Saturday, January 9, 2016

What if.........



What if I added one more word for my year.........Gratitude.  I think that it works well with Peace, Love, Happiness and Abundance.  I thought that something was missing but now it feels complete.  I think I have covered all the bases with these words so how can 2016 be anything but wonderful?


My dear blogging friend Amy of Love Made My Home has kept a Gratitude Jar for the last two years.  I think it is an amazing idea.  She has now ended this little project but I am picking it up.  I am writing down something to be thankful for every day in 2016, and adding it to this fun little polka dot jar you see here on my desk.  It can be as simple as I am grateful I made it through this day, to something much deeper like I am thankful for all the wonderful friends I have in blogland.  This jar will keep me focused on appreciating the positive aspects of my life.  In the last five years I have veered off this path, I have been overly stressed and overly taxed, I need to get myself back on track.  Thank you Amy for your inspiration and your friendship.


What if I took Little Buddy to the yarn store today and went a bit wild?  I absolutely love this Cascade Yarn Tangier in these wonderful colors.  I am currently knitting up my third Hitchhiker Scarf, the second in this yarn, and I thought that I might get a jump start on my presents for next year.  I know I am a nutter and it is only January 9,  but new yarn was calling me and I have resisted the temptation for several days.


If all goes as planned I can whip up these Hitchhiker's throughout the year for Little Buddy's three private therapists for Christmas, relieving stress towards the end of 2016.  See I am planning ahead that is why I NEEDED all this new yarn!  Plus what a great project to have if I travel, which seems unlikely at this point but you never know.......  The lovely, kind and fabulous Teresa got me started on this pattern and as usual I have gone a bit overboard with it.  But in my defense this pattern is fast, fun and frankly mindless once you get going, and it makes a lovely scarf, so it is a win/win for me as well as those receiving these presents.  I already have some of this yarn to make another Zick Zack Shawl, this one for me, but that is way down on my list of things to make at this point. 


What if I went a little bit crazier at Raspberries of Dunedin, my nearest yarn store, than I thought I would?  This yarn came in a package called Weaver's Delight.  Okay I needed some motivation to make something on my loom and this yarn was perfect for my motivation.  Look at this beautiful yarn from Interlacements Yarns, beautiful, hand dyed, soft and yummy yarn as a special treat for myself.  I know I thought I was done treating myself after I bought those new knitting needles but here I go again.  I will pull it together now and start my yarn/spending diet right this second.


What if this little one was an angel in the store but then started crying on the way home?  Not like him at all, I am thinking he just might not be feeling right today.  Look at those eyes, he looks tired and not quite like himself.  You can always tell in the eyes can't you?  He also looks like he might need a haircut, I will put that on our to do list for next weekend.  We are hanging out at home for the rest of the day today taking it easy.  I am determined to finish Hitchhiker number three this weekend and get it ready to send to my friend Amy in New York as a suprise.  

Any what if's in your life?

33 comments:

mamasmercantile said...

All that yarn was stunning, love the colours. I think it is a great idea to get on top of gifts as soon as possible and save yourself the stress later on. Anything that makes life easier and stress free has got to be good. Hope Little Buddy is OK and not caught some bug, there seems to be so many virus's about at this time of year. I love the idea of a gratitude jar, I certainly have a lot to be thankful for.

busybusybeejay said...

Little Buddy does not look his usual happy self.Hope he is OK.Keep us posted.
Love the Tangier Yarn

Lilbitbrit said...

I like your thoughts about positive thinking every day. When one is so busy it gives you no time to reflect, so just taking that smidgeon of time to write that down will do so. I love the scarf, do you think there is a similar pattern in crochet? I will have to look.

Chris said...

What if you got your butt in gear Chris?!? Lots to do and de cluttering is on the agenda. We are both junk-a-toonies so this is the Everest in our life right now! Now new yarn has proven to have beneficial
Medicinal properties and def boosts the serotonin and endorphins! It's a great idea to get started early I have been thinking the same. Hope your little man is not getting sick. Keep well my friend!

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

What if I started knitting my yarn stash. I have yarn for a scarf and a new pattern as well I bought at fiber fest.

Judy S. said...

What if you just convinced me to make a Hitchhiker? Love your gratitude jar idea! Glad to see you're enjoying Cascade yarn. It's named after our mountains and comes from here....... Hope LB is OK and that your weekend is great!

Amy at love made my home said...

I am sure that looking back at the happy and thankful moments in your jar at the end of the year will bring you joy! I hope so anyway. It certainly is a jolly jar to keep them in! Your new yarns are gorgeous and you are going to be a popular Mom again giving out great gifts like these! Buddy does look tired doesn't he, I guess that it has been a hard week back to school for him, and for you no doubt. Hope you are enjoying a relaxing weekend! Hugs! xx

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Such gorgeous yarn! I don't do any kind of yarn craft but sometimes wish I did so I could indulge in such pretty colors. Aw well, I have other things on my list right now. I decided my word for 2016 is simplify. I feel the need so strongly to slow down, enjoy each day as it comes, to have less stuff in my home so I may clear away clutter and enjoy my home more. I feel like a huge burden is hanging over me as I can't seem to get caught up with anything! I think this comment is the basis of my next post! LOL! Oh and yes the eyes always tell us they don't feel good don't they.
hugs,
Linda

Caffeine Girl said...

We are starting a gratitude jar in the teachers' lounge. It feels a little awkward to me, but I can see how it is a good thing!

I love all that yarn. My closest LYS has a lot of Cascade. I'll be looking for Tangier. Your Hitchhikers are awfully tempting!

The Interlacements yarn is so yummy I'm tempted to start weaving!

And, yes, LB's eyes have that "that" look. I hope he was just tired and not coming down with something.

Janet said...

The yarn is all delicious, Meredith, and as you have plans for it all, you were perfectly justified in buying it. I'm still tempted to make a hitchhiker after seeing yours.
I hope Little Buddy is well.
love Janet x

CJ said...

Dear little man, I do hope he's feeling all better very soon. Gorgeous yarn, and it's a great idea to start on next year's gifts now. It's never too soon! I love the blue/green colourway, it's very sealike and beautiful. Wishing you happy knitting! CJ xx

Anonymous said...

So many interesting What Ifs in my life right now.

What if Steve retired in a mere 16 weeks.

What if we move! Oh the what ifs are endless and so, so interesting.

Hope Little Buddy is okay .....yes, he does look a little tired. Maybe a good nap will set things right.

kristieinbc said...

A gratitude jar is a great idea, and perhaps one I should consider for myself. You are very wise to be looking at ways to get yourself back on track, Meredith.

That Cascade Tangier yarn is gorgeous - it looks like Noro, although I hope it doesn't come with all the knots Noro has in each skein. :-)

Little Buddy doesn't look as perky as usual. Hopefully it's a short lived bug, and not the start of something more serious brewing.

Betsy said...

What if I begin my own gratitude journal? You are an inspiration to me dear Meredith. I have read of a few other bloggers who are doing some version of this and I'm excited to join in. If you look, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for. I also want to make my own hitchhiker shawls to begin my gift stash for next year. Love your yarn choices. Fun times at the yarn store with your little guy. I hope he is just tired and not unwell. I hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Gracie Saylor said...

Wonderful colors of yarn and planning ahead, Meredith! Gratitude is a wonderful attitude, and Amy's/your jar sounds like a great idea :) I hope you have a refreshing weekend and that Little Buddy is well. xx

Shirley said...

Hi Meredith, Your new yarn is so pretty and I hope you take a picture of your finished #3 before you send it off. I love the color of it. It is so pretty. You can always tell when someone doesn't feel good by looking at their eyes and it doesn't have to be a child either. I am with you about starting projects early. Take care. Hugs and Prayers from your Missouri Friend Shirley

Jo@awholeplotoflove said...

I hope little Buddy is ok sweet little boy. Is there any such thing as a yarn diet? gosh my husband would be thrilled if there were. I'm trying to get a sneaky book purchase past him - two actually I shall blog about them next month :) I shall be a nutter with you, I've started my Christmas makes too. Take care x

Stins said...

Such a good idea to fill a jar with gratitude!
Oooh the colours of that yarn are so beautiful.... Hope that little buddy will feel better by now .
Big hugs for you and him, Mirjam.

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

You can truly tell how someone is feeling by their eyes. I knew well in advance if my kidlets were getting sick.
There are always "what ifs" aren't there? What if I actually accomplished hand-making my Christmas gifts for this year? What would that feel like?
What if I was more organized? Would I actually be able to do all the things I dream of doing?
What if I spent a little less time on the computer? Nahhh, I would miss my blog friends too much....

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Beautiful yarn. It would have been very hard to resist. I'm staying in today, too, looking out at the gorgeous snow that fell yesterday. I guess my gratitude for today is that I'm grateful I can stay home, warm and cozy.

kathy b said...

What if I got around to taking some photos for LIL Buddy to make him feel better?
What if I spent on a yarn impulse Friday and havent stopped knitting since?

What if you allow yourself to have grief days and let them come and go in the normal order of grief? It is still so soon.

As for lil buddy's hair..I think you should grow it long! I love lil boys with long hair

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Ooooh, I love that Tangier yarn. You deserve to treat yourself! And since you have premeditated projects, that means it's thoughtful spending. :) I started journaling and drawing daily again. I do the same thing at the beginning of every new year. Let' see if I can keep up with it this time. Hugs to you and Little B.

20 North Ora said...

That yarn is gorgeous! I know whatever you do with it will be beautiful. When our tiny twin Kaycee is not feeling well, you can definitely tell by her eyes. I know that he will be well taken care of.

Have a great week!

Judy

Teresa Kasner said...

Hey Mere! I love your goal words and good sentiments. I agree that we should all think positive and appreciate what we have instead of being sad for what we don't have. Every time I read my blog friends post I give thanks for the friendships that being a blogger has brought to my life. :-) *LOVE* the pretty colored new yarn you got! What great gifts those HHs will be! I got sidetracked on my hitchhiker scarf due to 3 babies being born and I've been crocheting tiny little booties for them. But I will get back to mine as I love it! Little Buddy definitely looks like he needs a nice restful Sunday with his momma knitting by his side. Sending serenity your way! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Jennifer Hays said...

I think that you can go either way with "what if"'s, they can be good or bad, but I like the way you're using them positively. It's a good way of thinking about your life and I think you're going to feel the difference soon. I hope things settle down for you and you can relax more, my friend.

Anita said...

Great idea for the Gratitude jar because we can fall off the path along the way. Over the last 2 years I have felt like we ran over a China man and smashed a mirror, very easy to stink. 2016 is here and I'm staying positive and trying to pick out all the good things that are happening before anything.Hope the little tacker is feeling better today.
Hugs, Anita.

Blondie's Journal said...

I love your jar to store your gratitude wishes, you might just need a larger one!:)

Your yarn is so beautiful, I wish I could knit or crochet. It sounds so peaceful and rewarding.

Your little guy will feel well soon, he looks a bit worn out but he still has a bit of spunk I think. Sending prayers.

Jane x

Géraldine B. said...

Oh oh soo beautiful yarns ... I wish you the best for 2016 ... hugs

Unknown said...

I love the idea of a Gratitude Jar simple but such a good idea to help us remember and keep us focused. I love your new yarn colours very warm and happy. I hope little Buddy is feeling better soon bless him. dee

linda said...

Fabulous yarn Meredith and I think it's a great idea to make christmas gifts throughout the year. I will be joining you at some point because I want to make at least two of these scarves to gift. I hope LB is okay perhaps he was just a little tired have a great week. :) xx

Heldasland said...

Great idea about getting ahead on the Christmas gifts . Strangely , I have had the same idea .all your new yarn is making me so jealous I really do want to get some now .. I love the idea of the "Amy" jar.
I just wanted to tell you what a great person you are , don't forget it .hugs and kisses
H

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

3 things -
1. Happy New Year!
2. Can't wait to see what you do with the yarn, I keep buying Colour change yarn then can't decide what to make!
3. I'm doing a sort of gratitude jar, only its a happiness jar - moments that make me happy - thanks for the reminder, I will blog about it soon
Jillxo

Suzan said...

Buddy is diffidently growing and changing!!
You have such wonderful taste!!! love all the colors of the yarns you picked!!!
Have a fantastic New Year!!