New Year's Moviethon

Once or twice a year I have enough time to knit on the couch and watch endless movies. I rarely go to the movie theatre. It's not much of a bargain if you think about it and you can't pause the movie to go to the bathroom (or to fix a dropped stitch). Funny how just 5 years ago I would watch this many movies on a thrice weekly basis.

So here's what we've caught up on so far:

Tristram Shandy A Cock and Bull Story
Art School Confidential
A Scanner Darkly
Little Miss Sunshine
Talladega Nights
Pirates of the Carribean 2 Dead Man's Chest
Clerks 2
The Family Stone


Tristram Shandy: It was just ok. Seems to prove that the film industry is full of wankers. However, it did reawaken my desire to write a master's thesis on the period genre*, using this film as an example of how one can skewer the genre in a comedic way (which also reminds me of Singing in the Rain -it too has a period film skewering comedic scene).

*note: I've decided that pursuing a master's thesis in the period genre would be rather wanky of me -it seems rather self indulgent and not too valuable to the rest of the world.

Art School Confidential: I love Daniel Clowes. His previous film Ghost World changed my life and introduced me to Mr. G, but Ghost World is 100 times better than Art School Confidential. Unfortunately the main character in Art School Confidential changes dramatically for not any particular good reason. The film tries to go dark, but without sacrificing it's light touch and it doesn't work. I actually stopped the movie at the point I lost interest and fast forwarded to the end. (another good reason to watch movies at home). I liked the ideas presented, especially about plagiarism and about the reasons why young men want to be great artists, however the follow through was lacking.

A Scanner Darkly: Better than the two abovementioned films. It's nice to see Winona Ryder back in the movies. I'm desperately awaiting her comeback. Even if the film's a bit slow, it's a familiar reflection upon the other side of suburban life. Despite that the film is set 7 years in the future, it seems that the film could be about the present especially with oxycontin and crystal meth taking the suburbs by storm. And Keanu Reeve's laid back acting style works for him this time. One of my favorite films of the year.

Little Miss Sunshine: There was a lot of hype around this film and everyone pushed me to see it. That's the silly thing about hype is that it hightens your expectations. And while LMS was funny with some remarkable moments and fantastic acting, the ending just fizzled out. Making it a good film, not the great one everyone was talking about. Still it's rent-worthy.

Talladega Nights: It was funny, but it poked fun at the south. And that's it. Considering how few portrayals there are of Southern America in our cinema it seems a shame that they couldn't balance it a bit with a little poke here and there at liberals*. It gives Hollywood a bad name.
*note I am a liberal democrat and as such I don't like to see any one region singled out for ridicule. The film needed some balance, and it's lack of one showed why Hollywood has such a bad reputation in this regard.

Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Dead Man's Chest: Too long. Too slow. Sequal. That said I'll still eventually rent the 3rd one.

Clerks 2: Glad I didn't see this one in the theatre. It was still funny with some touching moments -loved Rosario Dawson. And the progression of the characters made sense. Wow this movie, despite it's interspecies erotic comedy was better than Art School Confidential. Didn't see that coming.

The Family Stone: As far as all of these films go, this one had the best screenplay out of all of them. The familial conflicts were interesting and realistic. And it's the only film out of the bunch that made me feel good, which I suppose makes me a sentimentalist. Cute, funny and I was interested in all of the characters. And the story makes them come together in an engaging way.

And on this holiday week I've managed to read 2 books: Knitting Under the Influence and A Good Yarn, both books are worthy breaks from my knitting projects. I wasn't sure I was going to like them...

GG

With No Further Adieu

Christmas came early this year, but I was so busy that I didn't get a chance to properly post anything about this fabulous secret pal package.




The most awesome thing about this secret pal package is that it's based upon one of my favorite movies: The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.



It included the dvd, some beautiful custom-dyed sock yarn, some scissors with a gingerbread man, a beautiful handmade card with knitted motifs, a little knitting reference book, and a sock pattern -as well as some gorgeous stitch markers.

I can't help myself. I'm going straight to my favorite part of the package. The custom dyed yarn. When I first opened it, there was something familiar about the colors in the yarn, but I couldn't put my finger on it, but then it occured to me that they are the same colors that Clementine dyes her hair in the Endless Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. That's some one of a kind, original yarn. I can't wait to make socks with it.



Have a closer look:


I also love love love the mini knitting reference book. It's permanently stashed in my knitting bag. And I might buy some of the knitting books recommended inside!


Let us not forget the cute miniskein keyring and the adorable stitch markers.
Look closeley -you'll see that they're mittens and snowballs!


And the cute gingerbread scissors. Secret Pal, how did you know I needed another pair?



And last but not least, the wonderful handmade card. Makes me so happy to be a knitter...


Again SP, you were super thoughtful and imaginative in creating this package. It was absolutely wonderful and I can't wait to start the socks. I can't wait until you're revealed and I can thank you properly!

Since my houseguests are gone I'll finally have time to write decent posts. I've been off work all week and I've been catching up with movies. It's pathetic for this film school graduate but I've only gone to a few movies for the last year so I had a lot of catching up to do. Since yesterday I've watched: A Scanner Darkly, Tristram Shandy a Cock and Bull Story, Little Miss Sunshine and Art School Confidential.
Reviews on those later.

GG

shawl

ok i look like the wrath of god, but the shawl looks pretty good.

Apparently I have a thing for hats.


thanks mom

GG

Apologies to my Secret Pal

I feel very sorry for the lovely secret pal spoiler I have because I haven't written much here in a while, and she has been so sweet emailing little greetings here and there. I hope she knows how much I'm looking forward to her next package and I hope she has an awesome weekend this week!

Honestly though, this has been a busy couple of weeks.

My brother got married in Los Angeles the weekend before Thanksgiving.

Here's the lovely couple. I'm so proud of my bro. I have a new sister in law and she's so sweet and her family's absolutely wonderful.




I knitted a shawl special for the occasion, you may remember it as the never ending shawl, countless rows of stockinete and 500+ stitches to be picked up and increased.


Unfortunately no one took a picture of me in the shawl so you'll have to settle for a photo of me in my beret.

The truth is that the shawl didn't get 100% finished. I was supposed to pick up stitches on each side of the long stockinette rectangle, but I only had enough time to do one side. And since I've been knitting Christmas presents like there's no tomorrow I haven't really been too keen on returning to it. But eventually I will and the shawl will hopefully be finished sometime in 2007, hopefully in time for next fall.

On the Christmas present front, I've already knitting two scarves and I'm almost done with a flower shaped washcloth. However I won't get much knitting done today because I'm going to the Dickens Fair. I'm going with my mother in law who's in town from Australia to experience the American holidays. We'll be meeting my mom there. Hopefully we'll be able to get in for a Devonshire tea.

Thanksgiving itself was fabulous. We had our first organic free range turkey. And it was unbelievably delicious. I think it may have even shown my mom how much better organic products are. Who knew that turkeys were actually quite succulent? That organic turkey is proof that it's all about the bird. Mom didn't do anything special, she just roasted it with stuffing. But it was the most flavorful bit of turkey I've ever had. Top that off with interesting family, guests and good scotch and you have a festive holiday.

Hopefully Christmas will be the same.

Oh and tomorrow there's Alex Marshall's Studio Sale in Mill Valley. She has the most unique line of tableware, linens, lamps and candles, with lucious colors and glazes. Get there early because she has a big following in these parts and she'll be sold out in a minute.

happy knitting
GG

Toeing Up

Ok so I'm still working on the endless shawl. I'm almost done with the straight section. But there is a consequence to such knitting project monogamy, especially when it's endless stockinette stitch.

You end up teaching yourself how to do a short row toe-up sock in bed at midnight. I also taught myself how to do a crochet provisional cast-on in the same sitting.

I should do this more often because there were significantly fewer mistakes than when I've ever tried any other new knitting technique.

photos of this miraculous achievement to come.

GG

Knitting

nuff said.

GG

Holiday season is already here.

Did I mention my mother in law is coming to visit? She's arriving the day before thanksgiving and will be here through Christmas. Thankfully I have a great relationship with her. We're going to have a great time. We're going to go wine tasting, to the Dickens Fair. We're going to buy a christmas tree and decorate the house. There's going to be cooking and movies. In general, this just spreads the whole holiday season. I'm really looking forward to it.

And then my brother is getting married next weekend. And I've been working on this shawl to wear and making good progress. I hope to have the length of the shawl done this weekend.

as such i have a lot of work to do! I have to get crackin'

GG

Retreat in detail

Okey dokey there have been a few comments and emails bemoaning the brevity of my retreat post, so here's some details and some photos!

The cool thing about the retreat is that I made my mom go with me. In my world everything is better with your mom, especially if it involves knitting. So mom came up to my house and my husband came home from work and we all went out for dinner at Chili's. I pigged out on the southwestern cobb salad and fries and even indulged in a Dr. Pepper.

Then mom and I headed out to the retreat which was only 10 minutes away. I know not so far for a retreat, but far enough. We stayed at a gorgeously remodeled victorian house. I felt like I was suddenly on that Real World reality show, you know the part in the first episodes where the cast sees the house for the first time and they go running around checking everything out. Yeah I did that. It was a pretty awesome house. Plenty of room for everyone to get comfortable and knit.

Unfortunately since mom and I were the last to sign up we were stuck with the den room with fold out couches. But that was the only room with a tv -a tv with cable. Not that I'm so tv crazy, but I do enjoy watching David Letterman.

So once everyone arrived, Warren introduced us to the yarn that we would be playing with. We got twelve boxes of Lana Grossa yarn. They have now moved up in my favorite yarn company list. Soft and versatile. There really was a yarn for everybody. I fell in love with the Pashmina (and managed a sneaky trade to get an extra ball) while my mom liked the Luxor. There was this other soft green one that I really liked, but can't remember the name of. There were some yarns I didn't like so much, but I was on a mission to horde the ones I liked. Eventually I ended up going home with a bunch of pink Maxi (aka that big pink stuff) and two balls of pashmina, as well as a couple of sample balls of Jo Sharp's new yarns (yay!!!!). So yarn wise I was a happy camper.

Not that I did a whole lot of yarn tasting anyway. I've been on a feindish knitting mission to finish this Lana Grossa shawl. And I really wanted to get those odd duck socks done.

The other ladies were fabulous and everyone got a long pretty well. It was nice spending time with women of all ages. It seems all of us have a tough time with doctors. For people that spend so much time and money getting education, they can be pretty stupid sometimes.

Anyhoo after an evening of knitting and new yarn (and irish coffees too) I went to bed and watched Letterman. Unfortunately I should not have had that Irish Coffee because I didn't sleep well at all. I usually have a tough time getting aclimated to new sleeping arrangements. So I got up at 6am. It was nice to watch the sun rise and the fog lift. It was very relaxing and nice to have a bit of quiet alone time.

Soon enough everyone was up, but I couldn't stay for breakfast. I had to go to the grocery store to get the last fresh ingredients I needed to make dinner and dessert. I made a deal with Warren that I would provide dinner and dessert in exchange for attending the retreat. I actually like cooking for people and I needed to get some practice before Thanksgiving. Anyhoo I made spaghetti bolognese and vegan bolognese, greek salad, garlic bread and apple-cranberry crumble. It took me 5 hours to put it all together, but I was well organized and knew how to direct people when I needed help. You would think that something like this would stress me out, but I was odly relaxed through the whole thing.

Anyhoo that was the weekend in a nutshell.

I did manage to finish the socks



yay!
GG

This kind of fun should be outlawed

12 Women

One immaculately restored Victorian house with a front porch over looking the redwoods.

Twelve Boxes of Lana Grossa Yarn for us to play with (one of which was cashmere)

Three dishes for dinner cooked by me (and an apple cranberry crumble for dessert)

for one weekend of knitting.

I had so much fun I need time to recover.

GG

Works in Progress...

This box by the couch is home to all of my knitting projects. I only just recently cleaned it out of all of my random bits of yarn that I won't be using (which I will be donating to a school)



So here's what I'm working on right now:


The Central Park Hoodie from Knitscene.





A shawl that I just started that needs to be finished in less than three weeeks:


And I'm making a pair of socks. I'd have them finished, but I left one of my needles behind at my mom's house the other week. doh!


I'm going to a knitting retreat this weekend so hopefully I'll get a lot done!

GG
PS: Blogger was a PAIN in the you know what today. Stupid photo program

For my Knit Nighter Friends

I can't tell which is worse:

That I'm watching Dancing with the Stars

or

That Joey Lawrence just danced to a bad version of the Rolling Stones Sympathy For the Devil

GG

Secret Pal Package!!

Yay I came home the other day and there was:

A box! From My Secret Pal!!!!


It had lots of cute stuff in it.
A candle, 2 skeins of yarn, a ghost cookie cutter, and some Halloween stickers!!! Oh and some candy too! it was an early Halloween treat.



It also had lots of cute Halloween confetti!


It was like a party in a box, which was just what I needed after work. Thanks secret pal!!!!

GG

Jumping Shark Week 2 (aka Lost)

can we please get away from alcatraz and back to camp?

I'm over the fake pace makers and stressed out bunnies.

this is televised torture.

GG

some things never change.

This weekend I went to my parents house for a little relaxation. Mainly because it's nice to be taken care of by my mom. :)

Last night I hung out by the tv and she made a yummy dinner. My brother lent me the next couple of trades of Transmet. I've already read one and I burst out laughing, just at the Patrick Stewart foreward.

Then today mom cooked me breakfast (scrambled eggs and waffles!) while I read the Sunday paper. And we went to Target where I stocked up on some winter clothes and skin care stuff.

It wouldn't be a weekend with mom if we didn't go to a yarn store. This time we checked out Nine Rubies, a new store in San Mateo. Gorgeous. Knowledgeable staff, tangeable knitting community. Beautiful displays and yarns that my LYS doesn't carry. They were super friendly and even insistant to check out the blog. So hello to them if they're reading.

So if you're in the Penninsula go to Nine Rubies on Third Street near El Camino and check it out.

GG

SP9 Random Fact

I wasn't a knitter when I got married. My husband didn't have the slightest clue what he was getting into. Sure, I made a few quilts and did some scrapbooking, but no where near the scale that knitting has invaded my life.

I learned how to knit three weeks after our wedding.

The husband and I were dancing a waltz at home, so happy that we were together, finally experiencing the wedded bliss that everyone talks about. We were so happy that we cried together, thrilled at the possibilities before us.

And then the phone rang. It was SO's auntie, calling from Australia with the news that SO's brother was in a coma.

Within 24 hours, my new husband was on a plane to Australia. It was terrible all around. I had never even met SO's brother. And I had never seen my husband so sad. And I was miserable that I couldn't be there to support him. I was alone, all of my good friends lived away. I sat around the house and couldn't figure out what to do. Nothing could calm me. TV was too trivial, movies too sad.

I had to snap out of it. A voice in my head said "when in doubt, learn a new skill". I had always wanted to learn how to knit and a Michaels had opened just around the corner so I went there and picked up a little Lion Brand learn to knit kit, in the least offensive color possible. The instructions were easy to read and I was able to teach myself how to knit and purl. Though I was a bit too tight at first soon enough I eased on the needles and the movements became simpler, more natural. In no time was I experiencing the calming effects of knitting and the satisfaction of my first finished scarf. Knitting got me through this terrible time.

My brother in law lay in a coma for three weeks, he had septisemia, a systemwide infection of the blood. He showed some signs of improving, at which point my husband came home, but within days he had taken a turn for the worse and he died, surrounded by family, two years ago yesterday.

He loved fishing, the ocean, being with his friends, and playing the guitar. I remember him whenever I see crows or hear Creedence Clearwater Revival and sometimes while I knit.

GG

Watch Out World

what doesn't kill me makes me stronger.

GG

LOST Quote of The Week

You never made soup for me.

GG

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

You can uncross your fingers.

I was officially rejected by Knitty.

But worry not.

I will make some changes and make a better apron.

I have no regrets. Basically I feel like I just played a hand of blackjack and I doubled down with 20 against the dealer's 3 and lost. Considering how much I like playing blackjack it's a good thing.

you don't win if you don't play.

But that just might be the yoga talking.

Back to the drawing board.

GG

In Brief

new season of Lost. I've been telling everyone that I'm not joining their book club. And I've been telling them that "it only took the bears two hours to figure that out"

new season of Battlestar Galactica. Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?

Went on a knitting frenzy. Finished the Clapotis in Creme. Halfway done on a second sock. And finished the back on the Central Park hoodie. photos to come soon.

Got my haircut. I love my stylist. He's a pro with my hair type. He makes me laugh. and his hair rocks. It's only taken me 27 years to find the right one. I should have known that I would prefer a male stylist.

Watched 10 hours of Battlestar Galactica this weekend. Gee, maybe that's why I got all that knitting done.

Bought a new knitting book: The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns. Gee, I wonder what I'll be designing next? Could it be hmmm.... a sweater?????????

Went to visit Warren at Marin Fiber Arts. I love what he's done with the place. It's filled to the brim with the BEST yarns in existance. It's become yarn heaven. Please visit Warren, he's lonely without Papaya Girl.

See you all on Thursday for knit night (now without that pesky farmers market, though I admit, I will miss the atrocious Rolling Stones covers*)

GG

*in the sitcom version of my life, I will complain about the Rolling Stones covers only to realize that the Rolling Stones are performing them live, at the farmer's market.

Guilty Pleasures

Tonight:

kookabura wings at the Outback

and now: America's Next Top Model. They just ran the opening credits and I can't help but think: haven't I seen all of these same women before? Are all models the same?

Does it really matter?

No.

It's raining outside. Love it.

time to knit

see you after Lost and Project Runway.

GG

SP9 questions

Welcome to SP9!

Below is the questionnaire for this round. Please post your answers to your blog before October 15th. Be sure you post the questionnaire where your pal can easily find it. :-)

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Favorite yarns: lorna's laces, Crystal Palace, cascade, rowan, Blue sky's, Goddess Yarns, any sock yarn. Hate 100% acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a couple of handy dandy cases, but I've been feinding after the Susan Todd and Lexie Barnes cases/bags.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Been knitting for 2 years. I would call myself intermediate/advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Why yes I do. I'd better update it.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)Citrusy, but not too sweet. Orange bergamot, orange ginger, eucalyptus and mint, lavender and basil

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Not so sweet toothy. Love peppermint patties, junior mints and microwaveable kettle corn.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? Beading, quilting, scrapbooking, comic booking -I've done some drop spindle spinning and I'm not so good at it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I can play mp3s til the cows come home. I love lotsa different music. Except hardcore gangsta rap. Top 10 bands: radiohead, fiona apple, scissor sisters, nirvana, death cab for cutie, john mayer, garbage, van morrison, david gray, Ben Harper, U2.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? hate royal blue. Not so big on orange either. But I love pinks, teals, purples. Think Lorna's color Desert Flower. I also like the colors in Lorna's Vera.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? One husband and a cat that lives with my mom

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? yes to everything but the ponchos

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? socks, handbags,scarves, sweaters and shawls

13. What are you knitting right now? A clapotis, a cardigan and a pair of socks. Oh and a dice bag for dungeons and dragons.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? but of course!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I love all needles. But when it comes to sock needles 6" or shorter

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Why yes I do.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? E gads theres a baby blanket that's in pieces and it's like a year old.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Hallothanksmasnewyear. I love the whole season between Halloween and New Years.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Old Susan Bates Circulars (the plasticy ones), fabric, pins, Skipping Girl handbags.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have subs to Interweave and Knit Simple. Would love to get my hands on the new Rebecca and the special Rebecca featuring Savannah. Would love Alter-knits, A Gathering of Lace, Vogue Accessories, Mason Dixon Knitting, oh and the Knitter's Handy Guide to Sweater Patterns.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Lace knitting! Short rows!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Love socks! I'm a 9 1/2. I'll get back to you on the exacts...

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) 6/2

October

Is one of my favorite months. the name has such a nice ring to it. Oc-to-ber. Hmmm. just the words rolling off my tongue reminds me of falling leaves and roaring fires.

I celebrated the beginning of this favored month by doing something I do best. Knitting by the TV. Today was Battlestar Galactica dvd marathon day. And I got a lot of a second sock done and if I work wee into the night I might finish a clapotis. Always a good way to start the month. Finish a project. Oh and pay some bills.

Also watched the old version of Dune on cable. V. entertaining. Totally didn't realize that Virginia Madsen* has a bit part as Princess someone or other, a character who in the movie has no real importance, but who is muey importante in the book. Still. I didn't realize how far back her career went. Keep that in the back of your mind for that random pub quiz.

GG


*recently of Sideways fame.

this is what Friday Night is supposed to be about.

Just got home from seeing the Scissor Sisters.

One of the best nights of my life. Definately a highlight of 2006. You really can't beat seeing this band in San Francisco.. except maybe seeing them in London...

The whole joint was rocking.

It was exactly what the doctor ordered for this ridiculously stressful week:
a Maker's Mark and coke, my husband smiling, and the show of the week.

Simply put, I boogied my troubles away, something I haven't done since I was 22.

Oh to be 22 and irresponsible again.

Give me 10 years and I'll say "oh to be 28 and irresponsible again" because really, irresponsibility is relative.

good night
GG

Strange Cat

The cat can be snoring asleep. But when I go to take a shower, she wakes up and just sits in the bathroom and watches.

Is she astounded that I can tolerate the water torture?

Or is she desperately thirsty?

Sometimes she paws at the shower door as if she wants to come in, but when I open the door she runs away.

I think she's just trying to mess with my head.

GG

Did It

Sent a submission to knitty.

Fingers Crossed.

GG

Next time, at the Comic Book Shop

I'll be purchasing the Graphic Novel version of the 9/11 Report.

2 more trades of Transmet

and

2 more trades of Fables.

PS: to whoever spat their chewing gum on my recently replaced windshield: YUCK!!!!!!
Instant Karma is gonna get you. With thanks to John Lennon.


Instant Karma's gonna get you,
Gonna knock you right on the head,
You better get yourself together,
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead,
What in the world you thinking of,
Laughing in the face of love,
What on earth you tryin' to do,
It's up to you, yeah you.

Instant Karma's gonna get you,
Gonna look you right in the face,
Better get yourself together darlin',
Join the human race,
How in the world you gonna see,
Laughin' at fools like me,
Who on earth d'you think you are,
A super star,
Well, right you are.

Well we all shine on,
Like the moon and the stars and the sun,
Well we all shine on,
Ev'ryone come on.

Instant Karma's gonna get you,
Gonna knock you off your feet,
Better recognize your brothers,
Ev'ryone you meet,
Why in the world are we here,
Surely not to live in pain and fear,
Why on earth are you there,
When you're ev'rywhere,
Come and get your share.

Well we all shine on,
Like the moon and the stars and the sun,
Yeah we all shine on,
Come on and on and on on on,
Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah-.

Well we all shine on,
Like the moon and the stars and the sun,
Yeah we all shine on,
On and on and on on and on.

Well we all shine on,
Like the moon and the stars and the sun.
Well we all shine on,
Like the moon and the stars and the sun.
Well we all shine on,
Like the moon and the stars and the sun.
Yeah we all shine on,
Like the moon and the stars and the sun.

Have you ever heard of this?

My cat is crazy for dryer sheets.

Whenever I fold laundry I have to be extra careful to throw away any of the used dryer sheets because my cat is addicted to them.

Tonight I left one behind and she rooted it out and spent the evening rolling around the carpet with her dryer sheet. You'd think it was cat nip with the way she clutched it with her paws. Mr. G had to fight to get it back.

GG

When in doubt, sing the Beatles

Someone once told me that he doesn't read blogs because there's too much complaining.

And yes, occasionally that's true. In some cases I have deleted blogs off my bloglines because people couldn't get off their complaining trips. Secret Pals that don't come through. Knitting patterns that are wrong. Presidents that don't satisfy. Some people like to go on forever. Perhaps it's more affordable than a shrink.

Right now I have a lot to be upset about. But I really don't want to share the details with you.

1) for privacy reasons
2) it's unbecoming
3) it's really not all that interesting

What I do want to share is that when things get cruddy, you just have to grab onto something, heck, anything that can raise your spirits.

For me it's the Beatles. Specifically the song Help. It reminds me that yes, things suck, but they suck momentarily.

Because all things will pass. And help is on the way.

Actually Let It Be makes me feel a lot better too. And I don't even have to listen to it. I have an automatic Beatles jukebox in my head. Perhaps from my parents playing the oldies station on the radio as a child. Which is probably why it's such a comfort when I'm in need.

Of course it also doesn't hurt to soak in the tub with a glass of wine and the Knit Picks and Patternworks catalogs.

Like they say; knitting is cheaper than therapy.

Maybe you'll see me at Marin Fiber Arts. Lord knows Warren has practically anything you could possibly want from those catalogs for you to view in person. Me, I'm eyeing the Reynolds Whiske (either in America or Tennessee), Lorna's Laces Worsted in Desert Flower, and some lace weight yarn whose name eludes me. And there have been sock yarns that have been calling my name, but I seriously do not have enough feet to cover with all of the sock yarn I already have. I don't have twenty legs or anything. Nor would I want them.

Now there's a dilemna I'm thankful that's not my problem.

Grenadine Girl

Just a Quick Note Before Dinner...

I went all martha stewart today. Dinner will be broiled tri-tip, corn fritters and bean salad.

And I knit til the cows came home (or at least until Mr. G came home from the gym)

I got to the armhole decreases on the back of the Central Park hoodie.
I finished all of the knitting on the knitty submission I'm working on. Just need to do some last minute embroidery and then actually write the pattern in time for the October deadline.

And I knit through another ball on the clapotis I'm making in Crystal Palace creme.

Despite feeling lazy and slightly guilty for knitting all weekend. One could say that I got a lot done.

I mean. I even managed to make a chicken soup yesterday.

I'm just going to sit here and pat myself on the back.

pat pat pat.

GG

PS: not to forget my geeky side, I did roll my new gnome rogue for the all girl campaign that starts next week.

I think I may have been losing it there...

I had a dream this morning.

I was driving down the freeway and there was this ouija board on the side of the road, stuck in some vines. Then all of a sudden I was on some beach next to a heroin-addicted hobbit.

but then I realized I wasn't dreaming and I was actually just stuck in traffic.

Think I've been watching a little too much Lost.

You think?

GG

Getting Back Into the Swing of Things

Autumn has come early here in Northern California. Although I should have written that a week ago when everything was cooling off. The morning air was crisp and in the evenings I was tempted to light a fire in the fireplace. But today the sun is back and we're expected to have a hot day. Actually that's pretty typical for us we don't really cool off entirely until mid October. Perhaps I'm just anxious for the cooler rainy days where knitting is entirely acceptable to do all weekend long.

As if I've been terribly active this summer anyway. Aside from the comic booking and the gaming I've been catching up on my quality televison. Mr G and I are flying through the first and second seasons of Lost to make it in time for the October premier of the third season. Next week season 2.5 of Battlestar Galactica comes out on dvd so we can get fully caught up with that too. The only downside about all of these new seasons coming out is that I'm going to have to watch the new shows with commercials. YUCK.

On the plus side those commercials will be good times to focus on my knitting.

What can I say? Always look on the bright side of life*.

Grenadine Girl

*(extra points for you if you can sing the song associated with that phrase)

The Gig Is Up

Alright alright I confess!

I'm a total geek.

I was at a party and somebody pointed out to me that I was a knitting geek. I didn't even know that there was such a thing, but apparently my obsession with knitting, knowledge of techniques, and hoarding of yarn is geeky. Since this was brought to my attention, I thought why not take on other geeky obsessions? I already watch a lot of Sci Fi -battlestar galactica anyone? And I used to read comic books in high school...

So leave it to my friend Izzy to reawaken my geeky side. Not only have I returned to the comic book store, but gasp! I have also started gaming. And I mean gaming of the d&d variety.

Which is why I haven't been blogging of late. I've had to get tutored on all this dnd stuff. And I've been reading some comic books. Back in my day I loved Bitchy Bitch, but nowadays I'm reading Fables, Bumperboy, Little Star, Chances Are and some others that I can't remember.

I also read Continuity, which rocked. If you like Ursula K LeGuin's The Lathe of Heaven, you'll like Continuity.

But the reason why I've diversified my interests is that they are all compatable with knitting. I knit too much to read actual books (and I don't like most of the fiction written these days) and I can knit during a dnd campaign. Did I mention that I"ve only been playing a month and I'm now with 3 different campaigns? Oy vey I don't know how I'll keep all of my characters straight!

But still I knit on. I'm working on the Central Park Hoodie from this season's Knit Scene with some Rowan Yorkshire Tweed. And there's yet another gift that I'm knitting that I can't share with you. All I'll say is that I'm knitting with Crystal Palace Creme in Periwinkle and it's yummy. A very soft wool silk blend with a nice sheen.

Grenadine Girl

Been Busy

will write soon...

I've gotten a couple of new hobbies...

GG

Must not buy. Put the Silk Wool Blend Down.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There was a yarn sale at Warren's last weekend. Yeah I know: danger. I'm not allowed to buy anymore yarn for the rest of the year. How can I resist 30% off ALL YARN. Well I took my mom for moral support because she didn't have the same self-imposed yarn restriction. And she did find her favorite yarn to make hats.

But then nobody had bought the Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb in Vera, my FAVORITE lorna's colorway. And I did want to make a clapotis with it, and I held four skeins of the yarn (30% off, that's like one skein for FREE!). But I maintained my composure.

Somewhere there will always be Lorna's Lion and Lamb in Vera for me to buy when I'm ready for it. And I will feel that much better knowing I waited. In fact I'm appreciating the anticipation.

There just better be some LLL in Vera for me when I'm ready...

And my conscience loves me for it.


feeling better
GG

Hodge Podge

Hey check it out. Crystal Palace has a blog.

You may not know that I'm entirely OBSESSED with Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille. It was one of my favorite yarns from the very beginning. In fact I don't know another yarn that I use more regularly. Its my go-to yarn for gifts. You wouldn't know it from it's fuzzy appearance, but it's quite versatile and you can make a fancy shmancy handmade gift with just one skein. Washcloths, baby hats, socks, baby anything really. The only other yarn I could possibly appreciate as much is Cascade Fixation or Cascade 220. I made my first complicated scarf (wavy from Knitty) in cream colored 220. It's really bizarre because I think their 220 is a little bit different than it used to be. I thought about buying some recently, but it seemed much rougher than I remembered. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe I just said that to myself to prevent Yet Another Yarn Purchase (aka YAYP).

Just so you know I am not allowed to buy anymore yarn this year. it's obscene the amount of yarn I have and it would be a crime for me to buy more, especially since I work for a yarn company. Unless somebody can give me specifics on my future reincarnation so I know how to address my leftover yarn, I will not be able to knit my current stash in this lifetime. OK well, at least not within the next 5 years.

Not to rub it in anyone's faces, but I had a fabulous day at work again. An overseas supplier came to visit and brought gifts, specifically the first samples of a new yarn.... it's so yummy! And there's nothing like it.. I would tell you more but I don't want to get in trouble. Let's just say that it's like walking on air, or walking on sunshine or strolling on cloud nine. Soft! Soft! Soft! Yarn!

let's see what else is new. I tried intarsia knitting and my bad, I knit an entire repeat on a scarf in the wrong gauge. It was much too tight and the image looked like someone had stretched it like saltwater taffy. Not a nice effect that. It's sort of like the Nicole Richie post-suspicious-conspicuous-weight-loss photo. So I'm trying again with larger needles.

This intarsia project is actually something of my own design, knitted with Jo Sharp DK wool (another favorite yarn). It's a series of violet magnolia blossoms and either I can't draw or something b/c the finished effect isn't quite what I envisioned, which as an aspiring kntting pattern designer is quite frustrating. Designing a pattern is a different kind of knitting entirely. I suppose I should latch on to the unknown. And be pleasantly surprised when I finally get something right. It's going to take a while.

And most of the stuff I've been knitting these days have been gifts, which means I haven't been photographing the progress. Which means my blog has been pretty boring of late. And I actually finished the sweater for Mr. G, but I fubar'd it and it's now the perfect size for me. Oh well. Izzy says that it looks cute, which I appreciate, but I fear that it has now become my video-gaming sweater. I have a bizarre outfit I wear in the winter, when my uninsulated house is freezing cold. It is my handknit hat, glovelets, and now my new sweater. None of these pieces match each other, and somehow I look like a refugee from the fabulous yarn company's trunk show closet, but I don't care because the only people who see me like this are the pizza delivery man and my husband. It is this outfit I wear in the winter while I play video games (usually Baldur's Gate). it's sort of like my costume. It helps me get into character when I'm ready for a new mission. I should really put that outfit on an make it my new profile photo...

Anyhoo I'm currently in my sleeping costume and I'm tired, so I'm going to sleep.

Good night.

GG

Ewe.

Giving new meaning to "touchy feely American"

I'm totally grossed out.

Gross!!!!

Too bad SNL is in the off-season.

Grenadine Girl

Faith

Hi there friends.

I got the lovliest comment from this cool guy Mark from England.

He's inspired me to think about my spiritual side today. Since I live in the San Francisco Bay area there are a lot of people who think I'm totally without faith, or entirely disrespectful of it. However they couldn't be further from the truth.

I spent a lot of time in church throughout my childhood and teenaged years and I embrace much of what religion teaches us, however I could never accept the singularity of Christianity, that the bible's god is the one true god. And I've found that at least in the US, Christianity is often used by people as an excuse to judge.

However this cool guy Mark embraces everything I've ever admired about Christianity -love and brotherhood. He's all about spreading the love. Unconditional simple love. It's the closest that anyone has gotten me to going back to church in years.

We need more of that in this world.

I'm one of those crazy people who loves to talk about religion, which is one of the most taboo subjects in polite conversation. I am fascinated by peoples beliefs. However I do have a difficult time when people start wars in god's name. I'm not convinced that god ever wants us to do harm to one another or to the earth. BTW I just say god for lack of a better word. I find it more fitting to appreciate existance of the universe, to appreciate the uncertainty of how/why we came to exist and simply enjoy it for what it is, which is a form of love in itself. I can't really categorize what kind of belief that is. I'm not really atheistic because I can accept the idea that there might be a god/gods out there, but I'm not really agnostic either because I don't really belong to a church. I refuse to cut out any possibilities when it comes to the origins of the universe.

I think I'm a universalist. The universe is here, I live in it and it's beautiful and I love it.

The only sure thing in life is death, and that's where I'll find all of the world's secrets.

Hopefully not any time soon.

Keep on loving,

Grenadine Girl

Summer's Here

and I'm too busy to blog.

But hopefully that will change soon.

GG

I love my job.

See this truck?



It's full of yarn.


My job: to help unload the yarn so that you, my fellow knitters can make beeeautiful things.




You want to be exhilirated. Try signing for a 3500 kg container of yarn! Man I never thought signing my name to something would be so exciting!


They must all think I'm crazy....



GG

Help

OK. I've not been home during the weekend for the last two weekends.

I feel so behind in everything.

Laundry, cleaning, car maintenance, health insurance.

yuck.

And it's record high hot around here so the only thing I feel compelled to do is make fruity iced beverages.

GG

And now a non-tnna post

You would think I've been in hibernation since I came back from tnna. It kind of does take a wee to get back to normal.

But then Mr. G and I have to go out of town to my brother's graduation. Good times were had by all. There was the watching of world cup soccer USA v Italy at a pub. Awesome crowd, pleasing result. And beer. It's been a while since I've had beer. Oddly enough, I haven't felt more American ever routing for USA in the World Cup. It's the only time I've thought about being american without being entirely ashamed by the Iraq Debacle. Watching all these international teams, playing by rules and uniting world inspires me.

Allow me to reiterate: Peace is entirely possible. Only one thing needs to happen to promote peace: no more killing people.

It's that simple.

But back to the graduation. Brother G got a degree in Japanese. We feted him at dinner and toasted his success. And then we got some exciting news: Brother G is engaged! Yay! I'm going to have another sister-in-law!!!

and there's a good chance that I'm going to have to go to Japan for the wedding.

And you know I love any excuse to travel.

I think I smell a round the world ticket in my future!

so many congratulations for brother G and Sister E.

But back to the world cup. I'm going for France, USA, and Australia and now Japan. Funny how when my family grows, so do my favorite international soccer teams.

Another little note. I'm totally disorganized. My office is a mess and it's so underused that Mr. G is threatening to turn it into a guest room/library. To which I ask "but what about my yarn!!!???"

eeek!
GG

PS also a very happy father's day to my dad who I got to sit with at dinner both Friday and Saturday. I hope he's had a great day we've had a beautiful family weekend.

love too you all

GG

Yarnia 8 - King Yarnthur and The Knits of the Round Table

For those of you who are keeping track we're still only on day 2, the first day of the actual convention. According to the knit-nighters at Marin Fiber Arts I'm writing a small novel.

But that's because so many fabulous and funny things happened to us on our trip. If it wasn't so action-packed there wouldn't be so much to write!

Aside from the yarn, getting to know Warren has been one of the most interesting things about the trip. Together, Warren and I can get pretty goofy, especially when fatigue sets in.

I know this may be hard for you to believe, but there is only so much yarn that a person can see in one day.

I know. Blasphemy.

Sad but true, we became overwhelmed by yarn and other knitting products. Even more overwhelming was the fact that we were supposed to go home the next day and we were no where near ready to make any actual purchasing decisions. OK, so we bought some buttons, but buttons alone a yarn shop does not make.

There were four knitting bag vendors to choose from and we could only take two. Warren wanted to introduce another hand dyed yarn, but which one? And we don't even want to get started about the Karabella booth.

As to the buttons. We purchased a bunch of buttons from the button lady at. She is a one woman workshop of ceramic buttons. My personal favorite are the coin-pressed buttons. She takes coins from around the world and impresses them into the clay, and glazes them with your chosen color. Perfect for that manly sweater that we won't mention that's waiting to be seamed in the craft ( a.k.a.junk) room. Anyhoo, the lady was missing a coin from Australia, and by some crazy twist of fate I had an Aussie 20 cent coin hanging out in my bag.

Shortly thereafter, we went to the GGH booth. Where they have multiple boxes of buttons to examine. At this point, Warren was at a level four goofiness, with level 5 in sight. This means that Warren has seen too much yarn, hasn't slept very well and is in need of food and beverage.

This was the level that Warren was at when choosing buttons. It was all the more difficult because there were so many to choose from. Being the assistant, it was my job to keep Warren on task. Thus I presented page after page of buttons. And Warren would put them in one of two piles, LOVE IT or HATE IT. I felt like a page at court, showing the king a selection of fabric or food for his approval. Sometimes I would purposely choose something I knew he would hate, and he would look at me with disapproval "how could you even think I would sell this in MY store?". Thus I came up with Warren's new nickname: Napoleyarn.

Warren didn't like that much.

He thought King Yarnthur was better. Hey he's the king, who am I to argue?

I suppose that would make the knit-nighters the Knits of the Yarn Table.

hardy har har.

Grenadine Girl

Yarnia 7 - Little Girls With Big Hair

It took a little while to get to sleep, what with me being on California time, so I took the opportunity to catch up on my late night tv. I feel asleep a little after David Letterman's lively game of Will It Float (that night it was a giant can of condensed milk and it sunk).

I slept very well on the sofa bed. But I had the strangest dream.

Warren and I were eating breakfast in the hotel restaurant and we were surrounded by these strange little girls, in dancing outfits and massive big hair.

Then I woke up and realized that I wasn't sleeping. Warren had dragged me out of bed in time for the hotel's free continental breakfast and I was in fact truly surrounded by strange little girls with obscenely perfect ringlets of hair.

Apparently there was an Irish dancing competition also meeting at our convention center.

It was entirely creepy. It was 7:30 in the morning and each of these girls had perfect makeup and intricately elaborate masses of curls. Yet none of the mothers looked like they had lost any sleep and the girls looked quite comfortable.

I began to worry that they were cylons.

Warren and I kept making jokes about them all morning, but I noticed something on our way to lunch in the convention lobby.

One of the older dancers was holding her hair in her hands. I almost let out a scream because well, I always assume the worst.

They were all wearing wigs.

Mystery solved.

Good thing too or I wouldn't have been able to eat my lunch.

GG

Yarnia Part 6 - I Left My Heart In San Francisco and It Followed me to Indianapolis

For some people, Elvis is a great way to close a night. For others, it's a sign that the night has only just begun.

Warren was still exhausted from his sleepless Delta flight so he returned to the hotel for some shuteye. But I couldn't refuse an invitation from the Fabulous Yarn Company for some snacks and cocktails.

One of life's great jokes is that you can travel thousands of miles and still feel like you haven't gone anywhere. With San Francisco this is rarely the case because it's such a unique city. It's so unique it might as well be it's own country.

However in the era of eatertainment, that's not so much the case. If you can't afford to fly to Australia, you can go to the Outback Steakhouse. Can't get time off work to go to Mexico? Have some chips and salsa at Chevy's. Now you don't ever have to travel to the liberal bastian of San Francisco, you can instead go to The Alcatraz Brewery in Indianapolis for your taste of life on the rock. This is where we had appetizers and cocktails with the FYC.

Ironically, I've lived in the bay area for more than a decade and have never been to Alcatraz the historical landmark, but at least I've been to Alcatraz, the restaurant and had a margarita.

Anyhoo, the food was awesome and reflected our region's fabulous culinary tastes. I bonded with the fabulous yarn company and partook in some yarn industry gossip. And there was enough food leftover to bring back to the hotel for Warren.

So I guess whenever anybody asks me whether I've been to Alcatraz, I'll just ask them "the prison or the restaurant?"

hardy har har

Grenadine Girl

The Chronicles of Yarnia Part 5: Elvis Lives- In Yarnia!!!

Ahhh yes, post tradeshow beverages... Is there any better way to wind down?

Once I was finished helping FYC I had to attend an industry event with Warren. There was some sort of knitwear fashion show and attendee reception.

The ballroom lobby was crowded and people were quite pushy trying to make their way in. I thought to myself, "Gee, it's just a fashion show. What? Have these people never seen yarn before?". So I started knitting, you know the raison d'etre for that day's festivities. I was surprised that there wasn't more knitting going on. But once the doors opened I realized that everyone else knew something I didn't.

There was food to be had.

and...

There was an Elvis impersonator.

You want to see someone confused? Watch me trying to figure out what to do first. Eat food or get photo with Elvis? Eat food or get photo with Elvis?

Never one to sacrifice, I instead made a compromise. Get food and get photo with Elvis. I cut in line and grabbed myself two egg rolls and high-tailed it to the other side of the ballroom.

Witness: the blurry photo.



Post tradeshow beverages? Pretty Cool.

Post tradeshow beverages and Elvis. Pretty darned awesome.

GG

The Chronicles of Yarnia Part 4. Tradeshows aren't so bad.

Most of the time tradeshows are very unpleasant. Even tradeshows that feature things that are mildly interesting can be tedious. Especially when you're working a booth.

But people, this time it's YARN!!!!!!

The only tedious thing about this trade show is how dang long it took to walk from our hotel to the convention center. But hey, we need to get our exercise somehow.

I got to help the Fabulous Yarn Company set-up their booth. To my surprise I was given the very important task of helping decorate the booth with our yarns and models. Now usually I'm not given the aesthetic authority for such things, but I hung dress forms and arranged colorways of yarns and they looked great. And shockingly enough, the arrangment stayed that way for the duration of the show. The great part was that everybody from the company helped out with smiling faces and positive attitudes. I couldn't ask to be surrounded by a better group of people. I'm blown away by the long standing relationships shared by the reps, partner needle companies and vendors. Working with them felt more like fun than work.

True enough, usually when I'm working at a tradeshow, I'm watching the clock waiting to get the hell out of there, but with FYC, the time flies and I'm sad when it's all over.

Fortunately, we all got together after work for snacks and margaritas!

I guess tradeshows aren't so bad!

GG

The Chronicles of Yarnia Part 3 - Bag Envy

The funny thing about TNNA is that you have to be careful what you say because you never know who's going to be behind you.

This is a no slagging zone. You never know when the owner of a store is behind you, or when the proprietor of a yarn company is next to you at dinner.

Fortunately we learned this the easy way at our hotel.

There was a lady in line at the hotel front desk who was carrying a Lexie Barnes bag. I have been drooling over these bags for ages, but I've only seen them on the interweb, not in person. They are just as fabulous, bright colors and heavy duty materials (because you know my knitting goes everywhere with me).

Anyhoo, I had to tell the lady how awesome her bag was, and what do you know it is Lexie Barnes.

And I had only been in Indianapolis for 20 minutes?

She was very sweet and gave me her card. Unfortunately things got really busy and I didn't get a chance to pick one up, but I'll be heading here soon to snag one.

For now the old tote bag will have to do.

GG

Chronicles of Yarnia Part 2: The Flatulant Bed

I slept well on the plane.

Warren.... did not.

Fortunately our hotel room was ready when we arrived and Warren went straight to bed.

It was made clear to me from the beginning that Warren would get the king size and I would get the sofabed, which I understand. He's the owner of the store; I'm the buying assistant; fair enough. However, one can't help but be a smidge jealous.

But then Warren flopped himself down on the bed, eager for some comfort after the particularly squished seating of the Delta airplane.

And the bed farted.

That's right. This ain't no squeaky mattress, it was a full-on burst of wind. It was so loud that if I was on another room, I would have thought there was something terribly wrong with Warren.

Suddenly the sofa bed doesn't seem so bad.

GG

The Chronicles of Yarnia

I have just returned from TNNA. That's TNNA, not TNA. It's the twice yearly tradeshow for the knitting and needlearts industy, where yarn shops come to choose their wares. I got to go in two capacities, one to assist Warren from Marin Fiber Arts and also to Assist the Fabulous Yarn Company.

Here are the highlights from night 1:

1) We took a red-eye flight. Note to Delta Airlines: Hobbits only exist in Middle Earth. You may want to start installing human-sized seating.
2) Another note to Delta: showing a movie entitled "Failure to Launch" is no way to spend an airflight.

There is much more to come with posts entitled "Yarn Wars", Elvis Lives, King Yarnthur and the Knits of the Yarn Table, Little Girls with Big Hair, Would you like some Barbados with that?, and The Knitwear Model Who Actually Knits.

GG

The Earth Really is Very Full of Things

Unfortunately I'm too small to roll these on my katamari.

Cloud Nine

The knitters out there must have had this dream before: they're somewhere strange, surrounded by unlabeled boxes and a voice tells them "open the boxes, go ahead open the boxes" and you start opening the boxes and there's carton after carton of beautiful yarn. Gorgeous yarn, in delicious colors and textures. You open so many boxes that you're entirely surrounded in balls of yarn. To the point where you create a bed of yarn and you roll around in it, like a lottery winner rolling around in money. But then you realize to your horror that you don't have any knitting needles!

And then you wake up.

Yesterday at work, I learned how to restock our yarn inventory. This entails some pretty laborious activity, but because it's yarn, I'm the happiest girl in the world. In fact, this task was very similar to the above dream, because you're opening neverending boxes of yarn, each of them very inviting. Everyone thinks I'm crazy at work, because I love it so much and it's not like I'm doing anything particularly glamourous. It's filing and order processing and answering phones, but because its in an industry that I LOVE I'm instantly gratified. Perhaps it was because I was told that later this month we will be receiving a 16 wheeled container full of yarn.

I'm learning that work in itself is not glamorous. Which is why it's so very important to discover what it is you really love. Because you will do anything for something or someone you love. It's very simple.

I only just realized how much I loved knitting this year. It was back when I was complaining about the oscars when it dawned on me that I loved knitting more than I loved film. Considering that I studied film in college that was a pretty big realization.

So those of you out there who are trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, discover the thing that comes the easiest to you. Discover the most productive skill that you love. Oftentimes it will be very surprising what that skill will be. I thought that I would be a photographer or a filmmaker or a writer, but these occupations never came naturally to me. I never thought that I would become obsessed with knitting.

Well, one of the biggest things I've learned in my twenties is that love is always where you're least expecting it, and when you're not looking for it.

Take it or leave it.

GG

Katawhatta Damashki?

So today was my first day at Fabulous Yarn Company.

Much like the first day of school, I was wrought with nervousness. What should I wear? Are my new coworkers going to like me? Will I get lost on my way there? But of course, everything was fine. Everybody's very sweet and easy going. I feel right at home already. Dream come true.

So now that my career's been figured out I have another life-issue to tackle. My health. I have been in dire need of exercise, especially since I am a die hard knitter. Apparently knitting does not count as aerobic exercise. So I made a commitment to myself to do yoga in my living room every morning Monday through Friday. and I feel a lot better for it. There are no excuses. If I can achieve finding a job in the yarn industry, I can achieve fitness through yoga.

wow I can't believe it. As I type Mr. G is trying out some yoga poses.

I must be doing something right.

In knitting news I've finished and blocked all of the pieces of Major. I just have to find the time and concentration to seam them.

I'm designing a felted bag. It's going to be a satchel. Very cute.

Also I saw Izzy Tart on the freeway, she saw me and waved me over and we checked out her new house and she showed me this awesome video game Katamari Damashi. I'm already hooked. As if I don't have enough free time as it is.

(editor's note: the video game suddenly reminds me of that Star Trek the Next Generation episode where Riker goes to Planet Raiesa and gets addicted to this video game that controls his brain, which he brings back to the ship and gets everyone else addicted, to the point where Wesley and Data have to save the day- Izzy what have you done to me????)

GG

Memorial Day Traffic

So I was coming home from my mom's house and I had to bring the cat home. The cat was on a kitty vacation at the cat equivalent to kitty club med. No, we didn't leave her at a kennel. We left her with my parents who spoiled her rotten. She was fed treats multiple times a day, allowed to drink from the bathroom faucet and was entertained with kitty toys. No wonder she didn't enjoy the trip home.

I don't mind driving with the cat, but she's rather picky about music. She doesn't like oldies music. She doesn't like modern rock, but boy does she love Madonna. I guess she really is my kind of cat.

Further proof: she hates Neil Diamond.

Or maybe I'm wrong, perhaps she was actually singing along?

Ack

GG

Introspection day

I was supposed to get up early to go to the de Young Museum. I overslept. Cleaned the kitchen. Visited my old job. It was good to see everyone. Especially Yoyo's Ma who found a way to sneak an International Male into my medicine cabinet.

ha ha very funny.

One of these days I'll get her back. When she's least expecting it.

I went downtown for a spa appointment and managed to check out H and M. I must officially be getting old. This store is supposed to be the be-all and end-all of stylish inexpensive shopping, but I couldn't find much. I bought one denim skirt and that's it. Everything else looked cheap, unironed and ill-fitting. Perhaps this is the point, but even the low prices are too pricey for what they're selling.

And I noticed that they closed the Lush store on Powell?? When did that happen? Great product, but rather pricey. Bummer.

So I'm with the Locklady right now and we're going out to dinner and possibly to a movie. Then we're going shopping.

And no, you won't be seeing me at HandM.

GG

Three Cheers for Grandma

She was recently voted Library Volunteer of the year!!!!





My grandparents have provided such a good example of service. Hopefully I will be able to donate my time like them once I'm retired.

Grenadine Girl

Knitting world cup update

Howdy Friends,

We have six members of the Knitting World Cup so far. If you're wanting to get into soccer, or find something interesting to do while you're significant other watches soccer this summer, join on in. We're knitting for charity! There will be prizes and awards!

Deadline for entry is June 8th.

PS anyone who would like to design buttons or a medal would be highly honored.

GG

Can You Do Me a Flavor?

Please Visit The Queen.

She's not feeling well.

I've tried convincing her that yarn can fix anything and everything.

But maybe you can help too.

GG

First Day of Rest

Howdy Friends,

Busy first day. I was planning to do nothing around the house, but I didn't want to start off being lazy so I shot an email to Warren to see if we could hang out in the city today. Moments later I got a phone call on ye olde cell phone (Warren has The Safety Dance as his identifying ring tone) and off we went to the city, first grabbing a tasty lunch at Pluto's. I had an excellent salad with apples, grapes, sunflower seeds, blue cheese and chicken with a diet coke. YUM! Then we stopped by the Golden Gate Park Botanical Gardens where Warren showed me what his garden would look like:



Please note that Warren's sock is covering a rock with a face carved on it.

After our forway into the urban wilderness, we made it to Artfibers where I bought two skeins of alfabeta to make a lacy scarf. I absolutely could not resist the beautiful colorways of pinks, greens and greys in the silk and kid merino blend. yummy yummy yummy. Even if it meant that Warren disliked me for 26 minutes (a minute for every dollar spent at another yarn store). fortunately he softened up after we had a bit of cheesecake at a swanky cafe. Then we lounged around Union Square, knitting in public. It was a beautiful day, blue skies and wispy clouds. We are lucky to live in the Bay Area.

Also I've just updated the Knitting World Cup.... join in for some charitable knitting.

gg

Oh Yeah did I Mention I Knit?

Hello All,

Now that I have some time off I can actually show you what I've been knitting.

Sorry I didn't mention this sooner, but I made my mom a clapotis out of Lion and Lamb for her birthday. I couldn't really post it on here because that would ruin the surprise.

Since I've finished that I now have five projects in progress:

"Major" from Rowans The Next Big Thing. It knits up faster than nascar. Give me a Project Runway Marathon and I'll have it finished this week.


This is a project made from GGH's Taj Mahal, which is like buttah to work with. MFA knitters will know what it is, but I am not yet at liberty to specify what this knitted rectangle will turn into:


This snake like thing is actually Beau from Rowan's Big Just Got Bigger. Now what am I knitting a heap of big wool? Because Warren had it on sale last winter and there were a few patterns I was dying to try and I made a deal with myself that I could buy yarn again once I finished knitting all of the big wool I have. Bear in mind that I have two more big wool projects I haven't even touched yet.


Last but not least is the random cotton skinny scarf I'm making from the RY Classic Art Book:


Only I'm not doing it in stripes...

There's also a sock project in the works but the photo came out all goofy, but it's made with hand jive odd duck in dark fuschia and I'm enjoying it. At this rate I should be able to buy yarn again in July.

Let's see how many projects I finish by the end of this week!

Grenadine Girl

Au Revoir

Nothing says farewell quite like cheese.

Someone must have heard me at work mention that I love cheese more than I love cake because my last day at work was a cheese bonanza. Brie, cheddar, monteray jack and three types of goat cheese. This was very successful because usually with cake people just take a piece and return to their desk, but when you have a smorgasbord of tasty fromage, this magic thing called socializing happens. It was the best way to say farewell and I didn't have to make a speech, which was my biggest fear. I hate farewell speeches. I can toast people till the cows come home, but saying goodbye is just plain awkward. Many thanks to the fabulous coworkers who conspired to put it all together.

Speaking of conspiring... thank you to Yoyo's Ma who planted photos from the International Male catalog on my car. One was on my license plate, another on the front of my car and my favorite: John Stamos' head on my driver sideview mirror. I laughed out loud on that one. John now lives in my car ashtray.

I also forgot to mention that there was a distinct French theme to my farewell, aside from all the cheese. I found a bottle of Perrier Jouet Champagne on my desk, along with red white and blue balloons celebrating my independence. Those of you who have read my profile may have noticed my affinity for French culture so I was very touched by the thoughtful gestures.

And Mr. Baseball (G.H.); we will forgive him about the chickens because he arranged a very thoughtful card that was signed for by everyone. Thanks again. You guys are awesome and I will miss you very much. And thank you to the Running Man for his thoughtful card. All this time I didn't know he cared, mostly because he's the hardest working man on our team.

And I don't think I said a proper farewell to Bangin' Hair Man. The talks we've had over the last couple of months have really helped me see things more clearly.

And thanks to Mr. G who has had to put up with me through all of this crazy change. He welcomed me home with his own card and a big hug. And he took me out for sushi which is our favorite celebratory meal.

Time to chill out.

Grenadine Girl

Spinning Around

Ever feel like you've been caught up in a whirlwind and you're just waiting to be put back down so you can start processing what's happened?

this

month

year has been chockablock of good change. It all culminates into tomorrow, my last day at the job I've had for the last three years. Since I gave notice I've sort of pretended like I'm ready for all of this, but nothing can prepare me for saying goodbye to people. I'm so terrible at it. I guess the only way to manage it is to face it head on.

This has been a great run. I've learned so much that it's prepared me for the job of my dreams. It's been a place that has nurtured me through some difficult times. In the end it's the people who have made this job for me and I'll never forget them. Hopefully we'll all keep in touch.

This job has seen me through 3 cars, a wedding, a trip to Australia, a near nervous breakdown, my father's heart attack, the death of my brother-in-law among other things.
A totally different person is walking out the door.

All this and my 27th birthday is next week.

No wonder I haven't been posting much.

Many posts next week while I'm busy resting, I mean organizing my life.

Grenadine Girl

Announcing the Knitting World Cup

Knit-A-Long with World Cup Soccer for a Cause!

Knitters Unite!

Grenadine Girl

OK I was way off

On the Sopranos thing.

This was one of the most boring episodes ever.

GG

Soprano's Predictions

The Ride

1) Christopher will find Vito
2) Tony will find out that Bobby stole the money that Junior was looking for in the yard.
3) Somebody will get killed
4) Tony's anger towards his uncle will be taken out on someone else.

I know that's too vague, but those are my guesses...

GG

I've Hit the Yarn Jackpot

Those of you who are familiar with my blog know that I never write about work. It's taboo unless you want to get fired.

However I have big news. I have been hired by a fabulous yarn company (from here on known as FYC) to work in their offices, check out new yarn samples, design patterns among other fabulous tasks. Truth be told I will do any job for them because I'll be working for a yarn company!!!

It was totally unexpected and exciting!!!!

I finally understand what Oprah says. Do what you love and the money will follow. All this time I've pursued other interests, trying to make them into my passion, but they didn't quite fit. Photography, filmmaking, writing. It's funny how your love for something comes so naturally, almost effortlessly.

Little did I know that doing this stuff that I like, writing the blog, going to knit night, attending needlework show would all lead to this very opportunity.

I'm feeling rather blessed right now.

Thank you!

Grenadine Girl

Yes it has been a big weekend indeed.

So big that I can’t remember what I did on Friday.

Oh yeah. I went to the grocery store, and made chicken parmesan while Mr. G watched the film Ravenous. Call me particular, but I’m not so interested in films about Cannibalism. Silence of the Lambs –too creepy for me! However the chicken parm was super yummy and super easy. Thank you Whole Foods for preservative-free frozen chicken patties and organic Pasta Sauce.

Saturday I went to Izzytart’s housewarming. It was literally warming the house. The weather was nice and they still had to test out their fireplace. They’re East Coasters so you really can’t blame them. Anyhoo, met lots of people and some fellow knitters, there was some showing and telling of projects. And we played Apples to Apples, which was very entertaining and hee-larious as Izzy often says.

After that I went for a visit at Crystal Palace Yarns, aka straw.com. The nicest people you will ever meet!!!! I wish I took photos because there was shelf upon shelf, box upon box of yarn!!! And needles. These guys have been in business for years. More recently they’ve been known for their interesting novelty yarns, but they’ve always made great classic yar>ns as well. My favorite has always been the Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille.

I just finished a baby cap from Baby Heads and Toes in a khaki cotton chenille and it looks just like corduroy. Yum!

Anyhoo. I got a sneak peak at the variegated Cotton Chenille, which is now wound up in balls.

And I was introduced to the sample room. The magical place where new yarns are tested. Susan, the owner of the company is as obsessed with color as I am. She gave me a couple of balls of the Kid Merino in test colors. I’m not quite sure what to make with them. I’ll play with them and figure something out.

Also I got a ball of Merino Stripes which is soooooo soft. I want to make a small bag and felt it.

They were also generous enough to give me two sets of circular needles in larger sizes that I don’t have. They’re the daisy needles, which are very colorful and made from a type of resin in Asia. This makes them quite lightweight. This is good b/c when I’m knitting something with that big of a gauge, anything to make it a little lighter on the wrists is a relief.

Many thanks to Andy, Lauren and Susan for showing me around! Can’t wait to see them at TNNA.

Then Saturday night I finished those pink socks that I started in February. I can’t believe it takes me two months to finish a pair of socks. Why do I have to like sock yarn so much?

Sunday I had to bring my cat to visit my mother. Mr. G’s arm is out of commission and the cat demands too much attention for him to relax. So the kitty is having a little vacation with mom. She will get spoiled there with lots of treats and play time and my mom will get spoiled by having such a nice cat around. I’m not that thrilled. I miss the cat, but I admit things are quite a bit calmer around the house without her. And I get to pay more attention to my husband. But I still miss her.

I got to hang out with mom yesterday. She spoiled me rotten, taking me to the Old Port Lobster Shack. Yum! It’s the first time I’ve had lobster in ages. I had lobster bisque and a tasty salad with dried fruit and greens and a citrus dressing. Topped off with a cool glass of sauvignon blanc. Yummy Sunday dinner. Thanks mom!

Mom sent me home to Mr. G with lamb chops. Thus I had a happy husband. Especially since I played chess with him. I’m a lousy chess player and I hate losing. Hate it! Wish we had a good backgammon set. I’d play that for days.

Grenadine Girl

Fab-ulous Weekend

yes indeed I have a lot to write about, but tonight the Sopranos are on and I don't have time.

So have a photo for you to sum it all up:



Yes friends, that is a Fabio Hairdryer! It's yours for only 12.99 at Big Lots. Because everyone wants to have hair like Fabio's!!!!!

hardy har har

Grenadine Girl

Muzac

I've been lucky over the years to see many of my favorite bands perform.
this should be my new mantra b/c it always makes me feel good to know that I've been to a lot of shows.

GG

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