Friday, May 29, 2009

Elephant Tree



So many names on this Elephant Tree
Old nearly ancient, majestic and tall
A mark carved for love, lasting and strong
These are scars to bare proudly,
The deep gutted things
For in part though it's painful
The essence is gold

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Comfy Toes!

As has been mentioned, I have been knitting socks for Miss Death. Well, the toes of the first sock are complete and are very comfy. I don't say this lightly either. I am very particular about things that go on my feet, or anywhere for that matter. These socks though are very soft and ever so comfy. It's due I think to all the alpacas the put in them. 25 in each. *nod* Very soft.


Sunday, May 24, 2009

The Oncoming Storm

The wind that begins rustling through the leaves like a huge instantaneous puff of air, it is there for but a moment before the complete silence returns., The trees shuffle slightly, so serene. Again that shuffling sound is heard, though this time, with the slight pitter pat. A drizzle has started, but like the wind it is short lived, barely reaching the ground. In the distance can be heard the drums of someones party; they just add to the affect. Again, the wind and drizzle move the leaves. The patrons of the path wary of the eminent wetness begin to head back to their relative abodes when distantly a roll of thunder can be heard. It is slight and nonthreatening, but nonetheless the birds begin to discuss the options and merits each posses. More tree rustles and thunder continues after each the trees move. Soon, Now here's the big. The birds begin to wonder as to their relative safety as the thunder is getting louder and closer. The trees continue to shimmy now dropping bits of excess leaf. As to the rest of us, we sit, and await the rain.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

The Shabbos Effect

Kingston Avenue. Main street of the Jewish quarter, you could not find a busier street if you tried. Not in this part of New York. Week long the sidewalks are crowded with people; bochrim rushing to yishiva, men to kollel, women with carriages out for a bit of sun, doing the shopping, and everyone shcmoozimg. The street is packed with cars, the horns blaring, no-one has patiences, everyone is in a rush.

Come sundown Friday, the place is changed. The shops are closed, there is peace. People walk slow and calm, no rushing, no pushing. It's Shabbos. The street is empty but for a few lone cars passing through. The transformation is astounding.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Socks and Crime

I am not generally a people person. As such, last week was rather stressful and overbearing for me, having had more than normal interaction everyday due to birthdays, holidays and engagements. That is not to say I did not enjoy the week, because I did. It is just that it was a bit much. So, when Shabbos came around, after some more, quite fantastic interacting, I stayed in and read a book. It was good times, and provided for a much needed escape from human kind.

What this has to do with the subject in the title of this entry I am sure you are wondering. Well, frankly it doesn't. That is all about Sunday, when both of the above were done. And let me tell you, it was GLORIOUS!

As previously mentioned there were birthdays last week. One of those being my roommate who got married(forthwith and forevermore to be called MRWGM, or CRS as the mood strikes me.) As such, a great scheme was schemed where in I and some others broke into her apartment and cooked her dinner. Though, we didn't actually break in as her husband gave me the key, but still, the concept is the same. It was a huge success and she was shocked speechless and extremely happy.

However, before all of that I went over to Knitmammy's where the depths of yarn were talked and socks were taught. I explored her newly acquired stash from the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival, which is utterly astounding and amazing. Tis a sad thing I did not go, as the more I hear about it the more I find I would have enjoyed it. Alas, I felt I had not the money, and I am probably right. Had I gone, I would have spent much more than I reasonably should. However, Knitmammy is much too kind to me and gave me a most lovely gift. I know have a beautiful skien of variegated polyester fuzz, for which i have many ideas.



As well, I now know how to make socks from the toe up, and so have begun a pair of Wicked Evil Socks for a Stepmotherless Witch. Miss Death the sock addict loved the colours, and well, I just couldn't resist.



Though, upon seeing me work on the sock I have been reasked for a giraffe. So I suppose I should get to that. I might just use the Doctor Who yarn, I'll have to check the gauge though.

I did end up oversleeping this morning, waking from a dream in which I was swimming in fibers and knitting up socks. It made for a very restful sleep, but sadly not enough time to steep a pot of tea before school.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

The Cotton Gin Was So Cool, Too.

I think I am not a huge fan of cotton. Really, I think that is way it is taking me so bloody long to knit this. Stupid cotton. I mean, it's nice and all, but really, does it have to be so unsmooth and noncuddly?

Musical Musings

Last night I watched Virtuoso, an episode of Voyager about a technologically advanced race who had never encountered music. The Doctor is more then happy to introduce them to the concept. The Qomar are fascinated by the mathematics of music and song and spend much time inciting the Doctor to sing for them.

Today I was in the subway and there happened to be a man playing an electric violin. It was absolutely beautiful.

Music is, as the Qomar say, essentially mathematics. But there is something so much more to it. Music is deep and enticing. It speaks to the soul, it comes from the soul. Math, while beautiful and wondrous is cold and fixed(abstractions and number arbitration not withstanding.) The two, math and soul, fixed and flowing, combine and, when done properly, create the most beautiful sounds in existence. Music without soul is not music at all, it is simply numbers.

Tree Thoughts

It is not just the beauty of the trees that has me excited. I adore nature, crave it even. It makes me happy.
But there is something deeper about it that I find almost hard to explain. Walking amongst trees, or in a meadow...it's peaceful and relaxing. More than that, it's wondrous. This is the world G-d created, unadulterated by man, simple and pure. Within the trees, there is no evil.

Friday, May 01, 2009

Knitting Keeps Me Sane

For as long as I can remember I have been fidgety. In order to concentrate in school, not that it was a conscious thing, I would play with Silly Putty. When i did not have it, I had other things, ticky-tak, gum, pencils, all manner of things that I would roll through my fingers and knead. That's always what I did, moved my fingers back and forth between my thumb.
It wasn't only in school for concentration, actually that was a minor bit. When nervous or uncomfortable, I would knead my fingers and wring my hands in full force. Neighbor could always tell where I sat at the table, even if she didn't see me, because of the holes in the plastic from when I stuck my fingers through.
Eventually the Silly Putty disappeared, much to my annoyance, and it was hard to replace. Though at this point I had started wearing my hair up. As such, I had hair ties on my wrist often so I could put it up when the need arose. The binders also proved extremely useful for my nerves, and soon I started wearing two, one for my hair, and one for my fingers. I was never with out at least one, and often people would come to me wanting to borrow it. Still happens, in fact.
Then, I learned to knit. Knitting has been the best thing for me, It literally keeps me sane. I have been calmer, both in regards to hyper activity and nerves since I started. It is also a super productive means of fidget. As well, thanks to knitting, I discovered all this about my nervousness and fidgeting.
Now, I rarely go anywhere with out my knitting. I do still wear a hair binder though, and use it, if rarely for my hair.