We are moved. We are unpacked. We are settled.
We are first-time home buyers. It’s scary. And exciting. We’re finding all the cool places we love to eat/hang out close to the new house.
I am finally feeling back in the groove of normalcy. For the most part.
Loving all the giant Charlotte trees. They are massive and glorious.
Caught in the act! Blogging at Barnes and Noble.
And as I promised myself, I’m finally getting back into working out. Running, I’ve discovered, despite absolutely slaying me and making my lungs feel stripped and raw, does my body a WORLD of good.
I’ve NEVER been a runner. But Tim runs. So I thought, “Hey, why not?”
1.6 miles later of run/walking, I couldn’t breathe and wasn’t sure if I could continue on with life:
I struggled. Don’t let the semi-pleasant look on my face fool you:
Tim was chugging along like all was well with the world.
If you live in or ever visit Charlotte, NC, you MUST check out Freedom Park. It’s our favorite park here and sensational in so many ways. You’ll see loads of wonderful folks chilling, walking their dogs, having a photoshoot, riding their bikes and more.
As for the knitting/crocheting front, I have shifted a bit more these days into design mode. So I’ll give you a hint of the pattern to come next. Do let me know what you think in the comments. I always loveeee reading your comments, ya know.
My current plan is to try and put out a new pattern every other week. Some knit. Some crochet.
When I first started the yarn business, I agonized over choosing one craft and doing patterns only in that craft. But…
I love BOTH. SO MUCH! Call me a weirdo, but I can’t choose. So I’ll keep doing patterns in both crafts for as long as I darn well please. Hurray!
You can always check the pattern category of the site if you want to stay up to date with the new ones. Most are free, so hop on over to grab some if you want.Â
Alrighty, have a good one. I’m off to enjoy sitting on our new porch, in this gorgeous southern rainstorm.
Oh ya. With this little one. She just showed up one day and has taken up residence on our porch.
?
Our hearts broke. We fed her. She hasn’t left and is slowly but surely wheedling her way into our hearts. We are NOT cat people and Tim’s allergic, so she can’t come inside. But there is a chance we may be turning into cat-loving people for the first time ever. Little stinker.
Over and out.
Chandi
Wow! It sure looked like you were in pain after your run. I could see it in your face. Such a big difference between that photo and the B&N photo.
I am like you in not being able to choose between knitting and crocheting. I like to do both, too. Cool that you will make patterns for both.
Too bad that your hubby is allergic to cats. She sure looks awfully sweet. 🙂
Congrats on getting back into the swing of the changes you and hubs have had in your life. Keep running, the pain will cease. I was a former sprinter, now an avid walker and yogi.
I had a cat for 25 years (my mom had a cat for 25 years and loved her more..brat). But I am a clean nut and not an animal lover, but I learned to love that cat and miss her dearly. If I had an opportunity to be outside cat parent..I would do so. But I must admit I love cats attitude, “I do what I want, when I want and you will like it”
Haha!!
Little kitties have a way of creeping into your hearts
So glad you’re settled in and enjoying Charlotte!
Cats are amazing creatures. My Buddy is a rescue and I couldn’t imagine life without him.
We got adopted by a stray cat and since there are no allergies in our family, she now runs the house…might be a good idea to just have a porch cat… She’s gorgeous, by the way….oh, one more thing: get her fixed, please!
HA! Chandi, cats have a way of picking their humans!!! I think you and Tim (despite his allergies) have been chosen by this beautiful girl!!
I love your photos Chandi – such a pretty place – there’s one photo of the trees, blossom and water that I can just see will inspire you to a dye a skein or two of yarn!! As for the cat (being a lifelong cat lover) you are honoured to be adopted by such a beautiful creature – antihistamine pills will soon cure Tim’s allergy. I do understand – when I had Siamese cats, I had to take antihistamine every day but it’s a small ‘sacrifice’ to make in exchange for the unconditional love you will receive from a cat that has chosen you to look after!! We have a long haired cat now which I am not allergic to (please excuse my lack of good grammar!!). This beautiful creature looks as if she has some oriental breed in her. I would hang on to her if you can!! Thank you again for the photos.
Kindest regards.
Vickie
I am so happy for you and Tim!! Your home and the surroundings look like a wonderful place to live. Good luck on the running. I was never able to do that but wished I could. The pictures of your views from your home look so relaxing.
Your kitty is so cute. I am allergic also but just get allergy shots because I can’t bear to leave our cats outside. My sister however has a kitty who adopted her as well and has a bed outside and has never come in but still loves it there at her home. I think the best cats and dogs are the ones who adopt you 🙂
I enjoy all of your patterns and can’t wait to see what is next. Have a lovely day you two!!
Sharon 😀
Thanks, Sharon!
Great post! So glad you’re settled and loving it. The area looks beautiful. And yes, it appears that you have been claimed by a kitty. Welcome to the family! Pinterest has some great ideas on low-cost kitty housing for the winter, and of course, there’s always a “sock momma” for those cold nights. Take a tube/basketball sock, fill the foot with rice, and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Will stay warm for hours and of course two are better than one!
Great idea!
I was never a cat person until I was adopted by one back in 1994. I have had cats every since, the first generation crossed over and now I have a second generation. Love my kitties, I also have two dogs.
My husband is allergic too, but he takes daily meds for it and does just fine. Good luck in whatever you decide. Once you feed ’em they become yours.
Congratulations on your new home!!
Because of you, I’ve taken up knitting and am making a scarf for a birthday present. My first homemade gift ever! I love it. Thank you for inspiring me to learn a new skill.
Hurray!
I love everything you do! How you share, doing both crafts (not weird at all-to me anyway lol):) Oh, by the way, cats pick you, you don’t pick them; ) Thanks for being awesomely cool and a great inspiration! You rock out loud! Xoxo♥
Aw, Chandi! You run like I do. 😉 I’m excited for all of your positive changes and your sweet new porch kitty. She’s so pretty!
Although I love all things canine, I once had a wonderful feline – there are shots and drugs that will render the allergic one asymptomatic.
Just saying….
Lol!
Awww! That little one is soooo cute!!!!
you dont get a cat, a cat gets you.
Aww! Look at that face! I don’t look nearly that good after any sort of exercise.
Wait, you thought I meant the cat’s face? Well, sure, she is precious! But your post-run face is awesome. 🙂 Too bad about the cat allergy. She’d be so lucky to live with you two!
Beautiful photos! Looking forward to the pattern hint, as well.
Your blog makes me smile. Have a wonderful rest of your week, Chandi (and Tim)!
♡
I love your site/blog. You are adorable and so freakin’ talented. I’m kind of new to knitting and easily frustrated. Maybe I should try crochet? Hmmmm …
Yes, try both and see which you prefer!
Kitties have a way of turning no cat people into cat people. They’re amazing. my year old kitten loves to play and she knows our routine is to play before bed every night. She just came by to remind me.
Congrats on the new digs! Have fun getting settled
Have you gotten used to the heat? I am 2 hours east and I don’t even like walking in the heat. Congrats on the new home.
Haha! Yes. Lovvvvve the heat.
Hi Chandi, greetings from south Africa. Love your yarns.
Love what I’ve seen of the new pattern so far! Love the Wheedler, too!
She’s beautiful. You could always make her a little home outside. As a teenager a neighbour had a small cat lodge that was a simple square wooden box, lined in carpet with a little carpet door and they had a 2 x 4 going from the lodge door to the ground. The lodge was mounted on the side of the garage. They had used floor edging ? Can’t think of the darn name, for the steps on the 2 x 4. A cat doesn’t need much to grip. This was just big enough so in the winter she could curl up inside and her body heat keeps inside by the carpet. Very simple but their cat lived in it for a long time. Also congratulations on the new home. Very exciting.
Be sure when you work out to start out small. Work into more running or excersises every week. Also walking does the same thing as running. Believe me I have lost over 125 pounds and I hope to lose more!!
Thanks and congrats!
Your little visitor would be a wonderful inspiration for a yarn colorway. That was my first thought! See what you’ve done to me, Chandi? 🙂 Congratulations on your new home.
Love the new pattern so far! Can’t wait to see more of it.
Your kitty visitor is gorgeous! Apparently diet has a huge part in how much cats can set off your allergies (kitties diet), supposedly it’s kitty spit that sets off our human allergies and they lick themselves all over so that makes sense. Anyway, what I’m getting at is you can try a few different food types and see if it makes a difference.
I enjoy working out. Running is a high that burns my lungs & my lt.knee says, ‘no more’. Working out to me is my high, stress burner, & escape from life. Iam trying to get back into the groove after losing my dad/best friend & my fur baby, Sophie. No excuses, gotta get my grief weight off (food is comfort) and my boys are back in school after summer.
I believe my house has a neon sign that only kitties can see, it flashes “FOOD KITTY LOVER”. I have 2 porch kitties (semi ferral) that I feed & fix the porch up for the cold Ohio winters. They are Spongebob & Sandy Squirrel (guess who named them?).
Who says you have to chose between the hook and needle? I love both. I usually have WIP going for both crocheting and knitting.
Congrats on the new house. You choose a beautiful area to put down roots.
Peace & Love
Trina
Your new little kitty is just adorable. I can’t run distance either. I’ve always been fast and short distance runner. I love your patterns whether crochet or knit. So I can’t wait to see this new one. I lived in Lexington NC for 4 years. I loved it there and hopefully will live there again. Enjoy your new home!
Hi,
Love the sneak peak of the next crochet pattern. I’ve just taken it up again after a long break and I can’t put it down! Can’t wait to see what it is.
Diane (eco-stitch UK)
Congrats on your new home…enjoy it! I am a new follower and new knitter. I learned from your Youtube videos and have already made 3 of your headbands and now I am working on the Boyfriend Beanie…so far so good! Thank you for taking the time to post so that others like myself can learn.
Geemanee!!! Bless your heart, you looked like you were in pain after running! My husband would have been in pain for taking a picture of me! I would have needed an oxygen tank and probably an ambulance. Thank you so much for sharing you life with us, even though I am only just now discovering your beautiful blog! ? This is much better than Facebook. ?