Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Words of Wisdom from Craft Night


"Eat less, move more. I hate to tell you- it is the only secret." my successful friend Andrew.

"We have the luxury of proximity" used as an excuse for not attending events, diabolical!

"Let's throw money in a wine kitty and buy it by the case" pure genius. The money flew onto the table.

All of this and knitted a sweet little silk thong. Good on ya! Love my craft night cohorts.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Box of Doom


It has been a time of assault by mail. The box at the end of the road (maybe the beginning of the road?) is fraught with danger and I hold the key. I did not always fear the mailbox. I used to go to it in eager anticipation.

As much as I love my laptop- and I do, I wonder if anyone else remembers getting a letter delivered? One of the worse side effects of the electronic communication age, is the loss of the letter. Receiving a long, newsy letter written by the hand of your beloved was a tangible and archival gift of time. I used to enjoy writing to my far flung friends and relatives. Most of the time, it generated a phone call in return and a chatty visit. I have a few of my favorite letters stashed away from some of my loved ones. There is something powerful in their handwriting that connects me to them personally. Dad had the left hand slant and his writing was laborious and beautiful. Taught to him in school by a rigid taskmaster, he never enjoyed writing longhand. So, if you received a letter from him, it was a rare treat.

My mother had a fluid and lovely hand. Very easy to read, direct and clear. She never wrote much, short and to the point. When I see the writing of my grandmothers and other dear ones that have passed away- it is amazing how strongly I feel their presence. Those letters all took flight during the pre-computer era. It was also prior to junk mail, mass mail and mail marketers.

Nowadays, I dread the trip to the mail box. I miss my mailman. We always had a friendly rapport. It was a comfort that around the same time everyday, the same person checked in with you and your life. The mailman knew a lot about you and that was okay with me!

There are no more letters in the box. I did receive a rare one in January from my MI friend Kay and it is a treasured treat that I have tucked away. Mostly, I find letters form creditors and lawyers. Evan's school and my school send notices and announcements. I learn about things that take me by surprise and leave me avoiding the dreaded box. This past week was especially laden with news I hate to get.

I totally understand wanting to shop and have things arrive that make you happy. I get the whole online shopping thing. So, sometimes I buy a skein of yarn and have it sent. I still love to get knitting magazines and look forward to cards and the occasional photo. Photos are also going the way of the letter. All digital and the reason I am on Facebook- it is where we share our family photos.

As I ramble away, I need to go to the post office. I sell books on Amazon to bring in a little cash and one sold today. I have to go put it in the post and brighten someones day! Hope you get some good news soon.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Happy Birthday To My Son



I feel so schmaltzy about this and thought about posting a poem about Mother/Son relationships. My son is my "deedaboo," a nickname that originated from his handicapped brothers attempt to mimic me cooing "little boy" to Evan the infant.

When he was little we just adored him and all of his antics. Brynn would say that we should keep him. Now- he is at the age where we have to let him go... Happy 18th Birthday- deedaboo.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Happy Birthday Dawn


Dawn Jerome Happy Birthday!
Thanks for the visit to California from Canada...
Have a great new year.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

And Away He Goes


I bought him a helmet to cover his noggin and the rest I will cover in prayer. My baby turned 18 on Mayday. Yesterday he passed his motorcycle license tests with flying colors. Now, he is street legal and an adult in the eyes of the law. Lord help us all...

Knitted Wire with Pearls and Crystals




Necklace #1
Knit by Jennifer See in one evening at Knitwits. Sterling silver 26 gauge wire
with silver and purple pearls.

Knit by Marsha with 26 gauge copper wire with Swarovski crystals and green and purple pearls.

The Knitwits learned a new technique. Using various wires and their choice of beads, crystals and pearls, the ladies created necklaces, bracelets and rings. All knit on size 2-4 needles. That is roughly larger than a toothpick! The effect is beautiful and the knitting is addictive. If you are lucky, you may be a gift recipient of one of these masterpieces.

Robin came up with the idea, after her daughter purchased a knit ring at a high priced holiday boutique sale. Of course, when she asked if I could teach it, I said yes. I had never tried and went with my handy motto- "fake it til you make it." Downloaded the directions, sent everyone shopping, passed out thin metal needles to the group and away we went. I hope to post more photos of completed projects soon.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Happy Cinco de Mayo!


Just a great excuse to party with a Mexican menu. This is a 3 gallon bowl of "Guacalupe" a friends secret family recipe for chunky guacamole! It was enjoyed by all at the beach as we celebrated life and good friends!

Canadian Company































Last week I had the distinct pleasure of seeing my niece Dawn and meeting her sweet MIL, Joan Jerome. Cool name and cool lady. It did my heart good to see that Dawn has become part of a family that loves each other.

When I was 10 years old I was in the fifth grade and it was during an era when fifth graders actually played with dolls. My much older sister had little baby Dawn and she was my doll. I enjoyed being an Aunt with my real live doll.

She has grown into a fine woman and I not only admire her, but we had a lot of fun playing together. Thanks for coming Dawn. Happy Birthday to You. Now we are 45, 55 and 65. How cosmic. No ten year old could have ever imagined!