New month, new day, new season....

Morning lovelies!

Pray you all have had a marvelous weekend. I spent most of Sunday watching mysteries, making yummy homemade spaghetti sauce and enjoy some yarn therapy.  Found a bag of goodies I'd forgotten I purchased, so since I had the yarn winder out proceeded to make lovely yarn cakes heehee.

Today, is a new day and I purpose to focus on improving myself. I shall not dwell on what I had nor what I don't have, yet be thankful for what I have and rejoice in who I am today.  With that, I shall begin my next art study and I thought I'd share it with you all.  Enjoy and have a fabulous day!

I'm back...maybe!

I took a walk down memory lane on my blog, oh my how my life has changed since 2009. I've tried to keep up with my blogs and have failed miserably. I want to so much for I miss the networking, sharing and joy of being a part of the blogging community. I'm going to go slow, will not post everyday, but will try to at least post weekly.  There is a lot of new things happening in this single woman's life.  My kiddos are grown and there are grands. I want/need to return to a simpler lifestyle and enjoy the habits of being home. Coming soon ~ pics of my recent knitting and trip to see the grands.

Pray you all are well.  Be blessed.

01.22.14

Its a wintry wonderland here in RVA.  I'm excited for the land has been given the icy rest it needs to kill off bacteria, germs and other unwanted pesky things.  Now it can properly prepare for the coming season.

I thoroughly enjoy this time of year because I too am allowed a rest from being on the go.  I take the time to relax, reflect and simply enjoy each moment slowly.  Just like this morning, I took time and care to get ready for work.  No rushing, no hurry, just simply taking slower steps and being conscious of my surroundings as I prepared for my day.  I admit that I have been truly spoiled the past 15 years or so with not having to get up early or leave home at all on inclement weather days.  However, I did learn to appreciate taking things slow so I enjoy the process and change that has occurred.

When I get off work, I plan to leisurely return home ~ to avoid having an accident as well as just take my time, then make some hash browns, bacon and drop biscuits.  Love comfort food.  After eating and cleaning up, I shall simply rest, ponder and knit.

Have an awesome day all!

01.16.14

Getting excited now...move into new place is just on the horizon.  Been looking forward to this day for quite sometime.  Now that I have my budget worked out, I must determine the things I will need for the new place and create a strategy plan to get them.

I've been keeping busy knitting and listening to audiobooks. My reading list has grown and I prolly will surpass my goal of 30 books this year before Spring :)

OTN ~ will update post later w/yarn details

Angry Bird Socks 

Barley Hat

Completed Reading List

*short stories

House of Lurking Death*

Parker Pyne Mysteries

Finessing the King*

The Case of the Missing Lady*

Knit One Kill Two

Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim*

Gate of Baghdad*

More Malice Domestic

Harlequin Tea Set and Other Stories

Adventure of the Western Star*

The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan*

Jane in Search of a Job*

The Man in the Mist*

Dead Harlequin*

Regatta Mystery and Other Stories

Five Love Languages for Singles

The Millionaire Mind

The Affair of the Pink Pearl*

Now back to work. Have an awesome day!

01.08.14

Good Morning. Its cold here on the east coast, however, it is not as cold where I am as some places. Thank you Lord. I've been continually reminding myself that it could be colder, it could be worse so just embrace where you are and celebrate.

Today I will be working on my weekly schedule  then I have a base for my daily routines.  Need to establish routines so that I can accomplish more as well as spend time simply being. Once the weekly schedule is outlined it will allow me the freedom to decide just how I want to incorporate old and new ideas. Definitely must include weekly knitting and reading for they keep me sane. Who knew that even without having a full house of people to manage, you still need to have routines and plans in place.

On the knitting front, I've recently completed a hat and mini mitts set for a little girl, a team colored scarf for my boss and have a pair of Angry Bird socks OTNs.  Next up is a couple quick headbands and a hat for a co-worker.

Time to get the work done.  Have an awesome day!

New Beginnings ~ bitter sweet!

I've safely arrived in 2014...yeah, that's the only way I know how to put it without being too sarcastic.  I am still not where I had hoped to be, however, I am grateful I am no longer in a completely unhappy situation.

As I embark on another phrase of this new season, I have found myself reflecting on the past.  This year marks the 4th of no homeschooling and the 3rd of no homesteading.  Doesn't sound like a longtime but it truly is when that was all you knew.  I am moving into my new abode next week and looking forward to doing a downside version of my homesteading especially since its only me!  Single life is definitely an adjustment.  Being divorced is wonderful just can be lonesome in the winter and the empty nest, well let's just say I miss my kids because they are 1200 miles away.

So in preparation of embracing and celebrating the changes in 2014, I've decided to pickup writing again.  I even completed a poem today...yay! Since I work full-time out of the home, I will need to make some adjustments that incorporate being gone and I am looking forward to implementing some of the beloved Amish ideas again.

Time to get back to work. Hope you all have a fantastic day!

~ Happy 2014 ~

May this year bring forth much success, peace, happiness, love and joy!!

~ Newness ~

Morning world!

Today I'm seeking to start afresh the things that mean the most to me.  I enjoy being online and visiting my friends but have neglected them I'm afraid.  I miss writing on my blogs, teaching my children, making new online friends and enjoying the simplier things of life.  So today, I believe I need to make a commitment to myself to try and post once a week, create something with my hands once a month and to visit my friends blogs regularly.

I'm so glad I wrote this a few days ago.  I'm endeavoring to keep my commitment to myself.  I signed up for the Fall into Reading 2012, picked up my reserve books from the library, have my knitting at the ready along w/my bottle of white merlot.  I'm excited to enjoy this new season of my life no matter how unexpected it may be.

I also started a new job this week.  Today was day 2 and tho it will be a relatively easy job, the training process is always slow and tedious which makes me sleepy.  However, now I know why I kept employee training and teaching simplified.  Its always better plus you get the person doing and that way they are learning and not falling asleep like me heehee.

I'm off to iron my clothes, do my evening ritual and settle down w/my knitting, glass of wine and audio book. Aaaahhhh...what a lovely way to end the ending especially as I've been sitting here listening to classical music.  I think I'll light the candle too.

Hope you all had a fabulous day and a wonderful week!

PS...pics of the new yarn:

 

 

~ New day + New Season = New Me ~

 

Life has been full of numerous changes since April. I finished the last semester not so great but I'm not complaining for I did finish. I took a trip to my hometown, Richmond, for a much needed summer vacation however, I'm still here. After spending the summer visiting and exploring, I was given the responsibility of guardianship for my grandma. In the process, it required that I spend a large amount of time taking care of paperwork and other matters. She is finally in a better situation though there is still more to be done and now I've been given the privilege of being my grandpa's guardian. I now live w/him and will be taking care of his matters to ensure he is getting the assistance he needs. If anyone had told me that I would not be sitting in NY, working on my degree and enjoying city life this fall, I would have called them a liar.

One thing this season is teaching is how to completely rely on my Lord. I've been unemployed since May and have not been successful in obtaining a position that works for my new lifestyle. I did manage to get a part time job but it was inconvenient due to the hour commute. However, I'm not moved and I'm resting in the fact that God is in control. I've been able to spend a considerable amount of time at my home church which has blessed me more than I can truly express. Seeing, being surrounded and encouraged by so many I've known most of my adult life has truly been a blessing. I miss my children especially my grandson, however, I know that this is all temporary and maybe one day I'll get to NY for school or just a vacation. For now I'm learning to enjoy where I am, be who I am for this season and allow it to develop my character.

On the knitting front ~ I've not been very active at all. I'm still working on the same pair of ankle socks that I started 7 months ago. Can't seem to get motivated on them. However, grandpa and I checked out a lys here in Richmond and I got him some Rowan Tweed for a beanie and some sock yarn for my grandson. The beanie is for grandpa and he is excited. I'll post pics later today of the yarn and link the pattern I'm planning to use. Now must return to the kitchen and make some tuna salad. 

Have an awesome day all!

Changes on the horizon....

I fell out of cyberspace after the New Year but I'm still here. I've a new grandson and about to take my first steps as a divorcee. I've been doing a lot of soul searching and spending time allowing my inner self to be free. I've loved my nights of nothing of reading, watching tv and knitting. It has been some of the most peaceful evenings I've had in a very long time.

Since I've picked up my knitting again, I have 3 WIPs ~ 2 socks and a dishcloth. I've plans to start a new baby blanket for my precious grandbaby tomorrow. Its a lovely houndstooth looking print and I plan to do it in black and white too. Pics when I get all my stuff together.

Well off to complete some homework. Hope you all are having a great day!

~ Go Yankees! ~

110th Opening Home Game ~ April 13th

~ Happy 2012 ~

May this be the best year ever!

Taking time to be ME!

Its been a great week though it has had its ups and downs. Learning how to pace myself and avoid unnecessary stressors so that I can live a healthier lifestyle. Need to work on stress management in order to be successful in other areas of my life, for I'm finding stress can cause me to miss out of some vital things and not do anything at all. School is going well and added Humanities 2 & French 2 to my class schedule. Have been enjoying my books and looking forward to the next 7wks, it will be busy for sure.

On the knitting front, my dishcloth is almost done and its yummy. It feels too good to use but I must. Purchased the lovely 2nd skein of Malabrigo I need to make my grandson's Owlie hat and a new lovely scarf. Will be taking a knitting class on Wednesday to make the Calligraphy Fringed Scarf but w/o the fringe. Looking forward to sitting home knitting, cross-stitching and enjoying the wonder of the fall weather.

Off to make plans for upcoming meals, birthday, exercise and homework. Hope you all had a great day!

Knit Therapy...aahhhh

Time to share some FOs and WIPs ~ enjoy!

My "love yarn" day treat ~ so yummy soft too :D

~ Oct 15th ~

New day, new beginnings and a new outlook on life. Yup, thats for me and I'm lovin' it. I'm reassessing who I am, where I'm going and what's most important in my life. Yesterday was a very long day that started at 6:30a and ended at 11:30p. I've started my new bedtime of 10:30p during the week and am trying to find the right wakeup time. I don't think 6:30a is it haahaa. By 9p, I was ready for bed and no where near home. The purpose of these time changes is to get ready to become a full time student and transition into teaching. I'm looking forward to the new endeavors, however, discovered being a night owl and sleeping in late isn't going to help me. Hopefully, in another month I've developed the habit and will be early to bed and early to rise which supposedly makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.

On the knitting front ~ I'm working on a lovely Garterlac Dishcloth in Sugar n Creme's landscape. Its so soft and pretty, pics soon. I've enjoyed allowing myself the freedom to do the things I love again. I'm scheduling time to do these things so that I'm no longer deprived or stressed by life. Knew I missed my joys but didn't truly realize how much until I held that yarn and felt my body relax. Now to make beautiful things for my grandson...I've got my mojo back. LOL

Off to finish my day at work and prepare my Art History paper. Have an awesome day!

Simple Stress Relief

Its been a great day already. Though I awoke much later than I'd like, I'm doing wonderful. Had the greatest feeling as I held a ball of cotton yarn. Aahhh, what a lovely stress reliever. Me thinks I need to make a dishcloth today.

Tomorrow is "I love yarn day" so I plan to spend my free time touching, holding, and knitting some lovely yarn. What are you doing to celebrate this glorious day?

~ Simple Woman's Daybook Oct 12th ~

Outside my window...
lovely cloud formation leftover from last night's storm

I am thinking...
of all the things I must do today

I am thankful...
for this beautiful day

In the kitchen...
hmm...nothing at the moment but potato soup n biscuits sound good

I am wearing...
my favorite khaki skirt, black top and camo chucks ;)

I am creating...
Owlie Sleep Sack for an expecting friend

I am going...
take a nap when I leave work

I am wondering...
how to skip homework and play all day

I am reading...
CMs Volume 6 & my GEO textbook

I am praying...
for peace and jobs for friends

I am looking forward to...
to a time of rest

I am hearing...
classical music in the background

Around the house...
silence for no one is home

I am pondering...
my life ~ next steps

One of my favorite things...
sitting quietly in the sunshine

A few plans for the rest of the week:
work, taking an exam and visiting the museum

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...

Been a long time

Wow, its been 6 months since I last posted. Yikes, I think I'm a little too busy for my own good. Its ok, I'm enjoying the ride and looking forward to resting when its all over.

Update ~ I'm working on completing my associates degree in liberal arts. I'm busy searching for the university that will be a perfect fit for me so that I can earn my bachelors. I've been dreaming of this day for a long time and I'm can't believe I'm here. I took a campus tour last week to a school I just knew was the one and it turns out I didn't feel at home there so I'm on the search. I feel like a teenager who has been set loose to pursue all they can be :D

Life is really busy to include me becoming a grandmere this coming January. I can't wait to meet my grandson. It truly will be a new experience for me and my Riley. January will be my new beginnings for this reason and so many more to include possibly moving onto the next level in my education.

On the knitting front ~ I've finished several little projects and need to get back into knitting. I've allowed the busyness of working 2 part time jobs and school to take away my stress reliever. I'm surrounded by several expecting mothers so that should be motivation enough to make some things lol. I'll post pics soon of my FOs to include the precious Owlie Sleep Sack I made for my grandson.

Time to get back to planning ~ I start 2 new classes on Monday and will start a new CM discussion, so need to tweak my schedule for these and my knitting.

Have an awesome wednesday!

Hello world ;)

Its been 2 weeks since my last post and I'm doing well. Enjoyed a relatively quiet spring break that was filled with lots of sleep, knitting, making new friends and simply doing nothing. Had plans to take a trip, to go shopping and all that but ended up staying home. It turns out that it was one of the best decisions I'd made in a long time.

No new progress on my move since I've been taking everything a little slower than before. I have been spending time with friends and myself contemplating what it is I want along with doing my school work. I've managed to get school under control and feel a little more confident about finishing up this semester. Started a new class ~ American Government and Politics, not really liking the textbook but it is rather interesting. Voice lessons improved a little since I rested my vocal cords but still need to learn how to do breathing and warm up techniques. No worries, I'll get a handle on it in time. Its only been 8 years since I last sang lol.

On the knitting front, I've planned 6 new projects and started on the socks but unfortunately had to frog them. The pattern I'd chosen was Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey Socks which has a lovely cable down both sides but the yarn I've chosen is too busy. So tonight I'll cast on for a simple pair of men socks that will compliment the varigation of blacks/greys. I'm making birthday gifts ~ pair of men socks, a hat, a pr of hand warmers, dishcloth & towel set. I'll be keeping busy for the next few weeks along w/homework.

Well back to work for me. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying the first weeks of spring. ;D

Been a long time

Well, I've been through some mess that only I can get myself into. I've strayed far from God's perfect will and now starting to see what is so not right about my life. However, the good news is, God is forgiving, loving and more than able and willing to help me get my act together.

There are so many wonderful things He's doing in my life right now. There are amazing people He has allowed to be a part of and there are those He has seen fit to remove. I'm on an adventure and I can't wait to see what's next. I know its going to be awesome because I serve an awesome God.

Now to apply for jobs and school where He has seen fit to move me. I was scared but now I'm excited. Let the adventure begin. ;D