Finished Knitting My Handies

Well I have now finished my first pair of handies.  It wasn't without practice.  I did actually have to unpick, then start again a few times.  I cast on 36 stitches and really thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.  I have discovered a whole new way of meditating, plus I just adore taking my knitting with me if I know I have to go somewhere and wait, or "just in case" I may have some time spare.   It's so relaxing and very therapeutic.  For a chatterbox monkey brain like mine, (happening internally of course, you'd never think I was a chatterbox to meet me, or would you?) it is very calming as I'm concentrating on not dropping any blinkin' stitches.  

I taught myself how to cast on and off via You Tube, particularly loved Knitting tips with Judy 

My mum helped too but I actually have my mother-in-law staying and she's been knitting for 58 years and so it's wonderful to have her on hand (sorry, cue pun).  Her name is Judy as well (how mad is that?)

I love turquoise and these just sing to me and so lovely when I'm writing.  I have now started on a pair for hubby (black mix, he didn't fancy turquoise) and he's going to wear them under his gloves when he's on his scooter - it's sooooo chilly here at the mo. 

A bit thank you to Henny Designs who inspired me, whilst I read her blog post about knitting. Love her stuff.

Much Love

Jules xxx

Mixed Media days

For these past few days I have been doing some mixed media art and really enjoying it.  Working with different textures is pretty meditative - makes my mind drift off to think of other things.   I have been doing writing every day and picking a sub-topic, just letting my mind unfold and reflect on the experience I was recollecting.  Recently I was writing about the support group experience I had when I was newly diagnosed with M.E/CFS when I was in my early 20s.  It really was an eye opener as I recall the lady who came to see me, to tell me about the support group meetings, she walked in, or should I say, hobbled in, on walking sticks.  She could barely walk and told me that she had been ill for 20+ years. She was in her early 60s (I think, though don't quote me).

How I did not want to hear this?  At 20, it wasn't what I wanted to listen to.  I wanted to speak to someone who had got well, who had overcome it and re-healed.

And so this is what I was writing about in my pink book.  It made me realise, in that moment all those 21 years ago, that I wanted to read about the success story of a young person - I wanted inspiration and hope.  That's what made me want to write this book ... and that's why I will keep on with it, hoping it will see the light of day, in whatever format.  To help and inspire someone else who was newly diagnosed.   I feel lucky to have come through the ill health and only now, all these years later can turn back to write about it. 

It has been a beautiful day here in France, the sun shining and the forests full of wildlife.