Tag: Sprout

Family · Knitting · pottery

Betcha Thought I Forgot About This Old Blog….

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OK, at 63 (!) I’ve been been trying on a few different personas, just one more sign of my decision to never grow up, but here I am once more, an amalgamation of several whos and whats, as reflected in my new title, Mud and String.

As I type this, I’m en route to Bangkok, Thailand again, accompanying Big Mommy and the three grands, the Papoose, the Sprout and the Peach. All growing up so so fast and leaving me in the dust regarding what’s cool and what’s not. Anyhow……..

This trip has been very crazy, beginning with the first leg of the 30 hour trip being delayed an hour in Little Rock due to weather in Dallas, setting off a chain of situations like dominos falling. First, we missed our connecting flight to Hong Kong and so were stranded in Dallas for 24 hours, waiting for the next plane to Hong Kong. An adventure unto itself…More on that later.

So here we are, 32000 feet in the air, five hours into a 16 hour flight, with the outside time showing as -43.6F, wearing clothes that were fresh yesterday – Wednesday morning around 5 a.m. –  closing in on 48 hours. The time is 4:49 pm on Thursday, according to my ipad. I pity our seatmates! 🤭🤭🤭🤢🤢🤢

We made it to Hong Kong! Here’s the view from our gate waiting area-

Before I close this out, a few pics of recent projects

Ninilchik Swoncho

The art of progress is to preserve order amid change, and to preserve change amid order.

 

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Knitting

Heads Up!, BFF

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BOLO

After months of “can I?”, “should I?”, “but I know next to nothing about”, “this makes me nervous”, “I’m definitely doing it!”, “maybe I should stick with what I know” and finally, “no guts, no glory”, I did it.  I have a website!  I do!  Mine!  Nothing much is going to change, it’s going to look different (I’ve been toying with the idea of changing the look of my blog for a while) and I’ll have a lot more options available, like using Javascript or HTML to add things I want my blog to contain, more storage, more security and since it’s my site, I’m the boss.

Since I know next to nothing or less about computers and codes and stuff, I decided to use Godaddy.com for site management, handling backup, security, updates, all the stuff that goes into maintaining a website.  I get to do all of the blogging fun stuff, I suppose it’s one of those “all of the pleasure, none of the guilt” things.

I’m hoping to go live with iknead2knit.com on Monday, 1/26/15 and plan on keeping iknead2knit.wordpress.com going for a little while, probably  mostly with links to the new site, hoping to make an easy transition.  As always, I’m always open to suggestions; I know there are a lot of bloggers who are old hands at this website stuff, and any tricks or tips will be appreciated.

GRAND ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

Up until the last month or so, the grands and Josie the Pug weren’t a good mix.  Not because she doesn’t like kids- she LOVES them- but her being who she is, a lot of dog in a small body, and very exuberant, with lots of snorting, the littles were intimidated, shrieking and running whenever she got a little too close.  This was more than a little upsetting for Mr. iknead and me, having to keep Josie and the grands separated, usually with Josie having to be either in her kennel, in another room or boarded.  So hard!  Anyhow, all this changed over the last month or so and now, the Papoose, the Sprout and Josie are the biggest, bestest friends forever!  Yeah, Mr. iknead and I are pretty much over the moon about it.  Look.

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How bout that!  Heaven for us all!

The trick is in what one emphasizes.  We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves happy.  The amount of work is the same.  Carlos Castaneda

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Knitting

It Takes 2

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SCENES FROM A PARTY

The Sprout is two!!!

Princess Dress Cake

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Mmmmmmm Pink Icing Mmmmmmmmmm

Cousin Love

Best thing about close cousins?  Being best friends!

 Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened.  Happiness never decreases by being shared.  Buddha

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Knitting

WIP Wednesday, Birthday Sprout, Booklove

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ON THE NEEDLES

 Sock.JPG

Feuillettes

from Red Bird Knits

Lorna’s Laces Solemates

Watercolor

Several years ago I took part in Red Bird Knits sock club and received this particular sock pattern.  I long ago forgot what yarn was included, but I picked up a couple of skeins of Solemate a few weeks ago and it seemed to be a great match for this pattern.  Solemate is to die for, so soft!  I glad I bought a second skein because I’m already thinking about my next project using it!

BOOKLOVE

TWO

Our sweet Sprout turned two yesterday! All the grands are especially amazing and Miss Annabelle is no exception.  In a nutshell – you always know where you stand with her.  She either loves it or hates it and wants you to know it in no uncertain terms.  She’s a snuggler, a giggler and has had us right where she wants us from the very minute she was born.  She is a joyful blessing!

GREEN GROWING THINGS

Our flowers have never looked so good!

The Norfolk pine I’d given up for dead has come back with a vengence and has doubled in size!

I don’t know what this is called, but the hummingbirds love it!

Impatiens has nearly taken over our flower bed!

ALL BETTER

As you can tell, I can once again post photos and this makes me happy.  Happy is good.  Mr. Iknead was getting tired of hearing me talk ugly to my iPad.

Linking with Tami, Frontier Dreams and Ginny’s Yarn Along.

Life is change.  Growth is optional.  Choose wisely.  Karen Clark

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Knitting

Thriftin’, Pawpaw and 2/4 grands, TDL

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WHERE’VE I BEEN

Last Thursday, I invited myself to Stuttgart for a visit, mostly to help out Bigmommy a little and just to spend a little QT with the Papoose and the Sprout.  I got to see the Papoose’s school and was fortunate enough to get the grand tour. Very exciting stuff!  My sweet son in law shares my love of rooting around thrift and antique stores, so Friday morning he, the Sprout and I took a field trip and did some thrifting.  I’ve collected blue and white pottery for just about forever and scored two new pieces and yet another hippie purse.  Say what you will, Bigmommy, about me being an old hippie, but because everything old is new again, I’m on the cutting edge of today’s fashion. ; p. So there.

These are in great shape, the spigot button sticks but will work perfectly after a little WD40.

These were both made by the Marshall Pottery, Marshall, Texas

Love everything about this!

2/4 GRANDS

You can tell he doesn’t care anything for them!

The only thing that could possibly make him happier would be to have all four in his arms.

THE DOCUMENTED LIFE

This week’s prompt was to somehow incorporate a feather.  This is my take on it, along with an e.e. cummings poem.

Modeling paste, peacock feather stencil, Derwent Blocks

Acrylic background, watercolor feathers

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.  William Blake

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Knitting

I Do Redo, WIP Wednesday and Grands

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I DO REDO

Mr. Iknead and I renewed our wedding vows last Friday for our 35th anniversary.  It was surprisingly emotional, both for me and for him.  I’m not a crier at all, so to just break down with happy tears was unusual.  We had Holy Communion – again, surprisingly emotional and just special.  That’s the only word I can find to describe it, special.

Aren’t we beautiful! Seriously!

Trio of Blessings

L to R – The Sprout, Babydiva and The Papoose

 

 After pics, we all went out to dinner and it was just joyous…..until the nasty little incident with Babydiva.

Here’s what happened:  we had to wait for a table, not unusual, we were a big group and it was Friday evening.  Waiting for a table with three hungry children had ugly potential, so Babydaddy and Bigmommy took the big girls outside to wait.  Lots of little girl fun, with hopping, skipping attempts, chattering, laughing, squealing – little girl stuff.  During a round of hopping, Babydiva tripped and faceplanted on the sidewalk.  Lots of blood and little girl hysterics, both from Babydiva and the Papoose.  Luckily, no broken or loose teeth, just a fat lip and we were able to get it iced quickly. I think Babydaddy was more traumatized than Babydiva, luckily for them, I just happened to have a Tide pen in my pocketbook and his bloody shirt was taken care of and Babydiva just happened to have some Barbie stickers and what didn’t come out with the pen, she put stickers over.

Poor Baby

Anyhow, it didn’t affect her appetite and by the end of the meal, all were happy again.   Parenting in the Trenches or Never A Dull Moment. : )

ON THE NEEDLES

Slip Stitch Felted Bag

Irina Poludnenko, Designer

Kureyon #352 and Cascade 220 #7801

Linking with Tami and Frontier Dreams.

Imagination rules the world.  Napoleon Bonaparte

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Knitting

How’d It Get To Be Thursday Already???

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SO YEAH

I truly don’t know what happened to my time this week.  I’m just surprised today is Thursday already.  We watched the Papoose and the Sprout once this week and had dinner out with friends, last night, I think (Taziki’s, yum) but aside from those things, I’m at a loss.  My story is that I was abducted by aliens, everyone knows that when you’re abducted by aliens, you have missing time, right???

ON THE NEEDLES

Apparently, I was able to grab my knitting on the way to the mothership (see above) and started a new project, Honey Cowl. Details here.  i had a skein of Mad Tosh in a one of a kind colorway, Nectar, which is working up nicely.  If all goes as planned and I don’t have another appointment aboard the mothership (see above), it will be off the needles in time for FO Friday.  It’s not the most exciting project, but it works up quickly and easily enough.

Honey Cowl

SOME WOULD DISAGREE

I read somewhere a day or two ago that nothing dates someone more in this day and age than putting a double space between the ending punctuation of one sentence and the first letter of the first word of the following sentence.  It just screams “Hey everyone!!!!  I learned to type in the 1970s (or earlier)!”  Know what?  I don’t care – not even a little.  Mrs. Frachiseur’s typing method rules and will continue to do so.  FYI – Mrs. Frachiseur was the typing teacher back in the day at good old DeQueen High.  Hey Mrs. Frachiseur!! I’m so happy to know it’s not the gray hair or the laugh lines giving me away.  It’s the dadgum double space!  

1/4 GRANDS

The Sprout

  

 First Time Painter

 

 MOMM*

My newest mixed media project, with modeling paste, ink stamps, postage stamps and acrylic paint.

 Always be smarter than the people who hire you.  Lena Horne

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*My Own Mixed Media

 

Knitting

Grape Jelly, Pots and Paper

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JELLY GIRL

This photo is so totally cute, so totally Sprout, I have no words…..

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POTS

This little guy started out as pinch pot practice, then it grew on me and I added some coils and I just this second saw a funky face on it.  Does anyone else see a face?  Not sure I like what I’m seeing.  Freaking me out a little to be honest.

 

This one slid in under the radar, for some reason, I have no notes on it at all, so I have no idea what it’s glazed with.  Salt celadon, maybe?

 IMPULSE BUY

I saw these on my latest trip to Hobby Lobby and picked up a couple on a whim, a pack of watercolor and one pack Bristol.  Here’s a couple of things I’ve been playing at –

The top two are spray inks, the bottom left is watercolor and Pitt pen and the right is Pitt pen and Copic marker over watercolor.

By the way, I finally broke down and got a couple of Pitt pens and I love love love them!  They’ve totally lived up to my expectations, why did I wait so long???

One today is worth two tomorrows.  Benjamin Franklin

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Family · Knitting

Morning at the Zoo, Wondrous Yarnbox, Meet Forrester Gump

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ZOO FUN

Big and busy day today. Mr. Iknead and I spent the morning with all three grands and their moms at the zoo. I don’t know about the others but I’m totally beat. I bet we walked three miles today, easy! We had a blast and except for one tiny episode of COTTON CANDY COTTON CANDY IWANTCOTTONCANDY!!!! everyone’s sunny disposition stayed put. The four newest tiger cubs were a particular favorite. Babydiva developed a short term obsession with mole rats but was eventually distracted and we were able to carry on with our visit.

Babydiva and the Papoose – Cousins and BFFs

Patient Tiger Mommy

The Sprout’s Pushing ME Next Time!

Just Us Girls

Mr. Iknead and Babydaddy don’t have a chance.

And you know what?  They love it!  Mr. Iknead melts completely when he around the grands, it’s the sweetest thing – no request refused, no job too large or too small.  Pawpaw’s got this and is loving every blessed minute.  I married a marshmallow and it’s grand!

Babydivalicious

That Smile!!

YARNLOVE

Another wondrous box arrived while we were visiting the zoo and (be still my heart) this was inside:

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SIIDEGARTE

Silky Swiss Gorgeousness

“Siide-Flauschig”

50% Silk/50% Merino

Aichblatt

250m/273 yds

There were two, count ’em, two hanks of this in the wondrous Yarnbox; the sheen on this stuff is phenomenal, as you can see from the photo.  Now the hard part – picking a project because, as we all know, fabulous yarn calls for a fabulous pattern.  Shawl?  Shrug? Sweater? Who knows?  Most of the time, in my plane of existence, the yarn decides what it wants to be, then it’s my job to figure out what that is.  I’m thinking some type of wrap, maybe something with a hood?

RUN FORRESTER RUN!

Meet Forrester Gump, the newest member of the Iknead family.

 

20140321-152459.jpgMr. Iknead has been so patient, waiting until he found just want he wanted, from the sort of silvery green paint job, to the moonroof, to the automatic back hatch – just touch a button and it opens and closes *snap fingers* just like that.  I’m happy to see him so happy and excited.  He deserves this new ride, he’s been driving my dad’s car for the past couple of years, a good car, a Buick LaCrosse, nice, not too fancy, but really, not his style.  He’s more of an SUV kind of guy.  I don’t mind telling that I’m a million times blessed to have him as the love of my life.

It is better to travel, than to arrive.  Buddha

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Knitting

WIP 3/12/14, Booklove

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ON THE NEEDLES

The Kew socks are so close to being finished I can taste it. For once, I’ve held my raging startitis in check and will start a new project without feeling guilty about the number of projects relegated to the “back burner” or in my case, “the bag pitched into the deepest, darkest recesses of my yarn room”.

BOOKLOVE

I finished A Land Kinder Than Home by Wiley Cash and am set to start Paris in Love, by Eloisa James.  Enjoyed the Wiley Cash, but didn’t love it.  It’s a fictional account of snake handling, murder, religion and what happens when they collide.  Entertaining, but probably not a repeater.

GRANDS

This photo says everything you need to know about the Sprout; her cute factor is always first and foremost.  I’ve gotten good at changing diapers on the fly!

Linking with Tami and KCCO today.

Indulge your imagination in every possible flight.  Jane Austen

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Knitting

Spoiler Alert, Grands and Other Random Stuff

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SPOILERALERTSPOILERALERTSPOILERALERT

I got my Phat Fiber Sampler box a few days ago and look what was in it!

Luscious Yarn Samples

and some sweet stitch markers, a cool snake button and a Tardis keychain!

Nice, right?

BUT WAIT!  THERE’S MORE!

My new Yarnbox subscription arrived yesterday containing not one, but TWO hanks of this equally luscious yarn!

Yes, as a matter of fact, yarn DOES make me happy!   The colorway is called Anodized and I’m having a difficult time keeping the startitis monkeys off my back.  I’m trying to hold out at least until I finish one of the two pairs of socks that are currently on the needles. At the moment, it could go either way.

Two lovely packages in two days – it doesn’t get much better than that in my world.  Except for this…….

GRANDS

I love how my three grandgirls are BFFs, even at their young ages.  Someday I’m going to be janie on the spot and video the happiness and hugs when they greet each other, whether it’s been an hour or a week since they’ve been together.

2/3 of the Iknead grands

the remaining 1/3

Seriously, could the Sprout be any cuter???

Clearly, the Iknead clan is triple blessed with these three, which will become four this summer.   Babymama and Babydaddy plan a gender reveal for my birthday next week, I’ll keep you posted.

FEET

Mine are really, really ugly and I need a pedicure STAT.  Except that I’ve let them go this winter and am embarrassed for the pedicure people to even see them.  A monthly (at least) pedi makes all the difference in the world and I know they probably see worse feet than mine, but I envision them sounding the alarm and running for the hills when they see my car pull up in the parking lot.  I don’t know though, my embarrassment makes me a really good tipper, maybe they’re running toward the door instead.  Ya think?

Never mistake motion for action.  Ernest Hemingway

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Knitting

Happy Havoc

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GRAND TIME

The Papoose and Sprout were here for a visit this week, Saturday until Wednesday afternoon; I tried to document as much as possible but most of the time it’s much more fun to just play and not photograph.  Here’s a few we managed to snap.

The Papoose and I made a cake.

We had lasagna one night for supper.

The Sprout decided the hatbox was the best seat in the house.

The castle is always fun.

Lots of giggles.

Crashed

Remember:  What happens at Bebe and Papa’s stays at Bebe and Papa’s!

How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong.  Because someday in life you will have been all of these.  George Washington Carver

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