I Feel Validated

Really, I do. I sent a query months ago--really, I'd forgotten I'd done it at all. And I heard from the editor of _Grit_ magazine that they were very interested in this personal essay that I wrote. What?? I had to search the annals of my computer to even find the file that contained this "beautifully written" piece. Hmmm...I'll take it. I'm seriously so excited. I feel like maybe I really am a writer. I mean, I know I am a writer, but I want to not feel silly and childish when I write.

Oh, and yeah: this is old news, but I finished

the scarf and that's me, wearing it. With my tree shirt.

It occurs to me that I wear the tree shirt often.

Right now I am wearing Audrey Hepburn, though.

I like the scarf. The fringe totally made it.

I hate to say it, but I haven't knit all that much lately. Classes are kicking my ass. Seriously.

Remember when...

 Remember when:

 

1.  Your parents were the coolest superheroes.

2. That imaginary superhuman cape really did become magic.
3. Closing your 

eyes seriously made the world go away.

4. Running away wasn't "running away" from something--it was running toward open arms.

5. The biggest obstacle was the couch, the tree or the neighbor's fence.

6. A busted lip was a badge of honor deserving a kiss and ice chips.

7. Worms weren't so gross and caterpillars were fun to play with.

8. You got to stay up late to catch firef

lies--and those fireflies were the night light.

9. Bad dreams were okay because someone was always there to tuck you in again.

10. And remember when it was easy to think of all the good things--instead of staring at the screen trying to remember all the good things you thought you'd never forget.

I am a firm believer that everything in life is fodder: I am a writer. I use my experience to write things. A painter will use her experience, her life as a medium; same as the sculptor; really--everyone does this. Not just the artsy folk. Perhaps a cardiologist becomes a cardiologist because his mother/sister/brother/aunt/what-have-you died at 42 of heart-disease.

I don't know. I mean, it's just that life is about suffering and lessening the suffering of others (and hopefully someone lessens your own suffering in return).

Not High, Just Tired

This picture is horrid, 

                              but it really isn't because I am high.                                    

           Actually it is because of this:

It was exciting, though we lost...we won last night--the night AFTER I was there. Eh...but I still saw the Rays' first World Series game EVER.

The game was also a reminder of what great things knitting can do: the grumpier old man to my right (not my dad--he was to my left) began talking to me about, of all things, my knitting. And until he gave up hope in the 7th he continued to talk to me about everything from iPhones, computers and "damned technology" to knitting sweaters, the time it takes to knit a sweater, and so on. 

I really couldn't have been happier. 

From the desk of Purls, I bid you all 

a wonderfully entertaining Friday evening. I, on the other hand, will enjoy some dry literature. It should be wildly entertaining. See the glazed, dazed expression? The tight-lipped, "i'm not sure about this???" smile? Yes...it's a semi-permanent state these days.

I can't complain. I think I'll knit a bit--I promise to have pictures containing yarn one day very soon. I know. I'm not being a very reliable blog-narrator--but there is no purpose in it here. 

I'm simply unreliable.

I'm Such a Baseball Enthusiast

I mean, I have to be. A baseball enthusiast, I mean. My uncle played in the minors, he pitched an exhibition for Toronto; my cousins (his kids) are, like, baseball prodigies or something... Well, they both received baseball scholarships--that is amazing to me: I am the one who twinkle-toed my way through high school with extracurriculars such as jazz, ballet. I also sported care bear tee-shirts and My Little Pony hoodies (complete with the ears, people)... and I was the VP of the Drama Club. So. I think it sums it up.

Okay: it was the Stitch 'n' Pitch in St. Pete and I was seeing this team called the Rays (who? I asked then--but no matter--I got free yarn).  The game was fun, sure, but it was much more fun to knit my little bonnet. Seriously.

But, in truth, I fell in love with the American tradition and have since begun following it--and of course, this is the year that the Rays make the World Series. Super cool. 

Again with the Pens....and a Few Sticks, Too

Today I opened my eyes and warbled jubilantly. Actually, I opened my eyes and said, "oh fuck, it's already 7.00 a.m.??"  But nonetheless, I've been productive:

I will elaborate a bit on my NaNoWriMo novel, simply because my paranoid closed mouth really doesn't get me far in the world of blogging, now does it? So, the title is tentatively _Balsam River Blues_ (I swear it feels as though it's been used before...Google doesn't recognize it, though...and Google is all-knowing, right?)  It's set in a fictional Balsam River, not North Carolina. The main character is a boy named Tam who is dealing with the death of his 6 year old sister, Bitsy. He feels responsible and, being Literary Fiction, the plot is sort of loose and jiggly--but Tam and his 12-year-old sister Annabel are extremely vivid in my slightly askew imagination.

So I've taken notes and things are (sort of) falling into place. It's fun. Mostly.

I've got foam boards and thumb tacks everywhere. It is a literary minefield and I'm not sure I'm ready for the battle, despite my ammunition. I mean, bullets and guns are great, if you know how to accurately fire the weapon. 

I will one day post pictures--I swear I will, but, you see, my camera is on my desk in the next room. I am currently sitting in front of a bookshelf and...well...you understand my dilemma, don't you, dear reader? 

I also finished Nan's scarf. I wore it for photo purposes. It's soft and squishy and knit up super fast. That's me. I am making an odd face. My eyes don't normally bulge so. In fact, I think I am very normal most times. Nod and smile, dear reader.

Sigh....

This shall be short:

I've near finished the back of the cardigan for my grandfather's Christmas.

I've begun a mug cozy for my grandmother's Christmas.

I've picked out some things to knit for my Mum...but I'm too poor to buy the yarn.

Writing doesn't go, really, at all. 

I'm losing sanity quickly...but that's okay. Once I'm completely insane I'm hoping I will simply not have a care in the world.

I kid, I kid.

No, not about the sanity--I really am losing it. About the insanity--I do hope to curb the loss of sanity and find some peace. 

What a lame post. I'm sorry blog. I'm sorry you are so sickly these days, with sparse entries that are really sad little twigs of disgruntled thoughts.

A Swap, A Knit and a Quiz

So, the hulaknitter and I have been partnered for the Holiday Theme Swap on Ravelry. 

I checked out her blog and she seems like a pretty spiffy sort.

I've emerged from my rock and ventured to the Monday night knit group last night. It was raining. Monday seems to be the day of rain around here--but it cleared up and made for okay weather by 5.30 or so. 

There is a young girl at knitting who just started middle school. I think we all remember (and try NOT to remember) those years. It's fun to see her knit, and to teach her things--encourage her and I hope that we, as the strong women I'd like to think we are, can help her develop a sense of self...oh, but anyway:

I took this quiz that I found on the aforementioned Threads & Knots blog.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

 

 

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

 

How to Get Along with Me   

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure
• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this
• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit
• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally
• * Ask me questions to help me get clear
• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery
• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings
• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation
• * Let me know you like what I've done or said
• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

 

 

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting
• * caring for and being concerned about others
• * being able to relax and have a good time
• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around
• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator
• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now
• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

 

 

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive
• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline
• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally
• * being confused about what I really want
• * caring too much about what others will think of me
• * not being listened to or taken seriously

 

 

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant
• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue
• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

 

 

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm
• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

 

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

A Pen and a Stitch

Today, I have not even picked up my needles. That's a bit disconcerting. 

I'm on a writerly streak--but only in regards to organizing the new NaNoWriMo novel that is gestating in my mind. My desk is organized:

Plenty of thumbtacks and 

good old Charles Dickens perches on his spot,

  ready to inspire me, too...

Maybe I shall knit tonight--the "Old Man Cardigan" now looks like the beginning of a...well...cardigan. The armholes have commenced.

My November Survival List?

1. Hard Candy

2. Jelly Beans

3. Coffee with fun flavored creams

4. Good Music....

Ah, I shall post something of interest...one day. But not today.

The Irish Girl Scarf Among Other Things

I'm making the Purl Scarf for a friend by the name of Byrne. Nan Byrne. She's a cool cat--she compiled the collection of short stories, Bar Stories, and you can check out the book here and/or read her blog all about bar stories.

So, the scarf, you say, what of the scarf? 

Well, it was inspired when I saw the yarn on Three Irish Girls and there was a colorway called...

Byrne

And how lovely it was, so I bought it...and then I 

got a couple of skinny yarns to triple strand the simple scarf pattern--and voila: on big needles, this scarf flies and after a few hours:

In the way of other knit-news in Purls' World: I have all but finished the little bunting. It's sort of cute: I wrestled with the seaming of the head and, frankly, didn't care for their directions so it's really a botch job, though I tried to save the little darling head. And I put two right sleeves on the thing--I'm hoping with deceiving blocking I can hide this fact.

Did I mention I quilt? I am learning anyhow. I will perhaps keep an up

date on this pretty quilt that I'm working on. It's the Sawtooth Star pattern. I do like my lavenders... 

Back to the Pen

I've begun outlining and sketching characters for my NaNoWriMo novel. My professor of writing is supportive and I think I'm developing a potentially fruitful support group through Ravelry. 

I'm not typically one for in depth outlines, etc. One thing I shall do (and soon) is to draw a map of Balsam River, KY--the fictional town where the novel takes place. I find that I prefer realism, but I also prefer fictional or mostly fictional place settings in my writing--a little more freedom that way.

As far as knitting goes, it's kind of being neglected. I shall post pictures of things one day. For now: nothing but boring words, words, words.

NaNoWriMo?? ME?

True, I am a writer by trade...er...an aspiring writer by trade. That would be why I am an English major applying to MFA programs. I keep telling myself this. But I still feel completely incompetent in signing up for NaNoWriMo. I'm working on one novel--and have been--since last January or so. And it's only 3/4 done. 

But, I tell myself, this will get me away from dear old Mabel (my lovely protagonist) and into a new world, and it will be good for me. I'm so busy already: five classes, my obligatory knitting (oh quit snickering!) and my other life as well. 

But I have this idea...about a boy...who lives in a place called Balsam River (but not the one in N. Carolina). And it will probably be pretty terrible. Mostly, I just got the word "Balsam" stuck in my head, and I really like the sound. Yeah, I bet that is the mark of a genius.....

Dyeing II

It is a busy time of year, true, but yesterday's experience was so exciting, I had to write more--and post more pictures!

<---------------------------------------------->

This is totally my palette: notice my tree-hugger shirt. I think these images reflect each other: the picture of the tree was taken last November...I like them both. Mmm. Trees.

Leslie sent me some pictures that she took, too. The beautiful rainbow-bright colors are her own creations. The colors are really energetic, bold and truly lovely--I like the pink/yellow and the pink-pink the best--but I am, admittedly, a pink fiend.

I Dyed Today

Dyeing, I now know, is a messy endeavor, but the results are extremely rewarding. Dear Leslie invited me to her house along with a bunch of other yarnaholics and we dyed yarn--I went intending to observe, but I was "bullied" into trying it out. I'm glad, too, because now I have two hanks of GORGEOUS yarn. They are still drying outside, in fact.

This was a boucle-sort of yarn, a very skinny yarn, too--it had a light, light-pale lavender base:

I call it Ballerina.

This is yarn from Portugal, a worsted blank yarn that was gifted to me from my friend Leslie who recently went there on vacation:

I call this Midnight.

I bid the blog-world goodnight. It was a good day: good food, good yarn, and most of all, good friends.

Santa's Secret Madhouse

Did I procrastinate? I mean, really, beginning in August, then taking a brief vacation from September to October in way of beginning the Christmas-Workshop does NOT seem like procrastination to me at all. AT ALL. Apparently so. I am not the only one. On Ravelry there are groups dedicated to the Christmas Madhouse Workshop.  Really, I didn't realize how much holiday guilt would be involved: see, there are some things only knitters get.

For instance, what if someone were to make a pair of socks with some really nice hand-dyed sock yarn for cousin/sister (insert relation here) A... and then Relation B in the opposing corner gets a pretty sweater out of a decent (but not hand-dyed) wool-blend. A knitter would understand the effort and craftsmanship that applies to each. The hand-dyed quality of the yarn would be a huge plus--but a non-knitter might think, "I got dinky socks? and Relation B got a whole Sweater??" That's my issue...how do I make gifts for people that are equal in all eyes-- to the knitter, the non-knitter and the ever-so-rare breed of a non-knitting fiber fanatic (my mother enjoys playing with yarn--balling yarn for me, fondling it, looking at patterns...but I can't convince her to pick up the needles). My mother says that people mostly just appreciate a handknit gift. I agree with her. But I still have this nagging feeling that people will not understand that socks are as cool if not cooler than a sweater. In the case of knitting, bigger isn't necessarily better.

So it goes...

I can see already how this blog will go. It's not that I'm busy, necessarily--it is the un-busy nature of boredom that prevents me from writing. In the knit-world, though, I suppose I have news worthy things to speak of. Kind of.

The Mystery Stole 4 goes well--er--went well. Until I realized that Christmas is some two months away. I've got a sweater to make and some other stuff--other stuff that I've not even cast on yet. But the thing of the sweater: a month or so ago I began the armhole decreases. Sweet! I was so ahead of the game. Then I realized I had highlighted the incorrect size--two sizes too large. My intended receiver would SWIM in a 2x so...ribbit. 

So now I'm half way (maybe) to the arm decreases. 

Which is why MS4 is on hold--I've decided it best to place all the yarn and beads, etc. in a bag and put it in my stash trunk. My stash trunk is huge. And when I opened this huge, huge steamer-like chest, I saw there was little room for my MS4 wip. I am ashamed of my ridiculous amount of yarn... Hi. I'm Purls, and I'm a yarnaholic.