Gangster Squad - Movie Review

I must confess, I love gangster movies!   Yes, Ryan Gosling is one of the leading men in the film.  This may actually be the first movie of his that I've seen.  I've been pinning his image for a while now.  He looks great in a suit and tie!

I went to see "Gangster Squad" and loved it.  Yep ladies, there's lots of eye candy here.  Great action scenes and testosterone overload.  I must admit, I did close my eyes at certain parts.

The movie is based in Los Angeles in 1949, when east-coast gangster Mickey Cohen has plans of taking over the entire state with his drug, prostitution and gambling empires. The city's Chief of police has had enough, so he creates the gangster squad - not exactly legal - to take Cohen down. 

It's said that the movie is based on facts.  Go HERE to read an article about the famous gangster.  The article was written by Tere Tereba, who has also written an auto-biography.

It sounds as if the movie is pretty accurate.  Evidently he hung out with some of Hollywood's royalty, not to mention successful politicians. 

Peace,

Kay

Knitted Skinny Scarf - dedicated to Marion

Wednesday I received news that I knew was coming but not prepared to hear.  My dear friend, Marion, passed away.  I met Marion when we both were working in Colorado (1992/1993).  She retired and stayed in Colorado and I came back to New Mexico, but we never lost touch.  She'd come visit me and I'd go visit her.  We even went on a cruise to Alaska together.  She was a great friend and a surrogate mother figure. The photos of the wild horses were taken on the way up/back from visiting Marion.

She taught me to knit.  Every stitch I make I'll whisper her name and thank her for being such a great friend.

I think I'll call this pattern Marion's Scarf.

I knitted this scarf using a pattern that Marion gave me.  I don't know if it's an original pattern or if it's something she had come across in her many years of knitting experience.  It's easy peasy (one of my favorite sayings) so I hope those knitters among you will try it.  The knitting has a slant to it which adds a bit of flair to the plain garter stitch.  Because of the natural slant of the stitching it makes those great pointed ends.

You can make this scarf as skinny or as wide as you like.  The yarn I used is Loops & Threads Country Loom.  This yarn is machine washable and dryable.   For this yarn I used size 11 needles.

Cast on 15 stitches.

Row 1:  Knit two together (K2Tog), knit to last stitch, knit in front and back of last stitch

Row 2: Knit

Continue with Row 1 and 2 until you reach the desired length of your scarf.  

Bind Off

Weave in loose ends

Now there's a trick in case you lose track of which row you are on.  The tail will be at the top of the knitting if you are on Row 1.  

I hope you give it a try.  Let me know how it comes out!

Rest in Peace Marion.

Kay

WOYWW 190 -- New Stuff!

I'd like to welcome my latest followers Wilson Tom and Sweetie!  Thank you so much for joining in the fun.  I know there are lots of blogs out there and the fact that you've chosen to follow me really makes me smile!  Thank you!!!

Welcome to  WOYWW! What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday is hosted by Julia from Stamping Ground.   If you want some inspiration - on projects or how to organize your crafting supplies (or not) then go on over.  It's so much fun.  And who knows, maybe you'll join in!

You know that saying "Out of sight out of mind"?  Well, I'm finding that to be so true with my crafting supplies.  I've done such a good job of "hiding" what I have that I find myself needing to buy more!  

Sari silk ribbon, paper, plastic shower curtain
(so I can really make a mess), ribbons, Distress Ink, rubber mat,
tool that you use to make faux sewing on paper, some embossing folders

There's some new things on my desk.  I found a place where I can buy sari silk ribbon!  Yay.  There's a new store in town called "The Perch Paperie."  Later in the week I'll write a post about a class I took there on Monday.

I have a new member of the family.  I've been battling with the decision to get Katie a little playmate.  I wondered if it was the right thing to do or not.  Katie and I went to the Shelter a few weeks ago and met Muffin.  She's a four year old poodle and she's a little cutie pie!  She's wearing the collar as she has some issues with a sore under her chin.  We are hoping that it's not allergies.....

Like always, I'll visit those that end in the same number as me and those that leave a comment here (please leave your number).  I hope you all are having a crafty week!

Peace,
Kay

WOYWW 189

Hello there and welcome to my first WOYWW post for 2013! What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday is hosted by Julia from Stamping Ground.  To take a tour of creative desks from around the globe hop on over. 

I have been knitting and also doing a bit of paper crafting.  Believe it or not I actually made a couple of ATCs to send off to a friend but forgot to take photos of them.  How could that happen?!?

So, here's my desk, as it is.  I'm trying to stay tidy (can you tell?).  I've been playing with my Cuttlebug getting some dies cut and embossing done.  That way I'll be ready to go when the mood strikes.

I cut my 12 x 12 paper to 6 x 6.  I feel so much better about that.  I know, I've probably made all you scrapbooker's groan.  

As always, I will do my very best to visit those that end in the same number as me and everyone that leaves a comment (please leave your number).   

A special shout out to Darnell who is celebrating her wedding anniversary.  Congratulations to you and yours!

Peace,

Kay

Knitted Baby Bib

This project is easy peasy.  I just modified my dish/face cloth pattern a bit and woo hoo - a baby bib.  Or, you can put a lobster on it for those nautical food messes!

I used 100 percent cotton yarn and size 6 needles.  I may go down to size 5 needles to make it a tighter fabric.  If I do this then I'll add another ten stitches.

Cast on 40 stitches.  Knit every row for about eight inches.  Bind off 30 stitches.  You should have 10 remaining stitches on your needle.  Continue knitting every row for around nine to 10 inches (this is the neck piece).  Knit four stitches then add a yarn over button hole.  Knit several more rows.  Bind off.  Weave in ends.

Add a cute little button and call it done.

I've been thinking about the button.  Once the cotton shrinks then it may be too tight to actually use the button.  What I think I'll do on the next one is make the neck piece longer and attach it.  Then I could add whatever little embellishments I wanted to.

I took the photo today.  You may be able to tell that it's overcast here today.  Snow is expected (10% chance today with a 30% chance tomorrow).  Could it be asking for too much for a snow day?!?

Peace,
Kay

Blog Candy Win!

Boy, have I started the year off right!  I was fortunate enough to win some blog candy from Connie at Crafty Home Cottage.  Connie is one of those people that inspire me in so many ways.  On her blog you will learn that craftiness doesn't have to equate to big bucks spent.  Please drop on over to check out her blog.  She's a lovely lady.

Here's the candy that landed on my doorstep:

Somerset Studio The Art of Paper and Mixed Media magazine
Get Real Greetings book
Three great cards made by Connie
Four sets of stickers

How lucky can a girl get!  Thank you Connie, for your wonderful candy and more importantly, your friendship.  I am so blown away by all the wonderful people I've met through blogland.

Peace,
Kay

Let There Be Snow!

A few weeks ago we had a nice snow.  I jumped in my car to see what I'd find.  The first three photos are taken at the center of town; a place called Ashley Pond.  There's duck and geese that stay here year round. 

Statue of cranes out in the Pond

Cute little pony statue

Next stop was the Horse Stables.  If you've followed my blog for a while you know how much I love going out to the Stables.  It was fun to see how some decorated their stalls and horse trailers.

Here's a great looking barn cat.  Yes, he's at the Stables but you can tell that he's also someone's pet.  He's a happy little guy.

How I love ravens!  This guy was so puffed up -- brrr, it's cold outside!

After seeing these photos I think I'm going to go make me a cup of hot tea!

Peace,

Kay

Kind Words

We all have self talk.  You know, that voice in your head that is helping you make decisions or just telling yourself what you REALLY think.   This year I am making an effort to change my inner dialogue.  Yes, I talk to myself, sometimes out loud (do you do that?).  Maybe it's a result of living by myself. 

I found this on pinterest and it really struck a cord with me.

What about you?  What's your inner dialogue?  I must admit, sometimes I really crack myself up!

Peace,
Kay

Happy New Year!

Can you believe that it's 2013?!?  Holy moly.  I guess it is true; the older you get the faster time seems to go by.  I honestly thought I wouldn't make any resolutions.  I thought of calling them "goals" instead.  Same horse, different stripes.....

Some things I'm going to focus on:

Going outside my comfort zone with knitting.  I've been making scarves, cowls, spa cloths and a few baby blankets.  I've actually knitted myself a vest (and one for my Aunt).  I've started another vest for myself, using the same pattern but with some drastic modifications.  We'll see what the finished project looks like.  I'd also like to do some more felting projects.

Exercising.  O.k., I know.  It sounds a lot like losing weight; and if that happens I'll be so dang happy.  My health has really taken a turn, and not a good one.  I used to go to the local swimming pool and walk laps in the therapy pool.  I'm going to start doing that again.  Hopefully I'll slowly build up my stamina and regain some flexibility.  Yoga is supposed to be good for what ails me too.

Organize, organize, organize.  I started doing this when going through the house, trying to get rid of clutter.  I have some things at the storage unit and I thought I was being methodical about what I was doing.  I need to label boxes and just really focus on a small area at a time.

When I started this blog I had absolutely no idea how it would enrich my life.  Thank you to all my followers and fellow blogging buddies.  I can't tell you how you've added a spark to my creativity - encouraging me when I need it, introducing me to new crafts, and giving me a glimpse of different places around the world.  Thank you so very much!

I hope you and yours have a wonderful 2013!  May all your wildest dreams come true!

Peace,
Kay