Ten Days…

I got up early–not a small achievement for a hardcore night owl. The day really started out with some promise, with aromatic breakfast. Oh my, were they good. Warm. Fluffy. Sweet. I want to go the simple, healthy route next…with pureed delicata or acorn squash next.

Who else is noticing a distinctive chill in the air and frost on the ground signifying winter is here to stay? It sure brings out a craving for the warm comfort of a seafood chowder. Sweet and savory broth envelopes winter vegetables and succulent prawns in a creamy blanket that carries just the slightest whisper of heat to remind me of warmer days. This quick chowder is easy to prepare…sure to be the next staple in the kitchen repertoire!

I felt pretty accomplished before Thursday Knit-Up social this morning at my favorite bookshop cafe with friends. Besides Jewel and Kristin, it was wonderful to have see Pam, Lynn and Christy.

Lunch with Kristin at Toomies right new door was delightful.

It was a great day to refuel and be energized. Do you spy a hat? Why yes. You do. The duckling yellow has drastically transformed to welcoming, soothing hand-dyed lavender petals–Spring aromas come alive in winter–modeled by my good friend Pam.

Nothing works to inspire creativity quite like a stroll in the high desert.

A visit to downtown on a slow day carries me away in mind, body, and soul.

Timelessness lives on this town.  It’s a magical and enchanting land.

A beautiful place that is blessed with breath-taking wonders

…even though I was stuck with a $32 parking ticket.

It has been a really long day after working the concession booth, at the high school’s choir concert tonight. I’m so ready for some fiber play How was your day? What’re some of your great encounters?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

Halos of Hope

I was watching/listening to this amazing interview with Pam Haschke (aka Raveler HaloPrez) in regards to her journey with conquering cancer and the mission of Halos of Hope.  It got me thinking…

12 days…to Christmas, everyone is in the holiday crunch as we wind towards the close of the year.  You’ve gifts to buy, gatherings with friends and family, baking and cooking, plus stitching like a fiend to get all those last-minute hand-made gifts done!  I get it ‘cuz I am right there with you. (Shown below is a similar hat worn by a friend recently and had to make one.)

As I listened to Pam, I realized that New Years’ Day would be the perfect day to spend a little time thinking of others and crocheting a hat, two, or three. What do you usually do that day?  I typically sit in front of my in-laws’ TV–in the valley–watching The Tournament of Roses parade, live from Pasadena, California.  Why not spend that parade-watching time crocheting a hat to donate to Halos?

So, it’s decided.  That’s what I’m doing this New Years’ Day. This one took only more than half a day, much faster if I weren’t so stubborn in using various sizes of hooks (last two tiers in 1.9mm hook!) instead of decreasing in layers using larger hook throughout the project.

I’m making hats (at least two) to donate to Halos of Hope and do invite you to join me in the effort. I reckon many of you are abroad but encourage you to find a local hospital or cancer center in your community that would accept a hat or two and make one for donation.

Not sure where to look for a hat pattern? Here on Ravelry is a list of patterns with 556 complimentary crochet patterns for some inspiring ideas.

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I can’t think of a better way to welcome 2012 than by taking a couple hours and making a hat for someone who is going through cancer. I hope you will join me in this.  Spread the words. Oh my…twelve days to Christmas…no time to chat…back to knitting only from stash! Come back tomorrow and I will reveal more about the duckling yellow hat then

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)