A Scarf Of Scrap

I am continually inspired by Noro Kureyon. The boldness of color almost seems to glow with its own light. My latest use of Noro yarn came out of trying to figure out exactly what I should do with all the leftovers from other projects.

Eventually, I decided to create a scarf. Straightforward and uncomplicated. The pattern is a simple garter stitch that I lightly felted. I have to say that this scarf of remnants is my new favorite. I especially love it because it provides a bit of radiance on a cloudy winter day.

Airships And Zombies And Blight! Oh, My!

Earlier this week I mentioned the novel, Boneshaker. Well, I finished it and I have to say that it was a thrilling, page-turning experience. Read it! Of course, if you don't like zombies or dirigibles or mad scientists or steampunk or heart-pounding adventure or Seattle, then you probably won't like this book. Otherwise, I seriously recommend you read it because it's also a story about family (the family you make and the family that makes you) and all the remarkable and infuriating aspects of having relatives.























Now, I'm off to find some more reading material.

Enchantment

Snow enchants me when it glimmers blue in the moonlight and blankets the world so everything quiets down just a bit.

Snow enlivens me with promises of midnight sledding and snowball fights.

Snow comforts me with memories of winters past and childhood delights.

And when the snow falls it compels me to take notice and remember that life was meant more for the saunter than the sprint.

A Snowy Excuse To Read

It's a new year and it's cold outside. Luckily, I like the cold and I especially like the snow which is currently covering the ground. More than snow, I also like the excuse to stay indoors and read.

Here's a bit of what I'm currently reading...

Book #1
I just started a novel entitled Boneshaker.
























I was initially drawn to the book because of the cover art. I just love the image. Now that I'm reading it, I'm also thoroughly enjoying the story. I can't put it down! I had never heard of Cherie Priest (the author) before, but if Boneshaker continues being the inventive, gripping adventure it currently is, then I'm definitely going to check out her other books.

Book #2
I recently picked up the book Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts from the library (I love me the interlibrary loan system).
























I've been thumbing through the book and it is filled with lots of great techniques to bring out creativity. I'm looking forward to trying some of the projects. Who knows, I might just have to buy it.

Book #3
I've been reading E.B. White's essays for awhile now.
























I pick the book up sporadically and take in a couple essays at a time. I loved Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little when I was a kid. So, I was curious about what he wrote for the non-children. What amazes me the most about the essays is the relevance of the material even if the essay was written sixty years ago. His work is poignant and filled with humor. It's perceptive and uncomplicated. It fills me with emotion while making me ruminate on the actions of mankind. His writing is simply wonderful.

Book #4
The other book that I am currently dipping into is Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss.
























It's an entertaining and sobering look at the state of grammar and all the mistakes we make as poor, imperfect human beings (if only we were pandas). I have the illustrated version and I appreciate the book more because of the drawings of pandas in various states of grammar. If there are any grammatical and/or mistakes in punctuation in this blog entry, I thoroughly apologize to Ms. Truss. I am only human. :o)

So, that's it. That is what I'm currently reading. Hope your book explorations are going well.

The Knitting Swing of Things

Cooler temperatures lead to dancing sugar plums and dreams of noro kureyon. Currently, I'm working on finishing two projects-- a pair of socks & a baby blanket. I'm using kureyon for the socks. Originally, I was using the Campfire pattern, but it didn't work out, so I frogged the project and changed to the Mr. Pitt's Socks pattern. This pattern is definitely my favorite for men because of it's roominess. I'm almost done with the first sock.



































The baby blanket is the Broken Rib pattern from The Encore 8-Hour Baby Blanket...Revisited. I borrowed this book from Sarah a long time ago and must return it posthaste.












































The white yarn has sparkles woven throughout it and I'm definitely reminded of snow while I knit it. I think I will be giving this blanket to my little cousin.


























By the way. This was not her Halloween costume. She was a sparkly witch for Halloween. Actually, this costume is her "I love elmo, I am elmo and now I am going to run around the house and laugh at myself" costume.

Ninja Octopus

Beware underwater ninjas!!!!

Holding On

It's been awhile, I know. Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns and all you can do is hold on. So, that's what I've been doing. Just holding on.


I did finish those socks that I'd mentioned this summer.






































I haven't been knitting as much, although I'm still planning to head to Yarn Cravin' one of these days!

Lately, I've been painting. Trying to learn new techniques and working with mixed media.

And every day I take in and appreciate the vibrant beauty and warm flavors of autumn.