Sweater Shawl

I'm sure you've seen and probably have worn a crew-neck sweater draped across your back, with the sleeves coming around your neck/shoulders and tied in the front.  It's that collegiate look...or perhaps that L.L. Bean look that never goes out of style.  This sweater shawl mimics that look and is designed to wear just that way, draped over shoulders and back to add a little warmth on a cool day.  That's right.  It looks like a sweater, but it's only one layer.

At this point, I have finished the back and have begun the left "sleeve."  After both sleeves are completed, I'll be picking up stitches around the neck to make a collar (in ribbing).  Interesting, eh?  I'll continue to post pictures as the project progresses.

Mont Saint-Michel

At times I have shared pictures and my impressions of things or places from my travels that left quite an impression on me.  I'm adding another place to the list: Mont Saint-Michel.  (April 1983, I sponsored a student trip to England and France, and my Mom got to go along. :-)  )

The Mount is a huge block of granite and granulate that soars 170 meters high above the sandy surroundings of sea on the west coast of France.  It is isolated from the coast and looks like a fantasy island.  I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to build an abbey (and eventually a small city) on the steep slopes of this rock outcropping.

The pictures above were taken from the tour bus (hmmm...the originals are not so out-of-focus) as we approached this island.  According to historians, this rock has served as a refuge for robbers, as protection for local villagers from attacking pagan tribes, and as a place of solace for others.  At first a chapel was built there, and in the 10th century the Mount was dedicated to St. Michel. It was Richard I, Duke of Normandy, who ordered that the chapel be replaced by an abbey in the year 966. What a fortress it became!  However, political troubles between France and England, quarrels between nobles and princes, caused much trouble for those living at and protecting the abbey and its riches.  In the 13th and 14th centuries it was a place of pilgrimage.  In the 1800's (during the revolution) it became a prison.

The history is interesting.  The buildings are spectacular structures of Medieval architecture!

Walking through the area, you are in a maze of winding, narrow, steep streets and walkways.

This is not my photo, but an image from Google. It shows the location a bit better.

I'd love to see this place again.

Sweater Shawl

I'm making some progress on the Sweater Shawl too.  
Love the Lofty Brioche Stitch. 
 Just another couple inches and then the pattern gets interesting...stay turned.

Meteliza in Blue...

I'm at the halfway point in this lacy scarf.  Yahoo!  I'm actually liking it more as it "grows."  

Rivet Magic

I enrolled in a jewelry making class over the weekend: Rivet Magic.  The task was to make a pair of metal disk earrings.  However, we had to cut out our own disks of metal, texture/hammer them, drill holes, and make a smooth rivet.  Then, we could add any stones or gems that we wanted to add some interest...or bling.  It took a couple of hours to do this, and the instruction was very good.  Had blast!

We had a choice of choosing silver, brass, or copper; obviously, I chose the copper (although the rivet is silver).  I'm hoping to make another pair (perhaps this week), now that I know the process and how to use all the tools.  Next time: silver.

Testing time...

Yeah, it's testing time in our schools: MAP testing, PAWS testing (state test), and pre-tests for the ACT.  It can be overwhelming to get it all done, keeping kids motivated to do their best, and to also keep them motivated for the next few months.

"Hey, just because you took the big tests, school is not over till June!! We've got a lot more to learn and apply!!"





Take note: 
  
   To Err is Human
    To Arr is Pirate
     To Ooh is Choir

A peek into the past...

This photo is of my mom singing a solo with me on the piano, accompanying. It dates back to 1975, and we are in the grade school lunchroom, although I'm not sure of the occasion.  It obviously took place when we had warm weather, based on how we're dressed. Perhaps it was entertainment for a  function or a special tribute to someone.

 Mom was often asked to sing for special occasions, and I loved it when I could accompany her.  She had a beautifully rich contralto voice, and mostly focused on art songs or inspirational/religious solos, as she was soloist in church for many years.

I loved the story she told that when I was a baby, she would sing me lullabies, but I must not have liked it, because I would  commence crying immediately. Wouldn't you know, it hurt her feelings.  So, when I was a toddler, she started taking voice lessons from an accomplished vocalist (who had spent much of his career on the east coast), and she worked very diligently. For a few years, she also took piano lessons (from the postmaster's wife).  She must have surrounded herself in music,  focusing on improving her skills.  She soon started singing publicly and continued with voice lessons for several years. I well remember waiting for her, listening on the couch, soaking it all in.

At the age of 5, I decided I wanted to learn to play the piano too.  Mom knew just enough to get me started, and began teaching me the basics.  Whenever I was ready for a new song or skill, Mom just made time to work with me. She was like that.  I may have had several "lessons" in one week, based on my progress.  Now I understand how very lucky I was to have that kind of attention!  When I began playing beyond her skills, she made sure I had other teachers.  Some I liked; some I didn't!  It caused some tearful trips home from lessons, but Mom would not let me even consider quitting. 

Looking back, I'm so glad I could eventually accompany her solos on the piano and organ.  Those were extra special times together. I can only imagine what it must have felt like as a Mom who nurtured her daughter's talent.  She set a great example.  I'm quite sure that's why I find such joy in helping young musicians discover and enjoy their talents.