Hope

My family is my life. I am a piece of my parents as my children are a piece of me. My family is my cultural traditions, values, crazy chaotic holidays with lots of food. Lots of food.

So it's no surprise when we are in crisis we come together to support one another. Yesterday I had a real conversation with my cousin. His mom, my lovely aunt passed away last year. We talked about his Mom and my Dad. My cousin reminded me not to give up hope. It's difficult sometimes to remember that hope is still out there, especially when you see your own mothers hope fade over time. My cousin made me realize that hope is always there no matter what. I need to be the one to keep hope for my Dad and remind my Mom of it whenever she forgets.

Whatever lies ahead, a far distance ahead I plan to keep a space in my heart for hope.

Swedish Delight

I received a great swap package for the April Tea Swap from Kariola (as she is known in the Ravelry world). The envelope was stuffed to the gills filled with goodies from Sweden. In my package I found a beautiful knitted coaster made of my first ever Noro skein and the colors are just lovely, smokey black with blues, violets and grays. Two skeins of svarta yarn in cream and black, three handcrafted hair scrunchies by Kariola, a Gisha milk chocolate and hazelnut bar, knitting needles, a recipe for chocolate muffins, a pattern for the posie tea cozy, a pattern for the skull keychains, ballerina cookies (husband has eatten half the package already - had to hide the rest), a gecko strawberry air freshener, Kobbs Himlagott Lingenberry flavored tea , and Swedish fish and other gummies - the kids and I have polished off half the bag already - they are delicious.

I just love receiving regional items such as the Swedish tea, Swedish chocolate, Swedish cookies and most importantly the Swedish fish. A big treat for me and my family, we love trying new things.

Kariola is a very warm and sweet person. I say this not just because she sent me such an amazing package, but because I have had the pleasure of getting to know her. She has also been very supportive during these difficult times. For that, I cannot thank her enough.

Norway Capelet Inspiration

Last week I received a lovely parcel as part of my 3 of 4 swap on Ravelry. The lovely Heddas sent me the Chanson en Crochet Capelet pattern, a bamboo crochet hook in the required size (6.00mm)for the pattern and a postcard. This pattern as been on my list of queue for several months, it had been on the top of my list. Receiving this pattern was a sign. So I took this sign and ran to my LYS earlier this week and bought some delicious cotton/alpaca/polyamide blend yarn - Aslan Trends Artesanal in midnight black tweed. It's too yummy for words.

So I began my capelet.
So far I am loving this pattern. I have been working on this for two days and already I am about a 1/3 into it and am moving very quickly through the pattern. Great pattern because each row is easy and fun..........more to come in the days that follow.