Sorry about yesterday. I had to take my mother to doctor appointments and that ended up taking all day. Nothing wrong, just routine. She did buy me 2 pairs of shoes for the trouble so I think it was a day well spent.

On the Green Front. I have found a website with the coolest eco friendly clothes. It is called Rooted to Nature and can be found at http://www.rootedtonature.com/ . They carry both men's and women's natural clothing and accessories, and they go to size 1x. I have contacted them about carrying at least up to 3x and they said that they get this request all of the time, but nobody makes 3x eco wear. If we can find them some they said to let them know, and they are working with manufacturers to let them know that there is a need that is not being filled. Maybe we can get something going for us less than petite individuals. They have a cool radio show that you can listen to from their site; I have not figured out if you can podcast it or not. If you figure this out let us all know with a comment. Check them out and give them some business if you see something you like.

On the Crochet Front I have got lots of pictures.

This is a picture of the blanket that I am making for my son. He and his friend wanted me to make them blankets for their graduations. They wanted something with a bowling motif, but I could not find anything and the one I was designing would have had way too many ends to weave and it just was not turning out right. This blanket is done in I Love This Yarn from Hobby Lobby. My son picked out the color and it will have a black border and is worked with a 5.5 crochet hook. When I have completed it I will post the pattern.

This is a eco friendly yarn made by Rowan, Rowan Pure Life. It is organic cotton and natural dyes. I am going to use it to make Ophelia from www.amingledyarn.wordpress.com . I can't wait to get started on it.

This is Ty-Dy yarn in a green colorway and a pink colorway. I am going to use it for the Christmas scarfs that I make for a couple of people each year. I am using a pattern from the 2008 Spring Interweave Knits magazine. I will add a link to that on Favorites-Crochet.

This is my first Lorna Laces. I have no idea what I am going to start with it, but it may be a bag.

This is just some really cool yarn that I found, and I had to have it for my stash.

Leave me comments and let me know what you are crocheting or knitting or whatever else you do to be creative.

Peace

Laura

Happy Anniversary

Five years ago today we invaded Iraq. In that 5 years we have lost 3,990 American lives and have spent $406.2 Billion on the effort. I want you to think about this and let it sink in. What have we received for this loss of life and price tag? The US economy is tanking by the minute, investment banks are going under, the price for a barrel of oil is higher than ever, I think I want my money back. Yes, it is true that we have not been attacked again on US soil, but how do we know that they were even planning another attack this soon. Remember, these groups seem to wait between attacks and they do have to raise funds between attacks. Maybe it has all been worth it, but I just don't like war and I don't see anyway out of this one. Every month that we stay in Iraq it costs $12 Billion. I am sure that $12 Billion could help a lot of families who are being forced out of their homes because of foreclosure, or the people who are not able to afford their medicine and food in the same month, or the person who is forced to not have a medical procedure done because their HMO won't approve it. We have got to have a change and the only way we can do that is with our votes. Please, please, please vote this year and vote for change. I don't think we can make it another 8 years with what we have now.

Sorry about the rant, but it is how I feel and I think on this anniversary it needed to be addressed.

On a lighter note, I will have a big yarn, crochet, knitting blog tomorrow. I will be taking pictures the rest of the afternoon to prepare.

Peace
Laura

Since I have not posted a book review in a while, I thought I would post a Saturday Morning Book Review today. The book that I am going to review is Kindred by Octvia E. Butler. It is a time travel book and the time that the main character, Dana, travels back to is the South during the time of slavery. Dana lives in 1976, she is black and she is married to a white man. As a white woman, this book has deepened my disgust toward my race and what they were capable of doing to other humans. This is not to say that if I had been born in the South during that time and this was all that I knew, that I would not have been part of the problem, but I would hope that somewhere inside of me I would know that this was wrong and work to make it right. This is a book that you will get caught up in and you will not be able to put it down, you have to know what happens next. This book is so intriguing because it looks at slavery from a black point of view, but from a modern perspective, yet it does so through a very captivating story. I think it makes this subject accessible to more people. The reason why this is such an appropriate book for right now is because of all of the racial topics being raised because of Obama's campaign. So in honor of his speech today, get a copy of Kindred and enjoy the story. If it also provokes inward thoughts, then sit a moment in silence and let yourself examine them. I think we all could use a little self-examination these days.

Send comments. I have added Kindred to Favorites-Book Reviews.

Peace
Laura

I am so bad. I have been so busy. I promise a long, regular post tomorrow.

Peace,
Laura

I have a very busy weekend and I will not post again until Sunday night or Monday. Sorry, just busy.

Peace,
Laura

Quick post. Here are my latest completed projects:

This is my dear sister-in-law's scarf.

This is my dear sister-in-law's hat (not on my dear sister-in-law's head).

And finally, this is my dear niece's hat that goes with her scarf which I have already posted. It is the chocolate and vanila frosting scarf.

Post more tomorrow.

Peace,

Laura

Good afternoon. Motto for the day: "He without sin, cast the first stone." I don't know if that is an exact quote, but close enough. It is from the Bible. I am referring to the Governor of New York who got caught with his pants down, so to speak. They say he was a tough guy and brought as many on Wall Street down as he could. He should have made sure that his own house was in order. I think it is kind of cool that the guy taking his place has been blind since birth. That goes to show that if a person tries they can do anything since running the New York is like running a country, and not a small one at that.

On the Crochet/Knit Front I am weaving in the ends of my sister in laws scarf. She also requested hats for herself and my niece. I will have to think on that when the scarf is completely finished.

On the Green Front Let's talk about plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or PHEV. How do they work and how long will it be before we can get one? Toyota is set to offer a plug in Prius by 2010 and the Chevy Volt will be debuting at the same time (I hope my dear van can hold out that long.) Both the Volt and the Toyota will be fueled by lithium-ion batteries. These are the type of batteries you have in your digital camera. They can hold a charge longer than normal batteries. These cars are charged by being plugged into a normal power outlet (I will be forced to clean out my garage, at least I have until 2010.)

"Each charge, which takes about four hours, uses the equivalent of 2.7 kilowatt hours of electricity, said Jaycie Chitwood, a senior strategic planner in Toyota’s advanced technologies group."

GM said that the Volt would be able to go about 40 miles on one charge, so even if you can not charge your car at work, at least one way to work will be on electricity so that should cut your gas usage in half. If you work close to home or just tool around town running errands, then it will all be electric. The only downside is the increase in need for electricity which could be produced in less than ecofriendly ways, such as coal. There are always trade offs so before you buy you need to do your homework. In the long run we would at least become less dependant on foreign oil.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/business/14cnd-plug.html?pagewanted=1&WT.mc_id=BI-S-E-YH-NA-NA-hybrid_toyota_news&WT.mc_ev=click&ei=5087&en=eea2fe9f71f77972&ex=1215925200&WT.srch=1&excamp=OVBUhybridtoyotanews
By MICHELINE MAYNARD
Published: January 14, 2008

On the Weight Loss Front I worked out yesterday even though I said I was not going to. Today I am not going to. Yea for yesterday.

Peace,
Laura

Today I have no pictures to post of finished crochet and knit projects. I am working like the devil on a scarf that my sister-in-law needs by Thursday, when it is finished I will post pictures.

On the Crochet/Knit Front I would like to let you know about a great new blog that I have found. It is called A Mingled Yarn and can be found at http://amingledyarn.wordpress.com/ .
I have added it as a link in my links group. This blog deals with sewing, knitting, and books. Right up my alley. The blogger has some great original knit patterns for some beautiful tops. Check it out.

Long ago when I did my blog on goals for the year, I said that one of my goals was to have company more. Well we have friends coming in tomorrow and I am no more organized or prepared for this then I ever have been. Today is my housewife day and I am cleaning and getting the house ready. My husband and son are helping which is great.

On the Weight Loss Front I did not work out yesterday and I doubt I work out today, but I will get back on tract tomorrow, hopefully. I have really been watching what I eat.

Send comments.

Peace,
Laura

On the Green Front This is interesting, the Vatican is going green and has named eco sins as some of the top sins.

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Thou shall not pollute the Earth. Thou shall beware genetic manipulation. Modern times bring with them modern sins. So the Vatican has told the faithful that they should be aware of "new" sins such as causing environmental blight.

You can read the whole article at http://green.yahoo.com/news/nm/20080310/hl_nm/pope_sins_dc.html

I am not sure how I feel about this. I am not Catholic, but I feel that environmental issues are socio-political issues not religious. I feel that if you do believe in God and you are a person of true faith, you will want to take care of the world that God has given us to live on, but that, like any other point of faith, is personal between you and God. Fight environmental damage by being an example and supporting political legislation that helps, but it should not be part of our churches. Weren't the pagan religions based on Mother Earth?

On the Green Front 2 Have you heard about drugs in the drinking water? You can find out all about it at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,336286,00.html . It is not enough that we are being drugged by eating meat that has been shot up with steroids, growth hormones and antibiotics, now we can't drink water either. Check out the article.

Send me comments and questions about any of these items or anything else on your mind.

Peace,
Laura

I am sorry about the late blog today and no Book Review yesterday, but I have got a lot of school work and other things to get done, which leads to:

On the Crochet/knitting Front My dear sister in law saw the Chocolate and Vanilla Frosting scarf that I knitted for my niece and she had to have one too. I have to have it finished by Wednesday. I am working hard.

On the Weight Loss Front I worked out at Curves 4 days last week and I plan to go tomorrow. I am really watching what I eat as well. At least I feel better. I am currently making some yummy bran muffins to have ready for breakfast next week. I just tried one and they are great. It was the Make Ya Go Bran Muffin recipe from How it All Vegan. I love this cookbook. There is one of the best brownie recipes ever in it and, yes, they are vegan brownies, not an egg in sight.

On the Green Front I had to take out a whole basket full of yarn and things that I bought at Hobby Lobby yesterday. I don't know why I can't seem to remember my bags there. I will have to work on that.

Peace,
Laura

Not much today. I joined Curves again yesterday and had a great workout. I am going to go here in a minute. I made lots of progress on my son's blanket and it is looking great. I also made some progress on my sweater and I can't wait until it is finished. More tomorrow.

Peace,
Laura

I caucused last night. Some of you may have seen on the news that some of the Texas caucuses got a little wild, but ours was very orderly, just long. We were there until nine o'clock. I was chosen as a delegate to go on to the District Convention, I will report back how that goes. I still can not believe that Hillary took the Texas popular vote, because our caucus was overwhelmingly Obama people. I still wonder about the accuracy of the voting machines. We should go back to paper or have some kind of double counting system, like paper against machine. In accounting, which is my Bachelors Degree, every number has a check and a balance, shouldn't counting our votes be held to at least that standard?

On the Green Front If you have not signed up for the Ideal Bite e:newsletter yet then shame on you, but just in case you have not I want to share their article on filing your taxes, April 15 th is not that far away. Here is the article and, remember, go to www.idealbite.com and sign up:

Need happy pills to get you through tax filing?
The BiteChin up. Filing taxes online makes the ordeal a lot less suicide-inducing. If we all do it, we'll save major paper and postage - plus filing online slashes the (typically taxing) wait for returns.
The Benefits
Easy does it. Web programs and PC software guide you through the filing process. Bonus: no standing in post office lines with other last-minute filers.
Rapid returns. If you e-file, you can expect to get your return in about half the time it would take with paper.
Not wasting W-2 much paper. The IRS processes over 2 bil sheets of paper each year. E-filing means fewer forms, and getting your refund deposited directly in your account saves even more paper.
It's accurate. The IRS says e-filing is 99% accurate, versus about 80% accurate with paper.
Personally SpeakingWe admit that saving the environment didn't cross our minds when we first e-filed - we just want our refunds, stat.
Wanna Try?
IRS E-file - 24-7 federal filing online; free if you make less than $54,000/year. (Note: the IRS may send you info in the mail with a code you need to enter on its site.)
Federation of Tax Administrators - see if your state offers online filing.
TurboTax Deluxe Online - tax software that makes filing even easier than IRS e-filing. Also: simpler, free edition for people with straightforward assets and income ($60/federal and state).
Tax Incentives Assistance Project - if you saved energy at home or with a fuel-efficient car purchase in 2007, you could be eligible for a tax credit.
Mint - free, online money management software so you can prep for a richer 2009.


Look into filing your taxes in a more "green" way this year. I have used Turbo Tax forever, www.turbotax.com , and I love it. We get our refund back in about 2 weeks with direct deposit.

On the Crochet/knit Front I got to knit a lot last night at the caucus, there is a lot of just sitting around. I kind of liked that part. Let me know what you have on your hooks and needles.

On the Weight Loss Front I am going to go and rejoin Curves this morning and make myself go. I think I felt better mentally when I worked out there, even if it was just a couple of times a week, just because I had to go and I had to sign in. It sounds stupid I know, but weight loss is a mental game. I will let you know tomorrow if I really do it.

Send comments.

Peace,
Laura

I voted and my dear son voted for the first time. Proud mama moment. The lines were not long, but steady. I may go back and caucus tonight, I have not decided.

At the college I attend, they are having a Women's Studies week and since I am getting a certificate in Women's Studies as well as a Masters in Literature, I attended the key note address last night. It was titled Women and Shame. The speaker said it was far better to feel guilty than it was to feel shame. Next time you do something that you feel bad about don't say to yourself, "I am stupid (or bad, or whatever)," say "That was a stupid choice I made (or bad choice or whatever)". She said that in her eight years of research, that just that change in mind set makes a big difference. She also said to use the "stupid choice" phrase instead of "you are stupid" to your children. I got her book and will be reading it and when I am finished I will review it. But I wanted to give you a little taste while it was still fresh in my mind.

On the Crochet/knit front This is my first knitting creation. I have named it Vanilla and Chocolate Frosting. It is a scarf and I made it using the knit stitch or garter stitch holding one strand each Vanna's Choice Chocolate and Yarnbee decorative yarn for one half and Vanna's Choice Beige and Yarnbee decorative yarn for the other half. I knitted each color way until I ran out of yarn. I used number 10 needles. Very simple yet very cute, fun and warm.

You could make this with many different color choices and call it strawberries and cream if you used red and white or peaches and cream or I even thought of Neapolitan, using the chocolate and vanilla and then adding some pink and a decorative yarn in between. I don't know why I am mixing yarn and ice cream, but what could be better. Find some yarn in your stash and give this a go. If you make something, send pictures.

I have another blanket for my son's friend on my needles and I have my son's blanket on my hook. Both of these are of a bowling motif that I have created, when I am finished I may publish the patterns, because I could not find anything anywhere that had anything to do with bowling. I do my best yarn work in the bowling center and I am sure there are others out there with this interest.

I am also going to start a cute sweater today for the She-Knits podcast March/April KAL, but I am going to crochet mine so I hope Sharon will open it up to be a KAL/CAL (for my dear sister in law, that is Knit Along and Crochet Along, if you would ever break down and let me teach you how to knit and crochet you would know these things.) I am going to do the Textured Cardi on p. 20 in the March/April 2008 Crochet Today and I am going to use Vanna's Choice Pea Green. I will have links for these things in Favorite-Crochet.

Have a good day and if you are in one of the primary states, GO VOTE!

Peace,

Laura

Have you seen this Jack Nicholson add yet? Supposedly it is to support Hillary, but how could he be serious. There are clips of two of the vilest characters in the movies, the Joker and his character from The Shinning, and we are supposed to feel good and vote for the person the Joker likes. Get real. Is this a plant from someone who wants to get rid of Hillary. And the end line about "saluting" a woman in the morning, this is the Commander and Chief of the strongest military force on the planet and Nicholson wants her to be "saluted" in the morning. As a strong upholder of women's rights, this offends me to no end. Check it out at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsweXFpfa28

Mind you I am not a Hillary supporter, but this is off the charts bad.

On the Crochet/knit Front I finished a scarf this weekend. I will post more tomorrow after my family goes and votes. This is my sons first election and we are going to make it a family affair, even though after we arrive at the polls I will be going to one primary and my dear son and dear husband will be going to the other. So much for family unity.

On the Green Front I blew it Saturday. I had to make an unexpected trip to Targets and I got 4 plastic bags. You should have seen how much I was making the poor clerk put in a bag. So now my total is 11 for the year. I only have 13 left and this is just the first of March. I am going to make this work and achieve my goal.

Send comments specially if you are in one of the states voting tomorrow. Let us know what it was like at your polling place.

Peace,
Laura

Sunday Weight Loss Report

I have nothing to report. I am just watching what I eat and trying to exercise 5 days per week. I just completed one of my favorite yoga practice, Hip Tranquil Chick Podcast #92, found at www.hiptranquilchick.com or at itunes. I hope it was enough to clear my head to study Literary Theory.

I want to thinks Amanda, a very dear friend, for her comments on our presidential constitutional discussion. Go back to Friday and read her comment. We are all here to help each other learn because it is only with knowledge that we can move forward and make the right decisions.

Peace,
Laura

Saturday Morning Book Review

The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life: How to Get More Out of Books in Your Life and More Live From Your Books by Steve Leveen

This is an amazing little book. I listened to it yesterday and I have so many things I want to do now with my books and my reading. This is the first person I have encountered who feels about and uses audio books the way I do. I am going to do the review a little different today. I am just going to post the notes that I took as I was listening and then I am going to tell you some of my thoughts.

Notes:
Do you need more time to read and gain a larger life?

Take advantage of audio books

Leveen interviewed people who read to see how they chose their books and how they found time to read.

At mid-life Leveen found that the classics are not dry and hard to read.

There are over six million books in English.

To have lived a well-read life you must be in book love all your life. It is not based on the number of books you read.

You must live your well read life. You must choose the books you read. The right book can change your life and help you change the world.

How to choose a book.

How to create your reading library.

What books to check out of the library and which to buy.

Don't worry, its not too late to read the classics. If you read them when you are older, you bring life experience to your reading.

How to get more out of your reading. Engaged, active reading.

Leave a foot print in a book, write in them (another reason to buy your own books.) This will help you retain what you have read.

Why read a book if you are not going to remember anything from it.

This is an amazing book. Everyone who loves books has got to get this. Even if you don't think you like books you need Leveen's information on audio books alone.

If everyone took this approach to life and reading, I can't help to believe our world would be so much more civilized. You could have a mini book discussion while waiting to check out in the grocery store or waiting in a doctor's office. More people would have read more widely. It would just be great.

Those were my notes while listening. Although this book deals with however you enjoy reading books, I loved Leveen's love of audio books because I share it. My dear son and I found audio books at the beginning of our homeschool adventure. We were going to so many classes and get togethers, we were always in the car and plus we were both reading the same book for what ever book group he was in at the time. I wanted to read the book as well so that he would have someone to talk to about it as he read. You have no idea the joy of discussing a book, any book, with your child. You can use it as a teaching tool about how to live in the world because that is what books bring us. Now that I have returned to school to get my Masters in Literature, I download audio books of everything I am having to read for class. I listen as I read the paper copy and take notes. There is nothing better than listening to Shakespeare read by the Royal Shakespeare Theater or listening to Zora Nell Hurston, read by someone who knows how to make the dialect flow. You just can't get that beauty by reading in your mind. Plus I think the combination of visual, reading along with the paper book, and oral, listening to the audio book, creates a retention that you just can't get any other way. Yesterday when I was listening to this book, I took my knitting to Starbucks, got a cappachino, had my note book and pen at my side and listened, knitted my second sock and made notes. It was so much fun and so relaxing and so inspiring. Do yourself a favor, get this book and read it then get an audio book and try this for yourself. You will thank me.

You can get audio books from Amazon and from www.audible.com and I have added this must read to Favorites-Book Review. You can find out more about this book and Steve Leveen at www.yourwellreadlife.com

Happy, happy reading,
Laura

Today for your U.S Constitutional learning pleasure, we are going to decided whether or not Bill Clinton can be Hillary's Vice President. The amendments concerned with this issue are:

AMENDMENT XXII
Passed by Congress March 21, 1947. Ratified February 27, 1951.

Section 1.No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this Article was proposed by Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.

and:

AMENDMENT XXV
Passed by Congress July 6, 1965. Ratified February 10, 1967.
Note: Article II, section 1, of the Constitution was affected by the 25th amendment.

Section 1.In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

Section 2.Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

Section 3.Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

So can he or can't he. Technically he would not be elected to office though some say that the Vice President is elected with the President. I wish they would separate the two like we have here in Texas. We vote separately for Governor and Lt. Governor and they can end up being from opposite parties which gives real balance and compromise. If something were to happen to Hillary and Bill were VP, could he take office, could he be President again? I, personally, fell that he could be VP because I don't view the VP as running for President. If by some chance it were to come down to this, I think the Supreme Court would have to make a decision and we all know how well that worked out in 2000. I, also, give Hillary more credit than to think that she would pick Bill as VP. I would think that she would want her Presidency to be her Presidency. So many fun things to look forward to. I am going to try and early vote today because I have heard that the lines are going to be bad on Tuesday. I will let you know how it goes.

On the Crochet Front I have cast on my second sock. I refuse to have second sock syndrome. I will complete the pair as I do have two feet.

On the Green Front I got a plastic bag yesterday. That is 3 for February and 7 for the year. I have got to really watch it in March. How are all of you doing? Have you bought your Chico Bags or some other reusable shopping bags? If not, get on the ball. Send me comments to let me know what changes you have made.

Happy Leap Year Day,
Peace,
Laura

When I woke up this morning, the morning show on TV was saying that the New York Times had discovered that John McCain was not born in the continental US, instead, he was born on an army base in Panama. Why is this an issue? I thought an army base was US soil. The U.S. Constitution states:

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

I am pretty sure that being born on a base makes you a natural citizen. Why is the Times doing this? Do they think the people of the US are that stupid? Well the readers of this blog will be educated. (Not that I like McCain, but this is over the top). Link to Times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/us/politics/28mccain.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=McCain&st=nyt&oref=slogin

On the Weight Loss Front I walked and practiced yoga this morning. You can't get much better than that. I think that is the perfect workout. Now if I can just stick with it.

On the Green Front I want to let you know about a great podcast that I have recently found. It is called Living Green: Effortless Ecology for Everyday People and can be found at http://personallifemedia.com/podcasts/224-living-green , along with other podcasts and blogs that I have not checked out yet. Living Green can also be found on itunes. Check it out, it is very professional and I have enjoyed all of the interviews.

On the Yoga Front I found out today that it is great to do yoga after you have walked because you are warmed up. When your muscles are warmed up it is easier to move into a pose. Try a little walk before your next practice and see what I mean.

Peace,
Laura

I feel really bad that I did not post yesterday, but I just had a lot of deadlines I needed to get a handle on. Have any of you filled out all of the paperwork required for applying for scholarships? I think I would rather take another class, but it is done now for this year so let's all hope I get some money because I need it.

While I was filling out all of the forms and writing essays, I listened to some of the debate. I don't think Hillary has a chance against Obama and I am not ever sure that it is Obama the person that she is up against. Obama has turned into something more, like an ideal and no human will be able to stand up to that. Also, no human is as perfect as an ideal seems, so at some point the polish is going to wear off Obama and then what will we have?

On the Crochet Front I promised pictures of my foot in my completed sock and here it is:

It is made from Bernat Satin Sport yarn in beige color # 03010, I made it from the "Basic Sock" pattern in Learn to Knit Socks, 12 Designs in Sport Weight Yarn, by Edie Eckman. It was fun and challenging and now I have to make the second one so I have a pair.

On the Weight Loss Front I am sending the Nutri System back for a refund. It tastes horrible and I was still having to cook for my family anyway so we were spending twice as much on food. I have just got to cut back on what I eat and exercise. The old fashioned way. I have got to get all of these food rules and issues out of my head and just live a normal life and if I never lose, oh well, as long as I am exercising and healthy that is what really matters.

On the Green Front I had to buy a whole cart of yarn yesterday at Hobby Lobby. My dear son and his friend have requested bowling motif blankets for their graduation presents. I had to create the pattern myself because there are no bowling blanket patterns out there. I am writing the pattern as I go so that I can sell it when they are completed, surely there are others who have bowlers to knit and crochet for. Back to the yarn, I only had one reusable bag with me and so I just carted the yarn out to my car in the shopping basket and put it lose in the back. The sales girl looked at me like I was nuts for not wanting the yarn in bags, but I explained that I did not want any plastic bags, made my purchase and went on my way. We can all do this folks. Think about it, why do you really ever need a bag, you are taking the stuff to your car anyway.

Send me comments and questions.

Peace,

Laura

The campaigns are getting ugly. Now Hillary's camp is going to show a picture of Obama dressed in traditional African clothing, when he was in Africa. What does that mean? I thought Democrats were supposed to welcome everyone and not be racist. I always knew that Hillary would do "whatever" it took to become president and I think she is now feeling trapped and like she could lose. Who knows what we will see before it is over.

On the Green Front I am generally not in favor of government programs. I think that when the government gets involved things just get bogged down, but I do understand that there are good programs that could not work without government funding. On such program is the Community Food Project (CFP). CFP is funded through the Farm Bill and in the version that passed through the House, its funding is made less secure. CFP "projects help ensure that low income people have access to good, fresh food, that communities are feeding their people well, and that family farmers are able to find markets for their products." (Local Harvest Newsletter, www.localharvest.org ) One example of a CFP project is on the Tohono O'odham reservation in Arizona. The program is helping the Native people plant their traditional food items. As a result the incidences of diabetes is lessening in among these people. If you are at all interested in helping the local farm movement, drop your congressman and e:mail or phone call and let him know that you want CFP funding to continue.

Sorry so short, but I have got a ton of school work to get finished before I go to class. Don't forget to send comments and include any topics you would like for me to research.

Peace,
Laura

The Sunday Weight Loss Update

I received my Nutri System Monday night and I started eating it on Tuesday. I have cheated a little, but not a lot, until last night. My dear son had a bowling tournament and we were gone most of the day and last night a bunch of us ended up at a Chinese buffet. It was all very good. Unfortunately I can only tell you that because I tried some of all of it. I did not even weigh this morning, but I did get right back on track today with the Nutri System. I practiced yoga yesterday and I walked this afternoon, I hope that it helps the Chinese. So far, all of the food I have eaten has been very good.

On the knitting/Crochet Front (I am not capitolizing knitting yet) My dear son's bowling tournament was about 2 hours away and we had to pass my favorite Local Yarn Store, Twisted Yarns, www.twistedyarnstexas.com . I got some new stash. I will have pictures on Tuesday along with my completed sock on my foot.

Send comments.

Peace,
Laura

Saturday Morning Book Review

MaryJane's Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook: for the Farmgirl in All of Us
by Mary Jane Butters

This book is unlike any other book I own (and I own a lot and see nothing wrong with that). This book is about living life simpler and closer to the earth. There are chapters on celebrations, cooking the Farm Kitchen way, gardening, all kinds of stitching from crocheting to sewing to embroidery, making things with metal, wood and fiber, taking vacations outdoors, and cleaning, and personal care tips. There is just a little bit of everything. The photography is beautiful and the whole book is just inspiring. It makes you want to get out there grow something, and sew something while you have sourdough bread rising in the kitchen. This book just makes you feel good.

Barbara

"Any woman who sews
or knits, or weaves,
blends colors in a tapestry
are creates a patchwork quilt,
knows by the feel
that a single thread is weak.
But the weaving,
the blending,
the intertwining
with many others
makes it strong.

Any woman alone
without friends
to sustain her,
to nurture and support,
to hold with loving arms,
like a single thread, is weak.
But the weaving,
the loving,
the nurturing of others,
the networks of friendship
makes her strong."

The Kinship of Women , 1994

I think this poem best describes the possibilities I saw after reading and looking through this book. As women, we need to reconnect with the lives our grandmother's lived. They were more authentic and closer to the earth and their things. Today we have way too many "things" and so nothing is cherished, nothing means anything. We need to get back to our creative side and create things and lives that can be cherished by us in living now and by our decendents in years to come. (Boy, I don't know where any of this is coming from, but I like it.)

I have added MaryJane's IdeaBook to Favorites-Book Review . Pick up a copy and enjoy.

Happy Reading,
Laura

I know that you have been waiting for some political commentary. I just don't think politically when I can not breath, but hopefully that has passed. Last night's debate was about as exciting as the Saturday night we sat in my dear sister-in-law's kitchen and watched chickens rotate on her new Show Time grill. (I am not lying, you could not make something like that up.) Hillary is going to be out of the race and not once was their a fist fight. I like hockey, I want some body slams to show me that the candidates are passionate about what they believe and that they want it enough to fight for it. I don't think we have that on either side so what do we do? I think we should lobby for a "none of the above" option and if that is what wins, both parties have to get rid of everyone who ran the first time and start over. The only bad thing with this is that Bush would have to stay in office until it was all figured out and I don't want him in office on second longer than is necessary by the constitution.

On the Green Front Did you know that there are eco-limosine companies. Ideal Bite http://www.idealbite.com/ has an article on it today. I am glad that the rich and famous have this option, but does this make since. It is kind of like a hybrid SUV, can't we just go with smaller transpartation? I am sure that these hybrid limos get better milliage than their traditional counter parts, but I doubt they get 30 miles to the gallon. Oh well, the stars can still arrive on the red carpet in "green" style.

On the Crochet Front I promised a sock picture yesterday and here it is:

I am actually knitting a sock that looks like a sock. I am beyone excited. When I get it finished I will post of picture with it actually on someone's foot, maybe my own. I feel like I have climbed a mountain. Of course it was made of yarn, but it was still my mountain to climb.

On the Yoga Front I have not practiced any this week. I am going to practice as soon as I publish this post. I think that my lack of practice led to my whole sinus thing. Deep breathing helps everything. Namaste

Peace,

Laura

I'm back. I have recovered from my latest sinus attack, but, unfortunately we are expecting rain today and so who knows what that will bring with it. I also learned something yesterday, it is very difficult to write a paper when you can't breath. I don't know what the correlation is, but it must have something to do with lack of oxygen and fuzziness of the brain. After I post this I am going to proofread that paper and I am so looking forward to seeing if I even formed sentences.

On the Green Front The U S Navy shot down a failed spy satellite last night because they did not want anyone to get our secrets, which I understand, but also they did not want the fuel tank to crash to earth because it is full of toxic fuel. Does this bother anyone but me? Blowing up a tank of toxic fuel in space? Have we not done enough to screw up our planet, now we have to screw up outer space as well. I know that if it reentered into our atmosphere and crashed it would have been really bad. People would have died. Which leads to the question, what else do we have up there that can come and get us? I love how they keep saying that they brought it down in an unpopulated area, the ocean. Unpopulated by who? And even if you don't mind killing the ocean life, remember that if our ocean is contaminated we are contaminated. Seafood anyone? Here is a link for video of the shoot down.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2008/02/21/pentagon.sat.shoot7a.cnn

On the Crochet Front I am going to knit a sock if it kills me and it just might. I have, on this latest attempt, made it to the heel. I am working the heel as we speak. Please let this be the one so that I can move on with my fiber arts life. Why am I so stuck on socks, because that is all they talk about on the knitting and crochet blogs and sites and, by golly, if someone else can do it, I can do it to, I think. Hope to have a picture of a sock tomorrow.

On the Weight Loss Front Day 3 of Nutri System. So far everything I have eaten is great. Of course I have been sick so I am not sure if my taste buds are working. I have lost a little, but do not plan to post a real total until one week. I have been a little hungry, but I guess that is the point. I did not exercise yesterday and today is iffy, but hope to get back with it soon.

Leave comments and questions.

Peace,
Laura

Maybe a post later. I am under the weather right now.

Peace,
Laura

I finished the first season of 24 and I vowed that I would not try and find the second season. That resolve lasted maybe 5 seconds. I got all 6 DVD's from Blockbuster yesterday and I have already watched the first 4 hours. I still don't get how people can watch this week to week. I have to know what is going to happen next. I am not saying that this show is perfect, because I think the story line with is daughter is a bit much, but it is great. I love politics and this is right up my ally.

On the Crochet Front I want to let you know about a great new Ravelry group I have found and there is also a blog. It is the Crochet Liberation Front and can be found at http://www.crochetliberationfront.blogspot.com/ and in Ravelry groups. This group is for all of us who are true crocheters and don't think that knitting is a superior craft. I have tried to knit and crochet is just more versitile. I welcome all knitters though but, for me crochet is my art of choice. Please check this group out and let us raise our hooks in support of crocheters everywhere.
Unfortunately because I have been trying to knit socks, I have no finished projects this week. If I finish something later or even get enough of something done that you can tell what it is, I will post a picture.

On the Weight Loss Front My food arrived last night and I started this morning. I had Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal with Raisins (my fruit that I had to add) and a container of yogurt (again my dairy that I had to add). For those of you who are not familiar with Nutri System, what they give you are your entries and snacks, you have to add your own fruit, vegies, and dairy. The bad thing about my starting now is that I have terrible sinus issues and don't feel like working out, but maybe I will make myself walk when I publish this and that will help my sinuses. Wish me luck.

Peace,
Laura

Do any of you watch 24 ? I never had and my uncle in Florida thought that was horrible so he sent me home with the first season. I am addicted. I have spent some of last week and most of this weekend watching the whole thing. I don't get how you can watch this week to week. I would be crazy waiting for the next week to see what happens. It was nice to not have to wait and see it all as fast as you can. I now have to get all of the other seasons so that I can watch them. I can't wait.

On the Green Front What are we feeding our kids at school? The FDA has issued the largest beef recall in US history. http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/02/17/beef.recall/index.html
This recall was issued when a video surfaced showing "downer" cows being fork lifted to the slaughter house. No downer cow is supposed to be slaughtered with out FDA inspection because this is one of the symtoms of BSE which causes Mad Cow Disease. (Remember in Europe and Japan they test all cows before slaughter.) 143 million pounds of beef was reacalled but 37 million pounds of this meat had already found its way into the school lunch programs. This beef has been produced over the past two years so a lot of it has already been consumed. The production of this beef dates back to February 1, 2006.

On the Crochet Front I surrender. I tried to knit a sock again last night and it is not worth it. All of you who think knitting socks is the greatest thing since sliced bread can just have at it. I am going to crochet a sock. I will post pictures when I have one completed. I am making it from the Crocheted Socks! and I am crocheting it with Pink Baby Yarn Bee from Hobby Lobby. Stay tuned for my sock adventures.

Send me comments about 24 or anything else that is on your mind.

Peace,
Laura

Sorry so late and I almost did not post. I have nothing on the weight loss front except that I probably have more to lose. I hope my food comes tomorrow and I can get started on Tuesday. Longer post tomorrow.

Peace
Laura

Saturday Morning Book Review

Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston

I promised a romance today and this whole novel is about the main character's, Janie, search for true love, or her idea of true love. Zora Neale Hurston was a writer during the Harlem Renaissance of the first part of the 20th Century in New York. Hurston is an amazing writer as can be seen from this passage:

"She was stretched on her back beneath the pear tree soaking in the alto chant of the visiting bees, the gold of the sun and the panting breath of the breeze when the inaudible voice of it all came to her. She saw a dust-bearing bee sink into the sanctum of a bloom; the thousand sister-calyxes arch to meet the love embrace and the ecstatic shiver of the tree from root to tiniest branch creaming in every blossom and frothing with delight. So this was a marriage! She had been summoned to behold a revelation. Then Janie felt a pain remorseless sweet that left her limp and languid."

If that is not the most amazing discription of the birds and the bees, I don't know what is. It touches Janie to such an extent that she spends her whole life in search of this one act of nature that she saw when she was sixteen. I had to read this novel for my African American Womens Novelist Class and I thought it was the perfect book to talk about during Valentines Week. There are many wonderful characters in this story, but it is Janie's story. I think a lot of people can relate to it as their story as well. Their Eyes Were Watching God , also deals with black/white social issues, women's issues, class issues, but most importantly relationship issues. If you are yearning for true love pick up this book. I am including it on Favorites-Book Review.

On the Green Front I have been asked in a comment on whether or not it is ok to reuse plastic bags. I think it is ok to reuse everything as long as it is sanitary. I don't think I would reuse a plastic bag if meat products have be involved, but if it is just canned goods and the like sure, take your bags back with you on your next shopping trip and refill them. Also, many grocery stores have recycle bins as you walk in. Check them out and on your next trip, take items to be recycled. Did you know that you can wash Ziplock type baggies. My mother has been doing this for years and I have always laughed at her, who knew she was a trend setter, she was just saving money. Again, I would not reuse them if meat products have been in them, but you can even get a baggie dryer stand to dry them on after you have washed them in warm soapy water. You can purchase the stand from Greenfeet at www.greenfeet.com and at Amazon, I have added a link under Favorites-Green .

Peace,
Laura

I sat through a class last night where we discussed what the reader brings to the reading of a book. All it seemed we did was go around in circles, but this is what I think I, as a reader, bring to a book. I bring who I am, the life I have lived, the knowledge I have obtained and any prejudices I may have. So what that leaves out is the life I have not lived, the knowledge I have not obtained and the biases I do not have. I think I read so much so that I can fill in the things that I do not have. I don't want to read about things I already know, I want to read to enlighten and expand my world. I hope that that is why you read as well.

On the Weight Loss Front MY FOOD IS STILL NOT HERE. What is the deal? I want to lose weight and everyday I think I can eat what I want because I am going to be eating the Nutri System stuff soon and by the time it gets here I am going to be bigger than I already am. My rant for the day, and, yes, I do feel better.

On the Crochet Front My crochet sock book is here. It is called, oddly enough, Crocheted Socks! 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns . I can't wait to start. In fact that is what I am going to do as soon as I post this blog. As a buy this also book from Amazon I also got Simple Crochet which has a lot of home decor patterns in it. I have added both to Favorites-Crochet I wish I could have everyone on my Christmas list have a look at this, pick out a pattern, tell me what colors they want and then I would not have to guess if they like what I give them. I know that takes all the fun out of it, but do you want me to make a burnt orange, olive green, and mustard afaghan for you? (Not that I would really do that to anyone, but you get my drift.)

On the Green Front I got another plastic bag. The count is now four and the thing that worrys me is that this is only February 15th and I have already gotten my 2 for this month. What am I going to do the rest of the month? I must watch the secret plastic bag givers. My mother, who is still in Florida, said that she and my Aunt were out buying groceries and they had remembered to take the reusable shopping bags that I got for my Aunt last week. I am so proud of them.

Please send me comments about what reading means to you and, remember, tomorrow is my book review. It is going to be a romance.

Peace,
Laura

Happy Valentines Day

On the Green Front How to have a "green" Valentine's Day. There are many ways to green up your Valentine's Day gifts. Send an e:card instead of a paper one. Try 123 Greetings at http://www.123greetings.com/ . Send organic roses instead of ones that are full of pesticides. Try Organic Bouquet at http://www.organicbouquet.com/ . And of course send organic, fair trade chocolates which I have listed under Favorite-Fair Trade . I am sure that your love will go wild for you thinking about the environment as well as them on this special day.

On the Weight Loss Front I did not walk or anything yesterday and since I am writing this, I am going to go walk as soon as this is posted. See you really are my motivation. Thank you.

On the Crochet Front I cast on a pair of socks to knit and I give up, but I did order a crochet sock book from Amazon yesterday. It should be here tomorrow so I will let you know how that goes as soon as I get it and try it. I have got to make a pair of socks because that is all the knitters ever talk about and I am determined that we crocheters can make anything that the knitters can. I have started a Ravelry Granny's Hippie Threads group, so come and join in the fun.

Peace,

Laura

Could Hillary be out? I just can't believe this. I wonder if she is as surprised as everyone else. Did she think she had it in the bag? And Huckaby needs to quit spending money. I know that the Republicans don't like McCain, but someone does or he would not keep winning. Maybe America is trying to tell the Ultra-Conservative wing of the party, finally, that they are not in control and they cannot hijack a more moderate view of things. I still think someone should give Huckaby his own talk show, though. I like him and love his sense of humor and I would listen.

On the Green Front You have decided to buy locally produced food, great I hope you all have, but now you are asking how do you find it. There is an organization called Local Harvest which can help you with your quest. This organization can be found at www.localharvest.com . All you have to do is enter you zip code and how many miles you are willing to drive to find that perfect, organically grown tomato, or what ever, and it will list everything available in that area. Another way you can receive locally grown food is through a CSA, Community Supported Agriculture. Local Harvest can help you find a CSA in your area as well. The CSA that I go to, you have to pick up your "share" each week and they also have other organic goodies you can buy. It is Central City Co-op and can be found at www.centralcityco-op.org . Go and find a farmers market close to you and buy some local food. Another thing that I have learned about is a petition to get truth in meat labeling. As we discussed before, there is no FDA requirement to label a lot of things, but newest is whether the meat is from a cloned animal. The petition can be found at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/954533337?z00m=13419920 .

On the Weight Loss Front My Nutri System is still not here, hopefully today. I paid $19.95 extra for it to ship as soon as possible and when I called to check on my shipment they gave me a credit for that amount. They are very easy to work with. I will keep you updated.

Peace,
Laura

Sorry I am so late with my blog, but I have had a very busy day. Nothing exciting, it just started first thing in the morning. Tomorrow I will try to comment more on what happens with the primaries that are happening today.

On the Crochet Front I have finished nothing, but I have started a lot. I hope you like the pictures. First is the hippo I did for my great niece:

The next picture is of the snowflake scarf I am working on for next years Christmas:

I want to let you know about a great knit and crochet community that I finally received my invitation to join. It is called Ravelry and can be found at http://www.ravelry.com/. It takes about 2 weeks to receive your invitation after you have requested to join, but it is worth the wait. There are so many groups to join and there is a place to show your stash, your books, your projects and your finished items. And you can learn just about anything you need to know about fiber craft. Go check out and join, and if you will let me know when their are enough of us on it, I will create a Granny's Hippie Threads group.

I am still knitting away and today I bought some sock yarn, needles and book and am going to cast on a pair of socks. It should at least be interesting. Here is a picture of my knitting so far:

Happy crocheting and knitting.

Peace,

Laura

This has got to be the funniest political picture I have seen yet. Yes, I also know that the implications are horrible, but come on, its funny. How do people come up with this stuff? My mind does not work that fast.

On the Yoga Front I want to talk about and give some resources for plus sized yoga. As I have mentioned before I am not a small girl, I generally wear about a 3X and I love to do yoga. I think that some people feel that yoga is only for skinny people who can wrap themselves up like pretzels, but that is not the case. Yoga is so much more than being a human pretzel, although that does feel good. Yoga helps you connect your mind and body and it helps to to slow down and really think about what you are doing. How often do you do that during a given day? Yoga also keeps you flexible and able to move around better and as I age, that becomes more important to me. I see people who just stop moving and I think, you need to start practicing yoga are you are not going to be able to get out of a chair. The practice of yoga is all about doing what you can do and expanding your limits. Yoga is a individual practice even if you are in a studio with 20 other yoginis. I have added a book and a DVD to Favorites-Yoga for you to get and delve into the wonderful world of yoga. Both of these products are by Megan Garcia who is, amoung other things, a plus size model for the Just My Size brand. In the book she talks about practicing yoga at the size you are right now and the DVD has some great yoga practices. This week I want everyone to try some yoga. You can find all kinds of practices and information at www.yogajournal.com .

On the Weight Loss Front I walked yesterday and as soon as I am finished here I am going to walk this morning. I am still waiting for my Nutri System, but hopefully it will arrive today or tomorrow.

Tune in tomorrow for a crochet picture catch-up blog.

Peace,
Laura

Today is Sunday. I think I am supposed to check in with my weight loss. There is none. No gain either though, so that is good. I made myself walk (and sort the laundry) before I sat down to the computer. I am going to have to make myself do that or I will never get anything done. While I was in Florida I signed up for Nutri System. I have tried their stuff many times and one time I actually lost weight. This time I will too because I do not want to have the health problems that seem to run rampant in my family. The food should be here tomorrow or Tuesday. I got the vegetarian plan which should be no problem since I am the only one eating it. I don't know what I am going to do about my husband and son, but the only meal I do anything with is dinner, so I will figure it out when the time comes. I think my son needs to learn to cook so that they can be self sufficient. I have never thought it was a good idea for the person with the food issues to be in control of all of the food decissions. That would be me. It is like making and alcholic work at a bar. Wish me luck.

Peace,
Laura

The Saturday Morning Book Review

Yarn Harlot, The Secret Life of a Knitter, by Stephanie Pearl McPhee

As you know I am new to knitting and supposedly the Yarn Harlot, Stephanie Pearl McPhee is the queen of all things knitting. I heard her on a podcast, I am not sure who's (sorry), and I knew that I had to look at her blog, http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/ , and start reading her books. While I was in Florida I picked up Yarn Harlot, The Secret Life of a Knitter. I am telling you that this is one of the funniest books I have ever read. I do not think it matters whether you knit, crochet, scrap book or participate in any other obsessive compulsive stash orientated obsession, I'm sorry, craft, you will love this book.

 

    "I love knitting because it's something that can be accomplished no matter how poorly it's going at any given moment. It's a triumph of dexterity over string. I can't make my kids turn out the way I want; I have no control over my editor; world peace remains elusive despite my very best efforts; but all of that be damned—I can put a heel in a sock and it will go exactly the way I want it to go. Eventually, at least.

Knitting is magic. Knitting is an act of creation and a simple transformation each and every time."

 

This passage says exactly what I have always felt about any craft that I have done throughout my life. I don't know what people do who do not have some type of creative outlet. I think that I would be far crazier than I am now. (For those who know me, just imagine that?) I have added Yarn Harlot in Favorites-Book Reviews. Pick it up and I bet you will be picking up some type of needle, hook, string or something soon.

 

Happy reading,

Laura

I'm home. Sorry so late with the post but I have been driving all day, but I am home. My aunt is better and is making a great recovery from her surgery.

I have no comments on todays events because I don't know what they were. I listened to knit and crochet podcasts all the way home. Which leads to the next:

On the Crochet Front For the past ten hours while driving down the road, I listened to the Yarn Thing podcast, www.knitthing.mypodcast.com and the She-Knit podcast, www.she-knits.mypodcast.com . I love Marley and Sharon. I have laughed the whole time and, even as tired as I am, I would love to start digging through my stash and start about a dozen different projects. You have got to give these two podcasts a listen. They can both be found on itunes as well. I am going to add both to my links.

That is all I have for today since I am still not thinking straight.

Peace,
Laura

Hillary is having to spend her own money. What does that say? I thought the Clintons could raise money better than anybody.

On the Green Front I had to buy groceries for my aunts house yesterday because she is home and there was no food as she has not felt well for some time. Of course, I did not have my shopping bags and I was just going to gut it up and take the plastic, but not count them as this technically was not my purchases. Yes, I should have been a lawyer. But Publix sells their own reusable bags, so my dear aunt received a late Christmas present from me. She now has 6 reusable shopping bags, so she no longer has to get plastic. I did have to get one plastic bag for the raw chicken because I did not want it in with the other groceries. So now my count is 3 for the year.

As an update from yesterday's blog, Patagonia has their own blog. It can be found at http://www.thecleanestline.com/ . I have not had time to read it yet, but it looks like fun.

Sorry for the short post, but things will be back to normal when I get home.

Peace,
Laura

So do we know anything more today after Super Tuesday than we did on Monday? I am not sure. This could make watching the conventions fun. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those whose voting got cut short by the horrible tornados. I live in hurricane country and I have always said that I would rather have a hurricane than a tornado anyday because we know for days before that we are about to get hit and with tornados there is very little warning. Again all please pray for these areas of our country.

On the Weight Loss front This morning I vowed to do the best I can with what I have got here at my aunts. I am at a Starbucks for breakfast and I had a reduced fat coffee cake and coffee. I like their reduced fat stuff, it is all very tasty. I may walk later, but it is hotter than heck here in Florida. I am used to some cool.

On the Crochet Front I can't get over how good my knitting looks. Of course it is still on the needles, and I am afraid it will all fall apart when I get to the point of taking the first panal off, but so far so good.

On the Green Front Today I want to spotlight a green clothing company, Patagonia . They can be found at http://www.patagonia.com . Patagonia 's mission statement says,

Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.

I think this says it all. Why can't all companys, no matter what their product or service, live by this mission. Patagonia makes a sporting-goods line of clothing and it is made mostly from recycled materials. When you are through with a Patagonia aticle of clothing, you can send it to them or drop it at one of their locations and they recycle it. They donate time, services and at least 1% of their profits to environmental issues. Check out their web site, it is more than just an estore. There is a lot of imformation and some beautiful mountain pictures. I wish I were there.

Send comments and keep using your reusable shopping bags.

Peace,
Laura

I am sorry that I have not posted yet today, but this is the first time I have been at a computer. I am in Florida as my aunt had to have surgery. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts.

Today is Super Tuesday. I hope you have all voted because I know that all of you are nice intellegent individuals. This morning on the crawl by on CNN, there was some kind of poll done and people thought that Sherlock Holmes was a real person and that Winston Churchill was a fictional character. These people also thought that Ghandi was a made up character for books and movies. I don't know what they are teaching in our school systems, but it is scary and I don't think I want these people to vote. I know that sounds harsh, but come on, we are voting for the guy or gal who has the ability to start a nuclear war. I think I want the people making that decision to know that Ghandi was real, what he did and what he stands for. I also want the guy or gal we vote for to know the same things.

On the Crochet Front I don't have pictures, because I am not at home. I am continuing with my knitting, though, and I am even doing a pattern stitich, not just knit one row and purl one row, now things are changing within the row. It is still holding together and it still looks good. Maybe, I have figured this knitting thing out. I am still not changing my header on the blog though. Crochet rules.

On the Green Front It is hard to be green on the road. I had to get bottled water yesterday and of course we had to eat fast food the whole way here because we had no time. I will have to be extra careful when I get home to make up for it. If you have any green tips for emergency trips, let me know. Also my cousin confronted me with the whole, "Is global warming real?" thing. I told him that I was not sure if global warming was man made or not, but that it is getting warmer, and just from logic he should realize that we are going to run out of room for all of our trash. So for no other reason than landfill constraints we should start reducing, reusing and recycling.

On the Weight loss Front All bets are off. I have no control over anything right now. I am just trying to do the best I can each meal at a time.

Hope to post tomorrow for the post Super Tuesday recap.

Peace,
Laura

Wasn't that an exciting Super Bowl? I always pull for the underdog so I am pleased that the Giants won, but can you imagine what it is like to be a Patriot today? You won every game all year, which is an amazing thing, but you lost the only truly important game. What an awful place to be in, but oh well, way to go Giants.

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. If you are in one of the Super Tuesday states go vote. Everyone needs to become part of the process so that we can change the way things are and make things better. And remember what my dear Granny, the namesake of this blog, always said, if you don't vote you can't complain and I know that you all want to preserve your right to complain. Go vote.

On the Crochet Front I am knitting, or trying to. I decided Saturday that if everyone else can knit, then I can too. I have picked an easy pattern from the Winter 2007/2008 knit simple , p. 50. I am using Sinfarnio yarn in variegation of blues, teals, and creams. I got this yarn from Hobby Lobby. Don't forget that you can sign up for the Hobby Lobby coupons online and you get all kinds of goodies, like a 40% coupon each week. Go to www.hobbylobby.com to sign up. So far it looks right. I think that I dropped one stitch which might show up as a small whole, but this is the back panel and, for my first project, I am trying not to be a perfectionist or I will not get through it and then I will never learn. I have added knit simple to Favorites:Crochet . Pick up a copy and try to knit with me. Tomorrow I will have pictures of the hippo, she is cute.

On the Green Front Today, I am going to delve into the topic of recycling, which I do not do because there is no recycling program in the town where I live. I could get off of my lazy rear end and take my trash to a recycling center and this is why I am writing on this topic today, to get myself motivated and get myself a system. In the United States, "we dispose of 210 million tons of municipal waste every year," and, "combine residential and business garbage...and we have an annual pile of trash weighing 12 billion tons." "Americans receive almost 4 million tons of junk mail a year-44% is never opened." and, "Every day, U.S. Businesses generate enough paper to circle the earth 20 times." From 1960 to 1990 Americans have increased there trash per person from 2.7 pounds per day to 4.3 pounds per day. (I just had this thought, isn't it funny that our trash per person has increased as our actual body weight has increased. More processed foods means more packaging means more pounds on hips.) Starting today I am going to devise some type of container system to get my family in the recycle mode and I will then make weekly trips to the recycle center (I will combine these trips with other trips in that direction so as not to increase my can usage.). If you have any ideas, write me and let me know, I could use all the help I can get.
Martin, Sam. “Recycle This Article.” Mother Earth News. http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/2000-12-01/Importance-of-Recycling.aspx.


Peace,
Laura

Well today is my weight loss blog. I have lost maybe 2 pounds since I have started this. Not alot, but something. School and life seemed stressful last week and this weekend so I have not been eating well. I have, however, already practiced yoga today and I am going to eat a healthy Amy's Garden Lasagna for lunch, so maybe I can get things back on track. I will be going to a Super Bowl party this evening so I will just have to watch what I eat. I made some great salsa and fruit dip to take. It should be a lot of fun since no body really cares who wins since Dallas is not involved.

Send comments about your Super Bowl parties and who you are pulling for.

Peace,
Laura

Saturday Morning Book Review

 
 

Hip Tranquil Chick, A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat, by Kimberly Wilson

 
 

I have talked about this book and about the fabulous Kimberly Wilson so much that I thought it was about time to highlight this book in the Saturday Morning Book Review.  Kimberly Wilson lives in the Washington D.C. area and is owner Tranquil Space, as yoga studio, she is a lifestyle coach and mentor, she is an author and podcaster, she has both a clothing and a jewelry line, she is the head of Tranquil Space Foundation, a non-profit organization and, in her spare time, she travels around the country guest teaching yoga classes and knits.  Whew! I usually get tired every time I think about all of the wonderful things that she does.  Hip Tranquil Chick, is Kimberly's first book.  It is fun and cute and has a ton of information in a great little package.  The back cover says it all:

 
 

"Lead a Mindfully Extravagant Life

• Learn yoga sequences for everyday dilemmas
  
• Infuse your life with doses of creativity
  
• Consciously carve your career path
  
• Develop financial finesse
  
• Design soulful surroundings
  
• Exude your signature style
  
• Create community with savvy soirees
  
• Expand your global mindset and more! "
  

There are twelve chapters that expand on each of these topics.  You can read this book all at once or, what is even more fun and rewarding, you can take a chapter a week and get to know the ideas and put your heart into the "Om Work" that Kimberly gives at the end of each chapter.  I think that every female should read this book from young women at the age of sixteen up to those who are 100 and beyond.  And don't forget to tune into Kimberly's weekly podcast which can be found on itunes or at www.hiptranquilchick.com .

Happy Reading,

Laura

"Love is in the air," or so it seems from the Democrats. I was not able to watch the debate last night, but from what I gather from the post debate commentary and from what I have seen, it looks like it was a love fest. How is anyone going to know who to vote for if Hillary and Obama only show a united front instead of trying to make themselves different. Maybe the point is that there really is no difference and you just have to go with the one you think you can look at and listen to for at least the next 4 years, if not eight. I still think that we should be able to vote on the President and the Vice President separately like we vote for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor separately here in Texas. There have been many times when the two have been from different parties. You say that nothing would get done that way. Is anything getting done now? and Would that be a bad thing? If government can't learn to work together, they can't raise taxes or mess anything else up.

On the Green Front Today is February 1st and I would like to let you know that I have bought no new clothing of any kind for one whole month. I think that is a record for me and it is a record that I intend to keep going. I have not set a goal as to how long I can go without shopping; this is like AA for me so I am just taking it one day at a time. The only consumer goods that I have purchased are food, books and yarn. Maybe one day I can tackle the book thing, but I have to have yarn or how else can I have a blog about crocheting. Yarn is a necessity of life just like food.

I have found that Grad school is not "green" friendly. I have to write a report that requires a ton of research and I cannot read off the computer screen, plus I need to mark my reading up, so I have to print everything out. I am being very picky and printing only the things that are necessary and I am of course using recycled paper, but still I feel bad every time the printer starts running. What I don't use for my paper, though, I will use the backs as scratch paper when the project is completed.

I found out about a cool "geen" site this morning. It is called Green Gadgets and can be found at http://www.greatgreengadgets.com/gadgets/ . It has a lot of information and on TV they were showing a new little solar power supply gadget that you can get to recharge your cell phone with. Now how cool is that. We have enough sun here where I am at that I would think that we could solar power just about anything. If I only had the money I would have solar panels on my house and I would be selling energy back to the power company. (Can you tell that I have solar power envy?)

I learned something new from my daily Ideal Bite newsletter, the little stickers on your fruits and vegies can tell you whether or not the produce is conventionally grown, organically grown (I knew this one), or Genetically modified (GM). Here is how it works:

"A four-digit number means it's conventionally grown."
"A five-digit number beginning with 9 means it's organic."
"A five-digit number beginning with 8 means its GM."

Now we can be comfortable with buying our fruits and vegies and eating them too. Unfortunately there is still no labeling on processed foods to let us know if they contain GM ingredients. I don't think the FDA is going to require it ever, either, so the best thing you can do is to stay away from processed foods, which is healthier anyway, or find ones that are labeled that they contain no GM's. These no GM processed items can be found in the health food section of you grocery or at places like Whole Foods and Trader Joes. (I am also envious of those of you who have access to a Trader Joes. We don't have them here as Texas is the home of Whole Foods.)

On the Crochet Front The hippo is complete, which is good since the party is tomorrow. I will take pictures to post on Tuesday.

Send comments. I love to get them and I love to know who is out there and what you like.

Peace,
Laura