Reflective

Today I'm feeling reflective ...

I'm looking at the counter on my Journal and realize I've had over 3000 visitors since I first started sharing my crochet thoughts in January.  And over 20,000 visitors to my website since I first put it together in 2001.  I'm honored and humbled that you visit with me.

To think back to 2000 (the year, not a counter) when I took my first step towards teaching crochet ... the journey that I've been on, and the people I've met ... it's been amazing!!

From the first time I met Ruth -- She's my "right hand" ... a lady with a great since of humor that went from being a true acrylic user to one that is now experimenting with different fibers.  I love our IM chats and times we get together.

From the first time I wrote to Rose -- and finally got to meet her ... she's a lady that's quick with the smile and does the most gorgeous thread crochet (... and she even reminded me yesterday of the many crochet items I need to have completed in time for the upcoming Conference!  You gotta love when another crochet enthusiast helps keep you on track!)

From the first time I met Gracie -- and got whisked away for a fiber adventure ... she's the one that's always telling me I should have a map but be willing to go out on my own ... I like to think it's a metaphor for life ... something I witness her doing all the time

From the first time I met Barbara -- and was taken away by her sweetness, grace, and stunning freeform crochet work.  The way she seemingly always has that twinkle in her eye, and keeps her crochet group inspired is awesome.

From the first time I met Haley -- and then her new daughter, and watched her take each new lesson and turn it into a project that fit her needs.  She's a designer in the making, and I enjoy telling her so.

From the first time I met Dottie -- the only lady I know that can tell a story about taking a picture of a deer and make it a riot!  The way she cares for her family, even if it does cut into her crocheting time is commendable, and I admire her for it.

From the first time I met Ritu, and her daughter -- together they are a knitting & crocheting duo.  Each time I see them, they are pleased to show their latest creation, and of course, I am right there to enjoy every juicy detail they tell J

So today I am being reflective of the many that have enriched my life.  There are so many of you that it would be impossible for me to keep listing ... but I do reflect upon you, and how you've added to this fantastic fiber journey I've been on, and I thank you for the enrichment, the experiences, the fun, the friendships! 

No matter what your skill level is, from beginner to professional, I look forward to future adventures with all of you, be it online or in person. J

Cartwheels

On June 22 I wrote about my thoughts of "work" and even consulted the dictionary to ensure what I do is considered as "work" rather than fun. (Click Here to see that Journal Entry) So when I come back to do a double entry for the day in my Journal, you know the dirt I'm about to dish out has got to be good! J

First, let me just say that I am still estatic!

So what happened, you ask? OK, OK, I'm getting to it!

Today, at work, I received a most wonderful surprise!!  This afternoon, as I was in the middle of teaching a fantastically fun class -- with each student working on their own project, laughing and giggling and having fun -- I turned around and had my jaw drop to the floor! (Truly!)

There standing in front of me was Kathleen Power Johnson, greeting ME!!  Kathleen, A NATIONAL Level Crochet/Knit Instructor was there to see ME!!  Although I stood there with my mouth hanging open, I managed to greet her and welcome her to the store as one should, but my mind was doing cartwheels of joy!  (Yes, as a matter of fact, I can do cartwheels for real, but that's another story for another time!)

So how did this come to take place?  (no, not the cartwheels; Kathleen stopping in for a visit!)

I had met Kathleen for the first time last summer when I took her class called "Copy Cat Crochet" at the 2003 CGOA Conference that was held in Chicago.  Well, Kathleen and I exchanged emails a few months back when I elected to sign up for her class called "Knitting for the Complicated Crocheter" that she's offering at the 2004 CGOA Conference (my email to her was more like me sending her a warning that I might be a challenge to teach knitting tobased on my last attempt), and it was during these email exchanges that I learned on occasion she visits Stamford -- so, I invited her to stop in the store sometime and say "Hi."

              AND SHE DID!!   (cartwheel, cartwheel, cartwheel!)

I'm sure I sound like a kid set loose in a candy store ... Oh, I was just absolutely THRILLED that she stopped in, and hope she does again the next time she's visiting from Florida.  She's so nice!!  In the meantime, I'm looking forward to seeing her again in three weeks ... at the Conference ... J

                                (cartwheel, cartwheel, cartwheel!)

Acronyms and Update

C  Crocheter
R   Radical
O   Original
C   Conversationalist
H   Happy
E   Entertaining
T   Terrific
W Wild
I    Irresistible
T   Technological
H   Helpful
D Dreamy
E Exciting
E Enthusiastic

Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com

 

As you can see, I had a little bit of fun this morning getting an acronym for my "CrochetWithDee" name.  I do want to point out that if you use the generator to get your name done, it will come out in color (AOL Journals do not digest HTML coding well), and if you have the letter "H" in your name, it will say "Handsome."  I'm not a man, nor do I think of myself as handsome ... so as long as I'm confessing to altering the results of the generator ... you won't get "Crocheter" for the letter "C" either.  (LOL)

It's been a well deserved little break I've taken from crochet, but my hands are now itching to get to work.  I have two weeks and three projects to get done ... maybe four, but I'll get into that another time.

I do want to note, as I prepare for "work" today, that I have updated two of my webpages:  I added another crocheter to my "Famous Crocheters" page; and I've added two links on my "History" page (one on snoods, and another on how to make crochet hooks) -- you can visit my website at  www.CrochetWithDee.com to view them.

...desire to be...

"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."
- Robert Frost

OK, now lets change that to reflect how we really feel ...

"Crochet is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly created."   
~Dee Stanziano

This morning, as I drink my first cup of coffee, I am mulling over my CGOA Registration Confirmation and the homework assignments that I just received.  While I am disappointed that my class with Nancy Wiseman has been cancelled, I am thrilled that the event is only three weeks away -- and that the CGOA has asked me to host their Pizza Party at the event with Nancy Brown, author of the book Crocheter's Companion. 

I got all the classes I requested -- and this means a trip to OfficeMax for a few supplies:

Medium/Large Notebook

clear notebook folders

page protectors

business card page holder

Index tabs

Why?  Good question!

Last year, when I attended my first CGOA Conference, I created a notebook that helped me be organized.  I had so many events to enjoy that I didn't want to waste a single moment looking for the various items I would need for each class.  So I came up with this notebook idea and it worked out quite well! 

For each class, I had the Materials Fee in an envelope with my name on it (so the instructor knew I paid); I had the homework sheet, along with the homework pieces  I worked up right in the notebook; I had blank pages in-between each class for note taking; I had a page that you insert business cards into; a page of pictures featuring works I've done; and the Conference Brochure.

I toted this notebook from class to class; inserted all the handouts in the appropriate place; inserted the business cards I collected, and so on.  I received many compliments on it, and today it's become a handy reference book.  "Conference 2003?  Oh, sure, I have it right here!"

So, I'll be doing this again this year.  J

"Getting organized is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly stress free."
~Dee Stanziano

Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata

What a beautiful ceremony it was!

The Bride was in radio contact with the Groom getting the latest weather reports ... will it be raining causing the ceremony to take place inside, or will the skys clear to allow for an outdoor ceremony?

On the night of rehearsals, I told the Bride that her situation was much like my and my husband's Wedding Day, where the night before was all rain, with more rain in the forecast.   But when we awoke the next morning, the rain had cleared and a most beautiful day appeared allowing us to have our wedding outside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  

And this is what happened for their day too!   Just five minutes before the ceremony was to take place, the Ushers ran outside with towels in hand to dry every chair.   People arrived, took their seats, and waited with great anticipation for the wedding to start.

I wore a simple black dress with a wrap I had finished early Friday morning.   The wrap, in colors of blue, green and pink (colors inspired by our trip to NH -- the green mountains, the blue-blue lakes, and the pink sky), was made with the stitch called Mophead with ribbon yarn.   It was outlined in chinchilla, and eyelash yarns, with light purple beads hanging from the ends, glistening.

I had brought the beaded shawl I had crocheted for wearing to my son's graduation and had wrapped my daughter (the Flower Girl) with it going from the car to the building to keep the rain off her beautiful dress.   While I was inside I assisted the Mother-of-the-Groom with pinning on her corsage.   She was wearing a long black dress and was concerned about catching a chill.   I offered her the use of the shawl, and it was a perfect match -- the colors played off her black dress and flowers as if it was custom made for this day.  

The ceremony started ... The Groom and the Ushers took their places, and the ladies began their walk down the aisle.   Then right before the Bride, my son & daughter took their walk.   My daughter, looking like a princess, sprinkled petals from daises on the walkway, while my son, looking so dapper in his tuxedo, proudly carried the crocheted pillow with the rings securely pinned in place.

The Bride, with a beautiful smile on her face, was stunning.   Her father was proud as he walked her down the aisle.   The Groom was swept away by this moment.   You could see it in his eyes.   (How romantic!!)  The handoff was made and the exchange of vows began.   At the point of exchanging rings, they turned towards each other and held hands.   On the Bride's left wrist, hung the crocheted amulet bag.   The blue cameo that was sewn upon it, showing.   (I wonder what items she had tucked inside of it)   You could see that they are so much in love.   Even the Pastor said that he had never married a couple more fitted for each other!

After the ceremony and the pictures came time for the celebrating.   Everyone had a great time.   At one point they came to do the Garter Belt -- and I had heard the DJ say that it was custom made, but I did not hear that he had said "by their Aunt."  My husband, as I type this morning, was sharing his recollection of the events and said this.  I'm honored.  My SIL who wore my crocheted shawl said she received many compliments on it; even her husband commented how much he liked it, and especially the tassels that hung from each end.

It was a fabulously wonderful sunny day -- a great day for this couple to start their lives together!

Congratulations Jeff & Courtney!!

Wedding Day

Today is the day.  The day my nephew takes a bride.

How can it be that this charming boy, that I've grown to love since he was four years old, has turned into a charming and handsome young man that will take a bride today?  It doesn't seem like too long ago when my husband would toss him, giggling, in the air with him begging his Uncle to "...do it again! Do it again!!" 

The young lady he's chosen is a doll ... she's thoughtful, caring, and beautiful.  She's concerned about today's weather as they hope to be married in a gazebo today.  The forecast is rain.  So I went in search of an Italian proverb and found one:

"Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata"
A wet bride is a lucky bride (referring to rain on the wedding day)

So, now it's time to get ready for the ceremony.  My children are in the wedding party.  our daughter will be the Flower Girl, gently tossing petals from Daises in the aisle; our son will be the Ring Bearer.

Did I finish the Ring Bearer's pillow?

Absolutely!

It took about 30-40 hours to create, and I love the way it came out.  It has dangling crystals in each corner, with white ribbon going around on the edge, complete with beaded edging.  I hope to get pictures (upclose) of it today with my son's tuxudo as the background ... 

In the meantime, if you're interested in Italian wedding traditions and proverbs, you may want to visit this website: http://www.virtualitalia.com/articles/wedding.shtml

SpotLight: Beverly Sills

 

  Spotlight on Beverly Sills

 

For years now, I've had a quote of Beverly Sills on my resumé.  Why?  Because I liked it so much that decided to adopt it and try to live by it.  She said,

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

Has the quote ever done anything for my searching for employment?  Yes ... I actually had an employer inquire about who she is (click on her name above next to the spot light if you're currious) and how it relates.  Yes, I got that job!

Now, we can apply this fantastic quote to our Crocheting as well:

How will we know if we'll like crocheting unless we try it?

How will we know which crochet hook we'll like best unless we try it?

How will we know which yarn or thread we like best unless we try it?

How will we know which crochet technique is our favorite unless we try it? 

How will we know how to read a pattern unless we try it?

How will we ever write a pattern unless we try it?

How will we ever teach crocheting to another unless we try it?

Now I am sure you can come up with other examples of how this quote can fit into your life as well.  The key to this quote is to try.  It is to try it and educate yourself on how you feel and think about it regardless of age, gender, or income.  The key is to try!

I hope there's a "Beverly Sills" out there that inspires you too ... if so, please share!  The person does not need to be a crocheter (I have no idea if Beverly does or not) -- it just needs to be someone that inspires you to reach for more be it in your crocheting, your personal or professional life.  I'd love to hear from you! :)

In closing for today, I'd like to leave you with another one of her great quotes to ponder about:

I really do believe I can accomplish a great deal with a big grin, I know some people find that disconcerting, but that doesn't matter ~Beverly Sills