A Crafty Yarn

During the past year, and especially the past several months, my focus has been on what to do with the rest of my life and what state/city I plan to do it in. I've considered Seattle and Minneapolis since I would have family in both. When it comes right down to it though I have lived in Arkansas for longer than I've ever lived anywhere else and the thought of leaving here makes me very anxious.  The lease at this house will be up in April and I'll be looking for a new place to rent. It has served its purpose as a place of transition but I'm ready for a place that has a washer and dryer and a bit more space. It's exciting to think of moving into a place with a few more conveniences and one in which I haven't gone through such massive upheavals as I have in this one.  The only thing is...I'm so damn tired of moving! When I was in Wisconsin my mom and I tallied up the times we've moved and my count is over 50. I've lived in 21 different houses in Wis...

Capricorn Horoscope Nov. 5, 2011 Tremendous internal changes, intense effort, relentless determination, compulsive and irrational drives, and strong assertion of your will are the key issues during this time period. This is a difficult time period when you want to make intense changes. This transit can last for a number of weeks.

I’ve always been intimidated by bread making. I’ve made plenty of muffins and quick breads but when it came to anything that required yeast I wouldn’t try it.  However, thanks to my new addiction to Pinterest, I saw these jalapeno cheddar rolls and had to give it a shot! This is what it looked like while I was waiting for it to raise...nerve wracking I tell you!! And this is what they looked like when they were done! Not afraid to say that I'm pretty proud of myself! http:/8

I’m addicted to Pinterest! If you haven’t seen it, check it out: Pinterest   It’s essentially a group of personalized bulletin boards… a great way to keep track of the things that interest you on the internet. Everything from articles and videos to recipes and jokes can be pinned. It’s also a great way to see what inspires your friends!  Anyway, it was from Pinterest that I got the idea to make a wine cork jewelry holder. I reused a picture frame and wine corks that I already had so it cost nothing at all. The picture frame was gold. I covered it in black paint and distressed the edges when it was dry. I removed the glass, covered the cardboard backing with textured cardstock, and hot glued the corks to it. I think it’s pretty cool!

It is entirely possible that Harley believes he is a dog... he LOVES playing fetch!

Harley brings me so much happiness!  His crazy antics make me laugh...and I love when he falls asleep on me. Overall he's a really laid-back cat...he has moments where he's a holy terror but he doesn't get stressed out about being handled...and he loves getting snuggled!  

It's kind of funny that the reality that I'm single for the first time ever is hitting me on Independence Day.  But that is indeed my reality. My family is 1000 miles away and I have times when it hits me hard...but it's holidays…when I would normally be surrounded by my family…that it hits me the hardest.  The summer holidays are one thing…but Thanksgiving and Christmas may be where my perspective changes even further. I'm not going to dwell on it too much right now. So for today…While I may not be surrounded by family…I will be surrounded by friends….and Harley (The kitten finally has a name!)  And in addition to celebrating the independence of our country…I'll be celebrating the fact that my own independence, while not always easy…is teaching me lessons I've needed to learn…and affording me opportunities that I wouldn't otherwise have had.

I got a kitten yesterday!  He's absolutely adorable! I'm still working on a name for him...

It was really important to me that my little brother James graduate from college. I've always pushed the issue and insisted that he go....and then insisted that he finish. Well...he did it!!! Last week I flew to Minnesota to watch him get his degree. I am SOOOO damn proud of him!!!!!!

I love my new house...I'm so relaxed and comfortable here! It's very tiny which works very well since I don't have a ton of furniture or decorations and it also increases the cozy factor. :-) It's under lots of trees and has a front porch where I spend almost all my time! Also...I'm discovering that I really don't care for living alone but since I don't have a choice at this point, this is a pretty great place to do it!

Canoed down the Caddo River today!  It was my first time ever canoing and I am hooked!!!  Got a sunburn...busted my lip with an oar...fell in the water....have a huge bruise on my back... And had the most fun ever!!! I am completely in love with it and can't wait to go again!     

Just got back from Seattle...and as always...it never disappoints ! I met some great people and got to reconnect with friends and family. Had some INCREDIBLE experiences! I am seriously considering moving there in about a year...I need to think about it some more but it's a definite possibility! Had fun hangin out with Jeremiah: Meeting sweet little Josie: Going out with my girl Keely! It was an incredible night out!!!! As much fun as I had...I'm happy to be home and get to settle into my new little house!