Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Off The Hook...Summer Shawl


I'm a bit tardy in my posting.  Things come up in ones life that cannot be helped.  Sometimes they are happy things and sometimes they are truly heartbreaking.  Hooking up a comforting shawl is very good medicine for many and I am no different.  We lost a boy in our neighborhood to a fatal car accident.  He was speeding, lost control and crashed into a tree, then a pole.  He was alone and no other cars were involved.   

I live in one of those rare neighborhoods that can change ones life.  Over 25 children live in just a one block area of our house.  I'm hooking away as I recall......they go to school together, have Easter egg hunts, July 4th parades and picnic, Halloween trick or treating.  We all belong to the same neighborhood swimming pool.  They have gone to elementary, middle and high schools together.  They go to homecomings and proms together.  The hug each other as they go off to college and regroup when they return.  When each child turned 16, I told them....."put our phone number in your cel phone.  If you get into trouble, drink too much, need a ride late at night or whatever, call us.  We won't tattle.  You won't be in trouble".  When one is gone, it's devastating.  I wish David had called.


I also just turned 55 (hooking faster now).  I can hardly believe it.  Saying it sounds so old to me.  I can choose to love it or choose to hate it.  I choose to love it!  I have been through much in my 55 years.  I have had many a malady growing up.  I was a widow before I was 30 (that's another blog post) had three miscarriages before I was 40.  I'm overweight, I have bowel issues, and fibromyalgia can reek havoc!  


But I'm here, in all my glory!  I have a wonderful husband of 22 years and we have a lovely 21 year old daughter that has been a joy.  I have two brothers and two great sisters in law that take good care of them.  My parents are still living and I see them every week.  I have traveled my whole life all over this continent and across the pond and continue to do so.  I tell people that I'm 61......and they always say....."damn you look good"!  I'm keeping my weight on as it pushes out my wrinkles and keeps a chicken neck from forming!

I can't wait to finish my summer shawl.  It has been very soothing, much like the summer beach colors that run throughout.  Life is a rocket.  Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'!

The Summer Shawl yarn was brought to you by Mary Maxim Seasons in Summer.  I'm using a size G/4.0mm hook.

The pattern is Augusta Shawl by Andrea Mules.  You can find her FREE pattern here

Best,
Sheila
Yarn tip:
Leave your scissors at home when traveling by plane.  Take your dental floss container to cut your yarn!

22 comments:

  1. How sad when a young life is lost, very sad. And I'm sorry to know you have had so many troubles in life. But I applaud to your attitude. In fact, this post was very helpful. It reminded me that some of the things in my own life that I worry and stress about are not worth it at all.
    Your shawl is turning out beautifully. I'm making a pineapple one right now too.

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    1. Thank you so much, Olga! If the post has helped another, wow, that makes me feel even better! xo

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  2. Big hugs! I feel for you and your neighbors. It's hard to lose someone that is a part of your community. Big Hugs for a great attitude too. That shawl is going to be amazing.

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    1. I'm off to get a dinner started for them. They are still struggling, of course. At least, today, they will have a nice Greek dinner of chicken and potatoes, Greek salad and dessert.

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  3. Your shawl is going to be absolutely gorgeous in that yarn. I hadn't seen that yarn before, and those colors are wonderful together. Hook on, sister! It's great therapy!

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  4. How sad, such a young life lost, my heart goes out to you and all his family and friends. Great therapy a shawl and its certainly looking good. Happy belated birthday.

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  5. that yarn is very very pretty - it does look comforting to make and I hope it brings comfort to you when you wrap it round your shoulders. You describe your neighbourhood so beautifully - losing one young soul must be very very sad.

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  6. I do like the idea of telling people you are older than you actually are, and then lapping up the compliments. Your shawl looks very pretty and cosy.

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  7. Always a tragedy when a life is lost so senselessly ... especially when the loss touches close to home. Your blanket is lovely.

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  8. I'm reading your blog post and relating to you so much. We just had 5 teens from my old high school die in a high speed, late night car crash. I am 54 and not everything works the way it used to. My husband and I are dealing with an empty nest and long term joblessness. I too try to banish the bad stuff with my crafting also. It helps. Your shawl is beautiful. I absolutely adore that yarn. Keep strong.

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    1. Oh Cathie, I'm with ya! Thank goodness for crafts AND crafters! Both are a blessing.

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  9. A loss of any life is sad but one so young....that is so very tragic:( I love your shawl and the yarn is delicious..I empathise with the bowel issues and fibromyalgia x

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  10. Beautiful post!

    Beautiful shawl!

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  11. I am so very sorry for your loss. One of the guys I went to school with died in much the same way when we were around 16. It's hard to wrap your head around losing someone so young.

    I do like your attitude about aging, though.

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    1. Thank you. Same to you....16....tough age to start learning about loss.

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  12. I really like the soothing nature of your shawl! Very summery!

    Your writing style and tone is beautiful, even when telling such a tale. I am sorry for the loss in your neighborhood. But you still have so much optimism, which is wonderful.

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  13. I love the colours of this yarn, it really reminds me of the summer seaside. This is a gorgeous project.

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  14. That yarn looks deliciously soft!

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  15. How very sad. I wish there were more good neighbors like you. That shawl looks lovely, and soft. Congratulations on a well lived 55!

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