Life Between Stitches

Son #1 came up with that post title and I'm running with it!  Time for me to stop and think about our day-to-day activities and appreciate - really appreciate - the moments that make up each day.  Oprah said recently in an interview that she has never had a day of "therapy," but after all these years of talking with people on her show, the one thing she learned was to be "present in the moment."  One of the keys to peace, contentment and happiness.  We've all heard this and it's probably cliche at this point, but in my busy life I need reminding once in a while!

One of those moments was treating myself the other morning before work to a latte and blueberry scone.  The barista at my favorite local coffee house makes the best hearts with the foam.  I fondly refer to her as 'tattoo lady' because her arms and shoulders are covered in them.  I set aside 30 min. to soak in the sunny morning, crochet a little, and enjoy my cuppa.  Then it was off to work with an energized mindset that set the tone for the rest of my day.  It was a good day!

Then there are the not-so-good days...like today...stayed home sick with a flu bug.  I guess I have to be thankful for these times as well because as I'm lying in bed feeling icky, I know it will pass and will appreciate my health that much more.  And it helps to have a gaze at my flowers which always cheer me up.

Now off for a nap before I drag myself out of bed for school pick-up and collecting my dogs from the groomer.  Oh and since Son #1 is at his volunteer job with Dad's car, I just remembered I need to collect Dad from work as well.  No rest for the weary... it's amazing how we find the strength to keep going!

Have a lovely weekend all :-)

Simple Granny Comfort

My heart crocheting has come to a halt.  Or rather, we'll call it an 'interruption' for now, because I fully intend to go back to my joyful heart-making.  This temporary distraction is for a really good reason though. A friend is having a baby soon and to me, there are few things as joyful as welcoming a new life into the world!

So I made a beeline to my stash and narrowed my choices down to these - "Impeccable" acrylic yarn.

...and got to work.  No time for much thinking over pattern and color combinations, so I kept it simple. 



Just your basic granny pattern - sweet, simple and soothing.



As I connect the sqaures, my thoughts center around mother and baby.  The 'connection' between them symbolized in the process of joining these squares.



Hooking along, enjoying the comforting process and letting my thoughts run free...pondering the miracle of life...thinking how sweet a baby will look bundled up in this blankie.

I hope you find some soothing, comforting, thoughtful moments in your day :-)

Sweet Hearts

I've been in hibernation for a while and enjoyed every minute.  It's been nice getting back to a pace that's less stressful and regaining that work/family balance in my comfort zone.  I am happily back in my groove.

So, what have I been up to?  I've been satisfying a 'heart' fetish!  Heart motifs have always captured my heart (ahem), but all of a sudden I'm obsessed with them.

The pattern for these little cuties are from Skip To My Lou

I made a bunch of these little hearts, at first, not really knowing what would become of them.  Then I found 9 ft. bead garlands at my local drugstore at the beautiful post-holiday price of $0.49.

So after all my little hearts are edged, they will complete their life on a sweet beaded garland for Valentine's Day.

More hearts... did I mention I was obsessed?  Or maybe possessed?!  This pattern is borrowed from Bella Dia.
These are a little bigger than the red hearts so I think I'll make them into little pillows with felt backing.

How nice to venture out again!  Thanks for indulging me.

Enjoy your day and follow your heart :-) 

So Thoughtful

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
~ Edith Wharton ~

I'm delighted to receive this award from the very sweet and kind Lovestitch.  She is so talented as I'm sure many of you know... she's always out there spreading enthusiasm and offering kind words of support throughout Blogland.  Thank you, LS.

We blog for many different personal reasons and for me, recognition is not one of them!  But in keeping with the spirit of this award, I guess I must list 7 things about me (uggghh).

1.  I was born and raised in southern California and my heritage is Filipino.

2.  I don't watch much television, but when I do it's to catch Modern Family.

3.  I love the game of baseball.

4.  My pet peeve is when people talk on their mobile phones while driving.

5.  My favorite actress is Bette Davis.

6.  I sang Karaoke for the first time ever at my company's recent Xmas party.  With my dear hubby, Sonny & Cher's "I've Got You Babe."  And I didn't even have any alcohol.

7.  I'm uncomfortable being the center of attention!

I'd like to pass this along to so many - some of whom I see have already recently received this - but today it will be...

Heidi at Sewing Daisies

She's amazing with a sewing machine and crochet hook.

Keep spreading that wonderful creative light you all have :-)

Good Eats and a Wish

I'm a bit tardy in posting the New Years Day food fest we hosted in our home.  Not a huge party, but a simple small luncheon for 8 of our family.


Our table setting in a casual, neutral palette.



No wine glasses here... just sparkling punch for drinks (which I neglected to photograph!)



A prime rib roast was the star of the show.  I'm of the "low and slow" school of roasting meat.  325 degrees Farenheit, 15 minutes for every 1/2 pound or until meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees for medium rare.  Mashed potatoes with buckets of gravy, mushrooms, onions on the side.  And a light corn salad (another thing I forgot to photograph before it was all gone!)

 

Best things last... brownies with peanut butter chips for dessert

 

And peppermint bark...oh how I could devour tins of this stuff

We also served a large tray of crackers topped with sour cream and caviar, a lovely luxurious gift sent by a friend which we shared with our loved ones.  Another thing I didn't have a chance to photograph because they were gone in 10 seconds flat.  Come to think of it, that was pretty much how it all was.  Spent 5 hours in the kitchen preparing and cooking, food on the table by 12 noon.  Said Grace and by 12:20 everything was pretty much inhaled off the plates.  Done before I could even say "Bon Appetit."

We are grateful for our bounty and can't help but think of those who are experiencing deep challenges right now.  Prayers for our friends who have loved ones deployed in dangerous parts of the world.  We also send our wishes of hope and faith to those who are struggling right now to sustain their families and keep food on the table.

I hope you experience all that you wish for this new year :-)

Farewell 2010, Hello New Year

Another Auld Lang Syne.  For me, 2010 was a wonderful year.  There were sad times, frustrating times, but many, many, many happy and illuminating personal moments. 

Joy all around...
We adopted two furbabies from a local rescue group - Sonny and Cher - who along with our first pup, Squirt, bring our family so much love and joy (okay and triple the work, too!).  My human family members are all thriving and healthy.  How thankful I am.

Creative Inspiration...
I started blogging not too long ago as a way to embark on my own personal journey of finding creative expression.  This year I re-discovered how much I love crochet thanks to so many of you wonderful bloggers.  I didn't realize how delightful it would be to 'meet' such a supportive and kind community throughout the world.  It is truly motivating to make these connections.

So goodbye Old Year and a big, wholehearted welcome to 2011!

Happy New Year and I wish you many days of health, happiness and creative inspiration :-)