Busy Hands
As you know, we’ve been watching the Olympics. I’m not one to sit around and do nothing, even if I’m watching TV. I like to keep my hands busy doing something. Usually it’s writing and working on my computer that keep my hands busy, but all the cozy hats people are wearing at the events made me want to crochet. Luckily I scored some lovely yarn at one of my favorite yarn stores on Tuesday. I set to work last night working on a hat for a friend.
It turned out just how I had hoped, a beautiful mix of colors and textures. Araucania Liwen yarn was used in two different colors crocheted together since the pattern used a chunky yarn (here’s the pattern in case anyone is interested). I need to make a pompom for the top and then send it off. It’s too bad I didn’t finish it sooner, my friend would have been able to put this hat to good use during the cold weather in the midwest. At least she’ll have it for many years to come.
What’s your favorite busy work to do when you don’t want to waste time?
Filed under Around the House | Comments (10)Gardening 101
The 5×5 Challenge is all about educating and encouraging new gardeners. I’ve received a lot of e-mails already about people excited to join the Challenge this year. I thought I should extend the floor to the newbies – what do you want to see in the how-to/educational portions of the challenge this year?
One recommendation is to grow climbing plants in the garden in order to show how to make/use supports for these types of vegetables.
For the newbie gardeners: what questions do you need answered in order to fell comfortable with your garden this summer?
For the experienced gardeners: what do you think are some of the important details newbies should know when it comes to growing edibles?
Filed under 5x5 Garden Challenge | Comments (7)All In
Mr Chiots and I don’t go about anything halfway, we jump in and fully commit. The same goes for the Olympics. Yesterday morning Mr Chiots was on the couch watching three different curling matches on various laptops and his iPad and he was also watching luge on the TV.
Now that’s a committed Olympic fan! He’s even trying to take this week off and not do much work, something that never happens around here! I’ve been watching as well, but not quite as much. I’ve been doing work and sewing while watching.
Is there anything you go all in for?
Cultivate Simple 65: 5×5 Challenge
This week on the podcast we talk about the 5×5 Challenge and why you should join in. If you are new gardener, joining the challenge is a great way to get your hands dirty! For the experienced gardeners, the 5×5 challenge offers a good structure to mentor a new gardener.
Check out the 5×5 Challenge Posts from last year’s challenge.
Books of the Week
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:05:29 — 45.7MB)
Filed under Cultivate Simple Podcast | Comments (6)Quote of the Day: Tomas Cowan
There is no greater joy in life than to have a purpose; to know what your life means.
– Thomas Cowan MD from The Fourfold Path to Healing
Gardening has been a key component in helping me learn to live a more mindful life. A life which has a distinct meaning, at least for me. In this day and age, any hobby we can cultivate that helps us slow down and consider what our lives mean is very valuable. Gardening is that hobby for me, while I garden, I think.
Do you have a hobby that helps you slow down?
Filed under Quote | Comments (8)