Last Sunday morning I drove to the coast to take a walk by the ocean. Afterward, I stopped in at a yarn shop a few blocks from the beach and discovered they were offering 20% off their entire inventory.

Oh, frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!


The Mission 1824 Cotton is for making wash cloths.

I'm using the Paca de Seda alpaca/silk blend to make a scarf for someone who shall not be named as she might be reading this. The pattern is the Yarn Harlot's One Row Scarf.

My friend Jane over at Maiden Jane tagged me for this fun and silly quiz.

1. What is one thing you just cannot stand?

Oh, so many things! Near the top of my list is unthoughtful people who park their cars so poorly that they take two spaces in crowded lots where parking is already at a minimum.

2. If you could go back to your childhood, which cartoon or television show would you pick to be your all-time favorite?

That would have to be Happy Days. I was so in love with Fonzie.

3. What's something you do or have done that would surprise people?

I've traveled all over the country by myself to hike in our National Parks and see areas of great natural beauty. Two of my favorite places are Mt. Rainier and the Florida Everglades.

4. Do you believe in ghosts?

Let's just say that I am very open-minded. I used to scoff at all things supernatural, but then some things happened that made me change my mind.

5. When you go in to a store, what is your weakness, something you just can't help yourself buying more of?

That has to be yarn! I have little self-control when it comes to books, too.

6. What is your proudest moment of being a parent? (Animals do count.)

I don't have children, so I will have to tell you about a Charlie moment. There have been several times when he thought his little brother Apollo was in danger and moved quickly to protect him from other cats and strangers. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I saw him do that.

7. If you could go back and relive one day of your life, which day would you choose?

I have been thinking about this question the last few days. It is an interesting question to contemplate. I thought about loved ones I have lost and how I would like to see them again and impulsive decisions I have made that I would like to take back. I also thought about accomplishments that I am proud of. But as I reviewed the special moments in my life, one thing really stood out that I never realized meant that much to me. I don't want to say what it is because it's too personal, but I will say it was a big surprise and has me rethinking my priorities.

Cory at Pink Dogwood Blossom, would you like to play?

When I went to see Cory in Grass Valley last month, she took me to her daughter Teresa's pottery studio, T-Pots Pottery, where I made this fused glass dish. I am so pleased with how it turned out! It was easy and fun to make. I wish Teresa's studio was in my neighborhood so I could make a few more of these dishes as gifts for family and friends.

The theme for our August artist trading cards was bags and shoes (and optionally hats). I struggled and struggled and struggled with it and couldn't figure out what to do. I've found that when I become both blocked and obsessed about some creative pursuit, the best thing to do is make it as simple as possible. Hence my ATC with little drawings.

I'm selling some of my furniture in preparation for the move next month and finding it surprisingly difficult to let go of my stuff. It used to be that I had no problem selling, tossing and giving things away, but I guess with age comes attachment. I sold my futon this morning and currently have an ad on Craig's List for this dining room table, which belonged to my grandmother. As I was writing the ad, a wave of grief washed over me because this is one of the last things that I have of hers. I've been using it as a desk the last year or so because I have a smaller table that fits better in the dining room, but there isn't room for both of them in my new place.

I've tried to donate this potato chip can twice, but can't let it go. I got it from my sister a couple years ago, and she said it used to belong to our mother. When I saw it I was flooded with warm childhood memories, but to be honest I'm not sure if I actually remember this can or not. It is the contents that really got to me.

I'm not moving until next month, but I took a drive over to the new place last weekend to take some pictures. The grounds looked so pretty with the morning light streaming through the trees.

My most important belongings are packed and ready to go.

No, not birds .... bird feeders! Can you guess why?

Last weekend I went camping for the first time in 14 years. The ocean was a five minute walk from the campground, and we could hear the lapping of waves at night. One day I walked down to the beach and sat for a couple hours staring at the water. My life has been extremely busy and exhausting the last several weeks, and I needed to just sit and let my mind wander without trying to accomplish anything. There was no one around except me and the wind, and I found myself spontaneously singing a Tibetan Buddhist chant, "Om Mani Padme", which means the jewel in the lotus. Suddenly I remembered that I had my MP3 player in my backpack, and that particular song was on it. Within a few minutes I was playing, splashing, and dancing in the water accompanied by Om Mani Padme.