A Swift Kick

I’m human.  (Sure, sometimes I wish I was from Gallifrey, but that’s another story.)  I slip, I fall, I get back up.  And yes, more often than not, it takes me awhile to get to that last part.  Suffering with PSA (Psoriatic Arthritis), I sometimes forget that I do have to force myself to get up and get out on my days off.

So, this morning, I’m writing this post from the Valley Health Wellness Center, in Winchester VA. (No, this is NOT a paid endorsement.  I joined because I’m an employee of VH and the rates are great for what you get.)  I mean, I woke up and was out the door by 5:30 AM on my day off.  My last day of a six day stay-cation, might I add.  I met with an amazing aquatic trainer yesterday, who walked me through some exercises and showed me how to do a routine on my own.  I spent an hour in the therapy pool this morning, and while I’m sore, it is a good sore.  Trust me.

New routines can be hard.  Any kind of change can be difficult.  I can tell  you, that seems to be my current theme right now.  New workout routine, new day-job routine, and a new outlook every since my new medication finally started to kick in.  But just like that motivational poster with the kitten in the tree, I’m doing my best to ‘Hang In There.’

 

The original motivational poster

 

Recent accomplishments aside, here’s what else I’ve up to in my six days off!

• My husband and I recently celebrated my FIL getting remarried to an amazing woman, whom we think the world of.  I’ll post pictures of the wedding shawl on Friday.
• I actually started knitting a pair of socks for myself! (GASP!)  I know, I know, it is about time.  I’m working on the ‘Herminoe Everyday Socks’, which has been living in my Ravelry queue for, maybe two years?
• I’m all caught up on Mercy Street, The Walking Dead, and The Magicians.  If you haven’t seen any of these, I suggest them all.  There is something for everyone in these shows.
• I celebrated my 34th birthday with friends, family, and good wine.  The Hubs and I took an overnight stay to Baltimore, where I not only had amazing hand-made pierogis, but also made my first wholesale order with Lovelyarns (more on this later in the week.)

So, what’s new with you?  I hope that you’re February is ending well, and you are killing it with your crafting, and your goals.  Don’t forget about our KAL for the ‘Talvel Cowl’, which is going on through the end of March!

 

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Life Goal – Achieve The Impossible

Everyone has dreams, and ideas that they want to make come true.  Some people want to travel around the world. Others want to read as many books as they can, or even publish their own.

I want to open a yarn store.

Yes, you heard me correctly.  I want to open a real, brick and mortar yarn store.  One where people can come to not only buy fantastic yarn, but enjoy each other’s company. Where they can sit and work on a project, or enjoy a class on a new technique, or just get help with a crafting roadblock.  I want to have comfy chairs and a place for a nice cuppa.  I want to have at least two nights a week where people can come, sit, and knit/crochet/spin.

I’m very luck that I have a dear friend who shares the same vision that I do.  Brandon is one of my oldest friends; we’ve known each other for at least twenty years.  He and his wife, Tory, want to help me make this vision come to life!  The only major roadblock we have is getting the money.  We want to get started, but don’t have a lot of funding.

 

Brandon & Tory. Friends who knit together, stay together.

 

I decided to start a GoFundMe campaign.  Now, I sat on this for a few months.  I listened to a lot of viewpoints on this subject, some very supportive, while others were skeptical.  But Amanda Palmer’s book, ‘The Art Of Asking’, has inspired me to move forward.  Brandon and I are looking to raise $600, to cover the cost of starting the LLC and legal fees associated with that process.

If you would like to donate, you can visit the link HERE.  If you can’t donate, I ask that you share this post.  Tell you friends and family.  We are halfway to our goal as of today, and I’m so thankful for the kindness of not just my support system, but of strangers as well.

 

@ofgraceandstitches

 

There is no longer a yarn store in my town, not like I want to see and make happen.  If anyone is interested in investing in our business above and beyond the GoFundMe campaign, please contact me.  Brandon has done a fantastic job with out business plan, and it is quite detailed.

Have a great weekend!

 

Life Goals – Tech Edition

I’ve been taking this month to write down everything that I want to achieve and accomplish this year. From the smallest task (do one load of laundry every day, so that I don’t have to send for a Sherpa guide as I try to tackle the giant pile in the basement,) to the most grand and extravagant. After a recent late night FB chat with my friend, Rachael, (who lives in Guatemala doing amazing work with climate change research,) I decided to list it all. Top to bottom, A-Z.

One of my first projects was to update my tech equipment, so that I could get some fantastic work done on both my blog, and my Etsy shop.  I purchased a basic point-and-shoot camera.  Now, I know what I really wanted to buy, but I also knew that I had a budget and I wanted something that was not only easy to use, but waterproof. Miss Z spends so much time in the pool, that I wanted to be sure it was safe. Also, I killed my last camera at the lake in NY.

 

Such a fun little camera!

 

 

This camera had really excellent reviews, and I was fortunate to purchase the LAST ONE in the store.  I’m still playing around with it, but so far, I’m really happy.

Here are a few photos from our afternoon snow and hot cocoa adventures.

 

@ofgraceandstitches

 

 

@ofgraceandstitches

 

 

My second purchase was one out of necessity.  I was using my iPad mini AND a laptop that I shared with the hubby (it worked well until we needed it at the same time.  And that always seems to be the way of it. That’s what happens when you’re main media time is after work.)  I noticed that when I started my Etsy store, it was getting harder and harder to get time on the laptop.  Then, a few days ago, my tablet died.  So, I went to the Big Box Store That Shall Not Be Named, and purchased a laptop for myself.

 

Lenova Yoga – I love you!

I am in love with this little powerhouse!  I originally didn’t think that I wanted a 2-in-1, but wow!  I’m so glad that I purchased it.  And it was on sale!  Double win!  The only disappointment was customer service, but honestly, I didn’t go in with high expectations, and I’m not here to blast anyone, or anything, and put more negativity out into the world.

What are some of your goals for 2017?  New tech, or gadgets?  Fantastic trips or vacations?

 

 

 

 

Looking And Lurking – August 5th

 

This week, I decided to feature some of Miss Z’s favorite things!   I know that there’s a lot of parents out there, and maybe I’ll be able to share something new with you!

• My Little Pony – Equestria Girls.  So, I’ll confess.  The first time that I saw these dolls at Target, I was a little freaked out.  Heads bigger than bodies, that sort of thing.  But we watched one of the MPL movies on Netflix, and it wasn’t that bad.  Z rally loves the music and always dances along with her favorite parts!
• The Night Pirates by Peter Harris.  I’m always on the hunt for fun books at the local thrift store.  Sometimes, it’s a win, and sometimes it’s a bust.  This book has quickly become one of Z’s favorites!  I mean, what’s not to love about little girl pirates who steal the front of Jack’s house?
• Nutella.  On graham crackers.  Enough said.

The Fandom Is Strong With This One

 

What are your kids currently into?  Are there any good children’s’ books that you can recommend?