Grandson's Sweater

After nearly 5 years knitting, I'm getting much more confident and thankfully my grandson has taken a liking to sweaters.  So, this is my first attempt at a miniature sweater. He loves orange and with this self-striping yarn that has blue - well kinda looks like Bronco colors. 

As much as he loved the scarf I made him in October and wears it daily, I'm thinking he'll love this.  Back done, started on front and should be done in no time...oh I mean by Christmas.

Retreat a Resounding Success

Wonder Woman in the kitchen.  As usual, Donna's food was amazing.

Let the knitting begin...

The chapel was beautiful and so peaceful overlooking Pikes Peak.  A lovely place for introspection.

Walking the labyrinth.  A new experience for all of us.  Very meditative.

Sara finishes project #2. Dishcloth or washcloth? Could be either and a wonderful Christmas present.

Diane decides the planned headband would be better served as a "lovie" for her granddaughter. 

LaForet Retreat Center was nestled in the pines that smelled amazing. Weather was perfect for being outside (when we weren't knitting) and overall a wonderful relaxing time was had by all.

Thanks ladies for an incredible weekend, glad to spend it with your.

Weekend Retreat Starts TONIGHT!!!

The Happiness Knitting Project's first full weekend retreats starts tonight!!! Very excited and can't wait to spend a weekend with a group of wonderfully inspiring women who want to learn to use contemplative knitting as part of their mindfulness practice.  This, then can provide them the skills to carry over mindfulness in their everyday lives.  A profound experience and one I'm so grateful to be able to share.  What a gift.

We will enjoy wonderful, healthy meals (thanks Donna Baldwin), a little yoga, some journaling, hiking among the pines in beautiful Black Forest, CO and even a moving meditation as we walk a labyrinth.

As a very special treat, we will have movie night, complete with popcorn and of course wine, as we watch a very special movie that I've watched three times by the late Dr. Wayne Dyer.  The Shift was a profound film for me and cannot wait to watch it a 4th time and share it with these ladies.  A discussion will follow on it's potential impact in our lives and how we can make a difference in how we view the world.

For those of you who were unable to secure a spot for this event, stay tuned here or follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thehappinessknittingproject/ or Twitter https://twitter.com/happinessknitfor future dates.

On a funny note, speaking of women's retreats.  Last evening I spent with my son and his friends having a wonderful time.  My phone kept alerting me of texts.  They finally asked who kept texting me and what they wanted.  When I told them, they laughed hysterically and were a little alarmed what this retreat was all about.  I share with you this clip from Fried Green Tomatoes about a women's retreat that involved mirrors, which I can assure you won't be part of our retreat but did give us all a good LOL!  http://www.metacafe.com/watch/an-Tpr6J2u47hnbJ/fried_green_tomatoes_1991_womens_strenth_class/

Perhaps, we'll have to watch it and discuss at the next retreat.   Stay tuned...

Contemplative Knitting

In honor of The Happiness Knitting Project's weekend retreat that starts tomorrow - some health benefits of therapeutic, or what I like to call contemplative, knitting.

Presented at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Annual Conference

Yoga for Stress Reduction

As I lay in shavasana for my 4th time this week, I reflected on how much more relaxed and calm I felt despite all I had to do later that day.  I know, I know you're supposed to clear your mind and be "in the moment" but for me, THAT was the moment.  I was enjoying the calmness, reveling in it actually.  And for me, that, like always, is profound.

Yoga has been traced to antiquity perhaps beginning as early as the sixth century B.C.  Translated from the Sanskrit word, yoga means union-of body/mind/spirit.  It has been found to improve not only the perception of stress but its physiological impact on the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and the immune system.  All of which, over time, can lead to disease, illness, and potentially death.  In our extremely busy society, it is vital that we find healthy ways to reduce stress.  As a modality of complimentary alternative medicine, yoga has few side effects, is low-cost, and can be done most anywhere by anyone regardless of physical abilities or age.  It can lower healthcare utilization and hence cost.  Yoga also acts as a component of self-care wherein people can take a more active role in their own health and well-being instead of being an inactive participant with interventions given to them in the way of tests, medications, or therapies. 

I would recommend going to a yoga studio instead of taking a class at the local gym where often the focus is on the body only.  Getting back to the true meaning of yoga - union of body/mind/spirit.  To fully enjoy all of it's benefits, a yoga studio where that's all they offer, will provide a more in-depth approach.  Choices range from gentle, therapeutic, restorative to very high energy.  Start slow, advancing as you are able.  It was life changing for me and hopefully will be for you as well.  

Sweaters Completed...finally

Finally sewed them together and they're done. What a great feeling. The purple one is the most delicious Freia Handpaint I found in a darling shop in Bend, OR on vacay last year.  The blue one is a summer cotton done just in time to wear next year 😋. Oh well, such is the life of the knitter! It's a bit of a strain getting it over my fat head but often the story of my life. I chalk it up to a cranium full of a very large brain🤓

Knitting as Mindfulness Practice

Stress affects every cell in our body and is responsible for 60% of all illnesses from colds to cancer. Our current focus in the healthcare arena on healing illness is clearly not working.  We need a seismic shift to wellness, prevention, and an overall sense of well-being.  The statistics on how stress is affecting us is staggering.  According to the American Institute of Stress, 75% of all doctor visits are related to stress; stressed people have a 25% increase risk of heart attack and 50% increase risk of stroke.  

Untreated stress can progress to mental illness like anxiety and depression.  According to the World Health Organization, mental illnesses are the largest cause of disability in any developed nation.  Stress levels are at epic proportions.  

We continue to conduct research on new medications, surgical procedures, and invasive testing to cure when we should be focusing our efforts on what is causing the problem in the first place.  STRESS!  Providing people with tools for managing their stress is paramount in a healthy society.  Learning to illicit a relaxation response such as that achieved with knitting can counteract stress, according to Dr. Herbert Benson from The Mind/Body Medicine Institute as Massachusetts General Hospital.  The rhythmic and repetitive motions of knitting are thought to be calming by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Inducing a meditative state by using both hands, crossing the midline of the body, is consistent with mindfulness.

That's what The Happiness Knitting Project is all about.  Teaching people to use knitting as  a mindfulness practice.  There is a growing body of research that knitting can be therapeutic.  Initially, it can be frustrating like learning anything new can be.  But once you get in the rhythm of it, feel the yarn fibers flowing through your fingers, even being mindful of the animal who's fleece you are using...are all mindful activities.  Go ahead, give it a try.  You'll be infinitely glad you did.  

To read some of the latest research, go to stitchlinks.com

Leadership

What are your thoughts on what makes a good leader?  Is it the same as a manager?  I think they're very different styles and philosophies.  To me, a leader is someone who shows by example those behaviors she wants others to emulate.  Walks the walk, so to speak.  A good leader encourages the accomplishments of others and makes sure they are acknowledged as THEIR accomplishments not an extension of her own.  A manager tells people the behaviors she expects them to exhibit, maybe exhibiting them herself, maybe not. The do as I say not as I do model.  An exceptional leader has well developed social intelligence.  Is able to meet people where they're at in a non-judgmental way.  She fully understands that everyone has a reason for behaving the way they do and it isn't because they woke up that morning deciding to make mistakes.  An empathic demeanor is the leader who takes the time to understand how each person learns, what makes them tick and how they can be mentored in the positive skills they have.  She does not focus on what's wrong, their qualities that need fixing.  A good leader works to her staff's strengths not their weaknesses.  Hmmm, these are qualities of a good spouse, parent, and friend as well.  Think about it.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction).  Much of the research is based on mindful meditation, an "inner technology" that everyone possesses. The premise is that greater attention, awareness, and acceptance can facilitate more flexible, adaptive responses to stress.

The latest scientific research on mindfulness has demonstrated beneficial effects on several aspects of whole-person health, including the mind, the brain, the body, and behavior.Clinical trials and laboratory studies alike suggest that the mechanisms of mindfulness involve not only relaxation, but important shifts in cognition, emotion, biology, and behavior that may work synergistically to improve health. There is also emerging evidence that mindfulness training is associated with greater meaning and peace in one’s life(spirituality) as well as enhanced relationships with others. (Greeson, 2009, p. 17)

University of Massachusetts and UCLA have information on their mindful awareness centers on their websites. There are many formal training programs across the country to lead mindfulness based stress reduction groups. Many of us incorporate a lot of these strategies in our practices. However it was interesting to hear of the formal training and the evidenced - based practices.

Greeson, J. M. (2009). Mindfulness based research update: 2008. Complementary Health Practice Review 14 (1), 10-18.

Journey-Into-Wellness.com

Check out my new video

Using a Mandala for Meditation

A mandala is the perfect symbol to depict our constant ebb and flow of energy that is multidirectional; a circle with no beginning and no end.  It is a Sanskrit word meaning circle.  Often used in ancient religions like Hindu and Buddhism, mandalas are depicted by a square with 4 gates, each with a circular center point.  They are thought of as a spiritual method to assist in meditation and concentration.

One of the origins of mandalas is in the philosophy of alchemy.  Carl Jung, who used mandalas extensively, believed that alchemy was a spiritual path toward individuation.  This process of self-discovery is how a person becomes their true self.   In alchemy it represents the synthesis of the four elements (mind/body/spirit/emotion) which are always tending toward disintegration.  Carl Jung thought of alchemy as a spiritual path of individuation.  

Purpose of Mandala Use

A circular image compensates for the disorder and confusion of the mind through the construction of a central point to which everything is related.  This is an attempt at self-healing on the part of nature, an instinctive impulse.  Transformations are a part of every life journey.  By creating a mandala for our own self-care, we are able to support ourselves through the lifespan in a sacred and holistic way.  It is a unique and easy tool to improve/enhance our ability for stress management.  Using a mandala can support the importance of setting intention by having a tangible symbol for centering your thoughts.   When we think in terms of stress management, utilizing the mind/body/spirit/emotion components of holism, examples include:

1. Mind-examples:  journaling, meditation, lifelong learning, reading
2. Body-examples:  yoga, tai chi, massage, mindful eating
3. Spirit-examples:  meditation, practice gratitude, prayer, music, fulfilling life purpose
4. Emotion-examples:  time with loved ones, laughter, positive attitude

A mandala could be made using any type of media like paint, paper, or textiles.  For ideas to put in each of the 4 spheres, you could draw from the above examples that resonate with you or come up with ideas of your own.  Making it personal is the key to its usefulness.

The Pursuit of Happiness

I don’t much believe in the pursuit of happiness.  The reason is you never seem to get there, hence pursuit.  I think happiness is what you make it.  If you spend all your time waiting for people or things to make you happy, you’ll spend your life in pursuit.  However, if you take pleasure in the little things everyday like grinding your own wheat into flour to make homemade bread, that’s good for your soul.

I was once told that I sucked all the happiness out of the world leaving none for anyone else.  I wondered how this could be since my happiness was in my soul not somewhere outside of me in the world.  Your life is what you make of it and you can chose to be miserable and see misery in everything or you can choose to enjoy the little things each day that make your spirit soar.  I think in the end, it’s a life made up of the little things and your pure enjoyment of them that true happiness is found.

I didn’t come at this naturally.  I mean, like all Americans we memorized the basic tenants of our constitution of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and we’ve spent over 200 years engaged in that pursuit only to find out it’s a figment of our imagination.  You cannot pursue your own self.   If you chose happiness then you’re happy that’s that.  There’s no pursuit.  No searching. No pot at the end of the rainbow where riches and thus happiness lies.  

Once you come to realize you - like Dorothy in the wizard of oz who had the power within her to get home all along - control all the happiness any human being could ever want, you can stop searching.  It’s a choice, as simple as that.  I’m not being pollyanish, I’m being a realist albeit an optimist.  Choose right now that from here on out you will be happy and you will be amazed how happiness will come to you like a magnet.  Just like those who choose to be miserable, attract misery.  It’s some strange universal law, the law of attraction.

I’m happy and will continue to enjoy grinding my own wheat, kneading my own bread, a bubble bath with candles, a homemade dinner on a weeknight.  The world be damned if I’m hated for it.  I say go find your own happiness, stop trying to take mine.

Eating real food in a processed food world

I’m amazed on a daily basis when I ask patients how much processed food is in their diet and they ask me "what's that?"  People truly don’t know what constitutes processed foods.  We’re inundated with artificial foods in every ad, on every grocery shelf, in most restaurants.  Preparing a home cooked meal has become something of an anomaly.  I say if you can’t identify the “food” as it’s source in nature, you can be sure it’s processed.  If it’s been made in a factory, it’s processed.  As a general rule, if it comes from a box, bag, can, freezer, or drive-thru, it’s processed.  

So what do I mean by “real” food?  Fresh fruit and veggies, whole grain breads/pastas, brown rice, meats, fish, dairy.  In the diet industry, we hear about reading labels.  But I say, eat foods that don’t even have labels.  Now THAT’S real food.  They don’t need a label because we already know what it is.  For those things like breads and dairy or pasta that has labels, the first item on grains should be the word “whole.”  Food manufacturers are allowed to say it’s “wheat” bread or is made from “whole grains” but unless the first word on the ingredient list is the word “whole” it often is while flour with brown food coloring.  Like “wheat” bread for instance, most all bread is made from wheat but once the outer part of the grain has been stripped away, it is no longer “whole” and is processed in your body very quickly, giving it a high glycemic index, which causes a rapid rise in blood sugar, contributing to diabetes development.

Another thought about labels, if there are words on there you cannot pronounce, you can be assured it is a processed food.  Below is a guide that can help you navigate your way through the grocery aisle.  Another thing to think about is how the store is laid out.  All the healthier, unprocessed foods are on the outer aisle and all the processed foods are on the interior aisles.  

1. Fresh fruit and veggies 
2. Portion control – nothing bigger than the palm of your hand (except salad)
3. No processed foods including:  anything from a box, bag, can, freezer, or a drive thru window
4. Eat only whole grains – read labels the first ingredient must say the word “whole”
5. Avoid saturated fats – red meat, butter, high fat dairy, sauces and dressings
6. Eat unsaturated fats – salmon, plant fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados)
7. Limit alcohol intake to one or less drinks/day
   

Intention

How do you set an intention?  It’s not like a wish for something but much more profound.  Setting an intention is a process of making a decision on what you want, believing with the utmost faith that it is possible, and setting goals to achieve it.  

At this time of year and over the next couple of months, people often come up with resolutions that the majority are never realized.  This is because you can’t just write down some goals, forget about them and then they appear as if a magic genie granted you three wishes.  Setting intention is much stronger, deeper than with a specific plan on exactly how you’re going to go about achieving it.  Intention is the end result so it’s good to begin with the end in mind.  Then back it up with what small steps every day are you going to do to work towards that end?  So if your intention is to lose weight, exactly how much weight?  What are you going to do each and every day that will enable that to happen?  And you can’t just say, “I’ll eat right and exercise more.”  Way too general.  That’s the difference between setting an intention and a resolution.  Write down exactly what it means to “eat right” every day; how many calories, how many servings of whole grains, fresh fruits and veggies, etc.  Write down how long you will exercise, where you will exercise, what activity you will do and at what time of day you will do it.  Going so far as to write down what days of the week as well.

That my friends is the specificity of intention.  When you put your intention down on paper with very specific ways that you will achieve it, you will be amazed at how much more successful you will be.  In addition, an intention is all about something you are very passionate about, not just lukewarm.  It isn’t what someone else wants you to do, or what you think you “should” do but something you’re deeply passionate about achieving.  

Thinking about your intention in the morning when you get up and again before you go to bed, keeps it in your consciousness at all times.  Looking at your intention in the written form with the specific path you’ve put down on achieving it during the course of your day will keep it on your mind as well.  

Wayne Dyer said "you don't attract what you want, but what you are." For instance, if you want prosperity, you have to be act prosperous. If you want deeper relationships, be a better friend, co-worker, spouse. If you want abundance, give to others.  In other words, give out to others that which you want for yourself.  

A new way at looking at goal setting, give it a try and watch the magic happen.  Do keep me posted on how it’s working for you.

Believe

C.S. Lewis said “we are what we believe we are.”  Never has this been more true.  If you believe you’re destined for great things, they you will achieve great things.   If you believe the world is a terrible place filled with terrible people and poor me, then that’s exactly what you will get.  Of course, you can’t sit around all day expecting greatness to just come knocking at your door, you must prepare for it.  Put hard work into your dream, go out and meet people who are doing similar things to what you want to do, ask them to mentor you.  Read all you can, attend seminars, whatever it takes to learn and surround yourself with your dream, believing all the while that it will happen.  What is it they say, luck is opportunity meeting preparedness.  True.  But I don’t believe in luck, synchronicity yes, but I don’t call that luck. 

We draw to us that what we put out into the world.  Just try being happy and upbeat around your co-workers, I promise you they will respond in kind.  Don’t let others bring you down.  You have a choice each and every day how you will face the world and what your attitude will be. 

When trying to discover your mission here, what is it that you think about when your mind wanders?  That’s were your true love/passion lies. 

Darling Owl Hat

I just had to share this adorable owl hat Trisha finished for her daughter.  Her first try at cables and it turned out splendidly!  Great job Trisha!!  :)

Sadly, the pom pom's didn't last long, little Hannah would prefer playing with them to wearing them.  LOL

PPRH Knit Wits 1st KAL

Our little hospital based group has been growing strong now for 6 months.  Everyone's advancing right along...well almost everyone :0) so we thought it would be fun to tackle a little more challenging project all together, hence the knit a-long (KAL).   So we started our first sock class today.  What fun teaching how to use double points!  Some lovely malabrigo and other assorted sock yarns.  It will be exciting watching how these evolve.  Something to definitely look forward to every Friday.  One of our members even came in while she's off work for an injury.  Now that's dedication.

Stay tuned to watch as the sox emerge.

Masters Program Concluded

A month of lessons went by fast.  Thanks Nikki Parsons for filling in while I was gone and Tricia Sichmeller for helping out also.  Phew!  Couldn't have done it without you ladies.  Thanks to Nana Annie for tirelessly working with the kids each week as well. 

I'm glad I volunteered, it was a good experience to watch the kids intently learn this (in my opinion) one of the best stress relievers of all time.  A couple of the girls talked about making things and selling them online - I love an industrious kid!!!  A few learned purling already too.  When you have a group of 25 eight and nine year olds, it's incredible how different they are socially from one another and how quickly they learn...or not.  All seem genuinely interested and a couple were excited to teach their mothers. 

When they arrived for class, they were nearly vibrating with exciting that this would be the day they'd get to take their yarn, needles and projects home so they could work on them and show their families.  Many wanted to continue learning, which is a good opportunity for a local class (hint hint Nikki). 

Overall, it was an experience for me, glad I did it but don't see it as my life's work.  I just don't have the patience for their exuberant amount of energy.  Yikes.  Bless all the elementary school teachers for they surely have a place reserved in heaven!:)

Statistics

Boy, where's mindfulness when I need it?  Have started the last semester of my doctoral program and it's all about data analysis.  I spent 3 hours reading, studying, listening to podcasts, etc. and felt completely overwhelmed.  Funny thing is, I used this program for a research project I did and did well, even taught fellow case managers how to use it.  HOWEVER...that was 20 years ago!!!  Granted, stats doesn't change, no math does right? But if you don't use it every day, it's gone. At least for me anyway.  Math is not now nor ever has been my strongest quality.  I'm great at keeping track of my money and paying bills, but that's about the extent of it without utilizing a whole lot of brain power. 

It's times like this that I'm sure I have ADD, I'll do almost anything (cleaning toilets) to distract myself from the pain of stats.  So what do I do to get away and clear my mind?  No not knitting, I needed to move, really expend some energy and exhaust my body so I could get my mind to focus.  I went for a 5 mile run.  Worked great.  Lovely, sunny day and it felt good to return to mindfulness.  When I run, I really do have to focus and although my mind is known to wander, it's fleeting thoughts nothing deep and certainly not trying to figure out math in any form, especially statistics! 

I was able to come back and work 5 hours on it and have a little bit better handle on it.  At least don't feel as overwhelmed.   Phew, this is gonna be a L O N G 4 month semester but I'll sure be in great physical shape. :)

Knitting Improves Mental Health

Nice article about how knitting & quilting improve mental health.
https://www.yahoo.com/makers/ditch-the-prozac-take-up-crafting-108671160605.html?soc_src=mags&soc_trk=ma

3rd Graders: A Lesson in Mindfulness!!

Another 3rd grade Masters Class yesterday.  Some are little pros already.  One girl knitted a vest for her stuffed animal already!  I think she's practicing at home!!!!  Adorable.  It's cute to sit back and watch them in their little groups like a bunch of hens just knitting away, chatting about their world.  There's 2 who've lost interest but the rest are going to town.  A small group started learning to purl as they're advancing.  Thank goodness I had my 2 helpers again thanks Tricia and grandma Annie.  Would have been quite a stretch to maintain order by myself.  It's exhausting though I can tell you.  WOW!  But so glad I'm doing it.  One more class next week.

It is sure a lesson in mindfulness as you can't focus on anything else but now.  Even if you try sneaking a peak at your phone, someone will need you to tell them they're doing it right or ... not so much and restart.  I am getting good at picking up dropped stitches thought, thankful for the size 13's, which makes it easy to do with your bare hands  :)

Freia Sweater

This yarn is a dream to work with.  I've got the back finished and love the color gradient.  It's a simple pattern, which I need after struggling with my Knit Swirl jacket (which isn't finished by the way).  I've started on the sleeves as they'll be easy to work on while I travel with a 5 year old.  Mustn't take on any complicated pattern for that. Stockinette all the way, well except the sleeve end but the first one's done and if I get lucky enough to start the second one, it's only a 8 row pattern, can get that done if the child sleeps.  :)

Now I know why I didn't become an elementary teacher

The Masters Series went very well.  Thank God I had the presence of mind to enlist one helper along with one of the grandmothers and another mom offered to help.  I could not have done it without them.  Not sure WHAT I was thinking. 

At precisely the right time, 12 eager 8 and 9 year olds, filed in to eagerly learn to knit.  Nametags, ziplock bags with names, choose a skein of enormous Red Hart and split up into 3 groups of 4...off we went.  I'd read that the Waldorf School, that teaches all students knitting, uses a rhyme to help the kids learn.  I wasn't sure it made much sense but I memorized it just in case.  It worked like a charm and really helped the kids "get it."  "In through the front door, run around back, out through the window, and off jumps Jack."  Try it on your next knit stitch, makes perfect sense.

Forty five minutes goes by very fast.  Aluminum needles shoved into enormous skeins of Red Hart, put into ziplocks and off to the next class and we start the process again with the next group of 13.

I was anxious that morning that all would go well, the kids would be well behaved and we'd all have fun. I had visions of the boys using their needles as swords, which didn't happen, or a fire drill or an allergic to cats kid having an asthma attack from my cats' chasing an errant skein around my living room. The anxiety quickly left once I got there and we got started.  It went swimmingly, my fellow helper teachers were great.  But I can tell you, it was exhausting and I only had to do it for an hour and a half.  I don't know how the teachers do it all day.  I guess you get used to the high energy...eventually.  I needed a nap!

We all have our strengths and although I had fun and am looking forward to the rest of the classes, phew, it is tiring.

Masters Series

So, I mentioned before that the local elementary school principal asked me to be part of their Masters Series and teach 3rd graders to knit.  It starts on Friday.  Yesterday afternoon I went the volunteer orientation meeting.  As we went around the table introducing ourselves, I felt kinda silly. There were people teaching rocketry, fossils, math, science stuff, computers, and some stuff I wasn't even sure what it was.  But then I remembered out of the entire 3rd grade, my knitting classes have the most signed, including boys, s o   t h e r e!!!  Hahahahh

I lugged home 3 giant bags full of Red Hart yarn and aluminum needles to cast on for them.  Each of the classes is only 45 minutes long and I thought it better to already have casted on for them so we didn't spend the entire class time doing that, lest they get frustrated.  This way they can start knitting right away.  Good idea right?  Except now I have a mountain of casting on but I'll get it done tonight, I hope.  Yikes.

I am getting excited though and it should be much fun.  This will teach them math (take that math geeks), color, texture, and most important...CALMNESS!  Will keep you posted on my progress, perhaps you too will be up until the wee hours of the night reading this blog as I become a casting on fool. 

Knitting and Marathon Running,W H A T!

I had a dream that I was in the airport in Chicago trying to run & knit with 2 other women that were complete strangers. how weird then I came across this guy who knit during a marathon in KC! WTH? are you kidding! I'd break my neck not to mention why....
I can promise you this dream will be one that WON'T be coming true anytime soon!😜

But I say, good for him getting knitting out there AND not breaking his neck!

The Knitting Factory

I'm making progress on my 18" needed for the back of my sweater, knitting away when I realize how wonderful it is to knit listening to jazz.  I was googling a picture to post and found there is a music venue called the Knitting Factory around the country. Couldn't find out why it's named that but love it.  Must plan a visit when I'm next in a city where one is located, ie: Boise, Brooklyn, Reno, LA, Seattle. None in Colorado however.

Mindful Nourishment

One does not live by knitting alone.  Snuggled in on this snowy afternoon, I can think of nothing more nourshing to my soul than soup and homemade bread.  From my crisper, I threw together a yummy veggie stew and 4 mini whole wheat loaves of bread.  Divine not only the eating, but the smell of fresh baked bread wafting through the house is heavenly.  Making bread, well the kneading of it, is a workout too, great for the upper body.

And of course, it's all more festive with FiestaWare dishes.  Love them.

Shared Tears Over Prized Possessions

On another note, I visited with an elderly woman today who got such joy telling me how much she loved sewing.  She started to tear up.  When I asked her what was wrong she said "do they let you bring your sewing machine to the nursing home?"  Oh my goodness, I sat down at her bedside and we shared tears together for a lifelong love of sewing and I could only imagine what it would be like to have to face this phase in life.  Not only to have to give up her independence, which she understood was time, but to have to also give up her deep love of creating through needle and thread was too much to bare. 

I understood at the deepest resources of my soul as I've been sewing 43 years; nothing compared to her nearly 80 years of the craft.  Imagine how that would tear at you and more importantly this question showed how deeply sewing was a part of who she was...a lifeline of sorts.  And although I love knitting as much, imagine not being allowed to move your beloved yarn through your fingers and onto the needles, creating an original garment for yourself or a loved one.  Our love of craft is a component of who we are, so very deep that we must not take it for granted.

So whether you are a knitter, quilter, seamstress, cross stitcher or whatever medium you choose to create with, enjoy every minute not just the completed project.  As one day, we may all be faced with not being able to take our most prized possessions with us and how terrible a life that would be.

Of course, in the end, I reassured her that yes you can take your sewing machine to the nursing home.  An immediate calm came over her small, wrinkled, tear streaked face and for that brief moment, our souls connected and I felt that, indeed, I made a small difference in someone's life.  That connection is what life is all about and I hope I can continue telling old ladies that yes, you can take it with you.

Exciting and Terrifying at the same time!

I heard from Veronica, the Columbine Elementary School principal today about my upcoming knitting class as part of their Masters Series program.  There are 25 kids signed up, apparently THE most signed up for any one class in all of the 3rd grade!  W O W!  Imagine that.  Girls AND boys.  It starts next Friday and I'm both thrilled and a bit scared to death.  Yikes,  will they pay attention?  Will they like me?  Will I like them?  Will it be fun..for both of us.  Well, soon I'll find out and will keep you posted. 

I did have the foresight to get the yarn and needles ahead of time, early next week, to cast on for the little darlings as the classes are only about 45 min long and I didn't want them to spend the whole time learning to cast on.  This way we can get right to it.   From what I understand, there are teachers and moms also interested.  This is gonna be so cool, really.

Nikki, do check in with me if you're able to sub on the 16th as I take my grandson to Disney World.  A story for another post upon my return.  What I'll say about that now is that I've planned this for his 5th birthday since before he was born ... boy 5 years goes by fast and I for one am very excited to begin a new tradition of Dawson and Mimi's annual adventures. 

So, will keep you posted as The Happiness Knitting Project goes to elementary school.  Wish me luck.