I love to tell stories. Just ask Terrisa*. Whenever we get together, which isn't nearly as frequent as either of us would like, I almost always have a story to tell her. Like the one about the unhappy woman.
We all know the unhappy woman. One of those women who just can't be happy, no matter what the circumstances. You can recognize her by her behavior. She either boasts about the perfection of her life to the point that you know she's exaggerating, or she whines incessantly. About everything. And don't make the mistake of suggesting a possible solution to her most recent complaint. Because there is always a reason for why the suggestion won't work. Trust me; this woman wants to be unhappy, although she would be deeply offended if you suggested that.
Another characteristic of the unhappy woman is the need she has to make everyone else as unhappy as she is. So she circulates rumors and gossip, and generally does what she can to make trouble.
The point of my story is that I have been the recent victim of the unhappy woman. For reasons known only to her, she has singled me out as the target of her unhappiness. While this is most likely temporary, I do find it disturbing, and much to my dismay, I have allowed this ridiculous situation to rob me of what should have been a relaxing and enjoyable weekend, with a two day migraine and mounting anxiety as the new week approaches.
Not wanting to be an unhappy woman myself, I did manage to finish my Bloomin' Feet socks. And I did want to share them with you, because I think they came out just wonderfully. This raw ingredient, mixed with needles and time, became this:
Fleece Artist Merino in Dragonfly
And I received my first Project Spectrum Postcard for March. My exchange pal is Chris, who lives in Hawaii and sent me this sweet card. To quote Chris: "I decided to craft those two 'flowers' in this 'postcard'. March 3rd is Girls Day, a Japanese celebration of girls which we observe locally. It's often coupled with the viewing of sakura (cherry blossom) blooms, hence the front of the card. And what could be more quintessential Hawaii than the lei?"
And the lei inside!
Chris, I just love it. I really do, and I am so glad to have gotten to meet you.
The card I sent Chris was the first I had ever made, and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. There is a huge section of paper craft items at Hobby Lobby, which is the one place I shopped, and I could have browsed for hours. If you are interested in a new hobby, and possibly a new addiction, head over to Lolly's and check out the Project Spectrum Postcard Swap.
*If you are so inclined to ask Terrisa about my story telling, you can leave your question here. She reads this blog, though she infrequently comments. Don't ask me why.
Comments (22)
Your BF socks are so pretty!!!! the colorway is great, and I love your photos of it with the dragonfly's..
so glad you got away from the unhappy person. what a bummer. run away run away !! :-)
Posted by Teyani | March 26, 2006 11:35 PM
Posted on March 26, 2006 23:35
Sigh. I think I work with that same woman.
The socks are fabulous, and the dragonflies are fun! Chris is a great lady - very much a class act.
I'm desperately trying to avoid the lure of new. I don't have enough time as is, but between the spinning and the quilting and now the paper stuff, I'm struggling to keep focused on knitting.
Posted by terby | March 27, 2006 12:40 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 00:40
Your Bloomin' Feet socks are just perfect Leah. I love the colorway so much. Very happy looking socks!
Posted by Beck | March 27, 2006 5:18 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 05:18
It's so tough to deal with the Unhappy Person, especially when you are their target. I'm sorry to hear that's happened to you recently. Good call, knitting the socks. That beautiful colorway looks very soothing.
Sending some good coping thoughts your way for the new week.
Posted by Kim | March 27, 2006 6:26 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 06:26
First I stalked your blog on and off yesterday looking for an update, gave up, went to bed and woke up to those beautiful socks. What a way to make my day. I love them Leah and I love the way you photo'd them with the dragonflies.
Seems like you and I have led parallel lives lately. I feel for you and hope work is much better this week. Hugs!
Posted by amanda | March 27, 2006 7:39 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 07:39
And because the Poulette was pulling my pants down while trying to ascend Mt. Mama I failed to say that is one rockin' postcard! And I know those colors are right up your alley. Enjoy!
Posted by amanda | March 27, 2006 7:41 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 07:41
The socks are great! And the unhappy woman thing - I hope it's resolved soon and you can move away from it. If you need to vent, I'm here.
Posted by Carole | March 27, 2006 8:24 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 08:24
Sorry about the Unhappy Woman. You're smart to recognize that it can be contagious, though -- awareness is the best protection.
That card is beautiful, as are the socks. Isn't it nice to have beauty in one's life?
Posted by Rachel | March 27, 2006 9:41 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 09:41
Great socks... and as for the "unhappy woman".. how do YOU know my mother??????? *grin*
Posted by Mia | March 27, 2006 10:04 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 10:04
Your socks (or your lucky Pal's socks) are WONDERFUL. And you took such a nice picture! I keep scrolling back up to look at them again and again!
Posted by Allison | March 27, 2006 10:45 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 10:45
Yes, I am the lucky recipient of Leah's many and wonderful stories! I do frequent this blog to keep up with my dear friend because our schedules often keep us apart. The reason I don't post often is because I feel like an Outsider because I am, alas, an NK... non-knitter. I greatly admire those who can create such art with mere yarn. I've tried (though Leah would say I haven't tried enough and she's probably right). I have a mental block about it. My mom does crochet. When I was a kid she tried to teach my sister and I. My sister took right to it. I, on the other hand, crocheted miles and miles of chain. Never even got so far as a doily.
I now have 13-year-old identical twin girls. One of them took to crocheting like a fish to water and I'm sure she'll find the same affinity for knitting soon. The other, love her heart, somehow comes up with a perfect little 12" half-moon collar no matter how hard she tries to crochet a 4' scarf. At first she was upset, but now has found a wardrobe full of collars quite handy.
Posted by Terrisa | March 27, 2006 11:03 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 11:03
Wow, I love those socks...... It is quite exciting to wonder whether they are for me!?!
It's a funny coincidence that you mention the Unhappy Woman. Our new Office Manager seems to be just like that. Making mountains out of molehills, and taking offence at polite requests. I was really not looking forward to work today. Luckily she works in the office across the road, so we don't have to see her too often, and nasty emails can be ignored and deleted easily.
Posted by Kira | March 27, 2006 11:26 AM
Posted on March 27, 2006 11:26
your bloomin' feet socks are beautiful - the color and pattern work so well together, i know your sock pal will love them! and i love your postcard from chris - she's such a sweetie - i hope i get to meet her in person someday....
Posted by debbie | March 27, 2006 1:17 PM
Posted on March 27, 2006 13:17
Unhappy Women are so aggravating! I am glad you decided to end the post on the Extreme Up Note of your Bloomin' Socks. Looking at them would make anybody happy!
Oh, hey, Terrisa? You could spin. It is my new suggestion of a fibery past-time for those who Avoid the Needles. Also, I think spinning might be considered a Gateway Craft...
Posted by Emily | March 27, 2006 2:22 PM
Posted on March 27, 2006 14:22
What beautiful socks, Leah! I'm sorry about the Unhappy Woman. Try not to let her steal your joy.
Posted by katie | March 27, 2006 2:40 PM
Posted on March 27, 2006 14:40
One of my staff is that woman, and she was in rare form today. Thankfully, the end of the day came before someone bit her head off and made her cry.
The socks are gorgeous, darling!
Posted by Lee Ann | March 27, 2006 5:08 PM
Posted on March 27, 2006 17:08
Pretty, pretty socks! The photos of them with the dragonflys are so neat! Your pal is going to LOVE them Leah.
Sorry to hear about the Unhappy women that has latched onto you. I know someone like that too expect of the male persuasion.Same thing though. It is really depressing being around him. I hope you have a great and happy week!
Posted by Karen | March 27, 2006 5:47 PM
Posted on March 27, 2006 17:47
Your Bloomin' Feet socks are gorgeous!! Your sock pal is going to be so thrilled! The colorway is beautiful and I love the way you so artfully photographed the socks with the dragonflies. I'm so glad that you liked the postcard! I'm planning on posting pics of your beautiful card, too the next time I post if that's okay with you. ;-) I'm so sorry to hear about the situation with the unhappy woman. I feel for you and I hope that work is better for you this week. Hugs to you and take care! :-)
Posted by chris | March 27, 2006 11:20 PM
Posted on March 27, 2006 23:20
Just found your blog today. Love it! Your bloomin feet socks are gorgeous!
Posted by Wendi | March 28, 2006 1:26 PM
Posted on March 28, 2006 13:26
Lovely socks, and thanks for showing off Chris's card too! She is so crafty! I love the story behind it too ;)
Posted by Lolly | March 30, 2006 2:00 PM
Posted on March 30, 2006 14:00
The BF socks are beautiful!!! Oh and I love the project postcard - how lovely and creative - holy moly - lucky gal ;-)
Posted by Esther | March 31, 2006 9:31 AM
Posted on March 31, 2006 09:31
I just found your blog through Emily's site...Yarn Miracle! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your socks!! I'm fighting...I mean working on my first pair and hope to still be sane and nimble of fingers by the time I finish! I thought I would die laughing when I read about "unhappy woman"....I had N.O. idea you knew unhappy woman!! I thought I was the ONLY one who had to suffer through unhappy woman!! And to think we aren't even in the same state!! What a small world!!! (I choose to think we both know the SAME unhappy woman because I can't imagine the world with TWO of them!!!! L.O.L.!!! I think we could share tales!! I'll bookmark your site and keep checking back!
Posted by Crazy For Yarn | April 8, 2006 2:16 PM
Posted on April 8, 2006 14:16