{this moment}

A Friday ritual (inspired by Soulemama).
A single photo--no words--capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your "moment" in the comments for all to find and see.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Yarn Along: Cuddling up with a cowl and the Russians

Joining Ginny over at Small Things for the regular Wednesday Yarn Along!

Two of my favorite things are knitting and reading, and the evidence of this often shows up in my photographs. I love seeing what other people are knitting and reading as well. So, what are you knitting or crocheting right now? What are you reading? ~ Ginny Sheller from Small Things

Knitting Project: GAP-tastic Cowl by Jan Geigley
Inspired by PomegranateGrl I also picked up this sweet, free pattern off of Ravelry. Though I'm not a fan of acrylic, I went ahead and used the suggested Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky yarn in Bluebell. It is coming along quickly (I've gotten a few more rows in since this photo was taken!) and I'm hoping to have it done in time for my sister-in-law's birthday this weekend. If it comes out well I may try making one for myself as well... I love the silver gray one in the pattern photo!

Books: Nicholas and Alexandra  by Robert K. Massie, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, and Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hanh

I know it is crazy to be working on three books at once, but it all depends on my mood and how much time I have to devote to reading. I'm enjoying Nicholas and Alexandra very much - it was originally a book club read a year or two ago but I was never able to start it, so I'm happy to be getting in to it now. I know so little about Russian history and culture and this story is absolutely fascinating and enlightening. Afterwards I may even pick up Massie's new book, Catherine the Great. 

Cousin Love - Happy Birthday O!

Happy Birthday to MamaM's little girl, Olive. Two years old today! My, how the time flies. Mayumi wanted to make something special for her little cousin. Knowing that she loves all things that go, particularly airplanes, we created a little topsy-turvy doll. I made one for Maya earlier in the year and she loves it. Now, Olive will have her own, too.

Olive in her aviator suit on the left, Maya's doll on the right.

When you flip them upside down, their skirt goes inside out and reveals another doll! 

Cute no? I followed the pattern from Hilary Lang's Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love.

Hopefully Olive gets lots of good, cuddly use out of it. Happy Birthday O!

The Year of the Dragon

Tomorrow is New Year's Day according to the Chinese calendar, and this is the Year of the Dragon!
What does that mean? Actually, determining the forecast of the year is a complicated process and is different for each person depending on their animal and element signs... but I'm grasping onto the idea of the auspicious dragon bringing a year of prosperity and overcoming of challenges!

In celebration and hopes of channeling some of that lucky dragon mojo, I've added this beauty to my To-Make list:

Photo courtesy of craftster.org 

{this moment}

A Friday ritual (inspired by Soulemama).
A single photo--no words--capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your "moment" in the comments for all to find and see.
Have a wonderful weekend!

A reason to come back...

A few recent articles outline the positive impact blogging has for new moms. One, from BYU News talks about the "golden variable" of social support that blogging provides. The same study is cited in this New York Times article claiming that blogging actually makes new moms happier.

Perhaps this is a reason to return to the world of public blogging... we've missed you and this little community!