a smaller life

details

 

In the rinse bins.

 

catching up

 

I know, I know. I don't write, I don't call. The truth is, I've been so absolutely wiped out lately- there is so much going on (so much to write about!) and I've been struggling with my health- a bad mix if there ever was one. I take my pills and my shots like a good girl, but only recently have I begun to feel what seems like the beginnings of improvement- and I say that with great reservations, as it's only the last two days or so that really seemed better.

We opened the new studio, Sam and I are playing with the idea of (finally!) demolishing the kitchen, dyeing has stepped up at least two- fold (if not three- fold), my daughter is a full- blown teenager with a boyfriend, I'm still not driving which leaves me feeling a little claustrophobic, and I'm suddenly feeling just how responsible Gryphon and I are to at least nine other people, not to mention our customers and oh, yes, of course- our own families. There doesn't seem like there is too much room in there for me to be sick, which is the way I traditionally approach any sort of physical infirmity- placing it firmly on the back burner with a stern I'm sorry, I just don't have time for this right now.

It turns out, I don't get that option. MS turns out to be a prima donna of sicknesses; if I'm not paying attention to my body's cues, she'll step right up center stage and remind me exactly who is in charge here. We're learning how to live together, and I'm quietly plotting my revenge with my nightly shots and what seems like fistfulls of pills, because no matter what this disease thinks, damnit, I'm the one in charge here. I'm determined to subjugate this in some way, to regain control over my body and my time.

Learning to take a proactive stance on my health- on realigning how I live, focusing on the right fuel and rest and exercise and staying informed and not just blowing this whole thing off as another thing that will go away- that's new, and it eats up more of my resources, too, but I'm learning, and trying. 

In the meantime, I knit- nothing that I can show, all holiday knitting, but it's happening- mittens and shawls and socks, as well as the world's most boring project of all time- a six- foot tube scarf in stockinette for Kiddo with her own handdyed yarn. It's a labor of love, to be sure; God knows I'm not knitting this because it is interesting in any way- but I know she'll adore it. 

So I'm here, intact, although some days it really does feel like "intact" is all I can manage. I have some designs cooking in all that holiday knitting, including a lovely pair of colorwork mittens in both Skinny Bugga and Djinni Sock as part of a collaboration with the ever- lovely Kate of Dragonfly Fibers. I'm focusing on getting well, and working hard, and all the sweet bits in the details of life, the stuff that really matters- the kindnesses of friends, my daughter's smile, my husband's hands, good food, crisp mornings, flannel sheets, cats, reading Sherlock Holmes stories in bed, strong morning runs, apple cider and milkmen and hot coffee.

In the end, that's all that really counts, right? The small moments, they're all we have.

on the spindle this week... month... quarter... oh, I need to finish this already.

 

Gorgeous Chasing Rainbows roving in a colorway that I've forgotten, merino- tencel blend, just heavenly. I love their colors and fiber prep; so meticulous, simple and beautiful.

 

on the lines, this afternoon

 

  

Also this gorgeous soaker skein of Kypria; completely unrepeatable, this was a blank skein that caught extra dye from all of last week's work, and it's very, very unlikely to ever leave my house. Look at those fall, maple-ish colours! Love love love love LOVE.

  

 

 

in which there is only so much time

The incredible Spinster Yarns and Fibers, of Lauraville, Baltimore, is closing its doors. The owner, Andrea, has been a friend of mine for years, and she really made this shop wonderful and unique- with a focus on natural, organic, and indie yarns, this was a fantastic store. Actually- as of right now, it still IS a fantastic store- it should be open for a few more weeks, yet. Andrea is selling everything at 50% off- yarn, fiber, books, Addi and Lantern Moon needles (I totally stocked up on LM needles last week), yarn bowls, you name it. If you're in the area, you really, really should stop by- the prices can't be beat and there is still a ton of haul to be had. The address is 4337 Harford Road, in Baltimore, MD, and if you go during the day, you should check out The Red Canoe, upstairs. They have good, strong coffee and the best muffins in the city.

 

 

 

There's a pretty awesome knit night, too- Saturdays, starting at 6ish. I'm there every week, barring major emergencies and shows. You should stop by. Really, before it's over. We're a great bunch.

Today was my woodturning class at Mark Supik and Company.

I've been looking forward to this class ever since I found a pamphlet for their knitter's tools class on the Spinster corkboard a few months back. The studio is amazing- great space, and the smell of all that wood is just magical. Mark and his wife, Nancy, were so much fun. Even the lunch was terrific- sandwiches from DiPasquale's, the first real sandwich I've had within city limits ever. (I'm a bit of a sandwich snob. I'm from New England- the standard is pretty high.) The roast beef, it is to die for.

I came home with one finished bowl, one partly- finished bowl (I ran out of time), plans to go back soon for their weekend workshops and just reeking of woodshavings. This was exactly what I needed to finish out a stressful week- something simple, relaxing, and messy.

---------------------------------------------------

I'm still processing all of this week's events- letting go of the fear of a tumor, trying to puzzle out what exactly a not- yet multiple sclerosis diagnosis means to us and our future. It all feels very surreal, almost as though it's not actually happening. When I list off my symptoms it all sounds very scary- and frequently it is- but right now, sitting in my living room I feel just fine, which just doesn't line up with the image in my head of someone with MS. I suppose that image will need some adjusting. In the meantime, I self- medicate with old seasons of Mad Men, Victorian literature, loads of knitting and strong, strong coffee.

Sock- a- con

tiny perfect sock, originally uploaded by s.eyre.

(In the interest of full disclosure- that is NOT my perfect, tiny version of The Gardener's Sock. I wish I could remember the name of the knitter who was wearing it at SS- it really is remarkable.)

Sock Summit- or Sockacon, as Sam's been calling it- was amazing. I'm still processing it, but damn. We met so many people- really lovely people, sweet people, supportive people, amazingly talented people, funny kind people. It was a lot of work, and a lot of stress, but it was such a great way to get back into working shows.

We're driving back now, taking a northerly route; yesterday we had lunch in the Gem Theater, in Deadwood (just as touristy as you think it would be) and saw Mt. Rushmore, which is every bit as strange and tacky as it looks in pictures, but was still rather thrilling nonetheless. Tomorrow, I'll be in Jackson Park, in Chicago, which is really the best of the trip for me, I think. I might even slip on that dress and play make- believe for a little bit.

the new rules

Bombardier beetle pin, originally uploaded by weirdbuglady.

All of the transition of the last few months--- returning from Afghanistan, leaving the office/ workcubby world, re- prioritizing how we live--- it has finally started to level out. There are new rules, spoken and unspoken, some of which are hilariously specific to this new life.

Newly set last night: There will be no more reading of bug books in bed. Damn. I find my best ideas for Bugga! then. I knew I should have saved my enthusiasm for the Bombardier Beetle for daylight hours.

That Bombardier Beetle pin isn't mine, by the way- it comes from weirdbuglady's absolutely charming shop. I think I'm in love with her Eurypterid.

the end result

This is how those pinks turned out- covered in deep pinks and burgundies. I do think I'll be experimenting with that pink- lemonade color again, though- something lighter, in washes of color, possibly with a light wash of orange or purples? I'm not sure, but I think I need a little more pink in my life.

(Also: as I was tagging this post, I realized I could tag it "Work," which made me so happy. My work is so much awesome-er now.)

really, there are no good excuses

I've been slacking. I'm in over my head right now trying to get ready for Sock Summit, and I'm feeling it.

It started this last week; the Fourth of July weekend completely laid me out. Our neighbors were letting off fireworks at all hours starting Thursday evening through to... well, so far, last night, and while I cognitively know the difference between some redneck letting off a bunch of M-80s in his backyard and real gunfire, it would appear the rest of me isn't so clear. Maybe next year we can go camping, or something; I like the cooking out/ potato salad/ bonfire in the evening bit of things. Yeah- camping. In Canada. That sounds pretty boss. There's no Lee Greenwood in Canada, right? It seems like a sensible place; there's got to be a law against Lee Greenwood up there.

Outside of that, I'm frantically dyeing yarn, and scheduling vet appointments, and working with mechanics, and trying to run a home/ raise a kid/ participate in my marriage/ be a good sibling/ maintain friendships. I can't wait til we get to the getting- in- the- van- and- getting- there part. I need some yoga, and a massage, and some deep breathing, already. I need to knit some socks and bake some brownies, I think. I'll pencil that in for the weekend.