My OWN PERSONAL CAL!

I remember when I first learned how to crochet.........I remember the struggles in the beginning.  That was back in late 1996.  I started my first design in 2009!!  My writing style has changed over the years.  I still try to stay as unique as possible without making it too difficult to understand.  It's not just my patterns that can be difficult at times, I have come across many squares/designs that are weirdly written, or difficult......and when I am frustrated, I remind myself that they too have a right to stay as true to their style of writing.  I will be the first to admit that some of my patterns can be re-done.  I have mentioned before that I am going to start doing all my patterns and fixing them.  Well I am finally doing it, going to be my, "Re-Design Crochet a long"  Everyone is welcome to join in if you want......offer up suggestions or let me know of any corrections!  Once each one is done, I will post the pdf on Ravelry, as well as fix the pattern here.  For the squares I plan on using the following colors:

Orchid
Dark Ochid
Green, can't remember the color name, will update when I remember it.  LOL 
Border: Dark Sage

I am using these colors as these will be made into lapghans for my living room, which is mainly sage/green.  I will be working them in order that I designed this, if this helps you.  I have already started. 

Shells Around, designed this month back in 2009, so one of my first small square designs.  I remember designing this one, and it's still one my favorites.  It works best in a solid color, although I think a 2nd color for the last round would work.  If anyone works this up in a variegated, let me know.

Simple Wish, designed same month, but in 2010.  original pattern had a front post dc that extended as a "wand" for the star. 

SUMMER TEMPS ARE UPON US!!

Anyone know when the first "official" day of Summer is?  I think it came knocking early!!  I will admit that it's been a really mild spring so far, so that's good.  Last year our temps were in the triple digits in late March and April.

Austin completed his Science College course at Newman University!  He did really well, this was a dinner afterwards, I am proud of all those who were accepted and did well. 

Austin and the gentleman who made it happen for him!!!  Thank you so much!

The boys are out of school, and already it's been crazy busy.  Summer is suppose to be relaxing!!  This was at the River Festival which happens every year, it was not a very good one, seems to be going down hill every year, but mainly we go to see Aiden have fun at the Kids corner.  We did got on paddle boats which the boys enjoyed.  I love this picture of them!! 

Currently Aiden is a green belt w/blue tip in Taekwondo, he had belt testing this past Saturday, and he nailed it!!!  He did really well, so I'm sure he will be getting this blue belt sometime later this month. 

This was his group that he tested with.  some were blue belts, some were green belts.  They also did board breaking, Aiden broke two of them.  

Austin will be going to JROTC Camp this Sunday, and will be gone for the whole week, then another camp in July!  Aiden and I will miss him, but he will have fun, and gain a lot of experience and memories from both camps.  I think I will be signing up Aiden for a week long basketball camp.  It's not overnight or anything, so I think he will enjoy it.

Crochet to do list: This adorable Lego Bag for Aiden!!!!  Going to get my colors now.

You can also see some of my recent crochet projects here at my photobucket account.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

 

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!  

Well I hope that all the Mothers out there have a great day today!!  Being a mother sure has changed my life!  I have always looked up my own mother, she was so supportive of me, and still is.  She was always there for me, even when I knew she was angry, or disappointed in me.  From the time I can remember, she has ALWAYS made me feel loved, wanted, and safe.  I knew that no matter what I did, or was happening in my life, I could count on her!!  She taught my so many things, and even now as a mother myself, I am still using what I have learned from her, and what I still learn to this day.

I will never forget the moment I heard my boys heartbeat for the first time, the first time seeing them during the sonogram.  I will never forget the moment my eyes saw them for the first time after they were born, nor the feel of their skin, or how amazing it was to finally touch them, kiss them, look at how incredibly sweet, perfect, and amazing they were!!!  I love them so much, and have raised them to know that love, to know that I will ALWAYS stand beside them, always support them, even in anger, even when they have done something wrong.......NO MATTER WHAT.

here is a story Aiden brought home from school, I don't know who actually wrote it, but it's in a book that the kids made.

Title, "If you give a Mom a Muffin"  

Illustrated with love by: Aiden

If you give mom a muffin, she'll want some coffee to go with it.  She'll pour herself some.  

Her three year old will spill the coffee.  She'll wipe it up.  wiping the floor, she'll find dirty socks.  She'll remember she has to do laundry.  

When she puts the laundry in the washer, she'll trip over boots and bump the freezer.  

Bumping the freezer will remidn her that she has to plan supper.  She will get out a pound of hambruger and look for her cookbook.  (101 things to do with a pound of hamburger)

The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.  She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow.  She will look for her checkbook. 

While she is looking for her checkbook, the phone will ring.  Her five year old will answer and hang up.  She'll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.  

Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup, and chances are.....If she has a cup of coffee, her kids will have eaten the muffin that goes with it.  

"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!"

Dear Mom, I will give you a muffin for mother's day!  Love, Aiden 

I can tell you that his drawing was super cute!!!

First Aiden had to "organize his opinion" of why he thinks I am the best mom, then he wrote it out with a picture. 

Name: Aiden

"Mom of the Year"

"My mom desservz to be mom of the year.  My mom is really super nice to me.  My mom is the best one!! My mom is super amazing.  She takes good care of me.  She can do the best in the world!"

Written in his own words spelled by him too.  :D  He then drew a picture of me with pink hair!  He knows I love pink. 

For you crocheters out there..........this is a lady who is offering a pattern for free for 48 hours......which is less now, but head over to her blog to check it out.  

Twinkie Chan

My Life is Good

That's Aiden right behind the girl with aqua pants, he is wearing the striped shirt.  He has a music program earlier this month, it was a Jazz program, and they all did awesome!!!  I will post the videos soon.  I really enjoyed being there, Sat right in the front row, he was happy to see me, I could see him looking for me, then he spotted me and waved, smiled and blew me a kiss.  How sweet!! 

Austin received the "Army Recruiting Command JROTC Award last week.  I was again very proud of him.  He has done really well in JROTC and seems to like it a lot. 

Last Saturday, Austin was spending the night with friends, so Aiden and I went swimming for a couple of hours, then came home to rest up before going bowling, but Aiden changed his mind and wanted to go to the yearly Board game day/night.  He is really into playing board games..........so he had a lot of fun.  We both did, he wanted to go to dinner, and chose Golden Corral, since they have the Cotton candy.  LOL  I really enjoyed the one on one time with him. 

Of course we had to make a trip to Wal-Mart where he wanted me to buy the Electronic Banking Monopoly game.  So I did.  he is really good at counting money, so I didn't see any harm in getting this one. 

I have designed a coaster, a dishcloth, and redesigned an older square design of mine this past week.  I am about to have them tested and will offer them online soon. 

Time to crochet!?!

I have been so busy lately!!!  Been bogged down with allergies since Spring break!  I started taking my allergy pills, but the allergies are still really bad in the morning.  You know that feeling when you are swimming and you get water in your nose?  Well that is how I feel in the mornings and it feels worse!  UGH!  I can't wait for allergy season to be over.

I also got some "Spring" cleaning done this weekend, and my body is reminding me that it's not so young anymore!  I sometimes forget that I'm 40!!  I don't feel it, well not all the time anyway, it's weird to describe,  but I have to remind myself that I am not as young as I once was, and that my body needs some rest.  It seems to take me longer to recover.  I have always had issues with my knees, ankles, and joints,  growing up I was always spraining my ankles....my knees would give out.....my feet look awful right now..........they are swollen and my ankles are really "out" there.   LOL I have to laugh about it though, if I don't, I will cry!  :D

Anyway with all that is going on, my crochet has started to get cobwebs!  I need to finish an afghan for my mothers queen size bed, will take a picture of progress soon.  I granted a wish for a lady in my crochet group, for a lapghan........she likes jewel tones, and I used a combination of 6" and 12" squares.  I used my Circle of life pattern from my recent, "Symbols of Life" designs, and a 6" "Diane's Flower" from my designs as well.  Here is the finished product......

I got it mailed to her last month! 

I also am joining, "The Crochet Crowd" challenge, starts 4-15 and ends 5-15.  This one is for the, "Ocean Waves throw"  As usual, I went crazy trying to come up with the 5 colors.  I could have went with one color or even two, but for me when I do an afghan, which I can tell you has been a very long time......for years I have done afghans using squares, not one pieces.  So this is my first in years!  I wanted to go with the amount of colors the pattern called for, and I want to use this for my living room.  You can see my couch above, it's a sage green, I have green tiled tables and a green carpet, but I was leaning reluctantly towards green for the colors, but decided NO..........I am using the below colors:

From Top to bottom: Aran, Dark Orchid, Shades of Purple, Orchid, and Watercolor.

So the water color has some green in it!  I sure hope this comes out right.  I will post updates, hopefully I will be starting on this sometime today. 

VIRUSES, BUGS, AND ALLERGIES...

You decide on the "blah" of the week!  I tell you I have been sick a lot since late last year.  It's either flu like or cold like.  Last week, I thought my head cold was into my eyes, as they were leaking and very hard to see out of.  After waking up for my 5th day with my eyes cemented shut, I decided to call the dr.  I was lucky enough to get an appt with a couple of hours.  No infection, (thankfully), but it's mainly my allergies.  So I HAVE TO, NEED TO remember to take my allergy pills!!  It seems each couple of years, my allergies come up with something new to bug me with.  This was also my 3rd visit within a few months where my blood pressure was high.  So they put me on medicine for that.  I think that explains the dizzy spells I get every so often.   I need to read up info they gave me as well as checking online about how to reduce my blood pressure.  I know stress plays a huge factor in it.  As a mother of two boys who are 8 years apart in age, I'm always under stress.

So I will work on de-stressing my life as best I can, and not letting my temper flare up.

Boys are back in school from Spring break and there is only a bit over 2 months left of school. 

Day at the Park with Aiden

We got some really nice weather this past week, Austin went to a friends, so Aiden and I decided to head to a park. First we went for a walk along the water and around the parks streams.  We saw some really amazing trees!!!  I love the trees here, especially these two!  How gorgeous are they?

I got Aiden on one of the trees, but he didn't want to take anymore after this one.......LOL I love taking pictures!!  always have.  This was too awesome of a pic not to take!

See another weird tree!  this was really awesome. 

Love how the trees are reflected against the water here.  After we went for a walk around the park, we decided to go play....well Aiden played, I watched.  he had a lot of fun, but it was getting warm, so off to Walmart we went after this.  

Boys are off school for Spring break........they actually started yesterday.  Both are looking forward to the week off.  I just hope I don't go crazy.  I am babysitting my neighbors kid for the next month and a half, so Aiden will have someone closer to his age to play with before he goes back to school.  I had both of the boys out today playing since the temps were in the 80s.  The dogs from next door even had to come over to play too.  :D 

I crocheted these apple pie potholders a few weeks back.  they came out nice.  I used Regular WW yarn instead of cotton which I do sometimes for the hot pads.  I mainly use them to place hot pans on.  So it works either way.

Busy Week

Well hopefully you can see the pictures above.  I have been trying to find a free collage/slide show maker online, but the ones I am finding are not very good.  Photobucket took the feature away!  Anyway it's been one very busy week, and another starts tomorrow.  I had to take Austin to a college university Wednesday to register him for a Science College course!! YEP you read that right, my 15 year old is going to college.  I get that it's only one class, but he gets credit for it and will give him an awesome opportunity to get a feel for college life.  Thursday he had a swim meet which went very well.  His high school has never had a boys swim team until this year!  So they are a very small team, I think in all there is about 12!  At these swim meets, the other teams are huge!!  20 or more kids.  Well this past Thursday only 5 of them showed up.  Some had other things they could not get out of doing, one got into a fight, and one had a bad grade, so hopefully they all can make it back before this season is over.  Anyway for only having 5 kids, they did really good!!!  This is what happened to Austin when he tried getting out of the pool....

When he walked over, they were both bleeding pretty good, so we got them cleaned and bandaged up, and thankfully it stopped bleeding by the time he was ready for his next race.

Friday night is when we went to see the Harlem Globetrotters, Austin has seen them before, but Aiden hadn't and his little face was lit up most of the time.  It was really fun, they are very entertaining and very good at what they do.  Aiden got a basketball and got a couple of autographs.  I think our arena needs to be better organized when letting the fans come up to get autographs.  It was a mess, We stood in line for one guy, and these parents would push us out of the way, finally I would not let it happen again, I would hold my arm out in front of them and say no you will not push my son and I out of the way.  Some got pissed, but I didn't care, I know we all wanted our kids to get autographs, but you don't shove and push other kids out of your way!!  No wonder the kids think they can do it too, they see mommy and daddy doing it, so why not them.  After the second one, I said enough!!!  There was only about 5 minutes left of autographs.  I don't blame the Globetrotters, but maybe they should just "pre-sign" items ahead of time.  I think our arena failed big time on that one.

Saturday Austin had an invitational swim meet, lasted over 6 hours!!   there were 87 heats!!!  OMG it's not natural to sit on those bleachers for 6 hours!!  Austins team did amazing!! Each kid cut seconds off of their times.  AJ came in second place in the 100 yard Butterfly!  He also cut 20 seconds off of his old time!!  I was floored to see him cut that much time!  I am so proud of him.

BURRRR RESOLUTIONS ANYONE?

This cute little owl was done as a cal in my group.  I changed the colors to reflect a winter snow owl.  He came out really cute!  If you want to crochet him as well, click HERE.

I made these fingerless gloves for Harmony, who made a wish for them in my group.  This was the very first pair I crocheted.  I never saw the point in them, but sometimes you have to make something to see the potential they have.  I loved them.  If you want the pattern, you can find in at the Red Heart site.  

I keep getting asked if I have made any New Year Resolutions.  Well I could list off the many that I always make every year, but I never really kept any of them..........but I will make just one.........

To Better Myself! 

That I think sums it all up in 3 words.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2012

Well it's now officially 2013, ok been for a couple of days now.  :D  We all survived!  had a great night, and now it's time to get 2013 kicked off to a good start! 

Looking back over 2012, Here are just a few of the highlights.

Both boys winning medals and trophys at their very first TaeKwonDo tournament.  They have been to two this year, and both did amazingly well!  Aiden is now a Green Belt and AJ is a Blue tip, they should have them tomorrow. 

AJ getting accepted into a Science college course!!  He had to write a short essay about why he thought he needed to be accepted and he got in.  So later this month, he will go one day a week to a local college and start receiving credits! 

AJ also joining the Swim team in high school.  I am always happy to see him do extra activities that will help his chances of going to college, which is also what his second language will do, as well as JROTC, which he has advanced up in ranks. 

Aiden doing so well in school.  He is so smart and is with the top of his class. 

Aiden is growing up into such a handsome, intelligent young boy........I am so grateful to have both my sons, I think about how many times I thought about having kids when I was younger, most of my younger years were spent thinking I never be a mother, I'm not sure if it was I thought I wouldn't be good at it, or the change of being a mother was scary.  During my first pregnancy, I went through a lot emotionally and physically.....I was scared beyond all belief.  I had no idea of what being a mother was..........but when AJ was born, and I saw his face for the first time, it was like no other feeling in the world, he was so beautiful, so perfect, so precious!!!  I knew then that no matter what I was going to love him more than life itself........my whole life changed. 

With Aiden, it was the same.....I was scared, excited, happy, but the feelings of fear crept into me again.........would I love him the same, could I give him the attention he needed.......would I be able to show both boys how much I loved them.......but again, seeing his face after he was born, holding him, kissing him.......I knew I loved him more than life..........I knew then that those fears were nothing.........He was so perfect, so beautiful and so darn precious!!!

MY 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW!

Well 2012 is about over.  For me it's about 5 hours longer.  I can't really complain much about 2012, I had some ups and downs, but for the most part I am grateful for each day.  So here is a look at my year. 

UNCONVENTIONAL CAL!

Ok, well as I am sure some of you know, my writing skills can be hard to read at times. I can’t keep using the excuse that, ”I’m new” LOL I think designing and writing patterns will always be a learning experience. As I grow as a designer, so will my “skills” meaning some words will change, some methods will be done differently. With that said, I always want to listen to those who are making my patterns. I have gotten some very rude comments on my blog in the past from some crocheters who felt the need to criticize me, insult me or my writing…….or just flat out tell me I don’t know how to write a pattern.. While I think everyone has a right to their opinion, I wish that those type of people would change their thinking process in that we don’t need to resort to name calling, or insults because we may not understand something. That’s really what it boils down to…..not understanding a style of writing. I am always looking to improve my patterns. As well as making my pattern as easily understood as I can possibly can, but at the same time, keeping true to my “style” Soooooo………I want to start a bit of an unconventional CAL. I will announce what square I am working on. I would appreciate everyone who decides to work the square too, to “hook” it of course,(on Ravelry) BUT also offer me up any ideas, suggestions, or changes they think should be made. Mistakes as well. I would like them emailed to me or sent through private message. I will make the changes to the original pattern, fix on my blog, and even send a pdf to those who wish it. So if you are with me. Lets get started!! I will post the first square later tonight that will be for this week. It will be a 6” since the week is about over. I will post a square to work on each week. To be part of the group on Ravelry, click on the link below http://www.ravelry.com/groups/dragonflymomof2-designs If you want to follow along on my blog, please post a link to your blog and post if you decide to post a picture. I would love to see.

AJ joined the swim team at school, and they had their first meet earlier last week. It was such a busy day I was not sure I would make it in time, but I got there a bit early. I was so proud of him. First race he did was the 200 yard Freestyle, then the 60 yard Freestyle. The whole team did great.

Aiden and I took a trip downtown to see the Mayor light the Christmas tree. We actually missed the lighting of it. AJ was late getting out of swim practice, and Aiden and I drove around about 15 minutes looking for a space to park. We ended up finding one, but it was a distance to walk, but luckily we did not miss the short firework show. The downtown tree was beautiful! The night with Santa was fun for Aiden, he got his picture taken, played some games, ate cotton candy, and off we went home. this past week has just been so busy. Actually this whole month has. The boys have Taekwondo twice a week, plus swim classes with Aiden, AJ is home late every night from swim practice.......but it's been fun, tiring, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

WORTH READING

 I got this email earlier this week, and finally had a chance to read it.  I don't know who actually wrote this, but it's worth a read.  I don't know if it's even true, but it's worth the read!  I cried when I read it, and hope that true or not, it touches someone enough to see that life is what you make it, and if you think violence or torment is the answer, then you have no life at all.

CARL
Carl was a quiet man. He didn't talk much.
He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake. 

Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years,
No one could really say they knew him very well. 

Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning.
The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us. 

He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII. 

Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII,
He may not make it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity. 

When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up. 

He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened. 
He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him.
Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked,
"Would you like a drink from the hose?" 

The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure," with a malevolent little smile. 

As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down.
As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled. 

Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg.
He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him. 

Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it. 

"Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet. 

Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head.
"Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday." 

His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose.
He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water. 

Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?"
"I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately," came the calm reply. 
  Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel.
Carl was a man from a different time and place. 

A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before their threat was unchallenged.
Carl again offered them a drink from his hose.

This time they didn't rob him.
They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water. 

When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done. 

Carl just watched them.
Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering.

The summer was quickly fading into fall Carl was doing some tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him.
He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches. 

As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack. 

"Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time." 

The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl. 

"What's this?"
Carl asked. "It's your stuff," the man explained. "It's your stuff back.
Even the money in your wallet" "I don't understand," Carl said. "Why would you help me now?" 
The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you we picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate." 

He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back." 
He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing what more there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess." And with that, he walked off down the street. 
Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago. 

He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather. 

In particular the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. 
The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life. 
  In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden." 

The following spring another flyer went up. It read: "Person needed to care for Carl's garden." 

The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door. 

Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said. 
  The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl. 

He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him." 

The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done.

During that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it. 

One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, "My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday." 

"Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?" 

"Carl," he replied. 

That's the whole gospel message simply stated.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

I want to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  For those who do not celebrate this holiday, I wish you well today.  I am thankful for all my readers, you mean the world to me.  Your kind comments keep me designing.  You don't have to celebrate this holiday to be thankful/grateful, so I hope that you all have lots to be thankful for. 

In my yahoo group, we are celebrating the holidays early, each person who joins in has the chance to win a themed package.  This was the prize package I sent to our Thanksgiving Winner, Donna.  The owl basket was done with two strands of yarn held together.  It is pretty big and cute! 

I also did this scarecrow basket with two stands.  you can find the pattern on Ravelry, search for Scarecrow Basket

Aiden had to go to the drs last week, he shouldn't look this happy!  LOL

Crochet Humor

Hooks & Humor: Funny Crochet Definitions
by Cindy Long

Do those crochet terms and abbreviations have you stumped? Read on...  

Pattern: A set of written instructions that may or may not result in creating the object in the picture. Most patterns include a list of supplies, but this is for your amusement only. After all, Amazonian Rhesus yarn in smoky turquoise does not exist, and cannot be obtained. Patterns also have fun-to-do math problems, such as 1 dc in next 7 dc (34 dc made)…?!

Yo: Yarn Over, meaning you need to wrap your yarn over your hook. Of course, this assumes the yarn doesn’t split, fray or tangle. If this happens, yo then stands for, “Yell Outrageously.”

Dtrtrc: Double-treble-treble-crochet. This is a stitch where you yo four zillion times, insert hook in stitch and pull through the next two loops, repeating until all loops are off the hook, or until the end of time, whichever comes first.

Reverse sc: This stitch is the lefty’s revenge on all of us righties—for once we have to work backwards, too!

Catalog: A dangerous device that hypnotizes crocheters. It lulls them into a catatonic state, causing them to spend the family’s grocery money on patterns and yarn. It may also be an evil plot to cause the downfall of the American economy.

Hook: A device permanently attached to a crocheter’s hand. It is also connected to her blood supply, and if for some reason it becomes dislodged from her hand, she breaks into a sweat and starts to feel faint. If the hook cannot be immediately replaced, the only valid substitute is a catalog (see above).

Yarn: The only reason sheep farms still exist! It’s also what crocheters buy when they have money; if there’s any cash left over, they buy food and clothes.

Doily: This seemingly innocent item looks like a table protector, but if someone actually tries to put a wet glass or an ashtray on it, the creator will instantly turn into a snarling Doberman. Use doilies at your own peril.

Cat: A non-mechanical device used for unraveling afghans, unwinding skeins and keeping one’s lap warm. A cat requires daily maintenance in the form of light stroking.

Dog: Another non-mechanical device that is used for chasing down balls of yarn and putting tooth-mark engravings in wooden hooks. It’s a high-maintenance item that does not store easily.

Baby: A valid excuse to crochet something.

Housework: An ancient rite that was performed by some B.C. women (Before Crochet). Historians believe it may have had something to do with a device called a “vacuum cleaner,” which was kept in closets now occupied by yarn.

 
What a busy month so far!!  I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week.  I am looking forward to it though.  I am pretty sure we have all we need for it.  (I hope) 

I was worried we wouldn't have any leaves this Fall with the heat of the summer we had, but just look at the piles!  3 are from the yarn alone, one is from the driveway, and the other is from that little area by the road.  5 piles of leaves!!  Austin got into trouble last week, so part of his punishment was to rake the front and back yard.  Well he couldn't do it this weekend as the wind was just awful!  So Monday he did this, and even raked the neighbors yard as well.  I think our neighbors are great, but I also had an ulterior motive than just being a friendly neighbor, I didn't want her leaves blowing into our yard!  LOL  We still have the back yard to do, but that can wait.  It gets so dark so fast, and with Austin coming home so late from school. 

We had a great weekend though, Austin marched in the Veterans parade with JROTC, Aiden and overslept because I had been up with him most of the night.  (he is sick)  But we did get up in time to make it the parade with about 15 minutes to spare. 

After that, we went to the grand opening of the Train Show in town.  Aiden liked that, I like the smaller scales, I think they are cute!  Other than that, we visited with friends, and mainly just relaxed. 

Austin joined the high school swim team, they had their first practice today.  I am so proud of him joining up.  I want him to enjoy high school, and enjoy all the things he can get done.  He is doing so well in JROTC is moving up in rank and now with Robotics over, he is doing swim team.  I just had to go to Dicks sporting good to get him a swim cap and nose plug.  I need to get him another pair of swim trunks, but the ones they need start at $40.  So I got one pair, and will get him more later this week or next. 

Aiden is doing really well too.  He had to go the dr with a nagging cough......he has been sick on and off since Halloween.  He has the croup!!  Hopefully it eases up! 

Well I hope those of you who signed up for the Symbols of Life Crochet a long are enjoying it.  Remember there is a Ravelry group as well. 

HALLOWEEN IS OVER

Aiden was so excited about Halloween starting.  We took him out, but he started saying his tummy hurt....and when we got home, he was really sick.  He was out of school two days, running a fever, not able to keep much down.  He didn't really start to be back to normal until Saturday evening. 

Spiders!!!!

 Anyway I am just glad he is feeling better.  This is a short update, I have much to get done tonight, both online and with some designs. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Ok so I'm about an hour early in my Halloween wishes.  I have been reading about this holiday and how some think that if you are religious person you can't possibly celebrate Halloween.  Well I consider myself religious, I believe in God and am proud to do so.  I do not celebrate this holiday in the mean, scary way......but rather in a cute way.  I decorate my home because my kids enjoy the decorations and so do I.  We do not worship evil spirits, I think this holiday has become more about having fun, letting our kids play dress up, carving pumpkins, walking through corn mazes and pumpkin patches, getting hay rides.......watching cute Halloween cartoons and movies.  (Yes I watch cartoons)  :D  

I know several churches that put on parties for this holiday to let kids in to another way of celebrating.  I think only God knows what is truly in our hearts, and that is enough for me.  

Aiden's father was in town last weekend for his birthday, and we were going to carve the pumpkins then as we did last year, but I just forgot.  I have been super busy in my day to day life that it just didn't come up.  I was also busy that weekend getting ready for his party, and both boys did their belt testing for Taekwondo.  Aiden was belt testing for his green tip, while AJ was testing for his green belt.  Both passed, they did an awesome job.  This was also the month that Black belts tested, so it was a huge crowd, and we are hoping they will get their belts/colors next week.  

So I let the kids pick out their pumpkins Friday, and we carved them this weekend.  We even found a pumpkin carving saw....yep you read that right!!  

Our pumpkin carving kits!  I found the saw on sale for $3.00

  I had my father and AJ cut off the tops and scoop out the guts.......that way that mess would be out of the way for carving. 

  So we had our kits ready, next was taking a "before" picture.

Boys ready for carving!!!

So we got the pic, sun was in our way, but what are ya gonna do?  LOL

Aiden hard at work putting his pattern onto his pumpkin.

I cannot do that part, it cramps up my hand too much.  I will say that using the saw was not as easy and fast as I thought, I ended up putting the battery operated saw down to use the old fashion carving knife you get with the kit.  I think AJ used it for awhile too.  

All in all it was fun!  The boys enjoyed it.  I had to run out to buy candles for them tonight.  AJ has been in Robotics at school, so he stays after for about 2 1/2 hours, I don't mind, at least I don't have to fight the traffic when school is letting out. His Robotics is over in another week, and then he is joining the swim team, so again he will be late getting home as they will practice every day.  I hope he enjoys being on the team, he enjoys swimming.  He is doing so well in school.  He has always been a C student in math and algebra, except last year he finally brought that up to a B.  But Geometry he absolutely loves, and got an A on his last test!!!  I am so proud of him.  Aiden brought home two tests.  He takes a spelling test every Friday and has gotten a perfect score on every single one.  They are now taking a writing test as well and a math test, all of which he has gotten 100% on.  I am so proud of both my boys.  

So be safe out there tomorrow if you are taking little ones out Trick or Treating.  Make sure to take a flash light too!  I will be taking my little Aiden out, and I think AJ is hanging out with some friends. 

FRUSTRATED

First I want to say that this post is not about me tooting my own horn, I do not for one instance think I am better than anyone.........BUT..........I have been really frustrated as to what people think they have a right to say to me about my patterns.

I still consider myself a new designer......I think all of us will continue to learn as we go.  We are not perfect.  I admit that when I first started designing, that I didn't know what I was doing.  I know as a beginner to crochet, it took some time in learning what abbreviations meant on patterns, and also learning the style of designers.  One thing I did learn about writing out a design.....is that a lot of us do it differently. Some use their own abbreviation styles, some use the standard.  For me when starting out, I had seen in many patterns, "SS" which meant Slip stitch.  So I used the SS myself........I have heard from some people that it was not the normal SS.........so I decided to start using the standard, more used, "Slst" abbreviation.  I also learned that some will never be satisfied with how you write something out and I cannot change that.

My frustration comes from the comments I get from some people.  Some of them I know were genuine in not understanding something I had written out, and I could totally relate and understand as I am in that position with other patterns a lot.  To this day I still see how my own patterns can be re-written out to make it more easier.  Some comments though, can be very rude.  I have had some people tell me I have no right to have a, "Terms of Use" on my patterns, while others don't understand the need as they are offered free online.  well I do have a right to use them, and I do see how hard it can be to enforce it so to speak.  Even though I offer my patterns free online, does not mean or give anyone the right to say it's their own pattern.  They do not have a right to take my pictures and say it's their own work.......they do not have a right to take my patterns and change one round/row and then say it's their own work.......they do not have a right to tell me how and what I can add to my patterns pertaining to copyright, or terms of use.

I also get comments from others about my own style of writing.........they act as if they have a right to tell me it's wrong and I need to write it out the way they think it needs to be done.  Below is an example of a comment I just received today on a post.  Now it's not as rude or outright as some of the others, (which I don't approve)  I did, however, choose to post this one.  They made the comment as "Anonymous" I will say the only thing I changed in the pattern from the post, was I took out the special notes on beg corner and corner and just added them into the round instructions.  I also changed the SS to Slst, as it was one of the many patterns I have yet to change.  It's a time consuming process to go back and change all the patterns, but eventually I will get it done.  I think my response was also rude, but I am so frustrated as I took this comment as being rude.  To me I took it as they are saying, I don't know how to write, as they have "never" seen them like that.  Well I have seen instructions like it, and I have seen them even worse.  Some of those patterns were actually printed in a magazine/book I paid for.  But I would never think to write the designer with such a comment.  Why do I have to be the same as someone else?  Why can't I write in my own style??  Why on earth does someone think they have a right to tell this?  It's rude and very inconsiderate of my own feelings.  My patterns are offered for free.  They take time to make, write out, rewrite, test, rewrite, redo and so on..........and I am both upset and saddened that people out there just don't seem to care enough to be decent.  This person was more than welcome to ask for help.  She could have left a comment or emailed me about a question she had.  Maybe she is a beginner......or even not a crocheter at all.  As I do not understand how she didn't understand it at all.  The only other comment I have received is someone not knowing what ++ meant.  I admit that ++ is not the normal, but it was my way of writing it out, and maybe it should have been in the notes that ++ means to repeat instructions between the ++ signs.  I have seen other designers use the ++ and so I know it's not that uncommon to see in a pattern.  Even as I write this out I see that I didn't add the definition to that in the notes section.  But had I seen something in a pattern I didn't understand, I would first see if instructions were offered online.........if I still couldn't find it, I would then email/message the designer.  I would NEVER say the comment below to a designer.

I hope this person reads this and sees how this comment was taken, and hopefully next time she will ask if she doesn't understand something, and hopefully not make another designer feel this way.  I am hoping it was not her intention, but seeing the comment is really hard not to see that it's written out exactly like it was meant to be taken. 

I don't expect everyone to like my patterns, there are plenty I have seen from others that I don't like but you know what?  I still respect them, and I just don't work the pattern.  I was raised to respect people, even when you don't agree/like them.  IF you don't like my patterns, that is fine .....don't visit my blog, don't make my patterns, but please don't try to insult me. 

Anonymous said...

I must be a beginner, cause I have never seen directions like this. I don't think I'll try it.

2:38 PM

Dragonflymomof2 said...

I debated on approving this last comment, but did so to point out that I took this as you being rude! If you do not understand something why not ask?? Why do you need to point out that you think my pattern is too hard to read? I have seen many patterns both online and bought that are written out in many different ways/styles. I do not think I need to try to insult the designer by insinuating that the pattern is just not written well. I am learning as I go about designing......and my patterns may not be written to every individuals preferences, or written out to be exactly like another designers way of writing. I have my own unique style and I offer my patterns free online. So I think your comment especially being "Anonymous" was out of line. I would have been more than happy to help you out with anything you didn't understand. I did, however change a few things to make it more "normal" I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but I am very frustrated when I offer my patterns free online then I get people trying to tell me how to write, or insinuating I don't know how.

3:01 PM