Mariannes Motifs

Great Deal on Steven Saylor's Roma $2.99 Kindle Version

Here's a great bargain.  This is one of my Mom's favorite authors - he writes mysteries set in ancient Rome.  This one seems to be a multi-generational epic.  Normally $15.95, it's on sale in Kindle format for just $2.99.

Save money on books and you have more left over for stuff like designer jeans., I found a place that sells some really cute stuff designed by Beyonce called dereon.

Musing about People Who Don't Like Kids

I've noticed that on the knitting forum Ravelry, a lot of people seem to feel very free to post denigrating comments about kids, and parents.  I will be the first person to admit that kids are disgusting little barbaric creatures.  I have two of them, and they are sometimes behave poorly, although I do try to make sure they are not running around annoying people.

When we take them to restaurants, we pick family friendly spots, fancy quiet places where they will stand out.  I keep them from running around knocking into people, and if they start making a loud fuss,  I take them outside. 

That being said, what's up with people hating on kids?  Everyone was a kid once - its kind of how people start out.  I can certainly understand that some people don't want to have kids, and that's great.  Believe me -they are hard enough to deal with when you want them - if you aren't really into it you should skip it.  But don't call them names, call parents breeders and rude stuff like that.

Kids are keeping our species alive, ok?  Aren't we all supposed to have an instinct to protect the babies of the species?  Why hate them?  Seems weird to me.

And someone said they were annoyed by parents whose whole lives revolved around their kids.  Isn't that the way its supposed to be?  As a parent my life revolves around my kids and I feel that that is exactly what my role is supposed to be.  (I work, love my husband, have hobbies, its not like the kids are my WHOLE life, but they are the most important job I have)  They can't take care of themselves yet so hubster and I have a SACRED duty to take care of them.

My parents STILL feel that way about me and my brother - and the 4 grandchildren.  This is what family is about.  I in turn love, respect, and worry about my parents when they have problems.  This is what is real and important in life.

Kids are just people who are are still growing up.  Some are likable, and others not so much.  But they are people and deserve to be given a chance to be liked on their own individual merits.  If you don't have experience with kids, maybe give it a try.  They are actually a lot of fun.  They have a funny way of looking at things and can help jar you out of the grown up "rut" of thinking.  Plus, when you hang out with kids you get to play with toys!

Kids Today!

Some quotes on the phenomenon of "kids today!" and how the generation gap has been the same since time immemorial.

“When I was young, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly disrespectful and impatient of restraint”. Hesiod, 8th century BC

“What is happening to our young people? They disrespect their elders, they disobey their parents. They ignore the law. They riot in the streets inflamed with wild notions. Their morals are decaying. What is to become of them?” Plato, 4th Century BC

“The young people of today think of nothing but themselves. They have no reverence for parents or old age. They are impatient of all restraint… As for the girls, they are forward, immodest and unladylike in speech, behavior and dress.” Attributed to Peter the Hermit, AD 1274

5 Favorite Things August Edition

1.  Bare Escentuals Buxom Lip Gloss.  Lip gloss that isn’t sticky and has a nice minty tingle that makes my lips happy.  Bliss and more fun than a nanny cam.

2.  Kollage Square knitting needles.  These are the best double pointed knitting needles.  The square shape seems to help them from sliding out of the sock I am knitting, and they are very comfortable to knit with.

3.  Amazon Kindle WhisperSync software keeps track of where I am on the Kindle and the phone too, so whichever I pick up it knows where I was.  The phone version is great for when you unexpectedly have a few minutes waiting in line or somewhere and can sneak in a few pages of reading.

4.  Publix Supermarket’s Cuban bread.  I ask the bakery guy to slice it for me and then eat it with garlic and herb cheese spread. It’s the greatest thing since.... sliced bread.

5.  ASICS Onitsuka Tiger sneakers.  I love the look, and I know they will fit me so I can buy them online.  These are my signature look.

Sock 1 is Done

I have finished the first sock. I did the heel with short rows, picked up and knit stitches, and grafted the toe - all new knitting skills for me.

Now I had better cast on for the second one before this one gets too lonely.

I am so glad it's the weekend.  I don't have any plans and I think that no plans is going to be the way to go!  Th most ambition I have is maybe to vacuum the rugs.  I already have all the kids back to school stuff!  PROUD!!!  The only thing they need are light fall jackets and I still have plenty of time for that.