Simpler Times

I long for the afternoons that I can go out into my garden and watch the ladybugs, listen to the hummingbirds, and photograph my beautiful flowers. I crave the simpler times when I could sit and watch a movie and knit a sweater for my little boy.

Life has become a crazy whirlwind of the color blue, birds and hydrangeas. Both of my daughters have asked me, "What ARE you going to do when the wedding is all over?" Well, I know that there is a lot of hustle and bustle now for all the preparations we have to make, but I can't hardly wait until I am married and can just sit back and R-E-L-A-X. The tension is really starting to become something of a challenge.

I must confess: I do feel so giddy when the UPS trucks stop in my street and the man dressed in brown delivers a package to the front door and it is something beautiful for our special day. I was tickled pink today when two deliveries were made. I told Rob about the first one, but insisted that the second delivery must remain a surprise until the perfect moment reveals itself.

This wedding is proving to be my biggest DIY project, indeed! I will be so elated to have my friends and family gather around us and wish us well and enjoy our special day. I have paid very close attention to every detail. Until the day we say "I do," I will enjoy my morning coffee. And I will rest easy knowing that the simpler times will return.

Sometimes I am lucky enough to get to enjoy a few moments of togetherness with my children for a Saturday morning coffee club.

We've Only Just Begun

When I started thinking about the possibility of getting married again, I started thinking about what kind of dress I might like to have. What style I wanted. I dreamed up my dress. I thought I might like to make my own dress. I wasn't sure of the fabrics, but I had a basic idea of the design lines.

One day, I was flipping through a knitting magazine. I saw an advertisement for a knitting book by Nicky Epstein. My heart skipped a beat! THAT WAS IT! IT WAS MY DRESS! I was thrilled! I discovered that the dress was crocheted. I've crocheted for a lot of years and have made a lot of afghans. So I knew I could crochet, but there was one little problem: I couldn't make sense of crochet patterns. I knew the basics, but despite that, reading and understanding crochet patterns would stump me every time. Since my sister is an avid crocheter, I asked her to take a look at the pattern and tell me if she thought it would be too difficult. She told me it looked pretty straightforward and she was certain I could handle it. I decided to go ahead and order my yarn.

I bought one hank of the yarn, took it home and made a few practice motifs. I was so happy!

I eagerly awaited the yarn's arrival. While I waited, I used the yarn to knit a scarf. Upon completion of that project, I decided I wasn't too thrilled with it as it was just a little too fuzzy for the look i wanted with my wedding dress. Alas, the word came that the yarn I ordered had been discontinued. I didn't panic. I was relieved, actually. I re-chose my yarn. I decided to use a yarn called Bahia. It's got a silkiness to it and a lovely sheen.

I found a quiet moment and started working on the pile of motifs I will need to sew together to make my very special dress.

I look at them and I smile. I feel happy in my bones. They're beautiful to see.....and to touch.

I've gotten mixed reviews. Some friends are supportive, some question my sanity....I'm thrilled with my choice. I am also happy to report that after practicing with a few little projects from patterns, I can read crochet patterns! I feel so accomplished! :)