Happy Thanksgiving everyone! (give or take a day or three) This year we made it to my grandparent's house, had a lot of good food, seen family I haven't seen since last year and had a great time. Jerid seemed to enjoy the holiday ruckus and handled it very well. Last night (Saturday after Thanksgiving) a friend of ours had, what she called, a chosen family Thanksgiving. We saw old friends and made some new ones, which made things seem more festive.

My only regret was I didn't have my camera, so no new pictures of family from me, I have to rely on the kindness of family members and their memory cards to send pictures my way. (nudge nudge, wink, wink, know what I mean? know what I mean?) Until then, I'll post this lovely picture of a cowl I made that I submitted to 101 skein wonders, crochet addition that promptly got rejected. I'm going to be posting the pattern of in a later date. (stay tuned)

So let's talk about what Thanksgiving is about. What we are thankful for. So since it's my blog, I'll go first.

I am thankful for my families. The ones I'm blessed to be related to, and the ones that have chosen me and mine to be apart of theirs. I'm thankful for all the good times, and yes the bad ones. For without the bad ones, we would not truly know how blessed we are when the times are good.

I know this is the start of the Holiday Season's and which ever you wish to celebrate, or not. I hope that everyone will stay safe, be kind, and stay hopeful.

Enjoy the life that will come and be above all be thankful for the ones around you. Remember we are all in this together.

Season's greetings.

This is the National Writers Month, yet again, I feel vastly unprepared for it. I haven't been writing much. I have on the other hand been working hard on getting this Christmas taken care of. All but the Finishing work is finished.

This year has been ripe with anticipation when it comes to politics. The GOP has not picked it's candidate. It seems every week there is a new front runner, then something happens where they are not it anymore and someone new is the bee's knees. So far the newest flavor of, last week anyway, Herman Cain is making the head lines with his 9.9.9. campaign. Though it would drastically change how we pay taxes it would sadly be a case of reality mimicking a video game. Sims 4 (released in 03') I should note that it hasn't been officially stated that is where the 9.9.9. came from it just seems to be a coincidence, and how he seems to running his campaign it is mostly likely true. Although at currant point he is dealing with allegations of sexual harassment and now Mitt Romney is up in the poles. (again.). It's hard to believe that people are scraping the bottom of the barrel to try to beat Obama in the next election.

All I can say to that is Good Luck. I don't see it happening. But hey I was surprised before when Bush got reelected. I'm not a psychic. Lord knows I'm not.

I get that people are unhappy, it just seems like after a while they don't even know why. So that brings me to Occupy Wall Street, Occupy the World. I am happy to know that people are finally fed up with the Corporate corruption that America seems to have fallen pray to. I can get behind, the back to basics, message that they are trying to convey. It's just sad that the GOP has taken it as whining, and won't take the anger seriously. I don't think that they realize that that anger is bigger then the Tea Party could dish out. They may not weather the storm with that attitude.

So now that I got the unpleasantness of politics out of the way. I would like to talk about my favorite subject....Knitting. I have already said I've been making Christmas gifts and that means knitting. I have also been trying design on the side. I have also been steadily working toward my first level Masters. Stead as she goes, I guess. I have one more swatch to make (the one I have to design myself) and the question portion of the class. Then the report. Okay, I have also been trying to write more. I did put a pattern in for the next installment of One Skein Wonders, crochet edition. I got rejected. so I'm thinking of putting the pattern on my blog and be done with it and move on. I can say I tried and it's just a misstep in my journey. I will prevail! I kinda have to.

As for the Carver House, we are still in limbo with it. We will be going to court for Probate soon. Then we can talk to a judge and see what he/she says. the whole thing makes me gitty and nervous at the same time.

Well Thanksgiving is around the corner. So if I don't get back to blogging before then have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Spring is now sprung! I have the flowers in

my yard to prove it!

With it I had done a Beltain (May Day) swap on Ravelry and gotten a drop

spindle and some beautiful hand died wool.

I have never spun wool before, so some friends of mine, told me about the fiber festivel that was going on this weekend.

We went today and had a great time. I learned how to use my drop spindle there, I also found my new obsession with fiber (not that I needed anouther one) Next weekend my friend Jenny will be coming to my house for some sewing and quilting. Part of the sewing projects will be costumes for ConVergence (a Sci-Fi convention in Bloomington MN that is coming up in July) Though the theme isn't steampunk most people are looking at it as such, I thinking of making my costume on this level though not on the same level as most...it should be intresting.

One the news of Jerid.

He is swimming without life vest and loves to jump in on the deep end. He swam 30 feet the other day and loves to float on his back now. It is awesome to be able to say that. I am a proud mama.

Speaking of Mama's Happy Mother's day to all Mother's and prospective Mama's!

In Knitting News... Today I went to my usual Knitting spot, the place I try to knit at least every Sunday. I saw some fellow fiber artists, I thought it was very cool and tried to socialize to meet new people, that seem to have a love for the arts of fiber. Then I had to remind myself a very important thing. Knitters are an intresting breed and there is two types of knitters in this world. Ones that are social knitters, they knit out side of the house to meet new people and want to socialize outside and inside of their inner circle, thus creating a bigger circle of friends. Then the other ones are anti-social knitters they knit out side of the house but are not intrested in meeting other knitters, their inner circle is just fine and there is no need to expand it. I often find that most of the knitters where I live (Chaska Area) are the anti-social knitters, sad to say. I hope to find people in my area willing to expand there social knitting circle entill then I'll just have to knit alone in the city I live, and drive to MPLS, for my social circle. In Jerid news... I was in the coffee shop (as said above) when a person who works with Jerid came up to him and said hi. She told me that Jerid is doing more and more Swimming on his own. Without a flotation device. He is also jumping off the diving board and is going into the deepend willingly. This is exciting news, consitering where he was a few short monthes ago. He is making great gains in his physical development. I'm very proud of him. We still have alot of work left to go, but the journey is the best part. In Moving to Carver News.... In my previous post I anouced that Justin's dad had past away. He apparently had no will and so everything is pending. The county wants over two-hundred grand from his astate and it's not worth that much. The house has been in the family for four generations and may be lost to the county because of Bill had no will. We are looking in to get a Lawyer because we have been working on the house for over three years. We were mostly moved in and have put alot of money and work into the home we were hoping that would be owned by a 5th gen. Hartley. If anyone knows a good lawyer, or knows the laws around this sort of thing please let us know. Thanks

I would like to start off this blog by mentioning some people that have past away. Justin's father, Bill Hartley. (Pictured)

He past away on Feb. 16, 2011. Loving father, son and friend, and so much more. Though he is gone from this earth he will always be in our hearts and memories. He will be missed.

Also a long time friend and much more, Lea Ortloff. (not pictured) I have known her for a little over 17 years. (over half of my life) She had a lot of struggles, and pain, she seemed to always put on a happy face. She was a very loving person and though she had many illnesses, and physical challenges she was a fighter, and one of the strongest people, next to my late husband Eric, that I knew. She past away March 25th, 2011. She will be missed as well.

Our knitters group that gets together on Wednesdays at lake Nokomis Coffee shop in Mpls, MN(anyone is welcome and the coffee and sandwiches are good too!) put together our second annual Knitters retreat in Paynesville MN. at the Bug Bee Hive Resort. This year had been extended from three days and two nights to four days and three nights. Though I had the opportunity to be there Thursday, I chose to go there Friday.

We all worked on a preplanned project of a lace shawlett or a lace hat, although next year we are thinking it would be easier not to do lace because we like being social and working lace, being social and having wine do not mix well, though it does produce some interesting results and some interesting stories after words.

We also went into town and did some yarn shopping and we also stopped at the quilt, and bead shops as well.

At this retreat I had fully intended to blog about the whole experience. I just had to much fun and decided to write about it later.

I'll show off finished projects soon I promise and more pictures too!

I have been doing alot after the first of the year 2011 has been productive so far in many ways. I have knitted five hats I'm also making a drum bag for Justin and I have my sweater vest ready for finishing. (pictured, Thanks Tamera) As you can see it's color ways a blazen and I have no intentions of stopping, ok, maybe slow down but never stop. The world could always use more color! I intend to help out in this area where ever possible. I have noted that technology hasn't been my biggest ally this year, complictions with up dating my blog (this is my third atempt to write something sinse this year has started. Complications with getting paper work in and the like. Not much more to complain about in my life. (so far this year) Jerid has restarted school like most kids after the christmas season and we are back on a working schedual (Yay!) Justin's two bands are preparing for Marscon, coming up in March. It should be fun. I'm hoping optimism is the key to this year. (here's to keeping our fingers crossed)

The world is anouther matter it is a topsy turvy place. My heart goes out the victums of the shootings of last week. The ones who didn't make it and the ones who did. The mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. May they find peace and understanding in the caos of what happened.

Till next time!

Sara

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Well, now that this year, 2010, is coming to a close. I like to reflect on all the good that I have seen in this past year. Yes, every year has the What the...'s but I also want to think of the good, and what the good the next year will bring. We are all alittle older, and hopefully alittle wiser this year, and hopefully alittle more every coming year. I did do what I set out to do last year, not all of it but alot. I learned to not fear my knitting projects, that I have not concured before, I also learned more about the craft then originally expected. I made new friends. I also learned to say No,(still working on that) and thank you when it is aproperate. I have been moving more, going roller skating and walking (I'm also working on that, old habits are hard to break) I also have a steady income which is mine. I like that. I think my goals for next year are the same as last.

Though everything isn't peaches and cream for me, I am greatful for what is going well in my life, my family is supportive and my friends are awesome. I hope everyone has a safe and warm New Years Eve. (picture of a hat that I made about a week ago, for a friend of mine. Picture taken by me)

Thinking about my last year. I have done more projects this year then I have ever done. Though I may not have made much money, I feel good about what I have accompished, which is more what I've felt in the past. I am very lucky for my family, though I can't begin to know how to pay them back, I do my best with the love I have for them. This year is the year I've pushed myself as an artist, a knitter, a mom and a friend. I learned alot about myself, and how much I have to work on. Though many things are not the way I wish them to be, I am confadent that, just because things are not now, they can be.

I haven't been in a writing mood lately, Ironically it is writing awareness month. I have to admit that I have been more on the groove pof picture and knitting happy. I have been exparimenting with more then one color and have been knitting for Christmas, I almost got my mom's gift done. I just don't know what to make for others. Or if I will. The Picture that is up is from the Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota. I was there on the 12th of November. Justin and his bands (Beth Kinderman and the Player Characters and the Feng Shui Ninjas) went to WindyCon near Chicago IL. this past weekend (Nov. 12-14) They are very good bands and I suggest to anyone who haven't heard them to check them out.

I've been trying to get together with friends to get other projects done, but the it seems to be that the project gods have deemed it not worth it. I will continue to try, I just think I shouldn't promise anything.

that is for now

have a good week

Tomorrow is November 2, 2010. A voting day. Even though it isn't a presidential election. I hope everyone will find it in their day to vote. Ok now that I have that out of the way. The last few weeks have been a little crazy Justin and Jerid went to Long Lake Conservation Center Up North Minnesota, October 18-20 th. Having the time to myself I went to Minnehaha Falls. I also went to the Mall of America. Gearing up for winter, Moving to Carver MN. has been a intresting feet. We have been slowly moving. The biggest thing right now is money. We have to start paying for past due bills for our house and Justin's dad's house. Thankfully Justin just transfered jobs to MRCI for more pay and more hours. It isn't alot more, but hay, more is more...right? Also I have been knitting like crazy. I am knitting for Christmas and I also have to think baby quilts, many of my friends are having babies. So that's all I guess entill next time.

This is Jerid, my son. He we were at Caribou the other day and I was playing with my webcam. Of course this meens he had to take over and Ham it up for everyone! I thought it was so cute that I have to share! Enjoy... It's about three minutes long, so get some popcorn. LoL!

My Birthday week went great!! The day of my Birthday, Justin and a few friends, Rahki and Tim, went walking in the morning and then went to D'vinci's for lunch. I was told that calories don't count on my birthday, so I ate lots and got a birthday shake!!!! It was fun. I also had gotten allot of Happy Birthdays on Face book from those who would have other wise not known what it was. Sweet none the less. For my Birthday I got me the Knitting with out Tears book (finely) and The Knitters Workshop By. Elisabeth Zimmerman . Crazy as it is I have also made so far Three Baby Surprise sweaters, and a rendition of a baby blanket only done as a wash cloth. I also thinking of making me the Rorschach sweater, I just have to find all the yarn for it, I know I have it. It's just packed somewhere. Also Rahki, Justin, Tim and I have been getting together to walk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at the Chaska Community Center. So far this is the second week. It seems to be working. Tomorrow Rahki is coming out to make Zucchini Bread, she brought me lots and man I have no idea what else to do with it. We will have lots for Ren. Fest. Which started last weekend. Jerid is on the last week of summer camp with Mount Olivet Rolling Acers. He has a love hate relationship with the place, he doesn't want to go entill he is there and then he is fine. I'm waiting for my second pay check from MRCI. I am also waiting to get the paper work to sign Justin up to start getting his job started there, he will be getting more money and more pay. I see no down side to it. We are also going to making the move to Carver after all. We have discussed it. It would be in the best interest of Justin's father to move in and pay off his fathers depts and live in his house until medically he can return. For we know the days of his father living on his own is no longer an option. We just have to get him med's that will be able to stabilize his moods so he doesn't fight getting the cares that he needs.

Just thinking...

I'm just wondering why the world has to be so complex, way every one has to work so very hard to get what they want, to have it always be known that it can be taken away without rhyme, reason or notice, and the ones taking it away realy don't want what you have, they just want to make money from it, and it's meening dosn't matter. This is the world we live in. That is it.

Trouble sleeping

Lately I've been haveing problems sleeping at night, I have been staying up not because I'm not tired but because I haven't been sleeping well. I don't seem to be the only one, of my friends because I end up I.M.ing people on Facebook or talking on the phone till late at night. When I do go to bed, every noise seems to wake me up, When I do sleep, I wake up feeling just as tired as I did before I went to bed. I'm awake and aware. Just tired and drained. I did notice since we got the AC put in my sleeping has gotten a little bit better. The up side of being awake is that I have been busy.
I have finished Justin's brown socks and now am make a new pair, also still working on baby hats, and started a five hour baby sweater. I've also started my new job of being a paid Parent threw the CDSC grant, I should be getting my first pay check in about a week, I think. (hope)
I also have to start thinking of baby blankets soon, I have a few friends that are expecting before the year is through.
I'm also hoping with my pay checks, I will have enough money to start taking time for myself for a change. I have lots of bills to take careful (who doesn't) I'm hoping to have enough to have one night a week just for me. (preferably Wednesdays) so I can be social and maybe alittle active.
Well heres to being active.

thinking about my life

I've been thinking about my life and wondering what the heck I'm doing in it. As much as I like helping people and as much as I like using my talent to help others, I haven't done much for myself. I know that helping others shouldn't be a thing I should stop. I like helping others, I just think that I should start helping myself. I just don't know how. I want so much to happen for myself and my friends, yet I can't help but feel selfish even thinking this way. Even a little bit. I have to admit the more I try to "help myself" the more things go coocoo for me. the more I do for others, the more my life gets easier. I also have to take note the more I acknowlage this the more my life gets complicated.
This universe is very big and I am feeling so very small. I also feel anything I truely want is so big that it is not possible for me to grasp. That is for other people to have and I am not good enough and I am not worthy of such nice things to happen for me. Maybe If I write about it maybe I could send it to the world and let them deside, or the "cyber gods" can deside, I hate being the leaf on the wind, and wish to be the wind just for once, and have that power to move the fog from the confussed minds of the world and let the sun shine on the paths of hopes and dreams so that everyone can have a clear path, including my own, so I don't have to feel like a person who has to grope threw the smokey consussion and know if I'm close to my dream or if I'm going to go off a cliff. Sigh, entill then I will continue with knitting for babys that need warmth & socks for my S.O.
and continue with the prayer that some how the fog will lift on its own, and I will be able to see things before I fall. Heres to hoping.

We are, like most people in the Midwest. Worried about the rising waters especially in Carver MN. On one of the dike the rising waters and on the other, the house we are tring to fix for Justin's father. The Pictures were taken on the same dike. We are still awaiting word from the Weatherization company to see what happen's next...I hope things will come around soon, it's getting scary here on the wire. Pictures of the house are taken by Sara Dibble, the Bridge is taken by Justin Hartley.

Jerid has been doing well on his practices for the Special Olympics and he gets tired after his practice, he is a trooper, thow this week he had an ear infection he will be ready to work by next week. Justin got news that workers will be coming to his dad's house on the 8th of this month! I will be taking pictures as the progression goes! no pictures now but as soon as the work begins I will be posting them, for now no pics! sorry, that leaves room for suspence! LOL! I have been taking pictures of my dolls and that is about it. The weather has been getting better here in MN we as a familly are looking forward to spring! We actually started Spring Cleaning for Justin's dad's house and for our own house. On the up side Jerid has been gaining weight! He has been averaging about a pound a week! I don't think he has ever averaged that in his life, it's great! I'm so happy he is growing, there was a time when the docters thought that he might not. He's 75 lbs and growing! It's Awesome! Justin has been sticking with the same story, I think he might finish it! I'm proud of him! He is a good writer and I'm happy he is sticking threw to the end he is also talking about illistraiting and having me help, I'm more then happy to do so! Now I'm looking forward to getting Jerid's very own Aqua Jogger so he can compete in the Special Olympics, entill he gets one he can't, so I get paid tomorrow and that is first on the aggenda!