I was knitting a simple scarf in the staff room at lunchtime today, listening to "Divinities" by Ian Anderson on my little MP3 player, and feeling less anxious than I've felt (in real life) for days. I thought I saw someone else in the room when I pulled some yarn from the hank, but I'm so nearsighted... A few minutes later, I pulled the yarn again, and saw that someone was there: a friend, just sitting across the room and looking at me. I turned off the music, took off the earphones, and looked back. He sighed. "I was watching you knit because you reminded me of my aunt," he said. "She used to crochet for hours..."
I guess I'm still thinking about it (but I'm not sure) because it never would occur to me that my presence would calm anyone else, especially when I'm this close to flying to pieces. When I'm writing down today's things to be grateful for, though, this will make the list.
All of my winter holiday packages are on their way. I indulged myself by sending out a couple of children's books, including The Mitten by Jan Brett, which is delightful in every possible way, from the really great story to the fanciful yet accurate drawings of animals. If you have children, or if children visit, or if you just love the world, you'll find much to love at her website.
(I have a few of her books at home with me, including Comet's Nine Lives, which is about a cat and lighthouses, two of my favorite things.)
Speaking of cats -- Chris from Stumbling Over Chaos linked to Bridget's post, Cats' Letters to Santa ? How cool is that?
And speaking of packages, I sent very few this year because I fell way behind in the paltry knitting plans I had, and because I wanted to put as much financial energy (i.e., money) into the hands of Heifer International that I could. My packages are missing something, on purpose: wrapping paper. No more wrapping paper for me. I'd rather use my share of paper for letters, journals, and books, than for a pile of pretty paper that will be discarded. (And, I'm the world's worst wrapper.)
15 comments:
Her post about the cats' letters was amazingly fun!!
I could probably give you a run for world's worst wrapper. :)
Honestly, and this is no hyperbole, your presence calms me. Even though we've never met in person.
"The Mitten" --- what a fabulous book. It had slipped from my memory. I remember the fantastic illustrations. . .
You are one of the most calming people I know! ((((hugs))))
And why not fabric bags? And recycling? I've carried on the tradition of my Depression Era mom and her family - tho' I don't make folks cut open their packages with a small pair of scissors kept just for the occasion - yes, each one of us got a pair when we visited my aunt for the holidays! They were returned to her special box at the end of the gift opening to wait till the next year!
lolol
I am always surprised when people make comments about me or my behavior that are so out of sync with what I am used to - but when they are comments like your co-workers' it's a nice feeling.
I was thrilled that Chris linked to my post, as I always get a charge out of her cats' commentaries ...
I *love* to wrap presents. I try to only use paper that can be recycled. If not, I tell myself that I'm still generally wasting less than most other people do in a day. Because I'm all about self-justification. :-)
When I knit in public places I have children coming up to talk to me. I love it. They want to know what I'm doing, they squeeze the yarn and they actually examine the project when I stretch it out for them to see. They tell me I should knit in brighter colours like purple, pink or lime green.
I'm all for no wrapping paper for adults. Children still expect wrapped gifts. This year though for the ladies I put all their gifts in reusable shopping bags -- everyone is supposed to go green. Some of the shopping bags are quite pretty and inexpensive. There are slots for milk or bottles of wine.
My children have done some adorable projects in conjunction with The Mitten at school in past years. I love that book. Wishing you increased peace in the coming days!!
Books are one of my favorite things to give as gifts. I recently purchased "Fritz and the Beautiful Horses" by Jan Brett for my niece - I hope she loves it as much as I do!
Listening to Divinities? What are the odds?
Isn't it odd how calming we can be outwardly when inwardly we're anything but?
I checked out the Ian Anderson stuff, very nice. I always loved Jethro Tull.
I have had folks tell me how peaceful I look knitting. I always think it's a good thing they can't see inside my head. Listening to books while I knit is one of my favoritest things to do. I does help me calm and loosens the band around me chest that gets tighter when the anxiety comes on. I have a feeling some of it is hormonal because it tends to be cyclical. Just more of the joys of being a woman.
Larjmarj, I'm glad you'll discover some great new music!
Donna - definitely one of the joys of being a woman...
i think i'm a very poor gift-wrapper and i try hard not to use paper becuase it's always bothered me it's immediately tossed. I tend to put things in bags that are generic enough they are easy to reuse and add tissuepaper (which also can be reused).
i've had several people tell me that watching me knit is very relaxing...
I'm extremely glad no one can hear what's in my head while I'm knitting - it's bad enough what comes out of my mouth:).
I'm a terrible wrapper. I've been known to just have people shut their eyes as I place the gift in their hands.
:)
I didn't use wrapping paper this year, and got severely mocked for my troubles but hubby. The kids didn't seem to mind, though.
I adore the Jann Brett books.
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