RainMomma

{this moment}

2012-02-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

{this moment} -

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Inspired by Amanda Soule of http://www.soulemama.com/

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Your Inner Mystic- Mindful Knitting

2012-01-27T17:18:00.000-08:00

The following is dialogue from a recent program I did entitled "Your Inner Mystic." My portion was on Mindful Knitting.

There is a right time, a divine time, that the spark happens. I started to crochet at approximately 14 and I still crochet to this day. Knitting started for me around 20. There has been a lot of learning since. For a while there I was knitting “wrong,” (although there is no wrong way), so we’ll call it different. And, being more or less self-taught there was a lot of trial and error. Wanting to grow and develop my skills. For 2012 I have made 2 knitting goals: brioche and getting more comfortable with color work. I definitely consider these goals as a bit of spiritual growth as well as it provides me discipline and patience.

Why does this activity feel like a connection with God?
Sometimes it is so intricate and beautiful I impress myself.

Did you know it from the start, or did it dawn on you later?
This happened much later. Really, after discovering that it was ok to have fiber arts as a spiritual practice.

What helps you to do it/keeps you from doing it?
Well, I have a meter that I log information on and I knit 7.5 miles last year. So, when I start thinking “I wish I had time to knit.” I try and remember this statistic.

How is doing this like- or not like - prayer for you?
It is very much prayer for me. Particularly when I can get into that quiet and contemplative space. It helps when the repeat of the pattern is rhythmic so I am not constantly having to stop and look at a pattern.

How does it feel to speak about this to others?
I find it awkward. I have a hard time accepting praise. Don’t get me wrong, I love that my work gets appreciated but it always make me blush. I find that in my age group and environment that it is not always accepted to discuss spirituality. But, that is a whole other topic!

What would you recommend to someone who’s just beginning?
Dive in and ask someone you know to help ;) or your LYS

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Finished Shawls

2011-11-29T22:52:00.001-08:00

Before another month passes let me catch you up on some of my recent finished projects.

As promised, albeit a bit late. Above it the finished Terra Shawl. Recall that this was made out of Shelter- Jared Flood's first yarn. Since then he has come out with more temptation in his second yarn, Loft. The pattern was a simple knit but a bit time consuming. You don't really get to see how big it is until it is all blocked. This is a perfectly large size for me. Wrap-able.

Above here, is the completed Rainbow Girasole. This was so fun to knit. It was exciting to always be anticipating the next colors and to anticipate the next chart. I was SO pleased to see that it ended up on purple. The edging is done in Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift in Loganberry.

I have also finished the Trousseau Shawl. Pictures of that one are still in process. I recently finished a couple hats as well. More pictures and blogging will happen soon. Thanks for hanging in there.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

WIP Wednesday: Girasole

2011-10-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Work in Progress: Girasole

Here is the current status of the Kauni Rainbow Girasole. I am still on the first skein of yarn. I am also at the stage that has 640 stitches around. So, each round is taking a while. But the end is in sight and it is going to look fabulous. The teal one is a bit farther behind. It will get there. I have a retreat coming up, there will be a LOT of knitting getting done.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

{this moment}

2011-10-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

(It appears this didn't post last Friday)

{this moment} - A Friday ritual inspired by SouleMama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

WIP Wednesday- Girasole

2011-09-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Work in Progress Wednesday- today.

I am teaching a class at MakeOne in Milwaukie on the Girasole Pattern. I made this pattern earlier this year for myself for my birthday. You can find the project page here and the previous blog post here. It has been nice to work the pattern again. As you can see from the pictures above I am currently working two at a time. One is out of Cascade Heritage and the other out of Kauni Effektgarn 8/2 Rainbow. It is a self striping rainbow yarn with long runs of colors to make nice bands in the pattern. My favorite part of the pattern is that the charts are just long enough and then I am ready to start the next chart. Currently both are keeping pace on chart D. It will be a work in progress for a while. So you will likely see it again next week.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

WIP- Trousseau

2011-09-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

This pattern has been waiting in the wings for me to knit it. I even knew the yarn I was going to use. You can sort of tell from the picture. But the blue is so very BLUE! This is definitely not a normal color for me. But, it was just one of those...I had to have. So far the pattern is a breeze. Very easy but stunning to look at lace pattern. The yarn I am using is Malabrigo Silky. One of my favorites. I can't wait to see the finished project.

Speaking of finished projects. I did finish the lovely Terra Shawl. But, I haven't had an opportunity to take an artsy picture yet. It is an enormously busy work week. You all will definitely get to see the finished product.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

{this moment}

2011-09-02T21:54:00.000-07:00

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

WIP Wednesday- Terra Update

2011-09-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Officially on the final leg of making this shawl. I have started the last lace chart and the last skein of yarn. So, maybe by Monday I can post a picture of the finished project. It is turning out great!

Be well. Create. Inspire.

{this moment}

2011-08-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

WIP Wednesday- Terra

2011-08-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

Currently I am am working to finish a project that I started back in April. It is the Terra Shawl by Jared Flood. Made using Jared's yarn Shelter. Picking the color of Shelter was an easy choice. They had one named Homemade Jam. That is the colorway seen above. I am hoping to get it finished soon as I have another shawl that I am excited to get started on. You'll definitely see pics of this one when it is all done.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Bitty Harvest

2011-08-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

We planted quite a garden this year. Certainly bigger than last year. Our crop has really been hit or miss. The radishes really behaved more like a weed. We had gobs of radishes. Then we entered a phase of having a lot of growth and green but little product. Well, heat and day after day of sun seems to be the ticket. The picture above if 2 of our probably 30+ Roma tomatoes. A little bitty corn, I don't think there is enough there to munch. I am giving our other 6 or so ears of corn a little more time. Also above there are 2 ball zucchinis. I had little luck with the regular zucchinis last year with the squirrels. Carrots seem to be holding there own. I am really anxious to get them out. Fresh picked carrots are SO, so good! In a week or so I will have a bucket of Romas. My larger tomatoes are also doing great but are all still green. There have been some learning moments in this whole process.

- plant more peppers
- plant beets
- maybe a few less radishes
- go back to normal zucchinis
- add another box so there is more room
- pay better attention to the space allotted for each plant

I will definitely plant again next year. A little earlier perhaps, but certainly more. I has been a very good exercise in patience. Something I need.

Be well. Create. Inspire. (and grow)

{this moment}

2011-08-19T12:42:00.000-07:00

Helping Mom make mash blackberries for Jam.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

WIP-Wednesday-Today

2011-08-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

So, by now you have seen the new blog layouts for Fridays {this moment}, Monday- RainMomma days, and Wednesdays are now WIP-Wednesdays. It was a late night last night. So, here it is.

This is a crochet project for a Summer Sorbet Bolero. My recent crochet student approached me with this pattern. So, I am creating it in an effort to help walk her through the pattern. I am all caught up with her now so we can have a little crochet along. I am making it in the small/medium size. It has a solid back, some open work along the outer circumference, with a floral detail as well. I'll try and remember to post the finished product.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Frost Flowers

2011-08-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

*Starting today. Each Monday will be a post about most anything RainMomma related. This could be a pattern (like today), a recipe or just a little bit about life.

So, when my LYS (local yarn store) was bringing in a new yarn I knew that I wanted to help them out with a sample. The yarn is Acadia from The Fibre Co. and the pattern is Avery Cowl by Kate Gagnon Osborn. What I loved about the yarn was the colors. All very earth-toned. The one I chose to use is called wild onion. The main portion of the yarn is definitely the color of an onion skin. But, every so often there will be a slub of bright purple. The combination is so lovely and the yarn was a pure joy to work with. Now, on to the pattern.

The pattern is a cowl, so worked in the round. This was my first introduction to a particular lace chart called frost flowers. Little did I know this pattern exist for ALL sorts of items. If you go to the Quince & Co. blog you will see it made into a blanket, a sweater and a scarf. I think what was most difficult for me was the transition of working the pattern in the round. This could have been solved several ways, I think. It could have had some kind of divider like a ribbed row or notated differently on the pattern and perhaps changing where the marker placement was at those transitions. Either way, I mustered my way through the pattern. It took a little longer than I had hoped but it turned out lovely nonetheless. And, yet another moment to grow and learn while knitting.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

{this moment}

2011-08-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

This will be a new feature that will appear each Friday. Keep watching to see the other new blog features that will appear each Monday and Wednesday's too!

Rose Olatz

2011-06-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

So, the request was for a shawl that she could wrap around and get warm with. Anything for mom, right? Her previous shawl was the Summer Flies shawl. It turned out rather lovely in purple, but a little on the small side. So, off to Happy Knits to find the perfect yarn. She has good taste. She picked Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca. This yarn was an absolute dream to work with. I was one of the nicer plied yarns I have tried. Here is what Aslan Trends says about the royal alpaca: Royal Alpaca is a rare and unique fiber, only 1% of all alpaca fiber production in the world can be classified as royal. At 19.0 to 19.5 microns is with no doubt the king of alpaca fiber. Super soft, lighter and warmer than cashmere. She even picked the color- bright pink. So many people asked what I was making with the super soft, pepto pink yarn. The answer was always easy- something for mom. Needless to say, she loves her new shawl. I gave it to her for her birthday/mother's day. It is just as warm as Aslan describes. I now need to find something to make for myself out of it. I was very moderately priced and has great yardage at 220yds. Keep watching. I am certain whatever it is will land on these pages.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

French Press Cowl

2011-05-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

I love finding community in the knitting world. It is so nice to be able to bounce pattern ideas around, exchange yarn reviews, and find other people who can be in your presence without words and knit alongside you. With the French Press Cowl it is the story of pattern testing. Larissa Brown of the blog Stitch Marker . Larissa put out a request for someone to test her new cowl pattern. Okie doke! Cowl's are pretty quick knits. And this one was no different. It is a lovely and simple lace pattern with a different kind of rib pattern. I think the ribbing is what makes it interesting. The simple lace pattern is a series of eyelets that are stacked on top of each other. The idea is that when finished one will weave something through those holes. I thought about getting really wild and crazy, but you know that isn't my style. So, I went with ribbon. I still considered the idea of buttons or beads, but ribbon was the clear winner. One of my coworkers loved the cowl so it has found a new home with her. But, I think I may have to make another.

Up Next: Rose Olatz

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Quince & Co.

2011-05-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

First off, I love the entire aesthetic of Quince & Co. yarns. You can find them here. I had been interestdin trying out their line for sometime. So, I ordered on skein of Puffin, a lovely bulky weight wool and Osprey in the goldfinch colorway. Goldfinch of course being a lovely yellow for Ms. C.

**Above is the Crow pattern made with the Puffin in the Lichen colorway. Crow is a wonderful quick knit cowl pattern from Larissa Brown. You can find out more about her here. She is also having a special on her patterns in order to help her sister with adoption fees. To see her patterns and here more about how you can donate visit this blog entry.**

Not only do I enjoy their yarn but they have some truly lovely patterns as well. Claire and I did some looking around and she really like the Camilla sweater. One of the other treats I ordered was there color card. I may have to get more of these from companies, they are very handy. Claire enjoyed being able to pick out the color she wants. So it will be in yellow of course. The color way is Carrie's yellow and the yarn it suggests is Lark. Her next sweater is a little down on the queue, but when it is done you will see it here. For her current Goldfinch yellow yarn I am going to make her a hat, beret I think.

Quince & Co. and I are off to a great start. Their yarns, just as great as I expected them to be. I truly recommend sending off for some, the hardest part will be deciding what awesome color to go with.

Next up: French Press Cowl Test

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Claire's Sweater

2011-04-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

Some of the most important ideas that we can pass onto our children are tradition, and from my lineage of women- knitting. I simply adore the notion that Claire also wants to be a knitter. She is always very intrigued with what I am working on. She has also started her very own mini-stash. And I am NOT to touch any of her yarn. She is very patiently saving it for the day that she learns how to knit so she can make something with HER yarn. That day will be coming soon. I understand many kids start around 4. So, along with her asking what I am working on she will occasionally ask if what I am making is for her. Usually the answer is no. Unless I involve her in the ENTIRE process she is generally not interested in the cute stuff I try and make for her. So this time she had a special request. "Mommy, can you make me a sweater?" But, of course. So I found one that met her approval and showed her the yarn I had been saving for a project just like this. And here I present- Claire's Sweater.

The yarn is from the Lavender Sheep Co. in Hood River. I thought it would be a nice and playful colorway. She approved, despite it not having her favorite color- yellow. The yarn was wonderful to work with. It was a Merino/Silk mix. Some might say that is a little fancy for a toddler, but not mine. This garment she has worn more than any other that I have made her. It is perfect for the mildly cold days of spring. You might notice in the picture that it self-banded the color towards the top and then towards the waist I forced the color to band which made for a few more ends to weave in.

The pattern is Audrey's First Day. We have already scouted the yarn and the pattern for her next sweater. But, she is a little down on the queue at the moment. The pattern, like most toddler sized garments knit up pretty quickly. The only problem that I had was with myself and not the pattern. I didn't examine the pattern enough prior to starting. The pattern requires that you knit the body and then pick up the stitches around the color and down the front for a nice ribbed edge. Picking up that many stitches is a weak spot for me. But, in the end, it made a lovely garment that Claire adores and wears!

Next up: Quince & Co. yarn review.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Love & Beauty

2011-04-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

“I believe in love. And beauty. I believe that every single person has something they find beautiful and that they truly love. The smell of their child’s hair, the silence of a forest, their lover’s crooked grin. Their country, their religion, their family. And I believe that if you follow this love all the way to its end, if you start with the thing you find most beautiful and trace its perfume back to its essence, you will perceive an intangible presence, a swath of stillness that allows the thing you love to be visible like the openness of the sky reveals the presence of the moon.”

Excerpt from Women, Food, & God by Geneen Roth

It was SO beautiful I had to share.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Something to aspire to

2011-04-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

I aspire to make the sweater pattern for Lyric Tree by Stricken on Ravelry. I love the tree of life look of this design. I also love the detail on the hood. So, detailed, aran-type cable work is what I aspire to master. I am still fairly new at cables. But, when searching for some projects on Ravelry I came across this pattern and new it was an instant fave. I wish I had more patience to do sweaters and larger projects. But, I like semi-instant gratification. I much prefer projects that I can finish in a few days. I think I may stash this project away for the next retreat I attend in November where I could give it the concentrated time it deserves.

Be well. Create. Inspire

And now for something completely different...

2011-04-01T23:51:00.000-07:00

Believe in what you do, what you say and what you create.
Above all...believe in yourself!

If you can tell me where this picture was taken you will be rewarded.

(people present excluded :)

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Upcoming Classes @ MakeOne

2011-04-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

Beginning Lace – Tuesdays (4/19 and 4/26) from 6:30 – 8:00 pm –$24
Lace work is not only beautiful but it’s also a great way to master reading your knitting, delving into chart reading, as well as increases and decreases. Be sure to register for this helpful class by calling the shop or in person.

Summer Flies – Tuesdays (5/17, 5/24, and 5/31) from 6:30 – 8:00 pm –$36

The Summer Flies Shawl by Donna Griffin is a great accessory for spring and summer. Knitting lace work is a fabulous way to take your knitting to the next level and this is a wonderful way to master those skills. Register for this three session class by calling the shop or stopping in.

To register contact MakeOne @ www.m1yarns.com or 503.974.9614

Where are they now?

2011-03-31T22:48:00.000-07:00

There are two projects that come to mind when I think of "Where are they now?" The first is a felted backpack. I got this wild idea several years ago. It is about 85% finished. All that remains is a flap for the closure and the straps. I even have the yarn to complete this. All I need now is the time. It has made it's way to the top of my to-do's. Now, I just need to do it. I am not sure what it's use will end up being anymore. I think that is why it has stalled so long. I am certain if I don't use it, Claire will certainly find something to do with it. Here is what it looks like now.

The other project that is always floating around my mind is the Doherty Sweater. When my mom and I went to Ireland in 2005 she and I bought a kit to make a Clan Aran sweater. This project has been taped up in it's box for 2 moves and a LOT of shuffling. Yet, when I wanted it I seemed to know exactly where is was...in my garage. The kit include a rough sketch of the pattern and some very loose instructions. I think this is why I hesitate so much. But, it did include all the yarn, so I am ahead of the game there. I would not look for this project from me for a while. I think before I even think about starting it I have to take the pattern and rewrite it, which is intimidating enough. But, someday I will have them both done and out of my queue.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Tidy Mind, Tidy Stitches

2011-03-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is the post for yesterday. I got a little tied up. The post for today will go up a little later.

The subject is organization. At the right you will see some of how I keep my yarn organized. I have 2 of these 8-cube shelves. The yarn is very generally organized by color. I spent some time a few weeks back to photograph my entire stash and catalog it online at Ravelry. This is particularly handy because I can access it online most anywhere with my phone. But, I also have a pretty certain idea of what I have/need in my head.

Projects for me are easy to find. I have managed to only have between 1-3 projects going at a time and they stay in my knitting basket. I will occassionally use the gallon ziplock back concept for keeping the yarn from getting crazy. Up above on this same shelf are my knitting and crochet books. Unlike all of my other book that are of course organized by subject in alphabetical order, these are by size because that is how I got them to stay upright. So many of them are really big and then really small. But all are gems and also logged in the library section of my Ravelry.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Skill + 1UP

2011-03-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

The topic of today is Skill + 1UP. This was easy for me. By far, the greatest skill I have picked up is lace work. I don't believe it was something that I rationalized or planned. It was simply an evolution of knitting. Similar to what I talked about yesterday in the choosing of yarn and fiber. There was a time in my knitting/crochet life that I would make you anything as long as it was stockinette stitch, garter stitch, or I-cord. And even I-cord was a big move for me. I can without a doubt attribute my fiber arts evolution to discovering Ravelry. Furthermore, if I looked up when I had that haircut with my friend from high school who told me about Ravelry, I am sure I could pinpoint the day. I think that it is a natural evolution to want to make something bigger, a sweater, add a zipper, follow a chart. There is a point where stockinette and granny squares aren't enough. That is when I discovered lace. I kind of dove in head first. But, I enjoy it so much that I will be teaching a class on beginning lace soon. I am very proud of the lace work projects that I have accomplished. Highest on that list of course is having completed my Girasole blanket. But, another favorite is the Arabella shawl. It turned out so lovely in the Jamieson Spindrift yarn. Lace work is still a work in progress, but it is a skill that I am so proud to have accomplished this past year.

Tomorrow: Tidy Mind, Tidy Stitches.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Tale of Two Yarns

2011-03-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

In an effort to keep up and kick start my blogging with some more readers I am participating in the second Annual Knitting and Crochet Blog Week. Each day there will be a different subject that knitting and crochet bloggers will be typing about.

The first subject being a "Tale of Two Yarns."

Yarn is one of my favorite things...well...in the world. I love yarn store. I love the variety of fibers that I get to experiment with while doing needle work. I was talking with a student about fibers and we agreed that we all start out with very commercial, often times acrylic, yarn. Then, the artist grows, as well as their skill, and all of a sudden you want to good stuff. What exactly is that? It depends. I find that I am either looking for yarn and then finding something to do with it OR finding a project and then looking for yarn. But with the queue that I have on Ravelry, I often have an idea of yardage floating around my head so generally for me...yarn first.

One such instance is Cascade Eco Duo+. If you love neutrals at all, you simply have to touch it. Then, once you have touched it, you buy it. It wasn't one of those instances that I would buy yarn just because I love it then stash it. This yarn I used immediately. I made a hat out of it and tried my hand at my first cables. The hat is so incredibly soft. I often tell people to touch it because it feels like a kitten. For the sake of being critical and subjective- I will say that while I love the yarn for the hat that I made, it is not an everyday yarn. This is the kind of yarn that you would use for a specific project. A sweater would be wonderful, but it would pill a lot. A cowl would be soft and glorious. But because of the fuzz, I don't recommend it for long term wear and tear.

The next yarn that I am going to highlight is Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK. Frankly, I love a lot of their yarns. I chose this one in particular because I prefer to work in DK vs. fingering. The other reason I chose Tosh Merino DK vs. Tosh DK is because what I am learning about myself is that I love single ply yarn. I find that I am drawn to that over a plied yarn. I have plenty of plied yarn, but majority is single ply. While I am not generally a fan of superwash yarn, this is indeed superwash merino. I think that lends itself well to making it an absolute favorite, versatile, everyday yarn. The first project was a hat. The next project with it will likely be a shawl.

You may notice a trend hat, hats, hats. I find that hats are a good way to test out a new yarn. And then you can build up a supply of last minute gifts while you are at it.

Inspiration

2011-03-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

It my new tagline. Do you like it? Have you noticed?

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Words that came to me as I continue on this fiber filled blogging journey. I have to say that I too have times of feeling rather uninspired. Working in a spiritual center I have come to understand that it is a part of the cycle of life. We all have times of light and shadow, dusk and dawn, happy sad, mad glad. You get the picture. But the more that I think that I am being uninspired, the more inspiration comes my way.

It is an absolute honor to be called an inspiration by someone. This has happened on several occasions now, often coming from those that inspire me. What I appreciate most is that I am able to inspire people in so many different aspects of my life. Some I have inspired creatively, some I have inspired by my parenting, and some through my work at the spiritual center. It is all of this abundance that inspires me to keep it going, to keep creating, to keep being the best wife and mother I can be. For those of you that I have inspired and vice versa, please know I am truly blessed by knowing you and YOU continue to be MY inspiration.

So, now, let me share with you some recent finished projects to show you where I channel all that goodness!

Crochet Class

2011-03-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

Check it out! I am on board to teach a beginning crochet class at MakeOne in Milwaukie. If you have ever been inspired to crochet, now is your chance!

Beginning Crochet – Sundays (3/20 and 3/27) from 11:30 – 1:00 pm –$24 - Michelle Kroll

MakeOne DescriptionWant to venture into the world of crochet with confidence? Come and take this two session class from Michelle. She’ll get you “hooked” on crochet and on the road to making those crochet projects that you’ve had your eye one. Register for this two session class by calling (503) 974-9614 or stopping in.

Scones & Rikke Hat

2011-03-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

First of all, sorry for the delay. There was a sick day thrown in and a knitting retreat. There will be a separate post for the knitting retreat later.

When launching RainMomma.com one of my goals was to throw in the occasional recipe. I enjoy trying new recipes, particularly if it is any kind of baked goods. As we start getting into canning season you will likely get introduced to some of my favorite jam recipes. But, one of my favorite things to make are scones. They are the ultimate versatile pastry. You can add just about anything to them, and have them sweet or savory. Here is the basic recipe that I have been using. (Adapted from a recipe given to me by Eileen Parfrey.)

Michelle's Basic Scone Recipe

1/2 c. rolled oats
1 c. flour
3 T brown sugar
1.5 t baking powder
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1 T flax seed
6 T butter
6 oz. Greek yogurt

Cut in the butter with the flour and the rolled oats. Mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Mix in the yogurt.

Add-ins: crystallized ginger, mini chocolate chips, nuts or seeds, 1/4 of your favorite spice, vanilla beans, or 2 T of finely flaked coconut (like the kind used for macaroons).

Bake at 400 for 14-18 minutes.
_______________________________

And now for the finished object update. There have been a few since the last post.
Those will be in the follow-up about the knitting retreat. Below is the Rikke Hat. The hat is a design by Sarah Young of Happy Knits and is a free pattern that you can find here. It was a fun and easy knit. The yarn I used for this was Madelinetosh Tosh Merino DK in Ruby Slippers. I simply love Madelinetosh yarns. All of their colors are fabulous and their yarns soft and smooshy.

Here is what I called Raspberry Rikke.

Test Update

2011-02-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Above is the test gauge for Zitron Nimbus 100% Organic Merino. The yarn choice really confirms my affinity for single ply yarn. I am not sure why that is. But, I knew when I start this project that I wanted a rich color. Some of the others I thought were a nice mahogany brown, deep navy, plum or cordovan shade of red. The picture doesn't really show the color in its truest form. The color is really a charcoal color, think pencil lead.

I am slowly making progress. I seem to psych myself out since I am more or less writing as I go. The end result will be a vest. I love the idea so I hope it turns out the way I hope. It is being knit for a small-medium for pattern-submitting purposes. In the yarn I chose it is going to be rather warm. But, the pattern is versatile enough that, done with the right yarn, could be worn in the spring/summer. I have a few other projects on my plate I am working on as well. So, off to get a few more inches done.

Up Next: FO update and a recipe!

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Comfy & Warm

2011-02-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

This was a super easy crochet project. It involved a pretty basic stitch pattern and easy shaping. This definitely could have been done sooner. One could even get it done in a weekend. I managed to stretch it out by being tied up with various other knitting projects. It is made with Cascade Yarns Cash Vero. I broke in the sweater on Monday, and let me tell you it was toasty. It is also VERY soft. I am hoping that it won't pill too much. If I had more yarn I would likely have made the sleeves a little longer. But that said, it really is going to be perfect to wear over a tank in the spring. I think it is versatile enough to be worn in any season. Don't quote me on this, but I may make another in the future.

A little review on the yarn. This was my first time using this yarn. It was very easy to work with. It didn't split too much, with is always key. It was very soft which made it a little slippery. I am going to use the last 15 yds or so that I have left to make a swatch to remember this one.

Next up: A progess report on my first design venture.

Girasole

2011-02-06T13:43:00.000-08:00

So here is the finished product. The wonderful Girasole. I loved knitting this. From beginning to end. I think that I why I am drawn to lace charts. First, I am enamored with the idea of starting a new project. And when doing a circular or triangular shawl it grows so quickly in the beginning. Then, with this pattern I kept getting more and more excited about how the pattern was looking and progressing. There was certainly that level of excitement present because I was working on something for myself. I absolutely love the outcome. The yarn choice makes for a very comfy and warm blanket.

So, down the line will be another Jared Flood project. I have gathered enough Shelter yarn to make the Terra Shawl. The colorway, of course is Homemade Jam. There are a couple more projects in the works before that however.

Stay tuned for another update on another finished project. The Chevron Sweater.

Coming up next...

2011-01-26T22:47:00.000-08:00

Here is the Chevron cardigan that has been in hiding. It is next on the list to finish up. It is just about done. There are several more inches on the bottom and then some edging. The yarn is Cash Vero in raspberry. I am continuing to try and only have one project going at a time. There is another project that has been hibernating for several years that has traveled to 2 different houses and still needs a little finishing. That will be coming soon too! It is hard. I keep reading some of my favorite knitting blogs and seeing my fellow knitters that have startitis. My problem is I would start something everyday. In an effort to keep ahead of deadlines and the like, I am going to try and have one project. Wish me luck.

For those of you following the status of the wonderful Inaugural Girasole, it is almost there. I didn't make it as fast as I had hoped, but that is just how it goes. I am currently working on the edging. In case you are wondering, it is 640 stitches bound off in a knitted bind off four stitches each time. It is a bit time consuming. But, believe me, it will be well worth it. I can't wait to share the pictures with you. Until then...

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Circular Organizer

2011-01-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

I have seen on more than one occasion, an organizer for all your circular needles. I decided it was high time I make one for myself. I think that is part of the nature of a crafter. I can't speak for all, but I see something and I immediately start to dissect it and try and find a way to make it myself. That could be why I have been through so many hobbies.

It was fun to visit a local fabric store and be inspired by some fun ribbon. And as apparent from the website I am very drawn to teals lately. Not too sure about the color of the year being honeysuckle. I needed a method for the numbers that didn't require embroidery. That prompted finding the number ribbon. The one through ten sequence worked out fine as I one have a couple that are larger.

The next project that will be sewn is a case my my KnitPicks Harmony Kit. The fabric will be the same. But they certainly need a home. I will of course share that with you as well.

Be well. Create. Inspire.

Inaugural Girasole

2011-01-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

January 17, 2011

I am so excited to be launching this website (on my birthday) and to have the first project I share with you be the lovely Girasole.

This website has been an idea for so long and is now finally getting off its feet. There was a lot of discernment regarding what to call it. I wanted to conjure up the perfect name for a knitting related blog and website. There were quite a few ideas that were brought to the table. But, the more I talked about the more I understood that I have already created an identity that is RainMomma. So, why change that? Why not keep what I have already started? Well, I did. And here is that new and exciting identity. I hope you enjoy what comes in the days and weeks to follow. For those that visit in these next early days, please feel free to send me any edits you might have. You know how it goes having looked at the same info for a while, I am certain to have missed something.

And now, I bring you Girasole. This pattern was one of those that you come across and it pulls at your heart strings and begs to be made. I have had the pattern for some time. It was merely awaiting the right timing and opportunity to move to the forefront. While I SO enjoy knitting for others, it was time to knit something for myself. I knew that Girasole was going to be the one. The one for...me! Through a wonderful set of fate and circumstances I acquired the yarn (Cascade Yarns Soft Spun) and it sat patiently until I acquired the time.

In the weeks leading up to the launch of the website I knew it was time. Everything was simply starting to fall into place. It has been working up rather quickly, but isn’t done today to share with all of you. My hope was that it would be as a sort of birthday gift to myself. But soon enough. Another entry of course to follow when completed.

The pattern tells me it is going to block to something around 72”. Less so however because I took a repeat out to accommodate the yardage of the yarn I have. This gem of mine will be perfect for wrapping and getting snuggly with. Claire has mentioned that she wants it. So sad to break the news to her, nope...mine. But, we did agree that in time she too could have one- rainbow colored. In the meantime I would be happy to share it and all it’s future snuggles.

Thank you to all that make a visit today and in the future. A huge thank you to my husband for all his support and assistance with all things web related. I am getting there.

K n i t

2010-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

to make (a garment, fabric, etc.) by interlocking loops of one or more yarns
to form or create from diverse sources or elements:
to become closely and firmly joined together;

Reflection: How are you like a knit piece? Are you the knitter creating the story? Are you the yarn holding the stories all together? Perhaps you are the fiber and have a story all your own?

Oh what a fiber glory

to take some yarn or string,
weave, knit or crochet
it all into a story.

Just like bees
that tend to their hives
knitters knit stories
of their lives.

It all starts with
a single loop
of fiber, yarn or thread,
and soon a story
does arrive from
the knitter's head.

Make it fancy
or make it plain,
it is up to you
do not refrain.

Make it lace
or make a cable,
it's up to you
if you are able.

Just knit the story
for all to hear
could take a week
or a year.

Please pass it down
to generations,
they do it a lot
in many nations.

To start is easy
it takes a good place to sit
Get comfy, grab yarn,
and begin...to knit.

by Michelle Kroll

Yes please...

2010-10-07T16:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, I saw this in a recent blog I read. I am certain that I NEED a role of this wallpaper. So in an effort to share the awesome-ness of this stuff go and check it out! Read the description. It even feels like knit. Brilliant Enough said. Someone please tell Santa!

Autumn

2010-09-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Photo and words by Michelle Kroll

As we see the leaves

begin to turn and sway,

chaning all their colors

like the changing of our days.

Let us be reminded

of the length of day and sun,

that we had a short time ago

when summer has begun.

Let us now reflect

of the days now gone.

Days spent in splendor
of the warm summer sun.

And now that autumn

is finally hear,

the wind so crisp,

and falling leaves appear.

Let us too rejoice,

in the autumn now,

when leaves do fall

it is time to slow down.

Slow down and celebrate

the glory of it all.

The marvelous season,

it is here, it is fall!

s p r o u t

2010-06-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

- to begin to grow
- to shoot forth
- to develop
- a new growth

We all started out, a sprout. A new growth. Some of us continue that everyday. Sprout TV says “Learn something new everyday, because the more we know the smarter we grow.” Growth takes many forms however. Growth can be physical, emotional or spiritual. What pure joy to watch the growth of a child, a pet, a garden, a relationship, or the growth of oneself. How do you grow everyday? How has this group grown? Evolved? What words come to mind when you think of your own growth? What seeds will you plant today?

Green
Oh what a way to start,
a sprout.
A new beginning, growth,
to start out.

Life so new,
the color green.
You surely knew
what this would mean.

Green, fresh, light,
and true.
And all simply
because of you!

Because of you
we have this life.
Mostly good,
a little strife.

But growing is what
we continue to do,
because you chose green
instead of blue.

Peaceful Reflections

2010-05-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Below are some reflections from a gathering I did this weekend and co-facilitated. I thought this might be a nice platform to share. The delphinium flower was drawn by me :) Enjoy!

I see you,
before that...
I felt you.
I know that you
are always there
watching over me,
to help me
right the wrong.
You are there
to calm my storm.
I am cautious
and carfeul
to be only my best
for you!
If I fall,
you are there
helping me to rise.
I try to see only good,
for you.
For you always
see the good in me.
You are there,
I ssee you,
helping me, be me.

I had several people in mind when I was writing that. So, I think it goes out to all my family, moral and creative support.

Passion Engaging All Calm on Earth

_______________________________________

And a special haiku for someone near and dear.

Abundant is she,

So good and strong and love filled,

Inspires you and me!

Yarn Haiku

2010-05-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Some yarn gauge haiku for another contest.

Always in the search of free, cleverly won yarn!

Fingering or sport,

it's worth testing your gauge,

or else you'll be short.

To make a small swatch,

just to test the yarn gauge,

waste of my yarn, rage.

Few minutes to test,

my pretty yarn and my needles.

Now sweater or vest?

NEST

2010-03-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

(This was written in conjunction with some nests that I have been knitting for a spiritual reflection. The nests are still in progress, I'll post a picture when they are complete.)

When you think of a nest, what is it we most often think of? A container or shelter made of twigs, grass and other materials. Have you ever thought about these definitions:

     : a snug retreat or refuge, resting place, home
     : a cluster of similar things
     : to settle or place in

So as you begin to settle in, as a cluster of similar women, begin to think of your nest. Where is it you go when you need retreat and refuge? What do you nurture during that time? Think of the nest you are holding. What does it hold for you? What message lies within the egg? How does that message resonate with you at this time?

Oh so delicate a nest
Made up of organic best
Aloft so high up in a tree ,
who belongs to what I see?

Who seeks respite
high up there?
To build a nest,
delicate, with care.

A refuge for
a little bird.
A little home,
a big, big world.

Such wonder ‘bout
this AWEsome nest.
What a perfectly lovely
place to rest!

(another little gem made for work)

Knit Wit

2010-03-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

So for a contest at a LYS (local yarn store) the objective was to write a limerick about knitting. So clever for the month of March, I thought. So, with my uber poetic and rhyming mind this is what I came up with.

I knit a lot of knots,
especially for my tots.
One purple and pink,
the other black like ink,
like a mommy knitting robot!

I wish I had a ewe,
a llama and alpaca too,
to shear and to spin,
divine yarn I win,
from a veritable knitter's zoo!

Oh boy how I love to knit,
In a comfy place to sit.
A place just for me,
my yarn and my tea,
for a little knitting respite.

I am sure that I could keep them coming. It was rather fun to think of knitting rhymes. I hope you got a giggle or two out of the gaggle!

Write Now

2010-02-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

As written for Simple Beauty & Contemplation

It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

-Mary Oliver

… a silence in which another voice may speak. To whom does that other voice belong? To what? I know that for me, that other voice is my inner voice. Writing and journaling offers one an opportunity to share, learn, and remember. It is a sort of stirring of the soul, but more than that it is a chance to feel. Journaling, recollection, gives you an opportunity to savor events past and present. Writing gives you that chance to describe to the reader every minute detail. You could either write about how you went for a walk and stopped to smell the roses OR you could say:

I went for a walk this morning, an opportunity that has been lacking all winter. I stepped outside into a freshness that reminds me spring is on the way. There were just enough clouds and enough sun that I left the sweater at home. I so look forward to when these walks can happen more frequently. You can see evidence of spring already. Crocuses and their delicate green leaves are forcing their way through the soil. You can see the starts of the daffodils and tulips too, a sort of floral calendar that unfolds its way to summer. Summer seems so distant when you afternoons are currently occupied with splashing in puddles. But summer offers the chance to take said walk at the Rose Garden. How glorious is it that we have this in our city. What a wondrous gathering of roses with their velvety soft petals and over protective thorns. They always lure us in with that sweet, decadent smell.

Doesn’t that sound much more worthy of reading again than some sort of hand written log of days. Embrace writing! I have recently started to embrace it again. I took a 10 year hiatus. One writing exercise offered me a chance to write about coffee for 10 minutes, or rain, or a memory I have about being on a bicycle. There are so many memories inside, wouldn’t it be nice to get them all out? The good, the bad and the ugly. I know that I am finding it therapeutic. Natalie Goldberg tells us, “You have the right to write it down. Throw it out, rip it up, swallow it down. Build up a capacity to bear up- don’t let fear run your writing life. Hide your notebook in a good place.” The key is to keep writing and get it all out, I am.

Books to try out:
Old Friend From Far Away By: Natalie Goldberg
With Pen in Hand By: Henriette Anne Klauser
Journaling as a Spiritual Practice By: Helen Cepero

Huckleberry Bliss

2009-12-27T08:59:00.000-08:00

On thing you can always count on is my affinity for berries...any berries! I even had an opportunity to try a kiwi berry. Yum! So this should have been posted some time ago. But, as we are in the heart of winter, why not reminisce about the berry filled days of summer.

My mother-in-law always gets huckleberries, every summer. This year we made a little exchange. She would happily share some with me if she got a batch of jam for her. Simple.

The jam practically made itself. Packed full of flavor...and pectin apparently. So out of what she gave me I was able to produce 3 batches of jam. It seems to be quite a hit of those on my jam receiving list. I think next year I want to try my hands at more pies. I am certain the husband won't mind. I am so looking forward to the spring and summer and the next canning session. Albeit there is still plenty of jam in the pantry. But for now, we will treasure the joys of winter, the holidays, staying in together from the cold and the wonder of starting a new year.

Blackberry Bliss

2009-08-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Blackberry. Blackblerry, as Claire calls it. One of my favorite things. Recently a flat of these divine brambles crossed my path. I can't get my nose close enough. I love the perfumey goodness that can only be experienced with mass amounts of blackberries. I so wish that that was how jam tasted. I have an idea for that but I will have to wait until next season. Because, of course I made jam. I brought them out to my moms and we made some low-sugar and some no sugar. It was like old times, canning with my momma.

There were so many berries left. What to do with them?? Well, as passed done for generations, just like jam, once must make pie. I am not going to pretend to have the all knowing pie crust recipe, that is reserved for my mom. In fact pie making in general should be left to my mom. But, I must learn. So I bought a pie crust, sacrileges to some I know. I followed a recipe and some knowledge passed down from momma. Here it is:

Isn't it beautiful? I was so proud of myself. My first real pie. I added some spices, not too much of course. I was certain it was going to be divine. Then reality hit. While it may look like perfection, it was far from it. It didn't gel at all. I was so sad. It was a lovely store bought crust with reddish berrilicious soup inside. The guys were such troopers. They said it tasted good. It did. But I wanted it to be a success. So, now I am trying to find my next pie. I think it'll be in the berry category. How about huckleberry?

Chai Experiment

2009-08-18T21:34:00.000-07:00

I know that it is August and here in the NW it is H-O-T hot, but I am already preparing for fall. I think that there are a lot of factors at play. My family moved into a new home, it is beautiful and has been home since the second we signed the papers. It feel like this house was built for us. So, new home means another phase of nesting. Another meaning I experienced the first after having my daughter.

As you may have seen from some previous posts I am trying to do a bit of food analysis. I have definitely given up on the frozen boxed lunch. I have made it several weeks in fact! Trying to take more advantage of the goodness of our markets and local grub. But, if you know me, you know I love my chai tea! It has gone by the wayside for some time because it is fairly high in calories. In visiting some blogs I watch, I came across this chai tea recipe- can be found here.

Chai

* 1 1/2 cups of water
* 1 whole cinnamon stick)
* 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
* 1 heaping teaspoon cardamon seeds
* 1/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
(note I sliced some ginger, working on enhancing my kitchen tool repertoire)
* 2/3 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon loose black tea

Bring water and spices to a boil and simmer (covered) for 10 minutes. Add milk and honey; return to the boil. Remove chai from heat and add the tea. Cover and steep for two minutes.

(This recipe was taken from the aforementioned blog. I made some note, but stuck to the recipe.)

As it is a cardinal rule to try the original recipe first I did. Technically speaking she give the option to use powdered or whole. I typed the recipe for what I used. I think that next time I am going to do a variation using nutmeg. I am sure that down the line I will even write an Ode to Nutmeg!

This chai is yummy! I don't think it is so perfect that I am sworn off store bought though. But I think that with time I will tweak this to perfection! Maybe experimenting with different sweeteners, a different variety of spice, who knows.

What I do know is that all things spicy remind me of the best time of year, autumn. Folks, it is around the corner. I was looking out the window of my office to see the tops of trees starting to turn. Fall will be here before we know it. And with some new experiments with cooking and some recent preserving I am all the more ready!

Canning Goodness

2009-08-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is another multi-purpose blog. I have been trying to get a canning entry in for weeks and now I had a deadline due for the blog at work. So here it is!

You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them. Genesis 6:21

Time for more of crafting as a spiritual practice. This time we will explore the craft of food preservation. Food preservation is another practice that has been passed down through the generations. I most definitely got the knack of it from my mother. She and I would often seek out the berries of the season and make them into jam. For most people, picking berries is worse than having to pick the seeds out of your teeth! For us, picking berries is meditative. (We had an opportunity to experience this together again recently.) We can and have picked berries for hours until our fingers were stained that bluey-purple-ish red that can only be achieved by berry picking. The most recent time it ended up with about 2.5 pounds of blueberries. Blueberries are small folks, that was a lot of picking! There is only one thing to do with that many berries…JAM! These in particular were made into a Spiced Blueberry Jam and Blue Blue Strawberry Jam (2 parts blueberry and one part strawberry). Both superbly delicious!

Since then, this wonderfully meditative preserving has turned into six batches of jam and a large batch of pickled goodies (beans, cukes and garlic). One of the best things about the items being preserved is that they are wonderful treasures to share with family and friends.

To me, each jar is like a handmade gem. I loved to mix and match flavors. To create something new and exciting, that you won’t find on the grocery store shelf. I love the process of stirring and seeing it transform into its own gem. Some “gems” are purple, some are pinkish-red, some are orangey-red. To me it is the equivalent to having jars of amethyst and rubies in my pantry. Better still because I made them. Each made them with the wonderful fruits of the season. And what a blessing that we can live in an area so abundant with this goodness!

Some years ago now, I signed up for the Master Food Preserving program. Should any of you have questions about canning, feel free to leave a comment, I’ll do my best to answer them. Happy canning!

Food for Thought

2009-07-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

I am feeling inspired. As I understand it books have that effect on people. What book you ask? A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg. You can find her at Orangette. I find her nothing short of amazing. I find myself on a sort of...self discovery. Reading her descriptions of food is like reading a romance novel, for me. My immediate defense on the subject of my weight is- I LOVE food! Do I? Do I really? Molly loves food. In that sense, food and I are merely acquaintances. If I really loved food what would I be eating? I am sure that it would not be the likes of frozen, plastic containers of low-calorie microwavable food! Is this a sign? A sign of the times? (I don't know where that came from but I liked it!) Some magical way of the world telling me if I don't want to be fat anymore maybe I should slow down. Why, day after day, do I torture myself with these frozen diet meals that don't appear to do me any good anyway. Wouldn't I be just as satisfied if I took an extra ten minutes and made something delectable like Molly's recipe for Bread Salad with cherries, goat cheese and arugula? (Not on her blog, but in her book.) It sounds divine! Goat cheese, balsamic vinegar, cherries! Honestly, aside from the cheese and the bread where are the calories?

All of the aforementioned has got me thinking, what do you love so much about food? Analyze it! I have been trying! Thinking about most everything that goes in my mouth the last two days. (Having reached a turning point in the book in the last few days.) I have even gone so far as to analyze my consumption of coffee. What is it? I am hardly some connoisseur like Jack Nicholson's character in the Bucket List, going so far as to consume coffee from beans excreted from a wild cat! I can only generally tell you the difference in the "roast" of the coffee. For all of those details, I don't particularly care. Coffee a prescription given to those who have given birth and sleep with one ear open will for the next 18 years (or longer) wake at the crack of dawn to savor every waking moment with their children. I drank coffee early on because I was from the Pacific Northwest and that was what we were supposed to drink. I was young, it was cool. I knew the lingo, even moreso now! After a stint of stomach problems I stopped drinking it from upwards of 6-8 years. Picked it up again when I was pregnant because it was hot and I could get it decaf! Coffee drinking is almost like a coming of age. Grandma did it, mom does it, doesn't that mean I am supposed to? No, I have no great snobbery about coffee. I enjoy the taste and flavors I get to add to it. I have even started making it myself. (That was a HUGE step for me!) It is what I drink on my way to work to wash away the daily grind and a good cup will last me until at least two in the afternoon.

I suppose the long and the short of it is, as a way to get back in touch with my "blog" you could be seeing more posts. This could be a good avenue to discover what exactly my food issues are. I have several more damned frozen lunches to consume so not to waste money. But, I think that food needs to start getting more interesting. I am sure that tonight, maybe even tomorrow I will have aother discovery to share. Hopefully something more exciting than my thoughts on coffee. In fact there are more, but this entry would turn into a book. So let's take it, one day at a time! Maybe tomorrow we will examine even further into the frozen wasteland that so often makes up my lunch!

Creativity

2009-07-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

(Another blog entry for work that I thought I would share. Soon I will get back to writing them for this site!)

“It is our very nature to create.” –Matthew Fox

It is definitely in my very nature to create. When I see an object, I wonder, “how was that made?” That is how our society has matured. It is the nature of humans to create. As a society we are constantly looking for was to make things faster, better, stronger. While there are those that are looking to expedite life, there are those of us that work in reverse, the crafters and creators of the world. When I am in that creative state I want life to slow down. I want to start from scratch. If I want instant gratification, I can go buy a basket or a sweater. But, isn’t it much more gratifying to use your own hands? Making it yourself you can produce it to your own specifications. What material will you use? A basket, made of reed? Wood? Pine needles? What yarn do you favor? Are you allergic to wool, but like the pattern? Create the item to your liking. The key is simply to create. I hear some of you saying that you aren’t artistic or creative. Hafiz tells us that “all the talents of God are within you.” Maybe you can’t knit in a straight line, or weave with reed or wool. But maybe you are the best baker on the block. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. says “If you are called to be a street sweeper, sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry.” So what I say to you is find your street sweeper. Find your art, your craft, find that passion that keeps you going. For me, it is creating all things. I always have to have my hands in the pot of creation. Currently it is still knitting. But, my loom has been calling to me for some time now. So, perhaps it is time for more cloth. Whatever it will be, I know it will be made by me!

“Only creating can make us happy. For in creating we tap into the deepest powers of self and universe and the Divine Self.” –Matthew Fox

A New Spin on Creation Spirituality

2009-05-01T13:02:00.000-07:00

(This is a blog entry I recently wrote for the blog at the Franciscan Spiritual Center where I work. I thought I would share it here as well. Enjoy!)

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col 2:1-3

These Hands

These hands are the hands of those before me
The hands of generations past
Ones who taught me about needles, yarn and thread
Skills of old that are built to last.

What do they make for me?
What do they make for you?
Is this my spirituality?
Will it help me to find You?

How can it be that You are my thread?
Weaving together the times of my life?
How will You help me,
Through happiness, sadness, strife?

Embroider, knit or even crochet,
These crafts get me through my day.
They bring about a sort of calm,
Soothing to me, like a psalm.

Something inspires these hands to work,
They always need something to do.
Ever searching on their quest,
To find the everlasting You.

Original Poem by Michelle Kroll
As long as I can remember, someone in my family has been doing needlework. It has changed from generation to generation. My great-grandmother (aka Granny) was an accomplished embroiderer. Many of her works are still floating around the family. But, she was a woman-of-all-trades. She also did latch-hook rugs and crocheting too! My grandma has done mostly crochet work over the years. My mom taught me to cross-stitch, crochet and knitting. While it took a few attempts, I was learning this as a teenager, the love for it remains! Over the course of my life so far I have dabbled in all of the aforementioned crafts. I think I am like my Granny in that way. I always need to be crafting, creating works with my own hands. I feel like being a creative spirit and crafter is what defines me and therefore defines my spirituality.

For most projects there is a rhythm. It is that rhythm that creates the comfort and calmness that for some is provided by prayer. I believe that each project could be considered a prayer for the person receiving it. That is definitely the case when the object is created with specific intention for that person, making the exchange all that more delightful!

I invite you to consider what your form of prayer is. Prayer can be found in many non-traditional activities. As we learned from Mary Erickson’s entry it could be walking, mine is crafting and needlework. What is yours?

Soul Searching

2009-02-05T19:30:00.000-08:00

Wow, the amazing power of a good, intuitive massage. The massage therapist came on glowing recommendation from a friend. It was well worth it! I was instructed to be open minded, and it takes an open mind to have this "experience." Believe me, it was more of an experience than a massage. Anything beyond 2 hours is considered an experience. Since I allowed myself to be wholly open to receive, it allowed her to make a better connection.

It started with an initial convo that consisted of basically...tell me where it hurts. After getting ready and the 'massage' starting I knew I was in for something special. She would concentrate on an area and ask me very direct questions. Questions that no outsider would have any idea. Hell, I had no idea. She was able to bring up all the issues that I know exist but that I leave hidden. You mean I am actually supposed to talk about those things, out loud? What? She mentioned that I have a need for acceptance. Yes, I know that! What do I do about it? Like she said... what would happen if I let go of all that inhibition and let loose? Would I still be loved? My answer...my husband would! I know that there are others that would. But it all boils down to fear. Fear of being lonely, fear of being disliked, fear, fear, fear! How do I start that process? But if you really want to get down to the core of it I need to find me. She saw it, I think others can see it. I equated it to being stuck in my own body in the fetal position. So my task now? To bare this person? Do I know who she is? Do you know who she is? What has happened over the course of time to keep her so hidden? I don't know! I know that I had started thinking about it prior to this experience and now I continue to think about. This is such a small part of my time with her today. She got pretty deep in my head! I know that I am already wondering when I am going to go back. I also know that I have some homework to do!

Arctic Blast

2008-12-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

Well I think we are nearing the end of the Artic Blast that hit Portland this winter and Christmas. We are supposed to hit a high of 45 degrees tomorrow! Woohoo! I am looking forward to the big thaw. My poor car has been buried for 2 weeks. I welcome the opportunity to drive my car and drive it straight to a carwash!

I am glad also that Christmas is over! Sadly I am not the only one who thinks it either. Many friends and family have had a tough Christmas this year. I suppose for the majority it was blamed on the economy. I think mine was partially, but mostly mine was family. I wish so badly that our family could have ALL been together this year. There was an added layer of tension to the day that never really left. Fortunately, I had family at my house and they rotated through until about lunch time. Claire got to see some of her aunts and 2 sets of grandmas and grandpas. My family had a good Christmas. Claire's was filled with Elmo, Ethan got the camera he wanted, Brian got what he wanted and I got a new camera also. But even with all that goodness there is a certain amount of comfort in knowing that there is a new year coming.

A few things I am grateful for: all of my family, friends, my new job, and Sesame Street :)

So what is in store for 2009? I don't know! I am hoping for less snow! More family! Less feuding!

Included are several pics of the fam in the snow! And one furry little friend!

And a parting quote: "To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there." ~Barbara Bush

Leafy Ladies

2008-10-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

Claire got to spend part of the day with her Uncle Josh and his girlfriend Kim. I had do go to work for a while. When I came to pick her up she was helping Kim rake up leaves. Claire even had her own mini-rake. She did a good job at helping. Then we had a little fun too! She loves to play outside! Look at her, getting SO big and being such a good little helper.

Pumpkin Patch Pals

2008-10-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

We went back to our favorite Sauvie Island pumpkin patch, THE pumpkin patch. Claire got to go on a hayride and pick out her own pumpkin. She was much more intrigued with picking out a pumpkin than I expected. We went with the Frary's. This will be Nathan's first Halloween. Claire did really well sitting and posing for daddy and uncle Todd. Mom snapped a few shots too! But here is a small movie from that day.

Something to Aspire to ...

2008-09-11T22:56:00.000-07:00

Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth on the present moment,
To appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us-
In the world and in nature-
And within us-
In our bodies and our spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace,
We will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith;
It is a matter of practice.

-Thich Nhat Hanh

The Wonders of Walking

2008-09-10T07:12:00.001-07:00

Well, as of August 17 our Claire has been a walking machine. She LOVES to walk. So we let her every chance we get. Bye bye stroller?

We decide to go to Duck Pond Winery to take some photos before the grapes turned or got harvested. There was a lot of space for Claire to try out her feet. She even climbed up stairs. There were no wine samples but she did get to have a tasting cracker. Must be rough being so adorable people want to offer you anything. Here is a pic of Claire and a small video.

Profoundly Poetic

2008-09-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

The beauty of the tress,
The softness of the air,
The fragrance of the grass,
Speaks to me.

The summit of the mountain,
The thunder of the sky,
The rhythm of the sea,
Speaks to me.

The faintness of the stars,
The freshness of the morning,
The dewdrop on the flower,
Speaks to me.

The strength of fire,
The taste of salmon,
The trail of the sun,
And the life that never goes away,
They speak to me.

And my heart soars.

Chief Dan George

One year later...

2008-08-09T21:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that sweet baby girl Claire is one year old already. It is amazing! It is so surreal that one can have a completely helpless newborn child and then a mere 365 days and she is nearly walking and is talking. She is so incredible. Our poor girl is crawling around with am ear infection in both ears and can still muster a smile for all her party-goers. We had such a lovely party for her with (almost) all our family and friends. Everyone that attended got a sticker to wear as an official attendee. It has a picture of her that her daddy made, see it here. Brian also made some small photo books of Claire's First Year that we passed out to each family.

I hope that someday when she is grown I can express how proud I am of her. She continues to amaze, enlighten and brighten my days.

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!!! I love you more than words!

Reflections

2008-07-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that is has almost been a year. Claire's birthday is in just 11 days. I so often wonder what she thinks everyday. What goes through there minds as they start out in this chaotic world? What is she picking out of all of this and retaining? I sure hope that I am giving her all that is good. I know that I do nothing but try. What I know now is she is an amazing little girl. She is a sponge for knowledge. She fills my heart each and every day. I can't wait to celebrate her first birthday with her!

Finito

2008-06-30T23:08:00.000-07:00

What an educational experience. I gave myself the challenge up uploading 30 pictures in 30 days. The project was for the entire month of June. So, below is a movie that includes all of those photos. Quite an eclectic mix. Some of my family, friends, and flowers.

Flickr Slideshowgreat free widgetsWidgetbox

I am not sure where my next photo project will take me. But stay tuned, I am sure it will end up here.

Papa Doodle Dooo

2008-06-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Now for the ode to the glorious Father's Day. Over all it was a very mellow day. We spent the morning opening presents. We...well "we" watched Dada open presents. Claire got Dada a book to read to her and I got him a pair of binoculars. Easy way out for me, I knew he wanted them. It was exciting. Claire always enjoys a tasty card or envelope to chew on. After that we proceeded to my dads for a so symbolic feast of ribs! What other manly dad food would one fest upon for Father's Day. Well, the answer to that is burgers and beer. That happened at the Frary's. All in all I imagine that it was a good holiday had by all. For one it was the first, for another the second first, and for my dad his 32nd. If you ask him though he will tell you everyday is Father's Day. Now I understand what he means by it. Everyday does feel like Mother's Day. Everyday that my sweet girl looks at me I am reminded how much I love being mom. Despite a bad string of ugly days I really do like where I am right now. I see good change in the future ( to be read about in the future), and nothing but wonderful times to come this summer. It will be a different dynamic having our little one. But, nonetheless she will be a child of the outdoors. And as mentioned in "Potato Bugs" she will know more than 10 plants. One has to, to be outdoors and hiking. Her first real hike was with her Dada. He came back so proud to have spent the afternoon with her out in nature and exposing her to waterfalls and riverbanks. And with the evidence on her face I am sure she will enjoy more. So in closing let's hope that soon our weather will turn to summer and the opportunity to get out in the wild will come soon.

Potato Bugs

2008-06-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

Another rainy day. Something I can always appreciate. I think a lot of Portlanders can. But now I am a mother. That title alone always makes one look inward. I can't help but wonder if she will grow up and appreciate the small things in life too. The smell of fresh rain in the morning, dew kissed spider webs, the sweet scent of fresh cut flowers. Is that something that we can teach or is it ingrained? I read something recently that said children nowadays can identify 150 different logos and can't name 10 plants. I couldn't believe it, I can't believe it. In Oregon it think it is a requirement. It would take more than ten to name major Oregon exports. Ok, getting off topic. All I know is that is certainly something to strive for. It will help having beautiful yards at grandmas and grandpas house to walk around and explore. Explore the fun things in nature like wooley worms and potato bugs. May I teach her the art of imagination and find beautiful shapes out of clouds, how to make a tune with a blade of grass. I have a so many wonderful things I want to show her. I hope that we will make some amazing childhoods memories for her.

Maiden Voyage

2008-06-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

Greetings whomever stumbled across my blog. This is the maiden voyage on a journey without direction. At the core this is an outlet to exercise some creative writing. I've yet to decide what the regular content of this blog will be. I can tell you that I want to write about my thoughts, my dreams, and my family. On occasion you will stumble across crafty info, and certainly photography.

So, as a way to get the creative juices flowing here is my current project. I have decided to take a photo everyday for 30 days. There are several reasons behind this. I need to use my cute new camera more. I need to get better at uploading to my flickr page. My sweet daughter Claire is growing at a rate faster than I photograph. It seems like yesterday she was born and now she is almost 10 months old. So the first entry of this project is of her munching the recently coined "Claireeos". (Thanks to Todd)

My sweet, sweet angel. Prepare to see more of her as she will likely grace many more entries. So this may not be one of my more artistic shots but it is of her. Her big brown eyes and luscious chocolate hair. She continues to amaze me everyday. It is incredible to witness the mind of a child grow. Everything is fresh and new and exciting, which makes being her mom equally incredible. -Michelle