Baby Love

My brother and his bestfriend just had a baby...

This is Elliott.

I see many knitted treasures coming to Elliott in the future... I see sweaters and socks and hats and blankies.

What's not to love about a baby?

Running and running and running...

This is a typical view around our Island.

So I signed up for the Seattle Seafair Half-Marathon coming up in July. My man and I are going to run it together. He's skeptical, but I'm already running 6 mile stretches, so what's another seven point two miles? It's very exciting to think about.

Running here is a great challenge, albeit a do-able challenge. The hills are the kicker. When I ran in Florida, it was long flat stretches with an occasional rolling hill tossed in for variety. Here, however, it's nothing but hills! I run a mile and a half downhill to the stop sign, then whip out my ropes and carabiners, chalk my hands and prepare for the grueling run back home! I'll have to get a photo and prove I'm not exaggerating.



But here's the clincher: I do it. It took me a few weeks to make it without having to stop on the middle of the hill for an oxygen break, but the first time I made it all the way back home without stopping, I knew I could do anything.



So I'm going to plan my attack on this half-marathon and run my way to a personal best at the ripe young age of 46. I'll let you all know how I'm progressing.

The Point System

Alright, I know it's not right... but it's funny.

The Return to the Empty Nest

So this is my little Wummie... I started calling her that when she was just born; she was my 'Woman-Child', her brother being my 'Man-Child'. Eventually it was shortened to 'Wummie' and it's stuck around for years. Twenty, to be exact.

Wummie is off to Kona this month to work and go to school at the University of the Nations. She'll be attending the lecture/class phase for a few months, then spend another two months in India and China. She's been globe-trotting since she was fourteen. Europe, Tanzania, India, Madagascar, and now off to Asia. So many experiences for One So Young.

This Woman-Child is one of my Best Friends. We didn't always see eye to eye, but she chose to respect and obey her Daddy and me, and now admits that we were Almost Always Right... at least I think that's what I heard her say. In any case, she never gave us anything but joy, even if it meant smiling through clenched teeth. The past year with her has been so amazing for our relationship. She's seen me through some hard times, held me when I cried, listened to me when I was frightened, and freshened my drink when I was parched. She's even been my designated driver on more than one occasion. What else could a Sad Mommy ask for?? Thanks, Chowdie! Oh, that's another nickname: Chowder. You see, Woman-Child was also shortened to Child at times, and then warped into Chy-old, and then Chowd, and then Chowder... and about ten variations of that. We're big into pet names in our family. I won't bore you with them. Let's just say none of us go by our real names.... EVER.

So, this is just a little entry to my Wummie. I miss her, but hopefully she is going to find the direction God wants her take for the next few years. Wherever that path leads, I know she'll always follow the bread crumbs back to Home and the Mommy who loves her so.

Knits & Pieces

I'm finding some time and energy now for the things that keep me sane.

The first month or so of work left me drained at the end of each day. I've worked outside the home before, but never 40-plus hours a week at a job that is non-stop all day long! I barely had enough energy to eat and fall into bed and so I could get up and do it all again! But I'm finding my balance and working small measures of self-preservation into my days and nights.

I recently finished a sweater and quilt for a friend's first baby girl, Keira Bella. Her Mommy is all-girl, so I figured we better get Keira Bella off to a good start too. Hooray for Baby Girls! Pink is so yummy to work with!

I also finished a lace shawl, but that picture will have to wait. It's currently being blocked on the living room floor.

Today was sunny and about 50-degrees, so after work I took advantage of that little hiccup in the weather and went for a run. I ran for an hour... it was positively theraputic. Running here on the island is like watching a nature movie unfold before your eyes; Deer, birds, mossy glens, new flowers emerging, cherry blossoms on the trees, and the smell of wet, loamy soil.

No news yet on what our future holds here... all of that is still just out of reach. In the meantime I just keep selling fish, running, knitting, and piecing scraps into quilts. Once in a while the sun peeks through the clouds and reminds me of the bright hope that is tomorrow.