So a man walks into a bar with a giraffe...

I never know how to start posts when I've been absent for awhile, so I thought I'd give that one a try. Due to general lack of blog fodder and some general life suckiness, I just didn't feel up to posting the last couple of weeks. I finished Mom's socks yesterday (a day late and a dollar short. Story of my knitting life!) and cast on for my Fleurette scarf today (pictures below), but other than that there has been no activity on the fiber front. I am lacking in the inspiration department, but not for lack of trying. I've been combing through my stash and daydreaming, but nothing has set me off and running yet. I think part of is that I feel ready for another "big" project and the knowledge that whatever I pick will probably be with me for the next year is a bit overwhelming. I also feel like I need to live up to the last shawl. And all of that is kind of silly. This is supposed to be my hobby and it's supposed to be fun and enjoyable and at this point I'm practically turning it into a job. I've somehow worked myself into a mental space where I haven't left myself any room for play. I think what I need is a day with my fiber friends to get together, talk, laugh, eat, ooh and ah over each others' projects, brainstorm, and play! I've been wandering the internets far and wide looking for inspiration, and as wonderful as virtual yarn and fiber pr0n it is, there's nothing like face-to-face, in-person fiber friends. Festival season is upon us, and I'm very sad that my house-buying budget doesn't allow for me to get out and mingle this year. Last year I was lucky enough to have the chance to go to Rhinebeck. I swear on all that is wooly that in the next few years I WILL get to go to Maryland. Just not this year *sniffle* If you're going, have enough fun for you AND for me, okay?