Saturday Pink

Ribbon Project

It's that time again! The annual Ribbon Project has begun. Unfortunately, I was tardy in getting to my email so missed the first two days. My journey began on Saturday, October 3 - Pink.
What approach to take? In 2007 I focused on finding small bits of beauty or whimsy in my generally unhappy surroundings (failing marriage, feelings of isolation brought on by depression, living in an ugly neighbourhood).
In 2008, my focus was still concentrated on noticing the pieces, albeit, under much happier circumstances. I continued my now habit of looking to see the little things around me - the things that give my heart a little lift.
This year, rather than looking at a scene from the outside, I'm more interested in being in the middle of the scene. I mulling lately the concept of how one moves through one's daily space. I don't just look at my daily landscapes, but move within them and participate in their creation. This is what I'll be exploring over 5 colours and 5 days.

I'm Sure She Won't Mind

I've been working with The Artist's Way for several months now. In it, the authour says it far better than I ever could.

Spiritual benefits accompany the practice of a
hobby. There is a release into humility that comes from doing something by rote. As we serve our hobby, we are freed from our ego's demands and allowed the experience of merging with a greater source. This conscious contact frequently affords us the perspectives needed to solve vexing personal or creative conundrums.

The Artist's Way
Julia Cameron
Penguin Putnam Inc 1992

Vanda

Vanda

The Knitter's Design Team

Knitter's Magazine Summer 2008

She's done! Well actually, this was done weeks ago. I was just waiting for a free sunny morning with my photographer, aka The Daughter.

I was initially disappointed with the final shape of the cardigan. It came out wider than I had envisioned and the sleeves are a bit batty. I should have made the armholes a little smaller. However, I showed it to a few other knitters and they gave their stamp of approval. I've worn it many times now and have warmed up to it considerably.

I knit to pattern specs in the medium size. The only modification I made was to make two button holes instead of one. I like the look of the more complete closure. Also, what an opportunity to use twice as many of my beautiful Goodwill vintage buttons.

Note. This is my first successful use of the three needle bind-off. That shoulder seam is true awesome skill.

Artistic Patronage

I rode along Queen Street today to the Queen West Art Crawl. What a splendiferous, sunny day for a bike ride and an art show. Trinity Bellwoods park was alive with colour.

I actually bought a piece. My favourite tent was that of a lovely young woman named Amanda White. She does remarkably complex and fanciful ink drawings. She somehow manages to capture wildness and tenderness at the same time. The image at left is from her business card.
Alas, being an underemployed arts worker myself, I couldn't afford any of the large pieces with which I fell in love. The great irony of The State of The Arts in Canada. I purchased instead, a tiny perfect sketch that is now hanging beside my favourite window where I sit every morning.

Blogging From the Office

It's quiet here today. What a difference from two days ago and the contained mayhem of sold-out U2 concerts.
Two fourteen hour days of running the box office and two very sore legs later, I've had a revelation. I'm really good at what I do. The prep was in place and the staff was cheerful and motivated. We were swamped but never out of control. I'm really proud to be part of this team.

Unfortunately, what I do, has very little market value. I could not do this job full time and support myself and The Daughter. It's such a shame.
The conundrum: how to find work that uses my mad skills, doesn't break my aging body, and pays a decent salary. Hmm...