Thursday, September 12, 2013

Simple


I sometimes think life is pretty complicated.  I have so much going on in my life, and many worries swirling around me, so I think I need to stick with simple. 


A simple flower arrangement on my table.  Simple allows you to really see the beauty of the flowers you have, if you have too many flowers you can't see each one individually.  They look beautiful as a whole, but you miss the intricate beauty of just one.
 

The Bella sweater is being put on hold.  I tried to knit it four times and got very mixed up.  There are 64 rows of the lace pattern, I thought I could surely do that.  I dropped stitches, I miss counted and felt way too much stress.  It is beautiful that is for sure, and it is something I will do in the future, but right now I need simple.

I like a challenge, but maybe there is a certain time in your life for a challenge and a time to just sit back and enjoy working with yarn.  I am hoping to make Tara instead.  This is something with a little bit of thought, a little bit of zip, but not a whole lot of complicated stitches.  I can see myself wearing this in the winter.  Simple is better for me right now.

I am also working on my third Elise Shawl, another gift for another friend.  I have at least one more planned after this one is complete, well maybe two, we will see if I get bored with the pattern.  So far I am still loving working with this pattern, it is simple, a two row repeat.  Simple, I like that.


A simple, sweet face from the Teddy Bear sitting in my rocking chair.


And the simply sweetest face ever.  Here is my buddy waiting for his Dad to get home from work.  He lays in the laundry room or my husbands closet all day long, waiting and waiting.
 

A simple, uncomplicated, unconditional love.  Who could ask for more?

Are you working on something simple?

30 comments:

kathy b said...

Love the slate vase!!!!! omg so streamlined and perfect to show off flowers.
Love to Max dog.....

Im working on a simple cabled baby blanket and loving its simplicity

Babajeza said...

I like/need simple too. I',m crocheting a lovely baby vest, and it makes me happy. Socks are always a simple project as I could knit them while in a coma. Third project is a triangular shawl, at least the body is simple. :-) Life is a complex matter so let's keep it simple where we can. I just read that we shouldn't allow negative thoughts and worries to much space in our brain. Let it go and focus on the bright moments.

Gutes Gelingen! Hugs, regulA

Jennifer Hays said...

I totally agree. This was such a nice post and I feel like you do. Your dog is beautiful and he looks like such a sweetheart! I'm working on simple crochet at the moment, just a granny stripe afghan for my son. I also plan to make myself a hat and some fingerless mitts for the winter but they will have to wait; I'm just not in the mood to do a lot of counting at the moment.

honeycat said...

I really need to try this shawl pattern. I think it would be perfect for my sister for Christmas.
My poor chocolate boy has just returned from his evening walk soaking wet. It's raining here. He loves jumping in the river or sea but hates the rain. Funny boy. A house isn't a home without a dog.
Hope things start to feel less complicated for you.
Big hugs,
Melanie x

elns said...

Beautiful photos :)

Anonymous said...

I think you are so right. There is a time for complicated. Then, sometimes you need the familiar or the simple.

Right now I'm in the middle. My current socks aren't simple, but they aren't difficult either. They are just right, as Goldilocks said.

Joy said...

Lovely post Meredith - again, I'm sorry the cardi didn't work out at this time but, there's a time and a place .. ..
Simple is wonderful and your beautiful flowers say it all - and I just love your last pic - Max, simply the best!
I hope you are having an easy week!
Warm hugs,
Joy xo

Susanne Tyree said...

This post brings the old saying, "less is more" to mind. You are so very right, sometimes we just need simple times and no complications. There are days when things could be a lot less stressful. As a matter of fact I am working on something simple too, a double crochet stitch ripple afghan for my brother Mike. I am hoping to have it done in time for his birthday next month. I am also hoping that his wife will like it too. I took pains to check out her color scheme in her family room and am thinking this blanket will match perfectly (one can only hope).
I love your dog. I never get tired of pics of him. What a perfect buddy and faithful friend you have in him. Have a great weekend.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Pammy Sue said...

I love that Tara scarf! It's the kind of thing that makes me wish I could knit sometimes. The other one is also very pretty, but it does look complicated. I'm with you...simple is better.

kathyinozarks said...

yes sometimes we need simple in our life-I need that right now too-our pets have so much love to give-

ColourMeCrochet said...

Hi Meredith,
I know exactly the sort of place you're in at the moment.
Some days you can deal with complex things better than other days. And when you have a busy head, you just need something simple to help you wind down a bit or two.
Your Elise shawl is amazing, I made one for Amie and she loves it.

Take care
Sally xxx

Lillie and Moss said...

I love simple! I can so relate to things needing to be simple right about now. Love your Tara scarf, it's so pretty. If you ever host a knitting class, sign me up!
I noticed your garden in your last post is still thriving...it's all so pretty. Mine has just about had it for the year.
Hugs, Shari

Unknown said...

Beautiful flowers. ometimes it seems that if we have too much f something we don't appreciate any of it. The bear is so cute with his goofy look. Or at least to me he looks goof or I should say goofy expression on his face. Then there is MAX! Now how can you resist that face? I love the last picture. True picture of LOVE!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I so agree. I much prefer simple most of the time. Was so amazed by the work I saw last night at the crochet event. Who knew there were so many talented ladies around. I may go to their crochet group and starting going to KTAA meetings again. I've been staying home way too long, not getting involved. Time to venture out of my comfort zone. Simple joys and blessings to you, Tammy

Gracie Saylor said...

Well, Meredith, the simplest thing I have on the needles is a dishcloth that I have been lugging around with me all summer. It has a slightly different edge from the pattern that I have done for 40 years and twice I have had to tear out my decrease efforts on it, but while I was at Betsy's she explained to me what I was doing wrong, and the fix is sooooo simple :) Yes indeed, simple is delightful [and so are your Teddy and your Max and your flowers] I am praying for blessings for you and yours.
Gracie xx

Ladybird Diaries said...

Such a lovely post. Simple is often just what we need.
M x

Tanna said...

Oh, Meredith! I was having TROUBLE with simple this past week! But, most times I am 100% with you... I've said for years that the "simple repetitive tasks" are balm for the soul. That simple unconditional love is, too! ;) blessings ~ tanna

Annie Cholewa said...

You're right, of course, sometimes we all need simple, in fact I find I need it quite a lot :)

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

There is a season for everything, so The Bible tells us...so knit what ever your heart desires and wear it with pride. I know Tara will look awesome on you...will it be in grey?

Awww Max is so adorable. He's as cute as that bear...ok, I think Max might have an edge on the bear.

Sending hugs and blessings to you sweet friend.

Anonymous said...

I'm working on another shawl, one that I started when I was visiting Beth, and it is a simple pattern that I've made before. At first I started something a little more complicated, but I found I didn't have the energy for it, and it was hard for me to concentrate and be social at the same time. This pattern is relaxing, and I like that. I also like seeing how differently, yarns take to a simple pattern. That makes it interesting in a way. It's nice to have a "go to" pattern, I think.

xo

Claudia said...

Give my sweet Max a hug and kiss from his Aunt Claudia. It's hard waiting for dad to come home, I know.

xo
Claudia

Between Me and You said...

Love your Alstromeria! I purport to keeping things simple in my life now but sometimes the people in it have other ideas. I have learned to say 'no' very emphatically now otherwise I would be as flat as the doormat they think I am!I'm working on a pattern which is taking for-e-v-e-r and it's getting on my one last nerve that I can't get it finished! I know what you mean about putting things aside until you've a mind to tackle them again.
Hope you're having a good weekend, Meredith and thank you so much for popping over to mine.x

Teresa Kasner said...

Hi Meredith.. I somehow missed reading this post.. it's a good one, full of serenity. I'm working on a very simple neat ripple for my baby-est grandson. Love your sweet fur kid. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

moonstruckcreations said...

I second that emotion!

I am really into keeping crafting simple at the moment, its just so steadying.

Have a restful and simple weekend.

Helenxx

Pradeepa said...

I love the flower arrangement. Max looks so sweet. True, nothing can match our furry friend's unconditional love.

RURAL said...

I've always thought simple was better, and we try to live that way as much as possible. Good for you to know when to tackle a project, and when to leave it for awhile.

Muddy Boot Dreams has moved, if you could update your links, that would be great.

www.muddybootdreams.com

Thanks so much.

Jen

Suzan said...

Sweet Max!! and adorable teddy bear!! Such a large nose is what makes him so cute - speaking of the teddy bear!

Sentimentally Me said...

I love simple too, and Max is precious . . .

Vicki Boster said...

Meredith-- I totally understand the need for simple. I've been there-- I like simple. It makes me happy. Sometimes I just don't have the energy for things that aren't simple.

I hope your worries find their way out of your life. I am sending a hug and a prayer that all is well.

Vicki

Unknown said...

Does Max play footsie with you? Sometimes, my Maggie will reach out her paw just to touch my foot or my leg. It's so sweet. Love seeing Max.

Laura from beautiful West Michigan