knitting for self preservation

I began knitting just last year, when my best friend Martha gave me some gorgeous yarn and bamboo needles for my birthday. I'm pretty sure she knew that she was passing on a magical handcraft, because I know that knitting has a very special place in her heart, but I certainly had no idea what I was in for..
Since then, knitting has had a constant presence in my life and has had a wondrous impact on my soul.
Aside from the beautiful (and not so beautiful) pieces that I have created, it has also helped me to slow down and appreciate my life just as it is.
Although I am aware that I have so much to be grateful for in my life, on those especially difficult parenting days, when I feel stretched as far as I can go, and like I have nothing left to give, my graciousness is quick to leave me and I am left feeling alone and overwhelmed.
But, if I can get some time on my needles, a few brief moments of quiet amidst the noise - at the library, during naps or even while sitting on the washroom floor during bath time - it really helps me to clear my mind, gain some perspective and to simply smile at the chaos around me.
The laundry will get done, the mess will get cleaned up and dinner will (eventually) be made.
Because that is how life is, right?
One stitch, one row, one moment at a time.

Be well, friends.
Shannon

Infinite Possibilities

"Go for a slow and mindful walk with your child.
  Show them every little thing that catches your eye.
  Notice every little thing that catches theirs.
  Don't look for lessons or seek to teach great things.
  Just notice.
  The lesson will teach itself."

-William Martin, The Parents Tao Te Ching

chchchanges...

So I have taken on the One Small Change Challenge the next four months and I am quite excited about it.
I have decided to start small, so for the month of January I am committing to being aware of the lighting situation in my home. I am notoriously known around these parts for leaving every light on in the house (don't hate me!). I know it seems like such a baby step, but I hope that setting the intention and following through will be a good push to make a more substantial change in the months to come! Wish me luck!

Be well,
Shannon

people.

My sister recently took a trip to Jamaica and was kind enough to bring the boys back a little doll. Henry instantly fell in love, naming him People (love that).
Well, the two of them go hand in hand now, and I am constantly hearing Henry talking or singing to him, teaching him things and getting mad at him, too!
Yesterday, Daddy threw People on the bed, and Henry got pretty upset. Quite seriously he started explaining to Daddy that you have to be gentle with People. You have to love People. Yes, my darling, you do.

we are all one when we live from the heart.

I'm really loving Henry's new interest in "playing yoga" with Mama.
 

these hands.

In the past few weeks Myles has really mastered crawling. He's everywhere! And I guess I just wasn't fully prepared for it, because yesterday we had quite the accident.
He flew over to the space heater when neither Pete nor I were watching (my god, he is FAST!) and climbed up onto it. With all of his weight on his little chubby arms, his hands pressed onto the burning hot grate, he started screaming. Screaming myself, I ran over to him. We had to ice his hands for awhile and after about an hour of nursing, he seemed to be in better shape, although he wanted to be held by Mama for the rest of the day.
It absolutely breaks my heart that I could have prevented this accident and he had to suffer in that way. A lesson to be learned, for sure.
So today I am most grateful for my little beans hands. They are so soft and sweet and it just melts my whole being when he sucks on his thumb to comfort himself.
I am so very grateful that he didn't hurt them too much and that the pain seems to have subsided.

twenty ten.

New Beginnings.

I always get a little giddy around New Years. There are so many possibilities that lay ahead for the coming year, and an opportunity to leave past mistakes behind and focus on the future...Its a magical time, really.
For the past few years though, I have tried moving away from resolutions that focus on results of a new behaviour, rather than the behaviour itself. You know, the typical "lose weight and get in shape" variety.
I want to make positive changes in my life with an intention of something wondrous and promising.
Here are a few of my ideas for a fresh start.
1. Give more love.
2. Find more time for my yoga practice.
3. Begin baking my own bread.
4. Send more hand written letters to loved ones.
5. Slow down. Breathe.
6. Knit a sweater.
7. Make another quilt.
8. Grow more of my own food.
9. Smile at complete strangers everyday.
10. Resolve to delight in life itself.

Be well,
Shannon