We had our first really nice days here, with temperatures that required not to be sewn into fake fur ;-)
I treated my Emma to a morning spin in the sun, with coffee, music, birds, cats and day dreaming.
I got quite hot in my black dress. But these two hours felt like a mini holiday! Today it's foggy, so no outside spinning for us.
We also got our first Italian ice cream on Saturday. Mocca and chocolate for him, lemon and blueberries for her :-)
Yesterday was spent in hospital (my father in law is in IC after a bad tumble down a flight of stairs and multiple injuries), buying presents for two friends (it felt a bit strange, birthdays are joyful occasions and we didn't feel particular joyful yesterday) and trying to sort out our heads.
Today is going to be spent partly in hospital again.
Still, live goes on and throws you many curve balls and sometimes all we have are our hands to bat with. Reality is sometimes stranger than fiction. I cannot say it often enough, but again I'm more than grateful for my wonderful circle of friends and my family back in Germany to listen to my teary ramblings as well as my emotionless assessment of the situation.
I leave you with a picture of a full moon in our backyard. It was big and bright!
Let me start by saying that I'm glad to hear that my former colleagues in Japan seem to be fine. The overall situation is heartbreaking and frightning and to me, all helpers and volunteers are heros. rofessionals or individuals, may the kindness and dedication you show be repaid endlessly!
Here, live has been not without the occasional challenge. It gets even more of a challenge when the obstacles are within the family - so near and yet out of control. Many lectures in "let it be" and patience are being learnt around here right now. On many days I'm so upset and "wound tight" that I can't spin. If I can't let go and relax I noticed that I spin for shits and giggles. The roving snaps every couple of yards, my tension is all over the place...
Talking about spinning: I signed up for my first ever spinning camp! With the one and only Pluckyfluff Before I ventured into spinning the wheel I bought exactly two books: Intertwined and Spin Control Inspiration en masse! I might add a third one to my collection, Get Spun So, to say that I am excited doesn't even cover it!
I'm also on the hunt for easter egg colours and will attempt to dye some roving later this spring. I haven't been able to find them in the shop here (hey, what's up with that?), but my Mom has had more luck and will send them to me. Yay for Moms with an appreciation for crafts! She picked up knitting as well again and receives many of my left over stash pieces :-)
The crafty challenges are going well! For the 11 scarves in 2011 challenge I have finished my second piece, the third is almost done. Mustard Custard is the name of the piece and the yarn is divine! A religious experience of the wooly kind - Azlan Trend Royal Alpaca!
The piece you see in the background is actually my finished tunic out of Zitron Atelier Nimbus! Another wonderfully soft yarn that I love to work with. I have about six balls left, which have been claimed by Mommy Dearest already ;-)
For the Ankh-Morpork Guild War's First Round I came up with three pieces:
Yarn is spun out of a batt called Mixed Emotions and since it was around Valentine's Day I knitted this wonderful Faded Love cowl/neck warmer out of it. It has already gotten some wear :-)
The first item I completed was this cotton scarf, a bloody six feet long:
And since I had some time and plenty of Noro sock (seriously, who knits socks out of that stuff? I love the colours, but the yarn is awful!) and some pink sock yarn left I tried myself at brioche knitting. What exactly was I thinking, working this thing on 2,5mm needles?
So, with the first round of the Guild War done I'm working on the second round. Convertible items is the name of the game. Think hats that can be cowls. Shrugs that can be scarves. The latter is a piece I'm currently working on. In CROCHET! GASP! I haven't crocheted in far too long! But I'm almost done and I actually like it! Details when the thing is finished!
We've also started a little knitting circle amongst friends and it's a blast! Lots of chatting, crocheting, knitting and eating! Looking forward to the next one already. It's more fund in a group!
That's it for today! I will grab another coffee and get some crocheting done while I'm at it! Tada!!!
It's been a while again. This year so far has been a roller coaster ride - and for those who know me over coffee and knitting know that I absolutely despise roller coasters.
My father in law has been struck by a TIA and while neurologically he is fine the blindness he got makes the whole experience traumatic. The blindness is unrelated and was already present when the TIA hit him, and it's the blindness that causes the biggest issues. He has only a bit of light/dark vision left in his left eye and about 1/3 of a very blurry picture in his left. He suffers from something called Macula Degeneration - my husband has it as well, though he got it at a younger age. Both suffered from the dry version - and my father in law now has the wet version of it.
The whole streak of events has cracked the family surface apart and there are some power struggles going on. Not fun to observe and be part of, but as my husband said to the particular nasty family member:" If you want to get to Pa you have to go past Kiki." I don't take it very well when someone plays leech and tries to manipulate others for his own benefit.
The positive thing about this is that I'm now a whole more knowledgable about MD, low vision research and available tools. Unfortunately - there is no cure.
As if that wasn't enough my little sister suffered a nervous breakdown. I won't go into the reasons why, they are hers to discuss, but it's bad. The anxiety attacks get less, though she is still unable to leave the house. She refuses therapy - I'm okay with her refusing medication (not that she was offered any, which I already like about her doctor), but I still would suggest therapy. Because the next time will be worse - and there will be a next time, that I can be sure of. I know her too well :-)
In between all this and then some (the daily stuff like broken toilet reservoirs, clogged up sinks, hairballs - you know the drill) I try to get some spinning and knitting done. Did I mention that I joined a Guild War on Ravelry (Ankh Morpork, representing the Guild of Ecdysiasts, Nautchers, Cancanieres and Exponents of Exotic Dance)? Not that I needed more challenges ;-) And the first challenge is indeed a challenge. Well, the second challenge (see, we got offered two) was out of the question: under now circumstances that can be avoided somehow am I going to knit socks! The circumstances have to be extremely dire before I pick up pattern, yarn and needles for footwear. And yes, I'm writing this blog while wiggling my naked toes to the sound of music. So, there you have it. With not much choice left I jumped into the first challenge (and I quote:
"Challenge 1 - winter accessory
On Roundworld, February is the month when Valentine’s day is celebrated. Some of this lovey-dovey stuff must be seeping over into Discworld because the post office is being inundated with deliveries of a certain romantical nature. In fact, they’re so busy Moist has had to hire 4 extra golems, making sure that Spike is currently treating him in a much more romantical way too.
Your challenge is to knit or crochet an accessory with a valentine theme - hearts, flowers, kisses & all that soppy stuff."(sic))
Okay folks, just to settle the score - I don't do Valentine. Never have, never will! I also don't do Mother's Day. Or Father's Day. I try to avoid birthdays, especially my own. I give presents whenever I feel like it.
But okay, it isn't called a challenge for nothing and so I went along and casted on a scarf. It's Knitty's Fall 2004 Heart Scarf In pink. But of course!
I will follow this up with another neck warmer, out of my own wheel-spun yarn and a pattern with the not so apt name of Faded Love
Because - we never give a day to those whose hearts we broke! I got my heart broken good a few times - and these times I remember, but don't we forget the ones that we did the breaking to? I think we do! In my case, there also have been a few, but two in particular I broke bad. And one that I also stomped on. And for that person, who I respect dearly and wish we would have remained friends: this is for you! I post pictures when done!
Not to leave my readers with letters only: this is also what I have been up to!
100m thread plied Cotsdale wool, Angelina. I only spun half the batt to see what it would turn into. Everybody always presents hanks and skeins, so I thought I do something different ;-)
Plying some art yarn out of merino roving spun thick'n'thin and turquoise sewing thread, practising coils. Not as easy as it looks, but coils are fun! This one is currently drying before I will wind it. Cowl or hat, me thinks.
Oh - and as for my New Year Resolutions - the bike is doing good and is being rode! Now...where did I leave my stamina??? The little cupboard for the kitchen is finished and needs to be attached to the wall. For that I need to learn how to operate the drilling equipment. And where the electricity wires run ;-) Healthy eating is also going a lot better. And so far no new clothing item for the upper body procured. Hair is absolutely still short.
Like I don't have enough challenges ;-) I decided to add three more to my list:
- I joined the 11 shawls in 2011 challenge on Ravelry
- I also joined, also on Ravelry a little Guild war in the Ankh-Morpork group. I'm a member of the Guild of Ecdysiasts, Nautchers, Cancanieres and Exponents of Exotic Dance. Go look that one up. And read Terry Pratchett, because it's worth it. As a former belly dancer, musical performer and overall music and dance nut this was the logical guild to join. Well, Feegles weren't allowed in ;-)
- And to top it all of I decided that I would not buy new sweaters, blouses, tanks or other upper-outerwear in 2011. I will use what I have and make what I want extra. Underwear is an exception, but other than this - upcycle, remake, make, create and be creative. I have plenty of yarn, a sewing machine, some fabric and lots of patterns. So...make use of it.
While on the subject of creativity:
This is Emma. And me. In action. I look somehow guilty. Which I'm not.
This is what became of my first ever wheel-spun yarn.
Shawl Pattern: Josephinentuch Yarn: silver: Sirio, the varigated one is my wheel-spun Antique Burlesque Needles: 9mm
Nice and soft and warm, perfect for the cold shoulder.
I managed to get a little mirror for our little toilet and it's hanging nicely. I also managed to get a little cupboard for our kitchen, but it still needs some TLC. I have stripped off the unlovingly applied white paint it had been covered in. The wood underneath is rather scratched, so leaving it natural is not a pretty option. So it will be sanded, primed and painted petrol. But that is for better weather (as it will take place outside) - it's so wet and damp out there that the fishes are taking a stroll down the road.
That is the first process on my 2011 resolution list! Yay me!
I never made New Year resolutions before. Since so much has changed in my life I think I can change that habit as well and see how it works out for me. If I don't like it then I don't have to repeat it next year, right?
So, here we go, my resolutions for 2011:
- don't grow out my hair. Been there, done that - and it just makes me look older. So stop that nonsense already.
- get new glasses. I think I need to get my eyes checked out. It's an age thing, but I might need reading glasses. Switching from long distance to short dinstance in an instance is getting...interesting. And I would like less obvious frames since I'm such a colourful and loud person already.
- Use up my Donegal yarn that resides in my stash since 2004. I have about 6 or 7 balls left - so, go, find a pattern and get going, girl!
- Fix my bike! Or get it fixed, since I wasn't able to find the problem... And then use bike more often...helps with another goal as well ;-)
- Finish the small toilet. It needs a mirror and some decoration and should be good to go.
- Finish the kitchen. It needs a shelf for coffee and tea, and that is exactly the problem. I can't find the style I like and need to do more research. Ikea is not an option.
- Use up most of the yarn in my stash. Should be good for a couple of summer tanks, more sweaters and a couple of shawls.
- Loose weight. No, seriously - loose weight! That should actually be at the top!
- Keep on spinning. Learn new techniques!
- Look for a part time job.
- Visit Flachsmarkt in Germany for the first time since aeons.
- Get second tattoo. Design is ready, so go and make appointment.
- Go and see more Folk concerts. I'm a folkie, a political one at that and I would love to see the Oysterband and Show of Hands. Preferably at The Big Session, but that is a bit unrealistic, also because I don't even know if the latter will play at the Big Session. So I keep it simply at more folk concerts.
- Plant veggies on balcony!
- Think local and sesional when shopping.
- Spend less time online.
That's about it. I will still drink too much coffee and tea and still be around here, but I want to shift my focus to life and not virtual dreams.
I first heard this song on BBC, a coverage of the Cambridge Folk Festival. It has become my song of the year after it was constant repeat the last couple of days.
Roots - Show of Hands
Now it's been 25 years or more I've roamed this land from shore to shore From Tyne to Teign, or Severn to Thames From moor to vale, from peak to fen
Played in cafes, pubs and bars I've stood in the street with my own guitar But I'd be richer than all the rest If I had a pound for each request
For 'Duelling Banjos', 'American Pie' It's enough to make you cry 'Rule Britannia', or 'Swing low...' Are they the only songs we English know?
Seed, bark, flower, fruit They're never gonna grow without their roots Branch, stem, shoot They need roots
After the speeches, when the cake's been cut The disco's over and the bar is shut At christening, birthday, wedding or wake What can we sing 'til the morning breaks
When the Indians, Asians, Afro-Celts It's in their blood, below their belt They're playing and dancing all night long So what have they got right that we've got wrong?
Seed, bark, flower, fruit They're never gonna grow without their roots Branch, stem, shoot They need roots and
Haul away boys, let them go Out in the wind and the rain and snow We've lost more than we'll ever know 'Round the rocky shores of England We need roots
And a minister said his vision of hell Is three folk singers in a pub near Wales Well, I've got a vision of urban sprawl There's pubs where no-one ever sings at all
And everyone stares at a great big screen Overpaid soccer stars, prancing teens Australian soap, American rap Estuary English, baseball caps
And we oughta be ashamed of all we walk Of the way we look, at the way we talk Without our stories or our songs
How will we know where we come from? I've lost St. George and the Union Jack That's my flag too and I want it back
Seed, bark, flower, fruit Never gonna grow without their roots Branch, stem, shoot We need roots
Haul away boys, let them go Out in the wind and the rain and snow We've lost more than we'll ever know 'Round the rocky shores of England We need roots...
I'm living in a country which has no idea what its roots are. I come from a country where everybody things that the roots are Dirndl and Lederhosen or a bunch of wanna-be sailors singing sea shanties. It's part of it, but it's not all. I have been fortunate to grow up with a lot of roots, but I see them disappear when I go and visit my home country, my home town.
But the worst I've experienced so far is The Netherlands. Language dying out and being replaced by US/Uk slang, denying roots and heritage, lying about history and no folk culture. Volendam is not roots. No stories, no songs.
Since both my parents and my sister live not here, but in the same small city in Germany it is up to hubby and me to do the travelling. We set off on the 16th, which also happened to be my Dad's 70th birthday. That was celebrated with nice company and food.
On the 17th we set of to Cologne, where we visited various Christmas markets. The oneat the Dom - sucked. The nicest thing was the light and the Dom itself.
Mediaeval one - sucked. The band was nice and we had some fun with the soap lady and the coffee crew, though.
Old town one - decent!!!
We travelled to Siegburg, just to see the mediaeval christmas market there. Which did not suck at all, but was a lot of fun and entertainment.
We also ventured to Duesseldorf and yes, the christmas market there sucked as well. What is it with all the food and alcoholic beverages? Where is the art, the spirit, the craftiness?
Christmas saw us returning to the aforementioned little town and tons of snow. With ice underneath. Oh joy....
I didn't much like Christmas. That is both usually and particularly.
I have to come up with something less alcoholic (my parents hardly drink and I drink maybe two beers during the evening and night, but the rest of the extended family drinks like there is no tomorrow. On every occasion. And there are lots of occasions. My sisters mother-in-law turns into an awful, violent and insulting hag. Really great! I somehow get that my Mom has some problems with that lady. She is more decent when sober, though.) Something that involves less stress on our part. I just don't know what yet.
We came home to something like this:
Moist air, anybody?
I loved the present I got from my parents. A wooden train. With tracks. You can't understand this, but it used to be my favourite toy when I was a wee little pixie. I will display it and I might even post pictures once I have it constructed the way I want it. It's not the same train, but it's a wooden train. With tracks. My dolls will love it!
I also got myself a second-hand spinning wheel. Now I just have to get the hang of it. Which sounds easier than it is ;-)
I managed to knit the hubby a scarf (his request and he chose the yarn). I also got 80% done on a shawl for dear little me. I got some colourful yarn for a cowl for dear little me.
I got to see the rerun of the Doctor Who Christmas special. I cried.
I decided I need more mediaeval markets and events in my life. There is very little of that here in the Netherlands, so there will be some travelling involved.
Now we are enjoying the remainder of hubby's vacation. There will be a visit to the cinema. Some shopping. Lots of cat cuddling. Some spinning and knitting. Reading - oh, how I love reading. Food.
And to leave you on a fantasy dream -
Your fairy is Hazel Elfwand She is cheerful and friendly. She lives in places hexed and tainted by black magic. She is only seen when the seeker holds a four-leafed clover. She wears black feathers and rose petals and has transparent green wings like a cicada.
