Here's where it all starts. Make a slip knot and begin. Cast on a desired number of stitches and then work the rest of the piece from there. There's no way around it really. You have to cast on. Even if it's only two stitches. Or two hundred. This is how we begin. Yet it … Continue reading Cast On
Category: Artful Living
A New River
The second day of "Mom's Birthday Nature Tour" had us floating on tubes down the New River in West Jefferson, NC. As we plunked into the lime green mammoths, I continued sending up little pleas for sunshine, like mini flares that sputtered and nearly died out as it began to sprinkle. I settled into the … Continue reading A New River
Pilgrim
I'm still feeling it four days later. A tightness along the back of my legs next to the calf muscle, evidence of all the climbing and descending. On Thursday of last week my family and I loaded up a picnic lunch, water bottles and swim gear for a day at Hanging Rock. My son had … Continue reading Pilgrim
Under the Lily Pads
Yesterday I sat by a pond on the property of Smith Hollow Farm to draw. My pen followed the contours of the half-cloven pads with their stout yet delicate lilies popping up here and there. Some were mere bulbs yet to bloom, others had unfurled and outstretched their usual cup-like shape. Rich color everywhere. This … Continue reading Under the Lily Pads
Turning Fifty
I know, I know. It's just a number. yet for some reason this number has been looming in my mind for a year now. Probably longer. The thought of turning a half century old has discombobulated me in such a manner I can only describe with the phrase (so telling of my age and generation): … Continue reading Turning Fifty
A Lesson in DPNS
She held what felt like chaos in her hands. Yet to my eye, her teacher, it looked like she had been knitting with double pointed needles for years. She deftly worked the four wooden needles, three to hold the stitches, one to knit across from point to point. "This is a bit overwhelming, keeping up … Continue reading A Lesson in DPNS
Beyond the Din
I stood at the pump while fuel flowed into the tank, assaulted by the sound of busy traffic rushing by. It seemed nearly deafening and I realized I couldn't hear anything else. Or could I? I strained my ears to hear something other than the raging traffic. Sure enough the pulsing music from the gas … Continue reading Beyond the Din
Just Cuz
Sometimes you just can't help it! You see something that for whatever reason, catches your eye, tickles your fancy, and you just gotta draw it. But when you're driving, it's best not to whip out the sketchbook then and there, but rather take a quick pic and draw it later. The drawing doesn't capture the … Continue reading Just Cuz
Wholehearted Living
In Brene Brown's book, The Gifts of Imperfection, she talks about Wholehearted Living. I keep reading and re-reading this book as it contains so much that is good for continuing to live wholeheartedly even when life is so very FULL! As we careen to our son's graduation this Friday, party on Saturday and all end-of-school-year events, … Continue reading Wholehearted Living
Pointier Points & Other Weighty Matters
I mean, who really cares about whether the points on a knitted washcloth are pointier than previously knitted? I certainly don't care one way or the other...but therein lies the fun of it all! So, I finally finished my Hitchhiker Shawl, and oh what a nail-biting finish that was! Only about 2 1/2 inches of … Continue reading Pointier Points & Other Weighty Matters