She's A Lady

Well she's all you'd ever want,  

She's the kind they'd like to flaunt and take to dinner.  

Well she always knows her place. 

She's got style, she's got grace, She's a winner.She's a Lady.  

Whoa whoa whoa, She's a Lady. 

I was reminded the other day how fortunate I am to have a daughter like mine. A situation came up, a questionable situation, involving the use of a design with no credit to the original designer. She was the designer and saw something from her blog, recreated on the cover of a magazine.

If I saw something I had designed, on the cover of a magazine or anywhere, I’d know they’d probably thought of it themselves. In her case however, it was almost a sure thing that her design had been the inspiration for their cover. She’s very well known in the blogging world, especially in the baking blogging world. There were many similarities in the picture on her blog and the cover picture. In fact, the magazine admitted their error and sent her a formal letter of apology.

Sweet Sugar Belle and the magazine...

Throughout this short lived ordeal, emotions ran high from people on both sides of the issue. The magazine had a Facebook page. Some of Callye’s supporters asked the magazine to credit her for the cover photo. Others attacked like sharks. It was like they were waiting, circling the Internet watching for traces of blood to appear in cyberspace. Callye was the blood. And she hadn’t done a thing.

I don’t know how others see me, but I think of myself as fairly easy going. I try to avoid confrontation. But like most people, I can be pushed only so far before I’ll fight back. For years I watched my mother be walked on like a doormat in various situations. Without even realizing it I vowed I wouldn’t be that way. I wouldn’t let people push me around. As I’ve gotten older, the push limit has become a lot shorter. It still takes a lot but when that last straw has been reached it might get ugly.

Sweet Sugar Belle

I read the comments and the attacks and the accusations towards Callye and I tried to keep calm. I thought it best not to be involved, mainly because I didn’t want anything I did to hurt her or her blogging success. As the day went on and people were ruder, my resolve weakened. Callye, however, didn’t say a word to address any of this. She said, "Mom, the best thing is just to be gracious".

Graciousness is about how you make the people around you feel. Francis Bacon said, “If a man be gracious and courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world”. It’s important to learn to respond graciously to criticism, especially mean-spirited and angry feedback. Responding in kind is not the solution. It brings no value to the situation and often causes more animosity. It’s tempting, though. It might even make you feel good. But that’s only for a moment. In the end, there’s no winner. Nothing positive is gained.

I’d like to take credit for her graciousness. But I’m afraid she didn’t learn it from me. In fact, the other day when she had a ‘microphone experience’, (another blog post), she said, "Mom, I’m just like you. I said something bad and they heard me". Yes, I wanted to say something bad, especially to the haters bashing my little girl. And I did comment in a couple of places on that Facebook page. But I went back and deleted them. I stayed away until late that night. Then I went back again. One lady had taken it upon herself to personally attack Callye. Another joined in. I replied.

On the Martha Stewart Show

I was rethinking what I’d done and was going back to delete what I’d typed when Callye texted me a little after midnight to let me know the magazine had come through. That was when she received her formal letter of apology, the guarantee of a nice gift and the promise of being featured in a future magazine. Besides that, the mean, spiteful comments were deleted from their page. Mine were attached so they were gone too. Even a magazine can act with grace.

I’m proud of my daughter for so many things. I'm proud of her success. I’m proud of her for not acting like me. I’m proud to be her mother. I’m proud of her for being a lady. I hope someday I can learn to be as gracious as she.

Well she's never in the way 

Always something nice to say, Oh what a blessing. 

Whoa whoa whoa, She's a Lady. 

I went to a fun class today. They called it paper clip weaving. You don’t really weave on a paper clip but they are incorporated into a loom.

Paperclip loom, warped

Side view of loom

It’s weaving, like normal, but the paperclips make it so that there aren’t a lot of warp threads to weave in at the end. There are some limitations, as in length, but it’s a portable project that looks like it’s going to be fun.

Warped loom ready to weave

This will be a bracelet when it’s done. I’ve only worked on it about an hour and it’s coming along. I’ll post a picture of the finished project soon. If you want to see some finished projects and great ideas, head over to Our Creative Spaces and look around.

The start of a bracelet

I finished the ivory cowl, too. I don’t have plans for it and may end up gifting it.

Plain cowl--ivory yarn with a sparkle

Rolled edges on top and bottom

I saw a t-shirt once that said, “I knit so I won’t kill people”. It struck me as funny but really there’s something to it. It does keep my fingers busy so maybe I can’t type rude things. And if I stick yarn in my mouth maybe I won’t say rude things! One of these days maybe I’ll be a lady.

Well she never asks for very much and I don't refuse her. 

Always treat her with respect, I never would abuse her. 

What she's got is hard to find, and I don't want to lose her.

Yeah yeah. She's a Lady.

Talkin' about that little lady, and the lady is mine.

Dark Lady

The fortune queen of New Orleans 

Was brushing her cat in her black limousine… 

 I went to New Orleans once, in 2004, before the hurricane. I’m not sure I’d miss it if I never went back, but it is one of those things that I can cross off and say, been there done that.

We had a good time. Tried new food, saw some things that most likely won’t be seen again and absorbed the atmosphere. It was exciting, but in a dark, almost evil way. Not everything, of course, but when there is a warning not to go past a certain street, you do wonder.

I was there for a conference, and Alan came with me. We stayed in a hotel directly across from the convention center. I’ve looked at maps and I can’t tell if the hotel is there now. It was a tall building with a lot of glass, but I don’t remember which chain. I’ve stayed in so many hotels and cities in the past ten years they all sort of run together. Anyway, we were within walking distance of Bourbon Street and several other ‘must see’ attractions.

Being a Texan, I couldn’t help but compare Bourbon Street to Sixth Street in Austin, which I’ve visited many times. To me, Austin is a lot cleaner and it certainly didn’t smell as bad as Bourbon Street. As far as sights, it’s the same type places and people. Bums and street people, the sexually confused, and plain people (tourists) out for a good time walked the paths and filled the shops and businesses. Liquor flowed freely and people carried their beverages with them in the open air. That doesn’t happen in Austin, but the rest was quite similar.

A friend of mine had taken a historical walking tour of the area and as we walked around he told us the facts he remembered; where someone lived, what was haunted, who was killed there and other assorted tidbits of the area. We ate at a haunted restaurant but the ghost was apparently busy because none of us saw her that night.

One day Alan and I were walking across a market area when I made eye contact with a lady who read palms. I’ve always had a curiosity for such things, even though I’m not convinced there’s any truth to it. Also, I’m a little scared in case there is! We were talking about whether I should or shouldn’t do it and what the cost would be, etc. She knew what we were discussing and told us a price. I thought what the heck; I’d just see what she had to offer.

I have to say she did surprise me. She told me some things instead of suggesting things. I know a bit how this works, or at least how they told us it worked, from my psychology classes. The statements are usually about general personality traits, personal validation statements that give the impression they are specific to a single person but in reality could be applied to everyone. These generalizations are known as a “Barnum statement” after the circus showman P.T. Barnum. He argued that a good statement could be applied to about eight-five percent of the population.

What happens is the fortune-teller, or palm reader or whatever they may call themselves, will say something that’s ambiguous and even contradictory and the person hearing the statement rationalizes that it fits their personality. For instance, telling a person who has a wedding ring that their spouse is a very important part of their life, will most likely not prompt a denial. Often, after such a statement the listener provides information that can be used later in the conversation.

I let her touch my hand and she began. Instead of saying something like I feel there’s a child in your life, she said, you have a new grandson. Well, that kind of took me off guard because there was nothing that said we had a grandchild at all, much less a grandson. I acknowledged but I didn’t say anything. I wasn’t going to help her out. Next she told me I had been having some trials with the boss at work, but it would work out and I would outlast him. Well, maybe her cousin worked in the store where I asked if I could have a voodoo doll of my boss to poke when he was ugly and they talked so she knew. Well, probably not. And yes, I had discussed some issues with him before the trip. Also, he’s gone…I’m still there. By the way, voodoo is not a joking matter there.

She threw in that I was married to a good man. What could I say to that? He was right there and he was the one who gave her the money so she was impressed! Seriously, he is. But that to me is a Barnum statement. Anyway, there were a few more things, including some statements that were truths. She didn’t ask me anything. Of course there were several general statements thrown in. I was consciously not answering though, just acknowledging with a shake of the head, in order to not give her any information. All in all, though, it was a bit unnerving. There were some specific things she couldn’t have known.

I thanked her and we walked on across the square. Alan asked what she’d said and I told him some of it. I turned and she was watching me. We headed to our next destination and before we were out of sight I glanced back again. She was still watching. I got a chill.

Did she predict my future? I don’t think so. It was more like she told me what was happening at that time, or about things that were bothering me. She told me I’d have a long and happy life, probably her general closing statement. I wonder though, what she didn’t tell me.

Dark lady played black magic 

Til the clock struck on the twelve.

She told me more about me 

Than I knew myself...

When I was in Charleston, South Carolina last year, I had the chance to go to a local yarn shop. Instead of going to lunch at the meeting I just took off and found the yarn store that was in walking distance. It was called Knit, and was a nice little shop in a converted house. The store was very welcoming. There were places to sit and knit and yarn and sample items were artfully placed throughout. It was there I found my first Thomas Kvist yarn.

Knit in Charlotte, SC

Converted house.

Chair seat 'upholstered' in knitting.

Comfy place to knit.

The first place I found Thomas Kvist yarn.

Later I found Thomas Kvist yarn on Facebook, and ‘liked’ their page. They are based in Sweden. Thomas ran a contest in December and every day the ‘Christmas Moose’ asked a question. The answer was on their web page. I decided to enter.

Usually I’m not too lucky. But I won! Since the contest was every day in December, I asked if I could enter again. Thomas said I could enter every day if I liked. So I did. And guess what? I won about six times! Well, I was beginning to feel a little greedy after the third or so time so I shared the contest news with my LSSK friends. I think every one of them who entered also won.

Lin 1.0, Summer Breeze, Lambada, Oh Mercy Me, Colina

It takes a long time for things to get to Texas from Sweden, but I finally got my yarn! The package was in pretty rough shape but I checked with Thomas and nothing had fallen out. He was so generous! I got a lot of yarn. And as much as there is here, I’m waiting for just a little more! It was a fun contest and even more fun to get such a nice surprise. Thank you Thomas Kvist! 

What a haul! :)

Be sure to look at Our Creative Spaces to see all the great things people are creating this week! As for what I’ll make with my new yarn? I might have to go to New Orleans to find out!

Dark lady laughed and danced 

And lit the candles one by one… 

Danced to her gypsy music 

Til her brew was done.

May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose

I heard him say as I made my retreat, 

"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose…” 

Would you be suspicious if someone who doesn’t speak to you suddenly comes by and chats you up for about ten or more minutes? Yeah, me too. And I don’t know where it came from, but after it was over I had an overwhelming urge to say, “May the bird of paradise fly up your nose!” I didn’t. But I thought it. And I also thought that it would probably be most painful if a bird flew up your nose. And if it did happen I’d much rather it is someone else’s nose than mine.

There’s a funny thing about birds. They can do all sorts of things. They can tell secrets. When I did something that wasn’t quite on the up and up, some dumb little birdie always told my mom. But that’s to be suspected when they have that bird’s eye view of things going on. And all the while I thought I was free as a bird turned out I was just a sitting duck with some stool pigeon reporting all my moves. I never did figure out who it was. However, after she got over being mad as a wet hen she’d let me fly the coop. As I got older I realized she really was a wise old owl.

Check our Our Creative Spaces for all kinds of inspiration!

My grandmother always told me she ate like a bird. That is, until I told her that birds eat constantly and sometimes eat up to twice their weight in food, daily. I guess she didn’t want to know that as she gave me the old eagle eye the rest of that day. To prove a point, (I suppose anyway), there weren’t any snacks that day until supper. As my stomach growled, I really felt liked I’d cooked my own goose!

Speaking of grandmother, I guess my sister and I weren’t always good little girls at her house. Grandmother insisted on being called Grandmother. She wasn’t a mam or a nanny or even a grandma type person. But one thing she definitely hated was to be called granny. Granny was what they called my great grandmother, my granddaddy’s mother, or her mother-in-law. Now, I can understand. Anyway, my sister and I, sitting naked as jay birds in the bathtub, would call for her when we were ready to get out. I don’t know why we had to wait for her. Seems like she was afraid we’d fall or maybe she wanted to make sure we’d washed with soap. Whatever the reason, we would call out, “Granny, we’re done!” Well, maybe it was just me who’d call out while my sister giggled. There would be no answer. Birds of a feather that we were, we (or I) would try again. In a voice sweet as a nightingale I’d cry out, “Granny, we’re done!” Nothing. Finally, shriveled and shivering in the cold bathwater, one of us would call, “Grandmother, we’re done!” Quick as that old roadrunner, she’d dash in, grab us up with a towel and all was well. Meep Meep. She was a sly old bird!

I may just start saying “may the bird of paradise fly up your nose.” I kind of like the sound of it! I can have a “Pretty Woman” plan in the eaves. You know, I almost peed my pants, Pirates of Penzance. Most people just ask how you’re doing to say something when you pass each other in the hall or on the street. They don’t listen and they most likely really don’t care. So if I answer with “may the bird of paradise fly up your nose”, would they even notice? Probably not, but in case they did and asked what I’d just said, I could say, “hey, I really like your clothes.” Or maybe “you’ve got something on your nose.” Or how about “that’s just the way the day goes,” or “good, except for the run in my hose.” And I can just smile, like the cat that swallowed the canary. Yes, think I’ve got it covered!

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose… 

May an elephant caress you with his toes. 

May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose. 

May the bird of paradise fly up your nose. 

I’m on the downside of a pretty powerful cold or something. It zapped every bit of energy I had. I didn’t miss work, except for one day, but by the time I got home I didn’t want to do anything. Two full weekends were spent sleeping or just laying around. I didn’t even want to knit. I still have the cough but I feel okay so it’s time to dig out. I did get the shawl sent off. I didn’t have daylight to take a picture of it after the blocking but maybe my sister will send one. I made some more of those cute little hearts but now that I’ve missed Valentines, I guess I’ll just keep them for later.

Being the bird brain I am, now I have birds on my mind. I have a stained sweater I saved to make an owl. The plans are in my head so there’s a big chance that the finished product won’t look anything like my mental picture!

And I ran across this cute little bird pattern, on Attic 24’s blog. I want to make some of them too.

Birdie decoration. DIY on Attic 24's blog.

Valentine’s day is sweet Belle’s birthday. We went over to help her celebrate. She was in a poofy pink dress and told me I had to call her princess because today was her birthday and she was four. She’s so funny.

My princess on her birthday.

The princess and her pinata.

Finally! Candy!!!

 We lucked out and got some Sweet Sugar Belle cookies for Valentines! We even shared with co-workers. Funny, the people I gifted don’t want to eat them. They say they are too pretty! All I can say is the love bird, or bluebird of happiness, your choice, tasted mighty fine to me!

Valentine cookies from my daughter, Sweet Sugar Belle.

I heard him sayin' as I turned to go, 

"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"

I Can See Clearly Now

…the rain is gone, 

I can see all obstacles in my way. 

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind, 

It’s gonna be a bright, bright Sun-Shiny day. 

My friend Lynn posted a note on Facebook the other day that really hit home. It went something like this.

She was in a hardware store waiting on her husband in the gardening department. An older man and his grown daughter walked by. They laughed and pointed as they walked by. Their childish display astonished her. As she waited, more customers passed by, acting in the same manner. Feeling self conscious, she checked to make sure all was okay and decided to move on and find her husband. As she walked away she saw more people snickering and pointing as they sauntered by where she had just been.

When she turned to look, sitting right behind where she had been standing, was a young man, fully reclined, sound asleep! With his mouth wide open, drooling, he was slouched down in a hammock type lawn chair. He looked like a commercial for the furniture, showing how comfortable the chairs were! She began to laugh at him, but mostly at herself because she thought it had been her people were staring and laughing at. She said she was reminded of an important life lesson; never take anything personally. She said she laughed at herself for thinking she was important enough to have been laughed at to begin with! She said, “It ISN'T always about me!!!”

I have to admit, I would have thought the exact same thing she was thinking. I’d have wondered if my hair looked funny or my zipper was down. I would have naturally assumed it was something I had done. I would have thought it was all about me!

I always thought that ‘all about me’ meant you considered yourself to be something special, something better than the average bear. After reading her note I realized it works the opposite way, just as well. People are self centered. Most people think ‘it’s all about ME’, when in reality nothing others do is because of you. People say and do things that are a projection of their own reality. You are just a character in their personal soap opera!

I tend to take things personally. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Apparently I give permission freely because I let people make me feel inferior quite often.I need to remember that when I take things personally, I’m not focusing on what someone said or did but more on how I feel. I replay the situation until I agree with whatever negativity they’ve chosen to bestow. Instead, I should focus on that person.

Perhaps this person is negative to everyone. (yes) Perhaps it’s supposed to be funny or it's a bad day. (365) Perhaps they have much insecurity. (myriad) Perhaps it’s just poor communication and emotional management skills. (tirade) Perhaps I should find compassion. (patience)

I need to remind myself that I don’t need anyone’s approval. If I get a compliment I need to remember that it’s the other person’s viewpoint. The same goes for an insult. It’s how the other person sees it and that may or may not be accurate. Compliments don’t make me a better person and insults don’t make me worse. When someone compliments, it makes them better because they're taking the time to be supportive and encouraging. If someone isn't happy with you it doesn't mean you've done something wrong. In most cases it means that person isn't happy and they want you to feel as bad as they feel.

Life can be far more pleasant by not taking things personally. I have to remember that sometimes it is all about me. Most of the time though? It ISN'T about me at all!

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone. 

All of the bad feelings have disappeared. 

Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for. 

It’s gonna be a bright , bright, 

Sun-Shiny day. 

I still don’t like blocking. But I did it! I blocked the shawl for my sister and now just have to send it on its merry way!

Close up of edge

Probably medium sized

I restarted the rainbow scarf too. It's almost finished.

Where's the pot of gold? :)

I also started another plain old cowl. This is a shiny yarn and will be okay being just plain. The groundhog said six more weeks of winter but I have a feeling it’s going to be warmer than scarf weather soon. That’s a shame as I really like wearing them now. It’s surprising how just that little bit around your neck can keep you warm!

Cast on 150, join and knit, knit, knit

 And to be in the spirit of February, here’s a few hearts from a great pattern over at Cornflower Blue Studio.

Cute little guys!

Our Creative Spaces is back up. Head over there if you want to see some really cool things!

In the meantime just remember, you’re okay just how you are. And I’m okay too! Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Look all around, there’s nothin' but blue skies. 

Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies... 

It’s gonna be a bright, bright, 

Sun-Shiny day.

My Special Angel

You are my special angel 

Sent from up above. 

The Lord smiled down on me 

And sent an angel to love… 

My precious first grandson recently turned 8 years old. It hardly seems possible that he can be that age already. Just the other day we were all in the delivery room. My daughter’s husband was in the Navy so her dad had agreed to go in the delivery room with her. He does that farm/ranch type stuff so giving birth would not gross him out or anything. I, on the other hand, was prepared to stay in the waiting room. I’d packed a bag of yarn and had some knitting needles and was content to build a nest in the sitting area and wait til all was done. I’d waited with them in the labor room and the doctor came and they were moving her to another room. I gathered my knitting and was walking the other way and the doctor said, "This way mom." Wait. What? This way? As in the delivery room? I don’t think so. He said, "Yes, you too."

The smiling birthday boy!

The delivery room was nothing like I’d experienced when I’d had her. This was an ordinary ‘hospital’ room. Maybe they called it a birthing room. I’m not sure. But there was a TV and the bed, a vanity type thing and a chair. I put my knitting in the chair and squashed myself against the wall. I was fairly sure this wasn’t something I wanted to witness.

I remember Law and Order was on and the Doctor and my husband were taking turns watching the television and comforting/tending to Callye. I was still back out of the way, as much as I could be since we were all in the same room, when suddenly things began to happen. I moved a bit so I couldn’t see anything I didn’t want to see. Push, push and he was here!

The doctor did his thing, let Callye have a look, gave E to the nurse and she wrapped him in a blanket and in turn handed him to me. Yes, here he was. My firstborn’s firstborn, fresh out of the oven!

Sweet baby boy!

I don’t know if that’s the reason or if it’s just because he was the first but we have a bond. Don’t get me wrong. All of the littles are special. Unique and delightful individuals, they are all happy to see us when we go over or they come here. The other two love the visit but are ready to go when mom and dad come. But if given a choice I think E would just as soon stay here permanently!

Frogs and snails and puppy dog tails...

Of course he’s not always an angel. He’s a typical little boy, mischievous and full of energy. Even though he’s getting to that stage little boys get to when they don’t want you to hug or kiss them, he still has a hug for me every time I see him. I know that probably sooner than later there will be a time when he will want to be ‘cool’ and not have his Mamye cuddle him in public! I have a feeling it might still be okay when it’s just us. Until that time comes though, I’ll hug him when I can and let him know I love him always.

The smile from your lips brings the summer sunshine. 

Tears from your eyes bring the rain.I

I feel your touch, your warm embrace, 

And I'm in heaven again… 

I finished the shawl except for (surprise) blocking! That’s this weekend for sure because I have to get it in the mail. Of course I saw something that doesn’t look quite right to me. I don’t think it’s a mistake, just a little loose in one spot. I think I can fix it and nobody will notice.

I had a request for another rainbow scarf, just like the one I made at Christmas. Easy enough, so I got started. I ran into a problem though. I forgot which yarns I used! It’s a scarf where I gather different textures and colors. I started it but it didn’t look right. It was pretty but it was too dark or something so I took it apart.

What it is supposed to look like...and what it looked like.

But I needed something for TV knitting so I made a quick colorful cowl out of some self striping sock yarn I had. It’s not very big but I like it and it can be folded over and pinned if I needed it to be warmer. While that was going on I gathered yarn that I think will make a close copy of the original rainbow. I hope anyway!

Quick and easy.

A little self striping sock yarn and a little cowl!

It’s back into the routine (or drag) at work so there’s little time (or energy) for things I want to do. I think about it but I’ve not been very productive. Good thing I didn’t make any resolutions!

We’ll see the littles in a week or two. That’s something to look forward to!

You are my special angel,

Through eternity.

I'll have my special angel,

Here to watch over me...

Shut Up

Shut up. Just shut up. 

We try to take it slow, 

But we're still losing control. 

And we try to make it work, 

But it still ends up the worst. 

Every profession has its own jargon. The terminology associated with a subject, the acronyms comprising a vocabulary of alphabet soup and of course, the buzzwords, create a language only those privy of the knowledge can comprehend.

Educationese is the language educators (a.k.a. teachers) speak, usually on a daily basis. In fact, in order to become a teacher an educator, certain requirements must be met, including taking an ordinary, everyday activity and turning it into a multi-syllable word or sentence, or better yet, an acronym. Why? Teachers are smart, you know. So everything they say has to sound impressive.

The Columbia Guide to Standard American English defines educationese (or teacherese) as the name sometimes given to the jargon too frequently employed by some of those who train our schoolteachers. It is characterized typically by its humorlessly abstract, Latinate, and polysyllabic diction and its convoluted, rambling, and frequently passive syntax. Fights are never “fights” and rarely even “quarrels.” Instead, fights are “conflict situations.” At its worst, instead of correcting imprecision and ignorance, Teacherese tries to conceal learning activities, frequently from teachers themselves.

A child interacting with manipulatives in order to increase fine motor skills and critical thinking is probably just playing with blocks. If he should engage in low-organized physical education or consumer awareness, he was most likely playing outside until his mother asked him to escort her to the grocery store.

Every year there seems to be an abundance of overused buzzwords. "Thinking outside the box creates a new paradigm that authenticates assessment to meet the objectives of lifelong learning and college readiness". Sometimes they are just ordinary words, twisted and combined to sound important. I’ve heard comprehensive support, expectation, and building capacity run together in sentences that don’t even make sense. “The expectation is that the expectations will be met with the objective being that the expectations of the expectation occur in a timely manner that is conducive to the expectation of the expectations in order to build capacity to ensure comprehensive support.” Uh…right.

A few years back when Palm was still popular I had a game called BS Bingo. You could enter all the buzzwords at that particular time then during a meeting you could mark them off as they were said. It was quite entertaining (to me) and helped me get through a boring meeting or two. I should check to see if there is an Android app that is comparable. Now, I just keep a tally to see how many times certain terms are repeated. It just takes one time for it to be said then every speaker from there on out repeats the word, adding their own bit of emphasis.

It’s not that I’ve built capacity. It’s more like I’m filled to capacity. And the expectation is that I remain attentive until time to go. I’d hate for my accountability to be damaged so I’ll hide my attention deficit disorder while I continue with my authentic learning so I can pretend to be engaged in a collaborative experience. Oh…that’s five for expectation. 

Let's forget the past 

And let's start this new plan. 

Why? 'cause it's the same old routine. 

And then next week I hear them scream. 

Shut up.

Just shut up.

Hard to believe but my firstborn grandson had a birthday this week. That’s not the hard to believe part. What's unbelievable is that he’s 8 years old. It seems like just yesterday we were anxiously awaiting his arrival.

He wanted a specific toy, but I wanted something special for him. I decided we’d give him some money and his mom and dad could take him to find that toy. And I made him a coupon book, good for different things.

Cover for the Bday coupon book

I cheated, because of time, and edited a printable I found on the Internet. I altered the text and changed pictures and made coupons with things we wanted him to have. And after seeing how easy it was I’m sure I can make my own from scratch next time. We brainstormed and he had coupons for spending the night with us, breakfast in bed, lunch with us, candy, a new shirt, a movie date, driving the bobcat (a little tractor thing that occupies a lot of my husband’s time), a trip to the ranch, a new toy and any other thing we could think of he might like. He ended up with about 15 coupons. My husband printed them in color; I cut them out and made a cover. It was kind of cute.

Printed coupons

We met at Mr. Gatti’s, a pizza place with games. I put the coupon book and a couple of other little things in a bag for him to open. He had a friend with him and his brother and sister and all were anxious to get to the games. He looked the book over, but was more excited with the other little prizes in the bag at the moment.

Lots of coupon fun!

I do know that once he settles down and looks at the book he’ll realize what he can do with it! He can’t have breakfast in bed unless he’s at our house. So, if he uses that coupon it’s a night or weekend with us. He can’t very well have lunch with us unless it’s at our house. So that’s another night/weekend over. He’ll figure it out pretty quickly! In the meantime, I’ll be glad for a visit from him, anytime.

Lunch coupon means overnight stay!

It’s a lot of fun when they come over, whether it’s all of them or just one or two. We play, watch movies, have picnics and just enjoy the time together. And sometimes, if we need to, we all just shut up and rest! It’s all good. 

Stop the talking baby, 

Or I start walking baby. 

Is that all there is? 

Shut it up, just shut up. 

Shut up, 

Just shut up.

Oh Christmas Tree

Oh, Christmas Tree 

How lovely are your branches... 

What? Just a little late you’re thinking, right? Well, probably. But I didn’t get any pictures of the tree posted prior to Christmas. Our custom is to leave it up til after New Year’s Day and this year I had to go back to work on January 2. I was thinking I might never get it down when I remembered reading about the Twelfth Night.

Wasn't it pretty?

I’ve always thought, as probably a lot of people do, that the Twelve Days of Christmas meant the days before Christmas. Well, come to find out, it’s actually the twelve days after Christmas! In the olden days, the Twelfth Night to Epiphany morning was the traditional time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations. I’m not so behind after all!

Three cross stitched candy cane holders. Made by the mother of one of my former students, now a friend. Intricate.

Admittedly, I’m not always the most prompt in taking down the Christmas decorations. First off, it’s like the little red hen around here. I don’t get a lot of help, either putting things out or gathering them up after the holidays. Working 11 hours a day then doing it in my ‘spare’ time doesn’t always warrant a fast pickup. There have been some years the tree and decorations were up way past Christmas. In fact, I think it was around June last year when I spied a snowman (the tree was down at least!) I’d forgotten to put away. It doesn’t really matter because nobody comes out here so my secret is safe! Nevertheless, I was pleased to find out about Epiphany, even though I might stretch it out another twelve days!

My grandmother crocheted the ball ornaments. She said she didn't have a pattern and each one is just a bit different. The others are just an assortment of things I like.

I made this little angel years ago. She probably qualifies as an antique!

Can't see well but one of my favorites. One year I was supposed to get a rocking chair and it didn't come so my mom and dad gave me this ornament to let me know. Inside is a rocking chair, presents, doll, and toys.

Some family ornaments. There are many. And no, I didn't forget you Bryce and Callye! Camera acted up.

As I’m taking the ornaments off, putting them in their packages, in a box, for next year, I remember where each one came from. They are good memories but the whole ordeal has an air of sadness. This Christmas is over. We had a white Christmas this year and everyone came here. Those memories will go in the box with the special ornaments. I look at the individual baubles, those marking ‘first’ Christmas, those marking life events and those handmade with love. Some I made, some were gifts and some were put together by little hands in school. Our tree is decorated in patchwork. Each ornament is connected to the others in a crazy way creating a blanket of memories. I’ll pack the ornaments away and rediscover the delight next year when it all comes back out. 

It was a white Christmas!

Oh Christmas Tree, 

Oh, Christmas Tree 

Your gentle spirit teaches us. 

That peace and love shall ever be 

As faithful as a Christmas Tree... 

I’m almost finished with the shawl. She may have to do the blocking, but at least the knitting will be done. I really want to start something new. Or maybe several somethings! But I’m being good. So far!

On the downhill side! It'd go faster if I'd quit messing up!

The lace edge

I posted a status on Facebook and promised to make something for the first five people who commented. I got a lot, really fast, which surprised me. Anyway, I took all seven. I’ll be making something for Debi, Rachel, Marivel, Carla, Charli, Katie and Amy sometime during 2012. It’s kind of exciting! And it snowed today. That would make it all right to leave the snowmen out for a while. It sometimes even snows in February, right?  

In summer sun or winter snow, 

A coat of green you always show. 

Oh Christmas Tree, 

Oh, Christmas Tree 

How lovely are your branches.