So, yeah. We’ve been home from vacation not quite 3 weeks now. It’s been a blur, especially since both My Old Man and I have each taken a weekend work-related trip. So this is the first weekend since we’ve been home that we’ve all been home. Might as well start blogging again.
Anyway, no matter where I’ve been or how long I’ve been away, reentry is always hard. Do you find that to be true, too? So here are some things I’ve found that make it suck less.
1. Receive amazing gifts.
I participated in a swap through a group I’m in on Ravelry (Misery Knits), and WOW was I spoilt.
Summer Leaves Stole
Isn’t it gorgeous?! It was from Mawelucky, who designed it herself (and hand-dyed it as well – what a fun color for summer!). She has even made the pattern available for free.
She also included some Brazilian chocolates that I didn’t let sit around long enough to snap a picture of (YUM!) and some equally delicious yarn, Haneke Exotic, an alpaca/silk blend, fingering weight, in white (I’m really bad about photographing stash, so no pics of it yet either). What a rockin’ package – and a great treat to come home to.
2. Make a few gifts to give.
My swap recipient for the same swap was tarewyn.
I made her one of these:
Dolores Park Cowl
pattern: Dolores Park Cowl
yarn: Malabrigo Chunky, in Forest
needles: size 13
mods: none
verdict: the postal worker nearly had to pry this one out of my hands. I am definitely going to be making myself one of these, in the same color.
And a set of these:
purple stitch markers
And I sent her some Sea Wool and some cookies. (The swap was to include a handmade item, a skein of yarn, and an edible treat. Yumminess all the way around!).
Once I remembered how much fun it was to make stitch markers, I kept going. Here’s a little set I made for Val.
green stitch markers
3. Order yourself a little something.
Alabama Stitch Book
All I’ve done with it so far is drool. I love it so much. I had to get it after being so inspired by Amisha’s lovely creations.
Hi! I'm what earthchick wished she looked like!
Because it’s so much more fun that doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Like, you know, unpacking. (Let’s don’t talk about that one bag of beach things that’s still sitting unpacked right next to my bed, where I stumble over it every morning).
5. Take breaks. Spend time with special people.
late summer afternoon, stolen moment with knitting, coffee, and Little Buddha
6. Donate to a worthy cause.
Who of us hasn’t been known someone affected by breast cancer? Mel, who lost her mother to breast cancer four years ago, is walking 60 miles to raise money for breast cancer research. She’s giving away prizes, too! For every $10, you will get a chance to win. The contest runs through the weekend of the event, October 3-5, and she’ll do the drawing on October 7. I gave in memory of my grandmother, who survived two battles with breast cancer (and had two radical mastectomies) and in memory of my friend Sara, who survived her first battle but not her second. She died two years ago, leaving behind two sons in grade school. Mel will be carrying a banner with the names of the loved ones of her supporters, so if you donate in honor or memory of someone, let her know the name.
Now, then. Reentry is feeling better already. Maybe one of these days I’ll even get back to regular blogging!
earthchicknits 
thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou….again! i’m loving the stitch markers. they’re such a novelty to me right now. i arbitrarily slid one on one of my needles while knitting last night, just because i could.
it wasn’t marking anything whatsoever, but every time i came to it and slid it over, i smiled.
Yes, reentry is SO HARD, but I think I might be getting into the swing of things finally. Love that Dolores Park Cowl, it is such a great color on you for sure–make another one stat!
Hi,
Great to see the photos – makes you seem even more real. Hope to see more of you on Misery Knits.
Dianna
I hope things settle out and you get to that unpacked bag in another week or two, once you’re ready (or need whatever is in there!) 😉
Thank you so much for the fundraising plug, I will be carrying your grandmother and Sara in my heart as well as on my banner – big hugs to you!
Hey, glad you’re back, and had a good vacation. I wanted to thank you again for running that fun and wonderful contest/fundraiser; I can only imagine how much time and energy that takes to keep organized!
That green shawl is indeed lovely, and the color is perfect on you. and aren’t stitch markers addictive? The ones you made are very pretty.
Well, here’s to a productive (but lazy) weekend, and a successful school year!
Marissa
hey stacey, i know exactly how you feel — what with our just having moved and all the displacement that brings. it’s disorienting being in between places. maybe i will have to knit something. 🙂 glad to hear that all is well, and good to hear from you as well!
<3lauren
hey there. this sounds like as good a reentry plan as possible 🙂 i am easing back into it slooowly… the long weekend helped!
and thanks for the shout-out! i can’t wait to see what you make with the alabama stitch book!
xox
I love all of my package. That cowl will be really handy the fall on the playground with the young uns!
Lovely photos!
This re-entry post makes me want to go away just so I can try making my own list!!
Glad you’re back, and even gladder you got pampered 🙂
Missed you. Glad you are back! Great pix!
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Hey, girl! I just saw this post. It’s a great post. You are one fine lady and I’m mighty proud to know ya!
Your blog is extremely nice. Your knitted wears are very nice and your food looks yummy. You should model!
Congrats!