Death Valley

Have you ever been to Death Valley? This was my first time. It is one of those places that no photograph can do justice and yet... you take picture after picture. Here are some that I took with my little camera.















This one is taken at the Devil's Golf Course.















Of course, there are Dunes in the desert. I saw a tourist in a red shirt and thought that it was a perfect contrast with the nature. This sand also reminded us of the places close to our hearts from long time ago.










Doesn't it look like gold?














This mountain is in the place called Artist's Pallet.















With my shoes still full of sand and little rocks, I came home and had a nice surprise. There was a box of a very nice yarn for a project that I am contributing for a new book. I am also finishing up one other project and half-way done with the second one for Claudia Hand Painted Yarns. I love her yarns. The colors are great and it is such a pleasure to work with these luxurious yarns. One of the yarns is this 100% merino.










I cannot wait to show the result, but I have to wait. It is not my call.

Little things that make me happy

I wanted to share with you some things that I see around me. The place where I live these few months is in a very green area almost like a forest. Many trees are in bloom already. When I take a walk going to the campus, I cross the street with these trees.
































When I am on campus, I love to take pictures that make me think. Look at this one, for example.
















Or this bench. Isn't it a romantic spot? It looks like it is an illustration from some novel. Don't you think?
There should be some reason why I see so much yellow this time of the year. Just to be fair, I have to say that it is not anymore. I see all kinds of colors now.








When I see this beauty, it gives me hope that everything will be fine and we all will be well and happy. Is that so wrong to dream?
There are many reasons for me to say this. At this point I will identify only two. The first one: I want to wish one of my dear friends all the best with her anticipated future.
The second one: I would like to see my other dear friend come out soon of the very unpleasant situation that is upsetting and frightening to many of us in a way that will make her happy.

Smocking Beret

Do you like Claudia Hand Painted Yarns? I am a big fan of this company. When I had the opportunity to design something for Claudia, I did not know many yarns she makes, but what I knew was soft, silky, and beautiful. She wanted a hat out of worsted weight yarn and this is what I came up with.
I know, it is not the best photo in the world, but you get an idea.

The pattern is available through yarn shops only so far, so you can check the list of shops on Claudia's website which is the closest to you.