Let it Rain

I love the rain.

I made these gloves to mimic the rain! If you would like to make these, you can buy the PDF in my etsy shop, for 4.99, or check it out on Ravelry!

Riol's Story

This is part three of my novel "The Quest to End the Desert". New to this tale? Start at the beginning here.
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Riol remembered the day when he'd found what it meant to be a second son.

He'd been about five. Nurse had been holding him, and there was some bright toy dancing right beyond his fingertips while the merry sound of laughter filled the room, the happy laughter of his older brother and sisters echoing through the halls as they shrieked and played together. It was usually like this, day in and day out: the mauve curtains, with the childish settee where Elsa and Liroya received embroidery lessons and played at tea, to the blue carpet where the blocks for castle building and the knight play-set rested. Riol was in a corner with nurse, who kept picking him up because all he wanted to do was pull out Elsa's knitting. Elsa turned so red when he pulled out her knitting. It had been fun, and Riol had given him a sweetmeat afterwards for stealth.

He wasn't making it very far today. Nurse seemed to know what he was up to when he got as far as the first curtain.

Suddenly, father had walked in. Riol felt himself lifted quickly from behind--and he hadn't even reached the halfway point! Curses. His view dipped once as nurse curtsied.
 

"Olix" age eight (Source)

“Olix.” The king said, and the tone of his voice made Riol shiver, because he sounded busy. Father always sounded busy. Or bored. He didn't even like the blue and silver knights but seemed more interested in talking to nurse in her sleeping room after seeing to Olix.

“Yes, father.” Said eight-year-old Olix, who had been building a castle out of blocks in a far corner. He was somber, he looked almost frightened! Riol blinked slowly. Olix, frightened? He who could stand up to Liroya's temper and pinches: no, Olix would never be frightened. Riol watched as his brother slowly straightened and stood, turning to face his Father.

“You are needed in the study. Come.”Continued father, his hands clasped behind his back.

Olix nodded. 

What? Father was taking Olix away? Why? Riol had never left the nursery. Olix had never left the nursery. “Riol wants to come to!” Riol said, wiggling out of nurse's arms and waving his tiny hands towards his father.

Riol wrinkled his brows. "Riol come to!" He chorused, and began waddling towards Olix. 

All eyes suddenly turned towards him, and he stumbled over a colorful block, landing beside Olix's left slipper. His brother was looking towards the door, his hands clinched up tight. “Brother?” Said Riol, reaching up to tug on the older boy's sleeve, “Riol come to?”

The nurse shushed him from behind, and in one fluid motion scoped the squirming boy up again.

“No, Riol come to! Riol want come!” He screamed into her starched apron, his little limbs flailing about despite her shushing.

“No, Riol.” Said his father. “You are a second son. You won't be king like your brother. You will be a knight, like Uncle Undine, or a monk like Uncle Rexxes or Reichi.”

Then Olix was gone.

Only later had it been properly explained to him. Second sons—second sons were not allowed to marry. Or sire any children, because children from his loins would potentially muddle the succession line.

Second sons had to take the chaste vow of knighthood or submit themselves to God.

Riol didn't like either of those choices.

It's not like he wanted to be King. He just wanted to be somebody. Not shuttered away in a monastery or freezing himself on a tower wall. He wanted...he wanted a choice. 

That, together with the memory of his younger sister's birth when he was six—and the subsequent death of the Queen—are his only childhood memories.

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Click here for part four!
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The Russian Twist

I love fall. But one thing I really dislike about this season is how windy it is! I find myself always tucking my hair up to avoid the wind. I call this "The Russian Tuck and/or Twist" and it is adorable. I always get compliments. And when I tell them that I just twisted my hair and tucked it into my beanie? Their jaws drop!

My hair stays put because, well, I have a lot of it. I don't use any bobby pins or anything to hold this in place. If your hat is less clingy, you might need hairspray or a scrunchy or something.

This is such an easy hairstyle. What do you guys think?

Part Two

This is part two of my novel "The Quest to End the Desert". New to this tale? Start at the beginning here. 
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Miera squealed outright, as Gepilios had known she would, for an unfinished tale always left her grumpy. He sighed. For a child of nine years, she would have to get over that unruly temper of hers. One day she would learn that the world did not turn upon the axis of her person. Sadly, she was a princess, and thus the lesson, once learned, would be quiet hard on her. From Gepilios point of view, the girl was spoiled quiet regularly by all those around her.

Source

Riol, however, just looked thoughtful. Perhaps, thought Gepiloios, I should convince King Herold to let Miera have knight lessons, like his second son, if they so calm ones humors. He chuckled at the thought of the firey redhead toting around a sword. She'd probably use it better then the boy, and with more mirth.

“Why didn't the gnome—Rynio-whats-his-name—release the water, Magus Gepilios?” Asked Riol.

“I don't know.” Said the senior magican, “The tale doesn’t say. Maybe whatever his brother was doing finally caught him. Maybe some part of his spell went further awry, and the ring was lost—or maybe...”

“Maybe he wanted a world without water.” Miera said, her voice sharp and high, neatly interrupting Gepilio's dry tone.

“Don't interrupt.” Riol jostled his sisters arm, causing her to turn and glare at him, her bright green eyes narrowed beneath her ruby brows.

“I'll do what I like.” She retorted, but then was silent.

“I'll tell you the end.” He decided suddenly, and was glad to see Miera settle back into Riol's bed, her body relaxing. Lord help her mother and father when she came of age, he thought.

“You are right to question the Gnome's intent, Miera, for it is well known that the bodies of water west of the Isles are all bone-dry. And have been, for as long as the memory of man can remember, even before my father's father recorded this history.

"The Selkies are gone from those lands.The mermaids that resided in those waters have all disappeared. It wasn't long before the trees died, and the desert that we now know of as Nexton's Ring was born—a desert that no man can cross without a magician, now, for to cross means death. A dry sea, peppered with even dryer islands—hundreds of miles of empty desert.

And it is further true that no one knows where the two old gnomes have gone, or where they have taken the ring. I'm sure both of you know about the quest."

Riol nodded, but Miera had opened her mouth to speak.

"Just hold on Miera, I'll explain. Said Gepilios quickly.

"So, since the dawn of time—well, at least time as men mark it—there has been a quest. A quest to restore the water to the land,--a quest began by elf and fae and nymph alike, even before men. The quest for the ring, to save lake creatures that Rynimlsu unknowingly trapped inside his bauble. Yes, many believe they are trapped in there, frozen inside Rynimolu's spell, their water and their lives held forfeit. For instead of allowing him to control the water, the ring was a cage, a trap—locking up the source of all the lakes and seas and rivers beyond the Isles, and destroying the land.

"But I don't think it was deliberate, Miera. No, I don't think it was deliberate at all.

"Because I think Rynimlsu himself is trapped there, to this very day, frozen inside his spell. Forever."

The girl's eyes were dropping now, so Gepilous called for a maid to help her to bed, before tucking the boy in and heading back up the long, winding staircase to his studies.

So many studies.

---
Click here for part three.

Vegan, Gluten Free Chocolote Cake

So, many of you don't know that I used to be allergic to milk. Thankfully my milk allergy disappeared around puberty!

My two favorite things...

Unfortunately, what I didn't know is that allergies can return if you go through a change in hormones or a catastrophic sickness. Last year on my honeymoon I caught a terrible case of food poisoning, along with a succession of four UTI's throughout the next three months. Then we sadly suffered a miscarriage. To put it simply, my hormones and body were completely worn out. And my milk allergy came back. Yay?

That brings me to today's blog post for Vegan, Gluten Free Chocolate "Cake". This is SO yummy and guilt free! I don't add any sugar, as there is a little sugar in the apple sauce and also in my Justin's hazelnut chocolate. 

Vegan Chocolate Cake

• 1 cup rolled oats (make sure say GF)
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup apple sauce
• 2 tablespoons Justin's
• 2 tbs peanut butter or almond butter
• 1/4 teaspoon v extract
• pinch of salt

That's it. Stir it all together and bake for 25 minutes at 350f. Makes two servings.

I seriously eat this for breakfast.

Two-Color Fingerless Gloves

I made some new colorwork knit fingerless gloves last week! There are knitted with two colors. You start with one (I used lavender) and then slowly add the second color (I used a variegated hand-painted yarn) until only the second color remains, giving it a sort of "ombre" effect.

Of course, I made a pattern. You can download the PDF here for free, as well as view more information about these gloves. You can buy yourself an actual pair in my etsy store!

The Quest to End the Desert

“When the world was new, and still unknown to most men, a story began. A story that eventually became a tale, as most stories do, as time passes...
...Oh, how do I know the story?

Well, my father father's journal recounts these words, dear Prince—and now I shall give them to you. Guard them with your life.

So--the story begins, as most do, with two little old grumpy gnomes who lived beneath the knoll at Edmond's Steading. What, you've never heard of it? I suppose it's not called Edmond's Steading any longer, because the Thing that was Edmond has long sense fallen asleep. Now they call it Nexton's Ring. Ah, you do know it! I can see it by the glint in your eyes! 

By Alixmaria.

Well, the gnomes were wizards, both masters in the ancient arts of flame, spirit, water and earth. And, both were keepers of the Secret. Oh, you've heard of that too? What? Yes, I'm aware that Miera's listening behind the curtain. Come out child, you can hear this too.

And--for once Riol, sit still. I won't be bothered by anymore childish questions while I'm talking. Your brother's asleep next door and Miera is here now, so don't pester me. Clamp those lips or I'll fetch some fairy's feet from the pantry—that'll steel your tongue to silence.

Well, where was I? Oh, I remember.

One gnome was named...Nilionxi. He was extraordinary gifted in the arts of Making and Remembering. His brother, Ryniomlous, practiced the magic of Healing and Fixing, along with Storing—if I remember correctly. My memory isn't what it used to be, children. It comes with the wrinkles.

Well, Nilionxi and Ryniomlous were both very old. They had seen the scope of the earth. They had broken many fasts in the Great Reaches. They had wandered through Sealoe's Forest, where it meets the unexplored west beyond the peaked mountain ranges.

What do you mean, I talk like I've been there? Of course I've been there. I am your father's magician, it's my job to know these things. Now be quiet and listen, or I'll leave and tell my tale to the kitchen wrenches. God knows they deserve a break, after all the muffins and soups you two order, and the mess you make.

Anyway, the two brothers dug out a system of tunnels beneath Steading, winding passages here and there, filling their rooms with dusty tomes and stacks upon stacks of bottled eye of newt and witches blood. I never said they were particularly nice old gnomes—not that they weren’t nice. They were most methodical and studious. Oh, and sneaky, of course. To pass the time between decades, they would dabble with the elements of nature, and prank the other--to see who could unweave the other's weaving.

The stouter wizard, who as I mentioned before, was called Ryniomlous (only, this was not his true name, sadly he had forgotten his name thrice over, and thus currently called himself Ryniomlosu) was mixing a potion over his stove when he heard a loud explosion down the tunnel. He was currently mixing a potion of his own concoction—a great prank he had planned for his lesser, and thinner, brother—and thus the loud noise broke his concentration, but only for a second.

A great cloud of dust soon followed the explosion, but Ryniomlous was not interested. He wanted to finish crafting his ring--a water ring that would allow the wearer to control the essence of water he was nearest too. There were 9 rivers this side of the Isles—starting with the Dalpthine lake, that fed into the Gaunt River, that wound its easy way though the Steading. The lake was the center—all 9 rivers flowed from it. Ryniomlous hoped to relocate much of this water into his fellow gnome's study this evening, mayhap accompanied by a surplus of very bewildered fish, and an angry selkie or two. Oh, he could see his brothers face now—a big wrinkled O of surprise, followed by the horror that he was about to get very, very wet. Because there was nothing that Nilionxi hated more then getting his socks wet. Well, perhaps visitors. Both brothers liked their solitude, and so generally were left very much alone. They had found the greatest deterrent to visitors was the threat of being turned into a bird or a tree or some oddment.

Huh? It's a proven fact that gnomes despise water. Why would you ask?

The ring already had 8 stones of crystallized water attached. It had taken him six months of traveling to collect water from each of the 9 rivers this side of the Isles—because, if he was going to do this spell, he needed an essence from each body of water. It was a powerful summoning, perhaps his greatest. Ryniomlsu could already feel the keening of the water coursing through the ring, a powerful summoning that sounded almost like a siren's song. He ignored another explosion from somewhere down the tunnel, and readied his soldering tool—carefully holding the last bead in place.

What do you mean I changed his name? Oh, fodder, this brain of mine. Can't even remember the tale right. It was Rynio-something. Ruio? Ruf? Whatever it was, its unimportant to the tale. Just listen.

Suddenly the earth shook, and Ryniomlsu looked up, his hand faltering. Confound it all, what was Nilionxi doing? As his head was turned toward the door, he failed to notice as a small drop of water fell away from his ring, breaking from the beaded essence and promptly slipping away into the floor. Ryniomlus quickly turned back to his work, and carefully bonded his last node of water. He held it up triumphantly towards the light, turning it each and every way, watching the sun from his skylight glint through the pale blue drops. It was then he realized he had made a terrible mistake.

...And that is how the desert was born. Are you two ready for bed now?

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Stay tuned for part two in the story! I release a new segment every week. You can see all parts, as well as all my other writing here: My Writing. Please know that this story has not been proofread by anyone other then me, and spelling errors may abound :)

One Year

Mr. Adventure and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary this weekend. It was beautiful. And amazing. He took me back to the hotel where we spent our first night together and we played Trivial Pursuit and went thrift shopping (my choice) and also watched the Virginia Tech game (his choice) the next day.

Friday evening we walked around the lake near our hotel and then went out to eat at a really nice restaurant. The weather was perfect: it was warm, about 60, and it was so nice to reminiscence about our wedding. And how nervous we both were. And how relieved we are that we don't have to battle nervousness anymore. And about how short a year is. It's been a year? Woah.

the view from our room

Back in our hotel room we enjoyed strawberries with whipped cream, a little bit of television, and a lot of snuggling. Night: perfection. I am so happy about the amazing, handsome, hard-working and compassionate man I married. I could gush about our marriage, but I won't. I'll just say that he has exceeded all of my expectations and his mercy and kindness towards my stubbornness still blows me away. Every time. I would not trade this for the world.

our hotel

Here's to next year, baby. And the next. And the next. Hopefully, many many more to come.

Live Interview Time!

Awhile ago I wrote an article about being a stay at home wife on my blog. To this day, it is one of my most-viewed articles, and I've really felt encouraged by the women who have shared in the comment section.

But...

Imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail from the Huffington Post asking if I would be part of one of their live segments, called "Happily Unemployed".

This has got to be a scam. I thought, about to delete the e-mail. But on a whim I googled it.

It was real.

So, I was on Huffpost Live! You can check it out here. I come in around the 7 minute mark.

Blogging Confessions Tag

Oh Whimsical Me tagged me in this blogging "confessions" post! 

1. When did you first start blogging and why?

I started blogging a few years ago to chronolog my sewing. I wanted to see myself improve... Since then I've learned knitting, made friends, and used this blog to deal with some hard life questions.    

2. Have you had any past online presence?

I had a LiveJournal a long long time ago. I don't even remember my user name.

3. When did you become serious about your blog?

About a year ago, I began to realize my blog could be so much more then just a history of my sewing adventure. I branched out into sharing my own personal story--I wanted to encourage others who might have gone through the same things as me.

4. What was your first blog post?

It was a post about a watercolor picture I recently painted.

5. What have been your biggest challenges blogging?

I've gone through many challenges through the seasons. First, finding time to blog with my full time, third shift job in 2010 and 2011. In 2012 I encountered another challenge when I got married and found that my husband did not quite understand blogging. He was worried about all the personal things I was revealing online, and how they would affect us and his family. We had many conversations, and I almost stopped blogging. At first I felt my husband was taking away my one love, my one outlet. I wasn't sure why I felt so upset when he would question my blogging. After many hard conversations where it felt like we were not connecting, I was finally able to explain that I wanted to blog because I don't want others to feel alone. I want to be there for them, and I want my story to be there for them as well. My husband was able to understand this. I learned that he just wanted to have input into what I put on my blog. Since my story now was so closely related to his, I had to realize it was unfair to post things abut my husband without his permission. We both learned.  

6. What is the most rewarding thing about blogging?

 Venting. Feeling like I'm not alone. It's funny how I can write a post and hope it helps others, and then people leave me comments telling me how my blog helped them and touched them, and then in return be helped by their words. My post "being a stay at home wife" is in the top three google searches for those words. I get so many comments from women who feel just like me, and it is so encouraging. Together, we can encourage the world about our choice and dreams!

7. What is the most discouraging thing about blogging?

The hateful comments. I've only had a few. It's not like they hurt, its just so bewildering. I think of myself as a very open person--I love discussing other viewpoints, and I don't like judging others. How does leaving a hateful comment help me understand what you disagreed with in my post? How does it open the doors to having an insightful conversation about our differences?

8. What is your lasting inspiration or motivation?

I don't really know. I get inspired by light or the leaves on a tree. I find motivation in the way the air moves in the morning when the clouds are just rising over the horizon. My husband's smile, full of warmth and love, also makes my heart soar. Knowing God loves me even when I don't understand Him and ignore Him helps me stand steady.

9. What is your blogging dirty little secret?

I'm actually really interested in reading others blogs? I don't know if I have any secrets about this blog. Maybe that sometimes I never know what to leave as a comment when people comment on my posts? A simple "thank you" seems trite.

10. What is your current goal as a blogger?

Grow as a person and encourage others.

11. Have you learned or become passionate about anything through blogging that caught you by surprise?

Blogging introduced me to knitting. And to...well, everything associated with blogging. I can't imagine who I would be without all this.

Do you Crochet?

Hey guys! I've been working on my crochet recently! This week I made some super soft crochet arm warmers for Handsome and Gretel, an amazing new folk band that I found by the suggestion of Sew Technicolor. I wanted to send them some fan art, so I made Gretel these arm warmers and Handsome a hat. I hope they like them.

I also crochet myself some leg warmers! They are super cozy and cute; and I made a free pattern for downloading on Ravelry, so you can make some too!

I'm finding out that I love both knitting and crochet. Yay! Can you do both?

Sweater Purse?

I had an old sweater I bought for my husband when we were first married. It fits fine, but he says its itchy and that he hates turtlenecks. Lesson learned!

So I decided to turn it into a fall purse for myself.

I absolutely adore my new satchel! After felting and cutting the sweater, I added some pretty crochet trim that I bought from the store, and a vintage doily that I bought on my honeymoon in Mexico. The inside of my creation is lined with an old sheet from my local goodwill. Its a handmade venture all around.

I love it, and I am sure this purse and I will have many adventures. Soon.

Handmade Trade

A lady in my wonderful women's bible study wanted some "knitted leg warmers with the silhouette of buildings on them". I can do that, possibly? She, I found out, makes beautiful jewelry, so we concocted a handmade trade!

I got this necklace, and she received a pair of leggings.

I also made a pattern for Ravelry, in case you are interested in making your own pair!

Why do Companies make Polticial Statements?

I'm sorry, I don't eat at Chick-fil-a.

My friend said, turning down my offer to buy her lunch a few years ago. What? Did I just hear that right? Yes, my liberal friend was/is boycotting Chick-fil-a because they don't support the implementation of Gay marriage.
 
It was around this time that I began to notice the growing trend of companies, their political/religious statements, and the ensuing boycotts. And thinking about what it all means.

Today, I've come to a few realizations, and an overwhelming compulsion to spew my knowledge all over the internet. Enjoy.

I wish. (Source)

A few weeks later after aforementioned friend declined Chick-fil-a outing,  I walked into my Sunday school class wearing my favorite hipster denim dress. Complete with a side of extra large Starbucks coffee to help me stay awake! (It must be known, at this time, I worked third shift. Church didn't happen without coffee). Annnd yes, the first thing I heard was:

...You have a Starbucks? I can't believe you support that organization...

Apparently since I was a christian, drinking Starbucks was equivalent to walking into Sunday school with my rainbow hat and live-in life partner in tow. Huh?

There are hundreds of examples beyond the two I've outlined here. Like, Square, coming out against gun rights. And Disney, pro-gay. Blah, blah. You get the idea.

But lately I've been asking myself: What is wrong with this picture? Why do I feel this is not the way we should be reacting to these kinds of statements? My hackles and my indignation rises with each "I don't--because ". After stewing over this, I came up with a few introspective questions:

First, why do we feel as a society like every place we shop, every place we eat at, should somehow agree with our every political whim? Are we that conceited? I imagine in some third world country, a regular Joe does not usually contemplate where his shirt came from or what the moral stipulations are of the company who donated relief aid for his starving kids. When did we stop being grateful for what companies provide for us (objects for a comfortable life, yada yada) and start being selective and, in my opinion narcissistic, about what we buy?

That should be an Onion article: Starving Man from Rural Africa Refuses to Eat American Beef because of Pro-Gay policy. Or: Barefoot women refuses shoes made by Pro-gun activists. I could go on. I won't.

Because--shouldn't our first and really, only prerogative be: is this item/food what I require to fix my problem? When did we add to that: but what does this item say about me? what will people think if they see me using this item? Is there any political or social or religious affiliations attached to this item that I personally do not believe in? Oh, I already have four of these items, but this one is red. I need a red one.

We live in such luxury. I mean, some of those questions are good to ask. But should we let them rule our entire lives, let them color how we see others and place ourselves on shining pedestals because of how we see them? Uh, no. If you don't want to eat somewhere, then don't eat there. And please don't lecture me about how great a person you are for abstaining from said restaurant. I don't care.

This brings me to my next set of questions: Does eating something really have anything to say about what you believe? Do labels really mean that much to us? And if so, should they?

All dry humor aside, I've noticed that people who boycott Disney for their pro-gay statements still shop at Forever 21, where the use of Chinese factories and child labor abounds.

Some of you will tell me that those people in China need to eat too, right? That they also need to provide for their families. You are correct. But I wish there was a better way for them to sustain life than working all day in a factory making clothes. This does not in any way demean the sense of pride I'm sure they have that they are doing all they can. Actually, they are probably working to much to feel any pride. Pride seems to be an American thing.

So, I'll just sit here and think about the fact that I shouldn't buy their clothes because of the ethical statements behind them. I'm clearly missing the big picture.

There is so many things wrong with this, I don't even...

Honestly, I don't think any company should make political statements. I mean, your a company, right? Are you trying to turn off people from buying your product by picking a side on an already controversial issue? If you are thinking that those who lie on the affirmation side of your topic will began to shop more there, then you are just being greedy--another vice that most every company shares, sadly. Or you are using religion to try and bully someone into believing in a topic (like that above cup. Jesus and boycotting china have nothing to do with each other...but sadly companies will play into people's religion or sexual orientation just to sell things.)

I'm not trying to say that individuals inside companies can't make political statements. I just don't think companies should. Its not the purpose of a company, and it will always alienate somebody. And that sounds bad for the company, yeah? Yeah.

You know why I don't eat/drink Starbucks anymore? Its because they don't have tea lattes. All I drink now are tea lattes, and well, Starbucks, you don't have any. I also don't eat at Chick-fil-a because I don't eat fast food. Why? Well, it has nothing to do with politics or religion--but with my health and what I see as healthy/non-healthy.

So, for me, I just boycott boycotting. And inwardly cringe whenever I hear a fellow citizen of mine sprouting boycott nonsense.

But, what do you think?

Knit Boot Cuffs

I made some little knit and crochet boot toppers the other day for my new fall shoes I just bought! I love them. And, of course, I made a pattern! The pattern is free, and downloadable by PDF on my Ravelry page. Go check it out if you are interested in making these!

Funny things

Uh, "bird print top"? Your snarky/hipster wording attempt does not amuse me.

Oh, you found my blog how? Uh huh. Why?

This comment on Mishmash made my day

Deanna looks a lot like Lindsey Stirling...

Rachel looks a lot like...this book cover. Yeah?

Just some funny things I've noticed over the weeks. Some of these, yeah, I posed on twitter awhile ago. :P Anything humorous happening in your life lately?

Gnome Fingerless Gloves

I'm a really avid reader of Delirious Rhapsody, an awesome blog run by my friend Deanna, who posts about her two red-head kids, her husband, and her life. She loves gnomes--I've found her references and web site to be full of their little pointy-hat selves. So, I decided to make her some fingerless gloves with gnomes on them.

Did I mention they are adorable? And I also made a full PDF pattern with charts and a picture tutorial if you knit and want to make them too! The pattern is for sale in my etsy shop for 4.99 right now! Next week I'm making Totoro mitts for myself. And leggings with buildings on them. And wool cuffs for my new boots...

I am a knitting machine!