WIP Wednesday - Pink and Blue Sky

As a reminder, there is a giveaway going on so check out my Blogiversary Post for details.  Remember, the answers are in the blog so check out my old posts for the answers to the clues :)

So it's time for another WIP Wednesday but first I have a beautiful picture of the sunrise this morning and a small story

So I live in an apartment complex with 7 building in a U shape.  There are 2 small parking lots in the front near the top of the U and a large parking lot behind the set of complexes and down a flight of stairs.  My apartment is on the ground floor near the front parking lots.  However, those lots only hold 9 cars.  Everyday is a new battle for one of those spots.

I aim to park in front because if I have to see the lot, my car should be there right.  And if I have groceries or something to bring in, I want a close spot.  In general, I park in my preferred lot but lately it's been full (curses) and I have to park in the back. I just get annoyed the time to get a spot fluctuates lately, if I am not home by 6 pm I have to park in the back.

How gorgeous is this sky?

Anyway, this has resulted in not taking my suitcase in from my California trip. I finally caved this morning and before I got a shower, went to my car to move it out front to drag my suitcase in.  This picture was from my walk to my car.

So enough whining and onto the yarny goodness.

The socks from last WIP Wednesday have gone back into hibernation because I messed up the pattern.  The debate is on whether to just keep going or to rip back and fix.  I am leaning toward just finishing them though so we will see.

I did get some work done on my Hue Shift Afghan but don't have a picture of the progress.  I should have one next week though.

Sun and Stars Trillian

Wollmeise - 100% Wolle in Maharani 

I did however start a very special project.  My friend Dianne went to Germany with her family and made a trip to the Wollmeise Yarn Store.  She brought me back 1 skein that I gave her money for and 1 skein as a Christmas gift.  Honestly I could not wait to crack into the thing and started the Trillian shawl.

Lovely Little Yarn Cake!

So I wound the yarn and started the shawl.  I thought the yarn looked like sunshine and stars so hense the name "Sun and Stars Trillian".  I am in love with the pattern.  It's super easy but has such a lovely look and the drape is already awesome.

Love the color blend and the pop of yellow,

Honestly, this shawl continues to make make smile as I look at the colors and what more could you ask of your yarn and project.

Well, that's it for this week.  Class started last night and I feel as though this one will be interesting but intense so stay tuned for the updates.

For other WIPs check out Tami's Amis and Frontier Dreams

<3 Heather

2012 - March Recap

I feel as though I just worked on getting the February mosaic done but I am really pleased with everything I got done this month.  The weather had been finicky but in general spring has come in full bloom.  I can't wait to show you pictures of flowers and spring here in Pittsburgh.

  <3 Heather

PS Check out my good friend Samie's blog for her blog-aversery giveaway!

Reminicing of my Travels to Germany in 2004

The weather today has gotten cooler but last week we had 80° F days which reminded me of my Germany trip in 2004.  With spring in the air, everything is starting to get green and beautiful and its almost as close as the greens of the fields when I flew into Munich in May of 2004.

Taken from the Bus on the way to Neuschwanstein Castle

I had always wanted to study abroad but the demand of engineering posed a challenge so instead there were a few classes offered that allowed to 2 week abroad experiences.  I went to Germany after my Freshman Year and studied German industries.  I also went to Brazil after my Junior Year to study sustainability.  (More on that in another post)

Anyway, this was my first trip out of the Country.  I was so nervous because the political climate was still unsettled from 9/11 and we were instructed not to draw attention to ourselves while we traveled.  I had flown before but this was a longer flight and I just wanted to see the place where my family originated. (I am of German decent). 

I was no naive now that I look back but really what 18 year old isn't?  It was an interesting experience trying to communicate in a language that was foreign to me.  Luckily we were in a group but we still had some time to explore Augsburg (where we stayed) on own quite a bit.   I loved how timely the transportation systems were and wish ours were better.

We were there to learn and compare USA and German industries from a business and engineering point of view.  We visited Beer manufacturers, Audi manufactures, Computer and Semi-Conductor manufacturers as well as robotics manufacturers.   We got free samples of the Beer but not of the Audi's we got to see being built.  :) 

On a side note, I left home hating beer and came back a beer snob.  ;o)

In addition to the  the industry tours there were cultural to Neuschwanstain Castle and the Alps.  Really this was just a breath taking day.  The castle both inside and outside was gorgeous!  The Mountains take your breath away and there was even snow still at the top of the Mountain top we visited.

I took this picture and I still can't believe how amazing it turned out.

This was on the way to the Castle Overlook Bridge.  Aren't the Alps Stunning!

On the Gondola to the Top of one of the Mountains in the Alps.

I did break my toe earlier in the trip falling down a set of stairs but really nothing was keeping me from visiting this place.  I took my time and finally made it up the steep path but it was worth it!


I wish there were more breathtaking places like this in my hometown but therein is the challenge.  Finding the beautiful in everything we see and capturing it.  Being ready to grab the brilliant orange sunsets, catching the flowers and trees in bloom.  Seeing the everyday with new eyes.

I hope to take more pictures now that the weather is nicer and find old places that take my breath away and are new again.