why I'm here

Please go to the "reasons" posting for the story of how all this came about. Thank you for visiting and never give up on your dreams!



Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Another reason to knit

I have been struggling with creative ways to add my new reasons for this blog. Nothing has come to mind yet, and there are two more hats that need posting, so I will just say it. 
Autism. 


I recently found out my 5 year old son has it. Asperger's to be more exact. Most moms understand. We blame ourselves first and foremost, with things like, "I know I shouldn't have eaten this, or drank that" during pregnancy, or blame the genetics or God or the Hospital staff. 


Then, we research. "I'm getting to the bottom of this. I will know everything there is to know" like, one in 110 (!) children will have some sort of autistic traits, or "on the spectrum" as it is normally discussed. We tell everyone about it like we are on msnbc or something. 


Then, finally, there's an uneasy truce. At least in my case. 
All I know, right now, is that my dear little boy isn't going to have the life I thought he would. I know I have a hard road ahead of me, and no, it isn't fair, but it is what it is. So I am doing whatever I can to make sure he has everything he needs to become a productive member of society.


Oh and I also have two other kids, a job, going to college full-time, a small 'paying hobby', and oh did I mention I'm doing this All. By. Myself.? Sure, Mom and sis are around to help with emotional support, and I have a place to sleep while I get through this, but anyone who has been even close to where I am at now knows. NOT easy. 




My little Joe.




So I knit. I knit for women like me, I knit for Autism, I knit for my family.


And there will be 1000 reasons why.


Hat #15: Slouchy beanie in Bernat Mosaic. Acrylic. $40.00

                                      



Hat #16: Wool striped cap. $40.00



Sunday, April 3, 2011

#13 and #14

Flickr has become my favorite new social site. Not only are literally thousands of photos, I have connected with people all over the world. Norway, Italy, UK, Ireland, and all over the US. And talent. Wowzers! I visit the site more than once a day just to get some visual inspiration.

What I have learned is this: Just about anything can be photographed. I'm not saying everything should be. I like to take pictures of pretty things or things that are interesting. I am not into too much 'off-kilter' stuff that gets labelled as 'art'. ( I think I just talked myself into a corner. You know what I mean).

I think I will stick with more of this.



                      #13. 100% Wool in  "Sand Art" from Ella Rae designs. Will fit most heads. $40.00



                          #14 Patons Classic Wool in Brown Tweed. Also will fit most heads. $40.00

Spring has officially decided to stay around here in western Oregon. I hope it finds your state/country soon! So nice to see the sun, the birds, and hear the spring peepers at night again!

If you're interested in my Flickr photostream, here is the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertflower66/

I put all the hat photos there, as well as things for my other blog,
http://desertflowercreations.blogspot.com  where I blog about knitting and life, (mostly)

I'm off to do more homework. sigh.