Objects of My Affections

When you think of all the ways your course could have been altered, and the changes that would have resulted from those alterations, the wise woman must know that the path she followed was meant to be. It produced the three people you see here. That is good. Looking upward and onward.

Moonlight Beach, Encinitas CA

I live in a beautiful part of the country. This is Moonlight Beach. It is a ten minute drive from my house. I like to take a cup of coffee, sit and sip, think, pray, cry, talk on my cell, watch the surfers and swimmers. I observe life and contemplate here.

Even on an overcast day the beach has visitors. I can park my car in the free lot, then walk a mile north and back a mile south for a perfect workout on the sand. Sometimes I pass another walker, sometimes I do not. I am active here.

Last week I watched a lifeguard push out a sand wheelchair to the beach break, knee deep. The man in the chair let a wave carry him away. Off he swam using the upper portion of his body to swim and be free. I felt a little voyeuristic watching this man undergo a transformation from handicapped to whole. It was intimate and a privilege to see.

At any given moment we use so little of the amazing resources we have at hand.

I want to call upon my hidden strength. I want to use the deeper resources. I want to live life with an appreciation and a purpose that leaves no time for fear or regrets. Tenderhearted, fearless and grateful. Carve that on my tombstone- it would be a fine tribute to the woman I hope to be.

Ryan and Steezy

This past weekend was a "Ryan Weekend" which usually means we are isolated at home together. He guards his time with his Momma jealously.

This weekend, that was not the case. We had friends come for dinner. Tori cooked Skinny Italian in my kitchen. Ellen made a caprese salad with the sweetest homegrown tomato I have ever tasted. Karen brought ice cream and we had a delightful meal together. Ryan enjoyed the food and the company. He stretched more than his stomach by allowing me to entertain on his time.

Sunday morning Ryan was reminiscing about our beloved dog, Steezy. We miss her very much. I picked up her remains and a paw print from the Veterinarian this past week and shed a tear or two for my faithful companion. Ryan asked me to find another dog like Steezy. One that will sit in his "pouch" and lick his toes. They spent many a Sunday afternoon cuddled on the couch just like this photo. An Autistic boy and his faithful friend to the end.

A "pouch" is the space formed by your bent legs when you curl up on the couch. It was the seat of honor for the kids when they were little and I was reclining with a book or the TV. It is a warm and comfy place to be. I swore I would never have a dog again. Ryan and the empty pouch, may change my mind someday...

Flowerpot Hat Free Pattern

Here is the free pattern as promised. I strung you along for over a week. That was fun!

FLOWERPOT HAT
Notions needed:
Size 10 or 11 circular needles 16" length
Size 8-10 double point needles
One stitch marker
Worsted to chunky weight yarn 150 yds
Your goal is 5 sts to the inch, chunkier the yarn, bigger the needles.

Directions:

Cast on 48 sts and knit in the round 6 rows. (I usually knit to the end of the row and place a marker and then join being careful not to twist the row when I join.)
Purl 6 rows slipping your marker at the beginning of each round.
Knit 6 rows.
Purl 6 rows.
Knit 6 rows.
Purl 6 rows.
Knit 1 row.
K4, K2tog, repeat to the end of the row. Slip marker.Knit a row.
K3, K2tog, repeat to end of round. Slip marker. Knit a row.
Switch to the double points and K2. K2tog, repeat to end of row distributing sts on to the dpn.
Knit one row.
K1, K2tog, to end of round.
Knit one row.
Cut the yarn 8 inches long. Thread onto a tapestry needle. Run the yarn back through each stitch removing from the dpn's. Draw the yarn up to form the top of the hat. Secure and close the hole by weaving into the circle. Weave in the ends and wear it well.

Hat of the Day #9

This is the hat that started the series. I sit in the family room often. Across from the couch sits an old glazed piece of pottery I picked up many years ago at a garage sale. I like the color and the finish. Then in passing through some of my single skeins in the stash, there was a single ball of this wool tweed that was imported from the UK about 25 years ago. I had two balls in different shades of green. Somehow I saw a hat in my mind, knit to resemble the flower pot. Viola' - the Flowerpot Hat. Free pattern tomorrow!

Hat of the Day #8

Jo Sharp Silkroad Yarn is a luxury Aran tweed. I finished the top with a second color of green for the fun of it.
Sometimes a little subtle change is all you need to keep things interesting. You can read a lot into that statement!

Hat of the Day #7

Mohair, silk hand dyed delicious yarn in the flattering flower pot design. This hat looks good on. Any size head, worn low, worn high, big hair, no hair. You have to try it. I will soon post the pattern and the inspiration for the pattern.

Hat of the Day #6

Noro Silk Garden Yarn from Japan makes the Flowerpot Hat soft and flattering for all figure types.
Simple to knit and so happy to wear.

Hat of the Day #5

This is a version of the free hat pattern I posted a couple of weeks ago. You can go to older posts and find it if you like it. It is adorable on the head! Simple shaping occurs when you change needle sizes for shaping. Big needles and bulky yarn make this a one day project that is fun ! See the post- Hat Pattern For Free

Hat of the Day #4

This is a cotton topper with some interesting stitches. You can find a pattern that suits your skill level and practice in the forgiveness of a hat. If you decide the stitch you are sampling is not to your liking, then convert to simple stockinette and keep on shaping your hat into a finished product.

Hat of the Day #3

A snugly little baby bear hat to match some leather booties. Look for inspiration where ever you see it.I like to browse baby clothes on sale and then make a hand knit to coordinate.Pop it in the cupboard and you are always ready to gift the next new baby that crosses your path.

Hat of the Day #2

The girly version with a top knot and some twisty dreadlocks. All a girl needs is a pair of jeans and a car seat!

Hat of the Day #1

This is the basic flower pot hat ready for gifting with a shirt and socks.

Back to School

My friends, I must admit that I have bitten off more than I can chew. I will work on working out my school work and schedule, and I will be fine. I am old and strong.

I am having some bizarre emotional fallout from what should have been the empty nest. This Fall I should be driving home from delivering my college freshman son to some university within driving distance. Bawling my eyes out on the freeway.

In Fall 2004, we made that drive to Monterey, CA and deposited my daughter at California State University. She was installed with a new computer, books, bedding, dorm essentials, a monthly allowance, and the beginning of a journey that fulfilled so many growth and learning goals. She graduated with her Bachelor in Communications, Specializing in Moral and Ethical Business Practices. She works here in Encinitas for a Dog Daycare affiliated with the local Humane Society and she is pretty happy. She is mostly self sufficient. I occasionally do her laundry-because I like to. I feel like we gave her every opportunity to grow into the woman that she is meant to be.

My son is another story. It breaks mt heart. He is enrolled in the Woodworking program at Palomar, where he would like to be a Luthier. That is what he wanted to do. He has a full load. He has a beater to drive that he actually likes. He lost his job due to the broken elbow that has healed completely. So, he is looking for work. His computer is the same one we purchased for Brynn in 2004. Slow and old by today's standards.No dorm, no allowance, not even books yet. How is it okay to not provide the same for him?


How did this come to pass? Why did one child get every advantage, while the other takes what he can with very little complaints? He will never know the full import of the differences. But, I do. I am sad. I realize that we are blessed beyond measure. I know that I am feeling sorry for myself and my son. He will never know what it is to move into a dorm and meet a group of people that he will know and love for the rest of his life. To get along with a group of strangers as roommates. Formative and valuable lessons in my book. He claims that this does not bother him. I know that it really does. Why is such a fruitless question...