Sista Sox & KO Jewels

Sista's b-day celebration was an awesome success. Especially since I finished sock B just in time! Here they are in all of their glory. I love that they don't match. Rebel, rebel....

Opal Denim

But they do match nicely with these gorgeous earings . Inspired by the yarn colours, KO's original designs were made exclusively for Sista....

jewellery by Kate O'Hare

Sista's tattoo is of a forget-me-not surrounded by vines that spell out her kids' initials - K for Kassidy and D for Dustin. We like to tease her and tell her that she's got a Kraft Dinner tattoo.

Kelly's Kraft Dinner

Isn't she lovely....

Sista sista what can I say to you on this very special day...
I wish you all the very best from this big ass crazy world...
And I pray that all of your dreams come true...

Kelly Giselle (Flores) Bruce

Especially the one where we win the lotto
and we buy our own main "batch"...
Where we can grow old together (not that we ever will)...
You are the best sister anyone could ever have
and even a better friend...
I lobe u lots sista forever and ever....
Happy Birthday, Hermanita...
Te quiero mucho.
xo

KIP on the TTC - Saturday June 9th

Yup! It's that time of year again, knittahs!! So get your passports and hop on board the TTC Knit-A-Long! How else are you gonna celebrate International Knitting In Public Day? Get on public transit, yarn in hand and go from LYS to LYS, knitting all the way. Village Yarns, Passion Knits, AlterKnit, Knitomatic, Romni Wools, Lettuce Knit, The Naked Sheep and new to this year's KAL, the one - the only - Americo!


Go on now and join one of three stitchin' bitchin' teams. You know you want to! (I'll be co-captain on Team West). Click here to see the day's schedule and to register for your passport. You'll receive a 10% discount on all yarn that day and be eligible for various treats and prizes. See y'all there! Don't miss out! I hear that the last TTC KAL was entertained with an unsuspected Elvis siting!

Yarn Birds

A friend sent me this pic and yarn bird info. I love the art and the folklore behind it. Aren't they tweet!?

Yarn birds feed on cotton yarn which grows on cotton yarn trees. Yarn bird lovers put metal frames on trees to attract these birds to live there. Female yarn birds are more beautiful than the male. A normal yarn bird family consists of one female and two to three male yarn birds. Each year mother and father yarn bird both sheds a thread and mother starts knitting up a baby yarn bird. Father yarn birds do not know how to knit but know how to eat.

SP Strikes Again!

Look what I came home to on Friday night. Secret Pal goodness! I love this book! The patterns are quick and cool - just how I like'em!

And the yarn is a-rockin! There's some Rowan and Gedifra and some wacky stuff I've never even heard of - Banana Silk and Recycled Yarn!! Awesome! I love it! And the card is so sweet - colourful sheep baaahh-ing at the moon. Thanks Secret Pal! I'm off to play with some yarn, before counting some sheep....

Dusk and Sangria

Thought I'd share a few things that are just sitting around the ol' crib. I was thrilled to make a brief stop at the Kniterary in Whitby this weekend (thanks Mom & Jay). The shop is so quaint and Martina is so friendly and the yarn totally rocks. Inspired by Amy R. Singer's Montana Bay Scarf in Summer 07's Interweave, I was enchanted by the Sea Silk. Handmaiden has such exquisite yarns. I believe this skein's colour may be Sangria. Salud!

Three Glasses Full

Last night I headed to Lettuce Knit, with my brand new lawn chair in tow, for some knitting, tinking, friends and guffaws. There I met up with a very special someone.....

Dusk

Thanks to Lisa! She surprised me with a coupla monster-ass skeins of this groov-a-licious Cherry Tree Hill Jumbo Loop Mohair. To entice me in some co-captain-ness for Team West in the TTC KAL(have u signed up yet?); as an incentive to get me up good and early on a Saturday morning (only for Lisa and Team West! Go TW!!); and to console me for the loss of Goldie 2.

Oh yeah!

This mohair madness will soon be known as, Dusk, a glorious triangle shawl. Garter, increase, garter. Cheers. Brainlessly brilliant! We hope to be ready for the Collingwood Elvis Festival! Now, that's a hunka hunka burnin' yarn!

What Jay Said...

It seems that the hubs wasn't quite pleased enuf with my anwers to

Lisa's interview. Soooo, without yet further ado....what Jay said:

1) If you had to live in a country other than the one you currently inhabit, what country would you chose to live in (assuming that money and language barrier are nonissues)?
I haven't been to too many places, so that's a hard decision to make. If I could, I would take a world tour. I wanna go everywhere. I wanna see everything and then I wanna relax on a Uruguayan beach.
Jay: you didn't answer the question. Pick a place and live there!
Sandi: bah! fine! Uruguay, but probably not for long.

2) What book do you think every teenager should read at least once?
Are You There God, It's Me Margaret. Or any other Judy Blume books for that matter! Superfudge! Blubber! I also loved the S.E. Hinton books: The Outsiders, That Was Then, This Is Now, Rumblefish. Although these might be a little "dated" now.
Jay: These are THREE answers. Pick one, and tell me about it!
Sandi: Are u there God, bla bla bla. This chick gets her period and then someone loses a thumb. It's great!
Jay: ok...ok...I'm just concerned for your decision making skills. Are u ovulating again?
Sandi: grrrrr....

3) When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Rich and Famous. So I could buy my mama a really big house.
Jay: Now this is perfect!
Sandi: Ever bin to Graceland?
Jay: No.
Sandi: Memphis, Tennessee
Jay: I know. What u wanna go?
Sandi: Welcome to my planet. Where've u bin all these years?
Jay: Let's scratch another Cash for Life.
Sandi: I think we're off topic now....

4) What item of clothing should be outlawed (if any)?
for men: speedos
for women: thong underwear
Jay: But I thought thongs were better for fashion?
Sandi: Eff fashion! those things can give you yeast infections. Rubbing against your butt and then your... you know! If you're worried about pantylines, don't wear underwear!
Jay: Go comando! HOT!

5) If you were in a hotel and could order any food you could imagine from room service, what would you have for breakfast?
poached eggs, dark rye and turkey bacon
a salad and frites
buttermilk pancakes with lotsa maple syrup and dulce de leche
and a pitcher of mimosas
Jay: Cool. Now that's an answer! What's a mimosa?
Sandi: Look it up, chump!
Jay: I'll look you up in a second....
Sandi: What was that?
Jay: uh, I got nuthin'.
Sandi: Thought so.

The Interview

Lisa sent me some great questions. Thanks! And without further ado, here are my answers for The Interview:

1) If you had to live in a country other than the one you currently inhabit, what country would you chose to live in (assuming that money and language barrier are nonissues)?
I haven't been to too many places, so that's a hard decision to make. If I could, I would take a world tour. I wanna go everywhere. I wanna see everything and then I wanna relax on a Uruguayan beach.
2) What book do you think every teenager should read at least once?
Are You There God, It's Me Margaret. Or any other Judy Blume book for that matter! Superfudge! Blubber! I also loved the S.E. Hinton books: The Outsiders, That Was Then, This Is Now, Rumblefish. Although these might be a little "dated" now.
3) When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Rich and Famous. So I could buy my mama a really big house.
4) What item of clothing should be outlawed (if any)?
for men: speedos
for women: thong underwear
5) If you were in a hotel and could order any food you could imagine from room service, what would you have for breakfast?
poached eggs, dark rye and turkey bacon
a salad and frites
buttermilk pancakes with lotsa maple syrup and dulce de leche
and a pitcher of mimosas

Wanna to play? Here's how:
1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." (and your email address)
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Black Pearl Sockette To 'Em

I've been blessed with geisha-tiny feet. Which means I can pick up shoes/boots in the kidlette's department (cheap cheap) and I can knit me up some sock(ette)s lickedy-split!

Started: A coupla weeks ago
Finished: Monday May 14th
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Black Pearl
Needles: Brittany DPNs 2.5mm
Pattern: basic cuff down (easy-peasy)

Memedy-meme

Thanks Doctah Steph!

The Rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and need to read your blog. The facts:

1) I wish I could survive on a diet of dark chocolate and Pinot Noir, with a margarita thrown in every once in a while to spice things up.

2) I met my husband while I was hosting an open stage in Kensington Market.

3) I played Pearl in a high school production of Oklahoma. I had one line - Too bad you missed Laura's weddin'.

4) I have lived with 7 cats: Indigo, Mimosa, Henry, Kiss, Nikita, Molly and Martin. (not ALL at the same time. I am NOT a crazy cat lady. I swear).

5) I started playing guitar when I was eight. I stopped during my teens and picked it up again in my 20's. I have had air-play and DJ spins with two songs so far. FunBags has been played on 102.1 The Edge and El Rey, a latin house hit has been spun and remixed internationally. You can listen to them here.

6) I have a Drama Studies BA. Adrienne Clarkson received her Honorary Doctorate of Law during my convocation.

7) If you google me, this comes up.

And I'm gonna tag: Soosan, Mel, Nadia, Wendy Koko, Vik, and Sonia

Eff Freakin Oh!

This post comes a little late. This sweater/jacket was started around March 11th and finished on May 2nd. The pattern was ridiculously simple. Knit, Knit, drink, Knit, Knit, eat, drink, Knit. Something like that, but don't quote me. It could have been finished earlier, but other dang projects kept getting in the way, bla bla bla...

Le Closed

The pattern came from the Knit Café. It was their "free" March pattern - The Manos Jacket. It called for 5 skiens of Manos del Uruguay, but the budget would not allow for it. Thanks to Haley and her super duper sale at Knitomatic and I was able to pick up these huge balls of self-striping Murano for an amazing price. And thanks to Terri at Alterknits for the tips on picking up the sleeve stitches and Cristina at the 'Cup for helping me mend the hole! shhhhh...

Le Open

The yarn is super soft and a pleasure to knit with. Can I tell you how much I love the spectacular vertical stripes?! And thanks to Michael (my boss) for the Rethink Breast Cancer Fashion Target T. He gets one for all of the girls every year!

Le Back

I've had nothing but compliments on this stunning piece. So of course I hafta knit up another real soon. Hopefully in a solid colour. I hear that black is the new black. And it "goes" with just about everything. Well, except for cat hair.

Le Pin

I was thrilled to find this adorable bumble bee shawl/sweater pin at Romni. It gives it a fun touch and now I have a poking weapon if need be. Bee, get it? whatev.....go knit something.

Viva Secret Pal!!!

It all started with a big box and this wee note. Seems that my pal has a friend who just happened to be on his way to Memphis. Memphis!! Memphis, Tennesseeeee!!!

And so she requested that he pick up a little sumthin sumthin for this Hunka Hunka Burnin' Fan's b-day. This is what he found. Crazy or what!? As my pal put it demented!! Truly. I've always wanted one of those no parking signs!

The other piece is unbelievable!! I have never, ever seen one of these. The Welcome to Las Vegas Musical Sign. Hear Elvis Sing the Original Viva Las Vegas - It lights, flashes and sings. It so totally does!


Perhaps now I've seen everything? I wish I could post video footage so you could hear the King sing and see the lights flash flash flash! My own private Vegas.

Thanks Secret Pal for stretching out my birthday celebration even a little further with such rockin' gifts. Great surprise! And please thank your friend for thinkin' of me in Memphis. Thanks to both of you, I am now one degree closer to the King. You are an amazing spoiler. I hope that karma is catching up to you and treating you very very well indeed! Thankuthankuverymuch!

I *heart* Mom

The post comes one day late, since I could not let the flowers out of the bag before Mother's Day! I knit a few dishcloths for some moms who frequent Hunka Hunka Burnin' Yarn, I couldn't let them see what I was up to, now could I? The ladies loved them. Here they are enjoying some fresh air on mom's balcony.

Las Flores

The green one is for my mom, the blue for my sista. Both were knit with Phentex Craft Cotton. The center part, the "flower", is a crocheted circle. The square is knit and creates the "leaves". Here are both pieces flat. Can you tell what they are?

Eleanor the Elephant

My mom has a very impressive elephant collection. Teapots, jewelery, towels, pillows, figurines, the list goes on and on. Eleanor adds to the collection as the first dishcloth.

Teddy the Cloth

Sista loves teddy bears. Not only did she marry one (Ted), but her wedding theme was inspired by teddy bears. They even graced her wedding cake!

We spent a wonderful day with the moms and the kids and the dads and our abuelita eating, drinking, laughing, playing (and knitting) and, as always, enjoying each others company. Another lovely Mother's day on the Flores-Correa-Martinez-Holz-Bruce family tree.

El Rey con Las Flores

Correction

It was brought to my attention that yesterday's post was slightly incorrect.

number 9 should have read:

9. He does dishes, laundry, cooks dinner, prepares my lunch, rubs my feet and cleans the litter (sometimes even all on the same day!)

Birthday Jay

In honour of my super-duper hubs' birthday I give you the.....

Top 10 Reason Why Jason Flores-Holz Rocks My World:

1. He loves me, ya ya ya!

2. He has a kind, caring soul.

3. He loves the cats.

4. He is an extremely talented artist-singer-songwriter-musician.

5. He is super hot (aka ¡Muy Caliente!)

6. He makes me laugh harder than anyone I know.

7. He laughs at all of my jokes and silly songs & dance moves.

8. He loves my family (and they adore him).

9. He does dishes, laundry and litter (sometimes even all on the same day!)

10. He is patient with my shopping needs and respects the yarn.

Wishing you all the best of everything and loving you with all of my heart. Cheers to many more birthday celebrations and many more groovy years of peace, love and understanding. You my favourite! xoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Birthday Hoopla!

There are so many ways to celebrate a birthday and so little time. Here are a few of the hits:

April 7th Lisa takes Kassidy and I on an all-expenses paid trip for two to We Will Rock You! And it did! We sing and stomp and shake the glow stick to all of the hits. And we get to meet The Gambler! If you have a chance, catch the show. You will be rocked. Thanks Lisa!

All that's left of the kickass night - Kassidy's earings

April 14 Josée throws the most fabuloso b-day dinner for me and my samba grrls: Geeje, Carolina and Dani Lafond. Hilarious moments, delicious food and wine, generous gifts, killer cake and mucho mucho love.

April 21st Sista Kelly and Klassic D come downtown for a salon-spa day at Concepts. Thanks for joining us Jacquie. And then some shopping and later, laughs on the Spirits patio.

April 24th Knittahs surprise me at the House of Sammon with yarny goodness, vino and cupcakes! Thanks again ladies, that was swell! You shouldn’t have, but I’m oh-so-glad-that-you-did!

April 25th Lunch time Party at Clarity. Catered by Spring Rolls, Dufflets and The Kensington Bakery. Happy Birthday Richard! Happy Almost-Birthday Me! Thanks everybody for another spectacular feast! Since no one at the office likes the Carob Spelt cake, I take it to the Stitch n Bitch at the 2nd Cup. The bitches put down the stitchin’ and dig right in! Sweet.

April 26th The big day. The I-can't-believe-how-old-I-am Day. If it's true, and you are only as old as you feel, am I twelve? Am I 98? Am I really me? You betcha! I'm a twelve year-old going on 98. Aren't we all?

April 27th I get inked. Jay takes me tattooing. One for each decade and one touch up on an oldie. With Jay's magnificent designs and Ben at Yonge Street Tattoos’ articulate gun and graceful needle, I walk out of there an original masterpiece. One more week or so of "after care" and I'll share them with y'all. For now, here's a shot of Ami from Miami Ink.

¡ha-cha-cha!

April 28th The fabulous Jason Flores-Holz throws me a most amazing surprise party. Sista and Kass surprise me when I get home from my stand-up class with streamers and balloons. I didn't suspect a thing when they told me that we had to go to Smokey Joe's for karaoke because Spirit's karaoke starts too late. Besides, Ted would meet us there and be able to drive the Bruce girls home. Ok. In an Advil Cold and Sinus medicated haze, I walk into a friend-and-family filled extravaganza. Surprise!!! Thanks to the hubs for being so sneaky and to all of the gang for making the big 4-0 such a groovy event! (Note: The karaoke was a ruse. It only happens on Sundays. Hmph!)

April 29th I put down the needles, pick up the mic, raise the curtain on my stand-up schtick and I do NOT poop my pants! After 8 weeks, once-a-week, 3-hrs per night stand-up course at The Second City, my set is ready and I kill. Well, the kids tell me that I did. I trust them. Why would they lie?

Me and the boys from my stand-up class
(left to right) Dmitry, Bobby, me. Connor, Chris, Ed, Morgan (in front)

I've included the stand-up show as part of my b-day celebrations because in a way, it was a gift to myself. I've always wanted to give stand-up a try, but I was scared poopless. I've done the comedy, the drama, the music, the improv, why not the stand-up? I really enjoyed it. The writing process, the performance, the laughter. I intend to give it another go. Who knows, maybe this time, in front of strangers even! Thanks all, for the support and the laff track.

This was a truly remarkable birthday. People ask me if I feel any different this year, it being a "big" b-day and all. And, I do. I feel strong and secure and ready to keep conquering the world. And I feel way more loved than I ever have before. This getting older thing kinda rocks. What a wonderful place to be.

Rebel, Rebel