Me Cubed

I really had fun doing this! :)

As seen at knitorious

Directions:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name. - (I had to use Vixenpath to get a result.)

The Road Less Traveled

"Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. There is no short-cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time."

-- Asha Tyson

Our town was slammed yesterday by the storm that rolled through here like a freight train. All four counties were without power. I’ve lived here 13 years and never have I seen us hit so hard. Needless to say, I was all set up to run a myriad of errands…like any other day…after work. NOTHING was open. I was kinda shocked. No gas, no bank, no post office…all the food establishments were down. The town was black and everyone was wondering what to do with themselves.

At home, I couldn’t do laundry, open the fridge or freezer, turn on hot water or see without a lantern in most areas of the house. I called my sis and my BIL to tell them we were without power. I called Mom to see if she was faring okay since she is in the same town I am. And as I hung up the phone I realized the Goddess was giving us a day to just be. The list of things that I had to do would get done at a later time. They could wait.

Our power strip blew and a few of the circuits were tripped but in all reality, we were doing fine. I gave DH a massage since his shoulder was hurting and we just laxed for a while. There was no reason to rush or hurry since there really was little we could do. It was like we were, for a moment in time, absolved of all duties and worries.

We went out to I-Hop for dinner 30 minutes away where they had power and ate a leisurely meal. Mom called to say she was okay. We played games on the kid's mat with our son. It was a nice divergence from the norm.

When we got home there was enough light to stuff mice with my son. He really likes the stuffing part. When the power came back on four hours later, I didn’t rush or hurry to catch up because I wasn’t behind…I was right where I should be.

Namaste,

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

A Sheldon is Born

Wow! When my son asked for Sheldon for his teacher's baby I never imagined how much fun it would be to make the little guy. My son reasoned that he should have a tail and I changed the pattern to include it. I'm going to make another in a few months. Guess I should finish some WIP's first! *grin*

The shoes are the most amazing thing! They feel like walking barefoot and get your toes to stretch and relax. You have better balance with them too. They come in different colors and when I ran in the rain yesterday, they did not even slip or attempt to come off. Love them!!!

And another beautiful bag from Sallee! I love the black cat, pumpkin theme...love, love, love it! :) And I added a little flickr badge on the sidebar for her bags that I have...2 are missing I think....I really love, love, love anything she makes!!! :)

We cleaned yesterday and I'm pretty wiped...but I'll get in my Wii Fit workout and then sit back and knit!

Have a lovely weekend,

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Sharing the Light

"Any fool can run towards the light. It takes a master with courage to turn and face the darkness and shine his own light there."

-- Leslie Fieger

Last night I had a vision during my weekly Wed spiritual bath. It was clear as day and I felt like I was there. I could hear the water in the stream that the Goddess was standing in. I felt the cold water shock my system that I was standing in. It was amazing and has redirected my purpose.

You see I wasn’t going to take my spiritual bath at first because it had gotten late and sleep is so important to me. But lately I’ve been forcing myself to do it anyway and last night was no exception.

As soon as I hit the water everything changed. The vision hit quickly and I was trying to keep up. The Goddess came to me and told me that I was doing okay with everything…in fact better then She had hoped. That brought tears to my eyes because I feel so scattered and like nothing fits right now. And to prove my point I fell apart in front of Her; fragmenting into a thousand shards of light.

She laughed and held out Her hand and I sprang back together but as I did I saw a core of pulsating, warming…love. I saw everyone’s faces or blog names that have reached out to me and their light combined with mine. It was beautiful beyond words.

But then She opened this gateway between two trees and She showed me that my light was in everyone I touch, write or connect with in any way. She shared with me a few people I have moved deeply that I never even realized. I cried the whole time at the beauty of giving and receiving and the power of friendships…even with people I’ve never met.

And then She said the most incredible thing that had me stunned. “I want you to take this experience and make it into a shawl. Make one side flow into the other and show the center…show the balance between give and take. When one wears it let them be immersed in a center of love through the shared community of all they have touched.”

And then I saw it. And it was beautiful. So I give you the beginnings of the Joanne’s Shawl. I am dedicating it to my giving, wonderful MIL who has always been there to support me in times of trouble. She gives to her community and family with her whole self. She cares for all creatures, great and small and will lovingly feed any animal that comes close. lol She always is quick with ideas to help people when they feel all is lost and she will always lend her time to help someone in need. She is an inspiration and a beautiful person. I love her so much!

Hopefully, I will have some time on Monday to lock myself away and work on this a bit. I know that any pattern takes time and a shawl like the one I saw is a whole new design for me. But I’m excited about the whole process of creating something beautiful without a time table or deadline. This shawl as much as it is for my MIL, it is also for me. It is a balm for my soul, a gift from the Goddess and a spiritual connection to all I hold dear.

When I looked into the darkness of my inner despair I saw all of you. Thank you for helping me to find my light again by sharing yours.

Namaste,

Bright blessings,

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Spring Fest

First and foremost I wanted to thank everyone who reached out to me after my last post. I am so blessed to have you all supporting me!

Second, here is the Glady a beautiful interchangeable needle case from the amazing mind of Sallee. I love mine. Alas...I do not have a single needle or extension to put in it because I have so many projects. I must remedy that. *sigh*

We spent the weekend at fair. Saturday was a nice day followed by a terribly rainy Sunday. No one was buying and for the first time ever we did not make back our site fee. Very depressing. But these things happen.

We did both get projects done. I finished some baby sock for the LYS and got halfway through a car seat baby blanket and DH made some new pieces of jewelry. So that was nice. It is always nice to be alone for the weekend too. It's kinda like a date with hundreds of people popping in. :)

The community was there for us. One store loaned us displays for the jewelry and we think we will buy some for fall. Another store had a food delivery service which brought us coffee and food goodies so we didn't have to trek out in the rain. My LYS let me warm up and gave us yummy chicken yesterday to snack on.

And my family was there for us too. Nana and Pop Pop watched our child and let us use the truck to haul stuff back. They are such a blessing. :)

So maybe we only made $5 but we are surrounded by people who uplift us and support us. So really it was rainy and a bit cold but it was a wonderful weekend. We have a lot of ideas for fall. I'll let you know as they take form.

And usually at Fair, I load up on things I shouldn't...so I saved my bank points for the weekend and I had enough to share a funnel cake but they packed up and left because of the rain! So I noshed on this and that but I had healthy snacks too. I had to have coffee...which can be high in points with the syrups and stuff I like. And then we walked there and back the first day and there the second day which is a nice little walk. So I was pleased as punch this morning when I found I had lost another 2 pounds!

So that's what's going on. Things with Mom really aren't any better. My sis is home safely from her trip...I can't wait to talk to her. The rooms in the basement apartment look really nice. One more coat of paint and I think they're done.

I'm trying desperately to cultivate serenity in little moments here and there. And for the most part, it is working. Life is good, I am blessed...Namaste.

Bright blessing and happy crafting

Ruinwen
:)

Adaptation

"The successful man is the average man, focused."

-- Source Unknown

I finally finished Mom’s shawl! Can you hear the halleluiah chorus? I’ve been knitting this with a friend and just decided to start another to knit with her. It actually is about 4 feet long and works perfectly with her wheelchair. Yay, finally an FO!

A family of deer came grazing the other day. Deer to me mean many things but these coming to me when they did seemed to be telling me to adapt. That is why they are grazing in my backyard; they’ve had to adapt to a new food source. Deer are also one of my personal totems. They usually are telling me to really look at what is around me and listen to what is being said. They also come to tell me to take care of myself when I am spreading myself too thin.

I was recently talking to a friend about her blog and that it was hers to vent or rant or say whatever and I guess this post will let you see a part of me that is hidden beyond the heartfelt smilies I always feel. It will be totally scattered like I am right now and might not make a lot of sense so be warned.

I’ve really been trying to find some harmonious balance between all the elements of my life and at times I feel I am just barely making due and others I feel the water over my head and I can hardly breathe.

Nana and Pop Pop built the basement rooms for my BIL and his kids and they look amazing. Pop Pop is a genius with electricity and wired each room with separate switches and everything. Goddess bless for such a wonderful family!

Having Nana and Pop Pop there was really nice because I could retreat to my room and knit when it all got too much. And last week was too much for me to handle.

Really I’m just a big kid who can be a Mom and an adult when she has to be…and maybe I’ve always been the one people come to and I’m good at figuring things out. But you can’t help someone who just doesn’t want to change or maybe now is incapable of changing…I just don’t know…

My Mother whom I love deeply hates living. She was on suicide watch and it broke my heart to think she was that unhappy. All she is living for is family she tells me. When I get up to go she gets upset and panicky. It hurts to walk out the door knowing she will be miserable until I return.

I don’t know if it is for attention or she is slowly losing her faculties or a combo of the two. I just know it hurts to see this proud woman I knew so lost and confused. She calls me her lifeline and it scares me that she counts on me for everything because I know I continually fail her expectation of me.

I just can’t keep up. There is always something else wrong…always something else to fix. And I really try to take care of everything I can. I mean she’s my Mom and I would do anything to help her. That’s why I moved her up here so I could see her on my way home from work…so we could run and get her stuff when she needs it.

I know I’m not the first daughter to do this…I really shouldn’t say anything because at least I have a Mom still on this Earth. I feel torn between being selfish for leaving and wanting time for myself and selfless for wanting to give up all my time to help her like she did for me when I came into this world.

So I’ve split into two selves to cope: the happy helpful me that just rolls with everything and the me that as soon as I am out that door runs in the other direction as fast as she can.

I am not adapting well. I have nothing new for Spring Fling this weekend…I mean I did make that jewelry a while back…but there is no time for anything really. My old crafting time I now spend at AL.

On the weekends we are cleaning out Dad’s house and then we have to go through all the stuff and get it to the right place…recycle, consignment, etc. This last weekend we cleaned up until bedtime. I really didn’t get a Mother’s Day except for having a wonderful lunch, I missed my son even though I saw him there was no time for us, and I was dead tired. I know BMC Ruinwen…

So that is why there is little FO’s or no posts or no pictures. I really need to take a picture of something wonderful I got but I just haven’t had the chance. *so please forgive me*

I did want to say on the positive side of things I joined WW again because I knew that I should do something. I do very well with organized stuff. I can even deal with chaos as long as it is organized. lol But I’ve been on now since the 7th of April and I’ve lost 8 pounds. I’m not starving myself either. I’ve been enjoying rediscovering veggies and fruits and then on the weekends, I have all these extra points. I’m back in my size 12 jeans and they are loose. So I’m pretty proud. :)

So that’s what is going on. Thanks for letting me say all that. So this weekend when the thunderstorms hit think of me and DH in our little tent. I will be blissfully knitting away as he weaves metal.

Bright blessings,

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

MD S & W

This was the Ravelry crowd on Saturday in the rabbit building. I'm actually in this picture. They did a super job organizing the event! Yay Ravelry! :)

In between cleaning and helping out Mom I visited the Fair. I'm really blessed that I'm about 1/2 hour away. DH and I went on Sat and it was a great day. I had the best lamb kabobs! And the yarn...such beautiful, wonderful, yummy yarn!

And then I went back on Sunday with our wonderful LYS owner and we had a lot of fun and scored big! :)

Maple Creek Farm was my favorite and I went back the next day and got more yarn! The two thicker hanks are merino and the thin is merino and bamboo. I am in love with this yarn! The owner Eileen Garges is a wonderful and talented lady. She was all smiles when she saw me coming back and bringing a friend! :)

I might have made it out of the Fair without spending any more dough if it wasn't for the most wonderful Knitting Fairy. She made a shawl on the way to the Fair from Texas so it doesn't even have a picture on the pattern. But I fell head over teacups for it. She works at Brooks Farm Yarn which has lovely yarn. I sat their resisting for a long time even though the colors are so lovely.

But between the shawl and the Solo silk, I fell down the rabbit hole and there was no getting around it. I must say this Solo is really just divine. It feels like heaven and has such a lovely sheen that my little photo cannot do it justice.

But I'm in love. I want a blanket of this for my bed...or a throw to wrap myself in. It's such a nice yarn that I didn't mind casting on for the shawl three times because it just felt that good. If chocolate was a yarn...this would be it. :)

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Hehe

Kimberly tagged me with this hehe about DH.

May 3rd is our 11 year Anniversary and I am blessed beyond belief to have this wonderful man as my best friend and mate. :)

Where did you meet? I was at a Con and my boyfriend at the time put me on DH’s lap and told him to watch me. DH wanted to kiss me but I didn’t let him. Then my friend dated him years later and I realized what a great guy he was. Finally when I needed a roomie to help with the rent he moved in and the rest is History!

How long did you date? About a year and a day

How old is he? 40 years old or young depending on your point of view

Who eats more? He does unless I’m craving something

Who said “I love you” first? I did.

Who is taller? Hubby. He's 5' 10", I'm 5' 9"

Who sings better? Me but that is not saying much I suppose

Who is smarter? He is a tech genius and I’m good at figuring out solutions to stuff.

Whose temper is worse? Tied. We both can be pretty bad but it really doesn’t happen that often.

Who does the laundry? Mostly me. He did a few terrible things to different outfits over the years…but he’s gotten way better.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does.

Who pays the bills? We both have our own bills we are responsible for.

Who cooks dinner? Usually me. But he can cook and does a good job of it when he has the time. He makes a cheese cake that is to die for…did I mention it is chocolate?

Who drives when you are together? Usually me. I get freaky sitting in the passenger seat and sick if I sit in the back.

Who is more stubborn? Me I think, but he can be really bull headed when he is set on something

Who kissed whom first? He did. He’d been wanting to since that first day.

Who is the first to admit to being wrong? I think it depends on the situation but we never go to bed angry.

Whose parents do you see the most? Mine live here so I guess we see them more. But I adore his folks and I’m so happy to be part of their family.

Who proposed? He did. He asked me to write our wedding ritual.

What’s his best physical attribute? His eyes and his sexy grin

Who has more friends? Me, he is more of a loner

What are you most proud of him for? He’s always had trouble reading ‘cuz he’s LD but he conquered it so he could finish college and get a degree. Every time he reads to our son it brings tears to my eyes.

Who has more siblings? We each have a sibling.

Who wears the pants in the family? We share the pants. But I run the household. We always include each other in all the decisions. It’s an equal partnership.

Learning My Limits

“Change. It has the power to uplift, to heal, to stimulate, surprise, open new doors, bring fresh experience and create excitement in life. Certainly, it is worth the risk.”

-- Leo Buscaglia

As the seasons finally decide to shift from winter to spring we are blessed with a myriad of color and texture. This was my parent's driveway after a thunderstorm. It got me thinking of Puff the Magic Dragon and that phrase, "along the cherry lane". I grew up with this magical, flowery gift every spring. Few people get to experience pink snow. It was very cathartic to my state as of late.

I'm in this happy/chaotic mood that I'm desperately trying to work through and I think truthfully I just took on a bit too much. *stop sniggering* Last week we added my BIL's two adorable wonderful kids to our household and now we are a family of six with two cats. Which, is super. I am truthful here when I say I am so happy that we can provide a safe, happy place for them to live. Family is everything to me.

The downside is that I used the closet they will need as storage and I have no idea where in Sam's Hill I am going to put it all. So I've been looking at projects stashed that will never come to be and letting them go. I just can't do it all.

Before we had my beloved son I used to do a little of everything and there just isn't time for that anymore. Over the last six years I've figured out what is important to me and those are the things that I find time for so those are the things I will hold on to.

Also, I'm trying so hard in being a half-way house for my Mother's things not to get lost in her stuff. Because every other week we clean at my parents then move everything up here and then distribute it as is needed. I want to make sure anything that is important to Mom gets to stay with Mom...who kicked on Wii and beat everyone in golf and bowling BTW.

And truth be told I am tired. This back and forth every other week is exhausting...the dust alone kills us even with masks for about three days. So after hard contemplation, we've decided to quit the MS&W lamb cook-off. It is just too much. I admit it. I said I'd stop taking on more stuff when it got to be too much so this is me being good to my word. (If you want the recipe I'll be happy to send it to you.)

I finished the sock from 06...sorry about the color...and I really enjoyed it. I will make the other one but I'm going to take a break until after Fair in May and try to get stuff done for our booth. Knit Picks got some new sock yarn and after the nice woman at the local Italian deli asked me to help her with some itty bitty socks...I just couldn't resist. This Felici is scrumptious...I'm in love with it! Another gift from the parents was the Harmony double points and I love them too. There's not much about socks I don't love.

Oh, KnitterC is having a contest for her 500th post. Quite a milestone! If you stop by please mention I sent you. She is an amazing spinner...crafter...healer.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. :) We did Wii and have really good BBQ and it was so fun my parents stayed until 7:00 p.m.! My wonderful in-laws came and it was quite a special day with a full house of loving family...a day I will always remember.

Take care...happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Ever Connected

We are a strand in the web of life. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are connected.
-Chief Seattle-

You would laugh if you saw me today. Most people try and look their best on their birthdays but this is my day to work out at lunch and the health of my body is very important to me: hence the sweat attire.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I walk at lunch because it is the only time I really have to do so. I go at least a mile and whereas that may not be a lot, it is more than nothing and it makes me feel good. I like to feel good.

Today is also Family Fun Night which means from the time I walk in the house to the time I go to bed at 8:00 p.m.: no IPod, no TV, no video games (even handheld ones), no computer…I even try not to use the microwave or oven by picking up a healthy meal on the way home.

Even though today is my birthday and I’d like to pick a video game and have some fun I will not be selfish. The family time we have is priceless. We all enjoy the change in pace…although not checking e-mail is hard…harder for the DH. lol

I admit fully that I’m a hardcore gamer. I really love my video games. So for my B-Day celebration when the family gets together on Sunday I told them what I really wanted: to get food from Main Street and to Wii as a family…just to have fun with the people I love.

I’ve always wondered why kids get to have so much fun on their B-Days with celebrations and themes and stuff. I’m all about themes. I’m starting my own tradition. I’m 40 this year and I’m darn proud of where I am and I think one day of having fun like a 5 year old (without the tantrums…as long as I’ve had my coffee) sounds cathartic.

This week my tarot card was the 9 of Swords. The normal translation for this card is misery, sadness, terrible things…but the way I read it is different. I usually take the card and find out where it is on the Kabbalah tree of life before resigning myself to a reading.

This card is in the 9th sephiroth (or sphere) which is completion of a cycle and making way for a new cycle. Swords are air and representative of communication, creativity, learning and other air correspondences.

To me, this card is saying you are still working on a bunch of things that are in their end phases and you just need to get them done so new stuff can come in. But I have also been listening to the people that surround me and their communication has been cruel and petty this week. I have chosen not to get involved or offer to help when people are starting from a place of anger. I’ve just backed off and left politely and quickly shielded myself from the onslaught of negative energy.

This week I feel like I am in medias res. Caught in the middle of all my project where the beginning was a long time ago and the end is far from sight. But that is okay because at least I am somewhere right?

I’ve been teaching socks everywhere it seems…and it feels good. Socks are a little thing. But warm feet can make a person warm enough to turn down the heat a bit…thus helping the Earth a bit…because every little bit makes a difference…because we are all connected.

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

You Reap What You Sow

Every week I pick a tarot card to kinda guide me through the week and help me to make the right choices. I used to pick one a day but that was way too much thinking ya know? LOL

Anyway, this week I picked Death. Now, most people when they see this card balk. But my name means Reaper. I am supposed to take the Grim One as a sign that there is much work to be done in my life and get rid of the old to make way for the new.

I always thought my parents were pretty smart to give me a name that might help overcome my enormous amount of startitis in one house and nothing in the completion one.

So after saying a prayer for all my friends, family and other assorted loved ones I got a’reapin’.

I sent out goodie boxes
I finished our taxes
I tried lamb until it was just right and sent the recipe to the judges at S&W
I cleaned up and organized

And just when I was feeling really good about myself…I find this sock in my drawer at work, pushed to the back and long forgotten. It was last blogged about on January 21st, 2006. It seems a reaper’s work is never done. *sigh*

So world meet my oldest WIP. This is from a sock class that I took online with one of my blog friends who is probably sniggering in her coffee at me. Which, I deserve. I really do.

But with my new attitude…I see this little sock as a good thing. When I started it I had no idea how to use all those fun socky techniques that are second nature to me now.

I played with it yesterday at the LYS and not only figured out where I left off but made quite a leap from 1/21/06 to the sock you see above. Besides we are on my favorite part; the heel. I love heel shaping. :)

So While I may reap what I sow…or knit in this case. This sock was patient and waited for me to get to a point where I understood the method and the stitches before making its appearance. Now I can’t wait to finish it.

I can't wait to see what else I can finish before the week is done! :)

Have a great day!

Ruinwen
:)

I'm Awake Now...Really. :)

“It's important to be heroic, ambitious, productive, efficient, creative, and progressive, but these qualities don't necessarily nurture soul. The soul has different concerns, of equal value: downtime for reflection, conversation, and reverie; beauty that is captivating and pleasuring; relatedness to the environs and to people; and any animal’s rhythm of rest and activity.”

-- Thomas Moore 

 Thanks for your concern and well wishes! Your words mean more to me then you know!

So after Friday tearing me into the ground; I had no choice but to step back and take it easy. Here is a goodie that came to me. The Woolen Rabbit makes such lovely yarn. I saw the colors on her blog and had to have them. I can't wait to dig into this beautiful...yummy yarn!

As much as Friday wore me out I really came away with accomplishing a bunch of things that were very close to my heart. I've been working on a way to make a ritual necklace that embodied my way of praying. Kind of like a rosary... Anyway, I spent three years researching and figuring out the correspondence of each stone as it fits into what I believe and finally...here it is. You can't believe how happy I am to finish a project that has been on the back burner for three years! And a special shout out goes to Willow who really helped me to think about a bunch of things I hadn't before. I don't think this would have been possible without her words of wisdom.

Do you ever buy something thinking how cute it would be in such and such only to horde it away to never see the light of day again? Well, these cute little bug beads were bought years ago for fair. I thought they would make nice little spring bracelets for the kids.

I actually made 5 of them this Friday. And they have been kid-tested and approved by my sweet niece.

I made a bunch of other jewelry too. Finished by sock class write up...bless you DH for taking all those photos *kisses* you know you are the best! I also *gasp* organized all my beads, findings and cords. So on Wed when I go to bead all I have to do is load the board with my ideas!

We worked on our Sheep & Wool lamb entry which, has to be in by the 5th...but it just didn't make the grade and we are buying more lamb today and marinating it to try and enhance the flavor.

And then there was taxes...which are in no way complete. But I did feel that I really took a bite out of a lot of little things that needed to be done.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

And the Winner is...

Sallee! Congrats! :)

I guess I should let you in on a little secret. Sallee is the reason I started this blog. She's given me the courage to do many a project and is always has a shoulder to cry on when I'm in need.

But again I could wax poetic all day about each of you that I call friends...

Not today though...my mental processes have given up. I feel like a Mac truck ran over me and then backed up again for good measure. I did too much yesterday but it needed to be done...so what can you do?

I finally got all the clothes to the consignment shop...12 bags and 6 trips later I made it to Dad's house to grab more stuff to start the process all over again. I was D-E-A-D tired when I got home but I made jewelry for Fair and I will post it when we are done with taxes. The clothes are washed and put away. We took Mom out last night for a lovely dinner despite I was running on empty. I finished a project that I've been working on for 3 years...

I'll post pictures when I can.

I hope you all have a nice weekend.

Ruinwen
:)

What's My Name Mean?

What Ruinwen Means

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts. You know how what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it. You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator! You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

This is downright scary how accurate it is. :)

Let the Light In

Ring the bells that can ring.

Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack, a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in.

-Leonard Cohen

It is spring, a time of renewal and nourishment. It doesn’t matter that there was frost on the ground today or that our flowers aren’t warm enough to bloom. Because nature knows when She is ready and won’t make Her appearance a moment sooner.

Not me. I’m the Queen of Horrible Timing and Wrong Shoe Wearing. I am always doing things bass-ackwards at the last minute. But that’s me and I accept that.

I have a friend who is always late. She says she will be late to her own funeral. We always told her events were an hour later than planned so she would be on time. You learn and adapt because the only person you can change is yourself.

As I am in charge of all holidays until the end of time, I’ve learned to adapt. For Easter/Ostra dinner we had an appetizer of Tuscan soup (Safeway Select…very yummy), a main course of shepherd’s pie and spinach savoy (a family tradition) and raspberry and apple puff pastries for dessert.

You see I learned from Thanksgiving that I try too hard to please everybody and then I end up 1) making more food than four families could ever hope to eat and 2) driving myself crazy trying to be perfect.

Well, this spring I said, “The heck with perfection.” I know that only the Gods are perfect. I learned this from crafting. You always make a mistake for the Gods…not that I don’t make plenty anyway. The Navaho, when weaving, deliberately weave a thread that looks like a mistake. That “mistake” keeps the rug from being perfect and serves as a path for Spirit to enter. That “mistake” allows a little light in.

This Easter/Ostra I tried letting a little light in. We combined our traditions and read from the Bible for Dad since he missed church this year. We blessed the spiritual representations of our seeds and all the kids participated. We had a wonderful dinner full of different tastes and textures. And finally, we sat back and played Wii as our family does every Sunday. After doing scads of dishes I was ecstatic to get my Pro in bowling and get a Turkey.

This year I didn’t try so hard and I think the air of stress was missing that usually hangs around the holidays. It was a really nice day. I was tired afterward but not wiped.

In knitting news, my LYS asked me to make this scarf from Sheep Shop. It is a delightful knit. I had to get used to starting on a purl row and my knit rows being evens…but after that everything is going well. I think I will make this again. I don’t have the label for this yarn so I have no idea what it is. But I love the way it is making up and as my LYS said, “It is nice to challenge yourself with something new once and a while.”

I like lace, it lets in the light. :)

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Friends and Neighbors

Ramblings of a Witch tagged me with the task of coming up with three blogs that stand above the others as my favorites and that I cannot do. Every blog on my sidebar is special in some way to me; that's why it's listed.

Yesterday was Sweater Day . A day to honor that man who asked me as a child, "Won't you be my neighbor?" I loved Mr. Roger's neighborhood. I remember parts of the show very vividly like Miss Lion or the Trolly.

But see that is what the people on my sidebar are: neighbors..friends. Through our blogs, we've interacted in some way. Some of you are so close I consider you family.

So last night I asked my DH who he would list. And of course, he said Sallee (who is having that contest two posts down) and Christine who are like sisters in other states. If I had to pick a brother I would want it to be John who is not only funky fresh but he is a jack of all things fiberly. My family knows him on sight due to the fact we watched him on Knitty Gritty a few times.

Then there is Kim who's visual eye-candy of a blog has me believing that hot tea is brewing in front of me while I am knitting too beautiful for words yarn that she spins, dyes...she is just amazing!

Geraldine can fit more interesting things in a post from yummy recipes to crafts to amazing little tidbits that fill up my appetite for knowledge.

Really I could go on and on because something from each blog on my sidebar pops into my head. Like what an amazing designer Marnie is while having such adorable pups as Panda and Thea. Of course, if you are talking cute pups I'd have to include little Moses on Christine's blog and prize-winning Skyy and Cleo on Kim's blog.

And I could go on about cats...all the wonderful cats that these people have...because these are vibrant people to me...special friends, net-neighbors and family who I can't survive without. You are my life-line. Your names are inscribed on my heart and I am so thankful that you found your way into my life. :)

I've run out of time I had hoped to list more...but the clock is telling me that clothes are in order if I'm going to leave in 15 minutes.

So Happy Easter, Ostra, Spring Equinox...may the seeds that you plant in your heart grow in abundance throughout this season of life and renewal.

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

P.S. At the top there are my felted mice. Two are stuffed and were given away as gifts yesterday. The man at Starbucks was very surprised to see those little eyes in there...needless to say they thought I should have bunnies not mice in my purse. And all the way home I started thinking about how easy a bunny would be... *grin*

P.P.S. I totally forgot that I wanted to do a contest...I have way too many herbs to store and I want to share them with someone who wants them...and if you are fiberly then I will throw in some yarn too. It makes very ecological shipping material. :)

Ok all you have to do is visit a blog in my side bar that you don't already read...and tell me the first line of their latest post in a comment on this post. Remember a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet!

Cut off for the contest is next Friday the 28th. I will put your names in a hat and let my son draw one. Good luck. If you are new to the blog; welcome! The list of herbs is in the saffron post and now I really have to run!

When Life Gives You Saffron Make Paella

I have a very clear memory of watching the Avengers on a little black-and-white TV and eating paella. It was chock full of chicken, sausage, and shrimp. It was my introduction to saffron and it was love at first bite.

For my Ostra bag this year I decided to use saffron. Usually, I frown on using saffron because of the cost. But this year I reasoned that this is one of the most important rituals that I do that sets the tone for the entire year…and if that isn’t worth some quality herbs then I don’t know what is.

I also decided if I was going to buy saffron it wouldn’t be from the grocery store. Something you might not know about me is I love working with herbs. I love how they awaken a sense that we don’t really use every day. The sense of smell is actually one of the most potent of memory triggers. When I smell an herb it reaches down into a part of me and tugs on the tendrils of my past joys and sorrows like nothing else can.

Herbalism was my focus when I got my N.D. I am also certified by the American Botanical Society. I used to have over 200 herbs that I used for everything from teas and tinctures to mojo bags. But since becoming a mother I found it hard to keep up with every one of my passions. And unfortunately, where I live we have drought conditions making it hard to grow anything…although my sage still lives through drought and ice.

I’ve missed making teas and more than once I’ve found myself reaching for a bottle that is long gone and it hurts a bit. You don’t realize what is really important until it is gone. So this year I opted to buy fresh beautiful herbs from all over the world:
Pink rose petals from Chile
Cinnamon from Indonesia
Vanilla beans for Madagascar
Blessed thistle from Hungary
Saffron from Spain

I have to say I was very impressed with HERBALCOM. The herbs are fresh and full of aroma. Which brings me back to saffron. Even now I can smell it on my fingers…mmmm. I know there is paella in my future.

Paella is named for the pan, a paellera, that the Spanish cook in. It is a flat pan with two handles. Everyone has their own version of what to put in the paella. Two years ago I made one with muscles, crab, clam, white fish, scallops, shrimp and lobster and it was *sound of lips smacking* divine.

But DH is allergic to seafood so I will make it with chicken and sausage. My son is excited to try saffron and has also approved the chicken sausage combo. So here is my recipe. But the thing about paella is that you should make it as your mood dictates. I also like a bit of spice in mine so you can change that too. As long as you have some rice, saffron, and olive oil it should be okay. If you want to make it vegetarian just substitute the meat for veggies. Also, follow the instructions on your rice for the liquid amount. All rice is different.

Note: If you have saffron threads they need to “bloom” or soak in some liquid in order to let their beautiful flavors develop.

Ruinwen’s Paella

¾ cup of olive oil
1 med onion, chopped
One clove of garlic per person, minced
One piece of chorizo sausage per person
One piece of chicken per person
½ cup of rice per person
3 cups of broth chicken or vegetable broth for every cup of rice (check package)
¼ tsp of saffron
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup red, orange, or yellow pepper
½ tsp of cayenne if you want more spice

Brown sausage and set it aside. Drain sausage grease to ½ tsp and sear chicken.

Heat the olive oil in a separate pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and red pepper to the oil and cook until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant or about 5 minutes.

Pour in the rice and let it absorb the oil and become translucent, which is about another 5 minutes. Add sausage and chicken, broth, paprika, saffron and cayenne. Cover and cook per rice’s instructions. In this case it is 25 minutes.

Remove from heat. Taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Stir. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy.

:)

I don’t mean to limit the use of saffron to paella. Countries all over the world enjoy its unique flavor. Here are but a few dishes from over the globe:
Bouillabaisse from France
Risotto from Milan
Some tajine recipes from Morocco employ saffron

knitnana is Having a Contest

If you don't know knitnana you are missing out on some of the most beautiful bags ever. I love mine it is sturdy and holds just what I need because she thought of putting in all these little pockets. I have a whole bunch of them and believe me I intend to buy a bunch more.

Oh, the contest...she would like some input on her next creation. If you participate you get put in a drawing for her new Glady design that holds interchangeable needle sets like Knit Picks, Boyes or Denises. And I for one think it is a super idea and can't wait to have one in my Grand Mera. :)

Beautiful Things

Let me start off by saying I'm sorry this pic is so not showing the beauty of this piece. Dan is just an amazing crafter. I've been reading his blog for a while now and have watched him make lovely crochet, beautiful sea glass jewelry...then he got into art for a while...and now he is doing things with precious metals that are just amazing. I fell in love with this pendant the minute I saw it and had to have it. Seeing it now I realize that I didn't know how resplendent silver could be. Dan coaxes luminosity out of metal that I have never seen before. So if you have a sec you should go check him out...he is amazing! :)

So I realized that the leaf edging just wasn't what I wanted. No matter how many leaves I swatched they never looked right. And believe me, I swatched a lot of leaves. In fact, I was in the middle of one when we were waiting for our food at I-Hop and the Cat in the Hat came to our table. My son gave him a high five. I wished I'd had my camera. Actually, I wish I had brought my mice with me and I could have had a picture of the Cat in the Hat with my little mouse...what a pic that would have been! But if wishes were fishes...then I'd be up to my armpits in tuna.

Needless to say sometimes the simple is better and I have begun casting off the caplet in picot edging. Happy comforting...has never let me down...picot. I'm hoping to get some good knitting time at the LYS tomorrow while my mice are felting. I love that they have a felting machine! So I can work on two things at the same time *yea*.

Goodness knows tomorrow will be the last time I can work on it with Ostra/Easter and the cleaning of Dad's house this weekend. *whew* I'm tired already.

I wish you all a beautiful day and happy crafting.

Ruinwen
:)

Of Mice and Impossible Charting

Winter's Fury. We had more ice than anything else this winter. This was a day that I stayed home with my son and was sick while he played video games all day. Ice in the Norse Runes stands for Isa: Reflection. It is a time of going within and finding all the resources that you already have carved on the tablet of your soul.

I think that I have done this. I have found a balance between family, obligation, hobbies, work and nurturing of self. I have found the voice to say no when it hurts to do so. I have spoken up when I feel walked on and abused. And I have found time to ruminate and renew when it all is too overwhelming.

Of course, my DH is my rock, my son my sunshine and my knitting my saving grace. But knowing what you need is half the battle to getting where you are supposed to be. So as cold and bitter as winter was this year, I learned many lessons that I will use for the rest of my life.

Spring's beauty. Time to think about the seeds I will plant. Spiritually I am asking for patience and compassion. Physically I think I will plant tomatoes since I love them in the summer. Little changes make a big impact when done with a clear intent.

My caplet is at the edge and I wanted to do something special for the bottom edge. So I poured over pattern books until I found the Windblown Leaf border.
So this chart is from Knitting on the Edge and it was the hardest thing I've ever charted. There are so many no-stitches in the pattern that I felt like I had entered a black hole. But after 5 tries and more hours then I'd like to admit, it is ready for testing. Best to put it away for a day or two before attempting the dreaded swatch.

These mice are from Kitty Knits and they have yet to be stuffed or given noses and eyes. This is my first intentional felting project and I really enjoyed making these cute little critters.

So I've been trying to figure out which direction I want to go with this blog. A good friend told me to do whatever I want since it is my blog. I've been only posting when I have knitting...but with my limited time, I don't knit as much as I used to. So please forgive me while I figure this all out.

Anyway, have a super weekend!

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Stitch By Stitch

"We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us -- how we can take it, what we do with it -- and that is what really counts in the end."

-- Joseph Fort Newton

I know that I’ve been distant. Knitting is something I rarely have time to do. Yet once a week I go to the shop and find how comforting it is to me. It really helps to heal my soul. And I’m not complaining in any way shape or form. This just is how it is right now.

We moved Mom up to Assisted Living right by my house in January. I wish to say that it’s been smooth sailing but everything seemed to go wrong the first month and Mom, bless her heart, did the best she could with all of it. I’ve been so proud of her!

This weekend we were able to take her out and about our little town in her new wheelchair and she really had a good time. It was such a blessing to see her really smile and laugh and enjoy herself.

Every other weekend DH, sis and I are cleaning at the house in hopes of getting it ready for market so Dad can join Mom. Baby steps…one room at a time it is getting cleaner. Like the stitches on my new caplet pictured above. Stitch by stitch, row by row it is getting longer.

I’ve already changed the pattern by using a crochet cast on. The pattern said when you finish the shoulder part go back and pick up 98 stitches. There was no way that was happening. Also by doing it this way I can spit join back onto the cast on end and pick up as if I never left.

I really enjoy the richness of color in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Redwood Forest Hand-Dyed. It is such a joy to work with. Oh, I also changed the side increases to knit front and back instead of make 1. I like the raglan look to it. And I plan to edge in picot to boot.



Here is a pic of Obsidian and Widdershins together. My sweet purry furries…recharging their batteries in the sun.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

1 Pair of Mitts and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Stressless Mitts

By Ruinwen
Here is a cute little last-minute knit that makes up easily in a day. This mitt employs a K4, P1 ribbing in the body to ensure a snug but comfortable fit.

Materials
5 double-pointed needles to gauge
Cascade 220
A scrap of waste yarn
Stitch marker

Gauge
4 stitches per inch – size eight needles
Pattern
Using the long-tail method, cast on 10 stitches on each needle.

Join and knit with working yarn and tail to secure for the first two stitches of K2, P2 rib. Put a marker after the second stitch to signify the first needle. Work in ribbing for 10 rounds.

Switch over to K4, P1 ribbing for 11 rounds.

In the next round, we want to make room for the thumb by using waste yarn to knit stitches that we will later remove. This yarn should be approximately the same thickness that you are already using but a different color that will make the stitches easy to pick out later.

Knit 6 stitches with waste yarn on 1st needle and remove marker for the waste yarn will now mark the first needle. Slide these stitches from working needle back to left-hand needle. 1st needle should now have 10 stitches again but the first six will be in a different yarn.

Knit 6 more rounds in K4, P1 rib.

Change to K2, P2 ribbing for 10 rounds. Bind off all stitches.

Now go back to the waste yarn stitches and place the bottom and top rows of the stitches that are being held by it on two separate needles. Take out waste yarn carefully. You should have six stitches on both needles.

Join new yarn knit 4 stitches from 1st needle. Take a new needle and knit remaining two stitches from 1st needle and pick up 2 side stitches. Knit 4 stitches from the top needle. Take a new needle and knit the remaining 2 stitches on the top needle and pick up two side stitches. You should have four needles each with four stitches on them.

Knit 6 rounds. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Now, make a second one. :)

Stressless Mitts 2007 Ruinwen. All Rights Reserved, Knittin’ Chicks and vixenpath.blogspot.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway, the whole mitt thing started when I was trying to make a pair for a guy I work with and I didn't like the way they fitted. So I added a rib to the body and now they fit him. These were for me but well...they are living at the shop and I will have to make myself another pair later.

As with any holiday season, things have been crazy. Last year my folks were in and out of hospitals and nursing homes and this year we are moving them into Assisted Living. I am trying to be the most loving, understanding, helpful being I can be. I can't even begin to understand how hard it is to pack up and leave the house you've called home for 40+ years and move into an apartment. But I'm doing everything I can to make things easier for them.

I really think as hard as this is that it for the best. And if there is a silver lining to all of this...they will only be five minutes away because they agreed to move to my town. So I can pop over after work and on weekends and it will be really nice.

I'm behind in most everything but that is okay because I always am. I believe in the message of the season and I'm taking time to let the light be reborn deep within me. All things considered, I am very blessed.

If I can't get back to posting before Yule/Soltice/Christmas/Kwanza...please have a wonderful, fun, safe, and happy season and a *big hug* from me.

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

Yule Sweater #1

This sweater is for my niece and it is a very enjoyable knit. The yarn is Patagonia Nature. I'm normally not a fan of fat/thin yarns but I love this one. And boy is it soft!

I was running out of pink and my LYS just happened to have two balls of purple (her second favorite color) in stock. So I thought the pink looks like stripes anyway why not add some purple? I think it is turning out great. If I have some time this weekend I hope to get a huge chunk of it done. It would be nice to finish before Thanksgiving so I can start on Yule sweater #2.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Stupid is as Stupid Does

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm
not sure about the former." -Albert Einstein

Here is a picture of my shawl I made for fall and never got to wear. It lives at the shop where the owner was nice enough to block it and bring out the loveliness of the yarn. I really enjoyed this knit. It was made with Ironstone yarns and was an exercise in increasing and decreasing in a lace pattern.

So I get the stupid award today for booking a full day of work on a day we have off. Since I booked it then I needed to be here for dispatch...so I lost one of the eight days I get a year because I was neglectful of the schedule. :(

I wanted to thank everyone that sent good thoughts and prayers to my family. I wanted to also thank everyone who said they would come and knit, crochet or sew at Starbucks. I only wish we lived closer.

I'm working on a top-down sweater now and having a lot of fun with it. This is one of the three sweaters that I am making for Yule. I think I will be done with it at the end of the week since it has been such an easy, enjoyable knit. I will post it when I'm done.

Have a wonderful day!

Ruinwen
:)

Ear Flap Hat c'est Fini!

I just love this hat! It fits me perfectly...though it really is too big for my son. He wants one of his own now too. I really enjoyed this knit. His will make up even quicker than this one.

Now I know that my snowflakes came out a bit wonky...but it is the thought that counts right? And one goal down! ...now if I can just find someone to knit with me at Starbucks...

Mom says a big "thank you" to all those in blog land sending her good thoughts. Also, thank you for your words of encouragement, you all are the best. :)

Have a super weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

The Hat That Woke Me Up

A person asked Buddha:
“Are you a God?”
Buddha’s reply was
“No.”
“Are you an Angel?”
“No.”
“Then what are you?”
“I am Awake.”
-- Unknown Source

I try to be an aware person. I listen to my body and try to give it what it needs to keep going. My soul craves the simplest of things: family, friends (including furry ones), Pokemon or gaming in general, knitting and coffee.

Right now I’m a little addled by things beyond my control so I dug up my hat. I started a hat a while back and never really got very far. I made one ear flap and saw that I would have to join it in and freaked out. Why? I don’t know. But into the bag for later it went, and I’m just digging it out a year later.

Last night I made the other flap and joined the whole thing in the round. It was on the needle, flaps and all in less time then it took for my son to dawdle about getting into a bath. There was no fear it was all so simple and fun to do. I’m working in Knit Picks Swish Superwash which is 100% Superwash merino wool in dark navy and deep ocean and I’m loving every stitch of it.

This hat is just the thing I needed to get me back on track while everything around me goes out of my control. I don’t even care that I’m going to have to go back and mend a hole at the join. It is all part of the process. And it shows that I’ve grown as a knitter…I hope as a person. I believe that the two are intertwined…like each stitch of this hat.

I think I’ll decorate it with some contrasting embroidered snowflakes for Bridget my Patron Goddess. Something simplistic…like a cup of miso soup on a cold day. A little bit of whimsy that lets my child-within out to play…with no rules in sight. A simple balm for my soul…

If I could beg a favor of you, please keep my family in your thoughts…they all are going through a rough time right now and this is really all I can do to help them. Thank you.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ruinwen, who hopes to have a finished hat by the end of the weekend...
:)

Always at the Very Last Minute

“It is while trying to get everything straight in my head that I get confused.”

-- Mary Virginia Micka

I love my little squat white pumpkin. I thought it very ghost-like for All Hallow's Eve.

I took Samhain off this year to get my life in order and feel like I have a little bit of control again. And it worked. I have found my center even if I am still a day late and a dollar short with everything it doesn't change who I am...and I will always be a gal who does everything important last minute and by the seat of her pants... it's in my genes...imbedded in the very fabric of my DNA.

Speaking of fabric...I just finished a shawl that I really enjoyed making and totally never got a shot of before it went to live at the LYS. So I have been knitting. This month I am not starting any new projects. I need to complete a few of these WIP's...like the hat I was designing in the spring. It has gotten cold enough here that I wish I had a hat. And I could wax forever about why I waited until the last minute to work on it...but you see its who I am.

Ah well, I hope to have something nice to show you after I finish the blanket from hell. I hate that some designers don't check their work...it drives me from here to next Tuesday when a pattern is wrong. So DH and I sat at Mc Donalds and charted this blanket after I ripped it out. Mc Donalds is one of my favorite places to figure out patterns 'cuz my son can happily play while DH helps me from going insane.

So said blanket has been ripped, recast and two repeats have been successfully done from my new chart. The LYS owner is happy with my results thus far but truly I'm just not feeling it.

So since I don't do so well with goals that are high in number I will pick three:
1. Finish this blanket so I can work on another WIP
2. Go to Starbucks and knit by their roaring fire while drinking something yummy
3. At least find my hat and pattern and see where the heck I am

So, until next time...happy crafting!

Ruinwen
:)

Fun on the Hay Slide

October really was fun even though it went so quickly and DH was sick for most of it. My sweet son was supposed to go to the pumpkin patch with his daycare but it was rained out...twice! So we took him and he had a blast. The corn maze was enough to do me in...next time I'm bringing some food, a compass, and a map. lol We got an awesome pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven...oh it was so good! And we bought some yummy pumpkin bread too. All in all, it was a nice day, the rain held out and my son had a lovely trip. Later on, they tried for a third trip at daycare and he did go again...bringing me a lovely pumpkin...

I've made pumpkin pasta which was really good and heated up really nicely with a bit of cream to reliquify everything. We made pumpkin bread that really is more like bread pudding or pumpkin pie without a crust. I had so much pumpkin left over I put it all in there...but it came out delish. I still have to make an actual pumpkin pie. I need to find some new things to do with pumpkin. lol :)

Fair Socks & Scrubbies

Here are my socks in all their glory. One nice lady told me if it was October she would have bought some socks. "Hello" it is October...oh well. My sister's wonderful scrubbies that play on our family heirloom pattern are the best. I love, love, love mine! :)