New Links

Okay, I've upgraded my blog. All-in-all, I have to say that it was relatively easy, even for a complete blog-novice. I'm so proud of myself for upgrading and for figuring out how to start a little list of links on the page.

Now, about the links... I admit freely to total geekdom: I am a huge Lord of the Rings fan. Read the books way-back-when, re-read them in anticipation of the movies, re-read them again after the trilogy, LOVED the movies (got a huge thing for Aragorn, even if he did spend the entire movie looking like he was in serious need of a shower and shampoo) and will continue to love all things LOTR until I die. (I know, I know -- complete geek -- but I admitted this up front.)

The other link is to my best friend's blog. She's a mixed media artist and she does some fabulous work. She's also the major reason I started blogging. She has such an incredible gift -- I swear, you could throw just about anything in front of her and she could turn it into a piece of art. I was impressed when I met her years ago and she was making her own greeting cards. She's explored and grown and now she does so much more and I am constantly amazed by her talent. (Not amazed that she has talent, just amazed at the things she envisions and then creates.)

Well, that's today's news - blog update, new links, and a little more insight into this crazy knitting freak with a blog!

- Knitwit

Patterns

Let's talk about knitting projects and patterns. (If you don't knit, think about your crafting hobby.) (If you don't have a creative hobby, what are you waiting for? run out and get one right now before your right brain atrophies!)

How do you decide what your next project will be and where do you get the pattern for it? Do you decide "hey, I want to knit a scarf for auntie Lyn" and then start looking for a pattern for a cool scarf that auntie Lyn would like? Or do you constantly peruse patterns and one day you see one for a gorgeous scarf that you simply must make and decide "hey, that would be a great gift for auntie Lyn"?

Where do you look for patterns? Do you have a huge stack that you've been collecting over the years? Do you run out to the bookstore? Check the latest magazines? Spend hours surfing the net for them?

I usually decide I want to make something for someone and then start looking for patterns. My problem is that I always try to vary the pattern. I find something I love, but it's done with a yarn I can't afford, so I use a different yarn. Or, I don't like the size, so I use a bigger/smaller needle and change it up. Sometimes I am successful, but then sometimes . . . well, you know.

Knit, craft, create and laugh today - you deserve it.

Health

Okay, I know health isn't a knitting subject, but it is something that is on my mind right now. I am 40 years old and except for a few years of my life, I've never bothered to take care of my health. I've smoked most of my life and rarely been involved in formal exercise. Now I find myself facing some potentially serious medical problems and suddenly health is in the forefront.

Dont' get me wrong, this isn't the first time I've thought about. I've been progressively gaining weight since a bad car accident in 1996 limited my mobility. Every year I put on a few more pounds and get a little more sedentary. Every year I vow at New Year's to lose weight and get some exercise. And every year, before the end of January, I'm calling myself a total failure.

But health is more than weight. And it isn't a 'plan' you do for a while and then forget about. I'm learning (albeit very, very slowly) that health is a daily effort, a way of life, a way of thinking. You treat your body well and hopefully it rewards you with long life and a body that will help you achieve your goals.

I know that isn't true -- look at all the people who die of lung cancer but never smoked and the smokers that live to be 100. But I can't assume that health is something I have no control over -- I have to believe that I can make a difference.

Knitwit

Why do you do it?

Why do you knit? If you don't knit, but you have some other creative hobby that you love, why do you do it? Is it the joy of creating something? Which do you enjoy more, the act of doing the project or the finished project itself?

I enjoy the process - the fact that I'm using my hands to create something. I'm not good at visualizing things, not a good artist, can't draw a straight line if my life depends on it. But with a knitting pattern, some yarn and needles, I can leave the everyday stress behind and become a creative person.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the finished project, but the process is the most rewarding. It's therapeutic.

Yesterday we celebrated a co-workers birthday and I gave her a mohair poncho I had knit. It was a little large for her tiny frame, but she seemed to like it.

-Knitwit (aka knitwit-less)

I know, I know.... yet another knitting blog. Don't worry, we'll have lots of fun anyway! I have a full time job as a marketing butt monkey for a fortune 100 company, I'm working on my bachelors degree, I have a 20 year old son that I've raised by myself and I knit to avoid completely going insane -- partial insanity is a given.

I have a dry, sarcastic sense of humor and I have no shame -- I will make fun of anything -- including myself. I will often post useful words to help increase our communication skills (see image for my "word of the day" at the office today).

Looking forward to blogging.... but I have my doubts that anyone will actually read. :-)

-g