I'm sitting at Panera this morning having a lovely time with my anatomy notes. I know that statement sounds sarcastic, but I am really just enjoying this liesurely time to study. I woke up this morning to a crispness in the air. The fist hint of fall is here and it awakens my heart this time every year. I feel a little more childlike, a little more energetic and I begin to think of how to decorate for the holidays. Good thoughts.

My friend Karli(from growing up in Conroe) always had the best fall and Christmas decorations at their house. Miss Cydney was full of creativity and love for her home. I always enjoyed seeing their house this time of year. When I was sitting down this morning at the coffee shop, guess who I saw. None other than Karli and her momma. We caught up on the last 2 years of our lives(in brief) and exchanged hugs. My heart was lightened.
While sitting here this morning I have been overhearing some wonderful conversations. If you can see far behind me there is a group of ladies in a knitting group. Yes they are just sitting around talking about yarn and life and specialty yarn shops in Brenham. I absolutely love knitting and even though my spare time is devoted to the books these days, it was fun to hear them discussing the craft.

Now take a look to the left. There is a group of men in their 40s and 50s sitting behind me. Most of their morning was just spend shooting the breeze, but there is something so comforting about hearing men discuss their family and civic life. I could tell by the way they mentioned their wives and families that they love the Lord and are just trying to do this everyday aspect of life well.
Study breaks over...back to the books.
Have a lovely Saturday friends.
You are much loved.

Labels: fall, family, Knitting, PT

Well, I've been knitting again with a specific source of inspiration this time. I was thinking to myself...hmm, I need a hat to stay warm in Scotland. I didn't find much motivation to go buy a made in china hat at Target when maybe I could make a cooler one myself. So, I searched my favorite blog soulemama.typepad.com and found this pattern.

If you are interested in knitting it yourself, Soulemama has a very simple pattern clearly explained on her blog. http://soulemama.typepad.com/soulemama/2005/11/my_hat_of_choic.html

So here I am all ready to go...not quite! I have the usual packing and printing of the boarding pass left to do. Nevertheless, on Sunday afternoon I will be on my first plane to Europe! I can't quite believe it. I'll be back in a week to share my Scotland adventures.

Labels: Knitting, Scotland

There's something about the new year that makes us think about change. What will my journey look like this year? Will I read more classical literature, declutter my home or lose a few pounds? Maybe I will embark on a life-changing adventure that leaves me so invigorated I will never again have to bother with the minute details in life like laundry or bills.
Something I have come to realize is that life is a lot like knitting. You have to go out and explore enough to be inspired. Once you are inspired to make something, you have to get everything you need together in one spot. Find the right size needles, the perfect pattern, some yarn you find incredibly beautiful. Now I suppose you could knit something and leave the art out of it. Knitting can be strictly utilitarian or I can choose to use my talents to create perfectly wonderful art.
From my knitting I've learned a little bit about moving forward in 2008. This year I plan to balance the social and solitary sides of life. It is my time with friends and new faces that inspires me to keep dreaming. On the other hand, it is often my solitary time that allows me to work out the logistics of those dreams.
Making these fingerless, Texas winter gloves has brought some warmth to my hands and a little clarity to the future.

2008...It's gonna be GREAT!

Labels: everyday art, Knitting

Creativity is contagious. Recently, my friend Robyn, who is a creativity fanatic came to visit me and left me inspired to further develop my knitting talent. She explained to me that she finds a lot of inspiration for her sewing through blog entries. We have discovered a whole world of inspiring people. I love to read about how other knitters are exploring their creativity. I learn about different expressions of the craft that I didn't even know existed. Take a little time to find some people at the top of your hobby online. eBay is a great way to find people who sell their products and they almost always have a link to their website. Then from the website you can usually find the blog which is where all the thoughts behind the projects are.

I still feel a bit overwhelmed because I see the skills I lack. I start one project and find a glitch in my stitches. It is easy to quit for the night, but it is a rewarded discipline to figure out what went wrong and I move ahead. I recently read this article that encouraged me to take on the challenges... Mindful Knitting by Tara Jon Manning

I think I'm making my way out of a creative standstill and I am full of joy!

Labels: creativity, hobby, Knitting