Today I was talking to someone who probably doesn't know me all that well even though we do work together. This person made a comment that has me thinking. They called me a free spirit. Actually what they said was, "I think of you as a free spirit." Like I said, we work together, and honestly I'm not sure what it is about me at work that would have anyone thinking "free spirit". Is it because I'm a contractor/consultant? Is it because on my Facebook page I have listed all the countries I've visited, the books I've read. Is it the comments about the things I do? Because honestly I've never been called a "free spirit" and for whatever reason this has me really stumped, or thinking or something.
Lately I haven't been feeling all that interesting. I mean, really, let's see I work, I go sing at church and do some other stuff there, I read, I knit some and stitch even less. That's it. See, boring. REALLY boring. And then today, "I think of you as a free spirit." Huh? So, what makes someone a free spirit? Is it doing what they want at the drop of a hat? Is it doing things their own way, not conforming to what other's expect of them? Is it selling all their belongings and backpacking through Europe while writing a really great novel? What is it?
So, ya'll tell me? What makes someone a free spirit in your mind?
Oh, and I promise I'll try and get part deux of my travel adventures up tomorrow. That way I can blog about my trip this weekend when I come home without having to wait too long...at least I hope I can!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ria Made Me!
My friend Ria tagged from her friend Thom at Thom's Place with this. I answer these 8 questions and then tag 8 others. Thom is running a contest on his blog with a $20 gift card to any online store that has gift cards. To play, and win, you have to be tagged, answer the questions and then go over to his blog and guess how many people will do the same by Wed, Sept. 15th. I decided to play, wonder who else will
My answers:
1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging to quiet my inner writer. Really, that's why. One of my dreams has always been to write a book. So instead of doing that I decided to write in a blog. You'd think from the fact that I haven't been very good at keeping up with this blog my inner writer is not that loud. That is not the case. She's still very loud, I've just learned how to ignore her as the years go on. Maybe I'll start listening again and either work on this blog more often, or actually start writing a book. (And yes, I have a couple of ideas I just need to work them through.)
2. If you could travel anywhere in the world with no restriction of costs, where would it be and why?
Wait, do I have to pick one place? Are you kidding? If I had no cost restrictions I'd travel to all kinds of places. I'd go back to places I lived and traveled in when I was a child so that would take care of England, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Holland. Since I'd be in the vicinity I'd have to add in Ireland, Brussels, all of Scandinavia, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Greece. Then of course there's the old Soviet bloc countries that have so many different interesting places and architecture. I'd pick and choose in there but certainly Moscow, St. Petersburg, Budapest then down in to Romainia. Then I'd have to head into places like Turkey, parts of Africa, go back to Egypt and see Alexandria, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and return to Cairo to spend some more time at the museum since we didn't get as much time there as I would like. Also I'd go back to Israel and go to Elat and spend a day or two there among other places. Head over to Jordan, maybe look up and old college friend from my High Point days, plus there's Petra and Madaba to see among other things. Then it's off to the Far East: China, Japan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Singapore, and some other places including Bali. Then Australia and New Zealand. Do you get the picture with this list off the top of my head? It would take me years to do everything I would want to do and see. I've dreamed of seeing the ancient ruins in Greece and Rome for ages, plus Crete, ever since I took all those Ancient Greek Art & Architecture classes in college. (Yes, I was a business major, but hey a girl has to have some fun classes too!) There are just so many wonderful things to see and do that I would have a hard time picking just one. And you said there were unlimited funds!
3. Did you have a teacher in school that had a great influence on your life? If so, what?
I've had several teachers who influenced me, but none to the point that I could say steered me exactly to where I am in my life today work wise. I had several teachers who encouraged my love of reading and history, especially Mrs. Bowles and Mrs. Ellis. I had both of them all through high school for English/Lit. and Humanities. They both taught me a great deal about literature and writing that I still think about today. Both encouraged all of us to take time to read and learn about more then where we were right now. That's a lesson that has absolutely stayed with me over the years.
4. If you could spend the day with a famous person, who would it be, and what would you do?
I hate this question because there are so many people I'd want to meet, but I'm going to go with Jane Austen today. I'd love to spend a day just talking to her about her characters. What they meant to her. Where she found her inspiration for them and how she viewed her own life. Share a cup of tea or two with her and mainly just spend a day doing what she did in a normal day.
5. Toilet paper – over or under?
I'm an over person myself, but I'm not fanatical about it.
6. Name one thing in your life that you would do over if possible.
I'd go straight to get my masters, probably straight to law school. Wait, back up. I might even go back and not transfer to FSU from High Point and finish my degrees there, then go on to law school, then maybe go to get my PhD. Not take a break just do that.
But in reality, I'd probably make the same decisions I made before.
7. Tell about your pets – if any.
I have parents instead of pets. They don't have vet bills, and they do talk back to you instead of just listening, but I still love them!
8. Do you live in a small town or a large town. (You don’t have to name the town.)
I live in the suburb of the largest land-mass city in the US. That just means that I have the benefits of a large town (pro football, semi-pro baseball, concerts, symphony, Broadway road shows, excellent restaurant choices, museums) AND I live in the small town that I basically grew up in where I can still go to my high school's football games on Friday night and see people I've known almost my entire life. And I can live in a house on 2 1/2 acres instead of right on top of my neighbors. It does mean I have to drive a bit to get to most anywhere I want to go, but that's ok, I don't usually mind.
I hope I've given you all enough time to participate. I'm pretty sure you all ready my blog fairly often and these really weren't hard questions.
Now for my victims Jackie - Jackie's Stitches Jean - Baa Baa Knit Stitch Grant - Mostly Harmless Jeanine - Sleepy Weasel Studio (long time since she's posted) Heather - It's Geek to Me Karoline - Karoline's Corner Melody - Wooly Thoughts Susan - A Work in Progress
My answers:
1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging to quiet my inner writer. Really, that's why. One of my dreams has always been to write a book. So instead of doing that I decided to write in a blog. You'd think from the fact that I haven't been very good at keeping up with this blog my inner writer is not that loud. That is not the case. She's still very loud, I've just learned how to ignore her as the years go on. Maybe I'll start listening again and either work on this blog more often, or actually start writing a book. (And yes, I have a couple of ideas I just need to work them through.)
2. If you could travel anywhere in the world with no restriction of costs, where would it be and why?
Wait, do I have to pick one place? Are you kidding? If I had no cost restrictions I'd travel to all kinds of places. I'd go back to places I lived and traveled in when I was a child so that would take care of England, Wales, Scotland, Italy, Spain, Holland. Since I'd be in the vicinity I'd have to add in Ireland, Brussels, all of Scandinavia, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Greece. Then of course there's the old Soviet bloc countries that have so many different interesting places and architecture. I'd pick and choose in there but certainly Moscow, St. Petersburg, Budapest then down in to Romainia. Then I'd have to head into places like Turkey, parts of Africa, go back to Egypt and see Alexandria, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and return to Cairo to spend some more time at the museum since we didn't get as much time there as I would like. Also I'd go back to Israel and go to Elat and spend a day or two there among other places. Head over to Jordan, maybe look up and old college friend from my High Point days, plus there's Petra and Madaba to see among other things. Then it's off to the Far East: China, Japan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Singapore, and some other places including Bali. Then Australia and New Zealand. Do you get the picture with this list off the top of my head? It would take me years to do everything I would want to do and see. I've dreamed of seeing the ancient ruins in Greece and Rome for ages, plus Crete, ever since I took all those Ancient Greek Art & Architecture classes in college. (Yes, I was a business major, but hey a girl has to have some fun classes too!) There are just so many wonderful things to see and do that I would have a hard time picking just one. And you said there were unlimited funds!
3. Did you have a teacher in school that had a great influence on your life? If so, what?
I've had several teachers who influenced me, but none to the point that I could say steered me exactly to where I am in my life today work wise. I had several teachers who encouraged my love of reading and history, especially Mrs. Bowles and Mrs. Ellis. I had both of them all through high school for English/Lit. and Humanities. They both taught me a great deal about literature and writing that I still think about today. Both encouraged all of us to take time to read and learn about more then where we were right now. That's a lesson that has absolutely stayed with me over the years.
4. If you could spend the day with a famous person, who would it be, and what would you do?
I hate this question because there are so many people I'd want to meet, but I'm going to go with Jane Austen today. I'd love to spend a day just talking to her about her characters. What they meant to her. Where she found her inspiration for them and how she viewed her own life. Share a cup of tea or two with her and mainly just spend a day doing what she did in a normal day.
5. Toilet paper – over or under?
I'm an over person myself, but I'm not fanatical about it.
6. Name one thing in your life that you would do over if possible.
I'd go straight to get my masters, probably straight to law school. Wait, back up. I might even go back and not transfer to FSU from High Point and finish my degrees there, then go on to law school, then maybe go to get my PhD. Not take a break just do that.
But in reality, I'd probably make the same decisions I made before.
7. Tell about your pets – if any.
I have parents instead of pets. They don't have vet bills, and they do talk back to you instead of just listening, but I still love them!
8. Do you live in a small town or a large town. (You don’t have to name the town.)
I live in the suburb of the largest land-mass city in the US. That just means that I have the benefits of a large town (pro football, semi-pro baseball, concerts, symphony, Broadway road shows, excellent restaurant choices, museums) AND I live in the small town that I basically grew up in where I can still go to my high school's football games on Friday night and see people I've known almost my entire life. And I can live in a house on 2 1/2 acres instead of right on top of my neighbors. It does mean I have to drive a bit to get to most anywhere I want to go, but that's ok, I don't usually mind.
I hope I've given you all enough time to participate. I'm pretty sure you all ready my blog fairly often and these really weren't hard questions.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Who knew you're name could tell you this?
You Are Submissive Sexy |
 You are sexy because you are sensitive. You feel deeply. You're the type of person who loves being seduced and pursued. You're too passive to ever take the lead, but you don't mind waiting for someone to notice you. And once someone is chasing you, you love every moment until you are caught. Everything inside your head gets a little intense at times. You can get a bit overwhelmed in the bedroom. Your senses are very sharp. You are easily stimulated and turned on. |
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
All about travel (part one)
So today we bring you part one of the recap of my latest travels. I've managed to go to Atlanta twice since the spring. Once with my DF Jackie, who's blog you should check out, and once by myself. Both trips were wonderful. Plus I made a quick trip up to WV for a family reunion and to help my parents drive home. Not to mention two trips to Savannah.
I'm guessing you want more information, or at the least some pictures of swag or other such nonsense. Luck you, I have just what you want.
Now understand that this is for three people. Yeah, it still looks like a lot, but in my defense, I've already finished one shawl from some of what is there and am 3/4 way through another. I'm ready to sign up for next year. Maybe take two classes this time.
Of course it wasn't all about theloot yarn, we also spent time with friends Jill, Heather and Andy. Jackie got to meet my stitching/knitting friends in Atlanta and we even found a few minutes to take her to one of the stitching stores so she could look around. And yes, I did buy a small little something there that I've been working on (and need to get progress pictures of).
Mom, Dad, myself and several other friends also went up to Savannah in April to see a show at The Savannah Theater. We saw Southern Nights that day. It was the first time mom and dad had gone up and they really enjoyed the show. We always have a great time. Before the show mom and I found Wild Fiber and I did a little shopping there.
Lovely shop and very near the theater so that's just perfect for when I get to go back for a visit.
And here's a picture of "the gang" having a bite to eat before the show started.
I even have a picture of my dad after the show. Isn't he handsome?
Chris' parents are Don & Lynn in the picture above and we've all been friends for years. In fact, all of us attend the same church and are pretty close.
We went back up to Savannah for Chris' birthday in May and got to see the Gospel Jubilee they were putting on at the time. Amazing is the only word I can use. We're planning on going back to see the one they do in the fall as well.
Wow, that's a lot for one day. I think I'll leave you in May and try to bring you up to date with the rest later this week. Don't want to bore anyone you know.
I'm guessing you want more information, or at the least some pictures of swag or other such nonsense. Luck you, I have just what you want.
The trip in April was for Stitches South. Neither Jackie nor I had ever attended and we were very much looking forward not only to the class we had signed up for, but also the chance to check out some yarns we had heard of but never seen or felt. Let me just say that we did our share of shopping. We stayed with DF Jean and her fab husband which helped cut down on cost, or should I say helped us be able to spend more. I'm not sure when we took this picture, I think it was after day 1 when we'd gone to class and then waited to get into the "hall of yarny and related goodness" for early bird shopping. In fact, I'm fairly certain that's when this was taken.
Of course it wasn't all about the
Mom, Dad, myself and several other friends also went up to Savannah in April to see a show at The Savannah Theater. We saw Southern Nights that day. It was the first time mom and dad had gone up and they really enjoyed the show. We always have a great time. Before the show mom and I found Wild Fiber and I did a little shopping there.
Lovely shop and very near the theater so that's just perfect for when I get to go back for a visit.
And here's a picture of "the gang" having a bite to eat before the show started.
 |
| from right clockwise: Mom, Don F., Lynn F., Tony F., Janet F., Joyce & my dad |
 |
| Left to right: Chris Fullerton, Dad, Michele (I think) |
We went back up to Savannah for Chris' birthday in May and got to see the Gospel Jubilee they were putting on at the time. Amazing is the only word I can use. We're planning on going back to see the one they do in the fall as well.
Wow, that's a lot for one day. I think I'll leave you in May and try to bring you up to date with the rest later this week. Don't want to bore anyone you know.
Monday, August 23, 2010
The week that was
Last week seemed to go by both quickly and at a snails pace. I started this blog post on Wednesday and then all of a sudden it was a new week. Here's what I was thinking:
So Monday morning I had my regularly scheduled doctors appointment for my RA. That wasn't so bad. In fact it went pretty well. Then I came home and logged back into work. That's when things started to go downhill, not that it happened all at once. Oh heck no. It was more insidious. Little things started piling up and it just became one long day where everything I tried to do took ten times as long as it should have. Tuesday didn't get much better, but at least I figured out how to work around some of my computer issues at work and by Wednesday things were going ok in that department.
I really wanted to knit last week. Really. But I didn't get much done. I did work some on a small project I'm doing for a swap, but it's not that exciting so I'm not making as much progress on it as I should. I really ought to be finished with it, but I'm not and I'm making myself knit on it so I'll get it done for my package to go out on time.
I'd love to show you pictures of something I finished, or something I worked on, but really, I've got nothing. So, I'll post this in the hopes that tomorrow I can post some pictures from at least one of my trips this summer. Stay tuned!
So Monday morning I had my regularly scheduled doctors appointment for my RA. That wasn't so bad. In fact it went pretty well. Then I came home and logged back into work. That's when things started to go downhill, not that it happened all at once. Oh heck no. It was more insidious. Little things started piling up and it just became one long day where everything I tried to do took ten times as long as it should have. Tuesday didn't get much better, but at least I figured out how to work around some of my computer issues at work and by Wednesday things were going ok in that department.
I really wanted to knit last week. Really. But I didn't get much done. I did work some on a small project I'm doing for a swap, but it's not that exciting so I'm not making as much progress on it as I should. I really ought to be finished with it, but I'm not and I'm making myself knit on it so I'll get it done for my package to go out on time.
I'd love to show you pictures of something I finished, or something I worked on, but really, I've got nothing. So, I'll post this in the hopes that tomorrow I can post some pictures from at least one of my trips this summer. Stay tuned!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Rainy Saturday
It's been a really rainy Saturday today which means I've been pretty lazy. Really haven't done much all day except catch up on some TV I had recorded and knit. So, what am I knitting on you ask? I've been spending most of my knitting time on two different shawls. I don't have up to date pictures on either, but I'll let you see what I have. I was going to take a new picture of both, but my camera is hiding after being on vacation. I really hope I didn't leave it in the hotel.
First up:
This is my take on Natalie Servant's Eiffel Tower shawl. It was a challenge during July for the Tour de France. I didn't finish, but I did actually start the second repeat of Chart 2 today. I'm doing the 5 arch version, which is actually 5 arches on each of 2 sides. The yarn was a gift from DF Jennifer who I "hang out with" (in an online chat) most Sunday afternoons as we watch NASCAR. Check out both of her blogs here and here to see what yarny goodness she's up to. Oh, the yarn is called Yarn Chef and I adore it. It's lace weight and so yummy to work with since it's got some silk in it. I can't wait to see the drape on this when it's finished.
The other shawl I've been working on is this one:
This is Cambria Wrap that I'm doing in some lovely yarn I scored when I went to Stitches South. (Oh, I haven't talked about that have I? Well maybe I'll do a single post on trips and what I scored later.) Anyway, the yarn is from Knitting Notions and it's fingering weight. (Classic Merino Superwash Sock in "In the Light" colorway) I love the colors and bought enough for this pattern when I saw it. This is a very simple pattern that was easy to memorize and has been my travel, or non-thinking, piece for awhile now. I wanted it nice and long so I could wrap it around me on cool evenings, because I live in hope that it will eventually cool off, plus I think long wraps are elegant and make jeans look dressed up. So, I'm using 2 skeins and it's going to be perfect. I've actually started and second skein and am making nice progress. Especially since I haven't really knit on it regularly.
There's more, I finished Traveling Woman made with some wonderful yarn from Sanguine Gryffon called Kypria. I don't have a finished picture of that either, so you'll just have to wait.
Time to head out for dinner so enjoy the pictures and send good thoughts my way so I'll find my camera.
First up:
This is my take on Natalie Servant's Eiffel Tower shawl. It was a challenge during July for the Tour de France. I didn't finish, but I did actually start the second repeat of Chart 2 today. I'm doing the 5 arch version, which is actually 5 arches on each of 2 sides. The yarn was a gift from DF Jennifer who I "hang out with" (in an online chat) most Sunday afternoons as we watch NASCAR. Check out both of her blogs here and here to see what yarny goodness she's up to. Oh, the yarn is called Yarn Chef and I adore it. It's lace weight and so yummy to work with since it's got some silk in it. I can't wait to see the drape on this when it's finished.
The other shawl I've been working on is this one:
This is Cambria Wrap that I'm doing in some lovely yarn I scored when I went to Stitches South. (Oh, I haven't talked about that have I? Well maybe I'll do a single post on trips and what I scored later.) Anyway, the yarn is from Knitting Notions and it's fingering weight. (Classic Merino Superwash Sock in "In the Light" colorway) I love the colors and bought enough for this pattern when I saw it. This is a very simple pattern that was easy to memorize and has been my travel, or non-thinking, piece for awhile now. I wanted it nice and long so I could wrap it around me on cool evenings, because I live in hope that it will eventually cool off, plus I think long wraps are elegant and make jeans look dressed up. So, I'm using 2 skeins and it's going to be perfect. I've actually started and second skein and am making nice progress. Especially since I haven't really knit on it regularly.
There's more, I finished Traveling Woman made with some wonderful yarn from Sanguine Gryffon called Kypria. I don't have a finished picture of that either, so you'll just have to wait.
Time to head out for dinner so enjoy the pictures and send good thoughts my way so I'll find my camera.
Friday, August 13, 2010
I bet you thought I'd stopped blogging
So the truth is I had, but not forever. The main reason was because I've been busy and life just seemed to go by without me managing to blog. I'd think about a blog post and then the day would be gone, or the week, or the month and it wasn't relevant any more. Since I last blogged I ended up one contract, took a month off and started another contract that has kept me VERY busy. I've finished a couple of knitting projects and I've even stitched a little. So I'll try to do better and also get everyone caught up on the important stuff.
Let's see, I think some eye candy is in order to get the ball rolling.
I knit this for a lady I work with when she found out she had a melanoma on her face and was going in for surgery. I used Zauberball and love how it turned out. When I blocked it I made it a little too pointy around the edge, but I still love how it turned out and she was surprised and has used it and loves the color so I'm happy with it.
I also finished Sapphire Beauty and can't wait until it's a little cooler so I can start wearing it. I would make another one of these for a gift, same with Citron. Both are great, easy patterns you can work on while you're watching TV and relaxing.
My lovely model for both is my mother. She's always willing to help me out, but sometimes she wants to keep things. I guess I need to make her a shawl.
That's all I have time for today. I've got some more pretties to show off so I'll be posting some more I promise.
Let's see, I think some eye candy is in order to get the ball rolling.
 |
| Cancer away Citron |
I also finished Sapphire Beauty and can't wait until it's a little cooler so I can start wearing it. I would make another one of these for a gift, same with Citron. Both are great, easy patterns you can work on while you're watching TV and relaxing.
My lovely model for both is my mother. She's always willing to help me out, but sometimes she wants to keep things. I guess I need to make her a shawl.
That's all I have time for today. I've got some more pretties to show off so I'll be posting some more I promise.
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