It was as hard weekend all over the US and in my own city as so much happened. I'm feeling a loss of control right now, and as I've done before, I feel more control when I can do something. Those things this morning are write to my legislators to voice my opinion and donate to two causes that make a difference in lives in my city. If you're feeling a profound sense of anger, an anxiousness or depression that makes you want to leave everything alone, a lack of control or general horror about what's going on in our country right now, donating to a cause that can make a difference could make you feel a bit better too.
I donated to the Boys and Girls Club and the Community Harvest Food Bank. It's never enough, but that's not going to keep me from putting my small drop in the bucket in hopes that others will put their drops in, and together we can help those in need. I'll share more on the blog about this likely later this week as I have time to compose my thoughts and ideas on how we can help together. This is my beginning.
After I donated to these causes this morning, I had Henry do a little modeling of some of the gorgeous samples that Malabrigo sent to us. The sad thing about being closed to the public and only shipping is that we can't share these with you in person. But the fun thing about it, and social distancing here at work, means that Henry is my little model. Here's what he has to show you today.
This cowl is Osborne in Malabrigo Sock colors Natrual, Codovan and Boticelli Red.
Prasada in Malabrigo Sock in Aguas, Lorus and Persia
Bryce Canyon Cowl in Mechita color Aniversario
Don't forget to get prepare for the Hug Shot shawl that comes out this Friday from Casapinka on Ravelry. You get the pattern for free if you purchase the yarn for the pattern from me. Casapinka will give me the free coupon codes later this week, and then I'll e-mail you yours, and you have to redeem yours on Ravelry June 5-7 (before it expires). The pattern uses two skeins of fingering weight yarn, and we have a kit here, or you can watch the blog throughout this week as I suggest other ideas. Or go here and here and here to see what I suggested for her last pattern, Breathe and Hope, as those would work well too. Many of those colors are sold out for now, BUT I'm still sharing them b/c you can e-mail me at service@simplysockyarn.com and say "I liked _____ with _____ but one is sold out. What else would you suggest?" And I can be your personal shopper and help you find something just for you. Or get this super awesome set.
I love all of this. Your son looks like he's having fun modeling for you! I have a 9 year old son, and he gets pretty goofy sometimes. But also very snuggly.
I have felt useless lately. I have a masters of public health, but can't find a job opening (worked as an epidemiologist for years at my state health department, but left to raise my children).
I swapped skills this weekend: my friend makes masks with her sewing talent. She's a teacher and has more time now to sew. I knitted her fingerless mitts. Now I have masks for my littlest one, who has tiny ears and the elastic ones we had wouldn't stay on her.
I have been making little deliveries to local blessings boxes. It is a nonprofit project like little libraries, but with shelf stable food and hygiene products instead. I made period product kits, and I've been leaving all sorts of stuff in there. Craisins, peanut butter/jelly, soap, shampoo, toothpaste/brushes and so forth. I hope it's helping people. I see different things in the boxes each time I drop stuff off.
Yesterday, I collected the rogue carts from the Aldi lot (they disabled the quarter things during the pandemic)- usually no carts because people would get their quarter, but with no quarter to get back, people are leaving them all over the parking lot. I also picked up garbage, using a plastic bag as a glove. I hope these little things help.
Posted by: Jessica | June 01, 2020 at 02:39 PM
Henry did an absolutely lovely job of modeling! He is an awesome kid and so is his brother! They are just adorable! Thank you for donating to the boys and girls club. I think this is an outstanding way of making a difference! It is more effective than screaming at someone and not getting your voice heard and it will make a difference.
Posted by: Karen machado | June 01, 2020 at 03:16 PM
Boys & Girls Club is definitely a worthy cause. Henry is an adorable model. Enjoy This period of his life while you can. Before you know it he’ll be at that stage where you’re embarrassing - not because of anything you do but just because you exist. Our local schools had an annual 3 day trip to a not very distant state park that has large cabins with 2 bunk rooms & a few smaller rooms for chaperones. I volunteered to chaperone the year one of my girls went. At bedtime the parents were sitting around chatting in the common room when my daughter came up behind me & gave me a big hug. One of the dads said he was jealous & I should enjoy it while I could because it wouldn’t last long. As the father of a boy, he was already missing those hugs.
Posted by: Donna | June 01, 2020 at 08:06 PM