I can’t help but think of this quote when I see Pearl’s contented look and how the wind is ruffling her hair, “And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair”~ Kahlil Gibran.
Not wanting to bore you all with my knitting, but thought I should show you the finished product from the other day. This cowl is knit from a lovely silk and merino wool yarn. I love how it shows off the stitches and how marvelous it feels wrapped around my neck. This morning I went to the yarn store and bought some lovely mohair to knit another little project (no, not another cowl). But I’m hoping by the time I finish this project, the bulk yarn I ordered will arrive — I plan to make a lovely cable stitch afghan in a rich eggplant colour. For years — no decades — I’ve always romanticized how wonderful it would be to make an afghan. Well, I’m about to make that come true.
Since my stroke I’ve been having problems with reading, particularly with comprehension and focus, so novels have been a struggle. I’m still trying to read each day to build up my comprehension (and don’t tell anyone but I actually signed up for Lumosity to exercise my brain). I’m currently working on ‘attempting’ to read this month’s book club selection, The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach. I don’t know if it’s my stroke-induced deficiency in comprehension or if it’s just how the book is written, but the novel sure does wander a lot. I hope it improves as I get further along — just hoping I can manage to get it finished before book club.
See what it’s doing here today — it’s so beautiful but I think I’m the only one who really appreciates it:
I rode my bike for the first time since my stroke a couple days ago. I was fairly sure my balance was good enough but one thing I hadn’t count on was tipping over simply trying to lift one leg over to get on! But once on the darn thing, away I went.
Oh and I got together with a group of ladies who live in the area the other evening. We have this fantastic thing known as Beach Flicks. They are movies brought in once a month that were shown at TIFF so generally are quite worthwhile. But the best part, or at least for me, is being able to walk to the movie and then walk home again. Beach Flicks are shown in the clubhouse at the nearby golf course and, of course, we all met up in the little restaurant and gabbed over dinner before the movie. After living such a long way out in the boonies, far from people, let alone anything fun to do, I get so excited about things like this.
I am so grateful.
So, that’s my update. Now a question for you. What is your favourite winter past time or activity? Hurry, ’cause winter is nearly over. I’d love to know.
Snow Falling On Cedars is one of my favourite books. I like to hibernate in winter-a pile of books, a roaring fire and comfortable chair. I will crawl out of my nest for a walk on the beach. Love those bracing winds and everything seems so fresh and clean.
Some stunning images here, especially that gorgeous hound and the snow falling. The cowl looks perfect for the weather you’re having. Favourite pastime here … that’s a hard one, but knitting and blogging are about even I think 🙂
Beautiful picture of your dog! Wonderful portrait of Pearl! And a great quote to go with it. 🙂
You are “going-to-town” with the knitting. It’s good therapy, isn’t it? So is riding a bike and watching movies! And snow falling on cedars. Glad to hear your recovery continues.
Your knitting is inspiring. I’m doing some Mixed Media these days. So playing with paint is the perfect winter pastime.
That cowl is sublime, Diane. So happy to hear you had a good bike ride the other day. That must have felt good. Also, that Beach Flicks is such a good idea – especially since they are Tiff films. We’re working away to get ready to leave the dock — it always seems there is at least 500% more than you think 😉 Oh well, fun to just work through it all.
I could get lost in Pearl’s beautiful eyes. I wish she could talk and tell us what she is thinking. 🙂
Never feel you are boring us with knitting, as I can’t get enough of your knitting images.
Favorite Winter past time was sledding and sipping hot cider.
I am so in awe of you Diane, so many wonderful projects going on! Your knitting work is so lovely, what beautiful soft yarn you are working with. As far as the reading goes, I’m sure it will improve over time…some things probably take a bit longer than others. As for me, I finished some very simple scarves I worked on all winter and I’ve been reading a lot…I’m currently reading “the Goldfinch” by Donna Tartte and loving it. I’m getting antsy for spring now…can’t wait to get my hands dirty in the garden.
I really enjoyed reading and looking at this, Diane. So glad you are recovering so well!
Diane! I am behind on correspondence and blogs since the holidays and our cross-country drive-about. (It was lovely) Therefore, you could’a knocked me over with a feather when I read you’d had a stroke. A stroke? How ARE you? In secret I share that we are in the same club because I, too, have had a couple of small strokes. The doctors called them small but I begged (many times) to differ. Anyway, if you feel like doing so I would love to know more, and most especially how you are doing.
Best!!!
Debi
This cowl is GORGEOUS, Diane. I love the color, and I love the silk/wool combination. I have a tough time (itchy!) with all but the softest wool, but I do have a couple of scarves with this combination, and they are toasty warm and comfy too. 🙂
Good for you, getting on your bicycle!! When some of this ice and snow leaves, I intend to do the same, but for right now, I am going to have to be patient.
Hmmmm, my favorite winter past time? Most definitely catching up on reading. In the spring and summer, I am outside as much as possible, and it does not leave much time for reading, so that is how I spend much of my winter. That, and editing photos, and you know what?? You have been such an inspiration to me with the knitting, that maybe I will be able to include that in my list for next winter! 🙂
Happy day to you, my friend xo.
I’d like to say my favorite thing to do in the winter is something exciting like cross country skiing (which I do enjoy) or ambitions like knitting an afghan (which I’m not currently qualified to do) but really, my absolute favorite thing is to take a walk while it’s snowing at night. Nothing like it. If I can come inside to a warm fire, a hot cup of tea and a good book my day is made! Enjoy the rest of winter and your knitting projects!
winter (spring, summer, and fall!!) activity……KNITTING! I really love the cowl…..I can only imagine how decadent it feels with that silk in it!!