Granny Square Shrug

  Nothing much been going on lately.

  I recently started a project: a large granny square shrug( from YouTube)

Here's a photo of the granny shrug:

 It only takes 3 skeins of Red Heart Super Saver (in solids), and a 'L' hook

 

  Tell me what you think.

What's going on with me lately!

  Hey Guys!!
  Yeah, I haven't posted anything for awhile, so here goes:

I've been working on a new granny square afghan design for a new pattern. Unfortunately, the squares have to be sewn together to create the design. I started a few weeks ago, trying to work on it at least a few hours each day (like I got a lot of other things to do!.

 I'm trying to write out the pattern as a go along. I kind of stumbled in to pattern designing, so I don't have any training with it.

 In years past (especially before the Internet), I never thought of writing out a pattern. But5 sine the Internet, people who see my work requested them, so, I figured, why not, right?

 As far as anything else, I still go to a crochet class at the nearby senior center, once a week. I mainly there to bring the more 'technical' side of crochet. Things like, adjusting patterns, trying new stitches, the different types of yarns, etc.

  I also try to help out with students when the 'official' crochet instructor's busy or she's stuck. (P.S: She also modeled a sweater I made some time ago, (see photo)

I have a hanging mannequin, but it's a woman's size Large, so when I want to make a larger size sweater, I bring one to class. Don't get me wrong, I do bring in things for smaller size ladies too!
Here's a shrug I made earlier this year: (see photo)

Not much else is going on with me, my health seems to be pretty stable for the moment, so other than that, that's about it.
  OK, let me get back to that afghan......see you later! ;-)

LOOKING FOR MY CROCHET 'BROTHERS'!

 

  This year, I decided to be more active, both physically and socially. Despite the fact it's Winter, I'm, going to start walking more (even if it's in the hallway of my apt.). I plan to make sitting here on this computer more productive, by blogging more. That means I have to have something to say, right?

  Well, let me start by saying this while I'm currently in somewhat decent health, I need to take advantage of it.

 I'm finally on the home dialysis machine, and although it takes a lot of my evening and night time, it leaves me free during the day. And I do feel better.

This is the time I do most of my crocheting, and I'd like to first finish some of the projects  started (yeah, everybody says that, right!)

  I have a young Home Health Aide that's now coming 5 days (instead of 3) a week, to do some minor things around the apt. for 2hours in the afternoon. There really isn't that much for her to do. but she keeps me company, while it provides her with a stress free part time job. She's really a sweet girl, a native  of Haiti, who's currently taking online classes for Nursing. When she's not listening to me talking her ear off, she spends a lot of time on her smartphone (well, she's 22 after all, OK!).

  What I'd like to do meeting with other older Black Men Who Crochet here in Philly,. No, I don't mean we all get together in a group (we guys don't do that!). Just knowing a few guys, and maybe talk on the phone, meet at the yarn shops, or chat online, just shoot the breeze, with a crochet twist.

 In my entire crochet career, I've only met 1 older Black Male Crocheter, and he likewise. He was at a Senior Center. We looked forward to seeing each other each week, until he passed away, leaving me with all his knit and crochet accessories. He knew I would put them to good use. ;-)

  I know you guys are out there!!

  I'd like to talk and share my thoughts and ideas with another 'Brother(s). from 'our' perspective.

  Hope to hear from someone soon.

YO! DON'T LEAVE ME HANGIN', BRO!

OK, so it's 2015, NOW WHAT!

 

\
  It's January 2, and I'm wondering what will make 2015 different than 2014 for me.
Well, for one thing, I hope that I won't get sick, worse yet, go back in the hospital. I had enough of that the year before!

  I'd like to be more physically active (that means less crocheting and computer time!). I really need to attract some friends, mainly other gay guys, close to my age. Although, I'm not much of a 'social' person, I think it'll be more healthy to interact more. I've been cooped up in my apartment since I've moved here nearly 3 yrs. ago.

  I'm just tired. Tired of feeling this way. Tired of how bland my life has become. Tired of wondering is this it? Is this the way the rest of my life will be?

 Now, that's not to say that I always felt this way. there was a time (or two), that I had some friends, and I socialized , but all my friends are either dead, or, weren't really my friends in the long run.

  As a typical 'loner', I tried to come out my 'shell' from time to time, but it doesn't last for very long. I sometimes would get the feeling that I seem to make more of a effort than they would. I have this saying, "If I don't make the effort, the effort won't get made!!"

Hey, I don't know, maybe it's my lot in life to be a loner, and I should accept my fate, such as it is. I tend to worry too much when I'm around people. I'm always wondering, I'm I talking too much, too  loud, too long. I'm I too poor, too boring, too ugly, even too 'gay' (not that's anything wrong with that! ;-) )

  Ever get those people who say they'll call, and/or stop by, but never do?  And the ones that do, make you feel that, "You're only as good, as what you're good for!", otherwise, they wouldn't give you the time of day!.

You know the ones, the ones that smile in your face, while trying to feel what's in your pockets!

 Yeah, I might sound a bit cynical, but I guess that's my 'sensitive' side talking.

  I guess I'll just have to see. I'll try to do better. Maybe I have to take my own advice that I try and teach my crochet students, "Everything round/row you work on, set's up for the next round/row".

In other words, Kenny, 'get your ass up, and do something about it!'