Archive for the 'Blogging' Category

Twitterer or Timewaster?

Published July 9, 2009 Blogging , Life 1 Comment

What is it about Twitter and Facebook that pulls me in? 

wasting time...I find myself spending valuable time reading each and every post, playing wacky games, and finding more friends to add to my collection…

…when I should be doing so many other things like: completing way over due loom knitting projects that have been just hanging out on my looms, forlorn and lonely; writing up patterns for those same projects; completing any number of tasks that need to be accomplished to get the purchase of a house in order; PACKING for that said move to a new house; organizing all my stuff for a garage/online moving sale so there’s less stuff to pack for that move, lol!

You name it, I need to do it!  But here I sit, finding out all the juicy details of what everyone’s doing at any given moment.  Why is this?!

I’ve thought about this addictive draw to these online social networks and have come to this conclusion…we need connections.  Many of us have this huge online life that is completely separate from our daily lives and reading about our friends doing everyday tasks, or what they’re thinking about right now brings a more personal nature to that online life.  It makes us feel like we’re right next door and can drop in for a cup of joe and great conversation at any moment,  or hollar over the hedge to see what they’ve been up to, or share a funny moment, or much needed encouragement. 

In short, it makes the huge idea of the world wide web seem not so big and overwhelming…it connects people and helps them to belong.  There are others out there that share a bond that brings them closer together…whenever a moment is spent sharing tidbits on Twitter, or posting a funny whatnot on Facebook.  So I guess in that sense, I’m not really wasting time.  I’m building relationships that don’t have to be remade after a move, because they will travel with me where ever we decide to roam.  That’s pretty valuable in my book!  :)  

So happy Tweeting and see ya’ at my Wall!  (at least when I can steal some moments away from my real-life to get back to you all, lol.)

Bethany~

Keepin’ on…

Published May 21, 2009 Blogging , Goals , Just Because , Life , Photography 2 Comments

Hello, everybody! :D I keep thinking about you all and about how I want to post about things that are happening here, but I just don’t get the chance to dive in as deeply as I wish to.  If you’re watching for what’s goin’ on in my little corner of the world, you can gleen little snippets on my Twitter page found on the right hand sidebar.  I do make the use of  little stolen minutes that I jump on and tweet little tidbits of what’s happening…but in general, I’m just keepin’ on, keepin’ on. ;)  

I didn’t realize how much I wasn’t doing at home until I directed my gaze completely on that front and saw what a mess my corners are…whew!   Talk about stacks everywhere that were just put aside to be gotten to when the time was right.  Let me tell you, the time really never was right, judging by how many there are, lol!  So, in light of the fact that we will be moving soon, I figured I’ll just go through them all as I organize and pack.  Much simpler and more streamlined that way.  Now I see clearly what my hubby was complaining about.  :P   Did I tell you I’m a serious pack rat???

On another note, I thought I’d share another photo from my Digital Photography class… that I got a 14 out of 15 points.   This category was for Portraiture.  I was able to catch a lovely shot of my darling daughter snuggling with my great nephew Blake…aren’t they so cute??

Dailey SP-11 Portrait

 I also have some fun shots of my hubby’s birthday last night, which I will share soon, I promise!  Have a wonderful day…

Bethany~

humbly honored…

Published April 11, 2009 Blogging , Blogroll , Crafting , Crochet , Knitting , Loom Knitting , My Favorites 4 Comments

I have been remiss in my blogging duties lately.  Over the past couple of months I have missed telling you about certain awards that this little gettinitpegged bloggie has received.  As you know, I’ve been really super busy lately.  But recently, the number of awards has increased, and I just couldn’t go any longer without officially hollaring out a big “Thank You!”to those who have so kindly picked my blog out of the multitude of great choices available out there in cyber-world to honor.  Now it’s my turn to pass along the feel good blessings… :)

marieantonetteThe first nomination I was so richly given was the Marie Antonette Award.  This was passed along to me from Monika Rose Crochets.  I hate to admit this, but she actually gave this to me back in December.  I so much appreciate this, Monika Rose, and hope you didn’t give up on me posting about your award…so sorry. 

What a very classy looking pic, don’t you think?

 

blog_is_fabulousaward1The second award I was so humbly honored to receive was from Cindy Crochets.  This was given to me back in February…I know…baaaaaadsheepme!  So sorry for the lateness in posting, Cindy! But I appreciate your nomination very, very much!

Don’t you just love this picture?  It’s so artsy!

 

Okay…now we’re into more recent nominations, lol! 

este-blog-investe1I received this award from my friend Robin McCoy.  Here’s what the award represents:
“This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!”

This is what Rockin’ Robin said about my bloggie:  “Ever since I first ran across Bethany’s blog, I thought it was special and unique.  She keeps it so clean and pretty and blogs about life as much as she blogs about other stuff.  She has taught me a lot and has the same kind of loving patience that I try to instill in my own life.  Bethany is another one of those incredibly sweet people, and her daughters are following in her footsteps, and that makes her a great mom as well. ”

I can’t tell you how much these sweet words touched me!  Thank you so much, Robin, and know that I feel the same way about you!  :*)

Kreativ BloggerThe second award was given to me by 3 people!  On the same day both Robin McCoy and Brenda Myers passed on this excellent trophy.  Talk about “proximity!”

Then a couple days after, Jenny Stark sent a nomination winging my way as well.  :) She says: “This blog belongs to my fabulous friend Bethany.  Bethany has created a sunny, cheerful corner of the internet.  She is a very talented loomer and has some super tutorials on her blog. ”  Thank you so much, Jenny!  You are one of the most cheerful and giving people I know, and deserve all good and wished for blessings spilled to overflowing into your life.

The rules for this particular award require me to list 7 things that I love:  hmmmmm….there are so many!

  1. I love playing with yarn!
  2. I love spending time with my family…that’s the best, actually.
  3. I love getting a ”perfect” shot with my camera…usually after a zillion tries and admonitions to my kids not to make faces, lol.
  4. I love taking long hot baths….mmmmm & ahhhhhh!
  5. I love colors…I like to fill my life with every color possible, except maybe peach.
  6. I love bags.  My family really teases me about this.  I just can’t help being literally drawn to the purse/bag sections of stores, or thinking of what bag I can make next, lol!
  7. I love to make things…I thrive on the thrill of creating something with my own hands that is original and unique.  It feeds my soul.  :)

The next item on the list for this award (and all the others) is to pass on the good fortune and blessings that receiving these lovely nominations gives.  This is hard for me, because I know that all my favorite blogs and their wonderfully creative owners have already received awards and congrats and kudos many times over.  I don’t want it to seem cliche. I list the blogs on my side bar not as just something to fill up space, but as a promise from me that you’ll find good and marvelous things therein, and that you’ll make a new friend along the way.  :)   So, if I am repeating the nominations already given, I apologize, but I assure you that these bloggers deserve to be honored again. 

  1. Purlingsprite.com   Of course, Isela Phelps is the queen of looming, and has been a great mentor and friend.  She is very giving of her valuable time for the betterment of loom knitters from beginners to advanced.  Thanks, so much Isela!
  2. Knitting Without Needles  Denise Layman is another great giver of her time.  She runs a website full of information about all things yarny, whether it’s techniques, books, new projects, or fresh inspirations…Thanks for all you do, Denise!
  3. Rockin’ The Loom  Robin McCoy has been a huge help to so many out there learning to loom knit!  She’s involved in so many groups to give of her time and help enrich this craft and the people in it.  Her creativity is blooming…I just can’t wait to see what will come from her corner next!  Thanks so much, Robin!  You’re an excellent friend to have. :)
  4. GuppyGirl  Jenny Stark, as I’ve mentioned above, has such a sweet spirit and a big heart.  If there’s work or help to be given behind the scenes, you can bet Jenny’s involved in some way.  You can find her in so many of the groups, ready to give a helping hand or an encouraging word.  Jenny, your efforts do not go unnoticed, believe me!  You’re splenderific!
  5. Cre8tive KJ’s Corner Karen Gielen is a wonderful crafter, looming designer, and mom extraordinaire!  She somehow finds the time to create innovative designs and help out in many of the groups, while raising her 6 kids, as well as her alpacas!  She has a wonderfully artistic  sense of style in everything she does… Thank you, Karen, for all you do!
  6. Loom Lore  Brenda Myers has added magic to the world of looming with her wonderful little creations!  She has provided countless hours of pleasure for everyone who embarks on creating one of her whimsical projects.  :)   Brenda is always available with a helping hand and an encouraging word…Many heartfelt thank you’s go to you, Brenda!   
  7. Hankering For Yarn I can’t even begin to describe Noreen Crone-Findlay’s ability to create magic at the drop of a hat!  Her life seems to be defined by her artful nature and creative inspirations; her blog contains daily doses of it all.  She will weave her way into your heart in no time flat, lol!   Many thanks go to you, Noreen, for providing endless amounts of whimsical pleasantries.  :)

There truly are many others that I could name, but, as you can see, this post is already on the longish side, lol!  We’ll leave that for another day…  Everyone out there in Fiberland, please accept my many thanks for all your time and efforts given to help others find the joy of artistic crafting!  You are greatly appreciated. 

SmileyCentral.com

Bethany~

St Patty’s Day Surprise!

Published March 17, 2009 Blogging , Classes , Family Fun , Holidays , Just Because , Life , School , Tutorials 1 Comment

Hello, my good loomy friends!  :D   I hope you’re enjoying a wonderfully terrific St Patty’s Day…filled with lots of green and visions of the land o’ fairies.

I’ve been bogged down with the wrapping up of the Winter Quarter of college, and trying to get things all completed, studied for, turned in, and aced…hence the long span of no updates.  :P

But, since you’ve been so patient, and it’s a fun holiday today, I thought I’d share with you one of my projects for my Health and Fitness class.  apricot-porkjust-look-at-that-beautyIt contains a very healthy meal with scrumdidliumptious recipes!  How’s this for starters…Apricot Stuffed Pork Loin…Sauteed Green Bean and Black Bean side dish…Cherry/Strawberry Crisp…  Mmmmmm. I’ve got your mouths watering haven’t I, lol? 

Well…feel free to download in PDF format all the luscious details.  :)

Have a happy St Patrick’s Day…keep thinking GREEN!

Bethany~

PS: If you’re interested in the book that I mention in the project above, and where to get those great recipes (it has a ton of excellent ones!) you can check it out here:  http://tinyurl.com/dz828p

New Header~

Published February 5, 2009 Blogging , Loom Knitting 4 Comments

So…whad’ya think???

Bethany~

Middle of the week update~

Published February 4, 2009 Blogging , Crafting , Crochet , Family Fun , Kids , Kids Crafting , Life , School 5 Comments

Happy Wednesday to you!

I’ve been playing around with new looks for the bloggy, so you might see some weird stuff come through while I’m experimenting, lol! ;)

I’ve been so “up to my eyeballs” busy lately that I’ve been only able to manage about 1 or 2 posts a week…please don’t feel neglected. :P   It’s just that I have to take care of getting my life in order right now, and that includes getting my degree (finally!), working, spending time with family, household chores, and looming (these are the most front and foremost).  Everything else just sort of has to fit in the cracks where they appear along the way. 

I’ve got something special planned for you, though!  A new treat for Valentine’s Day!  You know you needed some loomy love sprinkled through your computer screen, right?  ;)   Well…just stay tuned…all will be revealed, lol.

Well…what I’ve been up to lately~

resusci-annieSaturday, I learned to save Resusci Anne,  Jr, and Baby.

I had to go to Saturday school from 8am to 2pm, but I did learn invaluable, life saving skills.  I’ve learned these before over time, but did you know that to be CPR certified, you have to re-take the course every year?  It was amazing to see how many things had changed since the last time I had taken it.   Now I need to find one of those little key chains that have a breathing mask inside so that I’ll be ready for CPR at the split’s second’s notice.  ;)

On the yarny front, Emily was crafting from this really excellent little book…if you like a bit of dark humor, lol!

creepy-cute-crochetThis is the book by Christen Haden: Creepy Cute Crochet.

We actually found it at my sister’s house while we were camped out during the flood, and my daughters’ asked if they could borrow it.  This book is so morbidly funny!  If you enjoy amigirumi, then you should definitely take a look inside these pages.  ;)

tumble-the-dragontumble-from-the-sidedragonbackThis dragon was made using a modification of one of the patterns…it was originally going to be some kind of monster, but it sort of morphed as she was making it, and came out a dragon!  Isn’t it funny how projects can tend to do that?  Just click on the pics to see them larger.

Well…I’d better tottle off to class now, then work, then homework…sigh…

Bethany~

a Christmas Wish~

Published December 25, 2008 Blogging , Holidays , Loom Knitting 2 Comments
Our 3 Little Trees~

Our 3 Little Trees~

Just click on the trees to see your Holiday Wish from me!  :)

Bethany~

…another MeMe

Published December 11, 2008 Blogging , Goals , School 2 Comments

I just had to pop in really quick and tell you some exciting news!  Well…it’s exciting for me anyway, lol!  ;)

You’re reading the blog of a gal who just got a 4.0 on her first college course in 19 years!!!!  Yippee!! :D   Lots of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for this one, hehehe.  Just had to pop in and tell you the news.  There will be more regular posts later…and have I got some great stuff to show you all!  

Have a great rest of the week!   TTYS….Bethany~

Christmas Meme!

Published December 8, 2008 Blogging , Family Fun , Growing Up , Holidays , Reminiscing 3 Comments

This little meme has been making the rounds in the Loomy World…I’ve been “group tagged” by Robin, and am the last to get her act together and put it on her blog!  I mention Jenny below, as I pasted the questions from her blog.  I hope you enjoy reading these little what-nots, and feel free to post the same on your own blog!  Let’s hear what you’ve got to say too!  :D

Well….here goes!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? 

I’m with Jenny on this one…I like to use both.   The more variety we have under the tree, the better! (as long as they all sort of coordinate with each other…have to have that color balance thing going, lol.)  ;)

2. Real tree or Artificial?
We used to buy real trees every year, but switched to a set of 3 skinny artificial trees after the prices on live trees kept skyrocketing…and this way no needles to clean up!

3. When do you put up the tree?
This year we dove in head first and put everything up Thanksgiving weekend…usually we’re so busy that it doesn’t get done until about the 2nd week of December.  I’ve been really excited to spruce up our new place this year, so we got a jump on things.  :)

4. When do you take the tree down?
We like to think of the holidays not being officially over until after the kids go back to school around the fifth of January.  Then things get slowly packed away…but I leave all the snowy-wintry things up until about March. ;)

5. Do you like eggnog?
I love eggnog!  BUT…I don’t really like the thick kind that you buy at the grocery store.  I actually have it half milk and half nog…that’s just perfect!  When I was a kid, my older brother and I used to make homemade egg nog almost everyday after school.  Mmmmm…we just loved it!  We made it nice and frothy with plenty of vanilla.  Now when I think about drinking that stuff with raw eggs, it makes me want to gag, lol!  ahhhh…sometimes ignorance is bliss!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
I’ve had lots of great Christmas gifts over the years.  My family has always been very kind to me.  :)   But the thing that comes to mind as extraspecial was a gift I received from my grandma.  She was usually late coming to our Christmas gatherings, because she was still putting all the finishing touches on everything she had been working on for all the grandkids.  This year in particular she had been extra late, and everyone was so excited to see what she had up her sleeves!  She finally arrived and had to have help bringing everything in…for me and my cousin she had made these wonderful doll houses, all decorated with paper and carpets, and the roof opened up so that you could play with your little people inside.  When we opened up our houses, there were other goodies tucked inside, including the every year essential grandma gift: socks!  :)

7. Hardest person to buy for?
Definitely my hubby!  He’s tricky…he either wants something we absolutely can’t afford, lol…or doesn’t really let me know exactly what he has in mind.  I just sort of guess at what I think he would enjoy most of the time, and cross my fingers.  He’s a good guy, though…he appreciates everything he’s ever received, and has loved them all.  :)

8.  Easiest person to buy for?
Of course, this is what everyone says…my girlies are the easiest.  The hard part is stopping, lol!  I think I am all done, then I see something that I think one of them would just love and I have a hard time telling myself that they have enough already!…

9. Do you have a nativity scene?
Nope…but my mom has a very interesting one made of maroon wax with silver accents, which I believe my aunt carved out for her a long time ago.  I always loved that set. :)

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail, or personally hand out.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Once I was at a party for work, and we had a white elephant gift exchange.  I was new to the group and didn’t know that these were really pranky gifts, lol.  I ended up bringing home a set of pink window blinds…used, of course! :P

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
I love them all!!!!!  I drive my family crazy every year with the Christmas movie marathon.  I love all those claymation movies: Rudolph, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, the Little Drummer Boy, Small One (super sweet!), the Grinch, Frosty the Snowman…you name it!

And of course, I love It’s a Wonderful Life, Meet Me in St Louis (which is kind of an all year movie, but we love to watch it during the holiday season especially),  The Bishop’s Wife,  …oh the list could just go on and on and on, but I won’t drive you crazy too!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Oh, I pretty much shop all year round.  I have a box which I stash presenty things that I pick up at great bargains here and there.  I think it’s better to do that, and not be stressed out during the season when life should be happy and enjoyable. ;)   This box also comes in really handy when we have a birthday party to attend, or some other such thing that requires a little giftie.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
I really don’t think so.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
My dad’s fudge (he leaves some marshmallows umelted in there and it’s soooo goood!), and my sister’s chocolate cream cheese cupcakes!

16. Lights on the tree?
We have white lights on the trees.  When we opened them this year, we had the same trouble as Jenny…except only one little portion at the bottom of one tree was working, so the girls had to cut off all the orginal lights, and we strung on new ones. 

17. Favorite Christmas song?
I love the songs: What Child is This, Oh Come All ye Faithful, O Holy Night…many, many others…(it kind of fits in the same catagory as the Christmas movies, lol!)

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay home, but would love to someday take a Christmas trip…that would be kind of cool.  :)

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Yes – if I sing it. (I’ll steal Jenny’s answer, lol)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
One year, when the girls were still little, I came home from work one evening, and my hubby and the girls surprised me with a beautiful, huge Christmas tree, all decked out with brand new decorations!  At the top of the tree was a lovely angel, which my hubby had placed just so, with a single light in her hands.  This is the angel we lovingly take out of her box every year to grace the top of our tree and oversee all of our holiday cheer.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
We’ve tried to make our own little traditions over the years, to keep the entire holiday season special and exciting.  We try to have the 12 days of Christmas!  Counting up to Christmas, we each get to do something special every day…whether it’s open a gift, or play a family game, or watch a special movie, go on an outing… So we really start sooner than Christmas Eve, and extend our celebrating as long as we can into New Years Day.  :)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Hands down: working in retail!  :P

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?
I love rich burgandys, greens and golds, with white lights.  But the trees tend to actually be a mix of lots of colors, due to all the handmade ornaments that the kids have created over the years, and different ones we’ve picked to mark memories.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Jenny had it right:  Honey glazed ham.  Mmmmmmm!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
I saved a quote from Jenny, as it is so perfect to share how I feel about Christmas:   ”As long as we are healthy, happy, have each other and can keep this roof over our head, how much more does a person need?” 

This pretty much says it all!

26. Who is most likely to blog about this?
YOU!

27.  Lights, blinking or always on?
I like them to slowly sparkle.  The new ones we put on the tree and the outside of the house are the kind that some of them stay on, while the others fade in and out…very pretty!  They look quite magical and wintery.

Well…that’s it for my meme.  If you’d like to participate, please feel free!  It’s really been fun to reminisce and to also put priorities into perspective.  I hope that this holiday season finds you happy, healthy and loved.  :)

Bethany~

Taxi Mama~

Published September 28, 2008 Blogging , Growing Up , Kids , Life , Loom Knitting , Looming Patterns , School 4 Comments

I’ve been really quiet this week…

Not because I wanted to keep to myself…

Not because I didn’t have anything to say…

Really, the reason I’ve neglected my poor bloggy, is that I’ve taken up a new career this week…with the emphasis being on CAReer, lol!  As most of you know, my life has taken a dramatic change this fall, and it’s really began in force this week with the first day of college for both my eldest daughter, and me.  :)   I knew this would be a significant disruption in our normal routine, but I what I didn’t realize was how much actual time I’d be spending sitting behind the wheel of my little PT, acting as Taxi Mama!  Talk about experiencing the gas crunch first hand!!!  :P

My new job as Floral Designer is also in full swing, and I’ve been flinging glitter hither and yon, creating…yep, already!…Christmas arrangements!  I walk around everywhere looking like I’ve just been sprinkled with pixie dust…which really isn’t a bad thing, lol.  I like a little sparkle in my life!  ;)   Do you know how hard it is to get glitter off your skin, though?  The only way is to rinse it down the drain, and my schedule doesn’t allow for multiple shower days, lol.  But, on the job front, my previous position of Event Coordinator has not yet been filled…anybody interested???…and this causes me to feel the need to keep up with that job as well, as I really don’t want to see 4 years of careful handling be washed down the drain along with the glitter!  Crazy days!

I’ve have been able to fit a tiny bit of looming in…while waiting for traffic lights to turn, while sitting in the car in between classes, and during the lunch breaks that I  don’t actually have to jump and in the car with my “Taxi Mama” sign on top.  I’m working on a little hat to match the ‘lil Tykies!  I hope it turns out how I invision it.  So far it’s looking good, but if the measurements turn out to be a tad eskew, I’ll have to start again.  Oh, well…such is the life of the loomy adventurer, lol!

I hope your week has gone a tad bit smoother than mine has been, and here’s to wishing that next week is better for all!  :D  

Now, I’m off to do my homework…zoom, zoom, zoom!

Bethany~

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