Wow, it's been awhile since I last posted. Life's been just a bit crazy in my neck of the woods...how about you? As each of the last three Monday's have come and gone, I tell myself "sit down and write a post, just do it." And then the day gets busy and I find myself thinking "no time and nothing to say." Well, it's not that I have nothing to say but sometimes I find myself wondering if I'll find the right words to express my thoughts. So the day passes in all its busy-ness and I tell myself "definitely, next week."
And then next week is here again. But this week, I'm breaking the cycle. I'm going to get over the hurdle and jump right in because when all else fails, you just gotta get 'er done. I've got quite a few updates and things to share.
Let's rewind a little bit, to almost a month ago...to Coddiwomple. I'd like to share a some thoughts about this pattern and it's meaning. Pull up a chair and grab a cup of your favorite beverage...
Coddiwomple is an English slang term and means to travel/journey with purpose to a vague destination. As I contemplate this word, the more meaningful it has become. It's really a word that describes life. In the midst of the walk-along, my 13 year old daughter asked me about the meaning. When I told her, she said "wow, that's a bit like me...I know I'm going to do something grand in life...I just don't know what it is yet." And yes, she is strong and talented but yet wandering a bit as she navigates life and her place in the world. So, she tackles each day of being a teenager with intent and purpose working towards a yet unknown destination. I'm sure many of us can relate regardless of our age.
This word has now been adopted by my daughter and I as the name of our summer adventure. This summer we are setting out on a "coddiwomple" of our own. We'll take 2 weeks to hike and camp in the Pacific Northwest with a couple of goals...
- to spend time with one another...putting down the phones and being intentional with how we spend the day "together."
- spread peace...I hope to visit a few yarn shops along the way and talk about Project Peace. Plans are underway for PP 2017 (see below). If you live in the PNW (including MT, ID, WA, and OR) and think your LYS would be interested in having me come talk about the inspiration and goals of Project Peace, let's talk. Talk to your LYS, email me...
- to toss aside a fully scheduled itinerary and just allow ourselves the opportunity to say "go left here" or "hey, let's explore ___."
As for the pattern Coddiwomple, I was completely amazed by the creativity of those that engaged in the Ravelry group. Although the meaning of coddiwomple was unknown at the time, I saw a lot of purposeful actions coupled with complete trust that where we would end up was a good place to be. I've decided to write up 2 more versions of Coddiwomple that will be included in the pattern:
- the original pattern will remain
- an adaptation that will include a more symmetrical option
- a non-lace version that will just include the chevron stitch...stripes will be optional.
This will allow you to customize your Coddiwomple so that it fits in with your current abilities, life's demands or the need for an easy knit vs. a challenge. Look for that to be available late June.
Updates
Round two of Project Peace bags 2016 are ready and available. Please make sure if you want one that you get one now. Once this batch is gone...that's it. My mum is greasing the sewing machine and getting ready to begin producing bags for 2017. So, the 2016 bag is now considered a limited edition.
Speaking of Project Peace, I just finalized the artwork for this year's Project Peace. Lisa has created another beautiful design. I can't wait to share it! To raise awareness, I'll begin promoting in July. I have lofty goals this year and I'm going to need your help spreading the word. Collectively, I know we can do this. More later but hopefully I've peaked your curiosity!
And then there is this special announcement...at the end of Project Peace you asked for a June solstice project. I'm just about ready to tell you more but yes, there will be a soothing, relatively simple cowl project to honor the June solstice. The focus will be on gratitude with a special blog activity posted during our 26-day gratitude-along. Stay tuned.
I've been working on a few other fun activities with more patterns coming your way focused on peace and kindness. Hoping you're ready for a summer filled with simple, mindful knits that are easy to transport (especially if you have a Project Peace bag)! Clear those needles because you are going to want to treat yourself to some peace-infusing knitting beginning with the gratitude-along.
Mindful Monday Tip
Get out a piece of paper, grab a pen. Write down 3 things that you have to be grateful for...
It's so easy to get sucked in to the drama of everything going on around us. It can be easy to let the good slip away and to allow the negative to take center stage. I know a few folks that are always positive despite what life deals them but for most of us this isn't the case.
Post your note someplace you can see it every day! Care to share?
