Smarty Pants and the Three Shelter Kitties

I’m Bo Peep…

…and I’m crafty as hell.

A couple with their new webcam.

That they don’t know is recording.

I love this so much.

My summer ends when classes start. Which means that summer ended today. There is so much to look forward to about fall, but I definitely love the pace of summer.

I was able to finish this project before my summer ended.

I used an incredible skein of A Million Stars Oenone Sock Yarn in Counterfeit Heart for this I Want You Shawl.

You might have guessed that it’s not for me. This was a commissioned project that is right now on its way to the United Kingdom. I will get around to knitting something for myself soon. Hopefully very soon.

One of my dear friends is a finalist in a contest to win an expenses-paid trip to Iceland. Please go here and vote for her photo, “Jumping in Iceland!” You can vote everyday until September 9, 2011.

Do you love the biceps?

It’s been a couple of weeks of worry, but it seems like Stanley is finally back on track. I’m relieved. He’s mostly oblivious. (See the video below about stupid f-ing cats.) The awesome drawing—as always—comes from my dear and talented friend, Anne.

I can’t stop watching this video…it cracks me up. I think I snorted a few times.

Warning: Not safe for work! (Or just turn your speakers down a little bit.)

This little guy has given me quite a scare over the last few days…

Stanley walked away from his food and became lethargic on Sunday. He normally has a lot of energy and a strong appetite, so I could tell that he was feeling ill. I worried, considered taking him in to emergency care in the middle of the night, settled on taking him to the vet first thing Monday morning, and got very little sleep through the night.

After a series of tests, the vet concluded that he has a fever of unknown origin. He’s been given a dose of antibiotics and a prescription for kitty antacid. He’s still moving around slowly, eating less than usual, and sleeping a lot. I know it takes time for things to get better. Sigh…patience is a virtue that, in this case, I don’t have.

So I’m giving him extra-gentle attention and waiting for this bug to clear. And Aggie, my sensitive little nurse, is hissing at him whenever they get close. What a sass…

Mom said I should knit myself a sweater. But there are so many great sweater patterns that I want to knit. I’ve done the work of narrowing it down to these six, but I’m going to need some help narrowing it down to one. (Hint: Once you follow the link, you can click on the photos to enlarge them.)

• Honey Cardigan by Veera Välimäki
• Jacket with Raglan Sleeve by DROPS Design
• Goodale by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
• Daffodil by Orianna Ecklund
• Candelia by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
• Paulie by Isabell Kraemer

Any thoughts?

I was the worst bowler in my elementary school, with a total score of 6 that earned me a trophy. And a lifelong reputation for being a horrible bowler. I took a class in college and got better. Still, I have a hard time breaking a bowling score of 100. Even with bumpers.

So what do you do when your bowling game is off? Or when you’re an antsy toddler? Find other things to do, of course.

Roll a ball down the lane at 1.4 miles per hour…

Count bowling balls…

Or give a camera to a three year-old…

Are you shopping on etsy yet? It’s an online marketplace for handmade and vintage goods, which means it’s a great place to find unique and meaningful gifts. And it supports artists and crafters and thrifters.

You can set up a wishlist to keep track of favorite items and sellers. A few favorites on my etsy wishlist…

Lemon Drop Antiqued Brass Earrings by CuteAbility

Double Purple Glass Bead Pin by cambriawolfe

Take Me Home Pouch by kukubee

Reusable Kitty Snack and Sandwich Bag by thehighfiberco

Summer Fun Magnets by alittlelark

And if you’re in the mood to laugh, regretsy pokes fun at some of the crazier listings on etsy. (Ahem, not always work- or child-friendly.)