I’d be lying if I said the last couple of weeks haven’t offered up a plethora of external stressors that have impacted my nervous system despite my best efforts. I’m sure I don’t have to list out each stressor, we all have them and if you’re here in the USA, we probably share many.
And so, in an effort to keep my mind off the chaos around me and calm my racing heart, I’ve intentionally kept my hands busy with whatever has moved me in my free moments. No deep dives, just gentle creativity, exploration, research, and physical labor in the warm sunshine.
Illustration
It’s been a bit since I’ve drawn in my journals, but this week changed that! I recently pulled the Bridge oracle card during a meditation and was inspired to draw my own version. The illustration isn’t done and I want to add some explanation/definition on the pages, but here’s where it’s at now.
Greenhouse Completion and Seed Starting
After years of talk and months of planning and frame building, we got the plastic on the greenhouse last weekend and we couldn’t be more excited! Season extension here in the high desert will be a game changer for us!
Family History
I opened up my Ancestry app a few days ago and up popped a hint for a great aunt I’ve been trying to learn about for ages! My Grandpa Phil had two sisters, both of whom no one ever really talked about. His older sister, Verna, has popped up now a few times in yearbook photos and while the dates and places line up (to the best of my knowledge so far), I’m just not quite sure all of the photos are of the same woman. Granted, Verna Irene Featheringill is a unique name and women change so much in their teens and early twenties, but I think I have to dig deeper to be sure.
Regardless, finding two new photos to add to my puzzle has been reinvigorating in the family history department!
Chandelier Brainstorming
There’s a big fundraising event at the end of this month for the non-profit organization my wife is the CEO of and the theme of the event is Bold Girls, Bright Futures. Color will be everywhere! Including in the multi-color slinky chandelier that will be the centerpiece of the space.
The trick was figuring out how to hang the slinkies from the frame so they dangle perfectly but won’t fall on any attendees 😉 It took a little trial and error but we figured it out!
Don’t work, I’ll take plenty of photos at the event, this is just a mock up.
Corner to Corner Lapgan
When I visited my local yarn shop a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t have a project in mind, I just wanted to see if anything inspired me! And…of course something did…it’s a yarn store!!! So, looking at all the options, I was reminded of a project I saw online recently of a corner to corner (C2C) lapgan.
A lapgan is a small blanket/throw that fits perfectly on ones lap while sitting in a chair or curling up on the couch and I love to have a few handy at all times. So, when I saw these colors I just knew what my next crochet project would be: a no pressure, join as I go, C2C lapgan to keep my hands busy now and my body warm later.
It all seems like a lot, all these projects laid out in this post like this, but the point is taking it all one bit at a time and when the need or want moves me. None of the above (save for the greenhouse/seed starting/prep for growing season) is imperative…
It does, however, feed my heart and soothe my soul in the gentlest ways possible in this ragged world we’re living in.
It’s the little things, you know?
How are you taking care of you these days?
Gently Onward,
Melissa
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Pretty combination of colours for your knitting project.
Thank you! I’m loving the patchwork quality of it!
Beautiful projects, and I especially love that yarn! Yes, what a time we are in. Much of the time I feel frozen. For me, it’s writing, reading, and talking pictures that help soothe me.
Those are perfect ways to spend some peaceful time, Laurie! Hope your weekend slide is smooth!
I also have a great aunt Verna! Probably around same time period. Love reading your updates friend. Peace and blessings – @organizedwithemily Emily 🩷
Hi Emily! Oh, I’m so happy for your comment <3 Verna is such an interesting name, isn't it? I wonder how popular it actually was at the time!? Hope you enjoy a lovely weekend :-)
I live in the U.S. so I think we have some of the same stressors. Gorgeous yarn! I love C2C crochet. Very cool about your ancestry search, I’m working on mine also. Love finding new names to add to the tree. Enjoy your week!
Oh yay! I didn’t remember that you also work on your family history! Such a fun, never ending project 🙂 I hope you are being good to yourself and enjoy a lovely weekend!
The illustration is lovely and I like that you added little swatches in the corner. I am sure you are going to love the greenhouse. Good luck with the fundraiser. The yarns are beautiful. I love knitting; it really helps with the anxious mind.
-Soma
Thank you for all your kind words, Soma! Busy times all around! I’m so glad you can turn to yarn work as well, it’s such a balm for this world!
Just reading this post was a little healing — especially with the lovely photos. Thanks for sharing how you are handling these troubling times.