Saturday, May 10, 2008

Another Rainy Saturday

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE MOTHER'S DAY CONTEST BELOW! THERE'S STILL TIME!!!!!
Updates on the organized computer room/den/just hanging room. It may not look organized to you all, but it is! No toys, no projects laying out, all photos packed away..... blah blah blah.......


These blue semi-hexigons are a mystery for you to figure out what's going to happen to them when finished. I'll bet some of you can guess pretty good. :)


This cutie petutie lime green thing is going to be a light weight toddler sweater. I haven't even touched it for a couple of weeks and I'm almost up to the armpits for splitting fronts from back. I love the feel of this little thing.







And of course the purple shawl, which hasn't made it onto circs yet and it NEEDS to before I can go any further. Christmas you say? Yep, I think it's doable.

For the Amazement of Those Who Know Us

We're bare.................

Monday, May 05, 2008

Enter My Mother's Day Contest!


I have always been curious how blogging contests work, so I've decided to give one a try. So here goes and play fair!!! :)


Here's a photo of some fabulous treasures recovered within our home while destashing to sell the house. I'm absolutely positive most of you know what these are. There are plans for these beauties in my head. Can you guess what I'm planning to do with what's in the photo? Just leave a comment with your guess included. The contest will end Sunday, May 11th which is Mother's Day. Come on, try and win something for yourself, your mom, aunt, sister, daughter, even grandma!!! A handcrafted item made with something in the picture could be yours. Come on - give it a shot. (please keep comments clean - this is to be fun) In case of a tie, your screen names will be thrown in a real hat and a winner drawn by my DH.
Happy Mother's Day!!! (Hey, everyone has a mother)

Two New Items in Store



Finally!!! After SO many years of wanting to do this Bible cover, I got the chance to do it for the street team I'm on at Etsy. I know, I know, it's not knitted but there is another crocheter on the team and it was agreed via a virtual team meeting to allow these items in for our wedding items. YIPPPEEEEE!! I was going to put it in the store anyway, just not tag is as part of the group. Hey, June is coming! Know a bride that would like something like this? Just let me know! This was a blast to make, took forever with all the little flowers and pearls, but it came out exactly as I'd pictured it. Thanks for looking!
By the way, anyone need a pair of funky flip flops? :) Come on, you know you do.

My Case for Woody


Once upon a time, long long ago, a family brought home a new member of the family from the local Target store. He was pretty big for his age, but everyone fell in love with him from day one. The family named him "Woody". Woody stood about four foot tall, and was strong as an ox. He has withstood many house moves, temperatures and availability of light. No matter what happens around him, whether it be joy or mourning, he stands tall and true - never budging from his stance. Today he is over six foot tall and stronger than ever.
He has become one of the neverchanging aspects of OUR home.


Just wanted to tell a little story about a 20 or so year old tree plant we have in our home. DD#1 left a comment in a previous entry that she didn't see Woody where he belonged. She was right. The one thing that is always with DH & I is Woody. Imagine my shock and horror when I came home from work one day last week and something was odd in the house, VERY odd. But it didn't take long to see that my beloved Woody was missing. Being the calm and cool woman I am, HA, I immediately ran to find him, seeing that he had been placed in the covered porch. ARGHHHH!!! Woody could go into shock! He could get too cold! He could get too much sun! What was DH thinking doing this to dear Woody? Did he think we had to get rid of Woody, too? My mind was swirling. And the first words out of my mouth were, "What in the world are you doing to Woody?" After being assured he wasn't going to stay on the porch permanently, I calmed down - somewhat. Woody belongs in the house with ME. He's been kind of like a guardian of the home, he's always there, never moves. Do any of you have something in your home that just makes you FEEL it's home and it's where you are supposed to be? Well, Woody has done that for our family. It's silly to be so attached to a silly plant, but he has gone through so much with us all, put up with all our shananigans - but he still keeps on standing tall and strong.


There, DD#1, put your mind to ease. I have won this battle of Woody's placement and he WILL return to his rightful spot and go wherever we end up living - hopefully to welcome even the great-grandchildren some day.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Off to Australia

Finally, the Australian prototype cover is done and ready to ship out for approval. Figuring other country measurements and their 'regular' sizes was blocking my thinking for too long. So glad to have figured my way through it. I just didn't want to think that hard, but it wasn't awful. :) Now I just hope that it fits the A5 size notebooks in Aussie land. This TygerLily gets to see the other size of the world. Wish I could grab a ride along with it.
Holy dooley! (look it up)

More Listings, More SALES!

Talk about blessings, the Lord has certainly given more than what I'd ever expected this weekend. After working all day yesterday (yes, from 4am on) on TygerLily store things, my final check of e-mail last night before bed was notice of another sale!! Holy cow, talk about stoked. One buyer bought three items - and may God bless her for her generosity! Now that all the greeting cards are gone from the store, it means that as I clear out and straighten up my scrappin' area, more cards can then be created. And try again! Yep, my favorite leaf card is finally gone.


So as of this moment, four items have been newly listed and one re-listed this weekend, and I sold THREE older items in the store. Now that keeps me pumped up and God knew just when I needed that shot in the arm that all the work I put into these things isn't for naught.


I haven't even taken the time to watch one of those movies we rented yet!!! LOL


We are doing our own photos of the inside of the house today for the realtor. This way we can take a gazillion of them and she can pick and choose which are best for the realty website. Signing it all over to her tomorrow at 4:30 and the sign in the yard will finally be a reality. DH is also shampooing the carpets, or at least starting today. Amazing how only 4 years of carpet in the basement can add up to numerous areas of dirt. Can we say "Karen's coffee spots"? Yeah, that and a few others. :)


Anyway - here you can see that all of the "us" is out of the main area. :(

Weel, except for Jack & Winnie who got their mugs in the way by the sliding doors. :)

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Movie Time

I can't remember the last time we actually rented a movie or two, but I've been wanting to see a couple for awhile now and splurged today and rented some. So guess what I'm going to be doing while watching?????? You got it! I'm a-gunna knit! Duh
Here's what's on tap for my movie picks:
1. Sweeney Todd - A Tim Burton flick with OH YEAH Johnny Depp
2. I Am Legend - with Will Smith (I hear it's scarey so I'll just knit harder)
3. Enchanted - the chick flick that both DD's have said is very cute and a must see for me.
So see, I was nice and got 2 out of 3 that we will both watch. Just got a little selfish on the third one since I wake up too early when only infomercials are on. This will be a HUGE treat!!! And it's still cheaper to rent 3 movies than for DH & I to hit a theatre for one flick. No senior citizen discounts yet!!!!! LOL
I listed two more things in the store today. They aren't my favorite creations by a long shot, but they are completed and listed and OFF my plate. But I think I'll do another shamrock scarf in a kiddie version - bright color. Could be a lot of fun for some little person - or just plain fun for me. :)

Friday, May 02, 2008

Listed One, Sold One!

Yep, I should be on my way to work, but wanted to take a minute and show off the new item in my store. This goes with the EstyKnitters Team that I belong to, and the Wedding Challenge that is happening all of the month of May. My head is so full of ideas, just not time to actually make them happen. But here is attempt number one:

Then a wonderful lady who I'm getting to know in another group suprised me with a purchase from my store this morning. These make great bible study notebooks, so I'm told. :)

This weekend will be dedicated to "TygerLily" and the store. It's been a LONG time since I've been able to do that, and the time has come to get some things updated, listed, finished and hopefully SOLD!

Monday, April 28, 2008

I Just Gotta Brag a Little

Couldn't resist slapping up a photo of the gorgeous cake that DD#1 asked me to help her with last Friday. Is this not QUITE the wedding cake? She said she even got a phone call from the bride the next day saying the management of the reception hall said it was one of the most unique, and THE best tasting cakes that ever walked in their doors!!!!!!! WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO We aren't too proud of her, are we?

I did get some knitting done over the weekend, but the house still took priority. I can only take so much physical labor like the house in a row tho, then I have to sit for a bit. So why not knit? LOL Sounds like a poem there somewhere. I'll get photos posted when I find my camera again.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Please Take the Time.....

I don't know if DD#1 will ever really know how much she has helped me the past few weeks and months. Faith issues and what has turned into a bitterness I can't stand about me has come like the Black Plague. But this woman, who has suffered such loss in her own life, keeps on hacking at me (she doesn't know she does this) and loving me through some pretty desperate times. OK, hacking might not be the best word to use, but the things she has done, says and shows HACK at my angry heart. She's like the lumberjack trying to clear a path and open my heart up again to life.

Please take the time to check out
this link and read the sermon transcript from April 6th, 2008. She has reminded me numerous times since then to check it out, listen to it, read it, get the CD. This hit HER heart hard, and to be honest it hit mine incredibly hard this morning as I skimmed over it. I am not shocked that their pastor got a standing ovation for this one.

My daughter is a woman of faith, hope and a generous love which she will be greatly rewarded for by her King.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Wacky Wednesday

It's hump day, middle of the week, working at getting closer to the weekend.........

So looking forward to getting all this house stuff done, complete, finished, written off, eliminated, cleaned up, and just plain OFF MY MIND! :) The main floor now looks almost the way the realtor wants, and it doesn't look like anyone even lives here. But we'll do what we need to, right?

I've gone out of my head a little and actually double-booked myself in activities for Friday night. And it will be hard to pick between a 6-hour scrap/knit/yak/eat affair at church till midnight, or have dinner out with one of Tyler's friends at El Potrero's. She's getting married in a couple of weeks and invited some gals out for dinner. Why me? NO CLUE! Nice to be thought of tho. I think I need to go hang with the chicks from church and do something fun and relaxing.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

ok, So I'm a dork.....

Do any of you watch Dancing With the Stars? I'm sitting here in joyful tears after watching tonight's performance by the pros with a set from RiverDance.....

Oh, my...... does this bring back some awesome memories..........

Let me tell you......... my DD#1 went with me to see "Lord of the Dance" at some point in the last 10 years at the Lied Center... and OMG!!!! was that the performance of a lifetime to me. And here I am observing the wonderful perfomance of the night by the pros on DWTS tonight. I'm having chills and tears, good memories.

On a side note - I did knit late last night, and at lunch today for about 15 minutes. Hey, I'll take what I can get. The dogs messed up my blocking of the shamrock scarf in the extra bedroom today.... they can't handle people even BEING on our sidewalks when we are home and that bedroom is the 'seeing spot' of the neighborhood action. Silly puppies. :) I do have a bridal bible cover with pearl accents in the workings. And also a toddler sweater for spring or fall, I know a little late, but it makes me happy. :)

Monday, April 21, 2008

Shame on Me

OK, so I'm taking a day off, from everything. I'm not going in to work, not packing either. And I'm not even going to clean even a little bit. Lazy you may say? Probably, but not every day is your
BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
So there. :)

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Quiet Sunday?

Had one of those mornings where I woke up WAY too early - could it be there is no rest for the wicked? hmmmmmm

Believe it or not, this is what has been accomplished already today:
1. ALL laundry is done AND put away! Now THAT is a miracle!
2. CD's are finding their way into their cases and some will not. But they are getting back into organized form.
3. Got about 80% of DD#2's things packed/boxed/bagged for her to pick up today and outta here. Don't know if she's too thrilled about it, but the realtor says her things need to go.
4. ALL stuff on eBay is boxed and ready to put in the car for easy shipping from work.
5. A pot of coffee drank. :)
6. Read my fave blogs.
7. Blocking the white shawl for gifting to my best-est-est-est friend tomorrow. Today is her birthday and I'm sure she's celebrating with her family.
8. All DD#1's stuff is packed in the car already to take to the shop - we just live tooooo far away from each other at times.

And the SUN is shining!!!!!

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Breaking to Blog :)


It's been quite a week around here. I was feeling terribly old this morning, so it was time to sit back a moment and count a few blessings to cheer the old gal up.

Today is the Husker Red-White Spring Game and it's sold out! New coach, hopefully new results this year. So this means DH is down at the shop hoping to snag a buck or two letting people park in our lot.




I don't quite know where this fits into the past few weeks, but I found it posted on our DD#1's blog of her DS! Is this a kick or what?










I get a REAL joy out of the photo of the two grandkid and ALL THIS CHALK!!!!! We all know that DH would have a royal fit if this were on his driveway or patio - and it's just chalk for crying out loud. *giggle* This is quite the masterpiece.





Last weekend was Hunter's big 5 party. One of the best parties we've ever been to. His daddy is quite the outdoor chef and we ate like royalty.
Of course, no party is complete without DD#1 showing off her cake making abilities. This Monster Jam cake was huge and look at all the trucks and cars she fit on the top. Half chocolate, half white and we got to take some home. Of course I had it devoured within 24 hours. Nope, didn't share either.

Hunter got the noisiest gift yet from his aunt and uncle and some of their close friends. He looks pretty good behind the trap set, doesn't he? I hear his sister enjoys singing while she plays them. I'd like to hear THAT!








And I have to show off DD#1's incredible sewing skills yet again. Is this not the most adorable diaper bag? This gal's got skills, as Napoleon Dynomite says.






When we were driving home from the "Go Fish Guys" concert with the kiddos, driving through Havelock is always fun and interesting. And what do we see this trip but the infamous "Major Award" leg lamp in the Joyo's window! It pays sometimes to just gawk around and take in the scenery. Never know what's around the corner.







When we got home, we were so tired, but knew there was still some things we could accomplish before hitting the pillow. My laptop has a virus on it (yep, after visiting a 'sell your time-share' site, crap) so I sat for a bit trying to work on getting it fixed. I don't type on it at all, so I just read e-mail and checked the Etsy store. BEST NEWS of the day came in the e-mail from my sis down Florida way. Praise God her biopsy came back benign! I was so excited I just sat and cried for joy, literally. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

On to doing more storing, packing, cleaning and ebaying today.

I am so thankful for my family.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Go Fish! Tonight

Here's what DH & I get to do tonight with the grandkids!!! I've seen this group before in Nashville during a MOPS convention and they are a fantastic group. Can't wait to see the young one's reactions to a live concert like this. FUN!


Thursday, April 17, 2008

Psalm 86

A prayer of David.

1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
answer me, for I need your help.
2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
4 Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me.

What an awesome psalm to get to read in starting out this dreary day in Nebraska. Rain, wind, gloomy, just plain icky outside.

On the homefront, things are leaving - either getting sold on ebay or coming to the office to live till the house gets sold. DH has taken his real drum set to the shop, sold the electronic set last night to the neighbor who was happy to get them. Still so sad to see NO DRUMS in the house. Just weird feeling. So we both had kind of a downer night last night. But on to bigger fish, they are just drums. :)

Sad to see all of the kid's memorabilia come down off the walls, too. Definitely storing those at the shop - we'll NEVER give those up. Tyler's sports boards are way too precious - they can live at the office for awhile. :) It's great that DD#1 is taking all the kid book collections, she actually WANTED them! How about that!

I want to knit so bad, but it takes time of which I don't really have right now. PLUS it will have to be organized better and tucked away so nobody has to look at it. And I like being surrounded by yarn!!!!

Hope the sun comes out tomorrow! We could sure use a spell of it. :)

Sunday, April 13, 2008

HOLY COW! Check it out!

She's going nuts! She's clearing out the junk! Antiques, books, crafts.........
I haven't been ignoring you all, I still read my fave blogs - but time is of the essence now. Downsize, downsize, downsize!!!!
Check out grandma*p* on ebay - treasures galore.

Monday, April 07, 2008

Get Your TygerLily Logo Items HERE!


Yep, I've graduated into getting some promotional items for TygerLily - please stop by and get that t-shirt or coffee mug that is simple and yes, promotes ME! :)

Saturday, April 05, 2008

She's eBay-ing AGAIN!!!

PLEASE check out the books and crafting items I've listed on eBay!!!! This stuff has GOT to go!
And along that line, this house has got to get cleared out - no excuses, ma'am!
Sunday Morning Edit - PLEASE keep checking back on eBay, I will be adding things every day now for who knows how long! Ya never know when something will pop up you might just like to have. :)

Thursday, April 03, 2008

An Honor Beyond Measure

Megan has blessed me yet once again on her blog. Please check her out HERE!
Blessings
Blessings
Blessings
.....and more Blessings!
Thank you, Megan.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Knittin' Updates

I am THRILLED with my prize winnings from the SkeinQueen in the UK. This just arrived last Saturday and the colors are gorgeous, aren't they? Now I need to figure out a cooshy project to do with it.

Here's a pic of the white shawl that's finished, but not blocked. Just had to prove to you all that I really have been doing some things, just not as much as normal. Of course I seemed to have taken a picture of a mistake I made that I didn't catch till now, RATS! No froggin' this one tho, it's getting gifted out as is.

And the purple hues shawl for gifting out this Christmas. This one is going really smooth and the pattern is basically a no-brainer, WHEW! I have to take a break on it tho until my Harmony circs replacements come, which are supposedly on their way. And a little plug for KnitPicks who exchanged these out for me: Their customer service ROCKS!

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Maybe This is Why!

Maybe this is why I don't mind driving an older vehicle! :)

A Psalm

Psalm 73:21-26
21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.
22 I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
23 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.
26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.

Again, God was good in giving this in the reading this morning.

No photos today, we were not productive last night at all. We sat and actually watched a little TV together. There was a super program on the History Channel called "The Exodus Decoded". Watch it if you love history and they rerun the episode, it was incredible!

Monday, March 31, 2008

The Ball Has Started Rolling

Please keep us in your prayers through the time coming up for us. We are listing our house this week, it's just too much house and too much moolah and stress for us two. The realtor came to look it over this morning, and she's off doing whatever they do to help us sell.

BLESSINGS: The house has given us the opportunity to realize a dream of building something we had always wanted, the opportunity to entertain with room to spare, and the blessings of the best neighbors we've ever had. But the time has come where a stove, shower and bed are all we want to handle OR need. DH has even admitted that caring for the yard and koi pond looked like chores instead of fun this spring. And it's time to take care of us, something we've neglected for a few years, and get back on track with less stress involved. Trying to run the business is enough for both of us. There are days we look in the mirror and ask, "Who is that?" :)

Where will we end up if it sells? Only God can answer that one. But He has always allowed us a roof. Just asking Him for a teenie roof for just the two of us.

Rainy Monday Morning

OK, just to let everyone know we're "still kicking" especially after a phone call last night to see if we were still alive because there was no new blog entries - here's to all of you who read this on this rainy Monday morning.

Weekends like this when Tyler's old friends come to town usually leave me in state of disrepair. One of these years, it hopefully won't get to me as much. But I really love the fact that they call and want to come and see us when they make the trip to our fair city. For crying out loud, we're old, but they still come around, still calling me 'mom'. Listening to them banter around a poker table and laugh (I don't play, just sit and listen) and giving DH the business as Tyler used to is still bittersweet. So good to see them getting married, settling down and growing up.

I finished the white shawl Saturday but haven't blocked it out yet, so no photos at this time. I had DH put it on so I could see the pre-blocked size and I think it's going to be a-okay. :)

Check out Casto Creations blog and watch for her April birthday specials! Some of her give-aways this month will include something from me. She makes such elegant jewelry and her sale this month is incredible - she's celebrating a milestone birthday with celebration!



And then you must check out LilyKathrynDesigns to see her market bags. They are adorable and she'll take special orders! GO GREEN!


Check out where my brother is at here! Three whole weeks in Thailand checking out old friends and traveling. Hopefully he'll keep us all posted as to his adventures.

My Bible-through-the-year reading this morning was great as usual. God always seems to give me something, every time I sit and read.

Proverbs 12:9 - Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.

Therefore, I shall work! :) And work some more.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

A Cutie on Easter

I just had to share this adorable picture of our grand-nephew (is that right?). His dad left us pictures in our e-mail box yesterday and what a treat they were. This little guy is a mini-me of his daddy. What a cutie - even from behind.

And then I had to post the new business cards I get to have done. I'm pretty excited about these. What do you think?

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

The Shawls are Coming, The Shawls are Coming!

I've started two shawls for gifts, yes, hopefully this year!!!!
This blue one is the pattern picture, I don't have shots yet of what I'm doing. This one is called Blue Jeans Lace Diamond Shawl I found on Ravelry for free. Working it up in a handspun purple and blue hued yarn. It's actually coming out pretty cool.


Then there is this Diamond Lace Shawl I found the pattern for on the Lion Brand site. Doing this out of a discontinued yarn I have a ton of called Moda Dea Tutu in white and is it ever springy and fresh looking. About half way done with it so this gift should hit the right recipient THIS year. :)

I'm kind of liking the shawl deal. They are so pretty and even a little challenging. Like I always say, it keeps me out of trouble and off the street corner! LOL

Monday, March 24, 2008

Tyler's Birthday

Today is Tyler's birthday. He would have been 27 years old. We miss him terribly, but also know that he's in a much better place where there is nothing but joy.
This is one of the photos I keep on my desk at work and thought I'd just share it.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Pay It Forward

What a great idea I found on Jenn's blog - "Pay It Forward"!! If you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it along with a large box of Kleenex. Beautiful story. Anyway, here's how this works........

This is "based on the concept of the movie Pay it Forward where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return... just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness continue to pass it along as well. Here’s how it works: I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog."


I am making that promise! To the first three people who leave a comment requesting to join the exchange on this post, I will make and send a handmade gift. Then email me at: the DOT tyger DOT lily AT hotmail DOT com. Let's keep the PIF going!

Friday, March 21, 2008

A Fancy Scarf

I found a pattern through one of the groups I belong to that struck me as so different and so unique I had to try it. You can't see it real well in the photo but the gray is really a shiny silver yarn with a strand of black mohair along with it. It's a very intriguing design so far, and not difficult at all. The straight edge at the bottom is one long side while the shamrock clusters are the other long edge so when you wear it, you get this great lacy look of shamrocks all arond your neck and shoulders.

Hey, it was spring yesterday and I had to try something new (even though there were tons of other things I should have been doing).

POST EDIT: Pattern can be found here and it's free.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Spring Is In The Air!!! YEAH!

Welcome Spring and HAPPY EASTER to you all! Just a little fun for today 'cause it's spring and it's going to be in the 60's today around here. Wooo HOOOOOOO
The picture above is yours truly celebrating her 2nd Easter. I was born on Easter Sunday and as word has it, the nurses thought I should be named Bunny!!! Thank goodness mom was knocked out enough that it didn't stick. :)
Below is a pic of the wonderful fingerless gloves I received from Marsha for my early birthday gift. Aren't these the BEST? And talk about talent, she's got it. Below is an update on that blue cooshy baby blanket. Tyger loves this one, can you tell?


And those who are local and have a little age under their belts will know what great things came in Miller & Paine boxes - good quality clothing and merchandise. M&P is gone now, but their cinnamon rolls (to die for) are still in existance and sold in local eateries. Do you believe I still have one of their boxes? Tyger was impressed. He's going to hang on to this treasure.But look at the treasures mom stashed in this box that I've shelved for over 20 years. This is the sweater set she made for me as a baby. Now I'm not sure if it was white or not in the beginning, but her knitting workmanship was outstanding. Talk about perfectionism, she was the queen, and yes I am the princess. :)

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

"Celebrate Me Home"

Tomorrow is the first day of spring! So tonight there needs to be some looking back, being a little retrospective, thoughtful, etc. and ready to go forward into something fresh.

In watching American Idol tonight and after getting a little attached to some of those kids, the exit song really got to me for a few reasons.

Number one is that it was originated back in MY day by the incredible Kenny Loggins (on his debut solo album in 1976) and redone by one of the fewer known Idol winners, Ruben Studdard (who does a remarkable remake of it by the way). Kenny Loggins' music holds many memories for me: I'm Alright (Caddyshack), Footloose, to name a few. Check him out, he may have a few you all recognize, too.

And the lyrics are incredible:

Home for the holidays, I believe I've missed each and every face,
Come on and play my music,
Let's turn on the love light in the place
It's time I found myself,
Totally surrounded in your circles
Whoa, my friends
Please, celebrate me home,
Give me a number,
please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
That I'll always remember, and I can recall,
whenever I find myself too all alone,
I can sing me home.
Uneasy highway,
Traveling where the Westerly winds can fly,
Somebody tried to tell me,
But the men forgot to tell me why,
I gotta count on being gone,
Come on woman, come on daddy,
Be what you want from me,
I'm this strong, I'll be weak

Please, celebrate me home,
Give me a number, please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
That I'll always remember, I can recall,
whenever I find myself too all alone,
I can make believe I've never gone,
I never know where I belong,
Sing me home.
Please, celebrate me home,
Give me a number, please, celebrate me home
Play me one more song,
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate, celebrate
Celebrate me home
Please, celebrate me home,
Please, celebrate me home,
Well I'm finally here,
But I'm bound to roam,
Come on celebrate me home
Well I'm finally here,
But I'm bound to roam,
Come on celebrate me home
Well I'm finally here,
But I'm bound to roam,
Come on celebrate me home
Please, celebrate me home....


Just ponder those words for a minute and what does it make you think of? Makes me think of soldiers, long lost children who find their way home, people who just want to belong.... or just the chorus that makes me think of my future home, where those I love are waiting. My parents, my son, two of my grandchildren, and my God.

Tomorrow is spring and that means new beginnings and new growth. And we can't grow and go forward if we don't know where we've been, and who we love.

Life is short - CELEBRATE SOMEONE HOME!!!!! Give them your number. (I know that's not what he means by "number", but I can clean it up in MY version) giggle

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Yarn I Won

Quick peek at the yarn I won from the Skein Queen in the UK yesterday. Now comes the hard part - figuring out what pretty thing I can make out of this 300 yds of plushness. It's a blend of 80% lambswool, 10% cashmere, 10% angora. Any ideas???

Friday, March 14, 2008

Long Day, But Good Stuff

Quick update - photos to follow maybe Sunday :)

1. I won a contest through the EtsyKnitters group - free skein of yarn, handmade right from the UK. I never win ANYTHING! Unreal.
2. Sold 2 patterns on Etsy today - still can't believe that one either.
3. Made plans to have DD#2 spend 24 hours at our house with her kids while her hubby is out of town this weekend. We both need a huge break from stress (business) and this is the perfect diversion.
4. The BIG HUNT is tomorrow at our church. It's huge. Usually attracts about 2,000 little egg hunters and the grandkids love it. So we get to enjoy 3 of the grands tomorrow and watch and photo them 'hunting' for eggs. Yep, we get to enjoy the real #1's in our lives, too. Their lovely moms. The oldest grand is getting into her social life and has a party to attend at the same time her age group hunt happens, so she had to make a decision. She's getting so old. I see her mom in her, and it brings tears of joy to my eyes at her little person dedication to friendships and relationships.
5. Had a bride come in for her invites this afternoon and mentioned that "Lily Kathryn Designs" was becoming a hot topic at her medical clinic where she is a nurse. Yep, LKD is our DD#1. Word is spreading, she is getting her name out there. I hope she is ready for the splash she will make in the world with her bags and diaper bags. As usual, please check out the link to the left to see her beautiful work, with MORE to come!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Let Me Just Put It Out There For You

OK, since there is a birthday coming, numbers need to be excluded, here is another something that would be a kick to get. Wouldn't this be great to put on DH's vehicle? LOL I do drive it occasionally, but do you think I'd get by with it for very long? It just COULD be worth the risk.

An Amazing Day

OK, first of all I can't take a picture of the fantastic early birthday present I got in the mail today because....

a.) computer room is off-limits to me because DH has to fix the light switch and he doesn't want me starting a fire. WHA??? I would NEVER do that! (that's where all MY stuff is at) giggle

b.) laptop that I'm on doesn't have my super software loaded yet for the camera (also in the computer room that I'm banned from) because I had to reload Windows and all the software just to get it rolling again. Yes, again, this week. But much better running now.

SO............. you'll all have to wait until tomorrow! But you're in for a treat. I know I was blessed!

Then I got to have an awesome extended lunch with DD#1 and grandson, got to show off my early present (giggle) and got to hear about her networking on the internet to finally get the exact fabrics SHE needs to get her own creations sewn. It was so good to see her inspired, excited and actually anxious to get going on her designs again. Talk about talent! You know that bag I posted earlier that I wanted? Uh-huh! It may really happen!!





So because I'm banned from my computer/stash/craft/knitting/scrapping/sewing room for the evening, I sat here at the laptop after work and looked at the new Knitty release. And OH MY GOODNESS! Talk about beautiful things. Here's one that may just have to be a summer project for me (while I sit on the dock with the 'guys').... Isn't this rock/ocean scene the best showing off the absolutely GORGEOUS shawl????? I wanna be HER!! :) Oh, well. I maybe can do the shawl part.

And then I found this in the EtsyKnitter group I'm in and could not resist the look on this pups face.


Enjoy the little guy and have a giggle - you know HE is!
It's like 70-ish outside still, and I'm being beckoned by the I-80 hawk and the geese flying around out there to go outside. So many other things I should be doing, but also enjoying God's creations are a top order. :)
Blessings to you all.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

PatternMart.com


Check this out! It's been paying off to blog a little more and join some other communities. Even though the registrations were closed at PatternMart, I was still able to get in after getting a return e-mail back from the site management to GO AHEAD! Wooo HOOOOO How about them apples!?! So now I've been able to get my Wishbone pattern up for sale in two spots. Not too shabby. Check it out when you have a minute. Go to PatternMart.com and search for "wishbone" and there it is! It's the only knitting pattern in the bag catagory. Not sure if that's good or bad yet, but time will tell. One has to keep trying, right?

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Voila'

I'm pooped. But got a lot accomplished..........

1. 19 things on EBay
2. Popcorn knitted bag put together, lined, and for sale on Etsy
3. Finished written pattern and posted for sale on Etsy
4. Regular housework - NOT done. :)

Photos won't upload right now (darn that Google), but you all know what these things look like! Enjoy the rest of your weekend, what's left of it. :)

Orders, Ebay and Just Stuff

OK, so I pretty much messed around yesterday after meeting a client in the morning and then replacing the Mac at work in the afternoon (which didn't take that long). My bottom hit the recliner and boy, it just didn't want to move any more yesterday. So the laptop and my favorite blankie from DD#1 and I were friends the rest of the day.


So today that means I have to kick it up a gear or three.


Blessings:

1. sold a pattern overnight on Etsy

2. got an order for 5 mini-journal covers on Etsy

3. explored the designers on Indiepublic and found incredible talent out there - that was worth sitting on my behind all evening. Check the site out - you will be amazed at the talent in this world.

4. DD#1 found a store locally that handles the designer fabric she's looking for, well, at least the quilter cottons. It's a great start for her! Keep your eye on her Lily Kathryn Designs blog (in my links to the left).


To-Do List for Sunday:

1. finish Australian proto-type (a must do)

2. finish writing up another pattern and getting it listed for sale

3. minimum of 10 things on eBay

4. try and dig a path through the craft room, it's out of control

5. NOT THINK ABOUT THE LOSS OF AN HOUR LAST NIGHT DUE TO DST!!!! Not a fan of the spring forward effect. :)

6. get the silly candied popcorn bag done and listed :)


I think I'll be busy today. giggle


Thursday, March 06, 2008

My Birthday Request from DD#1

What do ya think? She started the trend of making me a bag for my birthday last year, and I expect her to keep it up! :) This is the one I've asked for this year.....

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

A New Day

Since yesterday is done, tomorrow hasn't happened yet, let's take a look at what's happening TODAY!


1. Finally getting around to exchanging my beautiful Harmony wood circular needles that are coming apart and getting the Options nickel plated set instead.

2. Brought along 'small stuff' knitting to work today. I have 2 people out sick again today and I'll be captive to the office for the whole day. This flu stuff is getting old, isn't it?

3. It's Wednesday already!

4. Time to get eBay-ing again tonight, getting rid of the mountains of stuff in our home in hopes of downsizing our lives this summer or fall. Ooooo, EBAY!!! Gotta love it.

5. And finally, clearing off my desk that all of the sudden (ha) is starting to look like a tornado hit it. :)

No new projects to show, nothing has been touched this week so far. But this is a new day folks, let's get it rolling!

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Nothing is For Sure

We just found out that we lost a friend last night in a trucking accident. Not only did he work for us at one time, but his wife and DD#2 still work together at the same daycare.

Just goes to show you, we don't know what tomorrow will hold.

Family

After a long evening of reflection, thinking, re-evaluating life and priorities (I have to do this once in awhile)..... I still come up missing my parents, even though they have been gone for a long time. One thinks about family and who we have left and what we are doing with those relationships right now. It's very bittersweet. No, I don't have parents or grandparents anymore, BUT I have siblings, all who are quite alive and well. I have children who have blessed my life over and over again. And I have grandchildren........ little ones, innocent ones.

Think about it. Life is short. Some lives are shorter. But we have today to love our families and show them in some way. Don't let one day pass by without a prayer of thanks for who you have been blessed with.