tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-176342432024-03-07T05:04:53.080-05:00The Brown Berry ChroniclesThis journey is more fun with some good company, don't you think?BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.comBlogger286125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-860639528689327022010-04-25T10:43:00.002-04:002010-04-25T10:57:10.241-04:00Mr. Hoppity Pants becomes a bunnyAdachi's most complex knitting project to date: A big foot bunny she has named "Mr. Hoppity Pants". She completed all the knitting; I did the seaming, and both girls helped me with the stuffing.<br /><br /><center><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49041411@N02/4550563689/" title="Mr Hoppity Pants - Parts by Adachi & Mizan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4550563689_286f8c4362_m.jpg" alt="Mr Hoppity Pants - Parts" width="180" height="240" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49041411@N02/4551201836/" title="Mr Hoppity Pants - Assembly by Adachi & Mizan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4551201836_9b1309ef70_m.jpg" alt="Mr Hoppity Pants - Assembly" width="180" height="240" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49041411@N02/4551202050/" title="Mr Hoppity Pants - Face by Adachi & Mizan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4551202050_564f2fb500.jpg" alt="Mr Hoppity Pants - Face" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49041411@N02/4550564075/" title="Mr Hoppity Pants - Finished! by Adachi & Mizan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4550564075_b919e54fd7_m.jpg" alt="Mr Hoppity Pants - Finished!" width="180" height="240" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/49041411@N02/4550564151/" title="Mr Hoppity Pants - Finished! by Adachi & Mizan, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4550564151_7a478e9d9d_o.jpg" alt="Mr Hoppity Pants - Finished!" width="600" height="800" /></a><br /><br /></center><br />Another successful Munchkin CreationBrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-58395286497266680012010-03-06T09:14:00.005-05:002010-03-06T09:22:26.399-05:00Yoo Hoo! Spring!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">When I took the time to look around, I found some pretty uplifting signs that Spring will, in fact, come again. A couple nice reminders were right outside of my front door:</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4411102310/" title="Hidden Nest by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4411102310_db845fa1c7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hidden Nest" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4410334481/" title="Hidden Nest by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4410334481_db85e01242.jpg" width="500" height="403" alt="Hidden Nest" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4411102034/" title="Camo Grasshopper by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4411102034_165b973cf5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Camo Grasshopper" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4410334247/" title="Camo Grasshopper by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4410334247_1395ff8b97.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Camo Grasshopper" /></a><br /><br />I feel encouraged by this natural reassurance that the creatures will come out again soon enough to celebrate the return of warm weather and renewal along with us. I have to say though, the weather here has been quite chilly (in the 30s this week!), and it has been a wonderful excuse to put my woolly wardrobe to use.BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-73090339955452611332010-01-23T09:17:00.009-05:002010-01-23T13:08:49.414-05:00Ten Things<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I was inspired by the openness and honesty of this photo and meme posted by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gimmesanity/4287901139/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Sharon</a>; and you know what they say about imitation and flattery...<br /><br /><em>Photo credit goes to my munchkins (who would never say it's weird that mommy wants pictures of herself all sweaty after a run)</em><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><p align="center"><a title="10Things Mosaic by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4297119893/"><img alt="10Things Mosaic" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/4297119893_3afb964ae1.jpg" width="500" height="400" /></a><em></em></p><p align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">I've parted ways with 18 pounds since this time last year. Yay!</span></em><br /></p><p align="left">1. I dream almost every night; more nightmares than I'd like, but also some very revealing scenarios.<br /><br />2. In the last 10 years, I have given up 3 of my very favorite things for the sake of better health - dairy (except butter), chocolate, and wine. It still stings a little, but they are slowly being replaced by an addiction to daily exercise.<br /><br />3. I worry constantly about being a good mother. Mine is awesome, and she set a high standard.<br /><br />4. I'm becoming less sociable as I get older, and I'm OK with that. Some of you reading this are saying "Um...yeah, right."<br /><br />5. I have 2 herniated discs. Most of the time I pretend that I don't so that I can continue doing what I want to do, not what my body tries to tell me I should be doing.<br /><br />6. Good music with a strong bass line makes me ridiculously cheerful.<br /><br />7. I'm convinced I married the only man on earth patient enough to put up with me. I feed him well though, and I think that's a fair trade.<br /><br />8. I knit.<br /><br />9. I believe I have experienced what is known as a "Runner's High". I want more.<br /><br />10. I spend oodles of my downtime hours lurking on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/">Flickr</a>. These are easily my favorite online hangouts, and I don't think this will change anytime soon.<br /></p></span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-14934586917498378202010-01-19T07:41:00.004-05:002010-01-19T07:46:03.915-05:00A Day at The Fair<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4287174199/" title="A Day @ the Fair by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2716/4287174199_814360aca9.jpg" alt="A Day @ the Fair" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4287915522/" title="A Day @ the Fair by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4287915522_61dc2d3a2f.jpg" alt="A Day @ the Fair" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4287172209/" title="A Day @ the Fair by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4287172209_6ea6068e67.jpg" alt="A Day @ the Fair" width="336" height="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4287913158/" title="A Day @ the Fair by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4287913158_4474ba746c.jpg" alt="A Day @ the Fair" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4287168527/" title="A Day @ the Fair by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4287168527_4eace0da63.jpg" alt="A Day @ the Fair" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4287912076/" title="A Day @ the Fair by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2784/4287912076_851168184d.jpg" alt="A Day @ the Fair" width="500" height="375" /></a></div>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-46906891849932483172010-01-09T19:53:00.003-05:002010-01-09T20:13:28.548-05:00New Habits<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm going to use this space to start documenting the new habits I've been developing latetly. That way when I forget my productive path, I can look back here and remind myself that </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >sometimes</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> I have great ideas and they pan out well, and they work for the greater good.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Recent New Habit - Project Packs</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've started using my umpteen hours on Ravelry for more of the organizational benefit for which I originally signed up. I can spend </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >hours</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> on that site browsing patterns, people's projects, and the forums. Unfortunately, that doesn't directly increase the amount of </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >actual</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> knitting that I get done - go figure! I'm not making any commitments to stop being a Ravelry junkie, but I am trying to spend a bit of time each visit doing something that does contribute toward my larger goals. One of those goals is to pair patterns and projects more often, and plan ahead for things to knit. This is meant to accomplish 2 things primarily - (1) use my stash since I have gone </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/stash-and-burn-groupies/803771" target="_blank">Cold Sheep </a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">this year, and (2) reduce the amount of pattern </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >hunting</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> and replace it with more pattern </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >making</span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. Enter Project Packs...<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4261134766/" title="Project Pack - LB Cowl by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4261134766_0e49bafc12.jpg" alt="Project Pack - LB Cowl" width="407" height="500" /></a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The filtering feature in Ravelry's project pages that allows me to see the yarns that are already in my stash and have been used for a project is GENIUS. It's like most of the thinking has been done. All that's left is for me to make a nice crisp copy of the pattern and put it in a Ziploc Bag with the selected yarn. When I finish a project, or when startitis hits, these are like ready-made solution kits! Don't get me started on how this has re-shaped my thinking about the many "one ball wonders" I own - OY!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now...I don't want to become an environmental hazard with too many print outs and plastic either , so I'm doing something similar electronically. When I find a project on Ravelry and see some good options in my stash for making it, I will use my stash page to store links in the Yarn's notes section under "Project Ideas". In this format, when I'm browsing my stash online (and I do that alot now, it's like virtual shopping without any effort or additional expense), I can see what I had in mind for many of the yarns; the potential is intoxicating!</span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-78675524404955183952009-12-30T21:47:00.002-05:002009-12-30T22:15:58.749-05:00RememberingThe time has come again...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4230260248_5614fdac1c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4230260248_5614fdac1c.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4229493267_2ae985fe45_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4229493267_2ae985fe45_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4229493105_ff299e751c_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/4229493105_ff299e751c_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br />The sun is setting on another year...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4230259606_0a75b68130.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2778/4230259606_0a75b68130.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4230259500_bbe9a0b197.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 283px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4230259500_bbe9a0b197.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4229492881_bc6ac07272.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4229492881_bc6ac07272.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />My theme for 2010: "Begin as you mean to go on...".<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4230260436_423db4ff82.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4230260436_423db4ff82.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-81930716616522180992009-11-29T06:46:00.009-05:002009-11-29T09:28:09.215-05:00Project Parade<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Even though the writing here has been slow, the knitting continues!<br /><br />I have recently joined some of the other members in the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/stash-and-burn-groupies/803771/1-25#1" target="_blank">Stash and Burn Podcast group</a> on Ravelry in an adventure we're calling "Going Cold Sheep" - like going cold turkey, but with yarn. This was an idea that one of the members brought to the group as a way to suggest more mindful use of, and less random buying of yarn. Essentially, a yarn diet - though that word is really not welcome chez BrownBerry for any "lifestyle" type activity.<br /><br />Those of us who have made the cold sheep pledge (and recited the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/stash-and-burn-groupies/803771/201-225#221" target="_blank">Cold Sheep Serenity Prayer</a>) have chosen a time period within which we won't buy any yarn. My commitment began on September 1, 2009 and will end on September 1, 2010. Yep. One year...no new yarn. Except....and of course there must be exceptions - all good habits must make room for moderation. My buying exceptions include yarn for my <a href="http://www.dreadsandcurls.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy </a>store items, yarn bought as a souvenir (2 trips max), yarn that is traded for stash or gifted to me without solicitation, and yarn for gifts that require specific yarn (due to allergies, or recipient's choice).<br /><br />So far, I'm 3 months successful - I've been shopping from my PYS (Personal Yarn Shop) in the guest room, and working project to project. Here's what has come off the needles recently:<br /><br />2 <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thorpe" target="_blank">Thorpe </a>Hats (and a partridge in a pear tree!):<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4133762857/" title="Thorpe in Handspun BFL by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/4133762857_f5d63ecb4f.jpg" alt="Thorpe in Handspun BFL" width="375" height="500" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This Thorpe was done in a thick-and-thin handspun gifted to me by my knit buddy <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/chezsuse" target="_blank">Suse.</a> I didn't realize that I would be such an instant fan of handspun yarn, but there is something about yarn in its near-to-original state that I really enjoy. The smell, the feel, the thought that someone put so much effort into making yarn that I can then convert into something cute and useful. A joy! Of course, without the benefit of the standard yarn ball band, I have no idea how many yards this used up, but I was thrilled to find just the right pattern to compliment it. I made the largest size (22") on size 9 needles, and then hand felted it in a sink full of hot water to make it more dense and snug. The burgundy trim is Kraemer's Mauch Chunky yarn in the color <span style="font-style: italic;">Bing Cherry</span>.<br /><br />My other Thorpe is done in 2 colors of Plymouth Encore (wool/acrylic blend):<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4122790983/" title="Thorpe by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2792/4122790983_01031196c7.jpg" alt="Thorpe" width="381" height="500" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />This stash yarn is about as old as my knitting journey (5 years +), and is still one that I enjoy using for different types of projects. The pattern calls for a bulky yarn, so I used this held double throughout, and though I wasn't sure about the thickness at first, I know from experience that this will soften with washing. I made it as a gift for a friend who's mom recently passed away, and I felt very fortunate to be able to give it to him in person shortly after hearing about his loss. It was a late birthday gift that turned out to be right on time. I used size 9 needles for the body of this one as well, but I switched to size 7's for the garter stitch brim to pull it in a bit more. Top down hats are really ideal for getting better sizing. I would definitely knit this again - thank you <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/through-the-loops" target="_blank">Kristin Kapur</a>!<br /><br />And finally, my latest favorite FO:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hypoteneuse" target="_blank">Hypoteneuse</a>, by Anne Hanson<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4128782050/" title="Hypoteneuse Shawl by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2623/4128782050_82d8eee725.jpg" alt="Hypoteneuse Shawl" width="403" height="500" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/4128011827/" title="Hypoteneuse Shawl by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4128011827_ed18df9a2e.jpg" alt="Hypoteneuse Shawl" width="375" height="500" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />I knit the garter borders on each end on size 7 needles and the body in size 9. This pattern is so rhythmic. Like all lace, you get this nifty sense of accomplishment every time you complete a repeat, and it wasn't long before the formula "clicked" and I no longer needed to refer to my pattern print out. I'll admit I don't buy patterns often, and this is only the 2nd shawl I have knit from a paid pattern, but just like <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3280418748_6b9daf61de.jpg" target="_blank">the last time</a> - it turned out exactly the way I had hoped, and I was ready to cast on for another one as soon as I finished! The yarn is Patons Classic Merino in <span style="font-style: italic;">Plum Heather</span> - so perfectly named. I've raved about my love for Patons Classic before - it's durable, non-splitty, the colors are rich and come in a very useful variety. I find it knits up true to ball band gauge for me in most cases, and gains a significant drape when blocked.<br /><br />Next in line - some cheerfully bright <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/those--golf-club-covers" target="_blank">golf club covers</a> from a pattern by my friend Sarah. Though the recipient bought this yarn, I still consider it stash and part of my cold sheep tally. I encourage you to join us if you want to start your new year a bit lighter in the yarn department!<br /><br /></span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-73702560697018991522009-11-03T18:21:00.002-05:002009-11-03T18:26:00.962-05:00The Hat<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I started a hat for my friend today</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Top down, in the round,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Navy blue</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This yarn’s been in my stash for a while,</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Just waiting to become something new</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I started a hat for my friend today</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Just a quick travel project, nothing hard</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I promised it to him some months ago</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In lieu of a birthday card</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I knit on this hat for my friend today</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Every stitch helped in passing the time</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I keep tugging the edges and fingering it</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I think it will fit him just fine</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So I’m knitting this hat for my friend today</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Hoping it won’t be too wide</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Then I get this short note from my friend today</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It said, “Hey, my mother just died.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So I’m knitting this hat for my friend today</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Hoping now it will fit him quite snug</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And that when he receives it, he’ll put it on</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And feel that I’ve knit him a hug<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Knitting: it's more than just a hobby</span>.<br /></span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-6985302491771804102009-11-03T07:24:00.001-05:002009-11-03T07:24:47.010-05:0010 Minute Jump Start Cardio Workout<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/M38HDCGmhm4' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/M38HDCGmhm4'/></object></p><p>I'm so enamored with YouTube right now - not for the videos of people pole jumping into a swimming pool of whip cream (though even those silly ones can sometimes be entertaining) but for the FREE exercise resources. Do a search for "SparkPeople" and see the wealth of short, manageable workout videos...Coach Nicole is my new workout buddy, and she can be yours too!</p></div>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-75264573392986885692009-10-29T21:05:00.004-04:002009-10-29T21:36:25.035-04:00Lighten Up<span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><em>(I'm just going to sneak right back in here with a post and we'll all pretend like I haven't been gone for absolutely AGES, ok? Great, thanks.)</em><br /><br />I've been making small steps lately to lighten up my load in a few areas:<br /><br />24lbs lighter...<br /><a href="http://www.freecycle.org/" target="_blank">Freecycle</a> - my new favorite organization.<br />As tough as things have been in the last couple of years for many people, it feels good to make a small contribution by giving away things that I will no longer wear to someone who can really use them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mgZ18LFwPgHrxEISY1INan0CG7SNwPSfKEBaOw_VMNdbIIJC79pcdtIcDC352H37-F1BWvkNEKb456R46Dl7K6p4e0w-15kPa65EXx719tuSPJh6pN1Xq5u6pntyrUKoZwLpNQ/s1600-h/Yarn+Stash+102509+001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398197929900748306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mgZ18LFwPgHrxEISY1INan0CG7SNwPSfKEBaOw_VMNdbIIJC79pcdtIcDC352H37-F1BWvkNEKb456R46Dl7K6p4e0w-15kPa65EXx719tuSPJh6pN1Xq5u6pntyrUKoZwLpNQ/s320/Yarn+Stash+102509+001.jpg" /></a>There are multiple 2-piece suits in there, a dress with the tag still on, and a pair of silk pants that would make any woman feel like a superstar on a workday. This kind of giving really benefits giver and receiver. When I walk into my closet now, I feel lighter!<br /><br />13lbs lighter...<br />Since July, I've been doing regular exercise almost every day; biking with a great partner, walking, jogging, and at home strength training. I'm 5lbs from my ultimate goal weight (target was set early this year), and I don't miss a single ounce of what I have shed so far.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_mmVDbCCOEMjlqpQjeAg0wI04h6NMCTUogyTr5rfH9VnT2NPsr2wVBozhIhuH1HOU1p7Ok8YUXc4M0itZGPOYhXhLt9_WC893GAeuMd-KMa9dvKovspI0o_b0He1KqWhVJlzlw/s1600-h/Yarn+Stash+102509+002.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398197933940892610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_mmVDbCCOEMjlqpQjeAg0wI04h6NMCTUogyTr5rfH9VnT2NPsr2wVBozhIhuH1HOU1p7Ok8YUXc4M0itZGPOYhXhLt9_WC893GAeuMd-KMa9dvKovspI0o_b0He1KqWhVJlzlw/s320/Yarn+Stash+102509+002.jpg" /></a><br />6lbs lighter...<br />We all have it. That mass of supplies that we bought when we were new to the craft, and didn't know better. Didn't know that squeaky acrylic is not well suited for most projects. That good color selection does, in fact, play a part in the final product, and that "cheap" and "good value" are usually mutually exclusive when it comes to your raw materials. </span><p><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPczCfIzV4xuh2kTV_z15uDScj1DjOsXDIV7VpZ3l5pA8OS4eJpf5wsS5OKwTaGmi_B_ayhWVxxlwh3eGzrIpvR1EZ_-jy1c7TemjbDMLWJV1x2L2N7n8JUMZ-TJs8-TgxB4dTqA/s1600-h/Yarn+Stash+102509+003.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 234px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398197938316403394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPczCfIzV4xuh2kTV_z15uDScj1DjOsXDIV7VpZ3l5pA8OS4eJpf5wsS5OKwTaGmi_B_ayhWVxxlwh3eGzrIpvR1EZ_-jy1c7TemjbDMLWJV1x2L2N7n8JUMZ-TJs8-TgxB4dTqA/s320/Yarn+Stash+102509+003.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This yarn is headed for </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.mcduf.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Interim House.</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. My stash will not miss a single yard of this yarn, but I suspect it is off to do some good in another home.<br /></SPAN><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /></span>What will you leave behind before the New Year rolls in? </span></p><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span></span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-58145339158318921432009-08-08T19:58:00.002-04:002009-08-08T20:01:07.313-04:00Hello Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo5ihfwnxF9g3z9eTCfT-gyiLF41RqxN0jbWED4KGojX4Ir4URwh3f4Fd7f5577IiY8SbCvzgo9WETjM7r4UbltM8WxlliIZITlZH_NZCOUAaQ05688NB8ApnjRZb0MMOCnl0Vg/s1600-h/Weekend+Time+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367747183236732882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo5ihfwnxF9g3z9eTCfT-gyiLF41RqxN0jbWED4KGojX4Ir4URwh3f4Fd7f5577IiY8SbCvzgo9WETjM7r4UbltM8WxlliIZITlZH_NZCOUAaQ05688NB8ApnjRZb0MMOCnl0Vg/s400/Weekend+Time+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What did you get in to?BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-539453736472062592009-07-28T17:23:00.005-04:002009-07-28T17:30:47.689-04:00Once More<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My partner and I were chosen as vendors again this year!</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmSANxWFPnMglIMgyq_lcDHxhyDoqo_CX_aa0ZqiCnG8fWfGF_awqHDvGe5HXDpQAz1tVlIMOdZlbJMxj2XumHn1vTfv6mZm-ey4QJqCSmIaPUokLPGjBgpTKS0zIS0CG81aGHw/s1600-h/sr_smflyer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmSANxWFPnMglIMgyq_lcDHxhyDoqo_CX_aa0ZqiCnG8fWfGF_awqHDvGe5HXDpQAz1tVlIMOdZlbJMxj2XumHn1vTfv6mZm-ey4QJqCSmIaPUokLPGjBgpTKS0zIS0CG81aGHw/s400/sr_smflyer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363625711564507218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Fair details </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.rockthestitch.com/" target="_blank">at this link</a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">and samples of what we'll be selling can be <a href="http://dreadsandcurls.etsy.com" target="_blank">found here</a><br /><br />Phew! I have got to get busy folks. Come by and see us!!</span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-88076887203364109132009-07-22T07:56:00.000-04:002009-07-20T11:30:28.855-04:00Weekend<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We drove north to celebrate with my sister at her baby shower this weekend. So many of my favorite women all together in one place - my girls, my mom, my dearest friend, my sister, and my niece-on-the way. I felt very very lucky.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3737394428/" title="Baby Shower Decadence by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2543/3737394428_0ce4150b01.jpg" alt="Baby Shower Decadence" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3736598991/" title="My neice in a sweet sisterly package by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2558/3736598991_91820d2776.jpg" alt="My neice in a sweet sisterly package" width="478" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3736598855/" title="Baby Shower guests by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3736598855_164bc25cc6.jpg" alt="Baby Shower guests" width="353" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Of course, since we were already out and about, we thought some vacation style activity was completely warranted.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3737431782/" title="Poolside - July by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3737431782_51e1843186.jpg" alt="Poolside - July" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3737431504/" title="Knitting Wool in July by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3052/3737431504_60d68fc40d.jpg" alt="Knitting Wool in July" width="500" height="367" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3736638139/" title="Poolside - July 19 by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3736638139_6b3094201d.jpg" alt="Poolside - July 19" width="420" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I hope you're finding time for some of the simpler pleasures too!</span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-59529649739933846852009-07-13T22:22:00.005-04:002009-07-13T22:55:51.220-04:00How I'll Spend My Summer Vacation<div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3713174890/" title="New Sewing Machine by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3713174890_e13bae6c73.jpg" alt="New Sewing Machine" width="500" height="373" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I didn't realize how much I wanted a new sewing machine until the Perfect Storm of a July 4th coupon and in-store sale compelled me to ask hubby to get my b-day gift early. He graciously complied and didn't even blink when instead of waiting for it to come in special order, I drove a few (cough: several) extra miles to pick it up locally.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The real exercise in patience was waiting for a week to use it because I was away traveling. I took the opportunity to break it in though while the girls were at the sleepover party next door with our favorite Play Date mate (and new knitter!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Here's what has come out from under the needle so far...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I finally attached some appliques I made many months ago to a jumper-turned-tank for Mizan</span><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3712501461/" title="Handknit Appliques by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3712501461_5f6c584082_m.jpg" alt="Handknit Appliques" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I converted a pair of old PJ pants into a small, simple tote - great way to practice the measure/measure/cut technique, different stitch types, and applying buttons</span><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3713310378/" title="After - Small Buttoned Tote by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/3713310378_88e9c0ea7b_m.jpg" alt="After - Small Buttoned Tote" width="240" height="217" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3713310122/" title="First Singer Sewing Projects - Button Tote by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/3713310122_70b580864b_m.jpg" alt="First Singer Sewing Projects - Button Tote" width="240" height="180" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3712496149/" title="First Singer Sewing Projects - Button Tote by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3446/3712496149_d8928f24d0_m.jpg" alt="First Singer Sewing Projects - Button Tote" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Already my favorite project, and one I'll repeat for sure...<br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3718427347/" title="Sewing FO - Baby Boy Bib by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3718427347_dde302fa7b_m.jpg" alt="Sewing FO - Baby Boy Bib" width="212" height="240" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3718427097/" title="Sewing FO - Baby Boy Bib Modeled by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3718427097_5813239c1f_m.jpg" alt="Sewing FO - Baby Boy Bib Modeled" width="155" height="240" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This cutie patootie bib was created using the steps in the tutorial found <a href="http://sew-funky.blogspot.com/2008/02/tutorial-make-bib.html" target="_blank">here at Sew Funky</a>. I used some cotton scraps I got in a crate at a yard sale about 4 years ago, some soft fleece fabric from a waaaay too large pair of old shorts, and an old towel for the middle. Upcycling at its best! The truck applique is a sooper sweet bonus from a going-out-of-business craft store sale.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.emeraldlane.com/blog/" target="_blank">Nancy</a> if you're reading this - avert your eyes! I'm sure the boo boo coming next will make you cringe :) I goofed and didn't do my turning out section quite right, and found out quickly that zig zag stitch does <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span>, in fact, fix everything.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3718427219/" title="Baby Boy Bib - rookie edges by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3718427219_b331c0de81_m.jpg" alt="Baby Boy Bib - rookie edges" width="180" height="240" /></a><br />oopsie!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I'll be much more attentive to this little (HUGE) detail next time.<br /><br />I'm having such fun with all my crafty pursuits lately. Soon I'll be back here to catch you up on what's going on with my knitting needles. Wait...you didn't think that having a fabric stash would put a dent in my verve for knitting now did you??! Not a chance!<br /><br />Wishing you all a fantastic week!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-60987912077469272282009-07-09T09:24:00.002-04:002009-07-09T09:27:27.866-04:00Celebrate, Comment & WinPlease read <a href="http://earthchicknits.wordpress.com/2009/07/08/celebrated-anniversary-of-a-rescue/">this touching and important post</a> over at earthchick's blog! <br /><br />Think of the impact if we all spread the word about sandhole safety, each one reach one!BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-25556319325801474462009-06-21T10:49:00.002-04:002009-06-21T10:51:31.342-04:00These are the good old days<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3646450097/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3646450097_dcccf978ab.jpg" style="border: 3px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 485px; height: 424px;" alt="" /></a><br /></div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Happy Father's Day!</p>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-13777896599433481752009-06-15T21:52:00.006-04:002009-06-15T22:10:22.377-04:00Try as they might......the vicious horses-with-wings we call mosquitos around here could not keep me and my long stick away from my harvest today.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3630391101/" title="Summer Fruit 002 by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3630391101_98d067081c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Summer Fruit 002"/></a></p><div align="center"><br /><em>Carrie Mangoes from my yard - worth every blood-sucking bite I had to endure to get them<br /></em><br /><a title="Summer Fruit 001 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3630390863/"><img height="375" alt="Summer Fruit 001" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3630390863_7662c947c3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><em>I'm even considering sharing a small piece of one of these with someone else in the family. Then again, there are more on the tree.<br /></em><br /><br /><embed id="VideoPlayback" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-5321783074478371786&hl=en&fs=true" style="width:400px;height:326px" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"> </embed><br /><br /><em>Uh huh - what he said!</em></div>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-82233592570588308712009-06-01T11:03:00.003-04:002009-06-01T16:10:42.639-04:00A Blanket for Genesis<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3585791604/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3585791604_8d3c1973a2.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3585791604/">A Blanket for Genesis</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mamamarce/">mamamarce</a></span></div></div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This project was a combination of right pattern, right yarn, right timing. How often does that happen??</p><p style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern</span>: <a href="http://woodhilldesignpatternpage.blogspot.com/2005/10/around-rosy-baby-blanket.html" target="_blank">Around the Rosy baby blanket</a>, free from Woodhill Designs<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yarn</span>: Berroco Lullaby<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hook</span>: J/10 (6.0mm)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mods</span>: I omitted the 5tr bobble rounds, added some simple striping to match the center motif, and I did some rounds without increasing the stitch count to avoid rippling (thanks Ravelry!)<br /><br />Like many of you that are bi-crafty, I've often avoided certain crochet patterns because they don't offer the same movement and drape as most knitting. Not so with this gem - I was so pleased with the softness of the yarn in the ball, that I could only hope it would maintain that quality when stitched up.<br /><br />My first go at this yarn was a knitted blanket pattern with simple lace, but the gauge was too dense and I frogged it. This second stab at it with the hook instead of needles was just what was called for. The yarn contains DuPont Tencel (I still find that sort of strange) and nylon. It feels like bunny fluff!! That's the only way I can describe it. I just love the way the petals of this "Rosy" lay out, and this is something I'd like to be wrapped in if I were a baby. Hmmm...I do have 4 balls of it left...<br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3585791440/" title="A Blanket for Genesis by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3585791440_f9cc8cb428_m.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt=" alt=" a="" blanket="" for="" genesis="" width="206" height="240" /></a><br /></div><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br />This pattern was blissfully repetitive, and surprisingly portable too. It is worked outward from the center, and even though the rounds got longer and longer as it grew, I still enjoyed every step. I even found myself relaxed enough to think some loving thoughts of the recipient. My niece is due to join her two little brothers (who I am just crazy about) later this summer.<br /><br />Don't be surprised if you see another one of these posted out here before the year is out.<br /></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3585791092/" title="A Blanket for Genesis by mamamarce, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3585791092_79c050ecba.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt=" alt=" a="" blanket="" for="" genesis="" width="500" height="355" /></a></div>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-11001756896686589002009-05-27T08:38:00.001-04:002009-05-27T08:38:00.514-04:00Brought to you by Mr. GreenthumbsI constantly tease hubby that he's got a hand full of green thumbs; he is in no way clumsy with them either - that man can tend some land! Recently he told me that some corn had randomly started sprouting shoots from our discards, and I immediately had thoughts of hundreds of stalks swaying in the breeze. He's just that good.<br /><br />Our latest triumph is the renewal of a tree that was whipped to smithereens by the hurricanes of a few years ago - our Lychee (/lee' chee/) tree blooms again.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_2 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3560176200/"><img height="419" alt="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3560176200_8cc8091e51.jpg" width="500" /></a></p>I found some interesting info on this fruit at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee" target="_blank">the usual place</a>.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_1 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3559363787/"><img height="375" alt="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_1" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3554/3559363787_d472fcd0d4.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><br />Though they are still a bit sour right now, we've ben noticing that some of them are ripening and then bursting open while still on the branch. With that and the inevitable "squirrel tax", you better believe we're devouring them as fast as we can!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Lychee - May 2009 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3560176312/"><img height="240" alt="Lychee - May 2009" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3560176312_a4171413f9_m.jpg" width="198" /></a></p><br /><br />The sweetest part? These are usually crazy expensive in the store! It has been very very satisfying to be able to pluck them for free just by stepping out into my own yard.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_4 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3559364195/"><img height="180" alt="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_4" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3559364195_c804c84302_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a title="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_5 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3559363677/"><img height="201" alt="Lychee Nuts - May 2009_5" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3559363677_c6e9fe545a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Slurrrrp!</span></p>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-75722906124237287092009-05-23T19:00:00.010-04:002009-05-24T14:08:03.143-04:00Bits and Bobs, Blankets and Babies<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">It feels good to be back to the fiber again. My back pain has prevented me from doing much stitching lately, but I'm combating that as much as I can with exercise, chiro visits, and sheer will. Here's a glimpse at what I'm working on...</span><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339440581303266802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 108px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyF15dYzBDQB0h5FwG-HopH617h6DMucwCaKew6YaFkxGgeTD8__35AKDvVek1VLN8icVsIpvj1jXuU1yBncje-hhdEPGGiG7DU9Ir6ggh52jK-_p3Znpol4RKXwv-2XYEuaJDg/s320/Coaster+mosaic.jpg" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Colorific crochet flowers - I intend to turn these into a "hippy" style belt, but for now I just find it very soothing to keep making them. My sister gifted me several of these gorgeous jewel tones of Caron Simply Soft; I'm happy to be able to finally use them.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">And speaking of my sister - she's making this for me...</span><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Mother's Day 2009 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3559558027/"><img height="240" alt="Mother's Day 2009" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3559558027_b45a04d55f_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="My Seesterberry by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3559558161/"><img height="233" alt="My Seesterberry" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3559558161_0da3b6509c_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">And I'm making this for her...</span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Around the Rosy Blanket WIP by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3559339923/"><img height="400" alt="Around the Rosy Blanket WIP" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3559339923_45fc3fb70a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><a title="Around the Rosy Blanket WIP_2 by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3560149612/"><img height="391" alt="Around the Rosy Blanket WIP_2" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3560149612_11a2cf2051.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><p>- a sooper soft blanket for the baby girl inside that belly. Click the photos for details...<br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I'm really enjoying having both of these projects on the go. I'm also looking forward to my knitting machine lesson coming up in 2 weeks - I hope to get rolling on that new path as soon as possible, the ideas that are brewing really make me smile...</span> </p>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-31399378585193419092009-05-02T17:51:00.006-04:002009-05-02T18:19:21.350-04:00Bonding Over Buns<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Another Super Saturday - this time, a baking edition.<br /><br />I went searching for a good recipe for cinnamon buns online and found <strong><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Moist-Cinnamon-Rolls/Detail.aspx">this one</a></strong>. During my work travel this past week, one of our dinner conversations turned to the topic of making things from scratch and we all shared stories about which family member was brilliant (or awful) at specific dishes. When we got around to baking, biscuits made from scratch were a hot topic, and cinnamon buns too - mostly because the "magic" that is homemade bread dough still seems to mystify some people.<br /><br />As a homeschooling lesson, making bread is a great way to teach math and fractions (for measuring ingredients), reading comprehension, science (yeast + warm liquid + flour = poof! fat dough), and the importance of following the order of specific directions. It's also a very tactile process - one that little hands will hopefully remember for many years to come. Mostly though, it is a great way to teach patience. If you are patient, and you take care with each step, the result is something very rewarding, and in this case - something wonderfully delicious (at least...that's what they told me :) ).<br /></span><br /><p align="center"><a title="Super Saturday - Buns! by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3495402678/"><img height="375" alt="Super Saturday - Buns!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3495402678_411c7722c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><div align="center"><em>Fresh from the oven - bottom side</em></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><a title="Super Saturday - Buns! by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3494585517/"><img height="375" alt="Super Saturday - Buns!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3494585517_db7972fac0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><em></em></div><div align="center"><em>Flipped out of the pant to cool - Voila! Top side with caramel topping<br /></em><br /></div><a title="Super Saturday - Buns! by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3494586133/"></a><div align="center"><br /><a title="Super Saturday - Buns! by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3494585995/"><img height="218" alt="Super Saturday - Buns!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3494585995_d0a6975ded_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a title="Super Saturday - Buns! by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3494586301/"><img height="240" alt="Super Saturday - Buns!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3494586301_60ddd4c813_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a title="Super Saturday - Buns! by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3494583955/"><img height="240" alt="Super Saturday - Buns!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3494583955_72f0815829_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> <a title="Super Saturday - Buns! by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3495402814/"><img height="180" alt="Super Saturday - Buns!" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3495402814_092c10965e_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><em>Our trusty taste testers give signs of approval</em></div>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-26946874622710535712009-04-10T06:20:00.004-04:002009-04-10T06:50:25.520-04:00The Beginning<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I woke up with that thought this morning. This is not just the end of my fasting, it's the beginning of the time when I need to do better than I have done. To treat my body better, and by doing so, feel better.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I admit that brings me some anxiety. Ten days is the "normal" term for the Master Cleanse, and so on the one hand I'm proud of myself for getting this far and for being true to my intentions. On the other hand, I am fully aware that the same temptations are out there awaiting me. Sugar, bread, late night eating, emotional binges - all the things that I was battling before didn't magically disappear in a week and a half. Just as I made the decision to take a break from food, I now have to make the decision to reintroduce food that nourishes, fuels, and sustains me. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of my online buddies has chatted and blogged about the importance of perspective when it comes to eating right. She has been a Weight Watchers counselor fors some time, and she counsels that it's key to look at healthy eating as a choice you're making for a better you, and not so much as a denial of all these things that are tough to give up. That resonates with me. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Because I have a laundry list of food intolerances and have trouble with some foods that for other people are beneficial, I often wear that like a heavy cross. When I'm more rational, I think of it more like a gift. Most of the things I'm allergic to or can't tolerate well (dairy, eggs, wheat, corn, caffeine, chocolate, wine, vinegar, yeast) just bulk me up or make me downright sick when I consume them. Admittedly they taste good, but if I see them as the system clogging substances that they actually are, they hold less appeal. My ideal eating plan includes all the vegetables I can stand, and most meats. Not bad, right? So many options there.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am grateful for some of the clear and complete thoughts that have come to me over the last 10 days. One in particular I will carry with me. The way I use (or abuse) food is my choice. I'm blessed to live in a time and place and financial standing that allows me to eat the way I want, the way I should. I can choose to be reckless or responsible with that blessing. So at least one resolve has come of this realization: the way I eat must be a choice I renew EVERY day. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I am going to work at putting food in it's rightful place - something to be enjoyed in moderation, and to be used as fuel for all the things I want to accomplish. When traveling for work, I will find good alternatives to airport food and hotel vending machines (Anywhere I travel has a local grocery store). When good options are not available, I will drink plenty of water and wait until it is. I will take my time when deciding what to eat, and I will not eat late just because it's been several hours since my last meal.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I don't know if I'll write again about this experience today, so I'll finish up with a big THANK YOU. So many of you have reached out to send your support and it has helped more than I can express. This is one of those endeavors that might seem crazy to some, but in typical fashion you have only been kind and shared just the positive feedback and encouragement that I needed. Thanks for sticking with me while I externally processed all this. </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">For my friends still on this journey over the next several days, or for those considering a start - You <strong>CAN</strong> give yourself this gift. I've got my pom poms out for you, and a ready and willing ear.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Kapalua Coastal Trail, Maui by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3222802971/"><img height="375" alt="Kapalua Coastal Trail, Maui" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3222802971_b58b50d211.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><center><em><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;">Kapalua Coastal Trail, Maui</span></em></center><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Have a FANTASTIC weekend all!</span><br /><br /><center></center><center></center>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-36029583640030082742009-04-09T17:04:00.003-04:002009-04-09T17:23:48.338-04:009...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've started this post in my mind several times, and just didn't have the spare moments to string together sentences. Today has been a tough one, surprisingly so. I hesitate to write that lest I discourage someone, but there it is - today was <em>tough</em>. I've been really really hungry for much of the day. Not the kind of passing tummy rumblings that I've already learned to take in stride, then ignore. A real, gnawing hunger. The kind that won't be ignored, and the kind that the lemonade hasn't been quenching for long. It has caught me completely by surprise.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Even more surprising? I still don't feel tempted to eat. I really think my brain wrapped itself around the idea that this is a necessary reset for me right now, and that sacrifices must be made. The growling I hear now reminds me that my digestive system is fully functional, and it makes me mindful and aware. So much of my eating is often done unconsciously. I was at a point of snacking so often a few weeks ago, that I can't think of a time when I waited to feel anything resembling hunger before feeding my face. That right there is the BIGGEST habit I need to break. Eating for fuel is necessary. Eating out of boredom, as relief from some activity I resent, or for temporary distraction is counter-productive.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">So though this hunger is powerful, it's also feeding a motivation that I'm going to need when this fast ends. Eat when I'm hungry. Not a new concept, just one I need to embrace.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Daddy did an awesome science lesson today with the girls on seeds and plants. It was the perfect day for collecting, and I'm proud of how much their little minds can soak up when they are really interested and engaged:</span><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Science Lesson: Plants & Seeds by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3426790153/"><img height="375" alt="Science Lesson: Plants & Seeds" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3426790153_8542ccef30.jpg" width="500" /></a></p><div align="center"><a title="Science Lesson: Plants & Seeds by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3427599120/"><img height="180" alt="Science Lesson: Plants & Seeds" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3427599120_8596683993_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a title="Science Lesson: Plants & Seeds by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3427599204/"></a><br /><br /><a title="Science Lesson: Plants & Seeds by mamamarce, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/3427599204/"><img height="500" alt="Science Lesson: Plants & Seeds" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3427599204_5defdbdce8.jpg" width="376" /></a> </div>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-11873091791677502922009-04-08T17:49:00.000-04:002009-04-08T17:49:00.891-04:008 of 10<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Last night was tough - I felt so down emotionally and just didn't feel like being productive after a certain point in the evening. Thankfully that resulted in an early bedtime and an early wake-up this morning. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I started out doing some Pilates and was stopped cold by a sharp pain in my lower abdomen (turns out it was some trapped air). I did the salt water flush to help clear things out and it worked like a dream!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Since this morning I have had an energy I can barely describe. I re-started (and finished) the 40 minute Pilates workout, then I cleaned my bathroom, did some work, cleaned up my kitchen, and went back to more work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I want to remember this feeling - this energy. The way I'm feeling at this moment is exactly why I can/should/will continue to stick with this cleansing practice. I had a thought while cleaning a mirror...I have a fairly high energy level for most activities, but it has to be unlocked. It's always there at the surface, but I need a very deliberate kick start. I want to leverage that more and use it to greater benefit. By keeping my body and mind clearer, I can make much better use of it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On another topic, but still along the lines of energy and the right kind of stimuli, I'm a BIG fan of spoken word poetry, like the kind showcased on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Saul Williams is one of my favorites - when you have five minutes, use it to digest and enjoy this wonderful poem called </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzY2-GRDiPM">Coded Language</a>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17634243.post-14392214515378364282009-04-07T11:00:00.003-04:002009-04-07T11:18:48.654-04:00On the Bright Side of 7<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm updating in a moment when I'm feeling really, really good. I started working this morning and found myself multi-tasking some things that I'd put off too long, and knocking them down one by one without feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I feel some general lightness of mind, no hunger right now, and just generally GOOD.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I cast on for the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweethearts-2">Sweethearts blanket</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> last night:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-wBkWnDmssuoL8TaYVDHBkh3s4Ah4rtJT_egvxE7iM3oAAbBpfbflnulRPCTsVZVQIjOaKYihgv5rCB74Jh_8OpPyizoW3CYLwhUkwISvGj5JkzL15AzTidT88eaBvnOzaXYUw/s1600-h/SweetheartsBlanketWIP.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-wBkWnDmssuoL8TaYVDHBkh3s4Ah4rtJT_egvxE7iM3oAAbBpfbflnulRPCTsVZVQIjOaKYihgv5rCB74Jh_8OpPyizoW3CYLwhUkwISvGj5JkzL15AzTidT88eaBvnOzaXYUw/s320/SweetheartsBlanketWIP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321966567163740258" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(photo swiped lovingly from my friend Shelley who suggested<br />this great pattern and is knitting this along with me). </span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm stitching all the love and care I can into this for the baby of my darling friend. Soothing garter stitch and a sooooper soft yarn, </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamamarce/1023627646/">Sirdar Snuggly DK</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> in a dusky blue.</span>BrownBerryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06619257153867142787noreply@blogger.com0