Hello Gentle Readers. Today is the first day of school in our local public schools. In spite of state and national funding cuts, Lincoln has a robust school system that welcomes all the children. I am proud to have taught in a system where the governing principle was/is "All means All." The first day is a day of hope and new beginnings. This morning I walked as parents and caregivers shepherded children to the nearby elementary school. Two little boys ran to each corner, shouting in excitement to their friends. I wish the administrators, teachers, parents, and students the best learning experiences this year. I plan to sharpen some new pencils in honor of the day.
This morning was pleasant and sunny but the rest of the week will be hot hot. The aftermath of last weekend's storms, one with 90 mph winds, is being cleaned up and power has been restored. We did not lose power or have significant damage but others were not so fortunate. Saturday we spent several hours cleaning up a mess of large and small branches.
Today I link with Kat and the Unravelers for a Wednesday update on projects and reading. I finished and blocked the Blue Shawl. It is lovely, if I do say so myself. The yarn, a sport weight blend of alpaca, wool, nylon, and silk is perfect for a shawl. The fabric is light and soft. I'm making progress on the second sock of this Garden Sprinkles pair.
I cast on another scarf/shawl with a mini skein set from Fibernymph Dye Works. I love the colors in this set. Last year I tried to a make cowl with this set but the pattern didn't suit the yarn. I'm now using a pattern called the Mini Skeins Solution Scarf. I hope it is a good solution for this yarn. I have a couple of sock yarn leftovers that coordinate with the colors should I need them.
I read The Salt Stones: Seasons of a Shepherd's Life by Helen Whybrow. Whybrow's writing reminded me of Terry Tempest Williams' work. Whybrow and her partner had the opportunity to farm a two hundred year old Vermont farm dedicated to a pastoral way of life. Part of their work involves fostering programs about living and farming respectfully on the land. Her thoughtful observations about the hardships and gritty realities of shepherding a small flock of sheep of Icelandic Sheep are only part of this lyrical nonfiction. The theme of mothers and daughters, human and sheep, weaves it's way through the narrative. The passages about navigating her mother's decline into dementia while ushering her daughter through early years and into her young adult life are very touching. I thought this book was a breath of fresh air amidst the current mono-crop agriculture that includes mass production of animals and fowl fed a diet of grain laced with antibiotics and other chemicals. The book may not be for everyone but I found it beautiful and peaceful.
I'll close by wishing you a peaceful rest of the week. August is almost half-way over and while I don't like to wish my life away, I am looking forward to at least thinking of cooler days.
I’m thinking there’ll be many envious looks from others when you wear that beautiful blue shawl. It might even be the make of the year
ReplyDeleteAnd those cheeky looking pink socks are going to be too ‘nice’ to be hidden out of sight in footwear.
On your recommendation I checked to see if my local library has The Salt Stones. They are waiting for its copy of The Salt Stones to arrive - there are just two reservations……one is mine😊
Our students return to the classroom after Labor Day but the teachers I know are already busy getting their classrooms ready. I have The Salt Stones on hold at the library and look forward to this book. In my decluttering, I found a hat that was very close to a finish so I have picked it up. The small size doesn’t generate any extra heat in my lap on these warm summer days. You have some lovely sock yarn. My sock knitting has not gone well lately but I do have an itch to cast on some new socks. Trying to take a pause and make sure I find the right yarn and project before I begin again.
ReplyDeleteWe have a week or so before school starts here... I was listening to the kids and thinking soon the day will be quiet and was a bit sad. Your shawl is just gorgeous! The Salt Stones sounds like a fascinating read! Happy Back to School to you!
ReplyDeleteYour finished shawl is gorgeous! I'm sure that fiber blend will make it a cozy accessory to wear if it ever cools off. I'm grateful that you had no ill effects from the storms; I was thinking of you when I saw the coverage on the news. I'm curious how you feel about the back-to-school time now that you are retired -- do you miss it, or are you happy to be past that stage of your life? I'm sure that either way, you likely still think of this time of year as the beginning of the year.
ReplyDeleteI still get that back-to-school feeling every year -- even though I only taught for a short time and even though it's been years since I had children returning to school. September always feels like the start of Something Big to me. Your shawl is a beauty, Jane! The color and the design are a perfect match . . . and I'm sure you'll be grateful for its warmth soon enough. Thanks for the recommendation on what sounds like an interesting book. I'm starting my search for it now. XO
ReplyDeleteOh Jane! What a gorgeous shawl. It is beautiful. And, I love the mini skeins for your next project. You'll have that second sock finished in no time! Glad you were ok with the storms. I'm in the queue (#17) for The Salt Stones. It sounds like a perfect read and, since I have spent so much time in Vermont, I am interested in seeing where this takes place. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteYour shawl is really lovely and I hope you can wear it sometime in the next month or so. We don't start school around here until after Labor Day but it is a time of new beginnings and hope for lots of people. I will look for The Salt Stones. I admire people that can do what the author has done and it sounds like a wonder memoir.
ReplyDeleteThat blue shawl is beautiful, Jane - the yarn does seem a perfect match for the pattern, and the color is stunning. Sharpening pencils seems like a great way to honor the first day of school. We are also fortunate to have a robust & welcoming public school system. School board meetings resume next week and I look forward to another year of engaged citizenship!
ReplyDeletewow your shawl is beautiful and I feel like it was a quick knit (for me). Schools will be starting up soon around here. I love the idea of sharpening some pencils in honor...I shall participate.
ReplyDeleteJane your shawl is amazing! I am totally in love with it. It does not seem like it took too long. Socks are going to be adorable. Our schools start after Labor Day so the kids have a couple of weeks yet.
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