Unraveled Wednesday.

Not everything has been going my way lately, but thank goodness, the knitting and reading are not letting me down. Since last Thursday, I've started two of those spring cardigans. The sleeve-as-swatch has dried and I think it's going to work out fine. and the purple Quick Sand has really kept me entertained.

I'm a huge fan of the design, which Heidi has published for two gauges - Fine Sand (lightweight) and Quick Sand (heavier weight). This is my 4th time knitting it (1, 2, 3, 4), so it feels really comfortable - and rather than put all the stitches onto waste yarn to try it on before separating the sleeves, I simply measured it against its three cousins. It looked good ... but this morning I was thinking the gauge was maybe big?! ... so I put all the stitches on waste yarn and tried it on.

whew, right?! There is even a little part of me that thinks a new sweater is a reasonable tradeoff for laying low this week. (a very little part!)

On the reading front, I've finished a lot of books. I have a reading update planned for early April and I'll share more then, but for now,

The Great Alone - too much domestic violence to justify finishing
Winter - so good!
The Power - amazing!! recommending to any and everyone, especially the fierce young women
The Coffeehouse Mysteries - I picked this series up through Overdrive because it was available - I just finished listening to #2. Perfect ear candy for me right now. a little sex, a little mystery (I didn't figure out the murderer in either book - but that's not saying much) and a LOT of coffee (which is a very good thing for me). I also love that it's set in NYC.

Joining in with Kat and friends ... and hoping nothing important has unraveled for you!

Watercolor Wednesday | Scenes from the Orchard.

We've had a delightful time visiting and catching up. Even the weather was smiling yesterday.

We walked outside in the morning to get Martha a few photos to share on Facebook.

Martha and Mother 

Later in the afternoon, Holly and I ventured out for a long walk through the orchards. so beautiful and peaceful.

We're headed home later this morning (thankfully, not through snow!) - it's been a short, but wonderful, change of scenery.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Test Knitting.

I know I said I'd never do another test knit. yeah, never say never.

When Melanie Berg shared her latest design on Instagram last week, saying she'd be putting out a call "soon" for testers, I immediately started stalking her Ravelry group. My mom will tell you - I checked every couple of hours ... but no call. Until shortly before I got home Monday afternoon. It was perfect timing and I was the 10th one to reply.

When I got home last night*, I was surprised and completely delighted to see that I'd been selected!

Today I printed the pattern, wound the first two skeins of yarn

and swatched.

This test knit is going to be a lot different from the other testing I've done because we get (in fact, we're encouraged!) to share about the project on-line.  The other testers include a few of my current Ravelry friends and I'm looking forward to adding some more.

You might still be wondering what made me change my tune about testing? A couple things.  I love Melanie's designs and patterns. I think this piece will work great for Alaska. and I had the yarn - Shibui Pebble + Linen in the Ivory colorway (thanks to a very generous friend and former student who decided she didn't want it anymore). I'd been planning to use the yarn to knit a wrap for the trip so it was really perfect timing.

*I spent yesterday afternoon with my favorite toddler and then stayed for dinner. Lots of photo opportunities, but this one - hands down! - is my favorite!

I figured we all needed something fun today. Thank heavens for knitting and little boys!

A Wednesday with Extras.

Long-time (and maybe even not so long) readers probably know that my typical Wednesday routine starts with a walk (lately dark early with Marc), proceeds to knitting class and then to wine and knitting with my sister, Karen. It's a pretty fun way to mark the middle of the week - and with Betty here, we added in a few extras.

First up, we waited until it was light to walk. Hello sunny selfie!

Betty went to Alabama and her husband went to Georgia - this might be the first time she's ever worn a Georgia Tech hat!

A walk to the lake - with a lake view selfie - was high on Betty's list of things to do while she was here. Marc prepared her last night for the hills, and she said she was grateful ... but I think she was more grateful for the training from her hikes in the Colorado mountains (have I mentioned that the cousin who arrives tomorrow lives in Boulder?) last year.

She was proud to tell Marc that she did the whole walk just fine. I told him our pace was a little slower than our usual because we stopped to take photos.

I loved taking photos of my dad composing shots, too. Betty says her daughter likes to take these same photos.

The rest of the morning passed quietly. I'm pretty sure we both knitted at least a little bit.

On the way to the shop for class, we drove by the development where my mom will be moving this fall. Wow! I drive past the site at least once a week and they're making noticeable progress on the homes daily right now. yay for good weather!

I don't have a photo to document the "extra" that Betty added to my knitting class. But I had fun introducing her as "the daughter of the woman who taught me to knit". and then Betty added "and she taught me to knit, too." Betty told me she's surprised how much progress she's made on the sweater. (Wednesdays are usually good "forward progress" days for me, too.)

Karen and I loved sharing our Wednesday evening tradition. Betty didn't share the wine, but she held up the knitting end beautifully. Karen might've even convinced her to try socks. All too soon it was time for the photo we forgot to take yesterday.

And then we drove home ... and the rest of Wednesday played out like it typically does, except that we watched a movie* - and Marc went to bed before it ended and both Betty and I stayed up for the end.

It's nearly midnight now ... for sure another "extra" :-)

It's also nearly Thursday and I can't believe how fast this week is flying by. Good things and all that, I guess. Hoping you've had some good in your week so far and maybe an "extra" (or two)? do share!

*The Man Who Knew Infinity. Marc and I first watched it last weekend and loved it. Highly recommend. and now Betty agrees, too. Also, we all think they should teach "History of Math". None of us had heard of Ramanujan and that seems ... wrong.

Knitting Colors.

It's no secret that I love to wear neutrals. and since that's mostly what I wear, it's also mostly what I knit. So it was kind of a shock in class today that I was wearing a blue sweater and knitting on two decidedly colorful pieces (Brights and Sunshine Coast).

Of course the next few projects in my queue will get me back to my comfort zone (a cream cardigan, two pullovers in shades of gray and a cream/gray wrap). But I think I'm going to explore colors more, especially with accessories. I saw a friend before class and she was wearing this scarf. We got to talking about making it in Shibui's new linen, Reed. Shibui has great neutrals and pretty pops of color. to be continued....

Midweek Mash-up.

...aka I have nothing more than a few photos to share and they have not much in common with each other ... except that it's Wednesday!

First up, I dropped my taxes off this morning and was delighted to see a redbud in full bloom just outside the accountant's office. ♥ #blueskyblooms

Next, I wore my Fiona Coat today. I finished it way back in January and I've worn it a couple of times, but I've always had to take it off because it was too warm. Not today! These two photos will have to suffice for FOs because I totally hope it's too warm from here on out to put it on again before next fall.

And finally, my first LipSense order arrived (thank you, Carole, for the helpful and quick service!) Isn't her packaging wonderful?!

I'm getting used to the feel of the product on my lips, but I can certainly attest to it lasting all day long. I applied the color this morning and it still looks fresh. This is Roseberry and I love it!

OK, now that I've shared a few random thoughts 😉 - I hope you have one to share with me!

Here's to Wednesday! 

One Word Wednesday | Another!

Cheers | Seven Dials.

Waterlogue's Illustration

My sister found the recipe and shared it with me last week. I only had to buy grenadine and apple juice to mix it up today.

It's kind of a crazy mix of flavors, but it works! ...and it was the perfect accompaniment to our typical Wednesday evening conversation (family. books. knitting.) and tonight, the weather. She's driving to Florida tomorrow and I'm flying to Madison.

I think I'm going to have the easier time packing ... Madison looks like Atlanta right now!

Hope your week is going well. Cheers to Wednesday!

Watercolor Wednesday | Spring Colors.

We didn't see any blue skies on today's morning walk, but the colors near the ground more than made up for it.

I know many of y'all are seeing wet white and gray today ... figured you might like to see a bit of spring - even if it's just a picture (or three)!

Wise Words.

Hope - from my neighbor's yard yesterday evening

Sunday morning I had the privilege of hearing a sermon that moved me to tears. I came home and wrote my pastor* an email:

"Today’s service - as well as last week’s - was a welcome respite for me. I’m writing to let you know that and to ask if you’d be willing to share your Sermon for the World. I’d like - with your permission - to share it on my personal blog (which is mostly about knitting and two adorable little boys) this week. Your sermons these past few months have impressed me not only because they’re so relevant (I have also been impressed by the timeliness of the lectionary), but because they’re directly on point, while not being divisive. These past two weeks have been especially good. and today’s was exactly what I needed. I know our congregation is diverse. And while I’m not sure what my neighbors in the pews might think about our new President, I’d like to think they believe in truth, justice and humility. and that scripture and sermons like these will inspire us all to question and act."

He replied back that he would be happy for me to share his words. But first I need to share the lectionary. Matthew 5:1-12, the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, commonly known as the Beatitudes:

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.  Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:   

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (NRSV)

And now, Ollie's Sermon for the World:

The Good life belongs to the successful who hold the world in their hand.
Happiness is yours when you rise and triumph.
Aim for power that dominates others so you can enlarge your wealth.
Obey your thirst and feed your hungers with pleasures and plenty.
You simply can’t have too much fun.
Give away to others only what you must. Keep all you can.
It may take lies, deceit, and corruption to get to the top--so don’t get caught.
Finally, bottom line, if someone criticizes you, seek revenge and hit hard. Don’t feel badly about this, it has always been this way on earth.  

Two roads lead from where we are (and hasn’t that been true since the beginning of time?)….the kingdom of earth and its rulers… and the kingdom of God with its prophets. Which road will you travel? Whose voice will you heed? 

*Dr. Oliver Wagner, Senior Pastor, Alpharetta Presbyterian Church - commonly known in my family as Dr. Ollie.

Waiting and Watching | Week Seven.

yesterday afternoon

playing with the light (and yep, that's a knitting needle holding up the stalks!)

The main reason I planted amaryllis bulbs this year was to re-live a bit of the magic our first one brought us last January. These blooms are certainly not as stunning as last year's (whoa, those white stripes and whoa - all those blooms!), but this one got the timing right.

Sunday afternoon there were still just buds

but by Monday afternoon there were blooms!

I'm betting the bright sunshine yesterday and today will get that third bud to open by this afternoon.

Today's waterlogue is again the Color Bloom filter, chosen for the beautiful way it portrays the blooms, their reflection and their shadow. and that touch of blue in the window...well that's just serendipity!

Happy Wednesday!

(Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five)

Waiting and Watching | Week Five.

Three of those eight white blooms from last week are still holding on, but this week's real stunner is on the second bulb.

At least I hope it's a stunner... waiting in the wings.

Today's waterlogue is another new filter - Fashionable. chosen entirely because of the way it rendered the collage. I love the pops of pink and the faint, suggestive outlines of the words.

These photos were actually taken yesterday; Holly and I are headed to Florida this morning to visit my mom for a few days. Hoping to share a few posts while we're there. I'm itching to see what the #blueskyblooms are up to!

Happy Wednesday!

(Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four)

Waiting and Watching | Week Four.

There are eight (!!!!) white blooms this week and every one of them is lovely, but my favorites are the ones that catch the sunlight (yes, sunlight!) just so. simply stunning.

I tried a different Waterlogue filter this week - this is Color Bloom ... which will be even more appropriate once the Red Lion blooms.

Happy Wednesday!

(Week One, Week Two, Week Three)

Waiting and Watching | Week Three.

With all the zeal of the newly converted, "WOW!" or maybe "Whoa, that was fast!"

I took these photos yesterday afternoon - maybe 48 hours after I noticed the first bloom on Christmas Day.

...and then just for fun, this morning I played around with one of them.

I think I like what Waterlogue does with the pictures and the birds even more than the amaryllis.

Happy Wednesday!

(Week One, Week Two)

Waiting and Watching | Week Two.

In spite of the cloudy, wet weather, both plants seem to be growing! Still, I'm sure they're appreciating the sunshine today.

I am, too! I've got a list of things to do inside but hopefully Holly and I can sneak out for a walk this afternoon. We need to experience sunny high 50's first-hand...I have a feeling we won't see weather again like this until next year ;-)

Happy Solstice!

(Week One)

Watercolor Wednesday | Waiting and Watching.

in my study

Yesterday's trip to Whole Foods was mostly about picking up amaryllis. We came home with two. The one in front is labeled "white" and has already started to sprout (I took that as a good sign; I also like the fern it's planted with). The one in back came fully ready to pot (the package included a pot and potting soil) and is a "Red Lion". Charlie and I made quick business of getting that second one potted.

But it took me a while to find a good location for the two pots. The directions say "full sunlight"; I'm not sure there are many (any?) places in my house where that's going to happen. But on a sunny day, this chest gets good afternoon sunlight. We'll see.

Thank you, Bonny and Kym for the encouragement!

Now the waiting and watching begins...

Watercolor Wednesday | A Poem.

Monday morning at the lake

Much of what I've been reading lately (including posts from several of you!) has talked slowing down, taking time to savor wonder of this season. This poem, while not specific to December at all, captures beautifully this idea and my favorite time of day. I hope you enjoy it.

The Rebirth of the World

A great blue heron
flies across the red
face of the rising sun,
its crook-necked, lanky
body unmistakable.

Nature has a way of
welcoming each new
day with singular grace;
no two mornings are the same. And I am not
a mere spectator here --

I am moved and changed,
struck dumb by loveliness,
so infused with awe and
wonder at the generosity
of mockingbirds and doves,
pine trees and high cirrus

clouds catching the first
rays of sun that I struggle
to find words. In the end
I give up and sit in silence,
cloaked in the glow of
morning, and the rebirth
        of the world.

~ Danna Faulds (from One Soul: More Poems from the Heart of Yoga)

Home.

...was not where I intended to be this afternoon. I had planned to spend an hour or two at the shop catching up with folks before heading to my sister's to resume our weekly knitting (and wine) time.

But the weather reports were downright scary - we moved from tornado watch to tornado warning, with plenty of nasty rain, thunder and lightning thrown in. Karen and I rescheduled for tomorrow.

So home is where I'm staying. Holly is in my lap as I type this. but soon I'll be back on the sofa knitting. That's No Tails in the photo. I've started the first sleeve (yeah, I didn't come close to having this done "for Thanksgiving" but it's gonna be a shoe-in for Christmas :-)

And hey - how about those socks!? I started them on my flight to Madison back in July...and finished them yesterday. I'm glad I have a bit of cozy home to share with Sara (they'll be headed her way as soon as I can get to the post office). I thought it might've been nice to have a fire going in the background, but it's 60+ degrees outside right now and I think she'll appreciate that kind of warmth when she wears them!

And how about another successful NaBloPoMo?! Parts of me are in denial about tomorrow being December, but other parts of me are ready for November to be over!

Happy Wednesday!

Words in the Wild.

...belated birthday wishes from a friend who obviously gets me - and a perfect quick post to share with all of you today.

Happy Day-before-Thanksgiving Wednesday!

Watercolor Wednesday | Five Minutes.

Thanks to Kat and Bonny, I've been following along with Michelle's Gratitude Week. Today, she's invited us to

Take some time today to step outside or to sit in a favorite spot in your home. Take five minutes (yes, you can carve out five) and get quiet. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, then open your eyes. What delights you, what shakes you, what makes you say oh my?

Five minutes. What struck me first when I read those words was that it wouldn't be hard at all for me to carve out that time. In fact, those minutes might give some purpose and direction to this day that felt a little bare when I laid out my calendar on Monday. no knitting class. no toddler to care for while his parents were in the hospital caring for a newborn.

I step outside every day, and I like to think I do it with purpose and eyes wide open ... so I rarely (if ever!) do it with eyes closed. The park seemed like the best place to try it. I found my favorite bench and sat down. closed my eyes. waited what seemed like five minutes (but was really just two). and opened them.

I saw golden sunshine and felt peace

and immense gratitude for where I am right now that allows me moments like this.

the time to experience them. and share them.

Happy Wednesday, my friends!