good things lately

This week has not been the week I expected it to be. I've needed good things in my life to balance the bad. If I'm feeling brave, I'll tell you about the bad sometime. But right now I'm still healing, greedily drinking in all the good I can.

coconut fish

My mom and I got to watch them being made at an old-fashioned candy shop across the river. And we got to eat them while they were still warm!

mail

It brought inspiration for my mind and hands. Taproot has me itching to plant some bulbs next month so I can have a garden full of flowers come spring. I've got plans to make my boy a coat from that navy yarn, and I better hurry because I want to finish it before we head up north.

my boy

He is the sweetest. He still loves being outside, whether it's hanging out in the herb garden or walking down by the river. He's learned some new signs lately: shampoo, bath, pasta (his favorite), and poop(!). He learned how to play hide and seek today, but he was easy to find because his squeals of excitement could be heard throughout the house.

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good things all around

Dottie Angel's frock pattern. Yes, yes! I want to make one for each day of the week. I'd fill the pockets with yarn and chocolates.

Just for fun, I filled a up a virtual cart at the Fringe Supply Co. shop. My favorites were this tote, these simple stitch markers, some bonsai-style scissors, and, most indulgent (and best!) of all, rosewood needles.

Melody's Pinecone & Mulberry hat makes me swoon so much that I cast it on almost as soon as she released the pattern. Oh, such beautiful, cozy texture.

And these college guys make me smile so hard every time I watch their rendition of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" (and the events of this week have necessitated many viewings). Seeing that dorm hall makes me nostalgic because it's where I met my sweet husband a dozen or so years ago! I love that the guys there now are every bit as goofy as my husband and his fraternity brothers were.

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I would love to hear about something good in your life. Or something funny. Or something you've come across online that has made you smile. Please, share some good things!

anders

This September morning, a Monday, Kentucky seems to be heralding the start of fall. It's all cool breezes, crispy leaves on the ground, the buzz of cicadas noticeably quieter than a week ago. And suddenly time seems to be going too fast. Already I've got so many of my fall days planned, and I need more time. How can we squeeze in more walks across the river, apple-picking, and fall festivals? A trip to Michigan, a visit to the pumpkin patch, and pie-baking?

Today Jude and I wore sweaters for the first time this season. I've got some new ones ready for him to wear once it really turns cold, but, barring a growth spurt, I think this Anders sweater will have to wait until next year. I made the biggest size, but my boy is still a little bit. He likes to point out the trees and snow on this sweater, though, so I think (and hope) that bodes well. Maybe he'll actually let me try it on him someday.

I used Malabrigo Arroyo for this sweater; it's squishy soft and wonderful to knit with, even during a humid Kentucky summer. I entered the sweater in the state fair just so I could get cheap tickets, and I was happily surprised that it received a ribbon.

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What's going on in your neck of the woods? After listless summer days, I'm feeling overwhelmed by all I need to accomplish before winter comes. I'm off now to make a to-do list, so at least the crushing onslaught of things to be done will be organized. Ha.