How are you doing today? Having a good week so far? Have you joined in with Sue for her first CAL to make her gorgeous Limpet Mitts? I have my yarn and hook ready to go, but I have packed them away to take with me to Columbus, OH this weekend when I go to visit my son. A fun project to make on my trip I'd say. I am very excited, and can I add I am going all by myself!!!!! So this will be my last post until next week and I have a few things that have been on my mind. Let me say from the start I hope I do not offend anyone, these are my feelings and mine alone.
You know I love blogging, I love the friendships I have made, the places I have visited and the amazing creativity I have seen. The thing I don't like about blogging, besides word verification which truly messes with my aging eyes, is that it sometimes feels like a bit of a popularity contest. And that makes me feel like I am back in high school which to be honest was not my favorite time in life. That is why I do not do awards on my blog. I am so touched that someone has thought about me in a positive light, but I don't want to hurt any one's feelings by not including them. This year the blog around the world hop was very big, I did not want to join in as I just did not want anyone to feel left out, or that I did not value them enough to pick them. I think I might be a bit oversensitive about all of this, I just feel everyone should feel included and valued, and that one blog is not more important than the next, and that definitely includes mine. Does this make sense or do I sound like a rambling fool? I don't like lists of favorites, the best blogs for this and that, I want everyone to feel important, that they matter. I have said before if you are not on my blog roll and you want to be let me know because I would sure like to have you. We should all be kind towards each other, and that includes helping everyone feel special, like they belong just as much as everyone else. And of course that kindness should be extended to comments. Many of my friends have had such negative comments lately, I have been blessed as far as comments go but know my turn is coming. Be kind, treat each blogger with respect and comment in a positive light or don't comment at all. Now you don't have to agree with everything, but there is a way to state your position without being rude or negative.
Okay I will stop with my little lecture now. Those thoughts have been swirling in my head for sometime now and I just had to get them out.
Onto Simple Garter Stitch Slippers pair number two. Made from delicious Malabrigo Rios in the color Teal Feather. I had forgotten how much I love Malabrigo yarn. It is soft, yummy and oh so fun to work with.
I know you are thinking these are blue and not teal, well in this picture that is correct, but in real life they are greenish/teal. I made them too big as I wasn't thinking clearly. They are for my friend Lynda who is getting the woven dishtowels and dishcloths. Her feet are bigger than mine, and due to neuropathy from the chemotherapy she is taking they are sore. And her toenails are an issue from the same medication so I am hoping they are comfortably big on her but not too big. She needs room and comfort but not clown slippers if you know what I mean.
This is the real color. I tried the crochet border on them and just hated it, I felt it was all wonky and wobbly. So off it came and buttons were added instead. Now I have started a cowl for her and will make her a hat and I will be done with useful presents for her. Thank goodness she appreciates homemade things.
While I am gone my sister Claudia will be having a birthday. Actually it is on the 21st if you would be so kind as to wish her a great day for me.
And if you have a positive thought to spare could you send it to Mr. 21 who will be in a swim meet this weekend. And I might need one or two so I don't get upset about his swimming, or the coach, or the lack of coaching, I usually am a nervous wreck at these meets, I need to be calm. You bet I will have yarn in my hands to help me through it all.
Thank you for letting me vent. Now I need to go pack my projects, download audiobooks and pack some warm clothes. Have a great rest of the week.
Beautifully put Meredith, I would hate for anyone to feel left out or less important too. I agonise over little decisions sometimes, anxious not to unintentionally upset people. I totally agree there is no place for unpleasant comments. I do hope Mr 21's swim meet goes really well. And I hope that you're not too nervous, although I know I would be exactly the same. I do hope things improve for your friend Lynda, it does sound difficult. She will no doubt love the slippers though, they are excellent. Enjoy your trip and your time with your son. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I want to tell you that I will be praying for you, Mr. 21 and his swim meet this weekend. The yarn will help calm those Mama nerves! :-). I hope your trip is lovely. I will definitely try to remember to pop over to wish Claudia a happy day on the 21, but with my memory these days, who knows if I will remember to get out of bed!!!!! The slippers are wonderful. I prefer the button version too.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about the blogging world. I don't know how to graciously decline the award thingy's and I adore the friends I've made through blogging. I echo your sentiments exactly, down to the high school popularity thing. Thank you for so eloquently writing on the subject.
Have a lovely weekend my friend and give your son a tight hug for me. It will be like hugging my son in Japan. (Us Mom's have got to stick together.)
Blessings,
Betsy
I agree totally with everything you said. I can't see how anyone could find anything negative to say on your posts Meredith, you're so lovely, but if they do for any reason, please please don't stop blogging, I love reading your posts, I think of you as friend, and would miss you terribly.
ReplyDeleteNow, slippers. Is this going to be like the dishcloths again ? lo :) Your friend will really appreciate all your gifts I'm sure.
Have a lovely weekend and Happy Birthday to your sis!
Jillxo
Yes, I have felt that way many, many times. Thanks for speaking for me and for all of us who feel the same.
ReplyDeleteS
xo
Right on girlfriend! You summed it up perfectly! Have a great trip and bundle up. You are such a great friend to your buddy Lynda, that's pretty special . Good luck to Mr 21!
ReplyDeleteHow beautifully said Meredith. I do wonder sometimes when I see some of these 'awards' going round particular groups. On the one hand I think it is lovely to recognise people but sometimes the arbitrary nature of such things can be exclusionary. I am sorry to hear people have been troubled my malicious commenters which is just horrible.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift for your friend and made with such thoughtfulness. I am sure she'll love them. You are always in my prayers and some extra are on their way for some lovely zen feelings.
I couldn't agree with you more ---- what IS it with some people and the negative comments. Now, I have been VERY lucky. I can't remember getting any hateful comments, but I know of one blogger that quit blogging BECAUSE of mean comments.
ReplyDeleteI just makes me sad.
Good luck to your DS and sweet travels for you. Have a wonderful time.
Hello Pretty:
ReplyDeleteis normal to feel nervous about an event for boys , I think when my son lost a volleyball match was suffering more than him, but it's part of living and growing as a person so I hope you enjoy, what you say of the blog I'm agree with you, I hate competing, or that some are more than others, some people love it because they are probably better and others perhaps do not realize, personally I have grown fond of you all the bloggers have no preference because all learn something at any the world.
hugs great and then I teach and blog roll is if you can add me and I'll be happy.
thousand hugs pretty!!
Hey Mere... I remember when I first started blogging and I got an award and I was so excited. Then the reality of it set in.. I had to follow the rules (and I'm not a rule follower) and then tap on a LOT of other bloggers, tell 10 things about myself, or some such.. and I realized that it ended up taking a LOT of time and putting my blog friends on the spot. I stopped accepting awards. I did do the around the world thing, but the friends I tapped to do it weren't super happy. That will be the last one of those I do. Now.. who has been getting nasty comments? I am not pleased to hear that! You have a faboo trip to see your boy and I will keep you both in my thoughts. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteHello and Happy Thanksgiving,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great post. I agree and thank you for saying it. :-)
Best to you and your family. Enjoy!
Safe travels,
Carla
Yep...I'm with you on this. I feel I have messed up in the past by passing on one of those awards and then felt very bad afterwards as the rules were to pass it along to how ever many blogs. Never sat well with me. So I will not be doing those anymore. And as far as negative comments...I have gotten those...and it is a downer. Funny that people feel the need to knock people around a bit by making them feel crumby...got nothing nice to say don't say anything at all! And I need to post that on my blog about the sidebar thing...when I notice that someone has me in their sidebar I put them in mine. Thanks for passing on the positive friend...It needed to be said! Best wishes on your travels and have a great time seeing your kiddo!! Nicole xoxo
ReplyDeleteWell said, Meredith! It seems like this past week an especially nasty comment has been left on several of the blogs I read. I haven't read the comment myself because it has been removed, but the bloggers have each mentioned it. I am wondering if it is some person (clearly with a problem) who has tapped into a group of interconnected blogs and spread their nastiness, or a new form of spam made to sound like a nasty comment? Sigh...
ReplyDeleteGood luck to your son as he competes in his swim meet, and to you as you watch. Personally I think it's harder being the mom than the athlete. :-)
Safe travels, Mere, and have a terrific time! Love those slippers and your friend will, too. Where'd you find such cute buttons? I agree with all of your thoughtful blogging comments! Thanks for putting them out there also.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! I guess I am lucky so far, didn't have a single nasty comment ever.. .
ReplyDeleteI don't do awards anymore for the same reason...
So great for to to see your son this weekend, wish you lots of fun and crochet happiness :)! Those slippers look so cosy and warm! Such nice items to make, arent't they?
Lots of love from Mirjam.
I feel the same my dear friend ... My blog is a way of showing and exploring my creative side ... I have no time for petty comments. Hope you have fun visiting your son and knitting a bit :) have a great trip.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't have said it better myself, I totally agree and a big thank you for putting it out there. I am loving your makes you are really doing well with all your gifts. Sending happy birthday wishes for your sister and good wishes for your sons swim meets hope all goes well. Hope the weather warms up my daughter and her new husband are coming over for their honeymoon to Florida and then a cruise.
ReplyDeleteThe slippers for your friend look really lovely and a beautiful colour. I'm sure they will fit just fine. I fully understand what you say about being nominated for awards. I have just been nominated again for a Leibster award. I will answer the questions (or some of them) and nominate a few blogs to pass on to but it isn't really something I'm comfortable with doing.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your trip and that everything goes well. If in any stressgul situation make sure you have yarn in hand.
I've been reading Claudia's blog for a short time now - didn't realise she is your sister! My sister doesn't do any sort of crafting and doesn't have a blog.
You know how I feel about all that you have said already!! I feel the same about awards and so on, and although I accept those passed to me, I hope with good grace, I don't pass them on, I just invite everyone else who wants to to join in. As for comments, well, I think that I have said more than enough about that subject recently and so I will say no more as you know how I feel about that too!! I think that the world knows how I feel about that!!
ReplyDeleteNow, go, have a wonderful trip, a great time with your son and I hope that he does really really well at the swim meet with his Mom to cheer him along. You deserve some time away and I hope that you have a great time!!
Happy Birthday to your sister too! I hope she has a great birthday and you will celebrate again no doubt when you get home which will make it double fun!
Beautiful gifts for your friend and so very thoughtful too - in the way that you always are!
I look forward to seeing you again when you are back from your break, have a great time and safe travels. xx
Hi Sweet Meredith, You have a beautiful way with words and wording things so perfectly. Thank you for voicing your thoughts, I have felt that way at times and it's not a good feeling to have at 60 years(almost). I also sometimes feel I will lose my friends if I don't blog for a while and I think that is so foolish of me!!
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray you have a wonderful trip and enjoy your son, yarn and time out with your son!! "GO" swim team!!!! Be thinking of you dear friend, xoRobin
If I didn't blog, I wouldn't 'meet' such special people such as yourself and the loads of other lovelies that I wish lived right next door to me! I'm award-free too for the same reasons that you cite but I did join the latest around-the-world thingy as a special favour to a new bloggy friend. I chose a couple of folks to pass it on to then left an open invitation on my blog to anyone else. Life's too short to be so selective!Enjoy your time with your lovely boy. x
ReplyDeletebeautifully said....luckily for all of us in the 'fibery' part of blogland, we're among some of the nicest folks i've ever not met (face to face!). I must admit to participating in that creativity blog hop....it was so much fun reading about others creative inspirations....but as far as 'awards'....the award is just a comment left here and there and the chance to connect.
ReplyDeleteyour friend should LOVE all those wonderful wooly things you have lined up for her---love every single one!
I feel the same way about blogging sometimes so I understand where you are coming from. I like when people (like you) are just genuine. Thanks for being honest.
ReplyDeleteMeredith, one of the things I love about you is your sensitivity! I don't like the competition on blogs either, but feel 'out of the fray' so to speak since I am just a tiny blogger living my life and sharing it with those who wish to join me. Of course I'm thinking of you and your son this weekend and I'll be sending Claudia big Birthday hugs! Take care and I love the slippers...so cute. You are such a thoughtful friend.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
I totally agree with you, Meredith. Hope you have a good trip and your son has a good swim meet. Will send some positive mojo his way! I made a flower dishcloth last night! It was fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you totally Meredith! it is so important that as bloggers we nurture each other and value everyone's own unique style and strengths and to try not to become too competitive and lose sight of the purpose of blogging and sharing our stories in the first place. I hope you have a great trip to visit mr.21! that is nice that you can take a trip on your own and have a lot of time for your knitting! I love when I have a large block of time just for knitting :) take care, hope you have a fun week with your son!
ReplyDeletewe will talk to you when you get back!
Lisa
Well said! I have had many blogs over the years, and one thing I have always stood by and believed is the fact that there are plenty of places I can vent my opinions on politics, religion, and all the other "hot topics" of the day. My blog is not the place for that. Its for crafts and happy things and just day to day life. When I need to spout off, there are other places to do that, not on someones blog.
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip!!!
I agree with you,you are so right,good post!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes on your travels!
Beautiful slippers and pictures!
Good luck,hugs.:*
Hi Meredith! Enjoy your trip to see your boy. Mine comes home next week and I'm anxious to see him.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on the whole blog thing. I turned down a request for the blog hop, thank goodness the person who asked me was nice about it. Love, love, love Malabrigo yarn, and the slippers.
Have a safe trip.
Lynne
Hi Meredith - please feel free to air your feelings, this is your blog. I hope you have a great time with your son - I can feel your excitement. Happy birthday to your sister and wishing son 21 a great swim!
ReplyDeleteCaz xx
PS love the Malabrigo yarn
I hope you enjoy your trip! Wishing the best for your son at his competition.
ReplyDeleteI also agre with all that you have said! If I don't agree with someone I just let it be. We all have opinions, but they don't have to be negative. Agree to disagree. Try to see their point. I might learn something.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more. One reason I've started spending more time on blogs and less on Ravelry is how often people behave badly on Ravelry. Over hobbies. Even having the sense to stay off of any political boards, I actually had to block a fellow Raveler because she was so aggressive. I know the internet provides a home for people who often don't have the social skills for real-life interactions, but nastiness is unacceptable anywhere.
ReplyDeleteWell said ! I've just had an blog award, it was nice to answer the questions but not nice to nominate some other blogs cause I appreciate all the blogs i'm following... I think that for me it was the first but the last award !! i don't want one more !! I totally agree about the nasty comments ... no comment !!! Have a nice trip and good thoughts for Mr.21
ReplyDeleteHope you have a fabulous trip, Meredith!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I participated in the AWBH, I have declined awards offered for several reasons: time, lack of technical ability, and the task of passing the award along, but I appreciate the kindness of those who have offered them to me.
My type of blogging like yours is intent on sharing what is beautiful/encouraging/creative in and around me, not that I always succeed in that, but it is what I aim for. :) I also am enjoying building relationships with others through this medium. I do follow some blogs that represent those who are making a living in part through their blog, but their sites reflect a positive, peace loving, creativity to me.
Goodness gracious...I am typing you a book :)
I love your latest slippers! I have practiced Limpets but not mastered them yet, but hope to make those mitts one day, too. The knitting part of my latest boucle bunny is almost finished! Hurray!
Know that I am cheering you and yours on to happiness :) xx
Have a wonderful weekend away lovely Meredith, I hope you're not going anywhere near all the bad weather in the US, keep warm
ReplyDeleteClare xx
You are a great friend to have Meredith and it would be lovely to be friends in the real world, too. I have participated in a couple of blog chains but it was terribly difficult to choose the next person. I really wanted to choose everybody. I love being on your blog roll, it is nice to be appreciated and so many people stop by because of you. Thank you. Have a great weekend with your son, I hope his swim meet goes well. Happy Birthday to your sister and I also hope Lindas slippers will keep her toes toasty. Cxx
ReplyDeleteYou have hit the nail right on the head Meredith I agree with you completely! I do love those slippers your friend will love them you are a very kind and thoughtful friend thats for sure. It's my birthday tomorrow so I won't forget to pop by and wish Claudia a Happy birthday on Friday. Good luck to your son and have a great trip. :)
ReplyDeleteMere, you're fantastic. This is your blog, say what you like, we're all more than likely raising a glass with you, and I think people need a reminder sometimes to be considerate. I mean we are one, but one of many ... in a SOCIETY or COMMUNITY of people. I think sometimes the facelessness of Social Media makes it a little too easy to be, let's say, "stinging".
ReplyDeleteYou're sensitive because you're kind and compassionate and remember that not everybody else acts that way.
Anyhow, go on and have a lovely time. We're rooting for your boy. As a mom of a much younger son, playing Prep not even super competitive travel soccer, I'm a pacer, a fretter so I've got you on this, ha!
Be safe! "see" you soon
Safe travels. Positivity rocks!
ReplyDeleteI love your garter slippers with the buttons but I liked the crochet edge too....
Mr. 21 will do well. Knit to your mother hearts content!
I agree with your lecture. It doesn't cost anything to be nice. And why would anyone feel it's necessary to post something nasty? I just don't get that. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteWell said Meredith. I agree with most of what you said. By the way, if you or any of your friends get negative comments, just delete them. You are the master of your blog. I don't know why some people make a point of leaving negativity all over the place. Life is too short to spend on that kind of thing.
ReplyDeleteI hope your sister has a lovely birthday and your son has a great swim meet. I'm impressed with you always finding the time and energy to do some crafting, especially knitting. I just can't seem to get into it these days. xx
Hi Meredith!
ReplyDeleteI love the cosy slippers you made, it's something I can relate to easily now it has gone much colder outside! Hope you have a lovely trip and spend some precious time with your son, you must miss him!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the award thing. I've just been given one, but like you say, it does put you in an awkward position... I don't think I will accept another one.
Like you, I read a huge multitude of blogs and love hearing from everybody, be it from their blog, or their comments on my or other people's blogs. It inspires me to go on and do better and greater things, whatever that may be.
Likewise I feel there is a lovely amount of people who are really supportive and genuinely caring (and you are certainly amongst them) and are giving their support to others. And I certainly believe in doing good things (to others).
On that note, I wish you a wonderful time away, enjoy yourself!!!
(and come back quickly, because otherwise we will all miss you!!!)
Love,
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be
I agree with your words about blogging. You put it in such a sweet way!
ReplyDeleteThe slippers are great...love those buttons!
Good luck to Mr 21! Have a wonderful weekend, M!
I thought you weren't allowed to have yarn in public with Mr. 21 around. Ha! Hope your trip is going well and that the swim meet is a success.
ReplyDeleteI am not one for popularity contests or trying to one up anyone. I certainly don't understand why anyone feels the need to say anything negative. My thought is, if you don't like something, then either don't visit that particular blog again, or just realize that we do not all think the same and sometimes we can agree to disagree quietly.
I did participate in the around the world blog hop but only because of the person who asked. And I chose a couple of people that I wanted to encourage. I'm all about uplifting, not competing.
I am presently wearing crocheted slippers that last year's elementary assistant principal gave to me before she moved to Oman in June. They are a little big, but I'm thinking about maybe weaving some ribbon around the top so that I can tie them on and tighten them up. We'll see.
I'm so sorry to hear all that Lynda is going through with treatment. Sending healing wishes and positive vibes her way.
Hugs and blessings, Tammy
Those lovely slippers look warm and perfect. Malabrigo on the feet sounds decadent and heavenly. Fingers are crossed for your boy at the meet. Swim like the wind! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're feeling down about blogging, Meredith. Your blog is always interesting and people seem to really enjoy it, but of course it isn't a popularity contest and I hate for anyone to feel that way about such a healthy hobby. I remind myself that my blog is for me, first and foremost, and that it's not a democracy: the people reading it don't get to dictate what I say or share, or how I interact with the readers. I've had a few complain that I don't respond to all of my comments. I was very blunt: if I reply to every comment, I'll have no time to leave one for other bloggers. I can one or the other but usually not both. As for awards, I do them sometimes. When it's a big one being passed around, I usually figure that most people will be given one eventually, so I don't worry too much about it. I try to pass them on to bloggers who aren't very well-known, as opposed to big-time bloggers, because I think that helps get them more attention. I try not to worry, otherwise. It's really just for fun, in my opinion. The main reason I blog is to leave behind the bad juju in real life, and so far nothing that has happened to me in Blogland can hold a candle to the negativity I'm trying to overcome by blogging in the first place. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100% my friend! both on the competition and negative comments and the awards. I agree with Thumper's Mom ( from the movie Bambi "if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all" . I have repeated this phrase consistently throughout my life.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend with your son and I hope he has a great swim weekend. I will be praying for your friend and what a lovely sleeper. ( happy birthday to your sister - I will try to "stop by " and wish her a happy happy birthday).
I hope you have a wonderful trip Meredith! Those mitts are really cute and perfect trip project. I love what you've said and totally agree. The gifts for your friend are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHi Mer! I am with you 100 percent on your feelings!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely little getaway. Enjoy your time with Mr. 21. May he do well in his meet!
It is time to think about the holidays..eh? I am not ready!!!!
Safe travels!
xo Kris
Happy Travels and sending you loads of support and love for all you do over the next week. Love those slippers btw - so cool. Jo x
ReplyDeleteWell said <3
ReplyDeletexxx
Meredith- what a wonderful post-- well said-- thank you for sharing what so many of us feel. I agree totally-- I think every blogger is to be valued and I treasure everyone who takes the time to come and visit.
ReplyDeleteYour slippers are beautiful-- they look so cushy and comfortable!!! They would make wonderful gifts for the holidays.
I wish your son the very best in all of his competitions. He is a fine, fine boy dear Meredith.
Vicki
It's Sunday, the second day of the weekend. How are you? I hope the knitting keeps you happy and calm.
ReplyDeleteI've had a rough Saturday, because some people are not nice at all and don't even notice it. I am glad to have a quiet Sunday to think this all through to be prepared for "THE talk". There are some changes to be made. All the best and stay safe! Regula
Love those garter stitch slippers and those fun buttons. I'm making slippers too but can't 'share' them as they are christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteYou don't sound like a rambling fool - it totally made sense all you said and I agree. I really don't understand people who leave nasty comments.
Hope your son did well at his swim meet.