Fall Sports are done

The first term of youth sports has come to an end. No more running to and from practice, no more games, no more meets. Its bittersweet really but a time to rest, take a breather and fill up the gas tank before term two begins.

Today was the District meet for Central Oregon Middle School Cross Country, and it came right along with the change in weather. The clouds we saw today felt like basketball season, which is now just around the corner.

Tomorrow is Halloween and that means the weather is turning, as it does this time every year. I hope its at least warm and dry enough tomorrow night to stay out until we "fill up the pillowcase at least half full before we're done."

There's always space for a gratuitous family photo:

Ahhh Autumn

I love this time of year! And we've had such good weather this fall its easy to love. Our yard looks so beautiful with all leaves changing colors.

Halloween is just a week away and we had a busy weekend doing fun Halloween activities. We went to the Fall Festival and Haunted House on Friday night, made cupcakes and hung decorations yesterday, and carved our pumpkins today. The stage is set and all we need to do is wait for trick-or-treaters.

There has not been much knitting but as we head towards clock-changing time, I know there will be plenty of time for that. Right now, its time for the kids. And they keep me plenty busy. I keep myself busy too, planning all kinds of labor-intensive meals that keep me standing in the kitchen. Thank goodness the dog likes to eat pumpkin, he helps the clean-up after the carving!

I didn't think we'd get everything accomplished this weekend but we did and look how excited these kids look as they wait for the big day!

Serendipity

Sometimes when you let your day unfold around you instead of forcing it, you will recognize the serendipity that is always around.

On Monday, I tried to be concious of letting my day happen instead of forcing myself through it. I heard Kelly Pitkin from KnitPicks give a book review of a book, Knitting into the Mystery, that sounded like something I'd like to read. I looked it up on the library's web site and found the only copy in Central Oregon was at the Sunriver library. Normally I would have had to order it on-line and wait for it to be driven to Bend but on that day I happened to be going to Sunriver already for my daughter's cross-country meet and so it worked out perfectly. I took in the meet and cheered on my daughter, then went across the street to the library and picked up the book. Instant graftification and I got to start reading the book right away.

Reading the book is such a peaceful exerience. The book describes the Prayer Shawl movement and talks about contemplative knitting and opening your heart while you knit. It describes selecting your yarn and knitting alone or with others and how to get your good thoughts and prayers into your stitches. I really enjoyed reading it.

It was such a compelling read that I couldn't help but cast on for my own Prayer Shawl the next night. I found some Angora-Tweed from Garnstudio in my stash and though its almost a lace-weight, I am using size 10.5 needles and its turning out beautifully. I love the lavendar color and slubby-tweedy bits. I am putting all my good thoughts and love and prayer into it. I'm not sure who it will go to but its so relaxing to knit.

I am also really enjoying the beautiful, fall weather we've been having. It was much warmer today than I expected and the trees are so bright with their yellows, oranges, and reds. This is my favorite season of the year. Noticing the change in season and fall color helps me to slow down and notice the serendipity in the air.

The oldest WIP

Eleven years ago I started a sweater for my brother, my plan was to give it to him for Christmas. By Christmas, I had only finished part of the front but wrapped it up and gave it to him anyway telling him that I would finish it for him as soon as I could. Not long after that Christams with a one year old baby and a full time job, the sweater got put away.

Recently, with the desire to begin a new project but no money for yarn, I pulled the unfinished sweater out of my stash and decided to give it a go again. I realized I had no idea what size I was making and without knitting a guage swatch would not necessarily finish the way I planned anyway. So I ripped out what I had, knit a guage swatch and started over on new needles. In one week I've come farther than I did in months eleven years ago.

Now I'm working away happily and with more speed, knowledge, and skill than I did back when I started. The end product will be much nicer than it would have been if I'd actually finished it back then. It might even be worth waiting eleven years for.