CrochetMania Secret Santa Strikes!

Today I received a box of goodies from my Secret Santa at CrochetMania. It turned out to be Pricsstrish. She sent a wonderful box of stuff.






I got a green m & M box (with M&M's inside of course)
a rubber ducky
snowflake socks
2 hot pads
1 dishcloth
small purple stocking with Hershey's Kisses, a lavender Sharpie, and a snowman ornament inside it
a lighted crochet hook (size "H")
lavender eye mask
pine scented candle
package of fresh scents sachet

Thanks for everything, Secret Santa (a.k.a. Pricsstrish)!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Christmas Coasters, and a Seraphina Shawl

Here are some Christmasy Coasters that I made from the Cocoa & Cookies pattern in the issue of Crochet World. I didn't embroider the suggested candy canes on the coasters as I don't like to embroider. Perhaps next time I will put some crocheted holly leaves and berries or a snowman on the coasters.

And here's an icicle snowman that I made.

I need a bit more experience with the fabric paint as it looks like it smeared a bit on the snowman's mouth. Oh well, everyone has to start somewhere, right?

And last, but not least is the latest Seraphina Shawl that I made.

I completed this shawl last month, but this is the first chance I have had to take a pic and post it. This is the third Seraphina that I have made and I have yet to make one for myself. Perhaps, after the holidays I can get around to making one for myself.

Happy Holidays,

Sabrina

C'ville Holiday Swap 2007

On Monday I received, not one, but two boxes of goodies from my partner in the Crochetville Holiday Exchange.

Here's a list of what I receivced:

2 pkgs of sticky notepads with a holiday theme

A crocheted zippered bag (to carry crochet accessories in)

scissors

a row counter

5 afghan pattern books

21 tear off patterns

a stuffed snowman

Crocheted black purse (too cute! Ilove it!)

2 cute button pins

cute Halloween type pin

a bag of treats for my dog

2 packages of cat toys for the kitties

Box of Russell Stover CandiesBag of Christmas candy

box of cocoa mix

box of peppermint sticks (candy canes)

10 skeins of yarn (2 of which are Alpaca!)

3 Christmas dishtowels (one with a crocheted top)

Wow! I think I got everythign listed! Boy, do I ever feel spoiled.

Thanks to my wonderful exchange partner!

Happy holidays,

Sabrina

Holiday Swaps

Well, I've jumped off into the deep end of the pool and signed up for not one but two Holiday Swaps! One is the Secret Santa Exchange at Crochet Mania and the other one is the Holiday Exchange at Crochetville. I think both of these will be fun and I could sure use some fun right now. I am getting some ideas already about what to get for my partners in these two exchanges.

Aside from that I am plodding along slowly on the Reader's Wrap, it seems to be coming along nicely at the moment.

I also started the Pentacle Shawl and it is coming along just fine so far. I am still not totally comfortable with filet crochet.

Reader's Wrap - Can you spell D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R?

I started the knitted Reader's Wrap and it was coming along nicely, until last night.
Tired and just needing to find some moments of calm uninterrupted time (after babysitting since Friday Evening) I retired to my room and proceeded to work on the Reader's Wrap. I got about 5 rows into when I noticed that the first row I did then had a gaping hole in it where I dropped a stitch. Well, now I have to admit that while I can knit adequately, I can't mange to fix a boo-boo without froggin' the piece. I make an attempt to correct the mistake which didn't work, so I tried to frog it back to where the mistake was. Well that was a huge mistake. I lost more stitches and now just need to frog the whole thing and start over. I am not really looking forward to starting over, but I don't have much of choice as I can't figure out how to continue with it as it is now. Aaaaaarrrrruuuuuggggghhhhhhhh!

I would like to work on it now, but I still have the boys and knitting or crocheting is difficult at best when I am keeping them. Especially if it is a project that requires concentration.
I plan on starting it again this evening if I am not too tired once they leave. Which is doubtful because I am exhausted and sleepy now and it's only 2:04 p.m. and their father won't get here to pick them up until probably somewhere between 4:30 and 5:00. The way I feel right now I may go straight to bed once they leave (and sleep for 3 days! LOL!)

I recieved my invite to Ravelry a couple of days ago. My ID there is Sabrina. And I have to say that I am spending far too much time on Ravelry looking around, adding things to my account, etc. . .

I haven't posted in a while, mainly there hasn't been anything really worthy of writing about. I did complete a shawl for a swap I was in . I used TLC Essentials yarn in Fall Leaves (autumny colors - variegated). And of course I packed it up and sent it out without taking a picture of it. Oh well!

I noticed while working with the TLC Essentials yarn that it split very easily. It was very irritating. This is the first time I have used TLC Essentials yarn and I am wondering if all of their yarn splits that easily. I still have enough skeins of this yarn to make another shawl and I do love the colors. I am thinking of making a autumn shawl for myself, but I am not looking forward to battling the splitting yarn.

I have a couple of items that I need to complete for a Christmas Swap that I am participating in and then I will be on to the Holiday gifts I plan on making. As usual I am running behind, but should be able to start in a day or two.

Ok, I'm off now to go do something productive now.

Goddess Shawl

Here is the goddess Shawl I finally finished!

It is going away today as a birthday present.
I am pleased with the way it turned. It looks black in the pic, but it is really Royal Blue.

Next on my list is finishing up some items for a Seasonal Exchange. Then on to Holiday Gifts!

Happy Crocheting,
Sabrina

September Already?!

I can't believe that it is September alaready! This is one of those years that has both seemed millions of years long and yet has flown by. Truthfully, I am more than ready to see 2007 ride off into the sunset never to be seen or heard from again.

I finally finished the Goddess Shawl I hope the sizing is right on it. I am still worried it might be abit on the small size, but tons better than it was and I don't have any more time to re-do. The birthday celebration is tomorrow. I will post a pic of the shawl later today or tomorrow. I still need to weave in a couple of loose ends and take a picture of it.

Other than that I haven't been doing much else. Well, I also finished a 12" square for an exchange on my group Crochet Swap Buddies.

I still have a couple of things to work on for an exchange on an other group.

So Much For Good Intentions

The Mandy's Candy Bag is still on the needles. My main project this past weekend seemed to be sleeping, I felt as if I had taken a giant sleeping pill (which I didn't do), then of course after all that I did nothing but toss and turn last night. Go figure. LOL!

I did work some on the Goddess Shawl and am finally into the image part of it. It's a higher priority than anything else right now, so unless I just can't stand to look at it a second longer I will keep on with the Goddess Shawl in an effort to get it finished in time. Well, I can dream, can't I?


Happy Crocheting,
Sabrina

Goddess Shawl & Mandy's Candy Bag

I had to take the shawl apart again! It was still too small. I mean the thing would be the perfect size for my 9 year old granddaughter, unfortunately I am making it for an adult lady! So now I believe that I am finally on the right track with it. I had hoped to be finishing it up this weekend, but I think it will take longer to complete now. After all the size issues I am really ready to be done with it. LOL!

I am just about finished with Mandy's Candy Bag, but have laid it aside to work on the previously mentioned shawl. I do plan on completing the Candy Bag this weekend, I will post a pic of it when I get it done.

Happy Friday!
Sabrina

Mandy's Candy Bag

I am attempting to knit Mandy's Candy Bag. LOL! Wish me luck! You can get the pattern here. I will post a pic when I get it finished.
There is a contest on NH Knitting Mama blog ( the bag's desinger). Knit the bag, post it on your blog with a link back to the NH Knitting Mama blog and let her know that you have done this and you will get 5 chances to win.

Or if you don't want to knit the bag (but it's so cute so why wouldn't you want to knit it?) Make a mention on your blog with a link back to Mandy's blog and get one chance to win.

Happy Candy Bag Knitting!
Sabrina

Started Goddess Shawl

I finally started the Goddess Shawl. I am doing it in Royal blue. So far so good.
Although I had to alter the pattern somewhat, it was coming out too small so I made some adjustments to make it bigger. It seems to be coming along quite well now. At the rate I am going with it I anticipate having it finished by the end of week (if not before).

I must remember to take a picture of it before I give it away. (It is destined to be a gift for someone.)

I think that my next project will be the Reader's Wrap. I want to get that one finished, although it is to be a Holiday gift I really want to get it completed early.
Then after than I think I will give the Pentacle Shawl another try. My first experience with it was not a good one. LOL! But I think I am finally (with the help of the Goddess Shawl) figuring out the filet crochet pattern.

Happy Knitting, Crocheting and AVing,
Sabrina

C'ville Summer Secret Pal Swap 2007 - Reveal Package

I received my reveal package from my Secret Pal on Monday. My Secret Pal turned out to be Briana and she sent me loads of great stuff.












I received:

a pattern book for knitted Summer Throws
6 skeins of dusty pink TLC Essentials yarn
#10 circular knitting needles
2 Halloween dish towels
1 ball of Sugar & Cream cotton yarn
A paperback book "Nightmare House by Douglas Clegg and a book mark with a dragon on it
A pendant yarn cutter
2 crocheted dishcloths and the pattern
A rubber stamp with a cat, a dog, a bone and a mouse on it
A stamp pad for the stamp
A pkg of Halloween buttons
A small denim bag with a wrist strap
2 skeins of Bernat Camoflouage in Hunter Orange
A bag of Life Savers candy
Lemonade mix in a lemon shaped container
A skein of Caron One Pounder in Country Rose
A crocheted Sunglasses case
A crocheted tote bag (love this bag!!)
A bottle of Lavender fragrance oil
Size "G" crochet hook
A needle container

I think I listed everything. It's all great! I feel so spoiled! Briana was a great Secret Pal.

Happy Crocheting!

Round Ripple Afghan & My Plants

I started a Round Ripple Afghan a couple of days ago. It is progressing very well and I really like it.
I am making in Caron Simply Soft Autumn Red, Heather Grey and Black. I will post an in-progress pic soon.

I haven't been crocheting much over the last month, but am starting up again now. I still have a couple of shawls that I need to finish, the cream one and the grey Seraphina. Actually, the Grey one won't take much to finish it, I could finish it off in one evening if I would just commit to working on it. I haven't had a lot of motivation or energy for much of anything lately.

My poor violets and other plants are suffering as well. I spent time yesterday grooming and watering my plants. My Episcias are growing like crazy, despite my recent neglect. They need trimming badly, I know I won't get to that today, but it's on my list for the coming week.

Happy Crocheting!

Violets Blooming

I have two more violets blooming for the first time since I have had them. I love it when my violets bloom, but it really special when it's the first time.

This is a pic of Aca's Curious George in bloom.




This is Rosie Ruffles. Such a beautiful bloom!





There's not much else happening on the AV front. The rest of my plants are doing fine.
My Episicas are really growing. I have them in a mini greenhouse. I think that's what they are called, basically it's a plant shelf that has a plastic zippered cover. It really helps with the humidity and my Episicas love it!

I love Streps, but for some reason they seem to be more of a challenge for me than the African Violets or Episicas. I lost most of what I had over the winter, got a few new ones, tired wicking them and some are doing great and others are falling by the roadside. It's so frustrating! Arrruuuugggggghhhhhh!!!

Happy Av'ing!

Crochet Swap Buddies

Sign-ups for the Spoil Me Cuz I Deserve It Swap are underway at my Crochet Swap Buddies Group. Come on and join us for loads of fun.
Don't miss out, Sign-ups will close May 24th at midnight.

I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Happy Crocheting,
Sabrina

Thanks Secret Pal!

Yesterday I received a package from my C'ville Secret Pal.

Thanks Secret Pal!


She sent me two Knitting Magazines. These are great I found several things in each magazine that I want to knit. A book on plant propagation. Cool, I learned some things I did not know from just skimming through it last night. Can't wait to read it through.


My SP also sent a big handful of tear off patterns. And of course I want to make all of those as well. LOL! Don't know when I will ever find the time to make all the items I want to make,but it's fun just thinking about it.

Here's a pic of my loot!





Once again Thanks Secret Pal!

Crochet Swap Buddies

I have started a crochet swap group called Crochet Swap Buddies. The first swap is in sign-up process right now. Click on the link above to get the details for the Summer "Spoil Me, Cuz I Deserve It" swap! Sign-ups will be accepted until midnight May 24.
The swap will begin on May 26 and finish on July 28th.

Check it out and come join the fun!

Crochet Swap Buddies "Spoil Me, Cuz I Deserve It" Swap

Crochetville Summer Secret Pal Swap!!

The Summer Secret Pal Swap at Crochetville has begun. I received my Known Secret Pal yesterday and also heard from my Unknown Secret Pal yesterday.

My unknown Secret Pal sent me the cutest e-card. Thanks, Secret Pal!

I am looking forward to this round of the Secret Pal Swap.

Happy Crocheting!

Rectangle Granny Afghan

I finally completed the Rectangle Granny Afghan.

I made this afghan for my boyfriend. He seems quite pleased with it. Now he's asking for another one! LOL!

I have been working on 12" squares for exchanges and knitting on a couple of dishcloths. One for an exchange. I did join a purse exchange on the At My House yahoo group. I plan on starting on that as soon as I get the exchange squares completed.

As always I have been working with my plants. I received some trade plants and leaves in the mail yesterday. I have leaves to pot up today so I'm off to do just that.

Happy Crocheting, and AVing!

Dishcloth Delights!

Today I received my dishcloth / scrubby package from my partner at the Texas Two Stitch forum.

I love everything in it! Thanks Sonia!

Nice big dishcloths and several tear off purse patterns (one can never have toom any purses, ya know!) and one cute flower rug that I think I may make for a little girl I know.

I am almost finished with the Rectangular Granny Afghan, I hope to finsih it tonight unless my boyfirend decides he wants it a little larger. Frankly, I'm hoping he's happy with the size, so all I have to do is put an edge on it ande done with it. I'm sick of looking at it! LOL!

I wonder how many other crocheters or knitters get sick of the bigger projects before they are done with them. I know I sure did with this one and I didn't even work on it everyday.

Regarding my plant addiction. LOL! I got three new Episicas today.

Hartford Renick
Chocolate 'n' Cherries
Grey Lady

One is bigger than other two are smaller, but they all look healthy and they will grow.

I also got one African Violet, a wasp named Neverland Dreams.

Happy Crocheting, Knitting and AVing.

Crochetville Spring Secret Pal Reveal Package

I received my Reveal package from my not-so- secret pal on Friday. I say not-so-secret-Pal because we were paired up together as each others secret pal and also ended up paired up together for the Pet Swap on Crochetville as well. So it wasn't hard to figure out! LOL! But it was fun and I recieved a wonderful box of goodies on Friday from Jimmie Lu.
Thank you, Jimmie Lu! I love everything you sent.


My package included a skein of Bernat Camouflage yarn, a skein of Bernat Cott'n silk, an adorable stuffed snowman, pattern books, a box of herbal teas, a crocheted hook holder with 3 hooks, a plastic needle and a pair of scissors in it, a large Hershey bar, a small star soap (too cute!), and a lovely yeloow/blue/green crocheted dishcloth and apackage of large needles.


Happy Crocheting!

Violet Time!

I get plant fever in the Spring. The only thing I want to do is work with my plants. Needless to say I haven't been doing much crocheting or knitting lately. I did finish up the items I needed for April swaps that I am in, but that's about it.

When my AV club its show at the beginning of March I didn't have a violet (or anything else for that matter) with even one bloom on it. Let's not even mention blooms for show. Now a month and a half later my violets are starting to bloom.

This is Buckeye Calico. You can't really tell from the picture, but it has BIG blooms.

Next is Raspberry Crisp and she is just starting to bloom. I couldn't resist taking her picture

and putting it on here.

Let's see who else? Oh yeah Optimara Dali.

And last but not least, Tommie Lou





I have only had Tommie Lou a short time. I bought the plant at the end of March when my AV club had sales booth at the local botanic gardens Spring Sale. Of course I bought quite a few plants that day. Some violets, a couple of Streps, a Kohleria, 3 begonias, and several Episcias. Oh How I love Episcias! Unfortunately I lost most of the ones I had over the winter.

I did a leaf swap and recieved some Nemathanthus. I am thrilled to get these cuttings.
I got Nematanthus Christmas Holly, Santa Teresa, Black Gold and Freckles. I can't wait for these guys to take off, grow and bloom!

I have some other leaf swaps planned, if memory serves me correctly those are all for AV leaves. Hey, one can never have too many plants, books, or too much yarn or too much chocolate. Now my BF doesn't agree with me on that, but hey I could have worse vices than plants and yarn, Actually, I think he tolerates my yarn stash much better than my plants. LOL!

Happy AVing!!

New Violet Leaves!

I received my leaf order from Cedar Creek Violets today. I spent part of the afternoon putting down the leaves. My order was all Wrangler leaves.

They are:

Wrangler's Jealous heart
Wrangler's Dixie Dawn
Wrangler's Hey Day
Wrangler's Jackpot
Wrangler's Winter Hawk
Wrangler's Gaudy Lady
Wrangler's Branding Time
Wrangler's Honkytonk Blues
Wrangelr's Ghost Rider's
Wrangler's Red River
Wrangler's Gambling Fever
Wrangler's Candyland
and a gift leaf of
Alamo Sunshine

I have been spending alot of time lately working on my violets, Episicas and Streps. Most of them needed re-potting and of course I am not finished yet.
I got all of the Episicas re-potted, still have the Violets and some of the Streps to do and my Chiritas. My poor chiritas need re-potting so badly. I think I will do them next.
So many lovely plants, so little time! LOL!

Happy AVing!

Here's what I have been up to

Well work is keeping me busy and insomia is keeping me tired and cranky. But still in the midst of all that fun, I found a few moments to do some knitting and crochet.


Here is the Bunny Dishcloth I knitted in the Monthly Dishcloths March KAL. The bunny is a
little difficult to see, but trust me he's there! I can't wait to see what the Mid-Month KAL will be.





I am also crocheting some dishcloths for a Dishcloth Swap I am doing at the TexasTwo Stitch Forum


Hmmm, let me see, what else? Oh yeah! The Full Moon Squares I am doing for a swap at Crone's Crochet Circle That would be this one.

I am also doing a Sabbat Square Swap with the Crone's Crochet Circle, but I don't have one ready to photograph yet.


In today's mail I recieved a lovely crocheted bookmark from my Crochetville Spring Secret Pal! Isn't it pretty? Thanks, Secret Pal!
I guess that's about it for now. Happy Crocheting, Knitting and Av'ing, Everyone!!

Goodies arrived today!!

It's not my birthday, but I recieved two packages of goodies today!
First the mail man left a package on my porch. It is my bingo prize from LuvtoExchange list.
The package contained a wonderful book of Granny Squares! A crocheter couldn't ask for anything more!

A couple of hours later I made the trip to the mailbox and found more gooides there! A package from Crochetville Secret Pal was there, I could hardly wait to get back to the house to open it.

In that package was a lovely mint green crocheted bookmark, card, several tear-off patternss, and Quick Crochet Afghans pattern book. Wow! Thanks, Secret Pal!

A wonderful day of surprises. I am thrilled with everything.

Happy Crocheting!

Is It Spring Yet?

It feels like Spring in Texas the last couple of days. I couldn't be happier. So I guess that Spring is my simple pleasure today and everyday!

I am ready for the March Swaps to begin. I am in several and am chomping at the bit to get started on them. I like to wait until I get my partner and see if they have any color preferences before I begin. Let's see, what swaps am I doing in March?

12" Square Swap at Grannie Group.
Crochetville Spring Secret Pal Swap
At My House - March Scrunchie Swap
At My House - March Coaster Swap
Texas Two Stitch Forum - Dishcloth Exchange
Crochetville Pet Swap

That should keep me busy for a day or two. LOL!

I am working on my second Seraphina Shawl. I am doing this one in Caron's Simply Soft Heather Gray. I am anxious to see how this one turns out.

Happy Crocheting, Knitting and AV'ing!

My First knitted Dishcloth

I finally accomplished my first knitted dishcloth. It is finished! WOOHOO!



I really had a struggle trying to remember how to knit and even then just doing it, but after the beginner knitting class I took and a little bit of help from "Stitch N Bitch: the Knitter's Handbook" everything is coming together very nicely. I also have the knitted scarf that I made in the class that is still on the needles. LOL! Yeah, I'm bad. I guess the thing is I am just not too excited about the scarf and I have no idea what I am going todo with it. Now I love the yarn I picked for it. It's colorful and I love color. But I live in Texas, it rarely gets cold enough to use a scarf, but anyway, since it was the absolute first thing that I have knitted in 30+ years I suppose I will keep it. Of course there is always the possibility of it going to one of the grandbabies should the Navy send my son-in-law to a colder climate.

On the crochet front, I have been working on a rectangular granny afghan. And I finally finished and cmailed off the last of the Squares for Swap 78, that I was participating in. Now I am waiting patiently for the March swaps to begin.
I am participating in a Secret Pal Swap at Crochetville. This is the first secret pal swap I have done and I think it is really going to be fun.

Next weekend my African violet club is having their annual show and sale so I will be all wrapped in the excitement of that.

I am really looking forward to Spring. I am not a Winter person. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times of the year.

Seraphina Shawl - Finished At last!

WOOHOO! I finally completed my first Seraphina Shawl. I used Yarn Bee Icelandic Jewels yarn in Rose Quartz and I very pleased with the yarn and the way that the shawl turned out.

On the crochet home front I have crocehted a couple of scrunchies and some granny squares for an exchange I am in. One of these days I will remember to take pictures of the things I make for exchanges. It seems I always think about that after I mail off the exchange item.

I took a beginner knitting class last month and it brought back a lot of what I once knew about knitting, but there is still a lot that I don't know or remember. So it is one step at a time. I used bamboo needles for the first time ever and they are wonderful. I love them! At this point I can't see myself using anything except bamboo needles. The class project was a scarf in garter stitch. I can see why that would be a good project for a beginner, but I wasn't overly thrilled with making a scarf. Hey, I live in Texas, it doesn't often get cold enough here to need to bundle up with a scarf and all that other garb that is needed in colder climates. So I have this scarf, but don't know what to do with it. Mostly likely will give it away. I just don't feel that I have a need for it.

My simple thing for today would have to be the day itself meaning it's Saturday. No work pressure, no appointments or schedules to adhere to, just a day to relax and do the things that I want to do. Hey, it can't get any better than that!.

Actually I plan on spending some time today tending to my violets and other plants, then organizing my yarn stash where I can find things. Then this evening I will most likely work on either squares for the exchange or the Pentacle Shawl that I am frogged back severely and am re-doing.

Happy Crocheting, Knitting or AVing to all!

Sunny Sunday Morning!

Finally, after over a week of dreary rainy dismal weather the sun is shining this moring. It's still rather cool out, but that's ok. . . the sun is shining again! WOOHOO!

So my simple thing for today is the sunshine.

I had decided that I was going to try to make this year less stressful, try to eliminate as much as possible the things that stress me out. Well, nice thought, I don't seem to be doing very well on that so far. I did however realize something this morning and have made decision I began doing this year of simple things in an attempt to become more aware of the simple pleasures in my life, to be grateful for them and to fully realize the joy in them. Nice thought, except that some days I forget or don't have time to post, then I get stressed about not posting or recognizing my simple thing for that day, so I have made the decision that I will do it as it comes. I will not force anything and I will not stress over not doing it. I want this to be a pleasurable experience, not just another thing I feel like I "have" to do. And with that one small decision I feel liberated and feel that now I can have more enjoyment with this.

On the crochet frontier, I worked on my Seraphina Shawl yesterday and it is coming along quite nicely (Finally!). It has been a struggle, but I believe that the end result will be worth it. It is a very lovely shawl.

All of my plants look like death warmed over. I hope that with a little extra pampering that they will rally around. I lost almost all of my Streps, but it was my own fault. I got too busy and my plants got neglected. It happens. Oh well live and learn.

Simple Thing for Yesterday and Today & Crochet Progress

I got a little sidetracked yesterday and didn't post my Simple thing . But I knew what it was. . .
Chocolate. You can't beat rich creamy luscious chocolate melting in your mouth. Definitely one of life's simple pleasures.

And for today, well it snowed today in Texas, not something that we get too often in this neck of the woods. Now I have to admit that I don't care for the cold at all, but there's just something about the ground covered in white. I love to sit and watch out the window as the snowflakes fall to the ground to create a gorgeous winter wonderland. Snow definitely makes the cold easier to take. So my simple pleasure for today is snow!

I was supposed to attend a knitting class today. I tried to call to see if it was being postponed or whar and I assume that it is postponed as nobody answered the phone at the shop. I was a little disappointed about not getting to have the class today because of the weather but on the flip side it was also ok. Now I still have it to look forward to.

On the crochet frontier I have completed all of the 12" squares that I needed to make for the January Exchanges I am participating in. Yay!
I still have an angel item to make and some 10" Snowflake squares for the rest of my January Exchanges. Things are moving along quite nicely.

A Year of Simple Things

I saw this on the internet, in someone's blog and thought I would give it a go. My silent vow to myself for this year was to distance myself from the things that stress me, and so far I don't seem to be doing too well on that.

Anyway I came across the Year of Simple Things idea and figure perhaps it might help in some way, even if only in s small way, it would be something. I vow to post more often and make an attempt to find the simple things or simple pleasures in each day.

So for today my simple thing that I am grateful for and find pleasure in is my dog, Jasmine. Here's a picture of her in her favorite spot.

As far as my crochet goes, well, I have made some squares for some exchanges that I am in, a couple of scrunchies, a potholder, and I am working on a Seraphina Shawl. I thought I was making progress, but I was wrong. I discovered a mistake and now have to frog it back about 8 to 10 rows and start over from there. I feel as if I am never going to get that blasted shawl completed. I was hihgly frustrated and put it away for the moment. I just need to step back, take a deep breath, and then after some time away from it start work on it again.