Friday morning I dropped off Little Buddy at his Preschool and headed for a walk on the beach. The last time I was there was in August when my sister was visiting, we spent about 30 minutes there walking in the surf and looking for shells. I used to go regularly to the beach for walks, that is before Little Buddy came along to live with us. Seems there was much more time to do things like that back then. So it was a much needed hour that I walked along the northern edge of Honeymoon Island, in Dunedin FL. The day was so clear and beautiful, the humidity not quite at the summer highs yet, and the gulf air was so salty and pure. I felt so much stress just leave my body while walking and looking at the view. Hearing the waves and the birds, feeling the sun on my face, it was pure Heaven. I was so in need of that hour all to myself, no phone, no work and no one knowing where I was. I need to go back again before school lets out for the summer, because then it will be Little Buddy time 24 hours a day when I am not at work.
Jennifer at Thistlebear is hosting the last installment of the Winter Project Link Up Party because frankly it isn't really Winter anymore. I am starting with honesty here, this is my Flaum which has not made one stitch of progress in months. I should feel a bit guilty about this, and I do, just not guilty enough to pick it up and work on it.
I keep it in the basket of shame, right out in my family room so I can see it all the time, it sits there screaming, look at me, look at me! I have a new idea for this sweaters completion, I think this will be my Summer Olympic project. So Jennifer I am asking you right now to have a Summer Olympic Project Link Up Party so I can be accountable for this projects completion.
There has still been loads getting done, just not exactly what I thought would get done when the initial Winter party started. I had dreams of two sweaters and a Zick Zack Shawl for me. But alas none of that got completed, and actually two of the projects never even got started. There has been never ending Hitchhiker's, baby blankets, a cowl or two and of course........
Totoro Bunny featured here dressed in his Easter finery. So all has not been lost, just other projects gained.
Hope you all have a great day.
Totoro Bunny featured here dressed in his Easter finery. So all has not been lost, just other projects gained.
Jennifer has been so lovely hosting this link up party, thank you so much for your time Jennifer. By the way Jennifer, how about a Summer Olympic Project Link Up Party so I can try and save face!
Hope you all have a great day.
The beach photos are wonderful. I miss being close to the ocean. Walking the beach has always be restorative to my soul and I could use a good dose of that right now.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Linda
I am so glad you treated yourself to an hour at the beach. It looks so peaceful and beautiful. When you have a little one, you really need that kind of rejuvenating time.
ReplyDeleteI like to be outdoors period. I never join gyms because I hate exercising in a sweaty building. I'd rather bundle up and head out into 10-degree air outside.
The yarn you are using for Flaun is so lovely; you'll go back to it when the time is right. Knitting should be about what we WANT to knit.
Your walk along the beach sounded so relaxing, I felt lighter and happier just reading about it. You've been busy knotting do many projects, so don't best yourself up about Flaum. All the Hitch hikers you have made as gifts are a testament to your generous nature. I think a Summer Olympic Challenge would help you on your way. Have a lovely weekend. Jx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous beach photos! I want to go wading.......
ReplyDeleteOh I envy you that quiet walk on the beach by yourself. That sounds like a wonderful way to spend time. (I think the gulf beaches are SO much more peaceful than our crazy-busy east coast beaches!)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have some interesting projects to keep you busy. That Tangier yarn is SUCH a pretty color.
Oh your oceanside therapy sounds perfect Mere!
ReplyDeleteI started a big project this week and after 5 days ....I put it down and returned half the yarn.
You are not alone!
THe weather here yesterday was so awful.....sleet, snow and 50 mph winds...the only cure was the sale at my LYS. Sock yarn to the rescue.
I dont know how you get half what you get done done!~
You are complete right: Winter has gone. :-) And don't feel guilty. Why would you anyway. There is a time for everything. Your sweater has to wait. And by the way, what's the problem? Hugs, Regula
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful beach you have so near you. I think you should book a babysitter for the summer for 2 hours a week for more "you time" on the beach or wherever. Good idea? Your sweater in the basket really is pretty... you really shouldn't be ashamed of it as you've finished so many other wonderful things. You need a "seed" project, right? ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos making me dream of Florida, we were there this time last year. With Dad not been well and the girls just having babies we have decided to give our Spring holiday a miss and book something later in the year. I am with you maybe we should have a summer link up to redeem ourselves.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos of the beach! So glad you had some time for yourself. Times like that are needed ever so often.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Judy
Nothing like being by the sea, it looks gorgeous as does all the yarny goodness
ReplyDeleteClare x
Oh your beach! I understand how it relaxes you so completely. I am an ocean girl myself, even though the nearest beach is 8 hours away! I'm with Teresa. I think you should book a couple of hours to yourself to walk on the beach this summer. YOU are important and you need to take care of you. What a pretty sweater and I know you will finish it in time. Meanwhile you have made so many other lovely, lovely things. You, my dear are so hard on yourself. I can't imagine how you get everything you do done every day. Superwoman. That has to be it. Love you sweet Meredith.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Lovely beach shots!! Nice shells!!
ReplyDeletewhat I miss about home is the fresh seafood and the smell of the ocean going into low tide!! It's a marshie smell - and it makes me think of oysters!!
I like that - a basket of shame!! I have a project that I keep putting off and it "hangs" over my head!! Need to do it and be done with it!!!
Have a great week with allllll your other projects!!
The coast looks blissful, I can see how the stress would just melt away there. An Olympic link-up party is a great idea, I was just talking to the boys earlier today about how it will be a summer of football (Euro 2016 for us in Europe) and Olympics. A little knitting while its on would be perfect. Flaum is gorgeous, lovely texture and lovely colour. Once she is out of the basket you will wonder why you have been ignoring her and she will fly to completion. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteLovely pics of the seaside and the shells are just incredible. I don't live near the seaside, so these things are exciting to me. lol I hope your hour to yourself brought you peace and tranquility. It's nice to have some time to ourselves. Beautiful yarns, great textures.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Anita.
Thanks for sharing your walk at my favorite place...an ocean beach...ahhh, I feel renewed as well. I join in with Teresa and Betsy in encouraging you to schedule some "me" hours for yourself on a regular basis! I thought that basket was just a 'time out" basket. Didn't you invent that years ago? Well, I have given you credit for the idea, at least. I haven't posted anything in Jennifer's Link Party last month or this one. I have been disappointed that I have not made more progress on my blue merino blanket and my autumn colored shawl, although I finished one preemie blanket and started another, and completed a crocheted bag and doll dress for Joy's doll. But I love the Winter Project Party idea and might make some more progress taking part in a Summer Olympic Project, too. Wishing you happy Spring days and sending you love with hugs, dear, Meredith. xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteThe beach photo's are lovely Meredith and I know what you mean a walk on the beach always recharges my batteries too but I will have to wait until the weather warms it's still pretty cold here. I agree with Teresa you need some me time when you are looking after a little one. Stop feeling guilty why should you? you have made so many lovely things and so quickly I don't know how you find the time with your hectic schedule your sweater will get done sometime there's no rush. I hope you have a quiet peaceful week. :) xx
ReplyDeleteBeach walks always seem to calm my nerves too, and my, you've got a really beautiful place there! Love the colors of your new Hitchhiker btw, that yarn looks amazing...
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful. I went to the beach for the first time this year on Saturday. It was HOT.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I am going to get a hitch hiker on the go pretty soon, it looks so good. You should walk on the beach more you sound so rested. Jo x
ReplyDeleteSo pleased that you took yourself off to the beach and had such a lovely time to yourself! It looks like a beautiful place to relax. Your new hitchhiker is lovely isn't it! Happy knitting and relaxing! xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like your walk was wonderful and did you the world of good. I always find a walk very restorative. I just wish our nearest beach (on the North Sea) looked as pretty and inviting as yours!
ReplyDeleteCaz xx
You may not have finished what you thought you would, but you certainly completed a lot of lovely projects. Do you think Jennifer got the hint that you would like a Summer Olympic Project Link Up Party? Ha-ha! :) I say get to the beach as often as you can. You deserve it, at least once a week.
ReplyDeleteI have a basket of shame too! The project in yours looks so gorgeous though it will be even more beautiful when complete ;)
ReplyDeleteMarianne X
Your beach photo's are beautiful I love the shell one, there is something so special and relaxing about the sea and the beach it certainly calms your soul. I hope you manage to get back I think having time for yourself is important and helps to recharge your batteries so to speak. I think we all have that basket of shame I have a crochet blanket on the go and also a patchwork throw but I have lost my mojo for them both at present I am preferring to be outside pottering around in nature. Enjoy your week, dee :-)
ReplyDeleteWonderful beach pictures. We'll be in Vero in a couple of months for a family birthday. Looking forward to some walks then.
ReplyDeleteThe beach photos are just lovely and you described it so beautifully, I felt as though I was there, too.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't keep me away from that beautiful beach if I lived anywhere near. I've been fancying a trip to the beach myself but I live a little way away from the coast, it's quite a while since I've seen the sea and the sea here isn't quite a beautiful as the one there. I think you've done really well with your winter projects, you might not have got done what you intended but you've completed plenty of other things.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing what a short while in a beautiful place can do for you. I try to squeeze in a little me time every day, even if it means to stay up late so I can enjoy my own company. I have stopped feeling guilty about projects I am not working on. There is a time for everything and who knows, maybe the Flaum will have its time. The worst case scenario might mean frogging it, which is not that bad, particularly because you are left with beautiful yarn to transform into something new. Some yarns want to be something else than planned. Have a wonderful week. x
ReplyDeleteHello Meredith,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to walk along a beach, I love the wide open space and being near water!!! I find it instantly refreshes your mind!
Love those yarns you got there and wishing you enjoyment with your projects!
Have a good week!
Ingrid xx
Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be
Hi Meredith, thank you for joining in with my link party. You've made lots of progress, I don't know what you're talking about. :) A summer party isn't a bad idea, though, let me think on it. I'm so glad you had a chance to walk on the beach, that sounds just wonderful to me. I hope you're having a good week, Miss Meredith.
ReplyDeleteBasket of shame, hahaha! I think I have 3 of those. How lucky you are to live so close to that beautiful beach. Thanks you for the pictures. I used to live in Santa Barbara and I miss it so much!
ReplyDeleteAs always, I love your beautiful projects gained. And we all have a "basket of shame". Thanks so much for giving us that peaceful peak at your lovely beach walk. You should definitely go as often as you possibly can.
ReplyDeleteI could definitely use a beach walk! That looks so wonderful, and I just love to beachcomb. It is so incredibly important to take time like that for ourselves. It makes it so much easier to take care of others when we feel restored.
ReplyDeleteIt would be so nice to be close enough to a beach to be able to stop there for a walk! We just do a lot of our walks in the forest which is also very, very nice. I love the gray yarn. :)You'll get it finished some day, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were able to spend some time by yourself! And what a beautiful place to recharge. :)
ReplyDeleteI love to see when other people have loads of projects on the go at a time, makes me feel more normal! I don't like the "Basket of shame" idea though - "basket of showcasing my beautiful, if unfinished, projects" would be better!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad a trip and walk on the beach has been restorative and benefited you. I'll be honest, those lovely photos have been restorative for me. Have you seen CJ's recent landscape photos, they have a similar effect on me. Thank you both! Anyhow, you have done a great deal, I really wouldn't let that sweater in the living room shame you.
ReplyDeleteOK, your beach pictures made me "ooh" and "ahh," but "basket of shame"?? I just completely cracked up laughing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your stories. You always make me smile!
Hi Meredith,
ReplyDeleteSlowly catching up on your news. When you talk about a Summer Olympic Project, does that mean you participate in the Ravellenics or just enjoy watching the Olympics with your craft? I love watching the Olympics but because they are usually in the other hemisphere, the live screening happens overnight for me so I have a batch of tapes to record everything overnight and I watch it back during the day with the added benefit of skipping through all the advertisements!
The last time Ravelry held the Ravellenics, I was too busy to participate but I hope to get to it this year. Maybe I will see you there? ;-)
Take care of yourself Meredith - we all know as mums that it is important to prioritise and nurture our own needs. Schedule it into each day. Easier said than done sometimes, I know, but we must - minimum 30 mins a day.
Hugs to you xx