Remembering Marinke (Wink of A Creative Being)

I can't recall how I first heard of Wink's blog, but once I discovered it, I followed it religiously. I was drawn in by her bright colors and patterns -- it was such a happy place! Only later did I realize that all the bright, happy colors were Wink's way of fighting off the insidious darkness of depression. Sadly, the darkness took over and Wink took her own life.

To honor and remember Wink, crocheters around the world are creating mandalas to raise awareness of depression. More information can be found at Crochet Concupiscence.

This is my contribution, The pattern is Wink's. I chose it to represent the light at the end of the tunnel that she could no longer see. The yarn is Scheepjeswol Cotton 8, from the Scheepjes 2014 CAL that Wink designed.

Thank you, Marinke, for all the colorful and beautiful creations you gave to the world. I hope that your loved ones take comfort in knowing that you touched so many people.

Serious Catching Up, Seriously

I'm not really sure how it got to this point. Do the days just whiz by for everyone, or is it just me?

To recap the last few months:

My oldest son Morgan is doing great in his freshman year at college. I, however, still feel his absence strongly. Luckily, he texts me constantly, so it does make things easier. Plus he's almost finished with his second semester, so I am counting the days until he is home again. :)

My second son Tanner is about to graduate from high school, and he has been accepted to the University of Texas at Dallas. Yikes! I have some pictures to order and announcements to address. Oh and a wreath to make for our front door, since I made one last year when Morgan graduated.

My third son Carson is about to become a high schooler. He was accepted into the Science & Engineering Academy (the same school Tanner will graduate from), so we continue with the tradition of attending magnet schools. I'm really proud of my boys. :)

My fourth son Connor is finishing up third grade. He once told me (when Morgan mentioned his dream to move to Europe after college) that he would never leave me. He is the sweetest boy, and he misses Morgan the most (after me, of course).

(UH campus visit)

In crafty news, I have finished two blankets (and started another), made countless hats and scarves, and started cross-stitching again.

   

             (Nikki's bobble blanket)                  

 (Morgan's cozy dorm blanket)

(Kevin's nautical-inspired blanket)

I used to cross-stitch all the time. I hoarded DMC embroidery thread and contemporary patterns. I'm not really sure how my crafty life evolved from thread to yarn, except that after having my children, I found it much easier to put a yarn project down than a cross-stitch project. Cross-stitch after all requires a certain amount of concentration.

(Birthday gift for my bestie's son. Pattern by weelittlestitches.)

I'll post some of the cross-stitch pieces I have framed around my house. Next time. :)