Fearless

sometimes I think I was born fearless…in everything my whole life. Pretty much I have. I got little depressed (hormone-driven) as a first-time mom while on maternity leave, but, I still felt as though I was superwoman and could do anything: carry a backpack, diaper bag, purse, and umbrella WHILE pushing a stroller! I wanted to make a heirloom blanket for my son (who will be 28 comes September!)

Yow! What was I thinking?  Shetland lace. Knit-on border edging. I had never even knit before then. No knitting group or online video for help. I don’t remember if there was even a knitting class I could have taken. I was clueless about gauge. Who cares, right? It’s only a blanket (a deep plum purple than periwinkle blue as pictured.) Not like I needed to worry about fitting. I figured out what I didn’t know from the pattern explanations and just trying it out until it looked right. Somehow, I made it through. I still have the blanket that needs a little fixing.  See.

Oh wow! It amazes me too that I actually made it way back then, vanishing most of my fears in the process ) Okay, you may laugh. And NOPE, I am not going to correct all the unsightly spots or re-do the edging.  Nope.  I may block it though…or should I?

How about you, fearless knitters/crafters? What has helped or is helping to make you fearless? And, if you’re still on your way to becoming fearless, what would help move you closer?

Nowadays, it’s easy to become fearless. I may chat with some of the wonderful folks online or in person.  They are so encouraging and helpful. Anytime I want to know how to do something new, all I have to do is ask and the helpful tips come pouring in.

Local group, particularly, is exceptionally supportive and helpful.

Now I’m knitting/creating all sorts of things for babies to grandmas–from a simple dishcloth to a cable-intense sweater to a complex lace shawl–as requested or at random for charity. I’m learning new techniques because of it. The skies the limit, baby!

It’s important to treat it as a learning process and not get too worried if a project doesn’t turn out as I had thought it might. Knowing how to fix mistakes is a major part of fearlessness. I have taught a lot of beginners how to fix mistakes. It makes a huge difference. The Fixing Mistakes videos at Knitting Help may show you a few things. Also check out Techknitter’s blog for tons of helpful tips and exploring new skills. I really like Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters by Lisa Kartus. The photographs are very helpful, particularly for newer knitters. Being able to fix my mistakes, to tink (knit spelled backward,) and to pick up a dropped stitch totally changed how I knit.

Being able to clearly visualize everything I did long before attempting it has helped me. I would fix mental images of cabling and knitting in a round, two-at-a-time sleeves/socks/gloves, before trying to do them with my fingers. Visualization before attempting a move is a martial arts technique to improve confidence and form.

Now there are some things I am afraid of.  Skydiving, jumping out of airplanes, or bungee-jumping…for example. Actually, any kind of heights will do it. I could have said mountain climbing or elevators that whisk me up to the 51st floor, Carnelian Room in Bank of America building (closed since 2009 after 40 years.)

Even more frightening would be glass elevators that let you see how high you are going. I’m such a chicken that a glass elevator at some mall that takes me from the first to second floor is enough to make me queasy.

But that little hank of yarn? Harmless?  Nope, not even close!  It’s all about perspective. Repeat after me…It’s just a ball of yarn!  Any mistakes can be unraveled and re-knit. Or used to knit something else. Hopefully a more satisfying something else.  Don’t let a mistake paralyze you–in crafting or in life!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Hansel and Gretel

Ohmuhgosh.  Is this where Hansel and Gretel were held captive?  I wonder.  I came across a picture of this house in Russia and instsantly fell in love. My first thought, of course, was how hard can that be to make?!. I have a few ideas…it’s just waiting for the right house to restore!  Oh how I wish!  Wouldn’t this be a great project for a woodworking class…for my kids and their home-school friends?  It’s got my wheels turning!

Original gingerbread house?  It reminds me of the book I once read when my first son was a wee tall, Easter Egg Artist by Adrienne Adams.

Orson Abbott is a rabbit.
His parents decorate Easter eggs.
When the Abbotts go on vacation,
they have lots of adventures.
Orson likes decorating, but not as much as he likes to play.
When a family wants their house decorated,
Orson gets to do the high parts…
When the townspeople ask the Abbotts to paint the town bridge,
Orson decides he wants to do the whole thing by himself?
It takes a lot of hard work,
but Orson loves it and never gets tired.

A lot of rural Russian houses have amazing woodwork (carved.)

But, I haven’t seen one painted before. Not sure I would love to live there…wouldn’t mind visiting and stay for a night.

If you think this is neat, go to Grimsby Beach and check out some of the houses down there.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Planting Seeds of Understanding

Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth.  The cold snowy days of winter start to fade as the vibrant signs of spring come alive.

Celebrate and laugh.  Smile.

Hug people.  Cultivate and cherish relationships.

Have a positive attitude.  Listen more.  Give.  Love unconditionally.  Pray daily.  Make sure everyone around me knows how much I love them.

There are so many wonderful milestones in my life.  All of these moments should be celebrated.  Try not to compare me too critically with my peers.  Instead, embrace the differences that make me one of a kind.   This is my story and I am sticking to it.   Why don’t you do the same, too?  ♡^.^♥

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!)

Happy Spring

I’ve been a little busy and a little distracted lately. But! It’s for a good cause, the kind that hopefully–some day–my 16-year-old would really appreciate all the effort on her behalf. It’s that time again. Since 1996, the Sunriver Music Festival has been bringing world-class musicians to central Oregon for a classical concert series. The festival also gives scholarships to students from Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties who show exceptional promise in classical music. A select group of students audition in Sunriver before a committee in early June. A concert celebration, showcasing top scholarship recipients, is held each summer around the second week in June in Sunriver (or in Bend.)   This year’s comprehensive application is due in three weeks. I am close to gathering all the requirements…with the exception of updating her transcript.

Last year, the organization awarded a total of $28,550 in scholarship money to deserving music students between $100-$3,500 toward music camps, private lessons, or tuition. My teen has been one of the fortunate scholarship winners since 2010.  We just love our caring, supportive community here in Central Oregon. ♥   With my daughter’s steady improvement since last year’s audition, this will be a memorable year…full of high hopes!

Spring has clearly arrived in the valley while I am visiting the in-laws.

I couldn’t help but to celebrate with this beautiful ginger golden beet salad…absolutely delicious!  Once I’ve perfected the taste and proportion, I’ll be sure to share the recipe.  ♥ New tip of the month: You already know you’re supposed to eat healthy to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and numerous other conditions–but did you know it actually helps your body defend against toxic chemicals? This article by Environmental Health Perspectives should be a good reason to chow down on fruits & veggies! Don’t you think?  What’s your favorite spring-y, healthy and tasty salad?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

雞蛋仔Little Egg

literal translation, aka egg puff, Gei Dan Jai, Egg Waffle, or Eggette, a cross between a little popover and a waffle.  It’s one of the long-standing popular street foods in Hong Kong...fond memory from my childhood, frequent patron of local street hawkers after school and after dinner with my parents.   Years passed.  How ironic that it too has become my kids’ absolute-favorite snack, each time we visited my mom in San Francisco?

Source: Christinesrecipes.com

Great treat comes with a hefty price-tag. Last time we paid about $6 for a dozen and they disappeared as quickly as they were put in the mouth. For years, I have been searching, hi and lo, for an egg puff iron.

Source: Williams-Sonoma

A friend told me she got one from her mom, ordered online for $30 from England, as a house-warming gift when she moved here 4 or 5 years ago.  A couple of years ago, Martha Kay at Barnes & Noble here told me it’s Danish Ebelskivers.  I asked a knowledgeable, kitchen-shop owner in town and it’s foreign to her.  Last year, I found an electric one at Williams-Sonoma for $59.95 and a Nordic Ware Egg Waffle Pan for $49.95 that looks like it may do the job.  But, no thanks…the price is a tad steep for this gadget girl’s pocket.  The quest continues without any luck locating it…until now.  As seen on TV, a cake pop or donut hole maker by Belle, sold at Target for under $20.   I know, not the same…far from the real thing.  Heck, this will just have to do.  I will make it work if it kills me ‘cuz–believe it or not–it’s one of my dreams.  I can do it.

Now comes the un-venting experiment…

INGREDIENTS (Makes over 4 dozens)
1.5 C Flour
3 T Cornstarch
1.5 t  Baking Powder
3 Eggs
1 t Vanilla
½ C Sugar
½ C Sweetened Condensed milk
3/4 C Water
DIRECTION
Pre-heat for a minute.  Coat the holes with olive oil spray or a dab of butter and heat until hot. Shift flour, cornstarch and baking powder together into a mixing bowl. Add rest of ingredients and mix well. Fill each hole with a tablespoon of batter and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Rotate half-baked ball over 180° with a fork.

Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.  When a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out cleans, it’s finished.
Take the puffs out of the holes (with fingers or a fork, your choice) and lay them over a wire rack to cool.

Chinese egg waffle shapes like an hallow-egg.   Soft, not dense.  Crispy outside, with a dab of creamy custard  inside. My first production isn’t so…not as crispy and fluffy…regardless, the pre-teen boy gave it two thumbs-up.♥ I need to improve this base and work up a recipe with custard filling next.  The past is where I learned the lesson. The future is where I apply the lesson. I won’t give up in the middle. To crank out a batch of six at a time…I wonder if it’s more time and energy efficient, in the long haul, making the puffs with a Nordic Ware Egg Waffle Pan.  Have you ever have these yummy, little eggs?

What do you think of the topsy-turvy spring tease?

Whacky? Some says there is no melting of the ice caps while another says the ice caps are melting the same as they always have since the last ice age. While the planet gets tossed about in space on its axis by forces I cannot yet comprehend or alone control, I’m gonna buckle my seat belt, sit back, and enjoy the ride while I am still…alive.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Score-Keeping

I’ve struggled a bit with the need to keep score. It’s likely driven by a fear of being left to do everything: and that is a very real and big fear for me.

In reading Patricia Ryan Madson‘s IMPROV WISDOM: DON”T PREPARE JUST SHOW UP! today, her analogy of improv team is opening my lens and pushing me to re-frame situations that I landed myself in. Changing my action will lead to a changed situation that may result in more appealing outcome for everyone involved.

But I must admit–I still have the fear! Learning to change my perspective can redirect or even short circuit temper flares. Thankfully, I have this place to display a bit of displeasure, acknowledge it, and release it. Better to do this than to let it fester and turn to anger. It keeps me level-headed when I’m running around like a total assbag, for sure!

Being here at the lake makes doing quick mental exercises in gratitude a breeze

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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