Two Black Sheep

California Waiting

I know that I have been knitting too much (yes, that happens occasionally) when my back feels like it is on a rusty hinge. Generally, I sit in the same position on the couch, forgetting to keep both feet on the ground and moving about every now and then. The next morning, or whenever I get up for some water, my lower back feels like it is being held in place by a tiny screw that might fall out any moment. So, to make a long story short, my back could really use some WD40. Granted, there has been some knitting to speak of, but I always forget that this is the eventual outcome for a knitting binge.

Christmas was relatively low-key here at Chez Ava and flock. I guess that happens when your kids reach a certain age and their Christmas list comes complete with links and specifics. Don't get me wrong because I am very, very grateful to have the ability to sit at the computer, select PayPal, and be done with Christmas shopping before I head to knit night . . . but Christmas isn't the rushing quest to find the "IT" toy of the year . . . not when your list has boots and skinny jeans and Harry Potter sweaters on it. So other than the America's Next Top Model paper doll book and  College Vegetarian Cooking (for next year), there weren't many surprises. The girls found the Flyer a Twin Peaks t-shirt (which he loves), and they bought me a bead for my bracelet (which I love). Dinner? I went low-key and pre-ordered from Boston Market . . . easy-peasy and didn't spend half the day cooking or cleaning. Plus, it made an afternoon showing of Sherlock Holmes a possibility. 

So, the knitting you say? I spent a furious two days knitting part of Rambling Rows since I am teaching it as a class at the shop. I think that my New Year's resolution ought to be: no teaching of classes that you don't have a sample . . . no exceptions. For some unknown reason (cough, cough - knitting ADD), Rambling Rows was pushed on the back burner and then forgotten about - until the pot boiled over. My reading teacher is due in April with her first baby, so I decided to knit her a blanket and teach it as a class. That being said, after two days of knitting non-stop, I have a little less than half done. I can see how this gets kind of addicting, but I took it over to the shop (before real addiction could set in) so Joanne could put the sample in the case (and so I could buy some needles . . . too lazy to locate mine). I promised the Flyer some Beer Gloves over a year ago in Jackie's 9th Doctor colorway. I figured with David Tennant's run as the 10th Doctor coming to an end, I really ought to get the gloves done for my sweetie. Truly, they might have been the fastest knit that I've done in a while (photos next week . . . pinkie swear). After that, the only choice was to make something for me: Rose's Wrist Warmers partially because I love them and partially because it is so damn cold here . . . but not cold enough for a coat).

This post actually started off as a "Here's what I learned and loved about 2009" but somehow it morphed into pretty much just a post . . . hmmm. Well, here's what I learned and loved about 2009:

1. I learned that I could cope with my kids going away to school. It didn't destroy me, it didn't leave me curled up in a fetal position, it didn't cause me angst that could only be cured with medicine. It's been a pretty good transition for us all (I think). Do I miss them? Absolutely. Have I figured out what to do with my spare time? Unfortunately, yes.
2. I learned that there was tons of new music to listen to. Personally, my favorite song of the year was "Sweet Disposition" by Temper Trap (fine, it came out in 2008), but "Show Me What I'm Looking For" (Carolina Liar), "Ghosts" (Laura Marling),  or anything by Fleet Foxes or off of the Glee! soundtracks would have been fine as well.
3. I loved both Up and (500) Days of Summer as far as movies went. I think I got most of my crying over graduation done during Up, so thanks Pixar . . . you made graduation a little bit smoother. I did learn, though, that I could go to see movies all by myself and knit and not really give a damn about it.
4. I learned (and love!) that Malabrigo sock yarn is just as divine as regular Malabrigo. If only there were a closer source for this marshmellowy loveliness . . . if only, if only, if only. 
5. When you only get to see your sisters every once and a while, you learn very quickly that you still miss them, so when Lola can get into the City, I'll run in front of a train (really very stupid) or pose in front of a large poster of Gerard Butler (equally as stupid) to see her . . . that last one made the family calendar. 
6. Speaking of posing in front of a large poster of Gerard Butler, I learned (fine, I already knew this) that my sister is a far better photographer than I am . . . but I'm willing to take some tips and get better.
7. I also learned that I have way too much yarn and really ought to do something about it. Knitting comes to mind, but then again so does destashing, donating yarn to new knitters, and knitting (probably deserves more than one mention).
8. Unfortunately, I learned that spinning your brand new sweater because you are lazy has horrible results . . . and can force a very strong woman to tears and lots and lots of beer. 
9. I'm sure there's more . . . but I have a pair of wrist warmers to knit, so resolutions might have to wait until tomorrow

Have a Happy New Year! Stay safe and warm . . . and get some knitting in when you can.

Ava

Pizza & Chocolate Milk

I know that Ava's got a post coming, so I'll make this fast.

I need some help.  Real drama-reducing help.  Ok, I'm being dramatic.  What's new?  I'm thinking about two new camera additions.  Which would you like to see under your tree?  And don't say both.  I'll feel greedy.

a. Nikkor 35mm 1.8 lens

b. Nikon SB- 400 flash

Help.  I can't take this on alone.

Lola

Freak Scene

We're all settling back into life after the Great Food Poisoning of 2009.  About 12 hours after dinner, SK, Brother, & my Dad all got really sick.  REALLY sick.  While we were waiting for the squad to come for my Dad, the ladies were sure it was the turkey.  Mom & I had a small piece.  Gus kept his word & didn't eat a bite.  Tuck might have had a bite & my SIL is a vegetarian.  A couple hours later, my SIL joined the men jockeying for bathroom position.   We have no idea what could have caused it, but we're all thankful that the boys were spared. 

I just wanted to share a Thanksgiving picture prior to the Puke-fest was picked for Shutter Sisters One Word Project!  I'm really happy that it got picked.  For the past year, I've loved the Shutter Sisters site & find inspiration every time I click it & their Flickr pools.  When I told Mom & SK, they both said "But it's really blurry."  That became the point, but I doubt they got it.  Oh well at least I wasn't puking or shitting.

Hope everyone had a safe & healthy Thanksgiving!

Lola.

p.s. Dad is fine.  I guess passing out while puking has a medical name.  Who knew?

Tangled Up in Blue

Flickr Rant #2

This probably isn't a huge rant about Flickr.  But Flickr had kept this rant burning, so I'm adding to my Flickr Rant.  

Awhile back, we had family friends that got a new camera.  All of a sudden, they've got a photography business.  What the hell?!  From a Point n' Shoot to a DSLR to a professional photographer?!  Are you kidding me?  And the pictures weren't that fantastic.  Sure they looked better than the older pictures (thank you DSLR), but not something outstanding.  Ava & I were guessing that people were shocked by how good the photos looked (thank you DSLR) & this led them into the photography business. 

Maybe we're jaded.  Ava & I are so used to seeing beautiful, creative, & inspiring photos.  I think that surfing blogs will do that for a gal's eye.  These pictures from the new professional weren't composed beautifully.  But even worse, were really over-processed.  Shadows that made the subject unattractive or even unnoticeable.  Some were even really blurry & not artfully so.  The subjects were positioned in a manner that didn't help.  Double chins don't have to exists, hello?

I'm afraid that people will read this & say, "Who does she think she is?"  Nobody at all.  Read back to the first Flickr post.  I don't know what I'm doing.  But I'm learning how to capture my kids' emotions at the right time.

Maybe that's why people on Flickr can be cunty.  They've spent hours in classes or years shooting to create a profitable business.  And anyone with a nice camera thinks they can be a paid photographer.  I got lost in a stream & read what this woman was charging her clients.  I decided to click & see what her work looked like.  And I was shocked by her price tag.  Who was going to pay for those photos?!  One picture that was full of praise was of a sweet baby on a pink background.  I'm assuming that the baby was suppose to be in a flower because her face was covered with an Overlay of bees & butterflies.  You could barely see the kid's face through the swirling insects. 

Now I feel horrible for typing that last paragraph for two reasons.  One, that baby picture was this woman's art.  And my mom has been telling me for years that people can have a different opinion from my own.  I understand how it feels to put yourself out there.  It isn't a comfortable place.  I have no business being critical of anyone's pictures.  But when you charge people, do you open yourself up to that?  Maybe or maybe not.  Two, affordable DSLR cameras have made it possible for so many people to express themselves.  Smaller cameras & even cell phone cameras fill this world with inspiring photos.  This accessibility has made it possible for me to document our lives.  And while I understand that this might anger Professionals, it should also fill the world with tons of different pictures.  Tons of different expressions.  Tons of different examples of beauty.

I'm not saying that only people with degrees or truly experienced people should start a business.  I'm not saying that people shouldn't get paid for following their passion.  Starting a business is brave.  But there are probably thousands of people that should be getting paid for their photography skills.  Thousands!  Go on, click through Flickr.  It's amazing.

Great.  Now I sound cunty, huh?

Private Lawns

In the last post, I shared pictures from my Flickr account.  The non-Two Black Sheep account.  I got that account before Tuck was born hoping that it'd be easier to share the mountains of newborn photos.  It worked well for awhile & then Facebook came along.  No longer did I have to send the "I put more photos up" email.  They popped up when my family members logged on.  You can't get easier!  I didn't add to it for a couple months.  I think I was caught up in everything else life was tossing my way.  Then, my hobbies changed.  Knitting became a manageable hobby.  Something that didn't consume me.  I wasn't snatching up every new book or buying yarn because it was a good price.  I was knitting because it calmed me.  More or less. 

Enter the camera. 

I wasn't as crazed about the camera as I was about needles & yarn, but I still wanted my camera with me all the time.  I started seeing things other than the kids to take pictures of.  I started to check the Photography section after the Knitting section when I was as B&N.  I became consumed with what my Nikon couldn't do & how I could get a new one.  When that happened, I began to take more pictures.  With some encouragement from one of my favorite bloggers & Flickr friends, I dove into Flickr.  She was right.  Join groups.  Become inspired by others. And you'll take better pictures.  She was right.  I can get lost in Flickr streams just like the old days of my Knit Blog love. 

The other day I sat down with knitting & a new photography book.  SK said, "Make your mind up.  You're either a knitter or a photographer."  I cringed & quickly fixed his statement.  "I'm a knitter.  Not a photographer.  I just like to take pictures."  There's a huge difference.  Photographer is someone who clearly knows what they're doing.  I really don't have a clue.  While I don't use the Automatic mode & I can muster up a good explanation of Aperture & Shutter modes.  But I can't tell you how to position subjects towards the best light, bracketing, exposure values, etc. I knew my shortcomings way before I ventured into the Flickr world.  That's good to know because it's a lot different from the sweet little Craft Blog-asphere.

I figured I'd share the three things I dislike the most about Flickr in the next couple days.  One, it will get me to blog more.  Two, maybe I'm not alone. Three, I just need to vent about something.  Ava has been really busy these days & I'm usually staring down a highway.  I swear that I'm not really bashing Flickr.  I love Flickr!  It's the characters that lurk.  Or maybe it's just a transition from the Knitterly-types to Photo-types.

Merry-Go-Round

I thought I'd share a couple of fun pictures from our State Fair trip.  The butter sculpture picture didn't turn out well enough to share.  Damn.

Against All Odds

I don't embarrass easily.  My face might turn red real quick, but I'm not embarrassed.  I took a lot of the I-Don't-Give-a-Fuck gene from my dad.  Actually I think that Ava & I snatched up all the IDGaF gene & left our siblings with nothing.  Other Sister might want some of this gene, but it isn't a great thing to have running through your veins.

I think that I fully shave (3 fingers past the knee) my legs twice a year.  I half-ass shave maybe 6 more times a year.  That's being generous.  Pedicured toes & well moisturized feet are not something that trek through my house.  Loud in a store?  Yep, that's me.  Poop conversations.  Yep, I'll have 'em with your Grandma.  An almost completed sweater that's just not "doing" it for me, I'll frog it & not think twice.  Most of the time I just don't give a fuck.

But lately, I've been feeling a new emotion.  There's something that the IDGaF gene hasn't attacked yet.  I feel very uncomfortable taking pictures.  I'm good when my kids are in the frame.  If they aren't there, I can't seem to take a picture without a lot of inner drama.  And if I do fire off a shot, I feel almost ridiculous posting the picture for friends & family.  Maybe it's because I really have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to taking pictures.  Maybe it's because I might have to defend why I choose to shoot a a coffee cup.  And my defense is always so simple: It was pretty.  Do people get that defense?

This emotion is troubling because I've been thinking a lot about photos.  When I'm on the road, I'll see a barn & think, "Look at the sky.  That'd be a nice photo."  Or "Hmm, that's an interesting sign I'd like to remember."  But when you don't have the IDGaF gene working in your favor, it makes whipping out a camera difficult.  Why would I worry about what strangers are thinking about the crazy woman & her camera?  I don't like this feeling.  I need to find that gene & show it the camera.

There must be something to cure this aliment.  Does it come in pill form?

L

Carpetbaggers

I got toys, people!  I never blogged about my birthday gift from SK & the boys.  It's really a shame because I love this bag.  Love isn't a word I usually use for this accessory.  Useful & durable are more my style.  Love is Ava's word for bags. 

I really needed a large bag that I could use for work & for off-hours (That makes me sound like a hooker, huh?).  Usually I have to toss my wallet, phone, & other essentials from bag to bag.  I got tired of the purse game.  I dropped hints & it arrived on my big day.  At first, I was disappointed.  I thought it'd be a little larger.  Maybe have more a divided center.  But it's olive green & that makes me happy beyond anything else.  Since I've been using it, I love the size & the vast inside.  It closes with a center magnetic button & then two more magnets that are in the lining of the opening.  You literally pull it apart & are greeted by a huge space.  My space can fit a pouch of toys, a pouch of essentials (lip-gloss, floss, hand sanitizer, etc), a couple diapers, a huge bib, sippy cup, small knitting pouch, wallet, phone, & a pile of old receipts.  As if that weren't enough, it comes with three more pockets to fill.  I'm also sure my newest toy will fit nicely in it.  Especially since it's mounted with another gift.  More on that later.  I've got some pictures to take!

Flying

I'm not an outdoor Gal.  I love air-conditioning.  I crave one or two real camping trips, but that's it.  No sunning on the beach.  No hikes into the forest.  But lately I've taken to the outdoors.  I must rephrase that last sentence: Lately I've been hijacked into the nature and I don't mind.  The boys love to be outside.  I'm not sure what we do most of the time.  Tuck tries to bounce a basketball & Gus works on his dribbling skills.  Yesterday, we pulled out our pitiful baby pool.  That's how we spent yesterday.

Because of all this outdoor time, I've been taking more photos.  SK is helping me with some editing skills & I'm learning to crop most of my photos.   I know it's summer & most people don't comment during the summer, but I need some bloggy help!  I would love to try out a new Nikon 50 mm f/1.8 lens, but the AF won't work on our camera's body.  Being a complete novice, I rely on the AF a lot!  I'm trying to switch into Manual & work on focusing on some fast moving kids.  The photo below is done without the ease of AF.  Some photos are clear.  Some aren't.  Would this be a worthwhile purchase?  Or is trying to manually focus on kids a losing battle?  Help, please.

Turn, Turn, Turn

For the past 2 years, we've taken the kid/kids to the apple orchard/pumpkin patch.  We always go with SK's brother & his 2 kids.  I love this trip so much.  I like how excited Gus gets when he finds an apple.  I like how he points out the "dead" apples on the ground.  This year, his class took a trip a week earlier to the same orchard.  During that trip, he learned the proper way to pick an apple.  This year he took great care to twist the apple off its branch.  We picked a bunch of Suncrisp & Melrose apples.  SK enjoys a tart apple & I'm happy with any kind that makes a good sauce.  I also love the trip because we get the best pictures.  We're really trying to display more pictures around our house.  I need to learn how to adjust my Color Balance so the orange doesn't blow up my camera, but overall I'm happy with our pictures.   This year the trip also helped with my sanity.

Early last week, our company had to cut more positions.  Within my department, we lost about 8 people.  A year ago, my company did the same thing.  Right now, I feel like a sitting duck.  Well, this duck needs to get up & do something.  This news & all of the current economy woes is starting to get to me.  I don't watch the news any longer.  I try really hard not to click on CNN.com, but I seem to click a couple times a day just to punish myself.  Not to sound really Crunchy, but I can no longer live in what my Future might be.  It ruins my Present.  This is really easy for me to type, but much harder to actually do.  When you grow up, people are always telling you to think about your future.  Join clubs in high school & it will be easier to get into college.  Get a good internship so you can land a great job out of college.  Work hard now so your boss will recognize it & promote you.  But in the end, did any of that work for me?  I'm pretty sure I would have gotten into college without being part of the Yearbook club.  My internship had nothing to do with my current job.  There's no room for growth with my job & they still cut people. 

I'm not saying to live fully in the moment.  The kids' Well Checks would never happen because I'd forget to schedule them.  I wouldn't finish one project because I'd start the next one that inspired me.  Forget saving!  But I really need to stop worrying about something that may never happen.  And if it does, worrying about it now will have no effect on the outcome.  I've had to change my reading habits because they help my Worry grow at a rate that I can't control or sustain.  I've picked up a few books that I'm hoping will keep me sane & productive.  (side note:  Why doesn't everyone buy used books on Amazon?  I got a hard copy of Everyday Blessings for $0.46!)

I'm going to stop watching as much tv (Beside the Mentalist, there isn't a new show that I love.  How hot is  Simon Baker?) & get back to reading, sewing, & knitting.  I've got an apron & quilt to finish.  Why did I but material for B's quilt?  Another reason to live in the moment, there's always better fabric around the corner!  I finished Tuck's Runaround & have the yoke finished on Gus'.  I may have to rip out some of the length on Tuck's.  It's a little more tunic than pullover.

Sorry for the doom-and-gloom post, but I don't think I'm alone in this. Even just typing the post out has helped, but don't worry.  I won't use the blog as my therapy.