Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Rock the Monkey

Ta da!  The monkey socks.  This photo is terrible but they are outside blocking on the deck in the shade.  I loved this pattern!  It was so easy to follow, easy to memorize (at least on the second sock) and so pretty (though you would no know from this photo. ugh.)  The yarn is a bit crazy but you will never lose your socks.  I wanted these for myself but alas, I was to eager to start the toe and said, oh yes, they will fit perfect.  Well, no they don't and it would bug me to no end if I were to wear them.  So off they go, into the gift pile.  Who will get them, I wonder?  Those of you in my family who read, please be surprised if you are the lucky recipient.  And know that you are extremely lucky because, dammit Jim, I wanted these for my very own!

Monday, November 08, 2010

I Like Days Like This

I woke early, I'm sure because of the time change.  I had my coffee, walked the dogs, checked my email, and even managed to get in a video Pilates class all before breakfast.   Off to work, where I was hugged and thanked for being a blessing to someone.  Paid the bills, made appointments, and did the banking.  I sat in the parking lot talking to my sister.  Errands completed, socks for the month done, and a fantastic dinner.  I wonder what tomorrow will hold.

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Retreat

I long for a retreat.  In the past, I've staffed youth camps and women's art retreats but never have been the recipient or at least not in a decade or more.  My Aunt has gone to Italy and Wyoming to knit.  With my job, I see numerous groups come through and bond.  Some of them just sit on the porch in the rockers and visit, some laugh till they cry in their small group time, some sing praises of joy, and some just sit with one another on the beach, quietly supporting one another.  Right now there is a group of women at the center, crafting.  They invited me to join them but I felt intrusive.  It's not my group and I had work to do.  So I vowed to retreat at home, luckily Mark Wahlberg was available for a short period of time.  He was tough as shit while I knitted my socks although I did see him cry.  This retreat has a hot tub too, clothing optional.  While this is not exactly the retreat I envision, it serves its purpose while I make decisions on where my retreat will be, with whom, and what kind of focus.  Oh, my sock and my recliner are both calling me.

Friday, November 05, 2010

For This Day

I am grateful. 

My BFFL aka Peach writes down her praises on a cheap steno pad, every morning.  I miss her crazy, loving, physical, presence in my life on a daily basis.

I am grateful for a safe journey home.  I am grateful for the arms of My Handsome Prince, open when I arrived.  I am grateful for the time I spent with my daughers, no matter how brief.  I am grateful for my sister, her beauty leaves me breathless sometimes, and of course, no one can make me laugh like she can.  I am grateful for the ability to please my Maminka with the gift of service and just sitting around with family for she said today was her perfect day.  I am grateful for the reminder that a perfect day does not need to be spectacular just full of those you love.  I am grateful for my Father and his devotion to two families, visiting us while shuttling other grandchildren around.   And that was my day today.