(Warning: this is one of those feel good rose colored glasses the universe is a beautimous place post. If you’re one of those people who hates everything and everyone, back away slowly. I’m usually like that myself so I understand the nausea. I promise to be back to my cynical sarcastic fugly self tomorrow. Thanks! Have a great day!)
Have you noticed it too? That the knitblog world seems so, I don’t know, quiet? Maybe it’s just shifting, as these things are wont to do? I just dont know. It seems like lots of people I used to see around all the time have just sort of disappeared. Or maybe it’s just that everyone got a life and I missed the memo? (Maybe it’s me? I promise to shower more.) I’ve been thinking about this a lot the last couple of weeks. Like maybe it’s all ending and the new new thing is coming along and I still just want to write in my blog and show off my stuff and I have a compulsion to share! In some ways I’ve never been more excited about my knitting and where it’s going and I’m not one of those people that can keep my mouth shut. I find it interesting – this incredibly fluid incredibly fickle world we pseudo live in. I guess that IS what keeps it interesting. I DO STILL have faith in all of it – this big goofy experiment of a community where people come together because they love this one thing – this fiber thing – and then they bare their souls and actually become friends and join together to care about stuff. I BELIEVE!
Because, for instance, just yesterday THIS came in the mail.
NORMA! You nut! I laughed for like a half an hour and then everytime I went into the dining room and saw it sitting on the stack of mail I laughed again. DUDE! You ROCK! Thank you! (What’s so funny is that I rarely say dude except with my knitter friends. You guys bring the dude out in me. It’s true.)
And then, the other day, these found their way into my home:
BRIGHT! CHEERY! HIGH ENERGY! Gotta love my girl Jenny! She was all worried about me that I wouldn’t get sockapaloooza socks so she somehow got my foot dimensions and knit me a pair. How freaking sweet is that? I put them on immediately and I love them – because yes – I love the socks, but more so because they’re from Jenny and even though I met her for a couple of hours one really sunny day two years ago May, we made a connection and I love her. Thank you Jenny!
ETA: I did receive Sockapaloooza socks. Lovely ones. From Elizabeth. Thank you Elizabeth!
And in the blow my socks off with a 50 lb canon category I received this:
I can’t even begin to describe to you what these are. Stephanie of Spritely Goods was the FIRST person to offer up a prize for the Spin Out – even before I knew I was going to give prizes. Even before I knew that there would be a fundraiser for Heifer – SHE KNEW. She generously donated some hand-dyed batts. Then she donated money to the cause, and then, because you know, enough is never enough, she offered up some SAMPLE BATTS for spinners attending the event. MINI SAMPLE BATTS! Are you freaking KIDDING me?
I guess not because these little babies arrived in my mailbox and I swear to you I cried. Obviously, Stephanie lovingly carded all this fiber, made the little batts, made the mini labels. Do you know what the back of the label says? I’ll read it to you:
In honor of June’s Project Spectrum color Blue, I’m pleased to present you with a sample of handblended merino fiber in the Desert Daybreak Colorway. Enjoy and spin happily! – Stephanie
She’s even getting you all in on Project Spectrum!!! I need a new way to say it but THIS GIRL ROCKS! Sure, sure, the cynics among us will say free advertising, but c’mon. The amount of work that went into this was way more than what she’ll get from the free ads. As Georgie said when he came home and I showed them to him – she’s just a little bit better than me. My god Stephanie. I’m so incredibly touched that Ann can come with up a crazy idea and that people like you can take off with it. Thank you thank you thank you. Get there EARLY people. This gold ain’t going to last!
I still blog because people came out of the woodwork yesterday to ask if I was okay. You know. Because I said I’m going to host another knit along. I’m fine. It’s all good. I have a plan. HAHAHAHAHAHA! No really. Thank you for your concern. Yes I’m still seeing my psychiatrist. Yes the drugs are working fine. Yes. Yes. No. Not really. Do you think it would help? Really, though. I’m okay. It’s going to be great. And I think, this way, I’ll get to meet lots of new people! As I said, the knitblog world is constantly changing and while I miss my old friends that have moved onto greener pastures, I’m making new friends! Have you read Julia’s blog, Fricknits? She takes really beautiful pictures and has the cutest little boy and knits well and teaches kids to knit and most importantly she writes really really well. Go check her out! And the other day I saw a great meme type thing over at Victoria’s blog (who also takes some really really nice pictures,) Peace and Sereknitty. It’s sort of the anti-high school meme. What I Really Like About Me. Victoria would like us to all be a bit kinder to ourselves by stating five things (baby steps) we like about ourselves. Here are my five:
1. I have a great neck. Long and thin and ballerina like.
2. I think I have a pretty good sense of humor. And most importantly I can laugh at myself.
3. I’m loyal to the bitter end. If I’m your friend – you’re stuck with me.
4. I am extremely passionate about what I love and what I don’t love.
5. I’m well mannered – I always say please and thank you. I think please and thank you go a long way toward helping people feel appreciated.
(I’m adding an extra because I just can’t leave it out. Yeah. I’m all about the self love.)
6. I have great feet. Perfect feet. Pretty feet. I love my feet.
See? Blogworld is still a great place to pull up a piece of the Internets and grow some roots. HAVE A GREAT DAY! THANK YOU FOR READING!
L, C
I’m a quiet stalker of the knit blog community and your post has inspired me to pipe up and say hi.
Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m a bit of a cynic myself, but when it comes to bloggers and online friends I am often encouraged and filled with that lovey-glow. So, cheers!
Can I be your friend? I think you’re the coolest and would really love a good, loyal friend. They’re hard to come by.
Aww…you made me feel all warm and fuzzy! I saw those High Energy Socks in person and I LOVE them! Ain’t cyberspace grand?
Stephanie was my dye-o-rama pal and she sent me gorgeous yarn that she died just for me. She also included one of her fiber batts in the same color as those she sent to you so I know first hand just how beautiful those are.
One other thing – take some credit here, hon. YOU started this and we all love you and want to join in because of that. *mwah*
Cute socks! Did you not get socks again? I thought you did! Awesome little bits of fiber. How painstakingly kind. 🙂 Cool things that I like about me…do you not have toe bumps like Ann?
From one cynic to another: cheers.
I think the “quiet” is the season. People have a lot more going on outside and with their kids out of school and travel, etc. Of course there’s nothing like *you hosting a knitalong* to bring them all out of the woodwork. 🙂
The mini-bats are absolutely precious and so generous of her!
I have noticed that the more frequent bloggers don’t post as often anymore. But, I’ve seen the knit blog world go through this state a couple of times since I’ve been blogging. I’m sure if you were to chart the frequency of posting by the most popular bloggers there would be a repeatable trend in the curve. We’re just at the bottom of the curve right now; it will start to climb again soon. I guess we’re just at the time of year when we all have so much going on in our lives that blog posting gets pushed to the bottom of the to do list each day.
The mini sample batts are too cute.
It’s so nice to know that in the small world of blogging, friendships are grown and love is bountiful 🙂
you are awesome cara. simply awesome.
You are terrific!!!! Your post gave me goosebumps!
Why aren’t you coming to Estes? You said it so well, grrlfriend. Blogland is like real life with its ebbs and flows. People come and go. If you look back at the comments on any blog you’ll find different people than comment today. This is a slow time of year in blogland as are the winter Holidays. But, we always have the friends we are closest to. I got a funny card from Norma, too! She’s a hoot.
I read your blog every day, and I love your writing. Sometimes the photos don’t come through for me to see-gotta check the settings on my machine. You are inspiring and I’m happy that you’re having a day when others inspire you, too! Happy blogging!
What a sweet post! I’m a newish blogger and it’s blogs like yours that were first bookmarked (ages ago) and that finally inspired me to jump into the knit-blogging fray…And I’m so happy that I did! Knowing that you still have faith in it all is very comforting for a neophyte like me. (BTW, adorable socks!!!)
I love the list of 5 things. Very nice! Blogs have indeed been a bit quiet lately. I have always been sporadic. Feast or famine…
The socks are lovely.
The bloggers are out there; they are just on vacation during the summer. 🙂
Busy, busy, busy, trying to keep from going crazy, busy some more. But I love you, man. I really, really do.
I mean “dude” (DAMN!)… I love you, dude!
I’m with Margene – why aren’t you coming to Estes? It isn’t too late to get a flight. I’ll even pick you up at the airport 😉
Great post. You’re always so thoughtful and well-spoken (errr, written… whatever). I often wonder about other bloggers. What are they up to, why aren’t they posting, is everything all right? My husband would say I don’t have enough to do, but I think it’s because I’ve really made a connection with other bloggers and you all are my friends. Thanks for writing such a great post and being such a great lady.
What fantabulous socks. Love them. Love that you weren’t left hanging without sockapaloooza socks and love that HEJ thought so much of your connection to do that.
And the batts…they are lovely. And generous. And knitbloggers are still the best even in the midst of their summer slumps.
Love the post! Central Park will be rocking and I’ll be thinking of you all as I wear my t-shirt. You started this wonderful thing so take the credit!! And I’d love to join another one of your knit alongs, dude.
Even though I am afraid to put myself out there in the knitblogging world, I agree with you about how wonderful it really is. From an outsider’s POV, you all really do share in each other’s lives and make such wonderful connections.
Stephanie is just wonderful for doing so much for your Spin Out–I wish I didn’t have these fear issues or else I would definitely be there to join in the day’s festivities!
Love the socks, btw. How sweet that she cared enough to ensure that you got some socks!
Love the whole vibe of today’s post 🙂
Cynics unite!!! I love this world of blog! I met so many awesome peeps I would not otherwise have met (even in person!) I check here for your new posts every day. I would just like to have more time to knit & pay a little attention to my lameass blog, it’s not even set up yet…hence, I always seem to have to knit-and-run 🙂
Right on, Cara! It’s good to know you’re going to stick around for a bit. No blogfading here:-)
😀
And this is why I love your blog… when you love something, you love it with everything you’ve got. Your enthusiasm is contagious and awesome and you even love Bruce. What’s not to love? 🙂
i think the quiet has to do with vacation time, maybe…but knitbloggers are still out there! and thank you for your post today – it made me happy to be in your company….
And thanks to you, for posting! The card, the socks, the meme, the enthusiasm… they all really brightened my day.
Here’s to blogging.
Even as a non-blogger I still have made some of the most amazing connections of my life with those of you willing to share yourselves with us like this. So thank you, and I’m glad you’re here.
oh, i am this close to buying a plane ticket, flying to nyc, buying a wheel, and learning to spin. those mini batts are the cutest ever! (hell, i don’t even know what a batt is.)
great card! lovely socks! beautiful post!
We love you Ca-a-raaaa, oh yes we doooo-oooo…
OK, enough of that. I have friends only because I don’t sing in their presence.
Please tell me knitblogging is not over. Dude! I just got here.
Dude! Let’s see those perfect feet. ;o)
I’m hoping that the quiet in the land is because it’s summer. Knit blogging better not be over; I neeeeeeed it.
For the bad rap that the cyberworld sometimes takes, this is one of the best aspects of it. I’ve made incredible friends that I’d have never met and connected with for the best of reasons. First hand I’ll tell you that for me knitting slows down as I add gardening and all the wonderful outdoorsy stuff into my day. I DO try to catch your blog everyday and I’m terribly grateful that you are still here and Sooo dedicated to posting. You are an inspiration and you help keep us all inspired and connected with each other and this craft. Thank you!
Cute socks!
I have noticed that knit-blogland has been very quiet lately. Not as many people are blogging and not as many people are commenting. Hopefully it’s just a shift and everyone will be blogging a lot again soon. 🙂
Dude, okay. That’s your allotment of “nice.” After this we want some fugly. 😀 I’m so glad the card made you laugh. I had the best damn time picking out those cards. I think I have to go back to that dumb little podunk airport gift shop and get some more! Those mini-batts are STUPENDOUSLY ADORABLE. I can’t stand it!
As a fairly new knit blogger, I cannot imagine a world with more knit blogs than I keep finding! I’m thrilled to have found yours, with its beautiful photography and great stories and huges spirit. Thanks for your posts.
Those little mini bats are ADORABLE. Friggin’ adorable! and they are BLUE! I don’t think that Stephanie is in PS, but she should be 🙂
I have noticed the quiet too… I think it may be summertime things… at least that is what I am hoping!
I tend toward optimism, but find myself disappointed a lot…but a post like this one makes me snuggle back into my optimism, certain once more that the world–the blog world, especially–is a really good place to be. xx
dude! don’t worry, I think most of us are here! and how can we not pipe up with a post like this?!
I’m so glad you got the mini-batts from steph, she does amazing work. I love the spinning I’ve done with her batts and I can’t wait to see a ton of people trying them out in the park.
What a good post! Sometimes when I’m not in the best of moods all I do is read a few feeds from the knitblog community.
You are so inspiring – This is just the greatest thing you’ve organized here – it’s simply AMAAAAZZZZING!! Not that I didn’t feel good about it before, but after all the stuff she’s donated and those cute little mini-batts, I REALLY feel good about ordering some handpainted yarn (MY FIRST) from Stephanie at Spritely Goods. It feels good to support someone who’s so generous. I got the Globe Mallow and the Chapparal colorways and they are simply gorgeous. NO blue so I’ll have to do something different for my June Project Spectrum!
I know what you mean about the silence. It drives me nuts sometimes, when some of my favourite bloggers are so quiet– I feel like I feed off blogger’s energy and depend on them to get me psyched about my knitting or just to get off my butt and get crafting! So thanks, Cara, for being such a loyal blogger and posting so much. I’ve been trying to be a little better about posting on my blog (although, judging from the lack of comments, I may just be blogging into thin air.), to try to practise what I preach. I wish I could join in the spin-out!
It’s nice to hear you sound so happy! I haven’t commented in a while, but wanted to let you know I’m still here, reading every day! Yours is one of my favorite blogs…just the right combination of personal life, knitting, pictures, and you crack me up! Thank you for all of that!
Thanks for adding some happy to my not so fabulous day.
Yeah, well. The Dude abides. 😉
There is no such thing as too much sunshine. Well, okay, there’s sunburn. But you didn’t even come close to that….
Thanks for the sunshine!
Oh Cara, your post made me smile. Lately I’ve become a little depressed about blogging since I’ve felt rather remote and detached from everyone else. But, your post made me feel better, so thanks 🙂 What pretty socks too!
This is me, running toward you over the hills of Austria, arms outstretched, apron strings flying out behind me, my pixie cut ruffled by the wind, and as I lift my sonorous voice in a hymn to new friends, good knits, and MFAs… well, I’m just trying to say thanks and right back atcha. In my own weird way.
What a sweet post! I have been noticing a slow down of blogging lately, too. I just figured that people are out in the sunshine (where they can find it!) and not inside by their computers as much. Me, it’s become as important as that first cup of coffee each morning! Your blog is inspiring and I feel like a better dudette to know you!
Now you’re all set. Every event needs a top-shelf party favor.
1. I have formerly good legs. In middle age I am downgrading to ‘great calves’, but things could be worse.
2. I’ve been told I have a talent for friendship; I try to live up to it.
3. My punctuation is excellent.
4. My sense of the absurd is getting better all the time.
5. Even when things are not so great, I can usually find something to be happy about. (Although even when things are really great, I can usually find something to be anxious about.)
and see, i am finding WAY too many good blogs to read! i have got to limit myself or i never get anything done
Cara – I love your blog and have been reading your posts since I started blogging last year. You make me laugh and sometimes cry, for I, too, need medications to be happy, not anxious and non-panicky. Brain chemistry is a marvelous thing, isn’t it?
I think that blogging gets to be work after a while, and maybe that’s why people drift away. I find my blog to be a wonderful outlet for my ever-active mind. Thanks for being part of blogland!
Horray for blogging!
I needed this post myself… been so crazy with moving that I have let my blog slide. I miss it!
Thanks for the motivation!
I just went back to work (out of sucky necessity) after 15 years of staying at home and raising my children. So sitting in front of a computer all day is so boring compared to all the creative things I used to do like make polymer clay beads, rug hook and KNIT! I’ve just discovered these knitting blogs and honestly, they keep me sane! Thank you so much. LOVE and much PEACE!
I didn’t have a chance to comment when I read your post yesterday. I agree with most everyone else that the knitblog world is still strong, it’s just on break for a little bit while everyone gets used to summer & having kids at home.
I wanted to let you know that I love reading your blog and check it at least once a day. You and other bloggers have inspired me to try my hand at knitting socks. Your log cabin squares rock!!! You inspire me daily!!! And your pictures are truely AMAZING!!!! And it’s not just the knitting, you are showing us yourself and I really appreciate YOU! I wish I lived in NYC so that I could have a chance to meet you…
Thanks for being here for all of us 🙂
They fit! They really fit! So glad. 😉
Ok, so I’m a little late commenting on this entry, but I really do think that the blog world is shifting. A lot of bloggers that I used to read frequently don’t post often, and a few either are or already have given up their blogs. How could someone ever give up blogging? If I didn’t blog, I think my brain would pop, really.
God, that dude ranch card makes me laugh. And how cool is Jenny to send you socks? Answer to that is “Very cool indeed!”