3.23.2011

Thoughts

Ever since last week, I've had the same phrase running over and over in my head: this too shall pass. On a personal level, it's because my little boy has had quite a few physical challenges to deal with recently, starting with a serious leg injury and ending with a bout of pneumonia. Thankfully, he's on the mend and is now grumpily bored instead of feverish. Boredom can be easily combatted by lots of TLC, music, movies and toys. The last few days have seen us happily camped out on my bed, him watching his movies and playing with his favorite cars and me knitting on whatever catches my interest. I was able to finish the textured shawl and will post a picture once it is blocked, probably next Friday. A little progress has been made on the green monster. I really have to tackle this one soon since my niece's birthday is next week.

monster body

I've also been reading this wonderful book filled with charming knitting related stories, patterns and recipes. The author writes with such warmth and wit.

A Knitter's Home Companion by Michelle Edwards

And uh, oh. Are those yarns in the picture above the beginnings of a new WIP? Indeed they are! Stripe Study by the talented Veera Valimaki has captured me completely. But I will try to be a good aunt and finish the monster first. Make sure to check out WIP Wednesday with Tami's Amis. Warning: you might be tempted to cast on for a few more projects.

Japanese cherry blossoms courtesy of my husband's green thumb, Spring 2010

On a global level, "this too shall pass" has been a prayer in my mind every time I hear or see a story about what is happening in Japan. My husband and I were fortunate to visit Japan a few years before our son was born. For my husband, it was a sort of homecoming since he had spent many years there working and studying. For me, it was an enchanting first visit. I was in awe of the country's natural and artistic beauty. But mostly, I was charmed by the hospitality and kindness of all those we met. If anyone is interested, there are many great ways to help. The Red Cross has set up a Japan Earthquake & Pacific Tsunami fund which you can donate to. Doctors Without Borders is also a great organization who is responding to the crisis. On a crafty note, Alicia Paulson has compiled a list of crafters who are helping to raise money. Kay Gardiner from Mason-Dixon Knitting posted a Mitered Crosses blanket pattern on ravelry with all proceeds going to Mercy Corps in their emergency relief efforts.

14 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear your little guy has been having such a rough time. He is lucky to have you there for him. (My little man has had some kind of GI bug and hasn't eaten for a week. It is so hard to see them feeling unwell and to not be able to fix it!). Hugs to you both.
    I love love love the greens in your green monster. What yarn are you using for your new shawl? It looks gorgeous.

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  2. Best wishes to your little boy for a speedy recovery. I know how hard it is not to be able to "fix" them up when they're sick or hurt. I'm glad you were able to slow down and camp out with him - it's a kind of surrender, isn't it, letting go of the usual busy-ness to just be there for them?

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  3. So glad to hear that your son is feeling better! I had pneumonia a few years ago, and let me tell you, it is NOT fun. I can't imagine having to go through that and a leg injury at the same time.

    I can't wait for your to start the new shawl. The yarn you picked is amazingly gorgeous.

    I'm excited to see when you get to the legs and arms of the monster. Let me know how it goes, because I can't get mine started for the life of me. The body was so easy and fun...now I'm just stuck. :(

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  4. Sounds cozy all snuggled up watching movies, knitting and playing with cars! Hope he's up and running soon!

    Really love the green for that monster! Can't wait to see him all knit up!

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  5. Glad to hear your little guy is on the mend! Being sick stinks. Though it sounds like you're getting some good knitting time in. That shawl is going to be amazing. I'm such a sucker for anything striped! Looking forward to seeing your progress!

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  6. hugs to your little one! That is noooo fun.

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  7. Anonymous3/23/2011

    awww glad your son is feeling better, that must have been a horrible time!! I am intrigued by tis monsters body...... ;-)

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  8. That is agreat green yarn, and a lovely photo of the cherry ...:-)

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  9. I hope your son perks up soon and I can't wait to see another monster, not to mention the Stripe Study, those colors are so pretty!

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  10. Can't wait to see the monster...
    hope your son feels better!

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  11. I'm glad your son is doing better!

    The monster looks great so far. I love all the greens in the yarn you are using. I've found that that pattern knits up pretty quickly, so hopefully you'll be done with it in no time.

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  12. Hope your little guy feels better soon.

    Looking forward to seeing more of your monster.

    Love those cherry blossoms.

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  13. I'm glad that your little boy is feeling better! Thank you for the Japan relief links.

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  14. Late comment-- I love those socks... and thanks for your Japan links, the situation there has been very much on my mind too. But also-- I nominated your blog for an award-- it's in my latest post. Just thought you might like to know :)

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