Friday, May 17, 2013

This and That

Hello everyone!
I hope you are well.
I've not been blogging or had a chance to visit much.
I do hope I can get back in the swing of things before too long.
 We are well into summer temperatures now.
It's usually about 100 degrees during the day, but I still manage to walk early morning on the weekends and late afternoon during the week.
This year on my walks I've seen so many hollyhocks.
 Gosh how I love those flowers.
I don't ever recall seeing them sold at the plant souk so I wonder if they are being grown from seed.
 The other thing I've not had much time for is crocheting.
But the other night, my oldest son asked me to crochet a hackysack cover for a friend of his at school.  Seems he's got everyone making their own hackysacks from old socks and rice or lentils.
I've crocheted many a hackysack upon request.
Then yesterday, Pradeepa at The Lazy Hobbyhopper was giving away a free pdf of her paisley pattern to anyone who left a comment before 6:15 p.m. Indian Standard Time today.
The pdf was in my email this morning and I promptly gave the pattern a go.
My pattern reading skills are not the best so I had to fudge a bit but I managed to end up with a paisley piece to be proud of.  :) 
 Granted, not as nice as Pradeepa's, but I shall keep trying.

 This next photo is just for Aishwarya.
She asked to see my crocheted rocks all together.
Some of them were found and crocheted while in Sri Lanka.
Of course, after taking this, I found some that didn't make it into the photo.
They are scattered all over the house in baskets and bowls and on plates with candles.
And some have been given as gifts.
I hope to do some blog hopping over the weekend.
Have a fabulous Friday!

60 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

It's warming up here, too. At least to the 80's but very humid. We've waited a long time for this so I'm not complaining!

I love the paisley piece...so colorful, you did a great job and I love the stones!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend...stay cool!

XO,
Jane

Hindustanka said...

Hi, Tammy! Glad you found time to hop in your blog and leave a nice post :) Those holyhocks grow in India too, as you must have seen in one of my pics.But I myself haven't had opportunity to fetch seeds yet.
It is just so hot here too! So we spend our days indoors and get out of the buildings in the evening.
Your crocheted rocks took my fancy long time ago, no wonder Aishwarya also liked them :)
Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs!

La Tea Dah said...

I really love how you take crochet to a whole new level! It is pretty neat that your son asked you to crochet hackysacks for his friend. And I love your paisley and rocks. You always inspire.

Your doves are pretty. We have a pair nesting right near our house. Ours are a little lighter in color. I love how they coo throughout the day.

Busy lady! I hope you find time to relax a bit soon!

summersundays-jw said...

When I was little, we always had hollyhocks and they just reseeded. Don't remember my mom having much time for planting flowers. My kids make their own hakysacks but they use balloons (G'ma can't crochet).....yours are much more attractive. It's been a long, cool (sometimes cold) spring in Mo. but the warmth is coming. Our schools were out yesterday and time for pools to open so lots of anxious kiddoes. Have a great blog-reading weekend. Jan

Diane said...

Hollyhocks are so delightful. Right now I'm waiting for some to start blooming that someone gave me seeds for. It takes them two years to bloom. Your paisley piece is beautiful, can they be put together like granny squares? Keep up your optimism, Tammy. We need it to get through this world. Diane

Preeti said...

Hackysack looks cool!! What's the size of it? Your paisley looks pretty!! :)
And rocks, wow, you have crocheted so many!! I had few tiny rocks and I thought of painting them. But the smooth and flat ones were taken by my daughter for hopscotch :)

Linda said...

Hi Tammy,
I haven't been visiting blogs as much anymore either, especially since I ended mine some time back. I enjoyed seeing your photos and what you've been up to. :)

We're well into summertime temps for this area too - which means for here, upper 80s. I'm enjoying it after the long winter and cooler spring. Everything is growing beautifully here and I have such a vast array of flowers in the yard. It's truly my favorite time of year. That, and also school ends in just 8 days and I, along with Sarah, are really looking forward to this since Junior Year was the hardest of all of the school years on a number of levels. We'll both be celebrating it's over come May 30th. :)

Take care and enjoy your weekend,
Linda

June said...

Seeing the doves in your beautiful photos just made my day Tammy! And the lovely hollyhocks that you see as you walk around your neighborhood.
I know how busy you are with work and family so the fact that you still find time to crochet something special for others is wonderful.
sending hugs...

Pradeepa said...

The paisley the beautiful and I love the rocks. Thanks for sharing.

Acorn to Oak said...

We've had some 100' days too. But, our weather has still been flip flopping and giving us a day of rain here and there, heat some days, cold on others. It's crazy!

That's cool that your son asks you to crochet hacky sack balls for him and his friends.

Your crochet covered rocks fascinate me and I keep thinking of trying to make one.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Deborah said...

What a lovely photo of your crocheted rocks all together.....each one a treasure! I remember when hackysacks were the rage with my son and his friends!

crafty cat corner said...

Nothing wrong with that Paisley Tammy, its lovely.
don't worry about not blogging, in the heat its sometimes hard to do everything.
Lots of love
Briony
xxx

kathyinozarks said...

Hi Tammy, I always enjoy your blogs and beautiful photos-our hummingbirds are back-so summer is on its way here

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Tammy. Your crochet paisley is very pretty as is all your crochet rocks.. Yes Hollyhocks grow very well from seed and is best to start them in the Fall.. Lay them on the ground and cover very lightly with dirt and water often with light spray. Hugs Judy

Our Neck of the Woods said...

Sounds like it has been really hot for you lately. But seems like the flowers are loving it. They're so pretty! And I love the shots of the cute birds too. Have a great weekend!

Mereknits said...

I found that lovely pattern in my email today and can't wait to give it a go. Hope you are well, I am here if you need to chat about anything, any time.
Sending you a hug,
Meredith

Melanie said...

Hi Tammy ~ I love your bird pictures. Such beautiful creatures. Whew, that heat sounds brutal. You are awesome for walking outdoors, even through the hot weather. What are you going to do with your pretty paisley piece?

Ali said...

Love all your photos Tammy, especially your paisley pattern and (part of) your individual rock collection.
Hope you keep cool in such heat.
Thinking of you
Ali x

Createology said...

Life does get busy and we must be certain to make time for what we enjoy. Your paisley is fabulous. How sweet of your son to request a crocheted hackysack for a school buddy. The hollyhocks are lovely. Stay hydrated my dear...

Lorrie said...

Hi Tammy,
You do beautiful work. The paisley is lovely, and I love the crocheted rocks. A bowl full of them would be such a great accent in a room.

Betsy said...

Hollyhocks! I adore hollyhocks! The photos of them are so pretty. Thank you.

You are a talented lady. Hacky sacks, rocks and paisley! Quite the variety.

Thank you for a beautiful post.

Blessings,

Betsy

Mary said...

I used to have nice hollyhocks along the back fence but they disappeared - I must try again when time permits.

Love the crocheted rock covers - you are so clever and I can imagine how pretty they look in a bowl or basket.

Hugs - Mary

Patty said...

Hi Tammy,
You inspire me with your projects. Love the paisley you made. I think I was too late to get the free pattern. You did a wonderful job. Love your crochet on the rocks too. Enjoyed your pictures.

September Violets said...

Love the lovey-doveys and those old-fashioned hollyhocks ;) Such a cool idea with the paisley pattern ... they look quite addictive! Enjoy your weekend Tammy! Wendy :)

Mistea said...

Lovely bright hackey sack cover and pretty paisley.
Your walking is going much better than mine now that it has started raining most days lately.

Susan said...

Hello Tammy...You must be terribly busy. Was glad to see your post. Your crocheted rocks are really the pizazz.

Take care, be well, and thanks for sharing your life. Susan

Mrs. Micawber said...

Your paisley bit looks lovely to me ... and so do those sweet doves.

Stay cool and enjoy those hollyhocks! What delicate stems they have.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Your paisly work is looking great; how clever the idea!
Love your rock collection and your son must be proud of his Mom's crocheting talents for asking you.
Hope Jingles had a happy 9th birthday while we were in Curaçao... She is a bit younger than our eldest, Barty.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

PS YES Hollyhocks are grown from seeds!

Jen said...

Your crocheted rocks look lovely Tammy! Am a bit envious of your weather outlook too..just cold breeze and cloudy here I'm afraid! Thanks for stopping by my blog x

Yvonne said...

Hope all is getting better. Your photos are lovely and I just love the rocks all together to show the covers you crocheted.
Your temps seem to go right along with mine.
Stay cool, focus on the lovely and hope your weekend is wonderful.

Patty said...

Hi Tammy. I just read this post http://acorntooak.blogspot.com/2013/05/beauty-beyond-words.html and thought about you when I saw the rocks/stones. Oh, and I got the paisley pattern - yay!! Have a great day! Thinking of you!

Vicki said...

Hi, Tammy,
I am glad you found some time for your beautiful crochet work!! I know it brings you and all of us so much pleasure. I absolutely love hollyhocks. They grew in NM everywhere. I recently visited my son and his family in Roswell and once again, hollyhocks everywhere. I guess they like the desert. Who knew? I hope you have the best of weekends, sweet friends~ Love and hugs~ Vicki

forgetmenotsblue said...

Your bird photos are so lovely and clear looks like you got really close.
What a great way to make rocks look beautiful x

Uniquely Ella said...

Hi Tammy, thanks for visiting. Yes, it's summer in my neck of the woods, so hot. So wish I could grow hollyhocks, they are so beautifu. I live in South Florida, sub tropical. Loving your paisely, beautiful! I also so need to start walking, happy for you, I bet you already feel great.
xxx
Marlene

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Hi Tammy, so nice to see your post. I am so busy wit springtime chores and projects, blogging is a little behind too.

I do enjoy popping in to see what you have been up to as it is always something neat. And, I love the photos you share as you stroll through your neighborhood.

vintage grey said...

Lovely Hollyhocks! And, always love seeing your pretty rocks!! Wishing you a wonderful weekend and week ahead! xo Heather

Yarni Gras! said...

those Holly hocks are fabulous! I love the crocheted rocks.....such a neat idea.

Libbie said...

Your Paisley is amazing! I love the colors & the pattern! So cute! I always like Paisley! :)

Oh your heat! I can never get over how hot it gets there!

Catherine said...

Some weeks there just doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything we want/need to do!

Hope you are having a super terrific weekend Tammy!
xo Catherine

Vicki Boster said...

Hi Tammy-- 100 degrees is HOT-- I don't know how you get used to that--
Your crochet paisley creation is gorgeous!!! Honestly-- you are always so busy I don't know how you fine time to crochet!! Those rocks all look so pretty as a grouping in that photo!
Vicki

Vicki Boster said...

Ps-- I love the pigeon photos!
Vicki

Astri said...

Oh those hollyhocks are incredible..I have been on the search for those as well. One of my top favorite flowers. You have photographed them so well!

Great job on the paisley Tammy. Very well done...and the rock collection is amazing.

Have a good week!

Astri said...

Oh those hollyhocks are incredible..I have been on the search for those as well. One of my top favorite flowers. You have photographed them so well!

Great job on the paisley Tammy. Very well done...and the rock collection is amazing.

Have a good week!

Helen Philipps said...

I love hollyhocks...these look so beautiful! Love your wonderful crochet rocks too, and your paisley is amazing!
Wishing you a happy week.
Helen x

Anonymous said...

The pictures of those doves are amazing!! and I love love love your paisley!
~Dawn

Dagmar said...

Happy Monday from BC...love your rocks Tammy and what a hit that your son asked you to make those hockey sacks, Bravo...Hope you have a great week..love the photos of the doves!
xo

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy,

That is hot weather there and you would want to do your walks in the early morning or evening.
The hollyhocks are so pretty and how cute and inquisitive the birds are.
Love all your crocheting work.

Hope you are enjoying the week
hugs
Carolyn

Caterina Giglio said...

oh I imagine Hollyhocks would thrive in your climate.. they do so well in the desert in New Mexico.. and are those mourning doves? great photos!

An Aussie Felter said...

For some reason I always thought Hollyhocks only grew in cool regions - I will have to try planting some this year! Love the Paisley colour combination... it looks like it would make a pretty book mark ... enjoy the rest of your week : )

Nima said...

Good that i stumped up on your blog..looks like you are somewhere in middle east...the regular scene thru my balcony window..the dove enjoying the wet plant pot with blossom..sometimes i get upset with them, because they destroy it..

Good to see your paisley...i'm yet o try the pattern..hope to do it soon.

Monica said...

OOOOOOH I LOVE your crocheted rocks!! Sooo pretty, Tammy!
Thanks for your note, if you want to read what I think about the subject, my post is here:
http://the-white-bench.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/about-creative-blocks.html
Hope it helps!
xoxo

Wildflowerhouse said...

I had to giggle when I saw your temps in the 100 degree range. Our weather has been up and down. Last night the weatherman said that this was the coldest day in history for May22nd in Seattle. We have been in the 80's a few days before. Hard to know what to wear each day. LOL
I wish I could crochet like you, but it just gets all muddled up. :-0

Kit said...

I just love your rocks! So wonderful and so lovely. I hope you are doing okay. Kit

Tanna said...

Texas is heating up, too... nowhere near like you are though. =/ That paisley is wonderful... wonder how you could do several in an afghan? I love that you shared all the rocks together (thanks to Aishwarya). Hope you have a wonderful weekend. blessings ~ tanna

Serena Lewis said...

It's getting colder here. Lovely photos, as always, and I adore your crochet projects. Have a wonderful week, Tammy. xo

Thistle Cove Farm said...

The hacky sack covers are lovely; how kind your are to give such a pleasure. We're still having frost so can't imagine 100 degree days...ugh!

Cheryl said...

Your crochet rocks are always soooo super cute... do you ever place them back out in the dirt? for someone to find them?

no spring chicken said...

The paisley is BEAUTIFUL! And darn it if I still haven't learned to crochet. It's the inspiration of the rock that started this whole dilemma!!

Blessings, Debbie

Taci simmons said...

The paisley is gorgeous and I just love he rocks. My daughter loves rocks and have been bringing home rocks from all over the place...the beach, Brazil and very where we go she wants a rock from there...I have been thinking about crocheting the rocks for her... Seeing yours gave me the motivation and inspiration.

Tanya said...

Well, the paisley doily ROCKS, for sure - all of your work is lovely, and I absolutely LOVE that you can make Hackey Sacks! You'll probably be known as the Hackey Sack Mom around school - too fun! Glad to hear you're alive and kickin'...I am dreading the 100 degree temps - we are supposed to hit them this week, too! Stay cool, Tammy - Happy Wednesday - XOXO Tanya

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...