I, first of all, want to thank everyone who left kind comments on my last two posts about the loss of my brother. I didn't respond on individual comments you left, but I want you all to know that each one held sweet words for my hurting heart. Thank you so much.
While it feels a tad trivial for me to jump back into blogging (considering how devastating the blow felt even a week and a half ago) some things have happened to help my mind and heart, and bring me to a place of more normal grieving. I am ready to try to embrace normal things again, and you all are such an important part of what my "normal" is, I want to be with you here online. While we're still dealing with the dreadful COVID, and there may be hard things ahead for our country in particular (given so much unrest still from the past year), and I suspect the whole world will have to recover in terms of economics and personal loss, I am choosing to look forward to 2021 with hope.
While I didn't end up following through with my Advent projects, and have no heart for doing that at this point, I did crochet and knit up some dishcloths shortly after my last YOP update:
And in the past couple of days I've picked back up the chevron blanket I'm making for my youngest son:
While this is an easy project, I'm deciding on the width of the white sections somewhat as I go, and consequently it's seeing more frogging and redoing than I care to admit. Once I hit the half-way mark, though, it should be smooth sailing - as the second half will be a mirror image of the first half.
That's all from me today. I hope you have a very good start to a new year. I am so thankful for new beginnings. They refresh the heart and soul. Even new beginnings in crafty projects lightens the heart and can bring joy.
Happy New Year to each of you!
Your crocheted dishcloths are beautiful. What yarn did you use for them? The colors remind me of Christmas. The blanket is pretty too. I like the 2 shades of blue and the white just makes it all pop.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to read your blog again. I missed you but totally understand why you needed to take time for yourself. May peace find you this year.
Thank you, Marsha. The yarn I used in both styles of dishcloths is Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton. The colors are Christmas Print and Forest. I've had both so long I don't even know if they carry these colorways still. It feels good to move old, but pretty stash.
DeleteThe dishcloths are really pretty. They will be so fun to use. It's funny to see my 21 year old son appreciate the monthly changing of placemats, dishtowels, and guest bathroom towels. I've learn to appreciate "the little things" that make life a joy.
ReplyDeleteWhat I truly love is how soft is the yarn these cloths are made of. It's not the most durable yarn, but it's the loveliest feeling (IMO).
DeleteLoving the look of that blanket. Smart colors - well designed. Good job.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elaine. :)
DeleteWhere have I been? I was not aware of you losing your brother. I am so, so sorry, Becki. I don't suppose you were able to see him or be with him because of Covid? How I missed your post i don't know...I am so sorry. I usually check my list and see if there's been an update by a person I follow. I'll go back and reread. I know it sounds trivial considering the circumstances but it helped me to first work around the house and stay as busy as possible but also when I got tired to sit and do handwork so my mind and heart didn't drive me batty. I've learned over the holidays that Christmas music and especially Auld Lang Syne brought me to tears. There are some things you just never get over. My heart and my prayers are with you, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteYou've been very busy, my friend. I've actually thought of you and how beautifully you handled the early days after your son died. You are an inspiration to me and I'm happy to tell you I've turned a corner with my grief. It is manageable at this point. Late this week was the first time I felt I could pick up my crocheting, and I found it was okay to do that. I don't know if future Christmases will be more precious, or harder for experiencing this loss at this time of year. COVID did make it so much worse, for sure. COVID has made crueler the already painful aspect of death. But we are not the first to go through a time like this...
DeleteAdding a sense of normalcy into your life is probably a good thing right now Becki. Or at least as much 'normal' as is possible considering all that's going on in the outside world. You will have days (or hours) when you feel overwhelmed and sad but I believe those times will become less as time goes on. Do what you need to in order to get through this.
ReplyDeleteNow in month 11 of totally abnormality (due to COVID), it seems kind of funny to speak of returning to normal. The term "new normal" suddenly has actual meaning (and even comfort) for me.
DeleteSo glad to see you back and I am sure returning to some normalcy will help with the healing process. And yes, dish cloths are a good return to crafting project - simple and useful. Your chevron blanket is really coming along - lucky son.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary-Anne. Simply interacting with my blogging buddies is a wonderful return to normal. :)
DeleteWelcome back to blogging. I think it is a healthful choice. I once tried knitting a chevron blanket. It didn't go well for me. 🤦🏻♀️
ReplyDeleteThis one saw several do over as I began it. Chevrons aren't hard, but it seems everyone has a different way of making them. I'm hoping I can write the instructions down when I'm done - in case I want to do this again. ;^)
DeleteIt was so nice to see your blog post on my blogger reading list tonight! I love to see comments on my blog and feel a connection with kindred people so I understand totally. I love our blogging community. Especially when we are so restricted in other ways. As you know time does lessen the degree of grief so until then I wish you peaceful days as you try to regain your equilibrium.❤
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I agree with your thoughts about the blogging community. :)
DeleteI’m glad to see you back, I think the routine, the companionship and the crafting all are so important to keep oneself going when things become tough or challenging. Your friend Susan has so beautifully expressed what I would also like to say. x
ReplyDeleteShe expressed my thoughts, too. :) Thank you, Liz!
DeleteYour dishcloths and blanket are lovely, thank goodness we have our crafts to keep us sane and keeping positive is the way to go, this will be a better year! xx
ReplyDeleteI know. I can't imagine what it would be like to not have a happy handcrafting hobby or talent. Thankful for a community to share my hobbies with, too.
DeleteI am thankful for new beginnings as well. I always felt as a teacher I got two new beginnings a year...one now and one in August as school was beginning. Now, just one which makes this one all the more precious. I am glad you are feeling a little more like blogging.
ReplyDeleteI felt that way as a homeschooling mom, too! And Mondays were always my favorite days (after I left work to be home full time, anyway). I've always loved a fresh start.
DeleteI understand about the desire to move forward, particularly when the recent past is so painful. I hope that each day has something that brightens your life. After I lost my BFF/"Brother" a couple years ago, I was incapable of doing anything for weeks (depression). I was patient and eventually I found the space to create again.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket is very lovely, and will be much appreciated, I'm sure!
Thank you for sharing that, Cinna. Moving into a more normal mode is a relief. And it doesn't hurt that the sun is shining for the first time in I can't remember when. :)
DeleteIt is lovely to have you back, in your time and on your terms.
ReplyDeleteThe cloths are gorgeous and I'm sure your son will appreciate them.
Thank you, Lucy. :)
Deletelovely projects! they do help us! God bless you dear one!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Elizabeth.
DeleteI love all your makes, Becki. I'm glad that you feel able to continue with them.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia. I love all your makes, too. :)
DeleteIt was fun to see these projects.
ReplyDelete