My latest knitting projects.

I decided one day recently that I wanted to create a knitting pattern. Or, at least, knit something without the use of a pattern. So, I went to this lovely etsy shop, which sells both fantastic hats and patterns to create them yourself! I created a hat based on some of hers. I did not use a pattern, and unfortunately, also forgot to write anything down. So, this will be the only hat of this style I will make. But I love the way it turned out! Shown with it are my wrist warmers, otherwise known as fingerless gloves, which I adore and for which Dan makes fun of me every time I wear them. He apparently can't comprehend how essential properly clad wrists are to one's general feeling of warmth. I, who wear them frequently, comprehend this perfectly and will continue to wear them regardless of the opposition I receive from the philistines. (Just kidding Dan! I could never speak in such a way about the foremost patron of my artistic existence!)

Homemade

I've been educating myself lately on how to do things. Here's how it all came about: I was browsing through various etsy shops, as I am wont to do, and found a shop called Theraganics. This shop makes home made soaps. As I was looking through her very attractive products (yes, it's has always been difficult for me to resist bath products), I thought that making soap could be a useful skill to have. What if our government collapsed and chaos ensued? Then what would I do about personal hygiene? So I decided to learn. I read up on it, and now consider myself adequately knowledgeable on the subject. But then, I thought, if I can't get soap, I'm probably not going to be able to get lye, which is the essential ingredient. So, accordingly, I learned how to extract lye from the ash of hardwood. Who knows if any of this knowledge will be useful? I had better learn something a bit more applicable to my life. So, my new project will be to make my own yogurt. I like yogurt. So does Dan, in smoothies and what not. So, I'll give it a try, and calculate the expense to see if it is cost-effective. And I will let you know how it goes.

A Not-so-Dreary Day

I went for a long walk today, about 3.5 miles. I was the only walker I saw, on my way to the organic food store across town. The time went quickly, although the way back was significantly more strenuous, as I was loaded up with several pounds of granola for my husband. It's definitely cold here, only in the mid-40's, and drizzly. But I was well attired for the weather, and avoided feeling the chill. Dan thought the day was dreary, but as I was walking I could not agree. The trees and flowers were a blazon of color all around me, and the tiny droplets of frigid rain against my face nearly took my breath away. Looking closely at the leaves, I realized they are each a little work of art. The colors, the patterns, the symmetry. All destined to be enjoyed for a moment, and then fade and crunch under the feet of passersby. It's amazing to me, the depth of beauty all around us, waiting to be acknowledged.

Weekend

Dan and I decided to, or rather I decided and talked Dan into, traveling to Ohio this past weekend to visit some family. It was such a great time! I am very fond of my family. It was fun to see how my little two month old nephew is growing. My sister is also growing, as she is expecting her first baby! She has an adorable baby bump now, and we all celebrated together by eating three apple pies (and other delicacies prepared by my industrious mother), decorating pumpkins with markers, watching football, and passing the baby among us like a hot potato. I gave my sister a candle I bought from blisscandles on etsy, and matching mommy and baby hats I knitted for her. Now, it's back to everyday life. I finished and listed a new painting on etsy, which you can view here, entitled Wisteria. Not very autumnal, I know, but none-the-less, it is painted and listed. And I already have several ideas rolling around in my head for my next painting. :)

Candles and Gingko leaves!

I finally posted my Gingko drawing on my Etsy shop today. You can view it here if you like! I've been rather into drawing lately, but now I'm wanting to paint again. I have an idea in my head for a painting, and I'm dying to try it out! Sometimes it looks better in my head than on the canvas, so we'll see how it turns out! It will be of my favorite springtime flower, wisteria. Also, I got two candles in the mail today, which I ordered from blisscandles on etsy. Oh man, they smell completely amazing. I got the Spiced Wassail scent, and it is wonderfully fall-ish. They are soy wax candles, which burn clean and last a long time. I would highly recommend checking out Suzanne's shop, because her candles look lovely and smell great, and the transaction went without a hitch.

Gingko

I drew a picture of three Gingko leaves today. It might be done. Usually when I draw something, I let it set out where I can see it for several days, just to make sure it's really done. Sometimes I add things or tweak shading, or whatever. If I'm satisfied with it after several days, I'll spray seal it and then take some pictures of it. I also got a couple of my photographs printed and framed, and I plan to take some pictures of them tomorrow perhaps and post them on my shop. I'm really pleased with the way they turned out. One of the pictures I previously mentioned, a yellow Gingko leaf. I'm not a photographer by any means, but all the same I like taking pictures. What do you think of this photo?