The Summa Mamas

I also hang out over on Ravelry, a fiber arts website full of knitters, crocheters, and weavers. Every time there is an Olympics, they have a Ravelympics--where we can compete in silly events making different things. I am on the Crochet Liberation Front's Team Flaming Hooks. And during the Olympics I will be trying to start and complete an entire afghan!

Now, I love the Olympics, and I watch them a whole big bunch. Especially this year when we have a DVR and I can actually DVR the weird sports that I love and that get no air time on the major networks. You know, like biathlon and ice dancing. And curling! Who wouldn't like a sport that has BROOMS in it? Come on!

Anyway. No matter how much I actually love the Olympics, a whole afghan in just a couple of weeks is a challenge. I had to find an afghan that I liked that was still simple enough to give me a shot at completion. Without breaking my fingers or wrists off due to overuse. No small task, that.

But I found one! And I purchased the yarn. And it's waiting for me to start. No chaining, no nothing until the opening ceremonies start on Friday.

Here's what I'll be trying to make:

And here's the link to the pattern. It's called the Wind Chime Afghan. You might have to register on the Lion Brand site to get to the free patterns, but it is totally worth the registration. They have lots and lots of free patterns.

And if you are a knitter or crocheter or spinner or other fiber type artiste, come on over to Ravelry and check it out. And look for me (SummaMamaT) or LaMa (beanymama) over there. We'd love to have you as fiber friends!

Happy Tuesday, ya'll!

Oh, and P.S. As an update on yesterday? I can see the floor of my office/craft room. Today I should be able to make even more progress! Thank you for the prayers and best wishes.

Mmmmmvelopes. Yep, bacon flavored envelopes. Now there's a concept she'll be able to get behind:

http://www.jdfoods.net/products/mmmvelopes.php

It's been a long time since I've been here. Yeah, it still looks good, and homey!

It has been a well, interesting (is that the word? interesting?) time at CasaS here for the last bit. You know those tests you take in women's magazines? Those "Measure Your Stress Level" tests? The ones that tell you to take some time for yourself, or a hot bubble bath or something like that so that you don't become a homicidal maniac and take out the whole neighborhood with your shotgun?

Can you take out a neighborhood with a shotgun?

Never mind.

I'm not one to talk about the stressful things in my life. I react simply by shutting myself away as much as possible and coming out when it seems like the worst might be over. You know, like that woodchuck or gopher or whatever he is up in the great white north.

I've been hiding. And now I'm poking my head out a bit. In hopes that something else doesn't come along and whack me. It's been a bit like Whackamole around here. (How's that for mixed animal metaphors? Woodchucks, gophers and moles! The trifecta!)

In the last 18 months I have dealt with:

1. My mom dying.
2. Finding hubby's dad who had walked away from the family 5 years ago.
3. Finding out that said dad has dementia or brain damage from abuse suffered while he was out of touch with the family. He'll never be the same.
4. A terrifically good friend of mine, Miss Betty, discovering she had cancer and dying within 6 weeks.
5. We ran a parish capital campaign that I had to be involved in.
6. Taking care of a dad that was completely lost and heartbroken after the death of my mom.
7. The death of my dad.
8. Various complications arising from meeting his last wishes.
9. McKid decides to go to afterschool care instead of my house (after 7 1/2 years--no more kiddo every single day)
9. The ZMan graduated from college! Yay!
10. We moved.
11. Wedding planning and preparations--everything from dresses to dinners to sleeping arrangements for traveling guests.
12. The Zman and The Beautiful Celeste (hereafter, TBC) got married!
13. PapaC and I turn into official Empty Nesters.

Wow. Just looking at it, it's no wonder I've been in a tailspin. And tailspin it truly was, and maybe still is, a least a little bit.

During the tailspin time, I've dug myself a bit of a hole with other responsibilities--and they are all staring at me, with deadlines approaching. Now I see, for the very first time in my life, how people get so behind with things that they just give up. Because it's tempting to lie on the couch, or play Mafia Wars on Facebook, instead of tending to business. It's easy to think, on Monday, that THIS will be the week that you turn it around.

And yes, I'm thinking that this Monday. But this Monday is a little different, because for the first time I've felt like sitting down and writing about it, just a bit.

And I think that's hopeful.

So, it's off to capitalize on the energy that I have for today and get some things started. I can't finish 'em if I don't start. Right?

Happy Monday, ya'll!

The Who, from back when they could sing, not like last night at the Super Bowl. I thought they were dreadful at half time, and those who thought they were great are on something. Just sayin':

Nauseating.

Bump+ is a new web show following three women trying to decide whether or not to abort their babies. Now, they're just actors but oh, sweet Mother Mary.

From the website:

"About Bump+

Is our society willing to give it a try? How authentic are these characters? And how serious are we about an open, honest exploration of this controversial topic?"

I haven't seen an episode yet. I'm afraid to go watch them. Have you?