Morning Views

 

My Sweater

I've begun Bombshell from Big Girl Knits in GGH Bel Air, Teal I got into the 5 of 7 balls, but then realized I had done too much short row bust shaping, so rip rip rip I need to do. Of course, I realized this at about 9:30 pm on Sunday, so it sits until I can devote a little more time to it.

Bag Project - Part One

While on vacation this summer, I was inspired by a felted purse in the one yarn shop I was in. An idea developed - I would knit the bag bodies and felt them, I would then send them to Jess, and she would work her magic with leather handles and beautiful leather and metal adornments. Here you see the first bag, pre-felting. I've begun the second bag body, in a similar palette. 

Finished Shawl/Scarf

Bamboo yarn - so soft and easy to knit. A simple chevron lace pattern. About 20" x 40" blocked. It's for my mom's birthday. 

Current Books

I've got a couple of things on my plate. To scratch my academic itch, I've begun reading Modern Architecture Since 1900. I don't have much to say about it yet, since I've only read the introduction (which I only do with about 25% of books).

I've also begun Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I'm enjoying it very much (thanks for the loan, Kel). Since I've developed the skill of reading while knitting, I've been able to work through much more of both than I have in the past. It also helps that I've been trying to keep the idiot box off, with the exception of specific programs (Project Runway, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report, plus a little real news in the am.)

Enough media advertisement for now. One more knitting project below.

New Scarf

Aqua Mohair lace scarf, approximately 4" by 72" very light. I still need to block it properly.

Preview

I did manage to photograph a number of my completed and in-progress knitting projects this weekend. I will be doing an image dump most likely tomorrow, so be on the look out for that.

I finished reading John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany this weekend - I highly recommend it! I also learned to play Nerts, which is pretty decent as far as card games are concerned.

Hearing the truth is as important as speaking it

My parents taught me to tell the truth, and I still do. I feel icky inside when I don't (that's my gut talking, something else my folks brought my attention to). I don't find it difficult to tell the truth, but in my experience, others are not interested in the truth. It is sometimes hard for me to hear the truth about myself, but I am better for the listening. When it is something negative, I work to improve. Which lead me to the title of today's blog - Hearing the truth is as important as speaking it. A quick internet search yielded this useful biblical reference.

Communication is in two parts - speaking (not only the words themselves, but also body language, intonation, eye contact) and listening (not only hearing the words, but not simply waiting your turn to speak, reading other cues from the speaker (see above) ). To speak the truth to a party not listening does not mean the truth should not be spoken. Conversely, the speaker may not speak the truth, but their other means of communication will reveal themselves to the successfull listener.

Is YOUR mug on an album cover?

I just found out (purely by accident, of course) that my face (along with other family members') face is featured on a children's album my aunt made. See if you can find me.

Rainy Monday

Here in Chicago, the weather was dreary, but I was rather motivated. Friday was quite beautiful, so after work (and skipping yoga : ( ) Jeff and I grabbed some appetizers (crispy stuffed olives are divine) and drinks (16oz vodka tonics for $6.35!) outside at the new restaurant BB's. Satuday we caught up with a friend back from vacation for brunch at Tweet. Excellent service and meal, as well as many more menu choices than I expected. Then I had the boys drop me off at Arcadia Knitting, where I armed myself with materials for my new project, from Big Girl Knits. I'll post more info/stats on the project as I get further into it. I am onto ball 3 of 7. This will be the first garment for myself.

I also realize I've got a bunch of completed (or nearly so) projects that need photographing and posting, so I'll see what I can do this week.

I should get my butt back to work, but do check out Cleo's blog, as she's been updating her blog more regularly, so gotta show her some love.

Off to work I go

My office went back to normal hours this week (8:30-5:30, m-f) from our summer hours (8-6, m-h, 8-12 f), plus we had Labor Day off. I have to admit that I was looking forward to the schedule change. Last summer I definately made the most of the half-day fridays, feeling like I had a long weekend every week. This summer was different. After the Avon walk, I was waiting for my vacation. After the vacation, I was waiting for Jeff to get going on, and get comfortable with his new job. I just want to get back in the swing of things - get back to my regular Friday night yoga class.

Having basically taken the summer off of yoga, I really feel the difference in myself. I'm more irritable and worry about things I have no control over. While I was studying yoga regularly (December to April or May) I had gotten better control over my mind and body. I was less suceptible to depression and found life more satisfying. Since I know yoga works for me, I need to get it back in my life.

A thing of beauty and function : Boffi Cut