Learning to make a crochet flower

I really want to learn to make crochet flowers. I love flowers! They are beautiful on a painter's canvas, as pretty fabric flowers, and even as the faux kind they are extraordinairily beautiful when they are very good quality. I especially love the crepe paper ones-they can take your breath away! So, I thought, I might learn to make a crochet flower or a bunch of flowers.

To start my endeavor, I went to my favorite "go to" learning site for new yarn stitches, which would be Lion Brand yarn. It was here that I found the pattern I posted recently on the irish rose crochet flower. Okay, so that was part 1. Part 2 came about after reading the directions and realizing that I need a more visual approach on the how-to's of crochet flower making. So, off to my next "go to" site for learning, Ravelry.

At Ravelry, I came across Teresa, and on her site she has an excellent video that is uploaded on Youtube.com.

Here is her wonderful demonstration that I found, easy peasy-

So, I had to replay this video a number of times, which is okay for me, because unfortunately for me, I sometimes am an unfocused learner ( or in more lay terms-SLOW) and require repeat instructions. Fortunately, this is video and therefore I do not have to worry about getting on the teacher's nerves!

So this is my first attempt.

I loved the learning experience and I shall have another go at other "Crochet Geek" videos. But first, to practice my hand skill some, I will make more of these.

More joys-

Oh! I am so excited! I am happy to say that my first green bean harvest is complete! I planted a green  bean plant this past May in a large planter pot and this is what the "mother" blessed us with-

Okay, you can laugh!

We cracked up!

But you know what?

Every little bit counts, and really-

Aren't they gorgeous? I know it's small, but it is very significant! I am so proud (sniff, snuff)! They are all pretty perfect!

Also, I have made something very healthy and good to eat. Do you like kale soup? I love it!

Tonya's Kale Soup

(Please: Read the Recipe first)

1 small bunch of fresh kale, cut into small parts

1/2 can of diced tomatoes

3 medium potatoes peeled, and roughly chopped, big chunks

1 small vidalia onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves ( or more) garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp. of "Better Than Boullion" concentrate chicken broth

(comes in a jar, see pic)

1 tsp. of oregano

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 tsp.sea salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp. dried coriander (the spice in a jar)

a couple of cups of boiled water to bring the level up to near the top of the crock pot

lots of grated pecorino romano cheese for a gooey topping

(of course the amount of cheese is optional, it's really to taste)

Some cooked pasta or rice (leftovers are great) for serving and completing the meal

Step1- Rinse kale and boil a pot of water for the stock.

Step 2- Saute onions, garlic for a minute. Then add kielbasa to the saute for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 3- Add all the ingredients to the crock, except the water, red pepper flakes and cheese.

Step 4- Add the water to nearly filled.

Step 5- Very important! Turn your crock setting to low.

Step 6- Let cook for 3-4 hours. Longer will not do any harm. You can leave it and forget it

(you're gonna eat this today, though)

Step 7- Serve up a bowl with the cooked ahead rice or noodles, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes and as much cheese as you love. Eat heartily and enjoy!

Guess who wanted some soup too?

Just kidding! Basia, does not like her food hot! Cool kibble, chicken chunks, raw broccoli, cubes of cheddar, and whole grain toast are her preferences!