Inspiration

Spring is here and tulips and daffodils are beginning to peek out and pop up. I love the arrival of Spring!

I don't quite know what it is about Spring, but it is always inspiring to me. Maybe it's all of the color that begins it's vibrant display. Maybe it's all of the new life that begins springing up everywhere. Whatever it is, fills me with joy, awe and appreciation and with the desire to create and make things new and fresh.

Lately, I'm feeling the urge to paint and create some multi media projects. I've spent the winter learning to knit and I'm still working on my socks. I'm on the home stretch now and glad because I can feel my heart getting ready to express something new. I've got to go and get me some new colors of paint and some fresh canvases. I'm also looking forward to planting some flowers and plants and a small vegetable garden in my backyard. 

Mmmm. I can almost taste all those luscious fruits and vegetables now.

Socks

 

I really don't care for socks. I prefer flip flops. OK, I love flip flops and probably wouldn't wear anything else if I didn't have to. But, since moving to the Pacific Northwest from Southern California, I have begun to...well, need socks. I just took up knitting and absolutely love it, so I decided to learn to knit socks.

So I got me this nice ball of rich, forest green Ultra Alpaca Fine yarn by Berroco. It's so soft with deep undertones like the trees outside. And here's where I'm at so far...

 

...halfway done with the cuff.  

Tea Time!

 

Yesterday, my daughter and I went on a little treasure hunt and I found this gorgeous little English tea cup for pennies. What a find since that's exactly what I was looking for! I am still on the lookout for more teacups and saucers as I have an idea for them...

Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.
~Catherine Douzel

 

I have a very small collection of gorgeous little cups. These Turkish Espresso cups were handed down from my Mother in law. Aren't they cute?

 

 If you are cold, tea will warm you.  If you are too heated, it will cool you.  If you are depressed, it will cheer you.  If you are excited, it will calm you.  

~Gladstone, 1865

  

“May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire.”

~ Irish Blessing

  

These were made by our friend, Margit who lives in Amsterdam. So adorable.

 

"Yes, that's it! Said the Hatter with a sigh, it's always tea time."

~Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland)

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

As a fun way to remind my family of my love for them, I made these little crocheted hearts and hid them where they would be sure to find them all week long. 

And now, I pass them on to you and whether you are "attached" or not, may you remember the loves in your life no matter who or what they are. 

Follow your Bliss.

Be well, Be blessed.

Porom Hat

I've just finished knitting the Porom hat designed by Jared Flood.

 

It's my first lace project. I used Cascade Yarns "Cloud 9", 50% Wool and 50% Angora. It's a very soft, fluffy yarn that drapes nicely. It has a little bit of a halo from the Angora that softens the lacework a bit.

 

The pattern is fun and easy to work with. It can be purchased through the link on Jared's blog, Brooklyn Tweed. I'd like to do another one but this time use Jamieson's Double Knitting as Jared recommends. I think it would show off the lace a little bit more.

  

Next project: Learning to knit socks in a couple of weeks!

Simplicity

"Simplicity is about streamlining your life so you have time for things that matter...so you no longer feel the need to be entertained constantly. There is enchantment right in front of you, waiting for you to notice."

~Janet Luhrs, Author of The Simple Living Guide

I love this quote. It is what I have found to be true in my life. It is the Golden Key to Happiness that is worth searching long and hard for. This kind of simplicity brings me to my center. It brings me to the present where there is the realization that there is no past or future, that everything I need is right here, right now. It is the key to Blissful Being.

Ahhh... Mmmmm.

There is nothing more relaxing at the end of a busy day than a nice soak in the tub. All the cares of the day simply dissolve and wash away. Adding some homemade bath salts to the warm running water makes it even more luxurious, especially when essential oils have been added. The bath salts can be made with a special purpose, such as relieving muscle pain after a hard workout or relieving anxiety or stress. They are simple, economical and fun to make and can be personalized to one's liking. Here's how:

 

You need a bowl to mix the salts, 3 cups of sea salts or a salt blend. Epsom salts are good for relieving muscle pain, sea salts are good for detoxifying and cleansing. Or try some Hawaiian pink sea salt. 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil. I like jojoba because of it's moisturizing properties. 15-24 drops of an essential oils or oil blend

.  

Mix the salts with the tablespoon of carrier oil in the bowl.

 

Add the 15-24 drops of essential oil and mix very well. 

Try this blend for relaxing and relieving stress: 

5 drops of lavender

15 drops sandlewood

1 drop orange

Now...it's time for a soak!