Makin' a Run For It!!

This weekend went zooming by!! I ran in my first ever competitive race and WOW, was it exhilarating!!! I want to do it again!! Wichita has the RiverRun and I participated in the two mile. There is also a 10k for the real runners, but being a newbie, maybe next year (or maybe not). I have been working very hard to get into better shape and have lost 22 pounds so far.

Larissa inspired me with her Nike Run 100 miles. She is a knitter who runs (or is that a runner who knits? Hmmm). Something clicked, I wanted to be running out there too. I haven't really shared this with anyone until today, but it just sounds so right. I mean, it is my blog name and all right? RUNNING with Sticks. It started out being a joke- don't run with pointy objects like your mommy told you. Now it seems to have a whole new meaning, one I want to try to embrace. There are more small races this month and I think I will try them out, see what happens. There was something liberating, exciting, inspiring about running outside as opposed to my treadmill. The cheering, the sun beating on us, the push of the crowd and even the funny number you pin on your shirt. The idea that you are doing something different, special and by some, crazy.

I do realize this was only two miles, but my heart called out for MORE!! My soul leaped as the real runners went by finishing the 10k as we waited our turn to start. It was a siren call and I want to respond. Now if my dang knees will only hush!!! (Did you know knees can sound like rice crispies? Snap, crackle, Pop)

Chinese Take-out

Well, it's only one more bag but this is my favorite. I've been holding onto this fabric, not sure what I wanted to do with it until it finally clicked.I've been really trying to find new things to try in my Etsy shop, but these bags are so fun and keep coming. I have a new idea for a circular needle case, but I'm only starting to develop it. Now if someone would give my bags a new home so I can buy more supplies!!!

Birthday Week!!!

This has got to be the funnest birthday week ever! Presents have been coming in and my birthday isn't until Friday! Sweet!!

This DELICIOUS bag full of baby cashmerino came from my bestest friend Dawn. She is sooo sneaky!! Dawn lives in England and IM'ed me to ask where I like to order yarn for her sis. (Silly me, I know her sis doesn't knit/crochet), but did I catch on? Nope!! A few days later, this most wonderful bag arrived!! Dawn sent all these colors for me to use in the Granny Along, how cool is she?!?! She knows I'm addicted to baby cashmerino (or any cashmerino really) and like the super fabulous friend she is, feeds my yarn habit.

Yesterday, this awesome package arrived from my AWESOME secret pal, Mangy Ratso!! Isn't that the cutest name? She is soo good at being secret, but promised to tell the story of her name. I'm betting it's as great as she is!! The kit is from Pacific Wool and Fiber in Oregon. I have really been wanting to learn to spin. This is such a thoughtful gift! There is an instruction booklet, a drop spool and some silk roving. (I hope I'm using the right words, gotta learn the lingo) Mangy Ratso says the silk spins into a beautiful, translucent yarn. OOOH, ahhh! (She is so sneaky that there was no name on the package, only the invoice. Very sly, this one!!)

Last but not least!! My tote from ITE3 arrived all the way from Singapore. Cassie sent this a few months ago, in time for the final date but the mail had other ideas. I had given up hope and then TA-DA, here this beauty came. It is just perfect too. She customized a Noni pattern to fit my needs and right in time for my birthday. She couldn't have timed it better!

Thank you all my wonderful friends!! This is shaping up to be the most wonderful birthday ever and there are still a few days to go!! The surprises keep rolling in! It's overwhelming (in such a good way) to feel so much love and friendship. Truly, the land of knitting is filled with the most wonderful people ever!