I knit. And I cook, write, take pictures. All for one low price.

Friday, May 16, 2008

this is where it gets complicated

Friday is here, and I am getting all nervous because I want to put up another post before the weekend. So when you all sit and sip your Saturday morning coffee going through the blogs (isn't that standard procedure?), knitting in hand, there's actually something new to read here.

You know me. I am a serious gal, usually struggling to see the humorous side of things. Growing up Lutheran and German, a sense of humor is not something I have in heaps. Consequently, when things pile up on my psyche, I am not one to laugh it off. I sit and mull, I get fatigued, I am sensitive to the most mundane disappointments. (Like when that very talented girl Sayesha Mercado got kicked off American Idol this week. Lump in my throat.) (Or like when John Edwards decided to side with Obama. Siding with a woman candidate was not the most comfortable thing to do, evidently. Boys will be boys, they stick together, taking just enough time out to give the woman a nice little pat on the back. Just before they point out that the glass ceiling really is still there, and she better go home now.)

Pair those news with the rising death toll in China after the earthquake. That has the tears rolling down my cheeks as I drive my kids to school in the morning. If anyone hears about an organization that will send knitted blankets and other items over there, be sure to let me know. I'm a mom and a knitter. My first instinct is to make a blanket.

The Myanmar cyclone catastrophe has me seriously wishing for the first time in my life that the people who are not letting aid in, would please be sent straight to hell. Enough said.

I am trying my darndest to do some knitting, even some designing again, but my energy is going elsewhere. Last week, I was hit by a full scale flashback memory to an emotionally abusive relationship I was in when I was young. A panic attack was narrowly averted. I have a good therapist and an even better husband. I am OK today, but it did take me a few days to get over it. (I had heard about a young woman at work who was moving out from her boyfriend's with her baby. To get away from him who does not treat her well. I gave them some dishes. And I just this morning decided to make that little one a blanket for his crib. I don't know what non-knitters do.)

On Wednesday, Crafty Girl and I had an appoinment with the pediatric gastroenterologist. While my daughter is tall, she is too skinny, not gaining enough, and some foods bother her stomach. There is a high incidence of Celiac disease in my family. Crafty Girl will have an endoscopy and get tested for a variety of things. I'll let you know when the appointment is.
We are hunting for a shrug pattern for her; she would like a little cover-up for her graduation dress. If you know of any good patterns that accomodate Rowan's all season cotton, 4.5 sts/in, and a tall eleven year-old, pop me a line.

Does that wrap it up? Not quite. I have to leave you with a silver lining kind of item.

I just this minute (and I am not making this up) received a phone call from a woman who is a handdyer and is represented by a yarn rep. They both want to meet with me. They want me to come up with designs for the yarn. I meet with them next Tuesday.

Just in time for me to get out of the house when the contractor's here to fix up our bathroom, to the tune of 3500 bucks.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Karin - you are such a caring and giving person! I want to help too . . if you find any way to contribute to either China or Myanmar, please let me know. Each time I think of the poor souls, I catch my breath and thank God for all of my blessings. Any way I can offer support, let me know. I can't fret over gas prices with such sadness in the world. Sharon.

Kristine said...

I'm sorry there's so much stress.

Regarding Myanmar, at least, I heard that DWB already had people on the ground, so monetary donations to them would at least help, but I agree that the people in the government refusing aid should be tied down in the sun and left to rot in their own feces and eaten alive by flies. But that's just my own personal opinion.

Much love to you.

Jody said...

Karin, I know what you mean about knitters doing what they do best. I have a package of baby hats and other items waiting for a donation destination. So if you hear of someone collecting to send to either China or Myanmar let me know and the Chicks will be glad to help out. And as for a coverup for Annemarie, try http://www.knittingdaily.com/register/reg_confirm.html?pattern_title=Comfort+Shawl&pattern_category=shawls_stoles&pattern_file=Comfort_Shawl.pdf&pattern_author=Sandi+Wiseheart Although it's not a shrug, it is a sweet little shoulder shawl that took me a week to knit up. I'll be keeping Annemarie in my prayers that she will be healthy. God bless! - Jody

Anonymous said...

Hi Honey,
On the humorous side, when tall son & I listened to the answering machine message from the hand dyer we both misunderstood her as saying she had some yarn for you because she was dying...and said it in such an offhand way, we both though, "Wow, she's really accepted her situation. What a remarkable person"
Hubby

Anonymous said...

What Kristine said.

To address the celiac here, at least, it's becoming better known, and a market is springing up that didn't used to be there at all; I know Whole Foods sells celiac-friendly foods. It's a start and a help.

magnusmog said...

So much worry and sadness in the world right now, I'm sorry you were reminded of your own personal troubles too. Great news about the designs though - good things are happening too :)

Anonymous said...

When I read this I just had to laugh. . .Me Too!

"Lutheran and German, a sense of humor is not something I have in heaps."

Darn those Germans. My Moms whole family 8 kids are all the same. Thank God some of the spouses corrected that. Like does not always attract like.
Ahrisha

Vivian said...

Coming in late on this ... hope your daughter is ok.

On China, I've been watching lots of Chinese news on YouTube, people lost their homes, lost their family, their limbs. They most need money, medical care and emotional support to survive the immediate future and later to rebuild. The Chinese govenment has changed the tactic for once and is accepting help from Red Cross and outside world. There are many organizations collecting money donations. I just hope these money will reach the victims and be used in the most needed places.