Family Fun

My grandmother just died. It was a long time coming and even she, in the end, was heard to say, "what's taking Him so long?!" This in reference to having to wait on God's timing. In deed. 

Funerals are not really my thing. And really, are they anyone's? I think it's because people don't really know what to do, and so you wind up around all these awkward feeling folks. All because they want to be there to help you and make you feel better. Ironic, isn't it?

But this funeral really took the cake. There was a marvelous eulogy by my father, chronicling the life of my grandmother. And then it took an odd turn as my dad told stories mostly about his dad, and not too much about his mom. No matter, I thought. People grieve and say what's on their mind. Then my mom stood up. She spoke a lovely sentiment about how my grandmother told her about Jesus, and shepherded her through the beginnings of her faith. And then, as if she couldn't find anything else to say, spoke about how fair she was in her gift giving (read stingy) and what a good financial planner she was. And then there was the sing-songy poem that my cousin had to read from my grandmother's sister. 

To top it all off, there was the gospel message, delivered (again and again) by Pastor Ed. My grandmother was always a church going woman, and in her later years hooked up with a rinky-dink little Baptist church. They believe, among other things, that the King James Version of the bible is the closest to the original, as it's the oldest English version we have. (I'm not making this up.) Naturally there was an altar call - and of all things, my son raised his hand at the prompting of the pastor. Good grief!

The thing that drives me wild is that no one spoke of my grandmother as I knew her to be. Why did they feel the need to sugarcoat her? She was cranky, and mean, and honest, and devoted to her family, and lived life on her own terms. I think there is a lot in there to love. I wish I had decided to say something at the funeral. I had no idea that she would be glossed over on the day we set aside to honor her life. Too weird.

Good-bye to great memories

Pontiac is ending it's run. Due to the GM restructuring plan, the Pontiac brand shall be no more.

My grandfather made his livelihood on the line at Pontiac. He purchased a 1972 4-door Catalina straight off the assembly line. He babied that car and handed it down to my cousin and then to me and my sister. It was huge. It was baby poop brown. It could carry my sister's entire cheerleading squad to a game. It's hood was a favorite picnic and star-gazing spot. It went through gas like nobody's business - leaded gasoline at that. The seat was fixed in the furthest position from the wheel (thanks CJ!) and the button for the brights had to be pressed with your foot. And I loved that car. I called it the Brontosaurus. It was deserving. 

Good-bye Pontiac, and sweet dreams.

All Done!

I am finished with the glorious poncho! Aren't these colors to die for? I love the way it turned out and I can't wait to wear it. Spring should prove to be the perfect time. 

Of course I can't be without a project; I am beginning a whippet sweater for Jezzy. Luna will have to wait until she can stop chewing everything in sight before I'll attempt a sweater for her.

I'll post about it soon, I'm sure....

A Change In The Wind

You know how Mary Poppins is always talking about staying until the wind changes? Well I feel that the wind has changed around here lately. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but yesterday the time felt right to start an Etsy shop for my keepsake books. So I just sat down and did it. This is an unusual thing for me - very unusual.

And even more befuddling, I sent some keepsake books to a woman I barely know just because I think she might like them and want to put the in her boutique. I can't emphasize enough that this is not the sort of thing I do. But I'm glad I'm doing it. It feels good and right and not really so risky.

So look for me on Etsy if you want to: my seller name is iskray (pronounced ISH-kray, Polish for Sparks). And stay tune for more odd yet helpful moments in my journey toward making my art into a business. It promises to be interesting to say the least!

Remember that poncho?

So I thought I'd update you on the progress of the I-80 poncho from Oddball Knitting. 

It's certainly getting longer and I am LOVING it. I can't wait for it to be done so I can wear it. I think it will be ready this spring. Especially if this snow holds out for a few more weeks. 

However, the longer it gets, the wider it becomes and that means more stitches per row. It's a lot slower than I'd like it to be, but I'm plugging along. Can't wait for it to be done!

The Homework Grind

I thought we might make it through one (please Lord, just ONE!) night without tears or shouting (our usual 4-7 p.m. lifestyle these days). Last night was looking good. Hayes finished a dictionary assignment with an unusual quickness and was doing really well on an alphabetizing assignment. 

Then, he realized that even though he'd written seven words, he had missed two that needed to be inserted higher into the list. He was going to have to erase three and start again. My perfectionist lost it. He tried to be brave, but the tears came and he was unable to complete the assignment. Damn! So close. I keep thinking (optimist that I am) that there will come a time when I won't dread the homework grind. I am starting to think it will only happen once he heads off to college. Poor kid.

Six More Weeks of Winter

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today on Gobbler's Knob. One of these days, after I win the lotto and am touring the country in an RV, I'll go there for Groundhog's Day. 

Truthfully, I'm kinda glad there'll be more winter. Last winter it would have seemed like a death sentence, but for some reason, this year the snow seems refreshing and cleansing. I like it. I could use a pair of ski pants so I would actually get OUT in the snow with my kid. But, all things considered, I'll take it. I am savoring life right now and I don't want it to race by too quickly. 

Now, if I can just convince the family that unschooling is John Holt's gift to my child.

Putting It Out There

Just a quick post to let you know that you can expect to see my art at the Midday Deli (Indianapolis) this February, Lulu's Electric Cafe (Indianapolis) in March, and in Beanzies (Avon) NEXT February. I am finally getting my artwork out there!