Today I am experiencing a sever case of dawdling. You might think I am hiding from the dreaded African Flower Blanket. And while I might be just a tad, I am really being a very bad girl and not writing up an evaluation for work. I love the little one I should be writing about, it is just that he is getting adopted and moving to Texas, and I am going to spend hours on paperwork that won't even matter in a few weeks. Pointless work but it still has to be done. So instead of being a good girl and getting it done, I am cleaning, chatting on the phone, running errands and reading blogs. You can see that I did not say that I was crocheting, I am dawdling a bit on that one, too. But there has been some progress made, shall we take a peek?
Twenty six flowers are on their way to being done. I am thrilled that I am making progress and can not wait to get to the join as you go section of this project. I am on my way but not there yet. Even though I have visions of other projects dancing around my head, I will not succumb to their desire to distract me.
I did watch the latest episode of Downton Abby last night. Do not be afraid, there will be no spoiler alert here. I have to admit I am disappointed in the show for the first time. Yes I was pretty devastated by Matthew's death last year, I just feel that we do not need to witness even more violence against women on TV or in the movies. The show is superbly acted, I just do not always see the need for this type of daunting subject matter. I knew what was coming, one can hardly have a Pinterest board on Downton and not know what is going to happen. But still it disappointed me that it had to be so extreme. What did you think about it?
As I seem to be focused on D words today I am yet again disturbed by another school shooting today. And really not far from me yesterday a man was shot for texting in a movie theater during the movie previews. A man who was a husband, father, a son and friend. He was shot just because he was texting. Why do we have this insane belief that guns should be allowed everywhere? How many more young students, will be killed just for being in school, a place they should always feel safe? This fascination that American's have with guns really has to stop. I don't want to hear guns don't kill people, people do. You are correct, but people with guns kill people. I am not going to kill someone in a theater with my purse because he is texting. It is so disturbing and so unnecessary and I wonder what it will take for things to change. Certainly politician that stand up for what they believe in and do not get intimidated by gun organizations. If a school full of children getting killed one year ago did not change our thought process on this I am not sure what will. It is disgusting and happening so often now that it isn't near as alarming as it used to be. We are getting used to this type of behavior and that is so distressing.
Now onto something less discouraging, my second Amaryllis bulb is in full, beautiful bloom. It is a delightful, delicious, deep red. And I am dazzled by it's beauty.
Hope you are dazzled by something today, not distressed and of course not dawdling. Now I am done!
33 comments:
Love, love, love your flowers. It is gorgeous, but I understand procrastination on something with so many little flowers. :-)
We, too, watched Downton Abbey last night and I feel the exact same way. No spoiler alert here either, but why can't we just be happy for a change? I don't live a life in la la land, but I don't watch TV to see violence and sadness all the time. It's one of my favorite shows because I love the elegance of the house and to see the beautiful dresses, but I'm not happy with the direction the writing has taken either.
And now, I'm off to make some stew for supper. Sounds good on a winter day doesn't it?
Blessings always Meredith.
Betsy
Hi Meredith, I know all about dawdling and am guilty for sure!! About Downton, I'm certainly with you and did not like Sunday's show at all. In fact, I even had a nightmare about the subject. I just don't think it needs to be included in the show......Guns WHY and it is sooo very sad and senseless.
On a different note, loving your amaryllis and flowers. Great color combination!
Thanks for sharing, xoRobin
I don't watch Downton, but it was the topic of discussion at Monday Lunch Bunch. Everyone said basically the same thing.
Those little flowers sure bring a bit of happy to a not-so-happy day. They are beautiful!
My amyrillis has just poked its head out from the bulb......yours is stunning
It's a crazy world, isn't it? I agree with you about Downton. After last year when Sybil died from the same disease I've barely survived twice myself, I've felt a little wary of watching the show. I guess I just can't find the entertainment in that. And not that anyone, ever, should be raped, but the nicest character on the whole show?! It was pretty harrowing. I hope there won't be more like this because I'm not sure if I can keep watching. :(
I am very anti-gun. We don't have many in this country, and we have a fraction of the shootings that America does. A very simple statistic. Few guns, few shootings. I haven't watched Downton at all, but I think I will one day, I do feel like the only person on the planet who hasn't seen it! I know what you mean about the distractions of new projects. I am pressing on with a very tedious cushion (I may have mentioned it before...) but all the while some new sparkly yarn is calling me. I am trying to resist but I do think I can feel myself weakening.
I am just the same I will do anything rather than settle down and actually do what has to be done when it's its something I don't really want to do haha. At least you have got your blanket out and you are actually working on it Meredith and it's going to be beautiful I can see. Mine will get done but I just need to finish.....
Your flower is beautiful :)
Your blanket reminds me of spring and is very pretty. I haven't watched DA yet this year, I'll have to catch up on PBS website later or when it's on Netflix. I had read early on that what you mentioned was in one of the shows this season and I was turned off. I don't feel like it is/was necessary. I liked the show early on with the beautiful clothing, elegant decor and little family theatrics. And, as you mentioned all the great acting. It was the look into times gone by that really intrigued me. Take care, Heather
Oh I just love those dawdling days where I'm doing everything than what i should be. They always turn out to be much more fun.
I love the colours that you've used in your crochet blanket. There is just something about pink and purple that I find so relaxing and calming.
Rosie
I am guessing you are some months behind us here in the UK with the Downton episode - if it's the one I'm thinking of it caused quite a stir here too. Your blanket is coming along nicely, you've been working so hard! The colours really are beautiful. x
Mere, I'm always dawdling. I think I bossy, boss my son around so much to overcompensate for my own dawdling. I see so much of myself in some of his youthful distracted behavior. I taste the fear and pounce! "Shouldn't you be doing something???" Sigh. I must break the cycle without freaking out.
Speaking of cycles, yes, I agree with you about the violence. I don't know why sometimes I can filter it out, and sometimes I cannot. I suppose I'm getting more sensitive through the years, but I had to walk away for part of the DA episode. I also agree that there is far too much violence in our society. I think it says something more than these are just incidents. (This is all just me spouting, I'm not righteous about it) But I feel somewhere along the line despite all the technology to communicate, we are losing our ability to discourse and disagree civilly. It's a sense of entitlement to feel that you are so wronged (because you are obviously right) to feel you should dole out "justice". Anyhow, I'm babbling now ... Happy Knitting!
I think I've got a PhD in procrastination, so far be it from my to pass comment on anyone else! Your flowers look gorgeous but quite involved with the multiple stitches in each section. I love these multipart blankets but I'm not good with 'projects' as I prefer little things due to my attention span of a gnat. My job involves much report writing too and like you so much time wasted on the just in case it comes back to bite you on the bum type of base covering.
I do enjoy DA but feel less absorbed by it as time goes on as it has become less about ogling the upstairs/downstairs folk living their lives and more about issues and storylines.
As for the gun thing, I think there is something about the proximity of weapons as we often use what we have to hand in situations instead of thinking things through. Not the first time I've used an item of cutlery instead of going to get the right screwdriver etc. Were guns illegal then this type of fatality would have probably have been replaced by a shouting match and possibly some hurt feelings and loss of face instead of death. My city has a particular issue with knife violence and penetrating trauma. Young people cite that they carry them for 'protection', yet in many tragic case a fatal stabbing results. So, so sad.
To end on a happy note I have been DAZZLED by the joy and comfort of a wonderful friendship as we spent time DAWDLING over lunch which certainly did not disappoint. We did not go DOWNTOWN preferring the eclectic westend. Earlier, I was DISTRACTED by the noxious smell that came out of my hoover, which I think we hairy residents may have killed incidentally, but did not find it DISTURBING enough to stop till the floor was DONE.
And on that note I bid you goodnight!
I have been out of commission for the past week due to frigid arctic weather here in Ohio. It has taken me this long to thaw out and feel like posting and visiting. I am so behind because of it. My pc is in one of my spare bedrooms and I shut off the heat to it. Basically it is also my sewing room and "the hoard" as I have come to call it now. I am now watching season 2 of Downton Abby, I bought the fisrt 3 seasons and my daughter and I are watching them about once a week. Can you imagine sitting for 4 hours. That girl would watch it till her eye balls fell from their sockets but I had to say "we stop now" much to her protesting. I do not want to read of the future episodes, lol, I so do not want to be disappointed in anything that goes on, so thank you for not spoiling it for me. I like what you have done to your crafty room, you have so much space....mine has a path now, so sad, I am ashamed for now. Your African flower is so pretty, and just keep in mind that I have made 3 large blankets each with 169 flowers, oh dear, that would mean.....507 flowers total. It will be a long, long time before I work on another one.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)
I'm also procrastinating from doing paper work for school( I have to type up a reflection of the lesson I taught for my observation today...yuck...) Oh Downton.... you do know how to distress us...I actually have seen the entire season ( I cheated and went on-line and found a site that posted all the episodes after they played this fall.. I know but i just couldn't stand the wait any more!) My husband watches with me so I have said nothing about anything that happens.( he refused to watch early but he was involved in the Walking Dead at the time) He was also bummed :( he really likes the character ....
I love your little African flower. I have made lots of them some years ago, while on holiday. Must go look for them, but I still don't know what to make with it. I remember Adamento had made a blanket with it. If I remember correctly with blue and green colours, beautiful. You can look it up at her blog.
I'm always amazed what it is about Americans and guns, all that violence. Here in Holland I have never met somebody who owns a gun. (or any other weapon) I know there are groups of people who do own weapons, but it is not common.
It is so sad, all that violence.
Groetjes, Gerda
Hi, I don't watch that much television because I think some of it absolutely has no business being there. I love all of the flowers that you are making and I know it will really be pretty when it is done. I love your Amaryllis it is so pretty. Have a wonderful day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.
Oh I love the colors in your blocks! Two of my favorite color combinations. So pretty and feminine! I have not watched DA yet....I am saving it for a quiet moment alone. I'll let you know.
Hugs, Patti
Hello lovely Meredith, I am feeling sad for/with you today, so many things going on that shouldn't be! The red tape involved in your work situation must be a drag at times and especially in the situation you mention. Downton Abbey? Well, our daughter bought series 3 (I think it is) for us at Christmas time and J and I have decided to never watch the programme again after what they did at the very end of the series - I think they just took it too far! Then I read up about series 4 and saw what was to happen to …... and that was absolutely the finish for me!!!
We are totally dismayed at the gun laws - or lack of them - in America! What value human life! Anyway, on a brighter note, your African flowers are coming along beautifully and I love your gorgeous bright flower - that brings so much cheer! Keep smiling lovely, hugs, Joy ox
I was watching the news today and saw that about the shootings. Where is it going to stop? It just doesn't make sense. Why do we need a gun in a movie theater? Where do we think kids get ideas about taking guns to school? Why aren't the guns locked away where kids and young adults can't get to them? Owners need to take responsibily for keeping the guns under lock and key. Sure it is a persons right to have a gun, but....do you have to take them everywhere. Two guys were mad last summer when they were trying to prove their rights by taking guns to a farmers market/craft fair. Walking right down the street straped to their backs. That was right after one of the shootings in the news. Mad because the police questioned them! We don't see open carrying of guns here much and that would be kind of scarey.
I love your flower afgan. It is going to be so beautiful when done!
I bet you will miss that little guy when he moves. Which is probably why you are putting the report writing off. But hopefull the adoption will be a great thing for him! Hugs, Teresa
Your African flowers are an inspiration to me.. I've wanted to do this pattern for a few years now but haven't gotten to it yet.. and yours are gorgeous! Bravo my friend! I'm very made at Julian Fellowes for writing that thing to happen to Anna. I'm just furious about it. Enjoy your red flower and take a deep breath. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
You are creating beautiful fiber flowers, Meredith, and your Amaryllis bloom is a testament to what is beautiful in the world around us. I am glad that you are focused on overcoming evil with good! xx
Not to get off the subject what this post is all about but I noticed something while looking around your blog pictures today.....did you know that you now have "222" followers......"22" comments posted as of mine today, at this very moment and "22" little flowers made up...yes, I counted them(if I counted them correctly) Is this a sign of good luck!!! (IF I AM WRONG ON MY COUNTING SO SORRY BUT I AM TRYING TO DISTRACT YOU FROM ALL YOUR WORRIES)
xx Shari
Your flowers are coming along lovely and I really like the colour of them. But your Amaryliss is beautiful, I'm grieving one I just hope it turns out as lovely as yours.
Hugs
xxx
OMGosh that blanket is so lovely. I am so excited to watch it's progress...love those colors, too.
Godspeed to the little one with his new home...I know it must hurt your heart to let him go, but rest easy in the knowledge that your love goes with him in his heart no matter where he goes.
Blessings always sweet friend.
Hi Meredith! I love the colors you are using for your African flower motif. I'm still looking for instructions on how to join as you go because that is the part that keeps me from making things with squares... the "d"readed stitching them all together! Eeek!
Guns, it is going to take someone very strong and powerful to change the gun policies in the United States and might even lead to a revolution something akin to the Civil War! I'm not being dramatic, just realistic. It all makes me sick... guns should not be in the citizen's hands, only the law enforcement agencies. *SIGH*
Hugs my dear friend,
Beth P
Hello Meredith
The African Flowers are BeAutIfUl. What a wonderful word "dawdle", "dawdling. I haven't been dawdling today, insteay I inhaled fresh air, enjoyed snow and sunshine on the Kronberg. The view was breath-taking. :-) If you come to Switzerland, we will go there. I have to show you. Hugs, Regula
The flowers for the blanket are so beautiful, it's going to be truly lovely when it's done. I agree about Downton here in the UK it was such a shock when it was aired and there was quite a backlash about it,on daytime TV shows. We all want a gentle bit of Sunday night drama really, but I guess they thought it was a worthy storyline.
Clare xx
Your flowers are just lovely, well done. A very thought-provoking post, and so sad about yet another fatal and senseless shooting. I found that storyline in Downton very disturbing too. Hope your week gets better,
Hugs xx
That bloom is stunning. I hope I can get a few more of mine to bloom this year.
It is so disturbing to read about these senseless shootings. Any killing is senseless, but when is so completely inexplicable and random, that makes it so much more difficult.
That blanket is going to be so beautiful. It looks difficult to me. My skills at crochet are quite limited though.
Andrea
I share your views on guns - we don't have anywhere near the same amount of gun violence here, because our laws are so much stricter. I know you have the "right to bear arms" issue which makes things harder, but it really does need some politicians with guts and determination to get it done.
Your amaryllis is beautiful. Such a gorgeous deep colour.
I so agree with you Meredith! it is horrible that children are getting shot in schools and a man gets shot just for texting in a movie theatre. It has to stop! I hate the fact that we can't even go to a movie theatre anymore with the thought that something can happen on our minds. I hope that this improves and we start to see change, it is just so devastating that this is happening way too often.
On a lighter note, your flowers look so beautiful! they will make a lovely finished project! take care,
Lisa
Your crochet is looking gorgeous Meredith. I agree with all you said about Downton and the awful shootings. So sad. Take care lovely xox
I love the flowers--they look like spring!
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