When the Sun Shines

I'm starting to get back some energy after the dark and icy days of the mid-winter. As I can't do most of my yoga practice, I'm out walking which means I can take photos of the new growth, feel the sun on my face (through layers of knits) and listen to podcasts. These are things that feed me.

There has been some writing, both in the journal and for my writers' circle assignment. And it feels like a new season of acting and being like my real self.

It is challenging to cook and serve all the colourful vegetables at this time of year. It's challenging to not spend all my days crafting and building and writing. I am enjoying working through some test knits for some special friends whom I have never met. The internet of knitters is a powerful place. I am finishing a quilt top for  a wedding gift and that feels like a big thing.

But there are friends and family to meet with and celebrate. January is a month of birthdays in our world. And I do believe in celebrating the important people in our lives.

Robert Burns Day was this week. We didn't eat haggis, having already partaken at a feisty Burns Dinner on the weekend, but we did go to Pipe Band practice and share stories and music with our compatriots. 

Chinese New Years is tomorrow. Shall I rummage through the freezer and come up with some egg rolls and dumplings? Why not celebrate?

Friday has traditionally been treat day in our house. Today I am treating myself to getting some chores ticked off the list and spending time in my sunny little room, writing and planning. I am redefining what "treat" means as I can no longer enjoy ice cream or very many baked goods, and tire of too much shopping.

And being true to a practice, of writing, or blogging, or home keeping, is a treat in itself. My days are my own to look back on and measure if I have accomplished something valuable.  

Today I will tap into the warmth and inspiration while the sun shines.

New Focus

It's a new year and I finally feel like I'm starting it. The raucous re-blooming of my Christmas cactus lightens my heart and these short, dark days. With encouragement from a friend on Instagram who is a brilliant photographer, Owl and Lily Photography, I have picked up my sweet Nikon camera and am thumbing my nose to the iphone and apple updates that stymie me. Try another way.

And that is trickling down from all my new plans.

Don't give up on a bulb that is not ready. This pink amaryllis just needed more time and nurturing. Kind of like me.

I am retired from Sunday School teaching and the countless meetings that were taking all my energy. I am disappointed that the community did not grow and share the vision. But I am not so old that I can't learn a new trick. With taking a break from church in January, I am nurturing myself and discovering new (and old) outlets for my dreams and schemes.

Dude, I joined a writers' group!!! And it's in the library!! The last time I was invited to one, I was just starting the Chilliwack Common Threads Knitting Circle and I felt it needed more work to become a welcoming time for sharing friendship through craft and for giving back to our community. The group continues. I am happy now that I stepped down and they found a new venue, but it was a bit tough at the time with others wrestling for control. My better self let them take it. But I still have so many friends and contacts from that time.

And now it is time for something I really want to do. I have been writing stories since I was 4 years old and it is a big part of my self image. Except I haven't been taking time for it. With this gentle and generous group, I will have some external incentive and can talk about the beauty and importance of words with like minded individuals.

I will be taking this blog in a new (old) direction as well. I have been hoping to make it more than a travelogue of my week. I plan to muse over ideas here, to connect better with my on line community, and to share some relevant words.

There will still be knitting and other crafting, but those are still a means to connect with myself and others and to create. 

All creation matters.

Reclaiming Knits and New Year

Technical wizard I am not.
Apparently I have to empty a mass of photos for my laptop to take in any more. Hmmm.
But we had a lovely knitting Christmas. I will try to put in at least one picture!

My favourite knit of the year for my darling daughter. Her 24th birthday is tomorrow and she's on her last term for her Bachelor's of Music Education from UVic.

 I spent the last month coughing and blowing my nose, panicking about meeting my Christmas music requirements, choir and flute. Normally I quarantine myself, but everyone was sharing this bug. I dragged my sorry butt into the kitchen to do the minimum of baking. Thank goodness we have such good friends and family who didn't add pressure.

Finally on the breathing clear end of the season, I'm back to yoga and D and I are taking off for the Okanagan. Totally off season, but we are looking for quiet and restful at the NK'Mip Resort in Osoyoos.

I do plan to put writing a higher priority this year.

I have retired as a Sunday School teacher and am going to explore volunteering in my community for children and literacy. Some of my friends are excited to welcome me.

Already excited about baby knitting and planning some big sweaters for Christmas. I have been exploring fixing knits, changing shapes, extending rib and shortening sleeves. Slow but fun.

It may sound the same to you but it looks fresh to me.

Hoping your had a wonderful Christmas season and have lots to look forward to in the new year!