tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37165015751136240592024-03-14T02:50:01.067-05:00Yarn-aholic in T.O....Commentary on knitting, philanthropy, family, and the world...in no particular order.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-34481271993439147832007-09-12T15:29:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:20.202-05:00L'Shana Tova / Happy New Year...To Jews everywhere....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RuhMdSRjTbI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/a40worRU9Ks/s1600-h/shana+tova.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RuhMdSRjTbI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/a40worRU9Ks/s400/shana+tova.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109417843257200050" /></a><br /><br />....and yes, I do have three other blog posts started....just unfinished and yes I am aware thats it been forever since I last posted. I am being a very bad blogger. The good news is that I haven't been such a bad knitter....I will have pics to prove it....although nothing finished. I did however do some excellent yarn purchases while away in Hailburton....more to come soon.<br /><br />For today and tonight, I am focused on feeding the entire family and the next two days of solemn prayer and celebration. Health and happiness to all.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-76566068068103609482007-07-25T12:12:00.000-05:002007-07-25T12:14:59.840-05:00Personal DNA<div style="position: relative;overflow: hidden;width: 236px;height: 30px;"><img src='http://www.personaldna.com/images/dna_lef.gif' style='position:absolute;top:0;left:0'><div title=" Slightly High Confidence" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 18px;top:0px;height:30px;width:17px;background-color:#d61515"></div><div title=" Low Openness" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 35px;top:0px;height:30px;width:5px;background-color:#0f9653"></div><div title=" Very High Extroversion" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 40px;top:0px;height:30px;width:21px;background-color:#e817e8"></div><div title=" Average Empathy" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 61px;top:0px;height:30px;width:11px;background-color:#b51264"></div><div title=" Average Trust" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 72px;top:0px;height:30px;width:11px;background-color:#1212b5"></div><div title=" Very High Agency" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 83px;top:0px;height:30px;width:20px;background-color:#17e617"></div><div title=" Very High Masculinity" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 103px;top:0px;height:30px;width:21px;background-color:#1781eb"></div><div title=" Very High Femininity" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 124px;top:0px;height:30px;width:21px;background-color:#ebeb17"></div><div title=" Slightly Low Spontenaiety" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 145px;top:0px;height:30px;width:8px;background-color:#11a6a6"></div><div title=" Very High Attention to Style" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 153px;top:0px;height:30px;width:22px;background-color:#151515"></div><div title=" Very High Authoritarianism" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 175px;top:0px;height:30px;width:20px;background-color:#7e17e6"></div><div title=" Slightly Earthy" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 195px;top:0px;height:30px;width:1px;background-color:#fa8919"></div><div title=" Very Aesthetic" style="position: absolute;overflow: hidden;left: 196px;top:0px;height:30px;width:21px;background-color:#81eb17"></div><img src='http://www.personaldna.com/images/dna_rig.gif' style='position:absolute;top:0;left:218px;'></div><div style="position:relative; text-align:center; width:236px;"><a href="http://www.personaldna.com">Genuine Visionary</a></div><br /><br />This was a very interesting 20 minutes exercise which was a little too bang on for my comfort. How do they do that?Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-12925860825347414112007-07-13T10:02:00.000-05:002007-07-21T18:10:41.789-05:00I'm way too proper...<a href="http://mingle2.com/blog-rating"><img style="border: none;" src="http://mingle2.com/img/bb/blog_rating/pg.jpg" alt="Online Dating" /></a><p>Mingle<sup>2</sup> - <a href="http://mingle2.com">Online Dating</a></p><br /><br />It seems even though I have a foul mouth which occasionally utters very inappropriate and nasty things - I am only PG in real-life blogland. Miss Manners would be proud and I was dinged for using the word sexy. - lol<br /><br />I so need to just be 'me' more and call it for how I see it. Who needs decorum and politeness. <br /><br />I am coming to the realization that as I am aging I am becoming prudish. Pretty funny considering I've been teaching sexual health education for years and counselling women around their reproductive choices. What does this say about me and the changes I am experiencing....perhaps this is the "normal" path for women in their mid 30's...either that or I'm coming to terms with being the mother to an attractive 16 year old daughter who is going to start to engage in all life has to offer sooner rather than later. Thoughts???Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-54813668592586930662007-07-07T21:20:00.000-05:002007-07-07T21:21:10.821-05:00What finger are you?<table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><b>You Are the Index Finger</b></font></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><center><img src="http://images.blogthings.com/whatfingerareyouquiz/finger-2.jpg" height="100" width="100"></center><font color="#000000"><br />You are ambitious, driven, and capable.<br />You aren't afraid to take responsibility for your actions - or place the blame on whoever deserves it.<br />You are honest, free thinking, and objective. You see things in your own way - and you aren't afraid to let everyone know about it.<br /><br />You get along well with: The Thumb<br /><br />Stay away from: The Ring Finger</font></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatfingerareyouquiz/">What Finger Are You?</a></div>Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-84282377989359122532007-07-07T20:22:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:20.517-05:00I normally wouldn't give Vanity Fair Magazine the time of day....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA8n3NcmRI/AAAAAAAAAbI/5O1_B7PHNcY/s1600-h/posl15_onthecover0707.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA8n3NcmRI/AAAAAAAAAbI/5O1_B7PHNcY/s400/posl15_onthecover0707.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084630634834204946" /></a><br />however, even I was drawn into the Africa July Issue.<br />I bought the Oprah & Gates Issue after perusing all of the magazine covers trying to find the Maya Angelou one...<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA8inNcmQI/AAAAAAAAAbA/QtGq0CosuXo/s1600-h/posl11_onthecover0707.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA8inNcmQI/AAAAAAAAAbA/QtGq0CosuXo/s400/posl11_onthecover0707.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084630544639891714" /></a><br /><br />I have to admit I have thing for Maya Angelou - her writing, her poetry, how she lives her life - so honestly. She has come from such humble beginnings and has remained such a genuinely human being - with a very gently nature. <br /><br />Either way I gave in buying what I would normally not consider a particularly intellectual magazine, only to find some excellent stories. I especially liked the interview of Archbishop Desmond Tutu by of all people brad Pitt. Both were thoughtful, honest, and humorous. I also really like the story on Jeffrey Sach's - who seems to be not only incredibly bright, but solution oriented - he reminds me of fellow Canadian and AIDS fighting machine Stephen Lewis - a man with conviction and a dream to change the world for those living with HIV/AIDS.<br /><br />When reading magazine's like this one, I feel a part of my soul being drawn out - I want so badly to hop on a plane and leave the creature comforts of my life and serve people who so desperately need help. I made a promise to myself that when Olyvia and Taylor have both gotten settled in University to take a sabbatical from wherever I am employed at that time and go to India or Africa and serve some of the women and children living in deplorable conditions. I always come back to the fact that my life is no more valuable that that of any other human on this planet and so when I read these stories, I question the truthfulness of my life. It pushes me to look harder at myself, how and what I spend, how honestly I live and why I am here doing what I am doing. <br /><br />I wonder how many other people do this type of questioning and how many others feel a genuine sense of guilt for being born here, in this time and place and not in a country where women are treated like posessions to be sold, traded, abused, raped, killed, maimed, starved, abandoned, ignored, like shit. The unequity is astounding and I just want to do my part to contribute to righting the wrongs....however long that takes.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-33859587495534368912007-07-05T07:13:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:21.061-05:00Damn Alpaca! Damn! Damn! Damn!OK so I was drawn in by its beauty - that damn blush coloured <a href="http://www.blueskyalpacas.com/">blue sky alpacas </a>alpaca. Not the company or the wools fault really that it just feels like butter in your hands when you knit it or that its sheer beauty draws you in and makes you want to knit non stop, but I have had a series of unfortunate events occur non-stop since I started knitting with her.<br /><br />If you remember some time ago (back in April at the <a href="http://www.downtownknitcollective.ca/dkc_frolic.html">DKC Knitters Frolic</a>)I bought eight skeins of the most beautiful blush coloured baby alpaca/silk wool and also purchased a lovely ribbon shell pattern. Now I have been quite excited that a) I would be knitting my very first article of body clothing (not including hats, scarves, socks and the such)and b) that I would be knitting with such a beautiful luxury fibre - how was I to know what I was getting myself into. <br /><br />I have been happily knitting, albeit slowly, but knitting away this beautiful shell, and even after a small miscount with the front not quite being ample enough to fit my bosom and frogging it back and refinishing it again, I finally finished both back and front and got to start the exciting process of finishing the construction. I really do mean exciting as for me I knew that another few hours meant I would be ready to block, dry and then actually wear something I knit. How wrong I was....<br /><br />The knitting G-dess seeing me in a state of sheer and utter joy at the thought of finishing an actual garment, decided that now was a good time to smite me (for a knitting lesson). I have finished the border on the collar and then started to work on the border on the cap part of the shoulders. Once I had finished one side I couldn't resist. I had to try it on at least over my head just to see how my beautiful shell was going to look....and then I realized that there was a problem....a big problem....<br /><br />I am a curvy lady - always have been and anticipate that I always will be. For once I had given enough room for my bosom, however what I noticed was that the beautiful border I just completed on shoulder one - did not allow enough space for my arm to fit and also allow me space to close the side seam. This was something I did not anticipate...my arm was to .....dare I say too big... for my shell. I tried and tried to figure it out and then could only assume that I'd cast off much too tightly and that if I re-cast off the end of my border then all would be good. rather than focus on that negativity I started to knit shoulder two's border thinking I would test my theory rather than manage all that frogging negativity only to find that even with a generous (loose) cast off - it still didn't fit. I am just gobsmacked!!! I've had to set the shell aside again until next Monday's Stitch n' Bitch (where I can seek help from other knitterly guru type folks) as otherwise I am unsure I could trust myself not to turn in a moderately angry and bitter knitter - and really who wants to deal with that. **SIGH**<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA4s3NcmNI/AAAAAAAAAao/7RYfi9dq9zg/s1600-h/P1010023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA4s3NcmNI/AAAAAAAAAao/7RYfi9dq9zg/s400/P1010023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084626322687039698" /></a><br /><br />On a slightly happier note, I am back knitting one of my TTC Knit-a-Long purchases - a shell in <a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/html/yarns_results_new.asp?groupcode=120&weight=null&spec=null&guage=null">Rowan damask</a> in Zircone. I have been trying to knit this since the Knit-A-Long, but have had to frog it a few times. Maybe this fresh new start a couple of weeks later and some perspective will help.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA5ZXNcmOI/AAAAAAAAAaw/xUAerhArITk/s1600-h/P1010047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA5ZXNcmOI/AAAAAAAAAaw/xUAerhArITk/s400/P1010047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084627087191218402" /></a><br /><br />Also super excited that Dishrag tag is starting to pick up steam. Fabulous Dorothy -has just started a <a href="http://canadiandishrags.wordpress.com/">team blog </a>. I anticipate good things will come of this. Hope everyone has been enjoying the great weather.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA5mnNcmPI/AAAAAAAAAa4/rWXVSUG6-v4/s1600-h/P1010025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RpA5mnNcmPI/AAAAAAAAAa4/rWXVSUG6-v4/s400/P1010025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084627314824485106" /></a>Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-37636695254579368222007-06-29T08:42:00.000-05:002007-06-29T10:10:38.514-05:00Facebook....I am a convert. <br /><br />My daughter Olyvia has been on facebook since forever...or at least the past two years. She has over 2,800 friends (although I can't imagine how) and is definetely an addict. <br /><br />I've caught whatever she has and frankly I'm a little frightened by how much I am enjoying it. It's only been a week and I have reconnected with people that I never anticipated I would ever be in touch with again. I haven't seen most of these people since high school and really most of them remember me as the girl who got pregnant and I remember most of them as the people I left behind in that other part of my life.<br /><br />It's been unsettling how many have reconnected in such a lovely way with warmth, and genuine interest. Most of them are married or getting married and some have started their families. Strange to think they are at the beginning of that time in their lives and I am on the other side with two children who are much closer to heading off to college. Either way it has been lovely to catch up and find out where life has taken them and be able to share where life has taken me...<br /><br />It's also been very interesting to get a view into other people's (my friends, their friends etc...) lives, groups, interests etc... people share a great deal online...either people are really comfortable in their skin or they are naive. I guess I always remember that this online community is just that - online and accessible to the world. I'm not sure I'm that comfortable or willing to be that transparent online (to the entire world). Id rather save that for something a little more private....like blogging - lol.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-70096508711622131192007-06-13T20:55:00.001-05:002008-12-09T19:14:24.599-05:0034 years ago today....At 1:35 in the afternoon I arrived on this planet. Happy Birthday to me. :)<br /><br />It's been a truely lovly day filled with wonderful people, food, gifts, smiles, laughter and memories. Thank you to ~ Olyvia, David, Taylor, Alex, Justin, Zana, Meredith, Kevin, Wen, Sue, Sandy, Deborah, Colin, Mummy, Miriam, Yvonne, Amy, Dan, Janice, Laura, Heather, Janet, Rachael, Carmella, Margalite and Esther Rochel for making the day so special. It is incredible to be surrounded by so many thoughtful and loving people.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC_vM7PqJI/AAAAAAAAAaY/ux5Y_AJ94BU/s1600-h/Rhianna+cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC_vM7PqJI/AAAAAAAAAaY/ux5Y_AJ94BU/s400/Rhianna+cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075767597691021458" /></a><br />Olyvia was the first to wish me happy birthday last night and to give me her gift the new Rhianna CD - which she new I had been seriously Jonesing for. Olyvia - I never could have wished for anything more with you. You are becoming such a beautiful young woman - scaring the hell out of me most days but I love you more than you could ever understand.<br /><br />My day started with numerous renditions of off-key version of Happy Birthday - thanks: Olyvia, David, Zana, Meredith, Sue, Sandy, and everyone at dinner for singing to me - it warms my all ready mushy heart....and I truly never tire of it. Then there were the e-cards (Thanks Deb), msn messages (Thanks Lauren, Nery and JEM), phenomenal surprise lunch with Sue and Sandy (Thanks for having Indian food for me), David for always remembering to send me flowers (just because I love flowers)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnCr-c7PpyI/AAAAAAAAAXg/UwMS4jvPpMQ/s1600-h/DSC04445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnCr-c7PpyI/AAAAAAAAAXg/UwMS4jvPpMQ/s400/DSC04445.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075745869451470626" /></a><br />next followed by the giant cookie visit (Thanks Carmella, Margolite and Esther Rochel for remembering) <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC1n87Pp2I/AAAAAAAAAYA/tXtyMEHFyGw/s1600-h/Kosher+cookie.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC1n87Pp2I/AAAAAAAAAYA/tXtyMEHFyGw/s400/Kosher+cookie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075756478020691810" /></a><br />and the day concluded with an extended family dinner - thanks everyone for coming to celebrate with me - I love all of you.<br /><br />My family and friends spoiled me a lot this year - in fact to be honest it was a little overwhelming. I felt so incredibly special - and really I just feel so blessed.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5us7PqEI/AAAAAAAAAZw/DY70o3PIh4Q/s1600-h/Autogrill+group.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5us7PqEI/AAAAAAAAAZw/DY70o3PIh4Q/s400/Autogrill+group.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075760992031320130" /></a><br />This is at <a href="http://www.dine.to/autogrill-uptown">Autogrill</a> as everyone was arriving. I think it was possible I was beaming all night.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnCs5s7PpzI/AAAAAAAAAXo/yFsU9uE3qFQ/s1600-h/DSC04443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnCs5s7PpzI/AAAAAAAAAXo/yFsU9uE3qFQ/s400/DSC04443.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075746887358719794" /></a><br />Thank you Rachael for surprising me and missing some critical exam prep time - as you can tell I loved the flowers - you are always so thoughtful and gracious and we love you like our second daughter...as you all ready know.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5Z87PqAI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/PuTnrcrNhqs/s1600-h/Tania+%26+Meredith.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5Z87PqAI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/PuTnrcrNhqs/s400/Tania+%26+Meredith.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075760635549034498" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnCtUM7Pp0I/AAAAAAAAAXw/tDu0tvJFVWg/s1600-h/DSC04446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnCtUM7Pp0I/AAAAAAAAAXw/tDu0tvJFVWg/s400/DSC04446.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075747342625253186" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC09s7Pp1I/AAAAAAAAAX4/ncPWDC4Qb54/s1600-h/Bamboo+Yarn.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC09s7Pp1I/AAAAAAAAAX4/ncPWDC4Qb54/s400/Bamboo+Yarn.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075755752171218770" /></a><br />Meredith and Kevin - what can I say except thank you. You are two of my favourite people on the planet. Meredith - your like the sister I always wish I had and I love that I can always say anything to you and snicker with you too. <br />Kevin - I'm glad were getting to know each other better - now that were over our shy period. You my friend, have excellent yarn taste....and I will have extremely sweet yarny dreams tonight. <br /><br />I removed Colin's picture - because he really doesn't want his picture all over the internet - but he's a wonderl and very handsome guy. ;)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC14s7Pp4I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Fd3OXDsZf9c/s1600-h/Kaliancha.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC14s7Pp4I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Fd3OXDsZf9c/s400/Kaliancha.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075756765783500674" /></a><br />Colin, thank you firstly for coming to share my birthday with David and I - you have been such a special person in David's life for so many years, and I am grateful that we both have you in our life. Thanks you for the beautiful flower that is 'just me' and for the coffee/tea boost for the next few days. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC6G87PqGI/AAAAAAAAAaA/QQXn7gNQn6U/s1600-h/DSC04439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC6G87PqGI/AAAAAAAAAaA/QQXn7gNQn6U/s400/DSC04439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075761408643147874" /></a><br />This is David's mummy. She had eye surgery today and is always a trouper. Thank you for coming tonight to celebrate with me and for your incrdibly thoughtful and special gift.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5Ic7Pp-I/AAAAAAAAAZA/L17_deK6hgA/s1600-h/DSC04451.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5Ic7Pp-I/AAAAAAAAAZA/L17_deK6hgA/s400/DSC04451.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075760334901323746" /></a><br />...This is mummy's extremely beautiful gift. Hanne - thank you for embracing me into your incredible family many years ago and treating me like your daughter. I love being part of your clan and look forward to making a plum cake on this dish as you would.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC9n87PqHI/AAAAAAAAAaI/NQxk9vi-pFk/s1600-h/Yvonne,+Mummy+%26+Amy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC9n87PqHI/AAAAAAAAAaI/NQxk9vi-pFk/s400/Yvonne,+Mummy+%26+Amy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075765274113714290" /></a><br />Yvonne, Mummy & Amy. Yvonne, Amy and Jason thank you for the lovely pickle dish and super cute pj's (although David hates pj's ;)) You know I will use them in good health and share the pickle dish with all of you sooner rather than later.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC2Us7Pp5I/AAAAAAAAAYY/Mnbr9JcpQt8/s1600-h/Amy,+Wen,+Olyvia+%26+Taylor.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC2Us7Pp5I/AAAAAAAAAYY/Mnbr9JcpQt8/s400/Amy,+Wen,+Olyvia+%26+Taylor.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075757246819837842" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5d87PqBI/AAAAAAAAAZY/deJl6QBp3CY/s1600-h/Wen+%26+Olyvia.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5d87PqBI/AAAAAAAAAZY/deJl6QBp3CY/s400/Wen+%26+Olyvia.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075760704268511250" /></a><br />Amy, Wen, Olvyia and Taylor. Amy - thanks for being such a great niece - ha ha ha - yes still weird for me too. Wen, thanks for the beautiful flowers and for coming for dinner with the family - as you know you are always considered a member whether you want to be or not. We love how you take care of us and make our home and family thrive.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC3Vs7Pp8I/AAAAAAAAAYw/KDYqxVjPaMI/s1600-h/Janice+%26+Laura+Book.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC3Vs7Pp8I/AAAAAAAAAYw/KDYqxVjPaMI/s400/Janice+%26+Laura+Book.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075758363511334850" /></a><br />I can't believe that I didn't get a picture of you both. Janice and Laura - I so love that I got to see and hug you both today. It's wonderful to have a sister-in-law and niece like you both. I love our Mother/Daughter bonding days (although another one is long overdue) and that you both are such wonderfully articulate and intelligent women. I will use the cookbook in good health and will plan to cook you both a meal once I've tested some of the recipes.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC39s7Pp9I/AAAAAAAAAY4/MxNLXNn_Jk4/s1600-h/Miriam+%26+Dan.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC39s7Pp9I/AAAAAAAAAY4/MxNLXNn_Jk4/s400/Miriam+%26+Dan.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075759050706102226" /></a><br />Miriam - firstly the girls look fab. ;) Secondly, thank you for a) bringing mummy (although I know she was exhausted) and for bringing Dan who we haven't seen in some time and who gives great big bear hugs. I also love the plum top - and can't wait to see if it fits.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5Rs7Pp_I/AAAAAAAAAZI/xMwmTilryeI/s1600-h/Olyvia,+Taylor+%26+Alex.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC5Rs7Pp_I/AAAAAAAAAZI/xMwmTilryeI/s400/Olyvia,+Taylor+%26+Alex.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075760493815113714" /></a><br />3 of 5 of David and my beautiful babies. Olyvia, Taylor & Alex. I love them to the end of the universe and back.<br /><br />And lastly, but absolutely not least is my honey David (who hates his picture on the internet and refuses to let me put even one wonderful shot of us up). Thank you for your sweetness, encouragement, love, support, humor, teasing, laughter, being my best friend, lover, pushing me to reach my potential, and being my enduring soul mate. I am so blessed because of all that you do and are everyday in life.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC_I87PqII/AAAAAAAAAaQ/1gsElrE3Qjk/s1600-h/David%27s+gift.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RnC_I87PqII/AAAAAAAAAaQ/1gsElrE3Qjk/s400/David%27s+gift.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075766940561025154" /></a><br />And as much as you hate to give into my indulgences - thank you for spoiling me rotten today. The flowers, dinner and gifts are just so incredibly generous and I am such an incredibly fortunate woman to have you in my life.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-74205509431889099772007-06-10T16:53:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:28.059-05:00International Knit in Public Day & my first TTC Knit-A-Long....Is there really a better way to spend the day than with a group of women who love to knit? Me thinks not....well maybe buying some incredible items for my stash....but other than that - not. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyM9c7PpkI/AAAAAAAAAVw/AnXDcyfdQmI/s1600-h/TTC+Knitalong+bag+%2B+button+pic.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyM9c7PpkI/AAAAAAAAAVw/AnXDcyfdQmI/s400/TTC+Knitalong+bag+%2B+button+pic.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585867504297538" /></a><br /><br />I was a proud knitter in the North Team - Go North Team GO!!!!<br /><br />Our first stop was at <a href="http://www.passionknitltd.ca/default.htm">PassionKnit</a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyOt87PpmI/AAAAAAAAAWA/JTsRqf5K0rA/s1600-h/DSC04302.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyOt87PpmI/AAAAAAAAAWA/JTsRqf5K0rA/s400/DSC04302.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074587800239580770" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyOQ87PplI/AAAAAAAAAV4/s1Lr9fNlpEg/s1600-h/DSC04300.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyOQ87PplI/AAAAAAAAAV4/s1Lr9fNlpEg/s400/DSC04300.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074587302023374418" /></a><br />Here's us at PassionKnit - Sorry for the bad picture quality - perhaps may swap with someone who got a better one if they don't mind.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMzs7PphI/AAAAAAAAAVY/jF0qcUqaUu8/s1600-h/North+Team.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMzs7PphI/AAAAAAAAAVY/jF0qcUqaUu8/s400/North+Team.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585700000572946" /></a><br />This was us at the Yonge & Lawrence Subway on our way to Knit-o-matic after our first store visit to PassionKnit - Thanks Deborah!!!<br /><br />Next we went to <a href="http://www.knitomatic.com/">Knit-o-matic </a>- where the Fabulous Haley, cutie bird P???? (I will find his name out - he was so cute) and other fabulous knitter (Need to find her name out too) hosted us. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyU8c7PpqI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Som2IHi82ho/s1600-h/Haley+%2B+birdie.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyU8c7PpqI/AAAAAAAAAWg/Som2IHi82ho/s400/Haley+%2B+birdie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074594646417450658" /></a><br /><br />I was very fortunate as Haley kept me from a near knitting disaster trying to knit the super cute summer top that Peggy (Team Co-Captain extraordinaire) was wearing and encouraged me to knit a also super cute Dale of Norway design with some very yarnilicious Svale - which you can see below. Thank you Haley - I will be back to get help with crocheting the bottom of said top.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyRr87PpnI/AAAAAAAAAWI/DWKo09VSspI/s1600-h/DSC04308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyRr87PpnI/AAAAAAAAAWI/DWKo09VSspI/s400/DSC04308.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074591064414725746" /></a><br />In this picture left to right: A____,(Sorry I know I would have spelled you're name wrong)Cassandra and (Team Co-Captain extraordinaire).<br /><br />Cassandra was my favourite new meet of the day. I all ready felt quite fortunate that I knew most of my travelling companions, but then there was Cassandra. Quiet at first, once Cassandra opned up a bit you could see her just start to roll with the flow of us knitters, smelling yarn, feeling everything and asking lots of questions. Cassandra is a Western University Master's Journalism student who is writing a weekend article assignement on the TTC Knit-A-long, but she is also a relatively new knitter, who I was praying wasn't freaked out by our zaniness. I was thrilled that she finally found some Hotpink Fleece Artist Curlylocks wool at Knit-o-matic, purchased some beautiful clover needles and then started to knit her first triangle shawl. Wonderful knitter Sue helped (as I would always expect) Cassandra learn how to do an increase stitch and off she went. By the end of the day Cassandra had knit a good 5" of her wrap and I would like to think that she had also made a group of new knitting friends. Anytime your back in Toronto on a Monday, please don't hesitate to drop in to the Monday night <a href="http://knitting.meetup.com/1191/">Meetup</a> group Yarn-a-holics Anonymous- we'de love to see your finished wrap.<br /><br />Next we went to <a href="http://www.lettuceknit.com/">Lettuce Knit</a>:<br /><br />The North team en route.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyTO87PpoI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/w6GJWrQl0YA/s1600-h/DSC04305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyTO87PpoI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/w6GJWrQl0YA/s400/DSC04305.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074592765221774978" /></a><br />This is a picture (L to R) of Sarah & Christine knitting on the subway. I took spinning with them both at the Knitter's Frollic back in April.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyTvM7PppI/AAAAAAAAAWY/ZmFb2F_Udeo/s1600-h/DSC04306.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyTvM7PppI/AAAAAAAAAWY/ZmFb2F_Udeo/s400/DSC04306.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074593319272556178" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyVaM7PpsI/AAAAAAAAAWw/EMR1n3CmcBA/s1600-h/DSC04312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyVaM7PpsI/AAAAAAAAAWw/EMR1n3CmcBA/s400/DSC04312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074595157518558914" /></a><br />Fabulous (l to r) Co-Captains Peggy + Lisa and Amazing Heather. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyVu87PptI/AAAAAAAAAW4/asGzXPhoz20/s1600-h/DSC04311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyVu87PptI/AAAAAAAAAW4/asGzXPhoz20/s400/DSC04311.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074595514000844498" /></a><br />(From l to r) Sue, Sarah and Kim.<br /><br />As we were walking in Kensington Market we came across this:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyWrM7PpuI/AAAAAAAAAXA/u1yHvK0_iJ8/s1600-h/DSC04313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyWrM7PpuI/AAAAAAAAAXA/u1yHvK0_iJ8/s400/DSC04313.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074596549087962850" /></a> I realize that after living in Toronto for over 15 years, that I have a lot of still get to know about my city - like how amazing is this community minded art/environmental project? I think its super cool.<br /><br />Having never been to Lettuce Knit - I just marveled. Not only do they have a really terrific variety of wooly products, the staff are friendly and the best part is that out on the street in front of the store they had set up a ton of folding chairs for people to sit on. Kensington market seems to be a little bit of hippie mixed with the eclectic. It is a community truly embracing the richness of many cultures in Toronto and there were wonderful clothing shops (although I wasn't willing to look to much as that might jeopardize my yarn budget, great food (We ate at the <a href="http://www.toronto.com/restaurants/listing/000-370-592">Big Fat Burrito</a> - super delicious) and just a really unique array of shops that one could easily get lost in if one chose to.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyYmM7PpwI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/aLRy9mx5F7I/s1600-h/DSC04316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyYmM7PpwI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/aLRy9mx5F7I/s400/DSC04316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074598662211872514" /></a><br />Kim in the sun in front of Lettuce Knit.<br /><br />After some sun (yes I got a small burn) and food and shopping we headed off to the <a href="http://nakedsheep.ca/">Naked Sheep</a> where North Team mate Sarah works.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyZXM7PpxI/AAAAAAAAAXY/710Iju9JhVs/s1600-h/DSC04319.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyZXM7PpxI/AAAAAAAAAXY/710Iju9JhVs/s400/DSC04319.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074599504025462546" /></a><br />(Lto R) Sue, Heather and Lisa.<br /><br />Once Sarah arrived she joined Erin (see yarn harlot book launch for a pic)in becoming the hostesses with the mostesses. I had also never been to the Naked Sheep and can only say wow! This store is beautifully merchandised and has a great selection of yarn, patterns, buttons and more. I have to admit after the sun soak at Lettuce knit, my energy was lagging so I only ended up purchasing a Rowan Cotton Tape book. I had no clue (as I am clueless on occasion) that Rowan had decided to discontinue its cotton tape line and now will desperately trying to source enough cotton tape to at least complete two patterns - otherwise the book is useless. {Sigh}<br /><br />Unfortunately my camera died at this point so I wasn't able to capture some shots at the Naked Sheep. I will say, that it was a lot of fun and that it was great to sit still and knit for a bit. <br /><br />Once all of the teams had arrived, the team prizes began. And to my surprise I won one - the Most <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/wordoftheday/archive/2003/05/25.html">Lascivious</a>. I gather I earned this as while working on starting a pair of socks for Kim I stuffed the needles and yarn in my cleavage for transport safety. Who new this made me lascivious. I actually had to look this word up when I got home - only to find out that it meant I was a little lusty. No big surprise there.<br /><br />Additions to the stash include:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMvc7PpgI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-NJMa_bVmbg/s1600-h/New+stash+items.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMvc7PpgI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/-NJMa_bVmbg/s400/New+stash+items.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585626986128898" /></a><br />4 - 50 gram balls of Rowan Damask in Zircone. (PassionKnit)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyM3c7PpiI/AAAAAAAAAVg/eQEeA6zocEA/s1600-h/Rowan+Damask+%26+Brittany+Needles.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyM3c7PpiI/AAAAAAAAAVg/eQEeA6zocEA/s400/Rowan+Damask+%26+Brittany+Needles.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585764425082402" /></a><br />4 - 25 gram balls of Rowan kidsilk haze in Cream, Grace, Jacob and Pebbles(PassionKnit)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyM6M7PpjI/AAAAAAAAAVo/hpvgQxpnG7I/s1600-h/Rowan+Kidsilk+haze.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyM6M7PpjI/AAAAAAAAAVo/hpvgQxpnG7I/s400/Rowan+Kidsilk+haze.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585811669722674" /></a><br />4 - hanks of Louet Kidlin Laceweight in Allspice (Lettuce Knit)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMsc7PpfI/AAAAAAAAAVI/3JhA6z3B7Jg/s1600-h/Louet+-+Kidlin.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMsc7PpfI/AAAAAAAAAVI/3JhA6z3B7Jg/s400/Louet+-+Kidlin.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585575446521330" /></a><br />8 - 50 gram balls of Svale in 4427 (Cerise type of colour)(Knit-o-matic)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMls7PpdI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-C8NtHPzQJ4/s1600-h/Dale+of+Norway+Svale.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMls7PpdI/AAAAAAAAAU4/-C8NtHPzQJ4/s400/Dale+of+Norway+Svale.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585459482404306" /></a><br /><br />As well as a Dale of Norway pattern book No. 172, Rowan Cotton Tape Collection pattern book, a long awaited bright green Knowknits.com Bag and finally a set of beautiful Brittany needles in 4mm. {Sigh - Absolute Joy}<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMos7PpeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/0mVoIsuDmHE/s1600-h/Green+Bag.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmyMos7PpeI/AAAAAAAAAVA/0mVoIsuDmHE/s400/Green+Bag.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5074585511022011874" /></a><br /><br />I believe that many Knitters continued onto <a href="http://toronto.ourfaves.com/places/The_Goof">the Goof </a>to continue drinking, and of course knit, however given that David had been occupying the attention of the little ones all day, and given that I was exhausted it just seemed right to go home. I really enjoyed my first TTC Knit-a-long and felt I had done justice in supporting International Knit in Public Day.<br /><br />Overall the day was a riot and it reminded me that Knitters are a lot of fun and great to spend time with. We understand each other's yarn obsession, are not offended when someone askes "Can I feel that" are very helpful and kind and have great humour - especially when in large groups.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-16753340687755945182007-06-08T21:27:00.001-05:002008-12-09T19:14:28.615-05:00My baby all grown up....<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmoRss7PpaI/AAAAAAAAAUg/kBNsSTzOwwY/s1600-h/DSC04205(1).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmoRss7PpaI/AAAAAAAAAUg/kBNsSTzOwwY/s400/DSC04205(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073887389857850786" /></a><br />This is my baby Olyvia out a couple of days ago at her first prom with her date AB (Date not boyfriend) - or so she says...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmoQzM7PpZI/AAAAAAAAAUY/KWsrmWNUlAg/s1600-h/DSC04216.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmoQzM7PpZI/AAAAAAAAAUY/KWsrmWNUlAg/s400/DSC04216.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073886402015372690" /></a><br />Olyvia and friend CC - looking fab.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmoQdc7PpYI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/23QD-rh8EbI/s1600-h/DSC04231(1).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmoQdc7PpYI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/23QD-rh8EbI/s400/DSC04231(1).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073886028353217922" /></a><br />Olyvia with date/friend AB.<br /><br />{Sigh} - Time flies and now the scary stuff comes.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-14677000188167533732007-06-07T10:21:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:28.768-05:00I've fallen in love with....the new <a href="http://www.maroon5.com/">Maroon 5</a> CD - WOW! Super sexy and fun summer music - especially KIWI. Yummy.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rmgis87PpXI/AAAAAAAAAUI/ETBaE-seb-E/s1600-h/maroon+5+pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rmgis87PpXI/AAAAAAAAAUI/ETBaE-seb-E/s400/maroon+5+pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5073343135897068914" /></a>Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-52722602172543499132007-06-03T16:15:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:29.833-05:00Lazy summer days...It's been a really intense spring for me at work and through my volunteer commitments. Besides knitting my ribbon shell (which is almost done except for frogging back the front to accommodate my bosom)my next favorite thing to relax and unwind is plant.<br /><br />Every year, D & I make a major investment in plants and energy planting both the front yard and back deck of the house and usually get a small but plentiful herb and vegetable garden in, which gives me something to do and allows me to feel connected to the earth is some kind of meaningful way.<br /><br />This was how I spent my day today...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMxEnNjjNI/AAAAAAAAATg/GvE56IicXMM/s1600-h/P1010036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMxEnNjjNI/AAAAAAAAATg/GvE56IicXMM/s400/P1010036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071951560664386770" /></a>This is a little sitting area right outside of our kitchen deck.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMw0XNjjLI/AAAAAAAAATQ/7ONARC9ntNQ/s1600-h/P1010033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMw0XNjjLI/AAAAAAAAATQ/7ONARC9ntNQ/s400/P1010033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071951281491512498" /></a> One of the herb garden's.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMwpnNjjKI/AAAAAAAAATI/FnawmFHmCpM/s1600-h/P1010032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMwpnNjjKI/AAAAAAAAATI/FnawmFHmCpM/s400/P1010032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071951096807918754" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMwhnNjjJI/AAAAAAAAATA/H5Cg_LKQCao/s1600-h/P1010034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMwhnNjjJI/AAAAAAAAATA/H5Cg_LKQCao/s400/P1010034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071950959368965266" /></a><br />With a few hours of hard work, we were able to transform our back deck into a mini-oasis in the city. Small reasons to smile.<br /><br />Here's some pics from arrangements from the front yard:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMxy3NjjQI/AAAAAAAAAT4/rlzA-clUKJo/s1600-h/P1010029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMxy3NjjQI/AAAAAAAAAT4/rlzA-clUKJo/s400/P1010029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071952355233336578" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMzSnNjjRI/AAAAAAAAAUA/EA7RLphjxX4/s1600-h/P1010028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMzSnNjjRI/AAAAAAAAAUA/EA7RLphjxX4/s400/P1010028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071954000205810962" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMxkHNjjOI/AAAAAAAAATo/UCgfsW4J_l0/s1600-h/P1010026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmMxkHNjjOI/AAAAAAAAATo/UCgfsW4J_l0/s400/P1010026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071952101830266082" /></a>Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-39210244413748855932007-06-01T16:32:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:30.410-05:00Happy 1st day of hump month...Ok so, yes it is the first day of June - wow this whole 1/2 year of 2007 has gone by in a blur. Now i'm on the B-day count-down...12 days to go...another year older.<br /><br />Needed something to make me smile and thought I would share this with you all...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmCTWXNjjGI/AAAAAAAAASo/fYnevmIhk1c/s1600-h/klimt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RmCTWXNjjGI/AAAAAAAAASo/fYnevmIhk1c/s400/klimt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5071215192816454754" /></a><br />Reminds me of cuddling with my kids. :)Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-82233880193971382902007-05-30T20:16:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:30.514-05:00I love swatchy...Never in a million years did I think it would happen. I have fallen deeply and passionately in love with some yarn. Not just any yarn, but a special handcrafted little something sweet named Swatchy. <br /><br />I had been reading about Swatchy for some time, but was really thrilled to have met him/her in person recently at you guessed it - The Yarn Harlot's book launch. She/he is even cuter in person than you can imagine and we even got a great picture together - thanks to Swatchy's partner <a href="http://noricum.blogspot.com/">Noricum</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl4imnNjjFI/AAAAAAAAASg/kalJ19KAMXQ/s1600-h/me+%26+swatchy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl4imnNjjFI/AAAAAAAAASg/kalJ19KAMXQ/s400/me+%26+swatchy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070528277221968978" /></a><br />Really aren't we a cute pair. :)Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-59278495557918118752007-05-30T08:11:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:31.258-05:00Aurora Borealis - my northern light...Thanks to my Northern light - Aurora from Ottawa, who I met at the Yarn Harlot Book Launch for sending along some picture of me & the Harlot, and the Yarn crawl....its keeping the book launch very fresh for me...although, I want Stephanie to do another one - just to bring all of us knitty folk back together.<br /><br />Here's one of the beautiful Aurora:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl2ZPHNjjEI/AAAAAAAAASY/IzsocQ_HqUA/s1600-h/Aurora+Borealis.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl2ZPHNjjEI/AAAAAAAAASY/IzsocQ_HqUA/s400/Aurora+Borealis.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070377240402037826" /></a><br /><br />Me - prior to the Yarn Harlot's appearance.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl15AXNjjBI/AAAAAAAAASA/XL3396hlQiw/s1600-h/2007+05+25+Toronto+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl15AXNjjBI/AAAAAAAAASA/XL3396hlQiw/s400/2007+05+25+Toronto+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070341802626878482" /></a><br /><br />Me once Stephanie took the stage and I calmed down a little. (Thanks Aurora for sending me the clean shot - as the original had major boobage)<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl16WHNjjCI/AAAAAAAAASI/6kuZaPIoAq0/s1600-h/2007+05+25+Toronto+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl16WHNjjCI/AAAAAAAAASI/6kuZaPIoAq0/s400/2007+05+25+Toronto+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070343275800661026" /></a><br />Can I just tell you, that man does the camera ever add 10 - 20 lbs...ha ha ha. No more Rye and ginger's for me.<br /><br />This pic is from the yarn Crawl at Alterknits. {Sigh} Looks like I missed a super fun day. The good news is that the TTC Knit-A-Long is happening in T-10 days. :)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl2CpXNjjDI/AAAAAAAAASQ/EuHN0iGJI2Q/s1600-h/2007+05+25+Toronto+052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rl2CpXNjjDI/AAAAAAAAASQ/EuHN0iGJI2Q/s400/2007+05+25+Toronto+052.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5070352402606165042" /></a><br /><br />If you haven't read through all of Stephanie's comments yet, someone (I'll have to read through to find you again) posed a link to Doug Savage's <a href="http://www.savagechickens.com/stuff.html">website </a> for today. Now I can can admit that I have a limited and still developing sense of humour, but I continue to laugh at this cartoon...to the point of tears and peeing and have printed it off to post at my desk to just make me smile. HAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! So needed that today...Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-825952815126149702007-05-29T21:33:00.000-05:002007-05-29T21:56:59.099-05:00Excitement!!!Here's my list of PYHBLR (Post-<a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog">Yarn-Harlot</a>-Book-Launch-Resolutions):<br /><br />a) get back to knitting daily...even if its just a row<br /><br />b) learn more about Yarn...as everyone around me can always tell me what brand/weight/colorway/gauge etc they are using...and after a year and a half I probably can't call myself a Knitting newbie anymore<br /><br />c) be better prepared for spontaneous yarn shopping experiences... you just never know when a good yarn sale can fall in your lap, and you really should have a few pattern names/yarn weights/yardages handy just encase...perfect example will be the <a href="http://ttcknit.blogspot.com/">TTC Knit-a-long</a><br /><br />d) identify what yarn I have in my stash - there's nothing like buying more yarn only to realize that you have nowhere to put it<br /><br />e) finish outstanding projects - otherwise they will never get knit and I can buy more yarn to replace them<br /><br />f) donate yarn from my stash - that I will never use (mostly because I bought it in the beginning of knitting life when I had no clue what the 'good stuff' was and thought that fun fur was 'cute')<br /><br />g) be more forgiving to myself - 'startitis' is a disease, thank G-d its treatable - go back to point (e). The more you finish, the more you can start<br /><br />h) Blogging is good - for the first time, people actually commented (did I mention I am excited and shocked by this), perhaps there is something to the whole effort in = output theory...either that or it was a momentary blip in my blogging world...(I will convince myself that its the first rather than the second point)<br /><br />i) have more fun with knitters (I nervously put my hand up again at Stephanie's speech when she asked who in the room had more friends now because of knitting. Because of my Monday night meetup group <a href="http://knitting.meetup.com/1191/"></a> I have met so many new faces and so many terrific new friends. Knitters are such high quality individuals - quirky, fun-loving, outgoing and incredible artisans. I feel really fortunate to have gotten involved with such a dynamic community and look forward to many more years of growth and friendship.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-43607795463119399522007-05-28T22:20:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:31.378-05:00Just to add to the coolness...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RludonNji-I/AAAAAAAAARo/0gXmb7WIWi0/s1600-h/knittersright2805+v2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RludonNji-I/AAAAAAAAARo/0gXmb7WIWi0/s400/knittersright2805+v2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069819126581791714" /></a><br />Courtesy the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog">Yarn Harlot's</a> website.<br /><br />I think this is even cooler that my shot in yesterday's entry - probably because the sock is in it as though it is taking the picture. :)Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-85314227788277790192007-05-27T15:28:00.001-05:002008-12-09T19:14:34.583-05:00Work be damned!!!Ok so realizing that work has been the all consuming force in my life, I have been very sorely neglecting my blogging and knitting duties. However, I will try to make up for my neglect a little with this super post.<br /><br />All day Thursday and Friday I spent all of my time getting caught up in the Yarn Harlot's book release in Toronto.(You have to admit that sounds super exciting!!!!)<br /><br />I had originally started typing this entry some time Friday morning, only to have to quash that idea to you know...finish work. - ARG!!!<br /><br />The rest of my day flew by and I left work at 3:30 to go to Thornhill, retreive my son, get hime home and meetup with Janet and Shelley by 5pm at Yonge & Eglinton. I arrived at Y & E around 5:05 and we hurried ourselves down to the subway to get to the Manulife Centre & Indigo's encase there was a massive line up. Of course I left the fully charged digital camera at home and so after much procrastinating I finally went and purchased a disposable camera - so I apologise in advance for the graininess of the pictures.<br /><br />As it turns out there were a few knitters all ready there like Erin from the Naked Sheep, <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluXdXNjiqI/AAAAAAAAAPI/07s9Y9mIc8U/s1600-h/The+fabulous+Erin+from+the+Naked+Sheep+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluXdXNjiqI/AAAAAAAAAPI/07s9Y9mIc8U/s400/The+fabulous+Erin+from+the+Naked+Sheep+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069812336238496418" /></a><br /><br />and Tanya and her sister in law (sorry I don't remember your name) from Ottawa.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluXlnNjirI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/OZUx3SZInyE/s1600-h/Tania+%26+Tanya+%26+Sister+in+law+from+Ottawa+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluXlnNjirI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/OZUx3SZInyE/s400/Tania+%26+Tanya+%26+Sister+in+law+from+Ottawa+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069812477972417202" /></a><br /><br />For those of you who know me, it could be said that I have a gregarious personality or that I am a little tenacious...so when we arrived and no line up was started we asked the manager on duty to start it then because we wanted to be first in line and to be able to get a seat. <br /><br />It should be said that as expected the mugglish staff really didn't anticipate the amount of knitters that would come to support one of their own and only planned to have a small seated area for 80 people. We kept telling them as the line grew that they really should have planned for a larger space...but as all of us have come to understand - they just don't realize what a large community of us there are.<br /><br />Janet, Shelley and I were incredibly fortunate (and dare I say happy) as we were able to go in and get first pick of the seats...choosing to be right in front of where Stephanie would be speaking on the left hand side of the chaired section front and centre.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluXvXNjisI/AAAAAAAAAPY/VtdAGOMpFTM/s1600-h/Janet+%26+I+front+row+centre+-+clipped.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluXvXNjisI/AAAAAAAAAPY/VtdAGOMpFTM/s400/Janet+%26+I+front+row+centre+-+clipped.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069812645476141762" /></a><br />As you can see, I am rather excited about this fact and really the energy in the room made for great build up. (Not that I need much)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYPnNjiuI/AAAAAAAAAPo/36VLPHopu0A/s1600-h/The+crowd+builds.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYPnNjiuI/AAAAAAAAAPo/36VLPHopu0A/s400/The+crowd+builds.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069813199526922978" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYFnNjitI/AAAAAAAAAPg/F2V1W7W-1Sg/s1600-h/Standing+group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYFnNjitI/AAAAAAAAAPg/F2V1W7W-1Sg/s400/Standing+group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069813027728231122" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYu3NjiwI/AAAAAAAAAP4/LRELlZPRUnk/s1600-h/The+group+with+Janet+%26+Shelley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYu3NjiwI/AAAAAAAAAP4/LRELlZPRUnk/s400/The+group+with+Janet+%26+Shelley.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069813736397835010" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYkXNjivI/AAAAAAAAAPw/5NOnIP_NNmo/s1600-h/The+left+side+group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluYkXNjivI/AAAAAAAAAPw/5NOnIP_NNmo/s400/The+left+side+group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069813556009208562" /></a><br /><br />As you can see the crowd kept growing and growing and growing until every nook and cranny, every stair and available space around where the Yarn Harlot would be appearing was flled with excited knitters, busy working on some fabulous knitty project. <br /><br />I found the group very warm, very friendly and a lot of fun - there was a great deal of catching up between old friends, the joy of meeeting/making new friends and a lot of laughter. I tried to capture some pics of familliar faces...<br /><br />Carol...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluY7XNjixI/AAAAAAAAAQA/kzlPB2LxE3c/s1600-h/Carol++et+all....jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluY7XNjixI/AAAAAAAAAQA/kzlPB2LxE3c/s400/Carol++et+all....jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069813951146199826" /></a><br /><br />(left to right) Nadia, Susan and Peggy...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZF3NjiyI/AAAAAAAAAQI/fUlHyKXhL9s/s1600-h/Peggy,+Susan+%26+Nadia+et+all...+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZF3NjiyI/AAAAAAAAAQI/fUlHyKXhL9s/s400/Peggy,+Susan+%26+Nadia+et+all...+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069814131534826274" /></a><br /><br />And new friend...Joey from Ohio.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZJnNjizI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/KCFNSXW308c/s1600-h/Joey+from+Ohio+-+clipped.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZJnNjizI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/KCFNSXW308c/s400/Joey+from+Ohio+-+clipped.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069814195959335730" /></a><br /><br />I also met <a href="http://travellingswatch.blogspot.com/">Swatchy</a> and <a href="http://noricum.blogspot.com/">Noricum</a> although I didn't capture them in picture form. What a treat - thanks for the postcard Noricum!<br /><br />Right before Stephanie arrived...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZd3Nji0I/AAAAAAAAAQY/uNA792lwKqQ/s1600-h/before+Stephanie+arrived.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZd3Nji0I/AAAAAAAAAQY/uNA792lwKqQ/s400/before+Stephanie+arrived.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069814543851686722" /></a><br /><br />The time really flew by one everyone was seated and then Stephanie appeared. It was amazing to hear the crown swell up and cheer. I am not sure if that frightened Stephanie more, but after her introduction, she finally got to the stage.<br /><br />Stehanie being introduced...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZkXNji1I/AAAAAAAAAQg/bcWB9cK0JfM/s1600-h/The+Yarn+Harlot+arrives.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZkXNji1I/AAAAAAAAAQg/bcWB9cK0JfM/s400/The+Yarn+Harlot+arrives.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069814655520836434" /></a><br /><br />After saying hi nervously, Stephanie did her formal group shots....<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZ6HNji4I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/8McWE7Nexi4/s1600-h/The+Yarn+Harlot+takes+us+taking+a+picture+of+her+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZ6HNji4I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/8McWE7Nexi4/s400/The+Yarn+Harlot+takes+us+taking+a+picture+of+her+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069815029182991234" /></a><br />I thought it was cool to capture her taking our group shot as I took hers...and yes I know very nerdy.<br /><br />Then Stephanie launched into what was a very humour packed 30-40 minute speech which had her petting her pet kitty/wool...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZsnNji3I/AAAAAAAAAQw/kVIax3y1jW0/s1600-h/Stephanie+pets+her+kitty+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZsnNji3I/AAAAAAAAAQw/kVIax3y1jW0/s400/Stephanie+pets+her+kitty+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069814797254757234" /></a><br />...and more or less keeping the group in stiches, really bringing to life the Yarn Harlot as we all know(kinda) and love her.<br /><br />Once the speech was over, then the autograph session began. I really liked that Stephanie gave first priority to mom's with babies on the outside or the inside. To me that was very thoughtful....and I had the warm-fuzzies.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZpXNji2I/AAAAAAAAAQo/MObwD9D-mpw/s1600-h/babies+first+autograph+2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluZpXNji2I/AAAAAAAAAQo/MObwD9D-mpw/s400/babies+first+autograph+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069814741420182370" /></a><br />This darling little one held the sock and let Stephanie capture a few really cute shots of her...I'm sure to appear on her blog some day soon.<br /><br />Finally it was my turn...<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluauXNji5I/AAAAAAAAARA/CNtc_awdwM8/s1600-h/P1010028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RluauXNji5I/AAAAAAAAARA/CNtc_awdwM8/s400/P1010028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069815926831156114" /></a><br />I think I mumbled a bunch of stuff...but can't really remember...besides asking her which beer she would like waiting for her at the Dick.<br /><br />After some small amount of coaxing Carol, Shelley and Janet we made our way to the Spotted Dick, where a rather large group of <a href="http://www.knitdrinktink.com">Drunken Knitters</a> had all ready arrived and were awaiting the hoards of other knitters. In the picture above with Janet and I, you can see that I have started a project as I had only cast on the first row. This was me starting the back side of the Blue Skies Alpacas "Ribbon Shell" that I have been working on somewhat slowly. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rlua-XNji6I/AAAAAAAAARI/2ia7nGg758k/s1600-h/P1010024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rlua-XNji6I/AAAAAAAAARI/2ia7nGg758k/s400/P1010024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069816201709063074" /></a><br /><br />After finishing the front,<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RlubJ3Nji7I/AAAAAAAAARQ/FwydBeu8U9E/s1600-h/P1010027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RlubJ3Nji7I/AAAAAAAAARQ/FwydBeu8U9E/s400/P1010027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069816399277558706" /></a><br />I realized I had made a fatal error, not knitting the front high enough to fit my chest...and rather than frog it back to fix it, I decided I would start the back and then once that was finished go back and fix the front.<br /><br />I am really enjoying knitting with the baby alpacas/silk mix and think I am leaning towards becoming a yarn snob, as it feels like butter in my hands. I can't wait to finish the shell and get the ribbon through it... :)<br /><br />Also got to see beautiful and blooming Jen from <a href="http://mysensitivegirlhole.blogspot.com/">My Sensitive Girl hole</a>. Congratulations again - you are looking fabulous....too bad we didn't get to chat.<br /><br />So, I left the Dick and got home around 11:30 thankful that David (my partner) had graciously watched the whole caboodle of kids and that I had the opportunity to socialize with such a wonderful and warm group of people. I was a little sad not to be going on the yarn crawl yesterday, but that's life. I had a hectic work week and also took Thursday evening to catch up with dear friend Teresa, eating yummy italian food and seeing her fab not-so-newsish house...so taking Friday evening out too mean that the rest of weekend needed to be family time.<br /><br />The good news is that Yarnaholic's Anonymous is meeting tomorrow night and I am looking forward to my knitty time again.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-47626515986058374372007-05-06T19:56:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:34.883-05:00Beautiful babies....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rj55qrdeTOI/AAAAAAAAAL4/ZTsxNoyTRu4/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rj55qrdeTOI/AAAAAAAAAL4/ZTsxNoyTRu4/s400/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061616805338828002" /></a><br />My actual little baby - Taylor who is 11. He's not really little, but at least he's my youngest baby. *sigh*<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rj55bLdeTNI/AAAAAAAAALw/lAPa9W2GFgM/s1600-h/P1010010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/Rj55bLdeTNI/AAAAAAAAALw/lAPa9W2GFgM/s400/P1010010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5061616539050855634" /></a><br />My not so little 16 year old baby - Olyvia - in all of her natural radiance. :)*Sigh* *Sigh*<br /><br />Time flies.....Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-57409253047465348182007-04-29T11:23:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:36.136-05:00Post Frolic recovery & Spring is finally here...Some reasons to smile this morning...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTHB7deTDI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ODuFD9NdOIs/s1600-h/Baby+Rhubarb.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTHB7deTDI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ODuFD9NdOIs/s400/Baby+Rhubarb.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058887117399018546" /></a><br />Baby Rhubarb has appeared in my garden...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTIGrdeTFI/AAAAAAAAAKw/XML3alimK5c/s1600-h/My+little+water+buffalo+enjoying+new+grass.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTIGrdeTFI/AAAAAAAAAKw/XML3alimK5c/s400/My+little+water+buffalo+enjoying+new+grass.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058888298515024978" /></a><br />Our family pet/creature Java enjoying newly green grass...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTJr7deTGI/AAAAAAAAAK4/oByKNH7hwXs/s1600-h/P1010011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTJr7deTGI/AAAAAAAAAK4/oByKNH7hwXs/s400/P1010011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058890037976779874" /></a><br />Our backyard pear tree coming into bloom....<br /><br />I had sweet dreams about yarn, fluff, high whirl drop spindle's, and other good wooly items...and as of this morning we are 364 days to next years Frolic.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-25827841034959684942007-04-28T17:39:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:38.737-05:00No longer a Frolic Virgin...Waking up at 7a.m. on a Saturday morning is never my version of fun, enjoyable in the slightest or amusing in any way, but I have to tell you that after looking forward to the Downtown Knit Collective's Knitters Frolic for more than a year now, I had a very hard time sleeping last night and was really looking forward to touching, feeling, smelling and being around all things woolly.<br /><br />As I was a Frolic virgin this year, I had planned my day out with time for classes and time for shopping, time for knitting and finally time for socializing...in that order. <br /><br />I have been particularly looking forward to the workshop with Lorriane Smith (editor of <a href="http://www.spinnersquarterly.com/index.html">Spinner's Quarterly</a>) on spinning. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTLS7deTHI/AAAAAAAAALA/l80dBAMNnzk/s1600-h/P1010003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTLS7deTHI/AAAAAAAAALA/l80dBAMNnzk/s400/P1010003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058891807503305842" /></a><br /><br />The class did not disappoint me in the least. Lorraine's method for teaching was relaxed, informative and most importantly enjoyable.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjPTF7deS4I/AAAAAAAAAJI/e9toZfgZ9j8/s1600-h/P1010005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjPTF7deS4I/AAAAAAAAAJI/e9toZfgZ9j8/s400/P1010005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058618905281317762" /></a><br />This was my sad and extremely pitiful attempt at two ply made out of chocolate brown Shetland roving from Ontario.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjPTt7deS5I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/NdBXFvjrZ2Q/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjPTt7deS5I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/NdBXFvjrZ2Q/s400/P1010007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058619592476085138" /></a><br />I played around with all of the roving stash that Lorraine provided as part of the class materials and was really surprised at how differently everything spun. I have determined that I do not like to spin cotton - I was just not made with enough patience for that...and highly doubt that any level of meditation will get me there.<br /><br />I really couldn't wait to get home and play with the fabulous roving I purchased from <a href="http://www.theblacklamb.ca/entrance.html">Black Lamb</a>.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP5DLdeS7I/AAAAAAAAAJg/mrpIsXJSSM8/s1600-h/rolled+handcard.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP5DLdeS7I/AAAAAAAAAJg/mrpIsXJSSM8/s400/rolled+handcard.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058660639478533042" /></a><br /><br />This is me experimenting with the beautiful hand carded mix plus some fabulous alpaca I got at Creativfesitval last weekend from Helga at <a href="http://www.greenacresalpacas.com/">Green Acres Farms</a>.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP60bdeS8I/AAAAAAAAAJo/lAXyEciAhS0/s1600-h/roving+fun.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP60bdeS8I/AAAAAAAAAJo/lAXyEciAhS0/s400/roving+fun.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058662585098718146" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjPUPrdeS6I/AAAAAAAAAJY/qUFNaZsgzVs/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjPUPrdeS6I/AAAAAAAAAJY/qUFNaZsgzVs/s400/P1010008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058620172296670114" /></a><br /><br />After running in Shelley & Richard and then Janet after my spinning class I was feeling energized and ready to shop. After a good twice through, I felt completely overwhelmed and had no clue where to start or what I wanted to buy. In fact, I was too busy focusing on something else that Shelley and Janet had told me......<br /><br />It seems that the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca">Yarn Harlot</a> was at the Frolic...and me having a small case of the starry eyes for her in an entirely yarny kind of way wanted to get a picture with her. Janet of course found this quite funny and was looking forward to laughing her ass/relentlessly teasing until the end of time. So after a little while she crossed my path (honestly I didn't hunt her down), there she was....<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP8MrdeS9I/AAAAAAAAAJw/w9eqkTN_e28/s1600-h/P1010004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP8MrdeS9I/AAAAAAAAAJw/w9eqkTN_e28/s400/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058664101222173650" /></a><br />...and yes that's me looking like I am in shock and stunned and Stephanie looking fabulous!!!....***Sigh****<br /><br />So maybe not my best look, but they can't always be perfect and as mentioned above I was in shock. I have never met Stephanie prior to today nor have I ever heard her speak. She is a very petite woman, with a very earthy voice and personality. She was very gracious to me for allowing to snap this picture - although she was in a rush to meet up with a friend....thank you Stephanie - you made my Frolic! :)<br /><br />In addition to some spinning supplies I also bought eight of the most beautiful blush coloured baby alpaca/silk blend wool skeins (Blue Sky Alpacas)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTGH7deTBI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/DvU2o6fd8LY/s1600-h/Blush+Baby+alapaca+in+its+natural+setting.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjTGH7deTBI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/DvU2o6fd8LY/s400/Blush+Baby+alapaca+in+its+natural+setting.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058886120966605842" /></a><br /><br />...to make a fabulous summer <a href="http://www.blueskyalpacas.com/pattern_detail.php?patterns_ID=11">ribbon shell</a>.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP-FLdeS-I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/nQ2GcX3vFqM/s1600-h/RS1-med.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RjP-FLdeS-I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/nQ2GcX3vFqM/s400/RS1-med.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058666171396410338" /></a><br /><br />I expected my day to end with a workshop on Crocheting with Cachet - but found the workshop way too challenging as the instructor was moving about 10,000 miles per minute. You absolutely needed to be an advanced crocheter to keep up. A bit disappointing - given the $40 workshop fee, but what can you do except know better for next year.<br /><br />Overall, I think the day was smashing and I really enjoyed my experience there and would absolutely recommend it to any knitters in Ontario - well worth the drive to Toronto.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-39889932131862863772007-04-18T10:38:00.000-05:002007-04-18T12:22:51.785-05:00A day of sadness and gratitude....Where does one begin to articulate one's thoughts around a tragedy such as that which occurred at <a href="http://www.vt.edu/">Virginia Tech </a> on April 16, 2007. As a mother, step-mother, aunt and cousin to children who attend universities across Canada, I am saddened beyond belief for all of the victims, families, friends, colleagues, and community of Virginia Tech. I send my heartfelt wishes for all of their recovery from such an atrocity and pray for them. I feel grateful that my family and friends were/are safe.<br /><br />I am angry at the easy accessibility of handguns around the world and this event only strengthens my convictions that gun-laws need to be reinforced for the safety of all humanity. I also feel tremendously sad for the family and friends of Cho Seung-hui,as I am sure that no amount of time or space will allow them to have understanding and peace for the actions of their child.<br /><br />Watching the events as a shocked spectator, I was so moved by the actions of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liviu_Librescu">Liviu Librescu</a> - protecting his students to the end. I was proud to be a Jew in that moment. After surviving atrocities of the Shoah that none of us can truly imagine, Mr. Librescu truly lived a life dedicated to the service of others - his family, friends, students and peers should feel that proud as well.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-47723993230111231732007-04-10T17:26:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:38.895-05:00Pondering the ' We don't leave our sons behind campaign'...So yesterday, as I was sitting in synagogue as part of the seventh day of Pesach, I was thinking about the 'We don't leave our sons behind campaign' that the United Jewish Appeal has put out this Spring.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RhwQZ_gCu3I/AAAAAAAAAII/ccS2EAil8Qc/s1600-h/We+don%27t+leave+our+sons+behind+-+UJA+2007+Campaign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RhwQZ_gCu3I/AAAAAAAAAII/ccS2EAil8Qc/s400/We+don%27t+leave+our+sons+behind+-+UJA+2007+Campaign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5051930920731458418" /></a><br /><br />I have to admit that since doing my conversion classes (I was once Roman Catholic) that I have a heightened awareness of current events and world issues especially as it pertains to Israel and the middle east. Seeing these signs and billboards up the past month have made me feel a tremendous sense of compassion for people living within Israel and the surrounding areas as well as for those families who have had a child lost/taken or not returned during the war. As a parent to five children, including three who are Jewish by birth - being confronted with the reality that perhaps these could be my step-sons, or sons of other Jewish mothers I know causes me to feel a combination of emotions including anger, resentment and sadness. <br /><br />Upon reflection, I know that any mother would feel this way if their child's life was sacrificed during a war, including those of the Palestinian people, Iranian people or any people for that matter. I have been thinking that I was proud that Israel has a proactive approach to not leaving their soldiers behind, however my world was shook yesterday as my Rabbi discussed in his congregant speech about how the Israeli army will sacrifice healthy/active soldiers to retrieve the bodies of the slain/killed/captured soldiers and that this in fact is a very controversial issue within not only Israel, but for every Jew regardless of where they live.<br /><br />This shook me because I had felt proud of Israel. If I was a mother to one of these children - I would want them home, to be buried in peace and have closure. I hadn't really thought about sending someonelse's child in a high-risk situation to retrieve my child. That's something else - and I have no clue how you work through the moral/ethical dilemma surrounding that issue.<br /><br />In the end, I feel...I don't know how I feel...except maybe torn.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-80738198788333122472007-04-07T16:28:00.000-05:002007-04-07T20:35:22.287-05:00Mother Nature is S-E-R-I-O-U-S-L-Y confused....or...has an awesome sense of humour. It snowed this morning. I was shocked as I settled into a volunteer-a-holic-catch-up-a-thon, which largely means dedicating some serious time to my volunteer commitments, I was in awe at how mother nature never seems to surprise me. It sure was pretty that flash snowstorm although I hadn't realized MN's full-mental breakdown until I went outside - damn it got cold.<br /><br />Thank goodness my day only involves, completing expense reports, identifying faculty for a fab new program, creating lesson work plan's for the same program, creating a board agenda etc...none of that involved going out. That was until my almost sixteen (next Sunday boo-hoo!) asked to get dropped off at a friends house. Recently said teenager has been exhibiting some seriously hormonal behaviour which has me her hormonally challenged mother worrying a great deal more than normal. I have been spending a lot of time since January coming to terms with the fact that she is not a child anymore, that she is growing up, that she needs some space and that I need to step back a little and give her some freedom to move about, make mistakes and generally experience life.<br /><br />I always thought I would be a cool, laid back mom, but it seems that I have turned into a mother like many generations of mothers before me...overprotective, over concerned, over involved and under needed. Its a sad day for all mothers when they start to come to terms with what they feel is the end of their role as the director in their child's life-play. I now am stuck like many others in that awkward state of 'I don't want to talk to you, I'm fine, nothing's going on' state of being where our daughters turn against us and no longer see us as an ally, a friend, a confidante, someone whose widsom can save them from a great deal of pain. It sucks! But I shall endure.<br /><br />On a slightly sunnier note, I found two great new <a href="http://theraineysisters.com">blogs</a> today with some really really beautiful knitting on it...the kind of stuff that makes you smile uncontrollably and desperately wish you could jump right through your computer monitor to touch their beautiful knitting. It is honestly that beautiful. The second <a href="http://billi-jean.com/blog/?cat=16">blog</a> has the most incredible vegetable dyed eggs I've ever seen - just lovely and springy.<br /><br />My day overall was a quiet one. I am still in <a href="http://www.jewfaq.org/holidaya.htm">Pesach/Passover</a> recovery mode. The last two weeks have been a major blur for me with balancing client travelling with trying to get our home ready for Pesach. I got home Friday, March 30 at 10 pm from a couple of days in sunny and extremely pretty North Bay to land myself in the midst of Passover meltdown as my house was still yet to be finished getting <a href="http://www.kashrut.com/Passover/kashering/">Kashered</a> for Pesach. This is a laborious process which always throws me for a loop and involves removing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chametz">chametz </a> from your house as well as changing over all of your meat and dairy dishes/cutlery/pots/pans/etc and cleaning every single spot in your home/car etc...that might have chametz in/on/near it. Anyways I got through the Kashering, got down to cooking for about 40 people and preparing myself to be charming and entertain all of those people over two days. When I woke up on the second seder day, this past Tuesday, Mother Nature had started to get in a mood and I knew this because I had a splitting headache. Given that we had 9 people coming for dinner, I had no choice to get up, finish cooking, prep the dinner table and be ready for a fun-filled night. Overall, it was a very nice evening, but by the time I had gone to bed a tornado couldn't have awoken me and Wednesday was another day filled with migraine hell. I am not sure what has gotten MN is a tizzy, but man Thursday was a very long day and I just couldn't look more forward to a second long weekend. And then as mentioned above - snow today.<br /><br />The good news - is that is was a perfect day to stay inside, to get a lot accomplished. And that I did. Overall not really such a bad day after all. My reward for a very productive day - knitting time tonight. :) I am still working on my cherry tree hill socks and I'm using the Yarn Harlot's never-fail sock pattern int the hopes that I will actually be able to finish a pair fo socks. I will say this - its been slow going on 2.25 dpn's....man they're small.Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3716501575113624059.post-90698153581162175582007-03-25T14:41:00.000-05:002008-12-09T19:14:39.727-05:00Newbie Knitter Fun...Friday night Olyvia and I went to the sneak peek, premiere of The Rocky Horror Picture Show being put on live by <a href="http://www.canstage.com/2006-2007/index.asp">Can Stage</a>. Besides being a midnight show - well past my typical Friday night bedtime, it was a blast. Olyvia and I spent our time marveling at everyone is costumes having fun. It was great for the two of us to spend some quality time together and she really seemed to love going on the opening night. Lifelong memories.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbRzl92YzI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Xso72VEZOpM/s1600-h/rocky2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbRzl92YzI/AAAAAAAAAHU/Xso72VEZOpM/s400/rocky2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045951116810281778" /></a><br /><br />Last night David, and I had a quiet night alone as Olyvia was at a girlfriends house for the evening. We had a romantic dinner out and then came home to watch a couple of movies. We only made it through "Stranger than Fiction" - which was a charming and comical story, where I actually enjoyed watching Will Farrell on screen.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbS8F92Y0I/AAAAAAAAAHc/wQENM1UqAEU/s1600-h/stranger+than+fiction.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbS8F92Y0I/AAAAAAAAAHc/wQENM1UqAEU/s400/stranger+than+fiction.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045952362350797634" /></a><br /><br />I had gone out earlier in the day to <a href="http://www.knitomatic.com/">Knitomatic</a> to treat myself to a yarn winder. I have been searching online to find one, but just decided I didn't want to wait to buy and have it shipped as I had all of the yarn from the Knitomatic sale a few weeks ago and just badly wanted to wind it. So all during the movie, I balled hanks of yarn - and had a blast. I know sounds kind of sad, but really it was a lot of fun...even with the occasional knot or series of knots.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbUX192Y1I/AAAAAAAAAHk/tJmJneTacEs/s1600-h/P1010091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbUX192Y1I/AAAAAAAAAHk/tJmJneTacEs/s400/P1010091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045953938603795282" /></a><br /><br />Here's the finished product:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbU0V92Y2I/AAAAAAAAAHs/8lwsIS64Czw/s1600-h/P1010090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbU0V92Y2I/AAAAAAAAAHs/8lwsIS64Czw/s400/P1010090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045954428230067042" /></a><br /><br />Yes above you should count 12 balls, plus I also, wound a my hank of cherry tree hill sock yarn (in colorway: Quarry Hill)- which makes 13 balls, as I have been having fantasies about knitting with it. This was actually the first yarn I used my winder on and ended up spending a good 1.5 hours having to undue the million knots...as I wasn't used to the over-the-chair method of holding the hank while you wound. Thankfully I had it finished about 10 minutes into the movie, which meant the other 12 went by in a flurry of activity. David was as marvelled as I was at the efficiency of this little plastic machine, although he couldn't understand why the hand painted/dyed hanks didn't come pre-balled and after trying to explain to him "handpainted yarn" let it go and just said because it would be too expensive.<br /><br />This morning, I couldn't help but start a new pair of socks with it, as it is just so lovely to knit with.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbWul92Y3I/AAAAAAAAAH0/ExB_Y1uK2ro/s1600-h/P1010003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbWul92Y3I/AAAAAAAAAH0/ExB_Y1uK2ro/s400/P1010003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045956528469074802" /></a><br /><br />Its' going to be a crazy week of travelling for me, but at least I accomplished something at home this weekend and can take a new and very portable project with me while I'm busy away this week.<br /><br />On an unrelated note - they have broken ground on the property behind us finally. It was strange to come home after being away for a weekend to find the house imploded and now to have the ground broken. I am anticipating a long-summer of banging, dusk and construction folk while this house gets built. The only good part about it is that new houses continue to help develop the area and increase the value of our home. Many small reasons to smile.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbaAV92Y4I/AAAAAAAAAH8/nshuPnWLE0I/s1600-h/P1010010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7qsRcZjr2Mg/RgbaAV92Y4I/AAAAAAAAAH8/nshuPnWLE0I/s400/P1010010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045960131946636162" /></a>Tania Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723685111075232402noreply@blogger.com1