Reflections

Although I do try to savor the Christmas season as it is happening, I think there's so much going on before Christmas that it sometimes gets away from me.  During the days after until the end of the year, I do take time to reflect on the past month and the past year.

I still listen to Christmas music (although SiriusXM already stopped playing Christmas music - I thought tomorrow was supposed to be the last day). I keep the decorations up until at least January 7th. I also catch up watching the last of the Hallmark Christmas movies that premiered this year and I recorded. It's a nice peaceful, yet festive time.

I am looking forward to a fabulous year and wish one for you too.

MK out.

FO Friday - 12/29/2017

I have stuff!

Pattern: Entrelac Scarf by Allison LoCicero
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi in Pilsen
Comments: This scarf was my first foray with Entrelac. I'm not sure I will knit this technique again. It makes my OCD twitch. I can't describe what bothers me about it, except that the pick ups are a little too loosy goosy (Did I spell those two words correctly?) for my taste. 

On a positive note, I love the yarn. It's luscious to knit.

I can also show the pillowcases I made for the members of my family for Christmas.

They liked them.

MK out.

December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas!

MK out.

For the Rest of Us

The Christmas preparations around here have been going at high speed. It always turns out fine, but there are times I'm not so sure because my lists seem endless. It's mostly worrying going on in my head when I feel a little overwhelmed. I've noticed in the last few years though, at some pivotal point, the sun breaks through the clouds and things seem to start getting done smoothly and efficiently.

After the dust clears and there's a little quiet before Christmas, I frequently spend a little time reflecting on things.

Today has much significance around Chez Merry Karma. If my momma were still in this realm, she would be celebrating her 94th birthday. 

I sure miss her. Everyday.

Life (in this realm) has a way of going on. I suppose that's a good design feature overall. Otherwise, what would be the point?

So, Happy Birthday to my momma, and Happy Festivus to the rest of us.

MK out.

Movie Monday - 12/18/2017

Maudie is based on the true story of a folk artist from Nova Scotia. Sally Hawkins plays Maud. She struggles with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as with a family who don't offer her much emotional support. When her brother sells the family home out from under her, she finds employment with the local fishmonger for room and board. Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke) is an austere, distant man, but the two form an unlikely pair. Eventually, Maud's artwork gains recognition and the rest is history. It was very good.

In Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf star as a mother and her high school-aged daughter who share a difficult relationship. Ronan plays the title character, Christine, who prefers to go by Lady Bird. As Lady Bird is learning, growing up is hard. Lucas Hedges also stars. It was alright.

Frances McDormand is phenomenal in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. She plays Mildred Hayes, whose daughter was assaulted and murdered. Seven months have passed and there are still no leads in the case. She expresses her frustration by renting three billboards and has inflammatory messages directed at the ineptness of the local police chief written on them. Woody Harrelson plays the police chief, in a fine fashion, I must say. Sam Rockwell and Peter Dinklage also star in this movie. I really enjoyed their performances as well. The acting was superb, the story was layered...you must see this movie.

MK out.

FO Friday - 12/15/2017

I finished a pair of socks.

Pattern:  The Weasley Rib by Erica Lueder
Yarn:  My friend Jerry dyed this yarn. I love this shade of red.
Comments: The pattern was fun, the yarn was pretty. It took a while to make these socks because other stuff got in the way, but I'm glad I finished them. Sorry the picture isn't the best. Red always seems to blow out on me.

MK out.

FO Friday - 12/1/2017

Pattern: Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes

Yarn: Must Stash Yarn & Fiber Perfect Self-Striping Sock in Nutcracker

Comments: I do love me some plain-vanilla stripey socks, but this pattern adds enough of a twist to keep one from being too complacent. And the yarn! It's to die for; I mean it's so squishy and the colorway is so happy. I really enjoyed knitting these socks.

I also made some pillowcases recently. I can show them to you because they've already been gifted.

MK out.