plus, Toni is on her way to my house to visit so we'd better head off ....

Here we are ... Home !

I'll just throw on a load of laundry ...

You still here ?

Sorry, I had to leave you for a bit. Toni was visiting. She helped me hang up the laundry, did a bit of knitting while I read a few of my new cookbooks. We walked to the school to get the kids and then came back to my place to hang out til soccer practice. I would have introduced you but ... I forgot ! Next time ...

I did get this incredibly cute photo of a cheeky grasshopper while she was here ... did you see it yesterday ?

It's almost time for soccer practice ... let's head on over.

I'm going to read some cookbooks, chat with the other ladies and watch Jono practice for an hour.

Home again. Jono's in the shower now. Alia's finished hers and is into her pj's. Rory is home but has to go out again. Excuse me for a bit while I lay on the bed and chat with him while he gets ready.

Dinner was supposed to be in the crock put but I didn't get home in time to get it started so it's not done. Rory's going to be out til late so I think I'll just run up to the fish and chips shop. The kids and I will share an order of calamari and chips. Cheap. Easy. Tasty. Not something we do very often ....

I'd better head the kids towards bed. Jono will read for a bit while I do Alia's book with her. She loves it and I so enjoy having dedicated time to talk with each of them, especially on a day like today when it's just been go go go. Jono's book is next. And then I'll let him read a bit more. He's getting that bit older now where he can stay up a little bit later ... plus, I just love that he loves to read and want him to do as much of it as possible !!

You thirsty ? Want something to drink ? I'm going to have some ice water and head into the family room. Actually, I think I'll just check my email first. And that's right. I wanted to post this photo too. I'll just do that. And yeah, I think I'll play a bit of bejewelled blitz on facebook. And I'll just check my google reader to see what everyone has been up to. Blogs read, comments made, emails read but NOT RESPONDED TO ( really need to do that ... they're backing up !! ), game played, eyes bugging out ... I'm heading to the family room.

Come on.

Get out your knitting needles. Or if you like you could just watch the TV. I've got it on for a while tonight. And I think Rory wants to watch some football later too ...

Yep, he does. It's 11:30 and his game is starting. I'm too tired. I can barely keep my eyes open to walk to the bed. Plus ... football doesn't do it for me !!! Unless you want to hang out and watch with him, it is probably time for you to go home ! Thanks for sharing my day ... hope you enjoyed it as much as I did !!

Good Night !!

Needles and Tea

For me, slowing down is not about doing less things.
Sure, I'm careful with how many activities the kids are involved in.
As well as how many I am involved in.
Come to think of it, Rory is too.
We both do our best to protect our time and use it wisely.

For me, slowing down (lately) has been about slowing down the super highway that is my brain !
It has been making the choice to knit and sip lovely fruit and herb teas in the evening,
rather than sit at my computer jumping from blog to blog.
It has been about not always having the TV on.

Last night, after Rory and the children were fast asleep, my mind was still racing.
I got up.
Usually I'd make my way to the computer.
Or, at the very least, turn on the tv.
But ... I didn't.
I just sat and knit.
And thought.
And talked to God.
And listened.
And enjoyed the rain and the quiet and my kitty cat snuggled up against me.

And do you know, when my mind finally settled.
When the excitement of the day softened.
When my eyes became tired.
I put down my knitting, went to bed, and in the silence of my mind, I was able to sleep.
Sweet, peaceful sleep.

And so this for me is a choice.
A choice,
that if I am wise,
I will make more often than not.

Too Tired ...

I'm exhausted ! It's been a busy few days and I've not had much time to stop. This afternoon I was planning to do my menu and do the grocery shopping. I didn't. I pulled a tupperware full of frozen spaghetti sauce that I'd cooked two weeks ago out of the freezer and heated that up for dinner. I did a quick run to the grocery store for lunch stuff. Tomorrow I'll tackle the menu planning and a full shop !

The rest of the afternoon I spent chatting with Rory and then knitting. I finally made a mug cosy. This was such a simple pattern !! Only took me about 1/2 an hour from start to finish ! I've already started my next project and I plan to sit and knit for another hour or two tonight ... Seriously, I'm THAT tired !

Let The List Making Begin !!!

If you know me well in real life, or are a long time reader of my blog, you will know that I am a list maker. I have lists for everything ! Beyond just lists ... I have books of lists !! Seriously, sometimes I feel like I need a list to keep track of my lists ! You can only imagine that the thought of moving in 30 days has kicked my list making into overdrive ! Actually, it's not as bad as it could (and probably will) be !! Ha.

My friend Toni keeps insisting that I do a "30 days of packing" series. I've been thinking about her suggestion and think I will do something along those lines. I do not intend to be packing for 30 days though so I think I'll call it "30 days of moving house" ....

I'll take you along on the journey of moving from this house to the next. I can't guarantee that it will be 30 days, or that it will be exciting (ha ha !!) but I'll try to include hints and tips. Photos and systems. And keep you informed. I'll probably for sure be asking questions too ! One thing I love about blogging is the wealth of knowledge out there !! You all are such a great resource and you better believe I'll be tapping into it !! :)

First question is this ... where do you get boxes for moving ? Does anyone have any suggestions ? Any great resources ? Any boxes they don't need any more ....

I'm going to be hitting up my favorite fruit shop because they always have a great big stack of boxes out the front that you are able to take. I'm going to go to a big electrical store that has boxes out back that you can take as well. I'll see what I can get from the grocery store and I already got one from work ... we bought a new microwave and I scored the box !!

So ... wanna see my scarf ? I finally finished the one I started in Colorado !! I like it. What do you think ? Of the scarf ... not of the photo of me wearing it !! Do you know how hard it is to take a good photo of yourself ????

I almost just posted this one ... my three finished scarves sitting on the dresser in our bedroom ! My scarves don't have a home yet. But ... I'm not real interested in giving them one here since we will be moving soon !!!!!!

Well, friends, I must bring this post to a close ! I'm off to knit some more !! I had to pull my shawl out. I dropped a stitch and couldn't figure out how to fix it !! Eeeek ! I hate that about being a beginner knitter !! Oh well ... I won't be a beginner forever !

Don't forget ... boxes ... suggestions ....

And I'll see you back here tomorrow for Perspective: The World As My Kids See It ...

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ Week 3

Hosted by Sandra at 'Diary of A Stay at Home Mom'

On my bedside table:
My Bible

On my TV:
It's turned off.

On the menu for tonight:

Spinach and Tofu Lasagna ... an old favorite.
Ya'll are going to have to try it once I post the recipe to the beans blog later in the week!!
It's soooo delicious !

On my To Do List:

• The car has another appointment with the mechanic. There were a few things they needed parts for that they couldn't fix last week.
• Swimming. I'm aiming for 1 km again.
• Having coffee with a friend at one of my favorite bakeries !
• I'm going to do some house work.
  
• I hope to do some baking.
• AND ......... we're putting an offer on a house today !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  

New Recipe I tried last week:
Israeli Cous Cous Salad

In the craft basket:
I finished my purple scarf !!
I'm still working on a baby blanket for Alia's baby. Shhhhh .... don't tell her, she doesn't know !
My shawl is underway ...

Looking forward to:
The owners of our new house accepting our offer !! Here's hoping ...

Homemaking Tip for this week:

Read everyone else who participates in Sandra's Happy Homemaker Monday to get good tips ! That's a tip ... a good one !! It's the best I can do !! ha ha

Favorite Blog Post of the week (mine or other):
The Sea and The Scarf by Angie at Bring The Rain
It's a long one so get a cup of tea before you go visit ! It's well worth the read though ... her whole blog is ! If you haven't visited Angie before, I suggest you do.

Favorite photo from last week:

From my 'I Love Gadgets' post ...

Lesson learned the past few days:
Waiting patiently has it's benefits.

On my Prayer List:
The offer on the house !!!
Amy's friend Noelle
Vikki's friend Regina

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
Psalm 1 ...

Particularly the first part of verse 3 'He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season ...' Got me thinking about trees. And fruit. And how we often expect for the things we do to 'yield fruit' straight away ! But ... trees have to be planted, watered, exposed to sunlight, and grow (sometimes for a significant period of time) before they yield fruit !

I'm still thinking on this but it has been an encouragement to me this week ....

Sharing Purple

I've finished the fluffy purple scarf.
This one was so simple to do.
And the yarn was so fluffy and soft.
I really enjoyed the process !

Tonight, I start a shawl !
For real this time ...

Sharing the Humble Hair Band

If you ever find yourself driving with your side mirror hanging by one piece of metal,
not enough metal to hold it on properly,
just too much metal that you can't get the bloomin' thing off (!!),
a hair band will hold it on until you can get it fixed.

I speak from experience.

Today has been a contemplative day for me.
Thinking about my life.

I've been feeling like I need to make some changes.
I've been thinking about those changes today.

I've decided on a few things that, I think, will help me feel a bit more balanced.
I may share some of them with you in the weeks to come.
As I work through them ...



The kids and I spent the afternoon at the beach with a friend and her three boys.
They played on the playground ... we knitted and crocheted.
They swam ... we took photos.
And then knitted and crocheted ... well ... more crocheting than knitting at that point.



Alia said the sweetest thing in the car on the way home.
I came in half way through the conversation but I'm guessing they'd had a disagreement.
Jono was saying "but will you still come to the fence to see me ?"
(he goes to her playground at lunch time to see her ... he's not allowed in so she comes to the fence to say hello)
Alia said "of course I will Jono, you're still my friend ... and you know, I'll ALWAYS forgive you."

I love that about Alia's heart !



Ok.
So, last night I was going to start a shawl.
It was tooooooo hard.
I need to get a second kind of yarn to knit in with the super slippery stuff that I was using !
Instead I started on a new scarf.
This yarn is the softest thing I've ever felt.
Well ... as far as scarfs go anyway.
It is sooooo soft.
I just love it.
It's obviously not finished.
Maybe I should just leave it as is and start a new trend where you wear the knitting needles ?
Maybe not.
I should be finished with this one tonight !

And with that, I'll be off.

Have you had your kids out shooting pictures for tomorrow ??
It's Friday ... which means we'll be seeing the world through the eyes of our kids !!
I hope you will join us ...

See you then !