Friday's Feast #1

Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?

Yesterday....I got my package from Christmas Around the World Knitters Swap. It was filled with all sorts of surprizes including a handpainted glass ball with an angel on it...one of a kind. I just loved it!

Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?

If I could have a summer and or winter home, it would be in one of the southern states....Tennesse or South Carolina probably. I just love the countryside, history and weather.

Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.

Cherry

Main Course
Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.

A green suede coat with blanket cloth around the shoulders.
It was a surprize gift on Christmas from my hubby and it holds a special place in my heart and wardrobe to this day.

Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?

Actually I would be greedy and chose two...the days my sons passed away.
I love the memory of my sons but the days they died are a dark spot that clouds over from time to time.

Christmas in January :-)

I joined Christmas Around the World Knitters Swap this past year. It was made for those who enjoy the whole Christmas experience....giving and receiving...music, food, gifts, ornaments, everything! It was a pleasure spoiling Stephanie and I was beyond thrilled when I found out my package arrived on time. Shipping from Canada to the States at Christmas makes a person have images of dogsleds, snowstorms, and very slow moving packages.

I was doubley thrilled when I found out that my package from Ingrid had arrived today.
Boy did I have a partner who likes being Santa!



After fighting off my daughter LOL I opened all my little packages to find out the surprizes.

There was dark chocolate and chai tea.


Smelly things like pumpkin spice bubble bath, lemongrass soap and apple/cinnamon potpourri.

Fuzzy novelty wool in two vibrantly delicious colors!

And finally two great heartfelt gifts......

Gorgeous red felted slippers made especially for me by my secret Santa.....

And a Li Bien glass ornament in its own satin box for safety.
The Li Bien Ornament showcases the age-old skill of inside painting. Through a small opening in the ornament, the artist repeatedly inserts a miniature brush to paint the artwork. The process is painstaking and time consuming requiring two day to paint each ornament. The resulting ornament is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind keepsake you'll treasure for years to come. This ornament was of an angel to add to my collection that holds a dear place in my heart. Ingrid, you really took the time to get to know me and it is very much appreciated....all that you did!

I send a huge thanks to Stephanie and Ingrid for pleasure of getting to know two wonderful ladies and to Maryanne and Kasia for organizing this fantastic swap.

Insanity prevails!

Yup that's right.
It's official! I am insane!!!
I just joined another book list for 2008.
What's the worst that can happen??? I don't finish the list!?!?!?
Just think of all the fun I will have trying.



Requirements:

~ align the author's last name or the title of a book (excluding "the", "a", etc.) with its corresponding letter in the alphabet

~ enter a different book for each author and title (total of 52 books)

~ complete the alphabet lists anyway that suits your fancy
(i.e.: complete each list separately in alphabetical order, read both "A" entries, then "B" entries, fit whatever you're reading into either list, etc.)

~ complete the challenge in the year 2008

~ enjoy the experience!

Booking through Thursday #1

What new books are you looking forward to most in 2008? Something new being published this year? Something you got as a gift for the holidays? Anything in particular that you’re planning to read in 2008 that you’re looking forward to? A classic, or maybe a best-seller from 2007 that you’re waiting to appear in paperback?

I must admit I literature ADHD. I start each year with a list of 12-24 books that I plan on reading...and then BAMMMMM....out of no where I get blindsided. Reading other people's lists, hearing recommendations of new books, or old books that I haven't read...even as I shelve books at my local library. I get distracted!! Hording books! Gathereing more than I have time to read in my available time! I just get distracted and find by the end of the year I have not accomplished what I set out to do in the year.

This year I have joined the TBR challenge I made a list of 12 books to read (one a month should be obtainable) and 12 alternates in case I find it difficult to concentrate or am able to read more. I have included books that have caught my attention, a couple classics, books given to me by friends and family and a few that were recommended.

I pledge to try and focus on my list of books...but will not chastize myself for reading outside my list. And I will make a list of books recommended to me, or that have caught my interest for future lists in the years to come.

I must admit though that the book that has caught my interest the most is Eat, Pray and Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. The fury over this book has me curious! And best of all the library called today and after weeks of patient waiting, it has arrived!

Other than this I mainly just look forward to reading. Ever since I was a child this has been a great escape for me. I love to disappear into worlds of other' creation and just the pure escapism of it all.

Wordless Wednesday #1

Happy New Year

How was your Christmas for 2007?
Christmas this year was relaxed. I didn't stress over gift giving. Was finished most before my daughter was finished school. I didn't stress over baking or cooking. Had planned ahead the meals and baked the weekend before the holiday what I felt was wanted. I didn't stress over decorating. Only brought out what I wanted and nothing more. I didn't stress over visitors. Remembered they were here to see us and not the house. I would say this year was not stressful at all. Relaxing, enjoyable and fun!

Did you do anything to celebrate the new year?
We celebrated New Years the way we have always done since our daughter was born.
We stayed home, snacked, watched movies, played games and wished each other "Happy New Year" when the clock struck midnight. Wouldn't want to do it any other way.

Come on...be honest...How much did you end up drinking last night? LOL!
I had 2 cups of tea with Bailey's and that was it for me :-)

A New Beginning

Another year has begun!
What is it that is so exciting about a new year that the world celebrates with great exuberance? The new beginning? A clean slate? A time to start over or just make a fresh start? All these things are true.
The new year brings with it hope and promises of great things.
I must admit that the prospect of change, hope and an unchartered frontier has caught me up as well. This a new year to be who I want to be, to do things I want to do, to make myself a better person.

Each year I start off with a huge list of things I want to change, improve or do. And as the days tick off of each year I find that the list becomes daunting! Taunting me over and over about my failure to accomplish the simple things.

This year will be different. No huge list! No paper with things to check off as I go. My attitude this year is to do better. Focus on me! Something a SAHM has a difficult time doing. I will approach each day as a clean slate and accomplish what I can, change what I want to and am able to and no more.




I wish you all a successful year for 2008. Accomplish what you want and can. Be the best you can be. Look for the positive. Make the world a better place. And most of all be happy :-)

Literature plans for 2008

I have done it. I signed up to the TBR challenge again for 2008.
After much agonizing about what to plan for...I have choosen.

Main list
1. Eat, Pray , Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
2. Bastard out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
3. About a Boy by Nick Hornby
4. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
5. Persuasion by Jane Austen
6. The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
7. The Whitehorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
8. Eldest by Christopher Paolini
9. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
10. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
11. THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH, by Ken Follett
12. Homeland by John Jakes

Alternates
1. Sons and Loves by D.H. Lawrence
2. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery
3. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
4. Where Nests the Water Hen by Gabrielle Roy
5. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
6. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
7. All that Lives by Melissa Sanders-Self
8. Twice Burned by By Jan Coffey
9. For whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
10. An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser
11. Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier
12. P.S. I love you by Cecelia Ahern

Hope I can accomplish this list. Many of these books have been on "the list" for many years.

Quizzes for Christmas fun

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 8/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: Most Christmas trees are edible. The needles are a good source of Vitamin C.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about emotional connections and bonds. You are happiest being around those you love. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you feel magical. You love all of the decorations and how happy people are. You like to sit back and take it all in. You think the holidays should be nostalgic and sweet. The holidays bring out your inner child. Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

You Are Valentine's Day

You are a true romantic who places the ultimate importance on love. You are warm hearted, and you find it easy to care for people. Love is what drives you - and you have a love to give. You enjoy making someone's day. You're full of surprises. What makes you celebrate: Being with the person you love on a special day At holiday get togethers, you do best as: The sentimental one On a holiday, you're the one most likely to: See it as romantic and special

What Holiday Are You?

What holiday ornament are you???

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on your tree!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Thanks Talia

Last Friday I got a notice in the mail that a package was at the office. Giddy with excitement I just knew it had to be my KTS4 package. I was not disappointed!

I ripped open the box and found it swimming with treasures. A beautiful table scarf, candies, tea, scented lotion and yummy wool. The flavors were heaven the colors were right on the money...so much so...the rust Silky wool I already have in my stash waiting to become "Sizzle". LOL Goes to show how much . Talia was able to channel my inner self. Now I have an extra ball to play with.

A public thank you I am adding to the private one I have already sent. The Knitters Tea Swap has been a repeat success for me. I have participated in the last 3 swaps and been blessed each time with great partners.

What could be better??? Meeting new people and combining two of my favorite things....tea and wool ;-)

The countdown is on!

O.M.G!!!

As I repeat this to myself, I hear "Janice" from Friends saying the exact same thing over and over in my head.

What is causing me to repeat these words over and over....my Boo-ty Swap package arrived today.

Now I am sure many of you understand when I say you just never know what might end up in the mail. I have had swaps where I have been disappointed and swaps where I have been spoiled and many variations in between. Today's package was a definite spoiling!



This package was a huge spirit lifter. Best part is my spoiler
Robyn owns her own online yarn shop. Can life get any better? Now I have another Canadian source to use.




Breaking the package down we have halloween socks with candy corn on them, a needle holder, cookie cutters, 2 sets of bamboo DPNS and skull stitch markers.


Next we have a plethera of candy and tea packages. This should keep me happy for some time.


And finally Robyn included her Sock of the month kit. Pattern and yummy yarn included.

Oh I almost forgot..she also included a breast cancer toe ring and "I love yarn" pin.

All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. This day I feel truly blessed!

You can map your life through your favorite movies,

and no two people's maps will be the same.
Mary Schmich

My life has revolved around watching movies!

One of my earliest memories are of watching movies with my uncle. He was in his last year of high school and he would come home on his break and watch the afternoon movie. Often I couldn't watch the whole movie (because of napping and content), but I did watch bits and pieces before and after my naps.

My first movie in the theatre was Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I remember dressing in my favorite dress and being thrilled to go and do something so grown up. The smell of the popcorn, feeling overwhelmed by the size of the room and being lost in the story that was playing before my eyes are still stored within my memory vault.

I remember crying for Scarlett O'Hara when Rhett left, and for Old Yellar when he had to be put down. I remember cheering for Robin Hood and for Rocky Balboa. I remember screaming at Jamie Lee Curtis in Halloween and pulling up my feet at night forever after watching the little people in Are you Afraid of the Dark. No where else can you be swept away in another person's life like in the movies.

Movies are a love I enjoy sharing with my daughter and has become a weekly ritual.

This weekend we saw two movies....


Uncertain about what to expect from this production, I was pleasantly surprized.
The story begins with a young boy trying to copy with his life...puberty, girls, a large family. He feels lost, and out of place - like he can't do anything. As we are swept up the fabric of the show, we find that this boy has special qualities that are challenged by evil. He learns to trust in himself and what he alone can accomplish. The movie had us at the edge of our seats, rooting for the underdog and cheering on good over evil.

And as a special treat we decided to treat ourselves to another feature.




This ended up being a cute, almost predictable romantic comedy. A nice way to spend an afternoon. The characters, setting and challenges may be different, but in the end boy and girl meet, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl have a falling out and boy and girl reunite. There are times when the predictable is fine and this movie hit the spot for us yesterday afternoon. It was not a great piece of earth- shattering film but it still a nice entertaining way to view life. It had the "awwww" factor. When you route for love and overcoming obstacles.

I will always enjoy my movies...my escapism from my world into someone else's.
What will the months ahead bring?

Another one bites the dust

This year I made myself the promise to read atleast 2 books each month.
However, my choices have sometimes made this a difficult promise to keep.

My latest book was read on the plane rides to and from Knoxsville, Tennessee this past weekend.


Daughters of Eden
By Charlotte Bingham
538 pages

The story is centered around 4 women at the start of World War II. Each is selected by a man named Jack Ward because he recognizes special traits that he believes with help with the cause. The ladies become part of the spying effort of WWII at Eden Park. There is Petunia, the quiet lady who loves her books, married badly and thinks herself a wallflower. Lily, the boy crazy girl who sees herself wilting away stuck with these girls. Kate, the talent girl whose father sees her as a burden and won't let her grow anymore in her education and talent. And then there is Majorie, the girl who had nothing, and no one..who finally had a family, only to have them taken away for unknown reasons.

The flow of these lives is elequant. And you are transported into the fearful and exciting time of Hitler, Chamberlain, and Churchill. There is success and loss.

My only complaint of the whole book is the ending. It happens way too quickly. It feels like everything is rushed and needs to be tied up with a neat little bow. Instead of satisfied and complete, the ending left me wanting more.

Overall, I would recommend this book. Especially if you are a history buff like me.
Nothing better than history and romance rolled up into one book.

Its a Wooly Ghoul Time

With September comes cool/crisp mornings, darker evenings, apples, starting of school and schedules, and holidays. The main holiday of choice next to Christmas is Halloween.
Who doesn't like halloween? A time to scare yourself and others. A time to have fun and be a child for a day. Dressing up. Trick or treating. And of course it is time for the Boo-ty Swap



I stumbled upon this swap by accident last year and had a great time spoiling another Halloween lover like myself. Pleasantly I was extended an invitation to join in the fun again and jumped at the opportunity. Today we were awarded our "secret pals" and mine has requested a wish list of ideas to help with her task.

Telling people what I want has always been a difficult task due to the fact that if I feel I need something I usually go out and get it...LOL
But in trying to fulfull this request I can give a general list of things I like.

I love soft wools and unusual textures or blends.
I love vibrant colors...especially anything fall like...ie, red, rust, oranges.
I love novelty wools...the unusual type that have pieces of wool, fabric or beads woven into it.
I love small project that are completed quickly.
I love all crafts of any kind.
I have always wanted to try a project that included beads with knitting.
I love knitting books, cookbooks, or books of any kind to be quite honest.
I love teas...mainly herbal...for the cool nights ahead.
I have started a collection of bamboo needles but also own a couple turbo addis.
I love candles with scents of cinnamon and apple spice.
I collect angels to the point of obsession.

And most of all I am thrilled to have a secret pal be part of my life.
Hope this helps :-)

Christmas Around the World

I am a huge sucker for Christmas. This is the one season that tugs at my heartstrings year round. And its not just the gifts! I love the sentiment of putting others first. I love the smells of cinnamon, evergreen and cloves. I love the sounds of bells chiming and carols being sung. I love the sappy movies that go along with Christmas and brotherly love. Its a Wonderful Life. Miracle on 34th Street. The Santa Clause.

With this in mind I decided to join the Christmas around the World swap. What could be more up my alley...LOL

Here is my questionaire for my swapping partner.



Are you religious? Spiritual more than an organized religion

How long have you been knitting? Would you consider yourself a Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced? I have been knitting since I was 7 when my grandmother told me all girls needed to know the basics. (35 years) My knitting life since has be both obsessive and non-existant...just depends on the time in my life and the season.

Do you have any other hobbies besides knitting? Almost any handicraft you can think of...cross-stitch, scrapbooking, beading, crocheting, painting and the list goes on

Favorite color(s)? Love vibrant true colors but my favorite is red

Do you collect anything? Angels..especially if they have expressive faces

Are you allergic to any fibers or animals? itchy wools and smoke

Do you have any pets? Yes dog, cats and hamster

Coffee, Tea, or Hot Chocolate? Herbal or green tea, flavored coffees

Cookies or Sweets? Like both...its my weakness next to wools

Do you knit socks? Have made 2 pairs. Not an obsession but I enjoy a simple pattern

If not socks then what? (tell us about your favorite knits) I am a sucker for novelty wool. Each September I check out the new types and knit up a few scarves. My collection is endless....LOL

Do you put up a Christmas tree? If not then what do you do? Absolutely. We have our big one in the livingroom and our smaller version in our family room. I am Christmas obsessive.

Favorite holiday treats? Gingerbread tea or coffee, Cinnamon candies, apple cider

Favorite holiday smells? Fresh stuffing being made, turkey baking, cinnamon, cloves, fresh baking

Do you celebrate Christmas in a traditional or unconventional way? Please elaborate.
We are a traditional family...one gift christmas eve, stockings in the morning and then gifts followed by crepes and strawberries for breakfast and turkey for dinner. We try to stay home for Christmas eve, christmas and boxing day. Days before and after we share with extended family...often travelling a bit. Family means a lot to me.

What are your favorite holiday traditions? Family breakfast after gift opening. Chosing the one new ornament for each family member each year. Re-reading the christmas classics. Listening to music. Putting up the tree with my daughter.

Finish the sentence: “For me Christmas is all about....” family

If you were a Christmas ornament you would be…….? an angel

What was your favorite gift you've ever received? Or given? Given - afghan I made the three grandmothers to keep them warm ( have my grandmother's now that she has passed. Received - an angel necklace my husband got me the christmas after my son passed.

When do you start your Christmas? December 1st because hubby insists nothing should go up sooner...but occassionally I start slipping things out before.

Do you send Christmas cards? Do you make them or buy them? If I remember I send them out...usually comical bought cards. Would be fun to try homemade this year

What is your favorite Christmas dish? My grandmother's homemade sage stuffing

Carolers are at your door. What do you do? Haven't seen carolers in ages. I remember singing carols door to door as a kid and getting cookies or something hot to drink at people's homes

When do you open presents? Christmas eve or Christmas morning? One on Christmas eve and the rest on Christmas morning

Do you celebrate with family or friends or both? Depends from year to year...always family and sometimes friends are included

Can't wait for this swap to begin....Merry Christmas all.

Tea Swap 3

Its difficult to believe that another 3 months has flown by and I haven't been saying a word. Its like I have become a hermit. Stuck in my own whirlwind of activity which leaves little or no time for my blog.

A great way to come out of the silence is with a huge thank you to Emy for the fabulous package she sent to me for our Knitters tea swap 3. I was beyond thrilled to be paired with a lady from Singapore and I was not disappointed.




Firstly she sent me 6 balls of luscious yarn. 4 are tomato red (leaning towards an orange) cotton and 2 are a varigated pink/white bamboo blend. I have never used bamboo blends before and I am very much looking forward to the experience.



Secondly was the teas and sweets. Wow Emy you outdid yourself!
She sent mem - a box of green tea
- 2 packages of Milo nuggets by nestle ( they are a chocolate malted candy...reminds me a lot of my favorite easter treat!
- Eark Grey mix hard candies ( my daughter says YUM!)
- Another bag of hard candies ( my daughter says Double Yum!!)
- a package of Longan Meat
- a package of dried Sweet Prunes
- a package of seedless red dates
- a package of Qi Zi Wolfberries
and lastly a letter with instructions on how to make my own brews of tea with these ingredients.

I am so looking forward to try new teas and enjoying the treats.

Once again thank you so much Emy for making this swap so much fun.

Gratitude Monday

Back from being MIA.
Well I can't believe I disappeared for another month.
Where does the time go.

Weekly affirmation:
Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

I am grateful for.....
1. sunny days
2. an understanding supportive husband
3. reconnecting with friends
4. family time
5. reading with my daughter
6. getting comfortable in my own skin
7. realizing me time is important
8. reading quality literature
9. creativeness in the kitchen
10. nature beginning to bloom

Time stands still for no one

Sigh!!!
Life has been busy lately. Daughter's school activities, after school activities, homework, housework, covering at old job for employee, family time, husband time and maybe if I am lucky some me time. But somehow me time isn't very much.

This weekend I have been taking stock and I don't like what I have found.
When I put me last it shows.....

This is a virtual model of me at 174 pounds. YIKES!!!
Where did the weight come from? I can tell you. No exercise. Every excuse in the book not to exercise - no time, weather sucks, I would rather being...
Also, a less than good diet. Junk and processed foods are so much easier than the good foods that take an effort to make.

Am I worth the effort? You are darn right I am and things need to change.
Time for a change. Stay tuned for the new me...little by little I will carve her out again.