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Category Archives: Friends and Family

In-Between

13 Nov

This has been a week of ‘I’m almost done’.  I’m about finished with my Christmas knitting (of which I wish that I could post here, but I don’t want to ruin any of the surprises.)  I’m half-way done with my NaNoWriMo novel for 2011, without suffering from too much writers’ block along the way.

And now, I’m just about half-way there on my goal weight with Weight Watchers!  I’m so happy that I could shout it to the world.  When I weighed-in on Saturday morning, the scale said that I had lost 21.5 pounds, just about half of what I want to lose in total!  I can’t believe it, but seeing is truly believing, so I have ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos for you.

This first photo was back in the summer.

And now ….

 

A little blurry, but you get the idea!  I feel amazing and now, looking at these photos, I can’t believe how far I’ve come.  Has it been easy?  Well, in a way.  I feel better; eating healthier and getting more active.  But there are days when I want to throw it all away and eat my weight in Ben and Jerry’s Cheesecake Brownie.  But the nice thing about Weight Watchers is that you can eat junk … in moderation.  Life isn’t about dieting, it’s about feeling better.  You can’t deny yourself, and some weeks will be worse than others with the cravings.

But so far, I’m pleased.  I’ve had great compliments from folks that I haven’t seen in a few months, and that’s always nice.  But more than saying ‘I’m skinny’, is the fact that I feel better.  There are things that I can do now that were harder before, like taking a walk, climbing stairs, or just cleaning the house or yard.  Because it isn’t how you look, it is how you feel.  You have to love yourself first and then the rest will come naturally.

And I really don’t think that I could have gotten to this point, and continue on my journey, without Amanda and Alyssa.  They have been my inspirations, and my motivation for starting Weight Watchers in the first place. They have done so well themselves, and we’re all three of us, going strong.  It really is a buddy system; support, as well as tough love, when needed.  Thank you, ladies!

 
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Posted by on November 13, 2011 in Friends and Family

 

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Thankful Thursday

03 Nov

In the month of November, I want to try to post a ‘Thankful Thursday’ post each week.  I am so blessed to have so many things to be thankful for in my life.  From family and friends, to having a job, to the creativity and talents that I can share with the world.

  • I am most thankful for my Mom.  Well, there are many reasons why I am thankful to have her in my life, but right now, I’m just thankful she made the trip across town to my house yesterday.  I’m a bit under the weather, feeling very much like a semi-truck ran me over.  She brought me meds, ginger ale, and WW Point friendly soups.
  • Being able to finally fit into a smaller pants size.  I’m in a size 12 now, and I’m over the moon!  But just being on Weight Watchers isn’t the whole key to success.  It is having amazing friends, also on the plan, to help me along.  If it wasn’t for Alyssa, Amanda, and Chan, and seeing their amazing transformations, I don’t know that I would have taken the leap myself!
  • And speaking of Chan, I’ve been meaning to post this for a while.  She found a picture of the two of us when we first met (about four years ago, right?  Chan – correct me if I’m wrong.  The older I get, the less I seem to have a long-term concept of time.)
(Oy!  Look how short my hair was!)
This photo was taken outside of Stitch DC, on a yarn crawl.  I joined Chan and Ann Marie (two folks that I had met in a Ravelry swap), as well as another friend who I no longer speak to and will not mention her name again (yes, it really is that over.)  And now, a few years later, I talk to Chan every day on-line.  I’d like to see her more often, but with our busy schedules, I’m happy for the times that I do get to have Thai food and catch up!
What are you thankful for this week?
 
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Posted by on November 3, 2011 in Friends and Family, Misc

 

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I Almost Forgot

08 Oct

I’ve been a little forgetful as of late.  Every day for the last week, I’ve had this feeling of impending doom.  Such as when you leave the house, get to work, and think that you’ve left the coffee pot on, or the iron plugged in.  Awful stuff, I’m telling you.

So, in my foggy mind, I almost forgot about this photo.  Thank you, Chan, for reminding me.  When I was putting the last couple of blog posts together, I clearly wasn’t thinking straight.

This one’s for you, my dear! :-)

Chan and me at the Fiber Festival

 
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Posted by on October 8, 2011 in Friends and Family

 

Fall Fiber Festival 2011 – Part II

07 Oct

Now onto part two!

There was a Ravelry meet-up at Noon, so we made our way to the Education tent.  I decided to hike to my car and back, so that I could get my spinning wheel.

See? I do smile when I spin.

 

There were also a few looms set up, so Laura and Alyssa decided to take a stab at it. It looked like a lot of fun, and the ladies leading the demos were very helpful.

Weaving away

 

But in the middle of it all, I was struck by surprise!  Chan showed up and, I must admit, I didn’t even recognize her.  She’s been participating in Weight Watchers as well and, if I may say so, she looks amazing!!  I seriously didn’t know it was her until she said hello.  Chan, dear, you look fabulous and amazing!

Dianne and Chan

 

Dianne is the owner of Creatively Dyed, a booth that always tempts me into buying something.  This year, it was a 4 oz of merino/tencel fiber to spin.

Another booth that I also had to stop by was Stoney Mountain Fiber.  Barb is a wonderful lady and I had to say hello.  For those of you who read my blog frequently, Barb is who sold me Nina, my Ashford Traditional wheel.

Barb, spinning guru

 

Most of the gals decided to head over to the Montpelier house for the tour.  Amanda stayed behind, so that I could have some company while I waited until the end of the festival, to pick up the yarn that I had entered.  While we took a final walk around, after knitting in the cold for a few hours, we saw this.

So cute!

 

So, wanna see the loot?  I didn’t buy nearly as much as I would have liked to, but for being on a budget, I’m happy with my purchases.

Spinning goodness

 

On the left is 4oz of merino from Wild Hare Studios, in ‘Blue Spruce’.  I won a voucher along with my ribbon and that was the prize that I chose.  On the right is that merino/tencel from Creatively Dyed.  It feels like butter and I admit, I’m a little intimidated to spin it.  But Chan talked me into it, so I’ll give it a shot.  I also bought some grayish blue Louet bulky (for Christmas knitting,) and a skein of yarn for a swap that I’m in.

It was an amazing day and I really hope that I get to attend again next year!

Tired, cold, but happy!

 

 
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Posted by on October 7, 2011 in Friends and Family, Knitting, Spinning

 

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Fall Fiber Festival 2011 – Part I

03 Oct

My favorite sheep and wool type festival has always been Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier, VA.  It is a small festival, but so much fun, with great vendors and good food.  In the past I’ve gone with my husband or a few friends, but this year, we had a whole gaggle of yarnies!

Most of the Knit Night Crew (Laura, Erin, Erin's sister Kelly, Alyssa, Amanda, and me at the bottom.)

We had what I consider ideal weather for the festival; cold enough to wear a sweater and at least two hand-knit items!

Erin, with her new cat hat and husband sweater

It was a little muddy but at least it didn’t rain on us while we were there.  Not that rain would stop us; there is always plenty to do!  Sheep dog trials, shopping, and apple cider donuts!

Sheep in motion

I love to see all the breeds of sheep that are there, especially now that I’m spinning more.  I can see a breed and put it together with something that I’ve spun.

Friendly Sheep

"Hey - what ya doin'?"

But I’ll admit, my favorite part of the day was when I finally made it over to the Skein and Garment Competition tent.  I entered three skeins of hand-spun this year, and I was dying to know if I had won or not.  And guess what?  I won second place!!!!  I was so happy – I couldn’t believe it!  I honestly didn’t think that I would place, let alone win something (a voucher for 4oz of roving from Wild Hare Fiber!)  I was riding high the rest of the day.

Second Place - Beginner Category - Single Ply

But the fun didn’t stop there!  Since I have so many photos, I’m breaking this down into two posts.  Stay tuned tomorrow or Wednesday for more friends, fiber, and all the loot that I brought home!

 
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Posted by on October 3, 2011 in Friends and Family, Spinning

 

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I Heart Autumn

01 Oct

Autumn is my favorite time of year.  The weather turns cool and I can finally pull out all my hand-knits and wear them without sweating like a fool.  The leaves change color and fall to the ground, leaving a beautiful path for Winter to walk upon when she comes to visit in a few months.  Things start to slow down, stews begin to cook, and my cats want to snuggle more. What isn’t to love?

 

My kind of weather!

 

Last night was a real treat for me.  I recently reconnected with Jen, a gal that I went to high school with and have not seen since. She’s back in the area, from Ohio, at least for a while.  There are some people who you meet again and it feels as if no time has passed, and she is one of them.

 

The lovely artist

 

And by a happy chance, my friend/co-worker, Rebecca, stopped by as well and decided to stay for lasagna.  And those of you who have been to my house for a meal, know that I always cook extra.  Grandma always told me, ‘Its okay to cook extra; you never know who might drop by.”  While Rebecca hates having her photo taken, she was, as always, a delight.  I never laugh as hard as I do, as when I’m around her.  Good food, good friends; what more could I ask for?

How about some home-made apple sauce?

 

1/2 a bushel and a husband

 

I fought off children and old ladies yesterday to get a half bushel of Crispin apples at Marker-Miller Market yesterday.  That place is always a zoo, and now I understand why!  These apples are amazing, as is anything that I’ve ever purchased there.

We started off small, this being our first time making apple sauce.  My Aunt Christine let me pick her brain over the phone the other night, giving me all her tips and tricks in the art of apple sauce.  So that, combined with John’s favorite canning book, set us on the right track.

 

The master, hard at work

 

I got to do the fun parts; peeling and using the food mill.  But John is so good at the canning part, and I wouldn’t know where to begin.  I’d probably blow something up.  So, I don’t mind doing the menial labor bits.

 

Filling the jars

 

Canning, via water bath

 

The steam really rolls off of that, let me tell you!  John has it all down to a science, using his IPhone to record and lap the amount of time needed.  Hi-tech canning!  It warms my geek loving heart to watch him work.

 

The finished product!

 

Tomorrow, I’m going to have more Autumn themed fun! I’m attending the Fall Fiber Festival at Montpelier tomorrow with the Knit Night gals!  Lamb BBQ, fiber, friends, and I’m dying to see how the yarn that I submitted for competition rated!

What are you doing this weekend?

 
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Posted by on October 1, 2011 in Friends and Family

 

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3rd Year’s A Charm

20 Sep

Today, I’ve been married to my husband, John, for three years.  What a wonderful occasion to share with such an amazing person.  I can’t quite believe it has already been three years.  The time has flown by so fast, but in a good way. I’m so lucky to have such a strong, loyal, respectful man in my life.  He’s creative and crafty, fun and intelligent, not to mention one hell of a home brewer.

Maybe that is the secret to our marriage … warm, hand-knitted socks and free home-made beer!

I just can’t say it enough, how I’m incredibly lucky to have him in my life.  He helps me to stay strong and confident, to love myself as much as I love him.  He truly is my partner in life, not to mention my best friend.  I know how hard it is to find that one person to share your life with, and to stay with them for the long haul.  Through all the stress and chaos, he’s my anchor and my rock.

Happy 3rd Anniversary, babe!  I love you!  Here’s to many, many more years with you.

My favorite photo of us!

 
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Posted by on September 20, 2011 in Friends and Family

 

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WWSIPD 2011

18 Sep

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the year; World Wide Spin In Public Day!  This is the day that my friends and I converge on the Old Town Mall in Winchester, spinning wheels and spindles in tow, and awe the muggles.  I always enjoy answering questions and some of the comments bring both a smile and a raised eye brow at times.  You just never know who you are going to meet!

Even total strangers are amazed

 

That’s Lloyd, and he graciously allowed me to take his picture while holding my wheel.

I’m not sure if he just works at, or if he owns, the Tropical Island Coffee Cafe. (I’ve never eaten here, but I do hear that is mouth-watering and amazing.) He spotted Amanda walking from her car with her spinning wheel, and when I spotted them both, we all got to chatting away.  He was amazed, and I think a little inspired, that we spun our own yarn, and then knitted items from our fiber bounty.  We chatted about getting back to the basics, passing down traditions and keeping the ways of our grandparents alive.  About how wonderful it is to be self-sufficient, and I explained that, in my opinion, that is one of the most important aspects about spinning.  There is such a strong feeling of community, of self-worth.  Of crafting and talking and laughing.  Of meeting new people and renewing already strong friendships.

Two lovely knitters

Walking in to the Espresso Bar downtown, we immediately spotted this two ladies sitting in the front window, knitting.  We all made out way to the back of the cafe, settled into my comfy chairs, and began to ‘talk shop’.  I always love to meet new fiber friends, people who appreciate what we do, and why we do it.  And I do apologize for the yellow hue for some of these photos. apparently, when ‘auto scene select’ is on, it still means that you have to enter it manually, so the flash works when indoors.

Katrin and Amanda, both on Louet wheels

Do I ever smile when I spin?

I finally finished plying the gray Jacob fiber that I purchased in Ithaca, NY and moved on to some local BFL.  It’s orange; I seem to be trending with that color right now.  I think I’m just in the spirit of the upcoming season.

Erin did bring her Hitchhiker wheel, but she also had he drop spindle, so that she could teach Jess to spin on one.  Jess’s husband made her a drop spindle and she’s so happy to be crossing even further to the Dark Side with us. I don’t think that there are too many of us in the group who don’t spin.  And those who don’t, want to learn.

Erin and Jess - fiber love!

There wasn’t much else that I would have wanted to do on a cold, rainy Saturday.  These ladies are amazing and I’m happy to call them members of my Fiber Family!

 

 

 
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Posted by on September 18, 2011 in Friends and Family, Spinning

 

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Guest Blogger : Tory

25 Aug

I remember when my long time friend, Brandon, told me about his new girlfriend a couple of years ago.  I was hesitant, to say the least, to meet her.  But when Tory walked into my kitchen and began to chat with us as I cooked dinner, I knew that she was a keeper.  She is fun, creative, smart, and kind.  Plus she has a great sense of style and she’s a Ginger.  What’s not to love?  I’m happy to call her a good friend, and recently she surprised me recently by asking me to be one of her bridesmaids in June (which I’m totally excited about!)

So, let me introduce to you, Tory!  And be sure to check out her blog, Yarn & Zombies!

Tory and Brandon

Procrastination

This post was originally supposed to be published on July 18th, just three days after the release of the final Harry Potter movie. When I found out, it was perfect because I was working on a project titled Bellatrix Armwarmers–the Red Velvet Cupcake armwarmers, knitted up in a deep green-black yarn from Sanguine Gryphon. But I never finished the armwarmers, and I never finished the post, either. Now here I am, over a month later, FINALLY writing this post (which was due yesterday).

I have a big problem with procrastination, if you couldn’t tell. Actually, my problem is really a multitasking problem, and it’s especially apparent when it comes to knitting. I did the math the other day, and I currently have TWN (yes, you heard me, TEN) projects on the needles. And that doesn’t include the seventeen Christmas projects I still have to make.

I have always been this way. If you look me up on GoodReads, you’ll see that I have five books in my “currently reading” list, and I’m only actively reading two. I have never been satisfied with limiting myself to one book, one knitting project, one anything in my entire life. Since I took up knitting, the problem has only worsened. I love knitting, and I love having finished items to wear and show off, but I am terrible at the actual FINISHING part. One of my first completed projects is a beautiful, feminine cowl that I made two years ago, and STILL can’t wear because I haven’t resewn the buttons onto it. Do you see my problem?

Tory, with her first hand-spun yarn

I began writing a list, taking a leaf out of Amy’s book, of 100 goals in 1001 days. I started it on the 8th, and I still only have 50 or so goals written down. (Are you sensing a pattern here?) But one of those goals is to limit myself to a maximum of three projects at a time. I think this is a good compromise–this way I won’t get too easily bored, but I will still have the convenience of saying to myself, “I want to knit something mindless,” or have a project handy to put in my purse.

This whole issue, multi-tasking/procrastinating/whatever you want to call it, seems to me to be a potentially big problem if it translates into real life. I don’t want to one day count on my fingers ten jobs, for instance. Okay, so that’s an exaggeration, but you get my point. Learning to knit has taught me a lot of things, and I’m hoping that it can also teach me to get things done. I’m about to start my senior year at James Madison. I can’t afford NOT to get things done!

On the bright side, I know I always have a friend like Amy willing to lend a hand, or drive an hour to spend two seconds fixing the issue I’m having with the spinning wheel. Amy is like me: she always has a billion projects going on, but she still manages to finish them all! Hopefully I will learn to take a leaf out of her book!

Anyone else have an addiction to multiple projects? How to you motivate yourself to finish things in a timely manner?

 
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Posted by on August 25, 2011 in Friends and Family

 

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Happily Ever After

22 Aug

I love weddings.  And not just for the open bar and free food.  It is a nice change of pace to get dressed up and get out of the house.  And it is even more wonderful when it is the happiest day of one of your friend’s lives.  People smile more, the laugh harder, and the memories are ones that you can take with you forever.

Friday night, one of my knitting friends, Erin, tied the knot!  I am so happy for her, and I was honored that John and I were able to share the special event with her, and the rest of the knitting crew as well.

Erin, the beautiful bride!

The wedding was at the George Washington Hotel, a historic hotel in downtown Winchester.  It has been renovated and is just stunning.  The architecture and design took my breath away.  I almost felt like I had stepped back in time, wearing my vintage clothing.

Erin looked stunning and I could tell that her and Nick were meant to be.  They are so happy together, and they had so much fun!  You can see the love on the faces.  There was even one moment where Erin was talking to someone and I saw the look on Nick’s face as he was watching her.  So sweet!

Erin being the smart gal she is, had all of the knitters and their spouses sit at the same table.  And yes, I did pull the knitting out between the first and main course!  It is so wonderful to have a sense of family among such good friends.  Each one of them are a true blessing and my life would be lacking without them!  We all laughed and cried with joy, ate amazing food, and let go for joy!

A knitter's wedding - collage of cool!

 

 

 

 

 
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Posted by on August 22, 2011 in Friends and Family, Knitting

 
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