My name is Amanda Lee. I juggle multiple roles as a teacher, knitwear designer, yarn dyer, wife, and mom. Don’t we all wear many hats?
I’m from Wyoming, and let me tell you, when I mention that, I often get the response, “Where’s that again?” For those who need a little reminder, Wyoming is nestled in the mid-northwest, snug as a bug between Montana, South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Yep, that’s Wyoming, the square one. Most folks only associate Wyoming with Jackson (Jackson Hole) and Yellowstone National Park, but there’s more to us than that. We are like the quiet kid in the back of the classroom – not well-known or loud, but when you get you know us, we have a lot of heart and character. We’re all about those wide-open skies, big views (not too many trees, though), and of course, living that cowboy life. Yee-haw!
So, am I a cowgirl? Nope, but don’t get it twisted—I have mad respect for the ranching lifestyle. Ranchers and cowboys (or should I say cowpeople? Haha) are some of the most hardworking and independent folks out there. It’s a sun-up to sun-down job, and I just want to take a moment to show some love for their integrity before diving into my own story. You see, I had a rather unique upbringing as I was raised by a cowboy AND a city girl. That’s right, I’m a mix of a hard worker who’s all about that blue-collar life and an open-minded thinker who thrives on diversity and all the social scenes.
As a diligent worker, I always feel the urge to be productive even during downtime. And by downtime, I mean those moments spent lounging and watching Netflix. Sitting idly makes me restless, so I prefer to keep my hands and mind occupied with projects. In the past, I used to sew or make jewelry while watching my favorite shows, although this became less feasible after entering motherhood. Carrying out these activities while multitasking became more challenging. As a solution, I decided to pick up knitting as a new hobby after having my daughter.
I love knitting. It started as a hobby but has now become a lifestyle for me. Knitting not only keeps my hands busy but also fulfills my creative spirit. Designing is my favorite part of the knitting process. I often dream up new ideas for knits and can visualize and write out an entire pattern before even starting to knit. After writing the pattern, I knit my designs and make corrections along the way. Knitting is always on my mind, and it’s definitely what I love most about this craft.
Outside of knitting, I have many other passions and responsibilities. Knitting takes up a lot of my time, but being a mom is my first and most important passion. Taking care of my daughter’s needs is a full-time, nonstop job. Despite the exhaustion, being a mom is one of the greatest things in the world. It’s like a rollercoaster, but I feel blessed and happy to be a mom.
I used to be an elementary teacher, and after having my daughter, I took some time off to raise her. This year, I tried teaching part-time while running my business and being a mom, and it was overwhelming. So, for now, teaching will have to take a backseat. But I’m still passionate about shaping independent thinkers and boosting children’s confidence.
When things get tough in teaching, parenting, and just life in general, my ultimate coping strategy is to laugh my troubles away! I mean, who doesn’t love a good laugh? Now, I have to admit that I’m not exactly the funniest person around (I tend to be super awkward and uncomfortable when I try), but hey, I’ve got a killer sense of humor. I find the humor in life’s lessons, and I firmly believe that a good laugh is absolutely essential. After all, laughter is the best medicine, right?
My husband and I are bikers, meaning we ride motorcycles. Before I paint myself as a tough person, I want to clarify that I only ride as a passenger. Unfortunately, since becoming a mom, I rarely have the chance to get on the bike. I prioritize my safety and well-being, especially now that I have a big responsibility. Nonetheless, riding on the back of the bike is one of my favorite activities. We live in an area surrounded by the Black Hills of South Dakota (including Mount Rushmore, Sturgis Rally, and Needles Highway) and the Big Horn Mountains. There are stunning places to ride near us, and touring the Black Hills on a hot day on the back of a Harley is an amazing experience!
I’ve come to realize that I really dislike cooking and baking. It’s not my thing at all. It’s strange because I’m actually quite obsessed with watching cooking shows, and I have a lot of knowledge about food. In fact, I love food. As I was halfway through getting my education degree, I made the decision to switch majors and pursue a degree in dietetics instead. It was a tough choice, but in the end, I just couldn’t handle the preparation work that comes with cooking. I find the science of food in the body to be very intriguing, and I’m fascinated by the different techniques for cooking and flavoring food. I’m really into healthy eating, and believe it or not, I don’t drink soda or consume a lot of sweets.
I absolutely love sipping on a good beer or margarita, paired with some adventurous food, especially when it’s in an outdoor setting with friends. Sadly, those occasions are quite rare for me. Date nights with my husband are few and far between, and social settings like that are hard to come by in Wyoming. That’s why I cherish going on vacation or having a little weekend getaway where I can indulge in a beer outdoors. Who doesn’t love to travel and take some time off for rest and relaxation, right?
To wrap up this extensive blog post, I want to express my deep fondness for leisurely walks and invigorating hikes. There’s something truly magical about breathtaking landscapes, particularly majestic mountains. The wonders of nature never fail to captivate me, and even a casual stroll through the neighborhood never fails to brighten my day.
This is just the beginning of getting to know me, Amanda Lee! Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook, and let’s swap stories and start this journey together. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Lovely by Lee 