AfricanKelli

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I woke up this morning and I swear my sight is going. I don’t know what the problem is, but my vision is considerably less accurate today than it was yesterday. I really need to get my eyes checked and my glasses fixed. Mental note: add $300 to already strapped December budget. Joy. Good thing I’m on my way out the door for a long swim, which requires little grace or 20/20 vision. Before I strap on my goggles, a few thoughts dancing around this morning:

~ Yesterday’s run was wonderful. The race redefined community participation. In contrast to some of the gazillion dollar races I’ve run in (namely the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon, which includes a full day trade show the day before with every athletic technology known to man), yesterday was 40 people on a dusty canal with nothing more than a stop watch and a mission. Rex stood at the start line (which doubled as the finish line) with a huge smile and I could tell he was embarrassed, but happy about our “I’m running for Rex” t-shirts. Everyone applauded him beforehand and gave him a high five when we finished. Several friends made it out for the run and it was a great time. Thank you all for your support! On a health update, Rex has one more round of chemo next week; I’ve got my fingers crossed he is creeping toward remission.
Prayers are answered.

~ I am so pleased to have signed up for Shelley’s City Swap. Shell is one of my closest friends from college. I could write novels about how incredible I think she is, but in a nutshell: when NAU stopped carrying Italian courses, she petitioned the university until they provided her with the education she wanted. Even if they may have rolled their eyes at the one girl on campus who wanted to learn Italian, they eventually caved. Shelley didn’t waste the knowledge; today she runs her own bed and breakfast in Rome with her Italian fiance Alessandro. Oh, and she speaks Italian fluently, of course. Finny chronicles Shell’s amazing life much better.
For the City Swap, I’ve been matched with Molly in Alaska. She seems more than somewhat refined and makes me once again wish I had this outdoorsy life I don’t have in Phoenix. I am looking forward to creatively coming up with $20 worth of Phoenix to send to arctic. (Close enough.)

~Turkey week is upon us and I’ve got my elastic pants ready. My parents arrive Tuesday and you can’t hear me, but I’m jumping for joy and doing my best Homer J. Simpson “WOO HOO!!”

~Kelli

Yanks, please vote tomorrow. If you are in Arizona, I double my plea. We’ve got lots of interesting things (and people) on the ballot. Do your civic duty and don’t give me any grief about not voting as a form of patriotism. I don’t want to hear it. Read more about what we’re voting on here.

~

Friday’s mail was fabulous. I was spoiled by both Melissa and Finny. Melissa and I agreed to a bag swap. She sent me a lovely Fall bag lined with the prettiest orange and yellow print. It hasn’t left my side since I unwrapped it. Of course the box was also stuffed with fantastic ribbons, fabrics and notions. A very indulgent and successful swap indeed.

And you may have read Finny’s recent chronicles about visiting our friend Shelley in Rome. I was super envious of her trip. Finny, the generous soul that she is, thought I’d lose my green-tinge faster if she showered me with gifts. It’s working.

~
And a treat for those who are still reading. This is the first of the Africankelli Fall Rummage Sale posts. Any interest in either of the items below? Let me know and it is yours. First commenter interested may have either or both. More crafty goods to come.

~K

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

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

Gina is visiting her folks in Tucson this week. I took advantage of the very reliable and lovely US Postal system and got her wristlet done in time to be shipped just 120 miles south of my home. It arrived yesterday, before she returns to France.
The lucky girl lives in France. And has an adorable French boyfriend. Oooh la la! And is one of the nicest bloggers I’ve met — the sweet silver lining to organizing a swap is getting someone you truly want to spoil.

My Arizona Wristlet:

It’s a bit messy, but so is the sun. I love it. My mama would be proud I attempted to applique/quilt something in the first place.

I thought while I had the sewing machine out (as if it has left my kitchen table in the last six months), I’d whip up a summery tote and needle roll too. I stole Amy Butler’s “In Town Bags” idea of using ribbon and two buttons for the closure. Such a smart woman, that Ms. Butler.

The items that didn’t make the list: postcards (darn it, I forgot!) and chocolate. Right. Why did I buy chocolate to be shipped to Tucson? It is going to be 115 here today. It’s just a shame it had to stay at home. With me. Waiting in all its dark chocolate glory in the freezer to be inhaled at a later date. You can imagine how truly bummed I am.

It’s a Wristlet World Participants — you should be chatting with your partner and sewing by now. You’ve got less than a month to get them to their final destination!

~K