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Thursday, May 22, 2014

a delicate balance

hello hello! feeling a little like i've lost my (blogging) voice. this must be normal ( i hope!)  i searched my phone for inspiration, and okay! there are a few things that have been happening around here...




my portable vase has been coming to work with me. it's the neatest thing! i found it in an interior design shop
in amsterdam. it packs flat for transporting, and when filled with water the bottom unfolds and it stands independently. fresh flowers everywhere!



the oranges on our trees are ripening faster than we can eat them. must juice more! 


 owen, our personal one pup welcome home committee!


 one day my girl hannah (in brooklyn) and i (in california) discovered we were both wearing the same shoes (birkenstock), which resulted in photos sent to each other. and a silly giddy feeling that made me feel closer to her somehow.


i made a sample knit with pretty yarn.


 taking care of my friends garden while she is away. on this day the temperatures neared 90 degrees! i watered the garden and myself too. thanking the stars above we've resumed normal 70's now.


my hap shawl is finished and blocking! whee! i ended up with two extra skeins, oh oops. it was a challenge to knit with black and i fear another challenge is going to be photographing it. crossing fingers...


do you remember this book cover? and the shawl on the cover that must be knit?! i am on a strict pre trip budget, but this knit picks palette was so affordable and the colors match so well! i have to try. :)


on my way to work one morning, i stopped for coffee and found these guys parked outside! hello mules! i wish i had a mule to ride to work!


and last, a good friend stopped in at my work to show me her newest knit, an adorable baby cardigan. she brought me this wooden bird knitting needle gauge, as a thank you for helping her (she did not need my help, she is a beautiful knitter). so i bought one too, to give away to one of you. to say thank you for coming by and always always showing such kindness. please leave a comment if you'd like a chance to win. this little bird will fly anywhere in the world. i'm looking forward to the weekend and catching up with all of you. xxx lori

p.s. i'll draw a name for the bird gauge on sunday!
at

79 comments:

  1. alexandrea at two-forty-sixMay 22, 2014 at 10:59 PM

    Beautiful pictures! I'm so jealous of your orange tree! It must be so nice to have fresh orange juice. As for the bird, I must admit...the first name that popped into my head is Horace. Hahahaha.

    ReplyDelete
  2. IreneMay 22, 2014 at 11:19 PM

    I think that happens to every blogger once in a while - you take a break, and then suddenly you have loads of things to share. I hope that this will happen to you!

    We had a wedding last weekend, and after having blogged about that, I kind of run out of things to say, I need to dwell on the happy memories for a bit longer, I think.

    Oh, to have oranges! It looks absolutely marvellous!!

    ...and I love birds :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. homemade@myplaceMay 22, 2014 at 11:57 PM

    it's so refreshing to visit you, as this post is full of lovely different things!!!!!
    If your bird would love to visit me, he is really welcome!!!!!
    xxxxxxx Ale

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  4. AnonymousMay 23, 2014 at 12:01 AM

    Nice....lovely pictures! Maybe this bird will fly to the Netherlands? :)
    Astrid

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  5. millefeuillesMay 23, 2014 at 12:14 AM

    Dearest Lori,

    Trust me; I know the feeling all too well. It's completely normal to feel as though you have lost your voice BUT, I promise, you are a constant, beautiful, wonderful inspiration at all times and this post is no exception.

    Big hugs from France,

    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 23, 2014 at 12:39 AM

    Lori,
    I enjoy your blog, especially the lovely adventures you share with us. The bird needle gauge is so unique. I would love to have it come tweet at my house. Does your friend have a shop online?

    Bordergirl on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori annMay 23, 2014 at 9:55 AM

      no she does not, she purchased this bird. i will find out who the maker is though and add the information to this post! thank you!

      Delete
  7. EMMAMay 23, 2014 at 1:57 AM

    Gosh I'd love to have an orange tree in my garden!! Love your portable vase - my husband has a portable cup that folds in on itself for when he's doing long distance trail running (here they will not give out to runners plastic cups at 'pit-stops' any more, they have to bring their own - no cup no drink!)
    A 'strict pre trip budget' - made me chuckle - does that mean your are saving up for a mega shetland yarn spend!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mousy BrownMay 23, 2014 at 2:11 AM

    I can't wait to see your book cover inspired shawl...will you be designing it as you go along or using a pattern you already have? The colours you chose look perfect! Love that Quince and co yarn, a very pretty shade...a relief after the black and headlamp knitting I should think! Hope you have a good weekend Em xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori annMay 23, 2014 at 9:57 AM

      not sure yet em, i think my own since i really just want the shawl in the illustration! :)

      Delete
  9. Patrice A.May 23, 2014 at 2:25 AM

    Lori!
    you have been to Amsterdam?!
    when?! because, that's around the corner from where i live ;^))

    an orange tree in your garden, wauw....
    and mules! you don't see mules around here
    but there are two monkeys i say hello to
    every time i walk to the forest with the dog

    lovely post
    thank you!
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori annMay 23, 2014 at 10:02 AM

      it's been 8 years already patrice! i think about it a lot and can't wait to go back. i remember it was the one city i felt instantly at home. amsterdam is so pretty and elegant. i loved walking at night and peeking in windows of the old dutch canal homes. i'd see small cozy interiors, high ceilings, chandeliers, bookcases, desks and candlesticks, vases and art on every wall. there was so much attention to detail and at the same time a simplicity to things that i LOVE.
      say hello to those monkeys for me!

      Delete
  10. Tracey ~ CloverMay 23, 2014 at 3:27 AM

    I so wish we had normal temperatures in the 70's, unfortunately 90's are what it will be for the next few months.
    I laughed out loud when I saw the mules, I saw mules this week too and told Mike I needed one to ride and help around the property!
    Love the beautiful bird and would love to add my name for the drawing.
    Have a great weekend Lori.

    ReplyDelete
  11. EileenMay 23, 2014 at 3:55 AM

    Oh Lori, love your blog! Not only great knits and pics to see but your writing style is a very calming “balm” for me....thanks. Oh and I am dreading the 90 to low 100’s here in Colorado. I’m a cool weather kinda of gal.

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownMay 23, 2014 at 3:57 AM

    I love Birkenstocks! Here in Tokyo where I live all colors of Birks can be found and men and women alike wear them. The bird is so adorable...what a wonderful gift.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kim May 23, 2014 at 4:09 AM

    So nice to see you in your space. Love that vase, how cool is that. And how nice of your to water your friends garden :)

    Thanks for the giveaway. Have the most wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  14. rebeccaMay 23, 2014 at 4:19 AM

    My kids and I sing this song...little bird, little bird, fly through my window, find molasses candy.

    Happy, happy pics. A finished shawl, oranges and flowers, all good things.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AndriaMay 23, 2014 at 4:22 AM

    I love your posts, you have such beauty about you. And the photos, I can't get enough. Also, I love your Birkenstocks, I'm wearing a pair right now, just not as pretty as yours :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Fräulein RucksackMay 23, 2014 at 4:34 AM

    I'd love to have oranges growing here.
    The knitting bird, where is it meant to hang? It's the prettiest thing ever. I love it when practical things are made nicely.
    Thanks and nice to read from you again!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori annMay 23, 2014 at 10:04 AM

      mine has found a home hanging from the loop on the side of my knitting basket!

      Delete
  17. AndeeMay 23, 2014 at 4:57 AM

    I love the little bird gauge! I'd love to win one. I love the sharing of shoe pictures. We are still pretty cold over here and no gardening yet for me! Pretty soon though I'm sure we'll be wishing it wasn't so hot.

    ReplyDelete
  18. karenMay 23, 2014 at 5:03 AM

    I love the idea of you watering a garden and yourself :) Looks like your days are full, and I bet you a shiny penny you miss your daughter like mad. It's been busy here and I keep trying to center myself.

    ReplyDelete
  19. RUTH DAVIESMay 23, 2014 at 5:12 AM

    I would love that dear little bird to fly over the pond and bide here with me!

    ReplyDelete
  20. UnknownMay 23, 2014 at 5:25 AM

    Lori, I have been "eyeing" that exact yarn (colour and everything) for some time! I can't wait to see what you have knit with it. What beautiful white roses and what a lovely souvenir of your trip, it's nice that it can keep travelling with you:) Congratulations on having finished your black hap, can't wait to see this either. For someone who has lost their voice, your pictures show that you still have much to say:))xoxoHappy long weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  21. DeniseMay 23, 2014 at 5:46 AM

    Thanks so much for the lovely giveaway. That needle gauge is much nicer than the plastic one in my knitting bag. I bet those oranges are delicious. The only food available here in the wild right now is fiddle heads, rhubarb and garlic. Have a lovely weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  22. stephMay 23, 2014 at 5:51 AM

    it's always a breath of fresh air coming into your space!!!! that is without a doubt the best (BEST) knitting toy I've seen in a l-o-n-g time!!!! Just love it!

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousMay 23, 2014 at 6:07 AM

    Love reading your posts and would love that little sweet bird!!!!!

    Susan Laible

    ReplyDelete
  24. stiptonMay 23, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Thanks for the chance to win this lovely gauge. I enjoy your posts and the gorgeous photos. I feel transported. I'm curious about the title of your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  25. charlotteMay 23, 2014 at 6:52 AM

    I'mI love to read your posts be they once a week or once a month., bringing a bit of sunshine to much rainy wales today...

    ReplyDelete
  26. momto5May 23, 2014 at 7:15 AM

    such loveliness happening here, as always. :) i am looking forward to seeing how the book cover shawl comes out. knitpiicks always has such great and inexpensive yarn... at least that is what i tell myself when i go on a yarn binge. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  27. AnonymousMay 23, 2014 at 7:23 AM

    That is so beautiful! I would give it to my daughter (almost 12), who jus knit her first hat and who loves birding and is going to Audubon camp again in a few weeks. :). --Bookaholic13 on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  28. JulieMay 23, 2014 at 7:57 AM

    What a clever idea for a needle guage - beautiful and functional. I'd love to win it! Hope your blog voice returns as and when you feel it should, but don't push it. Looking forward to seeing your hap and the book-cover inspired shawl, once it is done too!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Helen PhilippsMay 23, 2014 at 8:02 AM

    A lovely post, filled with gorgeous pictures and sweet things. I love the travelling flower vase! And your new yarn and beautiful shawl! And oranges growing on your own tree....such an amazing and colourful sight.
    Your little giveaway birdie is adorable......love the photo of it too........and I would be very happy if it flew across the pond to me :)
    Happy weekend, dear Lori.
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete
  30. SueMay 23, 2014 at 8:08 AM

    I love the bird gauge! Will you let the losers know where we can get one?

    Lori, we have a lot in common you and I. I love flowers, puppies, Birkenstocks, oranges, and beautiful yarn, too.♥
    Have a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori annMay 23, 2014 at 10:07 AM

      wish i could send one to all! but yes, indeed i will!

      Delete
  31. Ali's BlogMay 23, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    I've been reading your blog for maybe a couple of years now, and have actually started to read the whole thing (not all in a one-er you understand!). It's odd, I feel like I kinda know you, but you don't know me at all... Anyway, I really enjoy your pictures and the thoughts and experiences you share. You are talented, kind and generous, thank you for sharing, ali.

    ReplyDelete
  32. MicheleMay 23, 2014 at 9:39 AM

    Those oranges look beautiful - It seems so exotic to be able to grow them yourself. And the mule - that would be a lovely commute.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Bev s.May 23, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    What a lovely little bird!

    ReplyDelete
  34. KristinaMay 23, 2014 at 10:02 AM

    As always your blog brings a smile to my face! As with all blogs, I'm sure you only show snippets of your actual life, but your snippets are beyond beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  35. gale (she shoots sheep shots)May 23, 2014 at 11:21 AM

    I'm certainly no model of reliable blogging so I can't complain--but it is always a joy to see a new post from you--like a breath of fresh, flower and orange scented air ! What a fun sereis of images. Also- how did I miss that Birkenstocks have flowery sandals like yours now? I used to sell Birkenstocks at a hippy shoestore when I was 22 Now I want flowery ones.!

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  36. Barefoot MummaMay 23, 2014 at 2:09 PM

    The little bird gauge is so very sweet, and your shoes, and vase. Oh my.

    ReplyDelete
  37. katerinaMay 23, 2014 at 2:19 PM

    You are so talented, i love everything you do!

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  38. Karin-IdaMay 23, 2014 at 2:55 PM

    Beautiful picture of you watering your friends garden, we have to water our garden too right now, it has been really hot in Vienna the last couple of days.
    I love the little bird and hoping for some luck;)

    ReplyDelete
  39. TravellingmumMay 23, 2014 at 3:03 PM

    Lori, your blog is one of my favorites and I just realized yesterday that I have not read it from the beginning so I have some catching up to do. I am so looking forward to travelling vicariously to Scotland with you and I love that little bird!

    ReplyDelete
  40. UnknownMay 23, 2014 at 3:28 PM

    Lori: Your words, pictures, and knitting touch me down to my soul as they are the definition of beauty. I would love the opportunity to win the bird gauge. It is so nice of you to offer this. I look forward to reading your blog. Thank you!
    MuffyT on Raverly

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  41. AmyMay 23, 2014 at 3:30 PM

    Lovely words and photos. Thank you for the chance to win this beauty!

    ReplyDelete
  42. AnkeMay 23, 2014 at 4:06 PM

    I always enjoy reading your blog and looking at your gorgeous photographs! I'm on a strict yarn budget as well, not because we are going somewhere, but because my mom is coming to visit us from Germany. We are so excited about this visit and want to make sure we'll be able to show her lots of interesting things in our area. Thank you for offering the adorable little bird! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  43. NezaMay 23, 2014 at 4:15 PM

    Yay!
    Thank you for lovely posts of knitting and nature and
    thank you for the chance to win - I love birds and wood and never know the size of my knitting needles, hehe
    kvacka on rvlry

    ReplyDelete
  44. nanaelliottMay 23, 2014 at 4:30 PM

    I love your blog. Love that vase.

    Thanks for a chance to win the needle gauge.

    ReplyDelete
  45. socksahoy.blogspot.ca/May 23, 2014 at 6:03 PM

    What a lovely and unique needle gauge. Carla

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  46. LilbitbritMay 23, 2014 at 6:37 PM

    I love to travel with you. What a fun gauge.

    Christy

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  47. harknessangelsMay 23, 2014 at 7:11 PM

    Love the title of this post! Definitely something I am needing right now. Thanks for offering that lovely bird gauge!

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  48. debMay 23, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    a portable vase to take to work with you ...I love that idea! and being able to go outside and pick fresh oranges ~ a definite California living blessing. sweet owen waiting for you to arrive home ♥ he is so cute. and that adorable birdie needle gauge ~ how would he like to live in Canada :-) ♥
    have a wonderful weekend lori xo

    ReplyDelete
  49. Trina-LeaMay 23, 2014 at 9:34 PM

    Lori, your blog is always my first stop whenever I need a dose of loveliness...thank you for all of your sharing.

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  50. AnonymousMay 23, 2014 at 10:35 PM

    I'd love to give that cute bird a home!

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  51. AnonymousMay 23, 2014 at 10:37 PM

    I'd love to give that cute bird a home! Rav ID YARNstudio

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  52. Jo WindmillMay 23, 2014 at 11:55 PM

    Lori, I understand the losing the blogging voice thing, I get it a lot! Yet you managed such a varied and interesting post with as usual lush photos. Actually I found it wonderful to see you in action in the garden; kinda a "garden variety" shot showing lots of your everyday. And the needle gauge is darling!
    xx

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  53. GigiMay 24, 2014 at 3:53 AM

    So much loveliness at Chez Lori -- as always. And I can almost taste those oranges -- so fresh & sweet & full of flavor - mmmm. Thank you for the giveaway too - the little bird needle gauge is so sweet.
    Blessings & angels,
    G

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  54. AnonymousMay 24, 2014 at 4:13 AM

    Thank you, Lori, for offering the sweet bird gauge. I love it! I've just started following your blog recently, and feel like you've become a lovely friend, in a way. You take gorgeous photos and make such beautiful things. Such a lovely spirit. D.

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  55. wellabiMay 24, 2014 at 5:31 AM

    Gorgeous post...as always! Thanks for the chance at being a winner ;)

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  56. FrancesMay 24, 2014 at 6:25 AM

    Lori, I absolutely loved this post's potpourri of beautiful pictures and thoughts. There is a strong yet gentle strength of creative spirit that flows through it. Having oranges growing in your garden is so amazing to me!

    I could comment on every single photograph...each one is a delight. xo

    ReplyDelete
  57. PheasantMay 24, 2014 at 6:35 AM

    that bird! oh my!

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  58. LucieMay 24, 2014 at 6:43 AM

    your photos paint a varied life with fresh oranges, and roses and especially the mules. looking forward to see your shetland shawl coming along.

    ReplyDelete
  59. kjsutcliffeMay 24, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    I was just absorbing your lovely photos and words on a dank and dreary rain drenched day here in the uk. Envying your heat and sunlight and loving your blue toes - mental thought to myself- find some blue nail varnish...when I fell upon the bird - thinking how gorgeous it was and what a generous gift it was when I read that you are also sharing the same bird - ooh how wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  60. AnonymousMay 24, 2014 at 7:46 AM

    Thank you for the chance to win such a fabulous knitting gauge! Beautiful photos as always.

    ReplyDelete
  61. LeslieblondeMay 24, 2014 at 1:21 PM

    Hi Lori, I think the knit picks yarn you chose is perfect for the shawl on the book. I always enjoy your projects! Ok, the bird needle gauge is so cute, I thought immediately I would follow the link to purchase one, but maybe you'll pick my entry!?!?
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Cary ~ My Wool Mitten at Serenity FarmsMay 24, 2014 at 6:41 PM

    Lori, your blog always makes me smile ;)

    ReplyDelete
  63. Mel @ Coal Valley ViewMay 24, 2014 at 9:37 PM

    I think it's pretty normal to lose ones blogging voice from time to time. I feel like I'm in that position right now actually :-).....I'm always inspired when I pop over to your space though, lots of lovely things happening in your world and you tell a beautiful story through your photographs alone....The Navy and Coral pink shawl is going to be very pretty Mel! How sweet lis that needle gauge?! Mel x

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  64. UnknownMay 25, 2014 at 6:18 AM

    Dear Lori, it's been a long time since I've read any blogs or blogged myself. I haven't felt like I had a blogging voice for 3 years. I am going to start again just for my mom. You are my most favorite inspiration and it keeps me coming back for more, even when you feel like you've lost your blogging voice. It's also nice for me to know that I can find you when I need my knitting voice back. I'm a slow knitter and I've been working working on a zippered hoodie for my husband for the last year, butI will finish it. Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
  65. SammiMay 25, 2014 at 11:56 AM

    Yes, I even changed to a different blog name and started blogging entirely different things than I used to years ago. I took about an 18 month break in between, too.!

    ReplyDelete
  66. AnonymousMay 26, 2014 at 11:03 AM

    Hi Lori, I'm new to your blog, and am enjoying reading. Blogging voice comes and goes. I finally gave up on the idea of posting regularly, and sometimes there are big gaps. But my posts are more meaningful. I don't have as many readers now, but I also don't have the stress. :) I'm too late for the drawing, but may I ask where I could find and purchase another of these bird shaped tools? It would be the perfect gift for my knitting sis this year!

    ReplyDelete
  67. GinnyMay 26, 2014 at 4:29 PM

    I adore that bird gauge! I'm always glad when you post, but sure do understand all about losing your blogging voice.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Annie CoeMay 26, 2014 at 5:45 PM

    Hi Lori, Lovely catch up, I love that vase and Owen with his crooked little smile and that mule. Since I don't knit leave me out of the draw, Happy Summer!

    ReplyDelete
  69. UnknownMay 26, 2014 at 6:19 PM

    Oh Two of my favourites - birds and knitting- combined in one. Would love one of these.. thanks

    ReplyDelete
  70. Col | Hello Olive DesignsJune 4, 2014 at 1:00 PM

    Lovely photos - so summery! Just what I need. It has been so cold and rainy in Cape Town. x

    ReplyDelete

xoxo lori