Flying High and Proud

I don’t have to hide myself ‘cuz there’s nothing wrong with me. I was not born to be like the imaginary folks I see on television and in magazine. I was not born to emulate my parents and friends. I was born to be me. That’s it. The complete me with all the cracks and imperfections.

Take off the dark glasses and present myself to the world as I am. Fly through my life with freedom and soar beyond those voices that want to keep me down. The absolute greatest thing I can ever be is me. To feel comfortable in my own skin is the only way to live genuine life. No more hiding. Lets see what I’ve got.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly wet-felting, hand appliqué, and quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
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(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

The Choice Belongs to Me

I either get bitter or get better. It’s that simple.

I either take what has been dealt to me and allow it to make me a better person or allow it to tear me down. The choice does not belong to fate. It belongs to me.

I decide to make more choices that serve my happiness and well-being, today and every day.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly wet-felting, hand appliqué, and quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Remembering

From Shakespeare to “Die Hard,” “Love Actually,” and “Harry Potter,” he brought a distinctive approach to every role. “I think there should be laughs in everything. Sometimes, it’s a slammed door, a pie in the face or just a recognition of our frailties.” I will carry the lessons he taught me for the rest of my life and experience. Rest in peace, Alan Rickman, a giant of the stage and screen.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly wet-felting, hand appliqué, and quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Passion for Learning

I want a life that sizzles, pops, and makes me laugh out loud.

I am a passionate and enthusiastic crafter. I appreciates both the journey and the destination and love delving into the amazing variety of handwork. Today focus is on knitting. I love lace, cables, color work, you name it! I strive for technical experience and flawless finishing as well as poring over every detail to get the best result.

Last week, I was fascinated by the back of a laddered jacquard vest (above.) Unlike traditional strand knitting techniques, yarn was carried across any number of stitches without catching the floats.   Nice and neat.  The fabric is light and relaxed–one reason I’m not a big fan of double-knit garments, but, I do LOVE the look.   Just when I thought I know everything about color stranding. Have you heard of the term (step-by-step guide here)? It’s new to me. How exciting! Though it’s generated by a knitting machine, I was determined to translate it to hand knitting.

I have been dabbling and experimenting on the concept for the last few days. Here’s demonstrating the old (sloppy due to modified intarsia patches) and new way. Last twelve rounds are done in the “laddered” style.

There is no pucker.  Other color does not show through.  And it’s jogless. Bonus? No untwisting strands/balls of yarn every so often. It is ideal for Norwegian sweaters and other stranded projects. What a game changer.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure, once again after a long hiatus, to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly wet-felting, hand appliqué, and quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

I Care

To make a difference in one’s life, I don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. I just have to care.

I care ‘cuz it is what I feel. No condition. No selfish motive or that I want something in return. Genuine love=care=trust.

Have you do a good deed for the day? It’s very gratifying! Check out Days For Girl Central Oregon Chapter and see how you may help.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure, once again after a long hiatus, to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly wet-felting, hand appliqué, and quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects.  As always, they are FREE.  Don’t you just love my latest obsession:  Modified Baa-ble Border Collies and Bunny hats modeled by my sweet woolie peeps–Angela (left) and Sara (right)? I can’t wait to tell you about my new “stable” yarn I’ve been playing with in the new year replacing Patons Classic Worsted and Lion Brand Amazing!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Reflection

I’m still swimming in reflection, excitement, and gratitude.

From my family to yours, here’s to a firework-filled 2016.

I have so much in store and can’t wait to live, breathe, experience, explore, experiment, and share ’em! For today, I’m sending sending you all my LOVE!!

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure, once again after a long hiatus, to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly wet-felting, hand appliqué, and quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. Don’t forget to sign up for Susanna IC Winter Mystery Knit-along. As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

New Year. New Day.

with new possibilities.

Today, I start a new chapter in my life.

365 blank pages. I decide what goes in ’em. Rest assured I’ll fill ’em to make it the best chapter ever.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure, once again after a long hiatus, to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly wet-felting, hand appliqué, and quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Wake Up with A Smile

I wake up every day and think “I’m breathing! It’s a good day.”  Indeed, it’s a good day.  Every day is a good day.

Wake up with a smile in the heart and go after life!

Here’s another creative exercise in beauty–my kind of super fun knit. Today’s selection for queue enlightenment Random Bubbles (click link to FREE pattern.) Keep it one color or let a self-striping yarn do its magic–your choice. Painted Desert yarn at Twigs in The Stitchin’ Post is perfect for this delight.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure, once again after a long hiatus, to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

If I find it difficult deciding on #color schemes for my wardrobe accessory, #neutral is more often than not the answer I choose. Another #Dreambird knock-off (reverse-engineering)–3 #feathers finished.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Talent and/or Gifted

What do you think of so-called talent or being gifted? Me? Neither. Even the famous artists had to start somewhere. I don’t become a Van Gogh or Mozart overnight.

When I want to knit or quilt, I try techniques and learn new skills. By practicing these, I see my “art” develop and feel myself grow as an artist, a knitter, a quilter, a spinner, a crafter…a human being. I am growing my talent each and every day. So are you.

If I had a gift, it was my desire. My desire to create. My desire to learn everything under the blazing sun. My desire to push past every point of frustration–where I felt I couldn’t do it or sew a 1/4″ seam–where I was merely too embarrassed that I didn’t want to show anybody.

It’s all learning–every step of the way. When I knit, sew, or doodle passionately every day, I learn something new. So what I weren’t born with a talent or gift. I sure can learn a skill. We are all born artists, after all. Go for it.

Are you ready for autumn? Today’s selection for queue enlightenment Horizons Hat (click link to FREE pattern)–easy, warm, and comfy with a fun reversible waffle stitch pattern. It’s slouchy enough to fit around the hair when you have it up in a bun. The hat is worked in lace-weight, held doubled; a light-fingering yarn would be a good substitute. To commemorate Tsunami Knits’ first Ravelry pattern launched, this perfect stash-busting pattern is FREE with coupon code lovefall, good through Monday, August 31.

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure, once again after a long hiatus, to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

Sunriver, Oregon

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Love More

Do you believe that Dr. King was not an inspirational self-help guru, but, an activist around issues of race, class, and poverty–all of which are hidden from view by this act of quotation?

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

To believe that love and light are not the foundation of activism and social change is to completely miss the point of activism. This statement is only self-help material if you don’t understand the radical nature of love and the danger people all over the world face as they try to change their lives and communities. There is nothing hiding in this quote. Bringing love, light, and nonviolence in the face of oppression is speaking truth to power.

…hate is *too* great a burden to bear.”

It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. I need to love more, today and every day.

Today’s selection for queue enlightenment Playground Shawl (click link to FREE pattern)–is a fun, mindless knit. Not only versatile and easily adaptable, it’s great for an autumn wrap! Lightweight or substantial–take your pick. It’s perfect for any age to wear while the weather starts to cool off for fall. ENJOY!

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure, once again after a long hiatus, to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty (mostly quilting of late) adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

My first “juried” quilt Life Twirls On was in the “Black to White Quilt Challenge Exhibit”
in Quilt!Knit!Stitch! show last week.

Black to White Quilt Challenge Exhibit
in Quilt!Knit!Stitch! show in Portland, Oregon last week.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, Instagram, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)