Pumpkin Sunrise

  We are getting pounded by a double snow event and I, for one, am super excited. Right now we have about 5 inches with yet a whole day to go for snowfall. The vistas are beautiful. This weekend I fell down the rabbit hole of thinking what kind of challenge I would like to do during February. I decided that I would write a haiku a day. When I told my sister about the challenge, she said she would join me in crafting haikus. One of my Christmas presents from her was a handmade notebook. (I forgot to photo it..) So in the above crafted planner with a myriad of stickers I purchased from Michaels, I will jot down my poems then transfer them NEATLY into the notebook and do some kind of illustration. I'm not sure if the paper can hold paint, I need to ask her so maybe it will be inking only. My knitting has been wonderful, slow and easy with this heartwarmer cowl . I love spending time on this project. Yesterday my husband made a curry dinner and so I had the luxury of not cooking dinner

  Just like the Catholic Church, I'm in Ordinary Days. We are truly in the winter season and the wind is cold. I am wearing my wool socks and wool sweaters daily. Whenever I'm outside I have a hat, shawl/cowl and knitted mittens. I'm not complaining at all, I would rather freeze to death than sweat to death. My husband is withering away though, he loves summer and hotness. Have you noticed the days are getting lighter and lighter? Truly one of the blessings of January and February. It might be cold out but the daylight lengthens and brings hope. This week I've been focusing on lots of journaling and reflections. I find comfort in putting thoughts down to paper and mulling over all of my wispy threads on life and happenings. Along with daily writings, I've been meditating twice a day using the Insight Timer App , which I highly recommend. There is plenty to do that is free. I chose a year subscription to get to the courses. I'm sleeping so much better these days.

  I finished another project this weekend, I'm telling you - I am riding a knitting wave during these January days. This shawl was a fun knit and the kit was gifted to me by a knitting friend. The wool was delightful to knit with and because it is DK weight, the project was a fast knit. I loved the squishy wool and the speed of the knitting. The kit pattern mentioned that a few of the colors would be used up completely so of course I ran out of yarn in those two colors.  I just used other colors and solved my yarn shortage problem. I ran out of the gray and the indigo. I still think it looks pretty good and no one would know.  What are you working on this week?

  How are you and how was your weekend?  All of the photos are in reverse order because Blogger wants to vex me so.  We were crazy enough to take walks this weekend because the sun was out but holy cow was it 'brisk'. I put Frodo's little coat on under his harness. He doesn't like wearing it but I believe he was thankful for the added warmth. Isn't he just dapper?? Gosh, I love him so. Because of the mini deep freeze I'm going to make my husband a pair of mittens, of course inspired by the Bernie meme. There were a few patterns trending on Ravelry and I've chosen one. I'll take some pics later this week - I am not following the brown colors though - I'm going with a burnt yellowish green as the base. I also balled up six skeins of wool for my next sweater cast on. Stay tuned for that as well. I wore my sweater that I finished last week and it is WARM. I believe traditional wool is warmer than super-wash wool. It felt extra toasty warm during the day

  I know some of you are wishing for spring, my husband is wishing for summer! I, on the other hand, am in my winter glory. I love everything about winter. I sleep better, knit better and enjoy the days fully. Soon enough I will be yearning for some light jacket wearing but for now I am in my element.  The above photo is my art journal spread. I try to create one a week and then journal. The journalling is private but the layout is not. I used Tombow markers to create the dark gray background then used a white pen.  Yesterday I had three inches cut off the length of my hair. It was a long time coming. I kept the length for the wedding updo. Shoulder length is the best length for my hair and I am loving the cut. The sun was out and I almost was grumpy from the squinting. I caught myself and stopped the grump. Sunshine is limited in the winter! On the way home, I drove in silence just enjoying the light playing on the hills, trees and roadside buildings. I managed to pull out the noteboo

  I finished a sweater ! Overall I loved knitting this color work yoke pullover. The directions were clear and the color work addictive. As I was knitting this project, I worried that the sweater would not fit since it was looking small in my lap. Of course, I didn't do gauge either but to be honest I tend to knit exactly what is called for in stockinette stitch. I was using regular wool (not super wash) and knew I would not gain some growth after soaking and blocking. I was pleasantly surprised that the fit was just fine. However the length was a little short. Blocking fixed that so all is well. Unfortunately the wool bled during its soaking and tinged the white wool a wee bit. I don't think it's noticeable but golly, I was dismayed seeing the brown in the water. I highly recommend the pattern !  Ravelry notes

  How was your weekend? I had a blissful uneventful one which is the best kind of weekend to have. No stress is a blessing.  During the week my husband and I were walking daily, but this weekend ended that streak because the weather wasn't cooperating. My husband likes non-windy days and we both like non-rainy days. I cannot remember which day (they all blend together, ha ha) but on our return home from a walk we were caught in sleet, which is by far better than rain.  I read a bit and knitted a lot. Sunday was the usual chores around the house.  How was your weekend? Another sunrise!