Just a few days until Christmas

He came home. My love. The work trip that was estimated to be 4 days in the USA, turned into a 12 day trip... Single Mum hat on and Christmas countdown can be quite exhausting, so I have hibernated a bit. Focused on what's important in life. Like fighting for an error made by the teacher on Luca Bo's latest French test, winning the battle and bumping him up a grade. Victory. Helping with studies for the big last push of tests, wrapping gifts to teachers, instructors and just people around us that we feel we want to wish Happy Holidays... And then of course chores, taxi service, dinner and shopping... same ol', same ol'...

I've gone back to Cross Fit after a 2 year break. My back has bothered me for a very long time. Lately I've asked myself if I should just accept the chronic pain and discomfort and the fact that I can't jump, run or do anything with the smallest impact on my spine... That the pain has forced me to stop being active in the way I want to be active (I can't run, I can't ride the bike, I can't go to aerobic or dance, I can't do too long walks...). I had an MRI done and found out I've got arthritis in 60% of my spine. I have to admit I was slightly shocked. Arthritis had never crossed my mind. Only old people has arthritis, right? ANd I'm not old... or am I maybe getting old? I guess the truth is that even though I'm 24 in my mind, my body is not. It has a few mileage, three pregnancies and lots of baby holding...  So after adjusting to the thought I've made a plan. I"m gonna build up strength around my spine and in my core and work on my flexibility... So I am back at my old Cross Fit gym, with humble steps I stepped in there the other day and  I'm chuffed by the welcome I got. Many of my old gym mates are still there and they were all so very happy to see me. There were high five's to right and left and hugs and cheek kisses. It feels really good. I'm motivated.

Part from all this, the days are rolling on. Christmas is just a few days away now and I'm making one last batch of saffron buns (recipe here and video here). All gifts are wrapped. My family is complete and we can breath out "School" and breath in "Vacation". I might just put on my PJ and keep it on for the next 4 days and just chillax and enjoy being with my loved ones. Maybe squeeze in a Winter Wonderland walk (it is so beautiful here with the snow) and some hot chocolates and lots of good Christmas food. Oh, and I almost forgot - did you see my latest finished crochet project? I LOVE  IT! It was such a fun and quick project, simple and soothing. I'll write down the pattern when I have time. I also need to come up with a name... Maybe Saffron shawl??? It will probably be in the new year.

Happy Christmas my lovelies. Thanks for hanging around and see you on the "other side".

Kärlek
Annette

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Last week(s) of April

A lot has happened lately, hasn't it? The raps fields fell into full bloom turning the landscape in to gold. Spreading their honey fragrance to my delight when riding up and down the hills for some exercise on my bike. Pure beauty!

Prince died! I'm speechless... 59 is way to young. Death seem to be very close to me right now... I mean, not that I knew Prince but he was a super star!!! Hearing his songs playing over and over again the last couple of weeks brings so many memories back from my mid teens... What a waste to let him go. Pure talent...

I bought spring blossoms on a whim and you helped me with advice on Instagram. Social media at its best! Thank you so much. I haven't planted them yet but will soon do. Just waiting for that stubborn Mr Winter to stop interupting my garden plans with frost one day and sun the other... Go away Mr Winter - Go away!

I enjoyed a Craft club morning  with the greatest chicks! Lots of coffee, cookies and crocheting but most of all chatting away like girls do and forgetting the time... Got a bit late for the school run that lunch. Pure joy!

I released the much longed for Maybelle Baby Blanket Pattern and a Maybelle Blanket Yarn Pack for those who wants to replicate the original. And what a response! I'm thrilled with all your messages and sweet appreciation. THANK YOU SO MUCH and please please share your creations on Instagram with #maybelleblanket I would love to see what you make!!! Pure satisfaction!

And the greatest news of all, little Isak was born. Little and little... He is a bit of chunk to say the least. Just like his brothers were. When a new family member arrives, I wish I lived closer to my family so I could pop straight over and breath in that wonderful baby hair smell... Aaaahhh I love him to death already! Pure love!

Now a new month start. A new week. New projects. New goals. New yarn. New weather reports... I hope for more sun, less cold and lots of time for enjoying spring. And please no more great talents going to heaven, please!


PS: Baby Isak is my nephew... thought I should clarify that... I'm not having more babies at 47. ;)

Kärlek
Annette

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Welcome dear November

I welcome you, dear November, with all your mythical beauty and hidden secrets of what the future holds. I walk in the foggy landscape and I'm amazed by the scenery you are setting up for me. I feel transformed back into the time of knights, princesses and brave fights in cheered on tournaments. I'm expecting the hero in his shining armor to appear around the corner on his white stallion at any minute. That would be a delightful sight.

Far away on the fields where horizon, forests and nature all blends together in a thick duvet of fog, I hear the symphony of some young cows accompanied by some strong young bulls. Slowly they appaer through the fog when I'm getting closer...

October was the most fantastic October we've had in years, with intense colors setting the nature on fire but I'm ready for this... The leaves are on the ground and the trees silhouettes are getting more and more bare by the days passing by. I'm ready for crisp and cold mornings and to dress up in warm knit wear. To cuddle up underneath all those crochet blankets inside. Lighting candles and enjoy my dear November with a new small crochet project in my hands. 

It is my month, November. I turn 46 in ten days. I think I couldn't have been born another month of the year. November is me and I am November. Inside and out. Lets go for a walk you and me, dear November.

Kärlek
Annette

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Long time no see

Hi! How are you? Oh my, it's been ages hasn't it? I have to admit that summer just flew by in super speed aswell as my very well needed rest from Cyberworld and Blogland. It is good to go away for a while. Disconnect and come back with new energy and new ideas. I'm well rested and full of energy. An energy I haven't felt in a long time. It makes me happy!

I haven't crocheted that much this summer. I kind of took a time off pretty much everything when flying across the Swiss border with destination Stockholm and Sweden. Summer weather was awful up north. Dreadful. A true depression. But seeing family and friends and hanging out in our very own summerhouse made all the misery disappear. We had a wonderful time even though we had only 4 rain free days in 3 weeks.

So happy to hear that most of you are delighted with my choice of joining color for my Circle In Square Blanket WiP. It is growing steadily with a few squares a day in front of the TV. Now when I'm half way through almost, I'm starting to think that maybe I don't want it be a blanket... Maybe I just want it be pillows. But this time I have been so disciplined and fastened off every single end as I go... It would be a night mare to disconnect the squares. A blanket it will be no matter what now.

I'm working on getting some of my patterns down on paper. Like the Nordic Hat for example and some other projects I have had lying around for a while. I'm hoping to be able to release some new goodies for you in September.

I also have a little idea of sharing some Crochet Tips with you. My very favorite small tips and tricks that makes every crochet WiP a little bit more easy, nice and efficient. Things I've learned through the years such as using a magic ring, crochet into the bottom of a treble to make a ring, crochet a seamless circle, crochet a straight edge without gaps etc. Would that be fun you think?

Anyway. I feel almost like a stranger here today. It's been so looong. School has started and everyone is falling back into routine. Me too. I've missed this space and I'm glad to be back. See you around lovelies.

Kärlek
Annette

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When the storm rolls in

It is magical, like a frosty edging seeing the sun frame those big storm clouds that are rolling in. I hear the thunder, I can see how everything is calming down. Calm before the storm and usually also calm following after. Let the rain come. Angry and hard. We sure need it.

Kärlek
Annette

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Busy bee...

It's that time of the year when everything is happening. The days are passing by quicker than ever and all I can do is to squeeze in some creative moments here and there to settle the speed of life so it doesn't spin out of control. I thought I should pop in to say Hi. I'm here, studying French more than anything...

I'm finishing up old WiP's. Or at least one of the million bunch. The patchwork armchair throw I started a looooong time ago. And a few Maybelle flowers have been added to my collection. One day they will become a blanket. I'm sure.

The weather is somehow getting chilly and damp again and I can't wait to get the warmth back. Maybe after the weekend they say. Time will tell. 

Kärlek
Annette

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