Knitting My Troubles Away

Scarlett out of Noro Joy, knit in Matsuri, shade 3

Into each knit stitch, a little of the worry goes

Into each purl, a tuck away of trouble

Stitch away those fears, and what comes to pass?

A heart free from fretfulness...

(And a lovely sweater to show for it!)

One week after bringing Drew home from his Outward Bound course, and we are continually amazed at this sure young man who's come back to us. He has matured in leaps and bounds, and has changed in so many positive ways. We are praying the lessons he learned continue to weave their way in to his very being, establishing this path as the foundation for his moral consciousness. It has all been so very good.

Though I have much work to do in the studio... for I have a big show next weekend... all I want to do is sit, muse, and knit. I've already started my next piece... out of Jared Flood's Shelter. Oooh, I'm so excited to bring it to life! I will certainly be knitting all my little insecurities away. Let's just hope it stays that way! (insecurities... little... away... please!)

I thank you so much for your kind words of care and hope during these last few months. Thank you for being there and listening. It means so very much to me :o)

xx, Val

Best Weekend of My Life

It's the feeling after riding your bike 100 miles in one day and you make it to your destination, or walking back 5 miles to the great looking campground you passed on the train... with a 50 pound pack on your back... or, the backbreaking goodness after doing a solid weekend of restoration work on the old home you love. It's the best feeling ever!

Our weekend with all the incredible people from Outward Bound Intercept was seriously one of the highlights of my entire life. And the best part? Seeing Drew. Sharing in his adventures, his learning, his accomplishments... his failures... his making it back up on top. Meeting his course mates; 7 other young men going through their own personal struggles, and coming to terms with positive change. It was the most powerful, healing, touching, amazing experience, and I haven't cried this much in a very, very long time.

Tears from the heart for the paths we have all traveled.

Tears of relief for the strides these boys have made.

Tears of joy for seeing our son find his moment of connectedness and realization.

Tears of wonder, remembering when I forged a similar experience in my own learning.

Tears of thanks for others who dedicate their lives to helping very special young men and women find their way.

"There is more in us than we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps, for the rest of our lives, we will be unwilling to settle for less." -Kurt Hahn

Thank you, Outward Bound. I am a supporter of what you do forevermore.