Both ends of the spectrum

Sorry folks, with all of our busy-ness, I don't have a cohesive post today, just lots of rambling thoughts and diatribes. Read at your own risk.


In an effort to broaden the scope of colors I seem to be using lately in my knitting and photography, I have joined Project Spectrum. The colors for March are pink and red. I fear that I haven't anything on the needles involving either of those colors, but here's to starting something new and using this as an excuse for more yarn.

I never wear color. I tend to base my wardrobe on anything dark and gray. However, I am drawn to colorful art and saturated yarns. Now is my chance to explore both.

Sweating over a sweater
In other news, I have begun my first sweater. Yes, it's true: I have decided to make something that requires more than one skein of yarn and that I will actually be seen wearing regularly, at least in theory.

No, it's not pink or red. Drat. (I just love using the word "Drat!" reminds me of Schoolhouse Rock's "Interjections".)

It's a cotton summer raglan that will be cropped and with mid-length sleeves. My friendly yarn store lady assisted me in developing a pattern. I fear that there is very little to share at this point, but once I make some actual progress, I will be sure to post a photo.

Let's all pray to the yarn gods that 1. I will finish it. 2. I will not be ashamed to wear it. 3. It fits. and 4. I don't look like an Easter egg. (It's lavendar.)

No cold noggins around here
I made another SouleMama hat over the weekend. It was initially designed to be a gift for an acquaintance undergoing chemotherapy. However, I felt the wool was a bit harsh and instead gifted the pink hat I made earlier. Apparently she is a pink fan and it was perfectly suited for her liking. You can visit the cream version in the Finished Projects section (that is whenever I post a photo of it.)

Weekend in review
Our weekend was hurried, but fruitful. Friday night began with an evening at home. Cynical was tired after a trying week at work, so we opted to stay at home and relax. On Saturday I went for a soothing, much needed pedicure, ran some errands and found myself at home early enough to begin packing. (A pedicure is an essential step in my summer wardrobe preparations. And who can refuse groomed toes bearing "I'm Really Not a Waitress Red." Nothing says "bring on the summer" like slutty toes. AND I know that you are thinking that it truly is obsessive compulsive to start packing days prior to leaving on a trip, but let's keep in mind that it's winter here and spring there, so I had to drag out all of my summer clothes, determine if they still fit, what I was willing to wear in public and what would pack easily. OK, so maybe it was obsessive compulsive.)
On Sunday I had some work to take care of and a few more errands to run, so Cynical and I headed out and treated ourselves to dinner out also. Then it was home for the realization that the Oscars would consume our evening and a chance for me to pack yet a bit more. Packing for me is a process, a series of steps and decisions. If only I could toss my undies and toothbrush in my backpack and head out. But alas, I am not wired that way.

I want to fly away
Tonight is the last big push to get us ready for our flight to Orlando tomorrow. I am making one last trip to the yarn shop after work for minor assistance so I can take my embryonic sweater with me for some knitting on the plane.

For those of you that may know me as an extreme overpacker, you will be pleased to know that I not only managed to cut back to one suitcase, (If they didn't want you to bring two, the airlines wouldn't allow you to bring two.) but there is also enough room for shopping finds. I also downsized my purse and reduced the number of knitting projects that will accompany me. Oh, and I squeezed a book or two in for good measure.

I am getting more excited about the trip now that it's closer. I decided that even though it's work-related, it's a chance to get a little sun, eat some good food and travel. I love to travel. I love flying. I love commuting, I love hotels. I could certainly be a vagabond if my bank account and lifestyle would allow. So, off we go, to the land of sun and shopping. Wish us luck. Wish us safe travel and wish us a high-speed Internet connection.