AfricanKelli

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Apparently the only thing consistent with the weather in Colorado this time of year is the inconsistency. This week has included snow, frigid evening temperatures, and the balmy 60+ degree day.

This swing in temperatures, however, can make an otherwise lovely hike through El Dorado Canyon become a rather monstruous battle between ice, snow, and Nelson’s love of chasing “the deers.” An otherwise lovely afternoon was interrupted by my foolish decision to let Mr. Willie Nelson Mandela off leash. He’s done fine before, normally running ahead and immediatley treking back at the first whistle. Rarely does he get out of my sight.

This week, however, he spotted some giant white tailed snacks and took off like a maniac for the hills. I spent no fewer than 15 minutes hyperventalating, calling his name, and cursing my stupid decision to let him roam free. Eventually, thankfully, he came back — but not after I’d gone 1/4 a mile off trail, through knee high snow in some spots, slippery mud in others, and up a steep mountain covered in tiny cactus.

I know. Snow. Cactus. Mud. Boulder County. What can I say? It’s a gloriously beautiful and weird place — those Flat Iron Mountains.

Thankfully, the little muddy beast came back fine, if not a bit shaken by the rare scolding. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he needed a bath afterward. (He’s currently sulking on the couch, curly and smelling of strawberry shampoo.)

Lessons learned: don’t let WNM off leash, bring a second pair of shoes this time of year, take more hikes. Even with the cleaning required after, it was so luxurious to be out in the sunshine, listening to the wind pour through the pines and watching that sweet little creature of mine adventure like he’d never before been let outside.

~K

Denver is a cycling town.

And if you don’t have a bike, but want to ride around town, there is a program to help you do just that. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if parking is such an issue in this city because city planners would prefer a cycling and pedestrian public.

~K

A former coworker turned 40 last week; the celebration gave me a much needed nudge to try Amy Butler’s charm clutch pattern.

I anticipate making many, many more of these with what I learned after the first go-round — including one for me, with vintage trim I tucked away for the perfect project.

~K

Kara emailed me a couple of months ago. In preparation for her fall wedding, she’d altered her mom’s wedding gown and had some fabric leftover. Could I do something with the fabric? Say, whip up a few flower clips for the wedding party’s hair? Oh, and a small pin for her male bridesdude.

It took a bit of research, but I finally found and used this great tutorial. Deciding what to use for the center button was the biggest challenge. I finally picked mother of pearl buttons and silver starfish. I thought they complimented the cream color of the fabric and looked polished together.

Using Goody hair clips, a bit of heavy pink felt and hot glue, voila — project completed.

Nothing makes me happier than repurposing materials, especially for a friend’s big day! Plus, how sweet is it that Kara’s wearing her mama’s gown? Love that.

Good luck Kara and Ryan! Wishing you a life of happiness!

xo,

K

A knit cap for a certain Steelers fan I am friends with. My recent knitting binge has been fueled by my discovery of Damages. Have you heard of this show? Glenn Close has never been better. I absolutely loved season one and two. It is so smart, sneaky and well done. It is also great background noise when you are busting through a spreadsheet of handmade gifts you intend to create.

Blessing for day 8: Netflix. I’ve learned so much this year from the variety of shows I’ve been able to see. I truly love this service.

~K