Way to make a girl feel better. Sheesh. I throw myself a pity party fully expecting no one to show and then you all come and I didn’t clean the house, laundry every where and I didn’t have SNACKS. How can you throw a party without snacks? I’m a terrible hostess.
Seriously, though, thank you all for your comments. It’s all a matter of self-judgement and rationally I know that I will never be able to attain the heights I set for myself. I know I’m good. I’m just not GOOD ENOUGH. Over the years I’ve tried and tried to be nicer to myself and for the most part I’m succeeding. I’m much gentler than I was, say, ten years ago. But it’s hard to recode the DNA. The whole families like me – some worse than others – but still it’s there.
A couple of friends and I were talking about blogging the other day too and what kind of boundaries we set on the blog. How sometimes we can meet someone who reads the blog and they can ask us a question and we’re sort of taken aback because WHOA! How do you know abou that? Kind of personal no? Even though we know full well we talked about it on the blog. The things I talk about on my blog are things you’d here me talk about anywhere. I find it very hard to hold back in my personal life and see no reason why that would be the case on the blog. I’m an open book. It makes me FEEL better to talk about stuff – get it out of my head. Always out of my head. So anyway, I’m not sure what I’m trying to say here, but yesterday’s little tantrum wasn’t meant to illicit comments on how great I am or anything (that’s what I have Ann for honestly) but more as an expression of how I’m feeling at any particular time. Think of me as your favorite two year old. If I’m feeling it, chances are you’re hearing it. Lucky for my husband he has a day job. 😉
Things improved RADICALLY as the day progressed yesterday. First off, I made myself the most awesome bowl of oatmeal EVER. G eats oatmeal a lot and I sometimes partake but after a desperate phone call on how to make it his way (half cup oats, one cup water) I played around a bit and came up with my fabulously spectacular recipe: half a cup of oats (McCann’s Irish), half a cup water, half a cup 2% milk. Microwave for 2 minutes. Put a TON of honey on the top. Taste. Put more honey in there. Then sprinkle with cinnamon. YUMMMMMMMM! It was so damn good.
Then I got some work done. Then I knit a bit to take a break. Then my sister called and told me how ridiculously cute my niece was at her first day of dance class. Then I was hungry again and I went into the kitchen. I eyed the box of Microwave popcorn. Nah. I wasn’t into the kernels stuck in my teeth. Then I opened the freezer to find out what kind of processed goodness we had hiding in there. Frozen corn. Hmmmm. Could I eat a box of frozen corn for lunch? Corn was obviously calling to me for some reason. Then I opened the cupboard and looked through the canned goods and lo and behold – a can of CORN FREAKING CHOWDER?! How the hell did that get there? I can’t remember EVER eating Corn Chowder and G doesn’t really like soup or only eats lentil and I have no idea how long the can was there but my sister said it was still good as long as the can looked okay – like no dents or bloating – so I had Corn Chowder for lunch. Dudes. I licked the bowl. PERFECTION!
Then I did some more work and got a LOT accomplished (imagine that) and finally went back to my shawl. Somehow someway I managed to get myself 20 ROWS shy of the first lace pattern. Right now I have 207 stitches and I need 247 before I start lace chart 1! WHOOHOO!
The most boring progress picture in the world! But who cares?!
The 7s really are lucky – the fabric is nice I think – a good drape, but solid still and I’m loving knitting with the yarn. Not too many anomalies at all and it’s pretty damn even. Excellent work spinner girl! But you want to know what I love the BEST about the shawl. The way it smells. I swear to god I’d be done with it already if I didn’t stop every five minutes to bury my nose in it. I’m not exactly sure what it smells like – maybe a little like G to be honest. I made him smell it last night and he appeased me, but oooh! It smells good. When I rinsed the yarn after I spun it I used some dishwashing liquid (Dawn Apple Blossom) but only a little bit. I don’t know what it is but I LOVE it. I hope I don’t lose the smell when I have to block it because I’m going to LOVE wearing this wrapped around me. It’s soft AND it smells good.
And to prove that I’m in SUCH a good mood today (even though it’s still MISERABLE out) I’m going to put up the sidebar sign-ups for RHINEBECK!! Kim P mentioned in the comments that it’s only 36 days until the big sheep out and you know how I feel about the number 36 so today’s the DAY!!! (Yeah, yeah it’s early. But I’ve had my freaking hotel reservation for six months already and it can’t get here soon enough!)
Meet-UP!
Saturday, October 21st, 1:00 PM
Outside Building E
(Which conveniently houses the Wine Tasting, the American Cheese Society,
Specialty Foods and an ATM. HUZZAH!)
I am aware that there is a Charka Demonstration with Jonathan Bosworth scheduled at 1PM as well – but it’s in Building E, so maybe you can do both?
And don’t forget BLOGGER BINGO!!! The Meet-Up is a perfect place to fill in your squares!
Leave me your name in the comments and I’ll add you to the list in the sidebar! Tell your friends!
Have a great weekend!
L, C
PS – The sheep picture above was taken from the Sheep and Wool website. For more information about it, go to the website The artist is Jodie Rae Plaut.
So glad to hear that yesterday ended better than it started!
Please sign me up for the Meet-Up, too!
Dude, I’m so there! And my hotel (which is also your hotel, I hear) reservations have been made forever, too.
I will be there, and I may have another blogger with me too! Jenny’s blog is:
http://womanobsessed.blogspot.com/
So glad you’re feeling better! I HATE those kind of days, but, a day like that makes the next (insert a large #) days good. I so wish I could just take off & go to this Rhinebeck that you all speak of! I miss all the good stuff!
McCann’s Irish Oatmeal Rules!!!
And I’m glad you’re feeling better too! Yay for better than expected days!
OMG…I’m nearly in tears to think that in 35 days I will meet you in person! Love the sheepy button and can’t wait to see everyone else in 36 days;-)
I’m glad that yesterday turned out better than it started. Sometimes you need to have a temper tantrum and smash things against the wall in order to gain perspective. Just don’t lob the knitting across the room, ask me how I know that.
I wanna go to Rhinebeck so bad I could scream.
Glad today is a better day. I’ll see you at the meet-up. Maybe this time I won’t be a crazy pschyo blog stalker and will actually say hello properly. (*I met you in MD and totally embarrased myself*)
count me in! as of now, i believe that i’ll be there though i’m gonna be good and not buy TOO much yarn 🙂
can’t wait to meet you all in person!
Put me down, with the footnote that I am hoping, hoping, hoping to go!
Sign me up, I’ll be there 🙂 I can’t wait to meet you and the other bloggers that have been giving me so much inspiration over the last couple of years.
I’ll see you at the meet-up!
MMMmmm! Corn chowder on a dreary day – sounds good 🙂
two year old? I think you’re giving yourself too much credit! 😉
two year old? I think you’re giving yourself too much credit! 😉
Please sign me up for the Meet-Up.
Blue Blog Alison and I will be there, add us to the list! Can’t wait to see you again, I can’t believe it’s been a whole year already!
Never had corn chowder? You live such a sheltered life. Heh. My favorite is fish-and-corn chowdah. I bet Sandy makes a killer one. I don’t do too bad myself. 🙂
I’ll be at the meetup. Margene just freaked me out — just a little over a month? I better get to work!
Oooh, oatmeal. I love oatmeal – such a comfort food. Although my favorite is McCann’s steel cut oats. Just a little more texture. I’m going to try mine with honey and cinnamon – sounds just about perfect to me. I’m glad the shawl is working out better – it’s still gorgeous.
So G smells like sheep dipped in washing up liquid?????????
Got to tell you though…I already had a one to one demo of the Bosworth book charka with the great Bosworth himself, at Woolfest. He even said a couple of really nice things as I made a complete and utter hash of trying his beautiful charka out. I`d have bought one on the spot if he`d had any with him to sell!
So G smells like sheep dipped in washing up liquid?????????
Got to tell you though…I already had a one to one demo of the Bosworth book charka with the great Bosworth himself, at Woolfest. He even said a couple of really nice things as I made a complete and utter hash of trying his beautiful charka out. I`d have bought one on the spot if he`d had any with him to sell!
I’ll be there :o)
Cara, i’m so happy you bounced back!! You are my Hero(ine). As for Rheinback, I may need to bring my autograph book with me! (not to mention my bingo cards). I heart October.
I’m there!!! Please sign me up. I should have vibegirl Lara (http://knit.vibegrrl.com/index.php) and small hands Chelsea (http://thedevashands.blogspot.com/) with me, too.
(Not sure where I’m staying, actually. Need to get on that…)
Oh yeah, I am SO going to that Rhinebeck meet-up!
And, please, don’t get me started on Irish oatmeal. I adore that stuff, but only get to make it on weekends because it takes so long. (Oatmeal and microwaves do not get along in my house.) But . . . yum. Although, I’d do a pat of butter and a touch of brown sugar rather than the honey . . .
At least you’ve got shifting colors to look at in your Seraphim. I’ve got straight solid blue. If the yarn didn’t feel so yummy, I’d have been poking myself in the eye with my needles for a bit of amusement.
You’re gonna shame me by having your Seraphim done before I finish mine, aren’t you?
Oatmeal has medicinal value 🙂 Guess what! I just cast on my first skein of two ply handspun, and YOU get the credit! My spinning is coming along really well and is a lot of fun.
I will be there!!!
I’ll be there!! Yippee!
I’ve been meaning to comment about this for the last few weeks…aren’t you loving that they’ve finally started playing the Ryan and Vicki storylines on AW?! It’s now my favorite way to relax after work…I come home, pull out my knitting, and watch an episode. I love it!
I’ll be at the meetup! Can’t wait!
I enjoyed your outburst, catharsis is wonderful. ;-)! It was great to read the write up on Spin In/Out in Spin Off also.
Sign me up for the meet up too.
Glad you feel better. Yay comfort food and comfort knitting! Love the shawl.
Hey, me! Me, me, me!! Please add me to the Rhinebeck list. ; )
I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I love it when you write this way.
I always have to consider the kernels in the teeth when I eat popcorn, too. Corn on the cob is REALLY fun. ; )
Dude, will we know you by your blue shawl after all? See yuz dere.
Ooooh, it’ll be my first time at Rhinebeck. Please sign me up 🙂
McCann’s Oatmeal rocks my world…try a dash of nutmeg, too!
I’ll be there–my first time evah!
Fantastic progress on your shawl and yes, McCann’s does rock.
So count me in to the big Meet-Up! I may have a ‘sherpa’ in tow, for you see I used the wine tasting and cheese society as one of the lures for said vacation to Rhinebeck. “Honey, look where you can stay while I fondle baby alpaca wool.”
Also, please excuse the state of my blog for Typepad has done something magical that I can’t seem to reverse at this time.
Mmmm. Oatmeal. Now I want oatmeal.
I’m glad things are looking up! Yay for Rhinebeck in just about a month! Please add me to your meet up list also! Thanks!
i’ll be there too!
🙂
Sign me up for Rhinebeck! I can’t wait!
Yay Rhinebeck! I’ll be there with bells on!
I love to add jalopeno’s to my corn chowdah – so I can sweat and cry while I eat my lunch. Hee!
It’s exciting to hear the plans for Rhinebeck. My girls and I have made long term plans to go next year. I’ll remember to book a hotel way in advance. Six months you say? I’d better put it in my calendar.
I tried to post a comment the other day, but for some reason my computer wouldn’t let me, so please add me to the minions who think you’re awesome. (And that’s without ever having even met you!) Your knitting inspires me, and your photos and words sometimes move me. I’m glad you’re feeling better. My original comment was something along the lines of you being ten times better than I am at everything you do, so if you’re down on yourself what about the rest of us who are just average at knitting, writing and photography?! Keep that chin up, and keep doing what you do, just the way only you can do it:)
Sign me up for the Meetup at Rhinebeck! I will be with Annet (the Enabler)and I am a Square on Saturday. (Wasn’t sure if I was doing 2 days….but I probably will.) Yahoo!
I will be at the Rhinebeck meetup with my wonky head, Spiff and Twinkletoes in tow. I’m wicked excited, dude!
I’ll be there, and as will Lucia. We can’t wait.
This comment has nothing to do with your post really. I came across your site as part of the Dishcloth Fun KAL. I am amazed at how perfect your stitching is in your Log Cabin. I can barely believe that is hand knit!
I have 2 questions for you:
1) How did you set up your banner so that the pictures change?
2) If you take those pics yourself, what kind of camera do you use?
Thanks
Michelle
I’ll be at Rhinebeck! I’ll be the one with the confused husband following me around.
Hey chickadee, sorry that I did not make it to your pity party – I was off spinning the lovely roving you so kindly bought me!
Knitting brilliance, my dear, rarely comes with anything but time. You may never be the knitting math whiz, but there are other great knitting talents you posess. You seem to be a knitting leader, for sure. If you knit a sock, EVERY FREAKING BLOGGER OUT THERE KNITS IT. That is talent in project-picking. And it’s knitting popularity, which you have in spades. We all love you, and who can want more than that?
Now come on over and take a look at your roving. I think I did a mighty fine job with it.
xox, The Other January Baby
I’ll be there – my very first Rhinebeck, and I’m dragging a friend with me. And her car, so we have plenty of room for all of our new toys! Looking forward to seeing you there!
Cara, this really isn’t related to this post per se, just a general comment. Part of the reason I visit your blog is to see the GORGEOUS photos in the header! I’ve been known to hit “Refresh” several times, just to get a good dose of eye candy!
Steel cut oats are awesome with brown sugar and mushed up fresh blackberries! Yum!
Day late to the pity party…which really wasn’t. 🙂 Love oatmeal…although I am just a Quaker kinda girl. Glad you are feeling better.
Can’t go to Reinbeck (I live in GA, that would be a 2 day trip – how sad) but, I do have a great family recipe for corn chowder if you’d like it. Let me know. Oh, and I’m glad you’re feeling better. :o) Yes, there are those of us out there that read your blog but don’t comment too often. I’m one of them.
Sheri in GA
I can’t wait for the blogger meetup. Nothing is stopping me.
I totally hear you on the open book thing… that’s one of the phrases I use to describe myself too.
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I so wish I could go to Rhinebeck! That would be a first time for me and, in addition to all that sounds great about Rhinebeck, it would be a real treat to get to meet you! Well, I so much want to go that maybe, for once, I’ll stop wishing and start doing whatever has to be done to make it happen!
I’ll be at the Meet Up. Is it just for bloggers? I hope not. I don’t have a blog as I am a moron with technology. I will be a player for Bingo. I better sign up today. I took a Toe-up sock class at my LYS this weekend. Loving it!
Could you add me to the Rhinebeck list please?
See you there!
I just found out today I will be able to go to rhinebeck!
I am from Canada…any one know the area? I will be staying in a hotel downtown and have no idea how to get there…help!
Hi Cara,
Jumping in a bit late……….but count me in:-). Wine,cheese, bingo and bloggers, does it get much better??
Sign me up for the meetup pretty please 🙂
me! me! me! I’ll be the one with the fuchsia dauber.
I’ll be there too. Thanks!
I’ll be there! And I’m a square! (puts an interesting new twist on “be there or be square,” doesn’t it?
i’m going to check it out~it’ll likely be the only place i get to fill in the squares on my r~bingo card 🙂
I’ll be there!
Ok, so I’m a little late noticing this but I’ll be there.
I should be there. Sounds excellent!
I hope to be there too.
Me too for Rhinebeck! And steel-cut oats with maple syrup and a bit of butter are yummy…and it’s starting to be oatmeal season again.
me me me! can’t wait for the artichokes and chocolates 🙂
I’m there!
I’m planning on going to Rhinebeck too!
For some reason none of your most recent posts will let me comment, but this one will. The blue handspun is gorgeous! And here’s my haiku:
Feet in pirate socks –
Fantastic January!
Now, worms are jealous.
I’m staying across the river at my mom’s house so I’ll be there for the weekend! My first time! Cannot wait to meet everyone!
I’ll be there!
I’ll be at Rhinebeck and would love to meet everyone too! Thanks for organizing this! 🙂
Hi! If it’s not too late, I’d love to sign up for the Blogger Meet-Up!!
I’ll be there! Thank you for organizing this.
Please sign me up, too! I can’t wait to meet you folks.
I am way late to this, but I will definitely be there too–can I still sign up?
Can’t wait to meet everyone!
please add me to the rhinebeck list!!
thanks
Count me in, too!
Count me in, too, please!!