So far behind......

I think I'm catching up.

Have you ever had one of those months where you are doing lots but it appears as if nothing is ever accomplished. Sigh!! That has been my life lately. I have every intention of blogging. Putting up pictures. Having witty things to say. And what happens. NOTHING!!!


Who enjoys presents??? I do! I do!
I admit it shamelessly. I love to be spoiled. The wonder and the surprize of packages that are unopened. It makes me feel like a kid again...all the awe and amazement of it all.

This is one reason I love swaps. Oh don't get me wrong. I love to spoil others too. But who doesn't like to go to the mailbox and have something inside waiting to be opened.

Boo-ty Swap was my latest to arrive. I am late posting here...but as a good spoilee I notified my spoiler of its arrival and my great pleasure (late of course...LOL)



Lissa was very generous and took time to get to know me and my many likes.

In my box of surprizes I had two balls of wool, a book of puns, earrings, cake topper decorations, a tablecloth/napkin with a Halloween theme and my absolute all time without a doubt favorite



This angel windchime is just breathtaking. I am a HUGE angel collector and this one just fits into my collection so nicely.

Thank you so much Lissa for all the presents you sent my way.

Gratitude Monday

Weekly affirmation
The best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.

-William Wordsworth

I am grateful for
1. quiet mornings to reflect
2. the clean white look of fresh snow
3. giggles drifting thru the house
4. the feel of soft yarn pulling thru my fingers
5. a good book
6. security
7. the love of a good man
8. figuring out what works for me and my life
9. knowing I have support whatever my decisions
10. friendships

Something silly and fun

I saw this on Knit2blog1 and couldn't resist. Laughter is the best medicine for anyone. Therefore I challenge anyone who reads this to join me in being silly :-)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: ( pet and current street name) Sierra Sheep River

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your moms side, your favorite candy) Sarah Callebeut

3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of last name, first three letters of your middle name) P. Lyn

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Red Dog

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Lynette Lethbridge

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name and first 3 letters of the town you grew up in.) Peijaharay

7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, favorite drink) The Red Green Tea Frapaccino

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers) Peter Donald

9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes) Lovely Sneakers

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother/father's middle name ) Ann Ray

Peeping Friday

I've been thinking a lot about my grandmother lately.
She was a gentle soul and a true blessing in my life. It took me many years to realize how lucky I was. She was an only child who left school early to work and help out her mother, when her father disappeared. Having a strong faith in a higher power, she lived her life through kind words and acts. Married late in life (was 28 in 1944...an old maid...gasp!!) and still had 6 children. Then she had the heart to take in a small baby and raise her too (that would be me) LOL

She was of the old school who believed that a girl should know how to knit, crochet, sew and cook.....but progressive enough to talk about anything and everything. Our home was always open to the kids in the neighborhood and she was called "mom" and "grandma" by those who frequented our door. My uncles and aunts always talk about on "bread day" my grandmother always made a couple extra pans of cinnamon buns because she knew that her visitors would appreciate them.

One of these cooking traditions was puffed wheat squares.


Every year about 2 days before Halloween, my grandmother would pull out this old black caldron style pan. It was huge!! She would line the counter with pans, margarine, puffed wheat, cocoa, Roger's syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla and then she would start to work. She would work all morning filling the pans with the chocolately creation. Then once cooled and set, the squares were cut and placed into baggies with the treat of the year. One year it was tootsie pops, the next it could be chocolate bars or gum.

We handed out these treats of love every year and kids always knew what to expect at our house. We didn't worry about if the treat was safe or could the "old lady" be trusted. It was a tradition.

To this day it isn't Halloween until I pull out my baking supplies and create this dessert for my family. It makes me feel close to a special lady that isn't here in body anymore...but I can feel her spirit everyday in the little things I do.

Puffed Wheat Squares

1/2 cup margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup Rogers Syrup
2- 3 tbsps cocoa
2 tsp vanilla
Bring to a boil...let bubble for a couple of minutes
Add 8 cups puffed wheat
Stir
Pour into margarine greased pan.
Press. Cool. Cut. Enjoy!!!


This same lady taught me to knit and crochet. At the age of 7 she pulled out some knitting needles. They were huge to me! I remember my grandfather cutting one in half and melting the tip. She also pulled out a small bag that was big enough to hold one ball of yarn. The bag also had a small hole on one side, which the yarn was to be pulled thru.

She sat me down on the couch and patiently taught me the simple skill.
With the patience of Job she taught me the stitches over and over until I got the hang of it. A knitter was born. LOL

Admittedly this obsession comes in streaks. I can knit nothing for a couple of months and then BAM! I am off knitting up a storm again. That is happening again.

I went into a local yarn store I love. Don't visit it much because it is a long drive. Anyway....Went for a couple balls of wool...and came out with this.


Then I went in search of more Bernat Marsala. The blanket I am crocheting obviously was meant for a pygmy because I wouldn't call it a blanket of any kind. LOL
And while picking up more yarn for this blanket I found some pretty pink to make one for my daughter too...

I think I have lots to keep me going for awhile anyway.

Questions answered

Shelby ,my SP9 hostess, has asked that we answer a few questions. As usual I am running late...but not too late!

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?
I knit lots of places...in the car waiting for my daughter from school, at work, but my all time favorite place is curled up in front of the TV watching a good movie, snuggled with a blanket and having a good cup of tea. Sigh!!

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?
God forbid that this should ever happen but I would just pick up one of my many other crafting projects. As long as I can create, I am happy.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?
I would either travel the Southern States...big civil war sucker.
Or I would travel the British Isles. My grandmother's family came from there and I grew up with stories of knights and ladies fair.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?
I wanted to be a teacher and most of all a mom. In a way I am both....because isn't a mom just a teacher who isn't paid???

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
When I cheat and have ice cream...I LOVE tiger!! Yummo!!!!

List your favorite:

Actor -How can I chose...hmmmm
I like the old classy actors...Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and in that way I find Sean Connery falls in the same category.
Actress - Once again...how to chose. I like things of Bette Davis, Vivian Leigh, Katherine Hepburn. Modern actresses...I like Sandra Bullock, Ashley Judd, and Julia Roberts
Animal - Puppies all the way
Band - Barenaked Ladies
Book - Harry Potter Series and Tin Flute
Bubble Bath - Absolutely! Oh you mean the kind...probably a floral scent...roses, jasmine
Candy - Chocolate and peanuts combined. I love the salty/sweet combo
Color - Red, red and oh did I mention red...LOL I also like oranges, rusts...anything vibrant.
Drink- Green tea frappacino or French vanilla cappacino
Flower - Carnation
Food - Shrimp or a good steak dinner
Lip Balm - Simple blistex
Lotion - Jergens
Movie - Gone with the Wind
Place- Home....I love the colors, the prairies, and the mountains. Nothing like having it all. As Dorothy said "there is no place like home."
Song - REO Speedwagon Can't Fight This Feeling
TV Show - Any CSI or Law and Order show. Kate and Allie
Yarn- Anything soft to the touch and colorful
Vacation Spot - Anywhere the motorcycle can run. Really like going thru countryside on the bike looking at the views and enjoying the company of my hubby.

Who doesn't like Presents???

I want to send out a huge thank you to Angela She was my spoiler from Knitters Tea Swap 2

This morning was a bit sad and slow because my daughter left for camp. I was dragging. Didn't know what to do and then I found a card in my mailbox for a package. Could it be? I wondered. So off I drove to pick up whatever it was. When they handed me a box...I must admit I felt like a kid with at Christmas.


I came home and slowly unwrapped my treasures.


It started with a gorgeous handmade card, followed by two bags of loose tea by Nokaido (Asian Pear and Vanilla Orange), 2 packages of wafers, a magnet, a package of tea wrappers, a book called Tea: the Essence of the leaf. Then I found a cute teapot and cup and two balls of Naturally Landscape yarn in a rust/red combo colors. I just feel so loved right now.



As I type this note I am enjoying the Asian Pear green tea (yum) My dog, Scout, decided which to try first...she smelled both and licked this package (LOL) A sign of choice.

The pot and cup have brought back great memories of my grandmother who was a devote tea drinker. We always had tea atleast 3 times a week. Nothing hit and miss. She would warm the pot, and then let it steep the necessary time. The amber liquid would be poured into a china cup and we would sit and drink this with the cookie of the week that sat on a lovely china plate in front of us.

Thank you so much Angela for the gifts and sparking such wonderful memories of years past.

Creative juices

This time of year is always the same....my knitting obsession comes out in full force. I see patterns I want, yarns I must have and I just can't get enough.

Season always starts out the same...scarves.
I went to one of my haunts last Sunday and found some new novelty wool.
Can't explain why I love this stuff so much....I have more than enough scarves to keep my little neck warm...but here I am knitting new scarves for the season.


Also on one of my LYS searches I found this pattern....



And the best news was the required yarn was on sale :-)
I love the tank version....will be great under a jacket in cool weather or by itself in warm.
So of course it had to be started right away...LOL


Another curse of the knitting bug is Christmas is just a little ways away.
I enjoy making gifts when I can and came across this great blanket pattern.


The crochet version had more character so I dusted off my crochet hook and went to work. My skills are a bit rusty but its a lot like riding a bicycle...you never forget. I am already half done and its only mid-October. YIPEE!!!



So that's it for now...but I am itching to start something else...hmmmmm?
What should I make next????

Peeping Friday

Now the question is....am I serious or is this just a funny? ;-)

New challenge

The autumn leaves are falling and cooler weather has arrived.
As things prepare for the long winter ahead, my desire to knit re-awakens. With a bang!!

Around this time of year I get the urge to knit. Its uncontrollable! I spend hours drooling over pictures of knitwear. Think about yarns, colors and patterns. It is a cycle that I have accepted.

So to warm up my fingers...remove the kinks and rust from non-use....I pull out the needles and some novelty yarn that has caught my eye and start knitting....scarves! I just love novelty yarn. There are so many. Yesterday I grabbed one at a local yarn store and I am in heaven...LOL It is similar to an eyelash but so vibrant and soft. Sigh I will show a completed picture later.

As I was browsing patterns...this caught my eye.


At first I wasn't sure about this style. Who wants a knitted skirt? And ribbons on my butt...are you insane!! But for some reason I kept coming back to it. So I did the ultimate test....I showed it to my hubby. This is a man who plays Switzerland on almost everything. When asking for an opinion on what I look like in an outfit...I usually get "as long as you like it dear." Grrr!! Not really want a girl wants to hear (but that is another story)

I was curious - would I get a response of any kind. And you could of knocked me over with a feather when I did. He had a positive response. Shocker!!!
Said it would look quite nice on a lady with curves. HMMMM?!?!?

This got me thinking. I must be returning to this pattern for a reason. What would it look like on me? And I realized two things. One...I had to make this skirt. And two...I needed to start taking care of myself...lose some weight and tone...
I know I would love this skirt for work.

So I went out and bought this.....

and an exercise ball and resistance band.

I read the book....customized an exercise plan to achieve my desired goals...which was to lose some weight and focus my attention to my core.
I know I can do this. Goal one: Lose 15 lbs by Christmas.

I will post my measurements and weight every two weeks to show my progress...for myself mostly.

Starting weight: 165lbs
Measurements: chest: 41 1/2
waist: 36
hips: 39 1/2
bicep: 12 1/2
calf: 15
thigh: 23

Then the next hurdle will be to find the bamboo yarn to create this beauty.
But of course that is a challenge for another day........

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!


This week's affirmation:
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

-Aristotle


I am grateful for.....
1. a day to spend with my family
2. Crisp mornings
3. birds singing
4. smells the envoke strong memories of my childhood
5. a compliment from a stranger
6. the eyes of my animals as they look at me
7. a hug from my husband
8. a clean kitchen
9. moments of complete laziness :-)
10. fuzzy slippers

SP9 questionaire

First let me start with an apology to my spoiler.
Sorry its taken to long to get this poster....life just gets in the way sometimes.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love yarns that are soft and fun....I am not a yarn snob...love the novelty yarns as much as the silk, and handpainted. Just hate anything scratchy.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Right now a drawer...but have fabric cut out to make a couple rolls

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

Have been knitting since I was 7. OMG!! that's 34 years. My grandmother taught me all the fun lady crafts. I am a knitter who is still learning.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No...just in my head

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

Love jasmine and lavender....fruity smells....vanilla....I just love pretty smells.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

OMG yes!! Love chocolate, jelly bellies, things that combine sweet and salty.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Crochet, scrapbook, bead, paint...you name it...if I haven't tried it I would love too. Haven't done spinning yet...but thinking it might be fun.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Like 80s, country, musicals, classical....almost everything. Not crazy about rap.
Yes I have an MP3 player.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love vibrant colors...mainly reds, rusts, yellows, blues, greens....LOL okay I just love color

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married with one daughter
2 cats, 1 dog, hamster and beta fish

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to all but ponchos...haven't found a pattern I like yet


12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Knit almost anything. Like sweaters when I have the time to concentrate and scarves or dishclothes when I need something mindless

13. What are you knitting right now?

afghan for FIL, sweater for me and swiffer cloths to use at home

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Love them!!! They are given with love.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Like them all...but are starting to like bamboo the best

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No to both

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

I have a sweater that I just keep frogging and starting over...been 2 years now

18. What is your favorite holiday?

I love all holidays but if I have to chose just one I would say Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Angels, angels, oh and did I say angels....LOL
Like cookbooks and knitting pattern books.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Bamboo yarn from SWTC (just love Intolerable Cruelty)
Patterns by SWTC...Diamonds in Bamboo, Bobbie, Balleria Tank and Sweetheart (these are difficult to find in Canada)
Addi Turbo Needles (Interesting)
Cast On magazine (once again hard to find)
One Skein
Stitch Bitch Nation
Mason Dixon Knitting

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Would love to do a project that included knitting with beads

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Tried once and didn't do well. Have bought a new book and am going to try again.
shoe size is 7 1/2 measurement of foot from heel to big toe is 9"

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

August 1st

Peeping Friday....have you ever noticed....

how when on vacation we "ooohhh" and "aaawww" over the beautiful countryside....the views. Oh how breathtaking - is a common phrase out of my mouth when visiting other
places.

Well today I decided to really look at the place I live. And you know what?
It is just as awe-inspiring here as anywhere else.

Wanna see????







I am so lucky...I have mountains about an hour away but can view them on a clear day from home. We have a river surrounded by trees flowing thru out town and we have flat prairies with trees that now are colored with yellows, and oranges.

Viewing home thru a tourists eyeglass helps me appreciate what I have right here.

When I come back in another life....

I want to be a cat :-)

What a life!!
Sleep all day....enjoy the sun...ignore people unless I really want to deal with them...and be fed all kinds of treats.




And with a face like this...all melt who see her (let's not discuss her personality)


On another note....I just have to share.
I had coffee with a girlfriend today. Her daughter is 4 and has stolen my heart from the day I first met her. Today she drew me a picture.
This is her rainbow for my fridge.


I was one of those mom's whose fridge was never seen because it was always covered top to bottom with Sheridan's "treasures" of the week. I loved displaying her art with pride. There is still a picture she painted back in grade one showcased in my kitchen.

I am her biggest fan!

But the days of the simple abstracts are finished. She now has content and form, color, shading and method. What joy to relive those simple pleasures with my friend Makenna.

Back from the great beyond......

OMG!!!
Has it really been 3 months since my last post. Where has the time gone???

In that time, I have moved, survived reno "hell" and taken two great mini-vacations.

I figure the best way to come back from the beyond is to start with my gratitude list. So here we go....


Weekly affirmation:
Dreams are but thoughts until their effects be tried.
William Shakespeare


I am grateful for....

1. a loving family
2. a new home
3. crisp mornings
4. studying new things
5. my desire to create
6. a positive attitude
7. my daughter's fresh outlook on life
8. vibrant colors of autumn
9. the ability to travel and see life in other places
10. my husband's enthusiasm

Peeping Friday

Well the day is fast approaching...
What day you ask? Moving day of course. House is piled high with boxes.




Fridge is getting more bare by the minute. I have a large assortment of items for the Canadian Diabetes Association They take small household items like dishes, linens and knick knacks and sell them to a local thrift store for money for their cause. Also have junk guys showing up any minute to take away all the stuff that can't be reused.

Moving is definitely a way to clean house...LOL
And I am saying that in the new house everything will have a home. Sure hope I can stay true to my plan.

Even our inquistive kitty is helping by packing herself...LOL


However I cannot say the same for our little ray of sunshine.
She is getting tired of the process. Always asking "how many more days?"
Her treasures are disappearing daily. Her playdates are dwindling as I don't want kids over and her precious trampoline is being dismantled by the end of the weekend.
Moving is NO FUN in her opinion!


I am sure the smile will return once the day is over and she starts feeling at home in the new place.
5 days left....but who's counting? ;-)

A to Z meme

I saw this on another blog and just couldn't resist.....

A = Age: 40

B = Birthday: August 1st

C = Career: Wife, mother, reflexologist and front desk service at drycleaner

D = Dad’s Name: Donald Raymond

E = Essential Item to Bring to a Party: Dessert...anything sinful!!

F = Favorite Songs at the Moment: Rhianna (SOS and Unfaithful) or

G = Goof-Off Thing to Do: Watch movies, read...just veg out

H = Hometown: Raymond, Alberta

I = Instrument You Play: Nothing...always wanted to play the piano or guitar...just never had the time or money

J = Jam or Jelly You Like: Peach jam

K = Kids: 3...one walks with me and two walk with God

L = Living Arrangements: Moving from a 2 storey to a bungalow backsplit with my hubby, dd and zoo of animals

M = Mom’s Name: Dorothy Ann

N = Name’s of Good Friends: Cindy, Peggy and Nadine...plus some online buddies who touch my heart

O = Overnight Hospital Stays: When I was born and for the birth of my children

P = Pets: Siberian Huskey= Scout, 2 cats = Sierra and Patches, Beta fish = Ming and soon to be a hamster

Q = Quotes You Like: Maya Angelou

One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

When you know better, you do better.

R = Relationship Status: Happily married to the man that befriended me and captured my heart.

S = Siblings: 7 half/step brother's and sister's....long story LOL

T = Tea: Jasmine green tea

U = Unique Trait: compassionate heart

V = Vegetables You Love: Corn on the cob, beets, kalurabi

W = Worst Traits: pushy and emotional

X = X-Rays You’ve Had: Yes on my knee

Y = Yummy Food You Make: Cheesecake, fudge brownies, doughnuts, lefsa

Z = Zodiac Sign: Leo

If you'd like to do this, consider yourself tagged.

Gratitude Monday

This week's affirmation
It is not the cards you are dealt but what you do with them that counts.
-Anonymous

I am grateful for.....
1. the small things that re-remind me why I feel in love with that special someone over and over again
2. empathy and an understanding ear for friends when they require it
3. the ray of sun that appears after a hard rain
4. a couch, 3 blankets, 3 people snuggled in and the peace of the moment
5. boxes
6. the time with my 2 boys even though it was a blink of an eye in this world
7. visiting with family from far way
8. the ability to understand other's points of view even when I don't agree
9. creative urges
10. time moving along quickly until the day we move to our new home :-)

Birthdays, scarey bikers and big hearts

Raining again :-(
Hopefully this isn't a return of last year and all the floods...sigh

Indoor play always leads to computer time and what fun I am having.

Check this out....

Your Birthdate: August 1

You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet. You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily. Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail. You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details. Your strength: Your supreme genius Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity Your power color: Gold Your power symbol: Star Your power month: January

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

What a hoot! A leader? Me???? Everything about my birth sign says yes. Leo's are supposed to be leaders...stand out in the crowd...loving attention. And while this is true sometimes, I often avoid the limelight. Does this mean I need to grow into who I am??? Hhmmmmmm!!!


This past weekend there was a Charity ride in Lethbridge, Alberta. Bikers were to gather stuffed animals that were to be donated to the local hospital. Since we acquired our first motorcycle, hubby and daughter have participated. Great family tradition.


This is Clay's and his dad's bike loaded up for the ride



One guy challenged all those at his place of employment to donate. This is his bike showing how generous his workmates were.


After riding thru town from the Harley Davidson Shop to the hospital all participants gathered to collect the precious toys.



It always amazes me to listen to people talk about bikers. When you hear the name the mind conjures up images of scarey looking men, nasty personalities, and people gone wild. But my experience has been much different. While many may look scarey (LOL) or different from the norm, they can have some of the biggest hearts you will ever encounter. This is just one of many events that occur thru the biking season. As you can see many children will be made a little happier because of the generosity of those scarey bikers :-)

Peeping Friday

Can you believe another week has flown by?
And it is time again to peak into my humdrum life...LOL

Firstly this week began with the celebration of a milestone. Yup! That is so true. A milestone :-) My cousin's little boy turned 2....so difficult to believe. he is now a walking, talking little person and no longer the baby that we so affectionately called him. And to make his daddy proud, he is so much a little boy. Things with wheels are awesome! Outside is grand!

Happy Birthday Cole




Next glimpse is something dear to my heart.
Something that just melts my heart is to see an adult who is able to be responsible and grown up but comfortable enough with themselves to let that "inner child" shine. Such a person is my hubby. He has a high stress job which means he is in adult mode much of the day...however he knows how to enjoy life :-)
The other day he came home from a long day and went to say hi to our daughter who was in the backyard playing with some friends. Moments later I was hearing squeals of delight. I went to investigate and this is what I found.....





Now how can such a sight not melt a girl's heart...LOL
They all had a blast! And Sheridan had to grab these pictures to remember the day :-)

Beware the man of one book

One of my new year's resolutions was to increase the amount I read.
When I was younger it was not necessary to make a conscious thought to read, it was just something I did. I read kids books, novels, mysteries, romance, and my favorites (biographys). Eagerly I anticipated the journey that I would take with each new discovery I found at the library.

Then my university years hit, I stopped reading for pleasure because I had so much to do for the structured classes. When I married and became a mother, no time could be found to take these escapes and so my book reading was confined to Green Eggs and Ham or Barnyard Dance. Now don't get me wrong, these are great for the age I was reading to but a bit boring come the 200th time it was read.

Now that the rugrat is 10 and taking her own journeys thru books I have rediscovered my joy of years gone by.

You can imagine my disappointment, when reading various blogs, I discovered a reading challenge and then found that sign-ups were finished. Sigh!
Late again!!!

Disappointment turned to pleasure as I reminded myself that I don't need to be signed up to make the challenge for myself. SO I am challenging myself to read a book every 2 weeks for the complete summer...June 1st to August 31. And I am challenging anyone who reads this to do the same. If this is my goal then I need approximately 7 books for summer reading pleasure.

My list is as follows.....
1. Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy.
I cheated a bit and started yesterday at work.

2. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
Loved the movie...time to read the book

3. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
June's selection for Knitting with the Classics

4. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Always wanted to read this but never have found the time

5. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
First big novel I remember reading without encouragement. Time to revisit this pleasure.

6. The Davinci Code by Dan Brown
With the movie being talked about right now....I think I want to see what all the fuss is about.

7. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Saw the movie and loved it. I make a practice of not reading a book until after viewing the movie if possible. That way I can enjoy each for themselves and not compare. Borrowed the book but have yet to open it.

That list should keep me busy while sitting by the river while the rugrat is tubing or sitting in the backyard with a glass of ice tea. I think I should also include Sheridan in the challenge...therefore keeping up her reading skills. Any suggestions of good but simple girl books? She is 10 with some reading difficulty.

Good news on the resolution front too...I finished 3 more books in May.

First I read Life of Pi by Yann Martel. When I first got this book, I had no clue what to expect. Had never heard of it at any time before the book club chose it for a selection. I must admit I found it quite enjoyable! Kept me reading and really thru me for a loop at the end. If this story is true as the write hints, all I can say is life does make you stronger.

Next I re-read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This was the first "classic" book I ever remember reading. It has been a great pleasure to re-experience the silliness of a more stuffy time in history. This is a romance without the heroine being anything but true to herself.

And finally I was in the mood for a romance (happens from time to time), so I chose a Gothic Romance. Deception by Terri Lynn Wilhelm It was a good read but not too challenging. The heroine is in trouble and of course ends up crossing paths with her hero disguised as an rebel and outcast. Gasp! Who would of thought!! LOL
However, it was nice to see the characters develop and the story progress without too much escape from realism. It was a fluff book by some standards but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

So to date...in 5 months I have completed 9 books. Almost 2 a month...so I would say my resolution is being met.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss quote

Fun with Wikipedia

I have notice while browsing the knitting blogs lately, that many like to play with Wikipedia. So....I have decided to play along :-)

If you want to play along, look up your birthdate in Wikipedia (minus the year) and list 3 events, 3 births, and 3 deaths from that day. Mine is August 1st.


Events
1498 Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to visit Venezuela
1831 London Bridge Opens
1936 Berlin Olympic games open

Births
1779 Francis Scott Key, American lawyer and lyricist
1819 Herman Melville, American writer
1935 Yves Saint Laurent, French fashion designer

Deaths
1464 Cosimo di Giovanni de' Medici, ruler of Florence
1714 Queen Anne of Great Britain
1970 Frances Farmer, American actress

Gratitude Monday

Weekly affirmation
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.
-Meister Eckhart


I am grateful for.....

1. the ability to sort true friends from acquaintances
2. cherished family time
3. the ability to have compassion
4. having the time to help a person in need
5. the sun peeking thru the cloudy sky
6. time to just enjoy the moment
7. my approaching move
8. food in my fridge
9. clean clothes in my closet
10. a relationship with my significant other which gets stronger each day

Peeping Friday

I'm sorry to say...but I have been a very neglectful blogger when it comes to my peeping Fridays. With cleaning, packing, buying and selling, my life has been a bit hectic.

This morning I woke up to this.....

It was raining....cool and glummy!

Now I don't know about the rest of you, but this weather does not bring the energy out in me. It makes me feel sluggish and I just want to snuggle and in and do something totally self-indulgent.

I am like the old man in the nursery rhyme

Its raining! Its pouring!!
The old man is snoring.
He went to bed and bumped his head.
And couldn't get up in the morning!!

So instead I did this for awhile.



Total self-indulgence time...good book, snuggle blanket and cappacino.


I also cut out the pattern pieces to a revived hobby of mine...sewing.
Sheridan is at an awkward size...between kids and junior. Plus for some reason the stores in this community are not in cync with the seasons. No shorts to found anywhere but when there was snow on the ground you were surrounded by them....AWK!

Anyway....this is my latest projects.

As you can see - I decided if my daughter gets shorts, I should get something too.
I am actually starting to sound like her...LOL
Can't wait to finish this simple summer skirt.

Anyway...reality calls and work is waiting.
Thanks for peeping :-)

The Pod People have landed

I have always been one with no defined decorating sense.
I love dark vivid colors. There is no flow from room to room. If it feels good I paint it. Furniture wise I am not classical, traditional, country or modern. My home is hodge podge of things that just make me feel good.

I love chochkeys....things for display. And even though I have to dust lots of little things, each one holds a meaning or memory for me.

The same applies to my outdoor room.
And a couple of years ago I found these adorable face planters.


They add a bit of whimsy to my home and uniqueness. I have yet to see them anywhere else.

Best part...once I put them out this year my daughter sighed and said
"I guess summer is here!" LOL

The spoiler becomes the spoilee!

One of my greatest pleasures has been the SP (or secret pal) program.
I joined up for SP5 for my first experience and had a blast. Each SP since has been a pleasure.

Regretfully I did not join up for SP8 :-( With my impending move I decided I could not do justice to spoiling a deserving person properly.

Well tell me how surprized I was to open my mailbox and find a package the other day.


It was from one of my spoilees!!!
SP7 I had the pleasure of being Lindsay's fairy godmother. It was great to spoil a fellow Canadian. But what I didn't know is that she would turn around and spoil me as well. In my package I found a notecard, "Knit" button, and two books....Knit Lit and Beauty Tips from Moose Jaw. Both books are ones I look forward to reading this summer.

So a huge thank you to Lindsay. Your package brighten my day more than you will ever know.

Gratitude Monday

Weekly affirmation
Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well.
-Josh Billings


I am grateful for......
1. a tender kiss
2. the beauty of spring and all it brings
3. family time
4. the smells of fresh flowers
5. the brilliant colors in nature
6. anticipation of something new
7. my chimes ringing as the wind blows
8. time to snuggle in and read a good book
9. my beliefs
10. warmer and longer days

Monday's gratitude

Weekly affirmation
What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it—would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.

-Ralph Marston



I am grateful for.....
1. The change of the seasons
2. waking up to my daughter's voice saying "I love you...your the best!" :-)
3. being able to spend time with my family
4. phone calls to family
5. the smell of clean clothes
6. a job that allows me flexibility
7. a husband who listens
8. money in our bank account
9. being able to sleep in one day a week
10. the ability to read and visit new places in my mind

Gratitude Monday

Will miracles ever cease...its actually being posted on Monday...LOL

This week's affirmation
The true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.
-Ann Landers


I am grateful for.....
1. Being able to snuggle in with hubby and daughter and do absolutely nothing
2. Days getting longer and warmer
3. meals being shared with family and friends
4. being able to see and experience the beauty of common things
5. being able to snuggle between two strong arms when life gets overwhelming...or just because
6. the unconditional affection of animals
7. each new day which brings with it a clean slate to write on
8. the beauty that color brings
9. the conveniences that my life brings
10. being able to forgive and forget

Peeping Friday

As those of you who actually read my babble have noticed by now I am sure....I have been absent for some time.

So today's peeping friday I decided to show you what my April was like.

Hubby came home one day and said "dear let's sell, downsize and improve our financial life". Being the wonderful wife I am....I jumped in with both feet!

First we needed to clean, declutter and get the house ready for viewing. I am a great collector of chochkies so this was not an easy task. You all saw the picture of my den. Well the rest of the house was comparable.

Our realtor has a service where she brings in an interior designer to stage the house. She tells you what needs to go away and redesigns each room. Not the easiest of tasks.

This is our house after she completed her job.




And this is what she had me pack away....ugh!



Then came the viewers. And they came in droves. The market right now is insane and after 8 days we were the proud owners of a "sold" sign.



After the reality set in that we were homeless.
So we hit the streets and browsed anything that was close to our criteria.
Nothing fit! Of course many were nice but each had something that needed to be added, fixed or changed. Then we walked into a house that just felt right. It was amazing! Looking around the house I could imagine my furniture in the rooms and actually living there. This had to be the one!!!!

After a few days of nailbiting and an emotional rollercoaster ride...we got the house :-) Remember how I said we were downsizing....change that thought...LOL
Somehow the house of our dreams is actually larger. How this happened I will never know.





Now comes the fun job of packing. We have 2 months and then onto our new future.
Everyone loves a new adventure.

Ban the books!?!?!?!?

Can you imagine not being able to chose what you wanted to read?
To have someone tell you what was appropriate or just to remove books from your life all together?

Our town's public libary just brought out a program for the youth to show what books are banned in what countries. They are encouraging them to read these "contriband" and offer opinions or just appreciate our right to chose.

I have been reading or been exposed to books as long as I can remember.
My first nursery rhyme book is still on my bookshelf today and I use to enjoy the stories my grandmother told me about me and the book. How I would amaze people who came to our house because I could "read" at such an early age. LOL Truth was I had heard the stories so many times that it was commited to memory.

When I turned 7 my grandfather took me to the town library and bought my first library card and this became a weekly tradition with him....me holding his hand and walking to the library to chose some new adventure to experience or country to visit.

I have surrounded myself with books but regretfully life gets in the way and reading has on more than one occassion fallen onto the back burner because of lack of time or energy.

This year I decided to make reading more of a priority.
Posting was a way to keep me accountable...however that means I need to post...LOL

Since Febrary...this what I have read.

Simply Scandalous By Carly Phillips
This is a quick and easy romance novel. Not really known for a challenge.
It was lighthearted, funny and total fluff.

You and Your Child: the joys, myths and challenges of raising an only child
by Patricia Nachman
This is a self-help styled book catering to the parent(s) of a single child. She uses lots of examples and different parenting styles...from the way we were raised to the way we raise our child. She even has a section for the divorced parent or remarried parent with other children. I found it an easy read and parts quite helpful.

On Secret Service by John Jakes
One of my favorite authors. I am a sucker for anything that takes place in the south and his books never disappoint. By mixing romance, history and good writing...this book was never going to miss the mark. Great read!!

The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio: How my mother raised 10 kids on 25 words or less by Terry Ryan
After seeing the movie of the same name staring Julianne Moore I just had to read the book and compare. The book had me right along with the family. I cheered on the successes and cried with the failures. The writer showed her mother's determination, wit and humor, and most of all strength. Movie was good...book was better.

Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe
What to say about this book? It was a struggle!
The old English and endless writing was not my favorite. I enjoy chapters...starts and endings of thoughts...not continuous dialogue which this contained. I persevered! This was the selection for one of my online lists and I was bound and determined to finish it. Once I got past about page 50 the story seemed to make a bit more sense but I still found the language a struggle. To help, I rented the movie. Big Mistake!!! The movie may have been loosely based on the book but may I suggest extremely loose. Didn't help in the least. I did finish the book though and it was worth it. The story was amazing! It would be interesting to find out if it really is based on a person's life or not.

So this is where I begin May....I think the next choice will be an easier read...but I am remembering how much I love to lose myself in the worlds of books.

Gratitude Monday

Quote for the week You can have anything you want if you will give up the belief that you can't have it.
- Dr. Robert Anthony

Things I am grateful for....
1. A loving and supportive husband
2. a strong belief in life and what it has to offer
3. a sunny day
4. a quiet evening with me, hubby and daughter together
5. friends
6. a new home
7. being caught up on laundry...lol
8. an understanding boss
9. the smile and giggle from my daughter
10. a developing image of self (getting stronger each day)

belated thanks

This was my mystery package from Knitting with the Classics.
What a hoot!

The wool was luscious!!! And great name too...Ruby Red Slippers...visions of The Wizard of Oz are floating through my brain...LOL
The chocolate was hidden quickly. Wouldn't last in this house if I didn't.
And best of all - a book I have never read.

Thank you so much to my Mystery Swap pal. Your awesome :-)

Gratitude Monday

Boy am I far behind. Life just keeps getting in the way.
I figure, however, that a little gratitude can only make the week better.

So.....

Weekly affirmation:
My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.

I am grateful for....

1. a husband who will walk beside me, carry me or let me lead...whatever is necessary at the moment.
2. a daughter who sees the good in all things
3. friends
4. a sunny day
5. the love of a pet
6. a quiet moment to start my day
7. a belief in a higher power
8. family time
9. a good book
10. times of pampering

Gratitude Monday

Weekly affirmation: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes but in having new eyes.

I am grateful for:

1. A loving family
2. options in life
3. my morning alone time
4. the beauty of music
5. my adorable pets
6. the ability to help a friend
7. the ability to see life thru another's eyes
8. the ability to read
9. family meals
10. sunshine