a smaller life

tree swings

Waiting for pots to boil at the Baltimore studio. Snow + tree swings = instant fun.

 

 

points of light

 

 

"The continuous narrative of existence is a lie. There is no continuous narrative, there are lit-up moments, and the rest is dark." -Jeanette Winterson

(Thanks, T.)

sometimes other people say it better

"Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you."

— Publius Ovidius Naso (Ovid)

seven years

Thank you, love, for every day of these seven wonderful years.

morning light

 

 

 

decisions, decisions

 

 

I'm sketching out my final ideas for a sweater I've been chewing over for months- until recently, the only things I'd been 100% certain of were that there would probably be an empire waist and that I would knit it in a deep, sensual red. I've finally got a real image of it in my head- and on paper, too!- and I'm beginning swatches this weekend. The real question is: what weight yarn will it be knit in? I want a smaller gauge to keep it light and flattering to most bodies- and also, yes, because I just plain prefer sweaters knit at a smaller gauge most of the time.

Still, I'm open to suggestions. With that in mind, I've made a poll- what better way to make any decision than to ask the internet, right? Ring in! Let your opinion be heard. I want to knit this is one of our Sanguine Gryphon yarns, so feel free to use the comments to be more specific, or to choose the write- in option. 

in which there is only so much time

The incredible Spinster Yarns and Fibers, of Lauraville, Baltimore, is closing its doors. The owner, Andrea, has been a friend of mine for years, and she really made this shop wonderful and unique- with a focus on natural, organic, and indie yarns, this was a fantastic store. Actually- as of right now, it still IS a fantastic store- it should be open for a few more weeks, yet. Andrea is selling everything at 50% off- yarn, fiber, books, Addi and Lantern Moon needles (I totally stocked up on LM needles last week), yarn bowls, you name it. If you're in the area, you really, really should stop by- the prices can't be beat and there is still a ton of haul to be had. The address is 4337 Harford Road, in Baltimore, MD, and if you go during the day, you should check out The Red Canoe, upstairs. They have good, strong coffee and the best muffins in the city.

 

 

 

There's a pretty awesome knit night, too- Saturdays, starting at 6ish. I'm there every week, barring major emergencies and shows. You should stop by. Really, before it's over. We're a great bunch.

(i love autumn so much)

Crisp morning runs, breaking out my sweaters, evenings around the fire, cider, dead leaves, the colors, baking, thick serious soups, sleeping with my window open, working outside, the amazing smell, perfect hair, cream of wheat for breakfast, maple sugar, candy corn easily available in any store I might enter, Halloween, pumpkins, and casting on for mittens. It's all wonderful.

(What am I missing?)

 

Welcome to Rocktober!

 

  

What an amazing weekend. Sam and I spent Saturday working on the house and yard. There's still so much left to be done, but I feel about eleventy- million times better about the state of things than I did on Friday.

Today was pure relaxation, though: the three of us went to Larriland Farms to pick apples all afternoon. We came home with apples and cider and apple butter and dried corn for the front door, and so many plans!

 

   

    

In honor of plans, and apples, and of course, Rocktober!- here's a good part of my plans for the Empires in my fridge right now: apple crisp, the lazy girls' answer to apple pie.

Disclaimer: my idea of cooking is vague and based mainly around the availability of ingredients and how things smell/ taste. When I say, "use a cup of whateverthisis," I mean, I used about a cup of that, most times.

Sarah's Welcome to Rocktober Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

5- 6 medium/ large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into slices (eighths)
1 cup plain rolled oats
1/2 cup white sugar (I use vanilla sugar)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened (preferably unsalted)
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt

Method:

- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine apples, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup softened butter,  the flour, spices, and vanilla. Toss thoroughly in a large mixing bowl and layer evenly in a lightly greased 9 x 12-inch baking pan.
- Combine oatmeal, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar in a bowl. Mix in the butter. This is your crumble topping; spread this generously over your apples.
- Bake for 30 minutes (or until the apples feel soft). Let this cool for about 5 minutes, then dish it up warm with fresh whipped cream or (even better) vanilla ice cream. It should serve 6- 8 people.

Notes:

Some folks like a shot of lemon juice in the apple mixture, but I save that for my strawberry- rhubarb crumbles. The kind of apples you choose is completely up to you; I love Gala or Empire apples for this, but as long as they’re fresh and local, you’ll win. Head to your local market and grab two pounds or so of whatever looks best.

 

 

Today was my woodturning class at Mark Supik and Company.

I've been looking forward to this class ever since I found a pamphlet for their knitter's tools class on the Spinster corkboard a few months back. The studio is amazing- great space, and the smell of all that wood is just magical. Mark and his wife, Nancy, were so much fun. Even the lunch was terrific- sandwiches from DiPasquale's, the first real sandwich I've had within city limits ever. (I'm a bit of a sandwich snob. I'm from New England- the standard is pretty high.) The roast beef, it is to die for.

I came home with one finished bowl, one partly- finished bowl (I ran out of time), plans to go back soon for their weekend workshops and just reeking of woodshavings. This was exactly what I needed to finish out a stressful week- something simple, relaxing, and messy.

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

I'm still processing all of this week's events- letting go of the fear of a tumor, trying to puzzle out what exactly a not- yet multiple sclerosis diagnosis means to us and our future. It all feels very surreal, almost as though it's not actually happening. When I list off my symptoms it all sounds very scary- and frequently it is- but right now, sitting in my living room I feel just fine, which just doesn't line up with the image in my head of someone with MS. I suppose that image will need some adjusting. In the meantime, I self- medicate with old seasons of Mad Men, Victorian literature, loads of knitting and strong, strong coffee.