Ms. Knit Sox: Executing Stitches, One Stitch at a Time...

So, about my love of baseball...

I've touched on this subject here and there, but I'm not sure that I've actually dedicated an entire post dedicated to more of the full story behind my love of baseball. 

As I stated in my most recent entry, it all began with my younger brother.  He's 2.5 years younger than I am, but has always had a passion for sports.  We often joke that I'm the one with all the intellect and he's the one with all the athletic talent.  Oh, and if he was the one who was left handed, not me, he'd be in the big leagues right now, lol.  But, I digress...

I was especially shy (and in a lot of ways still have social anxiety issues) when I was young and just couldn't get into participating in group sports.  I much more enjoyed reading a good book.  Yet, how I loved to go watch my brother play baseball.  Every summer I looked forward to attending every game my brother played.  As he got older, he developed a talent for pitching.  Probably why my favorite players have always been pitchers.  How intense the anxiety was for me when he was on the mound.  I just wanted the very best for him...

I'll never forget his first no-hitter and the joy it brought to his world.  I was so proud.  And, when we went to our first Kansas City Royals game (remember I'm from Kansas) and when he got that Major League baseball from one of the players (I just found out a few years ago it was actually from a Boston Red Sox player, although I have no idea who it was.  Must have been destiny that I would eventually become a Red Sox fan, but more on that later). 

He eventually got a college scholarship to play baseball.  Then it became more difficult for me to attend the games because I was attending college in another location.  But, my mom always kept me updated on the status of things because she was still able to attend his games. 

I suppose shortly after that was when I became more interested in Major League Baseball (not that we didn't watch MLB games, because we did).  Having all those special memories from going to see the Royals made me realize I needed to continue to have baseball as part of my world.  I eventually moved to the DC metro area (figured it was one step closer to a move to Boston - which is another story in and of itself - the love of New England has been with me since the 5th grade after reading poetry by Robert Frost - and only grew over time for other reasons).  I just could not get into the Orioles.  Was I supposed to adopt a new "home" team?  I couldn't do it.  The Royals were and are still are a part of me. 

I eventually met a very special friend who fully introduced me to what being a Red Sox fan was all about.  He was just as passionate about baseball (he played in a men's hardball league and I loved that I was able to go to some of the games) as I was and it was so wonderful to be able to share baseball stories.  He would always ask, "are you sure you want to become a Red Sox fan?  They'll break your heart..."  But, I was sure.  I had come to know that Red Sox fans were as passionate about the game as I was and that this is where I belonged.  They truly are students of the game and I like about them.

And, then, as part of my knitting world, I discovered Ravelry.  In addition to talking about knitting, we can talk about just about anything and everything.  TV shows?  Check.  Music?  Check.  You name it, it's probably there.  The "Sox Knitters" group has 931 as I'm writing this.  It's so wonderful to be able to talk to other women about baseball.  We "live chat" during the games, talk about stats/trades, etc. - you name it, we probably talk about it if it relates to the Red Sox.  It's pretty cool to be able to share this...  Through this I also discovered a great Red Sox blog, Center Field - I might especially be partial to it for the Beckett content (I became a fan of his, of course, thanks to my brother), but honestly, I love it all!  

And, that is where I'm at today.  Oh, there are plenty of other stories I could probably share (like the fact that I've yet to experience a game at Fenway or mini baseball helmets filled with ice cream sundaes), but I'll save that for another day...  Play ball! 

Opening Day...

Have I mentioned how much I love baseball?  Hee, hee.  Well, I'm pretty sure I have on more than one occasion.  It's been a part of my world since my younger brother started playing tee ball.  I can't seriously imagine my life without it.  It's in my blood.   

So who's ready for the home opener?  This girl is, that's for sure!!  I'm ready for one Mr. Joshua Patrick Beckett to do what he does and execute pitches!!!  (and maybe drop a few f bombs, because we all know that's how he rolls, lol)  Bring that A game, #19!!!  : )

That is all...

 

So about that knitting...

As I have been updating my blog a little more regularly, I realized I really should share some knitting content.  For a variety of reasons, I haven't been spending as much time knitting.  But, tonight, I realized how important it is to me and have been spending some quality time with the yarn and needles.  And, I also wanted to share just what has been going on in my knitting world.  About a month ago, I finished the "Feather and Fan" scarf ( a free pattern designed by the talented and lovely WendyKnits using the equally talented and lovely Wollmeise yarn dyed by Claudia in the Miss May colorway.  I absolutely love how it turned out.  Big Loopy wanted to model, even if it was too big for him.  And, of course Little Loopy didn't want to be left out:

And, I've decided where I'm headed re:  the WIPs.  I have decided to focus on the 3 single socks.  One is closer to being done than the other 3, but I'll cast on for them after I'm finished with the first.  Oh, in between that stealth project I'm working on.  The other 2 that I had barely started are going to have to go to the frog pond.  Because, I'm ready for some new sock knitting in my world.   There are so many patterns that I have and have been wanting to start, so now is the time.  Oh, and in case you need a reminder of the single socks, here they are:

 I haven't bound off for the "short" sock in the middle because I want to make sure I have enough yarn for the second sock.  The yardage I have on this sock is limited and while I did weigh it and divide evenly, I just want to make sure - because that's the way I roll, lol.  I'm really excited about this renewed energy for knitting.  I'm generally not creative by nature, but knitting allows me to find that part of my self.  And, I love the color that it brings to my world. 

So, this is what's on my mind...

I just started reading "Fahrenheit 451."  I mean the book club meets in a few weeks, so I better get going, lol.  Darn that "Anna Karenina" for sucking up all my free time. ; )  I'm a little bit embarrassed to admit that I've never once picked it up let alone knew what it was about.  But, I've come to the conclusion that now is when I'm supposed to be reading it.  I can appreciate it more.  I would so not work in that kind of future society.  Most of you know how important books are to me and I can't seriously imagine not having them in my life.  So, enter the themes of this book.  Just really struck a cord with me and how applicable these themes still are...

There are so many things competing for our attention in this world - even more than just television as was the case when the book was first written.  I confess I have a love/hate relationship with the Internet and even still television.  I actually watch very little television.  Sometimes I wonder why I watch it at all, but there are a few shows that I greatly enjoy for completely different reasons, so I feel it is acceptable.  Oh, and let's not forget TCM, because they just don't do movies like they used to either.  And, of course, there are just other times when I just want to be entertained (baseball anyone?!).  And, with the Internet?  As much as I love keeping in touch with friends, sometimes I just have to shut if off for the evening.  And, good friends understand this about me, so it's all good.  Isn't maintaining the proper balance what it's all about?  I think so...  : )

Curling up with a good book takes you places you never dreamed you'd go - gives you things to think about in ways you might not of thought of before, and so much more.  My brain needs to be challenged in that way on a daily basis, if possible.  I am a curious person by nature.  And, if I can't keep learning and expanding my knowledge, I'm just not being true to myself.  I love that I started making books a part of myself at a young age.  I still love going to the library.  Sometimes if I need to get away to clear my head at work, I walk over to the closest library or book store.  Just being surrounded by all that knowledge waiting for me to find, is instantly calming.  A beautiful thing...

Thank-you, my Loopy Spring Fling Swap Partner...

Can I just say that Gina rocks?!  Because she does!!  As part of this year's Loopy Ewe Spring Fling, I signed up to do a pre-fling swap.  A veteran flinger exchanged with a newbie flinger.  And, spoil me, Gina did - above and beyond what she needed to do!  Wanna see what she got me?  

    

My package included the following:  Fleece Artist Trail Socks in Mermaid, Claudia Hand-Painted in Boot Camp,Zauberball, two project bags by Barb Miller, a 3 AM Enchantments project bag, "Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn" sock book, a stitchsaver that says "ms sox," a cute knitting counter (I'm so gonna put that around my neck at the fling - hee, hee), a cute sheep measuring tape, a view stick so I can see patterns & charts magnified, a Mudhens baseball t-shirt and a great bag for carrying stuff in general.  And, that cute little card that says, "Do you ever think you own entirely too much yarn?"  (Me neither on the inside).  And, each gift had a little hand written note to go along with it.  Gina, I can't express enough how generous you were to me...  I can't wait until the Fling - it will be here in just a few short weeks.  It's going to be a blast!!!!!!  Catching up with old friends, making new friends - it's a truly special time for us all.  Knitters really are some of the most amazing, kind and generous people I know.  And, I feel so fortunate to be a part of this community.  They took away all the anxiety I had about going there by myself last year and made me feel welcome instantly!!  Oh, and I think I've found that lost knitting mojo - I mean, how can I not after that swap package?  Must peruse through my new book!  Happy Knitting!  : )