daretodream

Crochet and a Good Book!

 
hi!  I've finally started stitching my granny squares together...I realized after my previous post that I've been working on this for more than 6 years....sheesh!

I've discovered some great books (you'll find the links to the left and right in this blog).  I'm halfway through book 4 of Sharon Fiffer's wonderful series.  The heroine is a collector, treasure hunter, keeper of discarded / long loved things...like me!  Jane is into vintage stuff, addicted to estate sales, can hardly walk through her garage and house because of all her stuff.  Okay, probably not that bad, but are you getting the picture?  The first book in the series is Killer Stuff.  you've gotta read it!  ox

 

hi!  Here's a peek at some examples of my winter sport...crochet.
I've been working on this granny square afghan for years now.  I remembered
why after finishing these two sets of blocks above and after completing a half way
done set.  When crocheting this pattern my fingers go numb, wrist hurts...the typical
repetitive wrist and hand issues most crafter/artists (carpal tunnel) deal with. 

Now that I've completed (almost) the last two of 9 sets of squares, I can't bring myself
to finish adding the black borders so I can begin pieceing them all together.  I will hopefully
get the feeling back in my fingertips soon....will let my hand recover for a bit, then I'm going to finish it if it kills me!  Here is a photo of the first 5 granny sets I took ages ago.

Before working on the afghan, I crocheted this sweet cotton scarf.  It's a granny square too.  A pattern from a magazine that was supposed to be a purse. 

I slipped my new book, Crochet Motifs in the picture too.  I've not made anything with it yet, but LOVE it, the colors and shapes.  So many ideas and inspirations.

I'll type more in a bit.  ox

Snow 2008 Lily

Snow 2008 Lily
Originally uploaded by tracy loves pink

Snow 2008 Murphy

Snow 2008 Murphy
Originally uploaded by tracy loves pink

hi! I've been a hermit. Although our snow is finally melted...I thought I'd share some photos. Hope you've had a wonderful holidays! oxox

What a Beautiful Surprise!

Hi!  Happy Sunday...hope you're well.
Things here have been great.  I spent last week in Seattle visiting my sweet friend
and the week before my hubby surprised me with 3 nights on the Oregon Coast.

This time of year is always SLIMY in my garden.  I'm not sure how else to describe it....black,
moldy with little surprises here and there.  Even my dog has taken to pooping along the flagstone
path to prevent cold, wet paws  (this makes for tip toeing adventures when I dare to brave a stroll
through the garden). 

This morning I went outside to look for my scrub brush and somehow got sidetracked while admiring
so many spring blooms confused and showing their beautiful faces  (primroses, miniature roses which haven't bloomed all summer, etc.).   I was halfway through my tip toe journey when I looked up and saw this beautiful Clematis bloom!  I have a three part screen with three different varieties planted.  The center plant, which has never bloomed and has always been fragile looking, decided it was time to make an appearance.  It looped itself throughout all three sections of the screen.  This bloom was the first one I saw, upon closer look, there were to more blooms on the backside and one more bud on the opposite, right, side.   I love that rainy, poop ridden, moldy, slimy gardens still happily surprise even the most average gardener!   oxox  ps...  I've marked EVERYTHING waaaay down in my etsy shop...please come visit! 

Little Pink Typewriter

  

Hi!  So much has been happening with me on a personal/family level....my oldest daughter graduated from High School, turned 18, finally got her drivers license
(why is it that some kids are chomping at the bit to drive while others have no desire?)
and just today started college.

  My youngest started her 2nd year of HS a couple of weeks ago and is preparing to take her drivers test for her permit.  (It'll be a wonder if I survive this...I'm NOT a good driving instructor.)

It amazes me how fast they grow....and yet, it seems I've had them forever.

My sweet friend Stacie came down to Portland for a visit not too long ago.  It was so fun and something we both needed...just time away from everyday life.  We've already started planning my trip up there.

One of the big challenges that has been at least 2 years in the making is my need and desire to
simplify my life.  I'm a pack rat, a hoarder, treasure hunter and keeper.  I have been working at, fretting over, stressing about my need to part with things in order to function as an artist, Mom, wife and woman!  Through this process, I've found some things easy to part with and most, not so easy....I keep telling myself to keep at it and try not to get distracted.  (ok, I've got ADD...I'm always distracted!)

Well, one of my precious treasures is now up for auction on Ebay.  I bought it a couple of years ago and it's honestly been in it's case ever since.  :(  Something this special must be out and admired....maybe even used occasionally.  

If you know anyone who wants a pink typewriter that types in cursive, please pass along the link!

oxox, tracy