C is for Challenges - 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge

C is for Challenges in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

Having decided to take the plunge and enter the 2012 Writing Challenge, I began thinking about the challenges we give ourselves. Challenges force you to dig in and, hopefully, make yourself better. And, I don't mean better for anyone else. I mean, feeding the you that no one sees but begs for improvement. I welcome this challenge because I've become lax in keeping this blog current, it's Spring and a time for new beginnings, and, it seemed only right to take the plunge.

But, why do we challenge ourselves? Is it really for personal achievement? To gain the approval of our peers? Or, for public recognition? I would like (I WANT) to think it has more to do with personal goals. [ASIDE: That's not me on the snowboard, by the way...]

From childhood, I have given myself five-year goals. I have achieved most of them; albeit, never by the direct approach. But, my subconscious knew the plan and was able to direct me towards where I thought I might like to be, or, at least, close enough to see my goal. Then, I could decide if I  I really wanted to achieve it or change my course. Bear in mind, none of these goals were earth-shattering, like, curing bad breath or developing webwings for personal flight -- just your everyday curing cancer, creating world peace, fitting into last year's pantsuit, kind of goals.  Point being, I had goals and was able to take advantage of any learning resources that came along because I already had a direction.

That said, life goes on and it's time to face the goals of old age. I seem to have relaxed in my sunset years and my challenges have become less monumental -- you know, running the 1K race, trying to eat with a new crown (molar, not monarch!), or, staying awake through the whole movie. (The Gentleman Caller and I have an agreement to nudge each other, should non-editorial snoring start!)  A more immediate goal is to make it through this 2012 Challenge!

If I'm still alive at the end of April, I can do a recap. It's just that I don't make five-year goals, anymore. Don't want to tempt the Fates by presuming that I can still plan my life in five-year patterns. How do you approach challenges? Do you set goals or let life just happen?





For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #424 in a group of 1862 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It coud even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

B is for Blogging - 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge

B is for Blogging in the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge.

Blogging is fun, for most people, in the beginning.  It's a way of sharing a sunny day with those who can't be there because they were busy doing something else when you all got together.

But, it's a job -- an unpaid job. Most bloggers will fall by the wayside after the first few months or by the end of a year because it is a job. Or, they've been sucked into the dark side...  because, blogging is not journaling, not in the real sense. They've found that it's very difficult to keep their blog from unwanted visitors. Newbies, especially, don't have the skills to figure out ways of keeping everything private and, before you know it, they've shared more than other family members want known and, if too much, will find themselves in a hornet's nest of anger, jealousy, and, even, isolation. Family and friends become afraid of being the next topic. 

Those bloggers make a public blog apology and then announce that they are closing down. They may or may not open a new one, but you can be rest assured that the new one is going to be less free with what they think and feel. Is this good? Is this bad?

I think it's good. The blogging world is an illusion; you live with real people.  If you don't have permission to share someone else's life, picture, or story, expect to get into trouble when you step over the bounds. Bloggers are NOT professional journalists. While it may seem your right to vent, spew, or laugh at, other people's mistakes, problems, what-have-you, you have no business sharing it. Blogs never go away, even if cancelled. There's always a way to find it. Save your venting for your offline journal. You'll feel much better.




For those of you who have just happened upon this page, I'm Entry #424 in a group of 1682 participants in this 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge! Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It coud even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

It's Here! The 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge

A is for for ambition – and, also, for apology, April Fool's Day, and, anticipation.

We'll start with the apology which is, in fact, an apology to myself, as well as to those of you who have been kind enough to follow my Rockin' Chair Reflections blog. I needed a break and decided to focus on finishing my solar cooking cookbook during the winter months. In truth, I haven't stopped writing; I've prioritized. Please forgive me.

And, that brings me to the 2012 A-Z Writing Challenge. What I love the most about the Challenge is that it brings you back to a schedule of writing, as well as an opportunity to meet new people who share a love of writing. Leading me further to Day One and…

AMBITION! Nothing compares to the anticipation of completing a challenge that, at first, appears to be lots of fun. It was exciting to receive notice of the 2012 Challenge and my AMBITION was to complete all 26 articles before April 1, having them queued up for publication. "Ha ha ha ha ha ha Ha," the Inner Child responded, losing herself in paroxysms of laughter.

So, here I am, the day before the Challenge, beginning the queue. Other than the alphabetical theme, my biggest problem seems to be my own personal overall theme and wonder just how many of you are facing the same dilemma. What I do know is that I'm very much looking forward to participating and meeting old friends and new bloggers, in addition, to getting back into a writing groove. And, meeting the other 1508 participants will, in itself, be a challenge. I'm #424.

That being said, it should come as no surprise that, today, April Fools' Day, I have taken the low road for posting. Y'all come back now, hear? Because, I'm anticipating a rockin' 2012 Writing Challenge from all of us!

9/11 - The Tenth Anniversary - A Mirror of Time

No picture, today. If you really need to see one, they're all over the net and my pictures are in my heart. At first, I didn't want to write about that day but came to realize that it's a catharsis of sorts and sharing could help. Is there anybody who doesn't know what they were doing on 9/11/2001? I'm sure there are some, but most of us do.
For me, it was just another Tuesday and I was at league bowling. Our lanes have televisions just above the bowlers' section for folks to follow special events and to entertain non-bowlers. You can't miss them. Even if it's your turn to bowl. They're right there, in front of you, until you've entered your approach. Some of us saw what looked like a movie of the first tower being hit and couldn't believe it was real. But, then, we stopped talking to focus on what we now realized was a real broadcast with newscasters who, themselves, were very much in shock. Something was very wrong. They were looping a replay of an airplane flying into the first tower and we had just about decided that it was just a tragic accident when they switched back to live TV and we watched a second plane intentionally strike the second tower; and our lives changed.

We all felt the shock -- the anger -- no, the rage. How dare they, whoever they were? Was this just the start of -- what? Were there more assaults on the way? And, then, I remembered that my daughter was attending her very first business travel meeting in New York -- in one of the Towers, and I couldn't remember the time...

At 9:33a.m. the owner of the bowling alley told me that I had a phone call and I could use the phone at the desk. I was so confused, I couldn't imagine who would be calling me. I was one of the lucky ones, that day. It was my daughter. They had actually met the afternoon before, but were trying to get to a morning flight at the airport when the attack happened and, instead, their entire group was rerouted and driven to New Jersey to meet cars that would be driving them back to NC. She just knew that she had told me they were meeting in the Twin Towers and wanted me to know that she was safe and would be home in a day, or so. It was then I started trembling. She was all I had left in my little family and the full impact of the horror of the attack and the possibility of losing her began to assault my system, and I couldn't stop shaking. I was not alone. We all had to sit for awhile before we finished our bowling with very little talking. None of us played anywhere near our usual game. We just wanted it over so we could get home and make sure all our loved ones were safe. Shortly after her call, most of the phone lines to NYC were jammed or no longer working in that area and I sympathized with those who had to wait for news.

Watching so many families in pain, posting photos of their missing, realizing husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, would not be coming home, made my moment seem so insignificant by comparison. And, yet, it struck me to the core. These are the times when we want the comfort of family around us, where we want to be able to count every loved head in our world and can't rest until we know for sure that they are safe.

As we all know, the news didn't get any better, that day, as more reports came in from other attack sites. We felt the fear of what would be next? how were we going to get even? Where would the next attack be? We discovered heroes within the chaos. It was a terrible time and we were all hungry for retaliatory blood. I discovered that I'm really not a nice person, after all. I don't think vicious, cruel, arrogant, self-entitled people (regardless of how much money they have) should be allowed to do what they want, simply because they can. Ossama didn't care about the people working in the towers who came from all over the world and I wanted our guys to bomb that mountain where he was hiding. I still do.

We've lost too many more of our fathers, brothers, cousins, friends, so that we could fight a nice clean war (What the hell is that?!?) because we're good people. Well, all of America is, except me. They hid that man who killed so many. They knew where he was and did nothing. In my mind, that's the enemy. I didn't like what the mirror showed me of myself, then, and wish I could change. My heart just isn't big enough. And, should the unthinkable (well, thanks to OBL, we can't say that, anymore) happen, again, my feelings would be the same.  

Crocheted Billfold Purse and Coin Holder

I was doing my thing at Midtown market two weeks ago and a young woman stopped by my cotton dishcloth exhibit. (Don't you just love how this generation has discovered and fallen in love with our old-fashioned dishcloths... They work great on ceramic stove tops, by the way.) She fell in love with the only thread combination I don't care for but she didn't want the dishcloth -- she wanted me to make her a "billfold" lined purse with a zipper.

Frankly, there's nothing wrong with this color combination. I'm just a softer beige-type person or blues and greens for kitchens. I told her I would be more than happy to try my hand at it and she would be able to pick it up in two weeks, when I returned to the market.

The exchange was almost done when, giving her change from her deposit, she noticed my personal coin purse and asked if I would make her one of those, as well. Oh, yes! We agreed on the price and I began my design. The fun part was finding just the right perky inside lining material.

This is the result. 

I think she's going to like it because my sister wanted one, also, as soon as I was finished. Now, I know what to do for my granddaughters. The larger purse is meant to be folded over, as well, and then held with the loop and button closure. A strap could be added, too. I suppose; but, we didn't discuss it.

 It was fun to do but I'm not sure I want to add this to my crafting chores. Will have to think about it. What do you think?  But, since I know I'll be doing them, again, will be sharing these with friends at It's a Keeper Thursday: Recipe & Project Linky.  Pop over and check out all the great recipes and projects others have shared and -- why don't you add your own!

From Pretzel Container to Yarn Carrier

 Look what I did! If you follow my other blog, Solar Cooking for Mainstream Cooks, you know that I started taking part in the Saturday morning Farmers Market at North Hills in Raleigh. Well, even though I would love to say I'm overwhelmed with visitors, the truth is that there's time to work on some easy crafts while waiting for the next group. That means projects that can be put down to greet new people, give them total attention, and not worry about losing stitches or where to lay my project. Knitting and crocheting work best, for me, but my knitting carrier was too big for my purpose. What I needed was something to contain the yarn and let it unravel as needed, not take up much room and be light. To help me focus, I was nibbling on pretzels from this gallon container, and fueled with sustenance from the last pretzel, it was but moments when I cried, "Eureka! [Cue: Lightning. Flashbulbs (for my Brownie). Fireworks. The Ascension...] Why not make my own carrier, using this very empty container?"  It's so much easier to be creative on a full stomach; don't you think? 

Grabbing my size H crochet hook and one 2.5oz ball of Peaches N Cream 100% cotton thread, I set to work. End result? A light as a feather portable yarn container that will hold a large ball of yarn that unravels without tangling, with plenty of room to hold my small projects, too. I purposely did not create a hole through the cap because the shoulders of the container prevent the yarn ball from popping out and the cap keeps everything dust free and clean. Best of all, I've saved money, too! The downside: I'm going to have to get some more pretzels...

Gallon Jar Crocheted Cover
Using crochet hook H, I started with a ch 6 circle, then, 12 dc in circle. Row 2: Ch 2, (2 dcs in each dc)* 12 times; sl st in first dc (24 sts).  Row 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, sl st in first dc (48 sts). Row 4: Ch 2, (dc in next 5 dcs, 2 dcs in next dc) 8 times, increasing to 56 sts, sl st in first dc. Row 5: Ch 3, tc in back loop of each dc, sl st in first tc. Rows 6 thru 8, dc in each tc, sl st to first dc.  Row 9 thru 17: Ch 3, sk next dc, (dc in next dc, ch 1)*, sl st in first dc. (filet stitches). Put jar in in cover, gently working it to fit. Row 18: Ch 2, dc in each dc, reducing to 48 sts evenly around, sl st in first dc. Bind off.  Create handle: (SC 7 stitches, ch 1, turn), to create any length handle. Attach with yarn needle to opposite sides of container.

OR, you can do as I did and do this tricky thing. Do not bind off, but turn piece and (sc in next 7 stitches, ch 1, turn) for as many rows as you want for handle length. Cut long tail and, using yarn needle, attach to opposite side of jar.

I'll hope you'll try this for yourself and then share with all of us. Just as I've shared it with the It's A Keeper Thursday folks.   

5 Suggestions for Craft Show Designated Sales Killers, er, Shoppers

Getting Ready for the Visitors

Don't you just love craft shows and street markets? To me, discovering new creative talent in your area and developing a relationship with local produce growers helps to enlarge your sense of community. But I do wonder if you ever think how every purchase you make is helping that local family earn a living?

Even small crafters who decide they are ready to sell their handcrafted items hope to either add a little income to the family coffers or, at least, to recoup the cost of supplies. You will seldom find poorly handmade items at a craft fair. (Unlike a Flea Market with a full spectrum of items from used to the latest neon bracelets.) What you will find is pride of workmanship and fair prices for truly unique items.

But, there's a down side to these open-air markets, too. The simple act of walking through so many booths and getting to know the regular vendors can create a subtle change in the shoppers. It's somewhere along the lines of 'you're never a prophet in your own home town' thinking -- behavior that almost never occurs in a bricks-and-mortar store with bar code pricing on every item. People who don't think twice about buying an item as-is off the shelf have no problem finding fault at a crafter's booth where meticulous care has been given to ensure quality workmanship for the buyer.

I've exhibited throughout the years at many different venues, so I think I can speak from not only my experience but that of my fellow crafters when wondering why some people seem to go out of their way to make remarks that will kill any sales for that vendor. Even though it's not a bricks-and-mortar building, a craft/food booth is, in fact, a business. The items may be limited to a particular craft; i.e., candles, handbags, pet products, etc., but great care has been given to making and/or selecting the best quality and ingredients. These are not people who have decided to have a fundraiser, accepting all donated hand-crafted items regardless of skill but businesses that require quality inventory for year-in year-out showings and sales. Just like their big brother department stores, this is how the vendor makes money and pays for the space, licenses, and taxes, to stay in business. For what it's worth, here are some suggestions for visitors/shoppers when at a craft show or street market.

Please wear your Designated Sale Killer button for identification when:

1. Stopping your friend from buying what they want.

When your friend picks up an item, it's because they're interested. Let them decide whether to buy it or not. This isn't about what you like; it's what they want. If you really don't like the item, take them away from the booth before you start tearing it down. More importantly, if you have not been specifically asked to prevent them from spending their money, don't kill the crafters potential sale because you're not interested.

2. Dismissing the item because you've seen a pattern and can make it, yourself.

We are a nation of crafters. It's in our nature to create beautiful things out of nothing. And, we like to try our hand at different crafts. The majority of craft fair boards have a creative standard that must be met before vendors are accepted as exhibitors. Please don't pick up an item and tell your friend not to bother with it because you or she can make it, at home. There's no doubt you probably could; but, chances are, you won't. It takes time, money, inventory, and dedication to bring a product to the sales table, and most home-made items won't match up to the crafter who does it for a living.  

3. Turning a swan into a duck (Not that there's anything wrong with ducks...)

There is nothing new under the sun -- only variations of all that has gone before. Please don't pick up an item that reminds you of something and diminish it in front of the crafter by saying, "oh, yeah, we did that at Camp" or "I've seen this done with styrofoam and cardboard tissue rolls."  You probably did something close to it in a very limited way with the cheapest possible supplies. The crafter has chosen materials to create a quality item and doesn't deserve your offhanded put down. Of course, if you did do it exactly the same way as the crafter, that's one thing; but, if it isn't, try to think before you speak. Someone else may be listening to you and decide not to buy the product because you've reduced it to child's play.

4. Expecting commercial packaging for handcrafted items. 

You're at a craft fair of handmade items; you're not in Macy's. Commercial packaging isn't cheap and the cost would have to be added to the sales price. Handcrafters produce items that cannot be found all over the country in department stores, unless it turns into something phenomenal like a Pet Rock and demand goes sky high. You will find some crafters who often create unique tags and packaging for their items; but, it's not the general rule. Accept the item in its plastic or brown bag or pay for that special packaging, if it's available -- but, don't expect to get it for nothing. 

5. Monopolizing a vendor friend.

While you may be out enjoying your day at the local Craft Fair or Farmer's Market, please keep in mind that, if your friend happens to be a vendor at same, they are at work. It's wonderful to stop by and say hello but don't monopolize, hang out, or, use the vendor's tables for your own personal items. Customers don't like to interrupt conversations or enter booths they feel have become 'private' and will leave for more open shops. This is also not the time to be making smart-alecky remarks about any of your friend's crafts to customers, like, "oh, I see you've made use of your mother's old chenille bedspread," thinking you're being funny. 

When setting up and breaking down, the vendors talk to each other and, of course, what happened during the day gets discussed. These were the most frequent problems they encountered and wished someone would say something. I don't believe any of the above behavior is done with the thought of killing someone's sale but, unfortunately, the end result is the same. Craft fair behavior is nothing more than common sense and, "Do Unto Others..."  Give vendors the same respect you would expect and make it a successful day for everyone.