Happy Birthday William

Today is William Shakespeare's 449th birthday, but that's not the real reason for this post.  

The real reason for this post is to say... I have not had time to crochet!!! How does this happen, you ask?  Well, I do believe that school work has gotten in the way of creative craftivity. A new year resolution of mine was to make more time for the things I like to do, like crochet. I even joined Threads, a group that meets once a month at the Yorkville Library; however I only went twice... long enough to have yet another work-in-progress!

I will return to the Pick-A-Stitch Cafe just as soon as I can, but I felt you deserved to know that, fear not, I have not abandoned the hook!! I hope you are finding time for the things you enjoy most...

xoxo,
Nicky

Link to link

As part of an experiment for my LIS 750 course at Dominican University, I am adding a link to my blog that points to my LIS 750 Information Storage and Retrieval blog experiment.

http://lis750informationstorageretrieval.wordpress.com/

Yay for the Gingerbread Girl

Yay! The Gingerbread Girl is back!

Hello Ladies!

I love the One-a-Day group Carole  has put together, and I'm glad it's back. For those of you that are new to the One-a-Day Tuesday Tallies...it's easy to join... just complete one square, one row, one [insert something here] every day and post your progress here. It's fun to see the familiar "faces" week after week.  Here we go ladies... let's get busy :)

Having the One-a-Day Tuesday Tallies back is perfect timing, as I just declared my goal of finishing the Granny in three weeks... well, now actually two. I think I have been working on it intermittently for a year now... it's time!  Today I thought I was finish with the bulk of it and only had the borders to do, but when I tried it on my toes stilled poked out at the bottom! UGH!  So far, I have 63 squares finished and I'm thinking I need another 14 or so. 

I am fond of snippets of yarn.

The bigger the pile the more productive the day, and above is a pretty respectable snippet pile. I'm satisfied with my day's work!

Looking foreword to checking in on every one's progress

xoxo,

Nicky

A Wedding in Lake Geneva

So... yesterday we were in Chicago, Illinois, and today we are in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. 

It's crazy that we went from this......................to this -- in a two hour drive from our base camp!

The drive was wonderful. We went from suburban houses packed together to lush green fields with sprawling farms and lots of cows. When we got there, we were rewarded with glimpses of sparkling Lake Geneva. 

The houses on this lake are to die for, I mean HUGE, and old money if you know what I mean!  But really, if I were to live on this lake, which I would love to -- who wouldn't want to wake up to the sunlight shimmering off the water -- I would want a teenie, tiny little cottage with tall trees waving in the breeze and gloriously fragrant flowers that wrap around my front porch. Wow, I can dream it, can't I?

So, why were you in Lake Geneva you ask??

This weekend my little brother, Ed got married!

And, we all headed north for one hell of a party.

Beth & Ed

If that isn't the look of true love, I don't know what is.  Ok, can I hear a big, "ahhhhh."

Then we all busted a move! It was soooo fun. 

I love tulips!

At the end of the night, my two little monkeys were tired, tired, tired.  The next morning they slept in late.  We stayed at The Abbey, a really nice resort, with a really nice bed. So nice that I had to pull the sheets back and see what kind of mattress it was ... because I want one! 

I am an early riser, and sleeping late for them meant I had to figure out what to do and where to go quietly while everyone else slept. There are not many options for quietness in a tiny hotel room.  I carefully brought a chair from bedroom into the bathroom and faced it opposite the toilet. I then made some coffee, sat on the chair, and eloquently put my feet up in the toilet while I read my beloved Cottages & Bungalows magazine. Is there anything "eloquent" about being in a bathroom?? It was quite a sight, but everyone was happy! I got some "me" time that morning and oddly enough I spent in the bathroom. Ha ha ha

xoxo,

Nicky

Lincoln Park Zoo & North Ave Beach

Warning - Picture Heavy Post!

**Friday Fun Day **

My friend Julie & I decided that we needed an adventure... so we decided to head for the city! If I haven't mentioned before... and I probably do it again... I live in suburb of Chicago called Yorkville, Illinois. It's about 1.5 hours away from Chicago, so we don't get there much... but when we do it's like we're on vacation. It's so different from where we live.  Totally city!!

First stop... The Lincoln Park Zoo.

The whole time we were there all we heard from the kids was, "We want to go to the beach!" But then when we came up to a really cool animal they were all like, "This is so awesome!"

We found time to be silly!

And, athletic!

and, amazed!

After spending some time at the zoo we walked a bit -- over Lake Shore Drive -- to North Avenue Beach.

It made my stomach a little woozy to see all that traffic speeding under my feet!

But, this was the gold at the end of the rainbow,  Glorious Lake Michigan! The sand was like powder on the bottoms of my feet, the temperature was perfect, and there was a slight breeze blowing of the lake. Without any time to waste, we immediately found our spot and began doing beachy things!

Sand castle building was high on the list.

As the sun began to set, the long shadows reminded us that it was time to pack it in and head home.... but not without objection from four little beach goers!

Thanks for spending time with me today as I share some of my adventures. This is what I love most when reading the blogs of others and thought, "I had better add to the pool of fun with tales of my own!"  Good times.

Next stop... The Lake Geneva Wedding!

xoxo,

Nicky

Ahhhh, the Joys of a Pedicure

There is nothing like a good pedicure.  And, since we have a wedding coming up this weekend (my brother is getting married), I thought I would knock off the garden dirt and get my toes all dolled up.  Funny... when I got home and was walking around my yard I noticed how close the color I chose was to my spider geraniums.  Love it!

 I am excited about the wedding because, for one, it is always good to share your life with someone you love, and two, it taking place in Lake Geneva -- a super cute town that's about 2 hours north of us.  It is a kinda touristy, cutesy weekend vacation spot. I just love it. There is lots of shopping, a lake, and a beach to play at.  Long ago, before kids, Jeff and I would drive up just to have lunch. 

On another note... I am still looping away at the granny.  Meet Jimmy.  He is our beloved house cat... who got outside this morning and I am anxiously waiting his return, as he is NOT allowed to frolic in the wild! I am hoping that he will come home when he is hungry??  Anyway, the point of this picture is that as soon as I stretch my granny out to see which color to work on, Jimmy immediately climbs on and curls up! He is sooo sweet I couldn't possibly get mad at him.

xoxo,

Nicky



Do You Have a Favorite Spot?

In the summer you can find me on my deck, under the umbrella!  Above is a picture of my back yard.  At the moment it looks pretty good. Yesterday I spent some time out back weeding, pruning, and mowing. It was a hot one... and we desperately need some rain in the Midwest. The yard is soooo dry. My feet were absolutely filthy from the dust cloud that followed me as I merrily went along. I truly felt like I was mowing dirt!

 

The hard work payed off, and this morning I could enjoy the fruits of my labor. How wonderful it was to go out with a cuppa, put my feet up, and crochet to the symphony of nature.  I heard fish jumping in the river, herons honk as they flew in, and the most gorgeous song birds. Sometimes I get so busy with things I forget how wonderful it is here.

This is our fire pit down by the river.  There is the Hideaway Lakes campground on the other side. It is heavenly to sit by the campfire at night and see the other campers' fires across the way twinkle and dance in the reflection of the water. It's like being on vacation without ever having to leave! 

The funny thing is... I'm a big camping fan.  So, last year we bought a travel trailer -- you know, the kind that you pull behind with your truck.  I wanted so badly to get out and be at one with nature... then, after a time,  I realized... I already am. 

For Sale -- (1) 30' Travel Trailer... like new :)

Before I get on with my day, this rather good size pile of snippets confirms that it was a productive morning!

xx,

Nicky

Making Progress

I am making progress!  I have reached squared status.  You know, the point when it is equal in length and width... and now with every next square it is closer to becoming an afghan that is long enough to cover your toes!

xoxo,

Nicky

I Can See my Future...

I can see the future, and in it I am wrapped in a very colorful granny square afghan!

It has been way too long since I've checked in at the Pick A Stitch Cafe, and I am feeling a bit antsy. I remember the days of lounging in the mornings with a cup of coffee, stitching away.  I have realized that sometimes I may take a break from crafting/sewing/crocheting, but eventually I will hear the siren call.. and before you know it, I will be obsessed again.  I just can't help it. I'm sure you can relate. 

So here I am pacing the house trying to figure out what crafty endeavor I am going to partake in. As I wonder, I notice all the projects that have been started with vigor, then abandoned for something better. I have decided the time has come. I see my future and in it I am wrapped in a very colorful granny square afghan! 

Remember this... It's soooo close to being finished, it is first on my list! Just to make sure, I made a square tonight in hopes that I didn't forget how to stitch it! I'm good. It's like riding a bike -- right?!? My goal is to have it completed in 3 weeks... yikes!  There I said it, laid it out in the universe, 3 weeks... now I have to stick to it! Wish me luck :)

xx

Nicky

Vacations Are Good for the Soul

Vacations are good for the soul!

We had a lovely time in Florida. It was our first "family" vacation. My kids and I went with my sister and her kids -- there were eleven of us all together -- to Disney World.  Look out Mickey, here we come! It was truly a trip of a life time. And you know what... with all the exciting things to choose from, my favorite part of the trip was when all eleven of us would reconvene at a restaurant for dinner. Seven kids, four adults... it was a mad house, and I loved it!  We were all sooo excited to talk about our adventures of the day... and, after dinner there would be more to come, fireworks over Cinderella's castle, Fantsasmic shows, and Electric Light Parades. We didn't hit the hay until midnight most nights! It was awesome!  The clock doesn't count when your on vacation!

On our last day we drove to Cocoa Beach. I love the water.  I live on the Fox River here in Illinois, but it doesn't hold a candle to the Atlantic Ocean.  Something about the ocean just calms me, brings out my inner hippy and makes all the the worry disappear.  I came home a better person.  I realized that I need to get back to the root of things... do what makes me happy, instead of worrying about what everyone else is thinking about what I do or don't do.

It's funny how easy it is stray from the path of life that I want to lead?!?

The new me... reinvented!

Back to nature, the simple things, and re-enlist my focus for school.  Only one year left of grad school -- I can do it!

xoxo,

Nicky

What... another one??

Yes, Yes... another one.

I need another project like I need a hole in my head! But, I thought I'd try my hook on a ripple. My reason you ask...because it doesn't take much thought. You can coast along in the rhythmic pattern and enjoy the crochet.

Do you remember this one? I started The Granny last summer. This is not one to travel with because you have to carry so many balls of yarn... or be really organized and only carry the colors that come next. Too much thinking for me :)

Then there is this one. I got the idea from Little Woolie, but for some reason I have lost interest for the moment.

Actually, it has been quite difficult to find any time to craft/crochet while in grad school. The professors want us to do home work -- and projects... what are they thinking? Don't they know I have important things to do?

Well, I have several to choose from when I am able. In the meantime, I am enjoying other blog posts from my favorite authors. Thanks everyone for posting, as it inspires me to carry on the craft!

xoxo,

Nicky

Harvesting Funny

For those that have been following along... do you remember when I went to the
Midwest Folk & Fiber show up in Grayslake last summer? I went there to find
some unique yarn to crochet with and I ended up coming home with an English
Angora rabbit! Meet Funny. Funny Bunny. My mistake was bringing my daughter
Kelsey along... how could I not let her get the cutest bunny in the world. Those
people had us hook, line, and sinker! They were like, " You can harvest the
angora and spin your own wool." How cool would that be!! Needless to say -- I
haven't done it yet, but... I did finally harvest the wool. Is angora wool??
Yes, yes it is.

Pretty funny, huh?? OMG was Funny little under all that fluff.
I didn't do a very good job trimming and my fiber was too short. But next time I
will no longer be a novice... I will be an experienced angora rabbit trimmer,
and I will harvest like the best of 'em! But for now... not so much :(
Funny was so good -- I think she may have actually enjoyed all
the attention. I wonder if she feels naked?? Now I just have to harvest her
about 45 more times and I'll have enough to make a baby scarf -- ha ha ha
xoxo, Nicky

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy New Year 2012!

Happy New Year!
A time for reflection... and new beginnings.

Wishing you the best in 2012
xx
Nicky

Recycle Reuse Rejoyce

As I find myself with some extra time, I am enjoying a bit of thrift shopping. There are some good things to find in the midst... if you have the time to pick through the "junk". For me it's like treasure hunting. Searching, searching, searching to find someone's trash that makes up my treasure.

The loot from this trip to Goodwill consists of (1) Abercrombie & Fitch shirt, XL for my husband, that looks like it was never worn, The Tenth House, a novel about Tarot in England during the 1800s, a trinket box, a brass colander that I intend to plant Ivy in this spring, and a very colorful plate that I just couldn't resist.

Re-Purposing is fun!

Lots of Catching Up to Do!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Whew... A lot has happened since the last time I checked in. First and foremost, I have officially graduated from Aurora University!! December 15th was my very last day of classes. I now hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Yay for me! I am 39 years old, and like I always say...better late than never :)

After I finished school I thought it was going to be so great to do whatever I wanted. But I found myself anxious, almost pacing the floor. What? Free time... What am I supposed to do with that?

Christmas kept me busy... like way busy. I finally finished my "Shaker" afghan I started back in July, which was intended as Christmas gift for my Dad, at 1 o'clock on Christmas eve. School kinda got in the way of crocheting. But, talk about pressure... I worked on it with fury crocheting 6 skeins in three days. That is not my style of crocheting. I didn't enjoy it, it became work. Now, its on to the next one, my no rhyme, no reason stripey afghan. Maybe I'll finish that one before Grad school starts... but I doubt it.

I would like to leave you with this relaxing image of hot cocoa... Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Suzi

Happy Birthday to You!

This week we had a Birthday... meet my sister Sue. Our families are often sooo busy that we don't have a whole lot of time to get together and have some fun. But, today is not the case. Bill, Sue's husband, and I were able to keep our mouths shut and surprise Sue for her Birthday. At 6.30 at night our family showed up at her door with a cake, a fun craft, and some presents for her on her birthday! Kind of like a kiddie birthday, but for an adult :)

Above is the craft table. I thought, in efforts to get into the Christmas spirit, we should have a snowman theme. I was at Target and luckily they had a winter craft that comes in a box! Everything you need to make 20 snowmen all in one awesome kit. I love it. We laughed a lot trying to assemble our snowmen. Below is my new Facebook profile pic for the winter.

Have a look at our family below...

All in all, it was one fun day!

xoxo
Nicky

One a Day WIP-3

Hello everyone... Here is my "One-A-Day" update for those of you who have been following along. My stripey blanket won this week. I have completed 8 rows - Whoot! Whoot! This is my 3rd post, but actually week 4... I missed a week in there somewhere. You can follow the crochet clan along at Gingerbread Girl's Tuesday Tallies post on her blog.

I was so happy to read your comments last Tuesday about having multiple projects going. It makes me feel much more normal and less scatter-brained knowing that others subscribe to my ways of working. I just love being apart of this group. It's wonderful to take a sneak-peek at all the other wonderful projects that are going on too. Well done ladies!

My post is going to be short and sweet today as I have way too many pages to read before class tomorrow. But not too short to say that I hope you all had a great, and spooky, Halloween yesterday. We sure did. CJ counted 199 pieces of candy in his trick-or-treat bag. And Kelsey topped the 200 mark. Oh, how the dentists must love Halloween.

This week I have learned a new stitch... the popcorn stitch. It's really quite simple, just 5 double crochets in the same hole, and the pull them together. A real tutorial can be found here. I like the little bit of random texture it adds.

I got a bit carried away with the size. I haven't actually taken the time to measure it but... I think that when I'm done it will no longer be a cozy throw, but an all out coverlet for my bed. It's going to take months to finish!! I'm not sure about the Navy?? I have to look at it a while before I continue. It isn't supposed to match anything but... maybe it is?? Any thoughts? Is it too much? I'm on the edge.

xx
Nicky