Sunday, September 30, 2007

Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others. (Rosa Parks)


It's hard to think of what to write. It's difficult even wanting to write. I don't know how much to share, and what to keep private. So I've avoided posting anything at all.

A week ago at this time, I was at my grandmother's viewing. My children and I had rushed up north to be with her, and missed her by about an hour. Luckily my mother had managed to get a flight the day before. My grandmother died surrounded by her children, and several of her grandchildren. She was greatly loved, and I deeply miss her.

Yesterday I spent the day with my mom. We looked through photos and old papers that my grandmother had kept. I enjoyed sharing the memories and "tall tales" about gramma and grampa. She had kept almost all the letters I wrote her, which both made me proud and ashamed.

Proud, because the letters were well-written and funny. Reading them brought vivid pictures of my children as babies, getting into mischief and creating chaos for me as a new mom. I forgot that I had the ability to write that way. (I don't know why I don't in this blog...I guess it's something I'll have to work on.)

But I'm also ashamed, because in the past few years I hadn't written very often. Thinking about it, my grandmother had given my several subtle hints ("Sandi, I miss getting your letters.") but I just never had the time or energy to write properly. I didn't even mail her birthday card (she turned 89 three days before her death); it's still in my computer bag, complete with stamp, just waiting for me to write a quick letter to enclose with it.

I'm not sure what purpose this I want this blog to serve. When I started it two years ago, I wanted an excuse to take pictures and improve my photography. I thought I could use my posts to concentrate on the positive, amusing aspects of life. Then I developed a small audience of friends and family, and suddenly I got stage fright. I couldn't be sure of what to write about, or how. I'm still not.

But I'd like to try to write "gramma letters" - still focusing on the quirky side of life, but with little more style and a lot more often. Please feel free to comment in the future...I could use some guidance.

And gramma -- Thank you for everything you taught me. I love you.


Monday, September 10, 2007

I'm lazy. But it's the lazy people who invented the wheel and the bicycle because they didn't like walking or carrying things. (Lech Walesa)

I just had to share a blog entry I found it when I was looking at photos of the I Love Gansey socks that I'm working on for the Six_Sox Knitalong. This project is exactly the sort of thing I would have done when my kids were little, had I thought of it!

Grandma's Mop

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Life...is like a grapefruit. It's orange and squishy, and has a few pips in it, and some folks have half a one for breakfast. (Douglas Adams)


My daughter is working on her autobiography for a school assignment. It's really upsetting her.

"How can I write a conclusion? My life isn't nearly over yet?"

Then she wanted to know how it was going to be graded. "What if my life is only worth a D? I've never done anything exciting enough for an A!"

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it. (Bob Hope)

Things that I have been reminded of today:

1. God has a sense of humor. Which is a darn good thing, since it makes life absurb rather than merely pathetic.
2. Be careful and kind when talking about others. Because things have a way of coming back at you, in ways you never expect.
3. Children can be a real pain in the neck. Or they can be so terrific you think that you're going to just burst with pride. Either way, you're stuck loving them.
4. Dogs stink. But wet dogs stink worse.
5. Extra large cappuccinos are meant to be sipped and enjoyed. If you gulp them down, you get the jitters.
6. Don't leave the room or even turn your back during committee meetings (per the new vice-chair).
7. The only time you need your phone for an emergency is the day you forget it on the kitchen table.

Monday, September 03, 2007

We learn the rope of life by untying its knots. (Jean Toomer)


I had planned on posting my "in process" sock picture to the KAL I belong to. But I made the mistake of setting the knitting down on my bed for a moment while I went into the bathroom. My darling Millie found the sock, and decided to add it to her collection of chew toys.

Luckily the yarn was not damaged too badly. Although after six hours (on and off) of untangling, the yarn is still a horrible mess. My son is keeping the dog in his room, although he won't say whether he's trying to protect my yarn or the dog.