The King of Pop

I can barely remember a time when I didn't love Michael Jackson...his music, his dancing, his creativity. Thriller was my first cassette tape ever and I wore out the tape, the case, and the sleeve with the photo of him with the tiger. I had a Michael Jackson folder in elementary school with him in a yellow sweater vest on it. Remember that one? I think I tried to emulate his dancing beginning at age 5 and haven't stopped. He will always be the inspiration for my love of dance. I'm honored that people play Thriller at parties just to get me to dance. I now feel compelled to continue that tradition, even though a 31 year old woman should probably not bust out her Michael Jackson impressions in public.

I wanted to post the Thriller video on my blog today because it will always remain one of my favorite pieces of entertainment, ever. Unfortunately, YouTube was asked not to give out the embed code. Here is a link to watch it though. My brother and I wore out our recorded-off-of-TV version of "The Making of Thriller." If you too can quote Vincent Price in the song, this link's for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8

Long live the King...thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

Outfits are back

Outfits are back
Originally uploaded by elletrain

We'll see how long this keeps up again, but I'm hoping to keep taking pics of my outfits again. It sure is fun to look back and see what I was wearing a few months ago. Most days since I work from home though my clothing is nothing special.

This outfit was for getting drinks at Rosepepper yesterday with my friend Julie who is moving to Salt Lake City next week. I will totally miss her!!! But plan to visit in SLC. We had lots of fun evenings at Alley Cat (R.I.P.) and Rosepepper and many fun afternoons knitting at Sip Cafe.We also had a great couple of afternoons sneaking into a pool at some big hotel here in East Nashville. Don't want to ruin my chances of continuing that tradition :)

Best of everything to Julie and her husband in their new adventure. And here's also to being creative with outfits now and then...when I get out of my PJ's and actually go out into the world.

my fun new hobby

climbing
Originally uploaded by elletrain

A few weekends ago Pinky and I went with some friends out to the Obed River in East Tennessee. They are experienced rock climbers and helped me with my first outdoor climbing trip. We camped on Saturday night and hiked, climbed, and swam on Sunday in the beautiful valley of the Obed. It was gorgeous and super fun. Mattie got to go too and really enjoyed hiking and swimming.

It was a little scary climbing on a rock in the middle of the woods, but I'm determined to build up my climbing strength and get better at it. We went to the climbing gym here in Nashville last week and had a blast. It's such a great sport and a much more interesting way to build strength than by going to a regular gym to lift weights. I'm pretty sure my avid knitting comes in handy as I'm gripping onto tiny crevices in the rocks!

Happy Father's Day!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Square One

Square One
Originally uploaded by elletrain

So, I never thought I'd do it, but I'm making an afghan out of knitted squares. One square is done and I've started the second. Who knows how long it will take, but the idea is very appealing to me. I love choosing colors and patterns and it keeps my interest b/c each one can be different. I've chosen 3 colors of Cascade 220: grey blue, dk steel blue, and a dk oatmeal. They are all from the Heathers family of Cascade 220.

I've also picked up Ishbel again to tackle that. I'm having major troubles remembering to do the yarn over increases on the PURL rows as well as the knit rows. Ugh. It has caused some minor setbacks, but nothing too overwhelming. I still love the mustard yellow color.

The heat index in Nashville today is 105. Ick. Good thing I have AC and a nice cool place inside to knit. My car is in the shop, so I've been driving Pinky to work and then to lunch today...heading to pick him up from work here in a bit. It'd be hard to always have one car, but for today, it's kinda fun. Like I'm taking him to school or something.

Weekend plans are: hanging with Quinn, Hunter, and Pinky tonight...I'm kinda crashing guys night, but not really. Driving range and swimming with The Adams Family (notice, only one "a" in the middle there) tomorrow. Then, Leah and I are putting on a knitting and yoga workshop at her yoga studio on Sunday. I'm very excited about that and hope people attend! It's too hot to be outside anyways.

Hope you have a lovely weekend...stay chilly.

Elliot & Cassie's Wedding

We just got back from NW Arkansas on Monday. We were there for my little brother Elliot's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and two fun parties (between the rehearsal dinner at my dad's and the reception at the country club). We had a great time hanging with family and celebrating the adorable couple. Pinky was the official photographer and got some really great shots.

My favorite moment was when I got to dance with my grandad. He is in his late 70's and still works full-time as a general contractor. He also builds cars (he took the bride and groom away in a refurbish '65 Mustang convertible). He and my grandmother danced to a couple of songs as well and were so cute. They used to go to the Elk's Club every Friday night to dance when they were younger.

Elliot and Cassie really enjoyed themselves at the wedding. Elliot is 8 years younger than me, so it was so weird to have my little bro getting hitched! They are such an adorable couple though and I know they will be very happy together. Of course I forgot to take a picture of the finished embroidered hand towels I made them. Ugh. We are also giving them a weekend trip to Nashville to come visit us. Cassie may be looking into a Master's program here in the next 2 years, so it'll be fun to have them visit so they can fall in love with it and move here! That's my evil plan :)

Pinky is getting quite good at catching the garters at the weddings we attend. He caught it again. I caught the bouquet too, but apparently the first toss was a practice one.

Congrats to my little bro and his new wife. They are having a blast, I'm sure, in Orlando right now, at Disneyworld. I think that's Elliot's favorite place on the planet. Love you little bro!!!

dinner napkins

dinner napkins
Originally uploaded by elletrain

So, finally I've made 2 of the 8 dinner napkins I planned on making a few weeks ago. These went quick except for the cutting adjustments I had to make b/c the "fat quarters" weren't originally cut very straight. Other than that, these were super quick and easy. Just buy 8 "fat quarters" in 2 different complimentary fabrics, a little cutting, a little sewing, and voila! You have reusable napkins in the fabric of your choice. I got tired of looking for home decor items...nothing pre-made impressed me. And this turned out to be so easy!