NaPoWriMo!

Join me!
...
NaPoWriMo, or National Poetry Writing Month, is an annual project in which participating poets attempt to write a poem a day for the month of April.

NaPoWriMo was founded in 2003, when poet Maureen Thorson decided to take up the challenge (modeled after NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month), and challenged other poets to join her.

Since then, the number of participants has gotten larger every year, and many writers’ organizations, local, national and even international, organize NaPoWriMo activities.

Visit: http://www.napowrimo.net/about/

NaPoWriMo!

Stunning day...

...sketching at Dumas Bay
(Federal Way, WA)

Stunning day...

The color of winter...

The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination.

~Terri Guillemets

The color of winter...

One of those moments...

This morning, while working at my tiny little 1950's kitchen table, I looked up and saw this...

Do you notice anything? I hadn't, until my eyes really opened and I saw, with a little thrill of pleasure, that all of the colors in this little tableau echoed and complemented each other.

All are colors I happen to love, too. It was one of those serendipitous moments -- the kind you want to capture -- that can inspire designs, new colorways, paintings, poems...

And speaking of inspiration and design, take a look at Madeline Tosh's gorgeous Web site. Her home page alone is enough to make me want to pull out my needles and start creating something beautiful. I haven't yet worked with her yarn...But that may change in the near future!

Here's another photo of Vienna, the little shrug I featured in my last post. Simple, enjoyable lace with short, meditative repeats. Garter stitch borders, to make the minimal seaming as easy as possible, followed by a bit of ribbing that lets your mind wander freely.

And all the while, your hands and needles are singing because of the incredibly soft, lofty, gorgeously colored yarn. More good news? The yardage required is ridiculously low!

You can buy Vienna and Honey Worsted (shown in Damson, above) directly from Shalimar Yarns. If you do, please send me photos of your finished objects -- I'd love to see what you do with this pattern!

One of those moments...

Happy Christmas!

I don't have a lot to say today -- except, of course, to wish you a lovely holiday -- so thought I'd show you a few pictures of my studio...

All of my stash, except for a few random skeins, is contained under the table and in the plastic bins above.

Those are my writing books on the shelves behind the spinning wheel -- all my knitting books live on a "real" bookcase in the studio and on a second one in the bedroom.

By the way, what you see above is what you have to do to protect your spinning wheel when you have one of these cute little destroyers-of-all-things-valuable...

Yeah, my hand shook a little. Must get tripod.

He's learning, though. Hardly ever touches the wheel, and even knows to leave my knitting alone. Sure, now and then Charley's simply overcome by the yarn and loses control of his actions. I understand. I feel the same way.

I finished these last night:

They turned out well. I love these gloves. You can turn the cuff down over your fingers to keep them warm, and fold it back when you want them to be truly fingerless. And they're made of Dale's (sadly discontinued) Sisik yarn -- fluffy wool and mohair. Mmmmm. This is the third pair I've made, by request, which is a nice feeling :-)

Tonight we're going to make pasties (pronounced PASS-tees): Cornish meat pies enclosed in pie crust, with potatoes, onions, and butter. Lots of butter... In fact, I'm getting hungry now...

So, I'll sign off by saying: Take a few minutes to do something for YOU today, something you love and that makes you happy. After all, it's Christmas!

Happy Christmas!

I'm Dreaming...

Of a freakin' sun-drenched tropical island where the beach is hot, the ocean is warm, and the beer is cold. Really.

Well, in lieu of said island (someday...someday...), we'll settle for the white almost-Christmas we enjoyed in Seattle. Here in the D.C. region, our holiday is supposed to be chilly and semi-clear. But, thank goodness, snow free! (Can you tell I'm a summer kinda girl?)

Speaking of Christmas, I've been hearing something interesting from people lately. They're checking out of the consumer-driven rush. Not buying presents and telling family members they can forgo buying gifts, as well. Changing their focus, their priorities. After all, Christmas is supposed to be joyous, no?

For many, the answer is a resounding: "No." Caught up in the frantic cooking, the running around, the shopping, the wrapping, the trimming, the traveling, the partying, the spending...and all that damn "good cheer" and "holiday spirit" that our society crams down our throats beginning in September. It's exhausting! Can anyone honestly tell me why all this is a good idea? Most people can't.

So, even though we're all supposed to go out and spend money we don't have to "stimulate the economy," more and more people are choosing to celebrate their holidays more simply. They're focusing on everyday pleasures: time spent with those you truly love, time spent doing things you're passionate about, time spent contemplating the goodness that comes our way each and every day.

Give it a try. Here, I'll even go first...

I count myself fortunate. Sure, there are things I want. I want my college loans to be paid off. I want my CFS/ME to go away. I want a full tank of heating fuel. I want several sweaters' worth of yarn, more spindles for my spinning wheel, a pair of dark brown Dansko clogs. But do I need those things? To survive? No. Except for the heating fuel, perhaps, the answer really is: "No."

You see, I have what I need. I have my husband, whom I adore. I have two kitties who make me laugh and who warm my heart when they snuggle. We rent a delightful little cottage, and drive a fun little car (a Nissan Versa, in case you were wondering). AND I have a loving family (see husband, sister, and nephew, in photos above). I have tranquility, laughter, and happiness in my life.

Sure, I often feel like crap and can't do what I used to. Sure, we've had to cut back to bare-bones spending. Sure, we can't go out and spend, buy, do, go all the time. At first these things seemed BAD. But little by little I've learned some lessons because, without all the doing and going and spending to mask it, the truth was clearer: I am so fortunate.

Maybe it sounds mushy and trite, but it's true: I have what I need. What more could I want?

Just something to ponder over the coming (longer!) days...

I'm Dreaming...

Inspiration Parfait

Last week we traveled to visit family -- including our one and only nephew -- in Seattle. As expected, most days featured a certain amount of gloom and dampness. When Saturday rolled around, however, the sun --and the mountains -- peeked out just in time for our trip to Pike Place Market. Gorgeous.

First we had hum bao, tasty Chinese BBQ pork buns (yum). We followed with a chaser of hot, fried, sugary doughnuts, so fresh our bag was oil-soaked in minutes (heavenly). Then my sister headed off to be interviewed on a radio show. While she was gone, we grabbed a table at Local Color, where I had some superb pumpkin pie (my favorite).

The grub was good, obviously, but there was so much to see, so many places to explore, and so much color just exploding around us -- we were overwhelmed! I managed to snap a photo or twenty so I could share some of the images with you. And (surprise!) most were photos of food. I didn't think you'd mind...

Now we're back at home, getting ready for a very quiet Christmas with just the two of us and the kitties. Maybe some fresh cinnamon rolls for Christmas brunch, and some Cornish pasties for dinner. Simple and sweet. That's how we like it.

I hope this holiday season is bringing you many hours to enjoy the pleasures of anticipation, of serenity, and of doing what you love with those you adore.

Inspiration Parfait

Eye Candy Friday: Fresh off the farm!

Eggs from our local farmer's market.

I don't know if anyone still does Eye-Candy Friday. But when I saw these in a bowl, waiting for Chris to scramble them, I had to snap a picture. Aren't they gorgeous?

Two of them were literally pale green (does that show up on your browser? I hope so!).

I'd love to dye up some fiber in these colors, so I could spin a luminous two-ply, worsted-weight yarn. Then I'd use it to knit myself a cozy, woolly sweater.

Happy weekend!

Eye Candy Friday: Fresh off the farm!

Me, Myself, and I on the 4th of July: New Pattern Previews, Meme, and More...

Peony Head Band (one of my new crochet creations!)

This morning I decided to visit all of the blogs on my list (at right). It's been a while since I did that, though it was a daily habit just a year ago. Cara's probably right...Ravelry is wonderful, but it has had a questionable impact on the knitblog community. Head on over to January One and read her posts from the past few days. This conversation is interesting and thought provoking.

On My Fashionable Life, Anna wrote about post-partum depression and her fears about losing creativity and inspiration. Her words really touched me, and reminded me, again, that I'm not alone. I have neither children nor PPD, but I do have CFS/ME -- an illness that affects people physically/emotionally/spiritually. Some days, I feel unable to even daydream! Difficult situation, considering what a head-in-the-clouds, dreamy child I was. Back to blogs, though.

Anna is a thoughtful writer, and shares so much of herself on her blog. Plus, she's an amazing designer, who deserves notice and great success. Take a look at My Fashionable Life...You won't be disappointed.

Coming attraction: "Freesia" sock pattern in gorgeous Shalimar hand-dyed sock yarn

While I was on Anna's site, I came across this meme, and just couldn't resist. So, here are a few things about me that you might not have known (or wanted to know!)...

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
Ten years ago I was working as an assistant manager in a retail store, married to someone who was very angry, resentful, and abusive. With an Ivy League degree and lifelong wish to be a “real writer,” I felt stuck and hopeless. But I started fiddling around with a story, never knowing it would turn into a novel (still unrevised). I had three gorgeous cats and two lovely dogs, all of whom I lost when I had to flee the house for my own safety (literally barefoot) two years later. It was a dark time. [Things are MUCH better in my “new life” :-) ]

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today?
1. Figure out what to make for dinner considering all we have in the cupboards are rice, beans, lentils, cornmeal, tomato paste, and one can of tuna.

2. Crochet several face scrubbies and start on a child-sized market bag, in preparation for my first-ever stand at the Farmer’s Market’s Arts in the Park this Sunday (scary!).

3. Finish plying the sock yarn that’s on my bobbins (also for Farmer’s Market).

4. Take a nap...I got less than 6 hours of sleep last night.

5. Call my sister so we can have a nice chat.

3) Snacks I enjoy:
M&Ms, warmed up to body temperature, so the inside is all soft and gooey; whole grain toast with jam and ricotta cheese on it; cupcakes/cakes...anything with that sugary white icing; leftover steak, eaten cold with my hands; leftover fried chicken strips, also eaten cold, with my fingers; homemade chocolate cookie dough; hummus with fresh pitas; warm scones; home-made hot chocolate; whole-milk lattes; freshly made chai tea from Teaism, preferably with one or two salty oat cookies; brown rice topped with garlic Gomasio; tortillas topped with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, toasted under the broiler; spun-honey ice cream.
(Carbs, anyone?)

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Pay off our college loans and other debts; buy lots of groceries; buy a house on 20 acres of land, not too far from the ocean; arrange annuities for our nephew, niece, and God-son, so they'd always be taken care of; give my father-in-law a gift certificate for the Ferrari of his choice; buy tickets for every Formula One Grand Prix for the next 10 years, plus many tickets for soccer games for DC United and abroad; travel, travel, travel (I've never left the U.S.); help re-build New Orleans; fund continuing assistance for the hundreds of thousands of people in Southeast Asia whose homes, communities, and lives were decimated by the 2004 tsunami; give money to CFS/ME research; enjoy all the time my husband and I would have together; support family, friends, and philanthropic organizations as much as possible.

5) Places I have lived:
California: Walnut Creek, San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, on “The Peninsula” south of San Francisco; Mill Valley, Larkspur, in Marin Co.; Nevada City, in “Gold Country”; Citrus Heights, near Sacramento
South Dakota: Spearfish
Washington (State): Seattle
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia (many parts), Pottstown, Reading
New Jersey: Lindenwold, somewhere in North Jersey when I was really little
Washington, D.C.-metro area: Georgetown, Dupont/Scott Circle, Hyattsville, and western Maryland

6) Jobs I have had:
Communications consultant; retail management; daily-news reporter; sandwich maker at a deli; hotel front-desk clerk; travel agent; real estate agent; knitting teacher; nonprofit marketing specialist; currently full-time artist/writer/editor (freelance)

7) Bloggers I am tagging to do this, whom I would like to get to know better:
Hey, if you’re reading this, consider yourself tagged. I’m that glad to have any readers at all after my six-week absence! Please let me know if you do this so I can have some fun reading all about you.



Happy Independence Day to my friends in the U.S.! I hope the holiday affords you all some quality knitting/crocheting/spinning time!

Me, Myself, and I on the 4th of July: New Pattern Previews, Meme, and More...

Eye Candy Friday...on Sunday

Look at the gorgeous lines on this sweet 'Vette...
1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS (built for the 12 Hours of Sebring)

A rather famous Mercedes...very futuristic!

1954/55 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner (Formula 1)


(I took these photos at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum while at the 2007 US Grand Prix.)

Eye Candy Friday...on Sunday

Spicy Podcast and Mild Socks

More lovely 18th century Chinese porcelains to inspire you...
Aren't they gorgeous? There are more photos below, but this is my favorite. That red looks as transluscent and luscious as a candy apple.

Isn't it funny how candy apples always look much better than they taste? Caramel apples, too. Unless the apple is cut into wedges and dipped in a bowl of melted caramel. I had it that way in Lancaster County, PA one time. Leave it to those Pennsylvania Dutch to come up with a new sugar delivery system.

Sorry I was so grouchy last post! To be honest, I probably will hold true to my vow, but I thought Kristen made some good points in her comment. So, to follow up on my "when in Rome" title, here's a new cliche for you: Variety is the spice of life...(Really, it is!)

So I guess my knitting life hasn't been very spicy lately. No variety, at any rate. I'm still working on the slipped-stitch Koigu socks for my step father. One is finished and the other is about halfway done. When both socks are finished and blocked, I'll post some more photos, but for now there's nothing interesting to post about them. And that's the extent of this week's knitting! I'm on a mindless knitting kick, just wanting to relax and not have to think about pattern repeats, so that's OK.

On the spicier side, however, is one of my new favorite podcasts: Knitters Uncensored. From the very first podcast I was drawn in by these three expats...funny (they always make me laugh out loud), friendly, interesting, crazy, sometimes a bit on the...um..."adult" side (which is very OK by me), and definitely about knitting.

Another plus, in my opinion, is that the podcast isn't chock-full of music. I have my own music on my pod, and tend to avoid podcasts that include more than a couple of songs. (I prefer none, actually, but one or two are fine.) Also, Knitters Uncensored tends to run on the long side (an hour or more).

For some reason, podcasters worry about running too long. But I happen to enjoy long casts if they're good: Like being in the middle of a great book and knowing you have a couple hundred pages yet to go. It's satisfying, and gives me lots of guilt-free knitting time. Not that I ever feel guilty about it...but you know.

So give Knitters Uncensored a try...I think you'll like them :-)



I also want to mention that Neighborhood Fiber Co. had a really successful trip to TNNA and The Knitter's Connection in June. Karida got several orders from stores across the country, so you may see some great D.C. yarn turning up in your LYS. If not, you should go check out the Web site where you can drool over her pretty colors.

Until next time, then. Thanks for coming back, and happy knitting!

Spicy Podcast and Mild Socks

Inspiration

18th century Chinese porcelain...
(Photo taken at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC)

Isn't this lovely? I could just eat it! Yum.

Inspiration

Inspiration is in the details...

How many details do you see? When I took this photo, I didn't even notice the little checkerboard pattern beside the window. So when I downloaded the photos into my Mac, seeing it was a lovely surprise. Isn't it funny, how we "see" or fail to "see" things, and simply imagine others?

Being an artist--of any kind--is about Seeing. Because artists are human beings, and therefore individuals, I imagine each has his or her own "tricks" or philosophies or practices to help improve and enhance their ability to See. On the other hand, I know some people who look at the world every day and seldom really See anything. How about you? What have you done that's helped you learn to See?


By the way, I have a legitimate excuse for not posting much this week...SPRING FEVER!

We've had the weirdest spring in D.C. Wonderful weather early on, then snow in April. Then wonderful, then days and days of gray, damp, and windy. But this week has been glorious. Everywhere I turn gardens are lush, trees form thick canopies over the streets, and people are soaking it all in at outdoor cafes and restaurants with sidewalk seating. This weekend, thankfully, is expected to give us more of the same. Yay!

By the way, don't forget to spend a little time on Monday remembering those for whom Memorial Day was created. From World War I to World War II, from Korea to Vietnam, from Bosnia to Iraq...Regardless of politics, they've given us the gift of their service and, often, their lives. A few quiet moments to say thank you is worth more than you can imagine. Then...

Bust out the BBQ!!! Hope you all have a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend, filled with fun, friends, and fiber :-)

Inspiration is in the details...

More on Inspiration: Where do you find it?

It's been a difficult two weeks. Just that long ago I was wearing sandals...SANDALS! And today I was bundled up in my February clothes.

My mild resentment about this cold, wet spring makes me feel a little guilty. Somehow, I picked up the belief that I "should" find inspiration everywhere, on every day. And I guess I could, if I really got the whole acceptance thing down.

But it's been wet and cold and gray for what feels like forever. Which is more than a bit painful after a lovely stretch of early spring warmth at the end of March. So, instead of looking around me today, I thought I'd look to the past for some relief and vicarious, photograph-induced Vitamin D...

This is the view from the porch at the Albert Stevens Inn, in Cape May, NJ.

Have you noticed that I return to Cape May frequently in my writing/blogging? That's because it's one of the coziest, most relaxing, unstressful , romantic, beautiful, and accessible places I know. We can get there easily: Drive up through Delaware and catch the Cape May-Lewes Ferry for a fun ride across the mouth of the bay (some day I'll tell you about our hurricane crossings!). When we disembark in NJ, our favorite room and a big warm welcome are guaranteed to be waiting for us at the Albert Stevens.The inn embraces us, filling us with that wonderful "coming home" feeling.

This is the high bed in our room, or rather "Bessie's Room."

According to legend, Bessie has been known to let a guest or two know if she prefers they sleep elsewhere. Chris and I respect the Stevens' house and the memories of their family. We're both aware that we're guests in their home. And we've never had any unpleasant awakenings. I believe it's possible, but really, I am quite happy not encountering the stern presence of the mistress of the house late in the night.

The Stevens are all gone now, and the new owners have revived the house to its turn-of-the-century glory. (I imagine this makes Dr. and Mrs. Stevens, and Vesta, their daughter, quite happy.) I know it makes US happy! Jim andLenanne are the best of hosts. He always has the latest scoop on Cape May happenings (theater, concerts, great early-bird specials at pricey restaurants). And she cooks up THE most delicious (and filling!) breakfasts.

In the late afternoon, as guests trickle back from long walks along the shore or a day's worth of exploring the town's many tourist shops and fancier boutiques, tea is served, complete with crackers and cheese, home made cookies, sherry, and (in colder months) hot apple cider.

This is our cozy little bathroom.

OK, I know this reads like a travelogue. But that's not my primary intention.

My point is that, when the days get dreary and damp, making me feel like every thing I do requires a major effort, I can close my eyes and go back to Cape May...all the while anticipating our next visit. I can see the patterns of the clouds on the steel-blue Atlantic the honey-colored sun streaming through the breakfast-room windows; the brilliant hues of leaves and flowers; and the crisp red and white of the Cape May Lighthouse.

The pastel and jewel hues of Cape May's Victorians, the quality of the sea-side light, the scent of salt and fireplaces, the patterns and textures of sand dunes and shingles and roof tiles...These are among my treasures. When my world is drab or frightening, I can take them out, hold them, polish them, press them to my cheek and feel their sleek perfection and comforting shapes, sounds, sights, smells, and tastes.

Inspiring, yes. And encouraging. And hopeful. Do these reflections find their way into my art? I think so...I know so.

For me, inspiration IS everywhere. But that doesn't mean the best inspiration is always in my immediate surroundings. It can be in our memories. In our histories--cultural and personal. Inspiration can be found in a dream, a conversation, a photograph, or a good book.

Well, that's probably enough about me.

I would love to know what places inspire you. Do you find elusive creative encouragement close to home? Or do you need to travel the world to collect your treasures? What role does "Setting" play in your creative process?

More on Inspiration: Where do you find it?

Where do you find inspiration?

I find it in the gorgeous colors of a perfect spring day: Robin's egg blue; pale, sandy beige; tart, fresh green; and the glorious colors of blossoming trees illuminated by the golden morning sun.


Looking at these photos, it's obvious I've been in the mood for pastels mixed with brown. Pink and brown, pale green and brown (like mint-chip ice cream), and powdery blue and brown.
Luckily for me, I didn't have to look too far to find the perfect yarn to satisfy my cravings...It's called Brightwood, from D.C.'s Neighborhood Fiber Company (owned by the lovely Karida Collins). I love all of NFC's colourways, but this one--brand new for spring--really speaks to me. It's begging to become a sweet little scarf, like this one.

I really would love to know: Where do you find your inspiration?

Finally, I have a request: This little one isn't feeling well. She has a fever and won't eat. We're worried, because she's about 13 years old. Please say a prayer, send positive energy, meditate on her healing, or whatever you believe in--it's all good. Her name is Maggie, and she's a gentle soul.


Thank you, from all of us.

PS. Comments welcome :-)

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration...

I take so much inspiration from our trips to the shore. Cape May in particular. The moody colors of the sea, sand, sky, and the brilliant hues of the Victorian houses (mostly B&Bs now). And when I look more closely, I find inspiration in the lines and shapes around me: the way the grasses lie on the dunes, the windblown beach fences, the slants and curves and layers of the Victorians' architectural elements. Honestly, I could live there and never tire of it. Maybe some day...

My knitting has slowed a bit this week--as has my writing & blogging--due to indescribable back spasms in my upper back. The muscles by my left shoulderblade seem to have fused into a single, cement-hard system of knots. Like having golf balls wedged against your bones...Lovely for the nerves, as you can imagine. I can feel it all the way down to my palm. Ugh.

So, while I can't NOT knit, I've been trying to take it easy. Early in the week I played around with this:
Although I was familiar with all the techniques already, Nona's excellent improvisational knitting tutorialreally got my creative juices flowing. The swatch remains in this condition, due to my laziness about digging through my stash to pull out other bits and pieces. But it's still on the needles, so one day soon it may begin to grow again.

I also started working on Tahoe, using my purple Heirloom Breeze(ordered from Ozeyarn...they're wonderful!). Last week I said that I didn't want to look like a giant Easter egg, wearing all purple (egg comment courtesy of a rude coworker from my distant past). Then I figured out my problem with the yarn: I don't want to make something that's 100% purple Heirloom Breeze. It's wonderful yarn, but for me it needs some embellishment to de-purple it a little.

Then Tahoe came along and inspired me to cast on. I will probably use a dark shade of fingering-weight yarn (Koigu or something similar) to tone down the overall color a bit. And I may end the sleeves at 3/4 length and finish them with a few inches of lace edging in the contrasting color. No photos yet--it's in the boring inches-and-inches-of-stockinette phase. But someday soon, pictures will be taken and posted.

This weeekend, by the way, is not only mon cheri's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS! I LOVE YOU!!!!!), but also our 4th anniversary--on the same day--so we both took a long weekend off.

Hope you all have a great weekend, too.

Inspiration...