Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happiness and the New Year

Dear Fellow Travellers,

As I go into the new year, I think of how I lost my best friends, but gained a wonderful boyfriend. Or at least that is what I have been thinking of, until tonight.

People come and go in our lives, it is only natural, but we are always a part of our own life. This means that we damn well better be living for ourselves. So in this new year, find a new job if you hate your current one, dump bad habits if they bother you, pick up that hobby you have always wanted to try, travel if you get the chance, but most importantly, make yourself happy.

I firmly believe that we make our own happiness and that we control our emotions. This year, learn how to control your emotions, so that you can enjoy every moment of your life. See the beautiful in everything around you, see how even the sad moments have beauty and help you appreciate the good ones, see how even the smallest moment is powerful and wonderful.

Appreciate your life, revel in it, and be happy.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Who to Blame

Let’s start this off with a couple of quick things:

1. This is not my normal type of blog, but some times some things have to be said. Bear with me.
2. I am not debating whether or not it’s Lowe’s right to advertise where they want and when they want, because it completely is their right. I do not deny that. My issue is with their reason.
3. I love comments, but let’s be nice to every one who does decide to comment. Their is no reason for profanity or hate speech to be spread to any one.

Lowe’s has decided to end their advertising on “All American Muslims”, a show that follows 5 Muslim families around in their daily life, because of a plea from the Florida Family Association. This association believes that the show is “propaganda” because they basically believe that all Muslims are a terrorist threat. Because of Lowe’s action in support of the Florida Family Association, a lot more hate and controversy is going on.

Who do we blame for all this added hate? Lowe’s? Who pulled advertising, along with various other companies, because some conservative group complained? Or the Florida Family Association and other extreme conservative groups that probably complained as well?

Personally, I think we should blame ourselves. Looking at the Lowe’s Facebook page and all the comments, looking at all the comments on news’ articles, any one can see the hate seething from both sides. Not every one is hateful, but the dominating voices are extremely harsh and cruel. This show was designed to help create tolerance and instead people have used it to create more hate in this world. However, I am a firm believer in violent language escalating into violent actions. Let’s just all take a deep breath and voice our opinions in a respectful manner to those around us, whether we agree or not. So shop where you like, do not shop where you do not like. It is that simple.

And a special cheers to those who already take the path of respect, even in the face of disagreement.

See More:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/chi-lowes-threatened-with-boycott-for-yanking-ads-from-show-about-muslims-20111212,0,113957.story
http://www.facebook.com/lowes
http://floridafamily.org/
http://www.examiner.com/anonymous-in-national/anonymous-punishes-florida-family-association-for-promoting-bigotry-hatred

Friday, December 2, 2011

Gifting Giving Tips for the Generous Knitters

The holidays are coming and this means us Knitters are winding down our projects and getting ready to package them as gifts. However proud we might be of our work, there is always something a little more we can do to make the present just a touch better.

Blocking
So not every project needs blocking, in fact, those big projects like shawls or blankets, definitely do not need blocking. However, things such as scarfs, which have a tendency to curl up on it’s self, or pieces of a stuffed animal before they are put together, all need to be blocked. Not only to get rid of the curl or to make for easier sewing, but to look better. It’s the holidays, so not only is it time to give, but it’s also time to impress with your skills. Do not let them be downgraded just because you did not want to take the time to block.

Washing Instructions
Odd as it may sound to knitters, not very many people have knitted objects at home and that makes them very unsure of how to care for the gifts. Take a moment to type up a little instruction sheet (making it as pretty or plan as you would like) and pin it to your piece when it’s ready for wrapping. This way there is no accidental shrinking or any other maintenance mishap and they can cherish your knitted gift for a long time to come.

Sweater Stone
If you are giving them knit wear and want to help them keep it looking new, they will need a sweater stone. It will removed those little ballings and pillings that build up from time to time on knitted works. You can get them from any where from $6-$20 dollars. The official Sweater Stone website offers them for “free”, as in, just pay $5.99 for shipping and handling and it’s all yours!


These are three small things, but they show that little extra thought that can just make or break the reaction to a gift.

Next Week: How to Block (If I can do it with minimal damage, so can you!)