Despite all the other knitting I’ve got to finish, I cast on for some plain socks. I really needed something I could just knit and not think about! Socks That Rock Lightweight in a “Steph Dyes” colourway – the product of steph in the dye studio.
I’ve been doing piles of editing, with my favourite red pen.
I made blueberry cup-pies (you know, like cupcakes) on Monday for Pi Approximation Day. I decided to make them when I had only 2 hours in which to do it, but I managed to pull it off! They’re quite ugly and my crust sealing could use some work, but they were delicious. I really must get a proper rolling pin, though. (Recipe? I used a standard all-butter crust recipe, and frozen blueberries tossed with a little sugar, cornstarch and lemon juice. Bake at 425F for 15 min, then turn down to 350F until they’re done – about 15-20 minutes.)
Aaaaaand on this Random Thursday, I have a contest for you all!
Leave a comment on this post with something that makes you happy – anything! Signs of spring, your favourite yarn, food, book…
I’ll pick 10 winners at random to win a copy of The Map Collection, and one of those people will win 2 skeins of Malabrigo Twist in Damask Rose – perfect for the smaller Signal Hill Scarf!
Comments will close on Sunday, March 20 at 11.59 EDT, and I’ll announce the winners next week before my trip to NYC!
Comments
407 responses to “random thursday”
The thing that can make me happy the fastest is a sock on the needles, a cat on my lap, a puppy on my feet, and something good on TV. The husband in his chair is icing. :)
Baking something for my family makes me truly happy. I really adore being in the kitchen. Nearly as much as knitting!
Flowering quince and the fact that, from behind, my fluffy kitty looks like he’s wearing pantaloons.
My 2 little boys (3.5 yr, 9 months) make me happy!
Making things (any things) makes me happy, whether it’s me making things or watching my fiancé make things. And now a majority of our projects are for our upcoming wedding, which makes me very excited!
Little baby kicks from inside my belly. :-D
Today it is all the people wearing green on the train ride into work, spring can’t be far behind now!
I’m happy today because I’ve finished assembling all our tax documents. Yay! And the new season maple syrup is out at our local market. Double yay!
My upcoming trip to Portugal to see my family is making me quite happy. Can’t wait!
I really needed something to help me feel happy today and that just happens to be the start of the NCAA tournament!
Crocuses are up in the garden around the corner. All but one are creamy butter yellow. The odd guy is almost white.
Riding my bike outside makes me happy, as does watching for signs of my peonies pushing through the ground!
It is more a combination of things rather than a specific thing. Or more a series of things, that starts with me sleeping in, a day with my familiy and an evening with me buried in yarns and an audiobook while my husband watches football on the telly. Mixed with sushi, sunshine and bare feet – and I´ll be happy all day!
But if I had to choose one thing, it would be listening to an audiobook read by an skilled reader. I spend most of my day speaking with many people, and I like to enjoy a little quiet-time where I do not have to anything than to listen – and that I can do while cleaning, doing the dishes, laundry or knitting.
Yarn in the mail!
Happy is a few minutes of sunshine breaking through our cloudcover and making me warm at my desk!
Spring in all things is making me happy.
Sitting relaxed and with a purring pussycat on my lap and listening to some Gershwin makes me feel happy,
Hmmm… this week I am going to have to say the thing that makes me happiest has been realizing that at those moments in my life when I am feeling SO insecure about things, all I have to do is to take a deep breath and remember that everything is going to be fine, and that I need to trust in myself and those around me.
I will be really happy when I am done with my master thesis! Though knitting is a great procrastination tool.
Happy things… seeing the first flower of spring, warm-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies with the chips still soft, and squeezing new yarn.
Wow. What a great giveaway. What makes me happy is change. I just love it (in whatever form it comes in)!
I love The Map Collection! Perfect for the spring! Such an awesome giveaway :-D
It’s got to be a new project on the needles, really. Or deliveries of new knitting goodies. Or maybe both, on a sunny day!
Thoughts of summer – that’s what’s making me happy right now :)
Neat!!
New magazines that come in the mail!
I love coming home to a meal cooked in the slow cooker – the smell just hits you when you open the door and you realize that dinner is already cooked. Tonight it is corned beef :)
finishing a knitted sweater makes me happy!
being able to open my windows and let the first breeze of spring inside.
What is making me happy right now??? The sun is actually shining, the temp is above zero, and the snow is melting!!! I love winter, but I am ready for it to be over!!!
What makes me happy is that first day in March when the sun is shining and that hint of spring in the air and I can sit outside comfortably and KNIT.
My dissertation proposal being approved. I’ll admit I danced through the hallway after I walked out of the Prof’s office.
Big bear hugs.
My daughter running into my bedroom with her leprechaun catcher to see if she had one- then snuggling. That made me totally happy today!
(and I love reading everyone else’s ‘happies’!)
What makes me happy is getting a design all set and released! Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Laura! Okay? What makes me happy to see someone happy!
Things that make me happy: getting things in the mail, unpinning a freshly blocked piece of lace, and the first day of sunshine after a long winter.
I love happy hours with friends on patios and rooftops!
Warmer temperatures and melting snow.
I feel happy when I first hear the woodpecker at work in the garden, because I know Spring is just around the corner!
I’m in college and can’t have my car on campus so today I got a ride to my favorite smoothie shop. It was like a taste of summer!
It makes me happy to see the birds and squirrels playing in our back yard; welcome back, spring!
I am so happy I finished my striped green socks in time to wear them today! Ooh, self-striping sock yarns make me happy.
It makes me happy to see the flowers coming up in my garden.
A good cup of very nice darjeeling tea makes me happy.
Making faces at babies makes me happy.
We had a lovely sunny day with warm temps today (in New Hampshire), which made me very happy. The wee baby sweater I’m working on is also making me happy. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hearing my son giggle makes me happy. A cup of tea makes me happy. An evening in front of the tv with my knitting — happy!
Sunshine after a long and cold winter makes me most happy right now. There’s still heaps of snow but spring is definitely coming!
Also, knitting my first cashmere sweater in a perfect shade of red. :)
After being cooped up in my house all winter, walking to the neighborhood deli in beautiful sunshine and 65 degree weather was absolute heaven. I walked as slow as I could just to make it last!
Sitting on the beach, watching my kids playing in the waves, the smell of spring, and laughter that comes from deep in your belly all make me happy!
kristinfitzgerald on Ravelry
My coworkers make me happy. I work in a busy clinic with some of the hardest working and funniest nurses, which make the work so much easier. I feel really lucky.
Jelly Beans!
Today I was struck by the fact that my spring cleaning is almost done! The cleaning certainly doesn’t make me happy, but the end result most definitely will!
Thanks for hosting a giveaway :)
Happiness is webcam with my granddaughter and daughter!
today it was sea glass, bean sprouts and a little tortoiseshell cat…
Yarn… yarn makes me v happy!!!! My cats make me happy too. And having good friends indeed makes me happy.
Lots of things make me happy. Right now, I’m excited about daffodils blooming outside.
Generally, this time of year I’d say the smell of spring in the air makes me happy, but right now what’s making me the happiest is knowing that my baby could be born any day! (My bet is Saturday with the full moon).
Also, cup-pies…brilliant! Thanks for the awesome idea.
I just made blueberry cobbler from the last of last summer’s berries. Love blueberries! And, this gorgeous, sunny day has made me very happy. Hooray for Spring!
Happiness is: A peaceful day at work, a playful cat, new crafting goodies, and sunshine in Canada in March!
One of my favourite things is people watching during nicer weather. Love grabbing a coffee and walking around a neighbourhood people watching in between window shopping.
Ooh, I love that gorgeous pink! Knitting always makes me happy, but that’s not unique to this crowd. I can often feel tension and frustration almost literally melt away as I pick up the needles.
Oh, those mini pies look delicious, and they’re very cute!
Opening up my windows for some fresh air made me VERY happy today. As do the yellow cupcakes in the oven right now. :-)
My 3 kids make me happy, but my youngest laughs like the Pillsbury dough boy. It’s the best!
snow melting make me happy because spring is right around the corner..sooo happy for some warmer weather.
It’s a small thing, but what makes me happy right now is the A I just got on a Neurobiology midterm.
The snow drops that I found when the snow pile finally melted today!
Singing songs with my little boys makes me happiest!
A day like today (68 degrees and sunny!!!!) after a LONG winter. Now that makes me happy.
When I can identify a song on the radio. Bonus points if it’s classical and I’ve studied/performed it!
The sound of my children’s laughter (even though they are big now) never fails to make me happy.
Thank you for the chance to win a prize!
Happy Spring.
Snuggling with my dog. :) And anything chocolate.
What made me happy today was getting my weekly quiz done for a course I am working through right now!
The longer days of sunshine are also making me happy right now :)
the promise of an upcoming trip, lazy saturdays, sunny skies all make me happy.
the fact that it is 66 degrees today in rochester, ny!
I spotted crocuses on Monday — that made me happy!
I’ve just received the news, I’ll go to Los Angeles soon !! I love travelling and I’ve never been there. I’m happy !!
I love that when you walk up to my front door, the scent of the nearby hyacinths engulfs you.
Since today St.Patrick’s day I have to say that potatoes made anyway make me happy.
What is making me happy today? Weather nice enough to leave the windows open all day!
Today the thing that made me happy was a Shamrock Shake. The memory of it may just continue to make me happy through the weekend.
My favorite go-to sandwich just made me very happy – Tj’s tuscan pane, rosemary ham and a laughing cow cheese wedge. If I get fancy I put some spinach in it too.
A day like today makes me happy! Mowed the lawn this morning, visited with my dad, and now I’m making banana bread! What could be better!
Am I the only one who loves clean, clear countertops in the kitchen? I love when everything is put away and tidy. Bliss.
Snowdrops and crocuses and narcissus, OH MY! Happy Spring! :)
Things that make me happy? Besides the obvious (yarn, knitting, reading, skydiving) — now that spring is approaching, it makes me smile to no end to see turtles sunning themselves on a log! Too cute, taking in the rays with necks outstretched and squinting against the bright light.
My sister is almost back to normal after a stroke. I am happy and so thankful.
Desserts make me happy! And I bet cup-pies would too!
My cat just turned a year old! She is lovely and makes me happy every day.
right now it’s knitting on my lap, f. scott fitzgerald on my desk, and acapella love songs floating up to me from the street below.
(and i have not mentioned this before [i don’t think i’ve commented before!] but i love love LOVE the map collection. well done.)
Right now being able to run outside is making me happy :) Bring on spring!
Tulips are coming up!
Clementines on sale this week make me happy.
I am happy knowing that I have just 61 more days to work before a glorious summer off to knit and read. :)
See the bluebirds return in the spring makes me very happy!
The thing that is making me most happy right now is that I’m meeting the bf in 3 hours to go and see Rango :)
The thing that makes me second most happy is that my half-marathon-induced swollen foot has gone down enough for me to wear *both* shoes today :)
Hi Laura,
Well… something that makes me happy is when wonderful bloggers generously decide to give away gorgeous yarn and beautiful patterns.
Thank you!!
A warm day after a long winter. Driving with the sunroof open, windows open, radio on with great music!
Sitting in the sun and knitting at the playground today; after a long cold snowy winter, it finally is beginning to feel like spring!
Thanks for having a giveaway! The return of sunshine and longer days is really making me happy. :)
Waking up without an alarm. Playing just the right song on the way to the subway — the ones that puts a hop in my step. Definitely signs of a spring. Fresh, warm, chewy cookies. I could go on!
Right now the thing making me happiest is our no-longer clogged bathtub drain! Having a shower that works properly feels like such a luxury, after months of frustration.
Spring! Tulips peeking up through the soil and how warm we think the weather is when it is 10C out!!
My spring chickens make me rediculously happy!
Songs with cowbell in them make me happy!
A big sloppy kiss from my almost 1 year old boy! A full night’s sleep makes me really happy too :)
Catching a glimpse of the ocean as I head down the hill on the way home never fails to bring a smile to my face.
In the midst of a Manitoba spring – potholes, mud & melting snow – buying lovely green superfine alpaca yarn today makes be a happy camper!
mint chocolate chip ice cream ;D
My William. I’m always happiest in the times we share together.
First walk in the spring with little ladies (grandkids)followed by a few hours of knitting and watching them play.
Gosh, so many things – different things at different times. I’ve had a REALLY hectic couple of weeks (not done with it yet), and today looking at the 4 or 5 pink camellias blooming in my yard definitely added to my “happy”. A really big one lately has been seeing & hearing my daughters get along better than they have in a long time. It feels so good to hear them in the other room, playing together despite their age difference (they’re 12 1/2 and just turned 10 today).
The book I received on Tuesday: Fearless Fair Isle. I can’t wait to knit something for my daughter Sophie.
Water droplets on spring buds at sunrise
Ohh currently, the thing that makes me the happiest is sitting with my two dogs, the porch door open and knitting or spinning while watching a video podcast or listening to an audiobook.
I love the stitch definition on your socks! I need to get some STR.
My almost-15-year-old puppy has the bounciest gait and the happiest smile and the reactions of people he passes always fills me with joy. I can see them smiling right back at him as he walks by, and I can hear them say, “What a cute puppy!” It’s truly a great feeling, and I appreciate it every single day.
Spending the winter in the sunny south of the US rather than at home in the GTA, makes me very happy.
What is me truly happy is a day in my dye room dyeing yarn! Playing with colors is so much fun.
Great giveaway…
Hi Laura! What beautiful pictures you’ve posted!
Coming back home from work for some knitting, handspinning or sewing time makes me truly happy.
Thank you for this!
Sunny days makes me happy!
My internet connection has been down since Sunday. Now it’s back, and I’m HAPPY!!!
Having my loved one back home after 7 months abroad. Having time to sit in front of the fireplace knitting and listening to an audiobook while sipping tea and listen to him snooring next door is the best sound in ages…
So many things! The big things like a healthy family, and the little things like sitting on my screened in porch eating dinner that was cooked on the grill when the weather is warm. Sounds like everyone is ready for spring.
The fact that my family is coming for a visit tomorrow makes me very happy!
Right now, a sunny day with the crocuses starting to bloom makes me very happy. That and being able to walk outdoors without a hat on.
what makes me happy? my 5 month old daughter’s giggles. it’s the cutest, funniest sound and just melts my heart.
well yarn makes me happy. and so do naps. i LOVE naps.
if only i could nap and knit at the same time…
Lately, my favorite thing is PEACE and QUIET! I really like thinking and knitting in the quiet and also I have started yoga, I’m really enjoying that too!
Thank you for the opportunity! Your Fred+Ginger Flip-Tops are awesome!
Just realized my comment got cut off :-P I finally got a bunch of photos taken today in the nice weather, and that makes me quite happy!
I’ve been thrilled multiple times this week to see the progressive greening of the grass.
Right now my Kindle is making me happy. I haven’t read a book in so long and now I’m staying up late devouring the written word again!
Hot tea or coffee makes me happy. My pets, friends, boyfriend and family make me happy. Being productive makes me happy.
Ice cream right out of the tub makes me happy
Rediscovering songs and books that were so, so influential earlier in my life…I think that’s what makes me happiest.
Fixing Irish stew and soda bread on St. Patrick’s day makes me happy.
Today it’s brownies baking in the oven and a walk outside with my girls on a beautiful, a-typically warm, 70 degree sunshiney day.
Coming home to a wonderful husband who has cooked dinner and cleaned the house while I was working late. So wonderful!!
Another trip to Carmel taking my dog to the doggy beach would make me very happy!! But for now, the simple scarf I’m knitting makes me smile!! :)
SUNSHINE!!!! It makes me very happy!
walks after work with my hubby in the Spring-like weather.
My cats make me super happy! They are very silly.
What makes me happy? Today, it was a constant breeze on what would otherwise have been a hot day; sitting next to my 6yo son as we each read our own books; and the delicious Mulligatawny soup my husband made.
Beautiful yarn makes me happy!
My son home from college for Spring Break makes me very happy!
What makes me happy now is that spring is arriving and that means that summer will arrive and that also mean summer vacations! Although it is just March! OK, I admit, the thought that I could win this contest makes me happy too! This is a great picture that you showed us! Is there enough for a Powder River Set? Do you sell it at Lettuce Knit! I plan to go next Wednesday during my business trip in Toronto! I hope to see you there, but maybe not since you’re going to NYC. Have a great trip!
I am super happy that the daffodils will be springing up soon! They are one of my favourite flowers and always put a smile on my face.
So many things make me happy. The smell of the delicious sweet potato coconut peanut butter chickpeas on my stove right now; my husband’s laugh; the blue and brown socks on my needles; and knowing I’ve done a job well. Love your site and your patterns – thanks.
I’m happy I got my new VK in the mail today (but frustrated that I *have* to finish something before casting on anything new). Also happy to have watched Ramona and Beezus with my daughter tonight (but embarrassed that it made me cry now and then).
I’m happy that I get to visit my parents and the family dog this weekend!
handknit baby socks on tiny baby feet make me happy. working on malabrigo socks for my 9 week old.
Watching my children sleep. They’re so beautiful and peaceful. (and no back chat!!)
The thing that makes me happiest as a Minnesota native transplanted to southern California is a rare gray and rainy day. I’m looking forward to two in a row this weekend!
Starting Spring Break makes me SO happy! [Thanks for the great giveaway!]
Sitting on the couch with my youngest sister’s head in my lap. She’s three. :)
Today I am happy for purple and my daughter’s report card. Thanks for the chance (Malabrigo wow).
I’ll give you two–making little kids laugh and Malabrigo. :)
My sweet, sweet black toy poodle girls :)
i love knitting plain vanilla socks that require very little brain power!
crocuses coming through the snow and mud make me happy…little bursts of color when you really need it.
I am happy that my trees are changing color . After a very muggy summer here the air is finally crisp and trees are colorful.
Relaxing in my recliner chair, knitting away, with my little dog Toki asleep on my lap!
My preschooler makes me deliriously happy. I love my teenager, and I adore my son, but no one is more fun right now than my detail-oriented, extroverted, knitware addicted 4-year old :)
Playing monkey see monkey do with my niece via Skype. Who knew the internet could help us play with 3 year olds who live on the west coast while we live in the east?
coffee, good music, sleeping in…
Yay, a contest! What makes me happy? Watching my two dogs romp in the backyard. It’s a little lopsided – one is a 110 pound rottweiler/shepherd mix, the other is a 45 pound mutt – but it has given joy every day for the three years we’ve had them both.
What makes me happy is being able to sit and knit in patch of sunshine and pretend it’s already spring, even though there are still two feet of snow everywhere.
what makes me happy are tiny blueberry pies! i have made those before with pretty much the same result–ugly to look at but delicious to eat, and even though I do have a rolling pin they’re a great way to save a dish and get some use out of my muffin pan!
street fighter 4 on my iphone!
I love the first day where I can drive with the windows down on my car. Even if its only a few inches.
Sipping a decaf irish coffee while watching the sunset over Lands’ End in San Francisco.
It made me happy today to go to the birthday party of a 5-year old boy – it was held outside, it was 68 degrees F, and his mom had organized a foodfight with green oatmeal and baked beans. The kids were running around in bare feet! Spring is not far away!
I’m awaiting the birth of my first grandchild in June, which makes me extremeley happy! I’ve enjoyed knitting a blanket for him and am about to start a teeny sweater (my first).
let’s see… i got lots of good dyeing done today at work for fiber fest, then i came home to dozens and dozens of radish seedlings in the garden, and now a chance to win the patterns collection i’ve been coveting – three things that make me VERY happy!
I can hardly wait to ride my bike again. Now that the ice heaps are gone in downtown Toronto, at least short rides are going to happen very soon.
I need to build up again to my normal commute. It always takes some time, but is very energizing.
Thanks for holding a contest!
I love that I haven’t had to wear boots in the last week.
Smelling freshly cooked brownies and knowing I’ll have some time with my husband and a movie later this evening.
Having 2 hours home alone; a good romantic comedy on TV; and I’m knitting.
Wow, those mini blueberry pies look delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Sunny warm days and the return of our colony of digger bees make me happy!
So many things make me happy. I’m really happy when my day is organized and I stay on task!
I love those tiny pies, what a grand idea! Beloved hubby Brian loved his Toronto pie from Wanda’s, maybe I should make little ones here at home, too.
Happy? The two blooming violets in my south side yard today. Flowers blooming in March is about as good as it gets.
The fact that you made cup-pies and a Pushing Daisies reference all in one makes me happy.
A big bowl of ramen makes me happy. I am a noodle person! Also, knitting. Obviously.
I’m feeling happy to be moving into my first home in 12 days! I’ll have a craftroom and my husband will have a garage to use as his pottery studio.
Your little pies are adorable! DId you bake them in a cupcake/muffin pan?
The 70 degree temps today!
Making my new place feel like home is making me very happy right now.
My hellebores (Lenten Roses) bloom in such a beautiful color, someone needs to make a colorway to match!
The birdies! They’re back!
Leaving random comments makes me happy!
Seriously, patting all the great dogs in my neighbourhood as I walk about each day makes me smile no matter what.
My pet rabbit makes me smile… the kooky little guy is always just following me around and jumping like a little fool all over the rug in the living room (where the traction is best for such activities). He is just so spontaneous and creative in his play tactics, you can’t help by smile at him!
Attending a workshop on two unrelated topics and spotting a sock knitter across the room. I so badly wanted to interrupt the speaker, yank my socks out of my bag and wave them at her.
Taking my two year old to the zoo on a gorgeous spring-like day makes me very happy. Watching his face light up when he saw the tiger was awesome!
A free afternoon, to do anything that I want, a good movie and some knitting :)
Watching my 2 year old daughter sleep.
A sunny day like today when the air is soft, the light hazy and the ground half frozen and half muddy and wee green shoots sneaking up all accompanied by the first brave robins singing
Three things, because good things should come in threes: Curling up with my silly pup and watching her paws twitch in her sleep. Going for a horseback ride over a nice flat stretch of land so we can gallop, which feels like flying. Trying on a new pair of knitted socks for the first time.
M family, yarn, and ideas. They all make mw happy!
I love getting into my pajamas right after I get home from work, having a nice dinner and then enjoying a good book! Pure bliss!
Right now, I am happy that I have been able to take time off work to get my 83 year old Mom back on her feet (literally) after total hip surgery. It has been very pleasant spending uninterrupted time with her!
My cats, napping in the sun, or by the fireplace…always makes me happy.
The news that my son and wife are expecting their first child in the Fall has made me very happy indeed!
Your blueberry pie cups look delicious. I am happy that Spring is finally coming I get to see family I haven’t seen in about 10 yrs.
The wonderful crisp mornings of Autumn we are having here at the moment make me very happy.
Lots of things are making me happy right now, but I’ll pick the sock yarn I got yesterday, which has got the colours of muddy spring and blue skies in it and gives me hope along with the improving weather.
Thanks for holding the giveaway!
Spending time with my nephew. He giggles when I ask him if he has a girlfriend. Next Saturday we’re making chicken pot pie.
I’m happy that I have a head cold and subsequent middle ear infection, because it’s meant I’ve had yesterday and today off work. I’ve found two places where mice are getting into the roof/walls, just in time for the pest people who are coming tomorrow to deal with them properly. Maybe I will get a decent nights sleep without rustling mice noise, haven’t had that for weeks. Not so happy having seen a mouse get into and come out of the wall outside behind where I sit on the couch and knit!
Hmmm cashmere makes me incredibly happy!
Kittens make me happy and since my boyfriend doesn’t like cats i will have to stick with beautiful cozy yarn instead! That’s not bad either!
I am happy when the weather is perfect and I have cast-onitis, AND I get the spend the perfect weather knitting outside, instead of being inside because it is too hot!
Things that make me happy: my boyfriend, sunshine and tea but mainly that I’ve got a weeks holiday starting tomorrow and I am going back to Scotland to see my family.
I’ll get new glasses today and I’ll be happy when I can see my knitting projects sharp again.
Many Greetings from Germany!
Andrea
when after days raining the sun starts shining… and I can go running again!!!!
I’m currently on a juice and soup fast, which is great – but what really makes me happy about it is how much more intensive and lovely everything smells! Yesterday I was sitting in front of an cup which had recently been emptied of hot chocolate (by my boyfriend), and the scent took my breath away. :)
I already have the collection, but this yarn is too beautiful for words…I’ve never knit with Malabrigo before, but everyone seems to love it…*makes a wish*
laughing with my friends and/or family, that makes me happiest of all.
Happiness today – Hugs from my husband. Vases of daffodils. Peanut butter on toast. New project on my needles.
something that makes me happy… the idea of cup pies. must try to make some!
I’m made happy by the moment one feels the warmth of the sun first time on a spring day. Sunny day = happy day
A vase full of tulips.
Seeing the basil seeds I planted 2 weeks ago sprouting into tiny green plantlets. Spring is coming!
Reading knitting blogs on my work break makes me happy. Can’t wait to get home and cast on a pair of plain socks too.
What’s making me happy today is knowing we’re going to Kingston tomorrow to see some friends, and see their son get his engineering iron ring. It’s been too long since we’ve seen them, plus I get all that car knitting time…
The big red cardinal sitting in my leafless Japanese Maple..now.
Sighting a robin for the first time this year makes me happy to know spring is almost here.
Your blog makes me happy! Great pics, great patterns, great info! ( :
All the green that’s coming up and sprouting out makes me happy.
Insanely yellow forsythia blooms and daffodils!!
When my 6 week old baby laughs :)
Waking up to see three different-colored cat butts all pointing at me, secure in the knowledge that they love me so much they can’t leave me alone at night :)
(And also, seeing that I’m comment #227, which is my birthday!)
Lovely cup-pies :) They make me happy. But usually a piping hot cafe au lait does the trick.
Happy Spring = sun melting snow piles :)
The smell of the sap turning to maple syrup on the stove.. the whole house smells great!
My two furry pups, my sweet husband, and the impending visit of FOUR of my best girlfriends. Look out Omaha!
Butternut squash risotto. A soak in the hot tub. My kitty leaching my heat by stretching out along my thigh on the couch. Hmmm, warmth seems to be key!
currently making me happy: not just crocuses but also two daffodils in our yard! happy spring!
Watching my doggie sleep. It never fails, even if I’m upset and actively crying, if she falls asleep on my bed and starts yipping and “running” in her sleep I have to smile, if not laugh.
You know it’s really spring when you hear the cranes. Love that sound it makes me so happy just to hear them.
I just bought a weaving loom and thats makes me happy…. I am learning another aspect of the fibre arts and want to dive right in
Thursdays make me happy! They’re my short day of teaching, so I have a standing coffee date with a friend, then go to my knit night. Yesterday I was even able to squeeze in a nap with my kitty and a run in the sunshine. Lovely.
March break makes me happy! Sunny days I get to fill up with knitting and cooking and friends and family are pretty great too.
Sunny days and warmer temps, knitting just about anything…. :)
The air is amazing right now. The first times you get to open the windows in the house, even if it’s only for 1/2 an hour, bliss. Refreshing, clean and full of the promise of spring.
Jan
Giveaways make me happy! Also: Skor Blizzards from DQ, packages of yarn in the mail, fat quarter bundles, kids’ belly laughs, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer :)
Mmm…those cup-pies look delicious! What a great idea.
happiness for me…visits to/from grandkids, casting on or binding off a project and that first cup of coffee in the morning.
I love APPLES and apple season. Though I would love to win your giveaway too! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Baking in my new kitchen! You’ve inspired me! Thanks for the giveaway.
Knitting and spring flowers both make me happy
What makes me happy is when it’s warmer outside than it is inside. It makes not going outside criminal! :)
I looked out the window on the south facing side of house yesterday, and saw the green tips of future daffodils and tulips sticking out of the ground. I always think that winter will never end (and this year has been so bad), but all of a sudden it does and the whole world is new and green. I love that hopefullness.
My friend is recovering well from her big surgery and she can walk on her own already! :)
Wee little crocuses poking up!
And my 13 month-old behemoth of a baby
Hula hooping makes me happy! :)
Hot, clean water. Hot water for showers, for baths, for hot water bottles, for tea. I’m GRATEFUL for hot water, and it makes me happy. :)
In warm sunshine yesterday my children and I walked to the ice cream store yesterday through puddles and mud and snow–and on our way home found two little yellow flowers poking through the snow. Happy all around!
Children singing, squishy wool yarn, hugs from my teenager, patterns that have no mistakes, ladybugs in my garden, finding a check or yarn in the mail.
Hugs from my soon-to-be 8 year old son. Instant happiness.
Macaroni and cheese, my Cocker Spaniel, good books and good coffee :) All these things make me happy!
When I come home from work and it’s warm and sunny and I can sit outside and relax in the warmth of the sun, then I’m happy. Especially if I have a project to work on while I’m out there.
A really good gin martini enjoyed on the deck after a long, productive day.
Good friends visiting – ah, that makes me very happy!!!
My husband. It’s my wedding anniversary today, so he’s on my mind :)
I love going to work (at a kennel) and seeing all the dogs that are so happy to see me. And when we go outside, I just scratch their bellies and enjoy the great weather we are having.
What makes me happy is walking my dog now that the temps are above freezing!!!!
I love imagining just what my dog is dreaming about while his legs twitch furiously and he emits mini barks.
Sunshine makes me happy!! Especially this time of the year when it holds some heat and can melt all the snow we had this year!!! Be gone snow, com’on Spring!!!!
Returning home after traveling… I really enjoy the traveling part too, but the homecoming makes me happy.
Happy and grateful for it all! Healthy family, lovely life. What’s not to be happy about??
Wish I could go with you to NYC! There’s the feel of spring in the air, and the crocuses and daffodils are pushing out of the ground, squirrels running around with dogs chasing them! Yay! Yes, Spring makes me happy.
Riding home from a trip to the river on a sunny summer day. Windows down, radio turned up, looking forward to dinner with the feeling of tired that comes from playing and relaxing in the water and sun all day. Even thinking about it in Mid-March makes me smile!
The spring flowers that are on the verge of bursting!
I’m happy when I have evenly flowing stitches that create a gently rhythm as I knit.
I am happy to know we have turned the page on winter. It will be 75 degrees today and I picked jonquils this am to put in the house.
Casting on a new project, dinner with friends, snuggling with the husband and kitties all make me happy!
Happiness—once the ground firms up and I don’t have to wash the dog’s paws every 15minutes.
Also, when the right yarn and pattern come together easily and I don’t spend 2 hours searching through every magazine for the “right” pattern for the yarn!
oh man- my favorite thing right now is that my crocuses (crocusi?) are blooming, because spring really is here. i wasn’t even sick of winter yet, but the return of sunny and warmer days has me very excited.
and btw- i really love your map collection. it’s got some great pieces! well done!
Well, my favorite spring thing to do fiber-wise, something guaranteed to always make me happy, is to cast on for a new spring knit. Something lighter, girlier, and more whimsical than anything I’ve been wearing through the winter. Something BRIGHT.
…but then I saw your little pie-lets and now THOSE make me happy. :) Must try that trick!
Getting a big hug from my mom at the airport after I’d been away living in Australia for a year made me the happiest I’d been in a long time!!!
A big piece of chocolate layer cake with lots of icing would make me very happy now! (You can tell it’s almost lunchtime and I’m starving!)
So many things I would love to knit from the Map Collection – such an awesome giveaway!
Spring makes me happy! The hint of warmer temperatures, not having to bundle up to go outside, flowers blooming, leaves on the trees. Soon it will be pleasant enough to take the knitting out to the lawn chairs!
I have spent the last 26 years raising my family – and all of a sudden they are grown up and two have left home already – I adore all the moments we have being together as a family – having dinner, playing games and laughing uncontrollably !
Very few things make me happier than seeing the first flowers in spring.
Travel :-)
Your cup pies made me happy! How can you not smile when seeing those?
What makes me happy: A major construction project (in my home) that is progressing nicely. And also a knitting project progressing nicely.
I think this week that the sun peeking through and making the world bright, combined with a knitting project coming along nicely to be gifted to a friend in need, is whats making me happy.
I’ve just spent a week in the most fun city in the world: Austin, TX. Got to see a few films, hear some music, visit friends and eat delicious tacos. All of the above equal happiness!
Walking my dogs when it isn’t snowy or icy.
More than anything else the one thing that makes me the most happy is when my husband tickles the top of my head in the morning so I roll over and cuddle next to him before we get up to start our day. It’s my first smile every day.
Spring makes me happy because it is time for my berks again(and pretty socks). My feet hate winter and boots.
Thanks for the contest.
Things that make me happy: Laughing children, soft yarn, sunshine on my face, a really good glass of wine. Not necessarily in that order.
Temperatures above 45 degrees F and my adorable husband who keeps me warm when the temp is lower.
I feel very happy when I walk outside early in the morning and hear the birds chirping and singing – it’s a great way to start the day!
Banana chocolate chip coffee cake, peppermint, vanilla, and squishy yarn. (I am hungry and a knitter….)
I love to see some daylight!
Waking up to five inches of snow during my ski week in Colorado. The trees look like someone dusted them with powdered sugar.
Wearing something I just finished knitting, whether it’s a pair of socks, a shawl or a sweater.
Wow – all this lovely sunshine, and then my son is coming home from college tomorrow to visit for spring break.
This is fun – not just to think about what makes me smile, but reading everyone else’s posts.
Spring is finally on it’s way! Loving how I can leave my patio door open when I get home from work and enjoy the evening breeze!
Gardening makes me happy! I went out yesterday into the warm sunshine and saw lots of evidence that spring is here. Yay!
Count me in! I love having a pair of socks on my needles – the perfect take-along project! I consider it my IV Valium – it keeps me sane when everthing around me is in chaos.
Loads of yarn with so many possibilities rambling around in my head, makes me very happy, indeed.
Nap time and knitting make me happy. Extra happy if it’s spring too!
Watching my cats sleep.
The sweater I just finished makes me happy. It’s my first one ever, and it fits me like a hug with sleeves.
I love knitting while listening to opera music – and pink yarn!
My flowers are blooming and it is finally warm! Yay spring!
I love getting mail–even junk mail. A full mailbox makes me happy!
Sunshine. The more sunshine the better.
Chocolate makes me happy!
Long enough days (and daylight savings time) so that I can walk home from work in the sunshine!
Time spent with a good friend always makes me happy!
What made me happy just today was ‘arguing’ with a man about carrying an old woman’s rolling cart down the subway stairs. Too often you see people zoom by, oblivious to people having trouble with their cumbersome, yet necessary things (strollers, groceries,etc) and today, there were more helpers at the station than those needing help!(Another woman tried to jump into the fun, but the man beat us all out of the job.)
I will be pregnant this Spring that makes me estatic! I can’t wait to go for long walks with the hubby and sit outside to knit for our new addition!
The book “Sunshine” by Robin McKinley (a reread) has been making me very happy the past few days.
What made me happy today? Spending time with an old friend on a movie/lunch date!
The robins returning makes me happy. It’s cloudy and rainy, but it is always what reminds me of spring and the promise of summer, with long days and bbqs!
All these fun new knitting blogs that I have been reading make me happy! I am new to knitting and love all the inspiration :)
seeing my children smile and having time in the day to knit
My best friend from university is coming to visit on April 7th… we haven’t seen each other for thirty years!!!
I am training for a half-marathon and ran 10 miles today. Running 10 miles is making me happy. Sore, but happy ;) I just made a sweater with Twist and it is a great yarn to knit with–and your pattern collection looks great!
I love to see the crocus’ pop up! It’s a sure sign I’ll be donning my beloved flip flops sooner rather than later.
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom here in Victoria – a sure sign that spring has arrived!
My children of course, but a guilty pleasure? Siting on our deck, early in the morning with the sun just coming up, wrapped in a big ol’ blanket and a frappaccino (I know, but I LIKE my coffee cold).
Friday afternoons when you’re coming home from work! Perfectly fitting, non saggy tights! Knowing the bills are paid! My bicycle! Mr. Bear my geriatric cat!
Flip-flops, ladder golf, and getting some sun in the backyard.
Sitting outside with the sun shining on me while I’m knitting socks.
Seeing the first signs of spring make me happy. The forsythia are blooming, the daffodils are peeking up, and the trees are blooming and budding. I love spring almost as much as I love fall.
I spent the day skiing with my family. Soooo happy!
What a nice giveaway!
Knitting gifts makes me happy.
I love warm breezy spring days. Perfect for driving around with my windows down and load happy music on the radio. Also great for walking with the boy.
Happiness is the whole family together, and a kitten on my lap. Alpaca in my knitting bag, and handmade socks on my feet.
sunny mornings – they just make the day start right.
What makes me happy is knitting cowls with pretty yarn.
Springtime! The green grass and colorful flowers always make me happy.
Unwrapping a parcel full of gorgeous yarn or fibre really makes me happy!
My daughter turning 13 today, the best daughter in the whole world!!!
Flowers blooming indoors — geraniums, amaryllis, a new flower stalk on an orchid; the first snowdrops outside . . . reading The Lord of the Rings in the evening to my children . . . and my cockatiel sitting on my shoulder clucking in the morning.
a hug, a good book, my feet in the sand or grass, a cup of hot chocolate
Lilacs make me happy when spring is coming. And pumpkins when autumn is arriving. My migraine this morning didn’t make me happy, but my sweetheart taking care of me very much did.
Being creative makes me happy. :)
daffodils, spinning and finished knitted projects make me happy
Oooh…what a great giveaway. I’d love to win this!
What makes me happy: my family, watching my kids play ball outside, having my little girl beside me working her first scarf while I knit, winning a blog giveaway!
whatching the NCAA Basketball tournament and knitting.
My grandchildren make me happier than anything else. After them it’s travel, knitting & going to the Lyric Opera.
Maybe I can get a head start on spring knitting in the southern hemisphere…or at least get something finished before winter gets here.
Oddly enough, moving and looking for a new flat makes me happy! It’s probably my craigslist obsession meeting my excitement about new possibilities… in this case, it’s also the joy of having found a fab new job and moving to a new/old city. Yay!
My 1 week old baby girl and knitting for her.
I love the look of those pies! :-D
What makes me really happy is waking up early on Saturday mornings before anyone else is awake. I can sit around drinking tea and looking at the internet, and enjoying the sunshine coming in the window. And knitting, of course!!
Spending time with friends :)
so many things make me happy but my top five are…
successful FOs
catching up at brunch with my son
girls night out
watching my dogs playing
a clean house
On a warm spring day I love to bring my spinning wheel outside, set it up in the garden and spin with the sun shining down on me.
i know it’s spring when my cat stops sleeping in her heated cat bed and starts sleeping in the window seat in the sun.
MY kids getting along and new yarn make me happy!
Right now it’s seeing the small red buds on my cherry tree that signals that spring is coming. Soon it will be covered in fluffy pink cherry blossoms.
Being home – I love being in my house with my husband and pets.
Thank you for holding this contest Laura.
Some of the things that are making me happy right now is having the time to pursue various creative endeavours these past few weeks; good, strong (less frigid) runs in the evenings; and the promise of spring that is in the air.
Hello Laura,
I just discovered your site and really love your style!
What makes me happy?
A full sugar bowl next to the hot pot of coffee.
A daughter asking to be taught how to knit in the round.
The smell of orange blossoms through my window.
A new pair of sandals for spring!
A slobbery kiss from my 4 year old.
Ana
This week’s happiness: Sleeping late (kid on spring break!), casting off a simple project that became waay too complicated, first truly warm day of spring, and raking up a pile of dry leaves in the garden to reveal a host of little blue flowers! Life is full of small happinesses if you remember to look for them — thanks for the reminder!
Skiing makes me happy, Spring will make me happy soon, and malabrigo in damask rose makes my heart beat faster.
What makes me happy today? Spring is showing through the snow (daffodils are coming out), my favourite mystery authors all have new books out and I have yarn coming in mail for upcoming projects. Busy, busy :-)
It makes me happy when all my laundry is done, the kids are in bed and I’m knitting, not frogging, but knitting!
A good cup of coffee and several hours of un-interruped knitting time. And of course, making good progress on whatever it is that I’m knitting.
I’m a weird one, I guess. What makes me happy is a huge pile of snow outside, with me on the inside wrapped in one of my Grandma’s afghans and a cut of hot chocolate :)
taking my shoes off the first warm spring day
and feeling the grass on my bare feet-aahhh…
Spending a quiet weekend at home with my knitting and the past week’s TV on makes me happy.
Curries are making me happy this long winter – a bowl of mutter paneer over basmati just makes me incredibly happy!
65’F days, being outside at the playground with my chitlins, after a long, cold winter.
I make me happy.
Looking at my boys and seeing that they have grown into kind, polite and completely amazing teenagers who actually enjoy spending time with their family. :0)
Knit Night at the Yarnery in St Paul with Jean and company…going to Dixie’s with my son…spring break with my daughter…all three things have happened this week!
Right now? I’m totally happy that this year I planted some Forget-Me-Not seeds I got in a $1 kit and 70% of them germinated! I’ve never tried to do that from seeds inside my house! Life is amazing. :D
Having 2 days off in a row form work so I can knit makes me really happy! thanks for the giveaway. Debbie in alaska
I just planted kale, lettuce and collard greens in our garden. Very happy :)
Dancing to music I love!
Knowing all is well with my son, my cat, my family, and my friends – and I can’t forget knitting!!!
Thank you for your blog!!!
Your cup-pies look delicious! What’s making me happy right now, in addition to a fun contest ;), is discovering a really cool place just blocks from my house that has (among lots of other interesting stuff!) a bunch of pinball machines dating from the 1950’s (all mechanical, wood, metal and rubber!) to new. For one admission price, you can play pinball all day long!
Looking at all the spring blooming plants is making me quite happy!!
The fact that my brother made me a cherry pie after we encountered a gluten-free bakery willing to sell us piecrusts. It’s been many years since I’ve had pie as I’m a lousy baker and gf treats of that magnitude are not easy to come by where I live. The pie hardly cancelled out my breast cancer diagnosis, but it DID lift my spirits…
The pretty spring flowers beginning to bloom in my backyard make me really, really happy:)
The warm weather and sunshine…and my puppy!
The main thing that makes me happy is my family. After that anything with chocolate in it!!
besides the usual – knitting and my dog’s tenacious commitment to perching on the back of the couch like a cat -the purple sunbirds in my yard make me happy. There’s something cool about a bird that looks plain black unless the sun is shining directly on him, when he turns the most amazing iridescent blue.
Planting seeds and seed potatoes on my allotment has made me very happy this wedding, spring and a wonderful growing season seem so close now.
What a beautiful pink that yarn is!
Obviously from my last comment, one of the things that is stressing me out is the planning for our upcoming wedding! As I meant to say weekend not wedding.
What is making me happy right now: successfully buying and moving into our first house. Ordering a dryer, picking out curtains–makes us feel like newlyweds. (We’ve been married 5 years.)
Going on vacation makes me happy! I love to travel, so having a trip to look forward to always makes me happy!
when my kids are getting along and are happy, and when I am starting a new knitting project.
The moment in a knitting project when it is clear that It Will All Be OK.
And puppies.
Music always makes me happy!
I love the idea of cup-pies – I think I’ll have to try doing some myself.
Daffodils! They are in bloom all over my neighborhood.
The first day it’s warm enough to open all the windows after a long winter!
Seeing the blue spring sky with budding tree branches reaching up and smelling that fresh earthy spring smell make me happy.
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I have the beginnings of lemon braid bread rising in the kitchen. It’s a lovely day.
My son laughing for no reason other than he’s happy. :D
Ooh, ooh, the map collection giveaway! I was hoping you’d do this. Today’s happiness comes from this trifecta, on the 1st day of spring: my longest run yet (6.25 miles), followed by waxing my legs and watching Big Love. Sunday win!
Today sewing makes me happy. I just finished a project bag (for knitting) and it’s too cute. What a wonderful giveaway. So many of the patterns in the Map Collection are waiting for cast on.
daffodils coming up!
Not having to wear my winter coat makes me happy!
finding a good book that you can’t put down…
Planting seeds, and looking forward to another season of gardening!
Spending time with my friend Lee and getting teased because I was knitting during his concert…..he’s so appreciative of his Malabrigo gets and scarf that I don’t mind the teasing
Haha….. That’s Malabrigo hats….
Family, friends, knitting, yarn, a good book and a good movie are all things that make me happy, not necessarily all at the same time.
Homemade food makes me happy.
Malabrigo yarn. Really.