The Stitch Witch

What made you smile today?

2012-01-19T02:12:00.003-05:00

Seeing my Jilly Beans :O)

You want the truth? You can't handle the TRUTH!!

What was your favorite book as a child?

2012-01-19T02:12:00.001-05:00

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

You want the truth? You can't handle the TRUTH!!

formspring.me

2012-01-19T02:11:00.001-05:00

Ask me questions about LOVE http://www.formspring.me/Starspring23

Two Lesbians Raised A Baby And This Is What They Got

2011-12-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

Two Lesbians Raised A Baby And This Is What They Got

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A New Post

2011-10-24T07:10:00.000-05:00

I often forget to keep current my blog and this disappoints me! When certain things happen in my life I look back and say, I wish I had blogged about that so I could reflect on whether on not I have grown from that experience or if I'm still stuck there.
Most of the time I just feel stuck. Everywhere, in my marriage, in my depression,in my weight, in my fear.

DIfferent Topic

2011-07-12T07:25:00.000-05:00

I've decided to just let the subject of the bulldogs die. They're back in Florida, where they belong. Melissa Nelson an evil evil woman with no moral conscience, I am convinced will eventually be punished by the threefold law. Not only because of what she did to me personally, and how she tried to destroy my reputation in my own neighborhood, but in the rescue community as well. Just from what I have seen her do to other people, bash them, post their picture, write stories, who knows if they're true. She should be ashamed of herself.

And this is the last you will hear from me on this topic.

My Trainer

2011-07-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

Canine Counsel- When Tucay came he sat with us for at least 45min, in that time he assessed all my dogs, not just the American Bullys. He sat with Max, petting him, stroking him, I think he took a liking to him...it's hard not to, he's the perfect blue nose pit.
He gave us history, we discussed dog psychology, his philosophy and how we would begin training. I really admired him and I couldn't wait to get started!
We made a plan and scheduled our next appointments.
The next day I started with the first steps of his direction and we were somewhat successful! Then one day coming in from a walk my little chihuahua Schnook darted out from behind the couch and the female grabbed her, I was too late. By the time I got her to the Animal Hospital she was gone. Shock and a punctured lung.
Then a few days later when we had one really awful fight, it was more like a brawl...in trying to break it up, I almost lost the tip of my finger and my husband got a fractured wrist, lost 2 weeks of work, the male almost lost an eye.
That was the last straw, as a family we decided we could no longer put our family at risk. I tried to get in touch with Fur Angels but I had no luck. I practically begged Bulldog Rescue to help me, they only place Olde English Bulldogs.
I was at my wits end. My last resort was to reach out to a friend out East with much more room than I have to hold onto the dogs until I could come up with a solution. My house was much too small, they were constantly in view of each other it was way too stressful. At least, I thought at Bill's place they'd have access to a dog run where they could get exercise and peace.
However! nothing in life is easy...transporting the dogs they see a stray,and begin fighting,get lose and chase the stray dog,and get lost.
They wind up in East Hampton Shelter....

It Just Doesn't Stop

2011-07-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

So much has happened since my last post. I really need to tell the story of my bulldogs. So many of you that read my blog followed the story of their adoption with great interest, and I believe you all deserve to know what happened when Jason and I went to pick them up from Florida.
We picked them up, put them in the car...turned the corner and they began to fight. Not serious,we pulled over and broke it up, separated them and continued on our way. Every single time we stopped to water, feed, or walk them there was a fight. They were just too strong for me to hold, with my RSD, I have absolutely no strength in my hands.
The fighting was unbelievable, I thought they were going to kill each other. We finally got home and it continued,only now MY dogs were being attacked as well! Poor Max, his jaw took such a beating, but we were able to them apart right away due to the size difference and Max's response to me.
I tried everything with these dogs, I crated them, covered the crates, kept them in different rooms, fed and walked them at different times. They still managed to get to each other by breaking through the metal crates. The female had a HUGE laceration on her forehead from bashing her head repeatedly against the crate in an attempt to escape.
Chewing on the crate to bend the bars so they would brake easily. It was constant fighting, constant tension.
After a week of this I knew it was time to call in a professional. I found the BEST he has experience with American bullys as well as fighting dogs. When I called him he gave me such encouragement.

Multi-faceted Update

2011-06-07T21:08:00.000-05:00

I came to give an update on the dogs, only to see all posts from March seem to have been deleted!
This is a serious BUMMER since soooo much has happened since then! Let's see, I'll try to condense it all and make it short and sweet.
When I adopted the Bulls to prevent them from being put down, we had arrangements for everything from boarding to transport, but unfortunately we just ran into one issue after another!
When I couldn't wait any longer I drove down to Highalyea FL and picked them up myself. Not that, that wasn't issue free, more on that later...
But they're here now and all is not picture perfect. We have sibling rivalry to the fullest extent.
Now Pits I know and can read and deal with...Bulldogs are new to me, so, I called in a professional. More to come on that!

Change in Plans-Good News/Bad News?

2011-03-28T11:16:00.002-05:00

Sunday came and boy what a busy and eventful day it was! I was praying all the dogs got adopted and mine got to Comfort Kennels without a hitch. Well...I should know by now, nothing ever goes as planned!
Marilyn, who is such a doll I can't even find words, called to tell me Cannon was gone, but did I want his brother, I said yes of course, but his brother was also gone...sad for me, but GREAT for them!!

I had been looking at the dogs still left and I kept being drawn to a dog named Nemesis, why on Earth would you name Man's best friend Nemesis? *sigh* Anyway, thankfully someone who MET the dog, renamed him Wiggles :O)
who happened to be heartworm positive. Surely a death sentence at this stage of the game.
I mentioned to Marilyn I wanted to take Wiggles, we discussed the heartworm and how sick he was, I had to give this underdog a chance. Heartworm is completely treatable, caused by a mosquito bite! Also completely preventable with monthly maintenance. So..... he's mine!

I adopted HIM!!

Now Diamond and Wiggles are officially MY dogs!! I just have to get them HERE...Please don't forget about the Chip-in, so many have been very generous already,but every little bit helps, these dogs need to see the vet, which means being driven, then the cost of transport. Every little bit saved is more I have to spend on vet care, training, and SPOILING!!!

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! And it wouldn't have been possible without the help, patience, tenacity, and dedication of some lovely women I have been blessed to have on my side! More on that later ;o)

Sunday-the last day and the suspense is killing me!

2011-03-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

Plans for DIAMOND & CANNON

Today CANNON and DIAMOND are being rescued by Dahlia Canes and Ana Alvite is taking them to COMFORT KENNELS (Yes, they are opening tomorrow just for these dogs! thank You Fabio!) And then Ileana Gibson is taking them to Palmetto Animal Clinic for health certificates to travel and a nice tick removal bath and tick collar. Then they will go back to Comfort Kennels for a short time while Leslie Crews works out the exact pick date for them to travel to Long Island, NY to Deb Stelling.(that's ME!!)

I've been tweeting the chip-in regularly,today I realized hashtags were a good idea,this way American Bulldog lovers would be sure to read it, as well as anyone aware of what's going on at MDAS.

Hopefully, the next post will be when my dogs are at Comfort Kennels!! Fingers crossed :O)

Update!!

2011-03-26T12:00:00.001-05:00

You all know my advocacy and love of the Bully breeds. Whats happening in MDAS is breaking my heart,so we've decided to welcome 2 American Bulldogs into our home. You can meet them below. I'm paying for everything I can, and those of you who know me, know I hate to ask for help...but any little bit saved getting these guys here to Long Island will save $$ for vet care and training. So many have helped where they can, I've been very lucky that the ladies down in FL are relentless in getting things done, and so generous with their time. They could teach some of the rescues up here a thing or two!

Please help save just 2 Diamond and Cannon of 300+ in danger of losing their lives?? If just 10 of you chipped in$2, that would pay for vet certificates and the tick bath Cannon needs!
I know you'll help if you can. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I'm praying they ALL get out.

2011-03-24T19:49:00.000-05:00

SAVING 2 AMERICAN BULLDOGS FROM MDAS

Please help......MDAS is cleaning house All dogs need out today and tomorrow. Don't have a time frame as to when they will be put down but very very urgent. This is no joke!!!! Tell everyone!!!
Know that this means any animals past due, without holds or DNE'S do not have much time. To close the shelter for intakes so that it can be cleaned of disease does not allow for all animals to remain there indefinately.

We are trying to rescue at least 2 American Bulldogs from MDAS today or tomorrow.

They have a family that wants to adopt them from Seldon, NY. Deb Stelling.

these dogs will have to be taken to the vet immediately. CANNON has a tick infestation and will need treatment for that before he is able to travel and get the health certificates the dogs need for transport.

Ground transportation is being worked out now.

They will stay at Comfort Kennels until ready to go to New York's Long Island.

2011-03-24T19:11:00.002-05:00

Giveaway!

2011-03-15T12:09:00.000-05:00

Do you like giveaways? Who doesn't, right? You'd have to be nuts not to love free stuff...and if you love to craft, free stuff is appreciated even more!

Well Fave Crafts is giving away the new Lacy Wire Jewelry by Melody MacDuffee .... So get on over and enter! The 29 projects are amazing!

Mothering

2011-01-19T22:20:00.001-05:00

I entitled this post 'Mothering' as apposed to parenting, because for the most part while raising my oldest daughter it was solely mothering.With a husband who worked long hours and as much overtime as he could get so I could be a SAHM, I sometimes felt like a single parent.

I was 19 when she was born, essentially, we grew up together. I fell in love for the first time, I never wanted to put her down, I held her endlessly.We co-slept,I was fiercely protective of her. Desperate to raise her right, I sacrificed everything...sometimes myself, to make sure I was a great mother. My heart broke a little when I had to send her to school,BUT I was always class mom, went on class trips, baked, organized, donated, etc. I cried when she cried, I was always there to catch her when she stumbled, bandage her boo-boo's, after broken friendships and broken hearts.
I made sure she was respectful, did well in school, she was a "good girl".

But somewhere along the lines she grew up,and changed. Now, although her face is just as beautiful, I don't recognize her. Gone is my lovely,well behaved girl from just a few years ago. She's been replaced by a disrespectful, rude, lying, obnoxious college drop out. I'm not permitted to have an opinion on her life. She yells and screams at me, turns her back on her father when he talks to her, she makes demands about how she thinks the house should be run.

I ask this child for no rent to live in MY house, yet she treats me as though I am her tenant. She eats, sleeps, gets her clothes washed, cable, internet all for no contribution, and either she doesn't realize or she doesn't care that she's breaking my heart.

Now I cry not because someone hurt her feelings, or because she was left off someone's party list, but because she's dating a loser with a child but no job, she busts her ass working and makes good money, but never has a dime in her pocket.I worry about her future because she's careless and is easily led, she doesn't like to tell people 'NO'.

I am her mother, I'll never stop worrying,caring or loving her. But I will NOT be abused by the child I once swore to protect with my own life. I never considered I would need someone to protect me from her.

Books

2011-01-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

One of the things I love to do most since I was a child is to read. It was always my way to escape my childhood and find my way to a better place. I still do this, in fact
Many of the people I follow twitter are fellow bibliophiles as well...one, Extreme Reader is currently having a giveaway...you really should check it out

Lots of books and swag up for grabs! Check it out! http://bit.ly/dJrmOM

Good Luck...and READ!!!

December 26, 2010

2010-12-26T04:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it! Another one has passed and I managed to make it through. Believe me when I say, the past 4 weeks I have requested assistance from not only my own gods, but my children's God as well.
I needed some clarity, some restraint so not to get caught up in all the frivolous buying and spending on overly promoted toys my kids "forgot" they wanted until they saw them in the store,LOL.

About 3.5 weeks ago the little ones were prompted to begin thinking about their letters to Santa. Make a list I said, this way, if you think of something else, you can add it and at the end of the week, we'll write the letters.

I'm almost embarrassed to tell you what my children asked for, my 9yr daughter, books, color by number, a surprise. My 5yrson... legos and crayons, and balloons.
It's wonderful they didn't ask for anything, but that's really hard to shop for, hahaha!

We had a very quiet day, the kids were very happy with what Santa did bring, a few ipods, an iPhone, a boombox, many legos, a lot of ironman, craft kits everywhere!!
We ate casually, but deliciously, early to bed, only to be repeated tomorrow :)

I'm looking forward to 2011...new beginnings, new commitments, new attitudes.

But first, we have New Years Eve dinner with my girls <3

Yule and Christmas

2010-12-10T02:04:00.001-05:00

In my house we believe and celebrate all paths to God. Whomever that God, your God(s), may be.
This time of year, everyone gets to feeling a little more sociable, charitable, and hopefully closer to God.
We certainly do! We decorate the house, put up a Christian tree, the kids LOVE this, the little ones can't keep their hands off the ornaments, especially the fragile, glass sentimental ones!
We keep the tree lit constantly, oh, did I mention it's a real tree? We will of course use it for compost when the season has past.

Now, as we get closer to the solstice, we will begin to prepare for Yule. My older boys while they're out, will be searching for the perfect Yule log, the one from last year has most definitely been used up!

I have a Yule celebration on the weekend of the solstice where I hold an open circle, anyone the kids wish to invite is welcome. We have cookies, hot cocoa and mulled cider.

This time of year usually gets me excited, and in the Holiday spirit, but for some reason, this year, I can't seem to find it!
Maybe it's because I did so much of my shopping online? Maybe it's because there are gifts I wanted to make, but I have yet to get started on them, and that has me gripped with a handful of different feelings(aside)?
I don't know there is so much going on right now, if I was ok, I'd be worried!

I am looking forward to the Holidays, because it's not about what gets bought, or made, it's about who you're spending time with. What's important is WHO wants to be with you, share your faith, share your space, share your face, you don't have to be perfect for real friends...friends won't care, they love you, and they celebrate with you because they want to share you, and that's where the Christmas magick lays.

Giving Thanks

2010-11-26T22:04:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving...let's just say, what can go wrong, will go wrong! This year was a new experience for me, for more than just one reason!

I admit I got a late start preparing, in fact it wasn't until Wednesday that I actually got my turkey, so I was stuck with what was left...a Butterball. Not too happy, but it was fresh and it was big.
Oldest daughter worked just a few morning hours, so it was wonderful to have her home with us the rest of the day, while unfortunately oldest son had to work from 2-6 which meant a later than usual dinner.

So, we snacked... taco dip, cheese and crackers, onion dip with cru de tet, stuffed mushrooms, chips, fruit.
When it came time to prepare the stuffing I realize I have no thyme, and no sage...how can this be? It's too late to run the store of course, so Thanksgiving with no stuffing. OH well, we'll live.
Now onto the vegetables...cream cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, which my 7yr old not so lovingly refers to as the original stink bombs, LOL. Cranberry sauce, turnips, and mashed potatoes. No gravy you ask? Well that too is a story.

When I attempted to make my gravy like I usually do with the turkey drippings and flour, a rue, add water and there's gravy...this time all I got was pure oil in a lovely shade of golden brown :O/
How on Earth did this happen?? I haven't a clue, all I know is that Butterball turkey cursed me and I'll never buy another one again.

I'm ready for a Thanksgiving do-over, where can I get a $.29lb turkey?!?!

I hope all your Thanksgiving dinners were more successful, now on to crocheting Christmas gifts. YIPEE :O)

Holiday gift thinking!

2010-11-18T00:33:00.000-05:00

It seems that everyone is tweeting about what they are making as holiday gifts! I'm not even ready for Thanksgiving, but that's between you and me, right? Every year I decide I will begin early get a jump on things, so, by the time I really feel the crunch of UH-OH, I better get started...I've already got some gifts made.
You see, I have quite a stash of really nice yarn, so there's no excuse for me not to get started on teachers gifts, it's only 3! The bus driver, the nurses, I really would love to make something for Carleen at the shrinks office, she's so good to me, calls me if I'm ever in danger of missing an appointment.
So why the procrastination? Getting to the yarn? It's certainly not getting to the patterns...they're right here at my fingertips, literally!
I also want to make a few things for Jeffs friends, I really love these kids. I had a brainstorm today, what about hackysacks? It seems they're constantly roofing them, sooo if I make them all one with their initial on it, I think they will think it's cool. As for the girls, maybe a cool scarf? We'll see.
And that's where I'm at now, I still am looking around for something simple my 9, 7 and 5yr old can make for the teachers themselves, OH and grandparents of course , thank goodness we only have 1 set. LOL

As always, comments are loved, suggestions are welcome and appreciated, compliments get you great karma, follow gets you follow'd back :O)

Update!!

2010-11-16T21:03:00.000-05:00

Now that my giveaway has ended, and a winner has been chosen, congratulations Raven!
I just want to share how much fun this has been for me. OK, I did forget to send out reminders a few days, but just the anticipation of being able to send out a nice box stuffed full of mystery is an awesome feeling!
While the giveaway has been pending a few things have happened here in my household, I adopted an adult pit, Maximus from AC&C in Manhattan he's 5 and was suffering from an URI, so he has to return on 12/4/10 to be neutered. Until then, we're dealing with his "affection" for everyone in the house. I must admit, my patience for that is getting rather thin.
I've gotten in touch with a few friends I haven't seen or talked to in months, and that's a good thing :O)

Twitter Giveaway!

2010-10-22T19:43:00.001-05:00

Hello friends:

I've reached over 300 followers on Twitter and I am so surprised and thankful I decided to do a giveaway!
What is she giving away you ask? It's a *mystery* box full of crochet and knitting items! Possibly even a something crocheted or knitted for you by me!

All you have to do to enter is leave me a comment here, and retweet about the contest.
Each time you do, you get an entry. Easy peasy! Contest ends November 12th....Good luck friends!

Teenagers

2010-10-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

Raising children is never boring, as I'm sure all moms out there will agree. I, happen to enjoy those little 'adventures' the little curves they throw at you from left field, it keeps life interesting.

Teenagers are especially great for this particular action! I'm so relieved to say I have an excellent relationship with both my teen boys, I truly am blessed. We share an open communication line, with nothing off limits. The agreement is as long as they're honest, they don't get in trouble.

Today while talking talking to my 15y.o he was questioning me on how I know certain things about his life and friends he doesn't share. Basically how I fill in the blanks. So, I decided the time is about right to share with him exactly what my gifts entail.

I explain to him that I am an empath, and in that I can feel what he's going through, so when he shares details with me, it's basically filling in the blanks. This gift makes it easier to communicate with my sons since they don't really talk much, I always have clues to spark our talks in the right direction.

Parenting teens is most definitely a challenge, but with it comes the greatest joys of watching them develop into respectful, productive members of society. That my friends, is what makes me proud!

Happy Birthday!!!

2010-09-16T22:01:00.000-05:00

The wait is over, my nephew is a brand new Dad!
His first child, a son, was born... John Paul 6lbs 11oz came into this world on September 14th.
He looks just like his daddy and his daddy's family, it's amazing!!! I'm just so excited for him I know he's going to be a terrific father.

Blooming Lovely: What Happened In My Birth Year?

2010-08-27T01:41:00.000-05:00

Blooming Lovely: What Happened In My Birth Year?: "I was sent this from a friend in an email this morning. What happened in my birth year? It really is different to other sites that list wh..."

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Family Dinner

2010-08-17T00:53:00.000-05:00

Since Jason started his 4-12 shift and misses dinner with us during the week, I've made it a point to make a mice meal on the weekends when he's home. On Sunday I made a meatloaf, well 2 small ones so they would cook faster.
Well when I tell you how much everyone went crazy over that meatloaf, LOL A few years ago I stopped making meatloaf because nobody would eat it!!
Jeff even asked me if I would leave him my recipe in my will(long story to come another time).

Needless to say meatloaf will now become a regular feature on the menu in our house :D

Recipe:
Groundbeef(for my family I used 7lbs)
Italian-style breadcrumbs depends on how much meat you use
Eggs again depending on how much meat, usually 2, I used 3
Lipton dry onion soup mix, 1 or 2 pkgs
Worcestershire sauce splash it over the top of your meat mound, again, the amount depends on the size

NOW...for the most important part of the meatloaf making...you take a small bowl of warm water and you wet your hands, then you mix the meatloaf, when your hands are dry you wet them from the bowl again, and you continue to do so until your meatloaf is well mixed, squishy and moist from the water bowl!
Bake in 375 oven for approx 1.5 hrs my meatloaf was 2 small loaves if yours is one loaf it may only need 1 hour.

Enjoy <3

I'm gonna be a Great Aunt, aw c'mon I already am! ;b

2010-08-14T22:40:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have been keeping up with me, either blogging or by twitter, you know the story of me being reunited with my nephew after way too many years. Well, he and his wife are expecting their first baby very soon, and I've been scouring the web looking for just the right patterns for my soon-to-be-birthed great nephew! Of course he shall be great, he's a HAGAN! HAHA

I've found some, a Granny Square blanket which is very cool, not too retro, and a cutsie sweater lightweight enough for Houston. Now I need to find some rockin' kick ass beanies and booties and I'll be on my way. He just can't be born 'till then.
Send the stork a memo someone, will ya??

Formspring

2010-08-14T18:05:00.000-05:00

As you can see by looking at my page, I'm having an issue with Formspring, LOL, I'm sorry for the repetitiveness, but hopefully I'll get it straightened it out soon. Thanks for your patience :)

formspring.me

2010-05-27T01:20:00.001-05:00

Ask away...if you dare! http://formspring.me/Starspring23

8 reasons to lose weight now with an online diet - Sponsored Post

2010-04-26T10:26:00.001-05:00

8 reasons to lose weight now with an online diet - www.onlinediet.net

As if I needed a reason...LOL,Seriiously, take a look this it's sensible info to make your life healthier!

sponsored like

Deborah Stelling's profile on MyLikes

Tip!

2010-04-23T07:47:00.000-05:00

A great tip from our friends at CROCHET! magazine: After finishing a worsted-weight project, make a granny square block with extra yarn for future afghan or gift.
http://bit.ly/7ILQWS

Red Heart E-book

2010-03-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

Hey friends...in case you didn't know you can go here and download a free e-book of patterns from Red Heart. I believe there are almost 40 patterns, some knit, some crochet all in pdf format.

Have fun :D

FlapperFashions!

2010-03-18T11:48:00.000-05:00

Another great giveaway friends! Flapper Fashions which you'll find here is having a very exciting Spring giveaway. Remarkeable jewelry, headbands, gloves even the most adorable bookmark! All you need to do is pass the word on about the giveaway to win...how simple??

Visit my facebook page, com back here more often, or very simply follow me on twitter for MORE chances to win...this is soo much fun!

Giveaway!

2010-03-17T22:12:00.000-05:00

If you like gourmet food stuffs and by that I mean Easter basket candy and goodies...you should hurry up over to a GREAT website for this contest trust me, you will NOT be disappointed!

Learning

2010-03-17T00:20:00.000-05:00

I've been tweeting, and learning, and making many new friends! Entering contests and winning! In fact I just got through entering a contest to win a Twilight Scene-it game for the Nintendo DS, all I had to do to qualify was make a few new friends, isn't that wonderful??
s

When I first found the internet I was astounded by the learning possibilities, but now with Twitter...I have really been able to reach out and befriend others all the way across the country, even all the way across the world. Those with common interests and those with things to teach me.

It's PHENOMENAL <3

My experience with the justice system

2010-03-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

I was recently summoned for jury duty in criminal court out in Riverhead. When I first started calling I assumed they wouldn't get to my number like Charlie and Jason, but then I actually looked at my number and realized how low the numbers really were and what a good chance I had in being called!
And I was !!

Low and behold I was chosen to sit on the jury, the indictment was DWI and aggravated opperation of a motor vehicle without a license, basically, he knew he was driving with a revoke license because he handed the police officer a NYS non-driver I.D. after two weeks of testimony we convicted, when the trial was over we learned from the Assistant District Attorney that this was his fifth offense and only the second one where he did NOT cause an injury.

Boy were we relieved we took that menace off the streets and personally, I slept very well that night.

Jury duty is an honor and a privilege. It's an opportunity to have your voice heard. It's not a nuisance, it's a terrific responsibility to your fellow Americans and providing to them their Constitutional right, a jury of their peers.
If you get a questionaire fill it out and return it, if you're luck enough to be summoned...CALL, if they call your number, GO, there are many opportunities to be excused if the case is not a comfortabe one for you. You never know, you may be pleasently surprised, you may actually want to see how the wheels of justice turn from the inside!

I WON!

2010-02-27T16:11:00.000-05:00

I recently started using twitter regularly and stumbled upon The Blissful Chef an incredible macrobiotic/vegan chef who has written a few cookbooks and offers awesome recipes as well as advice for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Chisty will occasionally review products and run a contest sponsored by the company of said product if you follow Christy's few simple rules. Well this time guess who won Kookie Kookies ? A vegan friendly cookie that look ohh sooo yummy!! I'm so excited one, because I never win anything, and two, because it's great to be able to try before you buy a treat such as this which can sometimes be quite pricey!

So I suggest you visit both websites, and follow them on twitter!!

Issues, Issues, Issues...

2010-02-26T11:02:00.000-05:00

I don't know if any of you are having issues with your "following" or "blogs I follow" but I certainly am!

They've disappeared! When I go to re-add them it doesn't save. SO please don't think I deleted you or any other such thing, it's just a blogger issue and hopefully will be cleared up shortly :O)

Until then you can always follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/starspring

Dreaming of Spring...

Deb <3

formspring.me

2010-02-07T13:27:00.001-05:00

Feel free to ask me anything, I'm very honest and open minded. Just keep it mature please. http://formspring.me/Starspring23

I'm 40!!

2010-02-05T13:46:00.000-05:00

I've entered a new decade in my life and I'm soo excited! New Beginnings, new opportunities, life changes!
I feel like I'm starting the second half of my life, like I'm being reborn somehow, but this time into a woman.

I had a very nice birthday, my girl Katie took me out to lunch at Panera, she met me with flowers and balloons,I had my favorite broccolli and cheese soup in the bread bowl with green iced tea, she gave me the lovliest incense burner and incense and a beautiful pendant crystal. I've been wearing ever since. I really adore that girl, I could love her any more if I had given life to her.

Jason and Charlie made me dinner, eggplant parm and spaghetti with a nice salad and a delicious chocolate birthday cake from BJ's...and my Shelby came, YAY!
Jason got me a Flip, oh the fun I'll have with that, LOL and Charlie gave me a Brighton charm bracelet XD, and earrings, (picasso) for those of you into Brighton, and a mouse for my laptop. I'm very loved...just look at my facebook wall, LOL.
It's great being 40 <3 but even greater being me!

Is it Spring Yet?

2010-02-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

It seems like the cold weather has really just taken hold here on Long Island, but I've already had enough. My RSD is screaming...with a neck issue and what appears to be a muscle spasm in my mid back? I visited the doc yesterday and he gave me a few trigger point injections which killed! It's too hard to tell if they relieved any of the pain, haha.
I'm going to make some wrist warmers tonight, I really need them and I've been procrastinating long enough.
I'll be happy when the warm weather is back and my aches lighten up again. As for now though, we're expecting some sort of storm this weekend...fun fun fun :O)

Yule Celebration

2009-12-29T13:10:00.000-05:00

We had the most beautiful get together on Wednesday 12/23, one I was certain wasn't going to happen! Originally planned as a Yule ritual for the Winter Solstice which was Monday, when Mother Nature decided to send a blizzard our way the 2 days before...I was convinced my firepot was buried under 2ft of heavy, wet snow. How was I to burn my Yule log amid this?
When I told the kids the ritual was cancelled the disappointment I received in return was more than I could bare. So...what started as a Yule ritual ended up as a Yule ritual/Christmas dessert party...a house full of my family.
My children, their best friends, which have become my children as well, and husbands. Everyone was excited over their gifts!

The ritual was short because it was freezing outside, but it was comfortable, and well received, and everyone loved it, I'm begining to consider inviting them to subsequent solsticice events!

I can't remember when I felt at such peace with the Goddess.

Exciting new project!

2009-12-12T12:30:00.006-05:00

As many of you are aware, I am an avid reader. I often enter book giveaways and have even won a few! Well today I was contacted by a lovely author Fiona Robyn, I had entered the giveaway for her book Thaw, but unfortunately didn't win. Well Fiona wrote to tell me about an exciting new project she is beginning on March 1st of next year, that I can hardly wait to begin! She has published the first page already, I guarantee if you read it you'll be hooked!

Fiona will be publishing her entire novel here Read Thaw in blog format.

If you're a blogger and you'd like to join in, email fiona at fiona@fionarobyn.com. Once you're on the list she will add your blog to Friends of Thaw .

I am so excited to have the opportunity to help out this wonderful author while joining in on this groundbreaking experience, I sincerely hope you all will come along for the ride.

A talented designer I discovered!

2009-12-11T11:37:00.003-05:00

So...while checking out crochetpatterncentral.com's newest free patterns I happened upon THE most creative designer on Etsy I've seen yet! I don't know how I've missed her and her breathtaking doilies since now, but boy I'm sure glad she decided to share that free angel pattern!

http://bellacrochet.blogspot.com/

and her AMAZING patterns can be found at her Etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bellacrochet

I just had to share, and you all know I don't do this very often, but this lady has talent, and it's original talent. Not your everyday creations. Maybe you'll find that holiday gift you were looking for?

Christmas already?

2009-12-08T11:31:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe it's almost Christmas! I am totally unprepared this year, it's December 8th and I have not purchased one single gift yet, can you imagine? That is so unlike me!
I better hop to it, I also started making my crochet list. I've decided I'm not putting any additional pressure on myself, but there are a few presents I really, sincerely WANT to make!! It's not the type of year where I'm dreading making gifts and I have the deadline hanging over my head...I have chosen people I want to create for and I'm looking for the ideal pattern and when I find it, I'm hoping it will actually be FUN!

I'll be creating a list of quick and easy gift suggestions for last minute gifts I've often used in the past for those of you that like to make homemade gifts for teachers, bus drivers, the mail carrier, etc. So be on the lookout for that...also feel free to add to it, I can always use a few suggestions as well :O)

Welcome Fall

2009-10-05T01:15:00.003-05:00

Fall seems to successfully made it's way in and taken over the nights, while the days are still warmed by the strength of the Indian Summer sun. This is most definitely my favorite time of year. My yard is full, and I am not exaggerating when I say FULL of acorns from just one mighty oak tree.
Pumpkins are everywhere you look, yes the fire dept. is having their annual sale! The kids are so excited, already deciding what they will be for Halloween...Samhain...the New Year, we will have a beautiful celebration, it's a Saturday this year there is no excuse not to prepare a great day for everyone!
The gourds are especially interesting this year too!

This chilly weather is great cooking and baking weather too. I am finally getting back in the mood to make soup and chowder, bake bread, so nourishing not only to the body but also to the soul.
Stay tuned for my favorite soup and bread recipes, they'll include soup for the crock pot and bread for the bread machine. Also, if you have a recipe you'd like to share...PLEASE feel free, as long as it's vegetarian friendly.

Back-to-school

2009-09-11T11:58:00.003-05:00

Today is the last day of the first week of school. We made it...ok so it was only 3 days, but it was a rough 3 days! Actually we settled into a very nice schedule, and it makes it so much easier that everyone is so happy with their teachers and teams and friends that Mom is breathing a very big *sigh* of relief.

Now originally I was worried about Axel going to North Coleman and getting the others on the bus and making the preK doors, but it's actually working out fine. Axel loves PreK, he was only a little freaked out by the one kid screaming for his mother, LOL.
MacKenzie is excited about 3rd grade and learning Social Studies and Science, until we explained that she has been learning Social Studies and Science all this time from her other teachers, just not out of a text book, LOL. She was a tad disappointed...but she had sooo much fun doing her "About Me" poster and was thrilled to find out she'll be learning the Recorder!!
I don't know how I will go about dilluting the pressure of the state tests on her this year, the school does make a big deal out of it because it's important for their funding or whatever, but I'm worried about her putting too much pressure on herself and freezing.
Now Angus is already LOVING first grade, he is so happy he got the teacher he wanted, MacKenzie's first grade teacher, who happens to be the sweetest most loving woman in the school. Angus will flourish in this nuturing enviornment, he will learn an amazing amount because Beth Forrester will encourage his own natural inquisitivness and curiosity based learning style. He will feel safe to ask questions beyond the realm of first grade knowledge, so he'll never be bored!
I'm sooo happy!!

I'm looking forward to a GREAT year!

2009-09-11T11:50:00.002-05:00

It's so hard to believe it was 8 years ago today the towers came down. In so many ways it seems like yesterday, and in others 100 years ago. I'm still mourning my towers, still angry there's nothing there where they once stood, what's the hold up?
Re-build them already!!! Show the bastards EXACTLY how strong America really is as a nation.
Well that's my stance on 9/11 and I'll never forget where I was that day,like every other American. This is in memory of everyone lost that day, fireman, police officer, port authority, citizen, and their families who made the sacrifice. We WILL never forget.

Slump has come to an end!

2009-08-25T02:59:00.002-05:00

Yes my dear friends I am sooo very happy to report that my serious crochet slump has come to an end! At first I thought it was going to be a project that I started and put down and quickly became a WIP, which before long turned into a UFO...especially since it was a project which involved a brand new stitch. A crossed tripple crochet is one I've never done, so at first it was a little challenging, and yes, I admit a fair share of frogging, LOL, but I got the hang of it before long.

It's actually moving along pretty quickly. I would love to share pictures of my progress, but it's a surprise for a friend...who I'm not even sure reads my blog BUT I don't want to take the chance!

I'm actually very excited to be crocheting again. I had so many aprehensions about picking up that hook, I was afraid my work would be inferior...that I wouldn't be able to follow the pattern...the yarn would be difficult...a million things raced through my mind. Most of all everyone who supported me while I struggled through the difficult days of my slump. The people who understood how troublesome it was to WANT to do something and to have this invisibke force inside you holding you back. To want to break through this cloud or smog of unknowing.

So thank you all for your patience and understanding throughout this trying time. For reading, offering support, pointing me in several directions for assistance. What a wonderful group of people I am so very blessed to know!!

Exciting News!!

2009-08-16T23:34:00.003-05:00

My oldest son is the bassist in a Death Metal band, Warborne. They recently competed in a local "Battle of the Bands" where they went 3 rounds with several talented older musicians.

They WON!! I'm sooo proud of all of these young men. They are so talented, it's amazing how easy they make it look. They really did deserve to win, they played from the heart; they put on a show like never before. I was so proud of them, of the talent, their commitment, and the obvious solidarity, which might have been part of what won it for them. Not to mention the awesome shirts they were selling!!

It's hard to believe they've only been together for a year.
The prizes they won are incredible, $1000, a demo, drumstick, guitar string and pick endorsements, and a 21 stop Northeast TOUR!!! YES my baby is going on tour, can you imagine?? I can't, he's only 18 he just graduated high school.
It goes by way too fast...

TECHY STITCHING

2009-08-03T16:01:00.002-05:00

Awesome application for your iPhone or iTouch friends!!! I just read about it in Crochet Today magazine...
"It offers four customizable counters that can track rows completed, pattern rows, increases, and decreases, making it easier than ever to keep track of your place in your pattern" Produced by Quilt2Go.com

It's available at the iPhone App Store..I downloaded it just a few minutes ago :o)

They also have a program to track your stash and for knitters, you lucky dogs you!

Books?

2009-07-29T22:20:00.001-05:00

So...please share with me what is on your Summer reading list, and I'll share with you what's on mine!

Changes

2009-07-29T21:45:00.002-05:00

Well a few things have changed here on my blog since I've updated last. I've lost a few followers, one I'm not surprised...one I'm VERY surprised because I don't know why I thought we were friends and I'm sincerely disappointed that this little bump in the road would really disrupt our friendship and that disheartens me.
I've noticed a few of my followers have become anonymous...oohhh very mysterious, I don't really mind you can be shy that's fine with me :o)

Change number 3 and the most annoying of ALL and I must say it's really pissing me off, is this stupid music thing from my MySPACE, I don't know how on Earth I managed to get that there , but I can't figure out how to get it off!!!

So if anyone wants to add me to their MySPACE my url is
http://www.myspace.com/483907348

And that's my update for now...I'm keeping my chin up and moving on <3

Understanding

2009-07-27T00:41:00.002-05:00

I sincerely hope everyone reading this blog understands that there is no viciousness here. There is no finger pointing, name calling, or ill-will.
I am devastated by what is happening to me over something so silly and I really sincerely wish for peace.
I have had enough distress in my life these past few months that I have no reason to cause any more. In an effort to avoid more trouble between women I consider family I left yet another loving situation where I had once found comfort.
Remember friends I live with an illness which causes me daily physical pain, some days I'm lucky if I can get a jar open, or sweep the floor.

We only get one chance at life why live it with anger and regret, we all make mistakes. I'm moving on. Maybe loom knitting is the way to go?
maybe I should make more stitch markers? OR Jewelry?

Maybe I need to really consider a peaceful life in Kentucky? Or maybe it's time to to go back to school for my Masters? everything happens for a reason, life is all about lessons...
we just have to remember to do the learning.

null Playlist by Deb on MySpace Music - Play Playlist Songs & Download Tracks

2009-07-27T00:16:00.001-05:00

null Playlist by Deb on MySpace Music - Play Playlist Songs & Download Tracks

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Another update so soon

2009-07-25T23:30:00.002-05:00

Things have made a sudden change in my life and I have to figure out why this keeps happening. My very favorite thing in my daily life, aside from my children of course, is my knit and crochet list AT My House. I post about it quite frequently here. In the past 3 years I've done many things for the list in a managerial role, created exchanges, wrote etiquette reminders, sent out daily free pattern emails, etc. I put my heart and soul into that list, only to essentially be called a liar even when I have proven myself otherwise and then when I go out of my way to do something extraordinary for the members I'm chastised like a child.

So I decided to step down as an exchanges leader, and I am no longer in a managerial role, truthfully after this post I may no longer be a member of the list at all. If that's the case then so be it, when you own a list those are your decisions to make.
I have made phenomenal friends on that list and I was sincerely only trying to bring them together for the greater good, so they could be more than just an email. I know the satisfaction that comes from that. Just ask LaDonna, Leanne, Barb,Sue,Penney,Cristal, etc. we've become family!!
I love these ladies.

Update

2009-07-25T01:31:00.002-05:00

Well it's 2:33am and I've decided my friends who've I've never set eyes on, the ones I've never actually spoken to yet have been consistently been supporting me throughout this debauchery with my daughter, deserve at least a regular update on what's going on.
While I still don't understand what happened or why, and maybe I never will, I'm still deeply hurt by the whole thing. I will use this as a very valuable learning tool in raising my sons; in many ways I already have, but more on that later.

I don't understand how she turned out the way she did, not even coming or calling for her sisters birthday. Only calling or coming in fact when she needs something. She even disrespects her brother at his show...she really has chosen to distance herself from all of us.

But my therapist says I'm making progress because I'm learning not to blame myself, LOL.

Thank you all for taking the time out of your not so perfect lives to read this and support me, pray for me, leave me a comment, a word of guidance, I love you all I really do, I feel connected to you I do lean on you I read your blogs and I pull strength from them.

If that's the reason this has happened to bring us together, I can accept it, for that reason alone, for I have gained so much. Blessings to you all, for I do not know what I would have don't without you.

It's been too long

2009-07-08T12:32:00.002-05:00

I have neglecting my blog for way too long, instead of using this as the useful outlet it was meant to be. Things have been happening in my life that have caused me to shut down. Physically mentally and emotionally. I can't even remember the last time I picked up a crochet hook to create something, which is extremely sad for me since at one time that was my greatest source of joy. A sense of accomplishment...pride in my achievement of my creation in how far I had come in this craft.

And now, I have been too embarrassed to tell anyone that I've sunken so low in this depression that I can't even concentrate on a pattern long enough to decide on a color of yarn I'd want to use let alone actually follow it long enough to see it develop into something.

Early in May my daughter and I were disagreeing on her relationship with her boyfriend and the amount of control he was exhibiting over her, (see older post) he sent me text messages, email and posted a vile video on facebook about how I should die and go to hell...etc... when my daughter did nothing to defend me our relationship suffered.

One day she decided to crawl out the window and not come back, for 3 weeks I had no idea where she was, I didn't sleep, eat, all I did was cry thinking about what evil was coming to her...no phone call, no text messages, NOTHING.

Finally I went to her workplace and confronted her where I stood in front of her with tears rolling down my face and all she did was go on about how the 2 "friends" bought her a whole new wardrobe and it was like a vacation, no stress, she basically laughed in my face. I couldn't speak, she didn't say she missed me she never said she was sorry, she never hugged me...nothing.

I got in the car and left. The next time I spoke to her was at the end of June when she came to her brother's high school graduation, where she attempted to make it all about her, but I refused to allow that to happen.
I'm grieving my relationship I had with my daughter, I don't know what happened to her. Did I make a terrible mistake?
I have all these miserable feelings going on yet at the same time I have 6 other children who she left behind as well. She didn't only do this to ME, she did this to all of us.

How did I raise someone so selfish? With no remorse? SO self centered?
Will I ever recover from this? Will I ever forgive her?
More importantly, will I ever forgive MYSELF?

News...

2009-05-08T15:37:00.004-05:00

I haven't posted in a while, I must admit I'm in a crocheting funk. I've been having some issues in my personal life, my husband moved out I lost a potentially great career oportunity and my daughter and I almost had a GREAT wedge driven between us by her scumbag of a boyfriend.
BUT...through it all, I've learned some very valuable lessons. I've discovered who my true friends are, and that it doesn't matter how far they live it's how close they are to you in your heart. Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, California...my family is everywhere, and no matter how much has gone on in the past few months, I am stronger because of them. I don't know what I'd do without them. I have to remember to thank them, although something tells me they already know how I feel...thats how family is.

So, if anyone has any advice on how to get out of this crochet slump I'd really appreciate it. I just an't seem to pick up my hooks. I look at my yarn and say wow I'd love to make that... or see a pattern and say I need one of those! But when it comes to creating it, it just won't happen.
*SIGH* I'm hoping some of you can empathize and share some words of wisdom.

AMH Knit a Long

2009-02-22T23:42:00.003-05:00

Here is our very first photo of WIP(work in progress) thanks to Kendra who submitted two very nice shots of a weeks work, she's on row 18-
Excellent work!!!

Learning to knit/KAL

2009-02-20T16:18:00.004-05:00

SO...my New Years resolution was to learn to needle knit. Yes, I know I've said this in the past, but I seriously am sick and tired of seeing a pattern and saying to myself .....OH, I'm going to make that for insert name of loved one here only to be disappointed when I discovered it was knit.
I learned successfully, to cast on and do the knit stitch which it pretty easy and surprisingly FUN!

Then came purling...and the beginning of my demise...
Purling is twisted and confusing and just plain evil. I simply cannot master it, is there something wrong with me? Am a spaz or do my hands and mind just not know how to work together?

UGH!!! I'm frustrated. However, I'm NOT under any circumstances giving up!

As for the AMH KAL, I decided to use a circular needle instead of straight and moved up to a size 4 with my limited skills I have a feeling this is going to be a lifelong project for me,LOL!

Live feed from the African bush

2009-02-16T01:50:00.003-05:00

http://www.wildearth.tv/home

Me teaching crochet?

2009-02-15T01:13:00.002-05:00

I never thought it possible. I have my very first student. She's AWESOME!
a little background~
My daughter had a few friends visiting one day and I was putting together an exchange, so I happened to show the shawl I made when Katie, jokingly commented that I should teach her to crochet! And I said SURE, because I believe everyone should know how, since it's so much fun. Well since then we've been trying to get our schedules organized so we could actually sit down and do it.

Thursday night Katie and I met at the library and sat together for about 2 hours, in that 2 hours this young lady who had never held a crochet hook in her life learned how to make a slip knot, chain stitch, AND single crochet!
Can you imagine how proud I am of her?
I sent her home with basic red heart super saver and an H hook as well as my copy of I Taught Myself to Crochet, (which is how I learned).
On my Facebook wall Katie wrote how she's looking forward to becoming an expert so we can crochet together. I'm so looking forward to that as well since I've wanted my daughter to learn for the longest time and she's tried, but it's just not her thing :o(
So many times I've thought about how wonderful it would be to work on a granny square afghan together, but I can't even mention that to Jill, LOL.
She loves the idea of hand made items, as long as she's not making them!! HAHAHA.

SO! That's my wonderful experience of teaching crochet, I'm anxiously awaiting our next lesson, and I am looking forward to Katie and I crocheting many years in the future together. I have a feeling she'll be challenging me :o)

My Award!

2009-02-07T20:09:00.009-05:00

Armina, the wonderfully talented lady who brought amigurumi to life for me honored me with this award. I am so thrilled to be grouped with such gifted and generous ladies! Thank you my friend. I wish much love and blessings to you this coming year, you deserve it!

http://craftsbyap.blogspot.com/

Now I have to select 5 blogs and pass this award down. If I leave you a note saying that I am giving you this award then you can come back here and save this award to your own hard drive. Then post it to your blog with a link back to my blog. After that you can create a post with your selections of five bloggers and that is all there is to it.

It was a difficult decision for me to make in selecting 5 blogs. There are so many wonderful and talented people out there. Now it is your turn to select 5 blogs of your choice and link back to my blog. It wont be easy, trust me I know. Good Luck!

http://knottsend.blogspot.com/

http://coziathome.blogspot.com/

http://boogieways.blogspot.com/

http://ninasatmyhouse.blogspot.com/

http://laughingpurplegoldfish.blogspot.com/

My birthday roses!

2009-02-04T13:30:00.004-05:00

These are the most beautiful pink roses I received from my best friend in Michigan, well she's my sister, mom, mentor, and best friend all in one. I love you Barb! And yes...they are crocheted!!!

Baby it's cold outside...

2009-01-16T09:09:00.002-05:00

We're talking record temps here on Long Island, yesterday we hit 10 degrees, and it's likely to dip even lower over the weekend.
I'm not complaining...really, although my RSD is miserable when the weather is like this and my stimulator is wicked when it snows. I hope to get some knitting practice in. If I can't I'll practice sewing!! YAY!
See, who can't love being snowed in???

I'm most likely going to treat myself to a paraffin treatment which I was gifted from a lovely freecycler a few months back and that my friends is heaven on Earth to a girl with hands like mine.

Your stash may be in danger...

2009-01-08T13:37:00.003-05:00

I just learned about something extremely disturbing! A new child product safety law is threatening to to turn all of our artisan handcrafted heirlooms into contraband!

I love my country, but the lawmakers at times are seriously warped! Take a look at this and decide for yourself...

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/263549

Stitch markers

2009-01-05T13:45:00.001-05:00

I made her my very first pair of stitch markers...what do you think?

Hat and kitchen stuff

2009-01-05T13:32:00.006-05:00

More items for my secret buddy...

Secret Buddy!

2009-01-05T13:19:00.002-05:00

I had so much fun making stuff for my secret buddy this Winter! But boy was it tough to keep it a secret, lol I'm really not a good secret keeper, I slip since I am a talker, so thank goodness I only type talk to her, LOL.

But it was a challenge making things for one of the most talented women I know!Here are a few pictures of what I was able to surprise her with...

KAL Participants

2009-01-05T02:06:00.029-05:00

OK! The unofficial start date of the KAL is January 12th, but remember, this is a non-traditional knit a long, so everyone is working at their OWN pace, no pressure!

I've decided to keep a list of everyone who wants to participate in the KAL and their progress. Starting with ME-

Deb S
Amy S............Chris...........Kendra
Dawn ............Tracey N.....Donna
Patty ............Veronica......Jan
Jan ...............Sharon
Gale..............Betsy
Carol............Valerie
Katie R.........Carolyn
Sharon.........Linda
Tracey.........Paulissa
Laura...........Carol S
Kay..............Barbara
Sue...............BarbaraAnn
Karen...........Elizabeth

Knit a Long

2009-01-05T01:53:00.003-05:00

I think I may have come up with the greatest idea ever! How many people want to learn to knit, but have that mental block? I can't possibly be the only one!!! So...I was wondering if I made it my New Years Resolution to learn to knit could I maybe get some moral support from my friends on my yahoo group?
WELL....
Of course I did, and when I posted it,I realized I wasn't alone! There are others who want to learn but are afraid to pick up those intimidating needles.

So I casually mentioned to Nina that maybe...with her help if we could get one project together easy enough for us to learn on but not too easy for those who want to brush up on their skills, could we quite possibly develop a learners Knit a Long?

and she said, YES!!

YAY!!! She found me this vintage pattern, which is GORGEOUS, of a shoulder shawl, done in a sport weight yarn.
This is going to be FUN FUN FUN!!!

Hatchlings!

2009-01-02T11:44:00.001-05:00

2008-12-30T23:00:00.002-05:00

Well Christmas has come and gone and needless to say I didn't get around to making half the the things I had planed on. I got sick and that set me back about a week and half, and with all the secret buddy stuff I procrastinated about, well...you can imagine what I was like in the week before Christmas. So..what got done got done and what didn't well, still hasn't, LOL!

This was by far the worst Christmas ever, Jason had picked up a laptop on sale the day after Thanksgiving so he had given it to me 2 weeks before Christmas. Now, whne he went shopping on black Friday, he picked up a few things I asked him for and that's all I got under the tree :o( Boy was I disappointed!! No surprises, no treats, no special somethings this year.
Don't worry..I made sure Jason knew how hurt my feelings were, I couldn't help it, it was written all over my face when I was looking all over for my present.

Christmas is sneaking up on me!

2008-12-16T11:29:00.002-05:00

I'm here blogging when I have quite a few presents to be making! The weather is very icky today sleet and freezing rain or some such, so it's perfect weather, or excuses to be inside crocheting, baking and crafting.
I found a very neat website with the most adorable and easy ornaments for the kids to make and just as soon as we get to making them I'll post pictures!

Bionic

2008-12-10T13:23:00.002-05:00

Well I did it. I went and had the spinal cord stimulator put in. What a huge mistake that was! I have this enormous battery pack jutting out my back it hurts like hell when I bend over, just from the strain of the stupid thing. Not to mention how uncomfortable it is to lean against anything, like DRIVING!
Not to mention the leads in the middle of my shoulder blades, how annoying they are. It's been over a month and I haven't even turned the stupid thing on more than twice. It's awful.
I'm still on all the meds I was on before, actually the dr's increased them. What a nightmare :o(

Teri's Neckwarmer!

2008-10-20T07:13:00.001-05:00

A lovely lady named Teresa "Teri" Turnbull from my knit/crochet group wanted to share her pattern for a neckwarmer she makes. She was trying to post a picture on the group which doesn't allow attachments, so I decided to share the picture for her here...
Isn't it GORGEOUS!!!
I wish I could knit myself one, but I'm still struggling with that because if the RDS... oh well :o(

Wow

2008-08-28T18:09:00.003-05:00

I really haven't updated in a long time! Well a lot has changed I noticed, lol. I read my profile and I am no longer a SAHM, I am a working mom, although I am home now on medical leave.
So...last August(07)I started working at the town animal shelter and I LOVE it!
However in November I got bit by a feral cat, due to some serious stupidity by a co-worker, who shall remain nameless. The cat punctured my radial nerve in my left hand, the inital injury healed quite ncely due to a terrific hand surgeon, however, the injury which left me with RSD/CRPS in my left hand. This is an incredibly painful and debilitating illness, but I am blessed with a wonderful pain management doctor. After OT and a serious commitment I went back to work in 6 weeks and was doing really with medical management....until...in June 08 after being told by my direct supervisor I was not to handle strange cats, the secondary supervisor ordered me to care for a cat that was in medical distress and I got bit again, directly on the spot where I was having all of my RSD issuses.
This set me back to worse than I was before!
My doctor not wanting to take any chances decided to jump right on it, he immediately put me on strong pain meds(even though I balked at opiates) and ordered Stellate Ganglion Blocks back to back which were unsuccessful. now I am scheduled for a SCS(spinal cord stimulator).

Helga's Shawl!

2007-07-30T18:32:00.000-05:00

This is my lovely daughter Jill modeling my brand new shawl! I received this from my partner Helga in our At My House yahoo group shawl exchange. It took Helga a little longer thank expected to complete this shawl since she took a fall and was injured. I am so honored that she continued until she was able to complete it just for me!

I absolutely love it! This picture does not do it justice, it it super soft and cozy and the blue is so bright and cheerful! I can't wait until Fall!!

Thank you so much Helga, I really love it, can you tell???

New additions!

2007-07-23T19:28:00.000-05:00

I am proud to say we have 3 new additions to my family! Furry ones that is.
The first came about in a serious case of kismet- I was considering inviting a new doggie into the house since Titan(my Aussie) is getting older and we were feeling he needed a companion.
About 2 weeks ago I received a call from my friend Lynne from Grateful Danes Great Dane rescue. I have adopted from her twice in the past, so she needed someone she could trust. She knew of an abused pup (18 month old) harlequin that needed rescuing fast, so the owner dropped her off about 9pm. Then she dropped off one sheltie at a time.
It took about 2 weeks, but now she trusts up completely and has become a different dog. I am so proud to say she has changed from a shy, fearful animal with no life in her eyes, to a playful, happy, obedient pet! The shelties were only supposed to be temporary....

Well...if you know what an Aussie looks like you can understand why I couldn't turn these guys away!
So...it's been a little crazy, but the kids are LOVING it, so therefore so am I.
It's a great Summer so far!

UPDATE

2007-07-11T08:31:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't updated in a while, I have been busy with the end of school year.
I burned my foot in April (2nd degree) which set me back a bit, I also had surgery the first week in May and recovery wasn't as quick as I expected.

My oldest daughter graduated with high honors from High School the end of June...talk about bittersweet.
I am SOOO proud of her, and at the same time it forces one to recognize how your *baby* has grown into a mature young lady. They grow up so fast.
She's on to college in the Fall.

My oldest son is working this Summer and really coming along on playing the Bass guitar, he taught himself how to play the Star Spangled Banner,pretty cool.
He's matured a lot the past few months and I'm really proud of the course load he's decided to take on for Junior Year, Honors English and Social Studies. It should prove quite challenging since he has work, and fencing added to the mix.

My 3rd prodigy ended the year with High Honors as well, no surprise really, he is exceptionally gifted, but an A+ in 6th grade band AND 7th grade band? AMAZING.
I always knew he was talented, but the trombone??? WHO KNEW???
He's spending his summer annoying his siblings and tormenting his parents, typical 12 year old behavior :o)

As for my 10 and 6 year old, they are already looking forward to September, can you believe it?
Their Summer is filled with playing in the pool and with the dogs, occasionally playing with the dogs in the pool.

My 4 year old is anxiously awaiting pre-K. He's happy and excited, I'm a nervous wreck. What will I do without him? He's so entertaining, and my poor baby will be all alone.
So that's my update, I haven't had much time to create anything super wonderful. Hopefully soon I will get that bug again and start hooking.

Remember- well behaved women rarely make history.
and as John Burroughs said-

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."

Make it a GREAT day.

Spring Equinox

2007-04-08T10:57:00.000-05:00

My 11 year old told us at 8 pm on the day of the Spring Equinox, if you put an egg on a flat surface it will stand up by itself.
So, skeptic that we are, we had to give it a try.

Imagine our amazement when he was right!! It was so cool, I had to take a picture...

Towel topper exchange

2007-04-08T10:55:00.000-05:00

I made this set for a recent AtMyHouse exchange. I hope she likes it!!

Poncho

2007-04-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

I made this for a recent poncho exchange. It came out so lovely I had my darling(although silly) daughter model it.
I used Caron Simply Soft in plum wine. I got the pattern from a blog called "knotty by nature". VERY easy and it works up really nice!!

Mr. Finkles

2007-04-08T10:45:00.000-05:00

Easter wreath

2007-04-08T10:44:00.000-05:00

The eggs were a major butt pain, in the end it was worth it. Isn't it pretty?

Easter Projects!

2007-04-08T10:37:00.000-05:00

Animal Baskets

New Supply Site!!

2007-02-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

I happened upon a great site for craft supplies! Not only does she have stuff I haven't seen elsewhere, but her prices are GREAT!
Who says you can't get personalized service via the world wide web? Check it out, you will not be disappointed!

I did it!

2007-02-16T14:23:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited!

With the help of the most awesome crochet tutor I managed to complete a real doily! My very first!

Thread is very intimidating to me and the very small hooks were almost impossible to see, add to that a pattern without row counts and I was completely lost and very close to throwing in the towel.

Enter Barb, my pal in Michigan from atmyhouse who volunteered to "help". Then the fun began we got together on yahoo messenger and she actually worked the pattern with me, counted the rows and made it possible for me to finish ( as well as catch a few boo-boos along the way and I only had to frog once :o)

It was like a true CAL (crochet-a-long) isn't that exciting?

Take a look at my finished piece, which is now on it'a way to Barb!!!

I know she'll appreciate it because she knows how hard I (we) worked and was so proud I finished! I hope she loves it and when she looks at it, remembers the fun we had!

Love ya Barb!!

Secret Buddy!

2007-02-15T13:16:00.000-05:00

I participated in a "Secret Buddy" exchange. I received my package today!!

I was thrilled with all the goodies I received from this talented lady. I can't wait to find out who she is so I can really thank her!

My latest creation!

2007-02-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

I finished the shawl for my atmyhouse exchange. It's done in Lion Suede prints "desert". The pattern was simple, and although the yarn itself wasn't easy to work with, it was well worth it!

I think it came out beautiful, it's so soft and really, in my opinion, perfect for all seasons.

I hope my partner likes it as much as I do :o)

Let me know what you think!

Sorry I forgot to mention this shawl worked up really quick! The pattern can be found here http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/clsu-shawl.html?noImages= and it only took 4 skeins of yarn and about 3 evenings to complete ( with many interuptions LOL).

How true, how true...

2007-02-15T09:41:00.000-05:00

Erma Bombeck circa 1970

All Knotted Up? Just Try Knitting

I knit as if I am pitted against a Russian and the prize for finishing first is unclear control. I don’t communicate. I don’t take time out for frivolous things like eating and sleeping. I don’t cook and I don’t clean house. I just knit.The other week I saw instructions for a knitted dress that I couldn’t wear and couldn’t resist. I said to my daughter, “Would you like Mother to knit this dress for you?”“No,” she said, “it looks like a pencil wearing a turtle neck sweater.”“You’ll change your mind when its finished,” I insisted, and began to roll the yarn into a ball.I knitted in the mornings while the kids ate dry cereal and sang a cappella, “There’s Nothing to Wear.” I knitted afternoons right through the TV soap cycle. Marriages, divorces, miscarriages, rape, murder and other game shows could not deter me from my commitment. I knitted at nights. “Aren’t you coming to bed?” my husband yelled down the stairs.“Did Betsy Ross go to bed on the flag?” I yelled back. “Did Sophia Loren try to build Rome in a day? Did Nixon quit politics to sell Tupperware” I am fulfilling a woman’s need to be creative,” I shouted. My eyes rolled back until the whites showed, perspiration dripped down my cheeks, and my hands shook unsteadily.“Everyone needs an outlet of some kind away from the dreary routine of housework. This is my way of relaxing…do you hear me? RELAXING!” I sobbed hysterically into a sleeve.This week, the dress was finished. My daughter tried it on. “I was wrong,” she said. “It doesn’t look like a pencil wearing a turtle neck sweater. It looks like a turtle neck sweater wearing a pencil.”Silently, I put the dress on a hanger and exiled it to an end of my closet that I call Napoleon’s Elba. It hangs next to a baby sweater I knitted (size 38), an afghan with set-in short sleeves and a sweater with two neck openings.“Why do you waste money and effort on something that physically wrecks you?” nagged my husband. “Why do you make things that no one wears when you’re finished?” persisted my daughter. “Why do you do things that make you crabby?” piped in my sons.None of them understand. Knitting is like a love affair. It’s not fun if you have to explain what you’re doing.

courtesy of Pat Reece :o)

2007-02-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

I am a
Daffodil

What Flower
Are You?

A new craft project

2007-01-07T17:56:00.000-05:00

I've been looking for a small side table for my living room, nothing big, just something on which to rest a cup of tea or a book.

My wonderful and generous brother in law rescued a few tables with out tops from the trash man.

I decided they deserved a makeover and since my favorite flowers are black-eyed susans and the colors compliment my living room here's what I came up with. Please let me know what you think?

Dishcloth gone wrong

2007-01-03T09:20:00.000-05:00

This is what happens when you *think* you know how to follow a pattern :o)

If at first...

2007-01-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

You don't succeed, try try again!

It was so much fun...

2007-01-03T09:18:00.000-05:00

I made another one!!!

So many projects so little time!

2006-12-14T09:14:00.000-05:00

I have been crocheting and knitting like crazy these past few weeks. I found so many great ideas for gifts and simple patterns for Christmas ornaments, I want to make them ALL!!!

I just hope I can find the time before I have to start wrapping and sending them!