About Uberlist No. 2

I want to be more organized and get things done.  I find if I don't make a list and check it twice.  I don't get things done.  Sunday I had big plans.  Instead I spent almost the entire day on blogger exploring what I could do and writing some posts.  This is good because I want to write more and have content for the blog but...you knew I was going to stick my but in there somewhere right?  

I want to get other things done too.  Like the laundry, picking up the house, errands, spend time with the kids and my husband, watch a good movie, knit or spin or something crafty, and get dinner cooked at a reasonable hour.  So I have a basic to do list of sorts.  It helps. 

 It only helps if I use it!  

I didn't use it Sunday.

Enough said.

a random meme

My Name is Samantha

Childhood Ambition - I really don't remember one. Now that seems really sad!

Fondest memory - A special Christmas with my mom and sister when we baked lots of yummy cookies and made a special meal to eat together. When I would travel with my Dad we would sing to Helen Reddy and the Carpenters in the car to pass the time.

Soundtrack --- I'm really enjoying the soundtrack for Juno and I even bought the CD. If you have not seen the movie I highly recommend it!

Wildest dream --- Travel the world with no worres about money. The the kids would get along the whole time and my husband would always know when I was feeling overwhelmed and make sure we found chocolate or some wine.

Proudest moment --- When I managed to get all the things together to travel and live in Europe for 4 months in college.

Biggest challenge---- Balancing my needs and the kids needs.

Alarm clock --- what's that?

Perfect day --- A perfect day for me would be spent in solitude with plenty of good food to eat and my fiber.

First job --- Lifeguard

Indulgence(s)--- coffee, chocolate, cheese, wine, and yarn

Last purchase --- Coffee at La Prima Taza

Favorite movie --- Juno, Pirates of the Caribbeans, Holiday Inn, Like Water for Chocolate, Totoro - Sorry I can't pick a favorite - Howl's Moving Castle... I can keep going but I will stop now.

Inspiration --- my children, all things art, fiber, Ravelry

My life is --- just beginning or that's my ideal outlook

My blog is --- a way to share about my life and my creative stuff

Booking Through Thursday: Playing Editor and Cheif

How about a chance to play editor-in-chief? Fill in the blanks:

__________ would have been a much better book if ______________________.

In general I like a book or I don't like a book and sometimes I think it's a personal issue and less to do with the writing. There are a few books out there that I think needed some tweaking to be better reads.

I didn't care for For Give Me by Amanda Eyre Ward. There was a subplot story to the book that I never understood why it was there. So I think it needed to be ditched or maybe a story from that because I liked the subplot.

I like the Outlander Series. I wish there were a few less rape scenes in the story. I listen to the audiobooks now. That is the only way I can enjoy them now. These books are too dang big. So some size editing would be good too. I know other who love long books like this.

See more answers to the the questions here.

I'm thinking about...

Giving up coffee, again!

Yes, I have done this at least twice. I didn't drink coffee while pregnant with the first babe but I did with the second babe. He likes coffee just a little bit by the way. I quit for a short time after having babe #2 to see if that help with his gas problem. It didn't make a wit of difference so why deprive myself, right?

I quit just before we moved back to Kansas. I didn't drink any for about 2-3 months then started my daily habit again.

Lately, when I get up in the morning coffee doesn't always sound good. I've been having trouble sleeping too. I've been having light headaches more often but I haven't increased my coffee habit at all. If anything I'm not drinking my usual amount which is probably why I am having the headaches.

So here goes. When the half-n-half is gone this week so is my morning coffee habit. I'm going cold turkey. I'll think I'll go get some of that pain killer with the cafeine in it.

I'm going to focus on the pluses with this new goal of mine. I will more likely exercise. I will lose weight since I won't be using close to a quart of half-n-half a week. (I know shocking!) I will save money. Maybe to reward myself I can buy yarn with the money I save buying coffee. I can do that right? I mean I do need more fiber in my diet. No more morning coffee fits better in my local diet eating. It's not like coffee grows in Kansas.

Wish me luck and I'd love ideas how to make kicking the habit easier. I figure I will have caffeine withdrawal but I also think some withdrawal from not having the half-n-half too.

Moaning Meme

I did my best not be to be influenced by others moaning lists although I agreed with many! The only one I read was Tracy's


4 things that should go into room 101 and be removed from the face of the earth.

• racism
• rape
• chiggers - mosquitoes can stay for now
  
• Gift Giving - As much as I love receiving things and let's be honest I like getting things I like but that happens so rarely. So do we need all the things we get or give?
  

3 things people do that make you want to shake them violently.

• When people ask for links to information that is already clearly posted on the blog or forum or they ask for info w/o ever trying to google it for themselves
  
• Fear mentality
  
• Over protective parents
  

2 things you find yourself moaning about.

• That there is never enough money or if only we made ______ (insert amount needed at the time) at the time more a year.
• housework - especially the dishes
  

1 thing the above answers tell you about yourself.

• With the exception of racism and rape which ridding the planet of it would be a very good thing. After reviewing the rest of my answers I probably should get over my dang self and go do the dishes that are stacked up in the kitchen.
  

RULES

• Link to the original meme at freelancecynic.com so people know what it's all about!
  
• Be as honest as possible, This is about letting people get to know the real you!
  
• Try not to insult anyone - unless they really deserve it or are very, very ugly!
  
• Post these rules at the end of every meme!

Consider yourself tagged if you want to moan and let me know and I can commiserate with you.

What book am I?

Since all my friends were doing it I did too. I can be such a follower sometimes.

You're To Kill a Mockingbird!

by Harper Lee

Perceived as a revolutionary and groundbreaking person, you have changed the minds of many people. While questioning the authority around you, you've also taken a significant amount of flack. But you've had the admirable guts to persevere. There's a weird guy in the neighborhood using dubious means to protect you, but you're pretty sure it's worth it in the end. In the end, it remains unclear to you whether finches and mockingbirds get along in real life.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I'm a Star!

Ahh, I feel much better now. It seems fitting with my blog name and all. I like the idea of being a star rather than expendable! Shine On!

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realized

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

What Tarot Card are You?

Take the Test to Find Out.

I'm expendable

You are An Expendable Character (Redshirt)

Since your accomplishments are seldom noticed,
and you are rarely thought of, you are expendable.
That doesn't mean your job isn't important but if you
were in Star Trek you would be killed off in the first
episode you appeared in.

<
Click here to take the "Which Star Trek character am I?" quiz...

My daughter took this too, apparently she is Beverly Crusher


An Expendable Character (Redshirt) 70%

Deanna Troi 55%

Beverly Crusher 50%

Data 45%

Chekov 45%

Uhura 45%

Geordi LaForge 45%

Will Riker 40%

Worf 35%

Spock 34%

Mr. Scott 30%

Jean-Luc Picard 30%

James T. Kirk (Captain) 30%

Mr. Sulu 25%

Leonard McCoy (Bones) 25%

What else does it say about me that I carefully edited the html so I could even post this silly quiz?

Why Fiber Star

I've been meaning to explain little bit more about my blog's name. It's true to some extent I have always wanted to be a star. Now, being the "Fiber Star" means more to me than that.

I call my blog Fiber Star because I was trying to think up a coolish title and to honor what I have learned from my kids, to dream big. When they imagine their future they see themselves as Virtuoso's or Artists or Expert Skate Boarders. They see themselves purchasing the rights to Astro Boy and redubbing it. They see themselves as fully capable of reaching whatever goal they imagine. They don't let their dreams get trampled by reality. They are always the star of their dreams no matter where they are on their journey.

I think as adults we can remember that even if we do need to make sure the rent is paid and there is food on the table. We can still dream big and shine!

The Look

This is what happens to my face when my husband thinks he is funny.

Annoyed at first.



He continues to take pictures of me
then I give him THE LOOK.


He must have said something else so I tried not
to laugh but my face looks a bit tortured.


Okay, okay, I give up!
What ever it was, it was funny.

So Now what?

What do I do about the old blogs?

Do I merge all the posts from both of them to this one? Do I just start over from scratch?

This indecision's bugging me. na, na, na, na...

Ah, heck. I'll move some post over for now.

It's New

Here it is the new blog.

I was feeling a bit divided having two different blogs. My fiber passion, my life and unschooling the kids would overlap and I felt like I had a split personality. Do I share about the kids fiber things on Confessions of a Mother Who Reads too Much or on Fiber Star? Do I share about the cool crochet math connection on Confessions or on Fiber Star?

I hope to heal my split personality by confessing all my fiber craziness, the books I read when I stop crocheting, and all the crazy, cool things my kids do here on the new Fiber Star.

Adorable....I think so....

I am such a cheat. This was an old post from my old blog. I am moving some of the post over but archiving them. This one I thought would be fun to share again and it's a post for NaBla too.

I'm 14 months young without a worry in the world.

Goofy Quiz - Purple Hair?

My plan is to dye my hair when I turn forty. I haven't decided if I will do all of my hair or not and can't really decide on the color but I do lean toward purple and this quiz suggests that is the way to go.

Your Hair Should Be Purple

Intense, thoughtful, and unconventional. You're always philosophizing and inspiring others with your insights.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

I don't mind the idea that I'm inspiring either.

One Skein Questions for C'ville Swap :)

Hi, swap mates and swap partner:) Here are my answers.

1. Which yarn is most like your personality?

I took a quiz recently that suggested I was Mohair. I like mohair but I have not crocheted with it yet.

2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with?

Purple! Then I like burgundy like colors or redwine. I like those colors for ME :) I can crochet with any color yarn I love it all.

3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns?

Variegated yarns yes but magic stripes yarn not yet.

4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns?

Depends on what I am making. I do use lots of Redheart to make amigurumi. I did splurge on some pretty yarn with alpaca and made an amigurumi frog with it. It's so soft. So I could see wanting to get luxury yarns in my future. (After, I win the lottery that is:)

5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn?

center pull

6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them?

I'll try just about anything once :)

7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year?

several amigurumi/stuffies
freeform hat
socks
Bohemian Jacket in Hip to Crochet
a few scarves
book marks
a baby blanket

8. Will you be crocheting any gifts this year?

I want to but sometimes life gets in the way or the muse leaves me.

9. What is your favorite one skein project?

If the skein is the right size then maybe socks. When I need a simple get the creative juices going or to calm my mind I like to make bookmarks and amigurumi.

10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it?

I store my yarn in big(14gal size) rubbermaid bins. I have 4 bins that are full if all the yarn is in the bins. Often the yarn escapes and is in baskets and an extra bin near my workstation.

11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it?

No, I don't thinks so. I really want to see what the fiber can do so I want to use it :)

12. Do you crochet less or differently in the summer?

I find myself less excited to work on the afghan I started. My poor garden is being neglected this year with my new found passion for crochet so I "should" do some gardening and maybe a little less crochet :)

13. Do you belong to any crocheting groups (online or offline)?

I don't belong to any in person groups. I did join CGOA and want to start a chapter here. I'd love to get together in real life with other crocheters. Mostly, I connect with crocheters online at Crochetville and through a few other email lists.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yikes! it's been a month since I posted on this blog. Bad me ;P I hereby promise never, ever to complain again about anyones unposted on blog ever again silently or otherwise. I will not promise to post more reguruly on this blog but I'd like to.

On to me and my birthday:

It's official I am 39 years old today. How do I feel about that?

Amazed , surprised, excited because next year I will be 40!

Why and I excited about that? Excited about getting older? Because I am older, smarter, and more aware of the world. I feel more comfortable in the world and in my body than I did as a kid and young adult. So for me getting older is good.

Now on to some way cool nuber facts on my birthday:

On Wednesday this morning at two minutes and three seconds after one, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/5/06

Another cool number fact: I was born 4/5/67 so when I was 23 on 4/5/67

I love number patterns. Maybe that's why I'm looking forward to 40 because culturally it's a significant age. I remember feeling excited about turning 10 (2 digits!) I remover being excited about becoming a teenager.

I'm also excited today beacause my friend Tracy made me a birthday card on her blog.

Thank you Tracy!

Catching a Rainbow in Europe

As I slowly add all the photos (it takes about 15-20min for each set of four!), I question all the record keeping I do. Where is the balance of recording what you do to the point that you are too much the observer and not enough of a participant? It's hard to seek the balance.

When my daughter Jade was born I bordered on the observer too much. Then I swung the other way and I didn't take any pictures for a while and I regret it now. As I go through the photos of my travels I find it difficult to remember everything. I didn't keep a good written journal of things I did and places I went. Pictures are worth a thousand words but only if you have a good story to go with them. Thankfully, I do have a few stories to share. Yet they often don't have a picture to go with them. Go Figure!

I'm also a different person now so some of the photos have less of a meaning to me now than they did then. I was studying Landscape Architecture at the time so I took lot of photo's of path details and fountain thinking I would use them for inspiration in the future. Some were places I went to take my own pictures because I had already seen them in my classes. Now those same photos although beautiful seem superfluous.

I wonder when I get the chance to go back will I take as many pictures? Well, likely because when I go back I want to share the journey with my kids. Hopefully I will find the right balance of participant and observer.




My girlfriend and I were walking back from visiting a Villa in Florence (I think this is in Florence) and we were struck by the broken glass on the top of this ornate garage door.

Below are just three of the 20 or more pictures I took while visiting Villa D'este, the garden of 1,00o fountains, in Rome.








Just pure luck but the sun came out as were at Villa D'este and I caught this rainbow dancing in one of the main fountains.



A sketch of the same fountain.



This fountain was not working while we were there. I was a bit disappointed I wanted to see it.


Hopefully this is readable. What happened after visiting Villa D'este.

Blast from the Past - My life in Europe

We bought a scanner.

So I am loading up the slides of my travels in Europe and the four months I lived in Copenhagen, Denmark. So far the pictures I have uploaded are kind of random. Just for fun I plan on sharing some of them here. So keep checking back. I plan on adding pics here and there and maybe a few scans of my journals too.

I might as well because it's taking a LONG time digitize all my slides. I have about 800 of them ;P



Pigeons on a Bridge at the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens. I was fascinated with the Pigeons that I saw everywhere.


Brandenberg Gate in Berlin


Where The Wall WAS. I was really excited to where it was although the wall was torn down the year before I got there.


A Zebra from the Berlin Zoo.

More to come soon.

Tagged - I'm it - Four Things

4 jobs I have in my life....

1. Life Guard
2. Swim Lesson Instructor
3. Waiter
4. Garden Maintenance

4 movies I could watch over and over again:

Movies, I love movies when I watch them but I often can't recall much of them or I go blank with the question. Listed below are movies I have watched over and over again but I'd say I am at my limit with them:

1.Shrek
2.Madagascar
3.50 First Dates
4.Totoro

4 places I have been on vacation:

1. Prairie Creek Redwoods in California - Camping
2. Oregon Coast camping with Friends and the kids
3. Sea Island Georgia - luxurious resort with my dad, stepmom, sister, and brother when I was 9 or 10 years old.
4. Paris, Berlin and Prague

4 Websites I visit Daily:

lately it has been:

1. Crochetville a forum for crocheters around the world
2. When I am reading blogs more regularly I often check to see if my friends Tracy or Tracie have something say
3. I'm on a few flickr photo groups and I look through those almost everyday to see new pics.
4. Google - I am forever looking for things new and different

4 of the my favorite foods:

1. Cheese(s) - brie cheese, sharp white cheddar, havarti, provolone, mozzarella...
2. Quiche from Wheatfield's in Lawrence, KS
3. steamed broccoli with pesto and noodles
4. Vegetarian Ling , Ling Pot Stickers
And one more for
5. Rudy's whole wheat thin crust pizza with pepperoni and Italian sausage

4 places I'd rather bee right now:

1. Sometimes I wish we could still be living on the West Coast
2. Longing to get off the computer make my coffee and crochet
3. I wouldn't mind some kind of vacation some where fun as a family
4. Some time this spring or summer I will look forward to a weekend for myself bu home alone. I like where I am.


4 Cars I have owned:

1. Mazda GLC - I drove it for my 3-4 years in college then it died
2. Honda Civic 2 door hatch back. It was my first car with a clutch. We drove that car to when we moved from Kansas to California AND then from Cali to Washington State. That Honda died in Washington.
3. Toyota Corolla - It's pretty old but still going strong.
4 - There is no fourth car.

4 bloggers I will be tagging?

Who will I tag? Tracy tagged me and Tracie who are the only good friends I know with a blog. It's not fair!

So for now I won't

Welcome to Fiber Star

This post was my first post from my former blog which all posts (hopefully) have been moved here.

Fiber Star (because secretly I want to be famous), is my place to share my wisdom and inspiration in my fiber arts journey. My current passion is crocheting.

I'm also learning to knit and dabble in felting, tie dyeing, and low-water immersion dyeing. Currently, I'm dreaming about teaching crocheting and dyeing, selling some of my designs and things I make, and writing articles about crocheting and other fiber arts.

I usually have several crocheting projects going at once. You can see some of my finished work and works in progress if you click on my flickr button on the side bar.

My project list just seems to get longer and longer:

FreeForm Crochet

Amigurumi, crocheted stuffed animals. I have made a few cats which I will share in a future post with a pattern too.

Make myself a poncho.

A baby blanket for my dd's baby doll(s)

A crochet stitch sampler

Make the colorwaves sweater (I already have the yarn.)

My ds wants me to make him a red sweater.

I want to improve my Spiral Baby Cardigan design.

I also want to make some hats and maybe a poncho for a young girl I found out has leukemia.

Crocheted slippers

A crocheted skirt

make the easy going hoodie and make the make an hemp necklace just below.

low-water immersion dye some fabric and clothing that's looking lonely and neglected from Dharma Trading Co.

Tie Dye some socks

Dye some yarn

And more.....