Drive-By Thinking.

it's quiet.

Veeery quiet. Like I've been sitting here in the store for an hour and no one's come in quiet.

Guess it's that time of year. Iz okay. Tomorrow is a class day and since it's a full one, I expect it to be a right madhouse in here. Even worse since the lot of us are acting like overcaffeinated kindergartners over the pending trip to Maryland Sheep & Wool. (Yes, Kristin, I'll buy you something pretty.) If you're going, and I don't already know this, give a holler out and we can plan to meet up. If you're not going, well, I'm sorry. I know what it's like to have to watch everyone frolic and not be able to do more than leave comments about pictures and descriptions of drunken high-spirited revels. You may live vicariously through me.

I may even bring my camera.

As I sit here on the edge of pending fiber madness, knitting away on a sweater for HSH that isn't giving me gauge (I'll MAKE it work, damnit), I started speculating about experiences with the public. Let's be fair -- most of my inter-knitter-action has been purely virtual. I taught myself with books and videos. I got hints and help from the internet. I learned about fibers and yarn brands and all the neato tips from chat rooms and blogs. Rarely had I actually interacted with anyone who actually knitted. At least not until the last couple of years, with real trips to festivals (small ones, mind) and now with my current line of work.

After a nice calm morning, I have been led to draw a few conclusions. Namely, there are those who are willing to think for themselves, and those who must be totally directed.

Now unlike most of my conclusions, this isn't a black-and-white thing. This isn't "one side bad, other side good."

My morning was spent knitting and talking with a lovely woman, a regular in the shop, who has been knitting nearly as long as she's been able to hold a needle. She lives to create. She has a noggin full of ideas and freely admits that she can't wait to hold the needles in the morning in an attempt to try out the concepts that crowd her brain all night. She's not afraid to rip if it's not working; she laughed telling me about knitting three sleeves for a cardigan in the hope of getting one right. (Then she sewed the sleeve in wrong-side out, which tickled her in the retelling.) She can knock out an adult sweater in a week, is always willing to help the less-experienced, and can't understand why others get so hung up on the details.

I've talked with many, many other customers who, if you suggest altering something or having them stick one wee toe outside that comfort zone, immediately panic. "Oh, I can't/don't know how/couldn't ever do that," they immediately protest. They turn pale. They immediately put down the yarn, pattern, book or needle in their hand and scan the room for the nearest exit. This bothers me.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I've said it myself. "I don't have the patience for those tiny needles," I said about knitting socks. "I couldn't work with that skinny yarn. I'll mess it up," I said about laceweight. (Hanne -- you'll be thrilled to know that I've graduated to REAL laceweight yarn!) Yet I saw all the pretties everyone else was making, and I wanted pretties, too. So I sucked it up and tried it.

Knitting Daily talked about fearless knitting in 2008. I wonder how many people actually embraced that concept. Quite a few, I'm sure, but sometimes I wonder.

Take, for example, a lady I spoke with this afternoon. She eagerly pored over the sock yarn section. Fingering a skein, she asked if it was okay to knit it on size 2 needles. Given the particular brand, I hesitated to say yes (my own bias to small needles and dense fabric + the relative thinness of the yarn). I told her that I'd personally prefer it on a smaller needle, but that she should knit a swatch and see if she liked the fabric first. If not, use a smaller needle. "After all, you're the only one who can answer that question," I said, smiling.

"But then I'd have to change all the numbers to make it fit," she said, mildly piqued.

"Well, yes, but that's not always that hard. We could help you work out the numbers," I said.

She left in a huff, without the yarn.

If I'd told her, "Are you nuts? A size two with that yarn? You might as well use a tree trunk for all the good it's going to do you!" I could understand her frustration. If I'd not offered to help her tweak a pattern -- and let's face it, not everyone is math-minded -- I could understand the fear factor. But I can't understand not trying.

I see a lot of people facing this in other areas of life, too, and it bothers me immensely. It's not just knitters facing an unfamiliar technique -- it's people facing real-life changes and decisions that impact their everyday existence. There are those who are willing to fudge and find a way to make it fit, and those who are afraid to try. There are those who don't want to live their life from a pattern, and those who aren't even willing to make the effort to make that pattern work better for themselves.

Change is hard. No one likes leaving their comfort zone. Familiarity gives you just as nice warm fuzzies as does the new and improved version. But you don't get new pretties by staying in the same box day after day, and you can't always have someone there to do it for you.

_____

Just me thinking out loud. I'm just as full of s**t as the next person, I guess.

Remember, don't be afraid to holler at me if you see me on Saturday! I'd love to meet my peeps.

random quoteness from Hizzoner.

"Yeah, if you're going to the oceanfront, you might want to put on pants."

_____

Now, for the record, I wasn't headed for an indecent exposure charge. It simply wasn't warm enough to go out the way I was dressed. So there.

…aaaaaand the fun never stops.

I've got lots of material and very little time to blog it. So I'm just going to pick a subject and let fly and spread the rest of the wealth over the next few days. Bear with the madness.

first, knitting.

Or not. Honestly, I'm surrounded by cursed yarn. At least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I ripped out Soleil for the first time. It shouldn't surprise; after all, Camellia was cast on four times before I got the first damn row right, then knit half the back only to find my gauge was off, then started and frogged a second time after still having sizing issues. So I'm figuring that Soleil will only take two or three more starts before 

1. I actually get it right, or
2. the yarn finally seizes up and dies.

Either is possible. We'll see what actually transpires.

next:

HSH went back to school after finishing spring break. She partied like there was no tomorrow in Daytona and after bailing her out of jail and buying out the "Girls Gone Wild" contract she signed after four tequila shooters, we've managed to get her convinced that finishing kindergarten is truly her best option.

Hey – this is what happens when you turn your back on a five-year old. What can I say? Parenting isn't my strong suit.

(Okay, okay, so it's NOT what happened. I'll tell the real story in a day or so.)

more hot air:

From the Hot Air source itself: Mr. Morrissey sacrifices his own sanity watching CNN so we don't have to and finds that Homeland Security head Janet Napolitano claims "Returning Vets Too Stupid to Avoid Extremists."

I particularly adored the bit in the article about "defining right-wing extremist groups." Get this:

Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration.

Heh. So the Constitution is now a subversive document. After all, it sez:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. (Amendment X)

Well, it does! It says that the States have powers that the federal government doesn't, and that the federal government's hands are tied on matters that aren't specifically spelled out to it. If that ain't favoring state or local authority, I don't know what is!

Yessir, you heard it here first. The Constitutional framers were dangerous, right-wing, subversive, hate-oriented extremists.

(Okay, maybe it wasn't here first. I'm sure that the British pretty much had them pegged that way, too.)

and this just in:

BOSTON. National guard units seeking to confiscate a cache of recently banned assault weapons were ambushed on April 19th by elements of a para-military extremist faction.  Military and law enforcement sources estimate that 72 were killed and more than 200 injured before government forces were compelled to withdraw.

Speaking after the clash Massachusetts Governor Thomas Gage declared that the extremist faction, which was made up of local citizens, has links to the radical right-wing tax protest movement.  Gage blamed the extremists for recent incidents of vandalism directed against internal revenue offices.

The governor, who described the group's organizers as "criminals," issued an executive order authorizing the summary arrest of any individual who has interfered with the government's efforts to secure law and order.

The military raid on the extremist arsenal followed wide-spread refusal by the local citizenry to turn over recently outlawed assault weapons. Gage issued a ban on military-style assault weapons and ammunition earlier in the week. This decision followed a meeting in early this month between government and military leaders at which the governor authorized the forcible confiscation of illegal arms. One government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed out that "none of these people would have been killed had the extremists obeyed the law and turned over their weapons voluntarily."

Government troops initially succeeded in confiscating a large supply of outlawed weapons and ammunition. However, troops attempting to seize arms and ammunition in Lexington met with resistance from heavily-armed extremists who had been tipped off regarding the government's plans.

During a tense standoff in Lexington's town park, National Guard Colonel Francis Smith, commander of the government operation, ordered the armed group to surrender and return to their homes.  The impasse was broken by a single shot, which was reportedly fired by one of the right-wing extremists. Eight civilians were killed in the ensuing exchange.

Ironically, the local citizenry blamed government forces rather than the extremists for the civilian deaths. Before order could be restored, armed citizens from surrounding areas had descended upon the guard units. Colonel Smith, finding his forces overmatched by the armed mob, ordered a retreat.

Governor Gage has called upon citizens to support the state/national joint task force in its effort to restore law and order. The governor has also demanded the surrender of those responsible for planning and leading the attack against the government troops. Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock, who have been identified as "ringleaders" of  the extremist faction, remain at large.

(I won't reveal my source, but I'm pretty sure that he's considered an easily-led moron by DHS as well. Frankly, I'm jealous. All I am is some subversive wingnut with a keyboard and too much time on my hands.)

interesting…

From the news headlines: Antarctic ice thicker than it has been in years.

But what do I know, right?

Not to badmouth sheep, but…

There's a new movement started by the left party in this state, already trying to ensure the gubernatorial election in November goes their way. Called "Stand Up for Virginia" (I'm not linking to their bullshit. If you want to read their propaganda, look it up for yourself.) They are:

…are outraged by the House of Delegates’ decision to follow the lead of gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell and vote to send $125 million of our federal tax dollars back to Washington.

We demand that the General Assembly go back to Richmond, fix this mistake, and do what's right for Virginians. It's time for our elected leaders to stand up for Virginia and vote to accept the economic relief we deserve."

Yeah. Well. By the General Assembly rejecting the federal porkulus package and all the inherent strings attached, it's one more step to righting what the last two democrat administrations have effed up in this state, and I'm glad of it. And if Bob McDonnell (republican party candidate for governor, attorney general, former member of the Asscmbly, and all-around helluva nice guy) is willing to stand up and spearhead that effort, more power to him.

"Waaah," they say. "We neeeeeed this money for unemployment benefits," they say. Heh. Let me tell you who's getting the unemployment benefits that are "so desperately needed" -- people who don't want to friggin work. People who have proudly told me (like my next door neighbor) that they just randomly apply for jobs that THEY KNOW THEY AREN'T GOING TO GET and HAVE NO INTENTION OF TAKING just so they can get a free check -- they have NO intention of working. So let me get this straight: we should take this shot in the ass and pay more in taxes -- those of us who ARE working, that is -- so that we can support a bunch of lazy, no good bums who could get off their asses and get a job TOMORROW if that's what they're so effing worried about. Does this make sense to anyone? Hmm? Let the federal government dictate to the states in matters they have no Constitutional mandate meddling in (look it up) and will use against the states in the future to get something else that they want -- 'cause nothing comes without a price….

They aren't. They just want to live for nothing. They just want to live off of you, and me, and everyone else who still has a job. Meanwhile, the businesses that ARE still operational are going to take this in the ass. After all, the website cites that Virginia is 49th in the nation as far as businesses paying unemployment compensation is concerned. You know what they really want to do. Make the businessman pay for it. He's rich. Well, smart guy, when's the last time you got a job from a poor man?

Yes, people are out of work. Some places -- the more rural among them -- are hit harder than others. That's not unexpected. How do you right that? Here's a clue: IT ISN'T BY MORE GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION. It isn't with handouts. It's by cutting businesses slack -- less tax, more help, more initiatives to start businesses, to hire people, to create, deliver and sell product. THAT is how it works. 

The small businesses are the ones that will suffer. The big conglomerates will simply say farewell, shut down offices and move somewhere friendlier. The mom-n-pop shops and moderately-sized places will fold under the oppressive taxation and inevitable legislation. The cost of everything will shoot through the roof. And you, me, and everyone else will have to drop trou and suck it up, just so the democrat party can put their choice schmuck on the throne in the governor's office.

I saw people who I otherwise like and respect "joining the cause" on Facebook. I know that doesn't make a rat's ass bit of difference in real life, but I just have to shake my head and call them the sheep they are.

And then apologize for slandering the animals, who really are smarter than that.

isn't this just an amazing thing?

Me posting, that is.

hmph.

I'm sorry. I'm busy. You don't think I LIKE this enforced silence, do you?

what am i supposed to think?

I dunno. Like I said, I'm sorry. I'm trying to keep everything going at once and I think I'm failing miserably. Not sleeping well, running all over the place, and totally losing concentration whenever I sit down to work on the projects I've committed myself to. Doing what I have to do, I suppose, but I was much happier and in a better place all the way around when I wasn't so stressed out.

And yes, the effects are apparent. My face has broken out, I've been sick again, and I put back on a couple of pounds.

sabotage.

Tell me about it. I've got to get back on the right track, except that I forgot where it was.

so relax.

Easy for you to say. All you do is pop out some random commentary whenever I actually log onto this site.

yes, but the pressure to make the right comment…

Oh, please.

Though I suppose I can sympathize. I can't even muster enough brain energy to fill in the status update box on Facebook, let alone think of something witty and informative to make a halfway exciting blog post. Oddly enough, I'm considering signing onto Twitter. Explain to me, those of you who tweet, why I would want to do this. Or even might possibly need to. Especially if I haven't an awful lot to say in the first place.

So let's just look around and see what there is to talk about…

HSH has been watching her favorite shows again.

She and Hizzoner made cupcakes.

I got an Easter present from my boss.

Another attempt is being made to turn this yarn into something wearable.

I took HSH to the aquarium today, and then to lunch, and then walking on the beach. In a 35mph headwind. Not the smartest move, but we had fun.

The weather has finally changed for the better. This bee is actually smiling.

Of course, with this kind of scenery, you can understand why.

I saw this kind of scenery and sneezed.

HSH was amused.

That is all. Carry on.

you heard it here first.

Quoted from an otherwise very serious news story on the 6 o'clock news:

"…the search turned up dozens of cats, but no explosives."

[scratches head]

Yeah, I don't get it, either.

is this thing on? *tap tap tap*

Yes, I am still alive. It's been a very hectic, rather fun, couple of weeks and I make no other excuses for my absence than that.

One thinks that when one becomes unemployed, one will have nothing but free time on one's hands. Perhaps there will be a point in the season where that in fact is true, but as it stands right now there are still not enough hours in the day to accomplish what needs to be done. One of those tasks includes sleeping, something I haven't been able to do a lot of lately. It's starting to tell.

I was sneaking in a nap after taking HSH to the bus stop this morning, only to be wakened by the insistent ringing of the phone -- both of them. (We have a handset on either side of the bed, because we're both the type of sleeper who'll flail around blindly and answer the TV remote or something.) Mom called early (well, 10am, to be fair) and asked how the weather was.

"Are you channelling Dad again?" I asked, blinking foggily. My late father's favorite hobby involved watching the Weather Channel and calling any affected children in an area colored any degree of the radar. Regardless of what time it was or whether or not we were in a place where we could take a call.

"Well, I just got worried when I saw the tornado warning," she replied, sounding very pleased with herself.

"We're under a tornado warning?" I scrambled for the remote and turned it from the informercial it was showing to a local news station. "How 'bout that?"

Actually, we never got a tornado warning (the western half of the county did, but not us). Did get a lot of rain and wind, though. All the yard furniture is stacked in the garage, the wind chimes are again hanging from the bicycle spokes, and the dog is extremely pissed off about the flooding in the backyard.

All the weatherdudes (Mr. Panties-in-a-Bunch, Mr. I'm-About-to-Wet-Myself, and Mr. Look-at-My-Sculptured-Cheekbones all having driven hell-for-leather down the interstate to get air time) were hopping about like 6-year olds full of Peeps at the prospect of death, destruction, and pestilence (maybe not the pestilence). Programs were being interrupted left and right. There must be some mighty pissed off hausfraus who couldn't get their fix of The View, Today, and all those other worthless morning shows….

Hey, maybe a tornado can be a good thing.

anywho…

I was going to show you a photo of what I've been working on, but I frogged it.

why?

Because after four times of casting it on and finally getting it right, and twice reknitting it at a different gauge despite what the original swatch told me, I gave up. This yarn might make a nice version of the sweater, but I'm sick of screwing with it to get it to go along with my idea of what fits.

This is what it looked like after changing needle sizes yet again. A good start but… no. It was supposed to be Kate Gilbert's lovely Camellia. It's er… not. Going. To be. It may find a new life as Soleil, but with sleeves. Or not. We'll see.

If not, I'll mix it with the yellow Cotton Classic in my stash and do this for HSH.

I'm planning to, anyway. This might just mean that I get to it sooner. It's a Katia design from the spring/summer kids catalog. Cute stuff in there.

And I finished one sock, with another half done. See?

There is hope.

busy?

Yes. Had marvelous company from out of town. My BFF Anita brought the family (including the Marvelous Miss Maggie of sock infamy) and graciously spent part of her well-deserved vacation with us. We took the time to eat very well, frolic at the oceanfront (including all the kids in the still wicked cold water at one point), check out the Zoo (I'd never been to this zoo and certainly not that close to a giraffe in some time), and just catch up. Both Maggie and her mom are well, finally healthy (or what passes for it), and it was a joy to be able to NOT dwell on health concerns for the first time in damn near two years. Oh, and the dog attached herself firmly to Son the Younger, to the point of sulking when they all left.

where you hiding da boy? iz my boy.

No, I don't have any pictures. Why are you surprised about this? Perhaps Anita could be persuaded to email me one -- she took some fabulous photos (per usual) of HSH in the surf.

I have also been trying to finish up all the promotional stuff for my major (read: only) client, and more or less getting it done. Keeping her happy isn't hard, but I'd like to make sure it happens.

Anyway, that's the news from here. I'll try to make posts on a more regular basis, but I can't promise anything.

P.S.

Here's your weekly public service announcement:

 

Because if I didn't, who would? (Well, besides these guys.)

_______

*My thanks to Mr. Hey-Just-Look-out-the-Window-and-Judge-for-Yourself for not getting all flipped out about the storm line. Just the facts.