Knitting With a Friend. Good Times.

My girlfriend, Missy, recently taught me how to knit. And I like it ... but don't love it yet. She, on the other hand LOVES it ... and I can see why. It is a luxurious feeling to have soft cotton/wool yarn pass through your finger tips ... to create something useful out of natural woven fibers ... to focus your attention on a craft as though it were a meditation ... to simply flick your wrist and wind together knotted stitches that when formed together create a gorgeous, wearable work-of-art. She does that. Often.

Me? Well, I have stitched about 4 inches of a project ... and am in no hurry to stitch more. When Missy comes around, I pick it up so that we can knit together. It feels good to work on the same craft while chatting together. Sadly, I never last long. I need more instant gratification than knitting has yet to provide me. I would like that to change though. I would sincerely love to knit as well as she does - and recognize that one can only do so if one practices often. Perhaps someday.

For now - I am simply admiring her work ... and am in love with the beauty that she creates with some needles and fingers.

Thanks for sharing your work Missy. It truly is a joy to watch.

Love,

Jodi

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Slightly Naughty Pins.

Recipe:

1 Button Making Machine

1 Circle Cutter

1 Stack of Multi-Colored Cardstock

1 Stack of Vintage Magazines

Scissors

Glue

1 Friend w/ an Excellent (& slightly warped) Sense of Humor

1 Bottle of Jim Beam

1 Bottle of Coke

Mix all together ... with wild abandon ... while the kids are playing Wii ... and here is what you get ...

Ahhh ... that was fun! My fave is the lovely woman who is surrounded by the words "Free From Constipation Worries". I felt so innocently-naughty while making some of these silly pins ... ya know ... like when you were a little child and you belted out a swear while you were all alone... innocent enough ... but also deliciously naughty :)

There are many "naughtier" ones that will not be shown here ... but I swear that they were my girlfriend's idea! Really. She's such a rebel. My Mom thinks she is a bad influence on me. I think she is prime best-friend material. We plan to get "naughty" again tomorrow. Woo-hoo!

Enjoy your day.

Love,

Jodi

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Wabanaki Confederacy.

This past weekend, Isaac and I were privileged to attend the Wabanaki Confederacy Pow-Wow on Indian Island in Old Town, Maine. It was hosted by the Penobscot Nation, of which my extended family is a part (Meaghan, Missy, Sydney, etc.).

Words cannot adequately describe the beauty and power of this sacred, timeless gathering. I was honored to take part in it ... and thankful that my son has both embraced and been embraced by this community.

Because pictures can sometimes tell a better story than words ... I will let this photostream do the talking for me. I hope that my photos convey joy, pride and respect. Enjoy.

Love,
Jodi

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My Best Friend.

(Here is my best friend - at the mall - trying on bras - outside of the dressing room - trying to be goofy enough to embarass my Mom - which she did - cracking me up with her pink long-johns and commentary...)

I never knew that I wanted or needed a "best friend" until I found Melissa (or rather, she found me). She is my rock, my joy, my soul, my sister. We can stay up all night long - enjoying deep philisophical conversation or we can stay up all night long - making prank commentary online in a Big Brother chat room (hilarious!).

I love you so much Missy. And am thankful for you - everyday. You turn a good life into a great life!

Love,

Jodi

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