A scarf for Jock

Did anyone else see the episodes of 'Australian Story' about Jock Palfreeman?

I had heard about Jock's case before, but hadn't really kept up to date with the recent events.  For those of you who haven't heard about the Palfreeman's before, here's my quick summary:

Jock is a young Australian convicted of murder in Bulgaria. In December 2007 he was involved in a dispute, where a Bulgarian man was killed and another injured. Jock states that he became involved in the dispute after coming to the aid of a Roma man who was being targeted by the Bulgarian men. He states that the group turned on him and he then drew a knife to protect himself. Jock has been in Sofia prison ever since.

I encourage you to watch the episodes and make your own assessment on the case. For me, the documentary showed some really basic flaws in the case and the trial process; it seems as though the foreigner was always going to be held accountable no matter what the facts.

The documentary also highlighted the torment a parent experiences in cases such as Jock's.

When the credits started rolling, I was left asking myself if there was anything I could to to help. While I admit that my knowledge of the case is limited, you couldn't watch this documentary and not have empathy for the plight of a young person, locked away for 20 years in a foreign country.

I found the Free Jock website and there was a 'how to help' tab. One option was to write to Jock; that I can do, no problem. And I figured that it must get pretty damn cold in Bulgaria, so I'm going to also knit Jock a scarf to keep him warm in that Sofia prison.

It might sound like something small and it is really, but it's something that I can do to maybe make a small difference to him.

Free Jock website; created by his friends and family.
You can watch the 'Australian Story' episodes here.
News.com.au article about the documentary.

Another project finished

Another project cast off, sewn up and ready to pop in the post!

This little pinafore dress may just be the cutest thing I have knitted. I think it's such a sweet little pattern and it was so quick and easy to make. I think that the next few baby girls that come along will also be receiving one of these little gems.

If only the projects for me were as quick and easy to complete!

Offspring

Nina and Patrick in last night's episode.

I've loved 'Offspring' since the first episode of season 1, but after last night I think I love it even more.

As Mia Freedman wrote on her MamaMia website last night, I also found last nights episode incredibly touching.  The episode centred around a young couple who lost their unborn baby after being involved in a car accident.

Seeing Nina bring that little baby to its parents, surrounded by pregnant women and young children in the hospital corridor, just about broke my heart. It really was such a special episode and the writers and actors should be commended for how sensitively and realistically they portrayed the scenes.

And so my love affair with 'Offspring' continues; looking forward to Wednesday night's episode!

Addiction

Some people suffer from horrible, debilitating addictions. These addictions ruin people's lives and cause great pain and suffering.

I also suffer from an addiction; but it's a lovely, life enriching addiction... I'm addicted to buying yarn.

My addiction often rears it's head on a Saturday morning and it plays out a little something like this;

• Hmmm, I know I have so many other projects to finish, but it sure would be lovely to start a new one on this cold Melbourne weekend.
• The yarn shop is only a short drive away; I can get there and back in no time at all.
• Anyway, I don't spend a lot of money on me anyway; I don't smoke or gamble (I do drink though!) or waste my money on silly things.... I deserve it!
• OK, I'm doing it; keys are located, purse in hand and I'm out the door.
• A short drive later I arrive and the browsing begins.
• Half an hour to 45 minutes later (this can be longer if I have a friend in tow), I've had a wonderful time looking through books and gazing at the lovely yarns.
• Needless to say, I have spied a few things that I simply MUST have.

At the end of my escapade, I walk away a few dollars poorer, but all the more enriched and glad that I have a lovely hobby to help me unwind and de-stress.  And that, I think, is priceless.

Spinning around

Kylie had me spinning around in wonder and amazement on Thursday night.  Man, that girl can still put on an amazing show.

Fountains, acrobatics, amazing dancers, Dolce & Gabbana costumes; no expense was spared and every detail was perfect.

Check out Kylie's You Tube channel to watch footage from the shows.

Let's hope that the rumors weren't true and this isn't her last tour. I'd glady pay good money again and again to see her perform. She's an absolute star.

Persuasion

I watched the 2007 adaptation of 'Persuasion' this weekend and what a treat it was.

I've only just started reading 'Persuasion' for the first time. I'm not quite sure how I've gotten through life having never read this book before; especially with my penchant for classics. I'm making amens now.

So, to the movie. Rupert Penry-Jones makes for a very dashing Captain Wentworth and Sally Hawkins a repentant and love sick Anne Elliot. I really enjoyed the storyline, the lush country fields, the blustering seaside scenes and of course, the story of true love being realised and found.

And now the ultimate test begins; how closely was the story line to the book? Check back in here in a couple of weeks and I'll let you know.

Tonight's the night!

Super excitement!

I'm seeing the Pop Princess tonight and I Just. Can't. Wait.

I've only seen Kylie once before and it was fabulous. She's fabulous. It's going to be a fabulous night! Drinks and dinner at Ginger Boy first and then (squeal!) Kylie time.
Stay tuned for an update tomorrow.

Finished!

The result of a few hours spent knitting this weekend!

I started this cable hat over the Easter break, but I had only knitted the ribbed band before this weekend.  So, after many episodes of Season 2 of 'The House of Eliott' and cups of coffee, here's the finished product!

I'm sure that this lovely little hat will be just the thing to keep me warm on frosty Melbourne mornings.

Long weekend loveliness

I'm not too sure why we celebrate the Queen's birthday in June, when her birthday is in April. Maybe it's because we want to space out our long weekends; we already have Easter and Anzac Day in April, so a third long weekend might be a waste!

I've got my long weekend mapped out already.

• I'll be watching 'Lost in Austen', which I haven't seen before; I've heard good things so I'm looking forward to checking it out.
• I'll be knitting (of course!).
• I'll be seeing my mother in law for her birthday.
• I'll be lunching with a girlfriend.
• I'll be tidying up my messy home.
• I'll be finishing reading 'Pride and Prejudice'. I might then start on 'Persuasion'; I'm going through a Jane Austen phase at the moment. I've also borrowed a copy of the ITV adaptation of 'Persuasion' so I might watch a bit of that too.
• I'll squeeze in a few workouts.
• I'll be sleeping in and not thinking about work.

What will you be doing?

Knit, purl, knit, purl

My vintage jumper has had a change of pattern. The first one I chose became a bit too fiddly and I had to concentrate too much; I'm someone who knits and watches TV at the same time, so too much concentrating on the knitting is not a good thing! This new pattern is working out very nicely; I've already completed the back and have started working on the front. I have lengthened the pattern as it looks quite short in this photo; let's hope my estimating works out!

I've also been working on a project for a new baby. I really love knitting for little people; the projects are so sweet and quick to finish. The other wonderful thing about knitting for little people is that the Mum's really appreciate your time and effort; nothing feels better than a new Mum thanking you for the little gift that you have made their new baby.  This photo is a sneak peak of a new baby present that I'm just about finished. I've just started sewing the seams and threading the ends in; not long to go now!



Pick, pick, pick

Yesterday I ventured to Borders at Melbourne Central. I must admit that I felt strange walking in; kind of like I was there to pick at the remains of a relationship.

While I didn't work at Borders, I did spend a number of years employed with Angus & Robertson and I'm finding it very sad that so many bookstores are closing.  The news last week was that all Borders stores in Australia are closing and that the Administrators were having a fire sale.

Well, I'll be the first in line for cheap books, but there was definitely something very sad about being in that store yesterday.  I felt bad for the staff; did my being there rub the salt in their wounds. After all, surely they're all being made redundant. Or was it OK to enjoy the benefits of discounted books and throw a few coins into the coffers so that these good folk will at least get their entitlements. 

Of course, there's a good chance that I was just being hyper-sensitive and I should just realise that this is what happens in the business world. Companies come and go and we all need to roll with the punches.

The upshot was that I walked away with a great knitting book, a sewing book (for when I finally purchase a sewing machine and learn to sew) and a few presents for upcoming birthdays.

So for me, all was not lost. but I will still mourn the loss of our bookstores.

There's 24cm less of me!

Today was my month 2 anniversary with Curves and I was excited to be told that in that time I've lost 24cm of myself! Hopefully it wasn't any of the good parts!

I'm really enjoying my more balanced lifestyle, with a dedicated exercise routine to balance the time I spend sitting on the couch knitting (I joke not!) I know I've said this before, but it's quite dangerous to have a sedentary hobby. I could happily spend the afternoon knitting and purling and now I can do so without guilt!

Speaking of knitting, I haven't posted many updates lately, so I'll endeavour to do so tomorrow.

Until then, I'll be working on my vintage jumper this afternoon and then out for dinner tonight at Phamish (the pumpkin, parmesan and sage risotto sounds divine, as does the crispy skin barramundi...)

Pride and Prejudice Read Along - Update!

Is anyone else reading 'Pride and Prejudice' at the moment, or have you read it before?

Following my post a few weeks ago (in response to the Meet me at Mike's P & P read along) I've been reading this classic novel (along with a few other books at the same time!)

I've just read the scene where Darcy confesses his love for Lizzie and she proudly and stubbornly turns him down. Gee, Lizzie sure is a woman ahead of the times; what on earth is she thinking, refusing the proposal of such a well connected and rich man. In the spirit of the book's title, her pride and prejudice stops her from accepting his advances.

Darcy also suffers his own pride and prejudice issues, doesn't he. He loves Lizzie in spite of his better judgement because of her poor connections, her overbearing mother, her odd father and her ridiculous younger sisters. 

While I know how this tale will turn out, I must confess to be rather enjoying re-reading this delightful novel.

If you haven't read 'Pride and Prejudice' before, please take my advice and get reading.

Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle as Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet.