Sedona

Sedona is an awesome place and I can see why it inspires artists to paint its vistas, even just the average joe like me can't help but want to capture its image. There is an energy about this place that causes one to become silent. You want to hear the whisper of the wind and the gentle calls of its birds and insects.

The rocks change so much, depending on the light, when the sun is bright the rocks are a much deeper red. As I came into this Valley the colors just jumped out at you, surprising you at its intensity - so vibrant and alive (we had just came through Phoenix with its dull sandy soil and extreme heat). The surrounding mountains though beautiful in there own way do not prepare you for Sedona. I can understand why so many want to live here, the architecture of the local buildings is very chic, galleries, boutiques and fine dining abound - quite dear to the wallet. That is why this motel was so surprising, its very simple and decent - also affordable.

The sign speaks for itself, straight forward and no nonsense. I really did not feel the need for anything more, the area surrounding it is full of restaurants that you can walk to and galleries that you can visit.

At the end of the motel was the best part, a nice covered patio. I had my coffee here and sat listening, gazing at the surrounding red hills and jagged peaks. Little bees visited me and hovered about eye level for a few moments before moving on. A fellow lodger came and joined me - he and his wife were celebrating their 20th Wedding Anniversary. It was so sweet to hear him sing her praises, he was happy with his life (he is a landscaper and was so glad that it could provide them with this vacation). A kind an gentle man who enjoyed the simple things in life.

Just down the street was a sweet collection of shops & restaurants. The sign above was charming and to me was an artistic expression - announcing the presence of a cafe. The things of everyday were made with an appreciation - something for the eyes to enjoy.

Here is another approach to the same set of shops, but with a different feel. The sound of the water and the statues evoke a Mediterranean feel.

And yet another approach makes it feel like you are standing in a European garden, I like the different approaches and the lack of a central theme, it feels spontaneous. Sorry no knitting to show you, I did work a little on the lace scarf, but I've already shown you that and it still has a long ways to go.

Green Valley

The Green Valley is a place I would like to experience during its cooler seasons, I would love to explore the local parks and visit some of the tribes that live here, but when the weather is over 100 degrees, I just made a beeline for the resort and hid from the heat and I am so glad that I did, the place was an indulgence. View from the Resort- the sky took your breath away with its beauty, the clouds danced across the sky, this is monsoon season and the clouds patterns were fascinating, in one cloud formation you could have dark grey, graduating up to a pure white, I've never seen anything like it.

The love seat was so comfy, the kind you sink into, so you grab a book and lay back, its the perfect size for me to curl up into with a nice glass of wine.

I did not get the chance to use the dinning table, but loved the idea of it being there. Egads - I just had an epiphany, with my new found interest in quilting, this would be the perfect place to do one of my projects! Can't you just see my sewing machine at one end and a WIP spread out behind it.

I did get a chance to briefly use the kitchen, the oven is so large, I've never used one like this before and felt a little guilty using it for such a little thing as a quiche, but you know what a new toy is like, you just have to use it. The kitchen is well stocked with wine glasses, dishware and some appliances, but if you really serious about your cookware, then you might want to bring one or two of your favorite ones. When I return I want to bring along a Le Creuset pot to make a stew - can you use them on the flat top stoves?

The bed was very, very comfy with a nice view of open fields. I had intended to do a little knitting right before I retired (honestly I did), but fell asleep with my knitting bag sitting on the bed beside me, the lights and TV on. I guess the long 8 hour drive in all that heat took a toll on me.

The next morning I had a luxurious bubble bath and soaked while reading one of Yarn Harlot's books, it just doesn't get much better than this. My vacation continues, next is Sedona, followed by Carmel by the Sea and then Solvang. I will be posting those soon along with photos of my latest yarn and fabric finds.

Redondo Beach

Spent part of the weekend in Redondo Beach and started off my day with breakfast at CJ's. The food is good and the portions are generous. It has a beachy casual atmosphere and the walls are painted with beach scenes (as you can see from below). The waitresses are so sweet, they were checking on me regularly and filling up the little coffee cup (even before it was halfway down).

A walk was in order after breakfast, the beach is only a couple of minutes away, so I strolled down there and this view greeted me. There is a Marina nearby so lots of boats were in the area. There is something majestic about the way they glide through the water, there were Sail boats as well, but they were not cooperative about having their photo taken.

There are rocks piled up everywhere and it was mesmerizing watching the waves wash up on them, splashes of white spray filled the air, the ocean air is so relaxing, you feel all your tensions ease away and your breathing becomes deeper. There is nothing like the smell of the ocean, once you've experienced it - it will linger in your memory.

Doesn't this look tropical? I thought of some of my readers when I took this photo. The Palm Trees really do lend to the landscape, I had taken them for granted until someone had commented on them. It opened my eyes and I take notice of them now.

I even take the time to look up at them and admire their foliage with the blue skies as their backdrop. Birds love to nest in them, especially if they are a little less tidy than this one. They hide their nests among the older fronds that can form a dense cover for them.

I have chosen a few more companions for the pink and white fabric that I had previously purchased. I think they get along quite well. Now what to do with them. I'm still pondering on this.

Title?

My knitting time was almost non existent during the past week or so, horrendously long work hours just wore me out. It looks like its over with for now and so I can resume knitting on my Petra scarf (definitely not a quick knit, but very rewarding as you see the scarf start to grow little by little {I had inch by inch, but that would just be too fast}). Perhaps my readers won't mind my sharing photos of things that catch my eye - to see the wonders that surround us from another's viewpoint. I am finding that I love knitting lace and being a slow knitter with not a lot of spare time, well, there just wouldn't be much to show you. I have been inspired by fellow bloggers and their talents. Pat's quilts have been so incredibly beautiful that I picked up a few pieces of fabric, they look quite pretty together and perhaps I could add some solid white and a solid pink to them - or maybe some green - so confusing -what do you think? I'm not quite sure what to make with them, perhaps a tote? Any suggestions? I have never quilted before, but so admire the craft. For those of you who haven't visited Pat's blog, I highly suggest that you browse it, her knitting is as beautiful as her quilts and she takes wonderful photos that show the details of her craft. (You'll see her blog listed on the side under my favorite blogs).Nature inspires me, as I was exploring quilt patterns, I could see how the colors of a quilt could be inspired by nature and the colors she combines. The pinks above with the muted pinky browns of the stems and the green in the leaves. Or the various shades of yellow and greens of the rose bush below. I can see how all this inspiration can lead to love of fabric, for its color, texture and designs, now add to that all the beautiful quilts patterns available and the countless projects that could be created - its simply dizzying! For now I will exercise patience and bide my time, exploring this new interest and savoring it like a good read or a fine glass of wine - to be enjoyed.

Lila

My dear little kitty Lila is fascinated by my camera. She is staring at it almost mesmerized and makes a beeline for me every time I want to take photos of projects, yarn... her sweet little face instantly melts my heart and I forgive all her trespasses. Some kitties just love to be blog stars.

There are some stark places in California that have a certain strange beauty. This area I believe is called Red Rock where some friends went primitive camping (shudder). In the summer it is baked by the blazing sun and hot dry winds. It almost looks like it could be another planet.

July 4

This is a painting of my father who was a World War II veteran. His name was Willis, but everyone called him Bill. He was a Sergeant and retired from the Army after 20 years of service. Wish I had wonderful things to say and sweet memories to share with you, I've read so many accounts of tender moments with a dear parent and they touch my heart. But I wouldn't be here without him, so I can honor him in this way.

Petra Scarf

I was a little down in the dumps about the last lace scarf I tried and frogged, just was not sure what to knit. In Smariek's comment she gave couple of great suggestions and I decided to try knitting her lace scarf called Petra and it is coming along wonderfully. Definitely have to pay attention to this pattern and I like the challenge of it. I can see its beauty as I knit, it has such a nice flow and weight to it.

The Angee sock from Cookie's book fits well and was easy to knit. I used a merino and bamboo blend that was hand dyed by Celtic Memory Yarns in Ireland. This yarn very, very soft, don't you think its goes well with this pattern?

Los Angeles is full of bakeries, this one is a Jewish Bakery (just down the street from the LA Farmer's market) everything that I had purchased there was delicious. I loved the old sign, its nice to see that not everything has to be torn down and redone (Orange County is infamous for that).

Don't you love receiving gifts? I dear friend of mine surprised me with this book, it has notes written in it (most likely a high school student) and there was an old paint sample card from 1977 that someone had used as a bookmark. I have never read a book like this before, it is unusual and interesting. Out of curiosity I looked it up on the Internet and the school still exists, the daughter of the founder now runs the school using his principles.

HAPPY! HAPPY! HAPPY!

I have found a yarn store - not very local (4o miles away). But the best one around, its called Wildfiber and is located in Santa Monica. It is a high end store and contained so many yarns that I had read about on your blogs, they encouraged me to look around - no pressure, just take my time. I found some Rowan and in the back they have a sale area where I SCORED some Koigu. There were so many more yarns to drool over, but I restrained myself and walked away with just a few things.

Look at all that beautiful yarn!!!!!!!!!!!!

Winners

We have two winners for my give away, Cathleen won the first gift that included all the sock yarn. The second gift which included the Rosewood knitting needles was won by Brown Bear. I have sent you both an email and look forward to receiving your information so that I may send you your gifts. I had not realized how much I would enjoy this whole experience and will not wait an entire year again before I have another one. The only sad part was not being able to give everyone something. (By the way I used a Random Number generator to select for me)

GRAY

I love the gray days of June and when I looked at my WIP noticed they are all GRAY! I found this profoundly funny and thought I would share this with you. The days are gentle now and I was even able to stroll the parking lot at work in the afternoon. The sounds are different then and I was greeted by the cries of a Dove, the beat of a Hummingbird’s wings, and the song of a Mockingbird - all in just a 15 minute stroll. These gentle skies allow the Agapanthus petals to glow attracting Hummingbirds and Honey Bees and how beautiful the Jacarandas look towering against the soft skies.

One of my projects was a lace scarf which is now in the frog pond, the pattern was complex and interesting, but just want not to my taste, with all that work I want it to be something I love, so I will have to search out another design. Does anyone have any suggestions on a lace scarf pattern?

I also have another candidate for the Frog Pond, I loved the design, the colors of this Koigu sock yarn are fabulous, but it was just too big and there would not have been enough yarn to make this into knee highs, so I have to look for a new pattern. Any suggestions for patterns? Has anyone worked with this yarn before?

Blogiversary Give Away

I am celebrating my one year of Blogging with a Give Away. I had so much fun picking out these sock yarns, the large skein in the middle is Opal, the two blue ones on the side are Wildefoot and the pair in the front is Red Heart (the Red Heart is really fabulous - it contains aloe, very very comfortable to wear). All of these comprise the first gift.

Gift #2 is some really pretty Berrocco "Zen" yarn and the most gorgeous Colonial Rosewoodknitting needles, I absolutely fell in love with the beauty of these needles.

RULES TO WIN

1. Leave a comment and if you don't have a blog, then also email me indicating which comment was yours.

2. If you have a blog and reference this giveaway on it, then that counts as an extra entry (please be so kind as to let me know).

The deadline to enter is June 15. I will be selecting two winners at random and post them on my blog.

Cable Rib Sock

I just finished the Cable Rib Sock from Interweave's Favorite Socks book, it suggested using a cotton based yarn, but I just haven't found a cotton sock yarn that I really like, so I used a yarn with 65% Merino Wool, 25% Nylon & 10% Donegal - Knit Picks Essential in the colorway Ash Tweed. The sock pattern is quite forgiving in the fit which is especially appropriate as this is a gift for someone with a size 10 foot, unlike the petite sock, this one was not so quick to knit, so I must knit the second one soon, and maybe reward myself with a treat when it is complete. Hmmmm what should that be?

I haven't been gardening much this year and am grateful for the faithful perennials that are making an appearance now, this Japanese Hydrangea is especially lovely as it cascades over a volunteer Columbine, I love surprises, it will be interesting to see what color the Columbine will be and hopefully the Hydrangea will share in a bloom together with its nearby companion. We shall see.

Have you ever had a dear friend snap at you or perhaps get irritated with you? Well this just happened to me and my response? Give them some beautiful flowers that I cut from my Hydrangea shrub in a recycled Royal Blue vodka bottle. I feel that life is too short to hold grudges or to let my Ego get out of whack over something trivial. My gift was received with a warm smile and a tender hug.

I also cut a couple of flowers for myself and it looks lovely on my old oak dresser. They sit quite happily in an old antique bottle. Hydrangeas are such delicious flowers, the shrubs need little care and reward you with a such long lasting blooms.

Petite Socks

I just completed the first of the Vilai sock for a very petite friend of mine, I modified the pattern so that it came just above the ankle, she has very small feet (size 5) and has a petite stature so I thought this version would be suitable. Oh by the way - it is a delight to knit for someone so small! The sock came about very quickly and has motivated me to start to second sock immediately (I have to remember all the changes I made). This sock pattern is alot of fun to knit and really holds my interest. The sock yarn was one I had won from ebay, it is wool and nylon and has pretty good stitch definition.

She really likes this sock and thinks I'm a fast knitter. (That could definitely earn her some future socks).

FUN! FUN! FUN!

I met with a knitting group at the L.A. Farmer's market, what a delightful group of women, I had such a great time, I will definitely be back next month. I found the group on a lively blog called LA IS MY BEAT (http://ellenbloom.blogspot.com/ ), there is something about this woman that just draws you in - she has panache. I felt so comfortable with this group, no expectations on any one's part, just sharing the pure joy of knitting and chatting.

The sweetest little baby was there, she was just a bundle of joy, all laughs and smiles with the prettiest blue eyes.

Rivet - Rivet - Rivet

This post should have had a few projects to show, I earnestly tried to knit with the cotton sock yarn, they would have come in very handy for summer and they just left me feeling like Goldilocks - only nothing was quite just right. I thought the hot pink yarn would look darling in the Latvian Socks pattern as it featured a heart pattern what I had failed to notice until after I started knitting is that the charts have a different number of rep stitches, chart 1 - 32 st reps, chart 2 35 st rep, chart 3 33 st rep and I wasn't sure how to go from chart 1 to chart 2 - do you make the extra stitches??? I am a self taught knitter with only 1 knitting lesson under my belt. So I frogged the sock after completing the 12 rows in chart 1. Then I took my last remaining skein of yarn and began knitting the Uptown Boot Socks, the pattern is very simple, but the yarn was having nothing to do with this pattern and the stitches were very mushy. So the yarn will reside in the frog pond for now. Which brings me to my next frogging adventure. I fell in love with the Vilai socks and found a decent yarn for the pattern in my stash - Yipee - the yarn would really show great stitch definition. This is my first time using one of Cookie's charts and I had misplaced all of my highlighters, but I marched on determined to begin this gorgeous sock. I had completed the ribbing and was beginning the set up - row 2 when I received my first interruption, Watson (Black Standard Poodle #2) insisted on being petted and cuddled. Went back to the pattern I had already read what the symbols meant, so did the Rib Cross - funny the stitches did not end evenly - never mind I'm sure it will catch up in the next round. Hastings (a VERY LARGE White Standard Poodle) begs me with his pleading eyes to follow him - a crisis had occurred, the food was running low in their bowl and he wanted fresh water. Return to knitting sock and begin the main chart pattern ... many interruptions later - the stitch count does not seem to be matching and I keep making or decreasing to try to bring the pattern back into shape. Approaching row 27 and realizing this does not look like the sock in the photo - frog, frog, frog, back to the ribbing and went to the store to return with... Highlighters - to help me keep track of what has been knitted - notice my helpful kitty, I swear she wasn't in sight when I brought my bits to the garden to photograph, but she was a very good model - her petite paws framing the highlighters.

Poking her nose at my camera lens and gently pushing my hand about as I held my camera and tried to get my photos.

I also bought these Post its (in case I stop mid row - yes I know never stop mid row, but distractions are ever present) I love this little frog sprinkler - it sits among the Alpine Strawberries and peaks out at me thru the leaves.

I also purchased some ribbon to go with the lace stocking I plan to knit. I am especially fond of the pink and green ribbon. The wide green ribbon with the orange polka dots was just irresistible and felt so silky and smooth, don't know what I will do with it, perhaps wrap a little gift with it or should I include it in my give away (this June)?

Finally a finished project to show you, I had to really rush to get this photo, no dallying as Lila was attempting to pounce on them as they sit atop the French Lavender. These are the leaf socks, they are so pretty on - the toe is not really that pointy when you have it on.

MORE GETTY PHOTOS

I will be sharing photos from the Getty's garden over the next few posts. I love the use of rebar to show off the bougainvillea, this is a wonderful place to rest and view the surrounding garden, read a book or knit for a spell.

I stood at the base of the and looked up, the magenta flowers against the blue sky was gorgeous and I thought - great colors for a sock yarn!

There are so many vignettes, the gardeners use of textures, shape and color, one has to stop and admire their work. Taking the time to notice the fragrances lingering in the air.