Old Friends

I got to hook up with some of my old friends tonight for dinner and cocktails. Karen, my old boss (middle - who I affectionately have started calling her pioneer woman because of her cowgirl lifestyle) and I drove out to El Dorado, KS to meet with Tolli (left). Tolli has opened a new coffee house, Scooters, as well as a wine shop. She's one smart business woman who I swear knows everyone in town. (We go WAY back and at one time used to work together). Right across the hall from Scooters you'll find the Pink Saloon clothing boutique run by her friend, Brooke. But I caution you, hold on to your pocketbook when you enter this shop. There's a pair of very pricey, rhinestone True Religion jeans in there just calling my name.

KC Day Trip

Hitched a ride with Laurie for a day trip to Kansas City with shopping on our minds. We made a big loop of the city starting off at her daughter's awesome loft in the Farm & Art District, Manny's for a margarita, through the Plaza and finally ended up at Oak Park Mall for a shopping fix. In the mall, the sky parted and the sun shone in on a sign that literally made me yelp with excitement: Bare Escentuals is coming in April. Imagine, a whole store devoted to the greatest cosmetic line and brushes ever made! Yeah, I know....it's hard to wait. I'll be going back soon, for sure.

Somewhat Unemployed

I quit my job of five years last Friday and now have all this week off (paid!) until I start a new job next Monday. My stress level just couldn't be better and I'm going to take this time to recharge and get back into my cardio workout routine, a couple yoga clasess a day and (of course) some late night knitting. Since starting to work as a teenager, I've never had more than a couple of days off between jobs so this week is going to be a real treat.

Our 18th Anniversary

18 years ago today husband and I got married at St. Anne's Church. Life together has been such a wonderful journey through the different jobs we've had and and the hobbies that we've shared along the way. I am truly grateful to be married to my best friend and to celebrate every day as an anniversary.

Introducing Vinnie Bear

Confession: I am a 40+ year old, married woman who still sleeps with a teddy bear known as Vinnie Bear. Vinnie serves more as a body pillow of sorts but he has been with me since junior high. The history goes something like this: John Vinroe was an older high school boy who gave me this bear as a friendship gift so I named him Vinnie Bear. Vinnie used to have a velvet 3-piece suit but it has long since disintegrated over the years and he desperately needs some new threads.

Today, I received my first Elann.com order of indigo cotton yarn, Den-M-Nit. You know, denim is my fave and now I'm searching for a nice baby cardigan pattern worthy for one special bear.

February Sock of the Month

Twist's Sock-of-the-Month Club is Charade in recommended Lang Jawoll. You'll find a surprise inside the skein - a coordinating reinforcement spool of sock thread. I opted to use it on the heels and toes of my sock. It gives more bulk in those areas but that's okay for my black, more utilitarian sock. It will hold up to miles of shoe friction.

Twist at the Women's Fair

The Wichita Women's Fair is an annual event at Century II with all kinds of shopping and exhibitions geared towards women. I got to spend some time with Shelly at her Twist booth on Saturday and I enjoyed talking to women about the joys of knitting/crochet and the classes the shop provides. Repeatedly I heard, "I just don't have the time" and "I don't have the patience". At this I feel like I have some sacred secret about my hobby and our shop and think to myself if they only knew what they were missing out on. Those who share my hobby know very well how it teaches you patience and you make the time for it - every opportunity you can get!

Jamaica & A Knitting Buddy

I was in KC a few weeks ago for business and made a stop in the Yarn Shop in Overland Park. They had a table of sample knit items and this Jamaica sweater was on display. I had seen the pattern book before but would have never found it appealing had I not been inspired by the shop sample. The pattern calls for Berroco Jasper but I substituted a pink colorway in Plymouth Yarn Boku. The easy Kimono style fit worked well this morning as a coverup for my yoga class.

Weekend Getaway

My Grandpa and Aunt Tami share 20 acres 20 miles outside of Dallas, TX. It's always a nice weekend getaway for mom and I to drive the six hours there for a visit. This time was a little more challenging with the limited visibility combined with the agonizing 40 mph drive all the way to Oklahoma City but we were determined and made there. The temperature heated up in the 70s and we got to take in the GIGANTIC 1st Monday Flea Market in Canton, Texas but I didn't buy much this time around. My favorite thing to do is to get up early with Grandpa and drive to the Yellow Rose Cafe for coffee and small talk for hours with all the old (geezer) cowboy friends Grandpa has there on the lake.