The ShizzKnit

2009 Last Yarn and Needles Order of the Decade!

2009-12-31T17:14:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when one is at work with a minimum of tasks to complete...

Full Moon Eclipse in Cancer Dec. 31, 2009

2009-12-31T10:27:00.003-05:00

You’re getting all the glory at this Full Moon, Capricorn -- take care that someone close doesn’t feel left out. Though you’ve been through quite a transformation this year with Pluto in your sign, the new decade promises a reward for your hard work and willingness to change. One of your biggest lessons has been to open your heart more, to cultivate emotional connections. Be sure to thank your partner for their help with this.
~astrologer Simone Butler

Interesting how the stars align with present actions. I've been making efforts to get more personal at work. Need to ask someone a question? I walk over to their desk instead of texting, emailing or calling them. I need to spend more face time with staff which I've already found to strengthen relationships in my workplace!

Solar Return 2010: Nassau v. Key Largo

2009-12-29T10:16:00.000-05:00

USMS II Assignment Mercury Rx

2009-12-27T21:58:00.003-05:00

We were planning on a weekend in the Catskills snowboarding, but I was set on getting to the practical portion of US Master Spinner Level II that has been sitting in my spinning workbasket for too long. Using the Mercury Retrograde energy, I got to it today. Mercury Stationed Directed yesterday morning at 22 degrees Capricorn in my 1st House, trine my Virgo planets Uranus/Pluto.

Mercury is retrograde in Capricorn, which can produce a solemn frame of mind. It can be a challenge to preserve a buoyant nature, particularly if you utilize denial in a vain attempt to flee gloom. If you have a inclination toward melancholy, this transit can kick this up, so arm yourself with a management plan to keep yourself cheerful. Take it easy, don’t overdo or expect too much; it’s the Yin of season and time to reduce the complications of life. This is not to say you should lay back and lie down. Review your past plans and get back to those projects you’ve put by the wayside that need attention. If your state of affairs necessitates you manifest and achieve outcomes, this is just such a planetary placement that can supply you with the needed impetus!

I completed the first module spinning fine grade Finn, medium grade Romney and coarse grade Lincoln and moved onto the next module for Alpaca and Llama. The carding and woolen spinning for the woven 3"x3" Alpaca/Polypay blend swatch took some time and I left the next Alpaca/Tussah silk swatch for another day. Hopefully I have enough Suri left to do the blending exercise for a sampler.

Fortunately I still have the first blending % done in class that week last year of:
100% alpaca,
50/50 Finn/alpaca,
75/25 Finn/alpaca and
25/75 Finn/alpaca

I plan to include a long knit sampler 3"x3" for each percentage.
This sampler as a blending key at 100% alpaca moving to 100% wool will be helpful future reference in my Level II book!

Sun moves into Capricorn, Time for your Teeth

2009-12-24T19:40:00.001-05:00

These are the results of my periodontal evaluation!

Nothing like a picture to show what those thosand words can't- it's time to make use of that Sonicare toothbruch and HydroFloss hydromagnetic oral irrigator

Clay Buttons

2009-12-23T22:55:00.005-05:00

I've been thinking about polymer clay buttons lately.

There are a few interesting how to's out there on the 'net on Craftstylish and Craftydaisies. Check 'em out.

The goddess buttons at Claybuttons are fetchingly bright and artsy.

Given the right spark of creative zeal, I could get very interested in making some polymer clay buttons. First must learn how and was considering a class in Connecticut in January if I have time and feel like driving an hour or so to Connecticut in January where the class is being held.

Prioritize!

2009-12-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

Where does your time go? And how can you set better priorities?
Print and fill out the time chart at right to track the way you spend your time over several days.

For each activity, estimate or record the number of hours you spend. If you can think of an activity not listed, enter it in the additional spaces provided at the bottom of the chart.

Once you've done this, ask yourself: How do you really want to spend your time?

Look again at the chart, and as you consider the list of activities, keep these questions in mind:

Is anything missing?
Is my week balanced the way I really want it?
Do I spend enough time with others?
Do I spend enough time on myself?
Am I trying to do too much? If I had six months to live, is this how I would allocate my time?
Are any dreams or projects still not included?
Is this really what I want most?
Take another look at your chart and consider ways you can make room for the things that are missing — the things that matter most. Set priorities. Make some promises to yourself and write them down. Then, for the next week:

Print out your list of priorities and tape it to your refrigerator to remind yourself.
Add items that will help you meet those new priorities to your "to-do" list for the week. Consider each of them an "assignment," like getting the kids to soccer practice or buying a gift for your mother's birthday, and check it off when you do it.
As you go through your week, say no to others, wherever possible. If you're saying no to activities that are not priorities or essential, make a note of it! If you're finding that difficult after a week, figure out why you haven't said no and list the reasons.
Set rules so you can stick to what you've decided. Stick to your schedule — and your priorities!
Involve your family in helping support your priorities, just as you do theirs.
Ask your partner to give you a "night off" and stick to it: Fill the tub, pour yourself a glass of something, and pretend you're at a spa.
Car-pool to practices so you and other parents can time-share the responsibilities, then use that time for something you enjoy.
Assign the kids with a new responsibility — and don't give up if it's not done perfectly the first time.
After your first week, take a look at your chart again to see if your priorities are reflected in the way you spend your time. Then try it again the following week.

Make a habit of scheduling time for the things that mean the most to you. You'll feel better — and you'll be better able to handle all the rest of the things on your plate.

Survival Tips for the Pluto Transit

2009-12-22T13:23:00.004-05:00

Are you feeling the Pluto Transit? As a Capricorn Rising, Capricorn Sun, I am aware of a steady push to take care of Ascendant flavored matters. With Mars, Rx or not, in my Leo 8th house, lends energy to my natal Sun and the house it is in. Time to take steps to take care of me and my body. Lynn Koiner has some pointers on working with the Pluto energies:

When you are feeling out of control, it is too easy to hide and to allow your life to become unmanageable. And, the only thing that you can control is yourself and your immediate environment. Pluto manifests through the physical so that being physically active and doing something is essential to regulating and releasing its energies. I find myself sitting up late at night working on correspondence and projects that my Neptune transit left in a disorganized pile.
In taking control, clean up your environment, throw out what you do not need and take care of tasks that you have long procrastinated over. If I lay in bed, I feel the over-stimulation of Pluto and I cannot sleep. Just going out does not solve the problem or release the energy. While walking to the Mall and shopping were easy and satisfying solutions under Neptune, Pluto only triggers meaningless and compulsive spending…another step in being out of control. Having meaningful discussions, mental activity and purposeful actions seem to work the best.
Pluto transits occur when one is about to make a great new leap forward, to leave the past behind and embrace a new beginning. This is what Pluto wants us to do— empower ourselves by letting go of the past and taking a transformative leap forward in our lives.
Physical Activity— Exercise is a great release for Plutonian energy, although the winter weather does not provide much of an opportunity for me to get out and walk. I joined a local gym and this always makes me feel better. With Pluto, there is a lot of intense energy and intense physical activity (very long walks) worked very well for me.
In this “out-of-control” mode, my work makes me feel out of control. Sagittarius likes hierarchies so I must organize my priorities and I cannot over-load myself. I can easily feel over-whelmed. I organize my calendar and make a list of ”What to do.” I must stick to the schedule so that I do not feel out of control. I have also discovered another key to working with Pluto— KEEP YOUR LIFE SIMPLE. Avoid all complications. Learn to say NO to everything that is not absolutely essential. Your psychological survival depends upon it!
I have observed that the transits of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto affect us through hormonal imbalances. For younger woman, there are 2 herbs that restore the hormones to a normal balance. If you are having menstrual problems, it is hormonal. I take Wild Yam and Chaste Tree, one capsule of each once or twice a day. For helpful Amino Acids, read THE DIET CURE by Julia Ross.
Anxiety, especially at night, can cause night binging and insomnia. Around 7 PM, I make a big cup of a “Extra Strength Sleepy Time” tea. There are supplements at any good vitamin store that can help with sleep, such as Melatonin.
The adrenals are severely stressed under the Pluto transit. I experienced acute lower back pain which is always adrenal exhaustion. My suggestion now is to take ADRENALCAPS by Solaray or Natural Sources Adrenal Caps which can be obtained at most health food stores. Take 2 capsules upon arising and 2 more at 11am. This prescription was recommended by a medical doctor. Do this in waves— 3 weeks on and 1 week off.
Having to deal with the surfacing long-repressed emotions, the fears and especially the anger, can be very difficult! Give yourself permission to feel angry!
Some Pluto transits can compromise our immune system, leaving us vulnerable to viruses and infections. A good protection is Wild Oregano and Olive Leaf (Nature’s Way is the strongest). These anti-viral and anti-bacterial need to be taken daily and they build up in the system.
NOTE: If you are taking other medications, please talk with your pharmacist about how these herbs and supplements interact with your medications.

Pluto can make you feel like the situation will last forever but it does not. You can easily lose your vision and hope for the future. It is essential to expand your consciousness in order to rise above the darkness. I found reading spiritual and consciousness expanding books and meditation to provide incredible relief! “The higher you go (in consciousness) the smaller things look below!”
EMPOWERMENT— this is the most important lesson that you will learn under the Pluto transit but it does not come immediately or easily. When Pluto made its retrograde square to my Sun, I realized that I had given my power away to a powerless person who could only criticize and find fault with everything that I did; I had given my power away to negative thinking, to absorbing the criticisms of others and to the tyranny of self-recrimination!
A friend gave me the “life saving” definition of empowerment— “Empowerment is recognizing what you need to do for yourself and doing it even when others say that you are being selfish. Your first priority is to TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! When a situation is bad, your first responsibility is to get yourself OUT, to remove yourself from any negative, hostile or contentious situation, whether this is a job, a relationship or an environment. You empower yourself by protecting yourself! I finally felt empowered when I developed an attitude— that I would not put up with any crap from anyone… no ifs, ands or buts! The journey from feeling over-whelmed to “not taking crap” seemed like an eternity.

Astrologer, Mary Shea, in a lecture for the Baltimore NCGR, listed some POTHOLES that we may encounter while under the influence of a Pluto transit:

1) Power struggles, control issues, complications and the rubber-band booby traps. Often, people who are out of control are the most controlling and manipulative people that we encounter. The rubber band effect was my favorite: Two people spot a rubber band. They both want it and they crab it at the same time. The theory behind “possession is 9/10ths of the law” is that whoever holds on the longest will win.

With Pluto, they are holding a rubber band and whoever releases first, zaps the other! Whoever holds on the longest, gets zapped by Pluto…and the rubber band. The guideline here is to let go before you get zapped!! Let go before something complicates your life!

2) Escalation and getting caught blind-sided. I had a friend who was experiencing Pluto squaring her Ascendant. She started to play a game, a subconscious game, to learn how much power and control she had in a relationship. Once the game got started, she soon realized that she could not win the game. She was going to lose and she was going to lose the relationship. However, a Plutonian friend in Berlin assured me that, when a Plutonian person starts to play that game, they cannot let go, they cannot stop, even if it blows up in their face. KNOW when you are about to lose through persistent hard-headedness and LET GO!

3) Black or White polarized situations. Everything under Pluto seems black or white…but there are no black or white situations. Disengage your perspective, de-personalize the situation and work on the win-win compromise.

4) Reactionary responses, emotional overload, fear and anger and can all lead to the situation becoming stuck, frozen, mentally unbalanced and unconscious. Pluto applies pressure upon our astral body via the solar plexus and this forces long repressed emotional issues and feelings to the surface. The more unaware and disconnected we are from the feelings the more they take on a life of their own, blind-siding us and catching us unaware. Rage can explode uncontrollably, we can obsess or we can become emotionally paralyzed by what we are feeling. It is essential that we talk about it with someone and to honor the feelings that we do have. They are not facts; they are feelings.

A good example was a young woman who experienced Pluto opposing her 1st House Sun. Pluto is natally found in her 5th House of creative self-expression. Indeed, during the final phase of the Pluto transit, a pregnancy was her form of personal empowerment.

Pluto does not respect age. This woman is young, beautiful and extremely sweet and thoughtful. At the time that the transit started, she dropped out of my astrology classes because she felt that she just could not cope with the emotions that were surfacing in her life. She felt vulnerable, over-whelmed and she was extremely sensitive to criticism, by everyone. The opinion of others became too important. She felt that others could see right through her, that she could not say what she wanted and she felt great uncertainty in all of her communications and personal thoughts. Her fears became a block to the truth and these fears were over-whelming.

She saw a therapist for a few months, thinking that the therapist would solve her problems, give her the answers and figure her life out for her. Soon, she realized that she was the only one who would solve her problems, not the therapist.

Self-worth was non-existent. She felt incompetent and she could no longer do her job. She was not ready to deal with new people, make job changes, and anything new was too much to handle. She vowed not to allow her fears to dominate. She threw herself in the face of her fears and this was just too much. She searched inside for something strong but she could not find it.

The healing process began when she withdrew from life in order to regain her strength and RECONSTRUCT HERSELF INTERNALLY. Pushing too hard to face everything was the worse thing that she ever did. At this time, she became pregnant, becoming confined to the bed, and this experience allowed her to withdraw, giving her time to reconstruct her inner self. Her advice was to be gentle with yourself and slowly allow your strength to return — only then do you attempt to face your fears.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE for 2008 & 2009-10: In 2008, Pluto was transiting late degrees of Sagittarius. Planets transiting the late degrees of a sign always indicates an ending cycle. It is a time in our lives wherein we must draw some life situation to a conclusion.
In 2009-10, Pluto will be in the early degrees of Capricorn. This always brings something new into our lives when Pluto aspects an early degree planet. With a conjunction, square or opposition, the stress does not mean that the situation is bad but it is the stress of doing something that we have never done before. It is a totally new cycle for us!

When Pluto makes a hard aspect to your natal planet, it is attempting to redefine how you use the sign energy in which that natal planet is placed:

In my own chart, Pluto is squaring my Jupiter-Neptune in the 2nd House of Finances in the early degrees of Libra. As this aspect approached, I began teaching a Medical Curriculum for the Online Astrology College. Indeed, with the square from Pluto, this has been very stressful but I knew that this is a great opportunity for me professionally to actually learn more about medical astrology through teaching it and organizing my years of research. I was also voted as Director for the National Council for Geocosmic Research. Working at the National level is something very new for me but something that I feel I can handle. It has always been easier for me to be the Big Fish in the Little Pond. Being in the Big Pond is very stressful. When Pluto is at early degrees of Capricorn, even if it is making a difficult transit, the opportunity will not be doomed to failure because of the nature of the aspect (Conjunction-Square-Opposition). It notes the stress that one feels in starting something totally new. In new degrees, that which is totally new is favored.

PLUTO to ARIES: In the early degrees, Pluto will eventually be aspecting Eris in Aries. This is a signature that the individual is bringing forth something totally new and something that may initially shock or disrupt the thinking of others. If expressed effectively, the new ideas and concepts will be assimilated and life will completely change. Pluto in Capricorn wants us to be organized, efficient and effective. It wants us to build a supportive foundation for our plans. Aries wants action without thought to consequences. When these two perspectives collide, the individual can feel overwhelmed and out of control with the changes that are occurring. When starting something new, a good foundation and structure must be established.

PLUTO to CANCER: Cancer is often very fearful of new changes, especially if these could impact security. Great caution must be exercised in making decisions and changes that would affect one’s material, emotional and financial security. Do not take on responsibilities that would overwhelm or dis-empower. Even if an enterprise could be successful, fear and worrying about the outcome can sabotage one’s efforts. If you establish a solid, ordered “Capricornian” structure, you will be successful. Since this is an opposition transit, the individual may be reacting to events totally beyond one’s control. Always prepare with some type of safety net for one’s self if you observe this aspect looming on the horizon. If you see this opposition coming up, make sure that your investments are secure and that you have the resources on hand that can protect you during a time of transition. In President Obama’s horoscope, Pluto is opposing his Venus at 1 degree of Cancer. He is struggling to appease the fears of a nation, a nation that has lived in fear, a nation that has been manipulated by fear, since 9/11. In the US chart, Pluto will be opposing our Cancer planets. It makes a cycle wherein the government must reorganize and restructure our political and corporate structures so that they will be supportive rather than disempowering.

PLUTO to LIBRA: Libra seeks to coordinate its efforts with others. It seeks balance and cooperation with others. It works with the Big Picture, Gestalts and coordinating the parts into a successful whole. I wrote about my experience with Pluto squaring my Libra planets. With the election to the National Board of an astrological organization, I must learn to work cooperatively with others. I am accustomed to being in charge and doing everything my way. I am also coordinating the research materials for teaching. This must be done in a very professional manner as these courses are for a diploma. Stress can come when we find ourselves having to coordinate a balancing act, getting all of the parts to work as an effective whole and to see the Big Picture, even when others do not.

PLUTO to CAPRICORN: Pluto will be crossing any planets in Capricorn. This marks a cycle for a total transformation and restructuring of the House area affected and ruled by Capricorn. When structures become outmoded, they must be changed. The Corporate World will be affected by this transit and, if CEO and government ways are not changed, there will be a global rebellion in 2012-14. In the 1980s, Neptune in Capricorn dissolved old corporate structures such as Bell Atlantic telephone services. Reagan, trusting too much the integrity of corporate management, thought somehow that the rich would not hold onto their money but allow it to “trickle down.” And, trickle it did. The gulf between the rich and the poor widened and it continues to do so. Blatant deregulation allows corporations to act without any limitation. Pluto in Capricorn must clean up the mess generated by Neptune in Capricorn. Pluto in Capricorn is now affecting the rich, people who have lost millions. Pluto in Capricorn is indiscriminate. Pluto is the great leveler.

National Body Challenge Fitness

2009-12-22T12:34:00.004-05:00

Warm-up
Minutes Calories Burned
Warm-up 5 25

Core Workout
3 Strength & Balance 8 53
8 Buns/Thighs 8 47

Cool Down
Cool Down 5 11

Add Any Additional Workouts Online

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon-Horseradish Cream

2009-12-22T12:22:00.002-05:00

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon-Horseradish Cream

Servings Per Recipe: 6 servings, 1 cup each
Amount Per Serving:
Calories 80.0
Total Fat 3.0g
Saturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 8.0mg
Sodium 222.0mg
Total Carbs 9.0g
Dietary Fiber 3.0g
Protein 5.0g

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts , trimmed and halved
4 strips crisp-cooked bacon , finely chopped
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Health Preference: Heart Healthy, Low Calorie, Low Carb, Low Sodium
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Meal Type:
Cuisine: American
Main Ingredient: Pork

Instructions
Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan, add 1 inch of water and bring to a boil. Put Brussels sprouts in the basket and steam until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Mix bacon, sour cream, horseradish, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat.

Slow-Cooker Braised Pork with Salsa

2009-12-22T12:18:00.002-05:00

Slow-Cooker Braised Pork with Salsa

Servings Per Recipe: 8 servings, generous 3/4 cup each
Amount Per Serving:
Calories 252.0
Total Fat 10.0g
Saturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 141.0mg
Sodium 278.0mg
Total Carbs 7.0g
Dietary Fiber 1.0g
Protein 50.0g

Ingredients
3 pounds boneless pork shoulder or butt
1 1/2 cups prepared tomatillo salsa (see Ingredient Note)
1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 each medium onion , thinly sliced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds or ground cumin
3 each plum tomatoes (1/2 pound), thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro , divided
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Health Preference: Heart Healthy, Low Calorie, Low Carb, Low Sodium
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Main Ingredient: Pork

Instructions
Trim and discard pork surface fat. Cut meat apart following layers of fat around muscles; trim and discard fat. Cut into 2-inch chunks and rinse with cold water. Place in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. Turn heat to high.
Combine salsa, broth, onion and cumin seeds in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Pour over the meat. Add tomatoes and mix gently. Put the lid on and cook until the meat is pull-apart tender, 6 to 7 hours.
With a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a large bowl; cover and keep warm. Pour the sauce and vegetables into a large skillet; skim fat. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil, skimming froth from time to time, for about 20 minutes, to intensify flavors and thicken slightly. Add the pork and 1/4 cup cilantro; heat through.
To serve, ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of the remaining 1/4 cup cilantro.
Oven method: Total: 3 hours
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine pork, salsa, 1/2 cup chicken broth, onion, cumin seeds and tomatoes in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; cover snugly with foil. Bake until the pork is pull-apart tender, about 2 1/4 hours. Skim fat. Uncover and bake until the meat begins to brown, about 15 minutes more. Stir in 1/4 cup cilantro. Ladle into bowls, garnish with sour cream and remaining cilantro.

Ham, Gruyere & Spinach Bread Pudding

2009-12-22T12:16:00.001-05:00

Ham, Gruyere & Spinach Bread Pudding

Nutritional Information
Servings Per Recipe: 6 servings
Amount Per Serving:
Calories 276.0
Total Fat 10.0g
Saturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 169.0mg
Sodium 746.0mg
Total Carbs 25.0g
Dietary Fiber 3.0g
Protein 21.0g

Ingredients
4 each large egg whites
4 each large eggs
1 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
4 cups whole-grain bread , crusts removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1/2 pound, 4-6 slices)
5 cups chopped spinach , wilted (see Tip)
1/2 cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers
1 cup diced ham steak (5 ounces)
3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
Health Preference: Heart Healthy, Low Calorie
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Meal Type: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Kid-Friendly
Main Ingredient: Cheese,Eggs,Pork

Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 11-by-7-inch glass baking dish or a 2-quart casserole with cooking spray.
To prepare custard: Whisk egg whites, eggs and milk in a medium bowl. Add mustard, pepper and rosemary: whisk to combine.
Toss bread, spinach, roasted red peppers and ham in a large bowl. Add the custard and toss well to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and push down to compact. Cover with foil.
Bake until the custard has set, 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese and continue baking until the pudding is puffed and golden on top, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Relaxing Rituals for Busy People

2009-12-22T11:27:00.003-05:00

The stress of the day can take its toll on all of us, whether you are a CEO of a big company or a housewife with tons of chores to handle.
It's time to manage all that stress and get your relaxation on.

With the help of relaxation consultant Darrin Zeer, kick that stress habit in no time. Some of the following are excerpts from Zeer's new book, Everyday Calm: Relaxing Rituals for Busy People.

Wake Up Wisdom
Try to spend a calm moment before jumping out of bed and starting your busy day. Taking the time to stretch will help you start your day on the right foot. In this exercise, focus on gently relaxing your mind and body:

Lie flat on your back and take a few breaths.
Notice any areas in your body that are sore or tense.
Gently raise your knees to your chest.
Wrap your arms around your knees and breathe deeply
Let your knees slowly drop to one side.
Enjoy the stretch in your back and hips.
Take your time in the stretch, then switch sides.
When you're ready to get out of bed, slowly roll to your side and push yourself up with your hands.
Motivational Mirror Session
Stand strong and flex before your mirror. Fill your lungs with air. Shake your head or body if you can't perk up. Give yourself a pep talk before launching into your day and you'll receive and instant boost. For better or worse, this is the "you" you've got today! Check in to see how you are doing.

What is special about today? What challenges lie ahead? Any final words of encouragement? Try repeating this: "Today I will calmly conquer the world." Or make up a motivational phrase that is appropriate for you. Attach a note of your special reminder to the bathroom mirror.

Doorway Discipline
Before you touch that doorknob, avoid unwanted stress by making sure all important items are packed with you. Taking this extra minute may save you hours later. Before stepping into the vast unknown, go through this final checklist:

Have I got my keys, watch, wallet and cash?
Do I know how to get where I am going?
Do I need to mail any letters or return library books (or even video tapes/DVDs?)
One last look to make sure all is in order.
Take a deep breath, step out, and have a great day!

Tropical Urban Oasis
Slip out of your day and have a tropical fruit juice fix. When you are squeezed for time, juice shops offer a meal in a cup and an upbeat atmosphere. Add all the extras for a much-needed energy boost. For smoothies, ask for real yogurt instead of frozen yogurt. If you are feeling adventurous, order one or two shots of wheatgrass juice. As a chaser, order a carrot and orange juice mix.

Make sure you sit down for this one, as you may feel a slight body jolt. Wheatgrass packs a punch with a megadose of vitamin C and a long list of nutrients to help detoxify and recharge the body.

After Work Window Gazing
Take window shopping to another level. After work, go for a stroll down your town's main street. Let your mind unwind and soak up the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. Step by step, relax and breathe. To disengage your mind from work, notice the latest styles and colors in each shop window. Let the sights and sounds soother your tension. Accomplish nothing but walking and window gazing. By the time you return home, you will be feeling renewed and ready for friends and family.

Rub-A-Dub Yoga in the Tub
Take a step into the relaxation zone! Schedule a meeting just for you, your bath salts and your bathtub. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a relaxing aromatic touch. Dim the lights, light the candles and stop the action. Focus on melting tension away:

While sitting in the tub, brace your hands underneath your calves.
Place the soles of your feet flat against the end of the bathtub.
Gently lower your upper body into a forward bend.
Let your head drop forward and relax your neck muscles.
Breathe and relax into the stretch.

Spend some time in the silence every day. In our high-tech world, we are surrounded by and immersed in information—streaming in via television, e-mail, voice mail, fax machines and pagers. Information overload can become a detriment to your health, knocking you off balance and creating a sort of artificial dependence upon these stimulations. So make time for yourself, and take a break from the info-stream every day.

Reconnecting with stillness is an important component of health. Every day, devote a little time to take yourself out of the "busyness" game. First, eliminate all forms of intrusion. Then close your eyes, breathe deeply and let your thoughts float downstream like a log carried by the river. You can practice meditation or relax in a hot bath with aromatherapy. When a thought comes up, just watch it float away.

Don't buy into the cultural definition of "news." Andrew Weil, M.D., recommends taking a voluntary "news blackout" on a regular basis—stop reading the newspaper and watching television for one day, a week or longer. A constant supply of "bad news" isn't healthy for our bodies—our cells are designed to take in joy, not disaster!

Pursue your passion. Activities that absorb you completely will slow your brain waves and put you into that "zone" in which internal chatter is stilled. It could be bird-watching, cooking, hiking, biking or riding, painting, writing, sewing, gardening, photography, working with animals. Physical movement is important—it opens the chest, lifts your mood, curbs food cravings and lowers blood pressure. You'll also sleep better at night.

Check out. Maybe taking a vacation seems like the last thing you can afford to do when you're stressed out, but if you're overwhelmed with anxiety, can you afford not to? If you're sleeping poorly (or taking sedatives regularly to help you snooze), anxious and tense all the time, shifting your eating habits in an unhealthy way or using drugs, alcohol, caffeine or cigarettes as a coping aid, these are clear indications you need a break from your current situation, says Walker.

Take a vacation that suits your time frame. Two weeks would be ideal, but if that's not possible block out a week, a weekend or even a day for yourself. The more time an individual spends away from their every day environment, the more they step outside of the box and see themselves and their problems in a new perspective. "We encourage our clients to be with nature because it's a very calming environment," says Walker. "Take a hike, lay on the beach or go on a picnic."

Work out. Quite simply, exercising makes you look better and feel better. Consider it an integral part of your day, like brushing your teeth or eating dinner. "If you make it a way of life, it becomes part of your life, not just something you have to make time for," says Walker.

Express yourself. Unloading all your worries and concerns is a terrific way to clear your mind and reduce your stress level. Find a friend or a therapist whom you can talk to; it's important not to keep everything inside. You can also write everything down in a journal. Moving things out of your head and onto paper can help you release a lot of the chaos you're feeling. Doing both is the best combination.

Claim your peace. Affirmations, sentences you write down and put up in a place like a bathroom mirror where you repeat them five to ten times a day, can help you become the person you'd like to be, says Walker. "The more you say it, the more it becomes part of your psyche." Craft something that's right for your situation, such as "I am calm. I am peaceful, and all is in order."

Read up. Connecting with something bigger than yourself can help you gain perspective on your problems. Walker recommends books with a spiritual focus such as "Anatomy of the Spirit" by Caroline Myss and "Seat of the Soul" by Gary Zukav.

Don't avoid. If there's something in your life that's a source of worry, seek out things that will help you feel in control. "When we procrastinate or we think something is overwhelming, it's usually not as bad as we thought it was," says Walker. If you're suffering from financial problems, for example, read some books on gaining control of your financial life or seek the counsel of a financial planner.

Breathe deeply. For those moments when you're so tense that you feel like you might explode, go back to the basics. Inhale to a slow count of ten, and exhale at the same speed through your nose. Before you respond to a situation, breathing deeply will help center you.

Identify your triggers: Begin by first identifying all the sources of stress in your daily life. Keep a diary or make simple notes every time an event triggers your stress response. This will help you identify patterns in your perception of stressful events and circumstances that precede them. When you've gone through this exercise, make the effort, either with your employer, your partner or with yourself to change these patterns and reduce the amount of stress you currently face.

Modify your responses: While some research shows that our stress response is, in part, shaped by our early childhood experiences, experts also say that we can learn to modify our reactions to make stressful events less so. Such cognitive-behavioral therapy can be done with the help of a mental health professional in identifying your stress triggers or simply by remembering the simple prayer used by many 12-step programs: "Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Practice daily meditation: The goal in meditation is to quiet the mind by focusing your attention on a repeated sound, called a mantra, or image, without distraction, in order to enter a deeply relaxed state. Regular meditation practice can ease stress by helping you diffuse your triggers and allowing your body to relax. By clearing the mind, you are forced to "let go" of stressful events. If you notice mental distractions creeping back in, simply return to your mantra or image.
Experts suggest practicing meditation for at least 20 minutes once or twice a day, but you can enjoy mini-meditations throughout the day, whenever you feel stress getting a grip on you.

Massage: Massage therapy has been shown in several studies to be an effective remedy for daily stress. Research among various groups of people who face a lot of daily stress, conclude that a little massage therapy goes a long way toward relieving stress. Massage treatments not only relieved workplace stress, but improved overall mood as well.

Be Flexible.
Ahh, those yoga instructors are right. You can tell a person's age not by years, but by flexibility. Don't stand on stubbornness. If you know you're right, stand firm, but be calm and rational. However, also be willing to listen to other's opinions and compromise if possible. If you're willing to give a little, the other person may do the same. The result may be a better solution.

Lead a Healthy Lifestyle. Good nutrition can make a difference. The fuel you eat will influence the way you feel. It's true — an apple a day keeps the medical professional away.

Aromatherapy: Results of studies using aromatherapy indicate that it helps aid in relaxation and stress relief. One such study published in the May 1998 edition of Palliative Medicine documented the calming effects of aromatherapy on a group of mostly breast cancer patients receiving radical cancer treatment. Their high tension, stress and anxiety levels dropped significantly after treatment. Essential oils have been found to affect brainwaves and alter behavior, though their mechanism of action is not well understood. Scents of lavender and citrus are two of the most often used for stress-relief, so keep these essential oils on hand and rub some into the temples in times of stress.

Do Yoga
Researchers from Kaleida Health-Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, NY, measured whether yoga or listening to classical music or nature sounds could relieve stress. While all approaches worked to some extent, yoga worked the fastest to lower the blood pressure of those people subjected to mental stress. Researchers measured whether yoga or listening to classical music or nature sounds could relieve stress. While all approaches worked to some extent, yoga worked the fastest to lower the blood pressure of those people subjected to mental stress.

Enjoy Aromatherapy
Results of studies using aromatherapy indicate that it helps aid in relaxation and stress relief. One such study published in the May 1998 edition of Palliative Medicine documented the calming effects of aromatherapy on a group of mostly breast cancer patients receiving radical cancer treatment. Their high tension, stress and anxiety levels dropped significantly after treatment. Essential oils have been found to affect brainwaves and alter behavior, though their mechanism of action is not well understood. Scents of lavender and citrus are two of the most often used for stress-relief, so keep these essential oils on hand and rub some into the temples in times of stress.

Aerobic exercise
Physical activity is a great stress buster, plus you'll be amazed by how much better you'll look and feel. In addition to distracting you from your troubles, exercise has an overall relaxing effect. Aerobic activity, in particular, can reduce anxiety, depression and tension. Brisk walking or bicycling for 20 to 30 minutes three to five times a week may be all that you need to help you manage stress more effectively.

Take the stress assessment. This test was originally created by mental health experts to assess the sources and amount of a person's stress. Still in wide use, the test helps identify real situations, ranking them by relative levels of stress.

Keep a stress log
For two weeks, keep records of each stressful event, with brief notes about what happened; where; how bad it was (you can, for example, use a rating system of 1 to 10); and how you reacted.
Elsewhere, keep a time-chart on which you can record — for every waking hour — how happy (also use the 1-to-10 scale), how efficient and how stressed you are. Also note whether you're enjoying yourself.
Avoid excuses or blaming others. While other people and events can't be controlled, take responsibility. Accept the causes and focus on managing stress — because it will never be completely eliminated. While time pressures may be a major source of stress, and you may be thinking, "When am I going to have time to do this?," consider the exercise an investment of time — for more time later, and your health.

Take care of yourself and the stress in your life— or you won't be able to take care of everything else.

Breathe deeply
Simple and automatic as it sounds, breathing — when properly done — can have a dramatic effect on stress management. Yes, there's a "proper" way to breathe — from the diaphragm instead of the chest. When stressed, most people breathe shallowly, stimulating the release of more, rather than fewer, stress hormones. Deep breathing, meanwhile, slows the heart, lowers blood pressure and increases oxygen — and perhaps best of all, distracts and gives you a feeling of self-control. Sit in a chair, inhale slowly with one, long breath, push your abdomen out and breathe out through your nose — slowly. Do it the same time every day; sitting in traffic; or when stressed.

Listen to Audiocalm
Be patient with yourself; peace and relaxation will arrive.

Happy Yule 2009!

2009-12-21T16:47:00.001-05:00

Yule is the time when the old Holly king makes way for the young Oak king. Yule is a time of celebration and rebirth, as the light of the Oak King once again is reborn and shines within our lives and the Goddess, in her aspect as Crone, is reborn as the Maiden. Now is the time for rites to celebrate the return of the Sun and the respective rebirths of the God and Goddess and rituals to guide your spiritual path and honor the lessons learned within the dark time.

Mistletoe, which was sacred because it mysteriously grew on the most sacred tree, the oak, was ceremoniously cut and a spray given to each family, to be hung in the doorways as good luck. The celtic Druids also regarded mistletoe as sacred. Druid priests cut it from the tree on which it grew with a golden sickle and handed it to the people, calling it All-Heal. To hang it over a doorway or in a room was to offer goodwill to visitors. Kissing under the mistletoe was a pledge of friendship. Mistletoe is still forbidden in most Christian churches because of its Pagan associations, but it has continued to have a special place in home celebrations.

The Wiccan God is the Lord of the Greenwood, consort to the Lady of the Greenwood. Known also as Cernunnos, the Green Man, Herne the Hunter, and Lord of the Wild Hunt, he is a god of fertility, growth, death, and rebirth.

Two God-themes figure predominantly in Wiccan Sabbats: the Sun-God theme and that of the Holly King and Oak King. The golden Oak King, who is the light twin, rules from midwinter to midsummer. The darksome Holly King rules the dark half of the year from Midsummer to Midwinter.

The Sun-God rules the seasons. At Yule, he is the new babe, the emodiment of innocence and joy. He represents the infancy of the returning light. At Imolg, his growth is celebrated, as the days are growing longer and light stronger. At Ostara, he is a green, flourishing youth whose eye is taken by the Maiden Goddess. On Beltane, he is the young man in love who takes the Goddess as his bride. Their consummated marriage is celebrated with maypoles and bonfires. At Midsummer, he comsummates his marriage in a union so complete that it becomes a death. He is mourned at Lammas, and at Mabon, he sleeps in the womb of the Goddess. At Samhain, he waits in the Shining Land to be reborn.

The symbolism of the Horned God is also played out the theme of the Holly King and Oak King. The Horned God is the Holly King and the Oak King, two twin gods seen as one complete entity. Each of the twin gods rule for half of a year, fights for the favor of the Goddess, and dies. But the defeated twin is not truly dead, he merely withdraws for six months, some say to Caer Arianrhod, the Castle of the ever-turning Silver Wheel, which is also known as the Wheel of the Stars. This is the enchanted realm of the Goddess Arianrhod where the god must wait and learn before being born again. Arianrhod means "silver wheel" and the castle is the Aurora Borealis. She is the goddess of the astral skies and there she rules as goddess of reincarnation.

Winter Solstice! Winter Knitting!

2009-12-21T10:16:00.006-05:00

I was snowed out of our coven Solstice evening celebration, tretcherous icey road conditions and continuing snows all night made the trip a hazardous endevor. Instead I logged on to Ravelry and Knitty after a long absence. Such cute knittable patterns! I've slotted to knit a couple of shawls toward the Ravelry 10 Shawls in 2010 Challenge, Citron and Bitteroot, a Knotty hat for the mister.

After the (horrid and disappointing) Jets home game (of which we left early at the end of the 3rd Quarter because it was so bad even though the Jets were ahead) my awesome hubby stopped off at Skein Attraction on Teaneck so I could stock up on some Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino. Spun from the finest merino wool, this yarn comes from sheep bred for generations by ranchers in the northern part of Uruguay, where the ideal climate for this breed is found. They like to say, "When you experience Malabrigo Lace Baby Merino, you connect with a very special place in the world."
100% Baby Merino Wool; Approx. 470 yds, 50 gr.

I plan to knit a Citron for myself and one for my MIL's birthday next month. Polar Morn colorway for me:
Water Green colorway for MIL:

I'd like to knit Miss Honeychurch sometime next year; totally missed this pretty sweater in the Summer Knitty being caught up in Plutonian process of babymaking and fertility this year. Looking forward to Pluto crossing my Ascendant in the end of Winter!

Happy Knitpicks Yule to me!

2009-12-18T16:38:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I have no limits when it comes to yarn.

This purchase was actually initiated by the need to make presents, so much so that I bypassed the free shipping to pay for the 3 day express.

I know, I know, what is a knitpicks order without the free shipping? Well, many of the ladies in my family are Capricorn babies so it's January knitting until now until Aquarius time!

Astro Long Term Influences December 2009

2009-12-17T13:33:00.002-05:00

An opportunity ***
Valid during many months: This influence usually represents a time of optimism and positive thinking in your life. You seem to be at a quiet point of balance that enables you to look over the affairs of your life and get a good perspective on them. Therefore, it is a good time to make long-range plans and to reorganize. You should use this time to gain new perspectives through education or travel or by participating in one of the consciousness raising activities or groups that exist now.

This is a time of psychological and physical equilibrium. If you have recently been ill in either body or mind, this influence will help tremendously with the healing process.

This is also a good time to examine your ideals and your goals, for it may be possible to actualize them in various ways now. At other times there is too much tension in your life or too much resistance from others. If you are involved in any movement for reform, now is a good time to take some positive action. Or you might become more involved in religion or philosophy, because you need to know much that is beyond the apparent order of things.

It is quite possible that you will do nothing during this time, because it gives you a feeling of balance but no drive to do anything in particular. You have an unusual sense of ease and relaxation now. This is also a good time to travel, both for relaxation and for educational reasons.

The important point to remember with this influence is that it is fundamentally an opportunity. You will not feel driven by any energies, nor will you feel any resistance to your efforts to do something. You can make great use of this time, but you have to take the initiative.

Transit Jupiter Trine Jupiter,
activity period from end of April 2009 until 23 December 2009

How the universe works ***
Valid during many months: This influence can affect you in several ways, but in any case it will make you feel optimistic and hopeful about the future. You will feel that everything is going to be all right, and that is not a delusion, because during this time you will gain insights that can make your life much better.

You will feel very idealistic but also very concerned about understanding, so your idealism will not get in the way of perceiving the truth. In fact truth is very important in your life now - not so much facts, but understanding how the universe works. Just be careful not to make truth into such an abstract consideration that you cannot experience it in everyday life. However, given that warning, you do have the opportunity to gain insights through the study of philosophy, metaphysics and the occult.

At another level, this influence works to increase your optimism and self-confidence to the point that you are willing to take risks you would not ordinarily take. This may happen through gambling or speculation, or it may happen through getting rid of the elements of your life that you have always depended on for security. You now recognize that they have also limited the expansion of your consciousness, and you want to be free to experience the world. You realize that some material considerations you have thought necessary in the past are now clearly expendable.

You may decide to travel, particularly by sea or by air. However, the main purpose of this travel will be learning, not recreation. It would be best to take a long trip and get to know the land and people without the structure of a guided tour. You need and want direct experience.

Your desire to help underdog elements of society is great at this time. You have a strong feeling of social justice, and you do not want people to get the short end of the stick. Justice, you feel, should be tempered with mercy and compassion.

Transit Neptune Trine Jupiter,
activity period from beginning of March 2008 until beginning of January 2010

Appropriate relationships ***
Valid during many months: This influence signifies a time of severe testing in your relationships with others. The demands of your work or the demands of your personal life will force you to reevaluate which relationships in your life are worth keeping and which are not. If you do not face this challenge consciously, the pressure of events will force you to do so, because people who have been with you for a long time will leave against your wishes.

There is often a strong tendency to build a wall between you and others without even realizing it. The only way you will know is that suddenly you will feel alone and out of touch with everybody. You may feel that you have no support from others, even loved ones whom you have counted on in the past for love and support. This may represent a temporary state of affairs or a passing mood. Or it may represent a serious breakdown in your relationships because of misplaced priorities in the past or because of associating with people who were wrong for you in terms of your personal goals and needs.

In the case of misplaced priorities, perhaps you have paid more attention to getting ahead in life than to giving and receiving love. Or perhaps in the past, fear of your own inadequacies or fear that you are unlovable has made you withdraw from others. Now the consequences of these problems are emerging, causing you to feel alone.

In the second case, the problem is that in terms of your direction in life, the people you associate with are a distraction or are actually opposed to your interests. In this case, no matter how much you love them, walls will form between you and them, and you will have to begin a new life without them.

With this influence several significant relationships will inevitably end. But if you have a clear idea of where you are going, this will not be a great disadvantage. Whatever remorse you feel will be quickly displaced by a new sense of freedom, because you are no longer wasting energy in trying to maintain inappropriate relationships.

Transit Saturn Square Ascendant
activity period from beginning of December 2009 until middle of September 2010

Glampyre Shawl Design Class

2009-12-14T12:51:00.005-05:00

Announcing a new online class with Stefanie Japel, aka Glampyre: Design Your Own Shawl

Registration is now open for the new online class:
Design Your Own Shawl or Shawlette
Class will begin on January 18 and go through February 7, 2010.
This class will teach YOU to be the designer!

First, you'll choose your own shawl shape. Either a four-sectioned shawl like "Frost Diamonds" (my new pattern in the upcoming issue of Knitty) and "Mirth" (the fitted raglan shawl) OR a simpler, two-sectioned (half-square) triangle like many others you've seen online.

Next, you choose one, two, three, or more stitch patterns that work and flow together to create the body of your shawl.

Then, you'll see how to choose a border stitch pattern to tie the whole thing together.

Finally, you'll write your own pattern!(You'll need to find your own testers / tech editors after the pattern is written.)

By the end of the class, you'll have a finished shawl pattern (even if you haven't finished your knitting) that you can share with friends, publish yourself, or even submit to a magazine!

Interested?
The fee for this class is $65 Register now to hold your spot as this class will sell out- I'm signed up!

Cyber Mondays? Yes, There is More Than One

2009-11-27T22:11:00.005-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one Cyber Monday- actually there are three different Cyber Mondays as well as a “Shipping Monday.” According to the National Retail Federation, this means that each Monday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, retailers will further reduce prices in an effort to boost sales.
This year’s 2009 Cyber Mondays fall on the following dates:

November 30 (1st Official Cyber Monday): The best day for shoppers who want to be able to check off all the items of their list. The main advantage is that shoppers will find a wide selection of products (including the “must-have” items) while getting a good discount.
December 7 (2nd Cyber Monday): The day retailers offer deeper discounts, but product selection begins to thin out. This is for middle-of-the road shoppers who have a general idea of what they want, but nothing specific in mind.
December 14 (3rd Cyber Monday): Risk-takers will be doing their holiday shopping on this date. The items they have to choose from are sparse, but the upside is the unbeatable savings they’ll find.
December 21 (Shipping Monday): Generally the last day a product can be shipped and arrive on time before the holidays. This is for the procrastinator – and bargain hunter – willing to trade off selection for the ultimate deal.

iSpin Toolkit for iPhone!

2009-11-12T14:20:00.000-05:00

Handspinners, hold on to your iPhones! iSpin Toolkit is here!

iSpin Toolkit contains:
• Twist Angle Finder: Lay your yarn over the screen and swipe until the lines on the screen to match the angle of your twist. Can be used for singles or plied yarns.
• WPI Gauge: Lay one strand of yarn over the screen and scroll until you find a stripe that matches the width of your yarn. For very fine yarns, wrap around the iPod five times. Can measure anywhere from 2 to 100 WPI.
• TPI Gauge: Hold your yarn over the square and count the bumps to determine the twists per inch. For singles, let the singles self-ply, count the bumps, and divide by 2.
• Rulers: Full screen inch and centimeter rulers.

iSpin Toolkit contains 13 Calculators for all your spinning needs:

• Project Estimator : How much fiber do I need to spin the specified yarn?
• WPI to Approximate Grist: Converts from wraps per inch to yards per pound.
• Grist Converter: Converts between yards per pound, yards per ounce, meters per kilogram, meters per gram, and even miles per pound and kilometers per kilogram.
• Niddy Noddy Calculator: How long is the yarn I wrapped on my niddy noddy?
• Simple Balanced Yarn TPI from Singles: I have two singles spun to 20 TPI, how much twist should I apply to make a balanced yarn?
• Singles TPI from Desired Yarn TPI: I want a plied yarn of 8 TPI, how much twist should I put into the singles?
• Singles WPI from Final Yarn WPI: I want a plied yarn of 22 WPI. What should the grist of the singles be?
• Plied WPI from Singles WPI: I have singles of 18 wpi. What will its plied grist be?
• Fiber Weight to Singles WPI for Length & Plies: I have 7 ounces of fiber, and I want 2,200 yards of 2-ply. what should the grist of the singles be? What will the plied yarn's WPI be?
• TPI from Wheel Configuration: Given my wheel ratio and how many times I treadle for my draft zone length, how much spin am I putting into my yarn?
• # of Treadles for Desired TPI: How many time should I treadle for a given draft zone length and a given wheel ratio to get my desired TPI?
• TPI for Firmness Calculators using either the Mabel Ross or the Alden Amos Method: These calculators use two different methods to determine the final yarn's TPI based on the desired WPI and firmness of the final yarn. (soft, medium, firm, etc.).

Each calculator includes instructions and the formulas used for each method.

iSpin Toolkit also includes a reference section that discusses TPI basics and other topics, plus instructions for all the tools.

Written by Michael Golden, author of KnitGauge and iKnit NeedleSizer iPhone apps.

Knits: Summertime Fling

2009-11-08T07:44:00.003-05:00

Harry Potter Knit Crochet House Cup
Charms November 2009

Repelling and Sheilding
either
Impervius
This charm makes something repel substances and outside forces, including water.
Create an item to repel something for example - water, food, crazy stalker guy, Mother-in-law, etc. Explain what it repels and why you need to repel it.
(and remember what repels one might be welcomed by another)

or

Protego - The Shield Charm

The shield charm causes minor to strong jinxes, curses, and hexes to rebound upon the attacker, or at least prevents them from having their full effect. It can also cause a shield to erupt from the caster’s wand.

create something as a gift to shield the recipient from harm…e.g. someone who gets a lot of colds - create something to help stop them getting colds.

A quick to knit shawl, pattern from Knitting Nation in Nyack. The pattern is called Knittergirls's Summer Fling and shows off variegated colorways in a pleasing drop stitch. Knit from one 400 yard skein doubled of Brooks Farm Ellie from this year's Rhinebeck, this shawl could easily be knit with 200 yards handspun for a lighter loftier version.

Sylvi Flowers

2009-11-01T21:58:00.002-05:00

It's difficult to take a picture of a full length sweater coat by yourself! Sylvi done and petals sewn on.

Angel Oracle October 2009

2009-10-31T08:35:00.000-04:00

CAREER TRANSITION
ARCHANGEL CHAMUEL

You have been seeking career guidance and you are about to enter a period of change. This can be stressful on the surface, as much of the future detail is missing from the equation, but have faith that the end outcome is the answer to your prayers. Pay special attention to repetitive dreams and signs that surround you at the moment, don't ignore them and follow their lead.

On the Saturn Pluto Cardinal Square

2009-10-31T08:25:00.004-04:00

Been contemplating this square for a while now.

It's first hit is November 15th 2009 but I began feeling this aspect approaching for weeks, increased tension, life has gotten harder, pessimistic, provoking, highlighting the need for tenacity and strength.

I'm nose to the grindstone, working hard and playing hard, taking time to create with my hands and spend time with friends, studying and remaining open to the impending changes as the aspect crests my Ascendant- going to run into Saturn and Pluto's arms and let them lead me forward to a new level.

Resistance is futile.
This cardinal square will drag you along by your hair if you fight it's lessons. Mine are 9th/12th house which are actually pleasant concerns but by whole sign, 1st/10th house- which are more tense, applying gathered knowledge in career, working with obstacles, finding calm through the strife.
Definitely a personal revolution.

Astrology Chart Calculation Preparation

2009-10-12T10:23:00.003-04:00

$136.26 later, I've ordered the books I'll need for the Level 1 NCGR Exam.
I sat in on Ken Kimball's Calculation class this weekend and have homework to get to.
I do have what I need to do the homework chart, Marlon Brando. We did the charts for Joan Sutherland, Frank Sinatra and Zsa Zsa Gabor. I suppose I could check to see who else was born that year and calculate those charts for practice with the charts and tables I have already in the packet Ken provided.

The New American Ephemeris for the 20th Century, 1900-2000 at Midnight - Rique Pottenger
$29.95 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock - Amazon Prime: Two-Day Shipping is free
Condition: New
Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
Gift options None

Simply Math: A Comprehensive Guide to Easy & Accurate Chart Calculation - Lauran Fowks; Lynn Sellon
$39.95 - Quantity: 1 - In Stock - Amazon Prime: Two-Day Shipping is free
Condition: New

Estimated ship date for this item: October 13, 2009 - October 14, 2009
The International Atlas, 6th Edition - Thomas G. Shanks
$19.99
$3.99 shipping and handling

AFA Tables of Houses; Koch System - American Federation Of Astrologers
$11.74 - Sold by: seashellbooks_inc
$3.99 shipping and handling

The American Atlas, Expanded 5th Edition - Thomas G. Shanks
$10.45 - Sold by: seashellbooks_inc
$3.99 shippng and handling