Breathe the incense of sun on prairie Offer peace to the sky — Heid E. Erdrich, Peace Path
It has been a week and then some. I think what I am missing most is the “normalcy” of the week – that is, normal work schedules, normal routines, and looking forward to Friday. I don’t know about you, but the days are a jumble to me with each one feeling like the last and the next. I feel a bit like I did when I was a child on summer break in the month of August. You know when the days felt endless and school would never start!
And, yet there have been pockets of “good things” in my days and so perhaps a bit of TGIF is in order!
Thankful
Yesterday was our “monthly” trip to the grocery store for much needed things (fresh produce, for one!!) We headed to Trader Joe’s and again there was a line, but for the most part a well-spaced, masked line! The limit to inside access has been even more reduced to assure that we can all be properly distanced from other shoppers. The store was immaculate and well-stocked. But it the best part was the simple kindness of the other shoppers and the Trader Joe’s staff – both were a balm to my weary spirit. The bouquet above was a gift from Trader Joe’s for helping to bag my groceries. I did not realize how much the simple interaction with strangers was something I was missing. I am basking in the glow of those simple things today, and so thankful!
Generosity
I have been amazed at the simple forms of giving that have been showing up around the internet! From free things in all sorts of places to helpful tips and tricks for all sorts of things – there are some in the universe working to balance out the unfairness of these days. I thought I’d share a few of the things I found this week with you all! First, Made by Rae just posted an excellent tutorial in which she shows clearly how to measure for pants that fit – even in the rise! I spent some time this week “cranking out” face masks and learned that not all faces are made the same. I found this pattern fits a variety of sizes and includes a “nose wire” option! Milk Street Kitchen has made all their online classes available through the end of April.
Inspiration
This week has had some lovely inspiration! This morning the patterns from Making No. 9 / Simple showed up on Ravelry! And curiously, crochet items have been calling to me (because of Sarah’s gorgeous blanket and Mary’s 100 Day project) But then Churchmouse Yarns sent this and I have a case of the “I want this bad” (also I love that they are also echoing the joy of Sarah’s blanket with One Big Granny Square! (Perhaps the pillow is a good place to start? Lol) I cannot crochet, but I would really love to learn. I tried a few years ago, but it was truly a struggle and I gave up but maybe this is the thing I need to keep my brain focused right now!
Finally, poetry
Poetry has become a daily necessity for me. And this morning’s poem – Peace Path from The Slowdown moved me greatly and I immediately checked out a book of her poetry from my library. (and yes, Heid E. Erdrich is Louise Erdrich’s sister!)
That is all I have for this week… I hope your weekend is full of weekend things! See you all back here on Monday! I am pulling out my “big camera” and hope to get a photo I can share. Carole and Vicki… how about some Macro Monday!?
Your flowers are beautiful and the story behind them even more so! I have not found my every-three-week grocery shopping so fulfilling, but I may get myself some flowers next time. I’ve also been thinking about crochet, but I know that’s because I keep imagining making something like Sarah’s big ole granny square. Poetry is a lifeline and I thank you!
I wondered about those flowers the minute I saw them! What a lovely backstory. [I also noticed your curtains…I have the same ones :)]
I started a crocheted hexi afghan but ended up losing interest–it was connecting them all that did me in…so I ended up with just a throw for the back of a chair. But I, too, absolutely love Sarah’s giant granny square. Definite inspiration!
Yes, we have lots to be thankful for! Thanks for the reminder to take the time for gratitude!
I’m pretty sure you could crochet expertly if you really want to! In fact, I’ll bet you’ll be whipping out those granny squares before long! I’m glad you had a good experience “out in the world” — with magical flowers, to boot. Have a peace-filled weekend, Kat.
Beautiful flowers! Trader Joe’s is the best. So funny that I decided to make a granny square afghan with my left over sock yarn bits and bobs…and I started last night!
Oh the flowers. I do love Trader Joes. The smiles from the staff and the extra steps they are taking to keep everyone safe does my heart good. The other day I was walking and a gentleman I only know because we wave at each other was backing out of his driveway in a new car. He rolled his window down and from an appropriate distance, I complimented him on his new jazzy car. I was pleased that he took the time to stop because that little interaction made my day. Your comment about interactions with strangers rings so true.
I’m glad to have your blog to read! Thank you for this post.
I’ve also been contemplating crochet lately, which is crazy because I don’t need another hobby. Flowers in the snow has been calling to me for a long time.
I hope you have a lovely weekend. I’ll see you again on Monday!
Those flowers are beautiful! We have a Trader Joe’s about 25 minutes away and I never think to go there. May is coming, maybe it’s time to commit to Macro May!
So many good links and small pleasures that feel like big ones considering the situation! Thank you. I’m going to check out the poetry.
I love me a big granny square blanket project. It might be just the thing for you! Until you posted this I hadn’t thought about how suited it is to staying home because it quickly becomes the opposite of portable. I hope you try it and find it a great distraction!
I have long been a fan of Trader Joe’s. They are really good to their employees, and you can tell that they feel good about being at work by how nice they are to their customers. I’m really impressed by how they have been handling the pandemic and ensuring that people are not only safe when they shop but also reassured. It’s an extra effort but one that is so appreciated right now.
I think you can totally handle a crochet blanket. The granny square blanket I made is the simplest crochet you can probably do. I’d start with some worsted scraps to get the feel for it. Really, the hardest part is the start. After that, it’s a very simple, very formulaic process.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
I saw that Made By Rae was doing a Rose Pants sew-along … and I’m so glad you found something worthwhile in her prep tips even after making the pattern (a few times?) before! I would be HAPPY to coach you through the Double Crochet and chain stitches you need to make an afghan like mine. truly. it’s not hard. We could FaceTime… and wow! I subscribed to Making’s latest issues when they first announced. I didn’t realize the patterns were announced. must check that out!! Hope you’re enjoying a weekend … because it IS a weekend!
Yeah, I have seen lots of struggles with pants rise on IG lately. These tips will help you fit any pants, not just Rose. Although, they are an awesome wardrobe staple!
around here people are kind and the grocery store is not as stressful as it was for me. I go weekly but around 8:30 and there’s hardly any shoppers so that’s nice. Off to check out milk street 🙂