Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings

I am grateful : -for my health. I have stayed Covid-free all these months by following the science: mask or double mask, glove, isolation. #IwearbecauseIcare -that the new vaccine that is being administered today. I will wait patiently for those most in need to get theirs. -for my Covid pup, Bobby, who is so cute even when he is naughty! Naughty Nice -that my older daughter & family could spend this month in Florida, even though I miss them a lot! -for Zoom so I can keep in touch. Zoom cookie-baking -that "Darth" (Vader), the fish I am pet-sitting, is  still swimming after 3 weeks! -that my younger daughter lives nearby too. We are a small happy family! -that I found mincemeat, after searching 4 stores, for my annual fruitcake gifts! Walmart came through for me, and again today, with rum extract to use for eggnog fudge! Thanks Google! -that our Indianapolis weather has not been so bad. I am still taking daily walks; and it is even better when the sun is shining!  -for my ...

I've been relatively content since my self-imposed isolation started on March 11, 2020. That's not to say that I haven't had some moments of anxiety, worry, frustration, or fear of boredom (but only fear.)  I am trying my best to stay well-informed by listening to only reputable sources: my Indiana State Department of Health and the CDC. I highly respect Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx; and usually watch the re-caps of their reports rather than the whole Daily Virus Briefing. However, I have heard some stories of others having struggles with this catastrophic event in our lives which is highly unusual and highly incomprehensible! If you are the parent in a household, the caretaker for a family member, or a single person living alone, it is essential that you take some time to care for yourself to restore your strength and energy!  I want to share some ideas for Self-Care that I have used, as well as others I have heard are helpful.

I have decided to take a break today from the influx of every changing information about the virus called "Corona" that is sweeping our nation and creating fear and even panic in otherwise mostly well-informed people. Today marks Day 12 since I decided to self-quarantine in my home. I have only been out to take daily walks walk in my neighborhood daily; and yesterday I took a car ride in  to no where in particular! I am determined to think of only positive things. Tomorrow, I will be refreshed and ready to go back into battle to do the best for me and my family during this crisis of unknown quantity for our nation and the world! I have been playing Kenny Rogers music all day to honor him. His death may not seems positive to you, but after all, he has gotten us through good times and bad for years with his talents and songs. Bless his heart! During this time I have been cooking and baking up a storm! So far it is more fun when all I have is time. Also, it can be an int...

No vacation is complete without finding a yarn store to explore. This happened for me yesterday; just in the nick of time! Casita de la Juera Esther Well-stocked & well-displayed This small shop is chock-full of colorful yarns and the owner is so welcoming. I had to add to the local economy, so I bought yarn. I wish Juera Esther much success! Oh, and I have been crocheting ALOT while here! Here is a sampling of the freeform motifs I have finished. I sat in the plaza relaxing with a strawberry fruit bar (paleta), this dog was laid out in the traffic path sound asleep. Someone came along and petted him, so he decided to move and came near me to lay down again with his head up against my shoe. Cute! This week I learned how to tell when a pineapple is ripe. Pull a leaf from the center top and if it is white and tender at the bottom, you can be sure to enjoy! I've eaten two whole pineapples this month. So delicious! I took...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg October 2, 2019: A proud accomplishment for me - I have completed the crochet collar I will be sending soon to the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her collection! Filet Crochet Collar Detail: Filet Crochet Collar Filet Crochet Collar Opened This is the letter I am enclosing with her gift: October 2, 2019 The Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg The Supreme Court of the United States One First Street N. E. Washington, D.C. 20543 Dear Justice Ginsburg, It is my pleasure and honor to have created this collar as a gift for your collection. I am deeply grateful for all you have done for women and humans everywhere. On 11/14/2018, I blogged http://bit.ly/2Imk8tb about you and showed the prototype of the collar I had planned to make for you. As Founder of the Crochet Guild of America ( www.crochet.org ), I am a passionate crocheter and so pleased that you chose to include crochet in your collection. My dream is to gather...

Sometimes it takes a while to come down from the near-nirvana from attending a Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) Chain Link conference. This year was no exception! It's been a little over a month since I returned; and I'm now ready to share. Firstoff,  I was officially named Founder and first President of CGOA in 1994. That came after 2 years of planning and developing the concept of a guild exclusively for crocheters. Twenty-five years later, we long-time members had cause for celebration; and that it was! From left: Sue Medinaceli, crochet groupie; Claudette Newhall (her sister; Carolyn Calderon , and Sarah Sullivan One of the highlights of the weekend, especially for newbies, is the opportunity to sit and stitch in the hospitality suite or the lobby of the hotel. While doing so we met new friends and re-united with old ones. Nancy Nehring and Me Margaret Hubert, Designer, Teacher, Author and member of the Hall of Fame Committee with me There was a...