Definition of BUSY (from Merriam-Webster)

Dear Ida,

Whew! It’s been a busy time around here. I feel like I’m a wind up toy that just ran out of twist. But I have several exciting things I’m working on, so I really cannot afford the down time. I actually had to make a to-do list sorted by due date the other day. I had come to feeling completely overwhelmed. My regular list wasn’t helping. What do you do when motivation and energy seem to be hiding?

Sorry this post is so short, I’ll write more later. Wishing you a happy year!

Love,

Heather

From now until Saturday midnight (EST) I will be giving a special Holiday Discount of 20% on all patterns!
Just use the coupon code TURKEY at checkout to get the discount!

You can find my patterns by clicking on Pattern Store or on Ravelry here.

Ida,

Awesome news about the blog tour! Personally, I love this idea. It is an effective use of social media without being obnoxious (as most commercial uses of social media tend to be). It really benefits both the tourer and the host. Congrats! I will be sure to stop by and check it out.

I wish you much luck finding time for your ideas. That can be the hardest part of implementation! If you are like me, and I think you are, another problem can be having too many ideas at once. They seem to get all jammed up and jumbled around. To do lists that are on a day by day basis really help me stay focused. But most days I pretty much feel like I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

If only I could win the lotto so I would not have to worry about one of the biggest time sinks…making money!

-Heather

Dear Ida,

I completely understand what you mean by “excitement” in your life. I feel the same way. Although, it is not always a bad thing. In some ways I wish I had more exciting news, more events to attend and such. But in other ways I am glad my life is pretty much devoid of drama and other things that often follow in the wake of true excitement.

Classes have definitely kept me busy lately. It is a fun change and something that I have fallen in love with. I have been teaching for many years. I started in middle school when I became a teaching assistant for my ballet school. That continued into college and then I have always had a job where training was a component of my job description. Hopefully next year I will be teaching in many different places and venues. But for now, I am limited to my LYS.

I love when you post reviews and contests on your blog! Reviews are always welcomed as there has been a wild influx of knitting books in the recent years. Unless I want to go broke buying them all, it is nice to have a no-nonsense review out there to read before buying.

It definitely stinks that the economy has forced your rates down. It seems counter productive…times are bad, so let’s give people even less money. Logically it just does not add up. I hope you come into more work soon, or better yet, better paying work.

Personally, I am looking forward to the day when working remotely is a real option. Then you and I both will stop being limited to opportunities that are close to home. I know of a few editing jobs you would be great for, but they would require a relocation.

So, here is a virtual toast to our exciting lives – may they continue to bring us new opportunities!

Warmly,
Heather

Hi Heather,
I think an extra month for the Back to School Challenge is a great idea.

I would like to know where October went. It seems as though it was right here, and now it’s gone. I have so much I need to do, but knitting-type things keep getting pushed to the back because of work-type things. And, of course, I have to admit that my desire to work has been drastically diminished because we are being forced to take a 10% decrease in our freelancing fees.

Oh, I’m doing a special giveaway on The Evolving Sock Knitter. I hope everyone stops by to enter.

I’ve been reading over on Plurk that you’re doing quite a bit of teaching. That’s fantastic! If classes are open to everyone, why not post your teaching schedule here?

Guess I should go to bed. I didn’t get much sleep last night and then I started the day with an overflowing toilet. Ah yes, my life is exciting. I have 2 major editing assignments to finish as well.

Ida

Hi Heather,
Hope you had a great time at Rhinebeck. I hope to be able to attend sometime. In the meantime, I’ll live vicariously.

Congratulations on your patterns in the IK Holiday issue. I couldn’t agree more with you about pointy hats. Whenever I see someone in a pointy hat, I want to poke in the point. Now, I know I’m odd, but I can’t imagine there aren’t those who want to do that to my hat on those RARE occasions I wear a pointy hat. And I really like the fact that they are a scarf/hat combo. You know, on a smaller scale, these would be perfect for kids.

Keep ‘em coming.

Ida

Ida,

Yeah, things are a bit crazy around here. Really, it’s just that everything seems to happen all at once. Rhinebeck, submission deadlines, etc. Hopefully after Rhinebeck things will settle down a little.

Are you feeling better? There’s nothing worse than the flu. (Ok, yes I know there are definitely worse things! However, the flu makes you sick but usually not sick enough to make you stop working. So in general you end up forcing yourself to work while feeling miserable resulting in some sort of macabre self inflicted punishment.)

Crochet is a great way to take a break from knitting! I love crochet for afghans because it helps them go much quicker. The giant granny square is always a winner as well as the classic ripple afghan. Both are great patterns that allow you to play with color.

Something else I love about crochet is the rhythm. It’s different from the knitting rhythm, but soothing and meditative. Good luck on your project. Be sure to share some pictures ok?

-Heather

I’ve been reading about your plans/schedule over on Plurk. I must say, Heather, that it wears me out just reading it! It looks as though you have a distinct plan and that is a necessary to achieving your goal. Just be careful, and don’t let yourself get burned out.

I’ve been sick this week, and it has come to my attention that I need a new afghan. I crocheted a giant granny square many, many years ago. It’s still one of my favorite projects. It’s apparently one of my cats’ favorites as well, because they have taken it over. I’ve got an afghan started, but I’m looking at lots of ends to weave in. I was thinking serious about doing your blanket as a lapghan. I think I need a different craft, though, to give my knitting/typing hands a break. I’d really like to weave one, but the lack of a loom may be a deterrent. Maybe I should go ahead and crochet another giant granny square.

Ida

Dear Ida,

Yup, this past week was my first at part-time status. Instead of doing a 5 half-day week, I’m doing a 3 full day week. Which I think works out much better given that my job is 25 miles away. Plus, I get extra long weekends – always a bonus.

Monday we had construction people in the house finishing up the one year touch-ups. I considered today my first real day off. I spent it working on pattern layouts and design proposals. It feels weird, but good. And I hope it all works out for the best. I still have that terrified feeling, but today was nice.

Tomorrow I have my first teaching gig at a local yarn shop and I’m super excited about that! Double knitting is the topic and I only have three students. But I think that’s probably good since I am incredibly nervous.

I truly admire your discipline and work ethic, and can only hope to be as good at staying on task as you are!

Love,
Heather