There are two basic ways to categorize sweaters: by style or origin and by yarns used. Some of the more common are:

Style or Origin

Yarns

Alpaca: [caption id="attachment_120" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Alpaca ready to help make a sweater"][/caption]

The hair of Peruvian alpacas. Alpaca fleece is a natural, light-weight, lustrous and silky hair. It is hollow as well, which makes it a good insulator fiber.

Merino: [caption id="attachment_118" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Merino Sheep"][/caption]

Super fine wool from Merino sheep which is the finest and softest wool of any sheep. Originally most associated with Spain, merino wool now comes from Argentina, Autralia, New Zealand, South Africa and the western U.S.

By Maury Thompson

Article Exerpt

Kelly Eustis, a 21-year-old Republican from Argyle, is on the road with “The Stop Obama Tour,” which begins with a rally in Sacramento, Calif. this morning.

“Our first one is in a couple of hours and then we’re headed to Reno, Nevada for our second stop,” eustis said during a telephone interview. “And we’ll be coming through the north part of the United States all the way through Ohio in to Pennsylvania and (Washington) DC.”

Eustis took a semester off college and is working as eCampaign coordinator with Our Country Deserves Better, a conservative political action committee that organized the tour.

“So basically there I do the outreach and all that good stuff — press releases, media relations, like we had a guy on Fox News today from our organization. So we’re hitting it pretty big,” he said.

Meanwhile, back on the home front Eustis is taking a bipartisan approach to local politics.

Eustis and Kameron Spaulding, a 20-year-old Democrat, announced Wednesday they have teamed up to form a political action committee focussed on local issues in Argyle.

Better Argyle will be developing a number of initiatives in the coming weeks, including forming a community committee to develop an economic development plan for the town, according to the group’s Web site.

Eustis said the Argyle group will focus more on issues than political candidates, at least in the beginning.

To read the entire article, please click here

Argyle, NY – Committee for a Better Argyle ("Better Argyle") was launched today as a bi-partisan political action committee made up of community, business, and political leaders in the town of Argyle, New York.  Better Argyle strives to create and support sound policy that limits taxes and creates economic progress for the benefit of taxpayers and residents.  The organization plans to debut more initiatives over the next few months, including ones related to political education and community involvement.

Better Argyle is founded and co-chaired by Kelly S. Eustis and Kameron Spaulding.  They believe there is no place for politics when it comes to inflating costs and rising assessments being experienced by Argyle's families.

"People are tired of partisan politics overtaking doing what is right for the taxpayers," said Eustis.  "It looks promising for the future of Argyle that two young and enthusiastic political leaders from both parties have decided to work together to come up with positive solutions for our town.  We will stand behind issues and candidates that we believe will serve the people best and we plan to be an influential force in shaping the future of Argyle politics."

Kelly S. Eustis, a 21-year-old Republican, serves as Executive Director for Better Argyle.  Eustis has experience in business and politics ranging back to his early teen years.  He is currently chairman of the Argyle Republican Committee and was a candidate for councilman on the Argyle Town Board in 2007.  As President and CEO of Eusatrix Corporation, a public relations and political consulting firm, Eustis is involved with campaigns, political committees, and non-profits all over the United States.

Kameron Spaulding, a 20-year-old Democrat, serves as Policy Director for Better Argyle.  Spaulding is a college student at Rhode Island College, member of the Argyle Democratic Committee, and was founder of the Washington County Young Democrats.

"In small towns like Argyle there are issues that unite us far deeper than any party line can separate us,” said Spaulding.  “In these tough economic times we need to support leaders that will work across part lines to support the changes we need."

The committee's website, BetterArgyle.com, is powered by Eusatrix and serves as the main portal for the organization.  Better Argyle is reaching out on social networking sites like Facebook and utilizing mail and emails lists to communicate to Argyle residents.

For more information on Committee for a Better Argyle, visit www.betterargyle.com.

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But after enduring my first summer here in the Crescent City, I assure can assure you this:  Summer in New Orleans makes Winter in Chicago look like Spring in Faulconbridge.

What, exactly, do people down here think is so hard about a Chicago winter?

You want to know what I think is "hard"?  Driving around in a car that, even with the protection of a sun visor, turns into a convection oven after as little as an hour in a parking lot.  Or maybe walking out your front door in the evening, after a cold shower and the liberal application of Gold Bond to your feet and other strategic parts of your body, and sweating through your entire wardrobe before you reach your first stop of the night.

I mean, do you know what counts for extreme weather during Chicago winters?  An overnight blizzard that transforms your neighborhood into a breathtaking winter wonderland.  Every front lawn becomes a freaking snowman factory and even the slightest change in elevation or terrain becomes a the most glorious sled hill an 11-year old has ever seen in his life.  Plus, if Jack Frost's timing is just right, the roadways don't get cleared in enough time to get the buses moving and schools are closed for the day.

And after I passed the age where historically bad weather meant a free day off, I worked as an analyst in the division of a major retailer responsible for the winter seasonal run of shovels, windshield de-icer, and remote car starters.  The bonus of nasty weather across the nation was now huge sales, so as recently as a year ago I was still going to bed each winter night hoping for the sky to open up and the elements to unleash their fury.  How "hard" can winter be if there are whole segments of the population (namely school children and merchandise planning analysts) that would be happy to get hit with it's best shot?

I am actually embarrassed, finding myself on the fragile Gulf Coast in the waning days of the second most destructive hurricane season in the history of man,  that I had ever prayed for the worst Mother Nature had to offer.

See, it doesn't exactly take that much wherewithal to combat the brisk air of winter with my impressive collection of argyle and merino wool sweaters that look so good on me.  And no extra every effort is required, on my part, to go to a restaurant, just as I would at any time of year, but now be treated to a menu filled with hearty, delicious pasta dishes and soups along with an increased selection of red wine by the bottle.

You know what takes wherewithal?  Spending 6 months months out of every year ready to pack up all your important belongings and leave town on a few day's notice, still seeing reminders all over the city about how little you could potentially come back to, and yet not even thinking twice about returning the instant you get the "all clear."

I used to dismiss the question "How did you handle those winters?" with a reflexive "The same way you handle these summers."  But I now feel like that would actually be an insult to the native New Orleanians who have suffered through the oppressive heat and dealt with the fear of catastrophic destruction for one half of every year of their life.  "Making it through" cold winters seems like a wholly passive endeavor compared to the exhaustive test of mettle someone has to endure during the months (and months, and months) of summer down here.

Jason and I found this huge dragon fly on the way to the gas station (we were walking there after dinner to get some hot chocolate). I just could leave it there. So we grabbed a napkin from the gas station and I carried it home. I really need to get a case for all these bugs I'm collecting! Haha. I really like drawing them though and I'm serious when I say I should get a case. Any ideas?

These are my argyle slipper toes I've been working on (Weekend Knitting). The finished one isn't blocked, but it will be soon enough. I can't wait to get them done. I haven't decided what I want to use for a sole as I can't use leather (Totally allergic, my toes swell up and turn blue! Yuck! And itch! Annoying!). I was thinking about thick wool felt, but there is no local source to get it from. I could wet felt some soles. I could order some wool felt online.

I am really excited to get these done though so I can start wearing them around. They will be so cozy and warm and I can't wait.

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I should apologize for the complete lack of posting going on here lately, but I'm not going to, haha. It's my blog, I'll post when I want. Nah, I'm just kidding. I really want to continue the daily drawings. And I want to continue to show you my knitting and random things I see and do. I just need a bit of time to adjust to this whole working a part time job thing. I'm going to be working 6 hours tomorrow and 7 hours Friday and it's really thrown me out of sync with my craft cave. I am starting to get the hang of it, but I've had to cram a whole lot into yesterday and today to stay on schedule. I did get most things on my to do list done though with just "clean ferret cage" left to go (I just gave them their bath, so cute! they are little puff balls right now). It's almost midnight some I'm going to clean the cage, put the citizens to bed, and then go to bed myself.

Hopefully you will hear from me again sooner rather than later, but honestly it might not be until clm is in the shop on Sunday. If I can sneak in some drawing time of that awesome dragon fly I will and I'll post it. I've even been considering doing some studies and then a painting or larger/detailed drawing. We will see.

Have a good night!
Kristin

I was finally able to try it on, and was amazed by how perfectly it fit! Good thing the person I'm making it for is the same size as me!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and  it is always a good time make sure you are taking care of your health screenings.  One of the most important health screenings physicians can offer is a mammogram.  In the scope of my work as a breast surgeon,  I have heard almost every reason why women delay in getting a mammogram.

One of the most common reasons is a fear that a mammogram may be abnormal.  Abnormal mammograms allow us to detect breast cancer at a much earlier stage and early detection is the key to cure of breast cancer. Only a small percentage of patients with abnormal mammograms end up with the diagnosis of breast cancer.  Some abnormalities are followed, some require further imaging, and some will require a biopsy.  This biopsy is usually performed with image guided, non-invasive methods.

Another often mentioned reason is that there is no family history of breast cancer.  Family history along with previous history of breast cancer, and previous history of abnormal breast biopsy are some risk factors for the development of breast cancer.  But the strongest risk is advancing age, as one in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.  Certainly a plan for screening can change based on your family history, but lack of a family history does not protect women from developing breast cancer.

The physical discomfort of a mammogram is the most common reason given by patients to avoid a mammogram.  This is a real concern as many women are not only uncomfortable during the procedure but also for days afterwards.  I can only say that this discomfort is minimal compared to the possibility of treatment for advanced breast cancer. New techniques with mammopads can help with this problem and a good mammographer will be able to minimize discomfort.

I encourage family and friends to always be supportive of the women in your life when it comes to personal health issues. Working together with your health care provider gives you and your family the best chance to detect breast cancer early and win the fight.

Scott McDearmont, M.D. is a Board Certified General Surgeon with expertise in advanced surgical techniques in the treatment of Breast Cancer.  Visit the website www.scottmcdearmont.com for more information

This blog should not be taken as medical advice.  Only after establishing a provider-patient relationship and undergoing a complete examination can medical advice be given.  Please contact your primary care provider if you have questions about your medical condition.

I cut my first steek this weekend! I have to admit, I can't really see the value of such a tedious and stressful process, but I am happy to say I've tried it and succeeded. Though I still need to cut steeks for the the other armhole, the back neck, and the deep V neckline in the front, so I'm not in the clear yet!

(In the background is my homework for Optimal Control, which suddenly seemed a million times easier after I was done. I really know how to spend a Saturday night, don't I?)

Comes in 9 soft colors & patterns for L$99 each.

From Orchid Dreams - Traditional Japanese Fashion

And so I did this day. One of our colleagues is getting married, and as part of a gift, we decided to do some photos w/ personal messages and stuff. Even though I'm still on a contractor base, they wanted to have my mug as well. I don't remember what the reason was, but all of a sudden we laughed our heads off, and instead of cracking my killer toothpaste advert smile, I had to laugh uncontrollably.

It was so bad, that on the photo it looks like I'm crying. Or sneezing (I still ave this cold). Or doing other stuff, at least other than laughing.

In any case, I thought it would be nice to post a "On the Job" one too. And referring to my previous photo; I might have been overknipped. See the strange bold spots on top of my head? Hmmm...

52 38 Having fun at the Office, originally uploaded by Stewart Leiwakabessy. 22nd September, 2008 -- ©Stewart Leiwakabessy

I was late for this game.

[caption id="attachment_66" align="alignright" width="128" caption="Guilty pleasure"][/caption]

I was hungover to high heaven after seeing Metallica at the O2 the night before (one of the teenage habits that I don't seem to be able to break) and was entirely reliant on a lift from a mate. He was late, so I was late.

Sauntering up to Vicarage Road 10 minutes after kick off was an interesting experience. There were fans clearly on their way to the game, clearly late, yet clearly not bothered. Instead of rushing to the game little pockets of supporters slowly shuffled towards Vicarage Road, preferring to stop and fill up on take away food and confectionery - some even stopping to read the paper.

As we walked down Occupation Road 12 minutes into the game the other thing that struck us was the dirth of sound. There was definitely a game on - we could hear the ref's whistle and the shouts of the players - but nothing from the fans. This is no great suprise, we all know Vicarage Road is hardly a seething pit of partisan support, but this really did seem strangely subdued.

When we got into the ground, settled down and got the team news from my brother, the reason for the apathy became clear. The East Stand is shut, and with no-one in it our quaint reminder of yester-year is an increased eyesore. On top of that, there is the building work in the corner of the Rookery. With no idea of when or if that project will be finished, the ground provides a fairly depressing spectacle. But the thing that really struck me about this game, and the state of our team/squad, was the subs bench.

Loach, Mariappa, Ainsworth, Bangura, Hoskins. There was something about this list of names that put me in mind of some of the distinctly average Watford teams throughout the 90's (obvious exceptions excluded). I was immediately put in mind of players like Peter Beadle,

It's all a bit comfortable I suppose. No-one really expects us to challenge for promotion, and we should have enough quality to stay in the division, but apart from staying in the

Championship, it is hard to see any other realistic goals.

Admittedly the treatment room is now at bursting point, and one could argue that an entirely fit squad would be an interesting proposition - hopefully time will tell. For now however though, I think everyone is in neutral. We all turn up at the games because, well, that's what we do. I don't think anyone really expects anything.

In a way, that kind of sums up why supporting Watford can be god fun. When expectation levels are low (non-existant?!) things can happen. When our little club starts thinking it deserves or is entitled to success, then things go a bit wonky. Just look at last season - the expectation was poisonous and it made sure that last year was utterly ghastly. Already this year we have had the fun and games of the Ipswich game, and have beaten a decent side in Charlton. We have also been beaten by a rubbish Plymouth side - who knows what will happen on Saturday against Reading...

As we left the Plymouth game the feeling was that everyone was pretty much as apathetic as they were at the start. We had lost, but we hadn't played that badly. There is a long way to go in the season, and we'll play worse and win (according to Aidy at any rate). Not a great night's entertainment, but not the worst, so home to bed before we do it all again on Saturday. 

With only one fit striker avaialble to us, it will be tough, but funny things happen when you least expect it, especially at Watford...

Oh yes, I certainly have lotsa love for wiener dogs... especially ones in sweaters. My fellow wiener dog loving friend Leizel agrees. That's why I made this set of prints for her housewarming. The dogs have a woodgrain texture (if you haven't noticed yet... I'm a sucker for woodgrain, I just can't help it).

I miss those jumper days. Them and their sophisticated patterns. I never wore argyle as a Catholic schoolgirl, but now, every time I wear it--I'm still brought back to that age and immediately feel like I need to grow up and not wear it anymore. Maybe it's 'cause the only argyle I own is 1) A red and brown sweater reminiscent of Lizzie Maguire, and 2) a bubble jumper.

In theory, I'm supposed to hate urban/cutesy argyle, because I'm 21, not tryin' to be on the Disney Channel, need to look professional, wear more skirts and less jeans, etc.

But it's just so FUN

I still use a backpack :|

My sister's off to school, and I'm done with school. What's next for me? I HAVE NO IDEA.

I've considered different schools with film M.A.s, art programs, and I've also looked at journalism schools. I love both fields. We'll see what happens. All I know is that I need to get a job first to raise money for the iciwici life direction fund--and wherever I'm off to, I'll try my best not to let go of that lovely argyle charm.

Andrew stays connected

I used to hate cycling. (NB: in this context, 'hate' is too mild a word, but I am not aware of a single alternative that fully conveys my deep-rooted, fundamental, bone-chilling, teeth-grinding loathing. There can be no more perfect confluence of distilled misery than of being a teenager in Ireland in the late eighties. Add cycling to the mix, and we're talking about a diabolical form of torture. Cycling to school was an exercise in thriving/surviving against impossible odds, what with drunk truck drivers and waterlogged potholes that extended to the centre of the earth, and the wretched awareness that my arse was the biggest in the known universe, and the mobile audience who stared at it incredulously. Not forgetting the tragic grey Argyle I used to think was cool, but was actually so unfashionable that when I wear it NOW it would almost qualify as trendy. And the plastic Dunnes Stores bags secured to my feet with elastic bands.)

Over the years, I have grown attached to my arse and adept at dodging potholes. Also, it is impossible to dislike cycling where we live. Husband bitches about the number of hills, but freewheeling down them is such fun, it more than compensates for slogging back up.

During the week, I made a Trademe purchase from a seller who lived in Waitakere.

"She's just up the road," I informed Andrew. "I'll pedal over on Saturday morning."

I was surprised when he volunteered to accompany me, although it is perhaps less surprising when the alternative was cleaning the gutters. I tried to avoid distance-related discussion, and told him it was 'all downhill'.

We shoved the bikes up to Scenic Drive - with a minor detour back to the house when we realised Andrew had forgotten his helmet - and cycled north. Scenic Drive is a fair illustration of the word 'undulating'. However, just before Scenic Drive intersects with Swanson Road/Waitakere Road, there is a kilometre long downhill. This was terrific fun, although a section of uneven tarmac reminded me how vulnerable a bicycle is. 

We took an alternative route home, opting to traverse Christian Road and along the Pipeline Track to Mountain Road. We walked the Pipeline Track in summer and even then it was greasy; however, it is only a kilometre long and downhill.

Front brake accessorised with plant

I'm really liking the color combination (the yarn is Knitpicks Merino Style in Cinnamon and Vanilla), and the argyle pattern is quite additive. My goal was to have this done by the time I go to Europe in late November, but it looks like it will be finished much sooner.

She's a whiskery, big eyed, wet nosed, floppy eared, argyle sweater vest wearing dog.

Admittedly, I'm not a shoe gal. I don't take delight in sliding my foot in and out of different shoes, fantasizing about what kind of fancy function I'd wear them to or thinking about how well they'd go with something in my closet that I never wear. However, if I had these shoes I would wear them everywhere, regardless of comfort--to work, to the grocery, down to the library to pick up some books. I'd put them on and the world would turn into a fast-talking screwball comedy. Eventually one of the cats would chew on the back of a shoe and I'd have to only wear them with pants that covered up the chew marks. Then the other cat would gnaw on the actual heel and I'd have to retire the shoes for good. And everyone would ask, "Where are your shoes? What happened to your wonderful argyle shoes?!" I'd tell them about my beastly cats and they'd tell me how bad cats are and recommend I get rid of them.

Truthfully, I love my cats far too much to risk heartache over a pair of shoes.

If the blue and brown argyle heels were available, that would be a slightly different story.

The first one is a chocolate cupcake with argyle fondant topping from Clever Cupcakes in Montreal.

Going slightly larger is Andrea's Sweetcakes with an argyle rum cake.

I am amazed that A) this occurred to anyone and B) that anyone could have the patience to make the effort of cutting the diamonds in fondant. I tip my argyle fedora to these ladies!

For my birthday (only six days away), it would be great to have argyle cupcakes with peppermint-flavoured frosting. With a side of peppermint ice cream. And a chilled martini in an argyle'd cocktail glass. In a hottub. A girl can dream!

Because we have dabbled in the Olympic Fashion world for a few days, we thought it best to step away from the Olympic uniforms and look at some of the additional items being marketed as tie-ins to the Beijing Summer Games. We finally came across some photographs of a bag we've been reading about for some time; the PUMA Olympic "It bag."

Might we also add that hunting up the PUMA bags for this column was an eye-opening experience, albeit a tad mind-warping. As we don't generally spend time blazing new fashion trails, we had *no* idea that the selection of bags PUMA offers is so broad! Heavens to Betsy! Below, the PUMA Olympic Ring Bag.

Below are bags that also won recognition in this year's CSM (Central St. Martin) Design competition sponsored by PUMA, including the Medallion Bag designed by George Omerod in either Gold or Silver, as well as the CSM Elastic Ring Bag. The Princess applauds PUMA for supporting young, independent designers, but is somehow not in sync with the medallion bags. At all.

If you would like to read and see more on Olympic fashions and design, Forbes Life has an interesting story and along with one of their wonderful slide shows.

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Many readers are familiar with The Princess's disdain for inappropriate emotional displays, yet they have been witness to her inability to contain herself upon seeing the madras plaid swim separates by Shoshanna. It was dreadful, we were absolutely gaga and completely out of control, incapable of containing ourselves. (Below, the ever-so-preppy madras swim top at Nordstrom.)

In reality, there is little from this designer that we don't like, as her lines are simple, the cut is classic and the end result is always one that is sure to flatter every figure. In many ways it is a 'preppy' design aesthetic.

To the right of the swimsuit above, the Mosaic Belted Dress at Saks in a bright and brilliant shade of blue. (A quick FYI if you are still looking for swimwear, all of the Shoshanna swimwear separates are on sale at ShopBop, and there is an additional 20% off the sale prices.)

If you like Shoshanna's designs you'll want to pop over to Ronda Carman's fabulous blog, "All the Best" for her profile of designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss (below).

Learn which handbag she carries the most, her favorite luxury in life and who her style icons are, plus you can become acquainted with the blog, a daily read for us here at the Prepatorium.

We also adore the Shoshanna Tuxedo Halter Dress at Nordstrom, with its cutaway top and pleated waist, and simply love the Stretch Jersey Cap Sleeve dress at Bluefly, despite the fuzzy-wuzzy photo.

Scoot over to Ronda's when you have a minute to get a peek at the person behind the Shoshanna designs and meet Ronda, well worth the trip itself!

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An update on last week's post mentioning the upgrades being done to the Ralph Lauren Rugby website, including the added enhancement of being able to shop online at the site. The site is now open for business and you can actually shop the Rugby styles online!

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Once again TP feels compelled to tiptoe around the issue of m****, a topic you know that we never discuss, certainly not in a public forum such as this. However, there are times when economics mandate that one does what they can to pinch a penny or two along the way to livin' the Prepalicious! lifel And TP is here to help, forever seeking measures and means to keep your pocketbook healthy and happy. (You know what a horrid chore it can be when you are forced to call up one of the Trustees and detail your plight.)

It is in this vein we always suggest the 'Buy Ahead' method for supplementing one's wardrobe, acquiring pieces now that will be simply divine in the future. You know the basic boys button-down at Hickey-Freeman that is on sale now is ideal for this fall and winter, and no one knows what season it is because it's a classic item made with superb materials and craftsmanship. Or the vibrant (that is an understatement) plaid sportcoat Thurston will wear to this fall's holiday 'do,' similar to this Holiday Plaid Style on sale at Hickey Freeman.

And don't forget the edgier Hickey store, with goods aimed toward a younger and hipper clientele than those at parent store Hickey Freeman. They too have some fabulous men's merchandise at outstanding price points, especially since they added 'Take an Additional 20% off" to the deal. We are particularly fond of this Linen/Cotton Blend Chambray Shirt, a basic that will last forever. We are, of course, completely and totally ignoring those shameful buttons (gasp!) and the little leaf logo.

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Naturally there are loads of treasures at the J. Crew Final Sale that are simply perfect for everyone, but do be sure to check the markdowns on everything.

For example, the Cambridge cable crewneck sweater, a 'must have' basic available in loads of colors normally runs $74. It is now $69.50, not much of a markdown.

We are pretty excited about the Men's Broken-in Madras Sneakers, now only $19.99, still available in a good range of sizes in both the Tidal Blue or the Montauk Patchwork.

Even getting the little ones properly clad for school can be accomplished in some cases at this sale! Probably not in the school days category, but still fabulous: these Callie Flats for the little princess in the family.

There is always the GIrls' Polished Cotton Polo at $6.99, with lots of colors to choose from, or maybe the Girls' Cashmere Argyle Cardigan, doesn't that look elegant, yet über-snuggly for the Little Miss?

For the young master, how can you go wrong with a silk Lighthouse Tie that was $29.50, now $7.99, or the East Hampton polo shirt?

BTW, we're just tickled that *finally* the New J. Crew store opened at the Galleria in Dallas. Only one store in a town that size was just silly.

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One wouldn't want to pass up the Summer Sale at their local Saks, or the online store with all manner of things marked down, including this Stephen Dweck Bronze Ring. There are other treasures like the classic St. John Sport Boatneck Stripe Sweater in a timeless wool and rayon knit you will wear for years (not shown). The Princess is also partial to the Ann Demeulemeester Suede Sneakers in black.

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At Boden things are not discounted anywhere near the amounts shown above, but the there are savings to be had just the same, if you enjoy the company's casual classics.

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Now don't forget to stop by Barney's Sale online, unless you're in the city in which case it would be criminal to not get yourself to the physical warehouse sale. Already underway in LA, the online sale features deep markdowns and runs through the 26th, while the warehouse sale has even better markdowns, and you get the experience of someone ripping that top you were just looking at right out of your hands! The physical warehouse sale goes through the 1st of September.

And on that crazy note, the Princess will toddle off for a nightcap and some Olympics viewing!

]]> http://dadsandthings.wordpress.com/?p=43 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:03:04 +0000 chadhali http://dadsandthings.com/2008/08/11/braveheart-sweetness-1/ [/caption]

You may have wondered about our little tagline “You have the look of your Mother”. And then again, maybe you didn’t and just thought it was weird. In either case - behold.

In the movie Braveheart, young William Wallace’s father is killed, leaving him alone in the world. At the end of the funeral, a spooky man with one fake eye rides up on a white horse and utters two sentences of greatness. Just two. That’s all he needed.

Uno -“William. I am your Uncle, Argyle.”

Dos – “You have the look of your Mother.”

And with that we are introduced to one of sweetest characters in cinematic history. Why is he sweet, you ask? The reasons most certainly as numerous as the sand on the seashore; but here are a couple for starters:

First, who on earth would choose the above sentences as his FIRST words to a grieving nine-year-old nephew whom he’s NEVER met? How about a “hey buddy”? How about “how are you feeling about your Dad”? Some sort of hug maybe….? Nope. Just “You have the look of your Mother”. Cool. Thanks for that weird-eyed Uncle, but she’s gone and my Dad just died. Not super-helpful.

But we love him for it…can’t get enough.

Second, he is the one who teaches William to use his brains - and his brawn. A bit later in their initial meeting as young William picks up a sword and looks at it with wonder, Argyle slowly takes it from him and taps him gently on the head as he says, “First learn to use this. Then I’ll teach you to use this (points to the sword).”

So from this we can clearly deduce that there was freeeeeedoom because of Uncle Awesome as much as it was William Wallace. He’s the Miyagi of Scotland for goodness sake.

Lastly, he speaks multiple languages. Of course he does. Later that same night they are eating dinner…Arygle is slurping away at some sort of concoction in a wooden bowl he probably carved himself when he asks if young William speaks Latin. After a negative nod, the master of simplicity responds with “well that’s something we shall have to remedy, isn’t it?”

Yes it is…it certainly is.

In short, we love us the Argyle.