tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88545342024-03-07T19:01:27.505-08:00Days of Tea and KnittingMusings on the art of knitting, spinning, enjoying a cup of tea and noticing the way nature inspires design. (Life with a little dog in Portland, Oregon)Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.comBlogger619125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-20082136625636483572014-06-18T09:44:00.001-07:002014-06-18T09:46:47.394-07:00Knitting, Spinnng, StashingThe problem with not posting very often, is that there's an awful lot to
catch up on. I should be writing on my <a href="http://simplebookspdx.com/" target="_blank">business</a> blog today and I had
every intention of doing so. It's much harder for me. I feel like
everything I say has been said a million times before. However, on this
blog it's about my fiber life and it's completely individual to me.<br />
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Every so often I like to post a picture of the "state of my stash". It grows and shrinks on a regular basis. A couple of years ago I invested in a bunch of Ikea units that hold nearly all of it, fiber and yarn. And, because I live alone, my whole living room is my studio. Swift and ball winder clamped onto the coffee table. China doesn't complain.<br />
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Fortunately there has been plenty of actual knitting and spinning going on, or else I'd just be a hoarder. But I'm not. Really. See? It's tidy! Plus, there's the actual knitting and spinning going on.It is, however beyond my verbal capabilities today to actually describe everything that I've been doing, so it's time for a photo dump in lieu of actual words.<br />
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Pulling apart (Thrift shop hand knitted linen sweater from a couple of years back.) <br />
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Putting together again (this took me hours and hours. I find this tangle from a dying experiment last year and this is a handspun tangle of Cormo that I decided needed love not abandonment. <br />
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A lovely little trip last weekend to <a href="http://www.easygofarm.net/" target="_blank">EasyGo farm in Hillsboro</a> for the end of their sheering day. The generous Linda and Barry invited us in for lunch and we had a lovely chat and I came away from a few ounces of alpaca that I'm anxious to get working on.<br />
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And lastly, there's China. Content with the fibery things going on around her as long as she still gets her walks in the sun.<br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-77243346665467213592014-02-24T13:26:00.003-08:002014-02-24T13:26:41.563-08:00Playing AroundI am a fiend for new iPhone and iPad apps. Such cheap entertainment. Such a great distraction. And now, I'm starting to think, a good way to keep my brain sharp.<br />
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I've been doing <a href="http://www.lumosity.com/" target="_blank">Lumosity</a> off and on for a while, but on the recommendation of my cousin Kara, I've signed up for a year of "brain training". It's going okay, but it's pretty challenging. It has however made me aware of the possible upsides of my favorite games.<br />
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My top faves that are a little on the more usual side (not in any particular order):<br />
<a href="http://www.eufloria-game.com/" target="_blank">Eufloria</a><br />
<a href="http://circadiagame.com/" target="_blank">Circadia</a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/percepto/id419502225?mt=8" target="_blank">Percepto</a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/orba-color-smasher/id339434383?mt=8" target="_blank">Orba</a><br />
and my new OBSESSION. <a href="http://www.blendoku.com/" target="_blank">Blendoku</a>. I was turned onto this game just a few days ago. It's a puzzle solving game that is only about color. No words. After I studied printed textile surface design at Parsons in the late 1980's I worked briefly as a colorist. What this basically means is that I took a fabric swatch and repainted it on paper in a different colorway. I spent a lot of time staring at colors and trying to figure out how to tweak it up a little warmer or down a little cooler. Mix, remix and mix again. Blendoku is a visually stunning game that delights in its simplicity. I think it's making me smarter.<br />
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The other kind of playing around I've been doing is photographic. I was turned onto the app <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/waterlogue/id764925064?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2" target="_blank">Waterlogue</a> last week as well. It transforms your photos into watercolor paintings. There are quite a few different styles and you can customize within each style or mode. Today I'm going to post some photos that I haven't shared yet here as Waterlogue images:<br />
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With the Big Dog (Xander)<br />
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With the Little Dog (China) at Tillamook Forest Center<br />
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Snoozin'<br />
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In Provincetown this past September.<br />
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I love technology when it's pretty.<br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-3487325875306983302014-02-02T10:12:00.000-08:002014-02-02T10:12:13.236-08:00Oregon Never Loses it's GreenWhen I talk to my friends back in Boston, I'm always going on about the "fairy world" that is Portland. This morning it's in the 30's and it's green as can be. Sure, there is fall and the leaves to actually "fall". But then there are the other green things that continue to cover the bare trees so that they are never actually bare. Mossy "sweaters" and lichen "lace" drape nearly everything. Ferns deposit themselves within the moss on the trunks of trees and the invasive ivy often strangles the trees as it grips and winds itself upwards.<br />
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Some of the winters coverings will dry and fall away come the heat of Summer, some will continue to cling.<br />
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And in knitting news.... I continue my progress on the very-fun-to-knit Faberge. </div>
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Every so often, I think....will this knitting and spinning continue to consume my life? Forever? I cannot imagine it otherwise. And, so it goes...<br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-45614556237886223522014-01-20T15:16:00.001-08:002014-01-20T15:16:34.216-08:00New ThingsI thought my blogging was over. Then, I realized that I've not been posting the fullness of my life on Facebook or anywhere else. I think I might have regrets about that.<br />
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The year 2013 has gone and I have to say, good riddance! Not a great one for many people out there.<br />
The best thing that came of last year was the addition of a little white dog in my life: China.<br />
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I'm going to start my new year of updates with some pictures I took today whilst I was walking China around the neighborhood. I put her in a little harness and leash and tried to get her to "heel" instead of going on her own little expedition. It's not that she's bad on a leash, but I've had her since April and she's had no formal obedience training. Better late than never. It went pretty well, and I owe it to listening to Ambient Chill radio on Apple. I walked slowly, and focused on myself instead of her. When ever she pulled on the leash I just quietly said "no" and pulled her back in line. We did that for about 30 minutes and right before we got home, we stopped by this little entrance to the marsh behind our apartment. That's where these photos are from on such a lovely Winter's day.<br />
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Very green branches.<br />
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Can you see the beaver dam behind the tree?<br />
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Very red branches<br />
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Sunny smiley dog.<br />
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Marshiness.<br />
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More red branches.<br />
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I just wanna stand here in the sun awhile...<br />
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Look at the interesting bended shape of these branches, like they're dancing.<br />
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Now we have the recent knitting content:<br />
Really heavy lined mittens. <br />
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Rikke Hat<br />
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Socks knit from very impractical handspun.<br />
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And lastly, we have a swatch for a shawl called Faberge that is VERY involved and as my friend Emily said, "Make sure you're going to wear it enough to show it off to knitterly friends who know how much work you put into it!" Right on. Going for it. Last night I cast on 445 stitches while watching Downtown Abbey.<br />
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Meanwhile, welcome back old readers and welcome new friendly readers! I blog on.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-29583430524505394682012-09-02T00:31:00.000-07:002012-09-02T00:31:31.733-07:00Summer Slows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is my new corner of quiet.<br />
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I actually considered leaving this blog. After so many years. Yes.<br />
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Then I read someone else's blog. Some random person I met. She really put herself out there and it inspired me. I remembered how much more I enjoy reading my own blog posts in retrospect, so much more than any journal I've kept. My journals have been so depressing and self indulgent. Yeah, this is a better idea.<br />
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I do however think my writing skills have gone to hell recently. But I'll try here and see what happens.<br />
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So, I've moved AGAIN. This place is way more pleasant than other places I've lived in the past couple of years. It's huge. It's mine. It's spare in furnishings. In a couple of months I will be enjoying a wood burning fireplace which seems almost too good to be true. I have outdoor space.<br />
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I've taken to watching the birds at the feeder I hung outside. I am so totally entertained bythe finches. Of course each type of bird has their own personality, I just never noticed before I suppose. They gather in clusters as the end of Summer approaches. I am amused and enamored.<br />
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These are the last perfect days of Summer that I love so. I loved them in New England and I love them here as well. It's funny, when I look at pictures of Massachusetts and Connecticut it seems to incredibly FLAT to me. If I were to move back that is the one part that would just bore me. I've grown accustomed to the green hills and snow capped mountains of the Pacific Northwest. It was that way in my imagination when I dreamed of moving here and the reality is so. It is a green and dreamy land.<br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-77579901235798386402012-05-02T19:57:00.002-07:002012-05-02T19:59:06.264-07:00Simply TeaWhen people find out about my not-so-secret tea obsession, I'm asked: What kind? I generally answer: Black, strong, with milk and sugar. Somehow that's not what they expect. Perhaps they imagine me with a flowery tea, fruity tisane, relaxing herbal blend or gentle white tea. But give it to me strong, honey. It's what I like.<br />
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I don't think I've actually gone into detail about my tea consumption so today is your lucky day! Or not.<br />
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If I'm home, I brew a pot (2.75 cups) of <a href="http://www.peets.com/shop/tea_detail.asp?rdir=1&id=80&cid=2003" target="_blank">Peet's Scottish Breakfast</a> or <a href="http://www.peets.com/shop/tea_detail.asp?id=81&cid=2003" target="_blank">Russian Caravan</a>. Both are very heavy on the smokey Lapsang Souchang. If I am out, and I can actually get over to a Peet's, I have a cup of their Chai Latte (which should just be called Chai, because it should all have milk, but whatever...) It's strong and spicy and...wow! What they prepare is a combination of brewed tea and some kind of concentrate. You can't make this at home.<br />
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If I'm at work I have 2 (jumbo) cups of not-too-strong generic black tea like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PG_Tips" target="_blank">PG Tips</a> although these days I'm working my way through some <a href="http://shop.tetleyusa.com/Hot-Black-Tea/c/Tetley@BlackTea?gclid=CKrH1I2L468CFcIFRQodgSmYDQ" target="_blank">Tetley British Blend.</a><br />
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My addiction has hit a new level though. I was at Marshall's and in the checkout lane they had this:<br />
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Two bucks a bag. I had no idea how it would be, but it is VIRTUALLY like sipping ice tea. When I am on the way to work and I haven't had my first cup, I have just one of these candies to "quiet the voices". Ha. You should see me when I'm traveling. Most folks think that only coffee drinkers can be this impossible about their first cup.<br />
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How did I get this way, you ask? Blame my mother. When I came home from school I had a cup of tea. It was the answer to all woes and the source of all comfort. When she had to go to decaf in later life it was a painful thing. If you don't know already, decaf tea is sad. It lakes any semblance of tea flavor and can often be like dishwater. Not doable by any stretch.<br />
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Do I ever drink herbal tea? Only to fall asleep, although I have been known to have large glass of iced Yerba Matte in the Summer. The rose petals in <a href="http://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/tazo-tea/calm?foodZone=9999" target="_blank">Tazo Calm</a> is kind of nice. And of course, there's always Sleepytime tea.<br />
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The final word is this. If you want to impress me, calm me or make me feel at home, have the pot on to boil, some 2% or whole milk around and don't forget the sugar. Not honey, Honey. Sugar!<br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-55501544505133745602012-04-28T13:46:00.001-07:002012-04-28T13:48:31.400-07:00Spring Knitting and PhotosIt nearly happened. Facebook almost won out to the blog without my even realizing. I went to look at my blog and saw that I hadn't posted any pictures of my little visit (April 8th) to the <a href="http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/" target="_blank">Chinese Gardens</a>! Shame on me. Back on the ball today...And yes, I did edit them with some filters for fun. It's so easy to take photos with good composition in this kind of environment, but harder to get unusual shots.<br />
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I really "get around" quite a bit these days. I spend most of my time alone and walk a great deal. Yesterday after work, I went to see the<a href="http://portlandartmuseum.org/page.aspx?pid=626" target="_blank"> Rothko exhibit at Portland Art Museum</a>. It was free Friday, really busy and I wasn't that impressed. I don't know, the pieces seemed crowded in the space. I've seen his work in other museums like Boston and appreciated it way more. But, I'm glad I went because I saw the <a href="http://johnframesculpture.com/" target="_blank">John Frame</a> exhibit. Wow.<br />
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Then it was on to my favorite Indian restaurant and the movie <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXfc12BqFkc" target="_blank">Cabin in the Woods</a>. Not so scary and really entertaining. Today I am looking for just a little less excitement though, so I pulled out my current knitting projects and took some quick pictures.<br />
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Here we have a bit of a classic "accident" a la Melissa. After knitting around three inches into my top, I realized I had twisted my work at the cast on. Instead of ripping it out, I made it a "design feature". I pulled it into a twist that then moves into a cable. Lame, perhaps but it is going to be a feature nonetheless!<br />
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And then we have the finished Turkish Bed socks (first pair, more in the works)<br />
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I need to create another folder for the photos of my recent socks because when I look into the big folder for socks on my computer, I see all these socks I don't have anymore. It's slightly upsetting to see years and years worth that I have worn to bits and no longer exist in my wardrobe. Three seasons a year, I wear them everyday, so no doubt, even with darning and patching, at some point they are quite...dead!<br />
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Then, we move along to the Spring sweater that I wish I were wearing right now, but instead I'm still knitting. Like THAT'S a new situation! It's in this yarn that I really like, <a href="http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-berroco/webs-knitting-crochet-yarns-berroco-vintage/?gclid=CITo_Omy2K8CFQQbQgod6jH-CA" target="_blank">Vintage from Berroco.</a> It's acrylic, wool and nylon and kind of soft and dense. I am making some version of the<a href="http://www.cascadeyarn.com/patterns_pimaSilk.asp" target="_blank"> Pima Silk Spring Cardigan</a> from Crystal Palace. I'm running short and hopefully I can score another skein in the same dye lot at Yarn Garden this weekend.<br />
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Next time I post, it's going to be about tea. I have a lot to say about tea these days yet never seem to get around it. This will be my reminder! Ah, pour one more cup and back to the knit...<br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-86098238080503875772012-03-11T19:38:00.000-07:002014-01-16T20:04:31.763-08:00Spring Spinning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday I had the opportunity to experience the <a href="http://www.auroracolony.org/">Aurora Colony</a> Spinning Wheel Showcase, in Aurora, Oregon. It was total immersion into the world of antique spinning wheels. There were over 30 wheels with women (in most cases the owners') demonstrating their wheels. The wheels themselves were from all over the world.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sheila January spinning on her "accelerated" wheel</span></div>
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I bought several raffle tickets for a wheel similar to the one that Sheila in spinning on in the photo above. Here's hoping! Although, I'm not doing any spinning right now, I really got revved back up to it again yesterday.</div>
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The most educational thing for me yesterday was finally seeing someone spin flax (linen). In the photo below, Loyce is not only spinning flax, but doing so on a wheel that has the ability to spin two bobbins at the same time, Of course, the challenge for a spinner is to manage drafting both at the same time. Loyce explained that this wheel was invented to bring up production levels, but seriously. It's so easy to mess up with this that you have to stop constantly and then indeed it is not faster! (The blue ribbon is holding the flax to the distaff.</div>
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And then there be the wee bunnies....I don't think that bunnies would have been found at that time in history for fiber, but I could be wrong. Anyway, I've got bunnies on my mind. Last week I helped Paula sheer Zsa Zsa. When I was there, I fell in love with the little bunny Foo Foo. That's really his name: Little Bunny FooFoo. He's a dwarf and very very sweet.</div>
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So, for now it's back to knitting. Yes, I'm still doing a lot of that. Some projects that have just jumped off the needles (as if...) below:</div>
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The lesson I keep learning is about yarn. Soft, soft yarn. It's the only kind I want near my neck. I made that autumn colored shawl above in a sock yarn and now I don't want to wear it. The light blue piece is very soft and the tweed stole above is the recycled cashmere. Some lessons are hard to learn. Pretty yarn may not be the yarn you want to wear... Oh well. Back to it, now.</div>
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-41231934610506168842012-02-05T14:31:00.000-08:002012-02-05T14:31:21.008-08:00Nomad AgainIt is what it is...<br />
The up-side is that I'm getting to know parts of Portland that I"m not familiar with. The rain has finally lifted for now. After several weeks of of pouring down rain and cold, the weather has broken in a most glorious way. At my new bus stop and I can see this amazing view of Mt. Hood. Yes, it is a busy street!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v5z0OzmyijkS5rCoT3FW_oxHiCGv6_f4MAvXrNHmpBJrYzc2HY-a99TyYF9biQUDULqlm47OaKD-xY9AzgnhHknkeifOC_ogkeuxdfe2r-g7ILp25I9YLr2HmA9Asak8lVAudA/s1600/IMG_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v5z0OzmyijkS5rCoT3FW_oxHiCGv6_f4MAvXrNHmpBJrYzc2HY-a99TyYF9biQUDULqlm47OaKD-xY9AzgnhHknkeifOC_ogkeuxdfe2r-g7ILp25I9YLr2HmA9Asak8lVAudA/s320/IMG_0269.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>As for knitting, I have finished a shawl recently but haven't blocked it yet. There was actually a couple of weeks where I couldn't even bear to knit. Now <u>that's</u> stress. I do generally keep some easy crochet project going though. Right now I have something that will most likely become a large cowl. It's had some serious construction setbacks for no good reason. Stress diminishes knitting skill, dontcha know. So, here's the handspun that I started with from a couple of months ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2SWP6YpkuyXnTc3yqnmb0005pFXXfCd7zR2JrnfqGJMfZjTUHwnKbaEskMukN8sihQQP5FvCGY4s8Rh2CKnWxbaOlcXKa5OJ8KneKIpKM4GflqSRlWSEkOdHKfnjWs-4YiaoMw/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2SWP6YpkuyXnTc3yqnmb0005pFXXfCd7zR2JrnfqGJMfZjTUHwnKbaEskMukN8sihQQP5FvCGY4s8Rh2CKnWxbaOlcXKa5OJ8KneKIpKM4GflqSRlWSEkOdHKfnjWs-4YiaoMw/s320/IMG_0170.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>And now the start of the project:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeoqNqHi5Ui7gslEp9znHIhWYEANAL7aYRlxSlISaTAxgTqLgRiEwMV2YhA98xiu0BXnqgweTFWJkn8bZY_Yo-Y4Dp2A6YF5HPswIrSNFXFe3eWK8um2G6bNO4zHtzFaMYFrykw/s1600/IMG_0254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeoqNqHi5Ui7gslEp9znHIhWYEANAL7aYRlxSlISaTAxgTqLgRiEwMV2YhA98xiu0BXnqgweTFWJkn8bZY_Yo-Y4Dp2A6YF5HPswIrSNFXFe3eWK8um2G6bNO4zHtzFaMYFrykw/s320/IMG_0254.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I am so impressed with the luster of this Blue Faced Leicester. Wow. There are some yarns I love to spin because I know I will just love to wear them and this is one. If only I could feel that way about all the PINK I like to spin and then not wear.<br />
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The sweater back is blocked because I wanted to make sure it was going to fit, but other than that it's languishing...<br />
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Short post here, folks. Just trying to make sure I keep up with the blogging, no matter what. Here's to sunny days ahead though. I think I'll go block that shawl....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-50056545262083368902011-12-31T13:26:00.000-08:002011-12-31T13:26:53.266-08:00Finishing the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch711k3HMf1HxT1gwHObL7WkGH63WRRCKAroSolbNbWB4tGyEF3a1RGBTNnRg06yxK4yDWgy-GtWG8fQCegLMX-YjifL0WaJ_VnJGmI7RRrRYSgSelAIF0Ggj7eqRRLY9TiYNmA/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjch711k3HMf1HxT1gwHObL7WkGH63WRRCKAroSolbNbWB4tGyEF3a1RGBTNnRg06yxK4yDWgy-GtWG8fQCegLMX-YjifL0WaJ_VnJGmI7RRrRYSgSelAIF0Ggj7eqRRLY9TiYNmA/s320/IMG_0195.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Thanks to my lovely cousin, Kara and her husband, Mustapha I had wonderful Christmas holiday in LA. On my first day, Kara was excited to take me to this place she found, called the <a href="http://www.peacelabyrinth.org/">Peace Awareness Labyrinth Gardens</a>. I took lots of pictures of this estate that was like stepping into an Italian villa for the afternoon. The weather was perfect, with a high of 72!<br />
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<i>(I'm gonna be short on the commentary here and post some images from the day.)</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECTp-kmlDQK2vOV9AHy266UJSclZqW91WNx9MpanDYfdtg4-mJLSBoo3Qof7nshFI9a1CaSO_nYu3Ahx2BFUpV7hRH5C9T8V292jV_-er9TwF_FiF6lkcnVaGogwjB7oNHqvh7A/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECTp-kmlDQK2vOV9AHy266UJSclZqW91WNx9MpanDYfdtg4-mJLSBoo3Qof7nshFI9a1CaSO_nYu3Ahx2BFUpV7hRH5C9T8V292jV_-er9TwF_FiF6lkcnVaGogwjB7oNHqvh7A/s320/IMG_0211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And then we have sunset, Christmas Day at the beach and Venice Canals:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb9qZ0MLklhGdepG2mj9qWk_KpFDL7i3spPWoPAtlJ3g9xwEzZzvwuAmx4bmmR5fThAfXtm2nZN3lPDisrTQ1TG7m6n_bZWUFzpajINSTJ5tA0OCjkRWYAsugmQzJHrYnVwDr6w/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb9qZ0MLklhGdepG2mj9qWk_KpFDL7i3spPWoPAtlJ3g9xwEzZzvwuAmx4bmmR5fThAfXtm2nZN3lPDisrTQ1TG7m6n_bZWUFzpajINSTJ5tA0OCjkRWYAsugmQzJHrYnVwDr6w/s320/IMG_0245.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>I was traveling light and actually took these all with my 2 year old iPhone. Still enjoying the miracle of digital images...Happy New Year, everyone.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-24726763629351499002011-11-27T10:55:00.000-08:002011-11-27T10:55:10.349-08:00Mending my...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkSOzfXJm3EWVXRneSbb8n-y9TJONm2hFyqredcUoDgstnkD9y1nf2ph9dH-GQ-_WO4u3xQY1xtHTp4ttMnThdrWhziboes9OHITMXN3udpxyKT6BVq4NSUtGp-R9emyvM1xSgg/s1600/IMG_0155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkSOzfXJm3EWVXRneSbb8n-y9TJONm2hFyqredcUoDgstnkD9y1nf2ph9dH-GQ-_WO4u3xQY1xtHTp4ttMnThdrWhziboes9OHITMXN3udpxyKT6BVq4NSUtGp-R9emyvM1xSgg/s320/IMG_0155.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>I trundled into the bathroom yesterday morning and felt the cold linoleum on my left heel. I had on my only <a href="http://shop.strato.de/epages/61425309.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61425309/Categories/%22Der%20Laden%22">Wollmiese</a> socks. OH NO!!! Just the day before, my old standby socks (on the right) fell to the same fate. It's pair already saw some re-knitting on the heel. When it comes to this level of repair, the only thing that will do is knitting a patch on the heel...because I don't even have anymore of the yarn to do something like re-knit the entire heel. In general, I'm going to have to be careful about always wearing my Berks in the apartment because the floors are a rather rough textured industrial carpet.<br />
<br />
On the subject of knitwear maintenance, I did some "re-fashioning" on a second hand cashmere sweater that I've had for years. It's a man's sweater with a high v-neck and it's just never been all that becoming on me. Yesterday took my sharp little scissors to the neck line and changed it to a lower v-neck. I had to do the whole thing by hand because there are certain types of sewing projects I simply do not trust to the<br />
machine. My default sewing method is always by hand. So...sew...I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKuvAVdgr9iYP4P402n8JVwoKhyphenhypheneSCkuoV7XQixRWFsXARj9RFGANO7YWJ-clAFCpJ26vIMGM4MTgMspjQ-evi59KF_ddXbyMwPF2gB45mkDE9dv1v8cBDkjXjS-Ft09dirUO8g/s1600/IMG_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKuvAVdgr9iYP4P402n8JVwoKhyphenhypheneSCkuoV7XQixRWFsXARj9RFGANO7YWJ-clAFCpJ26vIMGM4MTgMspjQ-evi59KF_ddXbyMwPF2gB45mkDE9dv1v8cBDkjXjS-Ft09dirUO8g/s320/IMG_0153.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu5CEfTt5m6JF5zvQgpytA2FGPFu-2nwPc4u38Udu6lkVC2ZFB-1U_NyYmGqE7NiGpHA32LcrYD9cIe4ac2kLKpexs0oXC2KtKHlqj5oXt8gsbXNXl1WxGgTDWZH0DmqBWSGR4Q/s1600/IMG_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDu5CEfTt5m6JF5zvQgpytA2FGPFu-2nwPc4u38Udu6lkVC2ZFB-1U_NyYmGqE7NiGpHA32LcrYD9cIe4ac2kLKpexs0oXC2KtKHlqj5oXt8gsbXNXl1WxGgTDWZH0DmqBWSGR4Q/s320/IMG_0154.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In the late Fall and Winter, I have a uniform: Silk longjohn top or cotton knit topped with one of my old cashmere sweaters and a soft scarf. Add a hat, fingerless gloves and a waterproof jacket and I'm good to go. It used to be a bit easier to find the cashmere sweaters but it's time I started looking again. The oldest one that I bought new is now 20 years old. I'm looking at a little skein of yarn that I got from unraveling a man's cashmere sweater a few years ago. The common issue with a man's sweater is that the sleeves are very wide. I think that's probably why I frogged that sweater instead of just wearing it...oh and I think it was XL! Wow, I actually found a picture of that...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi870qQg-cChhE6ET8zUwUafZ9SZIe4pWBdc6O_ISBKKl8pS9Zn94QnSkTLxLTIAgU6RLS260AqFCdq8kaV8IWjHZs33yTbyx0lw6Z9WyiyJ0R1nPm1yQFyoui0K0g5ZlZxZGerCw/s1600/IMG_1147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi870qQg-cChhE6ET8zUwUafZ9SZIe4pWBdc6O_ISBKKl8pS9Zn94QnSkTLxLTIAgU6RLS260AqFCdq8kaV8IWjHZs33yTbyx0lw6Z9WyiyJ0R1nPm1yQFyoui0K0g5ZlZxZGerCw/s320/IMG_1147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Someone who is not a knitter and who doesn't make stuff was asking me about the stuff I make. She had this crazed look as I was telling her how much I make and that I may or may not wear it after I'm done. She said that thing that non-knitters say all the time: "Can't you sell your stuff?" If you are reading this blog, you most likely know just where that conversation went. You know, about the way our economy in this country is set up. How we couldn't possibly make a living wage of any kind, knitting lace shawls.There are people who do knit for pay, and I have done it but I did it for the experience, not the actual pay.<br />
<br />
There are days when I wonder if I should keep knitting. Especially on days like yesterday when I wanted to start 3 new projects (as I do at this time of the year) or just finish one of the sweaters I know I will actually wear when I'm done. I saw myself from the outside for a minute, asked myself WHY am I doing this? There are so many other things I could be doing! And then, just after my existential meltdown, I pulled out some fiber and started spinning.<br />
<br />
The End.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-21293453109363214312011-11-13T12:02:00.001-08:002011-11-13T12:06:36.222-08:00Enough?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-V8z5twE8ZA1v6m09zCvQAQ1VlMCZaw7lK0Aff-bbFR5EsiFklXTS_IR0KRBQ4tDkDwW2__O6ckxjHjmtZddoUl6KZZ2o4kD-ABObWCZzBRbo_Yqg2V2WrcEJWLJ4_uCZa1uTA/s1600/DSC03399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-V8z5twE8ZA1v6m09zCvQAQ1VlMCZaw7lK0Aff-bbFR5EsiFklXTS_IR0KRBQ4tDkDwW2__O6ckxjHjmtZddoUl6KZZ2o4kD-ABObWCZzBRbo_Yqg2V2WrcEJWLJ4_uCZa1uTA/s320/DSC03399.JPG" width="187" /></a> I can't believe it's been so long since I posted here. Not for lack of the fibery stuff though. Can you tell I'm not working? In my last post you can see the great stuff I got at OFFF and since then I've spun some of it up and also tried my hand at a little dying.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yc6i1FlTNQYjd0m-ZUrco2_nUBYLqPbLHqBcyJ5R-W8qOl9RIHjoH0oo4OxN9XeSe9Sxb8BT4B3UgIac3lHvhSaHoEIxaPRBlrBuR5QYptmlBeD3B5RjqmDGEiJYCYbBfOABug/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yc6i1FlTNQYjd0m-ZUrco2_nUBYLqPbLHqBcyJ5R-W8qOl9RIHjoH0oo4OxN9XeSe9Sxb8BT4B3UgIac3lHvhSaHoEIxaPRBlrBuR5QYptmlBeD3B5RjqmDGEiJYCYbBfOABug/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6PgbvtwP_hcJeouCtGpep_UEKFk81kqEixJhxzESNS9EHv50j6fsvzdhZEBVCqr8_1PlFcwYBXKV4d1nqVHArUukFcHPos_r1i6YEj8PhB9dcMvVa27OLrw72LAuP5qOLFUJFQ/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6PgbvtwP_hcJeouCtGpep_UEKFk81kqEixJhxzESNS9EHv50j6fsvzdhZEBVCqr8_1PlFcwYBXKV4d1nqVHArUukFcHPos_r1i6YEj8PhB9dcMvVa27OLrw72LAuP5qOLFUJFQ/s320/IMG_0612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the merino/angora fiber that I spun into a single above and then plied with a strand of silk from some hankies I had on hand. The competed yarn is a fingering weight and came out to 270 yds and 2 ounces.<br />
<br />
I am having a love affair with the angora right now. Paula said that she's planning on sheering Zsa Zsa soon so I'm waiting for a big haul of the fluffo stuff before I do more angora spinning. What I learned with this fiber (to the left) that I just spun, is that blending it with darker colors and then dying it can be just amazing. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHINeOk34_lkb_vrSpkDoWqcdWqFBZLrzRDxB04IVfzLXqiCgxR83sHi40p3PUxzg22_NR2lzwfsyJV-h17gleoUMcLttk8ZGQpOakaT-73K6Un26NNqDXVGK1gdmg81KnhGUwrg/s1600/DSC03400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHINeOk34_lkb_vrSpkDoWqcdWqFBZLrzRDxB04IVfzLXqiCgxR83sHi40p3PUxzg22_NR2lzwfsyJV-h17gleoUMcLttk8ZGQpOakaT-73K6Un26NNqDXVGK1gdmg81KnhGUwrg/s320/DSC03400.JPG" width="177" /></a></div>So, yeah. The dying. I just wanted to try one solid color for a change. I'm not a big dyer, but I did buy some dye and white wool yarns last year that I've been wanting to work with. What I learned in this exercise is that I have to be really careful with silk. So, I kind of blew through a couple of ounces of silk but I'm trying to spin it anyway. It is a bit more true gold with more brown that it shows, but you get the idea. I did get some great intensity with this merino/cashmere that I spun a couple of years ago.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhses0DhmKcxcsv5qzS7uUtFRTcdTMDPW3aO-9CqP8v1us7pIaSRq3bMIot_PZfGb9ja4NNOMYQjwwIeVV6P7EJKSIWbwJ5xwKGLEVV3kqKxN9B3Ksmu0RZp6ZNj8tL69FY-Vj3aw/s1600/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhses0DhmKcxcsv5qzS7uUtFRTcdTMDPW3aO-9CqP8v1us7pIaSRq3bMIot_PZfGb9ja4NNOMYQjwwIeVV6P7EJKSIWbwJ5xwKGLEVV3kqKxN9B3Ksmu0RZp6ZNj8tL69FY-Vj3aw/s320/IMG_0597.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Then, onto some knitting. I knit this beret with some polwarth/silk hand spun, just a little lighter than fingering. I'm wearing it all the time because it weighs hardly anything.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe0EwHpM_fnI9rcnE53WAnCvs3Cl4BAy3QCwDMlSU9zNply3Xu2-zAb1YjNDCYLkd2OF8Oej33_BBjUAbIGF4LkB5cQU_Tv7MmO0H3TZ1pybWIrA-uRFuCkTbYK2uq-aEbHm3FA/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe0EwHpM_fnI9rcnE53WAnCvs3Cl4BAy3QCwDMlSU9zNply3Xu2-zAb1YjNDCYLkd2OF8Oej33_BBjUAbIGF4LkB5cQU_Tv7MmO0H3TZ1pybWIrA-uRFuCkTbYK2uq-aEbHm3FA/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Then, two pairs of gloves for gifts, a pair of socks (no pics). More angora, knitting with the absolutely amazing,<a href="http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/product_page_detail.php?category_id=1&item_id=17"> Lush</a>, this deeply cabled scarf.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSD0Cr4qOGhW_vTmESbY2YJU2lEcDjj2q-ZWg7KceA6NAV_92iWehQhFoFsJyaHv_eNdytt11rRqXDxzoxXc5nXueAGiDwC8LPvrKfiVoq6SeNpEcn6cqh_IDC6hgOSvRX5TMQg/s1600/DSC03401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSD0Cr4qOGhW_vTmESbY2YJU2lEcDjj2q-ZWg7KceA6NAV_92iWehQhFoFsJyaHv_eNdytt11rRqXDxzoxXc5nXueAGiDwC8LPvrKfiVoq6SeNpEcn6cqh_IDC6hgOSvRX5TMQg/s320/DSC03401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Hmmm. started a pair of basic socks yesterday in some yarn that was buried in my stash for a LONG time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFexusTv6B4D5Z5Flx8LAmAqGTOW8X8qPF2YwJ0OGkMAYUfPfvz-4b7Va2XGN0BxqpixfCEYFWnKbqSiYk_YpG9IXfbE1-VTO7Lw8Nnk6oWvwia9yESH4SjZIHOufG46rxqv0RA/s1600/DSC03402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFexusTv6B4D5Z5Flx8LAmAqGTOW8X8qPF2YwJ0OGkMAYUfPfvz-4b7Va2XGN0BxqpixfCEYFWnKbqSiYk_YpG9IXfbE1-VTO7Lw8Nnk6oWvwia9yESH4SjZIHOufG46rxqv0RA/s320/DSC03402.JPG" width="248" /></a></div>There is the sweater that I've been working on this Fall that's going fast but not fast enough,<a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/PATTgirlfriday.php"> Girl Friday.</a> I'm actually going to block out the back so that I can have the inspiration of knowing it's going to fit! I'm halfway through the fronts now and I'm quite eager to wear this because of the amazing color. Interesting though, I have just looked through some of the things I'm planning on knitting and I see that 2009 was a good year for design.<br />
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In non-knitting news, there are two main things going on: NEED WORK and really really miss Brahms and Suki. It's been an interesting exercise of sorts to move into such a small place. It's easy to clean, it's forcing me to get rid of more and more and more stuff. So many folks in this building have pets but I cannot imagine being with a cat in this small of a space. Oh, I've done it before, like in San Francisco, but it was temporary.<br />
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Those <a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/">micro homes</a> are cool but they are not designed for people who make stuff. It's that simple. One can cull down to the bare bones of life and still live well, but artisans need room to create and store supplies. Even if one had a separate studio, it would be an existence "lacking" to not have some space to work at home. Even still, I know I'm not the only one who's drawn to the Tiny House trend. <a href="http://tinyhouseblog.com/">Here's</a> a great blog I found with examples of what folks are doing with this concept.<br />
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So, this has been a rambling entry. I should probably blog more often, huh? Will do.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-17348257172188998172011-09-25T10:28:00.001-07:002011-09-25T10:28:10.020-07:00A Day OFFF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh, my favorite weekend of the year. This year, just one day: Saturday. But, the weather's turned a bit stormy so I clearly picked the right day. OFFF was my motivation the entire time I was working my way back to Portland and it did <u>not</u> disappoint. It did however, <u>exhaust</u>.<br />
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It seems that every time I buy new fiber or yarn, I have a color theme in mind. Only, I don't notice until I get home! These days I am very aware that my usual autumnal palette needs to change for wearables (for me). The hair has now grown out to gray and my colors are now cooler. (another post all together).<br />
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Speaking of color, I spotted my friend <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%09%20%20%20%20%20%20http://pdxknitterati.com">Michele</a> and she had on this wonderful plum colored top and she was talking to a friend of hers <a href="http://handstitch.wordpress.com/">(Sarah)</a> who was spinning the same color. And, this struck me because I had just bought a pile of merino/angora overdyed roving (bottom left in photo above). <br />
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It was hot (and humid) and such a crowd!. Serious spinning going on. It there is a place to become completely entranced with the spin, this is it. And, the training starts early as we can see with this young lady learning to use the thigh spinning method with a supported spindle.<br />
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I spotted my new friend <a href="http://followthethread.com/">Ilisha</a> with whom I just took her JazzKnitting class. She was preparing for her book signing and wearing an incredible piece from her book. It's a peacock piece that's just crazy beautiful. (She looks like she just spotted a faerie, no?)<br />
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Ah, and then I spotted this lovely lady spinning directly from her Bunny. So still was the bunny!<br />
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And, of course I have to have a couple of sheep pictures. These multicolored Jacob really caught my eye. If you want to see them yourself, the folks at <a href="http://www.drumcliffefarm.com/">Drumcliffe Farm</a> would love to see you!<br />
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And the lamby faces that I love so:<br />
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Today I am taking the day off from anything work or house related to just feel the fiber love.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-61851312897210409732011-09-14T21:22:00.003-07:002011-09-14T21:22:35.951-07:00Week 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This is one of my many moving boxes from the pull-tab company that I worked for.</span></div>
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The furious activity has slowed down and more internal work is happening, I think. It's hard to gauge what is exhaustion from dust and allergens and what is just plain catching up on the "me-ness" of life.<br />
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For 5 months I was renting a room and was never really alone. For an introvert like me, it was slow torture. My situation was really a great one in so many ways, but at this point in my life it was very, very stressful to not have my own place. I like living alone. <br />
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The part that is so hard is being without Brahms and Suki. It gives my
life a bit of a feeling of hotel living. I've just got to get used to
it. So, it's stepping into my "old life" but not really. It's just me and the yarn and a couple hundred fiber-friends and acquaintances! Being back, I have no doubts that this is the place I'm supposed to be. This weekend is WWSIP day (World Wide Spin In Public Day) and next weekend is the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. Then, the rains come and hopefully not before.<br />
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I miss working! Looking for some part time Small Biz consulting and Bookkeeping gigs to pay Le Bills. My job experience in Kennewick was just awesome. Hard act to follow, but it's put me a good mindset for a new job, actually.<br />
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Tomorrow the bed finally comes and I shall be off the couch (that I just moved to it's new location in the living room. Ooooh. Two whole rooms to live in. Less to get into a mess! Famous last words...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-69395383479570632232011-09-08T13:49:00.000-07:002011-09-14T21:24:55.246-07:00Reunited and it Feels so Good<br />
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Reunited with my STASH that is!</div>
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The Magazines and notions are at home again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyDsY2OUbghe90JcDseUKXsu64osabWvFZAt-GDBvCu2oFXhYCHrzppNKQLgynUz2Z1xV8h9eiWluMi3Qlo3SWPJInGeIHZ43PFgRmt7nt0Q7z5cOMxHGwzTzn0-SbGpcnijBDg/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyDsY2OUbghe90JcDseUKXsu64osabWvFZAt-GDBvCu2oFXhYCHrzppNKQLgynUz2Z1xV8h9eiWluMi3Qlo3SWPJInGeIHZ43PFgRmt7nt0Q7z5cOMxHGwzTzn0-SbGpcnijBDg/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And, just a little more stash over here and one big box o' spinning fiber not shown here.<br />
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Right now it doesn't matter that I don't have any shelving for the yarn. It's enough that it's all in one place.</div>
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As you may recall...or not... back in April I got rid of pretty much everything that is not yarn or clothes that I'm really wearing. I knew that I wanted to simplify, It was time to admit to myself that trying to move all this crap was no fun when I appear to have a much more nomadic life that I expected. Life is like that, unexpected. At least for me.</div>
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This apartment has one big closet in the bed room and that's it. 550 sq feet is a wee bit small for me. No hallways though and pretty much every inch of this place can be put to work for storage if I were to spend a chunk of change at Ikea. I did get curtains and stuff there the other day. I'm not used to having an open kitchen situation. Fortunately there's a dishwasher so I don't have to look at my always dirty dishes. Yeah, I'm like that too.</div>
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I realized yesterday that the fumes from the new carpet are making me feel sleepy and so I planned to spend most of the day outdoors today. Except, I'm really really sleepy...now...</div>
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Post 2 on this subject of moving will include my fabulous new views and city life. Soon, I promise!</div>
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-4861302201039862322011-08-18T22:31:00.000-07:002011-08-18T22:31:11.032-07:00Brahms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44xE0tZooCzQ0B8_oZbY2JOrlCdBwPLGe-YlGszkmB7rX8psQtzBhyoDacbRxw5p-OKSxKihBI1FnOfbIkQYUEsYUjKJ4qlMNoZYgQwP9ridPneoC9ABym54h0bTddOlShAn1ew/s1600/DSC02940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44xE0tZooCzQ0B8_oZbY2JOrlCdBwPLGe-YlGszkmB7rX8psQtzBhyoDacbRxw5p-OKSxKihBI1FnOfbIkQYUEsYUjKJ4qlMNoZYgQwP9ridPneoC9ABym54h0bTddOlShAn1ew/s320/DSC02940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Summer 2010</div><br />
It's hard to believe that now both of my kittens are gone, but Brahms passed away on August 4th. She had been sick for so very long, and until her last few days her quality of life seemed quite good. Then, not.<br />
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I'm still numb and am having a hard time grieving the loss of my companion of 19 years. She took care of me. She was truly better than any person I've known. How can one compare cats and humans? I don't know, but the kind of communication and connection we had transverses genetic differences.<br />
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I'm moving back to Portland in 2 weeks and I knew in my heart that she would not be joining me, I just didn't know when exactly she would depart. There was so very little of her on that last day, it's amazing that she stayed as long as she did.<br />
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This new chapter is just about me.<br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-39056767617341375102011-07-20T19:43:00.000-07:002011-07-20T19:43:47.690-07:00Bloggit!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy8O8A-HGTrr3dxHM1GHtel81u_BH080C-VMurXw6TGTPaM9VLcDnBExlO9I164_sqUyDbJf9UQeOZu9qdTzsVinWpBwMBvaAg1iwwMQsZSGNpjYCRPXm9AI0DpVJxVon_8NECA/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy8O8A-HGTrr3dxHM1GHtel81u_BH080C-VMurXw6TGTPaM9VLcDnBExlO9I164_sqUyDbJf9UQeOZu9qdTzsVinWpBwMBvaAg1iwwMQsZSGNpjYCRPXm9AI0DpVJxVon_8NECA/s320/IMG_0499.JPG" width="240" /></a> <br />
Yes, I'm still blogging.<br />
Facebook ate my blog? Not gonna let it happen!<br />
Get away, Google+!<br />
I'm not giving up the ship yet, people.<br />
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I was taking the train from Portland to Pasco, Washington this past Sunday and had a chance to snap some photos of the changing landscape heading north east.If you've never done the trip, it's the Empire Builder that goes to Chicago and this short leg of the trip is a mere 4 hours.<br />
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And, when I was in Portland I took some pictures in and around MAX stops, thankful for pretty scenery as I was waiting for a train. I was waiting for a lot of trains. And buses. And walking!<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">Bucolic Beaverton... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TULfjrttW7LLNzB0i-WH_ifebsXaR-v2wJ-EpfEXCIapSjEwdYTt3nVlYRNwv-B2bI45pARHvPufYtkyf67Lrn5yFApA8OzZLN4guBSwLTf4-pumHZFkbMXSF-7ZnK2mA7RtJQ/s1600/IMG_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TULfjrttW7LLNzB0i-WH_ifebsXaR-v2wJ-EpfEXCIapSjEwdYTt3nVlYRNwv-B2bI45pARHvPufYtkyf67Lrn5yFApA8OzZLN4guBSwLTf4-pumHZFkbMXSF-7ZnK2mA7RtJQ/s320/IMG_0492.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Downtown bus stop with update screen (I love that part)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V4caHN52pRUw5Af6mWJ6h6-Vo6hgVTeLUb0-yVodgKMmQGXrlCiUxCkWSQuZx5FO8SRJ3g_LmAYyVme7wQ_dLLaDOMkThFYmOz74ckxX8qM1wVvSq_vICiRjS3H0JInu5qIaoQ/s1600/IMG_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9V4caHN52pRUw5Af6mWJ6h6-Vo6hgVTeLUb0-yVodgKMmQGXrlCiUxCkWSQuZx5FO8SRJ3g_LmAYyVme7wQ_dLLaDOMkThFYmOz74ckxX8qM1wVvSq_vICiRjS3H0JInu5qIaoQ/s320/IMG_0493.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsoE3NAwCdPyIfOlg8cJU5Qkq5I3t8YbW-lzzhHWUNMbWWMTIPpNb9V3caoctIdF_oxt2-uXn4th9uLn6dSQt33TX90g2bRjFrrotbhijp9nRrN4MQee7pmXng_Sn5W9YCfEDsg/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglsoE3NAwCdPyIfOlg8cJU5Qkq5I3t8YbW-lzzhHWUNMbWWMTIPpNb9V3caoctIdF_oxt2-uXn4th9uLn6dSQt33TX90g2bRjFrrotbhijp9nRrN4MQee7pmXng_Sn5W9YCfEDsg/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Cascades MAX stop in some lovely Summer light.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkoMtDRjc_nUvi5B1bT27z8OydijQpNW7Fqn5_-SmjW_mYPULxQt1XDk0qZN1iHKkzp2vvt18Fv5SK9EVRkkDYJHTfOK9c_8g2hr5fmf6ujCclDpjGwLK76oNR26Fb6WOAub3dg/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkoMtDRjc_nUvi5B1bT27z8OydijQpNW7Fqn5_-SmjW_mYPULxQt1XDk0qZN1iHKkzp2vvt18Fv5SK9EVRkkDYJHTfOK9c_8g2hr5fmf6ujCclDpjGwLK76oNR26Fb6WOAub3dg/s320/IMG_0508.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Trip up the Columbia River, misty in the Gorge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIAwtRLvalKCU1APLgD8Q9g742cXZ9lSERYJoFRxHYNAr-cV_zW5Zloi7oNUG1566PvmfiX6hhGHtepOwy8sobkrY0ddaLOjyLhMTrp7fC1jg19WOpJyNiRqG4It5etvkNp5wsw/s1600/IMG_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIAwtRLvalKCU1APLgD8Q9g742cXZ9lSERYJoFRxHYNAr-cV_zW5Zloi7oNUG1566PvmfiX6hhGHtepOwy8sobkrY0ddaLOjyLhMTrp7fC1jg19WOpJyNiRqG4It5etvkNp5wsw/s320/IMG_0511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Just coming out of the Gorge and you see some sandy hills...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy8O8A-HGTrr3dxHM1GHtel81u_BH080C-VMurXw6TGTPaM9VLcDnBExlO9I164_sqUyDbJf9UQeOZu9qdTzsVinWpBwMBvaAg1iwwMQsZSGNpjYCRPXm9AI0DpVJxVon_8NECA/s1600/IMG_0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHUsTF3B8cimAUQimTP4rxcKF604lCPmL-xdLp8fDRMvvPizuEk6MRueYzNfGRFmwcfu6LisDKr80atdzbD0ebMsYx__iB130huclW2QHx-Ub4els0lDQ98VesaKTbJl-YIPf_w/s1600/IMG_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHUsTF3B8cimAUQimTP4rxcKF604lCPmL-xdLp8fDRMvvPizuEk6MRueYzNfGRFmwcfu6LisDKr80atdzbD0ebMsYx__iB130huclW2QHx-Ub4els0lDQ98VesaKTbJl-YIPf_w/s320/IMG_0521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Now we've got a bit of green left but the landscape is really changing now.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LTnRfpPzzUX6MbXXwf7U97U6kQ9HHMG8wCDRuXSRihCL2P66cjH1x1MNy1EWEmwFlOwwpHnPssRwKTR7f90oYWDhTEyvHZg9pKPEQr6I1aPtY3D9OqU4PzhA3VTof220aX7__Q/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LTnRfpPzzUX6MbXXwf7U97U6kQ9HHMG8wCDRuXSRihCL2P66cjH1x1MNy1EWEmwFlOwwpHnPssRwKTR7f90oYWDhTEyvHZg9pKPEQr6I1aPtY3D9OqU4PzhA3VTof220aX7__Q/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1_9S5s3MTFuPDiU6Hpp8QyTwSX_qkGnTVbqV5hWGfehZwZH8aHL4Ex-ugJoyibyACqWN7dpRfd_Uh-HDenzqurrqvzv4u4GRQ-smqEoUGgFesK-RDLHK8oBl-A7-MtGfc-v9Ag/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1_9S5s3MTFuPDiU6Hpp8QyTwSX_qkGnTVbqV5hWGfehZwZH8aHL4Ex-ugJoyibyACqWN7dpRfd_Uh-HDenzqurrqvzv4u4GRQ-smqEoUGgFesK-RDLHK8oBl-A7-MtGfc-v9Ag/s320/IMG_0525.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Here as the sun has made it's departure, the flat desert awaits...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-14400478579135759972011-06-25T15:28:00.000-07:002011-06-25T15:28:21.757-07:00Patterns Available Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVAa0LkH_tFKWQdB56_oPp_lTS5pHuuRyeXMsbwz27J1hbWAXPU30tbl74LaZU0aho5hIMDUhkRuiupYoaUwlyF5EOnzvydnhRZmH7jlAh3YTiyFCeXTD91KE8KsD1c0r7LXiGw/s1600/Copy+of+flor+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVAa0LkH_tFKWQdB56_oPp_lTS5pHuuRyeXMsbwz27J1hbWAXPU30tbl74LaZU0aho5hIMDUhkRuiupYoaUwlyF5EOnzvydnhRZmH7jlAh3YTiyFCeXTD91KE8KsD1c0r7LXiGw/s320/Copy+of+flor+hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Just a quick note to let you know that I've uploaded most of my patterns to the<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/melissa-barton"> Ravelry pattern stor</a>e. There was a lot of interest in Florentina as just a pattern and it's up now as well as the other big fave, Oregon Tweed socks. Have at it, pass it on and keep knitting!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-56717547896915109392011-05-21T15:09:00.000-07:002011-05-21T15:09:39.272-07:00It's the '70s Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi3rxDEXYUZ2M2W0Y22hXbizAap1zk6iC0fJd4w5RI4YZJWIuQKEUopX1_-cTLLW8THeXdrHiDcEAONz6pY_hXa_BsdLcIyTVvT7hTPwMTlEsmcmJ0dzwlc_sbhw9gFFZzWovmg/s1600/image0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi3rxDEXYUZ2M2W0Y22hXbizAap1zk6iC0fJd4w5RI4YZJWIuQKEUopX1_-cTLLW8THeXdrHiDcEAONz6pY_hXa_BsdLcIyTVvT7hTPwMTlEsmcmJ0dzwlc_sbhw9gFFZzWovmg/s320/image0.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yes, this is a flannel shirt in my yearbook picture.</span></div>I've been listening to music while I work these days. In the past, when I was working on the computer, I found that I could only listen to instrumental works. Now, much of my typing is numerical and I so I'm finding that I can listen to more lyrical music. Sure, my mainstay is the local <a href="http://www.nwpr.org/">classical music station</a>, but with my entire musical library on my iphone, I can listen to... well... anything.<br />
<br />
Of course, finding the appropriate music for a given day can kind of be like trying on clothes. It just may not fit my mood. Yesterday I found myself in a Neil Young groove listening to Harvest. (1972). The picture above was taken for my High School Yearbook in '77, but it's safe to say I was listening to that album around then. I remember my friend Annie preforming "Needle and the Damage Done" at a talent show when we were around 16. I don't remember what I played.<br />
<br />
Anyhooo.....<br />
<br />
It was such a relief to listen to music yesterday that was so "un-synthesized". Then, this morning I was on Pam's House Blend watching a little <a href="http://pamshouseblend.com/diary/19255/sunday-with-sappho">Chris Williamson retrospective</a>. Folks like to joke about the Women's Music movement but seriously, it shaped my coming out years in a serious way. Even at the time, it sounded a little hokey, and running into the music that shaped us can certainly have either a grounding or a humbling effect. There is definitely music that I will NEVER own up to listening to. This reminds me of my ex, Alex thinking that I was listening to the Greats Hits of the Carpenters for "ironic" affect. Uh...no.<br />
<br />
I feel lucky to have grown up in an analog and acoustic age. I still look at a digital clock and translate it in my head to hands on the face of a clock. I listen to the "over-souled" music that is so popular now and long for a "real" voice, un-tampered-with.<br />
<br />
I do know though that I'm also lucky enough to call up any given musical memory by typing a few keywords into my computer and downloading a digital version.As it turns out, I'm not picky enough or have an ear sensitive enough to hear the difference between vinyl and bytes. I can appreciate the advantage of instant musical gratification for my sentimental moods. It's the best of both worlds by my estimation. <br />
<br />
I'd love to hear about your experiences of re-kindling long lost musical memories and how the combination of analog and digital music exists in your world.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-38235268072825315942011-05-10T17:12:00.000-07:002011-05-10T17:12:46.011-07:00Is This a Record?Is this the longest I've gone without blogging? Probably not, but it certainly feels that way.<br />
<br />
Everything has changed.<br />
<br />
I closed Krafti-Kit. Not enough capital to throw at what I still think is a great idea, even if it ended up morphing into more of a knitting company. Would have liked to expand the fiber crafts even more. I'm taking a break from designing right now, as well. <br />
<br />
One of the most significant changes is that Suki passed away on April 2nd after a protracted illness. I miss her very much but I don't think would have wanted to move again. She was really ready to leave this world as much as she loved me.She left quietly...<br />
<br />
I've moved on to another temporary living situation, just down the road. Regrouping. Paring down to the essentials. Trying to figure out what the next step is, and when. Late Summer? Brahms is hanging in, just. She likes where we live and the big friendly dog and how she can just rest for now.<br />
<br />
I can sort of rest right now, but I feel restless and wanting to travel. Only short trips for now as I'm committed to a job.<br />
<br />
That's the long and short of it. Mostly the short of it because the longer version is...well... messy. I don't even have a picture for this post so I'll just leave you with a picture of lovely Miss Suki.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQHfKTVhzq-8W7CP8BrA6Fnh6kAKBHIPD5gZjbm-_40_6WuvPy4JTNLsK3WF-H-dbAUkB5TWgS3XuYXQEBbd2mN4XmLF6JdaZL3Nv2y8wbCAfrkZSlY_SFKZBF_nsViIE2XoLKA/s1600/IMG_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQHfKTVhzq-8W7CP8BrA6Fnh6kAKBHIPD5gZjbm-_40_6WuvPy4JTNLsK3WF-H-dbAUkB5TWgS3XuYXQEBbd2mN4XmLF6JdaZL3Nv2y8wbCAfrkZSlY_SFKZBF_nsViIE2XoLKA/s320/IMG_0716.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXjSbh_l2AO_z1Ly6S4tpdA1i6Bupfj7RUGxGYOniOinDcEIUTP3IqL-tVZDxaCHQGKAeevao69QTvi7melXt3LUgCJuCP6jwDMyG-FjHHg3E_ZCiBOk8MPdcLfAaypnnF_xayA/s1600/DSC01895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-29290192058993297242011-03-03T18:25:00.000-08:002011-03-03T18:25:48.060-08:00Life...Curated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpuIY4uHC3nh6pT-UdEP0X7fC0VSQ3qGmIUopRyttNem7h-SAdSjLopQfbL90bFYnmpqw7TWzqlLr24lOpJX-K-4rPGQNz_s9Y1acQ3yfpCidULtzu99dcuCSchoLx451S8WTEA/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJpuIY4uHC3nh6pT-UdEP0X7fC0VSQ3qGmIUopRyttNem7h-SAdSjLopQfbL90bFYnmpqw7TWzqlLr24lOpJX-K-4rPGQNz_s9Y1acQ3yfpCidULtzu99dcuCSchoLx451S8WTEA/s400/IMG_0362.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have this theory:<br />
People over age 40 are pretty careful about what they post on Facebook or in their blogs, understanding that they have worked a fair amount of their lives to create a "self" that they have some investment in.<br />
People under age 40 are much less careful about how they "put themselves out there" on social media because they don't seem to have as much "self protection" on the internet.<br />
<br />
Now, wait a minute and don't go all crazy on me with comments that start with: But, I... (!)<br />
<br />
I know this is a huge generalization. <i>I do</i>. I also know that I'm starting to find this whole social networking thing pretty exhausting because there seems so little I can actually write about! If you take out the complaining, the TMI subjects, religion, money and intimate relationships, you've just cut down what I think about and would therefore write about, considerably! Mostly knitting or business.<br />
<br />
I made a joke last night on Facebook "You can't un-ring a bell."<br />
<br />
That comment brought out a couple of folks who thought <i>knew</i> what it was I might want to say. In fact, there are so many things I want to say and so often. Most often, I simply don't. Not on Facebook, on Twitter, or even on one of my three blogs. I'm getting to wonder what the point is! I don't think I'm running for president anymore. Ha! Just what am I protecting...?<br />
<br />
Back to the title of this post, referring to "curated" content. I read that as a description of how I get my news and current information on my iphone. I know it's someone else choosing of what I might like to read. I accept that the New York Times will give me some pretty interesting stuff to read, several times a day, even if I didn't handpick it myself through the many pages of a newspaper.<br />
<br />
I'm starting to think of my social network life as a "curated" version of me. I just don't know if I like it anymore. This is going to be a long conversation with myself on this topic, as it has already been. I'm just sharing it with you now. See...sharing more! Hmmmm. We'll see. I'll keep you posted.<br />
I would like to hear other folks' thoughts on this.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, when I first started this blog, I wrote a fair amount about some personal <a href="http://teaknit.blogspot.com/2004/10/what-is-now.html">insights in my life at that time.</a> Those particular insights could have been written just yesterday. Maybe I'll take up that line of thought again. In fact, I'm going to a new <a href="http://finchsangha.8m.net/">zendo</a> in my neighborhood and renewing my Zen practice. It's come at a really good time but it is challenging. I'll keep you posted on that as well. It all comes around to the same thing I'm thinking about. Read the first sentence of this post. An investment in self. How "un Zen."<br />
<br />
Back to knitting.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-39315268770233953502011-02-01T13:29:00.001-08:002011-02-01T13:31:37.210-08:00Washington Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnN_j6VTQn9OsyU5XYrUm7QbNfT8kQDAstPguqEt35OKcMKT0CEp9REcXu2G6CyOpsr3NhomDSmIJ2SeyMcQOB3Efnn27V69i0rf3obVfAHnUIn76wbbtjKrJBL0i3ysUs-7BhA/s1600/DSC01661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnN_j6VTQn9OsyU5XYrUm7QbNfT8kQDAstPguqEt35OKcMKT0CEp9REcXu2G6CyOpsr3NhomDSmIJ2SeyMcQOB3Efnn27V69i0rf3obVfAHnUIn76wbbtjKrJBL0i3ysUs-7BhA/s400/DSC01661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Today is more of a photo sharing day than a writing day, but it'll give you a bit of an idea of what I've been up to, knitting and nature-wise.<br />
Above and below is a single that I spun from an interesting batt of wool, angora and alpaca.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZfzWyisj2h_IKCD4BN6L_PAWo8rNYKTD1nvfVZZeYVewpV1qcJDZBlVXDlW6Bd8WegOIXipH5JwgLuzCGweD4j8ofBk0G5Gh-hA750mEA5Ij0EtyEVXWwHkkxAhaj06UEBgz8g/s1600/DSC01652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZfzWyisj2h_IKCD4BN6L_PAWo8rNYKTD1nvfVZZeYVewpV1qcJDZBlVXDlW6Bd8WegOIXipH5JwgLuzCGweD4j8ofBk0G5Gh-hA750mEA5Ij0EtyEVXWwHkkxAhaj06UEBgz8g/s400/DSC01652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19mJD3OSlFFp1wMnRQvCQ9BS1YOVVk-fl65HG0FaSklgPz6aOFKBkZpTYHav113Nqzn7z4WhWy3xAS68ZN5Prhp69i9XlMIfbkW1Yws1FmMyaM-6EOd444o5_CVx471yGqupfiQ/s1600/green+gables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19mJD3OSlFFp1wMnRQvCQ9BS1YOVVk-fl65HG0FaSklgPz6aOFKBkZpTYHav113Nqzn7z4WhWy3xAS68ZN5Prhp69i9XlMIfbkW1Yws1FmMyaM-6EOd444o5_CVx471yGqupfiQ/s400/green+gables.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.krafti-kit.com/products/Gables_Lace_Bookmark-48-1.html">This </a>is the newest addition to the lace bookmark collection at Krafti-Kit. Pretty popular and a really fun way to learn to read charts.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cIGBchEsRtUY8O9SKdN4SizCT9Df3QBLnDv19qF4VC0f1nXol1P_hcCgo0cNZCQXiZ0c5Ptc2h4EM8ewZ2OSWvM2ue0l3tEG0WGIuoFLUykOyYbqY5fO1ZoDzepzx4Zbs1icHw/s1600/DSC01624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cIGBchEsRtUY8O9SKdN4SizCT9Df3QBLnDv19qF4VC0f1nXol1P_hcCgo0cNZCQXiZ0c5Ptc2h4EM8ewZ2OSWvM2ue0l3tEG0WGIuoFLUykOyYbqY5fO1ZoDzepzx4Zbs1icHw/s400/DSC01624.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Here we have a OMG, it's COLD quick hat and gloves that I knitted for Mitch. The gloves are from handspun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHGf2DhNrf7Itk56qsp1i1edrNzs7SjnTFbEO30zo3Z7z6aydtDHBZzTLPbxIWrXeQOFzSAnGTXMiK0nY5wEKmenwxu4v-C3Y6eDYtvJA-gn41EeMX1_-htcCm7x3Koh1Ub7R3A/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHGf2DhNrf7Itk56qsp1i1edrNzs7SjnTFbEO30zo3Z7z6aydtDHBZzTLPbxIWrXeQOFzSAnGTXMiK0nY5wEKmenwxu4v-C3Y6eDYtvJA-gn41EeMX1_-htcCm7x3Koh1Ub7R3A/s400/IMG_0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was last weekend, driving through Vantage, WA, along the Columbia.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeM3Fw1ipKyx4b7asc3UPzzw4DJIOXg-GSB5kr8dnmtaRTtgQJ3PiR-trOIyVPdaW2XQHiklVwL3AeiQtjvPPQdwPkqM68-lbBOOW0mzA4b9f8nw9EohjPipz6zRs7Yl3jZrvcA/s1600/DSC_0306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeM3Fw1ipKyx4b7asc3UPzzw4DJIOXg-GSB5kr8dnmtaRTtgQJ3PiR-trOIyVPdaW2XQHiklVwL3AeiQtjvPPQdwPkqM68-lbBOOW0mzA4b9f8nw9EohjPipz6zRs7Yl3jZrvcA/s400/DSC_0306.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>This is a shot taken up in Ellensberg, WA when it was snowing. (photo: Mitch Da Re)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dqwuStnHYNkQkCGtxptJk5jq-MENnjEeRlGNvXB9CkMEW5jwk1f0gphugWYIgHiUvH6OXTg1TsySzgsz7nUrqLGHmHs7S5hxU0pypO3x-tjORGW-IGUuLdrACTu-GJbze8WNnw/s1600/DSC_0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dqwuStnHYNkQkCGtxptJk5jq-MENnjEeRlGNvXB9CkMEW5jwk1f0gphugWYIgHiUvH6OXTg1TsySzgsz7nUrqLGHmHs7S5hxU0pypO3x-tjORGW-IGUuLdrACTu-GJbze8WNnw/s400/DSC_0337.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Here we have Leavenworth, WA (The name was an initial deterrent to me, but was instead a beautiful Christmas wonderland of an Austrian flavor. (photo: Mitch Da Re)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, little random look at my winter. I have so many UFO's on the needles, I'm hoping to post some finished projects soon. Back to the needles and hook. Later, peeps! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-71339281580026143752010-12-16T12:04:00.000-08:002010-12-16T12:04:56.485-08:00Monthly?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TTsGpRcdPQZKRNtf4VkmnYtOGpQ4WR0J2sAU8pLgaD56X6DJ08p48o3SRKMgC4xx0Ec-SK4EIzj-6SiwVzdZc51qRjQckIkN3CHkYAK4FwU_7zU_2zzQxt_u15HERbaKnLOeRw/s1600/IMG_0962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TTsGpRcdPQZKRNtf4VkmnYtOGpQ4WR0J2sAU8pLgaD56X6DJ08p48o3SRKMgC4xx0Ec-SK4EIzj-6SiwVzdZc51qRjQckIkN3CHkYAK4FwU_7zU_2zzQxt_u15HERbaKnLOeRw/s400/IMG_0962.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes, it has been a month since I posted, but for good reason. My computer up and died a very sudden death. This past month has been all about scrambling to get my files downloaded from my off-site backup and to find another computer.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now I have a loaner computer (thanks Em) that's an older version of my Toshiba Satellite laptop but it's having some problems getting online wirelessly. Lest you forget, I do have an online business :-) Yeah, not so great. In this household it seems like we have multiple computers that each have their own strength, but no ONE does it all. Even this sweet little macbook that I'm on (thanks honey) doesn't work with my shipping software.</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I am posting so that you know that I am still alive. I made it through the first round of snow madness here in the Columbia River Basin (how I now refer to this place). Next post will include actual pictures of knitted articles. They are very slowly getting completed. I actually think I've been doing more darning lately. What's up with that? All my socks are giving out at exactly the same moment. I have nothing against darning but it is nothing compared to actually finishing a pair of socks!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-3696149910098889242010-11-15T16:49:00.001-08:002010-11-16T14:19:24.210-08:00EnvironsFrom the "internal" to the "external".<br />
<br />
Since I moved to Washington, a lot of folks have asked me what it's like here. Well, at the moment, very windy as a new weather system moves through. The sky is big here and you can generally see a lot of weather coming through. Fun! Yah!<br />
<br />
I have a new camera that Mitch "gave" me (thanks hon!) and I was just outside last weekend taking some shots. What I came up with is a view from right outside the door where we have artificially watered grass, a park with a walking loop and trees planted outside the door. Everything else around here is very...sage-y. Tumbleweed-y.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVLTq_RpnVIMhRXXcSDXLA4SL-yYNCNgTQFhIfFTihioBLRroEKLKadTNes90poly1Cl_s1VAk9XGUptnslmO5bVaMKZPiZPMnf4O_75erHUaMB2z8yAVH_OnJvTwXVHIMjWHgA/s1600/DSC01581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVLTq_RpnVIMhRXXcSDXLA4SL-yYNCNgTQFhIfFTihioBLRroEKLKadTNes90poly1Cl_s1VAk9XGUptnslmO5bVaMKZPiZPMnf4O_75erHUaMB2z8yAVH_OnJvTwXVHIMjWHgA/s400/DSC01581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Oh, and now the leaves are gone because the maintenance folks actually take care of that. Ha!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIJhDAcS_E4GAOB7Mu3tchs-Lj675t7_IrxLEHlIoP_BgDkIPls2Ws3Vh8uvUEaizFef4NJxllQvG_ZYkCP_PPaW_ynS_YTQ9jTGSG4Oa1AGqNWDdVBoUaqhpBjbyaUgl22CtLw/s1600/DSC01582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIJhDAcS_E4GAOB7Mu3tchs-Lj675t7_IrxLEHlIoP_BgDkIPls2Ws3Vh8uvUEaizFef4NJxllQvG_ZYkCP_PPaW_ynS_YTQ9jTGSG4Oa1AGqNWDdVBoUaqhpBjbyaUgl22CtLw/s400/DSC01582.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above and below, the lovely view from the patio off the living room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsBLTlua8zn3lhWfBU6Wy5y4d6wuGSVBmPbD6e-C2Aw_I8ur73QjbAuQKSFQh13xC1qx61Tjtsc2Y5WnPecRldlEB8I7AyL3cvXTwjduloNYTAKFWaIqF3JFYmzvBXc6Nm-myfg/s1600/photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsBLTlua8zn3lhWfBU6Wy5y4d6wuGSVBmPbD6e-C2Aw_I8ur73QjbAuQKSFQh13xC1qx61Tjtsc2Y5WnPecRldlEB8I7AyL3cvXTwjduloNYTAKFWaIqF3JFYmzvBXc6Nm-myfg/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxXHQ-3_CO5I1i9_0ItH5Yq-CNcE8X9zlx6W2NSVXAFK-2A1wYfyXw2nvpm3L5ZgY4wgM4X25tkyRxWQEshlFiqYKTakbgk_LT5Dpj-UAkJIUwG9wb7yV7n-POT1I0gsMdAP1ag/s1600/DSC01592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxXHQ-3_CO5I1i9_0ItH5Yq-CNcE8X9zlx6W2NSVXAFK-2A1wYfyXw2nvpm3L5ZgY4wgM4X25tkyRxWQEshlFiqYKTakbgk_LT5Dpj-UAkJIUwG9wb7yV7n-POT1I0gsMdAP1ag/s400/DSC01592.JPG" width="400" /> </a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsBLTlua8zn3lhWfBU6Wy5y4d6wuGSVBmPbD6e-C2Aw_I8ur73QjbAuQKSFQh13xC1qx61Tjtsc2Y5WnPecRldlEB8I7AyL3cvXTwjduloNYTAKFWaIqF3JFYmzvBXc6Nm-myfg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>View from the DP (aka dog park) 'cause you know we can't say the words because the DOG goes nuts. It's very desert-y. Yes, Melissa is living with a dog. The cats are KIND of living with the dog because they live in the upstairs and the dog is not exactly allowed upstairs. Gotta keep the peace, people.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUwcF4kidTspXoWKHL9RIwri56KD0JTIGhfSzd-cDyfIZIiwCCXvzv1H8p7cUSXAvwiGEX7dFEHYHuccMAfYkVfRQ_0itF1-8y2XxwNsPsmYjiDpPCvDeZeIvtcjRjJ7VCgjJFA/s1600/photo%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUwcF4kidTspXoWKHL9RIwri56KD0JTIGhfSzd-cDyfIZIiwCCXvzv1H8p7cUSXAvwiGEX7dFEHYHuccMAfYkVfRQ_0itF1-8y2XxwNsPsmYjiDpPCvDeZeIvtcjRjJ7VCgjJFA/s400/photo%25281%2529.JPG" width="333" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Dog</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkzIwH4872FAI_42FFwrUGqjSQmxzgU-jNTaLeijXuXvg0qtzcEip7V6uLnQ7zFS4FmNvtaVZy2BVvOe48eNk27xm_UIHr0hgoDnLKNHu9LX-N43PatR9h1n7nux6jPEabo6YwA/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkzIwH4872FAI_42FFwrUGqjSQmxzgU-jNTaLeijXuXvg0qtzcEip7V6uLnQ7zFS4FmNvtaVZy2BVvOe48eNk27xm_UIHr0hgoDnLKNHu9LX-N43PatR9h1n7nux6jPEabo6YwA/s400/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Ohhhhh. Doesn't she look skeeeery!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gibDciZQS8vOhW0JqEgB7djpjcaqvH-w4THg556iXuJXHt88RtE93k6QTy8M4dSPycHEeL1d6DvlteMNWih3U3ApS49Tpoaybu2v_nc3W01yO_LPHSj2yLJepI6JN_BHLncYvQ/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gibDciZQS8vOhW0JqEgB7djpjcaqvH-w4THg556iXuJXHt88RtE93k6QTy8M4dSPycHEeL1d6DvlteMNWih3U3ApS49Tpoaybu2v_nc3W01yO_LPHSj2yLJepI6JN_BHLncYvQ/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Knitting content: Vilai by Cookie A.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm actually doing a lot of knitting these days, but these socks have got my attention in a serious way. Next time I post I will devote copious amounts of text and pictures to the MANY projects underway. Promise.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854534.post-12481614909704948132010-11-09T20:00:00.000-08:002010-11-09T20:00:07.916-08:00In All Honesty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzVCWhP-tR05IBi9jSPMMicyKiwLkU8cWUtfPkLAM3DlcSYCIhKtvmJW2JbrlYv-aivvLGusDZuMHbpjigcVszcK03i3StS9M2gnQmqQiKkOscPo6fMUzPPmvXpQyQ9_tL6VYnA/s1600/Photo_00008+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzVCWhP-tR05IBi9jSPMMicyKiwLkU8cWUtfPkLAM3DlcSYCIhKtvmJW2JbrlYv-aivvLGusDZuMHbpjigcVszcK03i3StS9M2gnQmqQiKkOscPo6fMUzPPmvXpQyQ9_tL6VYnA/s320/Photo_00008+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In this blog,I try and give a general "outline" of the events in my life, especially my fiber-related life. It's only been on rare occasions that I've written about more. I have two other blogs, one for Krafti-Kit and one for my consulting practice that is on vacation. In some way, all of these blogs have become somewhat "professional" instead of "confessional". That's been a good thing for me. I'm coming up on my 6 year anniversary for Tea and Knitting. Good thing the title still works for me. There has been little else in terms on consistency in my life, though.<br />
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<a href="http://teaknit.blogspot.com/2004/11/tea-and-waiting.html">My first post</a> didn't have any photos because I didn't have a camera yet. I was more though about what I was feeling.<br />
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Tonight I've just gotten back from a session with a physical therapist/healer. She did some amazing work and I feel so very clear-headed. I have homework. You know, small questions like, "What is my soul's purpose?" When I was in the office, I said I didn't know the answer. Now that I sit down to write this I realize that I do know the answer: To transform the lives of others through accompanying them on a deeper journey.<br />
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For me, the next part is to figure out how to be okay with that and what it means for my daily life on this earth. I've decided to put this post out here tonight because I am truly <u>not</u> happy. I am grieving the loss of my friend and business partner, Laura. I am a stranger in a very strange land. I am holding my pain in a place within my body that if I do not let go, I will become sick. I've done that before and it did not go well as a life-plan. Yeah. I feel okay to tell my truth. Life is short.<br />
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If you are reading this, I'm sure you can relate. So many of us are struggling to "remember who we are". I am there, with you. I curse my dreams and nightmares every night, but really they do show me what's going on when I need a reminder. Someone did tell me recently that I could tell my dreams that they can stop scaring me. I get it. It actually worked.<br />
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And now, if you're still reading this, try and find just one small thing that will make you happy for now, if you're not happy. Or try a little <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Acceptance-Embracing-Heart-Buddha/dp/0553801678">Radical Acceptance</a> and decide that you're fine the way you are. I think I am.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><div align="center">
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</div>Melissa Bartonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03383450170252545071noreply@blogger.com2