Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Pink

I have been surrounding myself with pink projects lately.  And after a bit of research over the Internet I found out there might be a very valid reason why.  According to pink psychology, pink means compassion, nurturing and love.  Pink is feminine, intuitive and insightful.  Pink is also the color of hope, which is why it is associated so often with breast cancer  and breast cancer awareness.  You need to have more pink in your life if you want calmer feelings, to neutralize disorder, for relaxation or acceptance. 
  I am not sure if I am so drawn to pink lately because I have to be the nurturer, or if I need to be nurtured a bit myself.  What I know for sure is that I need to have calmer feelings, I need some order in my crazy disordered life, and I need to relax.  So maybe I am drawn to pink for all these reasons.  
I am now taking care of my son after his surgery yesterday and oh my goodness is he in a lot of pain.  Bless his heart I cringe every time I have to make him swallow a bit of Popsicle, his liquid pain medicine or some water.   He slept in my bed last night so I could give him his pain meds in the middle of the night, and help him to the bathroom if needed.  We knew it was going to be bad, but I did not think it would be this bad, and this could go on for days  It is just something we have to get through, him with the pain, and me watching close by feeling a bit inadequate that I cannot help some more.  My family is also visiting which is lovely, wonderful, easy and hard all at the same time.  My son needs quiet, but in this packed house he is not getting it.  I leave the bathroom exhaust fan on all the time to drown out a bit of the noise.  I hope it helps.  For now my visiting family is off on an adventure to swim near manatees, several hours north of us.  It will be much more peaceful this afternoon and evening. 

So here is a bit of pink for you just in case you need more order, calmer feelings or relaxation in your life. 

The latest  Berroco kiribati is finished.  I got this put together Sunday morning just before my company arrived.


Made from approximately 380 yards of  Berroco Karma, with size 11 needles.  I used almost every single inch of the yarn I ordered for this project as I made it a tad longer than I was supposed to.


Karma is a cotton tape yarn that is frankly not that easy to work with, and do not get me started about all the joins in the middle of the skeins.  It is just not that forgiving of a yarn.  If you have an elongated stitch by accident in your sweater there is simply no fixing it.  And as you can see above in the neckline on the right, I did something wonky when I added the extra yarn on to make the shoulder.  No amount of fixing this is going to make it look nice.  It is my error, but because the yarn is the way it is it makes it easier to see all of your mistakes.  I think I just might crochet a flower with my leftover yarn and pop it right over those whacky stitches.  


This is a piece of the yarn pulled apart.  It is pretty fascinating yarn but do not be fooled, it is easy to catch those little fibers with the tip of your knitting needle and pull the yarn and have tiny whisps of thread peeking out of your project.

I crocheted quite a bit on my new Olive Twist Shawl by my friend Sue Perez, while at the surgery center with my son.   Go back a few posts to find all my gushing about Sue and this fabulous pattern.  It was the perfect thing to work on in the waiting room, pre-op room and recovery room.   I am using Noro Shirakaba, a beautiful thick to thin cotton yarn that is fun to work with.  After Little Buddy goes down for a nap, I sit near my son and watch him sleep while I put in a few stitches here and there.  Crocheting is silent, except when I make a mistake and have a few choice words to say that is.


Let me just add that a tonsillectomy is just brutal for a 17 year old.  We knew it was going to be but I never thought my sweet boy would be in this much pain.  If you have a few moments to send him some healing thoughts I would sure appreciate it.  I promise to catch up with you all this weekend as he heals, and my company leaves.  I hope I get a chanceto to visit soon. 
 Hope you are all well.

46 comments:

Lucie said...

Pink : " pour voir la vie en rose"
My thoughts are for your sweet boy.
Lucie x

Betsy said...

Meredith your projects are just beautiful-as always. Pink is absolutely perfect for you right now with all that is happening in your life. And on top of all of that, you have guests staying. My goodness. I think you have to be one of the most generous people I know. I will definitely be I prayer for your boy. Pain in his summer vacation is NOT fair! :-)
Blessings my friend,
Betsy

Home Meadows said...

I hope your son is feeling better soon. Sending you lots of "pink" thoughts and I hope the rest of your week is smooth and calm. Don't forget to take care of yourself too. Hugs, Heather

Amy at love made my home said...

Although your poor Mr Teen is in pain, I am glad that he is home again and that from a surgery point of view it went well. I hope that the pain goes soon, I am sure that his Mom's loving tender care will help. I will of course send loving thoughts to both Mr Teen and you. I love the colour of your top, it is a beautiful shade of pink indeed. xx

RedSetter said...

Oh Meredith no wonder you've gone all pink. I'm surprised you are not wearing the rose tinted specs too to try and warm and soften up your world.

Love to your teenager and his frazzed Mum.

Karen said...

Sending good thoughts to your son. I've not had any experience with tonsillectomies, but I can't imagine it would be pleasant.

I love the pink tunic. It's such a pretty shade. Interesting about the need for pink in one's life. I have never been one for a lot of pink, not that I don't like the color. But lately, everything I choose is pink. Even my family has started commenting on it. It makes me feel better. Life has been a bit crazy, so now I know why I feel comforted by it.

CJ said...

The tonsillectomy sounds dreadful, I do hope the pain passes very soon and that he heals well. It's good that it's been done though, once he is better he won't have to suffer tonsil pain any more. I do hope things are easier for him in the next day or two. I adore the pink. I had a phase of lots of pink a while after I left a big law firm where I was wearing a lot of black. It was very healing for me. I still have pink in the wardrobe, after a lifetime of never even considering it, it was a revelation and I love it. I'm sending your teenager lots of healing energy and I'm sending you a hug. Look after yourself as well as him (and everyone else!) CJ xx

moonstruckcreations said...

Dear Meredith, I hope that you have managed to have a bit of peace and quiet whilst your visitors are visiting the manatees (fascinating creatures!)

Your poor, poor son, sending him all my best wishes for a very speedy recovery.

Helenxx

Anonymous said...

Oh Meredith I wish I could give you a pink hug. You have been through so much if late . Seeing our children in pain is so horrible. I hope this part of your life passes soon and life becomes more tranquil for you all. Love linda

Toni said...

Oh my goodness--I feel for you guys!

Clare said...

Wishing you're son a very speedy recovery. I'm loving all the pink
Clare xx

Mrs. Micawber said...

Poor guy ... I didn't know tonsillectomies were so awful for older people (older than childhood age). Of course when I was little they whipped them out for no reason at all so I guess I got off lightly. Hope he feels better soon - have said a prayer for him.

Your pink projects are so beautiful, and you're right - it is a calming colour.

P.S. If you hadn't said anything about the neckline I would have assumed it was a decrease or something and never thought twice about it! :)

Kaiya said...

Poor kid. I hope things calm down for you both very soon!

Shirley said...

Hi Meredith, Your world sounds a little hectic right now, but it should improve. If you figure out what normal is will you please let me know. I have come to realize you never plan a day because it never goes the way you want. The first round of storms have gone through. The thunder is getting louder so we are going to have some more. You take good care of your boys. I know it is hard, but I know you can do it. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

kathy b said...

Pink pink pink galore. What a pretty pink post.
pink is the color of healthy tonsils…but those are out now aren't they?
I think so many of the surgeries we need are not as we expect. If they told us how rotten we'd feel I don't think we'd go under the knife.
YOU are such a good momma.
I too ampraying for your son to St. Blaze. He is the
throat saint …..there's a saint for everything…

Love you MERE! Kids do recover better than we do…he'll be better in a few long days and nights……
It is so hard when each SWALLOW is painful and you are acutely aware of each swallow….

Susanne Tyree said...

It is hard to watch someone in pain, especially when it is family. I mentioned my youngest had hers out when she was in her 30's. She spent a week with me, in the bed, on the couch, where ever she felt the best. The swallowing, yep, that was the worst part for her. So, mom, I know what you are going through, not feeling like you can do enough and still feeling like you want to do what you can. It just takes time, time for them to heal and even when he is gonna feel better, and is up and about, he will still say his throat does not feel the same, well it shouldn't after all. The surgeon took something out of there and it will feel weird for awhile. About all you can really do is be supportive and give that pain med around the clock until it all eases up. Your pink sweater is cute. I was thinking about a flower too, to cover the spot you are fretting about. The manufacturers are not suppose to have any knots or flaws in a skein of yarn, but more often than not (knot, no pun intended) you will find something that does not belong in it. I hate that too, having to join a new end right in the middle of the piece.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

kristieinbc said...

I'm glad you have found some solace in working with your pink yarn, Meredith. The kiribati is very pretty!

My youngest daughter got her tonsils out a few years ago. I think she was around 21 or 22. It was brutal, just like for your son. She ended up being hospitalized for five days. Hugs to you! I think it's almost as hard on the mom as the child.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Oh Meredith you have had a very full plate lately. Wishing you son healing and rest from the pain. I am happy to say that Ashleigh is finally feeling somewhat better...at 35 this wisdom teeth extraction kicked her behind big time. So no wonder I'm a PINK gal myself. I do love it and find it gives me peace or something. Now I know why! Big Hugs, Linda

My Garden Diaries said...

Sending prayers his way friend...that he feels better soon and that he is back on his feet. Gorgeous pinks here you!

Pooch said...

I too am a "pink person". Very pretty top and shawl-in-progress.

You are a trooper to have company with all that you have to juggle. Hope your son heals quickly and that the worst is over by now,

:)

Linda said...

Get well soon to your son, poor lamb needs all the nurturing there is right now, I wish him a speedy recovery and painkillers that work.

That yarn pulled apart is quite fascinating but I can see that it would be unforgiving in nature so that little bit of wonky at the neckline is not so bad as it is not that noticeable. Your idea of a flower motif will fix that admirably.

Here's wishing you peace and calm ahead xx

Kris said...

Your poor son Meredith. I was only six when I had mine removed, and I remember it vividly. But having it done as an adult is awful. Poor kid. Hoping that every day is better! And it will be. Hard on you too Mama. Not a good time for company....sheesh, you have your hands full!! I love your "pink" makes. So pretty. Hope tomorrow is a much better day for your son!
xo Kris

mamasmercantile said...

Sending loving thoughts your way for you and your son. A big hug too hope he is feeling better soon. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Your projects are wonderful.

Yarnism said...

Oh Meredith my heart goes out to you and to your little boy , how much pain he is going through...You do need a lot of 'pink' right now...I will surely pray to God for your son's speedy recovery...

Psalm 41:3 "The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness"

May God bless you always
Sabrina

Unknown said...

I hope your son heals fast. It sounds awful! Poor kid...oppps young man.
I also hope your older son is on the way to recovery. You sure have had your hands full with ill men!
I will have to learn to like pink. I could use the calming vives.

linda said...

Love your pretty pink makes Meredith. I'm hoping your son is feeling better today, sending healing vibes his way. xxxxx

Jay said...

Oh goodness I didn't realise it would be so bad, your poor son; and poor you!Sending positive thoughts and good wishes your way from me.
I'm thinking of you all, don't forget to look after yourself in amongst all that's going on.

Joy said...

Ah Meredith, your poor boy - I was always told (from being a child) that the older the person is when they have a tonsillectomy , then the worse it is on them and the longer the recovery time. I had mine when I was twelve and remember it clearly, yuk! I am sending healing thoughts and wishing a speedy recovery x
Your pink top is lovely and I think a little crochet flower sitting on that spot would be gorgeous, but really, manufacturers should be 'pulled over the coals' for those unexpected nuisance joins in the middle of yarn that usually costs a small fortune.
You're doing a great job there Meredith but I know it must be hard on you to watch your son so sick; I'm sending you some lovely warm energies, take care of yourself too! big hugs, Joy xo

Handmade and off-centered said...

Oh your poor boy. I had this surgery at age 11 and I still remember the pain of swallowing **sending him healing thoughts**

I never knew all the things that the color pink is connected to, very interesting. Your top is very pretty but its to bad about the pain in the butt yarn.

Hope you get some time for yourself to recharge.

Hugs,
Birgitta

Christina said...

I think tonsillectomy gets more painful and difficult the older the patient. I am glad I can't remember mine (at the age of 4). You are a wonderful dedicated mum, looking after your big boy so well. I hope by now the agony has subsided a little.
I love pink, most of all the raspberry pink shade. I don't wear it well I don't think but have plenty of cushions and socks in various shades of pink.
I hope you get enough rest yourself. Cx

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry he is feeling so badly. It is amazing that thing that children deal with pretty easily (tonsils, mumps, chicken pox) can be SO bad when you are just a little older. I will be sending comforting/healing thoughts his way!!!

I guess the good thing is...once he HAS healed, he won't ever have that problem again.

byhooks4u said...

That is a brutal procedure when you are older..like over 7!!! It is so painful. Sending healing and soothing prayers your way..I keep telling myself that I need to conquer the knitting needles..but it is just so much more relaxing to grab the hook. Love the pink.

Jennifer Hays said...

Your sweater is beautiful and it really does calm me to look at it. I hope things settle down at home soon, and that your son bounces back quickly.

Heldasland said...

I never knew all those things about the colour pink.
If the big guy allows lots of hugs and kisses from his mum I find does lots to aid recovery. I'm sending healing thoughts, green is the universal colour of healing, so put some green things around your son

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Best wishes to your son. Hope he's beginning to feel a bit better.

Tanna said...

Poor baby! I hate that he is going through so much pain. I remember having my tonsils out at 10 and they say it is worse as you get older. No fun. But, I will say I hardly EVER got sick after that. Sending warm wishes for feeling better for him.

Love your pink projects... especially that Shirakaba (which I am trying not to envy). ;) blessings and hugs ~ tanna

Ana BC said...

Such a lovely top, Meredith!!! I just made a baby gift in pink too ;-) The shawl is looking beautiful too ♥

Crafty in the Med said...

Goodness Meredith ....poor lad that is so hard. I remember when my sister had it done ...gosh it was horrendous. I can imagine you are suffering nearly as much as he is to see him so unwell! Pray it is over soon and he gets out and about ....out into the fresh air! )-:
I am not a pink lover but your details of what pink means is giving me second thoughts! The pink you are using is a very attractive pink not a fluorescent pink which I am not keen on. The kiribati looks very attractive!

Take care now

Amanda xx

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Hey Meredith
I feel so much sympathy for your poor son, I think I mentioned before I had my tonsils out when I was 24. I would rather go through childbirth again. The tonsillectomy was brutal. Exactly as you said. It will get better, just take time.
Hugest hugs for you and your boy
Jillxx

Acorn to Oak said...

I LOVE your new pink top! It's super cute! The pattern is great and it seems like a great match to that yarn and color.

I've been searching and searching for that magazine but haven't been able to find it. Although, I don't really need to make another shawl! ;-) I have SO many already. lol Oh...and I have tons in my Ravelry faves and queue too.

Happy stitching and speedy healing to your son! :-)

Suzan said...

Both of your "Pinks" are lovely!!
So sorry that your son is having a difficult time!! Thoughts and prayers are coming yours and his way!!

Little Welsh House said...

My dear Meredith, reading your blog I am wondering to myself when your family will catch a break! I wonder if the stress of the last few months has taken it out on your general health. Please continue to surround yourself with pink - and with people who are kind and gentle to you all and treasure you as you deserve. I hope all will calm down and your son recovers very quickly.

Love

H
xxx

RURAL said...

Oh Meredith, I am so hoping that your sweetie feels so much better now that a few days have passed.

That sounds brutal...and I hope that the pain meds are working well, and that he is up and about soon.

Jen

Apple Blossom Dreams said...

Lots of healing thoughts from this direction!

Pink is my favorite color...hmmmm...or is it blue. Probably both. :-)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I imagine that type of surgery is much worse when you are older. Little kiddos seems to get through it pretty easy. Hope he is feeling much better by now. Hard to have that going on while entertaining guests, too. I am not normally drawn to pink, though when I wear something in pale pink, I do get compliments. I hate yarn that catches and pulls when you are working with it. I can understand the choice words. It's a pretty pink though. Hope you get some peace and quiet today. Best wishes, Tammy

Gracie Saylor said...

So sorry for the pain you and yours have been suffering together, but glad that you have family support and prayers by many in the process.
Your info on pink is so interesting! Thanks for sharing, Meredith. I love the way the yarn and Sue's pattern are working together in the shawl...they really seem made for each other, and I think the pink top turned out beautifully, too. xx