ahh, a room with a view...

mehndi

henna tatoos are so intriguing. i love the repetitive design; scrolls, leaves, flowers. i have this urge to do a henna design since i'm not working i can sit and enjoy doing the design myself. can't wait to try to make this design around my foot/ankle.

in the beginning..

i sometimes wonder if eve had the same kind of problems getting adam to understand her as most women have with men today. that said, if we (women) were taken from adam's rib how can we be so far removed from men when it comes to communication? it is the plague of our century... epidemics, pandemics are mere tools of our "world" in keeping a balance in this living system we call mother earth. in essence it is such a dilemma, this difference between the sexes.
still i am hopeful that the sweetness between the sexes can cover a multitude of misunderstandinsgs between men & women, men & men, women & women...please hold all
complications. my poor fishtail scarf! i was 2/3's finished when i noticed that the scarf had started to grow somewhere in the middle therefore fatter than the rest. i had to rip out 30 rows... boo hoo... however, no amount of blocking would have been able to cover-up that mistake.

now that's a pair of socks!

i would love to make these socks from this incredible book!!
:0)

fever!

tell me quando, quando, quando! hottie micahel buble has made me re-exam the brat pack music. he sings smoothly.
i am convinced he is more than a crooner; he feels that
time of innocence and romance. even more so on his come fly with me cd/dvd he says to the camera, "i believe if i work very hard that i can take this world to a different time." he certainly does. he is popular worldwide. he's from burnaby, vancouver, bc. just over the border from where i live. wow, i am impressed...(sigh) must add him to my cd collection.

Happy Halloween!

it is just chilly enough to go running through the fall leaves on your way door to door for treats! my grandkids are on their way over to show me their costumes: taylor is stephanie from lazy town; stripped pink & purple dress i made w/white piping, a pink wig. jaiden is spiderman- his most favorite character besides spongebob. bella is this little devil just like the hello kitty on this post! it is good to see them excited! they plan on attending a costume party forgoing the door to door excitement. they are so cute! can't wait to take their photos :)

at last!

after tossing & turning for the most of the night i was so delighted when i heard the phone ring & it was my mom. whewwww... my bf had called again this morning on his cell to see if the landlines were working. in times of stress it's good to have angels in our lives who are here to guide & comfort us. mom said most people still have no electricity. the main reason why she ended up with both phone service & electricity is because she is a heart patient. otherwise, she would be waiting. what a relief! on a happier note i have finally finished the altered halter & must block it. i am still plugging along on the fishtail lace scarf. life is good :)

what a day!

i've been trying hard to be distracted as i have had some challenges the last couple of days;
just everyday stuff that doesn't necessarily happen everyday! waiting to see
if my mom in miami has survived wilma; she is a heart patient and stayed at home while the storm came through. i spent most of the day on the phone calling one place after another trying
to contact someone to check on her. after much dismay i must go to my local police department and ask for a welfare check to be sent teletype before the local law enforecement in miami can go out to check to see if she is there. i am full of hope and uncertainity all at the same time. i think not knowing can be more detoriating to the spirit than facing any challenge head on.
they say tomorrow will take care of itself.

what kind of chick are you?

You are AMANDA. On the surface, you've got the
bright and shiny life we all want. You're rich,
gorgeous and your Am Ex will buy you the
designer clothes of your dreams. Being the
popular party girl comes easily to you. It's
getting close to friends (or boyfriends) that's
a challenge. Maybe if you unloaded that big
secret of yours, you'd feel less need to keep
folks at arms length. In your Kate Spade
knitting tote is all the fuzzy, novelty yarn
you can carry.

Which Chick Are You?
brought to you by

what kind of shoe are you?

You are Barefoot! You're a total free spirit, go with the flow girl You can't be restricted by shoes for very long And unsuprisingly, the same goes for men Your match is out there - and he's as carefree as you are What Shoe Are You? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

leap year baby

i was born 1/2 hour before lunch on thanksgiving day during a leap year. this year my birthday falls on thanksgiving day; i will definitely count my blessings since my hours at work for december are non-existent. in this high-tech world working seems to be a priviledge; even more so when you are under union rules: can't do this, can't do that. so, how will i pay my bills for december and january remains a mystery to me but i will press on find out how to make ends meet. find another job, you say. absolutely! however, this a small community full of over educated people serving coffee while paying for their student loans. it is a challenge :)

born on a holiday

***Your Birthdate: November 24***
Born on the 24th, you have a greater capacity for responsibility and helping others than your may have realized. You may also become the mediator and peacemaker in inharmonious situations. Devoted to family, you tend to manage and protect.
This birth date adds to the emotional nature and perhaps to the sensitivities. Affections are important to you; both the giving and the receiving.

books, books, books!

i have a fascination with trendy multi-colored items and i have some wonderful holiday gift ideas that i plan on making from these books. hanknit holidays has some great pieces; one for each of my girls to enjoy. this book is priceless. my lys has just relocated to a historical bldg. northwest yarns for all things for handknitters and spinners. their grand opening is the 1st week in November and i am stoked!

waiting for winter

we've had a few days of sunshine and a few more of rain. i never realized how many different kinds of rain there are! misty rain, sideways rain, large drops enough to create a deluge, drizzling rain. however i look at it, it all requires a way for me not to get soaked while i wait for the bus. self opening umbrellas are the best yet mine has taken a new form as it has projectiled it's handle and now looks like a weapon without the handle. still, it does a good job keeping my head dry, it still opens at the command of a button. i haven't had the heart to replace my umbrella. when i get a new one it will be bright & beautiful. i will be proud to own it. i am now 1/2 way done with my fishtail lace shawl made out of the gorgeous mohair my sp sent and i need to complete the back of my altered halter. i feel so self satisfied when i am close to finishing projects. must sneak way now to knit, knit, knit!

faeries & koi

today was a busy day for me. lots of errands; a hunt for educational toys for the grandkids. after some california rolls for lunch i went to fairhaven park with my daughter & bella. we saw a man on a powerizer. a most amazing device; looks rather sci-fi'ish and fun. bella was more intrigued with the girls rolling down the hill and was happy watching them roll down and then immediately they would run back up the hill to do it all over again. today was also a faerie day. while window shopping i saw a beautiful book called faeriedust and the egg. then while at the park i almost walked into a faerie ring! i thought this must be a sign of good fortune. we decided to end the day with a bubble tea from our fav cafe the koi cafe. it's sweet place with high ceilings, wood floors, an exotic flower shop next door and decor is all koi- koi in glass, koi in wood and their 100 gallon tank is full of multi-colored koi. as i have a fascination with carp i am instantly transported to contentment & peace. koi are sign of prosperity!

blue c sushi in fremont!!

had a great & lively weekend with the family. my daughter took me to sushi at a great place that has a conveyer belt; you just pull off what you want, the plates are different colors for the different prices. it was tres delicioso! afterwards we went to uwajimaya for honeymoon bubble tea in peach. window shopping is always at it's best here for me. hello kitty, chocolate moshi, red miso soup and tantalizing delicacies at every turn. i love seattle for daytrips. we walked and walked and walked. life can't get any better... i am content...

fall days & the pumpkin patch

i love the fall! my grandkids do too. today we did hayrides & chose the great pumpkin for their jack-o-lantern. they loved it!

goodies from hong kong

bought some great stuff on ebay that was hello kitty awesome. seems to be that night time isn't good for showing off my hello kitty ring watch so i will try to get better photos for it is so cute. my coin purse is a collector's item not offered in the USA, so i am happy to put my coins in it for prosperity. they even
sent free hello kitty stickers. body shop is trying to entice me into spending mula with some great coupons. which is the perfect solution for the gurls on my list for holiday gifts. and if life wasn't sweet enough we have treats out at work & i am happy to accent my daily duties with a little chocolate. tonite is sex & the city; 3 in a row and i am estatic! a little knitting to end the nite; what a great day:)

stitch markers

i love saturdays! i get to spend time with my daughter & granddaughter. today i had time to go to shops that i don't frequent during the week. it's fun to go window shopping especially now during october. i saw the greatest little house all fringed with spiderwebs and goblins, pumpkins in the yard; bedecked for haunting! once i returned to my little sanctuary i managed to make a several stitch markers- some for me & some for my sp6 spoilee. the photo isn't the best but, believe me the lighting at night doesn't do much to help me. this was one out of ten i had taken. watched maria full of grace while i did this... what a challenge to want a good life & force yourself do something out of character from shear desperation... i am blessed!

wondeful, fuzzy mohair

i am so happy; i found a pattern that gives the vibrant colors of this fiber the perfect texture as background. it is for moi. .. i hardly ever keep what i make so this is the exception. i can't wait to wrap this around my head and neck against the blustery winds of the great northwest. 3 cheers to my secret pal for encouraging me to utilize a new technique and the wonderous fiber to do it with.

home sweet home, south beach, miami

my, my, my what a perfect day captured by my daughter of my old home. i must say i remember how hot it gets with no where to hide! still, the beach anywhere in the world is the place for me. my mohair project is now in the beginning stages of a fishtail scarf and i really appreciate the delicacy of this fiber. i knit rather tightly so this is a invaluable lesson in taking it easy and loosely. it is my first in lace technique so i am very determined to accomplish and finish this project. i'm listening to calle 54; for all the music in the world, the sweetest to me is latin jazz/fusion. i miss my culture and know that someday soon i will take a trip to my homeland to bask in the tropical sun.

the real meaning of sutra

as i was searching today to see how people may find my blog for viewing i noticed that the first line reads, "please contact if there's objectionable material" i chose to ignore this statement for my true purpose in using sutra as part of my blog name has nothing to do with the kama sutra. indeed, my intent is enlightenment in this world for i am only here for a short while. sutra is a proverbial chant to obtain that state of enlightenment. too often we as a society get stuck in meaning and not intent. i just feel better knowing that in an age where we are free to do as we please within legal limitations, that we are still censored in one way or the other. anyone who knows me will vouch while i am not a prudish person i have high standards of conduct for myself. what a joke! objectionable material... just turn the boob-tube on and you will definitely see objectionable material at every turn. all things said i am happy to be here, in this time frame.

hurrah for mohair!

started a lacy shawl with the mohair that my secret pal sent. it is divine to knit with. i've not used this type of fiber before and had felt a little intimidated. however, it is so easy to knit with and soft. it;'s going to be a pleasure to finish it and wear it. i know you can't see the lace affect; as soon as i figure out all the functions of my new camera the photos of my shawl will do the fiber justice. today, is a big day! i go for an interview for a most wanted job and not just by me. the competition is pretty tough. i plan on doing alot of deep breathing :) and some singing before i get there.

the fable of the mermaid & the drunks

all those men were there inside when she cam in totally naked. they had been drinking: they began to spit. newly come form the river, she knew nothing. she was a mermaid who had lost her way. the insults flowed down her gleaming flesh. obscentites drowned her golden breasts. not knowing tears, she did weep. not knowing clothes, she had none. they pocked her with burnt corks and cigarette stubs and rolled around on the floor in racous laughter. she did not speak, she had no speech. her eyes were the color of faraway love. her arms were white topaz. her lips moved silent, in a coral light, suddenly she went out by that door. entering the river she was instantly cleansed, shining like a wet stone in the rain and without looking back she swam out again. swam towards emptiness, swam towards her death.

pablo neruda

oh great joy!

here are my gifties from my secret pal; wrapped in lovely tissue and then viola 2 skeins of fusion mohair, my absolutely fav book stitch'n bitch and some great hello kitty stickers in japanese costumes! i have already found a great shawl pattern to make with the fusion yarn and i really love the devil pants pattern for my grand daughter. i am happy to have such a great secret pal. :) i'll be busy this weekend knitting and catching up on sex and the city: seasons 2 & 3. life is good!

knitwear galore!!

quinte scrapbook by mission falls 1824 has been one of my favorite pattern books for a few years i finally feel confident enought to indulge myself into the spirit of dressing-up in semi-period inspired outer wear. i was afraid that i couldn't find it any longer and while browsing a search i found it at www.camillavalleyfarm.com how delightful; but really how fast can i knit! so much i want to do- i need to be a speed knitter. that's ok though cuz it looks like it may be a loonngggg winter again. so, happiness that i have some interests and am not a complete couch potato :) not that i mind luxurious lounging, mind you it's just that i have a need to make something while i do so ;) between this sweet kente coat or the wistful swing coat i will have plenty to look forward to. silly me, i plan on making a nice shawl with the great fall colored fusion yarn my secret pal sent me. i looked at the fiber and realized it's meant for lace! thank you :)

oh, happy day!

just wanted to post a hello and a big thank you to my secret pal! i loved the multi-colored fusion yarn; great fall colors :) the hello kitty stickers are so sweet- how did you know i love all things japanese?! and my all time favorite book stitch 'n bitch nation!! you are awesome, secret pal. i plan on posting photos of all my great stuff as soon as i figure out my new digital i received via mail a few days ago; the company was to repair my old camera but instead sent an entirely different, newer version. i am so lucky to be the recipient of great generosity from my secret pal and will post photos soon. i also plan on getting started straight away on a hat with the fusion yarn. thanks again, secret pal and have a great weekend! :)

spirit of aloha

this is one of my favorite oil paintings by lori she has an amazing way with color and light. she has a website: www.lorihiggins.com that has much more to fall in love with. one day i plan on owning a copy of this fantastic painting. this was reproduced by island art cards located in haiku, maui. www.islandartcards.com
meanwhile, i'll have to say i miss maui and island life. it seems to happen right before winter sets in. ahhh, i will be able to think more clearly after a cup o' starbucks! i plan on having an aloha day :)

at last...

i think that of all the types of sunsets there are my favorite are the hot pinks and violets...
with fall officially here the sunsets will be warmer colors of pinks and violets; hopefully i'll have my camera back soon and i can take photos of the gorgeous views in here in bellingham. i am lucky to live in a trendy yet, small, sophisticated city! and to think i left the florida coast oh, so long ago... can't imagine why?

another ufo done

although not blocked this is my favorite purse thus far. i decided to make a design of my own based on
the monk's satchel. the closure consists of two celtic knot buttons and i plan on using a navy rat's tail to complete the purse. most of all i
like the way it stands on it's own!

imagine...

if i woke up to water lilies in my bathroom oh, what a wonderful world it would be. i had read about this couple who have a tropical garden in their bathroom. skylights and all glass walls so you have a mountain view to boot. now, that's nirvana right here on earth! i think that it's good to be surrounded by nature. fall starts soon and i'll miss the flowers of summer yet, chrysanthemums are just as beautiful as any rose. looking forward to seasonal changes.

lucky me! roses; also from jean's garden

my friend, jean, has the most the spectacular garden and yard. she has dahlias, roses, cone flowers, fruit and nut trees and she says it takes her 3 hours to mow her yard! she puts alot of love and care into her home and it shows :)
i wish this was a scratch-n-sniff screen as you would enjoy the scent from this exquisite rose.
my borrowed camera does not do any of the flowers justice; but i had to share them!

jean's dahlias

ooo, la la; i knew i was meant to be a parisian!

You Belong in Paris Stylish and a little sassy, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine, the men! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

oops, here's more for secret pal 6

21. are you a sock knitter? no, i find them too difficult to do. 22. how did you learn to knit? i taught myself. 23. how old is your oldest ufo? 2 months old.
24. what is your favorite animated character? Hello Kitty;) 25. what is your favorite holiday? Christmas! 26. Is there anything you collect? unusual beads, buddha statues (small), anything Hello Kitty. 27. What zines do you subscribe to? none, i work at a library- i do admire vogue knitting. 28. Are there any books you're dying to get your hands on? stitch n bitch nation. 29. Are there any patterns you've wanted but have not bought? no
30. foot measurement? i have big feet! sz 10 eta. what kind of socks do you like? anything light weight and warm, i like lace ribbing.

questionnaire for secret pal 6; sorry it took so long!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)?i like soft fibers. Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? i have used lion brand on practice projects. Or is it all the same to you? i am pretty flexible but don't like rough fibers.2. Do you spin? i do not spin, but would love to. Crochet? yes, i do crochet.3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) no, allergies 4. How long have you been knitting? for about seven years 5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? no, not yet. 6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) i love satsuma from bath and body, lavendar or mandarin & tea from pier 1 imports 7. Do you have a sweet tooth? absolutely love dark chocolate 8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? i make washi boxes, i sew, cross-stitch, make beaded jewelry 9. What kind of music do you like? i love all kinds of music; not too fond of country. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) yes 10. What's your favorite color? colors! all, orange does't look good on me. Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? i love pinks, purples. Any colors you just can't stand? brown 11. What is your family situation? i am single Do you have any pets? i have a cat and fish 12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) my life dream is to make beaded jewelry for the world! 13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? anything soft. 14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? anything rough 15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? lace shawls and baby items 16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?purses 17. What are you knitting right now? branching out scarf and a halter top 18. What do you think about ponchos? they're ok 19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? straight needles 20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? bamboo or any kind of wood

what a great idea!

this by far the greatest way to meet and share ideas and gifties. but, that is not all- i think that i learn more by checking out other knitting blogs and i also get a few chuckles since most people who blog are naturally able to reach out with a look at their "slice of life." my other obsession-reading. i now have another outlet to go beyond my normal genre of reading by joining knit the classics. it's fun to share ideas about what is being read as a group and everyone can get it done at their own pace. on another note, i miss my camera and have borrowed an older digital. i have to have images with the blog! otherwise, it seems dry and dull. received my first invoice on my consignment-yahoo! i even ventured into the boutique today and voila- there sat my bracelets and the necklaces were in a locked glass cabinet... ;) life is good.

all good things..

come to those who wait...
i've like that saying, it gives me great motivation to be comfortably idle.
it works along with focus and doing my best every moment of everyday.
my jewelry's been consigned at a beautiful boutique downton and i've admired this store for so
long... i am in complete awe. it's like walking into a french domicile with lanterns lit and warm
colors to embrace you as you walk along the aisle each a vignette attribute of provencal. it so great to have people who are willing to support creativity. i am blessed.

so much to do, so little time

it has been undeniably busy in my life but with good outcomes. first my boyfriend's computer crashed, then my new digital camera died (which means no photos of my outings :( managed to work in knitting, jewelry making and went to the annual dahlia show over the wkend. just when i thought i had enough fun my work schedule has cut my days in half! yikes. smashed my fingers in a car door; to my horror this left my fav ring smashed beyond recognition but alas, no fear, my favorite jeweler fixed, polished and it looks better than when i bought it. life is good! am getting my things in order so i can do a consignment at my fav boutique and if that was not enough i want to learn the tango :)
i will be a happy camper this winter. also, last but not least is a knit out in october which i want to attend. they plan on having a dog fashion show along with lots of other free events. gotta love it!