I thought my second little CeCe would be finished by now but it’s almost there – I couldn’t resist trying it on yesterday morning, of course I was brushing my teeth at the same time – didn’t even really notice how absurd that was until later! Sometimes my mornings are a chain reaction of Must Do’s – it seems like many very tempting ideas irresistibility collide with my routine duties just as I’m about to go out the door. What gets done? BOTH at the same time if possible – we call that the One-Man-Band at my photo job. The only thing missing is the hand stand.
This is actually how I knew I finally was an adult. When you are very young, a day can last forever – the drama and angst of close self orbit will gobble time slowly. As you stand alone on the later horizon, however, things start moving fast, very fast sometimes, and you can find yourself in a landslide of activity and it only makes sense to learn to be a master juggler. (Or does it?)
I’ve been juggling a lot lately – but I always come back to my knitting to calm down. For me, it seems something that desires (not demands) gentle focus – I haven’t been able to do much more than sometimes watch television or listen to programs while doing it – but I have seen people read at the same time.
Knitting lace is too tricksie for that – but not too much so in this case. I can always pick up a little speed because all the wrong side rows are purl backs :)
Why I like knitting in the round or one piece from the Bottom Up: I seem to have gravitated towards this technique as the best of both worlds – top down and piece work. I like the control of it better – you can test out your stitch patterning and gauge on a sleeve (just like I always do in piece work). Then, one can also be assured the bodywork is to your liking rather quickly in a more simple area, especially knitting lace.
But the main reason I like Bottom Up Knitting is the control you have over the look of the shoulder area. I prefer shoulder shaping done with decreases – you can manipulate them several ways for an elegant appearance, a more invisible fit and seamless shaping, although I especially like what is called the “Full-Fashioned Decrease” for the tracks of its geometry.
I always find myself holding the knitting away from me for a good look at the *seam* that forms the raglan after a few rounds – I smooth it and yes, I pet my work – always a moment of small but satisfying enjoyment that pushes me forward but not out the door!
Yesterday, after my trip, I had to return the rental car downtown. This was, but of course, also a two-fer – because it would get me very close to work without having to take the bus. Imagine my surprise to wait in line behind about 12 people for my turn to check-out then discover no wallet in me pocket! The Hertz clerk was very kind about my cardless, $$$ status but I was not.
This meant I had to walk 3 miles back to my house to get my IDs and driver’s license – essential when you might have to drive a company car, no? The day was clear and brisk and as I walked through the river neighborhood back towards East Village, I had abundant time to think. I could fill my eyes with the wide blue sky and wallow in my brain about where my life was leading me and my family. My Mother is ill – she is suffering and needs treatment, to be determined. Suddenly misty clouds loom over my eyes blotting out the blue. I turn and see those are only tears.
Know what you mean about knitting’s soothing functions. Sorry to hear about all the cares and concerns :( Thinking good thoughts!
Bonne Marie, my prayers are with you and your family – so sorry to hear your mother is not well.
We all turn to our knitting to both soothe and inspire….(well, I certainly do). I am sorry to hear things are not well. We’ll click our needles for you. Knit on!
I’m sorry to hear about your Mom. It’s very hard when they get sick. All my best to both of you.
Bonne Marie, I’ll be thinking good thoughts for your mother and keeping her in my thoughts. I hope that she gets better soon. Knitting can be a balm for what ails you. Sometimes the simple act of knitting or purling a stitch is so soothing to you and helps you to not focus on the hard things for a bit. Take care of yourself.
Hugs to you, Bonne Marie
Am I remembering correctly, that your Mom had cancer a couple years back? Has it returned? Whatever the cause for illness, please know I’m holding you and your mom in my thoughts.
Hugs across the miles…
We’re all thinking positive thoughts for your mom and for you – take good care of you/our Bonne Marie these days. It seems there was something good about forgetting the wallet – it gave you a nice time frame to yourself. Take good care.
Thoughts with you and your mom… *hug*
I am sorry to hear that your mother is not well. I am sending you and your family good wishes and prayers/thoughts/vibrations.
Our prayers are very much with you (Mom & I particularly).
Oh B! Your mom and you will be in my thoughts. I hope whatever it is, all will turn out well. Perhaps it is time to knit her another pair of socks.
I am so sorry to hear about your mom! The eloquence of your writing vividly expresses your pain, and I empathize. My mom had breast cancer about 5 years ago. I pray yours makes such a recovery!
Virtual hugs to you and all positive thoughts to your mother. The Chicago skies were perfect for reflection yesterday. The blue seemed to go on and on forever.
Sorry to hear about your Mom. Sending some prayers and hugs your way.
I’m sorry to hear about your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with her and you.
I’m sorry to hear about your Mom. I hope her treatment turns out well. You and your Mom are in my thoughts.
Oh, Bonne, I feel for you and will keep all the Burnses in my thoughts and prayers ~
Oh Bonnie, I read the last line of your blog post and the tears just started rolling. I too am in the middle of my mother crisis. She had a stroke at the end of April and has been in the hospital since then. I was not sure how all would turn out, but things are getting much better. I will keep you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers and hope for the best. Thanks for your blog, it’s the only one I make any effort to read daily.
Sending prayers and hugs.
Big hugs, B. Marie. Sending healing vibes your Mom’s way, too.
I’m so sorry about your mom. I hope knitting brings you some peace.
Oh Bonne Marie, I am so sorry to hear about your mom.
Wishing your mom thoughts of good health and recovery.
The end of your post was unexpected, but I could feel the pain in those final sentences. I am sorry your Mother isn’t well and hope everything works out for you and your family, Bonne Marie.
I’m so sorry to hear your mom’s not well. I’ll send along some positive thoughts for all of you.
Take care.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that your mother is feeling poorly. Hang on tight to the knitting–it’ll help you cope.
I too am sorry to read about your Mom…comfort and healing thoughts are sent to you both from the East Coast.
Knitting does get us through the best and worst of times. Good thoughts and prayers are coming for you and your mother, Bonne Marie.
Bonne, I’m sorry to hear about your Mum’s illness. I am currently in a similar place, so I sort of understand your predicament. What part is acknowledgement of your pain and what part is “all about your Mum”? My thoughts and prayers are with you now. Keep on knitting, but make it the stuff that calms and soothes you.
Bonnie, from my time in a Quaker school, I learned the phrase, “holding you in the light.” I will do that for you, your mother and family.
So sorry to hear about your Mom! :( My best wishes to you and your family.
I’m very sorry to hear about your mother! I hope that her treatment and recovery go well (and quickly). My thoughts are with you and your family!
So sorry to hear about your mom.
Bonne Marie I am very sorry to hear about your mother, I will keep your family in my thoughts and hope for good news.
Cyber-hugs Bonne Marie…I’m so sorry to hear your mother is ill ~ Take good care okay?!
{{{Bonne}}} I’m wishing the best for your mom.
I’m keeping you and your Mom in my thughts and prayers Bonne Marie.
Okay, I have given up: CeCe has to be my next knitting. It will even work for project spectrum as mine will be turquois. I already have a Ribby and a Cutway and am happy with both of them though next time I might make the sleeves ever so slightly shorter.
Bonne Marie, I’ll keep your mom and your family in my prayers. You are so right about the passing of time as one gets older…zoom. Days fly now that I’m in my *cough* mid-thirties.
I love your red CeCe! I’m still trying to decide on a color for mine.
I’m so sorry about your mom. I’ll keep you and her in my thoughts.
Thinking of you.
My prayers to you and your family. Your mother feels you with her, even though you are far away. That is the beauty of family.
I’m so sorry! I’m thinking of you.
So sorry to hear that your Mom isn’t well. I’ll be sending good thoughts her way and yours as well.
Sending good thoughts to you and your mother. Hoping for only good news.
I’ll be thinking of you and your mom during these tough times.
Lots of us out here in cyberspace have been down this road with our own parents and our own knitting. Please know that you and your mom are in our prayers.
Just caught up on my blog reading. Hugs across the miles to you. I will hold you and your mom and family in my thoughts and prayers.
Try to focus on the little stuff that makes up each day: the smell of coffee in the morning, the wind in the trees, a good joke, indulgent reality TV. Hang in there – waiting for the news is the toughest part.
sending prayers and good thoughts you and your mother’s way!