Taking a break from all this stress for a little wedding fun........................

One year ago this lovely couple asked Little Buddy to be in their wedding.  The bride to be was part of the medical foster family that Little Buddy was placed in after he was born.  They took amazing care of his complicated medical needs and helped him to grow and develop.  They love him so much and still are very much a part of his life.  If you are new to this blog you  can read about Little Buddy's arrival into our family here and about this amazing family here.  They are like aunts and uncles to him, they rejoice in his accomplishments and laugh when he is a bit naughty.

I am still very active with this family, seeing them twice a week for several hours as I work with some of the children in their care.  They have adopted two girls in addition to the grown children they already have.  They are an inspiration to me everyday.  Little Buddy has been preparing for this day for almost a year, mostly being worried about what his walker would be decorated like!

Here is the wedding outfit.  He loved his belt and bow tie. 

His job on this very special day was to walk in front of the bride and her father, right after the flower girls.  He took his responsibilities very seriously!  He walked slowly so everyone had time to see his signs, both front.........................

and back.....................

Little Buddy used his walker for the ceremony and then his forearm crutches the rest of the evening, even while dancing.   It was a beautiful day, and we are so blessed that Little Buddy was asked to have such a special role in the festivities. 

Justin Trudeau you are my hero.........

To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada

Justin Trudeau

I am horrified about the events of this week, each day getting even worse than the previous one.  When looking for something to grab onto I looked to Canada, Justin Trudeau is my new hero.  Speaking out for what is right, what is kind and what is decent.  I applaud all Americans who have protested the horrible executive orders that have been signed this week.  You had better protest now because I read yesterday that some states are trying to make protests illegal.   

I just want to tell the world that we are not this.  It looks like Americans right now are horrible people, but we aren't.  Most of us are kind and embracing those people from different nations and different religious faiths.  We want peace, not alienation.  We want equal rights for all, and we want to welcome all of you, not ban you because you have come from a country that does not have a business interest by the president.  We want to tear down walls, not build them.  I really can't put into words what this week has done, I have tried to post about it several times but find the magnitude of these despicable acts have rendered me speechless.  Do I blame the man in charge, you bet, but I also blame those men and women in the government that are allowing all of this to happen.  Our elected officials are not governing for the people, they are governing for themselves and for big business,  They are governing on a platform of fear, not kindness.

  Here are some interesting links that might help you feel there is hope, well a smidgen of hope out there anyway.  That the press is not lying, that not all the people in America find these new policies to be okay.  

The newest issue of Time Magazine is out and it is amazing.  Wouldn't it be great if we actually went out and bought the hard copy instead of just reading it online?

For those of you who want to continue your quest to do more after the Women's March on Washington, D.C. and all over the globe, you can find out how to do more here.

John Pavlovitz, a minister, is my favorite read of the day.  He seems to be able to articulate so much of what I want to say in a much better way than I could ever imagine.  I have been reading his posts long before the election, and I find that he speaks for many of us.

Votespotter, is an app that keeps you in touch with your representatives and lets you know how they vote on the things that are interesting to you.  It is a non partisan project, just the facts.  Thank you Araignee's Tangled Web for bringing this to my attention.

The last day to sign up for the ACA or Obamacare is January 31.  You can still sign up if you want to and be covered for the next year.  The new administration does not have this information up anymore so now you know.  32 million people are going to lose their healthcare if this is repealed. with no alternative put in place.  The billions of dollars that will be lost repealing and replacing is staggering and so unnecessary.

Climate change is real.  Support those scientists that have been shut up, those at the EPA, NASA and the National Park Service.  Did you know that the new administration has made it much easier to sell off public lands to developers, oil drilling and for commercial purposes?  Our sacred parks and national monuments could be gone.

I just finished Small Great Things by Jodi Picout.  Oh my you have to read it.  I am usually not a huge Jodi Picout fan, I love her style I just don't always love her endings.  This book about race and the prejudice we all have was very enlightening to me.  I had to read it in small spurts as it was uncomfortable and frankly appalling at times, but it is so relevant to where we are in this country and in many others.  And it is relevant to some of the people who are helping to run this country, this mindset is beyond my comprehension but is necessary to face head on.

I have to say I am having a hard time reading blogs right now, my spirits are very low and I can't seem to hide them by posting about a pretty flower.  It isn't that those flowers are important with the beauty they bring to our lives, it is that there is so much going on that is against everything I believe in.  This election has brought a huge fissure to our country.  It has let the ugliness that is in all of us become unchecked in many.  I can't bury my head in the sand and pretend it isn't happening or that it will all go away.  I realize you come here to see Little Buddy and a few of the things I make, but this is my life right now and I am going to be honest.  Speaking freely is our right, protesting is our right, disagreeing is our right.  Speak out before our voices are silenced.

So I don't end this depressing everyone I found this article about people knitting/crocheting sweaters for elephants.  You can find it here.  It is helping restore my faith in humanity.  

And so they march................

Yesterday I had the privilege of taking my SIL's to Tampa so they could grab a bus up to Washington, D.C., for the Women's March on Washington.  There will be a live stream on this site this morning if you are so interested.

On a dark day in our history, a dark message was delivered to our country by the next President.  I am choosing not to join in with all of that.  I am choosing to fight for a better world for everyone.  I am so proud of my SIL's for not just talking but for actually going to the March.  Later in the day I found out Claudia's husband, my wonderful BIL Don, was catching a bus at 4:00 in the morning to join the March.  When I talked to him last night he told me he was walking for Claudia and myself and all women out there, but he was also walking for Little Buddy, so he would be treated with respect and get the services he needs.  It made me tear up.

The atmosphere was charged with excitement at the meeting spot in Tampa.  And I saw lots and lots of Pussy Hats worn by all sorts of people.  The organizer told us a man drove up with four hats he had made and donated them to the marchers and then drove off.  Amazing!  I was happy to give a hug to the five recipients of my hats.  Had I known about this project earlier I know I could have knit more than six hats.  But at least I can say six hats of mine are in Washington, D. C. right now preparing to march with hundreds of thousands of people.  Maybe just by my mention of this project here on my blog many hats were made and delivered for marchers across the country.  Every hat helps.

I wish I could have taken photos of everyone but here are just a few of the women I saw who were celebrating and getting ready to have a say .

I made this Kitty Pouf yesterday to give to my SIL's when they return to Florida tomorrow.  I wanted them to have something to show my appreciation for what they did.  I saw the idea for these poufs on Araignee's Tangle Web.  I had the yarn, Madelinetosh A.S.A.P super bulky, and I had the size 15 circulars.  I cast on and got it done in one day.  I have one more skein of this yarn so number two, "pussy cat pouf," will be on the needles today.

To all of those marching, I send my best.  To all of those cheering from home, I send my best to you, too!  I never in my life thought we would be in a place like this with our country.  The darkness that was alluded to yesterday was fueled by the very person giving the speech.  I will not remain silent, I hope you won't either.

Blessing to you my friends.

Thoughts on a Tuesday.......

Since every spare minute I have has been used up making these hats, not a lot else has gone on here.   Little Buddy likes putting the hat on but informed me his favorite color is red not pink.  

Two have already been delivered and three more have been made.  I think I can get one more finished before I take my SIL's to the bus in Tampa on Friday.  They are riding all night so they can participate in the Women's March on Washington, on Saturday.  They are marching for women's rights as well as the rights of every single person in this country.   I so wish I could go!  There are Sister Marches all over the world.  Look at this site to is amazing to see the participation out there.  

I have been watching the Gilmore Girls on Netflix while I knit row after row.  It is a great show that I am late to the party for.  I swear I am late for everything!  A perfect show to watch as I try to knit my heart out.  I want to live in Stars Hollow and of course I have a crush on Luke.  I am still on season 1, and am loving every minute of this show.

Another great Netflix show, The Crown.  If you haven't watched it you should.  It is superbly acted, absolutely stunning, the costumes are incredible, and oh my the music is so stirring.  I can't wait for the next season to be released.  It is by far one of the best productions I have ever seen.

Here was my Christmas present from my friend Holly.  She bought this not knowing at the time the person she bought it from had made it.  It is actually made by a friend of mine who used to own a yarn store near me.  She lost her daughter in a tragic car accident some years ago.  The proceeds from these little monsters go to the foundation she set up in honor of her daughter.  Her daughter Jen, was an artist who taught art in elementary school.  If you want a monster you can find out more here.  

I have been trying to weed thorough some of the things in my home as I have stated before.  I ran across an article stating you should remove, recycle or donate 27 things from your space for 9 days in a row, to clear out the old so the new can flow in.  I can happily say I have completed day 8, one more day to go tomorrow.  If you miss a day you have to start all over again!  I have been through drawers and cupboards, closets and under beds, yet there is still so much here!  I just might keep going a few more days as there seems to be no difference here at all.  Out with the old stuff and in with the new.  Well in with positive things, nothing negative I hope.

I have also been gluten free for two weeks to see if it helps my headaches.  It is not as hard as I thought it would be but can I just say that my rice flour, agave sweetened gluten free blueberry muffins are not near as yummy as my agave sweetened chocolate chip muffins.  I am starting to bring gluten back in a little at a time starting tomorrow, wish me luck because I feel like I have been hungry for two weeks.

Just to make you laugh, not the greatest selfie, but you get the idea.  Little One and I had to try on the hats together.   Soon they will be on their way to marchers in Washington D. C.  I am in awe of all the women, men and children out there who are marching for all of us, for equality in all forms. I wish them all a great day.

Another controversial post sparks good conversation......

I believe I am starting to be quite the controversial blogger.  I love that you all feel passionately about the things I write about, whether you agree with me or not.

Of course I am talking about the Pussy Hat Project.  I have to tell you that when my SIL, who has her Ph.D in education and worked for years with University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, asked me to help her make this hat I was a little floored by the name.  It is not a word I use, have ever used or agree with using.  I feel it is extremely derogatory and insensitive.  Yet after reading the meaning behind what the two creators of the project intended, I joined in at full speed.  

I agree we should not lower ourselves.  I agree we should reach high, but that has not worked really well so far.  The creators of this project, Krista Suh and Jayna Zwelman wanted to make a strong visual statement on the day of the march.  Well pink hats with corners that can represent ears will make that statement, even if you think they look a bit silly.  This is a pattern seen frequently on Ravelry, and it is not offensive in its other forms.  Yet the name of this hat makes it quite controversial.  It is a play on the words pussy cat, and of course a reference to the word our President Elect has chosen to refer to women and where he likes to grab them.  I like this quote from the project webpage, "We choose this loaded word for our project because we want to reclaim the term as a means of empowerment."  It helped me understand where they were coming from.  And frankly a less controversial name would not have garnered the attention that this name has, whether you agree with the name or not.

I thank you for you interesting comments.  I thank you for those of you who made hats, passed on the pattern or simply chose to abstain from the whole thing.  I am not the only one making this project.  You can find many articles about this project online, here are just a few from Huffington Post, Yes! Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, and Bustle, and the links to Ravelry and Facebook.

Here is the hat I made for my SIL.  She was very pleased with it.  I have now finished number two and am casting on number three tonight.

Here is Mr. 23 modeling the hat above. 

Onto other thoughts.  My house is a lot quieter these days.  Mr.19 went back to school on Sunday, and Mr.23 and his darling girlfriend returned to Ohio yesterday.  I have to admit I have cried a few tears.  I really feel whole when they are all around, when they are gone I feel like I am missing a part of my body.  I always think I will get used to it but I don't.  Little Buddy is missing them all, too.  He told me yesterday that his biggest brother and girlfriend were missing him, but that is okay they will come back to F is for Florida again.  Yes, Little One, they sure will.

Stopping the baby blanket for a much better cause........

This baby blanket has been put on hold.  There is time to make it later as my new little grand nephew won't be in this world for some time.  This morning I found out there are much more important things to create.

My wonderful SIL'S are going to The Women's March on Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2017.  I am so excited for them.  They are going to march to defend the rights of women in this country.  Not only women's rights but the rights of everyone.  I am jealous I can't go, but I can do something, I can knit.   They brought this project to my attention this morning in hopes I would help them get started on a few hats.   Oh you bet I will.  I wish I had known about it a few weeks ago, believe me that would be all I would be doing in my spare time.  

This project, started by two women, is so important considering the road we are on.  And while you might not like the name you have to understand that our President Elect feels it is fine to use this word  freely in regards to women, and wants to grab women by this body part.  So your offense should be with who says things like that, not the name of the pattern.

On the website which you can find here at Pussy Hat Project, you can find this knitting pattern as well as several different crochet patterns.  There are links to where you can mail hats, where you can drop them off and which yarn stores in your area may be participating.  Please visit it to find out the mission behind this project. 

What an amazing visual affect it would have if many of the marchers wore these hats.  I am on a quest to knit as many as I can so my SIL's can give them out to other marchers.  If you can't make hats for marchers make one for yourself and wear it on January 21, 2017 in a show of solidarity to those who are marching for all of us. 

You see we cannot say that what is happening is okay.  We cannot let women's rights and those of anyone in our country be moved back into the dark ages.  We have to have a say.  We have to choose to be better, to be the one fighting for all of us, Little Buddy included.

If you are a mother, sister, aunt, or friend please think of those young girls you see around you.  Look them in the eye and know that they are in for a tough ride if we let things slide backwards.  If their rights are taken away, the right to equal pay, the right to reproductive health, the right to birth control, the right to be in charge of the decisions for their own bodies, they will be far worse off than we have been.  You see other women and men have fought for us to have the rights we have now.  They are easily ripped away, how can we let that happen?  How can you look at them and tell them you could have helped but didn't?

It is not just about women, it is rights for everyone of every color, nationality, religion and sexual orientation.  I want my sons to grow up in a world where we are all equal.  Wouldn't that be amazing!

As you know a very wise woman once said, "Women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights." 

My superpower is the ability to take yarn and make it into something special.  While I might not be able to attend, The Women's March on Washington,D.C., or any other marches at state capitols on that date, I can do this.

Will you join me?

Happy New Year.....

Happy New Year everyone.  I thought we could all use a photo of Little Buddy to start the New Year off the right way.   Although he woke up on the wrong side of the toddler bed today, I did get him to smile a wee bit.  Maybe he was up in the middle of the night having a party in his bed, Lord knows the rest of my neighborhood was out shooting off fireworks and making all sorts of noise.

As for me I was in bed hoping to start the New Year rested.  My goal every year is to have Christmas firmly put away up in my attic before the New Year starts.  I want to start off fresh, that means a massive cleaning of my house, sheets washed, garbage out and two trips to the Goodwill with trunk loads of things to donate.  I want a clean fresh start to the year.

Even my office/studio got a good cleaning and some rearranging.  It feels good to get things in place.

This is where I visit all of you.  Sitting in this chair and drinking tea.  It is lovely to share time with you.

I also dropped off more donated yarn.  Over 4,000 yards, I am trying to be ruthless with my space and my house.  I feel like I have so much stuff I don't need.  My goal is to donate two to three bags of things a month.  Now that does not sound like much but it will end up making a difference.  I have been doing that all last year and hope to continue my progress.  How did all of this get here in the first place?

Last night I surprised myself with a finish.  Right before the year ended.  This is my version of the Cancun Lace Boxy Top.  I used 648 yards of Cotton Classic yarn, with a size 8 needle.  This yarn was some of the oldest in my stash, maybe 18 years old.  I am hoping to wear this with a white tank top underneath with jeans.  It looks very boxy on my dress form Caroline, remember she is much smaller than me and well frankly does not have arms or hips so it looks better on a real body.  Don't mention the arm thing to her she gets upset about that.

Yarn total used in 2016, 15,892 yards, up about 1,000 from 2015.  That is just over 9 miles of yarn!  I completed 36 projects using yarn, with no real favorite this year, well maybe my Lovey Lambs.  While I added a ton to my stash, I used a lot and gave a lot away.  I am hoping to use even more up this year.  Well as of today I haven't bought any yarn this year!

Today I am starting my new baby ripple.  I decided the blue/gray combo was not bright enough so stopped by the yarn store this past week to exchange gray for this green.  It seems brighter for a baby boy.

As for 2016, I am not sorry to see you go but am very fearful for the year ahead. I read article after article about the changes that will be attempted to be made to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.  While there are many who will fight for Social Security and Medicare, those who receive Medicaid generally are those who cannot fight for themselves.  Little Buddy receives Medicaid to  meet all of his complex medical needs.  Without this very basic insurance he will not receive the therapy he needs nor be able to see his current specialists.  He is one of many, many thousands of children that will be affected.  If you live in Texas these changes with children are already in the works with Occupational Therapy (that is me) and Speech Therapy being the first to be targeted.  There are already changes in the way we treat women's health issues, women's rights, those of a different sexual orientation, color, religious belief, and frankly anyone who is not white and male.  I am not excited at how this year, and those ahead of us will turn back the rights for so many.  So while 2016 was a tough year for me both mentally and emotionally, 2017 rings in whole new fears.  And those fears are personal to me with my work, and for my son.  

So 2017 you are here, even if I am not ready for you.  All I can do is hope and pray you will not be as devastating as I feel you might be, for me, for my son, and for so many others.  I feel this is the year we will look back on and wonder how we got to this point in our lives.  How we let our country become a place where we are not evolving, not accepting and welcoming and of course not taking care of those who really need it.  Little Buddy being high on that list.

I am wishing you all a Happy New Year with a heavy heart.  Not a great way to start the New Year is it?  I hope and pray I am proven wrong.