tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50116173490683095142024-03-19T01:26:40.899-07:00goodgirlsaturdayI knit and crochet and stockpile jewelry. Because you never know when there will be a worldwide shortage of fingerless mitts or rhinestones.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-1818503587289543052010-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:002010-07-11T19:22:01.756-07:00Epiphany.I had an epiphany today.<br /><br />I have spent a good deal of my adult life being busy. And thats ok, because I am quite good at time management, and on my best day I can walk down the street and chew gum at the same time, no problem.I raised a child on my own and worked and studied, simultaneously.I have decent organizational skills and robust good health. I consider myself fortunate.<br /><br />But about 6 years ago I had a job that just sucked me dry. Not only was I expected to work harder than any person should have to, but the harder I worked, the less support I was given. I was, however, given all the responsibility, no authority whatsoever, I was underpaid and , often, outright bullied. Physically it took its toll- I have foot and ankle issues that will be-devil me to my grave. What I didn't realize was the psychological toll it had taken.<br /><br />I had been there about 18 months when my son became ill, and I had to quit work all together to care for him. It's only in the last year (some 4 years later) that I have started working again, just casually and in a completely different field. And its been fine, not too stressful, going along at my own pace, gradually learning new skills and finding my way in a new career. Until this last month.<br /><br />In order to get a particular qualification I need I have to do a whole crapload of work placement hours. This is basically working for free, as a student. But it requires full time work. I started my work placement about 3 weeks ago, and I found it really, really really stressful.<br />Not because of the work, but because all of a sudden I was having flashbacks to the last time I worked full time. The exhaustion, the fear, the helplessness, the bitter, black hearted resentfulness of knowing I was being taken seriously advantage of and not being able to do anything about it.<br /><br />And this is where the epiphany came into it. I used to have a friend who said 'If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got'. I believe its from a self help book of some sort, but I always thought of that saying as distinctly hers. The thing is, if I respond to full time work the same way as I did the last time (i.e. with fear and anxiety and frantic activity), then I shall end up as resentful and broken as I became all those years ago. But if I take it easy, and don't rush, and remember that this is a completely different job in a different area, with different expectations.....then I feel better.<br />If I need to take a day off to take The Kid to a medical appointment, the world will not fall apart.<br />If I do not have the dishes done, the beds made, and dinner ready to go in the oven when I get back at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. I can just wash the dishes I need and order pizza.<br />I dont have to be the best, the brightest, the funniest, the most charming. I can just do the best I can on any given day and go at my own pace.<br /><br />So this is me, today, embracing my imperfections, doing what needs to be done, but doing it at my own pace. Not feeling panicky and resentful. Just going about my business.<br /><br />And on another topic altogether, look at my pretty new shawl.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/4773040983/" title="Withybush Shawl by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4773040983_bf4cf47d5f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Withybush Shawl" /></a><br /><br />Details on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/goodgirlsaturday/withybush-triangle-shawl">my Rav page</a> for anyone who is interested.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-26608416239328573402010-06-28T17:06:00.000-07:002010-06-28T17:55:07.381-07:00Me 'n' GrannyG.I've spent ages pondering on this post. Thinking about clever things to say and funny ways to say them. Wondering if it was strictly ethical to blow the dust off my much neglected blog just because some <span style="font-style: italic;">loot </span>was in the offing.<br />The aforementioned Granny G says its fine, so who am I to argue........<br /><br />I am a dedicated podcast listener. I actually let out a squeal of distress when someone on Ravelry shared the distressing information that my iPod has a finite life span. Life without my iPod- unthinkable!!!!!! And amongst the dozens of podcasts I listen to religiously, one of my faves is <a href="http://www.grannygcrafts.com/">Crafternoon Tea with grannyg</a>. Y'know, I think it will just be easier if I list the reasons why. Plus, I love a dot-point.<br /><ul><li>It's nice to listen to something from the southern hemisphere. Grannyg is New Zealand based, and despite ferocious denial from various quarters, New Zealand is very like Australia. There are many differences, of course, but there are also a bloody lot of similarities, too. Through sites like Ravelry knitters all over the world have come together in fibery communion, but, Ravelry being American based, means there is a huge American and Canadian contingent in terms of members and subsequent knitting podcasts. This is excellent, and I enjoy all of it a great deal.<br /> But I do like listening to something a bit closer to home. It's..well..homey.</li></ul><ul><li>The inimitable grannyg is warm and funny, and, on a personal level, by some quirk of fate she has exactly the same speech patterns as my oldest friend (apart from the Kiwi accent). The rhythms of her voice are so like Sandi's it's uncanny. I sometimes wonder if she has the same small, square handwriting as Sandi, too (how bout a photo, Gen, just to satisfy my curiosity?).</li><li>It's a cold, tough world sometimes. The invitation to 'put your feet up' while someone makes me a cuppa and puts home baked treats in front of me is unbelievably comforting, even if it is cyber-comfort. Hey, I'll take it.</li><li>Which leads into my next thought- it's comforting because it's familiar. I grew up in a small Victorian country town in the 1970's. The whole 'dropping in on neighbours for a cuppa and a chat' was the predominant form of female social interaction . It doesn't happen that much anymore- although I have to admit that, for the first time since I was a kid, amongst my friends and neighbours it still happens quite a lot. But that has more to do with the fact that I live in the Suburb That Time Forgot.</li><li>I am always inspired by the amount that grannyg gets done in terms of crafting. With a full time job and a family and everything. And the fact that she recognizes the importance of creativity in her life and gives it respect and as much time as she can, while still being charmingly self effacing and down to earth. I like that a lot. I've had a lot of life changes in the last decade, and I have come to recognize how deeply important creativity and beauty is to me. I am unapologetic about it, and neither is Gen, and I like that a lot, too.</li><li>The 'In The Tin's' sessions with Jasmine just crack me up.</li><li>I like the interviews. They always start off business-like, but there is no telling, once the interviewee warms to their subject and often, I think, forgets they are being recorded, where they will end up. There are some absolute gems of philsophizing that happen. I think a lot of this happens because of Genny's warm and hunourous interview style. Who could possibly resist someone being so interested in what you have to say?</li></ul>So thats it. Thats why I like <a href="http://www.grannygcrafts.com/">Crafternoon tea with grannyg</a>. And whenever I hear her invitation to put up my feet and have a cuppa, well.....I really do :-)goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-88698622234448055142010-04-10T17:15:00.000-07:002010-04-10T17:47:37.743-07:00Yes, yes, I know.....It's been a while, I know. For a long time I thought that all I wanted in the whole world was a little bloggie to call my own. Then, when I finally put one together, I kinda lost interest. Apparently I have the stick-to-it-iveness of a 2 year old.<br />But hey, I've been missing it a little. So I figured I'd say hi, and see if the love was re-ignited.<br /><br />Topic number one for today is allergies. I haz dem. I never used to haz dem, but apparently something in my respiratory system broke about 6 months ago and now I am allergic to <span style="font-style: italic;">AIR</span>!!! I spend a huge amount of time blowing my nose noisily. My gp did eventually find something that works for me, but, of course, it is horribly expensive and causes blocked Eustacian tubes (don't even ask- I lost the will to live over that one) if I use it too much. Plus, I am stubborn. Right now it is autumn here, and I am <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> snuffling. I vacuum regularly, I don't go near the cat (poor thing), I have cut out dairy products....and <span style="font-style: italic;">still </span>I am snuffling!!!! It is pissing me off, and somehow I have it in my mind that if I don't give in to it amd start medicating myself to within an inch of my life, like I did during spring and summer, then it will all go away.<br />Thus far....not so much. So I snuffle.<br /><br />Topic number two for today is the fact that my tolerance for this hick, backwoods suburb has reached an all time low. I announced to The Kid the other day that we are officially Getting Out Of Dodge. He was overjoyed. We both agreed that we are urban dwellers, rather than semi-rural dwellers. I just want to be somewhere where I can get a decent soy latte and wear a capelet and fingerless mitts without the neighbours coming onto their porches to point and stare and phone their relatives. I am sick of the bored, violent teenagers driving terrifyingly modified cars up and down my street. I am sick of the lack of art galleries and bookshops. I am sick of waiting for public transport that never arrives. I am sick of the racism, both blatant and implied. I was telling this to my GP the other day, and to my complete suprise she totally agreed with me. She said she put off buying a house for 7 extra years just so she could get something in a suburb that wasn't like this one. I will probably have to live in a kennel, but at least it will be a kennel that has a decent coffeeshop near by.<br /><br />Topic number 3 for today (and the last, I think) is my yarn love. It's getting out of control. For ages I was the sort of knitter who only bought the yarn I was about to use, or needed for a particular project. Buying yarn I didn't have any immediate plans for just caused me too much stress- I felt it ticking away, just <span style="font-style: italic;">waiting </span>for me to use it. But then something happened. I think I started loving yarn for yarns sake. Now I can't stop buying it. Don't misunderstand me, I don't feel guilty. I am just running out of space.<br />Thats my problem. it's not yarn, it's storage space.<br /><br />Look at one of my most recent purchases.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/4499305356/" title="Woolhunters everyday Sock Yarn "Butternut Squash" by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4499305356_b38399b2f0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Woolhunters everyday Sock Yarn "Butternut Squash"" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/4498671125/" title="Woolhunter's Everday Sock Yarn "Butternut Squash" by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4498671125_20b79b136c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Woolhunter's Everday Sock Yarn "Butternut Squash"" /></a><br /><br />It's a fingering weight sock yarn called Butternut Squash by <a href="http://www.woolhunter.com/index.html">Woolhunter</a>. I really think it does look just like pumpkin blossoms, too. Haven't made anything with it yet. For now, it just sits on my coffee table looking pretty.<br /><br />Soon, verra, verra soon.......goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-50830928511581266612009-07-21T22:57:00.000-07:002009-07-22T00:06:13.314-07:00Rain, wattle blossom and sweater clips....Typical Melbourne winter day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745593356/" title="Rainy day, Melbourne, july 2009 by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3745593356_9c274706d3.jpg" alt="Rainy day, Melbourne, july 2009" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745588234/" title="Rainy day, Melbourne, july 2009 by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3745588234_e8d40747d4.jpg" alt="Rainy day, Melbourne, july 2009" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />Although, after the horrific summer we just survived, it's not like I'd complain about the rain. And, in any case, when it's not raining there is always the wattle blossom to admire.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3744731715/" title="Cootamundra Wattel (acacia baileyana) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3744731715_1f5818ce55.jpg" alt="Cootamundra Wattel (acacia baileyana)" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3744738067/" title="Cootamundra Wattel (acacia baileyana) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2510/3744738067_97aa3d77e4.jpg" alt="Cootamundra Wattel (acacia baileyana)" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745539202/" title="Cootamundra Wattel (acacia baileyana) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3745539202_f5df24e5a1.jpg" alt="Cootamundra Wattel (acacia baileyana)" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />It's lovely, isn't it? Like frothy sunshine. That particular wattle is called Coottamundra Wattle (<span style="font-style: italic;">Acacia baileyana</span>). Believe it or not, in this part of the country it's considered an environmental weed because it seeds so easily. Still pretty though.<br /><br />Anyhoo....I got a gorgeous little parcel in the mail today- my latest ebay acquisition. I haven't posted about jewelry for ages, so I thought I'd showcase my little collection of sweater clips.<br /><a href="http://acostumejewelryshop.com/sweater-guard-clips-c-27.html">Sweater clips</a> were a 1950's thing- 2 clips joined by a chain were used to keep a cardigan carelessly, yet stylishly, flung over ones shoulders without slipping off. I remember my mother wearing them, althou sadly, I never inherited any of hers. <a href="http://oldhollywoodmoxie.blogspot.com/2009/02/sweater-clips.html">They can be as plain or as gaudy as it pleased the wearer</a>, and I rather like them.<br /><br />Classy.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745543468/" title="Sweater clips- classy by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3745543468_604c5213bb.jpg" alt="Sweater clips- classy" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745546838/" title="Sweater clips- classy by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2471/3745546838_1462bd0ca1.jpg" alt="Sweater clips- classy" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3744773777/" title="Sweater clips- classy by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3744773777_7322061eef.jpg" alt="Sweater clips- classy" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Flowery.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745555008/" title="Sweater clips- Daisies by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3745555008_04bb932db2.jpg" alt="Sweater clips- Daisies" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3744752889/" title="Sweater clips- Daisies by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3744752889_8b10602609.jpg" alt="Sweater clips- Daisies" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3744777791/" title="Sweater clip- Daisies by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3744777791_e05e1d3be9.jpg" alt="Sweater clip- Daisies" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Fluffy (these are the ones I got today- they were advertised as being made with tufts of mink, but I have no way of knowing if thats true.)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745559554/" title="DSweater clips- minkySCF1048(1) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3745559554_07c5673fc7.jpg" alt="DSweater clips- minkySCF1048(1)" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3745562492/" title="Sweater clips- minky by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/3745562492_c4254dc02c.jpg" alt="Sweater clips- minky" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3744769757/" title="Sweater clips- minky by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3744769757_501783cea2.jpg" alt="Sweater clips- minky" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Wednesday!!<br /><br />ps- predictable the stranded work socks did not go well, although it was more about my yarn choice than anything else. I think I may have my knitting/crocheting mojo back, so new projects soon.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-1245193147028483392009-07-14T17:08:00.000-07:002009-07-14T17:41:28.848-07:00I have a terrible cold...........and I'm being a complete baby about it. But really, it's a nasty one. Going through tissues at an alarming rate, sneezing attacks, can't taste anything (except chocolate or chilli- hey, at least thats one positive), and am subject to sudden nap attacks every hour or so. I feel like 8 different types of revolting, and feeling very sorry for myself indeed.<br /><br />So, you'd think I would be getting a fair amount of knitting done, right? Well, sort of. After the unexpected triumph that was my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/goodgirlsaturday/aestlight-shawl">Aestlight Shawl</a> (Rav link) I decided to give my rather neglected <a href="http://www.twistcollective.com/collection/index.php/component/content/article/60-winter-2008-patterns/135-kingscot-by-norah-gaughan-">Kingscot Cardigan</a> some love. Sadly my ability to concentrate for more than 10 seconds has been compromised quite considerably. Usually I start at the beginning of a pattern and just work my way through as written. This time.....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3722244664/" title="Kingscot Cardigan by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/3722244664_0a2e19d0e3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kingscot Cardigan" /></a><br />I got half way up the back and decided that I didn't like the way I did the decreases after the ribbing. Messy. But I lack the constitutional fortitude to rip back and re- do right now. So I slung it on some scrap yarn to be dealt with later. Then I did the ribbing for both the fronts. Cos, hey, its just ribbing, right? Then I thought, well maybe I'll just give one of the fronts a red hot go, and <span style="font-style: italic;">3 days later</span> I am up to the armhole. Now I'm thinking about doing the other side up to the same point, but seeing as I'm only managing a row or two at a time before I need a nap....I give up. To my Kingscot Cardigan I say- I'll deal with you later!<br /><br />So instead, I've been working on my Ten Stitch Blanket. Easy, mindless, soothing, and its now big enough that it keeps me warm while I'm doing it. Bonus!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3722263856/" title="Ten Stitch Blanket by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3722263856_345f88402f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ten Stitch Blanket" /></a><br />This morning, however, as I was snuffling my way through today's first box of tissues, I came across <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=116&d_id=53&lang=en">this </a>lovely pattern. And I'm thinking, this might be an excellent pattern to indulge my love of red and light blue together.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3722279726/" title="yarn by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3722279726_1463a80a8a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="yarn" /></a><br />The red and white would be the main colours, with a stripe of pale blue up near the cuff.<br />Alternatively, I could go with this combo...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3722286434/" title="yarn by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2545/3722286434_c71a3df5f2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="yarn" /></a><br />.....but on second thought I might burn someone's retinas.<br />I must be insane- I can barely remember where the bathroom is and I'm contemplating stranded work socks.<br /><br />This wont end well.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-3164543820617690462009-05-11T17:07:00.000-07:002009-05-11T17:55:52.761-07:00Things.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Things that are making me displeased.</span><br /><br /><ol><li>I have a stomachache. I don't know why. Really, no idea. Unless my slatternly housekeeping ways have finally come back to bite me.</li><li>I've made a decision about my son's education that his school is not going to be very pleased about. I've talked it over with quite a few people who are giving me very positive feedback, but the time has come to inform the people who will be slightly horrified. I am not looking forward to this.</li><li>I keep forgetting that some people are just downright crooks. I'm not so naive that there are any recepts for Nigerian bridges on my credit card, but when people are charming, friendly and agree to do what I ask them, I usually believe them. This is becoming a serious character flaw. I need to toughen up a bit, but I really resent the necessity to do so.</li><li>Friends are falling like flies from various accidents and injuries. I feel helpless when all I can do is hold their hands and make sympathetic noises.</li><li>Mainstream media treats the public like idiots. I really, really resent this. Not just on my behalf, but on everyone else's, too.</li><li>I hate doing laundry, and I am really behind. Every time I turn a corner in my house I trip over a pile of dirty clothes. You'd think this would spur me on to get it done, but noooooo...<br /></li></ol><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things that please me.</span><br /><br /><ol><li>My son is delighted about the decisions I have made about his education. He thinks I've given in, but what he doesn't seem to realize is that I believe in his instincts. Teenagers are not always wrong when they want something. I think he deserves a chance to make his own life decisions. I love my son to the moon and back and I want him to be happy.</li><li>I made a new pair of fingerless mitts. I love fingerless mitts, but especially when they are made of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino . I get a little frisson of pleasure every time I pull them on.</li></ol><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3524020076/" title="Friendship fingerless mitts by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3524020076_4d3e8bb2ea.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Friendship fingerless mitts" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3523232767/" title="Friendship fingerless mitts by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3523232767_a9f1d58228.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Friendship fingerless mitts" /></a><br />They are <a href="http://www.knitsnotesetc.com/2008/12/pattern_notes_friendship_finge.html">a lovely simple little pattern</a>, and they are sinfully soft and lush.<br /> 3. My latest ebay purchase.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3524054082/" title="Faux ivory brooch by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3524054082_dbd111e184.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Faux ivory brooch" /></a><br />Today I'm wearing it with navy blue.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3524049682/" title="Faux ivory brooch by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3524049682_57180d7f26.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Faux ivory brooch" /></a><br /> 4. Today could be the day that my parcel from Canada arrives. I've been saying that for weeks now, but statistically, it must be getting truer by the minute. Beautiful handyed sockyarn from my dear friend Jodi, and the new issue of Interweave Crochet. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sigh</span>. Can't wait. My nose is pressed to the window in anticipation.<br /> 5. In honour of Mother's Day over the weekend I took myself yarn shopping. Oh yes. Photos another time, but suffice for now to say that I staggered in my front door <span style="font-style: italic;">laden </span>with purchases. Then I sat and played with it whilst eating <a href="http://www.roses.pk/images/cadbury_roses2.JPG">Roses chocolates</a>. Bliss! Happy Mother's Day to me!!!<br /><br />So, ok, these lists were a good idea. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself, but really, there are some lovely things in my life at the moment. It's not all bad. Think I'll go knit a bit now and think about counting my blessings.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-62742412088499623942009-05-05T18:18:00.000-07:002009-05-05T18:48:01.449-07:00Autumn In Melbourne.I went for a walk this morning and remembered to take my camera. Autumn in Melbourne is lovely- a slight chill, but often sunny (although it was actually quite dark and gloomy this morning). I got some rather strange looks from people as I walked round and round trees trying to get good shots. At least, I think it was because I was taking photos. It may have been the <a href="http://goodgirlsaturday.blogspot.com/2009/05/loose-ends.html">luminous orange and pink bag</a> that I have become so fond of.<br />Anyways, this is what I saw......<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3506108102/" title="Snow Gum by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3506108102_a6dc37485d.jpg" alt="Snow Gum" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />And some foliage just starting to turn.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505310951/" title="Turning leaves (3) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3505310951_e357ca8b08.jpg" alt="Turning leaves (3)" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505324087/" title="Tuning leaves (2) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3505324087_99a1209165.jpg" alt="Tuning leaves (2)" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3506215688/" title="Turning Leaves by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3506215688_b1f0f05da4.jpg" alt="Turning Leaves" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />A warning about the dangers of surburbia...<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3506168316/" title="Beware Of The Magpies! by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3506168316_e07ab87c77.jpg" alt="Beware Of The Magpies!" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />Some natives plants in flower..<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3506150028/" title="Banksia by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3506150028_a4a898a1e0.jpg" alt="Banksia " width="500" height="375" /></a><br />Banksia.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3506178298/" title="Flowering Gum by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3506178298_ed1ced8561.jpg" alt="Flowering Gum" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />Eucalypt<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505386395/" title="Leucodendron by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3505386395_a7164ebbe0.jpg" alt="Leucodendron" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />Leucodendron<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505394009/" title="Pincushion Hakea by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3505394009_4b87b9473e.jpg" alt="Pincushion Hakea" width="500" height="375" /></a><br />My favourite native plant, the Pincushion Hakea (Hakea laurina).<br /><br />So then, because I was digging this photography lark so much, I had a little stroll around my garden. Not that much happening, but a few little treasures.<br />The salvia is starting to come back after being all crispy and sad looking for months.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505434723/" title="Salvia by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3505434723_c6e4eac522.jpg" alt="Salvia" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />The ubiquitous daisy.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505445565/" title="The Ubiquitous Daisy by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3505445565_1a50794772.jpg" alt="The Ubiquitous Daisy" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />A really pretty Ivy Geranium.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505440703/" title="Ivy Geranium by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3505440703_171e715f05.jpg" alt="Ivy Geranium" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />The ever faithful red geranium that sits by my front door.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3506259284/" title="Red Geranium by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3506259284_5eb8cd6b45.jpg" alt="Red Geranium" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />And Chrysanthemums!! Just in time for Mother's Day!!!!!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505423071/" title="Chrysanthemum by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3505423071_9aaec9890e.jpg" alt="Chrysanthemum" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3505429237/" title="Chrysanthemum by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3505429237_c02dc9f99e.jpg" alt="Chrysanthemum" width="500" height="375" /></a>goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-39569643432793586222009-05-05T13:48:00.000-07:002009-05-05T13:50:29.487-07:00Daisies.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3503398764/" title="Flower Brooch by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3503398764_ed3e9dff52.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Flower Brooch" /></a><br /><br />More later. Just thought you'd like something pretty to look at.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-57647116769163574522009-05-01T21:47:00.000-07:002009-05-01T22:07:10.470-07:00Loose Ends.I've been all gung-ho about finishing up some long neglected wips. Specifically, the type of finishing up that includes getting out my sewing machine. I can sew quite competantly, I just don't love it, so it doesn't happen all that often. But when it does, I try and do as clean a sweep as I can.<br /><br />Exhibit A<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3492504433/" title="Mandarin Shoulder Bag by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3492504433_0360d7d00e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mandarin Shoulder Bag" /></a><br />(<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/goodgirlsaturday/nylon-cord-shells-wristlet-bag">Rav link</a>)<br /><br />I made this little shoulder bag ages ago, but it really needed lining before I could use it. Couldn't find a colour I like for ages, and then I was cleaning out my closet the other day and looky looky- an old tshirt that was stained past all reason on the front (spaghetti sauce I think). The perfect colour! Just looking at mandarin orange and fuschia together makes me cheerful.<br /><br />Exhibit B<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3493298182/" title="Spring Haekelbeutel by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3493298182_ebd95303c0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Spring Haekelbeutel" /></a><br />(<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/goodgirlsaturday/ingas-haekelbeutel-2">Rav link</a>)<br /><br />I had made the body of the bag ages ago, just needed to sew it up and put in some lining. Starting to see a pattern emerge here? The lining looks fabulous I think, and for the first time I am glad of my slightly crappy photo skillz because you can't see the dodgy handsewing on the inside. Done and dusted.<br /><br />Exhibit C<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3492487039/" title="Autumn by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3492487039_49d8404b25.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Autumn " /></a><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/goodgirlsaturday/ingas-haekelbeutel">(Rav link</a>)<br /><br />I had entirely made this ages ago and had it hanging on the doorknob in the study. Excellent for hiding chocolate stashes in. But it also needed lining. Sigh. I didn't enjoy it, but its done and I got to use an old pair of brown linen pants that was languishing in the rag bag.<br /><br />So I'm feeling a bit accomplished, really. Sure, the lounge room looks like a bomb hit it, and I've got bits of cotton everywhere, but whatever. I may reward myself with Tim Tams shortly.<br /><br />How about a little bling to finish?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3410527613/" title="Citrine Briolette Pendant by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3410527613_911a93d964_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Citrine Briolette Pendant" /></a><br />It's a citrine briolette pendant. It's not vintage, but it is close to the same colour as my eyes.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-17069434657525526452009-04-28T15:08:00.000-07:002009-04-28T15:43:01.008-07:00The Best Laid Plans.....Today the kid had an appointment at the Childrens Hospital. Nothing special- just his yearly neuropsych assessment. No invasive surgery, no vile medications, no prodding or poking- just a nice lady in a warm office asking him questions. We've been here before. It's not a big deal. Time consuming but not painful, is what I'm saying.<br /><br />The downside is that we had to be up by 7am, and showered, dressed and out of the door by 8am, because its a long drive and an early appointment. So I get myself showered and partially dressed, drag an unwilling teenager out of bed and into the shower, and just as I'm standing in front of the closet trying to decide what to wear, my mobile goes. It's the lady from the hospital saying she has to cancel because she just got back from England yesterday and she's not feeling very well and she needs to go get tested for SWINE FLU!!!!<br /><br />Even the Kid, who is not at an age where graciousness comes naturally, especially at 7.30am, admitted that this was an excellent excuse.<br /><br />So, a day has appeared that was otherwise going to be filled with hanging around a children's hospital eating pastries and drinking coffee and wishing I was elsewhere. Hey- now I get to be elsewhere! It feels like a little holiday! I know, I know, my life is just one chaotic, exciting whirl (NOT).<br /><br />So seeing as the Kid has now gone back to bed and wont be wanting the computer for a while, I thought put up a couple of photos of the use I put the chocolate brown yarn to (idea via auntpatt).<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3484593066/" title="Fan Edged Armwarmers by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3484593066_d97ab297a3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fan Edged Armwarmers" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3484588628/" title="Fan Edged Armwarmers by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3484588628_389ca10de7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fan Edged Armwarmers" /></a><br /><br />I like 'em!<br />I got the pattern <a href="http://dragonfaeriee.blogspot.com/2009/02/fan-edged-armwarmers.html">here</a>, and I admit, I have tried them before and failed miserably.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3412924191/" title="BHSYRB mitts (big hook, squooshy yarn, retro button) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3412924191_49decaba18.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="BHSYRB mitts (big hook, squooshy yarn, retro button)" /></a><br />They got ripped and remade into something else. The difference this time was that<br />a) I used a single crochet foundation stitch rather than a chain to start them off- so much better. The interwebs is crawling with explanation, tutorials and videos of this technique. It is stretchy and neat and looks so much better. It may seem a little tricksy at first, but I urge you to persist. It's really worth it. (BTW, there was no good reason I didn't use this technique the first time I tried these mitts. Momentary madness probably)<br />b) Rather than a worsted weight yarn, I used a dk (8ply) weight.<br />c) Rather than a H hook (5mm) I used a G (4mm) hook.<br />Much better!<br /><br />I might make the matching hat, now. Will post pics if its not too ugly.<br /><br />ps- How scary is this swine flu thing? It hasn't got to Australia yet, <span style="font-style: italic;">as far as we know,</span> but I'm getting a little nervous, especially as I am the proud owner of a child with a truckload of medical issues. Here's hoping it comes under some sort of control soon.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-22834159066005830782009-04-26T15:01:00.000-07:002009-04-26T15:45:21.845-07:00Woo hoo! Roll on winter!After what can be officially called 'The Summer Straight From Hell', the weather has finally lurched into winteriness. We are still in Autumn here in the southern hemisphere, but there is a crap load of snow at the resorts, and it didn't get above 14 deg C here yesterday. And seeing as I have an ear infection which is making me miserable I took the opportunity to curl up on the couch and knit away the weekend.<br /><br />I did my typical 'yarn dance'.<br />I have about 1300 yards (1200m) of both a lipstick red wool blend, and a chocolate brown acrylic (which is lovely to use, not sticky, but a bit splitty)- both of which have been ceaselessly nagging me to turn into something pretty. I really wanted to make<a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2006/10/scarlet_woman_sleeveless_tank.html"> this lovely top</a>, and in my mind I thought the brown would be good for that. So I swatched. All good. Started the back, got about an inch in, hated it, frogged it. Forgot all about pretty top.<br /><br />Spoke severely to chocolate yarn. Decided that owing to it's acrylic lightness (weight-wise) something crocheted might be good. Got excited about <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cupcake-3">this little darling</a> (sorry, couldn't find a non-rav link without significantly more coffee than I have in me), and even more so when I realized I could call it the Chocolate Cupcake. How could I not make it!!!! Swatched. Gauge close enough. Happily hooked along , finished decreasing to the waist. Had to get up to make a cup of tea, and thought 'what the hell, I'll just measure it against a t-shirt that fits well'. Disaster. Apparently the Gauge Fairies had decided to have a party and were currently pissing themselves laughing at how they had fooled me. Too damn small. Curse you, Gauge Fairies. Frogged in disgust.<br /><br />Having no more inclination to look at the chocolate brown yarn (and, indeed, resisting the temptation to set it alight) my attention was drawn to the lipstick red woolblend. Hmmmm. Maybe it would look good as the original Scarlet Woman Sleeveless Tank. I mean, it's the same colour as the pattern picture. Why not?<br /><br />Swatched. All good. Started pattern. Nice twisted rib stitch, very soothing. Got past the first ball of yarn, still loved it . I think...maybe...just maybe...<span style="font-style: italic;">success!!!!!</span><br /><br />So <a href="http://www.pieknits.com/blog/2006/10/scarlet_woman_sleeveless_tank.html">this </a>is what I'm currently making.<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Mine/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Mine/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" />In exactly the same colour.<br />You'd think it would have been an obvious choice from the beginning, wouldn't you?<br /><br />ps- the chocolate brown yarn was consigned to the back of the cupboard in disgrace, but about half an hour ago a pm from a lovely Raveller (hi auntpatt!) gave me an idea about what to do with it. Pics tomorrow if it works.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-44615590169150118712009-04-21T21:14:00.000-07:002009-04-21T21:31:12.149-07:00Distracted By Shiny.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3410427587/" title="Fruit necklace-1950's by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3410427587_41cce2fd94.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fruit necklace-1950's" /></a><br /><br />I think of all the types of jewels I collect, the fruit necklaces and earrings are my faves. They are just so fun and lighthearted. This is my newest one. I love the red and white beads on it.<br />Want to see the rest of my collection? Sure you do.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3121774504/" title="Fruit necklaces. by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3121774504_7b5a5b8215.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fruit necklaces." /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3120946417/" title="Fruit earrings by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/3120946417_6d92c2fe15.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fruit earrings" /></a><br /><br />The earrings have been altered for pierced ears- they would have been ,originally, clip ons. Fruit jewelry was popular in the 40's and 50's. A lot of it is Italian. The best pieces are glass and celluloid, but I'm happy to have the plastic stuff as well. I'm an equal opportunity hoarder.<br /><br />And finally,<a href="http://www.vintageswank.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=VS&Product_Code=206005&Category_Code=ACJWNC"> the piece I would sell my cat for</a>.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-43864391028508050532009-02-28T19:27:00.000-08:002009-02-28T19:36:16.819-08:00Confession.I have a small confession to make.<br />I am addicted to <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/">lolcats</a>.<br />I don't know why I am slightly shamefaced about this, but I am going to try to get over it by posting some of the ones that makes me laugh out loud.<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2009/02/27/funny-pictures-concerned-kitteh/"><img class="mine_3341476" title="funny-pictures-your-cat-is-very-concerned" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/funny-pictures-your-cat-is-very-concerned.jpg" alt="funny pictures of cats with captions" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/">animals</a><br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2009/02/20/funny-pictures-let-the-cat-in-last-night/"><img class="mine_3288760" title="funny-pictures-your-cat-spent-the-night-outside" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/funny-pictures-your-cat-spent-the-night-outside.jpg" alt="funny pictures of cats with captions" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/">animals</a><br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2009/02/19/funny-pictures-defeat-chu-nomnomnom/"><img class="mine_3285591" title="funny-pictures-cat-plans-to-defeat-dog" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/funny-pictures-cat-plans-to-defeat-dog.jpg" alt="funny pictures of cats with captions" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/">animals</a><br /><br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2009/02/18/funny-pictures-to-go-home/"><img class="mine_3278251" title="funny-pictures-cat-suggests-your-drunk-friends-go-home" src="http://icanhascheezburger.wordpress.com/files/2009/02/funny-pictures-cat-suggests-your-drunk-friends-go-home.jpg" alt="funny pictures of cats with captions" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/">animals</a><br /><br />And finally, my all time favourite so far.......<br /><a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/2007/01/13/jesus-christ-its-a-lion/"><img src="http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/jesus_christ_its_a_lion.jpg" alt="JESUS CHRIST IT�S A LION" /></a><br />more <a href="http://icanhascheezburger.com/">animals</a>goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-72525017626795048842009-02-26T23:45:00.000-08:002009-02-26T23:52:31.528-08:00Little Slices of Heaven<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3301692491/" title="Coloured agate necklace by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3301692491_941031d0cc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Coloured agate necklace" /></a><br /><br />I love this necklace. It is made of little slices of coloured agate. I have no idea how old it is, or anything about it really- I picked it up on ebay for a song. I love the colours in it, the slipperiness of the stones. And I love that the one pink one is slightly off centre.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3302537852/" title="Coloured agate necklace by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3302537852_63b3ccb7b8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Coloured agate necklace" /></a><br /><br />The only thing I don't love about it is how hard it is to wear. The best I've been able to come up with is to wear it against plain navy blue, with plain, unobtrusive gold earrings. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-62977358728814403842009-02-26T23:31:00.000-08:002009-02-26T23:44:28.259-08:00Things I Learnt This Week.1. Adversity can sometimes be useful as a learning tool. I hate admitting that. I'd much rather stamp my feet and complain loudly rather than go all wise and Yoda-like. Doesn't change the fact that omelettes are made of <span style="font-style: italic;">broken </span>eggs. I consider my character to have been significantly improved this week, what with all the challenges and suchlike.<br /><br />2.If an iron lasts 20 years, it is not worth more than a shrug and a sigh when you drop it and break it.<br /><br />3.If a rather expensive digital camera that is only 3 months old suddenly ceases to work for no apparent reason, this really is annoying.<br /><br />4.I'm a better knitter than I thought I was, but I can't show you because my bloody camera is broken.<br /><br />5. When making mini quiches, put a tray under the muffin tray, so that if you fill them too full and they overflow, you wont have a blackened mess on the bottom of your oven. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sigh</span>.<br /><br />So, y'know, not a bad week, all up. It wasn't easy, but no-one I love died, and I have quiche for dinner.<br />That'll do me.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-25291855058534076662009-02-22T19:53:00.000-08:002009-02-22T20:19:22.394-08:00Lucky me.Recently I was the lucky recipient of some Rav-love from the lovely jennantonnix, and the wonderful lucyvanp. Really, is there anything as exciting as the postman handing you a parcel from Deepest Darkest Elsewhere? Why yes! When the postman hands you <span style="font-weight: bold;">two </span>parcels, of course!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3288429281/" title="mod present by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3288429281_5432840740.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mod present" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3289210224/" title="mod present by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3289210224_161005a001.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mod present" /></a><br /><br />The first pic has all sorts of exciting foreign snacks, but that sagey-blue goodness you see? It's Knitpicks Gloss. It is destined to be a <a href="http://keeponknittinginthefreeworld.blogspot.com/2009/02/prairie-house-shawl.html">Prairie House Shawl</a>. Its not so much a shawl, though as an elongated triangular scarf. I'm going to treat myself and start it this afternoon, as a matter of fact.<br />The second pic was two lovely skeins of <a href="http://www.araucaniayarns.com/">Arucania yarn</a>. The left one is Arucania Ranco multy, a fingering weight, and the other is <a href="http://www.araucaniayarns.com/Wool_1Ply.html">Arucania Magallanes,</a> a lovely thick and thin single ply. Not sure what I'm going to make from those yet.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3288424429/" title="mod present by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3527/3288424429_637420fcaa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mod present" /></a><br />This was from lucyvanp. Look at the pretty purple! That there's cashmere, don't you know. And whats the point of cashmere if you can't snuggle it, I ask? It will be a neckwarmer of some sort. Those little skeins next to it are Wollmeise- lovely little tastes of gorgeousnes that are being made into crocheted flowers (my current inexplicable and slightly embarrassing fad).<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3288419853/" title="mod present by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3510/3288419853_d427f6b945.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="mod present" /></a><br />Perfect for my cup of tea!!<br /><br />And just going back to jennantonnix's lovely gift, you can see in the front of the first pic a necklace. Bless her, knowing that I am a lover and collector of vintage jewelry, she sent me this.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3301725975/" title="Turquoise necklace by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3301725975_31af13b228.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Turquoise necklace " /></a><br />Mmmmm. Turquoisey goodness.<br />Thankyou both so much for these lovely things.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-73646828950233246092009-02-19T20:52:00.000-08:002009-02-19T21:03:37.696-08:00Cheerful.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3120989707/" title="Cheerful. by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3120989707_ed0e370e69.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cheerful." /></a><br /><br />TGIF, peoples.<br />Dunno what time it is in your part of the world, but in mine it's Friday afternoon, and my week has finally finished. It was a tough week, too. Started out crappy, got considerably worse on Tuesday, then improved bit by bit until today was a positive triumph. Nothing bad happened, and a lot of loose ends got tidied. I do like a tidied end, too.<br /><br />The kid has been dispatched to his father's house, and the weekend stretches before me in all its glory. There will be a good bit of knitting done. Also, some crocheting. Maybe a little therapeutic ebaying. I intend to fit in a nap or two. I finally got some gold coloured cotton so I can re-vamp that linen skirt that's been moldering in my sewing basket for months. If it rains, I shall go stand in it for a while. 'The Collectors' is finally back on the teev, and the rest of tonight is all about British crimies, so the phone's going off the hook and I am putting up my 'the dr is out' sign (Peanuts reference).<br /><br />The excitement is killing me :-)goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-62252340978429205442009-02-07T17:38:00.000-08:002009-02-07T18:11:03.098-08:00Fire.I am sitting here feeling very lucky. Lucky that I still have a house and contents, lucky that I still have electricity, and lucky that no-one I know (so far) has died in the awful bushfires that ravaged my home state yesterday.<br /><br />I live about an hour from where the Bunyip fire was (and still rages now). The conditions yesterday were horrific, beyond description. Not just 46 degrees Celsius (that's about 115 deg Farenheit) but gale force winds. The world just seemed to explode. Ten years of drought, along with last week's heat wave of over-40 deg temps for days on end.....it felt like the end of everything. And I say that having survived the Ash Wednesday Bushfires in 1983. I was smack in the middle of those fires, too, and equally lucky. Sadly, many friends and relatives were not so fortunate, then.<br /><br />About 5pm yesterday the power went out. The winds went crazy, and the only thing I could hear over the seering, howling gale and the crash of trees braking apart, was the lunatic screech of sirens.<br /><br />But I'm one of the lucky ones. By all accounts the township of Kinglake, on the edge of Melbourne, is all but gone. And I heard a little while ago that there is just one building left standing in Marysville. Victoria is being declared a disaster zone, and I heard that they are bringing in the armed forces to help the brave, but hopelessly overwhelmed emergency services. Even more terrible is knowing that so many of these fires were deliberately started. I heard a fireman on the radio this morning refer to them as 'lighters'. The name made me shudder a little. Somehow it seems more ominous than the official 'arsonist', or the jokey 'firebug'.<br /><br />The death toll rises every hour. The last news bulletin put it at 30 and rising. People got caught in their cars, trying to get out. Every time I think of it my breath catches in my throat a little. The mortuaries are full and they are talking about bringing in refridgerated containers to house the dead.<br /><br />I was a horticulturist for many years working in bush regeneration. I have no doubt that the land will come back. But how do people come back from this?<br /><br />This is a dangerous land to live in.<br /><br />It's calm here now. The wind has dropped, and the temperature is a comfortable 20 deg C. There's even been a little rain. There have also been some fearsome thunder and lightning, but hey, you can't have everything. I'm going outside for a little while. I need to go and pick up all the dead birds in my front yard and bury them.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-74625291054962247582009-02-06T00:30:00.000-08:002009-02-06T00:39:23.436-08:00Gratuitous Brooch Shot.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3121785570/" title="Caramel Brooch, 1950's. by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/3121785570_acd780ff64.jpg" alt="Caramel Brooch, 1950's." width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I love the colour of this 1950's brooch- caramel swirl. Mmmmmm. And because I have my Flickr page open right now, this is what I will be wearing it with (when the freaking weather calms down a bit)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3211814596/" title="Cinxia Cardigan by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3211814596_09f341cf81.jpg" alt="Cinxia Cardigan" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />The cardigan is called <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/PATTcinxia.html">Cinxia</a>, from Knitty, 2005.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-35051066993142114542009-02-06T00:05:00.000-08:002009-02-06T00:29:51.106-08:00I was tempted to kiss the postman.......It's been a crapulous couple of months. And the weather here? Foul. And not getting any better by the looks of things. But hey, where would we be without our friends, right?<br />Today in the mail I got this, all the way from Canada.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3256931521/" title="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne' by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3509/3256931521_ed4b02d351.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne'" /></a><br /><br />So pretty! Anyone wanting to get their own little skeins of gorgeousness, check out <a href="http://www.cablefreak.artfire.com">Jodi's</a> website.<br /><br />OK, I know you want to see some more.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3257763936/" title="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne' by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3257763936_0fb6acfce5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne'" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3257766158/" title="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne' by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3257766158_bbfaa39743.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne'" /></a><br /><br />And this is how it knits up<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3257768484/" title="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne' by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3465/3257768484_df573d0ea2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Little Freak Yarn- 'Darling Dianne'" /></a><br /><br />It's fingering weight, so socks are the obvious choice for what to make. But what if there is something else? Something better, prettier, more happy making? obviously an extensive search for every fingering weight pattern in the known universe must be undertaken.<br />And, whats more, it must be undertaken<span style="font-style: italic;"> right now.</span><br />I love how knitters, crocheters, etc all have their little yarn quirks. Some people like to wind into cakes, some balls, some knit right off the skein. Some people buy the yarn first and get a pattern to fit it, some the other way round. Some people buy any yarn that appeals to them and horde it away for later.<br />Me- the minute I buy yarn I want to do something with it. I just can't squirrel it away, or let it sit for a while. Something new has to be started immediately! <span style="font-style: italic;">Immediately, I tell you!</span> But not before every suitable pattern has been pored over, and everyone else's projects have been closely scrutinized.<br />Heh. My house was so much cleaner before Ravelry.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-51011747720477290322008-12-19T17:16:00.000-08:002008-12-19T18:01:15.492-08:00For Mary Lou.A month or so ago my friend Mindy, knowing my love of vintage jewelry, sent me a great big boxful of things that were her mother's.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3120969821/" title="Mary Lou's jewelry by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/3120969821_e07d921343.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mary Lou's jewelry" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3120974551/" title="Mary Lou's jewelry by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3120974551_c8d77da136.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mary Lou's jewelry" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3121804550/" title="Mary Lou's jewelry by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/3121804550_f026eaa88c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mary Lou's jewelry" /></a><br /><br />Aren't they lovely!<br />By the time I had finished unpacking it all, I felt as though I knew their previous owner.<br />Thankyou Mary- Lou, they'll have a good home with me.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3121812996/" title="Mary Lou's jewelry by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3121812996_23c4f4a7bb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mary Lou's jewelry" /></a>goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-57463356489682354772008-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:002008-12-19T13:20:48.971-08:00Aurora Borealis 195o's Crystal Necklace<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3098343391/" title="DSCF0188(1) by goodgirlsaturday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3098343391_bc564f4fb4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCF0188(1)" /></a>goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-3780837967223724292008-12-02T13:14:00.000-08:002008-12-02T13:43:12.154-08:00Different types of helping.A lot of people that I deal with on a daily basis are related to my son's medical care. Some of them are just 'clock-on, clock-off' kinda employees. Others really love their work, and will go out of their way to help you out.<br /><br />I've had two of the latter this week- one of them has made me glow with gratitude and pleasure, the other has brought out a lack of graciousness that I never knew I had in me.<br /><br />The good one went like this- one of my son's medical people rang me while I was grocery shopping on Monday morning. She had just realized that if I signed a particular form my son and I would be in line for a small remuneration on fees and things. All good, except there was no way I was going to be able to actually get to her for about a week (week from hell). So she says, wait right there, I'll come to you. So, in the middle of a work day, she leaves her office, negotiates the crowded carpark of a big hospital, and drives 20 minutes to meet me outside a supermarket so I can sign my name on something. Thereby getting me a financial bonus that I never even would have known about if she hadn't gone looking for me. <span style="font-style: italic;">Without me asking!</span><br />How sweet is that! Thankyou Rhiannon, you made my world just a little bit better.<br /><br />The bad one is trickier. My son has a terrific physiotherapist. Lovely young guy, really smart and nice and utterly dedicated to his job. The Kid has progressed to a point where he does more work in an actual gym, than in a physio studio. So, at the moment, the physio is setting up a new program for him, and he told me that he wants me to take over supervision of it. I am willing, but not best pleased. I don't enjoy gyms. Especially the mixed ones. But hey- whatever is best for the Kid. I'll suck it up if I have to, is what I'm saying.<br />The thing is, he has started to pester me a bit about my participation in this. As in, 'you should come in your gym clothes, too, and do the exercises as well' and ' you know, if you do the same set after the Kid, that is the perfect amount of rest for him to have before he does his second set', and , my personal favourite, ' why don't you see if you can lift these weights comfortably?'<br /><br />I'm not stupid. I understand the subtext here. He is trying to help, but what he is really saying is<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Get off your lazy arse and do some exercise, you fat cow!</span><br /><br />Its true, I could use a little exercise. But I resent being coerced like this. If he came to me and said "Gee, your butt is the size of a planet these days, don't you think the occasional jog round the block would be a good idea', I would probably slap him, but I'd agree and get to work on some serious regular cardio.<br />But this namby pamby 'trying-to-get-me-to-do-stuff-without-actually-saying-it' is pissing me off.<br />He's right, but he's still pissing me off.<br /><br />Helpfulness- sometimes ya love it, sometimes ya don't.goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-85628086784042323092008-12-01T15:59:00.001-08:002008-12-01T16:00:03.490-08:00Trifari on cherry red<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3075131085/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/3075131085_ec9e49a586.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3075131085/">Trifari on cherry red</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/21110923@N08/">goodgirlsaturday</a>.</span></div><p>And here it is on red.</p>goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5011617349068309514.post-4211320248915548822008-12-01T15:56:00.001-08:002008-12-01T15:58:43.488-08:00Trifari on chocolate brown<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3075136209/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3075136209_08b753aaac.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/21110923@N08/3075136209/">Trifari on chocolate brown</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/21110923@N08/">goodgirlsaturday</a>.</span></div><p>This is one of my favourite brooches. I suppose it cost me a lot when I bought it, but I did buy it quite some time ago, and since then my definition of 'a lot' has changed quite a bit. I like its spidery solidness, and like most 1950's Trifari it is remarkably well made.<br /></p>goodgirlsaturdayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02524019635465366939noreply@blogger.com0