Cricket in a Biscuit

My favorite columnist, Mark Steyn , has a bit of advice proffered when speaking to classes of aspiring writers. He tells them, in addition to becoming writers, they should aspire to do something else as well. What doesn't really matter, as long as they do something. It's been a while since I've read the column, but the gist is, it's a more fulfilling and useful life when one is capable of actually doing something beyond thinking about how to write about things being done. I would agree, capability is a wonderful thing. I've been surrounded by capable people my entire life. Need something built? The boards are in the shed; nails or screws? Need to replace a faulty light switch? I know a guy. Need something turned on a lathe? I know a guy — or three. Have a craving for handcrafted candy? Well, there is a secret family recipe for that. Just stand at the stove for a few hours, stirring to soft-ball stage. Being surrounded by so many people better at everything can b...

As snow settles in, I find joy in the small things that make life a little bit more cozy and sweet, two of which I'd like to share. The first is a recipe for an almost instant brownie. Spoiler alert: I knit these stocking ornaments as gift toppers this year. But even if you weren't on my gift list, you won't be left out. The pattern is now available for all, free on ravelry. I used to keep my cupboard stocked with microwavable, mini brownie bowls, for emergencies, but lately they've been hard to find. There was a packet of instant hot chocolate on the counter which gave me an idea. What if I could just make a brownie with that? A quick google search revealed several recipes for almost-instant, single serving brownies. All were basically the same: flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, oil, water and vanilla; all with similar proportions of each. I figured instant hot chocolate was basically the sugar and cocoa pre-mixed. Another quick google search proved my hypothesis p...

My current pride and joy. I posted a pattern on ravelry yesterday! I'm pretty excited about it. I actually followed through with something. Here it is: my baby hat! It's listed as a paid pattern right now. Offering it for free would probably make it more likely someone would actually download it, but if nobody does, it doesn't hurt me at all, because I've already accomplished what I set out to do. Now if I could just buckle down and finish writing a pattern I did a couple years ago for some owl fingerless gloves. All the charts are made, but I will have to knit another pair to remember what the written instructions are supposed to say. Maybe this sense of accomplishment will get me motivated. That and the hot pink washable wool I saw at the yarn store the other day. Edit: I decided to make the pattern available for free, so crochet on!

She wants to spin so badly. This has been one of the busiest summers of my life. Every time the weather starts warming, I think, "This is going to be the summer we relax and just have fun." Wrong. I'm not even sure why things get so hectic. I did add story time at the library to our Wednesdays, but… So much has been put on the back burner. Like this poor baby — my spinning wheel. I picked it up in July and still haven't managed wipe off the dust, let alone get it working. The spinning wheel police are going to storm in and whisk it away citing my gross negligence. A lot of my time has been devoted to cranking out projects while I still can. Projects for the new baby must be finished before arrival. So far I've cranked out a blanket, sweater and teddy bear . Just booties and a hat to go. I spent an inordinate amount of time on this broomstick lace jacket from the crochet issue of, Vogue Knitting , for me, then started an Ashley slouchy beret with ...

Some days I wear makeup. Most days I don't. But you can be sure, on the days I do, Laney notices and responds with enthusiasm, which, of course, horrifies Darren. There are those with really strong objections to little girls having any exposure to makeup whatsoever. Concerns include worries over turning girls into divas or skewing their views on real beauty and their self worth. Some believe makeup is simply inappropriate for young girls. My formative years were spent in an anti-makeup household. At the same time, I had girl cousins raised in a very different environment. My aunties applied daily, and I remember my cousins having real compacts to play with. Then there are my cousins in dance. They were wearing makeup at a very young age. So far, we've all turned out alright. I started wearing makeup when I could afford to buy it. I stopped when it didn't fit my life anymore. I guess that's what I want for Laney, an eh, whatever kind of attitude. While makeup can...

"What is the point?!" I would imagine most parents have thought — or yelled — this question more than once in their daily life. I was there today, wondering why I put in so much effort for what appears to be zero return. I had two objectives for the day: make a book bag for Laney to bring to story time at the library tomorrow, and fly kite with the kids. Sounds simple enough, but beginning a project seems to be the the cue for my normally independent and decently behaved children to turn into clingy little savages. They climbed on the table; ripped down the window shade; engaged in mortal combat over crayons, of which there is no shortage — trust me; and threw a half dozen whiny fits over stickers. All before lunch. After our lunch of sandwiches and twice-spilled milk, we walked to our perfect kite flying spot and had some fun. For a few minutes. As I was loading Grumplestiltskin in the stroller for an early trip home, I was wondering again, "What is the point?!...

When I grow up, I want to spin like her. The greatest disadvantage of being self-taught is, when stuck, there is no one around to go to for help. I found myself in such a position today trying to chain ply some yarn on the drop spindle. I've done it before but, for boring reasons I won't go into, was really struggling today. Finally, I dropped the spindle for the laptop. I learned to spin watching YouTube videos. It stood to reason I could find some much needed help there. And, boy, did I ever. I've seen a video by this gal before, and it was okay. This one is awesome! It was just what I needed to see. I love how she so casually throws her spindle around. What I'd give to be so proficient. Maybe someday. For now, I've got some plying to do.