Christmas In July

While we are smack dab in the center of a strong heat wave, it is hard to think of the cooler (cold?) weather that comes with Christmas. Many of us entertain ourselves with the sales, decorations and fun of Christmas in July, though! The one sure thing, just like death and taxes, is that the earth will keep spinning with it's axis leaning further and further away from the sun bringing us (eventually) cooler weather. Christmas brings a more charitable nature upon us humans and a reason to do good. Here's a guy named Ernie with cause. He was able to put himself in the emotional shoes of the homeless in Grand Rapids, Michigan with some hats. With tags with various messages on them like 'take me, I'm free' Ernie had one simple goal...to help someone keep warm no matter who they are. What a reasonable expectation.

This hot July (and August, September, Oct....) I'm working on some hats and scarves. I'm going to take the train to downtown Charlotte, North Carolina and without fanfare or expectations...and hopefully without arrest...I'm going to put them in very reachable places. Without political bias, without religious overtones, and with just the reason being that I can, I'm going to try to take myself out of the center of my own universe, join with others doing the same thing, and show some compassion by helping someone keep warm. 

New Colors Rock!

I received my new order of yarn colors yesterday. I'm going bold this coming season with deep violets, bright sunny citrine gemstone yellows and pretty blues. Pictured here are the only 'neutrals' I had ordered. It's the beginnings of a 'going to market' bag. These taupe and lace colors are very pretty indeed and a delight to work with. I've discovered a new brand of yarn that is super soft and works up beautifully.

Perhaps A Garden

I've been thinking very seriously about having a small...make that super small...raised vegetable garden next year. I guess next year would mean planting it in early May '12. Why raised? Because the knees I was given in the middle of the 20th century didn't come with a guarantee and they aren't working these days too well and I can't exchange them. Why super small? Because I'm hoping the neighbors don't notice it because the Home Owner's Association appears to frown on our turning our backyards into farmland. Why a garden at all? Because I used to be a very successful gardener back in the latter part of the 20th century and it's never too late to be the grand farmer I might have been. Also, I've been reading a lot about my 'global footprint', lately, have discovered my own is atrocious and possibly I can do something about that. So, I've been keeping a journal of the shade that our fence casts. 

My vision is for the garden to be on the left side of the yard. 

Unfortunately, the full sun appears to be mostly on the right side.  I guess I can be flexible...even if my knees aren't.

Never Too Late? Maybe...But Not Exactly

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
~George Eliot 

I like this quote. Lots. As we get older, it is reassurance that there is a very good reason to look forward to tomorrow. It's also self deceiving to think that it can be 100% true. I want to play my violin in a professional orchestra. Am I good enough? No...not anymore but with work, I might have been at one time. Somewhere in the latter quarter of the 20th century maybe. What it isn't too late for is the 'essence' (the intrinsic nature) of being what I might have been. Working at playing what is hopefully beautiful music on a daily basis. Getting out my violin, tuning it, picking out music that is completely playable by me....now, in the 21st century. I can still have the essence of having been in that orchestra because it is never too late. Well, yes it is...but not exactly.