It has been too long since I wrote a blog entry. Wow. Life has just been so busy and so hard.
I have been so incredibly sick this year. My autoimmune disease has caused me to have chronic pain, and has caused me to have a multitude of medical problems. Just the treatments for my disease have caused serious illness. I have been to more doctors/specialists than I care to count. I am sick of being sick. My medical bills have been staggering. It has been hard to keep up with life.
What bothers me the most is that people just don't understand why you cannot do what you did before. They get tired of hearing my medical drama. Sorry folks, I cannot help it. I am just trying to hang on, to tough it out, and to do as much as I can for myself and for my family. If it bothers you that I cannot be there for you as much as I once was, well then, I am sorry. I am doing my best. It is all I can do some days to climb the stairs to get to bed. I am exhausted. I do not have time to go out much, to be on the phone much, or to keep up with what my friends are doing. I am just trying to get through my days. Keeping up with errands and the lives of my sons is hard enough. More is just too much. I do not have the money right now to send gifts to friends. They don't like that? Well, again...sorry. I have been more than generous with you in the past. The fact that I cannot do it now is no reflection on the depth of my friendship.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A Great Day
Today was a wonderful day. I woke up early, and after son John went to work, son Dan and I had breakfast at the Towson Diner. That is something we never get to do, because Dan is not an early riser. The reason he had no trouble getting up today was the fact that we were going to the Sugarloaf Craft Festival together. We have done that together every year, twice a year, since he was just a little guy. We both enjoy just taking in the gorgeous art. We are always amazed by what we see, by the fact that human hands can create such beauty.
After 2 and a half hours there, I came home to a humongous package from Jana, Puggerhugger on Ravelry. She sent me the most amazing goodies. I love it all. I cannot believe that she did all of that for me. I am so blessed by her friendship.
You know, it is funny. I love to give gifts. I always have. I guess, according to Gary Chapman's amazing book, The 5 Love Languages, I show love by giving gifts to those around me. I am not usually the one who receives gifts. So,when several of my friends gave me birthday gifts this year, I was just floored. Their friendship is gift enough. The fact that they went above and beyond that has moved me to tears, especially when I imagine the sacrifices that several of them made to give me things. I hope they all know that even though I give gifts, I expect nothing in return. I love them just because they are precious to me.
Then,I did some shopping for my swap partner, _____. That was great fun for me. I got some amazing bargains, and I am having a good time putting this box together. (Sock Monkey still needs another leg, 2 arms, and a tail...)
The day continued to be wonderful when I got to talk to some friends and had a nice dinner at home with John,Dan,and John. I'll knit awhile and then head into bed.
I couldn't have asked for a better day.
After 2 and a half hours there, I came home to a humongous package from Jana, Puggerhugger on Ravelry. She sent me the most amazing goodies. I love it all. I cannot believe that she did all of that for me. I am so blessed by her friendship.
You know, it is funny. I love to give gifts. I always have. I guess, according to Gary Chapman's amazing book, The 5 Love Languages, I show love by giving gifts to those around me. I am not usually the one who receives gifts. So,when several of my friends gave me birthday gifts this year, I was just floored. Their friendship is gift enough. The fact that they went above and beyond that has moved me to tears, especially when I imagine the sacrifices that several of them made to give me things. I hope they all know that even though I give gifts, I expect nothing in return. I love them just because they are precious to me.
Then,I did some shopping for my swap partner, _____. That was great fun for me. I got some amazing bargains, and I am having a good time putting this box together. (Sock Monkey still needs another leg, 2 arms, and a tail...)
The day continued to be wonderful when I got to talk to some friends and had a nice dinner at home with John,Dan,and John. I'll knit awhile and then head into bed.
I couldn't have asked for a better day.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
A Candle Loses Nothing
One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou. It says, "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle." To me that is the essence of teaching.
I am lucky enough to be teaching knitting classes at a local yarn store. I absolutely love it. This is teaching at its best for me.
(I have been out of the classroom for 20 years now. I loved the kids, and the "lightbulb going off" moments, but the paperwork and bad attitudes on the part of many left me cold. It all got in the way. I miss the good stuff. A lot. I don't miss the bad stuff. At all.)
This new opportunity just invigorates me. I couldn't love it more. The students actually want to be there, and they learn so quickly. Best of all, they appreciate their teacher and what they are learning. I love that.
Little do they know that I appreciate them even more. They are giving me gifts that they aren't even aware of. I am so grateful.
I am lucky enough to be teaching knitting classes at a local yarn store. I absolutely love it. This is teaching at its best for me.
(I have been out of the classroom for 20 years now. I loved the kids, and the "lightbulb going off" moments, but the paperwork and bad attitudes on the part of many left me cold. It all got in the way. I miss the good stuff. A lot. I don't miss the bad stuff. At all.)
This new opportunity just invigorates me. I couldn't love it more. The students actually want to be there, and they learn so quickly. Best of all, they appreciate their teacher and what they are learning. I love that.
Little do they know that I appreciate them even more. They are giving me gifts that they aren't even aware of. I am so grateful.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Barbies
I was 3 when I got them-
A gift from my uncle.
The whole set, wow....
Unheard of generosity.
I remember playing with them for hours.
You in the background...
Telling him he shouldn't have
Really, he shouldn't have...
I wasn't worth it.
Later I got others-
After saving my allowance
Fifty cents at a time.
Tutti, Buffy, Suntan Barbie and Ken.
Time alone to play and dream. Blessed quiet.
You took them one day
And bent their legs sideways
Breaking the tiny wires.
"Here's what rickets look like.
You'll get that too if you don't eat right."
And still for some reason I have saved them.
All the dresses, the shoes, the mini toaster and toasts.
The pieces of imagination and creative escape.
Bent legs, messed up hair,
Ears green from sticking straight pins into the lobes.
Why can't I let them go?
There is pain when I see them.
Pain from You-
Ouch. I still feel it....ouch, ouch, ouch.
But there is a little girl with blonde short hair
Who sat on a front porch
Using toothpaste caps for Barbie cups.
Wondering what life could be.
Where is she?
Will she be all right
If I put these in a box
And let the truck take them away tomorrow??
Copyright 2010 Mary Skeen-all rights reserved
A gift from my uncle.
The whole set, wow....
Unheard of generosity.
I remember playing with them for hours.
You in the background...
Telling him he shouldn't have
Really, he shouldn't have...
I wasn't worth it.
Later I got others-
After saving my allowance
Fifty cents at a time.
Tutti, Buffy, Suntan Barbie and Ken.
Time alone to play and dream. Blessed quiet.
You took them one day
And bent their legs sideways
Breaking the tiny wires.
"Here's what rickets look like.
You'll get that too if you don't eat right."
And still for some reason I have saved them.
All the dresses, the shoes, the mini toaster and toasts.
The pieces of imagination and creative escape.
Bent legs, messed up hair,
Ears green from sticking straight pins into the lobes.
Why can't I let them go?
There is pain when I see them.
Pain from You-
Ouch. I still feel it....ouch, ouch, ouch.
But there is a little girl with blonde short hair
Who sat on a front porch
Using toothpaste caps for Barbie cups.
Wondering what life could be.
Where is she?
Will she be all right
If I put these in a box
And let the truck take them away tomorrow??
Copyright 2010 Mary Skeen-all rights reserved
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Big Kitty
About 4 years ago on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I looked outside and saw a big, gorgeous Maine Coon cat had knocked down my trash cans and had pulled out the turkey carcass for his dinner. I went outside to see if he was friendly and if I could help him. He ran from me. I put food and water out and he came back to eat. He was ravenous. Poor guy. We called him Big Kitty because of his size.
I saw him sporadically for the next few weeks, and tried to lure him near so that I could take him to a vet or to a shelter for help. He had obviously been outside for awhile and would not get anywhere near me. I called 7 different cat organizations in Baltimore to see what to do, and to get help for this gorgeous,homeless guy. Because he was on the scraggly side, perhaps with some skin issues, and was not what they deemed as "friendly" or "adoptable", they told me there was nothing they could/would do to help me. I even went so far as to tell them I would keep him, but no...The best offer I got was the lend of a trap to catch him myself. I was told I would need to bait the trap a certain way, and that I would need long leather gloves to handle it once he was caught in the trap. (Um...have you ever heard a feral cat who is screaming in a trap? I have. It is one of the worst sounds imaginable.) I told them about the raccoons and foxes in our neighborhood, and how I did not want to trap one of those instead. Again, no help. Oh, and I was told that Big Kitty could be injured by the door slamming down on the trap. His tail could be amputated by it, or his back or other body parts could be hurt. I was told that all vet expenses would be mine, and if I trapped a wild animal-again my problem. In short...no help.
Because I feared trapping a wild animal in the trap, I chose the path of interacting with him on the rare occasions that I saw him, once getting to actually pet his head. In my dreams I had hoped to one day reach down and just pick him up and take him somewhere for help. No dice. He lashed out at me a couple times, scratching and trying to bite, and that scared me enough not to want to get too close.
To this day, I look out for him. I feed him if I see him and he is hungry. I keep trying to get help for him. I have asked help from 12 different organizations-some of which I have given money to for years; one I have volunteered for. No help. Even more requests to the county and to people who work with ferals--no help. I feel awful for him.
This month two blizzards dumped about 45" of snow on us. I haven't seen Big Kitty for weeks. I wonder where he is and whether he is alive. He has been gone for months at a time before this, and has returned-nearly starving, but alive. I have set up shelter for him in our garage and on our side porch. He has chosen not to use it. This guy has his pride.
I wonder what kind of pig person had him for a kitten and just let him loose to fend for himself? I think I know who it is, but have no evidence, so once again can do nothing. I pray that one day I will be able to help him more than I have been able to. It saddens me that his life has been so hard. He is just a few steps away from help, warmth, and loving arms, but he will not step close enough.
May God bless you, Big Kitty. May God help me to help you. May He open up their hearts and hands to offer service to one of His own who needs it so very badly.
I saw him sporadically for the next few weeks, and tried to lure him near so that I could take him to a vet or to a shelter for help. He had obviously been outside for awhile and would not get anywhere near me. I called 7 different cat organizations in Baltimore to see what to do, and to get help for this gorgeous,homeless guy. Because he was on the scraggly side, perhaps with some skin issues, and was not what they deemed as "friendly" or "adoptable", they told me there was nothing they could/would do to help me. I even went so far as to tell them I would keep him, but no...The best offer I got was the lend of a trap to catch him myself. I was told I would need to bait the trap a certain way, and that I would need long leather gloves to handle it once he was caught in the trap. (Um...have you ever heard a feral cat who is screaming in a trap? I have. It is one of the worst sounds imaginable.) I told them about the raccoons and foxes in our neighborhood, and how I did not want to trap one of those instead. Again, no help. Oh, and I was told that Big Kitty could be injured by the door slamming down on the trap. His tail could be amputated by it, or his back or other body parts could be hurt. I was told that all vet expenses would be mine, and if I trapped a wild animal-again my problem. In short...no help.
Because I feared trapping a wild animal in the trap, I chose the path of interacting with him on the rare occasions that I saw him, once getting to actually pet his head. In my dreams I had hoped to one day reach down and just pick him up and take him somewhere for help. No dice. He lashed out at me a couple times, scratching and trying to bite, and that scared me enough not to want to get too close.
To this day, I look out for him. I feed him if I see him and he is hungry. I keep trying to get help for him. I have asked help from 12 different organizations-some of which I have given money to for years; one I have volunteered for. No help. Even more requests to the county and to people who work with ferals--no help. I feel awful for him.
This month two blizzards dumped about 45" of snow on us. I haven't seen Big Kitty for weeks. I wonder where he is and whether he is alive. He has been gone for months at a time before this, and has returned-nearly starving, but alive. I have set up shelter for him in our garage and on our side porch. He has chosen not to use it. This guy has his pride.
I wonder what kind of pig person had him for a kitten and just let him loose to fend for himself? I think I know who it is, but have no evidence, so once again can do nothing. I pray that one day I will be able to help him more than I have been able to. It saddens me that his life has been so hard. He is just a few steps away from help, warmth, and loving arms, but he will not step close enough.
May God bless you, Big Kitty. May God help me to help you. May He open up their hearts and hands to offer service to one of His own who needs it so very badly.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
May God Bless You The Rest of the Way
I was just at the grocery store where I saw the most adorable baby boy. He was all wrapped up in his tiny blue snow suit, with a blue striped knitted hat. He was sound asleep in the cart-not a care in the world. I asked his dad how old he was. He told me that he was just 6 weeks old. I told him that the baby was beautiful, that I could hardly remember when my boys were that small, that now they were 20 and almost 17. I looked at him and said, "It goes by way too fast. Enjoy him." He looked at me and my youngest son and then said the nicest thing to me. He said, "It's been nice talking to you. May God bless you the rest of the way." I almost cried.
Monday, January 11, 2010
11 Days In...
Well, I am 11 days into the new year, and so far, I have met my new year's resolution goals. I have walked in and out of LYSes and have not bought anything. I have felt and admired, and I have walked away, thinking about all of the yarns that I have at home that are languishing. I have 3 pairs of socks on the needles and will finish those before starting more. Deep breath. One day at a time. The money saved will help to build a nest egg for Dan's college tuition.
The New Year has brought some answers about my health issues, thank goodness. I feel lucky to have such good health care. Hopefully, with a few medicine changes, and a lot of time, things will change for the better. Fingers crossed.
I have begun teaching beginning knitting classes, and I am enjoying it. The students are reminding me why I always loved teaching. There is nothing quite like the feeling of sending someone off with new skills that will enrich and enhance their lives. Another plus...no papers to grade! (Former English teacher remembering the hours of grading every night...)
I hope to continue to look at the positive and avoid the negative, and that includes the negative people in my life. They sap the life right out of me.
Just found out that my man, JT, is playing at Verizon Center in June. Tickets, perhaps?? I'll know in a few days. Hopefully, they will not be sold out in the first 5 minutes like the last time. I haven't seen him live for a few years now, and I definitely miss that. This sounds like a good one...the Troubador Concert with Carole King. Wow, that takes me back.
Here's to feeling better!
The New Year has brought some answers about my health issues, thank goodness. I feel lucky to have such good health care. Hopefully, with a few medicine changes, and a lot of time, things will change for the better. Fingers crossed.
I have begun teaching beginning knitting classes, and I am enjoying it. The students are reminding me why I always loved teaching. There is nothing quite like the feeling of sending someone off with new skills that will enrich and enhance their lives. Another plus...no papers to grade! (Former English teacher remembering the hours of grading every night...)
I hope to continue to look at the positive and avoid the negative, and that includes the negative people in my life. They sap the life right out of me.
Just found out that my man, JT, is playing at Verizon Center in June. Tickets, perhaps?? I'll know in a few days. Hopefully, they will not be sold out in the first 5 minutes like the last time. I haven't seen him live for a few years now, and I definitely miss that. This sounds like a good one...the Troubador Concert with Carole King. Wow, that takes me back.
Here's to feeling better!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Best Gift
Last night my youngest son and I were looking at my Social Security end of year summary that came in the mail. He laughed at the amount of money I made when I was his age (17)-just a little over $400. Then he studied my salary through the years, my college days when I worked 4+ jobs, and my years as a teacher. Then there were 15+ years where there was no salary. He said, "What's that? Oh, those are the raising kid years..." I jokingly figured out the amount of money I could have made and told him what it might have been, and how it might have helped us along financially. He said, "But Mom, I am who I am because you stayed home with us. I would be a different person if you hadn't.I am so glad you did." Wow. That made it all worth it. The sacrifices, the lean times,the second-hand clothing and furniture, a house in desperate need of repairs....all pale in comparison to his statement. I really love my boys.
Mittens!
I have discovered that I love to knit mittens! I predict many pairs in my future this coming year. I think my next pair is gonna be Bella's Mittens. Then I want to make a bunch with sock yarn. The designs with the sock yarns will be fun and amazing.
I'd also love to:
-Make more socks!
-Learn more beaded knitting techniques
-Design some more knitting patterns
-Make a pair of gloves
-Make an attempt at lace knitting to see what all the buzz is about
-Learn more of Barbara Walker's stitch patterns by knitting more dishcloths
This year, I am going to make time for my knitting every day. It is a priority. It relaxes and calms me and it helps me to remember what good things can come from my hands.
Happy New Year! All the best in 2010!
I'd also love to:
-Make more socks!
-Learn more beaded knitting techniques
-Design some more knitting patterns
-Make a pair of gloves
-Make an attempt at lace knitting to see what all the buzz is about
-Learn more of Barbara Walker's stitch patterns by knitting more dishcloths
This year, I am going to make time for my knitting every day. It is a priority. It relaxes and calms me and it helps me to remember what good things can come from my hands.
Happy New Year! All the best in 2010!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
New Year's Resolutions~Yeah, Right!?
I am trying to think of ways to improve my life, and my family's life this coming year. So, I have come up with a few things to try. Here goes. I wonder hw long into the new year I'll make it before I mess one up??
1. Work only from stash unless I do not have the means to complete a specific project that is a gift or a special request.
2. Curse less.
3. Yell less.
4. Spend less money on impulse buys.
5. Save enough money to pay for part of D's college next year.
6. Resist the temptation to get more kitties.
7. Exercise more.
8. Worry less.
9. Clear the clutter from this house.
10. Be more organized.
There you have it. Think I can live up to it? Any of it?? Time will tell. I'll keep you posted.
Happy New Year to all my friends and internet family...xoxo
1. Work only from stash unless I do not have the means to complete a specific project that is a gift or a special request.
2. Curse less.
3. Yell less.
4. Spend less money on impulse buys.
5. Save enough money to pay for part of D's college next year.
6. Resist the temptation to get more kitties.
7. Exercise more.
8. Worry less.
9. Clear the clutter from this house.
10. Be more organized.
There you have it. Think I can live up to it? Any of it?? Time will tell. I'll keep you posted.
Happy New Year to all my friends and internet family...xoxo
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Overwhelmed
Too much stuff.
Too much taking people places.
Too many chores to do, and not enough time in the day.
Too many interruptions.
Too much to organize.
Too much to get rid of.
Too much extended family baggage.
Too many home repairs that are out of reach.
Too much backtalk.
Too much weight gained for no reason.
Too much physical pain.
Too much time in cyberspace...Is any of it real??
Too little time to knit!
Too little time to sleep!
Too few friends to help me bear the burden.
Too little money.
Too little love.
= Overwhelmed
= Stuck
Too much taking people places.
Too many chores to do, and not enough time in the day.
Too many interruptions.
Too much to organize.
Too much to get rid of.
Too much extended family baggage.
Too many home repairs that are out of reach.
Too much backtalk.
Too much weight gained for no reason.
Too much physical pain.
Too much time in cyberspace...Is any of it real??
Too little time to knit!
Too little time to sleep!
Too few friends to help me bear the burden.
Too little money.
Too little love.
= Overwhelmed
= Stuck
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Have to Let It Go
I have to let it go when people do and say things that I do not understand.
For example:
when friends don't call again after 40 years of friendship, for reasons unknown
when other friends call like crazy for months on end, wanting to know every detail of your life, and then they stop, for no apparent reason
when people make comments about my physical self that aren't very flattering. What makes them think that is ok???
when people are not happy for my accomplishments and the accomplishments of my children
when people keep asking for more when I have just given, and am giving all I can at the moment.
when small shop owners think it is ok to chastize me for what they think is my overspending. I know how much I can afford to spend. How would you know anyhow??
when people assume that because I am overweight that I overeat and am a lazy person. Get to know me and my medical problems before you judge me.
I cannot control the thoughts and actions of others.
I can only control my own.
I am working at not having my feelings hurt all the time by other people.
My reactions to them have got to change.
I have to let it all roll off my back and not. react. anymore.
For example:
when friends don't call again after 40 years of friendship, for reasons unknown
when other friends call like crazy for months on end, wanting to know every detail of your life, and then they stop, for no apparent reason
when people make comments about my physical self that aren't very flattering. What makes them think that is ok???
when people are not happy for my accomplishments and the accomplishments of my children
when people keep asking for more when I have just given, and am giving all I can at the moment.
when small shop owners think it is ok to chastize me for what they think is my overspending. I know how much I can afford to spend. How would you know anyhow??
when people assume that because I am overweight that I overeat and am a lazy person. Get to know me and my medical problems before you judge me.
I cannot control the thoughts and actions of others.
I can only control my own.
I am working at not having my feelings hurt all the time by other people.
My reactions to them have got to change.
I have to let it all roll off my back and not. react. anymore.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Come and visit me at my craft shows!
It is time for this year's craft shows. I have the following shows scheduled. Stop by and say "hi!"
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Redeemer Parish Day School Fall Fair
5603 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
10:30 am-1:30 pm
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Harford Day School Arts Festival
715 Moores Mill Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
9 am-5 pm
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friends School Holly Fest
5114 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
10 am-4 pm
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Roland Park Country School
5204 Roland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21210
11 am-4 pm
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Redeemer Parish Day School Fall Fair
5603 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
10:30 am-1:30 pm
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Harford Day School Arts Festival
715 Moores Mill Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
9 am-5 pm
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friends School Holly Fest
5114 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
10 am-4 pm
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Roland Park Country School
5204 Roland Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21210
11 am-4 pm
Friday, September 11, 2009
Today is the Day for Cashmere
Upstairs in my stash, I have 4 balls of cashmere, two are matching beautiful taupes and browns, one is a pink and one is blue. I have been waiting to use them, wondering what they will become. Today is the day I am going to find out. One ball will become a set of fingerless gloves. Two others will be a scarf that I will try to sell at my craft shows. The other?? Not sure yet. What I do know is that my hands need to be spoiled...for hours.... Off to begin. I am relaxing already.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Perspective on life after 3 gin and seltzer drinks
Ahh. It has been a very stressful day/week, and I have ended it with 3 gin and seltzer drinks. Life seems a little less scary after 3 gin and seltzer drinks. It seems more relaxing, more hopeful somehow. I am not supposed to drink 3 gin and seltzer drinks--not even one. Too bad. Sometimes, you just gotta.
I am almost able to forget that today it is 14 years since my father died. My brother and mother visit his gravesite. Not me. It does not comfort me. It agitates me. It makes me incredibly sad. All I keep thinking about are his hands--how they created all kinds of beauty--art--how he hugged and held his grandchildren with them. Now they are just bones. No, not comforting. at. all. I miss him every single day. Not just on the death day. Every single day is hard. Not just the death day. Why do people put such emphasis on that one day?? I just don't get it. I wish he could see John and Dan. I wish he could hear Dan sing. I wish he were here to be a buffer between me and mother. I wish he could soften the blows. I wish for just one more bear hug, one more laugh, one more funny story, one more recitation of a story poem, one more Irish song, one more Dad breakfast, one more look of love and incredible joy when gazing upon his grandchildren, one more time seeing him looking out the window waiting for us to arrive-jumping out of his chair to run out the door to greet us all.
It has been a long week. The first week of school. Countless rehearsals for Dan. Lots of hours for John and John. Lots of cleaning, organizing, figuring out the stuff of life. I don't know if we ever can.
I am almost able to forget that today it is 14 years since my father died. My brother and mother visit his gravesite. Not me. It does not comfort me. It agitates me. It makes me incredibly sad. All I keep thinking about are his hands--how they created all kinds of beauty--art--how he hugged and held his grandchildren with them. Now they are just bones. No, not comforting. at. all. I miss him every single day. Not just on the death day. Every single day is hard. Not just the death day. Why do people put such emphasis on that one day?? I just don't get it. I wish he could see John and Dan. I wish he could hear Dan sing. I wish he were here to be a buffer between me and mother. I wish he could soften the blows. I wish for just one more bear hug, one more laugh, one more funny story, one more recitation of a story poem, one more Irish song, one more Dad breakfast, one more look of love and incredible joy when gazing upon his grandchildren, one more time seeing him looking out the window waiting for us to arrive-jumping out of his chair to run out the door to greet us all.
It has been a long week. The first week of school. Countless rehearsals for Dan. Lots of hours for John and John. Lots of cleaning, organizing, figuring out the stuff of life. I don't know if we ever can.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
If You Knew Me Well, You Would Know That...
If you knew me well, you would know that:
1. I love cats. I could have 100, if the vet bills weren't so darn high. (I have 7.)
2. My favorite candy is peanut M & M's, but I cannot eat them anymore due to pre-diabetes.
3. My favorite colors are pink, blue, and chocolate brown.
4. My favorite drinks are unsweetened iced tea, chardonnay, and gin and tonic.
5. My favorite flowers are pink carnations.
6. I have been married since 1982. I was 22 when I got married.
7. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Towson University in 1982 with degrees in English Literature and Secondary Education.
8. I taught high school English, grades 9 thru 12 for 8 years. I did graduate work in teaching reading. I was a literacy volunteer for many years.
9. My favorite food is spaghetti.
10. I absolutely adore my brother. He is an angel on earth; I am sure of it.
11. I love yard sales and thrift shops.
12. I collect Longaberger baskets.
13. I have been knitting since I was 8 years old. My dad taught me. Knitting keeps me sane.
14. I had a close relationship with my dad, not my mom. Our relationship is hard and sad.
15. I love poetry. My favorite poet is Sylvia Plath.
16. Some of my poetry was published when I was in college.
17. My great-grandmother taught in a one-room school house. I come from a long line of teachers.
18. I can speak German, sort of.
19. I love to play board games and cards. Monopoly and Scrabble are my favorites.
20. I am afraid of lightning and thunderstorms. I hate the rain.
21. My favorite seasons are fall and winter. I do not like summer.
22. I am a terrible housekeeper. Cleaning makes me grumpy.
23. I love my kids more than life itself.
24. I wanted to be a vet when I was growing up. I also wanted to be an author.
25. I don't really like dogs.
26. I miscarried my first pregnancy, and I still grieve that child.
27. I love kids, kids of all ages--especially toddlers and teenagers. (Really, they are almost the same!!)
28. I love to cook.
29. My favorite singer is James Taylor. I credit his music with getting me through a tough growing up. I also like Elton John, Billy Joel, John Denver, and Carly Simon.
30. My favorite yarns to knit with are: anything soft! handdyed yarns are great, sock yarn, alpaca, some cottons
31. My favorite things to knit are small projects-scarves, socks, mittens, hats, purses...Did I say socks??????????!!!!
32. I cannot stand people who lie to me.
33. I do not like seafood.
34. I don't think I have ever felt "pretty".
35. I need at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night, or I cannot function.
36. I worry about mental illness.
37. I cry at my son's performances. Every one. I also cry at weddings and when I see new babies.
38. I worry for my oldest son, that he will be self-sufficient and able to care for himself.
39. I love Italian food.
40. I think the most important quality in a person is compassion.
41. I hate to exercise.
42. I am often messy, and I like that better than being neat.
42. I don't like homes that look like furniture stores-like nobody lives there.
43. I love Christmas.
44. I love giving gifts. It makes me happy.
45. I wish I had my own arts and crafts studio.
46. I need a lot of quiet time.
47. When I don't hear from my friends, I get very sad.
48. I worry about getting old.
49. My favorite thing to wear is blue jeans. I would wear denim all the time, if I could.
50. I hope I get to be a grandma who gets to spoil her grandkids like crazy.
1. I love cats. I could have 100, if the vet bills weren't so darn high. (I have 7.)
2. My favorite candy is peanut M & M's, but I cannot eat them anymore due to pre-diabetes.
3. My favorite colors are pink, blue, and chocolate brown.
4. My favorite drinks are unsweetened iced tea, chardonnay, and gin and tonic.
5. My favorite flowers are pink carnations.
6. I have been married since 1982. I was 22 when I got married.
7. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Towson University in 1982 with degrees in English Literature and Secondary Education.
8. I taught high school English, grades 9 thru 12 for 8 years. I did graduate work in teaching reading. I was a literacy volunteer for many years.
9. My favorite food is spaghetti.
10. I absolutely adore my brother. He is an angel on earth; I am sure of it.
11. I love yard sales and thrift shops.
12. I collect Longaberger baskets.
13. I have been knitting since I was 8 years old. My dad taught me. Knitting keeps me sane.
14. I had a close relationship with my dad, not my mom. Our relationship is hard and sad.
15. I love poetry. My favorite poet is Sylvia Plath.
16. Some of my poetry was published when I was in college.
17. My great-grandmother taught in a one-room school house. I come from a long line of teachers.
18. I can speak German, sort of.
19. I love to play board games and cards. Monopoly and Scrabble are my favorites.
20. I am afraid of lightning and thunderstorms. I hate the rain.
21. My favorite seasons are fall and winter. I do not like summer.
22. I am a terrible housekeeper. Cleaning makes me grumpy.
23. I love my kids more than life itself.
24. I wanted to be a vet when I was growing up. I also wanted to be an author.
25. I don't really like dogs.
26. I miscarried my first pregnancy, and I still grieve that child.
27. I love kids, kids of all ages--especially toddlers and teenagers. (Really, they are almost the same!!)
28. I love to cook.
29. My favorite singer is James Taylor. I credit his music with getting me through a tough growing up. I also like Elton John, Billy Joel, John Denver, and Carly Simon.
30. My favorite yarns to knit with are: anything soft! handdyed yarns are great, sock yarn, alpaca, some cottons
31. My favorite things to knit are small projects-scarves, socks, mittens, hats, purses...Did I say socks??????????!!!!
32. I cannot stand people who lie to me.
33. I do not like seafood.
34. I don't think I have ever felt "pretty".
35. I need at least 8 to 9 hours of sleep a night, or I cannot function.
36. I worry about mental illness.
37. I cry at my son's performances. Every one. I also cry at weddings and when I see new babies.
38. I worry for my oldest son, that he will be self-sufficient and able to care for himself.
39. I love Italian food.
40. I think the most important quality in a person is compassion.
41. I hate to exercise.
42. I am often messy, and I like that better than being neat.
42. I don't like homes that look like furniture stores-like nobody lives there.
43. I love Christmas.
44. I love giving gifts. It makes me happy.
45. I wish I had my own arts and crafts studio.
46. I need a lot of quiet time.
47. When I don't hear from my friends, I get very sad.
48. I worry about getting old.
49. My favorite thing to wear is blue jeans. I would wear denim all the time, if I could.
50. I hope I get to be a grandma who gets to spoil her grandkids like crazy.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
New Beginnings
Monday starts a new school year for my 11th-grade son. I hope that we all can start fresh with new attitudes, new commitments to what is important, and can support each other in our endeavors. I cannot believe Dan will be in 11th grade. Just yesterday,it seems, he was in preschool, carrying home his cool art projects in his school tote bag. Now he carries 30 pounds worth of books on his broad shoulders and his art projects have turned into textbooks, heavy binders, and homework.
Today I got really lucky. I was headed down our street, on the way to pick up my oldest son from work. A huge, red SUV came barreling down a side street and ran a stop sign. I swerved, slammed on the brakes, ended up on the grass next to the sidewalk, and waited to hear the metal crunch and the glass shatter. We missed a collision by 1/8 of an inch. I feel blessed. As fast as he was going, I am sure I would have been badly injured, and I definitely would have lost the use of my car. We both got out of the car to check on each other. Neither one of us could believe we did not hit. I accepted his apology, shook his hand, and went on my way. Talk about having a guardian angel.
Time to figure out dinner, fill out umpteen forms for the opening day of school, and knit.
Today I got really lucky. I was headed down our street, on the way to pick up my oldest son from work. A huge, red SUV came barreling down a side street and ran a stop sign. I swerved, slammed on the brakes, ended up on the grass next to the sidewalk, and waited to hear the metal crunch and the glass shatter. We missed a collision by 1/8 of an inch. I feel blessed. As fast as he was going, I am sure I would have been badly injured, and I definitely would have lost the use of my car. We both got out of the car to check on each other. Neither one of us could believe we did not hit. I accepted his apology, shook his hand, and went on my way. Talk about having a guardian angel.
Time to figure out dinner, fill out umpteen forms for the opening day of school, and knit.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Older I Get...
The older I get:
-the less I care about what other people think about me.
-the less emphasis I put on physical beauty.
-the more I want to relax.
-the more I worry about salvation.
-the less time I have to deal with people who bug me.
-the less I value material things.
-the more quiet time I need.
-the more I realize the importance of love.
-the more I want to declutter and get rid of "stuff" that weighs me down.
-the more I wonder how different I would be if I were raised with more positives and fewer negatives.
-the more I realize how important it is to follow your dreams.
-the sadder I am that I ever raised my voice at my kids.
-the more I worry about how I will leave this world.
-the more I wonder if I will leave any kind of legacy, good or bad, and what that is...
-the more I wonder what, if any, difference I make in the lives of my friends.
-the less I care about what other people think about me.
-the less emphasis I put on physical beauty.
-the more I want to relax.
-the more I worry about salvation.
-the less time I have to deal with people who bug me.
-the less I value material things.
-the more quiet time I need.
-the more I realize the importance of love.
-the more I want to declutter and get rid of "stuff" that weighs me down.
-the more I wonder how different I would be if I were raised with more positives and fewer negatives.
-the more I realize how important it is to follow your dreams.
-the sadder I am that I ever raised my voice at my kids.
-the more I worry about how I will leave this world.
-the more I wonder if I will leave any kind of legacy, good or bad, and what that is...
-the more I wonder what, if any, difference I make in the lives of my friends.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Decluttering
Twenty bags of "stuff" have gone out of this house in the last 3 weeks or so. These are kitchen-sized bags, dropped off at the Goodwill in hopes of making space in this overcrowded house. For some reason, I am in a major mood to get rid of things. I am feeling closed in by the clutter.
There are so many things we do not need or use in this house, so why is it so hard to get rid of it all? One reason is a packrat hubby who likes to hold onto things for all kinds of reasons. Another reason is just inertia. It is tough to go through old junk, and it is even harder to find the time to do it all. It is hot, heavy, dirty, emotional work.
I am starting a pile for consignment. Hopefully, there is value in some of this old stuff~old dishes and old silver, pitchers, art work, suitcases, and fancy platters. Other piles will go to charities and yet others are to be thrown out.
The trick from now on is to bring less in, or to try the "one thing in-one thing out" rule. Buy less, have less, be tied down by less. It really makes me wonder why we bought it all in the first place.
There are so many things we do not need or use in this house, so why is it so hard to get rid of it all? One reason is a packrat hubby who likes to hold onto things for all kinds of reasons. Another reason is just inertia. It is tough to go through old junk, and it is even harder to find the time to do it all. It is hot, heavy, dirty, emotional work.
I am starting a pile for consignment. Hopefully, there is value in some of this old stuff~old dishes and old silver, pitchers, art work, suitcases, and fancy platters. Other piles will go to charities and yet others are to be thrown out.
The trick from now on is to bring less in, or to try the "one thing in-one thing out" rule. Buy less, have less, be tied down by less. It really makes me wonder why we bought it all in the first place.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Socks!
I am so happy to have discovered sock knitting. It has become quite a habit, of late! I never thought I would be a sock knitter. I thought it was impractical, expensive, and the thought of knitting on such tiny needles was daunting. I thought the yarn was too skinny too. I was afraid to try it-never quite understood the allure of it all.
Then along came an illness and subsequent surgery right before last Christmas. A dear friend,Becky, knitsandspins on Ravelry,took it upon herself to make me the most thoughtful Christmas package ever. Even my family members have never given me such wonderful gifts. Inside were lots of amazing things. I remember crying for most of the day I received it. I was bowled over by her kindness to me. I will never, ever, forget it. One of the gifts was a pair of hand-knitted socks, made by Becky. I had never had a pair, never worn a pair. I put them on, and was amazed. Not only were they beautiful, they were perfectly crafted, warm, and amazingly comfortable. They gave me comfort when not much else could. I wore them for days, and still wear them every chance I get. I love those socks! They are a symbol of a lot of things to me: friendship, kindness, beauty, healing, warmth, generosity, and love.
It is because of those socks, and because of Becky's encouragement, that I started to knit socks. Other Ravelry friends have encouraged me too, and I love them for that! Puggerhugger, Manitoba2ct, and others have sent me sock yarns and sock books, and have answered questions along the way. But, if it weren't for Becky, and that first pair of wonderful socks, I would never be enjoying my latest knitting habit!
Then along came an illness and subsequent surgery right before last Christmas. A dear friend,Becky, knitsandspins on Ravelry,took it upon herself to make me the most thoughtful Christmas package ever. Even my family members have never given me such wonderful gifts. Inside were lots of amazing things. I remember crying for most of the day I received it. I was bowled over by her kindness to me. I will never, ever, forget it. One of the gifts was a pair of hand-knitted socks, made by Becky. I had never had a pair, never worn a pair. I put them on, and was amazed. Not only were they beautiful, they were perfectly crafted, warm, and amazingly comfortable. They gave me comfort when not much else could. I wore them for days, and still wear them every chance I get. I love those socks! They are a symbol of a lot of things to me: friendship, kindness, beauty, healing, warmth, generosity, and love.
It is because of those socks, and because of Becky's encouragement, that I started to knit socks. Other Ravelry friends have encouraged me too, and I love them for that! Puggerhugger, Manitoba2ct, and others have sent me sock yarns and sock books, and have answered questions along the way. But, if it weren't for Becky, and that first pair of wonderful socks, I would never be enjoying my latest knitting habit!
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