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Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Morning and Evening Gifts




This morning the sky gifted me with a sneak view of the moon between branches as I drove across the ridge on my way to work. It caught me by surprise. My mind was already thinking ahead about the work that had to be done this day, and also on the snow that is supposed to be heading our way. Wondering if the branch libraries had enough ice-melt materials on hand, if we needed to send new gloves to them. Thinking about the elevator project, the book sale meeting, the staff training and security issues on my desk.

Then there was the moon, cradled in the branches of the old trees on the place we call the high knob. I smiled and continued over the knob, then stopped. And backed up. Dug out my camera and stepped outside the car to take a few shots.

And smiled all the way to work. Instead of NPR, I listened to a CD of Celtic women singers. When I arrived at work, the things waiting for decisions and actions did not seem so worrying after all. A gift so unexpected from the sky changed the day for me.

Driving home this evening I listened to the CD again, and thought about the snow that may be coming our way tonight. At the house, Larry had dinner on the table, the fire glowing in the fireplace, and my favorite Cabernet poured.

I settled by the fire and picked up my evening gift--lovely handspun wool given to me by a good friend who is trying to teach me to knit. I have completed a several rows and inexplicably have more stitches on the needles than when I started, but I am not worried. My friend will sort me out again, just as she did last night. Even if it means pulling out a few rows.


As a child I learned to knit from my mother, who was seldom seen without her needles in her hands, working on a project that was usually something for a baby. I knit scarves, long flowing scarves. Once I attempted a sweater but it ended up in my mother's basket of projects to be taken apart and the yarn re-used, I think. Later, in my 20's, I learned to crochet and went at it like a madwoman. I crocheted so much in one month that I developed inflamed thumbs that would not bend for months afterward. I never attempted needlework again.

So now I am on my third attempt, and we'll see how it goes. I find it restful (when I don't drop stitches) and the wool feels comforting in my hands. Perhaps I might actually learn to knit this time.

Tonight, the landline phone isn't working. The cell doesn't work at the house either; I had to drive up on the ridge to call my youngest son. As I sat in my car in the dark, I saw odd flashing lights in the sky.


Fireworks!


On a cold Wednesday night in January, someone is celebrating something with fireworks at a remote ridgetop home. A birthday, or maybe an anniversary?


Few will see the lights, and somehow that makes them even more exotic.


Today has been an unusual day, with unusual gifts tucked into its corners.

11 comments:

  1. Beautiful word pictures. I wish I were there to knit with you. I have found that I have to take frequent breaks from knitting these days to rest and stretch and massage my thumbs so they don't get cranky, but it's not a race, it's a process. Good luck with your projects!

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  2. The picture is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!

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  3. The picture is beautiful.

    And I'm so excited that your taken up knitting. Now, I won't be by myself when I crochet at your house.

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  4. What a beautiful photo, it looks like a painting. Thank you

    Sheila

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  5. Thanks for sharing your most auspicious day. That photo deserves to be framed. Great shot.

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  6. Yes, those are truly gifts to be thankful for. It is the little things that make our lives complete.

    Matthew

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  7. Jaime, I thought you'd be excited that I'm learning to knit! I am too. I used to enjoy it--and now there are so many interesting yarns available.

    It is important for us to look for the little joys in our days. Yesterday had many stresses too; I could focus on those but I prefer to remember and cherish the good things and let the stresses take care of themselves.

    There are times, though, when it's difficult to see joy. I am fortunate that those days don't happen very often.

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  8. so glad many can and are finding the true happiness and joy with the simplicity and abundance of gifts we are provided with daily from the universe.

    i must say.. as a photographer myself... that first image is stunning!!!

    namaste,
    rainbow tree

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  9. i love to knit too~nothing difficult just simple things, i always use wooden or bamboo needles as they feel so nice and i always knit with 100%...it all feels so good and organic.

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  10. My immediate reaction to your photo, too, was that it looks like a painting! How gorgeous! Your post reminds me of how busy I've become that I am forgetting those things that really are the simplest pleasures and gifts. Thanks, Sue.
    BW

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