The Young or the Old

It’s not always what I am willing to learn that allows me to move forward with different result

but what I’m letting to let go of so that I am able to embrace new beliefs and convictions without resistance. ♥

Once I relinquish the need to control everything, I start noticing change is an inevitability.

Once I let go to a higher intelligence, only ego is resistant–otherwise, it just happens.

I grow old. I die. However much I don’t like it, I cannot stop it.

I have reached a place in my evolution where time is becoming a precious and valued commodity. My soul is craving a simplicity with the underlying want of feeling less pressure and less stress in my life.

My family and lifestyle becomes the priority as opposed to being focused on earning more, buying more, and looking after more stuff.

I think about what’s important to me and not what others or the media say is important to me. I strive to create a thoughtful and meaningful lifestyle that offers satisfaction to the core of my being. I value the gift of time. What demands your attention today?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

If I Had My Life To Live Over

85-year-old Nadine Stair’s writing makes me wonder how differently I would live my life

if I had a chance to live it over again.

I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.
I’d relax, I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.

I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles,
but I’d have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I’m one of those people who live
sensibly and sanely hour after hour,
day after day.

Oh, I’ve had my moments,
And if I had it to do over again,
I’d have more of them.
In fact, I’d try to have nothing else.
Just moments, one after another,
instead of living so many years ahead of each day.

I’ve been one of those people who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a raincoat
and a parachute.
If I had to do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

How about you? What would you do differently?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Ooh, Look at the Litt’l Flutterby!

After shaping the latest creation with my steam iron (over a quilter’s press cloth) and taking photographs…I just discover a glorious butterfly. Don’t you? (The colors are more muted jewel tones, not as light and bright as pictured here.)

I haven’t gotten a chance to set up a model shoot session on the soaring wing(span)…just ‘cuz my private photographer has been super busy and is on the road!

I must confess…it’s my new favorite and I am totally mesmerized by its randomly placed colors,

organic, free-flow structure

the comfort and warmth it brings me each time I wrapped myself in it. (Hey…my boy shot this head pose–his second time using my DSR.  Not bad, huh!)

It’s my kinda of quickie, knit up in an evening. Third time the charm. Just as fun–more intuitive swinging and jazz-knitting–and as swiftly as the first (linked) and second (linked) times.  You can’t go wrong with using Size-10 needles and aran-weight Lion Brand Amazing yarn–a ball of each Strawberry Fields and Joshua Tree, some Cobblestones for a wing tip and finishing border/i-cord bind-off, plus small leftover of Regetta towards the end of the wing. This time, I cast on 68 stitches initially and 24, 20, 18, and 18 stitches for subsequent triangles. The i-cord 4-stitch bind off is the same as I’ve done in most of my projects: Back-loop Cast on 4 stitches, **KTB K2 K2togTBL with 1 stitch off the shawl. Slide knitted stitches back to left needles** and repeat from ** to **.

It’s been fun watching how everyone is taking this design and making it their own with modifications. If nothing else, online resources such as Ravelry helps give us, fiber-artists, the freedom to do so, knowing others are venturing out too.  As I continue in my cleaning/de-cluttering path, I have been itchin’ for some low water-immersion dyeing play to replicate some of MadelineTosh kettle-dye effect.

What are some of the things you are craving for? Fresh air and/or May showers?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Three Times the Charm

or a lady.   Here is another fun canvas to paint freely with short-strokes (aka short-row), hot off the needles:

Wingspan (first and second versions here) is quite addictive…so much that I use it as a relief from another crazy day of spring cleaning. (I will show you the whole piece another day once it’s dried and shaped.)

One of the universal laws is that I may choose what feelings I want to experience. When I choose negative feelings, my life become infinitely more stressful and complex ‘cuz I loose the inner connection with the Infinite. When I choose to be optimistic, cooperative and enthusiastic rather than being a victim of my negative emotions, I remain in control of myself and maintain inner happiness. ♥

How do I make the choice to be positive if I have no experience with it?  It is hard to choose to feel a way I have no experience feeling. How do I know when I am succeeding? It’s even more challenging after feeling/being negative…but is worth constantly reminding myself every second. Practice makes perfect. I can tell you it’s worth every bit of trying.

What do you do to help make the positive choice?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

In Motion

I’ve been putting in a good number of hours on the knitting front.  Secret knitting is tough for the blogging…

At least, I can show you this gorgeous wings by a prolific knitter friend. ♡^.^♥

I have to say, I love this shawl.  I know plenty people have knit it and/or seen lots of them. But, this is a beautifully designed and wearable shawl.  So adaptable, so pretty, enchanting, and tempting.  And the short rows and color changes keep you motivated when the rows get long.

I am definitely in a shawl mood and have been sorting my stash of luscious yarnies to cast on Color Affection by Veera Välimäki…right after this mega test I have buried myself in and two more sweaters for Twisted. The shawl offers so many possibilities for playing with color.  I promise more later.

I don’t know about where you are, but high desert’s weather has been changing more than a teen changes her outfits. Every day is completely different. It’s kinda like a person drawing the temperature out of a hat. It’s sprinkling most of the day, today–just perfect for layering.  Typically stashed in my purse are a shawl (doubled as head wrap) and a pair of fingerless mitts. You just never know what the weather’s gonna turn into!

Wouldn’t you say this is the sign of a life-long knitter?  I always make up excuses to wear my goods just one more day, one more season. I’ve got to knit me some more springy sweaters and lace to wear in coming days. So much to knit, so little time!

This week, I have launched another deeper personal journey toward happiness, fulfillment, and a life of meaning. As I explore ways to gather strength and improve self-esteem, I strive to remember, it is not so much about what I have but who I am. May some of my musings inspire you to get adventurous with your life. May you go from strength to strength and be a source of strength to others.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Close to Something Better Left Unknown

Trying out new techniques is always exciting ‘cuz I don’t know quite where I’ll end up!

It is always interesting to me when using colors aren’t typically “my colors” or “safe colors” such as Lion Brand Amazing Wildflowers, Aurora, or Ruby

or something I am trying to do doesn’t work out the way I thought it would.

But what comes about instead is so much better.

A mistake could hold such a pleasant surprise when that happens.   Don’t you agree?

The more I wear the jazzy wingspan (link,) the more this grows on me.

Affirmation of the day?  Do not be afraid to dream and to yearn for everything you would like to see happen.

If you don’t know about short-row knitting, you’re in for a treat. Many complimentary patterns and how-to videos are available on sites such as YouTube, Knitting Daily, KnittingHelp…

If you haven’t ever done it this way, you should try it.

You might be very pleasantly surprised…I sure was!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Soft Like Cloud

Love the hand-painted color. This fabulous chair, designed by New York Desinger Sinje Ollen, will be exhibiting at International Contemporary Furniture Fair, next month.  If you are (or so happened to be) in New York City on May 19-22, stop by Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. All the best showing!

What I like most about being an artist like Sinje Ollen, I may paint what it means to be UNIQUE.

Instead of paints and brushes, mine are in yarn and needles.

This random piece I whipped up today–shared a similar base of like its sister–Mood Swing–is far cry from the elegant mystique shimmering in my mind’s eye. They aren’t even colors I would go out of my way to pick them.

No matter.  In this play, it’s about listening to a “song“, making it my own…and beginning a verse by invoking the elements of song: words and tune.

Such a sense of cosmic oneness and of East meeting West.  I feel empowered and uplifted.

Hope you are inspired to create your next oh-so-expressive ‘abstract art’ of the Twenty-first Century.  Just pick one spot and weave it into your ripples. Once it feels like a natural part of your design, pick another and repeat.  Continue to generate new thoughts as it evolves.

A life is a ripple, followed by a chorus–which is interpreted differently each time.

First time, a ripple is a thought in my mind.

Second time, it is my life in the pool of universal life.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Hard…Great…Somewhere in Between?

What kind of week have you had?

I wish I could sit down with you today, lean across the table, and let you tell me about the moments that made you laugh or the ones that brought tears, about the fears you faced and the joy you felt, about the obstacles that seemed so big and the breakthroughs you never thought could happen.  All of it.

Even though I can’t be there…maybe someone can hear it, first hand. Like my husband…for every moment…every smile, every frown, every victory, every let-down…he comforts and celebrates with me, whatever I need…until I know again that everything is going to be okay. ‘Cuz he loves me. And that’s what love does.

He indulges my constant need to create…to simply make art.

Not a masterpiece. Not something to be hung in a gallery. Just loops, lines, and colors.

It’s not about the result at all.

It’s about taking time to be creative in the middle of my busy life. I painted–with needles and yarn–a soaring wing(span.)

Anyone surprised?

Maylin’s complementary design (available to Ravelry members) is deceptively simple, knitted in one piece, shaped by short rows and completely in garter stitch.  My modified interpretation worked up very quickly…in an evening of mindless TV-viewing.

It’s vibrant with color and texture. I don’t think anyone will want to display it.

But I like it anyway. I like it ‘cuz it wakes up a part of me that has been asleep.  A part of me I’ve missed.

Creativity literally changes me. Scientists used to think, after a certain age, my brain was set. Ooooh, but…I see it so differently. Being creative makes new neurological pathway in your and my mind. It’s never too late to grow.

Creativity isn’t merely picking up a pair of knitting needles, crochet hook, or a paintbrush.

It’s essentially anything I do that gets me outside of the comfort zone. Anything I do that brings life into this world.  For me, it’s writing, cooking, crafting of all mixed-media forms, a long conversation over coffee with a friend that takes me to an unexpected place. What is that for you?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Own Little World

that I live in…Mine. I love my little world and it likes me here.

As in Navajo prayer, beauty is before me

behind me

above me

and below me…hovers the beautiful.

I am surrounded by it and immersed in it.

In my youth, I was aware of it. In old age, I walk quietly the beautiful trail.

In beauty it is begun.

In beauty, it is ended.

It’s been another great day, even being caught in a couple of raging hail downpour…and missing my teen (who is on her way south, with her school band to Heritage Festivals this evening.)

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Spark of Life and Inspiration

Another dynamic evening of Moms’ Night Out last night (this time at my friend Myria’s) came and went.  I laughed so hard most of the evening–it hurt–and skipped pulling out the magic camera all together. Just take my word–it’s absolutely, deliciously fabulous…revitalizing! The secret to its success is simple–a few dear friends!

Time has flown…it continues to do so with increasing velocity.  Instead of always depending on the world to inspire me (but…Sand Art is amazingly irresistible!)

I choose to be a brilliant, positive source of inspiration myself.

The spark of inspiration must begin somewhere.

If life seems to lack inspiration, let that spark begin with me.  Now run along…create and be happy! 

The girls are having their district band contests in Bend and Redmond this morning. The 16-year-old will be leaving on Friday morning for her Heritage Festival tour to Anaheim…so much to do, so little time.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)