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

Spring Fling 2009...

So I realize I'm tardy in posting, but better late than never right?!  And, I'm also having computer issues, so that slows me down a lot.  I need to buy an external hard drive and start backing up my data.  And, then research new computers...fun times! 

But, speaking of fun times (and I mean that in the real sense of the word!!), I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this year's Spring Fling.  As always, Sheri put together a fabulous event!  

I arrived on Thursday around lunchtime and met up with some fabulous ladies (thanks Lori for driving - so nice to have a local show us around) to grab lunch and go to Knitty Couture.  What a lovely yarn shop!  I was, however, good and resisted buying more yarn lovlieness.  : )  Then a few doors down was Pi which we heard is a favorite of President Obama.  The pizza was delicious!  

Soon, my friends from last year started trickling in and it was wonderful to see them in person.  We chat almost daily via Plurk but it's always nice to hang out.  And, looking forward to seeing some of them again in October when we travel to Rhinebeck - which will be a first for me!  : )  We picked up our pre-ordered cupcakes (thanks Leslie for organizing this) and spent time in the lobby until it was time for dinner.  And, what did I have?  Well, more pizza of course, lol.  That's because I had not tried the toasted ravioli pizza that I heard is a must try as well.  And, it was tasty.  : )  Then, if I wasn't already full from all of that, we had the welcome dessert reception!  Yummy!  Tried a sample of a few different desserts.  Then spent some time knitting and also getting to know my spring fling swap partner, Gina - she is just as sweet in person.  So glad we got to spend time hanging out.  : )

And, on Friday, my first order of business was to go to Loopy Central and shop in person.  I was proud of myself for being really good - when I get a chance I'll upload pictures to this post.  The cutest thing was this little peacock that will display several mini socks as his feathers.  Can't wait to knit some of those up and create a new display!  So much fun!  In the afternoon, I took a beginning lace class from Anne Hanson.  She's a great instructor.  And, love her patterns.  It was mostly a refresher for me - I probably could have handled the Advanced Course, but it was already full.  Maybe next year?!  Then, more knitting in the knitting lounge with my friends - old and new.

Move along to Saturday.  I had a free day all day.  The intent was to go to the gym.  Well, we all know that didn't happen, lol.  So, I just spent time hanging out in the knitting lounge and having a lot of good laughs with friends.  Later that evening (side note:  had St. Louis style pizza that night for dinner - because again, it's a must try - andit was yummy too - the cheese is different but I liked it), the wonderful Darth Knitter lead us in a fun new song that she wrote to recap the event.  I'm not a singer by any means, but this is something I enjoyed being a part of last year and wanted to do again this year.  We've even got a youtube video to capture the moment!  It was so much fun.  Thanks again Tammy for organizing this!  

And, then before I knew it, it was Sunday and time to go home.  I didn't go to a baseball game like I did last year, so was home at a much more reasonable hour.  I took the following Monday off to relax and rejuvenate.  So many happy memories again this year.  Feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community...

So, until my next adventure (which starts very soon - will be heading to NYC this afternoon, more details to come...), take care all...       

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!  : )

The beginnings of spring...

My two favorite seasons are fall and spring.  Something about how the beauty of nature speaks to me during these times of year...   I can't really put into words the feelings I feel inside when I'm outside in nature - the inner peace that I feel deep within me.  That's what it's all about - when you can reach that core peace of mind, there really is nothing else...

After a few rainy and gloomy days here in my neck of the woods, today the sun came out again.  Not when I first woke up...but once I saw it, I knew I had to seize the day.  It was mine for the taking.  Outside I must be!  So, I grabbed a few essentials and off I went.  Here's what I found:

    

 

 

 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more time to spend outdoors...listening to the birds chirp...enjoying the happiness...living life... : )

A Recurring Dream...

I've had this dream at least three other times over the last year or two.  It wasn't until this last time that I actually wrote out details that I could remember from all of them (because while the general event was the same, there was always something slightly different). 

I have been fascinated by dreams ever since I can remember.  Back in my younger days, I used to keep dream journals, but that has long since ceased for the most part.  I remember dreams in such minute details and it makes me wonder about the deeper meaning of dreams.  What does it all mean, really? 

Since this dream is recurring, I know it is because I have an unresolved issue that I somehow need to find a resolution.  I thought about themes within the dream and how they applied to my day to day life.  In the past month or so, I've had a great deal on my mind and has resulted in a more stress than I honestly need in my life.  I'm wondering if the dream has something to do with my ability to adapt to change and/or letting go of the past.  In my dream, I am angry about the event that has taken place (because I appear to be the only one who was not notified about it) yet in real life, I rarely get angry - sad, yes, but angry, hardly ever.  Instead of seeking out assistance in the dream, should I really be letting it go and forging ahead towards something new on my own? At this point, I don't really know.  I'm still working through my thoughts.  But, have every confidence that I will work through this as I have all challenges that have come my way.  It may take time, but a solution will one day present itself to me - because when I see it, I will know...  

Finding Inspiration...

The other day someone told me he just hadn’t been “feeling” the blogging entries.  And, I understand that, as to be honest, I really haven’t been feeling mine either.  I’ve had way too much on my mind lately, but being the generally private individual that I am, I just can’t get into it on the blog level. 

Enter mini trip with wonderful girlfriends.  It was honestly just what I needed.  It gave me a little perspective on life in many ways now that I have time to look back and reflect upon conversations, events of the trip, etc. etc.  I’m often inside my head a lot and when I get inspiration from others, even if it’s unexpected, I like to take the time to reflect on all the positive things I have in my life.  And, then I feel truly blessed. 

So what did we do, you ask?  We went to two NKOTB concerts (Richmond VA and Baltimore MD) since both are close to where we live.  It was an amazing and surreal experience.  You see, we did VIP where we had the opportunity to meet the guys for a few minutes and have our photo taken with them.  I’m still pinching myself.  I don’t expect all of you to get it, but know it meant something very special to me to be able to enjoy this experience as a mature woman (and yes, a bit of the teenage girl in me was out in full force too, lol).  I never would have expected it to be something I would be fortunate enough to experience in this lifetime.  It rates up there on the record books with my dream come reality trip to Giverny to visit Monet’s Gardens.  And, having my favorite guy tell me I am a sweetheart (that’s a story in and of itself) - that was just very special.  : )

And, now I find myself catching up on rest and getting back to my normal routine.  I hope the inspiration I seemed to have found after the conversations I had over the course of the last few days will help me remember what’s important.  While the issues I have been going through have been putting me in a funk, what I am going through is nothing compared to what some people in this world are experiencing...

 

Maybe next time I'll have found that knitting inspiration that has been so lacking for at least a month now.  And, I'm still waiting for Anna Karenina to inspire me - while so far it has given me some food for thought, I haven't yet figured out why it's to be considered on of the greatest books of all times.  Perhaps Dostoevsky just speaks to me more.  But, I'll reserve my final determination after I've finished the book. 

 

Take care, keep it real and I’ll be back another time.  : )

Like a Junior Mint...

...it's very refreshing!!  Things are finally starting to get back to a more normal routine for me.  Oh, there will be some busy times here and there in the next few weeks, but all in all, it's looking up.  I made the right decision to just chill out and spend the down time resting and cutting out some of my routines temporarily.  I feel more rested than I have in months.  And, my knee is better, I'm eating a little better (I even lost a few pounds that I probably gained over the holidays) and well, it's just very nice. 

I'm slowing starting to do some more reading in the evenings.  Right now, I'm focusing on Henry VIII.  Probably because a few weeks ago, I attended an all day seminar by the author, Alison Weir.  She's in the US promoting her latest book and stopped off in DC to do a lecture on Elizabeth I and Katherine Swynford.  I found it to be quite enjoyable.  She really is entertaining to listen to and I look forward to more of her books to come.  In December of this year, her book on Anne Boleyn will be out in the US.  It takes place over a 4 month period during her last months.  I can't wait.  And, she has more great books planned over the next several years.  I'm particularly looking forward to the Mary Boleyn and Katherine Howard books.  She has some historical fiction coming out as well, but so far, I'm sticking with the biographical accounts.  There is a lot of detail and while I can't possibly remember it all, I'd rather not confuse fact with fiction at this point.

Eventually, I'll get back to the Dostoevsky study.  I have to be in the right mood when reading "The Double."  The character rambles on quite a bit and if I'm not paying attention, I really can't keep up.  For that reason alone, I'm not sure I'm enjoying the story all that much, but I'd like to get through it to continue my study of Dostoevsky and reserve my full opinion for after I'm finished with the book.  I very much miss the Joseph Frank series I was reading, but as I've decided to read that along side with the books in order, it will have to be put aside for the time being.  Unless, I change my mind, which is entirely possible.

As this is supposed to be a knitting blog (although I rather think it's much more of a book and life in general blog at this point, lol) I should comment a bit about the knitting.  Haven't done a great deal of that lately.  A little here and there during the down time, but not much.  I've started a stealth knitting project that I really must get going on if I intend to finish it by the deadline that is fast approaching.  It's not critical if I don't, but now that I have energy to return to spending time doing the things I've missed, I'd like to get back to it.

So there you have it.  I think I'm continuing to learn things about myself and how I want and/or need to spend my time.  The balance of things has shifted a bit, but all in all, it's a better balance that is working for me for the time being and I shall be going with it!  : )