February 3, 2010 at 4:02 pm (philosophy, projects)
I started on Christmas (or there about), and have done little else since. Maybe two days I did’nt work on it at all, and most days, only worked on the coat.
Made several modifications on the original pattern (designed by Deborah Newton, and published in the Fall ‘09 issue of Interweave Knits). And if I make it again, there are more changes I would make.
It’s very warm.
During the 5+ weeks of this process, some very interesting revelations occurred to me: First, nothing is ever manifest that doesn’t start out as thought. Some thoughts are born out of other thoughts, but everything is a thought first. Then, lots of things I make turn out exactly as I picture them, others nothing like. The difference between the two is most assuredly my thoughts during the process. All of the successes are a result of relaxed confidence and failures are the result of stressful doubt.
With this in mind (vigilantly in mind), success or failure become choices. Not that one would consciously choose failure, but that choosing the right thoughts is the only determining factor. Also, the right thoughts fortified with the feeling of already being successful are completely irresistible energies!
Energy generated is energy returned.
Always be love.
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January 28, 2010 at 10:01 pm (philosophy, projects)
1. Coming in to the home stretch: I’m spinning the last of the coat fiber today/tomorrow. Have all knitted but the sleeves, and then the assembly.
After only one false start (had to pull out the first three components, for corrections/improvements), I’m delighted with the result and will post a picture Mon or Tues. Probably.
2. I broke 160: Last winter, I topped out close to 200 pounds (199), and have been working on this loss since the spring. Today I weigh 159!! Plan on about 20 more, but we’ll see.
3. An interesting revelation: I’ve been thinking about attracting one thing into my life while the other person here is continuously attracting the opposite. Then I remembered how Jesus’ faith in the abundance of the universe was able to override that of 5000 people on the mount. He had no doubt that the food available would feed them all. There were most likely several there who had doubts, but it didn’t matter. Then he told us “all these things you can do, also, and more even!
So I need to ignore the doubts of those around me.
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January 13, 2010 at 3:47 pm (projects)
Since finishing many projects for other people, and hardly ever making anything for me, I decided the rest of the winter will be devoted to a project I’ve been thinking about since the fall issue of Interweave Knits, a trade rag for knitters (you probably surmised that).
In August, during one of the Chicago trips, and shopping at my priority fiber shop (The Fold, Marengo, Ill), I found some awesome royal blue romney (sheep breed, great for outerwear) with sparkles. I bought some with no idea what I’d do with it. Then when the magazine came, and I saw the coat on the cover, I went back in October and bought the rest of what she had (about three pounds, total). I’m hoping it will be enough.
I’m spinning moderate singles and plying thrice for a hefty bulky yarn. If I don’t do much else, I can fill a spool in a day, and I think the total number of spools will turn out to be 9 or 10. Then it takes the good part of a day to ply three spools together.
Here’s a picture of the fiber, a couple of spools of singles and what little I have finished knitting so far. I’ve spun about half of the fiber, so what you see is the half that’s left to still spin.
I’m hoping to finish it in time for a trip to York to see Jackie play hockey next month. It’s always cold at the rink!
Spinning and knitting are excellent activities for mindfulness. Keeping focused on the moment, and remembering to be present for this inch, this stitch, and NOT the finished garment (or what’s for dinner) is the goal. Everything I’ve ever made (or anyone has ever made) has been finished one step at a time, and the result is a gift of the universe.
I’m loving life. Stay tuned.
6 Comments
December 21, 2009 at 12:14 pm (philosophy)
Happy Winter Solstice!!
Amazingly, and contrary to popular belief: THIS is the ‘reason for the season’. It is a proven, yet ignored fact that Jesus was actually born sometime in March. The early Christians adjusted the celebration of the birth of Christ to coincide with the festival that most of the people were already celebrating since the dawn of awareness.
The solstice is the marking of the planetary cycle that results in decreasing and increasing of sunlight. Yule, the shortest day of the year is the end of the decrease, the returning of the light, as it were.
Not only have the Christians taken possession of the holiday/celebration, they are now trying to dictate how we manifest our festivities.
Silly, really, since none of it matters. What’s important is to be true to ourselves. Giving and sharing are always acceptable activities whatever time of the year it is, and many of the people who bemoan the outrageous spending at this time forget the increased income from the burst in commercialism. (Personally, I spend very little, preferring to give creations of mine instead. This is not because of how wonderful I am and how superior to those who buy stuff, but because I have so much crap I made and Christmas is a good excuse to get rid of it!!)
Also, it’s the capitalist way. It’s what this great country of ours is built on. The freedom to buy and sell goods and services at our discretion is the very thing the lost lives of so many men has purchased (also, the freedom to worship/practice spirituality of our CHOICE). Looks like a contradiction to me.
We are burning sage and juniper for cleansing. We will bake something with the sun on it. Also I’m resolving, in the coming year, to do whatever I want without guilt or regret. It’s time.
Please have wonderful holidays. I reiterate that everyone should celebrate in whatever way suits you, and to respect and honor the ways of others. This is the only peaceful way. Be love.
4 Comments
December 18, 2009 at 2:21 pm (family)
It was much harder to anticipate than it is now to accept.
Last Friday, my father fell and fractured his hip. In the hospital since then, he endured (as much as he could comprehend) x-rays, CAT scans, a heart endurance test, IV needles. The good doctors concurred that surgery would be beneficial. We all agonized over the ordeal he would face with recovery. Until he fell, he was still able to stand and walk and getting him back to that was their goal.
Mom prayed for God to spare him from this ordeal and her prayer has been answered. Dad died yesterday afternoon.
He was many things, my dad. Most obviously manifested in my life and my family is his music. We are all full with this expression, sometimes loud and obnoxious, that is his legacy. Family gatherings were always filled with singing amid all manner of gaiety. He played his accordion in many places with countless different assemblages, far into his 80’s!!
So, although his body has run it’s course and retired, the energy that is eternally my dad will go on in our hearts, and be always profoundly present in every gathering where music and song abound. Which is every single gathering of this family.
It’s all good.
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December 8, 2009 at 1:55 pm (family, projects)
Thanksgiving was a total blast. Madeline and her family rolled in early Wed, and that night some friends we’ve known since Puerto Rico came (for three days!). We cooked great Pizzas that night. Then on Thanksgiving day, Fran and her family arrived. We hiked before and after dinner that day. On Friday, we had a Mexican feast with John’s amazing Chicken Fajita Nachos, bean dip, salad and, of course, turkey and ham leftovers. We were able to get some hiking in before the precip on Fri (it snowed/rained). We played music and sang our little hearts out (duh).
After everyone left, Fran and the boys stayed a few days, and we recorded some of Frannie’s songs. She is a prolific writer. Fun with the multi-trak. We did guitar, vocals, harmonies, and even percussion!
Then after the wind took out the power on Wed last week (and Rose’s deck door. and part of a wall), we headed up to York, Pa (sans J) for Hannah’s Christmas show. I can’t say enough what a natural dancer she is. Watching her fluid, graceful performance ususally brings a tear or two. Sincerely.
Rose and I drove back on Sunday (was hoping to catch Jack in a hockey game, but didn’t want to drive home in the dark, raining/snowing). Came home to a fully repaired Roseyroom, and a clean, warm, ham-and-bean smelling house! My husband rocks!
Yesterday, I didn’t do a thing. (read, did some puzzles) Today I’m warping the loom. It’s an all-day job, but once done, the weaving goes quickly. I’m hoping to get three batches of kitchen towels done before the next melee.
Believing all are blessed always, and focusing on the coming cyclic return of the light. Honor this in whatever way suits you, and respect the ways of others without criticism or judgment. Be love.
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November 16, 2009 at 9:22 pm (family, projects)
I make socks all the time for everybody. This summer we got to see some of our nieces and nephews out west that we haven’t seen in many years. Lots of them have their own families, now.
I try to send socks to the bride and groom when there is a wedding, but I sort of got behind since I have three children with children!
So this summer I went prepared to present socks to the couples I would be seeing. The kids all thought they should have some, too. So I measured all their feet and promised they’d have some by the time it got cold.
Last week I sent them out, and Ben, a nephew in Omaha, took these awesome pictures of their feet.
How much fun for me!!
Alysse is happy with hers, and the rest of the family, too!
Stay warm this winter, guys, and thanks again, Ben!
3 Comments
November 8, 2009 at 1:38 pm (Uncategorized)
I am the last leaf to fall
In the spring, I burst forth
With the rest of them
I was rich and dark green
Photosynthesizing the elements
I soaked up energy from sun and rain
I nursed earthy nutrients from the momtree
Now, I hold on tenaciously
And wave to those going before me
Unobstructed, the view is lovely
My green is now yellow, now red
I wait for the wind to come out of the north
Turning slightly to catch it,
I let go, sailing southward into the hollow
Dancing, floating, liberated.
My whole life was for this
Next, I become earthy nutrients
To dance with next year’s Last Leaf
2 Comments
November 1, 2009 at 5:37 pm (family, life)
Since I posted last, I have been back to Chicago twice to help my sisters with my folks. Stressful times. Dad has been on his cath for a few months. I think I mentioned somewhere earlier that it is permanent. This means that someone has to put dad to bed and get him up in the morning. The nighttime bag hangs on the bed frame, and the daytime bag is attached to his leg with elastic bands. The details of this process can easily be imagined. The most difficult part is that each time we change, dad wonders what all this stuff is.
This last time, we have added brushing teeth and shaving. He still does the teeth himself, but must be monitored. We shave him.
He tried so many times to talk–wanting to engage or connect with me–but is unable to complete a sentence before losing the thought. Trying to smile and pat his hand, or hug him and give him some assurance that we are most assuredly connected regardless, was little comfort to him, I think. He usually knew who I was, or he pretended he did. Once he asked if I was one of his, and once he asked me if I was the oldest or what.
He is on a waiting list for a room at a nursing home, but it could be the first of the year before one of the residents dies to make room. I have some apprehension concerning his ability to adjust, but it will be a great relief to my mom and sisters who are all angels.
On the home front, John has made some awesome improvements here. Since I’m a moron with a camera, J will have to get me some shots to post, which I will, soon.
Missed you guys.
3 Comments
September 11, 2009 at 12:52 pm (philosophy)
It’s hard to remember and be mindful of the fact: We have been conditioned (or, rather, have collectively conditioned ourselves) to see everything backwards. For sure. Everything in materiality is a RESULT of energy already generated. If a situation is undesirable, changing the causative energy is the only possible course of action.
Also, our energy is not the result of the situation. It is the choice we make in response. The anger I feel at your stupidity is not the result of your stupidity, it is my evaluation and judgment of it. MINE. I am the only one responsible for how I feel. Ever. I always have the choice to see your perfection and respond with amazing love to anything, without the judgments and evals.
In a very real sense, our choice to not see the perfection (God) in everyone and everything, is the cause of all our dificulties. And so whatever challenges we face are our gifts to ourselves for the purpose of growth and expansion.
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