Detours, Details, and re-Defining

They say that dogs and their owners are a lot alike. I would have to say that's certainly true these days given the fact that my dog is a bit of a scatter brain with issues knowing what direction to go in. That's sort of how I'm feeling. For one thing my concerts got canceled and moved to March. Not really a big deal as my tickets are still good and I shouldn't have any problems re-scheduling my time off but, it was an "out" that I was looking forward to. That and I've had to sort of change around some other priorities in my life and start looking at what I need to do to take care of myself mentally and physically. The issue with making changes always is "where do I start". I started something this last Saturday that's a little different. I took a Burlesque class at Pole Addiction in Ferndale with Lily LaRue. It was just me and my pal Sarah so it almost felt like a private lesson. Very interesting though, not only did we learn a routine, we also learned a lot about the history of burlesque and about the local scene. I think I'm going to take the follow up lesson on pastie making. Something knitted perhaps? ;-) I also finished my second week session of the kettlebell classes that I have been taking at the community center. It's a really great workout and Veronica kicks our ass! I've really noticed a difference in how toned I am and my over all strength.

As for knitting stuff I have been working on simple but effective projects of late. I started and finished 2 cowls, one for me and one as a gift. I used the Cat Bordhi moebius cast on, cast on 66 stitches and knitted 4 rows, purled 4 rows until it was the size I wanted. I used my hand spun and hand dyed BFL, oh so soft and cozy. Of course my power knitting flared up my tendinitis so I've been taking it easy this week although I've started another pair of "pot luck mitts" out of a nice dark Noro blend. I should have those finished in no time. It's a really easy and well fitting pattern. Of course I've adapted it to magic loop as I avoid DPN's whenever possible.

I also started and finished a pair of Fiber Trends felted clogs. My old pair finally blew out after 3 years of almost constant use. I used bulky weight yarn instead of double stranding these. They don't feel as compact as my last one's so it should be interesting to see how they wear.

As for spinning I'm working on a wool and tencel blend that is just beautiful, golds, coppers and some browns all beautifully blended. I have a little more work to do to fill the second bobbin then I can start plying. I tend to double ply everything, I think it makes a nice balanced yarn that holds up well. It's a little tricky to spin, very slick but I've been using a higher ratio so it seems to be twisting well. I think that I should end up with a fingering weight yarn that might be really nice for a shawlette or lacy scarf.

As for other going's on's? Mr. Larj had hernia surgery that he sailed through without a hitch. He's back to work and doing fine. My mom is doing OK, she seems somewhat lost but at the same time is coping with her changed circumstances. Work is work, I've been spending a lot more time on IPR lately which is not really my cup of tea, but I'm working which is a lot more than most people can say in this state. I also have not done a thing as far as getting ready for the holidays. I did a little online shopping but no decorating or tree up at this point. Maybe I'll just carve a X-mas pumpkin like I did last year ;-)

Hope to update more often but as we all know..sometimes there are detours.