Over the past, oh, let’s just say since 2016, when the presidential election here in the U.S. stunned and frightened me, I often find myself in a particular kind of quandary. What is happening in the larger world can feel grim, from growing impacts of climate change to minority opinions holding the levers of government. And yet, what is happening in my small world is mostly soft, calm, and an expression of my deeply-held values of community, care, and making space for everyone.
Bearing witness. My father died Friday night. He was in hospice, so he was at home. If there can be such a thing as a good death, he had one. The house was quiet and peaceful. I sat on the couch next to his bed, knitting a sock. It was as if the rhythm of his breathing and my stitching were in sync. I grafted the toe, and he breathed his last.
Bearing witness. I talked last night with my SIL, and we got around to the “gay question.” She is Methodist, and the churches are voting over the “issue”- people’s lives are not issues. I told her I’m fully affirming of the LGBTQ+ community. Full stop. I explained why. She’s conflicted. I don’t need to change her mind. I needed to speak my values.
I cast on the second sock the day after Dad died. The socks are for my husband, who loved my dad as his own father. Threads of comfort for us both.
Oh friend. I am deeply moved and bearing witness to you, and your dad's passing. Wishing you comfort in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Grief is so hard.
Hi Anne - I love your weekly newsletter as I think the same way you do. I have been.very.upset with the refugees coming into New York, as I know people who are processing them, and desperately trying to get them situated. I have been only.making around 300 of my teddy.bears for the past two Christmas', and I am now back to 1,000. So .uch need for the kids. I can only do what I can, plus vote! I will send.you a picture of the bears. Have a good 4th of July! I just rejoined the Yarn Club. I miss your beautiful yarn! Denise
Did I ever tell you I am part of the first generation of my family to attend college ? I hope that my nephews children will attend hbcu’s and go further than us. Yes we can.
Thanks for your lovely post. Your tank looks beautiful! And the yarn matches the yarn bowl!
I too am making the Oolong tank. My gauge told me to use a size smaller needles than the pattern called for so I particularly felt the slowness of progress as the knitting seemed to creep along! Thank you for the continuing reminders to slow down and enjoy (I do get to binge watch stuff while knitting the endless sea of stockinette). For me, the experience of SO many stitches a little tiring (and aggravates some shoulder issues I have) but I finally got to the shoulder joins and the picking-up of stitches for the edging (a personal source of anxiety). I am glad to have learned these skills but at this stage of my experience, I don't always get the neatest of results.
I agree that sometimes it feels so "small" to "just" vote. But small matters in the case of voting! And I have been grateful to see your expressions of acceptance and inclusion. I think it's important to express that so that people know those sentiments exist and where to find them to stay encouraged, in the face of all the other stuff that is highlighted in the news. Thank you for expressing your thoughts that do help me to see that I'm not the only one with these concerns and worries and hopes. Have a great week!
I love all of this and hear you on the many stitches of small gauge knitting. I hope that both our tanks fit and that we wear them knowing that all those stitches say WE ARE WORTH IT! 💙
Talking is important too. We are in very similar places, ideologically, but I still learn things from reading your posts or talking to friends. For example, you shared the story of your friend who is using she/them pronouns for a child until they are old enough to decide for themselves. I wouldn’t have thought about that and now it is nestled in my brain when I think about young children and gender.
I keep looking for ways to do more, but while I am doing that, I’m also listening and sharing and reading. My learning benefits coming from a place of softness and kindness. We may not change the minds of people on the opposite end of the spectrum, but how we talk makes a difference.
Bearing witness. My father died Friday night. He was in hospice, so he was at home. If there can be such a thing as a good death, he had one. The house was quiet and peaceful. I sat on the couch next to his bed, knitting a sock. It was as if the rhythm of his breathing and my stitching were in sync. I grafted the toe, and he breathed his last.
Bearing witness. I talked last night with my SIL, and we got around to the “gay question.” She is Methodist, and the churches are voting over the “issue”- people’s lives are not issues. I told her I’m fully affirming of the LGBTQ+ community. Full stop. I explained why. She’s conflicted. I don’t need to change her mind. I needed to speak my values.
I cast on the second sock the day after Dad died. The socks are for my husband, who loved my dad as his own father. Threads of comfort for us both.
Oh friend. I am deeply moved and bearing witness to you, and your dad's passing. Wishing you comfort in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Grief is so hard.
Hi Anne - I love your weekly newsletter as I think the same way you do. I have been.very.upset with the refugees coming into New York, as I know people who are processing them, and desperately trying to get them situated. I have been only.making around 300 of my teddy.bears for the past two Christmas', and I am now back to 1,000. So .uch need for the kids. I can only do what I can, plus vote! I will send.you a picture of the bears. Have a good 4th of July! I just rejoined the Yarn Club. I miss your beautiful yarn! Denise
Denise! Yes, please do send a picture, and I love this bear journey for you! Thank you for jumping into the club; I love making yarn for you.
My dearest ANNIE
Did I ever tell you I am part of the first generation of my family to attend college ? I hope that my nephews children will attend hbcu’s and go further than us. Yes we can.
I did NOT know this! You are everything, friend. I love you!
Thanks for your lovely post. Your tank looks beautiful! And the yarn matches the yarn bowl!
I too am making the Oolong tank. My gauge told me to use a size smaller needles than the pattern called for so I particularly felt the slowness of progress as the knitting seemed to creep along! Thank you for the continuing reminders to slow down and enjoy (I do get to binge watch stuff while knitting the endless sea of stockinette). For me, the experience of SO many stitches a little tiring (and aggravates some shoulder issues I have) but I finally got to the shoulder joins and the picking-up of stitches for the edging (a personal source of anxiety). I am glad to have learned these skills but at this stage of my experience, I don't always get the neatest of results.
I agree that sometimes it feels so "small" to "just" vote. But small matters in the case of voting! And I have been grateful to see your expressions of acceptance and inclusion. I think it's important to express that so that people know those sentiments exist and where to find them to stay encouraged, in the face of all the other stuff that is highlighted in the news. Thank you for expressing your thoughts that do help me to see that I'm not the only one with these concerns and worries and hopes. Have a great week!
I love all of this and hear you on the many stitches of small gauge knitting. I hope that both our tanks fit and that we wear them knowing that all those stitches say WE ARE WORTH IT! 💙
Talking is important too. We are in very similar places, ideologically, but I still learn things from reading your posts or talking to friends. For example, you shared the story of your friend who is using she/them pronouns for a child until they are old enough to decide for themselves. I wouldn’t have thought about that and now it is nestled in my brain when I think about young children and gender.
I keep looking for ways to do more, but while I am doing that, I’m also listening and sharing and reading. My learning benefits coming from a place of softness and kindness. We may not change the minds of people on the opposite end of the spectrum, but how we talk makes a difference.
Beautifully said. And thank you. 💙