Greetings Friends and Welcome!  I hope this Halloween finds all of you enjoying more treats than tricks!  Mother Nature is doing her best to keep us on our toes.  We were fortunate here in north central Massachusetts to be spared from the brutality of hurricane Sandy.  It was wet and windy, but nothing like our neighbors to the south had to endure.  Our wishes and prayers for all of you who were affected for a quick and safe recovery.

Do any of you journal?  I've kept a journal of some sort since I was a teenager.  Over the years I've used all kinds: spiral notebooks, composition books (a fave), special books with fancy covers and decorated paper, day planners and even locking diaries.  The content has changed as often as the books.  It's been poetry and short stories, ramblings of the unrequited love every young girl feels, a record of my pregnancy, and often just a catch all for how my day has been. 

Recently my journals are including more crafting and art leading me towards mixed media journaling. I've never been able to get into scrap booking, but the idea of including tactile bits and pieces of my day along with words and drawings (or doodling!) is really appealing.  My new interest is reflected in my reading materials this week. Raw Art Journaling, The Journal Junkies Workshop, Artist's Journal Workshop and the Sketchbook Challenge all have something to offer. Lessons on technique and suggestions for entries are the most helpful as I find new ways to express the creative spirit inside me.

I'm also using my journal to plan and record the progress of my projects.  It's really different from the things I write here or the information on a Rav project page.  It's less formal and gives me the opportunity to be messy and make mistakes!  It can also be very solitary and private.  Quite the opposite of what you'll find should you decide to join a CAL!

There are other reasons too.  They are great for blogging about.  Sometimes there are prizes. If you loose your motivation you can always count on the group to get you going again.  Timelines (if there are any) help keep you focused.  Did I mention all the friends you'll make? If you don't have a crochet or knitting club in your area, joining an a-long is like being a member of a virtual club.

Currently I'm participating in two CALs.  Both are being hosted by talented, creative women who I've come to know through their blogs.  Denise from Voie de Vie has recently published her first ebook of patterns titled Accessories: Autumne 2012.  I was lucky enough to win a copy, so of course when Denise announced a JAL (join-a-long) I had to jump right in!  Her Ravelry group is here, and you'll find all the information to get a copy of her book or to join us making one of the lovely projects she's designed.  I'm making the Slouching Towards Tassels hat in a rich red wool (that's it in the picture with my journal and books).

Marie from Underground Crafter is not only a great writer (she is the queen of interviews and (craft) book reviews), she is also an experienced teacher.  Her talents shine in The Ripple Mania CAL which actually feels more like a (free!) class than a CAL.  Each week Marie is providing us with a detailed lesson. What's great is how much information there is, and how easy it is to use.  So far we've learned about choosing colors and the basics of the ripple.  The flexibility of this CAL is fantastic, because we get to pick what we want to make and what  technique we want to use.  If your interested in this crochet technique you definitely should come over and take a look.  You'll find everything right here at her Ravelry group.

When I decided to join Marie's CAL I didn't know what I was going to make, I only knew that I wanted to use the yarn that I had leftover from the Granny Square Project.  Searching patterns on Ravelry I found this -

Is this totally awesome? I think that this might be the perfect use for all of those squares that I made while I was learning about granny, don't you?  I've been struggling to come up with something to do with them, and the Groovyghan seems to be ideal!  I haven't got it all figured out yet, but I'm on my way!

Wednesday is a busy day and there's always lots to see.  I'm joining these lovely ladies and all the other talented crafters who share their projects.  Stop by for a dose of inspiration, you won't be disappointed!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Today's post is the final for Blogtoberfest 2012. Wow!!
It's not too late to visit other participating bloggers.  Click the graphic and see what you've been missing!
Also, keep watch for my summary of the event - coming soon!!

This picture was taken by our 16 year old son Seth.  Why am I including it?  Because he loves photography, this is the first picture that he's ever had published, and most importantly because I'm a proud momma!  Yes, it's only our local paper, but everyone has to start somewhere!!

No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.
Ansel Adams

Greetings Friends!  The weekend is upon us and I'm thrilled to have two projects to share with you!  Recently  I asked for your help picking my next project.  I was surprised when the voting ended in a tie.  Making an executive decision (because here is the only place I have that power) I decided on the Little Wing Shawlette.  Mainly because I wanted to use the Amazing yarn that I bought months ago.  Happily it feels as if this pattern by Andee Graves from Two Hands Healing was written just for this yarn! Another pleasant discovery was having enough yarn left over to make a matching set of wrist warmers.  I made them using one of my favorite patterns - Chevron Lace Wrist Warmers by Karen at Colour in a Simple Life. 
Together these pieces make the perfect autumn ensemble, and I love the way they so easily coordinate with my favorite denim jacket.

When I started Crochet Nirvana it was mainly a way for me to chronicle my work.  I had no idea that it would connect me to so many talented people.  I also didn't know that there is such a large community of crafters and how accessible, helpful and supportive they are.  Before I started blogging, I got the majority of my patterns from books and magazines.  Occasionally I would use the internet and print something from Crochet Pattern Central (as was the case with my wrist warmers).  The designers who wrote these patterns were strangers to me and the idea of actually communicating with them was just silly!  Oh how things have changed! Now I know that designers are out there and they want to hear from us!  They want to help if we get stuck and see what we made with their pattern when we're done! They have blogs, Facebook, and Ravelry pages.  Some are fortunate enough to do it full time, and others have jobs that have nothing to do with yarn.  It turns out they're a lot like me!

How does this relate to today's post? Well, let me tell you. Before I begin any project I always go to Ravelry and see what other people who have made the item have to say.  In fact if there are too many negative comments I won't even bother!  I also check out the materials used, because I never seem to have the yarn that's called for. If it looks like most people have been successful I give it a go.  Such was the case with Little Wing.  Several folks commented about the foundation. I gave it a try as written, but when it didn't work I used a regular Fsc like they suggested and it worked perfectly. Problem averted!  Next I ran into trouble at Row 2.  I couldn't figure out how to make the transition for the point.  I looked at other people's notes and pictures and while some had mentioned having trouble, no one told me how they fixed it.  I was thinking I might have to find another pattern.  Instead I decided to contact the designer - Andee. It was late, I was frustrated, and I fear my message was long and rambling.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  The next day with a fresh coffee and fresh perspective I tried Row 2 again.  Success!! And what else? A response from Andee who was more than willing to help me out.  How cool is that? I made a beautiful wrap, and I made a new friend!

But what about Karen and the wrist warmers?  Like I said, I originally printed her pattern off the internet, and  I had no idea that I would ever run into her again. Then one day on Facebook someone shared a picture of a happy, bright square that caught my eye. I followed the link and ended up at Karen's blog.  Reading through (because it's well done and she has fabulous pictures!) I was totally surprised when I saw the pattern for my very favorite wrist warmers on her sidebar.  What a small world!  I started following Karen, and of course had to let her know how I had found her and how much I loved the pattern.  I was even fortunate enough to receive a complimentary copy of her Granny's Gone Dotty pattern.  Again I say,  how cool is that?

We hear so many negative things about the internet and social networking.  As the mother of a teenager I am always fearful of who my son will come in contact with and what kinds of things he might see while browsing the web.  But then there is the other side.  Where we have access to the inspiring work of thousands of people.   Where we offer encouragement and teach each other the things we know.  Where a stranger is willing to help when asked.  Where a gift is offered as thanks for a kind word.  Where we can laugh, learn, create and share in a community we've created.  Sitting at the dining room table in fuzzy slippers and messy hair I have found my (crochet) Nirvana. 

In addition to my fiber offerings, I like to participate in Five Minute Friday over at Lisa-Jo Baker's place. It's writing in the raw and if you've never done it, why don't you give it a try? It's really easy - you just:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat on this week's prompt with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking - then post it just as it is!
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

Here's what happened when I spent five minutes writing on the prompt "Voice"

The human voice is as diverse as a finger print, but so much easier to recognize. It doesn't even have to be a particularly interesting or unique voice for me to know who it belongs to with out seeing them.  At work people often call to renew their books.  I'm always surprised by how distinct their voices are and how many I recognize with out even thinking about it.
I never thought that my voice was very unique.  But once many years ago the phone rang.  I answered. "Hello?"  The person asked for someone - Jim, John, Joe -  someone who didn't live at my house.  "Sorry" I said, "wrong number".  And then they said, "Robin?  Is that you?  This is Cindy, remember we met a few months ago at my brother- in-laws house?  I knew I recognized your voice!!"
What?? Are you kidding?
We live in a small town, and the likely hood of calling someone that you know does exist, but it's a pretty slim margin.   This was in the days way before cell phones when we all had the same exchange and you only had to dial 5 numbers to connect your call (really dating myself here!)
Anyway, after that call I knew the voice that I had thought was plain and ordinary really was unique after all!

Greetings my friends and welcome!  As I'm writing on this early October morning the sun has yet to rise, and what the day has in store is yet to be revealed. I'm certain of one thing.  Fall has arrived in New England and with it the splendor of colors so rich and intense they simply take my breath away! The changing leaves are harbingers of the cold weather that will soon embrace us.  What better way to prepare for the winter than by making a new wool hat in a deep rich autumn red?

But how to pick a pattern? Last week I was fortunate to receive a "hot off the press" copy of the new e-Book, Accessories: Autumne 2012 from Denise at Voie de Vie. The Slouching Towards Tassels Cap caught my eye and seems like an excellent choice. An added bonus is a JAL over at Denise's group on Ravelry.  Happiness all around!!

As you can see, I've only just begun.  My observations so far: I like that the ribbing is worked flat and then joined (it makes the fpdc and bpdc much easier!); and I haven't worked with a "rough" wool like this for a while.  I forgot how different it is from the "smooth" finishes I've been spending so much time with. It's not a bad thing, it just takes a different type of action to pull loops through.

The soft peachy piece is the Marlo Cardigan that I started a few weeks (okay a month) ago.  I'm a few inches from finished with the back panel.  It's a beautiful fabric and I think it's going to be a nice sweater.  Fit is my real concern.  My experience is so limited with garments, that I really don't know what to do other than measure and follow the pattern.  We'll see.

John has been putting in some time making stitch markers this week.  That's what the bit of sparkle on the red yarn is.  He's refined his technique and they're coming out very nicely.  Right now we're continuing to build quality stock.  Our hope is to do a bit of the craft fair circuit next year as well as to open an Etsy shop. But that's a story for another day!

Wednesday is book day, and you know how much I love books!  This month I'm celebrating the Halloween season by reading (and listening to) titles of a spooky, supernatural nature!  I just finished the book that's reviewed today and am poised to begin Crewel (Crewel World) by Gennifer Albin.  This is YA title that was suggested to me by my coworker (the other Robin at our small library!) because of it's ties to weaving and fibers being worked together to form something new and different.  It's quite a way outside of my normal reading choices, but seems appropriate and in keeping with my October theme.  Time will tell, and I'll be sure to let you know!

The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
Thomas Dunne Books
January 18, 2011; 320 Pages

"My name is Elizabeth Anne Hawkesmith, and my age is three hundred and eighty-four years.  Each new settlement asks for a new journal, and so this Book of Shadows begins...."

In the spring of 1628 young Bess Hawkesmith learns that decisions made in desperation carry consequences that last a life-time, even if that means forever.  The plague has taken the lives of her father, brother and sister.  When Bess falls ill her mother does the only thing she can to save her daughter.  She turns to the warlock Gideon Masters, and makes a deal that will cost her her life. Once known as a talented healer she is accused of witchcraft by townsfolk who refuse to believe that Bess' miraculous recovery was the result of her skills alone.  Unable to deny the accusation she meets her fate on the Hanging Tree, but not before making Bess promise that she will seek protection from the only one with the power to save her - Gideon.  Under his guidance  Bess learns to master the Craft, awakening powers she didn't know she had while also making her immortal.  When the people of town turn their aggressions on Bess she realizes that she must escape - from the Hanging Tree and from Gideon and a his dangerous black magic.  She couldn't know that he will persue her through time, determined to possess her and the power they could produce together.

In present day England Elizabeth finds herself settled into a quite life. Alone she tends her gardens, and sells herbs and oils at the local market. Her solitary life is abruptly disrupted when a teenage girl called Tegan begins hanging around.  Against her instincts Elizabeth takes pleasure in her company and her perceptive nature.   Soon she begins teaching the ways of the hedge witch.  Tegan is an eager pupil, and Elizabeth uses tales of long ago to school her in what it's like to be a witch, and how she came to be who she is today.  But what of Gideon? Has he finally given up or is he just patiently waiting for an opportunity to capture Elizabeth and make her his own??

It seemed fitting to read a book about witches this Halloween.  I was drawn into this story right off the bat, although I did struggle a bit with the prologue.  I filled it away with the hopes that it would make sense by end (it did, mostly...).  There was an easy flow between the past and present as I got to know Elizabeth and Tegan.  The stories from the past were interesting little vignettes that were unique on their own, but fit together to create a picture of who present day Elizabeth really is.  There is a fair amount of "magic speak" that was foreign to me.  Even thought I didn't understand the exact language (or words) I was able to glean enough of their meaning from the context.  I suppose that's to be expected in a book about witches and magic.  There are scenes of pretty graphic violence and the descriptions of some of the evil elements and even Gideon himself are quite vivid, resulting in some intense imagery.   I can imagine the special effects for a movie version would be very frightening indeed!

I moved quickly through the book and in no time found myself nearing the end.  I had in mind how I thought things might turn out, and I saw the potential for a variety of scenarios.  And while I won't tell you how it all ended, I will tell you that I was disappointed.  I felt gypped.  It almost seems like Ms. Brackston just wanted to be done, and went with the most cliche ending while of course leaving plenty of threads that could be picked up in a sequel.

In summary I'd say it was a good book with some interesting bits of history mixed with a few different relationships, dappled with magic and wrapped up with a predictable bow.  Not bad for a seasonal selection, but I won't be going out of my way to read book two should it appear!

Wednesdays are a busy day for sharing projects and making new friends!  I'll be linking up with this lovely group of ladies.  Each one has something uniquely wonderful to offer.  I hope that you'll stop in for a visit, and feel free to join the fun!

Greetings Friends! Welcome to the Friday edition of Crochet Nirvana. I've been waiting to share this project with you, hoping that I'd have another blissfully sunny day to photograph the rest of these guys. Don't you just love this shot of the river?? Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other ideas and gray skies and steady rain prevail.  Luckily I brought this fellow along for a walk  last weekend.  It was a perfect autumn day with a nip that made a sweater necessary and the scent of fallen leaves in the air.  I was with my teenage son, Seth and while he usually  humors me, my crochet obsession and my desire to take action shots of my yarn creations, he can be easily embarrassed if not down-right mortified by my behavior. While we were in the woods he was patient as I posed the owl in shot after shot.  He drew the line when I ventured onto the front lawn of a local real estate office (on Main Street)  to take advantage of their lovely pumpkin display.  He swiftly walked away  while admonishing me for trespassing and generally making a spectacle of myself!  I assured him they wouldn't mind and kept on snapping. In the end, he survived and I got a fun picture!

These too cute owls are intended to be coasters, but I'm considering using them as decorations (either just about the house or for the Christmas tree).  You can find the pattern and other details on my Ravelry project page.
I don't know about you, but I usually have a hard time sewing things like eyes and beaks on to the body with yarn.  It always leaves the backside looking messy and unfinished.  In the past I've used regular quilting thread to attach elements.  This takes a bit longer but I end up with a neater backside.  For these owls I'm going to try stitching on a fabric backing. My plan is to prepare the fabric like you would for an applique (with a template, basting, pressing,  and hoping!) then sew it to the crocheted piece. It may be more trouble than it's worth, we'll see.  My other thought was to crochet another owl using  one color and sew that to the back with yarn.  I think that would be too thick for an ornament, but might be perfect for a coaster.  What do you think?  I'd love to hear any tips or suggestions you have to give these cuties the finished look they deserve!

In addition to my fiber offerings, I like to participate in Five Minute Friday over at Lisa-Jo Baker's place. It's writing in the raw and if you've never done it, why don't you give it a try? It's really easy - you just:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat on this week's prompt with no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking - then post it just as it is!
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.

Here's what happened when I spent five minutes writing on the prompt "Look"

What do you choose to surround yourself with?  The objects that we live with everyday are things that bring us comfort, have a purpose, meet a need or maybe just make us smile.  What do you see when you look around right where you are?
I see lots of crochet projects in bright colors that make me happy.  I see books, books and more books, they make me feel secure and comfortable and always bring me joy.  I see a plant - it's more like a tree now.  I've had for more than 20 years.  It's been with me longer than my husband and my son and I don't even know what kind it is! I see colored pencils and wicker baskets,writing paper, my journal, chap stick, the checkbook and calculator.  The sewing machine is waiting and ready to use should I have the urge to sew something.  Here is a bookmark that my best friend in high school gave me for my 17th birthday.  Funny that the bookmark remains, but I haven't seen the friend in at least 20 years.
All of these things I see everyday, I know that they're here when I want or need them.  But how often do you really look at the trinkets that make up your space?

While doing my five minutes of writing the UPS man delivered two packages.  Now I see two unopened boxes in my space that should contain yarn and thread in brilliant colors that I will use to decorate my weekend!!  Before I get to that I'll be joining my bloggy friends for these awesome link parties.  I hope you'll come along and check out the amazing projects with me!

Here's another happy surprise I have to share with you!  While creating today's links I learned that my Making Crochet Pumpkins post is being featured this week on Petals to Picots! Here's a heartfelt thank-you to Kara and all of you who came to visit. What a fantastic way to start the weekend!

Greetings my lovelies and welcome! October is whizzing by.  Halloween is on the horizon with Thanksgiving and Christmas ready to rush in.  My hook has been in constant motion and if I'm not working on a project I'm planning for them.  That means lots of pattern searching and yarn/supply shopping! And while I haven't actually completed any gifts I intend to give, I have several in the works.  I'm sure that there will be a frantic push to finish including crocheting after midnight with copious amounts of coffee.  As much as I wish, hope and pray this won't happen I'm relatively certain it will.  No matter how hard I try I am a last minute, in just under the wire kinda gal.  Always have been,  and I imagine I always will be!

Today I'm pleased to report that I'm making fantastic time with the Little Wing Shawlette.  What a difference in terms of time and technique from the recently completed Juliana.  I made a modification right off the bat using a traditional Fsc instead of the method indicated in the pattern. There was a bit of a struggle at Row 2, but a good night's sleep offered a fresh perspective and once I figured it out it seemed so obvious I don't know why it gave me trouble to start with!  Now just 9 days after starting I'm only a few rows from the end which makes this one of my quickest finishes.  Another bonus is it appears that I'll have enough yarn left to make a pair of matching wrist warmers using my favorite Chevron Lace Pattern from Colour in a Simple Life. Yeah!

On the book front just for fun I've been keeping with the Halloween theme enjoying two witchy selections. I just started reading the Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston and in the kitchen I've been listening to Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong.  Happily both of them are entertaining and are keeping me in the otherworldly spirit of the season!  Also for you today I have a review of an eerily relevant story.

The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick
Blue Sky Press
March 1, 2012; 224 Pages

"Nobody around here reads anymore,  Why bother, when you can just  use a mindprobe needle and shoot all the images and excitement right into your brain?  I've heard of books, but they were long before I was born.  In the backtimes, before the Big Shake, when everything was supposedly perfect and everybody lived rich."  These are the words of Spaz, a teenager living, rather surviving in the Urb.  A desolate wasteland ruled by gangs who control everything. Where you live, what you eat, what you do - everything.  Everything except Eden.  Eden is as close to perfect as  you can get in the post-bigshake world.  But the only people who inhabit Eden are the Proovs - that's short for genetically improved human. Spaz earns his keep working for the leader of his section of the Urb.  When he gets an order to rob a gummy (an old man) named Ryter, Spaz doesn't think twice.  What he doesn't know is that his life - and life for everyone in the Urb is never going to be the same.  A series of events finds Spaz, Ryter, an orphan called little face and a Proov named Lanaya on a mission to first see - then save Spaz's little sister Bean.  As they search for a solution it becomes clear that a much larger task is at hand. What starts as a trip across the Urb becomes a journey that will change their world!

Okay, I'll admit this is way outside of my normal reading box.  It's Young Adult Science Fiction. But after I commented to a patron how much I loved A Wrinkle in Time (which she and her son were reading) she asked if I'd ever read this book. Learning that I hadn't she encouraged me to give it a try.  She seemed to think that as a librarian and book lover I should have this one under my belt. And of course she was right.

While the writing is a bit well, young, the story isn't it.  The world that Philbrick has created is scary and real.  It seems plausible that this could happen.  In his characters we see the best of humanity under the worst conditions.  This unlikely group faces adversity, clings to hope and questions authority.  It's a story that makes you stop and think and at any level in any genre that is what makes a good book. And while I don't know that it'll make my all time favorite list I am glad I read it, and I would suggest that it be included as one of those books we all should read. Who knows when we might one day find ourselves experiencing our own big shake. Because just moments before I sat down to write this review, right here in central Massachusetts we had an earth quake that was strong enough to shake our house and everything in it - even waking my sleeping husband - now tell me that's not a little bit scary?!

Wednesday is a wonderful day for linking up and sharing your work.  Today I'm joining my regular group of blogging buddies.  I hope you'll take a look at some fun projects and add one of your own!

In July I began this adventure know as A Year of Projects.  The premise is to choose a goal (or several as the case may be) that you wish to achieve over the course of one year and then track your progress with blog posts.  Support and camaraderie are found in the Ravely group Come Blog-A-Long where participates share their posts and chat about their successes (and failures) in various threads.

It seemed an intriguing way to bring some structure to my otherwise random crafting, plus many of my blogging buddies participated last year and had a really good time.  I had the advantage of their experience when I put together my list of goals. The main point taken to not be too lofty in what I think I'm capable of accomplishing.

Now that we've just begun our second quarter of activity it seems that a progress report is in order.  Let's take a look!

• Make a sweater (that really fits!) from Custom Crochet Sweaters by Dora Ohrenstein
• Learn Painted Crochet
• Dye my own yarn
• Make something with up-cycled materials
• Crochet a rug
• Design my own wrap
• Learn a new lace technique (ie: Hairpin, Bruges, or Filet)
• Make at least one sewing project from 101 One Yard Wonders
• Give double ended hooks a try

What do you think? Does it seem manageable? Giving it careful consideration I remain optimistic that I'll be able to accomplish everything between now and June. I imagine that my biggest hindrance will be getting involved in projects that aren't on the list. In hindsight I realize that I should have chosen a sweater from Dora's book instead of starting the Marlo cardigan, but I like Marlo and I don't want to abandon her - or frog all the progress I've made!

There you have it! One quarter down, three to go!  I'm having a great time working on my goals and seeing the progress that my friends are making.  You can check out what they've been up to here. 

Greetings friends! I'd like to thank all of you who lent a hand helping me select which project to work on by casting a vote.  Are you ready for the funny part - it was a tie! The shawls won hands down, but without a clear high score I had to go ahead and just pick.  I decided to go with the Little Wing Shawlette and make it in the Amazing yarn.  I like the versatility of this shawlette because it has all the lacy drape of a shawl with the functionality of a scarf. Also, it's a worsted weight yarn worked with a generously sized hook (US K) which means it should go quickly.  I've been doing a lot of work with little hooks lately and both my eyes and wrists need a break. It's worked from the long edge - which I typically avoid, because I like the flexibility that working from the tip give you. And I find those long starting chains a bit unmanageable. This one begins with a Foundation Single Crochet (Fsc) which is a little better.  I did run into a bit of confusion on the second row.  My symmetrical, orderly brain did not want to follow the instructions and work off center. But thanks to the Ravelry project page I was able to 1) review other people's notes 2) study the pictures and 3) contact the designer to make sure I'm doing the right thing! I forged ahead and completed the row as written. I feel confident that in a few more rows the balance that I crave will be restored and all will be right in the universe!

That's my Marlo Coat (I'm going to change the name to Marlo Cardigan, because to me that's just what it is!) in the picture too. It's a beautiful fabric that is (unfortunately) mind-numbingly simple to make. I've been working on it during breaks at work - and at the end of the day when I don't dare concentrate on anything tricky.  I know it's going to be lovely - I just have to keep the mojo working and not let the simplicity of the rows deter me!

This week I'm reading a young adult novel called The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Philbrick. It's a bit sci-fi/fantasy for my usual taste, but it was highly recommended by a trusted patron as a must read for someone who loves books as much as I do. Even though it's a genre I normally shy away from I can safely say that I am enjoying it way more than the book I've reviewed for you today.  Take a look...

Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill
Atria Books
July 3, 2012; 304 pages

The pretty pink cover, the Victorian inspired art-work and the proclamation of the novel inside being Jane Austin meets Reality TV are the reasons I selected this book.  I can’t for the life of me figure out what forces kept me reading past the first few chapters.

Here’s the storyline: Elizabeth (aka: Bliss) is a recently divorced single mother who is “temporarily” living at home while perusing her PhD.  She is one of 4 sisters.  Her mother is obsessed with British royalty so much that the girls have all been given the first name “Princess” or “Queen” and she wants nothing more than to marry her daughters off to rich men who will improve their station (yes this is a contemporary novel).

Mother’s prayers are answered and Bliss’ nightmares come true when her sister Dianna is selected to be the star of the latest reality offering – The Virgin. Lives are turned upside down as the TV series takes over.

It could be funny.  It could be a witty poke at the horror that is reality TV.  It could be many things. To me, it was a mess.  Bliss had potential, in fact all the characters had potential, but none of them were fully flushed out.  And what I did get to know of them I didn’t care for.  I don’t expect that I will love every character.  But I do expect that at least the main players will be given enough life so that I understand the reasons for their behavior. There was a peek at the ‘back stories’ but that’s all.  Had they been given more attention I might have embraced this dysfunctional family and their bizarre behavior. Instead I was annoyed with most of them and felt sorry for the rest.  

So why then did I keep reading until the end? Hope, maybe? I kept thinking that it would get better. That it should get better. For me, that never happened.  And in the interest of finding out how it ends, I did that sort of ‘skimming’ that I do when I’m not committed enough to read every word.

Too bad.  It’s a good idea for a book.  And even though I gave it ample opportunity to win me over, in the end I was left feeling a misled and disappointed. I say leave this one be and if you want something that’s “like” Jane Austin stick with the original!

Wednesday is a busy day with several great link parties.  This week I'm joining in with these bloggers and the creative crafters who share their work.  Click around and see what's happening.  I guarantee you'll find something that makes you say wow!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

I am eager (and hesitant) to stretch and move outside of my blogging comfort zone. It is one of the main things that I'm hoping to achieve through participating in Blogtoberfest. And so, based on today's prompt I bravely share two poems I composed this morning.

In the pumpkin patch
beneath the harvest moon
the soil packed firm from the summer’s rain
I think of you and wonder

Pie or Muffins?

Words swirl
Like a tornado I see them

Ubiquitous azalea stunning flamingo transcontinental sea-glass magician fireworks

Together I worry they mean nothing
Make no sense

And yet they are
Part of me
Subconscious

What is their story?

What is my story?

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. If you like the little pumpkin, check back later and I'll tell you all about it!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!

Blogtoberfest is an annual blogging festival and a wonderful opportunity to:

* challenge yourself to blog every day for 31 days
* discover kindred blogging spirits
* carve out a tiny slice of time each day to write and to read
* share any creative projects you have on the go
* host a giveaway, if you feel inclined to spread the love

This year, Blogtoberfest will be hosted here @ I Saw You Dancing. This will be your HQ for creative prompts, insights and inspiration from guest bloggers, and quotes to get you thinking. Be sure to check in every day during the month, fill up your creative well, and let us know how you're traveling.

I am really looking forward to meeting you all -- both seasoned participants and brave newcomers -- during the month of Blogtober!

My initial reaction was, I'd love to do this, but there's no way that I can blog for 31 days in a row!  I was relieved to learn that the 31 days is not a requirement.  There really are no rules.  It's feels a bit like a workshop where you can participate in all the events or only the one's that strike your fancy. You can sign up anytime by adding your blog to the linky tool that Kat has set up.  As of this morning there were 302 participants! (I'm #298) I'm quite excited to check out some of the others who are joining in.  I always find it interesting to see how different people interpret  the same prompt.  It looks like there is a really diverse group which means the sky is the limit for what we'll see. In addition to meeting new people, I'm looking forward to learning things that will help make me a better blogger.

This may not be your 'thing', but I encourage you to take a look and consider giving it a try.  We all have something worthy to contribute - why not share what you have with Blogtoberfest?

Today's prompt is Savour your Saturday.
For me this is an easy one. After spending the morning working on the blog, I'm going to shut my computer off, make myself a cup of tea, put a movie on and spend 2 quality hours with my hook and yarn!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me!
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!