Some Bunny’s Love

Various life changes have had me captive for quite a while, so I offer my deepest apologies once again. When the air clears, I know many of you will understand why I have not been able to write. For now, I am going to play with another Facebook meme that Ericka from the “Armed with Pointy Sticks” blog had posted. Enjoy! =:8

65 Questions You’ve Probably Never Been Asked
You know the rules. Tag people in this note (including the person who tagged you!) to learn more about people. Also, try to tag people whom you have tagged in other notes. Sometimes you learn things in new notes that you did not know about them before.

1. First thing you wash in the shower? My hair
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Grey
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Perhaps
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Mellow
6. What is the closest thing to you that’s red? My Ravelry “love(1)” tee shirt
7. Describe the last dream you remember having? I was filling up a vehicle so I could tow a boat. I then went across the gas station to get some food.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes at both SOWA and WEBS
9. What are you craving right now? Umm… I fed the sweets craving with a Hostess Orange Cupcake. (GAH!! Yes, I know I am not supposed to have them.)
10. Do you floss? Nowhere near I should.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? I have to agree with Ericka: “Cole slaw!”
12. Are you emotional? I often wear my heart on my sleeve.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? I am a knitter…
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? If in a bowl, I bite; if in a cone, I lick.
15. Do you like your hair? I love my hair — especially after growing it out in college.
16. Do you like yourself? Most of the time I do; but I want to improve in a lot of ways.
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? How much will you pay me?
18. What are you listening to right now? The Red Sox and Mariners game on NESN.
19. Are your parents strict? They were, but they also spoiled my sister and me too.
20. Would you go sky diving? Yes! And hopefully I will with Anita for her 40th birthday this year.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes, with peaches
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes. My favorite meeting was with Muhammad Ali during a high school basketball game. His attorney’s nephew attended the school we were playing against.
23. Do you rent movies often? Not that I am aware of.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you are in? My ring
25. How many countries have you visited? Does being born in Cuba count? Otherwise, I have been to Canada and Denmark (with a layover in the Netherlands at the Amsterdam airport).
26. Have you made a prank phone call? I was too shy to do anything like that.
27. Ever been on a train? Yes — commuter, passenger, and I have ridden in the cab of a diesel freight engine.
28. Brown or white eggs? Whatever is fresher.
29.Do you have a cell-phone? Yes
30. Do you use chap stick? The only lip balm I use is “Heal my Lips” which is chocolate mint.
31. Do you own a gun? Not anymore, probably in the future I will again.
32. Can you use chop sticks? Yes, but not as well as most folks.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Home and online with the bunnies.
34. Are you too forgiving? It depends on how upset I become because I generally never forget.
35. Ever been in love? Yes — truly, madly, and deeply.
36. What is/are your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Living their lives with their families. My BFFs are not local.
37. Ever have cream puffs? Oh yeah… YUM!
38. Last time you cried? When I was last happy.
39. What was the last question you asked? “Who’s hungry?” while I was feeding the bunnies their dinner
40. Favorite time of the year? Spring — the air seems crisp and new.
41. Do you have any tattoos? Not yet
42. Are you sarcastic? Playfully so, and only to those I adore.
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Not interested
44. Ever walked into a wall? Once due to being distracted.
45. Favorite color? Too many to list, but not neons please!
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes, and also with an umbrella too.
47. Is your hair curly? No, but it gets wavy when it is chin length.
48. What was the last CD you bought? I bought 2 at the time: Aaron Copeland and Chris Isaak
49. Do looks matter? Yes, but only for my tastes.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? Not that I am aware of.
52. Do you like your life right now? It could be worse.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? When I have a choice, no.
54. Can you handle the truth? I would rather be told the truth than led on with a false parry.
55. Do you have good vision? hehe… NO, especially at night.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I cannot imagine hating somebunny, but if a person rubs me the wrong way, I avoid him/her entirely.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Daily
58. The last person you held hands with? My nephew during Mass
59. What are you wearing? Ravelry cranberry red “love(1)” tee, grey WRV zipped hoodie, khaki shorts, and hand knit Apple Lane’s Apple Pie socks in the Lucky colorway.
60.What is your favorite animal? hahahaha… BUNNIES!!
61. Where was your default picture taken? At my friend Eric’s apartment
62. Can you hula hoop? Barely, but at least I can.
63. Do you have a job? If doing work on Ravelry counts, yes. Otherwise I am searching the market.
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Uh, no surprise — Yarn!
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes

We will never forget.

No words can describe what I would give to be sitting at the Pylons and watching the Drill Field.

Rest in peace, my friends.
=:8

Yes, I know I am overdue on writing a number of posts, but just a little bit more time is needed to finish a couple of projects running in the background. I think the wait will be worth it!

——————————————————
*From Nikki’s Facebook Note*

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me.

This offer does have some restrictions so please read carefully:

- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
- What I create will be just for YOU.
- I will make it this year (2009).
- I will make something in the real world, not a figment of the internet.
- I may bake a batch of cookies, knit you a hat, sew you something or write you a poem ~ who knows?
- Photos will be posted in a group TBA of the giving and getting

In return, all you need to do is post this text into a note of your own and make 5 things for 5 other people.

Make sure to comment here that you are interested in my little gifty and tag me in your note.

Void where prohibited, use only as directed, for a limited time only, store in a cool dry place.

Let’s keep it going!

To be finally able to write about this project is a huge relief because I have been bursting to talk about it whenever I caught anybunny who would listen. There is a sense of pride bubbling from myself. It began with Amanda Cathleen’s inspiration to comfort a friend who can be found in a dictionary as the definition of generosity. In November of 2006, Cathy of “Tightly Wound Loosely Knit” organized a blanket to be made for her friend Jenn. Jenn had suffered through a long stretch of pain and Cathy requested for blanket squares to be donate. Not hesitating, I helped out and knitted two squares.

A year later, Cathy’s luck drew the short straw and her health was hit with mis-diagnosed cancer. Seeing her friend’s situation, Amanda Cathleen contacted those of us who helped in Jenn’s blanket in the hopes that we might be interested. To her amazed surprise, over twenty knitters volunteered, and thus the traveling shawl began. The pattern was simple with its 255 stitch cast on garter stitch. Each of us would knit a set of rows in a blue (but not royal blue) superwash worsted weight wool. My choice was an easy one — Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted in the Tahoe colorway. I knew that the soft blue highlighted with the purple would please Cathy. I had received the yarn in swap from the wonderful gcclfar on Ravelry. After knitting my strip, I included a little tape measure for Cathy. As all fibery crafters know, tape measures disappear like the dickens, so one can never have too many.

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I am also thinking of knitting a little something to help promote “Bunnies Are not Toys!” Today is Ash Wednesday, and there are 40 days until Easter with Passover around the corner. I had seen a cute stuffed toy pattern on Ravelry called “Chocolate Bunny” which does look like the real confection. Looking in my stash, I discovered a nice amount of brown superwash wool perfect to make a couple of these as presents. Since I have ivory in that same yarn, I just might have to knit up some white chocolate ones too! If anybunny wants to join me, please do the following:
1. Comment on this post
2. Tag your project in Ravelry as “bunniesarenottoys”
(If not on Ravelry, Contact me with your email address so I can send you an invitation.)
3. Show your rabbit(s) in all their glory via photograph when done

Here is the incentive: For the most bunnies made, I will offer a skein of Wollmeise of choice in red (Indisch Rot), blue (Vincent), or green (Frosch) to the winner. *ETA* If only 1 bunny is made from all the participants, then a drawing will be held. Likewise, if there is more than 1 person who made the same number of chocolate bunnies, a drawing for those knitters will be done.
Ready? Steady? GOOOOO!!! =:8

Huge thanks to those who contacted me on my last post. Much debate took place in my head on whether or not to share the entry. Sometimes I am afraid of what folks might think of my feelings and thoughts. Then again, those folks who read my little blog are friends, and friends may not understand but are always supportive. Right?

There has been some major bunny dancing over at Some Bunny’s home — so much that the little warren has been thumping disapproval of the interruption to the usual daily routine. Needless to say I am quite happy (or should I say hoppy?) that my Daddy’s black Koolhaas is done. It only was due on Christmas Day… Or that the Jeanie scarf that Kelly had commissioned is finally completed. I surprised her by presenting it as a “congratulations on the new job” gift. Then there was RyanG’s very overdue baby blanket which I planned to give him at least a month ago. I had decided that with three little girls in his house, he did not need any more pink against him. Finally to help alleviate my need for a quick FO (finished object), I had busted out some blanket squares for charity. There was the 8×8-inch square for Ta2edL8bug, and also the QTY(4) little 4×4-inch squares for Alison Pearson Hyde.

Now that I have some FOs under my belt, I figured it was a time to initiate a new project as a WIP. Here are the current contenders for my attention in order of “most easily doable” to “I am crazy”:
Wisteria by Kate Gilbert (contemplating adding a hood)
Vivian by Ysolda Teague
Sylvi by Mari Muinonen
Bias Fair Isle Pullover by Teva Durham from her Loop-d-Loop book
(Ms. Marnie’s incredible piece is to what I linked)
Tempest by Ann Weaver (adding hood)
Lace Edged Raglan by Carol J. Sulcoski from the “Knit So Fine, Designs with Skinny Yarn” book (adding hood)
The Adult Tomten Jacket by Jared Flood which is an adaption of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s baby hoodie

For those who noticed the theme, my response is “Yes, I love wearing sweatshirt hoodies.” I also am fond of wearing athletic bottoms (rugby shorts, sweatpants or yoga pants) as much as I love wearing my skirts and boots. Since I do not have any hooded sweaters, the obsession of making one for myself has entered my mind since I started knitting four (oh my gosh, FOUR?) years ago. Now I need to make a couple of decisions.

Do I make the top-listed Wisteria? If so, should I add a hood? If I add a hood, what yarn in my stash do I use? Ahhhh… What lusty choices do I pick from my stash? The beautiful Noro Silk Garden in #31? How about the buttery soft Malabrigo Worsted in Rhodesian or Stonechat? Maybe I should knit up Vivian with the sturdy Louet Riverstone Bulky in Purple? For Sylvi, the fact that I have 12 skeins of the “pattern’s called for” yarn is THE only option in my book. Or should I be decadent and use up the Classic Elite Posh for the Bias Fair Isle Pullover? Just imagining myself wearing that pullover in the cashmere/silk yarn makes me tingle. It would feel as if I were wrapped in freshly whipped cream!

Tempest screams Jessie’s Yarntini Fingering Weight Mint Chocolatini to me, and I am looking forward to casting that on my needles soon. As for Carol’s pullover that graces the “Knit So Fine” book cover? I hear both the Brooks Farm’s Harmony and Duet yarns both squealing, “BAY-BEE!! Pick ME.” During all the yarns’ shouting to be knit, Jared’s jacket begs to be made with J’s Enchanted Knoll Farm DK Silk/Merino in Jade.

(sigh) Time to think more on what to select. Yes I know I still have Eric’s “Ultimate Gift” cabled pullover to finish from the Ravelympics, but that will either be frogged or recalculated because he would love the sleeves to have the same cable pattern as the front. The biggest trick will be finding some “insurance yarn” if the 18 skeins I bought from Vicky at Island Yarn Company in Waltham might not be enough. Meanwhile, I had tried asking Augustus “Gloop” Caesar for his opinion, and all he did was stare back at me as if I am nuts for even bothering him with such rubbish. Looks like he just wants more hay. =:8

There was an episode of Sex and the City in which Carrie discovers that Big has replaced her with a younger woman — Natasha is 26 years-old and screams “I am PERFECT” in droves. The following episode depicted Miranda becoming immensely upset when she runs into ex-beau Steve after he pragmatically dumped her. Both of these episodes discuss dealing with broken relationships and how they were handled by the characters. I likened these personal relationships to my work interests. Some are still unresolved under my belt, and I must address them sooner than later. I have a bit of an analysis already in place with some explaining to preface.

Years ago my addiction to surfing occurred because my sister wanted to learn the sport. Since I was the only sibling with a driver’s license, I would accompany her to Croatan Beach on a bodyboard. After easily boardriding the waves on my stomach, I decided to try riding a wave on one “dropped knee” on the board for fun. Seeing how I was able to ride the bodyboard, my sister handed me her surfboard to do the same. Instantly I fell in love from the feeling achieved in catching that wave and dropping down from the top of the crest. Later I spent hours (okay, more like YEARS) in the water trying to grab that bit of adrenaline, and would still be trying if I could.

Gary Busey’s Big Wednesday character of Leroy “The Masochist” Smith became one of my role models. Leroy had no problem going into the water no matter how dangerous the conditions were, and I dove into that persona with the water and in life (and still do in many ways). With each season in the water I learned a little about myself. I learned what to do when a shark swims straight at me (that happened during my first trip to OBX). I learned that the gorgeous greenish “Coke bottle” glow in the water during dawn was from an amazing combination of the light, water, and plankton. I learned not to dismiss the lack of booties when surfing in the middle of March. (There are folks who surf in these cold New England waters, but frankly I steadfastly avoid any chance of getting hypothermia again.)

What does surfing have anything to do with my analysis? Nature provided endless entertainment in the water because surfing each individual wave was consistently a new experience. My attention to work was dependent on its variety and possibility. When I was introduced to rugby, the newness of playing exhilarated me. I was able to get into “hunting” modes that fed my cravings for adrenaline once again. While I was at work, I listened for those cravings to speak, but all I could hear were muffled words spoken to me as if I had been underwater. I strained to comprehend the mumblings in vain and became lost. By the time I could understand the words it was too late. Interestingly enough, because of what I heard, the cravings are back. For the past several weeks ideas popped into my head that addressed potential issues for Verdasys. These anecdotes have been scribed and filed away for now. Meanwhile I hear mumbling from my knitting and house WIPs. They want me to attend to them immediately, and I will be giving them my rapt attention. =:8

This past week was full of lovely goodness. I managed to file for unemployment, sort out some financial items, and get packages in the mail. The snow has melted substantially; enough that I could open the windows to release the stale house smells and to draw in fresh air. Adding the couple of WIPs (works in progress) turned into FOs (finished objects), and there appeared a hoppy bunny dancing away. My little warren however did not share the same enthusiasm and protested my loud steppings with obviously disapproving looks.

Introducing the packages, I begin with the much anticipated one from Jessica, aka BunnySquirrel on Ravelry. Hers was actually a replacement to the lost one she had sent in the mail early January. After three weeks, we realized the package became a no-show and she promptly pulled another set of goodies for me. This time, she added sugarless treats that would appeal to me and appease my doctor. Does Jess rock or what?

Two more packages in the mail arrived to cheer me up. A while ago, I destashed some yarn to a delighted somebunny in Sweden. Recently Ulrika was out shopping and spied some bunny stickers and matching fabric. She promptly purchased and mailed them to me. I love how the blue stickers are identical to the red fabric. If looking closely, two different rabbits are hidden. (See them yet?) The other package contained another square of soft fabric — white rabbits playing with beach balls in the green grass. The Japanese print has a beautiful shine and I am going to need help on translating the label. Yumi or Hiroshi, help?

If there is one thing I have learned in life, it is refusing to settle and be content with whatever is handed to me if I want something better. I love applying one of my favorite quotes towards everything I desire: “A thought came to you for a reason. PURSUE it!” The energy required for that gusto can be taxing. For the past few months I relied on caffeine and unhealthy food as my fuel. Now I am paying for it after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and outrageously high amounts of cholesterol. After being told to cut eggs, butter, and starch in my diet, I decided to create dishes without denying myself flavor. So here is the first of my spontaneous recipes that are more health-conscious and are guaranteed to delight one’s taste buds. Please note that the measurements are estimates. I like to toss items together until they “look right” to me. Bon appetit!

Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
1/2 cup flake coconut (optional)
2-4 tablespoons olive or canola oil (or 1-3 tablespoons sesame oil)
1/2 - 3/4 cup minced onion
2 tablespoons garlic
2 tablespoons parsley
1/2 teaspoon red/cayenne pepper
1/2 -3/4 cup coconut rum
1 pound of 31-40 peeled and deveined shrimp
pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions
Toast the coconut by spreading it on a non-stick cookie sheet and baking in the oven according to package instructions. Set aside. Heat a 12-inch or larger skillet, tossing the oil, onion, garlic, and parsley. Adding cayenne, rum and shrimp, begin simmering on medium heat. When the liquid has reduced to half, add red pepper flakes and toasted coconut. Start watching the skillet contents because the shrimp will begin to caramelize due to the rum. When that happens, serve immediately with a favorite salad or side dish. =:8

Not sure about anybunny, but there is another meme going around Facebook where the writer answers a series of questions with one word. The talented Laura of “Sugar Bunny Boulevard” fame had tagged me first, and thus I must put my words to the test. Meanwhile, I have a recent photo that I snapped of Jessica Bunny with her husbund Zydeco. Notice his little body leaning against hers? In bunny body language, that is a sign of his sheer devotion and love. We only wish she would return the favor! =:8

——————————————————————-
One Word

Where is your cell phone?
dead

Your significant other?
asleep

Your hair?
long

Your mother?
hero

Your father?
protector

Your favorite thing?
support-structure

Your dream last night?
detailed

Your favorite drink?
bourbon

Your dream/goal?
happiness

What room are you in?
den

Your hobby?
knitting

Your fear?
entrapment

Where do you want to be in 6 years?
comfortable

Where were you last night?
home

Something that you aren’t?
content

Muffins?
buttered

Wish list item?
satisfaction

Last thing you did?
cleaned

What are you wearing?
Guess!

TV?
off

Your pets?
bunnies

Friends?
love

Your life?
limbo

Your mood?
playful

Missing someone?
yes

Drinking?
water

Your car?
classic

Something you’re not wearing?
dog-collar

Your favorite store?
LYSes

Your favorite color?
non-neon

When was the last time you cried?
Sunday

Who will resend this?
someBunny

My favorite place to eat?
multi-national

Favorite place I’d like to be at right now?
Virginia

With all of the immense activity in my oh-about-200 groups on Ravelry, it is a wonder that I was able to co-hostess the swaps for the “Bunny Lovers” group. We have had two swaps in Fall 2008 and Winter 2008. Both have been quite successful because no angels had to fly in and send rescue packages for any non-showing flakers. However, as a few Ravelry pals have pointed out, the lack of flakers might have something to do with my running the “In Search Of and Destashing” group (a topic worthy of its own post). I digress, and continue with the package I received on January 31st from the talented Kelly of the “Thumpyfuzz Fiber Arts” blog.

When I spotted the postman walking by the window, I thought to myself, “Cool! Maybe my bunny package has arrived.” To describe my reaction after opening the door, I had to double check the address on the 9×12x15-inch box. Its weight had me thinking Rich ordered something because there is NO way that yarn and bunny treats could be THAT heavy! Realizing that the address was Kelly’s, I carefully grabbed my camera and brought the box to the couch. I slowly measured and rotated the box to begin photographing every bit of this reveal. I always delight in slow openings for swap packages and savor the memories of each one.

Carefully I slit the tape and peered inside. Seeing the crumpled newspaper pages as filler, I quickly grabbed the crumpled pages and pulled them out. Immediately the boxes of tea appeared. Squealing, I saw that both were delicious dessert teas that would appeal to my sweet tooth. I grabbed the teas and photographed them accordingly. Looking back in the box, I saw that handspun yarn and candy had spilled into the space where the tea was. The richness of the red and brown colors combined with the luxurious feel of the yarns made me pause. Fondling the yarn was a delight. Photographing the yarn was another story because red is so difficult to catch! Saving the red-papered item for last, I moved it aside and reached to clear out more of the newspaper. But when I grabbed a tubular-shaped newspaper, it was solid — and heavy. Gingerly I lifted the item and unwrapped it. It was homemade pepper jelly! Already excited from curiosity, I opened another tube of newspaper and that was homemade pineapple salsa. Spotting the third and last tube, I opened that and was treated to homemade grape jelly. All I could repeat over and over was “OMGOMGOMG!!” The cake of chai tea soap with the soft washcloth (I love how it wraps around the hand!) appeared along with the bunnies’ treat bags individually labeled with their names.

Turning my attention to the last item, a red-papered treat, I wondered what it was. Not willing to take my time, I ripped open the paper and gasped. A felted fair isle bag fell out into my lap. To explain, felting is when an item made out of wool is washed and shrunk on purpose. Most folks are familiar with felting when purchasing the fabric for arts and crafts or when they accidentally toss a wool sweater into the washing machine and dryer. This bag was knitted with meticulous colorwork in what is called the “fair isle” technique of using two or more colors per knitted row. Kelly not only knitted and felted this bag, but she also embroidered and spot-felted details to it!! I mean check out the clasp, the shooting star and the moon!! I actually started crying because I knew how much work it took for her to make this bag for me.



I have met many folks like Kelly who inspire me to learn all I can about using my hands along with my brain. These friends have demonstrated that putting complete thought into little packages can have a lifetime’s worth of meaning. Thank you, Kelly, Blizzard, and Willow. The bunnies and I love everything!! =:8