Playing Catch-Up ...

Well, I finally got some pictures taken of some of the socks I knit ..

This is the Fidalgo Feet sock pattern knit up in Opal Uni-Solids #18. Unfortunately ... I only have one of the socks finished. The other one is half-way there ... but I knit these with a heel flap to carry the pattern down the heel ... and I HATE knitting heel flaps and picking up gusset stitches! I want new socks to wear, though ... so one day soon, I need to just finish the mate.




This is one of the pair I knit for my daughter. The pattern is Cascading Leaves from the Townsend Socks Knitalong ... Love this pattern! The yarn is some that I received in a bottle swap, and it was Kool-Aid dyed.




I know that these pics aren't great ... but I'm trying to just get back into posting again ...

And ... I have a confession to make ... I finally broke down and ordered some Woolie the Ram sock blockers from Chappy ... I had been wanting some for sooooo long! I hope to get them sometime this week ... Then I may have to do sock picture retakes ...

About Me ...

Thanks to Lisa ...
All the things you (N)ever wanted to know ...

TEN random things you might not know about me
1. I love Classic Country.
2. I was born and raised on a farm/ranch.
3. I love small-town living.
4. I am loyal to a fault and, therefore, get hurt easily.
5. I wouldn't change that for anything.
6. I like to write poetry, but until last week, hadn't written anything in years.
7. My biggest fear is the fear of rejection.
8. I am very stubborn.
9. I hate the heat! It is always easier to warm up than cool down.
10. I try to find the best in everyone.

NINE places I’ve visited
1. Georgia
2. Montana
3. Nebraska
4. Kansas
5. Washington
6. Oklahoma
7. Texas
8. Iowa
9. Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

EIGHT ways to win my heart
1. Be honest.
2. Respect me and my kids.
3. Make me laugh.
4. Accept my friends.
5. Understand me.
6. Love me unconditionally.
7. Make my dad smile.
8. Believe in God.

SEVEN things I want to do before I die
1. Visit the Opal yarn factory in Germany.
2. Go on a safari in Africa.
3. Be a good role model for my children.
4. Make sure that the people I love really know I love them.
5. Knit a sweater.
6. Be comfortable with myself.
7. Find true love.

SIX things I’m afraid of
1. Rejection.
2. Not making a difference.
3. Letting my kids down.
4. Letting my family down.
5. Letting my friends down.
6. Depression.

FIVE things I don't like
1. Onions.
2. Dishonesty.
3. Infidelity.
4. Shopping.
5. Society's view of "perfection."

FOUR ways to turn me off
1. Lie.
2. Think you are "all that."
3. Disrespect my family and/or friends.
4. Be prejudice.

THREE Things I do everyday
1. Pray.
2. Check my e-mail.
3. Hug my son and tell him I love him.

TWO things that make me happy
1. Knitting while watching a movie, with my son cuddled up beside me.
2. Making people smile.

ONE thing on my mind right now
1. Second chances ...

Guess who?!?!

Well ... I guess I was AWOL for quite some time ... I'll try to posting at least a little more often, but won't promise anything ... I hate to break promises ...

Still working on socks (of course) ... and just knit up and felted a little sheep from the Fiber Trends pattern this weekend.

If I can get my camera software to start working ... I'll try to post some pictures soon.

Isn't She ADORABLE!!!

To order your very own knitting bear,
Click Here! :)

passcode is "avon"

Item# is 049-360

Spearfish Sock

Finally! A picture of a FO! (Can one sock actually be considered an FO? ....)

Why Care?

I know that I have a really bad attitude right now, but sometimes I wonder why I should even care about people/things. You try to be there for someone when hardly anyone else is, and they just blow you off.

Maybe I'm just too sensitive, but I get tired of being walked on too, ya know?

I need to just try and remember that to the world I may be just one person ... but to one person I may be the world. I can make a difference.

It's just hard to remember when you're hurting ...

Blue Skies

Don't know why exactly, but I'm a little down today. I think it's cuz I'm at my office job. Go figure.

I want to send a big THANK YOU out to my Angel (SP4). I received a package from her last week that included a wonderful-smelling candle, a lovely windchime/suncatcher and two skeins of Lang Jawoll cotton. I have never tried this yarn before, but have been wanting, too. I want you to know just how much you brighten my days ...

Fixin' to go to lunch soon. Can't wait to get out of here for a while!

I Have An Announcement To Make ...

I'm soooo excited! My buddy Lisa is actually knitting socks! I think that's AWESOME! Please stop by her blog and give her your support! :) She's a great knitter, a magnificent painter, a wonderful mom and a super person all-around.

I had my first Quiet Places party last night. It was a little "rough around the edges," but overall -- a lot of fun. Just getting together with a group of girls to kick back and relax can be awesome. No kids, no worries, just friends and fellowship.

Then, to top the evening off, I logged on to my computer when I got home and read an e-mail my Secret Pal 4 had sent. It definitely reinforced my belief that I'm doing the right thing in working part-time at my "previously full-time" job, and pursuing my Avon and Quiet Places careers. Thank you very much, whoever you are ...

Update ...

I have got to start making blogging one of my priorities. I think it's good for me to get some thoughts out on "paper."

Well, pee-wee wrestling season has started again for us. This last Saturday was the first tournament, and Noah placed first. It's his third year of wrestling and he does really well. He's placed at every single tournament he's participated in, and has only gotten one 4th place. The rest have been 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Wrestling is probably my most-favorite sport, but the tournaments can be exhausting!

I'm still knitting away on socks. You know ... the mysterious ones that I never share pictures of! (I HAVE to rememdy that situation some day ....) I have about five pair I'm working on, but I also need to work up a couple pair of baby socks/booties.

I have several friends who are expecting soon, so I need to get my butt in gear. I've never made baby socks before. I'm thinking about a cute pattern in the Socks, Socks, Socks book. They're a cross between socks and booties, and have an interesting look to them. Very cute!

Well, I better get to work! More later. :)

Better Late Than Never ...

1. Total amount of music files on your computer? Not too many. My computer has so much other stuff on it, I deleted a lot of music files a while back to give me a little more room. My computer was running so slow, I couldn't even burn them to CD before I zapped them. Gotta love dial-up ...

2. The last CD you bought was: Salvador - Con Poder

3. What is the song you last listened to before reading this message? Not exactly sure. But I know the song that keeps going through my head ... "Over and Over" -- Nelly w/Tim McGraw.

4. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you: "18 With A Bullet" - an oldie and an old boyfriend's favorite song (still think of him and miss him and would love to talk to him again ...); "Angel Baby" - oldie version reminds me of my homies; "End of the World" - Skeeter Davis, just love that song; "Oooh Child" - olid version, can't remember who sings it, though; "Return to Innocence" - Enigma, some of my friends say they still think of me when they hear this played.

5. What 3 people are you going to pass this baton to and why?
(I had filled this out, but when I published the post, something ate it!!! I'll fill it out again later!)

SP 4 Questionnaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- and/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I am definitely not a yarn snob. But I LOVE sock yarn!!! :)
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I can crochet ... and cross stitch ... and do plastic canvas. But I don't do any of these anymore. I'm an exclusive knitter now!
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Flowery scents seem to bother me some these days. Other than that, I'm not allergic to anything. I love musky and/or spicy scents.
4. How long have you been knitting?
I've actually known how to knit for at least 15 years, but I didn't really start knitting until fall of 2003.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Not yet, but I'll keep you updated! ;)
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I like musky and/or spicy scents. I also like vanilla and pumpkin.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Sometimes I do ...
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
As I mentioned before, I know how to do many things, but am only focusing on knitting now.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I usually listen to Christian and Country music. My computer can play MP3s.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer?
I LOVE purple! If purple is not available, I tend to be drawn to deep colors ... navy, maroon, forest greens. I love the colors in the Mountain Colors Bearfoot colorways. Especially Thunderhead.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am a single mother of two. No pets right now (just my little monkeys!)
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
I am in the process of reaching one of my goals: To have Avon has my full-time job, main income. Beginning in February I will be working out of the home only 3 days a week. (accountant's office)
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Mountain Colors Bearfoot, Wildfoote, Kroy, Interlacements
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Does not apply. Love to try new things.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I would like to do a sock in entrelec! Socks are always my obsession!!!!
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Hmmmmm .... Socks!
17. What are you knitting right now?
Would it surprise you if I said socks? :) I'm also trying my hand at the Market Squares Bag ... my first attempt at entrelec.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
They don't really turn my head.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
Circular needles.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Bamboo or Addi-Turbos.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
You answer this one .... :)
22. How did you learn to knit?
My dad.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
Right now, only a month or so. I recently went through my projects and frogged anything I hadn't worked on for a while and didn't want to finish soon.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Winnie-the-Pooh is my absolute hero!
25. What is your favorite holiday?
I think I enjoy all holidays!
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Monkeys & sheep. Oh, and sock patterns and yarn! :)

To LadyKnitz: Yes, I got your e-mail. Thanks so much for checking in to say "hi." I'm feeling quite well today. And I actually have a couple of hours to myself this afternoon. I'm off to do some knitting and watch a movie! Hope you have a good afternoon!

Adios Abuela!

My grandma passed away Friday night, so I haven't been posting ... and probably won't this next week or so. Please keep me and my family in your prayers ...

Rise & Shine!

This is going to be a quick post, just to check in. I hope to make it back later in the day, but we'll see.

I started my Market Squares bag this weekend (knit-a-long). It's the first time that I've ever attempted entrelec, and I must say ... it's sort of fun! I know I've seen a couple of patterns for entrelec socks, and I think I'll have to try them soon!

I want to send extra special thanks out to Lisa and Patti ... their friendship and comments have meant an awful lot to me over the last few months. Please know how much you are appreciated ...

Happy New Year!

Okay. Breathe in ... breathe out ... I am going to be taking Simple Steps to enrich all parts of my life. This will include posting more regularly to my blog again. Even if it is only a few sentences a day.

I got the new book "Not Just Socks" yesterday. I think it's really great! I love socks (and there actually are a few basic sock patterns included), but I feel it's the perfect gift for the non-sock knitter, too! It's a way for any knitter to enjoy the wonderful assortment of available sock yarns.

Please Keep Me In Your Thoughts ...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. My prayer for you is to also have a safe New Year.

Just wanted to check in since it's been so long. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I hope to be back to posting more regularly soon!

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This is a test of the changes made to the layout.

CONGRATULATIONS!

First of all, I'd just like to thank all of you for taking the time to visit my blog and sharing your thoughts/feelings. I really appreciate your time.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Unfortunately (fortunately?) I didn't eat too much this Thanksgiving. I hadn't been feeling well for a few days before, so I just couldn't enjoy things like I normally would have. (It sure sounds good now, though ...)

As for the contest: I'm sorry I'm posting late. I just didn't feel up to posting this weekend. We do have a winner though.

And the winner is ....

... ALL OF YOU!

I will be working on e-mailing each of you today, but if you read this before I get you e-mailed, please get me your mailing address. I'm not sure what all the prizes will be still (and, mind you, they're nothing spectacular), but I hope to get all packages in the mail this week.

I hope you had all fun with this idea. I hope to have another contest soon.

As for knitting, I'm still working on my Cascading Leaves socks from the Townsend Sock Knitalong (see button on left). I'm on the cuff of the second sock, and hope to have it finished this week. I'm also still working on the pair of camo socks for my son.

It's amazing how much I didn't feel like knitting this weekend. And sad, too. Since now I'm back at work and WISH I was home knitting. Go figure!

Let Us Give Thanks!

Wow! It's been almost two weeks since my last post.

I definitely need to thank Kimberly for drawing my name in her recent contest for the new S&B Nation book. Love it! Thanks so much.

Also, I'm afraid that I never thanked Ann for the wonderful RAOK I received some time back. It included a knitting journal, ball of Sockotta, a package of hot chocolate and a card. Very sweet! It definitely made my day.

Lately, I've been in a little slump again. A little depressed at times. Wondering what I should be doing. For this reason, I've decided to make an effort to concentrate even more on the positive things in my life. I have so MUCH to be thankful for. My home, my kids, my family, my job .... Every morning that I wake up, every bird I hear singing, every laugh, every smile ....

Anyhow, I've decided to hold a contest. I'm not sure what the prize will be yet. And it will probably be a surprise until the recipient receives, but here's the deal:

If you would like to enter, please leave a comment telling me three things you are thankful for. Do a little soul-searching. What I'm hoping is that every one of you will benefit from this. I know there are many situations in life that can get in the way of our "happiness." But if we can all try to concentrate on the positive aspects, however small they may seem, just imagine how that can change our lives!

I will be taking "entries" until Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 25, 2004), and will announce the winner sometime on Friday.

I hope you all have a blessed day!

In the Knit of Things

To some it may seem a little scary, but I bet I'm thinking about knitting or knitting-related subjects at least 75% of the time. WOW! There are much worse addictions, don't you agree?

Okay. So I took a vacation from the socks I was re-knitting. Instead, I'm working on the Cascading Leaves pattern by Jeanie Townsend. WONDERFUL lady! If you are into knitting socks at all, you just HAVE to check out this group: Townsend Socks Knit Along.

I'm using a yarn that I received in a bottle swap a while back. It's working up great. My daughter had picked out the yarn for socks for her, and I think she will be very happy with the final product.

I had an Avon booth at a craft show this weekend. I think things went very well. If you've ever thought about selling Avon, or if you just love to use their products yourself, click on my link to the left for more information.

One Nation, Under God ...

I've read many blogs over the last couple of days where the author's thoughts on the election have been shared. Here is mine:

I voted for Bush. I believe he is a man of God. I believe he's made the best decisions that could have been made in the situations that have come up during the last four years. I believe that he is the right person to lead our country right now.

I must also say that, regardless of who was elected president, God is the one who is always in control. That's where I put my faith. Not in one man, one country ... but in God ...