Moot Points & Stitch Markers

I was going to write this dissertation about the recent elections and the now President-Elect Obama's successful election strategy and docket of policy changes. But I decided that RawDawg and a few of his well read readers surmised my thoughts up well, so I now render rehashing my thoughts here MOOT.

Suffice to say, politics here on my page was a bit of an anomaly anyways (I convey much better in person). Even though, I didn't support Obama at the polls I am happy to have lived in a season where a black man has been rightfully elected as president of the US. The fight for equal rights in America is far from over, but at least we have a picture of what could be, aside from ideologies.

I am looking forward to seeing the contrast of black upon the White House. A more colorful (no pun intended) and engaged First Lady as opposed to her many stiff upper-lipped vacuous predecessors. I wonder what her platform will be. She strikes me more as Barack's inconspicuous Regent than First Lady. Can't wait to see her on the cover of Vogue. I'm looking forward to him relaxing so we can really see who he is. More personality as opposed to charisma (I hate using that word to describe black people, but it's true).

Didn't vote for him, but I respect and love God and so therefore will support him insomuch as his policies do not cross those of God. For it is God's will that he won. In saying that, I respect those who have charge over me and will do my part to show a united front within and without America. Just as with Bush, Barack Obama is our President-to-be and it is incumbent upon the citizens of these here United states to support, encourage, and pray for him, his family, and those in his cabinet even if we don't necessarily like him or the policies he's championed.

Congratulations Barack Obama, President-Elect!

**Post to long. Look for stitch Markers in Tuesday's post.**

Kamika

Grown Folks At Play

I love it when grown folks can humble themselves and play like kids. Seeing them so intensely focused on an arts and crafts project just lifts my spirits. I think that's why I love the the crafty community. We are forever creating with wide-eyed excitement just like kids.

Some of you may remember how not to long ago I was really down about my current work state; a mix of boredom and anger. I was seriously considering getting a new job and leaving these folks behind. Well wisdom pervailed. I decided to stay and not look to be served by my company but to serve them more. Sometimes our expectations from a company (and by extension it's employees) are too high. Just like a love relationship, we expect them to fulfill certain needs they're not designed to fill (i.e. self fullfillment, affirmation, acceptance), change who they are (change the company culture to suit self), allow you to control them (accepting only your ideas as sound), and be like the boyfriend before (have the same programs/fringe benefits we loved from the previous company). It doesn't work in a love relationship and it most definately will not work at work. Somebody has to change. I choose me! Hopefully others will be so inspired to serve more as well.

I joined the new Morale Committee at work. We're responsible for, well, lifting the morale of our department. We put on events to foster teamwork and the cohesiveness amongst the various groups that make up our department. Our first event was Halloween. Eventhough I don't celebrate it, it didn't hinder me from helping to oversee the festivities to lift the morale of the team. We had a costume contest, candied apples, and a pumpkin decorating contest. Check out how creative we all got, without carving! Grown folks at play!

Kamika smug cause our pumpkin won!

Knotions

On my way back to work (It's great that I work so close to home). Took the girls to the Wild Animal Park this past weekend and so I've got some great photos which I'll have to post later this week. I did want to hip you all to the skip of a new knitting e-zine called Knotions.


I am so loving the Snip tool that comes with Vista.



Kamika as if we really need another knitting site

FO: McCalls 5250 High Waisted Slacks & Misc.

Stuff and Stuff and some more Stuff!

McCalls 5250 High-Waisted Slacks

Love them! Got lots of compliments on them. These slacks were soooo comfortable.

Pattern: McCall's 5250 High-Waisted Slacks
Material: Tartan Grey Metallic Suiting
Notions: 9" zipper, flat hook closure
Mods & Notes: I had planned to fully line with Posh polyester from JoAnns but while sewing I had a tearing mishap. I may go back later and add lining. I originally cut these out in muslin to get the proper fit. Which I now use as a sort of sloper. Added about 3" to the length. Have to learn how to do a better hidden zipper. Took a little extra time to match the pattern and lengthened the belt carriers by 1" each to accomodate wider belts.

Results: I really love these pants and got many many compliments on them today. Only drawback is the side seam pockets don't lay as flat as they could causing puckering. I may go back and stay stitch them to the outer seams. The pattern is easy and requires little to no guesswork. I highly recommend.

Pinstripes Swatch

Now if I could just sit down and finish the dang ole sweater AND write out the pattern. I dream big and in color. I seem to be slipping back into some habits I thought I had long left behind. Procrastination and not finishing. I'm going to hold myself accountable on this one. Hopefully I'll have a progress pic in my next post.

Tea, Cream & Red Velvet

With walnut icing. The redder the better. Jongewaards in Long Beach.



Kamika now if I go in here and eat this mint cheesecake I'll be stuffed!

Funny!

Well as we get closer and closer to choosing the next King of America on Election Day (I now call it "Choose Your Monarch Day"), I figured a little humor to break through the blitz would be nice. Found these on the Lion Brand Website.

The two un-distinguished (from each other that is) candidates:















Or the possible write-in (only a little darker with shorter curlier hair and a little more gruff):

Kamika thinking this is a no brainer

Busyboding Around

No need to speak too much. I just finished a couple of items I'd like you all to see. All the great sewing bloggers inspired me to start sewing again, so I did that. Had some jewelry that I finished a couple of months ago, so I'm posting that. And, I threw in a pair of extra special stitch markers, so there! Enjoy the pics.

OOOOh! Thanks for all the great compliments on my previous posts. Unfortunately, If you don't leave your email addy I can' t reply to you personally. But thank you just the same!

Pencil Skirt

Pattern: McCall's 5590
Material: Navy Blue Pinstriped Wool Suiting
Notions: 2 grey buttons from stash
Mods: Fully lined with Posh polyester from JoAnns. Since I have junk in the trunk I had to grade out to my size (will not be telling cause it's so far from my ready-to-wear). Have to go back and fix the hem in the front and send it to the cleaners for a good pressing.

Tangerine Pearl Bracelet

White pearls with tangerine and persimmon colored glass beads, sea shell lampworks, and gold wire wrapping. Given as a gift to one of my coworkers.

Earrings

Scrollwork Stitchmarkers

If you would like to purchase any of this jewelry, please email me at kamikak at msn dot com.

Kamika busybodying

Spoiled!

I couldn't tell it if I tried! Ya'll just dont' know how good God has been to me all my life. I can't tell you because there are no words in any human dialect that can express how much I love Him. God is truly my first husbandman and He spoils me with His brand new mercies everyday. Just waking up every morning is a new blessing I don't even have to think about.

As a single woman, whom God has kept directly off the dating scene for a number of years, I have never in my life been more spoiled by any previous lovers. Here's some examples:

1. I asked God in prayer for a vacation (eventhough I hadn't worked in over 2 years and had no money). God blessed me with a free cruise to Mexico.


2. In response to what I wanted for my 30th birthday a few years back I responded with "pearls." I got a full strand of freshwater pearls and earrings.


3. The birthday before that, some sisters and I went to one of my favorite restaurants in Beverly Hills. We were having a great time! At the end of our meal the waiters sang to me and told us to have a great day. Then our waiter went on about his business. When we asked him twice where our check was, he told us (twice mind you, cause we didn't believe him) that a gentleman across the room had paid our check. The gentleman also told the waiter to tell me, "Happy Birthday!" Talk about your heart burning because his motive was only to make our day and not pick up on anyone. I believe that man was my Lord.


4. During the season where I was losing everything in order to come closer to God, I almost got evicted from my apartment. God said no and the judge threw out the case because the landlord had overcharged me $2.50!


5. In that same season I lost my truck and God allowed me to go to a large well known car dealership and get a car that wasn't 2 years old yet for free. Yep FREE! I paid nothing for it and hold the title to this very day!

My most recent expression of His spoiling love happened this weekend. I had been thinking about buying some Gucci sunglasses (ya'll know I likes me some Gucci), but because I wanted to be a good steward of the monies I've received, I decided to wait until the end of the year. Well look what my beloved got me:

I was strolling through Tarjay on yesterday, looking at the sunglasses. I'm just trying on various pairs when I come across this pair and they fit me perfectly. I thought it was odd that they were labeled differently (a big fat sticker directly on the lens) instead of a hang tag. The logo looked slightly Gucciesque but for $16.99 I could only dream. I buy the glasses and think nothing of it until I get in my car this morning and decide to actually look at them. I got REAL Gucci Havana sunglasses that retail for over $200.00 for $16.99! Serial numbers and e'rethang. I know knocks when I see'em and these ain't them.

CAN YOU DIG IT?!!

He's so good to me! It's not about the material things He gives me. But the love I feel when I draw near to Him. He truly does perfect those things which concern Kamika. I would be a fool to not give Him praise.

Kamika not bragging just testifying

FO: #4 Ribbed Top by Vladimir Teriokhin

Wow! I haven't had a knit or crochet FO since June. So as not to come off as a slacker (which I totally am), I too like many other knitters, just haven't felt inspired to knit. I have been crafty in other areas though. Pics to come.

Anyhoo, I finally finished the #4 Ribbed Top from Vogue Knitting Spring/Summer 2008. So without further adieu:

#4 Ribbed Top by Vladimir Teriokhin


Time: June -October 2008
Yarn: Malabrigo Silky Merino, 5 hanks (approx. 750 yds) in Teal Feather
Needles/Hook: 6US
Modifications: Started the entire set of center cables 6 rows later than called for. This ensured that the cables wouldn't disect my bust at an awkward position making it look as if I had 4 breasts instead of 2.
Notes: Now this was a booga bear If I'd ever seen one. I had to rip out half the back over 5 times just to get it right. If you're going to try this one make sure you read the pattern through with caution. and comprehension. You know reading is fundamental. ;-P

My next projects already on the needles. I'll keep you posted.

Kamika finally done

It Should Not Be

I normally don't discuss politics here. I think who on and why someone decides to vote is their personal choice. Needless to say I'm not happy with either candidate, McCain nor Obama. Nor am I happy with our political system that about 8 months ago registered nearly 200+ candidates of varying parties but in the spirit of democracy only decided to spotlight those with money.

No, I'm not a big fan of McCain and his trying so hard, frigid, fashionista Budweiser girl-like wife, nope. Nor am I a fan of Michelle Obama running for president but under the guise of her far less accomplished less experienced husband all because he has testicals and America is not ready for a BLACK WOMAN president. (Yes, you read it right. America is not ready for black women to shine, etc. etc. etc.) Eventhough I think sister-girl is fierce. I think their campaign is contrived and somewhat farsical and the Obamanians are more treacherous than the stans of Beyonce.

But those aren't the issues I wanted to discuss today. I received an email on yesterday that showed pictures of Sarah Palin in various states of undress; holding rifles while wearing Old Glory, booty butt-naked on the cover of an old newspaper, and all tarted up a la penthouse with a head so big and ta tas extra flat and 3 shades of difference in the skin tones. I replied that these pictures looked photoshopped to death! These pictures were later found by another recipient to be fakes. Was this email sent for a good laugh? I don't think so, as the previous senders commented as if they believed the pictures were real.

I opine, it's a shame Americans are more concerned with the character of others but so easily slip their foul, stealing, lying, shameful, and perverse ways under the rug for a chance at being included in the coversation at the grown folks' table. Blessing and cursings coming out of the same mouth. It bothers me that we have to unconstructively tear candidates apart as a rite of passage in order for them to run for any office let alone the presidency like America is this huge fraternity. It bothers me that Americans gossip, snicker, and pass around salacious words without researching them first. I think there is a lot of deception in the atmosphere and that we need to be more aware and stop casting stones. Everybody's hands are dirty! Thus is human nature.

I'm extremely late for work, so I guess I'll have to end my intended short commentary without thoroughly fleshing out that last paragraph. I'll try to expound on it more later. I love America. It truly is the land of the free...and reviling.

Kamika present company not excluded

A Lil of This & A Lil of That

As I sit here coming down off my sugar ecstasy, I figured I bet to get to writing. Not much to talk about but much ado about nothing. Nothing No. 1 being that I haven't had sugar in my system for nearly 3 weeks and have dropped about 10lbs. Sugar is cryptonite and crack all rolled up into one. When I'm fiending for sugar I start looking like Pookie from New Jack City. I'll beat a negroe down for some sugar. I'll cut em if it's got some pecans mixed in. Look at me, giving away all the details. But my Coffee Lovers from Coldstone was good.

No. 2, I hit my 3 year nappiversary on August 28th. I've gone from bald, afflicted with alopecia, to very thick and boring. Yes, I said boring! I need to find a natural stylist to take me and my hair to the next level. I got growing it on lock (eventhough advice is always welcome), what I now need is someone to take my styling back to FLY level, so I can feel more put together. Anybody know of a good stylist in LA that's into hair CARE and styling? It's gotta be both. Patrice asked me about a year ago if I ever straightened. Below is about as close as I get at home. I may consider flat ironing more often though just for a style change. I'm coveting that Chi iron.



No.3, been shopping waaay too much! Peep some of the products I bought. Can you say CHI's my baby daddy and I got the hair to prove it? LOL. I'm so in love with Chi products now. Talk about great slip and moisturizing. You don't need a lot of these products, so a 12oz bottle could probably last you a couple of months. An added bonus is that they smell like a really good smelling mens' cologne. I plan to do a review of them soon.



Stopped at Sephora and got some great makeup on the same outing went down to MAC in Nordstrom's and allowed myself to be bamboozled into a whole bunch more of makeup. I came to my senses just before I was about to plop down another $150 to buy FlowerBomb perfume by Viktor & Rolf. As an aside: At both of these stores male clerks (I know, so passe, but what are they called now?) were rocking the latest in makeup accoutrement. I mean full face with a swish. I was weirded out. It wasn't even dark outside yet. LOL, I kid. I don't think I took pictures of it all.


I may get that FlowerBomb this weekend though.


No. 4, I did my first weave. On DM. For Free. She called it free advertising. I called it slavery revisited. She said, "I'm your momma and I deserve it." To which I responded, "You lying lady!" (in my head of course). She's rocking it though. She refuses to wear her own hair. I have greater respect for stylists now. I'm now at her house every weekend washing and curling her up like she Patti Labelle or somebody. I will not be making this a side hustle. I need my hands to knit.



No. 5, I done did something crazy with my latest knit project that I don't even feel like discussing now.

...and last but not least

No. 6, a fellow blogger asked me why he wasn't in my blog roll. Cause shadetree, I ain't even been to my blog let alone updated my blogroll. Besides, you're in my reader and that's all that matters. LOL Ya'll can check out Dr. Rawdawgbuffalo here and over there ~~> On point southern commentary I think we can all use.



Kamika got those books balanced