Mocha Dai

Another teaser. I made a few of these belts ("dai" is "belt"). I love them! They have a really fun texture and are one size fits many. They seem to be a hit with the teenage crowd, which is pretty cool. I'm going to make a few variations, different colors and textures, maybe you'll find one you love.

Setting up this shop is a bit of work. I had to push back my deadline a week, but I'm still crocheting, and experimenting with different techniques and styles. Everything I sell has to be my original design (or something in common use, like a granny square) so that is also challenging. It is a great feeling though, when something I've been working on (and frogging, yarn speak for taking out and starting over) finally comes out nice! I've tried a lot of new things in the past few weeks: wire, beads, thread, fishing wire, and hemp, to name a few. Even after I get the shop set up, I will be adding new styles as I become more comfortable with different materials and techniques. A little scary, but exciting too.

Online Store

I finally started to set up my Etsy shop! I'm still taking pictures, so the shop is empty. But here is a teaser for all of my faithful blog readers:

The Citrus Collection

The Newspaper Collection

And here is my first custom order. She wanted a pair to match her work uniform.

That is just the jewelry. I also have belts, hats, scarves, and a baby blanket or two. So, get those bank accounts in order, my etsy store is coming soon!

It's been a long time

I've had a busy summer. Lots of traveling...by plane, train, automobile, and even coach (bus). I attended the long awaited for union of my oldest friend and her husband (CONGRATS Mrs. H! And Mr. H too.) I've packed and unpacked, moved lots of furniture, had a yard sale or two and spent time with the family. I went to look at schools with my sister, spent some time with my goddaughters, saw my friends, and reconnected with a person or two. And that's not all. My baby celebrated his first birthday, and he is running around, calling me by my nickname (instead of mama) and generally giving orders. He's a blast! I've contemplated where in the world we are going to live, applied for about 50 jobs on three continents, and made a few decisions.

One of the most exciting decisions is that I'm going to sell crochet accessories. Yay! I know some of you have been waiting a LONG time for me to come to that decision. Thank you for your patience. I hope that I can have your continued support (and purchasing power). For now, I'm going to stick with women's accessories, and I will definitely have some organic and natural stuff for the "crunchy" crowd, like myself. There might be a few baby blankets and other items, for those of you that really want one of my lovely handmade items for your little one. I do have a deadline, which is fast approaching, so keep your eyes open for the launch of my etsy store.

So far, I've made some belts, a few hat and scarf sets, and earrings (thanks for the suggestion AT, they are not easy to do but they are cute!). Is there anything else you all would like to me to make? Those of you that know me personally have an idea of the kind of stuff I make, feel free to make suggestions (or requests). And for those of you that don't know me personally, I will post some pictures in the next day or two.

I'm going to pick up a hook and some thread, and get to work. Until the next posting, be well.

Color of Change

Dear friends,

Two weeks ago outside Philadelphia, sixty-five children from a summer camp tried to go swimming at a club their camp had a contract to use. Evidently, the club didn't know the kids were largely Black.

When the campers entered the pool, White parents took their kids out of the water, and the swimming club's staff asked the campers to leave. The next day, the club told the summer camp that their membership would be canceled and that they would refund their money. When asked why, the club's leader said the "kids would change the complexion ... and the atmosphere of the club."

A "Whites only" pool in 2009 should not be tolerated. The club's actions appear to be a violation of section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act. Whether or not any laws were violated, a "Whites only" pool should be something every American condemns.

I've just joined ColorOfChange.org in doing exactly that -- will you join me, and email your friends and family asking them to do the same? We're also calling on the Department of Justice to evaluate suing the facility under federal law. It takes just a moment to do both, here:

http://www.colorofchange.org/swim/?id=1550-910789

Obama is President but that doesn't mean that suddenly all is fine when it comes to race in America. This is a vivid reminder of what we know still lies beneath the surface.

We all know stories like this one -- similar incidents play out quietly every day in different communities across the country. The difference in this case is that folks got caught and there was a contract in place that makes for a potentially illegal act.

Standing up now isn't just about making things right for these kids in Philadelphia or bringing consequences to this swim club (called the Valley Swim Club). It's about creating a climate of accountability everywhere. If we can publicly shame the Valley Swim Club and hold them accountable for this incident, it will make others think twice before engaging in this kind of discrimination.

Please join me in condemning the Valley Swim Club's blatant discrimination and calling on the Justice Department to investigate whether they violated civil rights laws. And please ask your friends and family to do the same.

http://www.colorofchange.org/swim/?id=1550-910789

Thanks.

Here are some links to more info:

"Pool Boots Kids Who Might 'Change the Complexion,'" NBC Philadelphia, 07-08-09
http://bit.ly/90Zyr

"60 Black Kids Booted from Philly Pool For Being Black -- Speak Out," Jill Tubman at Jack and Jill Politics, 07-08-09
http://bit.ly/GkJTs

"Valley Swim Club: Day Two," Adam B at Daily Kos, 07-08-09
http://bit.ly/qbpSA

"Section 1981 Summary," Employment Law Information Network
http://www.elinfonet.com/1981sum.php

Inside Story - United China? - 08 July 09

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time

A little bit of China

I read this today on the New York times website. Figured I would share.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/06/04/world/04twitter.full.jpg

The two-nine's have it!

Birthdays are for me what new years are for most people. A time during which I reflect on the past year, and think about my future. I don't make new years resolutions, or birthday ones, but I do take the time to think about what a blessing it is to celebrate another year of life.
This time last year, I was focused on the life growing inside of me. I had just returned to the States from China, so that I could give birth at home. I was still adjusting to the time change, the attention and support of my family, and was making post-baby plans. This year, my son is almost one, and I am amazed and awed by how much has changed in the last year of my life. Not only motherhood, but I have changed and grown a lot in the past year. I did not think I would be in the US this long, but hindsight is 20/20 and I am grateful that I've been able to develop my skills as a lady of leisure...and earthy mummy.
It has been an interesting, and in many ways, challenging, year for me. There have been some moments that I would rather forget, and others I will remember for the rest of my life. All told, it has been a good year, as all of my years have been, and for that I am truly grateful.

On the road again

We are on the road again. So, this is a quick update.
I love the play areas at Tampa Airport! The next time I'm there, I will take a picture and post it. I took my son there and let him run around until he practically fell asleep mid stride. It was hilarious. He recently learned how to walk, and still trips on his own feet sometimes. He was so tired that he tripped, and just stayed down. I got him up, kept him up for a few minutes, and then we boarded the plane. He slept for most of the flight. It was great. Business class seat, sleeping child. One of my best flights in years (second to International First/Business Class which we used to do when my mother worked for the airlines). The only good thing about all these stupid fees for bags and such, is that a business class seat (when you don't have to pay additional to check bags) is sometimes only a little more expensive than a coach fare plus all of the fees. So, because I check bags, it is worth it for me to give the extra money ($30 this time) to upgrade to business. A wider seat for me and the little one, better drinks and snacks (hey, it's all we get these days) and an easier experience overall. Bon voyage!

Pictures

Four dozen vegan cupcakes.
I made plain chocolate, chocolate chip, Oreo®, double chocolate chip, strawberry swirl and double chocolate chip Oreo®. I'm moving on to cookies next...

My newphew's "rastaman" cap. My SIL wants to learn how to crochet so she can make more of these for her son. So I made this one as the test run, so that I can teach her how to do it. Not bad considering how long it has been since I last crocheted. I used to be pretty good, good enough to make money from it...I made this while watching CSI, so maybe I can pick it up again.