giving thanks

It's that time of year to give thanks for what you've got. This has been a rough fall for me. Normally, I would smirk at what some would say has become just a tag line to sell more turkey and sweaters, but this year, giving thanks is more important for me. It's a good exercise to realize how fortunate you actually are, in the grand scheme of things.

This website about the Willard Suitcases was the aha! moment that made the thankfulness click for me this year.



Reading the stories of those that were at Willard State Hospital is moving. I've always wondered how I would have ended up if I had been born 100 years earlier - would this have been my fate after raising a stink in public or after a few unfortunate events. The eerie idea of the patients' suitcases left in the attic for years (containing their entire possessions). Most states had/have these institutions and these types of stories. Thankfully, many have returned the possessions or tried to give these people a story. That's what I like about this online exhibit - it gives a voice to those that were silenced years ago.

After reading their stories, especially Madeline's, it made me very thankful for my freedom and the endless opportunities still out there for me.

fiber frenzy

Knitting, spinning, coveting woolen cardigans. These are all things that have I've been up to. It's definitely fall, nearing Thanksgiving. The weather, the excitement for Christmas and D's birthday next week have gotten me obsessed with making and/or acquiring woolen goodies.
On my recent stops to yarn and fiber shops, I scored this:



I've been drooling over Habu patterns recently and just found out some dangerous news, Knit/Purl carries Habu and various kits! I love this tunic and this jacket.

I've been spinning a lot, which has also helped with my craptastic past 10 days. Highs and lows. Bad work stuff and great personal stuff. Big news - I can run again! I'm doing running intervals, something new for me. I've done interval training in the pool, but besides the random fartlek on weekend hill runs, I've never done timed interval running practices. It's fun. I think I'll be enjoying my weekly exercise.

More pics after Thanksgiving...

Wool overload

Lots to report -
- First, I'm learning how to spin fiber (not spinning on a bike, which two of my family members thought I was talking about - I've already been to many a bike spinning class). It's fun - but I'm still at the frustrating point where I'm still learning basic skills. I'm enjoying it. A colleague is letting me borrow her spare Ashford wheel.
- Second, I'm almost back to running. I'm now swimming a lot and doing my yoga regularly. Yoga has been amazing at improving my form in the pool. All that core strength really does make a difference. After I gain more hip strength, I can begin to run again. Soon...just in time for the cold, rainy weather.
- Last, sooo much knitting going on for the holidays. Obv, no picks for the gifts, but here's a picture of my new fall FO - a great wool stole that also seconds as as scarf: