by Kat | Jun 7, 2009 | General, Words
I survived, now where is my tee shirt?
A new chapter unfolds and now the work begins in earnest to get things ready for Heidi to head off to college in the fall. Therefore, I went to work in earnest to earn money to help pay for this new endeavor! Overtime, FTW!
It was a big week at Casa Del KatKnits, and last week was, in my not so humble opinion, an historical week for the world. A week which holds promise for finding common ground with those who differ greatly from us in some ways, and have more in common with us than we care to admit.
It started when my President said these words in Cairo, “And I’m also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalaamu alaykum.” It profoundly struck me how very appropriate these words are. In fact, his entire speech was profound, un-political, and heartfelt.
Calm words echoed by his calm demeanor, coupled with his forthright tone resonated loudly across the world. How amazing to have our nation represented so eloquently to the watching world.
It saddened me to see someone post something on a social network in anger about President Obama’s speech and how “they had killed over 3000 Americans” and that he was a “traitor.” I however strongly disagree with those statements. I think we have spent far too much time being students of fear and hatred. Indeed, there has been too much justification of prejudicial attitudes that encourages the world to continue on the course it is traveling – a journey that for many will be the very last one they take. There has been enough bloodshed, with far too many lives lost.
After all, if we focus on those things that we have in common, how hard can it be to overcome or overlook those things we do not have in common. Moreover, I believe that is where Barak Obama began the journey last week, and he is calling to each of us with encouragement to look at what we share with the world around us rather than focus on what makes us different.
Change unfolding before us with someone encouraging us to step forward without fear or trepidation. It is almost as if we are all at our graduation and unknown possibilities lay before us.
Exciting times, don’t you agree?
by Kat | Jun 4, 2009 | General
Well, it is over.
Finished.
Kaput.
The fat lady has sung.
Heidi has graduated from high school and she did so quietly on Monday night. It was a beautiful graduation ceremony – the speakers were inspiring. How incredibly refreshing to hear young people speak with such passion about getting out of Holland, Michigan, doing something for the world around you, and to look for new things to learn each day. I shall miss my relationship with Holland Public Schools – you have been a constant companion in my life for the past fifteen years and I am not sure I can do this cold turkey. No more report cards, no more parent-teacher conferences, and no more orchestra concerts – this will leave a huge void that I am not sure I will know how to replace.
Although, I have been trying by working some extra shifts at work and that is not exactly the replacement I was looking for but my pocketbook is enjoying the overtime pay!
I am still working on plugging in the links to your blogs on my “recommended reading” page. Bear with me – I will get you there!
On the fiber front, I have been knitting up a storm – and seem to have caught a good case of Cast-on-itis! My newest itch to cast on is another FLS! It was a great knit, and I want to knit another one. This time I will knit it with some hand-dyed yarn from my friend Rita at Yarn Hollow!
It is indeed turning into the Summer of Sweaters here!
I am looking forward to the summer and August in particular. My vacation requests have no conflicts with co-workers with more seniority so it is clear sailing for my dates. What do I have coming up you ask? Well, I am planning to attend a conference of the League of Michigan Weavers at Hope College and then it is the Michigan Fiber Festival in Allegan. My goal is to have my new Indigo Ripples skirt finished and some spinning to enter for judging! I am Jonesing for a ribbon, so look out!
I am also going to be trying out a Fiber Sample pack from the Spinning Loft and I will be sharing the process with you here! I have never washed fiber and have not spun many of the fibers that will be included in the sampler – stay tuned for my reviews, my systematic guide, and my level of success!
Enjoy your weekend, I am off to find that darned housekeeper and put her to work!
by Kat | Apr 11, 2008 | General
Yes, that is right.
There is a group of us heading over to A2 to spend the evening with fellow knitters and The Yarn Harlot!
The library there is hosting an event for her.
On the work front, I have completed my orientation and Saturday I am picking up my first extra shift!
Woot, woot!!
I cannot tell you all how much I love my new job. I am so blessed. I work with wonderful people. It is so nice to be part of a team again. The work is extremely satisfying, as well. I also love the fact that I don’t have to spend anytime thinking about what to wear each day!
I do have a casualty from the week. My feet!
I have a truly lovely blister to prove it!
See??
I am not sure about traipsing around Ann Arbor to see the Harlot. Poor foot!
I have not found the right combination of shoes and socks as of yet. Obviously, this is something that I need to solve sooner than later!
I see a pedicure in my near future!
One thing I am really missing is regular blog posting! On the days I work, I get home late – so there is not much time between arrival home and me crawling into bed! Last night I tried my best to stay up for ER to no avail! Thankfully, I was smart enough to Tivo it! Silly me for thinking that I would stay awake!
On the knitting front – I am happy to report that I am knitting away on my May Day Socks! I switched gears and changed patterns. The Twisted Tulips had gone to the Frog Pond for the last time – in their place I am knitting along merrily on a pattern from Dream In Color – The Sleepwalker Socks. How appropriate, huh? I have figured that the pattern can be knit while one sleeps! Yet, the design on the sock is truly lovely. And the yarn will make my pal’s feet very happy! Stay tuned for their photo op with The Yarn Harlot today!
Alright, I am off to the shower and then out to find something for my blistered foot!
Have a great day all!
by Kat | Nov 7, 2007 | General
Can you have a hump day if you are not working? Wednesday’s are the “down hill from here” day in the work-a-day world. So, do you get a Hump Day if you are in the ranks of the unemployed?
How about a Hump Month?
Can it be all down hill from here?
If it is all down hill from here, I had best get on my bike and start coasting!
Well… if nothing else – there is humor!
Okay, so – what have I really been doing since I lost my job.
Tears? Okay – I will admit, I have shed a few.
Moping? No – not so much of that.
Why?
Well – I am having a bit of a love affair with Alice.
Who is Alice?
Alice is my Ashford Traveler – and she is the apple of my eye. I cannot tell you how much I adore her! She is becoming a fast friend! She is going to get me through the crisis of loosing my job! And, she is going to do so with style!
I had spun up all the Wensleydale I purchased at the Allegan Fiber Festival – but – my dear friend Blogless Mary – bequeathed me with the Wensleydale she purchased at the same time.
Voila’! Below you will find 1600 more yards of this amazing stuff!
I am amazed to tell you that I was able to replicate what I had spun earlier! I am telling you people – Alice is creating a monster here! You can blame it all on her!
My spinning buddy – Copper – seems to be loving Alice as much as I do. He is so content to sit next to me as I sit and spin. I think he loves Alice as much as I do! Here he is – all ready for me to sit back down and while away a day or two spinning and plying.
How can I refuse this face???? I mean seriously people. I am working on priorities – trust me!
So, then there was this enabler – Rose. She is moving, right? Well, she had some fiber to get rid of….
Can you see where this is going????
Yep, I bought it. It came home with me. One large bag of gold, burgundy, orange, pink goodness. One very large bag – people – I have over 1800 yards of this amazing goodness. It is spun, plied, washed, and dried. I present to you – Autumn Glory.
Isn’t she lovely? How does she look on the polished table in the sunlight? Are your fingers itching to touch her? Knit with her? Can you hear her speaking to you?
Trust me – she has a siren’s call – and I have all kinds of things rattling around my head. Who knew that spinning would spark such creative genius in me!
Here is a close up – just some Yarn Pr0n for your viewing pleasure!
So… do you think there are any spinning jobs I might find?
Have Alice -will travel!
Have a blessed evening everyone!
