Zebra Chair

After publishing the last post... I don't think I posted on the chair

I did last summer... she was beat up, filthy, chipped and the bottom was covered in packing tape (who knows why??). I got her for $10 at a junk store and figured she was perfect to try my hand at a makeover.


Distressed ivory paint and some brown and ivory zebra print - LOVE her!

Bailey says "I'm practicing for my photo shoot...

(and clearly I need to spend more time to remember how blogger works with photos and the html code!)

At least he's cute!

Letters from Camp

Bailey stays w/ friends when I travel (lucky him, and grateful me!) and their home is referred to as "Camp." He loves them and going to their house. When I say "Do you want to go to camp?" he jumps up, turns in circles and jumps/pushes against me until we're going out the door...

Sometimes I get letters from camp:

Dear Moma,
I have a new calling and role in my life. Before, I thought I was created to keep the squirrels away. But now I know that I was made for so much more! I have the artists call in me. I am on the cutting edge of interior decorating and design. Let me explain. The other day L had this big machine out. I think I may have seen one like it at home but I am not sure. And I am certain that if I have seen it at L's house, it has been so long that it is like a new machine. Anyway, she gets this machine out and turns it on. It makes a big noise and she starts moving it all over the floors. At first it was totally boring watching her but then she moved onto the carpet in the living room. I felt my spirit come alive! She moved the big wand over the carpet and made it smooth and I came after it making designs. My feet are amazing! You would think that they would move in an orderly manner but no, they pounce all over. The carpet was amazing. Such random designs by my paws. I was thinking of calling my new business, "Paws by Design". We can talk about it when you come home. I think L appreciated the art work because she kept wanting more. When I did a design, she moved her wand over it and made it smooth for me to design on again. She understands the artist's soul, the need to keep creating. Sigh, such satisfaction.

That boy came over today. He's getting better. Today he offered to share his little men with me and didn't take any of my toys. I tried to maintain my artist's aloof manner. Eventually he crawled under the table and called it a fort. I wasn't even tempted to crawl under the table with him. I think I am maturing. But then again...

You should have seen this one. L was sitting on a stool with her legs stretched out. She knew I wanted to come up but kept shooing me away telling me there was no room. Now, I understand that she is vertically challenged and no matter what chair she sits on her legs are never at a perpendicular angle, especially on those stools. So, imagine her surprise after shooing me away when I came sneaking in and then took a flying leap and landed on her pathetic excuse for a lap! Score! She wrapped her arms around me she was so surprised. I knew I could get her attention away from that boy.

Today I went for a walk with the boy. He holds onto my leash but L holds on the the back end. We only went to the end of the street and back. I am hoping for an evening walk with B and a "real" walk with L in the morning if the rain stops. I hope you are having fun with your new friends. I miss you but camp is fun.

xoxo Bailey

P.S. I am eating like a good boy.
xoxo

and then:

Dear Moma,
I have given this some thought and I think I would like to change my name. Just hear me out. Names usually communicate something about the person/dog if you must. Bailey is cute. I do look like that stuff you and L like to drink but here's the thing. It's just not me. When I meet other dogs and tell them my name is Bailey, well, I don't think I get the respect I should get. So here is what I would like to change it to. Mr. Fer Ocious. My friends could call me Fer and my close acquaintances could call me Ocious. But those who don't know me, or to those to whom you would like to introduce to me, Mr. Ocious. Don't you like the sound? Imagine calling me in the backyard, "Hey! Ocious! bring that ball to me." I think it has quite a ring to it. Please consider this. I am getting older now and Bailey doesn't sound all that, well, ferocious.

xoxo Your loving son,
Fer

P.S. L was much better on the walk today.

Laughter always helps...

Ok... I had a post about what a challenging day/week/month it's been.

Work is kicking my butt and there is mold/mildew/something in the floor of the new addition which is more than annoying.

So some days it's just all about the shoes! And I have some really cute ones. Brown heels with leopard print on the toes. Brown leather straps across the leopard print. Don't you want to see them? Of course I can't find my camera cable...

I'm a recent fan of The Pioneer Woman - she cracks me up (seriously - read her story of her romance with hubby, Marlboro Man) and had a post about a woman's shows - pink patent leather, but subdued with jeans. So I wore my new shoes with jeans to work today - whatever it takes to create some internal attitude, right?

But for my immediate laughter, Bailey's got a new thing... if I pause the TiVo and leave the room, he barks at the TV incessantly. He thinks there's someone trying to come in through the "window." He cracks me up...

Bailey says:

Can we puh-lease go back outside?

Stitches Haul...

It's been such a long time since a blog update, and the accounting of my Stitches haul is a sad catalyst. But then again... it was way more fun than the endless waiting to find out if my offer on a house has been accepted.

We didn't take any classes, just went to the Market, but still more sensory overload than imaginable... and fun!

I only succumbed to unplanned temptation a little... everything else was purchase with specific patterns in mind (sadly some of those patterns are still in storage).

My Stash Enhancement:



From left:
- front - multi-color dk weight for baby sweater
- back - Noro Silk Garden Chunky on closeout and add'l discount from WEBS (this was one 'slip' but I think I'll make a wrap of some kind. I love the colors and feels wonderful!)
- Light blue Goshen to make a short sleeve sweater - evidence that enticing samples can encourage more sales!
-Back purple - to make Sofia. This might not work... I didn't like the yarn they used, but need something 'fluffy' because it's a bulky gauge but shouldn't be a heavy yarn. I'm hoping there's enough mohair in this to make it work.
- Multi-purple in front: My other project-less purchase, but it was ridiculously reduced and I think will become a cowl or scarf
- Latte colored (sounds better than beige) is intended to become Debbie Bliss' Silver Belle from Vogue (it's Valley Yarn's Deerfield)
- front handpaint sock yarn will be used in my Sock Yarn Blankie and then swapped for others
- light green is more of the Deerfield and is intended for the Angelina Vintage Jacket from White Lies Designs
- multi-coral colored hank in front is Duet from Brooks Farm and will become a simple, open garter stitch wrap
- and finally the 2 bags of Rainbow are for Hatfield Diagonal Sweater (w/ add'l green for edging)

Whew! Majority of the purchases were from WEBS. They had 10 booths worth, are incredibly nice and for the sweater quantities (which was my main intention), good prices.

I've begun my Hatfield... the blending of the 2 yarns created much different look than I was expecting, but it's a good lesson in color theory and dominant colors! I do like it though and since the yarn is held doubled, it's been going pretty quickly. I've done one front panel and half the second front already!

Bailey says:
Momma, can I play with L's yarn? Pretty please?

Ten on Thankful Thursday...

Today's a blend of 'Ten on Tuesday' and Thankful Thursday... (26 min left!)...

10 Things You are Thankful for This Year
1. Healthy family, including my cousin's new baby
2. Budget cuts instead of layoffs at work
3. Ravelry and Bloglines and Flickr
4. Local farmer's markets for local food all year round
5. Bailey
6. My church
7. TiVo
8. L.C., S.B., and L.A.
9. Frequent Flyer miles
10.USA

Bailey says: Sometimes it's nice to be treatedy like Royalty!

Yoga Puppy!!

Sometimes he just makes me smile...

Looky, Looky - I won!!

CoggieTM had a contest for her Ravelry anniversary... and I won one of the prizes!! I was pleasantly surprised when she asked me for my address... and delighted when I got home from a brutal day at work and found a wonderful package waiting for me!



The highlight is the Malabrigo Sock yarn in a gorgeous, teal semi-solid! Also was a great journal and soap... not pictured are the edibles (hmmm... I wonder why?? but yes, that's my wine glass in the corner!!). She included a package of Skittles and some fun gold-rock chocolate. And a button with my Ravelray ravatar... I'll save that for Stitches West! Thanks so much!!

Saturday was a fun mail day, too... I received my second package of mini-balls that I've swapped with others in the Ravelry Blankiemania group. What fun!!



And, my addiction to mini-balls is escalating... see these minis all ready and waiting for the next swaps... half will be off for a December swap and then I think I may host one myself in Jan (and might even start my blankie by then...).


But even without an actual blankie-in-progress, the mini-skeins are a fun distraction to all the chaos of work, and the lack of actual knitting... I'm still amazed that it's almost Thanksgiving and how much I have to knit if I'm going to get all my planned holiday gifts completed. (i.e. not a chance!)

So back at 'em...
Happy Knitting!
- JavaNut

Bailey says: Momma, I'm just going to wait until you're ready to play fetch. Could you hurry, please?

Be Thankful...

After the historic US Presidential election last week and the tensions of the continued war efforts in the Middle East... today is a day to be thankful for those that have served our country.

This year we switch from observing the holiday on a convenient Monday, to the actual date, regardless of the day of the week. From the VA website: The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

On a lighter note, today is also Ten on Tuesday (I haven't done a Monday MeMe in a while so this is a good substitute). I didn't like today's topic, so let's go back a week (my blog, my rules)...

Last week's topic is "Ten things I like to talk about"---

1. Knitting!
2. Other crafy things (collage, altered art, sewing...)
3. Living a life of faith
4. Christmas festivities (events, decor, gifts - all of it!)

5. Traveling (including everyone's favorite horror stories)
6. Savings/cost-cutting (I tend to talk about this better than I actually DO this!)
7. Recipes (again, I talk more than do...)
8. Home decorating
9. Balancing work/life
10. my pup, Bailey

And lest we forget this is a knitting blog, my lasted completion:

Louisa Harding's Piper Purse... my friend E gave me the pattern book for my birthday and immediately pointed this out to me. So... easy to guess who is getting this for Christmas!

Main mods: changed handles to longer i-cord strap (d0ubled) and added a lining w/ 3 pockets on one side.

And meanwhile... YogaPuppy!

Thank a Vet -

JavaNut

Change is hard...

and no, I'm not talking about the election, although I do think Obama has an incredibly hard job ahead. Anyone would considering the national and international challenges these days, and on top of that a public mania that is on a high and will be expecting great things - FAST.

It's been 5 days since we changed our clocks.

At which point, I very happily planned to enjoy my extra hour of sleep. The pup hasn't quite adjusted and still thinks we should be getting up WAY TOO EARLY. Not only that, but he's started to check to see if we should be getting up at about 1:30/2am as well. At that hour, a verbal reminder that it's still 'sleep time' is sufficient for him to go back to sleep, but by 5am (today it was even earlier - 4:30am), he starts to get pretty insistent that it's time to play, eat, pee or at least snuggle in the big chair.

But even with my incessant yawning, I'm long overdue for a Thankful Thursday post! So one day away from a weekend (which is always something to be thankful for), I'm thankful

- that I was able to fill my gas tank for $40
- for a co-worker that recognized my coffee mug that I left in a conference room
- for the 25% discount coupon from the huge used bookstore
- for the many decisions I have to make because it means I have choices
- for the stash of yarn and fabric that provide LOTS of creative projects when I don't want to spend money on new ones

Happy Almost-Friday!
- JavaNut

Bailey says: Momma, isn't this more fun than sleeping?

Nuts for November

October was tough. I'm ready for a new month and love the start of cooler weather.

And the goblins are gone... yippee! I love costumes and the excitement of kids at the prospect of trick-or-treating, but I'm not a big fan of Halloween in general. It's a dark holiday and although most of the celebrations and such are in good fun, it's still a bit creepy (and sometimes disturbing!) to magnify things that have nothing edifying about them. Don't get me wrong - I'm not the bah-humbug sort, but I'm far more entertained, encouraged and excited about Christmas decorations and lights down the streets.

I did enjoy my extra hour of sleep last night... it was much needed and I wish there were more where that came from. Seriously - how cool would it be to have an extra hour for more than one day. Just as long as it doesn't change the 'daylight' hours. The downside of that extra hour is trying to get Bailey's walk in before it gets dark!

Still thinking about that extra hour... looking at the clock I realize that no knitting tonight if I want to try to get started on catching up at work. Very few stitches for me this weekend, but at least I can post my progress from the trip to China.

First up is the Piper Purse... just waiting for handles and fabric for a simple lining. This isn't a bag I would have chosen to make (although I love cables!!), but a friend gave me the pattern book for my birthday and immediately pointed this pattern out... So Christmas gift for her is almost done.


This is sock #1 with as much done as I could with the one ball I brought with me. Clearly I should have checked the yardage because the ball only has 137 yards! Fortunately I was able to find a 3rd ball at my LYS (the orig 2 were a gift). The foot is a bit big so I'll frog back to the heel and decrease a bit before knitting the foot... Sock #2 has a cuff and leg - about to do the heel.
This is the first heel I've made that isn't a heel-flap. I don't really like the way the heel flap style fits so tried this after-thought technique... maybe next pair will get a short-row. It will be interesting to compare how they each fit.

sigh. 48 hours until the election will be over... I can't wait! I'm tired of all the campaigns and I've never been so tense about election results. My pastor said it so well this morning, that regardless of which candidate you support, the country will be disappointed because we expect a quick fix to decades of problems....

I've voted already and am ready for the rest of the country to do the same. Make it count!
-JavaNut

Bailey says: Momma, this is how I'm spending my extra hour. OK?

Home again, home again...

Home again after a quick trip to China (almost half of which was spent traveling!)... This wasn't for work, but it wasn't exactly vacation either... I guess 'potential' work is the best label since M and I were there to explore a potential business venture. The trip was overwhelming and we've got some big decisions ahead of us, but other than a disasterous outbound flight, everything went incredibly well. More to share as we figure things out...

In the meantime, I'm still attempting to recover from the intensity of the trip and my standard sleep issues. Re-adjusting to pacific time hasn't been the main challenge... last night the pup was sick so I was up at 2am and 5am (at which I just stayed up). He's feeling better now, but I'm draggin' quite a bit. And I need to put in a few hours for work tonight. yawn!

It's been a while since a blog update, and I'm not sure how it happened, but I suddenly was bit by the "Sock-blankie" bug! (see the Ravelry Blankiemania group). I'm not really sure why I want to make this, or even what I'll do with it when I'm done. But...Must-Knit-Blankie.

So as if I didn't have enough to do before I left, I wound up some sock yarn into cute little balls for a swap and then got this back in return:


Each is about 5g or approx 20 yards. Aren't those mini-skeins cute!!?? The bug bit hard so I've just mailed off these for another swap (aren't the fall colors perfect for November?)


I haven't actually started the blankie yet - that will probably be after Christmas, but I want to get a good assortment of yarns so I'll have plenty of choices for color placement as I go.

Happily, a couple of FOs made it do the 'done' pile before I left. My 4th Clapotis... I love this pattern for mindless knitting! Not sure if this will be a gift or end up in my closet... made with Plymouth Boku which meant it was a quicker knit than the fingering weight I've used before, and resulted in a wonderfully large wrap (almost like wearing a blankie in disguise!)


And a scarf made with Bernat's Alpaca blend... one ball of each from a craft store sale made this an incredibly inexpensive gift-knit,


Happy Knitting!
JavaNut
Bailey says: I'm glad we're back at home Momma. My chair is really the best place ever!

What a Week!

After business in London I spent a few days in FL... was a good visit and amazingly (sadly) knit-free. Other than the necessary frogging of the ugly orange scarf!!

Bailey was very happy to come home from L&B's (but he did have fun at camp!). And I had to laugh when I looked at my sneakers. These were washed at the same time... I call the right one evidence of 'Frisbee-Foot' because it's evidence of his point of leverage for the requisite tug-o-war after each throw! It matches the frequent muddy prints on my right shin when the grass is still wet!

But then came home to celebrate a big birthday on Wed... starting with a lovely breakfast before going to the spa with 3 friends... what a wonderful day!! Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and extra long massages for all of us, followed by lunch at my favorite sushi bar!

My mom had sent these gorgeous roses!

and my goddaughters made me this wonderful card (I can just imagine how long they spent picking out the stickers to decorate it!). I love the mini-sweater and the dog treats... they know me well!!


They afternoon was spent at the LYS that offers a discount chip for your birthday-purchase! I was able to get 20% off on the Silky Wool to make an Aleita shell for my mom's Christmas present. Living in FL, it's tough to find a good knit for her... but she picked this out so I'll be casting on soon!

In the meantime, I did cast on another Clapotis... this one is in a worsted weight so it's knitting up so much bigger than the lace and sock-weight versions... It's with Boku and I love the way the striping varies ...


And now off to book club... with my Clapotis! ; )

Happy Friday..... -JavaNut

Bailey says: I'm glad to be home, Momma... I missed my toys.

Frayed Frisbee on a Fiber Friday

A wonderful way to end a long and challenging week... I participated in the Yarn Thing's swap on Ravelry, and was matched with Marly, the Yarn Thing, herself! And boy did she spoil me. Check out this package!!



In front of box:
WIP DPN holders (and I’m such a dpn girl for my socks!) fun spiral notebook & pink post-its
Peanut M&Ms (yes, that’s the opened corner… no comment on how much has been consumed
Clear ‘Creative Couture’ project pouch… I love clear bags for projects.

In the box:
beautiful blue/green/aqua stitch markers (can’t really see these in pic)
labels for the ‘hand knits’ to indicate as such - perfect for holiday gifts!
Two skeins of hacho sock yarn from Peru. I’ve been picking this up every time I visit my LYS since they got it in, but now it’s MINE!
Skein of a locally dyed Aspen Sock yarn in “It’s Candy” colorway… I love yarn from small/indies and these colors are yummy!

Back of box:
Fun booklet of Fabulous Felt with felting projects
And not to forget my pup, Bailey, Marly even sent a stylin’ collar and argyle sweater (too hot to get him to model today, but will be sure to post pic later…)

But although my Fiber Friday was delightful... sadly, it's also time to retire yet another Frisbee. Bailey goes thru these (and the rubber ones, too) rather quickly even though he's not allowed it as a chew toy. Note the clear tubing to the left of his paw? that used to be the inside!

Bailey says: I think this should be Frisbee Friday.

Happy Feet & Fear Be Gone!

Happy feet!! These Jaywalkers were actually the second pair of socks I ever started... over a year ago. No second sock syndrome for me... I actually knit the cuff and leg of sock #2 before they went to the black hole of my knitting bag (seriously... things mysteriously disappear and randomly re-appear from that bag!).

In my recent mission to finish up some WIPS, these rose to the top and didn't take too long. The only problem was that after languishing for 15 months... my new gauge is completely different. The first sock fits so well... the second, not so much! Oh well... they're done and will still be toasty in my boots and around the house this winter!


I'm not a big fan of Halloween (well other than the idea of chocolate and candy all around), but I love costumes. And it's darling costumes like this Gnome-on-a-Toadstool that make me wish I had kids... of course I'm sure they wouldn't want to wear something like this anyway, but it still makes me smile. I LOVED the Gnome books when I was young... the creativity, the artwork, the fantasy. I'm happy to say, however, that I have successfully avoided any semblance of garden gnomes!



And finally... I'm happy to say that 4 year old M has overcome her fear of dogs! Poor thing was charged by a large dog and has been terrified of all ever since. And who could blame her??! She desperately wanted to befriend my little guy... and sure enough, willpower overcomes fear when the object of desire is a cute as my little pup!


Bailey says: Momma, I like my new friend now that she doesn't run away from me. Can she come play again?

Monday Madness...

Whew! What a day...

It started way too early when the pup got sick at 3am... he went back to sleep, but I of course... did not. yawn. Pup was pretty sick so took him to the vet... xrays, fluids, anti-biotics, anti-naseous meds and a large visa bill later, pup is home and starting to eat a little. YAY! (not so happy about the visa bill!!)

But I finally finished the Baby Poonam for my cousin's baby... T was born on Wed, exactly 2 weeks past the anticipated arrival. Fortunately everyone is doing well and this little sweater will be on its way to NY very soon. And with it will be a copy of my favorite children's book The Gruffalo.


He's the first of his generation so lots of excitement! Unfortunately I don't see them very often so I'm not sure when I'll actually get to meet the little guy, but his grandmother and I will certainly keep him well dressed in knits! Baby blanket is in progress and I'm already thinking ahead to Christmas knitting.

I'm still working on my secret sewing projects... temporarily stalled, but pressure is on. I need to have them done in less than a month, but I've got a business trip in the middle of all that. So now that Poonam is done, it's back to sewing (... tomorrow).

And since it's a Monday... we'll play a Monday MeMe!

Back In The Day
1. When was the last time you went to a playground and swung on the swings?
In July I played on the swingset with my goddaughter and her sister... but I was pushing. My other god-daughter took great delight in spinning me around in my Sky Chair last week, though!

2. What is the first TV show you remember watching as a child?
Not necessarily the first show I remember, but one of my strongest childhood TV memories is getting to stay up an hour later once a week to watch Grizzly Adams. I was going to name my children after his animals...

3. What's your favorite board game?
I generally prefer card games over board games, but I've recently resumed playing CandyLand with aforementioned goddaughters!

4. How old were you when you started school?
I remember talking to my pre-school teacher about the annual field trip. In my second year, I wanted to go feed the ducks with the younger class but she told me that was the field trip for the 4 year olds. Since my birthday was in October, I was still 4 (therefore started school at 3) and thought I should be able to go with them. She didn't buy it and I didn't get to go feed the ducks. Clearly it was a traumatic experience and only fueled my appetite for rational debate.

5. If you could have given any one piece of advice to yourself when you were a child, what would it be?
Just because you don't like the trampoline teacher, don't quit gymnastics.

Happy Knitting!
-JavaNut

Bailey says: I'm starting to feel better, Momma... Where are my squirrels?

Apparently it's Pirate Day...

Personally, I'm just glad it's Friday, but decided I'd better join in the blogosphere fun of 'Pirate Day'...

My pirate name is:

Mad Bess Bonney

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

I actually started this post yesterday with "thankful thursday" thoughts... I'm thankful for:

• a bonus in time to pay property taxes
• L returning from vacation because I missed her!
• triple-chocolate brownie mix
• Trader Joe's grocery store
• ability to fill my gas tank for less than $60

And tonight I'm thankful for the chance to celebrate my friendship with M at a surprise party for his birthday! Although apparently it should have been a pirate theme instead of a luau!

Bailey says: What's a pirate?

Bravo! Bravo! (spoiler alert!!)

Usually I'm more of an HGTV-junkie, but tonight was a jackpot on

Bravo... Excellent entertainment while catching up on all my email overload.

First up - Project Runway! This episode had the designers creating an outfit for a recent college grad entering the workforce... Jerrel won with this outfit and I must say, this pose is less than flattering - it was definitely a winner and they will be in some ad in Elle magazine as an episode prize. Well done, J! (sadly the rest of the competitors really missed the boat on this one...)

Next... Top Design! I find the judges on this show pretty annoying, but love the show. This week, they were designing a window display for a Project Runway designer!!

There were two fabulous windows and two disasters... Kerry, aka Big Daddy, went home based on this horror. Frankly, I think his partner-in-crime, Wizit, should have been sent home, but Kerry took the hit...

Now that my inbox is relatively caught-up (ha!), off to spend a few minutes to work on the original Jaywalkers that have been sitting in a project bag for over a year waiting for the second foot. Now that I've got my STR pair done, I want to finish the first pair (funny how that happens... my head considers it a competition so fair's fair!)

But then again... my cousin had her baby today (2 weeks late) so must not procrastinate the sweater for little T. Front & back are done.. just needs 2 little sleeves and a few seams. It was/is a fun pattern (Baby Poonam), but for some reason it was put aside (I had nothing to do with that of course... it put itself aside. really.)

Saturday... I'll finish it on Saturday...

Happy Knitting!

- JavaNut

Bailey says: Can I have more treats in my kong, please?

Jay-Walkin'

Jaywalkers were one of those patterns that took off and were seen everywhere... I finally jumped on the wagon and started a pair with some great Lisa Souza yarn and got half-way thru the second sock. Those are still stuck in a project bag...

Jump ahead to last month when I was a the LYS that I visit infrequently, but they have lots of BMFA and I wanted to knit another pair of STR socks (it doesn't matter that I have enough sock yarn in stash to knit at least 25 pairs of socks!). I passed over the Chapman Springs colorway until I saw them winding it for another customer and immediately had to get it for myself. They yellow in this yarn makes the purple and turquoise really pop!!

These beauties are for me!! I knit and frogged the first sock because it was too big, and even these are a little loose in the smaller size, but will be great for around the house or under boots.

But the only reason they're done is because of the Q3 challenge issued for the Year Long Gift-a-Long... I put aside baby gifts for my cousin (who is still waiting for baby to arrive - he's taking his time!) to finish these socks, just so I could complete the challenge... which does nothing but get me an entry for a prize that is a mystery at that! But what a fun motivator...

Does the chance for a prize motivate you? I rarely enter blog contests and such, but then I see others' posts 'this is the 3rd blog prize I've won in a row' and I think... well wouldn't that be fun!

Happy Knitting!

-JavaNut

Bailey says: Not much would motivate me right now!

Fry-day Friday!

I'm fried! It's Friday evening and all I can think is how happy I am to have a quiet evening at home with the pup. (and TiVo and knitting of course!)

I keep hearing the infamous "This is drugs. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?" (for those of you too young to remember, click to see a brilliant anti-drug campaign)

No drugs involved, but I'm fried!

After my spurt of creative chaos last weekend, the week was sadly void of any time to create... long days at the office and 3 nights out (including a work dinner). I have to say that Bailey surprised me with how well he did - never having been alone that long so often in a week. Other than thinking bedtime was playtime, that is!

I'm intending this weekend to be productive... some more secret sewing, painting furniture and yardwork top the list. If I'm really motivated, I'm going to tackle the 3 boxes of 'misc' in the garage that I stored out there when I 'left town' for 18 months. Since I've been home for over a year, it's about time I get that done. I suspect they have craft supplies and candles so a significant portion may end up in the garbage after 3 summers in the hot garage!

Bailey says: I'm going to stay outside in this cooler weather. I'll keep those squirrels away, okay?