Live

I was watching Furious 7  when it occurred to me that some people choose not to really live.  I hope you aren't one of those people.  I hope you're in the moment,  aware of everything happening around you.   Life is to short!

Lisa Page  and  my  boy  Rafi.

And the tattoo:

Don't regret,  don't forget.

And News flash:   I'll be at  Duncan  Regional  Hospital  with YARN!!  11/21  and 11/22.

Extrovert or introvert?

Are you an extrovert or an introvert?

Most of my life I thought I was an introvert.  Quiet,  thoughtful, somewhat  hermetic in nature.  That's me, right?  But ... When I think back to how I met some people and who said hello first, I find that I am the first to reach out more than I give myself credit for anyway.

Just today I said hello first and got someone's life story.  I didn't ask for that, BTW, just happens I'm a good listener.

So, am I an extrovert?  Introvert?  What gives?

I think we each hold a place somewhere between extrovert and introvert.  In some areas you shine.  In others you're the wall flower.  In high school I was a wall flower, big time!  But ask me about horses or yarn and I shine!

I believe we need to set ourselves up for success.  Like dressing up to go out on the town.  If you are trying to get noticed, making the most of yourself is a good idea.  I mean, the right clothes, shoes, make-up, etc.  I remember dressing up for a concert one time.  High heels, red dress, the works!  A girl bumped into me that night.  She turned to tell me to watch what I was doing, but the sight of me all decked out and looking down haughtily stopped her cold.  She apologized to me!  I didn't say a word.

Would I do things the same now?  No.  My attire is for me, not. every. one. else.  Dress in a way that makes you set for the task ahead.  If that means turning heads, fine.  Or dress to hide in the shadows.  But realize that you are both extrovert and introvert and dress to bring that out of yourself as the case needs.

Boy did this blog take a turn!  I thought I was going to blog about the internet making it easier for introverts to be heard.  You know, we blog and you can read it.  Then we don't have to talk to all of you at once, which we aren't very good at.

Of course, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the above.  Don't let people, including yourself, pigeon hole you.  You are complex.

Now to get our politicians to realize that we want the middle of the watermelon, not the rind at either end!!  They need to go back to kindergarten to learn how to play nice, lol!

Annnnd that's my political  commentary for the century.

Have a great week!

Me, dressing for comfort on an endurance ride.

Happy birthday everyone!

Today I turned, I almost said 28, if only that were the case, no today I turned 48 and as I look back and I think about my life and what I've accomplished it may not be as fantastic as some people.  It may not be as noticeable, but I know that I have touched lives and some of those lives I'll never know that I touched them. You see I work in a hospital.  I run lab tests on people's blood.  I save lives and I have done so for 20 years.  I think about saving lives for 20 years and I start to multiply one life saved every day that I worked times those 20 years and I can't put it into words the feeling that gives me because I am joyful that I can save people's lives with the help of my Hospital teams over the years.  I don't know what your job is, but I do hope that it gives you a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day.  I hope that you enjoy the company of your co-workers.  I hope that you even enjoy the food from your work if they serve food. My hospital that I currently work at serves wonderful food, but I guess I'm not that picky.  I like to laugh and say I don't need a husband I need a housewife and in a way it's true.  I'm not a terribly good housekeeper and I don't really enjoy cooking or cleaning, but I do enjoy being outdoors and I do enjoy dyeing my yarn and knitting and weaving and spinning and there's so many things that I like, but they don't include professional sports at all! I could spend everyday of my life with my horses, llamas and yarn and I'd be happy, but I would not have touched invisibly those around me. I'm not an actress or actor I don't spend my money on thousand-dollar dresses, but I think most people don't.  I think most people are more like me, touching each other's lives in little ways, so happy birthday to me and you when your birthday rolls around.  I hope you hold your head up high and admit to your age because you only turn that age once and as I live through this next year my goal is the same as it always is, to live each day to it's fullest, to love what I'm doing each day to enjoy my day and if you're not happy where you are and what you're doing, try to find something else because life is far too short to waste it.

Cats rule!

I recently found this post about actor/director/photographer/?? Norman Reedus:

He's a Crazy Cat Gentleman

Real men love cats! As Norman recently told Us Weekly, “My best friend is my cat.” That BFF is Eye in the Dark, a black cat he won over. As Norman told GQ a while back, "My son wanted a black kitten when he was a kid, and I found it in the East Village in some rescue shelter, but it was born in a box and the guy that was getting rid of it was like, 'You don't want this cat. This cat's never gonna love anyone.' And the first time I saw it, it was like just hissing and scratching everything it saw and now it's like this big, fat, chill cat."

I used to have a cat that was given to me.  She was a mostly white with grey ears Scottish Fold.  Picture this cat with grey patches around the ears.

I don't have pictures of her because a man I knew was in love with me (and married) and took all the pictures.  I don't "do" married.  Women and men should treat others the way they would want to be treated.  Period.  End of that story.

She was so scared of everything (abuse) that my mom's cat literally scared the poop out of her.  So, she lived in my room.  At the time I went to college full time and taught handicapped riding and ran a boarding stable.  I came in filthy, so I always took a bath.  The only place she could smell what I'd been up to for the day was my eyelashes.  So, eventually, she would sniff them while I was sleeping.  Then while I was awake.  You guessed it, she eventually became very trusting.  Even to the point of supervised outings onto the front porch!   Huge progress.  And she did finally get along with mom's cat.

She finally died one day that I was scheduled to be away and just had a feeling I shouldn't go.  She died right beside me of a seizure.  I was so glad to be there when she passed.  We had become the best of friends.  She's buried in my yard.  If I ever bought a cat (yeah right, they find me!) It would be a Scottish fold.  Sometimes the best ones are the ones that find you.  I could give you a list a mile long of my "found" animal friends.  Just because they aren't in a rescue or a shelter doesn't make them unworthy of your love.  One of mine showed up so skinny I thought she would die before we could feed her.  She's a tad bit obese now.

Yep, I'm a mad cat lady, just ask the people around me!

Stereotypes

Today I've been thinking about stereotypes.  You know, those great movie characters, such as the red herring, the first to get killed in a horror movie.  They're wonderful as narrative elements.  What they are not wonderful for is us.

This is lama fiber.  Alpaca or llama.  It's also Suri, which is silky.  Sheep people refuse to call it wool quite often.  I think it's llama wool.  Regardless of label, it's gorgeous and extremely soft.

Real people, like real life, are complicated.  We aren't just homebodies, or avid travelers.  Well, I guess there are some who fit, but not many.  Most of us are complex.  I think that's what makes a good actress, ore actor, the ability to be one of those things, or a small combination for a while.  To pretend to be some small part of yourself, or some part of someone else.  I mean really, is Anthony Hopkins really a murderer?  I sure hope not!  Is Norman Reedus really a bit of a hillbilly who was beat up by his dad?  No.  I hear he prefers to live in the city (New York I believe).

This is lama fiber combed out.  You can't feel how soft it is, but it's heavenly!

So, how does this relate to the average person?  My readers?  Well, each of us has different sides of us.  Sometimes it's hard to acknowledge those sides.  Did you know I grew up without a computer?  Horror of horrors!!  But I had my own pony!  For me, the pony was far more important.  It helped to shape my life from childhood to adulthood and on to parenthood.  It influenced my relationships and views on life.  Sorry, Norman Reedus, not a great match for you, but maybe for Daryl Dixon, lol.  I LOVE living in the country.  I can do my own plumbing, fencing and build out buildings.  But in all that survivalist reality, lurks someone who loves a beautiful horse and hand making sweaters.  I think you are dual in nature, too, or you wouldn't be reading my blog.

Be beautiful and rugged as the mood takes you.  Strip cabinets and refinish them, but also put those final touches on your artwork.  And above all, recognize that in others!  Don't pigeonhole people.  Let them be all they want to be.  Most especially if they are your children!

What are you going to be when you grow up?

I am amazed at how deeply we are affected by modern media.  Way before my time - I know you'll find this hard to believe - women used to wear swim suits that covered pretty much everything.  Now the question is which you find hard to believe.  Way before my time?  Or the bathing suits?

Yes, I have a tat on my ankle.

Anyway, it's true.  In every era there are the same issues floating around.  How we feel about them is definitely influenced by T.V., movies and social media.  I'd add news papers, but I don't read them.  Great coupons, though!  You can save a bundle.

Appalled by how much time I was sitting in front of the T.V., I choose to disconnect the satellite.  Over $100/ month for the same old thing over and over.  What I was watching isn't really relevant, maybe what I wasn't watching is?  I'm not sure.  Dexter was cancelled and that was it for me.  I named a horse Darkly Dexter.  He's a great horse!!!  A gentle giant who wouldn't hurt a fly.

Darkly Dexter a a baby.

Anyway, what we allow into our lives does affect us.  Undeniably.  The people, attitudes, news, shows, books ... The list goes on.  What you let into your mind affects your outlook on life.

Take me for instance.  I started watching The Walking Dead about six months ago.  I'm up to season six now.  Thank you to everyone who watched all along!  Without you I would never have become hooked on it.

So how has it influenced me? Life is precious, but only if you live life to the fullest.  If you hate your job and life, then find a different life and job.  Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.  Ok, so I'm still working on that one.  Hmm, maybe if Walking Dead had an episode with horses and llamas?  Spinning yarn and turning it into clothing?  Yeah, like that's gonna happen!

I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I'm going to love it!  No, I'm not in my teens, lol.  Far from them!  But I think you can reinvent yourself as you go.  Once upon a time it was called a mid life crisis.  Now it's about finding yourself.  Who are you?  Who do you want to be?

Maybe you can be like me and have a great day job, but a bunch of side interests, too.  I don't understand people who have no hobbies.  Maybe that's because I have too many.  Should I make a list?  Ok, but I warn you it's a long one.

Reading
Writing
Horseback riding, short or long rides!
Training horses
Teaching people to ride
Raising horses
Llamas because they have attitude
Spinning yarn
Knitting
Crochet
Weaving
Dying yarn
Creating stories in my mind
Playing with my daughter
Ok, anything with my daughter!
Gardening
Plumbing
Electric work - simple stuff.
Building things
Riding horses while pretending things - remember playing cowboys and Indians?
T.V.
Movies
Talking to people
Blogging

I think I missed something.  No, I'm sure I missed something.  That's ok.  I'll remember later.  What interests do you have?  How have you been influenced by those around you?  Stop, think and reinvent yourself.  It's fun!

Valentine's day.

Valentine's day is right around the corner.  Here is a free pattern from someone else's blog.  Just too cute!

http://krisknits.blogspot.com/2008/01/valentine-surprise.html?m=1

And even better, you have plenty of time to make a few of these.

Home ownership

Today I was digging in the front yard.  Planting flowers? No.  Putting in a driveway? No.  Trying to find a water line leak? Yes.

It's one of the tradeoffs of home ownership that you eventually have things break down.  And the odds of things breaking increase with the age of the house.  My house is within spitting distance of a century.  No, I'm not sure what that is, but it sounds kind of cool.  At least to me.  Maybe you don't think so and that's fine, too.

So, last month I had to change out the innards of the toilet.  Not too bad.  It wasn't the "after" portion off the innards, so the water was clean.  For the other part I like to call a plumber!  This month was a miscellaneous leak. Who knows where!  Yep, my job was to find out where the leak was.  I cut out a large piece of tree root, but that wasn't it.

So I went to the muddiest spot and dug.  Found it!  With other chores to do I decided to leave "find the exact spot" to tomorrow.

Even with all the repairs and upgrades, painting, sanding, cleaning, de-bugging, etc, it's so worth it.  I've owned this house for 20 years now.  I live in the country, so I have farm animals in my back yard.  The peace and beauty it's breathtaking.  And at the end of the day, I own this house and isn't that cool?!  I won't be paying rent the rest of my life.  I'll pay it off and own it free and clear.  Awesome!!  I can't wait!

Like raising kids, horses, llamas, dogs and cats, owning a house brings a certain amount of pride.  I did that!

Wishing you proud ownership and a trouble free house!

We aren't the only ones who care

Sometimes it's nice to know there are like minded people out there.  People who know that when you take your time and do things right, the final result transcends the sum of the parts.

Today I want to share a post about people who care.  I hope you are as touched by this story as I was.

But before you go, a few thoughts of my own.  Inspiration comes in many forms.  Sometimes inspiration comes from someone, or something that wasn't meant to be inspirational.  I don't think the sun is trying to inspire us with it's glory, but I am inspired by it.  By giving 100% to whatever we do, we create something worthy of inspiring others.  What greater flattery than imitation?  I would say that inspiring people to create is greater flattery.  The very idea that my work, no matter how insignificant, might be a stepping stone of creativity is awe inspiring to me.  So here is the article I want to share:

http://bittersoutherner.com/alabama-chanin#.VpmZAkRMHqD

Hello, friends!

Today I'd like to talk about using the right tools.

The right kind of yarn for a very lovely sock.  100% wool, but light enough to wear in summer.

Using the right tools saves time and money.  OK, that's a pretty obvious statement.  Feed your dog on chocolates, get a big vet bill, or a dead dog.  Not good!  Feed yourself chocolates all the time and you might feel better in the immediate sense, but you're also likely to gain weight, which makes you feel worse and makes you eat even more to maintain that higher weight.

So, that wasn't really about tools, was it.  How about eating soup with chopsticks, or using a butter knife to tighten a screw.  I really have done that with the butter knife.  It works if the screw isn't too tight.  I don't recommend it because you kind of tear up your butter knife and sometimes the screw, too.

But how do we decide what's good and what's not good in yarn?  There aren't any labels on the yarn balls that say "do NOT EVER use for socks".  Of course, not!  I can't tell you how many socks I've knitted, just to find out that what I used did not live up to my expectations for a good sock.

1)  Synthetic materials that were too heavy, so my feet stayed sweaty.
2)  Llama/wool blend that didn't have enough stretch and was worsted weight to boot, so stiff as well.  If it wasn't scratchy, then I could have used them for house slippers, but I never made the second sock.
3)  Gorgeous wool, silk, mohair blend that made the most striking sock ever!  And the yarn broke the first time I put it on. (Many times mohair is listed as "strong" and silk as well.)
4)  Yarn with a very high twist - great wear and tear sock, but my feet are sensitive, so the socks wound up hurting.
5)  A very loosely plied sock yarn - very soft, but pilled up a lot and didn't last long enough to justify the hours it took me to knit.

FAS Round Sock Yarn in Granny's Roses.

So, what makes a good sock yarn? (My opinion only!)

1)  Wool or wool blend with a tight enough twist to last, but not so tight it's ouchy.
2)  Wool or wool blend that is fine enough (micron count) to not be scratchy.  Merino is one of my favorites, but there are several others that are fine enough - Blue Faced Leicester and Cormo come to mind.
3)  Yarn that is not so fine in diameter that your foot can feel every line as if it's fishing line.
4)  Alpaca blend that has enough bounce to lend itself to socks.  Most especially if you have sensitive skin like I do.
5)  Colors that I adore.  Really?!  Yes!  If you don't enjoy working on a project, you aren't likely to finish it any time soon.  I have to have nice colors and a yarn that is kind to my skin as I knit.
6)  An appropriate weight for the type of sock you are knitting (dress, boot, flip flop, etc.).  Yes, there are sock patterns for flip flops and yoga.

 And then there are all the pattern factors for what makes a good sock.  But that's another topic for another day.

Growing up I was always the quiet one that listened and watched.  If I saw my brother get in trouble for something, I made a mental note to not get caught doing that!  I suppose I should have been more focused on doing right instead of not getting caught, but there you have it, I was a kid and that's what kids do, right?  So, my advice to you today is to learn from my mistakes.

If you have a question about yarn and what you might use a particular type to make, drop me a line.  As for my recommendations for a sock yarn, I like my Round Sock yarn a lot, but if you want something thicker, then I like the luxury of FAS Serendipity.  I make socks to be wonderful to my feet and the alpaca/silk blend is very nice to my skin!