Yo Gabba Gabba For Breakfast

Sunday morning we found ourselves at the Festival of Books at UCLA. I would like to say it was because of all of the books, authors and literary treasures to be had. But in reality the true reason we woke up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning was because our kids favorite TV characters were making a special appearance at the festival. Yo Gabba Gabba!!!!

Dj Lance Rock jumped out from backstage danced, spun the records, engaged the kids and even the parents with some very familiar tunes.


At first I was worried because I think my kids were surprised and shocked to see their favorite TV characters live. A bit of a shock to the system for someone so small. My kids love it!!!!!! They danced, jumpy jumped, got their wiggles out, had a party in their tummies, and greeted DJ Lance Rock and his special guest Brobee. It was a sight to see or shall I say hear a group of a few hundred parents sing to the tunes with their kids.

Although the set was less then 30 minutes. It was 30 minutes of pure energy and my kids love it.........."theirs a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy!"

Superhero with a Capital “S”

I have been carrying a heavy heart. Last month my Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. Its terribly depressing to see your father, the pillar of strength and robust energy crumbling before your eyes. Words cannot begin to describe all the sacrifices, support and unconditional love that my Dad has given to me. I love him so much that it tears me to pieces to see him struggle with this illness. My Mom trying so hard to keep it together, but needs my brother and I to help support her….sigh……. That said, strangely I found support and understanding from an unlikely place, a virtual friend.

A few weeks ago out of nowhere I receive a package in the mail from lawardrop (as she is known in the Ravelry world). This women is a Superhero with a capital “S” in my book. When I shared with our Ravelry group the crap I was going through (and yes I said crap, it is crap, crap, crap, crap!) she recognized the dark place I was in, because she had (unfortunately) been there too. I realize now how important it has been for me to know that someone else understood what I was going through. When family goes into crisis mode you can become blinded by things around you, numb with grief and lost in the dark empty space within ones self. You cannot help but feel so alone when things are dark and gloomy. And normally I like dark and gloomy, but not like this.

This beautiful care package contained the following items.Handmade slippers with adorable Cheshire cats smiling at me.
A handmade project bag.
Two bars of delicious chocolate bars.
Rose flavored mints in a lovely fairy tin.
Tension Tamer Tea.
Note pad with pen.
Melt away stress Dreamy Night cream.
And a cute black and pink skull patch.

Lawardrop may never realize that she provided me with a much needed warm hug from across the country, she did that and more. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to Lawardrop for what she has done for me. Big hugs Lawardrop, you have a heart of pure gold.

Knitting Lace

Progress at last..........
So last month I began my first lace project. Sure last Summer I had given lace knitting a go, but I didn’t get very far with my Clementine Shawlette. In March I stated the Interweave -Juliet Scarf. Lovely pattern, but my goodness this pattern was giving me a headache. For a beginner this lace pattern this was not the “easy” pattern. It was a bit confusing and I keep dropping my yarn over. So instead of giving up, as I am guilty of doing quite often, I decided to find another pattern. In my quest to find the perfect beginners lace pattern I found the Luscious Lace Scarf by Knitting Pixie. This pattern was a dream come true.

I found this pattern easy to follow. It had what is called a resting purl row, much needed when you are trying not to drop your stitches and keep your head in order. The pattern called for 64 co stitches, I reduced it to 40 because I am using the Fable Baby Alpaca yarn in DK weight. I also only have 2 skeins of the yarn so I need to make sure I had enough to make a decent size scarf.

I am have halfway through my pattern and am loving it. I highly recommend this pattern to anyone looking to try a knitting lace and reading charts. It’s an ego booster for sure!!!

Who is your partner? - Technique Swap

As part of the March -Who is your partner? Technique Swap - I receive the most amazing and beautiful parcel from the very lovely Purr as she known in the Ravelry world. The object of the technique swap was to find out what technique your partner likes most and then we talked about this on the group page on Ravelry. We then would find a small item(s) that has something to do with that technique and mail it off to our secret partner.

I know Purr went over the limit because I receive way too many wonderful goodies. Because I am all over the place in my technique and continuously trying to learn new things she sent me several technique related items. A handmade, hand-dyed, and designed project bag by Purr herself. It’s so cool! Not only did I get one but TWO handmade items. The lovely copper cable hook necklace with skull charm was also hand crafted by Purr…talented lady! I also received a purse/bag fastener, cute bracelet and highlighting tape to help me with reading lace pattern charts.

Saucy Original Crazy Kit - Sock Swap

The Saucy Original Crazy Sock Swap for the month of March was so much fun. I had a great time putting together my partners swap package and I receive an amazing package in return. The swap parcel were to contain an either Saucy , Original, or Crazy (or all of the above) Sock Kit. Each kit needed to contain enough sock yarn for at least one decent pair of socks.
The rest of the kit could be saucy - original - crazy!

I was floored when I opened this package. This lovely package came from a lovely lady Cathv-s as she is known in the Ravelry world. In my package I found a hand-dyed by Catherine, sock blanket which is super soft and the colors are amazing the red and the green blend so well with a dash of violet. The sock blanket is so beautiful on it's own, it is hard to think that I will have to unravel it as I knit my socks.

In addition, I also receive a hand carved stamp, made again by Cathv-s of my original Ravelry ravatar. It’s so cool. I just love it! A lovely card with said stamp, flaming hot chili pepper stitch markers and a giant bag of rootbeer jelly bellys. My favorite soda pop in the whole wide world. Now I can indulge my senses with small treats throughout the whole day!!!! Thank you so much.
Now I am off to find a great sock pattern for this lovely yarn…………