My First Post!

I have been kicking this around for a while now and have finally decided to dive in! I guess I will start with a little about me... oh, the excitement! I live in California's ultra glam Central Valley- more specifically Fresno. If you haven't heard of our bustling metropolis you have missed out! Actually we Fresnans are a much maligned bunch-Fresno is not so bad. We are centrally located which means we can be at in any number of places within 3 hours. For example, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Forest, San Francisco, Monterey, etc, etc, etc.
I have been knitting a little over a year now, I guess. It all started quite innocently when my sister taught me the knit stitch. I figured out the purl stitch and an addict was born! My grandma was actually the first one to give me a knitting lesson at my request when I was about 10 I guess. I saw an orange halter sweater in woman's world magazine (I think) and wanted to know how it was done. Since she had taught us to crochet many times I figured she was the lady to ask. She lost me when she told me I would have to learn to knit and to purl... come on! 2 stitches- NoWay! Some years later it all made sense. (I am still not able to crochet- I can do it in my head, unfortunately my hands don't cooperate!)
I should take this opportunity to mention my Ma- my grandma. I cannot imagine my life without Ma. She is the most amazing person I know. When my sister and I were kids she taught us to sew and crochet, and has always been the most positive influence in our lives. She grew up in Iowa and is part of a huge family. She told me once that as a kid her job was to knit the patches that would repair socks, she was also in charge of sleeping with her mom and the new baby to make sure mom didn't roll over on them in her sleep. She is AMAZING! As my mom once told the two of us- "You can never thank Ma and Pa (my grandpa) enough." She told us that one day when we were pretty young, and I will remember it always. She crochets now and she has the fastest fingers in the west.
I have a pretty great sister, shes 18 months younger than I but is somehow convinced that she is my mother. It works our alright most of the time. But on occasion I do rebel- hmmm, maybe not the right reaction! We live near each other, and she is definitely my best friend.
I have two crazy, well meaning parents. Neither of them live here anymore, and thankfully for everyone they don't live anywhere near each other. They have definitely added some spice to my life and both are very talented and creative people. My dad is a smart guy, can fix anything and creates pretty neat metal sculptures. My mom used to paint beautiful pictures, watercolor when I was a kid and oils before that. She doesn't paint anymore, but she is always creating something.
In addition to knitting, I sew, bartend, and substitute teach. I am currently a student as well, working on my credential and Masters. I am almost done. And already burned out!
Other notables: I have a great boyfriend, great friends, and a pretty great life.


That's me. I am not all roses and sunshine, but I'm sure that will come out later!