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