Under Construction

2009-07-04T03:52:00.003+12:00

I just came across a blog that I found really inspiring. I've been neglecting this one since things have gotten so crazy, but I'm ready to give it a 'makeover'. While nobody follows this blog any longer (and I don't blame them), I really miss blogging, and am ready to head in a new direction!!!

CHICAGO!

2008-08-13T11:48:00.012+12:00

I went up to Chicago to see my good friend Andy Oliver (from Washington state) who is in CPT training. It was a QUICK trip. But I tried to snap some impressions of this great city.

Brother Darst

Chicago Institute of Art

Chinatown...

All of the cool wall art and graffiti is from the Pilsen area (aka the "Little Village")

New blog, many pictures

2008-07-16T13:23:00.003+12:00

Since I've been a lame-o blogger for quite a while, my wife is taking over blogging family photos (and has enjoyed playing with her new camera to grab new material). I'm thinking about "reinventing" my blog while archiving old photos at some point.... Anywho, click on THIS if you want to see her blog!

Introducing SOPHIE

2008-07-14T09:49:00.004+12:00

There have been several things leading up to the adoption of Sophie, the least of which isn't my daughter constantly OBSESSING about a pet dog (and wanting to TAKE other people's doggies... she even said that my friend was now her boyfriend so that he would give her his dog...FRIGHTENING I know...).

Rather than wait to put up pictures of our summer vacation, I'll skip to the point and introduce our newest family member to the world (adopted from Brown County Humane Society earlier today). She is even sweeter than she looks! The picture is off the Humane Society's webpage, but my wife has taken many more since then.

It appears new critters run in the family. My sister recently adopted two chickens!

The Sad Song

2008-04-05T01:40:00.001+13:00

Fredo Viola is my current hero. Great song and video!!!

Very interesting...

2008-03-22T01:35:00.003+13:00

My friend took this picture in S.C. during Spring Break. That's all I have to say about that...

Mon meilleur ami

2008-03-16T05:25:00.002+13:00

With my family gone for a week and a half, I had all sorts of grand plans of what I would accomplish. The plan:

1. Write my major paper for a class
2. Catch up on all of my grading
3. Complete lesson plans for the rest of the semester
4. Read for pleasure
5. Make art
6. Watch movies
7. Go hiking
8. Consult on my research plan
9. Refinish our mission settle

So what I really accomplished:
1. Started, scrapped, restarted, printed articles, screamed and cussed about paper
2. YES. Grading is caught up.
3. Errr... I have Monday ready
4. Nope
5. Sadly, no
6. I watched a few bad movies, one so-so movie, and one that I really liked
7. No, but I did go for a drive once...
8. Yes, thanks to Kristen for her help. Still have a lot to develop and think about though...
9. NO!

So, it's now Saturday, and my family should be back tomorrow. I'm very excited about that, but kicking my own arse that I haven't done more while they were away. This whole "higher education" thing is psyching me out right now. Gotta get through to Summer!!!!

Anyway, as far as movies go, I HIGHLY recommend "My Best Friend". Where American "feel good" movies leave me a bit empty, this one delivered for me. Daniel Auteuil is a great actor, and I didn't even notice that I was reading subtitles after a short time.

Well, gotta go recycle. The garage is getting full!!!

Here's to a productive 24 hours...

Hmmmmm...

2008-03-02T04:53:00.003+13:00

I grew up in a very religious family and seem to recall a hymn referencing a "mansion in the sky". Do you think it looks anything like this?

Flat Casey Blog

2008-02-21T12:53:00.002+13:00

Canby's creative juices have been flowing recently! She has made a blog for "Flat Casey" who came to us via USPS from a friend's son in Tallahassee, FL to visit Indiana and report back tot he class. Check out Flat Casey's blog. It's super cute!

Some recent pics

2008-02-18T14:32:00.007+13:00

Mimi's new 'do

Don't know about the extra ponytail though...
Same trail that Andy and I walked on xmas eve

Leader of the pack

Looks tasty...

How did I become the mule?

Beaver falls
It's easy for Mason to smile...

Dinner time antics

At McCormick's Creek State Park with "Flat Casey" visiting from Tallahassee, FL
This is the "creek" that is a little swollen right now

christmas eve with andy

2008-02-10T05:42:00.000+13:00

A chilly picnic on christmas eve in Yellowwood Forest

We called these "sapsickles" aka "snotsickles"

Happy times
Andy thought this looked like a hippo in the water. What do you think?
Dad, can we please move? I'm FREEZING!

Into the woods
This is what its all about...
More frozen sap

Shot from our "Rock hunting contest"
Andy and I share a love for cool fungi
Dam beavers! :)

Old local cemetary

Andy thought these cypress knees also looked like tombstones
We left small rock formations in strategic spots for a "Blair Witch" effect

Might be cold, but we loved the blue skies!!!

Catching up

2007-12-22T05:15:00.001+13:00

It's been a long time. Time to purge my dig camera and start posting again!

Hokonui Forest

2007-06-05T18:16:00.001+12:00

Since Blogger is *finally* letting me upload pictures, thought I would go ahead and post these too. These are from our family drive and hike yesterday in Hokonui Forest. It was a beautiful day; we are still having quite a lot of nice days this close to Winter! Do note that it was getting pretty dark by the time we left!

Challenged

2007-06-05T18:12:00.000+12:00

These are from a team-building/challenge course that I took a group of students to last week. Believe it or not, we got me over the wall. I'm still a little sore from the whole ordeal...

flashback

2007-05-24T18:21:00.000+12:00

These pictures came from a memory card I just found. They are almost a year old! Not long after Momo and family came over.

Happy birthday

2007-04-17T17:01:00.000+12:00

OMG, my baby boy turned three today. Happy Birthday Mason!!!

Gypsy charm

2007-04-15T17:45:00.000+12:00

The gypsies are here!!!

This eclectic group of kiwis travels all around the country, selling their trinkets and proudly showing off their house buses and trucks. It was fun to share this experience with the family since they weren't here yet to experience the fair last year. The kids had a great time, and we were lucky that the nasty weather broke long enough for us to hang out for a while. Unfortunately, the fortune teller was booked for the rest of the day. Nevermind though. On to the pictures!!!

its ALIVE!!!!

2007-03-22T22:48:00.000+12:00

What can I say? All of this recent talk about Ph.D.s and academia has led me to make zombie paper dolls. Doll, actually; although there will be more to come, I am sure... Not really paper, either, but cardstock on the inside, fake felt on the outside... It's too late to explain any of this...

We're comin' home

2007-03-19T08:26:00.000+12:00

In a few months, we will be heading back to the land of corn and basketball. I have a job lined up as a "visiting lecturer" which will provide me the status and priveleges of full-time faculty while I work towards my Ph.D.. Who would have thunk it? So much to do, so much to do...

The wheel of time keeps rolling on...

2007-03-15T09:18:00.000+13:00

Time seems to mean less and less as I get older. Especially since children came into our lives, everything has started to blur a bit. But a lot has happened. Our past shapes who we are and dictates certain elements about our future.... A look back:

2006: Last year, at this time, I was brand new to New Zealand, my head reeling with all that I had to learn while apart from my wife and children. Seeming like an eternity before they would get here to join me. Then when they were packing their last bag to join me, losing a good friend to a senseless act of violence.

2005: After a two year battle, we were finally able to legally adopt our oldest two children. After everything we had been through, it seemed like a non-event once the papers were all quietly signed. This was also the year that my last grandparent passed on.

2004: Mason was born! What else can I say. With two babies and a VERY active 5 year old, we are STILL trying to make up for the sleep loss from this year!

2003: We became foster parents. The same week that our two children came to us that we would later adopt, we found out my wife was pregnant. (This was also the year that we visited beautiful Puerto Rico!!! - life BEFORE kids ;) )

2002: I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer. One of the last things she said to me was that she KNEW we would have children in our lives. She seemed so sad when she said it. I really wish she could see us all now.

2001: 9/11 kind of overshadowed everything else

2000: I graduated with my M.S. and we moved to Indiana

1999: I graduated with my B.S. (after years of trying more degrees and schools than you can imagine...)

1992: Just married!

1989: Graduated from H.S. and moved to Tallahassee

Just a snapshot of history. So where to now?... That will be in my next post...

never ending holiday...

2007-02-06T10:18:00.000+13:00

I still haven't debriefed from our big trip (although I've changed briefs several times...), but a few days ago we went on a day trip with my mother-in-law (AKA "Momo") to Milford Sound. Milford Sound is located in the pristine Fiordland national park (largest national park in NZ; world heritage area; one of the wettest areas in the wordl). The drive, in itself, was amazing. It felt like going back in time. Although pictures never do this sort of thing justice, here are some pictures of Milford Sound.

Monkey Island; WEIRD, man...

2007-01-27T10:32:00.000+13:00

Monkeying around

This morning, our friend and neighbor, Clara, called and asked if we wanted to go picnic with her and her son Pace (Andy's best friend) at Monkey Island. How can you say no to somewhere as exotic sounding as that?

As you can see in the first picture, Monkey Island isn't much more than a pimple on the edge of a beach (and there aren't any monkeys outside of the little human kind). However, it was a gorgeous day, and we all had great fun. The water was carribean blue and clear when you were in, but it was FRIGID. Certainly worth going out in though. This was the first time I've been in the ocean in a long time.

So weird

I'm trying to catch up on some of my favorite blogs after a long absence from regular internet. I found this weirdness meme on Lady Linoleum's blog, and lets just say that it spoke to me... But 6 weird things about me? Impossible... Let me think though...

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1) I hold my breath when I walk past people I don't like or get a bad vibe from. After we've past each other, I exhale a few puffs of air before breathing normally again. If I'm trapped in an elevator or other small space with them, I breathe as shallowly as possible...

2) I have loud, animated conversations with imaginary people (sometimes superheroes) when driving in the car by myself. Really. Once, I got busted by someone I knew who was stopped at a red light in front of me, and I tried to slyly slip my cellphone up on my shoulder to act like I was having a conversation with a real person...

3) I could get lost for hours (if given the chance) watching bugs or other small creatures. Been that way since a very young age.

4) I like the way skunks smell, but only if passing the scent (we had a dog that got sprayed a couple of times a few years back - that was no fun...)

5) I still try to move things with my mind and send telepathic messages. One day...

6) I believe just about anything is some sort of sign. This has gotten me into messes before, but then again, those messes usually became valuable learning experiences, so who is to say that I wasn't meant to experience them...

Not sure whether or not I'll tag six people (do I even know six people?...), but feel free to join in!

Solve the mystery...

2007-01-26T22:18:00.000+13:00

Those who know us, know we like to collect (aka hoard) a variety of stuff. We both like art pottery, although pieces we like are usually ridiculously expensive. Recently, I acquired the following three pieces that I am very fond of. If anyone has any idea of maker or other information, LET ME KNOW!!! (...please)

I won this one on an internet auction very reasonably. It is unmarked, and although you can't tell in the picture, it is a light, pastel blue-greenish color with faint rose-colored glaze mixed in in places. It's around 13" tall.

I found these in an antique shop in Nelson while on holiday. I found the blue one and knew immediately that I would buy it. The shop owner dug out the other one from across the store, saying that he purchased them at the same time. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse, so here we are. They are approx. 9.5" tall, and again, unmarked. However, after too much time surfing the net, I found a similar vase that was made by Fulper. Most Fulper pottery is marked, but the shape and glaze styles do fit... Any ideas?

I know this isn't a report on vacation yet, but it is kind of related - the pair was purchased then and the other was waiting on our return... :)

We're baaack

2007-01-24T20:28:00.000+13:00

We just returned from an awesome vacation. Still exhausted, so will just share a couple of pics from early in the holiday. More details to come...

Fantail falls near Haast
Another waterfall near Haast
Mason's first visit to the West coast

A princess wouldn't want to get sand in her shoes, would she?...

Andy in desperate search for the perfect shell before we leave

View at the end of a rainforest stroll

Fox Glacier...didn't get a picture of Franz Josef glacier...

I'll try to give a fuller scoop soon. All I can say right now is that the kids did great and we all had a blast!!!!

P.S.

2006-12-18T21:36:00.000+13:00

I almost forgot... if you want to see some recent family playground pics, go here. Cheers

Mirror, mirror (mirror, mirror, mirror, etc.) on the wall...

2006-12-18T20:56:00.000+13:00

Okay, so we've lived in New Zealand less than a year, but that is PLENTY of time for us to start accumulating more crap (and when I say crap, I mean cool crap, good stuff...crap in the nicest sense...). My favorite (or favourite, even), well, new acquisitions, are kiwiana mirrors. They are right up our kitchy alley.
Our D. Cyzon original smoking mannequin head. The *only* person allowed to smoke in our house!!! The picture doesn't do her justice, but take my word when I tell you that she is ubercool! GREAT work Diana!!!!

Well, not sure if I will post anymore anytime soon, as we are leaving the day after christmas on a loooong road trip around the South Island! Hope to be back the end of January with some great pictures from vacation!

Happy Yule, Christmas, Channukah, etc. everyone!!!!

Sin Kitty

2006-12-09T00:13:00.000+13:00

Here's my first attempt at amigurumi - my own design. Probably aboutg 2.5" tall.(?) Named for his tell-tale tail... Kinda cutsie, but I'm damn proud.

Amigurumi

2006-11-27T17:22:00.000+13:00

Pictures from flickr... my new inspiration. Working on two projects right now (and ordered a japanese book off of ebay...). Should be interesting. Some results photos to be posted within a couple of days... Had to brush the dust off of the hooks, but they are still in fine order. More soon...

Backyard tea party

2006-11-06T19:54:00.000+13:00

Not to worry... treats to be shared by all. Mimi and Mason were quite patient, I must say.

Andy enjoyed it too, even though he might not admit it (you do what you gotta do to get the treats...)

There were other distractions in between bites

Good weather, good times

2006-11-04T19:22:00.000+13:00

I've taken the liberty to borrow the above pictures, although I must say, I could have taken pictures like this, as this is exactly like the scenery witnessed in the past couple of days. Fact is, we've become lazy with the cameras, as we've started taking the amazing landscape for granted.(!) However, we realize that this journey to New Zealand will come to an end before we know it, and will want more than stolen internet pictures to show for it!!!!

Yesterday, I went up to Gore to visit one of my students on Practicum placement, and decided to go exploring with my wife and kids since we had to do a little traveling anyway. We went to Dolamore Park Scenic Reserve, which is one of those "out of the way", places that you hear about from locals. What a GREAT park. We want to go back some time when we can stay after sunset to see the glowworms.

Went to Riverton (guess I could repost some pictures from my linked blog...) with the family this morning and picnicked at Moore's reserve and went tramping in the bush. Mason and Mimi (ages two and three) did brilliantly on the walk, as did our 8 year old, Andy. The weather was nice and CLEAR and WARM which is a nice change from the recent trends. Although I have heard that there is an iceburg on a collision course with the southern coast....

The bottom picture is of a Tui bird. They sound a bit like R2D2 from StarWars. We heard quite a few tuis and bellbirds out and about. They really add a mystical element to the already amazing atmostphere. Still waiting to see a hobbit out in the wild...

yin and yang

2006-10-14T12:30:00.000+13:00

Top five things I love and, well, don't, about NZ:

Five good things:
1) There are only around 4 million people in the entire country, and 3/4 are on the smaller, north island
2) The scenery is breathtaking
3) Within 30-45 minutes in any direction, we can go on a pretty cool trip; within 2-4 hours, we can go on a REALLY cool road trip
4) The abundance of local parks
5) Seals, sea lions, penguins, etc.
...oh yeah, and how could I forget... W. doesn't run this country!

Before I go into the next list, let me say that some of these things apply to the area that we live in, rather than the entire country...

Five "other" things:
1) The tertiary education system is audited to death and more laden with paperwork than I could have ever dreamed...
2) The medical system
3) The sucky local grocery stores
4) The price of most everything
5) The lack of adequate heating in most houses (yes, I'm a spoiled American...)

I had to post, because we finally broke down and got a computer and broadband internet. This is the first laptop I've ever owned, and I'm quite happy with it so far.

Hot time in Rotorua

2006-09-24T15:37:00.000+12:00

Still behind in posting. Hey, moving around the world uses up some energy.

Early this month, I presented at the "Imagine Better - Building Inclusive Communities" conference in Rotorua (on the north island). My workshop was on community inclusion for adults with severe and persistent mental illness from a therapeutic recreation perspective. If you are still awake, and interested to read more about it, you can go here. I think mine is the 10th down.

Anywho, while wandering around town, I came across a park with boiling mud, simmering ponds, etc. Also made time to see the government gardens which were quite stunning. The rhododendrums (sp?) and tulips were in full bloom. The museum was actually pretty interesting too. I look forward to revisiting Rotorua with my family to see some of the larger parks outside of town (with large geysers, colorful ponds, buried village, old-growth and redwood forests, etc.) that I didn't have time for on this trip.

Active volcanic towns are neat. Too bad they smell like arse...

To be continued...

2006-06-24T19:21:00.000+12:00

It's been a looooooong time, but everything is going very well. so GREAT to be reunited with my fam! Work has been busy, busy, busy, and of course every other waking second is spent with my wife and children. I'm happy to say that everyone is adjusting quite well to the change.

I'm going to work on my blogging again soon. Tis difficult since we don't yet have a home puter and my work one blocks blogger all together! Of course, there isn't quite the free time there was a few weeks ago to visit my favorite scuzzy computer cafe either.

Anywho, I'll be in touch soon!!!!

...but what happened to their bodies?!

2006-05-11T14:38:00.000+12:00

One of our most talented friends has started making these beautiful hat stands. Aren't they pure art? It is Diana's special method of paper mache over a styrofoam base and then of course hand painted by her. I'll have to get her to send some more pictures, because she also makes some amazing boudoir (sp?) dolls and has crocheted a giant, life-sized girl which is simply amazing. Diana puts these up for sale from time to time on ebay. If you are interested, check out her auctions under "misspandudabakers" as the seller, or email me and I will put her in touch with you!

Poor Rosa... makes her look kind of sad in comparison...

For those that are starting to think that I'm making this whole New Zealand thing up, here's a photo that a friend took on their camera phone at McCracken's point last week.

interesting story..

2006-05-06T19:09:00.000+12:00

Okay, so no fun pictures today, but I offer instead an entertaining (?) story.

We were fortunate enough to have another beautiful, sun-filled day that I've been told we just don't get here this time of year. I got to see some beautiful scenery and walk on a nice beach with some of my new NZ friends. Later in the day, I decided I wanted to go see the sunset at the beach. I was almost too late, but found an amazing, isolated stretch that I hadn't seen before (this was in-town as opposed to the other beach walked on today...). When I say isolated, I mean the tide was just starting to come in, and mine were the only set of footprints in the sand. Amazing, eh? It was completely undeveloped (as most of the direct waterways are around here; something about belonging to the queen...), so it was water, beach and tall forest (I believe it is a logging area).

So I walk and I walk until I realize the beautiful pinks and reds of sunset were almost gone and replaced with the indigo of impending night. So in the light of dusk, I see a big lump in the sand that I decide will be my turnaround point. As I get closer, I let my mind play tricks and see a large dead goat, horns and all. When I finally get to this object and let my eyes adjust, I realize that my brain had a very good reason for trying to make this object into a dead goat. It was a dead goat. A dead goat without eyes by the way... So I decide that this is, in fact, the perfect turnaround point. Suddenly, I realize that it is no longer, dark, but now it's DARK. Fortunately, the moon was eerily rising behind the pitch-black forest At one point, I swear I heard something running up behind me. But alas, I made it back to the van without being mugged by satan-worshiping goat killers or goat zombies or anything of the like. I thought I was walking at a good pace out towards the goat, but I think it took me almost 30 minutes to reach the goat, and about 5 to make it back to the van. :)

I realized that I was also lucky that I was the only one out, because if I hadn't noticed my footprints cutting back up to the path which led to my van, I would have certainly passed it.

I do wonder what that goat was doing out there. Even without eyes, he looked sort of happy. I've always thought that goats were eternal optimists...

I'm such a tramp...

2006-04-29T11:26:00.000+12:00

So hiking is called tramping and trekking over here, and since I prefer the shorter variety, I'm called a tramper. Here's some pics from some of my tramping around. From Oreti beach here in town:

This is from some trails in Kilmock Bush which in a park on the way to the beach. These yellow flowers smelled amazing. I didn't know it, but the trail this day ended here at a river.

This is from Moore's reserve overlook in Riverton. Riverton is the cutest town and has some amazing views from up here. The dense bush I walked through to get to the top is just like a rain forest.

To see a few more pictures from these walks, go here.

Mo Momo Mohair

So my favorite LYS had this great mohair on clearance. I decided to make my mother-in-law a shawl/wrap out of it. Okay, so she might look like a psychotic peacock in heat while wearing it, but it is some really fun yarn!

Unfortunately, I started this project while watching foregin films, and didn't pay enough attention to what I was doing. This thing is six and a half feet long!!! I'm not sure what to do, except keep on going and finish it up. I guess if she gets out of hand while visiting, I can always make it into a mohair straight jacket and tie her up! Any other useful suggestions on what to do would be GREATLY appreciated! ;)

A scout is thrifty...

While my wife is busy getting rid of all of our accumulated 'stuff', I'm over here busily hording new stashes. How can I help it when I've found such a groovy thrift store near bye? I'm trying to show some restraint, but I have to admit I've already brought home TWO cool 50s kitchen tables...
This is a really cool set (I love old plastic stuff...) that I think once was part of a picnic set. I figure the little ones will have fun with it in their play kitchen.

Mason's 2nd birthday!

2006-04-21T13:30:00.000+12:00

Okay, so I stole these off of my sister's blog.... you do what you have to do when you are continents away....

Hmmmm.... he really favors me in this picture.... ;)

Happy Easter!

2006-04-16T15:04:00.000+12:00

It's kind of a sad easter here...missing my youngest's 2nd birthday. Sounds like everyone back home had a good time though!

I have wheels! I am free! Think I'll take a quick drive to the beach after this... If you want to see more pics from my friday drive, click on the lighthouse!

Films and sea lions

2006-04-03T13:08:00.000+12:00

Okay, so after a month, I finally broke down and bought a TV and DVD player Friday. I don't get any channels right now, but I rented a crap-load of movies. Some I really enjoyed. I HIGHLY recommend 'Monsoon Wedding', and also enjoyed 'Garden State' and 'Sweet Sixteen', although the latter was a bit depressing... It is also funny that it took me a few minutes in Sweet Sixteen to realize that they were speaking English. Don't worry, there are subtitles for those of us that aren't used to true Scottish accents. I did pick it up quite a bit by the end.

I also watched Blade 3, and although I don't put it in the same category as the above films, it was exactly what I expected and wanted on Friday night. I'm quite addicted to vampire flicks anyhow.

Last, and probably least, (I really binged on movies this weekend, eh?) there was Dangerous Game. Not the worst film of all times, but didn't really do too much for me.

Surprisingly enough, I actually also mowed the grass, did SEVERAL loads of laundry (including hanging them to dry), attended a 'gypsy fair', looked around car lots and went to the coast. I was thrilled to run into Patti and Patrick (the first kiwis I met...actually, they are of the American flavor...) while walking home. They took me over to the coast, just inside the Catlins, and I saw an amazing view of sheep, ocean, sea lions, mountains and a cute lighthouse. The weather couldn't have been nicer.

The bearable lightness of blogging

2006-03-28T17:24:00.000+12:00

Welcome to my neurosis. The other day, I actually starting wigging a bit over whether or not my blog was an appropriate representation of myself. It's too 'light'; if I died, people wouldn't think of me seriously enough; my life is so much more than just yarn and pictures.... SO WHAT? Finally, I came to my senses and realized that blogging some fun things is much more important than journaling all of the mundane and stressful parts of my life. I'm a recreation therapist. I need to start acting like such. Anyway, YARN IS IMPORTANT. Right? ;)

I'm still playing with that great natural wool yarn, making a 'throw'/TV blanket. I'm trying to make something for each family member before they arrive. You can also see my new living room suite. I really like the ottoman! The picture is a little dark, but you get the idea...

If you are interested in seeing more local pictures (mostly of Queen's park...), click on THIS picture... (much better lighting, I promise!)

Sunday Stroll

2006-03-19T13:34:00.000+12:00

Not sure if this will post or not. Blogger is acting funny...will have to upload the pictures later.

It is a GORGEOUS Sunday afternoon here. Can't describe just how blue the sky is. Forgot to wear sunblock before leaving on my afternoon stroll, but found quite a bit of shade to walk in. Don't think I'm cooking too badly. There is no ozone here, and a white boy like me needs to be extra careful!

The gardens around here are amazing. What I've always called "English gardens" are quite abundant around here. Queen's park has some especially amazing examples. The rose gardens are especially nice (with rose bushes taller than me!). You can smell them from quite a ways away. Spent some time strolling through the aviary in the park today and feeding the ducks. I felt kind of bad that I didn't bring more bread since the ducks are so plentiful and eat like pirrhanas!

I've found a GREAT LYS. It's called 'Wool Mart', and the selection and prices are really great. I purchased a 200 gram hank (almost 1/2 a pound) of some amazing all natural wool yarn (10-ply, about avarage worsted-weight size) for less than $9. It is a really nice taupe color (taupe is the new black, you know) and sooooooo soft that I couldn't believe it. They also have a nice selection of mohair and possum-fur blends. Like I said, the prices are certainly right. The lady who helped me asked if I would like for her to wind up the yarn for me, so of course I said yes. Then I watch amazed as she winds it up into a ball by hand. She told me that the mechanism she usually uses was broken, but did all of this with a smile. I think I'm in love...

I've made pretty good progress on the throw that I'm making with the yarn. I need to go back and get some more to match...I had no idea I would like this yarn so much!

Well, gotta run before I run up a big tab in the internet cafe. Need to do some laundry anyhow!

Later taters.

House in Invercargill

2006-03-12T19:21:00.000+13:00

Here is our rental house in New Zealand. It's in a nice walking neighborhood near shopping and an amazing park. Only a little over a mile to work, so I will be walking there as well until I get wheels. This house has a lot of great character on the inside, and a lot of light!

crafty closure

2006-02-27T11:39:00.000+13:00

Okay, so today is my last day in the states for quite a while. Don't you think that is a good time to dig through your garage and find a random project to complete?

Introducing Rosa.

I dig paper mache (sp?) projects, and sometime right after we moved to Indiana (Fall of 2000), I somehow became inspired to create Rosa. I had several thoughts along the way on how she would evolve; at one point, she thought about being a vampire or zombie even. Now she is just a body-less socialite who still thinks a fur collar is okay to wear... Oh Rosa.

I actually went into the garage to dig out some shoes. There was Rosa, peaking out of a pile of other random 'stuff'. I also noticed nearby were a couple of wrapping paper rolls that I used to start decorating her with way back when. I figured she at least deserved a complete head of hair. Although I know it is controversial, I even helped complete her fur collar.

Now that she is as complete as a stand-alone head can be, she told me that she does NOT want to travel to New Zealand. Guess it is time to move on. I am therefore sending her to a friend in blogland who I think might enjoy Rosa's banter better than I do.

Oh, to have a psychotic break right before packing.....

SIT for a spell...

2006-02-26T12:26:00.000+13:00

I can't believe that I only have two days left with my family before flying around the world and to the southern hemisphere! This is a picture of SIT (Southern Institute of Technology) in Invercargill, where I will be teaching.

This week has been psychotic in dealing with last second details related to my work visa (which was approved and arrived Thursday!) and finishing up my last days at my current job. My co-workers through me a huge bash last Saturday night (I think I've recovered...) and we had a big party at work yesterday afternoon for staff and clients. Walking out of a job that I've put so much of my heart into for five and a half years was a very emotional experience. It was neat to see little bits of me almost everywhere I looked in the program. As much as my job stressed me out at times, I will greatly miss it and all of the great people I worked with. Hopefully some will stay in touch!

Well, back to my checklist of what to fly over and take time for a few extra deep breaths.

Wish me luck!

Hi Hillary.

2006-02-21T11:05:00.000+13:00

Okay, so I can't help myself when I come across some sort of poll/quiz linked from someone else's blog. Today, I had to see where I was politically (as if I didn't know). I took the OkCupid Politics Test, and ended up with my thumbtack right on Hillary's face At least I'm close to Ghandi (although it would be cool to be Darth Vader too, right?...). Apparently, I'm a socialist. Hmmm... I guess my dreams of anarchy are shot...

charge it to my visa

2006-02-14T13:33:00.000+13:00

Interesting fact: Growing tulips in New Zealand is a specialized gift brought by Dutch migrants back in the 50's. Now the kiwis export millions of tulip bulbs back to the Netherlands and around the world. This picture is of a commercial tulip farm outside of Invercargill (the city we are moving to).

I've been in semi-crisis mode as it didn't seem like I could possibly get my visa in time to start work. Much of this is due to my ignorance of the ENTIRE process. I kind of fell into this job, unlike many US migrants who researched and prepared for years before finding a job in NZ. Regardless, we're working it all out, and it looks like with a lot of work in a short amount of time, everything should fall into place.

Now, where to start with cleaning out my office at work????...

the hook in my head

2006-02-06T06:17:00.000+13:00

Okay, so this picture has nothing to do with anything outside of my immense desire to own this knife holder. HOWEVER, I refuse to purchase any more 'stuff' before my international journey. ALTHOUGH, can I really live without this???....

As preoccupied as I am with moving around the world and such, I often flip to my preoccupation with crochet ideas. Not many of these ideas are coming to life right now as I am actively downsizing my stash and trying to finish up WIPs (remember Elise's poncho?...). I take my daydreaming of future creations as a good sign though... gives me hope that I will continue to practice, improve, and create.

Anyway, thought I would post for the sake of posting today. I HOPE to finish the poncho this afternoon. I'll post pics as soon as it is completed!

Because I FELT like it...

2006-01-29T06:44:00.000+13:00

Guess I had the upcoming move to NZ on my mind when I made this little flightless bird today. My stovetop attempt at felting him had limited success, but he is a little sturdier right now. Our friend Jenny gave me some hairy, organic, burgandy wool yarn that I thought would be good to use. It became even hairier after cooking the little kiwi a bit!

Reminds me a bit of a nanlet. Guess it would actually be more like a stevelet. Hmmm...

Project KIWI

2006-01-27T06:36:00.000+13:00

OMG! We are moving to New Zealand!!!!

On a lark, I applied for a faculty position at the Southern Institute of Technology, teaching Recreation Therapy classes. Not only was I offered the position (with great moving assistance, etc.), but my wife and I have decided to leave sanity behind and move around the world with our family!!!!

I'm moving in about 4 weeks, so I'm SWAMPED with work and stress. However, I do have time to say that I've already located a LYS in Invercargill (the city we will live in). I'm thinking with all of the sheep on the south island, they should have some AMAZING wool yarn available. (?!)

More soon!!!!

my jellyfish!

2006-01-22T13:03:00.000+13:00

So yesterday, I had THREE long, boring meetings to sit through (why call it human services if I'm not ever available to serve the human's that we are there for?...). By the third meeting, I had to occupy my mind with something fun so that I didn't start sobbing in front of my supervisors.

My mind wandered to Lady Linoleum's amazing crochet jellyfish. Although I am certainly still a novice when it comes to crochet, I've been thinking alot about how to work different things recently. SO, I had this idea, and today had to see if it worked. I pulled some vintage Coats and Clark "Baby Wintuk" - 'Pompadour' and my trusty H-hook and started hooking away.

Although it pales in comparison to Regina's, I was ecstatic to see that it worked! I really am happy with it! One thing I like about this yarn is the extra strand of 'bling' worked in; I don't think you can see it in the picture. Reminds me of the refractive quality of some of the jellyfish we saw recently at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga (if you are ever passing through, GO!).

Can't wait to make some more!!!!

Additional comment: Due to insomnia, I've created a pattern that I hope others are able to follow. If you want to try to make your own jellyfish creature, go to my new pattern page!

back again

2006-01-19T08:32:00.000+13:00

So, inertia kicked my ass and I haven't started back blogging like I thought I would. The important thing is that I'm getting back in the swing of doing some 'stuff' again worth blogging about! ;)

My dig cam is still packed up from vacation, so I'll have to bore you with words for now. My latest, greatest obsession is soap making. Using my program's budget, I recently purchased some glycerin blocks, a "Life of the Party" soap kettle (glorified crock pot) and some misc essential oils and such. Craft group went way better than expected Monday, and I wish I had pics to share of all of the great soap that we all made! For sure I'll have some by next Monday since we are doing it again (but adding more cool stuff like oatmeal and such).

I haven't been hooking much yet, but I'm actually designing my first afghan square. Conceptually, it is really cool, but I haven't had the guts to try it for real yet. I've got some practice yarn that I will use. It is actually one of two patterns I want to try to work out. The one that I'm actively problem-solving is inspired by the eye of a peacock feather. The other one will be more of a free-form lily-pad/pond kind of thing (I think). I'm really excited about putting my thoughts into action. If I ever get a semi-coherent pattern worked out that actually looks decent, I will certainly post it on the site to share.

Well, gotta get back to work, but wanted to post so that I'm officially blogging again!!!

Happy Holidays!

2005-12-26T06:50:00.000+13:00

Wishing EVERYONE a happy holiday!

This past week has been EXHAUSTING with several doctor visits and tests for my baby boy. However, looks like he's going to be okay. Apparently, he has some sort of mild epilepsy that will be controlled with meds. He's started the medication without problems and we are able to go to Florida for our annual pilgramage to see family!

Today was especially exciting, because it was the first Christmas that we've all shared the same last name. I think this was especially meaningful for my oldest son who has always questioned the whole 'permanency' thing. Of course, Mimi was only 2 days old when she came to live with us, so she doesn't really know any better.

Santa is freakin' crazy. He kept my wife and me up way too late. Guess we will postpone our departure another day. Hopefully the kids will crash at some point so we can get some rest!

I know I've been lame on this blog recently, but I have lots of art and craft projects lined up for the new year!!! I'm definitely making a resolution of at least a weekly post when I get back (I actually do more arts/crafts stuff than I give myself credit for...).

Wishing you and yours an amazing holiday!!!!
**steve

yikes

2005-12-06T09:46:00.000+13:00

Time flies. As usual, I'm impulsively skipping around from one thing to another. Now it is my poor hobby blog that is neglected. My therapist thinks I have adult ADD, now I also wonder...

I'm still on the verge of completing Elise's poncho, and just need to bite the bullet to finish. It is certainly cold enough to wear now!

Most of my crafty energies have been focused on my craft group at work. Recently made some kick-ass duct-tape wallets and some very sad snow-globes. Want to try to re-work the snow-globes so that they actually work...

No new crochet to photograph. I still haven't even gotten all of the candles out of my garage!

My new vow is to stop making vows related to arts and crafts.... Oh well. Tis the season to get lost in craziness!!!!

MIA

2005-11-13T04:35:00.000+13:00

I still haven't cleaned up from my candle party a few weeks ago. The joys of denial are great when you have an out-building...

I've been swamped with work schtuff. Big project almost finished! Also had my maw-in-law visiting for two weeks. Damn, I need a vacation!!!!

I've only done a little bit of hobbies here and there, but I'm finally close to completion with Elise's poncho. Jenny has already informed me that she will end up with it (which is fine). Jenny is also crushing on my felt bag which inspires me to attach the handles and get done with it.

Hopefully I will start posting more here again this week with pictures of all of my messes.

Oh yeah, I went to a quilt show yesterday and now have a new project that I want to try out...

Now, my priority projects are:

Finish the wool poncho
Clean up my candle mess
add handles to my felt bag
Make a psycho doll out of some great fabric I found
Neck-tie tapestry (that's all I can say about that right now...)
A couple more christmas stockings would be nice too...
Felt scarf class coming up soon...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

2005-11-01T17:23:00.000+13:00

Here's a picture of Andy right before our trick-or-treating adventure. Mason and Mimi dressed up, but were too tired and grouchy to go with us (I'll try to get some pictures of them up later...).

I hosted a candle-making party with some friends last Friday. I'll try to post some pics of the candles (and the MESS) tomorrow. My advice... don't mix alcohol and hot wax (except in very specific circumstances and even then, in moderation...) ;)

Mimi's mini Martha poncho

2005-10-23T04:59:00.000+13:00

I've been fondling the same yarn every time I go to Hobby Lobby. I finally committed myself to using it for a jumper for Mimi. When I went to pick it up, there was only one skein left (and my Hobby Lobby is not the best about restocking...).

Sooo... since I couldn't leave empty handed, I picked up some 'Yarn Bee' Italia yarn in colors that my wife likes to dress our two year old in. After I brought it home, the yarn told me that it wanted to grow up to be a poncho.

Although I have several friends who aren't so fond of Martha Stewart, I think she is pretty amazing. I searched the internet for a small version of Martha's freedom poncho. Although the pattern I found looked good, there were legions of errors in the text. No matter though. After I understood the basic concept, I just went with it, and feel that it turned out well. I'll be sure to post a picture later of Mimi wearing it.

BTW - Martha, in case you are reading this, feel free to drop me a line sometime, okay? ;)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh....

2005-10-18T12:30:00.000+13:00

Strange how happy it makes me to work on the poncho again. I was starting to stress that the Bartlett yarn would never come in to my LYS. But here it is, and the dye lot matches just fine. If you've never used Bartlett before, I highly recommend it. I'm sure I've said this before, but what's wrong with a little perseveration?: They don't wash all of the lanolin out of this yarn so even though it isn't the softest wool around, your hands feel great when working with it and it smells fantastic. You can order straight off of Bartlett's website.
Oh Elise, you may actually get your poncho before the cold weather hits!!!

hobby hell

2005-10-17T06:04:00.000+13:00

I haven't found time to work on any projects recently. The only 'fix' I get is at work when I run my craft group for adults with mental illnesses. I love my job in that I get to be creative and try a lot of art projects (without spending my own money), but even those opportunities have gotten fewer and farther in between. There has been too much 'real' work that is squeezing out my discretionary time. I need to do something about that.

This past week, when I'm home, I'm either covered in kids or too zoned out to function past survival mode. I think part of it is the changing of seasons. Part of it is just mental exhaustion. I'm overdue for a real vacation... I think a month or two in Puerto Rico would fix me up...

You know, over the years, I've dabbled in sooooo many hobbies, that it surprises me when one actually sticks. No one thought I would stay with the crochet. Even though I neglect it for months at a time sometimes, I am always happy to find it again. I think one of the things I love about crochet is that I'm only limited by my own creativity and skill which is built on experience.

As for some hobbies on the back burner:
Sorry banjo. I was overjoyed with you and Dan still owes me 10 lessons to pay off the washer and dryer I gave him. I promise I will dust you off this winter and give Dan a call. Maybe I'll break out some bluegrass today to get me in the right mind-frame.
Sorry novel. I visited my first chapter this week. It is like we barely recognize each other anymore. I have so many stories in my head (at least one for each personality...) but I need to work on my original novel no matter how horrible it turns out.
Good news candle making supplies that I collected for a few years but never used: I'm having a few friends over for a candle making party in two weeks!
Oh my beloved hiking boots. You know you were more than a fleeting fancy. I love the great outdoors and love hiking (and dressing the part). However, with two toddlers (formerly two babies), I've felt somewhat homebound during my free time. However, I'm feeling the effects of being sedentary for TOOOOOOOO long and am in the process of making a plan to get out of this rut. I promise we still have a bright future together.
Oh dreams of woodworking... at least I didn't buy the equipment before flaking out...

Damn. I think it is time to win the lottery. I would be very happy to be a full-time hobbyist. Maybe instead of writing a novel, I should write the novel so that I can focus on fun (and buy more yarn).

THE GOOD NEWS: MY BARTLETT YARN IS FINALLY IN SO THAT I CAN FINISH ELISE'S PONCHO!!!!!!

weekend trip/knitting lesson

2005-10-11T13:41:00.000+13:00

We had a nice trip up to Indiana Dunes State Park this past weekend. This was my first time visiting a 'great' lake, and I was amazed how much it reminded me of the gulf. It was too cold to swim, but a nice enough day to play in the sand. Can you see Chicago across the lake?

We stayed in a nice Inn in the town of Porter. Oh, how I miss the pool and hot tub! :(

I found a very interesting looking yarn shop in Valaprasio (sp?) on the way home, but of course it was closed on Sundays. Next time...

Thanks to Cathy who showed me how to cast-on and begin knitting today. Knitting feels very alien to me compared to crochet, but I think it will be fun to play with. I've got a lot of practicing to do before I feel comfortable. Guess I will start with the obligatory scarf...

Infatuation with stockings....

2005-10-05T13:19:00.000+13:00

I'm about to jump out of my skin waiting for my Bartlett yarn to come in so that I can finish Elise's poncho. I need a few more skeins of 'Bark'. It has been well over a month since I ordered them. I want to support my LYS, but I'm close to ordering the rest on-line...

Since I couldn't work on the poncho, I swung by my local Hobby Lobby last night just to 'browse'. I became intrigued with some of the "Yarn Bee" brand yarns (Hobby Lobby's brand). I kept coming back to the "Infatuation" line. I know I've been singing my praises of wool recently, but this stuff (100% Nylon) feels like down! So browsing turned to buying when I realized this yarn that is normally $8.88/skein was marked down to less than $6/skein. This is a picture of the stocking I'm working on. I remember now why I shy away from such frilly yarn... it is sooooo hard to see the stitches. I'm feeling my way through it though.

stocking

2005-10-03T07:06:00.000+13:00

I've wanted to try this stocking pattern for quite a while. Many of the patterns I've seen on line look too 'crafty, but I really liked this one.

I actually got it off of Bernat's site (www.bernat.com). You have to join, but it is free and they have several free patterns. However, I used some Cascade 220 Peruvian wool yarn that I picked up at my LYS yesterday. I let my 7 y/o son pick out the colors. The photo isn't quite as purple dinosaur as the real stocking!

This is a larger stocking (probably around 20" long) and a fun pattern to work. I started last night and finished up this morning.

felted bag class

2005-09-26T03:37:00.000+12:00

I made this bag in a class at 'Yarns Unlimited' yesterday. I am very excited about the result as my first felting project. We used the Scandinavian felting method and made the bags in one piece. Paula was a great teacher, and I look forward to experimenting much more on my own. Wool roving is a very different media than straight-up wool. The roving I was working with was very soft. I still don't know whether or not I'm going to add handles to this bag or just keep it as-is.

updated pic of the ponch

2005-09-18T01:53:00.000+12:00

The poncho as it stands right now. Where the hell is my 'bark' yarn???? I'm ready to finish this, add the fringe and move on!!!!

The poncho pattern

2005-09-16T14:42:00.000+12:00

Here is the link and the picture to the pattern for the poncho I am making.
Elise already knows that she will have to strike this pose everytime I see her wearing the poncho.

project "progress"

2005-09-16T09:03:00.000+12:00

I've been swamped with family, work and red cross stuff, but thought I would touch base about my projects to stay 'accountable'. I will take a photo soon of some of the stuff I am working on.

The poncho is coming along slowly but surely. I add a row when I get a chance. I am actually at a point now where I am waiting for my LYS to call me for when my 'bark' yarn is in.

I'm working on a scarf at work (when I get a chance in a craft group) that is black red-heart yarn and a nice thin eyelash yarn that I used in a previous project. The wool poncho has started to turn me into a bit of a yarn snob. (!) The acryllic just doesn't feel right anymore. The scarf is more of a fun stress-reliever than true goal-oriented project.

Oh, and, yeah, I thought I would include the above picture of Mason just because I can relate...

Red Cross Training

2005-09-10T15:49:00.000+12:00

A few days ago, I received an email from our Center's 'Emergency Services' manager pleading for volunteers to train for Red Cross Disaster Relief certification. I felt it was the perfect way to feel productive in helping with the Katrina disaster. I completed the first day today and then tomorrow I'm going to learn about setting up and running an emergency shelter; Sunday I'm spending the day learning about RC family services.
Next week we are actually expecting around 60 evacuees to set up in a shelter on Indiana University Campus. The Red Cross retrofitted a dormitory that the University was gutting for updates. I also signed up to be a member of a disaster alert team locally. This way I can assist with helping victims and workers involved in local 'after hours' disasters such as fires.
I feel really good about the decision to get involved with the Red Cross. It seems like a good match with the skills and experience I have gained at my job in mental health.
Anyway, it will probably be next week before an update (or a chance to think about hobbies....)

Hope everyone is safe and well.

email from Sherry

2005-09-07T01:29:00.000+12:00

My friend Sherry sent me this email after I sent her my blog address. I think it is pretty funny!:

I love you and appreciate your ability to tell the world that you love to crochet.

I'm not sure whether to take this at face value or as a silly note. Could go either way with Sherry. ;)

giant puffballs

2005-09-06T08:16:00.000+12:00

We all decided to spend the afternoon at a nearby park yesterday. As we were leaving, something caught my eye out in the grass. I was excited to find a group of giant puffball mushrooms. I ended up with a plastic grocery bag full!
This morning, I washed a couple of the fungi, sliced them, peeled them, seasoned them and then browned them in olive oil and butter. These large slices were about the consistency of fried tofu, and DELICIOUS! I ended up sharing the rest with a guy I used to work with. We both have spent many tireless hours in search of the perfect edible mushrooms in this area. We often wondered why we had never found the giant puffballs since they are a pretty common mushroom.

Nick is an amazing cook, so I'm sure he makes something special with his.

Katrina devestation

2005-09-03T12:18:00.000+12:00

Last night, I finally allowed myself to watch footage of New Orleans and surrounding areas. Without even letting myself think too deeply about how I would react if I was in the same situation with my family, my anxiety still went sky high. Since then, I have seen a video clip of a completely staged interaction between our pathetic president and supposed to be 'random' citizens on the street and a picture on Yahoo of a woman wrapped up in an american flag blanket to stay dry from the rain. Would you like some fries with your propoganda today????
As horrifying as this disaster is, I'm hoping the following good can surface during this crisis:

1) Americans give up their state of being 'Bushwhacked' and realize that our president is a self-centered con (still more worried about 'looting' than suffering and dying...)
2) We (as Americans) see that the devestation in other countries that we see is REAL and can happen to us. We need to unify and help each other out in this world.
3) We each find a way, no matter how small, to help someone out in crisis. I know it is more symbolic than practical, but I MUST find a way to do something positive for the victims of the hurricane.

And so my rant is over. This is just the tip of the iceberg of my feelings, but I kind of intended to keep this blog light....

Give to the red cross.

past, present, future

2005-09-02T09:32:00.000+12:00

Past: Today I came across a bag of yarn and several old, uncompleted projects. I've got to finish Andy's monkey (from last Winter), Mason's blanket (from 1.5 years ago) and let go of some ugly hats that I started before. I hope I can find enough cotton yarn in the right colors to complete Mason's blanket!!!!

Present: Still loving the poncho. I'm also working on a tapestry inspired by "Crochet Dude". Someone gave me a bag full of granny squares in different levels of completion. I'm bordering them all in black and trying to arrange them in an artful fashion.

Future: Okay, I'm taking this as a sign. One of my coworkers brought in a box FULL of brand new knitting needles. I ended up with four or five complete sets of sizes 3-9 needles and three different circular knitting needles. I've never knitted before, but I'm really curious to try. I'm also strongly considering taking a felting class at a local yarn store.

I'm doing a pretty piss-poor job of setting limits with myself. What happened to one project at a time?!? ;)

2005-09-01T13:34:00.000+12:00

I don't get much "free" time to crochet, but I've been squeezing it in where I can. In my opinion, the poncho is coming along really well though. I can't say enough about how much I love the wool I'm working with!

picture for my profile

2005-09-01T04:44:00.000+12:00

I'm having problems with my profile picture, so I'm just going to go ahead and link it to HERE.

Mimi's Birthday

2005-08-22T06:33:00.000+12:00

So, yesterday was Mimi's second birthday. She got some new DVD's, a Dora the Explorer doll, a barnyard play set, another doll, some clothes and other schtuff. Of course, Mason feels just as entitled to all of the toys (and will have equal access since they share a bedroom and playroom). The joys of having toddlers 8 months apart...

Andy was quite wound up, but did well for a day that focused on someone other than himself.

I've gotten a few more rows completed on the poncho, but I'm starting to freak out because there just isn't enough yarn!!! Guess I have a good reason to go back to the yarn shop this week! ;)

Happy Birthday Mimi!!!

2005-08-22T06:30:00.000+12:00

2005-08-21T15:20:00.000+12:00

This is my current crochet project. It is a poncho for my good friend Elise. I'm using two strands of some nice wool yarn that I got at "Yarns Unlimited" here in Bloomington and a "N" hook. This is going to be a very heavy poncho!!!

2005-08-21T15:13:00.000+12:00