AfricanKelli

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The “It’s a Wristlet World” swap gallery is posted. I was delighted by the response, and everything I’ve learned from the participants. We had gals from Europe, South America and the US play. You should see some of the beautiful things they’ve created!

Just to give you a peek!
~K

Anyone else shake their heads this weekend listening to the news in the Middle East? You know, when Israel and Hezbollah continued to kill at rapid speed, right up to the UN deadline for peace. Either you agree to peace or you do not. There shouldn’t be a handshake on Tuesday with the understanding that you wait until Thursday to stop killing each other. I’m not even taking sides in this battle. I am saying you are both wrong!

If you need a great reason to root for peace, look at this beauty:

Baby Rory at four weeks. My goodness, she is just gorgeous.

Nice Kleenex box. Oy.

Here’s a photo of her mama, to jog your memory. For this baby girl and all the others in the world — Jew and Arab alike — I wish you a peaceful and happy Tuesday!

~K

When I get eager about traveling, I tend to go a bit over the top with things I love and will miss.

Like running and swimming. I can’t usually run in the countries I visit. Shorts are typically out of the question and the one time I ran in Mozambique, I was chased by children. It was fun, while a bit odd. So, I’m thinking I’ll leave my Speedo at home and wear my running shoes with the hope I’ll at least be able to get in some great walking. Something tells me a lap pool is too much to ask to find in the Andes, but you never know. (There is in fact a lap pool in Mozambique. No kidding.) I’ve run a couple dozen miles in the last week and been in the pool nearly every day. I’m living strong for Rex — who just finished his first round of chemo and is doing well.

And eating. I usually avoid dairy when I travel because I’m getting more sensitive and more picky about what I’ll eat. One gulp of unpasturized milk and I am a goner. I also love to eat vegetarian beforehand because it seems greasy mystery meat is a staple of the developing world. This week: veggie burro, enchilada style green with mucho queso por favor.

Then there is the crafting. Singer, how I will miss thee. Thankfully my knitting needles are portable. After a marathon session of domesticity this weekend, voila — six new Amy Butler bags. (Did I mention I brought home a new favorite drink from my recent trip to Seattle? Cafe Americano is a shot of espresso with water. Add a couple of Splenda and I’m in heaven. Make any correlations you please.)

Swing it, baby.

We’re going in town with these fruity pieces of arm candy.

Off to Starbucks! I’m going to get all this working, packing, running, cleaning and writing done before I leave even if I have to climb behind the counter and put on a green apron myself.

~K

Rosie spoiled me rotten. She drew the short stick and got me for the wristlet swap. I have so enjoyed getting to know her and hope we can one day catch up in Denver, if I ever get my lazy butt to Colorado to visit my brother.

Check out what she sent:

Isn’t that wristlet beautiful? And she made it out of recycled clothing, because, “Colorado is environmentally friendly.” I love it! The chapstick is beer flavored — from a Colorado beer. Chocolate, tea, a beer cozy — all the goodies are just awesome. As if that wasn’t enough…

A second wristlet for the Bolivian Bolsita project. WOW! And it was stuffed with very thoughtful personal hygiene items. I am just bowled over by her kindness.

She also sent me a clock! Super cool. She made it out of a box of earl grey tea. And a lovely bar of lavender soap that I’ve already enjoyed.

Thank you very much Rosie!

You other wristlet participants have just a few hours to send in your photos. The flickr album with all the details should be up later in the week — along with a list of prizes.

~K

My mom has put up with all my grouchiness this week and shown me support that I cannot fathom. Do you ever have those moments when you look at your parents, spouse, friends, and think, “My God. I don’t know how they are being so nice to me. I’m a total pain!” I realized that yesterday after screaming at her and listening to her say, “Honey, I’m sorry you are stressed. Talk to me. What is going on.”
She should have told me I was being a cranky bitch and hung up, but instead, she found some sort of super-human patience (that maybe comes with parenthood?) and was sweet and caring. It was exactly what I needed and I felt so much better after having her listen to what was going through my mangled, grouchy mind.
I love that woman.

The bad mood has lifted and God knows you don’t come here to read about my annoying complaints in life. Rex is starting chemo today. Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and comments. Today is also his birthday, if you can imagine. Earlier in the week, he mentioned being hungry for an apple pie.

With a bit of help from my grandma, a couple of hours worth of prep and my teeny home smelling like cinnamon and nutmeg, voila — an apple pie. I’ve never gotten the knack of rolling pie crust. My crusts always seem a bit off. Not this one. For irony’s sake, this one came out just right.

Why ironic? Oh, because Rex cannot eat today. He is on a fast for the chemo. No one told me. So when I showed up this morning to greet him with gifts and his favorite dessert, he begged me to get it out of the room. He couldn’t have water, much less sweets. (Note to self: nice move, dumbass.) The opportunistic and hungry hospital staff, however, loves me and I figure that can’t hurt Rex. So, whatever. Someone will enjoy it.

Another friend’s birthday is tomorrow — the perfect reason to stay up until the wee morning to sew, after a hard swim last night.

I’m not thrilled with the way this looks in the photo, but it is actually quite cute. I used Amy Butler’s swing pattern, minus the bow. I think we all agree — giant bow = fugly.

The bag is lined with some fabulous African fabric Jen brought me from Namibia. Speaking of Jen, I get to see her tonight! And have dinner at one of my best friend’s homes. They are sisters-in-law, you see.

I hope you have a peaceful weekend filled with great food and friends!

Cheers,
Kelli