Distraction

Imagine me, far away riding my bike with my three little ducklings trailing me as we pedal through pastoral Quebec (I think that’s where we’d be there by now. I wrote this ahead of time) with Ken and I making fools of ourselves en français. Imagine two people, each badly handicapped in their second national language. One has no accent, the other…no vocabulary. (If they work together they may almost order poutine without being mocked by the locals.) Now imagine that each of them actually labours under the delusion that they are speaking better french than the other and that both of them are stubborn to the point of ridiculousness. All parties concerned now (having been biking and camping for several days) smell sort of funny, are obsessed with the idea that there are bugs in the tents, and one of them is likely regretting that their camping knitting is crack kid silk haze, (That would not be me. I’m a thinker.) since the relentless heat, humidity and filth are making the cobwebby stuff stick to him. (I would be the one feeling guilty for not warning him better.) I suppose, since I am writing this ahead of time, that it’s also possible that we have spent several days sitting in tents waiting for the rain to let up, and are on the brink of shattering insanity from playing endless rounds of “eye spy”, ” A – my name is Annabelle” and “20 questions” with the girls to keep ourselves occupied, and we all wish we had enough crack kid silk haze to strangle each other with…but that’s just too cruel to consider.

Regardless of what I am doing, this entry is here to occupy you while I’m gone with a contest.

The prize? Glad you asked.

Mug

A tricoteuses sans frontières mug, hot off the presses at the KWB swag shop. (Which I covet deeply but am forcing myself to give away nonetheless.)

How do you make this yours? While I was in Hollywood for the bookbookbook, I took a stroll on the walk of fame. The sock and I looked for names we liked, but we were only moved by two. These two I liked well enough that I diced with hoards of ravening tourists and lay the sock down on the sidewalk for a shot.

What names were on the two stars that were my favourites?

Leave your two names in the comments, and in the unlikely event that more than one person guesses right, I’ll randomly select from all right answers. If nobody guesses (which, frankly…I think is more likely) I’ll draw from among all guesses. If you are a California knitter and I already told you who’s stars I loved, If you happened to be out for a walk on Hollywood blvd. and you saw me taking the pictures (and now that doesn’t seem as crazy as you thought), or if told you on the phone in a minute of weakness…you can’t play.

Have fun. See you on Thursday.

196 thoughts on “Distraction

  1. Katherine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall.
    Frankly I have no idea, but now I want to know. Sue is sitting here thinking up her entry, but I think that EVERY KNITTER should pose a sock on the walk of fame now. great idea!

  2. There’s thousands of them ;0) but I guess Judy Garland and Steve McQueen. Oh to be so glamorous.

  3. I am desperately trying to think if there is anyone whose name includes knit, or yarn, or spin, or, or, or…. But, alas, I can’t so two wild ass guesses.
    Tom Hanks
    Lana Turner
    For absolutely no reason, except I was having a hard time thinking of anyone at all!

  4. I have no clue so I’m going with Mike Myers and Siegfried & Roy.
    The first because he’s a funny Canadian (everyone loves Shrek) and the second because they’re daredevils like the sock.

  5. Old Hollywood or New Hollywood? Glamour or knitting? Decisions, decisions!
    Old Hollywood – Katherine Hepburn and Clark Gable and I won’t vote for anyone in New Hollywood.
    Looking forward to hearing about the wilds of Quebec and good poutine.

  6. I just revoked my own guessing privileges, after I caught myself cross-referencing a list of famous Canadians with a list of the Walk of Fame stars (and contemplating where you would have walked from your hotel).
    I’m just going to be over here being noncompetitive and not researching anything for awhile.

  7. Hmm, if the walk includes singers I’d vote for kd lang and Shania Twain, otherwise, I draw a blank on Canadienne actresses.

  8. I would have to say Prince- she did go to his concert and swoon! And maybe Kathryn Hepburn.

  9. Tough, tough, tough! So many to choose from, but I’ll guess: John Lennon and James Doohan.

  10. Mr. Rogers (Fred, you know) and Jimi Hendrix. I would take a moment for a picture of the star for Mr. Rogers — he of the reassuring voice, Keds sneaks and zippy-zippered cardigans.

  11. Well, I’m practically illiterate when it comes to movie history, and I don’t even know for sure who has stars, but I’m suggesting Marlene Dietrich for one and Robin Williams (does he even have a star?) for the other. Even if I’m wildly out of the running, just imagine that pair together!

  12. Jack Pearl (because he may be related?) and Kermit the Frog because who better to relate to a sock than a Muppet?
    PS- I have the large size KWB/TSF mug and use it daily (tho I’m a tea drinker and only like coffee if it is in ice cream).

  13. Hmmm… Sean Connery & Johnny Carson?? I dunno… Sean C. cause he makes my heart beat and Johnny cause he’s funny?

  14. I vote for Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett – funny, funny ladies, just like the Harlot.

  15. Only two??? man that’s hard I was going to pick Rowan Atkinson and Fred Rodgers, but then there are all the fine canadian actors who have stars
    and Big bird. Gotta love big bird., but then i saw it you must have been a closet burt and Loni fan. (ducking the blows and giggling) so I have to go wiht Burt Reynlods and Loni Anderson.

  16. I have no clue, but I love the mug … My guesses are Audrey Hepburn and James Stewart.

  17. Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.
    Must go watch “Desk Set” again now…
    Tracy: “What’s the first thing you notice about a person?”
    Hepburn” “Whether the person is male or female.”

  18. Mr. Rogers and Audrey Hepburn – Both did what they could to better our world. I now have an urge to stand outside Tiffany’s in a red sweater.

  19. I thought for a minute it would be a Pearl and a McPhee, but there’s no “McPhee.” So I’m gonna guess The Spinners and Monty Woolley. (Though Cubby Broccoli beged to be included…) Ooh! And Norma Shearer! I’m sticking with my first two, but the last two want honorable mentions, mmmkay?

  20. Don’t have a prayer here, so…:
    Audrey Hepburn and Marian Anderson. (Which I decided BEFORE looking at everyone else’s comments.)

  21. Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant?
    Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline?
    Nope I have it —
    Lucille Ball and Bernadette Peters.
    Tee hee.

  22. There’s no way I’d know which two you like the most. So I’ll just write down my own to favourites, and if they’re the same as yours, it would be fun. (And a fantastic coincidence). Here goes: Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart.

  23. I’m guessing Sandra Bullock and Carol Burnett. Because, I can easily picture either one of them clutching a towel and staring wild-eyed out of a hotel elevetor while clad only in their underwear 🙂

  24. Ooops! Yes, I’m a California knitter, but I thought I saw the names on your blog, not at the signing. But I will gladly withdraw.

  25. I’m guessing Sandra Bullock and Carol Burnett. Mainly because I can picture either one of them clutching a towel and staring wild-eyed out of a hotel elevator while clad only in their underwear 🙂

  26. Buzz Aldrin and Maria Callas.
    I’d also love to add Mr & Mrs Sidney Drew (together) though I haven’t a clue who they are or what they did…

  27. Wild guess here…maybe Rowan Atkinson and Bob Dylan. (Can you tell I only scrolled so far down the list before giving up completely? I had no idea there were so many!)

  28. OH MY GOSH!!!
    I know the answer! I know the answer!!!
    I know the answer! I know the answer!!!
    I know the answer! I know the answer!!!
    I know the answer! I know the answer!!!
    Hee hee hee!

  29. We all miss you but hope the trp is grand my guess:
    Francis Dormond (she knit in Fargo) & Audrey Hepburn because I love her. Will you be in Kitchner/Waterloo at the big knitting do next weekend?

  30. wow. there are way more stars then I would have thought… how could you possibly find ANY in there without too many?


    My guesses are:
    Bugs Bunny & Mickey Mouse 🙂

  31. All I can do is think about who I’d want to see and hope that they are the same… Jimmy Stewart and Bette Davis.

  32. I’m guessing Charles Schulz and Fred Rogers. They’re the most “non-Hollywood” and my own personal favorites. Hope you had a great trip!

  33. I have absolutely NO idea, but I’m going to go with Big Bird and Lassie, because those are the two I really would like to see.

  34. John Wayne & Audrey Hepburn. And for the record, I’m betting that it all went much better than your pre-adventure account would lead us to believe (is there a prize if I got that right?).

  35. I have no good guesses for the star names, but I just wanted to say I’m very jealous of your bike trip. I would love to be biking through pastoral Quebec right about now 🙂 Can’t wait to read the full report when you get back.

  36. I want to know why neither Colleen Dewhurst nor Prince have stars! Those were my guesses without looking and now that I’ve seen the list, I can’t concentrate.
    I sure hope you haven’t had to endure rain — or anything else that requires “endurance.” Happy trails!

  37. Gregory Peck and Anne Murray. Yes, two absolute shots in the dark. Happy cycling. Don’t hurt anything you might need.

  38. darn it, Grahame Greene isn’t on the list. He should be! So even though this answer won’t win, I’m sticking with Grahame Greene because he deserves it.

  39. I hope you are enjoying your trip and that the rain holds off and your french holds up 🙂
    My guess: Robert Redford and Paul Newman.

  40. R2-D2 and C-3PO. (You knew I would guess that, didn’t you.) Second gues would be Harrison Ford and Johhny Depp.

  41. Hummmm, Carol Lombard and Lucille Ball.
    Course Earl Flynn would my blood run a little hotter.

  42. Ummmm, let me guess: Ginger Rodgers and Fred Astaire (they are the only ‘two’ that go together that I can think of).

  43. I am having a hard time guessing your two favourites. And that’s because I’m in hysterics!!! at the thought of taking kid silk haze on a camping trip–my imagination is having a field day!–I take plain ole socks–round and round–even then, I drop stitches. Ken’s a lot braver than I am.

  44. shirley temple and arthur treacher is my wildly random guess.
    KSH – no one should of had to tell him… that’s just crazy!
    Curious to see what you’ve been working on 🙂

  45. I don’t know if she has a star, but that hat lady from Hee Haw, Minnie Pearl, as a tribute to your name? and Julie Andrews because she is so cool.

  46. Lucille Ball, ’cause she has kept me in stitches for many years, and Sheb Wooley, ’cause, well, he’s got a great name.

  47. I’m still laughing so hard I don’t know (the two stars) … Lassie and John Lennon?
    No offense, but I’m laughing over you saying “two people, each badly handicapped in their _second_ national language”. (emphasis added)
    And what makes you think you didn’t need a proofreader for this entry?
    (Pay me no mind. Probably I’m just jealous of your holiday.)
    As for the “endless rounds” of eye spy … to the singing of “Llama, llama”?
    Have a Happy Time!

  48. I’ll go for Mary Pickford and Lucille Ball.
    J’espere que les tous sont sec pour toutes vos vacances.

  49. Groucho Marx (for that sly sense of humour)
    and Lauren Bacall (a tough dame with class)
    Who wouldn’t admire them both?

  50. Thomas Edison and Walt Disney. Dreamers, inventors, transformers of the abstract into the real – who better for the yarn into sock to be photographed with?

  51. Oh geez, here goes, a shot into the wild blue yonder:
    Joan Allen and William H. Macy?
    Huh? Did I get it? Huh?

  52. Ren�e Ador�e and Frank Zappa.
    Sorry, I didn’t have time to read the whole list, but that’s who The Dishcloth is going to be photographed beside if my life ever gets to the point where I can travel again.

  53. I was going to say E.T. and Gizmo, but they don’t seem to be on the list… My guess is Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.

  54. I really really hope that you have access to the weather forecast and are throwing in the bike towel. It’s going to rain for days, and I’m worried about you all. Come home, please.

  55. James Stewart and Gregory Peck. I don’t have a clue why I picked these two other than James Stewart would be the first one I’d personally want to see. I hope you are having a great time on your trip and no rain/nasty weather puts a damper on your holiday.

  56. Who’s Ken? I’m guessing Miss Piggy and Elvis for the sock-goes-hollywood photo. Looking forward to your after-trip report.

  57. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Random SWAG.
    Now, if it were me, it’d be Julie Andrews I’d have to be photographed with.

  58. Just because no one else has mentioned them so far — William Holden and Barbara Stanwick.
    Leslie

  59. Judy Garland and John Lennon. I was going to guess Sarah McLachlan, but she’s not there (or at least I didn’t see her).
    I finally got my trip to the west coast. I love it here in Oregon so much, that I may go back to North Carolina, pack my dog, cat, knitting, stash and move here. I LOVE IT!!!! I haven’t gotten to the Peet’s Coffee yet, but, I’m going back to Portland a day early and will definitely be looking for some.
    I hope the weather turns better. I wish you sunshine and roses.
    Went to a fabulous yarn shop yesterday, so while I was there I took pictures for you. On the table in the entryway, the bookbookbook was prominently on display, so I grabbed a skein of crack silk haze and zoomed in on the book and csh and will send it to you when I get back to my own computer. I had everyone in the yarn shop laughing at me taking pictures of yarn and before I left, I had a job. She wanted to know if I could start today, but I told her I had to go back home and get my animals first, then I’d be back.
    Pretty cool. Come on vacation, fall in love with the state, and get a job on my second full day. Way cool.

  60. I’m sure you’re aware that there are 2000 stars on the walk of fame. You’re an evil (wonderful) lady.
    Um…Aretha Franklin and Lucille Ball?

  61. Lucille Ball (because she’s funny like you!) and Mr. Rogers– you know, because of the sweaters! He was also a vegetarian. I miss you!

  62. Well, you wanted comments, I guess you got some comments! 🙂
    My totally wild guesses: Lucille Ball and Kiefer Sutherland.
    Dont’ ask why I picked those two–no clue whatsoever.

  63. Hmmm, tough question…how about Donald Sutherland and…Keifer Sutherland!! Har har!
    Or is Keifer too young to have a star yet?
    In that case, Jim Carrey and Dan Akroyd.

  64. Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis, just following the first two that jumped into my head, kind of like how you wish you ordered the first thing that you saw on a menu.

  65. Since you have been away from Joe both in California and on your bike trip (it appears from your post), and he is a fan of James Bond, I am going to guess Roger Moore and Sean Connery (my favorite 007).

  66. Monty Wooley and The Spinners, although I really think Lassie and Kermit make a better couple…
    happy trails!

  67. Staws, schmawz… DohnWANNAmug! WherezaHawwot? WherezaHawwot? Izshebaquyet? IwandaHAWWOT – Beeschooz, Bikeeyawns, Campstowees, Knitzyknews… Haw-WOT, Haw-WOT, Haw-WOT (sawee, Aunti Wamz wan owtov miwanohs…)

  68. Kermit the Frog and Tom Selleck (the Flintstones were a close third but Tom is hard to beat, or would that make him one of my favorites?)

  69. Okay, I’m guessing James Doohan (because how can you not get behind a guy that was hit by four bullets to the leg, his middle finger of his right hand was shot off, and a bullet struck his chest but his life was saved when it hit a silver cigarette case which had been given to him by his brother?!?!?!)
    And second guess: Rin Tin Tin, who actually also survived a bombing! Who knew?

  70. Hey y’all, how is the southern portion of this blog community? Speak up please!! Everyone still there? Blessings and peace on all of the Louisiana, Mississipi, and Alabama inhabitants!!

  71. Mr. Rogers, whose knew about living with a knitter (his mom knit his sweaters).
    And the random choice is Jim Henson, who we thanked daily when we were parents of small children.

  72. Has to be Shari Lewis, (Lamb Chop may just be the second cutest sock in the world after you know who’s) and Tom Hanks because the name is just right.
    Please don’t tell me you are too young for Shari Lewis!
    My personal faves are Audrey and Katherine Hepburn, James Stewart and Cary Grant!

  73. Come back! come back! We miss you Harlot!
    Fred Rogers and Katherine Hepburn – for the obvious reasons! A man who appreciated a well knit sweater and a fiesty woman!

  74. Haven’t got a clue, and I don’t knit eaither, but your posts crack me up (in a good way) and I had to let you know.
    God Bless.

  75. Ohhhhhhh! I’m so excited about your new book (and hopefully new tour? so I can finally get to meet you and drop to the floor on my knees – covered by knitted kneepads of course – in adoration and honor and anything else I can think of if I can think at the moment)! I just want to go outside and sit on my own front step which isn’t that far from the Barnes & Noble book store by me and watch for the trucktrucktruck with your newbooknewbooknewbook! Maybe I could even find a way of having you autograph both of my books and everything! Stephanie, you are truly an awesome woman. Do you clean your house too? I just don’t know how you could possibly have an anally clean house and do everything? I think I am going to aim at one room at a time will get cleaned. Now I’ll have to go decide which room that will be. However, the outside is calling me first! Just how do you do it? professional help? Hmmm. you are my hero!

  76. Ohhhhhhh! I’m so excited about your new book (and hopefully new tour? so I can finally get to meet you and drop to the floor on my knees – covered by knitted kneepads of course – in adoration and honor and anything else I can think of if I can think at the moment)! I just want to go outside and sit on my own front step which isn’t that far from the Barnes & Noble book store by me and watch for the trucktrucktruck with your newbooknewbooknewbook! Maybe I could even find a way of having you autograph both of my books and everything! Stephanie, you are truly an awesome woman. Do you clean your house too? I just don’t know how you could possibly have an anally clean house and do everything? I think I am going to aim at one room at a time will get cleaned. Now I’ll have to go decide which room that will be. However, the outside is calling me first! Just how do you do it? professional help? Hmmm. you are my hero!

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