Oy!
Anyone living in or around the Southwest is aware that it's been raining essentially non-stop for the last sixteen days. I heard today on the radio that this beats some seventy-year record. Woo and Hoo.
And enough already!
Waiting for some sunlight to take a decent picture is no longer an option, so I’m warning you in advance: Flash photography in use. Those with pace makers (oh, wait, that’s microwaves) and tender retinas might want to come back another day.
In addition to the near Amazonian quality to the vegetation along my daily commute, there has been some green making it’s way into my life courtesy of Special Swap.
Valerie was my Special Swap partner this time around, and she did the In the Garden theme justice.
A skein of lovely Fleece Artist Merino (one of my absolute favorite sock yarns) in the Spring colorway, a spool of beautiful green and white designer ribbon, a too cute journal with a floral theme, a bar of Fresh Chamomile and Shea Butter soap from Cardigan Mt. Soap Works (which smells divine) and (I have to admit, my favorite) a silk double point needle holder! I can’t wait to put this baby to use. Though an organized person at heart, I live in relative chaos, and I’m ashamed to admit that my needles are scattered hither and yon. The idea of all my dpn’s being corralled and organized makes my little heart go pitter pat! Finally, a green picture frame, a decorative bookmark and some lovely green note cards all tucked into a sweet green carry bag! Way to rock a theme, Valerie!
Earlier in the month, the family and I saw Wicked. Which is fabulous. No other word for it. Wicked is just fabulous. If you get a chance, see it. Even if you have to knock down the little old lady at the box office window to get the last ticket, see it. It’s worth it!
Some of you may recognize the sock as the first in this years STR club series. These socks are slow knitting; it’s true, what with all that 2x2 and 1x2 ribbing going on. But there is a deeper meaning to these socks, for me, and so I am taking my time with them. These are the socks that I was knitting, and which I took with me to Texas, when my mother died. My mother taught me to knit, way back when, and I am knitting these socks to honor her, to remember her and with a memory and a prayer for her in every stitch. I am savoring these socks. It’s good.
Comments (15)
The thought of the memories knitted into those socks brought tears to my eyes. It's sad, but at the same time, a wonderful way to remember your mother.
On a lighter note, your Special Swap package is fabulous! I love the green. It's been quite rainy here in Germany, too (though not as rainy as you've had) and I'm ready for it to end. Let's both keep our fingers crossed for sunny weather!
Posted by Rachel | June 29, 2007 1:51 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 13:51
If only you could spare us some of your rain! We're high and dry and in desperate need. Your swap pal was marvelous. It so much fun to see each participants variation on a theme!
Knitting the socks is a lovely tribute to your mother, your love for her and the art of the needle she and you shared.
Posted by margene | June 29, 2007 2:55 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 14:55
Nice swap package -- love all the green! I took Hannah to see Wicked last year and I agree that it's fabulous. I hope you're finding comfort and peace in your memory knitting.
Posted by Carole | June 29, 2007 3:21 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 15:21
What a lovely package you received and so very green! Lucky you!
What special socks your crafting there, what a wonderful way to remember your mom.
Posted by keri | June 29, 2007 3:44 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 15:44
Hi Leah!
It so great to read about your swap action--that is a really nice package you got from you special swap pal!
Those socke are coming along nicely...Although I agree on savouring the knitting on these for some time... I am sure they are very special:) Hang in there... So great to hear from you again!
Posted by Marisol | June 29, 2007 4:12 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 16:12
You did receive such a nice package from Valerie. I love all the green! Your socks are very special and very beautiful.
Posted by Beth | June 29, 2007 4:52 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 16:52
Lovely package--love all the greens! And the sock? Yes, that is definitely something to savor....
Posted by --Deb | June 29, 2007 4:59 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 16:59
a beautiful memory, a lovely pair of socks... the joy of the knitting is a piece of your Mother that you make savor forever. She is hugging you in every stitch.
Nice to see you blogging again.
Posted by Teyani | June 29, 2007 11:05 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 23:05
Excellent garden theme swap - I'm glad you got a good pal! All of that lovely green is gorgeous!!
Posted by Renee | June 29, 2007 11:56 PM
Posted on June 29, 2007 23:56
Nice package and wonderful tribute to your mom.
Posted by sprite | June 30, 2007 8:30 PM
Posted on June 30, 2007 20:30
Your socks are lovely as is the sentiment you are putting in to them.
I would love to see WIcked! I read the book and quite enjoyed it.
Posted by marnie | June 30, 2007 9:22 PM
Posted on June 30, 2007 21:22
Hi Leah! I'm so glad you enjoyed my package! I loved putting together all that green for you.
Posted by Valerie | July 2, 2007 7:35 AM
Posted on July 2, 2007 07:35
What a wonderful and fun package! The socks are coming out just lovely and will be so special to you.
Posted by Karen | July 2, 2007 11:09 AM
Posted on July 2, 2007 11:09
Oh, Leah, what a great Special Swap for you! The package is just beautiful and full of the spirit of new growth! So with your socks, as well. May they signify movement toward a new beginning for you!
Posted by Lynne | July 2, 2007 3:18 PM
Posted on July 2, 2007 15:18
Beautiful package!! I know whatever socks you make from them are going to be fabulous!
Posted by Gracie | July 9, 2007 8:26 PM
Posted on July 9, 2007 20:26