Curious Grasshopper

Happy Worldess Wednesday! I went by cemetery this past Sunday to refresh the silk flowers in the basket on Nana's headstone. I went with a pretty fall theme that should carry thru until winter...

Now I'm not one of those crazies who thinks all of my relatives who've passed are haunting me or anything, but I have to share a little tale of this overly curious interesting grasshopper.

What's so interesting about a grasshopper sitting on this little light thingy-ma-bob that's on Nana's headstone? It watched my every move the entire time I was there. Seriously... if I was in front of the stone, it faced that way. I'd walk to the back of the stone and it would turn around and watch. It was a little creepy at first. I even touched it a few times and it just sat and watched. Now what grasshopper doesn't jump when you get within a foot of it, let alone touch it? Apparently, this one.

So call me crazy if you will (crazy dog lady, that is), but I swear Nana was keeping an eye on things. Apparently she approved ... otherwise she the grasshopper would've jumped on me and really scared the crap out of me, right??

The bees were all out a buzzing too... I managed to snap one decent shot before running away. I DO. NOT. DO. BEES. ... almost much as I do not weed.

REVIEW: AwareKints: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher

AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher
by Vickie Howell & Adrienne Armstrong
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Lark Books (October 6, 2009)

Everywhere you look these days, there's something new that you can do to "go green" and be eco-friendly. The fiber world is certainly no exception and stitchers around the world can easily create "green" projects with one of the many earth-friendly yarns now available. Just take a look around your LYS and you'll find labels that include organic wool & cotton, soy, corn, bamboo, linen, banana silk, cashmere, recylced newspaper, hemp and more! AwareKnits jumps on this growing trend with 31 stylish patterns for the body and the home.

Taking a socially conscious approach to knitting and crochet, crafty diva Vicikie Howell teams up with activist-knitter Adrienne Armstrong to present a beautiful collection that’s part pattern book and part crafty call to action. Throughout the book, both Vickie and Adrienne provide tips for greener living and stitching, as well as information on yarn sources, responsible manufacturing, energy consumption and more.

AwareKnits is divided into two main sections - For the Body and For the Home.

In For the Body, the standouts for me include: Solar Sweetie, a most adorable infant/toddler summer dress knit from SWTC A-Mazing; Cardigan Neutral, a simple silhouette cardi with asymmetrical lace panel that is sure to become a wardrobe staple; Neck of the Woods, a simple, yet soft and cozy alpaca scarflet and Pash-Greena, a luxurious travel wrap made from Lobster Pot Cashmere (which I've been dying to lay my hands on... this could be a good excuse to splurge).

In For the Home, my personal favorites include: Alter-Eco, a reuseable lunch tote crocheted from "Plarn" (plastic grocery bags - instructions on how to make your own are included); Animal Planet, an adorable crocheted plush bunny rabbit; Extra! Eco!, a picture frame cozy knit from Jessica Mattingly Recycled Newspaper Yarn (ok, I admit... this is a favorite mostly because I must find and try this yarn!); Save the Tees!, an oversized basket made from recylced t-shirts ("yesterday's trash can be today's crocheted treasure" - now if only I learned how to crochet) and Tree Hugger, the fabulous felted tote pictured on the cover of the book.

The photography throughout AlterKnits is wonderful. Projects were photographed in real life poses/situations, allowing the details to really shine through. A section on Basic Techniques is included in the back, as well as the standard abbreviation charts for both knit and crochet, yarn weight chart and needle & hook size charts.

AwareKnits is a great addition to your crafty bookshelf. You'll enjoy both the patterns and the facts & tips scattered throughout. And, I can't end my review without noting that the book is printed on recylced paper with agri-based inks! Now Stitchers... do your part to Go Green!

About the Authors: Vickie Howell is a self-proclaimed crafty grrrl. In an effort to mobilize the feminist-based knitting movement, she founded successful chapters of the irreverent but socially conscious knitting group Stitch ’n Bitch in Los Angeles and Austin. Vickie was the host of DIY’s Knitty Gritty and has written four previous books: New Knits on the Block; Not Another Teen Knitting Book; Knit Aid; and Pop Goes Crochet!.

Co-author Adrienne Armstrong is a knitter, environmentalist, and owner of the sustainable living shop The Atomic Garden in Oakland, California.

Its Fair Season

Its that time in New England... fall is in the air and its fair season! The Hopkinton State Fair is a Labor Day weekend tradition, which we did not miss this year. I've finally gotten the photos off of the camera and hope you enjoy this picture heavy post...

This first shot is one of my favorites... its a huge white ox. Most of the other ox pictures came out too dark or dusty... but the bit of sunlight worked in my favor for this one.

This guy was one of my faves. He just sat there, posing for the camera...

This one reminded me of Lola with the big smile and "scratch me!" look...

I found baby piggies... sleeping and romping!

There were cuddling critters...

Cute critters...

More oxen...

Look at that fleece (sadly, no ... there was no yarn for sale at the fair, which I've never quite understood)!

It was a great day at the fair... shots are missing of the delicious buffalo cheesesteak sandwiches and maple cotton candy, but here's one more cutie-patootie for you... BOO!

REVIEW: Guardians of Being

Guardians of Being
by Eckhart Tolle (author), Patrick McDonnell (illustrator)
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: New World Library (October 1, 2009)

Guardians of Being is a unique collaboration between two bestselling authors - Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now and Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the acclaimed comic strip MUTTS. More than your typical collection of witty words and charming illustrations, Guardians of Being provokes thought and induces smiles & laughter with each turn of the page. Eckhart's words and Patrick's art are if they were always meant to be together.

Guardians of Being is a must have book for any animal lover. Whether you leave it on your nightstand, coffee table or desk, I bet you'll find yourself reaching for it often, turning to a favorite page. I find myself chuckling with one of those big smiles on my face every time I flip through. One of my favorites is "Dogs off the precious opportunity, even to people who are trapped in their egos, of loving and being loved unconditionally." Want to see an illustration that will make every single dog parent laugh... out loud? Grab the book and open to page 51!

I could go on and on about how I think you need to add this book to your collection or purchase a few for gifts this holiday season, but instead I would like to take this opportunity to share an interesting talk with Patrick, provided by the publisher. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

A Talk With Patrick McDonnell on Guardians of Being

Reprinted with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA.

How did Guardians of Being come to be?

This book is a collaboration of Eckhart’s teachings and my MUTTS cartoon illustrations. As does all of Eckhart Tolle’s work, Guardians of Being teaches us about finding inner peace by living in the now, the transformation of our consciousness, and the arising of a more enlightened humanity. The primary signposts in this new book are all of nature and, in particular, our beloved dogs and cats.

Guardians of Being reminds us why we love our companion animals. It illuminates for us their divine purpose. While we are lost in our thoughts and busyness of everyday life, they have become the key to the present moment, our guardians of being.

How did you become aware of Eckhart’s teachings?

In 1999, while traveling in Los Angeles and visiting one of my favorite bookstores (The Bodhi Tree), I saw The Power of Now on their new arrival shelf. I was compelled to bring that book home; it moved me with its directness, simplicity, and place of deep truth. As it has done for millions, The Power of Now changed my life. Since then, I have continued to follow Eckhart’s work. His teachings inspires MUTTS, and many strips have a direct connection to them.

How is it that a spiritual teacher and a cartoonist collaborated?

Eckhart speaks often that true happiness is found in simple things, but you need to be present. He says that animals and all of nature can teach us that presence. That same teaching is at the heart of MUTTS. Seeing a photo of Eckhart with his new dog, Maya gave me the impetus to pursue this project. I thought combining my art with Eckhart’s teachings on how animals and nature can bring us into the present moment could be a good entry point ‘into the Now’ for some people.

I created a proposal for the book and Eckhart graciously agreed to collaborate. He edited quotes I selected from his prior talks, interviews and books, and wrote new material for what was to become Guardians of Being. He created a passionate, humorous, enlightening meditation on the power and grace that animals can bring into our lives.

Why is it important to connect with animals?

Animals are our link back to nature. Walking a dog, petting a cat or simply watching birds outside a window, all can take you outside yourself and into the bigger picture.

Our companion animals remind us of the responsibility we have in the stewardship of our planet and all its creatures. The simple everyday choices we make – like what we eat, wear, recycle, think, and how we treat each other – can help make the world a better, friendlier place.

You have won numerous awards, not only for cartooning but for your work surrounding animal protection issues. Can you speak about how your animal and earth-friendly philosophy influences your work?

Animals are one with life and can be our link back to nature. In MUTTS I try to keep the animals animal-like. In trying to see the world through their eyes, I have become more aware of and empathic to their situation.

I’ve been on the board of directors of The Humane Society of the United States for nine years. The mission of The HSUS is to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. Through education, advocacy and public policy reform, the organization works to prevent animal cruelty, exploitation, and neglect, as well as to protect wild habitats and the entire community of life. But at the core there is just one problem, unconsciousness. We no longer feel connected to nature, to the life force. In Guardians of Being, Eckhart shows us the reconnect: “When you are present you can sense the spirit, the one consciousness, in every creature and love it as yourself.”

You’re a friend to the environment as well as animals. Why is this important to you? Why is it important for animals?

Doing a strip about animals reminds me that all life on this planet is fragile. More and more I became an environmentalist, and it was natural that I would create Mutts themes centered on the same. We all need to be more responsible when it comes to our environment.

When did you decide to become a cartoonist?

I wanted to be a cartoonist as far back as I can remember. I’ve always loved the simplicity, immediacy, intimacy and absurdity of the comic strip medium. From the start, I was enchanted by how a few simple pen-and-ink lines can come to life on the page, which is, for me, the magic of cartooning. Many great comic strips (such as Peanuts and Krazy Kat) spoke to me directly and I always wanted to give back some of the joy and comfort I found there. And, at its best, the humor and truth of a comic strip go beyond the obvious.

MUTTS, my comic strip about a dog, Earl, and his unlikely friend, a cat named Mooch, started in 1994. MUTTS focuses on experiencing the natural world (gentle rain, quiet flurries, full moons…) and that special bond that forms between companion animals and their guardians. My own Jack Russell Terrier, Earl, was my inspiration. Earl was my teacher; he constantly celebrated life. I tried my best to convey his joie de vivre and good-hearted spirit in my strip.

How does your work on books compare to your process producing a daily comic?

Books and comic strips are different mediums, but my books are in some ways similar to my comic strip. I’m still telling stories with words and pictures. But books allow me to expand artistically and to tell a longer, more formal, story.

Walk us through your creative process?

Making art can be a form of meditation. I start my day in the early morning by reading a passage or two from a spiritual book to keep my head and heart open. When it’s time to develop ideas, I sit in my drawing room with a sketch pad. The secret is to just get out of the way and let the ideas come. I really know my characters, so they tend to just write themselves to a certain extent. I know how they act. I put them in different situations and they usually come through for me. I am very fond of Mooch and Earl.

What was your initial inspiration for “Mutts”? Does that inspiration endure?

MUTTS is about my love for the art form of the comic strip, and it is also about my love for animals. I wanted to be a cartoonist since I was a child. In choosing this profession, I hoped to give back some of the happiness I experienced from reading my favorite strips (Peanuts, Krazy Kat, Popeye…).

My main inspiration for MUTTS was my own dog Earl, a Jack Russell Terrier. I’ve always felt that, if I could capture any of his joyful spirit on paper, I was doing my job.

Not only have my inspirations endured, but my love for both animals and the comic strip medium have grown exponentially since I started the strip.

Is there a life lesson we can take from all the animals we encounter?

Animals are living in the here and now. Our companion animals are not judging us, they are simply being with us. And they want to be with us. I think that’s what we refer to when we say “unconditional love.” If we ourselves could stop judging, and just be in the moment, we could all be at peace. Animals can be the portal.

About the Authors: Patrick McDonnell is the award-winning creator of the MUTTS comic strip, which appears in over 700 newspapers in 20 countries and has an estimated daily readership of 50 million, as well as the author and illustrator of the picture books The Gift of Nothing, Hug Time, and the upcoming October release, Wag! (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers). He lives in New Jersey. His website is www.muttscomics.com

Eckhart Tolle is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Now (3 million copies sold) and A New Earth, the fastest-selling Oprah Book Club selection ever (5 million copies sold). He speaks and teaches extensively throughout the world. He lives in Vancouver, Canada and his website is www.eckharttolle.com

Contest Winner! The winner of the Namaste Cozy from a previous review is scubagirl! Congratulations and please email me your mailing information so I can get this to you!

Dog Confronts Squirrel

Hey, its doggy day again already! I seem to have a back-log of photos to share, so let's see what we have for today...

Sophie was on the hunt again (if you missed Tuesday's post, be sure to scroll back), only this time it was in the house... for a moth that flew under the side table!

Tut must have thought it was pretty funny to watch his sister dive under the table after some silly moth. Although he looks pretty guilty in that second picture... could be his "I might've gotten it alread" look...

Speaking of the little huntress and her siblings... If you will kindly ignore the "artwork," I'll share these...

Just what are these 3 so interested in?

Hint: Look at the power lines...

Can you see Mr. Squirrel perched up there?

He and Sophie had a little staring contest going on for awhile. My fellow hound parents can probably tell just how much Sophie was vocally carrying on by her ears in these shots...

Where was Zeus? Probably lounging on the bed...or covering his ears...

9-9-09

Happy Wordless Wednesday and Happy 9-9-09!

Over the weekend, this went back up on the front door...

We hung a (much needed) new one of these...

And I ate this... sold as "at least 2 pound lobster," but it was certainly closer to 3 pounds! mmm...

Ballsy When Comfy...

Whew... what a great long weekend, too bad it got cut short by having to go back to work today! I hope everyone had a nice one. I managed some knitting, laundry, getting 4 dogs bathed & smelling fresh, eating a "at least 2 pound" lobster, visiting the fair (and lots of beautiful animals), taking lots of pictures and enjoying the weather!

A Christmas gift was cast on... is it for you?

My Trekking to Charlotte socks are close to being finished... just in time for fall!

I even have a finished object - two actually - to show you! I finished them a week ago but finally got a chance to take pics and will have to mail them off tomorrow...

I started with the Baby Sprout hat, but wanted to make something else to complete this new baby gift and found the Toes-ty pattern and couldn't resist! I adore these little socks and will definitely make more. I just hope they fit the intended recipient for fall. When I took the set outside to photograph, I stumbled upon a stealthy hound dog great little model...

Just what was keeping Sophie standing soooooo still that I was able to pull that off? See for yourself...

"Sophie, what are you staring at??"

Yes Sophie... that's a kitty. cat.!

Of course, Sophie "protected" Mommy from the cute little kitty by barking and carrying on when I went to investigate and he came up to me purring away, looking for scratchies... the "ballsy when comfy" (thanks Chan - it truly is fitting!) Princess promptly scared him away. I'm still not sure what she'd actually do if a kitty stuck around... play with it or try to attack it??

In swap news (something you haven't heard much of lately here, since I've been staying away from them), I received my wonderful package of goodies from Sandy in the Stash Sock Club swap over on Ravelry (yes all my project links above are Ravelry links too... but if you're a knitter or crocheter and you're not on there yet, you really can't complain!).

My favorite part is definitely the project bag that she made (and embroidered her logo into the bottom) especially for me! The yarn is a merino and cashmere blend, hand dyed... in great fall colors...

I really love this bag and she even included a snap "buckle" on the inside to run the yarn through. Thanks Sandy!

Ok, that's enough for today... enjoy the rest of your Monday Tuesday...