Thoughts about Pretty Things

new home

2005-07-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Please update your links and head over to http://www.livejournal.com/users/prettykerry/ and see my new blog.

Thanks!

Kerry

Country Fairs and Funeral Homes

2005-07-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

I had so, so much fun is Swift Current! I don't know where to begin. One of my best friends, Mr. C, was born and bred there and knew just what to do with me to make sure I had a great mini break from work, packing, etc. We went to a country fair, "Frontier Days." We eat far too much greasy food, fudge, mini donuts, wandered around looking at the bright lights and sketchy rides. The people watching was amazing. Later in the evening, we watched stock car racing. You have to imagine this. Old, beat up cars, painted in bright colour with large numbers on their sides racing a round a dirt oval, very muddy from a huge thunderstorm earlier in the day. The mayor of Swift Current, a woman in her sixties, known as "Mayor Sandy" was waving the flags, calling all the shorts. Somewhere behind us an announcer was entertaining us with his colourful commentary. My favourite was, "Mike's havin' some problems, his car is out there barking like an old hound dog!" I know no idea what was meant by the comment. I guessed Mike was having some engine problems?!

We also met a lovely old lady, named Maria. She was giving spinning demos at the fair. She was so sweet. She spoke with a German accent and told us all about that she uses to dye her wool (carrot tops, sage, marigold flowers, moss). She was very happy to hear that both Mr. C and I were knitting, she said, " That's wonderful! You are so young!" She asked what we liked to knit and when we said good bye, she said "Goodbye, Sweeties." I wanted to take her home.

After watching three seasons of Six Feet Under in about as many weeks, Mr. C and I had to go an investigate the old funeral home in Swift Current. It looks so much like the Fisher & Diaz home, it's spooky.

I have more to tell you, but it's craft night tonight and I have a few things to get ready before I go.

Enjoy the picture, I hope to add more very soon.

Love,
Kerry

Study Break

2005-06-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

In 28 hours I will have written my last final exam and will have officially completed my undergrad. What a scary thought! I don't feel as though I have a degree's worth of knowledge. I feel like I have read many books, written many papers, and sat through many exams, but am not an expert on anything!

I am supposed to be studying, but wanted to take a break and read a few blogs. It seems like everyone had a good (expensive!) time at Renegade Craft Fair. I can only imagine what it would be like to meet and see all that craftiness in person. Maybe next year, while I'll be so close, I will go. Calgary is really lacking anything like Renegade.

We are mere days away from the famous Calgary Stampede. So, seemingly overnight hay bales are appearing everywhere. Men who wear stuffy business suits year around are strolling around in jeans (Wranglers, of course) and Cowboy hats. Soccer moms are trading in their Gap flares for denim dresses and "cute" cowboy boots. The words "Yee Haw" are painted in every store and business window. It is all a bit much for me. I always wonder what people who only visit Calgary during the Stampede must think of our city.

The boyfriend left me alone for a few hours this morning so I could study without distraction. When He came home, he disappeared into the kitchen for a bit and asked me not to come in. I asked him what he was doing, and all he would say was that it was a surprise. Twenty minutes later, he emerged, smiling from ear to ear with homemade fruit salad, served in a hollowed out mini watermelon. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. He used all my favorite fruits including fresh pineapple, pear, peaches, oranges, and the watermelon. It was so, so good. I wish I had a camera so I could show you. He doesn't really like doing things in the kitchen. He makes the best scrambled eggs, and can toast bread, but that is about it. So for him to take himself into the kitchen and make something like fruit salad was a little surprising. I'm still happy thinking about it.

Okay...I really need to get back to my very exciting text book. I still need to review the chapter on how we sleep, which I'm hoping doesn't cause to me to drift off.

I'm going to Swift Current, Saskatchewan on Friday for the weekend. I'll try to post before I go, but if I don't, I'll write when I get back.

Love,

Kerry

My Dad

2005-06-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

On January 28th 1982, I came into the world and made my dad a father. A lot of events have impacted our relationship but I can firmly say that my relationship with my dad is better today than it has ever been. There have been ups and downs, highs and lows, but also much love and laughter. I love the fingerprints my dad has left on me. I have his eyes, his smile and sense of humor. He gave me my creative side, and my love for all things furry. He gave me my sensitive outlook on the world and my love of Indian food. He continues to inspire me to take risks and find my passion in life, just has he has.

This weekend has been a long one and I am happy to see it come to and end. August is creeping up very quickly, along with "the move." I am getting more and more nervous about leaving Calgary. On one hand, it is very exciting. It is a change, a new place, new people, new experiences. But on the other hand, I feel as though I am giving up a lot here in Calgary. I am so, so sad to leave my friends and family. I have lived in Calgary for 15 years. Calgary has shaped who I am. We dropped the boyfriend's mum off at the airport today (she was visiting from Victoria for the weekend) and I got quite sad. I hate airport good byes, and realized there would be many more in my future. But that is normal, right? Toronto isn't that far away. Only 3450 km from Calgary. 33 hour drive, 4.5 hour flight.

I'm sorry, I'm having an emotional day. Just ask the boyfriend. (He has to put up with a lot sometimes.)

Why don't we talk about something Pretty? (My links are wonky, sorry!) Loobylu.com has some beautiful prints for sale. Her works makes me happy. I could look at it for ages. I would love to spend a day with her in her studio. So inspiring.

My goodness, I'm a sleepy girl. The boyfriend went to bed an hour ago, and I should have followed him. So I will say goodnight and write more tomorrow. I feel like I have a lot to say and don't know where to start.

Love,
Kerry

No More Excuses

2005-06-18T11:38:00.001-08:00

Guess what I got yesterday?? My new computer. So, I am sitting in my apartment in my PJs and writing to you. I have no excuse for not posting more often. Someone who lives near us has wireless internet, so we have wireless internet in our apartment! It's very convienient.

My computer is lovely! So pretty. It is an iBook. I love it. I'm sure you are all aware of what it is, so I won't go into it all. I do have one question, if anyone knows the answer, feel free to email me, or comment. I have an iPod, and want to transfer songs from my iPod into my new iBook. Anyone know how to do this? A lot of the songs on my iPod came from my friend Mr. C's iTunes, so I can't just load the CD's into iTunes. Thanks!

What else to tell you? It has been raining in Calgary for days and days. In the last 24 hours we have had 100 mm of rain. My hair is freaking out with all the humidity. A lot of the areas around Calgary have flooded, including where my Dad and Sister live, In Millarville. My Dad's house is high up, but his land is low in places and the creek that runs through it has flowed over its banks. I'm a little worried, but I'm sure it will be okay. My Sister's high school graduation in on June 30th and I'm hoping the golf course where it is schedules to take place is okay. I have more to say on this subject, so stay tuned.

I tried to post a picture in my blog, but it didn't work. I'll have to play around a bit more and see what I'm doing wrong. I have a scanner so I will try to scan a few photos and see what happens. Wish me luck! (Can I remind you that I am an English major, and know very little about computers??)

I have been spending a lot of time watching "Six Feet Under" at the moment. I adore this show. It is so, so good. Do you watch it? What do you think? Claire is amazing. What I wouldn't give to have that hair.

Well, this is all I have time to write this time. I need to have a shower and make my way through the lakes and streams to work. I think It's going to be a Chai Latte/Hot Chocolate kind of day today.

Love,
Kerry

No More Excuses

2005-06-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yikes! I am feeling Immense Guilt

2005-06-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

Please forgive me. I can't quite believe it has been 3 weeks since my last post. When I started this blog I did not want to be a part time blogger. To be fair, I don't have internet access at home, and I am only on campus twice a week, from 6pm-9pm and the library closes at 8pm during the summer. I am often coming straight from work to class, so the opportunity to blog doesn't arise that often. Anyway, not that I am actually writing a post I will move on to more pressing matters.

I am moving to Toronto in September.

The boy and I worked out our "issues" (I hate that word and cannot believe I just used it! ekk!) with the help of a wonderful therapist and a lot of long, long talks. I won't go into too many details, to be fair to him and his privacy (this is my blog after all). The summary of events lead us to conclude that we really, really love each other and although the lives of a struggling artist (him) and a future writer (me) will be challenging, we will be happier together than apart. So, as the boy has been giving a job at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, we will be backing up our hand-me-downs, books, pottery, and Ikea collection and moving to Toronto. I am excited, nervous, (well, terrified really), and happy. It feels like such a gown up thing to be doing. My parents are excited for us, and will miss us terribly. I see much time spent on planes in our future!

I received 9 postcards in the postcard swap. They were all lovely, creative and very interesting. I am hoping to figure out how to work my scanner soon so that I can shard them with you. I also have a wonderful photograph of my sister riding her horse that I want to post on here. Photos soon, I hope!

Well, my class is starting soon and I have a 10 minute walk in the pouring rain to survive before I can settle into my seat. Wish me luck!

Love,
Kerry

P.S. I just finished watching the 1st season on "Six Feet Under." Wow.

Bad, Bad Blogger

2005-05-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

I am so, so sorry I haven't posted in almost 3 weeks! I have so much to write about, and not much time right now. But I promise to write a proper post on Thursday. I'll be telling you about:
1) The postcard exchange
2) The relationship update
3) The Move
4) The Graduation

Write to you soon,

Love,
Kerry

2005-04-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, I participated in a blog interview exchange. I was interviewed by Nipperknits Jen. Here are the questions she asked me:

1. Ever written a paper about knitting for that English degree? Feminism, pop culture, post modernism - go for it!

No, I have not. For the most part, an undergrad in English is quite restricting in what you can write about. I have been quite creative with my paper topics, including a paper comparing Jonathan Swift's A Lady's Dressing Room to a passage from Bridget Jones' Diary, and a paper comparing The Little Prince to Harry Potter. This past semester I had to write a fictional narrative-something I have not done before. My character was a knitter. I am very interested in young adult literature from the commonwealth (Canada, Australia, India, etc.) and would love to pursue studies in this area. Perhaps write a novel that connects young knitters from around the world who learned to knit from their English grandmothers.

2. How long have you been knitting?

I learned to knit when I was six. I lived in Ireland until I was eight, and girls Learned to knit in school, it was part of the curriculum. The boys went to the woodshop and made birdhouses and the girls learned to knit scarves for our dolls. My dad's mother was a knitter and I loved to knit with her. My mum also used to knit, and helped me develop my sknills when I was a child. I stopped knitting in my teens, as it seemed very uncool. Then about three years ago, my needles started calling to me and I haven't put them down since. When ever people find out I'm a knitter, most immediately want lessons. I have taught four people to knit in the past year. And I hope to teach more.

3. What's next on your list of patterns to make?

As I said in my last post, I want to make a buttonhole bag. I'd also like to knit a pair of socks. I'm not sure where to start, so any pattern ideas would be wonderful.

4. Freckles? On yourself, or others? Men, women, or children? All of the above?

I adore freckles period. I have a few very faint ones on my nose, that are only really visible in the summer. The ex had the most lovely freckles I have ever seen. I always get really happy around this time of year when the sun brings them back to their warm weather glory. Have you seen the Dove commercial about true beauty? They show a picture of a freckle little girl with the captions "Hates her freckles." It breaks my heart.

5. Do you have a special affinity for the orange and green on your blog?

To be honest, no. I am not very computer savy and am not sure how to make my own background. I adore the colours brown, pink, pale blue and cream. I love polka dots though, so it fits me in that regard. I think it is pretty.

Well, there you have it. Sorry I was so late Jen! If anyone would like to be interviewed by me for their blog, leave me a comment.

Love,
Kerry

Buttonhole Bags and Sweater Progress

2005-04-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

When I awoke today at 4:30 a.m. (eek!) there were snowflakes flying around. Two days ago it was hot, and today it was -4 degrees. I had to put my winder coat on. It was sad. Although I was very happy to wear my ribby Rowan Chunky Print Scarf. I adore Calgary, but our weather is really odd, and it is not uncommon to wear tank tops in December and scarves in July. I guess it is better than the rainy West Coast. Wool and rain are not friends.

I have been noticing Buttonhole Bags all over knitting blogs of late and I think they are adorable. I love to felt things. I have made two Sophie Bags, a "bag inspired by Sophie" and a pair of Fibertrends Clogs for my mum for Christmas. (Funny story-I knit them from some handspun yarn a bought at a farmer's market last summer. Well, my mum bought me the same yarn, in the same colourway, at the same Market and put it in my stocking for Christmas). Oh, and I also made the French Market Bag. So, I'm thinking a Buttonhole Bag in needed in my knitted purse collection. I'm not sure what yarn to use. I love how the Lamb's Pride works, but have not been able to find any Lamb's Pride here in Calgary. I have some leftover Lopi from my French Market Bag that might work. Any ideas would be lovely.

I've been working away on my Minisweater. I'm currently in the middle of a long stretch of stocking stitch with a few increases thrown in here and there. The sweater is worked in one large piece which is currently 262 stitches wide. I'm on row 14 of 34 for this part of the sweater. I think it might be time for a new Audiobook on my little pink iPod. Or a few long movies.

What do you like to do while you knit?

Love,
Kerry

P.S. Go and take a look at Hilary's sewing bag. It gave me sweetness-induced butterflies.

I love sunshine

2005-04-25T16:45:00.000-08:00

I spent the day at the zoo yesterday, and loved every minute of it. The Calgary zoo has an amazing African "display" (I can't think of the right word!) and I could spend hours there. It was really warm and sunny, and my "skim milk" white skin enjoyed the sun. Most of the chimpanzees looked as though they had hangovers. They were all lying around, covering their faces, looking blissfully unaware of the crowds of people watching them. It was very sweet.

I spent most of Saturday playing with seeds on my tiny deck. I replanted a few herb plants into larger pots, and started some plant seeds. It is really relaxing and I cannot wait to have a deck full of plants. I spent three hours reading outside in the afternoon, and really didn't want to go to work. This not being a student thing is quite nice. It won't be lasting too long though, because I was just promoted at work and will be working fulltime very soon. Maybe I can buy a computer by summer's end. That is, as long as I don't spend all my money on yarn, fabric, books, etc.

Oh, the life of a craft loving urbanite.

More on this weeks adventures soon,

Love,
Kerry

Too Much Information

2005-04-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

It's funny, when I started this blog, I thought it would be about my crafting addiction. Instead, it was turned into an online journal. I can't seem to help writing about personal stuff. I guess it's my blog and I can write what I want, right? And my life has been especially hectic lately. So, I'll tell you about the personal stuff, then the crafting. Sound good?

The ex was accepted at the residency in Toronto, so he will be moving away at the end of the summer. I was so, so happy for him, and proud. But I was also deeply saddened. It scares me to think he won't be around. But then I also think it could be the best way to get over him. For the record, continuing to live with your exboyfriend is a bad idea if you want to get over him. I guess I was just having a hard time letting go of the hope that we might get back together. But, as the old cliche goes, Love is not enough. I will love again, and I will be loved again.

In order to help me get over the ex, my parents messy divorce, and to help me figure out what to do with my life, I have been seeing a therapist for a while. She is great, and I truly feel it is benefiting me greatly. She gives me homework to do, and a week ago, she asked me to make a list of 100 "wants"--things I want to do, get, see, have, etc. during my life. One of those wants was to see Willie Nelson in concert. The guy is 73 and won't be around a whole lot longer, so I thought that was kind of a long shot. But, the very next day, I hear on the radio he is doing a show in Calgary, this summer! I was so, so excited. I grew up on Willie. We would listen to him on our family vacation road trips. So many memories. So, on July 18th my dad and I are going to see him. I can't wait. I'll post the other 99 wants soon. Guess how many are related to knitting, sewing, and cooking??

On the knitting front, I have started the minisweater. It is a fun knit, and quite quick. I have already gone through one of five balls of yarn. The best part is that I get to use my lovely stichmarkers from Amyville. I adore them. I have a cup cake, donut, chocolate and a fortune cookie. They are so sweet hanging on my bamboo circulars.
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2005-04-18T12:08:00.000-08:00

I'm at school at the moment, about to hand in my final English paper--ever! (I think.) I am taking a spring session class, and then, at the end of June, I will be an official university graduate. I don't feel grown up enough to be in this position. I really don't have a clue what I'm going to do next. I'm trying to tell myself to relax, and focus on what I enjoy doing. I have a stack of novels I want to read. Has anyone read any of them? Any thoughts?

The Time Traveler's Wife By Audrey Niffenegger
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn By Betty Smith
Anna Karenina By Leo Tolstoy
The Confessions of Max Tivoli By Andrew Sean Greer
Wicked By Gregory Maguire

I'm not sure which one to start with. I also bought You Grow Girl last week. I am very excited about growing herbs and teas on my balcony. It's making me long for summer. I have been craving wearing skirts a lot too. And flip flops. I bought three pairs over the winter.

The ex is in Toronto at the moment. I am really excited about this potential job he is interviewing for. I think he would be really good at it, and would really enjoy it. But I am terrified of him leaving Calgary. I will miss him so much. He asked me to work on a collaboration project for a sculpture class he is taking. He made ceramic handles and I'm going to sew a purse for them. I found this vintage floral fabric that look slightly western. I am excited to have a sewing project. I'm hoping to start tonight, after work. The ex comes home tomorrow and I'm picking him up at the airport. I've looking forward to seeing him.

I'm going for tea with my friend M tomorrow night. She too is a crafty girl and we want to plan our summer craft night. Tea and craft talk make me a happy girl. I also want to start my next knitting project, The Mini Sweater. I have some lovely purply-bluey Phildar yarn to use. Goodness, I need more time in my days. I bought some postcard card today so I can start on my postcard swap cards. I can't wait. If you love getting postcards, go check out PostcardX. I just joined, and have sent four cards so far. I can't wait to get something in my mail box.

Well, I hope the links will make up for the lack of pictures.

Button, thanks for commenting!

Love,

Kerry

Feeling Better

2005-04-15T12:59:00.000-08:00

Wow, my last post was kind of depressing. I guess I was feeling kind of down. But I am feeling better today. The ex and I have been doing much better. He has a big interview in Toronto on Monday and is really stressed about it. He is about to graduate from art school and is a little freaked out about what he is going to do with his life...sound familiar? The Toronto thing would be a great opportunity, so I hope it goes well for him, although I'd miss him terribly if he moved away.

Anyway, back to my crafty endeavors. I joined My Little Mochi's Postcard Swap. I am excited to have a crafty assignment! I got my list this a.m. and will be sending postcards to the U.S., Australia, Wales, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. I'm not sure what my postcards will look like yet, but I have piles of pretty paper and am thinking of some sort of collage thing.

I have to say I'm sorry for the lack of pictures on my blog. I don't have a digital camera (gasp!). I am hoping to buy one this summer, as well as a new computer. I'm not sure how I will be funding this as a) I have too many craft plans this summer. I won't have time to work, and b) I don't have a real job. I work at a coffee shop (I wear a green apron, don't hate me). I enjoy my job, but the money isn't great. I will have a degree in two months, but I have little faith of finding a real job. Maybe I could sell my coloured, unruly hair a la Jo in Little Women. Any takers? It likes to style itself.

love,
Kerry

P.S. Does anyone read this? If you do, please leave me a comment. I feel like I'm talking to myself sometimes.

Hum Drum

2005-04-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

I only have one week of this semester left. I have two papers to finish, and I really don't think I have it in me to do so. I will be so glad to see this semester come to and end. School itself has been ok, but my life outside of school has been really hard. Thank goodness for Felicity DVD's and Mini Eggs. It is embarrassing how many hours I have spent lying on the couch enjoying those things. The reason for this lazy behavior is because a) I'm feeling very lonely, b) I'm nursing a severely broken heart, and c) I am freaked out about what I'm going to do with my life. I know this is a common way for uni grads to feel, but I'm not handling it well.
Three months ago I had a fairly good idea of what I was going to be doing for the next few years. Now I just feel really lost. I'm focusing on indulging in what makes me happy (including: Felicity, YA novels, crafty things, tea, baths). Things will get better, I'm sure. People get over break ups, right?

Oh so lovely

2005-03-21T18:05:00.000-08:00

I have always loved soft things, esspecially blankets. I have hopes of collecting dozens and dozens of them in every colour and wool blend I can find. These ones from Garnet Hill are very pretty, and they can be monogrammed! That photograph makes me want to sit outside, drink tea and read a good novel.

Speaking of blankets, I have been slowly collection Amy Butler fabrics for the past little while, with hopes of making a quilt. I haven't ever made a quilt before, but love to sew. It can't be that hard, can it? My Dad makes really lovely log furniture and I have been asking him to make me a blanket ladder for ages. If I sew my own quilt, I deserve a blanket ladder, right?

My favorite blanket is one that used to belong to my Irish Grandmother. It is a 100% Irish Lambswool, and is a soft dusty pink colour. It is quite thin, but really warm. I put it on my bed every fall and take it off once the weather warms up. I've had it since I was tiny. The blanket stitch edging is starting to unravel and should be repaired soon. I hope to pass it on to my own children someday.

love,
Kerry

Is it first time nerves?

2005-03-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

I discovered the world of blogs over a year ago, and quickly became addicted to reading about other peoples lives. I have long called myself inquisitive (others would say nosy!) and reading about the day-to-day lives of strangers has provided me with hours of enjoyment. I feel I should mention that Bridget Jones' Diary, written by the lovely Helen Fielding, is the one novel I have read more than any other. I adore that book. I picked it up in Heathrow airport in London 1998 to read on my eight hour long flight to Calgary. I finished it before we reached the Rocky Mountains, I was in love! So, after repeated thought of starting my own blog, I am finally doing something about it. I hope you (whoever you are) enjoy it, and can bear with me as I muddle my way through this new experiment.

ooh! You can change the colour of the text!

Before we go much further, I would like to state that I, despite being three months away from earning a degree in English, am a horrible speller. I have been since the days of Dick and Jane. So please forgive any misspelling you see. Also, I am hoping to use my own, day-to-day voice, rather than my snooty university English major voice, which means there will likely be many random thoughts and subject changes.

Am I the only one that finds it funny that "blog" is not in the blogspot spell check dictionary?

Good Night,

Kerry

test

2005-03-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

How do i look?