Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Keeping Busy

  
Thank you so much for all your kind words about my Mother passing away.  It feels strange that she is no longer here, but I still feel her near.  I remember when my first son was born and we were driving him home from the hospital, I remember thinking how can all these people be driving around not knowing we have a new precious little one here in our car?  I feel that way a bit about my Mother and my MIL, how can life keep moving on just as before?  But it does, the earth keeps spinning, the sun comes up each day, the flowers grow and we keep moving.  Every day there are things to do, and we have to do them, we have no choice but to keep moving and keep busy.  It is the best medicine.


I made blueberry muffins.  They are sweetened with agave and I think they are very yummy.  Let me know if you want the recipe.


I also finally finished the Miette sweater by Andi Satterlund.  This is a free pattern on Ravelry and I think you need to scoot right over there and print it off.


I have been knitting this sweater for months, or it seems like it anyway.  With Little Buddy, work and my Mom keeping me busy there has been little time to knit.  Finally this weekend I made myself sit down and get some work done on it.  I was a bit distracted as you can imagine, I had to knit one cuff twice because I screwed it up,  but I persevered and finally got it finished this afternoon.  The pattern is very straight forward and easy to follow.  I made mine a bit longer in the torso and arms because I am tall, there is even a place to make this adjustment, no guessing involved. 

I think it fits Caroline the Dress Form perfectly, and it actually fits me too.  Wow, a sweater I have knit that fits!  Amazing!   I was a bit worried about the bust darts, you see my flat chest is not my finest quality, but it works and actually makes me look a tiny bit buxom!

 I used Classic Elite Yarns Chesapeake Yarn that I bought on sale when my LYS went out of business.  So actually I made this sweater for $12.50, as this yarn was 75% off, seriously that is a steal.  It took about 600 yards, on size 7 and 8 needles.  Thank you to my friend Ryan who worked in the store and gave me this wonderful deal on this gorgeous yarn.  I would make this again in a heartbeat, but I have other projects in mind right now.

It feels like a million years ago, but I made these penguins for my Mom way back when.  She loved penguins, I am not sure why but she did.  I went through a whole toy making stage maybe 14 or 15 years ago, lots of bears, a few dancing bunnies with ballet shoes and tutu's and even a gorilla.  She always had these penguins in her bedroom, and then next to her bed in the nursing home.

I brought them home with me when I picked up her things.  I gave them a good washing, years of dust and cat hair had left them a little dull.  The large one is now missing her eyes, I will have to fix that soon.  It is nice to have them on my worktable reminding me of my Mom.  

I am off to pick up my son from the airport, he is going to be with us for 11 whole days!  That is the longest he has been able to visit since he left home two years ago.  I can't wait to see his beautiful face and have all four of my boys under one roof, yes that includes Max, too.

Thank you again for your kindness, your friendship means the world to me.

44 comments:

Suzan said...

Have a wonderful visit with your son!! Such a lovely purple sweater!! incredible the detail you put into it!! And your Mom's penguins. To think that she them close to her in order to think of you! Now you keep them close to you to think of your Mother!! those are very special little penguins!! Well loved :-}}

Anonymous said...

I would love to have your muffin recipe. They look DELICOUS! I even have berries and agave in the house!

That sweater will look lovely on you. One of the great things about meeting you is that I can actually picture what it would really look like. It's gonna look AWESOME!

Have a good visit with your son. Eleven whole days!!!! That's a real treat.


CJ said...

The muffins sound delicious, I've just discovered agave syrup. Love your little penguins, how nice that have them and all the memories. Look after yourself Meredith. CJ xx

Amy at love made my home said...

What a beautiful tenderly written post Meredith. I am glad that you rescued the penguins and that you are keeping them with you, that is the sort of thing that Mom's love - as you know! I hope that you get some time to enjoy your sons visit - I am sure that Buddy will love it all and that he will keep you all floating along through life. Keep on taking care. Love xx

Caffeine Girl said...

It is odd how life goes on, isn't it? I still have both my parents and I know that I won't know what it feels like to lose them until I do.

That sweater is phenomenal! I am quite jealous -- both that you have it and that you made it!

Enjoy your time with your son!

elns said...

I love that you've reclaimed the Penguins to help keep your Mom close in yet another way. Enjoy your family time. My heart is with you and your family.

Betsy said...

Meredith, that feeling you had that how can the earth keep spinning and people keep doing everyday things when your whole life changed? That is the exact way I felt when my Mom passed. I remember the first time the feeling hit me was in the procession going to the cemetery and all of these cars going the other way were so impatient for us to pass. I almost got angry and wanted to scream at someone. Totally not me at all. The feeling returned unexpectedly at other times now and again too and now, almost 25 years later I still feel it sometimes. Give yourself all the time you need to adjust to this new normal.

Your muffins and sweater both look amazing. The lilac is my very favorite color and the details are so beautiful. You'll have to show us a picture with you wearing it.

Much love to you dear Meredith. I think of you and your family often. Have a wonderful time with your son and treasure every moment.

Blessings,
Betsy

Mrs. Micawber said...

Ooh, I am drooling over that sweater! The shape, the colour, the design details - it is simply beautiful. Only 600-700 yards? Wow.

Those penguins are so sweet. I'm glad you have them near to remind you. I have a few reminders of my Mom too - my favourite being a little grey cashmere cardigan that I pulled from her closet after she died. I wore it around the house all winter long and it was like wearing a hug.

Enjoy that visit with Mr. However-Old-He-Is-Now! (I can never keep track.)

Hugs to you, dear friend. :)

Judy S. said...

Your sweater is gorgeous, Meredith! And you're right, that was a super bargain on the yarn. Way to go! Glad you were able to add to your mom-memories with those adorable penguins. Thank goodness for memories as they make the sadness bearable. Big hugs to you, and enjoy your family time.

Kris said...

Even though I have not been around to visit blogs, I have sure been thinking of you! Hope you are doing okay.
Love,
Kris

Gracie Saylor said...

Your sweater is so pretty, Meredith, and your muffins look so yummy. I am glad you have welcomed your mom's penguins into your home, and that you are celebrating your boys all being at home for awhile. While I am entertaining friends from the midwest for two weeks you will still be in my thoughts with love.xx

mamasmercantile said...

The sweater is divine both the colour and the pattern. Hope you have a wonderful visit with your son. Penguins are a lovely memory, stay strong.

Joy said...

You darling girl - you will be going through all sorts of mixed emotions in the next few months and just allow them and be patient with yourself! My Mum left us nine years ago and I still feel the hole in my heart and I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss her every day. It seems impossible, doesn't it, that one minute a much loved person is here with us, and the next they're totally gone - how can it be! I'm so glad you have the little penguins with you, so lovely by your bedside.
Your muffins look delicious, and that is a beautiful cardigan you've knit - I love the detail under the bust and overall it is such a sweet garment, well done you!
How nice for you to have all you lovely male folks home at the same time - enjoy the precious time my lovely friend, and take care of yourself!
Much love, Joy xo

Annette T. said...

How wonderful you have the penguins, they are delightful. Your sweater is so beautiful and the detail is breathtaking. Enjoy the boys!

Jo said...

Spooky, I just ordered Twilleys DK echo to make that cardigan yesterday! What with the Elise shawl too, I am following in your fashion footsteps! Jo x

Louisette said...

Lovely pengouins and handwork
Greeting from Belgium

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(░(¯ `•.(█).•´¯)░♥♥(¯`:´¯)░)
(░░(_.•´/|\`•._)(¯ `•.\|/.•´)░)
░░░(_.:._).(░(¯ `•.(█).•´¯)░)
~~~~♥♥♥__.....(░(_.•´/|\`•._))~~♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥~~.............(░(_.:._)░)♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Clare said...

Sorry to hear of your Mum's passing, it's good to keep busy and be surrounded by your family at these times, just putting one foot in front of the other thats how I got through when we lost dad the cardigan is very pretty, sending you a huge hug
Clare xx

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

((hugs)) to you sweet friend. :)

Yay! Your Son is coming home for a visit.I think this is awesome. I know you will have a blast with all four of your boys!

Blessings to you always sweet friend. ((hugs))

Anonymous said...

Meredith. Such a time of adjustment but I am so glad you are going to gave some really special family time. Young people will brighten every day for you x

Anonymous said...

Wonderful memories and the sun does keep coming up, and you do keep busy. You are right, it is good medicine. Would love to have your muffin recipe and your sweater is fantastic. Very well done! Take comfort in your routine and the little things that you enjoy, they heal the heart. Blessings to you sweet friend.

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Good Morning dear Meredith, I love your heartfelt words in your post. So much in life is hard to imagine, I always remind myself how lucky we all are to have been loved so much and to have loved so deeply. I love Joy's comment also said so nicely.
I absolutely love the sweater you finished. It is my favorite!!!! I am going to print the pattern ASAP!
Enjoy all your boys, have them take you out to dinner or make dinner for you, xoRobin

kristieinbc said...

Your sweater is beautiful. Congrats on finishing. I know how hard it can be to keep up interest in a project that's been on the needles for far too long.

I'm so glad you son is able to come home and be with all of you. Important for him, and maybe even more important for you to have him there right now.

Those penguins are perfect. Perfect because you knit them with love for your mom all those years ago, perfect because she loved having them out on display, and perfect because now you have them as a precious reminder of her.

Unknown said...

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother's penguins can be such a wonderful loving reminder of her for a long time to come.

Your sweater is beautiful! I am so glad that yarn worked out so well for you. It was one of my favorite yarns!

On a very personal note...thank you for sharing this journey with your mother. I am so very sorry that you have had to go thru it but sharing it has touched me deeply and is helping me so much as I am on the same journey. Thank you for your honesty and sharing. This world is a much better place because of you.

Have a great visit with Mr. 20 something! And a great time with all of your "boys".

forgetmenotsblue said...

Beautiful tulips! so lovely. Your cardigan is fab too what a lovely colour x

Unknown said...

A thoughtful, wonderful post Meredith, it will be amazing and healing having your boy home with you and your family for a good chunk of time. I love the new sweater, it is gorgeous, and I bet it helped you settle and find some much-needed quiet. Hugs to you, Chrissie x

kathy b said...

Meredith

You put into words how I've felt at times in my life. THe world keeps spinning ….doesnt it. Im so glad you feel your mom's nearness. :)
Hooray for your son coming home for 11 days.

Your sweater knitting is amazing.

Love you lots

cockney blonde said...

Beautiful cardigan, love the colour. How nice you have the penguins to remind you of Mum. I bought 3 little bears many years ago. One for myself, one for a very special Auntie and one for Mum. My one is now kept company by Auntie's since her passing and they are both waiting for Mum's when the time comes, so they will all be reunited. Take care, x

Teresa Kasner said...

Hello my dear friend.. my goodness that sweater is a work of art and I can just envision you in it.. I do hope you show us a photo of you in it. Bravo! I'm happy your son is coming home for a long visit.. I know it will feel wonderful to have your clan draw close around you at this time. You did such a fine job on the knitted penquins.. and so sweet to have them back with you to remind you of your Mom. I have several things of mom's here and it's just calming. Enjoy your time with all the guys there. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

gigi knits said...

Your Mom will always be with you in spirit & in your heart . I loss my Mom 12yrs. ago but I still feel can feel her here with when I need her.

Pooch said...

Your sweater is luscious! What a blessing to have your family together under one roof! It becomes more difficult to do that as our children grow older. I know you'll have a wonderful time. My heart is happy for you.

:)

Linda said...

You have your family around you all supporting one another through this major time of adjustment, go at your own pace there is no right or wrong way.
Keeping busy is good, the penguins are an adorable reminder of your mum and will give you comfort for many years to come I'm sure.
The bust darts on the cardigan, I've never seen that before. I too am quite flat chested and anything that can make me look like have I have 'more' than I have would be a good design feature for me too. I love the cardigan, thanks for the directions to the pattern.
Take care sweet Meredith xx

linda said...

I'm so glad your son is going to be there with you for a long visit Meredith it will be good for both of you. Those little penguins are so cute and how nice to have them beside you as a sweet reminder of your mum. Well done on finishing the sweater it's beautiful, I always make mistakes when knitting lace the fact that you have been able to concentrate enough to get it done at this time is a great achievement. I love that colour it's lovely it would go well with my blanket! enjoy the time with your family. xxxx

Between Me and You said...

Sincere condolences to you and your family, Meredith. It's strange how life just goes on after such an event, isn't it but what else can we do? Glad you'll have your boy home. My eldest is off and married now and I think I'm also experiencing a sense of loss, though he hasn't lived at home for quite some time. As I said, life goes on. xxx

Heldasland said...

Having your son home will help you with some of your pain, it will also distract you a little.
I love that you have the penguins watching you while you work. Looking at one of the things my mummy last looked at would comfort me enormously.
Your cardigan is stunning , beautiful colour.
Hugs and kisses xxx

Pradeepa said...

The sweater looks great! If only I knew how to knit I would definitely make one for myself. Yummy muffins! I don't know about agave and I don't think it is available here. Glad to hear that you'll be having all your boys together under one roof. Sounds fun. Those penguins are cute.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Those penguins are just adorable. I crocheted bears years ago and can't even imagine how I did it now. It was a knitting pattern, so I basically just crocheted the shapes it called for and then whipstitched them together. Gave all of them as gifts for friends and didn't even save one for myself. Maybe one day I will make more. Yay! Glad to hear your oldest boy is home for a visit. Yusef will be taking finals next week and then I think he will have a week break and then is taking a couple of summer classes through June 6th. Zack and I fly to Colorado on July 1st and will be there for a month. Yusef is in summer housing so he has a place to stay which is what I was worried about since we don't have family for him to go to. We will travel around CO and NM while there. I can't believe how quickly time is passing.

My boss is in Canada. His brother did pass away. So very sad. Only in his late 50s. He had just finished a meeting, scooped up his laptop and papers and as he turned to exit the room, he somehow stumbled and fell, hitting his head on a piece of furniture which resulted in the brain bleed. His wife was able to meet him at the hospital. He said he was okay, just had a bad headache. After a CAT scan, he had to be rushed to surgery and that was that. He never regained consciousness and they took him off the respirator on Tuesday. He passed away surrounded by 30 family members singing Amazing Grace.

Each day is certainly a gift! Enjoy all your beautiful blessings. Hugs, Tammy

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Oops! Forgot to say BRAVO on the sweater. It's lovely. :)

Susanne Tyree said...

I am so sorry to be commenting so late on your mother's passing. I know you have worried for some time about her condition since it was going down hill for quite some time. Even if it is expected, it is never easy when it comes. Frankly, it is a loss of someone you cared for deeply. It is a relief to know their suffering is come to an end, but it is still a loss no less. It is good to stay busy and your family is the perfect outlet to pour a ton of love onto. I didn't know your mom, but I am sure she would have wanted you to be happy. It is all such a bitter-sweet time, this life and death. All part of the circle of life and comes to us all sooner or later.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Faeryfay said...

Fabulous cardigan! Love the pattern and colour! Fay:)x

Unknown said...

Oh, so sorry to hear about your mom!! I love that you keep the penguins you made for her near you...it sounds like it would be comforting. Wishing you the best!

Dawn

Eileen said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother. You and your family are in my prayers.

Take care my friend,
Eileen

yarn and pencil said...

<3. xxxxxx

Melanie said...

Oh Meredith, I'm so sorry to hear that you have lost your mother. I am so far behind on my blog reading, for so many reasons. Thank you for your sweet words on my post, they really meant so much to me. I was just reading your post and I couldn't agree with your opening paragraph more...it has felt so surreal that everything keeps moving regardless of this huge piece missing from our lives. But it's comforting as well...having familiar things to do, chores around the house, going to work, caring for loved ones and knowing that my mom had given me the tools and the strength to keep going, even if she isn't with me physically. But our loved ones are with us always. Sending love and light to you and your family!

Rose Red said...

Your cardigan is lovely. And what a bargain! Sad that your LYS closed, but nice to get such a lovely cardigan out of it.
Your penguins are great. Lovely to have them keeping you company.
Hope you had a great time with your son, and all your boys!