What do you think?

That last one is my favorite.  I love how soft and antiquey it looks.  I used one of Pioneer Woman’s actions, but I can’t remember which one.  Vintage maybe??

Can anybody find me somebody to love?  Everyday – I try and I try and I try – But everybody wants to put me down… Somebody to Love ~ Queen

Elizabeth Alcazar sat at the vanity table and stared at her reflection in the beveled oval mirror. She looked at her dark chestnut curls and her sapphire blues eyes, but didn’t see anything other than the awkward and shy girl she’d always seen. Today was her wedding day and it was nothing like she’d imagined it would be. Rather than marrying her one true love – that man that would save her from her family and from herself – she was marrying a stranger. For business. It wasn’t like there was someone else … someone she loved and wanted to marry, but she wanted the idea of marrying for love. Elizabeth wanted the choice. She wanted to love and be loved - to feel like she finally belonged, that she fit somewhere. Instead, she was marrying a man she’d never even laid eyes on. All she knew about him was that he was a business associate of her father’s and that a merger was very important to the future of the business. She didn’t even know why it was important because women were not to be involved in business – even when it directly affected them. Elizabeth sighed as the door to the bridal room opened and her family walked in. Show time, she thought to herself.

“Elizabeth, you need to get dressed. It’s almost time.” Alexis Alcazar was a striking woman who shared Elizabeth’s dark brown hair and fair complexion, but really nothing else. Alexis was a strong, no-nonsense woman who had made her mark as a successful criminal defense attorney and had never understood or nurtured her daughter’s artistic side. Alexis had always made Elizabeth feel silly for wanting to pursue art and Elizabeth’s decision to major in art in college had been met with contempt and ridicule. To say that Elizabeth and her mother weren’t close was indeed an understatement.

“Yes mother,” Elizabeth replied as she rose from her seat, “I was just finishing my make-up, but I need help getting into my dress.” Elizabeth turned towards the dress hanging on the door and reached up to take it down.

“Here, Liz. Let me.” Elizabeth’s sister, Robin, reached to take the dress from her and removed it from the hanger.

“I know you’re nervous about your wedding, and your marriage, but I know it will be ok.” Robin talked softly while she helped Elizabeth into her dress. “I remember how scared I was before my wedding. People had such dreadful things to say about Mateo – how mean and nasty he was, how ruthless his family was, and how my life as a Ruiz would be sheer hell, but people can’t possibly know until they’ve lived where you are. You’ve seen how Mateo is. He’s so generous and caring, and he loves us more than I ever imagined possible. I know you’re going to have the same kind of relationship with Jason. He’s going to take care of you, and you will take care of him. Just wait and see – you’ll be happy.” Robin leaned in and adjusted Elizabeth’s veil and kissed her on the cheek.

Elizabeth touched her cheek to Robin’s and whispered, “Thank you for being an optimist. I needed to hear that today.” As the sisters pulled apart, the door opened again and Lorenzo Alcazar poked his head in.

“Ah, I see everyone’s ready. I have something for you before we go.” Lorenzo was a tall man with broad shoulders and thick, auburn hair. He was the kind of man you paid attention to, even without knowing why. He was always dressed impeccably and had a way about him that implied power. There was, however, nothing that implied tenderness. He wasn’t the kind of father you could go to with your problems and fears. He quite frankly didn’t want to hear about it. There had been no cozy family moments growing up, no curling on the couch and watching movies or dancing on his shoes when you were too little to dance by yourself. Instead, there had been nannies and boarding schools for Robin and Elizabeth. And now there were arranged marriages to further the Alcazar family holdings and power.

“What is it, Papa?” Elizabeth asked as she fastened her pearl and ruby teardrop earrings.

“It’s a gift from Jason,” Alcazar replied as he held out a small silver box for Elizabeth. “Here’s the note that goes with it.”

Elizabeth’s hand shook as she reached to take both items from her father. She opened the note first and turned slightly so she would have a small amount of privacy while she read what her mysterious fiancé had written.

Elizabeth,

I know this all seems cold and business-like to you. I wish I could tell you that business wasn’t the driving force behind this marriage, but I refuse to start our marriage with a lie. You and I both know that business is the reason we are getting married today. Despite that, I want you to know that I will always do my best to be honest and respectful. I understand that you have chosen rubies and pearls to go with your dress. I hope the enclosed necklace is to your liking. See you at the altar.

Jason

Elizabeth carefully returned the note to its envelope and tore the paper off the package. The lid on the black velvet box opened to reveal an elegant pendant of a heart-shaped ruby with a beautiful ivory baroque pearl suspended from the point of the heart on a fine platinum chain.

“Oh Elizabeth, it’s gorgeous,” Robin exclaimed as she reached to take the necklace from Elizabeth and fasten it behind her neck.

Elizabeth reached up to brush her fingers over the necklace resting on her sternum as she thought about what Jason had written. Above all, she appreciated his honesty. She had been lied to so much in her young life that nothing meant more to her than Jason’s willingness to tell the truth, despite its harshness.

“Alright then, we’d better get a move on. We don’t want to keep your fiancé waiting.” Alcazar reached for Elizabeth’s arm and they moved from the bridal room to the foyer of the church. As the florist handed Elizabeth her bouquet she stared down the candle-lit aisle at her future and couldn’t help but feel apprehension and at the same time a tiny bit of hope. Maybe this marriage wasn’t going to be as dreadful as she’d imagined.

*~*~*~*

“Come on, Jason. She’s a sweet kid. This marriage isn’t going to be as bad as you seem to think.” Sonny rubbed his hand over his chin as his dark eyes glancing warily at his best friend and business partner.

Jason stopped his pacing long enough to glare at Sonny, his ice blue eyes flashing and clearly conveying his annoyance. “That’s exactly my point, Sonny. She’s a kid. She’s 23 years old and her asshole of a father is marrying her off to solidify a god damned shipping route. What kind of father does that? And what kind of guy agrees to it?”

Sonny sighed. “I know you don’t agree with my decision Jason, but this partnership with the Alcazar family is critical to our Puerto Rican holdings. We won’t be able to maintain the casinos without this deal and the only way Lorenzo was willing to agree to a partnership was with a family connection. Since I’m already married and neither of my children are old enough to drive, let alone get married, you’re the only option we have.”

Jason ran his fingers through his chin length hair and glared at Sonny again. “I know, I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“Wouldn’t you rather she be married to you than to someone like Mateo Ruiz? That’s who Alcazar’s older daughter is married to. Talk about a ruthless SOB!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know. … I just don’t like it. What am I supposed to do with a child bride? I have no experience with someone like her – someone so innocent and guileless. How do you expect me to do my job and still entertain someone with no ambitions other than shopping and gossiping? You know how much I hate stuff like that.”

“Come on Jason. Just because that’s how Alexis described her doesn’t mean anything. Alexis doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who’s real in-touch with her children and their interests. Give Elizabeth a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.”

Both men turned as the door opened and Sonny’s wife Carly stepped into the room. She smiled and walked over to kiss Jason on the cheek. “Jase, look at how handsome you are in your tuxedo.” She reached up to straighten his tie and gave him a hug. “I know you don’t want to do this, but I know things are going to work out for the best. You’re my best friend and if I didn’t have a good feeling about this arrangement, I would have thrown a hell of a fit. You know how I am!” Carly laughed as she stepped over to straighten Sonny’s tie in much the same way she’d done for Jason. “I bought something for you to give to Elizabeth. I knew you wouldn’t think of it, and I thought it would make her feel better about this whole wedding business. Here’s a note card. Why don’t you write something to her and I’ll make sure she gets this before the ceremony starts.”

Jason eyed Carly and the small silver box she held warily. “What is it?”

“It’s a pearl and ruby necklace. Robin told me that’s what Elizabeth chose for earrings and I thought a necklace would go nicely.” Carly wasn’t sure about Elizabeth Alcazar, but she was hoping for the best. As far as Carly could tell, Elizabeth was a quiet girl who had spent most of her life in boarding schools and university. She couldn’t see her as a good match for Jason, but she had to be better than that tramp Samantha McCall that Jason had briefly dated the year before. When Sonny had come to her with the idea of an arranged marriage between Jason and Lorenzo Alcazar’s youngest daughter, Carly had decided that she was going to try to be a true friend to Jason and do what she could to help the two of them establish at least a comfortable marriage.

Jason took the note card, scribbled something, and sealed the envelope before Carly could get a good look at it. “Thanks Carly. I should have thought of a gift. I appreciate you looking out for me and for doing what you can to make Elizabeth feel better.”

Carly took the note and the little silver box and hurried out of the room. Jason turned back to Sonny, but before he could pick up their discussion, Sonny interrupted. “Come on, Jason, it’s time. We need to get out to the altar. Remember, you’re only locked into this marriage for two years. If after that, you and Elizabeth decide you’re ready to move on, you can get a divorce without adversely affecting the business.”

Jason moved to the door and muttered to himself, “Yeah, that’s just what I want to think about … divorce.”

Jason had always known that he would eventually end up marrying someone for the good of the business. It seemed that was just the way Sonny chose to do things. It wasn’t like there was anyone special in his life, and marrying the daughter of a business associate had some distinct benefits. He didn’t have to worry about her reaction to his business or the constant danger in his life. Her moral code probably wasn’t going to be offended by his chosen profession, and now that he was married he wouldn’t have to worry about fending off the single women looking to him for a thrill or for someone to take care of them, or whatever it was they always seemed to want. It would have been nice to at least meet his fiancé before they actually said their vows, but problems in Puerto Rico had kept Jason out of the country until late last night. Jason smiled to himself as he stepped to the front of the church. At least he’d be able to pick her out of the crowd – she’d be the one in the white dress!

Jason watched as Carly and the boys were seated, followed by the Alcazar family. Jason felt Sonny behind him as he looked down the long aisle of Saint Matthew’s Cathedral and saw Robin Ruiz slowly make her way to the front. As Robin took her place, the music swelled and Jason saw Elizabeth and Lorenzo step into the doorway. The crowd rose to their feet as Elizabeth made her way down the aisle. Jason caught his breath as he got his first clear look at his bride. She was gorgeous. And tiny. She had on a simple white strapless dress that showed off her petite frame and porcelain complexion. If he had asked Carly, she would have told him that the dress was silk and very expensive, but all Jason knew was that she looked stunning. And scared.

As she and Lorenzo stopped in front of the priest, Elizabeth’s eyes locked on Jason’s. Jason held her gaze as the priest went through the opening formalities. Lorenzo turned to kiss Elizabeth on the cheek and she broke eye contact with Jason. His gaze flicked to Lorenzo as he moved to place Elizabeth’s hand on Jason’s arm. As Lorenzo stepped away, Jason’s gaze found Elizabeth’s again. He reached up with his right hand and squeezed the hand that was clutching his forearm and she seemed to relax. Part of Jason was relieved that such a simple gesture seemed to relax Elizabeth, but the other part of him was worried that he was marrying a timid little mouse who wouldn’t be able to handle being a part of his life.

Elizabeth couldn’t believe that this man was going to be her husband. She had been expecting someone like Mateo – tattooed, scarred, and really kind of scary. Instead, she found herself standing next to … a hunk. He was tall, at least a foot taller than her petite 5’2”, with bright blue eyes and chin-length light brown hair with lovely streaks of blonde that offset his sculpted jaw and what could only be described as kissable lips. Elizabeth was so lost in her own thoughts that she barely registered the priest and their vows. Before she knew it, Father Joe was pronouncing them husband and wife and telling Jason he could kiss the bride.

Jason reached up to lift Elizabeth’s chin and their eyes locked once again. He leaned down and briefly touched his lips to her soft pink ones. Shots of electricity zipped through Elizabeth at the contact, but it was over before she could even register the feeling. Robin reached out with Elizabeth’s bouquet and Jason placed her left hand on his arm and started back down the aisle. As Elizabeth walked next to Jason, she realized that it had really happened. They were married. She was no longer Elizabeth Maria Alcazar. She was now Elizabeth Morgan. Mrs. Jason Morgan. Oh my god. She was married to the most notorious hitman on the eastern seaboard. What the hell had she gotten herself into?

I started Lillian.  I’m using the Plymouth Suri Merino, which is very reasonably priced for an alpaca/merino blend, and got gauge with 4.5mm (size 7) needles.  I’m doing something with this sweater that I did for the first time on Butterfly.  I’m combining the sizes to get a better fit (hopefully).  I’m knitting the 35 1/2″ chest circumference size, but working the body length for the 40 1/2″ size.  I will knit the armhole shaping and the sleeve cap shaping to the 35 1/2″ size, but the arm length in the largest size again.  My hope is that the combination of sizes will give me a sweater that is long enough, but not too long, and still fits in the body.  It should work, right?

This sweater uses an i-cord cast on, which I’ve never done before.  I found a great tutorial online because I couldn’t find it in any of my books.  Once I saw the pictures, the directions in the pattern made sense, but I had to see the pictures to put it all together.  The i-cord cast on takes awhile, but looks very tidy when it’s done.  And there’s no curling or stretching, which is a bonus.

I’ve started the waist shaping and have about 6 inches done of the back (there was only about 4 done when I took these pictures).  It’s going pretty quickly and for the first time in a long time, I’m excited about my knitting.  It’s been so long since I worked on a sweater that I forgot how fun it can be.  So, despite the fact that I’ve started something that will surely slow down the pace of Butterfly, I’m excited.  I’m looking forward to working on this over the next few weeks and seeing the finished project (will somebody please remind me of this when I’m bitching about knitting the sleeves?).

In non-crafting news, I’m working on another fictional story - some friends of mine are writing Valentine’s Day stories and I thought I’d join in and dust the cobwebs off of my  writing skills.  I’m going to be posting the chapters here, but I know that’s not really why most of you stop by.  If you’d like to read and give me your feedback, I’d love to hear it, but if it isn’t your thing, that’s fine too.  Over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to try to keep you in the loop on Lillian’s progress and I’ll also have some photography stuff to share.

I’m still home with the flu, although I’m feeling better today.  I think I’ll be fine to go back to work tomorrow - just in time for the weekend.

Today is day 1.  So far, so good.

The food co-op here has a pretty good selection of gluten-free food and I stocked up yesterday.  I bought some wonderful frozen chocolate chip cookie dough and went right home and baked them!  They were delicious and I think I need to go get some more tonight.  I’m feeling my way through the change - trying to educate myself and looking online for books that might help.  If you eat gluten-free or have celiac disease, I’d love to hear which books have helped you.

Here’s to feeling good in 2010!

For those of you who are keeping up, a brief search through the blog archives (and this is why I love having a blog!) reveal that I swatched for Butterfly in February … 2006!  Wow.  Almost four years and it will probably be longer than that before I get done.  I’m getting closer, but there is still some armhole length and neck shaping and then steeking and button/armhole bands to knit.  Oy.  I may never get done.

But, I have the armhole shaping done and now just need more length.

This sweater may be proof that slow and steady does win the race.  However, I really wish I hadn’t put it aside so many times over the years because then I’d be done and I would be knitting something new.  I still think it’s an enjoyable knit, but it takes forever to see any progress.  I just have to keep reminding myself that in this instance especially it’s about the process and the finished sweater will be worth the years and the work.

Happy Monday!

These are great cookies - light and flaky with just the right amount of sweetness.  Plus, they’re very easy - no rolling and cutting, just scooping and smashing!  The recipe doesn’t call for frosting because of the sprinkling of sugar on the top as they bake.  But, in my house icing is required.  I made a simple powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla icing and just mixed it to a fairly thick consistency and I think it works well.  They are very sweet, but good!  And because of the sweetness, one is enough for me.  Usually…

10 Things I’m Looking Forward to in 2010:

Knitting ~ I suppose that goes without saying, but I feel like I’m more motivated to knit than I have been in a long time.  I think getting involved in blogging again has really helped, but I’ve also been spending some quality time on Ravelry looking at what you all are knitting and I’m finding things that I’m excited about.

Photography ~ I got a great new camera for Christmas and I’ve spent some of my Christmas money on a 50mm lens and Photoshop.  I don’t have Photoshop yet, but I’m anxious for it to come even though I’m a bit nervous about learning it.  I guess that’s what online tutorials and friends are for, right?

I really want to spend some time learning to take better pictures.  It occurred to me a few weeks ago that I haven’t done a very good job of keeping track of the major events in our lives.  We live in a gorgeous place (even in the miserable cold of winter there are some breathtaking views) and I’d like to document the events and places in our lives.  But, I want to take great pictures, not just snapshots.  I know this is going to take a lot of time and commitment on my part, so I’m not sure what else is going to have to give, but I’ll figure out how to make it work.

Quilting ~ I am enjoying quilting.  It’s a fun hobby that gives me a break from knitting and allows me to hone another skill.  I like working at the quilt store - lots of fun people and great fabric!  Every project makes me better and we’ll see what projects come to fruition in 2010.

Team Roping ~ This is one of the few things TA and I do together.  It’s something I have to work hard at to improve, but it’s worth it because I like having a hobby that we share.  I’d like to take a clinic this year, but we’ll see how things shape up in the time and money department.

Yoga ~ I started practicing yoga in late 2008 and have really enjoyed it.  I had some periods during the summer when I let my practice lapse - the layoff and the kidney stones were contributing factors, but I’ve gotten back into it and have found that a regular practice makes a huge difference in my mental and physical health.  I want to continue to improve and expand my comfort zone - try new things, embrace those things that I struggle with, and try to be ok with where I am now (that’s hard for me).

Being Healthy ~ I struggled a bit with my health in 2009 and I’m really not a good sick person.  In retrospect, I haven’t felt “great” in a long time.  I’m not sure why, but I continue to try new things and hope that eventually I’ll figure out what’s going on with me.  I don’t have a lot of faith in doctors, but I’m reading about natural and ayurvedic medicine and I’ll see what I can figure out.  If anyone has a good suggestion, please let me know.

Living Life for the Moment ~ I tend to get wrapped up in what’s next and what I need to do to make things better.  Yoga is teaching me to be happy with where I am right now.  I think I will continue to improve and embrace this idea, but it takes work.  One of my goals for my life is to be grateful for where I am right now and let that be enough.

Taking a Vacation ~ TA and I haven’t taken a get-away type vacation since our honeymoon.  We’ve talked about some places we’d like to go and places we’d like to see.  I think this is the year we’ll make that happen.  If you have suggestions of great tropical locations, please share - it’s always easier to decide when someone recommends a place.

Writing ~ I enjoy writing and I’ve let that lapse as other things have taken over my time and creative energy.  I’d like to figure out a way to schedule some writing into my week.  I think the creative outlet is great and I enjoy sharing my crazy ideas with all of you (since you’re the only ones who will actually read it!).

Not Feeling Guilty ~ Guilt is a huge obstacle in my life.  I tend to feel guilty when I don’t live up to my own expectations.  Why?  Why do I put expectations on myself?  Why am I so much harder on myself than anyone else is?  I really want to work on that.  I want to be ok with the choices I make because they’re right for me at the time I made the choice and to leave the second guessing for someone else.

So, that’s my list.  What are you looking forward to in 2010?

]]> http://unwindknitting.net/?feed=rss2&p=1300 http://unwindknitting.net/?p=1298 http://unwindknitting.net/?p=1298#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:13:49 +0000 admin http://unwindknitting.net/?p=1298 Calories don’t count during the holidays, right?  I took that idea and ran with it this year.

What we have here are 2 batches of Pioneer Woman’s world famous cinnamon rolls.  Only 2 batches!  Can you believe that?  Anyway, I made these up a couple of weeks ago and stuck them in the freezer in their dough stage.  Last weekend I pulled them out and let them thaw and rise on the counter and then I had a baking and frosting marathon.  I have to tell you, these have not been over-hyped.  They are THE BEST cinnamon rolls I have ever made.  I love them and will make them regularly from now on.

And then I delivered them to my colleagues and friends so they too could know the joy of a truly fabulous cinnamon roll.  I hope they bring happiness and relaxation to everyone (I saved a pan for my family - now I don’t have to worry about breakfast on Christmas!).

Happy Holidays.

Like everyone else, I have fallen in love with the French Press Felted Slippers.  Word is the Yarn Harlot’s mention caused technical issues over at French Press Knits!  There’s apparently a slipper knitting revolution in the works.  ‘Tis the season.

I used 2 skeins Plymouth Galway Worsted in bright red and the requisite size 15 needles.  Galway is great because it’s inexpensive, comes in a decent color range, and felts like a dream.  What more can you ask for in your felting wool?  These slippers are very easy to knit and the directions are great.  I initially thought that since they are constructed in multiples pieces that they would be fiddley, but they aren’t.  The assembly really is a snap and it only took maybe a half hour to sew everything together.

I chose some brown leather buttons because I love brown and red together and I liked how the buttons looked on the slippers - yeah I know, it’s a highly evolved system I have for making decisions.  Sewing on the tabs and the buttons wasn’t much harder than seaming things before felting, but I recommend you have a thimble or something because pushing a needle into the felt isn’t the easiest thing on your fingers.  I used embroidery floss and a large eye needle and it worked great.

The slippers fit well (and isn’t that just the very best part of felting your own slippers?) and I really like the puff paint on the soles.  It’s so much easier than sewing the leather onto the bottom.  However, I found that they’ve stretched quite a bit and the paint is coming off in places.  I wear my slippers all the time and I think this style doesn’t hold up as well to strenuous wear as the felted clogs, but darn they’re cute!  I’m going to try to wash them again and see if I can get them to shrink back down to the size my skinny feet need and then I’ll reapply the puff paint.

I still need to finish the oatmeal colored version of these slippers for my grandmother, but that’s on the agenda for this weekend.  I’ll have pictures of her little tiny ones (I had to felt them down to a size 4!) as soon as I’m finished with them.  I think these will work much better for her arthritic feet than the felted clogs I made her last year, but we’ll see on Christmas Eve.

Happy Friday and good luck with all of your last minute Christmas tasks.