I have many RSS subscriptions that I check almost daily, but there are some Crochet Blogs that I don’t even bother checking on RSS, I just type in their addresses, because I know them by heart. Some of these are HobbyZu.com/blog and Monstercrochet.blogspot.com. If you are looking for some highly creative crochet blogs to read, these two will definitely spark your interest. Then, there are other blogs I always read that have absolutely nothing to do with crochet or crochet blogs/blogging, but I read them and draw inspiration from the writings and pictures they post. These blogs include fugged.livejournal.com and the-moaner-lisa.livejournal.com. Why am I mentioning these blogs right now? Well, quite frankly, because I like them/they caught my interest/they have the IT factor… These people choose to put their craft/their crochet/their lives out here for others to read, and bare their very souls to their readers (Am I being a bit too dramatic here?? LOL). I like blogs that give you a little piece of the reader. I like to feel like I am experiencing something with a person when I read their blog, and these people have this affect on me. Thank you one, and thank you all!
Anywho, I said all of that to say this. Where are you all?? MoanerLisa drops the big one on me talking of Phil’s proposal (Reality TV and Soap opera’s can’t touch this blog), without so much as telling us what transpired from there, and everyone else I assume is enjoying summertime without sharing… (Tho I, too, am guilty of this one lately)…
So, an update: Crochet has been slow. Homework is getting the best of me… I keep truckin’. I keep encouraging myself as usual with the ole “Time is going to go by anyway, so use it”, but these assignments keep coming, and I really would rather be crocheting. Is there a degree out there anywhere in CROCHET??? As much as I love studying Psychology, I still just want to crochet… :-/ Maybe tomorrow I can get my crochet fix. I have several unfinished projects in the works, and several projects that are only in the imaginative stages, yet they are screaming to come out (Could this be some form of crochet schizophrenia?? — or perhaps I am studying too much Abnormal Psychology and I am reading too much into this???) I prescribe two full days of crochet and blogging, and its a sure fix (No, and I’m not talking about the “Placebo Effect”, this is the real deal :-P).
And for everyone out there who wants to see a little texturous crocheted fibers, here is a peek at the Wee Diva’s Crochet Independance Day Halter, and all the girlies showing their patriotism on the 4th of July:
More to come…
July 07 2008 | Online Education and Yarn and crochet and journaling and psychobabble and school | 11 Comments »
Crochet Diva’s DH graduated from Massage School in March, and a few of his former classmates decided to get together for lunch at a wonderful little Chinese Restaraunt in town. Crochet Diva and the Wee Diva went along even though they did not know everyone. Who can say no to Chinese Buffet, especially with a large sushi bar, right?? Lunch went great, and everyone caught up with what had been going on with one another. They all joked that it was their two month reunion. Crochet Diva snapped a quick photo of everyone by the fountain to post on MassageAlumni.com for the rest of their classmates to see (And hopefully be an incentive to everyone to come along next time).
As an added bonus to the day, right next to the Chinese Restaraunt, Crochet Diva spotted this little shop.
At first she thought it was a dream, but in fact, providence was working in Crochet Diva’s favor. The sign, which can hardly be read in this cell quality photo, says: “Simply Fibers”. FIBERS??? Yes!!!! Could it be??? Crochet Diva snapped a quick photo before going in to the Chinese Restaraunt, and had plans to check it out after lunch. After everyone finished eating and said their good byes, Crochet Diva dragged her DH over to check out the place. They opened the door and stepped inside to what seemed like YARN HEAVEN… (Crochet Diva resisted her urge to take a photo inside due to the small group of knitters all sitting near the door). Despite the fact that the place entire catered to the enemy AKA knitters (Just teasing, but there does seem to be some division there :-P), it was a wonderful shop. There was a small section of books for crocheters, and Crochet Diva picked up the latest edition of Crochet Today she had been wanting, and some white wool yarn for a soaker. (Now Crochet Diva would not have to insist on going to Hobby Lobby for yarn like she had previously planned). Finding the shop was a perfect ending to a perfect lunch. It was a very good day. 
Notice to all Massage Therapists (and those who love massage therapists). MassageAlumni.com is holding a blogging contest each month. Whoever posts the most blogs on their MassageAlumni.com account will win a free massage!
June 18 2008 | Hobby Lobby and MassageAlumni.com and Yarn and crochet and food and journaling and school and wool | 4 Comments »
What, no pictures??? Yeah, sorry… I’ve been slack with the blogging and pictures as of late. I usually have mostly pictures and few words, but there is so much on my mind, and I haven’t edited pictures for this post, so its an “all read” post. First of all, I haven’t blogged much lately due to homework and the overwelmingness of life. I have been crocheting a great deal, though. I have several projects going at once, but have not finished any lately. I’m crocheting several baby items, a market bag, my leper bandage (nearly done), and two afghans. The afghans have actually been slow going lately. It gets warm sitting under a half-crocheted afghan in the spring/summertime, so I’ve opted for crocheting smaller items. I did finally invest in a Harmony Guide, and I am in LOVE!
School has been hectic. I only have a couple of more weeks in my current classes. One of them is Adolescent Psychology. I have learned so much, so far. My daughters are not adolescents yet, but I think it is never too soon to start applying some of these things to one’s life. Of course, as with most of psychology, none of this is absolutely 100% fault proof. These are only theories and ideas, but a great deal of it makes sense… Why should only psychology student’s get this stuff, though? The whole world of parents need this…
Here is Leman’s 20 rules to parenting an adolescent (Keep in mind that these laws are not set in stone, you are allowed to disagree, but I wanted to share):
Leman believes that parents often confuse discipline with punishment, and believes parents need to know the difference. Discipline is to teach a child by setting limits, giving guidelines, making rules and enforcing the rules. Punishment, on the other hand is what you do to enforce the rules. Leman came up with 20 rules that he believes parents should go by:
1. If you threaten your child with something you should follow through with it…
2. Make sure you keep idealistic expectations on your child….
3. Be accepting…
4. Take time to listen to your child
5. Respect your child’s choices
6. Apologize and ask your child to forgive you when you were in the wrong
7. Respect their privacy
8. Communicate clearly
9. Do the unexpected (the main point is to hold them accountable for their choices)
10. Talk about potential problems (long before the problems arise)
11. Don’t act like a teenager (this embarrasses the teen)
12. Give them choices.
13. Don’t snowplow their school road (Leman believes that parents should not help teens with their homework)
14. Don’t show them off or embarrass them
15. Don’t pick at flaws (self-esteem is already at an all-time low during adolescence)
16. Don’t spit in their soup (this means that parents should not add a tagalong line to make the teen feel guilty)
17. Don’t talk in volumes (make only one point at a time)
18. Don’t smother them with praise (Leman’s distinction between praise, which is harmful, and encouragement, which is beneficial)
19. Don’t make icebergs out of icicles (i.e., give them grace, and “cut them some slack”)
20). Handle hassles healthily (in a conflict, give teens the opportunity to explain their side, and then ask them to listen to the parents)
Well, I tried paraphrasing most of that, but some of it there was no better way to say it… All of this can be found in Santrock’s book on Adolescence…
Anyway, it is really overwelming trying to do all of these things all of the time, but I am more aware of how I do things. If anything, it is food for thought. You often hear remarks about wishing the hospital would give an instruction manual when a child is born, and maybe this is not perfect, but it includes some good ideas. I still mess up every day, but if I can at least be aware of things I need to work on, maybe it will make a difference in my children’s lives…
Are there any of these that you disagree/agree with? Any input or thoughts? Since studying these things, it seems like I am constantly contemplating different parenting theories, so I would love to hear if someone has any input…
Blah blah, I realize that has absolutely nothing to do with crochet, but it has really been on my mind… Oh, and speaking of children and crochet… My two older daughters are both crocheting amigurumi teddy bears! I can’t wait until they are finished so I can post pictures!
On another note, I’m combing out my dreads. I really do not know why, or even if I am glad about it, but it is something I am doing. I was surprised at my family’s reactions. They did not all leap for joy like I expected… I am sure I will regret this later, but for now, they are about 1/3 combed out… (Will maybe post pics/3 month timeline later)…
Well, I’m off to crochet before calling it a night…
June 12 2008 | Crochet by Kids and Family and Online Education and crochet and dreads and journaling and school | 6 Comments »
Who didn’t want a Sit-N-Spin when they were a kid? Rob and I both wanted one, and never had one. We weren’t able to even get one for our older girls when they were little, but the little Princess is 15 months old, and she’s living the American Dream for the rest of the family… Even the big girlies wanted to take it for a spin…
May 07 2008 | Family and journaling | No Comments »
I’ve been scarce the past few days due to being busy with finals. Internet connection was down one day (This seems to always happen during finals for me). I have been taking time to crochet. I will be posting those projects, soon.
Today was MusicFest, and we went to see Chicklet play in the band. I’m proud of my baby girl! (She’s the one with the bright green clarinet)…
May 02 2008 | Family and journaling | 7 Comments »
