Random Mid-November Updates

So what do you do when you realize that there is a new yarn shop in town that you're dying to visit but you already have an insane stash of yarn?


First, frantically start planning quick, simple projects that will eat up huge chunks of the stash. Current ideas include very long striped scarves and simple shrugs.


Second, you use your new friend's novice-crafter status as a perfect excuse to visit aforementioned yarn shop, but pinkie swear not to buy anything! I absolutely LOVED walking into Unwind! It reminded me very much of KnitWits in Westerly, which I dearly miss. The layout and displays were tasteful and inspiring and the selections were just delicious.


Most exciting, and most dangerous, is the fact that Unwind carries both Galway and Cascade, two of my favorite wools! Must....ration.....purchases........





I am still trying to adjust to the fact that it is the middle of November and there are plants that not only still have green leaves, but are in fact blooming! There are several rose bushes that have new flowers on them as well as these beautiful azaleas. It just feels...wrong. How am I supposed to get into the holiday mood when it looks and feels like spring?



On a somewhat unrelated note, if I haven't mentioned it yet, I'll tell you now: I've started working out again. For the past three weeks I have been doing Windsor Pilates six days a week, and I'm loving it! I have so much more energy now and just feel better overall, physically and mentally. In order to accommodate a morning workout (which is easier to stick to, since I often have evening classes to teach), I've also been working on getting up a little earlier each day. Much to my surprise, I actually enjoy starting my morning walk before the sun is peeking out from behind the horizon, and getting to hear the birds waking up as Harley and I circle the park to warm up before hitting the mat.
I thought I would struggle with these adjustments, but that's not the case at all. And a pleasant, though completely unexpected, benefit has been a sense of gratitude that seems to break on me with the dawning sun and stay with me throughout my hectic days. I am starting to feel like life is not just richer, but also fuller, than I've ever known it to be. Who knew?