Enduring Beauty

This statute greets you as you exit the shuttle at the Getty Museum. Glistening in the sunlight it causes you to pause for a moment and fills you with anticipation as to what lies within. There are so many treasures that are within its walls and with the visiting exhibits you could easily see incredible works of Art with each visit. My purpose this visit was to stroll thru the gardens so that I could share them with you.

The garden itself is a work of art. I could not believe this composition, the way the succulents sparkled in the sunlight, the pop of a yellow poppy(?) that was on the wane draped so delicately across its neighbor. The vignette so fleeting, just a moment of beauty that I managed to capture on film, its moments like this that takes my breath away and fills me with awe.

The contrast between the vibrant Orange poppy against the delicate poppy (which reminds me of a petticoat) was so visually appealing and I was so happy that the bee was so accommodating to visit while I was taking this photo. The garden was simply abuzz with bees and they peacefully flew about the place their buzzing quietly filling the air and an ocean breeze wafted thru (causing many a blurred photo) .

The color on these Roses was a shocking Orange (the sun did wash them out a bit in the photo) its contrasting dark green leaves forming the perfect background for them.

On the other hand these Roses were quite hidden under a tree, the sunlight peaking thru the leaves, they looked like they were stretched out to gather up every bit of sunshine they could find. After my visit to the gardens today, I reflected on the joy that all plants bring to me, but especially the short lived beauty of the flowers, they can always bring a smile to my face.

FUTURE PROJECTS

I purchased the Interweave Knits for Spring 2009, I found the beautiful cardigan above its called Hannah Fettig's Whisper Cardigan. For some reason I don't feel intimated at the notion of knitting this and will be looking for the yarn - Morehouse Merino Lace (has anyone worked with this yarn?)

Please forgive this rather blurry photo, but my camera was having problems focusing on it and the sun was going down, so this is the best I could do. Its called Bettie's Lace Stockings, it incorporates calf shaping into the stocking so, it will definitely be a challenge. The yarn is Rowan 4 ply (yoohoo has anyone worked with this yarn?). I hope it will look as charming on me as it does in the photo. Now to think on the color and perhaps a pretty sundress to wear it with. If all goes well, I would wear them to have Tea at the Huntington Library or perhaps for an outdoor concert under the stars.

Appreciation

There is so much beauty in life - when one feels inspired to share its wonders, sometimes its a simple as looking up at the clouds when the sky is blue and realizing how good it feels to be alive. To feel a breeze as it brushes against your skin or to smell the flowers that can fill the air with their fragrance, especially on a hot day. This weekend was a scorcher, much too hot to knit, but fortunately for me, I can escape to the ocean where the air is clean and its scent fills the air, leaving you with a sense of well being, my lungs grateful for being able to take deep breaths of clean air. I may not have any knitting to share with you, but I wished to share my gratitude for everything I've been given, the ability to appreciate and to love life. Happy Knitting my friends!

Knitting Cotton Socks

Well I'm knitting my first pair of socks using a cotton blend. I purchased Risata from Knit Picks, its a blend of 42% Cotton, 39% Superwash Merino Wool, 13% Polyamide and 6% Elite Elastic. Its really different than knitting with wool, casting on with this yarn is a bit alarming as the yarn was unwinding and separated a bit so I had to be careful not to split it with the needles. After the first couple of rows the yarn tames down and knitting returns to normal. So I chose to knit the sock pictured below. The pattern is simply called Lace Cuff Anklets (Favorite Socks book) and here is my version below. To tell the truth, I'm really not that crazy about it, maybe it would look better in the green color. The pattern was interesting as it started off with a size 4 needle, then went down to size 3, and the body of the foot is knitted on size 2, its a good thing that I began expanding on my circular needles, Knit Picks has such affordable needles, its hard not to get a few each time I order. Great News though this may end up being the last photo of my feet in socks (Do I hear a collective YIPPEE!!!), no more pale legs and weird camera angles.

I splurged and bought a pair of sock blockers - so my photos will look ever so professional. (giggle) I was a little unsure about how this pattern would knit up and as a precaution I purchased three skeins of this yarn. So for now the second sock is on hold. Why - do you ask?

Because I plan to try this sock (just in a single color). The pattern is called Latvian Sock from Vogue's Ultimate Sock Book. I just cast on a few minutes ago (yes this skein also unwound and tried to split on me). And if all goes wel I will show you the sock on my next post. Then I feel that I will have reference point and be able to make a proper decision.

By the way does anyone have any suggestions on a decent cotton blend sock yarn (for lighter weight summer socks) any pattern suggestions would also be greatly appreciated? I've really grown to love sock knitting, being a slow knitter with limited time, it allows me to accomplish something. Egad, I can't even imagine knitting a sweater. Maybe during a vacation when I have loads of time on my hands. I can imagine myself sitting on a porch of a lovely cabin overlooking a valley full of trees, rocking and knitting, the aroma of a fresh baked apple pie drifting over the porch, my Standards curled up near me - Who Knows Maybe someday, it sounds like a pleasant way to live, simple. By the way my Blogiversary is coming up this June and I will have a contest, its been fun shopping for the prizes.

WIP's

I have a few WIP's in progress, this scarf is so much fun to knit, it's a free pattern on Smariek's blog (There is a link to her blog listed under my favorites) and the pattern is called Osiris. The yarn is one of Knit Picks "Essential" in the colorway called Mermaid and I am using a #3 circular needle which seems to be the right size for the pattern. The photo above shows the true color of the yarn, but I couldn't get good stitch definition so I turned on the dreadful fluoresent light and got the stitch definition - but oh my, the color became ghastly, so please use your imagination and merge the two together (got the picture?)

I am making progress on my the other leaf sock, I did get distracted by Osiris, but will get this sock done shortly, although it's almost too warm to wear them now, but they shall keep nicely for next winter.

The wimple I'm knitting above just refused to be photographed, I shall have to wait until it is completed to see if it will pose for me. The colors are really rich shades of brown flowing beautifully into greens, the yarn is a fingering weight yarn by Schaefer Anne. The Pattern is Wavy Feathers and I am knitting it with a size 4 circular needle, I really do need to find a better way to take photos of my knitting, I see these lovely blogs with gorgeous photos and admire their ability to not only knit well, but take the most marvelous photos of work as well! It will give me a goal to work towards - oh to have gentler light streaming thru a window - instead of the Harsh California sun BLASTING in.

This is my new sock yarn, I finally caved in and bought a vibrant colors, it by Jitter Bug and the colorway is called Tapis 72. It is comprised of various shades of red and some black. I'm looking for the right pattern for this beauty, got any suggestions?

I came across these daffodils during one of my recent strolls at the Huntington Library, they looked so fresh, the contrast between the blue/green leaves and the stark white of the flowers is setting off little ideas in my head, perhaps the perfect colors to redo my bedroom, or maybe just dress it up a little with a new summer quilt.

Sometimes you come across something so appealing, I wish I could put my finger on it, but I really liked this vignette, it was in front of a shop at Fashion Island and I loved it.

Tranquil Weekend

What a wonderful, tranquil weekend and I feel rested. I was fortunate enough to stay again at the Marriot Bay View (they just redecorated) The suite is even more wonderful with a King sized bed that has a feather bed over the mattress and a lightweight down blanket to snuggle under.
There were few people and it felt so quiet, you could stand on the balcony and listen to the sounds of the back bay and the wind as a storm blew in. The view from this room is a little different as you can see some of the hotel grounds as well as the incredible back bay in the distance. Flocks of birds descend on this area and I suggest binoculars if you really want to see them clearly. The storm caused flocks of birds to seek its refuge. There was an enormous white bird that I could not see very clearly as he was as he shielded by the mist, he had to be at least 4 feet high as the egrets looked minuscule next to it.

Embossed Leaf Socks

I began a new pair of socks and started with the Wavy Lace Socks for about the first inch and then moved onto the Embossed Leaves pattern (both from the Favorite Socks book). The yarn is a very reasonable yarn from Knit Picks "Essential" and the colorway is Granny Smith. The yarn is soft and cushy (a rather thick Fingering weight at 15.5 WIP) and since I knit loosely I used size 1 circular needles. The second sock has been started, this is such a pleasant sock to knit and I know this sounds silly, but its like having a good friend around, someone easy to be around, not too demanding and yet still interesting enough to hold your attention.

This sock also has an attractive side view, the purl stitches highlight the heel which seems to really hold it shape well. I wonder if this yarn will wear as it did tend to want to split a bit while knitting, the softness makes this a forgivable fault if the yarn keeps its loft thru my long days.

MORE FARMER'S MARKET PHOTOS

Giada had featured this place during one of her shows and I've had the opportunity to try it a couple of times. The crepes are nothing to write home about, mine (as well as a friend's) were thick and on the tough side and the savory fillings we chose lacked flavor. I would recommend their French Press Coffee and their Belgian Waffles ( be sure to splurge and get the real Maple Syrup).

There are a few bakeries at this market and I feel it is my duty to try them all for you (will the sacrificing never end?) There are so many beautiful foods at this market, the glass cases that they are housed in are unforgiving, most of my photos had reflections due to this glass...Argh!

These candy sticks reminded me of my childhood, they were in our local general store and when I moved to Southern California they bring up my childhood memories of Knotts Berry Farm (when it was free to walk about, no fence, and you paid for each ride your rode on).

Appreciation

Life is full of surprises, though some not so pleasant ones do arise, please do pardon my absence, and the absences that may occur from time to time, an unpleasant health issue has arisen and while not life threatening can be painful and will definitely slow me down, I have placed myself in the care of a good Holistic practitioner and hope that I will recover from this completely with time. (Ok enough of that now). I am a fortunate woman who loves life and all it has to offer. I have a Niece who is getting married in April, she also appreciates my knitting and so I took her shopping for the yarn (she wanted a scarf for her Honeymoon in San Francisco). What a fortunate Aunt I am to have loving Nieces who appreciate the simple things I knit.

Thrift - I decided to use this leftover yarn and created a simple crew sock, It fits well, but I must admit that I am so spoiled now by the beautiful patterns that I am discovering that I lost interest in knitting up the second sock and so this sad little single will have to wait for its mate.

The Eclectic Sole has so many gorgeous sock patterns, this is the Hydrangea pattern, it is so feminine, I can picture it with a lacy white skirt for summer. These colors are a perfect reflection of my Variegated Hydrangea Shrub that sits outside the window, a perfect place to rest your eyes, especially during a blogathon, where one wonderful blog draws you to the next...

The Rivendale Sock is completed and the second sock is about 1/2 way done, I will have to try this sock again in a solid color, perhaps an orchid color or a soft butter yellow would really show this glorious pattern to its fullest. The sock is so interesting that even knitting the second sock has been fun!

I've made the most wonderful discovery, the LA Farmer's Market. What a fabulous place to wander about, It is so full of life, surrounded by warm families, couples in love, Senior Citizens in groups chatting over cups of coffee, the people here have a love for life and the warmth of this place reflects that.

I had been craving a great donut for months now, and finally found the best I've ever had at this place. A friend and I sampled a few donuts, but then discovered the most incredible Beignets here, they had a wonderful slightly crisp exterior and the most tender interior that just melted in your mouth. The good old fashioned coffee went well with this simple fare. I HIGHLY recommend this place.

The Farmer's Market has a wonderful Tea Shop, teas in bulk, I was enchanted with these beautiful rose buds (my friend did purchase some and I'll bet it was wonderful). Can't you just picture these lovelies being presented to you in a glass tea pot. Perhaps with a lovely bowl of Fresh Strawberries. The aromas would be heavenly!

These Oranges were so vibrant, they looked juicy and felt heavy in my hand, with so many things to choose from, I had to leave these behind as I would have needed a very large truck to take everything home. I have more photos of the Farmer's Market to share on my next post.

Anniversary Socks

This photo was in my archive, I had taken it while on one of my trips to the Huntington Library. It was so stunning, these glorious colors just glowing in the winter sun. Now as I reflect upon this, wouldn't these colors make for a great hand painted yarn? How wondrous Nature is.

I am so delighted with these socks, perhaps not the prettiest of photos (it is a little difficult to photograph your own feet). These socks are so comfortable that I slept in them, the aloe is a wonderful addition to this yarn and they actually fit!!! I did do the daring (unlike me) thing and just let the stripes fall where they may.

I am in a bit of a pinch, I had started the Rivendale sock from the Eclectic Sole book and have hopefully only temporarily misplaced the book. I made a copy of the chart, but can't go any further without the key. I have taken this book to so many places that I don't know where I left it I do hope to find it soon, it was my favorite sock book and I was planning on knitting several of the patterns. Do wish me luck on finding my treasured book.

I bought this book on a whim, not for its patterns, but for the actual writing. It is humorous and will really pick up your spirits. Hmmm buying a craft book for its whit .

Knitting Goodies

This is the sock I knitted from the Red Heart Heart & Sole with Aloe, and it knits up very nicely, I'm still learning to match yarns to patterns and perhaps I should have just kept it to plain stockinette, but I like the lacy pattern on the front as it will help to keep my feet a little cooler. I am about half way thru the second sock, and deliberately decided to just see what it felt like to begin knitting the sock without trying to match the pattern (ohh, I'm such a rebel!!).

I had to sneak in another photo from my trip to Roger's Gardens, this Magnolia blossom was so beautiful in person, the petals looked like rich velvet, I could just picture it as a mature tree covered with these gorgeous flowers.

I have admired the socks on Gilraen's blog and know that she has made several of the patterns in this book. It has some incredible patterns that I will now have to knit, the challenge will be to match the perfect yarn for each pattern (something Gilraen excels at) and one that I hope to develop as I gain experience.

This book also caught my eye, especially the hats that are in here, they are quite stylish and should make for quick projects, ideal for spare time knitting.

What is it about receiving candy in a pretty box that just warms my heart. I was given this box of caramels a little while back and just love looking at the pretty box and bow. Eventually I may get around to opening it.

Enchanted Garden Store

I am mesmerized by this garden store and each trip inspires me. They present wonderful little vignettes that can be used by gardeners even in a small garden and had the hardest time whittling down my photos to just nine. I love subtle mushroom ornaments and thought these so darling. Can't you just picture a fairy dancing among them? In person the blue flowers played off beautifully against the dark green leaves of the shrub behind them and the interplay between the blue and white was quite dramatic.

This place is large enough (6.5 acres) to indulge gardeners in a plethora of different plants, from cactus and succulents, to trees and shrubs, and of course my beloved flowers and herbs as well as garden ornaments. The placement of the succulents below is so appealing. (I'm not especially drawn to succulents and so that says a lot)

There are a plethora of flowers in containers, these Ranuculus were so prolific that they obscured the containers that held them and held me captive in their beauty.


These mushrooms almost escaped my view, they were nestled in the shade under a large tree and with so many things to see, I could have easily missed them. I thought how beautiful they would look against a snowy background where their colors could really pop.

I so wanted to take this home with me, it would look wonderful with my Hydrangeas serving as a backdrop and surrounded by some Thyme which so thrives in my garden.

While my tastes definitely gravitate toward English cottage gardens, I can't help but appreciate this giant below, it towered above me and demanded attention.

They have gorgeous plants for the indoors, artisans pots, fresh cut flowers, I could go on and on as I feel like I am leaving out so much and doing it an injustice. (I guess I'll just have to sacrifice myself and make another trip to for you)
The orchids were so amazing, they have so many, one patron was commenting on the "fake flowers" as they were perfection in bloom and as well as being artistically displayed.

I was very good on this trip and walked away with two superb African Violets (who were quite camera shy and refuse to make a show of it in my photos). Spring shall come all too soon and my little garden is greedy, so the next time I shall not escape so lightly. I do promise to post knitting photos the next time.