Sine Qua Non

Interrupting All Programmes

It's about time we interrupted the regular programming to give a shout out to cyberspace.

It's been a busy summer. And lucky am I to have been in the thick of it.

Here's some photographic evidence THINGS happened, and TIMES were had...these are snippets from all the best days I wanted to tell you about...but didn't take the time to. I was busy living and loving the gift of Summer...ah Summer...you have left us now! Tomorrow maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll be back to show you what I also MADE this summer...enjoy!

XOXO

May Day... I mean, How is it May?

Hello! How are my pumpkins? Is anyone even still visiting my little world? I'm so sorry I have been absent. I am still out in the world searching for a job (that is a major time suck); in the meantime I have been busy like a beaver with volunteering and crafting to keep my mind agile, my soul healthy and my body active.

Want to see my new favorite thing?

These little cuties are called Bunny Nuggets. Pattern generously donated to the knitting community by Danger Craft (that's a link to Rebecca's lovely blog).

That's not all, I have finished a few socks, a sweater, started 2 new sweaters, another pair of socks...however all are stalled out while I work out my addiction to the above nuggets. Sigh. Obsessed as usual. I think I could knit 100 of these little guys and love every one of them. The first intent was for the Nephews. Now I'm getting requests and want to keep most of them to myself!

On another note, speaking of the Nephews, I get to go home for a holiday! It's three fold: thaw Fashion Show to benefit HDSA (Huntington's Disease), my Sister's birthday, and Mother's Day! It might also be the last time up to Seattle before M and I relocate. Don't ask, I don't have any information on where, when, how or who. Just sayin'.

So the fashion show is kinda a big deal. If you are in Seattle and have the duckets to spare, you should make a concerted effort to come out and represent. It'll be yummy, with drinks (open bar!!), swanky and very sexy (or so I hear). I'm currently thrilled about my dress by the Portland independant designer Seth Aaron. It's gorgeous, and shows off some of my new (and new and improved) assets that I have been working so hard to sculpt and whittle away! It's being tailored to fit me like a glove by the designer. I have never had a dress made for me, and I couldn't be more giggly about it if I was a sorority pledge that just had her first beer bong.

I know I promised to visit more regularly again, and I am hoping that I keep to that promise. I have been mourning the lull in my writing and my cyber entity, and am still striving to keep the creative on the surface. I am also working on a few ideas- lately the are seeming more like short stories than novels. And, they seem to be supernatural. Go figure!

I miss you my lovelies, come back now, and I will try to deliver!

XOXO

A New Perspective

I am truly blessed in my life. I have managed to surround myself by people who have bright outlooks and like to take positive spins on situations. These strong and wonderful people add so much to my life, I am not sure where I would be right now without them. I have a tendency to let myself fall victim, take the hard roads and concentrate on the bleak side of life. I have been working REALLY hard to pull myself out of this way of thought. I think this is what made me a creative success in my youth, but I don't see how it translates to my emotional and spiritual health as an adult.

I was really impressed by Miss M's perspective and outlook the other day, and I thought I would share what brought on this new persepective I have been trying to turn into intention.

http://rejoicerantramble.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-if.html

My same friend also composed a touching prayer for me. I think she, and you in my readership, knows that I am not Catholic, church going- but I do think of myself as Spiritual in the Nature-ist sense, and I welcome and make prayers for and from friends, as I believe the words we put out into the universe can affect our lives immensley. I am going to start writing again as much as I can daily- so the words can help to manifest the path I am destined to walk down.

My Sweet M Prayer:

Hey God, I lift up my friend Jillian and ask her eyes to be opened in such a way that she can see herself like you see her.  Remove any lies about her abilities that former coworkers may have dished out in the past.  Bring about the right relationships at the right time to lead Jillian to the place where she is most needed....a job where she is not only capable but perfectly suited for....a job that will provide not only a paycheck but also spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits.  God, you are bigger than the recession.  You are bigger than the current unemployment rate. Let nothing stand in your way for Jill's life.  I ask these things in the name of Jesus (or Bee, you can say baby Jesus)
- Amen.

All my love to you my readers- all 10 of you, that is. ;)

XOXO

Spring Has Sprung...

I took some time off, to contemplate the new life that has presented itself to me. Here is the news:

I was laid-off on March 6th to the tune of developing a sparkly new act for the floor show, which I understand needs to happen in these economic times. The layoff wasn't a surprise, I have suspected for about two months and was just waiting my turn. I have been preparing for other opportunities since about January, as I had the insight that the Circus has found itself in need of restructuring. I wish my dear co-workers all the best- but I am thrilled to have a kick in the pants to take my own life to the next level. Around November of last year I realized I was tiring of the unhealthy aspect of being surrounded by very little creativity. For now, I am conscientiously training the new juggling act until March 26th; although I am not sure at their juggling talents, I am confident that they can walk a tight rope and survive. You might ask what is next for me?

I actually, for once in my life, do not know. This is the first time I have left a job with no other job lined up, no inkling of my path and no clear focus. I am waiting to be away from the Circus to see what the calm of not working in high stress daily will do for my brain.  I have some part time gigs lining up- some project work as well. K is back from his travels, also with Spring in his wake- and changes abound for both of us. We are unsure where this will land us, if together, but there are options and ideas to breathe in. I am happy to be a part of a team that is smart, supportive and aware of the present as well as the future.

If you know me, you know my work ethic, my background and my ability to adapt and rise to challenges. So if you hear of anything you might think I would be interested in, please drop me a line.

In the meantime, I'm going to knit, box, play house and spend time with my lovered ones. After all, that is TRULY what life is about. For me, at least.

XOXO

Back to The Basics

This weekend was HIGHLY productive, migraine and all. Thank goodness the migraine didn't actually hinder the weekend. Heh. Yes, it hindered Monday, which means it was a very unexpected 3 day weekend...although for most people that was normal, what with Dr. King's Day and all.

The house is clean. I should actually re-phrase that- almost all of the house is clean. I still have the kitchen to tackle and some more laundry to finish. But the living area is as clean and organized as it can get currently. I am still on the search for a new apartment or house to rent, so if you know of any, give me a shout out!

I started K's birthday present, which means I'm not working on my sweater, but these socks are darn tootin' good lookin'. They also feel good in my hands when I squish them. I think he will be pleased. I need to get back to taking pictures for ya'll.

As far as this crazy eating/exercise is, it's well, actually. Saturday was very hard, and I believe it is because I didn't eat enough prior to the class. I felt weak. I think it's a MUST to get up at 8am now on that day and have breakfast. Class is at 11am, and I got up at 10am, and had a protein shake. I think my body needed way more fuel than that. Eating was hard over the weekend, but I spent the time to cook and prep a few days worth of protein and am satisfied to say that yesterday and today was fairly painless. I have found some good, well rounded foods that are working for me- including Raw Goat Milk Cheddar, Toby's Tofu dip, Chipolte Salsa, Smoked Salmon, Broiled Lean Top Sirloin, Turkey Breast, Chicken Sausage, hard boiled eggs, hummus, low carb tortillas and Turkey Meatballs. Throw in some spinach, kale, celery, radish and cucumber- and you pretty much have my meals. I am now searching for an "almost all meat" low-carb turkey chili. Again, if you know of any, give me a shout out! I didn't go to class last night (migraine) but on Tuesdays I will go to two in a row (yes, obviously I am TRYING to kill myself), so I don't feel half as bad as I should.

The cat is still having problems with bed time. I think it might be time to get a hard-hitting spray bottle. Sigh. She FRAP's way too much now that K is gone. (I once saw Alicia refer to the crazy manic way the pets tear around the house in the evening, and it's not left my mind- but I can't for the life of me remember what it means: Frenetic...Rampage...Around..Premise or something like that- but I it made K and I laugh and laugh, so now it's what we call Stellas nutty rampages- jumping around on the furniture, bouncing off the walls, fur all out on her little body- it would be funny if it didn't happen at 12am...)

Speaking of which, K is now in San Antonio from San Diego, and tomorrow heads to St. Louis (Brrrrr). From there it's Tampa, and possibly PA. We'll see how it goes. It's been a week and two days since he departed, and Stells and I miss him. He's having a ball being out in the world again and being at the Sea Worlds. I wish I could go to FL with him and go to Busch Gardens. That would be a blast.

Have a great day everyone!
XOXO

Day 3, Week 1

A few updates:

I am wearing items of clothing I could not wear, even if I would have liked to, 6 weeks ago.

I am exhausted. I am not sleeping enough. Part of this is K being out of town, but it's mostly the cat and my head. The cat has some hard programmed habits that K usually tends to when I am sleeping, and since he's gone- that makes her try to get me out of bed. UGH. She'd make a very nice throw pillow, indeed.* My head keeps dozing off, and then waking and spinning around in conversations and items on my to-do list. I cannot get peace much before 1:00 am, and it's really becoming an issue. I might do something about that tonight.

I am not knitting. I have stalled out. I have to find some way to prep all this food and still have time to relax. Aqua and I were speaking last night and she hit the nail on the head: "it's like having a second job".

I am sore. I am not as sore as I thought I was going to be, but I can feel it deeper than usual. I am also struggling with my right hand- like carpal tunnel or some such. It's hard to type, click, and use for push-ups. Maybe it's a good thing I can't knit. That cannot possibly be a sentence that ever came out of my head.

Have an excellent Hump Day everyone!

XOXO

*for anyone who knows me, Stella Blue: kitty extraordinaire, is in no danger of being stuffed for a pillow. It's a joke- and a very long running joke at that. She's my soul pet, so therefore in no danger of ever perishing at my two delicate hands. Maybe my feet when I trip over her, but not my hands. Promise.

Knit and Crochet

Sneek Peek of the sweater going on the needles this weekend!

I'm a little sad that I'm not going to be attending the fall Knitting and Crochet show at the Convention Center. My sister and I had planned for this weekend to visit, and stay downtown in Portland, but I asked her to postpone that. Work is too intense right now. There are computer programs to worry about, issues to field, and who knows what else that pops up the week before you open a restaurant. I was nervous about having my sister here and then having to go to the new construction over the weekend. What a buzz kill. Then for the show, I was nervous about signing up for a three hour class- and then something happens and I can't get over to the new restaurant.

Luck has it though, I don't expect to be called in. I expect to be there all week next week doing my daily work from a booth with a wireless card and the magic of technology, but it seems my weekend is free. A little kickboxing a little brunching, a little drive here and there, along with some knitting. It might end up being relaxing.

I'd like to go out to the river tomorrow after kickboxing. It's surely one of the last pretty weekends we'll have. Sunday I'd like to head out to Sauvie Island, stop by the farm, check out the early fall produce, and walk along one of the beaches. Next weekend is the Sauerkraut festival that Aqua is working, and K and I are surely going to go and try some Sauerkraut Ice Cream, and say HI. The weekend after, Aqua has agreed to go geek out with me at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, and I need to save up my excitement for all the four legged creatures I love so much that provide me such beautiful yarn. So, even though I might be disappointed this about my cancelled plans this weekend, it appears September will be full of fun and festivities. Then we come to October, possibly my favorite month out of the year, and within that whole wonderful month I have a sweater to knit, Seattle to visit (a little vaca time), Pumpking carving to do, and tricks and treats to dream up.

I so love Autumn. Have I said that already? Yes? Hmpf. I'll say it again.
Have a great weekend my pumpkins.
XOXO

I love you guys.

Thanks for some input peepers! [oh yes, pun intended] Through email and comments, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one leaning toward the pink!

Today has been frustrating, so I don't have much to talk about. The circus has been getting me down. I think we're ready for a road show, or some flaming hoops, or walking on coals or something. They just want to see how versatile I REALLY am, I know it- they want to see what my breaking point it. All the while trying to keep up with the regular work- so much fun...I know you're all envious!

[The premier of Fringe is on tonight. Looking forward to it.]

Becoming Domestic.

Everyone I "read" on blogland already has their copy of this book I have been waiting to splurge on:
It is now in the American market, and I'm waiting patiently to be able to afford it (after all, I had to go and buy more Manos Del Uruguay for my selfish scarf...).
I'm telling YOU about it today, because over on Jane's fantastical blog, she is giving away 5 (FIVE!) copies at random to anyone who comments with an answer to her domestic question.
I think it's a brilliant idea.
Her blog is a beautiful land to wander in, lust after, envy. I want to eat her fairy buns and smell her flowers and run around in her hand-knitted socks to my hearts content. It makes my longing for the English country so much more ever-present. It makes me want a rainy day, a pot of simmering soup (leek and potato?), an A.S. Byatt book, and to curl up on the chaise, kitten under an afghan, with some yarn and sticks strewn around for good measure.
How lover-ly.

Affairs. With Accordians. And Fairs.

I have this thing about carnival/gypsy/accordion music. I hear it and I get all distracted and remote and immediately begin to daydream about places that have colors like "City of Lost Children", "Bugsy Malone", "Delicatessen", and "Amelie". The Jeunet & Caro movies. Those frowsy bleeding colors that go all velvet and delicate at the same time. Brash but faded.   I just lose myself and this is exactly where my creativity comes from. I would like to live there. This is one of the loves of my life, this place. So even though my migraine kept me from marching in the Parade, Kore and I did go for a VERY hot and steamy afternoon walk through the street fair. I only took 3 pictures.
This gentleman with a Romanian accent (how do I know? I've been watching the Olympics) comes wandering down the street and happens along a band with a steel guitar, cello, violin and acoustic guitar, and they ask him to play.

He says "Of course, but we play Gypsy Now".

And so they did, much to my delight...and I trailed off to my happy place.
The band looked delighted. Adults and children walked by with smiles, and danced with the music.

I sat back and got lost.

Kore had the best line "Ah, yes, you see, the old country pulls at you".

And so it does.

My third picture is for Jameson, DRock and Jo-Jo-A-Rama. It's like Hooverville, but not, since This place makes you Hula Hoop, and won't ply you with Whiskey. If you live in Seattle, I highly recommend you visit Hooverville for a good helping of Pinball, Peanuts and said Whiskey. Or have a party there, it's that kind of place.
I'm off to enjoy the coolness in the air...now that the heatwave broke in a dramatic flair of lightning and thunder. It's nice to have that kind of summer storm. We didn't see those much in Seattle, and both of us miss them. Stella wasn't bothered by it all this morning. She just wanted breakfast and then went back to bed. Weird.

Hope you have some carnival fun to look forward to! xoxo.