Little Projects

I've been in a crafting mood lately, and for a change I decided to try my hand at some crocheting instead of knitting. After I exhausted the traditional granny square I was glad to pick up some interesting books from the library that contain beautiful patterns. I'll admit I was a little scared to start on something new because the last few times I tried to work on a project each ended in a tangled up failure, however I figured that it would be best to start with something cute and simple. My latest project, which I completed today, is a pair of baby mittens!

This was one of the main patterns that stood out to me as I was flipping through the pages of my third borrowed book and I surprised myself when I learned how easy they were to make. Between single and double crochet stitches I whipped up these precious hand warmers in a little over an hour and then tied a violet ribbon around the ends to complete the sweet accessories.

The nice thing about these is that they are fast to finish and still look special, plus there's next to no counting involved and you can make them for a boy or a girl by simply switching the colours. However, to be honest what really makes the entire mitten is the ribbon around the end. It draws attention with a contrasting colour and causes you to focus on the detail of the pattern, leaving you to ooo and aww over how cute the two of them are.

Although I have no idea who's baby these will be for, they were a fun project that will leave somebody's little fingers toasty!

 
 

~Special thanks to Nicki Trench for the pattern~

Box Cat...an Uncomfortable Point

A short, simple story that I pray you finish reading with a smile.J 

     For the past few days, we've had a high, very narrow cardboard box filled with paper sitting by our printer so that we have material to print off of at whim. It's not a very large box, 8.5x11" and not good for anything except for holding the paper that barely fits inside of it. 

     Now, it may be known or unknown to you that I am the not-so-proud partial owner of a rather big boned cat that goes by the name of Simone...or if you're mean like me, Fatty and occasionally Cow Face. Simone's weight issues are no secret, in fact, they've been around for the past seven years of her life after she outgrew kitten-hood and they're one of the first things you'll notice after you step through our front door. Often, the first remark visitors make-whether returning or not-is "Is that a cat?"

     When she runs down the stairs to get fed in the morning, she's fast until she tries to stop and her back end catches up with everything and causes her to roll over herself until she hits the wall. When she runs around a corner she's like an elegant tiger until her gut catches on the sharp turn and weighs her down so that she tumbles down the hill. She's ear trained, to the sound of a tuna can opening and the scoop of  breakfast clinking into her metal dish. She doesn't sleep in her bed, or on the couch or blanket, in fact she normally will find the most unthinkable, uncomfortable spot to sleep for the afternoon like a piece of wood, a plastic lid, in the middle of a puzzle or on top of my pile of hundreds of pages I'm organizing from my binder.

     I came home from dance just the other night to the news of her finding a new sleeping spot and when I went to inspect it I found a surprise, although I should have expected as much. Out like a light, Simone was sleeping in the half full, tiny, cardboard, paper box by the printer. Her rolls bulging over the sides and her paws barely able to fit in with everything else. Now, that's officially her new favourite spot and if you're looking for her, she'll probably be. I don't know how she thought she could fit in there...maybe she jumped in and couldn't  force her body to cooperate in getting out so she decided to make the best of it! 

     Whatever was going through her mind, I have a high respect for her determination...and like I always say, "E for effort!" Here's to one crazy box cat!

Determination. Intrigue. Victory. Enthusiasm.

To Dive: To fall or descend through the air. To plunge below the surface of the water, as a submarine. To enter deeply.


     It was diving that I observed today. A competition judging precision of the take-off, air time and entry of several contestants from around the country. As much as I'd like to, it would be a lie for me to say that I took each diver into account. I suppose I should have studied each entry equally, but my attention was devoted to one participant in particular; Kailey Schalchter. In spite of the fact that she only began diving in September, the eleven year old showed exceptional promise. Form. Focus. Feeling. Precision. Power and Passion. These are what make up a champion. 


     From the instant she grabbed the railing of the ladder, my heart was won over by her winning smile of self confidence, radiating from her face, shining down on the judges. Pikes and twists and flips. In the pool, out of the pool. Score announced. Waiting in line for the chance to go again. Her one meter dives were spectacular, her three meter dives incredible. The strength of her upper body. The placement of her toes balancing on the edge of the board. Arms raised. Eyes closed. Inhale. Exhale. Focus. Even my breath was held. Time seemed to be frozen, until suddenly she sprang off the edge, tucking and turning, silently slipping into the water. The sound of applause filled the room.


     I had to squeal with excitement when it was declared that the young diver placed 3rd in her category. I sat in the audience, laughing and smiling as she made her way to the podium to receive her very first medal. Third place, against kids who'd been competing for years. It's impossible not to admire her determination. At least, it's impossible for me.Whether we find her diving in the Olympics someday, or whether she dives solely for the fun of it, she has a talent and a spirit that we can't help falling in love with. She makes it look easy. 




To the Diver  
     Kailey you are amazing! Hilarious, beautiful, talented, caring and absolutely, 100% devoted. I admire you, your determination, your personality. You inspire me, and I couldn't be more jubilant to call you my cousin! I'm proud of you Kailey!!!! <3  

The Champion.