Balkan Style: music

Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Heart Garland

Inspired by the heart garlands over at house on hill road, I got to work and made one. My intent would be to make a gazillion, but time hasn't been on my side. It's on my to-do list for now. May this serve as a reminder. To be honest, this little string of hearts only took a few minutes, but I made it a lot longer by gluing sheets of scrapbook wrong sides together so that the hearts were patterned on both sides. Next time, I plan to embrace the white (wrong) sides, and save myself an hour of gluing and drying. It really is as simple as cutting heart shapes free-hand and stitching them together with the sewing machine, and hanging it with tape.

Valentine's Day Decorating Music Mix:

Air hugs,
N

Knitting Faster

The Ptarmigan cowl is finished - blocked and ready to be gifted. The recipient I have in mind has felted many of my knitted gifts to her, so this puppy knit in a soft superwash wool will be absolutely perfect. Since this came off the needles, I've knit two Early Morning Berets, and I've cast on a sleeve for the Aidez cardigan. It's imperative that I find my cable needle.

Of course, I'm still plugging away at the Featherweight Cardigan, but a girl can take only so much stockinette before she pulls her hair out. I've paused to wind another Malabrigo lace cake. Isn't that pretty?

Today is a snow day, so I'm home with the girls. I have a little bit of office work to do, but at some point I must sew up some hearts like this. My windows need them. :) It's also a potato leek soup and artisan bread day. Mmmm . . .

Listening to this over and over and being reminded of wolf blankets-slash-curtains:

Keep warm!
N

Warding off the Chill

The office in which I work can be a bit frosty at times. I believe I need to make about twenty pairs of these pretty handwarmers for all the ladies. You know, for health and safety. :) Details such as yarn and pattern can be found here on ravelry. To speed things up, I think I'll modify the pattern for dk or worsted weight.

Ron Sexsmith is playing at the Aeolian in March. I think we all need to go. 'Cause there's gold in them hills, and I like dandelion wine.

N

Pebble

This one has been off the needles for over a month now. I was slow to sew on the buttons and mailing it off to Quebec.  This is the day she opens all of the gifts her blog friends sent, so it should be safe to post today. I love this pattern. It really is simple and quick, and I used a smidgeon more than one 50g ball of dk-weight wool. All the deets are on ravelry here.

As for what's happening on the homefront, I'm sitting on school council, volunteering in a newcomer youth program teaching needlecraft, playing indoor soccer, madly knitting gifts, cooking up applesauce, baking bread, and slow-cooking some spicy tomato soup - not all at the same time.   I've made some big decisions recently - wear more sweatpants and build a caring community. I'm really into the sweats. It was I all I could do today to not drive to the store for more sweats. I wonder if it's a cold weather thing. I wish I could wear them to the office. Could you picture me sitting in on Board meetings wearing sweatpants and a hoodie all curled up and cozy recording the minutes? It would be my luck that it would end badly like the time George got the security guard a rocking chair.

Ooh, I nearly forgot. Mr. J and I went out this week to see a concert at the Aeolian. This never happens. We never go out. We like to be in our jammies by 8 p.m. We're pretty boring.  However, I was able to pick up some tickets for cheap while also giving to charity, so I youtubed some of the upcoming performers, and I stumbled upon this video.

I fell in love instantaneously. One of the musicians in the ensemble is the lead singer of The Weakerthans, and I didn't even know this until after I got home. Apparently I was already in love with this band, and I didn't even know it. See, I have this friend who makes me mixes - fabulous mixes - without liners. I have no idea what I'm listening to EVER! It's weird and brilliant at the same time. There's a lot of music out there that I absolutely adore, and I haven't a clue what it is.

Speaking of jammies, I think I'll go get mine on, grab a cup of tea, and settle on the sofa with some knitting.

N

Party Leftovers

Right now I'm belting out this song.

Off to plan a Valentine's Day tea party. Toodles.

Sharing the Contra Love

The oldest is giving me weird looks as I blast this. I think she is confused as to how I could be this cool. Shrug.

N

Salvaged by Wandering

It's just me and my two lovelies this evening. Homework has been completed, soup has been made for dinner tomorrow, cookies baked for lunches, and knitting resumed. I'm fairisle-ing! Holla!

I've dug out my Treeful of Starling cd, and I am unabashedly belting out my most favourite song; although one can not go wrong with any of them.

Happy Tuesday!

N

Fleece Festival Fun

While it might not be Rhinebeck, my sweet hometown held its first ever Fleece Festival today. It was just the fix I needed. Not to mention, it was being held in the building beside the Saturday Farmers' Market (translation: VANILLA SLICES!!). Yis. I inhaled a vanilla slice for breakfast, and I am SO cool with that. Swoon. It seems weird that no one else was shoving their faces with vanilla slices. I'd like to imagine that the citizens of Woodstock eat them day and night. Seeing as there is never a slice to be found after 9:30 a.m., I'm thinking I couldn't possibly be that far off.

Reason #91 why I shouldn't feel guilty for leaving the girls at home today. This little guy was lying on the floor for a long time. I had plenty of time to find my camera in the bottom of my bag, turn it on, take the cap off, find the setting and focus. People were just walking around him.

I restocked the sock yarn stash and bought some dk cotton for a baby sweater gift that needs to be done by mid-November. No regrets! Hey! Remember that New Order song? Oh lord, I loved that song in high school. Ah, Regret. Okay, I'm off to go play some old New Order/Joy Division tunes and reminisce. Good times.

Happy weekend!

N

There's Gold in Them Hills

Last night, I hopped on to my bicyclette and whizzed down to the land'o'fabric for some organza 'cause I had a hankering to make these wispy flowers. My tires were flat so I was pooped from the forty minutes cycling around the Forest City. There is a shortage of air pumps in my area. It would seem as if I am going to have to throw the bicycle in the back of the truck ASAP and drive to the nearest pump. That's ridiculous. Or is it ridiculous that I don't have a little hand pump? Anyways, I had just enough energy left from my jaunt to do up five flowers. Well, I could have done more, but my feet wanted to be propped up on the ottoman away from the open flame searing the tips of my fingers.

I discovered Grooveshark over the past few weeks, and it's GOLD. I say that because, although J has downloaded a bajillion songs on our network server (every family of four has a network server, right?), they are ALL his music taste. I swear that the longer we are together, the more different our tastes become. Books, music, movies, food, you name it. We never read the same books. He has three slots on the disc changer in the car, and I have the other three. The last time we went to the theatre together, we caught The Simpsons Movie because I relented, and I was so upset that I had paid to watch that shizzle. So he has downloading skillz and I don't. That's where Grooveshark comes in - it's free, no registration required, and it's easy! Right now, I am getting my Ron Sexsmith fix. Sweet.

Cheers! It's Friday!

N

Haunted for Wanting

The littlest found the Easter box tucked away in the basement, and the funnest (not a real word alert) time was had. I nearly didn't notice that my winter picture was still on the mantle, and that can't be with spring just outside the door, so the spring/summer picture was unearthed and put up. The hardwood floors were washed up, the dreaded dusting was accomplished, and the donation piles destined for the Goodwill made a mountain in the foyer. Now I have three more days to spend with family and chill. Ooh, I discovered a Quebecoise chanteuse, and I'm simply enchanted. I wish I could sing along in French. On a random note, only related to the spring cleaning mood here, El found this old dried up clemmy leftover from her Christmas stocking in her room while tidying up, and then determined it worthy enough to capture with the camera after parading it around like some seventh wonder. My lord. See what I'm up against?

So three of us went for a walk while El finished hunting through her room for more decomposed fruit, and the littlest posed in the spring tunic and another skirt I stitched up this week. I might as well take advantage of her skirt-loving now while I can. I'm pretty certain that by Grade 3 El wouldn't touch a skirt with a 10-foot pole. I asked her to stand by the tree, and she posed like so. I no longer fight these things - it's always best to go with the flow of a 6-year old, but I can't imagine what the neighbours were thinking!

Happy Good Friday! It was indeed good.

N

Hurt Feelings

It's been seven days, and I am still singing this song. Is it the same with all rappers in Newfoundland?

PS New episode on HBO tonight!!

Signature Look

What I've learned this weekend:

:: It's all about perspective.

:: It's a good thing that no one can hear the yelling in my head.

:: Waking up early is gold. Yoga at 10:30 a.m. is impossible.

:: I am more decisive and focussed than I used to be.

:: This 'craft' can be done on many levels.

:: This song is the shizzle.

Love is a Battlefield

My parents had best friends that threw a load of themed parties in the 80's. It was always fun to watch our very serious parents dress up for these soirées. One year, everyone had to go dressed up as a famous musician. My mum dressed up as Pat Benatar and my dad went as Elton John; however, I personally think he could have pulled off a good Phil Collins, but maybe my dad wanted to be a little flashy. Much later us, kids, poured through the photos from that party trying to guess whose parent was who. One of the other moms was very convincing as Michael Jackson with her one glittery glove! I was watching the video of Love is a Battlefield last night, and it brought all those memories back. It was so funny, but sad because I always thought I'd make a super cool funky mum, and I seem pretty fuddy-duddy all of a sudden. Pat Benatar definitely takes the cake. I can't get that song out of my head!!!

With the weekend approaching again, I am excited to see our ol' friend Flat Stanley come home. Flat Stanley lives in B's desk at school during the week, and on Fridays, he comes home in her knapsack, and B must record all of his adventures from Saturday and Sunday into a journal. A lot of Flat Stanley's weekends are spent lost under a bed or under a heap of books - he's not only flat, he's sly. Miraculously we are always able to find him after much panic by bedtime on Sunday. Last weekend, B decided that Flat Stanley needed some friends, so he wouldn't be lonely on his sleepovers at school. Then he and his new friends - Dip and Rosella - needed pyjamas and sweaters. I LOVED making my own paper dolls and clothes when I was younger. I could have made paper clothes all weekend. Aren't these little guys spiffy?

I think my absolute favourite garment is the space-y pyjamas in blue and orange.

That's got to make me a little funky.

N

Instant Gratification Shawl

Seven days of knitting, and I was wearing the shawl to work. It's very toasty, and although not everyone would agree that it is super soft, I think it's just cozy enough. I used up four balls of Plymouth Boku and a 6mm circular needle. This was easy to travel with to ballet classes and hair cuts. I even smuggled it into a Legal Aspects of Nonprofits workshop. I guess I best be getting back to the Woodland Shawl -surprisingly it isn't showing signs of neglect as I am on the third and last skein of Loeut Gems fingering-weight superwash wool. It's all good.

I must get packing. I am going on a big trip. Big for me, anyway. It's T's wedding in less than two weeks, and I know that both of us are anxious in our own ways. I've never been away from my little family for nearly a week, let alone a 20-hour drive between us. But the excitement in seeing T and sharing this special time with her will be well worth the temporary separation. My parents will be helping J with the girls, so I know they are in good hands. :) Get ready for the Balkan Style reunion! I'm fervently working on a music request list for the reception. Something along the lines of some JT and Fergie and sprinkled with a little Hawksley. Or what if we all sing drunkedly to this? Oh, it's gonna be sweet!

Cheers!
N

Slogging at Blogging

Essential Items for One Park Outing - sock knitting in a pretty waterproof sac, giant mug of very caffeinated coffee, my Mp3 player turned B's Mp3 player which was once filled to the gills with crafty podcasts and independent movie soundtracks (am firm believer that soundtracks and 'best of' albums are strictly for housewives so must act part) now filled to the gills with Hi-5 and Hannah Montana - dittys for kiddies, and a camera for El to capture private investigative-like photos of B.

6:42 p.m. - Subject sits atop playground slide and ponders whether or not to slide. This could be dangerous. May need assistance.

6:43 p.m. - After an uneventful trip down slide, subject surveys environment and proceeds cautiously to different equipment. May suspect she's being followed.

6:45 p.m. - Subject is obscured by giant purple plastic steps. Could subject be training for a secret mission?

I know the picture is crappy, but regardless, it's proof that I am indeed finished knitting the February Lady Sweater. I am ready to cast on for a second in teal Patons Classic Merino wool. And I've lots of time to get going on it, because we're heading out of town for FIVE days! That's never happened in the history of us. The last time I was away from home that long was before kids, and my 'rents were footing the bill! I had thought that we would be 'puter-less during that time, but J insists we have 10 hours of remote service a month included in our internet service - so I won't be gone completely, but I am interested to see what 10 hours of computer use divided amongst four avid computer users looks like over five days. I'd hate to see fists flying.

Off to continue the packing saga. We can barely walk around the piles of clothes, books, pillows, sheets, food, and of course, electronic devices. Toodles.

How My Heart Behaves

Welcome back, T! I am pleased about the green card if only it means you can return to southwestern Ontario to see me with the knowledge that you won't get stuck in some mangy motel and your lawyer's number on speed dial when you try to go back over the border. I truly didn't mean to laugh in your ear.

Well, it's official, I am hooked on Feist, and I can’t help but blast My Moon My Man and make jerky dance movements while driving. I blame it on the video.

I’ve got some new –to-me craft books out from the library, and I am itching to make empire-waisted dresses and shirts out of pillowcases for El. I’d make them for myself, but I don’t quite think I could pull it off as well as a pre-teen. And I may have just caught the Tomten bug. It’s probably the dang February Lady Sweater giving me a bad case of Zimmermania, but I’ve been bitten, and the stash is being rooted through to find the perfect wool to knit this bad boy up ASAP. I’ve read the pattern, and it looks simple enough to be right up my alley.

Last night we took the girls to the circus to cross that off our parenting to-do list. Neither J or I were too excited, and to say the oldest was dragged there would be putting it nicely. On the other hand, B was thrilled! Thrilled all the way there, and thrilled during the entire show. At one point in the show, a scantily-clad, somewhat skanky, and very sparkly princess fairy lady led six stunning white horses with little wings attached to their backs into the ring, and they seemed to be gliding and magical all at once. The stadium went silent in awe, and B gasped, “Unicorns!” I looked over at her, and she had went completely still, and her eyes were as big and round as saucers. My heart swelled with love for that little girl. She is so flippin’ cool.

Stop searching. Happiness will find you.

That's what my beef lo mein's fortune cookie told me to do, so I am sitting here waiting.

All kidding aside, things are going rather smoothly around here as best as they can. The littlest is a bit tired today, and I am thinking it all the stuff in the air and the spring cleaning has made it a bit challenging to breathe. We meant to get out this afternoon to help clean up the neighbourhood, but she really just wants to lay down for a bit. Poor thing. It's a shame because it's absolutely gorgeous outside today. Our yard is blooming lilac bushes, forsythia, and daffodils. I even saw some of the hosta plants poking their little sprouts out. It's pretty exciting. Our gardens always look best in the spring. By late summer, the bees terrify me, and I race between house and car like a maniac. Needless to say, I don't garden much when that begins to happen.

I found this little gem at Chapters last weekend, and I am pretty pumped about getting out the sewing machine and doing every single project. How come I had never seen it before? It's brilliant and totally my speed, not to mention style.

And I bought a little sumpin' sumpin' for a little Presto Chango! I'm sure there's a baby being born somewhere begging to wear this puppy. Until then, I will just enjoy the knitting.

Here's the highlight of our week - Charlotte Diamond signing her autograph on B's newest DVD. B was on top of the world - and she sang and danced to every song from our FRONT row seats. It was a blast! This is one of those yearly rituals that I will sorely miss when B outgrows Charlotte. :(

Oh, and we've begun reading Anne of Green Gables out loud and cuddled up in bed. I've noticed there's a lot of big and fancy words for a 5-year old to comprehend, but it's hard not to enjoy the pretty diction regardless if I have to do a little extra explaining at the end of each paragraph.

The Love Boat - Exciting and New

My favouritest sister gifted me these fantastic Comic Blocks showcasing 'a week @ work', and for the first time in ages, I am looking forward to work tomorrow morning and giggling with my co-workers as they pass by my desk. These blocks are mother-flippin' hilarious! My favourite is a little office worker on the phone requesting, quite seriously I might add, "I'll have an order of the strange flavor beef." How many times have I eaten really expired food in hopes that I might have a legit reason to call in sick???

Another reason I look forward to work this week is Charlotte Diamond is coming to town for her annual concert, and as always I have backstage access for me and the littlest. There are definite perks to my job. We've dusted off the ol' hug bug (above), and we've been busy polishing up on our favourite tunes.

Come on board, we've been expecting you!

N

All the Trees are Hers

The concert rocked. Even J shook his head grinning that he hardly expected 'that'. I can honestly say Hawksley is 100 times better live than recorded, not that I don't enjoy listening to his albums all night and all day because lord knows I do. It's just he exudes something on stage that I can't explain. I forgot my camera in all the excitement, so I can't even show you.

Picture the band deep into "Striptease" breaking into "Crazy in Love" - the crowd just lapped it up. It was hilarious. Check out this interview - it's Hawksley talking about his new album. He's so dreamy!

The Charade socks are complete! I am so thrilled. I would wear them tomorrow, but I have a 'function' to attend bright and early in the morning that requires something a bit more dressy. They will just have to wait for the weekend for prancing and parading.

Speaking of tomorrow, it's the last day of school before March Break. I am not sure who looks forward to the time off more - me or the girls - but I do know that I will cherish each of those five mornings in which I do not have to pack nary a lunch or school bag. Five mornings to sip my coffee and read the news on-line and dress for work at my leisure. It's gold.

Cheers.

Between the Beautifuls

I am elated with my new camera! I have had a difficult time thinking of anything else the last few days. Please be patient with me as I would take pictures of dirt if it meant holding the camera a bit longer.

Here is an extreme close up of my go-to hat for my cold noggin. It's Manos del Uruguay wool in the wildflower colourway. Feast your eyes on that fuzz! Now that's a macro.

It's not all picture-taking around here though. I have a few rows of pattern left on the foot, and I can begin to decrease for the toe. This is the Charade pattern in high-stitch definition!

To T's envy, I scooped up two tickets to go see Hawksley Workman at the Aeolian Hall tomorrow night for J and I. I am not really a concert-goer type of person - I would rather spend my money on a CD, and settle on the sofa with my knitting, but Hawksley is a true entertainer, and he is so much more than just the music. His conversation with the audience is captivating. One can't help but be completely mesmerized with his song and dance. I just wish you were here to drool with me, T. I seriously doubt that J will want to relive the entire two hours for the countless weeks ahead, but then again, maybe he just needs to see him in person . . .

N