KNIT LUCK

Knit Luck is here

2009-03-09T13:37:00.001-07:00

Heya Peeps!

so I actually did something goofy and I built my own website at

http://www.knitluck.com

So in the future all updates will be posted there.

Portland Knitters! I Want To Go to the Knit and Crochet Show.

2009-01-06T21:31:00.001-08:00

So, I got this nifty postcard in the mail reminding me about the Knit and Crochet Show in Portland the weekend of May 15th through the 17th.

Now, I know that I live in the land of Stitches. And I know that it would be much cheaper for me to go to Stitches. And I remember when I went to the Knit and Crochet show when it was in Oakland and it wasn't nearly as glamorous as Stitches, but I'm hoping that the Portland show might be better.

Besides.... It's Portland! I've always wanted to go to Portland. There's some sort of hipster mystique that I'd like to explore... despite the fact that I, myself am not really a hipster. But then there's also the music scene! I'd totally see a show in Portland.

But alas, I don't think I can afford a flight and a hotel. Maybe I should find another knitter who might let me stay at their house. So, yeah, if you're a Portland knitter who wants to go to the Knit and Crochet Show and you wouldn't mind putting me up for a day or two, leave me a comment. I promise I'm laid back and easy-going and perhaps I'll bring some knitting goodies to sweeten the deal.

GG

Going Green For the Holidays

2008-12-23T11:09:00.001-08:00

Hey friends,

I work for a web design company and I'm blogging for them, so please go there and check out my post about sustainable holiday tips.

Find out what to do with all of those random yarn scraps.

and

Find out what to do with all of that quilting fabric you're never going to use.

Last Minute Christmas Knitting

2008-12-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Oh, Block It!

The good news is that many of my Christmas knitting projects are knitt-ed.

The bad news is that they all need to be blocked.

Thankfully we are only 6 days away from the big C and I do still have time, but let's face it. My apartment's a mess. There's a resident cat who will investigate my blocking knits and walk all over them.

My bathroom sink is not appropriate for soaking knits (a less than ideal bathroom is one of the downsides of inexpensive rent in the San Francisco Bay Area), and I still have yet to purchase a squirt bottle.

But hey, that squirt bottle will get two birds with one stone: blocking and teaching the cat not to walk on my knitting.

GG

Grenadine Girl Song

2008-12-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

So I was doing some vanity googling and discovered that Jovian, has done a Grenadine Girl track... and I actually dig it.

Click here to listen.

Bleah

2008-12-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

Divorcing is not good for your health. Until recently I wasn't making a whole lot of money and I didn't have a lot of time, so that meant that I was eating some pretty crappy food. I took advantage of this time to indulge in some old junkfood favorites like macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles, mc donalds and burger king.

This is in stark contrast to my previous diet, which was optimized for my thyroid problem. I only ate organic and ate more fruits and vegetables. I stayed away from processed foods and only ate whole grains.

Six months later I can feel a difference. I don't have as much energy. I keep waking up in the middle of the night.

So I guess my new year's resolution (yes I'm already thinking about it) is to eat better.

No more crap.

More fruits, more veggies
Only organic
take vitamins
and exercise more

It's just a matter of getting rid of the old bad eating habits.

I've read a bunch of Mary Shomon's books as I am a believer of taking responsibility for one's own health. I was skeptical of her stance about diet mainly because I didn't see a big difference in my energy levels when I stopped eating white breads and pastas. Now I'm realizing that when I first got diagnosed as hypothyroid I was already eating an organic diet.

Now having been eating crappy food for the last year I can totally see a difference and it sucks. So I'm thinking about doing the restart diet from Feeling Fat, Fuzzy and Frazzled.

Sorry boyfriend, I think this means you're going to have to start eating healthily too.

GG

Making Up for Last Year

2008-12-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

If you can imagine last Christmas was pretty awful, even with everybody's best intentions. There were people I didn't buy presents for, Christmas cards that didn't get posted. I'm hoping that people understand.

This year I'm trying to make up for all of that.

I've been shopping and knitting like a wild woman. The bargains are just too much to pass up. I'd say more, but then people's presents wouldn't be such a big surprise.

But I can tell you about the presents I bought for myself. It was mostly a lot of music.

Katy Perry - One of the Boys
Of Montreal - Hissing Fawns, Are You The Destroyer
Kaiser Chiefs - Yours Truly, Angry Mob

I've been listening to a lot more music in the past year, because it helps me get through the shitty parts of the year and because it makes my long commute bearable. This is why I refer to my car as the traveling disco, even if I'm the only one dancing.

GG

One Year Ago

2008-12-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

I did something crazy a year ago today.

I left my husband. Right before Christmas.

Admittedly, it wasn't very nice and I hated hurting someone who I did love. But it was the best decision for me. A year later I am much happier. I am more confident, more self assured, more self aware, more connected to my family, pursuing things closer to my skills, and I'm with someone better suited to me.

I hope that my ex is happier. I'm thankful that he and I have been communicative.

But that basically sums up why I haven't been blogging publicly. I didn't want to drag all of the yucky details for everyone to see. And it's been tremendously painful and difficult. But here I am on the other side and I've missed blogging.

so I'm back.

Grenadine Girl

le weekend

2008-05-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Went to the Maker Faire this weekend, which was fabulous! It was nice being surrounded by like minded crafty maker folks and awesome to be milling around the same crowd as Adam from Mythbusters!

It was also nifty to be hanging around with my boyfriend. We wandered from exhibit to exhibit checking out whatever tickeled our fancies. It was low key and easy going. He seems to have the same attention span that I do. We got a little taste of everything.

Some of the favorites:

1) the burning lady which was part of an exhibition from last year's burning man
2) the mento diet coke explosions
3) Adam from Mythbusters
4) yarn shopping (but sadly not buying)
5) Robot Wars
6) Robot Battleship Wars
7) the big robot giraffe
8) rockets!
9) gigantic cupcakes
10) DRAGON man!!!!!!!!!

Saturday was pretty good too. Saw Iron Man, which gets thumbs up, went to goodwill and splurged at Barnes and Noble. Had a fire in my parents' fireplace, drank tea and watching Radiohead in the Basement.

ahhhhhhhhhhhh

KL

hooray for me

2008-04-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

So since I've moved I really haven't been able to make it up north for my regular knit night. I decided to find something a little closer to home on a night I'm not working two jobs.

I was a little nervous because I've been feeling depressed and it's been difficult to get out of that mindset, but I met a lovely group of ladies AND a hand-dyer! And I bought another skein of sock yarn. It was a phenomenally beautiful yarn, exactly what I'm looking for to cheer me up. It's white, with almost tie-dyed blues purples and plums (my colors). It had to take an exceptionally beautiful yarn for me to bust out more cash considering how obscenely large my yarn stash is. The unfortunate thing is that I can't find the ball band so I have no idea the name of the dyer except that her name is Joanne. I've got to find her on Ravelry. I'm beginning to realize that I'm a lot happier with a pair of socks to work on.

I'll post a photo of the yarn and get to the bottom of the dyer later.

It's nice to get back into the knitting.

GG

Pourquoi?

2008-04-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Things I need to do for myself:

1) improve my French
2) make more friends
3) do more social stuff
4) meditate
5) read
6) write
7) join a book group
8) take a chill pill
9) find a new knitting group
10) save money

New Home

2008-04-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new home.

Photos of the new apartment to come soon.

GG

So Long and Thanks for All the Fish

2008-04-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

This blog has had it's time and place, but now it's time to move on.

Keep your eye out for Knitluck.com where I will eventually host my new blog.

Thanks for reading

GG

Hi

2008-02-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

So I've noticed that people still come by here to visit despite the fact that I haven't written, so it's inspired me to write.

Some people are coming here because it's the only way they know what I'm up to.

Most of my friends know that a lot has changed.

For one thing I have a new job. And since I don't like to discuss work much I can't say much about it except that it's in the city and I like it. This job has nothing to do with knitting. Nor can I knit on the job anymore. But that's ok. That's how one actually makes a living.

There's a lot of pain in these changes. Each bit of happiness is touched by sorrow.

And my knitting book got rejected. Not a huge surprise given the industry and my lack of experience. I'm trying to decide what to do with the patterns I've created, trying to decide whether to send them to magazines and if so, which publications.

But overall I'm doing alright. Everyday is different.

GG

I'm An Aunty

2008-01-28T21:24:00.000-08:00

Of course I had to post a photo of her wearing something I knit.

GG

About That Justice Album...

2007-12-31T19:11:00.000-08:00

It won't play in my car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stupid Recording Industry paranoid assholes. I PAID you for the music, let me PLAY it in my car.

There's a good reason I haven't been blogging of late, but I'm not ready to share it yet. Might be a while before I write again...

GG

Early Morning Music Thought

2007-12-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Somebody please remind me to buy the Justice album!!!

And that's Juice-tees. It's French.

GG

I Live In San Francisco and You Don't #9

2007-12-10T23:40:00.000-08:00

Hide and Seek in the Legion of Honor

in formal wear.

This is a dream come true for me!!!!!!

Does anyone want to come with?

A First For Me

2007-12-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

It's holiday season and for the first time ever I'm just not that into it. Not that I'm against it, or depressed about it or that I don't want to partake in it. I just don't feel it. I'm not in the mood to get all geared up. The holiday shopping, the parties. Albeit I've done quite a bit on the holiday dress front, but as for the actual holiday. I'm just not interested.

Maybe it's because I've had huge Christmases for the last three years. Two at my own house with lots of friends and family and one in Australia with more friends and family. As much as I loved those occasions they kind of wore me out. It's a lot of work this Christmas cheer.

I don't even want to Christmas shop. I'm broke anyway. That's where the working part-time hasn't worked out for me. I honestly do not have the cash to do Christmas I'd normally do. Strangely enough instead of feeling bummed out, I'm actually relieved.

So I'm making lots of holiday gifts. Scarves, sweaters, bags, baby booties etc.

Because you know. I just haven't knitted enough this year.

On the book front I did get a confirmation receipt from the book publishers, which was a victory in itself. They didn't take one look at it and say "Return to sender" Score one for me!

Also I finally watched La Vie En Rose. I'd been wanting to watch this film for ages, but just never got around to it. I'm so glad I waited. You know how you end up seeing things at exactly the right time you're meant to see them? It's a beautiful, untraditional biopic. Some people found the editing to be a bit unsettling, especially the juxtaposition of Edith Piaf's childhood scenes and adulthood scenes. However I felt the whole thing to be so thoroughly French. It wasn't your typical Hollywood biopic and the American audience is so used to seeing stories presented in a cut and dry fashion. A causes B, which causes C, very linear. La Vie En Rose takes a different approach focusing on emotional nuances. Anyway... I found it fascinating. The thing I love about the French is that their national identity is so profoundly human, it comes from a place of universality whereas others can be a bit more "holier than thou" and exclusive. Perhaps that's why so many people wish they could be French.

Anyway it has been a good week. I am thoroughly happy.

GG

Ok, it's out of my hands

2007-11-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

The book proposal was mailed today. There were a few comedic errors that prevented me from sending it yesterday, but it's out and now it's up to someone else.

party time excellent.

GG

Mark My Words

2007-11-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

The Book Proposal is going out TOMORROW.

French Braids

2007-11-24T22:12:00.000-08:00

A good blog title for a post I can't write.

One more day in the long weekend.

Could I actually send the book proposal on Monday?

FYI: I still hate Spiderman. Hate Spiderman 3 even more.

GG

Merky Buckets

2007-11-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

or merci beaucoup for you Frenchies out there.

What I'm grateful for this thanksgiving:

1) Mr. G.
2) My sanity.
3) My family.
4) My friends.
5) The amazingly awesome year of music, books, comics and film.
6) My car, aka the moving disco machine.
7) My job and coworkers.
8) inner strength
9) Bev
10) Australia

I am truly happier than I've ever been and that's not to say that I'm unchallenged. The point is to be happy despite the difficult parts of life. If you can do that, you are invincible.

GG

Snickity Snack

2007-11-20T23:09:00.000-08:00

I've already read about a third of the comic books and graphic novels I bought on Saturday. I've been on an icarus knitting spree for the last two weeks. And I haven't done anything on the book. Shame on me.

I need to put myself on an x-box ban until that book is sent out.

Australia's weighing heavy in my mind again. We've been making plans. There is a week-long stay at a beach condo in my future. I can almost hear the waves crashing in my sleep.

But then I start freaking out because I'm going to have to wear a bathing suit in public again. And not that I'm overweight or anything, but I'm not necessarily beach material. And the bathing suit makers do nothing to make it any easier. Most of the time they forget that women have boobs. I would pay a lot of money to find a bathing suit that supported my rack and didn't look atrocious. Perhaps instead I should hope for Bush to voluntarily leave office as that's more likely to happen.

stay tuned for my thankful list...

GG

Note To Self:

2007-11-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

cds to buy this week:

Goldfrapp
Kylie Minogue
Beirut
Vhs and Beta

TRY NOT TO FORGET

I Live In San Francisco And You Don't #8

2007-11-18T17:31:00.000-08:00

Man Tap Dances Across The Golden Gate Bridge For 75th Birthday.

Hmm. That reminds me I've got to start figuring out what I want to do for the big 3-0.

GG

Slacker

2007-11-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

I could mail the book proposal on Monday.

It could have been mailed any day last week.

I'm totally ashamed.

Been distracting myself instead. With people, books, movies and video games.

And now I'm supposed to be getting ready to cook thanksgiving.

And I haven't bought a damned thing.

Get it together!!!!!!!!!

Wine Time

2007-11-11T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thoughts for the week (weak):

1) Beowolf rocks.

2) The Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium sucks.

3) Geeks are not dorks.

4) Red. Red. Wine. Goes to my head.

5) I do not like acrylic blends.

6) Loving the staff at Marin Fiber Arts.

7) Not long til Australia.

8) Hanging out with my cousin is good fun.

9) Happy Birthday Bev.

10) I still wish I had an extra head and an extra pair of arms.

GG

Ahahahahahaha

2007-11-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

You know that New Yorker who posted that website trying to find the girl of her dreams?

ha haha.

The Dream Girl's Australian!!!!

Anything But Hear The Voice

2007-11-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

Crazy times.

Around me my friends are breaking up with lovers, moving house, and serving jury duty.

Yet everything remains the same for me.

Or not.

I could finish the book proposal this week and have it mailed out by FRIDAY.

The only thing stopping me: I need people to read through it and offer editorial advice.

I better get on that so here's a few photos to keep you busy

The first fire of the year

and

The In Rainbows Socks

Tea Time

2007-11-04T10:07:00.000-08:00

A few thoughts:

1) I want more rain.

2) It's not crazy when your brain has a mini-meltdown and you have a million things to do in the space of two days.

3) It's also not crazy when you eschew all of the things you're supposed to do to play video games and attend last-minute concerts with your cousin.

4) I go to Australia again in 4 months.

5) I should give up on making a pumpkin pasta sauce. It never comes out the way I want it.

6) The hummingbirds are few and far between.

7) Despite the plethora of awesome films I'm not in the mood to go to the movies.

8) Albums I want to get: Silversun Pickups and VHS or Beta (or is it Beta or VHS?).

GG

And You Wonder Why I Don't Like Men In Cape Comic Books?

2007-11-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

hardy har har (not safe for work!!!!)(via Warren Ellis)

GG

Knitting is good for your health

2007-11-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Since I've been working full-time this means that I'm knitting full time. I don't have access to the internet so that means there's nothing to distract me from knitting. I average about 5 hours of knitting a day and I think my arms are getting a bit stronger.

My right bicep keeps twitching at night. Could that be a sign of muscle growth or muscle fatigue?

GG

I Live in San Francisco and You Don't #7

2007-10-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Thirty minutes ago we had a bit of an earthquake. I was babysitting my next door neighbors when I felt a big thud hit the house, as if a large and clumsy animal had cannonballed the roof. But no animal can make the whole earth shake and can echo that unmistakable low rumble of the earth moving. Within moments I was on my laptop on the usgs page, myfriends from all over the bay area instant messaging me with their reactions. I called my mom to make sure she was ok.

Then I called my husband who was at home not 50 feet from me.

He didn't feel a thing.

GG

Here She Is.... Miss South Carolina

2007-10-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

Miss South Carolina 2
Originally uploaded by grenadinegirl

My halloween costume...

oh and here's the youtube link in case you don't get the joke.

Knitting Droolfest 2007

2007-10-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

Issue Knit 3 from Jo Sharp came out earlier this year and I just got it in the mail today and it's one of the best knitting magazines ever. An amazing range of projects for men and women. Super inspiring.

Wish I could say the same of the Rowan Magazine I got yesterday, which was entertaining, but it's highly unlikely that I will knit anything from it. Whereas this Knit 3 has as many as 10 projects I would make. I do have some Jo Sharp yarn in the stash, but I've got a whole bunch of other yarn that would work beautifully in the patterns.

Wow

GG

My Cranky Little Heart is Leaping For Joy

2007-10-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Terry Prachett spins his own yarn and knits his own socks.

must. go. to. used. bookstore.

GG

I Live in San Francisco and You Don't #6

2007-10-21T00:05:00.000-07:00

As of this week I have lived in the Bay Area for 15 years.

I love it here despite the astronomical home prices, the unavoidable traffic, the lack of a singular comprehensive transportation system and the viable alternative of moving to Australia.

It's taken me this long to love it as much as I do now.

Do you ever realize that you live in places longer than you live with some people?

So you gotta pick the place you live and LOVE it.

You gotta find the trees, bushes and water towers and look for them as you drive by and watch how they change season to season. After a few years they become as friendly as nostalgic memories, offering unkept promises of permanence.

GG

You Better Work!!!!!!

2007-10-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

I'm back at work 5 days a week. The upside is that I get a lot of knitting done. The downside is that even though the demands of my job are minimal I'm still pretty tired at the end of the day.

So tired that I left my handbag with my wallet at my desk, leaving me penniless when I attempted to go grocery shopping.

Didn't forget the knitting though, can't live without the knitting. Too bad it doesn't buy milk, bread or eggs.

GG

Just Got Home From Bevmo

2007-10-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

quote of the day:

"drunk people get pregnant all the time!"

sigh.

Grenadine Girl is a Cranky Girl

2007-10-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

for lots of reasons.

The seasons change. Things are getting serious and no sir, I don't like it.

Those who know me off-web know that I have a very optimistic demeanor and an outlook that does not endure prolonged periods of struggle. I generally move forward on things quickly and will switch gears seamlessly to something else if a goal isn't working for me.

Unfortunately I can't do that with this one goal I'm pursuing. This goal is all encompassing and not to be put on the back burners. There's little I can do to control it and whatever I do to try to distract myself from it doesn't work.

I cry. I get frustrated. I watch entire seasons of Sex In the City.

I find it hard to even pick up the knitting needles, let alone knit with them.

But then I find myself watching a documentary on PBS about a guy with muscular dystrophy and it gives me some perspective.

And my old habit returns and I focus on my next trip to Australia, moving this persnickity unachieved goal to the back of my mind again, only if just temporarily.

GG

Music: Guns and Roses Patience

Well There Goes Facebook

2007-10-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

I got my ravelry invite. Guess now I'm going to have to reorganize the craft room and take photos of the stash.

GG

Knitting At The Festival

2007-10-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

Knitting At The Festival
Originally uploaded by grenadinegirl

Happy doesn't even begin to describe...

I Live in San Francisco and You Don't #5

2007-10-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

I heart Craigslist.

I'm tempted to buy it just to confuse people at Thanksgiving.

GG

Same People, Just Drunker

2007-10-06T08:54:00.000-07:00

I started writing a summary of the reunion, but it bored even me so I'll spare you the Gorey details and give you the high and low lights of the evening:

1) Mr. G and I sit through mind numbingly awful traffic. Mr. G is credited with maintaining my sanity as we make our way South. We frequently ask ourselves why are we doing this?

2) We arrive at the reunion nearly 2 hours late. (partially because there's no way in hell I'm going to take off work early to attend a high school reunion)

3) An acquaintance informs me that my old clique is looking for me, which completely shocks and dismays me. I've already lost my bet that zero people will talk to me.

4) The buffet is an Atkins nightmare. Fettucine alfredo, scalloped potatoes, chicken marsala. The caterers haven't found a creme sauce that they didn't like. But that didn't stop me from eating two platefuls of creamy goodness.

5) I meet up with the two friends I had in high school. They credit me with introducing them, which I had totally forgotten. One of them even asks after my mother, which temporarily leaves me speechless. I'm also shocked that I'm actually happy to see them and that they're really nice. One of them reads the blog.

6) I don't chat with anyone else out of the 200 so attendees. Mr. G and I ditch the crowd to watch a live band that's playing and bump into some relatives of my exboyfriend, who glare at me b/c I treated said exboyfriend very badly.

7) I'm not that surprised that people haven't changed at all and I laugh my ass off at the people who got gussied up. They look exactly the same as they did when they went to prom, only this time they're messy drunk and sporting new boobs.

8) The worst part: I pay $90 and THEY DON'T HAVE THE ENVELOPE OF INCRIMINATING MATERIALS. I have to go to the 20th reunion to retrieve it.

9) I could have gone to a Mexican bar in the Marina and had the same experience.

10) My only regret: that I was too tired to drag Mr. G into the city for a comic book event and karaoke.

Oh well whatever.

GG

The Countdown is Over

2007-10-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

I leave for the school reunion in moments. I've been bitching on facebook and twitter about how much I'm not looking forward to this event and someone came up with the idea that perhaps I could choose NOT to go.

Unfortunately that is not an option.

You see, I did something stupid when I was freshly 18 and on the precipice of graduation. The school distributed envelopes and called them "class wills". You were to fill them up, like a time capsule for you to open at your ten year reunion.

In the throws of an emotional breakup decided to fill my envelope with incriminating photographs of my then exboyfriend, along with letters and audiotapes. In this new age of youtube and the internets, these things really don't need to be out of my hands, in fact they belong in a fire, which is exactly where they're going to go as soon as I high tail my ass out of the reunion.

Mr. G laughed his ass off at me when I explained to him why we have to rush our way in weekend traffic to the reunion, especially when there aren't any friends that I remain in communication with from there.

Here we go.

GG

Stupid Cold Sore Throat waaaaahhhhhhh

2007-10-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Cranky for all the lost time. Spent this week doing anything except the book proposal. Cleaning. Dr's appointments.

Then I got a cold. Mr. G had this cold before I did and he didn't seem to get it nearly as bad as I did. Now I'm living off of hot and sour soup and thai yellow curry . The heat helps clear my nose and chest.

Resting on the couch all day I watched the entire first season of The Office (american version) -not hard to do it's only 6 episodes. Then sped through first disk of season two.

Tomorrow I have two movies to watch that my mind is too fuzzy to remember.

And I'm annoyed because we may have to cancel gaming because of my illness. Then Friday we have the much anticipated school reunion. I'm starting to take bets on how many people I end up chatting with. I've got a lot of money on zero.

Then Saturday I have the Bluegrass festival. So virus, you've been warned, it's check out time. I've got too much stuff to do to be sick.

Grenadine Girl

AAAAAck

2007-10-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

I have a cold.

This is unfortunate aside from the regular viral annoyances.

yuck

GG

I Live In San Francisco And You Don't #4

2007-10-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

For now two weekends running there are too many events I wish to attend and too little time.

If only I had a tardis I would attend them all.

Laughing Squid

Like next weekend, I'd like to go to zinefest, but I'll probably be at the bluegrass festival in GG Park.

This reminds me of a scene in Amadeus when Mozart announces that he wishes he had two heads.

Could it be possible that we have enough desire to occupy two bodies?

GG

Summer Round Up

2007-09-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Ok earlier this summer I posted a little message about appreciating the moment, taking a minute when you're in the middle of an experience to understand why it's so important. That was my goal for the summer. It's awesome how this way of living opened doors for me.

I made new friends, I became less fearful and less anxious. I saw more of my city. I appreciated where I've come from, where I am now and why. I've stood up for myself more. I'm more confident in my opinions. I know who my friends are and who are wasteful energy sucks.

I'm not afraid of myself anymore. And I'm much happier for it.

Part of all this reflection and happiness must be attributed to my husband. Because of him I have had a lot of time to pursue my goals and to think about my life. I hope that I can give back to him as much as he has given me.

Being in a good place now makes me realize how valuable the tough parts are and how they are just as essential to your happiness as the great parts. Yet I always forget this in the middle of angst.

Here's to the oncoming of fall.

GG

Just Because I'm A Little Obsessed With French History

2007-09-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Hope these go to a museum.

GG

I Always Did Have A Small Crush On Wesley

2007-09-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Read this, and imagine him speaking as Wesley Crusher and get giddy all over again.

Now I'm going to google "I had a crush on Wesley Crusher"

aha ha ha ha ha

GG

I Live In San Francisco And You Don't #3

2007-09-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

It's officially autumn and right now it's my favorite time of year to visit the local museums.

The summer crowds begin to disappear. The parks surrounding the museum start to lose their leaves.

Some cities are lucky to have 1 museum to serve their cultural needs. We have four outstanding institutions. The SFMOMA downtown, The Asian Art Museum in Civic Center, The DeYoung in Golden Gate Park and The Legion of Honor at Land's End. Soon there will be a fifth in the Presidio. I've always wanted to try going to all four museums in one day, but your brain can get kind of screwed up with so much information.

Out of the three the Legion of Honor is my favorite. They have a superb collection of Rodin sculptures. And the Legion of Honor is across the road from a golf course and I like to watch the drunken golfers crash their carts and make rude gestures with their golf clubs. I'm serious, they whiz by you, beercan in hand ala Homer Simpson.

You just can't believe that everything you stereotype about golfers is true. And then you notice that the only person actually swinging their club is a woman.

I love this city.

GG

You Said You'd Marry Me If I Was 23

2007-09-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

The Paolo Nutini show was ok. It was really great if you were a girl under 18. The audience was mainly them and their middle aged parents. And then me and my husband. It was a half empty show, which makes sense since this was a the replacement gig for the Amy Winehouse show that P.N. was supposed to open for. Music was ok. Didn't stay for the encore. Mr. G remains a fan.

Yesterday's trip into the Haight was ok. I should have gotten out of the door earlier, but I was busy buying concert tickets and Mr G needed some attention because of his cold. I hit the main shops I was looking for. Found a skirt for the school reunion. It's an AWESOME skirt, the only problem being that it's so awesome that it will be difficult to find an appropriate matching top. Did also find a nice pair of black jeans that just need to be overdyed.

Had lunch with mom and dad. Its so convenient that they live close to the city now. I'm much more likely to stop by now. Watched some football and the end of the Dirty Dozen with dad. Football always makes me laugh.

Also saw Death at a Funeral, I laugh too loudly at the movies, but then I love to laugh, and the sound of it makes me laugh more.

GG

Saturday

2007-09-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Slept in until around 10:30.

Went shopping. Became slightly depressed when I realized that everyone else already bought the fabulous black jeans I was looking for.

But then found the fabulous fall boots on sale. Yay Boots!

Spent rest of the afternoon knitting whilst Mr. G played Fifa soccer on the xbox and watched Survivorman.

Tonight: The Paolo Nutini show at the Warfield. Unfortunately Mr. G has a cold so it will be a subdued evening, but the music should be good. I'm hoping to hear Jenny Don't Be Hasty.

Speaking of Jenny I hope she visits me soon!

Tomorrow: get up early to buy Feist tickets. And maybe go into the city to shop on Haight Street. Anyone want to come with?

Did I Mention My School Reunion?

2007-09-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

one of our most famous alumni who didn't actually graduate

Happy Talk Like A Pirate Day

2007-09-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Courtney Love Must Be Really Broke

2007-09-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

The newest episode of Cold Case is supposed to feature all Nirvana music.

My outrage proves that I am officially getting old.

GG

To do:

2007-09-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

1) go to post awful, I mean post office
2) get lunch (thai? indian? mexican?)
3) go to best buy get color ink cartridge and dvd of Elizabeth
4) watch The Golden Age trailer for the a 6th time.*
5) visit Warren at MFA

*I feel about Elizabethan costume drama a passion that usually is associated with Lord of the Rings fans. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed Lord of the Rings, but you don't have 5 different cinematic portrayals of Elizabeth the 1st for nothing. This is the only movie I would ever show up in costume for and I don't even participate in Renaissance Fairs (mainly because I am no good at staying in character -I just like wearing the clothes).

I Live in San Francisco and You Don't #2

2007-09-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

http://laughingsquid.com/remote-control-bus-stop-rave-flash-mob

Does anyone want to go with me to dance in the street next Friday?

Corner of Haight and Fillmore....

Grenadine Girl

Lights Out San Francisco October 20th

2007-09-17T15:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.boingboing.net/2007/09/17/lights-out.html

What will you be doing with the power out?

I was thinking that maybe I should have a party...

GG

Shoe-down

2007-09-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ok kids,

I've gotten the hair into its autumnal red hues so that means it's time to finalize the perfect fall boot:

it's down to either:

or

Please note that I already have a rocking pair of knee-high boots with a tall heel and the boots I'm looking for now are meant for every-day use.

GG

Cue Patrick Swayze

2007-09-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

Friday highlights:

1) Remembering at 10am that I have tickets to see Guster at the Warfield that night.
2) Finding a willing partner to drag to the concert -via text message no less!
3) Reading Equal Rites and Sourcery at work.
4) The meatloaf sandwich I had for dinner at Mel's on Mission (with curly fries)
5) Hearing Banana Man live by Tally Hall
6) Hearing Tally Hall's version of Biz Markie's Just A Friend
7) Clark's last cigarettes
8) My Satellite Live (and 4-3-2-1)
9) The guy wearing the Patrick Swayze t-shirt
10) After concert drinks and karaoke at the Mint (made me think of James)
11) End of night Chamomile and Mint tea.

but the thing that made Friday night one of the best nights ever was singing Blister In The Sun at karaoke and killing it. I put Britney Spears to shame!!!!

It so doesn't take much to entertain me.

GG

PS: Why is there a crazy flailing hippie at every concert I go to? And why is she always the person directly in front of me? I should have known better when as soon as I took my spot she asked me for a pipe or papers...

Thursday, The Author Recovers

2007-09-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Its been a rough week, but there be light on Thursdays.

I'm happy because:

1) not 1, but 2 finished projects this week

2) I've discovered the humorous joy that is Terry Pratchett.

3) The huge bundle of unread comics in the Yarn Closet

4) The sale at Tuesday Mornings of high quality yarn for only $3 of the American Dollars per skein. I'm talking silk/alpaca/merino blends in Grenadine Girl approved colors.

5) The new Knitty is up and I'm surprised that there are 3 knittable projects for me.

still waiting on that Ravely invite tho...

Can't win them all

Grenadine Girl

The Hummingbirds Are Back

2007-09-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

A long time ago I was in high school and I had a boyfriend named Mark. He and I met at a friend's birthday party where we played spin the bottle. Mark was the guy I ended up kissing and he left quite an impression.

He was a boyfriend as much as one can be in high school. We went on a few dates, went to prom together. He was a regular guy, looking for his dream car, which was some Acura something that he couldn't really afford with his $3000. He played Magic, liked rap music (ugh) and was a devout Christian. He was normal except that he was in remission from Leukemia when I was dating him. When we started going out I made a promise to myself to treat him like any other guy. Unfortunately that meant that I dumped him when I lost interest. Over the brief time we dated I realized that we really didn't have much in common and he wanted me to be more committed to him than I was. The final straw was when he made fun of the kind of music I liked when I had tolerated his sexist rap crap for hours at a time. I broke up with him unceremoniously and didn't return his stuff until weeks later.

Regardless of my short tenure with him he remains imprinted on me. He told me stories of how he got cancer and how he tried to survive chemotherapy. He held the hummingbird in high regard. If I recall correctly, the hummingbirds appeared in his back yard just shortly before he was diagnosed, and they appeared continuously through all of the seasons during his treatment. The were a symbol to him of faith and his belief in god and his will to survive.

Mark and I lost contact after I broke up with him. I felt guilty about it. It didn't seem very nice to heartlessly break up with a cancer patient, but I felt it would be just as wrong to stay with someone I had nothing in common with out of pity.

A year later I got word that Mark was in the hospital. My friends urged me to visit him, but I thought he really didn't want to see me. I thought I would be a reminder of the pain. I couldn't imagine that he would have forgiven me for hurting him. I excused myself from visiting him, thinking that he was a survivor and that he was too young to die.

A few weeks later, I returned home from labor day camping to the news that he had died. It was such a shock to me. It didn't seem possible. It made me feel worse for the way I had treated him. I attended the funeral with friends, and I couldn't help feeling like a fake, that I was the bad friend. I didn't even visit him in the hospital.

But there isn't a year that doesn't go by that I don't remember him. And now with a hummingbird feeder in the back yard I remember him often. And hummingbirds have become more meaningful to me, not just because of Mark.

Grandparents don't always know the best gift to offer their grandkids, but one year my grandfather sent me a hummingbird feeder. I was skeptical at first. I had never seen any hummingbirds around my house and it seemed unlikely that they would start magically appearing because of a silly feeder. But there they were, in droves, draining the feeder on a weekly basis.

Shortly after the hummingbirds arrived we got word that my grandfather had pancreatic cancer. I know it's just a coincidence, but I now associate hummingbirds with death.

We just put the hummingbird feeder up again last Sunday and our first hummingbird appeared on Monday, the same day that James died. Since then they've been dropping in on a regular basis, reminding me of everyone I've lost...

there's one now.

GG

I didn't see it coming

2007-09-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Good friend James Stafford died today. He was 83 years old.

He became a surrogate uncle to me when my family made the jump from the east coast to the west. He was a feisty one. He loved reading Rolling Stone for the politics and drinking scotch. He served in world war two in France, just as it was being freed from the nazis. He recalled offering a Coke to a French woman who proclaimed that it was trop fort (or too strong). Since I knew him he would often send me postcards from his travels. He was a thoughtful and thought provoking friend.

It is also my wedding anniversary. These photos were taken three years ago today and they will be how I remember him forever.

The sad thing is that I mailed him a get well card this morning. And now he will never get it. And I was supposed to visit him in the hospital tomorrow.

I'm so sad.

Grenadine Girl

Music In My Car

2007-09-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Rilo Kiley - Under The Black Light
Mika - Life in Cartoon Motion
Amy Winehouse - Back To Black
Feist - The Reminder
The Killers
The Waifs - Up All Night
Regina Spektor
Plain White T's
Brett Dennen
Lily Allen
Paolo Nutini
Guster
Gorillaz
Keane

I Live In San Francisco And You Don't

2007-09-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

As much as I long to travel I'm still thrilled that I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. A city full of character. San Francisco is filmed so often, and is occasionally featured in video games that it feels so culturally familiar. You can't help feeling like you're in the center of the universe. I'm sure New Yorkers also feel the same way, but I don't really want to argue with them. They probably think SF is too pretty for them.

This may be a big stretch, but historically I think that San Francisco is going to be seen as a very important city for this era.

OK I'll stop. Any minute now someone's going to reference the Prius episode of South Park.

First a quick movie crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. I cross this sucker at least 3 times a month and it's awesome every single time.

GG

Saturdays Are For Comic Books

2007-09-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

It's the beginning of the month and you know what that means.

Another crazy ride with Izzytart and Beergeek to Isotope Comics!

This time I'm bringing my camera!!!!!

GG

PS: I may even set foot in the yarn shop too. You know, just for shiz and giggles.

PPS: It's official. The class reunion is less than a month away. And I haven't started knitting a damned thing for it. Too busy knitting something for my in-utero niece.

Oh yeah. And. The. Book.

Ok, honestly nothing much has been done on the book b/c I've discovered the joy that is the xbox (gd Oblivion!!!!), but after the foray into comicsland I'm getting right back on it.

Down By The River

2007-09-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

The highlight of my Labor Day weekend:

hanging out with Luke by the river at Samuel P Taylor park:

check it out on my flickr page:

It was as relaxing as my honeymoon.

GG

The Boot Search Continues

2007-09-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

And it becomes more complicated.

Never one to be satisfied with three choices I've found a few additional contenders for my perfect fall boot.

But perhaps we need to go over some of the parameters for what makes the perfect fall boot for me.

1) boot must be black, gray or blue - Brown tends to wash out my freckles.

2) boot must be mid-calf to mid knee.

3) preferably a wedge heel

4) leather must not be too glossy and absolutely NOT patent, despite current trends.

5) They must be between $100 and $300 of the American dollars.

6) They must be for everyday casual wear for jeans and skirts.

Voila the additional contenders:

We're on a Nine West Kick right now:

These so far are my favorite. They seem the most fashionable of all my choices.

I really like these, but I would prefer them if they were mid-calf.

I kinda like these, but I'm afraid that the buckles will make too much noise when I walk...

This pair is from Born, and I like them for the heel (i know -not wedge) and the nifty Victorian-like button detail

So please help! (The Manolo are you out there?)
I can't decide...

GG

The New Fall Boot

2007-09-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Such is life. I'm on the magnificent search for the perfect fall mid-calf boot, but I end up buying the fabulous late summer Camper sandal on the 50% sale instead.

Well worth the shopping detour!

But I return to my quest.

Strangely enough I find myself returning to an old friend: the Dr. Marten boot.

There are lots of different choices, and not just the old 8-hole standbys either:

First the fabulous hunter/gatherer boot -naturally I'd want it in black

Then there is the somewhat outlandish blue velvet DM's, which appeal to the blue-haired raver girl in me:

Or do I want to get the ultra-modern slouchy leather/suede combo?

When you put it all on one page the choice becomes clear. But if you have any suggestions or alternatives, let me know.

By the way the tickets arrived for the Class Reunion, along with a small note in tiny print: Dress code IS NO DENIM -only dresses, skirts or slacks* for the ladies.

So I guess we're going to revert to high school anyway and wear the knee-high black boots and LBD. Might as well dye the hair red for the occasion too, just in case people don't recognize me.

Grenadine Girl

*slacks is one of my least favorite words. Something gross about slacks.

Meteor Right?

2007-09-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

I did it, got up for the meteors. With the assistance of my husband who didn't finish video-gaming until 3am I dragged my ass across town to pull up a lawn chair.

And it was great being out under the stars for a bit. Saw only a few meteors streak across the sky. Oh and the occasional large winged creature.

but it was worth it. Made my day that much more interesting, with minimal effort.

Pow! To the moon.

GG

Once Upon A Late Friday Night

2007-08-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

sleepy. In less than 4 hours I will rise to watch the Aurigids meteor shower with a bunch of other geeks in an izzytart sanctioned meteor gazing partay.

I'm ashamed to say that my kitchen is a mess and we had my parents over AND Mr.G's friends.

I just hope I remember to grab my camera before I lumber out the door.

I can't tell if I'm going to need warm clothes or not? Should I show up in my pjs and bathrobe? it's too hot for a handknitted sweater.

Forget it I should just go to bed.

But I need earplugs b/c Mr. G is racing cars with his friends on the xbox.

gnight.

GG

I Just Spent Six Months In A Leaky Boat

2007-08-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, So it wasn't actually a Split Enz show, but The Crowded House show last night was heaps of fun, even if the stupid venue shut down the show just as the crowd was getting warmed up.

I will never again haul my ass down to the South Bay and pay $75/person plus a hotel room to see a show at the Mountain Winery.

I don't care who lives near the winery. If I'm paying $75/ticket I want to hear my band play the two favorite songs I've been waiting to hear all night in the encore.

So if you're thinking of seeing one of your favorite bands at the Mountain Winery wait instead for them to make an appearance at the Fillmore. It will do doubt be less expensive and the show will last for hours.

But still the night was fun mainly for the band, the friends we met up with, and the wine we drunk.

Here's a photo from the show!

I was especially happy that they played Fall At Your Feet. Unfortunately Better Be Home Soon and Weather With You were the ones that got cut off at the end. It was nice to hear a live version of Pineapple Head.

GG

Who Are You People?

2007-08-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that I have a stat counter on this blog.

As such I have discovered that there are people who read this blog on a regular basis. This is little surprising to me. I'm sure most of you are friends and or family. But there are a few places where I don't have any direct relatives.

Like Istanbul. Apparently someone in Istanbul really likes to read about Northern California women who knit.

Or Fairfield, California. I don't know a soul in Fairfield.

Or Japan. There's someone in Japan who reads my blog daily. Are you somehow related to my brother's in laws?

Anyway thanks for coming, glad you're interested. Come again soon.

And feel free to comment.

Solar Summer

2007-08-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

The heat's finally on. Our house has begun it's part time job as an oven, roasting our houseplants to death. And I'm realizing that my high school reunion is less than six weeks away. Jitter jitter jitter.

I can imagine the conversations now.

"So Gigi, what do you do these days"

"Oh you know, living the American dream, writing a knitting book"

Now normally these conversations become stilted as most of the people I have to explain this to do not knit. But I'm realizing that it helps a lot if I'm wearing a knitted garment. It sort of proves that I'm not a crazy lady, or making this up to sound successful in a strange way.

Which brings me to the biggest problem with this whole reunion thing. What should I wear? It's in early October in a festive atmosphere (read NOT a hotel ballroom) where one can gamble. I have frequented the establishment before and truthfully the attire isn't typically fancy. But one can't look like a schlub in front of one's former classmates.

I think the key thing here is to start with the shoes. And it's going to be boots. Tall knee-high boots. Funny how somethings never change, I practically lived in boots all through high school...

Shit, I'm going to look exactly the same as I did when I was 17. In fact the dress that I want to wear with the boots could have been wearable in high school.

So scratch that. No boots, no black dress. That's just too easy.

What to wear instead????

It has to say I'm hot, but not trying to be hot. So in short, no dresses or skirts.

It's going to be dark jeans and open toe wedges. That gives me an excuse to buy a new top and jacket. Excuse me while I talk to myself about this.

Alright I feel better now...

Oh great, now I have to figure out what to knit for the damned thing. Hard to imagine in this heat. And I only have 5 weeks to make it. Must consult Lace Style. Yeah that's the ticket.

GG

No Sleep Til Brooklyn

raindrops keep falling on my head

2007-08-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm having a cranky moment.

It's only temporary.

It's a momentary pity party.

There's nothing I can do about it.

Except put a cheesy romantic comedy on the dvd.

excuse me while I go beat up a pillow or something.

How come they never show the "after" of a romantic comedy? They spend the whole movie getting the two diametrically opposed lovers together and they never even give you a list of their trials and tribulations. You get to assume that they have their ups and downs, but you always leave the theater with the fairy tale happy ending, feeling good about living and confident that things always work out in the end.

And I am one of those youngsters that falls for that sentimentality. But right now, I'm not always so sure that everything works out alright.

Like When Harry Met Sally, arguably my favorite movie. Sure they get their wedding cake with the chocolate sauce, on the side. But this couple gets married in 1988. That's nearly 20 years ago. I want to know what happened. And I don't think it's pretty.

But I suppose that's not why we go to the movies. Because the messy life is what we're living now and what we want to escape from on dvd.

GG

Awesome

2007-08-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

I've managed to keep a potted plant alive since June 19th!

Maybe next I should get a dog.

Well let's not get carried away...

GG

Clean Sweap

2007-08-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today was a housework day. I hardly did anything on the book. I bought a new piece of furniture last week and one must do some rearranging to make full use of the new item. I got rid of some books, moved books, looked at books. books books books. And after 90 minutes my living room looks 62% more liveable. There's something therapeutic about this process for afterwards a calm came over me that I usually associate with a yoga session. And this good feeling (cue Violent Femmes) lasted the whole day. A stillness of mind, a realigned spirit. It remains even now, after grocery shopping, meal cooking and bill paying. I suppose this means I'm going to have to clean more. Strange how I also usually associate this frame of mind with knitting... hmmmm.

Since I was organizing, I figured I might as well go to the Container Store to get some magazine boxes. Which meant I also had an excuse to swing by the bookstore and pick up the new Vogue Knitting. It's beautiful and all, but it's expletively annoying that the patterns I want to knit are the downloadable ones off the Vogue Knitting website. You know what I'm talking about -all those beautiful patterns at the front of the magazine? Gorgeous, simple use of intriguing stitch patterns and silhouettes. Quelle suprise. Still, I'm glad I got it.

I've developed something of a coffee habit. In that I stopped by Peet's Coffee to read my Vogue Knitting. It was lovely. I was wearing a sleeveless cotton top and it was warm enough that I did not require a cardigan. Apparently there is such a thing as summer in Marin County. For about 40 minutes I felt like I was on vacation, the whir of the freeway substituting the crashing sway of the ocean. My arms even got a little tan, well at least my cluster-freckle version there of.

I took a moment from the cleaning to take a few photos of the few knitting projects I'm able to show you. Socks are my escape from book knitting. I'm not a fancy sock knitter. People send me sock patterns and sock books, but I'm usually happy with a simple rib, or endless stockinette. Socks for me are the thoughtless project. I get frustrated when socks carry on too long because I want to move off onto the next sock project, the new superduper magical hand dyed sundae of a sock yarn. There's no time for cabling in my sock project. That's what scarves and sweaters are for.

So voila:

These are the finished Phoenix socks, which I started to cheer myself up after I got laid off:

They certainly did the trick. It was hand-dyed Schaeffer Anne. It's beautiful to knit with, but it's fine fingering weight and it took dog's years to finish. I'm happy how similar the two socks look. And indeed I have resurrected myself since losing the FYC job. I was reading through my book submission materials and I'm pretty far along.

Ironically, I just have to get the silly thing organized.

Just the thought of that freaks me out. I'm at a point where I could actually submit the book proposal. Ack. The only thing stopping me is myself. Weird. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I didn't think I'd be here this soon. I should be celebrating.

Back to socks:

Here is sock one of the Page Mill Farm hand dyed yarn. Sock two has been cast on, but has been neglected in the name of book knitting for a while

Never have I been more satisfied with a sock yarn. It knits up quickly and have a beautiful loft. The colors are varied and vibrant. Dreamy.

GG

Uh, I Feel Sick

2007-08-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

That's what my mom says whenever she is presented with something she doesn't agree with or doesn't want to do. It's always said in good humor. But really right now, I feel sick. A little queasiness to the tummy right now. I don't know if it's the bbq I just ate or the Thai food I had for lunch, but I'm not feeling so good.

Maybe it's that I just cast on the Tulip Jacket and I used the incorrect cast-on method and it looks crap. So I've totally undone the first 8 rows. Ripping back never feels good. Monsieur G is once again on the Xbox, testing out the new John Woo video game. I don't think there are enough bullets in all of America to account for all of the shots in this game, but I'm not so into the shooter games anyway.

So I'm in the craft room again procrastinating when I should be working on the book. I've made some good progress in the last couple of days. Now I'm working on two full-size projects at the same time -including an entirely *new* one. Monsieur G wants to see more physical proof, actually writing of the book. How convenient that our printer is out of ink!

But still I'm hoping that I'll spend a sizeable amount of time tomorrow going through the submission guidelines and typing out my official responses.

Otherwise this Sunday was rather uneventful. It took me most of the morning and early afternoon to boot up the old brain. I found a way to watch season 4 of Kath and Kim and got caught up on Flight of the Conchords. hardy har har.

Maybe I'll procrastinate some more tomorrow and take some knitting photos. But for now I'm on a roll on a story I want to write about knitting geeks.

GG

Long Saturday

2007-08-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

It's 10:53pm. I'm hiding out in the craft room whilst the husband and his friends play zombie video games. I'm too tired to knit, too tired even to watch a movie (a pile of recent romantic comedies no less), but somehow I'm not too tired to stretch the laptop to the end of my fingertips and rattle out a few words.

The firewood order for winter arrived today. I know it's August, but if I wait until November to get firewood it will be too wet and too expensive. Now I have well-seasoned pine, walnut and oak kicking it in my garage. Loading the firewood in the garage was easy work, especially with all the help from my friends. I can't believe I even considered hiring someone to assist. I may not even be sore tomorrow. It makes me wish it was October already and raining so that I could knit in front of the fire.

Had lunch with my fellow firewood friends. A lunch of toasted bagels and cream cheese. I was on a total carb overload, which I probably why I required a nap in the middle of the afternoon. After the nap I went Target, the French store and hung out with the only local friend I have with kids and it was an eye-opening experience. In a good way. I am blown away with everything she and her husband are doing and how well behaved and pleasant their kids are. Makes me want to become a parent tomorrow. I know it's not all shopping and slurpees, but I'm inspired nonetheless. Some people say that a person becomes 80% less interesting when they have kids. But J and J prove that wrong 1000 times over.

I'm sleepy, maybe I'll turn down the lights and watch Catch and Release.

GG

So tired, tired of waiting, tired of waiting for you...

Crazy Week and It's Not Over Yet

2007-08-17T21:50:00.000-07:00

In the space of one day a good friend died of skin cancer, another good friend gave birth and I found out that my brother's having a baby girl.

All of this stuff has only started to hit me now, a day later. I can't stop crying. I love the bittersweetness. The sharp pain of tragedy with hope for the future. It's all one and the same thing. One leads to the other. Despite the tears I feel more whole and comforted by the universe's consistency. Though I doubt that it's a comfort to those who are more directly affected.

This evening I felt drawn to more earthly comforts. I bought the Once movie soundtrack which makes me want to see the movie even more and elicited full-out sobbing on the drive home. I also got When Harry Met Sally on dvd, because I used to own it on VHS and I haven't had a video player in years. It was like watching it for the first time all over again. I even cried at the end.

I feel a lot better now.

GG

(cue the Rentals)
Oh sweetness, I need some tenderness, tend-er-ness

This Is More Like It

2007-08-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

I've had my head in the clouds for the last couple of weeks. Change is imminent and I've been acting out like a toddler still learning the meaning of the word no. But that's all over and I've become more disciplined again.

Finished another pattern for the book today. Searched out and found a new piece of furniture off Craigslist and got it for less then half the value. Fingers crossed that I'll be able to fit it into my car.

and.

I'm cleaning the craft room. This time it's messy from actual use, a nice change of pace for me.

But that's not all folks. I also went out and socialized, taking coffee with my knitting partner-in-crime Izzytart. I'm going to have to do that more often. It keeps me motivated knowing I have to get a whole bunch of stuff done before I can go and meet up with Izzy.

The strangest thing happened today too.

I got a false start getting out the door for coffee. I had to put gas in my car, but once I got to the gas station, I found that I had forgotten my wallet. Instead of berating myself I wondered what the universe had in store for me since I had made such a stupid mistake. Then driving down the 101 towards Izzy's work, I realized I was superbly early, so I turned around and went to Barnes and Noble to pick up the new issue of Interweave and Craft. I stopped by the craft section to see if any new titles were out and found a man perusing a knitting book who wasn't Warren of Marin Fiber Arts fame. I wanted to pester the man, but didn't want to disturb his knitting book reverie. So I grabbed my magazines and headed to the counter where a nice middle aged gentlemen rang me up. Gazing upon my purchases he looked at me over his glasses and said "Knitter aye?" (all Canadian style) and I nodded and smiled. He got a knowing gleam in his eye and admitted, almost sheepishly.

"I'm a knitting widow"

It was the highlight of my day. I wish I had recorded it, the way he described his partner's knitting habit. It was full of respect and awe, an appreciation of the peace that fulfills her when she knits. I hope whoever that lady is knows what a lovely partner she has. He even went so far as to say that I should submit my knitting book to Interweave Press. And he even knew who that was.

I'm back on the horse. Giddee up m.f.

GG

The End of the World Is Near

2007-08-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

My husband asked me to play tennis with him.

I went, I played.

I actually enjoyed myself.

GG

Isotope Rocks

2007-08-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

If only I could spend every Saturday morning hanging out in the city with a coffee from Bluebottle and new comics at Isotope. I could, but the knitting book would never get finished and I would always be broke.

It was lovely hanging out with beergeek and izzytart. They make the ride to the city enjoyable even with bridge traffic. They maximize the German engineering of their Spaghetti Monstered Bug. One keeps an eye out for traffic calling out blind spots while the otherdrives, veering around unsuspecting drivers of questionably engineered vehicles, cursing all the way.

Plus they are the best comic book enablers, giving you the inside dish on every writer and artist. Also many thanks to James for putting aside some things for me -your email got stuck in my stupid yahoo junk mail folder.

I ended up getting: Faker #2, Fables trade #4 (which made izzytart gush with nostalgia), Glister the new Andi Watson (!!!), and Lucifer trade #3.

I reread Faker #1 before reading Faker #2 and enjoyed it way more the second time around. The first time it seemed like a bunch of whiney college kids, but on second read the subtle hints of the story peeked out and I appreciated it much more. Faker #2 did not disappoint -it's funny and disturbing, can't wait for #3.

Now I'm working on the Fables trade, which I have a feeling will break my heart. I still have a bunch of stuff to read from the last time I bought comics, but I'm getting a feel for what stuff I really love to read.

thanks again to beergeek and izzytart for breaking in another geek.

GG

Now this is what I call a Friday night.

2007-08-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

An Indian Feast of Lamb Korma, Mango Chutney and Naan, plus lots of leftovers for Sat. lunch.

And The Elder Scrolls IV on the Xbox.

yum.

and tomorrow morning a trip to Isotope with Izzytart and Beergeek!!!! Yay!!!

I am very spoiled indeed.

GG

Wasn't I Talking About This With Someone???

2007-08-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

BE KIND REWIND
yay for new Michel Gondry.

And there's a new Wes Anderson movie coming...... even if it does star Adrien Brody.

GG

On A Lighter Note

2007-08-08T22:35:00.000-07:00

I've been hiding this information for quite some time. I've let it slip here and there, but I can officially announce that:

In the Simpsons Movie, I am the sound of Marge Simpson's knitting.

Those short clickity clacks are my doing.

It's my small claim to fame.

GG

Marie Antoinette Syndrome

2007-08-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hung out in the city again last night. I'm envious of all of the old houses, the public transportation, the walking distance to everything, and the endless possibilities.

Past fantasies. Forgotten realities. I'm taking so much for granted it's just silly. I'm learning more and more what a ridiculous woman I am in the face of change. How I take perfectly good opportunities and ruin them with weakness.

I should be strapped to a chair in front of a computer getting all of the real work done, instead of distracting myself constantly. I need a non-internet connected computer. Or to be stuck in a shack in the middle of Oregon with a generator, camp stove, paper, and pen. I am so undisciplined.

But this ennui is a temporary place setting for what is soon to come, swiftly and without warning.

I hope that I will be stronger for it.

GG

The Fog Persists

2007-08-06T15:22:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning at the Weeds-like suburban mall.

After window shopping every store, I plopped myself down in an Adirondak chair that was situated in front of a gated fire pit. Seriously, a fire pit at a shopping mall, in August. It's called living in Marin County. I should just take these things for granted like everybody else.

Some people would have read the paper. I read a graphic novel. Slow News Day by Andi Watson. More satisfying than a beer on an Australian beach that was.

As lucky as I get to be lounging around on a Monday, there are some people who are not so lucky. As much as I support the troops in Iraq and as much as I don't blame them for the mess our government has gotten us into, I'm still pissed off that we're in Iraq and there's seemingly nothing we can do about it. At least until this bozo gets booted out of office, if we manage to elect a pro-phased-pullout president.

So I'm going to see a documentary. And I'm going to write to my political representatives and I'm going to research future protests. (why don't we protest more often in this country? We're not angry enough and we are too easily distracted, and it doesn't help that our news outlets ignore what's going on in the real world and instead scare us all with sensational bullshit, bloody hell I have to go overseas to get real news these days).

so yeah if anyone wants to go see this documentary let me know.

Sunday Catch Up

2007-08-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

It is cold and foggy today. Seems more like March than August. But that's good because I've been watching a strange documentary about Japanese host and hostess club called The Great Happiness Space. It follows an Osaka host club and it's lady patrons. Oddly enough, the hostess club is in the same district where I stayed back in May. It's called Minami, in case you speak Japanese well enough to find these places.

Here are some photos to refresh your memory:
This is Minami in the daytime, when everyone who actually lives there is hungover.

Also here are some photos from my latest trip in Vancouver. They're kind of boring because really I was just there to hang out and be silly. But still Vancouver is a beautiful city.

This one is taken from the outdoor cafe at the Vancouver Gallery. They had a great exhibit featuring artists from impressionism all the way to surrealism. My favorite was the huge hallway of Rodin sculptures. I always tear up at the Age of Bronze.

I'm a sucker for the color of leaves in the sunlight. I'm going to save this photo for the next time I want to dye my hair red.

And let me introduce you to a movie star of tomorrow, my pal Lucy:

and one last little thing.
I was lounging in the backyard of one of Gabrielle's neighbors when a tiny little pinecone landed on my knee.
I wanted to take it home with me, but really what the hell am I going to do with one teeny pinecone, so I took a photo of it instead.

So what did we learn on our trip to Vancouver?
#1: Beer and wine do not mix

GG

General Silliness

2007-07-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm still in Vancouver.

Sometimes it's nice to get away from your significant other. I know he's doing fine without me. He's finally found an Xbox Elite, which means I'll probably never see him again. However it's been months since I've traveled without him and being without him for a few days I've realized one really important role he plays in my life that I've totally forgotten.

He's a good drinking partner. Every now and than if we're tying one on (and this is pretty rare) Luke sometimes has the foresight to know when it's a good time to stop. And he's always right, even if I feel fine (or perhaps very good) just after I stop I realize that one more drink would have ruined the evening.

Boy do I wish he was here Saturday night. It was painful, it was embarrassing, it was enough to make me want to quit for good.

All I can say is that there have been worse incidents. But this one ranks in the top 3 of ridiculously bad drunken behavior. It was one of those times when you really didn't see it coming, but as soon as you stood up the party was over.

Thankfully my friends are forgiving, but they won't ever let me live this one down.

c'est la vie.

GG

Midsummer Notes

2007-07-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Feist's album The Reminder is my favorite album of the year with Guster's Ganging Up on the Sun second. Both cds are on repeat. It's been so long since any music has meant so much to me.

I finished the phoenix socks (hand dyed schaffer Anne) and promptly (I think within 5 minutes) cast on another pair with Pagewood farm's hand dyed.

Progress on the book continues. We have 3 full sized projects written out and completed. Does anyone know where I can get a large quantity of Rowan Denim for cheap???

I'm about to go to Vancouver to hang out with one of my best friends. It's nice to get out on my own for a bit.

So far this is the best summer I've had since 2001. Loving every minute.

GG

Choices

2007-07-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

It is Friday night.

Having just made a delicious pasta and some delicious Sav blanc from New Zealand I am faced with a quandry.

Do I:

work on the book

redo my character sheet

or read the trades I have of Lucifer to prepare for the Mike Carey Party at Isotope

??????

Party on Wayne.

Summer Thinking

2007-07-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

One of my pet peeves is living your life knowing that you're not appreciating it to it's fullest. We get so involved in what we're trying to achieve that we forget to experience life. To combat this, sometimes I stop myself in the middle of a moment. I try to hold on to it and acknowledge what's going on.

There are a few times where I've stopped myself like this.
1) the first time I saw Paris
2) the first time I saw my husband.
3) the Radiohead concert in July 2001.
4) The first time I saw Pulp Fiction
5) The moment I won a trip to Paris on the radio
6) Walking down the aisle at my wedding
7) The first time I saw Van Gogh's self portrait at the Musee d'Orsay (I wept)
8) The first time I went to the Musee du Picasso
9) NYE 2005/2006 Sydney
10) When I first met my inlaws in Sydney
11) My first swim on an Australian beach
12) Anytime I hear the Smashing Pumpkins song Drown.
13) The evening after I found out my grandmother died.
14) Walking in the rain after finding out that Kurt Cobain died.

These are the things I hold onto when things suck.

My goal this summer is to have as many moments like this as possible.

I don't have kids yet. I don't own a house. I've eschewed as much responsibility as I possibly could this summer. The result is more time to watch movies, to listen to new music to read books, and (lest Mr. G think I'm wasting my time) work on a book. I'm spending more time in my office, which even in its unorganized state reminds me of my teenage bedroom, where I spent countless hours writing and painting. I'm hoping to regain the quiet focus I had at that time, though it's difficult now with the endless distraction of the Internets.

It's amazingly easy to take it all for granted. Sometimes we forget what we have and get greedy, especially when the inevitable greener grass makes a random appearance. I could be making more money, I could have gone into film, I could have traveled Europe. I will entertain any possibility with my endless imagination. Sometimes I spend too much time there and real life becomes a blur. But no matter the choices you make, there are always choices that you left behind and you left them behind for a reason. That's the part we often forget.

For instance I always regretted that I didn't do better in school. As a student I did everything except school work, I thought that knowledge should come naturally, and that I was too smart to have to actually do the work. It was very arrogant, and I felt badly that I didn't live up to my potential, but the bottom line is that I didn't want to succeed in school. I had choices and I did what I wanted. Once I understood that I didn't feel bad about it anymore.

I am one of those crazy people sees the good side to anything and the possibility of everything. But the truth is that optimistic people are that way because there are often situations in one's life that border on unbearable. It's easier to embrace the possible than to drown yourself in the obstacles. This can make relationships difficult because you are loath to acknowledge difficulties. Or you laugh in the face of other people's pain. And thus people don't take you seriously, or you inadvertently offend them.

So what have we achieved this summer?
1) a better appreciation of films
2) going to a lot of shows
3) a lot more writing
4) productive knitting
5) some self reflection
6) new friends

I wonder where we'll be come fall...

GG

iHOT

2007-07-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

I played with an iphone today.

It seems like a more complicated version of my motorola razr. It's bad enough I spend so much time on my laptop do I really want to be glued to the internets constantly?

Yes. More so for the on hand google maps application than for anything else. Though they would be more helpful for me if it went worldwide.

I'm just going to wait until next year when they've worked out all the bugs.

Though I'm still disappointed that they went with CingulaRATT. Spying bastards.

I really have to wonder what kind of benefits did ATT offer apple to get on their network?

I'm a little scared to ask...

GG

One of Those Reality Whacking You Upside The Head Moments

2007-07-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been rather strange for me. For one thing I haven't been jetting off to one location to another. I haven't seen an airport security checkpoint in over 21 days. For another thing, old friends keep popping back into my life, making me get out of the house. And then I'm meeting all these new people from work. This adds up to my routine being all broken up.

Anyhoo I was eating my lunch today and reading Knitscene and I realized that for the first time in months I had thought about something other than knitting. I had gone dancing, gone to parties, had conversations. Then flipping through the patterns in the magazine, I realized all the projects inside were crap, or at least unappealing to me. Then I was sitting on the couch watching the English Patient and by the end of the movie I realized that I hadn't knit a single round on my sock.

In short I had a private intervention and realized that I've been knitting too much. I forgot that there are other things that I enjoy doing.

This is a problem because I'm supposed to be writing a knitting book.

This isn't to say that knitting is bad, or that I'm quitting. There just needs to be a balance.

Downside to the dancing

2007-07-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

The big hangover. It took me all day to recover.

I can't believe I knitted a celtic plait in this condition.

GG

dancin', dancin' dancin'!

2007-07-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

For the first time in 5 years I came home from a club at an ungodly hour.

I've fallen in love with San Francisco all over again.

GG