Change in the Weather

I'm so glad I took that long walk yesterday

 while the weather was so incredibly gorgeous.

Today started out cool and clear, with the moon bright in the sky,

but by mid-morning it had taken a turn, becoming very windy and dusty.  If this keeps up, it will definitely be a stay-at-home kind of weekend with lots of crochet involved.  

Yesterday a friend at school asked me if I would crochet a case for the Instax Camera she received for Christmas.  I traced the size of the camera onto a piece of scrap paper, then last night pulled out the softest yarn I could find in my stash and crocheted an envelope style pouch.

I took it to her today, but she had left the camera at home so we couldn't see if it fit.  Although I was pretty sure the size would be okay, I thought the button might be too far down so that it couldn't be closed properly.  What a nice surprise to find her post on Instagram this evening.

Turns out it was a perfect fit.    

This maybelle pattern will definitely be on my hook this weekend.

And there might be more mug cakes, too.
Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Walk

The weather this afternoon was just way too beautiful to waste.  As soon as we got home from school, I changed my clothes and immediately headed out for a walk.

Soaking up the sun and my surroundings.  

Wandering up and down neighborhood streets as I like to do.  

From 3:45 until 5:15 p.,m., an hour and a half went by in no time.

Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are endurance, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you a wonderful day,

Travel Tuesday: Switzerland of America

From Durango we headed to Ouray, Colorado which meant driving past Silverton on Route 550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway.  It is part of the Trails of the Ancient Byways and is regarded as one of the most beautiful highways in Colorado, but is also one of the most dangerous because of its narrow winding road, steep ledges, sharp turns and lack of guardrails.

Ouray originated as a mining town and calls itself the Switzerland of America because it sits at the narrow head of a valley and is surrounded by steep mountains on three and a half sides.

Its main street is considered a National Historic District and the entire economy of the town is based on tourism.

For a small town of only about 1000 people, it certainly had a lot to offer with sightseeing and hiking.

We actually stayed in the town of Montrose about 40 miles away, but no pictures were taken there.  It was basically a central location for the day trips we took each day.

Next time I'll take you to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Happy Tuesday!

Pixel Takes Patience

Pixel Crochet

It's like cross-stitch and crochet combined.  Tiny little colored squares to create a picture.  I've come across some beautiful blankets made this way and have wanted to try creating one of my own.  You can just about take any small cross-stitch pattern and turn it into pixel crochet, so I decided to start with a simple heart.

The easy part is finished.  Tiny little one round granny squares were created using thin cotton yarn.  Now I have to join them all together and tie in all those little loose ends.  My least favorite part of crochet.  Perhaps it will be a pillow at some point.  Not sure I'll ever have the patience for a blanket. 

My heart is full today.

My college boy arrived early this morning for a visit.

Happy Day!

Adding to the Yarn Stash

Well, it was bound to happen.  I hadn't bought any new yarn since our trip to the States this past summer, but wanted something quick and easy when we traveled to Dubai.  And since I didn't have enough cotton colors for the projects I wanted to carry along, I caved.

Turns out, I didn't have as much time to crochet as I thought, but have since made up for it.

My favorite stacked shells doily and some stone covers.

This pretty cream and blue granny mini mandala was inspired after my walk on the beach last week.

A small mandala that was gifted today to a friend.

 Another stacked shells doily and starry flower coaster.

And a granny sweetheart.

So, my question is, how long do you have to own yarn before it's considered stash?

Happy Sunday!

Sightseeing Saturday: All Aboard

In October I dropped the ball on my travel posts.  At that time, I shared with you the walking tour I took of historic downtown Durango, and now I'll share with you our train trip on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway,

First off, let me just say, my kids hated it.  We could have driven to Silverton within an hour, whereas the train ride took several and was rather expensive. We were in the first open air gondola which was a big mistake as we were pelted with soot from the engine the entire time.  Plus, our trip just happened to be the very day of the World Cup Soccer Finals which my oldest son was none too happy about since he had watched the entire games up until that point. 

  The railroad was constructed in 1882 to transport silver and gold from the San Juan Mountains, but passengers realized the remarkable views were well worth the trip, too.  My teenage boys would disagree with that, but who can argue with this:

Pretty spectacular.  I do wonder about the environmental impact of all that smoke and steam from the engine though.

Silverton itself is a very small town.

We didn't get to explore as we were racing around trying to find a restaurant with a tv (no easy feat) so my oldest could watch the finals. And by the time we were finished, it was time to board the bus back to Durango.

(Thank goodness I hadn't chosen the train for the return trip or I never would have heard the end of it.)

On the way, we came across this little girl selling things she had made.  

I have a wallhanging of "Life's Little Instructions" that says: Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards" so I did.

So, that's the tale of the train trip.  I thought it would be a good experience; my kids want to forget it ever happened.

Oh well.

Happy Saturday!

Changing Things Up

Well, as you can see, I thought it was about time to freshen up my blog.  It's been a while and sometimes change is good.  There was a time when I updated the header to suit my mood, the time of the year, or the holidays.  Though I probably won't do that, I will still do some tweaking.  Changing the layout was taking way too long to get just right, so for now, I will leave it as is.

 We had another day of gorgeous weather which I took full advantage of by walking for an hour and a half this morning.

Though I love the weather this time of the year and the fact that everything is growing and blooming, I still can't adjust to early nightfall.  We have the same 24 hours in the day and yet it just feels different.  Lots of people here walk at night, but when I walk, I am not just doing it for the exercise, I am doing it for the experience.  I want to see and explore.

With the first step, the number of shapes the walk might take is infinite, but then the walk begins to define itself as it goes along, though freedom remains total with each step: any tempting side road can be turned into an impulse, or any wild patch of woods can be explored.  The pattern of the walk is to come true, is to be recognized, discovered.

A.R. Ammons, A Poem is a Walk

We go back to school Sunday and I will miss these long meandering mornings, but am hoping to find time for some quick afternoon walks.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Intention

My first post yesterday on Instagram was this photo and message.

Green is the color of balance and harmony.  This is my wish for all of you in the new year to come.

These are aspects of daily life that I struggle with, especially during the work week.

Balance:  mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

 Harmony:  a feeling that you are happy and your mind and emotions are well-balanced.

And so on this first day of the new year, although it is tradition to make resolutions, I much prefer to set daily intentions.

You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.

When I am able to nourish my physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual life, I am a much happier person and through walking and having lunch with friends, I was able to accomplish all of that today.

Of course, the ultimate accomplishment will be maintaining balance and harmony once I go back to work on Sunday.

Happy New Year!