thoughts on blogs and life, with a bit of knitting thrown in

I have really been pondering this question over the past few days.... "what encourages us to blog?"

For me, it's not just a catalog of projects, nor only a place to question options when there is a knitting dilemma . There are other websites, like Ravelry, to do that. What I have become aware of is that I appreciate the worldwide connection with knitters - the carrying on of a "conversation" with others about my various projects, my future dream projects, and my life. It is things like this:

32175.53  United States

348.00 Canada

245.65 Unknown-

133.06 United Kingdom

71.65 France

51.18 Sweden

51.18 Korea, Republic Of

30.71 Denmark

20.47 New Zealand

20.47 Germany

20.47 Switzerland

10.24 Ireland

10.24 Czech Republic

10.24 Argentina

10.24 Estonia

10.24 Kazakhstan

10.24 Norway

10.24 Poland

I share these "stats" from my recent check on how my blog is doing out there in the world, and honestly am astonished...it boggles the mind to even consider things like this.... And while I have not "spoken" with all of you who stop by my blog, we are somehow still connected, and the world has become a smaller place because of blogs. I am in support of that.

Most of my family lives far away, my parents are in Florida (and summer in Upstate New York), I have a brother and niece on Martha's Vineyard, a brother and sister-in-law in Detroit, and a brother and sister-in-law in Tampa. I have a daughter in Seattle, and one in Georgia. My best friend (for the past 30+ years) lives in South Dakota. Sometimes, they all feel very far away, sometimes the miles disappear.

And while I have a great number of friends who live close by, there are days when I can get a bit wistful for "neighborhoods of families" - you know, those days our parents enjoyed, of walking over to see their parents for dinner - or gathering the multitudes of family members for a summer picnic. I know some of you still have this kind of event going on, but I think that it is the exception, rather than the rule. Our "families" have been spread across the world.

So this is a bit of gratitude to all of you who read (and even more so to those who comment). I love the conversation. I love that the world is growing "smaller" due to the connection of knitters. It gives me hope for a future of peace, based on the unification of the world through such joyous pursuits as knitting. All you need to do is go to any Fund Raiser that a knitter is holding (be it Stephanie's "Knitters without Borders", or Claudia's wearing the number ONE  in her Boston cycle ride this year as the top fund Raiser  for Multiple Sclerosis Society last year, or Allison's "House that Yarn Built".. and there are many more). The power of this amazing collection of people-who-knit through blogging is astounding.

We are knitting the world together one stitch at a time.
It's a good thing we're doing.
Perhaps  a sustained peace is possible worldwide because of people like knitters.
And at the risk of losing a portion of my blog readers, I offer a small political aside (which I rarely will do, on account of my gut level "allergic response to politics") I am curious how many of you have heard the song by Pink called " Dear Mr. President" - it's worth listening to. It's a good one, in my humble opinion. I heard this song randomly while I was listening to Pandora the other day. I have no idea when it was written, as I only just heard it. I am grateful for it. What a beautiful piece written about how so many of us feel. Thank you to "Pink".

So here's a little knitting content (for those who come to look at the pictures - *grins* - I do that on some blogs, don't you? *grins*)

The Vine Lace Vest has been very fun to knit. 
Clever construction means hardly any seaming.
You begin at the bottom back ribbing, and knit the back of the vest, then place one side's shoulder stitches on a holder while knitting the other one. very nice. only two seams. (yah!)

I'm off now, to go wash and block it, because I am now  finished ! (hah!) that was a tease, so that you come back to see. I am delighted with how it turned out. I'll fill you in on my small modifications when I post completion photos.

Thank you to all my blogs friends, for all the conversation over the past few years - let's keep on talking and making the world a smaller place.

Comments

[Jane]

I marvel at how we've been able to carve out a small world within the infinite (or so it sometimes seems) world of the internet. I'm so happy that you are one of my blog kin, and that I'm one one of those little statistics on that list. Hugs and kisses!

[Kim]

It is hard to be away from friends and family at times, isn't it? Our fiber community is such a wonderful one.....I'm glad to call you one of my fiber sisters!

Pink's song....very good!

[Vicki]

I am happy to know you!

[Wool Winder]

For me, blogging is a way to connect with people who love to knit. None of my "local" friends knit and don't truly understand my obsession.

[Karen]

I haven't heard that song yet. I will go have a listen.

Thanks for sharing your part of the world with me. You always have been such an inspiration. Can't wait to see the vest!

[jackie]

Bolgging is a wonderful community. And it is great how knitting brings people together.
The Pink song is amazing! We just watched "Shut Up and Sing" a couple of weeks ago and I am glad that The Dixie Chicks were able to pave the way for people to be able to create songs like Pink did, even though they had to pay a steep price. I think that part of the problems that people in your country face is the fact that a lot of the media are owned by staunch Republicans who do not give you the full news. The general public hear only what the powers want them to. Those that have more interest in finding out what is really going on can access unbiased news from other countries through the internet. For many people, life is very black and white. And if they said that they were right to support Bush, then they will always be right in supporting Bush no matter what atrocities he and his regime commit.

I will understand if you delete my comment

[Ruinwen]

I am blessed and amazed how the knitting community has changed my life just by being there. :)

Your vest is looking really nice. I can't wait to see it finished! :)

[Kathleen C.]

It is nice that you thank us for reading, but I think we (the readers) owe our graditude to the bloggers we visit. I am discovering the work it takes to blog consistently... it's hard! You're doing the work... I am a passive listener.
So, thanks!

[Leslie Wind]

We are a "tight knit" community. And most times the commonality goes beyond fiber.
I love your phrase"knitting the world together, one stitch at a time". The visual potential of that is wonderful. If you put it on a tee shirt,consider this an order for one.

[--Deb]

The "small world" thing is one of my very favorite things about blogging!

[CC]

We briefly met at Black Sheep last year; reading your Blog feels like we're keeping in touch.

Thanks for the link to Pinks "Mr President" song - made me tear-up. I hadn't heard it before.

[Emily]

The world gets closer together every day. Nice post, I think I will read it again.

I can't remember to ask: is the daughter in GA the one going to GHP?

[Chris]

I never, ever expected blogging to so significantly change my life for the better. I had no idea.

That's a good song - thanks for the link. Have you ever heard Christine Lavin's song "We Are the True Americans"? It's particularly scary when you look at the date on the song and realize how applicable it's been the last 8 years...

[Manise]

I love Leslie's idea for a T-shirt! I'm second in line for one- just saying.

The hive is a good place to be with all of one's fiber-loving sisters.

[Lorette]

I'm proud to count you as one of my friends, ma'am! It continues to amaze me that I've met so many wonderful people because of the knitting and blogging.
And don't delete Jackie's comment, there are a lot of us in **this** country who agree with her.

[Carole]

If it weren't for blogging my life would be very different. Some day, dear friend, we are going to meet in person. I just know it.