". Arranged Words: July 2013

31 Jul 2013

Stateside

Recently I took a trip to Lake Placid and Lake George. The people were warm, friendly and the atmosphere festive.  In both towns, flowers tumbled out from every conceivable spot--welcoming, sporting their stuff.

And, of course, a backdrop of forested mountains rise, in light and shadow, one behind the other, creating a series of colour graduations that float from green to blue, and as the eye moves higher, the mist softens and smooths, playing with the form of the trees.

At the Olympic Rink in Lake Placid, several skaters were practicing their moves on a surface of ice that, I'm certain, can't help but inspire and cultivate their dreams of Olympic gold. The ski jump--formidable; it shoots straight up from a forested mountain. The speed skating track another wonder. I stared at it through the fence and although it was 34 degrees C, or 93.2 F, I could easily imagine the power and the grace of the skaters as they swung their way around the track.


The flat roof is a berm energy saving roof.
The good news no visible signs of logging anywhere. Yes!
 I loved all the flags lining the streets and fronting the buildings.
   Lake Placid. So beautiful I wanted to stay!


Hollyhocks. The red shirt in the window didn't escape my notice.
Who could resist? I was a bit excited so I forgot to take pictures inside the store. There were so many beautiful knitted shawls, sweaters etc. And the lady on duty was friendly and helpful!



26 Jul 2013

Dreams



I ordered carrots.


 Your dreams are the buds of a gift you've been given. Each action you make towards your dream (s) expands that giving.  Open ~ Allow ~ Give.  Pass it on. Bloom!



"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." Paulo Coelho The Alchemist
The Alchemist
via Goodreads ~ A pristine cover. Mine is well-worn.

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes



Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16075#sthash.E1Pei8eL.dpuf
Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/16075#sthash.E1Pei8eL.dpuf

23 Jul 2013

Cool Thoughts


Even though it has been terrifically hot, as you can see, I've been thinking cool thoughts. I made this beret for my sister last year, and since she lives in another province, I decided, last week, to whip up another one for me. The Dolan is a quick and easy knit. 

George and Martha Washington, I presume.
I was surprised to see Yarrow and Brown-Eyed Susans so early, so thought I'd share. I hope all of you are enjoying summer!

15 Jul 2013

Naturally--Dyed in the Wool

Another house that I visited in the village had hand dyed wool, a loom and spinning wheels. As you can see from the pictures, the colours are beautiful. The hues are mostly muted. I would definitely like to knit with some of these natural colours. I especially like the apple bark dyed yarn and how about the one on the table to the far right? Lovely!
From left to right, apple bark is in the second bowl in the back row and is on the right.  Cochineal, or carmine dye is made from an insect acid, which I can't imagine using, but it has been used for centuries and is still used in food colouring and lipstick, but what a gorgeous colour.
I wish I knew how to operate a loom.
A little over exposed, but, again, 1840's style. Does anyone know how this delicate shawl was made?  Is it weaved?

8 Jul 2013

Through the Mill

Saturday was a  beautiful day for leisurely walk through the village. There's so much to see, so many questions to ask and an afternoon just isn't long enough. Luckily, the admission price covers two visits!

My first stop was the Woolen Mill. Powered by water, it made life easier for the ladies who, of course, did all of  the carding and the spinning of the wool by hand.

Your about to see innovation in action--a water powered 1840's style woolen factory that is, so hang on your hats and be prepared to be amazed.

Step inside.

The right stuff. 
Must have be a chilly place to work in the winter.
A few bobbins full.
1840's style. I like the buttons-practical. Hmmmm.

Adding to the ambiance...fitting.
Throw that shuttle.
Fluffing machine. The dried corn cobs do the job well.


Without central heating, these blankets would  have come in handy, and I love the pretty blue stripes.


 
Along with roving, blankets and other items, there's also wool for sale.


The camera shy culprits at large

With my free ticket, I think I'll visit again in August or September?  But then I did see the sweetest picture by Kelly Rae Roberts in the village store that I am sorry I left behind... If you haven't seen her work, do have a look. What an uplifting delight!

7 Jul 2013

Soar

Today's aphorism: If there's no way through, fly over. Soar!


2 Jul 2013

Short Story

 I've finally posted a short story. (Click short story tab on top of page to read.) I submitted this story to a thematic writing competition called The Hidden City. Although this story wasn't chosen for that publication, I did enjoy writing it.




1 Jul 2013

Time to Celebrate!

Happy Canada Day to my Canadian pals!



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