So here I am again, one week later. Obviously the frequency of my blogging has been negatively affected by the advent of returning to the workforce.
I was thinking the other day about how blogging and my involvement in it has changed over the three years since I've had a blog. When I first started, there were relatively few fiber arts blogs, and not nearly so many knitters as there are today. I think that in certain circumstances I enjoy evangelizing a craft, but when practically the whole world gets converted it becomes akin to preaching to the choir.
When I first started the blog I wore the rose-colored glasses that gave me a view of "all knitters" as a big warm family who enjoyed each other's company and inspired and encouraged each other to grow, helping with problems and sympathizing with failures.
Now I realize that the microcosm of knitters is no different than any other group. Knitters are political, conniving, competitive, cliquish, and out for what's in it for them, just like everyone else. There are those rare ones, the jewels among the rocks, that shine. These can not only twinkle by themselves but they can cause those around them to feel twinkly as well. Katie Swanson, Ryan Morrissey, Sandy Blue, Kit, Janet, Lisa, Judith MacKenzie, Janine la Feral.. these are a few examples. If you want good role models, these are some of the best.
My point is that if everyone worked as hard at relationships and understanding one another as they appear to work on their knitting and designing skills (and some do), the world would be a much better place.
There was a time when I would have felt guilty for not having anything to show you that related to knitting, but I've finally learned that,just as with any other thing in life, you have to be moderate. Right now I'm focusing on my family and my career. Knitting is a slight diversion for an hour or so in the evening. When I wear my handknit items to work and people compliment them I am no longer compelled to say "thank you, I knit it myself"; I don't knit in public in hopes that someone will comment on it; and as far as I know there is nobody at work among the 200-ish employees that even know I own knitting needles or spinning wheels. I think I've come a long way in making knitting truly a part of my life rather than a signal beacon.
Because of all this, I don't know what direction this blog will take, or whether it will even stay. I enjoy writng my thoughts now and then,and still have definite plans for the Knitters Index, but if you're looking for glorious pictures of knitting in progress you're probably going to be disappointed. Luckily there are myriads of great knitting blogs that do show amazing things and teach techniques and concepts extremely well, so I think you'll probably live :-)
Now I am going to go and get a real haircut at a real salon with my real daughter on a real winter day.
Nice post, probably because it reflects my own sentiments. It's not all about the "finished object" it's about the process. And the occassional reflection is a part of the process.
Your blog is my very favorite of all blogs, not just knitting ones. I miss seeing your knitting projects, but it's understandable. But I certainly hope you finish your life story that you started sometime last year. I found myself really looking forward to every new instalment. Good luck at the new job -- I'm sure they're lucky to have you working for them.
Posted by: Carol on February 18, 2006 12:51 PMYou know, I was just thinking what an absolute MIRACLE that statement "I'm going to get a haircut with my daughter" represents in your life. I hope you keep blogging, but I'll be moving up your way in a few weeks so I won't have to rely on it to keep in touch!
Posted by: Janine on February 18, 2006 01:07 PMI do hope you continue blogging. And I agree with what you say about tending to our relationships as we do our knitting. Working at the yarn shop--I often say, "heck no! I would never knit all that stockinette stitch!" And of course, explain my mother did it for my Fair Isle.
Posted by: Kathleen on February 18, 2006 04:22 PM(a bit of de-lurking) I read your blog much less for your fiber-related posts and much more for your stories about your life, what you've learned, adventures you're having, your adorable Sherlock. Thanks for sharing as much of yourself as you have.
Posted by: Beth on February 18, 2006 11:45 PMPERFECTLY said!
I SO enjoyed meeting you *for real*
at last year's MSWF and always enjoy
your blog entries...
Pictures of SHERLOCK
always make me smile.
I think I can appreciate the
MIRACLE that is the haircut
with one's daughter....
BLESSINGS to you on the
journey,
where EVER it may lead you!
Your blog is one of my favorites of the few I allow myself to read. I do hope you continue if only once in a while. I'm curious about what happens next in your life story that you were telling us as well as the current one, even if there is no knitting in it.
All the best either way.
Trish
Posted by: Trish on February 20, 2006 12:11 PMSheila, I've enjoyed your blog for several years now, and my interest in it goes well beyond the knitting content. I think you are creative and warm and very funny. I do hope you'll continue, even if you only write once in a while.
No matter what you decide, I will always wish you well, and I will always remember a certain drive-in yarn shop, and magical colour-changing yarn.
Maybe you should turn to novel writing...
Posted by: Carla on February 21, 2006 09:16 AMSo, how'd the hair turn out? I keep threatening to find a new hairdresser since mine seems consistently incapable of making me look like a Swedish supermodel.
As for your online life...I find also that I read few blogs these days for many of the same reasons you've pointed out. I read yours, the blogs of the other knitters on a small private list, and that's pretty much it. It's good to hear that real life is so full and happy for you these days -- you totally deserve it! But please don't be too blase about acknowledging your lovely handknitting when complimented. Baby. Bathwater. Etc. xxoo
Posted by: Lolly on February 21, 2006 09:05 PMI would be very sorry if you gave up blogging completely. I enjoy seeing your fibre work, obviously, but I also enjoy the humanity, sincerity and compassion of your writing.
Posted by: carol on February 22, 2006 02:08 AMJust think of yourself as a leader...a trailblazer in the cool and interesting blogs written by real in creative people.The return to work is probably a blessing and a curse but now you have your family around you and more creativity in different avenues. It is all about evolving, I say. Sherlock will always be a part of one of my colorways, thanks to Roi. She asked me to memorialize the picture of him sleeping with your ginger cat. You must have burning ears whenever I tell the story of how Gingerpeach came to be. :o)
Posted by: Lisa S on February 23, 2006 06:06 AM