Beautiful Thing

I'm feeling sad these days. As I mentioned, things are changing in the knittingbrow household and it's taking time for me to adjust. This is natural.

One of the things I like to do when I'm sad is to watch comfort movies. One of my favorite comfort movies is Beautiful Thing. Follow the link for the standard summary. Or just watch the trailer.


The movie stirs many emotions for me. There is a certain scene in the movie I call "going on 17." The tenderness shared between two friend is represented wonderfully in the writing and acting. It's honest and awkward, just like any teenager trying to become comfortable in their own skin.

I love Sandra, the mother of one of the boys. She obviously loves her son and struggles with understanding what she doesn't understand. Fortunately, her love for her son wins.

The soundtrack features Mama Cass and The Mamas and the Papas.

What are your comfort movies?

A Year Without a Sothia Pattern?

I remember watching The Year Without A Santa Claus and wonder which character would make the perfect Halloween costume. I must have been very good because I "found" my copy of Robin Ulrich's Sothia shawl pattern. (rav link) Which yarn colors should I use?

My test knit of the Katriel.

Daybreak

I started a Daybreak last night using yarn from TheUniqueSheep.com Ram Club. Yarn base is Verve in color ways Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice.

La Cage Aux Folles

A couple of Saturdays ago, I went to Cleveland with Songferret, StageManagerChrissy and knitBS to see the touring company of La Cage aux Folles

It was a delightful show and we had great seats thanks to our theater social calendar coordinator, Songferret. The actor playing Albin, (Christopher Seiber) was full of joy on stage and really brought the house down during the act 1 finale, "I am what I am."

George Hamilton seems tired as he played Albin's partner, Georges. He didn't look comfortable in the role. He was certainly tan. :)

Albin belted out his songs with full gusto, bringing me along for the ride. If you have an opportunity to see the show, I recommend it. It is different than the movie The Birdcage so don't expect the exact storyline. Expect a story of a family who loves one another as another family is starting their life together.

I brought sock knitting with me and snapped this photo. It's the best I could get without a flash and after trying to photoshop it on my iPhone.

A Rose

A Rose, a photo by knittingbrow on Flickr.

This rose sticker from the lapel on the lapel of my jacket has special meaning. On Wednesday, I had the honor of being a pall bearer at my BFF's mother's funeral. He asked me if I would help the family.

I said "Yes" without hesitation.

The funeral was small and heart-felt, just as I expected. I was happy Songferret took us up our offer to drive him the to his hometown. Lady Julie, PhotoSteve & I were able to attend the services.

My BFF, Songferret, has a lot of people who care about him. He knows this from the comments left on his Facebook wall when he announced his mother passed away. He knows this from the people who called during calling hours. He knows this from the comments on the virtual guest book on the funeral home website.

I want him to remember that people love him. Thank you for asking me to help. I love you.

Rainbow

Rainbow, a photo by knittingbrow on Flickr.

Yesterday was a long day for me. Stress caught up with me. I was driving to an appointment and saw this rainbow. It was exactly what I needed to see.

I've not knit in the last two days so I don't have an update on the lace. I want to post an update on the current UFO progress this weekend.

A View From the Upstairs Window

My sister blogged about my chainsaw adventure on her blog. She posted a couple of pictures.

BTW: We were talking about how long it would take to cut up all this wood. So there. :)

Learning to Use a Chainsaw

My BIL Jack taught me how to use my chainsaw this morning. I brought the manual with me so he could look at it just in case it has significant problems. It didn't. We (he) took it apart and tightened the chain, added chain and gasoline and it started up after a few pulls. This is impressive because I haven't used the chainsaw in almost 10 years (if not longer) and did no preparation for such long storage. Jack did a cut with it and found the chain was very dull so he let me do some cutting with his chainsaw.

After I get the saw started, it worked out pretty well. I cut two of the trees into 18" lengths. I'm looking forward to going home and being able to use my saw on my own. I'm confident I can do the cutting I need. Notice the flannel shirt my sister bought for me. I think it's nice.


After the morning, we went to Planktown Country Market. It's a bulk food store that has spices, cooking ingrediants and an incredible deli. I picked up spices, bread flour and cheese to name a few things. The horshradish cheese is quite tasty. We headed to my niece's house for a nice lunch. I got to hear about her wedding plans. She's almost done and the wedding is almost 11 months away. w00t.

Here's a video to lighten the mood a bit, especially after seeing me using a chainsaw and wearing flannel is too much for you. Enjoy!

Chop Wood, Knit Lace

Chop Wood, Knit Lace, a photo by knittingbrow on Flickr.

I'm visiting my sister and BIL, Jack. Jack has generously agreed to help me learn to use a chainsaw (properly). I've had this chainsaw over 10 year and last used it during the Clinton administration. I need help to adjust the chain, lubricate it and ensure it works. Jack's going to help me take it apart, put it back together and use it to cut some of the logs you see in this picture. I think this is very cool.

I brought a lace project with me that needs completed and worked a bit on it last night. I'll snap a photo of it today.

My sister picked me up a flannel shirt so I can be lumberjack-like. There will be video of the adventure.

Mom Update

A while back I shared that my Mom was in the hospital. Thanks for your kind thougths and well-wishes. She was release from the hospital and has been spending time in a nursing, rehap facility. She's expected to go home on Monday.

We still don't know what exactly they are going to do in the long run.

I'm looking forward to our annual "Thanksmas" celebration. There will be family in from out of town and I'll be seeing a niece and nephew I've never met before.

BTW: I'm finished with my holiday knitting. Are you?