The Big 5

Yes, I've been away for quite a while. And I'm very happy to be back to share all that is fun and crafty in my life. But before I can go any further with this blog, I have to acknowledge something... or rather, 5 big somethings.

During the month of November, most people take the time to reflect on their lives and recognize all that they are grateful for. The Thanksgiving holiday forces us (in a good way) to be conscience of the things, experiences and most especially people who make our world, our bubble, a better and more special place.

The past month has been particularly difficult for me. My family suffered a tragedy, the loss of my dad, and so Thanksgiving came and went with very few words of gratitude shared. So today, I'd like to take a moment to recognize the 5 things/people/experiences I'm most grateful for, which have helped me get through the difficult days of late.

(and in no particular order)

1. Crafty friends: I am grateful for every single crafty friend, those I've known for decades and those I've known for months, who have introduced new skills, designs, fibers, and overall silliness (because we crafty ladies do get silly from time to time) into my life.

2. Appreciative customers: I am grateful for the orders placed on my patterns and more importantly the emails of questions, appreciation and excitement from happy knitters. You have brought a great big smile to my face each morning.

3. All things baby-related: It may sound odd, but to have a baby shower after a week, which included a funeral and Thanksgiving, was an absolute blessing. My dear friend (who is super busy with her own life of children, family and work) organized this for me and it couldn't have come at a better time. It's been a comforting experience to prepare for this new life (due in exactly 3 months). Picking out paint, making curtains, knitting itty bitty hats and feeling this little nudger's near-constant kicks and tumbles reminds me that life goes on in a beautiful way.

4. Knitting: The distraction of picking up my needles and rhythmically moving yarn from left to right, watching the fabric grow, has been incredibly soul soothing. I always felt that I put a little love into each stitch I made, especially if it was a knitted gift that I was making. Now, I can feel the difference. Knitting while grieving allows you to put a piece of love from your heart and relieve a little weight of the pain simultaneously.  It truly is a blessing to have this experience because knitting can be done in the quietness of your own home and thoughts or in the presence of friends and/or strangers.

5. The men in my life: I am exceptionally blessed to have three deeply caring men in my life: my two big brothers and my husband. No one has helped me breathe a little easier and better than these three fellas. It flat out sucks to lose a parent that we have loved for so long, but we will come out stronger and closer despite it.

Thank you.