Stress Reaction

I absolutely L-O-V-E those STR socks. I recognize that pattern too, I was knocked out of that competition the first go round. I was not heart broken though, life it too short to knit a whole pair of socks in two days or less....unless you just have to.

I have felt the same way and don't want my blog to be about sharing what I bought or received in the mail. I wonder sometimes if people will be interested, but remind myself that this blog is for me and so I can share with others whatever is going on at the moment.

I have been watching how many comments I receive and on what kind of topic. So far, I have received more comments and generated more discussion about things which I did not expect and they were not always knitting or shopping related. I think a few pictures are great, but people are really intereested in you and what is going on.

A death is a beginning in a way because you ahve to begin living without that someone in your life and it is different. You miss them. It is different. I think if you honor them in some way, it helps you to go on and gives you a purpose too. What could you do that would make your Mom smile or be proud of you? Think about that and maybe it will give you some inspriration.

The Other Leah

Hang in there . . .

We're here for you, regardless of what you're writing. Please keep sharing!

I think your idea of including more than knitting is a great idea. And I agree that it's more interesting to read blogs with at least a hint of who the blogger is. I'll be here reading even if you never mention knitting. :)

However, since you did show your knitting, I will tell you that those socks are beautiful!!! The colors looks so great in that pattern. Thanks for sharing the link.

I think a blog only makes sense if it presents a true picture of who we are--the good, the bad, the sad, and the not-so-pretty. I'm looking forward to the new beginning. Keep it real!

Your blog will be richer for your loss and new perspective. Maybe that doesn't sound right but what I'm trying to say is that sharing life and loss and joys and triumphs is what life is all about. And your blog can be about that, too, if that's what you want. Of course, I'll be here reading no matter what. The grief process is a journey and I'm glad to help you in any way at all.

I think it's hard to blog about the really personal things. I know a lot of people don't like to hear about the serious stuff, but it does happen, and it is part of life.

I don't know what comes after a loss like yours, Leah. I've felt a tiny part of it this year, and in many ways, I continue on by living in denial. Things don't make as much sense as they did, and to a certain extent, I've lost my blogging voice. Many things feel very trivial, and as much as I love blogs and knitting, I have re-evaluated how I choose to spend my time. Some things in my own life have to change.

I look forward to your entries, and I wish you much luck and healing on your current path. Whatever you write, I'll be reading. And in the meantime - I covet your new socks.

i'm buckled up and ready for the ride. but you already knew that. it's your blog, use it in the ways that make you feel good and more complete. don't limit your voice my friend.

I am here for you Leah! I will be along for the ride, the roller coaster or the tidal wave....

Take good care of yourself and share as little or as much as you want. Personal or not:)

I, for one, will be happy to stick by to read your "new" blog!

And by the way, Beautiful socks!

All my losses were pre-blog. Loosing my mother after a long illness was difficult (1989). But not as hard as my b-i-ls suicide in 2000. A family death alters your vision of the world, alters your life, and your pain is palpable and not easily overcome, especially in the first year. Time heals but it is a process and a journey that can only be endured. Talking about your feelings is the best thing to do and those of us who care for you will be here to listen.

Yea! Welcome back to the blogosphere. I'm proud of you. You have a true gift to share. Bring it on!

I'm glad that you won't be giving up blogging. It's hard to keep a blog strictly about knitting or spinning. Events in your life will creep into blogging, and I think that most readers appreciate a blogger more by knowing a little bit about what is going on behind the scenes. I know you've suffered a tremendous loss, and talking about it will help. We're here to listen and offer as much support as we can. Take care of yourself.

Gorgeous socks. A bright spot, perhaps?

I totally second what Margene said in her comment. I can tell you that my father died 13 yrs ago and the journey has been long and different than I thought it would be from that time on. Talk about your pain and your joys all you want. We will listen.

I also struggle with finding a balance between knitting and my 'real life' posts. But agree with you that I enjoy the blogs more that include their real life along with their fiber pursuits.

Hugs to you Leah. If you ever need a shoulder or an ear let me know. Thats what friends (online or not) are for.

And, btw, I love those new socks! Very colorful and such a great looking pattern! I'll be glad when I finish knitting wedding presents (for my kids who are getting married) and can get back to knitting socks and other fun stuff. I've got a serious lace craving going on about now!

Hang in there.

Good for you for being so brave to be able to put out there both the good and the bad. It can be a tough rocky path but I will be here supporting you and I'm along for the ride! Hugs!

I have only read your blog a few times. It is truly compelling. Write whenever you want.

sounds like growth and change, and a deepening to me - this is good - not easy, yet good.
my life has been in such flux as well, and it has made me wonder who we write our blogs for....... ultimately, it is for ourselves.
I will enjoy reading about your process, and about the real stuff of life.
hugs to you, dear Leah.

You know I'll be here. I look forward to seeing where you take your blog.

Your newest socks are really pretty!

It's good to hear your voice (or read it so to speak) no matter what you decide to talk about. It's hard - I can definitely relate to that - and it has been hard trying to figure out my feelings. Each of us has to do what we need to do to deal with our loss. Please know that if you need anything, all you have to do is ask. Even if it is just to vent.

Glad to see you are knitting - and I love the socks!

A blog should be what ever you want it to be. It doesn't need to fall into a neat little category. I often have diversions from knitting content (and sometimes it's the knitting content that's the diversion) and if no one read those posts, they would still be there.

You've had a loss that is life altering. It affected me profoundly when I lost my Mom at the age of 27 and again when I lost my Aunt (who had become like a Mother) last Summer.

You have things to say... as long a you keep writing, I will keep reading.

I am sorry to read of your loss, and I am looking forward to getting to know you over the next couple of months during Lynne's Special Swap :-)

Don't give up your blog - we are all here for you - we will all be here for you - and we will all want to read what you have to say whether it's about knitting or not...{hugs}

The socks are lovely Leah...

Welcome back.. you've been missed. No matter what the blog name, I'll still be here.

And those socks are AWESOME!

Beautiful socks!

There are those who believe a knitting blog is just a knitting blog. As much as I enjoy reading about and seeing other people's projects, I also care about what they may be going through.

The knitting community is so vast, there is scarcely a situation you can broach that there is not a community of knitters who have experienced the same thing, and are willing to lend support, love or just a listening ear.

I for one was recently very blessed to share some triumphant news with my reader friends, and it felt so good after having so much bad news to blog. It is very uplifting to have this wonderful, diverse gang of knitters to celebrate our successes with, and gather us to their hearts during the hard times.

By all means write - we'll be here!