First things first: Wonderful news! As of yesterday afternoon, the word is "Lee Ann is out of intensive care, the doctor is "very pleased" and though she's not a happy camper (headache and nausea from the anesthesia), she's doing well." They're hoping she can go home as early as Tuesday or Wednesday! Yay!
Second: there is no news to tell about court stuff at the moment. I phoned my attorney's office at 8:30 this morning.
Me: What's the status of the motion we want to file?
Paralegal: I know he's working on your motion because your file is spread out all over his desk.
Me: Do you know when it will be ready to deliver?
Paralegal: Hang on..... He's with another attorney right now and I don't feel comfortable interrupting - I'll find out and call you back.
It's now 11:45am and I haven't heard anything. I'll wait until my usual 3:00-3:30 and phone again if I don't get a call back. I'll update here if there's any news to tell.
Now for something else wonderful - Calliope is Finished!! YAY!! Can you hear the singing? Can you hear the chirpy voice of a happy knitter? This post was going to have a different title because when I got up this morning I wasn't quite finished. But I woke early, went to Curves, got home and played with the new chain saw (yes, more later), watered the garden, made Lila's bottles and a handful of other various motherly tasks.... then sat myself down and finished the last little bit of the armhole finishing. Tried it on. Did a happy dance, took some pre-blocked pictures, wove in the last few ends, and now she's in the washing machine.
I don't think I've ever been so completely in love with something I've knit. I have felt a sense of "thank goodness that's finished!" and "boy they better like this!" but never "wow - this is super fabulous and I am completely in love with this". Maybe because I've never actually made something for myself? I don't know but this is wonderful. I did it. From start to finish. I found a pattern I liked, bought the yarn, used the needles, followed the pattern, knit the entire thing, and now it's finished and I actually like it. And it fits me. I'm amazed really. I've sewn many items - garments that take a blink of time compared to knitting a sweater of any kind - and had them come out badly. Don't fit well, don't look good, etc. Knitting a sweater, in my opinion, is a much much bigger risk and commitment. I'm so happy and pleased with the results. I hope I still love it as much when it's been washed and blocked. Any suggestions about blocking this cotton/modal blend? Lay flat or toss in dryer?? Anybody? This is supposed to be a very easy-care machine washable yarn we've got here but I'm afraid the cotton in there might shrink if I'm not careful with the dryer. I typically hang my tops to dry or lay flat. I'll probably go with that.
So this top - I plan to wear it to court. I love it so much. And I have hoped for that as I knit it. Now I know that will happen. There's something else though, which I haven't mentioned, that I plan to wear to court. A few weeks ago I was reading Lee Ann's blog and she showed a necklace that she had purchased. It's a silver necklace hand made by Leslie Wind. Someone had seen Leslie's work at a fiber festival and told Lee Ann about Leslie's work - Lee Ann fell in love with this particular piece of jewelry. It's an ancient matriarchal symbol of strength for women heading into battle. The moment I saw it on Lee Ann's blog I thought "I need that." I thought about it for several days and kept going back to read what Lee Ann said about it and looking at the photo. I finally decided to contact Leslie Wind and ask about the necklace. I was very afraid that she would say I couldn't have one for whatever reason or I couldn't afford it. Lucky for me she had one and the price was right. In one of several friendly email exchanges I briefly told my story of the upcoming custody battle and she put the necklace in the mail immediately - she didn't even have my money yet! She engraved a rune on the back that is to bring strength, courage, and wisdom regarding legal matters. The rune is also associated with the color scarlet and the oak tree, which both inspired my COURAGE yarn colorway.
These two items together, combined with the encouragement and support of our friends and family, will be with me (us) in court. I nearly feel like it's a shield of armor for the battle we face.
Jeff and I were talking a few days ago and agreed that we're really working hard to encourage each other to continue improving our general health and keep losing weight. I have a goal to lose at least 12 more pounds before our court date. It's just another thing we're doing to be mentally and physically prepared. I know all this must sound so weird to some people but .... well, it's important to us. And the kids. We'll be ready when the time is here.
Next knit: Branching Out scarf in a snuggly alpaca yarn. I'm cruising right along with the Amazing Lace! Yay for me. :)
Calliope is beautiful, as is that gorgeous necklace, good luck and all good outcomes with all your endeavors, be they general health, children or knitting!
Posted by: Liz | July 17, 2006 at 12:54 PM
"Super Fabulous" is right - it looks terrific and the color is wonderful!
Posted by: Nancy | July 17, 2006 at 01:05 PM
She is beautiful! Great job! I think you should make more beautiful things for YOU. I do love the form and lore of your necklace. Thinking really good thoughts for you.
Posted by: KT | July 17, 2006 at 01:11 PM
You're doing the right thing to be mentally and physically ready for your 'battle'. When you feel good about yourself and full of confidence you are a better challenger. Go grrlfriend!
It was wonderful to hear about Lee Ann and that all went so well. Our powers for good continue.
Calliope looks fabulous on you!!
Posted by: margene | July 17, 2006 at 01:13 PM
Beautiful lovely Calliope! Hope you hear from the attorney soon...
Posted by: adrienne | July 17, 2006 at 01:24 PM
Laura its gorrrrrrrgeous! and fits you perfectly!!!!
Now that necklace is riiiiight up my alley!!!
They aren't gonna know what hit them when you walk into that court room Kansas mamma with the courage of a lion and one freaking awesome knit!!!!
Go gett'em tiger!
Posted by: Kelly | July 17, 2006 at 02:53 PM
Visualizing you striding into court with all that strength and confidence, I certainly wouldn't want to be getting in your way. I'll be watching for all your updates, I've been thinking about you and the court case all morning.
Posted by: Pat K | July 17, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Calliope looks perfect. Great fit and great color. Sure would like to see a full-length photo of you in it....it does indeed appear that weight loss has occurred. The necklace is lovely, and words and ideas certainly have power, but the truth is that you have power and strength all on your own. And this time....you're going to win!
Posted by: Sharon | July 17, 2006 at 03:56 PM
Calliope looks beautiful!
Posted by: amanda | July 17, 2006 at 05:01 PM
You should be in love with that one! It's gorgeous! And good news on the friend front. We'll keep the good karma coming your way.
Posted by: Ann | July 17, 2006 at 05:30 PM
Calliope is fabulous! Good Luck in court! It will be a little comforting I'm sure to be wearing something that you absolutely love and made yourself. :)
You've inspired me to get back on my "need to go to the gym since I pay for a membership" horse. I keep meaning to go... yeah, doesn't hardly ever work out that way. hmm. maybe a better plan is needed.
Posted by: Amy | July 17, 2006 at 06:40 PM
Calliope is just beautiful, Laura!
And you have all the strength and support I can wish you across the southwestern plains!
Peace to you!!
Posted by: Leah | July 17, 2006 at 09:41 PM
It's so pretty! It suits you so well! Congrats on finishing :) (Btw, I just love your Courage! I'm waiting for KP to have more of that fingering weight so I can start dyeing my own yarn, finally!)
Posted by: Tuulia | July 17, 2006 at 10:08 PM
Calliope looks wonderful. Great job.
Posted by: Vera | July 18, 2006 at 12:07 AM
That sweater is beautiful!! Absolutely wear it with pride. It's really lovely. Yeah for you for sticking with Curves! I loved it but the week after I signed up to go before Mister went to work, they changed his hours and he went to school three nights a week. Now, we don't live anywhere near one. Such is life. That squat station was the one I always dreaded. :)
Posted by: Janette | July 18, 2006 at 11:47 AM
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
It's gorgeous!
You go girl!!!!!!
Posted by: christine | July 19, 2006 at 04:49 PM
Laura! Calliope is beautiful! And it looks fantabulous on you!! The color goes so well with your skin tone...what a great choice! And what an awesome necklace! You walk into that court room and show em who's boss!
You should be really **proud** of yourself!
Posted by: Danielle | July 23, 2006 at 03:31 PM
Calliope is beautiful. And it fits so well. I can see why it must have been a fun knit.
Posted by: Laurie | July 23, 2006 at 04:28 PM