Hat completed: This is not the best picture of Cat but I took it before she left for school this morning. She wore the hat today. "Old man winter" has returned.

This is the picture on my Catherine Simpson calender for March. This is totally today - cold, windy, snowing lightly. If you need to talk with anyone from Saskatchewan today you might not expect them to be very cheerful.

I love Catherine's work. I have her plates for each of the seasons and also have a tiny little card of the image which appears when you first enter her web-site. Take time to peek at Catherine's paintings. It will be time well-spent.

I love knitting. I'm not certain what the next project will be. I'll start another hat with different wool because Cat really wants to learn to knit also. I'd started her with some cotton yarn but realized - NOT good for a beginner, especially. I might actually start a third hat as I'll be doing road trips before I can get directions for starting something else new - socks I think.

I have made a decision to try to get immersed in clean-up but also want to start the etsy shop. I hope my energy does not wane in the next couple of weeks. I will remain optimistic - huh - better remember to breathe occasionally too.

I will try to do first installment of "art as business" over next few days. I will talk about more than just the seminar.

Angels be with you.

About knitting and holes:
I'm feeling quite proud of my knitting and how this little hat is taking shape. I really have decided that knitting is to be a fun, relaxing time for me. We had our final class last evening but I discovered that typically knitters get together on Tuesday evenings, unless the shop owner is away and no one else is available to "be responsible". I prefer doing things in a solitary fashion but we'll see.

The little hat and the circular needles were not my choice. The pattern and circulars are what they use to teach knitting here. I like it - very simple for someone beginning. I'm told socks are also very simple, like the hat. That will be next. BUT I will not start before this is finished. I have too many unfinished projects around my studio - which is most of our house - the kitchen (at the moment) and Cat's (daughter) bedroom are exempt.

About the relaxing - I keep getting holes in my project. Last Tuesday Kevin said they are for the buttons. He spoke as if from experience. At another place a friend suggested they were for the horns after I'd said the hat was for cat. he was teasing. I'm not sure if she caught on to the joke. Last night some of the different people there thought buttons were a terrific idea. The teacher, regular one not there, did not know why the holes. She worked out the most recent one. So far I can laugh about these holes. Hmmm, now if I could only sort out the holes in my life.

Oh yes, I did not want to forget to share one answer to my question of "how long have you been knitting?"
"I've been knitting six years. I gave up smoking and started knitting." HINT, HINT

Knitting therapy: I got brave. I decided to take some knitting classes at our local shop - Haus of Stitches. I've been wanting to learn to knit for a number of years. I'm aware of how relaxing it is (supposed to be). I've even tried with minimal success to learn online. I am a solitary learner. But the time came. I needed friends. I needed support. I needed to get past my phobia of making mistakes in front of others. Besides my typical uptight body I enjoyed myself. I met people I know and new people. I think there will be much potential for friends, much potential for relaxation, after I get some knitting behind me, or maybe accomplished in front of me. I'll keep you updated.

Angels be with you.