>>>>Jane Through The Seasons

Back! Things got a bit much, and writing here had to be put on hold. But things have simmered down and so I'm able to share here again.

Needing to comfort myself and build some sort of motivation to keep things going so as to be somewhat adroit in dodging the many grasping hands of depression, I stumbled into the thought: what if our world is as it is by our choosing? What if before we dive down or up into this life, we got to decide the kind of traps we want to set for ourselves, and what we encounter here is what we chose. Say, we compared several choices and believed what we are facing now is what we did love to overcome in this life? However, an integral part of the adventure is that we are unable to remember the whys when we are here. Of course, this is pure speculation (somewhat influenced by St. Augustine's thoughts on memory* as read and discussed in my mysticism class from last semester). However, if this is so, then whatever issue comes our way we can believe it sol…

So I've been sitting on some very exciting news for a few months now, and finally I get to share it with you. I made a few exclusive pieces for My Asho Market's Autumn/Winter 2013! This is a big, big, big deal for me and I'm over the moon that they would pick me to design for them!! (Thank you sooo much Dolapo!!) I'm still in a bit of shock actually. You did 'hear' me go on and on about my first wholesale and having to make so much, so you know that all the items they are selling under Mawusi for My Asho Market is handmade by me. And it is made with great care like the beautiful spice (Nonitse) Infinity scarf pictured below. On the Etsy front I've been trying to add a clothing section to the shop, and the Koléki is my latest addition (there is also a ton of new items like the Sikili Fascinators). So far the Koléki has been in some very trendy Etsy treasuries, and made the Front Page this morning! Thanks so much Astrid. It has also been added by over a hund…

It is something that my classes are on Mondays now. Feels like it has been a while since Mondays sounded literally like I am coming out of the weekend. My class on manifestos is small and feels intense -- I really like the feel of that class. I am convinced that I am going to walk away with something good. The other one, 20th century fiction is at the moment unconventional. The books I am reading for it are however very interesting. I am very curious as to how both classes will unfold.

Happy Thursday!
-J

A little about yourself
I'm Brandi Harper, the knitting hands of PurlBknit. There is something about Brooklyn that makes me feel like I can do anything. I am only too willing to throw my heart to the winds and hope it’ll land in a place where dreams come true.
What is your Craft story?
My crafty lifestyle started way before I taught myself to crochet at 14. I remember creating huge wall murals in my annual celebration of the seasons. Each drawing was colored within the lines and pasted with Elmer’s glue on our bedroom wall. When the leaves fell, winter and snowflakes would follow. I learned early that creativity is hard work and change does not always come easy.

How did you come to be on Etsy, do you sell anywhere else or would you like to?
I've worked in yarn shops, taught classes, and wrote patterns. I think it was only a matter of time before I started a shop all of my own. I look forward to selling design instructions next. I’ve seen amazing things happen when people focus and …

There is  this fear that when I don't blog on Monday, I won't on Tuesday and before I realize it, I haven't blogged in years. So I try to keep blogging even when I don't have anything to blog about. It is the same with other things, like my fear of learning to bake. What if I become addicted and become one of those people that I've marveled over in movies who bake the heck out of every situation and eat it all until there is nothing for the ants? So these examples are the before a habit is formed. I am afraid of acquiring new bad habits because I already have a ton that I am already struggling with. Anyway, today is the first day of my second year in Grad school and I honestly don't wish to delve into my bad old habits and fear of new ones. I just had to write something here...

Happy Monday! -Jane

The fall semester would have begun this past Monday except that it was Labor day. So I'm back to school next Monday. I am more happy about this than anything. I miss school. Soon I will be fussing but for now I am excited about what I will be learning this semester. Both of my professors are extremely demanding so that should keep me on my toes! I am taking two classes.  One on Manifestos, and the other on 20th century fiction...I have started reading Faulkner's Absalom, Abaslom for the latter -- I've to finish it before Monday. About the former I am very curious. This is good because I am often not curious about much. May it be a great semester!

Happy Thursday,
-J

What if as
children
we are the
most matured;
as grown-ups
        the
least matured, and
at wrinkled, gray,
and approaching the
bucket kicking season,
the realization is
        that
the only thing
worth being is
child like...


Happy Labor Day!
-J