Yarns to Tell

White Elephant Sale

'Tis the season for the White Elephant Sale put on by the Oakland Museum! The preview sale was last Sunday, January 25th at 10am. My mom and I were in line at 9:30 with coffee to keep us warm in the piercing cold wind, chatting with those around us and snapping photos for people attending this annual event. Apparently, the first person in line had arrived in the wee hours of the morning from Las Vegas on the hunt for vintage clothes. My main goal was to look for dining chairs but as I made my way through the furniture aisles, disappointment overcame me as I came to accept the fact that I wouldn't be taking chairs home today.

The sewing area is right next to the furniture section, so I made my way there next. I don't think I've ever had so much fun rummaging through bin after bin. Bells for 75 cents? I need bells for those balls I plan to knit! Some of my other finds included a roll of elastic, zippers, glue gun with a box of glue sticks (2.50!), wool yarn (.50!), knitting needles, and enough to fill a grocery bag. For Julian, felt boards...four different habitats with animals (1.00!), Lincoln Logs, other wooden toys.

Such fun each year and the prices are hard to pass up. Since all items are donated and the Museum gets the proceeds, there's no need to contemplate bells and zippers for all those future projects!

January Sunshine

Beautiful weather last weekend in the Bay Area. We decided to take a drive into the city to return some Christmas items. Once there, parked in the garage and on our way with stroller and all, we realized that we forgot the items to return...aagh. After kicking ourselves a bit, we decided to make the most of our afternoon there by just relaxing and going wherever our little hearts desired.

Highlights? Mimosas in the sun while Julian napped (along with an uninterrupted conversation), strolling through shops on Polk St., and picking up a children's table and chairs being set out on the sidewalk by the owner whose girls had outgrown them.

Julian would argue that the highlights included his first Cable Car ride, as well as a twirl (or two) on the Merry Go Round at Fisherman's Wharf. I'd have to agree that those were pretty special moments as well.

Days like this remind me of why the Bay Area is such a great place to live.

A New Year

After reflecting on the month of December, I can now turn my attention to seeking closure for the rest of 2008 and looking forward to the new year. 2008 was a year of fun with Julian, hard financial lessons, living on the move, goal setting, planning schedules, and creating. The strong need for clarity and boundaries in regards to managing time, money, space, and setting a path for future goals has been a main topic these past few months as we have settled into our new home. Not only do these conversations help Chris and I share goals, they are hugely stress relieving. I feel at peace with where we are in our lives, continuing to highlight all that we are fortunate enough to have and experience.

The painting above is one of my most favorite gifts from my mom. Knitting in the sunlight amidst flowers and fruit? Dreamy. It's now hanging, centered directly above my desk in my office/breakfast nook/craft room.

   

One of my greatest accomplishments this past year has been to put into action projects I would typically just fantasize about. Halloween costume? So much fun. Curtains for the new house? Hanging and keeping us warm. Knitting Christmas gifts? All but one was completed. (This is the Teddy for cousin Hudson.) New covers for the couch cushions? On it.

Creating seems like a nice theme for 2009, I think I'll stick with that. Not only creating little treasures to enjoy around the house, but hopefully one to add to our family, as well! Creating evokes feelings of self reliance, empowerment, pride. By creating things that are both beautiful and practical, I gain such a sense of accomplishment and contentment.

Time is always a challenge, so if I were to pick one New Year's resolution, it would be to plan time for creating. Carving out that space for myself is so necessary, besides the fact that I have such hopes where this energy may lead me. So, off the computer I go to begin 2009!

Happy New Year to you!

Santa Came to Town

Sacca Caus was quite a hit with Julian, although from a distance. Festivities began with Julian's second birthday on the 14th. Decorating gingerbread men and blowing out candles...what fun. The advent calendar, or Sacca Caus chocolate added to the magic of the month each morning with giggles and jumping galore over opening another window.

 

  

Upon waking Christmas morning, and after being reminded that today was, indeed Christmas, Julian woke Chris saying, "Daddy, it's Christmas!" The three of us wandered into the living room to find what Santa had brought: a table with two chairs; not too big, not too small, just the right size! a choo-choo train! Curious George books! However, Christmas was too new for this two year old, as he became engrossed in each item, only wanting to explore this one new gift. It was the adults looking for the fanatical kid, tearing open the paper with squeals of delight who realized, not quite yet. Ah, all the traditions, expectations and memories of Christmas...

The cookie crumbs and empty glass of milk left out Christmas Eve, were thoughtfully inspected. When asked if Santa liked his cookies, the definitive reply was, Yes.

After our quiet, Christmas morning of three, we trekked to Oma's for more present opening: a Julian sized kitchen! a garage with cars! A delicious dinner was served and the toasts given were to friends included and to much of the family celebrating together.

So, the whiz of the month has passed us by, and as surely as Santa liked his cookies, I can say with confidence that, Yes, all was enjoyed here.  Although January may dull in comparison (no morning chocolates, no presents to open,) I have a feeling that Santa Claus is Coming to Town will remain the number one requested bedtime song.

I hope your month was filled with joy as well!