All of the comments on my last post gave me loads of encouragement--thank you so much for your good, kind thoughts! My first lesson in becoming an optimist is to wake up each morning and decide that no matter what happens it is going to be a good day, one in which I will accomplish all that I set out to do: pray, write in my journal, complete lesson work with Luke, Em, and Amy; keep the laundry going, write at least one page of my manuscript, work on my knitting, and attend to my usual household tasks (meals, shopping, pet care, etc.). So far, I am having a really great week. I feel good and I am still smiling. : ) I will admit that there have been a few times when I have had to remind my kids that I am an optimist now, and therefore will
not be tempted into negativity. And, Zachary has taken to calling me
Optimus Prime, which is rather hilarious. But, the wondrous thing is how much more productive I am with a positive outlook--I really do feel a bit like a superhero.
I am about half finished knitting the first sleeve of the Zest cardigan. It looks a little weird, a little oddly shaped., a bit too short (I'll need to add some extra rounds), but I know that I followed the pattern directions correctly, so I am going to be
optimistic about how it will all turn out. In fact, I expect it will be beautiful.
I have fifteen rows left to knit on Clue #1 of Ysolda's Mystery Knit Along. I have to say that it is really fun! I've decided to begin with option B for the first clue and am loving the results. Usually when I start a new project, I find myself second guessing the yarn/color I have chosen, but this time I am very happy with my selection--the color looks just like sun-dappled meadow grass, and I think it will be totally wearable and go with almost anything it's paired with: navy, yellow, red, purple, blue, . . .
At the moment, I am not reading anything but am waiting for a few books I've placed on hold at the library:
Under The Wide And Starry Sky, by Nancy Horan,
I Shall Be Near To You, by Erin Lindsay Mccabe, and
The Vanishing, by Wendy K. Webb. I wonder which one will arrive first.
What are you knitting and reading this week?
hope you get your books soon! Every morning I journal and add at the end what I am grateful for, most times it's the early morning time and coffee, but still I feel that I am focusing my brain on the positives. It works for me (along with frantic praying). Love your color that you are knitting with, it goes with my rose colored shawl :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your positive outlook has provided you with a good week! :-) I am currently reading a biography of General Rommel. I don't knit because it hurts my hands too much but looking at the things you make I sure wish I did!
ReplyDeleteOptimism can be learned! and you are doing it... Mrs. Optimus ;D mari
ReplyDeleteYour cardigan will be beautiful Susan.I imagine the pattern is quite time consuming. I love that yarn, your new spring green too and the idea of the mystery knit along. I'm longing to see the finished results of both. I haven't read any of your book choices but they all sound fascinating.I wonder which will arrive first.
ReplyDeleteHappy days
debx
When I hear Optimus, I think of camping stoves. So, you're fired up about optimism! Right?! ;-) Yes, decide every day will be a good day and that you have a season pass, just in case you didn't accomplish all you'd hoped to. Yesterday was one of those days where I had to remind myself that a lot.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me smile. Beautiful knitting, as always. I look forward to seeing the next steps on your shawl. Almost done with my sockhead hat and still reading The Fault in Our Stars -- enjoying both and wishing I had a bit more time to spend on those pursuits right now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your book recommendations Susan.
ReplyDeleteI have just reserved the Nancy Horan book from the library.
I am currently reading Accordian Crimes by Annie Proulx.