Let's dream new dreams!

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." 

                                                                                - Helen Keller

Call me a dreamer,

I have hopes and dreams for each one of my children.

If I'm not mistaken,

Most parents dream of what their children will aspire to.

Just because my youngest daughter has multiple disabilities does not change this fact.

If I think back over the past four years I can see how much my dreams have changed.

Is that a good thing I wonder? 

Should my dreams for Lil G remain the same?

Sometimes I fear I am setting us up for disappointment and other times I shake my fist at others

Don't tell me what is or isn't possible.

A week and a half ago, June 8th marked "gotcha day " as we call it in the adoption world.

Four years ago!!

Since then we've had our ups n downs.

Don't we all??

I have had to re group a few times since our day 1 together.

If you've been following along you will know what I speak of.

New diagnosis's that really shook me to the core.

Epilepsy, legally blind, unable to sweat-

 and fighting the " system"-both educational and medical.

I'm looking forward to a new schedule this upcoming school year.

 A new normal.

Lil G thrives on routine.

Let's dream new dreams together!

A book review- knitting reimagined

                        

I was so excited to receive a copy of Nicky Epstien's new book. 

I own one of her books already and have purchased others as gifts. 

As a seasoned knitter I appreciate the thought that went into this book.

 The patterns are clearly written and have good diagrams 

to explain innovating ideas for construction, 

with both charts and written directions to suit anyone's knitting preference. 

The author also categorized the patterns in chapters based on each construction method.

 I enjoyed the way each pattern had a thorough introduction,

 it not only listed the typical information about needle and yarn requirements,

 but also had skill level and an idea of how much time the garment would take an average knitter to make. 

My absolute favorite part is how the author tells how you can reimagine

 or reinvent the garment to suit your tastes. 

The book includes patterns for small to x Large sizes 

and also has patterns for all skill levels. 

It is frustrating when purchasing a pattern book 

to have patterns that are only for smaller sizes 

or that only have one or two patterns a novice knitter could try knitting.

                             

        All that being said, when I am looking for a book to have on my bookshelf 

I am very ruthless and probably wouldn't care to own this one, 

reserving it to check out from the library or borrow from a friend. 

I would highly recommend anyone considering purchasing this book 

to find a copy at a local yarn or bookstore first. 

Many of the projects are " uniquely atypical" 

which was exactly what the author was trying to create. 

That being said, there are only four patterns that I would consider knitting out of 25. 

                      

                               ( my two favorite projects)

Thankfully, there are enough suggestions and I have enough imagination 

to see potential in several others. 

I wish all of the patterns were more on the practical side, 

but we have many authors that are creating knitting projects like that right now.

 Kudos to Nicky Epstein for stepping outside the box in a brave fashion forward book. 

                              

     Thank you to blogging for books, and potter craft books for the opportunity to review this book. This review is my personal opinion and I was in no way compensated for this review. 

Ink stains

                                

                      

                    

                      ( my "studio" in shambles so creating on the couch)

If you were to visit my home today you would find.

Chaos.

In the middle of renovations/ repairs from the recent flood.

The remains of my tenth year old sons room are in the living room,

And homeschool room.

Drywall dust.

Paint swatches litter the desktop

Searching for just the right color.

The sewing machine piled high with brightly colored fabrics

A path through the piles

Piles of art studio misc 

So that sewing can be done.

You would find all the contents of the laundry room in the living area,

Because the washer is not working,

Since the washer and dryer stack and are in a small space,

Chaos

The ink and calligraphy nibs with knitting projects and a quilt in progress

All piled high within reach.

Call me Someone with ADHD

I call myself an artist

Trying to survive the mayhem 

Floods and little ones seizures returning within days of one another

They may try to break me

But I know what lies within

I was born to create,

I was made to " see" with the eyes of my heart.

        ( quilt is done and someone is grouchy about getting out of bed!)

                             

               

                                                Seeing beauty in the mess. 

                                 I guess the hydrangeas loved all the rain and water.........

Yarn along

~ Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs.  I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? Take a photo and share it either on your blog or on Flickr. Leave a link below to share your photo with the rest of us! ~

Ginny,

http://www.gsheller.com/2014/06/yarn-along-180.html

Joining the ladies over at Yarn along again,

Still knitting the MIL cardigan.

I've measured and have reached the 13" the pattern calls for-

One more inch to go

I thought the pattern was a little short for her tastes. 

What I am reading,

A yellow paged paperback

"Joni" by Joni Earkeson Tada

Go take a peek over at Joni and friends if you are interested,

A great organization helping those with disabilities and their family.

They've developed resources for Churches as well.

I subscribe to her daily devotional and enjoy it.

Lil Gs weighted blanket is complete!

Last night was the maiden voyage.

When she saw it in her bed she squealed with delight

" Ooooh! me! " 

Followed by a happy dance.

And ASL signing "blanket" 

Getting her out of bed this morning was nearly impossible.

You can see she got out of bed to get her puppy

Is snuggled back in bed listening to music.

She kept signing, " hungry" 

But refused to get out if bed

I carried it to the living room to pile up n watch TV

She wasn't enthused and was allowed to get back in bed.

We will have to work on the morning ritual.

I have high expectations for this heavy quilt.

I'm thinking about sharing how I made it,

Would you be interested??

Welcome June!

We are rolling out the welcome mat for June.

I think of playing in the pool.

Camping and marshmallows and fire pits.

Afternoon thunderstorms.

Ice cream sandwiches.

Weddings and hydrangeas.

Right now a few of my favorite things are:

                           

                                                   My Tim Timmons CD

                           

                                 ( new Coldplay waiting to be unwrapped)

                           

                          Hardworking men. Drywall is hung! Siding is complete!!

                          

                                      Quilting the most beautiful Moda fabric!

                           

                                 My hydrangea bushes and new knock out roses.

                            

                            

                   Progress- lil G taking the lids off by herself and making a mess! Love it!

I hope this finds you and yours enjoying the first days of summer with your loved ones.

What are some of your favorite things???