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!

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

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

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.

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

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.