The Pandora Problem

So, one day last summer, the Bald Kid came home from the garden shop with a few bags of potting soil, a ceramic pot and one of the strangest plants I’ve ever seen. It was so strange, in fact that it looked like it came from another planet–like maybe Pandora, from the movie Avatar.

When he first bought it and for months after that many of the leaves had odd ridges and bumps running right down the middle–which is one of the things that made it so peculiar.

We had fun, the Bald Kid and I, taking care of this silly plant and measuring how tall it was growing and wondering how tall it would eventually get, someday. When he left, he said, “Take care of Pandora for me. Maybe when I get back, it will be a huge tree.” Yeah, HE goes to live in Siberia for two years, and all I have to do is take care of his plant. Sounds easy, right?

Well, now on to the sad part of the story. This crazy plant was growing like mad and one morning I came in to find that the leafy top part had tipped over and snapped right off. I nearly cried. It was doing so well. All I could think of to do was to put the top half in a pot of root starter and leave the bottom half alone.

Here’s my question…

Does anybody have an idea of what this plant is called?

I’d like to call a nursery and get some advice on how or if I can save the silly thing. If I can’t and it dies–I’d like to replace it…but I don’t know what “it” is. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing–but I’d love some help or tips or information about it so’s not to do something really wrong and kill both pieces.

Any advice my friends?

Thanks…in advance.

:}

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:: The Magical Scrapbasket ::

It all started with a little girl who wanted to play in her mommy’s scrap basket for bit. It was great fun making scarves and headbands and bracelets…for about 10 minutes.

Then a very strange thing happened.

No on saw it coming.

The silly boys came along…

and changed the game entirely.

How it went from sashes and bows…

to ninjas and bad guys…

is a complete mystery to me…although, I think, perhaps it had something to do with the bearded one.

Lucky for us, that in their quest for complete world domination–even He-Man and Mighty Mouse have room for…

a properly placed Wood Sprite.

Smart guys.

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Sweet Little Easter Basket

Have you ever seen such a sweet little Easter basket in all your life? Hence the name, I suppose, but you must admit, it would look lovely as a centerpiece. It just melts my mushy little heart thinking of all the jelly beans, and Cadbury Mini Eggs and Reese’s Bunnies you could fit in this little thing. Yum…

But I digress.

If you crochet—and who doesn’t? (haha)–then you’re going to love this EASY project.

I’m not kidding–I made one and a half of these while watching Voyage of the Dawn Treader last night–which is fabulous, by the way…the movie, I mean…well, and the speed crochet too, I guess. So both.

It’s made in a continuous round…

using 3 strands of your favorite yarn. You know I’m going to say that I used Peaches and Cream 100% cotton–because I love it beyond belief–and it’s soft and comes in a million colors. Good thing because I’m making a few baskets and I need them all slightly different.

A”K” hook worked the best for me–but you can play with it.

Sweet Little Easter Basket

Beg at base of basket, with 3 strands your favorite yarn held tog, ch 2.
Rnd 1: Work 8 sc in first ch. Place marker in first st for beg of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed.
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around – 16 sc.
Rnd 3: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc; rep from * around – 24 sc.
Rnd 4: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc; rep from * around – 32 sc.
Rnd 5: Working in back loops only, sc in each sc around.
Resume working through both loops of each st again.
Rnd 6: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 7: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 7 sc; rep from * around – 36 sc.
Rnd 8: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 9: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 8 sc; rep from * around – 40 sc.
Rnd 10: Sc in each sc around.
Rnd 11: *2 sc in next sc, sc in next 9 sc; rep from * around – 44 sc.
Rnd 12 : Sc in each sc around.

Rnd 13: Incorporate a piece of floral wire under each stitch and sc in each sc around. Note: Adding the wire is optional–but it helps the basket hold it’s shape much better.

Fasten off.

HANDLE
With 3 strands held tog, ch 31.
Rnd 1: Work 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 28 ch, 4 sc in last ch; rotate piece to work along opposite side of foundation ch (at the base of the sts you just worked), sc in next 28 ch–incorporating a piece of floral wire under these stitches, 2 sc in last ch; join with slip st in first ch.

Note: Again, the wire is optional–but it helps the handle hold it’s shape so it doesn’t flop over.

Fasten off.

FINISHING
Sew ends of handle outside top edge of Basket. Weave in ends.

And there you have it my dears. I do hope you’ll try this one. If you’d like help or if you’re new to crochet–go to Crafting Tutorials and scroll to the bottom. There are some easy links to show you the basics–step by step.

Do it–you’ll love it.

Now…to fill this lovely basket with all that good stuff. See’s catalog anyone?

Heh, heh, heh.

Great Minds…

A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from our lives.

A simple, special, memorable moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and keep close to my heart.

If you are inspired to do the same–leave us a link in the comments.

Have a good weekend my friends.

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