Peace

Joy
Laughter
Warmth
And happy holiday to all...

The treats are made (Piparkukas, Pinkie's Brown Sugar Fudge, Alt-Malt Milk Slab), none of which were smooth sailing (but they all taste fine). The dog knitting hit a snag when I forgot 26 extra rows on the tummy. A grocery trip still needs to happen, two more days of work...and you know what? It's all ok by me. There have been a few moments of "Why didn't I plan this better?!" but in general, I'm feeling more free and easy about it all this year. I can see my husband shaking his head 'no' when he reads this, but maybe I'm learning to let things ride. Well, at least I'm giving it my best shot.

Knitting a Dog

I've been knitting like mad since school finished for the semester. I'd be so productive if I didn't have school. I guess that's my carrot at the end-of-the-school stick: more knitting. Right now, the bizarre creature pictured above is in the finishing stages. I had insomnia last night so I used my time to sew up all the paws and weave in any ends that I won't be using for seaming.

The pattern is the Pembroke Corgi from the book Best in Show. Knowing my Kidlet's predilection for this short, foxy pup, I wanted to try and make it before the holidays as a stocking stuffer. I love knitting stuff like this, where you are constantly wondering how it's all going to fit together. The face looks like it may be a bit narrow, but hopefully a good stuffing will fill it out.

I found the book on Amazon. It hasn't been released in the US yet, but it is slated to come out domestically in February. If you want to try your hand at one of the dogs from the book, here's a pattern for the Jack Russell terrier.

We went to a cookie decorating party last night. It was nice to be in a warm house with laughter and children running wild. The sugar cookies and frosting our friend makes are unparalleled.

Snow, Followed by Rain, Soon to be Followed by Snow

It snowed like mad yesterday and now it's blowing and raining on top of it all. Transportation this weekend will be an adventure! (I'm trying on a positive attitude.)

Discovered another knitting podcast I enjoy: Cloudy with a Chance of Fiber.

"Composition is a discipline; it forces us to think. If you want to 'get in touch with your feelings,' fine — talk to yourself; we all do. But, if you want to communicate with another thinking human being, get in touch with your thoughts. Put them in order; give them a purpose; use them to persuade, to instruct, to discover, to seduce. The secret way to do this is to write it down and then cut out the confusing parts." --William Safire, by way of the Writer's Almanac for December 17, 2010

I've been thinking a lot about writing, not only here but for my scholarly endeavors. What is it I want to communicate? I guess it's time to carry on and find out. I think my four month blog break is over.