Henry in Accounting is an Office Hazard

Meet Henry in Accounting. That is the name of the spiky cactus you see on the left. He is dangerous and doesn't have to try. He is an office hazard.
Yes, yes, I know all you folks out there don't name your plants. But, I decided I would after hearing all the names that B gives his plants. Good God, I'm keeping up with the B's on naming plants! (side note: the B's refer to my bro and his partner)

I have a TV on top of a long wide filing cabinet. Now, thanks to shows like the office and to those sick office hazard movies they show you once every whenever to keep "everyone aware of safety!" we all know that opening two drawers of a two drawer filing cabinet is truly dangerous. I knew that. Heck, Henry in Accounting knew that.
But, did I stop to consider that the TV was perched near the front? Did I consider that Henry in Accounting would win any duel we entered? Did I consider the fact that the TV was perched on the front of the cabinet AND that Henry in Accounting was on TOP of the TV? Nope. All I wanted to do was get some silly little paper. Hm. Somehow, his spikes really weren't worth it.

So, as I'm realizing the whole kit and caboodle (yes, Virginia, there was more stuff on that cabinet) is just about to topple over on me, I decided it's wise to push the TV back in place with my head. "Use your head, girl!" That's what my pops told me, so that's what I did. And wonder of wonders, Henry in Accounting lost his balance. Of course, he gracefully landed on my head and then took a swan dive for the floor. But, he's a cactus and "heavens be David" he turned out fine. Not a scratch. Seriously, I took that photo today and this incident happened nearly 2 days ago.

Here it was Monday morning I hadn't even left for work and I'd already wrastled with a cactus! Let me tell you - my head hurt all day. I mean I was totally discombobulated ! So, Henry's spikes are a bit beefy and they were a might painful. Tonight I was able to remove a spike from my head that was 1 cm long. And, there are several more in my head along with ones in my hands.

And still, Henry in Accounting stands - proud, tall, and menacingly spiky. Ooo I should threaten to turn him in for the weekly safety report. "... And Monday morning and employee had complete disregard for her safety training. She placed a cactus on top of a TV on top of a filing cabinet. Then she attempted to the only two drawers of the cabinet at the same time. The employee and the cactus have been placed on temporary leave until the situation can be completely sorted out."

Housewarming Hostess Gifts

Had an in-between the holidays Housewarming party. It was lovely. My house is comfortable with 15 plus folks gallivanting about. I made 2 gifts for each guest.

The first was an envelope filled with "Sweet Amber Rose" bath salts. I made the envelopes of this gorgeous Japanese plum blossom paper by folding and taping. Then, I used Epsom salts and added amber, vanilla, and rose. They turned out quite lovely and the scent I adore. But, my friend C. still thinks smells like those smell like an old lady. To each their own...

The second was a vellum envelope filled with orange Iceland Poppy seeds. I harvested them from my previous house. I adorned the envelope with these dimensional silk poppy petals and some combo of black snowflake cut outs and olive green 3D dots. The adornment is quite realistic of the actual flowers.

Everyone loved them and I loved making them. It was nice to feel more prepared for this party than most of my others. I think I'm finally realizing what things I can do and what I don't give a snit about doing! That helps prioritize things for the party!

Blue Sky Alpaca and The Somewhat Cowl

I've started my 2nd sweater.

This is a good sign. This is a sign of nesting. I'm becoming more comfortable with my life and surroundings. It's been a long time since I have been happy. And I'm really glad now that I didn't purge my stash of yarn completely.

I have 10 or 11 skeins of this gorgeous olive alpaca fiber. Soft, oh so soft! I've been coveting this yarn for a couple years now. I bought The Somewhat Cowl on Knit and Tonic. Oh how I adore her designs. I'm excited to try another one of her designs, but, I must continue to work on this sweater. Tell you what, it is so hard to work on something that has such tiny needles and small gauge. The fear of not finishing has been bad enough that I've gone searching for bulky/chunky patterns to adapt to my stash. But, fortunately, I've been able to persist while allowing myself to review as many other patterns as I wish.

But as of today, I'm into skein #2. Wahoo!

Le Camera: Playing with Color

I crocheted all through China. I made many things, then just ripped them out right after finishing. It was very satisfying. In fact, I learned lots about different types of yarn with the same hook. Very good experience. Plus, I wasn't so concerned about not getting off the bus because I "had to finish this row."
























I finally finished 1 thing: a scarf for my friend C. It was made of 1 skein of lovely purple hand spun, hand dyed wool from the 'ham. It's color runs from rich purple to nearly indigo. C just loves the scarf. In the photos of me, it's only run through the "button hole." Where as I finished with the idea that it wraps around your neck and your head is presented as if the center of a rose or a cabbage. The "petals" or leaves are the scalloped edges of the scarf. I'm quite pleased with the final product.
























Photos were taken in Suzhou, China (on the bus). Isn't the color focus feature fun?