30 Day Challenges

I love the idea of doing 30 day challenges in general. I've done a few in the past and they are challenging enough to take some effort,  but doable! Did you know a new habit is typically formed in 28 days? 

This one spoke loudly to me when I discovered it! 

It's simple enough ! Spend  30 mins in nature for 30 days beginning May 1/14.

I'm in ! Are you? I'll post a few pics over the next month to capture the time I spend outdoors!!  Love it! Check out this site and sign up! http://30x30.davidsuzuki.org/

Goals and Designing....

Or is that designing goals?  :)

Today I found myself contemplating some goals for my knitting.  While I rarely consider where I want my knitting to go. Any one that knows me, quickly realizes that I’m more of a process knitter than a project knitter! Clearly, as I have far too many UFO (unfinished objects) to show for this!

It is only recently that yes I want to ‘stretch’ my abilities and venture out trying new projects, new stitches, and learning new techniques.

I’d like to learn to:   

1.  Make a pair of mittens (in progress!)
2.  Dye my own yarn (heck I have all the supplies for this one! I’m thinking come Spring, I’ll dye up some fabulous Spring themed yarn which leading me to ….
3.  Make a pair of fingerless gloves!
4. Double knit
5. Swatch.  Seriously I’ve never once made a swatch. I’m thinking for my next goal, it will be an absolute necessity…
6. Design a sweater and knit it.  This had been a goal for 2013, but hey this is the year of many changes and opportunities for my personal and professional growth. Perhaps more than I realize…  I even have a vision of what I want it to look like.  A hefty goal, but hey how hard can this be?(ha! I’m pretty sure I’m about to find out!) Isn’t every knitting pattern based on another pattern just with some modifications!
7. Design more projects.   A shawl perhaps? I just now realized I actually have designed a few projects – but not with the sole purpose of designing!  More often than not, it happened accidentally.
8. And a wee ‘mystery’ goal that will remain secret until further notice!

I’ve discovered how very satisfying to design and then knit the project.  And the very process, teaches you so much more than knitting a new stitch! (Discipline, experimenting and yes even practice at math!)

With my latest project/design, the designing happened quite by accident!! I had a luscious pink tonal Malabrigo yarn, I knew that I wanted to make a cowl/infinity scarf.  So unlike me, I simply cast on some stitches and just knit away.  Before long, a few rows in and I realized that wow, had accidentally/on purpose(?) created my own pattern! Overall I’m tickled pink with pleasure at the results.  So, this one will be my very first published design.  Once I’m finished I’ll be publishing the pattern both here and on Ravelry.  I’m planning to have it posted over next weekend. (Feb 28 – Mar 2)

My sweater is coming quite nicely. I am nearly half done the back, and I only cast on a week ago.Loving the colours!  Happy colours! I also noticed that the yarn is pooling, however I’m a fan of colour pooling in general - so no worries.  But an interesting thing is happening there are diamonds emerging!  Very cool!

Last week I started my next class and yep!  I quickly realized that oh yah baby it‘s like coming home!

Such an appropriate course for what’s been on my mind – Layout and Design!

Have a superb rest of your weekend! It is a proud day to call myself Canadian, we've done well this 2014 Winter Olympics!  (I may be yet even closer still to getting that maple leaf tattoo that I think about each year!)

O Canada!!

Adding more to the plate!

We are funny creatures aren't we?

I have a full plate,  a really full plate, and yet, I can't seem to stop adding MORE stuff.. projects, tasks!  What am I starving or what? ;)

I start a  class this week, and the following week I will begin a second class, so for a time I'll be juggling, 2 courses, homework, working full time, add to that errands, getting my chores done (we still need clean clothes, and to you know cook, and eat!!)  And I know now important it is to have balance...so yes some social life, and some me time- relaxing!

And yet I find myself adding yet more stuff! Lately I find myself perusing knitting patterns! Just last week I started a NEW project.  A big new project! why do I do this to myself I wonder?  I cast on a cardigan, and while that sounds simple enough, it will take time, plenty of time, and time I won't have.  I know this about myself.... I AM A SLOW KNITTER! And while I'm ok with that fact, the choice of a cardigan is not exactly practical!  I picture myself staying up really, really late, or getting up extra early!  (and as it is now it is I am an early riser between 5 to 5:30am! )  Ah well!   

In other projects..on my needles currently are:

1)  Newly Designed Cowl!  (nameless as of yet!)  in a luscious tonal Malabrigo pink, that highlights the subtle changes of colour within this beautiful yarn very effectively!  Sometimes a pattern just sort of happens ! Soon, I'll be posting the pattern! 

2) Cardi - knit in Sirdar 'Folksong' a chunky yarn (at least that part was practical!), so it should knit up fairly quickly, we will see!


 
Finishing up:

My Mini-Mania Memory Scarf ( need to create a blog entry on this project soon!) - I just have ends to sew in...  The pattern is on ravelry.com  here:  Mini-mania-scarf and several members in my knit group are making their version of this colourful and happy  pattern that was a joy to knit!!

What’s on my mind today?

Back to school!

It’s been a bit of a wait for my courses to begin again, and I’m extremely excited to get started again! Just like a little kid waiting for Santa, yes I’m counting down the sleeps! Only 3 more sleeps!  Excited, for so many reasons! A new beginning, a new career, and taking mega-action to make my world/life what I want and need it to be! I truly can’t wait, and I’m so eager to get this party started! (I may regret saying that in a few weeks time!)

So, I’m madly trying to get the home front organized, as best I can! Because I work full time, this going back to school is going to be a major challenge to manage my time, to get done what needs to get done!  We still need to eat, and have clean clothes, and sleep! My theme this week is as the Brownies/Girl Guides say ‘ Be Prepared’!

So with that, I’m pretty much ‘nesting’ like an expectant momma! So errands, and cleaning laundry, groceries, semi-planning my wardrobe and meals for the next couple of weeks at least. And setting up my own wee ‘homework station’ - that is going to be the ‘no touch zone’ for the kid!

I have my school supplies all in order, complete with new pens, tick! highlighters, tick! notebook, tick! binder, tick! And of course my course manual!  Tick!

And the mandatory – what will I wear the first day of class? :)

Stay tuned! I plan on posting some of my new adventures and surely some  trials and tribulations!

Back to Blogging!

Yep, after a long hiatus, I'm feeling a strong need/desire to put down my thoughts, ideas, post some articles and writings, photographs, knitting and crafting projects, and maybe add some inspiring words.....

While I'm on Facebook, and other social media websites, what I do enjoy about blogging, is I to a certain degree I can make 'it my own'....and for me that is fitting/necessary!

I've always loved writing in all formats; be it a journal, blog or writing an article, fiction- short story, or poetry, it really  truly is at the core of my being! I can't not write!

Life is about to get crazy busy for me, and it seems only natural to yes, add another project to the mix - doesn't it? !!!  ;)  

Today it is another cold morning/afternoon - -24c this am.   To cheer myself up, in the winter months, I search out something that brightens the day.  Today I found this little gem...

Nose Hill Park, taken on Aug 29, 2013  by me.

It just makes me happy!  Do you have a colour or a photo that makes you happy?

Platitudes with Attitude

What is your favourite platitude?

Do you say that's the way the cookie crumbles or perhaps it's "A bit of fresh air will do you good?"

A recent visit with Mom at the hospital drilled home the fact people that are sick and elderly, or heavens any one just needing to be heard reallllly detest hearing platitudes. (myself included!)

It has made me more aware of how I speak and what I may be conveying.

No More:

"It will look brighter in the morning" or "You just need a good nights rest"

By saying these and thousands of others platitudes we are in a way dismissing the person by not really listening to the person and hearing them and most of all understanding them.

So often we really don't know what to say that will provide comfort and show that we do care, so we have a tendency to pacify with a platitude.

I'm going to make more of an effort to stop uttering platitudes because my mother at the age of 85 has once again shown me her wisdom and taught me another valuable life lesson!

Show someone you care by taking the time to reallllllly listen to how they are, even when it may take more time out of your day!

Happy Fathers Day

Today is Fathers Day, and I am reflecting....on the kind-hearted, gentle man with the big heart, the sparkle in his eye, and the quick grin.

Even though you aren't here Dad, I am thinking of the man you were, the affect you've had on my life, and your legacy.

You are not forgotten. Missing you this day and loving you always.

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Unexpectedness

I'm quite sure that isn't a word, however it doesn't matter. I've been known to make up words before, and there is no doubt in mind, it will happen again!

I've made some tough decisions of late, and with much thought and agonizing, finally I came to terms with a biggie. I stepped down from a role that brought me joy for a number of years. However, the role was time consuming, and I was on 'duty' or felt like it 24/7! It became time to move on to new uncharted territory!

Within a couple of weeks, I discovered a new focus. A brand new role presented itself, that would allow me such personal growth and professional development, I seized the opportunity!

I'm back to being excited and thrilled with what is going to be yet again a path of new self discovery. Yesterday my boss made an offer that was so unexpected, and has so touched me. A kind generous offer that actually brought a tear to my eye. She sees it, she 'gets it'. She sees who I am, and what inspires me.

I am indeed incredibly fortunate and I am ever so grateful. Grateful for my own ongoing quest for self discovery, the growth that is so part of who I am, and has been my entire life.

People that see what is in me, and are encouraging me, mentoring me to be the very best me I can be.

Balancing Act!

I am struggling to make a decision - that for others it seems it should be a no-brainer. For me it is agonizing, the process that I need to go through to make the decision. And I know this process cannot be rushed - or down the road I'll question myself, did I make the right decision - for me truly?

It boils down to the fact I've taken on too many projects. I am stressed ALL the time, I can't sleep at night, for my thoughts are always turning to the one volunteer tole that has been my 'baby' for nearly three years. And I've loved doing it. This year it seems I've had more work to do for this role than ever before. The email alone it generates, is frankly insane to try to keep on top of on a day to day basis.

This year it seems my life has been taking some major detours, and I'm going down roadways I've never explored before!

I can pro and con the decision till I am blue in the face, it doesn't make the decision any easier!

So, it lurks in my mind, do I step down in a volunteer role I used to love to do, or do I see out one more year of it and hope that it does get better?

What to do, what to do?

The Water and Yarn Challenge!

I thought this would be an incredibly easy challenge for me - ha!

First off, a friend and I made a challenge. We each have to drink 7 glasses of water per day for TWO months! The winner of this challenge buys the other friend $30.00 worth of yarn.

Since we are both avid knitters and we've both been trying to reduce the 'stash' on hand.. it seemed like a GREAT idea! I' had put myself on the ultimate 'yarn diet', and challenged myself to NOT buy any more yarn for 4 months. The day of June 20 I will be at the local yarn store - pronto!!

What was I thinking? The water challenge is much more difficult than the 'yarn diet'! I'm one of those gals that drink on a good day - maybe 2 glasses of water - maybe!

Now the first week was a tough one, I was grouchy, and having to get up in the middle of the night did not add to my mood!

It's been a few weeks now, and it is becoming a habit to chug down the water throughout the day, so that at 9pm, (my bedtime) I'm not in a panic to get a lot of water in me but quick!

I may not have the *dewy* skin, yet, but I'm sure going to try damned hard to win the coveted prize of some gorgeous, beautiful yarn - of my choice! Hmm.. a beautiful amber perhaps, or a cobalt blue?

Ah , stay tuned !

A Caffeine Alternative

I've decided for this week, I am going to cut down on my caffeine intake. I do love my java, but unfortunately it does not love me. Being jittery from coffee is not a good thing! And the way it messes with my sleep patterns, it is time to take action, and start with some healthier alternatives. I'll aim to have coffee every other day, to avoid those nasty caffeine headaches, one tends to get when going cold turkey!

So, today, I created an alternative to my usual coffee fix every morning. I was tempted, I have to say to hear that drip, drip of the coffee maker, and especially, smelling the fragrance of the coffee, but no.... instead I created something, healthier, and tastier....

One of my favourite smoothies! And it is delicious. Creamy, fruity and satisfying. It seems a bit unusual on this -20c morning, with a good 17 cm of snow fallen outside, to drink something that's cold, but the aim here is to get a healthier way of living going.

Today's concoction was kind of fun to put together. I'm one to create a recipe, rather than follow one, and I have always found it more fun to experiment with food/recipes.

Today it is a Strawberry-Kiwi Smoothie.

To make: put in a blender, about 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 4-5 chopped strawberries, and 1/2 a cut up kiwi. Normally, I'd add a few ice cubes, say on a hot day, but this is satisfying, healthy and more importantly ......Mmmmm good!

Cheers!

Happy New Year!

May this be a year that brings you joy, happiness and laughter !

2011 has infinite possibilities and it feels great to embark on a new year with my list of goals.
Live. Love. Learn. Laugh. That pretty much captures allll that is within my 2011 List of Goals!

What is on my List of Goals ?

A few of my goals are that I will write more, read more, and see more movies!

Writing is part of who I am, I've never stopped writing, it just takes different forms from time to time. The old blog has been archived, as it is part of my history, and who I've become today.

This blog will have a new direction, a new attitude as this is a new time in my life, I really look forward to this new year, and all experiences that it shall bring! So it is the perfect timing for me to blog (again and more often)

Reading those books that have been sitting on my bookshelf for a lonnnnngggg while or deserve a re-read). Yes, I'm hopeful that I will discover and enjoy many other great books too! Perhaps this will be the year I join a book club! My first read of 2011 is yet to be determined.... I'll be perusing the bookshelf today... !

I am going to watch the Academy Award Winners for the Best Picture for the past 15 years. I figure, it may get me watching movies, I might normally not have chosen, and it sounded like a good goal! So first up is the movie The Hurt Locker (winner for 2009).


Yep, just a few of my goals, for this year. What are your goals for 2011?

Goals and Lists

What is on my mind today?

As a new year begins tomorrow, it seems the perfect time to archive the old blog, and start fresh and new. The old blog no longer represents what I am today. So much has changed in all aspects of my life during the last two years, and especially in 2010!

Reflecting over 2010, I am eager to start 2011! 2010 was another year of changes. I'm grateful for the journey I've taken. I am so very grateful for the people that are a part of my life, my family and friends.

I'm one of those people that love making resolutions... or in my case I prefer to think of them as goals. Now with one goal, it becomes two, and then three, and pretty soon I have a list....

You may have guessed it, but yep I LOVE lists! So now I have a list for goals, which includes a list for meals I want to cook, a list of chores, a list of people I need to call, a list of books to read, a list of movies to watch, a list of my knitting projects, a list of hikes, and.....oh my goodness!
There needs to be a list of the lists!

And so tomorrow begins a new year, and I can't wait to start ticking off some of my goals from the list(s)!

Happy New Year!
May 2011 be your best year yet!