Still reading (should say hardly reading) The Light Between Oceans. By the time I nestle all snug in my bed, the Nyquil I've been living on for the past month kicks in and I'm toast. Maybe a page. Maybe two. I like the book. I'm just not motivated to read it earlier in the evening. Since I'm most likely the last of the Yarnalong-ers to read it, no one is waiting with bated breath for my review.
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I've actually spend quite a bit of time looking through the other 'book' in the pile! It's a planner, an organizer, a journal....yes, all 3. I was lucky to win this gem at the giveaway on Lisa's blog (happyindolevalley). Besides being lovely to look at (white tulips have to be my FAVORITE flower!), the smallest details have been addressed: month-at-a-glance (with the previous month and next month in the corner), followed by pages for a week-at-a-glance, menu planner, and to-do list---with an inspirational quote on each page. The back has perforated shopper lists, a planning-ahead section, gift idea section, and general notes pages. There is enough blank writing space throughout that it could (and will) be used as a journal and the spiral binding will ensure that it stays flat while you write. The only problem I could find with it is...it really doesn't start until January 2014---so I've got to wait to use it.**
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On my needles is Rachel's shawl by Melissa Wyll. In honor of a friend she met through Ravelry, Melissa is giving 100% of the $$$ raised in September and October to Rachel's 'cause', Emerging from Cancer (an annual retreat for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.) Rachel's story and links are found at the above site, and after I read the story---I had to zip on over to buy the pattern ($380 raised already!), dive in the stash, dig out something pink, and immediately cast on. (Sorry, Out of Darkness shawl...you are on the back-burner for a bit.)
This is Melissa's first attempt at writing a pattern and she's done a lovely job. It is a perfect pattern for anyone....quickly knit in a worsted (or aran...I'm using Debbie Bliss' cashmerino aran), rest rows on the wrong side, only 48 stitches per row; a basic yet lovely lace pattern that knits to somewhere between wide scarf and shawlette size. I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be tickled to receive this as a gift.
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** should anyone else be interested in purchasing this planner, you can find additional information at www.wellkeptlife.com. When I got there, I discovered Mari Jean lives in the community next to the one I grew up in. Small world...getting smaller all the time!
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if any of you clicked over from Ginny's yarnalong...a special thank you this week for taking a chance on that stupid pinterst photo that came up.....How did I click on THAT? How did I ever find that???? Another of the world's mysteries.
you will always be a winner in my eyes ;) love the yarn you are using and my so pretty!!!
Posted by: karen | 09/25/2013 at 05:44 AM
It is a small world and oh so beautiful.
I really like the yarn you are using [surprise] for your Rachel Shawl. I am buying the pattern on the 12th in honor of Mike's grandmother and then will donate the shawl to the hospital. I wish the date would hurry up, I am excited to cast on.
Posted by: Tracey | 09/25/2013 at 06:38 AM
Beautiful shawl! So glad you will enjoy using what I believe is the best planner ever. :)
Posted by: Lisa @ HappyinDoleValley | 09/25/2013 at 08:47 AM
Beautiful project! I love the color you chose for your Rachel Shawl.
Posted by: Erin @ Mama in Progress | 09/25/2013 at 08:54 AM
that is a beautiful shawl, and what a wonderful cause.
Posted by: heathermama | 09/25/2013 at 11:05 AM
The shawl is looking so pretty in that pink. Going now to read the background story and buy the pattern.
Posted by: Tien | 09/25/2013 at 07:43 PM
There is something so tranquil about the photo you've used ... it's those colours, and the words Time Keeper ... I love it. And that shawl is gorgeous :)
Posted by: Annie @ knitsofacto | 09/26/2013 at 04:26 AM