Crochet Projects: What to skip and what to start!

Hello all! I have been having a ton of fun lately experimenting with different crochet projects; there have been a few hits and a few misses.

Miss: I saw this idea on Pinterest; adding a crochet border to a piece of fleece. It really wasn't worth the time or effort. The end result is cute but nothing special. Fleece does come in some fun themes though so it may be worthwhile if you find a pattern that is specific to a loved ones interests and just want to add a personal touch. I went around with a seem ripper and poked holes every half inch. Then I went around doing a single crochet in each hole with a chain between each one. That was followed by a row of single crochets, a row of double crochets, another single crochet and finally a ripple border. 

Hit: I have so many small balls of random yarn laying around so I started on this "scrap" blanket and I'm absolutely loving it. I love the random stripes in all different sizes and I love having something to do with all the bits and pieces of yarn I have. I plan to continue adding to this until I have a full size blanket. You can use any stitch you want with this project. I just did a big chain to the width I wanted and then all the rows are single crochets. I wanted something really small so that I can continue adding to it for awhile. I love how simple and mindless this is. I have been so stressed lately so it's nice to be able to just sit down and keep my hands busy; I really don't have to think too much about what I'm doing. 

Have you had any craft fails lately? Or come across any particularly fun projects? 

Linked Up At: http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2015/02/one-project-at-a-time-2915.html

Book Review: Sharp Objects

I just finished reading Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn. I read (and saw) Gone Girl a couple months ago and loved the twist ending and was looking forward to another fast paced story.

I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about Sharp Objects. It was a good, creepy story. It certainly had an intriguing ending. But at the same time it was kind of shallow. The supporting characters and setting had no depth. It was like all these background characters were just pushed into these stereotypical molds and forgotten. This really rubbed me the wrong way. It's hard for me to really get into a story when you can barely imagine the setting or the color of all the supporting actors. If that makes sense!

I also hate stories that seem to have no hope or redeeming qualities. I don't expect everything to wrap up picture perfect but at the same time I want there to be some silver lining or optimist for the character. A chance at redemption or healing. Even if you don't get to see it happen during the story just having a hint of it can make all the difference. Our world is already filled with enough darkness so when I read a story I want to be able to see and believe that things can be better.

Overall if you're looking for a creepy fast read Sharp Objects would be a good pick. Just don't expect to walk away feeling happy or satisfied!

When life throws you a curveball...

I graduated from college in December 2013. Since then I accepted a horrible per diem job which I ended up leaving. After that experience I went back to working at CVS. At the time it felt like a huge step back but it ended up being an amazing opportunity to get my feet back on the ground. Then in November I found what I thought was my dream job. Unfortunately when you join a growing company you run the risk of joining a company that has overstaffed and the dreaded "last to come first to leave" rule.

So as of today I find myself unemployed.

I am about to turn twenty three, married, living with my parents, and unemployed. I'll have to start dipping into the money I worked so hard to start saving up.

I feel so defeated. I feel like a failure. I feel like I have no idea where I went wrong or where I am supposed to go from here. I'm just hoping the right path opens up for me soon.

When I told my dad he said, "Lots of stuff to think about and consider. Be sad and grumpy and pissed off for a bit, then start thinking about smart next steps".

So that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to have an epic pity party and enjoy an awesome lunch today followed by a giant glass of wine tonight. Then I'm going to move on. In some ways this is a blessing. My husband and I are young and now we have the opportunity to move wherever we want and wherever life takes us. So I'm going to make the most of it. I am going to apply for jobs that are really a good fit for me. I'm going to finally get through the pile of books I've been meaning to read for ages. I am going to finally start blogging for fun; sharing book reviews, journaling ideas, job hunting experiences, etc.

Thank you for reading and good look with your own life journeys!

Sunday Check In

Listening: "Nina" by Ed Sheeran. I'm kind of obsessed with this entire album.

Feeling: Incredibly cozy; I have the window wide open letting the cool air in and am wrapped up in a blanket with a kitten on my lap. I am also feeling really sore (crazy day at work) and a little overwhelmed with life.

Wishing: That I could find a job in my field.

Needing: To get myself to bed.

Smelling: An amazing pumpkin pie scented candle.

Tasting: Toothpaste and water.

Reading: Gone Girl, Awakening the Buddha Within and When Rabbit Howls. The best (and worst) habit I picked up from my mom is a tendency to read multiple books at once.

Loving: My adorable 4 year old cousin (she was a flower girl) who upon seeing me screamed, "HI KATIE! Do you remember your wedding?" If only we could all channel the sheer joy and happy memories (not to mention energy) that kids seem to channel all the time.

Friday Favorites: Bullet Journal

I learned about bullet journaling months ago and tested it out with a tiny little notebook. The notebook size and my life situation at the time didn't really work out.

However, over the past couple weeks I realized that I was writing the same tasks over and over again each day in my planner which seemed like a waste of time and paper. I have also been doing a lot of soul searching lately: exploring my spirituality, learning about mental health in myself and my family history and trying to expand my horizons in regards to my career, hobbies, etc. 

Insert the bullet journal take two! I just started it but I feel like it will be a much better way of logging the current journey that I'm on. Check out the Bullet Journal Website for more information!

This is my monthly spread with a quick monthly overview and tasks list. This is the only part that I am color coding right now. Pink for work, blue for anything to do with my husband and green for events and appointments. 

Like I said, I just started this so I only have one entry, but this is my daily/weekly view. At the top you can see the tasks that I (should) do on a daily basis. I plan on filling in a square for each activity each day that I do it. This will be a quick and easy way for me to monitor my habits without having to write the tasks over and over again. I have a fold out cheat sheet on the right explaining my key. I'm not sure I love these symbols though. They will probably change as time goes one. 

The first fun page in my bullet journal: a fall bucket list! I love this time of year but have been sick for the past couple weeks and have not been able to enjoy the gorgeous weather. I am so excited to really throw myself into Fall Fun!

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Welcome

Hello friends, welcome to Journal Write Meow!

I have been journaling since I was thirteen, when my mom gifted me with a beautiful notebook for my birthday. At the time the pages were mainly filled with notes to my best friends and musings on boys who never looked my way.

As I got older, my journals grew with me. I began using journaling as a way to deal with severe anxiety, sort through daily problems and to remember special moments in my life. I love to write. I love to see glimpses into other journals. I love to read about journaling. The problem is there is not a ton of modern literature out there about journaling.

I hope that this blog will become a useful tool for people looking to begin a personal journaling practice. I plan on giving pointers on how to start a journaling practice, fun prompts, how to delve into deep topics and how to have some fun with your journal!

You can also expect posts about wonderful books, my lovely cats and the occasional crafty project.