Just returned from a wet week and a half at the cottage. I did manage to use the time wisely to finish the "Nine Months of Knitting" printed proposal and get it mailed off to my agent, Marlene. Now the waiting game.

 I also discovered a book series by Laurie King and bought "The Beekeeper's Apprentice" from my favorite cottage book shop, Parry Sound Books (http://www.parrysoundbooks.com). If you liked Sherlock Holmes, you will love these new stories, with his new friend and apprentice, the young Mary Russell. Fantastic storytelling by Laurie King (http://www.laurierking.com) Can't wait to read more!

As for knitting, I am working out the patterns of Nine Months, but yearning to crochet!

As to more links, just clicked upon Purl Soho's The Purl Bee (http://www.purlbee.com/) and Alicia Paulson (http://aliciapaulson.com/, both of which all crafters will enjoy.

Posted by purlprincess at 10:02 AM EDT

Updated: Wednesday, 8 July 2009 10:05 AM EDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

 I was inspired by Danny Gregory's website (www.dannygregory.com) and rushed out to buy his latest book, "An Illustrated Life", which, in turn, inspired me to dust off my own journal and add an illustrated entry (above). I was sitting at the counter of my new (and not complete) kitchen. Those chubby fingers are mine.

Danny story is heart-warming and a his book is a gift for any artist in a slump, block or stiffled.

I don't know how "blocked" I am. I do know finding the moments to write, draw, journal or knit is challenging. Finding time is the struggle for me; it always has been. I pack life with all I can bear and still there is so much I want to do. By this is the Long Weekend - the gateway to Canadian summers. The welcome of COTTAGE SEASON!!!! And with that comes the slowing of time to sit still and watch the loons float by or a fish flip it's tail. Sounds idlyllic and mostly, it is. I won't ignore that it is black fly season and most of any watching anything will be done from indoors THIS particular weekend. But I still can't wait!

Happy Long Weekend Canada!

Posted by purlprincess at 7:36 AM EDT

Updated: Monday, 18 May 2009 11:06 AM EDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Mood:  special

So a couple weeks ago, I am on the phone with one of my nieces catching up. I told her I was working on the proposal for my second book, "Nine Months of Knitting" and asked her if she had any prego friends or friends with young tiny babies. She said she had a friend that was pregnant, but not due until August.

Fast forward to Saturday evening, when I am up to my elbows in preparing a meal for ten and my brother phones with "big news". My brother just recently moved back to Canada from China, where he had been teaching English and German and working on an online doctorate (I still chuckle at Doctor Dit - Dit is our nickname for Richard) or maybe it's his Masters - I am a little unclear, which isn't unusual where my brother is concerned. So Richard has actually landed a job (in this economy!) and is now moving out on his own (has been living with daughter, Sarah). His Chinese wife, Lan-Ping is still in China. To bring her here, Richard must be employed and have a home. Check. Check. So I assume this is the big news - that Lan-Ping is coming to Canada -"Richard, Winzer! Winzer!!!" Winzer is Chinese for mosquitoe and that's another story of Lan-Ping's first visit to Canada and our cottage 2 years ago - too funny.

So the news is "Sarah is twelve weeks pregnant!" Whaaaaaaaattttt??????? When I get on the phone with her, she says "You know when you asked my if I had any friends that were pregnant for your book? Well, I was the friend that was. That was me!!!" I am so pleased for Sarah. I haven't met her boyfriend yet, but knowing Sarah (who is ten years my junior), this gal has such a lovely heart and demeanor. You know her kid will win hearts, just like the mom did. And I will have a family baby to model!!!! Too perfect! Sarah had modelled for me in Twelve Months of Knitting. Here she is:

SARAH'S GOING TO BE A MOMMY!!!!!!!

Posted by purlprincess at 9:13 AM EDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

In this world of www, email, forums, blogs, have we become colder as people? Tone is everything in speech. Partnered with body language it enables the speaker to deliver the message unmuddied. I suppose in this world online, the best communicators are the best writers. I'm a matter-of-fact kinda girl - and my tone in writing may be misconstrued for attitude, which is upsetting because I believe in truth without harming anyone. I teach my kids "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". Idealistic, maybe.

 I have some girlfriends, very dear, dear girlfriends, who are examples of complete kindness. They are my stellar girls. I try to emulate them and sometimes fall flat on my nose (my matter-of-factness). As I get older, I listen more, read more, smile more (I know now it doesn't matter what your teeth look like, it matters, a good dental plan or not, your face lights up when you smile) . I happen to like hugs and kisses. I can't do that online, can I? OXO I am affectionate and physical - I touch people on the arm when I speak to them. Can I do that here? Not so much.

So forgive my tone if it ever sounds anything but friendly (as it is meant). I love to write so I guess I need to work on my smiles, kisses and hugs online.

I'm tired today - Oscars and a brutally cold day!!!! On a brighter note, yarn arrived by courier!!! I was expecting Handmaiden and got a box of Blue Sky Alpaca and a box of Spinrite (Bernat and Patons) to play with. And the Handmaiden is on its way!!! Truly a knitting-by-the-fire kind of day and I have been online for much too long now. Back to work!!!

Have a fab day!

OOOOOXXXXXOOOO

Posted by purlprincess at 1:19 PM EST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

Part One: Life XIII

Emily Dickinson

THE SOUL selects her own society,

Then shuts the door;

On her divine majority

Obtrude no more.

Unmoved, she notes the chariot’s pausing

At her low gate;

Unmoved, an emperor is kneeling

Upon her mat.

I ’ve known her from an ample nation

Choose one;

Then close the valves of her attention

Like stone.

Posted by purlprincess at 8:23 AM EST

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink