Mother’s Day

May 10, 2015January 7, 2019 by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life, Writing

It’s mother’s day and all my kids are out of state. I’m okay with that. For one thing, they were home last weekend.

Yesterday Ken and I went to a yarn shop Vicki discovered. It was an interesting experience in that I was lucky to be able to get in the store. There was a ramp leading up to the second floor and a locked door. The ramp itself was damn scary as I could hear the boards moving as I rolled over each of them. Ken ended up going in to ask if there was a way in. Of course there was – up the ramp and through the locked door. When we got there (finally) the ramp was about 4 inches below the door. I couldn’t just roll into the building. I had to get off my scooter and lift it up. It’s a good thing I’m still mobile and not completely wheelchair bound.

The yarn shop was small but had a large selection as well as an interesting selection of gadgets. However, the cost of the yarn was over the top. I didn’t see anything under $5.75 and these were tiny skeins (probably about an ounce). Some of the yarn was amazing but the cost ranged from the $5.75 to $40 (or more). Most of it seemed to be specialized yarn but to me this is just too costly to spend money on. I mean an afghan can sometimes take up to ten or more skeins. That is a crazy amount of money to spend to make an afghan.

I did get a crochet hook with stuff on the handle. It is supposed to help ergonomically with hand issues. I bought one and I’ll try it. If I like them and it helps with the cramping I can get I’ll think about getting a set.

Another thing I noticed was a ball holder. Basically, the piece was two wooden plaques separated with a turntable. In the center of the top one, a dowel was placed. You place your skein on the dowel and then can pull from the outside. It should (hopefully) prevent tangling of skeins. They were asking $30 for one.

I like the idea a lot but not the cost. Ken was with me so I asked – Can you make something like this? His answer was sure. He is making one this morning for me and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. He got the materials from Menards for $20 and will be able to make two for that cost. If they work out nicely, I’ll be asking for some more. Vicki will probably as well as she has been doing a lot of knitting.

There was one other gadget there which was essentially the same thing except without the turntable. They had several skeins of yarn on a dowel which was in the center of a wooden plaque. I could see how that would be useful when I’m working with multiple colors, I could put them all on the dowel and just pull the ends to crochet with. I’m hoping I can talk Ken into making me one like that as well (though it being on a turntable would be nicer I think).

When I’m done with this blog I’ll be going back to crocheting. Last night I listened to Promises in Death while I worked on Virginia’s afghan. I got about twenty rows done on her afghan. I sent her a picture and told her if she didn’t like it I could keep it. I think if she had been closer, I would have gotten a smack. It is turning out BEAUTIFULLY.

This morning I published one more crochet pattern. I’ve had it done for a while but had to wait until after my niece’s wedding as it was her gift. Soft Sunshine Afghan is now available on Smashwords and Amazon.
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/541758
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XGOA50W

It’s been a busy Mother’s day and next is going to be more crocheting on Virginia’s afghan!

Mother’s Day

May 11, 2014February 22, 2019 by eileentroemel, posted in Life, Writing

My daughters have all contacted me today. We may be far apart physically but I think we are getting closer every day. They are the most amazing women I know. They are strong, compassionate and loving. I’m very proud of them.

With my daughters being out of town for Mother’s day, I have the day to do what I please. This is always a bonus for me. Yesterday I finished part of a baby gift and started the other part. Last night, Ken and I helped my nephew move. Ken did most of it – I drove. We got home late last night and we both slept later than normal.

Ken made me breakfast this morning. It was sweet of him to do it as the girls aren’t here to do little things like that. Since I’m moving slowly today I don’t know whether I will spend my day crocheting or work on book production. Right now I’m putzing on the computer and don’t have a lot of energy.

I turned fifty this year and maybe that is why but I’ve spent a lot of time just looking at my life and reflecting on my accomplishments. My three biggest would be my daughters. I’ve managed to raise three incredible women who are responsible members of society. (yup mom bragging again). However, they aren’t my only accomplishments.

Since December, I’ve graduated from college to get my third degree since high school (associates in business, bachelor’s in business, and finally my bachelor’s in English). I’ve also just published two books and should have a third book out soon. I’ve managed to maintain my marriage for thirty three years (next month). It isn’t front page news but I’m proud of who I am and what I’ve accomplished.

Since I was seventeen, I’ve had people tell me I will fail. I would accomplish nothing. Actually in high school, I had a counselor who was very disparaging about my future so it began even earlier. I go back to my parents though – my dad in particular – made me feel like I could be and do anything I wanted to do. I may not have taken the path they wanted me to, but I’ve gotten there in the end. Against naysayers and even against some pretty tough odds, I’ve managed to attain a level of success I think most people felt I would never reach. More importantly, I like who I am and what I’m doing. I’m proud of myself and pleased with my work. At fifty, I finally feel like I’ve come into my own.

On this mother’s day, I’m grateful for those who have helped me along the way. Ken, who is more than just my husband, he is my best friend. He’s learned to give me space when I need it and be there for me when I need him to be. Virginia, Vicki, and Stephanie, my wonderful and amazing daughters, have encouraged me even while they were growing up. They give me encouragement and support as I work my way through life.

While my daughters may be far away, they are never far because – as corny as it sounds – they are in my heart. They are a part of everything I accomplish and everything I do.