Pancho And Lefty

Living on the road my friend,
Was gonna keep you free and clean...

Maybe that should be 'Poncho' and Lefty!

I overheard this conversation at work the other day:

Fashionista 1: “Well, apparently I’ve never met a poncho I didn’t buy this year. I love them!”

Fashionista 2: “I know! Did you see the one Fashionista 3 had on today? It’s beautiful!”

Enter Fashionista 3, 4 and 5: “Oh”, altogether, reminiscent of high school speak. “I love your poncho!”

Fashionista 4: “I got mine in Austin. They are all the rage this year!”

Isn’t it funny how all the old things become new again? Well, not all things I suppose, but some things, definitely. For instance, it’s just as cool to have an ‘old’ car as it is to have a brand spanking new one. Of course it has to look and act like it did when it was fresh off the showroom floor.

Then there is the cycle of fashion. Take the poncho for instance. They have been around for centuries, and were usually used for warmth or to keep dry. Basically it’s a big piece of cloth with an opening in the middle to allow placing it over the head. The past couple of years, again, a poncho has become a fashion statement. But they aren’t like Clint Eastwood’s. Gone are the heavy, blanket style ponchos of long ago. Now the choices include any number of delicate fabrics and alluring styles. These new wraps can be adapted for all sizes and any situation. And they complement just about everybody.

My first poncho was a not so successful home-ec project. My teacher had us make ponchos out of burlap. Yes, you read correctly. Why? Economics perhaps. I don’t know, but who, (in their right mind) would (or could!) wear a scratchy piece of burlap? I completed (and passed) that assignment then promptly stuck it in the giveaway bag! Maybe that’s why sewing and I never made a perfect pair.

Since then I’ve knitted and crocheted ponchos though. I’ve finished them for gifts and for myself. I made one for Belle, with a matching hat, when she was tiny. Trouble is, I made it really big so she just grew into it at Christmas this year. I think she looks cute as can be in it. I’m not so sure her parents agree!

After witnessing the conversation at work I went home and found one of mine. I wore it the next day and people asked where I got it. That’s always a good sign I think, if they don’t know it’s ‘homemade’.

I don't even know what pattern I used.

It's about 10 years old I think. Warm too!

I also just finished a new one, called a Shoulder Cozy. I like it because it can be worn as a cowl or a small poncho.

I made this out of Red Heart Boutique Magical.

Worn as a cowl. I little thick in back but doable.

So for now I’ll just grab one of my ‘fashion’ ponchos and throw it on with a pair of jeans. Or if I need to dress it up I’ll wear it with nice pants or a skirt. And I’ll be so chic!

I like the yarn and the end result. I'd make another.

This can be worn many ways also. I think it's just a big folded rectangle.

Then in a few months, when they are no longer in style, I’ll put them all back in the closet and keep them there until they are all the rage again!

They only let him hang around 
Out of kindness I suppose.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

…they keep fallin'...

It’s a glorious day, mainly because it’s raining. The steady patter on the roof is going strong. The air is heavy but fresh with the fragrance of rain, like no other. It smells so good when the door is opened.

The ground is so dry, soaking in the wetness like a sponge, that there isn’t any mud. There will be later but for now the moisture evaporates into the soil, creating a smooth, slick surface.

I grabbed my umbrella even though I was fairly sure I wasn’t going to melt if I got wet. I was worried about my hair because it does get really curly and frizzy if it gets damp. I put on my jacket with the hood and pulled it up.

The lights reflected off the glossy road, creating rainbows in the night. Would there be treasure at the end of each one? Yes. The prize is here. The fortune is the rain.

Rain picture by my friend Rachel Austin.

In my book there’s nothing better than a rainy day! That’s if you don’t have to get out. But I did, although only for a short time. Alan had his shoulder surgery. I took him to the hospital, waited patiently for him to be finished, filled his prescriptions and brought him home for the start of the recuperation. Happily, all went well. He’s in a lot of pain but hopefully the healing process won’t be too long.

'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complainin'

A friend of mine was also waiting for her husband so we chatted and I knitted to pass the time. Mindless knitting, a Gossamer scarf out of some sparkly mohair was on the needles.

Gossamer infinity scarf on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gossamer-infinity-scarf

The rain passed and in my opinion didn’t stay long enough at all. Now we’ll just wait til next time.

Those raindrops are fallin' on my head, they keep fallin'...

My List

Under an old brass paperweight, my list of things to do today… 

I’m a list maker. That doesn’t mean I always use my lists but I do make them. I write down what I need at the grocery store then promptly leave the list elsewhere. I write down things I have to do at work and cross them off or write them again for the next day. And every year it seems I have the same old resolutions; exercise more, eat less; get more organized, work less. I always have the best intentions, yet my resolve rarely lasts through January, if even that long.

Those things are important, no doubt. But I wonder if some of the little things I let slide, the things not written down, aren’t just as important.

What if I went to bed before midnight and got up a little earlier in the morning? I’d miss some of the horrid traffic on the everyday commute. I’d see the last of the night turn into the brand new morning. I’d get to work on time.

What if I didn’t say, “In a minute,” or “maybe tomorrow” or “not right now” when one of the littles wanted me to do something? I’d have a good time. Whichever one or even all of them would have a good time. I’d make a memory.

What if I saved that almost $5.00 for a coffee drink that usually doesn’t taste right anyway? I’d have money to get new windows. I’d be able to have a date night. I could buy more Christmas presents or I’d have a bonus in case of a rainy day.

What if I just did whatever it is instead of waiting for a better time? Or until I wasn’t so tired? It would be done. I’d be finished. Then I could go on and do something I really wanted to do instead of always something I had to do.

And what if I didn’t eat that piece of candy that I don’t really want anyway? I’d save a few calories which in turn might save a few pounds. I’d feel better and look better and probably become healthier. And I wouldn’t have to go to the dentist as often.

What if instead of waiting until tomorrow I got started today? Just think of the possibilities! I can catch up on all the things I’ve missed. I’ll start living. And that’s a great thing to have on my list.

There's still more than a few things left I haven't got to yet...

The flu bug or something just as dreadful hit our house. This, in fact, is the second time I’ve been a target. I don’t know if it’s really THE flu but whatever it is has power. I’m knocked out and every bit of energy is zapped. Add that to cough, congestion, head and body aches and well, I think I was sick. I’m at the tail end of the cycle, just in time to go back to work. Now Alan is in bed with the same ailments. I couldn’t do much but I did manage to play with yarn. I knitted a couple of infinity scarves and also crocheted some as well, just for a break. I played with Scribble Lace, one of my favorite things to do. It’s quite nice really!

One really thick yarn and one really thin yarn.

Start livin' that's the next thing on my list...