{Magic of the Mundane}

Today, I am joining Sofia over at Sofia's Ideas for Magic of the Mundane. I so love this idea because it totally falls in line with my desire to get back to simple. It can be a picture, a poem or song, a short video or anything else that celebrates the Magic. So often, we get caught up in "where we're going" that we forget to look at the beauty of "where we are."

The mail...we all get it.  Mostly it looks a little something like this...

A collection of bills, sales flyers, the occasional magazine, etc. Nothing particularly exciting.  When I was a child, I loved getting the mail...just to see if there was anything in there for me.  I had a grandmother that was wonderful about sending me little notes in the mail.  She was my first pen pal.  When I was too small to read them, my Sainted Mother would read her notes to me.  Then, as I got older we'd write to each other fairly regularly, even though she only live 45 minutes away. I had a couple of other pen pals over the years and then there were the letters from my "first love" when I was thirteen.  I remember the excitement of opening that metal door and flipping through it all until I saw the envelope with my name on it.

When I eventually became an adult, the mail kind of lost it's luster for me.  Most of my friends and I email or talk on the phone, so the mail became something that I didn't really enjoy. It was mostly junk mail and bills...basically someone asking for the money that I felt like I didn't have.  Until now.   After months of waiting, Number One Son got a couple of large envelopes, one from Charlotte and one from Greenville ...news we'd all been anxiously waiting for....

In the fall, my oldest will became an East Carolina University Pirate...that makes this Mama VERY proud and so excited for him and the opportunities this will bring him. And the bonus? Last Friday, I fell in love with the mail all over again...until that first tuition bill comes...Yikes!

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

What do May Flowers Bring?  Pilgrims....Sorry it's an old, bad joke, but the rain is coming down in torrents here in the south, with the occasional boom of thunder and I just couldn't resist.

Ladies, I must thank you for your help!  I do love my friend and I don't mind making the random baby blanket or hat for her store, but I broke the news to her last night that there would be no socks.  And bless her, once I explained, she was good with that.  I have some bootie patterns that she likes, so I'll continue making those when she needs them.

We haven't had a Car Guy update in a while and so I thought it was about time to let you know what's going on with his "baby."  I only say this because I was with some friends last night and was asked where he was and my reply was "under the Porsche."  Which I quickly had to follow with "and I didn't put him there" after I received several odd looks.  Just a quick catch up...Car Guy is restoring a 1972 Porsche 914.  He's doing all the work himself, so this isn't a quick process.

I am happy to say that these car parts aren't on the floor in my den....I don't think...either that, or I've become so immune to them that I don't even notice any more...anyway, they are now out in the garage where they belong...except for the headlights sitting on the desk. Those are too fragile to reside out there where they might get broken. I've been told they are crazy expensive to replace...I'll trust him on that one.

 I kind of wish I had a before pictures of these.  They are all pretty and shiny now...I sound like such a girl. 

 This is the car before he started the restoration...not to shabby if I do say so myself. I know you are thinking that she really doesn't look like she needs a lot of work.

Here she is back in July.  The tear down had begun.

 

Here she is now.  See that green?  That's her original color. We are going back to that color. No more roots, just glorious green. 

Now what I'm about to show you is a tad bit scary....for me anyway. You are about to see exactly why she needs a full restoration...

See that rust....see those holes....that's the floor board...Here, let's take a better look....

Do you see the red circles?  Those are actual holes that I can fit my fingers through.

Now I know you are asking what's the big deal...It's an old car and rust is bound to happen and it's fixable.  Yes it is.  Here's the scary part.  That's the floor board on the passenger side of the car underneath the seat. That was where my behind was planted on a regular basis, people. And if we are going to be painfully honest here (you know, full disclosure and all that) my behind is not that of a young, 120 pound waif.  No sirree, it belongs to a full figured gal that has birth two strapping boys.  It kind of freaked me out a bit.  

You know, I often said that I felt like my rear end was dragging the ground when I rode in that car....now I know why.

Frustration

I hope everyone is well.  The comments from yesterday's post were great...however, I must say I started feeling my age when Hannah had to ask her mother who Hall and Oates were....OUCH! I'm guessing her mother and I are about the same age since Hall and Oates were really popular when I was in High School.  And then Courtney, who was in High School in the 90's...Yikes!  I was having babies in the 90's. And Rachel roller skating to Boy George....Sigh....It made me feel a little cantankerous and old...but that's OK because there were several of you...Karen, Tracey and Steph that are right there with me...I guess we listen to the "classics." According to my "scientific research,"  it appears that 80's and 90's music is going over well with the younger generation in Kelly's and Anne's homes...I say introduce them to some Zepplin, man! Although I'm not sure some of the lyrics are age appropriate...."Hey, Hey Mama, said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove....." Yeah, umm, maybe not...Moving on.....

So this morning has been an exercise in frustration.  It took FOREVER to get my pictures to download...and then they aren't even good ones...sigh...here they are in all the over exposed and under exposed glory....

This is something I've been working on...it's actually finished, but it's for someone, so I can't tell you what it is or who it's for....shhh...it's a surprise.  It's only my second attempt at knitting lace (sort of lace) and I think I'm starting to get addicted to it. There is definitely a bit of satisfaction to watch it unfold.  This worked up quickly because I used thick yarn and large needles.  Hopefully I'll be able to post a picture of it on the recipient soon.  We'll see.  Some people are a little camera/blog shy.

This is another bit of frustration for me.  It's a baby sock and it's adorable...although I do need to work on my grafting (more frustration).  I love baby socks and I have a friend that wants to sell some in her store, but I just can't seem to find a way to make it cost effective.  They take way too much time to put on the shelf for just a few dollars, so I have to ask what you think a reasonable price would be...we'll make it all official and call it "market research." I also need to find a way that doesn't take me all evening to make one sock....which takes me back to my crappy grafting.  I think I need to find an easier way to close the toe...or maybe try toe up socks? Are they very hard? Any suggests would be great.

Well I'm off to find my rocking chair.  After yesterday, I'm feeling a bit old and I think a nap might be in order.  Take care!

My Time

Every evening when I get home from work, I fix dinner. This process is usually accomplished with a nice glass of Merlot and good tunes. The wine is not required, but the music is a must.

Last night I was trying to pick out some music and Number One Son suggested that I type in a particular band into Pandora. I try to be open minded about music. I understand that my taste in music and his don't always jive, and that's OK. Needless to say, this was one of those times. Three songs in and my work addled brain and nerves just couldn't handle it. I started looking for something else and he asked that I "hold on." I looked at him pleadingly and asked just what was he going to play. He told me not to worry, that he was going to play something from "my time." What?!

I waited with some trepidation as to what he thought was music from "my time."  and what I got was...

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_and_oates

Boy was I relieved! I'm happy to say that he does have relatively good taste in music most of the time...thank goodness! What music is from "your time?"

{Magic of the Mundane} - What I've learned

Today, I am joining Sofia over at Sofia's Ideas for Magic of the Mundane. I so love this idea because it totally falls in line with my desire to get back to simple. It can be a picture, a poem or song, a short video or anything else that celebrates the Magic. So often, we get caught up in "where we're going" that we forget to look at the beauty of "where we are."

What I've Learned....
* Tomorrow is not "just another day."  It's the passage of time that goes so quickly.
* You can't say "I love you" or hug someone too much.
* Kindness carries more weight with people.
* Manners do matter.
* Some four letter words are the best words...Love, Hope, Home.
* Smiles can last all day in someone else's mind.
* Tears heal...and so do hugs.
* Honesty might sting but lying always hurts.
* Hopes and dreams can get you through the day.
* Friends are part of the "good stuff" in life.
* Laughter and tears can go together...and feel so wonderful.
* Holding someone's hand can give you both amazing strength.
* Attitude affects everything.
* Painful words can't be taken back, but good ones should always be shared.
* This won't last forever....enjoy now.
* Love might not conquer all but it makes everything else a little easier to deal with.

Hope this helps get you through your week!

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.

Update:  This is not my back yard...oh how I wish it was....the property belongs to a friend's family and it's one of my favorite spots to visit.

Friends

L-R: Suz, Annie, Me, Dawn, Mel

I know you've heard me go on and on about my "Biscuits,"  but I'm going to do it again.  I have to say that I heartily love these women...and they aren't all in this picture, but they are there is spirit. This has got to be the most wonderful, non judgmental, supportive group of women I've ever met. They will hug you when you cry, offer bail money if needed, share your secrets, support your dreams and help pick up the pieces.  There is no competition (which can sometimes happen with women - stupid!). We are all different and celebrate that difference.

I think the reason why I appreciate these women so much is because I've had the other kind of friends...you know, the fair weather friends.  They talk a good game, but in the end, they are only in it for themselves....what can you do for me and when that stops, so does the friendship.  With this group of women, we do for each other without asking.  I can't tell you how enriched my life has become with these ladies quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) behind me, encouraging me and supporting me and each other.  It's watching what they do for each other that makes me appreciate all that they do for me.

Thank you ladies!

Blocking

Things have been moving right along on the knitting front.  I finished my Mairi shawl and now it's blocking.  It really is quite pretty.  I think it's one of those situations that I finished it just in time to not need it.  The weather went from 60 degrees last week to 81 degrees yesterday....Yeah, so I don't know that I'll be needing a shawl anytime soon.

Another item I have knitted, yes past tense, is the Airy Scarf.  I did this one for a very wonderful lady....do you realize that Mother's Day is just around the corner?!  I had to get on it.  It's now in the blocking queue.  I love this yarn.  It's S. Charles Collezione Ritratto and the color is so beautiful. It will be so pretty with her eyes!  The pattern calls for just one row of eyelet, but I like the two rows...It's just a personal preference.  Either way is pretty. 

I also added some fringe.  I'm not much of a fringe person, but it seems to work with this scarf.  I think it "grounds" it a little bit.  Obviously, this is a not a "warmth" scarf, but I do think it's very pretty and feminine and as I said, it will be gorgeous with someone's pretty blue eyes.

I'm trying to resist the urge to find another project and finish the ones on hand...ahem...but I'm not sure I have the will power.  I will have to say that I'm pleased with myself in that I haven't bought any new yarn.  Everything I've been using has been in my stash. I keep telling Car Guy that I'm being economical.  Now I have to find something for his mother for Mother's Day...When did this become my responsibility?

Stalker...Lurker...Lazy...Confession is Good for the Soul

Ahem...I have a confession.  It's rather embarrassing.  I'm a Ravelry stalker. AND...*deep cleansing sigh*....I'm a blog lurker.  Oh my.  That does feel a little better. Now let me explain...I hope.

I love Ravelry.  It's a major time suck in my life.  If I could step away from Ravelry (and Pinterst), I'd get a lot more done.  But there are so many beautiful things to look at! I mean I only have 970 favorites.  Everybody needs at least 500 favorites, right?  Well, here's the embarrassing part...I like to look at other people...and I don't necessarily friend you.  I'll look at your projects, your favorites, your queue...I might even look at your friends....all said while hanging my head in shame.  I tell myself that I do this for inspiration, but truth be told, I'm just plain nosy.

I'm also a lurker.  There are some blogs that I've been visiting for over a year that I'm just now starting to comment on....so if you wonder who this random person is that pops in and sounds like they know way too much about you....that would be me.  I know about your life because I've been poking my big ol' nose into it with every post.

It all sounds a little creepy doesn't it?  And that's the thing.  I don't comment and I don't friend because I don't want to be that creepy random person that just showed up....which is exactly what I've become...you know the one...."Who is this?" Yup...it's just little ol' me.  The crazy woman over there on blogger.  No biggie. I promise I won't show up at your house unless I'm invited....except for maybe yours Dawn...and Mel...and Anne :)

And finally, it was brought to my attention that I've been a bit lazy. No one actually pointed it out to me by telling me, but it was an event that led me to the realization.

You see, yesterday Kelly over at Who Matters was kind enough to award me with the Liebster Blog award....a very sweet thing to do.  Which reminded me that Anne over at Writing by Numbers awarded me the Versatile Blogger Award....back in March....over a month ago!  I had every intention of saying something, but things happened...time got away from me...blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. You get the picture. So here's the deal...I'm supposed to tell you seven things about me and I'm supposed to give these awards to other people. You already know three things about me...I'm a stalker, a lurker and I'm lazy...not a very flattering picture, but I'm just keeping it real. You'll get more about me in a minute.  Here's another lazy, keeping it real moment...Here is a list of the blogs I read on a regular basis.  I love them...I actually comment on some of them.  Rather than giving them an award, I'm telling you to go pop in and visit....say hi...learn something....leave a comment....give it a shot....it won't hurt...I promise....

A Life Sustained

Beauty That Moves

Clover

Crochet With Raymond

Dog Daisy Chains

Embracing It All

Fiddlesticks

House Full of Jays

Inner Pickle

Laura Emily

Like Mama, Like Daughter

Little Pin Cushion Studio

Mothering With Mindfulness

No Rhyme or Reason

Pass the Biscuits

Pumpkin Sunrise

Raising a Free Range Family

Sandiart

Small Measure

Sofia's Ideas

SouleMama

Ted and Bunny

Teresa Kasner

The Barefoot Crofter

The Best Brain Possible

The Habit of Being

Who Matters

Whoopsidaisy
WoolyThyme
Writing by Numbers

And oh my dear, there are so many more!  Tons more!  This leads to learning something else about me....I spend way too much time on the Internet...I mean WAY TOO MUCH time.  But you will notice a recurring theme with these blogs....Women, Families, Yarn and Food...some very important things in my life.  OK, now onto other things about me.

 - I totally suck at this social networking thing that's going on online.  I have facebook, google+ and twitter and I very rarely tweet or update my statuses.  I think I have maybe 5 friends on google+.  I have plenty of friends on facebook and I kind of stalk people there too.  I check in and see what they are doing, check out their pics and every once in a while leave comment...but not often.  Update:  Just an FYI....If you stalk me on Ravelry, I'm just as bad at updating that as I am everything else...Sorry!  It's kind of boring!

- I want a farm....most of you who have been around for a while know this about me and know that I am totally coveting those farms of yours out there. I don't want anything huge, just a little sustainable farm. Something that makes me a producer of my own instead of a consumer of others....It's a dream.

- I wish I had been a "Stay at Home Mom."  There are times when the doubts creep in and I feel like I didn't do every thing I should have as a working mom.  And I feel like I let my boys down...and I did.  We all make mistakes and let each other down.  I just have to make sure I don't beat myself up over it...a lot easier said than done.

- I wanted more children....but I would have had to of been a "Stay at Home Mom" in order to do it properly...for me...no judgement here people!  I admire women who can do it all and I am woman enough to recognize that I can't. Back to the children thing...I did pregnancy really well and I love children and would have had more at least two more.  Things being what they are, I'm happy with my two and I spoil my 4 nieces and 3 nephews as often as I can...don't worry, I spoil mine too.

With everything I've just said about myself, I've realize that I'm a very old fashioned kind of gal. I'm good with that.  So there you go....I'm an old fashioned, lazy, lurking stalker....do they have a twelve step program for this?

{Magic of the Mundane}

Today, I am joining Sofia over at Sofia's Ideas for Magic of the Mundane. I so love this idea because it totally falls in line with my desire to get back to simple. It can be a picture, a poem or song, a short video or anything else that celebrates the Magic. So often, we get caught up in "where we're going" that we forget to look at the beauty of "where we are."

I love this picture, for so many reasons.  This is my oldest son with his wrestling coach.  This picture was taken at the sports banquet.  My son graduates in June.  I'm having lots of issues with this whole "growing up" thing.

When my son first started wrestling his freshman year, he was maybe 5'3" and weighed all of 103 pounds.  Coach was huge compared to my boy and he dubbed my son PeeWee.  Everyone on the wrestling team is allowed to call him that, but not his parents.  Now look at them. At 6'2" he's not so PeeWee any more.  But he still admires and respects his coach.  They really do have an amazing relationship.

After the banquet, Coach came up to me and told me how much he "loves that boy" of mine.  What I love is watching them together...the humor, the respect, the friendship and the possible glimpses of the man my son will become.

This man has been coaching at the same high school since 1979.  He was there when my sister and I went there.  He's retired twice and keeps coming back. He takes his responsibilities very seriously.  He loves those kids and I was so glad he was there for my boy....I wonder if he wants to go to college with him....It would make this Mama feel better.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.

Thank You!

Before I get started with all the normal stuff,  I want to thank everyone for all the sweet comments yesterday and this morning!  You made a special day even better! It meant a great deal to me and Car Guy.

Now...onto the normal stuff...Just because I felt a tad bit guilty, I've been knitting a few rounds here and there on the sleeve of the Lady Kina sweater.  Did you know that when a sweater is sitting on the sofa right next to you, it can glower at you as you work on another project?  I swear it can. Just the way it was sitting there....You don't believe me.  I can tell.  Well here's the proof.....

See!  She just radiates displeasure.  It looks like she's sticking her tongue out at me. Here...let me make it a little more obvious...

Can you see it now?  Not happy at all.....I think she's just jealous because I'm working with something a little more fancy.

Speaking of...here are a few pictures of my newest project...

This is the Mairi Shawl. I had this lovely yarn in my stash from my girls' weekend in Asheville last fall when we went to SAFF. It is a hand spun silk/rayon blend.  So far none of my pictures do the colors justice. It really is quite gorgeous. And so smooth!  It's like...well, silk.

I don't think that the lace is showing very well in the pictures because it's not blocked yet, but you get the idea.  The most difficult part of the pattern so far was remembering where I was on the lace.  Once I got that down, it has moved right along. I hope to finish it this week especially since we had a little cold snap.  I had to scrape the ice of my windshield this morning!?!  I guess it's a good thing I haven't planted my garden yet.  I was told to wait until after Easter and I'm glad I did. Anyone else get any unseasonably cold weather?

Anniversaries

I'm celebrating a few anniversaries.  A couple of them kind of tiptoed up on me.  Monday was my 200th post and March 31st marked two years of blogging for me. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed it and how special everyone that I've met has become to me.  While we might never meet face to face, I count you as my friends.  Your encouragement, advice, friendship and humor have meant a great deal to me, so thanks for taking this journey with me!!

One other anniversary that I'm celebrating today is 19 years with Car Guy.  They haven't always been easy, but he's always been right there, by my side, holding my hand through it all....even when we were yelling at each other and mad as fire, I have never doubted his commitment to me or our family.  He's a very special man and I'm so fortunate to have him.  I love you Honey!!

{Magic of the Mundane}

Today, I am joining Sofia over at Sofia's Ideas for Magic of the Mundane. I so love this idea because it totally falls in line with my desire to get back to simple. It can be a picture, a poem or song, a short video or anything else that celebrates the Magic. So often, we get caught up in "where we're going" that we forget to look at the beauty of "where we are."

Slightly off kilter, but that's my family.  This picture is sort of a tradition.  Every year, we line the kids up at my in-law's house and take a picture.  My boys are the ones in the green shirt and blue shirt. You can see my sister-in-law in the reflection of the door.  We got together for Easter, as we have every year.  This has been going on since before Car Guy and I ever started dating. As time has passed, the group has gotten larger...now the kids are getting larger.  Soon they will be off at college, but we'll still get together at Easter and there will still be lots of food and laughter and family.  There is so much magic in family and spending time together. Hearing laughter and squeals of not so little children running around outside. And knowing that the foundation is there, as well as the friendships, and these gatherings will continue even after we are gone.

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. Happy Friday!!

Inspired by Amanda Soule - Feel free to join in and share a link to your moment.

Cheater!

Oh dear....I've gone and done it.  I've been cheating.  I'm so fickle....with my knitting at least. Lady Kina is sitting on my sofa undone, pouting beautifully with her silver grey fibers shimmering in the lamplight.  She feels forsaken for something brighter and, dare I say it, quicker...not easier though, because the dear Lady is quite easy :)

So who is the current object of my affections you ask? Well it was a brief affair.  It started Friday night after I felt like I was getting nowhere with the dear Lady.  I needed something with a little more umph...Then I spied this in my stash....

Hmmm.....what to do?  I started looking through patterns on Ravelry and there it was.....The Age of Brass and Steam Kerchief....just enough extra to keep me interested, but not drive me nuts. And here it is...unblocked but still pretty....

I had to make a few changes due to the limitations of my resources. Originally, I was planning on making it bit larger, but lack yardage hindered my progress. Oh well...I still like it and I'm sure that once it's blocked it will become one of my "go to" items because I'm a total sucker for it's beauty....I am a shallow soul, it appears.

 
Ahem....Okay, it's time to remove my tongue from my cheek....But I'm afraid that the Lady is sitting on the sofa undone and that I had reached the point where I needed a little challenge. I had to step away from the "mindless" knitting.  The funny thing about it though, is no one is complaining but me. Car Guy isn't waiting for it to be completed and neither are The Boys...It's not like anyone of them is going to wear it.  I guess I just have a guilty conscious and I think it's because I'm so close to being done.  I guess I'll have to do some forced knitting.  Anybody else out there keeping me company (besides Karen *Waving*)?

{Magic of the Mundane}

Today, I am joining Sofia over at Sofia's Ideas for Magic of the Mundane. I so love this idea because it totally falls in line with my desire to get back to simple. It can be a picture, a poem or song, a short video or anything else that celebrates the Magic. So often, we get caught up in "where we're going" that we forget to look at the beauty of "where we are."

This looks like a pretty little dish and bowl.  Very pretty, but nothing over the top.  Just a dish and bowl to put some food on it. Most of us have several of these and we use them everyday.  Sometimes we notice them more than others....like when the plate or bowl are not big enough to hold what we want, or maybe they are too big.  But most of the time we just use them, wash them and put them away. No big deal. This one is very special. This one was given to me by my Sainted Mother.  That in itself makes it special because she was thinking of me. 

But that's not the only reason why it's special....She made this for me in her pottery class. She even put the pretty green leaves, the center design and orange trim on it so that it would match my everyday dishes. She was thinking of me when she was doing something she always wanted to learn how to do.

Now I know you're thinking "Well gee, Melissa.  That's very nice and not the least bit mundane."  And you'd be right.  But you see, what I'm celebrating - the magic, if you will - is what so many of us have and take for granted, so that they seem mundane - Our Moms.  Ask anyone who doesn't have one, or who has lost one, and they will tell you how special these women are.  But we get so bogged down in life and take for granted all the things, little and big, that they do for us that we sometimes don't even notice.  And then we get something like this plate and bowl and we are reminded how special they are. Sure, there are days where they drive us nuts , but guess what - that's their job. They are supposed to be annoying, nosy and embarrassing. So today, just for a moment, stop and think about what your life would be like without them. Think about what they give us and where would we be without them. And know that all of it comes from a very special place - their heart.  Think about your own children and what you go through for them, what you put up with, what you give up, how you feel about them, how you'd take on the world for them and know that you have someone that feels that way about you...It's special and just a little overwhelming, isn't it?

Have you called your mom today?  Or better yet, hugged her and told her you love her? Give it a shot, it will make her day.