Perspective
14 hours ago
29 April 2016
28 April 2016
Garden Report
Winter may have buried my garden for four months straight, but flowers were blooming indoors through the short days and long nights. A grow light and the warmth of our living room provided...
The clove I gave to one of my bosses began turning brown, one leaf at a time, and he brought it back to me to see if I could bring it back to health. Sadly, it was gone within about three weeks. I did everything I could, and nothing mattered.
My sole surviving clove tree at my house is about eight inches tall and still looking incredibly healthy. Every time I have to leave more than a day or two, I rush back into the house when I get home to see if my clove is still alive.
The pineapple top I planted in September is about 19 inches tall now. I think I need to put it in a bigger pot. It is one very happy plant.
The piece of a ginger root I planted in September took a long, long time to root, but it's now 38 inches tall!
The wisteria I brought indoors because I wasn't sure it could survive the winter is sprawling all over the living room now, looking for places to cling. I may take a chance and try planting it outdoors this summer after I slowly introduce it back into the outdoors, probably in June.
The last of our 15-inch April snow storm finally melted on the north side of our home, and for the first time, I was able to peek outside to see if the two hydrangeas I took a chance on planting outside then heavily mulching with leaves before our first freeze survived.
Both plants are putting up leaves right beneath our lilac bush, which also is sporting a healthy set of greenery and purplery!
27 April 2016
26 April 2016
Are You My Sister?
How would you like to help launch another author? Doesn't that sound fun?!?
I recently staged my first book-signing, and I'm very happy to announce I sold seven copies of Heart Strings! I'm well on my way to becoming a rich and famous author, and just think, you were here at the very beginning! Ha ha ha ha!
Okay, humor aside, I'd bought 30 copies of my book for the signing, and I worried I might run out. Now I get to have another signing. And perhaps another... And then one more...
I'm not discouraged at all, but I began wondering what other adoption novels are out there on the market and if anyone is reading them. It occurred to me perhaps people just don't want to read about adoptions.
So I did an adoption search on Smashwords and immediately bought three more books. I read the first one that very same day. It was interesting, but also a little weird. It definitely answered my question about what else is out there. I'd thought since the day I began "Heart Strings" back in 2002 my novel was ground-breaking because I'd never read anything else tackling adoption quite the way I did.
The first of the three stories I bought from Smashwords made me realize there is more to adoption than just childless parents adopting an unwanted child or a young, unmarried woman giving up a child because she doesn't believe she can do the parenting thing alone. There's a whole world of different adoption scenarios out there!
The second novel really hit me. The story was engaging, and the author did a great job, in my opinion. When I finished the book, I immediately logged back onto Smashwords to write a review, and I noticed for the first time, this particular book had no reviews. (Her book does have mostly favorable reviews on Barnes & Noble, but there are spoilers.)
Not only that, the author hasn't published any more books.
That made me sad because I wondered if the author decided writing just isn't worth it. It takes a lot of time to write a book, and it sometimes takes even longer to polish it. Trying to get published in the traditional way can feel as heartbreaking as being told a child or family member is not good enough. Once you've put your heart into writing, editing and trying to sell a book, the finished product feels almost like a baby or child you've created.
To self-publish such a work takes a ton of courage. When you give your book away for free, you open yourself to crackpots who just want to say something mean. You almost have to have an extensive background in marketing to know how to help people who might truly be interested in what you have to say actually find your book.
To go through either publishing process and receive no feedback can be so extremely discouraging.
So I decided to have another little giveaway to perhaps make a writer's day.
I do not know this author, and I am receiving no compensation for what I'm about to do. I'm just trying to help another writer feel good about what she's produced.
Kathy Parsons Williams has created a believable, fun, heart-rending and satisfying story about teenage sisters who discover they have an older sister just as their family is about to experience a life-changing event. Written from the viewpoint of 14-year-old Sally Robeson (a few years after the story takes place), "Are You My Sister?" delights with realistic interactions between Sally, her 12-year-old sister Holly and her best friend Jen. Not one portion of this free 46-page PDF booklet feels contrived or unplanned. I enjoyed it from cover to cover, relishing in the tears and the smiles it brought during the two to three hours it took to read it (while multi-tasking). At the end, I had to put everything else on hold because I couldn't wait to discover the conclusion and could no longer tolerate interruptions stealing my attention away from the book. The ending did not disappoint.
The book is classified as young adult fiction; it contains no offensive language, and in my opinion, it's a wonderful tale suitable for the entire family.
I don't want to reveal any spoilers, so I'm going to leave my review here at that and invite you, Dear Reader, to join me for an afternoon of warm fuzzies by downloading this free book in whatever form suits your reading style, devouring the words and then writing a review on Smashwords here. You have to join Smashwords to leave a review, but joining is free.
On Tuesday, May 10, 2016, I will give away a free autographed paperback copy of my book, "Heart Strings", to the author of a random review on "Are You My Sister?" I'll announce the winner here on my blog, and at that time, I'll ask the winner to contact me with shipping information.
I'd love to see Kathy Parsons Williams write more, but mostly, I'd love knowing you and I, together, made a day brighter for a total stranger.
Thanks for reading!
25 April 2016
Rock and Troll Monday
Time to dance! Time to get your Troll shoes on and take warm advantage of spring!
This week I'm sharing a fun little, and I mean really little, project to go with the Rock and Troll pattern in this year's 2016 pdf snowflake booklet Sea Quell, benefiting the fight against multiple sclerosis, available only via tax-deductible donation of at least $15 in my dear husband's name here or my name here.
Please note when making donations that I no longer have access to personal email (or my blog) during the work day, and I volunteer teach on Tuesday nights, so may be unable to respond until evenings and may not be able to respond at all on Tuesdays.
As in years past, if you make a donation and do not hear back from me or my husband within a couple of days, please email me at snowcatcher at att dot net to make sure I know your donation has been made. I do sincerely try to get pdf booklets emailed out the same day each time a donation is made if I am able.
I do currently have plans for another Mother's Day snowflake deviation for next week, and I'd vowed to return to snowflakes in May. But my husband inspired yet another little Troll outfit, and I may have to share that the Monday after Mother's Day and THEN go back to snowflakes. Unless Troll accessories ideas keep popping up!
No, no, no, I can't let that happen. We need to focus back on snowflakes because soon it will be too hot to snow here, and the only way I'll get my weekly snowflake fix is if I make snowflakes.
This week's pattern also makes up cute jewelry. Don't you just love versatile patterns?!?
You may do whatever you'd like with flip flops and or flip flop jewelry you make from this pattern, but you may not sell or republish the pattern. Thanks, and enjoy!
Finished Size: 1.25 inches long, .75 inches wide at widest point
Materials: Size 10 crochet thread in two colors (scraps, odds and ends are sufficient for this project), size 7 crochet hook, all-purpose glue
NOTE: This project includes small parts that could be swallowed by children who put things in their mouths.
Troll Flip Flop Instructions
Shoe Bottom (make 2 for Troll shoes)
NOTE: Rounds do not necessarily start and end in the same place.
With flip flop sole color, ch 8.
Round 1: 3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 sc in each of next 5 sc, 5 sc in last sc, working around on other side, 1 sc in each of next 5 ch, do not join. (18 sc)
Round 2: Working in the round, 2 sc in each of next 3 sc, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc, 1 hdc in each of next 3 sc, 3 dc in next sc, 1 dc in next sc, 3 dc in next sc, 1 hdc in each of next 3 sc, 1 sc in each of next 4 sc, do not join. (25 st)
If you're not reading this pattern on Snowcatcher, you're not reading the designer's blog. Please go here to see the original.
Round 3: 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 6 st, 1 hdc in each of next 3 st, 3 dc in next dc, 1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 3 dc in next dc, 1 hdc in each of next 3 st, 1 sc in each of next 6 st, do not join. (30 st)
NOTE: For jewelry, next Round may be omitted if desired.
Round 4: 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 3 sc, 2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in each of next 10 st, 2 sc in next dc, 1 sc in each of next 5 dc, 2 sc in next dc, 1 sc in each of next 9 st; bind off. Weave in ends.
Strap
Finish for Troll Flip Flops: With shoe strap color, ch 10, 1 dc around post of 4th Round 3 dc for Left Foot or 6th Round 3 dc for Right Foot, ch 10, sl st in 3rd Round 4 sc right of inc on left side of shoe bottom; turn. 1 sc in each of next 9 ch, draw up loop through next ch, through dc and through next ch, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook (sc dec made), 1 sc in each of next 9 ch; bind off. Pull one tail end through 3rd Round 4 sc left of sc inc on right side of shoe bottom, and tie knot with other tail. Weave in both ends into strap. Dab a drop of glue onto strap to secure ends and gently massage into strap. Optionally dab 2 or 3 drops of glue onto shoe bottom and massage into thread to secure ends and to stiffen shoe bottom. Finger shape shoe bottom flat. Shoe to be stiffened may be pinned flat if desired. If not stiffening shoe bottom, dab a drop of glue on shoe bottom thread ends to secure. Allow all glue to dry thoroughly.
Finish for Flip Flops Jewelry: With shoe strap color, ch 10, 1 dc around post of center Round 3 dc, ch 10, sl st in 3rd Round 4 sc right of inc on left side of shoe bottom; turn. 1 sc in each of next 9 ch, draw up loop through next ch, through dc and through next ch, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook (sc dec made), 1 sc in each of next 9 ch; bind off. Pull one tail end through 3rd Round 4 sc left of sc inc on right side of shoe bottom, and tie knot with other tail. Weave in both ends into strap. Dab a drop of glue onto strap to secure ends and gently massage into strap. Optionally dab 2 or 3 drops of glue onto shoe bottom and massage into thread to secure ends and to stiffen shoe bottom. Finger shape shoe bottom flat. Shoe to be stiffened may be pinned flat if desired. If not stiffening shoe bottom, dab a drop of glue on shoe bottom thread ends to secure. Allow all glue to dry thoroughly.
22 April 2016
Friday Funny
I've always had trouble sleeping through the night. I think I did a little too many graveyard shifts for my dad's answering service when I was a teenager.
When I was younger, it wasn't such a big deal. I could get by on four hours and still function well the next day. For weeks at a time.
For the last few years, that hasn't worked. The older I get, the more difficult it is for me to function the next day after a sleepless night. It's magnified every year by the time change. (Can't we please just stick with one and not switch anymore without moving to Arizona???)
Awake at about 2 every single morning, unable to fall back asleep until right before the alarm goes off. Then suddenly, I can't wake up. Night after night after night. That's been the routine. Only Ride the Rockies cures my sleeplessness, and even then, only for the week afterward. Then the time-tested instincts return.
I've done all kinds of relaxation techniques. I've tried (and am still trying) to get off the computer by 8 p.m. every night. I've listened to relaxing music. I've tried reading relaxing books. I don't eat Mexican food past 8 p.m. at night. I don't eat sugar, drink no caffeine or alcohol, and I have never smoked. Anything. (Some people would say that's my problem; I'd sleep better if I'd smoke a particular thing. I guess my need for sleep isn't to the stage I'd be willing to try anything yet, and I can't ever imagine stooping to that, even if my insomnia continues for decades.)
Hot mineral bath. Wonderful stuff, but for me, it serves only to relax, not sleep.
Sometimes crocheting will help me fall asleep, but most of the time, I can't go to sleep until whatever I'm working on is finished, and sometimes then the adrenaline rush from finishing will keep me awake.
Quilting is too adrenalizing any time. Too bad I can't do that at work...
Melatonin doesn't help. Valerian will once in a while. Benadryl helps for abut four hours but doesn't work if I take it more than three days in a row. A drop of lavender oil on my pillow sometimes helps me at least relax, if not fall asleep.
Excedrin PM is the only somewhat reliable night-time OTC relief for me. I try to use that only when I have back pain that makes sleep impossible. Since the 2012 recall that left it off shelves for at least six months, it can be difficult to find in my neck of the woods, prompting me to try to go without for months at a time.
I hadn't slept well in what feels like forever. I'd periodically looked for the OTC whenever I went shopping, always without success. The afternoon sluggishness at work finally got to me one day, and I decided to take a walk to the drug store just a couple of blocks from my office, fingers crossed they might have a bottle of Excedrin PM.
One bottle. That's all the Excedrin PM they had. But that's all I'd need. I can make that one bottle last for years.
As I walked back to work, one of the more colorful characters habitually inhabiting the streets of Downtown Denver jumped in front of me, shirtless with pants sagging nearly to his knees, wires dangling from his earbuds, crooning at the top of his lungs.
"I can't sleep when you touch me, Baby," he sang, and very off key at that.
Do we really need a punch line here???
21 April 2016
Rock On
Some have asked how my crocheted rocks hold up through winter.
This was the first winter a few of them didn't survive.
I began placing crocheted rocks in my garden three or four years ago, hoping the cotton would retain water during the hottest summer days and keep my flowers from burning in the sun and withering during frequent droughts.
After nearly three months beneath a thick white blanket, one particular trio of rocks emerged in April bottomless.
I suspect these particular rocks fell victim to the leftover Mountain Dew from a friend's visit I poured into my garden mound to discourage endless slugs who seemed to have developed quite the taste for irises. All the rest of the rocks in my garden are fine; none of the rest drank any caffeine or carbonation.
Kind of scary to me to think people put pop into their tummies after seeing the decayed cotton thread on the bottoms of the deteriorating rocks.
I'm going to replace the coverings on the three bottomless rocks because I think my plan to keep my garden from frying is working; just three damaged rocks while about 100 more are as good as the day I finished each of them.
One of the damaged crocheted coverings was nowhere to be found. But the rock it covered sports stylish tan lines now!
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