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Rough Night
Feb. 1st, 2010 11:47 amThe past few weeks I've been getting a spattering of very weird, very odd dreams. A few even borderline disturbing. Nothing I shall publicly dissect on my blog, as I prefer to write about it in my physical journal with a dream interpretation dictionary by my side. But all that traveling made me wake up feeling exhausted, groggy, and like I had gotten ridden hard this morning.
How hard? I just had my first coff of cuppee ten minutes ago and my eyes still have luggage.
Ember is a zombie.
On that note, I've opted to embrace my tired brain waves with some wickedly fun, mildly morbid quizzes.
( Bwa-ha-ha-ha-haaaaaaaa )
How hard? I just had my first coff of cuppee ten minutes ago and my eyes still have luggage.
Ember is a zombie.
On that note, I've opted to embrace my tired brain waves with some wickedly fun, mildly morbid quizzes.
( Bwa-ha-ha-ha-haaaaaaaa )
New Pen Luv
Jan. 31st, 2010 02:41 pmFor those that read my journal, you are all aware I have junkie tendencies towards a few things in life. The list to date is as follows:
~Bags (messenger bags, backpacks, any colour, any size)
~Journals (currently I have 20 unused journals laying in wait)
~Office Supplies (ZOMG!! Get my organizational freak on!!)
~Yarn (the best pr0n around, mmmmmm, alpaca)
~Pens (colours, various tips, comfort, thickness)
Today while I did a quickie stop at the local Freddie's, I came upon the latest Sharpie writing pen.
26/365
Around and about a year ago Sharpie introduced their first line of writing pens. I was thrilled because they offer them in my most favorite tip, what I call the Engineer Nib: very fine and not roller ball. The body of the pen was very slender, almost too difficult to hold for long bouts of journal writing for some folks. I've had no problems, but I could see how over time, it could become an issue of cramped fingers.
Well, it appears Sharpie has heard and version 2.0 has been released. Thicker, more robust body, easier to handle. I could choose between the simple cap design or a clicker design. As I am unsure how the Engineer Nib would not dry out with the clicker option, I chose the cap. Plus, the silver cap looks pretty darn cool.
I have new pen luv.
~Bags (messenger bags, backpacks, any colour, any size)
~Journals (currently I have 20 unused journals laying in wait)
~Office Supplies (ZOMG!! Get my organizational freak on!!)
~Yarn (the best pr0n around, mmmmmm, alpaca)
~Pens (colours, various tips, comfort, thickness)
Today while I did a quickie stop at the local Freddie's, I came upon the latest Sharpie writing pen.
26/365
Around and about a year ago Sharpie introduced their first line of writing pens. I was thrilled because they offer them in my most favorite tip, what I call the Engineer Nib: very fine and not roller ball. The body of the pen was very slender, almost too difficult to hold for long bouts of journal writing for some folks. I've had no problems, but I could see how over time, it could become an issue of cramped fingers.
Well, it appears Sharpie has heard and version 2.0 has been released. Thicker, more robust body, easier to handle. I could choose between the simple cap design or a clicker design. As I am unsure how the Engineer Nib would not dry out with the clicker option, I chose the cap. Plus, the silver cap looks pretty darn cool.
I have new pen luv.
Buried Nuts
Jan. 28th, 2010 05:14 pmWhile opening my bedroom window, I was treated to a show by our resident Squirrel. He was brown/gray with a blue silver tail and a VERY big boy. No other squirrels dare mess with him.
Because I was out of his view, I had the luxury of watching him dart, twitch, and search around a nearby bush for a nut. Little paws dug here and poked there. Finally, success. Squirrel darted to the base of a pine tree and cleaned all the dirt off the nut in a rather OCD fashion. It was really cute. Then without further ado, he popped it into his mouth and carried it up the tree which then met with the local Squirrel Freeway System (aka neighbor's fence) and he bounced off. Not darted, not skittered, he actually boingy'd along the fence line.
Quite entertaining.
On a completely different, though perhaps similar note, I was lucky enough to capture this shot of a local Red-Tailed Hawk. He's been hanging out by a environmentally protected marsh area near the local library. I had the fortune of having my camera on me, so I pulled over, took a few pix and this was my favorite.
25/365
Note to Self --- Self, when you have the funds to get a new camera, make sure the zoom capabilities knock your socks off.
Because I was out of his view, I had the luxury of watching him dart, twitch, and search around a nearby bush for a nut. Little paws dug here and poked there. Finally, success. Squirrel darted to the base of a pine tree and cleaned all the dirt off the nut in a rather OCD fashion. It was really cute. Then without further ado, he popped it into his mouth and carried it up the tree which then met with the local Squirrel Freeway System (aka neighbor's fence) and he bounced off. Not darted, not skittered, he actually boingy'd along the fence line.
Quite entertaining.
On a completely different, though perhaps similar note, I was lucky enough to capture this shot of a local Red-Tailed Hawk. He's been hanging out by a environmentally protected marsh area near the local library. I had the fortune of having my camera on me, so I pulled over, took a few pix and this was my favorite.
25/365
Note to Self --- Self, when you have the funds to get a new camera, make sure the zoom capabilities knock your socks off.
Espresso Yarnings
Jan. 27th, 2010 03:20 pmYarn of the Day: "When confronted with a drizzly, gray day, knit something bright."
24/365
24/365
And a one, and a two
Jan. 27th, 2010 03:10 pmAttended the 11th Annual Winter Pow Wow over at PCC this past weekend. This was my fifth year going and I always love to spend practically the entire afternoon there. The experience always leaves me feeling peaceful and rejuvenated all at the same time....co-existing amicably within my heart, mind, and soul.
When one attends Pow Wows over a period of time, one begins to recognize the regulars. Not the spectators, but the dancers. Faces have become familiar to me, as do the elaborate regalia the dancers wear. From the Double Bustle Dancers, to the Fancy Dancers, to the Shawl Dancers, to the Grass Dancers. It's beginning to breed a sense of familiarity in me, not in the "Oh, I've acquired knowledge of how they do pow wows" variety, but of the "Oh, I remember him or her from last time. I wonder how their grandfather is fairing as at the last pow wow they need prayers for him?"
The drums shook up my soul from its complacent slumber and my feet would not stop thumping to the rhythm of the heart. I shopped with the vendors (acquired a very simple but cool Dance Stick) and relished in the Natives' community. It felt like home. Oh, and I devilishly indulged in some AWESOME fry bread, one of my culinary weaknesses. A little butter, a little honey, and you are on a first class ticket to heaven. Seriously.
I believe my favorite moment occurred when an Elder, who was a Vet of the Korean War, was honored with the Flying Cross and his high school diploma. I actually got teary eyed as he merely nodded at the medal in a I-Was-Only-Doing-My-Job as a matter of fact, yet embraced warmly the diploma presented to him by the school principal. Second place goes to the Native toddler, donned in traditional dress, going out into the center of the dance circle and enthusiastically performing the Chicken Dance. The drummers even played a special honor song for that little guy. Priceless.
When one attends Pow Wows over a period of time, one begins to recognize the regulars. Not the spectators, but the dancers. Faces have become familiar to me, as do the elaborate regalia the dancers wear. From the Double Bustle Dancers, to the Fancy Dancers, to the Shawl Dancers, to the Grass Dancers. It's beginning to breed a sense of familiarity in me, not in the "Oh, I've acquired knowledge of how they do pow wows" variety, but of the "Oh, I remember him or her from last time. I wonder how their grandfather is fairing as at the last pow wow they need prayers for him?"
The drums shook up my soul from its complacent slumber and my feet would not stop thumping to the rhythm of the heart. I shopped with the vendors (acquired a very simple but cool Dance Stick) and relished in the Natives' community. It felt like home. Oh, and I devilishly indulged in some AWESOME fry bread, one of my culinary weaknesses. A little butter, a little honey, and you are on a first class ticket to heaven. Seriously.
I believe my favorite moment occurred when an Elder, who was a Vet of the Korean War, was honored with the Flying Cross and his high school diploma. I actually got teary eyed as he merely nodded at the medal in a I-Was-Only-Doing-My-Job as a matter of fact, yet embraced warmly the diploma presented to him by the school principal. Second place goes to the Native toddler, donned in traditional dress, going out into the center of the dance circle and enthusiastically performing the Chicken Dance. The drummers even played a special honor song for that little guy. Priceless.
Lacey Prayer Shawl
Jan. 27th, 2010 02:52 pmLast week was our Knitting Guild's first meeting of the new year. As is per their custom, it was time to show off projects which encompassed the theme of 2009: Lace. They had two categories for entry -- Novice and Experienced.
"Do they mean our knitting skills in general or are they referring to lace experience?," I whispered to Suz.
"Lace experience," she answered.
We both submitted our entries into the Novice category and to my surprise, out of the 80-90 members of the guild, only 30 women participated. I assumed there would be more as Lace was quite the popular technique to learn last year.
Once all the entries were on display it was time for the vote. Neither Suz or I won, but we weren't expecting to as there were some amazingly GORGEOUS lace creations. Some were very intricate, others used bold displays of colour, and the Novice piece which won was a blanket with pineapples on it. The Experienced winner was a luscious brown lace shawl with beadwork. Stunning.
Finally, they also offered a drawing to those who participated. They wanted folks to feel they had a chance to win something. Three drawings, three prizes. Guess who won the third and final prize? Yup! I was beyond stunned as I approached the front of the room to unwrap the last gift. Out of the tissue paper I pulled out a skein of scrumptious sea green mohair yarn and a scarf lace pattern called "Fallen Feathers". How perfect! *laughs*
My prayer shawl in full length is roughly 5' - 5'.5" feet long.
22/365
Close up of the intricacy.
Even closer, and crappier, shot of the draping effect of the shawl.
All that is left to do is attach tassels and it will be ready for a ritual or festival.
"Do they mean our knitting skills in general or are they referring to lace experience?," I whispered to Suz.
"Lace experience," she answered.
We both submitted our entries into the Novice category and to my surprise, out of the 80-90 members of the guild, only 30 women participated. I assumed there would be more as Lace was quite the popular technique to learn last year.
Once all the entries were on display it was time for the vote. Neither Suz or I won, but we weren't expecting to as there were some amazingly GORGEOUS lace creations. Some were very intricate, others used bold displays of colour, and the Novice piece which won was a blanket with pineapples on it. The Experienced winner was a luscious brown lace shawl with beadwork. Stunning.
Finally, they also offered a drawing to those who participated. They wanted folks to feel they had a chance to win something. Three drawings, three prizes. Guess who won the third and final prize? Yup! I was beyond stunned as I approached the front of the room to unwrap the last gift. Out of the tissue paper I pulled out a skein of scrumptious sea green mohair yarn and a scarf lace pattern called "Fallen Feathers". How perfect! *laughs*
My prayer shawl in full length is roughly 5' - 5'.5" feet long.
22/365
Close up of the intricacy.
Even closer, and crappier, shot of the draping effect of the shawl.
All that is left to do is attach tassels and it will be ready for a ritual or festival.
Hi! I'm a lazyass and you are?
Jan. 27th, 2010 02:21 pmSo much for being able to do NaBloPoMo for January. Le sigh. I tried, I really did. But rather than look upon this as a failure, I'd rather look at this as quite the accomplishment.
No, really.
In the past, out of 30 days, I would probably only post about ten times. Maybe less, maybe a little bit more. Yet with NaBloPoMo, I actually posted about 25 out of the 31 days. That's freaking fabulous for me! Me, who attempted the Embodiment Project** twice and failed. Me, who even though has not been posting lately is STILL doing her daily photo.
On the agenda today, rather than frantically write up posts to back date to give the illusion I've written every day, I'm going to spam my own blog. Just post roughly three or four entries all marked today. I don't have to prove to anyone but myself that I am capable of achieving my goals. And on many levels I already have.
**The Embodiment Project is a Livejournal community where starting on January 1st, one hand writes in their journal every single day for the entire year. Many folks sketch, paint, do collage, doodle, or merely write and they post photos of their artistic entries. My first year I bit off more than I could chew (shocker) and tried to pursue it via an altered book. I lasted about two months. The next year I kept it simple with just writing and I also lasted, again, roughly two months. Doing something on a daily basis, other than getting out of bed, is simply not my thing. I learned that the hard way.
No, really.
In the past, out of 30 days, I would probably only post about ten times. Maybe less, maybe a little bit more. Yet with NaBloPoMo, I actually posted about 25 out of the 31 days. That's freaking fabulous for me! Me, who attempted the Embodiment Project** twice and failed. Me, who even though has not been posting lately is STILL doing her daily photo.
On the agenda today, rather than frantically write up posts to back date to give the illusion I've written every day, I'm going to spam my own blog. Just post roughly three or four entries all marked today. I don't have to prove to anyone but myself that I am capable of achieving my goals. And on many levels I already have.
**The Embodiment Project is a Livejournal community where starting on January 1st, one hand writes in their journal every single day for the entire year. Many folks sketch, paint, do collage, doodle, or merely write and they post photos of their artistic entries. My first year I bit off more than I could chew (shocker) and tried to pursue it via an altered book. I lasted about two months. The next year I kept it simple with just writing and I also lasted, again, roughly two months. Doing something on a daily basis, other than getting out of bed, is simply not my thing. I learned that the hard way.
Happy Birthday Jameson
Jan. 21st, 2010 02:28 pmTwo years ago today as I was reeling from the loss of my furrkid, Embers Grand Dame, I found myself at the Humane Society searching for a new purry companion. Three hours and seven cats later, I was empty handed and heavy hearted as I made my way to the door. Suddenly, in a playroom, I spotted a scotch coloured cat sitting rather Buddha-like, squinting, and mouthing a meow. I could not hear him due to the room's windows, but seeing made me think, "Aw, what the heck. I'll break my rule and look at a young, boy cat."
The volunteer tossed us into a room together and I waited, seated upon the floor with my back against the bench. After one pass around the room to make sure nothing dangerous was within, Rufus (for that was his name back then), hopped up onto the bench and squinted at me. "So there, buddy. Would you like to come home with me?" His response? A loving squint and he touched his nose to mine. I cried.
From that day forth we have been best buds ever since. I love him, I adore him. He makes me laugh and he has kept me sane. Jameson, thank you for picking me. Happy Anniversary and Happy 3rd Birthday buddy!
The volunteer tossed us into a room together and I waited, seated upon the floor with my back against the bench. After one pass around the room to make sure nothing dangerous was within, Rufus (for that was his name back then), hopped up onto the bench and squinted at me. "So there, buddy. Would you like to come home with me?" His response? A loving squint and he touched his nose to mine. I cried.
From that day forth we have been best buds ever since. I love him, I adore him. He makes me laugh and he has kept me sane. Jameson, thank you for picking me. Happy Anniversary and Happy 3rd Birthday buddy!
Too Girly?
Jan. 20th, 2010 12:47 pmShort post today as I must focus on some hardcore knitting with my prayer shawl due tomorrow. But I shall leave you with a photo from yesterday's lovely jaunt with Innowen.
20/365
Holy shit. That's a lot of pink.
20/365
Holy shit. That's a lot of pink.
