Creative Crocheting

So, I've been surfing the internet the last couple of days, checking out various interests of mine. One thing I absolutely LOVE to do is crochet. I've found quite a few interesting and new to me patterns that are available for free on various sites. I've also found some bloggers who I hadn't seen before. I can't wait to have the opportunity to try out some of the patterns. Keeping up with all the blogs I follow is difficult, but I've been doing better since starting my own. I thought it would be nice to put a shout out here to all the pages I really like...

Mikey and Diva Dan

The Crochet Crowd is one of my all time favorites. Mikey and company put out free patterns, how-to-videos and all kinds of news info concerning crochet and yarn. They are on Twitter , Facebook , and YouTube . Mikey is the face of this wonderful group. He does a wonderful job explaining the instructions in a way that anyone from beginner to advanced crocheters can follow without being bored. He is also quite funny and includes his humor within the videos. They also have a monthly group project that is usually quite fun while showing a different stitch or combination of stitches.

Abstract Cats

Crochet Geek is another cro-blogger that does a great job teaching the stitches and patterns. She has a number of tutorials available on YouTube and a Facebook page. She covers patterns from the simple to rather difficult. She has several original patterns, including Abstract Cats which is something that looks very difficult, yet the work is actually rather simple.





If I am looking for a pattern or stitch, these are the two sites I will first go to. If I am still unable to find what I'm looking for, I will go to Crochet Pattern Central they have just about everything you could ever want and they are all supposed to be free (sometimes someone gets a for purchase pattern on the list). Ravelry is another go to site for anyone with an interest in anything yarn - they offer crochet and knit patterns, some of which are free, others do require a purchase. 

Here are a couple of adult themed patterns:

Penis lip balm cover

Amigurumi Dildo

These are only a very few of the hundreds of sites that offer crochet patterns. They are the ones that I am most familiar with and that I use on a regular basis. Another great resource for patterns and ideas is Pinterest please use the comments below to share your favorite sites or links to favorite patterns.

Forced Faith

It has been said that the world is descending into Godlessness. I disagree with that statement heartily. How can that be true when every day in the news, there is at least one story about some kind of religious fanaticism being carried out? There are those who are fighting wars in the name of their religion, those who promote their religious views through terrorist attacks, still others who decide that their religious views encourage heartless chanting and picketing innocent people who have been hurt, and still others who use their religious views for political gain. None of these are acceptable actions. In learning about the various religions, they almost all have the same basic principles. The number one view they all promote is loving others. If this is the case, then why are so many people dying in the name of religion?

Obviously, there are too many religions throughout the world to list here, but the more well known religions are Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Jewish, Buddhism, Agnostic/Atheist and Pagan. I am not here to promote or vilify any of these belief systems. I am of the firm belief that where a person places their faith is entirely up to them. Personally, I have learned at least some basics about each of these, as well as a few other,

http://sacred-texts.com/

religions.  Without learning about the religions, I really don't think that a person can make a truly informed decision about other religions, they cannot make a truly informed decision about which path is the right one for them. Again, that is MY personal decision, how you have come to your particular decision is your business. I am not against a good debate pitting one system over another. Through discussion and debate an amazing amount of information about each of the points of view can be shared. It is interesting way to learn about the differing views of each of the religions on particular subjects. Debate and discussion must be respectfully done or it descends into threats, bullying, insults, and violence. This does not promote a healthy sharing of information. When the discussion descends to this place, there is no listening or understanding on either side. 

I thought it would be an interesting idea to further investigate some of the more followed religions and share that information. In order to keep the post to a readable length, I figured I would highlight a religion per post, probably on a weekly basis. (if there is a

religion that you would like to see more information about, feel free to include it in the comments and I will do my research to find out what I can) None of the information contained within further posts on this subject is intended for any other purpose than education. I am by no means an expert on any of the religions. All of the information included is only from my personal research and interpretation of the materials I read or conversations I have. I may also include information on zealots within each of these systems, this does not mean that everyone under that faith system is of the same ilk. There are always going to be people that take things too far - generally they are the exception to the rule. Most people of most faiths are not as extreme as some examples. My intention is to educate and, hopefully, foster more understanding. We must all remember that the extremists are rare and the vast majority of people within that religion do not agree with the measures that are undertaken by those small numbers of individuals. 

Provocative Party

Not all that long ago, a friend of mine had a great opportunity find her. Earlier this year, she was able to become her own boss by joining with a company that provides home demonstration parties highlighting great food products. Just one month ago, she found out about another company looking for representatives for their home parties selling a very different type of product. The package that my friend was offered with this company is one of the best I have ever seen (and I have checked into many companies of this sort in the past). The main point that had my friend indecisive about joining this second company was the line of products...she would be selling adult novelties, otherwise known as vibrators and other adult sex toys. Mind you, she isn't afraid to admit to a healthy sex drive, but she was unsure if she would be able to get up in front of a room full of people and sell them sex toys. After thinking about it for awhile, she decided the opportunity was too good to pass up.

This past weekend she demonstrated for her first party. I tagged along as emotional support as well as to help out if she needed with product information (sometimes it's tough being such a good friend LOL). We had a blast! It helped that the person who was hosting the party was someone that we had both known in high school, so the atmosphere was easy and relaxed right away. 

I thought it would be a fun idea to feature some of the products occasionally here since I really like a lot of the products she is carrying. That being said...on with the show:

The number one product that I absolutely fell in love with is Lelo's Tiani 2. A little background on the company first. Lelo was launched in 2003 and has become a leader in the industry for their innovative design in look, feel and function. Based in Sweden, their parent company, Leloi AB, has international offices and also owns the PicoBong and Intimina brands. Since their opening, Lelo has recorded outstanding growth year after year. The Tiani 2 is an award winning couple's vibrator that is intended to be worn during solo play as well as during intercourse. After powering it on, the actual unit is meant to

Lelo's Tiani 2

placed against the woman's clitoris with the arm extending into her vagina, where it will stimulate the G-spot. When in Sens Motion, movement will change the intensity of the vibrations of the unit. SenseMotion 1 will increase the intensity as the remote is moved from horizontal to vertical. SenseMotion 2 will increase the vibrations in relation to the amount of movement of the remote. There are also several vibration patterns that can be utilized. Now, this is all wonderful, but there is more...the remote has a working range of up to 39 feet. This brings to mind all sorts of fun a couple can have with foreplay. The remote control also vibrates! The same vibrations that are being felt in the vibrator unit are also felt in the remote. This means that there is no question what is going on! Not only that, but the remote can be used as another stimulator. The insertable unit is also waterproof, so it can be used in the bath or shower. There are two separate arms that will provide different feelings. The remote uses two AAA batteries that are included, the vibrating unit is rechargeable. 

The second item for today is the OhMiBod Club Vibe 2.OH. OhMiBod released their first vibrator in 2006. The products this company carries are distinctive, functional and fun. They also work with your music playlist to create vibration patterns based on the beat.

OhMiBod's Club Vibe 2.OH

The Club Vibe 2.OH is a two piece wireless remote panty vibrator. Packaged along with a pair of soft lace panties that are sized to fit most, the vibrator is intended to be inserted into the pocket within the crotch of the panties after being powered on. I, personally, think that if the panties will not fit, there should be no problem with using your own panties (which would allow for direct skin contact). The remote control has a range of 15 - 20 feet. There are five intensity levels of vibrations and the Club mode. Club mode allows for the vibrations to be affected by the ambient sound, whether that be in a club or a lovers voice. The sensitivity to sound can be adjusted to five levels. The remote control requires one 12v A23 battery that is included, the vibration unit is USB rechargeable. The possibilities with this are mind blowing! 



The surprise of the night was the Ro-80mm bullet, which I believe is produced by Rocks Off. Because I'm unsure of this information, I am not including their information at this time. If I find out the proper manufacturer of this item, I will correct this post and include

Ro-80mm Bullet

some company background. This little sucker really packs a punch that was totally unexpected. I have seen bullets in the past and this one would blow each and every one out of the water with its power. For something so small, you would expect it to have about half the power it has. This is definitely not the toy to start with, but it will definitely finish you off. It actually looks like ammunition. The nice thing is that this is a rather versatile bullet. You could use the side of it against the area you wish to stimulate, or you can use the tip of the bullet for a more defined spot of stimulation. It does come packaged with batteries, so you are good to go right away. You may want to consider purchasing more than one of these, so you can keep one in the bedroom and one in your purse...
**Update 4/29/2013 - I found out that this item is put out by Rocks Off , out of the UK. I wasn't able to locate much other information about this company other than the fact that they produce their merchandise with medical grade materials.


My blog is not intended to be an advertisement for my friend's business, but I will offer a shameless link here. If you would like to visit her website and order any of the above products, she would be happy to have your business. Favoritism will be given on this blog to the products that my friend carries, but if I do find a product that she doesn't carry and I am impressed by it, I will include that information as well. 

Real Rednecks

Lately, my family and I have been watching some very entertaining shows on tv. In my experience, most reality shows involving anyone who would be considered a redneck tend to make fun of the people on the show. We have found two shows that don't follow this formula. 

Phil, Si, Jase and Willie Robertson

Now, one or two of the guys on Duck Dynasty do make fun of themselves and certain family members. The difference is that they are commenting on some of the well known generalities regarding rednecks that they know they help to perpetuate with their actions. The show follows the Roberson clan in both personal and professional lives. Back in the 70's, Phil invented and patented a new kind of duck call. In the years since, their company Duck Commander has become a multi-million dollar company where all their duck calls are still made by hand. I love the way they all interact with each other as well as the others included on the show. Most of the Roberstons are included on the show, along with several family friends. There are several members of the family that are not shown for their own reasons.

the Landry men

The other show that we love to watch is Swamp People. The premise of this show is to follow various alligator hunters throughout the bayous of Louisiana. I don't recall any time seeing or hearing any derogatory comments made by those on the show regarding their redneck status. Now, they will explain the cajun way of doing things, because that is the way they do them. They are proud of their way of life and their beliefs. As they should be. I've seen them do very amazing things by following the ways of the land and their superstitions. Yes, several times I have seen where they have dealt with setbacks or celebrations by following local customs and rituals. Every week the cameras follow several alligator hunters and their experiences. Occasionally, there is some footage of their home lives. Quite a few of the hunting teams are comprised of family members. This can make it both easier and harder for them to do their work. 

While both of these shows follow people that some would refer to as backwoods, they are fun to watch. The shows are entertaining and sometimes even educational. After watching a few episodes, you begin to feel almost as if you are part of their families. You begin to have your favorites (Si and Troy, for me) and will argue with others in your own family as to why 'your guy' is the best. 

Senators Sink Safety

NY Times article

Yesterday, the Senate voted down a measure to require background checks when purchasing a gun. This was yet another time when those we have placed in a position to speak for us did what they wanted instead of listening to us. From various reports I have read, Americans are somewhere between 80 to 90% in favor of this, so why did only 54 Senators vote for this bill? Granted, my math skills are not truly advanced, but if there are 100 Senators 80 or 90 percent of them would equal 80 or 90 Senators, not 54...if I'm wrong, someone please show me how this works! 

How do these people live with themselves knowing that they not only do nothing to stop these mass killings, but they are actually making it easier for these tragedies to occur again. I found an interesting article here that chronicles mass shootings and killing sprees across the US. The fact that 49 of those guns were obtained legally, 71 semi automatic handguns were used, and 42 high capacity magazines were utilized shows that this bill could have been a great help in lowering the casualties of those responsible. To put this in some perspective for you, there was another bill voted on not too long ago to allow for concealed carry firearms...57 of our dear Senators voted to PASS that bill - yet only 54 agreed that mandated background checks were a good idea. Perhaps those mental health checks should be performed on the people in the Capitol?!?

The Newtown victims

The Aurora theater victims

Tuscon, Arizona Victims

The NIU victims

The 13 victims of Columbine

It seems to me that the Senate needs to remember that there are things they could have done that could have prevented all of these people from becoming victims. Or, at the very least, from there being any more of these kinds of group photos.


***Note - After reading what I wrote, I realize that there could be some misunderstanding of my position on gun ownership. I support the 2nd Amendment and the right for people to own guns, however there is no conceivable reason for the average person to need to own any kind of automatic weapon or high capacity magazine. These are not used for hunting or required for personal protection. I you feel the need to own an automatic weapon for the purpose of hunting, then you do not belong out there with other hunters, because you are a danger to yourself and others if your aim is that bad.

Getting Going

Normally, when someone starts a blog, it's because they have some idea of what they want to write about. I have no clue. So, why start a blog, you ask? I'm glad you did. You see, there are any number of topics out there that I have an opinion about. Now my opinion may differ from yours (and many others, I'm sure) but it may also bring to your mind some points that you hadn't in the past considered. Or you may think I'm an idiot of the worst kind. Whatever your thoughts, I just feel the need to write and hopefully have people see, read and think about my words. I have a tentative plan to write regularly about whatever topic comes to mind when my fingers start to type. Whatever I end up discussing, you can be assured that it will include my truthful opinion, no matter how twisted that may seem to others. 

I can guarantee that there will be times when the subject matter that I introduce could be outside of some people's comfort zones, or that my thoughts will exactly the opposite of some out there. That is fine, if you don't want to read about a certain subject, by all means skip that post. If you don't agree with me, feel free to include your comments. By posting your comments, you invite others to read them and include their comments. I will encourage a frank and open discussion about any topic that is included in this blog, however, I will NOT tolerate anyone becoming verbally abusive in any way shape or form within this blog. 

That being said, I am excited to get started and see where this takes us.