OK, OK, I Just Couldn't Wait. . . .

Patience is not my forte!  I joined FetLife and even joined a couple of groups.  I'd still like to read anyone's reviews, however.  Just curious.  Thanks again!

FetLife

I'm curious. . . .and yes, this will be a short post, because I'm tired.  Lace knitting isn't as difficult as I thought it would be, but because I'm still somewhat new to it (heh--Life theme, anyone?) I still pay scrupulous attention to my stitch-count and what my hands are doing, as well as stopping every five or so rows to make sure I'm getting the length right.  But I was trying to research the background of a blog post a friend sent me, and ran across something called FetLife.  I'm curious about this, but won't be able to sign up just yet due to time constraints and some work stuff I need.  More on that later, though.  If someone (or quite a few someones) can give me rave reviews--good, bad, ugly, but mostly honest--then I'll look into it.  Look, dear Readers, I'm not new to social networking.  However--if this thing turns out to be just as hideous and heinous as collarme.com or has way more smarm and "I'm-ever-so-much-better-than-you-because-I'm-from-London" horseshit I've read at informedconsent, I simply won't bother.  But I thank you dear Readers.  I thank you.

Curiosity

Those of you who know me know that I am a hard-core advocate of kettlebells and kettlebell workouts.  I have been using Dragon Door Publications' Kettlebell Goddess dvd for about a year now, sporadically (ok, ok, at least once a week, but more when I can, or when the weather's too bad for me to take my workouts outdoors). One of my favorites--and the workout I've since been inspired to work up to for at least twice a week, every week--is one named after Odyne, the Greek goddess of pain.

Every time I complete this work-out (or, almost, as I still can't hack the double-cleans after the double-swings with my 20-pounders), I feel stronger, more in control, and a lot of my anger subsides.  I also get curious about the goddess for whom my favorite workout was named.  Here's my problem--I'm not finding much, other than quick, tepid, "oh-she-was-the-Goddess-of-Pain-and-she's-Greek" stuff.

I'm going to try and do a deep-web search later this afternoon if I'm able (and can remember) but if anyone has links they might be willing to share, it would be greatly appreciated.

Domiknitrix

It's not just a book review. . . it's a lifestyle!  After reading this, I picked up my needles again.  I haven't knit in about two years, partly due to stress of a divorce, and partly due to graduate school.  So here's what this book has to do with D/s and BDSM. . . .

Jennifer Stafford, the original Domiknitrix, forces her yarn to do her bidding--whether it's by sheer determination, making up her own pattern, or making the yarn bend to her will.  Despite what some other reviewers (mostly at Amazon) have stated, this really is a good guide for beginning knitters.  Does she actually show you how to make a slip knot?  No.  Should you probably already know how to do this if you really want to learn to knit or crochet?  YES.  She also explains the intricacies of intarsia (she almost makes it sound. . . fun), the genius of an I-cord (the I = IDIOT, btw) and even allows you into her beautifully sadistic knitting world via her web site.  Does it have a whole lot to do with Our Lifestyle?  Not necessarily.  Fun if you love crafts and knitting especially?  Absolutely!  Suggestion:  much like Elizabeth Zimmerman and Annie Modesitt, Stafford is also an OK (opinionated knitter).  She encourages the use of Continental Style Knitting. I also advocate the use of Continental Style Knitting.  I also advocate that you at least give this a look-see, if nothing else simply for fun.  You don't have to buy it.  Your local library will do.

More Acquisitions

I decided, since the blog background was giving me such fits and causing much frustration, I needed a little retail therapy.  So off to the local book store I went, with actually an ulterior motive in mind.  For years, they have had a much-neglected (until now) copy of a book entitled Domiknitrix.  Unfortunately, someone had purchased it out from under me.  Perfectly all right, though.  I picked up a "coffee table" book highlighting the history of the corset, and it turns out Domiknitrix is available for a Kindle download.  This will be interesting, as I've never downloaded a pattern book for my Kindle before.  I have downloaded electronic books and printed off the patterns as necessary, but a Kindle may prove--different.

I figured out how to fix the map widget, as well as edit other widgets I found through blogger.  I'll keep you posted, dear Readers!  For those of you here in the States, have a happy and explosive Independence Day!  And remember, kids, when playing with bottle rockets, the protocol is: 1.  Light it.  2.  Throw it up.  3.  Yell "DUCK!".  IN THAT ORDER!

Now go blow something up for America. . . and for fun as well.

WARNING! BORING POST!

No, really, this one IS boring.  First of all, thanks to DishevelledDomina for pointing out that the comments aren't working properly.  I'm currently trying to look at the code on my end to see if there's anything goofy or wrong or mis-typed.  I haven't found anything yet, but then, I only know basic html.  And only the most basic of basic, at that.

Long story short--I may have to ditch this cool and groovy template.  And I really, really like this template.  I'll keep working on the wonkiness, though, and try to get a similar, more interesting template going.  Welcome to all the new readers in all the different countries on my wee map widget.  You all are awesome.  Thanks for your support.

Burlesque Aerobics

I don't know about you, dear Readers, but I'd rather do Bettie's joint mobility warm-up before kettlebells than the standard.  I'm on a burlesque kick at present, with 2 reviews coming up after the Independence Day holiday here in the States.  Please enjoy this wee snippet starring my favorite, Bettie Page.