i see a theme in my life lately.  i came across this old photo and it made me think about hands.

these are my grandson danny's hands.  at the end of each day these little hands are filthy with experiences and adventures, a day in the life of danny.  

my hands have been busy these days as well.  we are anxiously waiting the birth of my daughter's first baby and it has prompted me to take a hands on approach to my photography.  i have been researching newborn photography, taking notes and looking for inspiration.  though i suspect that when that baby comes i will be more interested in getting my hands on that bundle of joy then i will be in putting to practice any learning.

my hands have been busy knitting!!  yes, the soeur who has been adamant that "this is not a knitting blog" has picked up the sticks and string (love that expression).  i am knitting a baby blanket of tiny little squares, i've finished a scarf and a hat (with kath's help).  i hate to admit it but i am enjoying it immensely.  

 i am living life with both hands. 

xo margie

texture from kim klassen

xo margie

We are home safe and sound. I loved this holiday, it was complete relaxation the entire time. Of course there were people we didn't get to see and some that we didn't get enough time with but we fit in just the right amount of visiting balanced nicely with "us" time.

Yesterday Barry and I checked into a hotel in Montreal, bundled up and went out shooting photos together. At the end of a very cold day I saw the perfect subject for my homework in Kim Klassen's Beyond Layer's course. We had stopped for hot chocolate and before I took a sip, I shot this photo.  

We got home tonight and since I am determined to do the assignments in this class ON TIME, I sat down at the computer and worked some texture magic.  It was a nice way to feel at home.

In the meantime, Margie and I are knitting yahoos.  The sister who said, "Kath, this won't become a knitting blog you know!" might be eating those words real soon... hee hee, in one trip to a gorgeous wool shop, she's come over to the crafty side of the family!

xo

Kath

the visit continues

kath and i, barry and andy, charley 

on the couch, more movies, hot dog and beer 

freezing rain, icy trees

see you soon

xo

margie

We don't seem to be able to move away from this spot. But it is just so damn comfy.

Today we are going to go out for lunch and to buy new notebooks. Then we have to hurry back home to our matching pyjamas.

XO
Kath

We haven't forgotten about you. This gap in service is because we are cozied up together at Margie's house. It is cold outside, ice sparkles on the trees and we know this because Andy and Barry report to us when they come in. Margie and I haven't left the house in over 24 hours. Wine, takeout Chinese food, knitting lessons for Margie, old movies and new ones, music on the turntable, fresh tulips on the table....

Sigh

XO
Kath

both the soeurs are busy writing these days, we have our gratitude journals, kath has her morning pages and me with my later in the day pages.  

 i hope the GAP reads this blog and feels appropriately grateful.  

i bought a sweater, a t-shirt and two scarves at the GAP on sunday. g*d forbid i should find something on sale.  no, i bought a full price, new stock sweater without trying it on.  epis it didn't fit and i was off to the GAP on monday, tags still attached, bill in the bag, all the necessary bits and pieces for a seamless return.

the sales girl looked at the bill, looked at me, looked back at the bill 

her:    do you have the other bill?  

me:    uh, there was no other bill

her:    well this sweater is not on this bill

me:    what are you talking about, i bought it yesterday

her:    well, we neglected to charge you for this particular sweater

okay, now it's starting to look like i picked up the sweater in the store and was trying to scam the GAP.  she and the manager are looking at me with very suspicious smiles pasted on their faces. i looked at andy and started to laugh, i was returning a sweater i had got for free.  i returned a free sweater!!!

oh well, as andy said, it looked like crap and i would never have worn it anyway.

xo margie

The first ten days of the year have flown by. I am busy knitting like a yahoo, the new baby is due in a matter of weeks.

I was thinking about making a full moon vision board tonight, but I am already in bed and the thought of getting out the magazines, glue and scissors just does not appeal. Why can't we just write the words of what we dream and wish for? Is there something symbolic about using pictures?

Margie and I started gratitude journals. Really they are gratitude lite journals. Once a day, a quick list of five things we are grateful for. We wanted this to be something we can do and keep up. Nothing onerous, we have matching agendas that have just enough space for each day to jot our lists. I have been reading articles about the positive effects of gratitude on our health. Can't hurt, right?

I am still writing my morning pages, nine days. I like the way they make me feel.

We are all busy watching BBC television series on Netflix. Luther, The Hour, Lost in Austen and of course, Downton Abbey. I know I said that this would be the year of less television but this is some good tv.

Are you practicing gratitude?

XO
Kath

last night i stumbled on a great article on flipboard about a recipe for a great year.  the author aptly names january the  "RE" month.  i haven't been able to find the article again so my apologies to the author for not identifying her.  

it was went something like this:

re-solutions = the first month and usually the most successful one for keeping them

re-view = freezing cold and dark dreary days should allow lots of time to assess what works and what doesn't

re-place = just get rid of those things and choices that seemed to fail you last year

re-organize = this is always my favourite january activity, after the dust settles from the holidays i like to dive into a deep cleaning frenzy

re-new = again, a great time to have coffee or tea with friends who have been busy with their own families for the past several weeks

re-juvenate = find some colour in your life, dress brightly, light candles, create a positive environment to start you off in 2012

re-store = this is perhaps the most important for me, i am staring at some health issues and anything i do to restore my health will be a good thing

lately i am looking myself straight in the eye and delivering regular pep talks, if i am to beat this health thing i absolutely must be pro-active, eating well, exercising regularly and listening to the doctors.  my saving grace has invariably been my attitude and i can't let it fail me now.

we have had a house guest this last week.  andy's mom took a bit of a fall and caring for her dog jessie is a challenge.  charley has loved having jessie here and the two of them have been alternately snuggling or barking, much to the chagrine of the neighbours.  

i hope that where you are is warmer than here.

do not even consider heading out without your mittens.

xo margie

Margie listens to music all the time. She has a soundtrack to her life. I wrote yesterday about using the television to keep me company. It is interesting that it rarely occurs to me to play music. 

If you study the many books and blogs that offer advice there is a recurring theme that music can help unleash creativity.

As often happens, the word I was thinking about morphed into another word more in keeping with how I was planning to use it:  

Muse-ic.   Music as muse.

I have joined Jamie Ridler again in writing morning pages, three pages of free form writing every morning. It seems that inspiration strikes in the morning and then I can't wait for evening to sit here and write with purpose.

Develop a practice, practice developing a new way of doing.

Are you trying anything new?  Music?  Writing?

xo

Kath