The Magazine Aisles...Part I...Craftzine

So, I'm cruising the magazine aisles at Borders when these two knitted robots caught my eye. Woo Hoo, I thought, knitted toys! So, I purchased the "zine" without checking out the contents. I was in a rush...but giddy with anticipation. As I neatly laid my sandwich and chips out on my desk, I pulled Craft out of the bag and set it away from the Snapple so as not to spill anything on its precious pages. As I began turning the pages, a cloud began to form overhead. This is not the craft magazine that we are used to (ie: Interweave Knits or Vogue Knitting). This takes crafting to a whole other level, dimension, heck, lightyear. The project I searched for, the knitted robots, was actually an article about the world of creepy, cute dolls and the people who make them (but I wanna make one!). Cool, I thought, so I ventured deeper. The projects featured stretch the imagination. I thought about how cool it would be if I wore the Electric Tank Top to a club for New Years or how h-o-t-t it would be to screenprint my own personal logo on a bag or two. However, I was a bit disappointed with the knitting project...knit slouch boots. Uuuhhhhmmmm...why? (*sigh*).
Well, anyway, I have to commend the magazine on its overall layout. The projects are clearly outlined along with the materials needed and questions that one may want to ask. Some of the projects are a bit over the top, but then again, the magazine's purpose is to showcase crafts made by real people. I especially liked the marketplace section from etsy.com and the flickr craft groups (I highlighted the knitting group for y'all). Every craftster needs a bit of inspiration.

Sarah and Zipporah and Lilah

I am not a "religious" person. I tend to be more spiritual than anything. Lately, I have had this fascination with the Bible and finding the hidden truths and meanings written between the words. I remember when I was in the eighth grade my religion teacher (yep, I survived Catholic school) exclaimed that she had read one of the most fascinating books ever written. As 13 year old girls who lived and breathed Right On! Magazine and erected locker shrines to the members of New Edition, we thought either she had lost her mind or could finally understand the greatness of Ralph Tresvant's high pitched vocals as he belted out "Is This the End". What was not to love about him. However, our brief euphoria of the teacher finally understanding our obsession was shattered when she held up the Bible as if she had just won an Oscar; declaring its greatness.

Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when I am perusing the shelves of Coliseum Books. The name "Zipporah" caught my eye. My interest was peaked, especially since Zipporah is my sister's middle name. Zipporah is the story of Moses' wife. She is a Cushite (black) woman who was adopted by Jethro, the High Priest of Midian. She has a dream of an Egyptian Prince coming to save her at the bottom of the sea. One day, while she and her sisters are at the well drawing water, Zipporah is attacked and Moses, who fled Egypt, comes to her rescue. Although Jethro and Zipporah are afraid she will never find a husband because of her dark skin, Moses does not let this inhibit his love for her...and she becomes his rock when he doubts his abilities to free the Jews from Pharoah's clutches. I finished the book in about 4 days and ran to Barnes and Noble to pick up "Sarah". Sarah is the story of Abraham's wife who was the daughter of one of the most powerful Lords of Ur. When she is twelve, she is pledged to marry a man that she has never met. On her wedding day, she flees into the city and bumps into Abram. He takes care of her through the night, however, in the morning she is dragged back to her father's home. Upon hearing that another marriage has been arranged for her, she flees again to find Abram but his family has moved. So she seeks out a woman that gives her herbs to make her barren and later is made a high priestess of Ishtar, Ur's goddess of war. Six years go by when Ur is about to erupt into war. She is reunited with Abram, her childhood love.

Although both of these stories are fictional accounts, Marek Halter makes these two women and their experiences leap off the page with every word. Sometimes people forget that the novels ARE Historical Fiction and hold the author accountable for misinterpreting the "truth" and introducing sex and passion into the stories. To them I ask, have you really read the Bible?

Lilah is the last installment in Marek Halter's Canaan Trilogy and is based on the book of Ezra. I have not read this book yet. I was side tracked by The Song of Hannah, the story of the mother of the Prophet Samuel.

Perhaps it's the lesser known stories of the women in the Bible that drives me to seek these novels out. Combined with my love for history, my appetite seems insatiable. I sat down and made a list of other Biblical Historical Novels that I want to read. Here are my top 5:

1. Lilah: A Forbidden Love, a People's Destiny
2. Wisdom's Daughter : A Novel of Solomon and Sheba
3. The Gilded Chamber : A Novel of Queen Esther
4. Rebekah (Card, Orson Scott. Women of Genesis.)
5. Rachel and Leah: Women of Genesis

Anyone care to join me?

Fearless

I was enticed by the smoky colors radiating from my computer screen...tempting me to bid...and I won! Woo Hoo, gotta love eBay. I was looking for some sock yarn for a project for my mother. I can't decide whether to make her socks or a shawl. However, I can't stop touching this yarn. It is a whopping 4 ounces (550 yards) of 100% superwash merino in smoky gray with a touch of brown and a dab of pink. Check out the eBay shop. You will not be disappointed. I have my eye on the Superwash Merino sock yarn in the Marrakesh color way. I can't wait. Oh, Deb from Fearless Fibers also has a blog...check her out.

So you are wondering where I have been huh? (Thanks for asking Kelz!) I've been lurking here and there always keeping up with what's happening around the blog scene, but I have started a new job in the concrete jungle (NYC y'all). It's a funny thing. Seven years ago, I gave up the fashion industry because I was just plain burned out. Everytime I turned around, another corporate merger made one more of my friends unemployed and left in the dust. Job security was a thing of my grandparents era and I knew I had to be prepared for the worst. To be honest, when it did happened, I was thrilled. I no longer needed an excuse to be there for every cough, doctor's appointment or much needed mental health day. I kissed the fashion corporate world goodbye, vowing never again to be victim of the clawing, cat scratching, conniving undercurrent that fuels one of the major fashion capitals of the world. So, when I received the call to help design fashion catalogs, I had to really think long and hard about it. I was getting bored with working from home, but I didn't want to give up my independence. But alas, the almighty dollar makes the world go 'round and the Mal Man is getting bigger every second. I bit my tongue, dusted off the power-suit, tightened the laces on my sneakers and hit the concrete at full speed. Things are a little less hectic on the direct-mail end of the fashion industry and I am not stressing as much as I used to. Well, a ride on the NYC Subway will make anyone lose some hair and turn gray, but all is going well so far. =-) ... AND I am in walking distance of School Products. What a perk!

It's Been a Long Time ...

Recalling the lyrics of Rakim (Hip-Hop Heads bob yo' heads) I hadn't realized how long it has been since my last post. Where do I begin?

In my family, July is the month of birthdays, I kicked it off on the 3rd by turning the big 3-5 while my Mom brought in her birthday with the Macy's fireworks. It was really cool because it was my first time seeing the fireworks in person and not celebrating with the local news broadcast.

While Mali enjoys days of sun and fun provided by the YMCA, I have been chugging away at my Mac trying to perfect this. It was time for a complete overhaul and my programming skills needed some perfecting. However, after the initial shock of throwing myself back into the world of web programming, it became evident why I don't do it anymore . . . it leaves no time for knitting! I am still chugging away making minor tweaks here and there, but it is mostly completed.

That's not to say that I haven't been knitting though. I finished the hat for the Sweet Pea baby gift and I started a hat based on the Irish hiking scarf pattern for Mali. The funny thing about that was I was going to a bar-b-que and stopped by Smiley's (again) and picked up some Bernat yarn in charcoal gray. A couple of double pointed needles and family gossip hours later, I was almost completed. I will have pictures to show once I recharge the camera batteries. I was on Auntie duty last week and the camera just seemed to keep taking pictures of my nephew on it's own. (LOL . . . guilty as charged!)

Babies, Babies Everywhere

My friend, Maris, did not make it back to Toronto in time. Little Sydney wanted to make a New York debut and two weeks early at that. Maris was in New York City visiting family and friends before heading back to Canada. I have to commend her. This is her fourth (1-2-3-4!) girl! Simone, Sinclaire and Sierra will be ecstatic to see the gift their Mom and Dad are bringing them. As much as I wanted to knit her a gift, time was not on my side. So, I put on my design hat and created the announcements for her. I will also mail them for her so that it's one less thing she will have to worry about. We also thought it would be a cute idea to create announcement cards for the girls to give their friends introducing their new baby sister. I think that is a perfect way to get them involved since they were not here for the actual birth. Maris is a fanatic about crafting as well, so I know once she is settled the girls will be in matching outfits in no time.

I have also been setting up shop getting ready to knit a ton of baby gifts.

The Sweet Pea Pattern and the Bobbi Bear pattern arrived from Jimmy Beans Wool last week and I ordered the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino from Yarnbow in color 02. However, I think I need to order one or two more skeins. The skeins that I have now I will use for the garment. If you haven't done so, check out Yarnbow on eBay. She has great prices and SUPER fast shipping. I LOVE it.

Knitting for Two by Erika Knight, the book I found on Amazon from ultimate Discount Book Source for $1 arrived yesterday. I lucked up on this one cause it is in perfect condition. No bent pages and no wear and tear. Woo Hoo!

Lastly, the lavender yarn I picked up on a trip to Smiley's is Filati Cervinia Genova. It was on sale for $1.50 (can't pass up a bargain). I was thinking about knitting the baby hat in the book One Skein, for a gift. However, the yarn is acrylic and not as soft as I would like it to be. Although I love the color, I think a nice cotton would be a better or ... I can always order some more cashmerino. =-)

Summertime

summertime and the living is easy ... fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high - George Gershwin - Porgy and Bess

I've been at it again. Trying to make this blog an extension of me. The last couple of days in NYC has been helluva hot and humid ... and being the summer baby that I am, I LOVE IT.

Work has slowed down some and I have been thinking about the purpose of my blog lately. I toyed with the idea of doing away with it because I haven't been devoting much time to my knitting and sewing as I would like to. However, just when I started to press the delete button, my heart started to palpitate. I just couldn't do it because as much as I hate to admit it, other than me being a closet writer (and incessant dreamer), I have grown quite fond of my blogging friends. So, now that I am here to stay, I made another choice to share not only my knitting and sewing endeavors (when they do happen) but some of my other creative endeavors as well.

On the knitting front, I came across a real bargain. I have been looking for some baby patterns for my cousins. One is expecting in August and another in December / January (see previous post). I have had my eye on Knitting for Two by Erika Knight for awhile. While cruising the internet, I found a seller on Amazon that was selling a copy for $1.00 ! The shipping cost more than the book. The description said the book is new. The seller is trying to liquidate its stock. I can't wait for it to come in. Of course my skepticism started to kick in after the initial high wore off. But for a dollar, I just couldn't pass it up. Woo Hoo!

Oh, and before I forget, I want to give everyone a big hug and kiss (**smooches**) for supporting the Knit On! products. Look for more items in the future.
Have a great weekend everyone & stay cool!

Joy Comes in the Morning

Joy comes in the Morning. I remember the pastor belting that out one Sunday when I was younger. To amuse myself, I would try to think all the possible reasons why Deacon Roberts always had a sour look on his face. My mother told me once that he didn't eat enough prunes, but as observant as I was, I knew it had to be his wife's offensive smelling perfume. It was the kind that lingered a long while after she was gone. After service had ended and everyone was gathered outside or in the basement to buy a fish dinner, all you had to do was follow your nose and you knew exactly where she had been during the day. Her perfume was THAT strong. Eeeewww! However, when the Pastor made that statement, for the life of me, I could not understand what he meant by it ... until now.

The past couple of weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for us.

First, we received a call that my husband's aunt was in the hospital. She had a series of strokes after complaining all week of headaches and not feeling well. One proved to be fatal. At first her prognosis looked bleak. She was unconscious but she was breathing on her own. Her church has been putting the prayer line into over-drive and family and friends have been holding a constant vigil by her bedside ... but ... Joy Comes in the Morning! On Thursday she finally opened her eyes. The doctors are not sure how much comprehension she has and they are constantly doing neuropathic tests. Right now, baby steps is all we are asking for and we are taking one day at a time. We just want her to take her time and heal.

The day after we were informed of Aunt Gertrude, my Mother called me to tell me my Great Uncle Henry lost his battle with colon cancer. We were aware of his illness but I guess we didn't realize just how sick he was. When he was diagnosed, he was already in stage four and not given much time. Uncle Henry was the one you would call on when you needed ANYTHING and never complained about doing it either. My mother was devastated and as her oldest, I helped her gather her things and hopped on Jet Blue to Florida. We take solace in knowing that his last days were spent surrounded by his family and grandchildren ... and that he has to suffer no more. ... and ... Joy Comes in the Morning! The day after his death, his daughter, my cousin found out she is pregnant ... AND ... the baby is due on her father's birthday (excuse me while I break out into a Mahalia styled hymn).

After returning home, I've been searching for the perfect baby pattern to knit. Because she lives in Florida, I want to make something in cotton and either in yellow or green. I love this Sweet Pea set from Knitting at Knoon.
You can order it as a kit from Jimmy Beans Wool and it calls for Rowan's RYC CashCotton 4ply. I really like the Limon color and may pair it with white to do a striped blanket. The baby is due after Christmas so I have some time, but I want to start now . . . just to give myself some time. I am going to be patient though. Can't rush this one.

Winds of the Storm

It's all Beverly Jenkins' fault. Who told her to write the most captivating historical romance novels!? Her characters draw you in with their strength and perserverance at a time when the United States were at odds with each other. She enlightens you to the struggles of the race and the accomplishments made to reach the state we are at today. Further more, who can help being intrigued by a handsome, debonair, sophisticated man and a equally matched heroine, whose affairs with each other are often hot and s-t-e-a-m-y.

Winds of the Storm is the latest novel from Beverly Jenkins. Here is the excerpt from Amazon:

Archer Le Veq owes his life to the woman who rescued him from certain death at the height of the Civil War...a woman known only as "the Butterfly." Now, in the dark, waning days of Reconstruction, he needs the courageous and beautiful former spy...in more ways than before!

Zahra Lafayette thinks her days of intrigue are far behind her, until she is asked to go on one more mission. Posing as an infamous madam in New Orleans, Zahra must gather information to ensure the safety of the South's freedmen. The last thing she expected was to see Archer Le Veq again. He is as arrogant as he is handsome, but there is something about this dusky and debonair hotelier that sends her senses singing. Zahra knows she will need to guard her secrets, but no peril awaiting her compares with the treachery of Zahra's own heart -- for, Lord help her, she burns to taste the man and to lose herself in his powerful embrace.

Whew Chile! Can you resist?!? The best thing is her novels are intertwined. So, if you need to add some books to your summer reading list, start with Indigo then move onto Through the Storm and follow up with Winds of the Storm. However, I must caution you, you will get ABSOLUTELY no knitting done.

By Popular Demand

I want to thank everyone for all the support they have shown for the Knit On! cards and journals. I really appreciate it. (smooches!)

My mother's friend asked me for a tote bag and I received several requests for tees. So, without further ado, you can check them out here and here.

I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised with the totes. I hope you like them too ... and they can be personalized. Woo Hoo ...

I'm A Couch Potato (for this week only)

I can't seem to remove myself from in front of the t.v. This was one H-O-T-T week for television.

Let's start with America's Next Top Model:
I am too psyched that Danielle won. When cycle 7 began, I was rooting for Nnenna and Danielle. When Nnenna was booted off ( I think she was misunderstood) my pom-poms began to cheer for Danielle. I was a little tired of the judges always pointing out her southern girl accent as a hindrance but she worked "it" nonetheless. I have to admit there was a moment there when I thought Joanie would win. I liked her too. I could not stand Jade from the minute she introduced herself to the judges. What really did her in was when the designers from Thailand reviewed her commercial and said the picture was good but looking at her take, they would not buy anything from her. Karma can be a mutha! Guess she didn't know everything.

The one thing my girls have been up in arms about is the merger between UPN and the
WB networks. The new CW network is supposed to be geared for a younger audience but what has a lot of people upset is a lot of "urban" shows would not make the cut. Translated, "Girlfriends" was a big IF, MAYBE, WE'LL SEE. WHHHAAAATTT! I can't live without the selfish antics of Toni, the bare my soul honesty of Lynn, the been there, done that, and "oh hell yes" attitude of Maya and the so self absorbed and left out in the cold Joan. Sprinkle a little but of William's humor on top and Girlfriends became a staple for Monday nights. Well, The CW just announced their new fall lineup and Girlfriends is here to stay! WOO HOO!. They will be on on Sunday nights along with Everbody Hates Chris.

Smallville has also been renewed (Tom Welling is my guilty pleasure... mmm, mm, mm) but I may have to give him up cause he is competing with the finest man on television. I can't give up Shazaa ( y'all know ya'll loved him in a Different World) Gary Dourdan and his fine self on CSI has me trading in my Mac for beakers and goggles. I can not wait for the season finale tonight. I tried looking at the site and guessing at the clues to determine the outcome of tonight's show. All I can tell is that Warrick is not wearing a wedding ring anymore, Grissom's hand is open and he is looking at Sarah, Nick has a cut (blood) on his neck and the person lying on the counter with a gun shot wound has a police badge hanging out of his pocket. No doubt that is Brass.

After CSI, Withoout a Trace's season finale is coming on. I am just praying that my mother doesn't call me at that time. She always seems to call when my "shows" are on. LOL, Gotta love her.

Well, I have moved my knitting basket full of UFO's to the other table to make way for the popcorn because there will be no knitting going on. Don't get me started on Friday's lineup. :-)

All Work and No Knitting

I haven't knit a stitch all week.
I've been under the gun y'all . . . fo real.
But, I am almost there.
For now, you can check it out ...
here.

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Spring + Football = A Whole Lot of Knittin'

Yep, it's that time of year again for Mali. Football season has started which means 4 hours of uninterrupted knitting for me (woo hoo) while Mali goes through his tackling drills push ups and sprints. Last year, some other mothers and I formed a little knit / crochet circle. We would sit and knit / crochet while the boys practiced. It was really great sitting on the grass knitting and gossipping. I looked forward to Saturday and Sunday mornings filled with laughter, Arepas (from some of the soccer moms), Jerk Chicken and yarn.
To kick off the season I decided to knit something for myself, which I rarely do. I wanted a lacy sweater to wear over tanks and summer dresses so I opted for Spring Fling from Knitty's '05 Spring edition. I had my eye on it for awhile but always put it off. I have 5 skeins of KnitPicks Shine Worsted in my stash that is perfect. However, I think I will need to order some more since I have already used two skeins to complete the back bottom ribbing. I made it two inches longer, since I am tall and don't want to look like I am wearing my little sister's sweater. I will have pictures soon. Until then, GO SKYHAWKS!

Bush Ice Cream and a Caribbean Breeze

Back in the early 90's, the summer after Hurricane Hugo, my cousin and I spent the summer in Montserrat. After a year of endless exams, monotonous work and the constant rush of New York City, we were in dire need of a break. One of our favorite past times was going into town to run errands for Granny. That gave us time to hang out at the circle and meet with our friends. We would get teased because one of the things we had to have was "Bush" Ice Cream . . . better known as pistachio. Sitting there on the giant tree that was felled by Hugo and eating that homemade ice cream under the endless blue sky was our little taste of heaven ... and New York was light years away. When I initially decided to knit socks for K, I had a hard time choosing yarn. Color really moves me and nothing seemed right, until I saw Artyarn's Supermerino #140. The craving for pistachio ice cream and a Caribbean breeze hit me hard. Still riding on my high of working with the yarn from knitting Thuja, I immediately scooped up 3 hanks. Then, I steered the car towards Utica Avenue to pick up a pint of Pistachio. On the ride home I tried to think of a pattern I would use. I liked Thuja but I wanted to do something different. The Jaywalker was cool but I would have to adjust it for the yarn. This is what I came up with:
I call it the Runway Sock. The chevron and feather pattern reminded me of an airport runway and thus had me thinking about somewhere far, far away. The pattern is very simple and it is a quick knit. The only thing I would probably do over is the cast on. I casted on using a cable cast on. I love the neatness of the edge. I felt the long tailed cast on would be too bulky and I didn't like it too much in doing Thuja. However, it provided the stretch . I won't change the cast on for the partner of this sock but I will make a mental note for next time.

Thuja Love

Project : Thuja from Winter Knitty
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino #130
Needles: Bryspun 5" sz.5 DPN's

I have to admit, I really enjoyed knitting these socks. At first I was a little hesitant because of the weight of the Supermerino, but I have to tell you, when I tried these babies on . . . my feet were in heaven. The softness of the yarn makes for an incredibly plush sock that you would not want to take off. Mama is going to love these.
Part of the enjoyment is due to the needles I used. The pattern called for size 6 double pointed needles. I already had a pair of sz. 6 Lionbrands , but I don't like them. They are just too stiff and too long. So while cruising one of my local yarn haunts I came across Bryspun's five inch double pointed needles. Knitting Nirvana y'all. I have never been so excited about finding the "right" needles before. It may sound a bit crazy but it made all the difference in knitting these socks. I especially like the points. No split strands! Once I cast on, it was a breeze to knit.
Once these were completed, I had planned on making a pair for my cousin. However, I am rethinking that. I don't want to get bored with the pattern. So, I have been working on a spinoff of the Jaywalker sock to use with the Supermerino yarn. I have a few kinks to work out, but I will definitely keep you posted.

Passing in Brooklyn . . .

Time: 2PM'ish
Place: LYS - Roxy Yarns
Scene: Cozy yarn store in Brooklyn advertising 30% off all yarns. Customer 1, a
fantabulously stylish woman (okay, I had on my sweats and looked like I had
been playing tag with a bunch of five year olds) perused through the bins and
Customer 2 walks in and looks around.

Owner: Hello. How are you?
Customer 2: Good, good ... and you?
Owner: Good. Just a reminder, all yarns are 30% off.
Customer 2: Really? That's good to know. I am looking for something to make for a little girl. This poncho is soooooo adorable. Did you make the samples?
Owner: No, I rarely make anything for girls since I have three little boys.
Customer 2: So, who makes your samples?
Owner: They come from the manufacturer to show how the yarn knits up.
Customer 2: Nooooooo
Customer 1: Really . . .
Owner: Yea
Customer 2: Are you serious?
Owner: Yea, why?
Customer 2: I just came from another LYS (she refused to mention the name) and I saw this same sample hanging from the shelf. I asked the woman about it and she told me she knit it herself.
Owner: She could have
Customer 2: At first I believed her but now looking around I see you have the same samples as she has. There's no way she could have knit the same exact samples.
Owner: I doubt it too. Not the same exact samples.
Customer 2: I'm not going there again. Now I know why she said she couldn't remember the pattern.
Customer 1: Wow (head shaking).
Customer 2: Can you believe that.
Customer 1 and Owner: Yea.

Living ...

Yep, I did it again. I changed my design. I needed to brighten things up a bit and get in a "Spring" mood. I haven't been blogging lately, but I have been here in spirit. It almost seems like I have been sharing my thoughts, until I sneak a peak at my journal and realize that the conversation was just in my head. Simply put, knitting has taken a backseat to everyday life.

For the most part, we have been dealing with the prepubescent angst of our son. He is a generally a good kid with a great sense of humor (he used to sneak and watch Seinfeld reruns after he thought everyone was asleep). However, lately he has just been feeling his oats. You see, although Mali is a great kid, and does very well in school, he feels that in order to "fit in", he needs to act out like some of his friends. It all started when he was chosen to join the National Junior Honor Society. He was one of three kids chosen out of his sixth grade class. He was so excited about this accomplishment, we could not get him to go to bed. He was nervous about the induction ceremony, his speech and what community service he would have to perform. When we dropped him off to school the next day, we promised to fine tune his speech when he came home. Two hours later, the phone calls started. First it was his Social Studies teacher. Apparently, Mali was acting out with his friends and received detention for his antics. Next the principal called and exclaimed that although Mali is a great kid and a "wonderful" asset to the NJHS, he could not condone his behavior ( it wasn't the first time either) and therefore had to recall his acceptance. After that, I went numb.
Later on that day Mali called me from school, crying. He had just finished speaking with the principal. He couldn't even get on the bus to come home because he was too ashamed. He pleaded for me to come pick him up , so I did.
The ride home was hard. I wanted to knock his behind into next week but he looked like he was doing a good job of beating his own self up for letting himself down. After one of many tearful episodes in the car, I asked him why. What he said nearly broke my heart. He said that he wanted to show his "friends" that he was still "down". Apparently one of his friends started calling him a nerd and telling him he thought he was better than everyone because he was "smart". I tried my best to explain to him that he should not have to make an excuse for him liking math, science and art. If his friends were really his friends, they would accept him as he is. Somehow though, I felt my point was lost upon him. I needed some clarity because I felt like I wasn't "getting it". The following day, my husband and I struck up a conversation with our neighbor. His children attend an Afrocentric school (Ausar Auset) and my husband was (is) toying with the idea of switching schools for Mali. He really broke it down for us and I will try to explain. Basically, Mali is in survival mode. We live in a society where being smart is looked down upon for black boys and being a rapper, basketball player or pimp are the icons for success. Now as warped as it may sound, all you have to do is turn on the television. Almost every music video shown on BET has a rapper donnin' the latest gear and blingin' his grill while half naked girls gyrate in the background. How many NBA players are drafted right out of high school with million dollar contracts? Why are the Vibe awards amongst one of the must see award shows of the season but very few have heard of the Trumpet awards? ... and don't get me started about the Oscars. I began to understand why my boy is in survival mode. Although I can control what he sees and influences him, I can't account for other people's children. So, I had to switch gears. Usually in the summer, I homeschool Mali. I try to teach him what he is not being taught in school, about OUR history and OUR accomplishments. I needed to go back and show him the positive images and reinforce that his mind is his greatest asset and that he could lead by example. So for now, he is reading The Pact. It is the story of three teenage boys from the streets of Newark, New Jersey who made a pact: They would stick together, go to college, and become doctors. I also have him doing research on he Great Kings and Queens of Africa. As for my husband and I, we are reading The Warrior Method ... again. Falling through the cracks is not an option. However, I am going to need a whole lot of patience and prayer ... with a little knitting therapy thrown in on the side.

A Whole Lot of Knitting Going On

I have gone sock crazy! I have been knitting the Thuja sock for my mother and I am hooked. First I had to add to my stash ( any excuse to buy yarn. I really hit it big on Ebay by buying the Artyarns Supermerino and Lorna's Laces from Yarnbow. I also bought some handpainted sock yarn from Robin Pascal. I was thinking about knitting Pomatomus with the Lorna's Laces. What do you think? With the yarns from KnitPicks, I am going to knit the Jaywalker sock by Grumperina. I would have loved to use Socks that Rock yarn, but I fell in love with Flower Power and my cousin fell in love with Pansy. I can't wait to start them.
Here is the first of the Thuja. I am loving the way it is turning out. knitting with the Supermerino makes it so lofty and soft. My mother should love them. All that is left to do is knit about four more inches and then finish the toe. I don't want to get bored with the pattern so after I finsh I am going to start on either one of the Jaywalkers or the Pomatomus. I figure this is somewhat of a cure for my KADD .... and socks are small enough for instant gratification.

Which brings me to a quick knit. Because of last weekend's arctic blast, I was inspired to make a hat for my nephew. It is so cute. I used a soft acyrlic yarn. The pattern is 1x1 rib paired with stockinette stitch. Once knitted it is folded, the sides sewn and tassles (or pom poms) added to the corners. I am going to hold onto it and knit a matching pair of mittens and / or scarf. This will be one of his gifts from his Auntie.


Yep, that's right, I am on a knitting roll. I started my sister's Irish Hiking scarf. Her favorite color is pink and I love this color. It is a soft acrylic by Bernat. I am in love with the stitch definition of this yarn. I bought it at Smiley's. It's not too hot yet funky enough for a teenager. I started to use Cascade 220 but i know my sister. She needs something that can be thrown in the washing machine without a second thought. I would like to pair it with the Irish Hiking hat by Nik, but she has been oohing and aahhing over fingerless gloves. I will play with the cable to come up with a pattern later.

Wow . . .

"I look back now and I'm in wonderment, really." Parks says when asked to reflect on his accomplishments. "I'm not sure I know exactly why and how I did it. I didn't just do it for black people, I did it for people, for human beings."

Gordon Parks - 1912-2006
(wikipedia)

Through his camera lense,
he told our story.
I am speechless.

A Note ...

Octavia E. Butler 1947 - 2006
(She died outside of her home on February 24, 2006, at the age of 58. She died of head injuries after falling and striking her head on her walkway. wikipedia)

You called to me on a day that I needed to escape. A day filled with the hustle of corporate life and the concrete jungle; my only solace to be found between the aisles of the Queens Central Library. I hesitated for a moment wondering if I was ready to receive the gift you were about to bestow. Taking the chance, the wrapping and bows came undone and was I transported ... (first trip) back to a time before Emancipation to understand the dynamics of slavery and what it actually took to be a slave ... (second trip) lightyears into the future to a world devasted by a nuclear holocaust and aliens that travel in a self sustaining ship needing to breed. Ironically , it was up to a black woman to repopulate the earth ... (third trip) Vampires. I hung onto your every word, always ready to discover new worlds . . . .over and over.
Today, it seems for young people to discover you, we have to sort through the bins piled high with "ghetto fiction" in order to discover your literary gems. I have no problem being a gatekeeper to your literary world. All it takes is one.

Almost There (well sort of) . . . but no pictures.

I've been a busy bee lately, buzzing around waiting for the cold weather to give way to Spring blossoms. Can you tell, I am not a winter person. Give me ninety degree weather and I am a
happy girl!

On the knitting front, I finished the braided fringe edge for my Aunt's shawl and started on the panel. I decided to do it in stockinette stitch with a modified rib edge. It is coming out really nice. I think I may have to pick up the edge stiches though and add on two garter stitch rows to tame the curling. I also started the Thuja sock for my mother. Since her knee surgery, her circulation has been off and her feet are always cold. I had some some Artyarns Supermerino, in colorway #130 which is creamy pinks and browns, in my stash. When I rolled it into a ball I couldn't fight off the craving for some Neopolitan Icecream (lol)! I am really loving it... especially because it is so lofty.

Last week I had somewhat of a revelation. Because the holidays may find me out of the country, I decided that it would be good to start on some of my knitted gifts. I headed over to Smiley's Yarns and bought some Bernat yarn in a not so hot pink color for my sister. I plan to make her the Irish Hiking Scarf and Irish Hiking Hat (thanks Nik!). One down, many to go.

I have gotten a lot of requests for the knit graphic on my page, so with a little down time, I started to do some different colorways. You like? When I get another free moment, I will add the graphic to my Cafepress store, which is in need of a complete overhaul. I am almost there!

Oh, sorry about my pictures. Little Ms. Fast Hands (that's me) misplaced the rechargeable batteries. I have been using regular AA's but they only last half a flash. They are around here somewhere . . .
I promise pictures next time. Until then . .