Knitting Terms 101: Time-out
Current mood: artistic
Category: Art and Photography

From time to time you may hear a knitter say, "I had to give my knitting a time-out."

Remember when we were all two-year-olds at the age of 7.  We'd pound our fists, stomp around, possibly yelling nastiness as anyone who would listen to us (and most likely the listener was a loving parent wondering what monster had just occupied their child).  Those wild and crazy tantrums we'd through, just because we got frustrated trying to do something.  Now we look backwards, reflecting on our lives, and how elegant we've managed to become.  We tell our children how we walked uphill, both ways, over 10 miles just to get to school.  We giggle with others about silly things we are now easily able to accomplish.  We're setting ourselves apart from the negativity of frustration or "writer's block".  Yeah, right.

Don't be fooled.  Tell me just how many times you frogged your last row before throwing your own tantrum and severely maimming your work?  It took me three attempts Friday morning in the car on the way to work.  And then, without a word, without any anger--I sentenced my lace piece to a day of time out in my knitting basket.  IT needed to get it's anger and anymosity out of itself before it became worthy again to be held by my ever-loving hands.

Time-out:  The essence of being able to blame your knitting for your tantrum, and then the action of being able to send it away shamefully until the anger has dissipated enough to be worked on again.

(I have a knitted afghan in my stash...It's been in time-out status for about 8 years now.  I'm still patiently awaiting it's return.)

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The Art of Silence
Current mood: amused
Category: Writing and Poetry

Can you practice the art of silence?

Have you ever observed a situation as a participant instead of having to be the forefront attention monger?

It's amazing just how many people these days are bound and determined to be the center of attention.  I wonder sometimes, who is their audience?  If everyone is busy playing the center of attention, no one is really listening--they're too busy being the center of attention.

It's amazing to me what I can learn about humanity just by standing back, opening my ears and eyes, and observing what goes on around me.  I had the distinct privelege of having 2 very big opportunities to do this very thing this past weekend.  It floors me to learn how sitting in the corner, not saying a word, smiling and listening to everyone around me, and enjoying the time--certain people perceive me as actively doing things to upset others.

In my head, I'm thinking about what I'm witnessing.  I'm watching those I love be themselves, and enjoying watching it.  I'm learning nuances in character about those I love.  I'm quietly catching on to little things that cause me to think more of my loved ones; that give me new insights into my relationship with them.  Then, if I can remember them, they will help me deepen and strengthen the bonds I have with them.  Take my husband, for example.  I watched him socialize trying to make others around him feel more comfortable.  Knowing him as I do, I know what he's doing is watching for other's insecurities, and helping them to feel more comfortable--giving them a smiling contact point for the event that is easily approachable.  I admire and respect that, because part of the reason I'm sitting silently off to the side is my own societal fear of approaching people I don't know.  I'm watching him converse ligthly with people regardless, and I wonder, do those 10 years of difference make that easier?  He'll tell me no, but there are things that are easier for me to do today that weren't quite so 10 years ago, even 5 years ago.  He loves me so what does he see when he looks at me, quietly passing the time with my knitting needles in hand.  He stops once to make sure I'm happy doing what I'm doing, and when I verify that--he's off to the next interaction.  (What?  Me NOT be happy knitting??  Did hell freeze over?)

On the other hand, there are also people around me who don't like me.  Some ignore me completely, while others stand, stare, and point.  Do they think I don't see it?  I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, I don't.  Not really.  Because I'm a people watcher.  I watch to learn how to positively improve myself--what works, and what doesn't.  If those types aren't doing anything positive to watch, I'm simply not watching.  Somewhere along the line, maybe 10 years ago, the need to "watch the train wreck" was replaced with a need to never have to even see it coming.

Those who don't like me, I have learned, don't see a quiet knitter.  Instead, while I'm quietly watching, they're filling their heads with doom and gloom about what I'm doing and thinking.  Funny, how a simple hello and a smile are turned into such loathing, spiteful, and resentful perceptions. A wise person recently told me that when given any situation, we humans are doomed to append all our historical experience to that situation.  Creating a static that blocks out the realituy of said situation.  So, if I'm smiling and quietly watching, and someone sees me as "playing a martyr", I would then tend to wonder--weren't they really the martyr?  We're so quick to assign our first-impression feelings to things we know absolutely nothing about.

Yes, even me.  Right here.  Right now.

I'm just trying to watch others to revise and interpret my assessments positively.  Sort them out, and figure out who I want to be.  Given what I observed this past weekend, I am happy to observe/learn how to be gracious and kind in my heart and mind at all times, private and public.  I received the feeling of peace and calm in my heart, knowing that time after time I'm not a lemming.  I don't follow everyone off the Brooklyn Bridge.  I make a conscious effort in every situation to choose to handle things better and positively for all involved.

p.s.  Honestly, I really was sitting and just knitting.  That wise man also said, "What's good for you, has to be good for me, too.  Vice Versa.  No matter what."  Yes, I believe that very much.  Life is too precious to waste time on negativity.

12:58 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

USWA vs. Allstate
Current mood: happy
Category: Sports

Yes, my friends, we're at it again tonight. The new season of softball started with a pre-season game against Allstate (the blue).  First off, it was freaking cold.  Somewhere around 40 degrees for game time--at 8 pm!!??  The girls still have school in the morning!

Anyway, we're not keeping official score, but Allstate won; 20-12.  However, yours truly's, Screamin' Sheila Green's back in action.  She brought home 2 runs, and saw two innings at 3rd base and then another two in RF.  3rd's where the action was tonight, ladies and gents.  She nearly tagged out one, and popped the second one to end the inning.  She grounded out a 2 RBI, then popped out to RF, followed by a strike out at the very end.

She played her heart out, froze her toe-sies off, and had some of my special hot chocolate while relaxing in a nice warm bathtub.  One week of school left so, as we close here at a little after 11pm, everyone say goodnight, Screamin' Green!

MOST EXCELLENT GAME!

8:57 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

It’s Official!
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Life

We're happily married!

7:19 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Game 10: UWSA vs. Maria's (12-3)
Current mood: satisfied
Category: Sports

Score:  12-3, win for UWSA

Game Time:  8:15 pm

Game Highlights:  SMOKIN' is how you describe this UWSA team tonight!  Every inning they were bringing home the runs, they were making the plays, and they were laughing!  Screamin' Green had a super quiet evening in RF so her action is at the plate tonight.  Her first at bat she line-drived to 1B.  In what should have been an easy out, Screamin' Green ran her butt to 1B and the effort paid off big-time!  The 1B girl was so sure of the out that she got a little sloppy and dropped the ball.  Screamin' Green took her base, where she was advanced on to 2B by the next batter.  Then she stole 3B on a wild ball.  Can she?  Will she?  OF COURSE, folks!  You know our gal!  Screamin' Green STOMPED ON HOME PLATE!!  Her next at bat saw her going down swinging, but that's ok!  It's better to go down swinging than watch the strikes land in the catcher's mitt.  In-between the sixth and seventh innings, the fans took a break and watched the space station, followed by the space shuttle, fly overhead.  The Assistant Coach had to wake us up, and get us focused back on the game.  Wow!  Who knew the space station was so bright!  What a night!  Screamin' Green's last at bat saw her dueling hard against the pitcher until finally, Screamin' Green popped up a foul and the catcher robbed her of her turn at bat.  What a game!  What a team!  The fans LOVE UWSA!

Stats:  3 at bats:  line drive single to 1B, 1SO, 1 foul out; Position:  RF (5 innings); 1 RBI

UWSA Record:  3W-5L; 1 tie

Screamin' Green's Batting Average:  .320; 2 RBI's

Ahhh...what a season.  Look at Screamin' Green's stats!  She's had one fantastic year!  Sadly, tonight's game was the official last game of the season; however, the rained out games from this past Monday are still being scheduled.  I've heard rumors they are lined up for Monday night.  If so, Screamin' Green may not be in them due to a planned, much needed vacation with her adoring Aunt Kim!  It's hard to balance a team commitment and family, but Screamin' Green does an excellent job at both!!  There is also talk about finishing up the first game of the season where the girls tied with Knights of Columbus.  We'll keep you posted!

Way to go, Screamin' Green!  Thanks for the fantastic season!

8:42 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Game 9: UWSA vs. Knights of Columbus (8-22)
Current mood: energetic
Category: Sports

Score:  22-8, win for Knights of Columbus

Game Time:  6:05 pm

Game Highlights:  Here we go again against the Knights.  The girls were battling pretty good in the first couple of innings, but then fell behind.  Screamin' Green sat out most of the game nursing her newly installed filling.  Her first at bat saw her battling fiercely.  She threw back 2 foul balls into the stands.  Then she took a couple of balls.  Then she threw another foul into the opposing dugout.  Another ball.  Another ....ball!  Batter take your base!  Sheila trotted down the first base line, and waited for her moment.  Zing!  There she goes to 2B on a steal.  Zowie!  There she goes to 3B on a steal.  Unfortunately, that's where she ended the inning as the girls weren't able to bring her home.  In the fourth inning, she took her place at 3B.  She floated like a butterfly, and stung like a bee!  She dodged, weaved, and bobbed to try and keep the balls in front of her.  Looking pretty good out there, Screamin' Green!  Then she came up to bat her second time.  POW!  First pitch.  Line drive double into right field!  The next batter took a walk so Green advanced to second.  Then the next batter took a hit pitch to the foot, and Green advanced on to third where the next batter struck out, leaving Screamin' Green wishing on her second close-call with stomping on home plate.  Following that, in the fifth inning, Screamin' Green took her favorite position of RF.  She ran up on the ball, and tried to keep it from blowing by her (and the infield).  That's where time ran out, and the game was over.  UWSA:  Put your running shoes on, and haul butt down to first base!!  Keep your feet lively, and chase those balls down!!

Stats:  2 at bats:  1 Walk, 1 double; Position:  3B (1 inning), RF (1 inning)

UWSA Record:  2W-5L; 1 tie

Screamin' Green's Batting Average:  .318

Don't miss the next exciting game tomorrow night at 8 pm!!  Let's go stomp on homeplate!  Let's go girls!

7:09 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

What? What do you mean rain?
Current mood: crushed
Category: Sports

*Sigh*

Here we are, ready to do battle again, and you're telling me the sky is about to let loose??  Where's the justice?  My skin's blistered, and now we're sweating rain?  By the way, Proud Papa and I have hooked our bodies up to the water heater and have been warming up the household water for the past two days with our sunburns.  Ouch!  Don't touch there!

A happy Screamin' Green danced her heart out in the rain as we waited to see if the games would be called.  We actually made it through two innings before they finally did call the game.

Screamin' Green reports that it was totally FUN playing in the rain and wishes to tell the officials--KNOCK IT OFF--I WANT TO PLAY IN THE RAIN!!  The Cubbies do it, why can't we??

So, we'll see everyone back at the field tomorrow night at 6 pm when Screamin' Green goes to the plate after having a cavity filled.  Yikes!

P.S.  Ok, this really isn't funny.  Bring the bottle of Solarcaine back...NOW!

6:50 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Game 8: UWSA vs. All State (4-10)
Current mood: drained
Category: Sports

Score:  10-4, win for All State

Game Time:  11:30 am

Game Highlights:  By this time, the girls were really showing their exhaustion in this double header in sweltering heat.  And Proud Mum was baking in the heat, literally.  Imagine lobsters, cherries, strawberries, and you'll have a small picture of what my exposed skin looked like by this time!!  Back to Screamin' Green, that's why we're here, right!  The defense and offense were slowing down, but in the third inning, Screamin' Green, not once, but TWICE! stopped balls in CF from causing more damage.  Her first at bat saw a line drive out at 1st.  Man!  Can Screamin' Green blast the crap out of a ball when she gets a piece of it!!!  Her next at bat saw a high pop fly out to 2B.  Someone move that 2B girl away from Screamin' Green's drives!  In the 6th inning, we held our breath.  A soft thump and the ball's in the air.  It floats.  It zigs. It zags.  And THWOMP!  There's Screamin' Green's mitt!!  The ball never knew what caught it!  Way to go!!  In the 7th, Screamin' Green tried her hand at 2B.  It's totally bone burning hot by this time, and we're frightfully scared Screamin' Green will parish from the heat and her black uniform.  Good thing the store had those sleeve scrunchies to keep her cool(er)!  Maybe it'll buy us another good play.  The girls are looking pretty pekid, and the opposing team is knocking them around pretty good.  And here we go again.  Everyone hold your breath!  We've seen line drives like this come off Green's bat before and be snagged by those pesky 2B girls.  Wait!  Wait for it!  Wait   for   it!  BAM!  Did you see that!  That was freaking awesome!  Can you believe that!  That ball bee-lined straight for Green's glove and perched on its edge hanging on for dear life.  You could literally hear the gasp from the ball as it begged Screamin' Green to hold onto it!  What a girl!  That's the way you do it!!  Needless to say, Screamin' Green was all smiles from ear to ear and forehead to chin!  Proud Mum and Proud Papa were too!  Her last at bat ended with a SO, but she went down swinging homeruns into the fields of her mind!  Look at dem muscles flex!!

OH!  And...We really hate bad calls!  The girls had a big chance at a come back, BUT!  Here comes the ump who was obviously suffering heat stroke and begging for an easy end to the game. Guess he should've checked in with the girls before he called a horrendously bad out at first!  The opposing team's 1B girl had her feet covering 1B, including the back-up bag for the runner.  Choosing not to run outside the baseline, our UWSA girl went around and snuck her foot back under the 1B BEFORE she was tagged.  Proud Mum and Proud Papa had a square look at the UWSA leg from our seat behind homeplate facing 1B.  Proud Papa told the ump it was a bad call!  Ok.  He yelled it, but can you blame him?  We just spent 4-1/2 hours in blistering heat earning our sunburns with pride!!!  But!  The ump's the last word, and...  don't buy the book--it STINKS!  Come see the girls play at their next double header on Monday!!  6 pm sharp!

Stats:  3 at bats:  lined out, popped out, and SO; Position:  CF (5 innings), 2B (1 inning)

UWSA Record:  2W-4L; 1 tie

Screamin' Green's Batting Average:  .318

Don't miss the next exciting game Monday night at 6 pm and 8 pm!!

P.S.  Can someone pass the Solarcaine??  I think those are blisters forming...  And Proud Papa can't walk anymore.  Thank goodness I just lost another 20 pounds and I don't have shorts to fit--my legs were protected by my jeans, but poor Proud Papa--those knees look positively painful!!

6:20 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Game 7: UWSA vs. Maria's (12-17)
Current mood: bouncy
Category: Sports

Score:  17-12, win for Maria's

Game Time:  9:10 am

Game Highlights:  Hot! Hot! Hot!  In the sweltering 1st inning, Screamin' Green stopped a grounder at 3B, which she threw to 1st for the out!  She came to bat in the 2nd and tipped a grounder to the pitcher for an out at 1st.  Screamin' Green was robbed!  Not to fear, she took 3B again in the 2nd inning and repeated her stopped grounder and out at 1st.  As if that weren't enough, Screamin' Green helped one of her teammates complete an out at 3rd!  In the third inning, she stopped a grounder from CF and held her runner at first!  Way to go!  This girl's all over the field showing us what a great player she really is!  Her second at bat came in the 4th inning where she grounded a cool single to 2nd base.  Then, she stole 2nd base.  Crack!  There goes Screamin' Green STOMPING ON HOMEPLATE!  That's my girl!!!  Here she comes again to her third at bat where she singled another grounder to the SS, and there goes our girl stealing onto 2nd base!!  Can she do it?  Will she do it again?  SMACK!  Her teammate lines a looper into the outfield, bringing the loaded bases (along with Screamin' Green) home on an in-the-park grand slam!  And last, but not least, in the same inning Screamin' Green comes to the plate again and taps a grounder in the infield, but sadly, this one is in time and our Lovely Screamin' Green trots back to the dugout.  Oh well.  You can't have exciting at-bats every time up, and we're still cheering on the TWO stomps on homeplate!!  Way to go, Screamin' Green.

Stats:  4 at bats:  2 grounders out to first base, 2 singles; Position:  3B (2 innings), CF (2 innings), 2B (2 innings)

UWSA Record:  2W-4L; 1 tie

Screamin' Green's Batting Average:  .368

6:10 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Game 6: UWSA vs. Knights of Columbus (6-11)
Current mood: determined
Category: Sports

Score:  11-6, win for Knights of Columbus

Game Time:  8:20 pm

Game Highlights:  We hate bad calls!  What's worse than having an off night?  Having an off night, because of a bad call.  It cost us 4 runs, when we should have been out of the inning.  *Sigh*  Unfortunately, the girls felt the depression of the 4-run inning, and slumped afterwards.  They battled in the last inning, gaining back 3 runs--sadly, it just wasn't enough to keep them in there.  Also, their pitcher was stellar, and allowed seldom UWSA's to reach even first base.  Must have been a full moon, or something...  The girls' be back in action bright and early tomorrow morning to catch up on some missed games due to weather.  Proud Mum and Proud Papa have already put Screamin' Green to bed, and her uniform's washed and ready to go for tomorrow.  Green apologized for handing me stinky, sweaty socks, but I eased her mind by reminding her that I touch Proud Papa's underwear anyway--I'm used to toxic materials!!!

Stats:  3 at bats:  3 SO's; Position:  Right Field (3 innings)

UWSA Record:  2W-3L; 1 tie

Screamin' Green's Batting Average:  .333

Don't miss the next exciting game tomorrow morning at 9 am and 11 am!!

9:34 PM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment